Dec 2 2013
Image

November 2013: Review Recap!

Review Recap

Ever feel obligated to read certain books? I used to all the time, whether it be a popular seller, and advanced book, or even a continuation to a series I only kind of liked. Somewhere around March of this year I decided that I’d had enough of reading books that I wasn’t immediately excited about – especially considering my perpetual 20+ list of books that I’m just dying to read. As a result, I have had more fun reading in the last several months than I’ve had since I was a kid. Here’s my new motto and I’m sticking to it: Life’s too short to read books that don’t excite you!

So here’s a look at what I’ve been up to this month:

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
False Sight by Dan Krokos
Perdition by Ann Aguirre

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – 5/5 stars

False Sight by Dan Krokos – 2.5/5 stars

Perdition by Ann Aguirre – 4/5 stars

Alienated by Melissa Landers
Champion by Marie Lu
Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre

Alienated by Melissa Landers – 5/5 stars!

Champion by Marie Lu – 4/5 stars

Blue Diablo – 3/5 stars

Even though they weren’t all five-star books, I was still super eager to read each one. My favorite this month was probably The Naturals followed very closely by Alienated!

 Waiting on Wednesday features:

Considering how much I love Richelle Mead, it’s no surprise that the book I most looking forward to reading is Silver Shadows.

What amazing books did you read this month? :-)

Insurgent-Veronica-Roth-Divergent-Cover

 I want to start out by thinking Blog of Erised for hosting such a fun challenge.

Last month, I figured out that my challenge count was a bit inaccurate. I was only counting the dystopians I’d read and reviewed, leaving out the ones I hadn’t done a post for yet. According to the rules, all read books count so this month we will see a rather larger jump in my overall score. :-)

This month, I finish the following dystopians:

 A total of 6 – add that to the 19 books accumulated as of last month and we end up with:

 The Official Tally:

25/24

Level 4: Leader!

LEADERbadge

Yay – challenge met!

What dystopians did you read this month?

by Niki Hawkes

Dec 1 2013
Image

Stacking the Shelves – November’s Edition!

Stacking the shelves

Hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

 November’s Stacking the Shelves has to be my favorite so far because I actually have more than a couple of books to show for my month of book buying. Here’s a look at my library’s new additions:

Hardcopies:

IMG_4250

 All SIGNED and purchased it during the Vegas Valley Book Festival – an event that literally made my year. As if getting to go to the event wasn’t cool enough, I was part of the Barnes and Noble team recruited to help run the BN tent. In short, I got paid to be there… How cool is that? Throughout the day, we got to wander between multiple author panels, get pictures with the authors, and attend the massive author signing at the end of the day. There were so many authors there that I was concerned I wouldn’t have enough time to get all my books signed. I have to complement the people in charge of the events for organizing things so well because I was able to meet and talk to every author on my list with time to spare. It was amazing and I fully intend on going again next year. And yes, I brought back a few of these for you… Giveaways to come. :-)

E-books:

 None

As you might be able to tell, I blew the crap out of my budget on hardcopies…

ARCs:

 The one I’m most excited to read is probably Shannon Hale’s new book. I think she has a lovely voice and I always find her stories charming. I’m looking forward to seeing how she tackles a dystopian – will there be more edge? I’m excited to find out…

What books stacked your shelves this month?

by Niki Hawkes

Nov 28 2013
Image

Book Review: Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre

Blue DiabloTitle: Blue Diablo

Author: Ann Aguirre

Series: Corine Solomon #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 3/5 stars

The Overview: Corine Solomon is a handler. When she touches an object she instantly knows its history and its future. Using her ability, she can find the missing, which is why people never stop trying to find her. Like her ex-boyfriend Chance, who needs Corine’s gift to find someone dear to them both. But the search proves dangerous as it leads them into a strange world of demons and sorcerers, ghosts and witchcraft, zombies, and black magic…

Blue Diablo

The Review:

I think it’s safe to say I’m on an Ann Aguirre kick. I’m really fond of her works and have been making an effort to get caught up in all of her series. Blue Diablo of the Corine Solomon series happens to be the last unexplored territory. Compared to her other works, I think this might be my least favorite so far, but compared to other urban fantasies (especially those with the Southwest feel) it was pretty good.

Perhaps the main reason I didn’t like it as much as, say the Sirantha Jax series was due to the love story. I’ve come to expect from this author the most epic, memorable relationships (which are not necessarily the romantic ones) and hoped for the same delivery here. While Blue Diablo had great relationships, the most important one between Corine and Chance was a little subpar. It essentially came down to a couple of ex-lovers debating whether or not to rekindle the fire between them. It was interesting, and well done for what it was, I just couldn’t get behind it. Mama always said “why would you want to take a bite out of the same turd twice?” and I feel the same way about literary relationships. It just lacked that bit of romantic tension. All I have to say is, thank goodness for that handsome law enforcer…

Because these characters already have a lot of baggage, it actually allowed the plot to jumpstart right into the meaty conflicts of the story. It was grabbing right from the beginning, and one of the best redeeming qualities of the story. We knew right away what the main arc of the story was going to be because the inciting moment took place within the first few pages (I love it when authors do that). It lost a little steam in the middle, but was for the most part a thrilling, action-packed book.

Overall, I enjoyed it enough to be interested in continuing in this series. It had a great atmosphere and I’m hoping it will gain the same momentum as the Jax series if I keep on reading.

Recommended Reading: I would probably suggest this series to a customer if they’ve already read most of my Top Ten Urban Fantasies. A warning to my wary readers, this book contains sexuality, language, and creepy-assed violence.

Other books you might like:

by Niki Hawkes

Nov 26 2013
Image

Coming Soon: False Future by Dan Krokos

False futureTitle: False Future

Author: Dan Krokos

Series: False Memory #3

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Release Date: August 19, 2014

The Overview: True Earth has returned during a massive snowstorm in Manhattan-and this time they have an army. Rhys, Noble, Sophia, and Peter know they don’t stand a chance against the enemy without Miranda. And once they revive her, she’s horrified to find her world in flames. The enemy occupation is brutal, but the director promises to release her hold on the city if Mr. East is turned in, and Miranda and her team are determined to find him. With her grief over the losses she has suffered fueling her spirit, Miranda knows that this time the sacrifices have to be worth it.

lol

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

I know I said in my review of False Sight that I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue on with the series, but in the last few weeks I’ve found myself dwelling on the last book’s ending and wondering where Krokos is going to take it next. Because it stuck with me, I decided that not only am I going to read the conclusion, but I’m also kind of looking forward to it. It’s amazing what a few weeks distance and perspective can do for you. The trouble is, I have a long wait ahead of me now.

What book are you waiting on?

Nov 26 2013
Image

Top Ten Childhood Books I’m Thankful For!

Top ten Tuesday pink

 Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

 This week, I’m paying homage to the books that sparked my love of reading. Without them, I doubt I would have grown up to be The Obsessive Bookseller I am today. I owe them for introducing me to my passion in life.

Top Ten Childhood Books I’m Thankful For!

Most of these books kept me entertained a dozen times over – when I was younger we lived almost two hours from the nearest bookstore, so I reread these books until they were falling apart. Some of them I would challenge myself to read cover to cover every day… It was a lot of fun. :-)

What books sparked your love of reading as a kid?

by Niki Hawkes

Nov 23 2013
Image

Book Review: Alienated by Melissa Landers

AlienatedTitle: Alienated

Author: Melissa Landers

Series: Alienated #1

Genre: Teen Science Fiction

Release Dates: February 4, 2014

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.  Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

Alienated

The Review:

Even though I read this one as an ARC (thank you Netgalley), I liked it enough to preorder a hardcover copy for my collection. It was such a great read that the only thing I’m disappointed with is the fact that I have to wait more than a year to find out what happens next.

The premise for the story is what won me over right away. Just imagine if Rory Gilmore was picked to house an alien exchange student. Landers managed to find the perfect balance between sci-fi detail and high school drama. A concept like that could be quite silly if not done right, but luckily Alienated was presented perfectly. Furthermore, you could see within the first twenty pages how talented and thoughtful the author was. Certain elements that you see in other books were always taken one step further, elevating the story above the rest. So all these components were already adding up to a fantastic book then she goes and adds a dual perspective from the alien’s POV and I was in love!

The contrasting viewpoints between the two characters are really what made the novel special for me. They were both relatable characters with compelling motives. Cara, was an overachieving “attack everything with gusto” kind of girl, and it was fun to watch her perfectly structured world adjust to one surprise after another. Aelyx, on the other hand, was burdened with responsibility to do right by his people. He honestly would’ve been interesting to read about all on his own. I’ve read a few aliens-come-to-Earth novels where the aliens come across as a little stupid because they don’t always understand what’s going on. Aelyx, while not familiar with all the customs of the earth caught on to social cues quickly and came across as anything but stupid. It was something I really appreciated because it’s difficult to have a crush-worthy character that can’t hold his own in difficult situation. For both characters, it was a great emotional journey, with loads of internal conflict driving both of their actions. The funnest part of the book was watching them muster the strength and bravery to overcome those conflicts.

Overall, this is yet another contender for my favorite book of the year. We got to learn more about a fascinating alien culture while simultaneously appreciating the oddities of our own… It was a ball! This is one of the first teen science fictions I’ve read, and I have to say I’m loving this new trend. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series – I have a feeling it’s only going to get better from here!

Recommended Reading: for people who are interested in science fiction novels but are too intimidated by their length and technical jargon. It is also fabulous for anyone wanting a fun read with a delightful love story! I will be hand-selling this one to anyone who will listen when it comes out.

Other books you might like:

by Niki Hawkes