Review: Harley Quinn, Volume One

Harley Quinn: Volume One | Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti

Published by: DC Comics, March 21st 2017

Genre: Science Fiction, Superheroes

Pages: 144

Format: Ebook

Source: DC Comics, via Netgalley

Harley Quinn's crazy world on has gotten even more crazier when an unexpected, contagious enemy comes to town! Protecting her neighborhood just got a little harder, good thing they have chainsaws!

Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti continue their mammoth run on this New York Times best-selling title in Harley Quinn, Volume 1: Die Laughing!

Collecting: Harley Quinn 1-6, Rebirth 

Openly queer Harley is EVERYTHING to me. This rep is a gift.

The art is perfect, the story is as quirky and wild and bloody as I expected (and SO much more - Harley started a BAND!) The only thing is the India storyline didn't fit with the rest + seemed odd, but I still liked it! I just love the characters, they're so unique and memorable and funny as hell. This comic makes me so damn happy. I can't wait for volume 2!

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Wolf Magic

Wolves of Faerie: Wolf Magic | W.B. McKay

Published: January 23rd 2017

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Wolves

Pages: 132

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

The road to revenge is paved with sacrifice. 

Julia Grayson is a werewolf on a mission. When she learns of a suspicious murder she sets her sights on her old home town. As the case unfolds, she can’t help noticing the similarity to the murder of her family. 

Desperate to believe this is the lead that will fulfill her long-awaited revenge, she's determined not to let any distractions get in her way. Appeasing the local pack is the last obstacle she needs, but if she doesn’t want to lose her best lead in a century, she’ll have to play nice. Unfortunately, that also means having to deal with Nathaniel, a man from her past who is both tempting and infuriating. 

When it becomes clear the killers will not stop their deadly mission, it will take Julia and the pack working in harmony with their natural enemies if she wants to protect her home and satisfy her need for vengeance.

Do you know what I don't like about this book? Nothing. Nada. There's literally no issue I can  come up with. Julia wasn't snarky and stubborn enough? She certainly was. Nathaniel  wasn't charming and adorable enough? Yeah, that's not a problem either. The story wasn't  fascinating and mysterious and full of supernatural suspense and danger? The premise wasn't  unique enough? There wasn't enough super extra cool magic? Can't find one complaint.  I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the best urban fantasy novel of 2017.  I'm desperate for the second book.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Traitor To The Throne

Rebel of The Sands: Traitor To The Throne | Alwyn Hamilton

Published by: Faber & Faber, February 2nd 2017

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Djinn

Pages: 592

Format: Ebook

Source: Faber & Faber, via Edelweiss

This is not about blood or love. This is about treason.

Nearly a year has passed since Amani and the rebels won their epic battle at Fahali. Amani has come into both her powers and her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit, and the Rebel Prince's message has spread across the desert - and some might say out of control. But when a surprise encounter turns into a brutal kidnapping, Amani finds herself betrayed in the cruellest manner possible.

Stripped of her powers and her identity, and torn from the man she loves, Amani must return to her desert-girl's instinct for survival. For the Sultan's palace is a dangerous one, and the harem is a viper's nest of suspicion, fear and intrigue. Just the right place for a spy to thrive... But spying is a dangerous game, and when ghosts from Amani's past emerge to haunt her, she begins to wonder if she can trust her own treacherous heart.

Ughhhhhhhhhh that ending makes me mad.

Dare I say this was actually better than book one? The rebellion built in exciting, unpredictable ways. I love how the world expands in this book, and the deeper look at culture we get. I love how the characters are written, how they interact with each other, and how they're all badass in their own way. Jin and Amani are still perfect, and I got a new ship in this book (which sunk, thanks a lot, book!) which was cool. What was really interesting was how this book showed the enemy - i.e. as a person with ideals and good intentions too. This was clever and sneaky and made me doubt the rebellion.

Even more supernatural awesomeness, more action, more tension, and more of my favourite snarky characters.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Titans, Volume One

Titans: Volume One | Dan Abnett, Brett Booth

Published by: DC Comics, March 7th 2017

Genre: Science Fiction, Superheroes

Pages: 168

Format: Ebook

Source: DC Comics, via Netgalley

A part of DC Universe: Rebirth!

Wally West is back in the DCU and he's once again teamed up with former teen heroes and fan-favorite characters like Nightwing, Donna Troy, Arsenal and more!

Spinning directly out of the events of DC Universe: Rebirth, this new band of Titans are on a quest to find out the truth behind the earth-shattering, universe-changing revelations that Wally ushered in in his return to the world he thought he'd lost. Wally, Donna, Arsenal, Garth, Lilith and Nightwing are on the hunt for the mysterious force that erased their memories, forcing them to forget what they could accomplish together. Reunited with their memories returned, the Titans must destroy the interdimensional demon that broke them apart and threatens reality itself.

Collecting: Titans 1-6, Rebirth

I liked this. I never really loved it, but the characters are interesting and the plot is too. I don't like the romance between Wally and Linda tbh, and I wish there'd been more time spent with the Titans so I could get to know them separately. But Kadabra is cool, and I like the art a lot.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Review: Suicide Squad, Volume 1

Suicide Squad: Volume One | Rob Williams, Jim Lee, Philip Tan, Jason Fabok, Ivan Reis, Gary Frank

Published by: DC Comics, March 7th 2017

Genre: Science Fiction, Superheroes

Pages: 161

Format: Ebook

Source: DC Comics, via Netgalley

Harley Quinn. Deadshot. Killer Croc. Enchantress. Captain Boomerang. Katana. They’re dangerous. They’re deadly. They’re deeply unstable. And they’re our only hope. They’re the characters from the smash-hit film and they’re here in this great new starting-point graphic novel, SUICIDE SQUAD VOL. 1: THE BLACK VAULT, as part of DC Rebirth!
 
Assembled by the tough-as-nails intelligence expert Amanda Waller and overseen by disgraced military genius Captain Rick Flag, the men, women and monsters of the Suicide Squad—a.k.a. Task Force X—do the jobs that are too dirty for any superheroes to soil their capes over. 
 
Their latest mission should be easy enough: recover a powerful cosmic weapon called the Black Vault from enemy hands. But what happens when the Black Vault begins turning them into their own worst enemies?
 
As the object’s dark influence spreads and the team is driven to madness and mayhem (more than usual, that is), there’s only one person sane enough to save the Squad from certain destruction…the Clown Princess of Crazy herself, Harley Quinn!
  
Legendary artist Jim Lee teams up with writer Rob Williams and a who’s who of top comics talent for SUICIDE SQUAD VOL. 1: THE BLACK VAULT! Exploding from the pages of DC’s blockbuster REBIRTH event and starring the characters you love and hate from the smash-hit movie, this graphic novel is a great jumping-on point for new readers! Collects issues #1-4 and the SUICIDE SQUAD: REBIRTH one-shot, including back-up stories illustrated by such acclaimed artists as Ivan Reis, Gary Frank and Jason Fabok!

Just when I think I've found my favourite Suicide Squad comic, the next one levels up massively. The Black Vault has the PERFECT combination of character and plot, and we get insights to back story AND some awesome antagonists and danger and stuff blown up (which is always my favourite.) I really loved Flag, who was new to me, and Katana, who I knew I would adore (and I do, so so much.) This whole gang is squad goals, honestly, and the story is gripping and exciting. The art is exceptional, the writing is SO GOOD, and the dialogue is immense. I need volume 2 right damn now!

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Of Fire & Stars

Of Fire & Stars | Audrey Coulthurst

Published by: Balzer+Bray, November 22nd 2016

Genre: YA, High Fantasy, Magic, LGBTQ+

Pages: 389

Format: Ebook

Source: Balzer+Bray, via Edelweiss

Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine—called Mare—the sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two become closer, Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. And soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other. 

Political fantasy, a lesbian MC, and a bi love interest? Oh, book, you spoil me.  Except for the end ... that was mean. This book is awesome at so much - relations between different kingdoms and their alliances,  realistic rebellions and anti-rebellions, magic that's cool and just feels natural, and a romance  that isn't rushed or too slow, shallow or too over-the-top.  It's perfect, all of it - character, dialogue, world, danger, the HORSES. I'm so glad I read this.  I will say one thing though - very open ending. Everything I've seen says this is a standalone but  I need a sequel!

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Monthly Round Up (14)

Monthly round up is a journal where I record my reading progress, reviews, and my favourite books/biggest disappointments of the month.

Reviews:
We Come Apart
Dare You
Dreamology
The Last of August
The Darkest Lie
False Hearts
A Madness So Discreet
Things We Have In Common
One Blood Ruby
City of Strife

What I've read this month:

Favourite book:

Frozen Tides!

Biggest Disappointment:

Eh, not sure this month.

What did you read this month? Leave a comment!

~Saruuh

Review: Stolen Ink

Ink Born: Stolen Ink | Holly Evans

Published: February 10th 2017

Genre: NA, Urban Fantasy, Magic, LGBT

Pages: 199

Format: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

I’m Dacian, a tattoo magician, and my life went from my biggest concern being finding a pretty guy to fall into bed with at the end of the week to everything falling apart around me.

There are two problems in my life.

Number one – I’m an ink magician, the thing of myths. A lot of very powerful people would love to get their hands on me, and I have no intention of letting that happen.

Number two – A tattoo thief came to my city, and the magical community has decided that I’m the guy to stop them.

Somehow, I have to catch the thief without letting my secret out of the bag, and that’s even harder than it sounds. 

This blew me away! Exciting, super unique plot, cute m/m romance, gay supporting cast, ace lady shifter - all my fave things! Instead of regular magic and same-y supernaturals we have tattoo magicians (!!!), dreamwalkers, and magic breakers. It's awesome, and so unique, and I loved every moment of it. The relationships between characters, romantic AND platonic, are so heartwarming and they made this book so strong. And did I mention that there's A CAT that comes out of A TATTOO and is a sassy perf creature who I want to keep? The only downside is I suspected Isaiah ALL the way through - I thought he was an evil tattoo-stealing thief who would turn around and kill Dacian, so I never trusted him.

This book is grounded in characters and love but the magic itself brings this book to life. Read this book - you won't regret it. Stolen Ink is unforgettable. 

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆