Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Book Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief
Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Page Count: 350
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blurb:

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

~

The last of my required reads, for now, except for some poetry! I am so incredibly stoked to be finished with these so I can get back to reading things I want to!

This is less of a review and more of just spouting information:

Consensus: There is very little I can say, without spoiling everything, because this book is very easy to spoil. But, Zusak wrote a masterpiece, that really opens our eyes to what living in Nazi Germany was truly like. He gave us a glimpse into the lives of everyday people, that broke the mold that was set for that time.

Liesel Meminger, is deep, and meaningful and I grew to love and care for her as she stole books, and read to others.

Hans Hubberman is like a lovable giant, who you cannot help but adore.

Rosa, despite her faults is beautiful in her quirky sort of way.

Rudy holds a special place in my heart, rock on Jesse Owens.

Max, sweet sweet Max, is a joy, and a light in the dreary world, which is strange to think considering he is a Jew.

This book was dark, and had so much depth. The writing was superb and the characters were so real. I see why this book has received so much hype, because it is deserved.

The narration by Death was probably my favorite thing ever. It is incredibly unique, and it shows that Death isn't cruel.

Please, EVERYONE READ THIS BOOK. It has become one of my favorite books ever.




Friday, August 21, 2015

Mini Review: How to Read Literature Like A Professor by Thomas C. Foster

How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
Title: How to Read Literature Like a Professor
Author: Thomas C. Foster
Page Count: 314
Genre: Nonfiction, education
Rating: 3/5 Stars

Short Review below:

Foster has a comedic voice in his descriptions, and pulls from a wide variety of literature that spans across time proving he is well-versed as a professor. That being said, I felt very often that he was shoving his opinion of different poets down my throat. For the most part, I enjoyed reading this, and what he had to say, It made me laugh, and kept me entertained through a good 75% of this.

 Then, He had us read 'The Garden Party' and I was bored for the rest of this book... It's sad. There is so much that goes into this, and then it falls flat.

I like the addition of the list of novels, plays, short stories, poems, movies etc in the back because it gives us a cohesive,challenging literature list which I will read from eventually!

Thank you, Thomas Foster for showing me new things, and helping me learn. I forgive you for being a little forceful at times.

For once, not a completely horrid required read. I learned something, and it didn't take the entire book to get there!

Book Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas (Throne of Glass Book 2)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2)

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J Maas
Page Count: 418
Genre:Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Consensus: Celaena's badass nature is back, and better than ever in this thrilling sequel to the beloved Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas. Maas weaves complex Fae lore into a kingdom in complete disarray reminiscent of a dictatorship. The love "triangle" is actually well written and the boys are someone you legitimately care about in the end. Maas wrote a sequel that improves upon the world building set forth in the first. Maas is the arising queen of YA fantasy, and is definitely one to watch.

AS THIS IS BOOK TWO I WILL WARN OF SPOILERS!!!!!!! Plus, It's hard to talk about this one without spoiling something.......

I have heard that Sarah J Maas' books get better as they go, so I'm expecting more for this than I did for Throne of Glass. Which I really really enjoyed. I'm excited to see how Celaena will fare with being the King's Champion.

This book begins after Celaena has begun her bidding for the King as his Champion. She must basically murder anyone he asks her too. Little does he know, she is not actually killing them. She is setting them free, allowing them that choice, be killed or change your name and be free. She learns as much information about each of them so she can use this to trick the king and learn more about plans to overthrow/rebel against the king.

Celaena returns in this book with more heart, already, I can see her love for Chaol and respect of his friendship growing. I admire her friendship with Nehemia who is incredibly intelligent and a great chat partner for Celaena. Chaol is as strong-witted and protective as ever. Dorian continues to overthink things and become jealous of Chaol as he gets closer to Celaena. Kaltain is in this (in the beginning as I'm writing this) story, which means she still has a role to be played. I'm predicting that she is being used, still, as the king's puppet.

I like the mystery of what Wyrdmarks mean, however, they freak me out every single time they are mentioned. I just feel icky when they are around because I sense great power from them and feel as if they can destroy everyone and everything.

Something I am questioning: Will Sarah J Maas always incorporate Fae lore into her stories? I'm intrigued to see if this will be a theme of all her novels or not. Time shall tell. So far, Throne of Glass series plus ACOTAR series. Two of them, both have Fae, but one has more. (Not that I don't like Fae but with such a great author, I would love to see her branch out. I would even love a contemporary for her, because I think it would be interesting.)

Crown of Midnight is fantastic at this point, and as the backstories form cohesively, I am enjoying it more and more.

The more I read the more I love this book and half way through, I AM SO ANGRY AND SAD AND FILLED WITH SO MANY EMOTIONS. WHY SARAH J MAAS WHY.

She (Being Sarah J Maas) killed someone, and I am angry, but I see why it had to happen. My emotions are going haywire with this one.

The book is getting continuously more intense, and my enjoyment is growing. The Wyrdmarks, Wyrdgates and everything related to the Wyrd both intrigue and frighten me, because they hold immense power.

The introduction of the Iron Witches was very well done and I appreciate the thought put into it.

The fighting between certain characters pain me, and I want it to stop.

By the end of this story, I loved it. Almost every minute of it. 

I cannot wait until I can buy Heir of Fire, because I don't ever want to stop living in this world.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Book Review: Winger by Andrew Smith (Winger Book 1)

Winger by Andrew  Smith

Title: Winger
Author: Andrew Smith
Page Count: 439
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Rating: 5/5

Winger hooked me immediately, from the minute Ryan Dean spoke, I was ready for the ride of a lifetime. Little did I know how this ride would affect me.

Winger follows Ryan Dean West, a fourteen year old, who is also a junior in high school and is the starting winger for Pine Mountain's rugby team. PM is a private school for 'troubled youth' and rich kids. Ryan Dean stays in O-Hall (Opportunity Hall) with the delinquents for something he did the school year before.

Ryan Dean has to room with Chas Becker, only the biggest asshole in all of the rugby team.

Everything goes off into a roller coaster ride of mistakes Ryan Dean makes, and the consequences he must face to overcome them.

Ryan Dean is someone who I wouldn't be able to be around for too long. He is perverted, and almost egotistical, but not at the same time. He says how every girl is 'smoking hot' and is in love with his best friend Annie Altman.

Throughout the course of this book he makes mistake after mistake, tarnishing friendships of his own and of others. He flat out ruins a lot of lives. Despite all this, you cannot help but love the perverted sicko. Because he is a great friend, he has his moments as we all do, but he is wonderful.


Ryan Dean cares infinitely more than he will ever let on, and that is one of his greatest strengths in my opinion.

The other characters are wonderful. You have Joey, the captain of the rugby team, and he's gay. Which is mentioned a bazillion times. You love Joey. It's impossible not to love Joey. Joey is the level-headed guy in every situation, speaking up for everyone no matter the circumstances.

Seanie is a demented creepy stalker dude who likes to say perverted things so often that you  cannot help but cringe, but his heart is in the right place.

J.P, you cannot help but feeling bad for,

Annie is sweet as can be, and has a heart made of pure gold.

Megan is way more than she ever lets on, and Chas is as well.

All of these characters have multiple layers to them, and it is admirable.

THE STORYLINE. I laughed, I got uncomfortable, I pitied, I laughed some more, I cringed, I cried. I felt so many emotions on this ride, that I want everyone to read this.

It is more than just a typical high school story about finding love, finding yourself, and a coming-of-age story. Everyone needs to read this so they can experience what a good story is going to do, change your life, and your way of thinking.

If I say too much more, I will be spoiling it all... Except THE COMIC STRIPS. Were amazing! They were well executed and hilarious and perfect for Ryan Dean's character!

Winger is a masterpiece, and it is one of my favorite reads of this year. This book killed me in all the best ways. READ IT.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass Book 1)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)
Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Page Count: 404
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating: 4.5
Blurb: After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Review/Thoughts:

While Reading:
I've wanted to read Throne of Glass for a LONG time. I finally started it when Booknerd Babes decided to do a read-along. I am SO glad I did. This world is immediately intriguing and the characters are multi-dimensional from the get go!

This is going to quickly become one of my favorite series of all time, I can already see it in the near future. I already want the other books in the series, and I am only 40 pages in. Call me crazy, but this book. Sarah J Maas everybody, is a wonderful genius who we all should love with all of our hearts.

Where do I even start with this book?

I have been trying to formulate my thoughts for quite a few days now, because there is a lot to think about.

Celaena Sardothien is a badass. She is arrogant, but also deeply self-concious and the fact that she has both, is interesting and different and I truly appreciate it.

Her backstory is deeply tragic and it adds an extra layer of depth to her character and her emotions.

After Finishing:
Now that I am done reading it, everything below will be filled with a hopefully more organized version of my thoughts as I was reading.

Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan's Assassin, as she fights for her chance to become the King's Champion, allowing her access to freedom in the near future. She has spent the last year of her life in Endovier slaving away in the Salt Mines with other slaves from places such as Ellywe.

I love Celaena and how headstrong she is. She doesn't sacrifice her own beliefs for anything. She is in complete control of her decisions. (Well, most the time.) I like that she isn't just a badass, and that she has feelings as well. It is very easy to take someone and make them so powerful that they lose the human quality of imperfection. She has a heart, and a strong one at that, and despite all the hardships she has faced in her life she still finds room to be kind to others.

She formed a strong bond with Nehemia, Chaol, and Dorian. And I loved all of them. Her doubts of them were natural and warranted, and although I knew that she was overthinking things, it made perfect sense to me.

I absolutely adored Nehemia, literally the entire time. She is intelligent and cunning and willing to do whatever it takes to save her country from the King of Adarlan. Her kindness outshines everyone else, and she has an edge of mystery that I am enamored by.

Chaol was strong, and had his weak spots for those he cares about. He continually grow on me. His compassion for others, in the end, is something I admire greatly in him.

Dorian is just as sarcastic and arrogant as Celaena and how can I not like that? He is wonderful, and the Yulemas Ball was the sweetest freaking thing ever, just saying. I see in the future, him finally standing up to his father and I am excited for that.

The other characters I didn't develop a strong opinion about, good or bad, except for Kaltain Rompier. Who the entire time I wanted to punch in the face because she was annoying and selfish and I just really hated her. No more explanation than that,

The plotline dragged a little in places for me. I wanted more of a storyline about the different Tests because I find that aspect incredibly intriguing and when I didn't get that I was upset.

OH. I really like Pelor and Nox. Yeah.

Anyways, This book was great! The few problems I had were very uncommon and probably because this is a first book in a series, and more will be explained later. I had a problem with the fact we were advertised one thing and got just a little of that, with a whole lot of other things that weren't. (I totally loved most of the other stuff, I'm just saying.)

This book was very close to being a five-star book for me, but wasn't quite there. I am super excited to read Crown of Midnight though! :)


Sunday, August 9, 2015

Book Review: Obasan by Joy Kagawa

Obasan
Title: Obasan
Author: Joy Kagawa 
Page Count: 320
Genre: Historical Fiction (with elements of truth from the Author)
Rating: 2.5 Stars 

Blurb: Based on the author's own experiences, this award-winning novel was the first to tell the story of the evacuation, relocation, and dispersal of Canadian citizens of Japanese ancestry during the Second World War.

Review: For my summer assignment for my AP Literature class, I was tasked to read a 400 page poetry book, 10 poems from a poet of my choosing that is alive, or died within the last 20 years, Literature like a Professor, and two books to compare and contrast.

This is the first of the books I must compare, and the other is The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (which I read when I was younger and liked but don't remember much of.)

I had been told many good and bad things about this book, and went in trying to ignore that.

Totally honest, I couldn't stand this book at the beginning, for the first six chapters I was forcing myself to read it. I didn't like the writing style, I didn't care about the characters, and it just wasn't something I would have normally continued reading. But alas, I needed to for an essay I have to write in September.

I continued, and became intrigued into this box Obasan and Naomi found in their attic. It contained letters and diaries and much more from Aunt Emily telling of her thoughts on many different political and domestic issues, which I found quite interesting. I am in love with history so this part of the story was perfect for me!

The letters went on for so long though, and they were heartfelt and emotional,yet too many of them it seemed.

This is a book that depicts the cruelty that Japanese-Canadian Internment was and does it justly. I am seeing how this book connects with The Book Thief because of the racism that both discuss. I find it quite eye-opening even if the writing can be bland.

As I continues reading it, I became more enveloped into these characters, and began caring about them. By the last five chapters I was engrossed and was actually enjoying it... But it took me over 80% of the book to feel that way.

Kagawa has written a strong story, but one that lacks entertainment of any kind. She could have found a way to make it more interesting, but instead settled for bland writing. The descriptions of different areas was great, and the imagery oh my goodness, one of the best I have read in a long time,but overall this just wasn't my book.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Personal Update: The Struggle with Summer Assignments

Today, I have finally started Obasan by Joy Kagawa. Let me tell you, it is a struggle to get through.

I only put 10 books on my TBR for this month, because I have to read Obasan and The Book Thief. These summer assignments are killing me. I am trying so hard to get through them, so I can read books that I want to, and be able to review for everyone that looks at my blog. I have been continually pushing back beginning them for almost a month now.

I know, I know, I am slightly crazy. How could you push back books for over a month? Well... WE ALL DO IT. The only difference here is I need to read these for my AP Literature class!

I also have to REWRITE the United States Constitution, and that is a bazillion times worse than the books I don't want to read.

So I'm procrastinating both by letting you guys know the pain I am going through. I promise to get a review up by next week, but I cannot promise anything.. It's hard guys... HELP ME.

Do you guys have any suggestions when trying to read something you don't want to, but have to?


Thanks everyone!

- Cody :)

Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Grisha Book 1)

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1)
Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Page Count:368
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating:4.75/5 Stars
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD****MINOR BUT STILL SPOILERS****I"M SORRY****

Thoughts and Review: (Because I like to write this as I read the book to capture my thoughts as they happen) I have been so excited for this book since I won it in a giveaway a couple months ago. I was so busy with other things, that I never picked it up. Immediately after starting it, I was angry with myself for putting it off for so long. 

The world building is so complex and I already know that there is so much to learn about this society, The Grisha, The Darkling, and everything in-between. This book is so exciting, and that's only the first chapter! 

As I continue to read this, I am continually intrigued with the world. It's been a long time since a book has been so interesting, with so many complexities and intricacies throughout. Bardugo takes these characters and these powers and all of these other characteristics and qualities and blends them together to create the Grishaverse. 

Alina Starkov, our main character, is already a bad-ass female heroine  who I know I am going to grow to love infinitely because she is strong, yet she has her weaknesses. I love how she crushes on Mal, and how it is portrayed in the beginning of the book. It is super realistic and cute. 

Instantly this book is action packed and a wild roller-coaster ride that you never want to get off from. Seriously, this is one of those books that you get hooked on. The darkness inside is already looming and gathering to become an incredibly dark read, If what I see happening in this book, is anything close to what actually happens, I am going to be incredibly happy. 

Dark books are my favorite, I love how authors can think so deep such as creating characters that are believable, and evil, or cruel,or whatever other dark quality they possess. 

I have heard that the books only get darker from here and my golly, yes, So excited.

Genya is a very kind soul so far, and I sense tragic happenings between her and the king. The way Bardugo mentions it through rumors scares me, because I pray that it is not true. I am intrigued by Zoya as she could be bitchy and she could change her ways; only time will tell.

The Apparat creeps me out, and sends chills up my spine. Throughout the story he has continued to give me chills. I have a really bad feeling about him.

the Darkling is someone I want to believe with everything he says, but I know that it's not possible. He scares me, but in a good way. I like his character a lot, it is very strong.

Baghra is so interesting and intriguing and I hope I see more of her later in the storyline.

Mal, when he returns to the story, saddens me, It hurts me, the pain is palpable. I hope that will change later.

I am rooting for Alina. I love her. She has her moments, but she is a very likable character despite the faults. The Sun Summoner thing is very interesting and I like it.

This book never ceases to be fast-paced. It moves along quite nicely. I'm loving the storyline.

After finishing it: I am in love, and totally rooting for Alina and Mal. I love them to pieces. I am hoping to see Baghra in the future, and Genya as well, although I am not sure if they are coming soon. Only time will tell.

Basically, I loved every minute of this book, and now I see what all the hype and the raving was about. I agree wholeheartedly, that this book deserves the hype it has been given. Leigh Bardugo is going to quickly become one of my favorite authors.

Now I am itching to buy Siege and Storm!!! I need book two! 

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Book Review: The One by Kiera Cass (The Selection Book 3)


The One (The Selection, #3)
Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Page Count: 323
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian Romance
Rating:5/ 5 Stars

I have totally been on a Selection kick since beginning the series two days ago. The fact of the matter is, these books are so addicting. I am still shocked that I like them, but that is completely okay.

As I begin The One, I am excited to see how it all plays out and how Kiera Cass stretches something like this into a 300 page novel. It should be interesting. Here we go!

I am a little over half-way done and reflecting on what I feel so far.

I am positive that this is the best book in the series so far. I love everything that is going on. I like that America isn't afraid to get down and dirty, and is herself almost always.

I love that the Queen is more included in this book than she was in the first two.

I love the small character development for Celeste, no matter if it is slightly unrealistic, I am proud of it all the same.

I am so incredibly happy with how things are playing out.

I cannot stand King Clarkson. He aggravates me for so many reasons, but I don't want to spoil the actual book, so I cannot say why. But GAHHHHHH.

The Rebels are so interesting, and finally getting to learn more about them is nice as well, and I feel adds another layer to the politics created in this society. I'm very glad it is included and Cass did a great job.

America's doubts are not nearly as annoying in this book as in The Elite which makes me so incredibly happy.

The bonding 200 pages in, between the remaining girls is such a sweet and tender moment, that I think they really needed. It takes Queen Amberly's advice and actually puts it to use.

Loving America more and more as time goes on!!!

As far as critiques so far, I guess how simple the writing is? That isn't necessarily a bad thing but I have noticed it throughout. I think it fits the character, so its not too bad.

The truly most annoying thing, is the repetition of different paragraphs. I swear that I have seen the same paragraph in each book, at least twice. It varies by a few words, but I often have this feeling I am reading the same exact thing over and over again.

Page 222, is the page that killed me. I am upset, and sad, and just feeling horrible. Why Kiera Cass, why? I am going to continue reading,because this cannot be true. It's not okay.

70 pages later and my prediction comes true of a certain happening. I won't divulge what exactly, but it was expected and sad and tragic. I'm praying it changes within the next thirty pages because if it ends like this I will be so upset.

It gets better! I love me a happy ending, although it definitely wasn't happy for all.

This is the best book in the series by far, and I am very happy with its conclusion. I loved the story, and the people and how they grew in the end.

I can forgive Kiera Cass for her terrible evil, in killing some of my favorite characters, but still, it is okay in the end.



Book review: The Elite by Kiera Cass (The Selection Book 2)

The Elite (The Selection, #2)
Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Page Count: 336
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian Romance
Rating: 3.75/5

After finishing the Selection, I immediately dived into The Elite, excited and ready for more after not being disappointed with the first one. These books are so fast-paced and such quick reads that I can finish them all in a day each easily.

As it began, I instantly saw how this book was going to be different than the first, in many ways. I already am enjoying the less of Aspen we see, as he is not my cup of tea.

I love Lucy (hah I'm funny) Seriously though. I love the depth of her character and how she has a storyline that is tragic, and it makes us love her more.

America can be super annoying. Super duper annoying. She is indecisive.

I like America's Dad though, and hope he stays safe. As with May, as I love her as well.
Only time will tell.

I'm writing this about 3/4 of the way into the book.

The military and government of this book and mystery behind it, is actually what intrigues me. It gives me more to look forward to than just whether America chooses Maxon and Maxon chooses her as well. I mean, c'mon. I'm pretty positive I know what happens, but that is okay.

I admire a lot of these characters more than I ever thought I would. I'm kinda glad that I had low expectations for these books because I like them a lot more because of that.

America has her moments, as does Maxon, and Aspen alike. The only characters I love wholeheartedly are Lucy and May.

I'm ready for Celeste to go away already, there has been no resolution of her character for me, and by this point it is to late to do anything to save her in my eyes.

I like the Queen.

I love the interactions between Italy and America. I think it adds a whole layer that wasn't there before.

The popularity ratings are very interesting, I thought that was clever.

I love the Philanthropy Projects and how that scene turned out. It really gave us a deeper understanding of the relationship between Maxon and his father.

Gregory's Diaries are one of the highlights of this book, and it made me like it so much more.

All in all, the whole concept with the rebels and fear they all must live in makes up for the annoying choices America makes, and the frustrating qualities of Maxon, and my inability to care for Aspen more than just a person I wish well. I obviously want Maxon and America to end up together. I see that happening, I hope at least.

Although I think the ideas and execution were better in The Elite, I think the Selection had less annoying main characters. They became more and more annoying in The Elite. I'm hoping for change in The One.

Lets Go!

Thank you all for taking the time to read this!

- Cody :)

Monday, August 3, 2015

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass (The Selection Book 1)

The Selection (The Selection, #1)
Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Page Count: 336
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian Romance
Rating: 4/5

Going in to the Selection, I expected it to be The Bachelor, and super annoying. I decided to read this solely because my teacher bought me the third book and I wanted to read it, and tell her what I thought.

Now, when I began, I was still under this impression, and was waiting for it to get super super annoying, and that I probably wouldn't enjoy it too much. BUT

I really really enjoyed this book! This book is so much more than what it seems. The rebels from North and South, the government, the way the society is set up is actually interesting. Not exactly, original persay, but still gives a new light to a simple concept. Kiera Cass definitely put a lot of thought into this world.

 I actually enjoyed the majority of the characters, which is surprising, and loved America because she was actually real.

Cons: The names. I mean seriously? America Singer who is a singer... that is just cheesy. It's forgivable though. Honderagua, seriously? The combinations of all these different places on Earth today is a little creative, but also cringe worthy.

More thoughts:
Celeste was super duper annoying, and almost too mean. I'd love to actually see what her backstory is because I feel like that would add depth to her character. I am hoping for a future breakdown from her to see her actually show emotions and seem human.

I like Prince Maxon, actually, because he is just trying to figure this all out.

Aspen, at first, I liked. Later in the story, I just don't feel anything for him. I want America to tell him off, for being horrible. even though he isn't that bad, I just don't like him.

This book is the epitome of a guilty pleasure read. Onto The Elite!

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Book Review: Kingdoms of Day by M N.M. Abbott (Book 1 of the Holy Hound Trilogy)

11098836
Title: The Kingdoms of Day
Author: M. N.M. Abbott
Page Count: 696
Genre: Fantasy (Young Adult?)
Rating: 5/5

This trilogy is probably my favorite trilogy of all time. Especially once it picks up the pace after the first 150 or so pages. It has moments in there that are very fast, but has it's slow worldbuilding moments.

I read this for the first time over a year ago, and am rereading it for the anticipation of the release of the third and final installment The Gray Blade (Which I am getting at the Oregon State Fair in August)

This is not typically something I would read, as I am not into the whole werewolf scene as others are. But honestly, this book is SO MUCH more than that. It ends up being a small part to the story.

Basically the story follow Shari Gates, a recent grad of high school. It depicts her story as she stumbles into this new world where magic is real, and everything you thought was myth, truly isn't. She takes on the new name Adwen, for a variety of reasons. (I shall not tell, as it is sort of spoiler-y)

There she meets Fedius Toth, who is half-elf. They embark on a journey together to help get her home. They battle vampires, and werewolves and demons and a variety of other creatures.

Enter Oryn, a Master Knight, who is sworn to kill any werewolves or being of cruel intent. He is outright an asshole. But, someone who goes through the most intense character development of anyone in the story. His backstory is my favorite part of the entire 700 page novel. It is heartbreaking, and utterly beautiful, in a tragic way. The way Abbott describes these events and how they took place is breathtaking. I am enamored by the way she has done this.

The characters and the backstories, especially Oryn's is my favorite thing in all of existence.I love the way M N M Abbott writes. She has a way of allowing me to visualize everything. One scene, that I have not forgotten is at the Masquerade for Princess Eyrie and in honor of The Tame One. I will never forget that scene and its vivid-like quality.

The characters are lovable and real. (Despite possibly being mythical.) You grow to love them all in their unique way. Honestly, it's so good,

The villains are so freaking creepy. Extremely well written.

Sycan is one of my favorite villains, although he doesn't come in too much until book two. I think he is creepy in all the right ways. Nadeen is also a crazy witch. My goodness.

I hope you all pick this book up and experience this amazing world and creatures inside!

If you live in Oregon, State Fair everyone. Please pick up these masterpieces (okay to be honest, this is not a masterpiece but I like the world a lot and so that made me rate this higher than the writing probably deserves)

Also, on Amazon!