Jess N
I am behind on feedback for things, but it is definitely past time for me to talk about how much I enjoyed this book. 8 Souls had a premise that I haven't seen in a story before, and I think that's probably what made me love this the most. See, Chessie has been having dreams about an old house for years, and now they're progressing to the point that she can't ignore them anymore. This book is a little bit horror, a little bit thriller, and a whole lot of mystery. The fact that there's a swoon-worthy boy in this book, who also needs saving by Chessie, was just the icing on the cake. The whole story of redemption, and of letting go of guilt, really spoke to me. I powered through this book in a matter of hours, and it left me hungry for more.
Merged review:
I am behind on feedback for things, but it is definitely past time for me to talk about how much I enjoyed this book. 8 Souls had a premise that I haven't seen in a story before, and I think that's probably what made me love this the most. See, Chessie has been having dreams about an old house for years, and now they're progressing to the point that she can't ignore them anymore. This book is a little bit horror, a little bit thriller, and a whole lot of mystery. The fact that there's a swoon-worthy boy in this book, who also needs saving by Chessie, was just the icing on the cake. The whole story of redemption, and of letting go of guilt, really spoke to me. I powered through this book in a matter of hours, and it left me hungry for more.
I'm on a mission to read more romance this year! I've been specifically diving into Contemporary Romance because, as you probably know, I'm a really character driven reader. I need my characters to be real people, with real issues, and real relationships. Well, let me tell you, Lissa Lynn Thomas delivers that in spades. Renegade Heart is a book that will send you on an emotional roller coaster of the best kind. I can't deny, I definitely teared up and sighed contentedly more than a few times. I had a ton of fun reading this book.
Let's give Chloe some love first, because it's normally difficult for me to fall in love with the female characters in romance novels. In this case, Chloe and I instantly hit it off. She's a down to Earth, sweet woman, who wants nothing more than to take care of her friends. I loved that she wasn't perfect. Her whole persona is built around the fact that she's always had to protect herself from the mom drama that follows her around. While Chloe is excellent at taking care of everyone else, she's not great at taking care of herself.
Which is where Raif and the boys come in. Oh, these Renegade boys. I loved them so, so much. Thomas gives them each their own personality, some swoony and some adorably obnoxious. They were the perfect group of friends, and I couldn't get enough. We should focus on Raif though, because that man made my pulse race for a variety of reasons. As the long time apple of Chloe's eye, and her best friend to boot, I already knew sparks would eventually fly between these two. However watching him repeatedly do adorable things, then screw up, then make it better, then screw up, had my heart racing. As I mentioned, none of the characters in this book are perfect, and Raif is definitely not. But I loved him for it, and that's important.
In fact, watching Chloe and Raif navigate their respective hang ups, and figure out how to actually be together, is really what made me love this book so much. Their relationship was never easy. It was passionate, sure. Adorable, yes. Never easy though. They fought tooth and nail for their happily ever after, and that is something that I love to see in romance novels. I want to see a realistic attempt at a relationship succeed, so I can cheer to the ends of the Earth.
So why the four star rating? It was really the ending that settled that. After a sweet, slow, sometimes sad, build up I felt the ending just slammed home too quickly. Too many very convenient things happened to allow for a happily ever after, and that irked me a bit. Still, this is romance! Sometimes that's acceptable. So I'm happy to award this book a shiny four star rating. I think, even if you're not usually a romance reader, you'll love Chloe and Raif's story!
Honestly, Red Riding Hood was Rotten! was something I picked due to my affinity for fairy tales. There isn't anything better in the world, in my opinion, than a particularly good retelling of a fairy tale!
My first reaction was completely amusement. The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful, and will definitely hold the attention of any young reader! Fast-paced and vivid with color, each page draws your eyes in and holds them there while the story is being told. From the facial expressions of the wolf, to the vain ponderings of Red Riding Hood, this book is laugh out loud adorable!
In this particular retelling, the wolf is a vegetarian. he tries oh so hard not to eat meat. However he is out of food and hungry. What does he see, but a lovely apple! Or is it? Cue Red Riding Hood in one of the most giggle worthy illustrations of her character that I have ever seen. I couldn't honestly blame the wolf for mistaking her for something delicious. I'll let you dive into the story to find out exactly what he was thinking about.
The only reason I didn't fall as in love with this book as I could have, was because my heart belongs to another retelling of Red Riding Hood. I won't share which one, since I don't like to compare books if I can help it, but it is another retelling from the wolf's point of view. I also felt at times that the jokes were a little forced. Again though, we're talking about a children's book here. I know that my first graders would be giggling at every single one, and that makes me happy.
Long story short, this is a lovely retelling of a classic story! If you have a reluctant young reader, this would be a great book to start them out with. I also see if as a great bed time story book. The illustrations alone make it worth sharing with your little ones. Thank you to Trisha Speed Shaskan for such a sweet book!
It's not often that I stumble on a novella length Fantasy novel, so you can imagine my delight when this one was offered to me for review. Even better, this turned out to be a novella that I honestly didn't want to end. David Wiley has managed to execute quite the story in A Merchant in Oria, and it's impressive even without the small amount of pages that he's done it in. I tell you, this is an author to watch.
Firion is a great character. I was stunned at how much I instantly liked him, and how well fleshed out he was as the novella sped by. With dreams of wealth, and filled youthful vigor, he sets out to Oria to make a name for himself. Little does Firion know that he's riding right into the middle of something rotten, and a mystery that is so much larger than himself. Watching him battle with his conscience and even grow a bit throughout this, was so much fun. I could not believe how well his character developed in such a short time.
Better still was the world building that spanned this novella. Instead of feeling flat and rushed, Oria and its surrounding cities grew in front me. If you haven't already caught on, there is a lot to love about how much attention to detail there is in such a short span of pages. Wiley brings lizard-men and dwarves into the picture, wraps them in magic and intrigue, and does it all effortlessly. This was a fun ride.
Truth be told, I was sad when this novella was over. I'd love to see more of Firion, and find out more about the family that he came from. This is so worth your time. Check out A Merchant in Oria. You won't be sorry.
Merged review:
It's not often that I stumble on a novella length Fantasy novel, so you can imagine my delight when this one was offered to me for review. Even better, this turned out to be a novella that I honestly didn't want to end. David Wiley has managed to execute quite the story in A Merchant in Oria, and it's impressive even without the small amount of pages that he's done it in. I tell you, this is an author to watch.
Firion is a great character. I was stunned at how much I instantly liked him, and how well fleshed out he was as the novella sped by. With dreams of wealth, and filled youthful vigor, he sets out to Oria to make a name for himself. Little does Firion know that he's riding right into the middle of something rotten, and a mystery that is so much larger than himself. Watching him battle with his conscience and even grow a bit throughout this, was so much fun. I could not believe how well his character developed in such a short time.
Better still was the world building that spanned this novella. Instead of feeling flat and rushed, Oria and its surrounding cities grew in front me. If you haven't already caught on, there is a lot to love about how much attention to detail there is in such a short span of pages. Wiley brings lizard-men and dwarves into the picture, wraps them in magic and intrigue, and does it all effortlessly. This was a fun ride.
Truth be told, I was sad when this novella was over. I'd love to see more of Firion, and find out more about the family that he came from. This is so worth your time. Check out A Merchant in Oria. You won't be sorry.
Jennifer Povey was kind enough to send me a copy of this book for review, and I am a huge Urban Fantasy fan so I happily agreed. I can't deny, I'm a sucker for a strong female character. Urban Fantasy tends to deliver those in spades! So I settled myself in, and got ready for a wild romp.
Now, I can't say that I exactly liked Laura as a main character. She's a little tough to love with her constant mood changes. I did at least understand her though, especially for the first few chapters. Discovering that your mother is somehow caught up in a mystery that is now coming to rest on you? Definitely cause for some emotional trauma. I could forgive her for that. What I had a hard time with really was how often she went from being completely sure of herself, to utterly lost. It's normal for a character to not feel sure of themselves when their whole life is thrown upon them in an instant. Laura was a little excessive in that respect though.
My biggest issue with this book though was definitely the writing. While the plot is fast paced and interesting enough, this book could have done with some polish from an editor. The storyline gets very choppy in places, skipping weeks at a time from paragraph to paragraph, which is jarring. A lot of the sentences in this story are also constructed in a way that make them a bit hard to understand. I completely acknowledge that ellipses are useful to build tension or show a character's thought process. In this book there are entirely too many though. It makes an already roughly cut story line that much more difficult to follow, because Laura is always only semi finishing her thoughts.
I thought the premise of this book was great, and I see a lot of potential in this mix of magic and action. Laura grew enough by the end of the story that I finally felt like we understood one another. I just think that this book, and the next one that I hope is in process, could use another set of eyes to help give them some more polish.
If I had to describe Creature Feature in one word, it would amusing. Amusing in the absolute best way possible! This book is 100% a gentle rib at the b-movie favorite concept of “pod people”. Placidville (the perfect name for Kathy's hometown, might I add) has something very wrong with it. The townspeople are all acting oddly, or missing entirely, and strange sights are around every corner. Plus Kathy's parents are just a little more forgetful than normal.
Meanwhile Kathy, or Vivacia as she is known on her local, late-night, horror television show, is oblivious to all of it. Being honest, Kathy is my favorite kind of character. The one in the movies who somehow magically misses all the things wrong in a situation. The character that we, the viewers, love to yell at and attempt to dissuade from making all the wrong choices while ominous music plays in the background. She keeps dismissing the odd things that she sees as a lack of caffeine, or a lack of sleep, no matter how much they point to issues with her hometown. What sets this story apart, however, is that it takes this concept out of the scary realm and makes it fun instead!
Our narrator has a blast ribbing Kathy as she misses things that he sees, and of course that we see as well. Even the one person in town who knows what's really going on, can't seem to sway Kathy out of her comfort zone. The whole thing is absurd, hilarious, and just a ton of fun to experience. As I mentioned above, I was lucky enough to be gifted an audio copy of this book. I highly recommend it! The narrators (bios below) are stellar, and they make this whole story so much more enjoyable. Think of the radio plays of old, and that's what you'll be getting with this audio book.
Looking for something a little silly, a little creepy, and the perfect length for a quiet afternoon? Creature Feature needs to get onto your reading list. Stat.
When I tell you that this book is dark, I am not kidding around. Glenn Maynard has created a story about characters who are all, for various reasons, at battle with their inner demons. Whether it is because of a past trauma, the need for medication that is being ignored, or the need to manipulate others for self validation, each one of them has something that they need to tackle. Or rather, that they refuse to tackle. Because instead they all lean into the worst parts of themselves, and the result is a story that was fascinating and wholly uncomfortable in equal measures.
As always, I'll start with the things that I enjoyed about this book. First, I have to say that the characters that Maynard has written are well fleshed out. Although I loathed Troy with all of my being, I could also understand his motives at first. It was much appreciated that Troy's descent wasn't based entirely on his familial history. Instead there are actual events that slowly pile on top of one another. His back story is a tragic one, and it's really no wonder that he ends up pushed into a space he was previously attempting so hard to avoid.
The writing is this book is also really solid, with the exception of the very start of it which was a bit a rocky. The dialogue felt especially realistic, chatroom conversations included, which was something that I thought added a lot to this story. These portions were a great way to get into the minds of the characters. The inner monologues of Veronica were the most chilling to me. I felt myself shrinking away from the idea that her and Troy would have to meet at some point. Both of them were such a mess that I knew it would be a disaster. Oh, how right I was.
In terms of what was a miss for me in this book, it was honestly the manic pace of the events. As I said above, I really disliked Troy pretty much the entire length of the story. I felt like it was hard to get into to his head after a certain point, and his actions felt more like a means to add sensationalism than true decisions. By the time that the ending approached, I was finally able to catch up again. In fact, the ending was rather satisfying. That made me a happy reader. So I'm more than willing to give this a solid 3-star rating.
I always love when I pick up a book randomly from my library apps, and it ends up being absolutely stellar. Bluebird Day was on of those picks! It was a bit serendipitous if I'm being honest, because Wylie's story was the perfect one to take me out of the reading slump that I was in. We meet her at the peak of her mental stress. Filled with anxiety, and unsure what her next move should be, Wylie spoke to me so much. All I kept hoping was that she'd find her way out the other end, and I was willing to follow her through the madness.
First of all, can I please applaud the setting for this book? Being stuck in a small Swiss village at the base of the Matterhorn sounds like the most idyllic accident ever. For Wylie and her mom though, it's too much closeness to bear. See, the two of them haven't been on speaking terms for a few years. Both wanting to reach out, both wishing to bridge that gap, but neither wanting to really make the first move. What ensues is a sweet story of two people who love each other very much, attempting the awkward job of rebuilding a relationship.
That's what I loved so much about this book honestly. It was so realistic, especially Wylie's anxieties over feeling like she fit in her own life. There was a great conversation about the expectations that others set for us, and the immense pressure that comes form trying to fit into those boxes. I especially appreciated seeing things from Claudine's point of view as well. This wasn't just all about Wylie resenting her mother's expectations, but equally about how Claudine was raised the same way. It showcased how hard it is to unlearn habits to build healthier ones, and bonus points for all the therapy talk too!
Add in a super sweet mini romance, the rediscovery of long lost friends and the making of even more new friends, and this book just stole my heart. I had a lot of fun following along as this mother/daughter duo relearned how to coexist. There were a few parts I thought ran a little long, and I'll admit that more than once I got a little annoyed at Wylie. But you know... sometimes we are annoyed when we see things that we ourselves have battled and won. So I brushed that aside. All in all this was an excellent read. Would recommend.
So, quick take on this one. It's definitely creepy. Kelly Robson sets off right away by building tension, and it keeps you guessing for a good half of the story. When the actual cause of all this tension broke through the story though, I kind of lost interest. I don't know what I was expecting. Honestly. Still, the twist here was just a little too odd for me to wrap my mind around. Be warned that this is a bit gory, which should be evident by the title but I figured I'd put a warning out. Overall, not a bad way to pass a half hour or so!
Ah, friends. It's been so long since I've written my last review so please forgive me while I pretty much just gush over this book. If you've been here for any length of time, you'll know that Ilona Andrews is one of my favorite authors. I've devoured their books one by one, cried a lot, laughed a ton, and basically just been impatient waiting for whatever comes next. When I found out that Sapphire Flames would be from Catalina's point of view, I was ecstatic! While I loved Nevada so much, I wanted to see how the life that they built for themselves affected the other members of her family. To say that I was excited for this is probably an understatement.
Now, I will admit that it took a minute for me to get used to our new narrator. Andrews' fans know that Renee Raudman brings quite a life to most of the characters in these stories. Emily Raskin was absolutely fantastic though and, after a chapter or two, I was right into the story. She brings Catalina's character to life perfectly. A young woman who is in charge without really wanting to be. A sister who wants to protect her family. A person adrift in a sea of powerful people who want to see her fail. Catalina stole my heart, and I'm not even upset about it.
True to form, the plot of this story flew straight from setting things up into full on panic mode. The Baylor family isn't known for getting any down time, and that's very true in this story as well. I won't lie, their family dynamic has always been one of my favorite parts of this series. There is so much love mixed in with all the insanity, occasional terror, and humor. My favorite addition this time around? Oh, it was Alessandro thrown into the mix. No spoilers, I promise. Just know that his banter with this family is wonderful, and I want more of it as soon as possible.
Oh, friends. I laughed, I teared up, I literally shouted “NO” at this audio book more than once. If you've been following along with the Hidden Legacy novels, you'll absolutely want to pick this one up. The ending made me a little bit pouty, but it's also quite perfect to continue this series. So, once again, I'll be waiting impatiently for the next book to make it into my hands.
Well now, color me interested! I'm a fan of Science Fiction at the best of times, but it takes a lot of talent to weave a really good story into a novella length piece. There's a very short period of time to bring in characters, make them feel richly written, and lay out their fates. George Ebey doesn't even blink an eye with DEBBI. He makes full use of all the time that he has, and it makes for one intriguing read.
This novella comes on strong. I was hooked on the idea of a lone robot, battling against the odds for survival. I actually didn't read the synopsis for this before I started it, so I didn't realize that Helen was even a factor. Once I understood that Helen was actually the mastermind behind everything, I was even more impressed. Now it wasn't just about robot battles, which are cool enough, it was also about the heart and the passion behind the robot battles. Helen's character was easy to fall in love with. Her motivations were true, and I can't deny that I loved her fiery retorts towards the end. I'll follow that girl into whatever happens next.
I was pretty excited to find out that this is a prequel novella, because I definitely need more. If you're a fan of strong female characters, epic robot battles, and tension for days, you need to read this. Trust me, it's well worth your time.
My first Middle Grade read of the year, and here we are already headed in a positive direction! I will always wax poetic about how many beautiful stories get glanced over because they're written in the MG sphere. Adults see the age group marker, and assume that the story is not for them. Friends, MG books are for EVERYONE. The Edge of the Silver Sea is a perfect example of that.
What first struck me was how much I saw myself in Blair, our main character. As a person who also cares deeply about the environment, I loved how passionate Blair was about her activism. The fact that she was so knowledgeable, and wanted to share that knowledge with others, made my heart happy. Now, I know that older readers like myself will see Blair's sass towards her parents and remember that we may have once been there too. After being pulled away from her school, her friends, and deposited into a place so utterly different from home, who can blame Blair a bad attitude?
Scottish folklore is at the forefront of this story. If you're not familiar with these stories, Mullarky does such a stellar job of bringing the explanations in seamlessly. I'll pause here to praise Alex Mullarky for how well the writing brings the island of Roscoe to life. From the woods, to the wide open spaces, all the way to the small town and its vibrant inhabitants. Half of what made me fall in love with this book was that the characters, with the island included, came alive.
To avoid any spoilers, I'll simply say that what's truly important about this story is that Blair really does grow and learn. I'm a reader who is all about character development, and this book has that in spades. As Blair navigates her new home, and all the lush tapestry of folklore that comes along with it, she comes to understand what things are really important to her. She starts to see life from other points of view too, and it's absolutely lovely.
Long story short, I enjoyed this immensely. It's a quick read, and one that I think a lot of readers will very much resonate with. To loop back to what I said earlier, Middle Grade reads are truly for everyone. So don't be afraid to give this one a shot.
I picked this book up on a whim the month after it came out, and it has been sadly sitting on my shelves since then. I think that all bookworms can attest that they have their fair share of backlog book buys. Anyway, when I saw this audio book added to my library system, I knew that it was time to dive in. I've been intrigued by Cherie Priest's blend of southern gothic and horror for a while. The Toll just seemed like something that would be right in my wheelhouse. A mysterious bridge that appears and then people disappear? A tiny town in the middle of nowhere, with a dark secret? What's not to love?
First off I have to say that if you have a chance to pick this up in audio form, please do it! T. Ryder Smith does such an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Cam's elderly aunts had my heart from the first moment that they stepped onto the page. The book opens on their tiny home, where Cam feels like the walls are closing in around him. Despite his deep love for this adopted family, Cam wonders what is going on beyond his small slice of the world. Nothing happens in his small town. Or does it?
Cherie Priest takes the reader through a twisting mystery that is definitely uncomfortably dark at times. I loved how there is hints at the magic that runs through this town, but nothing is ever hammered down. Instead the reader is taken into that gray area between worlds, where things that we are not meant to see lurk in the darkness. In the case of Titus, and his unfortunate wife, these are hungry things that demand a toll. There is so much atmosphere wrapped up in this book. From the bleakness of the town, to the desperation of the townspeople, and back around to Cam being the one shining light through it all.
My biggest issue with this book was honestly just the pacing. It takes a good while for things to get going well enough for the story to really take off. While I was happy to follow Cam, with his rebellious little personality, it felt like those “creature” horror movies. You know the ones. Where the creature isn't revealed until the very end, and even then only for a few seconds? I will say that The Toll doesn't go that far. The ending of this is actually rather satisfying, if not quite what I expected. Still, I felt like I just wanted a little more forward motion to this story.
I had a blast reading it though, so it gets a solid 3-star rating from me! I'll be over here, eagerly awaiting more.
Oh, how do I describe this book without giving anything away? The first thing that pops into my mind is the word epic. That's truly what this book is. As soon as I opened Wildefire and started to read, I remembered why I love books so much. Karsten Knight has written a gem. It will draw you in, and dig its claws into you until the very end. Best part? You'll love every minute of it.
Ashline and her sister Eve are the best example of sisters at odds that I have ever seen. There is so much depth to their characters. The reader is treated to seeing the delicate balance that lies between these two. Ashline's love for her sister is truly apparent, as is Eve's, however they also ooze tension in their interactions. The inner battle between these two feelings is palpable and delicious. Can feelings be delicious? I think so. When you can drink them off the page because they are so strong, yes, I'd say so. Mixed in with all of this are the petty, and violent moods of goddesses. This I appreciated so much! Ah, to be a god.
Lest you think that this whole book revolves around these two (which I would completely be okay with) I'll assure you that you will also be treated to other reincarnated gods as well! From the typical surfer boy character, down to the tall, dark and handsome character, each one of Ashline's entourage has a vivid and unique personality! I fell in love with every single one of them. Each of these characters brings something unique to the table, and Ashline flourishes with their friendship. I'm going to have to admit that she kind of stole the show for me though. Ashline is amazing!
Story wise, Wildefire is executed perfectly. The book is written in third-person, which I usually tend to shy away from. However being in Ashline's head was never once uncomfortable or awkward. Quite the opposite actually! I enjoyed seeing her inner thoughts and memories so much that I honestly didn't notice the third-person aspect for most of the book. It was as though once I was in her head, nothing else mattered. All that my own mind was concentrated on was what Ashline would do next. This girl is damaged to be sure, but her ability to take that and turn it into perseverance and fantastically witty sarcasm made me bond with her.
The ending is a killer cliffhanger. I'll warn you now. Most of the overall story is wrapped up and I honestly didn't see the very end coming at all. When I got to the last page, my jaw dropped open and I seriously momentarily debated on throwing the book against the wall. Not because I didn't love it! Rather I am now completely frustrated that I will now have to wait to see what happens next. Knight has my heart as a reader. It's true!
I'll end here because if I gush anymore you might all drown in my love for this book. Fresh, fun and unique, Wildefire is an epic ride! If you haven't yet added this to your reading list you need to do it now. Seriously. Once again I'll state that this book reminded me why I love reading in the first place. A great storyline, vivid characters, and so many twists that your draw will drop. That's what you'll find in Wildefire. I want more.
If you haven't yet read my review of The Emerald Talisman, let me fill you in really quickly. The last book kind of left me feeling a little bit let down. Not because of the writing, and definitely not because of the characters, but because one of the key components of the book felt unfinished. It was Julia's empathetic abilities that drew me to the series, and I had felt that they weren't fleshed out enough. My hope was that by diving into The Sapphire Talisman I'd find the answer to what I was missing before. How right I was!
This sequel blew my mind. The first chapter covered the basics of what happened in the last book, and essentially allows you to read this one even if you hadn't read the last. Although I wouldn't recommend it. How will you know the sheer epicness of this book if you miss the first half of the story? Sorry, I digress. Needles to say that everything I loved about the first book was still present, but (and I didn't know this was possible) the writing was even better and so were the characters. I was completely absorbed into Julia's world.
It's a bit difficult to review this book and not spoil something important for you, dear readers. There is so much going on that I am still reeling from just recently finishing the last page. I'll slake my hunger for spilling the details by simply telling you that the blinding love that Julia has for Nicholas is fantastic. Above all else, it was that deep love that she had for him that kept this book moving. Sure, at times she was irrational. However Julia's character was so well developed that I knew her irrationality only stemmed from the need she felt to be with Nicholas. There was no confusion here about how she could adore him so much. Trust me. He's an amazing guy.
I'll end here, for fear I give away some of the plot. I realize that this review is vague, but those of you eagerly awaiting this book's release will probably thank me. I hate spoilers, you hate spoilers, I keep them out of my reviews. It's easy for me to admit that I am fully on board with Julia, Nicholas and the rest of their motley crew. I cannot wait to see if Brenda Pandos has more in store for us!
I LOVED this. I won't spend too much time on this review, because you can tell from the overall rating that it's a great read, but you should know that I LOVED this book. It's intelligent, it's funny, it's a love letter to all things 80's nostalgia and it has the kind of plot line that makes me smile because it all wraps up beautifully. Were there perhaps some convenient things that happened now and then? Sure. Did I have any nagging questions left at the end though? No, I did not. That makes me more happy than I can express. I had a blast navigating this world with Wade, but I loved that all the main characters got enough love to be really fleshed out and enjoyable. I also so appreciated the attention to detail in the world building, both inside and outside the simulation. I felt like I was there, and that made all the difference. This book was excellent. Period, end of discussion. I'm glad I finally buckled down and read it!
It honestly took all my effort to finish this book. I almost put Fury down multiple times, but I have a hard time marking books DNF, especially if I've already made it nearly halfway. I feel it is unfair to review a book I didn't finish reading. So, I kept doggedly reading on. This wasn't a book for me for a few different reasons, and I'll share those below.
I was really excited at first that this book was about Furies. They are fascinating mythical creatures! They punish those who commit wrongdoing, but are also fabled to be very fair (albeit slightly vicious) in their punishments. These Furies were anything but fair. I won't spoil, but the wrongs that are committed in this book are so difficult to imagine being punished for. They are normal teenage problems, normal teenage mistakes. Why on Earth would a Fury punish a girl for thinking she's in love with the wrong guy? If that's the case, I know plenty of people who would have deserved punishment when I was growing up.
On top of this, there isn't even that much focus on the Furies themselves. Most of the spotlight is on Em, Chase and their problems. All that is really said about the Furies is that they are girls, and good looking ones at that. I did like that Miles kept their names true to the original Greek mythology, and just shortened them. However it was bothered me that so little is said about their history, or why they might be there. It is glanced over so quickly that it is extremely easy to miss.
My biggest gripe though was that every time it seemed something wasn't going to be explained, there was an “I don't know” to cover it up. Why were the Furies there to begin with? No clue. Why did they choose to punish those specific characters when there were so many other kids who I'm sure were in the same boat? No idea. I rarely if ever rant about a book, but honestly I feel like this one just left so many things unclear and unfinished.
In defense of Fury, I really believe it would have been a great story without the paranormal/mythological aspect. Em's story is one that a lot of girls can latch on to. Her friendship with Gabby is sweet and believable. Even her not-so-relationship with JD (who I LOVED) is wonderfully written. I think that if this had been a Contemporary novel, one that focused on Chase and Emily navigating the depths of high school while coming from two different walks of life, it would have been wonderful. Sadly it was the additional story line that kept me from really loving this book.
Bottom line, this wasn't a book for me. I know there are plenty of people out there who loved it, and I'm sure there will be many more. I am but one opinion in a sea of readers. That's why I'm telling you straight how I feel. This book fell really short for me, and I'm disappointed. I think Elizabeth Miles has fantastic potential as an author though, so I will keep a lookout for her future works. I loved her characters. I just didn't love this story.
Agent to the Stars was absolutely fabulous! Scalzi has been on my to-read list for ages, but I just never got around to it. So, when the audio of this book popped up on my Audible recommendations, I snagged it without a second thought. It wasn't until I sat to listen to it that I realized that Wil Wheaton was the narrator. WIL WHEATON! Let me tell you, he's the perfect choice for this story. Sarcastic, and brilliant. More on that in a second.
I think this was the perfect entry point to the world of Scalzi for me. This book is on the shorter side, but (at least according to my Scalzi addicted friends) still has his trademark sense of humor. I was wholly impressed at how easily he managed to mesh together more serious topics with a dry wit that just made me want to laugh out loud. The concept of aliens coming to Earth isn't anything new. However, the way that it's handled here is definitely outside of what we're used to. It was extremely well done, and hilarious to boot! I fell in love.
Now, as a narrator I truly think Wil Wheaton was an excellent choice. He mastered our main character, Tom Stein, immediately. Tom's trademarked dry wit, and no nonsense attitude, came to life in Wheaton's voice. While I admit that Wheaton isn't the best at female voices, he still managed to do justice to all the other supporting characters as well. By the time I reached the middle of this story, Tom WAS Wheaton. Wheaton was Tom. I enjoyed every minute of it.
This just makes me want to go hunt down more Scalzi! If you have some free time, give this audio a shot. It's worth your time.
Definitely one of the more unique books that I've read in a while, The Lens and the Looker blends both historical fiction and a bit of post-dystopian fiction into a perfect mixture of a book. I went into this story a little worried, since again historical fiction doesn't generally tend to be my favorite genre. However Lory Kaufman has found a way to blend these two worlds together, and he creates characters that will captivate you and draw you in. Despite my original misgivings, this was a book that I completely enjoyed.
Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln are all kids who are growing up in the year 2347. However during the course of the story, they are transported to the year 1347 in Verona, Italy. What I liked about these characters was how well they complimented one another. Hansum is the oldest, and although he has a snarky attitude sometimes, he's also very intelligent and perceptive. Shamira is good at understanding others, and kind of fills in the holes that they boys have in the emotional department. Then there's Lincoln of course, who kind of ends up as the comedic relief. He definitely has his share of insecurities, but he's also quite funny because of that! These characters bond together beautifully to pull you in and make you want to read on. I wanted to see what happened to them. Would they be smart enough and resourceful enough to make it through? One can only hope.
The setting of this book is mainly Verona in the 1300's. I'll admit that the one thing that I was a little disappointed in was that I didn't get to learn more about the world that these kids came from, before being deposited in the past. There are little snippets of their original home given out here and there, but as a person who is rather in love with dystopian and post-dystopian fiction, I really wanted to see what it was that they didn't appreciate. I suppose there was an inner part of me that wanted to compare right along with them. I know that I would be glad to be home after being in 1300's Verona, and we live in a time that is supposedly much less amazing than theirs!
Overall though I really enjoyed this story. The research that was done into this time period shines through on each page. Verona is described perfectly, right down to the less pleasant aspects of it during this time, and it is easy to find yourself transported there as you read. Add in characters who are intelligent, multi-faceted and downright intriguing, and you have a book that is quite a read. The Lens and the Looker is admittedly not something I would have chosen for myself, but that makes me all the more glad that I was offered it for review. It has changed my perception of the genre of historical fiction even more towards the positive side. I know that there is a sequel coming soon, and I cannot wait to find out what adventures these three teens will go on next. Thank you Lory Kaufman, for bringing a new world into my reading.
Gridlinked was the first full length Sci Fi book I've read in roughly 4 years. I had forgotten how much you really need to slow down, and absorb the world you're being immersed in. While it took me a little longer to read than I expected, this book definitely reminded me of why I miss Sci Fi in all of its gorgeous, complex glory.
The Polity universe is a thing of beauty. A world rich with myths, legends, and the type of technology that makes you wish you lived there. It took me a bit to firmly seat myself inside this world. I loved the little intros at the beginning of each chapter, pulling background information from books that Polity inhabitants had written. I appreciated the fact that Neal Asher never felt the need for infodumps. There was never a point where I felt buried under information necessary for me to understand the story. Instead, it was laid out slowly and intentionally. While that meant it took me a little longer to settle, it also meant I never wanted to stop reading.
On to Ian Cormac, our main character and a thoroughly fascinating person. Hands down, Cormac was my favorite part of this story. His background was rich, and he felt like a real person to me. Following along as he dealt with his addiction to being gridlinked, watching as he had to relearn how to read social cues, it made him a person I could get behind. Best of all, every other character in this first story was just as detailed. These were characters I could love, or loathe, as the story dictated.
So why the three star rating? Mainly, it's me not the book. I'll admit that there were a few grammatical errors that drove me a little batty, but mainly this is just me getting comfortable with the vast space that is Sci Fi. That being said, those of you who already read this genre will likely love this series. One thing I do know? I'll be going on to the next book! The ending was perfect, but also prompted me to read more. That, is a beautiful thing.
I'll admit that at first I was a little worried about whether or not I'd like this book. A spoiled socialite who is trying to earn her multi-million dollar trust fund? I had a vivid image of Paris Hilton in my head, and let's just say it wasn't working for me. Let me tell you though, I proven so wrong. I loved 52 Reasons to Hate My Father. Absolutely loved it! There's so much more to this story than you think. By the end, I was teary eyed, and smiling like an idiot. Oh yes friends, it's that good.
Lexington Larabee starts off as your typical privileged girl. One whose only goals in life are shopping, partying, and being on the front page of as many magazines as possible. Needless to say, it's tough to instantly fall in love with her. However it isn't long before the reader begins to slowly find out the rest of Lexi's story. Her absent father, her need to fill a family void with as many material things as she can. Little bits of Lexi are laid out as the story progresses, and it's perfectly done. I'll be the first to admit that about halfway through I was totally in love with this girl!
What's even more fun are the jobs that Jessica Brody sets out for Lexi to complete. Each one comes with its own set of trials and tribulations, and Lexi's sarcastic wit totally made my day! Imagine you're a girl who has never had to clean in your life. Now imagine you're thrown into the job of being a maid. Sound like a recipe for disaster? You'd be right! I loved watching Lexi stumble through the way the “other half” lives, and come out a better person on the other side. Favorite part? Hands down, her video logs. Too cute!
I could go on and on about this book. The sweet romance that isn't too over the top. All of the side characters who totally have their own wonderful personalities and, bless their hearts, love Lexi for who she is. There are a million reasons that I could give you to read 52 Reasons to Hate My Father. However I'm just going to give you one. It's adorable. Lexis's story is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. This is a fun, light read that will make you smile. At the end of the day, isn't that all that matters? Loved this one! I know you will too.
Part classic fairy tales and a whole lot of naughtiness, that's what Alison's Wonderland is! I have to say that what I enjoyed most was the creative retelling of the fairy tales that we all grew up with. Oh yes, they were steamy, but also extremely well written.
I've developed a new respect for Erotica writers, because they not only have to be able to write steamy scenes but also have to be able to tell a good story. Alison Tyler definitely picked some of the best writers around, because there isn't a dull moment in this collection of stories. You may blush a bit, but I guarantee you'll find yourself wanting to keep right on reading.
If you're looking for something racy to read, but still crave that storyline aspect, Alison's Wonderland is a book for you!
With or Without You now takes its place in my top ten most memorable books of all time. Even a day later, I can't shake the full bevy of emotions that I've been feeling since I finished the book. What Brian Farrey has done is craft a story that is so real, so raw, that it is almost too tough to read. He deals with subject matter that most writers are afraid to tackle, and does so with utter finesse. I am in love with this book.
Gushing aside, I'll do my best to explain to you what makes this such a fantastic read. First are the characters. Evan, Davis, Shan, Erik, every single one of these characters so wonderfully different. Their personalities shine off the page, and they are likable and believable. What I loved most was how Farrey bares their souls to the reader. For instance, when you see Evan, you don't just see a boy who is gay. You don't just see a boy who is a confused adolescent. Rather you see every single element that is Evan. From his love of painting, to his need to please those around him, right down to his utter and total love for his friend Davis, it's all there in vivid color. I think that is the reason why this book is so beautiful. There isn't any shade up between the reader and the characters. Evan is flawed, and it shows.
Then there are the relationships in the book. Rather than just dealing with the boyfriend relationship between Evan and Erik, With or Without You tackles so much more. We are allowed to see the friendship between Evan and Davis that seems so strong, but isn't as strong as they really think. There is the relationship between Evan and his parents that is tense, but loving in a very hidden way. Then there is the friendship/rivalry between Evan and his sister Shan. Each one of these is different and intriguing. It makes this story so multifaceted and, well, fascinating! Exploring each of these with Evan is what makes this book come alive.
Before I gush too much, or give too much away, I'll quickly tackle story line. Brian Farrey exhibits his talent as a writer by creating a story that will draw you in without you even realizing it. Evan is introduced to the reader and then, like rose petals, the different facets of his life are slowly pulled away and bit by bit more underneath is revealed. Evan's life unfolds in a gorgeous and raw manner, and you begin to see that everyone out there is not what they seem on the outside. Farrey shows us that we all have something we are hiding on the inside, some deep seeded secret, and in order to grow we need to face it and let it go.
It isn't very often that I find a book that so wholly draws me in that I forget to eat before going to work. If you think I'm kidding, I'm not. I was so immersed in With or Without You that I literally had to squeeze out every moment of available time before work so I could get to the last page. This book is, in a word, amazing. Raw, unnerving and beautiful, I am completely in love.
As I am writing this while slightly loopy on cold meds, please pardon any rambling that might ensue. It doesn't change the fact that Low Town impressed me so very much, that it has firmly settled Daniel Polansky into my favorite authors list. After reading a short story of his, and then devouring a much longer piece, I can tell you that he is an amazing writer in all formats. His worlds brim with atmosphere, his characters are gritty and realistic, but best of all it always feels like you're seated right in the thick of it. This book was utterly addictive, and I'm honestly so sad that it's over.
If you asked me to classify this, I'd have a hard time settling on any genre. Low Town is a fantasy, because magic is in play. However it's also noir fiction, in that Warden falls solidly on the wrong side of the law. There's a gritty quality to this story. Polansky takes the hand of the reader, and slowly leads them into the darkest parts of society. The parts where the drugs run thick, danger is around every corner, and the supposed “law men” are actually the worst of the bunch. What I loved about this was that it set Warden in this gray area between worlds. Once a crony of the state, now a crime boss of sorts, poor Warden floats in this intriguing purgatory of his own making. It allows for so much depth, in both his character and the story that surrounds him.
Which, honestly, is why I liked Warden as a character so much. Polansky never labels Warden as a “bad guy” or a “good guy”. He's just a man, faced with tons of impossible choices, struggling to make a life the best that he can. I never felt cause to judge him for his choices. In fact, more often than not, I silently cheered him on for choosing to do things the hard way. It's tough to create a character who has a good heart, but does bad things. Polansky does it without even blinking. Warden is wonderful, terrible, and tragic all wrapped up into one. I adored and respected him for it.
If you think that the impressive world building, and the brilliantly layered characters, were all that you were going to get? Well, you'd be wrong. On top of all of that, is the type of mystery that keeps you reading well into the night. As I mentioned before, Warden isn't exactly the shiniest character you've ever met. He has enemies, and worst of all he has enemies from both his prior and his current life. Polansky took this opportunity to craft a dark and gritty mystery. One steeped in magic and surrounded by death. I liked Warden before he was wrapped up in this mystery, but I loved him afterwards.
Long story short, this is absolutely a series that I'll be following. There's not a single thing about it that I didn't fall head over heels in love with. If you're looking for something a bit different, you might want to check this out. I'll tell you, it's put Daniel Polansky on my shelf of favorites. It might do the same for you.