The Toll Review

It’s been three years since Rowan and Citra disappeared; since Scythe Goddard came into power; since the Thunderhead closed itself off to everyone but Grayson Tolliver.

I really enjoyed how we see the story unfold over various timelines within the three years since Endura sank. There was a lot you kind of had to wade through and at times I did find it a bit dense but still captivating and engaging me in a way that propelled me to keep reading.

I just loved the way Citra and Rowan have evolved over the course of the series and how they started off as quite innocuous characters to being some of the most beloved and infamous people in the world. I loved how we see how the decisions they make over the course of the storyline has such an impact on their society and the Scythedom. They are separated for the majority of the series so when they are reunited it almost feels like fanservice because it what I have been craving for so long.

We are again introduced to a plethora of new characters and a few different perspectives that kept the narrative fresh and interesting. We spent some time outside of MidMerica and we get to see how some of the other factions within this world operate and how they all differ from one another whilst still maintaining this social order, it was compelling. Also seeing how everyone is scrambling to try and survive without being able to communicate with the Thunderhead to do their unsavory statuses was entertaining.

I have to admit the Tonists and Greyson’s perspective was my least favourite out of them all. I honestly wasn’t all that invested in their religion or how it operated. I was curious as to why the Thunderhead chose Grayson out of every to still communicate with but I was way more interested in what was happening with Rowan and Citra as opposed to The Toll though he was a defining character in the grand scheme of the book.

I think this was meticulously planned and put together in a way that really captivates you from the start and has you questioning every single detail. Wondering what the Thunderhead was planning and how it was able to get around his rules to keep humankind safe but still continue to not meddle in Scythe business. I had my doubts about him since the start, I don’t know why but I never trust AI in books but this time I was pleasantly surprised!

⭐️4/5 stars a very gratifying ending, definitely exceeded my expectations!

Books I Want to Read before 2021

I’ve been a little bit scattered and all over the place lately and that has trickled down into my reading. I never know what I feel like reading or even what is on my TBR or radar lately and it’s been driving me a little crazy. So I figured I would make this post I can refer back to every time I’m in the mood for reading but have no clue what to pick up. Hopefully it helps!

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Tome Topple Round 13

I know without a doubt that I will not be finishing all the books on this TBR, but I have high hopes I will at least get to 2-3 of them and cross off some books that I have been meaning to read for AGES now! This readathon is run by Thoughts on Tomes on booktube and runs from Nov 14th to Nov 27th and if would like to see the announcement video click HERE!

Tome on TBR the longest & Tome in a genre you don’t usually read – The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Tome you started in another round – The Toll by Neal Shusterman

Tome in a series you haven’t read in a while – The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks

Read 1 tome – Heart of Flames by Nicki Pau Preto

Seasonally colored tome – Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Most recently acquired tome – American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Tome by an Indigenous author – Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

All the Stars and Teeth Review

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer – the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

Amara kind of reminds me of a lot of ya female protagonists. She has the best intentions in terms of her commitment to Visidia, but she is definitely naïve and unrelatable. She been obviously blinded to the tribulations the different islands are currently going through but she is determined to learn as much as possible about what is happening outside of her bubble. She acknowledges how ignorant she has been and proves herself in my eyes through her actions throughout the course of the storyline.

Bastian is one of those mysterious broody male protagonists I enjoy oh so much. His humour added a nice reprieve with how heavy this book is and I loved the banter between him, Amara and Ferrick it was very entertaining. In terms of his actual character and background it was a little predictable how connected was to the main conflict. But he did end up being honest with Amara and explaining his actions which I appreciated.

Ferrick and Vataea were wonderful additions to the storyline. The faux love triangle added edge and a touch of awkwardness that I enjoy and Vataea was like a breath of fresh air in the plot. Having another female (who happened to be a mermaid) who was so integral in their plans to save the kingdom and the whole burden wasn’t just on Amara was a nice touch.

I loved the magic system in this book and the way it was explained throughout the course of the book. It wasn’t info dumpy at all and I was able to envision the magic and the rules surrounding it. The prose as a whole I found very descripting and weaved the story in a way that kept me attention the whole time and made me attached to these characters. There was a steady build of anticipation throughout and we were just hit with twist after twist that not only surprised me but made sense and drove the plot forward.

⭐️4/5 Pirates, mermaids, action, adventure, 100% recommend!

Book Titles that Sound like Song Titles

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is book titles that sound like they’re song titles. So I went through all the books I read recently and these books definitely gave me song title vibes!

No Exit by Taylor Adams

Watch Over Me by Nina Lacour

He Started It by Samantha Downing

The One by John Marrs

Burn by Patrick Ness

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo