Legion (Talon #4) by Julie Kagawa

What a whirlwind this book was. Started out with some death, had some fighting, a lot of driving around the country, and then ended with a bang and some dragonfire. Like any good fourth installment should!

I will do my best to write about this book without mentioning any spoilers, but if I happen to talk about one I will make sure to let you know it's coming in case you haven't read it yet!

It was nice that this book started off with everyone I've grown to love back in the same place again, because I missed them while they all did their own thing. I've found that I really like Jade and what she brings to the story. Instead of dragons all looking the same, they all look different depending on the region. Just like how so many different regions and cultures throughout the world have a dragon myth, and they are all different. That's why deep down I know that they must have at least been alive once if so many cultures had a myth of them but didn't communicate with each other. It just makes sense.

...is Talon real? Because I wanna meet a dragon. Julie what secrets do you know about? Share them with me!!!!!

It was interesting having Dante in the mix a little bit and having him seen more in this book, and the twist with him and Ember that we learned. I think something like that crossed my mind once but then it went away because like...nah that couldn't be it, and then it was haha. But it did throw me for a bit of a loop, and then it just got even more...twisted. 

I know that the romance was big in this book, but I came to a realization in this book. As much as I'd love a guy like Garret or Riley to protect me, I'm also the kind of girl to love a guy like Wesley. I know he's described as someone who is scrawny at times and probably pale beyond belief, but I picture him to look more like Dr. Reid and I love him. 

And I felt that the choice that Ember made was very brave of her. She really thought hard, as did her dragon, and they came up with a choice that was best for her and also thought of the others around her. I know some people would probably be upset because of ruining an OTP but I liked how she (and the others) handled the situation. And I think I feel something brewing with Mist so I CAN'T WAIT TO CONTINUE READING!

Now just to purchase the next book. To the bookstore I go!

But until then I will be happily reading other books on my TBR for this year and hopefully enjoying them. However I won't be ashamed if I don't and have to DNR a few of them. Here's to happy reading!

I gave Legion 5 stars, because this book continued with the drama and action of the other books, and left me hanging and waiting for the next one. I can't wait to see how Julie ends this story.

Have you read any of the Talon books? What did you think about the twists during part two? Or the major plot story during part three?

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: legion cover on Goodreads, eastern vs. western, Ken Jeong, 

Soldier (Talon #3) by Julie Kagawa

WOW...

That was a lot of emotions I went through.

And I know I will put myself through it again by picking up the fourth book RIGHT after I post this.

Julie knows how to pull me in and stab me right when it gets intense. WHY JULIE? WHY?

This book was action and drama from the first page to the last, and with each on the danger grew and grew and I was on the edge of my seat, itching to grab the book each minute I was at work. All I wanted to do was read it at the break table or right at the register (maybe if I ask my manager nicely he'll let me do that in the future...he does like me).

I found myself bouncing back and forth between Riley and Garret just like Ember was doing (sorry spoiler on the romance), and I couldn't pick one of them. At some times I felt Riley was getting a little too like...controlling, but by the end it seemed like he learned that he wasn't the only one and became a big boy.

But now I don't know where the story is gonna go, and I only have the fourth book in my possession because the store didn't have the fifth one available when I went the other day!!!! So now I'm debating picking up the fourth book until I have Inferno and start with other ones that I have waiting in my TBR pile for the next year.

Mean...I'm going to do it. But it's going to hurt me I just know it.

This review is also so short and quick because it's late, the year is almost over, I want to start the next book to POSSIBLY complete my reading challenge (if not it's only one book what's the big deal), and I have to get ready to work a closing shift at a party store on New Year's Eve. Wish me and my co workers luck.

I gave Soldier 5 stars because it was an amazing read. I love Julie Kagawa's writing and all the stories that I've read from her. There's only one series I haven't read yet but I have the first book so that's a start!

Please tell me if you've read any of these books so we can talk about all of these emotions I'm feeling, because I need someone to talk with me about the Talon series.

Get ready for me to try and post more in 2020!

À bientôt!

Rogue (Talon #2) by Julie Kagawa

Dragons, adventure, twins, and more were the reasons that I started to read the Talon series by Julie Kagawa.

Sadly it took me a while to go from reading the first one to getting my hands on the second, and then reading that one as well. But luckily when I started to read the second book, I was able to remember that first one (or at least most of the first one in the series hehe). But at least I have the next two books so I can read them now.

One of the things that I really like about the series is the fact that the main characters, Ember and Dante, were twins. It's a small thing, but being a twin myself made me understand the connection that they had more than if I had no siblings, so I really liked it. It was a way for me to feel more connected to the story. Though since they were separated in this book it was a different feeling. It reminded me of when my sister and I were both away at college. Hours apart from each other, but I still cared about her, just like Ember and Dante cared about each other while being apart.

And I'm always a sucker for two guys pining for the same girl, especially if I also like both of the guys. Though I must say I'm more into Riley/Cobalt than I am Garret, but that's just me haha. I admire how both of them care for Ember and they just want her to be happy in her choice, whatever that may be.

Then, of course, there's the whole dragon aspect of the book. Anything with a dragon and I'm in. I find them so interesting and majestic. Honestly, sometimes I get sad when I remember they aren't mythical (or at least not alive today, who knows if they once were real!)

When it came into play, I knew one of the plot twists before it happened because it just seemed TOO much of a coincidence. Right place, right time, but wrong at the same time, how could they not have seen that coming? However, I didn't know exactly how the twist would go, so it did surprise me at the same time, which is a way to tell it's a good story!

I don't want to spoil too much, even though the book has been out for a little bit, but someone might not have read it yet and I'd hate to ruin the experience.


I rated Rogue 5 stars out of 5. And I can't wait to start the third book, Soldier, just as soon as I get the time after editing a bit more for NaNoWriMo!

Have you read Talon and Rogue? What did you like about them? What did you think about Garret at the end of the book? I feel like it's the right move for him, but I know he's gonna come back to join them all again.


À bientôt!


Photo/Gif creds: dragon kite,

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

When I heard that Julie was writing another book, I didn't even read what the summary was, I just went searching for it. Then I learned it was about foxes (or more specifically kitsunes), dragons, magic, and Japanese folklore/legends, I got even more excited. I found the link and preordered the book as soon as I had the money. Then I had to wait for about a month.

Once the book finally came in, all I did was take a few photos and then put it on my desk at school. I'm not the best at reading a book right when I get it or reading more than one book at a time. I didn't get around to reading it until after I graduated college (which is still crazy to think about).

Finally, now that I'm done the book, I think I'm able to put into words what I liked about it, and (unsurprisingly because I give easy reviews and love Julie) there was like...nothing I didn't like about the book besides the fact it ended and I don't immediately have the second one in my hands right now.

Spoilers will be said, I've figured that since I read books so far away from release and sort of after their hype that I won't censor myself while writing these. I won't give away the main plot, or the big twists, but I won't keep small details to myself that I liked.

So let's start off with one of the things that really drew me to this book: foxes, or as in this book, kitsunes. Foxes are one of my favorite animals of all time (the other being a cat) so I loved the inclusion of the character of Yumeko. I almost wished that this book was a show or had pictures because I would have loved to see her in her fox form, or at least with her ears. I also felt that Yumeko as a character was compelling and the fact that her true nature of being kind and caring to others around her didn't change as difficult situations came in front of her.

One thing I liked about this book, which is something that not a lot of people like in their books, was the multiple POVs. I think because the first book to really get me back into reading was in multiple POVs that I like to read books that way, so having three different POVs in this book wasn't something that bugged me at all. It was also done in a way that I always knew who it was without putting their name. The first chapter of each section was sort of a third person POV, then it switched from Yumeko and Tatsumi every other chapter. So I was able to follow along.

I thought the concept of Tatsumi being the bearer of Hakaimono and having to control a literal demon inside of him was great. It added to his character to almost give a different take on the dark, brooding, male character with dark hair and beautiful eyes. At first, I couldn't tell if Hakaimono or Kamigoroshi was the demon, or if the sword was the demon, but that might just be me haha.

Now, I might not be the best person to comment on this because, well...I'm white and have never really looked into these sorts of contexts/stereotypes, but I felt that the way Julie wrote this book in regards to the kami and yokai was very researched and also kind. The kami weren't immediately seen as someone who is bad, just someone who can use magic. Yokai weren't 100% seen as bad, but they were more seen as demons then the kami but left alone for the most part.

As for romance in this book...I want Tatsumi and Yumeko to be endgame...just because their dynamic was so great, and I feel that she can defeat Hakaimono with her bare hands if need be to get him back.

Have you read this book yet? What did you think of it? And if you haven't, what's the thing that brought you to this book in the first place?

I can't wait to get the second book in my hands...just need to read a few more books on the TBR!

À bientôt!

Photo/GIF creds: my photo of the book, kitsune, heart,

Goodreads Book Tag

I am stealing this tag from Amber at The Literary Phoenix because I really liked it and I thought it would be fun to look more towards my Goodreads besides the system I put books into.

Now, some of these answers may be different from when you read this to when I have written this, but that's because I go one a lot and update everything at least once a week.

What was the last book you marked as read?

Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh

What are you currently reading?

I have four books in my currently reading at the moment haha, but three of them are school related. I am reading:

1. Maria Chapdelaine by Louis Hémon
2. A Distinct Alien Race by David Vermette
3. The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell
4. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.

What was the last book you marked as TBR?

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

What book do you plan to read next?

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa. I plan what books I read next with the whiteboard in my room back home and write down like ten books I plan to read and in what order I plan to read them.

Do you use the star rating system?

Yes I do! And like many of us, I wish there was the option to use half stars, or even more stars than five, but I work with what I have!

Are you doing a 2019 reading challenge?

Yes I am. I normally don't set too high a goal for myself because I'm not that fast of a reader like I used to be. My goal this year is 15 books, I have only read 1 so far, and Goodreads is telling me I am 2 books behind schedule. But I currently two of my school books have to be done soon so that will change within the month.

Do you have a Wishlist?

I loved Amber's idea of having a 'To Buy' shelf on her Goodreads (and then added said shelf to my account after). I do have a wishlist on Amazon of the books that I want, but it's also a list mixed with movies and TV show seasons that I would like to own as well.

What book do you plan to buy next?

Song of the Dead by Sarah Glenn Marsh. Other than that I never know what books I plan to buy next. There are always so many choices and I'm bad at making those choices haha. I usually pick what book is next while standing in the bookstore or staring at my wishlist.

Favorite quotes?

This is one of the functions that I don't use that often on Goodreads, but I do have a few here, and you can see that there are a lot of Edgar Allan Poe ones.

Favorite authors?

My favorite authors are Edgar Allan Poe, J.R.R. Tolkien, Julie Kagawa (who is the only one featured on my profile), and I think the last time I checked, my most read author was Cassandra Clare (because I do each novella individually) so I guess I should include her here as well. Also, I can't find where that list is again to double check who is second but oh well!

Have you joined any groups?

I am currently in one group, which I joined like...actual years ago. I think I was a sophomore in high school so about seven years ago, and the group hasn't been active in five. It's a Witch and Wizard group called "Witches and Wizards" and it was a roleplaying group. I might look for different groups in the future, any suggestions?

Do you use Goodreads? Have any tips or anything that you think I'd like for it? Just want to be friends? I love friends!

À bientôt!

Photo/GIF creds: my photo of Shadow of the Fox, covers from Goodreads, writing,

10 Characters I’d Switch Places With (Just For A Day)

I saw Amber from The Literary Pheonix do this post, and I thought it would be fun to try myself! (Also check out Amber's posts she posts so many fun things and great reviews)

As a reader, I find myself connecting to characters all the time. But would I ever want to trade places with them for a day? Well, some of them I would, and I'll tell you why!

Odessa

Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh

One of the first characters I really fell in love with as a person, because she was so close to me. I just want to live in her world and experience the other side once.

Meredy

Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh

I love the magic of being able to control an animal and work with them, I want the BEAR! I can't wait to see more of them both in Song of the Dead!

Meghan Chase

Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

I think the fact that she has a mix of Iron and Summer glamour is really cool and interesting, but I wouldn't want to get mixed up in all the danger, just a day in the life of the child of Oberon, please.

Gandalf

The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

He doesn't come into contact with the spiders in the books...also I want to do magic.

Wanda/Melanie

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The concept and the underground world always intrigued me. I think it'd be fun to talk to a voice in my head that wasn't just my thoughts too.

Esme Cullen

Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

Her motherly instinct and family are amazing, also the chance to be a vampire...YES PLEASE!

Clary Fray

Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

I want her ability to make runes that aren't in the book, and I've also always wanted to be a red-head as well.

Effie Trinket

Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Just think of the OUTFITS that I could wear. Also, I definitely like the movie version of Effie slightly more than the book one (because she didn't just vanish) so I want to be both.

Wisteria "Wisty" Allgood

Witch and Wizard series by James Patterson (and others)

As the series that got me into reading, of course, I would pick someone as amazing as Wisty. She can burst into FLAMES and uses a drumstick as a wand. Sooooo, I like her.

Ember Hill

Talon series by Julie Kagawa

One, she is a twin (I forget if she is the younger one or not). Two, I want to shapeshift into a dragon and travel all over the world with Riley.

There are other characters that I'd want to switch places with, but these are the current top ten in my mind. What are yours?

À bientôt!

Photo/GIF creds: all book covers from Goodreads (my canva edit to connect them),