February in Review | 2017


   
   

Gotham Academy Vol 3: Yearbook {3 out of 5 Stars}
Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan {3 out of 5 Stars}
Wenjack by Joseph Boyden {5 out of 5 Stars}
Windwitch by Susan Dennard {4 out of 5 Stars}
Lumberjanes Vol 3: A Terrible Plan {5 out of 5 Stars}
Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson {4 out of 5 Stars}
Chew Vol 6: Space Cakes {4 out of 5 Stars}
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys {4 out of 5 Stars}

Best of the Month: Wenjack by Joseph Boyden
Least Favourite of the Month: Yearbook Vol 3: Yearbook
General Thoughts: I got another 8 books read this month! That's fantastic and I hope to keep this up as much as I can. I enjoyed everything I read this month and am still proud of myself. I am in the middle of 3 other books still, but aren't we all? Next month I do have lots of assignments to do for the end of the semester so we shall see how much reading I get done.

  


2017 Library Love Challenge
5) Gotham Academy Vol 3: Yearbook
6) The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
7) Wenjack by Jospeh Boyden
8) Windwitch by Susan Dennard
9) Lumberjanes Vol 3: A Terrible Plan
10) Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
11) Chew Vol 6: Space Cakes
12) Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

All the books I read this month were from the library, oops

Beat The Backlist
2) Secondhand Souls by Christopher Moore  
(missed this one from last month) 

2017 New Release Challenge
1) Windwitch by Susan Dennard



Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 10/2/2012 by Disney-Hyperion
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #3
Pages: 586
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodread Summary:
In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?
The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land--Greece itself--to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery...

With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvellous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

My Thoughts
I have been working on finishing this series and it's been fun so far.  However, this series hasn't blown me away but I reach for it because it's always a super fun adventure that I know I will like it. All of the characters are different and diverse. I feel they are growing through every book and it was awesome to finally have everybody together in this book.

I always want to rate these books higher than I do but for some reason I just can't. They are like a person you really want to fall in love with but just find those feelings. I don't know why I don't love them as much as I want to. Don't get me wrong I have fun when I read them but I just can't make myself fall in love with them. I am still going to finish it because I enjoy the characters and the adventures. I also want to know how this series ends before I continue with Magnus Chase.

If you love Percy Jackson and Rick Riordan's books you'll love this one too. The characters are relatable and the story is always non-stop. I am curious about how this series is going to end and I hope the next two books excite me more than the first 3 have.

Review: Secondhand Souls by Christopher Moore

Genre: Paranormal, Humour
Publication: 09/25/2015 by William Marrow
Series: Grim Reaper #2
Pages: 335 Pages
Format: Hardback
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary
In San Francisco, the souls of the dead are mysteriously disappearing—and you know that can't be good—in New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore's delightfully funny sequel to A Dirty Job.

Something really strange is happening in the City by the Bay. People are dying, but their souls are not being collected. Someone—or something—is stealing them and no one knows where they are going, or why, but it has something to do with that big orange bridge. Death Merchant Charlie Asher is just as flummoxed as everyone else. He's trapped in the body of a fourteen-inch-tall "meat" waiting for his Buddhist nun girlfriend, Audrey, to find him a suitable new body to play host.


To get to the bottom of this abomination, a motley crew of heroes will band together: the seven-foot-tall death merchant Minty Fresh; retired policeman turned bookseller Alphonse Rivera; the Emperor of San Francisco and his dogs, Bummer and Lazarus; and Lily, the former Goth girl. Now if only they can get little Sophie to stop babbling about the coming battle for the very soul of humankind...

My Thoughts
I have been a fan of Christopher Moore for quite a few years now, so naturally when the sequel of one of my favourite books ever comes out I had to have it. Then somehow a year and a half went by, before I picked it up. I was super excited to go back into the lives of Sophie, Charlie and the other Death Merchants. The characters are the reason I feel in love with A Dirty Job, so naturally they were also the best part of Secondhand Souls.

However, I didn't love it as much A Dirty Job. I missed some of the magic from learning about who the Death Merchants are and falling in love with the characters for the first time. There also wasn't enough Sophie and her goggies. She may only be 7 years old, but I still love her the most. I also thought that the story wrapped up really quickly, and I wish some more time was spent flushing out the ending.

All-in-all, I really enjoyed myself. Sequels can be hard when the first book is one of your all time favourite books. I think if you are a Christopher Moore fan and you liked A Dirty Job, you'll also enjoy this one. I may have had some criticism but I loved getting to be back with some of my favourite characters. 2-thumbs up for Secondhand Souls.




What Am I Watching? | Netflix Edition #2

I love television and like many of us, when I am not reading I am watching something on TV. I feel like I am between shows right now so I am looking for the next show to watch. If you have any suggestions let me know.

1) American Crime
This is an interesting show. I am currently part way through season 2 in this series. Every season follows a different storyline and it's about how people are affected by crime and the legal system. I really like how each season is different but a lot of the same actors are in both seasons playing very different people. I like being able to see all sides of the story, it's a series that makes you think.

2) Riverdale
I still don't know how I feel about this series but I do plan to keep watching it. It's a very guilty pleasure kind of show, that kind you know isn't very good but you can't help but keep watching. I am still thrown off by Archie in a mystery/thriller setting, but I am intrigued to see what happens. As long as it doesn't become Pretty Little Liars, I will keep watching.

3) House
 I am doing a kind of half-hearted re-watch of House. I think his character is fantastic and always intrigued me. I saw most of the series back when it aired. I really only watch an episode or 2 when I don't feel like watching anything else or I need something to have on when I do something else. 

4) Breaking Bad
I am still stuck on season in the middle of season 4 and can't get myself to finish the series. I'm not even that many more episodes. I just need to buck up and do it because I know the end of this season is awesome.


I recently finished watching Gilmore Girls, and have been in a TV slump every since. I don't know what show to pick up next! Give me some suggestions of awesome shows that you love on Netflix.







Review: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publication: 11/20/2007 by HarperCollins
Series: The Luxe #1
Pages: 433 Pages
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary
Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn. Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions. White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups. This is Manhattan, 1899. Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone--from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud--threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future. With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear... In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

My Thoughts
I should probably have just unhauled this book. I knew when I started listening to it I wasn't going to enjoy it but I was on a long drive with nothing else to do so I just kept listening. It had also been on my physical TBR pile for years and I was time I took it off. I bought it when I was just starting in the community and bought every book off Book Outlet that I recognized. If I didn't have it on my shelf, I wouldn't have read it.

I will say that it was readable. It wasn't the worst thing I ever read but it was certainly cringy. If you are into guilty pleasure books that follow relationships and general drama then this book would be for you. I however wasn't a huge fan of it. Maybe a few years ago I would have enjoyed it more but now I am much more critical of what I am reading. I was confused by some of the motivations of the characters, like how did Elizabeth and Will fall in love? Why was Lina so obsessed with Will and why does she hate Elizabeth so much? I just didn't get it.

In the end, I was hoping it would be more of a guilty pleasure. What I got was less romance than I wanted and more boring plot lines. Also, you already know how the book ended after reading the prologue so what was the point? I rated it 2 stars because it was okay enjoy to make it through but I don't care about what happens in the sequels. I am at least happy to have another book off my TBR.



Top 10 Tuesday: Top 10 Favourite Romances in Books

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
Happy Valentine's Day to all! I hope you are spending it with someone you love, even if it's your dog, cat or bookshelf. I am one of those people who loves romance, especially in my books. But I am also someone who hasn't really gotten into the romance genre. I love my romance with some magic and swords (at the moment anyway). Let's talk about my favourite romances from books. 
There may be SPOILERS for romances later in series, you have been warned.

Delilah Bard & Kell Maresh
I generally love Lila as a character. Younger me would have looked up to her so much. I love that they kind of have a will they won't try relationship. I am a fan.

Blackheart & Goldenlion
We may never have been straight up told that they end up together. You can just tell how much they love each other but won't admit because Goldenlion is suppose to be a hero and Blackheart is suppose to be a villain. I loved it!

Feyre & Rhysand
Yup, I am one of those people. I secretly loved Rhysand after ACOTAR and then obviously all my dreams came true in ACOMAF. 

Lia & Rafe
This was a pretty fantastic series, and I loved Lia & Rafe. They always put themselves or/and their countries first. They had good heads on their shoulders but still loved each other. 

Vin & Eland
I have no idea why, but I just got attached to both of these characters so much! I only have read The Final Empire, so I don't know if I'll love them through the whole series. However, after this first book I am a fan.

America Singer & Prince Maxon
This is the ultimate guilty pleasure series for me and I was addicted to The Bachelor-like plot. It was like watching The Bachelor but more exciting. America and Maxon were super adorable which kept me addicted to the series.

Princess Buttercup & Westley
I always feel like I am cheating when I talk about this book because I love the movie so much that I might be impairing the way I read the book. But I don't care because it is so good I will never shut up.
As You Wish!

Mal & Molly
This entire series is amazing but Mal and Molly make it so stinking cute it hurts. I love when they protect each other during adventures. All of these characters are fantastic and I love it.

Jody & Tommy
Have you ever wanted vampires and humour in one book? This is for you. It's also a love story. Jody and Tommy just work so well together and have plenty of great banter to keep you giggling.

Iseult & Aeduan
This is cheating because I don't think these characters are even romantically together. I am half-way through Windwitch so I can't say what happens at the end but as of right now they are not. Sam from ThoughtsonTomes from Youtube has hooked me on these too and I want them to be together so bad.

Let me know what romances from books that you love or what you did for Valentine's Day. 












Short & Sweet Reviews: Graphic Novel Edition #8

Saga Volume 2
Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples

I wasn't sold on this series after the first volume but this book hooked me into the series. I had been putting it off reading this volume forever but I am really happy that I finally read it. I understand why so many people love it. It's a fantastic story line and the characters are so likeable. I am really excited to pick up the next volume in the series.

4 out of 5 Stars



Deadly Class Vol 2: Kids of the Black Hole
Rick Remender, Wes Craig

This is a dark series and this second book also hooked me onto the series. The characters are very flawed and they are at a school where they are becoming assassins. This volume ended on a chill hanger so volume 3 is sitting and waiting for me to read it. This series has a much different art style than all of the other comics I read which makes this one stand out.

4 out of 5 Stars



Gotham Academy Vol 3: Yearbook
Brenden Fletcher, Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, Rafael Albuquerque

This volume was better than the last one, thankfully. I hadn't really enjoyed Vol 2 very much so I was happy to see this series to get back on track. I love the characters in this series, which is what kept me reading. I enjoy the art style in this series. It's colourful and suits the tone of the story. I am excited to read the cross-over with Lumberjanes.

3 out of 5 Stars

Review: Misery by Stephen King

Genre: Horror
Publication: 6/3/1988 by Signet
Pages: 338 Pages
Format: eBook/Audiobook
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Goodreads Summary
Paul Sheldon. He's a bestselling novelist who has finally met his biggest fan. Her name is Annie Wilkes and she is more than a rabid reader—she is Paul's nurse, tending his shattered body after an automobile accident. But she is also his captor, keeping him prisoner in her isolated house. Now Annie wants Paul to write his greatest work—just for her. She has a lot of ways to spur him on. One is a needle. Another is an ax. And if they don't work, she can get really nasty...


My Thoughts
It took me forever to read this book. I started it on eBook and the beginning was so slow that it took me forever to even get halfway. This may have also had to do with the amount of school work I had but I also wasn't driven to pick this book up. However, I didn't want to give up so I picked up the audiobook and finished it up that way. And boy did the story ever pick up! It may have started slow but the second half became wildly disturbing.

This is a very closed story. It pretty well takes place inside one room and occasionally it'll adventure a few feet outside the room. I found that this closed situation didn't keep me super engaged. Which surprised me because I love movies that are enclosed thrillers, but for some reason that same enjoyment didn't translate to this book. I did find I enjoyed it more once I started the audiobook, but I think it's mostly just due to the fact I was getting to the parts with more thrilling elements.

I do think this was a good book. It did get pretty disturbing in the end so be wary of that. I found the disturbing aspects made the ending more engaging because I just needed to know what was going to happen to Paul and Annie. You can never tell where King is going to take a story so I had to know how this story ended. If you like Stephen King and classic horror, then check this out.

What's on My Library Hold List #2

I have been addicted to the library, as per usual. I tend to always have a long list of books I am on the wait list for at the library. Generally, every few months all of these books turn over and I am waiting for another new set. 

   

All-New All-Different Avengers Vol 1: The Magnificent Seven: I have read the first issue of this series, and I am interested in checking out the trade. I get all my comics from the library because of how expensive they are. 
Ms. Marvel Vol 5: Super Famous: I have adored the entire Ms. Marvel series and I am always excited to pick up the next volume. I feel like I have been waiting forever for this one!
Of Fire and Stars by Aubrey Coulthurst: I have heard lots of buzz about this book. I am excited about the F/F romance, especially in a fantasy story.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead: I may not get to read this book for months still.  I am sitting in position 48 so there are a lot of people still a head of me. It's award winning so everybody is excited to check it out.

  
 

Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick: I am waiting on the for this audiobook. I only read celebrity memoirs if they narrate their audiobook (you may see a pattern with all these). I think Anna Kendrick is funny so on the list.
Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham: I just finished Gilmore Girls on Netflix so I am interested enough to check out Lauren's audiobook. 
A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold: I read Columbine last year, so I think this would be an important narrative to the story. 
The Princess Diariest by Carrie Fisher: I added this book to my TBR before Carrie died, but I have pushed it up since. I am waiting in line for the audiobook, and I am excited to get some Star Wars insight and just general insights from Carrie.
Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson: I listened to Furiously Happy last year and really loved it. I related so much with Jenny that I had to listen to her first book too.


Stacking the Shelves #18

STS is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
Books seem to keep coming into my possession. I have picked up a few things over the last few weeks and I am actually excited to read them all. 

Purchased
 
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Giant Days Vol 1 by John Allison

Library
 
Windwitch by Susan Dennard
Wenjack by Joseph Boyden

 
Deadly Class Vol 3: The Snake Pit
Lumberjanes Vol 3: A Terrible Plan
Chew Vol 6: Space Cakes

Netgalley
  
Goldie Vance Vol 1 by Hope Larson
The Backstagers Issue #1 (Volume 1 Sampler)
The Leavers by Lisa Ko

I have already read The Backstagers #1 and it was absolutely amazing! I am currently checking out the rest of the single issues. I am currently reading Windwitch, which is good so far. Have you read any of these, let me know.