130 replies to this topic

[Katia11]

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas ★★★

 

Summary: The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean, and in the Levant during the historical events of 1815–1838. It is an adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness, it focuses on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune and sets about getting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. However, his plans have devastating consequences for the innocent as well as the guilty. The book is considered a literary classic today. According to Luc Sante, "The Count of Monte Cristo has become a fixture of Western civilization's literature, as inescapable and immediately identifiable as Mickey Mouse, Noah's flood, and the story of Little Red Riding Hood."

 

Wow, holy cats. This book is LONGGGG. There's so much going on politically as well because it covers such a huge fraction of time. 

 

There were points where I was like, is this ever going to end?

 

I liked it; don't get me wrong. But wow. It just seemed to GO ON AND ON AND ON.

 

There were some very weighty ideas. Of God's justice. About what is destiny/ preordained and what it means if God does not stop something from happening. (The character of Dantes is so convinced that what he does is what God wants, simply because God does not stop him). It was a very challenging idea. Not simply on a religious basis; but also on just a general moral one too. You can excuse so much if you say, well God wanted me to co this, he didn't stop me. (Or no one stopped me so thus, it's right.) 

 

Because Dantes does some very questionable things. His actions lead to punishing those not only who had wronged him, but some entirely innocent people as well. One of whom was a child.

 

A very deep book, but I don't think I'd mark it as one of my favorites simply because there were points when I had to force myself to get through chapters.

 

I'm glad I read it though. Just not one I think I will read again, at least for a while.

[Katia11]

Trapped in Silver, by Emily Sowden ★★★

 

 

 

Summary: Courage comes from a shadowed place in our hearts; a blurred line that straddles love and sheer stupidity.

To seventeen-year-old Ava, wild woodcats, hungry stragglers, and simple-minded townsfolk are the evils she’s grown accustomed to. But when Ethan, an unusual man with eyes of smoke and fire opal, enters her world she quickly understands that there are worse things out there than drunken men and carnivorous forest creatures. She’s a specialised liar and a hell of a fighter, but against a group of animalistic men called Berserkers she struggles to survive the encounter as the desperate swing of a dagger is all it takes to change her life for good.

Half-dead and hunted by the Berserker’s leader when he forms a monstrous obsession with her, Ava escapes his pursuit in an unfamiliar land full of impossible creatures, unlikely allies, and the man she doesn’t know whether to kiss or kill. 

But after dreadful news of her missing brother surfaces, Ava becomes more involved in the centuries-long war and begins to unravel the reasons behind her relentless nightmares, discovering truths long-buried in a violent history of love, loss and betrayal.

 

The creatures in this book were interesting. The powers were interesting. The characters were enjoyable.

 

But the world building was kind of iffy. There are several deities mentioned; but it's never fully explained which one represents what. Plus, there were obvious bad guys and a girl who constantly gets herself into trouble.

 

*rolls eyes* 

 

I don't know, as with many other tropes sometimes I'm like yeah- okay I believe that. And other times, I'm like nope. This time it was the second. 

 

Also, the viewpoint changed like only twice in the entire book. Why did you even bother changing viewpoint? Plus, it might have just been the kindle edition but the writing on top of the chapter (denoting whose view point is was- was TINY). Also, why does every 'strong' heroine have to have something against dresses? Just so she can try one on and admire herself? (sighs) 

 

However, the descriptions in the book were lovely. The way she described the dreams that Ava was having. A+ on that. 

 

I enjoyed it well enough- a fluffy read with monsters and romance. I will probably pick up the second in the series. 

[Katia11]

Total books read in 2016: 133. 

[Katia11]

The Midnight Sea, by Kat Ross ★★★

 

 

Summary: Nazafareen lives for revenge. A girl of the isolated Four-Legs Clan, all she knows about the King's elite Water Dogs is that they bind wicked creatures called daevas to protect the empire from the Undead. But when scouts arrive to recruit young people with the gift, she leaps at the chance to join their ranks. To hunt the monsters that killed her sister.

 

Scarred by grief, she's willing to pay any price, even if it requires linking with a daeva named Darius. Human in body, he's possessed of a terrifying power, one that Nazafareen controls. But the golden cuffs that join them have an unwanted side effect. Each experiences the other's emotions, and human and daeva start to grow dangerously close.

 

As they pursue a deadly foe across the arid waste of the Great Salt Plain to the glittering capital of Persepolae, unearthing the secrets of Darius's past along the way, Nazafareen is forced to question his slavery—and her own loyalty to the empire. But with an ancient evil stirring in the north, and a young conqueror sweeping in from the west, the fate of an entire civilization may be at stake…

 

 

There were some truly beautiful things about this book. The world building was A+, and the romance was good. But she skipped several years and I was sad about that. One minute, they had an electric connection....shaky but still there. The next, she's talking about how much she wants him. It was confusing.

 

But it still was sweet.

 

Also, I loved the fantasy aspects added to the real world! 

 

I loved the idea of the daeva. It was beautiful. I loved her struggling with what she thought was the truth- only to find not so much. An enjoyable read, and I will most likely pick up the next in the series. 

[Mara=^.^=]

Total books read in 2016: 133. 

 

Frickin IMPRESSIVE, dude.

 

~*Mara*~ = ^.^ =

[Katia11]

(bows) why thank you m'lady  

[Katia11]

Long May She Reign, by Rhiannon Thomas ★★★

 

Summary: Freya was never meant to be queen. Twenty-third in line to the throne, she never dreamed of a life in the palace, and would much rather research in her laboratory than participate in the intrigues of the court. However, when an extravagant banquet turns deadly and the king and those closest to him are poisoned, Freya suddenly finds herself on the throne.

 

She may have escaped the massacre, but she is far from safe. The nobles don’t respect her, her councillors want to control her, and with the mystery of who killed the king still unsolved, she knows that a single mistake could cost her the kingdom—and her life.

 

Freya is determined to survive, and that means uncovering the murderers herself. Until then, she can’t trust anyone. Not her advisers. Not the king’s dashing and enigmatic illegitimate son. Not even her own father, who always wanted the best for her but also wanted more power for himself.

 

As Freya’s enemies close in and her loyalties are tested, she must decide if she is ready to rule and, if so, how far she is willing to go to keep the crown.

 

This was a fun book. The protagonist liked science and overall was a strong character. There were quite a few 'forced' morals, but other than that, it was enjoyable.

 

It was a bit disappointing when the bad guy is revealed.

 

The love interest was snippy at the very beginning, and of course, hiding something. But he does apologize and genuinely wants to help her. 

 

I kind of wish there would be another though. Are the Forgotten real? Do they want Freya to be queen? I realize that they are just kind of a 'God' stand in if you will, but this YA could be really interesting if it's revealed that they are real and DON'T want Freya; or they do. I mean ... I don't know, it just sort of leaves a lot open ended. 

 

I think I would say that it was enjoyable, but not something that shattered my world. 

[Katia11]

Touch of Power, by Maria Snyder ★★

 

Summary: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

 

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life….

 

 

 

This book was fun. I tore through it. I loved the plot and I loved Avry. Though she got herself into trouble; she never was a 'damsel in distress'. The villain was sufficiently nasty and the group of men she travels with was perfect. 

 

Belen. I adored Belen. Sweet, kind, caring. 

 

Kerrick on the other hand, is cruel and abusive to her. Like he actually hits her. I mean, eventually, it's revealed that he was betrayed. And that he's put walls up. He stops being a jerk eventually. only wish I could go back and undo the beginning interactions. Like couldn't he be sulky and wild without actually hurting her? 

 

I really enjoyed the Death Lilly. I loved Flea and was sad when he died.

 

Overall, this book had a fun premise and an interesting plot. The only reason I didn't rate it higher was because the horribleness of Kerrick in the very beginning chapters. Like ... ???

[Katia11]

The Dark Days Club, by Allison Goodman ★★★

 

Summary: London, April 1812. On the eve of eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall's presentation to the queen, one of her family's housemaids disappears-and Helen is drawn into the shadows of Regency London. There, she meets Lord Carlston, one of the few who can stop the perpetrators: a cabal of demons infiltrating every level of society. Dare she ask for his help, when his reputation is almost as black as his lingering eyes? And will her intelligence and headstrong curiosity wind up leading them into a death trap?

 

I have such a weakness for monster hunter books. Like wow. This book was everything you'd expect it to be, YA syndromes galore and terrifying creatures whose origins are unknown.  The Regency Era setting makes things harder of course, because Helen is bound up in expectations of being a female. Some of which are actually quite annoying; like how she reacts in certain situations. I understand the author wanted to make it seem as real as possible, but still. It was kind of confusing. 

 

I loved the fantasy aspects of this! The Deceivers have a few different forms, those who feed of sex, art, and power etc.  It was an enjoyable setup with likable characters. And also, the idea that what they are doing has consequences on their soul was kind of a fun twist. 

 

 

The Dark Days Pact, by Allison Goodman ★★★

 

I liked this book even more than the first. The brooding hero actually has a reason for being a brooding hero. I appreciate when a book gives a reason other than, boo hoo I was hurt.

 

The adventure kicks up a notch in the fight against the Deceivers. And Helen is able to do a lot more 'fighting' in this book. Although, people are still telling her she's not strong enough and that got a little distracting after a while. 

 

Of course, there is a love triangle. *ROLLS EYES* But I still found myself enjoying the overall experience. 

 

An enjoyable series. I'll pick the next one up when it's finished.  

[Katia11]

The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden ★★★

 

 

Summary: At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn’t mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse’s fairy tales. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.

 

After Vasilisa’s mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa’s new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows.

 

And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa’s stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.

 

As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed—this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse’s most frightening tales.

 

 

The prose in this was gorgeous in places. It had such an atmosphere. I loved the fairy tales coming to life. I loved the Bear and the Winter-king. I loved the different spirits. It just breathed spirit. 

 

The only really major negative was that the first few hundred pages or so shifted a lot in where they were taking place and who the story was focusing on. And how things work is a bit vague. 

 

I still enjoyed every page. I started this in the car and could not put it down. A lovely story. A bit of romance, but nothing too much (in fact, it almost felt like a sidenote). This is the first in a series, and I will eagerly pick up the next one! 

[Katia11]

A Series of Unfortunate Events #2: The Reptile Room, by Lemony Snicket ★★★★

 

Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they are exceptionally unlucky.

 

In the first two books alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, a lumpy bed, a deadly serpent, a large brass reading lamp, a long knife, and a terrible odour.

 

In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is both literary and irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted. Never before has a tale of three likeable and unfortunate children been quite so enchanting, or quite so uproariously unhappy.

 

Just as awful and terrible as the first. Loved it!

[Katia11]

Steelheart, by Brandon Sanderson ★★★

 

Summary: How far would you go for revenge if someone killed your father?

   If someone destroyed your city?

   If everything you ever loved was taken from you?

   David Charleston will go to any lengths to stop Steelheart. But to exact revenge in Steelheart’s world, David will need the Reckoners—a shadowy group of rebels bent on maintaining justice. 

   And it turns out that the Reckoners might just need David too.

 

I really enjoyed this book. Loved the epics, superheroes who are actually supervillains. It was a fast read filled with adventure and bad metaphors. I loved David, I loved the Reckoners. It was just so fun. 

 

I saw the 'twists' about Megan and Prof coming though. I also kind of figured out the weakness of Steelheart. But I hadn't realized Megan would be 

Spoiler

Firefight

 

 

The big ending was so fulfilling. I was a little sad when it came, but it was thrilling all the same. I am excited to read the next one! 

[SweeneyxxTodd]

I LOVE THE RECKONERS.

Definitely in my top five series of all time.

[Katia11]

Wildwood, by Colin Meloy ★★

 

Summary:  In Wildwood, Prue and her friend Curtis uncover a secret world in the midst of violent upheaval—a world full of warring creatures, peaceable mystics, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions. And what begins as a rescue mission becomes something much greater as the two friends find themselves entwined in a struggle for the very freedom of this wilderness. A wilderness the locals call Wildwood.

 

Wildwood captivates readers with the wonder and thrill of a secret world within the landscape of a modern city. It feels at once firmly steeped in the classics of children's literature and completely fresh at the same time. The story is told from multiple points of view, and the book features more than eighty illustrations, including six full-color plates, making this an absolutely gorgeous object.

 

I was drawn to this book by the pictures and by the interesting plot. A magical wood with a stolen brother? Yes please!!! I did enjoy it, but all the similarities to Narnia were staggering at times. An evil woman, sacrificing a child, speaking animals. It felt like a rehash. 

 

It was also really long for a children's book! At times it was almost hard to finish just because the plot kept going!

 

I enjoyed it, but I don't think I will read the others in the series. 

 

(the art in this book is amazing though) 

[Katia11]

Also, I'm ALREADY OVER HALFWAY TO MY GOAL

[SweeneyxxTodd]

How many have you read so far?

[Katia11]

my current total according to goodreads is 22. I started on 23 last night. 

[Katia11]

Defy, by Sara B. Larson ★★

 

Summary: Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

 

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

 

This book has been on my recommended books for forever. I enjoyed the character of Alexa, didn't care for the kingdom or the King much, obviously. I felt like the romance was a little bit rushed. And the love triangle was annoying. 

 

I both liked and disliked Alexa. It sort of depended on the page to be honest. She was very annoying at times and at others she was okay. I don't know if I will read the others in the series. 

 

 

The White Tower, by Michael Wisehart ★★★

 

Summary: Following the devastation of the Great Wizard Wars, the land of Aldor turned its back on magic. For a thousand years the Jun'ri have ruled and the Ven'ae have maintained their silent place within the shadows of society. Those unfortunate enough to be born with magic struggle every day to remain unseen. However, the winds of change are beginning to shift. 

 

At sixteen, TY knows that he's different. The arrival of the Black Watch in Easthaven precipitates a secret that threatens not only his life but the lives of everyone around him. LYESSA, fierce daughter and only heir of Overlord Barl, has a secret of her own. Her skill with the sword will either prove the means of Ty's salvation or the end of everything they hold dear? 

 

No prisoner has ever escaped the White Tower. FERRIN is determined to be the first. The long-awaited capture of the famous weapon-smith who earned a commission from the High King has left the Tower in a state of eager anticipation. Despite being tortured at the hands of a sadistic inquisitor, Ferrin is no closer to breaking, and seems destined for the Chamber of Purging if he continues to withhold his help in creating magic-infused weapons for the Tower's growing army. 

 

VALTOR, Arch Chancellor of the White Tower and advisor to the High Prince, will stop at nothing to ensure his victory in what he believes will be an epic battle between those with magic and those without. No wielder, witch, or wizard will stand in his way. 

 

As Guardian Protector to the High King, AYRION is no stranger to battle. Amidst treachery from within the walls of the palace, the threat of war from Cylmar, and the reappearance of dark mythical creatures, the former Upakan street rat has no choice but to unleash his twin blades in defense of his king, or die trying. 

 

KIRA, the ruthless clan leader known as Red is determined to claw her way to the top of the notorious Warren Underground. Her decision to do whatever it takes to remain as head of the clans proves difficult with the sudden arrival of an old flame. 

 

This book was good! I liked it quite a bit. The story of the chosen one but he's really not the only focus of the book. There were a few scenes of pretty graphic violence and torture that I wasn't a big fan of and found myself skimming through. But Valtor was very menacing and the other characters were likable. I really liked the world too! Although, it did shift around a lot. It was interesting and I will probably pick up the next one when it comes out! 

[Katia11]

Magyk, by Angie Sage ★★★

 

Summary: Septimus Heap, the seventh son of the seventh son, disappears the night he is born, pronounced dead by the midwife. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across an abandoned child in the snow—a newborn girl with violet eyes. Who is this mysterious baby girl, and what really happened to the Heaps' beloved son Septimus?

 

Every year the library has a book sale in which they give away books for like a dollar a piece. I picked this and two of others of this series there. I finally got around to starting this first one. A pretty typical Children's magic book, and an easy read. A lot of similarities to Harry Potter, but I still enjoyed it. I really liked Alther the ghost. He made me laugh.

 

I'm looking forward to reading the others, but I don't know if I will go past the fourth one.

[Katia11]

Flyte, by Angie Sage ★★★

 

Summary: It's been a year since Septimus Heap discovered his real family and true calling to be a wizard. As Apprentice to ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, he is learning the fine arts of Conjurations, Charms, and other Magyk, while Jenna is adapting to life as the Princess and enjoying the freedom of the Castle.

 

But there is something sinister at work. Marcia is constantly trailed by a menacing Darke Shadow, and Septimus's brother Simon seems bent on a revenge no one understands. Why is the Darke Magyk still lingering?

 

This series is very simplistic but fun! Simon Heap goes suddenly bad! The plot was pretty obvious and the bad guy was obvious too. But I still enjoyed it. The characters are pretty fun. 

 

Physik, by Angie Sage ★★★

 

Summary: When Silas Heap unSeals a forgotten room in the Palace, he releases the ghost of a Queen who lived five hundred years earlier. Queen Etheldredda is as awful in death as she was in life, and she's still up to no good. Her diabolical plan to give herself everlasting life requires Jenna's compliance, Septimus's disappearance, and the talents of her son, Marcellus Pye, a famous Alchemist and Physician. And if Queen Etheldredda's plot involves Jenna and Septimus, then it will surely involve Nicko, Alther Mella, Marcia Overstrand, Beetle, Stanley, Sarah, Silas, Spit Fyre, Aunt Zelda, and all of the other wacky, wonderful characters that made Magyk and Flyte so memorable.

 

This has been my favorite in the series so far. With time travel, an evil ghost and a cat that turns into a panther. I liked the new character Snorri quite a bit and the evil queen was so fun in the silliest of ways! 

 

Sky Raiders, by Brandon Mull ★★★

 

Summary: Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when a spooky haunted house turns out to be a portal to something much creepier, Cole finds himself on an adventure on a whole different level. 

 

After Cole sees his friends whisked away to some mysterious place underneath the haunted house, he dives in after them—and ends up in The Outskirts. The Outskirts are made up of five kingdoms that lie between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, life and death. It’s an in-between place. Some people are born there. Some find their way there from our world, or from other worlds. 

 

And once you come to the Outskirts, it’s very hard to leave. 

 

With the magic of the Outskirts starting to unravel, it’s up to Cole and an unusual girl named Mira to rescue his friends, set things right in the Outskirts, and hopefully find his way back home…before his existence is forgotten.

 

This was a fun book, I tore through it pretty fast. There was an argument between Mira, Jace, and Cole that was kind of unnecessary and slowed down the plot. I really liked the world building. The adventure to find Carnag was interesting. Of course, I knew who Mira was right away, but I'm still quite looking forward to picking up the next in the series.