School's Out - Forever (Maximum Ride, #2) by James Patterson

School's Out - Forever by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

The heart-stopping quest of six winged kids--led by fourteen-year-old Max--to find their parents and investigate the mind-blowing mystery of their ultimate destiny continues when they're taken under the wing of an FBI agent and attempt, for the first time, to live "normal" lives. But going to school and making friends doesn't stop them from being relentlessly hunted by sinister spies, who lead Max to face her most frightening match yet: a new and better version of herself.

My Review:

Decent continuation. I'll admit that this round of events "the Flock" experienced did raise a lot of questions and it was starting to disturb me because the logical answer didn't fit into the story line. Then I remembered, this is a fun story, quit being so technical, and I was able to get back into things happily.

I admit, Angel is my least favorite character because she is unpredictable and a little selfish, which is a bad combination. I really like Iggy & Fang for their own reasons, which I don't feel the need to get into. I do like the rest of the Flock, but those two are my favorite.

I'm not one for angst, but I can feel some pull between Max & Fang, and I'm hoping things will develop naturally (especially for their age). I have also wondered why the story wasn't written to work between Max & Iggy, they are the same age. Is it because Fang is dark and mysterious or is it because Iggy is blind? I'm not sure, but will probably read on to find out.

Favorite Quote:

“Homework is a term that means grown up imposed yet self-afflicting torture.”

Read from September 16 to 18, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Adventure
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, #1) by James Patterson

The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Characters based on James Patterson's international bestsellers When the Wind Blows and The Lake House are re-invented in Maximum Ride and are launched on the ultimate action-packed adventure full of humor and suspense.

Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "Flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time--like when Angel, the youngest member of the "Flock," is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were genetically engineered by sinister scientists. Her friends brave a journey to Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare--this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb--now her betrayed and greatest enemy--that her purpose is save the world--but can she?

My Review:

I read The Lake House and enjoyed it. I then saw this book, by the same author, James Patterson, and thought this might be the same story under a different name. I didn't think much about it after that. However, it came up in a challenge and I thought I'd re-read it.

I was wrong, it isn't exactly the same. There are many of the same characters and some of the same elements, but different and just as good. If you like James Patterson, if you like sci-fi/fantasy, if you like a strong female heroine, and if you like the idea of being true to your family/friends - you'll enjoy this book too!

Favorite Quotes:

“Because what’s worse than knowing you want something, besides knowing you can never have it?”

“There's nothing more annoying than cold logic and reason when you've got a good fit going.”

Read from August 02 to 20, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Adventure
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Croak (Croak, #1) by Gina Damico

Croak by Gina Damico

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fed up with her wild behavior, sixteen-year-old Lex's parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape.

But Uncle Mort's true occupation is much dirtier than shoveling manure. He's a Grim Reaper. And he's going to teach Lex the family business.

She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can't stop her desire for justice - or is it vengeance? - whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again.

Will she ditch Croak and go rogue with her reaper skills?

My Review:

Interesting concept. Lex, the main character was a pain in the ass and could be quite frustrating to read. I fought the idea of liking her, but supposed I fell for her in the end. I loved Driggs and Uncle Mort immediately, and I think they were just the people to counter Lex's behavior.

I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't a love triangle, or a sexual angst (that can get old when it's in every other book I read). I do have to admit that I was caught way off guard at the part where Driggs & Lex are yelling at each other and Gina Damico mentions that once they were done they could rip each others clothes off and have crazy sex (of course I'm paraphrasing - I should have remembered exactly where that quote was). It just seemed so out of the blue considering the pace of the story. I feel that the little bit of tension between Driggs & Lex was perfect, and that this was unnecessary to the storyline. I suppose it didn't hurt anything, but nothing was gained either.

What makes this book totally worth it? The dead Presidents and Edgar Allen Poe! Hilarious!

I'd recommend this book to someone who is interested in afterlife, paranormal activities (in a sense) and a story that has friendship and bonding, sprinkled with a little bit of romance in a g-rated sense.

Read from November 10 to 12, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal, Fantasy, Fantasy/Urban Fantasy, Mystery
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Scorch (Croak, #2) by Gina Damico

Scorch by Gina Damico

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Lex Bartleby is a teenage grim reaper with the bizarre ability to damn souls. That makes her pretty scary, even to fellow Grims. But after inadvertently transferring her ability to Zara, a murderous outlaw, Lex is a pariah in Croak, the little town she calls home.

To escape the townspeople’s wrath, she and her friends embark on a wild road trip to DeMyse. Though this sparkling desert oasis is full of luxuries and amusements, it feels like a prison to Lex. Her best chance at escape would be to stop Zara once and for all—but how can she do that from DeMyse, where the Grims seem mysteriously oblivious to Zara’s killing spree?

My Review:

I enjoyed the first in this series, Croak. I liked Lex from the beginning, although she could be quite frustrating. I loved Driggs to, as well as the rest of the supporters. I really liked the heightened adventure and sense of doom in this story, it amped the story up quite a bit.

Without saying too much, I feel like Gina Damico took a taste from George R.R. Martin's books, although it was just a taste, thank goodness.

I'd recommend this book if you have already read Croak, it did not disappoint me. I will probably read on as there was a huge cliff hanger at the end.

Read from December 04 to 08, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal, Fantasy, Fantasy/Urban Fantasy, Fantasy/Supernatural
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Rogue (Croak, #3) by Gina Damico

Rogue by Gina Damico

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Lex is a teenage Grim Reaper with the power to Damn souls, and it’s getting out of control. She’s a fugitive, on the run from the maniacal new mayor of Croak and the townspeople who want to see her pay the price for her misdeeds. Uncle Mort rounds up the Junior Grims to flee Croak once again, but this time they’re joined by Grotton, the most powerful Grim of all time. Their new mission is clear: Fix his mistakes, or the Afterlife will cease to exist, along with all the souls in it.　

The gang heads for Necropolis, the labyrinth-like capital city of the Grimsphere. There, they discover that the Grimsphere needs a reboot. To do that, the portals to the Afterlife must be destroyed…but even that may not be enough to fix the damage. Things go from bad to worse, and when at last the fate of the Afterlife and all the souls of the Damned hang in the balance, it falls to Lex and her friends to make one final, impossible choice.

My Review:

5 huge stars for this book, and the series as a whole, even though I rated Croak only 4 stars. With each new installment, the series continued to surpass my expectations. Gina Damico kept things natural (well, as natural as a supernatural story could be), down-to-earth, sarcastic, and dark. A great combination in my opinion. It wasn't all rainbows and butterflies when it came to young love, there were complications, stressors, obstacles, and heartbreak.

Lex continues to run headlong into danger while thinking she is finally making unselfish decisions to help others, and of course, without too much forethought, she keeps making things worse. She manages to come through in the end though. Her sarcasm in stressful situations was something I could definitely relate to, as I have said many an inappropriate thing during the most inappropriate times for this reason alone. I think this personality, and Driggs' as well, is what kept this story from plunging into the dark abyss. They kept it right on the edge.

Driggs was optimistic as always, especially despite his situation. He stuck to his values and reacted appropriately. I'm glad Lex and him got to experience something "cracktastic", that is something most teenagers think about when the concept of dying young comes up. I also enjoyed the struggle they had to get there.

All the other supporting characters provided the right amount of dialog and background to give this story the depth it deserves. The sacrifice of Mort, Pip, Skyla, etc., Grotton's change of character, Ferbis' grudge and help, A.J.'s circumstances, Pandora's position, Cord's and Zara's support, and Edgar Allen Poe's presence (my 2nd favorite supporting character).

The story ended beautifully. I don't want to go into too much detail because I want you to experience it the way I did. If you liked the first in the series, they only get better from there. I'd recommend this series as a whole, and will not hesitate to pick up another from Gina Damico.

Read from June 01 to 05, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal, Fantasy, Fantasy/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Ghosts
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Postcard Killers by James Patterson

The Postcard Killers by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Paris is stunning in the summer

NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him--he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each cafe through the eyes of his daughter's killer.

The killing is simply marvelous

Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have been found dead. Little connects the murders, other than a postcard to the local newspaper that precedes each new victim.

Wish you were here

Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm--and they think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, The Postcard Killers may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet.

My Review:

Ah, another successfully entertaining and well-written James Patterson book, of course with the help of Liza Marklund.

Sometimes I think I like his books that are not apart of a series. This story had all the right ingredients for a quick, thrilling read. As a reader, I became invested in the lives of Dessi and Jacob, both professionally and romantically. The ending was nice and could have gone either way. A happy ending or a tragic ending, and either would have been just as satisfying.

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in a quick read with shocking details, and for those who enjoy a JP book.

Read from May 26 to June 02, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery/Crime, Suspense, Thriller/Mystery Thriller
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The 5th Wave (The Fifth Wave, #1) by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one. Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

My Review:



This story blew me away immediately. It was intense, sad, proud, and defiant. To find ourselves as human beings faced with these impossible odds would be detrimental for humanity, as indicated in the book. However, to be utterly alone and hopeless and still choose to fight everyday and against all obstacles is downright heroic. Since reading this book I have been encouraged to live life to it's fullest and to try not to take things for granted (whether or not that was the message of this piece).

I enjoyed that this story had heartbreak, loneliness, hope and hopelessness, trust issues, a little romance - even if it's just to get lost in the body contact, determination, loyalty, shame, and self-sacrifice. It wasn't overly romantic and there wasn't any one particular hero, which could have caused the story to take some serious detours. The story flowed well, stayed on track, and the ending was written well enough that you could walk away completely satisfied, like I am, or you can continue on in the series to see just what these heroes are made of.

I feel like Rick Yancey nailed this story. He is a great writer and I will definitely recommend this book and will be reading another book by him, hopefully soon.

Favorite Quotes:

“Some things you can never leave behind. They don't belong to the past. They belong to you.”

“You can only call someone crazy if there’s someone else who’s normal. Like good and evil. If everything was good, then nothing would be good.”

“But if I'm it, the last of my kind, the last page of human history, like hell I'm going to let the story end this way. I may be the last one, but I am the one still standing. I am the one turning to face the faceless hunter in the woods on an abandoned highway. I am the one not running but facing. Because if I am the last one, then I am humanity. And if this is humanity's last war, then I am the battlefield.”

“We’re here, and then we’re gone, and it’s not about the time we’re here, but what we do with the time.”

“Cruelty isn't a personality trait. Cruelty is a habit.”

“There's an old saying about the truth setting you free. Don't buy it. Sometimes the truth slams the cell door shut and throws a thousand bolts.”

“Because we will die, but at least we will die unbroken.”

“I don't care what the stars say about how small we are. One, even the smallest, weakest, most insignificant one, matters.”

“It's like a cockroach working up a plan to defeat the shoe on its way down to crush it.”

“The minute we decide that one person doesn´t matter anymore, they´ve won.”

Read from May 13 to 27, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Science Fiction/Dystopia, Science Fiction, Science Fiction/Aliens, Apocalyptic/Post Apocalyptic

*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1) by Melina Marchetta

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

2008 Printz Award Winner Melina Marchetta crafts an epic fantasy of ancient magic, exile, feudal intrigue, and romance that rivets from the very beginning.

Finnikin was only a child during the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family of Lumatere were brutally murdered, and an imposter seized the throne. Now a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere’s walls, and those who escaped roam the surrounding lands as exiles, persecuted and despairing, dying by the thousands in fever camps. In a narrative crackling with the tension of an imminent storm, Finnikin, now on the cusp of manhood, is compelled to join forces with an arrogant and enigmatic young novice named Evanjalin, who claims that her dark dreams will lead the exiles to a surviving royal child and a way to pierce the cursed barrier and regain the land of Lumatere. But Evanjalin’s unpredictable behavior suggests that she is not what she seems—and the startling truth will test Finnikin’s faith not only in her, but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.

My Review:

This was a decent read. I liked how it started out, it reminded me of an infant A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. There is battles between kingdoms, murder, indications of rape, sexual promiscuity, it's just not in detail. Which was fine. It is nice to take a break from all that detailed shenanigans.

At first, the sexual tension between Evanjalin and Finnikin was nice, then it got tiresome, then became sweet. Then, it got old and I just couldn't wait for the book to be over.



Evanjalin changed, she wasn't the same person she was when traveling with Finnikin. I can understand his confusion and partial resentment, especially since she wasn't as likable. Finnikin slightly changed at the end, and for the better, unlike his counterpart.

The supporting characters worked well as just that, supporting characters. They brought depth to the story of Finnikin in an agreeable way. I wouldn't get rid of single one of them, although, none of which actually stood out above another.

At the end, I was confused as to how there could possibly be another book in this series, especially when I wanted this one to end so badly.



Although I appreciated the ending, I doubt I will continue on in this series - it was too cumbersome without enough satisfaction. I'm sure there are many out there who enjoy this series, but I am not one of them.



Favorite Quotes:

“Somehow, even in the worst of times, the tiniest fragments of good survive. It was the grip in which one held those fragments that counted.”

“Be prepared for the worst, my love, for it lives next door to the best.”

“When one is silent, those around speak even more.”

“Never underestimate the value of knowing another's language. It can be far more powerful than swords and arrows.”

“There are worse things than a lie and there are better things than the truth!”

“Because without our language, we have lost ourselves. Who are we without our words?”

“Then I choose to drown. In hope. Rather than float into nothing.”

Read from May 04 to 22, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Adventure, Fantasy/High Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Gotham Academy, Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan

Gotham Academy, Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Gotham City's most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It's got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by...like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange as the students!

Like, what's up with Olive Silverlock? Is she crazy or what? Where did she go last summer? And what's the deal with her creepy mom? And how come that Freshman Maps is always following her around? And is she still going out with Kyle? P.S. Did you hear the rumor about the ghost in the North Hall?!

Collects Gotham Academy #1-6

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story can best be summed up by the Nerdist's blurb.



Although this blurb is somewhat on point, it wasn't enough to make this a spectacular read. The art was good, and the way the illustrator mapped out the campus and the characters in the beginning was quite amazing. Good job. As for the storyline, it was a little slow and a little bit all over the place. This story is about a group of misfit friends, and by misfit, I mean they couldn't be any more different from one another (in fact, they don't all necessarily get along).



The main character, Olive (white hair) was aloof and distant. Many times throughout the story it was hinted that something strange/interesting/devastating happened over the summer to make her stand-offish, but it was never directly regarded. Huge hole in the storyline, although it may be brought up in more depth in the next issue.

Pom, Kyle, Maps, and Colton all played a supporting role, but not much depth was given to them, other than Maps. Maps was an enthusiastic "optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and dreamer of improbable dreams" - Doctor Who. She was the first to go exploring, cause trouble, play with explosives - well, you get the idea.

Batman was not left out of this story, although, he wasn't necessarily the beloved hero everyone thinks him to be, at least by Olive. I liked this direction because not all Superheros are flawless, and this just brings more depth to his character. Hopefully there will be more in this regards in the next volume.



I won't go out and buy the next volume in this series, but will continue on if I can obtain a free copy, via NetGalley, library, etc. I'd also warn you that if you are wanting the darker Gotham feel, don't expect much, but if you want something slightly different, or to view Gotham in a different light, give this a try.

Read May 21st, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Sequential Art/Comics, Sequential Art/Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Mystery, Graphic Novels Comics
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Killing Ruby Rose (Ruby Rose, #1) Rose by Jessie Humphries

Killing Ruby Rose by Jessie Humphries

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

In sunny Southern California, seventeen-year-old Ruby Rose is known for her killer looks and her killer SAT scores. But ever since her dad, an LAPD SWAT sergeant, died, she's also got a few killer secrets.

To cope, Ruby has been trying to stay focused on school (the top spot in her class is on the line) and spending time with friends (her Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks are nothing if not loyal). But after six months of therapy and pathetic parenting by her mom, the District Attorney, Ruby decides to pick up where her dad left off and starts going after the bad guys herself.

When Ruby ends up killing a murderer to save his intended victim, she discovers that she's gone from being the huntress to the hunted. There's a sick mastermind at play, and he has Ruby in his sights. Ruby must discover who's using her to implement twisted justice before she ends up swapping Valentino red for prison orange.

With a gun named Smith, a talent for martial arts, and a boyfriend with eyes to die for, Ruby is ready to face the worst. And if a girl's forced to kill, won't the guilt sit more easily in a pair of Prada peep-toe pumps?

My Review:



I think my issue with this book was the main character, Ruby (which I'll get to in a bit).  The premise was interesting enough, and despite the fact that at some points I could predict what was going to happen, I wasn't always right, and in some instances, was completely caught off guard.  I liked the dynamics between Ruby and many of the supporting characters, Alanah, Liam, her mother, Dr. T., etc.  Many were believable and somewhat understandable, unlike some of the plot lines - some were just so far fetched. 

Even still, the story would have been at the very least entertaining if we weren't presented with that which is Ruby Rose.  She was tough and smart, yes, we'll give her that.  She was dealing with some recent traumatic events that would cause someone to be little unhinged, and maybe even go off the deep end, fine.  But what she did, was just ridiculous.  On top of her whoa is me! attitude, she has this strange obsession with shoes and chocolate.  So much so, the author feels it is necessary to describe each and every pair of shoes to the reader, and make references to shoes, and comparisons and analogies with shoes.  I just don't care enough about shoes to get it.

I don't know what else to add, I feel Ruby had a ton of potential, and in turn, so did the book.  It just didn't do it for me, but hey, it might be someone else's cup of tea (or Jimmy Choo slingbacks - whatever that is). 



Favorite Quote:

“That simple touch felt like stars springing to life inside of me after years of living in darkness.”

Read from April 06 to May 20, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Young Adult, Suspense, Fiction, Thriller
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews