Lexi Talks: A Touch Of Magic

Title: A Touch Of Magic (Fae-Touched Book 1)
Author: Isabelle Adler
Genre: LGBT, Romance, Adult Fantasy
Verdict: 4.5 Stars And A Magic Show To Never Forget

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*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy in return for an honest review*
*Spoilers Ahoy!*

 Now let me start by saying that this book took my completely by surprise. After years of searching for a well-written LGBT fantasy romance and the disappointment that followed at every turn, I had all but given up on finding something worthwhile and had long since turned to fanfiction to find the connection I was looking for (Gigolas will forever be my OTP ngl) but with this I was given characters that made me... feel. I found myself honestly intrigued by what would happen next to Ty and Cary.

 Thrown together by the theft of the amulet Ty has just stolen from Cary, the two men go hunting for an organized crime ring to get back what is owed to them. With both men out for themselves in the beginning, it was interesting to see the both of them draw closer together as the novel progressed.

What I liked:

• Magic 
• Morally ambiguous characters
• Humor
• Realistic gay characters that didn't fall into the typical Top/Bottom dynamic.
• Bas. Just in general.

What I want in the next book:

• More explanation on Ty's past
• More Fae!
• A proper backstory on Cary's stint in prison
• More Bas!
• More jobs for Ty! What good is a magic thief without work?

 In all, I find myself excited for the next instalment of the Fae-touched series and can't wait to see where the boys find themselves next. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on another ARC!

Cheers,

Lexi!

Lexi Talks: Furyborn

Title: Furyborn (Emperium Book 1)
Author: Claire Legrand
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Verdict: 5 Stars and A Conclusion Rightfully Jumped To

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 *Another thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC for an honest review*

 Holy shit! Holy Shit! HOLY SHIT!

Okay. Now that I have that out of my system: I loved this book so much! After hearing my lovely Lauren (laurensboookshelf for those that know her from her own blog and insta) rave about this for days/weeks I knew that I had to get my hands on a copy sooner rather than later, so there was a lovely moment at 6AM the other day where I leaped out of my bed dancing and celebrating as quietly as possible since my niece slept only a thin wall away. And then I worked. And worked. And worked. Really it wasn't until my hour-and-a-half lunch the other day that I truly got into the story. 

I read over half the book in one sitting (frequently conferring with Lauren as I went along and somehow guessing the twist in one excruciating moment of frustration) and can barely manage to gather my thoughts. 

But here's what I loved:

1. My Girls (even though I had a few drawbacks in the beginning with some of their choices)
2. MY BOYS: Simon and Audric have stolen me entirely and I couldn't be happier.
3. The repeating jokes! I always love a book that references itself
4. Moral Ambiguity and the guilt that comes with

And what I didn't:

1. The fact that I nearly drowned myself in the bath when I realized who the emperor was.
2. Lauren's  attempts at whistling whenever I guessed something correctly.

While I was initially forcing myself to read this in order to finish my review, by the last 200 pages I was laughing and crying along with the characters as I desperately raced towards the end. Every bit of magic and lore had me holding my phone tighter and closer (not just because I lost my glasses halfway through) and hoping beyond anything that there would be one more page after I flipped.

With the second book recently finished, all I can say is that I hope I will be able to get my hands on an ARC sooner rather than later! I hope all of you manage to get your hands on a copy as soon as Furyborn releases so you too can know my pain!

Cheers,

Lexi

Lexi Talks: A Mark Unwilling

Title: A Mark Unwilling (The Reckoning: Book 1)
Author: Candace Wondrack
Genre: YA Fantasy
Verdict: Three Stars And A Rotting Horseman In My Nightmares

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* Before I get too into this, thank you Netgalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review! *

 Now, where to begin? I really wanted to love this book; I mean angels, demons, horsemen, gods, vampires everything was there for me to love it. And yet, for most of the novel all I could think was that it read like a fanfiction I would have read at Thirteen or Fourteen. Now while that in itself isn't a bad thing, there was a rushed quality to it that made me feel disconnected.

 Within the first page we are introduced to the main character as she leaps in front of a car only to walk it off. Later this is revealed as common and explained, but it was near impossible to connect with this Twenty-year-old who ran headfirst into danger. While it would be easy to write this off as a one time read to forget as soon as I finished, there was something oddly charming about the off the rails plot that truly screamed that it was the End Of The World. It was a throwback to what I once loved, what I once raced for, and this... wasn't terrible with it.

 I mean, don't get me wrong, some of the humor was in poor taste, poorly timed, and sometimes downright juvenile, but I still laughed. It was a break from the truly horrifying turns the narrative took and, like any good comedic relief, it had me near hysterical after the stress that had been put on me prior.

 There are things to be ironed out, of course. There are things that made me put down my phone and ask myself why I was still reading. There were things that made me feel sick and like I needed to shower. But it made me feel, and despite myself I find myself (morbidly) curious of where the road will lead Lexa in the next installment (and not just because she stole my name).

Cheers,
Lexi

Lexi Talks: Caraval

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Genre: Ya, Fantasy

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Welcome! Welcome! To Caraval where everything is not what it seems, but know however real the nights may seem, it is all just a game. A game that, for Scarlet, was far more compelling when she was writing letters to the man behind the scenes, Legend, for years. Then just before her wedding, she finally gets a response along with three tickets, one for her, one for her sister, and one for her fiance. Then a dashing sailor sweeps them both away. Now she is in Caraval where everything is a game, and no one is telling the truth.

This book. Oh my god this book! I was partner-reading this book with my friend over at Laurensboooktalks, but I ended up leaving her in the dust because I couldn't put this down. I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this. (I know I say this every single time but dang it I have been reading some quality books lately)

This was the perfect start of a series that didn't come off as clique whatsoever. Never have I seen a world so compelling and magical with the creeping dark side since Midsummer at Fablehaven. (anyone?)

For some reason, my only thought as I read that was "we must not speak to goblin men". We can only wait and see what talking to the ultimate Goblin Man, Legend, will do for Scarlet in later books.

Lexi Talks: An Update

I'm sorry for being a bit of a flake. I know that I meant to be more regular with my updating schedule, but as it does, life got in the way. With school drawing to a close and my life seemingly crumbling around me, things have quickly gotten out of hand with me. But! Hopefully, this will not continue to be the case.
On the bright side, I only have two months remaining in school and have actually received my cap and gown already. God. It really is scary seeing the last thirteen-ish years of my life all coming together to this final crescendo (at least, until four years down the road). With all of that said and done, it will be only work and ALA to take up my time!
Gods, this is really all coming to a head.
If I can make through the next two months, I can make it through anything!
So if you guys can keep up with my scatterbrained ways, I will be forever in your debts!

Cheers!
Lexi

Lexi Talks: Why I write In Books

This is going to be a little different than normal.

I have a confession to make: I write and highlight in my books. I know, tragic. But here's the thing, it makes me feel better.

Let me explain before you crucify me! When I write in a book, when I highlight my favorite line, when I have a tear stain on the page, it leaves a message. It proves that the book did its job: touched me.

I have a favorite quote in dang near every book that I read, in fact, I'm getting one of those quotes tattooed on my body permanently. When I highlight it or annotate beside it, I leave a permanent mark behind telling others what I think. When I grow old and blind ( when I can no longer get up or am finally put in the worm-infested dirt) my friends, significant other, children, etc. will be getting my library. I like to believe that what speaks to me, what I jotted down and highlighted and mentioned, will speak to them too.

In some Hamilton-esce view, it is my Legacy. It is what I leave behind.

Those books will, hopefully, pass from person to person until someone who didn't know me holds the book in their hands and Sees Me.

When you read my books, you see what I'm feeling. You see what makes me "tick". You see my likes and dislikes, my fears and dreams, my tears and laughs. And, for me, that's what matters in a personal library. I want to connect with people through my favorite literature, but it's near impossible to get those gut-reaction moments that are so vital. Something in the first hundred pages that makes you bark out an awkward laugh in a crowded room, can easily be forgotten two or three chapters later.

I admit, I'm probably more open to highlighting because of the insistence of my AP teachers, but at the same time it has become near impossible for me to read without a highlighter or pen at my side. I like rereading past loves and seeing what I was thinking, feeling, or annoyed by at the time. In my copy of Catcher in the Rye, I circled every single "sort of" to make a point. Now I read it and laugh. In Empire of Storms, nearly every Aelin line is highlighted because her sass and pain and struggles speak to me.

That, in the end, is what I see the Job of books to be. To make people feel. I mean, it is art after all.

Cheers,
Lexi

Lexi Talks: The Bone Witch

Title: The Bone Witch
Author: Rin Chupeco
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: March 7, 2017

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Oh. My. God. 

I haven't had a Fantasy series that gripped me so tightly since Throne of Glass. But by God did this ARC deliver. 

Where to begin?

As the beginning of a series goes, this is a different take that stole my heart away. The dual storytelling styles were captivating and kept me hanging on until the last moment. Both older and younger Tea are one of my favorite things to be in a coming of age- like novel. She learned what it meant to be who she is and have her power, and when the time came, stepped up no matter what the other's say.

This book took me back to my days of reading Eon  and Eona. 

Watching a world take form so out of the norm for YA books was one of the most pleasurable experiences I've had reading in a while. I mean, there aren't many books that make dance classes interesting, but you could practically feel the same energy as Tea.

Fox was the older brother I always dreamed of, though mine typically had a pulse, but he clearly didn't need one to outstrip the competition.

How am I going to last until Book 2?

Cheers,

Lexi