HI ALL - guess who's bringing you another review!?! #me
I know! I've suddenly turned into a book review blog! But as I said before, just so happened that I signed up to a lot of launch teams at the same time.
The book that's releasing today is Livy Jarmusch's The Rebellion, book two in the series The Tales of Tarsurella that tells about modern day royalty in the fictional kingdom of Tarsurella. It's very unique :D And, as usual, here I am, to give you all my opinions ;)
the books ...
side note: the first review was written last fall ;)
[4/5 stars]
synopsis:
"Prince Addison is only several weeks away from inheriting the Kingdom of Tarsurella. The entire Palace is ablaze with excitement, as the Royal Family prepares for the event of a lifetime. Despite the exciting event which is near at hand, Addison and his younger siblings (all seven of them!) must carry on with their daily activities.
Addison’s sisters, Princesses Bridget, Chasity, and Hope, have their struggles with being iconic European starlets of a modern day monarchy. The teen heiresses grace magazine covers, smile for photoshoots, and gracefully glide through important interviews–until a certain American popstar arrives on the scene. Kennetic Energy, the wildly popular band from the United States, is chosen to play at Addison’s Coronation. David Carter, the band’s handsome lead singer, fumbles through awkward moments with Princess Hope–in front of the cameras. When an embarrassing rumor sparks that Princess Hope is dating the young fellow, she is determined to get the band fired from their Royal gig.
Meanwhile, Princess Chasity is dealing with her own fragile affairs of the heart. Her new security guard, Hanson Fletcher, is completely captivating, yet entirely frustrating. She attempts to keep the entrance of her heart firmly protected, while following the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23. But can she be successful in guarding her heart, from her security guard?"
intro:
THIS WAS A BEAUTIFUL BUNDLE OF ADORABLENESS <3
review:
- I thought it would take no time at all to fly through this but it was LOOOONG my friends - A WHOPPING 460 PAGES and it took me ... like 3 -4 days? Yeah. But really I love thick books on my shelf so someday I will get it to be there <3<3<3 I didn't ... even realize it was that big till I was halfway through and I was like "how long it this thing anyway?!"
- But my likes. Alllll the characters. There were LOTS of them - probably one reason the books was so long. They all ... had issues, but most were really lovable. And a lot were a combo of annoying + adorable, like real people.
- My favorite was Addison because not only do I relate in a lot of ways, he was just plain sensible and totally awesome :D
- I ADORED everyone from the band Kennetic Energy and I LOVED the two younger princesses + Willie.
- The older three girls were mix of irritating-in-a-good-way/hilarious/real.
- Hanson was plain sweet and fun and HOW GENIUS IS IT TO HAVE A BODY GUARD FOR A MAIN CHARACTER. I mean, don't you ever wonder what's going on in the brain of those tall, strong, silent, serious guys who wear all black and sunglasses and don't do anything but look intimidating?!!?
- LANCE THO. PLEASE I NEED MORE OF LANCE HE'S THE BEST OF EVER.
- Anyway I think the huge cast was handled splendidly and the pov, though different, worked very well. At first though I kept mixing up the older girls cause they were so close in age?
- And I would have liked more Asher pov + Asher backstory. I know this might seem a bit of strange request if you know who he is but while HE WAS AGGRAVATING he also reminded me of Edmund so <3
- The detail though. Cause I can say that this book really wasn't action + adventure. Sure there was some of it in that one super intense part but mostly the book took things slow and easy and gave us a wonderfully detailed look at the Royal Family + palace life in Tarsurella. And it was so fascinating because I've never read anything like it. Sure, fantasy royalty. But modern royalty? Ha nope. There should be more :D
- And the humor guys. IT WAS SO FUNNY SOMETIMES. Millie + Wille never ceased to make me grin and chuckle. And the band. Ohmyword the band. Zac was hilarious. And everyone's romantic notions (and especially how they tried to find Addison a girl) made me laugh to no end xD
- This book focused very much on relationships and internal conflicts and I think those were done really well. I was great to see everyone's problems and how they grew and learned. And these were so closely connected to the themes which were very good and I fully support <3
- And I agree with the whole message (or all the messages)... however. At the same time, they did come off as a little ... strong - very clear. I usually enjoy them best when they are subtle and not really spelled out on the page but when you get to see/feel it. And in here, YES I saw/felt it - but it was also very clearly spelled out. In paragraphs. And monologue. Ha. It's nothing wrong - just MY STYLE. And you know maybe after the characters' experiences it would come out strong! :D
- Also, it had less action than I'm used to? Sure the actual action/climatic part was really sudden, suspenseful, and intense. But I felt it just came - BANG! - and disappeared - POOF! - without too much action from the main characters. There WAS, but not very much. And it is realistic/expected for the situation and their positions. But this is just ME, you know.
- One thing though. I felt it was a tad unrealistic for the real modern world that just about everyone - except the bad guys - were Christians? Or believed in God or prayed. I mean - sure I can see the Royal Family and some of their friends and staff being believers, but to have all the romantic interests who just come out of ... somewhere ... to be praying godly people is a little ... little ... unrealistic.
- And this was actually ... kinda romantic? I don't usually take a huge dose of romance like this if I can help it. But. This was okay. This was adorable. This was clean. It upheld great values and taught wonderful lessons at the same time. But you know, A LOT OF FLUFF? A lot, actually. More than I usually read or expect for 460 pages xD
- The best part I think was Bridget + Alaska. <3 Of course I saw Liam coming miles away and I was yelling at Livy when he arrived and wanted to throw the e-reader around (in a good sense) but who cares? It was so ... plain beautiful. And frankly I was just thinking "GOOD FOR YOU BRIDGET YOU SERIOUSLY NEEDED THIS YOU KNOW".
- Other things: Van(essa) was pretty fabulous in my opinion. I wish Hanson had had more problems with his dad buuuut I sense there will be more on that later.
conclusion:
Four stars! not because it doesn't deserve five, of course, but just a matter of my own tastes ;)
[4/5]
synopsis:
"Something is brewing. Like the far off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change? Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2)
Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?
Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation?"
This book is the sequel to The Coronation and continues the intrigue, the romance, and the character growth of in the Tarsurellan court :D
- once more, I loved seeing the characters return and navigate webs of conflict
- Addison is having a tough time as kind when a rebellion springs ...
- Vanessa (a very important character) is having trouble juggling all her duties and getting the council to hear all her ideas ...
- and their relationship goes through golden skies and stormy seas YIKES
- my favorite part was Asher's pov and story!! I love seeing his improving guilt-stricken self learn to CARE
- Chasity + Hansen ... OH COME ON YOU TWO KNOW YOU WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER
- Bridget + Liam ... these two were both so cute but err ... the twist in their relationship and identity were SURPRISES like what even??
- Hope + ??? ok I ADORE the storyline with Luke but I was so impatient to see Kennetic Energy again!!
- The younger siblings provided the much needed humor and relief from the romantic and political and relationship tensions *whew*
-And look I didn't forget anyone's name (except for Luke's but I filled it in later so you wouldn't guess lol)
- So a major major plot point is RELATIONSHIPS
- especially romantic ones
- so YEP THIS WAS A LOT OF FLUFF
- I appreciate how the author wove the stores together, keeping them separate, yet intertwined, merged with the plot. Also how every single individual is so ADORABLE. *cough*
- I have finally been able to remember the three oldest sisters' names and ships! #win but their age order? #dontask
- I still feel that FOR ME it was waaaaayyyyy more romance than I'm used to ...
- Also, the pov juggling, while done well, and while it did suit the story ... a casual browser or reader would be very very confused. It a sense it skipped around A LOT. And one does get used to it, but sometimes I wished it had been different.
- This book also had WAY LESS action than book one ... which was a RELIEF and A TAD DISAPPOINTING. I think things will be wrapped up in the last book but we have yet to see how much of this book was "filler" material compared to the first and last books of the series (no offense there, just something that happens a lot :D). Idk but I think that ... tension + conflict could really have been maximized more in this one. Obviously here it's a question of the author's intentions vs my taste, so no huge complaint XD
Well, I suppose it's three and a half to four stars, because I loved so much of it, but I did want a bit more action <3 Still looking forward to the last book (I think it's a trilogy) in the series.
I would recommend this series to teen girls who love royalty, modern day princesses, romance, all with great values, lessons, and a little bit of excitement thrown in :DD
Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.
intro:
This book is the sequel to The Coronation and continues the intrigue, the romance, and the character growth of in the Tarsurellan court :D
review:
- once more, I loved seeing the characters return and navigate webs of conflict
- Addison is having a tough time as kind when a rebellion springs ...
- Vanessa (a very important character) is having trouble juggling all her duties and getting the council to hear all her ideas ...
- and their relationship goes through golden skies and stormy seas YIKES
- my favorite part was Asher's pov and story!! I love seeing his improving guilt-stricken self learn to CARE
- Chasity + Hansen ... OH COME ON YOU TWO KNOW YOU WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER
- Bridget + Liam ... these two were both so cute but err ... the twist in their relationship and identity were SURPRISES like what even??
- Hope + ??? ok I ADORE the storyline with Luke but I was so impatient to see Kennetic Energy again!!
- The younger siblings provided the much needed humor and relief from the romantic and political and relationship tensions *whew*
-And look I didn't forget anyone's name (except for Luke's but I filled it in later so you wouldn't guess lol)
- So a major major plot point is RELATIONSHIPS
- especially romantic ones
- so YEP THIS WAS A LOT OF FLUFF
- I appreciate how the author wove the stores together, keeping them separate, yet intertwined, merged with the plot. Also how every single individual is so ADORABLE. *cough*
- I have finally been able to remember the three oldest sisters' names and ships! #win but their age order? #dontask
- I still feel that FOR ME it was waaaaayyyyy more romance than I'm used to ...
- Also, the pov juggling, while done well, and while it did suit the story ... a casual browser or reader would be very very confused. It a sense it skipped around A LOT. And one does get used to it, but sometimes I wished it had been different.
- This book also had WAY LESS action than book one ... which was a RELIEF and A TAD DISAPPOINTING. I think things will be wrapped up in the last book but we have yet to see how much of this book was "filler" material compared to the first and last books of the series (no offense there, just something that happens a lot :D). Idk but I think that ... tension + conflict could really have been maximized more in this one. Obviously here it's a question of the author's intentions vs my taste, so no huge complaint XD
conclusion:
Well, I suppose it's three and a half to four stars, because I loved so much of it, but I did want a bit more action <3 Still looking forward to the last book (I think it's a trilogy) in the series.
recommendation:
I would recommend this series to teen girls who love royalty, modern day princesses, romance, all with great values, lessons, and a little bit of excitement thrown in :DD
about the author ...
Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.
Hope I didn't bore any of you with all these reviews these past few weeks! I promise I'll be back with a recap this weekend and then to regular posts XD Not that review aren't fun, am I right?
How's everyone been doing?
xx Lisa
how many of you love royalty?
ever read a fictional book about modern day royalty?
and do you think you'd like this series??
Ooh, these sound really good!
ReplyDeleteINDEED THEY ARE!!
DeleteYASSS MORE BOOKS TO ADD TO MY... tbr.. pile... uh...
ReplyDelete*steps aside and reveals pile as tall as a castle*
Jokes aside, this was awesome to read! Definitely adding to my tbr list
And looking forward to the normal posts (although I do love the reviews) XD.
A castle of books, how grand XDD I relate to you on tbr problems.
DeleteAwww thank you so much ^-^ Me too, I can't wait till I start my normal posts again XD
Excellent reviews, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU DEAR!!
DeleteLisa, your reviews are THE BEST!!
ReplyDelete/YOU/ ARE THE BEST <333
DeleteThis looks so good! I've seen some promotions going around about these books, but I didn't realize that it was set in modern day: that makes it that much more intriguing to me! Definitely picking up copies soon. :D
ReplyDeleteIKR? Modern day royalty books are so rare! Definitely more exciting XD Hope you enjoy, Hanne <3
Deletecan I add this to my TBR now :DD
ReplyDelete