Book #33 Read in 2016
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
This is the second in a paranormal young adult series, the sequel to Red Queen. While I enjoyed the first book more, this book was a good read. It picks up right where Red Queen leaves off, and the battle against evil King Maven continues for Mare and Cal. This book has great characters and a lot of action. I am hoping there is a third book in the works. I recommend this read to high school readers and adults.
Book #32 Read in 2016
Teeny Little Grief Machines by Linda Oatman High
This is a good YA verse novel. The main character, Lexi, is struggling with her incarcerated father, her stepmother, her autistic brother and the death of her baby sister, on top of the normal trials and tribulations of high school. This book is emotionally raw and will hook readers instantly. A quick read because of the format, it is layered and deep. High school readers and adults would be the ideal audience for this book. I recommend it.
Book #31 Read in 2016
Poop Fountain by Tom Angleberger
For the title alone, this book would hook middle school readers. Three friends will be alone on Christmas and want to have an exciting adventure. They decide to sneak in to see the town's poop fountain, which will be closing down in the near future. Of course their adventure is not without mishap which leaves to some stinky situations. This is the first in a series. It was a quick read, told in a journal/diary format with illustrations.
Book #30 Read in 2016
The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Two of the hottest paranormal authors in the YA realm team up to write this series, which is scheduled to consist of five books; this is the first one. Call is selected to try out for a magic school which his father definitely does not want him to attend. Call struggles to find out what his magic is and what secrets his father has hidden from him all of these year. This reminds me a bit of Harry Potter though not as well-developed as that series. That being said, it was a good, quick read--perfect for middle schoolers or high schoolers. I will continue this series; #2 is in my TBR pile and #3 comes out in September.
Book #29 Read in 2016
The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim by Shane Peacock
This book is the first book in a YA horror series. Edgar Brim truly becomes part of the stories that he reads and the monsters in the horror stories, such as Grendel, Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster, become real threats to him and his safety. Brim teams up with one of his college professors, Lear, who has the same talent to see these creatures and they try to kill off the monsters before others are killed. This book had a nice gothic feel to its writing and was well-written. I will continue the series. This book would be a good read for strong middle school readers, high school readers and adults. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
Book #28 Read in 2016
Slawter by Darren Shan
This is the third book in the young adult horror series. As with the others, this book was violent and graphic and a read that hooked you in immediately. Grubbs and Dervish are on the set of a horror picture and the horror becomes all too real all too quickly. I borrowed this book from the town library. Middle and high school boys would love this series.
Book #27 Read in 2016
Roses and Rot by Kat Howard
This is a recommended read for Juliet Dark fans. Imogen and Marin, sisters, reunite at Melete...an artist retreat that they have both been invited to attend. But there is more to the school than meets the it....with a paranormal twist. This gothic tale is well written and the characters are multi-layered and complex. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
Book #26 Read in 2016
Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
This book details what happens when Alice heads to California to be a literary assistant to a reclusive writer, who hasn't written anything in years. Mimi would be enough to handle but add her unique son Frank to the mix and it keeps life interesting. Frank, who has some issues with social interaction, along with an above average intelligence, is a quirky character who is fun to read about. This book bogged a bit for me in the middle but overall, it was a good read. I enjoyed the characters the most. I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
Book #25 Read in 2016
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
This is the first in a new series by an author I love. In this book, we become familiar with Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn, shadowhunters. People are being murdered and there is a paranormal connection to the murders which Emma and Jules are investigating, with the help of family and friends. This book was an excellent read and I cannot wait for the next one. Highly recommended for high school and adult readers alike!
March Reads:
1. My Name is Lucy Barton (3/5) library book
2. Every Exquisite Thing (YA) 4.5/5
3. Red Queen (YA) 5/5 1st in series Kindle book
4. Mortal Heart (YA) 5/5 3rd in series
5. Little White Lies (YA) 4/5
6. Night Bookmobile 4/5 library book
7. Places No One Knows (YA) 4/5
8. The Demon Thief (YA) 4/5 2nd in series library book
9. When Friendship Followed Me Home (YA) 5/5
24 books read in 2016
