Latest Read: Siege and Storm

Here are the basics ...
Siege and Storm (The Grisha Trilogy, #2) by Leigh Bardugo
Publication date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Summary: Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny a the Sun Summoner for long. The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Siege and Storm was one of my most anticipated books of this year and as I read, I was reminded why with each passing page. It's the writing, the characters, the intricate heart-pounding plot. The whole book feels like a painting come to life through Leigh Bardugo's beautiful and unbelievably descriptive writing.

The world of Ravka is as dark and desolate as ever but Mal and Alina are free. As free as they can be living in a small town far from the Darkling's sights and hiding who they really are - a tracker who's deserted his men and the Sun Summoner, one of the most powerful Grisha. But they can only stay hidden for so long until the Darkling finds them and he isn't the same person Alina remembers. The Darkling is scarred from their last battle but has somehow managed to tap into a darker and more powerful magic since then. It's one that defies the laws of the natural world but it seems to come at a price. Between the Darkling's growing forces and the help of a privateer named Nikolai Sturmond, Alina decides to take matters into her own hands and finally uses her powers to try and save Ravka - no matter what the cost.

I love Alina and Mal - if I had to list my top ten favorite characters in a fantasy series, they would be on the list. And because I care so much for their characters, I could feel their frustrations as if it were my own. I felt like in Shadow & Bone, these two were discovering who they were but in Seige & Storm, it was more about deciding who they were going to be. Alina is struggling under the pressure of everyone who wants her to use her powers to save Ravka. It seems like almost every person in her life has a hidden agenda or use for her. Except for Mal, who is struggling with something else entirely. He's feeling inadequate next to all these Grisha and their gifts, stifled by the court and unsure if Alina wants to be with him. In this book, we get a deeper glimpse not only into their feelings for each other but for themselves. Alina is ready to accept her destiny and do something with her abilities, whereas Mal is a tracker at heart but at the same time, his heart belongs to Alina. Their relationship and just the individuals themselves are, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the series for me.

But Siege and Storm truly pushes this series forward. We learn more about the mythology of the Grisha and the power struggle between those who want to rule. We also get a brand new (and lovable!) character in the form of Nikolai Sturmond. He (along with Alina's random outbursts) provided some much-needed lighter moments to the tone of the book and I'm pretty sure everyone will love him. (Although Mal still has my heart!)

(Potential) reservations: It took me a little bit to remember all the details about Ravka and the Grisha since it's been well over a year since I read Shadow & Bone. If you have time, I would suggest skimming the first book or at least refreshing your memory. But otherwise, it's amazing!

Do I recommend?: This is one of my favorite fantasy series and one I will always recommend to everyone.

Happy reading!

Latest Read: The Lucy Variations

Here are the basics ...
The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr
Publication date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Purchased

Summary: Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain. That was all before she turned fourteen. Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. That leaves her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano -- on her own terms. But when you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself? (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: I was never close to being a musical prodigy but I know what it's like to fall in love with the piano at a young age. We owned a keyboard and from the moment I touched the keys, I was hooked. Until my parents signed me up for lessons and suddenly everyone was telling me what to play and when to play. And guess what? I stopped loving it. In fact, I started to hate the piano and begged my parents to let me quit but I wasn't allowed to. Nope, I had to keep on taking lessons until I was seventeen years old. The funny thing is, I started to love the piano again right after quitting because I could play for fun. For me.

In other words, I completely related to Lucy in her feelings towards the piano. There's a fine line between encouraging your child's interests and support turning into pressure. And Lucy's family crosses way over the line into the crazy. Especially her grandfather. I loved the exploration of Lucy's feelings towards the piano, the complicated family dynamic and most of all, the slow unraveling of the reasons why Lucy quit in the first place. There was something so real about it. Here was a girl who obviously loved music and it was my favorite thing about her. She just didn't know how to fit the piano in her life in a way that made her happy. And I enjoyed watching her figure that out.

But it wasn't just about music. I think in general, Lucy felt lost. She's trying to figure out where she fits in with her friends and even with her family. Learning when to stand up for herself and learning when she's in the wrong. That's something anyone can relate to.

(Some) reservations: I really struggled with some of Lucy's actions. To the point where it made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I tried to be understanding but sometimes I just wanted to shake her and ask her what she was doing. Her best friend is also an important character in this book and she voices a lot of the same concerns I did. I wanted more of their friendship and I wanted to connect to Lucy more than I had.

Do I recommend?: If you love music or play an instrument, that aspect of the book will definitely resonate with you. I have no doubt of that. So even though I did have a few reservations about Lucy at times, I think it's a very enjoyable book.

Happy reading!

Life lately, according to my iPhone

(1) Breakfast at Toast with Mary Ann; I got the crab cake benedict with sweet potato fries

(2) Banana cream pie + salted caramel shake with Carina

(3) Since my office relocated, I transfer trains at Grand Central every day. 

(4) While exploring Murray Hill with a coworker, we ended up walking to Herald Square and passed by the Empire State Building. I still haven't been to the top!

(5) On the first day at the new office, I got Brother Jimmy's BBQ for lunch.

(6) Cafe Angelique for breakfast with Carina. 

(7) Happy Father's Day! My Dad & my Uncle Mon. Two very important men in my life!

(8) Flowers I bought for myself after a very long, productive Sunday. Being domestic ain't easy.

Anyone else notice that my life lately posts tend to be one big ode to all the places I eat at? But things have been stressful/hectic/crazy and nothing makes me happier than good food, my friends and family. Here's hoping this upcoming week is a good one - for myself and everyone else! 

Rachel & Carina's Infinite Playlist (40)

Every Friday, Carina and I will each pick a song that we're currently loving and share them with you for your listening pleasure. We'd love to hear what's on your playlists too! :) 

RACHEL // "So Good To Me" by Chris Malinchak
When my coworker sent me this song yesterday saying it was amazing, I had a feeling I would like it. But listening to the song and watching the video (it's someone's wedding video) - I pretty much fell in love with the chill vibe of the song. And I found myself listening to it over and over again throughout the entire day. I think you will too. So just listen, watch and enjoy!

[Note: My coworker also bet this would make it onto my infinite playlist and insisted on getting full credit. So this note is me giving him credit.]



CARINA // "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey
Friday song pick. Because it reminds me of summer. And I desperately need a vacation. But in the meantime, I'll listen to this song instead. To remind me of carefree, summer nights that I hope this summer will bring.  Oh, and I really want a tire swing. Enjoy!

If you like our music, you can subscribe to our playlist on Spotify which we'll update each week!

 This Week's Recap:

BookBags (3): YAGB Edition
Latest Read: Tell the Wolves I'm Home
Latest Read: Spark (Elemental, #2)
Latest Read: Spirit (Elemental, #3)

Latest Read: Spirit

Here are the basics ...
Spirit (Elemental #3) by Brigid Kemmerer
Publication date: August 8, 2012
Publisher: Kensington Books
Category: Young Adult - Paranormal
Source: Netgalley (Thanks!)

Summary: Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies. He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait. Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too. With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: I am really loving this world of elementals. I've been reading through this series like crazy! From Storm, to Spark, to Spirit and all the novellas in between. I just love this idea of people who can control earth, air, fire and water. And then there's Hunter, a spirit elemental who can complete the circle of the four elements to boost or use their combined powers. I was surprised that this book was from his point-of-view, mostly because I expected the series to move onto the next Merrick brother. Hunter was an interesting choice since he's a character that I (and I'm sure a lot of other readers) feel ambivalent about. Almost every other chapter makes you question whether or not you can trust him and seeing the chaos of the Merrick brothers / Becca / the Guides situation through this eyes provided a lot of insight. He's still hard to like though.

We finally learn why Hunter is the way he is. His father instilled in him this belief that everyone was out to use him, betray him or worse. So every time Hunter makes a decision, it's like he hears his father's voice in his head telling him that he has to look out for himself at all costs. And let me tell you, this leads Hunter to make some very questionable decisions which were frustrating to read. But at the same time, I saw where he was coming from. He keeps secrets but then people end up keeping secrets from him as a result and then he thinks that they're going to use him (which has happened). It's a vicious cycle! One that I kept rooting for him to break. Especially as he starts spending more time with the Merrick brothers again and meets Kate Sullivan who he seems to have an immediate connection with. I wanted so badly for him to trust or communicate or let himself be cared for.

Spirit also introduces a lot of new insights into the Guides and what exactly it means to be a spirit elemental. It made me even more curious to learn the background of the guides, everyone's "powers" and even what it means for Becca since she's a spirit elemental too. Three books in and it's just enough to hook you in but also the right amount of questions that make you want more. (Plus I want more of the brothers! Just saying.)

(Some) reservations: As I said, Hunter is hard to like and even though I understood him better, he's still not my favorite character. And his romance with Kate was a tad anti-climactic. Some things I really loved - their flirtations and how they got to know each other. But then things get a little crazy to say the least and my jaw dropped at this one scene at the end. Obviously I respect the author's decision but I wish things hadn't ended up that way.

Do I recommend?: Yes! If you haven't started the series at all, I suggest you do. And if you've already read Spark, pick up Spirit!

Happy reading!