Let me break down my thought process on this book from the very first time I noticed it on goodreads because somewhere alonI am crazy minority lady:(
Let me break down my thought process on this book from the very first time I noticed it on goodreads because somewhere along the way something went really really wrong. Just a quick scroll down the GR page and I can see all my friends' ratings of five or four stars... but the attraction is lost on me.
1) The description appears on goodreads.We are promised science fiction and space and "a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain". A setting in space, a story of survival and a couple of horny teenagers? Sounds like it could be a wild ride. I don't know about you but I love space stories and the vast arena of possibility which they open. I've enjoyed everything from Revis'sAcross the Universeseries to Clarke's2001: A Space Odyssey.Because anything could happen. There's an extra layer of possibility to the fantasy that makes you wonder if it could be true because there are so many unexplored corners where our science fiction tales could very well be fact.
2) The cover reveal.Uh oh. And there it is. Not that I don't like the cover, I love myself some glitter and pretty dresses as much as the next magpie, but you can probably guess why my hopes started to crumble. I remember the first hardback edition ofShatter Me.Do you?
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I'm dystopian, I swear! I'm big, I'm bad and... shit, I think I broke a nail.I remember how I told myself it would be fine. I mean, the description was promising hardcore dystopian fiction! It wouldn't lie to me, would it? Weeellll...I wrote a review about that.
3) The reviews start rolling in.It seems as though I was very wrong to judge this book by its cover. Reviews from some of my most trusty friends appeared and they LOVED this book. Is it even possible? Could I be completely wrong? I mean, Beth Revis'sAcross the Universewas all pink and twinkly and romance-like and I enjoyed that book. I must read it to find out!
4) I think I read the wrong book.I think we all know those moments when we've heard so many great things about a book and we pick up said book only to discover that the magic hasn't touched us. But I was really disappointed withThese Broken Starsand should have listened to my instincts when I saw the pretty cover.
Most of the actual space action in this book happens in the first couple of chapters. After the two main characters - Lilac and Tarver - crash land on a planet, it becomes a long-winded trek through a jungle-like setting. I was disappointed to say goodbye to the sky and stars so soon but would have easily forgiven the book if I'd enjoyed the survival part of the story which followed. But, honestly, I found it painfully slow and boring. And all orchestrated around the romance.
This book is predominantly a romance. Description aside, survival/space parts aside, this book is about getting Lilac and Tarver together. Which may be exactly what you want. If you like your romance heavy and your action on the side, then pick this up. But it's not really my thing. And I got a distinct sense that everything in this book was built around the romantic aspect. Each scene felt deliberate in a way that would put the characters in such a situation that Tarver would have to save Lilac or they would have to remove their clothing or sleep huddled together. The action never felt real, it felt like a series of flirtations between the two teens. Finding new clothes is an excuse for Tarver to admire Lilac's body. A chilly night is an excuse for Tarver to sleep with his erection pressed against her ass.
But I think the most disappointing thing of all is the sheer lack of world-building. The setting of this novel is enormous and holds huge and fabulous opportunity - we're in a whole new part of the universe! And yet, there is almost zero world-building. I feel like I know nothing about the society that Lilac and Tarver come from. I appreciate that this is going to be a trilogy but, hell, give me something!
I think it's fair to say thatThese Broken Starswasn't the book for me. Maybe I'll learn to follow my initial instincts about those jazzy covers in future....more
Maybe notquiteas good as the first one but still really funny, light and enjoyable. I've found myself a new addiction in this series and I can't seeMaybe notquiteas good as the first one but still really funny, light and enjoyable. I've found myself a new addiction in this series and I can't seem to stop even though I have hundreds of other books to read:D...more
You know, I love a well-written, well-constructed, complex urban fantasy world as much as anyone. I love beautiful writing, jam-packed plots and wildYou know, I love a well-written, well-constructed, complex urban fantasy world as much as anyone. I love beautiful writing, jam-packed plots and wild twists that I never would have seen coming. But sometimes, just sometimes, I have a real need for something lighthearted, nonsensical, silly and sexy. Like the Bridget Jones version of urban fantasy. Paranormal "chick lit" one might say.
First Grave on the Rightis a girls' night in watching your all time favourite romcom whilst eating ice cream. In your pajamas. It's pure, cookie dough-flavoured fun. It won't change your life. It won't introduce you to a new way of thinking. But, if you're anything like me, it might just hijack your mind and take it to happy land for a while. Here's what this book has: a sarcastic, witty and hilarious heroine; a sexy, mysterious guy; a murder mystery; and humour bursting from every page.
Oh, what the hell, why use words when I can say it with gifs. And seeing as I'm currently re-watching Buffy and it seems appropriate, I'm going to say it with Buffy gifs.
There's some:
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And a touch of:
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And a whole lot of:
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And a bit more:
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(Note to readers: you might want to turn your google filters on before searching "sexy gifs". Unless, of course, you don't.)
I likedFirst Grave on the Rightso much that I bought the rest of the series all at once (something I just don't normally do). I can see this being the kind of series that I'll need a regular fix of because it's delightfully addictive. I'm now getting started onSecond Grave on the Leftand I can't wait to see more of Charley's sarcasm, Reyes' sexiness, and the general demonic craziness going on.
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2.5 Goodreads members have differing opinions on what kind of rating is the hardest to write a review for. Some say it's the ones they didn'
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2.5 Goodreads members have differing opinions on what kind of rating is the hardest to write a review for. Some say it's the ones they didn't like - perhaps trying to keep a balance between their own subjective dislikes and the overall general standard of the book; some say it's the all time favourites - how can you put that kind of book love into words? For others, myself included, it's those annoying books that sit right in the middle. Those books that are okay. Fine. Overwhelmingly average. When they're neither bad nor good, what do I say? For me,The Falconeris one of those books. I feel like I've read this book about fifty times before (okay, five or six but shh...) and I feel like I've written this very same review that many times as well.
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If you're new to fantasy, if you're new to faeries in fantasy, there's no real reason for you not to like this novel set in an alternative Edinburgh in the year 1844. It's a little tame for my liking, occasionally almost edging towards the middle grade end of the age range, but I'm sure newcomers to the genre will find it more entertaining. But all I can see are the same recycled features: a female warrior protagonist who's out for vengeance, an awkwardly forced romance,anotherlove triangle, and a cliffhanger worthy of Moning's Fever series. In fact, this book feels like an amalgamation of several I've read before. It's likeShadow and Bonewithout the Darkling,Throne of Glasswithout the entertainment (or a fabulous sequel to make the first worth sitting through), andDarkfeverwithout, like, everything I love about that series.
The writing is fairly good, though. With some more original material, I think I could find myself returning to see what the author writes in the future. I've just exhausted myself on this story line. But anyway. Here's what's happening inThe Falconer:Lady Aileana Kameron is the daughter of the Marquess of Douglas in Scotland. She was blissfully enjoying upper class life and social events until a faery murdered her mother and she became a hunter. In secret, she slays faery after faery, hoping to one day come face to face with the faery who murdered her mother and quench the need for revenge that is burning inside her. On top of that, drama ensues when her father returns and demands she choose a husband. Other possible suitors aside, Aileana is torn between her fae ally - Kiaran - and her old crush - Gavin - who has recently returned to Edinburgh.
I will say that I'm glad the author included nasty, evil faeries. While there is obviously some faery romanticization with Kiaran, the faeries in this novel tend to be the vicious, blood-thirsty kind (perfect, in my opinion). But I think there is a lot of untapped potential in this story and a bit of tweaking could have made it a more original and engaging tale. For one thing, it actually took me a while to realise that this is supposed to be a steampunk novel, those elements of it were so subtle that I didn't even notice them at first. I'm really enthusiastic about the new steampunk genre because it combines so many different things that I love, but I find myself being frequently disappointed by the lack of it in books that promise so much. Don't be afraid to go all out, I say! I want machines! I want old times! I want that magical blend of science fiction and historical!...please?
Afterthought: I compared this book to many others and I remember noting to myself several times that it seemed loosely similar to the Fever series. But Khanh did a fantastic (and shocking) breakdown of the similarities between this andFaefeverinher review.Wow. Enough said....more
I keep promising to write a full review for this but never get around to it. Basically, I read Persepolis for my Gendered Communities course and I thiI keep promising to write a full review for this but never get around to it. Basically, I read Persepolis for my Gendered Communities course and I think it's one of those rare reads that actually gets better when you study it for the historical, cultural and political context. There are depressingly few Middle Eastern women whose books are read on a large scale so the insight which Persepolis offers into this part of Iran's history is very important. It offers a perspective we don't get to see too often....more
[image] I am conducting what I'm shelving as a "New Adult (NA) Experiment". I'm going to work my way through some of the popular New Adult books and se[image] I am conducting what I'm shelving as a "New Adult (NA) Experiment". I'm going to work my way through some of the popular New Adult books and see if I can weed out the crap and hopefully find some surprising gems. Here's hoping!
It's been a while, my friends. I had to take a break for the sake of my sanity. I decided to return to the NA experiment withSlammedbecause I'd heard it was less offensive than Hoover's later novel -Hopeless- and also because I've had luck with a NA student/teacher romance in the past (Unteachable).Alas, I was wrong to be so optimistic.I suppose thatSlammedis less offensive when compared to the creepy pro-stalker ideas being thrown around inHopelessbut it certainly makes up for it by being an example of terrible writing. WhereHopelessoffered entertainment and sexual tension that made it obvious where its popularity came from, I am honestly confused by all the positive reactions toSlammed.
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I do think if I'd read this book first I might have at least appreciated the improvement in quality of the author's writing by the time she wroteHopeless.In this, Hoover's writing is a couple steps below average and looks even less impressive when compared to the fantastic teacher/student romance inUnteachable(and it's beautiful writing). The author struggles with the build-up of the relationship between Layken and Will, forgetting about sexual tension and/or chemistry and jumping too quickly from their meeting to some extremely cheesy moments. The drama is constant but handled roughly - making scenes that should be heart-breaking feel emotionally manipulative and causing me to roll my eyes rather than to burst into tears.
Both characters, as well as the book in general, lack any emotional maturity. Layken frequently behaves like a bratty little kid, slamming doors and calling Will names. I really had no patience for her childish antics. Though, Will wasn't much better. He would constantly lead Layken on and then blame it on a moment of weakness. More than once.
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It was cringy and stupid because the reader is well aware that it wasn't a moment of weakness and that he actually wants to be with Layken but he's being an immature idiot and not to mentiona complete fucking tease.Just sayin'.
Aside from the writing being awful, the real problem in this for me was the failure to convince me that there was any real barrier to Layken and Will's relationship. Perhaps it was because their ages were too close to give me any sense of the forbidden or because Will wasn't exactly a "real" teacher, but nothing about it got my heart pounding like Raeder'sUnteachable.It seemed more like there was no problem except the one the two of them created in their little melodramatic minds. Angst for the sake of angst. But I wasn't buying it. I think it's fair to say that me and Ms Hoover finally part ways for good....more
Wow. What a surprise this graphic novel was! The Crow is gritty, sad and completely unforgettable. The story is about a Detroit police officer - Joe SWow. What a surprise this graphic novel was! The Crow is gritty, sad and completely unforgettable. The story is about a Detroit police officer - Joe Salk - that, like many others, becomes obsessed with his job and one case in particular. The rest of his life and his sanity begin to unravel with every moment he dedicates to finding the man who raped and murdered a young girl. There's a possibly paranormal twist to this mystery that leaves us guessing whether Joe is visited by the ghost of the dead girl or whether he has become so far gone that he imagines her talking to him and encouraging him on his search for the culprit.
It's a brutal and hard-hitting read that quickly introduces the reader to a complex protagonist they can love and continues to develop his character throughout. A very pleasant surprise....more
This was a somewhat disappointing graphic novel from Joe Hill that relied too much on empty shock tactics and gory images. It's a quick read and compeThis was a somewhat disappointing graphic novel from Joe Hill that relied too much on empty shock tactics and gory images. It's a quick read and compelling enough that readers will likely find themselves finishing it in one sitting, but the story lacks any real substance. The element of the story that had the most potential, in my opinion, was the exploration of the protagonist's state of mind after she was responsible for horrific acts in Abu Ghraib. It could have been a far more fascinating read if the psychological aspect had been better examined. Unfortunately, though, this story felt like one torture scene after another.
Once the original shock and horror wore off, there was nothing left to interest me....more
This is a cute story about the elaborate lies which children tell their parents in order to avoid getting into trouble. In this case, the young boy inThis is a cute story about the elaborate lies which children tell their parents in order to avoid getting into trouble. In this case, the young boy in the story is telling his mother about the gorilla that came calling while he was waiting for a pizza delivery. The gorilla made a mess, caused havoc and sprinted away just before the boy's mother could come downstairs. And that's not even the worst of it!
This was a fun read that will resonate with young kids and parents alike but the story was nowhere near as good as some other picture books I've read lately. One example being the wonderful and hilariousLion vs. Rabbit....more
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