Review: The Masque of Red Death

The Masque of Red Death
by Bethany Griffin

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I first read the inside of the cover, I didn't know how I felt about what sounded like girl partying it up to forget about the world dying around her. But I was pleased to find a great story line, several plot twists that I did NOT see coming, rich characters, and a fascinating if slightly depressing plague that is destroying everyone. Also, the concepts in this book such as everyone wearing masks all of the time has a lot of symbolism (to me, anyways, symbolism is different for everyone) that I haven't found so fascinating since I had read The Metamorphosis or Lord of the Flies for my classes. 

I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, I will admit, but this one was tolerable to me and did not distract me from the rest of the story. Those that love triangles, I believe, will really enjoy this one, it's very well written.

These characters are multi-faceted, realistic, depressing, and fun. I'll definitely read the next one.

REVIEW: The Hourglass Door

The Hourglass Door
by Lisa Mangum

My mom had heard good things about this book so we both checked out a copy from the library at the same time. I don't know yet what she thought about it, but I wasn't super impressed. The characters were fun, the romance was fine, but I just felt like everything had been done before until I got to the time machine. Now, THAT is a fun idea and I love the idea of Dante needing to spending equal amounts of time in the 'river' and on the 'bank' (in the real world and the world between time). What great concepts are outlined here. If only there had been more of that and less mediocre romance. I'll read the next one in hopes that it gets better. I hate leaving bad reviews and I'm sure there are those that absolutely LOVE this series, maybe it just isn't my thing. I don't know. Don't let my one review stop you from reading it if you were interested, but just be sure what you want is a fairly predictable young adult romance with some sci fi/fantasy elements.

REVIEW: The Bitter Kingdom

The Bitter Kingdom (Fire and Thorns #3)
by Rae Carson

I always worry about reading a series that doesn't have every book published because then you have to wait for the next ones to come out and sometimes it doesn't live up to your expectation when it finally comes. This is not one of those series.

Since the releasing of the first and second books in the series, I have reread them probably a half dozen times each. This conclusion to this series tied up all loose ends, such as confrontations with Franco the assassin, Alodia her sister, the leaders of the Inveriene and her own traitorous quorum members. This book was realistic but still had a happy ending. The plot that has been building throughout the series was very well balanced throughout the book, with several exciting climaxes and a very fast paced story line.

The continuation of character development was fantastic and consistent with the other books. Elisa continues to become a strong, independent individual who, in the end, does not depend on her Godstone for power, but instead becomes the strong ruler that Joya D'Arena (along with Basajuan and Orovalle) needs, creating an agreement with the Inveriene so that they can live in peace instead of continuing to slaughter each other.

The romance of Hector and Elisa was everything I wanted it to be without going overboard or straying out of character. It was passionate, realistic and freaking awesome. In my opinion, they are a formidable and beautiful couple which the potential to challenge famous young adult fiction couples like Dimitri and Rose from Vampire Academy or Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games.

If you haven't yet embarked on this amazing journey yet, go pick up a copy of The Girl of Fire and Thorns at the library or the bookstore or download it on your kindle or borrow it from that girl at work that probably has it. This series is amazing and has secured it's place in my top ten. And I've read a lot of books!

Teaser Tuesday (4)

The Bitter Kingdom
(Girl of Fire and Thorns #3)
by Rae Carson

This book was just barely released today! I can't wait to start reading!

"Try not to gape," Hector whispers. "You'll attract attention."

Anyone can play along!
Just do the following:
~ Grab your current read.
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
~Be careful not to include spoilers!!
~ Share the Title & Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser Tuesday: In which I post two sentences from a random page of the book I am currently reading.
Hosted by: Should Be Reading

Musing Monday (6)

Musing Mondays are hosted by Should Be Reading.

This week, what with the VMAs so soon past, I can't seem to get them off my mind, so the material of this weeks musings will be on the performance of Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke. 

I'm so angry and offended that I can't stop thinking about it. What happened to family entertainment? 

This picture of the reaction of Will Smith's family pretty much sums it up:

I found that photo here: 

VMAization of America which is a wonderful article that ya'll should go read.

and here's another article which is not directly related to the VMAs but is still on the same subject:

http://www.beautyredefined.net/sex-sells-more-than-we-bargained-for/

Okay, my ranting is over now. We will now return to discussing all things books. ^_^

REVIEW: Looking For Alaska

Looking for Alaska 

by John Green

FIVE STARS

"I go to seek a Great Perhaps"

To say this book was moving is an understatement. This book acted more like an earthquake. I high regretted reading it at work because there was no way to stop the flow of tears that reading brought on several times throughout the novel. What an amazing story. These characters are tragic, beautiful, and inspirational. I borrowed it from a friend but I will definitely buy a copy for myself. This book has all of the tragedy of real life, and also highlights the fact that life goes on. If you have any doubts in your mind about reading this book, put them to rest. You will be a changed person when you finish it. 

I must note, however, that this book has some adult themes. Nothing explicit, but definitely some language and sexuality that I would be hesitant to have teenagers read. 

This is the first of John Green's books that I have read, and it certainly won't be the last. 

"How will I ever get out of this labyrinth!"

Book Review: ARENA ONE

Arena One

FIVE STARS

Book One of the Survival Trilogy

by Morgan Rice

Wow. I picked this up on a whim, thinking it'd be another somewhat intriguing post-apocalypse novel, just something to read while I wait for the next books in my favorite series to come out.

Let's just say I was wrong!

This book is incredibly vivid and at times disturbingly grotesque. It feels very real and not like the glossed over zombie dystopians that seem to be hitting shelves. There is a heartbreaking amount of tragedy and death in this book. It seems like as soon as I fall for a sub character, the book takes them away from me. The amount of strength and bravery that the main characters have, combined with their 'only human' flaws and mistakes make this story SO VERY REAL to me. There were parts when I wanted to put the book down because it was so disturbingly written but I'm so glad I didn't! The gore absolutely adds to the very raw feeling of the novel and it wouldn't have been complete without it! I finished this book, bought the second and finished it as well within a day! I simply cannot wait for the second! I'm usually very un attracted to books with a lot of violence, but for some reason, this book just sold it, because it is all very realistic and necessary. The lengths that Brooke goes to for her sister, Bree simply captivate me, but she is also very human, and sometimes the lines between good and evil are not so clear. She kills time and time again for her survival and to save her friends, but she has unmoving loyalty towards those she knows and loves.

Holy cow. What a fantastic, fast paced, heart wrenching first novel in the series! I am pleased to say that I am heavily disturbed by this book and loving it!