Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Mass

Posted in 2018 Reads, Borrow, Fantasy, Uncategorized by

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4)Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a great series, but I think my mistake was reading this at the same time as Sarah’s other series A Court of thorns and roses. I just much prefer the pace of the newer series, this one seemed to drag much more. Perhaps because there is a lot more political intrigue.

It did pick up its pace by the 70% mark, and I loved that action packed ending. I just wish that it had been able to keep me so engaged throughout. To be honest I don’t actually remember a ton from this novel, I read it over a long period of time and poof its gone.

Sorry for this non-review.

In essence;

1. I enjoyed this novel once all the pieces started to fit together.

2. The character relationships were just as complex and interesting as always.

3. The plot dragged a bit too much for me.

4. But I still love this series.

5. I think I would just be better off not reading other books by the author at the same time, as perhaps it causes me to make unfair comparisons.

Overall, decent offering and I look forward to the next one.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Borrow

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Providence by Caroline Kepnes

Posted in 2018 Reads, Buy, Love Triangle, Mystery, Uncategorized by

ProvidenceProvidence by Caroline Kepnes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Blurb: Growing up as best friends in small-town New Hampshire, Jon and Chloe are the only ones who truly understand each other, though they can never find the words to tell one another the depth of their feelings. When Jon is finally ready to confess his feelings, he’s suddenly kidnapped by his substitute teacher who is obsessed with H.P. Lovecraft and has a plot to save humanity.

When Jon finally escapes, he discovers he now has an uncontrollable power that endangers anyone he has intense feelings for. He runs away to protect Chloe and find the answers to his new identity–but he’s soon being tracked by a detective who is fascinated by a series of vigilante killings that appear connected.

My Musings: While lacking the “edge-of-your-seat suspense” of Kepnes’s previous novel, You, I still really enjoyed Providence. Both Jon and Chloe were very complex and realistic characters. The confusing and conflicting feelings Jon suffers, as well as the intrigue of his new powers made for a great story. Kepnes succeeds so well at grey characters.

I wish that there were not so many loose threads at the end of the novel, but at the same time I also didn’t feel like I was left hanging. This novel is one of the few that worked so well with multiple narratives. Everything was great, I hope we get a sequel!

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy

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Artemis by Andy Weir

Posted in 2018 Reads, Big Kid Books, Bin, Is it just me ?, Meh, Mystery, Science Fiction, Uncategorized, Zzz by

ArtemisArtemis by Andy Weir

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was excited to check out Andy Weir’s second book after the huge success of The Martian, a novel which I enjoyed a lot but did have some issues with. While Artemis started out very strong, by midpoint it had fallen into the same issues that I had with The Martian. That being that the science mumbo jumbo was rather excessive. In fact it was even worse than it was in The Martian. It really dragged the novel down and caused a lot of skimming, something I don’t normally do.

The other issue I had was with the main character, which is surprising since I thought the protagonist in The Martian was very interesting and engaging. Jazz on the other hand was the complete opposite. I feel like the author was very strongly trying to go for a “sassy badass femme fatale” character, but what we got was an insecure spoiled brat.

Its not all bad though, I did think that the setting was very cool. In a basic sense the plot was interesting, and if the book wasn’t 60% science essays I am sure I would have enjoyed it more.

Overall, while it had a lot of potential this book was a disappointment. Everything that made The Martian so universally loved (fascinating plot, likeable protagonist) is missing from this. While not terrible, be prepared to skim a lot unless you are a science major.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin

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Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper

Posted in 2018 Reads, Buy, Contemporary, Uncategorized by

Our Homesick SongsOur Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Our Homesick Songs is about a family of four, who live in a faltering and nearly abandoned fishing village. It follows Aiden and Martha Conners, the parents stretching themselves to a breaking point by working alternate month shifts at a faraway work camp, and their children Cora (determined and desperate to create a life with purpose and joy for herself and her younger brother), and Finn a dreamer of a boy who just wants things to go back to the way they were.

The atmosphere of the novel is highly realistic, I could practically feel the salt spray on my face when the family would be out on their boats. I felt the raw loneliness throughout the pages, and the tiny sparks of hope deep within each character.

While at times the pace moved a little too slow for my liking, overall I did enjoy this and felt that the alternate narratives (something I normally do not like) worked well for this story. Just as I might be getting frustrated with one character, or feeling too much dread at their situation it would switch to another family member and it was like a breath of fresh air.

Great book for a rainy day and would highly recommend.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Posted in 2018 Reads, Buy, Mental Illness, Uncategorized by

Challenger DeepChallenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, it was unsettling at times but that was only because everything was so realistic. Even during the more surreal moments, it felt true. Like when you’re trapped in a bad dream that you can’t wake up from.

That’s what mental illness can feel like, and to have the main characters real life and dream life became so blurred was both chilling and intriguing.

I will admit that I did like the “real life” scenes the most, but I was still very impressed by how imaginative the narrative became throughout the story.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy

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Little Kid Books | The Anger Volcano

Posted in 2018 Reads, Bin, Little Kid Books, Uncategorized by

The Anger Volcano - A Book About Anger for KidsThe Anger Volcano – A Book About Anger for Kids by Amanda Greenslade

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I didn’t enjoy this book, the art is not really ideal for a Childrens’ book its very plain and almost ugly. The writing itself was annoyingly repetitive, the whole book was basically terrible “rhymes” coupled with the main line of the book about counting to disperse your anger.

I know that Childen’s books often rhyme and are repetitive, I know this. However, while others leave the feeling of trying to hammer home an ideal or moral this just felt lazy.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin

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This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

Posted in 2018 Reads, Borrow, Dystopian, Is it just me ?, Paranormal, Uncategorized by

This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have had this book recommended to me countless times and I finally decided to read it! I thought the premise of evil actions creating literal monsters was very interesting, and I think that the story was very creative.

For whatever reason though I had trouble finishing this book, I don’t know why, I was just kind of bored especially once the “action” started. This may have been because while the plot was very creative, the good guys and bad guys seemed a bit one dimensional.

I didn’t real feel a connection between the protagonists. The villains were almost cartoony in their violence. I probably won;t be continuing with this series, but will still check out other works from this author, perhaps her adult books will be better suited for me.

Buy, Borrow Bin Verdict: Borrow (for unique premise)

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Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet | Various YA Authors

Posted in 2017 Reads, Anthology, Buy, Romance, Uncategorized by

Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet.Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet. by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Blurb: Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of “how they first met” from some of today’s most popular YA authors.

Readers will experience Nina LaCour’s beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard’s glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon’s imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno’s story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick’s charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner.

There’s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants.

This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.

My Musings: Aw what a cute, mushy, adorable collection of meet cutes! There is a huge range of stories in here, bursting with originality and tons of diversity. Some of the stories were a little cheesy for my taste, but most left me with a smile on my face, and the characters fondly in my thoughts long after I finished the story. I think this book would make a very cute valentines day gift.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy

 

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Wicked Wonders by Ellen Klages

Posted in 2017 Reads, Buy, Favourites, Hidden Gem, Novella/Short Story, Uncategorized, Up All Night by

Wicked WondersWicked Wonders by Ellen Klages

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Blurb: The Scott O’Dell award-winning author of The Green Glass Sea returns with her second collection: a new decade of lyrical stories with vintage flair.

Inside of these critically-acclaimed tales are memorable characters who are smart, subversive, and singular. A rebellious child identifies with wicked Maleficent instead of Sleeping Beauty. Best friends Anna and Corry share a last melancholy morning before emigration to another planet. A prep-school girl requires more than mere luck to win at dice with a faerie. Ladies who lunch keeping dividing that one last bite of dessert in the paradox of female politeness.

Whether on a habitat on Mars or in a boardinghouse in London, discover Ellen Klages’ wicked, wondrous adventures full of brazenness, wit, empathy, and courage.

 

My Musings: If you think short stories are not for you, read this book.

From the first page I was instantly immersed in the magical and vibrant worlds of Wicked Wonders. The author has this amazing talent of writing short stories that leave you with enough closure to feel satisfied, but also include an intriguing enough premise to have you musing and daydreaming about the stories for weeks on end! Only a master storyteller could make glimpses of other worlds feel so complete.

I also really enjoyed the end chapters, where the author explained why she writes short fiction and the included blurb about her inspiration for each short story in the collection. I wish more books did this as it was so interesting to read about.

Overall this is great collection from an award winning author, and while not every story includes magic, every story is magical.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy

 

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Heartthrobs: A History of Women and Desire by Carol Dyhouse

Posted in 2017 Reads, Borrow, non fiction, Uncategorized by

Heartthrobs: A History of Women and DesireHeartthrobs: A History of Women and Desire by Carol Dyhouse

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great little novel about heartthrobs throughout history, and what this tells us about women and society at the time. I had a lot of fun reading this even though it got a little repetitive at times. Overall quirky and enjoyable read that can easily be read in one sitting.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Borrow

 

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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