Mini Reviews 19

Here are a couple of mini reviews; I didn't have much to say about these ones (or forgot what I wanted to say).


Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George
This is second in the Castle Glower series, first one was Tuesdays at the Castle, which I really enjoyed.  This one was sweet and rollicky good fun. I like the griffin most of all. The book did, however, seem to kind of lose its way a bit in the middle. I felt like it didn't move us forward a lot in the series until much later and lots of things happen right near the end that aren't entirely clear. But I might read more in the series later.


Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
This is book 3 of the Finishing School Series by Carriger.  Honestly, I wish it was the last.  I tire of the series. I'm ready for it to be over (and expected it to be the last, what with trilogies being the Thing), but there's another book.  Some stuff actually happened in this one, though I can't seem to remember much of it. It's definitely as quirky and weird as the others, if that's your thing.


Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick
This book is super weird, but in a good way.  It is a crazy interesting story of reincarnation and enduring love. I was very much swept away in its atmospheric feeling and the beautiful writing. I did spend a lot of time wondering what was going on. I think that was on purpose.  I read this for the Printz award, and can see why it was chosen.  Still, very strange.  It reminded me of the strange in Chime by Franny Billingsley, which I also really liked.


Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
I read this because, Neil Gaiman.  Also, I got a review copy in the mail.  Yes!  This is such a fun book.  What a great read-aloud this would be with your kids or in school.  I loved how funny and cheeky and just downright wacky it got.  Will definitely get laughs out of your grade school kids (and older). I only wished there was more when it ended.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 18

Hey, not only is this the last of the mini reviews (for a while), but it's the last of my 2014 book reviews! I'm only five months behind - yeah?


Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Summary:
When Elizabeth Darcy's sister Lydia shows up unannounced at Pemberley, the Darcy's quiet world is shattered.  Wickham and their friend Denny got into an argument and Denny is found dead.  Wickham is the chief suspect and that brings even more shame to the Darcy family name, as Mr. Darcy's brother-in-law.  Can Elizabeth and Darcy hold their position and their family together under such pressure?

My Thoughts:
This one suffered in comparison to the mini series.  I watched it first and then read the book and not only was the fun taken out of the mystery, since I knew who had done it, but I found it a lot less exciting and intense than the show.  I admit the mini series took some liberties that I laughed at, particularly with regard to Lizzy's role in the whole thing.  Still, it made the book seem a lot slower and more boring.  Plus, mystery still isn't my favorite genre of choice.  Meh.
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The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary:
Carthya is on the brink of war and Jaron is fighting to keep his throne.  But when an unexpected threat arises, he is about to risk all in order to keep what is his.  He is ready to make a desperate move to save the kingdom, the throne, and those he cares about. Will it be enough?

My Thoughts:
I really liked the start of the series, and I am satisfied by the ending and how everything turned out. I remember enjoying the action and the excitement of watching Jeron do crazy things for his throne and his love.  I love how Nielsen is able to plot twists that are fantastic and that I don't usually see coming, though a few of them I do.  But, to be honest, it's been a few months and I can't remember much of what happened.  So, I guess there's that against it.
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Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

Summary:
Sophronia continues her training as a spy and this time is caught up in a conspiracy brooding in London.  As their floating school makes its way straight into the heart of the trouble, she and her friends must discover who is behind this plot before it's too late for them all.

My Thoughts:
Well, this series is fun to read when you just want a lark.  There are plenty of politics (of the supernatural variety) and intrigue going on to keep you reading.  Also, I really like Sophronia, despite her doing some really annoying things in the romance department.  I think I do read them for the characters and the silliness.  Definitely a nice break from serious stuff (not that I was reading serious stuff anyway.)
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In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story by David McCullough

Summary from goodreads:

Christmas Eve, 1941. Mere days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House. As war raged throughout the world, the two leaders delivered a powerful message of hope that still resonates today.

My Thoughts:
This is basically a transcript from a program McCullough did with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for a Christmas program (I did read this around Christmas - I was super proud of myself for doing some thematic reading, since I don't usually - too bad I didn't get a review posted until May).  But it was too short and I really wanted more details about the historical period.  There was an interesting address by PM Churchill that made me want to read a bio of him (now to figure out which of the 3 billion to read).
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Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Summary:
An autobiography of the author written in verse, describes her childhood and youth and all that led her to writing stories and becoming the person she is today.

My Thoughts:
Love, love love it!  This was fantastic.  I know why this won the National Book Award (and other delightful shiny stickers). It is written so, so well (and I sometimes have a hard time with verse novels).  The story is amazing and I adored hearing more about the time period and the things Jacqueline dealt with.  Her family were awesome (well, most of them)!
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Chime by Franny Billingsley

Summary:
Briony is living with so many secrets and so much guilt, she can hardly breathe some days.  Determined never to let anyone know just what she's done, she leads a painful life of deception.  Until she begins to see that things might not have been as she thought.

My Thoughts:
This book was super weird and interesting and confusing.  I can't believe how long it took me to get to it (I got an ARC way back when).  I was sucked in from the first page!  The story was convoluted and I had no idea what was going on a lot of the time, but I have to admit I was wowed.  I loved how the end came about and how things just sort of clicked.  Intriguing, strange, and very gorgeously written!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: April 2014
Pages: 624
Source: Purchased
For: Fun
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 3

Summary from goodreads: *Spoilers are inevitable for the first two books*

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.

Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.

And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.

What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?

Things I Liked:
I really like the world Laini has set up here.  She's created the mythology and the complexities to have our world coexist with her imaginary world.  She has such a unique way of writing that you would recognize something from her, even if you didn't know it was her (I think).  I love how strange and wonderful at the same time her creations are.  At once disturbing in its images and also beautiful.  Particularly the way she describes the beasts.  I was happy with the way things ended and wondered about more of what would happen.  It seems like she left it open to write more if she wanted to.  This series seems like from the premise it would be familiar, but it is much more interesting and unique than its idea.  Wonderful and rich and vivid.

Things I Didn't Like:
This story had a lot going on and I think it suffered a bit because of that.  There was a lot of jumping around and perspective changes that threw me sometimes.  I also thought the very ending felt like it didn't need to be included.  The denouement was loooong and I almost just wanted the book to end after the end of the main conflict.  It was kind of nice to see everything after, but I think I could have done without it all.  Also, I think some of the details about magic and how that stuff worked, while gorgeously described, was super vague and left me wanting.  Basically, I didn't quite understand everything she was writing about and thought it was sketchy on the details.  Still, enjoyed the final installment and will continue to devour anything Taylor puts out.

Read-alikes:
Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr
Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some

mrg-factor: X
implied, not on page

v-factor: ->->->
some gory details, it's got battles for sure

Overall rating: ****

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Evertrue by Brodi Ashton

Evertrue by Brodi Ashton
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date: January 2014
Pages: 368
Source: E-book from Library
For: Fun
Series: Everneath, Book 3

Summary from goodreads: *Spoilers are inevitable for the first two books*

Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

Things I Liked:
I enjoyed reading the conclusion to this series.  I like what Ashton has done with the Persephone myth and how she's created her own mythology in the Everneath.  I found this book had plenty of surprises and twists just as the other two did.  I spent much of the second book being annoyed and feeling like it was a time waste, only to have a new perspective at the end.  This one not so much.  I do remember thinking we don't see enough of Nikki's family and what happens with them.  I was intrigued by Cole throughout, though I'm still not sure what to make of him.

Things I Didn't Like:
This one was more interesting than the second book, but I found some of the brooding and worrying made for slow reading.  There were definitely lulls and highlights in the book, so it had some pacing issues for me.  Otherwise, it felt like a nice easy read.

Read-alikes:
Some other Persephone retellings:
Abandon by Meg Cabot
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
 
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a very few

mrg-factor: X
mostly intense emotional things rather than "scenes"

v-factor: ->
some fighting

Overall rating: *** 

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia

Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: December 2009
Pages: 563
Source: Gift
For: Dusty Bookshelf Challenge
Series: Beautiful Creatures, Book 1

Summary from goodreads:

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Things I Liked:
It took me long enough to read this!  It's been on my shelf for ages.  I loved the atmosphere!  I loved the Southern feel and the accents.  The small town Southern gossip and prejudices were pitch perfect (if, perhaps, a bit annoying).  I especially liked the Casters and the mythology (or whatever you want to call it) of their magic system.  I loved how intricately things worked together.  Oh, and Marian has to be my favorite of all the characters - the rockin' librarian.  It was pretty unique and interesting.

Things I Didn't Like:
I think my biggest complaint was that it was just too long.  I guess my attention span is getting shorter, because I kept waiting for stuff to happen and waiting and waiting.  It took too long to get there and I got bored a number of times during the story.  Also, I never particularly cared for Ethan.  He didn't feel quite complete to me and thus I never connected to him.  Lena a little more so, but still not enough for me to feel really invested in their future.  I'll likely listen to the next books on audio, but I feel no burning desire to know more.

Read-alikes:
Felt a bit like Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
here and there, not too many

mrg-factor: X
mostly some sensuality

v-factor: ->
a little bit, nothing too gory

Overall rating: ***

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless by Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: January 2013
Pages: 448
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Unearthly, Book 3

Summary from goodreads: *Spoilers are inevitable for the first two books*

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

Things I Liked:
I enjoyed seeing how the visions and the future turned out for these characters.  I always like seeing an author take something that characters "predict" and then changing them to fit the same scenario, but with unique twists.  I liked Clara, for the most part, because even if she doesn't act like it, she wants to be independent of a boy and not feel compelled to like someone because she's being told to.  Even though she waffles pretty much the entire book, much to my annoyance and the leading on of both guys, she still manages to be strong and interesting.  I also found some of the plot twists exciting, if fairly predictable.  I pretty much skimmed the last 100 pages or so, and found the ending to be a little too convenient, but still mostly satisfying.  Not my favorite series, but probably my favorite angel one.

Things I Didn't Like:
Eh, like I mentioned above, not so thrilled with the romantic back and forth.  It also seemed like Clara was a bit more self-centered throughout this installment.  And some things seemed awfully convenient when they happened at just the right time. 

Read-alikes:
Start with Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Forbidden by Syrie James and Ryan James
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
a little bit, not too gory

Overall rating: ***

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound by Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: January 2013
Pages: 368
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Everneath, Book 2

Summary from goodreads: *Spoilers are inevitable for the first book*

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

Things I Liked:
I really loved reading about the sweet romance that developed between Jack and Nikki.  This was only shown through memories that Nikki shares part way into the book, but it really was my favorite part.  For most of the book, I thought it was all kind of blah and I couldn't make any sense or pattern to the things that happened or to the levels of the Everneath or really anything.  What kind of made the whole thing more interesting and would have convinced me to read it again if it wasn't already late at the library, was the ending.  It was completely surprising to me and kind of made the rest of it make more sense.  Interesting and entertaining and a unique take on mythology and the underworld.  I'll definitely be back for the next installment.

Things I Didn't Like:
It really felt a bit slow and kind of meandering in places.  Nikki seems to learn not to do something and then go ahead and do it a few times anyway.  Which kind of seems pointless - why learn it in the first place?  Still, it was quite entertaining to read.

Read-alikes:
Maybe a bit like The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two mild ones

mrg-factor:none

v-factor:->
maybe a little bit, nothing gory

Overall rating: ****

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication date: September 2012
Pages: 416
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Raven Cycle, Book 1

When Blue Sargent sees a boy in the churchyard, among those who will die the following year, she is shocked. Not only has she not seen anyone there before, as her mother does, but the boy tells her his name, Gansey. Things become even more complicated when Gansey, a rich student at the nearby boys' school, shows up in her real life, seeking something that Blue might just be able to help him find.

Things I Liked:
Is there really anything helpful I can add to the love this book got?  I think not.  But, I'll do a bit of gushing anyway.  I absolutely loved this book - the characters, the setting, the beautiful way Stiefvater writes - all of these things melded together and kept me invested in this book from beginning to end.  There were surprises and twists that I never saw coming.  The mix of the realistic and the paranormal was a perfect blend.  I began to think everything about it was real.  And I really love the characters, especially Blue and Adam.  But they are all very well drawn, though I had a hard time grasping Ronan.  This is just a book that will suck you in and spit you out wanting more at the end.

Things I Didn't Like:
One thing I kind of wished (and this is entirely me) is that it had been a stand alone.  I really wanted the book to wrap up right then and there at the end.  And while some things were resolved, I wanted it to be the end.  On the other hand, this means I get more Blue and Adam and Gansey and Noah and Ronan and more of the strange paranormal world she's created here, so there's that.

Read-alikes:
It reminded me of Stiefvater's Lament and Ballad
Also a little bit of a The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper feel for me too!

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
pretty regularly, and a few handfuls of f-bombs

mrg-factor: none
at least that I recall

v-factor: ->
some fighting with some detail, but nothing graphic

Overall rating: *****

Anybody thoughts on why you loved (or didn't love) this book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Retro Friday Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Retro Friday is a meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc."

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Recorded Books
Publication date: February 2009 (HC)
Length: 10 hrs, 47 min
Source: Audiobook from library
For: YA Audiobook Challenge
Series: Jessica series, Book 1

When a mysterious, dark stranger shows up on Jessica's life, claiming to be a vampire and her betrothed, Jessica is annoyed. Lucius Vladescu was not a part of her plan for the future and his annoying persistence is enough to wear anyone down. Will Jessica find a way to accept herself as a Romanian vampire princess or stay exactly where she is, a farm girl from America?

Things I Liked: 
I really enjoyed the humor in this sort-of dark look at vampire teenagers.  I loved Jessica and how realistic she was - nothing was easily believed and she had to have many instances of seeing what Lucius was to actually think it's true.  She was not a dupe and she did not take any crap from any of the guys in her life.  Watching her feelings change was very interesting.  I loved seeing just how much power she had and just how she would use it.  It was a unique and fun vampire story that I actually enjoyed.  I was especially entertained by the narrators in this audiobook.  As always, Katherine Kellgren was perfection, but Jeff Woodman as Lucius was awesome.  He had a great accent but he also managed to infuse the right amount of sarcasm, disbelief, and humor into his letters home.  A really entertaining listen.

Things I Didn't Like: 
There were a few times I remembered that I don't particularly care for vampire stories.  The ending kind of got a bit morbid and dark, but still had some humor.  Overall, though, just entertaining and I enjoyed it very much.

Read-alikes:
Though I haven't read it, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride 
A bit like Die For Me by Amy Plum

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: !@#
regularly, but no f-bombs

mrg-factor: XX
mostly sensuality, but a few nearly-happened scenes

v-factor:->->
well, they are vampires

Overall rating: ****

What's your favorite kind of vampire story - one that is serious or one that laughs at itself?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Mind Games by Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: February 2013
Pages: 256
Source: e-book from Edelweiss
For: Review
Series: Mind Games, Book 1

Fia has an uncanny ability to make the right decisions. Annie sees visions of the future. The two sisters, left orphans at a young age, are taken into an unusual school for girls with their kinds of talents. What they little expect is for that school to use their talents for their own purposes. Now Fia is trying to protect Annie, no matter the cost.

Things I Liked:
What a crazy ride this book was!  I got really immersed in Fia's mind, though it was not a place I wanted to hang out.  I loved that we got to see from Annie's point of view too, because she made it more palatable to be with Fia.  I could only handle so much of Fia's stream of consciousness style.  The book has a twisty plot and crazy ideas and is not a happy ending kind of story.  Which made me like it even more.  Also, it felt like a stand alone, which also made me happy, though I understand there are to be sequels.  I loved trying to figure out what was going on, who was doing what, and why it was all happening.  I got answers to most of those questions.

Things I Didn't Like:
It got a bit confusing with all the stuff going on - the multiple perspectives and the mysteries.  At times I was completely lost, but I think I mostly just enjoyed the ride.  I was swept up in the action, in broken Fia and I especially liked the ending, which seemed just about right, if a bit sad.  Really interesting, but hopefully will get a touch more polish in the final version.

Read-alikes:
Honestly, not sure I've read anything like it.  Maybe a little like the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
no f-bombs that I recall, but some swearing

mrg-factor: none
though some sensual moments

v-factor: ->->
Fia does fight and kill and she is ruthless

Overall rating: ****

What did you think of this unusual book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: February 2013
Pages: 320
Source: ARC from publishers
For: Review
Series: Finishing School, Book 1

When Sophronia is sent off to be finished, she little expects the kind of finishing that goes on at her new school. On the remote, floating school, she begins to learn the arts of deception, diversion, and espionage...in addition to etiquette and decorum. But she also discovers a lot of secrets, including one that threatens the school and all she's coming to love.

Things I Liked:
I always enjoy a good steampunk novel.  For some reason, they contain just the right amount of quirky fun and strange inventions, so that I can't stop reading them.  I fell in love with Sophronia, who was such a great character to follow around in her mostly historical setting also populated with supernatural creatures and other strange inventions.  There's nothing quite like a girl who doesn't know where she fits, finds a place, and it certainly isn't where she's expected to fit.  I love all the friends she makes too - especially Sidheag, for some reason.  I like her prickly exterior and her complete lack of concern over what makes a lady.  Just an all-around fun steampunk adventure with loveable quirky characters.

Things I Didn't Like:
The plot was a little bit slow and seemed to not be getting anywhere anytime soon.  But the everything else (setting, steampunk fun, characters, etc) kept my attention engaged (though I have to admit it took me almost a month to finally finish it - mostly because I had other books that HAD to be read right away).  Also, there was an inordinate number of side characters introduced, which I assume will play larger roles in future books - a bit of setup-itis I think.  Pick this one up when you need some fun entertainment!

Read-alikes:
Leviathan series by Scott Westerfeld
Also, a tiny bit Harry Potter-ish

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two mild ones

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none
despite the numerous run-ins with flywaymen and picklemen :)

Overall rating: ****

Are you a steampunk fan?  What are your favorite steampunk books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Retell Me a Story Book Review: The Turning by Francine Prose

Welcome to another day of Retell Me a Story fun!  In case you've missed out on anything so far, check out the previous posts:
- Welcome and giveaway post, 
- A guest post from Nikki of BookPairing on The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood, 
- A list of new and upcoming retellings, 
- A guest post from author Diane Zahler on fairy tale mixers,
- A review of one of Diane's fairy tale retellings, The Thirteenth Princess,
- A fun Robin Hood guest post by Suey of It's All About Books, 
- A guest post by author Marissa Meyer on fairy tale scavenger hunts,
- A review of a fairy tale mash-up, Enchanted by Alethea Kontis,
- A guest post by Angie of Angieville on classic retellings

The Turning by Francine Prose
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: September 2012
Pages: 256
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
For: Review

When Jack takes what seems like the perfect summer job - hanging out with two kids for three months and getting paid a lot - he little expects what he gets. On a remote island with no phones, internet, or TV, he feels a bit isolated. And even if the kids are a bit strange, things aren't too bad. Until they are. He begins to see two people hanging around the island - two people who might actually be ghosts.

Things I Liked: 
This book definitely had the creepy, psychological factor going for it, right from the beginning! I loved how you got to see a sort of slow progression for Jack from little weird things happening to completely crazy stuff.  And I liked how we really believe they are happening, because it is in his first person voice. Until suddenly he seems to have gone off the deep end. It was a crazy weird book, and each page had just the right touch of creepy and disturbing. 

Things I Didn't Like:
I found the first person epistolary style didn't exactly fit well sometimes. I got annoyed at how sometimes he seemed to talk about things as if they were happening right then, other times past tense. It made for some awkward phrasing and distracted me from the story at times. Also, it seemed written just a little too plainly. I think some more subtlety would have really gone a long way. It's been a long time since I read The Turn of the Screw, but I think the classic has a lot more to it than this does. I better read it again :)

Read-alikes:
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Reminded me of Frost by Marianna Baer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few, not too many

mrg-factor: X
maybe a little implied

v-factor: ->
mostly psychological, but there are some rather disturbing parts

Overall rating: ***

What classic story are you hoping will get a retelling?

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Book Review: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: November 2012
Pages: 528
Source: Purchased
For: Fun!
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 2

*Will likely contain spoilers for the first book, Daughter of Smoke and Bone*

Karou is still trying to understand who and what she is - though her memories have returned. She knows that Akiva betrayed her and stole everything from her and that knowledge spurs her to take great measures in redeeming herself with her people. But how far will she go to make amends and can she ever truly be accepted again? 

Things I Liked:
I continue to be amazed at the stuff Laini comes up with.  She has such a vivid imagination and an amazing way to bring those images and ideas to life with her unique writing style.  I love how strange and yet natural the descriptions she uses throughout the book paint a picture of this intriguing world.  Karou continues to fascinate me, especially with the many feelings she experiences.  She has hard choices and despite making mistakes, tries her best to overcome those.  She really grows over this book and the growth felt subtle, natural, and intriguing.  Chimera, angels, Eretz, teeth, resurrection, all of this adds up to a twisted, strange, and yet un-put-downable story that I was completely surprised by.  The direction it went left me guessing all the way to the conclusion.  I'm happy to report that this second installment did not suffer from second-book-itis for me.  Can't wait for the next one.

Things I Didn't Like:
I was a bit disturbed by some of the things that happened.  But, that's just me.  It was a brutal and honest book and despite my being uncomfortable on a number of occasions, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Read-alikes:  
Start with Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr
Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some, though not a lot

mrg-factor: XX
a few incidents, quite a bit of innuendo

v-factor: ->->->
to the point of disturbing at times

Overall rating: *****

Are you a fan of this series?  What draws you in?

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Book Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: December 2012
Pages: 496
Source: ARC from ALA
For: Review
Series: Darkest Minds, Book 1

Ruby has spent the last six years of her life in a rehabilitation camp, a brutal place she's only survived by hiding her dangerous powers. But when the cruel camp leaders begin to suspect her, she must escape. Now on the run, she is desperately seeking people like her and winds up with some unexpected allies. Will they find the safe haven or will she be forced to make a desperate choice?

Things I Liked:
I am quite conflicted on this book.  I really wanted to like it and I certainly enjoyed parts of it (the ending definitely kept me engaged, couldn't put it down), but I felt unsatisfied while reading it.  First, I loved the premise, even though it seems to be a common one - natural disaster/disease/event happens to change kids of a certain age.  (I'm thinking Gone, Ashes, etc).  Still, I was caught up in it right from the start - I mean, they send the kids to concentration camps, essentially, and try to rehabilitate them of their abilities.  Ruby was a very confused (and confusing) protagonist, but I was invested in her story.  The many different factions and groups with various agendas and ulterior motives was intense and exciting and kept me wondering just what would happen next.  There is a lot of action, not surprising because Ruby is on the run from about 5 different groups and they all converge and escape a lot.  It was exciting and the abilities of the kids were interesting and I wanted to know more about how they worked and why it happened.  Unfortunately, I never felt like I did.

Things I Didn't Like:
First, I just want to say that I think a big part of the problem with my reading was that this was an ARC and it was still very much a work in progress, with loads of editing still necessary.  There were confusing little things here and there, lots of missing or incorrect words, etc.  All things one would expect of an ARC.  My bigger problem was that I never felt like I got a handle on the world - I never felt like I understood what was going on, especially when it came to Ruby.  Her power, which I can't even describe accurately, was a huge mystery to me, from beginning to end.  I kept waiting for her to figure it out and tell us, but it never happened.  One minute, she'd be jerking back from Liam, to prevent his touching her and the next, she'd be holding Zu's hand and not worrying at all.  I was completely confused.  I think I'll give the book a try when it's published, because it really felt like the story was not entirely finished, like there were important little things still needing to be figured out and passages still to be written or deleted (definitely think it could have been shorter).  It felt like not a fully-formed book, but an interesting premise waiting for the rest to be filled out.  I hope it is.

Read-alikes:
Dull Boy by Sarah Cross
Gone series by Michael Grant
Ashes by Ilsa Bick
Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
not a lot, but at least two f-bombs

mrg-factor: X
a few (confusing) parts, but nothing explicit

v-factor: ->->->
actually, it was really gory

Overall rating: ** with potential for more!

Have you ever felt like this about an ARC?  Did you read the published version?

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Book Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Unspoken: The Lynburn Legacy by Sarah Rees Brennan
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: September 2012
Pages: 384
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: The Lynburn Legacy, Book 1

Kami's been hearing a voice in her head ever since she can remember. Jared has never been more than that. Until he is. When he shows up, terrifyingly real, Kami doesn't know how to act around him. But she's got other things on her mind, like the small town secrets and mysteries she's determined to solve and the fact that someone might be out to get her.

Things I Liked:
I think I've seen about a hundred reviews of this book recently, so I'm tossing mine into the mix for whoever might read it.  This book felt so different from all the other paranormal fare I've read.  But it also had all the good elements of paranormal romance!  I have to admit my absolute favorite part is the sarcastic wit and quick humor of the conversations Kami has with just about everyone.  I love her dad, that he's a normal dad and that he also has such a great relationship with his kids.  The interactions between Kami and Jared, which make up such a huge part, were conflicting for me.  Their reluctance to touch one another and to be entirely freaked out by the other's reality at first struck me as really weird.  But, in thinking about it further, I can see how it would be a natural reaction.  I love how clearly Kami made it that they were not romantically involved, but that it was still more than friendship.  There are so many different ways people can have relationships that I was glad to see something different here.  It was smart and funny and also Gothically horrifying and disturbing.  I was both surprised and relieved at the ending, though it did kind of break my heart.  Different, so very different.

Things I Didn't Like:
I hated Jared, pretty much.  I can see how Kami would defend him, since she knew his intentions and inner thoughts very clearly, but he was such a jerk.  The ending didn't help my dislike of him.  But, I also really didn't like Ash either.  I have to admit there were a number of times I got really lost when the magic and paranormal activities going on were explained.  It wasn't clear, it was confusing.  Maybe I wasn't reading carefully enough, but I felt rather lost in trying to understand it.  Still, not enough to detract from my sheer enjoyment of the book.

Read-alikes:
Daphne Du Maurier
Nancy Drew
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few, not too many

mrg-factor: none
kissing and such, nothing further

v-factor: ->
a few rather disturbing scenes

Overall rating: ****

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die for Me by Amy Plum
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: May 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Review copy from publisher
For: Review
Series: Revenants, Book 1

Following her parents' death in a car crash, Kate and her sister move to Paris to live with their grandparents. While Kate struggles to recover from the loss, she meets a boy who might just help her start to live again. But the mysterious Vincent has a deeper history and more secrets than she imagined - secrets that might put her in danger.

Things I Liked:
While at first glance, this book appears to be a Twilight knock-off, substituting vampires with revenants, I was still intrigued by its unique elements.  I liked our fair heroine, who has spunk and vitality and doesn't go easily into her world of monsters and death without some kicking and screaming.  I really enjoyed the Parisian setting, which also added some fun elements to a very familiar plot.  And the added bonus of her sister and grandparents was also refreshing.  A pretty good paranormal, over all.

Things I Didn't Like:
The romance didn't do anything for me, though to be fair I think paranormal romance is not my cup of cocoa.  Despite Plum's best efforts to avoid insta-love of the eternal variety and the vampire culture (repeated jokes about NOT being vampires abound), I think the romance was a little too much too soon.  I liked that Kate fought it, but I don't like that it was just so inevitable.  I was also very unsurprised by any of the plot twists.  It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, which is very nice for a change, but I currently have no strong urges to pick up the next one. 

Read-alikes:
Twilight fans will likely enjoy it
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@ 
a few, no f-bombs

mrg-factor: X
some heavy kissing

v-factor: ->->
a few vivid scenes, but not really graphic

Overall rating: ***

Will we forever be doomed to compare all paranormal romance books to Twilight?  Do you think there will ever be a book in that genre as big?

 

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Book Review: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: February 2011
Pages: 336
Source: e-book from Library
For: Fun
Series: Wicked Lovely, Book 5

*Spoilers for the first four books in the Wicked Lovely series are inevitable*
With Keenan missing, Aislinn is struggling to run the summer court by herself, all while longing for Seth. Donia is working to strengthen her already strong winter court, against the coming war with Bananach. With the dark court in turmoil and no one quite sure what is coming next, will Bananach defeat all and turn the world to chaos?

Things I Liked:
I can't seem to get away from this series.  I usually have mixed feelings about them, but I can't seem to give them up.  I'm glad I got to the last in this series, because the ending was surprising and satisfying.  Marr has a skill with words and descriptions that can paint an entire world so vividly.  I loved how things progressed to the point that we wonder how she will extricate her characters, and then she does it in surprising ways.  It is a smart, beautiful, complicated series. 

Things I Didn't Like:
I don't care much for several of the main characters, notably Keenan and Aislinn.  I was more interested in what happened to some of the minor characters.  Still, I found it satisfying, if not mind-blowing and amazing.  A really good faery series that has an interesting and unique faery world.

Read-alikes:
The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@# 
plenty, some f-words

mrg-factor: XX 
mostly sensuality and off-page action

v-factor: ->-> 
quite a bit of gory fighting

Overall rating: *** 

What books can't you stay away from?

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