Fairest Review: Levana

Years before Cinder's story.
Before Scarlet or Cress.
Before Winter.

Once upon a time there lived a princess.
And she plotted.
Until she became queen.

This is the story of Levana.

Book: Fairest
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles
Standing: Book 3.5
POV: 3rd person by Levana, past tense
Genre: YA fairytale, fantasy, sci-fi

Source: Physical copy
Pages: 220
Release: January 27th 2015
Publisher: Feiwei and Friends

Rating: 5 stars

Blurb: (Goodreads)
In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now. 

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

                        ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Another amazing story by Marissa Meyer!

In contrast to normal books, here we have an entire book about the main antagonist of The Lunar Chronicles. We get to see a glimpse of what's going on in Levana's mind, and what drove her to become the cunning queen she is known as being today.

Levana's struggles first began when she was 15. It was a little difficult trying to imagine her as a teenager, as in the past three books, I always saw her as an adult. Levana's family has issues, and the worst would be her older sister, Channary. Levana is bad, yes, but it was Channary who probably drove her that way, was the catalyst. I'd like to think that had Channary been a better sister, Levana may not have become the person she is.

The thing about Levana is that she is lonely. Add lonely and powerful, and that doesn't always generate the best result. Especially since she's looking for love, is practically convinced of a love that doesn't exist. And it is that very reason that she's able to force a man to marry her once his wife passes away from childbirth. It's needless to say that this man's daughter is Winter, setting up the story of Winter being Levana stepdaughter.

As we know from the previous books in the series, Levana is known to have made some drastic changes to Luna. Developments and advancements in bioengineering, political and strategical warfares, creating an army and a virus, everything. Changes in history, as well, such as how she is suspected of having orchestrated the death of Princess Selene. We get confirmation of everything she has done in this book, and get to see Levana's thought process behind it all. All these new changes all have one thing in common: Levana believes that it's for the best of Luna. As twisted as her logic is, I couldn't help but see her reasoning. She needs that alliance with Earth, because Luna's resources are diminishing. She needs to get rid of Princess Selene, else all Levana's hard work of trying to make Luna a better place will be lost. Though her actions are bordering on being ethical, her intentions are somewhat in the right place. Which makes it hard to truly hate her.

Levana's history is one that isn't pretty. We get to find out exactly why Levana is so dependent on her glamours, and how she came to the conclusion to rid the entire kingdom of mirrors. It's a little sad, but given the state of her mind, it is understandable. 

What I really liked in this book was the fact that we got to see a few familiar faces. I particularly enjoyed the irony, knowing the significance of these faces. Winter, Jacin, and Selene are all present, if only a few years old, and years before they actually have a role in the story. Even Cress is mentioned in passing, as well as Dr. Darnel and Dr. Tanner.

The one slight thing that took me off guard was the lack of chapters. Not that it affected the overall content, I just found it a tad strange. 

This book really lets us see a different side of Levana, to see everything she has lost, and to what extents she has gone to in order to make up for it all. Her logic is twisted, but in the end, Levana is an equally complex character just like everyone else, and her decisions are reasonable giving her experiences. The author is able to skillfully give us a bit of sympathy for Levana, but without overdoing it so that everyone loves her. Levana remains to be the villain, but readers can now understand her better, and possibly even predict her next moves...

I honestly cannot wait for the final book, Winter, to come out. November 10th, 2015, isn't too far away, so if you haven't read this series yet, go do it!

Miss Mayhem Review: Harper

Book: Miss Mayhem
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: Rebel Belle
Standing: Book 2
POV: 1st person by Harper, past tense
Genre: YA paranormal

Source: Physical copy
Pages: 273
Release: April 7th, 2015
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Blurb (Goodreads)
Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and her best friend, Bee, has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can focus on the important things in life: school, canoodling with David (her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie), and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or make her more powerful than ever.

                           ✭ ✭ ✭

Miss Mayhem picks off roughly four months after the epic climax of Rebel Belle. Life has sort of gone back to normal, minus the fact that Harper's best friend is MIA, and she's working with her ex to protect her new boyfriend. Not awkward at all.

Though I loved the writing and Harper's character, I thought the plot fell a little flat. Harper must go through three trials in order to strengthen/prove herself as a Paladin, which to me echoes a bit of the whole "three objects you must collect before doomsday," and if she fails, she dies. But...those trials felt a little off, and they didn't strike me as being extremely dangerous or life-threatening. I didn't get the sense of relief I wanted from Harper, nor was there as much action in the book as I had hoped for.

Relationships take a bigger role in this book than it did in the last book. It's constantly nagging Harper, trying to reassess her relationship to David as Oracle/Paladin verses Boyfriend/Girlfriend. Though it makes it realistic, I would have preferred a little less drama and a bit more action.

The people I sympathized for were Bee and Ryan. Bee, because after she returns, she finds out that no one actually missed her (comes with the whole "everyone-thinks-you're-at-cheerleading-camp" spell as a means to cover up a sudden disappearance), and also that some people (like her boyfriend) don't even remember her. It's sad, but Bee remains strong and pulls through it. Then we have Ryan. I liked Ryan a lot in this book for the most part. He was suddenly through into the world, and is forced to work with his ex-girlfriend to help protect her new boyfriend. Harsh. And while Harper and David are in on the same thing and are ultimately on the same page, Ryan has to juggle having a new girlfriend who isn't in on the whole thing. Which makes it difficult, as he's hiding things from his girlfriend, whereas Harper and David don't need to worry. He has it the hardest, you know?

The ending was a little disappointing to me. I expected Harper to be a little tougher, a little more stubborn after everything that happens. Instead, she just accepts everything, just like that. What happened to her fighting spirit? It was just...gone. I don't know, but if I were in Harper's shoes, I would have fought harder to retain what I knew was the right thing to do. And with everything done and gone...exactly what was the point of the three trials then? I don't know. All I can hope is that this is setting the stage up for an epic third book, one that is even better than the first.

Don't get me wrong, this book was good, it just wasn't as great as the first book. It was full of humour and wit, and I would still definitely recommend this series to anyone. It's a fun read, and if you're looking for a bit of lightheartedness, you should pick this series up!

The Wicked Will Rise Review: Amy

Once upon a time, Dorothy went to Oz.
She went home.
And then she went back to Oz again.

I ended up in Oz.
Was trained by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
And given a mission.

My mission: kill Dorothy.
But it didn't go as planned.
And now there are consequences to pay.

My name is Amy Gumm.

Book: The Wicked Will Rise
Author: Danielle Paige
Series: Dorothy Must Die
Standing: Book 2
POV: 1st person by Amy, past tense
Genre: YA fantasy

Source: Physical copy
Pages: 293
Release: March 31st 2015
Publisher: HarperCollins

Favourite lines:
"I. Know. Who. I. AM...And I'm willing to fight for it."

"I wasn't powerful because of the knife. The knife was powerful because of me."

Rating: 4 stars

Blurb (Goodreads)
In this dark, high-octane sequel to the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die, Amy Gumm must do everything in her power to kill Dorothy and free Oz.

To make Oz a free land again, Amy Gumm was given a mission: remove the Tin Woodman’s heart, steal the Scarecrow’s brain, take the Lion’s courage, and then Dorothy must die...

But Dorothy still lives. Now the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked has vanished, and mysterious Princess Ozma might be Amy’s only ally. As Amy learns the truth about her mission, she realizes that she’s only just scratched the surface of Oz’s past—and that Kansas, the home she couldn't wait to leave behind, may also be in danger. In a place where the line between good and evil shifts with just a strong gust of wind, who can Amy trust—and who is really Wicked?

                          ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

This new spin of The Wizard of Oz continues to amaze me!

This book picks right off where the last book left off, literally seconds later. Amy, having partly failed her mission, is on the run, trying to regroup with the Order and figure out another way to kill Dorothy. We get to meet a variety of new cast members as well as get to see new places in Oz. And though the plot is relatively straightforward, there are completely unexpected twists and turns that left me whipping through the pages.

Amy and Ozma make an interesting duo; they both know yet don't know who they are. Amy, as she's trying to find her place and new identity, and Ozma, who has gone crazy yet still has traces of her old original and insanely powerful self. Amy begins to ask bigger questions in this book, as well as beginning to wonder the what ifs. Her character is growing, realizing that though she's merely a tiny part in the grand scheme of things, she plays a critical role.

One thing that got me was Amy's battle with darkness, or rather, dark magic. Her magic, as well as intentions, become a little unstable, and she finds herself becoming more and more dependent on dark magic. Yes, she's working for the Wicked Witches who are trying to restore order, but her thoughts start to take a darker tone. Amy sees this, and she battles it through and through, trying to figure out who she is and what exactly makes her powerful.

Pete, oh Pete. We learn who he really is in this book, and after the ending of the last book, boy did I have questions. That being said, we always don't like the answers we get, and the reality of Pete's life is not a kind one. I understood what it meant for him and Ozma before Amy did. Even when Pete does that act, yes, I was angry (who wouldn't be? He caused a lot of chaos and destruction!), but at the same time, I understood the reasoning behind it. I sympathize with his situation, but I don't agree with his actions. 

Romance isn't the driving force of the story, but that doesn't mean it isn't in it. We have Amy and Nox, who are pretty cute together, even if they don't really have enough time for themselves. I would have liked to see their relationship develop a little further, but seeing as the world kind of is on the brink of destruction, I understand why it's been sidelined. But hopefully next book, yes?

The only thing that bugged me about the book was the beginning. It lacked the excitement the previous book ended off with. The major characters present in the beginning also made it hard for me to get into the book; between Amy, Lulu, and Mombi's sassy conversations, it was easy to become annoyed with everyone. But once Amy was on her way, the book got much better, filled with more adventure, humour, despair, excitement, confusion, excellent pacing, and action (I completely approve of the action! It's physical as well as magical, which to me is always the best kind!). I absolutely loved the second half of the book, and the world. Just like the first book, this one ends with a devastating and world-changing cliffhanger. The next book is slated to come out next March, so I guess I'll be sitting in agony until then...

The Sin Eater's Daughter Review: Twylla

I live at the castle.
But I'm not a member of the court.
I'm the executioner.

I was chosen by the Gods.
To be a Goddess embodied.
To serve the Queen.

No one will come near me.
My skin is poisonous. 
My touch fatal.

My name is Twylla.

Book: The Sin Eater's Daughter
Author: Melinda Salisbury
Series: The Sin Eater's Daughter
Standing: Book 1
POV: 1st person by Twylla, present tense
Genre: YA high fantasy

Source: Physical copy
Pages: 320
Release: February 24h, 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Rating: 4 Stars

Blurb (Goodreads)

I am the perfect weapon.
I kill with a single touch.

Twylla is blessed. The Gods have chosen her to marry a prince, and rule the kingdom. But the favour of the Gods has it's price. A deadly poison infuses her skin. Those who anger the queen must die under Twylla's fatal touch.

Only Lief, an outspoken new guard, can see past Twylla's chilling role to the girls she truly is.

Yet in a court as dangerous and the queen's, some truths should not be told...

                          ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

I've had my eye on this book for some time, mainly because of it's cover. That, plus it's a fantasy novel, which is an instant plus for me.

This book tells the tale of Twylla, who is the Goddess Daunen Embodied. She was taken to the court upon her discovery, and since then has lived as the Queen's executioner. All Twylla must do is touch someone, and they die immediately from the poison on her skin. Because of that, she lives a vey isolated and secluded life, away from people who cringe in fear of her.

Right off the bat, we're introduced to the devastation Twylla feels upon killing someone. She takes no joy in it, but does it else the queen will punish her family by withholding money. Nearly as quickly, we get to see the vile and cruel ways of the queen, how she is quick to accuse people of treason. She is powerful, and does not let anyone forget it.

Enter Twylla's newest guard, Lief. He's charming, extremely good with a sword, and for once is not afraid to get close to Twylla, both physically and relationship-wise. I fell for him just as Twylla did. I mean, who wouldn't want a guard like him as a friend? Add that he's charming and easy on the eyes, and lo and behold, Lief becomes my next fictional boyfriend.

Apart from Lief, we find that Twylla is betrothed to the prince, Merek. At first, I was wary of Merek, knowing that this was probably going to be a love-triangle. But as I got to know Merek, I found it hard to merely dislike him. He carries a lot of burden on his shoulders, and sees the evilness that his mother, the queen, spreads. Merek's actions are honourable and just; they are for his kingdom, for his people, and I can appreciate it...to the extent where Lief pales in comparison. Though both boys have valid reasons for wanting Twylla, Lief's reasons are merely for his own, whereas Merek's is also for order and rightness of the kingdom. Which leaves me very confused as to who to root for, because though Lief is the obvious choice, I can't help but feel that Merek deserves a chance...

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot! Though there were some parts in the story that were predictable, the overall plot was anything but. So many new revelations, so many WHATs! I can't wait to read the new book, though it probably won't come out until next year...

Spoilers ahead!

The Dark Elements Reread: Stone Cold Touch Q&A!

The Dark Elements Re-Read: Stone Cold Touch

For those of you who don’t know yet, this reread is being done in anticipation of the release of Every Last Breath on July 28th, the final book in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Dark Elements series! This past week, the two of us have been reading the second book, Stone Cold Touch. In celebration for second the first book, we’re having a fun Q&A and discussion together!

For those of you who haven’t finished Stone Cold Touch, not to fear! Questions #1-10 are SPOILER-FREE! And feel free to post your answers to these questions! We’d love to read them! :)

I want to welcome back to my blog Cody, from Literary-ly Obsessed. Ever since Cody and I met, we’ve been on a fast track of friendship that's only been going up. This is my first blogging event, and I honestly couldn’t have thought of a better person to do it with. We’ve spent a lot of time brainstorming and working on this together over the past two weeks, and we’ve shared quite a lot fangirling moments and laughs (ie. upon discussion of the ultimate Jennifer L. Armentrout boyfriend, our attempt to try to make a list of cons for any guy was a hilarious fail). Thank you so much, Cody! You're simply the best! I wouldn’t take back these past two weeks for anything, and I hope we do some more fun stuff together soon! xx

Now, on to our much anticipated Stone Cold Touch Q&A!

1. Who’s your favourite character? Least favourite?

Erika: My favourite remains to be Roth. Yes, he was a bit of a jerk, but he wasn’t a complete jerk to Layla the entire book. There was no I’m-avoiding-you-thing or if-I-do-see-you-I’m-going-to-only-say-mean-things. His reasons were valid. Least favourite would probably be the demons dubbed Sucky and Inky by Roth. They were seriously creepy.

Cody: My favourite would be Roth again, I absolutely love him despite his attitude in the beginning. He can really do no wrong and is completely devoted and loyal to Layla. My least favourite would have to be the majority of the Wardens, their attitude towards Layla was horrible and in some cases completely uncalled for, I felt so sorry for her having to live in that house.

2. What’s your favourite moment? Why?

Cody: When Roth takes Layla to the Demon club and Layla gets high from taking a soul. This moment is hilarious and Layla’s inhibitions are completely lowered so we get to see exactly what she’s been thinking and feeling since Roth’s return. Nothing to do with the steamy scene… Honest ;)

Erika: When Roth saves Layla from the Warden warehouse. I mean, he completely obliterated that place for her! He unleashed some serious power, all for Layla. Who wouldn’t want a Roth after that? <3

3. Top three favourite lines/quotes?

“We need to be friends. Or at least to get along to the point where you aren’t destroying perfectly good fast food when I open my mouth.”

“I love you, Layla. Do you hear me? I’ve loved you since the first moment I heard heard your voice, and I will continue to love you. No matter what. I love you.”

“Then why don’t you? You’re trained. You can fight. Do you really need their permission? I mean, really? Who’s here to stop you if you go out and hunt?”

“Are you...seriously growling at me, Stony?”

“I want you so badly it’s like hunger that gnaws at me endlessly. It doesn’t go away.”

“Because you were afraid I was going to throw myself at you again?”

The question burst out before I could stop myself. Roth cocked his head to the side.

“More like I was afraid you wouldn’t and that’s the problem.”

He went down a step and turned to me.

“I left you alone because if you woke up and you asked me to kiss you, I wouldn’t be able to stop a second time around.”

4. What would you have liked to see more of in this book?

Cody: More Cayman! We did get to see a little more of him in this book compared to White Hot Kiss but it wasn’t enough. Like Stacey he produced some of the funniest quotes and I would love to see more of his life as a an Infernal Ruler. Maybe a spin off series, please?

Erika: More Layla-Danika moments. Once they cleared the air between them, I found myself enjoying their conversations, how they both sympathize with one another. Also, I definitely think Layla needs more female Warden friends. Danika is trained to fight, and Layla is awesome, so together, I think they would make a great team!

5. What did you think of Roth’s sudden reappearance?

Cody: I was over the moon, like literally fangirling so bad but that only lasted about 5 minutes until he opened his mouth to Layla </3

Erika: I was so relieved! I mean, I knew there was no way he would stay in the Pits forever (*shudders*), but seeing him back in action made me so happy. But much like Cody said, then he opened his mouth, and all that stupid stuff came out.

6. What did you think of Roth’s sudden change of attitude towards Layla?

Erika: At first, I was all “Roth did what?” But I was sort of expecting it. This is a love triangle, after all, and I knew Roth would have to do something to upset/hurt Layla enough that she would want to get together with Zayne.

Cody: Majorly confused especially after his confession in White Hot Kiss. I didn’t understand what could have happened and then Zayne totally wormed his way in during her heartbreak which I was not happy with!

7. What did you think of the romance between Layla and Zayne?

Erika: After reading about Layla and Roth in White Hot Kiss, I wasn’t sure how a relationship with Zayne was going to work out or even compare to what Layla and Roth had. I wasn’t completely sold on her being with Zayne, but as I read more, it began to seem like they’d be able to make it work, that they could be right for each other. But...I don’t know, there are a few issues in their relationships. Like trust issues, as Layla has run off with Roth a few times (which, to me, is all the more reason for her to end up with Roth). There’s a lot of angst on Zayne’s side, which is understandable, but at the same time a little annoying. Zayne just doesn’t have the same chemistry with Layla as Roth does, which is why though as great as Zayne becomes in this book, I’m still Team Roth.

Cody: In White Hot Kiss it was clearly unrequited love between Layla and Zayne and Zayne only ever saw Layla as a sister. However in Stone Cold Touch he clearly starts to show an interest and it wasn’t until the end of the book, in Zayne’s POV that we found out he has actually liked Layla and has done for past 2 years. While this is all cute and cuddly, for me the romance was basically the result of Layla’s heartbreak over Roth, a rebound of sorts. Even though I hate to admit I really did start to like Zayne but it’s just nothing compared to the way I feel for Roth and Layla.

8. How would you have reacted if students and teachers began acting strange, and eventually some dying, at your school?

Cody: I would be gobsmacked if students and teachers just randomly started fighting and most probably stand and watch haha, but if someone was to die I would definitely need some therapy.

Erika: Short and simple? I’d run around screaming. Ambitious and possibly over-reacting? Transfer schools. Maybe move countries. Completely illogical? Become a detective and try to figure out what’s going on.

9. At the end of Stone Cold Touch, are you Team Roth or Team Zayne?

Erika: TEAM ROTH TEAM ROTH TEAM ROTH

Cody: TEAM ROTH FOREVER <3

10. Lastly, overall thoughts/comments/rating?

Cody: I loved this book, love triangle aside.. 5 amazing stars! You can check out my review Here x

Erika: Another easy 5 stars for me! You can check out my review here :)

These next questions contain spoilers!

Stone Cold Touch Review: Layla

As part of our The Dark Elements re-read, Cody from Literary-ly Obsessed and I are finishing off the week of Stone Cold Touch with a review each! Don't forget to check back tomorrow to see our Q&A! :)

Book: Stone Cold Touch
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements
Standing: Book 2
POV: first person by Layla, past tense
Genre: YA paranormal, romance

Source: Physical copy
Pages: 464
Release: October 21st, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Rating: 5 Stars

Blurb (Goodreads)
Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay… 

                        ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭


Another fantastic book by Jennifer L. Armentrout!

This book picks off a few weeks after the last book, White Hot Kiss. Things have settled down a bit, but everything has changed. A Lilin has been born, and both Warden and demon are in a race to find it and destroy it, before an apocalypse can occur.

One of the things a Lilin can do is take people's souls with just a touch. Which means that throughout the book, we're left wondering who has been interacting with the Lilin, and whether or not they're going to become a wraith (the result of a human without a soul).

We're introduced to a new side in this book apart from Wardens and Demons: the Church of God's Children. Originally, we only had a few passing-by mentions of them in the first book, but in the second book, they're a lot more active, seeking out Layla. We really get to see where they stand, and show that they humans are not as ignorant as we originally thought them to be.

Apart from human interventions, we're also introduced to a few new supernatural elements: witches, exorcisms, iron, holy water, crones, and specific powers of herbs. It shows how big the world truly is, and leaves us wondering what else exists in the world.

I found it oddly funny that we had another lower-gym scene. Who knew that lower gyms could have such importance? But the same gyms makes a reappearance in this book, which officially moves it under the "reoccurring setting" category. Not that it's a bad thing. Gyms are great. Abandoned ones are even greater for hiding things.

What did annoy me just a bit was the love-triangle thing. Layla continues to run off with Roth, which to me, is be a huge wedge in her relationship with Zayne. (Of course, this is all the more reason for Layla to end up with Roth in the end //TEAM ROTH) Yet Zayne, after expressing much angst (which drove me a little crazy), still forgives her. Trust issues, a little? But at the same time, I fully understand why people are on Team Zayne. He's a great guy, capable of huge acts of forgiveness, and desperately fights for the good in Layla. Add that he's ridiculously protective in a cute way, and yes, Team Zayne. And they've had some relatively steamy moments...who wouldn't want a Zayne?

And then we have Roth. As per the love-triangle guidebook, Roth must step away from Layla in order to give the other love interest a chance. I wasn't overly happy to see Roth pull on some major jerk-face moves, but his reasons were somewhat valid. However, though he and Layla had their falling-out, I liked how Layla didn't go out of her way to avoid him. She didn't feel insecure without him, and continued to be snippy and sarcastic with Roth. A little bitter, yes, but overall she didn't let it get to her head. There was no pages and pages of her moaning and groaning about how she was convinced Roth loved her, and her desperately trying to fix their relationship. Layla had her head on straight, and dealt with Roth as she needed to, not letting her emotions hinder her mission of finding the Lilin. 

If you guys don't know, Jennifer L. Armentrout did something extremely unique and practically unheard of involving this love-triangle: she let the readers choose who Layla ends up with. I know, right! Unheard of! Basically, there was a poll that was open for about a week, and readers could vote for either Roth or Zayne. Once the poll closed and a winner was determined, Armentrout went ahead and wrote the ending to Every Last Breath with Layla ending up with the winner. Now, we don't know whether Zayne or Roth won, but as soon as Every Last Breath comes out, we'll find out... As obvious as people may think who Layla will end up with (cough, ROTH), it's not that clear, and there's a very high chance of either guy winning...or losing...

And the rest will be spoilers, so...

Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers!

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***

I really didn't like Abbot in this book. I mean, I understood why he acted like such a jerk, but that didn't mean I liked it. He accused Layla of breaking the window and pushing Maddox down the stairs, and was extremely suspicious of her. And then near the end...technically, it was Maddox who stabbed Layla, but he sort of had Abbot's blessing to do so. So yes. I feel conflicted here. He should be a better person, but noooooo, he goes and pulls a mean-guy move. Sigh.

When Layla first kissed Zayne, I was totally convinced that Layla had learned how to control her ability to take souls. Never in my mind did it occur to me that it was actually Bambi affecting her. Nor did it pass my mind that Bambi was the one affecting Layla's powers in general. That was quite a big surprise for me.

I wasn't too sure about having Stacey and Sam in on the know. I mean, I agree that it was the right thing to do, but at the same time, it sort of puts them more at risk. Also because we know that Stacey is a really good best friend, and will try to help Layla out. And seeing as she's just human...well, it's easy for her to get hurt. Also, because the Alphas don't really want humans to know about demons, and the fact that Zayne and Layla told them makes them targets for the Alphas to smite them down or something...yeah.

I wasn't completely convinced that Layla was the Lilin at first. But when Abbot locked her up, I began thinking oh crap, she's the Lilin, isn't she? Abbot had to lock her up. Thank god I was wrong.

Can we just talk about the rescue? Dez and Nicolai reached out to Roth so that he could save her. May I be the first to say that Dez and Nicolai are awesome like that. I'm really glad that they're on Layla's side, and I really hope nothing bad happens to them as punishment! And then we had Roth. Oh, my heart. I was giddy with relief and love for him when he obliterated the warehouse, burning it all down. And Cayman was there too! That was probably one of my favourite moments. And then there was the moment after when Roth was desperate to save Layla...MY HEART. Just...oh my god. I can't. I can't. And then the confession? I CAN'T. MY HEART JUST CAN'T. So yes, I think we've established that I'm Team Roth. But jokes aside, I'm concerned about what it is that Cayman promised the witches for the cure for Layla. He said that it wasn't a small thing, so I'm worried it's going to be really bad for Roth...

And then, at the very very end, we find out the fact that Sam is the Lilin. That's bad. Very bad. And I did not see that one coming, at all! I'm seriously scared for what that will mean, and how it will affect Layla's mental state... I mean, it's going to be really hard for her if they're going to have a showdown with the Lilin, and both grief and guilt are going to gnaw away at her... But only time will tell what happens...

I cannot wait to read Every Last Breath, and I know it's going to be awesome, regardless of who Layla ends up with (though I'm cheering for Roth). The anticipation is killing me!!!

Hopefully you're joining in on The Dark Elements reread! To find out more on me and Cody's thoughts, be sure to check out our Q&A here. We would love to hear your thoughts/emotions/feels!