Tag: book rec

31. A book mentioned in another book – The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

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Finished 11/25/18

This was not the book I had originally planned for this prompt but after reading the Six of Crows duology, starting the Grisha Trilogy, and pre-ordering King of Scars (which all take place in the same world) I got hyped and bought the hardcover of this book. It’s so pretty and I started reading right away. The stories collected in this book are talked about in the Crooked Kingdom so I used it to check off this prompt. Easy peasy! This ended up being my last prompt for the challenge.

Now for the book, I really liked it. There’s six fairy tales, some retellings of classics but with a Grisha twist to them. The artwork is beautiful and adds to the whole experience while reading this book. I definitely recommend this to fans of the Grishaverse.

title: Saga Volumes 5-9

author: Brian K. Vaughan

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction

my thoughts: wowowow. After reading Vol. 4 I put a request in at my library for the rest of the trades because I needed to know what happens next. Since Volume 9 came out recently there was a loooong wait so I just went and bought it. Oh man that ending! I’m sad that it’s currently on hiatus for at least a year but I can understand why they have decided on that. I will wait as long as I have to for this amazing story.

Finish date: 11/09, 11/10, 11/11, 11/12, 11/18

title: Let Me Go (Archie & Gretchen #6)

author: Chelsea Cain

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

my thoughts: under the cut, no spoilers.

Okay sooo I love these characters and I love reading this series. It would have been cool to have a conclusion but I’m also looking forward to more (I hope we get more anyway). I can see why some people would be tired of Gretchen getting away yet again but eh I didn’t mind. I was also able to handle Susan a little better in this book than in the other ones. Anyway I recommend this series to everyone but maybe #5 & #6 for die hard Archie and Gretchen fans.

A3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public space – The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

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Finished 10/30/18

This ended up being one of the hardest prompts to fulfill. I couldn’t see any of the titles of books that were being read and I’m a very quiet person. I can’t just talk to someone out of nowhere, it makes me uncomfortable. I finally just went with a book that I saw someone pick up at the bookstore and that ended up being Raven Black. I also saw two other books that interested me but they weren’t readily available at my library. Unfortunately something happened with the hold I put on the book and it was checked out again and I just didn’t want to wait 21days for it to be available. I’m still planning on reading Raven Black but not for this prompt.

Now finally finally I was able to actually find a book being read out in the wild! I was so excited because 1. I actually found someone myself and 2. It’s a book that I’ve been wanting to read. The Hazel Wood. I was lined up for the Disney Designer Collection exclusive Princess Jazmine barbie (I wasn’t called in the raffle sad) but in line I saw someone sitting down reading this book.

Okay okay enough with my unnecessary explanation in picking the book. Though to be fair this feels more like a diary that I’m keeping for myself. I doubt anyone will see this or even read it. Anywayyyy hahaha on to the book review.

The actual book review: I really enjoyed the story. It definitely is a typical fairy tale, it was all the ingredients for one. There’s also a lot of mystery and answers to questions that are not straightforward. If that’s not your thing avoid! But I don’t mind cliches and tropes and I really ended up caring for the characters and the story.

13. A book that is also a stage play or musical – Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich

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Finished 10/25/18

I was going to originally read Wicked for this but I just wasn’t feeling it. I will read it eventually but as I was looking for alternatives I found that there was a novelization of Dear Evan Hansen coming out in October. Well I immediately pre-ordered the hardcover.

Eeeeeee!! I absolutely loved the cover! And the message from the authors in the beginning was great! Anyway I’ve never seen this musical but my sister has (she LOVES musicals and always watches them) I love them too but not as much as she does. She told me I had to watch this musical back when she first saw it and I had plans to do so but still haven’t. But I know what she likes and she knows what I like so recommendations to each other are always amazing. I loved this book. Seriously. It was amazing and heartbreaking and what a depiction of life right? I fucking sobbed! I 10000% recommend. Now I’m off to go find the musical xD

title: We Have Always Lived in the Castle

author: Shirley Jackson

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Horror, Gothic Horror, Mystery, Classics, Fiction

my thoughts: under cut for spoilers!

The cover was what originally caught my eye and I immediately put it on my TBR list. I checked out the book from the library at the end of September because I thought it would be a great read to get into the Halloween spirit. I love horror books like this, nothing scarier than the human mind imo. Immediately after learning about the death of the Blackwood family I knew that Constance was covering for her little sister whose mind was full of dark thoughts. And it turned out that was indeed the case (most of the time I’m wrong so I was doubting myself). This was pretty smooth sailing, a book about the horrors of life really with no big epic conflict. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I loved that aspect of the story. If you don’t mind those quiet endings that make you think, this book might not be for you.

After finishing I looked up Shirley Jackson and learned a lot, I ended up reading her whole wiki page and learning that the new netflix show, The Haunting of Hill House is based on one of her books. I’m excited to read more of her books.

Finish date: 10/21/18

title: City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1)

author: Victoria Schwab

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Middle Grade, Fantasy, Paranormal

my thoughts: This is Schwab’s first middle grade book and I really enjoyed the story. It definitely had a creepy vibe but wasn’t terrifying (which sometimes I just can’t handle so this was perfect for me). I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully it will be released soonish. I recommend this book for those looking for an easy and fun halloween (spooky in general) read.

Finish date: 10/14/18

title: Saga Vol. 3

author: Brian K. Vaughan

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction

my thoughts: I really enjoyed this. I know I said this exact same thing about volume 1 but it still stands. I love the characters and the world that’s been built. I get the majority of my books from my library’s ebook catalogue but I hope to have enough money to purchase this comic series one day.

Finish date: 10/13/18

title: Saga Vol. 2

author: Brian K. Vaughan

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre(s): Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction

my thoughts: I loved this! The backstory of Marco & Alana and the tidbits about their childhood and home life peaked my interest. I also really like that this story is being told by a future Hazel. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of these comics.

Finish date: 10/12/18