Author: Faridah Abike-Lyimide Pages: 480 Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 5/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Aces This drink has one of my favorite gins. If you have been here for a while you know that's Empress so I naturally had to use it again. Ingredients -2oz Grapefruit Juice -1oz lemon juice -½ oz simple syrup -1 ½ oz Empress Gin -ice -Lemon Wheel for Garnish Instructions -Combine grapefruit juice, lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker with ice -Shake and strain into glass with fresh ice -if using optional garnish of lemon wheel(s) place in glass with ice before adding gin -Gently layer gin -Enjoy responsibly “Small, because the smaller the group, the less people know about you - and the more they want to know.”
Take a Shot: Chiamaka and Devon are two students at Niveus Private Academy. They are also the only two black students and when a suspicious anonymous online bully by the name of Aces starts spreading the secrets of both Devon and Chiamaka we start to find that it might have more to do with the color of their skin than we originally thought. Setting I loved the private school aspect that we get from this title. I think that the idea of a private school is always illustrious to those of us who never went to one. I also like the combination of a US private school using british private school concepts like Head Prefect and Head Master. Characters I really loved the characters of this with the exception of Chiamaka at most times. I felt her to be wholeheartedly mislead in a lot of her beliefs and I wanted to shake her when it became wildly apparent what was happening. As such an intelligent character it took her far too long to figure it out and discover that her friends would be the first to betray her. Plot and Themes I loved the truth to the story and the authenticity of the plot. I knew it was written so well when I felt angry and frustrated enough to want to put the book down. Kudos to the author for such an enthralling tale of injustice. Conclusion If you like Gossip Girl mixed with the evil A from Pretty Little Liars then this is the book for you. The author even mentions both of those concepts as inspiration for Aces and I had said that before even finishing so it hit the nail on the head. Reasons to Raise a Glass: Stellar writing, easy emotional investment, stand alone, LGBTQ+ BIPOC!!! Too Strong: Chi annoyed me sometimes with her optimism “I lose parts of him constantly. This was bound to happen someday.” Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk.
0 Comments
Author: Stephanie Garber Pages: 478 Overall: 5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 5/5 Pairing: Long Story Short Sauv Blanc 2020 This pairing felt like it was important to use for this title because it felt like I finished the book and explained it to someone by saying long story short they all fall in love. “Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending.” Take a Shot: In the final installment of the Caraval series we get a dual perspective look at the Dragna sisters story. Now that the Fates are freed and are wanting to destroy Legend and take his powers the world has never been more unsafe. However, both Tella and Scarlett are grappling with their love over the two men who they have fallen hard for. The question is whether that love is enough and can be reciprocated.
“Fear was a poison that people mistook for protection.” Setting We are back in the same locale as we were in Legendary where we are near Elantine’s Castle and at times we are in one of the Fate’s residences so that is interesting and new. I think the setting of these novels is very interesting, but at times it feels confusing to know truthfully where you are and what exactly everything happens. It’s the only gripe I really have with the series in general. Characters I loved the dual perspective. It was a really great tie in from Scarlett’s book and Tella’s book. I love getting to see both their love stories from their own eyes.I also really loved legend in this book and the juxtaposition we still get between Jacks and Legend. The concept of the immortal beings being unable to love is such a cool concept to see play out with them all. I enjoy seeing their lust and their obsession being the main topic between both of these characters. I also selfishly love seeing more of Julian. I’ve loved him since the first book and naturally knew he loved Scarlett (Crimson) so much more than she believed him to love her. Plot and Themes There was a slight lack of urgency in a lot of the plot if I’m being honest. It isn’t the kind of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, however that is the style of these books. I did like the nuances we get with the relationships in this book as well as the plot twist that was apparent, but never called out enough that it felt spoiled before we knew it. Conclusion Overall this last book made it worth reading the first two. It was definitely my favorite installment of the series and it did a great job of tying everything in and giving closure to all of our characters. I love a good fantasy based story and this was grounded in more realism than a high fantasy even with the magical aspects so I did appreciate that. Reasons to Raise a Glass: Perspectives from both Dragna sisters, clever plot twist Too Strong: I got lost on where we were and where we were going, I lowkey wish it wasn’t so young adult cause that would have been fun “Dazzle was a lot like romance- fantastic while it lasted but it never lasted long enough.” Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk. Author: Katharine McGee Pages: 374 Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 5/5 Pairing: Empress Gin French 75 I know it’s the same drink as the first novel’s pairing, but this book felt like it was such a switch up when really it was the same so it felt fitting to change the flavor profile but keep it relatively the same. Ingredients -1oz Empress Gin -½ oz lemon juice -½ oz simple syrup -prosecco (or whatever sparkling wine you like) -ice -optional lemon peel Instructions -Add ice, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to shaker -Shake and strain into champagne flute -Top with sparkling wine of choice -Option to garnish with lemon peel twist -Enjoy responsibly “Facimus quod faciendum est. We do what we must.”
Take a Shot: In an America with Royals and the recent death of the monarch Beatrice must step up and take the throne long before she thought she would. She also must marry because of political instability due to her gender. She’s also marrying the man her sister loves and Sam is not about that. Nina and Jeff are no longer dating because of the way the media harassed her and Daphne sees this as her in. Read along as these characters all navigate their way through heartbreak and back to love. “In real life, no one would make the person they loved social climb to prove their worth.” Setting I said this last time, but I love the setting. I also love the addition of new locations and new names like Orange for what is now the California region. I love the changes that the residence gets too and the more we get to see as wedding preparations begin for the family. Characters Once again the characters are so good and I loved them a lot. I think in this one we see a lot more in depth sides of all characters particularly Daphne and that’s really refreshing to see and a reason to read in and of itself. I still want more of the other characters, particularly Jeff. He’s literally a royal sibling and he’s in like a pitiful amount of chapters. Plots and Themes The flip of the storylines from the first book was great to see how the characters come back. I originally was not a fan, but about halfway through fell in love with the way that the story was working. Each of the characters really changed and grew into themselves and it’s great to see. The theme of the character growth was my favorite part. Conclusion I think I originally was hesitant and didn’t love the book, but kept reading and truly grew to respect a lot of the characters and their decisions. It was truly a great duology. Reasons to Raise a Glass: character growth, realistic relationships Too Strong: WHERE IS MORE JEFF?, it’s hard to get through the beginning until you understand the characters motives Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk! Author: Katharine McGee Pages: 448 Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: French 75 This is a very regal drink in my opinion that then goes beyond just being champagne or prosecco so it felt fitting for our cast of royals, tangential royals, and friends. Ingredients -1oz gin (I used Breckenridge) -½ oz lemon juice -champagne/prosecco, really whatever your favorite sparkling wine is you can switch it up and do cava too for my Spanish friends (; -dash simple syrup -lemon peel -ice Instructions -Add ice, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to shaker -Shake generously -Strain into champagne flute (you could do a coupé glass but for this mix of a cocktail I think a flute is best to keep as much of the bubbles present as possible) -Top with sparkling wine of choice -Garnish with lemon twist -Enjoy responsibly *fun fact: the glass pictured below recently shattered in my dishwasher so this is my memorial to it Take a Shot: What would happen if George Washington hadn’t been the President of the United States and instead the Washingtons became the royal family of the United States? Well this book explores that as the three siblings of the royal family are the modern American equivalent of royals. Told from four women’s perspectives it’s a great look into the lives of a royal and those who run in the sphere of the family itself.
Setting It’s interesting to think about the White House being a palace, but it was definitely very interesting to see the way that the US could end up having royal estates. I loved all the parties that our characters were able to go to and all of the opulence that does exist for the rich and wealthy as well as political figures currently, but it was fun seeing it in a royalty context. Characters I love the way that we get the four different young women to follow in their stories. We get Sam who has a wild side, Nina who just wants to be herself, Beatrice who feels the pressure of the monarchy and Daphne who is manipulative until the end. Truthfully the range of all these lovely characters is the best part of them and it shows the depth of understanding McGee had for her characters. Plot and Themes I think the plot and themes are truly interesting and I love a good royalty novel, but I think it’s really neat to see it in an American context. I also felt that the story moved very well and wove all four of our main characters together quite well. Conclusion This book is really amazing and is great for fans of The Selection by Kiera Cass. It’s really well written and the story follows an entertaining format. Reasons to Raise a Glass: STRONG. FEMALE. CHARACTERS., four perspectives, dystopian but not, fun concept Too Strong: not enough communication between characters, not enough of the brother or other characters outside of our 4 Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk! Author: Sarah Henning Pages: 368 Overall: 3.5/5 Setting: 3.5/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 3/5 Cheers Factor: 3/5 Pairing: Taillefer’s Brew Fair warning this is obviously not poisonous duh, but I felt the name was clever given his proclivity towards experimenting. Ingredients -2oz gin (I used Breckenridge) -¾ oz lime juice -¾ oz simple syrup -Orange bitters -mint sprigs -Ice Instructions -Add mint to shaker and simple syrup and muddle -Add Ice -Combine gin, lime juice and a couple dashes of orange bitters in the shaker with other ingredients -Shake generously -Double strain into glass with fresh ice -Garnish with fresh mint sprig “Love doesn’t know anything about class, nor should it be bound by it.”
Take a Shot: In this gender flip of the Princess Bride, Princess Amarande is in love with the stableboy Luca and her father’s untimely death makes that more problematic than just loving a commoner would be for a princess. In order for Princess Amarande to rule she must first wed because she cannot ascend the throne on her own due to the succession rules not allowing women. Then Luca is kidnapped and is being held to sway Amarande to accept a marriage proposal and she must choose between playing politics to try to save her love or track him down and rescue him herself. “Power and strategic alliance wins out every time.” Setting The Itspi is interesting as well as the Torrent in terms of broad setting however, I don’t feel we ever really got a good description of any of the locales our characters were in. The Hand confused me as well as the place that the pirates brough Luca to stay at in the middle of the Torrent. It was confusing to follow at times. Characters I didn’t love Amarande as our leading lady and at times it was a little too aggressive to hear all the characters reiterate just how sexist their societies are, however I did love the strong female characters. I liked Koldo, Amarande, Ula and even the Dowager Queen. The intertwining of the characters was done really well and the connections of all of their stories which I really did enjoy and it was done well. I also just personally didn’t love that Amarande’s name reminded me so much of Amarantha from Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series that made it hard to like her in general. This is strictly because of name association and has nothing to do with the character, but it’s the same concept as reading a character with the same name as your ex or nemesis. Plot and Themes I have always loved The Princess Bride truthfully and it was nice to see the storyline play out this way. The flow of the storytelling was strong as well. It was a little slow in the beginning, but picked up about halfway into the book. Conclusion Overall, I liked this book and the way that our characters moved through the story. I wasn’t my favorite, but it was quite good and a fun retelling of an old story. Reasons to Raise a Glass: The Princess Bride (this one is self explanatory), political intrigue, female driven plots Too Strong: Villains seemed a bit comical almost like Wile E. Coyote comical and not in a way that was becoming of them, too much reiteration of the women being oppressed by circumstances (this is strictly my opinion that I felt the topic was repeated so often it almost felt like the book thought I wasn’t paying attention and hadn’t picked up on it the first 5 times it was mentioned) “Men do not have a monopoly on strength.” Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk! Unpublished Manuscript Author: TJ Tristan Pages: 346 (roughly depending on actual publication and editing) Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Grey Area Okay this cocktail is one I didn’t anticipate making, but I knew I had to make this one special for my dear friend TJ. This is a gin cocktail and I normally don’t drink gin except on rare occasions when Empress 1908 is used and that’s what I used here. I love that the cocktail when layered and originally presented has the beautiful balance of colors and looks to be perfectly vibrant and in alignment, however when you stir it the drink turns a light grey color that reminds of the grey stuff from beauty and the beast. I think this is very telling of Quinn’s journey and the shake up she feels during the course of the book and the grey area she begins to live in of court politics as she is removed from her homeland. “Perhaps that’s the greatest thing about mountains-they move for no one. No one except for me.” Ingredients 2oz Empress Gin (Don’t substitute because of the presentation if you do it won’t look like I’m describing) 1oz orange juice ½ oz orange juice ½ oz simple syrup Ice (I use a large square ice mold but any large ice format will work) Instructions -Combine orange juice, lime juice and simple syrup in shaker and shake. -Strain over ice in glass of choice (I used a coupe glass). -Gently layer gin on top -Enjoy responsibly! You can find this title on Wattpad under the following link https://www.wattpad.com/875423856-lovely-dark-and-deep-before-you-begin
Please keep in mind this is a relatively unedited version. The author is continually working on this piece and even my own thoughts and edits have yet to be republished in this space, however even with that all considered I absolutely love this title. For a very early edition it’s amazing and I love it. The author has also shared with me her own art for the characters which I will include a few of my favorites in the character portion of this review. “Aside from the fact that the beautiful garden was actually just a gilded cage.” Setting Arastya is a very interesting place, but I loved learning about the realms and where all the Druids come from. It truly was a great setting to start a fantasy series. Characters Quinn is a STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER! I love that so is Rhea and Ingrid. There is a lot of diversity amongst our cast of characters that feels very natural based off of where the characters come from and I appreciate that. The relationship Quinn has with Salem has a lot of unspoken tension that I loved reading. Plot and Themes I’m a sucker for anything fantasy and I love the idea of Druids. There’s so may stories that focus on the fae storylines within high fantasy so it was cool to see a fantasy series that felt like a fae fantasy novel, but wasn’t. I also like the concept of a selection style competition for the hands of the current king. Conclusion I am so excited to have gotten to read an initial version of this title and cannot wait to see what will happen in the coming months and year with this bad boy. As of right now the author is still in the process of editing and refining, but for a pretty early version I was blown away. Warning Spoilers and my thoughts on edits ahead. If you don't want to be spoiled don't click read more! Author: Stephanie Garber Pages: 451 Overall: 4/5 Setting: 3.5/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Cheers Factor: 3.5/5 Pairing: Storm on the Horizon This is a Dark and Stormy which truly makes me feel like it describes a lot of the relationships in this book! Ingredients 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 1/2 oz lime juice Ginger Beer (to almost fill glass roughly a can) 2 oz dark rum (I used Bacardi) ice Instructions -Fill a glass with ice -Combine Simple Syrup and lime juice in glass and stir -Add ginger beer leaving enough space for rum -Layer the rum using a stirring spoon to dilute -Garnish with a lime wheel -Enjoy! Take a Shot:
After her sister won Caraval, Tella is left still owing a debt to her unknown friend. However, the terms have changed and her friend now wants Legend’s identity in exchange for originally helping her. It won’t be easy, but now Tella has to play in order to find out who Legend is in exchange for the one thing she wants more than anything. Her mother. "Love turned the world into a garden so beguiling it was easy to forget rose petals were as ephemeral as feelings, eventually they would wilt and die, leaving nothing but thorns." Setting The setting felt a little confusing to me between the city and Elantine’s castle. I liked the temple that Dante and Tella went into, but I feel that for the most part I was pretty confused about where the characters were and what exactly they were doing. The locations also felt very convenient to me. Characters I love Dante. At first I was royally upset that it wasn’t from Scarlett’s perspective because I love Julian and her relationship from the first one, but I’ve started to realize that we needed both sister’s stories in order to get to where we are. Plus meeting Jacks and getting to know Dante better was worth Tella’s perspective. Plots and Themes I liked the plot line between Elantine and Tella and how Jacks fit into that. I liked the addition of a second Caraval and the fact that it’s more intense this go around. I enjoyed the escalation of the real life aspect of the game. I also liked the addition of the storyline regarding the Dragna’s mother. Conclusion Overall, this was a really great book and I really liked it. It’s not my favorite fantasy novel I’ve ever read but it’s not bad and has strong writing and characters. It is a fun game type set up that’s intriguing and fun to read the events play out. Reasons to Raise a Glass: Tall dark and mysterious love interest, quick pacing Too Strong: I was lost in the setting at points, I miss Scarlett Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Do not click read more unless you want spoilers! Author: Leigh Bardugo Pages: 465 Overall: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 5/5 Pairing: Old Fashioned This is a Kaz Brekker drink if I’ve ever seen one. It’s serious, hardcore and perfect for a gangster like Kaz to hold in one hand with a weapon in the other. Ingredients
1 ½ oz whiskey 1 teaspoon of simple syrup from raw sugar A few dashes of water 2 dashes Aromatic bitters 1 ice ball Orange peel Instructions -Add simple syrup, dash of water and bitters to glass and combine by stirring -Add ice ball to glass -Rub orange peel on rim of glass -Pour whiskey into glass -Pinch orange peel over drink -Garnish with fresh orange peel -Enjoy “‘That’s what he wants, not what he needs,’ Kaz said. ‘Leverage is all about knowing the difference.’” Take a Shot: There is a mysterious drug circling around that is intensifying Grisha power and then subsequently killing them. Kaz Brekker is hired to break the scientist who created the jurda parem and he compiles a ragtag team of his friends and accomplices in order to get the job done Ocean’s Eleven style. “The life you live, the hat you feel - it’s poison. I can drink it no longer.” Setting I love Ketterdam! It’s super cool and grungy and an intriguing place to be. Bonus points because the book has a map. I also love all of the different locations we get to see. I do love the Ice Court as well; it's a very fun journey our characters take to fun and exciting locations. Characters I love the multiple perspectives from all of our motley crew. It’s really a great way to read an ensemble novel and Bardugo does an amazing job of weaving the different perspectives together. I love how Nina is depicted as being a curvier woman and that is never compromised and it also isn’t demonized as well. The diversity of backgrounds of the characters is also amazing too. We get to see a lot of them grow and become Also shameless plug for Kaz and Wylan. They are my two favorite characters and I love them. Plot and Themes The Ocean’s series with George Clooney and Brad Pitt have been some of my favorite movies for a very long time. Additionally, I love the show Peaky Blinders and this book is a perfect mix of that. The heist aspect of the novel is truly so well written that the action just keeps you guessing all the time. Conclusion This book made me fall in love with the Grishaverse and was truly a turning point in my love of Leigh Bardugo after finishing Shadow and Bone. It’s a great book for lovers of ensemble books with high stakes and great action. Reasons to Raise a Glass: STRONG. FEMALE. CHARACTERS., fast paced, good action, high stakes Too Strong: I wish it wasn’t YA so they could curse (like it would be so good) Click read more for more of my thoughts and spoilers! You have been warned spoilers are after the read more. Author: Stephanie Garber Pages: 401 Overall: 4/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Crimson This drink turns out a little purple but I think it’s how I see the color of Scarlett’s dress. “Like poison dressed up in an attractive bottle.” Ingredients
2oz whiskey (I used Buffalo Trace) 1oz chambord ¾oz lemon juice 2oz cranberry juice Blackberries (can be frozen or fresh) Ice Instructions -Combine blackberries (around 5) and lemon juice in shaker and muddle -Add whiskey, chambord, cranberry juice and ice to shaker -Shake well -Double strain over glass with ice -Garnish with blackberries -Enjoy “The words ‘I’d rather die’ passed Tella’s lips far too often.” Take a Shot: Scarlett has been writing letters to Master Legend of Caraval for years in hopes of getting a reply and somehow securing a ticket for herself and her sister. The last letter she sent she mentioned her upcoming nuptials to a secret Duke and Master Legend sends tickets for Scarlett, Donatella and Scarlett’s fiancé. However, this year's Caraval is different and Scarlett is about to find out just how much Master Legend likes to play games. Setting I thought the setting was quite cool. I liked the concept of a Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire style tent deal where Caraval takes place. I felt it was a little lacking in overall world building and my understanding of where everything was. I did however, love the names being in Spanish that was a nice touch to read those. Characters I felt annoyed at times with our protagonist and her naivety because it was slightly cumbersome. However, it makes sense with the story we are telling. I did really love Julian and the way that he was fleshed out. Overall, the characters are compelling and you do root for them. Plots and Themes I liked the main plot and the arc our characters follow. I did get a little lost by some of the sub plots as I was reading, but I have a feeling they will be addressed in later novels so I’m not knocking it too hard. Conclusion I really liked this book. It was a super easy read and didn’t take me very long at all. It was smooth in the way the writing is done. If you liked Panic by Lauren Oliver then you will definitely like this title. The stakes feel very similar between both novels. Reasons to Raise a Glass: sexy Julian, fun descriptive outfits, easy to read Too Strong: character’s are a bit naive, some plot points lost me Click read more for more of my thoughts and spoilers. You have been warned spoilers are after the read more button. Author: Richelle Mead Pages: 327 Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 4.5/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Prisoner Red Blend by Orin Swift This one is the same for the whole series! Take a Shot: Rose and Dmitri can’t be together for obvious reasons. Tasha Ozera comes into the picture and clearly has eyes for Dimitri however, Rose is intent to not let it get to her so she starts dating the loving and adorable Mason. However, things are starting to get weird and our characters are starting to learn the Strigoi are getting smart which could be life threatening for our favorite Moroi and Dhampir alike. “‘This changes everything doesn’t it?’ I asked. ‘Yeah,’ he said. “It does.’” Setting I like the setting of this title more than the first of this book. I enjoyed that it takes place more away from the school and we get to see our characters outside of the academic setting. Characters My favorite character of this series is introduced in this book so it obviously takes the cake for 5/5. There’s a really great broadening of characters that appear in Rose and Lissa’s lives and it makes it much more interesting. Plus I like a villain redemption arc and we start to get that with one character in this one so it’s nice. Plots and Themes I like the stakes of the plot more in this one than the first one. There’s a greater sense of urgency in this book behind all of the actions of our characters and the plot moves quickly with it to the ultimate ending. I do think occasionally it felt very convenient how a lot of the characters were able to solve their problems. However, I did love the obvious way the plot allowed Rose to become a true leader that people are willing to follow. I also appreciate the move Rose makes away from her forbidden love given that she’s still a minor. It’s a nice move that I think Mead executed well in order to avoid it becoming more problematic than what is originally implied as already kind of is. Conclusion I like the pivot this book takes from the first one and definitely recommend sticking around with the series even if the first wasn’t a favorite. Reasons to Raise a Glass: STRONG. FEMALE. CHARACTER., realistic stakes and consequences Too Strong: convenience of plot lines, questionable age gap relationship (it’s not aggressive, but definitely there and definitely something to consider) Spoiler review if you click Read More! Or check out the review of book one by clicking the button below! |
Cheers FactorEach book here at Cheers&Chapters is rated based off of certain categories that are genre specific, however every book will get a Cheers Factor. The Cheers Factor is how much we wanted to raise our glass while reading it. So get your glasses ready and cheers! Archives
October 2022
Categories
All
|