Review: Across the Universe

Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 398
Date(s) Read: July 7-9, 2015 (re-read)
Rating: 3 

Summary: 

17-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the spaceship, Godspeed and expects to wake up 300 years in the future.  However, she is woken up fifty years too early.  Her awakening wasn't a computer error, but an intentional thing.  Someone, among the thousands on the ship, was trying to kill her.  Her parents will be next if she can't find out who it is.  She must race to find the ship's hidden secrets, however, there is only one name on her list of murder suspects that matters: Elder.  The future leader of the ship and the love she never saw coming. 

Review: 

Okay, so I've now read this book twice.  Yes, twice.  Before actually sitting down and formulating this review.  Note, there was also eight months between my last read and this review.  Yeah, I've been sitting on this one for a little while and for reasons that I will get to momentarily.  

I did not love this book.  I also did not hate this book.  Thus the somewhere in the middle three that it has received.  It is a good book, however, for me there were a few issues.  The characters for one, I couldn't really find a true connection with either of them.  

Amy came off as a Mary Sue, and the point of her Mary Sue-ness was stressed even more with the biggest cliche to describe her red hair "flaming red hair," is something that drives me absolutely crazy.   She honestly doesn't even have that great a personality, and it is like she is stuck in two modes: running or complaining about her left behind boyfriend.  I get it, you're a teenager and you were forced to leave your boyfriend....a boyfriend and a relationship that I really had no connection with, no understanding of, or scope of aside from the few seconds of flashback that we were given.  Jason - ask me about him and honestly, I would have absolutely nothing to tell you.  I have no idea what his personality is, or even what to tell you made him so great to Amy. 

Elder.  Seriously, I do not like him at all.  I mean, I'd probably like him if he wasn't a jerk, or seriously shallow.  His only thoughts about Amy are objectifying.  He wants to make out with her.  He wants to have sex with her.  Seriously dude, get a grip.  Then, what we learn about Elder makes me really, really angry.  It also further proves just how absolutely shallow and self-serving this guy really is.  Why would you do that?  Why would you freaking RISK her life, just for that?! Oh, right, you also just want to make out with her and have sex with her. I got it.  Elder is a douche.  

Right, I've officially gotten that out of my system.  For now.  I think.  At least until I get to book two and I might have to hop back on the "I really don't like Elder" train.  

The ending, however left me feeling kinda meh.  Everything was pretty much tied up just a little bit too neatly, too easily.  The reasons for the murders did not make a whole lot of sense.  Also, seriously? Are we arriving on Centauri-Earth in this book?  Is Amy going to be living out her life without her parents?  Is she going to end up having a relationship with said objectifying douche? Please someone give me the answers, because they are simply NOT in this book.  

I think it is worth the read, despite the fact that there were things that drove me quite batty about this book.  YAY I managed to actually write this review without having to use the spoiler tag.  A feat that I wasn't certain was going to happen. Win.  For.  Me.

Review: Since You've Been Gone

Title: Since You've Been Gone
Author: Morgan Matson
Format: Hardback
Pages: 449
Date(s) Read: November 4-7, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 

Emily and Sloane are the kinds of friends you never see without the other.  Joined at the hip for the most part.  They'd ultimately planned the most awesome summer.  However, when the first week of summer comes and goes, Sloane is no where to be found.  All that she left is a list.  A list of thirteen things that Emily should do, that Emily would NEVER do.  However, would doing them bring her friend back? 

Review: 

This book.  I think the only thing keeping this book from being a 5 for me is minor issues with the writing that I couldn't get over.  Beyond that, EVERYTHING about this book is absolutely wonderful.  

Shy.  Check.
Introvert.  Check. 

Emily is both of these, and she is complimented by her best friend Sloane who is her polar opposite.  We don't actually get to meet Sloane, however we learn of her from flashbacks throughout the story.  Emily, we learn quite a bit about, and ultimately she learns more about herself while she goes through the thirteen item Sloane-inspired to-do list.  

Something I did like about this book is that there was no attempt to 'fix' or 'change' the shyness that makes Emily who she is.  The story writing allows Emily to essentially come to terms with who she is, and settle into her friendships and relationships without Sloane's guiding hand all the time.  

The list is by far my absolute favorite part about this story.  Apple picking at night.  Dancing until dawn.  Skinny dipping.  All fun things to do, and then there would be a singular word.  Just one word and then there would be a flashback, an explanation as to what the word meant and we would learn why it is on the list.  

I am in love with this book and I will probably end up eventually owning it (rather than repeatedly checking it out from the library) because it is one that I will enjoy re-reading (despite the excessive bits of fluff that could have been cut).  

Review: Prudence

Title: Prudence
Author: Gail Carriger
Format: Hardback
Pages: 359
Date(s) Read: July 3-8, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 

Book the First in The Custard Protocol series.  We follow Lord and Lady Maccon's daughter, Prudence and her best friend Primrose on a trip from London to India.  The trip taken of course by dirigable, given to Prudence by her adopted father, Dama. However, when you are a metanatural (having the ability to take another supernatural's abilities with the merest touch) things very rarely go as smoothly as one would hope.  

Review: 

Okay, so I have read this one without reading all of The Parasol Protectorate series.  I will remedy that eventually, the books are on my TBR pile and will be gotten to eventually.  However, even with the minimal background I had about the individuals in this story, I truly did enjoy it.

It was within the first thirty or so pages that I realized that I was getting quite a few spoilers from the PP series, however, there has been enough time between reading this and the time that I ultimately get to the rest of the PP series that I will have likely forgotten them.  Don't judge me.  Yes, it is also killing my book OCD that I read a spin-off without finishing the ACTUAL first series. 

This story did get a bit ditsy for me, and the focus on proper fashion and reputation and things like that was not entirely unexpected for the time period that this is set in.  Steampunk, Victorian, etc it is quite expected for propriety and proper dress.  Prim tended to annoy the absolute crap out of me, but I did enjoy the character and how she interacts with Rue as well as her brother. 

The entire cast of characters were absolutely wonderful and entertaining.  I love the wit and snark between the quad on "The Spotted Custard," on their time in the air and even when they stop in various places along the way from London to England. 

I can understand some of the negativity that this book received, however, I can think that some of it might be around the hype for this particular book.  I went into it without all of that.  To be honest, the only reason I'd actually picked up the book initially from the library was the fact that I absolutely LOVED the cover, and to be honest I am a sucker for an awesome cover.  I was pleasantly surprised with the story, and definitely believe that this book is so much more than an interesting cover.

Book of the Week: Wicked

Okay, so this is two...or is it 3 days late since it is now Tuesday and this usually goes up on Sunday?  Either way, it's up now!  So I didn't slack too much! 

I've been obsessed with all things Wizard of Oz for some time now, and one of my absolute favorite series of the retelling of the story is The Wicked Years series by Gregory Maguire.  

The first book of this series is this week's book of the week!  So without further adieu...this week's book of the week...

Wicked

Gregory Maguire

I love everything about this story.  The background given for the Wicked Witch of the West, who wasn't really all that wicked at all.  This re-creation of the land of Oz is something that makes me enjoy things by Gregory Maguire.  His writing is absolutely wonderful, and the world creation or rather re-creation from the original Wizard of Oz is stunning. 

The fact that this book has been turned into a Broadway musical, filled with a fantastic soundtrack, does not surprise me in the slightest.  I must say, that I am however, some what relatively new to the Wicked bandwagon, despite my love for all things Wizard of Oz.  I'd only originally stumbled upon the series in late 2012, when I'd finally checked the book out of the library - and ultimately have been given most of the series as gifts from friends.  I might only be missing one of the books, I'm not certain.  

However, I do highly recommend this wonderfully rich re-creation of the Land of Oz.  

Hello Sweeties!

Sweet lord.  I never thought the last week was going to end.  I do apologize for going dark for nearly a week and change.  I'd worked an over 40 hr work week last week and my body simply could not even begin to function beyond necessities.  This, coupled with a minor anxiety attack over the fact that my first paycheck from the new owner at work was late...it was just absolute chaos.  I don't even remember if I finished reading anything last week...let alone updated anything.  

It's been crazy.  So, I'm spending some time getting up some much needed love.  I'm a little late on some reviews (if anyone is surprised by that you must be new here) and I'll be doing my darnedest to get things caught up.  I am legit almost caught up (if I can get my butt in gear and start working on things properly).  

Here are some of the things you can expect for the coming week or two! Yes, I'm going to attempt to get that much done!  Don't die of shock!  

Today

Book of the Week

Review: Prudence
Review: Since You've Been Gone

Review: Across the Universe

Monday 3/14

TBR Update

Review: A Million Suns

Review: If I Stay

Review: Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

Tuesday 3/15

Top 10 Tuesday: Book Hotties

Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Review: Mr. Penumrba's 24-Hour Bookstore

Review: The Lost Days

Wednesday 3/16

Wish List Wednesday: Leather Bound Editions

Review: Dark Times

Review: A Midsummer Night's Scream

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Thursday 3/17

Review: Dark Places

Review: Bazaar of Bad Dreams

Review: Asylum

Friday 3/18

What's On My Kindle: Birthday Gifts

Review: Red Rising

Review: Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

Review: Queen of the Tearling

Saturday 3/19

Review: Dragon's Oath
Review: Lenobia's Vow

Review: Neveret's Curse

Review: Kalona's Fall

Sunday 3/20

Book of the Week

Review: Destined

Review: Hidden

Review: I'll Give You the Sun

Starting with the review of I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, that will begin books that I've read in 2016, and have me fully caught up from last years books aside from books that I'd been given for review.  See, I'm getting there!  However, I think I have a few more books to add to the list.  Also, one of these reviews, I think probably one of the ones on Monday or Tuesday will be my 100th review! 

So, without further adieu...time for me to get things rolling!  

What's On My Kindle? Library Books

((Note: I didn't mean to publish this one today, but it's here... <3))

WOOHOOO!  Friday!  We made it!  That means it's time for another edition of What's On My Kindle?  I love sharing things that I have no my kindle, and hopefully inspiring you to check out some of the things I've still got to read, or have read.  Maybe some of these books are sitting on your kindle, nook, kobo or whatever e-reader you happen to use!  

This week, we are checking out what library books I've got sitting on my kindle.  I love that my local library is part of the Overdrive program, and I can actively check out e-books and audio books that aren't usually readily available in print copies at my library.  Though, there are times when there are print copies available but not the digital copies...however, y'all know that I will read it no matter what format it is in! 

Anyway, I've had pretty much all but two of my digital holds come in this week and I've got about three weeks (21 days) from when they come in to read them (though if I'm not quite done in the 21 day period I won't sync my kindle just yet).  

Without further adieu, here are the library books I currently have sitting on my Kindle....two I've finished reading and just haven't returned yet...the other three I am getting ready to start slogging through, as well as the various other book commitments I have for the month! 

Finished reading: 

The Eye of Minds by James Dashner

This is the first book in The Mortality Doctrine series.  This series will definitely keep you entertained if you enjoyed Dashner's series The Maze Runner, because the action doesn't stop.  It is deals with a virtual reality world, however, things are going wrong.  People in the real world are dying and being trapped in the virtual world.  It is up to Michael and his friends to help the government and figure out just who this threat is and help stop him.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

This is the debut psychological thriller by Paula Hawkins.  You will never look at people's lives the same after reading this book.  I managed to read this on in a day, maybe two.  I still have absolutely no idea what to think of this book and I am glad that I will have some time to process it before I review it.  Rachel takes the same train to work every day, sees the same things every day.  However, one day she sees something shocking.  The train moves on a minute later, however that's all it took.  Rachel offers what she knows to the police and soon becomes entwined in whatever happens next - however has she done more harm than good?  This book is Hitchcockian in it's thriller status and it will definitely leave you questioning things once you've finished reading it.  I do recommend it.

To Be Read: 

Messenger by Lois Lowry

This is the third book in the Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry.  This whole series is interesting, and I'm not entirely sure what to expect when I ultimately start reading this one.  Well, I know I will expect an interesting story, as well as well written characters.  Beyond that, it will be interesting to see how things are continuing to build, the oddities that are starting to actually impact Village, a once Utopian community that prided itself on welcoming new strangers.  Village will soon be closed to outsiders, Matty, a young boy who can traverse through Forest must deliver the message to the Seer's daughter, and convince her to return with him.  Though, Forest is now dangerous to Matty as well...which will no doubt make things all the more interesting for Matty on his quest. 

City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg

This book will officially take the cake as the longest book I've read this year so far.  That honor, until this hold had come through, went to The Crimson Petal and the White which is 901 pages.  The Kindle e-book version of City on Fire is a massive 944 pages, and chances are this one will take me quite a bit to read as I know a couple of people who have read it thus far and it took a bit to get through.  Apparently this manuscript was purchased for $2 million dollars...such a risk taken by the publisher.  However, from what I've heard it is well worth the purchase price.  This is the debut novel by Hallberg, whose real middle name is Risk.  The book is set in 1976 New York City.  We meet Regan and William Hamilton-Sweeney - estranged heirs to one of the city's great fortunes.  Keith and Mercer, the men who love them.  Charlie and Samantha teenagers seduced by downtown's punk scene...and many more in this cast of characters.  We will ultimately see how things go when I delve into this word that Hallberg has created. 

The Shadows by J.R. Ward

Book number thirteen in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  I have a feeling this one will have me reaching for the tissues, much like I had in the books prior to this.  I seriously am in love with this series, and each and every one of the characters within it.  The fact that this story is about two of my absolute favorite characters Trez and iAm, brothers...shadows.  Their story is a complicated one.  One I love more, I think than any other pairing in this series.  The brothers are linked, relying on each other.  Ultimately it will come upon iAm's shoulders - will he, in the name of brotherly love make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that Trez doesn't loose his soul forever.  Even writing this, reading the description of this story it makes my heart ache for these two men fictional as they are. 

So, these are the books I currently have on my Kindle.  Two of them, as you saw already done, three have yet to be tapped into.  Trust me, I'll be letting you know what I think about all of them at some point in the fairly near future. 

Review: Soulless

Title: Soulless
Author: Gail Carriger
Format: Paperback
Pages: 373
Date(s) Read: July 29-30, 2015 (re-read date)
Rating: 4

Summary: 

Alexia Tarabotti has no soul.  She is a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead.  She was rudely attacked by a vampire - standards of social etiquette broken! Things apparently go from bad to worse for Miss Tarabotti, especially when it is she who accidentally kills the vampire.  Lord Maccon is soon sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.   London's high society is a mess, and many people believe that Alexia is to blame.  Can she figure out what is going on? 

Review: 

This one had definitely required a re-read because honestly I hadn't remembered much of it when I'd first read it.  This series is absolutely fantastic!  Seriously!  I have always been a fan of anything Steampunk and this book heartily delivers, as does most of anything that Gail Carriger writes.   Yes, I've read more, and there will be more books of her reviewed here...because well...STEAMPUNK. 

It is refreshing to read a story with dark fantasy creatures (werewolves, vampires, ghosts) are living among humans knowingly.  1800 Victorian London is such a place where this could happen.  This series has very much a Jane Austin meets Supernatural feel to it with the propriety and social standards that are of course rigorously upheld even by the creatures that walk among the human population. 

Miss Alexia Tarabotti is quite the sassy, independent, strong-minded woman and her soullessness does not even dim her brightness.  She will be a source of laughter and delight throughout the entire story.  Lord Maccon - the loud, messy, gorgeous werewolf - sent by Queen Victoria to investigate a murder committed by one Miss Alexia Tarabotti.  The pair of them together adds a level to the story that makes it all the more enjoyable.  

I absolutely love the back and forth between them, and the constant sense of everything that is going on. Gail Carriger has a knack it seems for throwing you right into the middle of the action in Victorian London, and the language only enhanced it and I absolutely loved each and every page and I will be reading the remainder of this series, as well as the subsequent series set in the same world.  

Review: Assassin's Lament

Title: Assassin's Lament
Author: Michael Carins
Format: Ebook
Pages: 329
Date(s) Read: March 2-3,2016
Rating: 3.5

Summary: 

Aryan was born to a whore. He always wished something would change, something would happen.  Well, Night of Blood came, and well...Aryan got his wish.  Now, Aryan searches for a myth that no one believes in any longer.  Wildlands controlled by walkers, and only fools leave the wall's safety. It takes a fool to see what others are too afraid of.  It takes an assassin to do what others can't...or won't. 

Review: 

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you for the opportunity to review your work Mr. Carins. 

This is a coming of age story, mingled with romance, tragedy and quite a bit of action. We've got a healthy chunk of swords, zombies, kingdoms, assassins, blood, war....and perhaps an unhealthy dose of guilt.  However, it is, in my opinion worth the read. 

The plot is an interesting one, and I enjoyed following Aryan and his friends throughout their journey and discovery.  It is engaging and I am looking forward to reading more of this trilogy to be honest, because I want to know what happens!  Seriously...like, I am attached to these characters and desperately want to know what happens.  This is what my book OCD and series commitments do to me. 

There are a few negatives, and the book perhaps could benefit from a bit more rigorous editing.  However, this does not ultimately detract from the story that is presented to the reader.  The use of 'walkers' did kind of throw me for a bit, and that is probably because I am a fan of The Walking Dead.  However, it was that tie, that I was able to kind of figure out that the walkers outside the wall were indeed undead.  I am not as proprietary of that word as some people might be, because it is a fitting word for what zombies are...walkers.  

There are moments that almost can make you feel that you are in a high fantasy version of an episode of The Walking Dead, however I have a feeling this only enhances the story and to be honest I doubt I will look at another episode of The Walking Dead without turning it into some sort of high fantasy adventure.  This cross-over imagery makes me happy and does fun things to my imagination.  So, this was definitely a plus for this particular story.  

Overly British.  This does not displease me, as I know it might displease some.  I absolutely adore all things British for the most part.  Downton Abbey is by far one of my favorite series, and you honestly can't get more British than that...well you probably can, but you get my point.  I like that this particular high fantasy story tends to shy away from the more neutralized English used in most, it adds a more unique aspect to the story and makes it, at least for me more enjoyable.  

The scenes involving the guild are some of my favorites, and the healthy doses of humor mixed in are definitely awesome.  The action scenes are well written.  However, consider yourself warned....CLIFFHANGER.  So, you can wait for the rest of the series, or you could join my suffering in waiting for the next book. 

Review: Fangirl

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Format: Hardback
Pages: 433
Date(s) Read: July 27-29, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 

Cath and Wren are Simon Snow fans...though for Cath, being a Simon Snow fan is LIFE.  They've now gone off to college, Wren has outgrown the fandom.  Wren doesn't want to be roommates, her fiction professor things fanfiction is the worst thing, and she's worried about her dad. With all the issues Cath faces, it comes down to the questions of can she do this? Can she make it on her own? Is she actually ready to start living her life without her sister holding her hand? 

Review: 

This is a cute, emotional, coming of age story.  This was the second book I'd ever read by Rainbow Rowell, and the first YA I'd read of hers.  I was not at all disappointed.  Seriously.  There was very little about this story that disappointed me, if anything.  Well, the one thing....I wanna know how the Simon and Baz story that Cath is writing ENDS!  That's about the only complaint I have! 

I had heard a WHOLE LOT about this book.  The hype was something that I'd listened to, read the reviews of people who had read it.  They ran the gambit from loved it to hated it to somewhere in between.  So, much like I do with any movie that I see that has reviews on either side of the spectrum, but very  little that resided in between: I waited.  I waited patiently, and ultimately grabbed the book from the library. I settled down, not entirely knowing exactly how I would react to such a story.  

I think part of me really, really liked Cath, because I knew a girl like her (well, minus Cath's level of social anxiety) when I was in college.  She was actually one of my best friends and she drew and wrote Final Fantasy VII fanfics, comics, and the like.  They of course weren't the only thing she drew/write, but I know for a fact that the Final Fantasy series to her is like Simon Snow is to Cath.  So I could relate to Cath a bit, and to be honest I've always been the dorky, geeky awkward girl with the social anxiety and things like that...I mean yes, I have my fandoms but I do not live, eat and breath them...unless you count Nightmare Before Christmas...then all bets are off. 

The mix of humor and heart in this story is pretty much perfect, and I was happy to finally get a chance to read one of her YA novels.  I think I will be spending a bit more time with some of her books as I can get my hands on them.  I mean, seriously?  Even her adult novels can get me right in the feels. 

I highly recommend checking her out and getting to know all about the characters she creates. 

Review: Landline

Title: Landline
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Format: Hardback
Pages: 310
Date(s) Read: July 5-8, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 

Georige McCool knows her marriage is in trouble.  Has been for some time.  Neal still loves Georgie, Georgie still loves Neal.  2 days before they are supposed to leave for a family trip to visit Neal's parents in Omaha, Georgie backs out because of something going on with the show she writes for (she's a TV writer).  She doesn't expect Neal to take the kids and go without her, but he does.  Georgie finds a way to communicate with Neal from the past...should their marriage never have happened? 

Review: 

Okay.  This was my first Rainbow Rowell book.  I was not in any way, shape or form disappointed with what I was presented with.  As I'd never read anything by her before, I wasn't entirely certain what to expect, however I can say that I will definitely be reading more and more of this author to come.  

I probably could have finished this book in a day, if I hadn't had to put it down and actually do adulty type things like work, cook dinner, and things like that.  Yeah, I probably would have even sacrificed sleep to get it done in a day (which probably wouldn't have been the best idea I'd ever had...).  

I was lost to the writing of this book within the first twenty-five to thirty pages and the story that was created was one that made it easy to follow and the voice of the story was one that made it seem all the more.  This is a book that will make you cry.  There is no way around that, you will end up teary-eyed in some parts of this story.  

I would definitely recommend this book as a starter for reading Rowell, especially if you aren't into YA as much as others.  Since this one is decidedly not a YA novel. 

Wish List Wednesday: Released this week

The words on the image above could not be any truer when it comes to me.  I am always reading, always carrying a book with me.  There are always new books coming out that I want to have in either physical or digital copy.  Eventually I will get the books through the library or I will use coveted gift cards for birthdays and holidays to get the books that I desire.  Here are a few new release books that are on my wish list...

COVER.  LOOK AT THAT COVER.  SO PRETTY!  This book by Melissa Marr is newly released on 3/1, and I WILL OWN IT just because the cover is so very pretty.  

AGAIN WITH THE PRETTY COVERS! Yes, they all have pretty covers.  This one is pretty on a mysterious kinda level, and that's why I like it.  The story even sounds really really good.  The setting from Narnia meets the action of Alice in Wonderland so we shall see if the cover isn't the only pretty thing about this story.  Newly released on 3/1

Okay, another pretty cover and a story that chances are will have me running for my tissues.  However, I think for the moment I will just stare at the pretty cover of this book.  Newly released on 3/1. 

What books are on your wish list that came out this week? 

Review: These Broken Stars

Title: These Broken Stars
Author: Amie Kaufman
Format: Hardback
Pages: 374
Date(s) Read: Oct 28-Nov 4, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 

This is the first book in the Starbound trilogy, in which a luxury spaceliner, the Icarus, suddenly plummets from hyperspace into the nearest planet.  Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen are the only survivors.  Rich girl.  Poor boy.  They search for help.  However, there is a much bigger truth that they find. 

Review: 

It is Sci-Fi meets elements of the Titanic.  You've the haughty heiress and the lower class handsome lad....and eventually they fall in love.  Yeah, it happens.  No spoiler there.  However, this book is quite unique and creative.  A lot of the plot twists I didn't really see coming, but if I looked harder I -might- have.  Either way, it is a vastly enjoyable read and I will eventually be checking out the rest of this trilogy. 

This was my first work by Kaufman, and I am not at all disappointed.  Kaufman's writing is encompassing and it draws you into the world she has created - from life on the ship in hyperspace, to the moments when Lilac and Tarver are travelling through the eerie desert in search of help.  

The planet that Lilac and Tarver end up landing on when the Icarus comes to rest is kinda creepy and confusing at times.  However, definitely an interesting thing.  There are are a few spots where the story seems to drag a bit, but they are few and far between and I did greatly enjoy the development between Lilac and Tarver as they struggle to find food and shelter in a place they know absolutely nothing about. 

I'm not sure how much more I can say about this book, other than the fact that I truly enjoyed it and will be looking for the rest of this trilogy to find out exactly what happens! 

Review: Bittersweet

Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarah Ockler
Format: Hardback
Pages: 378
Date(s) Read:  July 24, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 

Hudson, at one point in her life, knew exactly what her future looked like.  However, Hudson doesn't believe in second chances.  She bakes cupcakes, stays under the radar.  Then there is mixed signals guy who begins giving Hudson hope.  Eventually she has to make a decision on if it is worth going after what she wants and risking getting burned again. 

Review: 

Okay, fair warning, this book will speak to your sweettooth with the cute cupcake recipes at the top of each chapter.  I really liked some of them, never actually made it a point to write them down (though I really, really should have!) 

This book is cute.  However, it is so much more than a cute story.  There is cute story of course.  There is also Hudson realizing things about her family, her future and ultimately herself.  There were times when Hudson annoyed the crap out of me, but then again I did realize that this is her story and she's developing further and realizing stuff...but there were times when she seriously rubbed me the wrong way with some of the stupid things she did at the beginning of the book. 

Despite Hudson occasionally driving me crazy, the rest of the cast of characters definitely helped make the book more enjoyable and ensured that it was a very good read.  I enjoyed it, and it really makes me wish I had the skills (or more so the supplies and the room) to bake a lot more than I do!   

Consider yourself warned, you will leave this book with some SERIOUS cupcake cravings! 

Review: Moment of Impact

Title: Moment of Impact
Author: Rene D. Schultz
Format: Ebook (Kindle)
Pages: 248
Date(s) Read: Feb 23, 2016
Rating: 4

Summary: 
Seven people on a train to Los Angeles.  Each holds their own story.  However, a moment of impact...a train crash will forever change their lives and alter their stories.  

Review: 

I was generously given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY FEELS!  Just saying.  Rarely will I sit through a book that makes me cry this much and finish it in one sitting.  I think the last one I did that with was John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and this one made me cry just as much.  Seriously. 

This story involves seven people.  Their lives forever changed by a singular moment of impact:  a train crash.  Some live to continue their story.  Some find the ending of their story.  No one knows what will come.  Seven people who chose to step on that train.  Seven people who will have their lives changed beyond any hope of repair.  Not all the changes are for the better. 

The characters in this book are intense and crafted so beautifully that you are thrown into their world.  Suffer with them.  Find yourself as helpless as they are in that moment of impact.  It is almost as if you are standing there watching the events unfold right in front of you.  

You can find the heart and soul that Rene pours into each and every one of her works in this book.  I would highly recommend checking out other books by this author, though I would make certain that you have plenty of tissues available because the roller coaster ride of emotions in her books will ensure that you need them.  

Thank you Rene for allowing me a chance to read this book and offer an honest review.  

Top Ten Tuesday: Trilogies

Holy crap! It's MARCH! Where has 2016 gone?! Three months in already!  Holy moley! 

As the first is ALSO a Tuesday, you know what that means!  It is time for another Top Ten Tuesday!!!!! This week, I'm celebrating my favorite top ten trilogies! 

These series have only three books in them, will only have 3 books in them. Three has become the magic number for these awesome series! 

Without further adieu, let's get to the main attraction! 

Top Ten Trios

10. The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

9. The Razorland Trilogy by Anne Aguirre

8. Black City Chronicles by Elizabeth Richards

7. Legend by Marie Lu

 

6. All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

 

5. Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

 

4. Bill Hodges Trilogy by Stephen King

3. The Night Trilogy Elie Wiesel

2. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Did your favorite trilogy make the list?  If not, let me know what it is!  I've read lots of trilogies, these are just by far my favorites and ones that I repeatedly return to re-read.  

Review: Unravel Me

Title: Unravel Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Format: Hardback
Pages: 461
Date(s) Read: July 25-27, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 
Juliette has escaped Omega Point, which is at the same time a place for people like her.  People with gifts, and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.  She can be free to love Adam...but she will never, ever be free of her lethal touch...or Warner who wants her more than she ever thought possible. 

Review:

Okay, I still love this series.  Even though Mafi's particular writing style does take some getting used to, however, that does not mean that it detracts from the actual story.  There is a beautiful flow to the story, and the world building is wonderful.  The emotional ties between her characters are something that are tangible and gut-wrenching when things do not ultimately work out the way we hope they do. 

This particular story will, be like the first, and the twists and turns will keep you completely enthralled from beginning to end.  Things will definitely not turn out as you hope, and Warner will break your heart just a little bit.  That will be the extent of the spoilers I share with you about this particular book.  I am greatly looking forward to getting my greedy little hands. I just have to wait for it to be available for either kindle or physical copy from the library! 

Yes, I know this review is kinda short.  However, it's about as much that I want to give for it because to give away much more will require many more spoilers that I don't intend on giving! 

February in Review

I seriously cannot believe that February is over!  What happened to this month?  Really? Though, at the same time, I am very glad that this month has come to a close.  It was quite stressful for me work wise, and that translated into things that were done here on the blog.  Simply because I lacked the motivation and the focus to properly give you all the wonderful content that you have come to know and expect from me.  I'm really hoping that the coming months will be much less stressful now that things at work are settling. 

Here are the things that did happen around the Confessional this month! 

Things I Read: 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before - Jenny Han

Strings - David Estes

Saga, vol. 1 - Brian K. Vaughan

Saga, vol. 2 - Brian K. Vaughan

Saga, vol. 3 - Brian K. Vaughan

Saint Anything - Sarah Dessen

Another Day - David Levithan

For Darkness Shows the Stars - Diana Peterfreund

Immanuel's Veins - Ted Dekker

Legacy of Kings - Eleanor Herman

Dumplin' - Julie Murphy

Moment of Impact - Rene D. Schultz

The Bourbon Kings - J.R. Ward

The Eye of Minds - James Dashner

The Bone Season - Samantha Shannon

Things I've Reviewed:

Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi

Strings - David Estes

Books of the Week:

Feb 21-Feb 27: Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls

Feb 28-Mar 5: The Martian

What's on My Kindle:

Unsorted Part 2

Fun Things

Strings Release Day

Top 10 Tuesday: Guilty Pleasures

Wish List Wednesday: Released This Week

And that is what happened this month here at the Confessional!  I'm looking forward to what March has coming!