Most Anticipated Releases of 2017

I was debating about whether to post this because I knew prior to writing this post, that it would take quote a long time to do all my research and explain my reasons why. This list is a compilation of books that I've seen around Twitter and Goodreads. I also took the time to look through a 2017 Book Release list but didn't get to all of the books. I'd love to know in the comments about some of your anticipated releases but without further ado, here are some of mine...

1. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

I feel like there is always one release that bloggers constantly hassle publishers for. This title is that book for me. I've sent multiple emails to the publishers in hopes of receiving an early copy and have, quite literally, drooled over the ARCs that were sent to my fellow bloggers. When Dimple Met Rishi is a 2017 release about two Indian-American teens who are arranged to be married by their parents. My sole reason in being excited for this book is not just the wonderfully diverse cover, but also the influence of Indian culture and values. Keep in mind, this year I'm trying to widen my scope of the diverse books that I read, and I think this is a really invaluable one to have on my list. 

2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This fierce 2017 release is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and it's a story about social injustice, racism and police brutality. For February, I'll be reading All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Keily, another book that discovers racism and police brutality. I'm interested in this new release because I also think, along with reading All American Boys, it would give me greater awareness of the BLM movement and the prevalence of African Americans in our world and how important PoC are.

3. Flame In the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

I don't even think I have to say anything for this book! The Wrath and the Dawn was my favorite book of 2015 and although the sequel didn't live up to my expectations, I'm a suck for slow burn romances and magic in a fantasy world with a diverse cast. Flame In the Mist is titled as a vague Mulan retelling. HOLY SHIT Mulan?? MU-FREAKING-LAN. Set in feudal Japan, this book is Renee's second series and it's very different from her debut series, which is why I'm intrigued. I'm so excited about this one, guys! It hurts. 

4. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

I'm one of those people who didn't think that a third book was necessary, but hey, I am not complaining! Jenny Han's writing is so captivating and funny. I find that her contemporary novels are so easy to read and her characters are so easy to relate to. I've loved the first two books, and I'm excited to see where Han takes the story. 

5. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

LOL It's A Court of Wings and Ruin, what else needs to be said?

6. Wires and Nerves by Marissa Meyer and Douglas Holgate

As a huge Lunar Chronicles fan, I feel that I am obligated to go out and purchase this graphic novel of the series. I do actually want to read it but seeing how I don't read many graphic novels, I know it's not top priority. I still want to add it to my collection though because I know that this graphic novel is giving the readers a chance to see what the characters and the world looks like. 

7. The Crown's Fate by Evelyn Skye

I was lucky enough to read the first book as an ARC, and I absolutely loved it. I recently received word that I would be receiving an ARC of book 2, so I'm kind of freaking out now. The first book was whimsical, fun and thrilling. And if the ending of the first book was any consolation, then I need this second installment in my hands ASAP. I'm just praying that Skye doesn't leave us hanging at the end of this book! 

8. Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley

I've been hearing this book gain a lot of traction lately, and I'm glad this book was brought to my attention. After reading Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst this month, I'm now so invested in finding a lot of great f/f romances. The MC Aki is a bisexual and this story is about falling in love, no matter who it might be. I also believes this book follows a lot more serious topics like... sex. Yeah, I said the 's' word! 

9. Girl Out of Water by Laura Silverman

Laura Silverman is one of the most outspoken and courageous people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting on book twitter. Constantly speaking about injustice on social media, I totally want to support her book and the story. I believe this book features disabled characters as well! I know that this story is going to be a wonderfully true reflection of the author, as she is an unwavering presence in the book community. 

What are some of your most anticipated releases of this year?

#DiversifyTheVerse | A Diverse Book Club

Hey everyone! I'm here today with a rather short post, but one I hope you'll all find interesting and informational. Recently my best friend Belinda (@bookstorm) and I have decided to start a book club based on Instagram. This book club is going to be solely based on reading diverse books from diverse authors. As Asian-Americans, Belinda and I have seen the small amount (or lack thereof) of representation of ourselves in books today. And we wondered, "how many other people are feeling this way?" SO MANY! Because of this fact, we wanted to start a reading experience that would bring you up close and personal with the books that are reflective of EVERYONE. We hope that you'll join us in our mission to bring diverse books and diversity to Bookstagram! 

So because we launched in mid January, we thought it would be nice to start reading in February. We had a lot of book choices to choose for next month but we had to narrow it down to only one book! 

Our February Book Choice Is...

February is Black History Month! We thought it was imperative to choose a book that represents PoC and recognizes the vital role of African Americans in U.S. history.

I have to give it to Belinda because she was the one who suggested this book! After reading into this book, I was so excited about choosing it as our book choice.

"Well, no, actually, a lady tripping over Rashad at the store, making him drop a bag of chips, was what started it all. Because it didn’t matter what Rashad said next—that it was an accident, that he wasn’t stealing—the cop just kept pounding him. Over and over, pummeling him into the pavement. So then Rashad, an ROTC kid with mad art skills, was absent again…and again…stuck in a hospital room. Why? Because it looked like he was stealing. And he was a black kid in baggy clothes. So he must have been stealing.

And that’s how it started.

And that’s what Quinn, a white kid, saw. He saw his best friend’s older brother beating the daylights out of a classmate. At first Quinn doesn’t tell a soul…He’s not even sure he understands it. And does it matter? The whole thing was caught on camera, anyway. But when the school—and nation—start to divide on what happens, blame spreads like wildfire fed by ugly words like “racism” and “police brutality.” Quinn realizes he’s got to understand it, because, bystander or not, he’s a part of history. He just has to figure out what side of history that will be.

Rashad and Quinn—one black, one white, both American—face the unspeakable truth that racism and prejudice didn’t die after the civil rights movement. There’s a future at stake, a future where no one else will have to be absent because of police brutality. They just have to risk everything to change the world.

Cuz that’s how it can end."

-  from the synopsis of the book 

Authors of the Book

Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely everybody. Hearing the story of how these two authors were hit with the idea of writing this book makes me so incredibly excited to read it. They genuinely saw a problem and couldn't handle staying out of it anymore, they wanted to write a book about it. And writing, as we know these days, has the power to change minds and lives. I've read so many great things about this poignant and important book, and I JUST CANNOT WAIT TO READ IT AHHHH. 

We hope you're interested in joining us as we read diverse books from month to month! 

BLOG TOUR: Crown's Fate by Evelyn Skye | CREATING A NEW ENCHANTER

Welcome to my tour stop for The Crown's Fate by Evelyn Skye! It is with great honor that I present myself as apart of the Tsar's Guard, since I've been training since I was very young! If you haven't read the first book in the series yet, The Crown's Game, read that and then come back. I assure you, you won't regret it. But if you read the synopsis of this book, you're going to be spoiled big time for the first book, so read with heed! 

Title: The Crown's Game 

Author: Evelyn Skye
Pages: 400 pages 

Release Date: May 16th, 2016

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction 

Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected.

Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.

For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world.

With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.

Preorder here! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

We all know The Crown's Game is some fancy spectacle between two talented enchantresses, who fight to gain the title of the Imperial Enchanter. Last book, we had Vika and Nikolai battle it out the name, but what if we had one competitor? What if another young enchantress made her way into the arena, prepared to duel with both Vika and Nikolai for chance at the title? Those questions seemed to have lingered in my head since the day I finished TCG. So I thought, why not? WHY NOT CREATE MY OWN ENCHANTRESS MUAHAHHAHAH? Without further ado, I present to you...

At the age of 17, Anastasia's magic is darker and more captivating than any other magic-wielder. She is motivated by the death of her mentor and trainer, who died by her side in an attempt by gang members to kidnap her. Originally hailing from Moscow, she has traveled far to see the Crown Prince of the empire. Anastasia will fight to win at all costs, or die trying. She will fight for the power, the name and the revenge she will have on her mentor's killers.

Follow the blog tour... 

Jan. 9th - Brittany's Book Rambles: The Crown's Fate Review

Jan. 10th- Sarcasm & Lemons: Fancast

Jan. 11th- The YA Book Traveler: History of Russian Crowns

Jan. 12th- Picnic Reads: Character-Based Book Tag

Jan. 13th- Book Nerd Addict: Inspired Tote Design

Jan.16th- Dazzled by Books: Top 5 Reasons I Love The Crown's Game

Jan. 17th- Rants and Raves of a Bibliophile: Characters Matched to Teas

Jan. 18th- The Book Buzz: New Enchanter

Jan. 19th- The Aus. Library: Famous Russian Fairytales

Jan. 20th-  My Thoughts Literally: Character Inspired Dessert

Jan. 23rd- Omg Books and More Books: Books that Characters of TCG Would Enjoy

Jan. 24th- It Starts at Midnight: Virtual Tour of Russia

Jan. 25th- Next Page Please!: Character Blog

Jan. 26th- The Book Nut: Playlist

Jan. 27th- Arctic Books: Make-up Looks

Jan. 30th- Two Chicks on Books: Pinterest Recipe Board

Jan. 31th- Lost in Ever After: Typical Date for Nikolai & Vika

Feb. 1st- Alexa Loves Books: Fashion Book Look

Feb. 2nd- Sophie Reads YA: Russian History In and Out of The Crown's Game

Feb. 3rd- 21st Century Once Upon A Times: Drink Your Way Through The Crown's Game

Feb. 6th- The Eater of Books: 10 Reason I'm Excited for TCF

Feb. 7th- A Thousand Words A Million Books: Top 5 Magical Moves in The Crown's Game

Feb. 8th- Seeing Double in Neverland: Fanmade Bookmarks & Swag

Feb. 9th- A Page With A View: YA Fantasy Books set in Russia

Feb. 10th- Dana Square: Recipe from The Crown's Game

Feb. 13th-YA Wednesdays: Favorite Quotes from The Crown's Game

Feb. 14th- Juniper Reads: Sorting Characters into Fandoms

Feb. 15th- Nicole's Novel Reads: Nail Polish Looks

Feb. 16th- The Queen Reads: What the Characters of TCG would take to a Deserted Island

Feb. 17th- A Perfection Called Books: The Crown's Fate Review

Evelyn Skye

Evelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of THE CROWN’S GAME (out now!) and THE CROWN’S FATE (May 16, 2017). She was once offered a job by the C.I.A., she not-so-secretly wishes she was on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and if you challenge her to a pizza-eating contest, she guarantees she will win. When Evelyn isn’t writing, she can be found chasing her daughter on the playground or sitting on the couch, immersed in a good book and eating way too many cookies.

Author Links

Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr

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Classic Books I Didn't Expect to Like

Classics and I, we don't have too strong of a relationship. I made it a resolution of mine for 2016 to read more than 5 classics, but of course, that didn't go as planned. I took that goal and put it under my 2017 resolutions list, so hopefully I can smack some sense into myself before the end of the year comes. This year, I plan to challenge my reading and analysis skills, particularly going towards more challenging texts (in this case classic books). I wasn't completely useless in 2016, though. I did have classics assigned from school, and those are the books we're going to look at today!

1. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

I remember reading this in 9th grade and really enjoying the pace. Apart from being a really symbolic story in terms of the manifestation of evil and savagery, it was an action-packed and angsty book. I didn't expect to like this one at first because, like my initial reaction with all classic books, I thought it was going to be a hard book to read and understand. I also thought it was going to be boring because it was labeled under the "classic" category. To be honest, I was very wary of reading any classics because I thought I wouldn't understand the writing style. I ended up really enjoying this one, especially because the characters were young and their actions were relatable. 

2. The Odyssey by Homer

My obvious reluctance towards reading this book was because it was COMPOSED SOMETIME IN THE 8TH CENTURY. I was sure this book was going to be hella cryptic, and I would spend more time on Sparknotes rather than reading the actual book. Fast forward to today, I actually appreciate this book more than I thought I would. One reason could be attributed to my love for Greek mythology, which is the groundwork for The Odyssey. I also thought this particular novel challenged me because it was a poem and there was a very rhythmic tone to it.  

3. 1984 by George Orwell

This book was reminiscent of a dystopian novel, and I like how this book made me pay attention to every detail. With most classics, I like how they don't give you happy endings. That would be too unrealistic. The best part of this book was that knuckle-gripping ending, wow! I also had the pleasure of watching the film adaptation with my class, and it really eventuated my understanding. 

4. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I thought that this book had the shared the same kind of vibes with 1984, and I enjoyed it just as much. No, not only because it was about books! Well of course not, they outlaw books in this book! This was the first classic book I ever read for school, as it was assigned during the summer of my first year of high school. I remember reading it at first but feeling extremely bored because I wasn't used to reading classics. Again, after discussing it in class and even writing a play with the characters, I have come to appreciate its message. 

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I actually just finished TGG two nights ago, so excuse me for a second. *sips water, clears throat* GUYS, GUYS, GUYSSSSSS. I can't get over this book, literally the perfection of it all and the entire message of the book coming together in the end. My entire perception of it might be altered because I loved the movie, but the book added so much more depth the characters and the world. The movie missed a lot of small things that happened in the book and the small quirks of the characters. I was so happy to finally have read this book, after having my doubts at first because this is historical fiction. Historical fiction and I are like water and oil- we don't mix! Yet again, the 1920's is my favorite time period! 

I didn't 100% understand everything but after discussing a lot with my classmates, I understand and appreciate the themes behind the book and the direction that Fitzgerald took to get the message out there. Now all I need is the beautiful Penguin Classics edition, muahahhaha! 

What are some of your favorite classics?

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst | Stellar F/F Fantasy Debut

Title: Of Fire and Stars
Author: Audrey Coulthurst
Pages: 389 pages
Release Date: November 22nd, 2016
Source: Hardcover from Novel Tea Club Box
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Rating: 4/5 out of 5 stars

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.

Buy it now! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depo 

Saying I was excited for this book would be a vast understatement. I went into this book knowing I was going to love it because lgbt romance in a fantasy novel? Yes please. This is exactly what the Young Adult fantasy genre is missing these days- some diversity!

Princess Dennaleia has always known her fate. Her future is in the kingdom of Mynaria, betrothed to its crown prince. Her arranged marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and Havemont. Denna expects to be pampered and taught the responsibilities of a queen. What she doesn't see coming is a beautiful princess with pale green eyes, Princess Amaranthine, better known as Prince's Thandilimon hot-headed sister. In a kingdom so keen on dispelling its enemies and forbidding magic, one princess must hide her growing powers and her love for the girl she knows she can't have. The other must find her place in the kingdom and a way to go behind everything she's ever been taught to love a girl who is not hers.

"I kissed her slowly, deeply, every feeling I had for her pooling into my lips as I tasted the sweetness of her."

I was absolutely blown away with the direction that the author took with the story's POV. It was told through the eyes of both Princess Dennaleia and Princess Amaranthine. For some reason reading the synopsis, I thought this book was only going to be told through Denna's point of view. I'm usually not a big fan of dual perspectives, as much as I am with multiple perspective books, but I loved the way it was told in this one. Especially because both princesses were such different people who had such different insights in what was good for the kingdom. There wasn't too much overlap, which is something that tends to annoy me.

There was a lot of great political intrigue quite reminiscent of the aspects I loved in the Winner's Curse trilogy by Marie Rutkoski. Each page requires your full attention as you pay mind to which kingdoms are warring with who and the power that each kingdom holds. However, that also led the book to drag many times in the middle. I found myself often times bored of hearing about the quarrel between the kingdoms.

Prior to starting the book, I was terrified of it becoming too much of a contemporary novel. I'm glad to say that this book held its reputation as a fantasy novel. The story held a great pace and it was hard to see all those plot twists coming! I was blown away by how the author was able to focus so much on the political intrigue of the story, while also maintaining a presence of magic. Coulthurst's writing is easy to get into and takes on its own unique voice. Although the lack of any real world-building is a popular point among many negative reviews, it didn't bother me all that much. It really depends on your preference as a reader. I think what this book lacked in world-building and the development of the magic system, it made up for with brilliant characters and lots of yummy political intrigue.

And if that doesn't convince you, how about this? The side characters were phenomenal; all fully developed with complex personalities and motivations. There is Nils (Princess Amaranthine's best friend), Alisendi (Princess Denna's sister), Prince Thandilimon and Lord Kriantz (a lord from another kingdom). I was blown away by how much I felt invested in not only the main characters but the side characters as well. I cared about all of the characters, including the antagonists!

F/F romances in fantasy novels are rare in YA. Cue my unruly squealing and fangirling. The chemistry between the two princesses was on fire! Every moment they were together, you could feel the sparks flying out from the book. Just seeing their relationship blossom through each chapter brought great joy to my heart. These two characters were a great example of FOIL, where we see their differences bring out the best in each other.

Of Fire and Stars surprised me. A lot of the aspects I normally find in a fantasy novel were absent, but I think that was kind of the point. Truth be told, I think the only thing that made this book a fantasy was its pacing and the presence of magic. Sure, this book read more like a fantasy-contemporary novel.

I would definitely recommend this book! This is Coulthurst's debut novel, and I never imagined liking it as much as I did.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo | THE REVIEW THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

Title: Crooked Kingdom
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Pages: 448 pages
Release Date: September 27th, 2016
Source: Hardcover from Strand Bookstore
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope.

As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world. 

Buy it now!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“When you can’t beat the odds, change the game.”

I was not ready for Crooked Kingdom. I mean, how could anyone be prepared for a book with red-stained pages? Bloody (whoops) red-stained pages. To sum up this sequel and finale in a single word, Crooked Kingdom was a masterpiece -a magnificently plotted, twisty-turny, mind-boggling, thrilling literary masterpiece.

Going into Crooked Kingdom, I vowed to savor the Six of Crows finale. And I’m assuming, you realize that it wasn’t the case (*sheds tear*). If you need any convincing to begin Six of Crows, I’ll let you know that the black-stained pages of the stunning hardcover edition, are not without purpose. The first novel follows the Dregs -a team of six rather insignificant “gang” members who are offered the greatest heist of the century, for a reward that would make them Kings and Queens. Crooked Kingdom follows the consequences of said heist… when things don’t turn out the way they should have, in Six of Crows. The story is dark, and mysterious, and Leigh Bardugo will pull the carpet right out from under your feet.

In Crooked Kingdom, the story takes a darker turn. The plot thickens, and suddenly more than just the lives of seven people are at stake. Leigh’s characters are also as diverse as her Universe. From the Crows’ cultural backgrounds to their unique skill sets and personal obstacles, each character is so raw and so real. The duology also explores mental health illnesses such as PTSD and anxiety in the heroes and heroines. But the Crows aren’t considered heroes or heroines. They’re a band of thieves and vigilantes. Anti Heroes and underdogs. I thought I loved Leigh’s Grisha Trilogy, but Six of Crows completely overwhelmed me, in the best way possible. And that’s all I’m saying for the non-spoilery discussion!

To keep this discussion/review from being the length of the Magna Carta, we’ve created a few questions, with rant-worthy, VERY SPOILERY answers! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

        

Who was your favorite character from Crooked Kingdom?

Alex: If you asked me when I had just finished Six of Crows, I would have said Matthias. But after Crooked Kingdom? Wow. I think I'd have to say Wylan. In book 1, I thought that he felt a lot like a side character. Anyone who's read this series knows that the 6 main characters in the book are the 6 crows, but I thought Wylan just faded into the background most of the time in book 1. He never left any lasting impression. That all changed, however, in book 2. I think Crooked Kingdom was Wylan's bitch. We learned so much more about his backstory and the final showdown with his father WAS JUST PERFECTION. It was the exact character arc that I had been looking for in book 1. 

Yingchao: Kaz Brekker. Through all the bits and pieces of Kaz’s horrifyingly tragic backstory, I had begun to forget how good of a fighter Kaz is, and had actually started to pity the guy. For someone with a crippled leg and slight frame, I was cradling my shattered heart as he took on those treacherous Dregs back at Per Haskell’s. When he was nearly choked and toyed the line with Death, I feared for my precious Crow’s dear life. But Kaz Brekker doesn’t make you forget that he’s a cunning mastermind. Remember, he had risen to the top by winning brawls and cheating everyone and their mothers. To the people outside his inner circle, Kaz is a cold-hearted wicked devil without a sliver of a compassionate soul. And yes, as he broke one traitor’s leg and smoothly cracked another’s skull, the least I could do was cheer on our little Brekker.

What was your favorite scene from Crooked Kingdom?

Alex: There's only defining moment that I remember better than my own name. It was when Jesper kissed Kuwei thinking it was Wylan. At that moment, I was feeling two things- extreme sadness for Wylan because he felt unloved and incredible laughter. I just laughed at that part because it was so incredibly cute and gave the book a little light-heartedness from all the chaos that was occurring. Come on, I know some of you had to be laughing at that part too!

Yingchao: I absolutely loved the ending, and I don't mean the Reunion ending, but the finally defeating Van Eck, the Shu, and the Fjerdans, ending. When all hope is lost, there’s still a way out. When we’d thought Kaz would have a Plan E after plans A, B, C, and D failed, but he...didn’t, and STILL managed to kick major villain-ass, I loved that moment. At one point, I had to put down the book to seriously process what had happened. Inej had fought literally, and figuratively (in a way), fought and overcame her inner demons. Wylan outplayed his father. Nina developed a new, deadlier power. Jesper embraced his Fabrikator powers. Matthias and Nina played their parts just right. And Kaz. He finally got his revenge on Pekka. He outsmarted everyone. The ending fills me with the hope that even if everything goes to utter and complete shit, there’s ALWAYS a way out- you just have to think of it. This was the ending I wanted. The ending I could’ve ever hoped for, and Leigh Bardugo tied together all the loose knots so perfectly.

What did you least like about the Six of Crows duology?

Alex: I have to agree with Yingchao on this one! There isn't one thing I don't like about this duology because it's pure perfection. Crooked Kingdom made my top book of 2016 and Six of Crows was actually one of the best in the year I read it. I wish she would just go out on a limb and write some novellas for these characters and the world of Ketterdam. PLEASE LEIGH BARDUGO. APPEASE THE MASSES! Love you. 

Yingchao: I didn't like that the story ended so soon. Truthfully, if Leigh wrote another 50 books about the Dregs, I would eat them up like Pumpkin Cheesecake; her writing is just that addicting. I was really hoping to see kaz and Inej as a couple, to see two of my all-stoke favorite characters be happy after their tragic pasts, but alas that was not to be. We do get a glimpse of them resembling a couple at the very end, and I only wish for Leigh Bardugo to write a short novella taking place maybe 6 months into the future. please? Just one more adventure, one last time?