I initially purchased the series because I have 2 boys, 10 and 13.
My 10 year old fell in love with the series. In fact, it was the first non-graphic I initially purchased the series because I have 2 boys, 10 and 13.
My 10 year old fell in love with the series. In fact, it was the first non-graphic novel he read. And he read it cover to cover and continues to quiz us with Percy Jackson trivia at the dinner table.
I enjoyed this book. I love how the author weaves in the modern world with the world of Greek mythology. It amuses me to find that the Labyrinth can shoot someone out anywhere in the US.
Well worth the time, great read.
Merged review:
I initially purchased the series because I have 2 boys, 10 and 13.
My 10 year old fell in love with the series. In fact, it was the first non-graphic novel he read. And he read it cover to cover and continues to quiz us with Percy Jackson trivia at the dinner table.
I enjoyed this book. I love how the author weaves in the modern world with the world of Greek mythology. It amuses me to find that the Labyrinth can shoot someone out anywhere in the US.
Very different kind of book by author Rachel Vincent. The story recounts 100 hours in the life of Genesis and her friends as they vacation in ColombiaVery different kind of book by author Rachel Vincent. The story recounts 100 hours in the life of Genesis and her friends as they vacation in Colombia. The narrative has multiple points of view and it takes a little time to get to know the characters well enough to understand who is talking and why they behave the way they do. At first I was skeptical that the book could be a the first of a trilogy, and as I neared the end of the book, I understood why, however I still feel that it probably could have been told in one book.
Full review to come closer to publication date.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for a review copy of this book. ...more
Sometimes a book is appealing because of the author. Other times, a sexy cover beckons. And then there are times when you stLoners and misfits unite!
Sometimes a book is appealing because of the author. Other times, a sexy cover beckons. And then there are times when you start reading a book and something just clicks. Maybe it's because you've felt like the main character, maybe it's because the book just has the correct amount of quirkiness, or just maybe.....it fit your mood.
I wish this book had been around when I was in high school. I wish I had a book like The Bubblegum Reaper to read and ponder like our main characters did. I wish I could have met an author and discussed his/her book (even though Booker did not discuss his book with his friends).
Every Exquisite Thing will appeal to anyone who has experienced loneliness, bullying, depression and the emotional hormonal ride of high school. I loved Nanette, and I loved her even more when she started talking about herself in the third person. She could have been one of the popular girls but she chose to be herself instead. In many ways, I admired her choices.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I will be adding his other books to my reading list this summer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a review copy of this book.
Initial Thoughts: Perfect summer read. Light and fluffy. Heavy on the rich teenage angst. Reminded me a little of some fan fiction that I've read befoInitial Thoughts: Perfect summer read. Light and fluffy. Heavy on the rich teenage angst. Reminded me a little of some fan fiction that I've read before.
The Review: First of all, I must admit that this series is my Guilty Pleasures read. It’s a rags to riches story with a bit of teenage angst. (So if angst is not your thing, you were warned). It’s not perfect, but it is a light read well suited for a beach vacation or just reading on your balcony or back deck. Erin Watt is no other than the writing team of Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick, so expect something fun to read. Also remember to suspend belief because some of the things that go on in these books are a little unrealistic. Personally, I liked Paper Princess more than Broken Prince. Once I got over the initial “I just need to suspend belief and read” moment because seriously, taking or kidnapping a teen that is to be your ward from a strip club was a little unbelievable, I did enjoy the book. I liked Ella’s character and how strong she was. I found Broken Prince a little slower, perhaps because I was missing Ella.
Broken Prince was featured on Badass Book Reviews AH's Mini Reviews/Summer Reading Picks. Check it out!
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book...more
I've been watching a lot of TV lately, much to the detriment of my reading. I can't seem to stop watching shows like Scandal, How to Get Away With MurI've been watching a lot of TV lately, much to the detriment of my reading. I can't seem to stop watching shows like Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, and House of Cards. This book reminded me a little of those shows, but not in a good way. You see, I feel like I have already read or seen this book before.
Diplomatic Immunity is the story of Piper Baird, a high school student who gets a once in a lifetime chance to attend a prestigious Washington, D.C. school. There, she meets Rafael Amador, the handsome son of the Spanish ambassador to the US.
Diplomatic Immunity has the potential to be an entertaining book except for one thing - I just couldn't stand the main character Piper Baird. She is presented with an amazing opportunity - a scholarship to a prestigious school, along with the possibilities of making contacts with the children of very powerful people. Instead, she uses these students to write an expose of their lives, and in doing so, ruffles many feathers.
I understood that Piper was driven and goal oriented. That's a good thing. I understand the need to excel in order to obtain financial assistance for higher learning, especially considering Piper's family's financial situation. College is prohibitively expensive in the US. Unfortunately, Piper didn't understand the big picture and how her actions affected those around her. It was just reprehensible.
And while I won't spoil the ending, it was entirely unbelievable.
I’ve admired Rachel Caine for quite a while now. While I have not yet had the opportunity to read her Morgan Vampires series, I’ve been a fan of her WI’ve admired Rachel Caine for quite a while now. While I have not yet had the opportunity to read her Morgan Vampires series, I’ve been a fan of her Weather Wardens and Revivalist series. When I saw that she had a new series planned, I was very excited. As a book nerd I was even more excited to find out that this series revolves around books and a great library. Book Geeks, unite!
I think that what strikes me most about this series is the intricate world building. Paper & Fire takes place in a world based upon The Great Library in Alexandria. It’s a mashup of the past and present, a world based upon magic and the steam engine, an alternate history of the world where the people in power control books and information.
The first book in the series Ink & Bone introduced our main characters, each of whom has a specific talent that makes them an integral part of the story. Paper & Fire raises the ante as they realize that the Great Library is not what it seems to be. There are some pretty ruthless people in power, people who will do anything to control the information.
I know, it doesn’t sound terribly exciting – but believe me, it is. The Great Library is guarded by an army and get this – automaton lions and sphinx. How crazy is that?
I did find the book a little slow at first, however once I got into it, I could not put it down. And what an unexpected ending. Now I can’t wait for the next book in the series Ash & Quill, expected to be published in July 2017. This series is best read in order.
This is a series that should not be missed. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and NAL for a review copy of this book.
Opposition is the series finale for Jennifer Armentrout's Lux series. It's action packed and full of interesting surprises. I'm glad that I had the opOpposition is the series finale for Jennifer Armentrout's Lux series. It's action packed and full of interesting surprises. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to read the entire series during Bookshelf Bingo - I've been meaning to do so for ages. For those not familiar with the series, it kind of has that Twilight vibe at the beginning of the series but then it takes off on it's own with aliens, hybrids, secret government plots, and nasty villains. Lots of mayhem and destruction and a very possessive alpha male or two. Suspend belief and enjoy the ride.
SOS Bookshelf Bingo - Favorite series shelf....more
Hmmm...how do you review book 4 in a series without spoiling earlier books?
Wow. This installment in the Lux series was intense. When we last left DamHmmm...how do you review book 4 in a series without spoiling earlier books?
Wow. This installment in the Lux series was intense. When we last left Damien and Katy in book 3, they were in cliffhanger land. (I'm trying to avoid spoilers). Lots of crazy stuff happens and we learn about a little hitch in the plans of the scientists.
I loved how Katy and Daemon's relationship progressed. There were also a few new characters who I really liked. I was disappointed by a big betrayal.
All in all, a fun read. Can't wait to pick up book 5.
Holy cliffhanger ending! Sometimes you just need something fluffy and fun to read. While I was able to predict something like this ending, it still waHoly cliffhanger ending! Sometimes you just need something fluffy and fun to read. While I was able to predict something like this ending, it still was a fun read. Hmmm...maybe I'll need to join Team Daemon.
I do have a few criticisms of this book. The editing/spelling/grammar mistakes were annoying. When you spell the word wrong, it carries a completely different meaning. Also, what is it with the disappearing parent figure in all young adult books? I can't imagine leaving my teens alone for that much time.
For some reason, this series reminds me a little of Twilight, only instead of vampires, we have aliens called the Lux. So therein lies my reasoning foFor some reason, this series reminds me a little of Twilight, only instead of vampires, we have aliens called the Lux. So therein lies my reasoning for putting this on my guilty pleasures shelf. Sometimes you need something light and fluffy to read and this fits the bill perfectly. I'm not going into the plot as this is book 2 and anything about the plot may possibly spoil book 1.
In any case, a perfect summer read.
SOS Bookshelf Bingo R13 - Guilty Pleasures shelf. ...more
Initial Thoughts: Interesting premise. Young girl gets plucked from exotic dancer job and told that she will now be the ward of Callum Royal, the fathInitial Thoughts: Interesting premise. Young girl gets plucked from exotic dancer job and told that she will now be the ward of Callum Royal, the father of 5 teenage boys. Had some issues with how Callum convinced Ella to move in, but after suspending belief, I was able to enjoy this book.
The Review: First of all, I must admit that this series is my Guilty Pleasures read. It’s a rags to riches story with a bit of teenage angst. (So if angst is not your thing, you were warned). It’s not perfect, but it is a light read well suited for a beach vacation or just reading on your balcony or back deck. Erin Watt is no other than the writing team of Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick, so expect something fun to read. Also remember to suspend belief because some of the things that go on in these books are a little unrealistic. Once I got over the initial “I just need to suspend belief and read” moment because seriously, taking or kidnapping a teen that is to be your ward from a strip club was a little unbelievable, I did enjoy the book. I liked Ella’s character and how strong she was.
Paper Princess was featured on Badass Book Reviews AH's Mini Reviews/Summer Reading Picks. Check it out!
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book....more
This is a review of the audio book which I purchased from Audible.
Overall, the narration was well done and the narrator kept my interest throughout. TThis is a review of the audio book which I purchased from Audible.
Overall, the narration was well done and the narrator kept my interest throughout. This is the first Brandon Sanderson book that I've had the opportunity to read and I liked the writing style. I'll definitely be adding his other books to my bloated to-read list.
The book is set sometime in the future when people started exhibiting superpowers. These people called Epics used their power to control. David watched his father die by the hands of one of these Epics and he is out for revenge. He joins a group called the Reckoners and vows to kill Steelheart.
This audio book is perfect for road trips. I know that my boys would have enjoyed listening to this story. ...more
Didn't really like the writing style. This is a story that is told from the point of view of a young woman who has lost her memories due to a head injDidn't really like the writing style. This is a story that is told from the point of view of a young woman who has lost her memories due to a head injury. The story is augmented by police reports, witness testimonies, and blog posts. This type of storytelling always feels disjointed and it did suit the subject matter. It was an OK story, however the ending felt a little bit dissatisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for a review copy of this book....more
About 3.5 stars (just because I had to put this book down and start over at a later date).
Full disclosure - I'm definitely not the target demographic About 3.5 stars (just because I had to put this book down and start over at a later date).
Full disclosure - I'm definitely not the target demographic for this book. However, I do have teenage nieces who may or may not be interested in this book.....
When I first started reading The Fall of Butterflies, I was a little bored. Same old story, teenage girl with an absentee parental unit plotting her own demise. I'll admit it, I put the book down for a bit and went on with my business. I picked up the book about a week later because I really enjoyed Ms. Portes' Anatomy of a Misfit.
I then proceeded to read this book in one sitting. Why? I think that I was curious about Willa and Remi. Willa is a misfit from a town called What Cheer, Iowa and Remi is the queen of the social scene. The two hit it off, much to the chagrin of the other students at the prestigious Pembroke Prep School.
Willa is shown an entirely different side of life. Beautiful clothes, huge mansions, private island parties, and designer drugs. She notices that some kids can miss classes for days and still graduate. Willa also learns that she has her own options and she does not need to follow her mother's path.
The story is told through Willa's point of view and while she does have a wonderful sense of humor, at times I felt like she should have used some common sense. Again, I must reiterate that I had difficulty with reading this book at first.
Trigger warnings - drugs
Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Teen for a review copy of this book.