The #FridayReads Review (8/23/19)

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 <<

Love in Focus vol. 2 by Yoko Nogiri (PBK)

Taking a breather from novels for a day or two and snagged this from the library. The series is a lighthearted love triangle story with cute boys and a different focus (photography), and although it feels rather familiar (boardinghouse love) I enjoyed the first volume enough to give the second a try.

>> ON HOLD <<

Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast (ARC)

While I want to find out the mystery behind the aliens, the characters are so crude and the constant threat of violence and rape against the main female grates on my nerves. Only 34% through and on the fence if I'll try to finish.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Altered by Jennifer Rush (PBK)

3 Stars. Re-read. I will always be a sucker for a reverse harem story, but while it began strong with an easy writing style, the complicated mystery with all its odd little clues was too unrealistic to fully engage me. I also did not ship Sam/Anna, and Nick's violent hostility grated on me. Sadly no longer the favorite it originally was.

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White (ARC)

3 Stars. Re-read for review. Although the bursts of violence were a little unsettling, an enchanting standalone in the vein of Howl's Moving Castle with a sweet romance, intriguing magic, and a strong main character you can't help but root for. Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

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

Avengers: Endgame

I really have no idea what I feel like reading next, but I do know I'll finally be seeing Endgame this weekend!! We just finished re-watching all the MCU movies in chronological order and are itching to see how it all ends.

So what are you reading this week?

Review: Shadow and Bone (Leigh Bardugo)

Title: Shadow and Bone
Series: The Shadow and Bone Trilogy (or Grisha Trilogy), Book 1
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Dark Fantasy
Told: First Person (Alina), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, sensuality, animal hunting and death)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

*          *          *

Series: This is the first book in The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, also known as the Grisha Trilogy, and the first series in the Grishaverse.

I originally read this when it released in 2012 and recall really enjoying it, but although I collected the original paperbacks I never got around to continuing the series (not uncommon with me). When I recently felt the need for a fantasy read I decided it was time to finally finish this now classic series, but to my disappointment that ambition is not meant to be.

Shadow and Bone began strong with eloquent writing, an exotic setting, and interesting magic, and I was thoroughly engaged by Alina's rise from ordinary orphan to powerful savior. But although her journey was relatable, it quickly became clear that she was too simple for such an epic story, her naivete and lack of ambition holding the story back from exploring its full potential.

And then came the trek. As soon as Alina started running the story took a long, dull turn, the eloquent writing I had originally enjoyed becoming paragraph after paragraph of unending flora and fauna and walking and eating and sleeping with little active distraction. Even Mal's addition did little to perk it up, and I had to read in short bursts since my mind tended to wander after too long. Finally the Darkling returned and revived some of the tension, but by then I'd lost almost all interest in the story's outcome and counted the pages until the end.

The climax was brief and, despite a lot of action, sadly anticlimactic as Alina's cowardly running continued with no sign of stopping when she hit the second book. After perusing reviews of the rest of the trilogy I've decided I have little interest in continuing what sounds like more of the same and will sadly not be reading Alina's story any further.

Conclusion: Although originally a favorite back in 2012, it seems my tastes have evolved over the years on a diet of much better reads as this time I had to force myself to finish. While it started strong with an engaging setting, writing, and magic, Alina was too simple for the epic story and once she started running she and the story lost all luster. If you enjoy your dark fantasies epic and don't mind your main characters on the cowardly side then you might want to give Shadow and Bone a try.

For Fans Of: Kingdom on Fire Series by Jessica Cluess (review links below)

Scribble Rating: 

2.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

A Shadow Bright & Burning by Jessica Cluess

A Poison Dark & Drowning by Jessica Cluess

The #FridayReads Review (8/16/19)

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 <<

Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast (ARC)

Felt like a sci-fi read and this intrigued me with its mystery. Although it is an alien invasion it's at its core a survival story, which I tend to struggle with due to them being more quiet tension than action. The characters and content have been more crude than I prefer, but I'm just interested enough in the mystery of the aliens to probably finish. Currently about 40% in.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (PBK)

3 Stars. Second read was sadly not as good as I remembered from my 2012 read. It began strong with eloquent writing, an exotic setting, and engaging magic, but the long trek was dull and Alina was too simple a character for such an epic story. I re-read this with plans to finally finish the trilogy, but now I'm debating if I want to continue the series at all. Review to come.

Poison or Protect by Gail Carriger (PBK)

3 Stars. I enjoyed getting to know Preshea better, and Gavin was the sweetest. I was disappointed that the mystery element I perceived wasn't one, though - I was so sure the assassin was one of their house party and got excited sussing them out, but it turned out there was no mystery element after all. Also, the sex was way too heavy and descriptive for asexual me. Still, a quick and interesting Parasolverse read with some revealing cameos.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

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

Love in Focus vol. 1 by Yoko Nogiri (PBK)

Getting this first in a new series from the library today! Hope it proves engaging.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (8/9/19)

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 <<

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (PBK)

Felt like a fantasy early this week so I decided to re-read this beauty and then finally finish the trilogy this year. I was thoroughly enjoying Leigh's eloquent style and engaging story but my week took a bad health turn halfway through and suddenly complicated fantasy wasn't so alluring. So I decided to read...

By Your Side by Kasie West (PBK)

Discovered there are a few Kasie books I haven't reviewed yet and when I don't feel good I enjoy Kasie stories so grabbed this to re-devour. Always a sucker for a library setting.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West (ARC)

4.5 Stars. A story of anonymous advice and broadening one's horizons that I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down! Especially adored that the love interest was rather a mystery until well over half the book. Review to come!

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

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

Qualityland by Marc-Uwe Kling (ARC)

Found this ARC at my library bookstore and it sounds intriguing. I'm usually not one for translations but I'm willing to give it a try. 

So what are you reading this week?

Release Spotlight: Reticence (Gail Carriger)

Today I'm thrilled to spotlight the fourth and final book in Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series, RETICENCE! Set in Gail's alternate historical paranormal parasolverse and featuring bookish and brainy Percy, one of my favorite characters, after Comptence's revelations it promises to be the most playful and witty of them all! If you haven't yet checked out this delightful series, do so below!

Title: Reticence

Series: The Custard Protocol #4
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit Books
Release Date: 8/6/19

Bookish and proper Percival Tunstell finds himself out of his depth when floating cities, spirited plumbing, and soggy biscuits collide in this delightful conclusion to NYT bestselling author Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series.

Percival Tunstell loves that his sister and her best friend are building themselves a family of misfits aboard their airship, the Spotted Custard. Of course, he'd never admit that he belongs among them. He's always been on the outside - dispassionate, aloof, and hatless. But accidental spies, a trip to Japan, and one smart and beautiful doctor may have him renegotiating his whole philosophy on life.

Except hats. He's done with hats. Thank you very much.

Add to Goodreads

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

Check out the rest of the series!

Book 1: Prudence

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

Book 2: Imprudence

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

Book 3: Competence

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

Review: The Dire King (William Ritter)

Title: The Dire King
Series: Jackaby, Book 4
Author: William Ritter
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Release Date: August 22, 2017
Genre: New Adult Historical Supernatural Mystery
Told: First Person (Abigail), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (lots of bloody violence, monsters warring, death)
Format Read: Paperback (purchased)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:

The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push the earth and the otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve daily mysteries in New Fiddleham, New England—like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why the undead are appearing around town.

At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for the ghostly lady of 926 Augur Lane, Jenny Cavanaugh, begins to give way. But before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.
 
The epic conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series features wry humor and a cast of unforgettable characters facing off against their most dangerous, bone-chilling foe ever.

*          *          *

Series: This is the fourth and final book in the Jackaby series. Click on the titles to read my reviews of Book 1: Jackaby, Book 2: Beastly Bones, and Book 3: Ghostly Echoes. The books do follow each other and should be read in order.

Although I enjoyed the first three in the Jackaby series, this final book was a struggle. The simple writing style I'd previously praised here read stiff, distancing me to feel little despite world destruction and heavy deaths. The initially intriguing series arc here convoluted into a climatic jumble of magic and tech that left me indifferent to the entire Dire King plot. And while the ever quirky and clever characters were here a redeeming quality, even they were sadly diluted by too much war and too little classic mystery-solving.

The first half of the book was rather dull as the team talked to people, gathered information, and decided if they were going to take a more active part in a war they couldn't avoid. There were a bunch of magical creatures and a reanimated corpse, but they did very little to animate the pages. When yet another history lesson began halfway through, I had to set Dire King aside and read a few other books before returning to forcibly push through the rest. The last third finally saw some real action, but the stiff voice made for a disappointingly dry read despite epic battles and heart-wrenching demises. Like the other books the mystery villain was predictable upon acquaintance which took the rest of the wind out of the climax, but after the dust settled the quiet if colorful end - with its uplifting Supplemental - made for at least a hopeful finale that finally saw me a little teary and smiling.

Conclusion: Am I glad I read it? Yes. Although I really had to push myself to finish I'm ultimately glad I did, even if only to say I read the entire series. Would I recommend it? If you've read the rest of the books, of course - how could you not see how it all ends?

Scribble Rating: 

3 of 5 Scribbles

Series Conclusion: Am I glad I read the entire series? Definitely. While the mystery villains were predictable and the plot convoluted over the four books into a mind-numbing mess of tangled threads, I really grew to adore the main cast and can't deny the strong imagination behind the story. I definitely recommend the Jackaby series for older teens and up (especially boys) who enjoy their mysteries fantastical and bloody.

Series Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

The #FridayReads Review (8/2/19)

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 <<

Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West (ARC)

Discovered an unread Kasie book on my shelf and naturally had to read it next! As typical with Kasie I can't put it down, and the advice podcast plot is fun and interesting. But what's especially interesting: no official romantic interest! There are two candidates and the mystery of who it'll ultimately be is keeping me glued to the page. 

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Reticence by Gail Carriger

4.5 Stars. As expected, a thoroughly delightful read. Percy was adorkable, Arsenic gave Sophronia a run for her money as my favorite Parasolverse female, and the surprise third POV was such fun! I also rather enjoyed the Japanese shifters. Wish there was more to come... The Further Adventures of the Custard Protocol, anyone? Full review to come.

Romancing the Inventor by Gail Carriger (PBK)

3 Stars. A quick if lusty read in which a favorite Parasolverse character finally finds lasting love. The sex was a little more descriptive than asexual me is comfortable with and the violent sexual harassment was an unpleasant surprise, but for the most part I enjoyed seeing many of the old gang again and will continue to read all Parasolverse books to see what becomes of everyone.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

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

W Juliet vol. 8 by Emura (PBK)

Still making my way through the series. I continue to find this previous favorite now repetitive and struggle to maintain complete interest with 14 volumes to the series, but it has gotten a little better the last few volumes. Do look for a review when I eventually finish! 

So what are you reading this week?