{REVIEW} Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K.Rowling
Series: Harry Potter
Book: 2
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Middle Grade
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone—or something—starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects…Harry Potter himself.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

I read the second Harry Potter book! And I loved every second of it. I love spending my time in Hogwarts with our dynamic trio. I love the magic and the world. It's all so fascinating that I hate myself for not reading these when I was a child. Why didn't I just stick it through? I should have forced myself to read them until I loved them. (Shame on you, Dee!)



“Because that's what Hermione does,' said Ron, shrugging. 'When in doubt, go to the library.”

As always, the writing was fantastic. I could picture everything perfectly and feel as though I were right there. Maybe it helps because I've already seen the movies multiple times so I have that vision in my head...oh well. I loved it. I really like Rowling's voice. She brings this magical world with a touch of humor, as well as inspiring. I think it's a good thing I am reading these as I am older so I could really appreciate them more.

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” 

Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue to be my imaginary best friends. I love their loyalty and protectiveness to each other. I seriously had to smile every time Ron wanted to deck Malfoy for calling Hermione a Mudblood. These three are perfect. I really like the new additions we saw also, i.e. Moaning Myrtle.

“Oh well... I'd just been thinking, if you had died, you'd have been welcome to share my toilet.” 

Can we just take a moment to appreciate Fred and George? These two...ay LOL

“Fred and George, however, found all this very funny. They went out of
their way to march ahead of Harry down the corridors, shouting, "Make way for
the Heir of Slytherin, seriously evil wizard coming through ......

Percy was deeply disapproving of this behavior.

"It is not a laughing matter," he said coldly.

"Oh, get out of the way, Percy," said Fred. "Harry's in a hurry."

"Yeah, he's off to the Chamber of Secrets for a cup of tea with his fanged
servant," said George, chortling.

I could probably quote these two all day, but I'll leave you to just read this series for yourself and appreciate them!

The only problem I had was that the chamber of secrets had such a small appearance. It came and went so quickly! I was already towards the end with three chapters left thinking "when the heck are we going to see this chamber?!"

Overall, I loved this book. I can't wait to finally read the others whenever I can actually get my hands on them! I am loving the journey.

{REVIEW} Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter
Book: 1
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who are mean to him and make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. (Dudley, however, has two bedrooms, one to sleep in and one for all his toys and games.) Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed forever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard! The first book in the "Harry Potter" series makes the perfect introduction to the world of Hogwarts.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

I am so proud that I have finally read a Harry Potter book. Yes, this is my first time reading Harry Potter and I am only 18 years late, but never late than never right? Now that I probably have caused you all to have a heart attack I will say that I tried to read Harry Potter when I was a kid. My dad bought me this very book when it was first published and I read a few chapters, but just didn't get into it for whatever reason. I don't know, I was a kid. However, I have seen all the movies and was a huge fan. That was the number one reason why I didn't want to read the books. I had already saw the movies and knew what was going to happen so the suspense would not be present and I though it would take away the enjoyment. But now that I am a better reader and I thought I'd appreciate it a bit more I decided to give it a try. It was time. And I have to say that I LOVED IT! I absolutely loved it! I am so sad that I didn't just give these a try ages ago, but better late than never!

“The truth." Dumbledore sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” 

The writing was fantastic and so memorable. I loved the writing style and was easily drawn into this world. I could envision everything I read with ease and was surprised at how snarky Rowling's writing actually was. She constantly had me laughing from just the tiniest silly sentences and I loved it. I can definitely see why she is everyone's favorite author. She is well deserving.

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” 

What I loved most about the book was the characters. Every single character brings so much to the story. Harry is only eleven years old and is already a brave, strong character. He is is truly remarkable. Ron is funny, witty and  a great friend to Harry. Hermoine is smart and clever and even Neville is adorable. Even all the professors are such strong characters and I find that really refreshing for a series that has so many characters. You often forget about many people with there is such a huge cast, but Rowling really makes everyone stand out. But, I think I have to say Fred and George are definitely my favorite pair.

“You haven't got a letter on yours," George observed. "I suppose she thinks you don't forget your name. But we're not stupid-we know we're called Gred and Forge.” 

“Now, you two – this year, you behave yourselves. If I get one more owl telling me you've – you've blown up a toilet or –"
"Blown up a toilet? We've never blown up a toilet."

"Great idea though, thanks, Mum.” 

I cannot wait to read more of the series. Although, it may take me a while because I am slowly trying to find the collection in my bargain bookstores so I only have two at the most. *tears*
Never fear! I will read the whole series!

And I can now proudly say...I understand Quidditch!

Now I shall leave you while I go cry that I never received my letter from Hogwarts!

*REVIEW* The Trylle trilogy by Amanda Hocking

Title: Switched, Torn, and Ascend
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle Trilogy
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.
My Rating/Thoughts:
What started as a satisfactory read turned into a great, loving and dear series for me. When I read Switched two years ago, I was entertained. I thought it was a nice concept and I enjoyed entering the Förening and engaging with all of the Trylle society. The world was really captivating and I wanted to know more about these people,the Queen, the manskling, the Markis and Marksinna. Now for whatever reason I put this series off for two years. Probably because I was catching up on my other TBR pile of books or just became obsessed with whatever else I was reading at the time. But when I stepped back into the Förening, I was hooked. I read Torn and Ascend both in a day! 
"I will make this world a better place, whether they like it or not. That’s the fun of being Queen."
Now let's talk about the characters. Wendy had become a much more enjoyable  and strong character. In Switched, she was so whiny and annoying that I really didn't connect to her at all. I didn't care that she developed this instalove type crush with Finn and that it wasn't going to work out. She had to do what she had to for her people and accept that she was a much more important person to the Trylle than just being with the one she "loved." Maybe it was because I didn't care for Finn or didn't connect with Wendy, but I wasn't heartbroken that she would lose him. I just didn't care.Nonetheless I don't know why Wendy didn't think to just own her position as queen and override the rules and prejudices about royalty and Trackers being together is beyond me! That seemed like the more obvious solution, but hey I guess we needed more conflict or maybe Wendy is just that oblivious. *shrugs* But I did really enjoy Wendy in later books. She showed great character development. I loved that she stepped up and took over the role of acting queen for her mother. I was also happy that we finally got to see more of Queen Elora and the story of Wendy's birth. Elora wasn't just this cold-hearted woman that we all thought she was. She truly did love Wendy and just wanted to protect her. I only wish we could have had more time to see them together! 

“I know you’ll be a good Queen, a strong, noble leader, and that’s more than

these people deserve,” she said. “But don’t give too much. You need to keep some

of yourself for you. And listen to your heart.”

Now let's talk about one of my absolute favorite characters, Loki Staad. Loki, Loki, Loki, where do I even begin with this beautiful, charming, sarcastic, cocky, wonderful guy? *sigh* He is just wonderful. I don't think I've enjoyed a character more in this series as I did him. Every scene with him was great. He brought giggles and swoons every time he appeared on the page. He had some of the best lines in the series that always just made me laugh and say "Oh, Loki"
“Everything’s not exactly the way it seems ” I said. 
“It seemed like you had your tongue down his throat ” Finn glared at us both. 
“Well then everything is exactly as it seems” Loki said glibly.” 
 Loki was such a complex character. Underneath his cocky attitude, jokes, and sarcastic nature, you saw true depth. He gave up everything to protect Wendy. He put his life on the line to secure her safety. He defied orders to make sure she was safe and never forced her into doing anything she didn't want to do. Even if the evil, Vittra King would have killed him if he didn't succeed. I think that's what truly won me over to his side.  Whereas Wendy felt conflicted about her position and status or following orders, Loki proved that she was more important. He'd do whatever it took for her. I think that's what made him win in the end as well. 

"Everything I went through. For you. It was worth it."

Finn on the other hand...well he made me so angry! He and Wendy could have had a great relationship if he had shown any effort at all! He didn't fight for Wendy. He didn't stand up for himself. All he did was stand aside and let whatever fly by and take his chance at happiness with her. She tried countless times to try to fix what they had (if they actually had anything to begin with) but he wouldn't have it. Now I know there are those that liked Wendy and Finn together better and I mean no harm but I just think he was all wrong for her. He would always see himself as a Tracker and value his position. He would protect her life at all costs, but that's where their relationship would always end. I wished he would have fought to be with her no matter his status, but he didn't. On the eve of her Wedding to Tove. Finn knew he would never have her and instead of just telling her "hey don't do this. I love you and want to be the one you're with. let's make this work." No. He would rather her be in a friendship marriage with a gay guy! A gay guy who wouldn't give her the love that she deserves, but hey as long as she's with him it's fine because I can trust him. Because damn if I'll ever see her with someone who might actually make her happy.

"Tomorrow you will belong to someone else. But tonight, you're with me." UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH *rolles eyes*

Speaking of Tove....how cute was he? I just loved him so much. He was a great friend to Wendy and even a great husband. He helped her get control and strengthen her powers. He helped make her the powerful Trylle she became and I loved their friendship. He looked out for her. He was her partner and always supported her no matter what. He wanted what made her happy and did whatever she felt she needed to do. He would also defy laws and orders to make sure she was happy or simply to just do the right thing. I think that's what baffled Wendy the most. Tove would defy orders for her sake, and Loki, but Finn wouldn't. I just think it's so great that Hocking made Tove gay. I thought this was a nice touch and it make me love him even more. 

Now The Vittra King. What a load of jerk with a side of doucheface. I hated him. I hated who he actually was and how he just wanted to use Wendy. He was just terrible and I am so glad for his ending and that Wendy got her chance at him! Because this man just really needed to get out of here!

Overall, I really, really, really  enjoyed this series. The first book was okay, but I loved the last two. We got to see more of the Vittra and their hobgoblins and what exactly they wanted Wendy for or why their kingdom was crumbling. However, I did think that the ending to Ascend happened kind of quickly and I would have loved to see the other battles that happened outside of what we saw, but I understood why we didn't. Wendy didn't see it, so we didn't either. All in all I really loved this series. I enjoyed reading about the troubles going on in the Trylle community, learning about their powers and taking a look into the prejudices between the Markis/Marksinna and trackers or mansklig. But those prejudices have got to go! (Let's start with Aurora! That woman needs to get her priorities in order).  I love Amanda Hocking and the worlds she brings. I have read her self-published series My Blood Approves and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

Happy reading!

*REVIEW* Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ruing and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha
Book: 3
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Blurb from Goodreads:
The capital has fallen.

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for

My Rating/Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this series and I was a little more than anxious to get my hands on this book so it kind of pains me to say that this ending has left me a little bummed out. Don’t get me wrong I did like the ending and everything came together perfectly and I understand that for Alina it was the perfect happy ending that she always wanted. But for me? I wanted more for her. I wanted her to own her powers and be the invincible girl that I always knew she could be. She was happy and that's all that matters to me. It just makes me a little sad what resulted from the amplifiers. But it was still cute and I was happy with how things ended. I loved that everyone stayed together or kept in touch. It was so bittersweet.

“You might make me a better man.”
“And you might make me a monster.”
The only thing that really honestly bothered me about this book was that we didn’t get to see the Darkling as much! I mean COME ON! Every scene that we had with him just left me crying for more! It was nearly not enough and I missed all his interactions with Alina because they were what made these books so intriguing. He is such a complex character and it is sad to not see his character more because he was finally starting to show more of his “human” side. He just didn’t want to be alone. He wanted to have someone who was just like him and he believed that was Alina. He wanted it desperately and I just wished we’d see more of him. It came to a point where I was a little upset that Alina wouldn’t “go to him” to see him. I loved those scenes!

That aside, I loved reading about Baghra’s story! Oh my gosh I didn’t see that coming at all. It was so interesting to learn more about Morozova and how that connected to the Darkling. I really liked Baghra’s character in this book more as well. She was less evasive and more willing to give Alina the answers she needed. FINALLY! No more just telling her to “run” or “give up” let’s have a chat and I’ll finally explain to you why you need to run! Why this situation can’t possibly go well the way you are thinking.

Speaking of which...let’s talk about their “plan.” When I first read their first idea of a plan of attack I thought we were just bouncing ideas off our heads because no way that could possibly work right? No, wrong! That’s the master plan? That’s all you plan to do? Ok.. let’s do this, I guess see how it works because it can’t possibly be that easy, but whatever. and surprise surprise, it wasn’t that easy.

Which brings us to the amplifiers! I feel like this was a little silly when we find out what the third amplifier was. I mean it makes sense and goes well with the story of Morozova, but seriously? So we were around it the entire time and didn’t need to go put our lives in danger looking for another creature? Don’t get me wrong I thought it fit into the story pretty interesting and I was like WHAAAAAAT?!!? When I read this part but at the same time I was like? UGH!!!! STOP BLOWING HOLES IN MY SHIP, BARDUGO!!!

and I am not even going to go completely into the love interests in this book because honestly, I have never read a book where I shipped the main character with THREE DIFFERENT GUYS! Two, sure...but three?! Seriously? A Prince, a tracker, and the “bad boy” Oh Lord, save me now. I LOVE Nikolai….I love Mal...I love the Darkling. How is a girl to choose?

“You were meant to be my balance, Alina. You are the only person in the world who might rule with me, who might keep my power in check.” 
The Darkling was just so…..sigh. When we found how human he was in his final moments it truly broke my heart. We find out his true name and he has never gone by the name in a very, very long time. The fact that he opened up and shared that part of him with Alina was beyond touching. He just kept wanting to hear his name on her lips until the very end. I just….I can’t. It was so heartbreaking and I was CRYING so much. I had to set my book down and calm myself down.
Plus, the prequel about him was truly unbelievable! I felt so terrible for him because he had to constantly hide who and what he was because anyone who found out he was an amplifier immediately wanted to use his power for their own greed. It made a lot of sense why he turned into the troubled character we know and love. 

“You are no Lantsov,” snarled the King.
Nikolai merely bowed. “I find I can live with that fact.”
The Privateer Prince. Nikolai? Well he’s just perfect. He’s cocky, sarcastic, charming, funny, and just *swoon* The fact that it was pretty much obvious that he didn’t stand a stand with Alina was a little unbelievable to me. I mean come on..he’s the Prince and he’s perfect! What more do you want, Alina?

“I would have been different too, without you. Afraid of the dark. But no matter who or what I was, I would have been yours.”
But Mal? Yes I have always loved Mal. I loved him in the beginning of Shadow and Bone and I loved him until the end. But God was he infuriating! He kind of reminded me of Eddie Castile from the Bloodlines series where he’s in love with someone he feels he is unworthy of and instead of just talking to her to see how she feels and trying to make it work he just tries to stay away and frustrates the hell out of you. I get it, he sees Alina destined for greatness, she is going to save Ravka and destroy the Darkling and the Fold blah blah blah but damn homie, just talk to her! Stop sulking like a little baby and talk to the girl you love! All this aside I really liked Mal’s development over the series. You see him go from protective of Alina to scared of and confused of Alina’s power to accepting of Alina’s power. Which I think I enjoyed most. The fact that he finally accepted her powers and was no longer apprehensive of them or fearful really was the icing on the cake. I can’t lie, I teared up when Alina saw his tattoo.

Now Alina really grew so much more in this book. She became so strong and powerful. I loved seeing how she stood up for her friends and how forgiving she was even to those who potentially wronged her. And I couldn’t help cheering for her when she finally put that Apparat in his place!
“A man so obsessed with holy fire should pay more attention to the smoke.” YOU GO GIRL!

Overall, I did really enjoy this book. I think it was paced perfectly and mirrored the other two books in the trilogy. We didn’t get too much thrown at us at once considering it was a conclusion book and it was just really good. I enjoyed myself. I was scared, surprised, happy, shocked, terrified, anxious and everything in between. I laughed. I cried. I wanted to rip my hair out, but it was a fun ride. I love this series and definitely will be entering a book hangover!

*REVIEW* Splintered by A.G. Howard

Title: Splintered
Author: A.G.Howard
Series: Splintered
Book: 1
Rating: ★


Blurb from Goodreads:
This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

My Rating/Thoughts:
Now let's begin with why this got such a low rating. I gave it only one star simply because I didn't finish the book. Disappointing I know. What started as a great and intriguing plot turned out to just be unappealing to me. I didn't like the darker retelling to Wonderland. I didn't like the creatures. I didn't like the characters, save for our main trio, but everyone else just seem unimportant and uninteresting to me. I didn't care about them. 

I enjoyed reading about Jeb with Alyssa. I enjoyed reading about Morpheus. I loved the fact that Alyssa was desperate to save her mom from the mental hospital and to break the curse, but I just don't know...I couldn't totally get into it. I was bored and found myself just going through the motions. So even though I hate doing this, I decided to just set it down and give up. I will most likely not continue the series even though I have heard great things.But I think this is the right choice for me because it just does not feel like my type of book. Maybe because I wasn't a big Alice in Wonderland fan to begin with? I don't know, but at least I gave it a try. (: