This is going to be the last of this series, which is kind of sad. I'm glad that I did this, even though I have different plans for 2015. I hope your year has been great, and I wish you well for 2015. And now - the books.
The Raven Boys & The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5)
You might be having déjà vu, I'm having déjà vu. Yes, I reread these books less then a month after reading them for the first time. I wasn't reading anything and wanted to get myself back into it and I just love these books. It's the kind of thing where it I'm completely biased now and you cannot change my opinion about it for anything.
Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan (3/5)
It was... good. It was cute at points or funny, but I guess since I knew about 85% of these myths, I was just kind of eh. Also - it felt like he was trying to hard, at points, to add in that zingy, silly PJ humor. Which I love, but the constant jokes about modern stuff made me want to hit my head against the wall.
The Clockwork Scarab (Stoker & Holmes #1) by Colleen Gleason (3/5)
This was a lot of fun - steampunk, but with some strange elements. I did enjoy it, but I also wasn't crazy about it. I know there are reasons for it, mostly because I was bored for the first part of it and then wasn't really invested for the stuff. The stakes never felt high, even though they were.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling (5/5)
It is no surprise I loved this book - it was witty and fun and ridiculously good. I'm so glad I ended up reading it and am definitely going to trust everyone more about these funny female memoirs.
The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco (5/5)
I loved the first chapter or so, just was like: yes, give me more, that was fucking awesome. But I wasn't really in a reading mood, so I didn't force it when I started to loose interests. and I'm really glad I didn't because it is a little slow at points. However - I don't think that's bad, it's just slower, and I really enjoyed this book.
The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen (4/5)
A fantastic adult.... fantasy/scifi thing. I'd suggest not looking too much into it, if you want to read it, because I didn't and it was kind of a delight to find things out. It's slow at points and some of the writing can drag - but overall I loved this book, the story, and I'm looking forward to book two now.
The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu (3/5)
Good. I liked it. It was dark and strange, but it also dragged a bit, at points, or I just had trouble getting into it. I'm not sure why, but some things just jarred me out of the story a bit. Still, I'm definitely going to be continuing with this series.
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes (5/5)
This book was fantastic - there's time travel, there's serial killers. There's random things brought up from history that are so obviously heavily researched and I loved that they were there - radium girls, for example, or underground abortion groups. It's very good and very dark. And I highly recommend it if you like, or don't mind, those kinds of things.
And that's it - that's the year. I'm not going to be reading anything else this year, a little surprisingly, but I am very pleased with what I have gotten done. Very pleased. I'll be posting all kinds of things the beginning of January - favorites, a yearly reading wrap-up, most anticipated for 2015. All kinds of things!
See you in the new year.
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (17)
Part seventeen, I can't believe how far this little series has gone (and this is definitely not going to be the last part). Before I get onto any tangents - onto the books!
Chew, Vol. 2 & 3 by John Layman (4/5)
Oh man. I keep liking these more and more, great series.
The Wicked and the Divine #2 & The Wicked and the Divine #3 by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
This comic series, I'm going to end up also buying the bind up. It's just gorgeous and I love the colors, and the story/characters.
Old Man's War (Old Man's War #1) by John Scalzi (5/5)
A very interesting book and was intense as hell, at points, but also really funny. I highly recommend Scalzi, and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad (2/5)
I enjoyed the beginning of this book, but as it went on, I just... eh.
Half-Bad by Sally Green (2/5)
I enjoyed the flashbacks and such more then the actual story, and I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series. (Unless I forget how much I didn't like this one, which is possible).
The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5)
I loved this book more then I expected to. It made me squeal, which hasn't happened in a long time, being so blindly in love with a book.
Click-Clack the Rattlebag by Neil Gaiman (5/5)
A small little audiobook that was free on Audible for Halloween times. It was cute and creepy.
Hawkeye, Vol 3 + Up to #19 by Matt Fraction (5/5)
I love this series - it's fantastic and gorgeous. And I like this Clint, Kate, and the bad guys.
The Dream Thieves (THe Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5)
I was surprised at how much I loved this one, considering my love for the first one. I never thought a hug would give me so many feels - I love these characters, all of them. So much. Now I want to reread these and read the third one. Gah. (Saying that, I wrote this before rereading them, and now that I've reread them - I still feel the same, I might love them more. So freaking good, but also probably not for everyone with the writing style).
White Cat, Red Gloves, Black Heart (#1-3) by Holly Black (5/5)
I read these book back to back, and I definitely think it made me love it more, but also I was just in the mood for exactly this kind of thing.
Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle #1) by Dianna Wynne Jones (5/5)
I can't believe how long it took me to read this book, and watch the movie. This is one of those rare moments where I think I liked the movie more? But it's hard to say because I loved both of them, and I think I just think that because I saw the movie first (and Howl's castle was so cool in the movie).
No Plot? No Problem: Revised and Expanded by Chris Baty (5/5)
This is by the lovely creator of NaNoWriMo and it's about writing a book in a month, and I tend to read it every year. And this year I splurged on the new edition, which is signed if you buy it from the NaNo store. Highly recommended.
The Siren (The Original Sinners #1) by Tiffany Reisz (5/5)
I was pleasantly surprised by this, someone recommended it on a post (or to me, I can't remember). And it has pretty high ratings on Goodreads. (Not for younger or squeamish audiences)
Wallbanger (Cocktail #1) by Alice Clayton (3/5)
I wasn't expecting what this was, but it ended up being really cute and funny. I'm not sure if I'll continue on with this series, because I just liked how this ended, but we'll see.
Girl in Love (Kylie Ryans #3) by Caisey Quinn (2/5)
I don't want to talk about the fact that I finished this series, when I was only ever eh about it. These are the things I read at 4am, when I can't focus on worldbuilding and have less energy to be furiously annoyed at the immature way the characters act. Still - it's fun, I guess, which is why I continued with it.
Rock Chick (Rock Chick #1) by Kristen Ashley
I skimmed a lot of this book, I just did not enjoy it. It was boring, at first, a little ridiculous. And then the main love interest made me want to sit the girl down and explain to her that she was a person. And that's all I'm going to say, since I basically DNFed it with the skimming.
The Unknown Unknown by Mark Forsyth (5/5)
This is an essay about bookshops and the importance of them. I really enjoyed it, but I also think some of it was one sided in thought. Because, yes, real bookshops always expose me to stuff I've never heard of, but so do people. Or the internet - people talking about stuff in blogs, forums, videos. I'd of never found quite a few of my recent favorites if it weren't for the internet.
Jackaby by Will Ritter (5/5)
This book was a ton of fun. At the beginning, I wasn't too sure about it, and then I was just sucked in. The atmosphere was interesting, the use of supernatural creatures now often used, or used right (I was sold by a certain banshee, I loved that heart-wrenching depiction, it felt very real and horrible).
Chew, Vol. 2 & 3 by John Layman (4/5)
Oh man. I keep liking these more and more, great series.
The Wicked and the Divine #2 & The Wicked and the Divine #3 by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
This comic series, I'm going to end up also buying the bind up. It's just gorgeous and I love the colors, and the story/characters.
Old Man's War (Old Man's War #1) by John Scalzi (5/5)
A very interesting book and was intense as hell, at points, but also really funny. I highly recommend Scalzi, and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad (2/5)
I enjoyed the beginning of this book, but as it went on, I just... eh.
Half-Bad by Sally Green (2/5)
I enjoyed the flashbacks and such more then the actual story, and I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series. (Unless I forget how much I didn't like this one, which is possible).
The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5)
I loved this book more then I expected to. It made me squeal, which hasn't happened in a long time, being so blindly in love with a book.
Click-Clack the Rattlebag by Neil Gaiman (5/5)
A small little audiobook that was free on Audible for Halloween times. It was cute and creepy.
Hawkeye, Vol 3 + Up to #19 by Matt Fraction (5/5)
I love this series - it's fantastic and gorgeous. And I like this Clint, Kate, and the bad guys.
The Dream Thieves (THe Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5)
I was surprised at how much I loved this one, considering my love for the first one. I never thought a hug would give me so many feels - I love these characters, all of them. So much. Now I want to reread these and read the third one. Gah. (Saying that, I wrote this before rereading them, and now that I've reread them - I still feel the same, I might love them more. So freaking good, but also probably not for everyone with the writing style).
White Cat, Red Gloves, Black Heart (#1-3) by Holly Black (5/5)
I read these book back to back, and I definitely think it made me love it more, but also I was just in the mood for exactly this kind of thing.
Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle #1) by Dianna Wynne Jones (5/5)
I can't believe how long it took me to read this book, and watch the movie. This is one of those rare moments where I think I liked the movie more? But it's hard to say because I loved both of them, and I think I just think that because I saw the movie first (and Howl's castle was so cool in the movie).
No Plot? No Problem: Revised and Expanded by Chris Baty (5/5)
This is by the lovely creator of NaNoWriMo and it's about writing a book in a month, and I tend to read it every year. And this year I splurged on the new edition, which is signed if you buy it from the NaNo store. Highly recommended.
The Siren (The Original Sinners #1) by Tiffany Reisz (5/5)
I was pleasantly surprised by this, someone recommended it on a post (or to me, I can't remember). And it has pretty high ratings on Goodreads. (Not for younger or squeamish audiences)
Wallbanger (Cocktail #1) by Alice Clayton (3/5)
I wasn't expecting what this was, but it ended up being really cute and funny. I'm not sure if I'll continue on with this series, because I just liked how this ended, but we'll see.
Girl in Love (Kylie Ryans #3) by Caisey Quinn (2/5)
I don't want to talk about the fact that I finished this series, when I was only ever eh about it. These are the things I read at 4am, when I can't focus on worldbuilding and have less energy to be furiously annoyed at the immature way the characters act. Still - it's fun, I guess, which is why I continued with it.
Rock Chick (Rock Chick #1) by Kristen Ashley
I skimmed a lot of this book, I just did not enjoy it. It was boring, at first, a little ridiculous. And then the main love interest made me want to sit the girl down and explain to her that she was a person. And that's all I'm going to say, since I basically DNFed it with the skimming.
The Unknown Unknown by Mark Forsyth (5/5)
This is an essay about bookshops and the importance of them. I really enjoyed it, but I also think some of it was one sided in thought. Because, yes, real bookshops always expose me to stuff I've never heard of, but so do people. Or the internet - people talking about stuff in blogs, forums, videos. I'd of never found quite a few of my recent favorites if it weren't for the internet.
Jackaby by Will Ritter (5/5)
This book was a ton of fun. At the beginning, I wasn't too sure about it, and then I was just sucked in. The atmosphere was interesting, the use of supernatural creatures now often used, or used right (I was sold by a certain banshee, I loved that heart-wrenching depiction, it felt very real and horrible).
Thursday, December 11, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (16)
Part sixteen, I'm catching up surprisingly quickly, maybe I will be able to get these all up by the end of the year. As long as I don't read another ridiculous amount of books in December, we should be fine. Saying that, though, I think we should be getting right into the books.
Girl on Tour (Kylie Ryans #2) by Caisey Quinn (2/5)
My only note that I wrote down, after finishing this, was 'eh.' Which is think is a good explanation for how I feel about these books. These don't involve any thought to read, and the main character makes me want to shake her, at times, she's so... much still a teenager and so childish and no one ever just talks to each other. Argh.
Imitation in Death (In Death #17) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
I really enjoyed this one - the copying of past serial killers is one of my favorite things (wow, that sounded creepy), and it was really interesting in this book. And, of course, I just over the characters to death.
Warbreaker (Warbreaker #1) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
I thought this was a standalone, at first, but I'm really glad he's going to expand on the story. Anyway - I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot different then what I expected, though his books always are, and while it was a little slow in the beginning, I kind of liked it that way. Really, really good.
The Think of the Doorstep by H.P Lovecraft (5/5)
Look, I read some Lovecraft! Technically, I think this was a short story, but it honestly creeped me out? I'm not sure why, books don't normally creep me out or scare me, but this one just... made me shiver a little. I'm slogging through a book with a bunch of his short stories right now - they're good, his language is just strangely dense, at least to me, and also I'd rather not read it before bed and dream of evil sea gods. Highly recommend checking out his stuff, though, what I've read so far is very good.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (4/5)
This was also different then expected, I didn't know it wasn't told from Jekyll's point of view - but I actually really enjoyed it that way. It was strange and very interesting. I'm glad I gave Stevenson another try, after not being able to finish Treasure Island. Though, I've always loved the Jekyll/Hyde stuff that came off this (this ended in me marathoning the BBC show Jekyll, actually. Surprisingly held up after so many years).
The Heroes of Olympus #1-4 by Rick Riordan (5/5)
I'm seperating out the last book for some reason - all of these were rereads, first of all. But I also don't want to spoil any of this series - if you liked Percy Jackson and the Olympians, then I'd definitely give this one a try, knowing it isn't Percy central, though they do show up. I really enjoyed this series, Riordan's books are fun and strange at points, and I like the humor.
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan (5/5)
Short stories. I, surprisingly, hadn't read this before even though I bought it at some point intending to do so. It was cute, short and sweet, and I'm glad I read it before rereading House of Hades.
Percy Jackson: The Ultimate Guide by Riordan (3/5)
It was... cute? It was informative, but of information I already new. Maybe a good way to refresh yourself of what happened, but I kind of expected some new stuff, even a little, and I didn't find a scrap
The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
I adored this book - I know people had some problems with Percy and Annabeth kind of being pushed to background characters (among other problems that I'm not going to get into because spoilers), and that did annoy me a bit. But I was too over the moon about chapters from Nico's perspective. That's a main thing I wanted from this book and I got it, and am mildly obsessed with the Nico/Will thing, well I was right after reading this. I do kind of wish, even though I know it's a middle grade book, Riordan touched more heavily on how probably fucked up, excuse the language, all of these kids are. I'm thinking Percy, Annabeth, and Nico might need some therapy, and those two are definitely going to have extreme separation anxiety. Not to mention all the PTSD (and nightmares, and dreams).
The Arrival by Shaun Tan (5/5)
This was more a work of art then a graphic novel. It was truly gorgeous and incredible. There are no words in this graphic novel and I highly suggest checking it out.
East of West, Vols 1, 2, &3 by Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta (5/5)
I didn't know what to expect picking up volume 1 - all I knew was strange possible future, apocalypse, four horsemen, a wild west-ish vibe. Holy shit, guys, this is a fantastic comic series. I loved these three and I am itching to get my hands on volume 4. Apparently this wraps up 'year one' of the series, and I don't know when they're going to keep going, if they are (I think they are, nothing is decided here, guys, give me more).
Chew, Volume 1 by John Layman
I... wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up loving this. The different art style, the gore, the whole 'mythology,' the characters - I loved all of it and it was all slightly ridiculous. Fantastic - the whole black market chicken then is hilarious.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll (4/5)
Lovely, beautiful art work (seriously it's stunning). A strange series of comic short stories, and a little sad.
In Real Live by Cory Doctorow, Jen Wang (4/5)
The illustrations in this, the colors, were lovely. It reminded me, originally, of Sword Art Online - the being inside a video game things. But then I realized they weren't, it was just how they were showing it. Still - I really enjoyed it, a lot of fun.
Captain Marvel, Volume 1: Higher, Further, Faster, More by Kelly Sue DeConnick (4/5)
I enjoyed this more then I expected - it kind of throws you into the story with no real explanation. But I ended up really enjoying it, it was a lot of fun.
Wytches #1 by Scott Snyder (5/5)
This actually gave me nightmares after. Probably shouldn't of read it right before bed. But it was very interesting and strange and creepy I'm definitely interested to read more. (issues are monthly, I believe).
Alcatraz and the Scriveners Bones (Alcatraz #2) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
No surprise I loved this book - if you don't know I'd suggest checking into the first one, but only if you've read Sanderson before and/or know and enjoy his strange sense of humor (which I love).
Wayward #1, #2 by Jim Zub (4/5)
Really interesting, I'm intrigued to carry on. The colors are a lot of fun in this, bright. And I really like the part at the back that's an essay on something important/related to the story, it might be my favorite part (because I'm a weirdo).
The Wicked and the Divine #1 by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
Holy. Shit. I love it. I don't know why I was kind of instantly sold, but I am. The art and coloring is gorgeous and I love this idea and these characters. I highly recommend this (and I think the bind up of the first five or so issues just came out!)
And I think I'm going to end this part here. I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on these books, I hope I kept them all short and sweet enough, but with actually also giving you my thoughts. Any questions - just let me know. And if you've read any of these books, graphic novels, single issue comics - then I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.
Girl on Tour (Kylie Ryans #2) by Caisey Quinn (2/5)
My only note that I wrote down, after finishing this, was 'eh.' Which is think is a good explanation for how I feel about these books. These don't involve any thought to read, and the main character makes me want to shake her, at times, she's so... much still a teenager and so childish and no one ever just talks to each other. Argh.
Imitation in Death (In Death #17) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
I really enjoyed this one - the copying of past serial killers is one of my favorite things (wow, that sounded creepy), and it was really interesting in this book. And, of course, I just over the characters to death.
Warbreaker (Warbreaker #1) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
I thought this was a standalone, at first, but I'm really glad he's going to expand on the story. Anyway - I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot different then what I expected, though his books always are, and while it was a little slow in the beginning, I kind of liked it that way. Really, really good.
The Think of the Doorstep by H.P Lovecraft (5/5)
Look, I read some Lovecraft! Technically, I think this was a short story, but it honestly creeped me out? I'm not sure why, books don't normally creep me out or scare me, but this one just... made me shiver a little. I'm slogging through a book with a bunch of his short stories right now - they're good, his language is just strangely dense, at least to me, and also I'd rather not read it before bed and dream of evil sea gods. Highly recommend checking out his stuff, though, what I've read so far is very good.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (4/5)
This was also different then expected, I didn't know it wasn't told from Jekyll's point of view - but I actually really enjoyed it that way. It was strange and very interesting. I'm glad I gave Stevenson another try, after not being able to finish Treasure Island. Though, I've always loved the Jekyll/Hyde stuff that came off this (this ended in me marathoning the BBC show Jekyll, actually. Surprisingly held up after so many years).
The Heroes of Olympus #1-4 by Rick Riordan (5/5)
I'm seperating out the last book for some reason - all of these were rereads, first of all. But I also don't want to spoil any of this series - if you liked Percy Jackson and the Olympians, then I'd definitely give this one a try, knowing it isn't Percy central, though they do show up. I really enjoyed this series, Riordan's books are fun and strange at points, and I like the humor.
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan (5/5)
Short stories. I, surprisingly, hadn't read this before even though I bought it at some point intending to do so. It was cute, short and sweet, and I'm glad I read it before rereading House of Hades.
Percy Jackson: The Ultimate Guide by Riordan (3/5)
It was... cute? It was informative, but of information I already new. Maybe a good way to refresh yourself of what happened, but I kind of expected some new stuff, even a little, and I didn't find a scrap
The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
I adored this book - I know people had some problems with Percy and Annabeth kind of being pushed to background characters (among other problems that I'm not going to get into because spoilers), and that did annoy me a bit. But I was too over the moon about chapters from Nico's perspective. That's a main thing I wanted from this book and I got it, and am mildly obsessed with the Nico/Will thing, well I was right after reading this. I do kind of wish, even though I know it's a middle grade book, Riordan touched more heavily on how probably fucked up, excuse the language, all of these kids are. I'm thinking Percy, Annabeth, and Nico might need some therapy, and those two are definitely going to have extreme separation anxiety. Not to mention all the PTSD (and nightmares, and dreams).
The Arrival by Shaun Tan (5/5)
This was more a work of art then a graphic novel. It was truly gorgeous and incredible. There are no words in this graphic novel and I highly suggest checking it out.
East of West, Vols 1, 2, &3 by Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta (5/5)
I didn't know what to expect picking up volume 1 - all I knew was strange possible future, apocalypse, four horsemen, a wild west-ish vibe. Holy shit, guys, this is a fantastic comic series. I loved these three and I am itching to get my hands on volume 4. Apparently this wraps up 'year one' of the series, and I don't know when they're going to keep going, if they are (I think they are, nothing is decided here, guys, give me more).
Chew, Volume 1 by John Layman
I... wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up loving this. The different art style, the gore, the whole 'mythology,' the characters - I loved all of it and it was all slightly ridiculous. Fantastic - the whole black market chicken then is hilarious.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll (4/5)
Lovely, beautiful art work (seriously it's stunning). A strange series of comic short stories, and a little sad.
In Real Live by Cory Doctorow, Jen Wang (4/5)
The illustrations in this, the colors, were lovely. It reminded me, originally, of Sword Art Online - the being inside a video game things. But then I realized they weren't, it was just how they were showing it. Still - I really enjoyed it, a lot of fun.
Captain Marvel, Volume 1: Higher, Further, Faster, More by Kelly Sue DeConnick (4/5)
I enjoyed this more then I expected - it kind of throws you into the story with no real explanation. But I ended up really enjoying it, it was a lot of fun.
Wytches #1 by Scott Snyder (5/5)
This actually gave me nightmares after. Probably shouldn't of read it right before bed. But it was very interesting and strange and creepy I'm definitely interested to read more. (issues are monthly, I believe).
Alcatraz and the Scriveners Bones (Alcatraz #2) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
No surprise I loved this book - if you don't know I'd suggest checking into the first one, but only if you've read Sanderson before and/or know and enjoy his strange sense of humor (which I love).
Wayward #1, #2 by Jim Zub (4/5)
Really interesting, I'm intrigued to carry on. The colors are a lot of fun in this, bright. And I really like the part at the back that's an essay on something important/related to the story, it might be my favorite part (because I'm a weirdo).
The Wicked and the Divine #1 by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
Holy. Shit. I love it. I don't know why I was kind of instantly sold, but I am. The art and coloring is gorgeous and I love this idea and these characters. I highly recommend this (and I think the bind up of the first five or so issues just came out!)
And I think I'm going to end this part here. I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on these books, I hope I kept them all short and sweet enough, but with actually also giving you my thoughts. Any questions - just let me know. And if you've read any of these books, graphic novels, single issue comics - then I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (13)
Part thirteen! I, obviously, read a lot of books this year and can't believe how far I fell behind with these. I just kept forgetting about them and kept reading. But I've read a ton of books.
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo (4/5, 5/5, 4/5)
I really liked this series and did a full series review - and I'm not sure why I liked it so much. I just think I got drawn in and attached to the characters and that was the end of it (I'm a character person, and they were fun and great).
Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke (4/5, 5/5, 5/5)
This was a fun middle grade graphic novel series that was a lot of fun and the characters were awesome and fun. And I really liked the illustrations and the covers. I'd highly suggest this if you like graphic novels and middle grade adventure - because this is both of those shoved together fantastically.
City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
This was a reread to me and I enjoyed it but it felt a little lacking in parts. Saying that - I read it in one sitting and almost cried, so there's that. I know some people just adore this series, have problems with it or the author - but I read the original three books in middle school, when they were first coming out, and so I might be a little too nostalgic to be objective. (Full series review)
Playing with Fire (Skulduggery Pleasant #2) by Derek Landy (5/5)
Second book in this series and I loved it probably just as much as the first one - the dialogue, setting, characters, plot. It was so much fun.
Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
For some reason - I like this series better. This one definitely isn't my favorite of this series and it was a reread, but I enjoy the setting and characters. I adore these characters, just all of them. (particularly our three, of course). (series review)
Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
I loved this one more then I expected - I didn't expect to like this series as much, and this one was just really good, especially considering it was a second in a series. I'm also not sure I can be non-biased with this one, they're just fun (I'm pretty sure this year, all her books I read, I finished them all in one sitting). (series review)
Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
This book. It hurt and I loved it - I think my favorite relationship in this whole series is the one between Will and Jem and it's so painful and kind of stupidly angsty and I kind of loved that? This one hurts. And it's so good. And you should definitely read this one before the end of The Mortal Intrusments. (series review)
City of Fallen Angels (TMI #4) by Cassie Clare (4/5)
Reread. And I honestly remembered almost less then I did of City of Glass, even though I obviously had read this one more recently. And sometimes these teenagers makes me want to shake them, but I also really enjoyed this book, especially having finished The Infernal Devices before this one. There was giggling, I have no regrets. (series review)
City of Lost Souls (TMI #5) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
New stuff! I hadn't read before! I didn't expect this, I don't know why I just didn't. And I think the reason I loved this one so much was because of how busy I was flailing over ID stuff, like I said, no regrets. But I did enjoy what was going on with kind of everyone - they're all ridiculous and I apparently just gave in embraced this? (series review)
City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
I finished this book the morning we were getting on a plane to fly to Orlando for LeakyCon (I woke up early, and I have just enough time to finish it). And I'm obviously not going to spoil anything here - but I really, really enjoyed it. It was still ridiculous at points, but also fun (junk food, addictive). I really liked this series and I wasn't going to pick up the next one but if certain characters are going to be in it, I will pick it up for them. (series review)
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo (4/5, 5/5, 4/5)
I really liked this series and did a full series review - and I'm not sure why I liked it so much. I just think I got drawn in and attached to the characters and that was the end of it (I'm a character person, and they were fun and great).
Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke (4/5, 5/5, 5/5)
This was a fun middle grade graphic novel series that was a lot of fun and the characters were awesome and fun. And I really liked the illustrations and the covers. I'd highly suggest this if you like graphic novels and middle grade adventure - because this is both of those shoved together fantastically.
City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
This was a reread to me and I enjoyed it but it felt a little lacking in parts. Saying that - I read it in one sitting and almost cried, so there's that. I know some people just adore this series, have problems with it or the author - but I read the original three books in middle school, when they were first coming out, and so I might be a little too nostalgic to be objective. (Full series review)
Playing with Fire (Skulduggery Pleasant #2) by Derek Landy (5/5)
Second book in this series and I loved it probably just as much as the first one - the dialogue, setting, characters, plot. It was so much fun.
Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
For some reason - I like this series better. This one definitely isn't my favorite of this series and it was a reread, but I enjoy the setting and characters. I adore these characters, just all of them. (particularly our three, of course). (series review)
Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
I loved this one more then I expected - I didn't expect to like this series as much, and this one was just really good, especially considering it was a second in a series. I'm also not sure I can be non-biased with this one, they're just fun (I'm pretty sure this year, all her books I read, I finished them all in one sitting). (series review)
Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
This book. It hurt and I loved it - I think my favorite relationship in this whole series is the one between Will and Jem and it's so painful and kind of stupidly angsty and I kind of loved that? This one hurts. And it's so good. And you should definitely read this one before the end of The Mortal Intrusments. (series review)
City of Fallen Angels (TMI #4) by Cassie Clare (4/5)
Reread. And I honestly remembered almost less then I did of City of Glass, even though I obviously had read this one more recently. And sometimes these teenagers makes me want to shake them, but I also really enjoyed this book, especially having finished The Infernal Devices before this one. There was giggling, I have no regrets. (series review)
City of Lost Souls (TMI #5) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
New stuff! I hadn't read before! I didn't expect this, I don't know why I just didn't. And I think the reason I loved this one so much was because of how busy I was flailing over ID stuff, like I said, no regrets. But I did enjoy what was going on with kind of everyone - they're all ridiculous and I apparently just gave in embraced this? (series review)
City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
I finished this book the morning we were getting on a plane to fly to Orlando for LeakyCon (I woke up early, and I have just enough time to finish it). And I'm obviously not going to spoil anything here - but I really, really enjoyed it. It was still ridiculous at points, but also fun (junk food, addictive). I really liked this series and I wasn't going to pick up the next one but if certain characters are going to be in it, I will pick it up for them. (series review)
Thursday, November 27, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (12)
I haven't done one of these since September and am now hopelessly behind. Well, not hopelessly, I hope to get most of the remaining up before the end of the year (maybe just not the last one or two, depending on how much I'm reading in December, which I'm hoping will be a lot).
I left off, in part eleven, on This is What Happy Looks Like - which I read in June, so I was behind them. So let's get right into it, then.
Never Stop Shutting Up by Mike Falzone (5/5)
Mike Falzone is a musician and YouTuber (a comedic one), and he's hilarious and a lot of things he says make you go "wow, he has a point there." I had a lot of fun reading this book, it made my six+ hour flight back from LA significantly less painful.
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg (3/5)
Cute, interesting, fun. A bit too much of the stereotypical drama and the writing was lacking a little - but it was still fun to read.
Girl with Guitar (Kylie Ryans #1) by Caisey Quinn (3/5)
I think I'm remembering correctly - this was one of those romance books that I read in one sitting when I couldn't sleep at 4/5am (I read a lot of romance books at this time, I don't know why, they're just so easy to read), and this one was short. And surprisingly fun, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it unless you want something that's like 200 pages and doesn't really have too much depth (any depth, from what I remember).
Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack (3/5)
Okay, cute. But also a ton of second hand embarassement and why are you doing that. Also pretty sure I read this in the same situation - early morning, couldn't get back to sleep, this book is 200 pages. Eh.
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Bosh (5/5)
This book is freaking fantastic. You just need to read it - it's amazing and so good.
In the Shadows by Kiersten White, and Jim Di Bartolo (5/5)
I was surprised by this book, I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this and I was very pleasantly surprised. And i really loved it, I've heard some mixed things, but I don't know if it was right book, right time - but I really enjoyed it, it was fun, the fantasy elements were fun and the illustrations were gorgeous.
I Think I am in Friend Love With You by Yumi Sakugawa
This was short and sweet and so freaking cute and good.
Boxers and Saints (Boxers and Saints #1 ) by Gene Luen Yang (5/5)
These are both fantastic and amazing. I've found I love this authors books, I love the magical realism elements. I'd definitely suggest giving this a try (and possibly crying, they're not happy, feel good books).
The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider (5/5)
I don't know why it took me so long to read this. I knew I was going to love it, I was just putting it off (I have an arc of this book, it's embarrassing). Anyway - I loved this book, so much. Highly recommended. And, also I will always think of it as Severed Heads, Broken Hearts.
Scepter of the Ancients (Skulduggery Pleasant #1) by Derek Landy (5/5)
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was fun and a little ridiculous and I loved it. That's it - go read it, there's a skeleton detective and a kick-ass girl.
And I think that's all I'm going to do for this one - have you read any of these books? Did you enjoy them? Do you want to read them / have them on your TBR?
I left off, in part eleven, on This is What Happy Looks Like - which I read in June, so I was behind them. So let's get right into it, then.
Never Stop Shutting Up by Mike Falzone (5/5)
Mike Falzone is a musician and YouTuber (a comedic one), and he's hilarious and a lot of things he says make you go "wow, he has a point there." I had a lot of fun reading this book, it made my six+ hour flight back from LA significantly less painful.
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg (3/5)
Cute, interesting, fun. A bit too much of the stereotypical drama and the writing was lacking a little - but it was still fun to read.
Girl with Guitar (Kylie Ryans #1) by Caisey Quinn (3/5)
I think I'm remembering correctly - this was one of those romance books that I read in one sitting when I couldn't sleep at 4/5am (I read a lot of romance books at this time, I don't know why, they're just so easy to read), and this one was short. And surprisingly fun, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it unless you want something that's like 200 pages and doesn't really have too much depth (any depth, from what I remember).
Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack (3/5)
Okay, cute. But also a ton of second hand embarassement and why are you doing that. Also pretty sure I read this in the same situation - early morning, couldn't get back to sleep, this book is 200 pages. Eh.
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Bosh (5/5)
This book is freaking fantastic. You just need to read it - it's amazing and so good.
In the Shadows by Kiersten White, and Jim Di Bartolo (5/5)
I was surprised by this book, I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this and I was very pleasantly surprised. And i really loved it, I've heard some mixed things, but I don't know if it was right book, right time - but I really enjoyed it, it was fun, the fantasy elements were fun and the illustrations were gorgeous.
I Think I am in Friend Love With You by Yumi Sakugawa
This was short and sweet and so freaking cute and good.
Boxers and Saints (Boxers and Saints #1 ) by Gene Luen Yang (5/5)
These are both fantastic and amazing. I've found I love this authors books, I love the magical realism elements. I'd definitely suggest giving this a try (and possibly crying, they're not happy, feel good books).
The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider (5/5)
I don't know why it took me so long to read this. I knew I was going to love it, I was just putting it off (I have an arc of this book, it's embarrassing). Anyway - I loved this book, so much. Highly recommended. And, also I will always think of it as Severed Heads, Broken Hearts.
Scepter of the Ancients (Skulduggery Pleasant #1) by Derek Landy (5/5)
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was fun and a little ridiculous and I loved it. That's it - go read it, there's a skeleton detective and a kick-ass girl.
And I think that's all I'm going to do for this one - have you read any of these books? Did you enjoy them? Do you want to read them / have them on your TBR?
Thursday, September 4, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (10)
Another part of this lovely adventure, it's been an insane reading year for me and I never expected this series to go as far as it seems to be going. To look at past ones, full reviews, or all the books I've read this year - 2014 reading challenge post.
Maus Vol 1 + 2 by Art Spiegelman (both - 5/5)
I loved these two graphic novels. They felt very real and very raw, and I really liked the way he used the animals thing. It wasn't overdone and it wasn't jarring at any point.
Locke and Key: Vols 1, 2, + 3 by Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez (all - 5/5)
These first three in the series were fantastic. I love the story and the characters, and the third is probably the one that's the darkest, but they're all pretty dark and intense. And I loved every minute and cannot wait to get my hands on more, highly recommended.
Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery #1) by Kim Harrison (4/5)
This was good, fun, and quick. And I have a full review here.
Elusive Memories (The Hunted #1) by Amanda Shofner (5/5)
Really liked this, it was interesting from the start and I really liked the characters. And am super looking forward to the next one!
What In God's Name by Simon Rich (5/5)
I don't know what I expected from this book, but it wasn't what I got. And what I got was amazing. It was ridiculous and amazing and I just really loved it to pieces. A fantastic, quick read that had me laughing out loud way too many times.
Watchmen by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons (4/5)
This took me longer to read then I expected - I slogged through it at points, it could get a little overly wordy, but that isn't to say I didn't enjoy - I really did. I guess my expectations were a little high after everything I'd heard, but it was still good.
Coffin Hill, Vol 1 by Caitlin Kitteredge (4/5)
Super interesting and weird and bloody and weird - I weirdly really enjoyed it. A lot. If you haven't looked into it, you should.
Fruits Basket Vol 1 - 23 by Natsuki Takaya (5/5)
Yes - I read all 23 volumes of Fruits Basket in a ridiculous, and probably unhealthy, short amount of time (reread, actually). (I finished the first one on the 2nd of June, and the last one on the 6th). Obviously I really, really love this series. It's just - so good. The anime and the manga, I first watched and read it years ago and just - so good. It's silly, hilarious, fun, ridiculous, makes fun of itself - check it out.
Fire and Flood (Fire and Flood #1) by Victoria Scott (4/5)
I have a full review up Basically - really enjoyed, fast paced.
Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour (5/5)
I have a full review up. I adored this book, go and read it, it's gorgeous and breathtaking and just so freaking good.
Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony (3/5)
It was a cool concept and interesting - but I think it should of been longer, or that there needed to be more then just a few snippets of IMs between them, I didn't really care about the characters, didn't feel connected to them, and it made no real sense why it was in pictures, to me at least.
Maus Vol 1 + 2 by Art Spiegelman (both - 5/5)
I loved these two graphic novels. They felt very real and very raw, and I really liked the way he used the animals thing. It wasn't overdone and it wasn't jarring at any point.
Locke and Key: Vols 1, 2, + 3 by Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez (all - 5/5)
These first three in the series were fantastic. I love the story and the characters, and the third is probably the one that's the darkest, but they're all pretty dark and intense. And I loved every minute and cannot wait to get my hands on more, highly recommended.
Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery #1) by Kim Harrison (4/5)
This was good, fun, and quick. And I have a full review here.
Elusive Memories (The Hunted #1) by Amanda Shofner (5/5)
Really liked this, it was interesting from the start and I really liked the characters. And am super looking forward to the next one!
What In God's Name by Simon Rich (5/5)
I don't know what I expected from this book, but it wasn't what I got. And what I got was amazing. It was ridiculous and amazing and I just really loved it to pieces. A fantastic, quick read that had me laughing out loud way too many times.
Watchmen by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons (4/5)
This took me longer to read then I expected - I slogged through it at points, it could get a little overly wordy, but that isn't to say I didn't enjoy - I really did. I guess my expectations were a little high after everything I'd heard, but it was still good.
Coffin Hill, Vol 1 by Caitlin Kitteredge (4/5)
Super interesting and weird and bloody and weird - I weirdly really enjoyed it. A lot. If you haven't looked into it, you should.
Fruits Basket Vol 1 - 23 by Natsuki Takaya (5/5)
Yes - I read all 23 volumes of Fruits Basket in a ridiculous, and probably unhealthy, short amount of time (reread, actually). (I finished the first one on the 2nd of June, and the last one on the 6th). Obviously I really, really love this series. It's just - so good. The anime and the manga, I first watched and read it years ago and just - so good. It's silly, hilarious, fun, ridiculous, makes fun of itself - check it out.
Fire and Flood (Fire and Flood #1) by Victoria Scott (4/5)
I have a full review up Basically - really enjoyed, fast paced.
Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour (5/5)
I have a full review up. I adored this book, go and read it, it's gorgeous and breathtaking and just so freaking good.
Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony (3/5)
It was a cool concept and interesting - but I think it should of been longer, or that there needed to be more then just a few snippets of IMs between them, I didn't really care about the characters, didn't feel connected to them, and it made no real sense why it was in pictures, to me at least.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (8)
And we have part eight of my mini-book reviews series of this year, I can't believe I've read this many books so far this year - and I wonder how many part I'll get to by the end of the year. And besides that mini-rant - the books.
The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1) by Patrick Ness (5/5)
I can't believe no one forced me to read this book - why did no one do this? This book is fantastic and incredible and - just go forth and read it. And my full review can be found here (link will be live when review is).
Zom-B by Darren Shan (1/5)
I - don't want to talk about this, I'm trying to block this book from my mind. That probably sounds cruel and it probably is a little, but I've never reacted to a book the way I did this one.
Cold War by Adam Christopher
This is a prequel novella for his new novel, The Burning Dark, and it really peaked my interest. Saying that, I started the book and just wasn't in the mood (it was during a 24-hour read-a-thon, and SciFi can be too heavy for that), but I'm looking forward to getting into it more, but this was an interesting intro to the world.
God Save the Queen (Immortal Empire #1) by Kate Locke (5/5)
If you follow me anywhere - you probably know of my flailing for this entire series. And I have full reviews for all of them. Basically this series is: steampunk, vampires, mutation in DNA, romance, there are also werewolves, Queen Victoria does also. Full review for God Save the Queen.
The Queen is Dead (Immortal Empire #2) by Kate Locke (5/5)
This book was just as good as the first, and in my review I started spewing love about the LGBT representation in this series (mostly because of my favorite non-main character). Full review here.
The Walking Dead: Book One by Robert Kirkman
A reread so I could continue on with the series - it was good, but I've read it before and seen the first series, of course.
Long Live the Queen (Immortal Empire #3) by Kate Locke (5/5)
The final book in this fantastic series. Full review here.
The New World (Chaos Walking #0.5) by Patrick Ness (5/5)
A great little peak into Viola's life before the story starts and before she meets Todd, really enjoyed it, I listened to it in audiobook form - so well done.
The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1) by Patrick Ness (5/5)
I can't believe no one forced me to read this book - why did no one do this? This book is fantastic and incredible and - just go forth and read it. And my full review can be found here (link will be live when review is).
Zom-B by Darren Shan (1/5)
I - don't want to talk about this, I'm trying to block this book from my mind. That probably sounds cruel and it probably is a little, but I've never reacted to a book the way I did this one.
Cold War by Adam Christopher
This is a prequel novella for his new novel, The Burning Dark, and it really peaked my interest. Saying that, I started the book and just wasn't in the mood (it was during a 24-hour read-a-thon, and SciFi can be too heavy for that), but I'm looking forward to getting into it more, but this was an interesting intro to the world.
God Save the Queen (Immortal Empire #1) by Kate Locke (5/5)
If you follow me anywhere - you probably know of my flailing for this entire series. And I have full reviews for all of them. Basically this series is: steampunk, vampires, mutation in DNA, romance, there are also werewolves, Queen Victoria does also. Full review for God Save the Queen.
The Queen is Dead (Immortal Empire #2) by Kate Locke (5/5)
This book was just as good as the first, and in my review I started spewing love about the LGBT representation in this series (mostly because of my favorite non-main character). Full review here.
The Walking Dead: Book One by Robert Kirkman
A reread so I could continue on with the series - it was good, but I've read it before and seen the first series, of course.
Long Live the Queen (Immortal Empire #3) by Kate Locke (5/5)
The final book in this fantastic series. Full review here.
The New World (Chaos Walking #0.5) by Patrick Ness (5/5)
A great little peak into Viola's life before the story starts and before she meets Todd, really enjoyed it, I listened to it in audiobook form - so well done.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (7)
And here we go, another part of this series I'm doing. I really like this idea, even though a lot of these books I did post full reviews of. I haven't done one of these in way too long, and with the recent read-a-thons that have happened, I'm starting to fall behind. Anyway - onto the books.
Paradox: The Nine Great Enigmas in Physics by Jim Al-Khalili (5/5)
I really enjoyed this book, it's a non-fiction science book full of interesting physics things. Which probably sounds very boring to you, but if it sounds interesting I'd check this one out. He can articulate what he's trying to say very well, which is important for non-fiction and especially with something like this that goes this deep into quantum physics and other stuff. I'd like to write a full review of this one, but I don't think it'll happen, just because that's kind of all I have to say about it.
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (4/5)
Good, even very good, but it just felt like it was a little odd at points to me. I did really enjoy it, though, and it's what I'm blaming on my recent SciFi binge and then love, which I kind of hope never goes away (the love for it, that is).
Redshirts by John Scalzi (5/5)
So. Fucking. Good. And hilarious as hell. I put up a full review here, but basically I highly recommend this book (even for people who aren't Star Trek fans).
Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1) by James S.A. Corey (5/5)
This book. I've got a full review here, but - man I cannot stop just spewing how much I love this book and flailing so I'll just stop now.
The Martian by Andy Weir (5/5)
This was also a really funny SciFi book, but it's about a guy that just gets trapped on Mars. And he's a really great narrator, and it's probably why I loved this book so much, because he's hilarious. Full review here.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (5/5)
Psychological horror book that is great. It took me a while to read it, but I didn't really mind that, it was just one of those books that I felt would be better slow. And it was creepy and how the text is arranged at certain parts added a lot to the atmosphere and it was really cool.
The Preacher: Book One by Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon (5/5)
Gore, violence, what would probably offend anyone whose at all religious. Everything I love! (Okay, that was a joke, kind of a joke because looking on my taste it's also a tad true). I've got a full review up here. (Basically, though - really good, can't wait to continue the series).
Caliban's War (The Expanse #2) by James S.A. Corey (5/5)
This series is fantastic. And instead of fangirling about it again, I'm just going to stop - check out this series (my full review of Leviathan Wakes it just a little up there). Space Opera, guys - it's so good.
The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
A reread and this time I listened to the audiobook and loved it as much as I did the first time. Sanderson writes such rich worlds with such interesting magic systems and they're always so different, it's incredible.
Paradox: The Nine Great Enigmas in Physics by Jim Al-Khalili (5/5)
I really enjoyed this book, it's a non-fiction science book full of interesting physics things. Which probably sounds very boring to you, but if it sounds interesting I'd check this one out. He can articulate what he's trying to say very well, which is important for non-fiction and especially with something like this that goes this deep into quantum physics and other stuff. I'd like to write a full review of this one, but I don't think it'll happen, just because that's kind of all I have to say about it.
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (4/5)
Good, even very good, but it just felt like it was a little odd at points to me. I did really enjoy it, though, and it's what I'm blaming on my recent SciFi binge and then love, which I kind of hope never goes away (the love for it, that is).
Redshirts by John Scalzi (5/5)
So. Fucking. Good. And hilarious as hell. I put up a full review here, but basically I highly recommend this book (even for people who aren't Star Trek fans).
Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1) by James S.A. Corey (5/5)
This book. I've got a full review here, but - man I cannot stop just spewing how much I love this book and flailing so I'll just stop now.
The Martian by Andy Weir (5/5)
This was also a really funny SciFi book, but it's about a guy that just gets trapped on Mars. And he's a really great narrator, and it's probably why I loved this book so much, because he's hilarious. Full review here.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (5/5)
Psychological horror book that is great. It took me a while to read it, but I didn't really mind that, it was just one of those books that I felt would be better slow. And it was creepy and how the text is arranged at certain parts added a lot to the atmosphere and it was really cool.
The Preacher: Book One by Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon (5/5)
Gore, violence, what would probably offend anyone whose at all religious. Everything I love! (Okay, that was a joke, kind of a joke because looking on my taste it's also a tad true). I've got a full review up here. (Basically, though - really good, can't wait to continue the series).
Caliban's War (The Expanse #2) by James S.A. Corey (5/5)
This series is fantastic. And instead of fangirling about it again, I'm just going to stop - check out this series (my full review of Leviathan Wakes it just a little up there). Space Opera, guys - it's so good.
The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
A reread and this time I listened to the audiobook and loved it as much as I did the first time. Sanderson writes such rich worlds with such interesting magic systems and they're always so different, it's incredible.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (6)
I've read so many more books this year so far, it's completely ridiculous to me because I use to struggle to my goal of fifty or a hundred, now I've already blown past 50 books for the year. Anyway, onto the mini-book reviews, I think.
Young Avengers, Vol. 1: Style > Substance by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
I really enjoyed this, I really enjoy these compiled comic books, which is a whole different rant. Also, if you're looking to get into comics and have no idea where to start: Marvel Now, and I'd kind of like to do a post all about comic books / graphic novels / manga (but this will probably take months to do, so it definitely won't be up anytime soon).
Saga, Vol. 1 - 3 by Brian K. Vaughan (5/5)
So good, I'm just including all three volumes together. I didn't know what to expect going in, but it was so good, such a great beginning. I loved the characters, the art is gorgeous through all three volumes, and I love the way the stories told. Definitely recommending this whole series. It's definitely got mature content, though. I gave all three 5/5 stars, and I wish I could of given them more almost.
Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories From History Without the Fairy-Tale Ending by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie (5/5)
I wrote up a full review of this book here, but in short - oh man, so amazing, historical princesses that were real and the book was so well written. Also - even if it might not sound like exactly your cup of tea, if you run across it in a store, read the introduction, it made me smile, at least. (Feminism, princesses - what's not to like?)
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
I read this book in the UK two part edition, but I'm just going to mention it here as one book, because as soon as I finished one, I picked up the other (though I did finish other books between the two, because this is a long book). I want to write a full review of this one, but I think I have to reread it. Bottom line: this book was one of those books that makes you just feel full, it makes you feel good and just like content. Does that make sense to anyone? (Recommended, so highly, all of his books actually).
Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Meade (4/5)
I just keep reading these books, I mean I have the box set so I might as well just read them. And I did give this one a star higher then the first two, and I did enjoy it, but I also just don't know if I really care about these characters or where I can see the plot going. I'll probably end up picking up the next one at some point, probably, definitely no rush.
Bite Me (London Undead #1) by P.J. Schnyder (3/5)
I don't actually remember why I picked this up, it was really cheep, kindle, and someone I follow on Goodreads was talking about the newest one. It might of been two people. Anyway - it was fun and action-y. Werewolves, zombies, - just some light fun, enjoyed it though.
Young Avengers, Vol. 1: Style > Substance by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
I really enjoyed this, I really enjoy these compiled comic books, which is a whole different rant. Also, if you're looking to get into comics and have no idea where to start: Marvel Now, and I'd kind of like to do a post all about comic books / graphic novels / manga (but this will probably take months to do, so it definitely won't be up anytime soon).
Saga, Vol. 1 - 3 by Brian K. Vaughan (5/5)
So good, I'm just including all three volumes together. I didn't know what to expect going in, but it was so good, such a great beginning. I loved the characters, the art is gorgeous through all three volumes, and I love the way the stories told. Definitely recommending this whole series. It's definitely got mature content, though. I gave all three 5/5 stars, and I wish I could of given them more almost.
Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories From History Without the Fairy-Tale Ending by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie (5/5)
I wrote up a full review of this book here, but in short - oh man, so amazing, historical princesses that were real and the book was so well written. Also - even if it might not sound like exactly your cup of tea, if you run across it in a store, read the introduction, it made me smile, at least. (Feminism, princesses - what's not to like?)
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
I read this book in the UK two part edition, but I'm just going to mention it here as one book, because as soon as I finished one, I picked up the other (though I did finish other books between the two, because this is a long book). I want to write a full review of this one, but I think I have to reread it. Bottom line: this book was one of those books that makes you just feel full, it makes you feel good and just like content. Does that make sense to anyone? (Recommended, so highly, all of his books actually).
Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Meade (4/5)
I just keep reading these books, I mean I have the box set so I might as well just read them. And I did give this one a star higher then the first two, and I did enjoy it, but I also just don't know if I really care about these characters or where I can see the plot going. I'll probably end up picking up the next one at some point, probably, definitely no rush.
Bite Me (London Undead #1) by P.J. Schnyder (3/5)
I don't actually remember why I picked this up, it was really cheep, kindle, and someone I follow on Goodreads was talking about the newest one. It might of been two people. Anyway - it was fun and action-y. Werewolves, zombies, - just some light fun, enjoyed it though.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (5)
And more of these mini-book review posts! I really enjoy these, and sometimes they make me realize I do have enough to say for a full review on a book, which is always great. I honestly love reviewing books but mostly just blogging in general, even if it's just kind of for me at points. Anyway - books to review!
This Star Won't Go Out: The Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Earl and many others (5/5)
I did a full review on this. But, just to push on you how much you need to read this book, it's heartbreaking and beautiful and very real and very raw. And my copy has tear stains on a few pages, so please pick this book up and check into the charity that her parents set up in her name.
The Assassin's Curse (The Assassin's Curse #1) by Cassandra Rose Clarke (4/5)
I had some issues with it, mostly the severe lack of world building, but I did mostly just really enjoy it. It was kind of a light read, which was what I needed to be able to dip into during my Harry Potter reread. I liked the characters and I'm planning on picking up the second book (and the short stories) at some point. Hopefully soon.
The Search for WondLa (WondLa #1) by Tony DiTerlizzi (5/5)
How much I loved this book was a complete shock. I've got a review in the works for this one, but definitely check it out and give it a go (the pictures, friend, the illustrations are gorgeous). Possible review to come, we'll see, I'm trying to write it.
A Wizard of EarthSea (Earthsea Cycle #1) by Usulua K. Le Guin (?)
I didn't actually rate this one and I have no idea what to say about it. It's one that I have a lot to say and nothing to say about it at the same time. Overall - I'd say I enjoyed it, though I couldn't stand the beginning, and still am a tad angry with it. But, besides that, I think it's stayed around so long for a reason, and that you should give it a try, even just to be bewildered by it like I am. I don't think I've never just not rated a book before (personally or on GR).
Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Meade (3/5)
It was - eh. It felt like the definition of a filler episode of a TV show until like the last fifty pages or so, maybe only thirty even. And I always want to just fly through all the books while I'm midway through it, apparently, then don't have the want to once I'm finished. I do like the series, mostly, but I also don't think it's worth all the hype it's been getting.
This Star Won't Go Out: The Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Earl and many others (5/5)
I did a full review on this. But, just to push on you how much you need to read this book, it's heartbreaking and beautiful and very real and very raw. And my copy has tear stains on a few pages, so please pick this book up and check into the charity that her parents set up in her name.
The Assassin's Curse (The Assassin's Curse #1) by Cassandra Rose Clarke (4/5)
I had some issues with it, mostly the severe lack of world building, but I did mostly just really enjoy it. It was kind of a light read, which was what I needed to be able to dip into during my Harry Potter reread. I liked the characters and I'm planning on picking up the second book (and the short stories) at some point. Hopefully soon.
The Search for WondLa (WondLa #1) by Tony DiTerlizzi (5/5)
How much I loved this book was a complete shock. I've got a review in the works for this one, but definitely check it out and give it a go (the pictures, friend, the illustrations are gorgeous). Possible review to come, we'll see, I'm trying to write it.
A Wizard of EarthSea (Earthsea Cycle #1) by Usulua K. Le Guin (?)
I didn't actually rate this one and I have no idea what to say about it. It's one that I have a lot to say and nothing to say about it at the same time. Overall - I'd say I enjoyed it, though I couldn't stand the beginning, and still am a tad angry with it. But, besides that, I think it's stayed around so long for a reason, and that you should give it a try, even just to be bewildered by it like I am. I don't think I've never just not rated a book before (personally or on GR).
Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Meade (3/5)
It was - eh. It felt like the definition of a filler episode of a TV show until like the last fifty pages or so, maybe only thirty even. And I always want to just fly through all the books while I'm midway through it, apparently, then don't have the want to once I'm finished. I do like the series, mostly, but I also don't think it's worth all the hype it's been getting.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (4 - Harry Potter edition)
I'm not going to do a full review of each Harry Potter book, I don't actually know if I could and if I did most of it would just be flailing. I already put a lot of thoughts, most of them, in my rereads of 2014 post, so I don't know what else I can share.
I did a full reread of Harry Potter in February, which I haven't done for a long time, and if you want to read more about rereading and my HP experience and such you can check out my post about Rereading books and Why I Think It's Important. So most of things I want to say about this series have been said, probably.
I love this series, I love Harry Potter. The characters, the world, the whole freaking deal, I absolutely adore it. (I go to HP conventions, this should be obvious). I'm going to keep things as vague as I can, but - there are going to be spoilers below. I'm sorry but just go and read them if you haven't already.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
So good and so just - lovely. This is probably the one I've reread the most recently, but it might of been Deathly Hallows. I love this first book and Harry finding out that he's a wizard and how his parents died and that he's famous. I just - love it. And it's so comforting, the whole series it, it's like... home. (Cheesy, but so true).
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I normally say this is my least favorite book in the series, probably the one I've reread the least behind Goblet of Fire, but I flew through it this time alone. And I did really enjoy it. From Harry seeing the Burrow first time and really staying with the Weasley's just in general, to the flying car thing, I really enjoyed rereading this on.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I love this book and, surprisingly, not just because I'm a Marauder fangirl, though that definitely is part of it. I really enjoy how at the beginning, Harry is trying to stay calm, in control, and also how he was doing his homework at night. And how he looses control, even being older now. Obviously - I love Remus teaching them and that whole end with the Shrieking Shack and the time turner, it's so good and so very clever.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
So, like I said, this is about tied with CoS for book I've reread the least. Which is just - awful, truly, because I loved this book rereading it. And even though it's basically twice the size of PoA, I flew through it. I just kind of love the whole thing, honestly, it's fantastic and intense as hell at parts. Also, you know, finishing that book that it's started again, and that they're just going to get darker.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I don't know why ever through CoS was my least favorite of the series, because it's definitely this one. I mean I still really enjoyed it, don't get me wrong, but Umbridge, guys. She makes me want to strange her or just bash her, or my, head against the wall. She's just so - evil, honestly, but in an almost civil way. She's clever about it but cruel, but there are still some things I love. The D.A. meetings and the twins pranks. The ending always gets me, though, I'm sure you all know why.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I have no warm fuzzy feelings for Slughorn, but also not really any really negative feelings about it, I'm pretty meh. So - that was fantastic after Umbridge. And some of the scenes in this book are odd and hilarious. Overall, I love this book, with the memories of Voldemort and the problems the kids run into. And the ending, from GoF on all the endings are just - awful and amazing. (Except the Epilogue on Deathly Hallows, but shhhh).
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #6) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
Why do so many of my absolute favorite characters die? Ah, well, I guess it's okay. I love the whole end of this book. Except the Epilogue. Oddly enough, I didn't mind the epilogue all that much the first few times and I read it and then - the more I did and the more I thought about what it implied (I'm pretty sure I was mostly in shock still, or sobbing, especially the first time through), I just don't like it, it annoys me. But - the book is fantastic and the series is fantastic and I'm so glad I reread them now.
I did a full reread of Harry Potter in February, which I haven't done for a long time, and if you want to read more about rereading and my HP experience and such you can check out my post about Rereading books and Why I Think It's Important. So most of things I want to say about this series have been said, probably.
I love this series, I love Harry Potter. The characters, the world, the whole freaking deal, I absolutely adore it. (I go to HP conventions, this should be obvious). I'm going to keep things as vague as I can, but - there are going to be spoilers below. I'm sorry but just go and read them if you haven't already.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
So good and so just - lovely. This is probably the one I've reread the most recently, but it might of been Deathly Hallows. I love this first book and Harry finding out that he's a wizard and how his parents died and that he's famous. I just - love it. And it's so comforting, the whole series it, it's like... home. (Cheesy, but so true).
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I normally say this is my least favorite book in the series, probably the one I've reread the least behind Goblet of Fire, but I flew through it this time alone. And I did really enjoy it. From Harry seeing the Burrow first time and really staying with the Weasley's just in general, to the flying car thing, I really enjoyed rereading this on.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I love this book and, surprisingly, not just because I'm a Marauder fangirl, though that definitely is part of it. I really enjoy how at the beginning, Harry is trying to stay calm, in control, and also how he was doing his homework at night. And how he looses control, even being older now. Obviously - I love Remus teaching them and that whole end with the Shrieking Shack and the time turner, it's so good and so very clever.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
So, like I said, this is about tied with CoS for book I've reread the least. Which is just - awful, truly, because I loved this book rereading it. And even though it's basically twice the size of PoA, I flew through it. I just kind of love the whole thing, honestly, it's fantastic and intense as hell at parts. Also, you know, finishing that book that it's started again, and that they're just going to get darker.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I don't know why ever through CoS was my least favorite of the series, because it's definitely this one. I mean I still really enjoyed it, don't get me wrong, but Umbridge, guys. She makes me want to strange her or just bash her, or my, head against the wall. She's just so - evil, honestly, but in an almost civil way. She's clever about it but cruel, but there are still some things I love. The D.A. meetings and the twins pranks. The ending always gets me, though, I'm sure you all know why.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
I have no warm fuzzy feelings for Slughorn, but also not really any really negative feelings about it, I'm pretty meh. So - that was fantastic after Umbridge. And some of the scenes in this book are odd and hilarious. Overall, I love this book, with the memories of Voldemort and the problems the kids run into. And the ending, from GoF on all the endings are just - awful and amazing. (Except the Epilogue on Deathly Hallows, but shhhh).
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #6) by J.K. Rowling (5/5)
Why do so many of my absolute favorite characters die? Ah, well, I guess it's okay. I love the whole end of this book. Except the Epilogue. Oddly enough, I didn't mind the epilogue all that much the first few times and I read it and then - the more I did and the more I thought about what it implied (I'm pretty sure I was mostly in shock still, or sobbing, especially the first time through), I just don't like it, it annoys me. But - the book is fantastic and the series is fantastic and I'm so glad I reread them now.
Friday, February 28, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (3)
And we have part three of this series I've been doing, I'm falling behind but hopefully I can get caught up now that I've slowed down the pace I was keeping in January. And, without any further introduction, the books.
Firstborn by Brandon Sanderson (4/5)
This was interesting and facinating. It was very short, just a short story, but I was pulled in instantly, as is normally the case with Sanderson. This story has a rich world, even though we don't spend much time in it, and some very interesting things to be learned. It's only 99 cents, I believe, on Kindle, totally worth it.
Doctor Who: The Rising Night by Scott Handcock (3/5)
I listened to this, audible style, but I kept getting distracted and had to back it up. And I wasn't really doing anything important, it just didn't hold my attention very much. It was an interesting story and a good little short Doctor Who fix, but not one of the best Doctor Who novels/novellas I've read or listened to.
Hawkeye, Vol. 2: Little Hits by Matt Fraction and many more (4/5)
Really liked this. For some reason I just like Clint's character and personality, even if he can be an asshole, and it makes it fun to read. I really don't have much of anything to say about this one, except that Kate is awesome.
Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Meade (3/5)
It was - good. Okay. Just some of the high school drama BS dragged a little for my taste, I really don't have much time for it. I do want to continue this series, I liked Rose and I liked the mythos. I felt like they handled a few things a little odd. I kind of think that their age difference (Rose/Dimiri) isn't a really big deal at all? I mean, even the apprentice thing isn't that big of deal, but maybe I just don't think of it as such a shock anymore. The apprentice thing, I think, should definitely be more of a problem then their age difference.
Seduction in Death (In Death #13) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
Oh man, guys, this was so good. I love this series and it is a tad cheesy at points, the writing, but not in a bad way. If that makes any sense to you. I adore these characters and how they interact. This one had a lot of them present. The killer(s) were known pretty early on but that didn't change the tension at all, and I love that even though there are a ton of these books, the murders/plot never feels done before or old.
Reunion in Death (In Death #14) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
Really good, too. I adored it, I really did. And it had a lot more personal stuff with the main character and her past. These books aren't, like, high literature, but they're fun and a good story and normally keep me guessing pretty well. And, of course, adore the characters and that is a good enough reason to continue reading.
And I'm going to stop here for now, because next is the first Harry Potter book, kicking off my Harry Potter read. I think I'll do a full post like this revolving around that and then back to normal. (There were two books in the middle of the series that I'll just kick back to the next review post).
Firstborn by Brandon Sanderson (4/5)
This was interesting and facinating. It was very short, just a short story, but I was pulled in instantly, as is normally the case with Sanderson. This story has a rich world, even though we don't spend much time in it, and some very interesting things to be learned. It's only 99 cents, I believe, on Kindle, totally worth it.
Doctor Who: The Rising Night by Scott Handcock (3/5)
I listened to this, audible style, but I kept getting distracted and had to back it up. And I wasn't really doing anything important, it just didn't hold my attention very much. It was an interesting story and a good little short Doctor Who fix, but not one of the best Doctor Who novels/novellas I've read or listened to.
Hawkeye, Vol. 2: Little Hits by Matt Fraction and many more (4/5)
Really liked this. For some reason I just like Clint's character and personality, even if he can be an asshole, and it makes it fun to read. I really don't have much of anything to say about this one, except that Kate is awesome.
Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Meade (3/5)
It was - good. Okay. Just some of the high school drama BS dragged a little for my taste, I really don't have much time for it. I do want to continue this series, I liked Rose and I liked the mythos. I felt like they handled a few things a little odd. I kind of think that their age difference (Rose/Dimiri) isn't a really big deal at all? I mean, even the apprentice thing isn't that big of deal, but maybe I just don't think of it as such a shock anymore. The apprentice thing, I think, should definitely be more of a problem then their age difference.
Seduction in Death (In Death #13) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
Oh man, guys, this was so good. I love this series and it is a tad cheesy at points, the writing, but not in a bad way. If that makes any sense to you. I adore these characters and how they interact. This one had a lot of them present. The killer(s) were known pretty early on but that didn't change the tension at all, and I love that even though there are a ton of these books, the murders/plot never feels done before or old.
Reunion in Death (In Death #14) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
Really good, too. I adored it, I really did. And it had a lot more personal stuff with the main character and her past. These books aren't, like, high literature, but they're fun and a good story and normally keep me guessing pretty well. And, of course, adore the characters and that is a good enough reason to continue reading.
And I'm going to stop here for now, because next is the first Harry Potter book, kicking off my Harry Potter read. I think I'll do a full post like this revolving around that and then back to normal. (There were two books in the middle of the series that I'll just kick back to the next review post).
Saturday, February 1, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (2)
And we have part two of my book reviews of 2014. I think this is a good thing for how many freaking books I read n January, but also probably a bad thing because it almost makes me not want to try and write full reviews. I have been writing down a small amount of my thoughts for every book, just as i finis them, kind of just for myself, but hopefully that'll help me write more reviews. I like writing reviews, they're just so hard.
Attack on Titan, Vol. 4-10 by Hajime Isayama (5/5)
I'm just going to say I love this, but I love this series so much. Manga or Anime, you should check it out at least a few episodes / volumes.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (3/5)
I liked it, I did, but maybe it was like overhyped or - I don't know. I just didn't really seem to love it as much as everyone else did. It was good, intriguing characters and they're all crazy, but maybe if I read it again, I'll like it more, I don't know, I didn't fall in love with it. (I'm sorry, don't kill me).
The Cosmic Puppets by Philip K. Dick (5/5)
This is like a little, awesome book. I don't even know if I could describe it, but the premise made me think that it sounded like a Twilight Zone episode and it's very much like that, except even better. I know, how can it be better then Twilight Zone? I don't know, it's just so good.
Wool Omnibus (Silo #1) by Hugh Howey (5/5)
I really want to write a full review on this one because I love it so much, even though the beginning is a little slow going, when it gets going, it just keeps going. Definitely can see why this series took off so much.
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare (3/5)
This was a reread and I, surprisingly, remembered most of it. Surprisingly because I read this series in middle school, and I loved it in middle school (unsurprisingly) but now all I could focus on is the problems. Also when I first read this series, I had to wait for the third book, so this whole series like physically hurt from the end of book one on, really.
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
I only remembered this one vaguely, but it was better then I remembered. Mostly because I really just want to know more about Alec and Magnus' relationship because Magnus is hundreds of years old and Alec is so young and still in the closet. I need to know more.
Disney After Dark (Kingdom Keepers #1) by Ridley Pearson (4/5)
This is definitely the weakest book in the series, also a reread by the way, and I love this series. But, anyway, it's still awesome and kind of adorable, and like frolicking and almost being killed in Disney World at night, go read it.
The City of Ember (Book of Ember #1) by Jeanne DePrau (4/5)
This was surprisingly good. I've had this recommended to me before and I've owned it for a while now. It was interesting and I've got the second one, so I'll probably be reading soon. (Soon-ish, I have so many books oh my gosh). Anyway, it was good, recommended.
Pathfinder (Pathfinder #1) by Orson Scott Card (4/5)
I'm going to write a full review of this book because I have a surprising amount of thoughts about this. Some good, some bad, some a jumble of just confusion and 'huh.' So hopefully that'll be up soon.
Graceling (Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore (4/5)
This was good, but I had some problems with it. Mostly minor, I really liked the main characters journey: literally and mentally. It wasn't quite instalove, but as soon as they met I kind of groaned internally, though, I did like that they beat each other up (that's only a slight spoiler, it happens pretty earlier). And Po is great, so I can understand people's love for this series. Completely.
Attack on Titan, Vol. 4-10 by Hajime Isayama (5/5)
I'm just going to say I love this, but I love this series so much. Manga or Anime, you should check it out at least a few episodes / volumes.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (3/5)
I liked it, I did, but maybe it was like overhyped or - I don't know. I just didn't really seem to love it as much as everyone else did. It was good, intriguing characters and they're all crazy, but maybe if I read it again, I'll like it more, I don't know, I didn't fall in love with it. (I'm sorry, don't kill me).
The Cosmic Puppets by Philip K. Dick (5/5)
This is like a little, awesome book. I don't even know if I could describe it, but the premise made me think that it sounded like a Twilight Zone episode and it's very much like that, except even better. I know, how can it be better then Twilight Zone? I don't know, it's just so good.
Wool Omnibus (Silo #1) by Hugh Howey (5/5)
I really want to write a full review on this one because I love it so much, even though the beginning is a little slow going, when it gets going, it just keeps going. Definitely can see why this series took off so much.
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare (3/5)
This was a reread and I, surprisingly, remembered most of it. Surprisingly because I read this series in middle school, and I loved it in middle school (unsurprisingly) but now all I could focus on is the problems. Also when I first read this series, I had to wait for the third book, so this whole series like physically hurt from the end of book one on, really.
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
I only remembered this one vaguely, but it was better then I remembered. Mostly because I really just want to know more about Alec and Magnus' relationship because Magnus is hundreds of years old and Alec is so young and still in the closet. I need to know more.
Disney After Dark (Kingdom Keepers #1) by Ridley Pearson (4/5)
This is definitely the weakest book in the series, also a reread by the way, and I love this series. But, anyway, it's still awesome and kind of adorable, and like frolicking and almost being killed in Disney World at night, go read it.
The City of Ember (Book of Ember #1) by Jeanne DePrau (4/5)
This was surprisingly good. I've had this recommended to me before and I've owned it for a while now. It was interesting and I've got the second one, so I'll probably be reading soon. (Soon-ish, I have so many books oh my gosh). Anyway, it was good, recommended.
Pathfinder (Pathfinder #1) by Orson Scott Card (4/5)
I'm going to write a full review of this book because I have a surprising amount of thoughts about this. Some good, some bad, some a jumble of just confusion and 'huh.' So hopefully that'll be up soon.
Graceling (Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore (4/5)
This was good, but I had some problems with it. Mostly minor, I really liked the main characters journey: literally and mentally. It wasn't quite instalove, but as soon as they met I kind of groaned internally, though, I did like that they beat each other up (that's only a slight spoiler, it happens pretty earlier). And Po is great, so I can understand people's love for this series. Completely.
Monday, January 20, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (1)
So I started the "year in review" thing last year, in 2013, really late and I didn't stay on top of it enough, but this year, I'm starting early and am going to try and keep up. Even though I have already read a truly ridiculous amount of books this year.
Infinity Blade: Awakening (Infinity Blade #1) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
I really liked this, even though I didn't know it was connected to a game until later, but I really enjoyed the story in this. It was pretty short, but it had a lot of stuff packed into it and had a huge twist at the end that I didn't see coming, which was fantastic and of course a little awful.
The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #2) by Laurell K. Hamilton (4/5)
This was, obviously, a reread. And it was kind of, honestly, weird to go back, I'm about halfway through the series now and Anita has definitely changed a lot, the whole world has change a lot, but it was fun to go back to the simpler days.
Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction (5/5)
This was really good, I never really honestly got into comic books, probably because there isn't a comic store super close to me and no one I knew was really into it, not to say this was my first look into it. It was just different. And really good. I loved Clint (aka: Hawkeye) in the Avengers movie but he is about ten times better in this and just... fantastic, I'm hoping to pick up more when I can, I'm kind of on a self-imposed book buying ban.
Steelheart (Reckoners #1) + Mitosis (Reckoners #1.5) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5 - both)
I loved this book and it's little accompanying short story/novella. It was a dystopian novel set in what I believe is Chicago, but it was so fresh and different and new, there was just something about it, I didn't even realize that it was dystopian until I tried to describe it to someone. The characters are fantastic, the plot is great, the writing at some points is just perfect in that it's hilarious. And there is a full review of Steelheart from me right here.
Interworld (Interworld #1) by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves (4/5)
I liked this. It was missing something that I still can't figure out, but I did really enjoy this book. I will probably pick up the second one at some point (is it in paperback yet? I want them to match. And hardcovers are expensive). Anyway, really good, check it out if you like this kind of weird, urban fantasy, dimension jumping fun.
Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter Series #1) by Nalini Singh (4/5)
This was a reread, I don't know why I actually picked up this book to reread, I think because I was watching something and they were talking about angel books and my mind went to this and it was available on Overdrive, so I read it just in a few hours one night. It's - good, it's kind of definitely one of those guilty pleasure books of just kind of the equivalent of junk food or something.
Egghead by Bo Burnham (5/5)
This is kind of linked to his new show what. Or, it should be because he does read a couple during that show. This is just - fun and hilarious. They can be immature or insanely deep. I've been following Bo for a lot of year, I really like his stuff, and he's from Boston, which is awesome. It's a good book and you could probably just read it standing in the bookstore, it's all poems.
Attack on Titan, Volumes 1-3 by Hajime Isayama (5/5)
I'm just lumping these together because I'm not going to spoil anything, obviously, for any of them. This is a really great series and there is an Anime, too, of course, which appears to be just as good. I've read more then seen at this point, just barely, but still. It's a crazy dystopian world and it's action packed, so fast passed, and the characters are awesome and mostly all of them are all badass.
Infinity Blade: Awakening (Infinity Blade #1) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
I really liked this, even though I didn't know it was connected to a game until later, but I really enjoyed the story in this. It was pretty short, but it had a lot of stuff packed into it and had a huge twist at the end that I didn't see coming, which was fantastic and of course a little awful.
The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #2) by Laurell K. Hamilton (4/5)
This was, obviously, a reread. And it was kind of, honestly, weird to go back, I'm about halfway through the series now and Anita has definitely changed a lot, the whole world has change a lot, but it was fun to go back to the simpler days.
Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction (5/5)
This was really good, I never really honestly got into comic books, probably because there isn't a comic store super close to me and no one I knew was really into it, not to say this was my first look into it. It was just different. And really good. I loved Clint (aka: Hawkeye) in the Avengers movie but he is about ten times better in this and just... fantastic, I'm hoping to pick up more when I can, I'm kind of on a self-imposed book buying ban.
Steelheart (Reckoners #1) + Mitosis (Reckoners #1.5) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5 - both)
I loved this book and it's little accompanying short story/novella. It was a dystopian novel set in what I believe is Chicago, but it was so fresh and different and new, there was just something about it, I didn't even realize that it was dystopian until I tried to describe it to someone. The characters are fantastic, the plot is great, the writing at some points is just perfect in that it's hilarious. And there is a full review of Steelheart from me right here.
Interworld (Interworld #1) by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves (4/5)
I liked this. It was missing something that I still can't figure out, but I did really enjoy this book. I will probably pick up the second one at some point (is it in paperback yet? I want them to match. And hardcovers are expensive). Anyway, really good, check it out if you like this kind of weird, urban fantasy, dimension jumping fun.
Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter Series #1) by Nalini Singh (4/5)
This was a reread, I don't know why I actually picked up this book to reread, I think because I was watching something and they were talking about angel books and my mind went to this and it was available on Overdrive, so I read it just in a few hours one night. It's - good, it's kind of definitely one of those guilty pleasure books of just kind of the equivalent of junk food or something.
Egghead by Bo Burnham (5/5)
This is kind of linked to his new show what. Or, it should be because he does read a couple during that show. This is just - fun and hilarious. They can be immature or insanely deep. I've been following Bo for a lot of year, I really like his stuff, and he's from Boston, which is awesome. It's a good book and you could probably just read it standing in the bookstore, it's all poems.
Attack on Titan, Volumes 1-3 by Hajime Isayama (5/5)
I'm just lumping these together because I'm not going to spoil anything, obviously, for any of them. This is a really great series and there is an Anime, too, of course, which appears to be just as good. I've read more then seen at this point, just barely, but still. It's a crazy dystopian world and it's action packed, so fast passed, and the characters are awesome and mostly all of them are all badass.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Book: StardustAuthor: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Rating: B
Plot:
This story starts off in the small city of Wall. Tristan Thorn lived in wall all his life. One night Tristan and the women he fancied, Veronica were taking a stroll when a star fell from the sky. Veronica said that if Tristan received the exact star that she would give him anything his heart desired. Thought to get this star he would have to cross over the wall that stands between his normal suburban life and the land of Faerie. On this journey, he is not the only person searching for the star, which leads to many problems.
SPOILERS SPOILER SPOILERS SPOILERS
Review:
I did see the movie first and then read the book so my review might be slightly biased.
When Neil Gaiman wrote this book it was obvious he was trying to make a fantasy fairy tale for adults and show them anyone can enjoy fantasy. Because he did this I found this book shifting between adult and children. For one you have the cute little tale of the boy, Tristan, going to win the affection of his true love then you have very disturbing images like when the Witch cut apart the unicorn. There are also a few sex scenes, which in a fairy tale you just don't expect to be reading about how the main character was conceived.
While some parts of the story I found obvious there was also the quick and surprising action scenes that I really did enjoy. Like when the Star ends up at the inn with Primus. I also really enjoyed the character development between the Star and Tristan. Their constant banter gave the book the humor relief it needed.
The land of Faerie was describing beautifully and for a minute you really do believe a land like this could exist somewhere. The way the market was described and how they went into detail about the things being sold there really just made me want to go. I wouldn't mind owning a glass flower or a bottle of dreams. A coat of night would also be pretty cool.
The one thing that really changed this rating from an A to a B was the characters. You will find this out very quickly but when I read a book I need to be attached to a character. I need to care about where they are and what happens to them. In this book i didn't feel that for any of the characters. Tristan slightly annoyed me at times and the Star never really stood up for herself and what she wanted. She also doesn't really have a name until almost the end of the book.
Overall, I really would suggest this for a teen audience (as long as you don't mind sex scenes) and for anyone that loves fantasy and learning about a new land. Also you must like adventure a lot of this book is Tristan traveling, but traveling also means new people. So there are a lot of characters to go around. Stardust is magical and intriguing, a really great read.
-- Haley
p.s. I never really introduced myself. My name is Haley and I am the other blogger here. Nice to meet you! :) Also this is my first review ever. So be nice! :P
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Just a Hello.
So this is a blog made for book reviews. Hello, I'm Casey, I'll be posting book-like THINGS here. Containing book recommendations and possibly giveaways when we get to a certain number of followers, or something. Also, we might be vlogging about said books. Sometimes there might be a lack of blogs, if we have finals or we're away, but on other times there might be more then 1 post a day. It's going to be very laid back, especially at first. Maybe later we'll have a schedule.
And by 'we're,' I mean, there is going to be more then just me. You see, I am boring. But I do like books. And so does my friend Haley who will be joining me in this book blogging and possibly vlogging fun. We shall see how this goes.
Here are some links to find us:
Casey:
www.twitter.com/werewolfluvr119
werewolfluvr119.tumblr.com
youtube.com/user/werewolfluvr119
Haley:
www.twitter.com/shopaholic3100
shopaholic.tumblr.com
youtube.com/user/shopaholic3100
And there is a YouTube channel connected to this, that we aren't sure what we'll do with yet, but here:
www.youtube.com/user/storynotions
And if you go "I wonder if Casey/Haley is on *insert random social media*" Probably. Just search the username.
And by 'we're,' I mean, there is going to be more then just me. You see, I am boring. But I do like books. And so does my friend Haley who will be joining me in this book blogging and possibly vlogging fun. We shall see how this goes.
Here are some links to find us:
Casey:
www.twitter.com/werewolfluvr119
werewolfluvr119.tumblr.com
youtube.com/user/werewolfluvr119
Haley:
www.twitter.com/shopaholic3100
shopaholic.tumblr.com
youtube.com/user/shopaholic3100
And there is a YouTube channel connected to this, that we aren't sure what we'll do with yet, but here:
www.youtube.com/user/storynotions
And if you go "I wonder if Casey/Haley is on *insert random social media*" Probably. Just search the username.
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