It's Monday, What Are You Reading (114)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


I didn't have as much time to read this week as I'd hoped and I only read two books though I am halfway through my current book.  Later this week I will be going back to Canada for my cousin's wedding so I don't know how many books I'll finish. 

Books read:

One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf

This came in for me at the library and I read it right away in one day. I just couldn't put it down! This is the first book by Gudenkauf that I've read and now I'm going to go back and search out her others.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

This book made me cry and now I'm a definite fan of Morgan Matson's YA contemporary fiction. It is the kind of story that stays with you and I'm still thinking about it days later. Need to write my review soon!

Books reviewed:

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Currently reading:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (reread)

I have to say that I love this book even more the second time around.  I can't wait till Crown of Embers is released this September. That is my next major book purchase.

What I plan to read next:

The Assassin and the Empire by Sarah J. Maas

This is the final prequel novella for Throne of Glass. I am sure I'll be able to at least finish this book since it will be a quick read. 

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

I hope to finally read this retelling of Persuasion since I was so excited about it. I'm a little nervous that it won't live up to my expectations.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

I've heard such good things about Code Name Verity. I love historical fiction and this is one of my favorite time periods. I haven't really read anything about female spies in WWII yet.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I'm worried that I'm going to hate this book (because of the arrogant main character and hinted at love triangle) but I've put it on my list again anyway since it is for review. I think the release date is next week.

Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal

A book that starts with a murder is always attention grabbing. I've already read the first chapter and am starting the second as soon as I can. It may have to wait till I get back from vacation as this is a library book and I'd hate to forget it in Canada...

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel (reread)

I am planning to reread this ahead of reading the sequel, Dearly, Beloved. I didn't think I'd like a zombie romance but this book proved to be much more than that and was one of my favorite YA books from 2011.

Have you read any of these books?

What have you been reading lately? Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Review: Seraphina

Seraphina

By Rachel Hartman

Published: July 10, 2012

My review:

The kingdom of Goredd is about to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Comonot's Treaty, a peace treaty between humans and dragons, when Prince Rufus is found murdered and it looks like the culprit is a dragon. Dragons or Saar, have the ability to take human form to live among humans and learn from them but there is still ill feeling and mistrust towards them which is only fueled by the murder. Seraphina Dombeh is new at the palace as a music tutor to Princess Glisselda. Seraphina is a talented musician but she wishes to stay out of the spotlight to protect her secret-she is half dragon and would be considered an abomination if people knew of her existence. Unfortunately she becomes unwittingly involved in the investigation when her knowledge of dragons comes to the attention of Prince Lucian Kiggs, Glisselda's fiance and Captain of the Guard.

Seraphina is a creative fantasy novel with detailed world building, humor, mystery, and a little romance. I enjoyed learning about the dragons but what I loved most about the book was the characters especially Seraphina and her uncle Orma. As a dragon, Orma is supposed to be closed off emotionally but he still does love Seraphina even though he it is against dragon ways and he isn't very good at showing it. The author does a good job of issues like family relationships, belonging, and rights within a fantasy background. 

The mystery surrounding the death of Prince Rufus and the escalating anti-dragon sentiment add a note of suspense and intrigue along with the puzzle of the identity of the people Seraphina sees in her visions. I enjoyed the mystery perhaps more than the romance. Really with the "love interest" engaged elsewhere it is mostly nice to see them develop a friendship and hope it will lead to something more without hurting the other person involved. 

I thought this was a fantastic debut and an interesting take on dragon lore. The addition of music and Seraphina's struggles to figure out how to belong in her world gave the story a greater dimension than the average fantasy novel. I look forward to reading more about Seraphina and the other characters as the series progresses.

Readalikes: Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes through the Amazon Vine program

Waiting on Wednesday (98)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.    

This week, I'm waiting on:

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

Release date: February 5, 2013

Description:

It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.

First in a four book YA series set 25 years before the Parasol Protectorate but in the same universe.

I love the Parasol Protectorate series and this sounds like it will be a really fun book too. I like the idea of a finishing school that actually teaches espionage and weapon skills to "young ladies of quality". Knowing Gail Carriger's books there will likely be lots of humor involved and lots of tea and interesting hats and parasols...

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (113)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


I didn't get a chance to participate last week since I was out of town so this is two weeks worth of books.  While I spent plenty of time reading, I now need to get caught up on reviews!

Books read:

The Audition by Rachel Hartman

This was a short novella that introduces the reader to the character of Seraphina and explains how she came to be assistant to the court composer.

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (reread)

Trial By Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (reread)

Taken By Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I know that some people didn't like this book because of certain events and the ending but I really liked it though I wish there would be a fourth book.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

I thought this was an amazing fantasy novel but I am struggling to write my review. Loved Seraphina and Orma.

The Shadow Cats by Rae Carson

This is an excellent prequel novella for The Girl of Fire and Thorns. It is told from the perspective of Elisa's older sister Alodia.

The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

I finally finished this book and thought it was wonderful. I loved the descriptions (especially the Italian food!) and the characters, particularly Enza. 

One Good Friend Deserves Another by Lisa Verge Higgins

I liked this novel of friendship and relationships. It was nice to get the perspective of all four of the friends and I'm glad that one of the main characters is an Indian American.

Books reviewed:

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

Currently reading:

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

I've only read the first chapter so far but I know I'm in for a moving tearjerker story. I did catch the cameo appearance of Amy and Roger (from Amy and Roger's Epic Detour).

What I plan to read next:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (reread)

The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley

My cousin's wife loaned me this book when I was in Canada earlier this month and I need to read it before I go back in August. This book isn't available in the States yet and I do enjoy Susanna Kearsley's writing.

Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas

I don't know if I will get to this book yet but I will try since the release date is coming up.  She isn't the most likable character (from the novellas anyway) so we'll see...

Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Hero's Guide To Saving Your Kingdom

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom

By Christopher Healy

Published: May 1, 2012

My review:

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom tells the real story behind the fairy tales we thought we knew. It turns out that Prince Charming is a collective name used by the bards who told the tale of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. The real princes are Prince Frederic, Prince Gustav, Prince Liam, and Prince Duncan respectively. Prince Frederic is frightened of his own shadow which isn't a surprise considering how he was raised by his overprotective father. His fiancee Princess Ella (a.k.a. Cinderella) gets bored with his unadventurous life and decides to go seek adventures on her own. Prince Gustav is the youngest of a family with 17 princes. He has always felt the need to prove himself and is likely to act without thinking. He is known for being rescued by Rapunzel. Prince Liam has a hero complex, always rushing off to save others. Unfortunately he also has a hero sized ego but it doesn't match that of his spoiled would-be bride Princess Briar Rose. Prince Duncan is just plain weird but his wife Snow White doesn't mind. This story is what happens when these four princes decide to make names for themselves by becoming "real heroes" and saving their kingdoms from the evil witch Zaubera...

This is a funny twist on fairy tales and I think it would appeal to both boys and girls. I love that it has imperfect characters that have a chance to grow. Neither the princes nor the princesses fall in line with typical fairy tale tropes and the ending wasn't quite what I was expecting either. The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom does have some flaws. The characters can be annoying (especially Duncan), the book is fairly long for a MG book (over 400 pages) and some of the situations are repetitive but I still thought it was an enjoyable book. I hope there will be a sequel and with the movie rights purchased by FOX Animation, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned into a series. I think that preteen readers who aren't intimidated by the length of the book and who appreciate fractured fairy tales or movies like Shrek, Tangled, or How to Train Your Dragon would be more likely to enjoy this book.

Review: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

By Kady Cross

Published: June 1, 2012

My review:

In this sequel to The Girl in the Steel Corset, Finley, Griffin, Sam, and Emily head for New York to help their friend Jasper who has been arrested for murder. Once they get there however, they discover that all is not as it seems. Jasper is not in jail but is instead being held in the home of Reno Dalton, a powerful and wealthy criminal who Jasper double crossed. To make matters worse, Dalton has also captured Mei, the girl Jasper loves, and she is forced to wear a clockwork collar that will choke her if she tries to leave, if anyone tries to remove it, or if Jasper doesn't follow orders. Now it is up to Finley and the gang to help Jasper get out of his mess and to stop Reno Dalton from fulfilling his monstrous plans for New York City.

I thought this was a strong sequel. The first book had a lot of setup and explaining the rules of the steampunk world but this book gets right to the story and the focus is on mystery and romance. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and the action scenes. Finley proves again that she is a strong force to be reckoned with as she goes undercover with Dalton's gang. I liked her character more this time around. The absence of Jack Dandy allowed Finley and Griffin to become closer and to explore their feelings for each other. Jasper was an interesting character but he seemed a little too naive which made him annoying. 

The scientist Nicola Tesla, a real historical figure, is also involved in the plot and it will be interesting to see how that plays out. An unsolved mystery remains at the end of the book involving the aether and a potentially deadly enemy for Griffin. Overall, I really enjoyed this book perhaps more than The Girl in the Steel Corset. There was plenty of mystery and romance and steampunk elements that made it a fun reading experience. 

Readalikes: The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare,  A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

Review: The Summer My Life Began

The Summer My Life Began

By Shannon Greenland

Published: May 10, 2012

My review:

Elizabeth Margaret has just graduated high school at the top of her class. She has been accepted to Harvard where she will be studying law before joining her father's firm. Everything has been mapped out for her and as a dutiful daughter she's never thought to question that. Then she receives an invitation from an aunt she didn't know she had to come and spend a month at the Outer Banks. There she finds out about family secrets, explores her love of cooking, and meets a cute boy who challenges her to think about what she wants from life.

The Summer My Life Began is a nice little beach read. It is perhaps predictable where the secrets are concerned but I still enjoyed reading about the Outer Banks, the food descriptions, and Em's journey of self discovery even though it could have used more depth. I liked Cade as a character and love interest. The romance could have been better but he is a nice guy which is sometimes a rare find in YA fiction. Em's Aunt Tilly reminded me of a slightly hippie version of Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls. The family dynamics are similar to the show also as Em comes from a background of privilege and her mother and grandmother are rather cold.  

This book could have been a real treat but something is missing from the character development. Perhaps it is just not enough time given to their development. Em is likable enough but she seems to not react very much to what is going on. When the big family secret is revealed it doesn't take long for her to recover from her shock and I never got the sense that she was really torn between her old life and her new one. Em's cousin Frederick is kind of bland and chef Domino doesn't have enough substance though he does spout plenty of wisdom for Em. Still with all its flaws, I enjoyed the story. It was a quick read set in a place I'd love to visit. The novel reminded me of early Sarah Dessen novels and if you don't expect too much from it, you might like The Summer My Life Began too. It is a pleasant way to spend a summer afternoon.

Readalikes: Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen (similar parent issues), That Summer by Sarah Dessen, Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton, The Sweet Life of Stella Madison by Lara M. Zeises, Secrets of Truth and Beauty by Megan Frazer, Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith (I don't like this book but it is similar to The Summer My Life Began because both characters have similar backgrounds and family issues)

Note: I received an e-galley for review courtesy of NetGalley

Waiting on Wednesday (97)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.   

This week, I'm waiting on:

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Release date: February 5, 2013

Description:

Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it’s that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting—or stealing—whatever they want.

No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale’s family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother’s billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there’s no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won’t let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother’s will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company’s fortune. So instead of being the heir—this time, Hale might be the mark. 

Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she’s willing to save her boyfriend’s company if it means losing the boy.

I love Ally Carter's books and while the Gallagher Girls series is my favorite, these are also a lot of fun to read. 

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

Release date: September 27, 2012

Description:

When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the town's council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling's first novel for adults.

If the publisher was trying to find a way to say "this book is not for kids or teens" then this cover is it. It also looks pretty boring for adults but thankfully J.K. Rowling is such a good writer that I have high hopes for it anyway. Maybe it will be like Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.

Review: The Golden Lily

The Golden Lily

By Richelle Mead

Published: June 12, 2012

My review:

In this sequel to Bloodlines, Sydney's life at Amberwood grows more complicated as she deals with Jill's new roommate, the dhampir Angeline, who has difficulties adjusting. She also faces changes in her social life as she experiences "normal" teenage things like dating and a school dance all while juggling her duties as an Alchemist and trying to avoid her feelings for a certain Moroi. Most importantly a new threat arises with humans that appear to be hunting vampires.

The Golden Lily is a fantastic second book in this series. It had all the elements I enjoyed from Bloodlines as well as romance. I liked finding out more about the Alchemists and magic. While I found some of the surprises to be predictable I still thought this book was a page turner. Sydney continues to grow as a character and by the end of this book I think her views have changed quite a bit not only concerning vampires and dhampirs but also magic and the Alchemists. I think it is good that she is questioning her beliefs and that is something that teens can relate to even without the paranormal parameters. Adrian also experiences growth as a character and I like him more than ever. The slowly developing romance with Sydney is very sweet. 

Jill annoyed me at times throughout the book but then she has always reminded me of Lissa who I found annoying in the Vampire Academy series. Fans of Dimitri will enjoy seeing him here though he remains a secondary character. I am not sure if he will be in book three but I am sure he will continue to make appearances in this series. The one character I remain curious about is Eddie's roommate Micah. Hopefully we will have more answers in the next book.

I thought I was done with vampire novels but I make an exception for these books because they aren't like Twilight or books of that ilk. The books always have mysteries to solve, romance, strong but flawed characters, and are set in an interesting world. I am pleased to find myself enjoying this series nearly as much as the Vampire Academy series. I think it helps to have a heroine who is human and easier to relate to and characters that have more depth. Richelle Mead continues to build upon the world she created with The Vampire Academy and I can't wait to read what happens in The Indigo Spell. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (112)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


I spent most of the week in Canada and just got back last night. I had a great time with family and watched the new Spider-Man movie which I thought was better than the first one with Tobey Maguire. I also went sari shopping for a cousin's wedding in August. As busy as we were, I still managed to read a few books on my vacation.

Books read:

Star Wars: Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn (reread)

I think this might have been my favorite book in the series when I was a teen. It was certainly fun to reread it.

Star Wars: The Last Command by Timothy Zahn (reread)

This conclusion to the Thrawn trilogy is just as good as the conclusion to the Star Wars film saga minus the annoying Ewoks. There are two more related books after this that I look forward to reading someday.

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

This book is a nice light beach read. It wasn't anything extraordinary but I still liked it even with the flaws.

Books reviewed:

The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards

Currently reading:

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (reread)

I thought it would be nice to reread the first two books in this series before reading Taken By Storm. I also never wrote a review for this book so now maybe I will.

What I plan to read next:

Trial By Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (reread)

Taken By Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I've read mixed reviews about this book but I'm still eager to read it. So far I've liked every book by this author that I've read.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (reread)

I hope I will love this book just as much the second time around. I read a positive review of the sequel today and can't wait till it is released in September.

The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

My cousin's wife was talking about this book when I saw her in Canada. She said it was very moving. I can't wait to pick it back up again after I get through my other books on the list.

Get The Chaperone for only $2.99!

Today only, The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty is $2.99 for both Kindle and Nook! I haven't read it yet but I've read rave reviews from bloggers and professional reviewers so I'll definitely be picking up a copy.

For those who read YA books, one of my favorite fantasy novels from last year, The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson is currently only $2.99 for Kindle and Nook. The sequel, The Crown of Embers will be published in September so now is the perfect time to pick up a copy if you haven't read it yet! 

Review: The Queen's Lady

The Queen's Lady

By Eve Edwards

Published: April 10, 2012 (US)

My review:

In this sequel to The Other Countess, we find out what happened to Lady Jane Perceval who broke off her engagement to Will Lacey. Jane had feelings for Will's younger brother James but couldn't do anything about it. Instead she accepts the proposal of the elderly but kind Jonas Paton. Their marriage is brief but happy and Jonas ensures that Jane will have financial freedom and a place at Queen Elizabeth's court before he passes. Unfortunately his greedy and grasping sons as well as Jane's own family have other plans for her. When James Lacey returns to Court, Jane hopes that he still cares for her but his own personal demons get in the way of a relationship. James tries to escape his past by going on an expedition to America while Jane tries to fend of her family's attempts to force her into marriage.

The Queen's Lady is an enjoyable historical romance though I did find it to be a little implausible in its resolution. Jane is not as strong a character as Ellie from The Other Countess but I still liked her even if she was more of a victim. I liked James even more as a flawed character dealing with guilt and possible PTSD like symptoms. He does put Jane on a pedestal and he seems to abandon her in her hour of need but he is a hurting individual. 

The secondary characters are memorable. Millie is a firebrand and I liked Diego, her love interest and James's African manservant/friend. Unfortunately their love story was not handled in a completely realistic manner because it was resolved too neatly. Perhaps if they had been the main characters and the author could devote more space to them it would have been different and the issues could have been explored with more depth. 

I would have liked to see more time with Jane and James forming a relationship and it would have been better if the ending wasn't wrapped up so neatly and abruptly. James struggles with PTSD and it seemed that he quickly got over it in America. That is a pretty serious thing and not something he could have just gotten over by a change of locale. It would have been nice if the author had shown how he worked through his memories, guilt, and fear.  Overall, I thought this was a nice sequel even with its flaws. Fans of Philippa Gregory's Tudor fiction might enjoy this YA series. Book three, The Rogue's Princess, will be released in the U.S. next year.

Readalikes: Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa M. Klein, The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley, A Sweet Disorder by Jacqueline Kolosov

Note: I received an e-ARC for review courtesy of NetGalley