Story: Full disclosure. I have read another series by this author. I fell in love with it and the characters. I was so emotionally damaged to read the ending of the last book and have been waiting on the next book in the series. So, when I was asked if I’d like to read this book, I jumped on it. This author has such an amazing writing style. I knew that even though it was a completely new story with new characters that it would still be really amazing. I wasn’t wrong. I can’t wait to read more books in this series as well. Warning: This author is master of cliffhangers!!!
Characters: Amryn is seriously on my list of favorite characters. Jayveh is another one on my favorites. I’d love to see a series with her as the lead. She’s so fierce and powerful!! Amryn is too. I haven’t even begun to talk about Carter. I’m sure that many people will call him a book boyfriend.
Critiques: This one is more personal than critical. I’d have loved to see the wedding of the twelve strangers. And maybe a bit of a back story behind it as well.
Final Thoughts: I’ve read every book that this author has out. She’s such an amazing writer. If I’m honest, I was a little nervous to start something new after falling in love with the other series she’s written. My fears were totally unfounded. Esperance gave such a powerful start. I’m really excited to read more by this author and the rest of this trilogy. I fully recommend!
Story: Ever read a book where everything is falling into place and everybody is happy… and then you realize that it’s in the middle of the book in the middle of the series? Then everything just feels suspicious from that point? Just me? This was definitely one of those books for me! There’s no denying that I am completely obsessed with this series by this point! This author isn’t fully evil, but I am always wondering what’s going to happen. It’s hard to read a book series when you constantly want to cover your eyes when you sense bad things happening! Just saying.
Characters: You know I really adore Cassia and Lio. I also adore Lio’s family and some of the royal Hesperines. I’m constantly rooting for all of them every step of the way.
Critiques: That it isn’t on audiobook? That there’s no tv show adaptation? That more people I know aren’t reading it so I can talk about it?
Final Thoughts: Once I get the money up, I’m going to buy this entire series in hardback or paperback. I’ll probably even buy them directly from the author so I can get them signed! I really adore all the characters. Well those who aren’t evil that is. I’ve actually already read the next book at this point. I’m so afraid to read book six because I know that the seventh book isn’t released yet. It’s an addicting series! I fully recommend it!
This book was educational and interesting. I discovered that it’s a republish from a book written in the 1920s. When I first got the book, I was fully expecting a psychological book. I wasn’t expecting a religious science book. Not that I’m complaining. As I stated, I learned a lot. I bought a copy of an older version for my uncle to read. He enjoyed it as well.
This book talks about how to become a great leader and how to achieve greatness. I really loved reading this book. I’ll be reading it more in my life. I have never had an interest in being a leader or a manager. This book makes me reconsider that. It makes me feel like I could achieve great things. I guess that’s the point of the book. I fully recommend this book. Especially for those looking to lead.
Story: This series is so amazing. It’s a dynamic. It’s a roller coaster. Sometimes it’s slow. Sometimes it’s fast. In all instances, it’s an addicting series. I’ve really fallen for this world and the characters in it. Except for the evil ones. I really can’t wait to see them go down for all of the chaos they have caused.
Characters: I feel like we get to see different sides of characters in this book. Or maybe I’m just finally taking the time to get to know them better. I still adore Cassia and Lio. I adore Cassia more and more as she grows comfortable in her own skin.
Critiques: Never.
Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a paranormal romance series that will hook you and leave you wanting for more and more, this is the series for you. Since I’ve read this book, I’ve now read the fourth book and I’m working on the fifth. I won’t divulge into those books. Trust me, you’ll see my thoughts on them on their reviews. Trust me, this is a wonderful series! The author even includes a glossary at the end of each book!
Story: I really liked this story a lot. I just don’t feel like it held up to the first book. I guess I can understand that though. The first book was so strong and so absorbing. This is just my personal opinion though. I’m sure that other people will feel differently. I do want to state again that I really enjoyed the story. I also think that this book can fully be read independently of the first book.
Characters: I feel like this book focused more on the bad characters than the good. I didn’t think I would find that as fascinating as I did. I did though. It was interesting seeing the points of view in this one.
Critiques: None that I can think of.
Narration: Brilliant! I especially loved the way they narrated the scientist who was responsible for all of the creations. Absolutely brilliant!
Final Thoughts: I really did enjoy this book a lot. I didn’t love it as much as I did the first one, but independently, it was great. I would love to see both books turned into a movie or mini-series. I think they would be amazing. I’d definitely watch. I fully recommend this book and Serpent Rising. Both of them will take you for a ride!
Ashley Davies takes her first steps out of Abbeydale into the competition that will determine the rest of her life.
In the highly demanded sequel to 2021’s ‘Climb’, the stakes are raised and with it Ashley Davies begins to realise that sometimes following your dream can cost more than you ever thought you could give.
Philip Barker’s explosive sequel takes the trilogy to new, heartbreaking heights as Ashley discovers what it really means to call yourself a champion.
This is more than a coming-of-age story. It’s an overcoming story. A story of healing and growth. A contemporary, action-packed story that doesn’t stutter or stall. It’s a story of first loves and finding oneself amid the chaos of the world. In one word Climb is satisfying, and I recommend it to readers young and old. I give it 5 stars and look forward to the sequel.
Donna Sundblad about the first book in the series, Climb.
About the author
Young adult literary fiction author Philip Barker believes it is important to do something every day that scares you, even if it’s only a little bit; it means you are pushing yourself to experience new things. Through his writing, he aspires to provide his young readers a different perspective, to put emotions into words so that they can hopefully feel a way that they normally wouldn’t, or even wouldn’t want to.
Philip realized in high school that he wanted to be a writer when he discovered that books have the capacity to make him think outside of the established way that was taught to him growing up in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. He likes to ground his stories in reality and relate them to personal experiences. It is his opinion that life itself is amazing and story-worthy, and there are so many interesting people in the world, all things that he can harvest great writing from.
Philip believes a great story is one that has relatable and interesting characters. Everyone lives interesting lives, and getting to know people is the fun part, even with fictional characters. Having them leave their comfort zones becomes fascinating and often hilarious. To Philip, everyone has a story to tell, and he hopes his young readers learn from his own story that life is complicated and things occur that can often be out of their control. But how they overcome obstacles is what’s important and committing oneself to something with a goal and purpose, like rock climbing, can help ground you.
When he isn’t writing thought-provoking fiction stories for young adults, Philip enjoys rock climbing, gardening, and watching B Grade movies. His wife, siblings, mother, and father-in-law provided the positive support and courage for his book and in his life. He lives in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, NSW, Australia with his wife, two dachshunds, Alfie and George, and a rabbit named Abby. Climb is his debut novel.
Story: This story follows a girl that really loves climbing. She gets in trouble because she decides to engage in a dangerous competition with somebody. It does get her into a team where she can compete legitimately and less dangerously. She’s afraid to tell her mother because she’s afraid her mother won’t allow her to do it.
Characters: This is a middle-grade book. A coming of age story if you will. All the characters in this book are written from a younger point of view. I really found it very refreshing compared to books I normally read.
Critiques: See narration.
Narration: This book is narrated by the author. It’s a decent narration. It just sounds a bit canned. There are also some places that I think that the edits weren’t fully removed from the audiobook. Again, I don’t think it’s horrible. It’s decent. It could use another editing run through though.
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book very much. The girl followed her passions. She worked hard to get where she wanted to be. She accepted responsibility when she was in the wrong. It was also very realistic. I loved the representation in this book.
Story: When I first started reading this book, I knew I would like it. I didn’t think I’d fall in love with the story. I will admit that I was convinced that I’d find parts really redundant and annoying. I am happy to announce that I was wrong on that. This book is so unique. It’s deep. I really loved a very important message that is highlighted in this story. I think it’s something that doesn’t get addressed enough. I get it though. Look at the struggles women face when they talk about it. I’m sure it’s worse for male victims.
Characters: Kyle and Rebecca are very happy together. Things couldn’t get any better. They are content with their lives. Then Kyle’s photo shows in a magazine Things completely change from there. They are still very much in love, but they find themselves with many obstacles in their way of peace. I really loved both of them. I loved Rebecca’s friends too. I didn’t really care for Kyle’s family. At least not in the beginning. My opinion changed towards the end.
Critiques: None.
Final Thoughts: My initial thoughts on this book weren’t at all a reality. I am so happy to say that I was completely wrong with my expectations. I loved this book. I loved the messages. I loved the hope that displays through the book. I really recommend this book. I will probably read it again at least once more in my life time.
Story: This story covers so many aspects of mind-blowing events. We follow a woman who is split into two identities. She’s trying to adapt to life the way it is and get answers to why she’s like she is. We also see teens that are seemingly taking drugs and then allegedly killing themselves. Just when I thought I was figuring things out, the author threw another curve ball my way. I loved every moment. Full disclosure, this book is a sequel. I have not read the first book. It seems like it’s okay to be read as a standalone, but I can’t fully say. What I can say is that I will definitely be reading the first books. I would even give this author’s other books a chance too. I love the writing styles.
Characters: There are so many people in this book. So many strong personalities. I wish I wasn’t so horrible with names. I also feel like if I try to talk about all characters that this section will become somewhat a short story or novel. I loved reading about them all. Even the villains had a bit of a addictive story arc about them.
Critiques: None
Narration: The narrator did such a great job with this audiobook that I really believed that I was listening to a cast of narrators for a bit while listening to the book.
Final Thoughts: This book is intense and it took me through the ride. I wasn’t able to predict anything. I was floored at every single twist. I’m really beginning to wish that I had read the first book before I read this one. I fully believe that this gives me a good excuse to reread this one eventually. I do plan to read the first book when I’m able to. I also do fully recommend this book.
Story: I liked this book. It was very quirky. It reminded me of a few popular young adult movies and books. I won’t list them because I don’t want to take away from this book. I’m not going to lie. I can’t say I was absolutely in love with this book. I definitely won’t ever be reading it again. If there is a sequel, I might consider reading it. It would depend on my reading schedule.
Characters: I didn’t care for the main character at all. She was just really self-absorbed. I get that she really wanted to get into her dream college, but still. Even Paris realized that stepping over everybody was detrimental to her goals. That’s a reference to Gilmore Girls. In my opinion, she was like Paris from Gilmore girls and Cady from Mean Girls. The rest of the characters had their ups and down.
Critiques: Nothing.
Final Thoughts: I really think that this book will be a hit for a younger audience. It’s funny. It’s quirky. It does have some underlying messages that are rather hidden in a way. While I’ll never read it again, I really did enjoy the read. I recommend it fully
Stars Books & Tea 