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Review: Strange Grace

Title: Strange Grace

Author: Tessa Gratton

Date of Publication: September 18th, 2018

Goodreads Summary:

Once, a witch made a pact with a devil. The legend says they loved each other, but can the story be trusted at all? Find out in this lush, atmospheric fantasy novel that entwines love, lies, and sacrifice.

Long ago, a village made a bargain with the devil: to ensure their prosperity, when the Slaughter Moon rises, the village must sacrifice a young man into the depths of the Devil’s Forest.

Only this year, the Slaughter Moon has risen early.

Bound by duty, secrets, and the love they share for one another, Mairwen, a spirited witch; Rhun, the expected saint; and Arthur, a restless outcast, will each have a role to play as the devil demands a body to fill the bargain. But the devil these friends find is not the one they expect, and the lies they uncover will turn their town—and their hearts—inside out.

My Review:

Buddy read with Melanie Lilly and Jewls

This was a very interesting story and strange would be a great word to use, because strange things are awesome! My favorite kinds of stories involve forests, ones where there are things hidden within.

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At first I was confused by the way the characters jump around, but I quickly got used to that. I’m not a fan of third person present tense for a long time, and the whole story was written that way, but eventually I got used to that too.

I thought the author did a good job with the love between the three characters. It was a beautiful thing! Arthur was definitely my favorite, and my goodness did I feel for him. He was angry at times, and he had a right to be! He had a right to be confused, and I wanted to give him a great big hug.

My favorite scenes were some within the forest, awesome world building with perfect description. It makes me want to venture there, but kind of not at the same time! Overall, a unique book that is sure to be a hit!

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Review: Starry Eyes

Feb12

Title: Starry Eyes

Author: Jenn Bennett

Date of Publication: April 3rd, 2018

35297469

Goodreads Summary:

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong?

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?

My Review:

I absolutely loved The Anatomical Shape of A Heart by Jenn Bennett, so when I saw this I was like oooooh I have to read it. I generally am let down by most YA contemporary with an exception of a few authors. This one was really good! Camping in the wilderness? Come on, that’s awesome!

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So at first to be honest, I was pretty annoyed with the MC in the first couple of chapters. She eventually got on my good side as I delved deeper into the book. I also really liked her name—Zorie. Now, Lennon I loved from the first moment he appeared on the pages—funny and adorable!

There was just so much cuteness it’s insane! The writing was funny, beautiful, and addicting. I need to go ahead and read her other book Alex, Approximately because I still haven’t read that one! I know it’s early in the year but so far this is my favorite contemporary this year.