Review: The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

July 1, 2022

★★★★☆ I am so happy to have finally read this book, and I am looking forward to continuing my J. R. R. Tolkien reads with the Lord of the Rings trilogy!

Full disclosure, I have attempted to read this book (and the Fellowship of the Ring) many, many times. Every time I’ve picked it up I have gotten about 20% of the way through and then given up. However, this time was different. I was looking for a new audiobook (I’m now on Scribd and I would definitely recommend it to all you audiobook lovers out there), and The Hobbit popped up on the home screen. I am so glad I decided to hit play, because this book was so wonderful (I know I am probably the very last person on earth to read this book).

I think the main thing I enjoyed about The Hobbit was the feeling that the narrator of the tale was talking right to me. The writing style was so captivating (although more so in the audiobook version for me), and it helps that the narrator, Andy Serkis, was absolutely brilliant. His Gollum is so good and very, very creepy (as it should be since he is the voice of Gollum in the movies!)

There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

I felt such a kinship with Bilbo and his conflicting desires to be on an adventure, and also be back at his cosy hobbit hole drinking tea and eating cake. I don’t think I have ever related to a character so strongly before, since I always want to be both exploring and adventuring, and also cosy and warm in the comfort of my own home. As you probably already know, Bilbo is joined by thirteen dwarves and the wizard Gandalf in his hobbit hole, and the adventure truly unfolds from there. Bilbo and his team come across goblins and elves and all sorts of magical, wondrous creatures, not to mention, the dragon Smaug. And of course, they get into all sorts of trouble and mishaps on their travels to the Mountain.

This is truly one of the most wholesome, and quite unexpected novels filled with a journey that keeps taking turns you don’t expect. If you’re like me and you’ve been putting off reading this book for no good reason, or the physical books aren’t for you, then I would definitely recommend the audiobook!

Have you read The Hobbit? Please do let me know your thoughts in the comments, or over on my Instagram @kell_read ✨✨

February Wrap Up 2022!

March 1, 2022

Wow! What a month — it has absolutely flown by and I can see my year only getting more busy! I am so thrilled that Melbourne has come alive again (and honestly, so have I). There is this buzz of excitement constantly around and it has been so infectious. I haven’t posted much on my blog this month, but I am far more active over on my Instagram so be sure to check that out if you’re after more frequent posting!

I started this month off on a little getaway to one of my favourite places in Victoria, and it was genuinely the best way I could have possibly started this month. I have been so busy since returning home — my weeks have been filled with work and brunches and dinners and little adventures with friends. We have truly been making up for all that lost time. I also started tennis lessons on a whim. I’m three lessons in and I’m thoroughly enjoying it (although I haven’t quite figured out how to aim yet!) So with all that being said, I guess it isn’t surprising that I didn’t get quite as much read this month as I did last!

In February I finished listening to The Folk of the Air series with The Queen of Nothing and How The King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories. This entire series ended up being a solid ☆☆☆.5 — I definitely enjoyed listening to them and I was certainly invested in the story but I didn’t love them. They were the perfect books to listen to though, not only was the narrator great but I think they were perfectly suited for listening rather than the physical books. I have a feeling I may not have enjoyed them as much as I did if I read the physical book — I honestly don’t know. Maybe one day I will give them another go reading the physical. Overall I was entertained with the story and the characters, although I don’t love Jude all that much and I only like Cardan more now that I’ve read the novella from his point of view. I can’t really say much at all without ruining it, but overall it’s an easy series to read, the world is rich and well developed and its an entertaining story.

Other than the two audiobooks I finished this month, I also read Queens of Jerusalem: The Women Who Dared to Rule by Medievalist Katherine Pangonis (** I was gifted the PDF of this book, but I have since gone out and purchased it myself). This book was such a brilliant read! Not only was it written in a really accessible way, but it was also incredibly enjoyable. Queens of Jerusalem focusses on the lives of the royal women who ruled in the Medieval Middle East (or Outremer) from 1099 to Saladin’s conquest of Jerusalem in 1187. These women have been consistently overshadowed by the kings and leaders of the crusades, and this book strives to change that. The women Pangonis writes of in this book are simply remarkable, what they achieve during their lives and how they work the system of Outremer politics is fascinating. A most interesting discussion that is carried through the book is the difference between having power and having authority and it made me reflect on other women in history and the balance of authority and power that they juggled with. This book will make you rethink the way modern readers and scholars approach ancient, medieval and renaissance women, and it fills the women shaped gap in Crusader history.

I still haven’t finished Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb, but I’ll just keep going with it until I do. I am also currently in the midst of reading River Kings by Cat Jarman and The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours by Gregory Nagy. I am also re-reading House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas because it has been about a year and a half since I first read it, and I remember nothing from it. I am also listening to Graceling by Kristin Cashore with I am really enjoying - plus the narrator is fantastic! Ideally in March (my birthday month, yay ✨) I will finish River Kings, Graceling and House of Earth and Blood but my new job is very reading-heavy so I have a feeling my recreational reading will drop a bit… but we shall see!

I would love to hear all about the books you read in February, so either let me know what you read and if you loved it in the comments below, or come find me over on Instagram ✨

Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

January 11, 2022

★★★☆☆.5 | audiobook | book four of 2022

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is the first book in The Folk of the Air series. The story revolves around a mortal girl named Jude who lives in the world of Faerie. When she and her twin was seven, her mother and father were killed in front of them by her mothers ex-fling and the father to their older half sister Vivienne. He was also a prominent general in the High Court of Faerie. Jude grows up as a mortal in faerie, taking classes with the rest of the faerie gentry. She sees mortals as slaves, drugged to work until exhaustion consumes their mind and body, not to mention the threats right in front of her with her faerie school fellows. As Jude fights for a spot at the High Court, she is consumed with intrigues and deceptions, trickery and bloodshed.

I’m going to be completely honest with you, I didn’t even read the blurb of this book before jumping into it. I was looking for a relatively easy read to listen to, and this one came with good recommendations. I definitely enjoyed the book but not as much as I was hoping I would. There was also something a bit weird about the narration, the volume kept fluctuating and there were some really obvious cuts in the recording, some of which I literally went back and had to listen to again to make sure I was hearing it right. That being said, the narrator did a really wonderful job.

This book starts off with a bang since their parents are literally killed in the prologue I’m pretty sure, but then nothing really happens until part two of the book. You don’t realise that the whole of Part One is basically not necessary until you get into the intensity of the second part. Jude wants to be a knight in the High Court, and her sister Taryn wants to marry a faerie, they’re both trying to fit into Faerie in different ways, but I found Jude’s character a little wishy washy. She didn't feel like a solidified character with purpose behind her actions until Part Two, when I actually started liking her. In contrast, Taryn acted exactly as I expected she would the whole time. I don’t love her character, but I guess she serves her purpose, as do many of the cruel faeries Jude comes into contact with during the course of the book.

I loved the political intrigue of the book, and how although some of it felt quite obvious, there were still events and choices that surprised me. There is a really great set of unique characters in this book which made it an overall enjoyable read, leaving you with the sense that you only know the surface of each of these characters. I have seen Cardan’s name everywhere on instagram, and so far he is definitely an intriguing character that obviously has a lot more going for him than just a drunk, broody, elite faerie who often acts cruelly (but I’m assuming thats just a front for how tortured he actually is). I really liked the rivalry and the ever brewing tension between Jude and Cardan, and I am sure this is only going to increase in intensity as I keep reading. Another part of this story I particularly liked is the Court of Shadows, and the level of intricacy in the intrigues and court politics. I hope these only grow in the next books.

I have a feeling this series is only going to improve with the next books and I am looking forward to starting the next one. Have you read this book / this series? Let me know your thoughts in the comments or over on my Instagram @kell_read ✨

Review: Vardaesia and A Very Medoran Kaldoras Novella by Lynette Noni

December 5, 2021

Vardaesia ★★★★★ // A Very Medoran Kaldoras Novella ★★★★☆

Vardaesia

In this final instalment of The Medoran Chronicles by Lynette Noni, I was expecting heartache and incredibly high stakes and sadness and that is absolutely what I got. In this YA fantasy series we have been following Alex Jennings, a 16 year old girl from Earth who finds herself in a new world, Medora. Not only that, but she was chosen by the library at the school for gifted humans, Akarnae. In Medora there are humans, and there are also a bunch of other mortal races, there are immortal races, Draekons and even more world with even more immortal beings. Suffice to say, this series has absolutely everything you could want in a YA fantasy series. The first novel is definitely focussed on Akarnae and Alex settling in to her new world, finding friends and generally getting into trouble. As the books progress though, the plot deepens, the stories get more depth the characters get more fleshed out and it stops feeling like young YA. There is battles, tests and death but there is also banter, friendships and so much to make your heart warm.

There’s not a lot I can say about this book without spoiling something from the earlier books, so I’ll keep it short. This book takes us to a new world and introduces us to a new group of immortals. The challenges are at their most deadly for Alex, Bear, Jordan, DC, Kaiden and Declan and honestly, I couldn’t stop listening to this book. I was on the edge of my seat for 75% of this story, and so many things happened that I was unprepared for. This book and this series as a whole is fantastic, and it is up there with my favourite YA books/series of all time. I will definitely be reading this series and rereading it again and again for comfort and more self-inflicted heartache.

A Very Medoran Kaldoras

A Very Medoran Kaldoras is a bonus little novella that takes place just less than a year after the end of Vardaesia, and honestly, it’s just a little extra bonus scene to give us a glimpse into our favourite characters lives and how they’re spending the Kaldoras holidays. I have to warn you though - prior to reading this I saw something on Lynette Noni’s instagram saying that she had no plans to resolve the ending of this novella, so I truly think going into this little bonus story with the knowledge that it ends in a cliff hanger helps. I enjoyed it kore knowing that there was a potentially never to be mentioned again cliff hanger at the end of it. It’s still really cute and I would recommend reading it (it’s a free ebook!)

Have you read this series? If you have, please come and chat with me over on Instagram! I cannot stop gushing about it and I want to hear who your fave character is, your fave scene and your fave book from the series! ✨

November Wrap Up 2021

December 5, 2021

Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer and December! The final month of 2021 has terrifyingly arrived, but with constant stress brought on by the fact that it’s almost 2022, it is also a festive time for love, laughter and general merriment. So, lets have a look at what I read during the second last month of 2021!

The first book I finished this month was Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, the second booking the Farseer Trilogy (find my review for Assassin’s Apprentice here). Royal Assassin follows on from the end of Assassins Apprentice in the eyes of Fitz, a bastard son to one of the late kings-in-waiting to the throne of the Six Duchies. This second instalment of the series was not only a lot longer, but quite a lot more brutal too. Just when you think Fitz has been through enough for a boy so young, yet another event puts him in the thick of things. As the Six Duchies continue to be ravaged by the Red Ships, it is also being poisoned from within which makes Fitz even less safe than before. I loved the addition of Nighteyes the wolf, and getting to know more about the Wit, and the way it is received in the community. A wonderful continuation to the series and I am looking forward to seeing how this trilogy will end!

Book two for November was the audiobook of Graevale by Lynette Noni. Graevale is book 4 of the Medoran Chronicles, a YA fantasy series that just keeps getting better with each book. To think that some people had to wait between the end of this book and the beginning of the next stresses me out - I love having every single book available for me to devour as quickly as possible. This series is like a combination of Harry Potter, Covenant and something else I can’t put my finger on in the absolute best way possible, and this one really hit me in the feels. Graevale introduces us to a number of other mortal races in Medora and gives more time to some of the teachers which I loved. The ended absolutely ripped out my heart and I genuinely had no idea what to do with myself. If this series continues to be this wonderful, it will definitely become one on my favourite YA series, and most likely a comfort series that I will read over and over again.

The next book I finished in November was Lore Olympus (volume one) by Rachel Smythe. If you’re not already familiar with Lore Olympus, it’s a webtoon that is updated weekly by Rachel and can be found for free online. This graphic novel only covers the first 25 episodes or so of the ongoing tale, but it hooked me in so quick I then couldn’t help but binge read the rest of the story for the few days following my finishing volume one. Lore Olympus is a reimagining/retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone which has unique artistic style and doesn't shy away from sensitive topics. This is a brilliant amalgamation of ancient and modern, with Olympus being a modern world, and the real world set in Ancient Greece. The graphic novel introduces all of your major Olympians (although some only feature later in the webtoon), and incorporates a number of myths and aspects of Greek mythology into the story, whilst still feeling like a brand new tale. It is truly wonderful, and I would recommend it for all lovers of Greek mythology.

The final book I finished this month was another audiobook, and that was We Three Heroes by Lynette Noni. This book is actually three novellas, one from D.C.’s point of view, one from Jordan’s perspective and one from Bear’s. It doesn’t follow on from Graevale but there were a few really important aspects from these novellas that you probably want to know about before jumping into Vardaesia (I know it’s hard but it’s worth it). I wasn’t as much of a fan of the three narrators for these stories, and D.C.’s novella was a bit repetitive and slow, but it was really redeemed with Jordan and Bear’s stories. Both of them had a lot of grief to work through, and being able to read some scenes from previous books but from their perspectives was truly wonderful, and it would be remiss of me to mention that there are SO MANY heartfelt scenes in these novellas. I literally couldn’t handle it sometimes, my emotions were all over the place! This book really got me ready for the final instalment of this series (even though I’m gonna be so sad when it’s over).

It was a tie between Lore Olympus and Graevale for my favourite read of this year, let me know what your favourite read of the month was in the comments or on my wrap up post on Instagram! ✨

Review: We Three Heroes by Lynette Noni

November 27, 2021

★★★☆☆.5 Do not read on if you haven’t read the first four books in the series! Although this won’t spoil We Three Heroes, it will spoil plot points from the first four books! If you’re thinking of skipping this before reading Vardaesia, don’t!

We Three Heroes by Lynette Nonis is book 4.5 in The Medoran Chronicles following Akarnae, Raelia, Draekora and Graevale. Once again, I’ve listened to the audiobook but I didn’t rate these narrators as much as I do the usual narrator (a reason for the lower rating since all of my ratings includes the book and my experience while reading it). Instead of following on from Graevale, We Three Heroes is comprised of three novellas, one from D.C.’s point of view, one from Jordan’s and one from Bears. I am a huge lover of multiple points of view, so getting an insight into each of these characters’ minds was such a gift! D.C.’s novella Crowns and Curses came first, and honestly, as much as I like her character, this novella is the reason I’ve rated this book less than the previous four. We get a good insight into D.C’s childhood, and why she was so unapproachable before she became friends with Alex and the boys at the end of Akarnae. I definitely enjoyed reading her character arc, and the events from her childhood that affected her time at Akarnae, but it was pretty long and became quite repetitive. Nevertheless, when her character gets to Akarnae the story picks up a bit, and you do get to understand that character a lot better, but it was definitely my least favourite novella of the three.

Jordan’s novella Scars and Silence gave me goosebumps more than once as I listened to how he deals with the absolute nightmare he had been living in. This story was raw and was focussed on Jordan’s healing process after being saved from Aven by Alex. It’s such a different experience reading some of the events we have read in previous books from the point of view of Jordan, but god this was a really lovely read. How Hunter was able to help Jordan start to deal with his experience, and the way he and D.C. worked towards becoming a couple was so beautiful, and also so heartwrenching to read. Truly a wonderful addition to the series.

The final novella Hearts and Headstones from Bear’s point of view was my favourite but also the one that was the most painful. Reading the events of Graevale from Bear’s point of view was painful - especially when you know what’s coming (if you’ve read it, you know what’s up). But, seeing a bit more of Declan was such a happy surprise, and once again, just getting to see events from previous books from the point of another character was wonderful - especially getting to learn more about how Bear was helping Fitz with his secret project. I just can’t seem to express my love for multiple POV’s but also, when authors give such loveable and dynamic supporting characters a chance to shine.

Review: Graevale by Lynette Noni

November 8, 2021

★★★★★ this book was just SO good, I am struggling to deal with my emotions. If you haven’t read the first three books of the Medoran Chronicles, read no further! This is a non-spoiler review of Graevale but it will ruin things from the previous books!

What is the book about?

Graevale is the fourth book in the Medoran Chronicles by Lynette Noni, which follows Alexandra Jennings, a girl from Earth (Freya) who finds herself in a new world, similar yet so different from her home. Akarnae, Raelia and Draekora (the first three books in the series) has introduced us to the school for gifted humans, Akarnae, Meya the home of the immortal race and Draekora, the home of the dragon-esq creatures known as Draekons, but Graevale introduces us to more mortal realms as the stakes increase between Aven dal Marta and his claimed Meyarins, and the humans. Aven sits on the throne of Meya, and Alex has to continue to do everything in her power to keep her friends and the rest of the mortals out of his merciless grip. Alex takes on the seemingly impossible challenge of warning the other mortal races and getting them on board to face Aven all while spending every bit of her free time honing her fighting skills, and her mental ones with her mysterious new tutor.

Light or dark, only one can win. This world cannot survive in shades of grey.

Thoughts and Feelings

It has been a long, long time since I have shed a tear because of a book, but let me tell you - this one had me weeping. I also think it was because I was listening to the audiobook and the raw emotion in the narrators’ voice, absolutely brilliantly written and narrated. Ever since the first book, things have just gotten steadily more intense but the books haven’t lost their fun edge. Alex is still so sassy, and now that we get more Niyx and more Kaiden, the sass and the banter just keep going and we love to see it. Once again, we don’t really see that much of Jordan, Bear or DC which was a bummer because I love the vibe between the four of them - but I understand the need for Alex to interact with new people. I really enjoyed reading more about the other mortals that live in Medora, and the way that their homes are so different to the humans - whose world is pretty similar to Freya. Underwater cities that give off an Atlantis feel, humid jungle towns and opposites living in separate halves of the same city. The addition of these new locations with more insight into the races that live there was such a highlight for me, that and the cute, furry new friend Alex makes (which I guess is a way to fill the void of the absent Xira).

To those who can no longer see any light.
Resist the shadows.

Plus, getting to know more about other teachers like Caspar Lennox (the slightly vampiric teacher) and Maggie the archery instructor really cemented the fact that although Alex is still only seventeen, she is in the middle of something that will affect everyone. The stress I felt, the sadness, the humour, this book really had it all. I keep saying this, but this series just keeps getting better and better. Graevale has definitely been my favourite so far, but I have very high hopes for the final instalment. Anyway, I'll just be sobbing in the corner.

October Wrap Up 2021

November 4, 2021

What a month! The spooky season is over for another year, and I know I’ve said it already multiple times this year, but this was the quickest month I’ve ever experienced. I was thinking about maybe reading some spooky books, but I knew deep down that wasn’t going to happen due to how I am 100% a mood reader.

I finished five books this month; two audiobooks, two non fiction and one re-read and it was such a wonderful month of reading! The fact that I read two non-fictions in one month (again!) astounds me, but I guess since one of them was all about Greek pottery and was half images helps understand it better.

The first book I finished in October was Raelia by Lynette Noni. Raelia is the second book in the Medoran Chronicles which follows Alex, a teenage girl from Earth (Freya), who finds herself in a completely different world. This world, Medora, is full of gifted humans and other races of mortals, but most notable, the mysterious immortal race of the Meyarins and their lost city of Meya. I listened to the audiobook of Raelia and it was fantastic! It’s getting more intense, the stakes are getting higher, and the Stealth and Subterfuge part of this book was such a highlight!

The second book I read this month was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This was a re read and a buddy read with my lovely friend Myrthe over at SunflowerWinters, and it was truly a lovely time. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those books I read for the first time when I was younger, about 13, and I have re read it multiple times since then (with one of those times being to study it in school). Although I definitely got more out of it in this re read, and there are subtle nuances that definitely went over my head in previous readings, the nostalgia that is connected to this book will always be there. I adore Scout as the narrator, and Atticus is one of the best father figures I have ever encountered in a piece of literary work. This will always be a favourite book, and a huge comfort read for me.

Book number three for October was The Greek Vase: Art of the Story Teller by John H. Oakley, and it was my first non-fiction read of the month. This richly illustrated book takes you on a journey through the history, creation, use and decoration of vessels from Ancient Greece from c. 800 BCE through to the Classical Period. Oakley takes you through the changes in designs throughout the years and reasons for fluctuation in subject choice, he takes you through the specific functions of each different type of vessel, and how often, the form, function and design are all interrelated. There were sections that delved into depictions of the gods and deities of Greek mythology, daily life of the ancient Greeks, and one of my favourite sections, the discussion around the makers of the vessels. I loved learning about how we have attributed some potters and painters to particular vessels, even if they didn't sign them. It’s all so fascinating, and if you haven’t noticed by now, I absolutely LOVE learning about pottery.

Coming to book number four is my favourite book of the month, and thats Draekora by Lynette Noni, the third book in the Medoran Chronicles. Once again I listened to the audiobook, and if I haven’t been clear thus far - I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook. The narrator is fantastic and you get so immersed into the story it’s hard to stop listening (I’m pretty sure I finished this book at 2am because I just couldn’t stop listening, the suspense was too much). In this instalment, you get a lot more Meya, and you get to learn a lot more about the Meyarins that you’re already familiar with, plus the brand new Draekora, and a couple of new characters (one of which has become my absolute favourite in the series). These books just keep getting more and more intense, and whenever I think Alex is in the clear and things are going her way, the plot does a 180 and I’m left completely stunned. If I had to wait for each of these books as they were released, I would have gone crazy. I am SO glad I get to just binge listen to this series. Read these books!!!!

The final book I finished in October is a book I’ve been reading since September, and that’s The Celtic Myths That Shape the Way We Think by Mark Williams. I was kindly gifted a copy of this stunning book from Thames & Hudson to review both for my blog but also for World History Encyclopedia, so thankyou again Thames & Hudson! This book was a huge undertaking by Williams, who not only summaries the myths and legends in question, but also went into the language, the sources we know them from and their presence in modern literature and pop culture. I really enjoyed it but you would definitely get more out of it if you’re already familiar with the characters and myths, and even just the language of Celtic folklore. This quote really encapsulates the book perfectly.

Once again we are reminded that what we call ‘Celtic mythology’ is not a pure substance handed down from the pagan past, but a rich amalgam that developed over centuries.’ (213)

So that’s it for my October wrap up, hope you enjoyed reading this rundown of the books I read this month! Come and let me know over on Instagram (@kell_read) what genre you read the most this month on my wrap up reel!

Review: Draekora by Lynette Noni

October 26, 2021

★★★★☆.5 - definitely my favourite from the series so far! This will spoil things from the previous two books in the series so proceed with caution!

What is the book about?

Draekora by Lynette Noni is the third book in the Medoran chronicles which follows Alex, a teenage girl who finds herself in the word of Medora, and not only that, has a special gift that makes her essential for the saving of her new home, and everyone in it. Aven Dalmarta has made his way into Meya, and he has taken Jordan with him, which means the stakes are even higher for Alex, Bear and DC - and it’s even more important that Alex taps in to her Meyan powers and learns to fight like one. But when her first day of training with her Meyarin friends Roka, Kyia and Zain takes a turn for the weird, Alex finds herself where she never thought she’d be, and with a new Draekoran friend. With powerful new friends and even more pressure on her shoulders, Alex faces her most important challenges yet.

Thoughts and Feelings

Holy moly, this book was fantastic! I once again listened to the audiobook, and I loved the narration. I definitely think I’ll have to pick up physical editions of this series, because I am officially obsessed. The plot to this one is so completely different to the previous two, that it had me hooked from chapter one. To say that my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my heart from the absolute STRESS and ANTICIPATION of this book is an understatement. This book gives us a lot more Meya, a lot more Meyarins and we get to learn a lot more about the history of their city, their people, and specifically, how Aven turned out the way her did. With the addition of the Drakons of Draekora, I was expecting to get more of them from this book - given the title - and to say that I am absolutely obsessed with Xiraxus is an understatement. Plus, the addition of Niyx (officially my favourite character), made this book even better! Snarky, sarcastic, flirty, fun, he’s everything you could want in a favourite character. Alex really grows in this book, but her quick wit and her clumsiness doesn’t change. This story keeps evolving and developing in ways I don’t expect, and I am absolutely loving it. I have a feeling I’ll be re-reading this series many times in the coming years. If you haven’t picked this one up yet, what are ya doing!? If I say anymore I will definitely start spoiling it, but suffice to say I am enjoying this series SO MUCH! Lynette Noni really knows how to keep her readers hooked.

Review: Raelia by Lynette Noni

October 15, 2021

★★★★☆ absolutely loving this series! This review will spoil things for the first book in the series!

Raelia by Lynette Noni is the second book in her Medoran Chronicles (check out my review for the first in the series here). Alex returns to Medora for her second year at Akarnae, and honestly, everything is taken up a notch in this one! Starting her second year, this time with her close friend group including DC as well (yay!), you know from the beginning that nothing is quite as it seems in. With the fourth years able to try out for Hunter’s class Stealth and Subterfuge (SAS for short), and the introduction of some new characters, it all gets a bit more intense!

Not only do you get more heartwarming scenes with Alex, Bear, Jordan and DC, but you also get to see Alex really start to come to her own in this world. Her close friendships and banter with her friends is honestly one of my favourite aspects of this book. She really embraces the classes, and she's put in so much effort over the summer with her combat training that she’s finally included in her classes as a real member. I love the growing comradeship and genuine friendship between Alex and all of the boys in her combat class, and the slow burn angsty relationship between Kaiden and Alex is keeping me so invested in their growing friendship (by why am I also stressed that somethings gonna happen???). With Alex and her friends stepping foot in the lost city of Meya, and meeting some new friends (Roka, Kyia and Zain), you just know that everything is getting more complicated and intense. It’s this slow build of anticipation and angst to something (and what that is I have no idea, but I just feel like nothing is what it seems).

Overall, this book delves deep into the magic, into the wider world of Medora, the political landscape and the characters. We get introduced to some new characters, and a whole new city, and honestly, I am enjoying the ride. I love that Lynette is just slowly adding things to the world, bit by bit, but giving absolutely nothing away. The introduction of SAS, and having the characters leave the school (apparently unsupervised), and having them in the outside world for parts of this book was a great way to add something new to this story. I once again listened to the audiobook, and I would definitely recommend it! It’s been narrated brilliantly and really brings the story to life. I feel like I can’t say any more without potentially spooling things, so just read this series please!!!!!!

Review: Akarnae by Lynette Noni

September 28, 2021

★★★★☆ I was surprsed with how much I enjoyed this! If you’re looking for an easy yet entertaining and really heartwarming book, this is the one for for you!

Whats the book about?

After her parents accept a job opportunity in another country and without cell reception, Alexandra Jennings is shipped off to a boarding school full of snotty, horrible teens. But, on her way to the administrations office of her new school for the next eight months, Alex walks through a door to Medora, a different world entirely. This brand new world is one full of new opportunities, and advancements in technology that her world doesn’t have. At her new boarding school, Akarnae, and with her new friends Jordan and Bear (plus a mysterious stranger who she keeps bumping in to who promises only sinister things to come), Alex is met with a whole new life, new adventures and higher stakes.

Thoughts and feelings

I think I am really glad that I listened to this as an audiobook. This book caught me by surprise with how quickly I got hooked. This is a young adult book, I would say bordering on middle grade but with the main character at sixteen years old, I have a feeling the next ones will feel more solidly in the YA genre. It is like a combo of Narnia and Harry Potter, but with the world combining technological and medical advancements with more medieval activities and skills like equestrian and combat. Basically, Medora felt like a completely new world, yet obviously one that had started off similar to that of Freya (Earth) since there are humans (albeit humans with powers). For sixteen, Alex initially sounded a bit young but I very quickly got used to it and just began enjoying the story.

This isn’t a profound book, but it’s a really fun book. I just accepted the fact the Alex, Jordan and Bear all became friends really quick (which is something that isn’t completely unbelievable, especially since Alex was alone in a new world and they were so nice), and honestly, their blossoming friendship was one of my favourite parts of the book. You know that this is just an introduction to what will be a much larger story, so I really enjoyed reading about Alex in her new school, learning about Medora and just how different it was to Freya. The whole time though, you know that there is something larger at play, and definitely something more sinister than a boarding school for gifted Medorans. Although at the end of the book you get a better idea about the threats and Alex’s part in the whole main ARC of the story, it’s still shrouded in mystery and I am SO glad that all of the books are out and I can just get right into the second one! It was really focussed on Alex and her growth, since at the beginning she was overwhelmed and had literally just made the first friends she had ever had. You really get to see her blossom and grow into who she was meant to be and it was honestly so heartwarming. This book is fun, the world is unique and it’s an easy story to follow and simply enjoy. If you’re looking for an easy read with promise of more to come, then this is definitely something I would recommend, and the audiobook was a really great listen! Have you read this book or this series? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments or over on my Instagram @kell_read ✨

Review: A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair

July 10, 2021

★★★★☆.5 I enjoyed Hades point of view more than Persephone’s. Although, the narrator took a bit to get used to.

Scarlett St. Clair’s series on Hades and Persephone is like a jigsaw puzzle, and each book you read, you get a bit more clarity on who these characters are. In case you aren’t familiar with Scarlett’s series, she has published three books from Persephone’s point of view (A Touch of Darkness, A Touch of Ruin and a Touch of Malice - the third one I have yet to read), and she is also writing the same stories from Hades point of view (A Game of Fate, A Game of Retribution and A Game of Gods - only the first of these three are out in the world). Then, the final book, A Touch of Chaos, will be the final book with both of their perspectives. Now, I know you may be thinking, wouldn’t that be a bit repetitive reading the exact same book from the other main characters point of view? And may I say that it never felt repetitive. Reading this book felt like a fresh look at a story I was familiar with, but in such a different way it felt like an entirely different story entirely. It's hard to explain, but if you’re worried that it’ll get repetitive, it doesn’t.

“What is evil to one is a fight for freedom to another.”

I really enjoyed reading this book from Hades point of view. A lot of this story from Persephone’s point of view made me frustrated because of how bad they were at communicating with each other, but having Hades’ thoughts on each interaction sort of cleared any annoyance I was feeling towards them, because now I have both sides. Being privy to each of their thoughts is such a special thing as a reader, and it’s something I would love to see more authors do.

One of the best things about having a whole book from Hades point of view, is for his inner thoughts on his progressing relationship with Persephone, and a new insight into the world of the gods that we don’t get with Persephone. Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, but none of the other gods know who she is or that she is a goddess. So, in Persephone’s books, we get her life in the mortal world, detached from the issues and antics of the gods (and there are a lot). With Hades, however, we get to see most of the olympians in this book, and we get an early glimpse into their relationships and issues that will surely be a larger part of later books. This book shows us that Hades is so much more than the god of the underworld who owns a nightclub. He deals with so much behind the scenes that Persephone doesn’t get to see, and you start to understand the layers to the god in this book.

I loved the dynamic between Hades, Hecate and Hermes. There is both a mutual respect and a deep friendship between the three of them, even though Hermes is like an annoying little brother (well… nephew) to Hades. They have all been living for thousands of years, and you could really feel the depth of their relationships, and the history between them all which I loved. Hades and Hecate are such a fun duo, and any scene that had them in it were always super enjoyable to read. And of course, every appearance Hermes makes reminds me of why he is my absolute favourite character in this series.

“Don’t ruin this for me. I might be dreaming, but I’m about to live out one of my top five fantasies—” Hades slapped the god, who looked shocked. “This isn’t a dream, Hermes.” They stared at one another, and in the silence, Hades raised a brow. “Top five, huh?”

This series created by Scarlett St. Clair is so much fun. She has obviously done A LOT of research on Greek mythology, and then used it to inform her urban setting, and her interpretation of the characters. I absolutely loved listening to this, and I am super keen to sink my teeth into A Touch of Malice!