Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #1


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

This week, I am anticipating Soundless by Richelle Mead.
Synopsis:
From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore.

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever... 
(Synopsis from Goodreads.)

 Why I'm waiting on this:
I read the Vampire Academy, and the Bloodlines series, both by Richelle Mead. I am absolutely obsessed with both of them. Since reading those, Richelle has become one of my favorite authors. I also love books about Chinese folklore.

 That's what I can't wait for this Wednesday. Are you also looking forward to this? What are you eagerly anticipating? Please leave a comment and let me know.
Posted by at 5 comments:

How to Kill Yourself by C.V. Hunt


Synopsis:
DISCLAIMER: This is not a how to guide. The author is no way responsible for your actions after reading.

Earth, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. There is only one way to move from any of these worlds to the next…
(Synopsis from Goodreads.)

 My Thoughts:
This might sound morbid, but as soon as I saw the cover, and heard the title of "How to Kill Yourself", I knew that I had to pick it up. I didn't even have to read the synopsis. The bright colors on the cover, and the girl with bright pink hair contrasted with the book title, and had me curious. I'm glad that the author was awesome enough to send me a review copy. With college unexpectedly happening, it took me longer than I would have liked to review this. I wish I would have gotten to it sooner. I really enjoyed it.

 How to Kill Yourself was unlike anything I expected. The story line was morbid, and messed up, but the best way possible. I know it gets said a lot in reviews on blogs, but this story was unlike anything I have ever read before.When I say that, I definitely mean it. It was fascinating how the author created such an original story. I don't want to say much about the plot because I don't want to spoil it since it's such a short book. Holy crap though, the things that the author invents were fascinating. After the first chapter, I was a little confused about what was going on, but after the first couple pages, I understood. Also, the final battle at the end was exceptionally kick-ass. 

 C.V. Hunt was a new author to me before I read How to Kill Yourself. After reading the book, I will definitely be reading more of this author's work in the future. This book was a stand alone, but I hope they continue to write more books. I can't wait to see what kind of amazing things this author comes up with in the future. I recommend this book to anyone who like bizarro fiction, or morbid books. 
I give How to Kill Yourself: 4/5.

 Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.authorcvhunt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verlorenfagan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CVHunt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/scarycarrie1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/scarycarrie1/?ref=badge
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4667751.C_V_Hunt

 I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, April 27, 2015

DNF Review: The Zarder by Sara Jo Easton


Synopsis:
For ten years, the dragon-like Onizards who dwelled in the Day Kingdom had been ruled by a tyrant who called herself the Fire Queen. Not even the Queen's son, Delbralfi, was completely safe from her scorn and wrath. For a powerless non-nature like Teltrena or a human slave like Jena, life was spent hoping for a better future while fearing for one's life. Then, through a series of most unlikely circumstances, Jena found her mind telepathically Bonded to an Onizard hatchling named Senraeno. The only way to survive the Fire Queen's wrath was to fake their deaths and hide in the forgotten Night Kingdom. With the unexpected help of a few new friends, the Bonds are safe for a while, but their real deaths await them if the Fire Queen discovers that Jena and Senraeno are both alive and Bonded. Now, Jena must learn to fight for herself, and she must help the Onizards see that the love and courage in their hearts is more powerful than the Fire Queen's hatred.
(Synopsis from Goodreads.)

 My Thoughts:
When I first heard about The Zarder, I had such high hopes for the book. It sounded like a cute, interesting, fun middle grade novel. The premise of Onizards sounded a little bit like a cooler version of dragons, which are one of my favorite creatures. Unfortunately, the book let me down. I got about ninety pages into it, and wasn't able to finish the book. I tried reading it for almost three weeks, and had to eventually give up.

 The Zarder was incredibly confusing. All of the names of the characters were so similar. There were a few characters that only had a couple letter defriation in their names. It made it hard to keep track of who was who. The whole concept of Onizards and bonding sounded interesting, in theory. However, the way in which it was delivered through the author's writing, made it really confusing. It was never fully explained a clear, concise way. It made the book a struggle to get through, and was one of the major reasons why I could not finish the book.

 I really wanted to like The Zarder. I tried and tried to push myself to finish the book in hopes it would get better. Unfortunately, I never was able to finish the book, and had to give up. It was just putting me in the beginning of a reading slump. The concept of the plot was really interesting, but the way it was delivered left something to be desired.


 I give The Zarder: 1/5.

 Want to know more about the author?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraJoEaston
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaraJoEaston
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5317538.Sara_Jo_Easton

 I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Currently Reading #2

Currently Reading is a weekly feature that I do every Sunday on this blog. In that feature, I highlight what I'm currently reading. I give a brief synopsis, and state what I think of it so far. All of the covers will link to Goodreads.

#1 Half Bad by Sally Green
Synopsis:
Wanted by no one.
Hunted by everyone.

Sixteen-year-old Nathan lives in a cage: beaten, shackled, trained to kill. In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most terrifying and violent witch, Marcus. Nathan's only hope for survival is to escape his captors, track down Marcus, and receive the three gifts that will bring him into his own magical powers—before it's too late. But how can Nathan find his father when there is no one safe to trust, not even family, not even the girl he loves?

Half Bad is an international sensation and the start of a brilliant trilogy: a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive.

 My Thoughts So Far:
I've only read the first page of this, so I can't really decide what I think of it yet. I do like the writing style so far though.
#2 Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch
Synopsis:
Who are the Rat Queens? 

A pack of booze-guzzling, death-dealing battle maidens-for-hire, and they're in the business of killing all god's creatures for profit. 

It's also a darkly comedic sass-and-sorcery series starring Hannah the Rockabilly Elven Mage, Violet the Hipster Dwarven Fighter, Dee the Atheist Human Cleric and Betty the Hippy Smidgen Thief. This modern spin on an old school genre is a violent monster-killing epic that is like Buffy meets Tank Girl in a Lord of the Rings world on crack! 

My Thoughts So Far:
Once again. I've only read a few pages of this, but I am greatly enjoying it. I love the snarky humor and the innuendos.

#3 The Storm Dragon's Heart by David Alastair Hayden
Synopsis:
STORM PHASE
A teenage wizard burdened with a mysterious destiny, a cat-girl ninja he can't help but fall for, and a bat-winged daemon that doubles as a diary embark on a journey of self-discovery in a world teeming with monsters and magic. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Avatar: the Last Airbender, this enchanting Asian-inspired fantasy series delivers fast-paced adventure for readers young and old.

Book 1: THE STORM DRAGON'S HEART

Turesobei dreams of adventure and a chance to prove he's no longer a child. Wizards should be careful what they wish for.

Destined to become his clan's next and perhaps greatest ever high wizard, Turesobei feels smothered under everyone's expectations. And he's fed up with people treating him like he's still a child, especially his grandfather, the current high wizard. After foiling an assassination attempt on his treasure-hunting dad, his grandfather sends Turesobei on his father's expedition to find a powerful artifact known as the Storm Dragon's Heart. He's supposed to blow off some steam and get a dose of real world experience. 

But disaster strikes, and their quest becomes a race for survival.

Aided by a sassy ninja cat-girl and a mysterious diary that transforms into a bat-winged familiar, Turesobei battles sinister cultists, vengeful spirits, and a mad wizard from a rival clan who's determined to use the artifact to destroy Turesobei's homeland. 

To fail is to lose everyone he loves, but success carries a terrible price.

My Thoughts So Far: 
I actually haven't had a chance to even pick this one up yet, but it's on my review goal for this week, so I figured I would add it here. It's short, so it should be a quick read. It has a lot of fantasy elements, so it looks like something I will love.

That's what I'll be reading this week. Have you read any of these? If so, please let me know what you thought of them. If any of these look interesting to you, please let me know which ones. I would also love to know what you are currently reading, and what you are planning on reading this week.
Posted by at 4 comments:

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Stacking the Shelves #2

Stacking the Shelves is a feature hosted by Tynga's Reviews. In Stacking the Shelves, you post pictures of all of the books that you have acquired this week, and talk about them.

For Review:
I also received the following ebooks for review:
Once again, thank you so much to all of these authors and publishers for sending me review copies. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. I will read the books and get reviews posted ASAP.

Bought:
  • The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen (Bought at Goodwill. I was good and only bought one book this week. When I saw this at Goodwill, I couldn't resist picking it up.)
Free:
Library:
  • Grief Girl by Erin Vincent (This was on the YA Recommendations self, so I decided to try it.)
  • After by Anna Todd (Aprilius Maximus on booktube rants and raves about how much she loves this series, so I decided to give it a go.)
  • Soulstice by Simon Holt (I read the first book last year, and thought it was okay. I decided to pick up the second from the library because I usually try to finish series/trilogies.)
Won/Gifted
Whew, that is it for my book haul this week. I intended to get less books this week, but you see how well that worked out. Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think? Are you looking forward to reading any of these? If so, please let me know which ones. Also, if you would like me to review any of the non-review books, please let me know. I would also love to see what books you received this week. I hope everyone had a good week, and has a great week to come.
Posted by at 10 comments:

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Day 21 by Kass Morgan


Synopsis:
No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.
It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries...or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.
In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can -- together.
(Synopsis from Goodreads.)

 My Thoughts:
I read The 100 by Kass Morgan a couple of weeks ago after I had heard all the buzz surrounding the television show. I really enjoyed it. After the crazy cliffhanger ending of The 100, I knew that I needed to read Day 21 as soon as possible. Even though I enjoyed Day 21 quite a bit, I didn't like it as much as The 100.

 Day 21 seemed like it was a bit slower paced than the first book. I think that's because the first book  had all the world building, and anticipation of what would happen after a certain point (trying to be vague so I don't spoil anything). In this book, it seemed like not much happened for the first 50-100 pages. Once things started taking off though, holy crap! All of the different plot twists and information that we learn in this book... all I can say is wow! There were several things revealed towards the last few chapters of the book that were absolutely crazy. They came out of nowhere. I have the third book in the series, Homecoming, coming in from the library as soon as possible. I can't wait to read it and find out how the series ends.


 I give Day 21: 4/5.

 Want to know more about the author?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kassmorganbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6922454.Kass_Morgan

 I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott


Synopsis:
Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?
(Synopsis from Goodreads.)

 My Thoughts:
This year, I am working on decreasing my NetGalley/Edelweiss review pile. I've been hearing a lot of great things about Fire and Flood all over Booktube. When a booktuber (I don't remember which one. When I find out, I will edit the post and give said booktuber credit. If anyone knows which booktuber said this, please let me know) said that Fire and Flood reminded her of The Hunger Games with Pokemon, it peaked my interest. I had this book for a while, and I am so sad that I didn't read it sooner. I loved it, other than the main character.

 Tella, the main character of Fire and Flood, drove me absolutely crazy. She was whiny, immature, vain, and only thought of herself. This lessened as the book went on, but it was still a prominent feature of her personality. She would be in the middle of the race, trying to win to get a cure for her brother, and be complaining about how she looks. She even goes so far as to stop on the way to the train station, which she only has one hour to get to, and pulls over to fix her makeup. Drove me crazy! Also, you can tell that she loved her Pandora. However, in some situations, she did not treat her Pandora as well as I thought she should. She looked out for herself first, and her Pandora second. In the jungle, she was being chased, and instead of picking up her Pandora and running, which would have made perfect sense, she runs, and leaves the Pandora behind. Her self centeredness in situations like that pissed me off. I hope she does some serious growing up in book two.

 I did love the Pokemon-like aspect of Fire and Flood. It reminded me a lot of watching Pokemon when I was a kid. It brought back a lot of nostalgia and made me really happy. I don't want to spoil anything, but the things that some of the Pandoras can do... holy crap! It's so cool. I also really enjoyed all of the secondary characters. I liked most of their personalities, and they made up for Tella being the way she was. Just when I would count out one of the secondary characters, they would prove that they were worthy enough to be in the race.

 I'm so excited to read the second book, Salt and Stone. I can't wait to see what happens in the final part of the race, especially after Guy's revelation at the end of the first book. I recommend Fire and Flood to anyone who likes a fast paced, edge of your seat adventure. I also recommend it for fans of Pokemon and The Hunger Games.
I give Fire and Flood: 3.5/5.

 Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.victoriascottya.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictoriaScott
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaScottYA
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VictoriaScottYA?feature=mhee
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3251728.Victoria_Scott

 I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)