Upon Further Review - A Court of Mist and Fury

Upon Further Review is an original feature here at Somewhere Only We Know. I have always loved re-reading my favorite books, and I wanted a way to incorporate re-reading into my blog. Thus From the Ashes and Upon Further Review were born. From the Ashes is where I re-read a book that I have never reviewed before and finally review it. Upon Further Review is where I re-read a book that I've already reviewed and see if my original rating stands or not. This is also the time for me to discuss any new revelations that my latest re-read has brought to my attention.

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 2)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: May 3rd 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

626 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Since finishing A Court of Thorns and Roses for a second time, I could not fathom not reading A Court of Mist and Fury given what I know is to come. This book has perhaps the best reveal in any book or series I've ever read. I mean this rivals the Snape reveal from Harry Potter and truthfully might be even better. Seriously! I knew immediately that I needed to re-read this reveal. I couldn't wait to see how each piece fit since I knew what was going to happen from my previous read through. And it was just as good the second time through as it was the first.

I went back and read my original review. In it, I complained about the first 30% being slow for me because of the negative place Feyre was in. This time it didn't bother me at all because I knew where things were heading and why those events needed to take place. I also mentioned feeling like I was on a rollercoaster the first time through, but of course, that also wasn't an issue for a re-read since again I already knew what was going to happen.

I did spend this re-read focusing a good bit more on the side characters. Or well pay attention to their stories. Because even though we learn more about each of them, the series ends in a way that there are open storylines for each and every side character. I can't wait for more of their stories. Az, Cassian, Elaine, and Nesta. Those were my favorite side characters. I still need more.

I mentioned the big reveal already but this book has one of the single best relationship builds I've ever read as well. Feyre specifically goes through such a vast transformation from the beginning of A Court of Thorns and Roses to the end of this book. The emotional and mental connection is so deep and the foundation so solid that I wish many other authors would take note of how to build a relationship the right way. Rhys is revealed in just the right amount at the right time. Piece by piece.

I did find myself annoyed yet again with the ending of A Court of Mist and Fury. The crew went into a mission with too little planning and relying on too much luck. Lots happened and left several of the characters in peril. Ultimately, I again understand why Sarah J Maas chose this path since I've read the series before, but I still felt angry about the events. Just the fact that I could feel so strongly about a book I've read before says a lot.

Favorite (non-spoiler) quotes from my re-read:

-“There are a great many things that I wish to do, and don’t get to.”

-Lucien had come to patch me up a few times, but no one risked quite so much in keeping me not only alive, but as mentally intact as I could be considering the circumstances. Just as he’d been doing these past few weeks— taunting and teasing me to keep the hollowness at bay. Just as he was doing now.

-“To the people who look at the stars and wish...”

-“To the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered.”

I can't believe I ever considered giving A Court of Mist and Fury anything but 5 Stars. This book is by far my favorite of the series. It has one of my all-time favorite relationship build-ups and reveals of any book I've ever read. Re-reading this book was not an option. It was a MUST. And I felt just as much the second time through as I did the first. Tears pricked my eyes. Anger filled my belly. 5 Stars! Have you read A Court of Mist and Fury? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Can't Wait for Beguiled

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Beguiled (Betwixt & Between, # 3)

By: Darynda Jones

Expected Publication: February 15th 2021 by Feather & Leaf, LLC

? pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Newly indoctrinated witch, and a charmling to boot, Defiance Dayne discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially since one neighbor is trying to seduce her, another neighbor is trying to steal her house out from under her, and a third neighbor is trying to get her kicked off the planet. Oh for three, but things start to look up when a new witch moves to town, one who says she’s been sent to thwart an attempt on the charmling’s life.

Dephne decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF, Annette, the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not.

None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent to kill her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Ten Book Covers for Fall

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Fall Book Covers.

1. The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson
2. Line by Line (Love Along the Wires, # 1) by Jennifer Delamere
3. Wild at Heart (Wild, # 2) by KA Tucker
4. Fable (Fable, # 1) by Adrienne Young
5. Moment of Truth by Kasie West
6. Vow of Thieves (Dance with Thieves, # 2) by Mary E Pearson
7. The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel
8. Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 3) by Jennifer Anne Davis
9. Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett
10. A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram, # 1) by Darynda Jones

What are your favorite book quotes? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Vow of Thieves

Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves, # 2)

By: Mary E Pearson

Publication: August 6th 2019 by Henry Holt

480 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.

I've been looking forward to Vow of Thieves since finishing Dance of Thieves in 2018. I wasn't approved for a review copy of Vow of Thieves and this really contributed to how long it took for me to get my hands on this book. Review books take priority for me, so I absolutely love when my review books and books I've been stalking align. However, that wasn't meant to be for this one. And the more time goes by, the less I remember about the details of the prior book. So it took me much longer than I hoped to feel like I knew what was going on. Or at least to remember who characters were from the first book.

I say it all the time, but my favorite part of reading books is the relationships. Mostly the romantic relationships. And the plot and all of that good stuff take a backseat for me, although I do hope that's good too. So when Kazi and Jase were separated early on in Vow of Thieves, I was a little disappointed. Although, this did produce the anticipation of their reunion. I just love their relationship though.

I loved how Vow of Thieves felt like it had an entirely new plot from book 1, yet all of the pieces of Vow of Thieves were set up in Dance of Thieves. Plots like these impress me so much. I appreciate when all of the pieces fit together in a way that shows a cohesive plan from the beginning.

The side characters of this series are some of my favorites. Mary E Pearson does a great job getting you to care about characters that may have the smallest roles. Even some of the characters we once hated are written in a way that you can end up rooting for them. And on top of all of that, I want to know more about these characters. Wren, Synove & Mason, and Paxton and Priya. I need to know what lies ahead for them.

Favorite quote:

-I’m sorry. An apology from Death? Now I knew. Worse things than dying still lay ahead for me.

Vow of Thieves was a great wrap up to the duology. I love the characters. I love their relationships. I want more. The plot was great. I really can't say that I had any complaints. Vow of Thieves gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Vow of Thieves? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 10/4/20

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Another busy week! Kids are still enjoying school. And I've been filling up the hours when they're gone with tons of chores and tasks. Tuesday was rainy but we still played out on the patio for a while. I had another doctor's appointment on Thursday. Baby seems to be doing well. I didn't have an ultrasound this week, but we did listen to his heartbeat. The kids and I spent the rest of the day at my mom's house. Friday I had to run to the grocery store. Seems like I'm having to go in more and more lately. I needed to pick up some invitations for Little Girl's birthday party coming up. I sold a batch of clothes to a friend and she came to pick it up. I finished tagging my clothes to take to consignment next week. Saturday was my dad's birthday. We traveled to Gulf Shores to celebrate my niece's birthday and my dad's birthday. That was a fun day, but we spent a lot of time in the car. The kids did well all things considered. I started feeling some pain from the side of my stomach that goes all the way down to my leg. Husband researched on old Google, and we're thinking Baby might be pressing on my femoral nerve. It didn't start happening until after my doctor's appointment, so I didn't get a chance to ask her about it. I'm hoping most of that is due to just being in the car for so long at one time.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker (4.5 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Book Quotes from 2020
Wednesday: September 2020 EOM Wrap Up
Thursday: All Things Halloween Review of Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 3) by Jennifer Anne Davis (4 Stars)
Friday: All Things Halloween Review of The Evil Queen (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, # 1) by Gena Showalter (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves, # 2) by Mary E Pearson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: All Things Halloween & Upon Further Review of A Court of Misty and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 2) by Sarah J Maas
Friday: All Things Halloween Review of The Glass Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil, # 2) by Gena Showalter

My annual "All Things Halloween" event started last Tuesday. This is my month-long event where I feature reviews from Halloween-y genres (fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi, horror, mystery, thriller, and suspense). Over the last few years I've had mostly fantasy books as I just haven't been in the mood for much horror, but still...these are books that can get you in the mood for Halloween.

Don’t forget to link up for the 2020 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2020 to sing up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bewitched (Betwixt & Between, # 2)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: September 15th 2020 by Feather & Leaf, LLC

247 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural, Witches

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Forty-something Defiance Dayne only recently discovered she comes from a long line of powerful witches. Added to that was the teensy, infinitesimal fact that she is what’s called a charmling. One of three on the entire planet. And there are other witches who will stop at nothing to steal her immense power, which would basically involve her unfortunate and untimely death.

No one told her life after forty would mean having to learn new lifeskills—such as how to dodge supernatural assassins while casting from a moving vehicle—or that the sexiest man alive would be living in her basement.

Whoever said life begins at forty was clearly a master of the underappreciated and oft maligned understatement.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!