Review: Jackaby (Jackaby #1) by William Ritter

Title: Jackaby (Jackaby #1)

Author: William Ritter

Published by: Algonquin Young Readers

Released: 2014

Summary: Abigail Rook longs for adventure. She has grown up with the tales of her father's grand adventures. Because she is a girl, Abigail is not allowed on any grand adventures. To remedy this fact, she takes off with her tuition money in search of a good adventure. She ends up defeated, on the shores of New Fiddleham, New England, broke and homeless, she's contemplating her next move. She then meets up with the strange character of R.F. Jackaby, an investigator of the supernatural. She becomes embroiled in the case of a supernatural killer as Jackaby's  maybe/trial run assistant. Abigail might just have found all the adventure she was searching for.

My Thoughts: I loved this one! It was so good, really funny, and very fast paced. It had an interesting cast of characters that I just enjoyed thoroughly. There are some books that you just know from the first page that they are going to be awesome, this book was one of those for me.

Jackaby was delightfully odd, but full of heart as well. His house is full of oddities too: a duck, a swamp, and a ghost are just some of the things residing there. Oh and I almost forgot the toad that doesn't like to be stared at. I enjoyed Abigail too. She manages to keep up with Jackaby. I also found the character of Charlie Cane adorable. I want him to be a part of the rest of the series. As soon as he was described, I liked him, I liked him a lot.

As far as the mystery went, I enjoyed it. I will say that I managed to guess correctly who the villain was, but not exactly what he was.

What makes this book so fun to read is the humor and the characters. I can't wait for the sequel, with more crazy cases and the dynamic duo of Abigail and Jackaby.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4.5/5

Wonderfully odd, quirky, and funny!

Reading Right Now! (#31)

Title: Undertow (Undertow Book #1)

Author: Michael Buckley

I'm on page 48 which makes me about 13% through the book.

What I'm Reading Right Now! is Undertow by Michael Buckley. I pretty much just started this and don't really know how I feel about it yet. I don't know if I'm a fan of the writing style yet or not. There are a lot of similes and metaphors, and sometimes I find that kind of writing style to be annoying. But I am interested so far, I'm not turned off by the story, but I'm not absolutely loving it either. I'm still kind of waiting to find out what's really going on. I'm also not sure how I feel about the main character Lyric. She seems kind of like a party kid and I usually don't connect with characters like that because I'm not that kind of person. So we will see how Lyric and I get along. I did see this book on the Goodreads.com sidebar, it was featured as one of the popular books of the month. I can't wait to read more and see how I end up liking it.

As for a little synopsis as to what this is about, I'm not 100% sure. I think what it is about is that this race of people rose up from the sea and now are living in a kind of temporary tent camp at Coney Island. It's set in our modern world and the people are not happy about these sea creatures camping out. There is a lot of politics and protests and all that fun stuff. The sea creature children are about to be integrated into high school, going alongside human children. This causes a lot more protest. I think our main character Lyric kind of gets partnered with one of the sea kids and has to show him around, and some kind of romance might ensue.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! Tell me what you're reading in the comments below. Have any of you guys read this book? And if so, what did you think of it?

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Debut Novels

This weeks Top 5 Wednesday is the Top 5 Debut Novels. Now my list contains books that I loved, of course. I will admit that I'm not sure if all of these are debut novels. They might not technically be the author's first book. I do think all of these are debuts for the genres/age groups that they are in. I'm too lazy to do the really meticulous research is what it comes down too. So here are my Top 5 Debut Books.

 

  

- The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd: I am 99% sure this is Megan Shepherd's debut novel and I'm 100% sure that it is totally awesome. I read this book not that long after it came out and absolutely loved it. It was dark, creepy, gothic, and pretty much everything I like. It's the first book in a trilogy and I have since finished the trilogy. The whole series was absolutely wonderful and guaranteed that I would read anything Megan Shepherd writes. I can't wait for her next series, the first book comes out later this month. So this is a book and series that I recommend to everybody.

- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling: J.K. Rowling jumped onto the scene with this book. With this book she became the phenomenon that we know now. This is probably one of the best debuts of the recent past. If you haven't read this book, please do. It ignited a love of reading in so many people and really helped spur the YA and Middle Grade book market into what it is today. Maybe I'm putting too much importance on this book, but it's important to me. I love it, love it so much.

-The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy and illustrations by Todd Harris: This one is one I'm not sure of. I don't know if this is his true debut book, or if he had written something else before this. But I do think that this is Christopher Healy's debut into the middle grade market. I love this book and series so much. I find it rare to find books that actually make me laugh out loud, and this one definitely did that. I love the princes, their adventures, and the ridiculousness they embark in on every adventure. Go read this book and series, I love it. It introduced me to Christopher Healy and now I'm excited to read his future books.

-Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake: This is another one I'm not exactly sure is a debut or not. This is what introduced me to Kendare Blake, so I'm going to count it. I enjoyed this book so much. It was like the TV show Supernatural in book form, and from the first page I was hooked. A great read for Halloween or any time really.

-Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs: I think this was Ransom Riggs debut. I won't say that my love for this book shined as bright as a thousand suns, but I did really enjoy it. It kind of started a trend with including creepy pictures in books. Fun reading.

Those are my Top 5 Debut Novels. What are you favorite debuts? If you want to join in the Top 5 Wednesday fun, you totally should. Each Wednesday there are fun topics to take part in and contemplate the awesomeness of books. Go check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers!

Review: The 100 (The Hundred #1) by Kass Morgan

Title: The 100 (The Hundred #1)

Author: Kass Morgan

Published by: Little, Brown and Company

Alloy Entertainment

Released: 2013

Summary: With Earth devastated from nuclear attacks and severe radiation, the human population has fled to space. They live on the Colony, separated into three districts according to class. Population and resource consumption are heavily monitored and crimes are dealt with harshly. The leaders of the Colony come up with a secret plan to test the survivability of Earth. 100 juvenile delinquents awaiting their 18th birthday trials, and more likely than not executions, are sent down to Earth in the ultimate test of survival. Clarke is an orphan accused of treason. Wells gets himself imprisoned and sent down for the girl he loves. Bellamy sneaks aboard to save his sister. Glass manages to escape and finds life on the Colony is changing. The fate of humanity rests in the hands of The 100. 

My Thoughts: So glad I finally got to read this. I am such a fan of the CW show that I will consume anything The 100 related. I'd heard mixed things about the book, how it disappointed some people and how others really enjoyed it. I think how much anyone enjoys it depends on what they expect from it. People that want an exact replica of the show and their favorite characters are going to be disappointed. Those that go in with a more open mind will probably enjoy it more. I went into it expecting something similar, but different from the show, and I ended up really enjoying the book. I got that 100 world and feeling that I love, with a slightly different story. I really liked it and can't wait for more of it.

There were a lot of differences from the CW show. Some characters in the book don't exist in the show and vice versa. There is no Finn, Raven, Abby, Monty, Jasper, or John Murphy. We do have two characters original to the books in Luke and Glass. Also, the Colony has been in orbit far longer than the Arc on the show. The Colony has been in space for almost 400 years.  Clarke's story is a little different too. I actually like her book backstory more than her show backstory. Clarke's parents are executed and she's accused of treason. I actually think her book backstory would have made for a more shocking/compelling story on the show. I found the differences from the show to just be interesting.

Characters are slightly different too. For example, Bellamy and Clarke don't vie for power of the 100 like they do in the show. I guess what I should say is that neither one of them is really in charge. There are other characters who take those positions in this first book.

The book also has a much slower pace than the show. The show is pretty action-packed, with all kinds of new threats and situations popping up weekly. The book takes its time more, exploring the backstory of characters through flashbacks and chapters told in the four main characters voices. I really enjoyed the flashback scenes. I thought that they were better than the flashbacks on the show.

So I guess I'm gonna wrap-up my rambling review. I liked this book. I liked the story it gave me and wasn't disappointed in it not being an exact replica to the show. if you love the CW TV show, then give the books a shot. Anytime in The 100 world is a good time.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

My love for The 100 is strong!

Reading Right Now! (#30)

Title: Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2)

Author: Veronica Rossi

I'm currently on page 130 which makes me 38% of the way through

I know this is a slightly belated post, but I decided to just go ahead and do it. What I'm Reading Right Now! is Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi. It's the sequel to Under the Never Sky. I enjoyed Under the Never Sky, but I wasn't blown away by it. As for the sequel, I'm enjoying it. I think I might like it even more than the first book. This series is about a post apocalyptic world and a journey to find a safe place in it. It has the characters of Aria and Peregrine who have a lot of weight on their shoulders and they find love with one another. What I love about this series is the world it presents and how people have changed to live in it. Can't wait to read more of it.

So that's it for what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Summer Covers (books that remind you of summer)

I love summer, so I was excited for this topic. I will say that most summer feeling covers normally reside on contemporary books. Contemporary isn't always my favorite genre, so I can pick out some gorgeous, summery covers, but that doesn't mean that I have read the book or even will read it. But anyway, onto the pretty pretty covers of summer!

 

  

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han: These covers just scream sunshine, warm weather, and summer. It's something about the light on the cover that just makes me think of summer. I haven't read this series yet, but I do own it and it will be read eventually. 

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen: All of Sarah Dessen's covers remind me of summer, so I just picked one out of the bunch. The colors and usual beach scenes just scream summer. I've never actually read anything by Sarah Dessen, I'll change that one day.

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols: This one probably won't scream summer to most people, but something about the wind rushing through her hair and the outfit she has on does to me. This book actually does sound interesting to me and I hope to read it one day.

Tall Cool One by Zoey Dean: This is another whole series that has summer feeling covers. I picked the one with a beach setting, but any of the other books scream summer as well. Something about the bright colors and girls (usually in bikinis) just shouts summer fun.

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler: I actually cheated with this one and googled YA Summer book covers, but this one fits because of the pretty blue heart and summer in the title.

So those are my Top 5 Summer Covers (books that remind me of summer). What would your summer covers be? If you want to join in the Top 5 Wednesday fun, you totally should. Each Wednesday there is a new, fun topic to explore. Check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers here!

Review: Locke & Key Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

Title: Locke & Key Volume 2: Head Games

Story by: Joe Hill

Art by: Gabriel Rodriguez

Published by: IDW Publishing

Released: 2010

Summary: Things are only getting stranger in the Keyhouse. The Locke family is dealing with another close scare and is unaware of a more sinister enemy in their midst. Bode is exploring Keyhouse and finding some of its hidden secrets. Tyler and Kinsey are trying to make friends and get used to school life again. Little does the Locke family know that strange things are happening and they're in the center of it.

My Thoughts: Another fun book in the series. This one had some twists and turns, and raised a whole lot of new questions. I really enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed the first one.

The key Bode found and discovered its use for was interesting. I think it's hard to make a key like that not look cheesy and ridiculous. While I did find the key and what it did weird, I kinda bought it. I think the whole series is just strange enough to make a key like that work.

And the villain in this one is super interesting. I have so many questions now that will have to be answered in upcoming books.

Once again, I enjoyed the art by Gabriel Rodriguez and the overall beautifulness of the book. It was just fun to read. Another great story in the Locke family saga. I can't wait to find out more and discover more secrets of the Keyhouse.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

The mystery deepens

Reading Right Now! (#29)

Title: A Cold Legacy (The Madman's Daughter #3)

Author: Megan Shepherd

I just started this today. I'm on page 22 which probably makes me about 5% finished with this book.

What I'm Reading Right Now! is A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd. This is the third and final book in The Madman's Daughter trilogy. And I just want to say that I'm so excited. I really love this series. I devoured the first two books and can't wait to see how it all ends. I'm hoping that it doesn't disappoint me, but I don't think it will. All I know is that Megan Shepherd has become one of my auto-read authors. I just love her books. Later this year, I think a new one is coming out by her and I can't wait to pick it up and read it.

Okay back to the book, for those that don't know what this series is about, don't worry, I'll tell you. Also don't worry because I'm not going to spoil anything. That would be mean. Each book in this series is influenced by a famous horror tale. The first book, The Madman's Daughter, is based on Dr. Moreau's Island. Now, I had never heard of that famous horror tale before, maybe someday I'll check it out. But in The Madman's Daughter, our main character Juliet has kind of been orphaned. Her mother has died and her father left after rumors started circulating about him conducting experiments against nature. Juliet doesn't know if her dad is alive or dead. She then just happens to run into her father's young assistant, Montgomery, and makes him take her to her father. Her father happens to be residing on an island in the middle of nowhere. Once Juliet gets there, she realizes that her father is not a nice man and he's still conducting his insane experiments. Some of his experiments are dangerous. But the biggest horror for Juliet is that she might be like her father. That madness could run in the blood.

The second book, Her Dark Curiosity, is based of the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And this third and final book, A Cold Legacy, is based of the classic tale of Frankenstein. So hopefully, from my descriptions, I sold you on the series. It's really creepy, dark, gothic, and fun. I just very much enjoy these books. 

I can't really say a whole lot about the third one yet because I just started it, but so far I am enjoying it. I love Megan Shepherd's writing, it just kind of pulls me in from the very first page. This one has started right where A Dark Curiosity left off. I can't wait to see how everything ends. And I'm also excited because once I finish this, I will have another completed series to add to my list for 2015 Woo Hoo!

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! Tell me what you're reading in the comments below. Also, have any of you read this series? And if you have, do you love it as much as I do?

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Books You'd Want to See as TV Shows (not movies)

I know this is late and not a Wednesday, but I'm doing it anyway. This week's topic is the Top 5 Books You'd Want to See as TV Shows (not movies). Without further ado, here are my picks.

 

  

I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells: This would be perfect because it would be like a mix of Supernatural and Dexter. John Wayne Cleaver is such a creepy character, but you can't help but root for him. He really has an internal struggle that I think would make for interesting tv. Also it would work longevity wise because there would always be something for John Cleaver to fight. I would watch this if it were on tv. It would be creepy and good.

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, illustrations by Todd Harris: I think this one would make a great kids show/cartoon series. I don't think it would work so well as live action. But hey, this is my fantasy list, so I can pick what I want. I love this series. It is so much fun and funny. There is a great cast of characters and there is just a lot of humor in this series. The princes play off each other so well. This would just be a whole lot of fun as a tv series.

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen: I could see this being a series on the CW Network. It would be like an historical version of the Gossip Girls. There would be a lot of glamor, drama, and a beautiful wardrobe selection. This might not be the most original idea, but ideas like this have already been on television and worked. Think of the beautiful dresses!

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella: I love this series and feel that it would make for a very fun tv show. This series is also full of humor and just a main character that makes me laugh. Becky is always managing to get herself in trouble with her shopping addiction and her long suffering family have to try and help her out. This would just be a cute series to have on tv, and sometimes there aren't enough of those.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer: This one would be just fun in my mind. I feel like it could go to a middle school/teen audience. There are a lot of books in this series and a lot of material to pull from. Artemis is a delightful mastermind and his character development would be fun to watch on a show. The world would also be really interesting to see on tv with fairies, goblins, and centaurs. I just think this as a tv show would be fun.

So those are the books I would pick to make into TV shows. What would your picks be? You should totally join in the Top 5 Wednesday fun. Every Wednesday, there is a new topic to explore and enjoy. Check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers here!

Review: Locke & Key Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

Title: Locke & Key Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft

Story by: Joe Hill

Art by: Gabriel Rodriguez

Published by: IDW Publishing

Released: 2011 or earlier

Summary: After a violent home invasion kills their father, Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode move to the New England coast to start anew. They move to the Keyhouse. A strange house with mysterious doors that lead to all kinds of places. The Keyhouse might hold an unnatural enemy to the family too. Strange things are happening to the family and there are many more strange things to come.

My Thoughts: This was an experience that I highly enjoyed. Creepy, disturbing, and addictive. A wonderful introduction to the Keyhouse and the Locke family. Can't wait to read more of this series and find out what happens next.

I've been interested in reading more graphic novels recently and have relied on recommendations from booktube and Goodreads. Locke & Key had been a series I had heard a lot about, so I decided to check it out. I'm glad I picked this series up. It's very interesting and full of mystery. It also has that dark tone to it, the reader knows that there are many more dark things to come.

I really enjoyed the art style too. At first, I wasn't sure if I would, but the art fits the story so perfectly. The whole book is really put together so beautifully. Full color illustrations on glossy pages make the reading experience that much greater.

I really enjoyed all the characters too. The siblings are believable in dealing with their grief and being true to their age. I just like the siblings, how they interact with each other and how the tragedy has hit them.

Loved it and can't wait to read more in the Locke & Key series.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Creepy and Good!

Reading Right Now! (#28)

Title: The Sin Eater's Daughter (The Sin Eater's Daughter Book 1)

Author: Melinda Salisbury

I'm on page 45 which makes me roughly 10% finished, according to Goodreads

What I'm Reading Right Now! this week is The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury. I actually just started this book yesterday, so I'm not very far into it yet. I can already tell you though that I'm really enjoying this book. This is a YA fantasy. I don't tend to read a lot of fantasy, but I have been getting more into it as of late. Our main character, Twylla, is the human embodiment of the goddess Daunen. Every month she goes for the Telling, where a drop of her blood is mixed with the Morningsbane poison. She then drinks the mixture and it's her favor with the gods that keeps her alive and immune from the deadly poison. After drinking the poison, she can kill anyone she touches. The castle uses her to execute criminals and traitors. Twylla is haunted by what she has to do, but the life of her family hangs in the balance.

It's just very interesting and good so far. The Queen is this book is super scary and intense. She has no problem killing and punishing all the people. So far, she's cut off fingers and toes of servants for displeasing her and set bloodthirsty hounds on a Lord who used to be in her favor. Like this Queen is seriously messed up. I'd definitely recommend this one so far, it's really good. It also doesn't feel like YA, which can sometimes be refreshing.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! Tell me what you are reading below.