my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopia
my thoughts:I absolutely loved this retelling of Cinderella. I’m weary of retellings because sometimes they can get repetitive but this was it’s own thing with some hints of Cinderella. I did figure out the big reveal 1/3rd of the way into the book but it was still pretty cool to see that I was right (for once lol). I’m excited to continue with the rest of the series and find out what happens next.
This was a mystery book in the ShelfLove Crate box I ordered for “Let the Games Begin.” When I first read the summary I wasn’t overly excited to read this book. I ended up getting invested in the story and I really enjoyed it. It’s also rare to find a standalone YA fantasy book, they’re usually all part of a series. For me the ending is what made it. I love those type of realistic (kind of punch to your face) endings. In the author’s note it’s mentioned that this book is based on an opera, which I think is pretty cool. It made for an interesting story and I also liked that it had a solid ending, no ambiguity. It’s a hefty book and I was surprised that I was able to finish it so quickly.
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): Contemporary, Romance, Lgbtqa+
my thoughts:This was the first book by Annabeth Albert that caught my interest. My library finally got an ebook copy and even though I’ve only read #1 in this series I decided to check it out. There’s no spoilers for other books, you can read any in the Out of Uniform series out of order. I didn’t love it (not like Off Base) but I really liked it. Solid story telling imo and Albert is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
Finish date: 08/28/18
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn’t get to – Kill You Twice by Chelsea Cain
Finished 08/27/18
This is book 5 of the Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell Series. The first two books were a birthday present and I loved them! I immediately bought the third book and then continued to pre-order the rest of the books as they were released. Due to personal things I was going through I hadn’t had the chance to sit down and read the last two published books in this series, Kill You Twice and Let Me Go. Finally I had the time and energy to read this book and it was not a let down. It had been so long that some facts and characters were a little fuzzy but eventually it came back to me and I was able to follow the book. So if you’re new to this series and interested in reading it, I recommend starting from the beginning.
Kill You Twice is classic Archie & Gretchen. It was very cool to learn a little about Gretchen’s past, I would love her full background but I agree with Chelsea Cain’s reasoning for not making that available to readers. I also realized how much I dislike Susan. Oh man oh man she really got on my nerves but I also enjoy books when there are characters like that, I’m personally no interested in books where I love every single character and it’s too perfect. Okay I’m just rambling at this point. Anyway, I’m so grateful I was introduced to this series, seriously one of my favorites. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction
my thoughts:I really enjoyed this comic. I loved the universe that was built and the characters. It is gory and graphic so keep that in mind if it’s not your thing. I’m looking forward to continuing on with this comic.
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): YA, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Lgbtqa+
my thoughts:This was a genuinely fun read, had me laughing in the first few pages right away. Nimona is not only funny but is also a deep and sincere story. I do hope that someday in the future there will be more of this trio.
Finish date: 08/22/18
40c. A book with an unreliable narrator – Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Finished 08/22/18
Wowowow what a ride! I had a lot of fun reading this book. The two main characters, Nick and Amy are just terrible horrible people. Flynn did an amazing job writing them. What a world she built with all the characters, including the supporting/side characters. I’m excited to read more by Flynn.
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym – Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
Finished 08/20/18
There was an interview with Andrews were she said they sent her a copy of her book which had her full name but then went and printed the book under the name VC Andrews. She was told it was a mistake but too late to correct because it had already been printed, later she learned it was done on purpose because her publishers believed it would sell better if people assumed the book was written by a male. That fits perfectly for this prompt.
I’ve always wanted to read this book because it is considered a classic. After finishing the books I was looking at a few of the top reviews on goodreads and they were all scored so low. After reading them I see it was because they initially read this book in middle school because it was a taboo book or seen as trashy. I didn’t read it that way or see it like that. This is categorized as a horror book on goodreads and it definitely reads as one (Andrew’s wiki says her books are Victorian Gothic Horror). These kids were abused, neglected and shut up together for over 3 years with only each other to rely on for their social needs, comfort and platonic/familial love that turned into romantic love. Their life experiences were hindered for them and they became overly dependent with each other. A true psychological horror imo. And a very quick and easy read which was what I essentially wanted.
“When I read, if a book doesn’t hold my interest about what’s going to happen next, I put it down and don’t finish it. So I’m not going to let anybody put one of my books down and not finish it. My stuff is a very fast read.” -V.C. Andrews
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction -> Dystopia, Historical Fiction
my thoughts: under the cut for possible spoilers.
I love books and I especially love books about books! I really loved reading this and the only thing that knocked it from a 5 to a 4 was the few beginning chapters to get the book going were a tad slow and I really had to push through but it was totally worth it. Such a great read and I’m excited to continue with the series. This book really packs the punches too, you start getting attached to these characters and hoping for the best and then bam! Deaths. Oh man was there death. The book ends in a cliffhanger and from what I saw so do the others in the series, so be aware of that.
I love comics and I love graphic novels. When I saw this book on goodreads I got so excited I ordered it right away and could not wait for it to arrive. The book itself is so pretty! I bought the paperback and the cover is that soft idk velvety (?) covers, you know those smooth but not glossy covers. Anyway this was truly a joy to read. Whimsical and heartfelt throughout the story. I loved the illustrations and the story. I’m very glad I bought this book to add to my collection. I really hope this isn’t the end for Sebastian and Frances.
Pixel Reads Books 