My Christmas 2016 Book Haul!

While my favorite part of Christmas is giving gifts, getting books is always a major perk to the holiday season. Here are 3 books from my grandparents, 1 I picked out with my gift card for being a Barnes & Noble member, and 1 I just couldn't resist...all posted in that order! Happy Holidays and I will be posting again at the end of the month. I intend to spend a few weeks not on the computer, hanging out with my loved one. Thank goodness for school breaks.

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Illustrated Edition)
Author: J.K. Rowling
Illustrator: Jim Kay
Page Count: 259
Keywords: Magic, School, Good v. Evil, Classic
Genre: Children's Fiction

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone -- or something -- starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects... Harry Potter himself?

Title: The Beauty of Darkness (Remnant Chronicles #3)
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Page Count: 679
Keywords: War, Love, Sacrifice, Trust
Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lia has survived Venda—but so has a great evil bent on the destruction of Morrighan. And only Lia can stop it.

With war on the horizon, Lia has no choice but to assume her role as First Daughter, as soldier—as leader. While she struggles to reach Morrighan and warn them, she finds herself at cross-purposes with Rafe and suspicious of Kaden, who has hunted her down.

In this conclusion to the Remnant Chronicles trilogy, traitors must be rooted out, sacrifices must be made, and impossible odds must be overcome as the future of every kingdom hangs in the balance.


Title: Frost Like Night (Snow Like Ashes #3)
Author: Sara Raasch
Page Count: 496
Keywords: War, Love, Magic, Kingdoms, Doom
Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.

Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything.  


Title: House of Leaves
Author: Mark Z. Danielewski 
Page Count: 709
Keywords: Mystery, Multilevel, Horror
Genre: Fiction, Horror

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Years ago, when House of Leaves was first being passed around, it was nothing more than a badly bundled heap of paper, parts of which would occasionally surface on the Internet. No one could have anticipated the small but devoted following this terrifying story would soon command. Starting with an odd assortment of marginalized youth—musicians, tattoo artists, programmers, strippers, environmentalists, and adrenaline junkies—the book eventually made its way into the hands of older generations, who not only found themselves in those strangely arranged pages but also discovered a way back into the lives of their estranged children.

Now, for the first time, this astonishing novel is made available in book form, complete with the original colored words, vertical footnotes, and newly added second and third appendices.

The story remains unchanged, focusing on a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree Lane where they discover something is terribly wrong: their house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.

Of course, neither Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Will Navidson nor his companion Karen Green was prepared to face the consequences of that impossibility, until the day their two little children wandered off and their voices eerily began to return another story—of creature darkness, of an ever-growing abyss behind a closet door, and of that unholy growl which soon enough would tear through their walls and consume all their dreams.


Title: You (You #1)
Author: Caroline Kepnes
Page Count: 422
Keywords: Stalking, Love, Infatuation, Obsession
Genre: Fiction, Thriller

Synopsis from Goodreads:

From debut author Caroline Kepnes comes You, one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of 2014, and a brilliant and terrifying novel for the social media age.

When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.

There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.

A terrifying exploration of how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, debut author Caroline Kepnes delivers a razor-sharp novel for our hyper-connected digital age. You is a compulsively readable page-turner that’s being compared to Gone Girl, American Psycho, and Stephen King’s Misery.

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

Title: The Good Girl
Author: Mary Kubica
Page Count: 352
Rating: A
Keywords: Missing, PTSD, Entitlement
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Narrators: Lindy Nettleton, Johnny Heller, Tom Taylorson, Andi Arndt
Duration: 10 hours and 38 minutes
Younger Readers: NOT for children. Language, sexual content, mature situations.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she works. I don't know the color of her eyes or what they look like when she's scared. But I will."

One night, Mia Dennett enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. At first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life.

When Colin decides to hide Mia in a secluded cabin in rural Minnesota instead of delivering her to his employers, Mia's mother, Eve, and detective Gabe Hoffman will stop at nothing to find them. But no one could have predicted the emotional entanglements that eventually cause this family's world to shatter.

An addictively suspenseful and tautly written thriller, The Good Girl is a propulsive debut that reveals how even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems.

My Review if You Have Not Read This Yet:

Know that this is a bit of a difficult one to get into initially. If you can stick it out, do it. I really enjoyed this one and the best way to go into it is not knowing much past the synopsis. I went in not knowing much and it was great.

If you listen to this as an audiobook PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHAPTER TITLES. This tripped me up a bit when I first started reading. Specifically, if it says "before" or "after". If you do this it will be a much smoother reading experience with less confusion.

If You Want to Ignore My Above Advice or Have Read it, Continue Here:

Still going to be a bit vague here...

I know this was highly recommended for fans of Gone Girl, but I noticed more of a similar tone to an older version of Everything I Never Told You. It is a very reflective and wistful novel where characters react to events in the face of crisis, all while being flooded with emotions and memories. This makes for a bit of a slow novel at first. It is intriguing enough to keep you going though. Around the half way point I noticed it picked up considerably as the two time frames began to converge.

Colin is creeeeeepy when we first meet him. Yet so much happens that he is easily my favorite character, followed by the very down to earth Gabe.

Eve is the typical mother from this genre, wants so much for her daughter yet does not take an active part in her life. She seems afraid to upset her daughter and lose her. I did enjoy as the reader is carried beyond the first impression of her though. Her backstory and a closer look at her thoughts reveal a much more interesting woman.

Solid narration all around. A had a hard time not giggling when the voice of Colin was reading what Mia was saying. It almost sounded mocking at times, the high girlish voice. The reading was a bit slow for my tastes so I set it to 1.5x speed. At this speed I didn't have any issues understanding what was being said. Became a bit muddled around 2x.

If you are interested in thrillers at all or a cat person, this is an amazing read. The ending was completely shocking and the buildup to it was thoroughly emotional. Overall, not at all what I was expecting but completely addicting. Highly recommend checking it out.

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Title: The War of the Worlds
Author: H.G. Wells
Page Count: 192
Rating: A
Keywords: Aliens, Mars, War
Genre: Science Fiction
Narrator: Simon Vance
Duration: 5 hours and 43 minutes
Younger Readers: This is a horror tale but does not have any sexual content or language.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

With H.G. Wells’ other novels, The War of the Worlds was one of the first and greatest works of science fiction ever to be written. Even long before man had learned to fly, H.G. Wells wrote this story of the Martian attack on England. These unearthly creatures arrive in huge cylinders, from which they escape as soon as the metal is cool. The first falls near Woking and is regarded as a curiosity rather than a danger until the Martians climb out of it and kill many of the gaping crowd with a Heat-Ray. These unearthly creatures have heads four feet in diameter and colossal round bodies, and by manipulating two terrifying machines – the Handling Machine and the Fighting Machine – they are as versatile as humans and at the same time insuperable. They cause boundless destruction. The inhabitants of the Earth are powerless against them, and it looks as if the end of the World has come. But there is one factor which the Martians, in spite of their superior intelligence, have not reckoned on. It is this which brings about a miraculous conclusion to this famous work of the imagination.

My Review:

In an effort to read more classics this year I decided to give this audiobook a chance. IT IS NOTHING LIKE THE 2005 TOM CRUISE AND DAKOTA FANNING MOVIE. I absolutely could not stand that movie and was worried I would have similar feelings for this book. Luckily, my worries were proven ridiculous.

This was far more entertaining than I had ever expected. It is a fun recount of Martians attacking England, these insane mechanical creatures and their creeping red vines are straight out of a nightmare. Our main character's attempts to survive as he roams across England provide peril, exciting events, and peculiar characters that keep the reader wondering.

The language is older sounding, like many classic novels I have read for school, but not so much so that it was difficult to follow or felt unnatural. It reads a bit like Dr. John Watson's recounts of his and Sherlock Holmes' adventures. This was clearly a point in favor of this book. I look forward to reading more from H.G. Wells in the future.

Simon Vance is a great narrator. His voice is surprisingly calming and clear, carrying the reader along in this tale of invasion without distracting from the events unfolding. There is a dramatic and classic quality to his voice that increase the epic feeling. I have already downloaded another audiobook he has read. Hopefully it is just as wonderful.

If you are looking for a fun classic or enjoy science fiction this is a great read. Older grade school students would definitely enjoy this book, whether listening or reading it.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Page Count: 642
Rating: B
Keywords: Time Travel, Romance, Scotland, Relationships, Adventure
Genre: Romance, Historical Fantasy Romance
Narrator: Davina Porter
Duration: 32 hours and 43 minutes
Younger Readers: Explicit content: sex, rape, beatings, drinking, murder, etc. Not for children.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.  

My Reviews:

I read this one both on my Kindle and listened to the audiobook over the course of five months, mostly listening on the long drive to and from work. Due to the amount of time it took me to read this I do not necessarily remember the beginning of the book well, only my feelings towards it.

As many other reviewers have recommended, I watched the first season of the Starz Outlander series. This truly influenced how I perceived the characters and gave me a better visual to work with as far as the setting went. Doing this also helped me keep better track of the timeline.

A couple of months after watching the show I started reading. Initially, I was extremely bored. I had the same issue as when I watched the TV series, an intense dislike for Claire Randall. However, after the first 200 pages the story begins to pick up and Claire is actually far more likeable in this book than she ever was for me in the show. From here the book is an intense rollercoaster of romance, action, and peril.

This is truly a genre transcending series. Some would say the explicit sexual scenes, which are far steamier between Jaime and Claire than Frank and Claire, that are repeated quite frequently would clearly mark this as a romance/erotica. However, there is a good amount of attention paid to the fantasy elements of Scottish folklore as well as a focus on the history of WWII moving to 18th century Europe. This combination makes for a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

Claire is...an interesting character. She comes across as reckless, a know it all, and thoughtless for others. This selfishness had me cringing for a long amount of time as she constantly puts others in danger. As she grows accustomed to her new life in the past she begins to soften. Her increased understanding makes her easier to sympathize with. If her development continues, book two in the series should be truly enjoyable.

Jaime is a troublesome character to decide if I like him or not. He is of course traditionally romantic and strong in his devotion. His adoration of his wife is clear in much that he does. Descriptions of him physically paint a massive and extremely attractive, young Scottish man. The norms of 18th century marital behaviors will cause many to hesitate in liking him. Remembering that his actions are accurate for the time in which he supposedly lived and that he proves himself adaptable to Claire's feelings should help those that would traditionally write him off as a villain.

Secondary characters are abundant in this series. At times I had trouble keeping track of all the clansmen. Despite, this they add depth and intricacy to the story that could not have been achieved otherwise. They aid in submerging the reader even more thoroughly in this complex world.

Davina Porter was phenomenal. If it had not been for her narration there is no way I would have been able to enjoy the book as much or get through my original struggle. She is perfectly emotional when necessary but never over the top. Her Scottish accent when speaking in the voices of other characters is fantastic rather than gimmicky while her English accent works perfectly for Claire as it sounds natural in its intensity and strength like the character herself. Her ability to switch between them without hitches or awkwardness made the listening experience for me.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and am glad to have read it but I did not love the book in whole. I believe other readers would enjoy it thoroughly. It is a fun, romantic, and perilous ride that will drag your emotions in every direction.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K Rowling

Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Author: J.K. Rowling
Page Count: 280
Rating: A
Keywords: Magic, Roaring 20s, Creatures, Witches and Wizards
Genre: Screenplay
Younger Readers: Characters are not as young as in the Harry Potter novels, but still generally family friendly story.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.

My Review:

After watching the movie and absolutely falling in love with it I just had to pick up the screenplay. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the humor and insane antics once more. Some of my favorite quotes were even better the second time through. My view of Hufflepuffs has forever changed.

I recommend this more as a collector's item than an individual read. The 280 page screenplay took me about an hour an a half to read through in one sitting. If I had not watched the movie already I do not think I would have enjoyed it nearly as much. But if you have seen the movie and want to re-experience the story I absolutely recommend picking this up. Diving back into the wizarding world was great fun and certainly put me in the holiday spirit.

Do note that the intense yellows and golds shown in the picture of the cover are not quite what it looks like in person. The colors are more of a dusty gold with a grey blue background. If you remove the dust jacket the cover looks like a nice blue denim with a gold niffler stamped on it. Some reviewers were also surprised that this book is smaller. For reference, it is about half an inch shorter than Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or roughly the same size as the hardcover edition of Rick Riordan's Sword of Summer.

The interior design is divine and truly plays up the art deco style that the 1920s were known for. Page headers and footers, brief illustrations, and font all hold true to the style. This furthers the reading experience and really sets the mood.

It has been a great edition to my bookcase's Harry Potter shelf.

Gemina (Illuminae Files 02) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Title: Gemina
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Illustrator: Marie Lu
Page Count: 659
Rating: A+++
Keywords: Non Traditional, Adventure, Survival, Space, Multiverse Theory, SPACE SNAKES
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Younger Readers: Curse words are blacked out. Sexual references are present though activity between present characters does not go past kissing. Sexual song lyrics. Drug use. Murder. Violence.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They've totally got this. They hope.

Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.

My Review:

The Illumae Files is by far one of the best series I have ever read. It is innovative, unique, and completely enthralling. If you haven't yet, check out my review for Illuminae (book one in the series) here.

First off, this series is gorgeous. And while the covers are truly unique and beautiful, it is far more than just this. The design of the interior sounds odd at first. A science fiction story told through sporadic journal entries, instant messages, computer transcripts, and video surveillance should be difficult to follow. Perhaps even boring. Or so I thought. It is truly enchanting and forces the reader into the story so much more than I have ever experienced with a traditional novel, play, or script. You'll be so enthralled that you will hardly notice having to turn the book upside down, sideways, and back right side up during the reading experience.

Okay into the actual story. I have been in a bit of a reading slump for the past month and needed something to recharge my love for reading. This did the trick.

For the first 100 pages I found myself truly missing Kady and Ezra from the first Illuminae Files book. I just could not connect myself to the new cast of characters or ship. Some other reviews I have read for the book had similar issues, rating this one lower simply because they missed the first book.

After the first 100 pages there is no turning back. The action picks up considerably and we begin to see more of the complexities of each character. I will admit each has their off-putting aspects when you first meet them but this does wear off until they are just as endearing as the cast from book one. The heroes constantly have you at the edge of your seat, desperately waiting to see if they make it or not while the villains have you gritting your teeth, fuming. I enjoy a clear cut bad guy. Falk will be your go to character to hate.

Hanna is different from Kady in many aspects, but they are still both very strong and rebellious female protagonists. When we are first introduced to the tall, thin, blonde commander's daughter she seems like the stereotypical spoiled rich girl. As we move through the book she is shown to be compassionate, far wiser than expected, and very strong. Hanna is no damsel in distress, but she is allowed to have emotions and they make her even stronger. If you like a kickass heroine, she's your girl.

Initially, I would have picked Jackson as Ezra's mirror in this book. However, he ends up being more of a secondary character. Our other primary characters that we interact with are Nik and his cousin Ella. I never expected to actually enjoy reading about a cartel family. They are funny, endearing, and have strict moral codes concerning honor and family. If you're into bad boys with tattoos and sweetheart demeanors, Nik is your guy. If you enjoy oddball characters with foul mouths, snarky humor, extreme sarcasm, and incredible hacking skills you'll adore Ella.

Mystery is still a major part of this installment. It was clearly planned out amazingly, small hints sprinkled throughout but not so obvious that they are hitting you in the face. Everything stays just perfectly vague the entire time so that you are maddeningly confused and desperate for answers. Then when everything is revealed? Absolutely beautiful and so satisfying.

The outright horror aspects that we saw in the first book were not quite as strong in this second installment. This one is more creepy and mysterious than outright scary. I did not have any nightmares but it was still a fun ride that gave me the heebie jeebies.

Sometimes when you're reading a book you can clearly imagine the author chuckling to themselves as they write, knowing their words are going to rip out your heart and destroy you emotionally. Think George R. R. Martin. There were definitely a few of those moments in this book. I was crying, angry, devastated, laughing, and completely lost in short succession. This was especially true towards the last quarter of the book. Pretty sure my family thought I was losing my mind #feels

Getting into this story and this book series is not a problem at all. It actively engages the reader to the point you are literally flipping the book around at all angles, following the script as it flows beautifully and non traditionally over the page. You'll love and hate characters with a passion and never know just where the tale will end up.

I am not a science fiction fan traditionally and yet I still absolutely adore this series. There is science and the limited nature of space as a setting. However, I do not feel critical of either of these the way I normally would when reading sci-fi.

Whether you are an avid reader or more reluctant, this is a great series to pick up. It is easy going and fast paced. Often described as "genre breaking" it will undoubtedly appeal to a broad audience. Dark subject matter is countered by witty humor and constant sarcasm. While it is technically a young adult novel it is great for older readers as well, avoiding many of the genre's typical annoyances for many readers.

I highly recommend checking out this series!

Just one more year until I can get my hands on book three. *dramatic sigh*

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II
Author: Jack Thorne (and J.K. Rowling and John Tiffany)
Page Count: 308
Rating: C
Keywords: Magic, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Parent-Child Relationships, Fate, Prophecy
Genre: Screenplay
Younger Readers: I do not recall any profound usage of adult language, content, or substance abuse.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

My Review:

I am so torn about this play! Still sick, I finally caved and picked it up to read between stacks of readings for homework. My feelings fluctuated between extreme disappointment and actual enjoyment. I'll do my best to explain this.

I am not a person that typically enjoys reading plays/screenplays. Typically I will only read them for school, such as copious amounts of Shakespeare in high school and then Ibsen as an undergrad. Usually I could see the merit of the stories but I was just never able to get into reading them. Then my only experience watching plays is when a friend happened to be in one at school and asked me to come along to watch, clearly producing biased results. In short, plays are not really my thing.

Part One was my biggest issue. Recently I watched the Netflix revival of Gilmore Girls and was somewhat heartbroken to see my favorite characters acting in ways I never would have expected nor could I condone. This heartbreak was repeated for me in watching the actions of Harry during the first part of the play. He struggled with the issues of his childhood and the constant danger filled tasks of the original series as a teen. Now that he is a husband and father, these issues have not disappeared and he repeatedly takes them out on his son. The scene where he tells Albus that he wishes he wasn't his son? I actually found myself repulsed by my beloved Harry Potter of my own childhood.

Then there was just a lack of connection with the other characters as I continued reading. It was just off, as if they were outlines of their original forms in the seven books. Their children and the interactions with them are forced. I seriously considered stopping reading, but something kept bothering me every time I went to put the book down. Curiosity got the best of me.

Part Two redeemed the screenplay for me. It was far more reminiscent of the original series in style and character actions. I found myself smiling while I was reading, flipping pages faster and faster to see what would happen next. Ron, Harry, and Hermione were all present. Watching them work together gave a stronger feel of the golden trio we had in the original series. I loved this part, when it moved away from the kids.

No spoilers, but the character Delphi was just strange. Once you finish reading the play it will make sense why she was around. However, while I was reading she felt like she was just added in at random moments and did not quite fit.

It wrapped up nicely. There were no cliffhangers and I felt a great sense of closure. What needed to happen did, along with quite a bit of unnecessary shenanigans. Characters that needed to, redeemed themselves thoroughly. It was a fun peek into the next generation.

If you are or were a Harry Potter fan growing up then I would say go ahead and pick it up. It is not a completely necessary read for the series but it was entertaining enough. As a 308 page screenplay, it won't take more than a couple of hours of reading to get through. Emotions are tested in this one, from frustration in the beginning to sadness by the end. Enjoy the rollercoaster.

Slight Spoiler Section:

1) Before reading this I had read quite a few posts on Twitter and memes on Pinterest of readers wholeheartedly shipping Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy. Initially, I did not understand the mania with which people shipped the two boys.

For the first 75% of this play I can absolutely see what people were referring to. The potential for a relationship between the two boys seems like something that could or would naturally occur as they grew older, maybe just not realized fully yet. I was surprised since these ships usually seem like a bit of stretch.

At the very end, when it is revealed that Scorpius wants to go out with Rose, Hermione and Ron's daughter, it feels strained. This definitely was not what I was expecting.

2) We get to see Snape again! This made me unbelievably happy and he was just as noble as one would expect.

3) There is no denying that Ron and Hermione just aren't right when they don't end up together.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Title: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard- The Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Page Count: 491
Rating: A
Keywords: Norse Mythology, Wolves, Asgard, Valkyrie, Adventure, Quest
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Younger Readers: As with most of Riordan's book this one is fine for kids. No cursing or sex scenes. Some mention of alcohol but not a main point.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

My Review:

I have been sick in bed for about two weeks now. That combined with a massive amount of school work due to midterms and approaching finals made me want something a little lighter than what I had been reading. Rick Riordan seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

This was everything I had hoped for and more. Taking a peek into the world of Norse mythology was a fun adventure and Riordan's writing introduced the convoluted stories in an easy to follow way that I think children and adults alike will enjoy.

Magnus is a strong character, but not in the traditional sense of muscles and brute strength. His other skills are what make him powerful. Slowly discovering this, that a hero does not have to be a traditional warrior, was a fun twist on the normal male led adventure story. Those looking for alternatives to this traditional trope will enjoy his companions, Blitz and Hearth, as well.

Sam is an amazing character! She certainly breaks norms. As a Muslim Iraqi girl who possesses a magical hijab and is facing an arranged marriage (that she actually wants), she was fascinating and serves as a good lesson in diversity to younger readers. Her strength and dedication with dashes of humor added in make her a fun and extremely likable character.

Of his various middle grade books this may very well be my favorite cover. The colors work nicely and the design is gorgeous. Adding this to my ever-growing book collection was a great delight.

As always with Rick Riordan's works, I recommend this one wholeheartedly. Working with students previously, especially reluctant readers, I can say his various mythology based series are a great choice for younger readers. Students are able to gain a fairly thorough understanding of myths without a lot of the dense words that accompany such tomes as Edith Hamilton's classic Mythology. Diverse characters also give a wider range of readers aspects to connect with.

Parents reading with their children or just adults looking for a fun read will not be disappointed with Riordan's witty writing and fun tales either. I especially enjoyed that Magnus, at 16, is a bit older than some of his previous characters.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Audible Edition)

Title: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Author: Lewis Carroll
Page Count: 92
Rating: B
Keywords: Classic, Wonderland, Dreams
Genre: Children's Fiction
Narrator: Scarlett Johansson
Duration: 2 hours 44 minutes
Younger Readers: This is a children's book, thus it is appropriate for even young children. No language or sexual content

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (commonly shortened to Alice in Wonderland) is an 1865 novel written by English mathematician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. It tells of a girl named Alice falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as with children. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre. Its narrative course and structure, characters and imagery have been enormously influential in both popular culture and literature, especially in the fantasy genre.

My Review:

This was just as insane, if not more so, than I had expected. A large part of Wonderland's charm is its ridiculousness. At times it was a bit difficult to follow, though this was probably due more to the fact I was distracted than the story itself, and there was some confusion. As a child I rather enjoyed the Alice in Wonderland movie, but now that I am an adult I was surprised to find that Alice is not as likeable as I had found her previously. She comes across as a rather rude and bratty. Despite this I was happy to finally read the classic.

Scarlett Johansson's reading was not what I was expecting. It was a great deal of fun as she manipulated her voice into deep and high characters alike. There was no struggle attempting to forget who was reading. She simply became Alice, the mouse, the queen, etc. I am quite sure that I would not have enjoyed this audiobook, or story itself, with a less skilled reader. There is a strong feeling that this is geared towards children, and this goal was absolutely reached. It is silly, fun, and engaging. Children leery of reading would likely enjoy this performance.

As an adult reader, I enjoyed it well enough but do not intend to listen again. For children, this is perfect. It is short enough to not grow tedious on very young readers and the performance is likely to entice giggles and great fun. A great idea for long car rides, extended travel, or even bedtime.

October Audible WrapUp

I recently made the wonderful discovery that my Amazon Prime membership gives me access to certain Audible books for no extra charge! I spend a lot of time driving and was beginning to become extremely bored with hearing the same songs repeatedly. This has vastly improved my driving experience in the past month. Here are two of the books that I listened to:


Title: Everything I Never Told You
Author: Celeste Ng
Page Count: 304
Rating: B
Keywords: Loss, Identity. Infidelity, Family, Chinese Americans, 1970s
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
Duration: 10 hours 1 minute
Younger Readers: Drinking, sex, smoking, abuse, racism, and suicide are all topics that would make this inappropriate for very young readers.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.

So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee, and her parents are determined that she will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue. But when Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, tumbling them into chaos.

A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

My Review:

I had seen quite a few people reading this when it first came out but never got around to picking up a copy of it. Seeing it on the Audible app was a pleasant surprise.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It really reminded me of a book I read about a young Chinese American girl when I was in 8th grade. Her struggles of trying to fit in while also embracing her grandmother's culture reminded me quite a bit of Lydia's struggles to fit in in Ohio. I wish I remembered the name of the book but all I can remember is that the girl loved jade and wanted to go to school in Colorado to be a geologist. If I happen to remember the title I will update this post.

As you can probably tell from the synopsis this is a dark story about loss. Lydia is shown throughout the book in flashbacks while her family is shown falling apart. The struggles of an interracial family in 1970s America were shown quite well, both through the perspective of the parents and the children. Identity and self discovery are major themes explored throughout. While this is certainly a depressing story it never felt unbearable to read. I wanted to find out what happened next, wanted to get to know the Lees, wanted to see them come through this.

Traditional YA tends to focus more on the teenagers. I enjoyed that this one explored the Lee parents in more detail. It added a sense of reality and depth to the tale that it would have lacked otherwise. Moral dilemmas that they face are quite poignant. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are devastating and beautiful all at once.

The narration was also enjoyable. Cassandra Campbell's reading was clear without being overly dramatic. I found it easy to pay attention to the story without being distracted by her voice. I tend to put the speed at 1.5x. Some books this has sounded like a jumbled mess but this reading did just fine.

Title: The Art of War
Author: Sun Tzu
Page Count: 273
Rating: A
Keywords: Classic, War, Theory, Methods
Genre: Strategy
Narrator: Aidan Gillen
Duration: 1 hour 7 minutes
Younger Readers: This could be dry for children but is not inappropriate.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu is universally recognized as the greatest military strategist in history, a master of warfare interpretation. This condensed version of his influential classic imparts the knowledge and skills to overcome every adversary in war, at the office, or in everyday life.

My Review:

I read this for a class when I was an undergrad. It is an interesting classic, especially if you are studying political science or even writing battle scenes for fiction. There is not much I have to say about it. It's short and enjoyable. If you have an inkling you might enjoy it then at least check it out.

What I truly loved was the narration. I am absolutely a huge Game of Thrones fan and had not realized when I hit play that Aidan Gillen was Little Finger. Definitely a pleasant surprise. I might have, most definitely, squealed a little in my car. When I had to read this for homework I will admit it was a little dry. Gillen's voice breathed life into this classic and I noticed aspects of the text that I had previously glossed over. I would absolutely recommend giving this one a listen.

Currently Reading: November 2016

As usual I am reading more books than is entirely sensible. Also, they are all quite large. I am not very far in any of them but I would still recommend all of them at this point. Full reviews will go up once I finish reading!

Title: The Way of Kings
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Page Count: 1001
Keywords: Magic, War, Kingdoms
Genre: Fantasy
Younger Readers: This is adult fantasy but there does not appear to be any language or sexual content yet.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Speak again the ancient oaths,
Life before death.
Strength before weakness.
Journey before Destination.
and return to men the Shards they once bore.
The Knights Radiant must stand again.

Roshar is a world of stone swept by tempests that shape ecology and civilization. Animals and plants retract; cities are built in shelter. In centuries since ten orders of Knights fell, their Shardblade swords and Shardplate armor still transform men into near-invincible warriors. Wars are fought for them, and won by them.

In one such war on ruined Shattered Plains, slave Kaladin struggles to save his men and fathom leaders who deem them expendable, in senseless wars where ten armies fight separately against one foe.

Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Fascinated by ancient text The Way of Kings, troubled by visions of ancient times, he doubts his sanity.

Across the ocean, Shallan trains under eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece Jasnah. Though Shallan genuinely loves learning, she plans a daring theft. Her research hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.  

Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Page Count: 645
Keywords: Fae, War, Family, Love
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Younger Readers: Not appropriate for young children. Some sexual content and language.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.  

Title: The Walking Dead, Compendium 1
Author: Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Tony Moore, Cliff Rathburn
Page Count: 1088
Keywords: Zombies, Survival, Family, Friendship, Death
Genre: Comic
Younger Readers: Sexual content and language present.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Introducing the first eight volumes of the fan-favorite, New York Times Best Seller series collected into one massive paperback collection.

In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally start living. With The Walking Dead #1-48, this compendium features more than one thousand pages chronicling the start of Robert Kirkman's Eisner Award-winning story of zombie horror, from Rick Grimes waking up alone in a hospital, his band of survivors seeking refuge on an isolated farm and the controversial introduction of Woodbury despot, The Governor.

Title: The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia
Author: Michael Booth
Page Count: 372
Keywords: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Anthropology, Culture, History
Genre: Non-Fiction
Younger Readers: Might be difficult for children to understand but not overly inappropriate.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The whole world wants to learn the secrets of Nordic exceptionalism: why are the Danes the happiest people in the world, despite having the highest taxes? If the Finns really have the best education system, how come they still think all Swedish men are gay? Are the Icelanders really feral? How are the Norwegians spending their fantastical oil wealth? And why do all of them hate the Swedes?

Michael Booth has lived among the Scandinavians, on and off, for over ten years, perplexed by their many strange paradoxes and character traits and equally bemused by the unquestioning enthusiasm for all things Nordic that has engulfed the rest of the world, whether it be for their food, television, social systems or chunky knitwear.

In this timely book he leaves his adopted home of Denmark and embarks on a journey through all five of the Nordic countries to discover who these curious tribes are, the secrets of their success and, most intriguing of all, what they think of each other. Along the way a more nuanced, often darker picture emerges of a region plagued by taboos, characterized by suffocating parochialism and populated by extremists of various shades.

They may very well be almost nearly perfect, but it isn't easy being Scandinavian.

What I'm Reading at School: Media and International Security

One of my courses this semester focused on the world of media and its relationship with foreign affairs. Here are my two textbooks from this course (they were surprisingly interesting and I would highly recommend to anyone interested in Political Science...though Influence from Abroad might spark some debate):

Title: News: The Politics of Illusion 

Author: W. Lance Bennett
Page Count: 285
Rating: A
Keywords: Media, Journalism, Foreign Affairs, Media Effects, Blogs, Research
Genre: Non-Fiction
Younger Readers: This is a textbook. No inappropriate content. Written in a reader friendly manner, not overly wordy.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Free and attentive news media are essential to the workings of a democratic nation. But how well does the news, in reality, actually serve the needs of citizens, and thereby democracy? How well do the major methods of sharing national political information work, and how well-informed do they leave voters? For years, News: The Politics of Illusion has been the leading textbook to address that question, and in this ninth edition W. Lance Bennett brings his analysis fully up to date, exploring recent developments in news media and showing how they have improved--or hampered--the wide sharing of political news and information.


Title: Influence From Abroad- Foreign Voices, the Media, and US Public Opinion
Author: Danny Hayes and Matt Guardino
Page Count: 149
Rating: A
Keywords: Terrorism, Media, Iraq, Research, Bias
Genre: Non-Fiction
Younger Readers: This book could cause debate as it involves media coverage of the Bush administration's stance on Iraq from 2002 to 2003. However, no inappropriate material. This one is written a bit more densely than News: The Politics of Illusion. Those comfortable with academic material should be fine.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In Influence from Abroad, Danny Hayes and Matt Guardino show that United States public opinion about American foreign policy can be shaped by foreign leaders and representatives of international organizations. By studying news coverage, elite debate, and public opinion prior to the Iraq War, the authors demonstrate that US media outlets aired and published a significant amount of opposition to the invasion from official sources abroad, including British, French, and United Nations representatives. In turn, these foreign voices – to which millions of Americans were exposed – drove many Democrats and independents to signal opposition to the war, even as domestic elites supported it. Contrary to conventional wisdom that Americans care little about the views of foreigners, this book shows that international officials can alter domestic public opinion, but only when the media deem them newsworthy. Their conclusions raise significant questions about the democratic quality of United States foreign policy debates.  

The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth Mckenzie

Title: The Portable Veblen
Author: Elizabeth Mckenzie
Page Count: 413
Rating: C
Keywords: Squirrels, Identity, Crisis, Pharmaceutical Sales, Murder, Veterans
Genre: Fiction
Younger Readers: This is written for adults. Sex, drugs, drinking, murder, and mental illness are all present.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Portable Veblen is a dazzlingly original novel that’s as big-hearted as it is laugh-out-loud funny. Set in and around Palo Alto, amid the culture clash of new money and old (antiestablishment) values, and with the specter of our current wars looming across its pages, The Portable Veblen is an unforgettable look at the way we live now. A young couple on the brink of marriage—the charming Veblen and her fiancé Paul, a brilliant neurologist—find their engagement in danger of collapse. Along the way they weather everything from each other’s dysfunctional families, to the attentions of a seductive pharmaceutical heiress, to an intimate tête-à-tête with a very charismatic squirrel.

Veblen (named after the iconoclastic economist Thorstein Veblen, who coined the term “conspicuous consumption”) is one of the most refreshing heroines in recent fiction. Not quite liberated from the burdens of her hypochondriac, narcissistic mother and her institutionalized father, Veblen is an amateur translator and “freelance self”; in other words, she’s adrift. Meanwhile, Paul—the product of good hippies who were bad parents—finds his ambition soaring. His medical research has led to the development of a device to help minimize battlefield brain trauma—an invention that gets him swept up in a high-stakes deal with the Department of Defense, a Bizarro World that McKenzie satirizes with granular specificity.

As Paul is swept up by the promise of fame and fortune, Veblen heroically keeps the peace between all the damaged parties involved in their upcoming wedding, until she finds herself falling for someone—or something—else. Throughout, Elizabeth McKenzie asks: Where do our families end and we begin? How do we stay true to our ideals? And what is that squirrel really thinking? Replete with deadpan photos and sly appendices, The Portable Veblen is at once an honest inquiry into what we look for in love and an electrifying reading experience.

My Review:

I am completely unsure how to review this book. Simultaneously, I love and hate this novel. To be fair to those wanting to read it, I will do my best to explain this confusion.

The novel started off just as quirky and adorable as the cover. There really are squirrels present throughout the book. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of the ever-distracted Veblen as she stumbles through life. Her inner monologue and quirks are entertaining to encounter as well as uniquely endearing. Her quirkiness is similar to that of Zooey Deschanel's Jess in the television series New Girl, but with darker undertones.

I cannot stand Paul through 90% of this book. Initially, his devotion to Veblen is endearing and there is hope for their future. However, his inner thoughts and flashbacks constantly create a severe dislike for the man. His morals and actions are equally disdainful and he is just barely able to redeem himself, somewhat, by the end of the tale.

Much of the middle portion of this book is filled with rather dark material. Veblen and Paul's families are introduced. Each make up an interesting study of mental health and dysfunctional family dynamics. These interactions are often uncomfortable, tense, and overly emotional. Each character experienced abuse, emotional for one character and neglect for the other, as they were growing up and this is revealed through flashbacks.

The final quarter of this book saved it for me. All of the oddities of the first 75% of the book come together to create a sudden and massive action sequence. There is even an unexpected happily ever after. For some this ending will be underdeveloped and far too sudden. However, it does wrap up the story well enough.

Read at your own risk. It certainly had a negative effect on my mood while I was reading it. However, thinking back on the story I have much fonder emotions for it now.

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Page Count: 550
Rating: A
Keywords: Space, Aliens, Fairytales, Beijing, Robots, Love, Lost Princesses
Genre: Young Adult
Younger Readers: Safe for young adult audience such as tweens and teens. No overly sexual content. Only mild language used. There are escort robots but they are not engaging in any sexual activity.  

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Even in the future. there are damsels in distress...

In the third installment of the Lunar chronicles, Cress, having risked everything to warn Cinder of Queen Levana's evil plan, has a slight problem. She's been imprisoned on a satellite since childhood and has only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress a great hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress involving Cinder, Captain Thorne, Scarlet, and Wolf goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes as a high price. Meanwhile, Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

My Review:

Scarlet still has a special place in my heart but this was definitely a strong addition to the series. It felt much shorter than 550 pages. There was plenty of the action, romance, mystery, and the humor that the series is known for. I read this six months ago and I can still remember the entire book.

Character development was strong in this novel as we get to see the characters split into various groups by the dramatic events at the beginning of the story, allowing for greater individual focus. Seeing them interact with one another revealed new nuances to their personalities that went undetected in previous books.

Wolf just about broke my heart in this book. His physical and emotional ailments after the first quarter of Cress were written perfectly. Rather than feeling that his issues were melodramatic and overly drawn out, I found myself in tears. I do cry easily but still, this was a great book.

I enjoyed getting to know the character Cress better. She is beyond endearing. Her extended solitude has resulted in being delightfully awkward and innocent. Cress is like your awkward best friend in school that is sweet but does not always understand social cues. Her growth by the end of this book avoids any annoyance with childlike demeanor and increases her likability.

Thorne and Cress were perfect. If you are not a fan of instant romances then the third Lunar Chronicles book will not disappoint. Each couple grows closer at different rates and even become humanly frustrated with one another, making each relationship feel real. They are slightly messier versions of the fairytales they are based on.

The action was at high levels through the entire installment. I do distinctly remember nearly falling out of a chair at one point while reading. You will be in a constant state of worry throughout this novel. The lovely cliffhanger ending will keep you in suspense.

I still love this series and can't wait to pick up the fourth book, Winter. If you love adventure, science-fiction, fairytales, and true love I would highly recommend picking up The Lunar Chronicles.

What's Up in October

Hello! I have been making more of an effort to post regularly and intend to continue to do so. I have over twenty books in my Goodreads list that I have not posted full reviews for so there is plenty of material coming. Book reviews are not the only posts that I have planned though. A couple of craft themed posts and a cosmetics review for Luckey Bee Farms are also coming in the next couple of months.

If you follow me on Twitter then you may know I am a grad student. Due to this I will be posting only once a week for the next month. This coming month I will be finishing up applications to doctoral programs in Political Science as well as taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Much of my time is consumed by writing and studying.

Don't worry though! I am still reading and have a few reviews in progress now. I look forward to sharing my book obsession with you all. Happy reading!

-Breanne

*graphic found on Pinterest

Tokyo Ghoul Vol. 6 by Sui Ishida

Title: Tokyo Ghoul Vol. 6
Author: Sui Ishida (writer), Joe Yamazaki (translator)
Page Count: 200
Rating: A
Keywords: Ghouls, Horror, Identity, Transplant, Mystery, Bookworms
Genre: Manga
Younger Readers: Rated Older Teen, not overly sexual and has limited language, horror aspects could be considered gruesome though not overly

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ghouls live among us, the same as normal people in every way--except their craving for human flesh. Ken Kaneki is an ordinary college student until a violent encounter turns him into the first half-human half-ghoul hybrid. Trapped between two worlds, he must survive Ghoul turf wars, learn more about Ghoul society and master his new powers. Things heat up in Ward Eleven as the CCG investigates the high rate of Investigator deaths. Kaneki has an explosive run-in with Aogiri Tree, the Ghoul Gang, run by a Ghoul known only as the Sekigan King.

My Review:

I have a strong suspicion this is the beginning of the end of Kaneki's innocent streak. Now that he is away from the 20th Ward I cannot imagine great things happening to him. This does not stop him from trying to cling to his innocence and good heart. However, it is highly likely he will be unable walk away from the Aogiri Tree unscathed.

Beautiful Rize graced the cover of volume 5 and now the implications of her backstory are explored a bit further in this installment. We meet the briefly mentioned Banjo from volume 5 and his weaknesses as a leader lead to a whole host of problems for the entire Ghoul community. Such a physically weak but emotionally selfless Ghoul in love with the strong and unsympathetic Rize is an interesting contrast and I hope the series one day delves further into her past.

Can we please just take a moment to discuss how incredibly creepy the newest investigator is? Juzo Suzuya. One, he seems a bit off. Technically he is an adult but acts and speaks like a child...with an interesting and violent skill set. If you have noticed it looks like he has stitches all over, most notably on his neck in this volume's cover. If you do not know why then you are in for treat. I will forever be cringing thinking about that scene.

Overall, this one was great. Beautiful art style, plenty of action, a deepening mystery, and cliffhanger ending. There are promises for an increasingly dark and twisted storyline for the rest of the series.

Next week I will be posting a review for volume 7. No spoilers but goodness gracious I loved that one!

Interesting observation: this is the last predominantly white cover in the series... Hints to the future?

Tokyo Ghoul Vol. 5 by Sui Ishida

Title: Tokyo Ghoul Vol. 5
Author: Sui Ishida (writer), Joe Yamazaki (translator)
Page Count: 200
Rating: A
Keywords: Ghouls, Horror, Identity, Transplant, Mystery, Bookworms
Genre: Manga
Younger Readers: Rated Older Teen, one shower scene, not overly sexual and has limited language, horror aspects could be considered gruesome though not overly

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ghouls live among us, the same as normal people in every way--except their craving for human flesh. Ken Kaneki is an ordinary college student until a violent encounter turns him into the first half-human half-Ghoul hybrid. Trapped between two worlds, he must survive Ghoul turf wars, learn more about Ghoul society and master his new powers. Kaneki, Nishio, and Touka struggle to work together to rescue their human friend Kimi while Ghoul Investigator deaths skyrocket in Wards 9 through 12. When reinforcements are called in on both sides, the stakes are suddenly higher than ever.

My Review:

First, I love this cover. Rize severely creeps me out, but this cover is gorgeous.

I really enjoyed that this volume started with a bang. There wasn't the normal slow build of mystery and intrigue that has been the norm I've come to expect of the series. The action sequence was not kept until nearly the end the way it has been previously. Within the first quarter of the manga there is a fight scene. I enjoyed this because:

1) It's exciting,
2) Keeps a nice fast pace for the story
3) The art is awesome
4) Touka was shown struggling in a fight, not invincible

That fourth reason probably sounds a bit odd. Touka is my favorite character in this series. She becomes increasingly likeable as the series continues on. When we first met her back in volume one she was much quieter and presented as...well a badass. It was as if she was the invincible creature to be respected and feared. As the series progresses though and the reader learns more about the politics of Ghoul society we also learn more about Touka. She is the embodiment of this learning process. No longer is she simply the warrior or fighter archetype. Her emotions are on display as are her vulnerabilities. I can't wait to see where Sui Ishida takes Touka in the future.

This was a fun installment in the Tokyo Ghoul series. Action, humor, and peril make up the pages of this one. We see the return of Nishio and Kimi. While I am still not particularly fond of Nishio, I do enjoy the subtlety of Kimi's character and the questions her presence in the series raises. Can Ghouls and humans coexist? Are Ghouls as monstrous as they seem to think they are? Or is their identity a choice?

After the cliffhanger from volume 4, we see the return of The Gourmet. He was just as insane and creepy as would be expected from his previous actions. We also learn a bit more about his past and connections to Touka.

Kaneki is still innocent thus far in the series. His opposition to eating human flesh continues and the ramifications of this decision are clearly visible. Combat training with Touka has helped him grow as a Ghoul, able to take actions where he would have been defenseless and relying completely on others in the past. This could prove interesting further on in the series.

I am absolutely sure the introduction of Juzo Suzuya, rank 3 investigator, is going to lead to some chaos later on. His first scene towards the end of this volume is unsettling to say the least. He is sure to be another great addition to this cast of lovable oddballs.

I am still immensely happy that I began reading Tokyo Ghoul. Review for volume 6 coming next week!

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns by Mindy Kaling

Title: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns
Author: Mindy Kaling
Page Count: 219
Rating: C
Keywords: Comedy, Autobiography, New York, The Office 
Genre: Memoir
Younger Readers: Some language and some sexual scenes. This was written by an adult, not for children. Maybe younger teens.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?”

Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!

In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.

My Review:

I read quite a few rave reviews of this memoir and was excited to give it a try. Plus I really liked the cover and spine of this book. First, I did enjoy reading this and believe it has some important lessons within its pages. However, I cannot be ecstatically in love with this book as many others have been.

Many of her antidotes were entertaining but I did not find myself laughing out loud as promised. And I absolutely do not fault the book for this. It is more I have a different sense of humor than Kaling. Those that are familiar with her other work would most likely be far more entertained and enjoy the memoir more fully.

I did notice a slight generation gap between myself and the author. As a young woman in my early 20s I did not understand all of the pop culture references she made concerning her past. When I asked people several years older than me (late 20s and into their 30s) they were far more familiar with what was being said, some even smirking or laughing at the content.

I did enjoy much of what she had to say about growing up and being the awkward child. Many of her stories of being odd I could relate to but I also believe that they are important for a younger audience. Mindy Kaling is undeniably successful and a self proclaimed ugly duckling as a child. Just because you are an awkward/strange/unpopular/just plain different child does not mean that you will not one day grow up to be successful.

I enjoyed the book overall and the parts that I was not overly fond of should not necessarily reflect badly on the memoir itself. Sometimes a reader is not entirely compatible with a book. This was one of those cases. If you are a Mindy Kaling, The Office, or just comedy in general fan then absolutely check this one out. You will not regret it.

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Page Count: 454
Rating: A
Keywords: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Cyborgs, Little Red Riding Hood, Retelling, Wolves
Genre: Young Adult
Younger Readers: Some kissing, some violence. No sex or extreme language. Safe for the young adult crowd: teens and tweens.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My Review:

I was reluctant to continue the Lunar Chronicles after finishing Cinder a couple of years ago. I found that first book slow and could not get into the story. It did not help that just as the story was picking up momentum and becoming interesting it ended on a cliffhanger. I remember sitting on a plane, closing the book and feeling horribly disappointed with my reading experience. Not a single character I related to or felt like rooting on. Fast forward a couple of years and I decided to pick up the second book...admittedly because I thought the cover was pretty and people kept declaring that I just absolutely had to.

This book completely redeemed the series for me and I devoured it within hours of starting, sneaking in reading breaks whenever I could. I am slightly ashamed of the bent corners and the occasional scrunched pages my copy endured from its day and a half living in my purse, but I most certainly do not regret carrying it to work, restaurants, stores, family events, parties, etc. This was an action packed book with fascinating characters that had me obsessed early on.

I absolutely adore the character Wolf. First, he is sort of the stereotypical bad boy that every series needs. Except he's not really a bad boy. A rebel, yes. Bad guy, nah. His backstory is interesting. It develops him as a complex character as well as building the lore of the Lunar Chronicles.

Scarlet herself was much more likeable to me than Cinder. She could certainly be stubborn at times but her fiery personality was enduring. She is a strong character. Persistence and loyalty make up the bulk of her personality and drive many of her decisions.

Sometimes novels for younger audiences are accused of not being "messy" enough by older readers. If you've spent much time in the YA section you know this is just plain false. Not every book is full of sparkles and rainbows. Hunger Games is one prime example of devastation in the Young Adult section of your local bookstore. While the stories are completely different, I loved that this book did not shy away from sorrow and questioning morality.

Pacing for this installment was also spot on. There was a good mix of creepy and action that kept the story moving on at a quick pace. I did not have to force myself to read long passages where I was numbingly bored as I did in the first book.

I cannot wait to continue on with this series. If you were apprehensive after finishing Cinder I would recommend at least giving this installment a try before completely giving up on the series. I loved it and can already hint that the third book was great as well. That review will be posted soon.