Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Source: St. Martin’s Press/Netgalley – I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Series: -
Edition: eARC, 445 Pages
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Purchase: Amazon
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 3/5
Fangirl was one of my most anticipated reads for September but when I picked it up and started reading it…it just didn’t work out. This was like an on-again off-again relationship…it was always an option even though I didn’t necessarily want it to be…but at the same time I couldn’t make myself step away from in permanently (I don’t DNF books). In the end I was somewhere between happy and burnt out.
The overall story is one that I can get behind because I can honestly say…I get it. I can understand a character who is so in love with a fandom it covers her room (Yes that is a Slytherin banner on my wall…yes I do have a movie theater sized poster of Snape….what of it?). I get it, I use to write fanfiction and while I never hit the popularity that Cath did I understand the pressure of having people constantly telling you they can’t wait for the next chapter or that something you wrote doesn’t sit right with them. I even understand the social anxiety and the fear of waking up to find yourself marked with the ‘crazy’ pen. So what was the problem? Everyone else.
I spent about 53% of this book hating most of the side characters, Wren included, and since this is a book about relationships it felt incredibly dragged out. Some of them were flat out rude and said increasingly insensitive things because it’s part of their dry humor, others turned into horrible people and, other than the reasons I have assumed, we are not actually given reasons as to why. It was a struggle to care about any of Cath’s relationships for two reasons: the characters were hardly worth caring about towards the beginning and because at times Cath wasn’t trying either. I’m glad to say after the half-way mark it started getting better and by the end I did like mostly everyone, I just wish it didn’t have to force myself to read to that point. I did think Levi was a sweetheart, though like all the others he was mildly annoying towards the beginning but his charming chivalry won me over.
I want everyone to know that this isn’t the fault of Rowell’s, her writing is actually really nice. I loved the flow and the feel, and I liked how the details stood out and made things really pop. I just had some serious personality meshing issues. I do appreciate what this book is though and I love that it deals with real college struggles, forming new relationships, and how you can love a fictional world so much it becomes a part of who you are.
I think this is one of those books that just didn’t work for me, but I can definitely see why so many others are going to love it.
Gated by Amy Christine Parker
Source: Random House Kids – I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation
Publisher: Random House Kids
Series: -
Edition: Hardcover, 335 Pages
Genre: Young Adult Thriller
Purchase: Amazon
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 4/5
Gated is one of those books that rests outside of my normal reading comfort zone and I’m not sure I would have picked it up if it hadn’t been for the awesome people at Random House sending me a copy. Gated is a Young Adult thriller (not a science fiction dystopian) that takes place in a very private community run by the charismatic Pioneer.
The plot is one that I tip-toe around because cults honestly make me sick to my stomach and I get really frustrated with human nature, and I had both of those reactions to this. However to me that signaled that it was very well written not that it was a bad book, Parker managed to make a believable community with believable people.
The first half of the book is slow and deliberate, and while many have complained about this I thought it was the best way to go. We get time to see just how close these people have become and why they feel the ways they do, we get to see how carefully everything is constructed by Pioneer and just how much it takes for someone to break away just a bit. The second half picks up in a big way and before I knew it I was done, out of breath and in some ways relieved.
I really liked Lyla, she’s a good hearted girl who really tries to be the person everyone needs her to be but it’s obvious that she teeters on wanting to be her own person. It’s not something she push to the forefront and she’s not a rebel, she’s a normal girl who makes mistakes and strives to prove herself better than them. I loved her personal journey over the course of the novel, even though there were times when I just wanted to yell at her for her naivety. I liked her best friend Maria and I liked Will, though I had issues with them both at times.Still they are a good supporting cast and I thought that they were a good reflection of the feelings and sentiments in the community. Pioneer has managed to edge his way on to the same list that Umbridge (from Harry Potter) has dominated for so long. I could see his charisma and why everyone feels so devoted to him, but at the same time I could see him for what he was and it made me want to scream. It’s clear to see the similarities between him and actual real world cult leaders that we have seen in the past and I think that’s part of the reason he’s so chilling.
Gated turned out to be an absolutely enrapturing book that I couldn’t put down. I was surprised by how much emotion it pulled from me and I really commend Parker on her ability to create a realistic group.
Jim Henson's The Storyteller
The Saturday Issue is a feature I created to showcase and review graphic novels.
Source: Netgalley/Archaia Entertainment – I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation.
Publisher: Archaia Entertainment
Series: -
Edition: EGalley, 111
Genre: Graphic Novel Anthology
Purchase: Amazon/ Barnes & Noble / Book Depository*
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 4/5
When I saw this I just knew I had to try it out. Jim Henson’s name carries a certain weight to me.I immediately think of the fun movies and shows from my childhood, and it reminds me of the quality of imagination and creativity involved.. The Storyteller is an anthology filled with folk tales from various parts of the world, each with a unique art style to accompany it.
This is a really cute graphic novel that centers around the Storyteller, who likes to collect and tell all manner of stories, and his cute dog. There are 9 stories total. Some of the tales he tells are really well known and others are a bit more obscure or only well known in certain parts of the world. As I said before each story comes with it’s own art style that matches the story’s origin or ‘feel’. I really loved Puss in Boots and The Crane Wife, I already knew those stories but the art was really fitting and made the stories a bit more ‘fun’.
I think this would be perfect for kids because this would be something I would have loved as a kid. I think the whole storyteller idea is brilliant because it becomes sort of interactive if a parent chooses to read it with their child. The Jim Henson company definitely hit the mark with this one, and I wouldn’t mind seeing more tales told like this.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Source: Library
Publisher: Random House Kids
Series: Seraphina
Edition: Hardcover, 451 Pages
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 4/5
Seraphina is a really unique epic fantasy novel with dragons! However they are not just your normal scaly fire-breathing monsters these dragons are incredibly intelligent, logical, and capable of taking a human form. If that doesn’t draw you in, Seraphina has a really interesting secret! I can’t tell you what it is but it definitely adds even more to the mix of originality.
I personally love the rich writing style and the interesting world building that went into creating the Kingdom of Goredd. The city is full of political and racial (humans/dragons) tension all due to the current peace treaty. There is also a really interesting religious system with numerous saints and even a heretic, which I’m incredibly curious about. The realness of these tensions is truly one of the highlights of the book, Hartman pulls in morality issues we can all understand. Then there are the dragons who are actually separated into two groups the Saars and the Quigs, saars are your typical dragons and quigs are more of odd little dragon cousins.
Seraphina is a smart, witty, and ‘prickly’ heroine with a huge secret that could get her killed. It’s something she’s learned to hide so well that she has a job as Music Mistress in the palace where her amazing music talent is most appreciated. I love that she’s resourceful and that while she has fear she’s willing to put it behind her to do what she needs to do. Then there is Prince Kiggs, who is the loyal honor-bound head of the guard and the swoony guy of the book. However I don’t entirely agree with the relationship that develops between him and Seraphina, while I loved them together it felt wrong given the circumstances. (Which obviously I can’t tell because it would spoil some of the book). The romance doesn’t take a big portion of the book though and even though I had some problems with it, it does develop nicely.
Overall this is a really impressive and really strong start to a high fantasy series. The set up is executed wonderfully and the amount of tension that builds over the course of the story really sets a promising pace for the next book!
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Source: Library
Publisher: Macmillian
Series: The Grisha #1
Edition: Hardcover, 356 pages
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 4/5
I FINALLY got around to reading this after seeing so many people talk about it and move on to the second book. I’m slow when it comes to that, as most of you have probably figured out, but I’m really happy I finally decided to grab this one. I can finally say I know what Grisha are and who The Darkling is!
The world in which Alina lives is tense and full of danger. Ravka is split in two by the horrible Shadow Fold, which is a shroud of darkness that many people do not ever leave. It’s filled with these horrific creatures called Volcra and I actually managed to have a nightmare about them. We got a taste of how and what the Shadow Fold is and I’m so ready to see what role it plays in the Siege & Storm. Ravka is also surrounded by those who would invade or declare war. The barrier between these threats lie with the Grisha, people with amazin magical ability. They are varied and powerful, and they have their own social standings and army. I really loved the fresh take on a fantasy magic system and I loved the different ‘jobs’ that everyone holds within the Grisha. We also have The Darkling, who is the dangerous yet charismatic leader of the Grisha. I have already added him to my harem of book boyfriends. He has his issues and he’s clearly not someone to trifle with, but I’m pretty sure I’m love with him.
Alina is a smart and witty with a bit of a stubborn streak. I loved watching her grow from someone who feels invisible and inferior to someone who becomes comfortable in her own skin and more confident in her abilities. The one problem I had with her was her self-depreciation around the other Grisha, who are beauty obsessed. It fades a bit by the end of the book but I really wanted her to buck up and stop caring. Mal is Alina’s really loyal and really sweet best friend. He goes through a lot for her and he doesn’t really expect much in return, and while he took a while to warm up to I really liked him in the end. I would love to see some more depth from him in the next book though. There are quite a few characters that fall into a weird grey area of mortality, which I find to be fantastic! No one wants characters who are constantly good or bad, give me an in between and make me guess!
I’m so glad I listened to everyone who recommended this one to me because it turned out be right up my alley!
Virginia Day Zero by Sean Cregan
Mini-Read Review is a feature created here on In Libris Veritas in order to showcase the reviews for short stories and novellas which so often get over looked. Today I have Virginia Day Zero by Sean Cregan.
Source: Purchased on Amazon
Publisher: Sean Cregan
Series: Day Zero .5
Edition: Ebook, 23 pages
Genre: Science Fiction Horror
Purchase: Amazon
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 3/5
Virginia Day Zero was one of my sleep deprived induced picks where I end up downloading Kindle books like they are going out of style. So I had no idea that this a side story to the novel Day Zero, nevertheless the short story does pretty well as a stand alone read. The only downside to not reading the novel first is that you don’t get the depth or the information about the odd creatures that have shown up. It did piqued my curiosity quite a bit though and I might pick up Day Zero eventually. The horror aspect is no really scary so much as it’s an adrenaline fueled race to survive and get away from the monsters, and seeing as this only has about 20 pages the ride is over quickly. I liked the interesting and unique monsters and I think the writing was actually really nice, it’s detailed enough and flows quickly. This isn’t a short story where you can expect to have all or most of your questions answered, in fact it really doesn’t explain much of anything, but I enjoyed it and didn’t really want it to end where it did.
Limerick by Kimberly Spencer
Mini-Read Review is a feature created here on In Libris Veritas in order to showcase the reviews for short stories and novellas which so often get over looked. Today I have Limerick by Kimberly Spencer.
Source: Purchased on Amazon
Publisher: Kimberly Spencer
Series: The Shimmer Trilogy #2
Edition: Ebook, 71 pages
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 3/5
Limerick is the second book in the Shimmer Trilogy, a novella book series that I find to be surprisingly addictive. Jensen had a lot of info dropped on her in book one and she went straight into the deep end of the reality of her life, that she is half Fae and her family isn’t who they claim to be. Jensen retains that bravery she showed from the first book and puts it to use. Her voice is also really good and I enjoyed her personality for the most part, since she’s the narrator it makes the book really easy to read and get into. I really like the inclusion of the Lady of the Lake myth and it’s really interesting to see how that pans out. There is also a variety of fantasy creatures involved in this one, including Dragons though they do take a much more human appearance of course. I wish that some of the creatures had been explained a bit more, I think the book would have been better for it. There were also a few issues with the romance and the resulting quarrels that came with it, because it honestly just didn’t work for me. Of course there is also the matter of the cliffhanger…which drives me crazy! I love that they keep me interested but at the same time I hate that it cuts off with no answer, ugh. Overall I think it’s a promisingly series and while it has it’s issues I enjoyed it for what it is, though if more was added to the book I wouldn’t object because I think it would benefit from a tad more depth.
Indelible by Dawn Metcalf
Source: Netgalley/Harlequin Teen – I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Twixt #1
Edition: eARC, 384 Pages
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon
*I receive a small monetary kickback from Amazon purchases
Rating: 3.5/5
Indelible is a complex yet some how simple story, with mythical strangeness and beauty. The Twixt is the world of the Folk, which can be called the Fae though it includes some beings that normally would not be called such. It’s a world where True Names have power and are left as marks on humans’ skin to lay claim. It’s a promising story but it is not without it’s problems.
The world-building is complex and it takes a while for the pieces to fall into a place that can truly be understood. The meaning of the signatura (name claims) confused me for a good deal of the book and I didn’t quite understand how some of them went unnoticed. Some are invisible but others take physical shape on the skin…and I’m still wondering how many people are confused about the random rose tattoo they have. Not all are so blatant but the fact that it shows up seems weird. One of the best things about the world-building is all of the odd creatures that Joy comes into contact with, some sound beautiful but most sound rather terrifying. It’s kind of interesting to have them walking among humans but unseen by them. The plot was slow building and the meat of it isn’t even mentioned until about half-way through, but after that point things start to kick off a bit faster.
The characters were so-so, some hits and some misses. Joy is enjoyable enough and she tries her hardest to be strong and helpful through her whole ordeal but there were times when her whining got on my nerves. I really liked Ink though, he’s a bit stiff but it’s understandable because of his nature and while he’s not the most swoon-worthy character I’ve seen I liked his over all progress. I also loved his and his sister’s ability, though I didn’t quite understand all of it. His sister is Inq…which I’m guessing is basically the same as saying Ink, but with a slightly different ending? To be honest their names bothered me…Indelible Ink and Invisible Inq, they are so literal and kind of cheesy but I digress. Inq is the more lively of the two and she definitely lives life to the fullest, which becoming slightly annoying at times. Any time she’d randomly caress a person I’d cringe, because even though they can’t see her that’s still really creepy. The relationship between Ink and Joy was interesting but I wasn’t wholly invested in their commitment to each other. It was oddly sweet at times thanks to a few odd bonding experiences, but I didn’t really feel the ‘love’. Then there is Monica, who I didn’t like at all really. She’s bolder than Joy and at times she acted way older than sixteen. Teens have sex…it’s fact, but she is ridiculous. There is a moment where she equates Joy & Ink’s lack of sex to Ink being terrible for her, and at that point I just wrote her off as an idiot. The host of Folk side characters are really varied and add a definite dash of spice to the mix.
I enjoyed the book for the most part but I would have loved for the actual plot to have started sooner, and for somethings to be explained in a more concise way. While it didn’t deliver on some accounts I do see the series potential in it so I plan on continuing on to the second book whenever it releases.
Fangirl was one of my most anticipated reads for September but when I picked it up and started reading it...it just didn't work out. This was like an on-again off-again relationship...it was always an option even though I didn't necessarily want it to be...but at the same time I couldn't make myself step away from in permanently (I don't DNF books). In the end I was somewhere between happy and burnt out.The overall story is one that I can get behind because I can honestly say...I get it. I can understand a character who is so in love with a fandom it covers her room (Yes that is a Slytherin banner on my wall...yes I do have a movie theater sized poster of Snape....what of it?). I get it, I use to write fanfiction and while I never hit the popularity that Cath did I understand the pressure of having people constantly telling you they can't wait for the next chapter or that something you wrote doesn't sit right with them. I even understand the social anxiety and the fear of waking up to find yourself marked with the 'crazy' pen. So what was the problem? Everyone else. I spent about 53% of this book hating most of the side characters, Wren included, and since this is a book about relationships it felt incredibly dragged out. Some of them were flat out rude and said increasingly insensitive things because it's part of their dry humor, others turned into horrible people and, other than the reasons I have assumed, we are not actually given reasons as to why. It was a struggle to care about any of Cath's relationships for two reasons: the characters were hardly worth caring about towards the beginning and because at times Cath wasn't trying either. I'm glad to say after the half-way mark it started getting better and by the end I did like mostly everyone, I just wish it didn't have to force myself to read to that point. I did think Levi was a sweetheart, though like all the others he was mildly annoying towards the beginning but his charming chivalry won me over.I want everyone to know that this isn't the fault of Rowell's, her writing is actually really nice. I loved the flow and the feel, and I liked how the details stood out and made things really pop. I just had some serious personality meshing issues. I do appreciate what this book is though and I love that it deals with real college struggles, forming new relationships, and how you can love a fictional world so much it becomes a part of who you are.I think this is one of those books that just didn't work for me, but I can definitely see why so many others are going to love it.
Gated is one of those books that rests outside of my normal reading comfort zone and I’m not sure I would have picked it up if it hadn’t been for the awesome people at Random House sending me a copy. Gated is a Young Adult thriller (not a science fiction dystopian) that takes place in a very private community run by the chrismatic Pioneer.The plot is one that I tip-toe around because cults honestly make me sick to my stomach and I get really frustrated with human nature, and I had both of those reactions to this. However to me that signaled that it was very well written not that it was a bad book, Parker managed to make a believable community with believable people. The first half of the book is slow and deliberate, and while many have complained about this I thought it was the best way to go. We get time to see just how close these people have become and why they feel the ways they do, we get to see how carefully everything is constructed by Pioneer and just how much it takes for someone to break away just a bit. The second half picks up in a big way and before I knew it I was done, out of breath and in some ways relieved.I really liked Lyla, she’s a good hearted girl who really tries to be the person everyone needs her to be but it’s obvious that she teeters on wanting to be her own person. It’s not something she push to the forefront and she’s not a rebel, she’s a normal girl who makes mistakes and strives to prove herself better than them. I loved her personal journey over the course of the novel, even though there were times when I just wanted to yell at her for her naivety. I liked her best friend Maria and I liked Will, though I had issues with them both at times.Still they are a good supporting cast and I thought that they were a good reflection of the feelings and sentiments in the community. Pioneer has managed to edge his way on to the same list that Umbridge (from Harry Potter) has dominated for so long. I could see his charisma and why everyone feels so devoted to him, but at the same time I could see him for what he was and it made me want to scream. It’s clear to see the similarities between him and actual real worl cult leaders that we have seen in the past and I think that’s part of the reason he’s so chilling.Gated turned out to be an absolutely enrapturing book that I couldn’t put down. I was surprised by how much emotion it pulled from me and I really commend Parker on her ability to create a realistic group.
When I say I’m a huge fan of vampire fiction THIS is what I mean. I grew up loving the blood craving creatures of the night and that’s how I want them to be: cold, ruthless, hungry, and a bit crazy all wrapped in a very appealing package. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown gave me exactly what I crave.This is my first Holly Black novel and I think I’m in love. Her writing and ability to paint a picture really drew me in from page one, so much that I finished the whole book in a day. I only put it down when I had to eat and even then I’d find myself shoveling food in my mouth so I could get back to it.Tana is a strong and solid main character who doesn’t cave under pressure or give into the glamor. The best thing about Tana is that when she’s faced with the reality of a vampire she doesn’t immediately tilt her head and offer up her life like most YA girls do. She doesn’t want it and she’s not fool enough to see only the positives and I love her for it. Aiden is Tana’s ex-boyfriend, now before your groan he’s just her ex-boyfriend…and honestly I can see why. This guy has some issues and I liked the odd tentative relationship they continue to have thanks to the vampire infection. And then there is Gavriel. He is definitely my favorite and why wouldn’t he be, he’s crazy…and I tend to go for the crazy ones it seems. He has a interesting and quite violent past that has really shaped who he is and I personally enjoyed his odd dangerous quirks. The way he speaks is like 1 part poetry and 3 parts crazy.The story is a gritty one filled with pain, danger, hope, and thoughts on the nature of humanity. I love the concept of Coldtowns which are quarantined cities filled with infected, vampires, and humans…once you go in there is very little chance you ever leave. People on the outside are fed a glamorous picture of parties and fun for eternity however the reality is really gritty and really dangerous. The nature of the vampire is called into question quite a few times as well and I like that it’s not just a surface book it takes things deeper. The antagonists are self absorbed, dangerous and they don’t shy away from cruelty. I liked the flashbacks and the moments where we get glimpses of other people involved, and I liked the interesting depth it added to the overall story.Overall this is a YA vampire novel that I can truly recommend, though it may not be for everyone. I love it for it’s unique take on both vampires and a society desensitized to their monstrous nature in favor of the glamor. I think this is a standalone but I really wish it wasn’t, I need more!
Anne Rice’s novels have always been something of a comfort read for me. I would spend hours after hours reading her Vampire Chronicles in high school and college, so I jumped at the chance to read The Wolf Gift. Then life caught up and long story short I didn’t get around to read my arc until now…which is really unfortunate because this book was just what I needed.The Wolf Gift is an interesting take on the werewolf mythos that includes a bit of romance, philosophy, action, horror, and friendship. In other words it’s very much an Anne Rice fantasy novel. Her world building is consistently detailed throughout. Someone who has read a Rice book would be able to pin-point her writing without looking at the cover, but for those who haven’t read anything from her the book is extremely detailed. By the end you’ll be able to picture the salads they eat, the buildings they visit and the people they meet. I’ll be honest if I’m not in the mood for her writing I hate it because it’s like walking into a really bright, loud, and smelly room…sensory overload. So I suggest going into any of her books and The Wolf Gift with that in mind.I really enjoyed the characters for this one. Reuben is a lively young man who loves to write and live life to it’s fullest even if that means not being incredibly successful by others standards. He’s someone who isn’t afraid to look and think deeper and thanks to the werewolf aspect he has a completely different side bent on protecting the innocent. His relationship with Laura is really sweet and enduring, the one huge issues I had with it was their sexual relationship. It was slightly odd, but not surprising (I’ve read worse from Rice). The tiny issue I had was the insta-love that happens, but it doesn’t really shine through the plot so I forgive it. The huge cast of side characters are varied and interesting as well from Jim the brother priest to Celeste the bold lawyer. I enjoyed the amount of challenges and difficulties Reuben faces and I liked watching him try to overcome them.The werewolf aspect is really fantastic as well. We get the eerily human like shape full of fur and odd angles, the strength, the speed, but we also get a really interesting origin and a great compulsion to protect the weak and innocent. It’s romanticized but at the same time it’s still monstrous.The Wolf Gift is a very promising and strong beginning to a new series and I can not wait to get my hands on the second book!
