Audiobook Review: Aurora’s End (The Aurora Cycle #3) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Title: Aurora’s End (The Aurora Cycle #3)
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Publication Date: November 9th, 2021
Publisher: Knopf Books For Young Readers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Is this the end?
What happens when you ask a bunch of losers, discipline cases, and misfits to save the galaxy from an ancient evil? The ancient evil wins, of course.
Wait. . . . Not. So. Fast.
When we last saw Squad 312, they working together seamlessly (aka, freaking out) as an intergalactic battle raged and an ancient superweapon threatened to obliterate Earth. Everything went horribly wrong, naturally.
But as it turns out, not all endings are endings, and the te4am has one last chance to rewrite thirs. Maybe two. It’s complicated.
Cue Zila, Fin, and Scarlett (and MAGELLAN!): making friends, making enemies, and making history? Sure, no problem
Cue Tyler, Kal, and Auri: uniting with two of the galaxy’s most hated villains? Um, okay. That, too.
Actually saving the galaxy, though?
Now that will take a miracle.” (Goodreads)

Here’s to another book series that I have finished! But also, boo to this journey actually being over! 😢 Squad 312 has been a great group of friends and I am sad to this found family go.

The book is told from multiple point-of-views just like the first two books. Most of the characters are not together and or have interesting backstories to tell to help give us more information. It’s always nice to get into their heads. I don’t know if I could honestly pick a favorite point-of-view. They were all good! Tyler did have a lot of chapters and he made me laugh quite a bit though so I could be persuaded to pick him, haha. Some of the characters did feel a bit more secondary than they have in the previous books but I did like what we got from them.

I did rate the last book a whole star less than what I rated the first two. I don’t think that the ending to this trilogy was bad and it does actually wrap up nicely, especially after there were so many plot lines from this particular book. Personally, I just think their third book is usually the weakest. In this book there is so much still going on all the way up and past the 50% mark. It felt like the plot focused more on the relationships of the squad members, which don’t get me wrong some parts had me smiling, but it didn’t leave a lot of room for the rest and to me the ending/final arc felt a bit anticlimactic. I also would have really liked more focus on the Ra’haam.

Overall, it was an enjoyable conclusion. I still would recommend this series, especially the audiobooks, because it has great tropes and the characters are very loveable.

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Goodreads Monday (8/24/20)

Hello Readers!

Goodreads Monday is hosted by Lauren’s Page Turners. To participate, choose a random book from your TBR and show it off.

Title: The Other Side of the Sky
Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: September 8th, 2020
Publisher: HarperTeen

“Prince North’s home is in the sky, in a gleaming city held aloft by intricate engines, powered by technology. Nimh is the living goddess of her people on the Surface, responsible for providing answers, direction—hope.

North’s and Nimh’s lives are entwined—though their hearts can never be. Linked by a terrifying prophecy and caught between duty and fate, they must choose between saving their people or succumbing to the bond that is forbidden between them.” (Goodreads)

I have read every book by Amie Kaufman so obviously I would like to read this one. I have also read some from Meagan Spooner and have read one of their series they wrote together. Although there have been times I didn’t love some of their books, I still liked them enough so I want to give this one a try too. The cover is also amazing and I love it!

Does this one sound like something you would read?

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Book Review: Battle Born (Elementals #3) by Amie Kaufman

Title: Battle Born (Elementals #3)
Author: Amie Kaufman
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Publication Date: June 2nd, 2020
Publisher: HarperCollins

“Though Anders and his friends have delayed a war between ice wolves and scorch dragons, their mission is far from over. With adults on both sides looking for them, they’ve sought refuge in Cloudhaven, a forbidden stronghold that could hold the key to saving their home.

Meanwhile, Holbard has been ravaged, and its citizens are reeling. Many have been forced into bleak camps outside the city, and food is running short.

To rebuild Vallen and unite scorch dragons, ice wolves, and humans, Anders and Rayna must put everything on the line…before the damage done is beyond repair. But the price of peace may hit closer to home than they could’ve ever imagined.” (Goodreads)

I have finished another series! Which, I am terrible at doing, haha.

I thought that this book was a good conclusion to this MG series. There isn’t too much action like the first two books but everything does come together.

All the other characters are back! Which includes Anders and his sister. I have enjoyed reading about the bond they share as siblings. It’s one of my favorite bonds to read about. I wouldn’t say there is much development since this is a conclusion. There is one new character but they don’t stay for long but I am glad they were at least included.

I really liked the overall message of this one. It doesn’t matter who or what we are but we should all get along because we can each bring something new to the table. It’s definitely a message that is very important for today.

Overall, I liked this series and I am glad that I started it this year.

Book Collection: Aurora Rising & Aurora Burning

Hello Readers!

One good thing about books (or bad thing, ha) is that there are now so many editions for books you enjoy. For me, I want to collect but I definitely have a limit on how much I’m willing to spend. Book collecting can get super expensive! I probably should have found a cheaper thing to collect. Oh well, we are here now. 🤷‍♀️😂

I had someone ask me to share my different covers for Aurora Burning by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. I am also going to include the two different books I have for the first book too.

 

This is probably my favorite one out of the three. I just love the yellow! I’m not usually a big fan of the color but I think it really makes his eyes pop. This one came from Forbidden Planet and is signed by both authors.

I, of course, had to get the regular color because the orange is awesome and I bought this from a shop that was doing sprayed edges. They are just so beautiful! I purchased this one from Bookish_Signs on Etsy. This one came with a signed bookplate.

The blue one comes from Illumicrate. Since they did an edition for the first book last year (see below). I may like the blue more than the orange but honestly I just love them all! This one is signed by both authors.

The pink version came from Illumicrate. It came in their book box from last year, I believe it was May. I really enjoy the pink! This one is signed by both authors.

The purple one is new from this year. I bought it when I purchased the orange Aurora Burning from Bookish_Signs. I thought I might as well have the original cover for this one too. This one came with a signed bookplate.

So yeah, that’s my collection! I’m curious to see what the colors will be for the next book in the series and who will be on the cover.

Have you read these books yet? Do you plan to?

 

Book Review: Scorch Dragons (Elementals #2) by Amie Kaufman

Title: Scorch Dragons (Elementals #2)
Author: Amie Kaufman
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Publication Date: March 26th, 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins

“After the fateful battle between the ice wolves and the scorch dragons, Anders and his twin sister, Rayna, have been reunited. But there’s no time for celebrating. In the mountains of Drekhelm, Anders and his wolf friend Lisabet are perceived as threats, and only the leader of the dragons can keep them safe.

When the temperature starts to drop all over Vallen, they learn the wolves have stolen a weather-altering artifact called the Snowstone, and every dragon, including Rayna, is now in deathly danger. Desperate to broker peace, Anders enlists the help of a few new flame-breathing friends to stop the wolves’ next plan of attack.

Together, these former rivals must go on a dangerous quest to find the scattered pieces of the Sun Scepter, the only artifact that can counteract the Snowstone. Because if either device goes unchecked, all hope for a truce will be lost.” (Goodreads)

I wanted to continue this series after listening to the first one and since the audiobook wasn’t out I decided to just get the ebook from the library. I will then be all caught up for the next book, which I already have on hold from the library when it comes out in June!

The stakes are definitely high in this one and Anders, Rayna, and Lisabet will do anything to make sure that there is peace between the dragons and wolves.

The one thing that I really enjoy about these characters is that they are young but are open-minded. The adults are stuck in their way (for the most part) and don’t want to communicate with the other group. They would rather keep a grudge. It’s sad that kids can understand getting along more than adults but it’s the way of the world even now.

The plot for this one is filled with artifact hunting and a lot of sneaking around in hopes of not getting caught by either side. They are all so brave to stick up for what they believe in! It was quite the adventure.

Of course, the book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m curious to see how this group of kids will fair when war seems inevitable.

Overall, I really liked this one. There was bit more adventure than the first and the characters are just so determined. I love it!

Book Review: Aurora Burning (The Aurora Cycle #2) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Title: Aurora Burning (The Aurora Cycle #2)
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Genre: YA Sci-fi / Fantasy
Publication Date: May 5th, 2020
Publisher: Knopf Books For Young Readers

“Our heroes are back… kind of. From the bestselling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy’s best hope for survival.

First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.

When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.

Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.” (Goodreads)

I am going to need a couple weeks for this book hangover to go away and this heartbreak to be okay…

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff did it again with the sequel to Aurora Rising! Which I’m not surprised about. These two know how to co-write and make you feel a whole lot of things! I cried multiple times because so many things were just so sad! Ugh..

Just like the first book, this one is split between different point-of-views. It helps to understand the squad individually. There is also more background info for many of these characters and it was nice to understand how they all got to where they are now.

One of the newest characters that was introduced in this book was Saedii, Kal’s sister. Oh man! She is wild. I’m not really sure how I feel about her because there are times I didn’t like her but other times she wasn’t half bad. I don’t know! Hopefully, I will have a better answer in the next book, ha.

The plot is just so intricate and filled with many different things going on. It’s awesome to see all of the connections unfold. There are definitely plot twists and some are rather heartbreaking. That ending! I don’t even know what to say. They are heartless writers…

Overall, this was one wild and emotional ride. I’m sorry this review is short but I don’t want to give anything away for those who haven’t got to it yet. If you haven’t read this series yet, I definitely recommend starting. Be prepared to be an emotional wreck.

Book Review: Ice Wolves (Elementals #1) by Amie Kaufman

Title: Ice Wolves (Elementals #1)
Author: Amie Kaufman
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Publication Date: March 27th, 2018

“Everyone in Vallen knows that ice wolves and scorch dragons are sworn enemies who live deeply separate lives.

So when twelve-year-old orphan Anders takes one elemental form and his twin sister, Rayna, takes another, he wonders whether they are even related. Still, whether or not they’re family, Rayna is Anders’s only true friend. She’s nothing like the brutal, cruel dragons who claimed her as one of their own and stole her away.

In order to rescue her, Anders must enlist at the foreboding Ulfar Academy, a school for young wolves that values loyalty to the pack above all else. But for Anders, loyalty is more complicated than obedience, and friendship is the most powerful shapeshifting force of all.”(Goodreads)

I have read almost all of this author’s books and I needed something new to listen to, saw my library had this available, and decided to jump in.

I wasn’t sure what to expect but I found myself liking this. It did take a bit for me to really enjoy but there are definitely a lot of cool aspects like the factions: Dragons and Wolves.

The story follows two siblings who are separated because of these factions. There is only one point-of-view and that is Anders. I liked his character and thought he had pretty good development throughout the book. He also wasn’t a great thief and took orders from his sister. It’s nice to see characters not be good at things since it adds to them being more realistic.

I have a few questions about the factions that weren’t answered, mostly involving the dragons, but there are two more books in the series so there is still time for them to be answered. I am intrigued by the factions because wolves are one of my favorite animals and dragons are just really cool!

The plot is pretty quick paced and I liked that there wasn’t a lot of down time. It kept me engaged and I didn’t want to stop listening to it. I also loved all of the plot twists that I didn’t see coming. The book ended with a lot of unanswered questions due to a cliffhanger but that’s okay. It makes me even more curious and I will be happy when I get the next book in from the library.

Overall, it was really good. I would definitely recommend it if you like books about siblings and are interested in Middle Grade books.

Book Review: Their Fractured Light (Starbound #3) by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: Their Fractured Light (Starbound #3)
Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Publication Date: December 1st, 2015

“A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.” (Goodreads)

The first two books were interesting enough to continue on and now I have finished the series! I can say overall, I wasn’t a fan of any of the relationships. They all felt similar in ways and I just never felt invested.

I also will say another similarity was the characters themselves. They all came from different backgrounds but nothing made them stand a part from one another.  I never connected to any of them and only felt one emotion in the first book.

The reason I liked this one more was because it was filled with more action and the alien beings were very present. I found myself not wanting to turn the audio book off because I wanted to know how it would all play out. Their lives and the human race was at stake. It was intense and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There wasn’t too many plot twists but the one that I did notice was unexpected and very surprising.

Overall it was a good ending to the series and it wrapped up nicely.

Book Review: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: This Shattered World (Starbound #2)
Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Publication Date: December 23rd, 2014

“The second installment in the epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet’s rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn’s blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.” (Goodreads)

I finally got this one in as an audio book from the library. It was a bit slower in the beginning than the first book and so I’m glad I’m still listening to this series versus reading it.

This book follows two different characters than the first. Flynn is a rebel who’s sister was deemed as a martyr. Jubilee is a captain and fighting on the opposite side. Honestly, from the beginning I knew they would end up in a relationship together. Although it wasn’t insta-love it just didn’t feel authentic. You know what I mean? Maybe it’s just because I knew it was coming. I’m not really surprised though since I haven’t been a fan of either relationship that has formed in both books.

I guess another gripe I would have about this series is the pacing. Most of the time it doesn’t feel like anything happens until about halfway in. I need something in the beginning to at least grasp my attention. The couple twists that do happen are just fine but easily noticeable.

One thing I did enjoy is the connection between the first and second book. Tarver and Lilac come back for a couple chapters to help Flynn and Jubilee figure out what is really going on with the planet they are currently on.

Overall, it’s still interesting for the most part but it wasn’t much better than the first. I will still read the third and last book because I am already so close to being done with this series.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors Who Have a Fun Social Media Presence

Hello, Lovely Bookworms!

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018.

Today’s prompt is Authors Who Have a Fun Social Media Presence. I do follow authors on Instagram and I definitely have my favorites who post a lot and add to the community. I’m excited to share my list!

1.) Amie Kaufman

2.) Jay Kristoff

How can I not put these two? They write amazing books together and I love their presence on social media. You can tell they really adore their fans!

3.) Joanna Hathaway

I have been following Joanna since I read her first book last year. We have talked a bit through DMs and it’s awesome that we both share the same name and I’m from Minnesota where she is currently living. She has a great presence online and shares many things about WW2.

4.) Carla Reighhard

Carla is so sweet! She is an indie author who posts frequently and I love all the corny jokes she shares. We both have a soft spot for Gaston and she will be releasing a retelling for him this year! I am so excited.

5.) Joanna Ruth Meyer

Another author that shares the same name as me! I have read all her books besides one but I have without a doubt I will love it. She shares a lot of her personal life and I think that’s awesome.

6.) Stephanie Garber

Stephanie is always so bubbly in her Instagram stories. I love watching them! Her books are also fantastic and I can’t wait to see what she will write next.

What author do you enjoy following on social media?

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