Stormlings | A Stormheart Playlist

If you haven’t started The Stormheart series yet, you should! I’m getting so hyped for the release of Rage (book 2) and just finished a re-read of book 1, Roar, so decided to create a playlist for Aurora and all the different storms they face throughout the series. If you could be any type of weather, what would you be? What song would you use to describe yourself?

The Breakdown

I decided to pull together songs that reminded me of certain characters like Aurora, our princess turned storm hunter, but also songs that just gave of a “stormy” vibe. Check out some of my faves below, and why I chose them!

Come Clean, Hilary Duff

This song definitely screams Aurora at the beginning of Roar. She’s naive, secluded, and just wants to start fresh away from her mom and all the expectations that have been set for her. 

Notable Lyrics: “Let the rain fall down, and wake my dreams
Let it wash away my sanity. ‘Cause I wanna feel the thunder. I wanna scream
Let the rain fall down. I’m coming clean”

Thunder, Imagine Dragons

This song reminds me of the entire storm hunter crew that Aurora joins, but especially Locke. They all dream of bigger and better things, and use their powers to get what they want. Also, it’s a song about being like thunder, so if that doesn’t fit the bill, I don’t know what does.

Notable Lyrics: “I was dreaming of bigger things
And wanna leave my own life behind…
I was lightning before the thunder”

Roar, Kary Perry

If there ever was a theme song for Roar, it’s this. She goes from damsel to outright fighter/survivor by the end of book 1. And she is back and ready to fight for her kingdom.

Notable Lyrics: “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Jacin Clay | A Lunar Chronicles Playlist

I’m back at it with another Lunar Chronicles playlist! This time, I’m featuring everyone’s favorite emo, Lunar Soldier Boy – Jacin Clay. If you’re looking playlists inspired by some of the other Lunar Chronicles characters, you can find them here.

The Breakdown

Jacin Clay is DEFINITION emo boy. He wears his hair in a pony, has a spiky attitude toward everyone, and has a secret soft side only for Winter. So, you can imagine that all his songs are based on my love of emos. Seriously, if you are an emo kid, let’s be friends.

“Know Your Enemy” – Green Day

All Jacin wants to do is protect Winter. And he will literally do whatever it takes, even working with people he doesn’t like – or betraying people he might.

Notable Lyrics: “Bringing on the fury
The choir infantry
Revolt against the honor to obey”

Vindicated, Dashboard Confessional

Every emo boy’s anthem. That is all.

Notable Lyrics: “Vindicated. I am selfish. I am wrong
I am right, I swear I’m right. Swear I knew it all along and
I am flawed, but I am cleaning up so well
I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself”

She’s Out of Her Mind, Blink 182

OKAY – I seriously think there are tons of celebs out there who are writing songs specifically for TLC, because hello, Jacin is LIT-ER-AL-LY in love with a girl who is out of her mind.

Notable Lyrics: “I’m in deep with this girl but she’s out of her mind.”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Elias Veturius | An Ember Playlist

Do you like fantasy-Rome settings? What about hottie warrior heroes with major mommy issues? Gods, Goddesses, Faeries, and other mythical creatures? Strong-willed heroines with a knack for starting wars? Well…then you should read Sabaa Tahir’s Ember series. The first three books are out now and I binged them within a week. They slowly ripped my heart to pieces and I loved every minute of it.

So, leading into the actual topic of today’s blog – Elias Veturius! He’s been added to my book boyfriends list because he manages to be a f*ckboi while attempting to save the world from total annihilation and it Just. Works. 

The Breakdown

Per my previous mention, Elias is a stone-cold killer with some deep internal struggles about what it means to be good vs. evil, do right vs. wrong. He’s the ultimate EMO kid and I couldn’t resist putting together a playlist that spoke to my dark emo soul. High School Devon was rejoicing with all these song picks and fell in love with her emo soulmate even more.

“Screaming Bloody Murder” – Sum 41

Sabaa posted this to her Insta stories a bit back, stating that it was an Elias song, and it inspired this entire playlist. She validated that he is indeed an emo f*ckboi and I couldn’t resist including it because it’s now canon – and also is Elias’s theme song.

Notable Lyrics: “I’m not quite myself these days
Guess we all come undone
Time to time, in different ways
Well, I have myself to blame
Guess I don’t understand
I need help in many ways”

Blood Red Summer, Coheed and Cambria

Coheed and Cambria has an anthem for every emo kid, and Blood Red Summer is def an Elias pick. He kills people, is good and it, doesn’t know why and wonders if he’s destined to walk amongst the shadows forever.

Notable Lyrics: “In a pain that buckles out your knees
Could you stop this if I plead (you got it, you got it, you got it)
So destined I am to walk among the dark
A child…“

The End, My Chemical Romance

I’m just gonna leave this here because SABBA WHY WOULD YOU END BOOK 3 LIKE THAT.  😭

Notable Lyrics: “If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see
You can find out firsthand what it’s like to be me
So gather ’round piggies and kiss this goodbye
I’d encourage your smiles I’ll expect you won’t cry”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Thoughts On…| 80 Thoughts I Had While Reading Kingsbane

Friends, I just finished reading Kingsbane, the second book in the Empirium Trilogy, and

OH.MY.GOSH. I HAVE ALL THE FEELS. I’m continuing my “Thoughts On” series that I started with Furyborn because I physically cannot write an actual review. All you need to know is this book will hurt you BADLY and that you will want it all because it is UH-MAZ-ING.

*THERE WILL BE SPOILERS* because I’m using this as a hardcore, much needed therapy sesh (it was that traumatizing). SO, continue on at your own risk. If you haven’t read this series, please come back when you’re caught up so you can join the support group with me Kal – @Reader Voracious and Jess – @Fiction No Chaser. We need more brains to collaborate with on theories!

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1. SIMON. Seeing 8 year old baby Simon is breaking my heart 😭

2. I’m only on page 6 and I have questions. Who is the prophet? Do I know them? Probably…but who is it?!

3. Rielle laid out because she’s on her period is like the most relatable thing I’ve ever read.

4. “Nothing is more suitable than cake when you’ve been traveling for a month and your body feels like bruised mush.” Lololol yes.

5. “My light and my life.” OMG AUDRIC.

6. The sun guard – 7 women strong…YES. So much yes.

7. THANK GOD Eliana isn’t healing anymore. I was worried for a hot minute. (Cause like, that woulda been a half-angel baby and I would NOT have been okay with that.)

8. Not Navi 😭

9. If I were Rielle, I’d be pissed that Lu is always right and I’m always wrong. But that’s none of my business.

10. Rielle, you are making it SO hard to like you right now.

11. Eliana saying her dress is too fine and fussy is me whenever I need to dress up and/or be profesh.

13. Eliana threatening to not save Commander what’s-his-name’s sorry ass the next time danger comes is a MOOD.

14. “Coming from you, a paragon of manners and etiquette, that means almost nothing.” LOL Zahra I am living for this SASS.

15. OMG Rielle is like ELSA.

16. Rielle’s moods are honestly so relatable and now I know I could never be trusted to be a diplomat.

17. RIELLE, your Slytherin is getting too much into Draco territory and I DO NOT APPRECIATE IT.

18. WTF IS THIS PLOT TWIST. They were LYING to the angels THIS WHOLE TIME? Vengeance seems like the only option at this point.

19. So many Supernatural vibes! Zahra = Castiel, Angels hate humans for being “better”.

20. Also, why does it make me so happy that there are different worlds “beyond the fold” THE ANGELS NEED TO FIND THE HOME THEY DESERVE.

21. Rielle throwing a temper tantrum and throwing herself at the gate caused my eyes to roll so hard they almost got stuck.

22. ALSO HOW DARE YOU TRAP ATHERIA. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN.

23. If this gate isn’t like Ganon being trapped in the void by the mages idk what is.

24. I’m literally starting a Zelda Game. A mix between Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. I’m here for this. ZOMG.

25. Jodoc is out here spitting truth bombs about Rielle instead of coddling her and I RESPECT THIS.

26. Eliana lives without magic her whole life and automatically knows how to fix her issues. Rielle lives in a world with magic her whole life and NO ONE THINKS OF THIS SIMPLE IDEA?

27. Corien chapters!? Yaaas.

28. Corien in a random frozen land drinking and talking to himself is Jack sparrow in Davy Jones locker

29. “Now that I’ve known a life with you by my side, I’m not sure I could bear that kind of loneliness again.” UGH, I LOVE YOU SIMON.

30. Simon: Yes my queen. Anything to please you. ME:

31. “I need your passion, and you need something steady to come home to. An anchor, warm and sunlit.” THESE ARE THE DECLARATIONS OF LOVE I NEED IN MY LIFE.

32. “Every day I love her more deeply than I did the day before.” Omg Audric. You are giving Simon a run for his money.

33. Harkan chooses NOW to be a little b*tch?

34. I NEED MORE SIMON CHAPTERS

35. “We will be there, with our army if strays, and we will be at her side, and we will not let her fall.” #Navi2020

36. “We are the light against the darkness, and we must continue to burn brightly, so others may find their way out.”

37. I’m so pissed at Harkan. I knew I didn’t like him.

38. Eliana talking about leading her life the way she sees fit and not having a man chose for her is a MOOD.

39. 👏🏼Corien👏🏼 Is👏🏼Using👏🏼You👏🏼 🙄🙄🙄

40. Rielle’s so conceited and I cannot with her stupidity right now.

41. Oh, all of SLUDDEN Harkan wants Eliana to use her castings even though it’s HIS fault Corien found them.

42. Simon came for her! 😭

43. Corien is BURNING people and Rielle still helps him?!

44. OMFG NOT. REMY. HOW DARE YOU.

45. SH*T IS GETTING REAL. SIMON CAN TRAVEL AGAIN 😭

46. Rielle DOESN’T DESERVE ATHERIA!

47. Simon and Eliana sleeping underneath a tree is too precious.

48. “I’m tired of bearing the burden of you alone.” YOU GO TAL.

49. SIMON AND ELIANA FINALLY HAPPENED AND OMG I LOVE THEM.

50. Corien and Lu really need some therapy sessions.

51. WHAT IS EVEN REAL AT THIS POINT?

52. OMFG AUDRIC KNOOOOWWWS. Amen to Rielle GOING DOWN.

53. Okay, so Audric and Rielle DEF need therapy too.

54. “I don’t love you…I refuse to love you.” “I know. I don’t love you either.” OMFG CUTEST AND SADDEST THING I’VE EVER READ IN MY LIFE.

55. RIELLE WHY ARE YOU SO DUMB?!

56. Rielle is the Spongebob meme. Everyone: “Rielle, Corien is trying to break you.” Rielle: “CoRiEn Is TrYiNg To BrEaK mE.”

57. WHY DOESN’T ANYONE TELL RIELLE THAT SHE IS F*CKING UP.

58. Detective Devon ON THE JOB.

60. JESSAMYN IS THAT YOU? WHERE DID YOU GO? *We are so inappropriate sometimes, but at least we’re funny.

61. How is so much supposed to happen with 100ish pages left? I’M NOT PREPARED.

62. RIELLE AND ELIANA JUST MET AND I AM LIVING BACK TO THE FUTURE. OMG.

63. Eliana just f*ucked up the timeline and I’m so confused with life. WHAT IS GOING ON?

64. Corien is such a tantrum-throwing man child. I love it.

65. Why does no one care about someone coming from THE FUTURE? Why isn’t this a bigger deal? I’m concerned.

66. The wedding just happened and I want to die happy even though I know I’m not.

67. Corien just broke Audric and why does this hurt so much?

68. This masquerade is GOING TO HELL. I should have seen it coming.

69. NO. No, no, no, no, no, no.

70. SIMON?! Are you seriously doing this to me right now?!

71. WHAT IS EVEN GOING ON RIGHT NOW?

72. THE DAD?! WTF? It’s always the offing parents. No f*cking way.
73. I just finished and I’m raging. I’VE NEVER FELT SO BETRAYED.

74. You can’t just DO THAT, Claire. I refuse to believe this is happening right now.
75. Good day. Please send your favorite books to my funeral.

76. Honestly, this is worse than if Audric would have died at the end.

77. Days later…I’m still in denial. I don’t believe this is happening right now.

78. I need to just start this series again to collect all the clues.

79. Seriously…if you want to join the mind map club PLEASE TELL ME.

80. I will never be over this. I can’t believe I was duped. #Deceased

Talk To Me

Have you read Furyborn or Kingsbane? Did you love it? Hate it? Will you be adding it to your TBR pile?

Thoughts On…| 50-Something Thoughts I Had While Reading Furyborn

Hello, from the new Devon who survived Furyborn and is currently dying while reading Kingsbane. This series is one of my new fantasy favorites, and to be honest I didn’t think I would be able to write an actual review without fangirling for four full pages, raging for another ten, and then incoherently rambling for fifteen more about the crazy plots, writing style, and characters.

So, I decided to share my live reactions instead.  This way you can all experience the emotional rollercoaster ride that was my first experience with Furyborn. Check out the below for Trello notes, some live tweets, Goodreads updates and a handful of Discord posts between me and the squad (Kal – @Reader Voracious, Jess – @Fiction No Chaser, and Loretta – @Laughing Listener)! And special shoutout for Jess for getting me to drop everything I was reading for Furyborn. It was a good decision.

* Before you start, I want to call out that there are a FEW spoiler-ish things you might see, but as long as you’re past literally page 1 of Furyborn you should be good to go. If you want to go into this story blind, come back to this at a later time! THEN, we can fangirl and rage together. For everyone else…

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1. Okay so 0 to 100 in less than 1 page and I’m here for it.

2. The Wolf is hot AF and he hasn’t even taken his mask off yet or said more than, like, one full sentence. All he’s doing is fighting…

3. What’s with the sketch poem about Lu’s family?? I don’t like her. She is too perfect? I will find her evil ways!

4. Remy is the sassiest 12 year old and I love him.

5. This timeline is going to KILL. ME.

6. “I’m just going to keep rolling my eyes until you stop talking.” – BEST. LINE.

7. Simon saying little dread does something to me.

8. This Linnet story…I can’t.

9. OMG THESE TRIALS. Am I watching the Hunger Games remix of Aang (or more like Zuko) from Avatar competing in the Tri-Wizard Tournament? 🤔

10. How is this book making me feel so many things!?!?

11. Omg Rielle is going Magneto status and I love it.

12. #DetectiveDevon on duty.

13. I FREAKING KNEW IT.

14. What does it say about me that I know this is the villain but he is super hot and I love him?

15. ‘This war has claimed the lives and bodies of too many women.” FEMINISM FOR THE MASSES.

16. Everyone in this book is hardcore slytherin and I’m here for it.

17. Have I mentioned Simon? Adding him to my book boyfriend list ASAP.

18. Of course the 12 year old is the smartest person so far.

19. OMFG shit just got REAL up in here.

20. Yup, I ship Simon and Eliana. Move along everyone else.

21. Alright, Lu. You’ve proven yourself. I don’t hate you like I thought I should. You are a true homie.

22. “Kissing involves not just one person, but two. If there is blame to be placed, it isn’t only for you to bear.” YAS QUEEN CLAIRE

23. Omg baby Simon. I can’t. So cute. #Dead

24. I want to hate Corien but I also love him. *Starts Singing*: “…I wanna hate you, ’cause I still love you…”

25. Middle of the night woke up thinking: Rielle is like the Dark Phoenix rising. And if she’s Dark Phoenix, then Eliana is low key Wolverine in the making. I’m ready.

26. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Rule #1 NEVER SEPARATE.

27. I TOTALLY FREAKING CALLED THAT.

28. Baby Simon with Audric and magical beasts warms my heart. Omg. #Dead.

29. Alright, Audric I see you. Daddy vibes going on.

30. Zahra throwing shade at Simon and saying he can’t be trusted makes me question my feelings…but only a little.

31. 100% into Zahra and her ghostly angel vibes.

32. Ludivine out her becoming the next Cinna with her trial outfits.

33. THE FIRE TRIAL. NO. TAL. WHY??

34. Did Rielle really just unknowingly DO THAT? I’m pretty sure she did and I’m pissed at her.

35. NO. NO. NO. NO.

36.  Remy is the smartest of the crew and they need to listen to him more often. HE IS THE ONLY RAVENCLAW. LET HIM TELL YOU THINGS.

37. You’ve been lying to me this whole time, Lu?!?!

38. Simon cannot catch a break. Guy needs a drink.

39. “Be still, my wicked black heart.” – ERMAHGERD SIMON.

40. There are so many words and names in this story that I know I am 100% pronouncing incorrectly. I NEED HALP. (Luckily, Loretta is listening to the audiobook. YAY, teamwork.)

41. Reading Rielle’s plot line is like watching two cars driving towards each other knowing they are going to crash…but not being able to do anything about it.

42. NAVI PLEASE BE OKAY.

43. I really need to know Simon’s story. STAT.

44. Okay, so that’s how we’re ending things…Got it.

45. I immediately started to plan a trip to the bookstore to buy Kingsbane because WTF. You can’t just end it that way.

46-50something:

CAUTION SPOILERS AHEAD READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

Talk To Me

Have you read Furyborn? Did you love it? Hate it? Will you be adding it to your TBR pile?

Winter Hayle | A Lunar Chronicles Playlist

If you love fairy tales, Disney princesses, space, or all of the above, you should definitely read The Lunar Chronicles! If your favorite princess happens to be Snow White, you’ll love Winter – the final book in The Lunar Chronicles series and the main protagonist of this book. If you’re already a fan, keep reading to see what songs remind me of this Lunar Princess. If you’re looking for some of my other playlists you can find them here.

The Breakdown

Due to *reasons* (unsaid here for anyone who hasn’t read the series yet), Winter isn’t always all there. She’s often in her own mind, saying things others find crazy, but somehow manages to make friends wherever she goes. I tried to capture this with the songs I picked for her. Check out a few of my faves below.

“Dear Winter” – AJR

So, I’m pretty sure this song was written about Winter. Is AJR secretly reading Marissa Meyer books? Do they actually know a Winter?? I need answers, but I’m glad this song exists. It was made for her.

Notable Lyrics: “Dear Winter, I hope you like your name
I hope they don’t make fun of you
When you grow up and go to school, okay?
‘Cause Winter is a badass name”

Fireflies, Owl City

Winter loves animals and for some reason (you know, since she does tend to have conversations with things in the menagerie & hallucinates) I can totally see her in her room, imagining there are ten thousand lightning bugs trying to give her hugs.

Notable Lyrics: “I’d like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay awake when I’m asleep
‘Cause everything is never as it seems”

You’re My Best Friend, Queen

Winter just wants to be friends with EVERYONE. She even gets prickly Scarlett to be her friend, and if that’s not an accomplishment, I don’t know what is.

Notable Lyrics: “You’re my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
Oh, you’re my best friend”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Book Tag | Wonderstruck

Thanks to Jess from Fiction No Chaser for tagging me in this! Do yourself a favor and check out her blog. She’s snarky and amazing and full of spoiler-free reviews!

Guidelines

• Link back to the creator (Olivia)
• Answer as many or as few of the questions as you’d like.
• Feel free to use any of the graphics in this post. 🙂
• Tag however many people you’d like at the end!

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You’re Not Sorry: A book that un-apologetically broke your heart

The ending still keeps me up at night.

Back to December: A book you still think about even after you are finished

Does Harry Potter count? Because I’m pretty sure I think about something Harry Potter related at least once a day.

If This Was a Movie: A book you really want to become a movie

I NEED THE ILLUMINAE FILES TO BE A THING STAT.

Gorgeous: A book with the most beautiful cover

The 10th Anniversary Edition of City of Bones will forever be the most amazing cover.

Shake it Off: A book that gets hate but you still love

The Red Queen series gets a lot of hate – for the characters, plot, etc. – but I love it!

Never Grow Up: A book that gives you childhood nostalgia

I started reading A Series of Unfortunate Events in elementary school and I haven’t been able to find anything better.

Sparks Fly: A book you instantly clicked with

Aurora Rising is a book I INSTANTLY fell in love with. Squad 312, Fin, Tyler, Auri, SPACE, aliens, humor. It’s totally my kind of book and I need the sequel ASAP.

Style: A classic that will never get old

The Picture of Dorian Gray is dark, moody, and I love it.

End Game: A book with romance you love

Mary E Pearson knows how to WRITE. I loved the entire Remnant Chronicles series and the romance weaved into it.

I Knew You Were Trouble: A book you couldn’t help but become obsessed with

The Raven Cycle series is one that I was instantly obsessed with. The characters, the magic, the atmosphere, the writing. It’s all so good.

Bad Blood: A book where you loved the first one and hated the sequel

I don’t think I have a series where the first book was amazing but I hated the second book, BUT I do have plenty of series where the first book was amazing and the second book didn’t live up to my expectations. One said series, Caraval. Legendary wasn’t as good as book 1 (though I still loved it).

 

Tagging

Kal | Arin | Jessica | Anyone else!

 

Cress Darnell | A Lunar Chronicles Playlist

The only way to follow up my Thorne Playlist from last week is obviously with Cress-Inspired music. Once again…let me express my love for anything related to Tangled, Rapunzel, or Flynn Rider. It’s my favorite Disney movie of all time and I. Will. Die. On. That. Hill. Rapunzel is one of the better fairy tales and I had so much fun putting this set together.

The Breakdown

Cress has been holed up in her space station, hacking her way through life. She has a bubbly personality, is incredibly shy, and only has rose-colored glasses when it comes to love, romance and her dashing hero. The songs I chose are definitely show off all of the above. See some of my favorites highlighted below!

When Will My Life Being – Mandy Moore

It would have been a crime not to include this song on Cress’s playlist. Imagine her stuck in her space station hair hacking computers, playing cheese, doing her exercises, and just being the best Rapunzel she can be.

Notable Lyrics: “And I’ll keep wonderin’ and wonderin’
And wonderin’ and wonderin’
When will my life begin?”

Be My Baby, The Ronettes

Cress is in love with Thorne and she listens to innocent, oldies loves songs daydreaming about the day she can make him hers. *SWOON*

Notable Lyrics: “The night we met I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance I’d never let you go
So won’t you say you love me”

Crescent Moon, KT Tunstall

THIS SONG. It was the closest (and most amazing) thing I could find that reminded me of her sweet crescent moon lullaby. Just listen and tear up.

Notable Lyrics: “I’m a crescent moon
Looking for a place to lay my head and settle in
Never found a refuge up there in the sky
But never thought it would be you and I

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Carswell Thorne | A Lunar Chronicles Playlist

I have seriously been neglecting my bookish playlists, so I thought I’d make a comeback and start off with one of my all time favorite f*ckboys – Thorne! He’s the cutest wannabe space pirate of the future. And, let’s be honest, I’m a sucker for anything Rapunzel, Tangled, or FLYNN RIDER related. Carswell Thorne can fly me to the moon any day.

The Breakdown

While Thorne doesn’t wear boat shoes or popped collars, he’s still the epitome of what it means to be a f*ckboy. He does his best to act hard and be the dashing, suave mystery man, but in reality he sits in his captain’s chair on the Rampion singing Taylor Swift, JoBros, Notorious BIG, and The Beastie Boys. Check out some of my fave picks and the lyrics that stand out to me!

Feel It Still, Portugal The Man

Thorne wants to be the Han Solo of the galaxy. He rebels against everyone and everything and walks to his own beat. *Swoon*

Notable Lyrics: “Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now…
Might be over now, but I feel it still”

Primadonna, MARINA

He also wants to be rich, famous, and loved by all. He knows he’s adorable & witty and definitely does want to kill everyone with his smolder. *Double Swoon*

Notable Lyrics: “Primadonna [boy], yeah
All I ever wanted was the world
I can’t help that I need it all”

Fly With Me, Jonas Brother

When Thorne finally realizes he loves Cress and wants to fly her to all the places she’s never seen before. But of course he can’t pick a normal song. It HAS to be the JoBros.

Notable Lyrics: “If it’s you and me forever
If it’s you and me right now…
If we chase the stars to lose our shadows…
So won’t you fly with me”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Review | There Are So Many Game of Thrones Vibes In A Torch Against The Night

A Torch Against The Night

By: Sabaa Tahir

Overall Rating: ★★★★

The book is narrated by Elias, Laia and now Helene. They are dealing with the aftermath of the Trials – where Elias gave up being Emperor, Laia saved Elias’s life, and Helene swore fealty to evil Emperor Marcus. Elias’s mom, the Commandant, is still evil and crazy AF. Laia’s brother is still in prison (who knows if he’s dead or alive), and the world is still going to hell. There are dead spirits roaming around, an evil god-like creature roaming around trying to get revenge, and of course the scheming for power. So, naturally, everyone splits up to do their own thing.

Theme Song

TL;DR:

If I’m being honest, Helene’s chapters were boring AF but for some reason I can’t resist her character arc – she’s amazing in her own way. 75% of this book also felt like I was watching season six of Game of Thrones. Everyone gets separated, they are all traveling/trying to make it the epic battle, and I had to wait most of the book for the crazy sh*t to go down. BUT, the wait was worth it. If you’re looking for a milder version of Game of Thrones, please read this series!

The Good

The Lore

There’s enough faerie, magic, and mythology to go around in this series. Tahir takes well-known folklore and spins a unique, refreshing world that I didn’t know I needed.

The Villains

I love when there is evil lurking in every corner of a story. Every main character is dealing with their own personal hell brought on by a different bad guy. Evil king? You got it. Evil mother? Yup, it’s there. Evil mystical/god-like creature. For sure! If there’s a way to keep me interested, it’s when I can’t figure out who the biggest threat is.

The Cliffhangers

That last page will have you like…that’s all I’m saying. The ending is the best part of book 2. You’ll want to start book 3 immediately!

The Bad

Helene, You Bore Me

I could have done without Helene as a narrator. Her loyalty is so engrained into her – mind, body and soul – and I CAN. NOT. HANDLE. IT. At one point I thought about skimming through her chapters just to get back to Elias. She’s not a bad character, she’s just…different. I love her, but I also hate her. She’s the frenemy you hope gets better (spoiler: she does…finally).

The Number One Rule IS DO NOT SPLIT UP

Why does everyone insist on splitting up to save the world? Everyone knows you STICK TOGETHER. Once Elias, Laia, and Helene are on their own, the story gets a lot slower. I wish there were more instances where the MCs were a group and there was more action, but I totally understand why it was necessary…I just wish it wasn’t.

The Ugly Truth

I loved A Torch Against The Night, but it wasn’t as good as An Ember In The Ashes. With that being said, it still holds its own and the set up is necessary for that crazy ending. It’s a solid sequel, and I wanted to start book 3 as soon as I could!

Talk To Me

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it?