[image] [Credit: Julie Crowell] I have chosen to not rate this book because it's a quirky, almost parodic short story but if I was, I would give it a pa[image] [Credit: Julie Crowell] I have chosen to not rate this book because it's a quirky, almost parodic short story but if I was, I would give it a painful, single star.
Listen, I love Marissa and the Lunar Chronicles and I understand the point of this story was to briefly entertain and bring a spot of joy in dark times. However, this was painful to read. It just felt like so many shoehorned references to already dated things.
The dialogue and constant references to disease and quarantine felt so forced and uncomfortable. Overall, I just wasn't feeling this story. I'm glad it was able to bring joy to so many readers but it just wasn't for me.
I read this for English class and considering it was like a five-minute read, I don't have much to say. It's supposedWell, that was boring and weird.
I read this for English class and considering it was like a five-minute read, I don't have much to say. It's supposed to be dystopian but I can see this whole thing happening this day and age...
that says something about something but I don't know what and my brain is tired.
the moral of the story is sometimes people do stuff and stuff happens the end
[image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review
I kind of just requested and dove into this without knowi[image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review
I kind of just requested and dove into this without knowing what it was about but I ended up enjoying it... but also not... I'll talk about it all in a bit.
So, what's this book about? Seventeen-year-old Shae has led a seemingly quiet life, joking with her best friend Fiona, and chatting with Mads, the neighborhood boy who always knows how to make her smile. All while secretly keeping her fears at bay… Of the disease that took her brother’s life. Of how her dreams seem to bleed into reality around her. Of a group of justice seekers called the Bards who claim to use the magic of Telling to keep her community safe.
When her mother is murdered, she can no longer pretend.
Not knowing who to trust, Shae journeys to unlock the truth, instead finding a new enemy keen to destroy her, a brooding boy with dark secrets, and an untold power she never thought possible.
Let's get the things I didn't like out of the way.
The first issue was that this book was so enormously cliche, bordering uncreative. Fortunately, I am not rating this book entirely on it's creativity. If I was, it'd be two stars. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil but there was almost every cliche in the book. From I'mNotLikeOtherGirls to DarkAndBroodingHawtGuyIsSoooooooooHawt, they were all there.
Everything about the plot was so incredibly predictable. I kept waiting for my guesses to be wrong but they never were. It was almost laughable at how cookie-cutter the plot was. But, like cookies, it was still enjoyable enough to get through it.
Now, for what I liked about this book.. the symbolism.
I love what the plot and ideas represented. Dylan Farrow is an advocate on sexual assault. Although sexual assault is not a theme in this book, there was an overall theme of speaking up and breaking the silence. It was the author's not that brought all these themes together for me and I loved that aspect.
Overall, although the story itself was not totally creative, I loved the themes and definitely want to see where the series goes.
[image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
"Three words, large enough to tip the world. I r
[image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
"Three words, large enough to tip the world. I remember you."
I haven't had much experience with Schwab's books. I tried to read the Darker Shades of Magic series but I was bored to death so I never finished it. I read This a Dangerous Duet or whatever the heck the book was called and was also bored to death.
That said, I had a good feeling about this book. I knew for sure that it would be a huge hit, mostly because Tor went crazy with the marketing. And that good feeling was correct because I loved this book.
So, what's this book about? France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name
Let's start on the thing that completely sold this book to me and made it so brilliant and enjoyable. The curse. I personally find myself much more interested in high concept fiction. High concept is all about the premise. The 'what if'. What if the world was divided into factions? What if a zombie apocalypse spread across the world? What if two teenagers could turn into superheroes to save the world from mentally unstable super villains??
It's things like that that instantly hook me. Other books (like literary fiction) are a little harder for me to get into because they don't have that big What If.
Anywho, this premise - What if you were cursed to be forgotten by everyone you meet - was brilliant. It got my brain buzzing. I am a bit of an odd reader. When I read fantasy or horror-sci-fi, I'm not in it for the dramatic love triangles (well, maybe a little), I'm in it for the logic. Seeing how the curse/disease/etc works. I don't know why but it's just so fascinating.
This curse of Addie's was one of the most creative and heart-wrenching. Initially, it seemed simple enough. Addie would meet someone and, as soon as she was out of their sight, they would forget her. But this curse was far more exciting yet lonely than I thought it would have been.
There were moments when I could think nothing except how cool that curse would be. Imagine being able to walk the world free of obligations or ties to anything or anyone. But then, I would quickly realize how ridiculously painful it would be. Being unable to develop a friendship, a romance, or even getting a simple meal would be impossible.
I know it totally wouldn't make sense but I would have loved for the book to answer more questions about the curse. I won't go into all the details but I just want to know what would happen if every loophole was tried. I'm just a weirdo like that.
I don't have much to say about Addie as a character. I will admit she felt a tad like a cliche YA-book-girl-who-doesn't-need-no-man. But only a little bit. I had a few mild frustrations with the choices she made towards the end of the book but I'll get into that in a little.
Just kidding, we're gonna talk about it now because it's time to talk about Henry. I could relate to him in ways. Insecurity has always been a huge struggle of mine and the scenes where Henry was in his darkest moment was heartwrenching.
Suicide is a real struggle and, even the strongest people can fall into dark moments. If you need someone,
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I wanted to mention Henry's issues because I wanted to acknowledge them. I want to make it clear that I am not intending to down play his struggles by saying what I'm about to say... I kind of... didn't like Henry? I mean, he was okay. He was nice enough but he just kind of got in the way of the plot.
NOTE - FROM THIS LINE DOWN, I WILL BE GOING INTO SPOILERS!!! SPOILER WARNING! [image] [Credit: Rengin Tumer]
My issue with Henry is that he just threw a wrench in the gears. The whole premise or issue of the book was OMG. someone remembered Addie. I was really hoping for something to actually... happen? I was just disappointed that, in the end, Addie fell in love with this guy mainly, in my opinion, becase he could remember her.
I understand the reasoning and I would probably do the same but it was mildly frustrating the way that turned out. I was especially frustrated when she literally sacrificed her life to save simply because he remembered her and was kind to her. I do understand her reason though.
I originally (and still currently, sort of) believed that Henry was a simple plot device but after chatting with Natalie, I realized that he was purposely set there (by Luc and by the author) to make Addie realize that she was no longer human. She was immortal. And that she couldn't have love and freedom and immortality and be remembered all at once.
I think my biggest frustration was that Henry got in the way of Addie's true soulmate... Luc
THAT'S RIGHT I SAID IT!
And the author obviously recognized it because it was a huge subplot and struggle of Addie's. I think what happened is that the original plan was for Henry and Addie to get together but everyone in the world that the author created took on a life of their own, as characters do. It was so clear that Luc and Addie were falling for each other.
The author took things in a disappointing but understandable direction. In the end, Addie sacrafices her life for Henry's which I found frustrating because Henry, in my opinion, didn't do anything to deserve that sacrifice except that he remembered her which he didn't even really do of his own accord.
In the end, I didn't see as much of Addie and Luc (aluc? Laddie? Lucaddie? idk, they don't have a ship name) as I wanted to. I loved Luc as a character. He was like Edward except not nearly as creepy and possessive.
It was interesting because he kept flip-flopping throughout the book. There were some moments where he was creepy and possessive but there were moments where he wasn't. Those moments where he showed love and vunerablitilty were what caused me to fall for him as a character. I loved his dynamic with Addie and I really wanted to see more of his character.
Overall, this book was superb. It had so many heartwrenching moments that were perfectly blended with hopeful moments. Luc and Addie were some of the best characters I've met this year. I really hope to see more in this world!
This book wrapped up the whole Trash Krakken thing which is all well and good. I'm just so sad/excited because they introduced the weird evil akuma taThis book wrapped up the whole Trash Krakken thing which is all well and good. I'm just so sad/excited because they introduced the weird evil akuma tar stuff and basically completely brushed over it.
Hopefully, it will be explained either in the comics but preferably in the show because obviously it's important and evil.
Anyway, that's it. At this point, I'm done reading the comic series because this was the last issue available to me. For now, that's all
This book was very similar to book one. It was just your average episode right up until the end when they go to New York.
Now, had I not watched the MiThis book was very similar to book one. It was just your average episode right up until the end when they go to New York.
Now, had I not watched the Miraculous: New York movie a few days ago, I would have been fully engrossed but I did watch it and I already knew what happened so I wasn't really enthused.
Also, they briefly talked about the history of Kwamis and I was really hoping they would go into it more but they didn't. Sadness
I honestly don't know why I decided to read this... Actually that's a lie. I do.
Firstly, and possibly most importantly, MC who's name I don't rememberI honestly don't know why I decided to read this... Actually that's a lie. I do.
Firstly, and possibly most importantly, MC who's name I don't remember is cute (I think his name is Garfield but I'm too lazy to fact check that). Secondly, I was kind of curious. I saw this whole series when I was looking through future titles on Goodreads and I thought "huh, that looks interesting" and then completely forgot about it until I saw it on Hoopla a few days ago.
I think this is kind of an origin story which is good for me because I know absolutely nothing about any of these characters. It was interesting as far as stories go. I absolutely loved the art. It was absolutely gorgeous.
Overall, this book was interesting, extremely well illustrated and I will promptly forget about it as soon as I finish writing this review.
[image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review
Kind of a DNF at I forgot where percent.
This started out[image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review
Kind of a DNF at I forgot where percent.
This started out well enough. It was very intriguing and mildly spooky but it got tiresome the further I got into it.
I had been going strong with the book... I read a solid 8 hours of the audiobook but that was over the weekend and when I paused, I completely lost motivation. I tried to restart it multiple times but I just couldn't get hooked.
I skipped to the end and was still bored so I gave up. This book was just not for me which sucks because so many people loved it. Oh well. Better luck next time.
[image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook!
it's spooky month but this book was unfortunately, not very spooky (at least the chunk I [image] Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook!
it's spooky month but this book was unfortunately, not very spooky (at least the chunk I read). I'll try this again later when I have the energy to read a mammoth-like this
Reading this book felt like a fever dream, to be completely honest.
So, what's this book about? It’s fa[image]
"Truth is a human right."
Reading this book felt like a fever dream, to be completely honest.
So, what's this book about? It’s fall 2007. A well-timed leak has revealed that the US government might have engaged in first contact. Cora Sabino is doing everything she can to avoid the whole mess, since the force driving the controversy is her whistleblower father. Even though Cora hasn’t spoken to him in years, his celebrity has caught the attention of the press, the Internet, the paparazzi, and the government—and with him in hiding, that attention is on her. She neither knows nor cares whether her father’s leaks are a hoax, and wants nothing to do with him—until she learns just how deeply entrenched her family is in the cover-up, and that an extraterrestrial presence has been on Earth for decades.
Realizing the extent to which both she and the public have been lied to, she sets out to gather as much information as she can, and finds that the best way for her to uncover the truth is not as a whistleblower, but as an intermediary. The alien presence has been completely uncommunicative until she convinces one of them that she can act as their interpreter, becoming the first and only human vessel of communication. Their otherworldly connection will change everything she thought she knew about being human—and could unleash a force more sinister than she ever imagined.
This book was like if E.T. and Alien had a baby and that baby started taking drugs. I really, really enjoyed this book. It was so fascinating and strangely comforting.
As I do with a few books I read, I completely immersed myself in the main characters, Cora. Sometimes, it happens with some books. I am not watching the character. I am the character. Anywho, Cora and I were in it for the long haul.
When things started to happen and Cora was basically on the run from the government and an alien, I felt her fear and curiosity. When she was kidnapped by the alien and pulled into a strange adventure, I was hooked. I was fascinated and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
Now, let me take a second to talk about Ampersand. He is one of my favorite alien/fantastic characters I've read in a while. He's like a morally gray Aslan. He was so cute and innocent but also dark and brooding all at the same time. I loved him and I cannot wait to see more of him.
Overall, this book was... very strange but I really enjoyed it and I am really looking forward to the sequel.
The Magician's Nephew is the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia (although I think it's was the last book to be published. It's the first book chroThe Magician's Nephew is the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia (although I think it's was the last book to be published. It's the first book chronologically.) It is my favorite for multiple reasons.
We get to see the creation of Narnia and it is beautiful and heartwarming while being dark but hopeful. I love Polly and Diggory's exploration of the houses and then the exploration of the world between worlds.
I loved the magic within this book from the portal pools to the magic rings was so fun to read and it sparked my inner child imagination.
In case you don't know, the Chronicles of Narnia is an allegory of the stories in the bible. The Magicians Nephew tells the story of Genesis in which God creates the world in seven days but unfortunately, Adam and Eve forked up because Satan is selfish and now we're all screwed.
In this book, Adam is Diggory. Eve is Polly. And Satan is the Witch. In the bible, Adam and Eve eat the fruit from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, messing everything up, bringing sin into the world.
It's a lot of fun to see the similarities and differences of this book and Genesis. In some ways, the story is the same and in some ways it's different.
Overall, this was a bright and magical introduction to this amazing series.
➵ The Magician's Nephew - ★★★★★ ➵ The Lion, The WItch, and the Wardrobe - ★★★★☆ ➵ The Horse and His Boy - ★★★★☆ ➵ Prince Caspian - ★★★☆☆ ➵ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - ★★★★☆ ➵ The Silver Chair - ★★★★☆ ➵ The Last Battle - ★★★★★
Honestly, I'm feeling lazy so here is a mood board of gifs to sum up this book. yay
[image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [imaHonestly, I'm feeling lazy so here is a mood board of gifs to sum up this book. yay
➵ The Magician's Nephew - ★★★★★ ➵ The Lion, The WItch, and the Wardrobe - ★★★★☆ ➵ The Horse and His Boy - ★★★★☆ ➵ Prince Caspian - ★★★☆☆ ➵ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - ★★★★☆ ➵ The Silver Chair - ★★★★☆ ➵ The Last Battle - ★★★★★
I read this book in my most recent booktube video which you can click here to watch or skip to 39:08 to here my thoughts on
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I read this book in my most recent booktube video which you can click here to watch or skip to 39:08 to here my thoughts on this specific book.
➵ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - ★★★★☆ ➵ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - ★★★★★ ➵ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - ★★★★☆ ➵ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - ★★★★☆ ➵ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoneix - ★★★★★ ➵ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - ★★★★★ ➵ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow - ★★★★★
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