Celine

CelineBook #5, 4.25/5 stars! This book is different only in the sense that it focuses on different characters, but it does not leave the previous main characters out. You still have all of the main characters in this book, and all of the characters are integral to the plot in some way or another, you just are building on another character that makes the plot that much more interesting. This book was also very descriptive and I found myself somewhat bored at points, but everything that occurs in ALL of the books has a purpose and the result is this book.

CelineBook #3, 4.25/5 stars! Better than book 1, not as good as book 2 but close! The character development was incredible in this book. You become one with the characters and get a sense of family on the book that makes it more enjoyable than book 1. There is a lot of suspense and even disdain with other characters. There were points that got a bit boring and descriptive, but the events in this book kept you engaged regardless.

CelineBook #4, 4/5 stars! If you have the physical copy of this book you might be stressed about how thin this book is compared to the other 4 books. Do not worry! This book leaves you light-hearted and happy, while still leaving an open end to be unraveled in the final book without disconfort. I enjoyed this book, it gave the equivalent vibes of a “Christmas Special,” and it really encompassed the feeling of family.

CelineBook #2, 4.5 stars. This book might be the favorite of the 5 in this series. You start the book in a comfortable spot as if you had just finished book 1 and kept reading. This book has a lot more internal conflict and series of shocking events that keep your eyes glued to the pages. While I wish there was more description on Tamlin’s emotions and actions during the events in this book, I truly enjoyed the character development in the main characters of this book. You fall in love with them and you learn more of the politics of Prynthia, which makes the ending so juicy and ends up creating a suspenseful but comfortable spot to finish the book.

CelineBook #1, 4/5 stars! I am a brand new reader to SJM. I had no expectations and no prior knowledge to what occurs in the series, and I was very impressed with the characters. In this book you experience the importance of survival, compassion, and experience a whole new world of connection and love. You learn a lot about the world the characters live in, as well as its history and politics. There’s fear, love, internal conflict, hate, all of the above. I only have it a 4 because the pacing was a bit slow. There is a lot of descriptive detail with everything the characters are doing, and at times it’s really good and helpful, but other times it can be boring. The ending was fantastic and it carries into the next book pleasantly.

Celine3.75 stars. Book 2 of the Empyrean series. Holy sh*t! I was incredibly impressed by this book following the events in book 1. You really learn more history about the continent, the dragons, and you also unveil a lot of new information about the characters that keep your eyes glued to the book. The plot twists kept coming, and more events transpire that completely change what you thought the layout was going to be. I was really excited to finish the book, but the reason I made this only 3.75 stars is because of how it ended. I don’t really think I have been this upset about how a book ended, the only solace I have is that the 3rd book is confirmed and coming out in January 2025 so I just have to be patient. Of course in every book series they want to end on a cliff hanger to draw the reader into the next book, but this ending was very drastic and unexpected, and how it ended leaves you shocked and maybe even angry at the situation. This could be me just being salty about the ending and not appreciating the new plot line that will occur, but I was really upset to be caught off guard by it.

Celine4.5 stars! This is book 1 of 2 so far in the Empyrean Series and I absolutely could not stop reading! This was my first book of fantasy and I was hesitant to read it, but after finishing it I’m so glad I decided to. This book gives you solid Hunger Games vibes but it’s not the same plot line. You definitely encounter romance and conflict that just draws you in. You dive deep into the journey of a character becoming someone they didn’t think they could become given their skills and how they were raised. You also deal with a lot of political issues within the story that really drive home the plot. I was worried I was going to get lost in all of the fantasy elements considering I’m more of a mystery/thriller gal, but it was pretty easy to catch on to the names, the geography, and the history of this story. I immediately went into book 2 when I finished the last page.