"A Million Junes" by Emily Henry Book Review

“When people pity you, it's like they don't realize that the exact same thing is coming for them. And then I feel embarrassed and uncomfortable and have to pity them, because, like, do you not realize that it's always someone's turn? You haven't noticed everyone gets a few blows that seem so big you can't survive them?”

What did I expect when I turned the first page of A Million Junes? Was it to crawl into a cocoon of blankets and never want to leave its warmth and comfort? If you guessed right then…

*ding, ding*

You win a new car!

Ok just kidding. I didn’t buy you a new car. But I can promise you this book will suck you in, never letting you go. If I were you, I’d make sure to grab those blankets first.

I had no expectations when starting this book. In honesty, it probably wouldn’t have entered my radar for a while. Thank you book club for finding an awesome catch. What I did know was that it seemed like a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but that’s not the case. The only thing taken from that story is the hatred of two families because it goes in a completely different direction quickly.

The story is based around June, a girl who ten years ago lost her father suddenly. During her last year of high school, her grand plan for a future is to live just as her father and father’s father lived, footloose and carefree. That is until Saul comes into town, a member of the family June is brought up to hate. If anything bad happens to her family, it’s their fault. But with Saul’s entrance, a magical thing happens and June begins to see memories from the white wisps surrounding her family’s house. All that she knew begins to turn upside down as she learns the real truth behind the family hatred and the death of her father.

The concept is fresh for a YA contemporary story. To me, most fantasy stories set in present time are filled with overdone concepts and made up worlds to the point that the contemporary aspect becomes quickly lost. Henry instead takes the modern world and gives it a slight twist, just enough to let the reader know that magic can exist.

June is also a fresh strong female voice in YA. Her snarky POV lends a groove that sticks with me well. Mix her with Saul and you’ve got a great combo of comebacks and whiplash. These characters feel like real people just put into paper form. Hands down some of the best character building I’ve ever read. And one of the reasons this book is so easy to fall in love with. That and the glorious whimsy of the story.

“My inheritance is grief and sunlight and the ability to choose which to hold on to.”

Henry’s imagination is great.

A Million Junes

By Emily Henry

Buy on Amazon

Until you get to the end. There she loses me. The story becomes jumpy and it’s hard to keep everything straight. Soon a whole mash of characters comes into play with no room to breathe. That and the weird scene construction left me going *huh*. I can’t tell you more for fear of spoilers.

The story itself goes a little out there - especially for a book that feels like it’s playing the fantasy part on the down low. The ending plays a 180, like the movie Sunshine, where you feel like you are watching a sci-fi flick till the ending turns into a slasher. And no, this book doesn’t turn into a slasher. It’s just a comparison guys. Mix all this with the changes from beginning to end and you might feel that the two parts are completely different stories. This isn’t a complete turn-off but does leave one a little winded and confused. I can say that I was sitting there going “Now where was the beginning?”

Still, this won’t deter me from recommending A Million Junes to anyone I see - though it won’t be getting the 5 stars I wanted to give it so badly. Henry was able to put together a well-rounded story that included some good secondary story arcs, strong original characters, and an overall fun concept to get sucked into. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Love Kait

Reading Challenge: 33/100

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

On a cold and windy day, four brave souls ventured outside the safety of downtown Seattle in search of Tulips. They were told there would be many. They were told it would be grand. But they weren’t told that it would be the coolest trip ever.

Ok, silly intro…. But what else can one say about the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival?

We had a great time, though we only visited RoozenGaarde.

An easy 1-hour drive north on I-5 and you’ve arrived (well after a few turns on some back country roads). We did get a little lost on the way there, but nothing that a quick google search couldn’t fix.

What a great way to kick off spring in the rainy capital. The bright colors and whimsical gardens set the soul alive. The rain couldn’t even damper the sight. We attended the first weekend, and with the late cold spell, the fields were only partially bloomed. I would definitely recommend watching the bloom map to get an idea of the best time to go. (Click here for the link.) Be warned though - the best time to go will also be the most crowded. Only the bravest came out the day we went. It was very windy and very rainy. Go figure.

The event is great for families. Parking is free but there is a small entrance fee. If the fields are too muddy for you, the entryway is packed with gardens for your enjoyment. Tables are spaced out for you to enjoy the refreshments for sale. I definitely could have used a warm cup of something that day but my hands were too full with picture taking. You can even take home a piece of the festival with potted tulips. You might see the blossoms bloom in front of your eyes when you take them in the warm car.

Make sure to check out the old school bus at the back of the fields. It is filled with rubber bands, I have yet to figure out why, but it’s a great place to rest. Grab a few cool photos or enjoy the break from the wind like we did.

So arrive early and enjoy the day. Take all the pictures you want, but make sure to follow the rules. I was sad to see so many tulips trampled because people refused to walk in the mud. Come on people, we live in the rainy state.

If you want to sell pictures taken at RoozenGaarde, you must fill out a permission form. Don’t worry it’s a pain-free process. Visit the corporate office just 100 yards down the street. All they require is a business card and a John Hancock.

Grab the family and head out. See what the great PNW has to offer.

Love Kait.

"The Wicked Deep" by Shea Ernshaw Book Review

“It starts as a low croon that rolls in with the tide, a sound so faint it might just be the wind blowing through the clapboard shutters, through the portholes of docked fishing boats, and into narrow cracks along sagging doorways. But after the first night, the harmony of voices becomes undeniable. An enchanting hymn sailing over the water’s surface, cool and soft and alluring. The Swan sisters have awakened.”

The Wicked Deep is a little book that packs a punch. It’s more than just a pretty cover. Ernshaw stole the show and I’ll be anticipating her next book which, if Instagram will tell you anything, she is working on right now.

I do have a few complaints. Some areas and story points leaves one unsatisfied. Though small in size, I feel like the biggest complaint, with me and the book club, was the male protagonist’s name. What boy, who lives close enough to sail regularly on Lake Washington, would be called Bo? I may be nit-picking here, but I live in Washington, and I really don’t think that anyone west of the Cascades would name their kid Bo in this day and age. Ok, rant over….

...Or is it?

The Wicked Deep

By Shea Ernshaw

Buy on Amazon

The second major problem will need to be tiptoed around. I can’t go into detail because a huge portion of the story will be revealed. It’s a good way in, and I think you’ll know it when you hit it. Essentially, there is no foreshadowing of a huge reveal. I’m not saying that surprises aren’t great, I love them, but this specific surprise left a feeling of betrayal and gave the rest of the story a nasty taste. But maybe that was Ernshaw’s point? She wanted us to have those emotions.

Ignoring those two complaints though - I really hope you’re still with me - this story swept me away.

*no pun intended*

“Love is an enchantress - devious and wild. It sneaks up behind you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.”

*just like this book sweeps you into its folds*

I didn’t want to put it down. It’s dark in all the right places. The backstory is well laid out at all the right times. The characters are very compelling. Their motivations strong and real. We see change and desire which drives the story forward. Even writing this review makes me want to dive in for another read. It’s the type of story that sticks with you even well after it’s over.

The real winner in the book is Ernshaw’s writing. Her word choice on even the tiniest parts lends to the well-crafted story and attention to detail on the descriptions. I think her decision of picking a location she knows well, Oregon, and using that was also a smart move. It gave her the ability to show the feelings of the Pacific Northwest in a clear and concise way. She just conveys what she wants with such depth that at times you’re drenched by the constant rain or feel the mist float in off the water.

All in all, I’m really glad I took the chance and purchased the book. Most of the time I’ll just borrow them and then decide. Goodreads rating of 4 stars.

Reading Challenge: 31/100.

"The Wildling Sisters" by Eve Chase Book Review

Have you read a book before where the sound of the words draws you in? Each one a carefully constructed symphony of prose, ending in a musical crescendo that lulls you into a poetic dreamland.

Well….

That was the Wildling Sisters for me.

Set between two worlds, same house, the stories collide 50 years apart where the mystery of a missing 12-year-old plague an English country manor. A new family moves in the house unaware of its dark past yet still bringing their own mystery. Fifty years previous, four sisters, abandoned by their mother one summer, are forced to reside with their aunt and uncle who five years earlier lost their own daughter when she went missing. Eventually, the mystery of it all unfolds, past and present, till both worlds must meet.

Dark stories unfold until the end when everything comes delivered with a nice red bow. All questions get answered. There is no air of mystery leaving us hanging. Though I enjoyed finding out everything, it was a little rushed and I could have lived without it. Others agreed, some saying that it was just all too nice. And with a book that is set a little darker, maybe a light ending wasn’t the best option.

The Wildling Sisters

By Eve Chase

Buy on Amazon

But the main theme throughout was motherhood. We have the absent mother of the girls, the mother who lost her child, and the mother stepping in for a dead mother. I hope that was the focus. If you remove the theme and the fact that they are in the same house, it would feel like two stories thrown together because they were too short to stand alone. Even the point of views - there are two total - are so very distinct that when they switch, you can easily read the difference.

I think Chase’s writing is the reason that I enjoyed myself. Most of my peers thought the story was dull. Nothing surprising comes out in the end - it was more of a dud - and many may give up once the excitement wears off. This isn’t a murder mystery, isn’t advertised as one, yet that is exactly what Chase wants you to believe within the first few pages as girls drag a lifeless limp body through the garden. Maybe if the beginning had been a little less dramatic, readers would have been prepared for the slower storyline. Instead, we spend the entire story wondering where the body fits into the mix.

Yet don’t give up. This story has a great gothic undertone. It doesn’t go super dark but poses a few more questions about missing girls and sex. Darker themes are my jam now and I think it’s because I’m getting older. But these moments in the story are what give it life. They breathe a realness into the story. That mixed with Chase’s prose is why I’ve ultimately given this book 4 stars.

Overall, a quick and easy read. I was able to finish it in three days with a very hectic schedule. I would place this on your summer beach list. You might just enjoy the transport back to the English countryside.

Love Kait

In the Life: How I Live Eco-Friendly

Hello world.

Today I want to get personal; spend a moment to share how I live eco-friendly. I’m not going to cover the whys - it’s overdone and we should come to this choice on our own - but the hows. Society can be confusing, making the green choice look easy look easy; just bring our own bags to the store, that alone will change the world. Or, the flip side where not driving a car again, recycling all of our water, or not eating another scrap of meat can save the planet.

And you’ve joined the cause and decided to go eco-friendly.

What do you do?

I have no idea who is right. I just know what I can do to live green. We need to make changes but not everyone can be a vegetarian and I can’t even afford that Tesla.

To me being green is being mentally conscious. I wake up every day and choose to question everything. Don’t be discouraged. It becomes second nature. Before buying that bar of soap, take a moment and research the ingredients. Are those suds going down the drain polluting water sources?  What does the company stand for? Do they give employees a fair share or do they produce in a solar-powered factory? Can you buy more local produce? Take a Saturday and visit the local market. These little steps, if everyone made the same choice, could be a change. All you have to do is take a moment to question.

A great example for me was buying boxes for our move last weekend. I had saved most of the boxes from our cross country move over a year ago, but even in that time, we accumulated more stuff…. yay… that or I can’t pack as well as my mother-in-law. I think we'll go with the second option. So we stood looking at the options. And guess what, most of the sets were covered in plastic wrap, that disgusting single-use plastic. Gross. Why are we wrapping these boxes in plastic? It’s that whole thing of putting a bag in another bag. The super-sized pack, a lovely 15 box set, which we did end up needing all of, was the only plastic-free option. Yes, it was more money at the time, and we really didn’t think we’d need that many, but we wanted to make a cleaner option.

Here is the point of the story. We looked at the options and we chose the one we thought would be the best on the environment. Did we make the right choice? I think so because I did use all the boxes. But that’s a whole other story.

And this is the start of change. Our country runs on consumerism. If we as a society force companies to question their production practices, then we can become the difference.

Take trash bags. Yes, they are a lovely convenience, but why must they be made of noncompostable materials? So let’s change that. Buy different bags. Companies will see the drop in sales and focus on what consumers are buying. Or better yet, attend county meetings and try to set up composting in the county. Imagine the amount of trash that could be cut back on.

So for the next month, I challenge you all to just question. Want to buy in bulk? Don’t grab those nasty plastic bags offered. Why not see if there are some paper bags in the produce section. Guess what, that was a huge change. Instead of throwing that old t-shirt away, why not cut it up as washable makeup wipes? Image how many more uses you could get out of that same square of fabric.

For us as a society to be the change, we need to change our thoughts. We can do this. It just takes a little mental training my young padawan. Do it and show others that it can be done.

Good luck!

Love Kait

"Winternight Trilogy" by Katherine Arden Book Review

“All my life,” she said, “I have been told ‘go’ and ‘come.’ I am told how I will live, and I am told how I must die. I must be a man’s servant and a mare for his pleasure, or I must hide myself behind walls and surrender my flesh to a cold, silent god. I would walk into the jaws of hell itself, if it were a path of my own choosing. I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of the life appointed me.” - Katherine Arden

Alright. Review done. I think the quote above about covers it.

This book is more than just a story.

Set in a time before Christianity was the common religion, before Moscow was an empire, and the pagan beliefs where clung to by a few braves souls. When frozen gods roamed the forests and stories were still told before roaring fires. People’s beliefs of the old begin to fade and the pagan creatures hang onto last breathes. What would you do if only the clapping hands of children that believed could keep you alive? What if those stories told by wise old mothers were actually true?

That is the world that Arden has created. A fearful, fairy tale filled frozen Prussia with a girl that still sees it all. Vasya is unafraid of the domovoi in her oven. Instead, she fears the coming change of Christianity and the slipping of magical power. Is she the only one that can save them and herself?

And this is where the story is so much more. Not only are we filled with the rich texture of folklore but the issues covered are still just as relevant today. Case in point with the quote above. Vasya does not only fight for her friends, but also for her right to be a strong minded woman in a time where women are expected to keep house and have babies. I’m super impressed that the concept was carried out in both books.

Arden has a craft for well executed descriptions. You can feel the crack of skin from the cold, or the warm fire keeping out the chill. She fuses politics and fairytales in a story that is not dated. It was fresh, exciting, and felt perfect for any age.

The first book receives a solid five stars.  I couldn’t wait for the second book. I sat down and bam, disappointment.

Why?!?!?!

I think that Arden might have burned out on the first book. That or she hadn’t intended to make a second story.

Her strong prose was lost in the first half. I can see now that it was a setup for the second half, but the magic of her writing was all but gone. Vasya felt like a different creature, and not because she had grown as a person. I wasn’t lost in the whimsy of the moment. I did stick with it, glad since the second half was downright amazing again. Everything I loved about Arden’s writing was back. Was it enough to make up for the first half…. I don’t know. But it does make me very excited for the third and final book of the series which comes out later this year.

If you’re looking for a bit of whimsy, a Russian telling of fairy tales, and a well executed and well written story, then I would definitely give this series a try.

Love Kait.

Giving Up Chemicals: Dish Soap Edition

Ok, guys. I did something. I made my own dish soap.

*gasp*

I know, right? Those same thoughts running through your head, I had them too. How can someone possibly make their own dish soap? Aren’t there ingredients that we simply need? What about germs?

I agree. I wasn’t down for the idea when it first crossed my path. It’s like the toothpaste problem, I get it into my head that I can’t live without certain chemical. How will I ever keep my stuff clean and safe?

Well, I’m still alive….

And I’ve been using this soap upwards of 3 weeks.

Clearly, a chemical-free dish soap won’t kill you.

First off, this recipe came from Dr. Axe's book*. Ya, that guy. I’ve been struggling with digestive problems for a while. I felt that I had a clean eating style but, clearly, it wasn’t enough. After every meal, I was still feeling deathly ill and my stomach HURT. So after a reliable recommendation, I gave his book Eat Dirt a whirl. I’ve read 4 of these gut books but this was the best one. I know his site comes across as very Dr. Oz and Dr. Phill, but his book is completely different.

Long story short, Dr. Axe reminded me that we absorb so much through our skin. Just small amounts can lead to gut problems. When I saw that, yes it is possible to make dish soap at home, I decided why not. One more step I can take to living a chemical free life.

What I love about this recipe is that it takes minutes to make. Even my husband has made a batch. It’s essentially equal parts water and castile soap - I used Dr. Bonners - and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar per cup of mixture. I tend to go a little heavier on the white vinegar because it helps with water spots. You can also add your favorite essential oils to make it smell just like Mrs. Meyers. I tend to forget this step to the dismay of my husband. For some reason, he wants all the smells.

Also, you can buy a pretty bottle to put it in. I haven’t yet, which means that I’m still using my last Seventh Generation bottle. Take that, single-use plastics. Now you know why I didn’t include the final product in the photo. I think we can all take a moment to use our imaginations.

This soap isn’t your typical dish soap, and it took me a while to get used to it. It just doesn’t cut grease like the store brands. Sometimes I need to wash a dish twice before all the grease is gone. The suds won’t hold up either. I learned that you don’t want to add water to the sponge. Scrub the dishes and then rinse them. This will help save water since you won’t be tempted to wash under running water.

Will I stick with this? I think so for the time being. I’m starting to get a little bit hooked. There are just so many chemicals in the store brands - just turn that bottle over and look. If you think about it, what did our ancestors use before Dawn was invented? Sand and castile soap was the name of the game.

But if I do go quiet on the blogging front, you’ll know what killed me. Happy making your own soap. After you’ve given it a whirl, let me know what you think.

Love Kait

*Upon further research, it appears that Dr. Axe has changed his recipe on the blog. I used the one that was in his book published two years ago. The link provided is to the new recipe. I might need to give this one a try since he specifically mentions that lemon essential oils helps to cut grease. If you do give this new recip a try, let me know what you think. 

"Gemina" by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristof Book Review

There comes a point in a series where you need to stop and ask yourself, is this good for my heart? And, why am I putting myself through this? The Illuminae series is really killing me but… People help…. I can’t put it down.

*If you have not read the first book Illuminae yet, I advise you to stop here. There will be spoilers for the first book.*

Ok, I warned you.

Turn it off now.

I’m going to spoil everything.

Ezra is alive.

There did it. Now you can’t be mad at me. You kept reading.

When I first heard that this book was being told through the eyes of new characters, I was immediately heartbroken. What about Kady Grant and Ezra Mason? You made me fall in love with them and now you’re stripping them from my life…! No worries. It’s all worth it. You’ll fall in love with Nik and Hanna in just the same manner. And trust me on this one…. You owe me because you kept reading… It’s worth the change. These new characters are well developed and even come with their own jar of snarkiness.

The change shouldn’t come as a surprise. During the entire first book, Heimdall station was mentioned only a billion and one times. Kady kept saying how she hoped her dad was fine. Comments on Heimdall’s safety and existence kept coming into question. So, it only seems plausible that Kaufman and Kristoff would want to tell the story of what happens on Heimdall. And not to give anything away, but both stories wrap up together at the end with a pretty bow.

And to the joy of all…. It’s still told in the lovely dossier style. This time, everything comes to light in the court trial for Frobisher. Yes! Take that evil lady who wants to kill her son.

*Again I warned you*

The only downside is that there are a lot more surveillance moments. I guess it isn’t a bad thing, I just wasn’t a super fan. Or maybe, I just wasn’t prepared for the change? Aidan isn’t on this ship and can’t monologue the whole event for me.

This book is anything short of brilliant. These two have a wide array of tricks up their sleeves and didn’t hold anything back. I just want for a moment to see into the minds of these two, discover how all these building pieces get put together.

The plot is well devised and, in some ways, surpasses the first book. The sci-fi twists are well placed and believable, not that they all have to be, we are talking about spaceships and jump stations, but I want to be able to go along with it. When you talk about switching bodies in dreams, then I need to pull the plug. I guess it’s my space upbringing that allows me to accept this stuff with more of an open mind.

Are you going to assume that I gave this book anything other than 5 stars? Better not. And it is all cemented after meeting these amazing people in person. The signing couldn’t have been any better in my dreams. The two just sat rattling off about life and writing to the point that the commentator could barely get a few questions out. We now know that Kaufman’s backup plan is to be a lighthouse keeper, which is impossible since they’re all automated now, so she better stick to writing.

And in case you haven’t heard, since only like 2 people in the audience knew to the shock of Kaufman and Kristoff, they are working on another series together. It’s supposed to be Guardians of the Galaxy meets Starfleet Academy. Essentially, the world needs saving and they are the only ones in the room to do it. The first book is set to be out next year, I already need to start a countdown.

Happy reading till next time.

Love Kait

Seattle: 3 Summer Hikes Off I-90

For the tiniest split second, we all thought that spring had arrived in Seattle. Boy were we wrong. It’s back to the rainy days and cold weather. Sometimes the sun peeks out, a few moments of joyful bliss. You step outside, thinking that it will be warm and summer, but then discover that it’s a bitter chill only sweaters and thick jackets will keep out.

I’ve been feeling super nostalgic, so in hopes of coxing summer out, I’ve made a list of a few hikes Chris and I did last summer. Here’s to planning shorts weather and swim dates and feeling the heat of the sun on our skins.

Rattlesnake Ledge

Rattlesnake Ledge

    4 mile Round Trip

    Elevation Gain: 1160 ft

    Highest Point: 2078 ft

    No Pass Required

Don’t worry, this hike wasn’t named after the scary reptiles that can be found past the mountains, it was named after the sounds the flowers made before there was a lake. If you want to feel a good burn and see a great view, this is the hike to tackle. Pack a lunch for the top and bask on the sunny rock outcropping. A very busy hike so I would get there early.After the hike, rest your tired feet in the mountain lake. Or skip the hike all together and enjoy a picnic and lazy afternoon with family and friends.

Though this hike is doggie friendly, I would be careful with the rock ledge. There are large cracks that fall straight down and no railing to keep you from the edge.

Talapus Lake

Olallie Lake

    6.2 miles Round Trip

    Elevation Gain: 1220 ft

    Highest Point: 3780 ft

    NW Forest Pass Required

This hike is a fairytale reimagined. Start on a forested path that changes to a steep trek with a nice drop-off. Once past that you enter the home of the fairies. Filled with babbling streams and wooden paths, it is a quaint trip from reality. Stay here and enjoy the moment or keep going to the first lake, which is a small deviation from the main path. Fallen logs line the edge, and hikers will bring blow up rafts to drift along the surface or hang out on the logs rest. Follow the main path again up another steep portion. Take the fork to Talapus Lake. Here you can camp and enjoy another stunning lake with a mountain backdrop. Enjoy the cleared area from lunch or set up for a longer stay at locations around the lake.

Though the parking lot was full when we arrived back, we passed only a few people on the trail. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed this hike. I ended up spraining my ankle. They had just redone the trail and all the stones were covered. I was lucky enough to find them all. There is also a rutted longish dirt road drive up to the trailhead.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls

    2.6 miles Round Trip

    Elevation Gain: 500 ft

    Highest Point: 100 ft

    Discover Pass Required

I love this hike for taking visitors. A short little jaunt if they don’t have long and portions that my older, less inclined to hike, family members can enjoy. It gives a great taste of the PNW wildness in a few steps. The beginning follows right along a river with a low gain easy trail. Along the way, stop at the few openings to the river to enjoy the view or skip along the rocks in the shallow areas. The trail eventually diverts from the river, giving a great taste of rainforest charm. Now is a great time to turn around for those that can’t do the incline. Keep going and follow the trail to another stop, the first view of the falls. Benches are provided. From there the trail takes you to other stops, one overhanging the river. Still, further, you will see the second waterfall with a bridge that crosses it. Most of the time we turn at this point but the trail does keep going. I think that it meets up with other trails.

We have done this trail on busy holidays, like Memorial Day Weekend, and have never struggled with parking. If you don’t park by the trailhead, make sure to pay attention to the notice, you can get away without the pass. Our boys love this hike. We’ve done it multiple times with them. The trail is very well shaded and was even cool in the summer. Berry bushes can be seen at the beginning.

Hopefully, this will get you into the summer spirit, or at least remind you all of this cold and rain must end eventually. Until then, stay warm.

Love Kait

Twin Falls

"Falling Kingdoms" by Morgan Rhodes Book Review

Falling…

Falling...

And gone...

All my hopes that this book would actually turn out well.

I hate to be so harsh, especially since I’m an aspiring novelist, but this story needed some serious help. Books like this one give me hope that I too can get published.

The real hit in the gut was finding out that Morgan Rhodes is a nom de plume for Michelle Rowan. I haven’t read any of Rowan’s previous work, but an experienced writer, such as herself, should be able to pull off a better story than the one I read. Why did she need to use a nom de plume in the first place? Maybe Falling Kingdoms isn’t in her traditional genre but, if you are a good enough writer, your work should be able to carry you over.

One random look at the cover and I would never have decided to read this book (it was chosen for my book club). I still sit here, having fully read the whole thing, and wonder how the cover ties into the story at all. The cover makes you believe the story is full of epic characters, skilled in fighting and stealth, taking down kingdoms, with a little bit of magic mixed it. All just a load of false advertising.

In whole, the entire story was boring. We’ll first start with the characters. If you want to make a YA version of Game of Thrones, then you need to do a good job. Don’t let your characters dangle in the wind, feeling pointless and soulless. We weren’t given a John Snow to rally behind or even a Joffery to cringe from. Instead, just a girl that can’t make a decision until it’s extremely moronic, who is played off as the spoiled girl turned heroine, and some kid that loves his sister - which just seems like a poor rip off of you know who. Rhodes does kill her characters, yet even her timing of it all is poorly done. I really never saw the point.

And then we come to the plot. Sometimes authors can get away with poorly done characters if the plot is fantastic. Ya, no…. Not in this case. It was a snooze fest and, again, if I didn’t need to read this to discuss it with the group I would have put it down. The first two chapters did have me hopeful; killings betrayals, kidnappings, and hidden powers… oh boy… and all done within the span of a few pages. But maybe that was the problem. All the good stuff was thrown into the beginning. Rhodes sets you up on a high adventure and then leaves you waiting on the corner in cosplay with your paper sword and shield in hand. There was nothing to carry you through to the end. Nothing but a bunch of moments that left you sitting there going wtf.

I have heard that you need to read the first two books before the series really takes off. I tip my hat to anyone who read the first two books without knowing there was hope. Since I’m a sucker for hope, I have requested the second one on audiobook. Yes, I have downgraded it to audio, which means that you guys will not know what I think unless you follow my stories on Instagram (that’s where I post my feelings for audiobooks). I just want to add,  if the author had plans for a drawn-out epic fantasy, he/she really needed to get their readers hooked on the first book. You don’t have time to set up here. That’s always reserved for the middle of the series. Since this isn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, I gave it 2 stars out of 5. Good luck reading, and if you decide to take this one on, I wish you all the luck.

Goodreads Challenge: 22/77

Love Kait

In The Life: Straw Edition

For the past year, I’ve been a baggie carrying straw hater.

Yup, you heard that right.

A straw hater. Bendy…. Straight… Curly-cued…. They are all the same.

I may be a straw snob, but I refuse to use a straw that isn’t made from paper.

Many people are banding together to make this pledge. Hashtags like #stopsucking and The Last Plastic Straw are appearing in hopes of educating the public. Even though I’ve been doing this for over a year, I didn’t realize the magnitude these little critters have on the world. The last Plastic Straw states, “500 million straws are used and discarded in the US every day.” So multiply that by 365 days and you get the picture. And straws aren’t the only ones doing the damage. Image what our

actual total consumption of plastic is….. Another story for another day. I don’t want to be the cause of your nightmares.

The worst part of this story is that even though you dump that plastic tube into the trash can, it doesn’t always make it to the landfill. A lot of those beasts are showing up in valuable ecosystems like our oceans. Plastic doesn’t degrade over time either, it just keeps getting smaller until it ends up as tiny modules which appear on our beaches. I’ve seen the photos from beach cleanups, ones done to collect these tiny specs, and it’s impressive how much they end up collecting. Even if the item says recyclable, how much as a society are recycling correctly? And when was the last time you saw a recycle symbol on a straw?

So for the past year, I’ve tried my best to cut down on straws, instead opting for the nice and biodegradable paper version.

Ok, so I messed up a lot at first. Don’t hate yourself for that. Even today, I’ll absentmindedly grab the straw handed to me not realizing what I’ve done till it was firmly in my drink cup. In the beginning, I would forget about my bursting baggie of paper goodness in my purse. Or, many times, restaurants would deliver my drink already strawed. I hate to add more waste by replacing a straw that is already in use. The first step in all of this was learning which places delivered strawed and making sure they knew I wasn’t wanting that delightful service.

You could suggest that we go straw free completely, but some places I would never place my lips on that glass. And what about those iced drinks at Starbucks? Don’t tell me you are willing to drink that full cup, top free in a moving car? Hence my paper straw carrying status.

I remember the first time I pulled the now very common baggie out of my purse for the first time in front of my friends. The stares. It was just too much fun. I was ecstatic. Here I could help to educate others about the importance of letting go of straws, or I should say the plastic ones, and now I immediately ask my friends if they too would love one.

So I wanted to share this story with you to show that even the small things matter. Cutting the use of straws alone will make a difference. And if we can change the mindset on this one thing, image what else we can do.

Last note with all of this. While searching for your new paper straw buddy, know that not all brands are the same. Don’t get discouraged if the first ones you pick up don’t hold up to the task. I’ve had straws that last through a solid meal and others that start to dissolve the minute they hit liquid. Give a few different ones a try and have fun carrying around your own baggie full of straws.

Love Kait

"Illuminae" by Aimie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff Book Review

“Perhaps bravery is simply the face humanity wraps around its collective madness.”

I sit here stunned and wiped out, breathless from the ride and in desperate need for my heart to restart. Even days later, I can still feel the shock.

There are no words for the amount of epic imagination and creativity that went into creating this story. This is not just a story, but a graphic visualization of corruption and artificial intelligence and all around badassness. I was strapped in from the first page, ready for takeoff, and I was not in the least disappointed.

“But what I do is not murder. It is mercy.”

Honestly, when you think this story is about one thing, it does a 180 and leaves you falling, only to catch you before your heart splats on the ground. You’ll be kept on the edge of your seat, reeling in the chaos of space.

Ok but really…..

I’ll be a little more technical now. No more fangirling. Just one more quote.

“She is a thief. A whisper. Melting through curtains of code and shadow like a knife through black water.”

Which segues us into character development. This entire story is told in the form of a dossier: paperwork, surveillance, journal entries, flight reports, audio clips, etc. Trust me when I say that this adds more to the story. But Kaufman and Kristoff’s ability to make characters pop from the page in IM messaging and random surveillance footage is downright borderline genius. There isn’t a way in this format to write drawn out character descriptions, giving readers deeper insights. Instead, we are forced, in somewhat dry documents, to determine why we love these characters. Kaufman and Kristoff pulled it off. Kady Grant might be my all-time favorite fictional character. Move over Katniss you have some serious competition now.

There are times when the visual representations added a depth to the story creating moments when you felt like you were flying. At one point, I was turning the entire book to read the words, swooping like a fighter jet to capture the observations by AIDEN. Even the breathless moments in space were shown on the page, though I have no idea how they pulled it off.

What more can I say? The story was original enough. I caught glimpses of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars. The love story was well done and not overly dramatic. Many moments had me sitting in shock, unable to accept what had just happened. I’m not kidding when I say that I was sucked in.

One downside is that with the document style, I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters. Multiple times I had to go back and reference who the person was. This happened in a few critical moments which lost their overall shock. I’m taking this knowledge as I start the second book in hopes of fixing the problem.

I can’t wait to start the next one and, lucky me, the third one is already out. No need to suffer like most of humanity who discovered this series early on. I’m also very lucky to meet the authors next week and hopefully get all the books signed. I’ll be sharing the joyous moments on Instagram. And to wrap this up, if you couldn’t guess it, 5 out of 5 stars. If I could, this book would be getting all the stars in the universe (do you see what I just did there? *insert cheeky smile*).

Love Kait

This or That: Zuzu Luxe vs. 100% Pure Mascara

Mascara - A crime in a little tube and one girl’s journey to find a chemical-free version.

*queue “The Sounds of Silence” *

My dear friend,

I’m sorry to say goodbye to you,

When I realized how crude,

Your ingredients list was.

ahhhhhhh

In the trash you gooooooooo….

Today I would like to say a few words. Benefit mascara was a dear friend. This little tube took me to many places; parties, weddings, and even tackled plots to take over the world. But now…. *wipes eyes*…. We must say goodbye to this great and wonderful partner.

And those crocodile tears were really wiping out that last swipe of mascara. I made that tube last. If there was a way, I found and used it to make every darn drop come out. I didn’t want it to end but, eventually, good things do end and I was left with nothing to volumize or lengthen my lashes.

Armed with my phone, advice from the sister-in-law, and a budget I pledged to correct a wrong. It was time to find a chemical-free version.

A few clicks, some interesting descriptions, and random guesses later, I came down to two brands; Zuzu Luxe and 100% Pure.

Zulu Luxe

$17.60

Think Dirty Rating: 3 (Contains Titanium Dioxide)

Overall Thoughts: Would never wear again

Let’s start with the fact that I was won over by the price tag; that and they used the word lengthening in the description, my biggest want in mascara. Sold. On top of that, the brand is local to Seattle, owned by larger company Gabriel which has been in production for decades, and what???? Insta-gratification. You can buy it at Whole Foods. Here…. Take my money.

Should have known the price tag came at a cost. The cost of the worse tube I’ve purchased since my pre-teen years. The goop got everywhere. And I’ll call it that because it smells horrible. Really makes me want to second guess that natural thing.

I understand that we’re going natural here but that doesn’t mean you should give it the worst wand on the face of the planet. I ended up applying the stuff to my old benefit wand to get something to happen. Clump after horrible messy clump. I ended up looking like a five-year-old that got into the makeup bag and decided to play dress up.

100% Pure

$26.00

Think Dirty Rating: 3 (Contains Origanum Vulgare Oregano Leaf)

Overall Thoughts: Takes time to get used to but now I’m hooked

Good news, there is hope out there. This little brand has started to grow along the West Coast and I’m so happy because *little dance* there’s a store the Seattle area. I really didn’t want to pay for shipping on one product, especially if I ended up hating it. I wasn’t too confident after my first natural attempt. Maybe it would have been better if I had tried some other product like blush?

First stop in the store and I was so happy. Sadly for my husband, we ended up walking out with more than just the mascara. I’ll note that not all items fall into the zero range as shown above. Their nail polishes are ranked pretty high on the toxicity scale. In terms of this mascara, they do have zero ranked versions, I want to say that the ranking is more due to allergic concerns than toxicity.

Ok back to my thoughts.

I’m going to stick with this brand for a while. The wand is amazing, producing lashes just like Benefit. Downsides though, the stuff does tend to get everywhere during application, doesn’t last for all-day wear (needs to be reapplied after a few hours) and getting those nice lashes takes work. We’re talking multiple coats with curling in between.

Overall, I have hope. There are brands out there that could give me the results I want. Sad part is, the quality comes with a price, something that we should all know when buying makeup. Let’s see how 100% Pure’s other products go. I don’t know. I might get brave and try out a few other brands.

Love Kait

"Every Last Lie" by Mary Kubica Book Review

OMG…..

Like really?!?!?

That ending…..

Am I mad? Not in the least. In a day when thrillers are the game, I loved her twist with the ending. I guess it isn’t a twist in the traditional sense but, when you sit through the entire book wondering how this is all going to end, Kubica’s ending is a diversion from the traditional thriller storyline. I want to start a long discussion, see how the rest of the world feels. I can tell you that my book club wasn’t down for it. They thought it was stupid and a letdown, all feelings that are opposite from mine. I found it refreshing. But I must stop here. If I say more than I will give it all away. Darn my policy on no spoilers.

My warning with this story is if you have a significant other, do not read this book when there is bad weather. The timing for me was horrible. We had a stretch of snowy, icy conditions here in Seattle, something very rare, and my husband must leave every morning at 4:45 am to catch the bus. And every morning I worried, waiting in anticipation for his text saying that he arrived safely at the bus stop. I figured the bus driver would get him safely through the rest of the commute. Now the sun is shining more and the weather has warmed to its typical 40s and 50s.

If you’ve read my other review for Mary Kubica, you will know that I am not a fan of her work. Good Girl was poorly executed in my opinion with Kubica’s choice of point of view to be its only saving grace. So in picking this one up, it was the February pick for my book club, I was anticipating a long drawn out struggle. Boy was I wrong.

I’m not saying this is some Hemingway of thrillers. There are countless problems throughout, moments when you take a sideways glance at Kubica and ask “why”. One being the twist at the end with the caretaker. The other being *cough* I can’t say more. But Clare was compelling to me. Someone that I could relate to - I mean, if I too lost my husband. Here she was left with a newborn, a small child, and a long list of questions. What would we all do in her place? Kubica provided a believable storyline in that regard, though maybe not with the other characters. Sometimes her husband did seem far-fetched. Oh well.  

And as true to form, I was the complete opposite in regards to the feelings in my book club. I was the only one to like it. Maybe the shock got to me - I expected the worse so I overrated it. But then again, shouldn’t our ratings be partly based on our enjoyment? If that is the case, then my enjoyment was very high and I gladly give this book 4 stars. I’m curious what you think. Let me know in the comments below. Maybe I finally fell off my rocker and my gauge is all screwed up now.

Love Kait

In The Life: Apps to the Rescue

*This blog wasn’t sponsored by the following companies. I just use them myself and find them helpful.*

You’re in the store, it’s crowded and a million labels stare back at you. Bright and bold, they shout out common turns of phrase.

All Natural

Chemical Free

Essential Oils

But what should you choose? Not all brands are the same, and even Whole Foods’ rankings can be misleading. Who has time to stand there staring at the multitude of options researching every single ingredient? What if all the ingredients aren't even shown? Sure, eventually you’ll learn them but wouldn’t it be nice to have something a little easier in these moments? Do more intensive research later when you have time?

Well, I’m here to share what I do, because not even I have the time or energy to make all the products that I use at home. I like convenience like everyone else. There are two go-to sources that I use; the Talk Dirty app and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). EWG’s app is called Healthy Living.  

EWG is nice because they are a not-for-profit organization trying to be far in rankings. The downside is that not everything is easy to find. I don’t tend to use them all the time especially when I’m searching in the store.

Talk Dirty has an easy to use app. The downside, they do push certain products but are very clear in their disclaimer. No shady business that I’ve seen so far.

The positive to both is that they provide a list of ingredients.

Queue *dancing*

Just one hop skip jump around either site to find research on specific ingredients.

Talk Dirty even provides links to all of their sources. It’s a one and done deal, something that only the EWG website offers. The EWG app provides the list of ingredients but nothing more.

Now if you need something quicker, each site provides a ranking of the ingredients. I would take that with a grain of salt. These can be misleading with certain chemicals because neither company takes into account the amount of the ingredient in the product. Ingredients known to cause allergic reactions can also be ranked higher though there is nothing dangerous about them. But still, using these sites will get you going in the right direction. It might even help you think before you pick up that next bottle of shampoo. Take a moment, search and see what the results show.

Have another site you love or thoughts on the ones above? Let me know in the comments! I love learning all the different options out there.

Love Kait

"Sam's Theory" Book Review

This book is by a brand new author.

I’m not going to hide that fact.

Five pages in and you can tell, formal training is lacking and there are quite a few errors. But what might be lacking in technical is made up ten-fold in this thought out healing story that I think a part of us all needs to hear. You don’t read this story for well-done craft. You don’t read it for the plot twists or the thoughtfully constructed prose. You read it for the profound messages and amazing insights that have been gifted within the pages.

I don’t know how she did it, but Sarah Mendivel created a story in a fictional world that is far from fictional.

I was balling at the end, tears gushing, blanket and boys wrapped around me in hopes of warding off all the feelings. Though the ending was a little stretched out, I didn’t want it to be over.

Sam and I aren’t too different. Things have happened and we’ve both been scarred by our pasts. The truth and psychological wisdom that Mendivel imparts is profound and breathtaking. I was on that journey with Sam, I was delving into the realm of healing and growth. I want every kid who has ever struggled in life to read this book. We’re so much more than the actions of others. We’re more than the words said to us by parents, guardians, teachers, trusted friends, or loved ones. I’ve proven it in my life and I feel that all children should know that they have the same option as well.

In many ways, this book reminded me of the Seth and Sarah stories that I read as a kid. A story full of adventure where you don't realize learning is in every word written. What makes this book so well done is that you can gain a lot of insight no matter your age. 

Theory is a friend to all. We see this early in the story. A fact that I believe Mendivel wanted us to know.

This book was a gift both physically and mentally. Sometimes things really do fall into our laps for a reason. I was given this book knowing that to compensate for it, I would need to give a review, one that would be read by the author. Not some review that doesn’t even come into the consciousness of the author. I was scared. I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to hate it and face that fact, but I’ve promised you guys honesty. Well, in truth and honesty, this book received 4 stars from me.

Thank you so much Mendivel for reaching out to me and offering your book. Thank you for sharing this story. I feel that it took a lot out of you to delve so deep and to be so honest and caring. Thank you for taking the time. I wish you all the luck in the world spreading it.

Love Kait

Giving up Chemicals: Makeup Edition

As I wrote this blog, I felt like I was walking across a worn torn battlefield, used brushes and empty bottles of foundation littering the ground.

*queue Wonder Woman Movie*

My weapons, a half used wand of mascara and compact of blush. I stand alone, waiting for others to join me in the fight as I sound the battle cry.

*Maaaaaaakkkkkkeeeeeeuuuuuuppppp*

I’m coming for ya….

So let’s talk makeup. I feel that in society, this has become a touchy topic. Either you go oh natural, letting your inner beauty shine forth, or you wear all the makeup to quote “highlight your best features”. I really don’t belong in a camp, finding my days jumping around between the two, and I don’t think there is a wrong or right answer to either option.

This blog isn’t about to wear makeup or not to wear makeup. Instead, I want to talk about what’s in those makeup products that we buy, something I was enlightened to only a few months ago. You may think “really, you just now realized that?”… All those mass marketed and mass produced brands are bad for you? Yup, because my husband saved the day simply by googling the ingredients. *Ugh, using google as a verb still gets me.*

It all started one fine day, the rain clinging to our damp jackets when we took a stroll into Ulta because I was out of mascara. I refused to go back to my favorite brand since rumors of their animal testing practices were coming to light. (I apologize for all the benefit mascara I gave as Christmas presents one year.) So there I stood, gazing upon the packaged tubes of ultra black Tarte mascara, reading their loud words of amazing results and exciting length. I picked a few, putting them down, coming to a final decision when wait…. My husband, forever on his phone in these moments turns and says “I wouldn’t do that”. “Why?” I asked, confused and wondering as to his words. Did we not have the money for this pricey $26 tube of gunk?

Nope. Curiosity led him down a rabbit hole ending in the discovery that some of the ingredients in the tube in my hand could have adverse, cancerous effects. We can’t have that now, can we?

Upon further research, I now refuse to buy Kat Von D and Tarte, two highly encouraged brands by my trusted vegan sources. From this point on, my goal is to stay below a toxicity level of 3, which some of Tarte’s products do fall into, but not a lot. Kat Von D has lipstick ranked at a toxicity ranking of 7 out of 10. Just typing that makes my skin crawl. The skin is our biggest organ, I’m sure you’ve heard this before, so I want all my products to be a zero if possible. And you don’t have to believe the ranking sites. Just google the ingredients yourself and you’ll come to the same conclusion.

Now, let’s look at the common brands. CoverGirl, a widely accessible brand that many use, averages out in the 7s. Revlon, another brand that is found in every store, ranges from 7 all the way up to 9. People get away with selling this stuff? I want to support a brand that pushes natural clean makeup. And who knows if the so-called ‘safe’ chemicals don’t come back in the future classified as deadly?

Sadly, the age of trusting companies is gone, though I doubt we ever could since the mom and pop shops of yesteryear have died out. All they want is a quick buck, large profits, and consumers begging for more. So, will you take the pledge with me and start going chemical free? Take a moment, look into what you’ve been using, you might be overall shocked.

But don’t rush right now and throw everything you have away. I’m not. Just stop for a moment before you buy that next lipstick or foundation, look into something new, or better yet, check back here. As I find new brands I like, I’ll do a blog on them to let you know how I’m faring in this new realm of chemical free makeup.

Already have a brand that you know and love? Comment below and let me know. I would love the insight.

Love Kait

"The Glass Castle" Book Review

Whew…..

I finally knocked off one of those books. You know that book… the book that sits on your to be read list for ages. Every time your eye flicks across it you feel a little guilty for not getting to it yet. With this book, my story starts like a cautionary tale. I went to the library….

Do you guys remember when I made that mistake with "The Good Girl"?

Good news! This one doesn’t end with an ‘ugh, why did I do that’.

So what’s my overall take? I don’t want to go into depth about this book. It’s a memoir. I can’t complain that the story had plot problems, the characters weren't developed or that the overall premise is overdone - all items, by the way, that aren’t true. This is a person's real-life story. I would hope that, as Walls developed this story, she used the knowledge she had of the characters to assume the best possible version. I know that not all of it is word for word fact. Who remembers what was exactly said when they were five?

And this is why I won’t be reviewing many memoirs. I also don’t read a lot of them. The only time is when they make it onto my philosopher kings list. But, somehow, this one ended up on my list and into my line of sight.

I do wonder why. Was I meant to find this one? Was it supposed to give me a lift in mood and spirit that has been a little down the last week? When I read the synopsis, it made me think it would be a real life retelling of my all time favorite movie Captain Fantastic. Was it? Nope. This was far different. A darker tale of pain, abuse, heartache, and one child’s ability to overcome it all and tackle the world.

Do you want to see a different view of this world? Do you really want to see how the American dream works? Then I say give this a try. I have my choice words about this America that we live in, but the point of America that is dear to my heart is the ability for a person, no matter where they are from, to work hard and become what they want in life. This is the story to prove that point.

Some moments can seem dry. There are no flowery descriptions or dramatic prose. Even Walls states facts about her decisions like they are just that, decisions, made and then followed through. Not at all surprising since Walls’ main career is reporting and journalism.

There are times I wonder if people forget that determination, persistence and hard work can pay off. We can ultimately change our story. Sitting still in our current situation will not make the change. So, if you need a boost of inspiration, and don’t mind a read on the drier side, I say pick this one up. I’m very motivated after mine.

And I promise that after my next book review, I’ll go back to some fun books. I can already tell that my current read is going to bring the tears and lead to another philosophical post.

Love Kait

One Year Later

My journey has come so far. I was just that kid, no future, no hope of ever making it past the front door of my own house, to now, 3000 miles away with a college degree and knowledge that I can kick ass. But that has only gotten me so far. Emotions are back, deep dark ones. Family drama and abuse have begun again, even from those I thought were really family. And now I want to change everything. For what? Hope that life isn’t this nine to five death trap where one day you wake up and boom, one-way ticket down under (and I’m not talking the kind with the fury kangaroos).

So we’ve come here to Seattle. Over one year in and I would hope to be somewhere different. Eyes wide, dreams fulfilled, and pockets full of dough. Nope. Still here on my couch, just broke down crying not five minutes ago. In the darkest reaches this trip has taken me, I feel that I’ve finally started to bloodily crawl myself out of the hole. Then yesterday happens. My hand catches a loose bit of soil, and I’m back at the bottom of the chasm.

But instead of feeling defeated by it, I can still make out that light at the top.

So why am I sharing all of this? I feel that the budding generation of late 20 somethings is breaking down and hitting walls. Instead of the drones of our parent’s day, we’re alive with thoughts, feelings, and a driven passion for something else. Yet, the world hasn’t changed with us. Only a select few have gotten through and are living their dreams, but so many are still stuck dying a little inside every day. I was one of these, stuck beneath the fluorescent lights, spurred on by a generation who thought they knew what was right or wrong.

I’m not blaming them for this, but if you go back to the beginning, they were the ones that told us to believe in fairy dust and when we take it past our childhood and into the real world, they tell us we’re crazy. Still I want to turn to them and say “I believe.”  I believe that we can be something else. Strike social change, kill the social construct of the working life, and move forward with love and caring for all humanity.

I want you to know that you are not alone. Those feelings burrowing into your soul, leaving scars from their scratches, are the truth. There’s better. We can’t stick to this rut. We must break free because life isn’t just sitting here, making the bare minimum that some schmuck upstairs deems as our worth.  No!  We are human which means we are worth so much more.

This isn’t an easy change. I’m here a year later and no further along. It took me this past year to just get my mind straight. To realize that I can’t walk that line anymore. To filter and clean out my heart, letting in the love and wants that I really need. I’ve fought through the voices playing havoc in my mind. I’ve fought through the looks, the abuse of the ones I trusted most. I’ve made a stink and people run from it. But I fight because when I go down under, I want to know that I loved and lived. So let’s just keep fighting. Maybe someday together we can show the world that the point of life is living.

Love Kait

"The Cruel Prince" Book Review

I really…. really…. really wanted to like this book.

End result, I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe it was my fault, not really in the mood for something of this genre, or maybe it wasn’t the type to catch my attention. I just don’t have much of a comment. You ask and I’ll probably just shrug my shoulders. I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it, which is why it ended up being 3 stars on Goodreads. Here’s the kicker though, I’m going to read the next book.

*Shock*

*Gasp*

Right!?!?!?

A few comments that I do have. I want to start by prefacing that this is my first Holly Black book. For years I’ve been out of the YA genre. Not on purpose I will add, just sort of fell out of it. But now I’ve jumped right back in feet first. Listening to other souls that I trust, and hearing their feelings on this title, I’m not sure if this was a good choice for my first Black book or jaunt into the Faerie Realm.

This story is dark. I love it. We’re not talking Disney’s version of Tinker Bell with pixie dust and dreams. We’re talking dark, sinister, trickster types from old folktales. And believe me, when you read this book you need to keep that in mind. These characters are not human, their actions are not nice, and they will make you question everything about humanity. But remember, they are not human. The sinisterness and story have been compared to Game of Thrones and I can agree that it deems a few comparisons. I won’t be making them here. You know the rules.

NO SPOILERS.

Two items that annoyed me to death though, are the character dynamics and the writing. Seriously take note here, DO NOT make your readers read ‘I am’ instead of ‘I’m’. My reading flow kept breaking. Sometimes I wanted to throw the book out the window. Thank goodness this was a reading club book and I was forced to finish it up. Next time, I’m warning everyone, I won’t be able to suffer through it.

And here I go on another rant about characters. They make a story though. Tell me one of your favorites that doesn’t include a beloved character? I can wait….

I don’t hate Jude, I just wanted to shake her a few times and tell her to get her life together. I mean, she had so many opportunities to get out of her situation and she chose not to. I know that’s part of the story, but the reasoning behind it just wasn’t believable. Instead her character turned into more of a masochist.

Conclusion, the prologue and the epilogue where superb and awe defining, the center just a bit of moldy cheese; you pick off the bad parts and enjoy the good parts. There were a few. I wasn’t bored the entire time. But with how strong that opening was, the wind was seriously let out of my sails when I started chapter 1. But ugh….. Black pulled a turn around with that epilogue. Now I have to know what happens. I really hope that you like this story if you are a Holly Black fan. I might give another one of her stories a try before I give up.