Reading Right Now! (76)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is a plethora of things. I used a big word, be amazed.

 

Lark Ascending (Skylark #3) by Meagan Spooner: This is the last book in the Skylark Series. I read the second book probably about a year ago, and I'm pleased to say that I'm not as lost as I thought I'd be with jumping into the third one. The books have stuck with me, which is good. This series is kind of a weird mash-up of dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and a little fantasy. I was interested in reading it because Meagan Spooner is the co-author of These Broken Stars which I really enjoyed. I'm only about 60 pages into this, but so far I'm enjoying it. It's kind of on my list of average series, but I don't think it's a waste of reading time. Hopefully I get farther in this.

City of Stairs (The Divine Cities #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett: I'm on Page 37 of this, I think, and so far it's been a little slow going. This is a fantasy revolving around this world where religion has been squashed by the conquering country. Natives of the conquered country aren't allowed to know any of their religious symbols or anything about their past gods. Then a murder happens and someone comes to investigate. I'm a little iffy on this so far. It didn't necessarily grab me from page one. Sometimes I have interesting relationships with fantasy books. I will persevere and hope I like it more as it goes on. It has really great ratings on goodreads.

And One More

iZombie, Volume 1: Dead To The World by Chris Roberson, Mike Allred, Laura Allred, and Todd Klein: I've only got a little bit left to read of this and I'm enjoying it. It's a comic, so it's fast and fun. I don't really watch the CW adaptation, maybe because it took the time slot of my favorite Hart of Dixie and I secretly blame it for HOD's cancellation. ZADE!!!

 But I like the art and the story in this is interesting so far.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading? Let me know in the comments below.

Review: The Pledge (The Pledge #1) by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Pledge (The Pledge #1)

Author: Kimberly Derting

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Released: 2011

Source: Library

Summary: In the country of Ludania, what language you speak determines what class you are in, and acknowledging a language not your own is punishable by death. Charlie is a member of the vendor class and speaks Parshon, but she has always had the ability to understand all the languages spoken around her. This is a secret she guards closely, because if revealed, this ability could lead to her death.

Charlie's world is turned upside down when she meets the mysterious and handsome boy named Max, who speaks a language she's never heard before. This begins a journey of finding out who Max really is, and as a consequence, finding out just who she really is. Charlie must determine if she can really trust Max and just what his true intentions toward her are.

My Thoughts: I was a little leery of starting this book because I didn't particularly enjoy Kimberly Derting's other YA book, The Body Finder. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that except for the author who wrote it, The Body Finder and The Pledge are two completely different books. I found The Pledge to be a much more enjoyable book. The world presented was very interesting. It's sort of a dystopian future setting, where the cities we recognize today have been abolished and governments have been wiped out. 

The country of Ludania is ruled by a monarchy, or more particularly a queen that will not even let death strip her of power. I would have loved more backstory on the Revolution of the Sovereigns. Being American, it was such an interesting and strange idea why people would want to go from a democracy back to a strict monarchy.

The separation of class according to language was rather interesting too. It was kind of a throwback to the Tower of Babel. If no one is capable of understanding the other, it makes it hard to plot how to build a tower to Heaven, or in the book's case, how to overthrow a bloodthirsty queen.

I really enjoyed the characters too. None of them were amazing, but they were all solid and believable in their own way. Although, I do believe Aron should have gotten a bigger role. He seemed like such a nice, stand-up guy who wouldn't rat on his friends, even when he was tortured. I don't know his role in the next book, but Aron deserves more respect and attention.

One problem I did have with the story was that it felt a little rushed. All the action seemed to happen at once, and for all the build-up, the ending seemed rather abrupt.

I really enjoyed Kimberly Derting's world of Ludania. It had many twists and surprises, a really interesting world, and some excitement of what is to happen next. This is a solid dystopian story that is worth the read.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Make the Pledge to Read This Book.

Top 5 Wednesday: Most Unlikable Characters

Time for another Top 5 Wednesday!!! This week's topic is our Most Unlikable Characters, excluding villains. These are our Most Unliked Protagonists or Side Characters. Characters that we are supposed to like, but just don't.  I've got a solid three. Three characters I can say with certainty that I just don't like at all. These could be controversial, but I don't really care. Here are my Most Unlikable Characters...

3. Lexa from The 100: Oh yes, I went there. I will say it loud and proud, I never really liked Lexa. When she was first introduced, I was maybe semi-intrigued by her, but quickly tired. Her character was always so wooden and unemotional. I never connected with her. Then at the end of Season 2, she pretty much betrays all The 100 and leaves them to a sad fate. I really, really disliked her then. In Season 3, I was supposed to buy into her redemption story, but just because Clarke forgave her never meant that I did. I then had to endure the ship that would never die that was Clexa. Oh the pain and agony. I was a Bellarke shipper, and having to see Clexa after Clexa scene made me want to scream. Now, I don't really care if Clarke ends up alone and unloved. Clarke has managed to annoy me all through Season 3, so I'm at the point of not caring about her anymore. As long as Bellamy Blake gets happiness, I'll be okay.

So yeah, I don't like Lexa. Obviously the feelings are still strong. I felt she was a robotic, unemotional leader who never really inspired any feelings in me except frustration. Nothing against the actress. I've watched her in Fear the Walking Dead and am excited to see where things go with her character. And I just want to clarify that I don't have to be a fan of the ship. It doesn't make me a hateful, bigoted person. It just means that I never liked Lexa and wasn't a fan of their relationship. I only put that out there because the war that goes between these ships is strong, and can be cruel.

2. Morpheus from the Splintered Trilogy: Oh boy, Oh boy do I despise this fan favorite character from the series. I find Morpheus to be selfish and manipulative. His character makes him completely unattractive. Anytime he shows up, bad things happen, bad things he's usually set into motion. I do not like Morpheus. He's the worst.

1. Alex from The Covenant series: I don't think I've despised a main character as much as I've despised Alex. I don't go for characters who are full of themselves, who think they are the best thing ever, Alex is all those things and more. She's always bragging about how good she is at fighting, how skilled she is, and then when it comes to fights, she gets beaten in like 2 seconds. She also makes the stupidest decisions, which caused much grief for her friends and family. I just couldn't stand Alex. She was the worst. If you're going to brag about how great you are, I want you to actually have the skills to back it up. She was such an annoyance through all 5 books.

So that's my Top 5 (but really 3) Wednesday Most Unlikable Characters Protagonist and Side Characters Edition. These are characters that you are supposed to like, but you just don't. Who are characters you despise? I'd love to know. If you want to join in on the Top 5 Wednesday fun, you totally should. Each Wednesday is a new, fun topic to contemplate and consider. Check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers Here!

Review: The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel

Title: The Summer That Melted Everything

Author: Tiffany McDaniel

Published by: St. Martin's Press

Released: July 26, 2016

Source: Review Copy provided by Author and Netgalley

Summary: It's the summer of 1984 in Breathed, Ohio. The sun is out, the days are long, and the town is happy. It starts out as just another summer for Fielding Bliss and his family. It is also the summer that Fielding's father puts an ad in the paper, inviting the Devil to come to Breathed. The Devil answers the call in the form of a coal black boy with piercing green eyes and overalls, named Sal. With Sal also comes a heat like the town has never known. A heat that permeates everything. The Bliss's take Sal into their home, feed him, clothe him, but will inviting the Devil in cause good or harm? This will be the summer that changes everything for Fielding and his family, his life will never be the same.

My Thoughts: I was contacted by the author, Tiffany McDaniel, who asked if I wanted to review her book. Of course I said yes. I was intrigued by the idea of sending an invitation to the Devil and having it answered. Having the Devil show up at your doorstep and seeing what will come. I also said yes because Tiffany is a very nice human. This is her debut novel, and I'm really happy that her dream of being published is a reality. So congrats Tiffany! and thanks for letting me review your book! Also thanks to Netgalley for providing me with the e-arc to read and review.

I really enjoyed the premise for this story. The idea of the Devil coming to town, having a face and a name, and seeing the consequences that come from it. Very interesting to contemplate and consider. I also really enjoyed the writing. It had a nice, lyrical style to it and was just nice to read.

I don't think this was my type of story, the kind of book I would usually pick up and read. Now, I like to think that I give all books a chance. I'll read everything from Middle Grade to Adult Fiction. Fantasy to Contemporary. I don't think this was my type of book though. It was very deep, it explored many serious issues. It might even have been a little too deep for me, I'm not sure I understood all the messages that were being conveyed or all the things I was supposed to get from it.

It also wasn't a happy story. There was a lot of darkness in this story, and not a whole lot of light. Everything Fielding had known and loved was kind of destroyed when the Devil came to town. It was a depressing read. I'm not sure I liked all the darkness. There's no happy ending to this tale. When the Summer of 1984 is over, Fielding's life doesn't get better, it kind of gets worse. His whole family lives just a half-life after that summer. Inviting the Devil kind of ruined everything. And was he even really the Devil? Sal did seem too smart to be a little boy, but could the Devil really have any good in him? I don't know. Too deep for me.

So while this wasn't my type of book, I'm happy I had the opportunity to read and review it. I know there will be people that read this book and love it. It's a very interesting story with great writing, lessons, and themes. Sure I didn't understand everything this book was trying to say, but someone else's life could be forever altered and impacted by this story. If this sounds like your type of book, pick it up and give it a read. I'm only a reviewer giving my own opinion, I don't speak for everyone. Thank you so much Tiffany for letting me review your debut work! And Congratulations, I'm sure you'll have many more books to come.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5

Deep

Reading Right Now! (75)

Title: The Accident Season

Author: Moira Fowley-Doyle

I'm almost done with this. I'd estimate that I have about 50+ pages left

The premise for this book is probably what got me, a family that is plagued by accidents every October. They are cursed, but for what reason?? I have no idea. All has not been revealed to me. This book also got a big media rollout when it was released. It seemed that I was hearing about it everywhere. They spent those advertising dollars on this book.

I won't lie, I'm kind of addicted to this book. It's not going to necessarily be a favorite book of 2016, but it definitely has been an interesting ride so far. I'm gonna classify this one as magical realism, because it has some unexplained, strange elements to it. It's kind of a weird book, but it's oddly compelling. I just can't look away from it. 

I would recommend not trying to read multiple books at the same time while reading this. I made that mistake. There's a kind of magic to it that draws you in, but that magic can be hard to recapture if you take a break from it. It's the perfect book to just immerse yourself it.

Some people might also flag this for an inappropriate relationship, but I'm kind of for it. I root for it because in the end, I know they are not related.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading? Let me know in the comments below.

Review: The Marbury Lens (#1) by Andrew Smith

Title: The Marbury Lens (#1)

Author: Andrew Smith

Published by: Feiwel And Friends

Released: 2010

Source: Library

Summary: How do I even begin to summarize this book?? Okay, I'm going to keep it short and simple. One day, while walking home from a friend's party drunk, Jack gets kidnapped. After being held captive for two days by one sick doctor, Jack manages to escape. The experience really messes him up and he doesn't report it to the police or anything. Jack then leaves on a trip for London with his best friend Connor, and while there, a mysterious man gives him a strange pair of glasses. These glasses take Jack to the world of Marbury, where everything is messed up. He meets two boys, Ben and Griffin, who depend on Jack for their survival. Jack must help these two boys and help himself in the process. Welcome to the weird world of Marbury.

My Thoughts: I did not expect what this book delivered. It's strange, weird, a little messed up, and addicting all at the same time. This is definitely a book for older teen readers.

The world of Marbury was so depressing and horrific. I would have loved a little backstory to the events that led to such death and destruction. It's definitely a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and makes you wonder about your own sanity. The ending was a little disappointing in its abruptness. I need to know if Jack is ultimately okay.

The world of Marbury is not for the weak or fainthearted. Enter if you dare!

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Strangely Addicting

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Most Recent Additions To Your Wishlist

Time for another Top 5 Wednesday!!! This week's topic is the Top 5 Most Recent Additions To Your Wishlist. I'm adding books to my wishlist all the time. It never stops. These might not be the most recent additions, but they are the additions I remember and am most excited/interested in. Here are my Top 5 Most Recent Additions To My Wishlist...

 AND

5. It's a tie between Nevernight by Jay Kristoff and The Leaving by Tara Altebrando because I'm interested in both of them. Nevernight has been getting a lot of praise recently and it sounds intriguing. I've read a short story by Kristoff and Illuminae which he co-wrote, and have to admit that I wasn't blown away by either one, but there's just something intriguing about the stories he writes that makes me want to continue to read them. 

I think I heard about The Leaving from a book blog or a booktube channel. It just sounded good. I think it's like a thriller/mystery kind of thing, and I do tend to enjoy those.

4. Steeplejack by A.J. Hartley and I think that this made it onto my list because of the cover, and because I thought I heard it was an urban fantasy. I love Urban Fantasy, it can be so much fun to read.

3. Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel this one got a lot of buzz before its release. It is also a novel written in a different style and format and I tend to be really drawn to those types of books. I just want to read it.

 

2. The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer I literally just heard the news about this one today and how could I not add this book to my wishlist? I am not ashamed to admit that I really like The Twilight Saga. I really like The Host. It's kind of like a blast from my teenage reading past, because it's another book finally coming out from an author that I really enjoy. I mean it doesn't come out until November 2016, but that's closer than nothing coming out at all. I hope it's good. It looks good. It's described as a thriller.

1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling and others because sadly, it doesn't look like this was all her own thing. Of course this is on my wishlist, because it's Harry Potter, but I'm really nervous about it too. I'm not the biggest fan of books written in play form, because that's not what I expect from Harry Potter. I'm also nervous because Harry Potter occupies such a big part of my reading life, my reading history. I don't want this book to be just a money grab. I don't want this book to add a stain to what is an impeccable series to me. I want this to be good. Please let this be good.

So that is my Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Most Recent Additions To My Wishlist. What are yours? Do we share any of the same ones? If you want to join in on the Top 5 Wednesday fun, you totally should. Each Wednesday is a new, fun topic to contemplate and consider. Check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers Here!

Review: The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy (Steampunk Chronicles #2.5) by Kady Cross

Title: The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy (Steampunk Chronicles #2.5)

Author: Kady Cross

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Released: 2013

Source: Library

Summary: Jack Dandy, the King of Whitechapel. The criminal mastermind that you can't help but love. This novella connects Jack to the events in the Third Book. This novella explains a little of Jack's past. Dandy is hired by an aristocrat to pick up a package from one location and deliver it to another. Of course it's a little fishy because they're hiring a criminal to do what seems to be an ordinary job. While Jack's on the job, he discovers much more than he bargains for.

My Thoughts: Before reading this, I'd been in a bit of a slump. I needed something I could get through fast, and this novella was perfect for that. I love Jack Dandy! He's one of my favorite criminals. He's one of my favorite characters in this series. He's so morally gray, but you can't help but love him.

This novella gives a little bit of Jack's backstory. Answers to where he came from and why he is the way he is. This novella also connects Jack to the events that happen in the third book.

I enjoyed this novella. I'm a big fan of this series, so I plan on reading anything and everything connected to it. Do you have to read this novella in order to understand everything in the series? No. If you don't read this you won't be missing any crucial bits of the story, but if you love Jack Dandy, then definitely give this a read. Jack sort of reminds me of a non-pirate Jack Sparrow. He's got that thing that makes him adorable.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Oh Jack Dandy, you're adorable.

Reading Right Now! (74)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

-- The Twilight Zone: The Original Stories Edited by Martin Harry Greenberg, Richard Matheson, and Charles G. Waugh: I have been watching The Twilight Zone on Netflix and have been enjoying it. It's a classic staple of TV history, especially for its foray into the weird and strange. I think I stumbled across this book on Goodreads, thought it sounded good, and decided to request it from my library. What I'm really loving about this one, is that it's the original stories, stories that made it onto the show. At the beginning of each short story, it tells the author, who wrote the teleplay, when the episode aired, and the stars of the episode. I just think that's pretty cool. I'm on page 98 and have read about 5 stories. So far, I'm loving it. Most of the stories I've read have been really fast paced, and I've remembered a couple of the episodes that they became. It also included one of my favorite episodes, that is particularly horrifying to me. It's titled Time Enough At Last, and is all about a man who just wants the time to read a book from start to finish. I won't spoil it for you, because it's a pretty good episode, but the reader in you will wail at the ending. It hurts deep in the soul.

I plan to continue reading this, but not put pressure on myself to finish it this week. It's good though, really good. The Twilight Zone is a classic and everyone should partake in its greatness.

-- The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel: I was contacted by the author who asked if I wanted to read and review this, and I was very excited to accept. I love getting stuff for review. Even being considered to review something is just so exciting, like I've almost made it in the booktube, book blog, bookstagram, reviewing world. Thank you Tiffany McDaniel!! Oh and it's also her debut novel.

This book also sounded pretty interesting too. It's about this small town where the devil comes to stay. The devil shows up in the form of a little boy and stays with this family. The town is going through a heat wave that just won't break, which could be a byproduct of the devil being there, and maybe some residents in the town start to lose it a little. It sounds like it could be a very good read. I need to read and review this because it comes out on July 26, 2016, and I want to get my review out right around when the book comes out.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! or what's in my Immediate Reading Future. Have you read any of the books I mentioned? If so, let me know in the comments below. What are you Reading Right Now?

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Books You Wish Had Sequels

This week's Top 5 Wednesday is the Top 5 Books You Wish Had Sequels. I'm going to cheat a little bit, again, and include completed series that I wish had more books. I think that can fit for this topic, so I'm gonna do it. So Let's Get To It!!!

  

5. The Hero's Guide To Saving Your Kingdom Series by Christopher Healy: This is one of my cheats because it's a finished series. Actually, looking at my list, they are all cheats :D When I read this middle grade series, I loved it sooo much! It made me laugh, and I was sad to see it end. I could read about these Prince's adventures for many, many more books. It is a hilarious series and I want more of it.

4. The Altered Saga by Jennifer Rush: In full disclosure, I've not read any of the e-novellas in this series, just because I can't find them anywhere to read where I don't have to pay for them, and I'm just not a fan of paying $1.99, $2.99, or $3.99 for a 30 page novella. So I don't know if those novellas help bring any closure to the series or not. I have read all the physical books though and loved them so much. They played out like action movies, with government experiments and people having to find out who they really are. I felt like the last book didn't give me the closure that I wanted from the series. I want more of this series because it is fun, it has tons of action, and all the boys are super cute and strong.

3. Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman: I picked this book up mainly because of the beautiful cover and was blown away by the story inside. It made me want to read more Westerns. This is a cheat because we are getting a kind of sequel to this book. It is going to have different main characters, but it will be set in the same world, and some of the characters from the last book will hopefully make an appearance. It's not a straight sequel to the series, but more like a companion novel. I'm super excited for it and can't wait to see the beauty that will be the cover. If they do a cover change, I will revolt with pitchfork and torches.

2. The Illusive Duology by Emily Lloyd-Jones: There needs to be sooo many more books in this series. Just like in the Altered series, I didn't feel that I really got the closure I wanted in the last book. This series is about people with super abilities, which I love reading about. The characters in this book have to hide out from the government and so lead lives of crime. It's fantastic and so much fun. I need more from this series, I need more!

1. Vicious by V.E. Schwab: This one is kind of, sort of a cheat, because if you look on Goodreads.com, you will see a page for the sequel, but that sequel has no release date and might not even have a title. This book is also about questionable, super-powered people and when I read it, I just devoured it. It has morally ambiguous characters, which I'm such a fan of. I hope the wait for the sequel isn't too long and it turns out to be a good one.

So that's my Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Books I Wish Had Sequels. As an Honorable Mention, I will also say Harry Potter because I would love more Harry Potter. I would love to go back in time and get the Marauders' time at Hogwarts. That would be a lot of fun. Anyway, what books do you wish had sequels? Do you agree with any of my choices? If you want to join in on the Top 5 Wednesday fun, you totally should. Each Wednesday is a new, fun topic to contemplate and consider. It's just a good time to have on a Wednesday. Check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers Here! 

Review: First Frost (Mythos Academy #0.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: First Frost (Mythos Academy #0.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Published by: Kensington Publishing Corp

Released: 2011

Source: Library

Summary: Prequel to the Mythos Academy, First Frost explores what Gwen was up to before she got to school. Gwen is a gypsy, with the gift of psychometry. Touching objects or people will send a flood of images through her head. Gwen can see everything from everyday life to people's darkest, hidden secrets. She uses her gift to make a little money, finding peoples' lost objects. Then she gets a much more serious image that will change her life forever.

My Thoughts: A cute, quick introduction to the Mythos Academy series. I'm hoping to read the series this year, and because of my OCD about book order, I have to read them in order. As an introduction to the series, it was cute. I can see this as being a cute, fun series.

It was a cool surprise to learn the series is set in North Carolina, since I live there. This now makes two mythology based schools that call NC home, the other being from The Covenant Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

The second draw was the purple eyes. I just have this weakness for violet eyes. I think they are so cool and wish I had them haha.

This prequel novella was very quick. It gave me a nice introduction and feel to what the rest of the series might be like. I'm excited to dig into this series more. It's about time I tried to read a book I actually own instead of all the library books that I can't say no to. I'm looking forward to continuing on with this series.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.2/5

Main character has purple eyes... SOLD!

Reading Right Now! (73)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Title: After Eden (#1)

Author: Helen Douglas

I've only got 100 pages to go. Goodreads informs me that I'm about 62% through the book.

So, I do this thing on Netgalley where I request second books in series and then have to scramble to get my hands on the first book. This was one of those cases. I requested Chasing Stars by Helen Douglas only to discover that it's the second book in a series. The Horror! The Humiliation! Luckily, I was able to get a copy through my library. Yet another reason that the library rules.

This book is about this girl named Eden who becomes entranced by a mysterious new boy who comes to her school. He has an accent she can't identify, has no idea what pizza is, and he's never heard of Hitler. He's also very interested in Eden's friend/he-wants-it-to-be-more-than-friends Connor. Eden must figure this guy out and protect her heart at the same time.

I kept my synopsis pretty vague because I didn't want to spoil anything. 

At first, I didn't know what to think of this book. I had a very predictable sort of pattern to it. New guy comes to school, main girl falls in love with him, but guy has secrets. As the story has gone farther, I've been more into it. It added some interesting twists and turns.

So I'm planning to finish this fairly soon. Once I hit that 100 pages left mark, it tends to go pretty quickly.

Next Up Is...

Title: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1)

Author: Katie McGarry

I'm on page 200 at the moment.

I started this one a while ago and thought it was high time to finish it. I've been enjoying what I've read so far, but I don't think it's going to be my favorite book of the year.

It's about a motorcycle gang and young people falling in love. I mean, there's more to it than that, but that's pretty much what it is about.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading? Let me know so we can talk books!

Review: Anna and the French Kiss (#1) by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss (#1)

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Published by: Dutton Books/Penguin Group

Released: 2010

My Source: Library

Summary: Life is good for Anna in Atlanta, Georgia, until her best-selling novelist of a father decides to send her to a fancy boarding school in Paris. Anna is angry at having to leave her friends and family behind for a place where she doesn't know anybody.

Once in Paris, Anna makes friends with Josh, Rashmi, and Meredith, and meets the highly addictive Etienne St. Clair. St. Clair becomes the one and only thing Anna thinks about, problem is, he's already taken. Anna is put in the position of falling in love with the boy she can't have.

My Thoughts: I had heard nothing but good things about this book. Everyone raves about Anna, Etienne, and Stephanie Perkins highly addictive novel. This book has been advertised as the contemporary for people who hate contemporaries. I can honestly say that Contemporary Fiction is not my go to genre of pleasure. However, I did rather enjoy this novel. It's just a cute, sweet little romantic story set in Paris. The characters are all likable and fleshed out. The setting makes one feel like they're actually in Paris. The romantic tension between Anna and Etienne makes one long for their own perfect guy (I'd personally go for taller, but that's just me).

It's also impossible to only just read one chapter. You just have to keep reading and rooting for Anna and St. Clair to finally get together.

I will say that I'm not really the biggest fan of books that deal with potential cheating or make it out like it's okay. For example, Anna pining for the guy that already has a girlfriend. It doesn't matter how evil or mean said girlfriend is, he's taken. I think if St. Clair had been a free agent, I wouldn't have had to struggle as much to root for this cute relationship. Cheating is baaaaad.

Side note: Anna's dad reminded me so much of Nicholas Sparks.

Just a very cute and fun little contemporary romance that will appeal to teen girls and hopeless romantics everywhere.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Sweet Like Sugar.

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Favorite Books Outside Your Comfort Zone

Welcome to another Top 5 Wednesday! This week's topic is the Top 5 Favorite Books Outside Your Comfort Zone. This week's topic is difficult for me. I like to think that I'm pretty open to what types of books I read. If it looks good, I'll read it. I don't tend to just stick to YA, or horror, or contemporary, or science fiction. I feel like I'll read anything and everything. Now, I don't read a lot of Non-Fiction, just because I'm not really into that, and I'm still not into that, so there will be no Non-Fiction on this list. So, I thought I'd share some books that got me more excited about different genres. I hope that works for this week's topic, I do have a history of just ignoring whatever it is I'm supposed to be discussing, and going off on my own ramble, but here it goes...

 

  

5. Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan: I hadn't read very many, or maybe even any, space books before I won Glow through a Goodreads FirstReads Giveaway. I read it and really, really liked it. It got me interested in reading more space books, and might have even set off my various forays into science fiction. I still need to read the rest of the books in the series, but Glow is really good and I recommend you read it. Also, give Space a chance, it's a really good time.

4. Night Film by Marisha Pessl: I wouldn't even know how to describe how this is out of my comfort zone. I guess it's categorized as a mystery or a thriller. I mainly picked it up because of the cover and the knowledge that it was a story told through various formats. I loved this book though. Loved it so much. It really made me excited to try more thrillers and really drew me to other books that were told in different formats. It was a story that messed with my head.

3. Vicious by V.E. Schwab: My Super Power Books experience had been limited before I picked this one up. I don't think I really noticed many books about superheroes and superpowers. But after reading this book, I'm on the hunt for more super powered fun. This book is awesome, great, the best, all the good words that I can say about it. According to Goodreads, there is supposed to be a sequel. It has a title, but no release date. When it comes out, it will be a happy day.

2. The First Days by Rhiannon Frater: Before The First Days, I hadn't really stuck my toe into the wonderful world of zombies. This book gave me everything I wanted and more. It led me to wanting to read ALLLLL the zombie books. It was just that great. Still need to finish the series, don't act so surprised.

1. Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman: I can definitely say that this genre was out of the comfort zone that I usually reach for. It's a Western, and I don't tend to read many Westerns. I think that's because not a lot of new Westerns' tend to get published. Westerns' were super popular back in the day, but kind of got forgotten. This was such an awesome book though. Not only is the cover a thing of beauty, but the story contains an awesome protagonist who is vicious on her quest for revenge. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for more Westerns. I hope they publish more YA Westerns, or just new fiction Westerns. Also in HOORAY news, Vengeance Road is getting a companion novel to it sometime in 2017. I am so excited for it and hope the cover is just as beautiful as the first book.

So that's my Top 5 Wednesday. My Top 5 Favorite Books Outside My Comfort Zone. In all honesty, it's probably just another list of my favorite books. I'm bad about sticking to these topics. I'll probably watch videos and read posts of other peoples' Top 5 Wednesdays, and think, Ooh that would have been a smart way to do it. Why didn't I think of that? If you want to join in on the Top 5 Wednesday fun, you totally should. Each Wednesday is a new, fun topic to contemplate and consider. Check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers Here!

Review: Shadowlands (Shadowlands #1) by Kate Brian

Title: Shadowlands (Shadowlands #1)

Author: Kate Brian

Published by: Hyperion

Released: 2012

Summary: Rory Miller's life was shattered after she got attacked by a notorious serial killer. She escaped, and the killer did too. For her family's safety, they are put in the witness protection program. The killer who attacked Rory is one who won't give up, who will chase her until he gets her. Rory's family is moved to the island of Juniper Landing. Juniper Landing is idyllic, and also a little weird. There's no cell service or internet. The locals seem super interested in Rory and she doesn't know why. Juniper Landing is not what it seems and Rory will soon find out just what is going on.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was a fast-paced, mysterious, and a compelling read. I kept wanting to know what exactly was going on. It had an addicting quality to it that just makes a book fun to read.

I loved the whole island setting. The slightly sinister feel that it had and that super creepy fog. The island was just full of secrets, and I'm excited to learn more about it.

The thriller, serial killer aspect was really enjoyable too. It had that shocking, edge-of-your-seat feel to it. Although after all that build up for it, the end was kind of anti-climatic.

The only part that sort of annoyed me was that non-ending ending. After all the mystery surrounding the island, I wanted some explanation. It just left off on the biggest, almost rage-inducing, cliffhanger. I wanted answers! And all I got was more questions. I didn't appreciate that part.

All in all, this book was a lot of fun to read. It was very fast, mysterious, and compelling. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book, just so I can get some answers to all my unresolved questions.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Good Stuff!

Reading Right Now! (72)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Title: The Girl At Midnight (#1)

Author: Melissa Grey

I'm about 44% of the way through the book and am really enjoying it.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started this. I wasn't sure that I would be into it. The synopsis explains it as a group of bird people versus a group of dragon people who have been battling for centuries. A girl named Echo was kind of adopted by the bird people (The Avicen), not everyone in the race accepts her. The Avicen live deep underground and have the ability to do magic. Echo kind of gets drawn into a race to find a mystical creature that has been prophesied to end the war.

I didn't expect this to be so fun. I'm really enjoying it. The writing is really addicting. The characters are really fun. I thought I was going to get something weird, with Bird people and Dragon people, but I'm really into it. I'm flying through it so far and can't wait to see what happens in the end. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the sequel.

As for what I'm going to read next, I don't know. I had a plan. I was going to read a review book. I then discovered that the review book was the second in a series, and I haven't read the first. I always seem to do this. I might have to see if I can get my hands on the first book or buy it. I should really look into these things more before hitting the request button for books.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! Tell me what you are reading in the comments below. I'd love to know. If you've read The Girl At Midnight, what did you think of it? Happy Reading!