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)

View all my reviews

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

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

My Review:

Ok, so this was a decent idea, however, I was very turned off by a few things (which resulted in less stars than normal for me). This puppy love that seems so deep and eternal between John and Sarah was crap. They were only 15-16 years old, they couldn't even drive yet. I get falling in "love" in high school happens, but they are never so wrapped up like that. I also really enjoyed the best friend Sam, however, they made him sound so weak when in reality we knew he was going to be a badass.

I really liked Henri and I had a feeling Bernie Kosar was going to turn out to be something amazing. I was shocked by the acceptance and heroism showed by Mark, but I'm glad for it. I also liked, other than the romance part, how true to life the high school scenes were. I mean, it's never perfect, but it's also never totally out of control either.

I cannot say one way or the other whether I'll read on in the series, but there is always a possibility. Now off to see the movie adaptation.

Favorite Quotes:

“Those things that are the most obvious are the very things we've most likely to overlook.”

“We don't have to be defined by the things we did or didn't do in our past. Some people allow themselves to be controlled by regret. Maybe it's a regret, maybe it's not. It's merely something that happened. Get over it.”

“You know the saying: he who doesn't understand history is doomed to repeat it. And when it's repeated, the stakes are doubled.”

“Best way to deal with fear is to confront it.”

“A place is only as good as the people in it.”

Read from August 05 to 09, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Science Fiction/Aliens, Fiction
*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

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

One night, Mia Dennett enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend, but when he doesn't show up, she leaves with an enigmatic stranger. At first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand, but following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life.

My Review:

This was a good book. Mary Kubica took an interesting approach to telling this story. She told it from the point of view of three different individuals, Eve, Gabe, and Colin, other than the main character, Mia. She also went back and forth in the timeline from before and after Mia's rescue from captivity, saving the time in the middle for the end of the story. This action left the reader in suspense, you suspected something interesting was going to happen/happened, but you couldn't quite put your finger on it, and even if you suspected, it wasn't exactly what you were thinking.

As for the MC, I liked her enough. I didn't fall in love with her, or relate to her. This might be because I had an outside view of her. Had her thoughts, feelings, or emotions, been evident, it might have swayed me one way or the other. Which for this purpose, was the right step.

Eve, Mia's mother, was a typical rich housewife. She primped and pretended for her husband's sake, whom she had loved and loved her in return at one point. However, as she continued to deal with Mia's disappearance, we got to see her grow into a more independent women. Although it took her until this late in life, it was refreshing to see and to know, that it is never too late to take a step in the right direction of your happiness.

Gabe, the detective, was cute, in an old-man-but-tough-as-nails-with-a-soft-spot sort of way. He was dedicated to his job, concerned for the victims, and went above and beyond the call of duty to do what is right. He was the perfect man for the jobs he performed in this story.

Colin, the kidnapper. I somewhat liked him right away, even though he was the criminal and the bad guy. As the story unfolded I fell for him like I didn't for any other character. I kept wanting him to find his way out of this mess and to live happily ever after - he deserves it.

Just as the story wrapped up, it was both sad and hopeful. A contented little ending. Then, the epilogue.



We finally get to hear from Mia. Based on her revelations, I still cannot say that I would have liked her or disliked her, but it was still a small shock for me. Not sure why I didn't see it coming, but I'm glad I didn't. It made the whole story, especially the ending, that much more bittersweet.

I would and already have recommended this book, and I wouldn't be hesitant to try another book from Mary Kubica.

Read from May 04 to 13, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, 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)

View all my reviews

Rat Queens, Vol. 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygoth by Kurtis J. Wiebe

Rat Queens, Vol. 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygoth by Kurtis J. Wiebe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

This booze-soaked second volume of RAT QUEENS reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N’rygoth never really lets his children stray too far.

Collects RAT QUEENS #6-10

My Review:

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

In order to provide an honest review, I had to read the first five installments, which can be found in one complete volume, Rat Queens, Vol. 1: Sass and Sorcery. So, by the time I got to Vol. 2, I was hooked. I also wanted to provide a snapshot of the main characters, Hannah, Violet, Dee, and Betty, that would show the epitome of their beings.




Each character is badass in their own way. Hannah is a leader, who is not afraid to risk herself to save her friends, although she'd never admit it. Violet is both a lover and a fighter, who isn't afraid to stand up for what she wants. Dee is more mellow, although she will kick your ass if it needs it, and although she has doubts about the beliefs she was raised with, she still respects the traditions. Betty is a wild one, she seems to like sex, candy, and drugs, not necessarily in that order and preferably all at the same time. These four are sex, drugs, and rock and roll, if by rock and roll you mean kicking ass!

I loved the world building, and the accompanied graphics are amazing. The storyline flowed well, and has the potential to continue on for a very long time (here's hoping from a new fan). Immediately we are given just enough to get to the girls as they are now, but not how they became how they are now. As the story progresses, and more so in Vol. 2, we are given a little more background on these girls, and it leaves the reader (at least me) wanting more.

There are swear words (which I'm storing away for a rainy day in my "cuss-bucket"), sexual scenes and nudity, and major violence. In a heartbeat, I would recommend this book if you are mature enough to handle such content. I don't want to hear about anyone crying to their mommies because they are offended! Nut up, or walk away, it's that simple!

Read on May 13, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Sequential Arts/Graphic Novels, Sequential Arts/Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novel Comics, Fiction
*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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Captive (The Bliss King, #1) by AA Paton

Captive by AA Paton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

“The irony of my scarred, tattooed, gun toting, global drug empire running kidnapper, who goes by the nickname Lord Ruin, the Bliss King, telling me I’m safe is not lost on me.”

When ghostwriter Greer Gibson woke wearing silk pyjamas, in a room she didn’t recognise, she figured she’d done it again. Picked up a stranger in a local bar and gone to a city hotel with him.

Except she had no memory of doing that, the room was an expansive suite on a tropical island, she didn’t own silk pyjamas, and she was locked in.

Lek Hetherington needs a talented writer. But the best in the business, Greer Gibson, is booked out for years. That’s just a shoulder shrug for an underworld figure who rules over a global drug empire from his island hideaway.

Lek gets what he wants, even if he has to take it by force.

Captive is book 1 of 4 in The Bliss King.

My Review:

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



This book was seriously hot.



To be honest, this isn't my normal genre. I get slightly uncomfortable reading tons of naughty scenes, like I'm the one doing naughty things in public (even though I'm just reading about naughty things in public). This book was intended to be naughty, but it didn't really get down to the nitty/gritty till the end. There was definitely a lot teasing, steamy and sexual tension, and just when you thought "now it's on!" they break apart and almost leave you wanting more. At times, I found myself frustrated, I could only imagine the characters. If that is what AA Paton was trying to accomplish, well done!

As far as the story goes, it was interesting learning about the background of characters, the drug empire, their lives leading up to the present, their current surroundings, etc. I would like to use the phrase, it was written beautifully but it wasn't. Although well written, it was an ugly place to be, and it was perfectly executed.

Greer, the main female MC, was one tough cookie. Somewhat insecure in certain aspects, but very confident in others. I liked her most of the time, but there was a moment when I could just imagine her as a spoiled rotten little tween, throwing a temper tantrum because she didn't get her way. In a sense, she has redeemed herself since then.

Lek, her love interest, was an interesting character. You could tell he was haunted by his past, present, and future. It was nice to see he had a chance at a silver lining. Considering he was a criminal to the core, I respected him in a way. I don't think there really was a point that I didn't like him.

As for the supporting characters of Tasanee and Aran, I really enjoyed them both, each in their own way. I feel they really tied the storyline together.

I will recommend this book if someone is looking for something along these lines. I cannot say just yet if I will continue on in the series, but holy hell - with that cliffhanger, I'm not sure I can stay away.

Since this is an advanced reading copy, I would definitely suggest it is proofread prior to official production.

Read from April 23 to May 06, 2015
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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

Horns by Joe Hill

Horns by Joe Hill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

At first Ig thought the horns were a hallucination, the product of a mind damaged by rage and grief. He had spent the last year in a lonely, private purgatory, following the death of his beloved, Merrin Williams, who was raped and murdered under inexplicable circumstances. A mental breakdown would have been the most natural thing in the world. But there was nothing natural about the horns, which were all too real.

Once the righteous Ig had enjoyed the life of the blessed: born into privilege, the second son of a renowned musician and younger brother of a rising late-night TV star, he had security, wealth, and a place in his community. Ig had it all, and more—he had Merrin and a love founded on shared daydreams, mutual daring, and unlikely midsummer magic.

But Merrin’s death damned all that. The only suspect in the crime, Ig was never charged or tried. And he was never cleared. In the court of public opinion in Gideon, New Hampshire, Ig is and always will be guilty because his rich and connected parents pulled strings to make the investigation go away. Nothing Ig can do, nothing he can say, matters. Everyone, it seems, including God, has abandoned him. Everyone, that is, but the devil inside. . . .

Now Ig is possessed of a terrible new power to go with his terrible new look—a macabre talent he intends to use to find the monster who killed Merrin and destroyed his life. Being good and praying for the best got him nowhere. It’s time for a little revenge. . . . It’s time the devil had his due. . . .

My Review:

First, a quick summary of my thoughts throughout the story . . .







I suppose you can tell I enjoyed myself. Joe Hill managed to keep me in suspense. He made me feel empathy for a creature I would never have before, kept me guessing everyone's intentions/involvement, long for the next chapter, and hope for justice in a more perverse way than usual.

This story started in the present, but then used flashbacks to fill in the blanks. Although this technique was strategic and well executed, I still preferred the current storyline the most (it's not like I didn't enjoy the flashbacks though). I liked Ig and his brother, I waffled on my feelings for Merrin, and I never trusted Lee. The self-righteous have always bothered me in books, they seem to be wearing that persona as a mask to hide a bigger and darker secret.

I'd definitely recommend this book, and have already.

Favorite Quote:

“You think you know someone. But mostly you just know what you want to know.”

Read from April 28 to May 04, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Horror, Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, 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)

View all my reviews

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Beastly by Alex Flinn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright — a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever — ruined — unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

My Review:

I'm not going to lie, I really liked this.



I immediately did not like Kyle. I was already picking up my pitchfork and torch.



Ok, that might be a little too dramatic. I especially hated the way he felt he was entitled to anything and everything because of his good looks. I didn't like the way he treated Magda either. I disliked him so much that I couldn't even find sympathy for the lack of a relationship between him and his father (or mother for that matter).

Then he changed into a beast. I was happy, he had finally got what he deserved.



Although good, and this being the retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the story got infinitely better from this point on. You could clearly see Kyle go through the stages of grief. You could see and feel his growth towards a better man. By the time the story was over, Kyle was no longer Kyle but Adrian, and you couldn't help but love him (although he was a little cheesy in the romantic department). I was so touched by his transformation, I may have had a tear come to my eye (which is super rare).



I don't have much to say about Lindy, you know she was going to be sweet and caring from the beginning, so she didn't have much of an impact on me. Magda was the motherly figure Kyle/Adrian craved. Now Will, he was awesome. I loved his character. He wasn't smug, he wasn't afraid to take advantage of the situation, but always knew right from wrong. I had seen the movie Beastly some years ago. I feel that the role of Will was cast so perfectly with Neil Patrick Harris. I just couldn't imagine anyone else but him while reading. It was like it was written just for him.

On that note, I'd say read this if you like retellings or want something a little more innocent. I enjoyed this and may very well pick up another book from Alex Flinn

Favorite Quotes:

“Just because something is beautiful doesn´t mean it´s good.”

“A beautiful thing is precious, no matter the price. Those who do not know how to see the precious things in life will never be happy...”

“Maybe we judge people too much by their looks because it's easier than seeing what's really important.”

“Sometimes it also helps to have a bit less pride.”

Read from April 22 to May 01, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy/Fairytales, Fantasy/Paranormal
*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