TBR Challenge #3: Follow Me

Follow Me by Sara Shepard

Series: Amateurs #2
Rating: 3/5
Theme: Contemporary

Why? Usually when people say contemporary, you instinctively thing romance, but technically, anything can be contemporary, just as long as it is set in our present time. So of course I would pick a contemporary mystery, because that’s just my preference.

Review: During my teen years I read Shepard’s popular series, Pretty Little Liars, and I was totally hooked, I might not have finished the series (because it was too long), I still highly enjoyed the pace of her books. Therefore, when she release her new series, Amateurs, I really wanted to get on board again. Unfortunately, I’m not as hooked with this series as the PLL. Although this series incorporates similar attributes as PLL, I’m just not as gripped with the story line or even the mystery. I have a feeling it might be my reading preferences now. Since I’ve read a ton of mysteries from different sub-genre: cozy, thriller, psychological, etc. I feel that this type of mystery is no longer up my alley and for those who are fans and readers of mystery novels, I don’t think these books are for you as well.

Let’s start with the mystery itself. At the end of Amateurs we find out who the suspect is and so, in this book all throughout the whole novel we know the who and the why the crime is committed. The only reason why readers would keep on reading is to find out the why on the main story arc of the series. I’m not really sure if I’m making myself clear, but it’s really difficult to explain it without revealing things from the first book. For those who has read the first book, then this review makes more sense. I also felt that there were too many events that wasn’t realistic, considering the situation that they were in. I feel that Shepard is creating her characters to be both smart and yet dumb simultaneously. There’s just no way the group of friends are that oblivious to the people surrounding them, when they claim to be so observant.

In terms of character development, there really isn’t much with the main characters. There changes in the relationships between the characters, but it’s really not something the readers are shocked about, especially with the events in the first book. Obviously there are new characters in this book and a different location to make the mystery feasible.

I’m a bit on the fence with this series. On the one hand, I really want to see what happens to the main story arc of the series. Then on the other, the books are just not gripping enough to sustain my interest. Even with the ending, it didn’t really leave me wanting for more. I’ll see what happens.

 

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Book Date Monday

It’s been awhile since I did a Book Date Monday, so here are I am to remedy that problem. Let’s get right into it.

Last Week

I’ve been reading this book since the beginning of May, but wasn’t able to finish it before the Disney Readathon, so technically I had to put this aside and start reading my first book for the readathon.

Currently Reading: 

This is my first book for the Disney Readathon that I’m participating in, if you want to see my TBR please click here. Anyways, The Hammer of Thorn is the second book in the Magnus Chase trilogy. It’s ok so far. I haven’t gotten far into in for me to enjoy it.

Upcoming Read: 

I’m debating between the two books. I’ll have to see how I’m feeling to see which one I would prefer.

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So that’s a quick way to update everyone one what I’m reading and thinking of reading next. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get to all these books this week.

Top 5 Urban Fantasy

Fantasy is one of my favorite genre besides mystery and science fiction. Here are my 5 favorite urban fantasy novels and graphic novels. I realize that I actually read more middle grade urban fantasy compared to YA or adult novels.

1. Lumberjanes

I’ve been reading these volumes since 2016 and it is one of the few graphic novels that I actually enjoy. Not only are they great for children to read, but I’m pretty sure there are also a large number of adult fans out there as well.

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

I actually enjoy all of the novels that I’ve read that Riordan has written, but I’m including this one on this list because this is the first book that introduced me to his writing styles. I still need to get my hands on the Kane Chronicles and The Trials of Apollo, but I’ll eventually get to those.

3. Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

Technically, I haven’t finished this series because it’s been awhile since I picked up the books. I’m not sure if I will try to finish it, but they are really great reads. A bit on the erotic side for my taste, but the writing is pretty well done and the characters are also well written.

4. Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch

I read these books so long ago and I really enjoyed them at the time. I don’t really think it’s a series for adults, but it’s really great for its intended target. There’s adventure, magic and mystery so what more could you want.

5. Jackaby by William Ritter

This is a new series for me but I’m definitely enjoying it very much. This is mystery, fantasy, historical fiction and paranormal all rolled into one. I’m fond of all the characters that Ritter has written and I also enjoy the different fantastical creatures that he uses in the book. Definitely a must check out series.

TBR Challenge #2: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Series: Magnus Chase and the Guards of Asgard #1
Rating: 3.5/5
Theme: Backlist Glam (Author with multiple books in my TBR)

Why? Rick Riordan is one of my favorite authors of middle grade novels. He has a way of writing really interesting characters and I enjoy his inclusion of different mythological gods. I own all of the Magnus Chase books and also the two of the Kane Chronicles books that I haven’t read yet, therefore, he is the author that I have the most unread books.

Review: I wasn’t planning on reading this trilogy when it was first announced. I’m not very knowledgeable with Norse Mythology and I thought I would be really lost while reading the book. However, when all the reviews started raving on how good the first book, and more recently when the last was released, I decided to grab it and take a chance. I’m glad that I did because I actually enjoyed it, not as much as his other series but it was still good.

Usually with Riordan’s books, I tend to not enjoy it as much as the rest of the series. It is the same for this book.  His first books are usually the ‘explanation’ book and it allows you to immerse and familiarize yourself with the world that he has created within our world. I think he does a great job, but the consecutive books are usually better and you get to see growth and development of all of his characters. I actually enjoy the characters that are introduced in this novel and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them and how each of there story will progress throughout the books. I’m a fan of Samirah, she’s the type of character that usually like, and I especially like the lack of romantic relationship between her and Magnus. I actually enjoy her character a lot more than Magnus, but that usually happens with Riordan’s books. I just think she writes awesome female characters AND sidekicks. Yes, I really enjoy Heath and Blitzen too.

Like I said before, I’m not very well known with Norse Mythology because its not really something I learned in school. The things that I do know, I know because of the movies about Thor. Its actually interesting to get to understand more of the mythology and their beliefs. I think Riordan does a good job in explaining things, and even if I’m still a little muddled, at least I understand the basic core information of the mythology. I’m also glad that Riordan didn’t really make Thor the center of the gods in this novel, it allowed the readers the learn more about the different types of gods and goddess within the Norse myth.

I’m happy a gave this book a chance and I can’t wait to read more of the books. Now I’m really not certain the reading order of these books, because I’ve heard that it should be read in publication order between Magnus Chase and The Trials of Apollo. I’m not really sure how Riordan will incorporate all three mythologies in within these books and I’m really excited to find out.

 

It’s Time: Books I NEED to Read in 2018

I’m a major procrastinator and it’s a big problem when you’re a reader because I tend to buy books I want to read, but end up putting them off until It’s been sitting on my shelf for years.

These are the 10 books I really NEED to read in 2018. I’ve had these books for more than three years and I feel like if I don’t get to these this year, then I most likely will unhaul them. Since I don’t want to unhaul them, then I NEED to read them.

I got this idea from Books and Lala with her Closet unhaul last year. I don’t really buy a lot of books each month so I’m trying to do just the books I’ve owned the longest and instead of monthly, I’m doing it for the year. I can’t do her massive monthly TBR and actually stick to it.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

I actually own all three books in the Trilogy and I was planning on reading all three in 2017, but like I said, I procrastinated and never got around to it. It’s been in many of my TBR last year.

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

I’ve actually been putting this off reading because the books are huge, but since the third novel came out last year, I’ve been wanting to get back into this creepy world of the Roaring 20’s.

Shadow of Bone by Leigh Bardugo

I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t picked up a single Bardugo book and I want to remedy that this year. I’m a bit hesitant to get into this book, but I heard nothing but great things about the trilogy. I also definitely want to get to her other books, Six of Crows.

Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck

I know nothing about this book and it really was an impulse buy. I read the back and I was hooked, plus the cover is so drool worthy. Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten a chance to pick it up and actually see what the book is all about.

Also Known As by Robin Benway

I think this is the oldest book I own as of right now that I haven’t read. To be honest, I’m really not sure if I want to even pick this up. I bought this book during my ‘teen spies’ phase and I feel like I’ve already passed that stage. The only think that’s really keeping me from unhauling this book is the author. I’ve hear nothing but good things about Robin Benway’s books and I want to try her writing and since I have this book it’s the best way for me to check her out.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

I don’t want to read this book, but I have all three books. So I feel like I’m stuck to read it. Which is the reason why I’m not picking it up. I’m annoyed that I need to read it, but I don’t want to. I feel like I’m whining and it’s not very flattering, it’s just I haven’t been in a contemporary mood in a while now and I want to be able to put these books as read on my shelves! ARGH!

More Than This by Patrick Ness 

I’m a fan of Ness’ books. I’ve read all of his Knife of Never letting go Trilogy and his Monster Calls. This is one of those books that I really wanted to read a few years ago but my want to it is starting to dwindle. I love how he writes, I’m just not sure if this book is for me. I’ve heard mixed reviews for it and that’s really not helping my want to pick it up. I will probably try to read it this year, give it 100pages and if I don’t want to continue I’ll most likely unhaul it. Sorry!

Oracles of Delphi by Victoria Laurie

This is a chunk of a middle grade book. It has 500+ pages which is quite a lot for a middle grade novel and for that reason I’m hesitant to pick it up, but it’s been on my shelf forever. The fact that I totally forgot that I own this book, until I cleaned out my book shelf, just goes to show you how long I’ve own it. So definitely a must in 2018.

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

This trilogy recently wrapped up last year and that is how I found out I’ve owned this book for awhile now. Since the last book is finally out, I might as well pick it up. I’ve heard good things about it and other not so good things about it. I’m intrigued at which side of the fence I’ll fall in.

Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie King

I lied when I said AKA was my longest book unread, because that award should go to Beekeeper’s Apprentice. I’ve owned this book when I was still unmarried and living with my parents and I’ve been married for a couple of years now, so this definitely should be read this year. I’ve tried starting it when I bought it and I remember the beginning to be very dense. So I’m really reluctant.

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That’s it. These are the books that I definitely need to read this year, or off to the Thrift Store it goes. So basically, ideally I have to read one book a month and I wave two months of free time. Since January is half way done, I basically have 1 free month.

TBR Challenge #1: Meet Cute by an Assortment of well known Authors

Meet Cute (Anthology) by Various Authors

Rating: It really depends on the story. My rating range from 3-4 out of 5

Theme: Short Stories, novellas, etc.

Why? This is one of those highly expected new release of 2018 and it works for me because it was perfect for the TBR Challenge. I also wanted to try out some of the authors that is in the book.

Review: A few years ago I read another anthology, similar to Meet Cute, My True Love Gave to me, and I wasn’t a fan of those stories. Mind you I’m not really much of a contemporary romance reader, but there are some occasional books that slip through and I actually end up enjoying them. This is one of those occasions that I had a memorable reading experience. Although I was really hesitant to pick this up, I’m glad that I did, I actually prefer these stories than the ones in My True Love Gave to Me. Also, I was able to try some authors I’ve been on the fence about in picking up their books, at least this way I was able to get a feel on how the author write.

There are some that was a hit and there are those that was a miss, understandable since authors doesn’t write the same way. I’m really not going to give a synopsis of the stories since they’re already pretty short. However, I will list the stories that I did like and those that I disliked.

Stories that I enjoyed:

• Click by Catherine McGee
• Somewhere that’s Green by Meredith Russo (This one by far is my favorite out of all the ones that I enjoyed)
• OOMPH by Emery Lord
• The Dictionary of You and Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• The Unlikelyhood of Falling in Love by Jocelyn Davies
• The Department of Dead Love by Nicola Yoon

Stories that I wasn’t fond of:

• Printshop by Nina LaCour (this story reminded me too much of YOU with the whole social media stalking)
• 259 Million Miles by Kass Morgan (This had such potential, but that ending…)

 

 

 

Book Date Monday 2018 #1

My first Book Date Monday: What are you reading? for the year 2018! It’s been awhile since I posted one. So as usually this Book Date Monday is hosted by
Kathryn @ Book Date, so if you want to participate, make sure you check her blog out and tag her.

Last Week I Finished:

I actually enjoyed both these books and can’t wait to read the next book in the Diabolic Trilogy. I’ll be posting a review for Meet Cute so stay tuned for that one.

Currently Reading:

I’m currently in the middle of The Amateurs by Sara Shepard, but it’s not grabbing me as much as I wanted it too. I really want to start the re-read on Ready Player One by Earnest Cline and I think that’s hindering me from enjoying the former. I’m going to start Ready Player One this week and hopefully get it out of my system so that I can finish Shepard’s novel.

Upcoming Reads:

I’m really yearning for more fantasy or science fiction novels this past few months and I’m not complaining because I really need to get some of my Sci-fi and Fantasy novels read. I’m not really sure what I will be picking up with my current mood, but these two books are in my TBR for the month. So we’ll see.