Tag Archives: 4.5 stars

Anna and the French Kiss Book Review

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annaandthefrenchkissTitle: Anna and the French Kiss
Series: Anna and the French Kiss #1
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Genre: Young Adult – Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 372
Format: Purchased Paperback

Can Anna find love in the City of Light?

Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater, who is just starting to return her affection. So she’s not too pleased when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new friends, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he’s taken–and Anna might be too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she’s been waiting for?

This was such a cute book with romance, angst, friendship, and a theme of loneliness.

I’ve heard a lot of rave about this book for a long time now, and I was always curious as to what all the hype was about so I finally got to it and now I understand.

This was a really cute YA contemporary that held my interest from beginning to end. The plot was pretty straightforward about love and relationships, but it also dealt with friendship and loneliness as a bigger encompassing theme.

The story follows Anna, a seventeen year old girl who is sent off to study abroad for her senior year of high school in Paris. Where any other teen would be excited, Anna wasn’t because of her crush on a coworker, as well as leaving her friends and family behind. But, she goes anyway and slowly starts to make friends at her new school.

And of course the main love interest is introduced pretty early on and the first thing Anna notices is his hair. And then she slowly starts to notice other things about him – his crooked bottom teeth, his height, his nail biting habit, his eyes – and it’s like her heart knows nothing else.

It was cute and filled with angst and longing and I could totally understand this thinking back to my teenage years.

Anna, as a character, was actually fairly fun. I like how the story was narrated in first person through Anna’s eyes and that she enjoyed so much around her as time progressed. I thought that incorporating her passion of movies was actually nice because it’s not very often you read about a girl in YA who’s into movies like that (she wants to go to college for film review, which is neat). I thought that at times she was a little obsessive over whether or not Etienne St. Clair actually liked her or not, or if her feelings were weird, but I think part of that was just her growing a bond and friendship with him.

She had her own family drama going on: her father is a rich author who’s made cheesy novels and had movies based off of those novels; her mom and little brother live in Atlanta Georgia; her best friend babysits her brother, etc. When she describes some of the things that happens around the holidays I think that she’s just complaining, but then again, we were all teens once and we all did the same thing, so I couldn’t fault her for it.

Otherwise I thought that she handled a lot of situations pretty well and that she and the relationship she formed with Etienne was natural and progressive, albeit a bit strenuous.

Etienne is an American/French/British dude who was born in America, raised in London, but has a French name. It was kind of confusing at first, but he grew on me soon enough. I thought that he was fun and charming and flirty, and that he was a really great friend. He could come off as overly protective sometimes, but he had feelings for Anna and wanted to defend her in certain situations (and that’s totally fine because in certain situations I was glad that he did). Though his back and forth thing with his girlfriend and his feelings was irritating, I got that with what was going on in his family life he didn’t want to be alone and change things so suddenly.

I liked that he asked Anna permission before kissing her and didn’t force anything and it was all natural and flowing. That was probably my favorite part because it was SO long awaited. So cute.

I thought that the friendships that Anna formed were important, too, and even though they weren’t seen in depth, there were still bits and pieces that shone through that showed that her friends do care about her and that even if they make mistakes that things can be mended. I wish that the friendships could have been seen just a little bit more in depth, but I did enjoy the bits we got.

I really enjoyed this book and thought that even though a lot of it was angsty and whatnot, that it was worth it in the end. Though there was fighting and bickering, all friends fight every now and then, and eventually they make up.

I think that the point of the loneliness is that, when you’re young and in love, that feeling can really encompass everything in your life and it can be hard to function when change is introduced. I think that Perkins handled that theme well and that it was shown in a way that seemed realistic.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and though my biggest peeves were probably the back and forth drama with Etienne, I think that this was a really great and solid YA contemporary.

I rated this book 4.5/5 stars and recommend it!

Fire Falling Book Review

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firefallingTitle: Fire Falling
Series: Air Awakening #2
Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Publication Date: November 19, 2015
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 378
Format: Purchased eBook

Soldier… Sorcerer… Savior… Who is Vhalla Yarl?

Vhalla Yarl marches to war as property of the Solaris Empire. The Emperor counts on her to bring victory, the Senate counts on her death, and the only thing Vhalla can count on is the fight of her life. As she grapples with the ghosts of her past, new challenges in the present threaten to shatter the remnants of her fragile sanity. Will she maintain her humanity? Or will she truly become the Empire’s monster?

This book was a fantastic sequel and it furthered the progression of Vhalla and how she has become the crown’s property.

As this is the second book, this review may contain spoilers.

In this book the plot became much more intricate not only in how the war itself would progress, but it also showed the progression of romance and love – of multiple kinds of love – as well as bloodshed, loss, and heartbreak. I had so many emotions reading this book from excitement to anger to sadness. Honestly, I think this was better than the first.

Vhalla has become a bit stronger in this book physically and emotionally, learning not only from Aldrik, but also from Larel, Fritz, and others. She makes deep connections with Larel and a soldier, Daniel, who is from the East like she is, and I think that those relationships really helped to shape and mold her more as this book progressed. She relied heavily on Larel for emotional support, even when she felt ashamed for it, but I think that how Larel loved Vhalla unconditionally like a sister was so important and so beautiful. Not only that, but she learned more about her friends and who they are as people, and I think most important was that she learned a lot more about Aldrik and his past and thoughts.

Though at times I was confused by her emotions, I understood the rawness of them in the moments that they happened: when she felt sad or heartbroken or confused or lost. It was hard for her to overcome a lot of those harder emotions, but when she did is when I think she shined the most.

Also, when she trained she showed that not only is she definitely the Windwalker, but she’s also a solider and I know that’s definitely because of Aldrik. The Bond they have with one another really fuels Vhalla’s magic and I think that didn’t take away from her as a character, but enhances her because she didn’t understand magic and didn’t want to at one point, and now she’s able to draw from a very strong source.

As time progressed through the book I really felt that Vhalla grew more as a character, slowly but surely. She understands her place in the world, even if she’s down about it a lot. I’m really interested to see where she is in the next book.

Aldrik was ever an enigma at the beginning and such a toddler with his temper tantrums. I didn’t understand why he’d storm off sometimes or ignore Vhalla other times or be sweet to her even other times. No sense! But I think as he opened up more to Vhalla and we got to see more of his past that I understood why he was the way he was. I was very skeptical of his feelings toward her throughout large portions of this book because of that, but once a certain scene happened I was like, “Well, never mind then!” I think that his protectiveness over Vhalla didn’t come from a place of greed but rather from a place of love, and I think that that’s a strong attribute for him to have given his characteristics of a stoic, brooding, very-easy-to-piss-off self.

I think that Aldrik really proved himself to Vhalla as someone who does care, but he also proved himself as a soldier and wielder of fire because wow, I really enjoyed reading about the magic powers in this one.

As for the plot there was so much that happened from start to finish that I don’t even know where to begin! There was bloodshed, nightmares, backstory, romance, feelings, fighting – so much! I think that the story progressed in a natural way and it had me wanting to turn the page over and over again. We got more of a look into the political side of this world through dreams that Vhalla had, which I think were key parts to remember. Not only that, but there were also times where I was unsure of what would happen next. I think it was executed well.

The romance! Oh man, the romance set my heart all pitter-pattering and I loved it. It was sweet and beautiful and it gave just enough to be enough, but to also want more. I think that this was handled greatly and that it was well worth the tension, for sure.

I thought that there were going to be triangles forming, or quadrangles, or something, but I’m not entirely sure that they will. It honestly didn’t bother me too much because I saw the natural progression of it and the fact that no one really acted upon it.

Oh! One thing I highly enjoyed when it came to any form of romance or something along those lines: there were consensual questions asked every time. No one forced anything upon anyone and I think that that was SO important in this book. Thank you, Elise Kova, for not forcing something upon a character because wow, I found myself loving that so much.

There were so many feels and heartbreaking moments in this book in particular I almost cried at the end. I feel like I’m becoming more attached to these characters as I go and I need to know what happens next. I’m untrusting of the Emperor, I’m confused as to where I stand with Prince Bladair, and I want to see more of Daniel and Craig and Fritz, for sure. Even Elicia, who was a mystery for a lot of the book before we were told her identity.

My only gripe with this book was that there were A LOT more typos than the last. I don’t get how so much was missed, but it didn’t really take away from the story; it was a minor distraction that I was able to quickly remedy in my mind to continue forward. Other than that, I highly enjoyed this book.

Overall, I highly recommend this book if you’ve read the first.

I give this book 4.5/5 stars.

Air Awakens Book Review

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airawakensTitle: Air Awakens
Series: Air Awakens #1
Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Publication Date: August 27, 2015
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 320 pages
Format: Purchased eBook

A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond…

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

This book was a fun adventure of magic, acceptance, finding inner strength, and more. Once I started I felt compelled to keep reading, I was so drawn in to the story and the world through Vhalla’s eyes.

I felt that this story was one in which was gripping and it made me want to continue turning the page to find out what would happen next: from the society to the magic system, to the library apprentice and the dark prince, to the chaos of war and the fate that was laying before Vhalla, I wanted more.

The plot itself was one that told of a girl named Vhalla who thought her life was little more than becoming an apprentice in the royal library when she one day helps to save the crown prince by searching for ways to rid poison from his body – which, in turn, causes her to be taken to the Tower where she is told that she has magic. In this world, to those whom magic doesn’t choose, magic is a very frightening thing and it causes those without magic to judge those that do. I thought that this was blatant in the story and that it was executed in a manner that showed that fear through multiple perspectives, and the obvious annoyance caused by that bias through others.

The plot also lead to Vhalla growing to learn of her magic and her choices, of learning more about the dark prince and just what his role in her life would be to her, and what it could mean if she allows her magic to Awaken and manifest and grow.

Vhalla was the kind of girl to think little of herself in terms of looks, and though I was annoyed with this at the beginning, it quickly went to the back burner because she so whole-heartedly focused her love and time on reading and books. She poured her heart into her work as a library apprentice, not only do the tasks assigned to her, but taking time to read the books she cleaned and fixed and more. I think that that passion really drove her in the beginning. She was otherwise one who tried to stay away from conflict and was very polite around others, but that didn’t stop her from speaking her mind when it came to talking to the crown prince, Aldrik. At first, he infuriated her, but as time passed and she came to understand him, that annoyance would turn to teasing and eventually genuine conversation and talk. I really enjoyed Vhalla’s character because even though she had up and down swings from being weak to outspoken to being unsure to being strong, I found that to be a relief, in a way. It showed that she is both flawed and capable of growth.

Aldrik was mysterious in the beginning, showing his wit and temper at times, but as time progressed we got to see him become gentler and softer with Vhalla, talking to her as a friend would. I think that he has a difficult time with friendships because of his magical ability and how he is portrayed in the eyes of society as a heartless Fire Lord. But I found him to be a redeeming man, though he also admits to his faults. He was also very protective of Vhalla, and though that’s explained in the book, I still found it to be swoon worthy, in a way. Like many princes in many books he doesn’t show his emotions in certain situations, but subtle hints of what he’s thinking are communicated and I thought them to be affective.

And GOOD GOD I WANTED THE ROMANCE SO BAD. Like, there were so many parts where I was just like, “They’re gonna kiss! They’re gonna kiss!” And then something happens to deter them from it and I got so upset. And then I would wait for the next time, and then the same thing happened! Ahh! But the relationship between Vhalla and Aldrik, though tense sometimes, was also raw and one that drew them to each other more than just because of circumstance, in my opinion.

The side characters were also ones that I either liked or disliked for various reasons, but I still felt connected to them and that they played an important role in the story – that they weren’t just there for plot device or anything. I’m interested to see where some of them take place in the next book because things seem like they’re going to get interesting and I want to know if allegiances will stay or divide.

The magic system in the world is based off of elemental magic with the four main elements of earth, air, water, and fire. Air is the most rare ability because the last Airwalker lived almost 150 years prior. The way that the magic is used seems to stem from the person’s self rather than the elements around them, which is the kind of magic I really enjoy. I hope to see more of it used in the next book because though it wasn’t used much in this book, we got glimpses of the power of Fire, for sure.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book way more than I thought I was going to. It had me constantly turning the page and it kept me craving more.

I rate this book 4.5/5 stars and highly recommend it.

Truthwitch Book Review

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truthwitchTitle: Truthwitch
Series: Book #1 in the Witchlands series
Author: Susan Dennard
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 412
Format: Purchased Hardcover

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery,” a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

This book was a fast-paced fantasy book with twists and turns, epic friendships, magic, a world on the brink of war, and so much more.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I thought that the plot of it was enticing, one that was developed in a uniquely magical world. It may not be the most unique magic system ever, but the way Dennard wrote the witchery – and how vast the witchery is – was in itself amazing. The plot kicks off with Safiya and Iseult on a traveling road trying to catch a person who stinted them with their money they had just lost the night before. But when a different convoy goes on the road, they know they’re screwed.

And the witch with the convoy can follow them – especially Safi – no matter where she goes.

It’s an intense opening scene filled with action and even in that first scene it really shows just how strong of a bond the girls have with one another; and it’s another reason why they’re Threadsisters – a link or bond between that is so strong that it cannot be broken.

And that’s actually one of my absolute favorite parts of this whole book: is the friendship. Not only between Safi and Iseult, but also between Merik and his Threadbrother, Kullen. I think that the way these people go about willing to die and do anything for their Threadbrother/sister is amazing and inspiring. Each pair completes the other in both personality and witchery. Where Safi is hotheaded and quick to act, Iseult is calm and strategizing. Though they feel lost without the other when they’re not in the same vicinity, it doesn’t mean that they can’t function without the other; they just prefer not to.

So let’s delve into the main characters:

Safiya fon Hasstrel is a domna of Cartorran. Now you’re probably like, what the hell does that mean? It pretty much means that she’s the Duchess of her country, so she’s a pretty noble lady. But she isn’t about that life. She’s wants her freedom and she wants to spend her freedom alongside Iseult where there are no rules or regulations and she can do whatever she pleases. She’s also a Truthwitch – the only known one of her kind – and that means she’s able to tell when someone’s lying or telling the truth – most of the time. Sometimes people believe so highly in what they’re saying that her witchery might say that it’s truth, when in reality it’s false, and vice versa. She’s a pretty headstrong person who’s also quick to anger, and she’s unafraid to act on any threats she may make to people.

I found Safi to be a very likable character, not only because of her wild personality, but also because later in the book she does recognize her own faults and she does her best to make them right. She’s fiercely loyal and protective over Iseult and would die for her, even if others’ lives are at stake. She can be very one-minded when it comes to Iseult, which again, can be both a pro and a con for her, depending on the situation.

Iseult det Midenzi is a Nomatsi, and Nomatsi’s are the outcasts of this world and often shunned by many, many people. She’s a Threadwitch, meaning that she is able to see the bonds between people whether it be bonds like Threadbrothers, Heart-threads for loved ones, hate, anger, relief, grief, etc, she can see them. The only ones she can’t see are her own and any other Threadwitch’s. She’s a very calm, level headed person, but life Safi she is fiercely loyal and protective of her Threadsister and would do anything and everything for her. She doesn’t so much want to be free like Safi does, but she does want to live her own life away from eyes that judge her for her appearance and away from the tribe that she ran away from years prior.

I really like Iseult as well and found that she was a great compliment to Safi. She has a few flaws, such as a stutter that comes out in high stress situations, or how she can’t make Threadstones (a Threadwitch trait). Part of that she harbors like baggage and regrets a lot of it greatly, but I think that she has a lot of unhidden potential and power within her that will unfurl in later books.

Prince Merik Nihar of Nubrevna is a Windwitch, meaning he can control the wind. He’s not the strongest Windwitch by any means, but he’s still able to control it with ease. He’s got a short temper and he finds it really hard to keep it under lock and key given certain situations. I actually found that to be a charming quality of his. He’s also very loyal to his country and he always puts his countrymen first. No matter what, he wants to serve his people and I think that really shows the kind of character he has. He may have a hard exterior, but he has a heart of gold, which I appreciate.

Aeduan is a Bloodwitch, meaning he can control people’s bodies once he has the scent of their blood. It also means he heals like nobody’s business and can survive even the worst of wounds. It’s actually a pretty epic witchery, if I do say so myself. He hunts fiercely after Safi throughout this book, and through all of that he does it by scent. He’s the kind of dark, brooding male that has a dark past, but gosh, he’s awesome. He’s a fierce fighter, able to use his ability to push his own blood and gain bursts of speed if needed, and so much more. He is a Monk of Carawen, though, and so he does have some duties that he lightly upholds. I’m really interested to see his progression in the series because, let’s be honest, he’s my favorite and I don’t even know why.

I loved the fast-paced action of this story and how so many places and people were tied together. I think that the world building was gradual and it told just enough detail to really give you a feel for the land, the countries, and how they work. I’m sure this will be built upon in the upcoming books.

The romance was also slow building, and I do have a theory about why they were connected so fast: maybe the threads, the bonds in this world, have a sort of snapping effect that once people are near each other their threads react to one another. And I think this is made even stronger if both have witchery. Just a theory, nothing major, but I did enjoy the romance because it was angsty and hot and heavy. Oh my.

There weren’t really any parts that I didn’t enjoy. I noticed one typo in the whole book, which isn’t horrible. I do have lots of questions though but not because they weren’t explained well enough or anything like that, it’s just some natural progression for the story and different branches of the storyline with how it will/could continue.

All in all I thought this was a highly enjoyable first installment in the Witchland series. The characters were fun and likable, the world was beautiful and continues to be built upon, the magic is wide and vast, and the epic friendships are what really make this story come to life.

I rated this book 4.5/5 stars and highly recommend it.

Accompanying video: Truthwitch Book Review | Spoiler-Free

Saga Volumes 1-5 Review

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sagavol1Title: Saga, Volume 1
Series: Saga volume #1
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrator: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Publication Date: October 23, 2012
Genre: Comic/Graphic Novel – Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance
Pages: 160
Format: Purchased Paperback

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

Collects Saga issues #1-6.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I went into this graphic novel series, but I was quickly captured by it. The story of two races who are at war with one another, and one from each side who falls in love and have a child together, is not an uncommon story, but the way Vaughan weaves it alongside the beautiful illustrations of Staples makes it a spectacular story.

I thought that the art itself was beautiful in each volume, capturing the essence of the story while giving just enough to understand the emotions being emitted or the situation at hand.

Alana, the female heroine, is kind of a hot mess. She’s fiercely protective of her child and she loves her husband, Marko, very much and would die for either of them. She’s a headstrong woman, very sarcastic, and she knows how to kick ass.

Marko, the male heroine, is a solider who vows to never use violence again – it can overtake him and control him rather than him being in control. He loves his family intensely and would do anything for them.

I think that these two, along with several other that we meet along the way, are what makes this story incredibly unique and engaging. And in just the first book I was whisked away with feelings of surprise, sorrow, joy, and so much more.

I will say, though, that this comic series is not for an underage audience. I’d definitely recommend being 17+ when reading this series. There is explicit sexual content as well as graphic violence and language, so just remember that going into this series.

I highly recommend this comic series and I give the first volume 5/5 stars.

sagavol2Title: Saga, volume 2
Series: Saga volume #2
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Pages: 168
Format: Purchased Paperback

From award-winning writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (Pride of Baghdad, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist FIONA STAPLES (Mystery Society, Done to Death), SAGA is sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and horrific monsters, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her strangest adventure yet… grandparents.

Collects Saga issues #7-12

I think this second volume really just made the series better. The plot is thickening as the family races into space to escape a lot of people who were hunting after them (not that that’s going to stop them from hunting them) when they have to rescue one of the ones who came on board with them while Marko deals with issues with his mother.

Not only that, we get more backstory into some of the characters’ pasts and why and how they got to be where they are. I think this is a crucial element to the story and one that I really enjoyed.

The Will (yes, that’s his character name) is a freelancer, someone who hunts people for a price, and he’s after Alana, Marko, and Hazel. But when he arrives on Sextillion for a little side trip looking for a good time (you know what I mean), he is given to a young girl – Slave Girl – who is six years old – and he is not okay with that. He wants to rescue the girl but ends up getting kicked out before he has a chance to. I think that The Will has a lot of potential in him for either good or bad, and I’m really interested to see where his choices take him.

I think that Slave Girl is very shy at the beginning and she’s quick to please. I think that partially comes with age and the fact that she was thrust into a very sexual world. But she doesn’t let anyone touch her in that way, at least not from what we’ve seen so far.

And then we meet Gwendolyn and she’s just all about the revenge on her ex. Very fierce woman.

I really enjoyed this volume and thought it was better than the last. 5/5 stars.

sagavol3Title: Saga, volume 3
Series: Saga volume #3
Publication Date: March 25, 2014
Pages: 144
Format: Purchased Paperback

From the Hugo Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Y: The Last Man) and Fiona Staples (North 40, Red Sonja), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Searching for their literary hero, new parents Marko and Alana travel to a cosmic lighthouse on the planet Quietus, while the couple’s multiple pursuers finally close in on their targets.

Collects issues 13-18.

Man, the plot just keeps getting more intense as the family is still on the run from pretty much everyone in the universe. Not only do they have their own people after them, but now the Robot Kingdom is after them, too.

There were some plot twists I didn’t see coming in this book. Plus I don’t like seeing relationships become severed over stupid things, but I understand that there’s a lot of tension going around and all of that.

There’s more and more characters being introduced, which isn’t a bad thing, but sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of. As the story progresses, though, we really see more of just who and what these characters are about and what they’re willing to fight for.

I will say, though, that all of the sexual references and content I can do without. It doesn’t all have to be eliminated, just toned down a bit.

I still really enjoyed this volume, though, and I give it 5/5 stars.

sagavol4Title: Saga, Volume 4
Series: Saga volume #4
Publication Date: December 17, 2014
Format: Purchased Paperback

From the Eisner Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Pride of Baghdad) and Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, Thor, SAGA is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. As they visit a strange new world and encounter even more adversaries, baby Hazel finally becomes a toddler, while her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana struggle to stay on their feet.

The family is trying to keep a low profile on a new planet as they try to make a living for themselves in this volume. Though there are a lot of struggles and a lot of bad choices made in this volume, there are some good choices made, too, but it still doesn’t stop from what the characters decide to do.

I think this was a good edition to the series, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite. I was disappointed in the decisions that Alana was making, as well as Marko, but I think that it was a learning experience for both of them to see how strong they are working together rather than trying to get through things apart.

And Hazel’s growing up! So cute!

Of course there are still people are them, and then there’s even kidnapping involved in this volume. Lots of things going on, that’s for sure.

I enjoyed this volume and gave it 4.5/5 stars.

sagavol5Title: Sage, Volume 5
Series: Saga volume #5
Publication Date: September 9, 2015
Format: Purchased Paperback

Multiple storylines collide in this cosmos-spanning new volume. While Gwendolyn and Lying Cat risk everything to find a cure for The Will, Marko makes an uneasy alliance with Prince Robot IV to find their missing children, who are trapped on a strange world with terrifying new enemies. Collects Saga #25-30.

This one was just so much action going on and so many “what’s going to happen” gripping moments that I wasn’t sure how it was going to end. This volume had a lot more fear involved on the part of the parents, but it also had a lot of strength as well as fragility.

Yes, some of the characters keep making mistakes, or decide to do the wrong thing, but they do learn from them and I think that’s the most important part.

The plot in this one was following three separate stories that would all eventually come together, minus one of them, but it was still an important plot point nonetheless.

I think that this volume was a good edition, but it wasn’t my favorite. I am sad about what happens to a couple of characters and I’m happy with a few others, but I’m also really sad that I have to wait for the next volume to come out to see what happens next! Gah!

I rated this volume 4.5/5 stars.

So far, I’m really enjoying this comic book series as it’s also the first comic series I’ve ever read. The story is gripping and it’ll leave you wanting more. The art style is also really beautiful and it really helps to pull the story together. Just remember: for mature audiences.

Accompanying video: Saga Volumes 1-5 Review