At the end of my first month doing the 1,00,000 challenge I have read 25 books, 2 one act plays and 6,894 pages.
Some of my favorites from this month were:
The Testing: the entire series was amazing. I am so glad I found it, best YA dystopian series I've read this year.
The Thirteenth Tower: An amazing fantasy novel that I received from NetGalley. It was such a good read and I highly recommend it to fantasy lovers.
The Dead Drop: Best thriller I've read this year. It's full of action and suspense, and it keeps you guessing until the very end. I received this book courtesy of NetGalley.
Reflections of Queen Snow White: A novel about life of Snow White after she gets her happily ever after. I received this book courtesy of the author.
I can't wait to see what new books I find and read in October.
To see a list of all the books that I've read and how many pages the are look here. Thanks for all of the support :)
This is a blog about books by a bookworm and I will be reviewing pretty much whatever I get my hands on.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Tirteenth Tower by Sara C. Snider
Emelyn was abandoned at birth and was raised by the housekeeper of a well off town. Then the night of the festival magical creatures attack, and Emelyn is whisked away by a couple of magi. They claim they know what happened to her parents so many years ago, but the answers are elusive. Will they keep their promise or did they bring her along for another reason known only to them?
I truly enjoyed this book. The world was incredible, going from a tiny village to the splendor of the main town in the county. I also enjoyed the different humanoid creatures, their different personalities and abilities. Just... wow.
The characters were also pretty great. Seeing how they reacted, when you could tell something was up just by how the magi acted but you didn't know what. Emelyn starts out as this sweet innocent girl and grows in to a confident young woman. And some of the characters that get added to the cast such as Cobbe just make the story that much better.
Another thing I always look for in a fantasy story is how the magic is done. In this book its done exceedingly well. There are two forms structured as the magi use it, and unstructured type that forest people use.
I am so happy that I got a chance to read this book. It is one of my favorite books that I've read so far this year.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
I truly enjoyed this book. The world was incredible, going from a tiny village to the splendor of the main town in the county. I also enjoyed the different humanoid creatures, their different personalities and abilities. Just... wow.
The characters were also pretty great. Seeing how they reacted, when you could tell something was up just by how the magi acted but you didn't know what. Emelyn starts out as this sweet innocent girl and grows in to a confident young woman. And some of the characters that get added to the cast such as Cobbe just make the story that much better.
Another thing I always look for in a fantasy story is how the magic is done. In this book its done exceedingly well. There are two forms structured as the magi use it, and unstructured type that forest people use.
I am so happy that I got a chance to read this book. It is one of my favorite books that I've read so far this year.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Shadow Heart by Pamela Taeuffer
Nicky's life consists of spending as much time as she possibly can away from home and her father as possible. One of these activities is being part of a cheer squad for a professional baseball team. Where one of the star players gets her in her sights. He may be just what Nicky needs to help her break out of her shell.
I'm extremely torn when it comes to this book. In the beginning of the book I was hooked. The book started out great but a little over half way through it hit a major snag for me. A character was introduced as a best friend, someone that had grown up with Nicky, shared similar problems, and everything like that. However, this is the first this person is mentioned, and as a love interest. When one is already established, the one who is mentioned in the book blurb. The only one of the two that is. Nicky kind of ends up playing both of the guys, and this was a major killer of the book for me.
I really just don't like it. It could be the fact that girls like this drive me up the wall, it could be the fact that it seems like way too much overkill, or the fact that she doesn't have the decency to choose even after one of them lays out everything he's feeling, and she reciprocates. I'll just leave it at this because I will continue to rant if I don't.
The positives: The characters. Nicky is a great character who grew up in one of the worst possible home environments, she's still incredibly strong, and devoted to her goals. Love is hard for her and it's perfectly understandable her concept of trust is completely shattered. Then there is Ryan, who is this amazing ball player who is recovering from an injury. He lost his family at a young age, and is determined to find love instead of the different girls every night routine.
I really hope to learn more about Nicky's family in the next book.
This book gave amazing visuals and details into a world that is hidden to all but those who live in it. The world of alcoholism, where alcohol is more important then everything even your family. Something that is a sad but all far true for way too many people.
I received this book compliments of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
I'm extremely torn when it comes to this book. In the beginning of the book I was hooked. The book started out great but a little over half way through it hit a major snag for me. A character was introduced as a best friend, someone that had grown up with Nicky, shared similar problems, and everything like that. However, this is the first this person is mentioned, and as a love interest. When one is already established, the one who is mentioned in the book blurb. The only one of the two that is. Nicky kind of ends up playing both of the guys, and this was a major killer of the book for me.
I really just don't like it. It could be the fact that girls like this drive me up the wall, it could be the fact that it seems like way too much overkill, or the fact that she doesn't have the decency to choose even after one of them lays out everything he's feeling, and she reciprocates. I'll just leave it at this because I will continue to rant if I don't.
The positives: The characters. Nicky is a great character who grew up in one of the worst possible home environments, she's still incredibly strong, and devoted to her goals. Love is hard for her and it's perfectly understandable her concept of trust is completely shattered. Then there is Ryan, who is this amazing ball player who is recovering from an injury. He lost his family at a young age, and is determined to find love instead of the different girls every night routine.
I really hope to learn more about Nicky's family in the next book.
This book gave amazing visuals and details into a world that is hidden to all but those who live in it. The world of alcoholism, where alcohol is more important then everything even your family. Something that is a sad but all far true for way too many people.
I received this book compliments of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Dead Drop by Jesse Miles
Jack Salvo is a philosophy major turned private eye takes on an embezzling case for a major corporation. Nice and simple until the two main suspects are found dead in a suspected murder suicide. Then a prior embezzlement scheme is discovered, and then there is suspected espionage, and another suspect. Things are turning out to be way more complicated then originally anticipated.
I really liked this book. I am very selective about the thrillers that I read and I'm happy I picked this one. The main character is really easy to get to know. He's smart and intuitive
and a pretty great detective.
While the book was very rapid pace, the complete time line is about a week maybe a couple of days more, it doesn't feel rushed. All of the loose ends get tied up very nicely and completely.
All of the side characters are interesting and well done. They have distinct personalities and detailed backgrounds. I'm definitely going to have to read more by this author. He has a sty
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
I really liked this book. I am very selective about the thrillers that I read and I'm happy I picked this one. The main character is really easy to get to know. He's smart and intuitive
and a pretty great detective.
While the book was very rapid pace, the complete time line is about a week maybe a couple of days more, it doesn't feel rushed. All of the loose ends get tied up very nicely and completely.
All of the side characters are interesting and well done. They have distinct personalities and detailed backgrounds. I'm definitely going to have to read more by this author. He has a sty
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Prince and The Singularity by Pedro Barrento
Here is the book description from Goodreads, since I can't sum it up better myself
"This is the story of the Prince aka the Master aka Francis, who is more or less immortal and goes through the millennia fighting Desire and Rejection, the roots of all unhappiness and evil. He always fails until the moment he loses interest and decides to die, which he doesn't. Instead he is promoted."
The book begins with the Gods playing a game and the universe being created. One person, the Prince sees the tail end of the creation and ends up playing a part in the game. You see his lifespan, and every thing that happens to him and the Gods.
I really loved this book. As I have learned more about Buddhism this book kind of connected with me. "The universe is neither good nor evil it just is". The idea that everything that happens no matter how terrible or how amazing, it means so very little in the grand scheme of things.
I hope everyone who reads this book can get something out of it. I sure did.
"This is the story of the Prince aka the Master aka Francis, who is more or less immortal and goes through the millennia fighting Desire and Rejection, the roots of all unhappiness and evil. He always fails until the moment he loses interest and decides to die, which he doesn't. Instead he is promoted."
The book begins with the Gods playing a game and the universe being created. One person, the Prince sees the tail end of the creation and ends up playing a part in the game. You see his lifespan, and every thing that happens to him and the Gods.
I really loved this book. As I have learned more about Buddhism this book kind of connected with me. "The universe is neither good nor evil it just is". The idea that everything that happens no matter how terrible or how amazing, it means so very little in the grand scheme of things.
I hope everyone who reads this book can get something out of it. I sure did.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Everblue by Brenda Pandos
Ashlyn thought she had a normal boring life. Swimming competitively, a best friend, a crush on her best friends brother, you know the usual. However, when Tatiana and Finley(her best friend and her brother) go missing everything goes crazy. Things that shouldn't exist do, and everything seems like it's going crazy.
This was a good book, one that I'm quite fond of. I enjoyed the concept of Promising. It's the merfolks version of marriage that is sealed with a kiss. When the kiss happens the two mers souls merge and become one.
This book switches between Ashyln and Finley's perspectives. Which I enjoy especially later in the book after certain new factors come into play. It also gives you the chance to see Natatoria, the home of the merfolk. And with that there is a ton of lore and back story with the merfolk as well, that I just love.
I don't think that I'm going to read the rest of the series. While it is a good read, it's just a bit fantastic for me. Semi realistic but not completely.
This was a good book, one that I'm quite fond of. I enjoyed the concept of Promising. It's the merfolks version of marriage that is sealed with a kiss. When the kiss happens the two mers souls merge and become one.
This book switches between Ashyln and Finley's perspectives. Which I enjoy especially later in the book after certain new factors come into play. It also gives you the chance to see Natatoria, the home of the merfolk. And with that there is a ton of lore and back story with the merfolk as well, that I just love.
I don't think that I'm going to read the rest of the series. While it is a good read, it's just a bit fantastic for me. Semi realistic but not completely.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Becoming Alpha by Alieen Erin
Being a high school student is hard, add visions every time you come in skin to skin contact with someone and well things can't get any worse right? Umm, wrong. Tessa has this gift to have visions when ever she touches someone or something that isn't new or hers, but even that isn't crazy enough she got bit by a werewolf. Now she has to figure out this culture and survive an unseen threat.
She was originally half witch and now she's a werewolf. So yay she's a wolf-witch hybrid now! Cool right... Well it's an interesting thought even if its an odd combo. Seeing as in most lore witch and were avoid each other like the plague. But this pulled it together fairly well.
I know it sounds as if I'm hating on this book, but I'm not. It's a pretty decent paranormal story, not one of my favorites by any means, but a decent book regardless. A bit cliche but like in any genera it happens.
I do like how there are a lot of dynamic characters that aren't just the main two characters. Also the setting was very well done, something that I'm always a fan of.
She was originally half witch and now she's a werewolf. So yay she's a wolf-witch hybrid now! Cool right... Well it's an interesting thought even if its an odd combo. Seeing as in most lore witch and were avoid each other like the plague. But this pulled it together fairly well.
I know it sounds as if I'm hating on this book, but I'm not. It's a pretty decent paranormal story, not one of my favorites by any means, but a decent book regardless. A bit cliche but like in any genera it happens.
I do like how there are a lot of dynamic characters that aren't just the main two characters. Also the setting was very well done, something that I'm always a fan of.
Vanessa and Her Sister by Priya Parmar
It's the turn of the century and the Stephens siblings are shaking up conventions. Vanessa, Virgina, Thoby and Adrian, the center of what will become known as the Bloomsbury Group. They and their friends will shake up the world of art and literature, but at the beginning they were just a group of friends with grand ideals. When Vanessa falls in love things and start to change the already fragile Virgina starts to teeter on the brink madness. With deceit and betrayal running rampant Vanessa has to decide weather to keep everyone happy or to focus on herself.
I'm just not sure what to think of this book. There is passion and betrayal, love and worry, madness and sanity. It's a really good book, but it was hard for me to get through. I could only take it in a little bit at a time. It was definitely worth reading though.
It is written in the form of a diary, told from Vanessa's point of view. You see her struggles with her sister, whom she loves but gets irritated to no end with. How she adores her brother Thoby, her feelings about the entire group. This also includes letters and telegrams from several of the different people involved.
The pacing is very slow, and very disjointed. It makes the story hard to follow at times. It was probably the reason that I had such a hard time getting into and staying interested in the book.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my review which I freely and honestly give.
I'm just not sure what to think of this book. There is passion and betrayal, love and worry, madness and sanity. It's a really good book, but it was hard for me to get through. I could only take it in a little bit at a time. It was definitely worth reading though.
It is written in the form of a diary, told from Vanessa's point of view. You see her struggles with her sister, whom she loves but gets irritated to no end with. How she adores her brother Thoby, her feelings about the entire group. This also includes letters and telegrams from several of the different people involved.
The pacing is very slow, and very disjointed. It makes the story hard to follow at times. It was probably the reason that I had such a hard time getting into and staying interested in the book.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my review which I freely and honestly give.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
The Reflections of Snow White by David Meredith
Long after she got her happily ever after life has taken a turn for the worse for Snow White. Her beloved Charming has died. Even after a year grief and depression still have Snow in their firm grasp. One fateful day she wonders up to the abandoned tower, where her stepmother reigned. There in she finds something to help her rediscover who she is inside.
Loved, loved, loved, this book. Not only do you get to see a part of a classic fairytale that hasn't been thought about, let alone told. You get to see a different view of Snows childhood, you get to see different moments of her married life. It's truly incredible.
I liked getting to see more about Snow's life while she lived with her stepmother. It's not something for the faint of heart and something most people couldn't have withstood.
I also enjoyed the incredible smoothness of the transitions between the flashbacks and the present. It's seamless and very nice.
I received this book courtesy of the author in exchange for my free and honest review.
Loved, loved, loved, this book. Not only do you get to see a part of a classic fairytale that hasn't been thought about, let alone told. You get to see a different view of Snows childhood, you get to see different moments of her married life. It's truly incredible.
I liked getting to see more about Snow's life while she lived with her stepmother. It's not something for the faint of heart and something most people couldn't have withstood.
I also enjoyed the incredible smoothness of the transitions between the flashbacks and the present. It's seamless and very nice.
I received this book courtesy of the author in exchange for my free and honest review.
Friday, September 19, 2014
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Cia as one of the top of her class has been selected to participate in the testing. The chance to leave her colony and to become a leader to help the revitalization of her nation. But things are rarely as easy as they seem. Cia's father had participated and passed the testing, and remembers none of it. What he does remember comes in the form in nightmares. Cia will have to watch who she trusts, and keep her wits about her if she's going to survive the testing.
Cia is a strong, quick thinking, and compassionate individual. She has dreamed of escaping the Five Lakes colony since she was a young girl. The testing is her way of doing just that. She and three others are the first people to be selected from Five Lakes in a very long time. Over 100 children have been selected but only 20 will pass and attend the university. Slightly under a 1 in 5 chance.
The testing was absolutely fascinating. Each phase was unique and creative and kind of terrible. I loved it, the tension felt real, all of the emotions felt real. It was exceptionally well done.
So much love for this book. My friend's little sister recommended this book. I'm so glad that she did I binge read the entire series, in one night starting at about 7 and finishing the series at about 2:30 A.M., it was completely worth it.
If you like dystopian fiction read this book. You won't regret it.
Cia is a strong, quick thinking, and compassionate individual. She has dreamed of escaping the Five Lakes colony since she was a young girl. The testing is her way of doing just that. She and three others are the first people to be selected from Five Lakes in a very long time. Over 100 children have been selected but only 20 will pass and attend the university. Slightly under a 1 in 5 chance.
The testing was absolutely fascinating. Each phase was unique and creative and kind of terrible. I loved it, the tension felt real, all of the emotions felt real. It was exceptionally well done.
So much love for this book. My friend's little sister recommended this book. I'm so glad that she did I binge read the entire series, in one night starting at about 7 and finishing the series at about 2:30 A.M., it was completely worth it.
If you like dystopian fiction read this book. You won't regret it.
Finding Secrets by Rosemary Groux
The Brewyds are a humanoid race that can hear the songs of nature, and the songs of people. These harmony's can be distorted when people are sick, or sick at heart. They have been around since the dawn of time, but around the time of King Aurthur people let fear into their hearts and thought of them as witches. So the bloodline has become watered down, and abilities have been forgotten and lost over the years. That is where Cassie comes in. She is a decedent of a prominent Brewyrd from the time of Camelot. After escaping with her friends her adventure is just beginning. They travel back in time to Camelot, where secrets are reveled and new questions need answers.
I suppose I should have realized that this would have had religious undertones when I saw the reviews from youth pastors. Don't get me wrong I loved the book and if I get the opportunity I'll read the rest of the series. It just got a tiny bit overhanded, not bad and I know some people who will love this book all the more for it.
The Brewyrds are my favorite part of the story. Their abilities are carefully crafted, the abilities to wield weapons, to heal, and to mend songs of people.
I also enjoyed the setting, Camelot. That entire time period has always been a source of fascination for me. And this story supplemented the classic story beautifuly. Giving a new dimension to the doomed love triangle. Adding new characters to the original cast seamlessly.
After I finished this book I learned that the author is only 18. I'm impressed, I would've assumed that this was a more experienced author. Rosemary has an amazing talent, and I can't wait to see where she takes it next.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my free and honest review.
I suppose I should have realized that this would have had religious undertones when I saw the reviews from youth pastors. Don't get me wrong I loved the book and if I get the opportunity I'll read the rest of the series. It just got a tiny bit overhanded, not bad and I know some people who will love this book all the more for it.
The Brewyrds are my favorite part of the story. Their abilities are carefully crafted, the abilities to wield weapons, to heal, and to mend songs of people.
I also enjoyed the setting, Camelot. That entire time period has always been a source of fascination for me. And this story supplemented the classic story beautifuly. Giving a new dimension to the doomed love triangle. Adding new characters to the original cast seamlessly.
After I finished this book I learned that the author is only 18. I'm impressed, I would've assumed that this was a more experienced author. Rosemary has an amazing talent, and I can't wait to see where she takes it next.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my free and honest review.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Guest Post by Casey Clubb
Today is the day for our guest post by the wonderful author Casey Clubb. To celebrate the release of her book Jacob King of Portalia.
Casey Clubb lives near Portland, Oregon with her husband and her ever-growing collection
of stuffed Tiggers.
Links
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7825631.Casey_Clubb
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CaseyClubb1
Twitter- https://twitter.com/Tigger_Rocks1
Website- www.caseyclubb.com
And now without further ado here is Casey's guest post:
"Many thanks to Sara for having me as a guest on Books and Things to celebrate the
release of my middle-grade fantasy, Jacob, King of Portalia.
Jacob is a dream of mine.
I’m an incurable romantic and a hopeless dreamer. I love to dream about things that could
never happen, as well as things that theoretically could.
Sometimes I want to lose myself in a world and a people that are beyond all possibility.
Like A Game of Thrones.
And sometimes I want to escape, not so much into an impossible reality, but into a
fantastical and theoretically possible one. A reality that I can wrap my science fiction loving
brain around. Like A Wrinkle in Time.
When I started Jacob, King of Portalia, I knew that that was the kind of story I wanted
to write. I wanted to create a fantastical world that theoretically could exist, not some day in the
future, but in the here and now.
Granted, I don’t expect to visit a parallel universe any time soon. Or carry on a
conversation with a non-human sentient being from another world. But I wanted Jacob’s story to
be one that I can tell myself is not outside the realm of possibility, even if it hovers just this side
of the far reaches of the edge of theoretical possibility.
Jacob is a kid who’s scared of the truth about who he is. He’s been hiding from himself
all of his life. On a world in a parallel universe, he discovers just how much damage his hiding
has done, not just to himself, but to those around him.
He also discovers a hidden talent, an ability to open doorways between universes. Just
as with the rest of the story, it was important to me that Jacob’s talent be at least remotely
theoretically possible.
I have no idea whether or not the concept of the brain emitting electrical waves that can
interact with the environment in the same manner as sound waves is possible. But, like with
parallel universes, I can wrap my brain around it from a science fiction perspective.
Yes, it’s a stretch, but my imagination can stretch to it.
And then I can imagine a colorful world in a parallel universe where dragons and
unicorns exist and a boy can make friends with a brilliant and sarcastic ferret-look-alike and a
many hundred year old humanoid whose eyes sparkle as if they were filled with stars.
But best of all, I can dare to dream, I can dare to imagine a world that could be. A world
where two boys can hold hands and fall in love and nobody thinks twice about it.
Jacob is the first book in the Pillars of Life trilogy. It is the start of a journey, the start of
a dream.
I hope others will come dream with me. Dream with me a dream of things that could be.
Dreams we have the power to make come true. Because I believe that those dreams are the best
dreams of all."
Here is a blub from her upcoming book Jacob King of Portalia:
Jacob is the only one who can protect us all from a vengeful lunatic.
But Jacob’s a tiny sixth grader who’s scared of his own shadow. And his only known talent
is hiding.
A misfit in his own home, a boy out of place in his own skin, Jacob has been hiding all his
life—in his head, or behind his only friend.
His kind of different just isn’t accepted.
He thought hiding would keep him safe. But he was wrong.
For Jacob’s hiding has buried more than one truth, more than one secret. Including a
destiny and a duty that are his to fulfill.
And a powerful talent. One that could doom his people.
Or save them...if he can find the courage to stop hiding from the thing that terrifies him the
most—the truth about who he is:
A boy who likes boys.
A boy with a destiny foretold in an ancient legend.
A boy whose love could save us all.
This was a great book that I highly recommend here are links for more information and to purchase.
Casey Clubb lives near Portland, Oregon with her husband and her ever-growing collection
of stuffed Tiggers.
Links
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7825631.Casey_Clubb
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CaseyClubb1
Twitter- https://twitter.com/Tigger_Rocks1
Website- www.caseyclubb.com
And now without further ado here is Casey's guest post:
"Many thanks to Sara for having me as a guest on Books and Things to celebrate the
release of my middle-grade fantasy, Jacob, King of Portalia.
Jacob is a dream of mine.
I’m an incurable romantic and a hopeless dreamer. I love to dream about things that could
never happen, as well as things that theoretically could.
Sometimes I want to lose myself in a world and a people that are beyond all possibility.
Like A Game of Thrones.
And sometimes I want to escape, not so much into an impossible reality, but into a
fantastical and theoretically possible one. A reality that I can wrap my science fiction loving
brain around. Like A Wrinkle in Time.
When I started Jacob, King of Portalia, I knew that that was the kind of story I wanted
to write. I wanted to create a fantastical world that theoretically could exist, not some day in the
future, but in the here and now.
Granted, I don’t expect to visit a parallel universe any time soon. Or carry on a
conversation with a non-human sentient being from another world. But I wanted Jacob’s story to
be one that I can tell myself is not outside the realm of possibility, even if it hovers just this side
of the far reaches of the edge of theoretical possibility.
Jacob is a kid who’s scared of the truth about who he is. He’s been hiding from himself
all of his life. On a world in a parallel universe, he discovers just how much damage his hiding
has done, not just to himself, but to those around him.
He also discovers a hidden talent, an ability to open doorways between universes. Just
as with the rest of the story, it was important to me that Jacob’s talent be at least remotely
theoretically possible.
I have no idea whether or not the concept of the brain emitting electrical waves that can
interact with the environment in the same manner as sound waves is possible. But, like with
parallel universes, I can wrap my brain around it from a science fiction perspective.
Yes, it’s a stretch, but my imagination can stretch to it.
And then I can imagine a colorful world in a parallel universe where dragons and
unicorns exist and a boy can make friends with a brilliant and sarcastic ferret-look-alike and a
many hundred year old humanoid whose eyes sparkle as if they were filled with stars.
But best of all, I can dare to dream, I can dare to imagine a world that could be. A world
where two boys can hold hands and fall in love and nobody thinks twice about it.
Jacob is the first book in the Pillars of Life trilogy. It is the start of a journey, the start of
a dream.
I hope others will come dream with me. Dream with me a dream of things that could be.
Dreams we have the power to make come true. Because I believe that those dreams are the best
dreams of all."
Here is a blub from her upcoming book Jacob King of Portalia:
Jacob is the only one who can protect us all from a vengeful lunatic.
But Jacob’s a tiny sixth grader who’s scared of his own shadow. And his only known talent
is hiding.
A misfit in his own home, a boy out of place in his own skin, Jacob has been hiding all his
life—in his head, or behind his only friend.
His kind of different just isn’t accepted.
He thought hiding would keep him safe. But he was wrong.
For Jacob’s hiding has buried more than one truth, more than one secret. Including a
destiny and a duty that are his to fulfill.
And a powerful talent. One that could doom his people.
Or save them...if he can find the courage to stop hiding from the thing that terrifies him the
most—the truth about who he is:
A boy who likes boys.
A boy with a destiny foretold in an ancient legend.
A boy whose love could save us all.
This was a great book that I highly recommend here are links for more information and to purchase.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22670108-jacob-king-of-portalia
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jacob-King-Portalia-Pillars-Life-ebook/dp/
B00LJ4YG8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1404663407&sr=1-
1&keywords=jacob%2C+king+of+portalia
Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jacob-king-of-portalia-casey-clubb/1119910252?ean=9781620154571
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/jacob-king-of-portalia/id896211588?mt=11
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jacob-King-Portalia-Pillars-Life-ebook/dp/
B00LJ4YG8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1404663407&sr=1-
1&keywords=jacob%2C+king+of+portalia
Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jacob-king-of-portalia-casey-clubb/1119910252?ean=9781620154571
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/jacob-king-of-portalia/id896211588?mt=11
For news and updates on Book Two—Jacob, Portal Master, visit www.caseyclubb.com.
For updates on book two Jacob, Portal Master go to For news and updates on Book Two—Jacob, Portal Master, visit www.caseyclubb.com.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Devoured by Jason Brant
Book bio from GoodReads:
"Life isn’t kind to Lance York. A full-time job has eluded him for years, his wife loathes the sight of him, his bank accounts are empty, and his wealthy father-in-law revels in his failures.
After he lunges in front of a car to save a sick and disoriented woman, Lance awakens in a quarantined hospital. A devastating plague is spreading worldwide, driving those infected with it insane. Their bodies begin to mutate into horrors that have haunted mankind’s nightmares for centuries.
The world descends into chaos as death holds sway in the streets.
With the help of an unlikely ally, Lance must navigate through the collapsing city of Pittsburgh, striving to escape the madness of the Apocalypse that unfolds around them"
This was a captivating novel about the breakdown of society in the event of a mass epidemic. Well this epidemic makes people eat other people. It transforms them into pretty much vampires. They hate the sun, but no word on garlic and crosses though.
I personally enjoyed that the main "hero" was an every-man. Someone anyone can relate to. He has the struggles that so many people in the world have. Failed relationship, lack of a job, broke classic stresses. All of that however, falls by the wayside when he has to fight for his life.
This is the start of a series, that while fascinating I'm not sure if I'll read. If only because a zombie apocalypse isn't my favorite type of book. It's a very good book don't get me wrong.
"Life isn’t kind to Lance York. A full-time job has eluded him for years, his wife loathes the sight of him, his bank accounts are empty, and his wealthy father-in-law revels in his failures.
After he lunges in front of a car to save a sick and disoriented woman, Lance awakens in a quarantined hospital. A devastating plague is spreading worldwide, driving those infected with it insane. Their bodies begin to mutate into horrors that have haunted mankind’s nightmares for centuries.
The world descends into chaos as death holds sway in the streets.
With the help of an unlikely ally, Lance must navigate through the collapsing city of Pittsburgh, striving to escape the madness of the Apocalypse that unfolds around them"
This was a captivating novel about the breakdown of society in the event of a mass epidemic. Well this epidemic makes people eat other people. It transforms them into pretty much vampires. They hate the sun, but no word on garlic and crosses though.
I personally enjoyed that the main "hero" was an every-man. Someone anyone can relate to. He has the struggles that so many people in the world have. Failed relationship, lack of a job, broke classic stresses. All of that however, falls by the wayside when he has to fight for his life.
This is the start of a series, that while fascinating I'm not sure if I'll read. If only because a zombie apocalypse isn't my favorite type of book. It's a very good book don't get me wrong.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Breeder by Ashley Quigley
Ariet lives in a world where your health is everything. You have daily scans, weekly medicals skipping any of them mean that you will face dire consequences. On her way to her last medical before she's of mating age, she gets, well kidnapped. She has a unique gene mutation and because of that she has been selected for the breeding program. Meaning she has even less freedom then before. Her mate has been chosen for her, and any children who look like they won't express the gene will be terminated. Also if she and Mason (her mate) fail to produce a viable offspring they will be terminated. Hows that for pressure?
This was a book that sparked a debate between my boyfriend and I. I took the side of the one, and he took the side of the whole. Basically I took Ariet and Mason's side, and he took the side of the scientists. However after discussing it with him, I've accepted that his point of view is best in this case. In this world the human population has been decimated and given the nature of the gene it's understandable to want the gene to be expressed and developed further. But being as the book is first person you start to feel for Ariet and all that she goes through.
With all of the current advancements in technology something like this happening is actually kind of worrying. With the human genome project we already know some of the genes that are desirable, and some the very much aren't. While we haven't had a human mass extinction, the need to control population may cause us to use gene therapy for this exact reason.
The only downside that I saw was the ending. To me it seemed rush, and seeing as this is a trilogy it really didn't have to be. I will definitely look into reading the other books to see where Ariet and Mason's story takes them next.
This was a book that sparked a debate between my boyfriend and I. I took the side of the one, and he took the side of the whole. Basically I took Ariet and Mason's side, and he took the side of the scientists. However after discussing it with him, I've accepted that his point of view is best in this case. In this world the human population has been decimated and given the nature of the gene it's understandable to want the gene to be expressed and developed further. But being as the book is first person you start to feel for Ariet and all that she goes through.
With all of the current advancements in technology something like this happening is actually kind of worrying. With the human genome project we already know some of the genes that are desirable, and some the very much aren't. While we haven't had a human mass extinction, the need to control population may cause us to use gene therapy for this exact reason.
The only downside that I saw was the ending. To me it seemed rush, and seeing as this is a trilogy it really didn't have to be. I will definitely look into reading the other books to see where Ariet and Mason's story takes them next.
The Sorcery Code by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires
Blaise had been part of the elite council of sorcerers until a vote made him forsake his position to live his life in exile. While in exile he starts work on a magical object. Something that will make magic accessible for everyone, even people who don't have the mathematical inclination. When he creates this object it's not what he expects, it is a she. A very beautiful she in fact, whom he names Gala. While he is excited and fascinated by his discovery, his ex-fiance is terrified of his creation. And the other sorcerers want to use her for their own devices. Gala, is her own person and she isn't going to have any of it. She is going to be whatever she wants, no matter what.
This book was really quite good. The story is told from four different perspectives. Blaise, the creator; Gala, the creation; Augusta, Blaise's previous lover; and Barson Augusta's current lover. Each one is an integral part of the story, from the amazement of Blaise over Gala to the terror of Augusta's reaction to her. Gala her self is incredible, she is empathetic, curious and an amazing ideal person.
The world is also incredible. The class system still exists but the ruling class isn't the nobles, its the sorcerers. Each sorcerer has their own holdings, including villages and people who live their. Some like Blaise are benevolent and kind. But others just don't care as their lives are so far removed from their people's.
This is a book that I would highly recomend and I look forward to the next book in the series.
This book was really quite good. The story is told from four different perspectives. Blaise, the creator; Gala, the creation; Augusta, Blaise's previous lover; and Barson Augusta's current lover. Each one is an integral part of the story, from the amazement of Blaise over Gala to the terror of Augusta's reaction to her. Gala her self is incredible, she is empathetic, curious and an amazing ideal person.
The world is also incredible. The class system still exists but the ruling class isn't the nobles, its the sorcerers. Each sorcerer has their own holdings, including villages and people who live their. Some like Blaise are benevolent and kind. But others just don't care as their lives are so far removed from their people's.
This is a book that I would highly recomend and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
84 Ribbons by Paddy Edger
To any serious dancer, to dance is their life. They eat, sleep, and breathe dance, that is Miss Marta Selbryth. She has danced since she was five, and at seventeen she has been accepted into a professional dance troupe in Billings Montana. At first it's a dream come true, but it's a lot of hard work. She has to move and live on her own for the first time in her life. When the pressure starts to build she turns to diet pills to keep her weight down and her energy up. Will she be able to handle the pressure of the troupe and beginning of her first relationship?
I really truly enjoyed this book. I liked observing Marta, she's driven, talented, and intelligent. She is so focused on her goal that she refuses to let anything be more important than dancing. It's why she makes some of the decisions that she does. Because she need to have some semblance of control, when it seems like everything is going wrong.
This book talks about addiction, and weight issues in a very real way. It shows that anyone can have problems. Even if someone insists that they're fine, they may not be, if you never see them eat.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
I really truly enjoyed this book. I liked observing Marta, she's driven, talented, and intelligent. She is so focused on her goal that she refuses to let anything be more important than dancing. It's why she makes some of the decisions that she does. Because she need to have some semblance of control, when it seems like everything is going wrong.
This book talks about addiction, and weight issues in a very real way. It shows that anyone can have problems. Even if someone insists that they're fine, they may not be, if you never see them eat.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
Murdress by Daya Marnin
Lu Killer has never had a home. She has been bounced around from boarding school to boarding school for as long as she can remember. In her latest school, things start to change for her. For one a guest lecturer completely loses it and starts trying to kill her after he learns her name, calling her a murderess. If that wasn't enough to deal with she ends up porting into what seems to be a parallel universe, where she learns she is from an ancient clan that has been at war with the royal family for generations. She also learns that she has magic, and after she has to fight and kill to survive she decides to embrace her destiny, no matter what it may be.
I loved this book. It was an amazing read, the characters are great. I loved Lu, how she transforms from an apathetic teenager, into... well you'll just have to read and see won't you. All of the other side characters were wonderfully crafted, and there are some that I've begun to believe, okay, maybe hope will become main characters in books to come.
I also enjoy the play on her last name. Killer, and she is very strong and adept at killing people fittingly enough. Which is not a complete surprise seeing as your name can actually determine your fate in some cases. So please be kind and don't name your kids something completely ridiculous it could affect their life adversely.
The world is vast and varied, with many different humanoid species that I hope will come more into play in the next few books. This book was so masterfully written that I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my sincere and honest review.
I loved this book. It was an amazing read, the characters are great. I loved Lu, how she transforms from an apathetic teenager, into... well you'll just have to read and see won't you. All of the other side characters were wonderfully crafted, and there are some that I've begun to believe, okay, maybe hope will become main characters in books to come.
I also enjoy the play on her last name. Killer, and she is very strong and adept at killing people fittingly enough. Which is not a complete surprise seeing as your name can actually determine your fate in some cases. So please be kind and don't name your kids something completely ridiculous it could affect their life adversely.
The world is vast and varied, with many different humanoid species that I hope will come more into play in the next few books. This book was so masterfully written that I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my sincere and honest review.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
Imagine a library that instead of books you can check out objects. Everything from Marie Antoinette wig to Ming dynasty vases, and even things from fairy tales. This is where Elizabeth begins her new job. She's a page, someone who finds the items people are looking for in the repository. While there she learns about the Grimm Collection, items from fairy tales from around the world. The best part is these items work. The mirror from snow white? Snarky and sarcastic. Seven league boots? Work just fine. However some of these objects have gone missing or have lost their magic. Can Elizabeth and the other pages figure out what's happening to the items before all of the magic is lost?
This is an amazing take on fairy tales. While it's not overt the entire story is a fairytale, it has all of the traditional rules, and some new twists. I loved all of the pages, Aaron took a bit to like, but he grew on me. Marc was arrogant, and Anjali is seemingly perfect and sweet. They all changed and made me like them more and more.
The main setting of the book is the repository and I loved it, if I could work at a place like that, I doubt I'd ever leave. They have something from every part of history, including stuff that technically shouldn't exist.
I also enjoyed the tests Elizabeth had to take to become a page and receive her key to the Grimm Collection, they were unique and really fit in well with the story.
Anyone who loves fairy tales should read this book. It won't disappoint I promise
I'm excited to read book two The Wells Bequest, because as the Grimm Legacy is to fairytale The Wells Bequest is to science fiction. And I can't wait to see where she takes it.
This is an amazing take on fairy tales. While it's not overt the entire story is a fairytale, it has all of the traditional rules, and some new twists. I loved all of the pages, Aaron took a bit to like, but he grew on me. Marc was arrogant, and Anjali is seemingly perfect and sweet. They all changed and made me like them more and more.
The main setting of the book is the repository and I loved it, if I could work at a place like that, I doubt I'd ever leave. They have something from every part of history, including stuff that technically shouldn't exist.
I also enjoyed the tests Elizabeth had to take to become a page and receive her key to the Grimm Collection, they were unique and really fit in well with the story.
Anyone who loves fairy tales should read this book. It won't disappoint I promise
I'm excited to read book two The Wells Bequest, because as the Grimm Legacy is to fairytale The Wells Bequest is to science fiction. And I can't wait to see where she takes it.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Why I don't do a rating in my review
After looking at some other review blogs one thing I consistently see is ratings. A scale of 1-5 or 1-10, but I'm not comfortable rating books. This is because I know I don't get out of a book exactly what someone else will, and that I'm not a true judge of what is a good story. Since I think Lord of The Rings, is ridiculously hard to get through, but I love children's books. There are also so many types of books, to rate a fantasy compared to a historical fiction is weird to me.
So I'll never rate books, I'll tell you what I like and don't like about them. Because if I give you a number will you really want to read it more or less?
So I'll never rate books, I'll tell you what I like and don't like about them. Because if I give you a number will you really want to read it more or less?
Adventures in Funeral Crashing by Milda Harris
After her mom's death Kait started funeral crashing. To hear the stories of peoples life, and feel closer to her mom who died recently. When she runs into Ethan Ripley at his sister's funeral, life takes a turn for the dangerous. Ethan thinks his sister was murdered, or at least didn't purposefully OD because there had been two other girls who had died from a heroin overdose, from the same college. So after accusing Kait of being a druggie she decides to help him figure-out what really happened to his sister.
This book isn't what I expected, in a very good way. The protagonist has dimensions, she has her likes, her dislikes, isn't a miss perfect. Also her thought process is defiantly what mine was like when I was her age. Ethan is also a really intriguing I love how he is consistently focused on his sister, while still living his life. Kait and Ethan's romance also develops at a believable pace, no instant love.
All in all it's a book that I would happily recommend to anyone in high school.
This book isn't what I expected, in a very good way. The protagonist has dimensions, she has her likes, her dislikes, isn't a miss perfect. Also her thought process is defiantly what mine was like when I was her age. Ethan is also a really intriguing I love how he is consistently focused on his sister, while still living his life. Kait and Ethan's romance also develops at a believable pace, no instant love.
All in all it's a book that I would happily recommend to anyone in high school.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The Tinkerer's Daughter by Jamie Sedgwick
Breeze is a half-breed, half human and half Tal'mar (the equivalent of an elf). A half breed is something that is unheard of, due to the fact that humans and the Tal'mar have been at war for a thousand years. When her father is recalled to war she is left to live with the Tinker. A man who makes the most marvelous inventions, he's also the only one who doesn't judge Breeze automatically for her heritage. With the help of one of his creations she discovers something that will change her world. The only question is, will she have enough time to save it?
This was a captivating story. Even more so when you remember Breeze is only four at the beginning of the story. I know, t hard to believe but the Tal'mar mature quickly. She is a protagonist that you can fall in love with. Her only goal is to be accepted and to get people to look at her for who she is, instead of what.
Things do seem a bit too fast, after all they create brand-new physics defying technology in a few months.
However I really did like this book, it's a good read and I really hope to find the time to read the rest of the series.
This was a captivating story. Even more so when you remember Breeze is only four at the beginning of the story. I know, t hard to believe but the Tal'mar mature quickly. She is a protagonist that you can fall in love with. Her only goal is to be accepted and to get people to look at her for who she is, instead of what.
Things do seem a bit too fast, after all they create brand-new physics defying technology in a few months.
However I really did like this book, it's a good read and I really hope to find the time to read the rest of the series.
Monday, September 1, 2014
1,000,000 Challenge!
I have decided to start the 1,000,000 challenge, meaning see how long it
takes me to get to a million pages read. I'm starting this on September
1st 2014 and I will do my best to keep it updated with a cumulative total
at the end of each month. With a complete total and a monthly total.
I'm going to be completely honest here, I will forget and probably not
update all of the books that I read, but I will keep it as close to
accurate as I can.
The first book on this list is The Tinkerer's Daughter by Jamie Sedgwick for 278 pages.
The first book on this list is The Tinkerer's Daughter by Jamie Sedgwick for 278 pages.
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