A friend of mine had picked this book for me for the Pick 5 challenge that we decided to embark on this year. Had she not picked it for me I am not sure when I would have gotten around to reading it. I have already owned the book for over a year, however I am really glad that she did pick this book for me because I loved the story.
This book is a futuristic retelling of Cinderella, one of my all time favorite fairy tales. In this future we have cyborgs and androids living among the humans. There is currently a plague that is sweeping through the earth and killing much of the population. Cinder, who is cyborg, lives with her stepmother and stepsisters. She seems to have a very mysterious past that is slowly revealed to her. When she finds herself mixed up with the Prince things begin to go a little haywire.
I really loved the plot of this story with the twist of a futuristic tale. The story is really well told and I fond that it was very engaging. I found myself not wanting to put it down. I also love the imagery that is used. It really made me feel as though I was experiencing everything Cinder was. There were some really great twists in the story, and the ending makes me crave more of this story. I also love that the story was not focused solely on the love interest, Prince Kai. There was so much more to the story than the romance.
I absolutely loved the characters in this story. Both protagonists and antagonists alike. I found them so well developed and I really connected to Cinder easily. She was so believable even though she was a cyborg. I felt like I could friend her easily. I also really liked the android, Iko. I thought she was a nice addition to the story. Another of my favorite characters was of course the Prince and I liked how the author depicted him in some of those stickier situations throughout the story. The author did well in making us love those lovable characters as well as making us hate those who were of the devious nature. So much so that I wanted to throw the book at times.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves futuristic fairy tales or those who just love retellings as a whole. Don't put it off because the book is amazing. I look forward to the rest of this series and hope to get to them soon.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Saturday, February 7, 2015
The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan - 5 stars
When I first started this series I thought maybe it would be too middle grade for me, but I decided to go ahead and get started. After I read the first book I was surprised at how it captured my attention. So I decided to get started on the next book and can I just say Wow this installment of Percy Jackson was even better than the first one, The Lightning Thief. So glad I decided to get started and hopefully finish this year.
In this installment Percy is in his seventh year when he receives bad news from Annabeth that the borders of Camp half Blood have been poisoned by some mysterious enemy. They then must journey into the sea of monsters to save the camp. Before that happens Percy discovers yet another secret about his family that could change everything.
I just love Riordan's writing style. He always keeps it fluid and easy to follow allowing reader's to become completely engaged. I liked this one so much more because it seems like there was so much more adventure involved. More places to go and see. I really like the air of mystery in this book and Percy tries to figure out where he belongs in this crazy story. There is great imagery and depth to the plot that allows readers to be completely immersed in the story. There were times that I felt like I was really there among Percy and his friends. I also think the build up in the books are awesome and really gives the readers something to look forward to with each book. I loved the great cliffhanger at the end of this one that I never saw coming.
We get to meet with some new characters that we can fall in love with and root for. And along the way readers also meet up with some old enemies as well. I think these characters are so well developed as they evolve throughout the story from one book to the next. I look forward to meeting more characters along way as I continue my journey with Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
I recommend this series to anyone who loves a little magic and adventure in their life, because there is plenty of that in this series so far. Anyone can enjoy it!
In this installment Percy is in his seventh year when he receives bad news from Annabeth that the borders of Camp half Blood have been poisoned by some mysterious enemy. They then must journey into the sea of monsters to save the camp. Before that happens Percy discovers yet another secret about his family that could change everything.
I just love Riordan's writing style. He always keeps it fluid and easy to follow allowing reader's to become completely engaged. I liked this one so much more because it seems like there was so much more adventure involved. More places to go and see. I really like the air of mystery in this book and Percy tries to figure out where he belongs in this crazy story. There is great imagery and depth to the plot that allows readers to be completely immersed in the story. There were times that I felt like I was really there among Percy and his friends. I also think the build up in the books are awesome and really gives the readers something to look forward to with each book. I loved the great cliffhanger at the end of this one that I never saw coming.
We get to meet with some new characters that we can fall in love with and root for. And along the way readers also meet up with some old enemies as well. I think these characters are so well developed as they evolve throughout the story from one book to the next. I look forward to meeting more characters along way as I continue my journey with Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
I recommend this series to anyone who loves a little magic and adventure in their life, because there is plenty of that in this series so far. Anyone can enjoy it!
Friday, February 6, 2015
Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award.
I was just recently nominated for this award by Lydia over at SomethingLikeLydia on Booktube. There are some rules that go along with this award.
The Sister of the World Bloggers Award.
There are 5 Rules to the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award:
1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to their site.
2. Post the award’s logo on your blog. Nominees can pick up that logo HERE.
3. Answer the ten questions you’ve been asked.
4. Nominate 10 other bloggers.
5. Set 10 new questions for your nominees.
Here are my nominees also for both bloggers and Booktube:
1. Shannon+leaninglights
2. Jen+TodayinJensLibrary
3. Ashley @Ashleyreads
4. Danne @insatiablebookie
5. Sylvia @ WishFulfillment
6. Amanda @AmandainPA
7. Heather @ChannelHMC
8. Mel @TheBookMoo
9.Brittni +Brittni's Book Find
10. Akoss @Akossiwa K
And Now for the Questions:
1. What is your favorite genre of books?
2. How much of your day is dedicated to reading?
3. Who is your favorite Author?
4. What is your favorite book?
5. What is your favorite source of reading, physical, e-books or audio?
6. How often do you visit the book store?
7. How often do you use your library?
8. When did you discover BookTube?
9. How often do you record your videos?
10. Approximately how many books do you own?
The Sister of the World Bloggers Award.
There are 5 Rules to the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award:
1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to their site.
2. Post the award’s logo on your blog. Nominees can pick up that logo HERE.
3. Answer the ten questions you’ve been asked.
4. Nominate 10 other bloggers.
5. Set 10 new questions for your nominees.
Here are my nominees also for both bloggers and Booktube:
1. Shannon+leaninglights
2. Jen+TodayinJensLibrary
3. Ashley @Ashleyreads
4. Danne @insatiablebookie
5. Sylvia @ WishFulfillment
6. Amanda @AmandainPA
7. Heather @ChannelHMC
8. Mel @TheBookMoo
9.Brittni +Brittni's Book Find
10. Akoss @Akossiwa K
And Now for the Questions:
1. What is your favorite genre of books?
2. How much of your day is dedicated to reading?
3. Who is your favorite Author?
4. What is your favorite book?
5. What is your favorite source of reading, physical, e-books or audio?
6. How often do you visit the book store?
7. How often do you use your library?
8. When did you discover BookTube?
9. How often do you record your videos?
10. Approximately how many books do you own?
Both of Me - Jonathan Friesen - 2.5 stars
I received this book through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. I really did not know what to expect with this book, but the synopsis of the story pretty much sold me so I went ahead and requested it for review. I have to say that is was just ok for me.
Clara finds herself running away from her problems, heartaches and responsibilities. She finds herself on an airplane seated next to Elias Phinn and he somehow knows a few of her secrets. After they land Elias departs with her bag. So she is on a quest to track him down and get back her belongings but what she finds is nothing of what she expects. Elias has 2 personalities the odd one she met while on the plane who lives the an imaginary world of Salem, and then the kind sweet Elias who meets her at the door of his house. Clara learns that Elias suffers from dissociative identity disorder and she gets ensnared into both the lives of Elias and they embark on a journey to find the lightkeeper.
I found this story very odd, but also very different from anything I have ever read. The beginning of this book is a bit confusing until you get used to Elias and also the authors writing style. Once you do the story becomes a little more enjoyable. I found that while reading the book it started making reality a little more obscure as Elias would switch back to his imaginary side, which I am sure is what the author intended. I expected much more from this read though, I expected a whole new world to be introduced to the readers but that did not happen. I think there could have been so much more to the story. I did find that there was a good message to the story though.
The characters were ok, although I don't expect them to be all that memorable. I think they could have had a bit more backstory to them. I think their lives, especially Clara's was a bit vague and I did feel like I knew them, so I found that I did not connect to them all that well. Clara, to me, lacked strength. She allowed herself to be pushed around most of the time in the story. I think the story would have been better had Clara found a little more self worth.
Overall the story was ok, but I just expected more. Rating this one 2.5 stars. I have no idea who to recommend this story too. I guess anyone can give it try and form their own opinions.
Clara finds herself running away from her problems, heartaches and responsibilities. She finds herself on an airplane seated next to Elias Phinn and he somehow knows a few of her secrets. After they land Elias departs with her bag. So she is on a quest to track him down and get back her belongings but what she finds is nothing of what she expects. Elias has 2 personalities the odd one she met while on the plane who lives the an imaginary world of Salem, and then the kind sweet Elias who meets her at the door of his house. Clara learns that Elias suffers from dissociative identity disorder and she gets ensnared into both the lives of Elias and they embark on a journey to find the lightkeeper.
I found this story very odd, but also very different from anything I have ever read. The beginning of this book is a bit confusing until you get used to Elias and also the authors writing style. Once you do the story becomes a little more enjoyable. I found that while reading the book it started making reality a little more obscure as Elias would switch back to his imaginary side, which I am sure is what the author intended. I expected much more from this read though, I expected a whole new world to be introduced to the readers but that did not happen. I think there could have been so much more to the story. I did find that there was a good message to the story though.
The characters were ok, although I don't expect them to be all that memorable. I think they could have had a bit more backstory to them. I think their lives, especially Clara's was a bit vague and I did feel like I knew them, so I found that I did not connect to them all that well. Clara, to me, lacked strength. She allowed herself to be pushed around most of the time in the story. I think the story would have been better had Clara found a little more self worth.
Overall the story was ok, but I just expected more. Rating this one 2.5 stars. I have no idea who to recommend this story too. I guess anyone can give it try and form their own opinions.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Revival - Stephen King - 4 stars
When I read a King book I don't have any expectations on what it will be, whether it be horror, thriller or otherwise, because I know that he is the most diverse writer I have ever read. I only expect his books to be written brilliantly in true King style, and that is what we get with this book. Stephen King will always be my favorite author and reading books like this is the reason why.
In this book we have Jamie who is 6 years old and lives in a small New England town. He meets Reverend Charlie Jacobs who then becomes the reverend of the town's church. The reverend and his family seem to fit in perfectly. Everyone loves them until tragedy strikes. This book is an account of Jamie's life, what he goes through, what he is witness to and what he ends up believing in.
I loved the plotline of this story and how King gives nothing away in the synopsis of the story. I did not at first expect where this story was going to go. I expected the Reverend to be angry at God for this tragedy that strikes his family and friends, but I did not expect his mode of dealing with it. I also loved some of the nostalgia I felt when I first started the book being set back in the 1960's and could associate with the town descriptions and the lives of these residents. I thought it was fantastic and brilliantly written. It was very engaging and really hard to put down.
The characters were once again developed beautifully. I loved the fact that readers grow with them and learn about them as the story progresses. There is a wide array of characters to love in this story, and again they are quite unforgettable. I have to say I loved Jamie the most, I loved watching him grow and evolve throughout the story. I loved his flaws and his strengths. He was very easy to connect to and was a very believable character. Reverend Jacobs I was on the fence about for quite awhile until I reached a little over half way through the book. I know a lot of people will have a lot of different ideas about him and what he believes in and what he stands for.
I recommend this book to ALL King fans because this is a book that should be read. Don't go into this story expecting what genre of book it will be, just go into and enjoy every word, and every page because it is totally worth it.
...something....something happened...something happened...
In this book we have Jamie who is 6 years old and lives in a small New England town. He meets Reverend Charlie Jacobs who then becomes the reverend of the town's church. The reverend and his family seem to fit in perfectly. Everyone loves them until tragedy strikes. This book is an account of Jamie's life, what he goes through, what he is witness to and what he ends up believing in.
I loved the plotline of this story and how King gives nothing away in the synopsis of the story. I did not at first expect where this story was going to go. I expected the Reverend to be angry at God for this tragedy that strikes his family and friends, but I did not expect his mode of dealing with it. I also loved some of the nostalgia I felt when I first started the book being set back in the 1960's and could associate with the town descriptions and the lives of these residents. I thought it was fantastic and brilliantly written. It was very engaging and really hard to put down.
The characters were once again developed beautifully. I loved the fact that readers grow with them and learn about them as the story progresses. There is a wide array of characters to love in this story, and again they are quite unforgettable. I have to say I loved Jamie the most, I loved watching him grow and evolve throughout the story. I loved his flaws and his strengths. He was very easy to connect to and was a very believable character. Reverend Jacobs I was on the fence about for quite awhile until I reached a little over half way through the book. I know a lot of people will have a lot of different ideas about him and what he believes in and what he stands for.
I recommend this book to ALL King fans because this is a book that should be read. Don't go into this story expecting what genre of book it will be, just go into and enjoy every word, and every page because it is totally worth it.
...something....something happened...something happened...
Tuesday Talks - Overhyped Books?
For this weeks Tuesday Talks we discussed Over Hyped books and what we think of it all. I find that if I fall into the trap of 'overhyped books' I am disappointed if I did not like the book I bought. I try to stay away from it and let the hype die down a bit before plunging in. I don't like it to determine what books I will read for a month. However it is a good way to discover new genres and Authors, just be aware that we don't all like the same books and may end up disappointed in a book that everyone else loved,
I myself have over hyped books plenty of time imploring that my viewers, family and friends read these books that I have specified. I try to only over hype books that have not already been hyped to the max. I feel that if I can get a good book or series out their for others to be aware of and try, then it is a positive thing.
I guess the point I am trying to get across here is to just always be sure to make yourself aware of what the book is about before you jump into them. This way you will be disappointed less often with a book that was over hyped.
If you would like to watch my vlog on this topic then please go here. If you would like to join us at Tuesday Talks then you can find the group here. We are a very laid back group and anyone with interest or ideas are free to join us.
I myself have over hyped books plenty of time imploring that my viewers, family and friends read these books that I have specified. I try to only over hype books that have not already been hyped to the max. I feel that if I can get a good book or series out their for others to be aware of and try, then it is a positive thing.
I guess the point I am trying to get across here is to just always be sure to make yourself aware of what the book is about before you jump into them. This way you will be disappointed less often with a book that was over hyped.
If you would like to watch my vlog on this topic then please go here. If you would like to join us at Tuesday Talks then you can find the group here. We are a very laid back group and anyone with interest or ideas are free to join us.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Soul Crossed - Lisa Gail Green - 4 stars
I received this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in the Of Demons and Angels series. I thought that is looked like a book that I might enjoy since it was about angels and demons. So I am glad that I got this one for review.I found this story to be very engaging and easy to read.
In this book we have Josh who is a Demon and Gracelyn who is an Angel. They both end up fighting for the same soul, named Camden. Josh is there to corrupt him and Grace is there to save him. Time goes on and Josh and Grace find themselves falling in love, and they are about to discover what the consequences are of that.
I really enjoy the plot of this story a lot. I am a sucker for angel stories even though this is a little cliché, but I still really enjoyed this one. It was pretty exciting because for most of the story it was Demon against Angel and your classic good vs. evil. I did find that I could not really vote against Josh even though he was the demon, because I felt he still had some good intentions. There were also some pretty good plot twists in the story that I found enjoyable.
I really liked the characters. I think they were all pretty exciting even though I did not really relate to them all that much. I really liked Josh and Grace when they were together because things just fit right together. Cam seemed to be the biggest deviant of all and he was pretty warped and disturbing and I liked how is personality escalated even more towards evil as you progress through the story. I think he was wrote really well. I would have liked to see more back story on the main characters than what we got, so maybe in a future installment.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a classic good vs. evil story and also those who like angel or demon stories as well. I know I look forward to the next book in the series, "Soul Obsessed", coming in May.
In this book we have Josh who is a Demon and Gracelyn who is an Angel. They both end up fighting for the same soul, named Camden. Josh is there to corrupt him and Grace is there to save him. Time goes on and Josh and Grace find themselves falling in love, and they are about to discover what the consequences are of that.
I really enjoy the plot of this story a lot. I am a sucker for angel stories even though this is a little cliché, but I still really enjoyed this one. It was pretty exciting because for most of the story it was Demon against Angel and your classic good vs. evil. I did find that I could not really vote against Josh even though he was the demon, because I felt he still had some good intentions. There were also some pretty good plot twists in the story that I found enjoyable.
I really liked the characters. I think they were all pretty exciting even though I did not really relate to them all that much. I really liked Josh and Grace when they were together because things just fit right together. Cam seemed to be the biggest deviant of all and he was pretty warped and disturbing and I liked how is personality escalated even more towards evil as you progress through the story. I think he was wrote really well. I would have liked to see more back story on the main characters than what we got, so maybe in a future installment.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a classic good vs. evil story and also those who like angel or demon stories as well. I know I look forward to the next book in the series, "Soul Obsessed", coming in May.
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