Frances Hardinge – Wonderfilled Reads

Hype or Like Friday – Crash and Burn

This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The November BOTM is Zodiac (Zodiac, #1) by Romina Russell.

RULES:

Answer the weekly discussion topic.
Optional: Discuss your chosen hyped book of the week.
Optional: Talk about your progress on the BOTM.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Crash and Burn… What were some of your most disappointing reads of 2017?

This list doesn’t only include books that I didn’t enjoy, but also ones that might just not have lived up to my expectations. Sometimes I fall prey to the hype which can lead to a few letdowns.

The Girl at Midnight (The Girl at Midnight, #1) by Melissa Grey

I didn’t necessarily dislike this story, it just was just bit unoriginal. I had really high hope for this story based on the summary but it ended up just being a bit of a mash-up of other popular YA novels. However, I do plan on finishing the trilogy because it was an entertaining read.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress, #1) by Julie C. Dao

I was extremely excited about this book. The synopsis had me hooked, because who doesn’t want an Asian inspired retelling of the Evil Queen fairytale?! Well, disappointing is an understatement. If you’re going to write a good antihero/villain story, you must make me still care about that character and root for them to be happy. However, there is no redeeming qualities about Xifeng. I HATED HER. You can read my full review HERE.

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I almost feel like I read a different book than everyone else because it’s such a beloved story. However, I found this to be a mediocre at best. I really liked Simon as a character and the romance is cute, but everything else? Not my favorite. I actually really hated Leah as a character and now she’s getting her own novel?! Ughhhhh…. I found her to be such a bitch! Am I seriously the only one who didn’t like her at all?

A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge

I loved Hardinge’s other novel, The Lie Tree, so I was really excited to pick this one up. However, it was just really long and a bit confusing at times. It seriously might be the strangest book that I’ve ever come across. I did listen to the audiobook version and that was probably part of the problem. I think this story is better off being read rather than listened to.

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Don’t ask me what this book was even about because I have no idea. I think it was supposed to be like a magical realism retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, but it wasn’t anything like it. It was just strange and nonsensical. I think I just need to accept that I have a very love/hate relationship with magical realism in general (but Emily Henry is queen!).

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Another book that I wasn’t able to enjoy due to the characters. You’re never given enough time to really develop any sort of relationship with them, as the story jumps around too much. I ended up not really caring what happened to them, even the main character. I was expecting so much from this one too.

Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2) by Victoria Aveyard

Ughhhh, this sequel was disappointing. I don’t know why authors think they need to turn protagonists into brooding and bitchy I-have-to-do-everything-by-myself-because-no-one-understands-me types in sequels but it’s annoying. Seriously, writers just need to stop it already. You can read my full review HERE.

Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi

I was soooo excited for this book when it was first announced. Maybe I let the hype get to me too much, because it was actually kind of boring. Yes, it was whimsical but the overall plot was pretty meh. I also really didn’t like the ending. It was wrapped up way too quickly and didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I’m hoping for better from Whichwood.

Windwitch (The Witchlands, #2) by Susan Dennard

This book suffered from trying to do wayyyy too much. Instead of keeping the POVs simple and the same as Truthwitch, Dennard decided to add even more and most of them were completely pointless and unneeded. Let’s not even the mention that everyone is all split up and so we’ve already lost the magic of their relationships from the previous book.

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma

Another magical realism book that just didn’t do anything for me. It was strange and confusing, not to mention really depressing. I just hate it when books don’t live up their gorgeous covers.

What are some of your most disappointing reads of 2017? Do you ever suffer from buying into the hype for certain books? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

My Favorite Standalone Novels

As a massive fan of fantasy and science fiction, I naturally read more series than standalones. However, I promise that I do read standalone books from time to time! So to prove that I do enjoy them, I’ve compiled a list of just a few of my favorites. Now I’m sure I’ll be constantly adding to this list as I read more books, but as of right now, these are my faves!

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

This is one of my most recent reads and I absolutely loved it. It was sweet, cute and gave me all of the wanderlust. I’m dying to go to Florence now and eat some gelato, like tomorrow. Really.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

This was such a wonderful retelling of the origin of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. I don’t know what it is about Meyer’s writing but she just has this ability to immediately draw you in and leave you begging for more.

A Million Junes by Emily Henry

I’m sure at this point, y’all are tire of hearing talk about how much I loved this book. But I’m sorry that I’ll never stop talking about how good it is! Actually, I’m not really sorry because this book is amazing, and so was her debut novel, The Love That Split the World. Henry is my new auto-buy author and I recommend everyone picking up her novels!

Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

This book is just so much fun! It’s basically a genre mash-up of paranormal, fantasy, western, and historical fiction. Seriously, what more could you want in a book? I definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a quick and entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.. Plus that cover, y’all!

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

If you’re okay with a book breaking your heart, pick this one up. Zentner absolutely killed it with this debut. I haven’t gotten around to picking up his latest novel, but I know it’ll be just as good. The friendship portrayed is this book is one of the best ones I’ve ever read, for sure.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Now this is one of those books that either people absolutely love (like me!) or they hate it. But I think if you recognize it as a satire of Harry Potter and the “Chosen One” trope before picking it up, it makes it much more enjoyable. I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was funny and clever and I will forever ship Simon and Baz. Those two are the ultimate OTP and I will fight you on that!

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

I just read this one earlier this month and absolutely loved it. For a literary fiction, Towles’ writing style makes this such a fast-paced read and extremely engaging. He also created such amazing characters and I only wish they were real people. Count Rostov has become one of my most favorite characters that I’ve ever read.

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

I think at this point we can officially say that Hardinge has one of the most creative and unique story minds. Her books are all so original, especially The Lie Tree. I read this last year and can definitely see why it won awards. This one is all about take-charge females and definitely challenges the social norms of the 19th century.

Lost Stars (Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens) by Claudia Gray

Even if you aren’t really a Star Wars fan, I still think this is one science fiction novel that you’ll enjoy. It follows brand new characters who live through the original trilogy and experience it from opposite sides of the Rebellion. Claudia Gray is phenomenal when it comes to writing engaging science fiction and definitely proves it yet again with this book.

The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker

Now this is apparently being continued as a series, but as I’ve not heard any updates for a couple of years, I’m just going to count it as a standalone for now. I really enjoyed this one back when I read it when it first came out. It’s got dashes of A Discovery of Witches and a hint of The Magicians all rolled into one.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

I absolutely adored this story. I thought it was whimsical and such a great tale about fae, that actually embraces the dark side of these magical creatures. I am so sad that this is only a standalone because there’s so much more to explore in this world!

What are some of your favorite standalone novels? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Do you prefer standalones or series more? What are some other standalone books that you recommend?

October Wrap-Up: Reviews, Reading Challenges, etc.

Welcome to yet another glorious month of reading and blogging. October was full of horror and mystery books, which if you have followed me for a while, probably realize isn’t my usual cup of tea. Luckily, it ended up being pretty good for me this time!

Books Read

Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody – 5/5 stars
A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge – audiobook, 2/5 stars
The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1) by Alison Goodman – 5/5 stars
The Cutting Season by Attica Locke – 4/5 stars
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli – audiobook, 3/5 stars
Stars Over Clear Lake by Loretta Ellsworth – audiobook, 4/5 stars
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue – 4/5 stars, review to come
One Dark Throne (Three Dark Crowns, #2) by Kendare Blake – 5/5 stars
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss – 5/5 stars
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus – 4/5 stars
Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) by Kendare Blake – 4/5 stars
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero – 4/5 stars

Total Books Read: 12

Overall in 2017: 71

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

A Book with a Red Spine – Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
A Novel Set During Wartime – Stars Over Clear Lake
A Book with a Family Member Term in the Title – The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter
A Book About a Difficult Topic – The Cutting Season

Beat The Backlist

The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1)
The Wonder
Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)
The Cutting Season

Goodreads Challenge

Total: 71/100
Previous Total: 59/100

Blog Posts

Book Reviews

WWW Wednesday

Hype or Like Friday

Discussions/Misc.

How did you do during the month of October? Did you have a good reading month? Did you participate in the Halloween Read-a-thon? Have you read any of the books that I read this month?

WWW Wednesday – October 18th, 2017

Welcome to WWW Wednesday which is currently being hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. It’s really just a place to do little update on what all you’ve been reading lately. Anyone is welcome to join, just leave a link to your post in the comments and be sure to give the appropriate credit to Sam!

The Three W’s are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus – physical book
Stars Over Clear Lake by Loretta Ellsworth – audiobook

I have to say that I’m really enjoyed One of Us is Lying so far. I’m almost getting a murder mystery version of The Breakfast Club from it, and I love that movie. I’ve heard good things about this one so I hope I continue to enjoy it!

I’m not very far into Stars Over Clear Lake but I like it so far. I always enjoy a good historical fiction story, especially one set during WWII. I’m expecting that my heart will be broken by the end of it.

What did you recently finish reading?

A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge – audiobook, 2/5 stars
Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody – 5/5 stars, Review
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss – 5/5 stars, Hype or Like Friday BOTM

I had a really good reading week, finally finishing A Face Like Glass, after what feels like forever. Seriously, I was afraid this damn story would never end. SOOOOOO LONG. But other than that, I sped through my two physical books and loved them both. I’m really looking forward to the next books from both authors. I think I was most surprised at how funny and engaging Alchemist’s Daughter was. The writing style was just lovely.

What do you think you’ll read next?

The Child Thief by Brom
The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1) by Alison Goodman

I plan to continue on with my Halloween Read-a-thon TBR with my next books. Once I get through these, I’ll only be one book away from completing my October TBR. I hope that these two books are engaging enough for me to finish them up fairly quickly so I can fit that last book in before the end of the month!

What are you currently reading? Did you finish any good books this week? What other books do you have on your TBR? Have you read any of the ones on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

Hype or Like Friday – I’m a Scaredy-Cat!

The October BOTM is The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss.

RULES:

Answer the weekly discussion topic.
Optional: Discuss your chosen hyped book of the week.
Optional: Talk about your progress on the BOTM.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: I’m A Scaredy-Cat… List the top 13 books and/or films that scare you the most!

1. The Diviners (The Diviners, #1) by Libba Bray

I mentioned this one yesterday in my spooky book tag. But yeah, I definitely had to read it during the daytime. That villain is about the creepiest thing I’ve ever read about. It ain’t joking around, that’s for sure.

2. Pure (Pure, #1) by Julianna Baggott

This isn’t a scary book so much as it’s just strange. Some of the different mutations created some really creepy and grotesque characters that I just could not help but let my imagination get a little too crazy with. I must be a glutton for punishment though, because I still have the rest of the trilogy to read!

3. The Ring – film

Don’t even pretend that that creepy little girl coming out of the tv screen didn’t scare the shit out of you. If you say no, you’re lying!

4. How to Hang a Witch (How to Hang a Witch, #1) by Adriana Mather

This book was just so suspenseful and I was never sure who the bad guy really was. Also the entire town’s behavior and ostracizing of Sam gave me anxiety.

5. When A Stranger Calls – film

I’ve seen the original versions and the remake. Don’t ask me why, because it wasn’t by choice at all. These are the kinds of movies that scare me to death because they could possibly really happen. You will never babysit again after watching these, guarantee it.

6. Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die, #1) by Danielle Paige

The twistedness of this book was wayyyy creepy when I first picked it up. The lion is seriously messed up.

7. Asleep by Krystal Wade

A retelling of Sleeping Beauty set in an insane asylum? Just imagine the second season of American Horror Story in book form and that’s basically what you have right here with this one. Yep, creepy as hell.

8. The Lie Tree or Frances Hardinge

I think the atmosphere is what makes this book so creepy. Hardinge just knows exactly how to create the perfectly dark setting that will make shivers go down your spine.

9. Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

The tension in this book is what gave me chills. You never know what is going to happen next or who will die. I was on pins and needles the entire time.

10. Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Ann Aguirre

Living underground while having to battle against zombie/mutant-like creatures? Uh yeah, that’s not fun at all.

11. The Shining – film

The movie is scary enough. Do you really think that I’m going to read the book? HA! I don’t have any plans to read Stephen King’s horror novels, thank you very much.

12. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

I think it’s really just the strangeness and the unknown that makes this book so creepy. You never quite know what exactly is going on, which really makes for a trippy ride. Plus, some of these gods are just scary.

13. Coraline – film

Yes, that’s right, I am scared by a children’s film. The Nightmare Before Christmas still gives me chills even though I love it. I’m a chicken, I admit it!

What books or films scare you? Are you easily scared by things like me? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!