March Wrap Up (Part 2) | Comics

Happy April! Extra post today! I'm not fooling! Today I wanted to wrap up the other half of my reading month. In March it was split down the middle between novels and comics. If you want to see the novels I read in March, check out my video wrap up HERE. I'm anxious to read even more comics, I'll be visiting the library today actually, so you may see another split video in April depending on how many I read!

Books Mentioned: 

Hawkeye Vols 2-4 by Matt Fraction & Various

Ms. Marvel- Vol. 1, 2 & 4 by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona 
Sex Criminals Vol. 1 by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky

Lumberjanes Vol 1 by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis
Amulet Book One: The Stonekeeper by Kazi Kibushi

Review - Winter by Marissa Meyer

Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4 (Final) 

Genre: Sci-Fi Fairytale Retelling

Source: Purchased

Published - November 2015

Hardcover - 824 pgs

Add it // Buy it 

Rating - 4/5  

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

Quick Thoughts: Overall the ending to this series was very good and I was pleased with the wrap up to the story. A lot of questions were answered and the action sequences in this book were awesome. However, I did have a few questions left over at the end and didn’t love it quite as much as everyone else.

Full Review: Alright. This book took me almost a month to rate or even review. I had many mixed feelings about this book after finishing it and I still feel like I’m sorting through them.  I wanted to love the wrap up to this series after seeing so many glowing reviews online, but I got stuck. There were a lot of things I liked. For instance, the action and adventure in this series has always sucked me in. I feel like I can really visualize what is going on and Meyer has always given me a complete picture of this futuristic world. I ship all the ship especially the friendships and felt very satisfied with the conclusion of this story. However, I did have a few problems.

The fairytale interpretations throughout this series have been innovative and this installment is spot on as well. I love the elements of the Snow White fairytale we saw and the futuristic twist to the classic story too. However, there were a few points where scenes felt forced into the story to accommodate more parts of the fairytale. In some ways this story has become completely independent of the original stories so I found it a bit disruptive to be reminded this was a retelling. However, I felt very similarly at the end of Cinder and upon reread found it worked better for me. 

My other issue with this book was the main couple. I had a really hard time with Jacin and Winter at first. There was so much character development and progress in Cress. I was already in the middle of so many stories and character arcs I had a hard time starting two new ones. Eventually I did like both of them and found their stories interesting. Plus Winter and Scarlet's friendship was a really interesting dynamic. I love Scarlet so as she and Winter spent more time together, I warmed up to Winter.

Like I mentioned though, the wrap up was well done. I liked the ending and how fast-paced and thrilling the conclusion was. There is a lot of drama and excitement in this wrap up. It is a long book so be prepared for emotional upheaval and lots of action. I was pleased about a lot of the decisions Meyer made for her characters and how the story panned out. I was satisfied with the conclusion of the story. 

Happy Birthday!

March Wrap Up (Part 1)

This month has been quite a dismal one especially in the second half. I struggled to read so much! Maybe I should have expected it after reading so frantically last month, but it was a frustrating. Like I mentioned in the video, I'll have a second Wrap Up for the comics I read in March in a few days!

Book Mentioned: 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Today is my first Waiting on Wednesday post! I've never done one of these before which is strange because I love new releases and am always anxious for them.  Maybe you'll see more from me in the future now that I've done one!

There is only one book I consider myself waiting for at this point in time. You may be able to guess because I've put it on every anticipated release list or books I'm reading in April list I've made this year. I am so excited for this release I honestly don't know how I'll act when I'm no longer need to wait and have the book in my hands.

And it is (drum roll please)...

10 Of My Most Recent 5 Star Reads

It is Top Ten Tuesday again which means we get to talk about some exciting books! The topic this week poses a little bit of a problem. Five star books are a bit rare so I had to look back pretty far into 2015 to find my most recent five star rated books. 

Basically, resent will be relative in this post!! This list will be in chronological order (or as close to it as possible)

1) The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson - Last summer I read this book at the beach and I loved it! The world building and the characters were so amazing. I am so anxious to pick up book two and continue on with this series. 

2) Demelza by Winston Graham - After the first book, I was really excited to check this book and see where the Poldark family goes in the next one. This installment did not disappoint. It is a very emotional ride from start to finish. 

3) S. by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst - This is the most unique book I think I've ever read. It was an incredible experience and I am so glad I took the time to read it (many many times through).

4) The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey - 

5) My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins - This series of stories is adorable from start to finish. I loved them! I can't wait for the summer time ones to be published now! 

6) Darcy's Tale by Stanley Michael Hurd - After finding out the printing problem with my book did not impact all books, I bumped this from a four to five stars. Amazing retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's Perspective. 

7) The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle - This book! Oh this book is amazing. I loved everything about it. Just go read it already! 

8)  Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - The heist story to rule heist stories with an amazing set of characters that I will defend with my life. 

9) Lumberjanes by by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen - Fantastic graphic novel about female friendships and adventure. Great for kids and adults! 

10)  Harry Potter Books by J.K. Rowling - I reread this last year and in the beginning of 2016. I gave so many five stars to this series that I love so much. 

My Last Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books on my Spring TBR

Intimidating TBR Pile Tag

Oh TBR piles! How I love and hate you. So many books to read and so little time to do it. They intimidate me and I hope someday I will get this pile of books reduced to something manageable because right now it is out of hand. Anyway here is a video all about the books that scare me into not reading them.

Library Book Haul (Comics)

Books Mentioned: 

Hawkeye Vols 2-4 by Matt Fraction & Various

Ms. Marvel- Vol. 1, 2 & 4 by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
Sex Criminals Vol. 1 & 2 by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky

White Tiger by Tamora Pierce and Timothy Liebe

Lumberjanes Vol 1 by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis
Amulet Book One: The Stonekeeper by Kazi Kibushi
Captain America Essential Vol 1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
The Last Man on Earth (Book One) by Brian K. Vaughn and Pia Guerra
The Amazing Spiderman (Marvel Masterworks Vol. 1) by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
Lois Lane: Fallout by Gwenda Bond

Review - Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Series: Elemental Series #5

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Purchased 

Published - September 2014

Paperback - 324 pgs

Add it // Buy it

Rating: 3/5

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way. His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war. They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown. Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?

Quick Thoughts: This was my least favorite installment in the series so far and I'm disappointed we didn't make any progress in this book. I have mixed feelings because I thought this was the end of the series, but it seems there are more books to come. 

Full Review: 

In the past year I have been sucked into the Elemental world. This series is easy to speed through. The writing is simple but evokes powerful emotions and covers difficult topics with respect and honesty. I love this series. Going into Sacrifice I was sad this would be the last installment and worried because the title is so ominous. 

I'm left confused and disappointed though. If you've read any of the books in this series you know Michael is the strong older brother, who leads and defends his siblings while they casually cause trouble. (As boys who have powerful supernatural powers and who are falling in love often do) I've loved Michael as a father/brother figure and was frustrated in this book when his own voice/POV sounded so immature. While I know what Kemmerer was trying to do, have Michael lose control and need to ask for help because we all need help at some point, it didn't feel right and didn't sit well with me.

This installments is short (less than 300pgs) and in general I wanted more. There was a lot of wrap up. In Secret we barely made any progress in regard to the Guides and not much changed in this book either. 

I also thought Hannah and Michael's relationship in this book was much weaker than any of the other romances thus far. There was also this weird love triangle introduced in this book which annoyed me. There are other ways to introduce new characters to this group without shoving a love triangle into the mix plus we've seen this as a plot device before in Storm. Overall the romance portion of this book was lacking for me. Its a big reason I've enjoyed these book so far. Even though they are predictable they are fun and I look forward to the courting and romance of each book. I knew this one would be a little different but it seemed to just drop off the map. 

If this was the last book in the series, I would be VERY disappointed. Nothing seemed cleared up or resolved. However, Kemmerer answered a question on her Goodreads page late last year mentioning she is writing book six right now. The book itself says it is on hold indefinitely. SO I'm confused. This definitely wasn't the end of the story, but I have no idea when the next book will be released.

I hope this series moves forward soon so my bad feelings over this book don't fester too much.  

Top Five Wednesday - DNF Books

This week on Top Five Wednesday we are talking about books we DNF'ed (Did Not Finish). This was an interesting exercise and I actually picked out the books I disliked the most as my top five. They aren't in a specific order but I struggled with all of these!

Books Mentioned:

Sanctum by Madeleine Roux

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner 

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

The Sea of Monsters (Graphic Novelization) by Rick Riordan

Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany Schmidt 

My Last T5W ---> Top Five Fictional Items I Want

Courtship Book Tag

Who doesn't love a good cover or a good synopsis? This clever tag is all about my favorite parts of my favorite books and why I love them! Check out The Courtship Book Tag!

Original Tag by Hi I Love Books

Happy Reading!

Review - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Series: Six of Crows #1 

Genre: Fantasy 

Source: Purchased 

Published: September 2015 

Hardcover - 465 pgs

Add it // Buy it

Rating - 5/5

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone…

A convict with a thirst for revenge. A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager. A runaway with a privileged past. A spy known as the Wraith. A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first

Quick Thoughts: This is a great heist story that expands Bardogo's world from The Girsha Trilogy and introduces us to a new exciting cast of characters. I am already sad we will only get two books with them. I was obsessed with this book from page one and it was one of the easiest five star ratings I've given in a long time.

I also have created a three reasons you should read this about this book. I'll warn you now I talk about the characters a lot. Three Reasons is a series of videos I've made about some of my favorite books and series. I talk about three reasons you should read that particular book without spoilers. 

Full Review:

I'll be honest. I was skeptical going into this book. The hype was Big! Huge! (Pretty Woman fans?) and I loved The Grisha Trilogy. I didn't want to be disappointed so I rationalized by thinking this couldn't be as good as the hype...

But this was amazing. I don't want to add to that hype I was just talking about, but I can't help it. I want to heap praise on this novel, shove it into your hands and break into a publishing house to get my hands on book two of this duology. Speaking of book two how am I going to survive with only two books? 

This cast of characters is diverse, unique and interesting. Their voices are distinct from one another and I can't get enough of them. I'm addicted to their companionship and they are all thieves of varying degrees so I adore them. None of them are purely good, but they all have hopes, fears, dreams and desires that make them human. I love their diversity. I love each one is in-between good and bad, but I want to root for them. The characterization for all is spot on.

There were many times during this book I thought I had the characters or the situation out, but Bardugo always threw me for a loop. It was incredible how cunningly the POVs were used and it is one of the most effective instances of this technique I've ever read. Throughout the story Bardugo used the different POVs to surprise her characters and her readers.

This is the heist story to rule heist stories. The multiple POVs are used brilliantly and each one is rich with character. Surprises are around every corner for the reader and the characters. The world is rich and full. I was excited to see a glimpse into the larger picture of the Grishaverse. All the characters had different backgrounds and described their homelands and cultures. It was obvious Bardugo has a completely picture of the world not just Ravka and though her works may leave the Grishaverse, I hope we will read more about it in the future. 

Waiting for November is going to be tough.

Happy Reading!