The Wizard's Promise (Review)

The Hanna Duology: The Wizard's Promise | Cassandra Rose Clarke

Published by: Strange Chemistry, May 6th 2014

Genre: YA, High Fantasy
Pages: 329

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

All Hanna Euli wants is to become a proper witch – but unfortunately, she’s stuck as an apprentice to a grumpy fisherman. When their boat gets caught up in a mysterious storm and blown wildly off course, Hanna finds herself further away from home than she’s ever been before.

As she tries to get back, she learns there may be more to her apprentice master than she realized, especially when a mysterious, beautiful, and very non-human boy begins following her through the ocean, claiming that he needs Hanna’s help.

I liked this book. It was such a change of pace to what I was expecting, though. Instead of a fast romp on the high seas, I got a slow adventure of islands and magic. The pace hindered me in the beginning, coming off the back end of the Super Slow Splintered which I just finished. But by halfway I'd surrendered all expectations and learned to just go with the story. Which I really did enjoy.

Hanna was a great protagonist. She was scared while brave, ordinary while special. I liked her a lot. Her reactions to being lied to and, essentially, kidnapped were the same as mine would be. I liked her fire and how she didn't stand for any crap, how she got away from the dubious friendship of Kolur and Frida and found her own way. Speaking of friendships, I adored the relationship between Hanna and Finnur and Asbera. They were such genuine cuties. (Why is it I can always remember the names of everyone in these books, when I usually forget high fantasy character names the moment I close the book?)

I enjoyed the story. As I said, it wasn't as fast as I expected, or as action-packed, but there was plenty of magic and threats and Mist to keep me happy despite that. Not to mention the references to Ananna and Naji that made me squeal in delight! For the most part, I read these books for the wonderful world and the ships. Man, I love ships. (I mean the sailing kind, though I do suspect Hanna/Isolfr will become my OTP in the next book... if there is a next book.) I honestly hope Cassandra writes a handful more books in this world - for one, I'd like to read about a teenager raised in the Mists!!

What is the Wizard's Promise, though? What did Kolur promise? Did I miss it? Is it obvious? Curious.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world building ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★☆

Reading round up (58)

Reading round up is a weekly journal where I record my daily reading progress, my thoughts on each book as I read it, and any books I've acquired during the week.

22nd December

Currently Reading: Talon | Julie Kagawa

Current page/percent: 56%

Read today: 36%

Thoughts: I fricking LOVE this book. I'm only halfway through and it's already one of my favourites. And I adore Garret *swoons*

23rd December

Currently Reading: Talon | Julie Kagawa

Current page/percent: 100%

Read today: 44%

Thoughts: Riley is a MAJOR creep. Dude, leave her alone. Awesome book though. Plenty wrong with it but my love for the story and Garret overshadows any problems.

24th December

Started Splintered by A. G. Howard (6%). This has been on my tbr list for about 2 years now, and everyone loves this story so I'm expecting a lot but I'm finding it REALLY hard to get into. Insects and boarding aren't my thing so I'm a little disheartened by the beginning. I also read 44 pages of The Wizard's Promise by Cassandra Rose Clarke to counteract the slowness of Splintered. It's awesome so far.

25th December

MERRY CHRISTMAS, FOLKS!!

I read 28% of Splintered and God this is taking forever to get good. It's also not what I was expecting, more outrageous fantasy than dark. Not sure I like.

26th December

I read a further 41% of Splintered. We're in Wonderland now and I'm still not sure if I like this or not. Jeb started to grow on me then started being controlling, Morpheus is a manipulative creep, and I don't know if I'm ever gonna connect to any of the characters.

27th December

Finished Splintered (read 25%). I both like and hate this book at the same time, so it's gonna be another 2.5 star highly-anticipated book for me. Ah yes, crushing disappointment how nice to see you.

I also read 32 pages of The Wizard's Promise and I'm liking it, even if it is another slow build up like Splintered (hopefully not as long; hopefully not half the book.)

28th December

Currently Reading: The Wizard's Promise | Cassandra Rose Clarke

Current page/percent: page 191

Read today: 104 pages

Thoughts: Getting better but it's a slow book as opposed to a fast one. I like it, but after the excruciatingly long Splintered, I don't love this as much as I should.

Books finished this week: 2

I got a major haul of Christmas present books (as shown here) and will be using Christmas present money to get a second haul. It's been a good week for books because I also got these ebooks:

The Cage | Megan Shepherd

The Replaced | Kimberly Derting

I still haven't finished reading The Madman's Daughter from months ago, so I'm not sure if I'll totally love The Cage but the premise is far too exciting to ignore. I did, however, really enjoy The Taking, and much more than I expected, so I'm looking forward to The Replaced!! Don't like the text treatment on the cover, though. My eyes can't focus on it :(

Song of Blood and Stone | L. Penelope

POC? High fantasy? Fricking stunning cover? What sounds like a really cool world? A FUCKING MAP INSIDE? Oh God I'm gonna love this book. 

Paranormalcy | Kiersten White

Article 5 | Kristen Simmons

These two beauties were on kindle sale. You have NO idea how long I've been coveting them

Talon

Splintered

Reading round up (38)

Reading round up is a weekly journal where I record my daily reading progress, my thoughts on each book as I read it, and any books I've acquired during the week. Will I continue to put off finishing the Icons series? Probably.

4th August

Currently reading: The House of The Four Winds | Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

Current page/percent: 53%

Read today: 44%

Thoughts: I was definitely having a grumpy reading day yesterday. This book isn't boring AT ALL. I love it - fighting, pirates, mysterious island, swoon-worthy romance. Oh yeah, this is awesome. Flying through it now.

5th August

Currently reading: The House of The Four Winds | Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

Current page/percent: 79%

Read today: 26%

Thoughts: Ugh. The fuck is this Shamal????

6th August

Finished The House of The Four Winds and I'm SO EMOTIONAL. The name of the new ship! *cries* Also I started Ignite by Erica Crouch, which at least three of my friends rate this. I enjoyed Crouch's Madly, Deeply so I have high hopes but I hear it features Michael, the angel I despise the most so ... good luck, Ignite.

7th August

Read a further 6% of Ignite. I'm not wowed yet, and I'm findng it hard to get into it, but I'm sticking with it. I also read The Automaton's Treasure by Cassandra Rose Clarke (33 pages) which is just lovely and fun and stunning. I could live in this world forever.

8th August

Nothing read. Stressy day.

9th August

Not enjoying Ignite, so I'm swapping to Marissa Meyer's Cinder. Need something to pick me up. I read 138 pages and I'm liking it so far.

10th August

Currently reading: Cinder | Marissa Meyer

Current page/percent: page 303

Read today: 165 pages

Thoughts: Fuck, I'be gone from liking it enough to HOOKED. Damn damn damn I can't afford to love another series.

Books finished this week: 2

(Ughhh.)

Transparent | Natalie Whipple

Relax, I'm A Ninja | Natalie Whipple

I bought these two because they were cheap. Simple as. I had a period where I wanted to read Relax, I'm a Ninja and I'm all for supporting self pubbed authors so. I'm not sure I'll enjoy Transparent, but it was just over a pound . I enjoyed Whipple's House of Ivy and Sorrow so I hope I'll like these as well.

Endgame | Nenia Campbell

This was another cheap impulse buy. I do that a lot. I probably spend about £10 a month on impulse kindle books. Eek that's my entire income! I've heard good things from people I follow on GR about Nenia Campbell, and I'm intrigued by this. Hoping it doesn't bore me as much as James Dashner's take on the premise.

The 100 | Kass Morgan

Day 21 | Kass Morgan

Didn't enjoy the first few eps of the TV series but what the hell. I think I'll really like this book series. I'm pretty pissed they got rid of the really nice arty cover for Day 21. I know there was one, because I saw it and it matched the 100. Why is the CW dominating? Can u not? These is books, friend.

I'm still bugging you to donate to the campaign for printing and shipping of The Wandering. (We're 44% there, so close to fifty!!) To persuade you, there are REWARDS! Donate a pound for your name in the acknowledgements. Donate £3 or more for extra cool stuff, bracelets, bookmarks, rare paperbacks etc. Help me give people more free books!!

Reading round up (32)

Reading round up is a weekly journal where I record my daily reading progress and my thoughts on each book as I read it. If I finish Mila 2.0 and Queen of The Tearling, it'll be a goddamned miracle.

23rd June

So I finished Queen of The Tearling (somehow I read 30% in one day; it almost killed me), and because I was quite disappointed with the epic fantasy-ness of it, I started The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke (15%), which I ADORE already. The voice is just lovely and unique and full of character.

24th June

Currently reading: The Assassin's Curse | Cassandra Rose Clarke

Current page/percent: 64%

Read today: 49%

Thoughts: Guess who's put Mila 2.0 on the back burner? Yep. It's me. I really love The Assassin's Curse though. <3______<3 Breezing through it and I don't want it to end. The romance is slaying me.

25th June

Finished The Assassin's Curse (36%), and went straight into The Pirate's Wish (25% read). I'm gonna have to buy both these books, and Clarke's new book (even though the second in the duology won't ever be released) because I'm in love with her writing and world building and just EVERYTHING. Highly recommend, best series I've read all year, tied with Falling Kingdoms for my fave high fantasy.

26th June

Currently reading: The Pirate's Wish | Cassandra Rose Clarke

Current page/percent: 78%

Read today: 53%

Thoughts: I'm going to cry.

27th June

Currently reading: The Pirate's Wish | Cassandra Rose Clarke

Current page/percent: 100%
Read today: 23%

Thoughts: That ending was both upsetting and hopeful. I am SO sad to say goodbye to these books even though I only started reading them five days ago. They've proper found their way into my heart. 

28th June

Started Elusion (24%). Not sure how I feel about it so far. I can see it's going to fall into the best friend in love with the protag, protag in love with hot new guy trope. 

29th June

Elusion is boring me, Mila 2.0 is boring me, So I started Beware The Wild by Natalie C. Parker. I've read 32% of it and already it's freaking awesome.

Books finished this week: 3
(1/2 miracles accomplished!! AW YEAH)

~

Books added to my collection:

Skulk | Rosie Best

Cracked | Eliza Crewe

This Is Not A Test | Courtney Summers

I can't even talk about Strange Chemistry going down or I'll cry. I'm very upset. I'm going to be buying up every SC book in the next few months, both as protest and because I have to while they're still available. Also This Is Not  A Test was a pound so ... 

(I am now OFFICIALLY on a book buying ban until August. Kindle cheapies don't count, but I can't buy ANY paperbacks. I need to make a dent in the ones I already have!!!)

Queen of The Dark Things | C. Robert Cargill

I won this on Goodreads from Gollancz (God bless you Gollancz) and I'm very excited to have it. I need to read the first book though.

Illusions of Fate | Kiersten White

And I got this for review from HarperTeen. Aw yiss. Been waiting for this for EVER.

The Pirate's Wish (Review)

The Assassin's Curse: The Pirate's Wish | Cassandra Rose Clarke

Published by: Strange Chemistry, June 18th 2013

Genre: YA, High Fantasy

Pages: 330

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

After setting out to break the curse that binds them together, the pirate Ananna and the assassin Naji find themselves stranded on an enchanted island in the north with nothing but a sword, their wits, and the secret to breaking the curse: complete three impossible tasks. With the help of their friend Marjani and a rather unusual ally, Ananna and Naji make their way south again, seeking what seems to be beyond their reach.

Unfortunately, Naji has enemies from the shadowy world known as the Mists, and Ananna must still face the repercussions of going up against the Pirate Confederation. Together, Naji and Ananna must break the curse, escape their enemies — and come to terms with their growing romantic attraction.

I went straight into this after finishing the first book, The Assassin's Curse, because I loved it just that much, and needed more. I still need more.

Ananna and Naji continued to break my heart and kick ass, and Marjana only grew in my heart the more I read about her (Ladies who like ladies represent!!) But by far the character who stole the show was Ongraygeomyrn. Manticore of my heart. I'm begging for a series entirely from her point of view. I'm sure she has some exciting adventures. I also loved the ending and the third impossible task - I won't say anything explicitly since I try to avoid major spoilers but just ... SHARKS!! 

I especially loved Ananna being of high rank aboard her ship, and Naji realising he has feelings for her (finally!) The world building and writing was as colourful and bright and delightful as in the first book and I am just falling head over heels for this author. I wish I had time in my schedule to read her other books, but I'm gonna read the short stories and hope that sates my craving (doubt it.)

I laughed, I sobbed, I screamed at my e-reader. I went through every emotion possible in the 330 pages of this book. I adore literally everything and I'm going to be talking about this series for a long time. This story is one that's burrowed into my heart.

I cannot recommend this series enough. Wonderful multifaceted characters, an original voice, my favourite fantasy world to date, and a story bound to capture the heart of every reader. 

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world building ★★★★★

Writing Style ★★★★★

The Assassin's Curse (Review)

The Assassin's Curse: The Assassin's Curse | Cassandra Rose Clarke

Published by: Strange Chemistry, October 2nd 2012

Genre: YA, High Fantasy

Pages: 298

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to another pirate clan. But that only prompts the scorned clan to send an assassin after her. When Ananna faces him down one night, armed with magic she doesn't really know how to use, she accidentally activates a curse binding them together. 

To break the spell, Ananna and the assassin must complete three impossible tasks--all while grappling with evil wizards, floating islands, haughty manticores, runaway nobility, strange magic...and the growing romantic tension between them.

I thought as soon as I read the first paragraph that I was going to fall head over heels for this book.

I wasn't wrong.

The voice is unique, witty, and wonderful to read. The writing itself is a delight, and the characters - oh, how I adored the characters. Ananna is my favourite pirate in the entire world right now. I loved how capable she was, how she wasn't afraid to run into a fight, and how she wasn't afraid to allow weakness in, missing her family, fearing the assassins. I truly, truly love her. But Naji is my favourite character in this book, in any book that ever existed, and for my love of him to go above and beyond my love for Ananna is really something. He's so grumpy and intimidating and wonderfully, heartbreakingly broken. And he just wants to be loved. Falling off a cliff would hurt less than reading this book.

I would have loved The Assassin's Curse for its characters alone, but the story is a goddamned delight and made this one of my absolute favourite books of all time. It is vivid in its imagery, imaginative in its story and characters and world. I was invested in Naji's curse and finding a cure before I even knew it.

I loved literally everything about this book - the pirates, the ships, the desert, the magic, the dark threat, the floating freaking island of terror, the little hut. *wistful sigh* *heart eyes*

My only complaint is this book is 300 pages long, and I require it, by law, to be 3000.
(I went straight into the sequel upon finishing this, and I've already read a quarter of it, and I am quickly running out of book. I'm going to cry when I've read all the Assassin's Curse stories)

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world building ★★★★★

Writing Style ★★★★★