Bad Reviewer

The last month I have definitely slipped on my book reviews.  Shame, shame, shame.

I am hoping that in the future I will do better, but for now, I am still playing catch-up. :(



27. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand


What an incredible story!

This book brought out so many different emotions.  I love books that can move me like this one did.

Rating: 5/5 stars


 - a book based on a true story



28. Killing Floor by Lee Child

I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this!

Mysteries and thrillers aren't really my type of genre, but this story pulled me in from the very beginning.  I cannot wait to read more Jack Reacher novels.

Rating: 4/5 stars

- a mystery/thriller




29. Golden Son by Piece Brown

That ending - GAH!

Such a fast paced and exciting read! Never a dull moment in this book.

Rating: 5/5 stars


- a book with a color in the title            



30. Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

It makes me sad to give this a low rating, because I LOVE Valek (and Yelena by extension), but this story was very different than the first three Study books.

It was told from three different POVs (Yelena, Valek and Janco), and while I could have overlooked it being just Yelena and Valek, I really did not understand why Janco was included. In my opinion, it didn't further the story any and seemed to drag it out more than was needed.

Also, while I enjoyed learning more about Valek's past, I did feel as though it was included just to make the story longer... again, it didn't really do anything to further the story. A few paragraphs, maybe a chapter would have been enough, but almost every Valek chapter had a flashback in it.

Like I said, it really hurt my heart to give this anything lower than a 3, but for me, this book was just okay. I will read the next book in the series, though, because I am too invested in Valek and Yelena to give up on them now.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars



31. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

It took FOREVER for me to get into this book. The first three quarters of the book seemed rather dull. I spent the entire time prepared to give it 2 stars, but then the last few chapters picked up and I found myself drawn into the story.  Rating: 3/5 stars 32. I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star by Judy Greer I really don't know what I was expecting, but it was definitely something different than this. I really wanted to like this book, because I love most of the movies in which Judy Greer is a co-star, but it seemed very disjointed and all over the place. Add to that the part where her "funny" stories weren't really funny. I guess I was hoping to read more about her actual life, you know, being a co-star to the "famous" in Hollywood - maybe more on how her career actually started, what she does to stay pertinent in the acting community, heck, maybe even something about all the people she has worked with - but this was just a bunch of short stories about random subjects from shopping at CVS to having a pink car and it didn't really entertain me. Nothing against Judy Greer, she seems like a fun person, but this book wasn't for me. Or maybe I just have something against memoirs... I don't know. Rating: 1.5/5 stars - a funny book 33. A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout Wow. What an amazing story of survival. It is so hard to read about the darkness and terror that can be found in this world. I am so impressed by Amanda's perseverance and will to survive in the face of such horrors and I wish nothing but the best for her continued recovery. Rating: 4/5 stars  - a nonfiction book

More catch up

22. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Being the sixth book in the series, it was pretty blah.  I felt the series could have ended with the third book.

Rating 2/5 stars


23. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

LOVED this book!  Very well written with a cute story.

Rating: 5/5 stars

- a book set in a different country (England)



24-26. The Glass series by Maria V. Snyder

Storm Glass rating: 3/5 stars
Sea Glass rating: 3/5 stars
Spy Glass rating: 2.5/5 stars

This series was just "meh".  I wasn't really excited by it and didn't really connect to any of the characters.  But, Snyder is a great author and wrote a decent story.

 

- a trilogy

The Study series by Maria V. Snyder

I absolutely love this series!

 

Seriously, some of my favorite characters come from this series and one of my best literary crushes.  Yelena is such a strong, fascinating female character.  I really love that about Snyder - she is great about writing great female leads.  And Valek... oh, Valek... Of course Yelena could not resist you.  How can anybody resist you?

 

I had a lot of fun re-reading this series in preparation for Snyder's new novel, Shadow Study.  Supposedly it is a continuation in Yelena and Valek's storyline so I was definitely looking forward to reading it.

 

I am so glad I took the time to read these.  Apparently I have only read the last two books in the series once and that was over four years ago!  It was a great refresher!

 

So a few days ago I eagerly opened my copy of Shadow Study... and within the first few pages I realized I was missing part of the story.  Apparently if you want ALL the details in Yelena and Valek's story you need to read the Glass series by Snyder, as well.  I'm sure you could probably read Shadow Study without reading those books and get most of the story, but I am such a fan of these characters that I feel I would be doing them an injustice by going ahead and reading Shadow Study without reading the Glass series.

 

Sadly, I put the book back on my shelf and quickly requested the Glass series from the library... now to wait. :(

 

I really hope the Glass books are worth it!

Favorites of 2014

A Different Blue
by Amy Harmon

Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know her real name or when she was born. Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, she didn't attend school until she was ten years old. At nineteen, when most kids her age are attending college or moving on with life, she is just a senior in high school. With no mother, no father, no faith, and no future, Blue Echohawk is a difficult student, to say the least. Tough, hard and overtly sexy, she is the complete opposite of the young British teacher who decides he is up for the challenge, and takes the troublemaker under his wing.

This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody. It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love. But falling in love can be hard when you don't know who you are. Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can't love you back might be impossible.

Rating: 5 stars


Me Before You
by Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

Rating: 5 stars


Throne of Glass series
by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass
Crown of Midnight
Heir of Fire

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another.

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.  

Ratings
ToG: 3.5 stars
CoM: 5 stars
HoF: 5 stars


The White Rabbit Chronicles
by Gena Showalter
Alice in Zombieland
Through the Zombie Glass
Queen of Zombie Hearts

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….


I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.

Ratings
AiZ: 4 stars
TtZG: 4 stars
QoZH: 4 stars


Wonder
by R.J. Palacio

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Rating: 5 stars

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

WARNING!  Spoilers!

What an exciting read!  It had a bit of a Hunger Games-esque feel, but with a sort of Matched twist.  I felt like I was a part of their world.  I kept hoping for Tris to succeed, but at the same time I wanted her to stay true to herself.  Four was a very exciting character.  I figured early on he was a transfer from Abnegation, but I didn't realize he was really Tobias!  I love that he was Divergent as well and that they both were able to fight against the Erudite.

It just goes to show that no matter what ways you try to change society, there will always be those out there who want power and personal gain.  Don't let yourself be a mindless follower, but think for yourself and do what is right!

I am so excited for the next book in the series!

Rating: 5/5

28. Katherine - Anya Seton

This classic romance novel tells the true story of the love affair that changed history—that of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the ancestors of most of the British royal family. Set in the vibrant 14th century of Chaucer and the Black Death, the story features knights fighting in battle, serfs struggling in poverty, and the magnificent Plantagenets—Edward III, the Black Prince, and Richard II—who ruled despotically over a court rotten with intrigue. Within this era of danger and romance, John of Gaunt, the king’s son, falls passionately in love with the already married Katherine. Their well-documented affair and love persist through decades of war, adultery, murder, loneliness, and redemption. This epic novel of conflict, cruelty, and untamable love has become a classic since its first publication in 1954.

Oh. My. Word. I LOVED this story! It's probably one of the best love stories I've ever read. Who knew that royalty could fall in love so strongly back in the 14th century? The story of John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford was so touching - all they went through and they still loved each other so much. Now, I am no fan of adultery, but their love was truly amazing. And I enjoyed that they loved their children so much. It was a great read and I am so glad my sister Lisa highly recommended it!

Rating: 5/5

I Know...

... I've been pretty bad at updating my book blog lately. Sorry to all those that read it (all one of you)!

So, here comes a quick summary of the books I recently read...


As Shadows Fade - Colleen Gleason

This was the final installment of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book... and when I still hadn't received it the day after it came out, I went to my local (but not so local) Barnes & Noble and picked one up. Lo and behold, the next morning my pre-ordered book came through the mail. Thankfully my sister, Kira, decided to buy all the books in the series and bought my extra copy from me.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the demons were great villains and portrayed really well. And let me just clarify my choice of a suitor for Victoria - after reading the first chapter, I quickly changed from wanting Sebastian for her to wanting Max for her. It seemed that Sebastian's character became rather weak and completely different in the last book than the calm, cool and suave Sebastian I have always loved. That was one reason why I could not give this book a 5. Also, his "memories" throughout the book were slightly annoying. But overall, a great read!

Rating: 4.5/5


Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry

This was the book chosen by my sister Lisa for our family book club this month. I checked it out of the library before my week long excursion to Georgia for something to do while I was up there (trapped inside a one bedroom apartment with no vehicle and two little rambunctious girls). I read about 3/4 of the book that week and quickly finished it two days after I got back to Florida. All I can say is - WOW! It was such a fascinating story! I loved McMurtry's development of the characters, although there were so many of them it took me a while before I could keep straight who was who. There were so many unexpected happenings in this book and it always kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next! Yes, it was quite long (over 800 pages), but I really enjoyed it!

Rating: 4.5/5


The Nine Kingdoms Books - Lynn Kurland

Thanks to my sister Lisa, I also wanted to read these three books about the plight of Morgan of Melksham, an ordinary shieldmaiden from the kingdom of Neroche. It follows her journey of self discovery as she travels the Nine Kingdoms aiding the quest of the king and archmage of Neroche as they try to quell the evil that threatens their land. I absolutely loved the characters of Morgan and Miach! They were so cute together, although I do have a difficult time believing that somebody could be as patient and caring and loving as Miach - hello! He has a way stressful life and I love my husband dearly, but I don't know any man who is that perfect! But still, I loved pretending there was someone like that. The second book (The Mage's Daughter) was my favorite of the series, with the third book (Princess of the Sword) as my least favorite. It just seemed very anti-climatical (is that the right word there?) after all the build up to the great battle for the kingdom of Neroche. And then the ending - could it be any more quaint and sappy? However, I still really enjoyed reading the series.


Ratings:
Star of the Morning: 4.5/5
The Mage's Daughter: 5/5
Princess of the Sword: 4/5

10. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Wow! This book was absolutely amazing! Every time I read books like this I am constantly amazed by how the writers come up with these things - what an imagination! And the characters in this book were so real! Reading about all the hazards and dangers each "tribute" (a participant in the Hunger Games) had to endure, I know that I would never stand a chance. What a crazy, scary thing to have to go through - I certainly hope nothing like this happens in our future!

I was constantly surprised by Katniss's strength and her determination. And I absolutely loved Peeta! He is definitely up there on my literary crushes list! They were great characters and I cannot wait to read the second book (although I have to because it doesn't come out till September)!

Rating: 5/5

60. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb.

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island--boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

I LOVED this book. I had a really hard time putting it down! It was the book selection for last month's family book club and I am sad to say that I just started reading it a few days ago. It's just been a really crazy month and I've had so much to do. I knew that if I started reading a book I wouldn't stop until I was finished reading, then I wouldn't get any of my Christmas stuff done in time, so I had to put this book on hold till then.

I absolutely loved the characters! Juliet, Dawsey, Isola, Elizabeth, Kit... what a wonderful group of people! I wish they were real, they were so fascinating! I am always amazed how people survived World War II, so this was a great read for me. The strength the people on the Island of Guernsey had, and the quick wit of Elizabeth McKenna! I have to say I am absolutely happy with the way the book ended! I only wish there was more of it to read!

Rating: 5/5

50. The Heretic's Daughter - Kathleen Kent

Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live. Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft. This is the story of Martha's courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.

I LOVED this book! Being a history buff, I have read a lot of books about the Salem witch trials. Yet this book was so different from the others. It was a completely different angle to the happenings in Salem than all of the other books that I've read.

I really enjoyed the Carrier family. It was amazing all that they endured in such a short amount of time! Their strength and courage was fascinating. Every time I read about that time period, I am in complete disbelief of what happened - how a whole town (and neighboring towns) became caught up in the lies of a group of teenage girls and killed and imprisoned so many innocent people. It's incredible what greed and anger will lead to...

I would highly recommend this book, to history buffs and everyone. For this being Kathleen Kent's first novel, she did an amazing job!

Rating: 5/5

Helen of Troy - Margaret George

George depicts with bravado, grace and eloquence the grand spectacle surrounding Helen of Troy. The author's research into Mycenaean culture, coupled with Trojan War mythology's larger-than-life heroes, enliven a bold story pulsing with romance and sacrifice, omens and battles. Helen's noble Spartan parents try to defy the fates when a seer foretells the tragedy Helen and her legendary beauty will cause, but, as the myth of Helen demonstrates, destiny cannot be altered. Helen's years of seclusion in Sparta lead to a frigid marriage to Menelaus before she connects with Paris, the Trojan prince with whom she forges an inextricable bond. Barely into her 20s, Helen escapes with Paris to Troy, but finds the Trojan royals welcome her with less than open arms. The mythic war, which, in less capable hands, might be over-romanticized, is portrayed with an enthusiasm that rings true to the period without verging on stagy—no small feat when dealing with such a sweeping conflict. George's extraordinary storytelling abilities shine in her portrayal of Helen as both a conflicted woman who abandoned her homeland and child for true love, and as a legendary figure whose beauty and personal choices had epic consequences.

I finished reading this book a few days ago. It was really good! I love anything historical, and I'm really fascinated by the Trojan War. It was fun to read about all the different characters and how they played a part. I wonder what really happened.

Rating: 4.5/5