Tarnished City

****

4/5

Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me this book to review.

Tarnished city is a really good YA paranormal dystopian novel which is even darker and violent and the previous book Gilded Cage. It is fast paced and with all of its twists, political manoeuvring and unpredictability it makes you not want to put the book down. It did not suffer from middle book syndrome and I felt the characters have become more interesting and those who were a bit two-dimensional in the first book have developed a lot more.

I felt like Luke had the least character growth in this book, partly because his story arc did not grab me as much but also, he was the character who had developed the most in Gilded Cage. However, Abi had the most growth as she is still determined to save her family but she understands that change is needed. She has also lost her naivety and her belief that her family can stay impartial. Silyen is just as mysterious and complex as before and I still have no clue what his plans are all for. The most surprising character was Gavar as he was so much more interesting in this book and developed into a character I was not expecting.

The ending was a bit confusing and did end on a massive cliffhanger but I am looking forward to reading the next book Bright Ruin. I would recommend Tarnished City to those who enjoyed the first book Gilded Cage, and this series to those who like dystopian alternative worlds. 

Gilded Cage

****

4/5

Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me this book to review.

Gilded cage is a very good dark dystopian alternative UK. It is an unique concept with lots of twists and turns. It had excellent world building, interesting political intrigue and lots of different characters, each with their own voice.

Luke is brave, courageous and honourable as he dislikes injustice but he can be reckless and daring. Abi is a nice character as she is intelligent, resourceful and organised, while being headstrong and loyal to her family. Silyen is an enigma in this story as we don’t know much about him apart from he is magically strong and manipulative.

This is a very fascinating read and I am looking forward to Tarnished City, the next book in the series. I would recommend Gilded Cage to fans of The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon.

Island of Exiles

***

3/5

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me this book to review.

Island of Exiles is a good book with an interesting story and world which is a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel. It was well written with good world building, interesting characters, full of action and a romance which was there but did not take over the story. I really enjoy fantasy books but I found the names and titles overly confusing which caused me to feel that it was slow to start. Similarly, the three genders confused me as it was not explained that Ebet were a different gender and for ages I thought it was a spelling mistake. However, I did like that nobody cared about others sexuality, whether they be bisexual, asexual or somewhere in-between, which is not common in most books.

Khya is strong, protective and dedicated but is also stubborn and selfish. There are three other main characters, Yorri who is intelligent, Tessen who I like as he is cunning but good, and Sanii who had a lot of potential which I hope is explored further in future books.

This is an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to reading the next book Sea of Strangers. I would recommend Island of Exiles to fans of unusual fantasy novels.

A Stolen Kiss

***

3/5

Thanks to Netgalley and Pikko’s House for giving me this book to review.

A Stolen Kiss is a nice light YA fantasy book which has a Fairytale like plot. It is fast paced, with a magical quest and a sweet romance. However, it is also predictable and a bit forgettable. Apart from Derric, the characters were not that interesting and felt flat.

Maria is a kind character who grows in independence. Derric is the most interesting character as he is selfless, clever and complex and during the book grows in confidence.

This is an enjoyable and I am looking forward to reading the next book A Stolen Crown. I would recommend A Stolen Kiss to fans of Young Adult fairytales. 

Freeze

****

4/5

Freeze is a very enjoyable second book in the Midnight Ice series. It is action-packed, romantic and well written. It is fast pace and a nice easy read with a story which was a little bit less predictable than Frost.

Pandora feels betrayed and lonely but instead of giving up she fights to discover the truth about herself and is determined not to let anyone influence her or betray her again. I like the new character Naya as I feel that her story is going to be important and that Pandora will need a friend in the next book. Sam is still an enigma even when we learn more about him, but does he really want what is best for Pandora. Jax is guilt ridden and is torn between his heart and what he believes is right.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one Fracture. I would recommend Freeze to fans of the first book Frost.