A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

“Sarah J. Maas definitely took on a whole different route,” – these were my first words regarding A Court of Wings and Ruin to my friends, about only a hundred pages in. Having finished it and being able to look at it wholly, I am still on the fence about how the story went.

The anticipation for ACOWAR had me reading for hours straight, as expected. By hour six, I was mentally exhausted. Extremely. The supposed-finale for the series felt as if it bit more than it can chew. While I am a sucker for well laid-out arcs, ACOWAR was overflowing with them to properly comprehend and was downright tiring to follow. It was like the multiple screens of the sonar device in Dark Knight, showing multiple secondary scenes, including the primary arc, all at once. And like Lucius Fox, you’re supposed to follow each and everyone of them.

"What we think to be our greatest weakness can sometimes be our biggest strength."

Given how it’s still book 3 out of 6, some arcs were clearly meant to remain unresolved to be eventually followed through. I do appreciate continuity; however, it was either this subplot was already withering from backburner negligence or was so suddenly placed and seemingly unnecessary, given the gravity of everything else occurring simultaneously. Some were obviously set up for further books and these little surprising details, albeit unintentionally, broke the pace of an already drama- and action-heavy book.

With both ACOTAR and ACOMAF, I noticed how action was mostly crammed in the third act. In comparison, the third installment definitely regained some balance in terms of the weight of the circumstances or character(s) development. Given how a lot of details and arcs have already been setup with the predecessors, Maas was quick to the action in ACOWAR. The book began and ended in gripping events that promptly, as aforementioned, emphasized an almost consistent pacing and balance. Almost. Supporting my claim of arc-overload, it was action-packed to the point of often glossing over the actual big, table-turning events. If all are important, then none is important.
I also found Feyre’s perspective very limiting, especially in the latter part of ACOWAR where some milestones were happening literally beyond court borders. While I see the purpose of having a first-person POV, there were quite a lot of moments that needed an omniscient viewpoint. Loose ends were merely tied up with a couple of sentences of explanation and Feyre’s own assumptions. These scenes left unanswered questions and could’ve propelled development of other secondary characters, particularly seeming antagonists.

"My rage had become a living thing inside my chest, an echoing heartbeat that soothed me to sleep and stirred me to waking."

Despite having a few technical issues with ACOWAR, I still would not take back the (many many) savings that paid for this highly anticipated release. Being an avid fan of Maas, I’ve firsthand witnessed how she takes care of her characters and it was one of the main aspects that I really melted for in ACOWAR. There were quite literally world-threatening events happening yet she took time to further develop important relationships between characters, particularly our titular Feyre, both platonically and romantically. It strengthened emotional connections between the reader and the characters, thus created a bigger impact for emotional events. For a fantasy race of supernatural beings, they felt real.

"I would have waited five hundred more years for you. A thousand years. And if this was all the time we were allowed to have... the wait was worth it."

Although ACOWAR ended in a hopeful note with the overarching arc (lol) reaching its conclusion, Sarah J Maas clearly still has a lot in store for her readers in her upcoming books. This book was honestly a conflicting read but continued to capture my heart through its characters. Here’s to another painful year of waiting!

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

I met Julian and Emma as side characters back at COHF and honestly, I did not give much interest in them as I should have. This went on even as I grabbed Lady Midnight from the shelves during MIBF. After being completely won over by The Infernal Devices, I was hesitant to reenter the Shadowhunter world in a different perspective but who could say no to a Carstairs?

Cassandra Clare is known to breathe life into her characters and in Lady Midnight, there’s without a doubt she did. Even with just the first few chapters, I’m already starting to fall for Emma who I met first. She’s got a thirst for adventure and action – and of course, revenge for her parents’ true murderer. I could say she’s much like a hyperactive child but Emma’s got a certain maturity and discipline to let you know that even with her humor and recklessness, she’s serious, especially about important matters (of the heart).

Then Julian enters the scene and you get to see, even with just subtle looks and little details, the burden he bears with being the parental figure of his big family. Almost instantly, he reminded me of Will and his curse. They both have to wear masks to protect those they care about. Tall, dark, and mysterious internally tortured boys. I. HAVE. FALLEN.

“Everyone is more than one thing,” said Kieran, “We are more than single actions we undertake, whether they be good or evil.”

My friend Julienne and I argued that no parabatai bond can match Heronstairs but Emma and Julian’s come close (pre-shit going down, if you know what I mean), especially given their situations. The Blackthorn kids and Emma both underwent a similar tragedy – being orphaned during the Dark War. For Emma and Julian, it was when they knew how much importance the other’s presence is in their lives. Cassandra Clare delved deep into both protagonists’ tragic history, bringing out the pain both experienced individually and how they coped through it as best friends and eventually, parabatai. Julian will always be Emma’s extra seraph blade during a demon fight and Emma will always be Julian’s breathing room when he’s tired from raising his 4 younger siblings. 

Regarding said “shit going down, if you know what I mean”, after witnessing how much those two were there for each other when nobody was – how much they mean to each other – I totally see and understand why what happened, happened. My heart was in pieces at the whole idea of it. The consequences of actions. The world just won’t give them a break. 

“There was beauty in the idea of freedom, but it was an illusion. Every human heart was chained by love.”

Cristina, Livvy, Ty, Tavvy, Mark, and even, Perfect Diego. They’re mostly side characters who also have a place in my heart. Cassandra Clare wrote each one with such unique personalities, making them not just characters on a page for plot but real. They’ve added their personal contributions to the mystery of Emma’s parents, the story as a whole, and to both Julian and Emma, themselves – Mark and his siblings for him and Cristina for her. 

As for the actual mystery, it was interesting and of course, by Nephilim standard, complicated and coincidentally-involving-protagonists-or-people-close-with-protagonists. The murder mystery had a good premise but as the inhabitants of the L.A. Institute moved forward with the investigation, it drags a bit like dead weight. As a reader, I didn’t get to assimilate myself in the situation and was merely limited to being in standby as I watched pieces of the puzzle fit themselves together rather perfectly. (Though that made the villain revelation really surprising.) Often, the storyline was used as a plot device for character development, which is not necessarily bad. It just made Lady Midnight feel more of an exposition novel to the actual climax of the trilogy, especially with the really really important information the villain revealed later on. 

“We can be cruelest to those who remind us of ourselves.”

However, this has got to be one of my favorite starters of all time among all the series (and that’s including TID). Having prior knowledge about the Shadow World and its characters was definitely helped me to fully enjoy Lady Midnight

.

All the references and cameos from Cassandra Clare’s other series were a real treat – a crossover I’ve always dreamed of. It was fun to see them all there together – most, anyway – and it was very much cherished with a lot of fangirling. 

I was actually expecting Lady Midnight to focus a lot on its characters and I honestly welcome it. They were written really well and solid that I just don’t see myself saying goodbye. At all. Even though I wasn't as invested in the plot. The uncovered secrets and decisions made at the end were huge WTF moments that I’m praying to all angels to just grant me Lord of Shadows. Now. Because seriously, I need to know what happens next. 

"Why lie?"

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I have heard many great things about The Night Circus and I couldn’t understand why my past self ignored those hints and didn’t read this book as soon as possible.

Slowly but surely
The book began from the very very beginning, as in Celia and Marco as little children, still unknown to the world of magic. While it provided much background for later on, the pacing was quite slow but the details were thorough. There were times when I’d spent days leaving the book untouched. As The Night Circus and the stories within them grow, however, you also grow on them.

Definitely out of the box and beyond the limits 
One of the hooks that had me flipping pages and pulling all nighters was the eccentricity of it all. The whole world inside The Night Circus, not just the Cirque du Reves, explored all the nooks and crannies of creativity and stretched the fabric of possibility. Nothing felt impossible.

A show without an audience is nothing, after all. In the response of the audience, that is where the power of performance lives.

I would like to migrate to Les Cirque des Reves ASAP
To pull off such an incredible feat is to place in a universe equally incredible. Erin Morgenstern grabs the readers and puts them in the tents of the circus to explore, in the wet sidewalk to brave the rain, in Chandresh’s mansion to enjoy a party with her words. She added so much life that I’d truly hope that everything inside the book was real.

Celia x Marco = OTFP (one true f*cking pair)
Two opponents fighting each other with creativity and magic in a most complex, mysterious game. It was interesting to see both sides – Celia and Marco – unfold independently and eventually, with each other. I also had fun figuring out and discovering which work of wonder was who’s.

Celia and Marco lived in different environments and Erin Morgenstern did a great job portraying so. Their interactions were limited, especially at the start, and it was so frustrating (in a good way) to have them miss each other at almost every opportunity. That suspense definitely made their actual first meeting as opponents so incredibly perfect.

Two opponents fighting each other with creativity and magic in a most complex, mysterious game – there was no surprise that they’re going to fall for each other. Normally, that’s one giant turnoff for me but the way Celia and Marco conversed and interacted had the right amount of tension and attraction that made them so compatible, it glossed over a few clichés. I do wish there’s more moments of them together as their relationship blossomed. Their whole love story was quite rushed.

Even then, through their dialogue and reactions you can feel a hidden history with them that added mystery.

How did I become a Rêveurs?

"I have spent a great deal of my life to keep myself in control," Celia says, leaning her head against his shoulder. "To know myself inside out, everything kept in perfect order. I lose that when I'm with you. That frightens me, and - " ...

"It frightens me how much I like it," Celia finishes, turning her face back to his. "How tempting it is to lose myself in you. To let go. To let you keep me from breaking chandeliers rather than constantly worrying about it, myself."  

The non players of the game
The Night Circus had substance not just because of Celia, Marco, and their game but also the supporting characters – such as Tsukiko, Chandresh, and Isabel, naming a few – that created Les Cirque des Reves and made it whole. Their entrance into the Celia and/or Marco’s lives seemed so mundane that it’s a real surprise when events just start to turn. Through their eyes, we see a world blind to magic and it is refreshing and interesting.

The next players of the game (or are they?) 
Aside from Celia and Marco, we also meet Bailey, a young boy torn between dreams and duty, through a magical twist of fate. How the events managed to tie together in one beautiful bow as we went forward in time eludes me and I praise Erin Morgenstern for it. She managed to do it so seamlessly.

Wrapped in a rainbow, hologram bow that spouts unicorns and rainbows 
The ending was mindblowing. It was an intricate and complex solution to their pressing problem but appeared so simple and enchanting.

"Esse quam videri," Celia says, "To be, rather than to seem." 

I’ve held back a lot of words to keep this review as spoiler-less as possible. The Night Circus deserves as much mystery as it could get. I do guarantee that it is a rollercoaster of mystery and drama and fun, fueled by magic and love, and it’s a thrill worth riding. Good job, Erin Morgenstern.

Ruined by Amy Tintera

Royalty and revenge stories are two things that will surely make my mouth water and Ruined is a glorious lovechild of the two. Emelina Flores, a “useless” princess of Ruina, is off to save her sister from the cages of Lera and earn the loyalty of her magical people, the Ruined. How? By posing as the princess of Vallos, Mary, who is betrothed to the crown prince of Lera, Casimir. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to grasp all the names eventually.

Pacing Characters

Despite the quite action-explosive exposition, Ruined prodded on with a slow beginning. The characters were all distant and seemingly forced as Em was instantly put into Mary’s heels. Literally. As they get more light of day, you get to know them better, slowly but surely. By them, I meant Em and Cas. I enjoyed the presence and personality of some supporting characters like Aren and Iria, and maybe even Jovita, but they were too transparent.

"Sympathy doesn't mean much if you don't take action."

Feelings, feelings, feelings.

What Ruined magic is used for this?

In all honesty, I love Em and Cas. I love their dynamic and the way they’re both so different (nature vs nurture) yet still alike and somewhat compatible. But we cannot deny their predictability. No spoilers here – their whole love story was more or less printed into the blurb.

Everybody pretty much knew they’re falling for each other when they were still figuring out what the words “feelings” mean. Seriously, I’d be rich if there’s a buck for every time “feelings” were mentioned. Their slow discovery brought a lot of tension between them that even though just-friends would probably work fine too, it was totally alright. Em and Cas’ banter and subtle moves made up for it.

Textbook Villain

Revenge means two sides to every story – two good guys and two bad guys. For Em, Cas’ father was the one. He was the murderer of all Ruined without any justification because it is what he believes is safe and right for his people, his kingdom, yada yada yada. And that’s where everything went generic and fell through.

The King was perceived as the “cool king”, all smiles and parties. He only gets furious when suddenly questioned by his own son. Now where did I see that before? Much like his wife, they lack fleshing out, so their actions seemed disconnected and odd, especially with their role as King and Queen of Lera.

"You did what you had to do," Cas said.  

"I did what I chose to do." ...

"Then choose better next time." 

A little fixer upper.

Ruined was no close to perfect. It had its flaws of unanswered pivotal questions and kingdoms of flat characters. A bit more world building would probably construct the scene further. I did enjoy reading it, however, with its light dialogue and gay Galo and all the normalcy of killing people. And all the feelings. The ending had me by the collar and it will be an anticipation filled wait for the sequel.

[ENDING SPOILERS] 

It's really not nice to meet you, Olivia.

There weren’t enough flashbacks to describe Olivia except for the fact that she’s Em’s younger sister taken away for no given reason. I also don’t know what she’s truly capable of – is it healing or twisting people’s bodies??? (Actually, the whole population of Ruined was a giant question mark. What did Wenda Flores do to Lera? Where do the Ruined powers come from? What are the Ruined powers specifically? Why are all these important questions not addressed? Seriously, we need a Ruined history book.)

Having not known much about Olivia, helped her sudden evil backlash at the end both positively and negatively.

Bad news first: Nothing was previously explained about Em’s dear sister so she was basically like an orange dropped into a basket of apples and was meant to blend in. We didn’t even know why she was taken in the first place and why she’s kept alive and where she learned to apparently be a “stronger” Ruined. Like what? the? fuck? is? going? on?

Good news: Nothing was previously explained about Em’s dear sister so her destructive explosion was a surprise shower of fireworks and blood. It was truly unpredictable. A small part of me expected her to go crazy from being caged up but not go on a killing spree with a better Ruined metabolism. That literal heart-wrenching moment though, that scene was the source of my joy (aside from the Cas and Em with Iria included moments).

I love dark endings and this one ends with a cliffhanger, too. I can’t wait to see how even more adorably awkward and hilariously complicated Cas and Em’s relationship will be. Plus, Galo’s love story. He deserves a goddamn novella.

Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

Goodreads

All the notebooks stashes in shoeboxes, the sneaking of writing during class, why publishing a novel became one of my lifelong goals, was all because of HRH Princess Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Gimaldi Renaldo of Genovia. Princess Diaries is my Harry Potter - the reason I continue to bury myself in books and callous my fingers from writing. I grew up with her and she grew up with me in a matter of months that I went through all of the 10 installments. I rememeber writing in my old diary about getting an insomnia - or was it pulling an all-nighter? - and finishing one of her diaries in a single night.

Princess Diaries is a huge part of my life. I pretty much squealed in delight when I found out the Meg Cabot's releasing another book and even more when I finally had it in my hands (well, in my phone). Now we learn what happened with Mia and Michael after highschool and adult Mia after college.

Principesa, everyone must make the sacrifice for love! That's what makes it worth it.

The Royal Wedding was [REDACTED] amazing. I was smiling and gasping and laughing but, like most books, it wasn't perfect. There were characters that I wish appeared more or sooner given how big their influence was in the previous books.

Another aspect that swerved me from the path to true love was how everybody lived happily ever after. It's not that that's bad but every single problem happened to solve itself in 448 pages (ebook version) and everybody got what they wanted (or deserved). It felt quite sappy to have it all wrapped up with a bow like that but it wasn't unbearable and the twists and feels definitely made up for it.

We need to be more appreciative of the things we have. You have to make sacrifices for love, it may not get you to where you were headed but it will get you somewhere, and that place may be even better than where you thought you were going. 

Prince Diaries 1 to 10 was all about Mia's struggles in fitting in and fulfilling her newly-found princess role while pushing through highschool and hormones. Royal Wedding  was focused a lot on Mia and Michael and oh my god, ALL. THE. FEELS.

I can't even begin how Michael was the perfect guy. Literally. I want a Michael now.

Let me just add, given how they're all adults now, the constantly present paparazzi have changed their battle tactics and encounters with the mob were hilarious.

Royal Wedding was a truly fangirl pleasing sequel to teenage Mia. The characters really have grown up, facing the world with maturity and confidence. I especially love how Mia advocates feminine strength in her works as princess and doesn't overlook the real world problems we actually face today. It was refreshing to read about and see a character be such an influential person with truly good intentions. Her position didn't compromise her humanity and we really need more of those kind of people in real life. Meg Cabot, very well done!

So I'm going to ignore the haters, get out of this bed, and get to work doing what human beings were put on this planet to do: leave it a better place than they found it.

But that doesn't mean I don't need another [REDACTED] sequel about the [REDACTED SPOILER].

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis

Goodreads

We left Amy and Elder and the people of Godspeed as they strapped into the shuttle to head to the new world. It's a planet so much like the Sol-Earth Amy grew up in and the colony dreamed living in. It's finally time to be free of the walls, to be safe from its claustrophobia. Beforehand, Orion warned them of monsters on the ground and when things started to veer off course, without the walls, are they safe out in the open? Can they really call this alien planet, home?

Centauri-Earth

The world building was beyond this world. Literally and figuratively. Centauri-Earth was a lot alike with Sol-Earth (this planet where you're standing on right now, yes, that's it). Why else would they even send a colony there if it isn't? However, it was not Sol-Earth and Beth Revis showed that difference creatively and even, scarily. There's so much unknown hidden behind the familiar in Centauri-Earth, it gave me the creeps. Especially the purple flowers. I have experienced sleep paralysis, much like the effects of those thankfully fictional plants, and it's no fun. 

Amy and Elder

I cannot deny how much I am continuously impressed by how Beth Revis was able to write and maintain dual POVs in first person. That's no easy task, I tried. Amy's voice was very distinct from Elder and vice versa, not just because they're in different situations. Amy's welcoming yet assertive while Elder was reluctant yet strong. Even when together, I could gladly note the differences. 

I really enjoyed their dynamic in this book. Amy was honestly confusing about her relationship with Elder in A Million Suns. But this time, I appreciated both their loyalty, trust, and honestly in each other. Whenever one would have issues with other people, they'd always look to the other first. It was touching.

Highlight to see possible spoilers. I especially loved how Beth Revis put into Amy's words their night together. (No surprise there, really. Is this still a spoiler? I wouldn't have sex in an alien planet, though, if I were them.)

"There is only him and me and this thing between us that I cannot  name, not out loud, but that my heart knows is love."

Who are the monsters?

The whole big revelation about the monsters of Centauri-Earth took me by a slight surprise. It was, in all honesty, partly wasn't what I expected; it was pretty low. Basically, Beth Revis dumped a bit too much information and back story about the monsters that it just felt..."okay, how sad" in the end. 

It was overwhelming with "what the frex!" and typical emotions in the last few chapters, especially with Elder, that Amy's voice lost its touch on me. It was frustrating that both you and character were both numb at the same time. Because I mean really, you just did that then we're suddenly doing this without dealing with that other thing! NOT. COOL.

So here's an extremely spoiler filled rundown of Beth Revis evilly playing with our emotions. which is just wrong...(and also, very good!). Go ahead and highlight.

She "killed off" Elder. Yes, she did. And along with every body else in Centauri-Earth, and also here in Sol-Earth, fell for it because Elder pretty much saved an entire planet. So yeah, I was coming to terms with it, despite the fact that Amy was granted nothing but a cry to sleep as a grieving period (poor Amy!), so I was expecting a statue in memory of Elder or something. And then, guess what, Elder's frexing alive. (I love how I can swear without actually having to swear. Haha.) 

That moment though, my heart just melted like ice cream.

"He blinks. Touches the side of my face, near my eyes. My eyes that are blue now, not green. With oval irises.

'I'm still me,' I say, because my greatest fear now is that he doesn't want a hybrid Amy.

He cocks an eyebrow. 'You think I care if your eyes are blue or green? I just care about you.' His hand slips down my arm, and he wraps his pinky finger around mine.

'You cam back to me,' I say, my voice breaking over unshed tears of joy.e

'I'll always come back to you,' he tells me pulling me close.

'Always.'"

Can I please have my own Elder too?

Basically, I have so much love for this books - and this series, in general - and even more love for Amy and Elder. Even though I was let down by the crammed up ending, the former made up for it. 

Bonus! Here's a WordPlay (it's a feature of mine, which you can check out) for Shades of Earth. Coincidentally enough, I was reading on my phone when this song played on the radio.

Risk It All by The Vamps

I'd rather crash, I'd rather crawl

Than never have your love at all

With only bricks to break my fall

For you, I'd risk it all

Doesn't that sound like Elder to you?

"I might have the whole world now, but it's not enough if I don't get to share it with her."

Genuine: The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

Rating: 3.5/4

This book is a companion volume to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Spoilers for P&P below. Consider yourself warned.

The weddings are done and everybody's happy. Now it's time for the new couples to live in a new world of love, life, grief, obstacles, and joy.

Author: Rebecca Ann Collins
Series: The Pemberley Chronicles

Published: 1st of April, 2008

Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: 384 pages, physical copy (paperback)

Source: purchased

What can I say about a book that brought me back to those days of adoring Jane, agreeing with Lizzie, and fangirling Mr. Darcy?

Well, it is universally acknowledged to be worth it. 

About a year ago, I watched the pilot of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and ended up marathoning them all. As much as I dread to say it, I have not read Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen but Lizzie's story of finding love in the oddest of places still captured my heart. (Just like Harry Potter.) It's one of my favorite classics of all time.

So the reason for buying The Pemberley Chronicles is laid out front. (Another is that it's in the bargain section and I can't resist the opportunity.) And adding this to my ever-growing bookshelf is a not regretted decision. It honestly surprised me in unexpected ways and drowned me with all the Darcy-and-Lizzie feels.

Rebecca Ann Collins was able to make the characters truly Jane Austen's. They underwent a lot of blissful moments and tragic events all throughout that you notice the changes - sometimes subtle - in manner in everyone of them. Any yet, Lizzie was still Lizzie with her teasing habits, Jane with her delicate persona, Lydia with her slutty attitude, and Darcy with his sturdy silence.

The Pemberley Chronicles revolves around the lives of the Bennet family - mostly Lizzie as Mrs. Darcy - after the happy marriages of the two eldest daughters. It includes a lot of letters between Lizzie and her loving Jane and Charlotte, as well as each of the characters reception of political and economical crisis that had occurred during the Georgian era. The politics was interesting to learn but there are times when my attention drifts away from the pages. This addition, however, made the characters even more real, as if they truly lived and struggled with these problems.

Lizzie and Darcy are very much contented to be the "happiest couple in the world". And I have no disagreements about that, but as their story developed with this statement in mind, it seemed like everything was blissful and perfect. Everybody was happy.

It took a few hundred pages to reach some tragedy - excluding the political concerns among the husbands. And by that time, I was definitely eager for some action. I can't say it was very well played. Just quite. (pun intended)

The adversities that struck, however, were truly heartfelt being matters of life and death, literally.

Collins' work isn't the perfect sequel to Pride and Prejudice that I'd expected. But it was as genuine as it could get. Fine by me.

|| Goodreads ||

Stimulating: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Rating: 4.5/5

Amy with her parents were cryogenically frozen for Project Ark Ship. The plan was for them to wake up - along with a hundred other people - 300 years later in a new planet, Centauri-Earth.

50 years before landing, Amy is unplugged, nearly causing her a painful death. But why would anyone try to kill her? Soon, the unplugging increased in number. With the help of Elder - the future leader of the ship, Godspeed - and Harley, they try to discover the murderer, learning deep truths hidden behind numerous secrets and lies, in the process. 

Author: Beth Revis
Series: Across the Universe
Published: 11th of January, 2011
Genre: Young Adult > Science Fiction
Format: 398 pages, physical copy (paperback)
Source: purchased


Across the Universe blew my mind and had me jumping in a mixture of excitement and anticipation. Beth Revis' debut is my second science fiction read and it definitely defined the branch of sci fi as invigorating and enticing.

Putting it down is as difficult as choosing between two amazing books because every scene is laced with mystery that keeps you hungry for more.

"The stars make me believe there is a world out there beyond this ship." -Elder

Both Elder and Amy were interesting characters that managed to grip my interest until the end. They differ a lot from each other, almost completely, and yet, they are relatable and believable. The chemistry between them amazes me. It wasn't forced and sped up. It was one of the most sane relationships I have ever read.

Mystery enveloped the book from the very beginning. It was slightly predictable, yes. However, you still can't help but doubt yourself about your guess. It was like bending over a well, reaching for something that you need to wait for to get a hold of. The revelations, the confusion, the drama, the feels...it's all very overpowering - in a good way.

"...power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn't someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others so that they may have the strength to stand on their own."          -Elder

I have never encountered a book like Across the Universe. Revis' writing is very unique and original. The book itself is intensely refreshing from what I've been burying my nose into. I am really glad I got it for Christmas.

Across the Universe || Beth Revis ||  Goodreads