Abandon (Abandon #1) by Meg Cabot

Abandon

Abandon #1

Meg Cabot

Front cover

Date read: 25 October - 1 November 2020

Length: 292 pages

Published: 2011

Pierce died once. Only she didn't stay dead. Now she's trying to put the pieces together. Who is the mysterious young man who keeps following her, and why did he give her that necklace? It's time to go back to where she was...

She knows what

it's like to die...

...now Death wants her back.

I quite enjoyed Abandon and I think I probably would have loved it if I had read it when I was a teenager. 

I feel sorry for Pierce, no one understands what she's actually been through. She's in a tricky situation because she knows that no one would believe her if she told the truth, and even when she lets little things slip she gets treated like she's crazy.

One thing he has going for her is she seems to be quite clever though, and knows the things she definitely can't tell anyone. She is strong willed and will stop at nothing to try to do what she thinks is right or necessary. 

Looking forward to the next one so I can learn more!

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A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby

A Long Way Down

Nick Hornby

Front cover

Date read: 18 - 24 October 2020

Length: 257 pages

Published: 2005

Martin, JJ, Jess, and Maureen all find each other on top of a tower block - Topper's House, a well known suicide spot in London. They each have their own reasons for being there, but the same end goal in mind. Together they form a pact and talk each other down. Can this unlikely group of friends keep each other alive?

'Can I explain why I wanted to jump off the top of a tower block?'

I didn't particularly like any character specifically, but JJ would be the best. He seemed the most down to earth and I probably would have got on with him more than any of the others.

Jess is annoying and and a bit of a brat. She does what she wants without thinking about the consequences for other people, or even herself. She does try to do nice things at the end though, which redeems her a little.

Martin is a scoundrel and makes bad decisions. He's a minor celebrity so those things tend to get blown up by the media, and something bad he did caused his life to fall apart.

Maureen is stuck with a life she didn't want. She has a severely disabled son and lives a very monotonous life. She's bored and lonely.

But together they actually make a pretty good team, helping each other though their difficulties.

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Of Wee Sweetie Mice and Men (Dan Starkey #2) by Colin Bateman

Of Wee Sweetie Mice and Men

Dan Starkey #2

Colin Bateman

Front cover

Date read: 10 - 17 October 2020

Length: 334 pages

Published: 1996

Starkey is asked to write a book about Irish boxer Bobby McMaster, following his life and his journey to New York to fight the champion Mike Tyson. But in true Starkey fashion, everything goes wrong. McMaster's wife is kidnapped in a political agenda. Can they save her, and will Bobby win the fight?

You know, I actually feel a bit sorry for Dan. He seems to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time, getting himself into dangerous situations that are often difficult to get out of.

There's more to Bobby than meets the eye. On the surface he seems stupid and uncaring, but he's actually quite smart and cares a great deal about things that matter to him.

I'm not really sure what's going to happen with Dan and Patricia. Dan is working very hard to win her back, but she seems mostly uninterested. And now there's a major event that could cause them to split for good!

I'm not really interested in boxing but the story is interesting. There's enough of other things going on to keep even me reading!

Very much enjoying the series so far.

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Bedlam by Christopher Brookmyre

Bedlam

Christopher Brookmyre

Front cover

Date read: 30 September - 9 October 2020

Length: 376 pages

Published: 2013

Ross Baker is a scientist working for Neurosphere, helping to develop medical technology. After volunteering to be a test subject for something new they are working on, he finds himself trapped in Starfire - a violent sci-fi video game. Will he ever be able to escape and get back to the 'real world'?

LET THE GAMES BEGIN...

Bedlam is a very interesting concept and plot. I found myself drawn into the worlds with Ross and just not knowing what was going to happen in each one was thrilling! I imagine many gamers have thought about what it would be like to be in the actual worlds of their games.

I'm not much of a gamer myself, but I had heard of a few of the games, whether through my brother playing them, or just generally hearing people talk about them. I'm not sure how many I've actually played myself!

I didn't actually like Ross that much as the protagonist, but I could still sympathise with him. As much as he likes video games, he just wanted to get back to his real world, to be with his girlfriend who he just discovered is pregnant. One problem is that time passes differently in the game world, and he has no idea how much time has passed in the real one.

In the games I liked Iris, and Juno up to the end. It seems he's not the only 'real' person stuck in the game world, and like all the other people there, they're just trying to find a way out while not dying. It's a lot harder than it seems!

This was quite different from the Brookmyre I've read before, which has mainly been his crime fiction. I've got to say I really enjoyed it and will have to look out for more of his sci-fi stuff!

Christopher Brookmyre

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Glittering Fortunes by Victoria Fox

Glittering Fortunes

Victoria Fox

Front cover

Date read: 20 - 29 September 2020

Length: 376 pages

Published: 2013

Charlie lives on the Usherwood estate, heir to the late Richmond Lomax. His brother Cato, the Hollywood A-Lister, decides to come back and take what is 'rightfully' his. Only a distant relative gets in touch, needing to get something off his chest before his final days. What will it be?

TWO BROTHERS

TWO RIVALS

One devastating family secret

I don't really read that much 'chick-lit' these days, but this book was given to me by a friend. I've got to say I found the story quite absorbing and very easy to read.

I like Olivia, and I think she is good for Charlie. He doesn't see it at first, and thinks her a bit of a nuisance, but she refuses to back down.

The plot twist was a bit obvious. I kind of knew what it was going to be as soon as it was introduced, but it was still interesting to read and see if I was right or not!

Cato is despicable. A thoroughly hated character, he only cares about himself and it doesn't matter who he hurts along the way, even his family and those who care deeply for him. His partner Susanna starts off with her head up her bum, but she gets better. She begins to realise that there's more to life than status and material possessions. 

I would say this would make a good summer holiday read.

Victoria Fox

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Divorcing Jack (Dan Starkey #1) by Colin Bateman

Divorcing Jack

Dan Starkey #1

Colin Bateman

Front cover

Date read: 13 - 19 September 2020

Length: 282 pages

Published: 1995

Dan Starkey is a journalist in Belfast. He meets Margaret and things get out of hand. Then suddenly, Margaret is murdered and his wife, Patricia, is kidnapped. Next, he becomes a target. Can he keep out of trouble to save his wife, and his marriage?

So I've actually read a few books from this series, but not in order and not all of them. So I'm going back to the beginning and reading them all in order. I had read this one before, and it's still as good as I remember it!

I liked Margaret, but what Dan did was wrong. He should not have had an affair with her, but things happen and he admitted it got out of control. 

Dan doesn't take any stick. He was a sharp mind, but doesn't always know when to use it and when to stay silent. It gets him into trouble a lot, but that's part of the charm of his character.

I hope he can patch things up with his wife, Patricia. He seems to really love her. He made a silly mistake and hopefully she can forgive him.

I'm looking forward to reading more. I think Dan's journalism could take him anywhere!

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The Return of Little Big Man (Little Big Man #2) by Thomas Berger

The Return of Little Big Man

Little Big Man #2

Thomas Berger

Front cover

Date read: 2 - 12 September 2020

Length: 432 pages

Published: 1999

Following on from Little Big Man, we join Jack Crabb on his adventures after Custer's Last Stand. With Buffalo Bill, he tours a lot of Europe doing Buffalo Bill's Wild West, amongst other things!

How the West was won, from the man who lived

to tell the tale.

What an interesting life Jack Crabb has lived. I know he lived to a very ripe old age, but he's done so much in his life that many people don't have the opportunity to do. He also seems very blase about it all, which I guess is because that's just what he's used to.

I thought him travelling most of America was good for the time, but now Europe too! I imagine it would have taken a very long time to get from place to place, especially from America to Europe, there being no aeroplanes in those days.

I liked the bit in Britain. I thought it was funny the way he interacted with the royalty, and the prince especially seemed to take a liking to him.

These books are not something I would normally read, but I'm glad I did. It was a good change of subject for me, and I do like to read most genres.

Thomas Berger

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Thief! by Malorie Blackman

Thief!

Malorie Blackman

Front cover

Date read: 27 August - 1 September 2020

Length: 229 pages

Published: 1995

After being accused of being a thief, Lydia runs away to the moors to escape. A storm suddenly appears, hurling her into the future where the town is ruled by a cruel tyrant. Can Lydia get back to her own time to stop the future from becoming that reality?

Lydia's last thought before darkness closed over

her mind was that the strange, swirling storm had

trapped her. Would it ever let her go?

I'm not sure that the future would change quite so much in 37 years, the whole structure of society seems to have changed, and not just in Lydia's town. Although with the way things are going in the would today, I'm kind of thinking it might not be so surprising after all.

It was good Lydia got some closure in the future and could take that to the past. There was some surprising events in the future, and Lydia could learn from that. She grew up a lot though this experience and it made her think about things more.

This is a good young adult book for a younger teen.

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The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain (The Chronicles of Prydain) by Lloyd Alexander

The Founding and Other Tales of Prydain

The Chronicles of Prydain

Lloyd Alexander

Front cover

Date read: 24 - 26 August 2020

Length: 96 pages

Published: Original edition (6 stories) 1973, this edition (8 stories) 1999

Here are some short stories revisiting the land of Prydain before Taran's time. We meet Eilonwy's mother, a young Coll and Dallben, learn about the sword Drynwyn, and how Fflewddur came upon his magical harp.

These short stories are great, and I'm glad I waited until I finished reading the series before reading them. It was good to meet some of the characters which are referenced in the main series that you don't get to meet, or that are a lot older. There's also a little more detail, for example, with how Fflewddur got his harp.

My favourite stories are probably The True Enchanter and The Truthful Harp. I like the subtle magic in the series and we get to see a bit more of this in The True Enchanter. I have always like Fflewddur Fflam, and find his harp fits his personality well!

It was also nice to revisit Prydain after finishing the series. This really is the end now. I'm sad there is no more, but I really enjoyed the series. So much so I have given all the books to a friend so she can read them, and enjoy the magical world of Prydain, too!

Read the series, you will not be disappointed.

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Little Big Man (Little Big Man #1) by Thomas Berger

Little Big Man

Little Big Man #1

Thomas Berger

Front cover

Date read: 13 - 23 August 2020

Length: 422 pages

Published: 1965 in GB

Jack Crabb is a white man, but he was mostly brought up by Cheyenne Indians from the age of ten. This story follows his early life, both as a "human being" and a white man. He leads two lives, but which is the real Jack Crabb?

Well there's one thing for certain, whoever Jack Crabb may be, he's led an interesting life and travelled far! 

His relationships with women are strange. He never really seems all that interested in them, and then all of a sudden he gets infatuated with a specific woman, even if he knows it's someone he'll never be with. And although he does have children, he doesn't seem all that bothered with them, or the mothers.

Saying that, he does seem to be a man of honour, and will fight for what he believes in.

I kind of feel that Jack doesn't really know what life he wants to lead. At times he is happy being a white man in a white world, but then I think he misses the ways of the Indians and will go back to that for a while. He doesn't really settle down in one way of life though, and has long periods of time living as each.

I'm curious about the next one. I've never really read a book like this before.

Thomas Berger

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Crimson Death (Anita Blake #25) by Laurell K. Hamilton

Crimson Death

Anita Blake #25

Laurell K. Hamilton

Front cover

Date read: 26 July - 12 August 2020

Length: 708 pages

Published: 2016

When vampires in Ireland start going rogue, Edward calls in Anita to help him solve the case. But Ireland is a very different country when it comes to preternatural stuff. Can Anita do what needs to be done without scaring everybody?

SOME SAY LOVE IS A GREAT MOTIVATOR,

BUT HATRED GETS THE JOB DONE, TOO.

Crimson Death is a large book. At just over 700 pages there's a lot that could have been done. Most of the start was faffing and going over things that have already happened. I know Hamilton is trying to make it so you can pick up any book and start reading, but I assume most of her fans have read the books previous. There's so much faffing at the start it could be a novel on it's own, and because of this I feel like the ending was rushed. The actual story was good, and I wish it was more about that.

It's been a while since one of the 'main' characters died. I won't say who here, but it's a shame. Actually, in all honesty there are too many characters anyway, so maybe it's not such a bad thing if a few of them go...

As the story progresses there seems to be more talk around Anita having a baby. At first she's dead set against it, knowing that a baby just would not fit with her lifestyle, but in Crimson Death she seems to be warming to the idea a little more. Will Anita be having a baby soon then?

I feel like this wedding stuff with her and Jean Claude has been going on f. o. r. e. v. e. r. Are they actually going to do it, or is it just gonna be talked about for books on end? I'll be honest, I'm getting a bit fed up with it now.

As you know, I will keep reading these books every so often, until there are no more left. Although she keeps publishing new ones, so who knows when that will be?

Laurell K. Hamilton

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The High King (The Chronicles of Prydain #5) by Lloyd Alexander

The High King

The Chronicles of Prydain #5

Lloyd Alexander

Front cover

Date read: 20 - 25 July 2020

Length: 223 pages

Published: 1968 (1979 in GB)

Prince Gwydion's enchanted sword Dyrnwyn has been stolen by evil Huntsmen. In his biggest battle yet, Taran rounds up his companions and those from the Free Commots to rage war on Arawn and save Prydain from permanent darkness.

Okay! Well, that's it, the end of the series! I've got to say I was surprised by some of the deaths in this last instalment, and perhaps one in particular. There was definitely a lot more raw emotion felt.

I think the ending was alright - I'm glad Taran and Eilonwy get to be together, but I think it's sad that Taran will never know who his parents were. I guess this was meant by the author, because there was plenty chance for it to be included.

The High King is a good conclusion to the series that has filled many hearts for decades. I'm annoyed with myself for only just reading the whole series now, but glad I finally have!

I look forward to the short stories before ending the series once and for all.

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The Love Match (The Waverley Women #3) by M. C. Beaton

The Love Match

The Waverley Women #3

M. C. Beaton

Front cover

Date read: 15 - 19 July 2020

Length: 187 pages

Published: 1990

When Frederica marries Lord Harry Danger and Mrs Waverley marries the Baron Meldon, Felicity finds herself all alone in the house on Hanover Square. After meeting Marquess Darkwater, they set off to actually find out the truth of her parentage. Along with Darkwaters' cousin, Agnes Joust, they have quite the adventure. Will she uncover the truth?

By day she champions women's rights but

by night she plots romance!

I was a little surprised Felicity went for Darkwater after her initial dislike of him! I thought she would have found someone else, but there you have it.

Didn't particularly like Agnes - she's a bit of a scheming so and so! Always plotting something to make other people look bad and herself look good.

Glad Felicity got to the bottom of who their parents are, although I like Mrs Waverley even less now! I don't want to say too much here because I don't want to include major spoilers, but what Mrs Waverley did was despicable, and I find it hard to believe someone would do that. I mean, I know worse things than that happen in real life, but I just can't get my head around it.

The Love Match was a nice conclusion to the series. I feel like everything was rounded up well and it was a nice, neat finish.

I will be reading more M. C. Beaton for sure!

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Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz

Your Heart Belongs to Me
Dean Koontz

Front cover

Date read: 5 - 14 July 2020

Length: 406 pages

Published: 2008

Ryan Perry is a fit and healthy 34 year old. He owns a very successful internet company and has a wonderful partner, Samantha. But he learns he is going to need a heart transplant. 16 months later he receives a terrifying threat, being promised a nightmare death. Can he solve the mystery of his enemy and save his life?

I felt like there was a lot of background information before the story kicked in, and yet there's a huge chunk in the middle missing from the story!

I feel sorry for what happened between him and Sam. I'm not sure exactly what happened, only what is alluded to, because it seems to have happened in the chunk of story that is missing. I would have preferred to have all the continuous information rather than the waffle at the start, or even both!

I liked Ryan going into detective mode and seeing what he'll find out. It's like we're there with him, figuring out all this stuff together.

This isn't Koontz's best, but it was an okay read.

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Taran Wanderer (The Chronicles of Prydain #4) by Lloyd Alexander

 Taran Wanderer
The Chronicles of Prydain #4
Lloyd Alexander

Front cover

Date read: 30 June - 4 July 2020

Length: 187 pages

Published: 1967 (1979 in GB)

Taran leaves Caer Dallben searching for answers about himself; where he came from, who his parents are, and what that might mean to him. With his trusty companions Gurgi and Fflewddur Fflam, they set off to find the mirror of Llunet. What will he discover about himself?

After a little dip in the middle of the series, I enjoyed this one a bit more than the last. I felt like you really got to know Taran more, as you join him on his quest to find himself.

One thing that wasn't so good is that there was no Eilonwy! It's not the same without her telling him when he's being an idiot.

Craddoc was nice but dishonest. What he did was very strange and a shame for Taran. I'm glad he learned the real truth and could move on from there.

I liked all the people in the free commots. Taran learned a great many skills from weaving to pottery, and made some good friends as well. It seemed like a nice community.

It's a shame Taran didn't get the answers he was looking for, but I think he did find himself on the journey nonetheless.

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Silken Bonds (The Waverley Women #2) by M. C. Beaton

Silken Bonds

The Waverley Women #2

M. C. Beaton

Front cover

Date read: 25 - 29 June 2020

Length: 202 pages

Published: 1989

Frederica is fed up of her restricted life in the Waverley house on Hanover Square. When Lord Harry Danger enters their lives and saves them from thieves, her mind wanders to what could be. Will Frederica get her happily ever after like Fanny did?

Modern notions are all well and good - but

where does one find a man to share them?

A good second volume although I felt there was some repetition, like the men the girls are interested in trying to find out more about them by going to the orphanage and Harry being another Lord.

There is something about the girls past though. The fact that the orphanage wont share any information and went to the effort to inform Mrs Waverley that they had been trying to find out things.

And there's definitely something going on with Mrs Waverley and the Prince Regent. The way the avoid each other - I just want to know more!

First indication of a time - it's set in the early 19th century.

I was very surprised that Mrs Waverley married Colonel Bridie! After all she's brought the girls up to believe about being independent and having a good education for themselves, and that they don't need men in their lives. A bit hypocrital really.

I really hope we get answers in the last one!

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The Boy (The Queen of the Tearling #0.5) by Erika Johansen

The Boy
The Queen of the Tearling #0.5
Erika Johansen

Front cover

Date read: 24 June 2020
Length: 6 pages
Published: 2016


Before Kelsea was even a twinkle in her father's eye, there was The Boy. Living under the city, the only thing he's good at is fighting - he never loses. But is this the life he really wants?


In The Boy we learn more about Lazarus/the Mace and where he came from.

I feel sorry for the kid. He's kind of forced into the life he's leading, without much room for him to think about the life he really wants. He knows he's good at fighting and I think that's why he does it.

He's come a long way to end up serving Kelsea, and clearly he fought his way there. I'm glad he did, as he's loyal to her and will do everything to protect her.


A nice little addition to The Queen of the Tearling series, but you do need to have read at least the first one before reading this. I waited until I had finished reading the series.




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The Castle of Llyr (The Chronicles of Prydain #3) by Lloyd Alexander

The Castle of Llyr
The Chronicles of Prydain #3
Lloyd Alexander

Front cover

Date read: 20 - 23 June 2020
Length: 160 pages
Published: 1966 (1968 in GB)


Princess Eilonwy is sent to Mona to learn how to be a proper princess. Accompanied by Taran and their band of companions, they make it to Mona, only to realise things are not as they seem, and Eilonwy is in grave danger. Can they save her?


I like Eilonwy. You forget she's actually a princess because she's so down to earth and just acts like 'one of the boys'. In her heart she wants to stay and have adventures with her friends, but she knows she must learn how to be a lady.

Prince Rhun of Mona is a bit of an idiot, and in no way an adventurer. But he comes through for them in the end and that makes him one of the good guys. "Hallo, hallo!"

Who doesn't love a giant cat? Well, most people when they're trying to get away. Luckily Llyan likes Fflewddur Fflam and his harp.

We learn a little more about Eilonwy's magic orb. It is called the Golden Pelydryn and can be used to read the Book of Spells. But it won't work for everyone!

There is still more to learn of course. We still don't know who Taran's parents are!

So I didn't quite enjoy The Castle of Llyr as much as the previous two, but it's still good! I'm looking forward to reading more.



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The First Rebellion (The Waverley Women #1) by M. C. Beaton

The First Rebellion
The Waverley Women #1
M. C. Beaton

Date read: 14 - 19 June 2020
Length: 217 pages
Published: 1989


Fanny, Frederica and Felicity have been adopted by Mrs Waverley, a bluestocking woman and advocate of women's rights. But the girls are growing up, and don't all believe men to be the beasts they were brought up to think. When the Earl of Tredair enters their lives, poor Fanny has a lot of thoughts and feelings to consider.

His kiss has left her flushed and disconcerted -

perhaps men are best avoided after all!

This is a nice easy read. Perfect summer romance novel!

I want to know more about Mrs Waverley. She's very secretive about her past and I'm hoping we will learn more about her in the following two novels.

I think there is more to the girls' lineage that we will find out later. They know what orphanage they came from, and it was slightly different in that someone must have paid for them to go there. When Fanny tries to find out more she gets nowhere!

I'm glad there was a happy ending for Fanny. She got what she wanted in the end, even if she had to do it in a strange way.

Looking forward to the next one!

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Million Dollar Baby by F. X. Toole

Million Dollar Baby
F. X. Toole

Front cover

Date read: 8 - 13 June 2020
Length: 235 pages
Published: 2000


Originally published as Rope Burns, Million Dollar Baby contains short stories about boxing; the people in boxing, their lives, the industry, and fights. Each story tells something new, but all are deeply about the sport.


I don't really know much about boxing, apart from what is portrayed in movies and TV programmes. I'm not a sport fan. But after reading these short stories, I feel like I've actually learned something about the real world of boxing. The author, F. X. Toole whose real name is Jerry Boyd, was a professional boxing trainer and 'cut man'.

I quite enjoyed these stories, although my favourite is probably Million Dollar Baby. I guess that's why the book was re-named and also why the film got this title. I'll need to watch the film and see how it compares.

I found Black Jew hard to read at first. It would probably be easier to read it aloud! It's written in the way that the main character Jeet/Jackie would talk. But as I read more I got more into it and found it easier.

Rope Burns was also pretty good. It shows how bonded some people are in boxing. The people they work with can become like family.


A good collection of stories.




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The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain #2) by Lloyd Alexander

The Black Cauldron
The Chronicles of Prydain #2
Lloyd Alexander

Front cover

Date read: 3 - 7 June 2020
Length: 182 pages
Published: 1965 (1967 in GB)


Once again Taran finds himself in danger. In order to protect Prydain, he sets out on a secret quest to destroy the Black Cauldron; used to create the undead Cauldron-Born for evil Arawn. Will he succeed?


This is a good second volume which introduces new characters and hints at others which may come.

Ellidyr is selfish and horrible. He only cares about himself and he makes this clear almost from the beginning. He puts the others in danger and he doesn't mind as long as he gets what he wants.

King Morgant is even worse! At least Ellidyr was clear about his intentions, whereas Morgant acted like their friends until the last moment when he revealed himself to be a traitor.

I like Taran's companions; Eilonwy, Fflewddur Fflam, and Gurgi. I hope all the adventures at least feature them in some way, and preferably in the thick of it!

Bring on the next one!




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The Mammoth Book of Awesome Comic Fantasy edited by Mike Ashley

The Mammoth Book of Awesome Comic Fantasy
Edited by Mike Ashley

Front cover

Date read: 21 May - 2 June 2020
Length: 528 pages
Published: 2001


Here we have a collection of short stories from many authors. Some are more fantasy-like than others, from stories based on fairy tales and angels, to some more down to earth. It's definitely an interesting mix!


This book was bought by my grandfather not six months before he passed. The receipt was still in the book! He was a great lover of books and science fiction and fantasy in particular. I think it's where I get my love of books!

Most of the authors I haven't heard of so it was good to read something I wouldn't usually. There were even some older stories from early 1900s.

So with a mix of stories there's obviously some I like more than others. My favourite is probably Touched by a Salesman by Tom Holt. It was funny and kept my attention the whole time. I actually wanted more of the story so I will have to check out some Tom Holt in the future, I do actually have a few of his books but I've never read any.

I also liked The Caliber of the Sword by Larry Lawrence. It was one of the shorter ones but I found it interesting and who doesn't like a talking sword? Even if it is an ass!

I liked the introductions before the stories. I felt like it was a good way to introduce the authors before reading the story and it provided some information on their other works.




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The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #3) by Erika Johansen

The Fate of the Tearling
The Queen of the Tearling #3
Erika Johansen

Front cover

Date read: 8 - 20 May 2020
Length: 515 pages
Published: 2016


In order to try to save her kingdom, Kelsea hands herself over to the Red Queen and is now her prisoner. She leaves the Mace in charge, being one of the only people she can trust. Will this be enough to save the Tearling?

FIRST SHE WAS CROWNED, THEN IMPRISONED.

NOW THE ENDGAME BEGINS...

I like learning about the past through the actual characters. It's almost like 2 books in 1!  In The Fate of the Tearling we see more of the younger generation of the new Tearling, Lily's son and his peers. 

It was an unexpected ending, but I suppose it works. At first I thought it was going to be that she woke up and it was all a dream. I was getting ready to be pretty annoyed, but it wasn't quite like that! I guess this ending was okay but I do feel a bit disappointed anyway.

Most of the questions I had were answered but I would have liked to know if Kelsea was Tear or Finn. I guess it's left for me to figure out or I'll just never know.

The Fate of the Tearling is not quite as good as book 2, but still pretty decent. I think it was the ending that brought it down for me, and I would have given it 3.5 stars, but have rounded it up to four.

Overall rating

Thanks,

The Wee Librocubicularist