Book Review:Lastland (War of the Princes #4) by A.R. Ivanovich

Lastland 

(War of the Princes #4) 

by 

A.R. Ivanovich 

Published January 5th 2016 

by Alloy Entertainment 

Summary
After a devastating attack on the Northern capital, Prince Raserion has taken everything from Katelyn Kestrel . . . everything but her will to fight back and save the people of Haven.

Out of the ashes of a burning city, Prince Varion, ruler of the Northern Kingdom, resurfaces, intent on ending the seven-hundred-year war once and for all. But he can’t succeed without Katelyn’s help. She has the powerful ability to find anything she seeks—even the enemy himself, Prince Raserion.

While the two armies gather strength for one final showdown, Katelyn finds herself on the frontlines of war, pinned between right and wrong, friend and foe, life and death. With Haven’s fate hanging in the balance, Katelyn’s struggle will not only decide her future, but the future of the broken Kingdom of Lastland.

Letting Go of Everything is Crushing Yet Necessary

I have been destroyed. I am so sad pathetically weeping away; the words on the screen are blurry as I type. I’ve had a lot of real loss in the last year so much in fact…books have not moved me. Yes, I’ve laughed and I’ve connected to characters but I haven’t truly FELT what the authors have conveyed. War of the princes changed that the lodestones clearly have lots of power! This series has shown me my heart is not gone and I’m not dead inside. Thanks for that Ivonavich I will forever remember this series the series that was able to reduce me to a puddle of tears longing for characters that have suffered so much and achieved their greatest dreams but not without sacrifice. Bittersweet indeed I just loved so much and though things had to happen the way they did its still difficult. I’m still weepy. 

The Story, this series has flown by in a flurry of action, love, loss, sacrifice, growth, wonder, and a litany of other amazing adjectives I could go on forever and ever! Picking up where Monarch ends Kat has to make a stand and she will do what it takes to safe guard her people. Just a year and a half ago was so different she was so different but determined to fight now is not the time for surrender. Every character has changed so drastically no one is the same as they once were. This will continue through the end everyone is vastly different than 2 years ago and one prince is different than he was 700 years ago. I certainly feel his pain he has seen so much violence the other prince has become so corrupt and so dark unable to understand reason has torn apart his humanity the wonderful person kind and loving has become the making of a very dangerous monster. Sigh.

The Characters, Kat bravo darling you rock way to crush it…Kyle man oh man I remember the first time you came onto the pages truly your zeal stole my heart…Ruby the easy love you share with Kyle and Kat is contagious…Rune YOU! What a wonderful coincidence you ran into a ghost one night in a cave. Dylan your snarky attitude is something I will always cherish. Raserion I’m sorry you became a monster my heart is broken for the force of good you could have been. Varion thank you, you cracked open my heart from the first time you came onto the pages my heart belonged to you. To all of the other beautiful characters that were perfectly placed to spell out an amazing read BRAVO! I want to cry again just thinking about how wonderfully everything fit into place.

The End, man oh man this is tough. I feel a lump in my throat and I want to throw myself on my bed. This series has been amazing. If I had to pick out something I didn’t care for I’d have to say it is Kat’s mom I wish she was more but I’m not the one who wrote the book and everything else was so powerful that this storyline is nonplused. As careful as I’ve been to not drop any spoilers don’t expect any out of me now but I will say this. This ending isn’t perfect and it isn’t pretty but the last 10% was so powerful and so shocking and so revealing and so sad and so happy and so just that all I can do is appreciate it for what it is. A beautiful gift to the world so…Thank you A. R. Ivanovich I will cherish this story more than you know. 

My Rating 

5.0 Million Trillion Stars!!!!! As if you didn’t know…this gem has been a game changer I knew it was going to be special when I couldn’t resist giving it 5 stars from the beginning. Something I’ve never done with a series ever before. I cannot recommend these books enough!

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Amazon

About the Author

A. R. IVANOVICH enjoys being swallowed by forests, sleeping on lakes, and watching the sky. Her passion for writing is accompanied by a love of video games, painting, horseback riding and the subtle craft of nacho-making. A. R. regularly encourages those around her to follow their dreams no matter the obstacles, because, as she can attest, the rewards are more than worth the effort. She was raised in Hawaii, where she once again resides, with her husband and their extensive family of rescue pets. She loves hearing from her readers, feel free to drop her a message or say hello.

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Book Review: Monarch (War of the Princes #3) by A.R. Ivanovich

Monarch 

(War of the Princes #3) 

by 

A.R. Ivanovich 

Published January 5th 2015 

by Alloy Entertainment 

GoodReads 

Summary
Again...I read the wrong summary #ImADingBatSometimes this one lines up nicely Rune Thayer’s rebellion in Cape Hill has placed all of Breakwater in danger from the ruthless and mercurial Prince Raserion. Now, Katelyn Kestrel and her best friend, Kyle, must do something that no one in the Western Kingdom has ever attempted: travel North to request aid from Prince Varion, the mysterious monarch who’s been locked in a bloody war with his brother for centuries.

But as Katelyn sets sail for enemy territory, she’s confronted by Prince Raserion. He knows what she’s planning to do and offers her a deal: his brother’s life for Rune’s. She suddenly has an impossible choice to make. Risk everything in the hopes that Varion might help, or turn traitor to her own cause and trust Raserion to free the soldier she loves . . .

Wick…You Sly Protector of the Realm You

This is too much. I simply cannot take it. Wow. The five star trends continue but I’m really nervous. I’m so nervous I feel like someone I love is going to die and it has me pretty scared. I digress we aren’t here to talk about my fears we are here to talk about Monarch. The story picks up very shortly after the events of Paper Glass. Again I will try to keep this spoiler free but if some tiny details slip about the first two books then you have been warned. I am happy to report the summary wasn’t totally different though I would argue that Kat is brought face to face with Raserion after they’ve left for the north. ***Arg! I read the wrong summary again! LOL *face palm* Every part of the above summary is just fine! Seriously there is soo much that happens in this installment my head is spinning. So many little things come together for an epic surprise.

The Story, Kat is en route to the north to ask for an allegiance with Prince Varion. She is determined to stop Raserion once and for all for Haven, Breakwater, and most of all Rune. Well Raserion has other ideas and given that he is over 700 years old he may have a trick or two up his sleeve. When Kat is brought right to the Prince of Shadows she has to make a deal with the devil there is simply no other choice. Knowing things aren’t a simply as they appear Kat will bide her time. Then the most jaw dropping and amazing thing happens and Kat has to protect her secret not once thinking she would ever use it.

The Characters, Kat has truly grown so much! I’ve always enjoyed her character she is straightforward and genuine but she has doubted herself throughout the series. In Monarch she really shines! (Pun intended lol.) We see her wield her gift with the utmost precision. Each time she is faced by an insurmountable foe or obstacle she defeats or sails right through it! I must say it isn’t without pain or loss but Kat does it with style! Rune, Dylan, Kyle, Carmine oh my! The supporting cast is front and center in this installment but I can’t say anything more about them because I may spill some beans. I will say this though…Dylan! He just makes me crack up and my frozen heart is melting for him little by little.

The End, there is an attack on the capital and all heck breaks loose. There are so many things going on at once that my brain and my heart were going to explode. Seriously talk about super charged (pun intended.) Almost everything is revealed except the great and terrible why! Raserion has made his reasons known but we still don’t know Varions!! I will say when I got to the end after being on the edge of my seat I had to pick my JAW…OFF THE FREAKING FLOOR!!! Seriously all the feels all the hearts and all the stars!! Now That I’m near the end I will bring up my fears again…I cannot lose ANYONE ELSE!!! Okay maybe Kat’s mom? LOL hey I mean it in a nice way like she redeems all her betrayal with a selfless sacrifice but I have a feeling I’m reaching for straws with that one. 

My Rating
5.0 duh are you kidding me can’t stop won’t stop this series has been a blast! I will wish on a thousand falling stars the final installment doesn’t crush my soul and leave me feeling like the empty.

Purchase Through
Amazon

About the Author 

A. R. IVANOVICH enjoys being swallowed by forests, sleeping on lakes, and watching the sky. Her passion for writing is accompanied by a love of video games, painting, horseback riding and the subtle craft of nacho-making. A. R. regularly encourages those around her to follow their dreams no matter the obstacles, because, as she can attest, the rewards are more than worth the effort. She was raised in Hawaii, where she once again resides, with her husband and their extensive family of rescue pets. She loves hearing from her readers, feel free to drop her a message or say hello.

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Book Review: Paperglass (War of the Princes #2) by A.R. Ivanovich

Paperglass 

(War of the Princes #2) 

by 

A.R. Ivanovich  

Published January 5th 2015 

by Alloy Entertainment 

GoodReads 

Summary 

This summary fits the story...the other summaries are not how the story unravels. 

After narrowly escaping the war-torn outside world with her life, Katelyn Kestrel vows to never again venture beyond the mountains of Haven Valley. But just as Katelyn begins to prepare for life after high school—a normal life with no warring princes, no dangerous magical abilities, and no handsome, duty-bound soldiers—the outside world comes crashing into her reality once again. 

A team of explorers from Haven has been captured by Prince Raserion, the leader of the Western Kingdom. Only Katelyn, with her remarkable ability to find anything she looks for, can hunt the team down and bring them home. And only Katelyn knows just how much trouble the explorers—and all of Haven—are in . . . 

The princes have been searching for Haven and its people for seven hundred long years. Like it or not, Katelyn must go back to the outside world and rescue the captives, or witness the destruction of everything she’s ever loved.

The Thirst For Lodestones Continues…

So obviously I picked up the second installment right after the first! Gah and still it rocked my socks! I loved and devoured it right away. I do have to point out some inconsistencies that confused me a tad. The book I read is called Paper Glass I’ve also seen it titled Dragoon. That is all and well but when I read the synopsis of both books though they were the same I was more confused. If anyone can help me understand please, please, help! The blurb reads that Kat was attacked by a classmate and this exposed her powers (that is not how it happened). There was an attack on Haven and several people were hurt. Kat used her powers of the Pull to locate and help people. Her classmate identified her powers but the person behind the attack was not her classmate. The Blurb also says that Haven prisoners are sent to the Prince of Shadows but that is also not what happened. Haven citizens have been missing and Kat is tasked with finding them. I’m not really going to dwell on those inconsistencies because the author crushes it again and delivers an epic read! I would like to know why the blurb reads the way it does though.(OKAY Y’all I’m a dumb dumb) I found a blurb that matches the book I read and its at the top. Maybe those other blurb’s I read were for previously published different editions? Who knows but yay mystery solved! 

The Story, well, well, well, if it isn’t the Haven Defense calling the lodestone Katelyn Kestrel. Talk about a juicy conspiracy unlike anything Kat expected. I will try to keep this review spoiler free but cut me some slack folks I have to talk about the books right? Kat is approached to help find what has happened to a team of explorers, this is the last thing she wants to do but knowing there really isn’t any choice she decides to go at it alone and not risk any more lives. Back to the war torn lands Kat discovers she isn’t alone but with nothing to be done about it Kat travels to find this Prince of Shadows and save those from Haven. We are reunited with RUNE Lol though that doesn’t happen until later. Dylan is also back and he blames Kat for his current predicament although he harbors negative towards her he will help keep her safe and retrieve her people. 

The Characters, we know Kat well we get to know more about the people in her town. Her friends follow her to the outside world and they will play key parts in the achievement of her mission. I enjoyed all of the characters once again. We get to meet more dragoons and even a Margrave. Kat continues to shine she is very powerful and her gifts continue to prove as very valuable assets indeed! The prince of shadows is particularly nasty and we get a glimpse of what its like to be a soldier of the north. Kat has a wonderful way of fitting right into whatever role is demanded of her and she will not rest until she can rescue those from Haven and bring them home safely to once and for all be rid of the outside world and their 700 year old war. 

The End, everything leads up to an exhilarating show down. The most epic bad gal gets just what she deserves. This installment has some very sad moments but come heck or high water Kat will see justice is served. Rune I’m happy to report is just as dreamy and honor bound as before. He too will risk everything in order to do the right thing. Dylan is well Dylan, sour and broken I hope he finds his way…I know there is more to this character I hope we get the chance to truly see him shine. Kat is brought face to silhouette with the prince of shadows and this leaves her stunned. The end of this installment was full of betrayal and bravery I cannot wait to see what happens next. There is so much I want to say about this book but in the spirit of keeping things spoiler free I will not. 

My Rating

5.0 Because what? Gooooooodness. This is just too good seriously stop thinking about it and just do it! Read this series! You will NOT Regret it!!

Purchase Through 

Amazon

About the Author

A. R. IVANOVICH enjoys being swallowed by forests, sleeping on lakes, and watching the sky. Her passion for writing is accompanied by a love of video games, painting, horseback riding and the subtle craft of nacho-making. A. R. regularly encourages those around her to follow their dreams no matter the obstacles, because, as she can attest, the rewards are more than worth the effort. She was raised in Hawaii, where she once again resides, with her husband and their extensive family of rescue pets. She loves hearing from her readers, feel free to drop her a message or say hello.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Book Review: Haven (War of the Princes #1) by A.R. Ivanovich

Haven 

(War of the Princes #1) 

by 

A.R. Ivanovich 

Published 

January 5th 2016 

Summary
From missing socks to missing people, nothing could remain hidden from seventeen year-old Katelyn Kestrel for long, but after locating a forbidden passage out of her isolated country, Haven, she discovers for the first time that there are some things that should never be found. Outside the safety of her homeland's borders, Katelyn meets Rune, a young soldier who will die without her immediate aid. She never considered that helping him would lead to her capture. While being held prisoner by the handsome Lord Dylan Axton, she learns that the outside world is rife with war and controlled by people with extraordinary powers. It becomes clear that there was a very good reason the founders of Haven locked their people away from the rest of the world. The depth of her peril reaches a fever pitch when a ruthless Commander wants Katelyn dead. Her only hope is to return to Haven, but can she survive long enough to find her home?

There’s a Reason Why The Pull is So Special

Okay…What just happened? Talk about an incredible read. Its not very often I want to give a book 5 stars but this one is really tugging at me to do so. It has been quite a while that I’ve wanted to not sleep so I can read. Juggling life and reading like a fanatic is a difficult task. This time the book won! I truly was not expecting such a pulling read(pun intended). Haven had it all and more there was plenty of action and there was love and sacrifice also chalk full of wonderful characters. I seriously cannot wait to finish this review so I can dive into the next. My one question is why oh why had I not heard of this author before? There is definitely an influx of steampunk and I didn’t even know it. Goodness gracious this book was a blast I hope the trend continues! I am beyond excited the rest of the series is out and you should be too. Don’t hesitate this one does not disappoint.

The Story, there is this town called Haven the setting is wonderful the people are peaceful and everything is just peachy! Our main gal is very curious and she wants to know what is on the other side of the mountains. Seems okay at first but man oh man that is the very last thing anyone is allowed to do. For the past 700 years this quaint country has been in seclusion the part where things get very interesting is no one knows why and no one is talking. Katelyn has a knack for finding whatever she is looking for and she is positive she will be able to sneak out and sneak back in none the wiser. After a pretty terrible night when she is betrayed by someone she used to trust she makes a dash for it and her life will never be the same. Outside of her mountains she finds battle torn lands and quickly lands herself into some very serious trouble. She never meant for things to happen this way and now all she wants is to return home safely.

The Characters, I guess I’ll start with Katie-bug an affectionate name given to her by her father. At a young age she and her dad where abandoned by her mother and this hurt has carried with her for many years. Kat’s father remarried and had a son the four of them have a great family and all she could ask for, but the pain is difficult to erase. Of course there are two best friends I really enjoyed their carefree personalities and joyful interactions with each other. We get to meet those that are most important to Katelyn right away which was really nice. Now for the slap ya mama fun stuff! Rune, Rune, Rune, and add a dash of Dylan! Sigh. The people she meets are broken and extremely unbalanced. There is something very special about those on the outside and one cant help but fall for them. The bad guys where really nasty and I cant wait to meet more and find out more about them, what lead them to be so vile. This war that is raging has to have a cause and I cant wait to see what it is.

The End, I LOVED the ending because a major plot line is resolved and all seems “well enough” however, the author leaves the reader hungry for more! The balance between resolution and unanswered is exquisite. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will keep this portion of my review short what I will say is people get what they deserve and there is more to be discovered! I hope we get to find out the why in the mother abandoning Kate…there was a reference where it could just be nothing more than selfishness but as a mom myself that is a very difficult concept to wrap my mind around.

My Rating

5.0 Seriously this knocked my socks off the next book has really big shoes to fill I hope it does just that!! Rune Rune Rune Rune…

Purchase Through

Amazon

About the Author

A. R. IVANOVICH enjoys being swallowed by forests, sleeping on lakes, and watching the sky. Her passion for writing is accompanied by a love of video games, painting, horseback riding and the subtle craft of nacho-making. A. R. regularly encourages those around her to follow their dreams no matter the obstacles, because, as she can attest, the rewards are more than worth the effort. She was raised in Hawaii, where she once again resides, with her husband and their extensive family of rescue pets. She loves hearing from her readers, feel free to drop her a message or say hello.




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