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There are some books you sip on, comforted by a good story.

Some books you drink, steadily making your way through and finding sustenance.

And some books you gulp, desperate for what they contain.

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things i’ve learned since joining the book community

just because a bunch of people say a book is really good that doesn’t mean you have to like it.

all those tbr books you’ve got lying around don’t have to be read.

don’t force yourself to read a book that you just don’t like. life is short so enjoy reading what you like to read.

just because something is called a ‘classic’ that doesn’t mean it’s good.

you are entitled to your opinions.

just because someone doesn’t like something that you like that doesn’t mean you have to stop liking it too.

it’s okay to like problematic things just because you enjoy them.

reading is meant to be fun so don’t make it stressful or boring.

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god my absolute favorite feeling is devouring a book, when you get so into the pages and the words that you have to stop your eyes from skipping lines and force yourself to read every word, when you’re so impatient for what happens next that you can’t sit still while reading, when you have to re read whole pages because you were too busy predicting and anticipating that you missed the actual events, when you read a part that’s too good for words and you have to close the book and scream into your pillow, that’s what reading a truly great book is about and the feeling is even better when you haven’t found a book like that in a long time and then you stumble across one and something inside of you awakens

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Sleep No More (Charlotte Westing Chronicles, #1) By Aprilynne Pike

Book Review By: Menna Khaled

Started: 4 April 2017

Finished: 4 June 2017  

# of Stars : ✨✨✨✨💥

The plot of this book is very interesting and it enchants you from the first page itself. The writing style and the sequence of the events taking place makes the book hard to put down and to forget.

Due to my exams it took me 2 months to finish the book eye roll and a laser shooting glare towards my examiners

however I never needed to go back and reread a few pages to remember what happened.

The characters are easy to love and sympathize with especially charlotte. From page one I admired charlotte's personality and shared her sorrow on how constricted she felt especially with the fact that her visions are becoming more vital and a matter of life and death (literally).

The beauty of APRILYNN PIKE's writing style is that it involves you unconsciously in the story and the characters thus as a result you ( the reader ) will fully experience charlotte's character development where she loses the guilt and replaces it with the understanding that her guilt was only her mind's defensive method to deal with the pain of what had happened years back. That guilt was also her mind's only reasoning on why she needs to fight her inner instinct and conscious and follow the rules the sister's has put.

Charlotte's mother is a normal realistic mother who has had enough of pain and loss in her life that she is on the verge of freaking out as soon as she comes to know that there is a small possibility she might be losing her daughter as well.

Charlotte's aunt, sierra, was very secretive and annoying at the beginning that resulted in me believing most of the weird conspiracies I came out with while reading ( sometimes even on my bed before I sleep when I just need to stop thinking of my studies :P )

At the end you come to see her point of view and understand why she did the things she did. You also come to see that non of your oh so great theories about her are true LOL

This book has a very undetailed, unnoticed love story and that was actually, for the first time ever, very enjoyable to me as I really loved how APRILYNN PIKE concentrated more on the oracles and their world to maintain the plot line than the romance aspect.

All in all this book is very interesting and appropriate for all ages and all literal tastes.

Until next time, stay kind to one another and always read.  

Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Book Review By: Menna Khaled

_**

Started: 19 March 2017**_

_**

Finished: 20 March 2017  **_

# of Stars : ✨✨✨✨💥

This Book has awakened a dream in me that I have suppressed for so long. This dream is to travel especially to Italy but me being the poor human I am (with all my money spent on books), I had to resort to the next best thing which is to fictionally travel to Italy through this amazing book.

I honestly don’t know if these places the author JENNA EVANS WELCH described in the book are real or imaginary. The obvious way to find out is to google the places mentioned in the book but I am being a scaredy cat.

now you might go like

BUT I AM TELLING YOU BELIEVE ME Yes I am afraid to look them up because I am currently smitten with these places so if I find out they are true real existing places I don’t think I can hold myself back from booking a one way ticket to Italy and giving my current life plans the finger (LOL).

But there is a second possibility and it’s the fact that they are unreal places the don’t exist in our world outside that amazing book :( I suppose my first reaction would be complete utter devastation due to the fact that when I become very rich in the future I won’t be able to ride in my private billion dollar plane and go to those places once a month :(

but then I believe that as soon as I am able to get rid of these depressing thoughts, I would forever be in awe of JENNA EVANS WELCH’s mind that had the power to imagine and construct such lovable antique places with utmost details from nothing.

Let’s not forget the characters in this book who were portrayed brilliantly and had visible character developments.

I very much enjoyed how JENNA EVANS WELCH made this book into an amazing adventure and self discovery with a generous touch of love seen in different relationships ( couples, friends, family ..etc.)

I also admired how the romance aspect didn’t overshadow the other topics discussed in the book but still remained sweet and spicy addition to the plot.

My heart and my realistic mind appreciated that the love triangle was so simple and uncomplicated. It was like the “ absent - present ” aspect in the plot.

The writing style is simple and effortless but still remains intriguing. It kept me reading for long hours without getting bored or extra excited. Thus it is the perfect candidate for a relaxed one night stand book aka it’s your excellent summer read as well :)

This book is PG, totally innocent and sweet, I recommend it to everyone at any age.

While writing this review I came to know that this book is the first in a duology and the second book is called “ LOVE & LUCK ” and it’s the story of Addie, Lina’s bestfriend.

So YAY one more great book to look forward to reading :) hopefully I could find it soon , Pray for me :)

Until next time, stay kind to one another and always read :)

XX Menna Khaled XX

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The Cowboy Imports a Bride (The Cowboys of Chance Creek #3) By Cora Seton

Book Review By: Menna Khaled

Started: 1 May 2017

Finished:2 May 2017  

# of Stars : ✨✨✨✨💥

I AM IN LOVE. Truly Cora Seton is very talented in writing such romantic cliche realistic love stories.

Rob, the pranksters, I liked him in the first book. Got annoyed with him in the second book. Now, in the third book, I freaking love the guy.

He has his own problems and he is trying to find his way. He took pranks as a coping mechanism and now in this book he is taking of that prankster shield and exposing himself to new things resulting in a great journey of self-discovery and spectacular character development :)

Morgan is an amazing character. I relate to her so much and admire her amazing personality that allows her to be straight forward and knows directly what she wants in her life and how to reach it.

I also love in Morgan her confidence in herself when she comes to believe that she can lead a happy married life with Rob which will eventually lead to love :) If both her and Rob agree to maintain certain priorities that are essential to have in a successful marriage.

All in all, this is an amazing book, the best out of all 3 so far in my opinion :)

It's PG 13 for small details in sexual scenes. The language used is mild and inoffensive :)

Until next review, stay happy and enjoy reading :D

Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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The Cowboy Wins a Bride (The Cowboys of Chance Creek #2)   By Cora Seton

Book Review By: Menna Khaled

Started: 1 May 2017

Finished: 1 May 2017

# of Stars : ✨✨✨✨💥

This is another one of those enjoyable "one-night-stand" books. Cora did great work in hinting at this story in the end of the first book which made me pick up this book faster than I would have otherwise :)

I love Jamie so much and appreciate how organized and straightforward he is with claire. I just wished he had helped her understand that he is being serious more clearly than he did because that would have helped him a lot :)

Even though I was annoyed by how doubtful Claire is, I do understand where she is coming from and how she doesn't wish to be this doubtful but doubting has become her optimum coping mechanism.

Rob, however, annoyed the freaking hell out of me. I loved his prank in the first book and understood that it's a payback to Ethan's awful prank that was really inappropriate in my opinion because it trashed rob's name :( I also understood him when he got so upset about not being the best man in Ethan's wedding.

however, his prank with poor nice Jamie was unnecessary and could have ruined jamie's whole freaking love story.

So Rob is annoying me big time in this book and the fact that Cora hinted that the next book is about his story, Got me confused cuz on one side I wanna read it to see his point of view and on the other side I don't wanna read it cuz he is so freaking annoying.

All in all this book was an enjoyable relaxing read that I recommend it to everyone looking for a simple unwinding book to read between heavy books :)

This book is PG 13 due to slight detail of sex scenes. The language used is mild and inoffensive.

Until next review stay happy and keep reading :)

Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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Hello Tags !!!

#I was tagged to do this by my great friend @sweetfozi, so Let’s begin and see how this goes :)

Relationship status: Single


Lipstick or chapstick: I use both but I prefer lipstick :)

Last movie I watched: I have been on a huge TV shows/series binge watching so probably the last movie I watched was Moana with my sister :)

Last song I listened to:  Chantaje -- Shakira ft. Maluma 💃💃

Top 3 shows: HOW CAN I CHOOSE ONLY  THREE !!!!!!!!

ok imma try 1) BONES 2) CASTLE 3) GREY’S ANATOMY

(this is so unfair to a lot of my other shows😢😢😢)

Top 3 ships: Again HOW CAN I CHOOSE ONLY  THREE !!!!!!!! Let me try to do this again

1) Juliet & Aaron (Shatter Me)

2) Temperance Brennan &  Seeley Booth ( BONES )

3) Richard Castle &  Kate Beckett  ( CASTLE )

I guess this is the end of it :)  I did it :)

I tag @xxnadiarosexx ,@inkanndbooks and anyone who wants to do it :)

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The Cowboy's E-Mail Order Bride (The Cowboys of Chance Creek, #1) By : Cora Seton

Book Review By: Menna Khaled

Started: 29 April 2017

Finished:29 April 2017

# of Stars : ✨✨✨✨✨

This was a very enjoyable book to read. Not only did it have the fun element nailed down, but also it had an amazingly interestingly realistic sweet romance.

All the characters showed noticeable positive development in character. One of the great aspects of this book is that it didn't have much drama or stereotypes. Add to that the fact that even the complications that were seen since the start of the book were solved smoothly and easily that it didn't lead to frustration or annoyance.

Cora seton did a great job in perfecting the plot and the style. Cora also gave us a great teaser in the last chapter of who is the next book is about which was, in my opinion, a very smart move as it peaked my interest in searching and reading the next book :).

This book is a PG book due to the presence of minimal sex scenes in the book, However, there was no evident details or violence. the language used is mild and unoffensive.

All in all, I recommend this book to everyone, it works best as a relaxed romantic read between heavy books or when you are in need of utter relaxation and peace.

Until next review , stay lovely and enjoy reading :) Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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A Thousand Pieces Of You               By: Claudia Gray

1) what did I think of the plot of the book??

I thought the plot and the idea of the dimensions were amazing. However I see a lot of things that could have been done better to help with the understanding of the plot much easier for example, how and when and why are these dimensions made??

2) what do I think of the writing style??

I think her style was generally okayish It was easy to go through in the first few chapters but then as the book progresses the style didn't keep me interested for long so I started getting bored and feeling that the book is repetitive. This made me have to leave the book and return to it later thus elongating the time in which I read the book :(

3) do I believe that the other marguerites remember what happened???

I believe they do because our original paul and dad and theo Said they had a faint memory of what had happened while they were "reminder-less". Also basing on the fact that marguerite is a special dimension traveler then I think her other versions will be able to remember what happened clearly ( not faintly like the others).

_ 4)Did I feel guilty cuz Russian marguerite may not remember her moments with her paul ???_

Yes, I felt so damn guilty even before the main scene, starting from just dancing with him. It certainly made me enjoy the book less cuz this feeling of utter annoyance and guilt I felt is extreme.

I will never understand how she allowed herself the privilege to use the Russian marguerites body in this way and to love paul and make him believe to the last second that she was his marguerite then tells him the truth at a point where there is no redemption for what she had already done :( that is what I see as pure selfishness and unfairness.

Also, the original marguerite always leaves the host marguerite to face consequences of things she had never done or remember doing

Like promising a London royalty to go out clubbing with her

Or

Being pregnant by a dead lover you don't remember having sex with thus u have no idea who the father of your child is and then getting disowned by your supposed to be father the tsar and probably prevented from interfering or talking with your siblings that you love in fear that you will put ideas like this in their minds causing them to bring their father's name the tsar down to the ground just like you did :(

Or

Talking freely to paul and theo in a world that you aren't supposed to know them then leaving the host marguerite to face the questions of her sister, mother, father, paul, and theo on how they know each other :/

5) what is one thing I think should have been in the book???

I would have loved to have the original traveler be able to view the host's thoughts, memories, and dreams. this would have removed a lot of the repetitive confusion that truly got boring after the first time.

Also please add to this point that I wish that the traveler and the host would have been able to interact and have "mind" conversations.

Yes the traveler will be dominant and will control the host's body and actions.

However having these conversations between 2 versions of oneself would have been powerful in conveying the hidden message in this book which I think was that our choices and circumstances only change a superficial layer of our personality and looks but we will always remain the same person deep down because that is how we are born.

Plus it would have been a lot funnier to read the confused panicking of the host when he/she realizes that they are no longer in control of themselves.

In addition to the fact that it would have given the host a clear chance to say his opinion on the things happening around him and to help in making a decision rather than the annoying assumption of the traveler that the host would have wanted this to happen or would have wanted me to do that.

{ because I would never imagine that Russian marguerite would agree to be left facing the consequences I mentioned above in Q4 of having unprotected sex with paul and not remembering it. UGH THIS REALLY IS ANNOYING ME, SUCH A SELFISH THING TO DO }

IF I MISTAKINGLY SPOILED YOU THEN JUST REMEMBER

Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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A Thousand Pieces Of You                By: Claudia Gray

Book review by : Menna Khaled

Started : 10 March 2017

Finished : 19 March 2017

# of stars : ✨✨✨💥💥          

This book had so much hype that I had very high hopes going into it so the 3 stars is kind of a letdown.

The idea of the book is very much interesting and the characters are intriguing. The writing style is also very easy to go through; however, after prolonged hours of continuous reading, you get into a state of monotonous content that you just must stop reading and come back later with a fresh mind in order for you to enjoy the book and not skim through.

Maybe this is just due to me and my state of mind at the time of reading the book but I truly couldn’t finish the book in one sitting even though it is relatively small sized than most YA books.

In spite of the main concepts in the book ( the dimensions and the firebirds ) being described pleasantly, I still wished for more clarifications and details on how, why ,and when did these dimensions cease to exist ???

The idea of the presence of dimensions itself is very interesting and until now the endless possibilities are spinning in my mind.

Most characters in the book have been created and portrayed smoothly with a reasonable amount of character development.

Despite all that in chapter one itself I have known who was the good person and who was bad person No matter what Claudia Grey wanted me to believe. ( Please keep in mind that I might be just psychic )

There was a total of 2-3 supposed to be plot twists. Not only did I see 2 of them coming but I also wasn’t surprised by the 3rd supposed plot twist. As a result, I have to say that they weren’t written in an amazing way that made me go “WOWZA”. { SHOUT OUT TO BRO (@xxnadiarosexx ) FOR TEACHING ME THIS NEW WORD “WOWZA”}

In our journey of this book we have been to 4 different dimensions. I am sorry to say that after the 2nd dimension I have grown extremely bored and tired of the traveling and the almost cliché emotions of confusions and self-discovery in every dimension especially at the beginning few pages after jumping into a new dimension.

Add to that the fact that I felt bad for the other marguirtes 75% of the book, especially marguerite #2.

As I very much like the idea of dimensions and parallel worlds, I thought I would give the other menna’s out there an advice:

• Please Don’t be as stupid and annoying as marguerite and just remember that me and You are one and the same. We share the same personality and qualities. Only our situations and circumstances are different. So please oh freaking please act normal and just be yourself.

• If our parents aren’t here with me when you come visit me then please when you go back to your own dimension hug them for me and tell them that I love them deeply and to please forgive me for anything I have ever done wrong and that I truly hope that I have made them proud.

STOP !!!!!!!!!! LAST ADVICE IS A SEMI SPOILER !!!!! I WARNED YOU !!!!  

• Last but certainly not the least DON’T YOU DARE have any physical relationship with my lover because I will be facing the after math when you leave, plus I won’t remember any of it. ( or will I??)

END OF ADVICEY SPOILER :D

All in all this book was a nice read but it didn’t reach my expectations.

PS : Just because i can’t resist having a spoiled review then i am going to post that rant down in another post to keep the aim of my normal review clear and straight forward ( unspoiled Pre-reader review ).

Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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MY LIFE NEXT DOOR                                   By: Huntley Fitzpatrick

Book Review By : Menna Khaled

Started : 5 march 2017

Finished : 8 march 2017

# of stars : ✨✨✨✨💥

My life next door is a simple easy contemporary read. It effortlessly lifted my mood and made me laugh many times. This book is honestly the best summer read ever. Reading it I could almost imagine myself lounging on a beach chair under a big umbrella with the wind in my face with the golden sand and clear beach water as my view.

In one house we have the reed family consisting of Grace and her 2 daughters Tracy and Samantha. Senator grace reed is a perfectionist clean uptight woman and that is how she thinks everyone should be starting with her own 2 daughters.

Next door we have the Garret’s family. They are everything Grace despises in a family. Mr. and Mrs. Garret are so in love with each other that even birth control can’t control them.

Since they have resided the house next door the number of their kids almost doubled. Thus now we have a total of 8 kids ( maybe more who knows, those garrets will never stop reproducing). The kids are ALICE, JOEL, JASE, DUFF, ANDY, HARRY, GEORGE, AND PATSY.

You have probably guessed by now that a big family like this will have a very noisy house with toys all over the house and the yard. This of course freaks the lights out of senator Grace reed. she looks outside her kitchen window to their backyard and that's her after one look

If you have already read the book you know what Grace just saw mrs Garret do :) If you still haven't read the book then read it or the curiosity to know what Grace saw will kill you. ( i know that's evil but i had to make you read the book one way or the other LOL )

To Samantha the garrets are real life tv show (just like when we watch modern family but to smaller limits =D) She sits there and watches them, trying to imagine what does it feel like to be a member of their family. Let me remind you of how does "modern family" look aka the garret's in this book

This all changes when Jase comes over and talks to Samantha.

This book basically consists of a lot of funny conversations with George and Andy plus Funny Situations with everyone especially Patsy.

Like any other book, this book has drama in it which is seen at the end.

Samantha has undergone character developments as in she came to understand who she is much more clearly.

Nan and Tim, the twins, are great characters in the book. Tim had a huge positive character development. Nan; however, turned out to be such a disappointment in my opinion. I also didn’t appreciate the obvious unexplained ignorance of Tim and nan’s parents.

I didn’t like the ending of the book. It should have been more specific, more confirmed. I could end the back any way I want which isn’t a great aspect for this book as I could easily ruin all the character development as it was never set in concrete.

All in all this book was a one-night-stand book but slightly on the heavy side. It is pg-13 as language and scenes present are very mild and undetailed.

Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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I have read this amazing finale to the beautiful trilogy shatter me Long back but today I have finally got my Tumblr on and captured it’s beauty in today’s photo shoot.

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Out Of Bounds By: Lauren Blakely

( i took this picture myself :D I am very Proud)

Book Review By: Menna Khaled

Started: 20 February 2017

Finished: 21 February 2017

# of stars: ✨✨✨✨💥

( I made this picture myself too :D )

This one night stand book was an easily enjoyable read. This book has very nice characters with straight forward attitude which is very enjoyable to read. Their relationship has a little drama that last one to two chapters maximum. It is a fast based relationship so it’s not an annoyingly slow attraction.

This book would have been a 5 star book if it had more insight on the family life of the characters like meeting Dani and Drew’s parents and having the whole meeting the parents scene.

 However, it was very nice to see Dani’s relationship with Ally, her sister, and the way she talked about her parents so nicely.  

 Also how their relationship was accepted by everyone and that they didn’t have to do the whole cliché “fighting against everyone for our love” scenario was very fresh and added to the value of the book.

 I also loved the friendship shown between drew and Jason, his best friend. The teammate relations specifically with Drew were great to read about.

 All in all this book was very nice, easy read.

It is PG 18 for the strong language and moderately detailed sexual scenes.

                                                   Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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Naughty Boss By: Whitney G.

( I took this picture myself I am so proud 😁😁😁😁)

Book Review by: Menna Khaled

Started: 20 February 2017

Finished: 20 February 2017

# of stars: ✨✨✨✨💥

( I also made this picture lol)

This book was a light read or what I would call a ONE NIGHT STAND BOOK. It’s an easygoing book with little to no struggles in the lives of the characters.

Maya is as witty as they come and the emails written in the book are very much amusing and interesting.

 Michael is bossy and enjoys punctuality; however, Michael’s point of view specifically in the first few chapters is hilarious.

His ex-executive assistant is funny af * excuse my French or don’t whatever lol *

 This is a four star book because it lacks deepness and morals, it is merely a book written and read for enjoyment.

 It also has usage of strong language and what could be considered as mediocre sexual scenes aka PG 15.

                                                       Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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Snow Like AshesBy: Sara Raasch

Book review by : Menna Khaled

Started: 06 February 2017

Finished: 19 February 2017

# of stars: ✨✨✨✨✨ ( 5 out of 5 stars)

Snow like ashes was like a breath of fresh air out of all the YA books I have read so far. This book is written in a way that I felt like I am reading a great second book of a great normal YA series with a touch of originality. I had to recheck 3 times that I am reading the first book in the series and didn’t end up buying the second book by mistake. This book is set after the destruction had already happened to WINTER, the evil king hs won 16 years ago and overruled WINTER. Now the remaining runaway survivors are fighting with all their might to get their kingdom back. This book has another original idea in which the power is finally controlled by a female. Only females of the royal family can use the magic from the conduit. So all equalists and feminists out there this book is for you. Sara Raasch has a great writing style. It is very easy and enjoyable to read, very compelling and interesting that it grabs your attention from the first sentence. One great aspect in her writing style is that it is very clear, simple and easy to follow (especially during battle scenes) so no confusion in events is expected.

The world and the magic aspect is very well portrayed and maintained throughout the book. Great character development is seen in the book from beginning to end, starting with Meira who have come to know and trust herself and her choices better. I connected with Meira as I have felt that her emotions and insecurities were very realistic and very much present in everyone’s life. Meira faced the greatest challenge of all in my opinion which is learning that proving your worth to others is less important and almost insignificant to proving your worth to yourself. Between Mather and Theron, a woman can go wild ;). I am team Theron since the moment he appeared in the book.

Mather is a great soldier, with great personality and qualities. He faces similar characteristic challenges to Meira thus he understands her pain. Meira and Mather love each other in the sense of acceptance and normalcy and understanding. They are each other’s safe place for almost 16 years since the invasion on winter. Thus I think that the only reason Mather made a move on Meira was because he felt that Theron will take away Meira and he will no longer have his safe place. It’s like he was grasping for his last chance at the normalcy and bless he knows. Theron; however, faces the great challenge of self-worth just like Meira but in a different manner. Theron needed to feel and see that he does care about his future kingdom (Cordell). To understand that he can do extraordinary things for Cordell and that he will not be a copy of his father and his ruling time. Besides Theron is quite the smooth talker and very much literate in all types of arts. 

I love that the romance aspect in the book didn’t overcome the real purpose, it was enough to clench our thirst but still keep us wanting more. That plot twist at the end of the book I honestly didn’t see it coming; however, I very much liked it and enjoyed the turn of events.

All the other characters like sir, Dendra, Alisson, Finn, Angra, Noam …etc. played great roles in the book and had amazing developments as well. especially with SIR throughout the book you go through many emotions ( some of which I am listing now :* ) 

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

For all the people reading this and still haven't picked up the book, I can only tell you one thing

Ps. I wouldn’t have minded if Meira married Theron, helped overcome NOAM and ANGRA, helped rebuild winter. Be a reason that a rhythm and seasons are in a real friendship and alliance. All in all, this was a great book, 5-star deserving, written beautifully and has so much originality. Very refreshing indeed. This book choose for itself two songs 1. WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE By ADELE. This song is the best representation of what Meira unconsciously wants to tell Mather. 2. RISE UP By ANDRA DAY. This is a great song about rising up and to continue and fight over and over again till all our dreams come true. This song really signified the whole book but specifically the last half of the book. Because winter will rise up.

“ WE ARE WINTER "

Xx Menna Khaled Xx

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THRONE OF GLASS BY: SARAH J. MAAS

BOOK REVIEW BY: Menna Khaled

STARTED: 18 Jan 2017

FINISHED: 23 Jan 2017

# of stars: ✨✨✨💥💥 ( 3 OUT OF 5 STARS)

I truly did expect more from all the hype that I have seen on this series. Maybe it’s because I have already read an amazing series with similar Idea and I went in hoping for a taste of that same greatness, maybe. All I know now that I am going to read the rest of the series but not as soon as I was planning too.

Throne of glass is a book set in a past era ( or that is how it seems due to lack of technology like cars and phones…etc.). it is written in third point of view. The writing style of Sarah J. Mass is very neat and clean, the buildup of the story is very nice and the magical aspect of the plot is maintained quite well throughout. However, I didn’t see any character development happen throughout the book. The characters good or bad were expressed beautifully in the book but there was no growth or maturity seen when comparing the characters from their first appearance to their last.

The story ended smoothly, no cliff hangers in sight, and a very satisfying ending to everyone’s emotions and soul. However, I would have preferred if the story ended earlier than it did (like 2-3 chapters early) which is abnormal to hear since usually readers ( me included) always want (if not need) more. But I see that since there is a sequel, a little suspense was needed to give me the urge of absolute need to know what happens next thus making me go buy the book and reading it. the way the book ended made me satisfied enough that I would be ok if that was stand-alone. I also understand that Sarah did the ending in this way to show us that the first journey is over and a new journey shall begin in the next book which is 101 reality.

Moving on to the characters, The heroine, Celaena Sardothien is a very well portrayed assassin though a deeper glimpse into her past would have been helpful in understanding her point of view especially since the story isn’t in her pov ( 1st pov ).   I would have also preferred if there was more insight on her emotional status with Dorian. It seemed like her thoughts are very mechanical with the tests and her findings…etc. however, when it comes to her relationship with any of the characters (Dorian, chaol, Nehemia, Arobynn) it was filled with outbursts and shared moments but never once did we get inside her mind and read her thoughts deeply only superficial view. It kind of felt like celeana was too afraid to even trust me, the reader, with her thoughts and emotions.

I can’t really ship her with Dorian or Chaol because if I am going to base my opinion on the book events I would choose Dorian just because I think he is straight forward and cute and smart. Dorian is apparently hurt before by his first love thus becoming a player so it can be the whole cliché relation of “taming” the player. However, honestly, Dorian was seen in the book as a flirt, not a player which is good as long as your single and as handsome as Dorian.

If I am basing my opinion on realistic measures of real life and differences in society I would ship her with Chaol just for the fact that she is an assassin and he is the captain of the guard. They are both soldiers or fighters or whatever you like to call it, so they understand the measures and extremes each one of them has to take when it comes to killing, fighting and protecting the royal family.

Chaol will know how to enhance her senses and encourage her as seen in the final test between her and cain.

On that note, I think it is a very huge mistake to say that cain was chaol’s first kill. Chaol is the captain of the guard, only training doesn’t make someone (no matter who he is and what family he belongs to ) captain of the guard in a kingdom that is supposedly very active with wars trying to conquer nearby countries. The captain of the guard fights right next to the king in invasions so it was pretty unrealistic.

Since this is fiction and chaol isn’t straightforward with his feelings and is sister zoning celaena, I would join team, Dorian.

All in all a good book, interesting enough.

Hopefully, the sequel will have more emotions, more actions, and more character development.

                                                                                            Xx Menna Khaled Xx