Posted on by bookreviews628

He was mine to protect. Mine to adore. Mine to lose forever: Reviewing Sweet Obsession (Book 8 of the Dark Olympus series) by Katee Robert

Hi everyone! I hope you are all still doing well. I don’t intend to keep you waiting much longer for reviews. I’m going to keep cranking them out. I’m debating giving my review of Dune, or at least sharing my thoughts on it. I think “reviewing” such a widely regarded book is a little unnecessary, but I think some of you might be interested in knowing whether it is worth reading or not. That is a topic for a different day, though. If you’re interested, feel free to read my reviews of the previous books in the Dark Olympus series. Now, let’s talk about Sweet Obsession.

Content Warning: Explicit Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence, Discussions of Abuse

Olympus is officially under attack by Circe and her armada of ships. That, however, is the least of Icarus’ worries. He dared to take a chance and fell right into the hands of the enemy. He didn’t mess with just anyone, though. Icarus is now captive to Poseidon, whom he finds to be frustratingly handsome. Poseidon is just trying to keep his crew safe and stop Circe’s attack, but he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Icarus’ charm and mysteriousness. The two find themselves being drawn closer together as they are forced to cooperate to stop Circe. Poseidon and Icarus are forced to reexamine their relationship and decide if their allegiances lie with each other or with their respective legacies.

Sweet Obsession is Katee Robert doing what Katee Robert does best: providing fun drama and steamy romance that keeps me coming back for more. While I do enjoy Katee Robert’s Greek myth series, my only gripe is that this is the only one that isn’t based on any particular myth like the previous books. In Greek mythology, Poseidon and Icarus never interact unless you count Icarus falling into the sea. It’s a little bit of a stretch, but maybe Katee Robert was going for something with that. I digress. Sweet Obsession had my favorite romance by far, mostly because the dynamic was a bit unexpected. Katee Robert, though, continues to create surprisingly believable romances that aren’t just “insta-love” or one character basically falling in love because the plot says so. That is why it’s all the more satisfying when the relationships end up working out, regardless of the challenges. The obstacles don’t go away, but the characters actually work through them. In a world where a lot of “dark romance” means that the characters are weirdly abusive to each other, and that’s somehow deemed to be love, Katee Robert’s books are a breath of fresh air. That is what keeps me coming back. With that all being said, if you want some steamy scenes and juicy drama (without any of the icks), then I’m going to continue to recommend the Dark Olympus series.

Posted on by bookreviews628

May you have the courage someday to walk away. And the wisdom to recognize that day when it arrives: Reviewing Wind and Truth (Book 5 of The Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson

Hi everyone! I apologize for my prolonged absence. This book was mostly that reason because I decided to buckle down and finish the darned thing. Before you read this review, feel free to check out my other reviews of Brandon Sanderson’s novels. I have started the second arc of the Mistborn Saga, and I am excited to review that one much sooner than later, along with a bunch of other books that I am already excited to talk about. Enough with my yammering. Let’s (finally) talk about Wind and Truth.

Content Warning: Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Intense Battle Scenes

In ten days, Dalinar Kholin must face the evil god Odium. While Dalinar does his best to prepare, Oduim’s forces continue to wreak havoc across the lands. Adolin Kholin fights in Azir, Sigzil holds the Shattered Plains, and Jasnah continues her negotiations in Thaylenah City. In Shinovar, Szeth seeks to break the hold of the Unmade of his homeland. Kaladin, accompanying Szeth, must continue to fight his inner darkness while facing off against an insane Herald named Ishar. In another world, Shallan is forced to face her past while Renarin and Rlain try to unlock the secrets of the Unmade. Navani hopes to find an advantage against Odium and stop him. In ten days, the fate of the cosmere will be decided once and for all.

Wow. This entry into The Stormlight Archive was the most intense and existential thus far. So much happened, and I feel like I haven’t processed the other four books in this series. With all of that being said, I am still deeply impressed with Brandon Sanderson’s intricate storytelling and his deep care for this particular story. Despite the sadder parts of the book, there was still an underlying message about the power of optimism and resiliency in the face of internal and external obstacles. The tragedy in this novel didn’t exist for the sake of tragedy, nor did the triumph exist because that is what a story should call for. It is rare to find such purposeful writing in a book series that is comprised mostly of intense battle scenes and an interesting magic system. In case you can’t tell, I am still very much enjoying this series. I was shocked, needless to say, when I learned that Mr. Sanderson has FIVE more books planned for The Stormlight Archive. I’m hooked on this series, and I think you should get yourself hooked too.

Posted on by bookreviews628

Don’t do what you can’t undo, until you’ve considered what you can’t do once you’ve done it: Reviewing Assassin’s Apprentice (Book 1 of the Farseer Trilogy) by Robin Hobb

Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying your summer and surviving the heatwave. I still have an obscene amount of books to read and am reading more than my brain can handle at times. Still, I am having fun and enjoying everything so far. Summer just feels like the best time to read, but that is my humble opinion. I shall not ramble on when I haven’t posted here in quite some time. Let’s talk about Assassin’s Apprentice.

Content Warning: Violence, Some Descriptions of Graphic Injuries, Animal Death

Fitz is a young boy with no memory of his past. The only thing he knows is that he is the bastard son of Prince Chivalry. One day, he is presented to his grandfather King Shrewd, who decides he has use for the boy. He sends Fitz to be raised by Chivarly’s stable keeper until the boy comes of age. King Shrewd reveals to Fitz that he bears the Skill, a magical talent that only runs in royal blood. Fitz is sent to an eccentric tutor to hone his Skill and eventually become the king’s assassin. While Fitz is training, raiders start to lay siege upon the kingdom. Fitz is sent on a mission that will save the kingdom, but may be his last order from the king.

Assassin’s Apprentice was equal parts adventure, fantasy, and tragedy. Robin Hobb creates a steady narrative filled with political intrigue and fascinating world-building. The tension and tragedy of the novel make it all the more shocking and thrilling with each page. There were, admittedly, parts that dragged on a bit for me, but it wasn’t so slow-paced that I became annoyed or bored. If anything, it made me appreciate Hobb’s attention to detail as she balances her world-building and character development. All in all, Assassin’s Apprentice is an exciting high-fantasy novel that feels entirely unlike anything else.