I really loved the first book in the series, then the second book was a bit slower (at first, the second half was amazing!), but this third book is back at full speed again. OMG the intensity, the feelings, the action!
 
The character developments in this book is wonderful. It’s amazing to see a character grow as much as Juliette does throughout the series. I really love this new, stronger, Juliette. And the way we get to know Warner. It’s not so much that his character develops, it’s more that he reveals his true self bit by bit. I absolutely loved all the Warner and Juliette moments. The feels, the attraction, the way they are equals and support each other, how they open up and are vulnerable and honest to each other. Not to mention the intimate scenes…. I must say that they were all so hot. Scorching hot!
 
This series was so unpredictable in the way Tahereh Mafi made you love the unpopular characters, such as Warner, and in the end disliked the ones you loved from the start, such as Adam. I must say that I’m a bit disappointed in the way Adam’s character developed. It seemed like he became a completely different person; mean, selfish and childish. But it was nice to see him smooth some of the worst edges at the end of the book.
 
Even though I love Juliette and Warner, my favorite character in the series is definitely Kenji. I love his humor, his badass attitude, his kindness.
 
Tahereh Mafi’s writing has changed a bit during the series, in this book there are almost no strike-throughs for example, but it still leaves you completely breathless. It’s so beautiful, raw and poetic.
 
It’s a bit confusing that this seems to be the end of the trilogy, but then there is a fourth book as well… But I’m not complaining, if I get to stay in this marvelous world with my beloved characters for a while longer, I’m all in! As for an ending of the trilogy this was a really satisfying one. I’m always nervous about series endings because your hopes get so high and too often your hopes are dashed. But not this time! Ignite Me is a perfect (half)ending to a completely marvelous series.

Rating:
5 stars

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​Author info:
Tahereh Mafi

Red Queen is a fast read, with lots of twists and actions, and an intriguing storyline, with the world divided by blood (red or silver). I enjoyed reading it, but it was so similar to many other YA books that it felt too predictable and generic to get me truly invested.

I especially got many flashbacks from Hunger Games. Mare felt almost like a copy of Katniss (just another skill than Kantniss’s bow) and Kilorn like Gale. But the story and characters had still had a lot of creative aspects that made it different enough. An aspect that also stood out and that I loved in the book was Mare and her family and their strong bonds. I also really enjoyed lot the battle scenes.

So, all in all, this was a fast paced, action-packed book with twists, betrayals, secrets, scheming and romances, but it felt too generic to be memorable. So even though I enjoyed it, I don’t think I will be continuing this series.

Rating:
​3 stars

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​Author info:
Victoria Aveyard

Spell Bound is the third and final book in the witty and magical Hex Hall series about Sophie Mercer, a 16 year old witch, who is sent to a reform school for delinquent “Prodigium” (witches, shapeshifters and fairies). I really loved the first two books, and even though there is a lot of Harry Potter/Hogwarts and Vampire Academy vibes, the world of Hex Hall still comes out as new and unique. 

Sadly though, this third book wasn’t quite as good as the other two. It was definitely still a funny book, but there was so much going on that the humor didn’t flow quite as smoothly. All in all, it was an okay conclusion to the series, but the start was a bit boring and I didn’t particularly enjoy the Brannicks parts. And there is one twist in the story that really upset me. I won’t say anything more in detail as to not spoil anything, but it really felt unfair to one of the characters and made a lot of the previous plot feel somewhat unnecessary.

But even though Spell Bound was never as good as the second book, Demonglass, I still enjoyed it and recommend anyone who is a fan of Hex Hall to read it. And overall, I really loved this cute, fun and fast paced fantasy series with its sassy heroine!

Rating:
3 stars

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Demonglass definitely didn’t fall into second book syndrome where the second book in a trilogy is slower paced and doesn’t feel like anything but a filler for the third one. I enjoyed this one even more than Hex Hall! 

The Hex Hall-series is about Sophie Mercer, a 16 year old witch, who is sent to a reform school for delinquent “Prodigium” (witches, shapeshifters and fairies). In this second book though, she is sent off to England to spend the Summer with her estranged father as he attempts to persuade Sophie not to have her powers removed.

I really enjoyed the action and all adventures in this book, and to see Sophie with Cal and Jenna outside Hex Hall. Of course Sophie’s crush Archer Cross has been sighted in England too, making the situation more dangerous, as does the fact that “The Eye” has been more actively attacking Prodigium all over the place. As for the love triangle, Cal has very quickly become one of my favorites and I really hoped Sophie would get over Archer…

Even though the story is so full of Harry Potter/Hogwarts and Vampire Academy vibes, and the usual love tringle trope, this series nevertheless comes out as new and unique. I think it’s because of the quirky, witty voice of Sophie narrating the story. I really love how Sophie is witty, smart and bad-ass, but also kind of awkward, always speaking her mind. The narration and dialogue are delightful and easy to read in a fun, giggling kind of way! I’m so glad that Rachel Hawkins managed to make this book as entertaining with even more sarcastic humor and a snappy, action-packed plot as in Hex Hall!

​Rating:
4 stars

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Stay With Me is a cute, romantic and emotional story that held me captivated from the very first moment. It’s a beautiful s tory about second chances and about finding hope and love where you least expect it.

The story follows Didi, the boss’s daughter who does her intern at a military hospital, and the wounded marine Walker. Didi is a sucker for romance, looking for the true, epic love to sweep her off her feet. Didi has her whole life planned out. She’s about to finish her degree in psychology and she's dating movie star Zac, a guy most girls would kill to be with. Her plan certainly does not include falling for one of her patients, especially not someone like Walker. Walker is bitter, broken and cynical without hope for the future. He was one of the youngest Lieutenants in the Marine Core. But the majority of his team died while he was left blind with a knee injury.

I really enjoyed the romance between Didi and Walker, it's such a slow build up as they become friends and slowly start to open up to each other. It was a great take with the POV switching from Didi to Walker, which made you see their hopes and doubts much clearer. And the sexual tension and angst was so addictive, it just kept me longing to read the pages as fast as possible…

I loved the characters, Walker and Didi of course, but also the other wounded soldiers, like the good-hearted and brave Sanchez, and troublesome Dodds. Mila Gray really shows the challenges soldiers face after coming home with severe injuries and how they all have different coping mechanisms. This story definitely wasn’t just a light and happy romance, there was so much more pain and suffering the ugliness of war that really added more depth to it.

My only complaint about this book is the ending. It sort of wrapped up too quickly after all the slow build up. I think the book would have benefited by having an epilogue. But apart from that, I absolutely loved this amazing and emotional love story!

Rating:
​5 stars

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​Author info:
Mila Gray

Hex Hall is a fun (laugh-out-load even!), fast paced and easy read that I was so pleasantly surprised by. Reading the blurb, the story didn’t feel very original, but it was! Mostly because it’s insanely fun and hilarious, thanks to Rachel Hawkins’ laid back and kind of chick-lit style writing. 

The story is told by Sophie Mercer, a 16 year old witch, who grew up not knowing about her abilities. When she finds out, she’s sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent “Prodigium” (witches, shapeshifters and fairies), only to discover that she is not only a witch, but one of the few demons in the world.

So, there is a lot of Harry Potter/Hogwarts vibes of course with a boarding school for witches, and also quite a lot of Vampire Academy references with Sophie’s best friend Jenna being a vampire. And yes, I have to admit that there were stereotypical bad boys (Archer Cross) and typical high school stuff like bullies, crushes, dating, school dances, plus the usual fantasy things with supernatural creatures on the loose, demon summoning, epic villains and a girl that needs to save the world. But Rachel Hawkins mixed it all in such a gorgeous way that she somehow made it all feel fresh and different. Sophie and her witchy boarding school is one of the most funny characters and fantasy stories I’ve read about lately.

Rating:
4 stars

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I was so disappointed in how the Divergent series ended in Allegiant, that I almost didn’t want to even think of the series ever again. But somehow, this book got me intrigued and gave me hope for being reminded of the reasons why I used to love Divergent. So I decided to give it a chance, and I am so glad that I did!

Four is a collection of short stories focusing on Tobias, telling the background story of his life and how he became Four, as well as giving his point of view of the events when he and Tris first met.

I truly enjoyed these additional stories from Four’s POV and the insights at Tobias’s life before Divergent truly happened. I am also so happy that I read this book, as it caused me to remember why I loved the first book so much and brought back so many positive memories about this series again!

Rating:
3.5 stars rounding up to 4

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​Author info:
Veronica Roth