Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

Title: Losing Hope

Author: Colleen Hoover

Published: July 8th, 2013 by Atria Books.

In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover’s #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts. In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery. Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him… Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.

My Musings

Another great book by Colleen Hoover. It had been on my TBR list for a long time and after reading Ugly Love and then The Lunar Chronicles I was in the mood for contemporary. It was really good to read this story again, but this time from Holder's point of view and it's always nice to 'see' the intentions behind the other characters' actions. The book starts with a slap to the face, one of those moments that make you think "this can't be happening", and you can't help but feel for the characters and continue reading, you are instantly hooked. 

Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas

Title: Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J Mass

Published: September 2nd, 2014 by Bloosbury USA Children. 

She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one. Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth...a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed. The king's assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this follow-up to the New York Times bestsellingCrown of Midnight.

My Musings

OHMYGOD. What a rollercoaster this was. It took me a long time to finish it (a whole week) but to be honest I just didn't want it to be over because this is the last book out and now I have to wait until Queen of Shadows comes out in September 1st.

I have to say I personally did not enjoy the parts with Manon, I found myself counting down the pages until I reached someone else's point of view again. But again, that's just me. Other than that, the plot was WILD. There is something going on from the very beginning of the book and there just isn't a dull moment. In fact I have SO MANY bookmarks of this book, it's crazy. 

Celaena/Aelin. Oh I fell in love with her in this book. Her character development was just breathtaking. I found myself astonished by the changes in her, mentally and physically. I loved how she hit bottom and then she picked herself back up. I think that is one of the most beautiful things to witness in a story. A character who stops feeling sorry for themselves and realizes that there is still hope. That is maybe the main reason why this is my favorite book of this series.

Rowan Whitethorn. I need more chapters written told from his point of view because I don't want to judge im without knowing his intentions first. At the beginning I wasn't very fond of him, to be honest. But then, his actions, 'little' gestures here and there made me progressively fall in love with him. So protective of Aelin, oh my lord and at the same time he isn't afraid to put her in her place and I love that about their relationship, it's a mutual thing. 

I so cannot wait to get the next book because DORIAN AND CHAOL. This reminds me, I am so sad about their relationship and the way things went down in this book for them, especially for Dorian (!!!) but I know that there is a bond between them and it can't just go away, can it? *bites nails* There is so much to look forward to, so many OMG moments in this book that led to certain circumstances, and they make for a fascinating and captivating book. One of my favorites, ever.

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

Title: Crown of Midnight

Author: Sarah J Maas

Published: August 27th, 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Children.

A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached. It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend." From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil. Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart. Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

My Musings

I must admit it took me a while to get into this book, I read the first one over a year ago and didn't think a re-read should be necessary since most books have like a recap of where we left off but I found myself confused a lot during the beginning of this book. Too many names of people and places to keep track of which annoyed me, to be honest. 

Celaena Sardothien made me roll my eyes a lot during this book. She is such a contradiction, sometimes just ridiculous, irrational. She made such a big deal out of the fact that Chaol cared for her safety. It wasn't because he thought she was weak or something, but he just cared because that's what happens when someone loves you or has a place for you in their heart. I also thought she was very reckless, like she didn't have a sense of self preservation, most of the time she made decisions based on her emotions and that cost her well being. That said, I do admire her for being so brave, I really can't imagine me doing half of the things she does, and most of the time she is on her own so I do acknowledge that it takes guts to be Celaena Sardothien. 

I can't believe I ever shipped her with Dorian, oh please punish me. The cuteness between those two is off the charts, (I am having trouble taking about this because I have read Heir of Fire already soooo yeah, you know what I mean) their connection was so perfect. The concert part was proof of this, they didn't even need words to convey what they were feeling, touches and words were enough. Chaol getting her chocolate cake, my god that was so cute. Where's my Chaol. I loved that when he was with her he left his guard down, I love to see that in different characters. The romance in Crown of Midnight is definitely great, so that is a plus. 

I very much enjoyed the variety of points of view, and I also loved that these books are written in third person because there is so much more that can be expressed with it rather than with the first person. The plot is really good too. The reader is always finding out new things about the story and its characters so it never gets dull, in fact there are SO many OMG moments I could write for hours but that would include many many more spoilers than the ones I already included here *hides*.

I really enjoyed the way Dorian and Celaena's relationship progressed. I'm glad they were mature enough to stay in each others' lives. By the way, the ending of the book is filled with action and the couple last pages are a massive "OMG someone hold me". You want to start the next book right away, which is what I did.

What did you think of it? Do you agree with my opinions on Celaena's personality? What about Chaol? Tell me everything, please!