Courtney Reads A Lot

Top Ten Books I Really Want to Read But Don't Own Yet (36)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Top Ten Tuesday is where book bloggers can share a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. This week's topic is...

Top Ten Books I Really Want to Read But Don't Own Yet

There are so many books I could include on this list; I seriously could go on and on but I'll limit myself to just the ones I really think I'll enjoy or ones that are the last book in a favorite series.

1-2. The Cuckoo's Calling and The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (Pseudonym), J.K. Rowling - It's pretty much a given that I'll like anything written by J.K. Rowling, and it's only a matter of time before I own these. I hope sooner rather than later.

3. Let Me In by John Ajvide Lindqvist, Ebba Sergerberg (translator) - I loved both the American and the Swedish film versions, so I'm excited to read the actual book. It's one vampire tale that seems to be truly horrific like The Passage.

4. Sorrow's Knot by Erin Bow - I've been looking forward to reading this one for some time, and I'm hoping it meets my high expectations. The premise sounds so intriguing, and like nothing I've read before.

5. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott - I want to start writing again sometime soon, and I think this book will be helpful. I've heard so many good things about it, and I'm hoping to read it eventually.

6. The Girl From the Well by Rin Chupeco - This book sounds absolutely terrifying, and therefore, like my kind of book. I don't know if I'll actually end up buying it, but I'd love to read it soon, and it's not available at my library. At least not yet...

7. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima - I am always up for a good fantasy, and I've heard so many good things about this series. Yes, I'm reluctant to start yet another series, but I think this might be a new favorite. I just don't have any of the books in this series...I might borrow it from the library though to make sure I'm a fan.

8. Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi - I own the first two books in the Under the Never Sky series, and I just need to buy the third book to complete the series. I'm anxious to read this one, but I'm also sad to see this series come to an end.

9. The Final Descent by Rick Yancey - I'm both nervous and excited to read this final book in The Monstrumologist series, a favorite series of mine. I have all of the other books in paperback, so I'm just waiting for this one to come out in paperback, as ridiculous as it sounds. I want them all to match on my shelves.

10. Raging Star by Moira Young - This is yet another book I need to complete a series on my bookshelves. I've been putting off reading this one because Rebel Heart just didn't compare to Blood Red Road. But it would bug me not having the full series on my shelves, and I hope to read this one during the fall.

What about everyone else? What books have you been dying to read but still don't own? And don't forget to link up to your Top Ten Tuesday in the comments!

Review: Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 15:47:00 +0000

Title: Dairy Queen
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Narrator: Natalie Moore
Published: May 23, 2006 (first published April 30, 2006)
Publisher: Listening Library
Series: Dairy Queen #1
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Length: 6 hours and 7 minutes
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 4.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Everyone I looked at, their whole lives, did exactly what they were supposed to do without even questioning it, without even wondering if they could do something different.”
― Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Dairy Queen

Synopsis
When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D. J. can’t help admitting, maybe he’s right.

When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn’t so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won’t even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league.

When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D. J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
When I picked up Dairy Queen, I wasn’t expecting it to be a new favorite. Since this book has a lot to do with football and dairy farming, subjects I have very little interest in and know absolutely nothing about, I went into Dairy Queen skeptical but also hopeful that it would take me by surprise given all of the positive feedback it received. And lo and behold, Dairy Queen ended up being a delightful read, filled with wholesome, heart-warming scenes while at the same time fraught with so much tension and emotional feels.

Dairy Queen paints a heartfelt, moving portrait of a farming family that has hit tough times, a family barely keeping it together. D.J. is faced with many hardships throughout this book, from family strife to backbreaking work to bullying. Yet throughout it all, she still has her unconditional love for her family, and that keeps her working on the farm when she’d much rather do something else. D.J. is an admirable protagonist, one that inspires pride and hope in her aspirations. Seeing how hard she works, how much time she devotes to her family’s farm, makes us cheer her on all the more when she hopes to play football. And she may be somewhat naïve and close-minded at times when faced with something she's not used to, but I was able to make an allowance for her given her sheltered life. Her sweetness and integrity makes up for any of her shortcomings, along with her social awkwardness. I found her to be a wonderful character, someone I could imagine being friends with or getting along with.

Then there’s her family. You see, none of the Schwenks are talkers. Instead, they have a habit of keeping everything in until the silence just about kills them. D.J.’s brother Curtis barely speaks, D.J. doesn’t want to tell her father that she’s trying out for the football team, and everyone ignores their problems instead of addressing them. Even when they don’t hear from D.J.’s two older brothers for months because of a fight that’s blown way out of proportion, her family still doesn’t talk about the conflict. As D.J. spends more and more time talking with Brian, she realizes that these problems won’t just go away, and she slowly starts talking more and opening up to her family. Dairy Queen may be about D.J. and her attempts to be more than just a “cow” dumbly going through the motions, but it’s also about family and confiding in one another. As the book progresses, D.J. learns that sometimes in order to heal, you need to open old wounds no matter how painful it may be.

As for the romance in Dairy Queen, there’s not much of one which was fine by me. There’s definitely some chemistry between Brian and D.J., but the main focus is on her family issues and on D.J. finding out what she wants to do in life. I’m sure the romantic interest will be built on further in the later books, but I actually liked that it took a backseat to other plot developments in Dairy Queen. I’m not sure how the romance will play out, given the rivalry between their hometown football teams, but I think Brian is good for D.J. He forces her outside of her comfort zone, and he raises questions about what she’s doing with her life, and whether she’d rather be doing something else instead. He is not only a potential boyfriend, but a good friend as well, something D.J. needs more than anything else.

When it comes to the narration for Dairy Queen, Natalie Moore was the perfect choice for D.J. I don’t think I could have picked a better voice actor for this audiobook if I tried. I could hear every emotion D.J. was feeling through the narrator’s voice. Her uncertainty, her pent-up frustration and anger were all strongly felt through the narrator’s tone. She was a believable narrator, and I would definitely recommend this audiobook version.

If you have yet to read Dairy Queen, I’d strongly recommend doing so. If you can overlook the horrible cover, you’ll find a read well worth your time. It is a touching read that teaches us to follow our dreams, no matter how unattainable they may seem. It shows us that we can be more than just another “cow,” and that our choices are our own and no one else’s.

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 23:25:00 +0000

Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: August 2, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 404
Source: Gifted
Rating: 2 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Libraries were full of ideas–perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”
― Sarah J. Maas, Throne of Glass

Synopsis
In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Given the hype surrounding this series, I went into Throne of Glass with high expectations. As you most likely know by now, I am a huge fan of anything fantasy, so I thought this book was a perfect Courtney read. I mean, how could it not be? There’s magic, court scandals, assassins and so many elements that should make for a wonderful fantasy! Unfortunately, it did not impress. I think if I had gone into this expecting nothing, I would have enjoyed it more, but, alas, that was not the case. Throne of Glass was a fast-paced, entertaining read, and I was never bored, but it was just way too dramatic for my tastes.

First off, there’s our protagonist, Caleana Sardothien. I really wanted to like Celeana, and I will say that she did eventually grow on me, and there were times when her snappy comebacks made me smile. Yet, for the most part, I found her conceited, prideful, and melodramatic. She was constantly worried about her appearance and obsessing over whether or not the Captain of the Guard, Chaol, or the Crown Prince, Dorian, found her attractive. I found it hard to believe that after spending a year enslaved and working in the mines, you’d be that concerned about how filthy you looked or that there’s dirt under your nails right after your release. I figure you’d be more concerned about gaining your freedom, which she does worry about but not nearly enough. I liked that she could be a warrior while also loving dresses and frills, showing you can be both kickass and feminine, but she would often lose sight of the important issues like hey, someone’s trying to kill all the Champions, including me. I should probably be more on my guard instead of dancing all night at a ball.

Another aspect of Throne of Glass that really got to me is that Caleana is supposed to be this badass assassin, the Adarlan’s Assassin. She gained this title at a very young age, and we are constantly reminded of the fact that she is a skilled fighter and has killed many people on command. Yet I found that hard to believe when we see very little evidence of her skills throughout Throne of Glass. Not only does she not assassinate anyone in this book, but there are several instances where she has no idea that Dorian or Chaol have entered the room. In fact, she is startled when she realizes they are there. How could such a famous assassin be taken unawares?

While I wasn’t a fan of Caleana’s, I thought the story line of Throne of Glass had some promise. The more details I was given, the more I wanted to know about the little pockets of rebellion forming in a world steadily being conquered by a tyrant king. I loved the political intrigue, the hints of magic interlaced with a forgotten age of magical creatures. I definitely want to know more about all of this, and to unravel some of the secrets of Caleana’s dark past. We’re given only a taste of what we will know, and it’s exasperating because I just wanted to know more!

If Throne of Glass had concentrated more on the history of Erilea, on Caleana’s past and her transformation from assassin to prisoner to contestant, I think I would have enjoyed it so much more. But the romance overshadowed everything. Despite her precarious situation, Caleana can’t help but think how much she’d love to kiss Dorian, and she goes on about how handsome he is at the same time she says he’s infuriating. What’s even more infuriating is the slow beginnings of what can only be a love triangle. Yes, there are gruesome murders going on, and a stressful competition, but nevertheless, two men are infatuated with Caleana and constantly think of her. This is made all the more readily apparent by the shifting of POV from Caleana to Dorian to Chaol. Dorian and Chaol’s POVs offer little to the development of this story, except to inform us of what we already know, that these two are utterly besotted with the assassin. They repeatedly say that she is untrustworthy, that she is hard-edged and a flight risk, yet they still give her their trust way too easily and she captures their hearts far too quickly. I can only hope that this love triangle disappears, and the romance is put on a back burner in the later books.

While I had many qualms with Throne of Glass, I still plan on reading Crown of Midnight because 1) I've heard the series gets dramatically better and 2) I'm hoping to go to a book signing in September and Susan J. Maas will be there! So I'd really like to read all of the books currently released in this series before the event. I'm hoping that Crown of Midnight delivers where Throne of Glass did not. I can see why Throne of Glass may appeal to some, but it's just not for me.

Top Ten Books I'm Not Sure I Want to Read (35)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday, book bloggers share a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is…

Top Ten Books I'm Not Sure I Want to Read

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday really made me think about what books I've been avoiding, and what books I really need to get to since I already own them. I’m so indecisive when it comes to reading books because I’m a mood reader, and I always worry that it won’t be my type of book. I should just get over this and pick up books without overthinking it. I divided this week’s Top Ten list into books I don’t own but have been considering reading and books I do own but I’m unsure about reading.

Books I Don’t Own

1. Legend by Marie Lu – This is one of those books that I’ve thought about reading, but I’m not so sure. It seems to be a very popular series, but I’m not sure if it’s for me or not. Plus, I’m kind of getting tired of reading dystopian series.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – I remember liking her Dark Places, but I keep going back and forth as to whether or not I’ll read this one. I’ve read a mix of positive and negative reviews, which leaves me even more undecided.

3. On the Fence by Kasie West – This is another book I’m on the fence with (ha!). I’m not usually a big YA contemporary reader, so I have to decide if this one is for me. I’ve heard so many good things, so I’m leaning towards yes. I’m also unsure about The Distance Between Us and Pivot Point, but we’ll see.

4. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick – Once again, I’m not as into YA contemporary books as I am into fantasy, but this is another book I’ve heard so many good things about. I just can’t seem to decide whether or not I’ll read this one or her debut My Life Next Door.

5. The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger – I’ve considered reading this one before, but I’m still undecided. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and I’m not sure if I’d be a fan. I think I would like it but maybe not? Sigh.

Books I Already Own

6. Partials by Dan Wells – I actually own this book because I just couldn’t resist buying it when the Kindle edition was on sale. Now that I’ve considered this book at length, I’m not so sure I’ll like it. But I do hope to read it in the future…especially since I already own it.

7. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin – This is another book that I own but I’m unsure about. I’ve seen some negative reviews, and I’m wondering if it’s for me. But this was another Kindle deal I just had to buy. I should avoid those more often.

8. Enclave by Ann Aguire – Here’s another series I’m indecisive about even though I own this first book. I think the main reason I’m unsure is because I don’t want to start yet another series. And also I’m not sure it’s for me.

9. Entwined by Heather Dixon – The premise for this book sounds so amazing, and I love fairy tale retellings. So what’s the problem? I own the book, so why am I still unsure about reading it? I have no idea. Just me being my indecisive self again.

10. Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George – Another book I bought for my Kindle app on sale, and another book that I have yet to read. I’m still unsure about it, and I should just read it already. I’ll most likely love it since it’s a retelling of a Norwegian folk tale and also of one of my favorite childhood books, East o' The Sun, West o' The Moon by P.J. Lynch.

So that's my top ten this week. What about you guys? If you've read these books, what did you think about them? Please motivate me to read them!

Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 21:46:00 +0000

Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Brontë

Published: May 5, 1992 (first published 1847)

Publisher: Wordsworth Editions

Genre: Classic Literature

Pages: 409

Source: Purchased

Ranking: 5 stars

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Synopsis
Having grown up an orphan in the home of her cruel aunt and at a harsh charity school, Jane Eyre becomes an independent and spirited survivor - qualities that serve her well as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him whatever the consequences or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving her beloved? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
You would think that after reading or listening to Jane Eyre four, maybe five times, I would have grown tired of this story, but I don’t think that’s possible. If anything, I've grown even fonder of the story with each reading. I love revisiting Thornfield Hall, and meeting Mr. Rochester all over again, and watching as this all too familiar tale unfolds. Every time I read Jane Eyre, I feel like I've returned to a place near and dear to me, like I've ran into an old friend and we’re catching up, and it’s a lovely feeling. I know everything that happens, there are obviously no surprises, but I'm always deeply affected by this story nonetheless.

Jane Eyre tells the tale of a lonely orphan, who, after losing her parents to typhus, is taken in by her Uncle Reed. When her uncle passes away, she is left in the care of her Aunt Reed, who resents Jane for the favoritism she was shown by her late uncle. She is mistreated at the hands of her aunt and her three cousins, attacked with words and fists, and the constant object of scorn and suspicion even when she has done nothing wrong. Eventually, she is sent to school, a charitable school for poor or orphaned girls called Lowood Institution. Nearly starved and facing harsh punishment, her experience there is almost worse than the injustices she suffered at her aunt’s estate Gateshead Hall. Yet she finds friends and role models at Lowood, and as she gains an education, she grows into a respectable lady with many skills. She eventually applies for a governess position and finds a place at Thornfield Hall. Her interactions with the master there, Mr. Rochester, leave her feeling both confused and enamored. A complicated romance unfolds, and Jane begins to discover herself and a place where she might belong after so many painful years.

Jane Eyre revolves around the romance between Mr. Rochester and Jane, a romance that is far from typical, and cannot be called easy or straightforward by any means. Both characters have been hurt in the past, and both of them bear invisible scars that may never fully heal. It is this romance that keeps my interest, that makes for a gripping tale that will leave you raw and emotionally affected. While Mr. Rochester is superior in status and wealth to Jane, they are well-matched in intelligence and personality, and they recognize in each other a kindred spirit, something they have longed for.

Mr. Rochester is not a book boyfriend, or a fictional crush of mine. He is not perfect, or dashing, or charming in any sense of the word. He’s a brooding, temperamental character who tends to frustrate more than he wins over the reader. I’m not even sure I like him that much, although his fractured self, his maddening personality has me mesmerized and unable to put down this book. He holds a dark magnetism that has the reader wanting to read on, to discover more of his character and uncover his deep dark secrets. Just as Mr. Rochester is flawed, Jane can be cold, stubborn, and slow to trust, which is understandable given her rough past. But she is also strong and holds to her values. It is clear that the two are made for each other, at the risk of sounding clichéd, and they make a fitting pair. The reader may not always like these main characters, but you can’t help but cheer them on, hoping that they’ll end up together after all they have been through.

The characters of Jane Eyre may not be likeable, but they were never meant to be. And even so, I cannot help but sympathize with their plight, as I also find redeeming qualities in each of them. But while the characters are so complex, and wonderfully developed, it is the underlying messages conveyed that truly make this novel stand out. Ahead of its time, Jane Eyre brings up feminist and social class issues. When Jane tries to assert herself as an independent woman, she finds opposition from men in her life. Even Mr. Rochester would have her dependent on his money, happy to shower her with gifts when Jane would wish otherwise. Jane is insistent on the fact that she will not rely on a man’s fortune, and that she will not marry for a situation but only for love, and I really grew to respect her because of this. Then there are so many instances in Jane Eyre where characters will look down on the working class, and even Jane herself is guilty of this. She judges others for their class prejudices, but then shares in them herself. Jane Eyre takes a hard look at the hierarchical class system of England in this time period, and illuminates some of the hypocrisies and cruelties of the higher class.

While Jane Eyre heavily focuses on the achingly beautiful romance shared between Mr. Rochester and Jane, it is also so much more than a romance. It is a Gothic novel, containing elements of suspense and even horror as we try to discover Mr. Rochester’s dark past. It is also a social commentary on the time period, revealing how the upper class and even Jane herself discriminates against the lower classes. Jane Eyre is a classic for a reason, as it is a timeless novel, one that will never be forgotten. I’d recommend this one to any fans of classic literature or Gothic romance, as I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

Top Ten Books I’d Give to Readers Who Have Never Read Fantasy Books (34)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. This weekly feature has book bloggers write a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday was "Top Ten Books I'd Give to Readers Who Have Never Read X," where X could be any genre you want to choose. I picked…

Top Ten Books I’d Give to Readers Who Have Never Read Fantasy Books

It’s hard for me to imagine that there are people out there who have not read fantasy books. I know it’s not for everyone, but it seriously breaks my heart, given that it’s my favorite genre of fiction and my favorite genre period. So, if I were to recommend any books for newbies to fantasy, these would be my top ten. I have so many favorites, so it was difficult just picking 10, but I managed somehow.

1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – This one is an obvious choice, but I have to include it on this list. I’m sure I’m in the minority here when I say I’m a bigger fan of The Lord of the Rings series than The Hobbit though I love them all. But for someone who hasn’t read fantasy before, I think The Hobbit is a better place to start, since The Lord of the Rings books are very dense and, well, long. Also, The Hobbit is written with a younger audience in mind and makes for a more light-hearted read overall.

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling – This is another obvious choice, but I can’t ignore it. These books have followed me throughout my life. I grew up with them, eagerly buying each new release and devouring them immediately, and I hope to reread them soon. I think they are a great start for any new fantasy reader, as I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite for anyone.

3. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones – I loved the Miyazaki film, but the book, if possible, is so much better. This is a must read for any lover of fantasy, and I think it’s a great first choice for newcomers to the genre. I’d also recommend reading the other books in the trilogy, Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways. All of them are fantastic!

4-6. Alanna: The First Adventure, First Test, and Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce – Yes, I’m recommending Wild Magic even though I have yet to read the Immortals series. I own all of the books but just haven’t found the time to read them. Having loved all of the Song of the Lioness and the Protector of the Small series, I am sure I’ll also love the Immortals series, so I decided to include it. I would recommend any of Pierce’s books for a fantasy newbie. The earlier books of these series read almost like middle grade books, and then the later books grow substantially darker in tone as the protagonist matures and grows as an individual, and then there are enemies to contend with. I would also recommend Trickster’s Choice from the Daughter of the Lioness series, but I would suggest reading one of the other series first. The Daughter of the Lioness books are larger in size (though it’s a duology and not a quartet like the others), and in chronological order, they happen much later. And, honestly, I liked the other series just a little bit more though I've loved every book of hers that I've read so far.

7. Sabriel by Garth Nix – An old favorite of mine, I’d recommend Sabriel to anyone who would like to try fantasy. The entire Abhorsen trilogy is simply amazing, and I plan on rereading it soon. It does deal with a darker subject matter, given that there are Necromancers raising the dead, but most fantasy books do have some darker elements so I’d say it’s a good start.

8. Graceling by Kristin Cashore – Yet another series I wouldn't mind rereading! I need more time. This one has adventure, assassins, magic and romance! So it has a little bit of everything! And I’d also recommend reading the companion book Fire and the sequel Bitterblue if you enjoy Graceling. My favorite of the three is Graceling, with Bitterblue coming in for a close second, and Fire last of all, but you really can’t go wrong with any of these.

9. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson – The Girl of Fire and Thorns starts off slow, but once the pace picks up, it’s an incredible read, and the later installments only get better. I just finished the series, and I already want to reread these books. I think the Fire and Thorns series is worth checking out, especially if you’re first trying out fantasy.

10. Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle – I read Tamsin years ago, YEARS, and it still haunts me to this day. This is another book I hope to reread soon, and seriously, I cannot imagine anyone disliking this book. It is such an enchanting read, filled with folklore and ghosts and cats! There’s even a Pooka!

So those are my recommendations for new fantasy readers, but there are many runner-ups I had to leave out. I also considered Finnikin of the Rock, but I think that’s a book to read later on, after deciding fantasy is for you. How about everyone else? What fantasy books would you recommend for someone new to the genre? Did you like any of these?

Monthly Recap (4) - July 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Monthly Recap is where I share everything that's happened on Courtney Reads A Lot over the past month. I read some great books over the past month. In fact, all of these books were rated 3 stars or higher! That's a good month in my book (ha! puns)!

Book Reviews:

-Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3) by Leigh Bardugo

-Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

-The Bitter Kingdom (Fire and Thorns #3) by Rae Carson

-The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

-Half A King (Shattered Sea #1) by Joe Abercrombie

-Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

-The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

Other Posts:

-Top Ten Classic Books I Want to Read

-Courtney Reads A Lot Has A New Look

-Bookish to a Fault (2) - I Have A Seriesish Problem

-Showcase Sunday (6)

-Top Ten Authors I Own the Most Books From

This summer is just flying by, and I cannot believe it's going to be August already. This past month, I read a decent amount of books, thanks to listening to audiobooks along with reading physical copies. I finished two debuts, Paula Stokes' The Art of Lainey and Joe Abercrombie's YA debut Half A King, and both count towards the Debut Author Challenge! As for my personal challenge, I read The Bitter Kingdom and finished the beloved Fire and Thorns series, and I'm sad to see that one come to an end.

Courtney Reads A Lot has a new design which I love! I also picked out the flooring, cabinets and counter tops for my house! And (drumroll please) they broke ground! Which is all very exciting! Otherwise, July was pretty uneventful up until this week when I was hit with some bad news. My mom-mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer out of nowhere, and it's going to be rough for awhile. She'll be going in for radiation treatment, and I hope it goes well, but I'm terrified. In the meantime, my blog posts might be a little more sporadic, as I'm having trouble focusing while reading, and I'm constantly distracted by my thoughts.

In September, there's a book tour event/book signing I'm hoping to go to. In preparation, I will be reading some books this month by a couple of the authors attending. Sarah Maas, Susan Dennard, Elizabeth Norris, and Tiffany Schmidt will all be there, and I'm really looking forward to meeting all of them and getting some books signed!

Goals for Next Month:

-Read one debut for my Debut Author Challenge

-Finish 1 series for my personal challenge

-Read at least 2-3 books by Sarah Maas and/or Susan Dennard in preparation for the book signing

-Write a Bookish to a Fault post and another discussion post

How is everyone's summer going? What books are you planning to read this month?

Review: The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:36:00 +0000

Title: The Girl with All the Gifts
Author: M.R. Carey
Published: June 19, 2014
Publisher: Orbit
Genre: Young Adult Post-Apocalyptic, Horror
Pages: 460
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Rating: 4.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“you can't save people from the world. There's nowhere else to take them.”
― M.R. Carey, The Girl with All the Gifts

Synopsis
NOT EVERY GIFT IS A BLESSING

Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class.

When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite. But they don't laugh.

Melanie is a very special girl.

Emotionally charged and gripping from beginning to end, THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS is the most powerful and affecting thriller you will read this year. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I’ve been looking forward to reading The Girl with All the Gifts for some time, knowing that I would love it. Everything about it, from the intriguing, unclear synopsis to the stunning cover, had me wanting it immediately. I’m not usually into zombie books, with the exception of some like This Is Not a Test, but The Girl with All the Gifts is another book that focuses more on the development of the characters than it does the hungries (what the zombies are called in this book). Yes, we’re given plenty of information about the hungries and the infliction from a scientific standpoint, which I found fascinating, and we see some hungry attacks, but there’s so much more to this book than pure, raw fear and bloody gore. It’s a harrowing tale that plucks your heartstrings, and fills you up with raw emotion.

Where The Girl with All the Gifts hit hardest is in its stark depiction of a world bereft of life, our world gone to ruin. Houses are empty shells, falling apart without the care of humans, and nature is slowly reclaiming its hold on our civilization. Stores still stand, but there is no one left to shop in them or run them, and they have been raided for food by people who have most likely died long ago. It wasn’t easy reading the bleak descriptions of our world gone to hell, but it made it all the more real for me. It has been around 20 years since the Breakdown, and though there are still traces of a time long past lingering everywhere, there remains little hope for the dying race of humanity. I could almost feel the ghosts of the past creeping in every so often, with the memory of a children’s classroom, or an uninhabited house that holds all the mementos of a family long gone. It made for a very creepy atmosphere, as I waited for a hungry to jump out at any moment, while also mourning the loss of entire cities, of whole populations of people.

The Girl with All the Gifts is at times a horrific read, showing no mercy as our characters come against one obstacle after another, trying to find sanctuary where there seems to be none. Like a horror movie, I was constantly wondering is there a hungry around that corner, will someone get bitten, or will the junkers catch up with them at last. The suspense is terrifying, and it’s the slow creeping anticipation of what might come next that honestly did me in, and upped my anxiety until I could hardly bear it. But there are small breathers, moments of relief where Miss Justineau, Sergeant Parks, Dr. Caldwell and Gallagher can share in a drink, or stumble upon some find from the past, or can feel secure for a few hours. Those moments were the best, as we’re given a deeper look into each of their personalities, and we watch as some of the characters slowly open up to each other. The POV shifts between the five members of the team, and while I'm usually not a fan of multiple POVs, I actually didn't mind it so much in this one because each character stood out as unique.

The bonding moments shared between Melanie and Miss Justineau were the scenes that really stood out for me in The Girl with All the Gifts. I was deeply affected by Melanie’s trust in her teacher and almost mother like figure, so much that I almost teared up on several occasions. Her trust almost borders on blind faith, and her unconditional love for Miss Justineau is touching to witness. Miss Justineau also cared for Melanie in return, and took up a position as her protector, just as Melanie would protect her at times, and it was a lovely relationship to watch as it unfolded.

If I had any issues with The Girl with All the Gifts, it would just be a small complaint. I felt like the ongoing battle between the junkers and the other humans was leading up to some major conflict, only to leave me confused when it never happened. I understand the purpose the junkers serve, and that they were another enemy besides the hungries, but I couldn’t help feeling like I needed more background as to why they didn’t seek shelter on the bases after the Breakdown. I was really curious about them, and I wanted just a little bit more info, but I suppose in the larger scheme of things, they weren’t as important as the hungries and the conflicts within the team.

Overall, The Girl with All the Gifts took ahold of me, and didn’t let go until I finished the last page. It was a suspenseful read, leaving me at the edge of my seat, pulse jumping in constant fear of what would happen next. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good zombie, post-apocalyptic read, even if you’re not a horror fan. I would say it’s more suspenseful than scary, and it makes for a meaningful read, grim but also moving.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Top Ten Authors I Own the Most Books From (33)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Every week, book bloggers post a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. This week's Top Ten Tuesday is...

Top Ten Authors I Own the Most Books From

I don’t usually buy books because I love the author; I’m more likely to buy a book because the premise caught my interest or it’s received many positive reviews. Yet there are some authors, mainly from my middle school and high school years, that I have read extensively and whose books I still keep on my shelves for future rereads. Here are some of them:

1. J.K. Rowling – Of course, I would have her books on my shelves and plenty of them. I have the entire Harry Potter series, The Hogwarts Library box set, a second copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and Casual Vacancy. I plan to eventually buy Cuckoo’s Calling and The Silkworm to add to my collection. It’s pretty much a given that I’ll love whatever she writes.

2. Lemony Snicket – I love his A Series of Unfortunate Events series, and I have the first 12 of them on my bookshelves, and I just need to buy The End. I plan to reread these sometime soon, since I never did finish the entire series for some reason or another.

3. Lynn Kurland – I used to have a weakness for her historical fiction, time-traveling, fantasy romance novels. I have 20 of her books which is crazy. I think what drew me to her writing was that I always knew what awaited me within the pages of her books; I could count on a tasteful romance filled with adventure, bandits, and true love shared between a strong female protagonist and a medieval lord. Unlike other adult romances, her writing was never as explicit, not that I have any problem with steamier romance scenes. And the secondary characters always brought so much to the story with their banter and chivalry! All of the characters belonged to one of three family lines, and they would reappear in several novels which I loved. And the setting was pretty much always in castles in England or Scotland! How could I not read these?

4. Cate Tiernan – In high school, the Sweep series had to be one of my top five series, and I own every single book in this series. I was obsessed with this series, and after finishing one of the books, I would immediately go to the bookstore to buy the next one. Morgan was a very realistic protagonist. While I couldn’t relate to her growing powers as a witch, I could understand her insecurities, and the romance in this one is just sooooo good. I need to reread these soon.

5. Meg Cabot – I cannot even begin to express my love for her books. I read so many of them during high school, and I think they helped me get through all of the teen-angst and insecurities. I loved The Princess Diaries, the All-American Girl and the 1-800-Where-R-U (now called Vanished) series. But my favorite is still The Mediator series, mainly because of the love interest Jesse. I reread this series so many times, and I will never give these books away.

6. Jodi Picoult – After I read My Sister’s Keeper, I kind of joined in on the whole Jodi Picoult craze. I bought several of her books, but when I think about it, I’ve only read maybe four of them. Every once and awhile, I get the urge to read another, so I’ve been slowly making my way through them. I’ll admit that none of them really stand out as unique to me. But they always deal with some controversial case, and I find the unraveling of the story entertaining, making it hard to put her books down.

7. Darren Shan – This is another series I never finished, but I was really enjoying. I'm somehow missing #5, Trials of Death. I think I lent it out, but it was never returned. I tried out The Demonata series as well, but I wasn't as impressed.

8. Cassandra Clare – It is no secret that I was a huge fan of The Mortal Instruments series, and I was also really into The Infernal Devices series. I’ve lost some of my interest in her books recently, especially after she continued a trilogy that I think should have remained finished. Yet I still have all of them on my shelves, except for City of Heavenly Fire which I still need to purchase. Or maybe I’ll just borrow it from the library…

9. Neil Gaiman – I didn't realize how many Gaiman books I had until just now. I love The Sandman comic series, and his children's books and short stories are simply amazing. I don't always like his books, but I do love their darker tones and how creepy they can get.

10. Tamora Pierce – I count Pierce among my favorite authors, and I would gladly revisit her books at any time. I have almost all of her books that take place in the Tortall universe, such as The Song of the Lioness, the Protector of the Small, The Immortals, and the Daughter of the Lioness series. The only series I’m missing from this universe is the Beka Cooper series, but I’ve heard it’s not as good as the others so I may not purchase it or even read it. I also have The Will of the Empress that I picked up randomly, but I have yet to read the Circle of Magic series, but I heard this is a standalone?

I have some new favorite authors that I’ve discovered recently, but many of these are old favorites I can count on for some wonderful rereads.

So what about everyone else? What authors do you own the most books from? Let me know and don’t forget to link up to your Top Ten Tuesday in the comments!

Showcase Sunday (6)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Showcase Sunday is hosted over at Books, Biscuits, and Tea. Showcase Sunday is where book bloggers can show all of the books and bookish goodies they bought, received, borrowed, etc recently. It's been over a month since I last posted a Showcase Sunday, so this post features the books I've received or bought over a long span of time.

Bought (Kindle):

-The Chocolate Rose (Amour et Chocolat #3) by Laura Florand

-Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

-The Witch of Duva (The Grisha 0.5) by Leigh Bardugo

-The Too-Clever Fox (The Grisha 2.5) by Leigh Bardugo

-Little Knife (The Grisha #2.6) by Leigh Bardugo

-The King's Guard (Fire and Thorns 0.7) by Rae Carson

-The Shattered Mountain (Fire and Thorns 0.6) by Rae Carson

-The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

Approved (Netgalley):

-The Lost (The Lost #1) by Sarah Beth Durst

-Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper

-Half A King (Shattered Sea #1) by Joe Abercrombie

-The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

-Jackaby by William Ritter

-Of Scars and Stardust by Andrea Hannah

Bought (Strand Book Store):

-I Know Why the Caged Book Sings by Maya Angelou

-The Ghost of Graylock by Dan Poblocki

-The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

-The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson

I went to New York City for a weekend with my boyfriend in late June, so of course I had to visit the Strand Book Store, and I bought a few things. I had to resist the urge to keep buying more stuff too. I love that bookstore so much. I honestly could spend hours in there.

Bought:

-The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope

-Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

Borrowed:

-Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

Gifted:

-Asylum (Asylum #1) by Madeleine Roux

-Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

My close friend Amanda sent me some lovely gifts for my birthday, including chocolate, a journal and a signed copy of Love Letters to the Dead! She got it signed for me at Fierce Reads, and I love her for it!

As always, I had trouble resisting the temptation of $1.99 deals for Kindle, not to mention that free Kindle book, The Chocolate Rose! How could I say no to a free book, especially when I've heard good things about her romances? And then the Vessel hardcover was on sale for a really good price on Amazon, and I've been meaning to read that one for far too long! Plus, those novellas were cheap, and I'm hoping to read them soon, since I love The Grisha and Fire and Thorns series! I'm excited to read all of these books, and I really need to stop buying any more, since I have a new house now that I'm moving into...

So what books did everyone else get recently? Have you read any of these?

Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 00:38:00 +0000

Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Narrator: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Published: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Length: 7 hours and 29 minutes
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“The problem with my life is that it was someone else's idea.”
― Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Synopsis
A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe starts off like many other books, introducing the lonely, misunderstood protagonist, different from other kids his age and in desperate need of a friend, only to find one only a few pages in. But from then on, it traverses another path entirely its own, unique and individual in every way. I went into this book, completely unsuspecting of the beautiful, emotional writing I would find within, and despite a couple of misgivings, I found it to be overall an awe-inspiring read.

In Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, time is a fickle, uncontrollable thing, constantly slipping through our fingers just as we think we have grasped it. This story sets a leisurely pace, giving the reader ample time to appreciate and admire the lovely writing. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe takes place over a span of about a year, give or take, but the summer is where the story seems to truly move forward, as Dante and Aristotle cross paths during this season. It is then that they discover an incredible and complicated friendship, something that cannot be easily replicated, something they have yet to find with anyone else. Summer for them holds magical wonders and infinite possibilities, as it offers an endless escape from reality, while at the same time it is painfully short, all too soon coming to a close.

Aristotle, the protagonist of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, is a difficult individual to understand, as he still doesn’t know himself. Sometimes he is cold and taciturn, while at other times he is overcome by violent rages and uncontrollable anger. For far too long, his family has remained silent, keeping all of their feelings and thoughts bottled up, and Aristotle has had enough. He wants to know more about his father and his memories of wartime; he wants to know why his brother went to prison and why everyone pretends he doesn’t exist; he wants to know why he’s never fit in with other boys his age and why he’s such a loner. He cannot handle all of the feelings pouring through him, and he is slowly discovering himself and why he is going through all these changes. Locked inside his head, the reader is easily swept up by his stormy thoughts and emotions, lost to his contemplation as he tries to make sense of his surroundings. He is a troubled individual, but he is also realistic, and as I gained a deeper understanding of him, I also felt an undeniable bond to him. As his emotions constantly shifted, I was taken along with them, feeling them to a smaller but still strong degree.

Then there’s his counterpart, Dante, his best and pretty much only friend. If Aristotle is a torrid storm, Dante is the calm after that storm. He brings a much-needed lightness to Aristotle’s life, as he is constantly laughing and making up silly games for the hell of it. The two of them make a fitting pair, as Dante talks while Aristotle listens. They are both plagued by insecurities and doubts, loneliness and a feeling of not belonging as Mexican Americans. Yet together their fears and worries are eased somewhat, and they discover a wonderful friendship, a friendship that makes this book truly worth reading.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe may heavily focus on friendship, but it does not fail to mention family as well. Aristotle and Dante’s families play a large part in this book, acting as a shoulder to lean on, always concerned for them and their well-being. It was lovely to witness how protective their parents are, and to find a YA book that doesn’t suffer from absent parent syndrome. Their families were a constant presence, and through learning more about his family, Aristotle learned how fortunate he is to have such loving parents. He also learned how to open up to others, and to release some of his pent-up feelings. Some of the most touching moments were shared between Aristotle and his mother, or between his father and him, or even between Aristotle and Dante’s parents, and each of these scenes had me fighting off tears.

Despite my deep appreciation for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, I found some of the dialogue repetitive and awkward. Maybe, I wouldn’t have noticed this if I had been reading a physical copy instead of listening to the audiobook, but it really bothered me when listening to the narrator. There were many instances where Dante or Aristotle would say something, and the other would echo back the same response. I think I understand the reasoning for this, as one of the characters might be questioning the sincerity of the other’s statement, or questioning its meaning. But I was still annoyed by it, and it was made all the more noticeable when listening. Also the dialogue, at times, seemed formal and stiff, not at all convincing. Maybe this was because Aristotle and his family often have difficulty communicating their innermost thoughts, but there were others who spoke similarly, and it just didn’t flow smoothly for me at these parts.

Other than a couple of issues, I was overall very pleased with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I would definitely consider reading other books by this author, especially Last Night I Sang to the Monster. I would recommend this book to anyone who would appreciate slow-moving, profound, and thought-provoking novels written in lyrical prose, and who also can handle a tear-jerker.

Review: Half A King by Joe Abercrombie

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:11:00 +0000

Title: Half A King
Author: Joe Abercrombie
Published: July 15, 2014
Publisher: Del Rey
Series: Shattered Sea #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“The fool strikes. The wise man smiles, and watches, and learns. Then strikes.”
― Joe Abercrombie, Half a King

Synopsis
“I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath.”

Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand.

The deceived will become the deceiver.

Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.

The betrayed will become the betrayer.

Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.

Will the usurped become the usurper?

But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds his path may end as it began—in twists, and traps, and tragedy. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

There are some books that sneak up on you unawares, books that you weren’t eagerly anticipating or counting down the days till their release, but somehow fall into your lap nonetheless. Half A King was one of those books for me. A couple of weeks ago, I was unaware of its existence, but after reading one review and spotting it on Netgalley, I knew I had to have it. Less than a day later, I found myself lost in its pages, always happy to explore another fantasy world. Half A King was a challenging book to review, and I put off writing this review for far too long. While I enjoyed it, I also had some major issues with it, leaving me torn and unable to express my feelings. Half a King may have fallen short of my expectations, but it still offered an enthralling tale full of adventure and friendship, betrayal and revenge.

Half A King is my first Abercrombie read, and it just so happens to be his YA debut as well. The story pulled me in from the very start, and I couldn’t bear to rip my eyes away. A fast-paced tale, I was scrolling through the pages like a madwoman, eager to reach the end and see if Yarvi avenges his father and brother’s deaths. The writing did not disappoint, as Abercrombie paints an ever-darker picture, escalating in tension as Yarvi escapes death only to find himself enslaved on a pirate ship. Despite the sorrowful beginning, and the bleaker scenes scattered throughout, there are many light-hearted moments as the characters become fast friends, moments I clung to for reassurance in the hope of a happy ending.

Yarvi may not compare to Edmond Dantès or Inigo Montoya, other protagonists who have sought revenge to the bitter end, but I felt his pain as he comes up against one obstacle after another in Half A King. He is not always a likeable protagonist; far from a hero, he often shrinks away from conflict, allowing others to fight his battles. Yet as the book progresses, he slowly emerges as a stronger individual, having suffered so much but still struggling onward towards his goal. He may not inspire admiration or respect, but he is a realistic character, embittered and betrayed, clever but narrowly focused on his quest for revenge. I may not understand some of the choices he makes, or even agree with them, but overall, he was a convincing character.

While the protagonist seemed promising, and the story was adventure-filled, Half A King failed to reach its full potential. Besides Yarvi, we are introduced to a host of other characters, each of them with wildly different personalities, and I was expecting each character to stand out with their oddities and varied backgrounds. Unfortunately, I feel like these characters were never fully realized, as they failed to leave an impression. I found the characterization of these secondary characters not only rushed but insufficient, as I wanted more detail and back story than I received. Given a mere glimpse of each character’s past, I was left dissatisfied and hungry for more, and I found it difficult to connect with the characters. I’m hoping the later installments will explore the characters in greater depth, so that I can empathize with them instead of feeling unconcerned with their comings and goings.

I found Yarvi’s trust in his companions, and also their unquestioning loyalty to him, developed at an unrealistically fast pace. Yarvi had hardly sat down at his oar before he had befriended his two oarmates, and the camaraderie between them just never rang true for me. It would have been far more believable if Yarvi had slowly earned their trust, finding friends in the most unexpected of places. As for the romance, there is only a hint of it throughout Half A King, but even that small, barely there spark seemed far-fetched and random. I needed a little more dialogue between the two characters in order for me to be convinced, but hopefully, this will be built on further in later books.

If there was one aspect of Half A King that truly stood out for me it was the religion of this people, a religion that borrows elements from Christianity, Greek mythology and a mix of our own religious beliefs. Whenever a religious story was shared, I found myself even more deeply immersed in the storyline, craving more knowledge and a deeper understanding of their religious background. I loved the unexpected switch of gender for their gods. We have Mother Sea instead of Poseidon; the god of peace, usually a female, is now Father Peace. Half A King takes all gender roles and stereotypes and reverses them, giving us goddesses that are violent and volatile, and gods that are peaceful and gentle. I can't help but wish that there had been just a little more background, maybe a few more stories or instances where the religion is delved into more. Since Yarvi’s people have reached an age where religion is evolving, and religious groups are splitting, the beliefs are central to the plot and could use more exploration. But I’m sure we will be given more details in future installments.

Half A King was a promising debut, speaking to Abercrombie’s writing skills, but it was only half the fantasy I had hoped it would be. A riveting read, I could not peel my eyes away from start to finish. Yet the world building and characterization left something to be desired, and I’m hoping the later books improve. It remains to be seen whether or not I’ll continue on with this series, but I’m thinking I will, if only because I’m curious to see how Yarvi will develop even more in the future books.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:06:00 +0000

Title: The Art of Lainey
Author: Paula Stokes
Published: May 20, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 384
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Standing up for yourself is about more than flinging barbed-wire insults around. Its about picking your battles, knowing when to fight, knowing exactly what and who is worth fighting for.”
― Paula Stokes, The Art of Lainey

Synopsis
Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Dessen, and Susane Colasanti, The Art of Lainey tells the story of how, with the help of The Art of War, Lainey plots the perfect plan to get her boyfriend back. But is getting him back really what she wants?

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warnings, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that's when Lainey and Bianca stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, the girls are sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey's arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous.

After a few "dates," it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game. Can fighting for what she wants help Lainey figure out what she really needs? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
At first glance, The Art of Lainey may look like a light, fluff-filled beach read, but this shows why you should never judge a book solely by its cover. There were times when the book seemed a bit too young for me, as I rolled my eyes at Lainey’s immaturity and self-absorption. But as the novel progressed and Lainey gained a deeper understanding of herself and others, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this charming debut.

Some authors will slowly ease into the plot, introducing the characters and allowing us to settle in before dealing a heavy-handed blow. Not Stokes. She cuts right to the chase in The Art of Lainey, having Jason dump Lainey only a few pages in, and therefore, capturing my interest right off the bat. Of course, this development was no shocker, given it’s clearly spelled out in the synopsis. Yet it still jolted me, leaving me to cycle through a myriad of emotions alongside Lainey. Despite having just met Lainey, I still shared her bafflement and rage, and I felt the same sharp pang of betrayal that she did, having also been heartbroken in the past. Anyone who has ever felt their heart shatter into a million pieces will be able to relate to Lainey, and as such, will be able to understand her desire to get Jason back, even as we realize it is not the wisest course for her to take. Lainey has fallen in love with the idea of being with Jason, blind to the knowledge that it is no longer meant to be, and it is best to move on. Lainey refuses to let go, and as such, she hurts herself all the more, as we watch powerless to stop her before she makes a mistake.

Lainey may not always be a likeable main character, but she really grows and matures throughout The Art of Lainey. She starts off very shallow and self-absorbed, and I couldn't believe some of the things she said. I could only shake my head in disbelief, wondering how other characters could simply brush her off or laugh at her behavior. Yes, Micah and other characters do acknowledge her behavior, and for that, at least, I am grateful that it is does not go unnoticed. I had to constantly remind myself that she is a teenager, and that she has been heavily influenced by her group of friends. As The Art of Lainey progressed, I rejoiced in her transformation from just one of the popular crowd to a unique individual who has discovered an interest in punk rock and plays, who aspires to a future playing soccer, and whose happiness doesn't depend on having a boyfriend. For so long she has been wrapped up in what others have wanted for her, like her friend and ex's sister, Kendall, who wants to change her. She has lost sight of who she really is and what really matters. When Jason breaks up with Lainey, she clings to the notion that he is all she had, that their relationship added meaning to her life, and she has to get him back to return things to normal. It was sad and desperate, and I wanted to reach into the book, grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. But at the same time, I wanted to pat her on the back, give her a big hug, as I watched all of the hurt and pain slowly pour out of her.

The romance that develops may be predictable, but it is also sweet and touching. When I started The Art of Lainey, I was concerned that Lainey would just move from one guy to the next, continuing this vicious cycle where Lainey is dependent on a boyfriend for happiness. Luckily, this is not the case. Her love interest serves as a shoulder to lean on, a confidante, someone who finally understands Lainey for who she really is, but he is not her everything or her entire reason for living. With him, Lainey can be herself, and she can also have a healthy relationship where popularity and status are inconsequential. The romance takes a long time to develop, as Lainey recovers from past wounds, but this just makes it all the more rewarding in the end.

While I enjoyed the romance in The Art of Lainey, when I look back, what truly stood out to me is not the romance, as sweet and swoon worthy as it may be, but the close friendship that is shared between Lainey and her best friend Bianca. Bianca serves as Lainey’s voice of reason, grounding her in reality when Lainey would rather cling to denial. She is the one who devises this entire scheme, while at the same time, she tries to gently steer Lainey onto a new path, encouraging her to move on. It is Bianca that helps Lainey realize all she has going for her, and that she doesn’t need a boyfriend to feel complete or happy. It’s always nice to see a friendship heavily focused on in a young adult book, and Bianca is a loyal, true blue friend, and someone who doesn't participate in backstabbing or petty rumors. Their friendship moved me, and I loved how it didn't take a backseat to the romance.

The Art of Lainey took me by surprise, captivating me from the start as I flipped through the pages like a woman possessed. I would recommend this to any fans of YA contemporary. It's well worth picking up, and I'm excited to see what Stokes writes next.

Review: The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 03:00:00 +0000

Title: The Bitter Kingdom
Author: Rae Carson
Published: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Series: Fire and Thorns #3
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 433
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for The Girl of Fire and Thorns and The Crown of Embers*

“I think sometimes when we find love we pretend it away, or ignore it, or tell ourselves we’re imagining it. Because it is the most painful kind of hope there is.”
― Rae Carson, The Bitter Kingdom

Synopsis
The champion must not waver.
The champion must not fear.
The gate of darkness closes.

Elisa is a fugitive.

Her enemies have stolen the man she loves, and they await her at the gate of darkness. Her country is on the brink of civil war, with her own soldiers ordered to kill her on sight.

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Lucero-Elisa né Riqueza de Vega, bearer of the Godstone, will lead her three loyal companions deep into the enemy's kingdom, a land of ice and snow and brutal magic, to rescue Hector and win back her throne. Her power grows with every step, and the shocking secrets she will uncover on this, her final journey, could change the course of history.

But that is not all. She has a larger destiny. She must become the champion the world has been waiting for.

Even of those who hate her most. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It’s been over a week since I finished The Bitter Kingdom, and this enchanting story still possesses me, sinking its claws in and refusing to let me forget a single page, a single word. I knew Rae Carson was a more than capable writer, but I still worried that the final book in this beloved trilogy would disappoint, as other final installments have unfortunately done this summer. Yet my worries were entirely unfounded, as The Bitter Kingdom was everything I could possibly want for a conclusion and so much more, leaving me deeply satisfied while at the same time devastated that a favorite series had ended.

The Bitter Kingdom sets a breakneck pace right from the beginning. At the start, we are taken on a risk-filled journey, following in the footsteps of our protagonist Elisa, the only bearer of a living Godstone and the young queen of Joya d’Arena, and her three companions. Elisa is on a mission to rescue Hector, and I could barely stomach the fear I felt for him, having already seen one lover killed in this series. But while Elisa is concerned for Hector, this is so much more than a love story. Not only Hector’s life is at stake, but the safety of Elisa’s entire country and the neighboring regions rides on the success of Elisa’s quest.

At the start of The Girl of Fire and Thorns, I was unsure about Elisa, and I worried that I would never sympathize with her or relate to her struggles. Yet these concerns all melted away later on in The Girl of Fire and Thorns and in The Crown of Embers, as I bore witness to her ever-growing maturity, confidence and compassion. The more she endured, the tougher she emerged, and all of her insecurities and vulnerabilities seemed to fade away to nothing. Watching Elisa grow as a bearer, as a queen and as a woman was so rewarding, and I couldn’t help rooting for her every step of the way. What makes Elisa such a powerful leader and a strong individual is her willingness to sacrifice everything for the good of her people, and for the safety of her loved ones. She is far from fearless, but what makes her stand out is her ability to face what may seem to be insurmountable odds and still persevere because she refuses to give in. A smile tugged at my lips every time Elisa said, “I have a plan,” because I admired her fortitude, and I believed in her enough to know she’d save the day, even if she had to risk her life to do so.

Besides an awe-inspiring protagonist, The Bitter Kingdom offers secondary characters that will bring tears to your eyes, characters that will linger in your memory long after you have closed this book. I loved each and every one of Elisa’s companions, as they bring such varied and complex personalities to the table, and every one of them is loyal to the death. Their individual development may occasionally fall to the wayside in favor of a fast-paced, adventure-filled story and explorative journey, but they are never forgotten and each of them adds depth to this tale. They push Elisa as they also support her in all of her endeavors, sticking by her side as trustworthy companions, confidantes and devoted followers. Among my favorites, Storm and Mula (aka Red and a new addition to the story) had me emotionally invested in this story, adoring both of these characters and enjoying every snippet of conversation or entertaining scene they offered.

Despite my earlier declaration that The Bitter Kingdom is not solely a romance, I cannot forget to mention a love story that had my heart pounding and my stomach all aflutter with butterflies in The Crown of Embers. I was beyond excited to see Hector and Elisa reunited, since the ending of The Crown of Embers just tore me apart and had me begging for the final book. The romance is wonderfully done, as we are given just enough details to leave us perfectly content and not so many that the romance would overshadow the main plot line. The political intrigue of the previous books is still present, and friendships and alliances are all still explored. But all the while, in the background ever-present, is this lovely romance that left me with a stupid smile plastered on my face.

As you can tell, The Bitter Kingdom was a winner for me. Rae Carson has pulled off an impressive finale that is proof of her genius, and I will read anything else she writes in the future. Watching a favorite series come to an end is never easy, but I’m happy I can close The Bitter Kingdom with a sigh of contentment and the knowledge that I can always return to this series in the future and rediscover this magical world all over again.

Bookish to a Fault (2) - I Have A Seriesish Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Bookish to a Fault, an original feature from Courtney Reads A Lot, is where I confess my nonsensical and/or shameful reading habits and bookish behaviors. These posts serve as a reality check, as I'm often living in denial. I chose to share these posts with you because I'm sure you can relate. If anyone can understand where I'm coming from, it would be fellow book bloggers and readers like yourselves.

I Have A Seriesish Problem

In my first Bookish to a Fault post, I talked about the uncontrollable urge I sometimes get to buy more books when I still have so many books waiting to be read at home. I know I shouldn’t, and I feel so guilty afterwards, but I just can’t seem to help myself when I step into a bookstore or end up on Amazon.

In my second Bookish to a Fault post, I’d like to confess this terrible habit I have of leaving book series unfinished. I start new book series all the time, even though I shouldn’t, even though I have a million other book series I still need to finish. But I see fellow book bloggers reviewing these books, and raving about them, and I just cannot resist the temptation. Sure, I could wait until I’ve finished other book series, but if there’s one thing I don’t have a lot of, it’s patience.

As you can tell from my blog, I mostly read young adult books, especially if the book falls in the fantasy genre. And lately, it seems like every new YA fantasy is part of a series. Sometimes, I'll read a book, thinking it's a standalone, only to discover later on it's part of a series. I always feel cheated, like somehow I've been tricked into taking on more responsibility than I want. How am I supposed to move on after a cliffhanger ending? How can I just look the other way when there are questions that remain unanswered? I can't! And therein lies the problem. I'm trapped; I need to read the other books, and it's just too much commitment!

When I start a new book series, I always have the best of intentions of finishing it. I tell myself that this series will be different; that so many people loved this one so I will too and I will fly through it. But even if I love the first book, and I’m super excited to continue on with the series, I still end up procrastinating. Why? I have no clue.

I’ve thought about this way more than I should, and I’ve come up with some reasons why I might be doing this:

Middle book syndrome – So many second books in trilogies seem to suffer from middle book syndrome. They basically just serve as an in-between book in the series, and not much happens (here’s looking at you Insurgent). When the first book is really well done, I’m spoiled. I start expecting the same quality for the rest of the series, and it sets the bar high for the later installments. Maybe I’m worried that the second book won’t live up to the high expectations set by the first?
Could have easily been a standalone – There are some instances where I’m perfectly content with the ending of the first book, and I don’t think an entire series is warranted. All my questions were answered, everything was wrapped up nicely, the lovebirds got it on, and I just don’t see the point of more books. Sure, there’s always more you can write, but what if it just goes downhill? You just need to realize when you have a good thing going and then let it go.

Death rate increases – Authors tend to have a nasty habit of killing off more and more characters as the series progresses. A perfect example would be A Song of Fire and Ice, where no one is safe and nothing is sacred. (You are evil, George R.R. Martin.) Every time a beloved character dies, I feel like I've been ripped in two, and I can't take all of the EMOTIONS! So I'd rather just avoid that even happening. I can't handle the pain!

The ending could completely suck – Yeah, it’s a risk you take with every series. But for some stupid reason, I end up worrying that the authors have no idea where the series is going, and that I will be disappointed in the conclusion. Whenever I come across a horrible ending, I think, that’s what we’ve been working towards this whole time? It’s just a crushing blow.

Don’t get me wrong. I love revisiting some of my favorite fantasy worlds when the new book is released. I love being reintroduced to beloved characters, and discovering more about their personalities and uncovering sordid details from their pasts. Sometimes, I am relieved when I find out that there’s more that awaits me; that the adventure is not yet finished. This means more world building and more character development and more everything! But other times, I just feel mentally exhausted when I realize I have yet another series to complete. It's just all too much.

This year, I challenged myself to finish some of the series I’ve started. I’ve done an okay job so far, and I’m hoping to finish a good amount by the end of the year. But there will still be some series I will probably never finish, whether because they just weren’t for me or because I simply don’t have enough time for all of the books I want to read.

So what about you guys? Do you have the same problem with finishing series? Do you prefer standalones or do you like a mix of both? Did any of this make a lick of sense? I hope so!

Review: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:03:00 +0000

Title: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
Author: Matthew Quick
Narrator: Noah Galvin
Published: August 13, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Length: 6 hours and 19 minutes
Source: SYNC free download
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
―Matthew Quick, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

Synopsis
How would you spend your birthday if you knew it would be your last?

Eighteen-year-old Leonard Peacock knows exactly what he'll do. He'll say goodbye.

Not to his mum - who he calls Linda because it annoys her - who's moved out and left him to fend for himself. Nor to his former best friend, whose torments have driven him to consider committing the unthinkable. But to his four friends: a Humphrey-Bogart-obsessed neighbour, a teenage violin virtuoso, a pastor's daughter and a teacher.

Most of the time, Leonard believes he's weird and sad but these friends have made him think that maybe he's not. He wants to thank them, and say goodbye. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is not an easy read by any means. It’s a raw, heart crushing book that leaves you emotionally gutted long after you’ve finished. Having read the synopsis, I knew to some extent that this would be the case, but even so, I was not entirely prepared for what I would find within these pages. I had borrowed this book from the library at first, but for some reason or another, I found it difficult to truly immerse myself in the story when I was reading a physical copy. Listening to it was an entirely different story. I downloaded the free audiobook that was offered by SYNC, and suddenly, I couldn’t stop listening, and it really made the workday go by so much faster. For some reason, I was able to empathize more with Leonard when listening to the book rather than reading it, and I found it to be, overall, a gripping tale of a teen who has lost the will to live and is trying to find his way back to stability.

Leonard Peacock, our protagonist, has been struggling for years with depression and so many pent-up emotions that he’s nearly exploding from all of the confusion, frustration, sadness and anger. Leonard isn’t always a likeable character, and sometimes I could not stand his bitterness and cynical POV. But as the book progressed and we are given a deeper understanding of his character, I couldn’t help but sympathize with all he’s been through. Leonard may not be starving or lacking the bare necessities, but his life has still been filled with so many hardships. His father is gone and on the run from the Feds, and his mother is neglecting her motherly duties, as she leaves Leonard alone in New Jersey while she follows her dream of becoming a fashion designer in NYC. His mother has to be the worst parental figure a kid could have; she cares only for herself and her career. Even when Leonard’s mental condition is readily apparent, his mother is still blind to just how badly he needs help, too wrapped up in her own vanity and ambitions to take note.

And this is where Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock hits the hardest; this is the most tragic reality of all. It is obvious that Leonard is falling to pieces. The only way it could be more obvious is if he screamed it at the top of his lungs. He changes his appearance, he gives away possessions and large gifts, and all of these are suicidal signs. Yet his mother, his counselor and even a teacher is oblivious to these drastic changes, or they brush them off as nothing, allow themselves to believe that he is okay and that they are just imagining something where there is nothing. This is where I started to feel the true implications of this novel, the dark reality that suicidal victims will often cry out for help before they go through with it, only to be ignored.

In Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, Leonard is just looking for an excuse to live, for someone to stop him and tell him that his existence means something. He tells himself again and again that he wants to die, that he hopes no one will stop him, but this repetitive thinking makes it all the more painfully evident that he is just searching for a reason to live. It was tough witnessing his cries for help, and all the while, hoping along with him that someone would hear them and be there for him. And, luckily, there are four friends that Leonard has to thank for making his life more bearable, four friends he wishes to say goodbye to before he leaves this world. They may not be friends in the traditional sense, but they have given Leonard some hope in humanity.

Out of all Leonard’s friends, Herr Silverman was, by far, my favorite. While he is Leonard’s instructor, and not necessarily a friend, his class on the Holocaust offers Leonard many valuable lessons that he can apply to his own life. Herr Silverman understands what Leonard is going through, and he understands what it is to be different, to feel like you don’t fit in anywhere. He always seems to know just the right thing to say, and it is his quotes that really resonated deeply with me:

“You're different. And I'm different too. Different is good. But different is hard. Believe me, I know.”

“People should be nice to you, Leonard. You're a human being. You should expect people to be nice.”

It is also Herr Silverman who inspires Leonard to look to the future, where things can only get better. He urges Leonard to write letters to himself from people he will meet in the future. We are given these letters throughout the book, and it is these small snippets of a fictional future that Leonard has dreamed up that coaxed tears out of my eyes. Through these letters, we are able to see how worthwhile life will be for Leonard if he only keeps fighting through all of the sorrow and the pain. It’s these moments that make all of the suffering worth it, and I’m glad that Quick included these letters to give us an understanding of all that Leonard would lose if he took his life.

As for the narration, I thought Noah Galvin was a very convincing Leonard Peacock. At times, he seemed sardonic, and at other times, he was more morose. It just depended on the the scene, and what was more fitting. His tone worked really well, and I enjoyed listening to him narrate.

My only issue with Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock was the ending was just too abrupt for my tastes. I wanted some more closure although I understand that life itself is unpredictable, and that we can never have all the answers, given that there are so many uncertainties. Yet I still felt like the ending was a little rough, and I was left hanging and wanting a little more.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock was a painful, authentic read that explores some of the darker realities we may wish to avoid. I found it to be an eye-opening read, and I could relate to Leonard’s struggles, having suffered from depression myself. I would recommend it to anyone who loves issue books. I’d just have a box of tissues close at hand.

Courtney Reads A Lot Has A New Look

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 04:00:00 +0000

With my two year blogoversary approaching, I figured it was just the right time for a new blog design. And let me tell you, I love this design so much! I am just so excited for this new look! Let me show my excitement through a bunch of unrelated gifs! Because how else could I possibly express my feelings?

Stephanie from New Chapter Designs did such an amazing job! I was so vague with my requests, but it was like she knew exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so much, Steph! I asked for cats because I love cats and they make everything better, and I asked for books because, well, obviously this is a book blog. And, that header just meets my every expectation!

And I have a new button! Also with cats and books! I can hardly contain the excitement!

Currently, I am going through and painstakingly changing the html for each post, since blogger decided to add a bunch of useless html to my review posts and my review posts are in two different fonts. Yay! Probably because I copy and paste my book synopses and quotes in from Goodreads, and that just is too much for blogger and it changes fonts in all sorts of whacky ways. I got through a few reviews and made them look nicer, but it's going to take forever! But it will be so worth it in the long run!

I now have social media icons for Pinterest, Instagram and Google+, so feel free to follow me on any of the above and I will follow back! I've been meaning to add them for some time, and I'm thrilled they're finally up. As you can tell, I freak out about the little things and get overly excited!

So, if you've made it this far in my post, I thank you for putting up with my unintelligible babbling and all of the gifs! You are truly amazing!

Review: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 21:16:00 +0000

Title: Ruin and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Published: June 17, 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Series: The Grisha #3
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 417
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm*

“I wanted to believe anything so that I wouldn’t have to face the future alone. The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Ruin and Rising

Synopsis
The capital has fallen.

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
First off, let me apologize because this is a really long review, and probably longer than any of my others. But I had so many feelings and emotions that I needed to express, and they all just poured out when I started writing this review. So here we go...

Ruin and Rising is both an uplifting but also heartrending finish to a wonderful trilogy. It is a dark read, filled with suffering and loss, leaving the reader gutted from all of the powerful emotions it evokes. Yet scattered throughout are small sunbursts of hope and longing for a new age, a new Ravka. Alina, the Sun Summoner and our protagonist, brings the promise of this new age with a power that dispels the spreading darkness and despair. Yet the reader is left heartbroken with each new obstacle that hinders her quest and with every loss that she must endure. From start to finish, I found myself racing through the pages, eagerly anticipating the grand finale, only to be disappointed in what I found. Ruin and Rising is just as beautifully written as Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm, but at the same time, it left me wanting more, longing for a more satisfying conclusion.

Once again, I am in awe of Bardugo’s writing skills, rendered speechless by her lovely prose. Even when I wasn’t thrilled with what was happening in Ruin and Rising, I still couldn’t help but admire the beautiful writing. Bardugo truly is a master of words, and I fell in love with her writing all over again, along with the fantasy world she has created. Ravka is only a shadow of its former self, shattered to pieces by war and clinging to the hope of a Sun Summoner, a girl that may or may not be a saint. The Darkling finally sits on the throne he’s been lusting after for generations, and the country is plagued by constant fear, as First Army deserters and wandering pilgrims join the Sun Summoner’s flock of devout followers.

Even as it’s shrouded with darkness, there are still parts of Ravka that remain untouched by the Darkling’s forces and by the war raging in other areas. As Alina and her companions travel in search of the firebird, the last amplifier and perhaps Alina’s only hope for beating the Darkling, they find themselves in wild, uninhabited areas where they can still witness an unbroken Ravka, an ancient Ravka filled with wonders. It is these small glimpses of an unscarred world that allow me to see just how beautiful this country could be if Alina succeeds in her quest. It is also these scenes that make me love this series all the more.

As for the characters, I was eager to meet all of them again in Ruin and Rising, even the Darkling. I anxiously awaited their reappearance, and I rejoiced in seeing them again, as I would for an old, dear friend. I love all of the wonderful, loyal secondary characters. These are the dear friends Alina has made and that stay by her side throughout it all, like Tamar, Tolya, Genya and David. Even Zoya has emerged as a trustworthy companion, and while she may not be a close friend of Alina’s, they seem to have formed a shaky but dependable alliance in Ruin and Rising. As for the character I was most anxious to see again, Nikolai was full of charm as always. I was entertained by his quick wit, and I loved the much-needed levity he brings to a mostly grim tale. When Alina doubts herself, when she fails to see how the Darkling and her drastically differ, in both values and goals, it is these characters that remind her that she is a good person. They show her that despite temptation, she always chooses the right way instead of the easy way. I think that Alina could never have come so far if it wasn't for these amazing friends, who believe in her throughout the trials she faces.

And then, of course, there were Mal and Alina. I so badly wanted to see these two resolve their issues and get back together, and I enjoyed the sexual tension that radiated between these two throughout Ruin and Rising. There were many different paths that Alina could have taken, and three romantic interests she could have chosen from, but in all honesty, I think Mal is her wisest choice and where her heart truly lies. He balances her, keeps her grounded in reality, and he reminds her of her roots and the girl she once was and can still be. Both Nikolai and the Darkling offer her power in entirely different ways, but Mal offers her something so much more precious: true and uncomplicated love, well, as uncomplicated as love can be.

Then there is the Darkling. I should despise him, as he has committed so many heinous crimes, and seems to feel no sorrow for his nefarious ways. Yet, I find myself sympathizing with him, as more of his past is revealed. He is alone in the world; until Alina, he was the only Grisha that possessed his kind of powers. Well, besides Baghra. He believes in his cause, not realizing how wrong and misguided he really is. The Darkling doesn't make many appearances in Ruin and Rising, more there in name than in actual blood and flesh. But his presence is still strongly felt, as his corruption and darkness cuts through Ravka. He is a wonderfully developed villain, and I rather enjoyed finding out his weaknesses, and who the Darkling truly is underneath his armor.

Despite my unbridled love for the setting and the characters, I can’t help but feel that Ruin and Rising had so much unmet potential. True, it sets a breakneck pace from the very start, and I was never bored or tempted to put down the book. I still loved all of the characters because I had come to know them and adore them in the previous installments, but I felt like they could have evolved more than they did. There was plenty of action, but at the loss of the rich character development that we saw in the previous books, and Nikolai suffers the most. Yes, he offered his usual witty banter, but I was left craving more of him and what lay beneath his sarcastic veneer. All of the characters fascinated me, and I couldn’t help feeling cheated that more of their characteristics and backstory weren’t revealed. Although we did learn so much more about Baghra’s past, and the Darkling’s, and that was rewarding. Perhaps, this story wasn't meant to reveal so much of their past, as it focuses on Alina, but I couldn't help feeling like it was incomplete and I longed for more detail.

Along with my craving for more character development, there was that ending. The ending left me feeling ambivalent about Ruin and Rising, and it started to eat away at all of the good feelings I had up until that point. Simply put, and this may be harsh, but I feel like the ending cheapened the entire series. I can't reveal all of the reasons why I disliked this ending without spoiling the plot, but I suspect that this ending served as a crowd pleaser. Yes, I can understand the reasoning behind writing a conclusion that will appease the readers, but I don't agree with it (just as I didn't with Clockwork Princess). The ending was a copout, and I think it could have been done so much better. Especially since some of the dialogue seemed unoriginal, and I was just so disappointed. After all of this, after everything Alina and her friends have faced, this is what we've been working up to? It just fell flat for me, and I was expecting more of a shocking, mind blowing ending.

Overall, Ruin and Rising was an enjoyable read, but it can't hold a candle to the earlier books. Maybe, I went into this book with too high of expectations, and I was setting myself up for disappointment. Either way, I am sad to see a favorite series come to an end, and I would still recommend it to anyone who's looking for some good fantasy. I will end this review on a positive note, and say the epilogue left me teary eyed and nostalgic for the days when I was first picking up Shadow and Bone, unaware of what was in store for me and how much I would come to love this series.

Top Ten Classic Books I Want To Read (32)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Every week, book bloggers post a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. For this week's Top Ten Tuesday, we could choose Top Ten Favorite Classic Books or Top Ten Classic Books I Want to Read or some variant thereof. I chose...

Top Ten Classic Books I Want to Read

When it comes to the classics, I have so many favorites, books I’ve cherished and that have lasted with me for long after I've finished them. These are books that I return to time after time, such as Jane Eyre, Dracula or The Great Gatsby, and they are books that I will never tire of. I’d love to share them all with you, and I'm sure I have mentioned most of them in earlier posts. But I decided to go in the opposite direction today, and focus on the classics that I still need to read and have been meaning to pick up for some time. I’ve been neglecting the classics lately, and I’m hoping this post will give me the push I need to read some of these well-loved books. So here we go…

1. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville – I’m ashamed to admit that I still have yet to read this one. It’s been sitting on my bookshelf for far too long, just waiting to be cracked open. This was my college advisor’s favorite book, and since he was the best advisor ever, and this English major was lucky to have him as both an advisor and teacher, I feel like I owe it to him to read this one pronto. The size may be intimidating, but from what I heard, it’s well-worth the read.

2. Persuasion by Jane Austen – I have read three Austen novels, and loved every single one of them. Well, I sorta loved Northanger Abbey. I also tried to read Sense and Sensibility, but I guess I wasn’t in the right mood at the time. Yet I still haven't read Persuasion. For some reason, I feel like this one will be my favorite one of all, even over Pride and Prejudice. While I’m more into Gothic novels, I cannot help but appreciate Austen’s writing skills, and I’m very anxious to read this one soon.

3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – It’s a tragedy that I have yet to read Little Women, as I’ve heard so many good things. I plan on reading this sometime in the future, hopefully soon.

4. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess – This book sounds like it’s right up my alley. I have it waiting for me on my bookshelf, and I’ve tried starting it a couple of times now. I think I just need the right moment, as I’m a mood reader.

5. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck – I’m especially eager to read this one, as it takes place during the Great Depression. I’d love to learn more about this time period, and I think I remember enjoying Of Mice and Men, so I hope I like this one as well.

6. Native Son by Richard Wright – I’m trying to read more diverse novels, and I believe Native Son fits the bill perfectly. This novel tells the story of an African American youth living in an impoverished area of Chicago in the 1930s. Amanda loved it, and since I trust her taste in books, I think I need to read this one ASAP.

7. The Color Purple by Alice Walker – This is another novel that features diversity, and like Native Son, it also takes place in the 1930s, but in the south instead of in Chicago. I’m curious to see if this book deserves all of the hype it’s received. Yet if it was popular enough to be adapted into a film and musical, it must be worth reading.

8. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy – I want to read this because a) it takes place in Russia, b) I have yet to read anything by Tolstoy, and c) it features doomed love and for some sick, twisted reason, I love classic novels that feature heartbreak and ill-fated lovers.

9. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins – I bought this book some time ago, and it is terrifyingly huge. This book could be used as a weapon; it is dangerous and will tire my hands quickly if I hold it too often while reading. But I am determined to read this one, as it looks delightfully creepy.

10. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez – I've been wanting to read this book, or really any book by Gabriel García Márquez, for awhile. I have the book in my possession, so it's really only a matter of time.

How about you? Have you read any of these? Or do you have any classics you'd recommend? Let me know in the comments!

Monthly Recap (3) - June 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Monthly Recap is where I share with you everything that happened on Courtney Reads A Lot during the past month. As always, this month flew by way too fast. And once again, I was not satisfied with the number of books I read, but I don't think I ever will be. Well, as long as I'm reading regularly, I am happy.

This past month was super busy for me! Not only was it my birthday month, but I was also house hunting, and now my boyfriend and I are official homeowners! Whoop whoop! We'll be moving into a townhouse sometime in November once it's built, just in time for the holidays! Although I am not looking forward to moving all of my books, as there's way too many of them, I am still really excited to take this big step! Anyways, here's all of my posts from the last month.

Book Reviews:

-The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

-Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

-The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman

-Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

-Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Other Posts:

-Top Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag This Summer

-Waiting on Wednesday (37) - I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

-Showcase Sunday (5)

-Grow Up and Read Young Adult: A Response to that Slate Article

-Waiting on Wednesday (38) - Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

-Waiting on Wednesday (39) - The Fall by Bethany Griffin

As for the goals I set for myself this month, I did not meet any of them. I only read one debut and not two. I finished one series, The Grisha series, and not the two I was hoping for. I did not read at least 7 books this month, and I was planning another Bookish to a Fault post, but alas, I didn't write it. I'll have to post it this month. I'm beginning to think I might need some more realistic goals in the future, given how little time I have for reading some weeks.

Goals for Next Month:
-Read 1 debut
-Finish 1 series
-Write another Bookish to a Fault post
-Don't buy a single book the entire month (this one will be difficult, but I have to save money and read some unread books I already have)

So what has everyone else been up to? What were some of your favorite reads this past month? And what are some books you're looking forward to reading next month?

Review: Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:02:00 +0000

Title: Ask Again Later
Author: Liz Czukas
Published: March 11, 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 336
Source: Library
Rating: 2 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“It was weird the way you could be friends with someone but not really know the ugly parts of their lives. We all had our secrets, I supposed.”
― Liz Czukas, Ask Again Later

Synopsis
Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests--even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Ask Again Later is a fun, light read great for stuffing in a beach bag, or for a much-needed break from the heavier issue books or fantasy chunksters you may be reading. It’s a fluff-filled book centering around prom and gossip and first crushes, and as such, it is not my type of read at all. It’s not a horrible book per se; it’s just not the kind of book I would normally pick up, even when I’m looking for a cute contemporary.

First off, Ask Again Later suffers from one of my biggest book pet peeves. For every stereotype you can think of concerning teenagers, there is a character in Ask Again Later that meets that stereotype exactly. Yes, I understand that some teenagers can be obnoxious, immature, petty and even moronic. I’ve been there; I’ve witnessed the drama and awkwardness and the stupid mistakes of high school, and I understand that high school students can’t all be as mature as the old souls you might find in a John Green book. But some of the characters in Ask Again Later had no redeemable qualities whatsoever.

Case in point, I could not stand Heart’s older brother, Phil. Not only was he a complete asshole to Heart, but he laughed off Heart’s concerns when her one date was being a little too forward. Heart was uncomfortable with her date’s advances, but when she mentioned this to her brother, he brushed it off and said she should stop whining. This is not ok in the slightest! At least Heart recognized that her brother was acting like a dick and didn’t let him off for his inexcusable behavior, but he does not sound at all like the big brother I would want. And then later, he does a complete 180, and suddenly acts overprotective and asks if he should worry about a guy that is interested in Heart. Why does he suddenly care?

Besides Heart’s brother, Ask Again Later had a host of other characters you may find in any stereotypical high school movie, and I don’t think they were meant to be caricatures. There’s the drunk jocks and their bimbo girlfriends, wearing barely nothing and making bitchy comments. Then there were the techies and theater geeks, like Heart and her friends. For the most part, I did like Heart’s friends, and I thought they were really supportive of one another and just all around great friends. While Ask Again Later does center around one romance that is slowly developing, there’s also so many scenes that showcase the importance of friendship, and I was moved by how close Heart was with her group of friends. But then her friends took matters into their own hands near the ending, and I thought their concern for Heart and her romantic life went a little overboard. Sure, I found it somewhat entertaining, but I can’t honestly say it was the best course of action to take. And if I had been in her shoes, I would have been freaking out and not at all amused with the whole situation.

As for our protagonist, Heart, I liked her for most of the book. She’s a fun-loving, happy go lucky girl who doesn’t take the decision between two potential prom dates lightly, knowing she will hurt the feelings of one of the guys. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders; that is until she constantly brought up gay stereotypes. When her one friend comes out of the closet, she is happy that he came out to her and trusted her with such a big secret, but then she is surprised when he shows no interest in dancing, expecting that he would be a good dancer since he’s gay. She also repeatedly jokes about his sexual orientation out loud where others could easily overhear and guess his secret. At times, I thought she was narrow-minded and immature, but I tried to give her a break, considering she is a teenager, and she is constantly being bombarded by stereotypes and gossip and rumors. Still, it was difficult at times to justify her behavior. I also found her no dating rule to be somewhat childish. I can understand her reasoning behind this rule, as her mother had Heart’s brother and Heart at a young age, and then eventually abandoned them. She fears dating will only lead her down the same path, and she will end up hurting her own children. But it still seemed a little far-fetched and just ridiculous.

Ask Again Later is told in two parts, two parallel nights where Heart either went to prom with the jock, Troy, or the techie, Ryan. At first, I found the two parts entertaining, but it wasn’t long before I lost track of what had happened on which date. While the two scenarios played out differently in parts, they were eerily similar, and I was often left confused. Plus, one of the dates was far more interesting than the other, and I always wanted to return to that one.

As for the romance, I thought Heart and her love interest made a cute pair. I was never left wondering who she would end up with, as I could tell from the very start who it would be. It may have been a predictable match, but it was still sweet to witness them finding each other. I could not believe how long it took Heart to discover who was interested in her, as it seemed obvious to me, and everyone else could tell as well. I found her to be a little too oblivious, but I still enjoyed watching her slowly discover who was crushing on her as she also slowly uncovered her own feelings for him.

All in all, Ask Again Later was not for me. I didn’t hate it, but it still wasn’t a memorable read, and I found it frustrating at times. This book has been receiving many positive reviews, and I can understand why others liked it, but I wouldn’t go into it with high expectations. If you like fluffy YA contemporaries, I’d urge you to pick it up, as it might be a new favorite. The romance is sweet, and it is a quick read, so I’d say give it a try if you think it’s up your alley. As for me, I think I might need to read a few fantasy books before I return to the contemporary genre.

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:51:00 +0000

Title: Siege and Storm
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Published: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Series: The Grisha #2
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 432
Source: Purchased
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Shadow and Bone*

“The ox feels the yoke, but does the bird feel the weight of its wings?”
― Leigh Bardugo, Siege and Storm

Synopsis
Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I had already read Siege and Storm once before during my blogging hiatus last year, but I wanted to reread it and give it the positive review it deserves before I read Ruin and Rising. If possible, I enjoyed Siege and Storm even more the second time. I fell in love with the Grishaverse all over again, and I loved revisiting Ravka and all of its surrounding countries. Rereading it, I noticed small details I had missed the first time I read it. Since I already knew what was going to happen, I could pay more attention to the little things, such as the secondary characters and their developing personalities. Even though I had read it before, I was still deeply immersed in the storyline. I found it difficult to put the book down when food, sleep and work interfered with my reading time. I could have easily read it in one sitting if it hadn’t been for life and responsibilities getting in the way.

In Siege and Storm, our protagonist, Alina, has escaped the Darkling’s clutches only to be snatched up again just when she thought they had reached safety. Yet the tables turn when she discovers an unexpected ally in the privateer Sturmhond, a man who is not at all who he seems to be, but who can offer her the resources she needs if she is to have any hope of defeating the Darkling. Unsure of Sturmhond’s motives, wary of potential spies among her fellow Grisha, and trying to hold onto Mal as he slowly drifts away, Alina has never felt more alone. As her growing powers slowly change her, her hunger for power only increases, and she begins to lose hold of herself.

Siege and Storm is exactly what a sequel should be, as it doesn’t suffer from the infamous middle book syndrome. So many events transpire, and every single one means something for the entire series, instead of simply leading up to the final book. Not only are we introduced to new characters, including my new favorite (Sturmhond!), but we are also given a deeper look into Alina’s changing personality. How will she hold up under all of the recent changes? Will she follow in the Darkling’s footsteps and be corrupted by her greed for more power? Will she withstand all of the pressure and emerge as a capable leader? Alina Starkov is no longer the simple peasant we first met at the start of Shadow and Bone, and no longer a common orphan from Keramzin. She has come a long way since those first days as a mapmaker for the First Army. She has made friends and lost them to betrayal, she has found enemies and escaped their clutches, and most importantly, she is evolved into more than just another Grisha. She is Sankta Alina who has many devoted followers, the Sun Summoner who is slowly earning the respect of her fellow Grisha, and perhaps the only hope Ravka has for beating the Darkling's forces.

Alina is a likeable enough protagonist, as she cares for Ravka, and she refuses to leave it at the mercy of the Darkling. Throughout Siege and Storm, she grapples with many demons, and no matter how powerful the temptation may be, she follows the right path and does the best she can. Although she has risen in status, she still feels just as lonely and desolate as she did before discovering her powers. She once depended on her oldest friend and first love, Mal, for some much-needed levity during stressful times, but in Siege and Storm, their relationship is riddled with problems. Mal is no caged bird that will simply follow Alina wherever she goes, and it is not in his nature to stand in her shadow. And as Alina changes more and more, Mal can’t help but fear that the old Alina, his Alina that he loved and grew up with, is no more. I could understand all of the issues Mal and Alina had, and while I hated seeing them this way, I’m glad that their relationship did not go smoothly because that would have been unrealistic. I can only hope that these two lovebirds can solve all of their problems before the series ends, as I’m rooting for the two of them. Mal is Alina’s anchor to the real world, and he offers her a reminder of all she cares about, and I believe he will keep her grounded in the future.

As always, Leigh Bardugo’s skill as a writer shone through in Siege and Storm. Ever since I read Shadow and Bone, I have gained a deep appreciation of Bardugo’s lovely writing and attention to detail, and Siege and Storm is just as skillfully written as Shadow and Bone, if not more. Her wonderful storytelling transports you to a magical world where a war is being waged between darkness and light, bad and good, shadows and sun. Yet it’s not all black and white, as there are many shades of gray. Each character, with their complex layers of personality just waiting to be uncovered, has the potential to surprise you. Even the villain, the Darkling himself, can be appreciated for his characterization, and his refusal to stick to the conventional rules for antagonists. The Darkling may have done horrible things, but even I can pity him after realizing how much he suffers in his loneliness and his insecurities. Bardugo is truly a gifted writer if she can convince me to empathize with even the most despicable of characters.

After reading Siege and Storm, I’m even more anxious to pick up Ruin and Rising, even as I dread seeing this series come to an end. I look forward to revisiting this enchanting world, and meeting all of these characters once again, especially Sturmhond. I’d recommend this series to any fans of fantasy, or really anyone who is looking to escape reality for just a little while. You will not be disappointed.

Review: The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 02:07:00 +0000

Title: The Glass Casket
Author: McCormick Templeman
Published: February 11, 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 352
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

"It was a coffin. A glass coffin, intricately carved, and set out in the yard for all to see. Inside it was the girl, her black hair splayed out around her, her lips like rotting cherries set against a newly ashen complexion."
― McCormick Templeman, The Glass Casket

Synopsis
Death hasn't visited Rowan Rose since it took her mother when Rowan was only a little girl. But that changes one bleak morning, when five horses and their riders thunder into her village and through the forest, disappearing into the hills. Days later, the riders' bodies are found, and though no one can say for certain what happened in their final hours, their remains prove that whatever it was must have been brutal.

Rowan's village was once a tranquil place, but now things have changed. Something has followed the path those riders made and has come down from the hills, through the forest, and into the village. Beast or man, it has brought death to Rowan's door once again.

Only this time, its appetite is insatiable. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
The Glass Casket is a chilling, atmospheric tale that sent shivers down my spine and had me imagining all sorts of horrors when I heard the creak of a floorboard or the thump of a cat’s feet hitting the floor. I could not help but admire the beautiful writing, and I fell headfirst into this suspenseful story, flying through the pages in my excitement to find out what would happen next. It borrows many elements from the classic fairy tales, resembling the darker tales you may have read from the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson. Far from the modern fairy tale retellings where happily ever after is a given, The Glass Casket unravels a much more sinister, gruesome story that I rather enjoyed. Yet while I loved the first 95% of the book, I have to say I was disappointed with its conclusion, and I closed the book feeling let down in some way.

The Glass Casket is a suspenseful read that leaves you biting your nails in anticipation of what will happen next. You can't help but fear for Rowan's safety, as she finds herself in many dangerous situations. At first, the village appears to be cozy and tranquil, but it is only a matter of time before that illusion of safety is shattered. At night, the villagers hide behind barred doors and closed shutters, but the evil that lurks in the woods needs no key to enter a home. The woods are a unknown realm, filled with an ancient magic that is deadly as it is also enchanting. The Glass Casket will give you goosebumps, as there are terrifying scenes scattered throughout its pages, but I would still recommend it to those who are not necessarily fans of horror. The scary parts are not all that this book has to offer, as there's also a mystery to uncover, touches of fantasy and a lovely romance.

I found the wintry feel of The Glass Casket to be very appropriate. No matter what horrid events transpire, the snow continues to fall, almost as if in an attempt to cover the atrocities in a white blanket. The naked trees and early nightfall offered a bleak atmosphere, which was fitting for such a dark tale. In the daytime, we are almost lured into a sense of security, only to realize danger is still close by once night falls. Templeman's descriptions were detailed and simply lovely, giving life to a setting that may be inhospitable, but still offered a cold, unforgiving beauty. I'm not entirely sure where this novel takes place, but I never felt a strong desire to know where. Perhaps, their village Nag's End is in Colonial America? Either way, it felt like a fantasy world, filled with witches and fairies and nixies, and set in a village filled with superstition and fear.

At the very start of the book, I was worried The Glass Casket might have one of those messy love quadrangles that I despise, but, thankfully, this was not the case at all. For most of the book, the romance was absolutely delightful, and I was anxious to see how it would unfold. It’s one of those slow burn romances where antagonism slowly builds into something else entirely, making for a wonderful reading experience as you watch the two characters begin to open their hearts to each other. This happens to be my favorite type of romance. I love watching a relationship slowly develop, and while Rowan seemed to miss some obvious clues to how the guy felt, I still enjoyed the romance immensely. Until the end that is. After watching these two characters quarrel throughout the book, I think the romance should have played out differently than it did. I thought the ending was rushed in an attempt to neatly wrap up all loose ends, and I was hoping for a much more convincing ending. Instead, the ending left me with some unanswered questions, and some answers I just didn't find satisfying.

The Glass Casket also suffers from the unique case of featuring both a slow burn attraction and instalove. There are two couples that find love in The Glass Casket, and while one romance slowly progresses, the other is basically love at first sight. When Fiona and Tom meet, they share a instant connection, and after only a couple of meetings, they want to spend the rest of their lives together. I was wondering if some supernatural force was at play, but that never seemed to be the case, leaving me slightly annoyed and confused by their deep bond. There were certain aspects of the story like this one that I felt could have been done better. I was hoping that everything would make sense by the end of the book, and while some parts were made clearer, I still found myself craving more.

Despite my misgivings, I found The Glass Casket to be a unique read, reminding me of some of my favorite fairy tales while also bringing something new to the table. The ending could have been better, but its beautiful writing captivated me from the very start. I'd recommend it to anyone up for an eerie read that will have you sleeping with the light on.

Waiting on Wednesday (39) - The Fall by Bethany Griffin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every Wednesday, book bloggers post about books they cannot wait to read once they are released. This week, I am waiting on...

The Fall by Bethany Griffin

Hits Shelves on October 7, 2014

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
Madeline Usher is doomed.

She has spent her life fighting fate, and she thought she was succeeding. Until she woke up in a coffin.

Ushers die young. Ushers are cursed. Ushers can never leave their house, a house that haunts and is haunted, a house that almost seems to have a mind of its own. Madeline’s life—revealed through short bursts of memory—has hinged around her desperate plan to escape, to save herself and her brother. Her only chance lies in destroying the house.

In the end, can Madeline keep her own sanity and bring the house down? The Fall is a literary psychological thriller, reimagining Edgar Allan Poe’s classic The Fall of the House of Usher. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
This book had me at "reimagining Edgar Allan Poe’s classic The Fall of the House of Usher." It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Poe's work, and I'm beyond excited for this retelling of one of my favorite Poe short stories. Plus, it sounds so creepy. I mean, just look at that cover. I love it! I can never resist a psychological thriller, and I'm hoping this one will impress.

What about everyone else? What upcoming releases are you eagerly anticipating? Let me know!

Review: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 16:41:00 +0000

Title: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Published: 1989
Publisher: Yearling
Genre: Children's Historical Fiction
Pages: 137
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“It was all imaginary, anyway—not real. It was only in the fairy tales that people were called upon to be so brave, to die for one another. Not in real-life Denmark. Oh, there were the soldiers; that was true. And the courageous Resistance leaders, who sometimes lost their lives; that was true too. But ordinary people like the Rosens and the Johansens? Annemarie admitted to herself, snuggling there in the quiet dark, that she was glad to be an ordinary person who would never be called upon for courage.”
― Lois Lowry, Number the Stars

Synopsis
Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think about life before the war. But it's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching in their town.

The Nazis won't stop. The Jews of Denmark are being "relocated," so Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be part of the family. Then Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission. Somehow she must find the strength and courage to save her best friend's life. There is no turning back now. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Believe it or not, this is my first time reading Number the Stars. Of course, I’ve read Lowry’s The Giver along with other books from that series, but somehow, I missed out on this childhood favorite. I know that is unforgivable! It’s such a shame that I went years without reading this. It’s inexcusable, and I’m happy I finally picked it up because Number the Stars was well worth my time. Now I finally understand all of the hype and why it received the Newberry medal, as Number the Stars is truly a treasure. This book will have you feeling emotionally affected weeks, months, and maybe even years after you’ve finished it. It’s a poignant, touching read about the unbreakable bond shared between two friends, two friends who may have different religious beliefs but who never let that come between them.

In Number the Stars, it has been three years since Denmark’s King Christian surrendered to Germany, knowing his small army was ill-equipped to fight off Hitler’s forces and many Danes would die if they went to war. Now, in Nazi-occupied Denmark, there are German soldiers posted on every corner, spreading fear through the masses. Food and electricity are rationed, and Annemarie has trouble remembering what it was like to live in peacetime, when sugar, meat and leather shoes were in regular supply, when their country felt safe and protected under the leadership of their beloved king.

At first, Annemarie is blissfully unaware of the hardships her country is facing. Even though she is frightened of the soldiers, she believes that her family and Ellen’s family could never come to harm. They are ordinary people, and in her naiveté, she believes their normalcy protects them from the casualties of war. In her eyes, only the resistance fighters and soldiers die in wartime, and she does not realize the severity of the situation until later on. When the Germans start to collect the names of Jewish families from the synagogues, Annemarie’s parents help their Jewish neighbors, the Rosen family, to escape. They take in Annemarie's best friend Ellen Rosen, and pretend that she is one of their daughters to keep her from being taken in a nighttime raid. With danger at every turn, Annemarie discovers that even normal little girls like herself can muster up enough courage to do the right thing in dark times.

After reading so many YA books that feature romance lately, it was refreshing to read a children’s book that focuses so strongly on friendship. The friendship between Annemarie and Ellen had me longing for the days of my childhood, when things were uncomplicated, and there was never any of the drama you’ll find later on in middle school, high school and so on. Those were the carefree, innocent days, and I miss them all of the time. Yet, at only 10 years old, Annemarie and Ellen can no longer afford to hang onto their childhood innocence in such a dark time period. Despite the forces that endeavor to wrench them apart, Annemarie and Ellen remain close friends. If anything, their unfortunate circumstances only serve to bring them closer together. As they face their fears, they begin to understand their dark reality and they are forced to grow up at such a young age.

Number the Stars may be a quick read, but it definitely isn’t a light one, as it imparts a substantial message, one of self-sacrifice and friendship. I love reading books that take place in WWII, like The Book Thief and Between Shades of Grey, and Number the Stars is another favorite to add to the list. These books refuse to let us forget the monstrosities that occurred during this time in history, so that we never repeat our mistakes. Yet. at the same time, they also give us hope, as even in the darkest times, people stick together and they help each other.

I warn you that Number the Stars is an emotional read for a children’s book. Yes, there are lighthearted moments scattered without: when Annemarie and Ellen take comfort in each other’s friendship, when they are just children having fun, when Annemarie’s mother recollects fond memories of her childhood home. There are the small scenes that stick out and give the reader hope that these characters can return to a happy way of life, such as when the girls race down a street in Copenhagen with total abandon or the image of Annemarie's younger sister, Kristi, curled up asleep with a kitten. Kristi brings a certain wide-eyed innocence to the tale, as she remains ignorant of the dangers that surround her. She entertained me with her childishness and guileless manner, even as I feared for the family’s safety. Yet, even so, this gripping tale left me short of breath at times, frightened for the safety of Annemarie and her loved ones. It was only after I closed this book that I could finally relax and let out a long held breath.

I’m sure many of you have already read Number the Stars, maybe even many years ago in elementary school. But, if like me, you somehow missed out on this childhood favorite, I strongly urge you to read this book as soon as humanly possible. Number the Stars resonated deeply with me, and I’d highly recommend it, especially to anyone who loves books about WWII and/or friendship.