Book Review: Tower of Dawn

Image
Tower of Dawn
Title of Book
Author
Maas, Sarah J.
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

Tower of Dawn is the sixth book in the Throne of Glass series and focuses on Chaol Westfall and his journey to heal his legs and spine. This book takes a very different perspective from the previous books and introduces us into more of the political landscape from across the sea, which offers a fresh perspective on the series.

At the start, Chaol was one of my least favorite characters, but this book shows him in a more vulnerable and complex light that is makes him seem more relatable to the reader. His personal struggles add depth to his characters and makes me appreciate why Maas decided to have a book focused on him.

I chose to tandem read this book with Empire of Storms and I would highly recommend to put in the effort to tandem read. Since both books happen simultaneously, the way how timelines intertwine creates for a really complicated and beautifully written piece. The only reason it is rated 4 stars is because I do believe it drags on for a little bit, but it leads up to Kingdom of Ash perfectly.

Reviewer's Name
Rowan
Genres

Book Review: Empire of Storms

Image
Empire of Storms
Title of Book
Author
Maas, Sarah J.
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

The fifth book in Throne of Glass, Empire of Storms, is a masterfully written book that builds up for an amazing edning to the series. The buildup is intense, and Sarah J. Maas has been creating complicated and interwoven plotlines since the beginning.

I chose to tandem read Empire of Storms alongside Tower of Dawn, the sixth book, which required dedication but was absolutely worth it. Experiencing both stories added depth to the overall narrative and enhanced my appreciation for the two books and how aligned they were.

In this book, Aelin Galathynius must rally allies for the looming war, and the stakes have never been higher. Maas has an incredible ability to immerse readers into her books. Her world-building is impeccable, and this book highlights how carefully she has been plotting this journey from the very start and when everything finally clicks into place, it leaves me in awe of her ability to craft such an intricate and amazing story.

Without a doubt, Empire of Storms is a strong contender for my favorite book in the series.

Reviewer's Name
Rowan
Genres

Book Review: Mistborn

Image
Mistborn: The Final Empire
Author
Sanderson, Brandon
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Rebellion in this world is impossible, the king is immortal, and the people are weak, but Kelsier is determined to make a change. Kelsier has a wild plan, Vin a street urchin, gets wound up in this plan. She realizes that this goes deeper than she thought, and that there is always another secret.

This is one of the first books by Brandon Sanderson I've read and it's magnificent. This fantasy book is one of the best I've read, with twists and turns in every chapter. The characters feel real because of their bonds with each other. This is definitely a book that explores relationships, magic, and rebellion.

Reviewer's Name
Olivia
Genres

Book Review: The Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Image
The Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
Author
Peterson, Andrew
Rating
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness follows three siblings, Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, as well as their trusty dog Nugget, as they live under the rule of Fangs of Dang, who oppress their peaceful village. The kids have always tried to stay on the Fangs' good side, but a series of events leads to the three kids' actions directly working against the Fangs of Dang, and now they must work with some new friends to keep their family together and safe.

If you enjoy world building, this book is for you. The author includes many in depth details about the new world, even if some details feel unnecessary. The author explains the significance of various animals, cultures, songs, and recipes that are completely unique to this world.

I felt some parts of this book, particularly the beginning, were slow as the author built the Igiby's world. The adventure doesn't really begin until a little before half way through the book. However, after finishing the rest of the series, the world building is necessary as this book leads into a 5 star series!

Reviewer's Name
Reagan
Genres

Book Review: The Poppy War

Image
The Poppy War
Title of Book
Author
Kuang, R. F.
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

What initially drew me into The Poppy War was all the great things I had heard about the book and it's author R.F. Kuang. Fang Runin, the female main character, was both enjoyable and relatable at many times as she fought for a spot in Sinegard, the country's most elite military academy, in hopes of getting away from an arranged marriage. The book spans over a few years and eventually deals with some very intense and dark themes throughout the book. Kuang does not shy away from any details and makes the book feel incredibly real and allows a deeper connection with the character's emotions.
The pace of the book really picks up towards the second half, and I was constantly surprised where the story went next. The Poppy War is also very heavily inspired by Chinese folklore, but Kuang adds her own touch to the story, making the book seem very unique. I really enjoyed this book and is a definite five star for me.

Reviewer's Name
Rowan
Genres

Book Review: Six of Crows

Image
Six of Crows
Title of Book
Author
Bardugo, Leigh
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Six of Crows is the adventure of six characters, each with different backgrounds and different goals, sharing the same mission: accomplish a high risk heist from one of the most fortified cities in the world. Each of the members of the group have significant enemies, each trying to stop the heist from happening. There is constant action, and the book is impossible to put down. The author incorporates the character's background to form bonds within the group; highlighting their strengths and weaknesses together. There is never a dull moment, and the story is filled with twists and turns that aren't expected, but enhance the novel's plot. I would recommend if anyone is trying to get out of a reading slump, or find a book that will have you invested from start to finish.

Reviewer's Name
Reagan
Genres

Book Review: Fablehaven

Title of Book
Author
Brandon Mull
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

While the cover of Fablehaven, by Brandon Mull, may not be the most appealing, once the book is opened the reader is welcomed into a new, magical world, filled with sneaky satyrs, vain fairies, dangerous witches, and many more. Similarly, when Kendra and Seth are sent to their Grandfather's house for the summer, they don't expect to find an adventure waiting for them. A series of well-placed clues reveals a new, mysterious world to the two children, who must work to save it. Kendra and Seth make both friends and enemies in this preserve and learn the importance of following the rules, as well as risking them. Fablehaven was constantly surprising me, making it impossible to put down. The characters learn new things about what they are capable of accomplishing, which helps to inspire readers to reach outside of their comfort zone and discover what they can accomplish as well.

Reviewer's Name
Reagan Grade 10

Book Review: Monstrous Devices

Image
Monstrous Devices Book Jacket
Title of Book
Author
Damien Love
Rating
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review

Before receiving what might have been the strangest gift ever, 12-year-old robot enthusiast Alex's life was already plagued enough with bullies and homework. But when he receives a toy robot from his enigmatic grandfather, along with a note that reads "This one is special," a sequence of supernatural events sets off around Alex, and right before things take a deadly turn, Alex's grandfather appears just in time to save his life...and pack him away in an impromptu snowy trip across Europe. As the two begin to unravel the mysteries behind the robot's magic, Alex finds himself becoming the main target of a group of mysterious assassins who follow his every move in the hopes of possessing his robot, and he is forced to battle villains of both human and robot form as he grapples with the immense, monstrous powers of his seemingly innocent toy.

Monstrous Devices is whimsical and unique, and although it is for middle-school aged children, the author is not afraid to add in some chilling, horror-adjacent plot points throughout the story (this novel literally begins with a murder scene...no more on that). While reading this book, I felt as if I was tagging along with Alex and his grandpa as they outwit the assassins; I could hear the robots the assassins used as weapons whizzing and whirring in their deadly attacks, and I could practically see the landscape this book is set in. The bits of history about robots and magic the author added in was also very intriguing, adding a mythical element to the story.

On the other hand, the ending of the book felt somewhat abrupt for me, and there were a lot of questions I had about the characters and the plot that were left unanswered. The lore behind the robot, and even Alex and his grandpa's own backstories, were a little hard to follow, and I ended up somewhat dissatisfied with the lack of conclusions the author gave. The characterizations of the assassins only left more questions, their motives were very unclear, and their eventual fate did not sit quite right with me. I do, however, know that there is a sequel to this book, and I hope that it will tie together some of the unresolved tensions.

In the end, even though it has its flaws, Monstrous Devices remains a magical and entertaining read that young readers will surely enjoy.

Reviewer's Name
Joyce

Book Review: Gearbreakers

Title of Book
Author
Mikuta, Zoe Hana
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

Two queer Asian girls, on different sides of the war. When their paths collide, at first, they are each other's enemy until they both realize they're fighting for the same purpose, and with a tyrannical rule spreading they have to work together to rebel.

This book was amazing, definitely worth reading. This book was full of action, sci fi and romance. This is one of the most underrated books and deserves more recognition.

Reviewer's Name
Olivia

Book Review: Scythe

Title of Book
Author
Shusterman, Neal
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

The Thunderhead, an all-knowing artificial intelligence was able to solve all of the world's problems, it could even bring back the newly deceased from the dead. Religion, creativity, hard work, and passion are obsolete, and jobs only exist to give people something to do. Everything is perfect, every accommodation is met, anyone can speak to the Thunderhead, and the Thunderhead can solve anyone's problems. However, because the Thunderhead’s purpose is to help humanity it vowed to have nothing to do with the problem of overpopulation and the humans would have to create that system.
The Scythedom is an organization of people whose job is to glean (or cause the permanent death of an individual). Scythes are treated with the highest honor and have to pay for nothing and wait for no lines, but they carry the tough burden of ending other people’s lives. Every scythe must meet a quota and must follow a list of rules. However, even with great respect no man-made thing is perfect and the drive for power may corrupt the Scythedom.
Citra and Rowan end up as apprentices for a scythe and they will soon learn the guilt and hardship of the job. Only one of them will become a scythe, they must learn and train constantly leaving their old lives behind. Through many plot twists the pair must do what they can to navigate their new environment. How will the other scythes react to a scythe having two apprentices? How will Citra and Rowan change?
Neal Shusterman’s Scythe is an amazing book. It portrays the mental toll and thoughts of the protagonists perfectly and demonstrates their character development amazingly. The world-building is immaculate, and the vocabulary and characters get you immersed in the book quickly. Every detail is looked over and every character is thought out thoroughly, all having unique backstories and different approaches and thoughts to the world around them.
Scythe is also a philosophical masterpiece and touches on subjects like the drive for power and corruption in society. Throughout the book I was thinking constantly and wondering about how the society works. I recommend this book to everybody for its thorough story and how it brings up many deep questions in a unique, subtle, and phenomenal way.

Reviewer's Name
Drake
Subscribe to Fantasy