Crystal Singer - Anne McCaffrey

Ah Anne McCaffrey.  One of her side series, non-PERN related.

Killashandra Ree spent 10 grueling years training for a musical career until the fateful day in her senior year when her final test they told her her voice had a unpleasant burr in higher registers that would prevent her from being a soloist.  Unpleasant burr?!??!  After all the encouragement she received.  If she couldn't bea top soloist she would walk away from it all.  At the space port she runs into a crystal singer on leave.  Pulled into his wonderful world she forgets about her unpleasantness for awhile and starts to think maybe crystal singing might be her calling.  Or is it?  Why is it that Ballybran, the only world with crystals on it, is rated a class 5 and extreme caution is needed.  Why is it that only crystal singers leave the planet and no one else?  Is she brave enough to change her destiny despite everyone urging her not to?

This is another favorite series of mine that Anne wrote.  Only 3 novels (really, really wish there was more!) it's one of those series that you can't put down.  I have read this series so many times I've had to replace the books multiple times.  And yet no matter how many times I read it, Killashandra is still a new but old favorite character.  Her journey is amazing especially as once again Anne creates this whole not just world of Ballybran but also universe where the crystals being cut on Ballybran make communications, interstellar travel and other things just as amazing.

So, so worth it to pick these up.

After You - Jojo Moyes

Second book that occurs after Me Before You (same author).

After Will is gone, Louisa is meant to break out of her tiny little world and truly live.  Can she do as Will wished?  Will she be able to make it?  Will she be able to move on?

After reading Me Before You and the emotional coaster that book put me on I was a bit trepidatious about this one.  I said before that between the book and the movie it was a great story but Louisa drove me nuts in the book.  Well the Louisa in After You...honestly this one was not nearly as emotionally charged as the first book.  I appreciate that moving on from the death of a loved one is difficult and that trying to find your way is even harder and Louisa was no exception to this.  She joins an emotional support group because her parents forced her to.  She has an accident which brought her back to her parents house.  New characters walk into her life some of which she has no control over.  I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as the first one however I needed to know what happened to Louisa after Will.  This book still left me on a cliff, however the ending of this book, just like Me Before You left me with open possibilities.  I feel like this was more of an extra chapter than Louisa's ending.  You see her emotional struggles, Will's parents struggles and the trickle down affect his death left on everyone around him.  Louisa is the type of character that I don't think will ever get it together (like of all of us in a small way tho) but it's about family, support and coping with things.

If you're really curious about how she is after Will, then pick this up.  If you want the reader's digest version - give me a call and I'll spill.

Catacombs - Anne McCaffrey & Elizabeth Anne Scarborough (Book Two)

A continuation on where Catalyst left off.

Chester and Jubal arrive on Mau, Pshaw-Ra's home planet where cats are worshipped as gods.  But the welcome Pshaw-Ra was expecting does not appear and not is all as it seems for his latest scheme.  How will Chester, Jubal, the crew of Ranzo and the rescued Barque cats fit in on Mau?  Out of the frying pan and into the fire?

Once again this one fell short for me.  I just cannot put my finger on it.  What I didn't enjoy or where it was lacking - story was there, characters were good and it had good exciting things happening.  But it was just...flat.  It got to the point that will a few chapters to go I just didn't feel the need to read to the end.  I skipped to the last page with the happily ever afters and it was as I suspected.  This has only happened to me with one other book.  And I got through The Simarillion!!

Anyways I don't think either of these two books are worth picking up and reading.  

A Court of Mist & Fury - Sarah J. Maas (Book Two)

Second book in the Court of Thorn & Roses series.  Seriously Sarah is KILLING ME!!  I loved the first book, had a tough time waiting for this book and I think I will die in agony for books 3 thru 6 (not currently out).  I would recommend NOT picking this series up until um about 2020 I believe that is when book 6 is due out.  But then again you would be missing out on the continuation of what I recommended you to read in A Court of Thorns & Roses.  Mwahahahahahaha yes I am evil.

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches and returns to the Spring Court and to Tamlin.  But at what cost?  What of the bargain she struck with Rhysand?  What cost will it be in becoming a High Fae?  Will she lose herself in the twisted courts of the fae?

Alright so just like the first one I enjoyed this one.  It went in directions I never dreamed possible and ended with well you'll just have to read it to find out how this one ends.  But the more I read of this series the more addicted I am to.

Catalyst - Anne McCaffrey & Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

Anne McCaffrey & Elizabeth Ann Scarborough have co-written a quite a few books together.  This one is an expansion tale of the Barque Cats.  Telepathic cats that service space ships essentially.

This particular tale is told about Chessie - valuable crew member aboard the Dolly Maise, Chessie is a rare cat.  Fine breeding, close bond with her Cat Person and a fine queen breeder, she is valued for more than this.  But Chessie is catnapped before her latest litter is born.  To make matters worse there is something going through the animal community that while it doesn't make them sick, it is showing signs of an odd side effect.  What  happen to Chessie and her kittens?

This is a short read and a bit of an interesting read but for a co-write between these two, it fell short for me.  Which surprised me.  I adore cats (having 2 myself) and I adore the 2 authors.  I liked reading about Chessie's spunky kitten, Chester.  But the rest of it just I dunno what it was, but it just wasn't as enjoyable.

There is a second book - Catacombs - that picks up where this book leaves off and I will pick that up as well.  Here's hoping it's a little better...

Freedom's Landing - Anne McCaffrey (Catteni Series Book 1)

Do I love Anne McCaffrey?  Yes.  She is one of my favorite authors.  Like one of my first favorites so she holds a special place for me.  And Freedom's Landing series and Crystal Singer series just keep me coming back again and again and again.

Forgive me but I have to quote the back of the book:

"Kristin Bjornsen lived a normal life, right up until the day the spaceships floated into view above Denver. As human slaves were herded into the maw of a massive vessel, Kristin realized her normal life was over and her fight for freedom was just beginning…

The alien Catteni value strength and intelligence in their slaves—and Kristin has managed to survive her enslavement while hundreds of other humans have not. But her trial has just begun, for now she finds herself part of a massive experiment. The aliens have discovered a new world, and they have a simple way of finding out if it’s habitable: drop hundreds of slaves on the surface and see what happens.

If they survive, colonization can begin. If not, there are always more slaves"

This series has four books in it and I'm not going to review all four but I will say that it is so worth it to read them.  Kris is spunky, lively and a fighter.  And once again Anne McCaffrey creates a world that you can envision easily and it's gorgeous.

The Darkest Minds - Alexandra Bracken

"When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.

 Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. She is on the run, desperate to find the only safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who have escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents. When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at having a life worth living."

 Well this was a bust. Seriously I couldn't even finish it. I couldn't even get half way through it!  The main character is weak.  No personality, no drive, no passion and no will. The write up on the back of the book (above) sounds interesting and intriguing right? FALSE ADVERTISING!! Seriously, Ruby is a frightened child in the beginning of the book - she's 10, I get it. But she doesn't move beyond that - even though the book picks up after the first chapter 6 years later. And while I'll allow that she "grew up" in a camp and didn't have much stimulation to promote growth, when she is busted out she's still just this flat character. Put aside that fact that Ruby is dull, the premise is...well it's not described very well in the book. Kids come down with something, the government locks up the survivors.  You find out because of this the US plummets into social, monetary and political disaster. They do a few "experiments" on a the first ones through the camp but mostly just house them. They don't give them anything to do there - it's like the author just wrote about prison and these kids are just victims.  HOWEVER I will say that the kids that turned out with the top tier symptoms are - psycho. Like bat crap crazy psycho.

 All in all I'm not going into further detail about why you shouldn't read this book , just take my word for it.

 I still don't understand how this book is rated up there with the Hunger Games...

Splintered - A.G. Howard

Alice in Wonderland has always been just a story to me - sure I enjoyed the spin Disney has done (more the animated than the recent movies) but I've never been obsessed with Wonderland.  Still the story intrigued me so I picked it up to read.

Alyssa Gardner is different.  She hears bugs and flowers talk.  Her mother is in the loonie bin and it seems that she will head there herself before too long.  But theres more to the story that just being crazy.  After all her great great aunt is THE Alice herself that Lewis Carroll wrote about.  Maybe Alyssa isn't that crazy after all...

This book was truly a coming of age novel.  Between the art she explores to drown out the voices she hears, the relationship with her mother and father, down to the feelings that she has for a boy.  But throw in the fantasy world of Wonderland in a dark way that your not used to thinking and A.G. Howard really captures the reader.  Beautiful imagery and the descriptions in vivid detail form clothing to rooms to characters really makes you feel like you've fallen down the rabbit hole.

Only when I went searching for the book cover did I discover that this in fact a trilogy (what is with the trilogies lately?!?!).  I'm gunna have to pick up the other two now...

Oh ya if Alice in Wonderland, fairytale twists or coming of age books are your thing, pick this up.  Even if none of the above is, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to broaden your range an try this one out.

Dragonquest - Anne McCaffrey (Pern Series - 2)

Not as exciting as the first one and def not the most memorable.

Another turn and dragons take to the sky to fight Thread.  F'lar knows there's a better way to fight Thread.  Will he be able to do it before the Oldtimers cause more dissension?  What will it take to get the blasted fire lizards out of his Weyr?  Why can't he stop his crazy brother F'nor from launching suicide missions?

Honestly this book while it is the logical second book was kind of a snore fest and I could do without it.  But that being said still read if Pern is a series that interests you.

Dragonsong - Anne McCaffrey (Volume 1 of the Harper Hall Trilogy - Pern series - 3)

This is one of those easy reads that takes me away to Pern and envelopes me in the story.  When I was a teenager I read this book called Island of the Blue Dolphins and I feel that Anne channeled that book writing this one.

Enter Menolly.  She lives in a seahold off the coast and dreams of becoming a harper.  Those dreams are dashed when she is injured and her father forbids her from becoming one.  Menolly runs away and finds a batch of firelizards about to hatch.  Fearing for their life, she keeps them from escaping a cave into the danger Thread falling outside.  9 imprint on her and she teaches them to sing.  Her life isn't so lonely anymore and her amazing little friends open a new world to her so thought was lost.

Ok so not my best description but this book is so worth the read.  While part of the Pern series and the first book in a triliogy it can be read as a standalone.

Pick it up, borrow it but def read it.

Dragonflight - Anne McCaffrey - (Pern Series)

One of my first excursions into fantasy was with Anne and so she holds a special place on my shelf.  Chronologically speaking in the world of Pern, this isn't the first book, but there are MANY different ways to read her books so you don't have to take my advice.  They do all interweave and *most of her series could be read as standalones but you do get more sense of characters and world if you read this one.  If you want to read it chronologically - read Survey P.E.R.N.  Dragonflight falls um 20th in the chronological order but for me this was the best introduction to Pern and the way of life that exists now. Anne herself said the best way to read her series in the way it was published, and this book was her first written in 1968.  So readers, this is also my recommendation.

It has been 400 years since Thread has fallen from the sky, destroying crops and killing people.  400 years since dragons fought the Thread as it fell.  400 years since the dragons have had purpose and not a drain on the holds that support them.  But the Red Star has made it's pass and the time of dragons is coming again.  And one woman will lead them all into a new era - making dragons relevant again.

This isn't my favorite Pern series book but it is oh so important to see where Lessa came from.  What makes her the stalwart woman she is and more important how she changed Pern.  Anne created an incredibly detailed and rich world and you just want to keep reading about it.  I devoured any and all books about Pern that I could.

Yes pick this one up.  Yes immerse yourself in Pern.  Whether you love or hate Lessa - the world of Pern will beckon you and you'll want to visit it more.

Sword Dancer - Jennifer Roberson (Tiger & Del Series Book 1)

Finally tracked down all but the last book of this series.  7 books total feature the story of Tiger & Del.

Sword Dancer begins with the meeting of Tiger, a desert sword dancer - born a slave; and Del, a northern sword dancer on a mission, a blood quest, as cold and fierce as the land she hails from.  Through necessity she seeks him out to help her traverse the fierce desert and find her lost brother.  Tiger accepts because he is drawn to her cool beauty and mysterious power.  Where will their journey take them?  What dangers await?

This book had me from the beginning.  Tiger may be a sexist man but he's one of those men that underneath it came is a softie.  And oh how soft he gets towards Del.  Tiger grows a lot in this book and is a learning man.  Del is a huge mystery until about half through but is one of those characters you want to learn about.  She is so focused on finding her brother it blinds her to everything.  They both get into some pretty tough scrapes in this book but its a fantasy series that keeps you rooting for them.

I would recommend for sure and I can't wait to read the second one.

The Accident Season - Moira Fowley-Doyle

When I first read the back of the book description I was intrigued.  Who hasn't thought of themselves as accident prone at one time or another?  I know I certainly have.  But a family who for a complete month has probably the worst luck in the history of the world every single year at the same time?  Curiosity peaked I delved in.

For 17 year old Cara, accident season has always been a part of her life.  Every October her family battens down the hatches so to speak - knives are banished, sharp corners are padded, electrical items are switched off and extra clothing is added to pad, protect and warm.  But despite their best efforts injuries follow wherever they go.  All of them.  Some years aren't that bad - bruising and bumps and small cuts.  Some years however are terrible - broken bones and deaths.  Why does this happen to them every year?  How can they break free?  What secrets does the families past hold?

I found the relationships between characters slightly offsetting at times.  Weird imagery and strange writing - this book was definitely not my normal read.  This book is a snapshot of a couple of weeks of Cara's life at the end of this particular accident season.  I can't say that I totally enjoyed it, but at the same time I had no problems finishing it.  Would I recommend it?  If you like weird imagery and undefined relationships (yes yes they are teenagers I get it) then have at er.  Otherwise, meh there are other far more interesting books to read.

House of Many Ways - Diana Wynne Jones

Out of all 3 books in the trilogy this was my least favorite, but still an interesting read. The book was written 18 years after book 2 (Castle in the Air), 22 years after book 1 (Howl's Moving Castle) and 3 years before Diana's death.  Which may explain why I didn't enjoy it as much however it is still in keeping with the trilogy.

Charmain is an avid reader, to the point where nothing else exists in the world.  So when her great-uncle needs someone to look after his house while he's going to be treated by the elves, she jumps on the chance for peace and quiet to read.  But her quiet time to read is anything but.  Her great uncle is a wizard and his house extraordinary.  Unfortunately his illness is more advanced than anticipated and is whisked away before he can explain that this is no ordinary house.  But he has left some instructions.  Charmain slowly gets her feel for the intricacies of the house and a much, much bigger plot occurring around her.

I found this story not as interesting as the first two books and thus didn't enjoy it as much.  Charmain wasn't a character I truly connected with.  The story itself was alright but the ending I found to be...harsh?  Howl, Sophie and gang are once again woven into the story.  I did however find elements of this book were taken and added to Hayao Miyazaki's movie Howl's Moving Castle and recognized them right away, which was enjoyable.

If you've read the first two, yes I would recommend this one, if only to finish the Sophie and Howl storyline.

Castle in the Air - Dianne Wynne Jones

Second book in the Howl's Moving Castle Series

Abdullah, a not very prosperous carpet merchant in Zanzib, dreams.  Daydreams to be more precise.  A lot.  But he was content with his life and daydreams until one day a merchant sells him a magic carpet.  At first Abdullah still thinks he's dreaming when he's transported and wakes up in an enchanted garden and talks to a beautiful maiden, Flower-in-the-Night.  But when it happens again the next night and she is kidnapped, Abdullah must shake his daydreams away and go on a daring rescue!

I have to say that I am enjoying this series a lot!  This story is very reminiscent of Aladdin and Arabian Nights feeling.  Some good plot twists, excellent characters (love the guy in the stall next to him and his dog) and my favorite part of the book was the flowery speeches.  VERY formal Indian speaking even when the characters despise one another and are insulting.  Quite amusing I must say.    Once again Howl, Sophie and the gang are back so it's a very nice tie in but they are not the central part of the story.

Highly recommend as a light read trilogy - but read Howl's Moving Castle first!

Starship Troopers - Robert A. Heinlein

The movie was what my husband and I saw on our first date.  So it intrigued me to read the book.

Told from the perspective of Juan Rico (aka Johnnie), joining the military to become a citizen, his start in boot camp, going to battle across the stars and the enemies they fight against.

I have to say like most books turned into movies this one was no exception.  It was vastly different in ways that I didn't like but the further I got into the book it was like the movie.  Then towards the end nothing like it.  It's hard to describe and I tried really hard to be unbiased because I adore the movie so much.  The first chapter is Johnnie on planet in combat.  Chapters 2-6 are in depth boot camp chapters. Then it moves into the rest of his career.

I found the book character very...human.  I still haven't decided if that's a good thing or not.  In the movie he's kind of a cocky jock who's cut down to size but turns out to be a true leading character.  In the book he's afraid and doesn't want to take the lead and always wants to resign.

All in all I would still recommend reading this book.  Just be warned it VERY military heavy.

The Crown - Kiera Cass (Book 5 in the Selection Series)

 

So this is the fifth book in the series and the second part of Eadlyn's selection process.

The selection process continues for Eadlyn and in the midst of public scrutiny and internal palace goings on, will Eadlyn find the one she wants to spend the rest of her life with?

The first part was a tough read because of Eadlyn's character.  This one was easier but the continuation on of this series is falling flat for me.    And honestly the ending was terrible.  I don't want to ruin the ending for anyone but I feel Kiera rushed writing the last 3 chapters and threw in the ending to just finish it.  I feel sad in some ways that I did read these last two books. I should have finished it with The One and America and Maxon's fairytale ending.

Finish reading the series if you must but you'll be disappointed.

Elementary - Edited by Mercedes Lackey

I have long been a Mercedes Lackey fan and her avid reader.  Her elemental series has captured my imagination and interest like few series' have.  She combines turn of the century England, loosely based fairytales and masters of air, fire, water and earth.  I own almost all of this series and when I happened to be in a bookstore the other day and happened upon this treasure I picked it up without hesitation as I didn't have it yet.

I am not the only one who have been sucked into Lackey's universe as this book is a collection of 18 other authors penning their own tales and Mercedes adds her own short story to the end.  Each page turned in this book shows another story, another perspective of the elemental masters universe and it was a very interesting read.  It was nice to have shorter stories to read but still just as captivating as reading a whole novel, in some cases I wished the story was a tad longer!

This novel is the second collection of short stories of elemental masters.

If you have read some of the elemental masters books, this is a delightful read.  If you haven't read any - I wouldn't recommend.  Go read Mercedes Lackey's books first :P

Glass Sword - Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #2)

The problem with reading the first book and then waiting for the second is that 1) you forget details of the first and 2) your enthusiasm tends to go to another source.

This is the second book on the Red Queen series and I have to admit that my glowing review of the first one to a friend didn't trigger my enthusiasm for this one.  If I had of read them back to back I would have been fine and enjoyed it more but as it was this one was a bit of a chore for me.

Victoria picks up right where she left off in Red Queen.  Mare being pursued by Maven with all her friends by her side.

Lots of action and some angst but all in all not too bad.

Read if you read the Red Queen.

Stars Above - Marissa Meyers - A Lunar Chronicles Collection

Mercy me but Marissa Meyers is giving us more!!  I was so excited! 

I love how she is "filling" in the story - but from other perspectives.  There are 9 short stories in here - only one is of a character you've never met in the Lunar Chronicles. 

The Keeper: How Princess Selene came to be in the care of Michelle Benoit and how Scarlet while living there never knew.

Glitches:  This is a prequel to Cinder and shows how the plaque affect Cinder when she went to live with the Linh's.

The Queen's Army:  This is Wolf's story - how he came to be a solider.

Carswell's Guide To Being Lucky: 13 year old Carswell Thorne's story.

After Sunshine Passes:  9 year old Cress's story.

The Princess and the Guard:  Young Winter and Jacin's story.

The Little Android:  This is a retelling of the little mermaid in the Lunar Chronicle world. 

The Mechanic:  Retelling of Cinder and Kai's meeting form Kai's perspective.

Something Old, Something New:  Takes place after Winter book.  Old friends gather for the wedding of the century.

Once again Marissa has delved into the stories and her writing shines through.  This book is an absolute must for those that have already read the series.  I felt The Little Android was a little out of place with the other 8 stories as they are all prequel type stories and that one is a random one off.  It's beautifully written but just seems out of place here.

But yes read this one for sure!

The Commoner - John Burnham Schwartz

I became interested in this book because once again it was listed under reading material under "Japanese reading".  You know the one thing I love about books is the that they still have the ability to surprise me and spur my curiosity about the world around me.

John Burnham Schwartz basis this book loosely on Empress Michiko, current Empress Consort in Japan.  She was the first non-aristocratic woman to marry into the Imperial household. 

Haruko was born into a well to do family (her fathers was nicknamed the Sake King) in the late 40's.  In 1959 she meets the current crown prince in a tennis match and they start spending more and more time together.  Eventually this leads to a marriage proposal...then 3 more.  Finally she accepts and it's her story of adjusting to imperial life.

The whole book is told through Haruko's eyes.  While not used to reading about Japan in the latest centuries I still found the story itself intriguing.  And the fact that John speaks as a woman throughout the whole book, while it threw me a bit in the beginning, it still got the story told.  The first part of the book was interesting enough - Haruko's life and relationship with her parents as an only child.  Her relationship in particular with her father mirrors the same relationship I have with my father and that endeared them to me much more so.  After she marries the crown prince I found the book to almost lose heart like Haruko herself, the life seems to leave the book and it ends abruptly.  Like the last 5-6 chapters jump in time considerably with no concept of telling the story anymore.  Almost as if the author either didn't have the time to finish telling it, or lost interest.  The ending left me feeling like I still wanted to grasp at the story.  Which prompted me to start researching the real Empress Consort and her daughter-in-law. 

I dunno maybe that was the point of the book, to reach out to the reader and say hey, this is an interesting story and delve deeper into what it takes to live as royalty in our modern world.

If you don't pick up the book, at least Google Empress Michiko.  And who knows maybe that will prompt you to read the book to gain a better understanding of what it truly means to have that fairytale romance with royalty...

Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones

I was interested to learn that Hayao Miyazaki did his movie from this novel.  With some changes of course.

Diana did a fantastic job writing about the characters and bringing them to life.  There isn't as much "action" per say as the movie but there is intrigue and if you've never seen the movie then you'll enjoy it.  If you have seen the movie you'll still enjoy it but you'll just know some plot points before they happen.  However because there's no war going on it's different and it will still be fresh.

Sophie is the oldest of 3 sisters and works in her family's hat shop.  One day a customer comes in a curses her so that she looks "old" like a 90 year old woman.  Since Sophie has always felt this way it wasn't hard for her to feel it.  She leaves her family's hat shop to find work elsewhere so she won't be a burden to her family and step-mom.  She wanders into the hills above the town and comes upon Howl's moving castle.  She sets herself up as his old cleaning lady despite Howl's young apprentice's protests.  Soon she's drawn into a very different world than she knew and learns things about herself she didn't realize before.

I quite enjoyed it.  It's a very fast read as it's young adult.  AND another interesting fact is it's a trilogy!  The second and third books have Howl & Sophie & Calcifer in them but they aren't the focal point.  It's an interesting concept.

Me Before You - Jojo Moyes

Ok so I admit that I watched the movie before reading this. 

Ugh.  Make sure you have tissues and some kind of comfort food when you read this.  Seriously.  Especially the ending.

Louisa, a witty, outgoing 26yr old in England loses her job at the local bakery and goes to the Job Centre to find a job.  Through this she takes a job with the Traynor family who owns the local castle.  Their son is a quadriplegic and needs a companion.   Louisa signs on for 6 months but her first impressions of Will are not good.  Will she be able to make it through?

Ok so not my best reader's digest version of the novel above but I'm hoping that I'll make it sound more appealing here.  This is one of those books that makes you think - about life, things going on around you and about yourself.  With the movie I got more wrapped up in the relationships - Louisa and her family, Will and his family and the unique bond that forms between Louisa and Will.  The book was slightly different in the way they presented those relationships (the book has a sister to Will whereas the movie doesn't for example).  I truly think you need to read the book AND watch the movie to be able to get the whole picture so to speak.  Not necessarily in that order either.  Both made me cry.  The book helped me understand the limitations of quadriplegics and the obstacles that they face everyday.  The movie helped me understand that when you look at someone you get so much more out of a look, whether it's between parents, co-workers or someone you are in a relationship with.  I must admit that I liked Louisa better in the movie than I did in the book.  And I really disliked Louisa's sister in the book.  Whereas in the movie she only plays a minor supporting role. 

Ok I'll stop comparing the book to the movie since this blog is about book reviews and not comparisons to movies made from books.

Jojo writes very well from the medical aspect of quadriplegics and their requirements.  It's not overflowing to the point you want to go cross eyed from medical terminology but she helps you understand just what is involved.  It feels like you are learning along with Louisa.  Emotionally you connect with her frustration in coming into a situation that is so new and out of her comfort zone.  It is a gripping testimony that although life throws some pretty hard curve balls, that a positive smile and willingness to fight can get you through anything.

I would DEF recommend!!

The Feast of Roses - Indu Sundaresan

Well since I devoured the Twentieth Wife I figured I should finish the series.

This book picks up a couple of weeks after the finish of the Twentieth Wife ends.  This one is def more about the politics after Nur Jahan is married to the Emperor, her struggle to rise to the power in the harem and the struggle to keep that power.  She also battles with people who view her as a threat - a threat to the empire, to their way of life and to themselves.

This one was more of a struggle than the last one (even tho the last one frustrated me).  I'm more of an enjoyer of sweeping stories, romance and less of politics and this was FULL of politics.  I think the power, like with most people, went to her head and she far over stepped her boundaries.  However those that were against her plotted against her - did they push her to make the decisions she made?   In the beginning she asked to be equal to the Emperor, in a land where the Emperor is the ultimate be all and end all.  So did she push people to be her enemies by gaining so much power, thusly her enemies pushing back and then just the domino effect?  I will let you as the reader judge.

If you read the Twentieth Wife then I would recommend this as your second read too.

Frostbike - Tom Babin

Got sidetracked in my quest to find balance between working full time and exercise.  This book was recommended to me by my bike specialist and is well worth the read.

Tom is a native to Calgary, Alberta (where I live) and not only does he discuss a couple winter's struggles with biking here but he also goes into the long history of winter biking in general, the disillusions we convince ourselves of in winter and the general mechanics of winter bike riding.  No those that ride in winter aren't crazy.  And those that think about riding in winter aren't crazy either.  Especially if you've ever stood outside in -31°C waiting for a bus in Calgary.  Like everything in life there are obstacles, like the unique chinooks here in Calgary, but its all about mindset and wellness. 

I'm struggling with exercise (who isn't??) and riding a bike to work takes two things off my list at once - exercise and the need for transportation.  But like every Canadian city we deal with winter and typically that means the end of cycling.  Or does it?

A very good read.  Tom is a writer by trade and his style is informative and filled with personal what-works-and-what-doesn't anecdotes. 

Worth the read and I highly recommend reading it even if you don't plan to ride in winter.

The Teahouse Fire - Ellis Avery

Keeping with the "Asian" theme, this one came up on the list.

Told through the eyes of Aurelia, a french American orphan, who crossed the sea with her priest uncle.  The story begins with her life in New York, then unfolds with Aurelia being "adopted" by a Japanese tea ceremony school family once she crossed the ocean.

Ya sounds interesting right? 

The writing style of this book while at first was fine, after the fire it gets...I dunno what.  Ellis has chosen to tell the story through Aurelia's eyes and you def get her frustration at the language barrier but when telling the story its terrible.  If you don't have any background knowledge of Japan, Japanese customs, haven't ever read anything what so ever about the country, Ellis doesn't really talk about it.  When Aurelia first arrives, her and her uncle are told by the other priests the basics but after the fire there is no one to interpret for Aurelia and as the reader I just grew more frustrated with each passing page.  And I've read a lot of Japanese books so I have a rudimentary understanding of Japanese culture and mannerisms. 

I couldn't finish this book.  Especially after a misunderstanding with a kimono and a teascoop. 

If you can get through this kudos to you.  I don't recommend picking this up.

The Twentieth Wife - Indu Sundaresan

This is also a historical story retelling and while a little off my usual book path, the story was still intriguing.

This book reminded me a lot in structure of The Last Concubine by Lesley Downer.  Indu Sundaresan based this story off of the historical figure of Nur Jahan - Mughal Empress in the late 1500's and early 1600's.  She was born into the world and named Mehrunisa and only later became Nur Jahan at the "old" age of 34 when she married the emperor Jahangir (who was 40 at the time) and became his twentieth (and last) wife.  While not a total fictional story, Indu writes about Mehrunisa's life leading up to her marriage to the emperor based on actual historical events. 

I found this book intriguing and frustrating at the same time.  It was filled with rich details on ancient Indian court life, political intrigue (but no so much that you wanted to throw the book away), a little romance and it swept your across lands and time.  It had enough that my interest was piqued and I finished the book in a day but my frustration lie in the relationship with Jahangir and Mehrunisa.  It was a constant meeting, leaving, years pass, meeting again briefly, leaving and years pass.  And it wasn't even a romantic meeting - it was moments, passing ever so briefly in the span of time.  Once they met in the gardens, she releases a bird and leaves.  That's it.  Yes there was words exchanged briefly but it was maybe a 5 minute meeting and he was captivated?  I have a tough time with the romance of this.  Oh I love fairy tales and have always believed if you have a connection you should explore that but this was beyond "love at first sight".  It was...not real.  Not even believable and I think therein that's where my frustration with this book lies.

Then the book ends.  The last 5 pages are of their marriage.  The last page of them taking their vows.  Then her thinking she wants to be the power behind the veil.  And that's when I figured out this was a trilogy and not a standalone novel.

I am torn when it comes to recommending this book or not as I feel you as the reader will enjoy the richness of the world but will probably feel just as frustrated as I felt when I finished it.  So I leave it up to you if you want to read it or not.

Cruel Crown - Victoria Aveyard (Supplementary Novella to Red Queen)

Until I saw this on goodreads I didn't even know that it existed.

A supplement to Red Queen (meant to be read after it but before Glass Sword - second in the series) it is 2 short stories.  The first is about the current prince's mother and her rise to queen.  The second is about Farely, the rebel we meet in Red Queen.

Very, very short read but well worth it as it helps to flush out the silver world and gives you A LOT of background and understanding into Farely.

I quite enjoyed it.  And if you are already into the Red Queen then this is a must read.

47 Ronin - John Allyn

I looked forward to this book as I enjoy stories on Japanese history and this is certainly one of the most famous, but also I liked the movie with Keanu Reeves ><  But I also wanted to read the true story and not the Hollywood-ized version.

The book is nothing like the movie and quite frankly I would think the Japanese people would be a little incensed that a Keanu would insinuate himself into a story like this.

The story is about 18th century historical event.  When samurai were bound to houses for life, the shogun ruled militarily and if your lord died you would become a ronin (leaderless samurai).  When daimyo (feudal lord) Asano Naganori was compelled to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for assaulting a court official, his samurai avenged their master's honor, after waiting and planning for a year.  In turn they were granted the honor of committing seppuku.

It's a very thorough retelling of the story and it is told very well.  It's not like a historical telling but it's more like reading a novel (if that makes sense).  Their sense of honor and right in that time is far different than what we know in today's world.  And this book takes you back to that time, plants you firmly beside Oishi (Asano's principal counsellor) and makes you begin to understand their way of that honor.

It is a shorter read and because of it's nature (and history) it is violent.

Still, if reading historical books is your thing then this book is for you.

Again, it's NOTHING like the movie. 

Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

Ok I've read this book, um let's see about a million times?  LOL ok maybe not that many but I have read it more than 5 times and this latest still reminded me how much I love this book.

Chiyo and her sister are plucked from their little fishing village and taken to the city (Kyoto).  Separated there, Chiyo finds herself in a geisha house.  With her startling grey eyes it is deemed she would make a fine geisha.  Thus sets her on the path that will be full of sorrow, learning, rivals and beauty.

I love this book.  Despite what people say, Arthur sucks you into the world of becoming a geisha.  While not all of it is based on truth there is still some that is and the harsh beauty of a world of these women.  He creates a unique perspective and if you aren't a history buff, read this book with an open mind and lose yourself in the world he creates you will enjoy it.

I loved the movie as well (same title).  First time I think I can say that about a book turned into a movie.  There certainly are things that are left out that makes reading the book over again worth it, but the movie is so worth it too.

I would (and do!) recommend this book.

Empress, A Novel - Shan Sa

Once again one in my collection.

I came to the realization that I don't believe I have actually read this one.  It's been sitting on my shelf for a long time.

One of China's most controversial figures in history - its first and only female emperor, Empress Wu - Shan Sa tells the story completely through Empress Wu's eyes - right from her time in the womb to after her death as a "ghost". 

I started to understand why I hadn't read this one.  While Shan Sa wrote about the period very well, especially things that were recorded as historical events, I feel that she went into TOO much detail.  She could have referenced the incest within the royal family without having to go into detail about the feelings it evoked.  I found it disturbing to the point that I skipped over huge sections.  Yes I understand that these things happened in the past and yes I understand that I will see references to it, but I don't need to hear details.  Ewww.  As for the rest of the intrigue, descriptions and so on, it was alright. 

Maybe it's because the Japanese courts fascinate me more and I am being biased but I found the Chinese courts to be...poor imitations of those that Japanese feudal era.  That being said I didn't enjoy this book and would not recommend it.

The Last Concubine by Lesley Downer

This is one from my collection of books.  I went through an Asian book phase and bought all of them I could.  I recently picked this one up again to read.

Chronicling 19th Century Japan, as told through the eyes of Sachi.   Plucked from her mountain village and traveling to the women's complex in Edo, the story spans decades.  The fall of the Shogun, political intrigue and what happens when three thousand woman suddenly have to vacate the palaces.

I enjoyed this book again for a number of reasons.  Lesley does her research.  Although not everything in this book is based on truth, I would say that about 85% of it is true.  Lesley's fascination with Japan mirrors my own, but she has been able to pursue it in ways that I never can.  I think that is why I enjoy reading her works so much.  She really captures the essence of feudal Japanese women (or at least how I think they should behave) and goes into a lot of historical details.  This book once again has fueled my obsession.

Be prepared for an onslaught of Asian books!

Winter - Marissa Meyer (Book 4 in the Lunar Chronicles Series)

Ah the final book in the series.  If you made it this far well then your in for a treat.

Just as with all of Marrisa Meyer's books in the Lunar Chronicles (with the exception of Cress), she seamlessly blends her writing style, fairy tales and a futuristic story into something magical.

In the final book of the series, we find out more about Winter herself, her love for her guard and only friend, Jacin, the madness that is consuming her and why and at last we see the climax of the battle between Levana and Cinder. 

There was more here than I anticipated and upon completion realized that Marissa had put hints of this writing into Scarlet.  She goes into great detail the plans for the demise of Levana, the history of Lunar and describes the Lunar people and segregations so well that I felt I was there, coughing and fighting beside Cinder.

I really enjoyed this book and in fact this whole series.  A keeper on my bookshelf to read again in the future.

A Wicked Thing - Rhiannon Thomas

What happens between Sleeping Beauty waking up and finding her happily ever after?  Rhiannon Thomas tells that story.

Aurora wakes up to find an 18yr old boy standing above her, having just kissed her.  She discovers she's been sleeping for 102 years.  Everyone she's every known is long dead.  Her kingdom is full of political intrigue and she has questions that no one is answering.  What is a princess to do?

Getting to the end of this book I realized that it is NOT a standalone novel.  BUT it was a very intriguing read nonetheless.  I really enjoyed how Rhiannon Thomas wrote this "after" fairytale.  She really captured how it would feel to wake up after 100+ years and not know what's going on.  Politics were definitely in play here.  It felt VERY Game of Thrones-ish but without multiple chapters on different characters.

I would totally recommend.

The Stepsister's Tale - Tracy Barrett

I quite enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella from the Stepsister's perspective. 

Mostly told from the oldest stepsister's, Jane Montjoy, perspective.  The story tells of how Isabella and her father come to live with The Montjoy sisters and their mother, how poor the Montjoys are and what life is like for them.

She weaves in the Cinderella story very nicely however does not end it like the fairytale we are used to. 

I almost forgot that I was reading a retelling until the middle/near the end.  I would recommend this book if you are looking for a light read and enjoy fairytales.

The Golden Braid - Melanie Dickerson

A medieval retelling of Rapunzel.

I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this book.  I love the Rapunzel fairytale but I'm not sure how I feel about Meanie Dickerson's telling of it.

The book starts out with Rapunzel and Gothel living in a little village and after a farmer asks for Rapunzels hand in marriage they up and move to the city of Hagenheim (the whole book is based in Germany in the 1400's).  Rapunzel possesses all kinds of skill sets - painting, knife throwing and sewing however she doesn't know how to read and has her heart set on learning how.  On their journey to Hagenheim, they run in trouble but are saved by a knight.  Later down the road Rapunzel saves the knight.  and they kinda keep doing that throughout the book and eventually feelings develop.

Melanie sticks VERY true to the era with descriptions.  But while she mentions the bible frequently in the book, she also quotes it and her characters also talk a lot about god.  Like more than just passing.  Now I am a bible reader myself and believe in god but this book felt more like a religious novel than a fairytale retelling.  It made me a tad uncomfortable.

That aside, I found Rapunzel herself to be not as well rounded a character as I would have liked in a fairytale book and Gerek (the knight) to be well I dunno.  I felt like this book was trying to be a romance novel (without the sex) but failing and trying to be a fairytale - which it was only because it's a retelling but also trying to be a religious novel.  None of those things mix well in the blender.  Oil and water and air.  Nope didn't happen.

Anyways if this is your cup of tea and sounds intriguing - have at er.  Personally I wouldn't recommend this one.

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Maas

Wow.  Just wow.  If you are looking for a book that takes you on a journey not only within a mythical world but also a journey to learn about interaction between relationships of people well this book is for you.  It's sad, gut renching, beautiful, imagintative, and lovely.   Sarah captures the difference between humans and faerie kind beautifully and that communication can sometimes stand in the way of not only new relationships but old ones too.

Story is about FreayaI was , a human girl about 19 and what happens what she kills a fae creature, the consequences it has on her life and the high fae who comes to claim the debt.  But not all is as it seems and there is a lot more going on behind the scenes.  Journey with Freaya as she goes to the faerie lands and watch as her feels change.  

There is romance, killing and other intense romantic scenes so there is an age bracket I would recommend here.

But recommend this book I definately would.  For me it was THE best boom I have read in a long while.

Dark Tide - Jennifer Donnelly (Third Book in the Waterfire Saga)

The third book did not disappoint.

Story picks up with Serafina leading the Black fins, we find out where Ling is, Becca meets up with Astrid and we finally find out Astrid's secret and all the other tidbits that were left us wondering like a good cliffhanger does.

I liked this one and felt that Jennifer didn't miss a beat.  She seamlessly connects all the stories and continues on.  It almost felt like she wrote all 3 books at once.  VERY minimal reminders in the beginning chapters to remind the reader where the story left off.  I loved that.  The story didn't go much into where Ava was, but seemed to focus more on Ling and then Serafina as a close second. 

I enjoyed this one as much as the other 2 and would recommend especially if you've read the other 2.

Atlantia - Ally Condie

I was expecting a mermaid-ish book and I did not get that.

Instead I was taken deep beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean and humans dwelling there in dome like structures.  The story is told through one girls eyes - Rio, who is a siren.  What does that mean?  Well you are just going to have to read the book to find out.

I liked how different this book was from the other books I've been reading in this genre.  I liked the world Ally crerated - intricate in detail and how she only gives you tidbits.  I feel like the story is left untold though by the time I finished reading it.  Like whole pieces to a puzzle showing the world.  She only answered the immediate questions of the story line and some tidbits of the broader scope.  Like the boarder pieces in a puzzle and a huge chunk in the middle but other things in between are missing.

It was a mediocre book for me, like it *should* have been a trilogy and not just a standalone novel.  I didn't hate it but I feel like in a month from now I will have forgotten it.

There are many other books I would recommend before this one.

The White Rose - Amy Ewing (Second book in the Jewel series)

Amy did not disappoint in this second book.  Continuing on the journey for Violet, escaping the Jewel and finding our she is more than she seems.  All the surrogates are.

The beginning and middle of this book could have been taken out of the Hunger Games or Maze Runner in the way of escape excitement.  I felt like Violet and Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games) could have been swapped at one point but then Amy veered right and her story became her own again.  I loved the cliff hanger at the end and how she answered what the surrogates are.  What they will be capable of, the third book will tell.

TOTALLY recommend especially if you've read the first book the Jewel.

The Siren - Kiera Cass

Since the Selection series, I'm a fan of Kiera Cass's writing style and a story about sirens who do the ocean's bidding captured my interest as soon as I read the back of it.  This is a standalone book NOT a series.

Siren's serve the ocean for 100 years, willingly, and then go back to "human" life, memories of their lives as a siren forgotten.  The book tells the story of one particular siren - Kahlen - who is 80 years into her service. 

I love the concept of this story.  Kiera has taken all the fables from years past and seamless combines all those tidbits and creates this world where modern day sirens exist.  Kahlen is so relatable - tortured and kind and so devoted to the ocean but hates what she has to do.  Even the ocean herself you understand her need for sirens and how she takes care of them.  It's a beautiful story.

The ending made me cry I'm not gunna lie.  Kiera hit a home run with this book and so far it is the best book I've read this year.

RECOMMEND RECOMMEND RECOMMED!

Love Letters to the Dead - Ava Dellaira

Ah the joys and challenges of going through adolescence.  This book kinda took me back and made me think of things that went through my head when I was growing up.

I started out liking how it was written through a variety of letters to various dead people - Amelia Errheart, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain etc.  But for some reason I just couldn't finish this.  It wasn't that it wasn't interesting or the story wasn't there, I just think that in the end the perspective kinda threw me and I lost interest.

I would still recommend this if you like coming of age stories.

Fairest - Marissa Meyer (Levana's Story - Lunar Chronicles Supplementary Story)

Now this was a great recovery for Marissa Meyer.  After Cress I was a little worried.

This book tells Levana's story right from the beginning.  It explains why she always wears a shroud and she doesn't have mirrors around and won't appear uncovered in front of the camera.  But it delves into her psyche as well.  Her inner thoughts and fears. 

I didn't like Levana any more but after reading this I understand her better.  This is definitely a must read for the Lunar Chronicles!

Cress - Marissa Meyer (Book 3 in the Lunar Chronicles Series)

Ah book 3.  This one frustrated me a bit.  After the tumultuous Scarlet this one felt a bit flat to me.

Cinder and gangs only hope is a hacker named Cress.  Will Cress be able to give them the information they need to overthrown Levena and bring an end to the blah blah blah man I even feel like it's flat writing this. 

Marissa captures the bare bones of Rapunzel's fairy tale character (long hair - check, isolation - check, rescued - check) but this book feels more like a filler or bridge to the next book than anything.  Nothing...happens...until the very end.  There are conversations and more characters introduced (like Cress) and your knowledge bubble of Lunar fills a tiny amount but all in all this one was a tougher read.

Scarlet - Marissa Meyers (Book 2 in the Lunar Chronicles Series)

Scarlet is the second book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

The book starts off introducing us to Scarlet (aka Little Red Riding Hood).  Scarlet meets Wolf, a street fighter and they uncover clues about Scarlet's grandmother which lead them to Cinder.

Again Marissa Meyer's take on an old fairy tale character is fantastic.  And the love story between Scarlet and wolf is something out of a romance novel (without the naughty bits).  At first I felt this could have been a stand alone novel but Marissa interweaves Scarlet and Wolf into Cinder's story and I started to get little bit of a bigger picture to the whole story/world.  It left me frustrated (as did Cinder) that I didn't have the next book. ><

Cinder - Marissa Meyer (Book 1 in the Lunar Chronicle Series)

I picked this book up at Chapters on a Whim.  One the lovely end displays, the cover captured my interest (what do you know those end displays DO work!)

Story takes place in New Beijing, at a time when a virulent plague is sweeping the country.  The Lunar people are bidding their time, waiting to strike; a young untried emperor has a lot on his hands and one second class mechanically gifted cyborg citizen will be become caught up in a fight for earth itself.

I loved this take on Cinderella.  Marissa Meyer covered all the basic story points: stepmother - check, stepsisters - check, menial labor Cinderella - check, fancy dress ball - check.  But she took the story to a whole new level and transformed it into a new story.  Cinder is a great character.  Marissa has taken the little cinder girl, stripped away what I used to imagine her to be and given her grit, a fighting spirit and cybernetic leg. 

I couldn't wait to read the next one in the series...

The Dressmaker - Kate Alcott

I'm not a history buff but I do enjoy reading books set in any time period.  Kate Alcott writes about the Titanic and the fateful days leading up to and after it's demise.

The story is based on the written testimonies that occurred after the sinking of the Titanic.  She states in the back of her book: "The basic bones of the story are true...All else is fiction, with the exception of a puzzle at the heart of this tragedy for which there is no single answer: why did only one lifeboat make an attempt to save those dying in the water?  It is on that question that my story is build."

The story revolves around Tess, a young woman who became a maid to Lady Duff Gordon just before boarding the Titanic.  As it centers on her and her thoughts and struggles and not on the politics around her I found this book quite intriguing.  Of course the trial and her employer affect her and her life but it wasn't as tedious as I though it was going to be.  Kate Alcott does an awesome job at drawing you into the story and make you want to keep flip pages.

I love how she filled in the human side of the transcriptions and made the people real.  Full gambit of emotions on each character - you love them, you hate them, you love to hate them, you ache for them and you cry for them. 

I would definitely recommend this book

Th1rteen R3asons Why - Jay Asher

I was apprehensive about reading this AND very, very curious.  As a sufferer of clinical depression and having had suicidal thoughts multiple times I thought this book might trigger something dark inside me. 

But this book was nothing like I thought.  The story is about Clay.  He receives a package in the mail from Hannah who had committed suicide a few weeks before and the package contain cassette tapes for him to listen to. 

Reading about the events that lead up to her death and what caused her emotional state was very rewarding and freeing for me.  In life there is cause and effect.  Someone's action's may cause us undue stress and they have no clue.  It was a great reminder for me to remember to watch people reactions and how they react can have nothing to do with me or what I said or did.

The ending was heartbreaking but also I learned something.

This book isn't for everyone but I would recommend it.

The Jewel - Amy Ewing (Book One)

The concept of this novel captured my attention - young women are tested for a special ability and are auctioned off to royalty to be child carriers.  Sounds strange right?  The concept in the back of my mind reading this was always there and definitely colored my feelings reading this HOWEVER the writing was very well done and Amy pulled me into the world she created very easily. 

Describing surrounding, feelings and observation from Violet's perspective.  The story doesn't take place when she's first taken from her home, but instead is from just before she's auctioned off.  Her thoughts on the whole process, with a few flash backs into her past on what happened through he testing and leaving her family.  But not enough of flashbacks that you are confused by the timeline.  Just enough to fill you in.

I really enjoyed this young adult novel and can't wait for the second book! (Cause I'm left with a ridiculous cliff hanger ><)

The Selection Stories - The Prince & The Guard - Kiera Cass

As a companion to the Selection story (America & Maxon) I found this to be a nice filler between. 

It tells the story before the girls come to be selected right up until the first night Maxon meets America.  And it's from HIS perspective.  It's nice to get the story from him - what's going on inside his head and why he made the decisions he did.  I think I would have liked to have read his thoughts throughout the whole selection process but I think that also would have been too redundant reading the selection over again a second time.

All in all a good companion read.