The Griever’s Mark by Katherine Hurley

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Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic

Pages: 333

Point of View: First Present (Astarti & Logan)

Released: November 11, 2014

Predictability: 3 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Netgalley

My Rating: 9/10 Stars

My Summary: 

Astarti was abandoned by her mother, and left with the Griever’s Mark, which is placed on those about to die or unwanted children. She was taken in by Belos, who is known by many names, the deal maker, the deceiver, the liar. He makes deals with people offering them power in exchange for them accepting his Leach, which in turn feeds his magic. When Astarti was young he Leached her and now she has no choice but to do as he says. Through the Leach he can always find her and even take over her mind and control her.

Belos and his seven are Earthmakers, another people with great powers, but after being banished by his people he’s learned the magic of humans as well, Drifting. Drifters and Earthmakers hate one another and they all fear Belos.

Astarti is sent to convince someone to make a deal with Belos when she meets a young warden Earthmaker. She knows she should kill him, but she can’t bring herself to. She hates belonging to Belos, but thinks escape is impossible. Is this young warden her enemy or could he help her somehow?

My Review:

I LOVED this book! I seriously think it could (should) be the next hugely popular young adult fantasy! Sorry I’m a little late with this review it took me a bit to get my thoughts in order. (Coherency is good in a review)

The Good:

The magic was awesome! And so unique! There are two kinds of magical people; Earthmakers and Drifters. Earthmakers have control over the elements and can travel over a distance within the life force of trees. Drifters can form weapons and energy, traveling through the drift, a web created by living creatures.

I draw my thoughts into myself and ease along my mooring, the glowing thread of energy that connects my physical body to the energy world of the Drift. Though every living thing has a mooring, and every living thing is part of the Drift, only Drifters can travel along their mooring to actually enter the Drift. Or to draw power from it.

The world building was excellent and expertly done. It starts with a medieval kingdom, but the entire world is fleshed out with different peoples and cultures. I particularly liked the floating islands of the Earthmakers.

From the first page I could tell how well written this book was and I thought Astarti had a great voice. She’s been abused, but she was still tough and proud. She’s never had anyone be truly nice to her before, but that doesn’t stop her from being a good person.

One thing Belos has taught me is that you collect information where you can and you don’t let anyone know that you know it.

Logan was also an awesome character. He had enough personality and spunk to go along with his mysterious tortured past. He’s rash and emotional and unlike most Earthmakers, but that’s what I liked about him. All of the minor characters were well done too too especially Belos and the Drifter King. (He has a long name starting with H and I can’t remember it.)

Griever’s mark has nice action scenes, from swords and spears to the magical battles. (and even a siege) I could picture the fighting perfectly and I didn’t have the desire to skim over anything.

The pacing was intense towards the end, though it’s all pretty fast paced, but I even forgot to eat I was so engrossed in the story. (and that’s saying something. Molly eats like a hobbit.)

The romance was well done, and I’m totally rooting for these two. I like them both and I really felt it. Their relationship went at just the right speed to be believable! This book made me have feelings! I swear I almost teared up!

The Bad:

It ends to be continued! Why?! I need more NOW! The next book comes out in the spring of 2015. (Which I know isn’t too long in the book world, but I can’t wait!)

Have you found any good indie authors? (Indie = not published by a company, but just the individual)

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Cipher By Aileen Erin

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Aileen Erin, author, book, book reviews, books, characters, Cipher, Cipher by Aileen Erin, fiction, Netgalley, novel, read, reader, review, romance, sci-fi, science fiction, scifi, writer, YA, young adult

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Hackers, Gamers & Modified DNA

Pages: 210

Series: Shadow Ravens 1

Point of View: First (Cipher & Knight)

Released: October 31, 2014

Predictability: 5 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Netgalley

My Rating: 7/10 Stars

Age Rating: Swearing

My Summary: 

In a world where people have scientifically altered DNA the color or your Helix tattoo reveals what you can do. White Helix, also known as the Seligo are the elite. They don’t get sick and they don’t age. Black Helix are warriors with superior strength and stamina, greens have super smarts, blues are mysterious, but have some sort of mind control abilities. Then there’s the red helix, which are said to have unstable DNA. They have out of control powers and are to be captured or killed on sight.

Cipher is a renowned hacker and gamer, but she’s also a red helix with the ability to manipulate electricity. Wanting a normal life she hacks into the most guarded mainframe to learn about the red helix. In the process she loses control of her emotions and not only zaps her computer, but causes several transformers to explode. She knows she should run again, because they’ll be coming for her, but she’s finally made a friend here.

Knight is a double helix, black and green. He’s only working with the government to get information for the Shadow Ravens, the group working against the government to free the red helix and protect them. Everything he’s done he’s done to find a girl who befriended him as a child and stood up for him, to find her and return the favor.

My Review:

I read this book in a day and stayed up past one in the morning to do so. It’s short and quick paced, if a bit predictable.

The Good:

The Dual perspective worked and I actually liked both of the main characters. (A rarity.) Their voices were different enough that I didn’t get them confused (though I didn’t put the book down much) and they each had their own special skills. It’s great when both of the main characters kick butt!

The futuristic world was awesome! I loved the technology we got to see, but being told by people who live there it wasn’t explained much.

I’ve seen female friendships discussed on several blogs recently and I’m happy to say I’ve found another book with a good friendship! Cipher has a good close female friend in Mona. (Who happily doesn’t get tossed aside when a man comes into the picture.) Mona’s not a character I’d usually like, because she really cares about how she looks (the whole clothes and makeup thing) and she’s really into flirting with guys, but she stuck by Cipher and genuinely cared.

I really liked all of the minor characters, they weren’t in the book much, but I still found myself caring about them.

The romance is one of the best and worst parts of the book. The dynamic between Cipher and Knight was great, especially when they were joking with each other. I did feel the connection between them BUT

The Bad:

Though the romance wasn’t love at first sight, it seemed really intense too quickly, (Especially from Knight’s perspective.) I could’ve done with a bit less ‘now that we’re together she’s the only one for me’ bit and had it progress more slowly. I think if it were only told from Cipher’s point of view it would’ve been better in this instance.

I didn’t like the whole tied together to control her abilities thing. (Not a spoiler, told about in the second chapter) It wasn’t explained much and I didn’t really see the point, it would’ve been better if Knight was just made so he wouldn’t die being around her.

There was a little time jump right before the ‘last battle’ and I wanted a tiny bit more beforehand, because they said something would almost impossible and then poof it happened with no explanation. (Sorry trying not to spoil anything and probably no one else even noticed this.)

I wanted a little bit more at the end. I was left with lots of questions. How did the red helix’ start? Everyone else was modified later in life, so why are reds born this way? How did the world get to be how it is? How is the government set up?

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Okay, that seemed like a lot of bad, I promise this is a good book! I’d recommend it, but you have to like romantic science fiction and not just plain sci-fi.

The Shadow Raven’s series is going to be written by three authors and there will be four books in total. They’re all set in the same world, but with different heroines. Each author will tell their own heroine’s story and then the last one will be by all three. Doesn’t that sound cool?!

How do you feel about two first person perspectives? I’m personally a big fan of dual first person, but it can be hard to pull off, because if the characters aren’t unique enough I won’t know who’s telling the story when I set the book down and pick it up again. There’s also the problem when the characters are together, picking the right one to tell the story at the right time, (So I’m not wishing I was in the other head) and not repeating thing.

Angelbound Armageddon By Christina Bauer

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Angelbound, Angelbound Armageddon, Angelbound Scala, Angels, author, book, book reviews, books, characters, Christina Bauer, Demons, fantasy, fiction, Netgalley, novel, read, reader, review, romance, sassy, Scala, tails, writer, YA, young adult

(I included the back cover too, because the artwork is so awesome!)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Demons & Angels

Pages: 532

Point of View: First (Myla)

Released: December 17, 2013

Predictability: 5 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Funny story, I saw this book on sale for .99, but when I went to buy it, it wasn’t on sale anymore. I contacted the website, not because I really wanted the book, but because I thought they should know Amazon messed up. Well turns out it was my mistake and it had been on sale yesterday. The publisher Ink Monster sent me a free copy of the book anyway! (Which of course didn’t affect my judgement of this book at all.)

My Rating: 7/10 Stars

Age Rating: Older YA, due to one make out session. (Not sex, but parts are named.)

This was actually my first ever review! I’m reposting it before my review of Angelbound Armegeddeon for those of you who haven’t read the first book. (And since only one person was following my blog back then, I don’t think anyone else has read this review. Hi Kat *waves at first follower*)

My Summary: [Sorry my summaries used to be a little longer winded]

Myla is a quasi demon (meaning part human) living in purgatory. Around twenty years ago demons invaded purgatory and left ghouls running things. Myla’s mom is super over-protective and won’t say anything about her life before the war with the demons or even about Myla’s father.

Myla spends most of her time at school, but every so often she’s called to duty. When a soul enters purgatory they can choose trial by combat. Since she was twelve Myla’s been required to fight to the death in the arena against theses souls. As the best fighter they save the nastiest ones for her, but she’s not your typical almost eighteen year-old. She enjoys her battles in the arena, particularly when it’s against a demon and she keeps extensive notebooks on how to beat the various demon races.

Myla’s best friend Cissy (who has the tail of a golden retriever, yes it does wag when she’s happy. Okay, enough about tails…) has a huge crush on a boy at school, so when said boy invites Myla and a guest to his party she can’t say no. At the party, abandoned by her friend, Myla meets the frustrating prince Lincoln. He’s a demon hunter who thinks all quasis are evil, but Myla can’t stop thinking about him and not just about punching him. Well, that too.

My Review:

I don’t know what it is about me and tail fascination. I’ve just always wanted one. So naturally the reason Angelbound caught my eye is the main character has a tail. (The author actually uses her tail to show emotion and humor too.)

The Good:

Angelbound is told in a fun voice with plenty of humor and I liked the strong sassy heroine, Myla. It might just be me, (because I couldn’t pry the book out of my fingers to go to bed.) but this book was a quick read.

Romance is a strong part of this book and it’s well done. Though the conversation where they got to really know each other is only told about afterwards.

Angelbound has interesting characters and good world building. The author takes her time to really make us care about the characters and to establish the world.

The Bad:

There are a few slow spots towards the beginning, but I’m glad I kept reading, because it quickly picks up. (This is the author’s first novel so she makes a few mistakes like repeating things that didn’t need to be repeated.)

I did notice several errors, but I’m very nit picky about that sort of thing and often find such in books. There weren’t many and they didn’t take away from the book.

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I didn’t review Angelbound, Scala because it was really more of
a novella (150 pages) than a sequel. It was good, but I wanted more!

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Angelbound Armegeddon

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Demons & Angels

Pages: 250

Point of View: First Present (Myla)

Released: October 12, 2014

Predictability: 4 out of 5

Source: Netgalley

My Rating: 7/10 Stars

Age Rating: Older YA due to one make out session, and swearing.

 

 

Warning: Skip the summary if you haven’t read Angelbound!

My Summary: 

It’s been five years since the events of Angelbound. Myla and Lincoln are now married with a three year old little boy, Maxom.

The king of hell, Armegeddeon (No the subtitle isn’t referring to the end of the world) has been plotting his revenge against Myla since she sent him back to hell. And what better way to get back at her than by threatening her son?

My Review:

The overall story isn’t quite as good as the first one, but the writing has drastically improved. (No repeating of information or unnecessary scenes.)

The Good:

We finally get to see some of the other realms. With so many beautiful and dark settings there wasn’t time for more than a quick tour, but I enjoyed seeing more of the world. We also learn more about the history of the first two large scale wars, the first against Lucifer himself.

The pacing picked up as the story progressed and by the end there was no place to stop where my characters were safe.

I liked all of the relationships. Myla’s marriage felt true as did her love for her son.

Maxom feels like a real little kid. (I could definitely tell that the author is a mom.) I liked his kid-logic and I loved the tail snuggling!

A couple of new characters were added, I particularly liked the spunky Hildy. (and the magical monkey Kiya was adorable!)

There were many times I was afraid it was going to be too easy for our main characters or they were going to make stupid mistakes, but the action in the end was well done with just the right amount of unpredictability.

Myla’s still the same strong heroine from Angelbound, but she’s grown up a bit in the years since then. (Okay, only a little bit.)

The Bad:

The mood of this book was darker, which makes sense given the circumstances, but I missed the funny sassy Myla. There were still a couple humorous instances, but overall she was all business.

I also missed some of the supporting characters from the first book. Both Myla’s best friend Cissy and her mom are barely in this book at all.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but I recommend starting with the first in the series. There’s too much world building for this one to make sense on its own.

I kept thinking that she was hinting at a sequel with Maxom and I was right. The next book in the series, Maxon, will be released on May 12, 2015!

 

 

 

How do you feel about time jumps between novels? I personally hate them, because I always feel like I’ve missed something in the time I wasn’t with the characters.

Tags, Tags (To Read Tag and Bookshelf Tag)

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Similar to my awards post, I’ve been tagged to do various book tags, but haven’t gotten them posted, so I’m combining a couple!

The main reason for this post is I have nothing to post. Last week I read a total of 19% in one book. (Hopefully I’ll get it read before Thursday.)

 

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TO BE READ TAG

1. How do you keep track of your TBR pile?

Keep track? I don’t really keep track. I’m trying, but there are tons of freebies on my Kindle, and some still written on sticky notes that I haven’t gotten on my Goodreads to read list yet.

2. Is your TBR mostly print or ebook?

As of Christmas last year both! Half on my shelves and half on Ken (My kindle. Get it? He’s a plastic fake imitation.)

3. How do you determine which book from your TBR to read next?

It’s totally random, except for arcs. I always read those first and I try to read them in the order I get them. I usually can’t wait to read them, so I just write the review and save it for a month before the publication date.

4 A book that’s been on your TBR the longest?

I’m going by Goodreads, so these are ones that have been on my list for a little over a year. (as opposed to been there for years) American Gods, The Name of the Wind, Darkest Minds, The Way of Kings, Monstrous (Not out yet, but been on my list for over a year), Snuff By Terry Pratchett (I got it for Christmas right after it came out two years ago, but I’m still I’m but saving it!)

5. A book you recently added to your TBR.

Vicious By VE Schwab. I love a good villain or antihero.

6. A book in your TBR strictly because of it’s beautiful cover.

Firebolt, Tortured Souls, Illusions of Fate, & The Secret Eater (I can’t resist pretty covers!)

7. A book in your TBR that you never plan on reading.

I want/plan to read them all! (Well maybe not all the freebies on my Kindle)

8. An unpublished book in your TBR that you’re excited for.

2015 is going to be a super year for books! I can’t wait for: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard 1), Fairest (Cinder 3.5), Six of Crows (Dregs 1 Grisha spinnoff), The Copper Gauntlet (Iron Trial 2), and Lady Midnight (Dark Artifices 1)

9. A book in your TBR that everyone recommends to you.

Cracked (By Lola)

10. Number of books in your TBR.

Okay, I might be a book hoarder, but I recently cleaned off all of my bookcases, so it’s not nearly as bad as it was. I think my willingness to part with some books proves I’m not really a hoarder. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway.

183 Owned not read

242 Goodreads to read list

141 Goodreads might read list

19 Arcs and Contest wins

156 freebies on my Kindle

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THE BOOKSHELF TAG

1. Is there a book that you really want to read but haven’t because you know that it’ll make you cry?

Throne of Glass, & The Book Thief. Both look good and bloggers I trust liked them, but I’m told they make people cry and I don’t like sad books.

2. Pick one book that helped introduce you to a new genre.

Hunger Games. The book that started it all. After that I was addicted to Young Adult

3. Find a book that you want to reread.

Harry Potter, Terry Pratchett, Jim Butcher

4. Is there a book series you read but wish that you hadn’t?

Yes, Chaos Walking *sniffles*

5. If your house was burning down and all of your family and pets were safe, which book would you go back inside to save?

A photo book. I don’t have any books that are worth anything or that I’m overly sentimental about. (Oddly enough, because I’m sentimental about everything)

6. Is there one book on your bookshelf that brings back fond memories

The Hobbit, Narnia, Harry Potter. (I have a good memory and all of these have happy memories attached. Being read them when I was little and listening to Harry Potter with my dad.)

7. Find a book that has inspired you the most.

So many! Harry Potter, Christopher Pike, Pratchett, Butcher, Clare, Asimov, I’ll just list all of my favorite authors here.

8. Do you have any autographed books?

Nope. I’ve never been to a book signing. One day!

9. Find the book that you have owned the longest.

Grimm’s Fairy Tales (which used to be my mom’s)

10. Is there a book by an author that you never imagined you would read or enjoy?

Mortal Instruments. Everything I’d heard about it didn’t sound like me, I’m not really one for romance, but I loved the world and the characters.

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I’m tagging everyone! Hehe! I can’t just list people, because I’d feel terrible if I forgot anyone, so everyone is tagged. If you want to do it go ahead.

When was the last time you were in a reading slump? What book got you out of it? My last one was in February and I was saved by the Hunger Games.

Top 10 most read authors!

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Blogging has really been good for me to branch out my reading. (for years the only thing I read was the Harry Potter series on repeat) Then I found an author I liked and stuck with them until I’d read everything they ever wrote. (I chose prolific authors)

Since I procrastinate too much to do the official top ten lists I thought I’d come up with one of my own. My top ten most read authors.

Goodreads made this easy, (I didn’t even know about this feature until recently, so I’m sharing in case someone else hasn’t found it yet either.) Under the shelves there’s recommendations, widgets, ect. One of those is most read authors!

 

1. Terry Pratchett…… 48 Books! (My Favorite: The Color of Magic)

He’s obviously my favorite author, and for good reason. His books are hilarious, each one I crack up multiple times. They also have great characters and a cool world. As with most authors his first few aren’t as well written, but they’re still some of my favorites. There are also all sorts of magical craetures, warewolves, vampires, undeaad, igors, dwarves. All with their own Pratchett flair of course. My favorite was when he spoofed Twilight before Twilight even existed! (He’s that good) In Carpe Jugulum.

His main series is Discworld and there are multiple storylines, so you can pick up any number of books to start. My favorite story line is about the inept wizard Rincewind, who is a huge coward. His storyline starts the first book in the whole series The Color of Magic. (It starts kind of weird, but stick with it, it’s worth it!) My second favorite is the guards (which must be popular because they have the most books, and originally it was only going to be one book!) which feature the city guards as they solve mysteries. (Guards, Guards! Is the first book) The main character Vimes leads the guards, and he’s great. He says he’s not very smart, but he sticks with it. My third favorite is DEATH, yes that death. He has a granddaughter too. It starts with the story of Mort. The other storylines are the wizards at the college (which starts with Rincewind’s story Sorcery), the witches (which starts with Equal Rights), a young adult series staring a witch named Tiffany Aching, (The Wee Free Men) the new storyline of Moist Von Lipwig as his tries to improve the main city, Ankh Morpork. (Going Postal) There are also plenty of stand alones. (This was all done from memory, so if anything is wrong I’ve failed as a Pratchett fangirl!)

2. L.E. Modesitt Jr…… 34 Books! (My Favorite: Alector’s Choice (Book 4)

(I won’t even go into how inaccurate that cover is…)

Modesitte writes epic fantasy and I love his worlds and magic systems.

His main series is the Recluse saga (though he’s got like a ten series, in both fantasy and scifi). He writes Recluse strangely, the first 5 is like the main story line (and oddly not my favorite) but after that they jump back and forth in time with usually two books in each time line. My favorites are Cerryl (The White Order, Colors of Chaos) and Lorn (Magi’i of Cyador, Scion of Cyador). My favorite series is the Corean Chronicles, which is about aliens and magic. It’s hard to explain! (And I wouldn’t want spoilers.) It’s good, let’s go with that. He also writes the Spellsong Cycle where singing is magic and a woman from Earth winds up there. (I think that’s his only series to connect with earth), and his latest series the Imager Portfolio which has magic that can create items. And I’m sure there are more I’m forgetting.

3. Isaac Asimov…… 27 Books! (My Favorite: Prelude to Foundation)

(Most of these are short story collections, which have overlapping stories, so it really isn’t all that many) Asimov is my favorite short story writer! All of the plots of his short stories could’ve easily been novels. He had so many ideas! My favorite is the the robot books, (like I, Robot, which the movie was VERY loosely based on). He also wrote the Foundation trilogy, which he is best known for. He was working on merging the two when he died. (Aids from a blood transfusion in the 80s) Other authors have attempted to write the books he didn’t, but I can’t bring myself to read them.

4. Terry Goodkind…… 13 Books (My Favorite: Faith of the Fallen (Book 6)

Goodkind writes the epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth, which I read because my sister liked it. (The tv show is rubbish) It’s a really good series even though the main character is like perfect and he sometimes gets a little preachy towards the end. (Not religious preachy, just righteous) But I can ignore all that, because they’re so good! I love the characters and how the main character Richard is always so tough, but that doesn’t make the plot predictable or dull in the least. The female main character kicks butt too, no one needs to save Kahlan. (Goodkind tried to end the series, but his next book flopped, so he went back to Richard and Kahlan, but my sister’s told me about the second series and I don’t think I want to read it.)

5. J.K. Rowling…… 10 Books (My Favorite: Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)

Yes, I’m counting her short stories. I don’t think I’ve read any series more. (I’m joking about the think part. I have no clue how many times I’ve read and listened to these books!) If anyone hasn’t read Harry Potter yet, they should! Everyone should read it, at least to know what all of the hype is about. For once the hype is so worth it! I’m not a fan of the last book *don’t throw fruit* so I’ve only read that once. Did anyone else go to the bookstore at midnight to get one of the books? I did! Number 7!!

6. Rick Riordan…… 10 Books (My Favorite: Mark of Athena (Book 3)

How could this list not include Riordan? I just wrote a gush post about Percy Jackson, so I won’t say anything more except he has the best sense of humor! Riordan’s one author I’d like to know in real life!

7. Cassandra Clare…… 10 Books (My Favorite: Clockwork Princess (Book 3)

I didn’t read the Mortal Instruments until this year, because they didn’t sound like my kind of book. I was wrong. (It happens.) I’ve already wrote a post about these books, so I’ll just say I would love to be a warlock. How awesome are those powers?

8. Derek Landy…… 10 Books (My Favorite: Skulduggery Pleasant)

 

Again, I’ve already talked about them. I’m working on a post for the last books right now. I just have to get my hands on book Nine! It came out in August, I’m so behind.

9. Jim Butcher…… 9 Books (My Favorite: Summer Knight (Book 4)

My first foray in to urban fantasy. Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire, he’s in the phone book and everything. These books have a fantastic world, great characters, a sense of humor, and kick buttery. In other words, they rock! The Dresden Files are fantasy and mystery with tons of action! Dresden is a bit like Bruce Willis in the Die Hard movies, he always kicks butt, but he gets abused while doing it. The first 3 books of the series were great, but then they got even better! I haven’t liked the last few as much, they’re longer and they don’t seem to hold my attention as well. I still highly recommend this series! (Note: there is adult content in these books, mostly in the first one though. Harry doesn’t get lucky much after that.) Butcher also writes an epic fantasy series, which has been gathering dust on my shelf.

10. George R.R. Martin…… 9 Books (My Favorite: A Clash of Kings (Book 2)

Technically only 6 books, because goodreads counts short stories, but since his books are so long, (I’ve read 5774 pages by Martin) he still deserves to be on the list. The description of these books totally doesn’t sound like me, so it’s a good thing I started them years ago, with only the back cover to go on. I know there’s now a tv show everybody watches and raves about, but I can easily skip the adult content in the books (because wow, yeah lots of adult-ness) but it’s not so easy in a tv show. (which is on HBO, so I know it’s going to be very adult) Surprisingly there is little fantasy in these books. (I know you’ve probably heard about the dragons and the ‘dead like’ people) But most of the story is about various families trying to get the throne. (The Iron throne) There’s political intrigue, plotting, backstabbing, epic battles. (inbreeding) These books have it all! Why do I love them though? The characters! There are TONS of view points and oodles of characters and they are all so unique (I could never start a chapter and mistake one character for another) and there’s really no good and bad, but lots of gray. Martin writes for the ‘villains’ as much as the ‘heroes’ and I find myself rooting for both! My favorite characters are Tyrion, Jamie (surprisingly, once he gets a POV), Jon Snow, and Arya Stark. I know I didn’t list Dany, but I hate her storylines! Can anything else bad happen to the poor girl? (Note: Martin needs to write faster! The first book came out in 1996 and we’re only on book 5 now.)

This post got longer than I planned… Sorry for all of the book babble.

What are your top authors and how many books by each have you read?

 

Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Blood of Olympus By Rick Riordan

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author, blood of olympus spoilers, book, book reviews, books, characters, comedy, fantasy, fiction, Heroes of Olympus, Middle Grade, mythology, novel, Percy Jackson, read, reader, review, Rick Riordan, romance, who dies in blood of olympus, writer, YA, young adult

This post is in three parts, the first is my review of the Percy Jackson & the Heroes of Olympus series’, (In an attempt to convert those who haven’t read it.) the second is a mini recap of House of Hades, (For those with as bad a memory as me) And last but not least my Blood of Olympus review! After trying for an hour to figure out the spoiler boxes, (again) I gave up. So, please stop reading when you see the spoiler warnings!

PERCY JACKSON By Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mythology

Pages: 377

Point of View: First (Percy)

Released: January 1, 2005

Predictability: 3 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Owned!

My Rating: 10/10 Stars

Prophecy: 

A half-blood of the eldest gods

Shall reach sixteen against all odds

And see the world in endless sleep

The hero’s soul, cursed blade shall reap

A single choice shall end his days

Olympus to preserve or raze

Bad Guys: Kronos (Zeus’ titan father), various monsters and other demigods

My Review:

After being attacked by his algebra teacher and then the Minotaur, Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood and learns his father is a god.

The Percy Jackson books are one of my favorites. I didn’t read them for years because I used to be really into Greek mythology and I was afraid they’d just annoy me, but the mythology is well done with enough new elements to create a unique world. The characters are great, some people complain Percy is too perfect, but he messes up all of the time and I like him.

The humor of these books is very well done, and Riordan is master of the bad pun.

The first book is crowded with adventures, I think Riordan had too many ideas, but the rest of the series is better paced.

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HEROES OF OLYMPUS (Percy Jackson 2) By Rick Riordan

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology

Pages: 576

Point of View: Third (Various)

Released: January 1, 2010

Predictability: 3 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Owned!

My Rating: 10/10 Stars

Prophecy: 

“Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,

To storm or fire, the world must fall.

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death!”

Bad Guys: Gaia (Mother Earth), the giants, various monsters, Octavian (Okay, so being a jerk probably doesn’t make him a ‘villain’, but I don’t care, I can’t stand the guy.)

My Review:

This sequel is just as good as the original and in some ways even better!

Unlike the first series in which each book is a different year, these books take place over a few months. Everything I liked about Percy Jackson is back along with more romance.

In the first book, the Last Hero I found myself looking for Percy. He’s supposed to be in this new series right? Stop looking, he isn’t in this book. The main characters are Jason, Piper and Leo each with their own perspective. (The perspectives are a little awkward in this book, but by the next one Riordan has smoothed it out.) I liked each of the new characters, especially Leo. (And their gym teacher coach Hedge.)

In the second book, The Son of Neptune Percy is back, but he’s lost his memory, all he remembers is a girl named Annabeth. (Awe!) He finds himself at Camp Jupiter a camp for Roman demigods. He makes friends with Frank, and Hazel the daughter of Pluto. I liked them both, especially Hazel. Also, Nico is back!

Mark of Athena. Finally Annabeth gets a point of view! The other POVs are Percy, Piper and Leo. Leo’s built a flying ship called the Argo II and the demigods fly to camp Jupiter. Annabeth and Percy are reunited, (one of the best scenes in the book!) It takes some getting used to, having all of the seven together, but relationships form and overall this is my favorite book of the Heroes of Olympus.

Gaia, Mother Earth is waking up and she plans to destroy the gods and the world as we know it. She’s imprisoned death, and opened the doors of death, so no monster can be vanquished. The Heroes head to Rome and the House of Hades to stop her. Percy dreams that Nico is in trouble, but Annabeth’s mother has given her an impossible task, so he insists on going with her while Leo, Hazel and Frank go to save Nico. (Jason and Piper stay on the Argo II with coach Hedge) Warning: Cliffhanger!

House of Hades. Points of View: Everyone! (Percy, Annabeth, Leo, Hazel, Jason, Frank, & Piper.) The demigods must close the doors of death to prevent monsters from escaping from Tartarus.

Have you read Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus? (Did I make you want to?)

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HOUSE OF HADES RECAP (for those of us with a bad memory) SPOILERS below!

Annabeth and Percy have just survived Tartarus and closed the doors of death.

When the Romans went to Camp Half Blood to fight the Greeks they caused the god’s personalities to fight with one another, making them all basically nuts and useless. And only a demigod and a god fighting together and kill a giant.

Hazel has a new magic, Hecate helped her learn how to control the mist to create illusions.

They found a zombie stick (Scepter of Diocletian) which summons an army of ghostly soldiers. Nico took it with him.

Frank became a proctor of the Roman legion. Jason stepped down because the Roman ghosts didn’t recognize him as a proctor due to his confliction wanting to be one of the Greeks.

While in Tartarus, Annabeth sent a message to Rachel to give to Reyna. If a Roman demigod returns the Athena Parthenon (the statue of Athena that Annabeth recovered in Mark of Athena) to Camp Half Blood it will heal the rift and thus prevent the war. Reyna flew to the Argo II, but her Pegasus Scipio died in the flight. She left with Nico and Coach Hedge to return the statue.

Reyna left Octavian *cough* jerk *couch* in charge of the Romans and of course he’s still preparing for a fight.

(And of course I totally forgot which giant is which, but it didn’t really matter.) Damasen is the one created to fight Ares, he’s considered a traitor by the giants, but Annabeth and Percy met him in Tartarus and he’s not a bad guy.

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Review of BLOOD OF OLYMPUS with MINOR SPOILERS (Those given away in any review.) There will be another warning before the MAJOR SPOILERS! (The stuff I just had to squeal about!)

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BLOOD OF OLYMPUS (Heroes of Olympus 5) By Rick Riordan

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology

Pages: 502

Point of View: Third, (Jason, Piper, Leo, Nico, and Reyna)

Released: October 7, 2014

Predictability: 4 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Owned!

My Rating: 10/10 Stars!

Who Dies? (For people like me who want to know so I don’t have to worry the whole book and can just read it and enjoy) I have to know!

My Summary:

The demigods have twelve days left to stop the goddess Gaia from awakening. Hera / Juno informs them that they must stop the goddess Nemesis if they want to prevent the fight between the Romans and the Greeks. In her insanity, Nemesis mentions a ‘physician’s cure’, a potion that can save someone from death. The demigods travel to collect the ingredients for this cure in the hopes that it could save one of them. Gaia’s forces know they’re coming and are doing everything they can to prevent the Argo II from reaching Athens.

Meanwhile Nico, Reyna, and Coach Hedge are trying to get the Athenian Parthenon to Camp Half Blood, but Gaia’s sent her Hunter after them. To make matters worse, with each shadow travel Nico’s getting weaker.

My Review:

I shall try to type in complete sentences. This book is just as good as the rest in the series. I still LOVE all of the characters and even the new ones. The right amount of humor was sprinkled throughout the book to keep the mood from going too dark. The pacing was quick, and it felt like time was really running out.

I liked Reyna’s point of view, before I didn’t really care about her, but after hearing her voice I really cared about her and worried for her. Jason and Piper were Jason and Piper, I appreciated Piper’s growth. Yeah that’s all I’ve got. They’re just not squeal worthy. I liked seeing Frank step up to lead the legion and Hazel’s improving magic. Poor Percy and Annabeth, I think they were traumatized from Tartarus still. They really didn’t play a major role in the book. I loved getting to hear Nico’s voice! I also enjoyed his growing relationship with Reyna, a kind of sisterly friendship.

My Only Complaint: is the limited points of view. No Percy Jackson! He’s my favorite character! (And usually my favorite isn’t the main character) But he’s so funny! I wanted MORE Percy! (And Annabeth) This is the FINAL Percy Jackson book after all. (Okay I know it’s technically Heroes of Olympus, but it’s really Percy Jackson 2)

Overall: I’m still sad that it’s over, but it was a good last book and I’m satisfied.

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If you haven’t read Blood of Olympus STOP NOW! Below there are MAJOR SPOILERS!!

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NICO!!! I’m so glad the little guy finally got over Percy Jackson. And that confession?!! PERFECT! I wish I could hear what Percy thought of it! I’m also glad that he made a friend / potential new crush. He’s not alone anymore! I was so proud of him!!

LEO!! OMG I was so scared for him! He kept hinting at this whole sacrificing himself to save everyone thing. (Which was annoying, because like I didn’t have it all figured out.) I didn’t see Festas coming though, I was so happy to see that dragon ‘alive’ again! That ending was PERFECT! I’m so happy he got his happily ever after with Calypso! They’re re-meeting was so cute! I love their relationship! (So much better than that sappy stuff she had going with Percy)

Best Quote: “Hey, you want to meet Chuck? This is my boy Chuck!” Coach Hedge. (And that was great that Clarisse felt protective over the little guy!)

Best Scene: (Okay, one of them) The demigods fighting with their godly parents was so cool! That fight against the giants! Just wow!

Best Page:

Anyone else read Blood of Olympus? What did you think!? Did everything happen that you wanted to happen?

The Unhappening Of Genesis Lee By Shallee McArthur

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author, book, book reviews, books, characters, fiction, Genesis Lee, memories, Mystery, novel, read, reader, review, romance, sci-fi, science fiction, Shallee McArthur, The Unhappening of Genesis Lee, writer, YA, young adult

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Mystery

Pages: 352

Point of View: First (Gena)

Released: November 18, 2014

Predictability: 2 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Edelweiss

My Rating: 7/10 Stars

Summary:

In a world where people wear their memories in beads, someone is stealing them.

(Yep, that’s it one sentence tells you all you need to know. Sound good?)

Set Up:

The Mementi (people with memories in beads called links) founded the city of Havendale so they would have a place to belong, since they are ostracized in the outside world. However, in Havendale the Populous (what the Mementi call normal people) are only able to have menial labor jobs and are looked down upon.

The company of Archon was founded to use the Mementi’s intellect and skills to make the world better for them through the creation of new technologies. Since every Mementi has stock in Archon, they all have plenty of money, where all of the Populous in the city are poor.

Okay, a little more summary:

Genesis Lee is a Mementi living in Havendale. She’s trying to discover who’s behind the Link thefts when she runs into Kalan, a populous boy who may be the only one who can help her.

My Review:

Some would consider this a dystopian, and though the city of Havendale has a dystopian feel to it the plot is really more mystery.

At first glance this book has a really strange cover, but after reading it, it totally makes sense, (Gena is in ballet and dreams of being an astronaut.) and one of the themes of this book is about her being who she really is instead of who her parents want her to be.

The Good:

The Mementi had a cool culture, they’re always polite (because no one wants someone to have a bad memory of them) and they wear lots of covering clothing since one touch with another Mementi can transfer memories. Thought really went into what it would be like for those who could never forget. I like the whole Mementi can absorb knowledge into their brains thing. (Reminded me of the Matrix.)

The history behind what created the Mementi made sense, so often in a book like this the author has a cool concept, but the explanation of how this world came to be is lacking.

The romance was sweet, no instant romance here, it was gradual and well done. I liked both of the main characters, especially Gena. She got so strong over the course of this novel. The minor characters were well done too, but this novel was mostly about Gena and Kalan.

This book was surprisingly deep at times when talking about what memories one would want to forget and keeping all of your memories to deal with them properly.

There were several twists and I didn’t guess any of them except the last one, so it was a good little mystery. Unhappening had a good ending too, (I’m not saying happily ever after or not, since most of you know I’m a fan of that and I wouldn’t want spoilers.) I mean that everything was wrapped up. I don’t know if this will be a series, but if it’s not I’m happy with that.

The Not As Good: (Since none of these things are really bad)

There are a couple of little editing mistakes, like when they were listing off names one was mentioned twice as though the first time hadn’t happened, and there’s a little annoying thing that happens to contradict what was already said in the end, but that could’ve just been the character’s doing. Neither of these things took away from the book though and this was an arc.

One of Gena’s friends has conveniently hacked almost every system in the city. I wish it had been Gena with this ability and a little more explanation was given, but the hacking wasn’t just used as an easy get out of jail free card.

In the middle of the book there are lots of Christian beliefs talked about, the love interest Kalan is Christian. Sometimes this can get a little preachy, but it was okay here, just another part to a character not the author trying to convince the readers of his/her beliefs.

I didn’t ‘feel’ her panic attacks, but it was a fine attempt. I was afraid she was going to go with the PTSD is cured instantly thing, but she didn’t, so kudos!

The Bad: Gena insulted fedoras. Fedoras are cool! (Now I sound like the 11th doctor, but still.)

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Would I read something else by this author? Yep.

Would you want to remember everything? I would! I have a good memory already (one of those I have to pretend not to remember all of the things I do, because otherwise people would think I’m weird-er.) but I’m always forgetting little things, like what I walked in the room for or what I wanted to get at the store, (or most importantly story ideas) I realize remembering everything means the bad things too, but the worst memories are imprinted into my brain anyway. And the best part would be never having to worry I’d forget a story someone told me. (Though it would make rereading books harder)

Soulless By Amber Garr

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Amber Garr, author, blood of olympus, book, book reviews, books, characters, fantasy, fiction, grim reapers, Heroes of Olympus, Netgalley, novel, pace, Percy Jackson, read, reader, review, Rick Riordan, romance, Soulless, writer, YA, young adult

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 180

Point of View: First (Nora)

Released: August 23, 2014

Predictability: 3 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)

Source: Netgalley

My Rating: 6/10 Stars

My Summary:

Nora is a Death Warden (think grim reaper) whose job is to help souls cross over, to comfort them and give them what they need. However, her ex-boyfriend Theron, now a Soul Hunter has been interfering with her collections. Soul Hunters convince souls to join their ranks and instead of guiding souls they feed off of them.

When called to the elders she expects she’s in trouble, except instead of getting yelled at she’s made an advisor to a soldier named Jason. She’ll guide him in his new life as a Death Warden.

My Review:

My ‘the good and the bad’ were already in order in my notes, because while this book had a great start, it had a lack luster ending. (If that can be called an ending.)

The Good:

Interesting beginning, (though I hate when a book starts on a downer.) I liked the world building, the wardens and the hunters. The Hunters blue veins and black eyes are so creepy! Talk about vampires, except eating souls not blood. The magic was simple, mostly magically changing clothes, and teleporting, but I liked it.

Talk about fast paced! Can a book this exciting be called light?

Most of the characters are okay, I didn’t hate them, but I didn’t love them either. Except for Charles, I enjoyed his humor and his relationship with Nora. Though it was towards the beginning and I didn’t really know Nora and Theron yet, I was surprised and impressed at how emotional their parting was!

I didn’t expect the shaman Native American aspect. (1/16th Indian here)

The romance, sigh how do I describe the love. There’s sort of a love triangle, and one of them is sort of instant love, but don’t judge this book based on that. The other love isn’t instant, just complicated, forbidden love. Okay, I just lost the rest of you now. It’s good honest! (At least for the first 3/4 of the book it was.)

There’s a complicated plot, people keeping secrets, and a war brewing. Two of the characters of this book are special, but they aren’t the only ones. I feared a ‘chosen one’ for a while, but thankfully that was avoided.

The Bad:

This book does suffer from perfect man syndrome. Jason is perfect in every way, looks, nice, sense of humor, southern twang, gentleman, warrior, doctor, leader, ect, ect. BORING!

I wanted Nora to kick butt and sometimes she didn’t do too badly, but she usually panics and has to be rescued, which is totally the opposite of her character.

Inconsistencies: At the beginning she said that wardens don’t sleep and she only had a bed because her and her ex-boyfriend used it for *ahem* other purposes. Then later in the book she’s wonders how someone even sleeps since his bed was covered with stuff. There’s also an inconsistency with Theron at the end where he totally changes his previous attitude. (Sorry can’t say more without spoilers.)

Nora’s so fickle when it comes to men! (Yes the romance goes in the good and the bad, it was good at first, but got to be too much.) She loves Theron still, no she loves Jason. One minute she just wants Jason as a friend then the next moment she’s snogging him all over the place. (For no particular reason I prefer snogging to making out.) And I really wish they wouldn’t talk about her being sixty. I know she’s dead so she’s not really, but it’s just weird that she’s attracted to a 20? year old.

It’s like the story was cut in half! At least before it ended (got cut off) we got one answer, but there are so many more left unanswered.

Verdict: This book started so good and had potential and while it was enjoyable, it had issues. It feels like it needed another round of editing.

Will I read the next one? Yes, since I want to find out what happens in the other half of the story! Would I recommend it? Yes, I think so. As long as you know it’s really only half a book.

How do you feel about cliffhanger endings? I don’t mind if there’s an overreaching plot and then each book has their own plot that is tied up, but I hate when none of the questions are answered and nothing is resolved in the end. That’s not a book, that’s part of a book. (Okay, I’m done now.)

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Side Note: I’m totally stalking the mailman in case my book comes early! The last book of the Percy Jackson series is released tomorrow! (In case you hadn’t heard) So, if I disappear for a couple of days, don’t send a search party, just cookies. 😉

Thing which has to happen: Leo going back to Ogygia! Thing which can’t happen: Anyone dying! Not the 7, not Nico, not Reyna, okay Octavian wouldn’t be a tragedy.

Any book you’re excited about? (Blood of Olympus, right?)

 

What Kind of Books Do I Like to Read?

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author, book, book weaknesses, books, books I can't resist, characters, dystopian, fantasy, favorite kinds of books, fiction, novel, read, reader, science fiction, scifi, writer, YA, young adult

I finally got my ratings and review policy page made! I wanted one for seven months, but I’m a great procrastinator. This got me thinking about what books I do and don’t like and which books I have a weakness for.

If you like this post and want to copy me please do. Post your link below and I’ll link back to you. Then we can all discover new blogs. 🙂

I usually only read books that are fantasy or science fiction. (I’m trying to expand my reading, but it hasn’t worked.) But I like almost all kinds of scifi and fantasy. I used to like scifi more, but now I love fantasy the best.

Some books just have scifi and fantasy in them. If it’s more important to the main character to get with a guy than save the world I consider the book a romance.

Mystery is a great addition to scifi and fantasy though. (like the Dresden Files)

I love books with:

Magic and super powers!

Humor, witty and sarcastic characters. (I like non humorous books too, but humor is always a plus.)

I don’t like books which have: (aka I have a lot of pet peeves)

Lots of sex scenes. I’ll read a good book even if it has sex scenes in it, (Game of Thrones, True Blood.) I can just skip over them, but books described as steamy are not for me.

Books that have heartwarming, or inspiring in their descriptions, I like to be entertained not moved. Same with books that are all downer, the kind where I know I’m going to cry. I like books that make me happy.

I don’t read books with rape scenes! I will NOT read them. I also like to know ahead of time if there is an attempted rape. How far it got and what happens afterwards also matters.

Whiny, weak, annoying heroines, I’d sooner read about a perfect character than a damsel in distress.

Books where the characters fight with one another throughout the entire book. I don’t mind banter, but fighting gets old fast.

Books that preach at me. Sometimes it’s ignorable, (Sword of Truth) but usually it’s just annoying.

I can’t resist a book where the main character is secretly a monster, an alien, a robot, a fairy, or something. I love the whole secret identity thing and when it’s revealed to their friends who/what they really are. Bonus points if they’re one of the few good ones and most of their kind are evil. It’s my weakness, I know. I don’t care how silly the book is either as long as there’s a good revelation I love it!

What about you? What kind of books can’t you resist?