I'm going to do something a little unconventional. I'm going to take two books from the list out of order and make them into a BBR-U, because honestly neither book warrant separate reviews. So here we go
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver:
After the fantastic first book, this one was incredibly disappointing. While I had no problem following the new format of this book, I did not like Ms. Oliver's writing style in this one. I thought it was too well, formal or flat. I also did not like any of the new characters, they didn't feel real or likeable in any way.
Partials by Dan Wells:
I wanted so much to like this book, so damn much. I mean it's an interesting as hell plot, which takes place on the island that I live, mostly in a town I've been to. But the writing was just so terrible, and the characters so flat and lifeless. It got harder to read with each passing page.
I'll next be reviewing Fever by Lauren DeStephano.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Review #172: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Why hello there everyone! I hope you are all well :) Have a few things for y'all today, and I hope you enjoy :)
Insurgent is the second book in the Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth. Goodreads says:
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
For my review of the first book, Divergent, click here.
This book, holy shit batman. This book just blew the water into the air and up into the heavens. I mean holy effing effness. This book was AMAZING. Even better than Divergent, in every way. I literally read the thing in two days, I refused to be torn away from it. This is another book where all I want to say is "so good so good soo good sooooo fucking gooooooooooddddd." But now that would not be a good review now would it? So I'll say that this book surpasses Divergent in every way. The story was fantastic. We get to see more of the world Ms. Roth created, going from Amity to Candor, etc. The characters had great development, and everything was just so much better. The story of political upheaval coupled with the romance, just everything fell into place and made for such heart pounding action and sweet romance. I loved every single moment, and that ending, I mean holy crap. I was just so damn shocked it felt like my face almost fell off or my mouth would stay on the floor from shock. And I could not be more shocked with the twists. Nothing was predictable, just the way I like it.
Tris just blew me away with her strength in this book. She got amazing character development. I still think that she and I would get along great. I just wanted to comfort her and make sure she was ok. A book reviewer I love and respect named CassJayTuck (She is fantastic, look her up!) who said something about Tris that really resonated with me: The reason people in the book think Tris is cold and cruel is the fact that they don't feel like a normal human being. That the idea of being Divergent is nothing special in real life, but it is in this world because of the way Tris' society has functioned, with each faction being about one single virtue. So while Tris is actually a normal human who feels everything, those who aren't Divergent are not, so they think she is cruel and cold. That is really true and after I finished the book I thought about that hard. Because you read the book from Tris' perspective, you know how she's really feeling, and that she is being torn apart by grief, her actions, everything. Her arc is one of the best I've ever read. Four was also even better. He had his own development which rivaled Tris'. I could not believe the twists his character took, shocking and I loved every minute. With every time he was around I fell in love with him even more. They're relationship really made me swoon. I also loved that they had fights like other couples, they had their issues and worked them out. I also adored Susan, Christina, and the other fabulous side characters that came to life on the page.
Damn, Ms. Roth just keeps getting better. She has built a world that gets richer and richer. Like I said, as you keep reading, you see more of this world. I loved how Ms. Roth created Amity and the other factions, building the tension that I could cut with a knife. Everything came together so well and the writing style was excellent. I will seriously read everything that Ms. Roth will write. She is a freaking genius :).
Wait for my next post :)
Until next time, viva la literature!
Insurgent is the second book in the Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth. Goodreads says:
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
For my review of the first book, Divergent, click here.
This book, holy shit batman. This book just blew the water into the air and up into the heavens. I mean holy effing effness. This book was AMAZING. Even better than Divergent, in every way. I literally read the thing in two days, I refused to be torn away from it. This is another book where all I want to say is "so good so good soo good sooooo fucking gooooooooooddddd." But now that would not be a good review now would it? So I'll say that this book surpasses Divergent in every way. The story was fantastic. We get to see more of the world Ms. Roth created, going from Amity to Candor, etc. The characters had great development, and everything was just so much better. The story of political upheaval coupled with the romance, just everything fell into place and made for such heart pounding action and sweet romance. I loved every single moment, and that ending, I mean holy crap. I was just so damn shocked it felt like my face almost fell off or my mouth would stay on the floor from shock. And I could not be more shocked with the twists. Nothing was predictable, just the way I like it.
Tris just blew me away with her strength in this book. She got amazing character development. I still think that she and I would get along great. I just wanted to comfort her and make sure she was ok. A book reviewer I love and respect named CassJayTuck (She is fantastic, look her up!) who said something about Tris that really resonated with me: The reason people in the book think Tris is cold and cruel is the fact that they don't feel like a normal human being. That the idea of being Divergent is nothing special in real life, but it is in this world because of the way Tris' society has functioned, with each faction being about one single virtue. So while Tris is actually a normal human who feels everything, those who aren't Divergent are not, so they think she is cruel and cold. That is really true and after I finished the book I thought about that hard. Because you read the book from Tris' perspective, you know how she's really feeling, and that she is being torn apart by grief, her actions, everything. Her arc is one of the best I've ever read. Four was also even better. He had his own development which rivaled Tris'. I could not believe the twists his character took, shocking and I loved every minute. With every time he was around I fell in love with him even more. They're relationship really made me swoon. I also loved that they had fights like other couples, they had their issues and worked them out. I also adored Susan, Christina, and the other fabulous side characters that came to life on the page.
Damn, Ms. Roth just keeps getting better. She has built a world that gets richer and richer. Like I said, as you keep reading, you see more of this world. I loved how Ms. Roth created Amity and the other factions, building the tension that I could cut with a knife. Everything came together so well and the writing style was excellent. I will seriously read everything that Ms. Roth will write. She is a freaking genius :).
Wait for my next post :)
Until next time, viva la literature!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Review #171: Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Ok y'all, last post of the night. Hopefully won't take so long to post a review again lol.
Taken by Storm is the third in the Raised by Wolves series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Goodreads says:
Bryn knows first-hand that being the alpha of a werewolf pack means making hard decisions, and that being human makes things a thousand times worse. She's prepared to give up her humanity, but the wolf who promised to Change her is waiting - though for what, Bryn doesn't know. Still human, she must take her place in the werewolf Senate, the precarious democracy that rules the North American packs. Standing side by side with werewolves who were ancient long before she was ever born is enough of a challenge, but Bryn soon learns that the Senate has been called to deal with a problem: the kind of problem that involves human bodies, a Rabid werewolf, and memories that Bryn, Chase, and the rest of their pack would rather forget. With bodies stacking up and political pressure closing in from all sides, Bryn and her pack are going to have to turn to old enemies and even older friends for help - especially when it starts to look like this time, the monster might be one of their own.
For my review of the second book, Trial by Fire, click here.
Holy flipping shit, this book was AMAZING!!! Sorry, but it literally took me by surprise. I don't know why, Ms. Barnes is an amazing writer who has made me fall head over heels with this series. But oh my god, this book just made me feel every emotion, in the best sense possible. I mean what the hell Barnes? Why did you put my heart through all of that aching? I hate and love you for it Ms. Barnes! I love that I did not see any of the twists coming. I literally gasped out loud, while I was with my parents and my friend when some of those twists came at me like an out of control train. I nearly cried a few times. And that ending. Holy eff that ending! I mean it, that ending was shocking and awesome and everything I was hoping for. I just don't know though, is this the final book? Or is there another one coming? I hope it's not the last book, because that ending spelled cliffhanger all over it. Although to be fair, I wouldn't mind that much if it was the final book, because Ms. Barnes wrapped up mostly everything nicely. But oh my god this story was sooo freaking good. I loved the journey Bryn went on, the new people she met, I loved her conflict with Shay, and the story itself was just, I can't even describe it, it was that good.
Bryn had excellent development! I loved how she matured even more in this one. I loved how she dealt with everything, and my heart went out to her so much. I enjoyed the hell out of her practicing with her Resilience, that was just greatness. I loved Chase as well. He was still my heartthrob in here, and he damn near broke my heart (I will not spoil that for y'all, but I nearly freaking cried). I love love love his and Bryn's relationship. Their love makes my top list of favorite fictional couples. There's no frills with them, and you can feel the love they have for each other pour out from the pages. Devon wasn't in this book too much, but he was still my Devon. His journey also was fabulous to read, and I love how he ended up at the end of the book. His and Bryn's relationship is another one I love. Their friendship is just so damn sweet, I want to be Bryn for a day just so I can be best friends with Devon. Now Lake got some unexpected development, but I loved it completely. I loved what Barnes did with her character, and how she and her past was in a way integral to the story. That was an unexpected boon. I still love her sarcasm and pure kickassery. Her dynamic with the other characters always makes me smile. The other characters, like Callum and Jed were excellent as always. The addition of Jed and Caroline added a dynamic that added a layer to the story. I loved reading the exchanges between Bryn and Caroline, and Caroline and Devon. Excellent
Damn Barnes, why did you rip my heart out like that? I mean it, she is SUCH a great writer guys. Ms. Barnes built her world up even more, expanding it and adding even more new and exciting information. She kept me guessing every second, never once making me falter in the attention I was paying to this book. She deserves every single solitary bit of success she has gotten.
I'll next be reviewing Insurgent by Veronica Roth.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Taken by Storm is the third in the Raised by Wolves series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Goodreads says:
Bryn knows first-hand that being the alpha of a werewolf pack means making hard decisions, and that being human makes things a thousand times worse. She's prepared to give up her humanity, but the wolf who promised to Change her is waiting - though for what, Bryn doesn't know. Still human, she must take her place in the werewolf Senate, the precarious democracy that rules the North American packs. Standing side by side with werewolves who were ancient long before she was ever born is enough of a challenge, but Bryn soon learns that the Senate has been called to deal with a problem: the kind of problem that involves human bodies, a Rabid werewolf, and memories that Bryn, Chase, and the rest of their pack would rather forget. With bodies stacking up and political pressure closing in from all sides, Bryn and her pack are going to have to turn to old enemies and even older friends for help - especially when it starts to look like this time, the monster might be one of their own.
For my review of the second book, Trial by Fire, click here.
Holy flipping shit, this book was AMAZING!!! Sorry, but it literally took me by surprise. I don't know why, Ms. Barnes is an amazing writer who has made me fall head over heels with this series. But oh my god, this book just made me feel every emotion, in the best sense possible. I mean what the hell Barnes? Why did you put my heart through all of that aching? I hate and love you for it Ms. Barnes! I love that I did not see any of the twists coming. I literally gasped out loud, while I was with my parents and my friend when some of those twists came at me like an out of control train. I nearly cried a few times. And that ending. Holy eff that ending! I mean it, that ending was shocking and awesome and everything I was hoping for. I just don't know though, is this the final book? Or is there another one coming? I hope it's not the last book, because that ending spelled cliffhanger all over it. Although to be fair, I wouldn't mind that much if it was the final book, because Ms. Barnes wrapped up mostly everything nicely. But oh my god this story was sooo freaking good. I loved the journey Bryn went on, the new people she met, I loved her conflict with Shay, and the story itself was just, I can't even describe it, it was that good.
Bryn had excellent development! I loved how she matured even more in this one. I loved how she dealt with everything, and my heart went out to her so much. I enjoyed the hell out of her practicing with her Resilience, that was just greatness. I loved Chase as well. He was still my heartthrob in here, and he damn near broke my heart (I will not spoil that for y'all, but I nearly freaking cried). I love love love his and Bryn's relationship. Their love makes my top list of favorite fictional couples. There's no frills with them, and you can feel the love they have for each other pour out from the pages. Devon wasn't in this book too much, but he was still my Devon. His journey also was fabulous to read, and I love how he ended up at the end of the book. His and Bryn's relationship is another one I love. Their friendship is just so damn sweet, I want to be Bryn for a day just so I can be best friends with Devon. Now Lake got some unexpected development, but I loved it completely. I loved what Barnes did with her character, and how she and her past was in a way integral to the story. That was an unexpected boon. I still love her sarcasm and pure kickassery. Her dynamic with the other characters always makes me smile. The other characters, like Callum and Jed were excellent as always. The addition of Jed and Caroline added a dynamic that added a layer to the story. I loved reading the exchanges between Bryn and Caroline, and Caroline and Devon. Excellent
Damn Barnes, why did you rip my heart out like that? I mean it, she is SUCH a great writer guys. Ms. Barnes built her world up even more, expanding it and adding even more new and exciting information. She kept me guessing every second, never once making me falter in the attention I was paying to this book. She deserves every single solitary bit of success she has gotten.
I'll next be reviewing Insurgent by Veronica Roth.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Currently Reading #18
Well everyone, the time has come for a new Currently Reading list to rise from the ashes of the previous one. Let us get started!
The theme for this list will be Hype Catch-Up. This is probably the longest list I have every attempted, but hopefully it'll be a good one. This list is a lot of the most hyped up books of this year that I have not yet gotten to. So without further ado, here are the stars of the list!:
1. Taken by Storm (Raised by Wolves 3) - Jennifer Lynn Barnes
2. Insurgent (Divergent #2) - Veronica Roth
3. Pandemonium (Delirium #2) - Lauren Oliver
4. Fever (The Chemical Garden #2) - Lauren DeStephano
5. Partials (Partials #1) - Dan Wells
6. Immortal City (Immortal City #1) - Scott Speer
7. Struck (Struck #1) - Jennifer Bosworth
8. Dark Eyes - William Richter
9. Portrait of a Starter (Starters #0.5) and Starters (Starters #1) - Lissa Price
10. Until I Die (Revenants #2) - Amy Plum
11. Unraveling - Elizabeth Norris
12. I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) - Barry Lyga
13. The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) - Julie Kagawa
14. Slide (Slide #1) - Jill Hathaway
15. Bewitching (Kendra Chronicles #2) - Alex Flinn
16. Croak (Croak #1) - Gina Damico
17. The Selection (The Selection #1) - Kiera Cass
18. Illuminate (Gilded Wings #1) - Aimee Agresti
Damn, that is a LOT of books! Hope they are all good and worth every bit of hype they got.
Until next time, viva la literature!
The theme for this list will be Hype Catch-Up. This is probably the longest list I have every attempted, but hopefully it'll be a good one. This list is a lot of the most hyped up books of this year that I have not yet gotten to. So without further ado, here are the stars of the list!:
1. Taken by Storm (Raised by Wolves 3) - Jennifer Lynn Barnes
2. Insurgent (Divergent #2) - Veronica Roth
3. Pandemonium (Delirium #2) - Lauren Oliver
4. Fever (The Chemical Garden #2) - Lauren DeStephano
5. Partials (Partials #1) - Dan Wells
6. Immortal City (Immortal City #1) - Scott Speer
7. Struck (Struck #1) - Jennifer Bosworth
8. Dark Eyes - William Richter
9. Portrait of a Starter (Starters #0.5) and Starters (Starters #1) - Lissa Price
10. Until I Die (Revenants #2) - Amy Plum
11. Unraveling - Elizabeth Norris
12. I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) - Barry Lyga
13. The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) - Julie Kagawa
14. Slide (Slide #1) - Jill Hathaway
15. Bewitching (Kendra Chronicles #2) - Alex Flinn
16. Croak (Croak #1) - Gina Damico
17. The Selection (The Selection #1) - Kiera Cass
18. Illuminate (Gilded Wings #1) - Aimee Agresti
Damn, that is a LOT of books! Hope they are all good and worth every bit of hype they got.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Bad Book Round-Up
Hey everyone, have a BBR-U for y'all.
The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich:
I tried reading this once before and wasn't that interested. I tried again and still wasn't interested. I don't know what it is really. I guess I can chalk it up to writing style. I just did not connect with it and therefore, the story. If you want this story, watch The Social Network. A great adaptation of this book.
Tough Shit by Kevin Smith:
This book started out ok at first, but went downhill for me. Again, it was the writing style. I just could not connect to it at all.
Well, that's the end of this Currently Reading list. I shall post the next one soon.
Until next time, viva la literature!
The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich:
I tried reading this once before and wasn't that interested. I tried again and still wasn't interested. I don't know what it is really. I guess I can chalk it up to writing style. I just did not connect with it and therefore, the story. If you want this story, watch The Social Network. A great adaptation of this book.
Tough Shit by Kevin Smith:
This book started out ok at first, but went downhill for me. Again, it was the writing style. I just could not connect to it at all.
Well, that's the end of this Currently Reading list. I shall post the next one soon.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #170: License to Pawn by Rick Harrison
License to Pawn is by Pawn Stars star Rick Harrison. Goodreads says:
In Las Vegas, there's a
family-owned business called the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, run by
three generations of the Harrison family: Rick; his son, Big Hoss; and
Rick's dad, the Old Man. Now "License to Pawn "takes readers behind the
scenes of the hit History show "Pawn Stars" and shares the fascinating
life story of its star, Rick Harrison, and the equally intriguing story
behind the shop, the customers, and the items for sale.Rick hasn't had
it easy. He was a math whiz at an early age, but developed a similarly
uncanny ability to find ever-deepening trouble that nearly ruined his
life. With the birth of his son, he sobered up, reconnected with his
dad, and they started their booming business together. "License to Pawn
"also offers an entertaining walk through the pawn shop's history. It's a
captivating look into how the Gold & Silver works, with incredible
stories about the crazy customers and the one-of-a-kind items that the
shop sells. Rick isn't only a businessman; he's also a historian and
keen observer of human nature. For instance, did you know that pimps
wear lots of jewelry for a reason. It's because if they're arrested,
jewelry doesn't get confiscated like cash does, and ready money will be
available for bail. Or that WWII bomber jackets and Zippo lighters can
sell for a freakishly high price in Japan. Have you ever heard that the
makers of Ormolu clocks, which Rick sells for as much as $15,000 apiece,
frequently died before forty thanks to the mercury in the paint. Rick
also reveals the items he loves so much he'll never sell. The shop has
three Olympic bronze medals, a Patriots Super Bowl ring, a Samurai sword
from 1490, and an original Iwo Jima battle plan. Each object has an
incredible story behind it, of course. Rick shares them all, and so much
more--there's an irresistible treasure trove of history behind both the
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and the life of Rick Harrison.
This book was flipping fantastic! It was a short, quick and fabulous read and I enjoyed every single minute of it. So much so I stayed up until about 5 in the morning to finish it, it was that good. I loved learning more about the Harrisons, the shop, and the items and people who have frequented it over the years. I learned so much and was engaged the entire time. Rick is a great writer, and made me laugh and learn. It felt like a friend and I had gotten together, and started telling each other stories from our lives. I was shocked to see chapters written by Old Man, Corey and Chumlee. They also had great writing styles that were true to their voices. I loved learning about their lives as well, especially Chumlee. I loved seeing that he really isn't as dumb as he's made out to be on the show. I also liked learning the history behind the show Pawn Stars. I never would have known on my own that Rick had been wanting a reality show for years before this show happened.
This is such a great book, if you love Pawn Stars and the Harrisons/Chumlee, you'll love this book. If you want a quick and good read, you'll love this book.
My next post will be coming up soon.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #169: Guts by Kristen Johnston
Hello my wonderful and amazing friends! It has been almost a month since my last post, and I've missed you all so very much <3 To be honest, I was in a reading slump and very uninterested in the books I was reading. But now I'm back and better than ever! There's a lot to be posted today, so let's start with this review :)
Guts is the memoir by Kristen Johnston. Goodreads says:
The two-time Emmy Award-winning actress has written her first book, a surprisingly raw and triumphant memoir that is outrageous, moving, sweet, tragic, and heartbreakingly honest. GUTS is a true triumph—a memoir that manages to be as frank and revealing as Augusten Burroughs, yet as hilarious and witty as David Sedaris. With GUTS, Johnston takes us on a journey so truthful and relatable, so remarkably fresh, it promises to stay with the reader for a long, long time.
I wanted to like this book so much. It seemed like a great memoir and great insight into the head of an actress I like. Unfortunately the writing style Ms. Johnson used just completely put me off. I'm all for sarcasm and wit, but honestly the way she wrote made me feel like she thought here readers were idiots and was talking down to us. It just felt so off-putting, I literally could no longer read it. I tried, but the writing just felt so, I don't know.
I'll next be reviewing License to Pawn by Rick Harrison.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Guts is the memoir by Kristen Johnston. Goodreads says:
The two-time Emmy Award-winning actress has written her first book, a surprisingly raw and triumphant memoir that is outrageous, moving, sweet, tragic, and heartbreakingly honest. GUTS is a true triumph—a memoir that manages to be as frank and revealing as Augusten Burroughs, yet as hilarious and witty as David Sedaris. With GUTS, Johnston takes us on a journey so truthful and relatable, so remarkably fresh, it promises to stay with the reader for a long, long time.
I wanted to like this book so much. It seemed like a great memoir and great insight into the head of an actress I like. Unfortunately the writing style Ms. Johnson used just completely put me off. I'm all for sarcasm and wit, but honestly the way she wrote made me feel like she thought here readers were idiots and was talking down to us. It just felt so off-putting, I literally could no longer read it. I tried, but the writing just felt so, I don't know.
I'll next be reviewing License to Pawn by Rick Harrison.
Until next time, viva la literature!
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