Moon and Coffee

books, travel, nursing, and all of life's in-betweens

Book Review: And I Darken (The Conqueror’s Saga #1) by Kiersten White

C+ | Enjoyable as this novel is with characters that will both annoy you and endear themselves to you and set in an interesting time period, it is hampered down by historical inaccuracies and wasted opportunities all for the sake of drama. Aside from Lada, there are no major other female characters. The other female characters that are present are either presented as nothing more than one-dimensional beings. Mehmed’s characterization is, unfortunately, another thing that pulls this story down as it completely erases the more ruthless side of him. I can’t speak about the Muslim representation here because I am not Muslim myself, so for any thoughts on how Islam was presented here, please seek out #ownvoices bloggers to get more.

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Book Review: Beyond the Shadowed Earth by Joanna Ruth Meyer

A- | If I could hold up another book as the PERFECT example of mythology and worldbuilding, I’d move Beneath the Haunting Sea to the side and hold this one higher up instead. Beyond the Shadowed Earth takes what was good about the previous standalone book in this universe and makes it better. Quite frankly, this book is far more compelling and impressive. Eda makes for a far better protagonist than Talia. The mythology and worldbuilding are much more extensive here. Still, although I liked the story overall, the ending was a bit meh and there were certain things that made it hard to suspend my disbelief.

This standalone book that’s set in the same universe as SEA, but you don’t need to read the previous book. It does help to read it so you can understand the mythology better, but this book tells Eda’s story rather than it being a continuation of Talia’s story. If you’re like me and the type of person who wants to understand the myths and how the universe works, then yes, you should read the previous book.

Make sure to read all the way through the end to get information about the giveaway!

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Flash Review: One Dark Throne (Three Dark Crowns #1) by Kendare Blake

A+ | People always talk about “second book syndrome” and I can tell you straight up? This book absolutely does not suffer from it. It is everything I had hoped for and more. This book is so good that I didn’t even notice it was midnight on January 1st because I was so enthralled. It is fast-paced and it doesn’t leave you time to breathe because there is always something happening.

I loved Katherine even more in this book. If I had to rank which queens are my favorite, it would be Katherine, Mirabella, and Arsinoe. They are all compelling, interesting characters, but I think that Katherine has become the most interesting one. She is ruthless, out for blood, and I gotta say, I’m looking forward to seeing what the next with her (& her sisters, of course, but mostly Katherine).

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Flash Review: Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1) by Kendare Blake

B+ | This is what I can an introductory book. It sets up the stage for the chaos, drama, and madness that is (hopefully) to come. We get to meet the three sister queens, Katherine, Mirabella, and Arsinoe. Long story short, they’re goddess appointed with abilities and need to kill each other for the crown.

Although this book started out really slow, once you get to the middle portion of the book, things pick up and become much more exciting. It’s well worth pushing through the first half of the book to get to the good stuff. I absolutely will be continuing with this series.

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Book Review: Beneath the Haunting Sea (Beneath the Haunting Sea #1) by Joanna Ruth Meyer

A-/B+ | If there’s one book I can hold up as the PERFECT example of how to do mythology, this is that book. The mythology within this gothic book is stunning. And the worldbuilding? chef kiss. You guys know how much I adore excellent worldbuilding. This rich mythology and worldbuilding are wrapped up nicely with a super exciting (but not so well-paced) plot and characters you want to strangle and hug. Unfortunately, this doesn’t get a perfect grade because of it’s pacing and unnatural, forced romance. Nonetheless, the ending was satisfying and well worth the less cool parts.

Minor spoilers below.

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Flash Review: Frozen 2: Forest of Shadows by Kamilla Benko

A | Not gonna lie, I did a double-take reading this book. I had to check whether this was middle grade or YA. But in any case, this book was fantastic. Kamilla captured Anna’s voice so well because she doesn’t erase Anna’s insecurities and we see Anna flourish in the book. I love how we get more of Anna and Elsa’s childhood here along with worldbuilding for Arendelle. Since I had seen the movie first, I think that this book gives the sequel even more flavor (& I thought Frozen 2 was very much a lush and gorgeous movie). But the information we get in this book about Anna and Elsa’s childhood as well as on their mother adds so much to Iduna’s character.

I loved this book. It was a quick read for me, but definitely, for young readers (aka the intended audience), this may take them a few days. But wow, is it worth a read.

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Book Review: The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch #1) by Rin Chupeco

A+/A | A mesmerizing, rich foundational novel dedicated to worldbuilding an introducing the characters, Rin Chupeco’s The Bone Witch envelops you in Tea’s world, in Tea’s story, and in Tea herself. It lays the groundwork through the intricate worldbuilding and to the characters that live and thrive in the world. It is almost like a villain’s origin story — focused solely on establishing who Tea is, the world around her, the people around her, and the magic she wields. Despite there being no plot, this is moot when compared to just how masterfully Rin builds up this world and hooks you to it and its stories.

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Book Review: The Never Tilting World (The Never Tilting World #1) by Rin Chupeco

A- | A lush, enthralling fantasy novel with world building to absolutely die for, compelling characters with distinctive voices and an intriguing plot with mysteries that leave you wanting more, The Never Tilting World refused to let me go until I finished the entire book. Rin Chupeco’s writing, story development, and worldbuilding get better and better with every book she writes.

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