The #FridayReads Review (11/1/19)

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 <<

Cress by Marissa Meyer (PBK)

After my next read didn't work out (see DNF below), I couldn't help but go straight into the next Lunar book. Even for a paperback it's so heavy it hurts my hands, but the story continues to be engrossing. So excited to finally be continuing this amazing series!

Wild Ones vol. 7 by Kiyo Fujiwara (PBK)

Needed a manga fix so I decided to re-read this favorite 10-volume series for enjoyment and review. Such a fun and sweet story of young adult love with a humorous yakuza twist. Look for my review later this year!

>> DNF <<

The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud (PBK)

DNF at Page 62. In brief summary, I had 4 problems with this book: the writing, the setting, the lack of initial backstory, and the dull voice. Although I can enjoy a good ghost story, I had to push myself to read as far as I did and just couldn't muster any interest in continuing Lucy's ghostly adventures. For my full DNF review, see here.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (PBK)

4 Stars (re-read). This wasn't quite as enjoyable as Cinder since my dislike for 3+ POVs has only grown over the years and this one has at least 6 (I eventually lost count), but I was still reluctant to put it down and burned through it in just a few days. Still as original, vivid, and engrossing as the first time I read it, I can't recommend it and Cinder highly enough. You can read my full original review here.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Fairest by Marissa Meyer (PBK)

So I guess I'm supposed to read this one before Winter? I'm really not crazy about Levana, but I'll give it a try.

So what are you reading this week?

Review: Alienated (Melissa Landers)

Title: Alienated
Series: Alienated, Book 1
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Science Fiction Romance
Told: Third Person Multiple (Cara & Aelyx), Past Tense
Rating: Older Teen (heavy sensuality, some language and alien swearing, violence)
Format Read: Paperback (purchased used)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host one of the first-ever L’eihr exchange students, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

*          *          *

In a Sentence: A tense but steamy contemporary sci-fi romance about prejudice and conviction.

I originally read an ARC of Alienated in 2013, but as can sometimes happen I never finished my review. While getting said ARC signed some time later, the author informed me a big change had been made to the final published version and insisted I re-read a finished copy before the second book. I therefore put off continuing the series until I got my hands on a paperback, and eventually acquiring one finally picked it up for a re-read. Because of all the innuendo I almost gave up only a few chapters in (I'd forgotten how bad it was for asexual me), but with the second book now waiting on my shelf I decided to persevere.

Despite the colorful dreamlike cover, Alienated is at its heart a tense story of dangerous prejudice - on both sides. Human racism against visiting aliens is a common scenario, so it was interesting to have the feelings mutual for a change as both humans and aliens assume the worst and badly react accordingly. It isn't a plot I generally enjoy, but Melissa's writing style brought a fun voice to the serious situation and kept me reading even as the tension grew past the boiling point.

Cara was too crass and flippant for me to buy her being a brainy valedictorian, but she was a girl of conviction - once she decided to join the exchange program she never wavered from her commitment, even when it lost her everything - and I admired her for it. Aelyx was arrogant and conceited and negative but fiercely loyal to family, even over his own personal desires - until he fell for Cara of course, but by then she'd become family too so the sentiment still holds. Despite his many faults he grew on me, and although his relationship with Cara was heavily physical I shipped them the second read around.

Conclusion: While the content was a little too steamy for my asexual tastes, it was a tense and relatively engaging contemporary sci-fi. Since the romantic pair should be separated most of the next book, which would keep the physical romance to a minimum (I hope), I might be interested in seeing where the story goes.

Remember: If you're going to give Alienated a try, don't read the ARC, read a finished copy.

Scribble Rating: 

3 of 5 Scribbles

Paragraph Review: Dark Metropolis (Jaclyn Dolamore)

Title: Dark Metropolis
Series: Dark Metropolis, Book 1
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Alternate Dystopian
Told: Third Person Multiple, Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, death, fighting, zombies, human mistreatment, suicide)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Cabaret meets Cassandra Clare-a haunting magical thriller set in a riveting 1930s-esque world.

Sixteen-year-old Thea Holder's mother is cursed with a spell that's driving her mad, and whenever they touch, Thea is chilled by the magic, too. With no one else to contribute, Thea must make a living for both of them in a sinister city, where danger lurks and greed rules.
Thea spends her nights waitressing at the decadent Telephone Club attending to the glitzy clientele. But when her best friend, Nan, vanishes, Thea is compelled to find her. She meets Freddy, a young, magnetic patron at the club, and he agrees to help her uncover the city's secrets-even while he hides secrets of his own.

Together, they find a whole new side of the city. Unrest is brewing behind closed doors as whispers of a gruesome magic spread. And if they're not careful, the heartless masterminds behind the growing disappearances will be after them, too.

Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, this is a chilling thriller with a touch of magic where the dead don't always seem to stay that way.

*          *          *

Don't let the somewhat innocuous covers fool you - this book is a dark one of necromancy and night clubs, disturbing city secrets and revolution. An alternate historical dystopian with magic, the story follows three teens who mire themselves in suicide and the undead, government conspiracies and violent rebellion to master their powers and rescue loved ones. They were diverse characters with good motivations and intriguing magical gifts, and the take on zombies was different and interesting. But while the writing style was quick and easy, the action and emotion were disconnected and choppy which made it difficult to feel and follow the violently charged story. Also, the city setting was too self-contained and the description minimalistic, and coupled with a plot that didn't make a lot of sense due to little-explained reasoning on both sides the second half was rather a mess of cutaway movement and two-second magic that had little to no emotional impact. For the most part it was a relatively engaging read with decent magic and zombies, but I won't be picking up the sequel.

Scribble Rating: 

3 of 5 Scribbles

The #FridayReads Review (12/29/17)

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 <<

Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm (ARC)

After passing on three fantasy books I decided to give this teen contemporary romance a try. The banter is slightly odd, but the characters are realistically engaging and the story has proven fun and interesting enough to hold my interest. Currently half a dozen chapters in and happily sneaking pages whenever I can.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre (ARC)

5 Stars. ALL THE STARS. An engrossing and exhilarating teen sci-fi with a kick-ass female lead and sweet but strong sentient ship. Review to come.

>> PASSED <<

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce (ARC)

I've heard such amazing things about Tamora Pierce, so when an ARC appeared from the publisher I decided it was time to give her a try. Sadly I didn't even make it through the first chapter - I didn't mesh with the writing style, where I'd expected YA I instead found MG, and I got the feeling the story would be a slower one with little action (not my cup of tea). For my full review, see my Goodreads comments here.

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson (ARC)

Passed after 2 chapters. As much as I enjoyed Rae Carson's Fire & Thorns series, I'm just not much for westerns and with its slower journey story and little magic to speak of I sadly passed.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Honey So Sweet vol. 8 by Amu Meguro (PBK)

Time to finish this utterly adorable series!

So what are you reading this week?

DNF Review: Starfall (Melissa Landers)

Title: Starfall
Series: Starflight #2
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Told: Third Person (Cassia, Kane), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (Up to Page 64: violence, kissing, mistreatment)
Format Read: Hardcover (library)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

When Princess Cassia Rose fled her home world of Eturia to escape an arranged marriage, she had no idea her sudden departure would spark a war. Now after two years hiding as a ship hand, she is finally returning to her beloved home, but not in the way she imagined. Shackled by bounty hunters, she is violently dragged back to account for her crimes. Her only solace is that the Banshee crew managed to evade capture, including Kane Arric, her best friend...with occasional benefits.

Meanwhile, Kane and the rest of the crew of the Banshee plan a desperate rescue mission. But when they arrive on Eturia, Cassia isn't exactly in need of heroics—she's claimed her birthright as Eturia's queen, but has inherited a war-torn planet simmering with rebellion. Cassia must make alliances, and Kane, the bastard son of a merchant, isn't a choice that will earn her any friends. Kane knows he will never find someone to replace Cassia—and is certain she returns his feelings—but how can he throw away his own promising future waiting on a queen?

When the outer realm is threatened by the dangerous Zhang mafia, Cassia, Kane and the rest of the Banshee crew uncover a horrifying conspiracy that endangers the entire universe. In the face of unspeakable evil, Cassia must confront her own family's complicated legacy on Eturia and decide once and for all who her real family is.

*          *          *

I did not finish this book. I stopped at Chapter 8 (Page 64).

This companion novel picks up about a year after Starflight, this time focusing on Banshee crewmates Cassia and Kane. Although I really wasn't looking forward to their trademark bickering at the forefront, the book opens with them barely speaking to each other and without the bickering I found the dialogue seriously lacking. They are also separated almost immediately, and since the two of them together was what made either of them shine, apart they were rather dull. Especially Kane, although he didn't get much page time in the beginning as he was ignored for quite a few chapters to allow Cassia's story to make rapid progress (that unfortunately skipped over the interesting bits).

I expected Starfall to be a continuance of their Starflight story of adventure on the run, but was sorely disappointed when the run ended several short chapters in and the story instead turned to an overused one of political upheaval and rebellion. (I guess since I loved the first book so much I never really read the summary.) Cassia's common "royal rebel struggling with love of a servant" story just didn't offer anything particularly unique to engage me, and although Kane and the rest of the crew were finally returning to the scene in Chapter 8, and the summary promised a threatening mafia, by then I had lost all interest and couldn't muster enough curiosity to press on, let alone finish.

I will continue to love and highly recommend Starflight (you can read my raving review here), but will sadly be suggesting a pass on this sequel.

Top Ten Series I've Been Meaning To Start But Haven't

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

Ten Series I've Been Meaning to Start but Haven't

1. The Elemental Trilogy (Sherry Thomas)
2. Reckoners (Brandon Sanderson)
3. The Young Elites (Marie Lu)
4. The Illuminae Files (Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff)
5. Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo)
6. The Great Library (Rachel Caine)
7. Cold Fury (T.M. Goeglein)
8. Passenger (Alexandra Bracken)
9. Riders (Veronica Rossi)
10. Geek Girl (Holly Smale)

So what series have you been meaning to start but haven't?

The #FridayReads Review (6/16/17)

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 <<

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (HBK)

Decided to give this short read a try before tackling Starfall - starting it this afternoon!

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Starflight by Melissa Landers (ARC/HBK)
5 Stars. Just as good as I my first read last year! You check out my gushing review here.

Kamisama Kiss vol. 24 by Julietta Suzuki (PBK)

4.5 Stars. I cried. I laughed. I foresee using up a box of tissues for the final volume later this year.


>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Starfall by Melissa Landers (HBK)

Finished my Starflight re-read so on to the companion sequel next! Will have to brave the hardcover, but needs must.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (6/9/17)

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 <<

Starflight by Melissa Landers (ARC)

Finally started my book group re-read! (Fingers crossed I can finish it in the week left.) Only a chapter in but so far so as amazing as I remember! (You check out my gushing first read review here.)

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Brother's Ruin by Emma Newman (PBK)
3 Stars. A short and quick alternate "gaslamp" fantasy that started rocky but was worth finishing thanks to an interesting if intellectual magic and unique premise twist. While it read more like half a book than a complete story, it had a serial quality to it that I wish there was more of nowadays. Will definitely be interested in trying the next book. Review to come.

Horimiya vol. 7 by Hero X Daisuke Hagiwara (PBK)
4 Stars. As with vol. 6 this felt a bit like a collection of transitional side stories, but we did start a sports festival arc and overall it was a (albeit nonsensical) barrel of laughs. Not sure where the series arc is going, but I'm enjoying the journey enough in the meantime.

Lucky in Love by Kasie West (ARC)
3.5 Stars. A sweet and easy contemporary romance about family, friends, future, and the uncertainty of money. Review to come.


>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Kamisama Kiss vol. 24 by Julietta Suzuki (PBK)

The latest KamiKiss has arrived! Only one more until the conclusion and although I'll be sad to see it finished I'm excited to see how it will all end.

So what are you reading this week?

STARFALL Launch Blitz & Giveaway

I am so excited to be part of the launch blitz for STARFALL, the second and last book in Melissa Landers' Starflight duology from Disney-Hyperion, which finally hit shelves this Tuesday! STARFLIGHT was my favorite read of 2016 (see my review here) and I cannot recommend it highly enough, so if you haven't checked out this duology yet do so below and order yourself a copy of each (the first book is currently less than a dollar)! And don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end for a Starflight duology swag pack!

---

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: STARFALL
Author: Melissa Landers
Release date: February 7, 2017
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Summary:

When Princess Cassia Rose fled her home world of Eturia to escape an arranged marriage, she had no idea her sudden departure would spark a war. Now after two years hiding as a ship hand, she is finally returning to her beloved home, but not in the way she imagined. Shackled by bounty hunters, she is violently dragged back to account for her crimes. Her only solace is that the Banshee crew managed to evade capture, including Kane Arric, her best friend...with occasional benefits.

Meanwhile, Kane and the rest of the crew of the Banshee plan a desperate rescue mission. But when they arrive on Eturia, Cassia isn't exactly in need of heroics—she's claimed her birthright as Eturia's queen, but has inherited a war-torn planet simmering with rebellion. Cassia must make alliances, and Kane, the bastard son of a merchant, isn't a choice that will earn her any friends. Kane knows he will never find someone to replace Cassia—and is certain she returns his feelings—but how can he throw away his own promising future waiting on a queen?

When the outer realm is threatened by the dangerous Zhang mafia, Cassia, Kane and the rest of the Banshee crew uncover a horrifying conspiracy that endangers the entire universe. In the face of unspeakable evil, Cassia must confront her own family's complicated legacy on Eturia and decide once and for all who her real family is.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE LINKS:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Check out the first book!

Book 1: Starflight

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit her website.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 
Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram

Hi, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m so excited to launch STARFALL, the second and final book in my Starflight duology! This story picks up shortly after the first book ends, but now Cassia and Kane are the main characters, with Doran, Solara, and the rest of the Banshee crew pitching in to help take down an intergalactic mafia. (You know, just an ordinary day in space.) And while saying goodbye to characters is never easy, I think I gave the crew a proper sendoff with plenty of humor, heart, and action. I hope you love STARFALL as much as I do!

Haven’t read the first book? You’re in luck, because for a limited time, Starflight is on sale for 99 cents in all e-formats. Now you can binge read the entire duology in one sitting!

Praise for Starflight:

“Smart, action-packed and utterly addictive!” –New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman 

“Starflight has the cinematic appeal, warp-speed action and unlikely heroes of Star Wars.” –Justine Magazine 

“A lively tale of romance, space pirates, conspiracy, and made (as opposed to genetic) families.” –Booklist 

“A great choice for fans of raw sci-fi action, reminiscent of the lawlessness presented in the television series Firefly.” –School Library Journal

If you love sci-fi adventure with a dash of romance, I hope you’ll pick up the Starflight duology today. Starflight and Starfall are both available in stores and online.

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Starflight duology swag pack, complete with bookmarks and two signed mini posters! The giveaway is open internationally. Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Spotlight: Starfall (Melissa Landers)

Today I'm thrilled to spotlight Starfall by Melissa Landers! After declaring last January that Starflight would prove my favorite read of 2016 (and it did!), I've been looking forward to this companion sequel with great anticipation. If you haven't already checked out Starflight, see the links at the end for more information!

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Title: Starfall (Starflight #2)
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: 2/7/17

When Princess Cassia Rose fled her home world of Eturia to escape an arranged marriage, she had no idea her sudden departure would spark a war. Now after two years hiding as a ship hand, she is finally returning to her beloved home, but not in the way she imagined. Shackled by bounty hunters, she is violently dragged back to account for her crimes. Her only solace is that the Banshee crew managed to evade capture, including Kane Arric, her best friend...with occasional benefits.

Meanwhile, Kane and the rest of the crew of the Banshee plan a desperate rescue mission. But when they arrive on Eturia, Cassia isn't exactly in need of heroics—she's claimed her birthright as Eturia's queen, but has inherited a war-torn planet simmering with rebellion. Cassia must make alliances, and Kane, the bastard son of a merchant, isn't a choice that will earn her any friends. Kane knows he will never find someone to replace Cassia—and is certain she returns his feelings—but how can he throw away his own promising future waiting on a queen?

When the outer realm is threatened by the dangerous Zhang mafia, Cassia, Kane and the rest of the Banshee crew uncover a horrifying conspiracy that endangers the entire universe. In the face of unspeakable evil, Cassia must confront her own family's complicated legacy on Eturia and decide once and for all who her real family is.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Check out the first book!

Book 1: Starflight

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | My Review