[Everything But The Truth by Mandy Hubbard]

"Everything But the Truth"
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Series: If Only #6
Pages: 288
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Date Published: November 17th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury US Childrens
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summary:

If Only . . . she wasn't pretending to be someone else! The If Only romance line continues in this fun rags-to-riches romance.

Holly Mathews' mom is the new manager of a ritzy retirement home, and they just moved in. But having super-rich retirees as her only neighbors isn't a total bust, because the gorgeous, notorious Malik Buchannan is the grandson of a resident. Just one problem: when they meet, Malik assumes Holly is there to visit her own rich relative. She doesn't correct him, and it probably doesn't matter, because their flirtation could never turn into more than a superficial fling . . . right? But the longer she lives in his privileged world, the deeper Holly falls for Malik, and the harder it is to tell the truth . . . because coming clean might mean losing him.

For anyone who has dreamed of their own Cinderella story, this romance shows that when it comes to true love, the best person to be is yourself!

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Everything But The Truth,

So, I have a whole lot of truth for you. (See what I did there?) I have to admit that I'm not your biggest fan. Though I will say that I thought Malik was an interesting character, nothing else really did it for me. I wish I could say I had different feelings, but I don't. I do on the other hand think that there will be a large group of teens that have a different opinion on things, so that's good. 

-The White Unicorn

So guys, this book didn't do it for me. The pacing was weird, the main character seemed like she was 15 instead of 18, and there was just way too much silly drama for me. That being said, I think this book will have it's audience, that audience just isn't a girl in her late twenties. 

Let's start with the good. I actually really liked the romantic lead. Malik was a character I could actually get behind. I think he could have been developed a bit more, but I dug what Hubbard let us see of him. I also liked a lot of the secondary characters in this book. In all truth, I liked Holly's BFF more than I liked her. Her story was more interesting. That's all I'm saying. Also, I liked that the setting was in a retirement home. It made for lots of laughs.

But then we have Holly herself and the mess that was her storyline. I'm not going to say that I didn't enjoy it at all. It had it's really cute moments, but our leading lady's storyline was really cheesy. To the point of eye rolling. I think if Holly would have been younger, I could have bought the lengths and the lies that she went to to keep her guy, but Holly is supposed to be a graduated eighteen year old, and I couldn't buy it. She acted like she was fifteen, and had no idea how to handle things. She's actually in her dorm room in the last chapter, and it was almost laughable. This girl had no life skills, which made this book unbelievable for me. 

So if you're looking for a corny, cute, mindless read that will make you laugh on occasion, this is the book for you. But if it doesn't sound like something you'd like, I'm sure there's someone younger around who will dig it. 

Rating:

  2 Unicorns = It was okay, but something didn't work for me!  

[Review: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski]

"The Winner's Curse"
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner's Curse Trilogy #1
Pages: 355
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Date Published: March 4th, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format Read: Hardcover from the library

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Summary:

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love.

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction.

Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To The Winner's Curse,

I love a good fantasy story and you did not disappoint. I loved that there doesn't seem to be any magic inside of you either, it makes the world building feel a bit more real. Your characters are interesting. Your love story doesn't rule all. The twists and turns that unfold are interesting. All in all, I'd say that your a grade A fantasy novel...

-The White Unicorn

The concept of The Winner's Curse is an interesting one. The fact that when you win something that you also loose something at the same time isn't a new thought, but the way that Rutkoski writes about it, puts it in a new light. I love that the whole novel is based on this idea. That even though so much more goes on in the book, that that was the idea that sparked the whole book is fantastic. 

Rutkoski also created a brilliant world for her characters to play in. It's a place filled with warriors, debutantes and slaves. When you put all of those people types in the same story, you know that there is going to be a lot of drama unfolding. You're not sure who is in the right and who is in the wrong, because her characters are human. They mess up, they make mistakes, and they are complex. 

Kestrel was a fun character to get to know. She's a strategist, but not much of a fighter, much to her father's disappointment. All he wants is for her to join him on the battlefield, and all she wants is to play music. She has a lot of different dimensions to her character. She's both a product of her upbringing, and a product of her own making. The two things don't always go well together, but it makes her a really interesting character to read.

Arin is another layered character. Nothing is as it seems with him. It quickly becomes clear that he might be more than just another slave, but you can't be sure. I liked his conflicting traits. It made him a character that I wanted to get to know more.

The love story was okay. I don't think that it's one of the best that I've ever read. But then I felt like it wasn't the main point of the novel, and I liked that. In this case, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Then again, I know a lot of people really bought into the love story. I just have this feeling that something else is going on. Maybe it comes to light in later books?

If you're looking for an exciting fantasy novel with some really interesting characters and fantastic world building, here it is.

  Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!

[Review: Silver In The Blood by Jessica Day George]

"Silver in the Blood"
Author: Jessica Day George
Series: Silver in the Blood #1
Pages: 358
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Alternate History
Date Published: July 7th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Netgalley) for honest review

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Summary:

A New York Times bestselling author brings dark secrets to life in a lush new YA perfect for fans of Libba Bray or Cassandra Clare.

Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew. But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and—most terrifyingly—learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate . . . or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.

With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Silver In The Blood,

You had a lot of things that I like going for you. You had sister-friends (who were actually cousin-friends), you had cheeky gents, you had a cool setting, and you even had a deep rooting in the Dracula legend. I loved that last bit the best, because you came at the story from a totally different angle than I've read before. Okay, so you weren't perfect, and I found you to be a bit wordy (which was something I both liked and didn't like) but in the end I thought you were a solid start to a new series!

-The White Unicorn

I've had the pleasure of reading quite a few of George's books, and so when I saw that she had a new one coming out, I knew I had to jump on it. I'm very glad that I did. Though I had a few issues with this book, I really enjoyed it. It was sweeping adventure, and it made me want to travel to Romania, even with all the creepy details. 

Fact: I love creepy details!

George's writing style isn't the normal fair in YA lit, and that's why I like it so much. It reminds me of the feel of a old classic, but it's less heavy handed than that. It's flowy and detailed all at once. It makes me like reading the story, as much as it makes it slightly hard to get into. I know that I sound like I'm contradicting myself, but there is really no other way to put it. Obviously, I have read more than one of George's book, so this is much more of a compliment as it is a complaint.

The book is drenched in Romanian history. George did a lot of research on her setting and it shows. I felt like I was on the Orient Express with Dacia, and dancing through Paris with Lou. Once we all got to Romania the flow of the book switched and everyone was thrown into a really strange family full of secrets. Which may or may not have to do with Dracula and his family tree.  

I did feel like the urgency of the evilness of Dacia and Lou's family could have been a bit more pronounced. I always had a feeling that everything was going to work out alright in the end, and I would have liked to question that more. I guess in a way, the format of the novel made it feel pretty predictable for me. 

The characters on the other hand were great. I'm not usually into dual POVs, but I found that I really liked getting to know Dacia and Lou individually, as well as together. Both girls go through a lot when they uncover their families big secret, and I found watching their transformations to be really refreshing. They both come into their own in some pretty big ways, and I liked that. 

All in all I found that this book was about a lot of things that I haven't read about before, and I always like those. If you like sweeping adventures, blood soaked evenings and strong female friendships, this is the book for you.

Rating:

3 Unicorns = I liked it a lot, but it had it's issues!

[Review: Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen]

"Lion Heart"
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #3
Pages: 348
Genre: YA, Retellings, Alternate History
Date Published: May 19th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summary:

The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.

Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Lion Heart,

I just loved you. I love your whole series, but you were a wonderful conclusion. I honestly couldn't have asked for more. Well, I could have asked for you not to be so historically accurate, so that I could have watched one of your characters die, but there is not much you could do about that. I'm so glad that we got to spend time together.

-The White Unicorn

I'm pretty bummed that these books are over. That being said, I am so glad that I got to experience them. Gaughen gave us a feminist, Robin Hood tale, and she delivered in all aspects in this trilogy. I'm sad to say goodbye to so many characters that feel like family. So much so that when (or if) one of them dies, I can't help but cry buckets full of tears. I'm not saying that anyone dies, but they might. 

As in all trilogy conclusions, Gaughen had the job of wrapping everything up, and she did a wonderful job. She gave us the happy endings, the bittersweet ones, and the ones that make you want to pull your hair out. The book mixes history and legend, and I have to admit that I wish that Gaughen would have strayed a bit from history and ended Prince John's sorry little life. But as real life goes, sometimes those types last longer than they should. 

I feel like Scarlet really comes into her own in this book. She's always been a clearly written character, but as all the mysteries of her parentage, and her past come together, she finds the bits that make her more sure of herself. The slow and extremely small progression that she goes through in all three novels is so carefully written that you feel privileged to have watched it.

The love story also comes to a head, and we saw a bit more of a sassy side of Rob. I have to admit that I think I adored him most in this book. He's so snarky, and I feel like he felt like he needed to fill in for John, and I'm glad for that. The romance was on fire, and yet didn't take away from the rest of what was going on. 

The conflict in this book wasn't as strong as in Lady Thief, but then again, it was still strong. Gaughen still made me hate Prince John and I feel like that says it all. 

All in all I couldn't have wanted more from this novel, and I'm so glad that I took the time to read it, as well as the wrest of the series. Read them!

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!

[Review: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen]

"Lady Thief"
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #2
Pages: 308
Genre: YA, Retellings, Alternate History
Date Published: February 11th, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Format Read: Purchased Hardback

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Summary:

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again. 

-Goodreads
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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Lady Thief,

You know what I love? A book that makes me ugly cry in the worst way when I finish it. You know what? You did that to me. Just so you know, it makes me like you that much more that you made me blubber. You made me feel things, and you made me fall even more in love with all of your characters. Isn't that all you can ask for from a book, because I think that it is, and you fully delivered on that front.

-The White Unicorn

EVERYONE needs to read this series right now. If you haven't picked up Scarlet yet, get your hands on it, and then keep on going, because things only get better in Lady Thief! This book gave me so many feels, and I loved it for that.

Gaughen is craftsman when it comes to world building. She blends legend and history together in a way that makes you think that what you're reading is what really happened in England all those years ago. She connects you to her characters with her words and makes you feel like you are a part of Robin's band, and the horrors that they face. She isn't afraid to make her characters suffer, and the book is much better for it. In all honesty, I can find nothing wrong with Gaughen's writing style, and I'm a big fan.

Scarlet is back with a vengeance. Now that we know who she really is, her rough exterior is a thousand times more interesting. I love that Gaughen gives a direct view into Scar's thoughts, as the book is written in first person narrative. I think I could live inside of Scar's brain for more then three books, but that's all I'm gonna get. It's fun to watch Scar navigate her high born heritage. And if you think you know everything about her, you don't. Gaughen made sure to add plenty of more twists to Lady Thief.

The love story between Scar and Rob is on fire this time around. Where things were just starting in Scarlet, Gaughen let's things grow between them, and gives us a front row ticket to all the feels. Rob continues to grow as a dynamic character, and I can't wait to see where his character goes in book three.

Of course the rest of the band is back as well. We see a lot of Much and John, and my love for both of them grew a lot from the first page to the last. On top of characters that we've met before, Gaughen added in other allies for Scarlet, and I enjoyed getting to know them as well. I can't tell you who some of them are, but they are great!

Gisbourne also rears his beastly head, and if you didn't strongly dislike him before, you will now. I like how, even though he is clearly a villain, Gaughen gives him bits of humanity. It messes with both your idea of him, as well as Scar's, but thankfully, it doesn't change much. He's still pure evil.

I feel like I have nothing but great things to say about this book, and yet I feel like I can't even touch on some of my favorite bits without giving away huge parts of the plot. So, I'm going to end my review here and tell you that you need to read this series, and then we can talk!

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!

[Review: A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J. Maas]

"A Court of Thorns and Roses"
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Pages: 416
Genre: YA, Fairytale Retellings, Fantasy
Date Published: May 5th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Format Read: ARC provided by publisher for honest review

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Summary:

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

-Goodreads
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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To A Court Of Thorns And Roses,

Two words = Mind Blown. You are an amazing novel. You have all the ships, because there are characters in you that I want to support in the shipping department, and there are characters that I just want to ship myself. You seem like Beauty and the Beast retelling, and even though that is what you are, you are so much more than that. I have so much love for you that I want everyone to read you. Everyone. Let's start a petition on your behalf, okay? On top of that you were so good that you gave me stroke, no seriously, I went to the hospital and everything...

-The White Unicorn

Everyone knows that I have nothing but good things to say about anything that Maas has ever written. The way she tells a tale is something that only she can do. Her writing is so vivid that you get pulled into the worlds she creates. She also has this ability to tell a story that we've heard a thousand times before, but make it feel like it's the first time. Like she concocted it, because she layers so much of herself into the pages. This book is so beautiful and haunting. 

Maas has mashed Beauty and the Beast together with fairy stories, and it works so well. ACOTAR takes its cue from the original tale more than the Disney version, so if you're expecting that version of the tale, stop it, now. The original tale lends itself to this story so much better. On top of that we get all these elements that Maas created, that takes something familiar, and makes it feel delightfully new. 

Characters are also a strong point, on top of the story. Feyre is an extremely strong lead. She's prickly to say the least. She's had to become a warrior to feed her family. She's had to become something different from her sisters, who still wish they were rich. She's a realist, and she knows she can take care of herself. Some people might complain that she does too much for love, but I think that she's always had a bit of hero complex, so why would that change. To me she's a very consistent character, and a total badass.

Tamlin is a beast like we haven't seen before. He's slightly sweeter than we've seen previously, but it means that he balances out Feyre well. I quite like them together. Plus, I enjoyed seeing the liberties that Maas took with their relationship.

Not to mention Lucien and Rhysand! I have to admit that even though I loved Tamlin for Feyre, I liked both of these secondary gents a bit more. They are a little more feisty and a little more twisted, and there is nothing wrong with that.

I'm so glad that this novel isn't a stand alone and that I will be able to dive back into this wonderful world . Since the whole story of Beauty and the Beast has played out in the completion of this book, it'll be fun to see where Maas takes it in later books. 

Everyone, read this!

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hand on this NOW!