January Wrap-Up

This is my wrap-up of January Reading. In the month of January I read seven things, six of which were books, and one that was a graphic-novel. I handed out 3 five star ratings, 2 four star ratings, and 2 three star ratings. I read 1,832 pages.

The First book I finished was
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black, which I rated a 4/6.

The Second book I finished was
Sirensong by Jenna Black, which I rate 3/6.

The Third book I finished was
The Girl with all the Gifts by M.R. Carey, which I rated a 5/6.

The Fourth book I finished was
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, which I rated 5/6.

The Fifth book, which was actually February reading but I finished in January was
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, which I rated 5/6.

The Sixth book was a graphic-novel titled
Locke & Key: Vol 1. Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill which I rated a 4/6.
illustrations by Gabriel Rodriguez.

And the Seventh and Final book I finished in January was
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket, which I gave a 3/6.

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November Wrap-Up

Reflecting on this post, I did not feel like I had gotten many books read. I wasn't sure I wanted to do it because in my mind I hadn't read a lot of books. Boy was I wrong. Maybe one of these days I'll start writing reviews when i finish books, instead of trying to do a month long worth of wrap ups. *sigh* No, I'll probably never learn.

*ahem* In the month of November, 2015, I finished a total of 9 novels. It's not a huge amount, but it was more than I thought I had finished reading.

Book 53. 

Title: A Clash of Kings, Book the Second of the Song of Ice and Fire Epic
Author: George R.R. Martin
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Date Started: October 28, 2015
Date Finished: November 6, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
" Time is out of joint. The summer of peace and plenty, ten years long, is drawing to a close, and the harsh, chill winter approaches like an angry beast. Two great leaders—Lord Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon—who held sway over an age of enforced peace are dead...victims of royal treachery. Now, from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns, as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms prepare to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war.
As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky—a comet the color of blood and flame—six factions struggle for control of a divided land. Eddard's son Robb has declared himself King in the North. In the south, Joffrey, the heir apparent, rules in name only, victim of the scheming courtiers who teem over King's Landing. Robert's two brothers each seek their own dominion, while a disfavored house turns once more to conquest. And a continent away, an exiled queen, the Mother of Dragons, risks everything to lead her precious brood across a hard hot desert to win back the crown that is rightfully hers."

Book 54.

Title: Red Queen, Book One of the Red Queen Series
Author: Victoria Aveyard
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Date Started: November 3, 2015
Date Finished: November 7, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
"This is a world divided by blood - red or silver.
The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.
That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.
Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.
But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance - Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart."

Book 55. 

Title: Because it Is My Blood, Book the Second of the Birthright Series
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Date Started: November 9, 2015
Date Finished: November 11, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
" Freed from jail, Anya hopes that things will get back to normal. But life on the outside is even more dangerous than life behind bars. Some of her gangland family want revenge for the crime for which she has done time: the shooting of her uncle. Forced to flee the country, Anya hides out in a cacao plantation in Mexico. There she learns the secrets of the chocolate trade, a trade that is illegal and deadly in her native New York. There too she discovers that seemingly random acts of violence carried out across the world have a single target: her family. As innocent bystanders get caught in the crossfire Anya must act fast and decisively to stop it, no matter what the danger to herself. "

Book 56.

Title: Shades of Earth, Book the Third of the Across the Universe Trilogy
Author: Beth Revis
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Date Started: November 9, 2015
Date Finished: November 13, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
" Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.
But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.
Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing. "

Book 57.

Title: The Last Echo, Book the Third of the Body Finder Series
Author: Kimberly Derting
Rating: 3/4 stars
Date Started: November 14, 2015
Date Finished: November 15, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads: 
" Before, Violet's morbid ability to sense the dead led her to uncover dark murders and long-buried secrets in her small town. Now that she's working with a special investigative team, Violet hopes she can help even more people - whether by saving a life or catching a killer.
Although she's relieved to finally be honest about what she can do, her instant connection with her mysterious partner, Rafe, is both confusing and unsettling, and their unique bond creates tension with her boyfriend, Jay. When she discovers the body of a college student murdered by "the collector," Violet refuses to give up on the case. With her own relationship on the line, Violet doesn't realize that the serial killer is looking to add to his collection and that she may have caught his eye. Will the life Violet has to save be her own? "

Book 58.  

Title: Rook
Author: Sharon Cameron
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Date Started: November 17, 2015
Date Finished: November 22, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
" History has a way of repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal?
Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy’s arranged marriage to the wealthy René Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiancé is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she.
As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and René find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse. "

Book 59.

Title: The Fall of Five, Book the Fourth of the Lorien Legacies
Author: Pittacus Lore
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Date Started: November 22, 2015
Date Finished: November 25, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
" The Garde are finally reunited, but do they have what it takes to win the war against the Mogadorians?
John Smith—Number Four—thought that things would change once the Garde found each other. They would stop running. They would fight the Mogadorians. And they would win.
But he was wrong. After facing off with the Mogadorian ruler and almost being annihilated, the Garde know they are drastically unprepared and hopelessly outgunned. Now they’re hiding out in Nine’s Chicago penthouse, trying to figure out their next move.
The six of them are powerful, but they’re not strong enough yet to take on an entire army—even with the return of an old ally. To defeat their enemy, the Garde must master their Legacies and learn to work together as a team. More importantly, they’ll have to discover the truth about the Elders and their plan for the Loric survivors.
And when the Garde receive a sign from Number Five—a crop circle in the shape of a Loric symbol—they know they are so close to being reunited. But could it be a trap? Time is running out, and the only thing they know for certain is that they have to get to Five before it’s too late. "

Book 60.

Title: The Revenge of Seven, Book the Fifth of the Loren Legacies
Author: Pittacus Lore
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Date Started: November 25, 2015
Date Finished: November 27, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
" The Garde have suffered an unbearable loss. Number Five has betrayed them. Eight is gone forever. Ella has been kidnapped. The others are now scattered.
In Chicago, John makes the unlikeliest of allies: Adam, a Mogadorian who turned his back on his people. He has invaluable information about Mog technology, battle strategies, and weaknesses. Most important, he knows where to hit them: their command base near Washington, DC. During the assault, however, John and Adam learn the unimaginable truth: it is too late. The Mogadorians have commenced their ultimate invasion plans.
With a front-row seat to the impending invasion, Ella finds herself in the hands of the enemy. For some reason she's more valuable to them alive, and they'll stop at nothing to turn her.
Meanwhile, Six, Nine, and Marina make their way through the Florida Everglades, hot on the trail of the traitorous Five. With the development of a new Legacy, Marina finally has the power to fight back—if her thirst for revenge doesn't consume her first. "

Book 61.

Title: Curtsies & Conspiracies, Book the Second of the Finishing School Series
Author: Gail Carriger
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Date Started: November 28, 2015
Date Finished: November 30, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
" Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy--won't Mumsy be surprised? Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners.
Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card. "

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October Wrap-Up

I had another month of reading exclusively from my own bookshelf, which was a goal I set for myself at the beginning of the year.

This month was pretty slow for me, reading wise. I made a goal for myself at the end of September to have all the "Song of Fire and Ice" series that I already own read by the end of the year. This timeline allotted me three whole months to read (1) The Game of Thrones (2) The Clash of Kings (3) A Storm of Swords and (4) A Feast for Crows by the end of the year. This seemed do-able at the time I set the goal.

I thought Game of Thrones was a masterpiece of epic fantasy.  However, I kind of messed up when I watched the television show first. Knowing who was going to die made it difficult for me to make my way through this book. I consistently had to take breaks to reasure myself that no matter how slowly I read, Ned was still going to be killed. For two weeks I completely ignored this novel. In the end, I did finish it and I'm glad I did, because, like always, the book was so much better than anything on the screen could ever be.

Bullet was the second book I started in the month of October, but it was the first one I finished. This is the nineteenth installment in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunters series. The character arcs in this installment were more satisfying to me than in previous installments.  I'm maybe going to start doing review posts so I'll wait to share my thoughts.

The final book I read in October 2015 was "White is For Witching"...and, just, wow! Mind blown. I don't know if it was the writing style, the unreliable narrator, or the confusion about interpersonal relations that really threw me, but I know for certain that I will have to reread this novel to really absorb it's full meaning. The prose was lyrical and extremely vivid and I loved it, but sometimes it was really hard to understand what the author was trying to get across to the reader with the words she chose. However, the book was beautiful and haunting, which was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up at my local library sale.

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September 2015 Wrap Up

Wow! September is over already. It's hard to believe how fast the year is flying by, but with autumn right around the corner I couldn't be more excited.

September was a pretty good month for me and reading. As you can see, I finished 9 books this month. Admittedly, five of them are re-reads, but I was in a real reading slump at the beginning of this year. Because of that slump I decided to reinvest myself in characters I already know I love to help me along in new worlds. I know it's odd, but it's actually working. As of yesterday, I only need 4 more books to complete my reading goal for the year.

Now, let's get to the books, because that's what this whole post is about! All links lead to Goodreads.

House of Leaves
Author: Mark Z. Danielwoski
Rating: 4/5

"The story remains unchanged, focusing on a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree Lane where they discover something is terribly wrong: their house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.

Of course, neither Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Will Navidson nor his companion Karen Green was prepared to face the consequences of that impossibility, until the day their two little children wandered off and their voices eerily began to return another story -- of creature darkness, of an ever-growing abyss behind a closet door, and of that unholy growl which soon enough would tear through their walls and consume all their dreams. (via)

My Thoughts 

 This book was so freaking mind-blowing. The introduction sets readers up for the very intimidating 709 page monster that is this novel. Following the introduction, which is written by one of the stories main characters Johnny Truant, we readers are immersed in Zampano's telling of Will Navidson's incredible journey of making a life in his family's new home. While learning the story of how the house affects it's inhabitants, we readers learn how the story affects Johnny's life as he discovers, reads, edits, and compiles the story that is the House of Leaves.
It was a really good read, and I am glad that I waited so long to read it. I first obtained a copy about 8 years ago, but I don't feel like I would have appreciated the story as much as I did if I had read it at that time in my life. Some of the more "non-fiction" parts of the book that were inserted by Zampano so the reader would have a more full understanding of the House on Ash Tree Lane were a bit of a drag for me, but I do agree that they improved the complete understanding of the novel. The novel is very dark, but beautiful and compelling. When I wasn't reading it I felt like I needed to be reading it.

 

Blood Noir
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Series: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #16
Rating: 4/5

"A favor for Jason, vampire hunter Anita Blake's werewolf lover, puts her in the center of a fullblown scandal that threatens master-vampire Jean- Claude's reign, and makes her a pawn in an ancient vampire queen's new rise to power. (via)

My Thoughts 

 I began re-reading these novels this year to kick my reading slump. I wanted to go back to a character that I used to love but was falling out of love with bit by bit with each addition to the series. Anita Blake owns a small part of my heart, and she probably always will. But, I am not in love with her gained vampire powers.
This novel was solid though. Hamilton decides to send Anita and Jason to a small town America for a vigil at Jason's fathers sick bed. While they are visiting small town America, Anita is thrust into her shapeshifter problems when the mommy of all vampires decides now is the time to begin making Anita suitable for her servant. Overall, the characters were true to their creation and remained static through this installment.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
Author: Stieg Larsson
Series: Millennium #3
Rating: 5/5

"Lisbeth Salander - the heart of Larsson's two previous novels - lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She's fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she'll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge - against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.

Once upon a time, she was a victim. Now Salander is fighting back. (via)

 

 My Thoughts

 First, I love LOVE Lisbeth Salander. Her character is the entire reason I read these novels. This series is one that I am ashamed to say I saw in movie form first. The Swedish version of the movies are phenomenal and I recommend them to everyone. The novels, however, are FAR MORE AWESOME.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest is the third installment in the millenium series and so far my favorite. It picks up right where The Girl Who Played With Fire ends. In this installment Lisbeth is mostly in the hospital or in a secure ward, but that doesn't stop her skills. With the help of her faithful friends, she stands up against the Swedish Government and doesn't take no guff. I really loved the political aspect of this novel. The relationships that finally took hold in this installment were brilliant and it solidified my love for these characters.

 

Skin Trade
Author: Laurell K Hamilton
Series: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #17
Rating: 3/5

"When a vampire serial killer sends Anita Blake a grisly souvenir from Las Vegas, she has to warn Sin City's local authorities what they're dealing with. Only it's worse than she thought. Police officers and one executioner have been slain-paranormal style. (via)

 

My Thoughts

 Anita is a bad ass cop in this novel. However, the rest of the characters fell a bit flat for me. Edward was not the sociopath that I'd come to love. He became this horrible touchy-feely dude trying to keep Anita safe from Olaf. And for Olaf, why the hell is Anita scared of him? She's taken on so many kick butt vampires that I just cannot comprehend how Anita can be so terrified of a human. Then we had to bring in her arduer and let her have sex with more new men! gah. I was just a little irritated through this whole book. She ran away from her power base to play scared human to one human, two shapeshifters, and two vampires. It was exhausting.

I remember in my first read through of the series this was about the point that I began to lose interest. I can feel it happening again.

Wondrous Strange
Author: Leslie Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Trilogy #1
Rating: 3/5

"Seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow thinks that playing the role of the fairy queen Titiana in a production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream could be her lucky break - if she can pull it off. But when she meets the handsome Sonny Flannery, Kelley has to face the shocking truth that the world of Faeries is all too real - and that she an unwitting part of it. Sonny warns Kelley that she is no mere mortal, and that she is being haunted by powerful forces from the Faerie realm. Now, Kelley must come to terms with her heritage - and her growing feelings for Sonny - if she wants to save not only herself, but also the human world that she holds dear. (via)

 

 My Thoughts

 Another Fairy story. I think in my life I have read hundreds of fairy stories. But this one was different because of the characters. Between Kelly's dry sarcasm, Sonny's extreme confidence (except around Kelly), and Tyff's witty style I really enjoyed these characters. Kelly's life seems so normal until one night in Central Park she tries to save a drowing horse. After she wakes up on the beach of the lake she was trying to save the horse from, her life takes a turn for the more confusing. Suddenly she has so much that is expected of her, along with a mystery to unravel.

Well, let's just say the mystery takes all three novels to completely unfurl. It was a good, quick, and imaginative read. However, because of how the relationships developed so quickly without a good solid foundation to build upon I really didn't feel invested in the story. I need more character development in a novel to really love it.

 

Darklight
Author: Leslie Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Trilogy, #2
Rating: 3/5

"Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was a Faerie princess, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved the mortal realm from the ravages of the Wild Hunt.

Now Kelley is stuck in New York City, rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and missing Sonny more with every stage kiss, while Sonny has been forced back to the Otherworld and into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the remaining Hunters and Queen Mabh herself.

When a terrifying encounter sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful but destined to be cut short. An ancient, hidden magick is stirring, and a dangerous new enemy is willing to risk everything to claim that power.
Caught in a web of Faerie deception and shifting allegiances, Kelley and Sonny must tread carefully, for each next step could topple a kingdom . . . or tear them apart. (via)

 

 My Thoughts

This was a strong second book. I enjoyed it because the characters that were not as believable in the first installment were more so in the second. Kelly really finds her backbone and owns her powers. Sonny does whatever it takes to become the hero. And together they uncover more of the mystery behind who is trying to unleash the world of faerie onto New York City. I really loved the character of Puck in these novels. . . twisty character that he is. I also thought that maybe the relationship between Kelly and Sonny would become a little more stable with their growth, but they were both to consumed by what was going on in the world around them to be able to really savor what they had together.

 

Temptestuous
Author: Leslie Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Trilogy, #3
Rating: 4/5

""I don't love Sonny Flannery."
That's the lie Kelley Winslow is told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.
But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fenrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley. (via)
 

My Thoughts

Tempestuous was explosive. So many plot point were revealed in this installment that at points my jaw was literally hanging open.

Sonny really grows in this installment. From finding out what powers he has, to who his father is, and his real purpose in life, he becomes a very strong character.

Kelly does what she has to in order to survive and keep the people she loves alive. She becomes a very pragmatic character in this novel, but her love still overcomes her pragmatic sensibilities.

The Janus Guard who guards New York from the invasion of Faerie land have grown bored. Because of this, they decide to attack all lost Fey they can find in New York on the supposed orders of King Oberon. When Sonny learns of what is going on, he does his best to help the lost fey survive, but some things are out of his abilities. Especially when the bad guys are after him for his incredible powers. But, in the end, Kelly and Sonny's love defeats even the dragon that is created by the magic of the Greenman.

 

Flirt
Author: Laurell K Hamilton
Series: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #18
Rating: 2/5

"Anita Blake has been asked to raise the dead-but the results aren't going to make everybody happy...  (via)

 

My Thoughts

Anita doesn't need any more gosh darn lovers! This is the third (or fourth) Nicky of the series, but hey, at least she finally has a werelion metaphysically bound to her. And she was able to raise another whole cemetery and kill the bad guys (again) with her zombies. But overall, the story line was sad. The bad guys used the loves of Anita's life against her and made her submissive, until they decided to let her feed off of them. After she feeds she basically becomes Uber Anita and defeats the bad guys in 10 pages, after 140 pages of being a victim.

 

The Final Descent
Author: Rick Yancy
Series: Monstrumologist, #4
Rating: 5/5

"Will Henry has been through more that seems possible for a boy of fourteen. He’s been on the brink of death on more than one occasion, he has gazed into hell—and hell has stared back at him, and known his face. But through it all, Dr. Warthrop has been at his side.

When Dr. Warthrop fears that Will’s loyalties may be shifting, he turns on Will with a fury, determined to reclaim his young apprentice’s devotion. And so Will must face one of the most horrific creatures of his monstrumology career—and he must face it alone.

Over the course of one day, Will’s life—and Pellinor Warthrop’s destiny—will lie in balance. In the terrifying depths of the Monstrumarium, they will face a monster more terrible than any they could have imagined—and their fates will be decided.   (via)

 

My Thoughts

I LOVE THIS SERIES!

The ending was just so perfect. The writing was amazing. The characters are flawless. And the monsters, don't even get me started because I will literally squee all over the place. I'm sad that it's over, but I can't wait to reread the series once I have collected them all.

Okay, so this novel takes place in two different time periods happening simultaneously. This allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in why the end is what it is. I don't know exactly how to describe this novel because it is the end of a series and hello, spoilers. But I will say, if you like gothic horror novels about the darkness in all of us, then I suggest you run out to the store IMMEDIATELY and buy this series. Because it is aaaaaMAZing. Serious.

 

Okay. That's all.
Thank you for reading this ridiculously long post. I hope you enjoyed my September Wrap up. If you've read any of these books I would love to discuss them with you, leave a comment and let me know what you think.

 

 

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