Month: March 2023

Ruin and Rising (Book three of Shadow and Bone)

Ruin and Rising

Leigh Bardugo

Published June 17, 2014

Read March 13-19, 2023

3 out of 5 stars

Summary: The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Now the nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives. Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova’s amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling’s secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

Review:

I really wanted to love this book. I was hoping that I would go in and say yes 5 out of 5 stars. It just fell short for me, especially as a series closer.

First I am starting with the writing style. Brilliant! Absolutely flowed in just the right way for me, how we saw the point of view and the thoughts and emotions, while still having a narrator. I really hope Bardugo continues with this writing style because it was something I enjoyed so much!

The plot of the book was good. It ended in a spectacular ending to this book and I truly loved it. We got to see so much happen, in a face-paced manner. It never felt like something was being dragged out too long. Everything had its build-up, and everyone got their moments. Couldn’t be happier with that.

Unfortunately, not everyone should have gotten their moment. The reason that this is three stars and not five is due to the next things I say. Aliana and Mal in this book were utterly stupid. In my opinion, Barudgo wrote this strong, confident, powerful woman, and then just let it all go. She didn’t have to write the most long-winded ending for her, yet she did, and to sum up, the ending is useless. Mal was even worse. From minute one he got absolutely no love, besides being able to flirt with girls and track, he has no character to him. I was hoping for something spectacular and he got nothing. His ending was probably the most unsatisfying ending to a book I have read in a while. This is supposed to be when you leave the reader with a bittersweet moment. Knowing that their adventures with these characters are over, but the adventures of the characters are not, and you may still see them again. But Bardugo left me with this weird taste in my mouth that neither Mal nor Aliana’s journey and adventure led to anything, nor do I think that their journeys will continue. I don’t want to see these characters again because I don’t feel they’re worthy of any more time.

Say what you want but that is my sum up of the book. I don’t think I will ever say I wish I never read this series, but unfortunately, it will never be a series I pick up again.

Additional Comments: So there you are. My thoughts on the final book. I truly wish I had loved the series more but I didn’t. Six of Crows is highly recommended, but not Shadow and Bone.

So now at the time of publishing, I have gotten the whole Shadow and Bone series up in four days. I think that counts for something. I am still behind on a lot of books so I am trying to play catch up but hopefully, by the middle of April, I should (keep in mind I said should, not definitely 100% will) be caught up. Anyway, I think that’s it.

-Nina

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Siege and Storm (Book two of Shadow and Bone)

Siege and Storm

Leigh Bardugo

Published June 4, 2013

Read March 2-8, 2023

4 out of 5 stars

Summary: Darkness never dies. Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long. The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her—or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Review: After the first book, I was so excited about this one. Everyone I know that had read it said it was a great follow up and I had high hopes. Though I will say it was only partially delivered. The plot development and the writing style were amazing, but I have a few thoughts.

“‘Anything worth doing always starts as a bad idea.'” (pg. 101)

So, the character development of Aliana was very basic. Everything that had been done with Aliana in the first book was reused. I wish I could have seen a different style and I was just hoping for something a little more.
Mal’s character development was nonexistent. Truly Mal was the same person with no growth. If anything all of his development contradicted what little was done for him in the first book. I really just want something more for him. He is such a key character and Bardugo could do so much with him, but it just seems she won’t do anything.
The Darkling was a brilliant way to keep writing him while still sticking to what was down and growing on it. I think the same goes for Genya, Zoya, and just about everyone besides Mal.
I also loved seeing Sturmhond’s introduction and development. He was such a funny character and was great comedic relief.

“Sturmhond’s voice cut through the dark. ‘Can we get to the cuddling later? I want to get us ashore before dawn.’
Mal sighed. ‘Eventually, I’m going to punch him.’
‘I will support you in that endeavor.'” (pg. 116)

The plot development was something that grew so well from the first book! I absolutely loved it. The execution was great and the story was told in such a perfect way. The writing style was a such beautiful way. The way that certain cliffhangers came up between chapters and being able to read between the lines without having to break out the whiteboard. I truly cannot say enough good things.

“‘Of course I’m jealous. I thought I was going to get to punch him. That isn’t the point though.'” (pg. 145)

So, as just a sum-up it was a very good book. The writing style was great, the plot development was great, and most of the character development was great, my only problem is Aliana and Mal. I just wish there was something more, especially for Mal, he is such a crucial character but is useless with how Bardugo writes him. It may just be because I don’t like him, but I am hoping he will get something more in the next book.

-Nina

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Shadow and Bone (Book one of Shadow and Bone)

Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo

Published June 5, 2012

Read February 21-27, 2023

4 out of 5 stars

Summary: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Review: I’m not sure I would ever reread this book again, but it was great! It had magic, some politics to add different tensions, wars and fighting, enemies and old rivalries! It honestly had everything!
The character development for Aliana was amazing! The way she starts off as this not confident cartographer and seeing her develop confidence and truly embrace herself through the book was, at the risk of sounding repetitive, amazing. On that note, I think Mal’s character development was weak. For such an essential character Bardugo did so little with him. Where he starts the book he ends the book, both mentally and emotionally he goes through something but never truly changes. He doesn’t grow, he doesn’t really adapt. I just wish we could have seen more out of him.

“‘Yes you are! You break noses and you lie!'” (pg. 303)

The plot development was really good. The development of who Aliana is and what difference she makes to Ravka and the world. Then the whole development of Kirigan was brilliant. I loved seeing everything out of how characters played together. I just can’t say enough good things.
The writing style was brilliant. It truly made it so I didn’t want to put the book down. I love the series and I want to keep reading. My only complaint is sometimes Bardugo would jump around a little and I would have to go back and reread like oh what was that again? Truly I did love it.
Again this was such an amazing book and I can’t wait to read the next one, I’m hoping that we will see more development from Mal and I want to see more out of Genya too. But overall a very good book.

At the time of this being published I am working on the review for the other two books, so if you want to read my thoughts on the rest of the series they should be up by the end of the week. (I hope or they may be crammed in at 10pm on Friday.)

-Nina

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Reminders Of Him

Reminders of Him

Colleen Hoover

Published January 18, 2022

Read January 27-30, 2023

0 out of 5 stars

Summary: A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself. The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them. The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.

Review: I had very high hopes for this book. Everybody I know who enjoys reading highly recommends this author. This was my second Colleen Hoover book that I have picked up and I just have some comments. (Though take my opinion with a grain of salt because I didn’t finish the book cause I didn’t like it that much.)
So first off, Kenna just wanted to see her kid again. I don’t know why the Landrys and Ledger need to have such a problem with it. Yes, she screwed up, and yes she killed Scotty but honestly. I understand if there is a court order saying that she can’t see her kid or that she can’t take her kid. BUT IT’S STILL HER KID. There is no mention of a court order and she should have been allowed to see her kid. At one point Ledger hauls Kenna away from the house her child is in. Sir, she has a right to see her kid. And you have no right to call the cops or even threaten that when there is no reason why. She wasn’t making it an issue or doing anything wrong. Ledger was the one who caused the scene.
I got about halfway through the book and there was no plot development at all. Nothing had changed and nothing was mentioned or hinting at a push in the plot. When I gave it up they were still working on introducing the main characters. It shouldn’t take you that long to do so. That should be done by chapter three or four at most.
I truly hated the writing style of this book. There were so many things, but number one for me is that this was such a weak plot. I think that was the reason I didn’t like anything else about the book because the plot was either weak or not conveyed well enough. I am not sure which one but I truly couldn’t stand it. As I said earlier this is my second Colleen Hoover book and I have hated both. To those of you who enjoy this, great. But after two trainwrecks of books from this author, I will never pick up another one of her books.

Additional comments: I was so determined to like this book, I really was but I just couldn’t do it. After I gave this book up I was on vacation and one of the days we went into town. There was this cute little bookstore I wanted to stop in and this woman who was also there made a comment, something to the effect of, “I am so glad I didn’t walk in and just see so many Colleen Hoover books. Honestly, everyone seems so obsessed with her and I just can’t.”

The older couple who owned the bookstore chuckled and agreed, and I didn’t say anything but in my head, I was going, “so it’s not just me”.

If you are reading this and going, “Oh, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” Please tell me your honest opinion. Give me an idea of what you liked. I want to hear what someone else has to say. But yeah, there you go!

-Nina

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November 9

November 9

Colleen Hoover

Published November 10, 2015

Read January 2-5, 2023

0 out of 5 stars

Summary: Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

Review: This was the first Colleen Hoover book I have picked up. I have been hearing this name EVERYWHERE. From Youtube to TikTok, to friends, to family, to bookstores, and beyond. I received this book as a gift and was so excited. My birthday is at the beginning of November so for some reason I thought that would make me love this book more, but truly it wasn’t, in my opinion, worth the read.
So first off Fallon has absolutely no personality. Her only personality is that she was in a traumatic fire and has scars on her body. Then her whole acting career was lost. That’s it!
Ben is an absolute masochist and he is sick and twisted. Honestly, he just decides to ruin this girl’s life and then go stalk her. After stalking her he then proceeds to date her, kind of. After all, when Fallon finds out the truth about him she runs away. Good, get away from him he isn’t good for you. Then Ben has the audacity to drop off his manuscript and she just goes running back into his arms like a dumbass.
The plot line is a very good idea. No contact at all and meet up every day for four years? That’s really cool! I just think the execution of this was horrendous. If you are reading this and hoping for a good read, I beg you, move on. There are hundreds of other books. I did finish this though it was such a waste of my time. An udder trainwreck of a book.

Additional Comments: So as I am posting this one I have already done my review for ‘Reminders of Him’ which is also another Colleen Hoover book. Both books I will never read either again. Nor will I ever read another Colleen Hoover book. If you disagree with anything said, I want to hear your opinion. Honestly, I’m kind of upset I didn’t like them with how much hyped Hoover gets. But I just don’t think her books are worth it.

-Nina

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Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck

Published February 25, 1937

Read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Summary: “I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s
why.” They are an unlikely pair: George is “small and quick and dark of face”; Lennie, a man of tremendous size, has the mind of a young child. Yet they have formed a “family,” clinging together in the face of loneliness and alienation. Laborers in California’s dusty vegetable fields, they hustle work when they can, living a hand-to-mouth existence. But George and Lennie have a plan: to own an acre of land and a shack they can call their own.

Review: I started reading this book for English class and (admittedly) read ahead. Usually, I’m not too fond of the books I have to read for class even though I am an avid reader. This book was much different though. It was different than I thought it would be and I enjoyed it.
When the book starts off and you are introduced to the two main characters Lennie and George. I feel in the beginning George is often annoyed at Lennie. He also seems to be very tired and just fed up with life in general. He yells at Lennie and just goes off on this rant but when Lennie threatens to leave, George retracts what he says and seems to feel bad. Once they reach the ranch, George seems to have calmed down. He begins to stand up for Lennie more and as the book continues he becomes more patient.
From the first few pages of the book, you can see who Lennie is as a character and a person. He doesn’t understand things but is very kind and compassionate. Though I do wish he got some more character development. It seems like at the beginning and end of the book he doesn’t change, he doesn’t learn any lessons. I understand that is part of the character but I was hoping for something a little more from him.
The plot develops well in my opinion, you have very little idea as to what is happening to George and Lennie though you understand quite quickly. You are introduced to your problem and plot early on which I very much enjoy because it gives the book more time to tell a story and not try to define plots, characters, or problems.
I very much enjoyed Steinbeck’s writing style as well. This is the first of his books that I have read, but if I ever want or need to read another again I would be wholeheartedly open to it. It is fast pace but not too fast that you can’t understand what’s happening. He is very descriptive and makes it easy to paint a picture in your head of what is happening.
I wish that something more was done with the boss because I feel like you never hear from him again after chapter two.
Overall it was a very good book I don’t know if I would read it again but I do recommend it to anyone who wants a very good quick read.

Additional comments: OK, did that in a few days. Now I have to reread it for my English class at the pace of a snail. Whatever I guess it’s a good enough book. Funny story though, when I went into class the day after I finished it I told my English teacher, “oh yeah thanks for the warning at the end.”

He laughed and said, “that’s what you get for reading ahead, I was going to give everyone a warning when we got there.” Then as he started class, continued by saying “oh and Nina already finished it, she’s a nerd!” Like I kid you not! But it was quite funny.

-Nina

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Crooked Kingdom (Book 2 of Six of Crows)

Crooked Kingdom

Leigh Bardugo

Published September 27, 2016

Read February 12-20, 2023

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets – a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Review: This was such an amazing book! I read the first one and was in love and of course CLIFF HANGER! I had to keep going! I do prefer the first one to this one. But still, 5 out of 5 stars!

“‘Isn’t that how things are done around here?’ asked Wylan ‘We all tell Kaz we’re fine and then go do something stupid?’
‘Are we that predictable?’ said Inej.
Wylan and Matthias said in unison, ‘Yes.'” (pg. 164)

We are going to start with Inej for character development. At the beginning of the book, she is a little shaky after what happened in the first few chapters to her. But as the book goes on she finds her footing. She grows more in this book than I think she did in the last.
Kaz really began to show more of an open and caring side. He showed his worry for Inej and we saw him open up to The Crows more than he did in the last book. It was really nice to also see him open up more about his brother.
Jesper really changed in this book. Some of the things that happened with his dad really showed us a more serious side of Jesper we don’t see any other time. He doesn’t change so much that he is unrecognizable, but he definitely has enough to show tremendous growth.
Wylan becomes very mature during this book. He stands up to his father and becomes truly a force to be reckoned with. Without him, the plot may not have been able to drive as much as he did.
Nina is always a boss, but in this one we see her lose her confidence and the slow struggle to heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. The rollercoaster she goes through during this book is crazier than any of the other characters.
Matthias really shows us how much someone can change when they put their mind to it. He was always saying to himself, ‘no Grisha isn’t dangerous or scary or something to be put down, but rather something to be lifted up. Something wonderful.’ That is a such tremendous change from the beginning of book one it’s not even funny.

“‘We can endure all kinds of pain. It’s shame that eats men whole.'” (pg. 283)

The arch in this book was a little weaker than in Six of Crows. It was still amazing but it was more revenge and the aftermath than its own thing. I wish we could have gotten more of a storyline, like another job, or guess what Aliana Starkof shows up. But with what we did get it was thoroughly done. We got all different sides and saw all the characters fighting inner demons. This really changed them all for the better and that I think was my favorite thing. Showing growth and truly focusing on it.

“‘That’s where you’re wrong,’ said Kaz ‘I don’t hold a grudge. I cradle it. I coddle it. I feed it fine cuts of meat and send it to the best schools. I nurture my grudges, Rollins'” (pg. 300)

As I said in Six of Crows, I love this style of writing. The way that Bardugo is able to tell a story from so many points of view and still keep a plotline from drying up is truly a very difficult thing. I was also really happy to see Sturmhond, Genya, and Zoya make an appearance. Bringing those characters back around was a really heartwarming and touching thing. I know many authors do that in books, especially books in the same universe. But so many are just thrown in there to get mentions that characters returned. I felt that Leigh Bardugo really thought out how she would sprinkle old characters back in.

“She rested her head on his shoulder. ‘You’re better than waffles Matthias Helvar.’
A small smile curled on the Fjerdan’s lips. ‘Let’s not say things we don’t mean, my love.'” (pg. 327)

SPOILERS THERE ARE SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON SO READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
SERIOUSLY DON’T SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU!!!

Ok, now I love this book a great way to close the series. I have one complaint. The way it ended for Kaz and Inej. Yes, Nina and Matthias as well but that had a bittersweet goodbye. Like oh, look there’s you’re family and scene. That’s it my friends no mas. I just wish that was either left off or something more was added.
But the otherwise amazing book.

“He was on the ice once more, and somewhere he could hear the wolves howling. But this time, he knew, they were welcoming him home.” (pg. 497)

-Nina

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Six of Crows (Book one of Six of Crows)

Six of Crows

Leigh Bardugo

Published September 29, 2015

Read February 5-10, 2023

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

Review: Oh, my gods! This book was absolutely amazing. Definitely in my top 3! I was a little hesitant to start this one because it is not the usual read I go for. But I had heard so many good things about it I decided to give it a shot. And oh my me was it worth it!

“Kaz leaned back. ‘What’s the easiest way to steal a man’s wallet?’
‘Knife to the throat?’ asked Inej.
‘Gun to the back?’ said Jesper.
‘Poison in his cup?’ suggested Nina.
‘You’re all horrible,’ said Matthias.” (pg. 126)

Ok, there is a lot for character development so I am going to try to keep it short and sum it up. But, I will miss some things. Kaz, an absolute legend. In the beginning, I thought he was this big asshole. Then as the book goes on you see this vulnerable side of him. Though he is tough he is also so caring for Jesper and Inej mainly, but slowly the others too.
Inej is such a boss bitch. She is calm and cool under pressure and is so caring, while still keeping up this ‘I kick ass and take names’ persona. She grows so much in this one book and it is so amazing to read about that journey.
Jesper has the confidence I wish I could have. He always knows just what to say to bring anyone mode up and is so funny. Though he can be serious at times when it is necessary. He has an amazing sense of style, but more importantly, he is always looking out for The Crows.
Wylan is so much different than anything I thought we were going to get out of that character, yet I’m not mad about it. He is the nervous, kid almost, in the beginning. He is trying to find his footing and his confidence. After everything that went down with his father, he is learning that he is ok who he is. But, by the end of the book, we see this whole new side of him. The confidence that he has and he has just grown up. He truly finds his footing and as I referred to him earlier as a kid, he sheds that and matures so quickly in such an amazing way.
Nina is my idol! Like, she is sassy and funny, but sweet and caring. She is willing to give up her whole life for Matthias at the drop of a hat because she cares so much. I wouldn’t say that she changes as much as Wylan for example, but she truly becomes a better version of herself. She is less sporadic and more constant. Though she still does things on a whim she thinks through things so much better.
Matthias is such a sweetheart. When you read these flashbacks of when he was trying to survive with Nina you see how far he has come. He used to hate the Grisha but is learning to accept them more every day. And not just Grisha in general, but Nina. He starts off being angry and weary of Nina, Jesper, Wylan, Kaz, and Inej. But by the end of the book he has truly accepted them. When he gives Nina his oath my heart was doing somersaults in my chest.

“‘Fine but if Pekka Rollins kills us all, I’m going to get Wylan’s ghost to teach my ghost how to play the flute just so that I can annoy the hell out of your ghost.’
Brekker’s lips quicker, ‘I’ll just hire Matthais’ ghost to kick your ghost’s ass’
‘My ghost won’t associate with your ghost,’ Matthias said primly, and then wondered if the sea air was rotting his brain.” (pg. 181)

The plot development in this was so amazing. The way that it starts with Kaz gathering a crew, then he has to save Matthias, then we have to convince Wylan to join us. Ok, that’s all good know got to go get the scientist. It was just written in such a brilliant way. The way that it was descriptive in all the right places, but in the places where you didn’t want or need a long description, you didn’t have to read one. There is not enough good I can say about this book. It is just too perfect.

“‘It’s not natural for someone to be as stupid as he is tall, and yet there you stand!'” (pg. 229)

Ok, this writing style I am absolutely in love with this. The way that Bardugo just flips back in forth between points of view and the way that she is able to tell certain scenes from the point of view of two characters, without retelling a scene four or five times. It is (as a friend of mine would say) absolutely delightful! She explains things so well leaving this vivid picture in your brain of Ketterdam, or the ship, or the this, or the that. You get it. (I’m really trying not to add spoilers here so it is a little brief.) But honestly, I can’t give Leigh Bardugo enough props. This is such an amazing book in so many ways.

“When Matthias opened the door to Nina’s cell, she hesitated for the briefest moment. She couldn’t help it. As long as she lived, she would never forget Matthias’ face at the window, how cruel he seemed, or the doubt that sprung in her heart. She felt it again, looking at him standing in the doorway, but when he held out his hand to her, she knew they were done with fear.
She ran to him, and he swept her up in his arms.
He buried his face in her hair. She felt his lips move against her ear when he said, ‘I never want to see you like this again.’
‘Do you mean the dress or the cell?’
A laugh shook him ‘Definitely the cell.’ Then he cupped her face in his hands. ‘Jer molle pe oonet. Enel more je new afva trohem verret.’
Nina swallowed hard. She remembered those words and what they truly meant. ‘I have been made to protect you. Only in death will I be kept from this oath.’ It was the vow of the Druskelle to Fjerda. And now it was Mattias’ promise to her.”

To sum this book up, it was such an amazing read. There are only a few other books I have spoken this highly of. I can not explain how amazing this book is. Please I beg you to read this, it is one of the greatest books you will ever read. I hope you enjoy and thank you for reading this long review.

-Nina

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