While busy prepping for the release of Wilde's Meadow--which included writing, promoting, editing, promoting, biting off my nails, promoting--I missed out on a lot of reading time.
So, for the last couple weeks, all I've done is read read read! I love reading, as you can imagine, and I've missed it so terribly.
I'm here to share with you what crazy little stories have appeared on my Kindle and kept me up late at night--sometimes into the wee hours of the morning--with wonderful, imagination-tantalizing pleasure!
First, let's start with Hidden by PC and Kristen Cast. This mother and daughter team of writers were brought to my attention by my mother in law, who, accidentally, purchased a boxed set of books 1-5 when she mistook it for a different series I'd asked for.
I figured why not? Right?
That's a good way to find a new book. And while I was intrigued by the first couple books in the series, they keep getting worse and worse and worse. Honestly, I'm not sure why I kept reading this one. It was just a wash, rinse, repeat version of every other book in the series. Frankly I just want it all to end, but I'm not the giving up type.
This book received 2 stars from me.
The next book I read is The Evolution of Mara Dyer. I love Michelle Hodkin.
She is awesome.
This book far surpassed the first in the series, and it left me a little heartbroken and screaming NOOOOOAAAAHHHH!
For fans of this series, you will not be disappointed. If you haven't read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, I suggest you pick it up and devour it! Amazing work, and a really strong character. While Mara does some things that outright grate on my nerves, I think that's all the more awesome because she feels so real!
I rated this book 4 stars, but it could have easily received 5.
And we cannot forget Anna Dressed in Blood, or the sequel Girl of Nightmares. These books were recommended to me by my good friend Susie, who Dughbal likes to call Susanna--muahhahaa.
They came as an AWESOME surprise. Who knew I'd like YA horror so much? A few bodies ripped in half, a little romance, some high school drama, crime, mystery, and demonic crap?
Yep, I love it!
They were not what I expected at all. The author delves into the paranormal while mixing in some Celtic-ish fantasy as well.
She achieves this with great success too. Especially in the second book, which is much more adventurous than the first and delves into deeper childhood problems--like friendship, and we all know friendships suck when your a teenager.
Right?
That was just me? Fine.
Anyway, want action, adventure, and ghosts, and a little romance? Read these books!
I rated the first a 4 star and the second a 5.
Last, but certainly not least, is City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. This book isn't new to anyone but me really, but that's okay. I'm late to the scene. I get it.
There's also a movie coming out about this one. I watched the trailer. It looks very not close to the book. Go figure.
Anyhoo. Where do I start with this one? The first 30% of the book--that's how I gauge things on my Kindle--seemed to drag on for me. It's a front-loaded high fantasy, meaning there is a TON of information/world building thrown at you from the get go. Overwhelmingly so. So much so that I kept falling asleep while trying to read.
But, if you can get past that, and I advise you should, you will be treated with a wonderfully developed tale of angels, demons, and humans, and a war all located in New York City.
I've been trying to tell people for years that NYC is not a nice place. :-P
The pace and action pick up, and the little history lessons get dribbled in at all the right moments.
Now, I have to warn you, there is a plot device in this book that turned my stomach sour. Really sour. Nearly vomiting sour. I wouldn't buy the next book in the series until I read every blurb for the other published book in this series to see if that plot device ever resolved itself. When I was satisfied, I purchased City of Ashes.
Because of the slow start, and that disgusting plot device, I rated City of Bones 3.5 stars. (This could be because I'm totally in love with Jace. Who knows. You should read it and find out!)
That's all for now. I have a bunch of other books I plan on reading starting tonight.
Happy Bookworming, everyone!
<3 Krystal
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So this is why you've been ignoring me? I've been dumped for books! Hmph! :)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what disgusting plot device you're referring to! Haven't read the other books yet!
ReplyDeleteIt goes away though. I hear it gets worse before better, but oh well.
ReplyDeleteIgnoring you? Well, yeah, maybe. :-) I love reading, and I've missed it!
ReplyDelete"City of Bones" is sitting in my TBR file on my Kindle as well, but you've spooked me and also made me very curious. May have to brave it just to find out the "ick factor." Like you, I lost interest in the House of Night series...sometimes enough is enough. Stopped reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich for the same reason. Glad you like the Mara Dyer books. They're also in the TBR pile and next up. Thanks for the insight!
ReplyDeleteIt's a really good book. I think knowing what I know makes reading the rest of them a little easier. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews. I never read P.C. Cast, but I read the Anna books. Just finished Girl of Nightmares and LOVED it. Cas is one of my favorite narrators ever. Awesome books.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I have to say, Cassandra Clare is one of my all time favorite writers. I'm a HUGE fan of the Mortal Instruments series, and her other series, "The Infernal Devices."
I'd say definitely keep reading. In my opinion, the books just get better and better.
My grandson Jace was named after these books. :)