Best of the Bunch is an end of the month blog hop hosted by A Cocoon of Books where you share which books you've read and reviewed and give that month's favorite read the Best of the Bunch award! This month... I devoured some great MG & YA novels, continued some favorite manga series, and discovered some interesting new comics! I was only able to post two reviews because I was participating in my 10th Nanowrimo, fell sick for a week, and ended up building furniture over the long weekend.
This final installment in the Finishing School series proved an exciting ride with thrilling feats and a great end twist that has me writing to Santa for a sequel series! Looking forward to re-reading it for review soon!
I watch quite a bit of telly. More than I should, really. So since I watch as much television as I read books, I thought I should "review" what I watch each week, both television and movies (I only watch movies on DVD at home, long story). Nothing fancy, just a few sentences about what I thought of what I watched. (I'll try to avoid spoilers, but no promises.) Comment with your thoughts on the shows!
This Week's Best Episode:
Elementary
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: No new episode this week. Blindspot: We finally get a few interesting (albeit mostly foreseen) answers and some really interesting developments...and the show won't return until February. *SHAKES FIST*
Bones: No new episode this week. Castle: I honestly don't know how Castle and Beckett can get mad at each other for keeping huge secrets to protect the other when they take turns doing it every season. Still, I think it'll be nice finally having them back together. Maybe. We'll see.
Elementary: Another strong episode that takes this week's Best. I'd never actually heard of thruples and the like before, so that was interesting. Fresh Off the Boat: No new episode this week.
iZombie: No new episode this week. Last Man Standing: No new episode this week. Limitless: Another stellar episode, but we're NOT happy with the father thread - it doesn't fit his initial personality, and the impending threat is not one we're looking forward to. Would've taken best episode otherwise.
Master Chef Jr.: I feel bad for whoever handles the judges' wardrobes, having to stock two of everything. And their hair and makeup people, poor things. Several kids are already standing out as true contenders, which is unusual but exciting. At the moment I'm expecting Addison, Tae-Ho, Kya and Kaitlyn to go far.
The Muppets: No new episode this week.
Once Upon a Time: No new episode this week. Person of Interest: Season Premiere Unknown The Player: No new episode this week. Scorpion: Exciting but sad. Was really worried Walter would end up brooding the rest of the season, but I think we're safe. Hopefully. *crosses fingers*
DVD Haven (Season 1): Finished. My enjoyment tapered off a little at the end, and seeing as next season prominently features the Rev (my least favorite character) I'm not sure if I'll be continuing my re-watch into Season 2.
Avengers: Age of Ultron: Another thrilling installment with great action and some interesting character development. Absolutely loved the Hulk-Natasha thread. Now eager to re-watch the first movie. And the second Thor movie. And the second Captain America movie. In other news: what do we have to do to get a Ruffalo Hulk movie already? And a pre-Avengers Black Widow movie goes without saying.
The Incredibles: Re-watch. A seriously amazing superhero movie about family - great story, great acting, great comedy. I really need to get a copy for my collection!
Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!
>> CURRENTLY READING <<
The Fog Diver by Joel Ross (ARC) I've been sick this week and apparently prefer to read Middle Grade when I'm under the weather. This one has been on my mind for a while, so after a sweet contemporary (see Just Finished below) I decided to give this dystopian adventure a try. While the writing isn't perfect it's an interesting concept with fun characters and an engaging plot - and their misconceptions of past culture and sayings make me literally laugh out loud.
3.5 Stars. A sweet if contemplative Middle Grade about a girl who discovers more about herself and others when she decides to secretly do 65 nice things for the people around her and ends up making a world of difference. It had its chuckles and its sniffles, but overall a good message of family and friendship and neighborly love with a happy ending. Read in a single sick day because I could not put it down. Kiss Him, Not Me! vol. 1 by Junko (PBK)
4 Stars. Yet another random grab from the library that I am now glad they decided to stock! While definitely far-fetched, it's such a fun and highly amusing otaku story that I will enjoy continuing.
>> READING NEXT <<
Delirium by Lauren Oliver (ARC) I'm actually already 65 pages into this, but I didn't initially realize it was mainly a romance and I have to steel myself for such things beforehand. After I finish my Middle Grade binge, I'll give it another try.
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event hosted by Breaking the Spine, in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
Title: A Criminal Magic
Author: Lee Kelly
Release Date: February 2, 2016 Publisher: Saga Press
Summary:
THE NIGHT CIRCUS meets THE PEAKY BLINDERS in Lee Kelly's new magical realism, crossover novel.
Magic is powerful, dangerous and addictive - and after passage of the 18th Amendment, it is finally illegal.
It's 1926 in Washington, DC, and while Anti-Sorcery activists have achieved the Prohibition of sorcery, the city's magic underworld is booming. Sorcerers cast illusions to aid mobsters' crime sprees. Smugglers funnel magic contraband in from overseas. Gangs have established secret performance venues where patrons can lose themselves in magic, and take a mind-bending, intoxicating elixir known as the sorcerer's shine.
Joan Kendrick, a young sorcerer from Norfolk County, Virginia accepts an offer to work for DC's most notorious crime syndicate, the Shaw Gang, when her family's home is repossessed. Alex Danfrey, a first-year Federal Prohibition Unit trainee with a complicated past and talents of his own, becomes tapped to go undercover and infiltrate the Shaws.
Through different paths, Joan and Alex tread deep into the violent, dangerous world of criminal magic - and when their paths cross at the Shaws' performance venue, despite their orders, and despite themselves, Joan and Alex become enchanted with one another. But when gang alliances begin to shift, the two sorcerers are forced to question their ultimate allegiances and motivations. And soon, Joan and Alex find themselves pitted against each other in a treacherous, heady game of cat-and-mouse.
A CRIMINAL MAGIC casts a spell of magic, high stakes and intrigue against the backdrop of a very different Roaring Twenties.
I watch quite a bit of telly. More than I should, really. So since I watch as much television as I read books, I thought I should "review" what I watch each week, both television and movies (I only watch movies on DVD at home, long story). Nothing fancy, just a few sentences about what I thought of what I watched. (I'll try to avoid spoilers, but no promises.) Comment with your thoughts on the shows!
This Week's Best Episode:
Limitless
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: We're growing rather tired of the Inhumans/ATCU thread, and Mom was so put off by Ward torturing people that she up and dropped the show in the middle of the episode. Can't we just focus on the Gemma/alien planet thread from now on and forget the rest? Blindspot: The whole strong physically but insecure and weak as a limp rag emotionally is starting to really get on my nerves. But the premise is just a little too interesting to drop the show. Argh.
Bones: A solid episode. Castle: As usual, Alexis proves how awesome she is. Oh, and the rest of the cast were okay too. At least the boys finally made up.
Elementary: Why is it that after a few seasons writers always insist on softening Sherlock's character? *SIGH* I am enjoying Watson stepping up to fill his former badarse role, though. Fresh Off the Boat: Thanksgiving episode. Surprisingly not that funny - I think it could've been a lot better. And they cut things to fit in more commercials! NOT COOL, YO.
The Great British Baking Show: Final episode. Argh Ruby had it in the bag until the showstopper! So disappointing. Surprisingly poor performance all around though, and although the winner did deserve it based on that day's bakes, as Paul said about the pretzel challenge: You may have won, but don't clap. Still it was an enjoyable season of a highly enjoyable show and we can't wait for the next round! iZombie: Not their best episode. Last Man Standing: Thanksgiving episode with lots of feels. Could've been better, I think, but not bad. Limitless: When they allow Brian's fun to take precedence, the show becomes one of the best I've ever watched - ergo it's no surprise that this week's episode takes Best of the Week! So much fun.
Master Chef Jr.: Pending...
The Muppets: Amusing.
Once Upon a Time: With zero foreshadowing it's no surprise that I did not see the big twist coming (I swear, the writers are making the story up as they go along). Without going into spoilers there really should've been some type of foreshadowing though, and since there wasn't any, and considering what it did to Emma's character, it only made the twist worse for me. I'm now 90% put off the show. Possibly 95%. If the next episode isn't All the Hero Rumple and Belle All the Time, then I'm out. It was doing so well - what a letdown. Person of Interest: Season Premiere Unknown The Player: The kidnapping was a little much, but otherwise some interesting developments and good action. Scorpion: Exciting, I guess. Did not see the twist coming, so kudos there.
DVD Haven (Season 1): Continues to entertain.
Avengers: Age of Ultron: Coming Soon
The Incredibles: Re-watch Coming Soon Iron-Man Trilogy: Re-watch Coming Soon
Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!
>> CURRENTLY READING <<
Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger (PBK) *melts into a puddle of enjoyment*
>> DNF <<
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (PBK) DNF at Page 155. With its prominent magic and colorful worlds, this should have been just my kind of read. But while the magic and worlds were intriguing, the characters didn't grab me and when the plot finally appeared it wasn't interesting or really original enough to keep my attention. I’ll keep my copy though and try it again in a few years.
4 Stars. Svetlana is an auto-read for me so when I discovered she'd released this MG I scrambled to get my hands on it! I just love her fun and expressive art and stories, and this was no exception.
>> READING NEXT <<
Soulprint by Megan Miranda (ARC) I've been feeling like reading a Bloomsbury title (yes, publisher does make a difference, at least to me), so I think I'm going to give this February release a try.
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event hosted by Breaking the Spine, in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
Title: Dark Energy
Author: Robison Wells
Release Date: March 29, 2016 Publisher: HarperTeen
Summary:
We are not alone. They are here. And there’s no going back. Perfect for fans of The Fifth Wave and the I Am Number Four series, Dark Energy is a thrilling stand-alone science fiction adventure from Robison Wells, critically acclaimed author of Variant and Blackout.
Five days ago, a massive UFO crashed in the Midwest. Since then, nothing—or no one—has come out.
If it were up to Alice, she’d be watching the fallout on the news. But her dad is director of special projects at NASA, so she’s been forced to enroll in a boarding school not far from the crash site. Alice is right in the middle of the action, but even she isn’t sure what to expect when the aliens finally emerge. Only one thing is clear: everything has changed.
Why I'm Looking Forward To It:I am on a serious alien kick right now and this is exactly the kind of situation I adore - need to get my hands on this, stat!
Title: Made to Kill Series: LA Trilogy, Book 1 Author: Adam Christopher (site) Publisher: Tor Books Release Date: November 3, 2015 Genre: Adult Historical Contemporary Science Fiction Noir Told: First Person (Ray), Past Tense Content Rating: Older Teen (some violence and gore, a few words of language) Format Read: ARC (publisher) Find On: Goodreads Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository Summary:
It was just another Tuesday morning when she walked into the office--young, as I suspected they all might be, another dark brunette with some assistance and enough eye black to match up to Cleopatra. And who am I? I'm Ray, the world's last robot, famed and feared in equal measure, which suits me just fine--after all, the last place you'd expect to find Hollywood's best hit man is in the plain light of day.
Raymond Electromatic is good at his job, as good as he ever was at being a true Private Investigator, the lone employee of the Electromatic Detective Agency--except for Ada, office gal and super-computer, the constant voice in Ray's inner ear. Ray might have taken up a new line of work, but money is money, after all, and he was programmed to make a profit. Besides, with his twenty-four-hour memory-tape limits, he sure can keep a secret.
When a familiar-looking woman arrives at the agency wanting to hire Ray to find a missing movie star, he's inclined to tell her to take a hike. But she had the cold hard cash, a demand for total anonymity, and tendency to vanish on her own.
Plunged into a glittering world of fame, fortune, and secrecy, Ray uncovers a sinister plot that goes much deeper than the silver screen--and this robot is at the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Made to Kill is the thrilling new speculative noir from novelist and comic writer Adam Christopher.
"Part Chandler, part Asimov, and part Philip K. Dick -- a rip-roaring cocktail of smart, sharp, twisty, cyberpulp awesomeness." Adam Sternbergh, Edgar-Nominated author ofShovel Ready
* * *
Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Tor!
In a Sentence: A laid-back noir with an interesting contemporary sci-fi twist and a fun classic PI voice.
I'm usually not one for detective stories (watching them, yes - reading them, no), but when the publisher sent me this short novel about a robot detective turned hitman I decided to continue my year of reading more outside my comfort zone with this adult noir.
Writing: Ray's classic hardboiled PI voice was amusing and quirky with his somewhat detached way of describing the things and people around him. Although sometimes he seemed a little too human for a robot, essentially he acted and reacted to the world differently than a human would and it generated some great observations and snark. The description and movement could ramble a bit and the dialogue between Ray and humans was rather stiff and uneven, but for the most part the laid-back style made for a relaxed read.
Story: Based on the summary, I expected a classic detective-slash-hitman case with Hollywood flair. But although it began classic enough, it eventually took a surprising turn into international intrigue with almost paranormal elements. This turn was a little out there for me, but by the time it hit I was invested enough in Ray's story to suspend disbelief and press on. The climax was reminiscent of old black-and-white mad scientist movies, which made for an exciting albeit over-the-top conclusion, and the end had a feel-good finish that I actually enjoyed more than any other part of the book. As for the details of the case, I believe the less you know going in the better the reading experience will be, so if this sounds like a story you might enjoy just pick up a copy and discover the sinister plot for yourself.
Characters: Ray was an engaging viewpoint character - as a robot he had a detached way of not only viewing the world but moving through it, exhibiting a reckless indifference that allowed him to go where most feared to tread (which kept the story moving) and do what some men might hesitate to do (which kept his secrets safe). His limitations were what really made his character for me, though: his 24-hour memory which was wiped each night, and his ability to be so easily repurposed and reprogrammed by Ada, super-computer extraordinaire. She was the perfect business manager and quite the personality, and together she and Ray made a fun and formidable team to follow. Conclusion: If you like classic hardboiled/noir crime stories and enjoy a good contemporary sci-fi twist, then I recommend you give Made to Kill a try. This wasn't quite my kind of read so I don't think I'll be continuing the trilogy, but who knows, maybe I'll feel like taking another turn around LA with Ray someday.
Extras: Tor crafted an impressive website for the series, theLAtrilogy.com, packed with interesting and detailed extras such as cast bios, telling advertisements, and a link to the novelette that started it all, "Brisk Money." I definitely recommend giving it a look.
I watch quite a bit of telly. More than I should, really. So since I watch as much television as I read books, I thought I should "review" what I watch each week, both television and movies (I only watch movies on DVD at home, long story). Nothing fancy, just a few sentences about what I thought of what I watched. (I'll try to avoid spoilers, but no promises.) Comment with your thoughts on the shows!
This Week's Best Episode:
Elementary
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Saw everything coming and have already called everything coming up so no surprises for a while. Blindspot: More and more we're growing weary of the main guy - we just don't like him for some reason. Enjoy the girl though, and the story continues to be intriguing enough for us to continue.
Bones: Entertaining-ish but again nothing spectacular. Castle: Better than the last Slaughter episode, but my biggest enjoyment comes from imagining how much fun the two actors must have being together again on a different show.
Elementary: Although I'm disappointed the other avenues for cases thread was cut after only one episode, and Sherlock is getting a little soft, Watson is becoming a serious badarse. The case was entertaining and the long-term developments interesting, so in the midst of a pretty blah TV week this takes Best Episode. Fresh Off the Boat: Eddie's pieces continue to entertain. The little brothers stole the show as usual, though.
The Great British Baking Show: By the skin of her teeth Ruby continues into the final! At this point I'm calling Kim to win though, while Dad says Frances. But we both agree Ruby is the dark horse, and I would love to see her win. iZombie: Just an okay case but some very interesting long-term developments. Definitely not on board with the romance, but I'm sure I'm the only one. Last Man Standing: Called the main plot from the beginning but it was still funny. Limitless: Interesting but surprisingly forgettable. I can barely remember what it was about now, typing this up a few days later. It was the one where his boss got arrested and her daughter's cousin was kidnapped by pirates, right? I think I enjoyed it well enough, although I did not approve of the completely unforeshadowed romance implications at the end.
Master Chef Jr.: Pending... (Movies = less TV time.)
The Muppets: Oh the things that can go wrong when the boss is away. Definitely one of the better episodes.
Once Upon a Time: The twist came as no surprise but I'm definitely looking forward to next week's 2-hour episode when we finally (hopefully) get all (or at least most) of the answers. Person of Interest: Season Premiere Unknown The Player: Pending... Scorpion: Another exciting but intelligently inconsistent episode.
Supergirl: Dropped.
DVD Haven (Season 1): Continues to entertain me even more the second time. I have to struggle not to watch it instead of the week's new TV shows.
Inside Out: Began rough for me but once Joy and Sadness left Headquarters things were interesting enough to pull me through. Definitely made me tear up at several points. Favorite character: Sadness. Best part of the movie: whenever we were in anyone else's head (we laughed so hard and so loud we couldn't hear the movie - definite ROTFL). Tomorrowland: I've been dying to see this, and for the most part it was even better than I'd expected - well, at least the beginning was. I really liked the "go out and make a better world today" message, but was disappointed with the whole climate change angle. Best character: Athena, no contest. Best part of the movie: Athena kicking butt in the beginning. Biggest confusion: Why was Tomorrowland so desolate when it wouldn't be affected by Earth being destroyed? I would've thought the opposite would happen...?
Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!
>> CURRENTLY READING <<
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (PBK) While the worlds and characters are interesting and the magic intriguing, the currently non-existent plot and lack of action is making this too quiet a read for me. There really should be no surprise I'm struggling with this one since everyone else in the world loved it (I never seem to side with the majority), but I am seriously disappointed.
3 Stars. Final volume. The climax was a little too fantastical for the world and I'm not much for bittersweet endings, but it was so very Japanese and overall an intense story with amazing characters that I'm glad I read.
>> READING NEXT <<
Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger (PBK) The final book in the Finishing School series has arrived and I cannot get to it fast enough!!
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event hosted by Breaking the Spine, in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
Title: Raging Sea (Undertow #2)
Author: Michael Buckley
Release Date: February 2, 2016 Publisher: HMH BYR
Summary:
In the first book of Michael Buckley’s Undertow trilogy, the Alpha arrived and the world was never the same. At the start of the second book, most of south Brooklyn is in ruins and the nation is terrified. Nearly everyone that Lyric Walker loves is either missing or presumed dead, including the mesmerizing prince Fathom. It’s up to Lyric to unite the Alpha before the second wave of a cataclysmic invasion wipes out mankind for good. The Undertow trilogy is an unforgettable reading experience that author E. Lockhart calls, "Allegorical and romantic, the book nevertheless reads like an action movie with especially awesome CGI."
Why I'm Looking Forward To It:I recently devoured the first book, Undertow (review to come), and after the explosive ending I'm eager to get my hands on this sequel!
Today I spotlight the release of Natalie Whipple's latest, Sidekick! Natalie is an amazing writer who tells amazing stories, and although I won't be able to read this one myself for a while (alas the paperback doesn't release until late next year T-T) I definitely recommend you check out this and all of Natalie's books, more of which I've linked below!
Title: Sidekick Author: Natalie Whipple Publisher: Whipple House Release Date: 11/10/15 Russ is tired of coming in second to his best friend, Garret. Whether it's in sports, in school, or with girls, he can never get ahead. Something has to change, and when a new girl comes to town he sees his chance. He has to win her over before Garret does, but proving he's not second best won't be easy when Garret is a pro.
Russ will do anything to beat Garret, including using his little sister to get closer to the new girl. He has to be careful, though, because if anyone at school finds out he attends anime night (and he might even enjoy it), it would ruin his reputation, just like his secret love for cooking and James Taylor.
But pretending to be something he isn't will catch up to him eventually, and Russ can only get away with living two lives for so long. As more than one friend reveals they aren't who they seem, Russ must figure out what and who he really wants in his life. And more than that, he needs to find the courage to make it happen.
