Happiness doesn't come easy for me. You know that. You've known that for a long time. You've known that I could have happy moments and then be dragged back down once I was alone again. You knew that I desperately needed to be saved, but didn't know how to save me. The more you tried, the more I pushed you away. But still you tried, valiantly, slaying dragon after dragon to save me. Little did you know I was the one sending the dragons. My tower, where I was always alone, was all I knew. I couldn't let anyone in my tower, let alone take me away from it, because I was scared. The dragons held me captive and I thought they were keeping me safe. They tortured me and abused me and I thought that was how it was supposed to be. Doesn't everyone have their dragons? Mine were just a little rough around the edges. I know you got tired, fighting an uphill battle that never ended. I know you wanted to give up. I know some of you did. I watched from my tower as you fled from the scorching fire that ravaged the ground. No one could get through.
I tried to leave, every now and then. Sometimes I almost made it out before I was turned around.
"They don't really want you out there," said the dragons.
"Why do you think no one has come to get you?" they hissed.
"Stay in the tower."
"No one wants you."
The dragons, my companions, were right. I listened to them because I trusted what they said. I believed them. Yes Dragon, I don't know what I was thinking. No one wants me out there, I thought as I watched you fall beneath the flames. I belong in here, I thought, looking at all of the burned skeletons surrounding my tower. I belonged with the death, fire, and bones.
Eventually, I stopped looking out the window. I didn't want to see you fail, over and over and over again. I didn't want to see you lose your sword, desperately clinging to your shield, trying to get to me. I turned away, hoping you would give up if you couldn't see me. The problem then was that I couldn't see you. I didn't know if you were still charging your way through my dragons or if you had finally given up. You weren't there anymore because I had cut off my view. Desperate, I turned to the window, but it was gone. The dragons had taken that from me too. I mourned the loss of you, but my dragons assured me it was better this way. Without me, you wouldn't be caught up in the constant battle with my dragons. You could turn around, go home, and be free of this battle forever. They told me this, but I couldn't let you go. You had been fighting for me for so long that the thought of you not being there broke my heart. Sometimes a broken heart is stronger than a broken mind. I grabbed my sword that had always hung on my wall, something to be looked at, but never used, and I stepped out the door.
"This is a mistake," the dragons said, surrounded me, their voices filling me. "You don't really want to do this."
For the first time, their words rang with wrongness in my mind. I did want this. My first swing of the sword missed and the dragons closed in on me. I swung again, my sword plunging into a dragon's heart. It screamed and the other dragons swarmed. The terror and chaos of what I had done was paralyzing. But I couldn't stop. If I stopped now the dragons would kill me. The dragons that had so carefully kept me all these years would rather end me than let me continue. I fought for my life in the stairwell of my tower, sword flashing as their fire burned me. I rose from the fire, a phoenix in the midst of pigeons. The dragons fell one by one at the end of my sword. They wouldn't hold me captive anymore. I escaped my tower and saw the scorched field that stretched around it.
Bones and ashes, ashes and bones.
The bones are you and they are not you. You died for me, you fought for me, and you are still out there.
The dragons still come for me; I didn't kill them all. They come and I fight them. They burn me and I kill them. The dragons still come for me just as I still come for you.
It isn't easy, this road that I have taken. You know that because you've taken a hard road, too. The dragons are everywhere. They come from above, from below. They come in disguise and they come head on.
But we have swords.
Let them come.
"Fairytales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten." -Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Monday, November 28, 2016
Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch
Frost Like Night
by Sara Raasch
Read: November 13-16, 2016
Published: September 20, 2016
Genre: Fantasy
Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.
Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, Meira jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she's learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.
Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.
Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she's freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer's slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.
As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together...or lose everything. (Amazon)
_________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I honestly was considering not reading it. However, my sister borrowed the book from her teacher for me and I couldn't just not read it. So I read it.
What did you like about this book?
I was so impressed with the third installment of Raasch's series. There were so many aspects of this book that were much better than Ice Like Fire. The pacing of this book was closer to that of Snow Like Ashes. It sped up and slowed down in all the right places. There were only a few moments where I thought that the book might be dragging just a little. I also really liked Meira's character much more in this book. She was more dynamic and she felt more like she had in the first book. The addition of Rares was also a good one. He turned out to be a completely different character than I thought he would be (judging from the brief glimpses we got of him in Ice Like Fire). There were so many little things I liked about this book, but the biggest one would have to be how the love triangle was resolved. In most YA books, the love triangle is angsty and you don't find out who the protagonist ends up with until the end, when the protagonist makes the big choice between the two suitors. In Frost Like Night, it was fairly obvious who Meira would end up with right away. What I loved about this love story is that there were brief moments of angst, but in the end, there wasn't really a choice. It was two people who loved each other and there wasn't really any other way they could have gone without ending up unhappy. It was just a very well written conclusion to the love triangle that I initially disliked. (Side-note on the love triangle: Generally, when it comes to love triangles, I root for the original love interest, which doesn't work out well for me most of the time. However, in this case, I really liked both love interests. I would have been happy with whoever Meira ended up with...they were both characters that I liked to see on the page and I enjoyed their character growth.)
What didn't you like about this book?
I had a few character issues in this book. First, was Ceridwen. I expected so much from this character only to find she fell a little flat. She was a mysterious character in the second book, a warrior, but in this book it was as if her hardened attitude took a back burner to something more emotional and unstable. I'm not saying a person can't be vulnerable and tough at the same time. I would have preferred it if Ceridwen had been written that way. She wasn't written like a complex character though. Instead she was just written inconsistently to the point where she almost seemed like two different characters. Another problem I had with Frost Like Night were two of the character deaths. Don't worry, I won't say who they were. Anyway, these deaths felt like they were supposed to make me sad, but honestly I was just relieved that these characters finally died. The way they were written felt they should have been characters that I was emotionally attached to. I wasn't.
Bottom-Line:
This book definitely redeemed the last one. I can safely recommend this book without a guilty conscience. My favorite parts of this book were the way the love triangle was resolved and how the main conflict was resolved. It was such a good final installment to the trilogy!
"You'll only regret the time it took you to make the decision." -Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch
by Sara Raasch
Read: November 13-16, 2016
Published: September 20, 2016
Genre: Fantasy
Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, Meira jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she's learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.
Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.
Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she's freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer's slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.
As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together...or lose everything. (Amazon)
_________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I honestly was considering not reading it. However, my sister borrowed the book from her teacher for me and I couldn't just not read it. So I read it.
What did you like about this book?
I was so impressed with the third installment of Raasch's series. There were so many aspects of this book that were much better than Ice Like Fire. The pacing of this book was closer to that of Snow Like Ashes. It sped up and slowed down in all the right places. There were only a few moments where I thought that the book might be dragging just a little. I also really liked Meira's character much more in this book. She was more dynamic and she felt more like she had in the first book. The addition of Rares was also a good one. He turned out to be a completely different character than I thought he would be (judging from the brief glimpses we got of him in Ice Like Fire). There were so many little things I liked about this book, but the biggest one would have to be how the love triangle was resolved. In most YA books, the love triangle is angsty and you don't find out who the protagonist ends up with until the end, when the protagonist makes the big choice between the two suitors. In Frost Like Night, it was fairly obvious who Meira would end up with right away. What I loved about this love story is that there were brief moments of angst, but in the end, there wasn't really a choice. It was two people who loved each other and there wasn't really any other way they could have gone without ending up unhappy. It was just a very well written conclusion to the love triangle that I initially disliked. (Side-note on the love triangle: Generally, when it comes to love triangles, I root for the original love interest, which doesn't work out well for me most of the time. However, in this case, I really liked both love interests. I would have been happy with whoever Meira ended up with...they were both characters that I liked to see on the page and I enjoyed their character growth.)
What didn't you like about this book?
I had a few character issues in this book. First, was Ceridwen. I expected so much from this character only to find she fell a little flat. She was a mysterious character in the second book, a warrior, but in this book it was as if her hardened attitude took a back burner to something more emotional and unstable. I'm not saying a person can't be vulnerable and tough at the same time. I would have preferred it if Ceridwen had been written that way. She wasn't written like a complex character though. Instead she was just written inconsistently to the point where she almost seemed like two different characters. Another problem I had with Frost Like Night were two of the character deaths. Don't worry, I won't say who they were. Anyway, these deaths felt like they were supposed to make me sad, but honestly I was just relieved that these characters finally died. The way they were written felt they should have been characters that I was emotionally attached to. I wasn't.
Bottom-Line:
This book definitely redeemed the last one. I can safely recommend this book without a guilty conscience. My favorite parts of this book were the way the love triangle was resolved and how the main conflict was resolved. It was such a good final installment to the trilogy!
"You'll only regret the time it took you to make the decision." -Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch
Ice Like Fire
by Sara Raasch
Read: August-November, 2016
Published: October 13, 2015
Genre: Fantasy
It's been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring's King, Angra, disappeared--thanks largely to the help of Cordell.
Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria's lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity--with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses--the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm's secrets, Meira plans on using the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe--even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?
Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Jannuari--leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell's growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies he decides to take Winter's security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken Kingdom and protect them from new threats?
As the web of power and deception is woven tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom--and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter but for the world. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I read the first book in the series, Snow Like Ashes, and liked it well enough to read the sequel. However, it did take me a long time to actually pick it up and read it.
What did you like about this book?
I liked the introduction of Ceridwen. I have a feeling she's going to be an interesting character in the third book and I'm excited to know more about her past. This book also dove more into the world the Raasch created and we were able to explore more of the kingdoms outside of Winter and Cordell. I'm going to be honest, there wasn't very much about this book that I liked, but the last third of the book was very well written and fast-paced and all around enjoyable to read. The action all came together and just took off running. Once I got to that point in the book, I couldn't stop reading. I finished it and decided to be a burrito on the floor (because of course it ends in the middle of all the action). I wasn't sure I was going to read the third book, but after that ending I know I have to. It's hard for me to develop coherent feelings on the things I like just at the moment (other than the ending), but I do know for sure that I will eventually read it again and hopefully I'll like it better the second time around.
What didn't you like about this book?
I really wanted this book to be better than it was, but I'm afraid it suffered from second book syndrome. The first two-thirds of the books were politics and mind games. While that can be interesting, if written well, this was just dry and boring, especially after the excitement from the first book. I was also disappointed in the characters. I really liked Meira and Mather and Theron in the first book (so much so that I wasn't sure who I wanted to end up with Meira in the Meira-Mather-Theron love triangle. I'm usually pretty decided when it comes to love triangles, deplorable as they are). They were all so dynamic and interesting. In this one, they all felt kind of one-dimensional to me. Also, I understand why Raasch split this book into two points of view (alternating between Meira and Mather), what I don't like is that it also switches from first person (Meira) to third person (Mather). My last big complaint was that there were too many proper nouns (places and people) and they were all names that aren't common. It was very difficult to keep them straight and to try to remember who was who and what their role was in the first book. Overall, this book was just really boring.
Reminded me of...
...Cinder by Marissa Meyer. That book was also pretty slow and uneventful, but had a fantastic ending. And we all know how much I love the Lunar Chronicles now. So, because of that, I'll give Frost Like Night a chance.
Bottom-Line:
If you haven't read this first book, I don't think I'd recommend the series, just because of how uneventful most of this book was. I was disappointed in the pacing and in the characters that I'd grown to love in the first book. However, I will be reading Frost Like Night and I'll let you know if it improves.
"Horrible things don't happen in crowded place; they happen in the hollows of the world, where it's just a victim and an attacker and no one to hear any screams." -Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch
by Sara Raasch
Read: August-November, 2016
Published: October 13, 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria's lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity--with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses--the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm's secrets, Meira plans on using the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe--even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?
Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Jannuari--leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell's growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies he decides to take Winter's security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken Kingdom and protect them from new threats?
As the web of power and deception is woven tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom--and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter but for the world. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I read the first book in the series, Snow Like Ashes, and liked it well enough to read the sequel. However, it did take me a long time to actually pick it up and read it.
What did you like about this book?
I liked the introduction of Ceridwen. I have a feeling she's going to be an interesting character in the third book and I'm excited to know more about her past. This book also dove more into the world the Raasch created and we were able to explore more of the kingdoms outside of Winter and Cordell. I'm going to be honest, there wasn't very much about this book that I liked, but the last third of the book was very well written and fast-paced and all around enjoyable to read. The action all came together and just took off running. Once I got to that point in the book, I couldn't stop reading. I finished it and decided to be a burrito on the floor (because of course it ends in the middle of all the action). I wasn't sure I was going to read the third book, but after that ending I know I have to. It's hard for me to develop coherent feelings on the things I like just at the moment (other than the ending), but I do know for sure that I will eventually read it again and hopefully I'll like it better the second time around.
What didn't you like about this book?
I really wanted this book to be better than it was, but I'm afraid it suffered from second book syndrome. The first two-thirds of the books were politics and mind games. While that can be interesting, if written well, this was just dry and boring, especially after the excitement from the first book. I was also disappointed in the characters. I really liked Meira and Mather and Theron in the first book (so much so that I wasn't sure who I wanted to end up with Meira in the Meira-Mather-Theron love triangle. I'm usually pretty decided when it comes to love triangles, deplorable as they are). They were all so dynamic and interesting. In this one, they all felt kind of one-dimensional to me. Also, I understand why Raasch split this book into two points of view (alternating between Meira and Mather), what I don't like is that it also switches from first person (Meira) to third person (Mather). My last big complaint was that there were too many proper nouns (places and people) and they were all names that aren't common. It was very difficult to keep them straight and to try to remember who was who and what their role was in the first book. Overall, this book was just really boring.
Reminded me of...
...Cinder by Marissa Meyer. That book was also pretty slow and uneventful, but had a fantastic ending. And we all know how much I love the Lunar Chronicles now. So, because of that, I'll give Frost Like Night a chance.
Bottom-Line:
If you haven't read this first book, I don't think I'd recommend the series, just because of how uneventful most of this book was. I was disappointed in the pacing and in the characters that I'd grown to love in the first book. However, I will be reading Frost Like Night and I'll let you know if it improves.
"Horrible things don't happen in crowded place; they happen in the hollows of the world, where it's just a victim and an attacker and no one to hear any screams." -Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch
Thursday, August 4, 2016
The Only Pirate at the Party by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. Passey
The Only Pirate at the Party
by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. Passey
Read: August 3-4, 2016
Published: January 12, 2016
Genre: Memoir
A classically trained musician gone rogue, Lindsey Stirling is the epitome of independent, millennial-defined success: after being voted off the set of America's Got Talent, she went on to amass more than ten million social media fans, record two full-length albums, release multiple hits with billions of YouTube views, and to tour sold-out venues across the world.
Lindsey is not afraid to be herself. In fact, it's her confidence and individuality that have propelled her into the spotlight. But the road hasn't been easy. After being rejected by talent scouts, music reps, and eventually on national television, Lindsey forged her own path, step by step. Detailing every trial and triumph she has faced until now, Lindsey shares stories of her humble yet charmed childhood, humorous adolescence, life as a struggling musician, personal struggles with anorexia, and finally, success as a world-class entertainer. Lindsey's magnetizing story—at once remarkable and universal—is a testimony that there is no singular recipe for success, and despite what people may say, sometimes it's okay to be The Only Pirate at the Party. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I like Lindsey Stirling.
What did you like about this book?
This is the second memoir I've read and it's left me wondering why I haven't read more of them. This was an equally inspiring and entertaining read. I liked that so much of the information was entirely new to me, whereas with As You Wish (Cary Elwes), I knew quite a bit of it already just from finding random things on the internet. I loved how each chapter was set up and how they fit with each other. My particular favorite was the "Chapter on My Young and Carefree Drug/Alcohol Escapades". Should you choose to read this book, you will see why I love it so much. Lindsey Stirling seems like a truly genuine and hilarious person. I would love to be her best friend. She actually really reminded me of one of my cousins, with all of her weird quirks and outgoing personality. She (Stirling, not my cousin) also makes everything she discusses relatable, even though her lifestyle is entirely different from mine. I just finished this book a few hours ago, but I already want to reread it. I can't properly articulate how inspiring it was, so you're just going to have to trust me on it. It's nice to read through someone else's trials and triumphs and recognize your own struggles. It's encouraging to feel like you're not alone. I could really go on and on about my love for this book, but the big thing (the biggest thing for any book I read) is that it made me cry, but it also made me laugh out loud. I mean, it was more of a giggle most of the time, but I couldn't hold it in regardless. Also, she got me to pick up my cello and start practicing again. Thanks, Lindsey.
What didn't you like about this book?
There isn't much to dislike, but there are always a few things. I wish, if at all possible, the chapters could have gone in chronological order. Or at least have how old she was a the beginning of the chapter. I realize it's not that important, but I like having a timeline in my head of when the big things happen. It was hard to make a timeline. The other thing I didn't like was the names! There were so many that I wasn't quite sure which ones were her sisters at first. I know that's just me not being careful when I read, but you can understand when I get halfway through the book and I have to stop and thing, 'Wait...Jennifer is her sister?' It just throws of my reading groove.
Bottom-Line:
This is a great book. Everyone should read it, especially those either going through an existential crisis or just going through a period of change. Or a period of monotony. Ok, let's make this easier. Are you breathing? Are you a person? You should read this book.
"I make art for the sake of art...and for my own selfish gratification because I'm an artistic monster." -Lindsey Stirling, The Only Pirate at the Party
by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. Passey
Read: August 3-4, 2016
Published: January 12, 2016
Genre: Memoir
Lindsey is not afraid to be herself. In fact, it's her confidence and individuality that have propelled her into the spotlight. But the road hasn't been easy. After being rejected by talent scouts, music reps, and eventually on national television, Lindsey forged her own path, step by step. Detailing every trial and triumph she has faced until now, Lindsey shares stories of her humble yet charmed childhood, humorous adolescence, life as a struggling musician, personal struggles with anorexia, and finally, success as a world-class entertainer. Lindsey's magnetizing story—at once remarkable and universal—is a testimony that there is no singular recipe for success, and despite what people may say, sometimes it's okay to be The Only Pirate at the Party. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I like Lindsey Stirling.
What did you like about this book?
This is the second memoir I've read and it's left me wondering why I haven't read more of them. This was an equally inspiring and entertaining read. I liked that so much of the information was entirely new to me, whereas with As You Wish (Cary Elwes), I knew quite a bit of it already just from finding random things on the internet. I loved how each chapter was set up and how they fit with each other. My particular favorite was the "Chapter on My Young and Carefree Drug/Alcohol Escapades". Should you choose to read this book, you will see why I love it so much. Lindsey Stirling seems like a truly genuine and hilarious person. I would love to be her best friend. She actually really reminded me of one of my cousins, with all of her weird quirks and outgoing personality. She (Stirling, not my cousin) also makes everything she discusses relatable, even though her lifestyle is entirely different from mine. I just finished this book a few hours ago, but I already want to reread it. I can't properly articulate how inspiring it was, so you're just going to have to trust me on it. It's nice to read through someone else's trials and triumphs and recognize your own struggles. It's encouraging to feel like you're not alone. I could really go on and on about my love for this book, but the big thing (the biggest thing for any book I read) is that it made me cry, but it also made me laugh out loud. I mean, it was more of a giggle most of the time, but I couldn't hold it in regardless. Also, she got me to pick up my cello and start practicing again. Thanks, Lindsey.
What didn't you like about this book?
There isn't much to dislike, but there are always a few things. I wish, if at all possible, the chapters could have gone in chronological order. Or at least have how old she was a the beginning of the chapter. I realize it's not that important, but I like having a timeline in my head of when the big things happen. It was hard to make a timeline. The other thing I didn't like was the names! There were so many that I wasn't quite sure which ones were her sisters at first. I know that's just me not being careful when I read, but you can understand when I get halfway through the book and I have to stop and thing, 'Wait...Jennifer is her sister?' It just throws of my reading groove.
Bottom-Line:
This is a great book. Everyone should read it, especially those either going through an existential crisis or just going through a period of change. Or a period of monotony. Ok, let's make this easier. Are you breathing? Are you a person? You should read this book.
"I make art for the sake of art...and for my own selfish gratification because I'm an artistic monster." -Lindsey Stirling, The Only Pirate at the Party
Monday, August 1, 2016
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
by Jack Thorne
Read: July 31-August 1, 2016
Published: July 31, 2016
Genre: Play
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and a father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. (Amazon)
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Why did you read this book?
Harry Potter has been and always will be a huge part of my life. It is for this reason that I was a bit hesitant to read this new play, which isn't even written by my beloved favorite author. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it, am I right?) However, when a friend asked if I wanted to see if Meijer still had a few copies, I couldn't help but go along. Sure enough, the book was still there, but I wasn't ready to make the decision. To read, or not to read? So I carried a copy around the store with me while we looked at clearance items. Of course, once I'd held it that long I grew attached and couldn't part with it. (I grow attached far too easily, I'm afraid).
What did you like about this book?
Despite not being written by J.K. Rowling, the characters mostly felt like the ones I'd grown up with. Of course, they were a bit different, but they've gone through 19 years without me. I enjoyed the idea of time-travelling and it's repercussions, something that I would have liked to see more of in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Something that I felt was portrayed rather well was Harry's struggles as a father and his survivor's guilt. He's never going to just live happily-ever-after and he has to learn to live with that. My favorite part of this book/play was probably Scorpius Malfoy (something I certainly didn't see coming). I was able to see myself in him, just as I was able to see bits of myself in Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Despite the limited nature of a play (in my opinion), he was a well-developed character.
What didn't you like about this book?
Oh boy. I hate to say this, but I was a little disappointed. I'll start with Albus, shall I? I couldn't relate to him. I've always been able to relate to Rowling's characters in some small way...and that's just the problem. This isn't Rowling's character. Yes, she named him, but she didn't give him his personality. To be honest, I found him to be downright insufferable at times. It's really hard to root for him. Next is the format. There was so much information that we weren't privy to because it's impossible to fit all of that into a play. We didn't really get to see what Albus and Scorpius were like at school or how their friendship was built. We got the basic plot with very few details. It was like watching the movie version of the book (which, I suppose as play, that's kind of what it is). I feel like this story would have been better told in novel form. Although, if I didn't have the Rowling's series to compare it to, I wouldn't have minded as much. (Much like Albus, The Cursed Child just has a lot to live up to after its predecessor's legacy). I was also disappointed that there weren't mentions of Teddy Lupin. I thought he might be featured, or at least mentioned, considering Harry is his godfather. Lastly, there were parts of it that just felt ridiculous (ahem, riddikulus), kind of like I was reading fan-fiction minus the smut. I mean, teenage boys do not hug that much. They just don't. I half expected them to start making out (or rather, snog) by the end of the book/play. Also, one plot point, one major plot point, that I just refuse to except is...actually, stop reading here, if you don't want things spoiled. I'm about to write about a huge spoiler and as much as I'm upset by it, I don't want to ruin it for anyone else. So, stop reading now. I'm going to type the spoiler in white, so you'll have to highlight it to read it. The major plot point that I refuse to except is that Voldemort had a daughter. It is completely out of character in my opinion. There is just so much fan-fiction there that I can't take it seriously.
Bottom-Line:
Despite all of the shortcomings, I still enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to other Harry Potter fans so they can form their own opinion. I could be a little harsh, but that's only because I am very protective of the series and I don't want it ruined in any way, even if it's just a small way. I will definitely read it again in a few months after my brain has had time to process. In the meantime, I think I'll reread the series.
"That's the thing, isn't it? About friendships. You don't know what he needs. You only know he needs it." -Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne
by Jack Thorne
Read: July 31-August 1, 2016
Published: July 31, 2016
Genre: Play
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and a father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. (Amazon)
___________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
Harry Potter has been and always will be a huge part of my life. It is for this reason that I was a bit hesitant to read this new play, which isn't even written by my beloved favorite author. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it, am I right?) However, when a friend asked if I wanted to see if Meijer still had a few copies, I couldn't help but go along. Sure enough, the book was still there, but I wasn't ready to make the decision. To read, or not to read? So I carried a copy around the store with me while we looked at clearance items. Of course, once I'd held it that long I grew attached and couldn't part with it. (I grow attached far too easily, I'm afraid).
What did you like about this book?
Despite not being written by J.K. Rowling, the characters mostly felt like the ones I'd grown up with. Of course, they were a bit different, but they've gone through 19 years without me. I enjoyed the idea of time-travelling and it's repercussions, something that I would have liked to see more of in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Something that I felt was portrayed rather well was Harry's struggles as a father and his survivor's guilt. He's never going to just live happily-ever-after and he has to learn to live with that. My favorite part of this book/play was probably Scorpius Malfoy (something I certainly didn't see coming). I was able to see myself in him, just as I was able to see bits of myself in Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Despite the limited nature of a play (in my opinion), he was a well-developed character.
What didn't you like about this book?
Oh boy. I hate to say this, but I was a little disappointed. I'll start with Albus, shall I? I couldn't relate to him. I've always been able to relate to Rowling's characters in some small way...and that's just the problem. This isn't Rowling's character. Yes, she named him, but she didn't give him his personality. To be honest, I found him to be downright insufferable at times. It's really hard to root for him. Next is the format. There was so much information that we weren't privy to because it's impossible to fit all of that into a play. We didn't really get to see what Albus and Scorpius were like at school or how their friendship was built. We got the basic plot with very few details. It was like watching the movie version of the book (which, I suppose as play, that's kind of what it is). I feel like this story would have been better told in novel form. Although, if I didn't have the Rowling's series to compare it to, I wouldn't have minded as much. (Much like Albus, The Cursed Child just has a lot to live up to after its predecessor's legacy). I was also disappointed that there weren't mentions of Teddy Lupin. I thought he might be featured, or at least mentioned, considering Harry is his godfather. Lastly, there were parts of it that just felt ridiculous (ahem, riddikulus), kind of like I was reading fan-fiction minus the smut. I mean, teenage boys do not hug that much. They just don't. I half expected them to start making out (or rather, snog) by the end of the book/play. Also, one plot point, one major plot point, that I just refuse to except is...actually, stop reading here, if you don't want things spoiled. I'm about to write about a huge spoiler and as much as I'm upset by it, I don't want to ruin it for anyone else. So, stop reading now. I'm going to type the spoiler in white, so you'll have to highlight it to read it. The major plot point that I refuse to except is that Voldemort had a daughter. It is completely out of character in my opinion. There is just so much fan-fiction there that I can't take it seriously.
Bottom-Line:
Despite all of the shortcomings, I still enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to other Harry Potter fans so they can form their own opinion. I could be a little harsh, but that's only because I am very protective of the series and I don't want it ruined in any way, even if it's just a small way. I will definitely read it again in a few months after my brain has had time to process. In the meantime, I think I'll reread the series.
"That's the thing, isn't it? About friendships. You don't know what he needs. You only know he needs it." -Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Winter by Marissa Meyer
Winter
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 23-24, 2016
Published: November 10, 2015
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.
Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend--the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.
Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? Fans will not want to miss this thrilling conclusion to Marissa Meyer's national bestselling Lunar Chronicles series. (Amazon)
____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
*Finishing the series*
What did you like about this book?
This book really built up the action and suspense. The others had their fair share of action, but they also had a lot of backstory to contend with. However, this fourth and final installment was able to go forward full force with the story because almost all of the main characters have been established. Speaking of established characters, I was much more fond of Kai this time around. He definitely grew as a character. I'm having a hard time thinking of things that I liked that I haven't already written in reviews for the first three books in the series. Regardless of my short 'like' paragraph, this book was a thrilling conclusion to the series and I liked so many things that I can't even write about it.
What didn't you like about this book?
My only complaint was Jacin and Winter. I just didn't really like them and I found most of their scenes to be boring, or at least less captivating than the others. I think I'll attribute my dislike of Winter to her only being in this book. I mean, it took me more than one book to really like Cinder and Kai. I don't really have an excuse for Jacin. I just don't like him.
A note on the series:
There will be spoilers if you read this. So if you haven't read them yet, I suggest not reading this paragraph. This is your last chance to stop reading before I jump into the spoilers. Okay...3...2...1...go!
There are so many things I loved about this series. I loved that they just got better and better with each book. I loved the fleshed out characters that were unique in their own right. I loved how funny and entertaining and intense and action-packed and swoon-worthy it was. Seriously, this series really packed in a lot of feelings. However, my absolute favorite thing? "And they all lived happily ever after to the end of their days," (Winter by Marissa Meyer). This book had a freaking happy ending and all of the characters I've grown to love got to live. I went through the series thinking "Oh crap, who's going to die? Someone's got to die!" But they don't. They really don't. Young adult fiction has just got us trained to think that in order to have an emotional book, we've got to lose a beloved character. Most of the more successful YA books end and leave you with an empty feeling in your gut because it's over, but the characters aren't resolved yet. They aren't happy, not really, but their conflict is over. (I'm thinking of Mockingjay and Allegiant in particular). Whew. I'm sorry, that turned into a bit of a rant. Anyway, that's my favorite part about this series. They're based on fairy tales and there's actually a fairy tale ending where the guy gets the girl, the good guys win, the bad guy loses, and everyone (except Queen Levana) lives happily ever after. I just really appreciated that and I thank you, Marissa Meyer, for the gift of a truly happy ending when anything rarely ends that way. I needed it.
Bottom-Line:
I strongly recommend this series. I know I was thrown of by the cyborgs and living on the moon (which is strange, because I normally love science fiction). I promise, though, this series is worth it. Keep in mind, Cinder can be kind of slow, but the rest are amazing. I will definitely be buying these books soon. I returned them to the library today and I already miss having them in my possession.
"...broken isn't the same as unfixable." -Winter by Marissa Meyer
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 23-24, 2016
Published: November 10, 2015
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend--the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.
Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? Fans will not want to miss this thrilling conclusion to Marissa Meyer's national bestselling Lunar Chronicles series. (Amazon)
____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
*Finishing the series*
What did you like about this book?
This book really built up the action and suspense. The others had their fair share of action, but they also had a lot of backstory to contend with. However, this fourth and final installment was able to go forward full force with the story because almost all of the main characters have been established. Speaking of established characters, I was much more fond of Kai this time around. He definitely grew as a character. I'm having a hard time thinking of things that I liked that I haven't already written in reviews for the first three books in the series. Regardless of my short 'like' paragraph, this book was a thrilling conclusion to the series and I liked so many things that I can't even write about it.
What didn't you like about this book?
My only complaint was Jacin and Winter. I just didn't really like them and I found most of their scenes to be boring, or at least less captivating than the others. I think I'll attribute my dislike of Winter to her only being in this book. I mean, it took me more than one book to really like Cinder and Kai. I don't really have an excuse for Jacin. I just don't like him.
A note on the series:
There will be spoilers if you read this. So if you haven't read them yet, I suggest not reading this paragraph. This is your last chance to stop reading before I jump into the spoilers. Okay...3...2...1...go!
There are so many things I loved about this series. I loved that they just got better and better with each book. I loved the fleshed out characters that were unique in their own right. I loved how funny and entertaining and intense and action-packed and swoon-worthy it was. Seriously, this series really packed in a lot of feelings. However, my absolute favorite thing? "And they all lived happily ever after to the end of their days," (Winter by Marissa Meyer). This book had a freaking happy ending and all of the characters I've grown to love got to live. I went through the series thinking "Oh crap, who's going to die? Someone's got to die!" But they don't. They really don't. Young adult fiction has just got us trained to think that in order to have an emotional book, we've got to lose a beloved character. Most of the more successful YA books end and leave you with an empty feeling in your gut because it's over, but the characters aren't resolved yet. They aren't happy, not really, but their conflict is over. (I'm thinking of Mockingjay and Allegiant in particular). Whew. I'm sorry, that turned into a bit of a rant. Anyway, that's my favorite part about this series. They're based on fairy tales and there's actually a fairy tale ending where the guy gets the girl, the good guys win, the bad guy loses, and everyone (except Queen Levana) lives happily ever after. I just really appreciated that and I thank you, Marissa Meyer, for the gift of a truly happy ending when anything rarely ends that way. I needed it.
Bottom-Line:
I strongly recommend this series. I know I was thrown of by the cyborgs and living on the moon (which is strange, because I normally love science fiction). I promise, though, this series is worth it. Keep in mind, Cinder can be kind of slow, but the rest are amazing. I will definitely be buying these books soon. I returned them to the library today and I already miss having them in my possession.
"...broken isn't the same as unfixable." -Winter by Marissa Meyer
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Cress by Marissa Meyer
Cress
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 20-22, 2016
Published: January 27, 2015
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together they're plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.
Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker; unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.
When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
Finishing the series...
What did you like about this book?
I know I've already mentioned this in past reviews for the Lunar Chronicles, but I just love the characters. We got a lot more Thorne in this book, which I was excited about. Cress was also introduced and she is such a precious, awkward, yet insanely intelligent character you can't help but love her. We were also introduced to Jacin, but I'll talk about him later. Again, I love how Marissa Meyer can take this fairy tales and you can obviously tell that they are these fairy tells, and yet, they are still unique. Plus, she just improves her writing with every book. I'm not sure if I like this one or Scarlet better yet, but they are both massive improvements from Cinder.
What didn't you like about this book?
I only have two minor complaints about this book. First, is Jacin. He is the first character that I just don't like. He doesn't breathe out of the pages like the other characters do. He has zero personality. Now, Kai doesn't really have a personality either, but at least I like him. Jacin doesn't have anything I can relate to. Even the awful, evil Queen Levana has at least one trait I can connect with (she just wants to be loved!). Second, while I love Thorne and Cress to death, they seem like almost exact copies of Flynn Rider and Rapunzel from Disney's Tangled. This is a hard thing to complain about, because I love Flynn/Thorne and Rapunzel/Cress, but usually Marissa Meyer has more originality than that and I guess I expected more from her than to read about these characters that I've already meant from a different source. You know what I mean?
Bottom-Line:
Yes. Please read it.
"Maybe there isn't such a thing as fate. Maybe it's just the opportunities we're given, and what we do with them. I'm beginning to think that maybe great, epic romances don't just happen. We have to make them ourselves." -Cress by Marissa Meyer
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 20-22, 2016
Published: January 27, 2015
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker; unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.
When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
Finishing the series...
What did you like about this book?
I know I've already mentioned this in past reviews for the Lunar Chronicles, but I just love the characters. We got a lot more Thorne in this book, which I was excited about. Cress was also introduced and she is such a precious, awkward, yet insanely intelligent character you can't help but love her. We were also introduced to Jacin, but I'll talk about him later. Again, I love how Marissa Meyer can take this fairy tales and you can obviously tell that they are these fairy tells, and yet, they are still unique. Plus, she just improves her writing with every book. I'm not sure if I like this one or Scarlet better yet, but they are both massive improvements from Cinder.
What didn't you like about this book?
I only have two minor complaints about this book. First, is Jacin. He is the first character that I just don't like. He doesn't breathe out of the pages like the other characters do. He has zero personality. Now, Kai doesn't really have a personality either, but at least I like him. Jacin doesn't have anything I can relate to. Even the awful, evil Queen Levana has at least one trait I can connect with (she just wants to be loved!). Second, while I love Thorne and Cress to death, they seem like almost exact copies of Flynn Rider and Rapunzel from Disney's Tangled. This is a hard thing to complain about, because I love Flynn/Thorne and Rapunzel/Cress, but usually Marissa Meyer has more originality than that and I guess I expected more from her than to read about these characters that I've already meant from a different source. You know what I mean?
Bottom-Line:
Yes. Please read it.
"Maybe there isn't such a thing as fate. Maybe it's just the opportunities we're given, and what we do with them. I'm beginning to think that maybe great, epic romances don't just happen. We have to make them ourselves." -Cress by Marissa Meyer
Friday, May 20, 2016
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Scarlet
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 18-19
Published: February 4, 2014
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Cinder is back and trying to break out of prison--even though she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive if she does--in this second installment from Marissa Meyer.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana. (Amazon)
______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
....that freaking cliffhanger. I actually put off reading this one for a few days because Cinder wasn't all that exciting...but I'm so happy I finally read it!
What did you like about this book?
I don't even really know where to start with all of the things I liked. This book was 20x better than the first one. It was just so exciting to read! I'll start first with the characters, I suppose. I really liked Cinder in this book, even though she didn't feature in it as much as she did in the first one. Despite her limited page time, I felt like she evolved as a character. And then she met Thorne, who I adore. I thought there was going to be a possible love triangle between Cinder, Thorne, and Kai, but after finishing Scarlet I don't think that will happen. Cinder and Thorne's relationship is hilarious to read and I love their instant love-hate relationship. Then, of course, there was Scarlet, the focus character of this book. She is easily my favorite character so far. She kicks butt and grows delicious tomatoes. What more could you ask for? The other character introduced in Scarlet was Wolfe. I loved him. I hated him. I loved him again. I even kind of still loved him when I hated him. I'm excited to see where the next book takes him as a character as well as his relationship with Scarlet (I ship it).
Anyway, aside from the wonderful characters, I love that this book continued Cinder's story as well as introducing Scarlet's. I was worried that each book would be a different fairy tale with different characters. While it does essentially do that, it doesn't leave the previous characters behind. Instead, the story grows and evolves, each character finding their place within the folds of it.
On top of all that, I am super excited to read the next book.
What didn't you like about this book?
I don't have many complaints about this book. However, there is always something. And Scarlet's something is Kai. I really want to like him because he's supposed to be Cinder's prince charming, but he doesn't have a personality other than being stressed out and/or lashing out immaturely to the Queen Levana. You'd think being raised as a prince would have taught him a bit of diplomacy, but he doesn't seem to have much of it. Maybe it's because his character reminds me too much of Maxon from The Selection by Kiera Cass. Actually, you know...that is it. All of the other characters feel pretty original, Kai feels like a copy of Maxon with a different name.
Bottom-Line:
This book is excellent and I would definitely recommend it. I'd recommend reading Cinder just so you could read this book. High marks from me.
"I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you." -Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 18-19
Published: February 4, 2014
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Cinder is back and trying to break out of prison--even though she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive if she does--in this second installment from Marissa Meyer.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana. (Amazon)
______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
....that freaking cliffhanger. I actually put off reading this one for a few days because Cinder wasn't all that exciting...but I'm so happy I finally read it!
What did you like about this book?
I don't even really know where to start with all of the things I liked. This book was 20x better than the first one. It was just so exciting to read! I'll start first with the characters, I suppose. I really liked Cinder in this book, even though she didn't feature in it as much as she did in the first one. Despite her limited page time, I felt like she evolved as a character. And then she met Thorne, who I adore. I thought there was going to be a possible love triangle between Cinder, Thorne, and Kai, but after finishing Scarlet I don't think that will happen. Cinder and Thorne's relationship is hilarious to read and I love their instant love-hate relationship. Then, of course, there was Scarlet, the focus character of this book. She is easily my favorite character so far. She kicks butt and grows delicious tomatoes. What more could you ask for? The other character introduced in Scarlet was Wolfe. I loved him. I hated him. I loved him again. I even kind of still loved him when I hated him. I'm excited to see where the next book takes him as a character as well as his relationship with Scarlet (I ship it).
Anyway, aside from the wonderful characters, I love that this book continued Cinder's story as well as introducing Scarlet's. I was worried that each book would be a different fairy tale with different characters. While it does essentially do that, it doesn't leave the previous characters behind. Instead, the story grows and evolves, each character finding their place within the folds of it.
On top of all that, I am super excited to read the next book.
What didn't you like about this book?
I don't have many complaints about this book. However, there is always something. And Scarlet's something is Kai. I really want to like him because he's supposed to be Cinder's prince charming, but he doesn't have a personality other than being stressed out and/or lashing out immaturely to the Queen Levana. You'd think being raised as a prince would have taught him a bit of diplomacy, but he doesn't seem to have much of it. Maybe it's because his character reminds me too much of Maxon from The Selection by Kiera Cass. Actually, you know...that is it. All of the other characters feel pretty original, Kai feels like a copy of Maxon with a different name.
Bottom-Line:
This book is excellent and I would definitely recommend it. I'd recommend reading Cinder just so you could read this book. High marks from me.
"I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you." -Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 11-12, 2016
Published: January 8, 2013
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Human and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl...
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. (Amazon)
__________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I've been meaning to read it for awhile based on recommendations from friends and family. Plus, I'm still feeling the fractured fairy tale books.
What do you like about this book?
I really liked the idea of this book. I'm a big fan of sci-fi and fairy tales, so stick them together and I am a happy camper. I liked that it had the bones of a Cinderella story, but it was fleshed out completely different. What really got me through the book was my interest in the Lunars. I was dying to find out more about them (and the evil Queen Levana, of course), but there wasn't much information in this first book. And yes, I actually liked that. With 4-5 books, I think Marissa Meyer started with just enough information to get the reader through the first book, but enough left as a mystery to entice them to read more.
What don't you like about this book?
As much as I was intrigued by the Lunars, I had a really hard time getting through the book. I finally finished, on my third try, on the assurances that the second one was much better. It wasn't that this was a bad book, it was just kind of boring. The pacing felt very off to me. The first two-thirds of the book dragged and not much really happened, but then the end of the book happened and everything hit the fan. There was too much condensed into the last few chapters. I understand that Marissa Meyer was going for an exciting finish (and she succeeded), but I would have liked the book much more if the rest of the book was written as well as the end. Also, I know I'm supposed to ship Cinder and Kai together, and I could tell that they liked each other because the pages said so, but I didn't feel it. Cinder's response to Kai I could relate to, but it was Kai that I didn't understand. He doesn't have much of a personality, so I'm hoping Meyer will build on his character in future books. I really want to like him, but he's just kind of...blah.
Notes on the ending:
Holy freaking cliffhanger. Cliff. Hanger. Hanger to the cliff. As much as I was bored throughout the book, that ending had me dying to read Scarlet (book 2). I had to know what happened, but I had to wait two whole days to get to the library. TWO DAYS. So, if you do read this book, make sure you've got the second one on hand for when you finish.
Bottom-Line:
This book, as a whole, was okay. Read it if you want to, but it's not something that I will always be telling everyone to read (like The Book Thief or The Night Circus). It was solid, but not amazing. If it wasn't for that fantastic ending, I might not even recommend it at all. I'll let you know how the next one goes.
"But if there was one thing she knew from years as a mechanic, it was that some stains never come out." -Cinder by Marissa Meyer
by Marissa Meyer
Read: May 11-12, 2016
Published: January 8, 2013
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
Human and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl...
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. (Amazon)
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Why did you read this book?
I've been meaning to read it for awhile based on recommendations from friends and family. Plus, I'm still feeling the fractured fairy tale books.
What do you like about this book?
I really liked the idea of this book. I'm a big fan of sci-fi and fairy tales, so stick them together and I am a happy camper. I liked that it had the bones of a Cinderella story, but it was fleshed out completely different. What really got me through the book was my interest in the Lunars. I was dying to find out more about them (and the evil Queen Levana, of course), but there wasn't much information in this first book. And yes, I actually liked that. With 4-5 books, I think Marissa Meyer started with just enough information to get the reader through the first book, but enough left as a mystery to entice them to read more.
What don't you like about this book?
As much as I was intrigued by the Lunars, I had a really hard time getting through the book. I finally finished, on my third try, on the assurances that the second one was much better. It wasn't that this was a bad book, it was just kind of boring. The pacing felt very off to me. The first two-thirds of the book dragged and not much really happened, but then the end of the book happened and everything hit the fan. There was too much condensed into the last few chapters. I understand that Marissa Meyer was going for an exciting finish (and she succeeded), but I would have liked the book much more if the rest of the book was written as well as the end. Also, I know I'm supposed to ship Cinder and Kai together, and I could tell that they liked each other because the pages said so, but I didn't feel it. Cinder's response to Kai I could relate to, but it was Kai that I didn't understand. He doesn't have much of a personality, so I'm hoping Meyer will build on his character in future books. I really want to like him, but he's just kind of...blah.
Notes on the ending:
Holy freaking cliffhanger. Cliff. Hanger. Hanger to the cliff. As much as I was bored throughout the book, that ending had me dying to read Scarlet (book 2). I had to know what happened, but I had to wait two whole days to get to the library. TWO DAYS. So, if you do read this book, make sure you've got the second one on hand for when you finish.
Bottom-Line:
This book, as a whole, was okay. Read it if you want to, but it's not something that I will always be telling everyone to read (like The Book Thief or The Night Circus). It was solid, but not amazing. If it wasn't for that fantastic ending, I might not even recommend it at all. I'll let you know how the next one goes.
"But if there was one thing she knew from years as a mechanic, it was that some stains never come out." -Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Sunday, April 17, 2016
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
*Possible Spoilers*
All the Bright Place
by Jennifer Niven
Read: April 15-16
Published: January 6, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death.
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it's unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the "natural wonders" of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It's only with Violet that Finch can be himself--a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who's not such a freak after all. And it's only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet's world grows, Finch's begins to shrink. (Amazon)
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Why did you read this book?
It's been on my To-Read list pretty much since it's been published, I just haven't gotten around to reading it. I was at the library with my sister last weekend and she took it off the shelf and said, "I kind of want to read this." Because she already had three books and I only had one, I took it from her, of course. "Me too," I said.
My Review:
This review will not be like the others because I cannot simply write what I liked and what I didn't like because I liked and didn't like everything about this book. I honestly don't know how to go forward the the review because it has left me emotionally bereft, but also full of emotions. How am I supposed to write about that?
I suppose I'll start with the characters. In the beginning of the book, I really felt like I related to Finch. He is someone that thinks about death frequently, but doesn't want to die. He is so kind-hearted and he truly cares about other people, but he can't help but fall into episodes where he doesn't feel anything. However, in the latter half of the book, I related more to Violet. She was learning how to live outside the emptiness of her grief. She was learning how to be happy again.
Of course, I can't go much further into it without spoiling anything. This book made me cry ugly tears, not the ugly sobbing when I read The Fault in Our Stars for the first time, but worse because I saw myself in it.
If you like this...
...I would recommend Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira, 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, or Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin.
Bottom-Line:
I don't know if I will ever read it again. It was just that emotionally traumatizing for me. However, I do strongly recommend it to everyone I know perhaps ages 16 and up. I'm sorry I didn't write more, but this, I think, is something that everyone just needs to experience for themselves.
"The great thing about this life of ours is that you can be someone different to everybody." -All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Place
by Jennifer Niven
Read: April 15-16
Published: January 6, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death.
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it's unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the "natural wonders" of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It's only with Violet that Finch can be himself--a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who's not such a freak after all. And it's only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet's world grows, Finch's begins to shrink. (Amazon)
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Why did you read this book?
It's been on my To-Read list pretty much since it's been published, I just haven't gotten around to reading it. I was at the library with my sister last weekend and she took it off the shelf and said, "I kind of want to read this." Because she already had three books and I only had one, I took it from her, of course. "Me too," I said.
My Review:
This review will not be like the others because I cannot simply write what I liked and what I didn't like because I liked and didn't like everything about this book. I honestly don't know how to go forward the the review because it has left me emotionally bereft, but also full of emotions. How am I supposed to write about that?
I suppose I'll start with the characters. In the beginning of the book, I really felt like I related to Finch. He is someone that thinks about death frequently, but doesn't want to die. He is so kind-hearted and he truly cares about other people, but he can't help but fall into episodes where he doesn't feel anything. However, in the latter half of the book, I related more to Violet. She was learning how to live outside the emptiness of her grief. She was learning how to be happy again.
Of course, I can't go much further into it without spoiling anything. This book made me cry ugly tears, not the ugly sobbing when I read The Fault in Our Stars for the first time, but worse because I saw myself in it.
If you like this...
...I would recommend Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira, 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, or Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin.
Bottom-Line:
I don't know if I will ever read it again. It was just that emotionally traumatizing for me. However, I do strongly recommend it to everyone I know perhaps ages 16 and up. I'm sorry I didn't write more, but this, I think, is something that everyone just needs to experience for themselves.
"The great thing about this life of ours is that you can be someone different to everybody." -All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride
by Cary Elwes
Read: April 10-12, 2016
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Biography/Memoir
From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.
The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories. (Amazon)
____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies, how couldn't it be with the action, comedy, swashbuckling, true love, miracles, and adventure? I could watch this movie over and over and over again. I also just recently read the book, which was just as enchanting (I didn't do a book review on that one because I couldn't write about the book without talking too much about the movie. Basically, it was great and I'd recommend it to anyone). Also, I just love behind-the-scenes stuff. The several hours of extras on the extended Lord of the Rings DVD's? Watched it all. I have a problem...but I digress.
What did you like about this book?
First off, I liked the tidbits added in throughout the book from Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, and the other cast members that contributed, along with William Goldman (screen writer, and author of the book) and Bob Reiner (Director). All of the information in this book was genuinely interesting to me. I loved the way Cary wrote about his experience. It was easy to tell that it was a treasured time in his life and he wouldn't soon forget what a wonderful time it was and the wonderful people he worked with. It made me wish I had been there (although I hadn't been born yet), but also feel like I had been there with them all (which, of course, I wasn't). I usually don't get into books that don't have a plot with exciting twists and turns, or emotional climaxes, but this one captured me just as easily as if it had those features. Also, it was actually pretty funny. I found myself laughing out loud a few times, something that is pretty rare for me while reading.
What didn't you like about this book?
As much as I loved it, there were things that got a tad repetitive. Not that I wanted the book to shorter, but it could have been. There were many instances where Cary would repeat himself about how The Princess Bride is a classic, even if it didn't start so well. He repeatedly say how lucky he was to have been a part of that experience and how none of them knew it would become the cult classic it is now (which were excellent things to talk about, just not every other chapter). It also started a bit slow, beginning with pre-production and how he got the part and meeting Bob Reiner. It was all interesting, of course, but I was more interested in the period of time during filming.
If you like this...
...I'd recommend, not a book, but the TV series 'Galavant'. It also has romance, adventure, action, and comedy...and it's also a musical! There are two (very short) seasons and there's unlikely to be a third, but I highly suggest it. Also, Alan Menken did the music and he's like a Disney music legend, so there's incentive for you.
Bottom-Line:
I loved it and I thought it was a fantastic companion to the movie. However, if you haven't seen or read The Princess Bride or for some reason don't like it, this probably isn't the book for you. If you don't like The Princess Bride, I strongly encourage with utmost affection to change your mind.
"It's true in life, as in the movies, that the greatest highs are often followed by the lowest lows."-As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
by Cary Elwes
Read: April 10-12, 2016
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Biography/Memoir
The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories. (Amazon)
____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies, how couldn't it be with the action, comedy, swashbuckling, true love, miracles, and adventure? I could watch this movie over and over and over again. I also just recently read the book, which was just as enchanting (I didn't do a book review on that one because I couldn't write about the book without talking too much about the movie. Basically, it was great and I'd recommend it to anyone). Also, I just love behind-the-scenes stuff. The several hours of extras on the extended Lord of the Rings DVD's? Watched it all. I have a problem...but I digress.
What did you like about this book?
First off, I liked the tidbits added in throughout the book from Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, and the other cast members that contributed, along with William Goldman (screen writer, and author of the book) and Bob Reiner (Director). All of the information in this book was genuinely interesting to me. I loved the way Cary wrote about his experience. It was easy to tell that it was a treasured time in his life and he wouldn't soon forget what a wonderful time it was and the wonderful people he worked with. It made me wish I had been there (although I hadn't been born yet), but also feel like I had been there with them all (which, of course, I wasn't). I usually don't get into books that don't have a plot with exciting twists and turns, or emotional climaxes, but this one captured me just as easily as if it had those features. Also, it was actually pretty funny. I found myself laughing out loud a few times, something that is pretty rare for me while reading.
What didn't you like about this book?
As much as I loved it, there were things that got a tad repetitive. Not that I wanted the book to shorter, but it could have been. There were many instances where Cary would repeat himself about how The Princess Bride is a classic, even if it didn't start so well. He repeatedly say how lucky he was to have been a part of that experience and how none of them knew it would become the cult classic it is now (which were excellent things to talk about, just not every other chapter). It also started a bit slow, beginning with pre-production and how he got the part and meeting Bob Reiner. It was all interesting, of course, but I was more interested in the period of time during filming.
If you like this...
...I'd recommend, not a book, but the TV series 'Galavant'. It also has romance, adventure, action, and comedy...and it's also a musical! There are two (very short) seasons and there's unlikely to be a third, but I highly suggest it. Also, Alan Menken did the music and he's like a Disney music legend, so there's incentive for you.
Bottom-Line:
I loved it and I thought it was a fantastic companion to the movie. However, if you haven't seen or read The Princess Bride or for some reason don't like it, this probably isn't the book for you. If you don't like The Princess Bride, I strongly encourage with utmost affection to change your mind.
"It's true in life, as in the movies, that the greatest highs are often followed by the lowest lows."-As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Obligatory New Year's Post...in March
I was fully intending to write a New Year's post back when 2016 started. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen. That doesn't mean it can't happen now! It's never too late to reflect on the year before and the year ahead. I'm going to follow the same format as New Year's post from last time, so sorry I'm not a little more creative. Also, apologies for not posting in over a month. It's been awhile since I've had a new book to read and I haven't had anything all that excited to write about. Here's to more blog posts soon!
What were the three best things to happen last year?
Of course the biggest thing has to be going to Ireland. It's funny going back and remembering how nervous I was to go and then I got there and it was the best experience of my life. I still can't get over how amazing and beautiful it was there. I really have to go back.
I also quit my custodial job last year. I didn't realize how completely awful that job made me feel until I was free of it. Just going through that weekly degradation took a toll on my mental well being. Not a day goes by that I miss it there. Every time I think of it, I am filled with such an overwhelming relief that I never have to go back there. It was definitely a good decision not to work there.
I have the best roommate ever. Moving away from home was (is) really hard for me. I don't think I would have made it through the process without my roommate to keep me sane. I am so fortunate that she's been my friend for years and we've lived together since September and we're still friends. Everyone told me not to room with a friend because I wouldn't be able to stand them by the end of it, but so far so good. I'd say we're pretty compatible.
What were the three worst things to happen last year?
My wonderful, beautiful golden retriever was hit by a car right before my birthday. I can't write about it without crying, so I won't.
I had to leave my community college and the job I had there. Honestly, I absolutely loved that school and the people I worked with. If it were an option, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Unfortunately for me, there are very few programs that I could go to the University Center for and mine is not one of them.
Coming to Western, while I believe in the long run will be good for me and I will appreciate it eventually, was the hardest thing I've had to do. I don't even know how I made it through that first semester. I thought I did a decent job expressing how difficult it was without letting how depressed it made me show. However, I was recently talking to my mom about it and she told me how worried she was because my voice sounded so dead whenever I called (which was every day). And honestly, that's how I felt most of the time. So, yeah, everyone tells me I'll learn to love it and that this is good for me, but I don't feel that yet. Right now, it is one of the worst things that I've gone through in the past year.
What did you learn about yourself in 2015?
In 2015, I learned just how strong I am and how strong I'm not. I was so proud of myself for going to Ireland and just making that whole thing happen. After I got back, I was working and taking classes and I was just on cloud nine. I think that's one of the first times I described myself as a strong, confident person. I thought, 'after Ireland, going to Western will be a piece of cake!'.
It wasn't. That's when I learned that I don't have the strength to carry myself. I still don't. I took a pretty big hit in the fall and I'm still trying to recover. It's going to take some time, but I'm still confident enough that I can do it.
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
Well, hopefully I've got my crap together in a year. I'm really hoping. I'm also hoping that I'll be happier. I'll have made friends that make coming back here easier. I hope being away from home gets easier. I don't think I'll ever stop missing it, but just to miss it a little less would be nice.
A year from now, I'd like to smile more.
And hopefully be accepted for another study abroad program. I've become severely inflicted with wanderlust.
"This is the past: It drifts, it gathers. If you are not careful, it will bury you." -Requiem by Lauren Oliver
What were the three best things to happen last year?
Of course the biggest thing has to be going to Ireland. It's funny going back and remembering how nervous I was to go and then I got there and it was the best experience of my life. I still can't get over how amazing and beautiful it was there. I really have to go back.
I also quit my custodial job last year. I didn't realize how completely awful that job made me feel until I was free of it. Just going through that weekly degradation took a toll on my mental well being. Not a day goes by that I miss it there. Every time I think of it, I am filled with such an overwhelming relief that I never have to go back there. It was definitely a good decision not to work there.
I have the best roommate ever. Moving away from home was (is) really hard for me. I don't think I would have made it through the process without my roommate to keep me sane. I am so fortunate that she's been my friend for years and we've lived together since September and we're still friends. Everyone told me not to room with a friend because I wouldn't be able to stand them by the end of it, but so far so good. I'd say we're pretty compatible.
What were the three worst things to happen last year?
My wonderful, beautiful golden retriever was hit by a car right before my birthday. I can't write about it without crying, so I won't.
I had to leave my community college and the job I had there. Honestly, I absolutely loved that school and the people I worked with. If it were an option, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Unfortunately for me, there are very few programs that I could go to the University Center for and mine is not one of them.
Coming to Western, while I believe in the long run will be good for me and I will appreciate it eventually, was the hardest thing I've had to do. I don't even know how I made it through that first semester. I thought I did a decent job expressing how difficult it was without letting how depressed it made me show. However, I was recently talking to my mom about it and she told me how worried she was because my voice sounded so dead whenever I called (which was every day). And honestly, that's how I felt most of the time. So, yeah, everyone tells me I'll learn to love it and that this is good for me, but I don't feel that yet. Right now, it is one of the worst things that I've gone through in the past year.
What did you learn about yourself in 2015?
In 2015, I learned just how strong I am and how strong I'm not. I was so proud of myself for going to Ireland and just making that whole thing happen. After I got back, I was working and taking classes and I was just on cloud nine. I think that's one of the first times I described myself as a strong, confident person. I thought, 'after Ireland, going to Western will be a piece of cake!'.
It wasn't. That's when I learned that I don't have the strength to carry myself. I still don't. I took a pretty big hit in the fall and I'm still trying to recover. It's going to take some time, but I'm still confident enough that I can do it.
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
Well, hopefully I've got my crap together in a year. I'm really hoping. I'm also hoping that I'll be happier. I'll have made friends that make coming back here easier. I hope being away from home gets easier. I don't think I'll ever stop missing it, but just to miss it a little less would be nice.
A year from now, I'd like to smile more.
And hopefully be accepted for another study abroad program. I've become severely inflicted with wanderlust.
"This is the past: It drifts, it gathers. If you are not careful, it will bury you." -Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Sunday, February 14, 2016
The Curious Inident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
*Possible Spoilers*
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
by Mark Haddon
Read: February 8-12, 2016
Published: May 18, 2004
Genre: Mystery
Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.
This improbably story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years. (Amazon)
______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
This book was on one of my To-Read lists (40 Books You Won't Be Able To Put Down?) and I saw it at the library, so I grabbed. I didn't really know what it was about and I didn't do any research on it, so I went in without any expectations.
What did you like about this book?
I liked the concept of the book and I thought it was very well done in the first half. It kept me interested through most of it. The main character, Christopher, likes to count in prime numbers, so the chapters are numbered by prime numbers, which I thought was pretty clever. At first, I liked that it was told from Christopher's point of view, as I've never read a book from the point of view of someone who has Asperger's.
What didn't you like about this book?
There was far too much math in this book. I didn't mind it at first, but it got really old pretty quickly. It was a short book, but I think it would've been to its benefit if it had been even shorter. Also, the plot was pretty weak and I didn't really care that much about any of the characters.
Bottom-Line:
This book was okay. I wouldn't reread it. I think it is a book very much for the 'literary snob'. I did read that it was for people that are fans of The Catcher in the Rye, which I am very much the opposite. So, no, I wouldn't recommend this because I have other books to recommend that I believe are better.
"Sometimes we get sad about things and we don't like to tell other people that we are sad about them. We like to keep it a secret. Or sometimes, we are sad but we really don't know why we are sad, so we say we aren't sad but we really are." -The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
by Mark Haddon
Read: February 8-12, 2016
Published: May 18, 2004
Genre: Mystery
Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.
This improbably story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years. (Amazon)
______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
This book was on one of my To-Read lists (40 Books You Won't Be Able To Put Down?) and I saw it at the library, so I grabbed. I didn't really know what it was about and I didn't do any research on it, so I went in without any expectations.
What did you like about this book?
I liked the concept of the book and I thought it was very well done in the first half. It kept me interested through most of it. The main character, Christopher, likes to count in prime numbers, so the chapters are numbered by prime numbers, which I thought was pretty clever. At first, I liked that it was told from Christopher's point of view, as I've never read a book from the point of view of someone who has Asperger's.
What didn't you like about this book?
There was far too much math in this book. I didn't mind it at first, but it got really old pretty quickly. It was a short book, but I think it would've been to its benefit if it had been even shorter. Also, the plot was pretty weak and I didn't really care that much about any of the characters.
Bottom-Line:
This book was okay. I wouldn't reread it. I think it is a book very much for the 'literary snob'. I did read that it was for people that are fans of The Catcher in the Rye, which I am very much the opposite. So, no, I wouldn't recommend this because I have other books to recommend that I believe are better.
"Sometimes we get sad about things and we don't like to tell other people that we are sad about them. We like to keep it a secret. Or sometimes, we are sad but we really don't know why we are sad, so we say we aren't sad but we really are." -The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Friday, February 12, 2016
Me Before You by Jojo Mayes
*Definitely Spoilers*
Me Before You
by Jojo Mayes
Read: February 11-12, 2016
Published: July 30, 2013
Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance
They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose...
Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he's pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.
Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie and being close to Valentine's Day, I thought I could use a good uplifting romance. Oh boy.
What did you like about this book?
I thought the characters were developed really well. None of them were perfect and none of them were completely horrible (except maybe Patrick...I didn't like him). This was also one of the most convincing slow-build relationships that I've read. It took a long time for Louisa and Will to start to like each other, and even longer for them to grow that friendship into something a little more. It was realistic. I also really liked Louisa's character. I could really relate to her. I don't have big dreams and I don't much care for living anywhere other than my beautiful small town. It's safe there. I liked reading about how she learned to broaden her horizons a bit with Will's help. I really did like this book, except...
What didn't you like about this book?
Small things first...there were times when it got a bit slow. There were some descriptions and scenes that were just unnecessary. And Patrick. He was the worst and I didn't like him. However, my biggest beef with this book was the end. *Huge Spoilers After This Point!* Now, I can handle it when a main character dies at the end. I handled it in The Fault in Our Stars and in Allegiant. There were reasons for the deaths. In one, death was inevitable and in the other it was a sacrifice to save a life. Will Traynor however was unwilling to continue his life even though his family and Louisa were pleading with him not to. He had Louisa's love, and he loved her, and that wasn't enough for him. I couldn't handle that. I would have appreciated this book much more if it ended with the same uplifting and hopeful tone that was consistent throughout. The end just made me so angry. It all felt pointless and hopeless in the end.
Bottom-Line:
I don't know. It was a good book, but I strongly disagree with the ending. There is a movie coming out in June, so I'm glad a read the book before so I'm not completely shocked and distraught in a theatre, so maybe I'd suggest it to someone who wants to see the movie, but likes to read the book first. Or to anyone that wants their heart ripped out.
"You know, you can only actually help someone who wants to be helped." -Me Before You by Jojo Mayes
Me Before You
by Jojo Mayes
Read: February 11-12, 2016
Published: July 30, 2013
Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance
Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he's pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.
Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie and being close to Valentine's Day, I thought I could use a good uplifting romance. Oh boy.
What did you like about this book?
I thought the characters were developed really well. None of them were perfect and none of them were completely horrible (except maybe Patrick...I didn't like him). This was also one of the most convincing slow-build relationships that I've read. It took a long time for Louisa and Will to start to like each other, and even longer for them to grow that friendship into something a little more. It was realistic. I also really liked Louisa's character. I could really relate to her. I don't have big dreams and I don't much care for living anywhere other than my beautiful small town. It's safe there. I liked reading about how she learned to broaden her horizons a bit with Will's help. I really did like this book, except...
What didn't you like about this book?
Small things first...there were times when it got a bit slow. There were some descriptions and scenes that were just unnecessary. And Patrick. He was the worst and I didn't like him. However, my biggest beef with this book was the end. *Huge Spoilers After This Point!* Now, I can handle it when a main character dies at the end. I handled it in The Fault in Our Stars and in Allegiant. There were reasons for the deaths. In one, death was inevitable and in the other it was a sacrifice to save a life. Will Traynor however was unwilling to continue his life even though his family and Louisa were pleading with him not to. He had Louisa's love, and he loved her, and that wasn't enough for him. I couldn't handle that. I would have appreciated this book much more if it ended with the same uplifting and hopeful tone that was consistent throughout. The end just made me so angry. It all felt pointless and hopeless in the end.
Bottom-Line:
I don't know. It was a good book, but I strongly disagree with the ending. There is a movie coming out in June, so I'm glad a read the book before so I'm not completely shocked and distraught in a theatre, so maybe I'd suggest it to someone who wants to see the movie, but likes to read the book first. Or to anyone that wants their heart ripped out.
"You know, you can only actually help someone who wants to be helped." -Me Before You by Jojo Mayes
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
*Possible Spoilers*
A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
Read: February 1-2, 2016
Published: May 5, 2015
Genre: Fantasy
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin--one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it...or doom Tamlin---and his world---forever. (Amazon)
____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
This is one of the many books that my cousin recommended to me and I'm finally getting to it. Also, I was in the fairy tale mood when I got it at the library a few weeks ago. And it's due Saturday, so I really had to get a move on and read it.
What did you like about this book?
This is one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast adaptations that I've read so far (I'll compare to them later). I liked the faerie aspect of the book. I've been kind of turned off towards the whole fae genre since I went through a fae genre frenzy by freshman/sophomore years of high school. This is the first I've read in a long time that I really enjoyed. As far as characters go, Lucien was probably my favorite. He was funny, but also really tough with a rough backstory. Feyre and Tamlin weren't as compelling to me, as characters, but I loved their love story. The best part about this book was probably the descriptions and the action scenes. Maas really has a way with words and her fighting scenes are excellent. It was really just a beautiful book to imagine, with the settings described so well I could see it.
What didn't you like about this book?
There seemed to be two climaxes to this book. The first was paced appropriately, but the second one was hard to get to. The whole build up to the main event at the end just took too long. I found myself skipping whole passages just because I was bored with it. I also had a problem with Feyre's character development. At the start of the book she was tough, and stubborn, and a provider...she was just awesome. However, as she fell in love with Tamlin, she lost the traits that I loved about her and by the first climax, she was a completely different person than she had been in the beginning. She was still portrayed as a strong, independent character, but I just didn't feel it like I did in the first chapters.
Comparisons:
As compared to Cruel Beauty, I enjoyed this one much more. The characters were better developed and it had a more driving plot and I cared about what happened in the end. When I compared this book to the original Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, I was pleased to find small, basic similarities. There were the two sisters (although, the brothers were left out of Maas' book) and the sudden matter of Beauty/Feyre's father losing their fortune. The beast/Tamlin also sent Beauty/Feyre back home (although for different reasons). I just enjoyed the little similarities that reminded me that it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling. However, there were very, very few similarities to the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. No dancing cutlery, singing teapots, or animalistic footrests. The only thing that really reminded me of the Disney movie is when Tamlin took Feyre to the gallery, which was very similar to the beast showing Belle the library.
Bottom-Line:
I really did like this book. I'm not sure if I'll add it to my shelf, but I do know that I'll have to read the second one when it comes out in May. I will add that I'm a little leery of the second book (I've heard rumors of a love triangle. The horror!). However, I think this book can be read on its own. The ending is satisfying enough where you really don't need a second book. So I will recommend it to anyone that enjoys fairy tales. You may divulge in book two (A Court of Mist and Fury) at your own risk.
"We need hope, or else we cannot endure." -A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
Read: February 1-2, 2016
Published: May 5, 2015
Genre: Fantasy
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin--one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it...or doom Tamlin---and his world---forever. (Amazon)
____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
This is one of the many books that my cousin recommended to me and I'm finally getting to it. Also, I was in the fairy tale mood when I got it at the library a few weeks ago. And it's due Saturday, so I really had to get a move on and read it.
What did you like about this book?
This is one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast adaptations that I've read so far (I'll compare to them later). I liked the faerie aspect of the book. I've been kind of turned off towards the whole fae genre since I went through a fae genre frenzy by freshman/sophomore years of high school. This is the first I've read in a long time that I really enjoyed. As far as characters go, Lucien was probably my favorite. He was funny, but also really tough with a rough backstory. Feyre and Tamlin weren't as compelling to me, as characters, but I loved their love story. The best part about this book was probably the descriptions and the action scenes. Maas really has a way with words and her fighting scenes are excellent. It was really just a beautiful book to imagine, with the settings described so well I could see it.
What didn't you like about this book?
There seemed to be two climaxes to this book. The first was paced appropriately, but the second one was hard to get to. The whole build up to the main event at the end just took too long. I found myself skipping whole passages just because I was bored with it. I also had a problem with Feyre's character development. At the start of the book she was tough, and stubborn, and a provider...she was just awesome. However, as she fell in love with Tamlin, she lost the traits that I loved about her and by the first climax, she was a completely different person than she had been in the beginning. She was still portrayed as a strong, independent character, but I just didn't feel it like I did in the first chapters.
Comparisons:
As compared to Cruel Beauty, I enjoyed this one much more. The characters were better developed and it had a more driving plot and I cared about what happened in the end. When I compared this book to the original Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, I was pleased to find small, basic similarities. There were the two sisters (although, the brothers were left out of Maas' book) and the sudden matter of Beauty/Feyre's father losing their fortune. The beast/Tamlin also sent Beauty/Feyre back home (although for different reasons). I just enjoyed the little similarities that reminded me that it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling. However, there were very, very few similarities to the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. No dancing cutlery, singing teapots, or animalistic footrests. The only thing that really reminded me of the Disney movie is when Tamlin took Feyre to the gallery, which was very similar to the beast showing Belle the library.
Bottom-Line:
I really did like this book. I'm not sure if I'll add it to my shelf, but I do know that I'll have to read the second one when it comes out in May. I will add that I'm a little leery of the second book (I've heard rumors of a love triangle. The horror!). However, I think this book can be read on its own. The ending is satisfying enough where you really don't need a second book. So I will recommend it to anyone that enjoys fairy tales. You may divulge in book two (A Court of Mist and Fury) at your own risk.
"We need hope, or else we cannot endure." -A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
*Possible Spoilers*
Saint Anything
by Sarah Dessen
Read: January 24, 2016
Published: May 5, 2015
Genre: YA Fiction
Sydney has always felt invisible. She's grown accustomed to her brother, Peyton, being the focus of the family's attention and, lately, concern. Peyton is handsome and charismatic, but seems bent on self-destruction. Now, after a drunk-driving accident that crippled a boy, Peyton's serving some serious jail time, and Sydney is on her own, questioning her place in the family and the world.
Then she meets the Chatham family. Drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time. There's effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who's had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family. But it's with older brother Mac—quiet, watchful, and protective—that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
We've been over this, guys. I spent my junior high/early high school years absorbed in her books. I am now morally obligated to read every book that she publishes.
What did you like about this book?
I really enjoyed this one, enough to read it in one sitting. It was better than her previous books (which I reviewed). With this book, I felt like Sarah Dessen went back to the quality of writing I expect from her. It was good to read her work and finish it feeling satisfied again. While the romance part of this book is pretty good, my favorite part was the relationship between Sydney and Layla. I loved their friendship, which seemed more natural to me than the Sydney's other friends from before she switched schools. I also really related to the protagonist more than I have related to one of Dessen's characters. I always (well, usually) love them and understand them, but with Sydney I could easily see myself thinking her thoughts. Heck, I have thought her thoughts. Not so much about having a problem older brother, but I've always felt invisible and so did she. It was nice to relate to someone in that aspect, even if it was only with a character in a book. The setting of the book was familiar, same schools that are used in previous books. I've got to say, I'm a little sad it wasn't in Colby, but it wasn't a summer book and that's where the summer books take place.
What didn't you like about this book?
I did not like Sydney's family. To be honest, they all sucked. There was hardly even a redeeming quality, even in the end when they finally saw her. I'm sure Dessen intended it to be that way, but I hated reading parts with her family in it. They were awful! I wasn't a huge fan of the end of the book either. I liked where they were going with it, but I think there could have been a few more pages, or a chapter even, after where it ended. It had that summary quality Dessen's final chapters usually have, which is all fine and dandy, but then she ended on something that couldn't be summarized. It needed dialogue and description. So, I guess the ending was a bit wanting.
If you liked this book...
...but don't want to read Sarah Dessen or you've already read all of her books, I'd suggest Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira or perhaps The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti. Both have a little bit of love, lots of friendship, and a good dash of self-discovery along with tricky familial relations.
My Swoon (Warning! Contains Spoilers)
My favorite part in the whole book was when Mac told Sydney that she wasn't invisible. That part, more than any of the other potential swoon-worthy moments, got me. I think I loved it so much because that's all I want...to be seen. Here's the quote, because I love it:
“As I shut the door and started to walk away, I heard him say, "Hey. Sydney."
"Yeah?"
"You had on a shirt with mushrooms on it, and your hair was pulled back. Silver earrings. Pepperoni slice. No lollipop."
I just looked at him, confused. Layla was walking toward us now.
"The first time you came into Seaside," he said. "You weren't invisible, not to me. Just so you know.”
Bottom-Line:
I liked it. If you're a fan of Dessen's books, you'll probably like it too. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of a light romance with a bit of depth, but not so much that it moves you to tears or changes your life. I'd say this is a small step above a fluff read, but still very good.
"I would have loved to know how it felt, just once, to have something fall apart and see options instead of endings." -Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Saint Anything
by Sarah Dessen
Read: January 24, 2016
Published: May 5, 2015
Genre: YA Fiction
Then she meets the Chatham family. Drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time. There's effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who's had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family. But it's with older brother Mac—quiet, watchful, and protective—that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last. (Amazon)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
We've been over this, guys. I spent my junior high/early high school years absorbed in her books. I am now morally obligated to read every book that she publishes.
What did you like about this book?
I really enjoyed this one, enough to read it in one sitting. It was better than her previous books (which I reviewed). With this book, I felt like Sarah Dessen went back to the quality of writing I expect from her. It was good to read her work and finish it feeling satisfied again. While the romance part of this book is pretty good, my favorite part was the relationship between Sydney and Layla. I loved their friendship, which seemed more natural to me than the Sydney's other friends from before she switched schools. I also really related to the protagonist more than I have related to one of Dessen's characters. I always (well, usually) love them and understand them, but with Sydney I could easily see myself thinking her thoughts. Heck, I have thought her thoughts. Not so much about having a problem older brother, but I've always felt invisible and so did she. It was nice to relate to someone in that aspect, even if it was only with a character in a book. The setting of the book was familiar, same schools that are used in previous books. I've got to say, I'm a little sad it wasn't in Colby, but it wasn't a summer book and that's where the summer books take place.
What didn't you like about this book?
I did not like Sydney's family. To be honest, they all sucked. There was hardly even a redeeming quality, even in the end when they finally saw her. I'm sure Dessen intended it to be that way, but I hated reading parts with her family in it. They were awful! I wasn't a huge fan of the end of the book either. I liked where they were going with it, but I think there could have been a few more pages, or a chapter even, after where it ended. It had that summary quality Dessen's final chapters usually have, which is all fine and dandy, but then she ended on something that couldn't be summarized. It needed dialogue and description. So, I guess the ending was a bit wanting.
If you liked this book...
...but don't want to read Sarah Dessen or you've already read all of her books, I'd suggest Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira or perhaps The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti. Both have a little bit of love, lots of friendship, and a good dash of self-discovery along with tricky familial relations.
My Swoon (Warning! Contains Spoilers)
My favorite part in the whole book was when Mac told Sydney that she wasn't invisible. That part, more than any of the other potential swoon-worthy moments, got me. I think I loved it so much because that's all I want...to be seen. Here's the quote, because I love it:
“As I shut the door and started to walk away, I heard him say, "Hey. Sydney."
"Yeah?"
"You had on a shirt with mushrooms on it, and your hair was pulled back. Silver earrings. Pepperoni slice. No lollipop."
I just looked at him, confused. Layla was walking toward us now.
"The first time you came into Seaside," he said. "You weren't invisible, not to me. Just so you know.”
Bottom-Line:
I liked it. If you're a fan of Dessen's books, you'll probably like it too. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of a light romance with a bit of depth, but not so much that it moves you to tears or changes your life. I'd say this is a small step above a fluff read, but still very good.
"I would have loved to know how it felt, just once, to have something fall apart and see options instead of endings." -Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
*Possible Spoilers*
Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge
Read: January 17-18, 2016
Published: April 17, 2015
Genre: Fantasy
The romance of Beauty and the Beast meets the adventure of Graceling in a dazzling fantasy novel about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.
For fans of bestselling An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses, this gorgeously written debut infuses the classic fairy tale with glittering magic, a feisty heroine, and a romance sure to take your breath away.
Betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom, Nyx has always known that her fate was to marry him, kill him, and free her people from his tyranny. But on her seventeenth birthday when she moves into his castle high on the kingdom's mountaintop, nothing is what she expected—particularly her charming and beguiling new husband. Nyx knows she must save her homeland at all costs, yet she can't resist the pull of her sworn enemy—who's gotten in her way by stealing her heart. (Amazon.com)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
My friend read it and said it was pretty good. Also, I've been in a fairy tale mood because I've been watching a lot of Once Upon a Time. So, when I went on a library run and saw this on the shelf, I picked it up. And I just really needed a new book.
What did you like about this book?
I really enjoyed the premise of it. Hodge combined the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale with Greek mythology. It was a retelling that I had never encountered before, so it was refreshing. The way that the Greek mythology was intertwined with the fairy tale worked very well, in my opinion. As far as characters go, I'd have to say Ignifex was my favorite. He was honest with who he was the whole time and he was so incredibly patient with Nyx (I couldn't have been that patient). I also loved the way that things were resolved in the end. It was close to what I guessed would happen, but not exactly. Which was good. I like surprises.
What didn't you like about this book?
Oh boy. I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. And yes, it did have some strong points...just not enough for me to want to add the book to my shelf. First off, I didn't like Nyx. She didn't make sense to me and she was angry all the time. Yes, she had the right to be angry. Her family was horrible. Especially her twin sister (who was supposed to be precious and lovable, but I hated her). And then there was the love story between Nyx, Ignifex, and Shade (which was sort of a love triangle, but not really...that's resolved at the end of the book). It wasn't believable to me. Perhaps once it started it felt right, but I'm not sure how Nyx got from hating Ignifex to loving him. There wasn't really an in between. There was also too much description of Nyx exploring the house. I understand that it was important to the plot, but the descriptions got too lengthy and it was difficult to stay interested in the number of doors were down the long hallway.
Food for Thought:
For those of you who have watched the ABC series, Once Upon a Time, you'll find that Ignifex is reminiscent of Rumplestiltskin (who is also the beast in the series). There are shady deals and unforeseen prices that are too steep for those that made the deals with him. Just in case you were interested.
Bottom-Line:
I kind of liked it. I don't know if I'd recommend it. Altogether, I'm left feeling torn about the book. It has its good points and plenty of bad ones. I might have to re-read it myself just to get a better hold on what I thought of it. I suppose if this has made you curious enough to read it, by all means go ahead. It wasn't a horrible book and maybe you'll like it more than I did. I just won't give it my highest recommendation.
"You fought and fought to keep all the cruelty locked up in your head, and for what? None of them ever loved you, because none of them ever knew you." --Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge
Read: January 17-18, 2016
Published: April 17, 2015
Genre: Fantasy
For fans of bestselling An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses, this gorgeously written debut infuses the classic fairy tale with glittering magic, a feisty heroine, and a romance sure to take your breath away.
Betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom, Nyx has always known that her fate was to marry him, kill him, and free her people from his tyranny. But on her seventeenth birthday when she moves into his castle high on the kingdom's mountaintop, nothing is what she expected—particularly her charming and beguiling new husband. Nyx knows she must save her homeland at all costs, yet she can't resist the pull of her sworn enemy—who's gotten in her way by stealing her heart. (Amazon.com)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
My friend read it and said it was pretty good. Also, I've been in a fairy tale mood because I've been watching a lot of Once Upon a Time. So, when I went on a library run and saw this on the shelf, I picked it up. And I just really needed a new book.
What did you like about this book?
I really enjoyed the premise of it. Hodge combined the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale with Greek mythology. It was a retelling that I had never encountered before, so it was refreshing. The way that the Greek mythology was intertwined with the fairy tale worked very well, in my opinion. As far as characters go, I'd have to say Ignifex was my favorite. He was honest with who he was the whole time and he was so incredibly patient with Nyx (I couldn't have been that patient). I also loved the way that things were resolved in the end. It was close to what I guessed would happen, but not exactly. Which was good. I like surprises.
What didn't you like about this book?
Oh boy. I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. And yes, it did have some strong points...just not enough for me to want to add the book to my shelf. First off, I didn't like Nyx. She didn't make sense to me and she was angry all the time. Yes, she had the right to be angry. Her family was horrible. Especially her twin sister (who was supposed to be precious and lovable, but I hated her). And then there was the love story between Nyx, Ignifex, and Shade (which was sort of a love triangle, but not really...that's resolved at the end of the book). It wasn't believable to me. Perhaps once it started it felt right, but I'm not sure how Nyx got from hating Ignifex to loving him. There wasn't really an in between. There was also too much description of Nyx exploring the house. I understand that it was important to the plot, but the descriptions got too lengthy and it was difficult to stay interested in the number of doors were down the long hallway.
Food for Thought:
For those of you who have watched the ABC series, Once Upon a Time, you'll find that Ignifex is reminiscent of Rumplestiltskin (who is also the beast in the series). There are shady deals and unforeseen prices that are too steep for those that made the deals with him. Just in case you were interested.
Bottom-Line:
I kind of liked it. I don't know if I'd recommend it. Altogether, I'm left feeling torn about the book. It has its good points and plenty of bad ones. I might have to re-read it myself just to get a better hold on what I thought of it. I suppose if this has made you curious enough to read it, by all means go ahead. It wasn't a horrible book and maybe you'll like it more than I did. I just won't give it my highest recommendation.
"You fought and fought to keep all the cruelty locked up in your head, and for what? None of them ever loved you, because none of them ever knew you." --Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Monday, January 18, 2016
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
*Possible Spoilers*
Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch
Read: December 2015
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Two currently published
__________________________________________________________________________
Why did you read this book?
The cover is pretty. (I'm not even ashamed.)
What did you like about this book?
I was a big fan of the world building. I was sold from the beginning. Raasch does an excellent job including the history of the world without making the first chapters sound like a history book. I also really enjoyed Meira as a character. She was spunky, but not annoying (which unfortunately happens to so many 'strong, female characters' in YA). She was passionate and also smart. I can't quite say that I could relate to her, but I felt her character in me. It was in first person, like most of YA, so it was easy to become Meira. There was one plot twist that I didn't even see coming (although, in retrospect, I really should have). I love it when a book just leaves me in shock. You know, one of those 'mind blown' moments.
What didn't you like about this book?
While this book was very good and I enjoyed it and I'll more than likely be reading it again, it didn't have that much depth. I wouldn't quite call it a fluff read (you know the sort...usually in the romance genre), but it wasn't exactly one that didn't that much concentration. Also, there was a love triangle. I don't mind them, when they're done well. However, this one was just wasn't all that believable. I think, given more time, it could have worked. Unfortunately, it didn't...at least, not for me.
If you liked this book...
...I'd suggest Graceling or Fire, both by Kristin Cashore. They're both in the fantasy genre with female main characters learning to come into their own. Despite the similarities, they are very different. However, I think the reader that enjoys Snow Like Ashes would also like Kristin Cashore's books.
Bottom-Line:
I liked it and I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy. A note of warning, this isn't a fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings. but it's still very good. I haven't read the second book, Ice Like Fire, yet. When I eventually read it, I'll let you know how it goes.
"Someday we will be more than words in the dark." -Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch
Read: December 2015
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Two currently published
A striking fantasy tale of dark magic, dangerous politics, and discovering your true self—perfect for fans of Game of Thrones, An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now the Winterians' only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter's magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.
Orphaned as an infant during Winter's defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, Winter's future king—she would do anything to help Winter rise to power again.
So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter's magic, Meira decides to go after it herself—only to find herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics—and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own. (Amazon)
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Why did you read this book?
The cover is pretty. (I'm not even ashamed.)
What did you like about this book?
I was a big fan of the world building. I was sold from the beginning. Raasch does an excellent job including the history of the world without making the first chapters sound like a history book. I also really enjoyed Meira as a character. She was spunky, but not annoying (which unfortunately happens to so many 'strong, female characters' in YA). She was passionate and also smart. I can't quite say that I could relate to her, but I felt her character in me. It was in first person, like most of YA, so it was easy to become Meira. There was one plot twist that I didn't even see coming (although, in retrospect, I really should have). I love it when a book just leaves me in shock. You know, one of those 'mind blown' moments.
What didn't you like about this book?
While this book was very good and I enjoyed it and I'll more than likely be reading it again, it didn't have that much depth. I wouldn't quite call it a fluff read (you know the sort...usually in the romance genre), but it wasn't exactly one that didn't that much concentration. Also, there was a love triangle. I don't mind them, when they're done well. However, this one was just wasn't all that believable. I think, given more time, it could have worked. Unfortunately, it didn't...at least, not for me.
If you liked this book...
...I'd suggest Graceling or Fire, both by Kristin Cashore. They're both in the fantasy genre with female main characters learning to come into their own. Despite the similarities, they are very different. However, I think the reader that enjoys Snow Like Ashes would also like Kristin Cashore's books.
Bottom-Line:
I liked it and I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy. A note of warning, this isn't a fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings. but it's still very good. I haven't read the second book, Ice Like Fire, yet. When I eventually read it, I'll let you know how it goes.
"Someday we will be more than words in the dark." -Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
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