T5W: Nostalgic Book Boyfriend/Girlfriend

Top 5 Wednesday is a great Goodreads group with a new topic each week. Check out my original post for more information! This week's Top 5 Wednesday is Nostalgic Book Boyfriends/Girlfriends. Characters you swooned over when you were younger. This was a topic from our suggestion board.

I struggled with this one as I never really had crushes on characters and thought that they were "my boyfriend", but it was fun to put this list together.

1. Finnick Odair – Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
While everyone was swooning over Gale and Peeta, I was hooked on Finnick. His confidence was so amazing. The way he stuck with everyone was admirable.

2. Jacob Black – Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Yes, I was #TeamJacob.

3. Percy Jackson – Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
I loved how Percy handled himself as he stumbled through his new life.

4. Hermione Granger – Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
So I know most people will have Harry, Ron, the twins, Cedric, or even Draco, but I absolutely LOVE Hermione. She is amazing.

5. Erik Night – House of Night by P.C. Cast
Zoey’s “other” boyfriend was one of my favorite boys in the House of Night series when I first read them many moons ago. I understand more now about the possessive side of him, but he was such a geeky and hot.

What are your nostalgic book boyfriends/girlfriends?

T5W: Non- Horror Books that Scared You

Top 5 Wednesday is a great Goodreads group with a new topic each week. Check out my original post for more information! This week's Top 5 Wednesday is Non-Horror Books that Scared You. This can be entire books you found frightening or just specific scenes from those books, but discuss books that weren't technically supposed to scare you, but did.

1. The Host – Stephanie Meyer
Maybe more creepy than anything. Species taking over the mind of humans…. NO THANK YOU!

2. The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
This is considered YA Mystery, but it seriously scared me. Recounting a murder from the young teens perspective in heaven.

3. The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die – April Henry
I read this after moving to a farm in the middle of nowhere. It’s a YA thriller/mystery so it’s kinda of cheating, but I still think about how much this scares me. Sadly this was loaned out and never returned to me :(

4. Gemina – Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff, and Marie Lu
Seriously I only need one word here…. COWS

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – J.K. Rowling
OK, let me explain. I was so scared of what J.K. Rowling would do to my beloved characters as it was the final book. I don’t want to spoil anyone who still hasn’t read these, but I was heartbroken to hit the end.

So, I realized that Harry Potter is mentioned A LOT in my Top 5 Wednesdays. Honestly, I should challenge myself to chill on that, but they are one of my favorite set of books! 

Anyways, if you participated this week stick your link in the comments. I’d love to read it!

T5W: Books Featuring Paranormal Creatures

Top 5 Wednesday is a great Goodreads group with a new topic each week. Check out my original post for more information! This week's Top 5 Wednesday is Books Featuring Paranormal Creatures. Here is the previously mentioned paranormal creature topic. This topic will revolve around one type of paranormal creature of your choice. So books featuring vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, demons, fae, zombies, etc. 

I have changed this weeks up a bit to include paranormal creatures in general as I didn’t do the other topics this month. I have included witches, wizards, supernatural humans, demi-gods, and more!

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
First, I haven’t finished this book. I love it, but I am just not reading. It’s horrible! But, what I’ve read so far I love the characters in this book and all of their quirky characteristics. This is my first Leigh Bardugo book and I am so hapy I finally picked one up. I had to return this to the library, but once my reading mojo is back I think I will just pick this one up from the bookstore.

2. The Heir Chronicles by Cinda Williams Chima
I have ready book one, The Warrior Heir, so far and love the take on witches, wizards, and the like. The two different sides, Red Rose and White Rose, are so intriguing. I loved the magical tournament idea and look forward to reading the rest of this series.

3. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
I don’t want to give much away, so I will stick with what is summarized on Goodreads. Reds are commoners living in a Silver world where they have god-like superpowers. A young red is thrown into the Silver Palace without knowing what’s going to become of her. I really enjoyed this series and recommend it to all those who want to read about a young heroin looking to fix the segregated world.

4. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
What list of paranormal creatures would be complete without Percy Jackson and his world of creatures. I love all of Rick’s work and mythology in general. I love the fast paced story line and the young heroes and heroines in these books.

5. House of Night by P.C. Cast
Lastly, I had to include vampires. I think the House of Night is very under-hyped. I think more people would love this series if they were to pick it up. I read this a few years ago and haven’t kept up with the new releases, but in total there are 12 books in the series. This serious shows the challenges of young vampires living in a mixed world of human and vampire. The characters attend a vampire school and deal with their own world of problems.

Honorable mentions, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Vampire Diaries. I figured that Harry Potter was a given and I shouldn’t use it. But I mean who doesn’t love all of the paranormal creatures, witches and wizards in Harry Potter? I didn’t include Vampire Diaries because I haven’t actually read the books, but I have watched the TV series and LOVE it.

What are some of your favorite books featuring paranormal creatures?

Review: The Adventurers Guild

Title: The Adventurers Guild (The Adventurers Guild #1)
Authors: Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Page Count:320
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5

"Few ever asked to join the Adventurers Guild. . . . Their members often died young."

Summary:
Freestone, one of the last cities standing, is surrounded by Dangers. The city uses guilds to keep everything running smoothly The least favored guild, The Adventurers Guild, has been known to turn up missing or injured members. They are the ones responsible for keeping the city safe and venture out into the trees to gather supplies. Nobody wants to be part of this guild, but they get to draft whomever they choose. When Zed and Brock find themselves part of this guild, they uncover a conspiracy they never thought could be true. It will take everything they have to save their city.

First Thought
When's the second one releasing!

First, thank you NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the ARC. Second, thanks for leaving me in suspense for book 2 before this one is even published.

I really enjoyed the world building and suspense in this book. The story goes at the perfect pace and provides a dual perspective of an adventure unlike any other. It's a great introduction to fantasy with elves, dwarfs, and magical creatures. My favorite parts of this book have to be the characters and relationships built. I thought the two main characters, Zed and Brock, were perfectly different. They showed the power of teamwork when things get rough and playing to eachother's strengths.

I would recommend this to the Percy Jackson/Harry Potter loving reader. I can't wait for the second installment!

T5W: Books to Read Without the Synopsis

Top 5 Wednesday is a great Goodreads group with a new topic each week. Check out my original post for more information!

This weeks topic is Books to Read Without the Synopsis. We all know that some synopsis writers spoil events that happen halfway through the book or have heard reviewers say "its best to go into this one blind." Discuss those books.

This was incredibly hard for me for two reasons. First, I usually read books I have heard about around the book community. Second, my memory is horrible! But here are 5 books to just dive in and read. I won't be putting any information for these, because well, you should just go read them! I do want to add that any and all sequels should be on this list.

1. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
2. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
3. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
4. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
5. The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

What books would you add? Did you post a T5W, link below!

Review: The Warrior Heir

Title: The Warrior Heir
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Page Count: 426
Genre: YA Fantasy
Controversial Topics: Segregation
Rating: 4/5

“Just remember who you are... The world will try to change you into someone else. Don't let them. That's the best advice anyone can give you.”

Summary
Jack thinks he’s just another nerdy kid doing his best to get through school. His main worry, making the soccer team. He never realized the world he was born into. Jack is a wizard or a warrior, who can really know with his experimental surgery and all.

First Thought
OMG, seriously!

So, it took me longer than it should have to read this book. I would read a few pages and get mad and not want things to happen so I would close the book and scream! I was happy to say I was in my car on lunch at work when I swore out loud. I knew something was happening with two of the characters, but I didn’t want to believe it.

This magical world was exactly what I needed. The two different roses fighting over a warrior was intriguing. The history of the families and the meaning behind the weapons were thrilling. I am excited to read the next book in the series.

This was recommended by a co-worker and was my first read by this author. I have already picked up the second and third books. However, I might need an emotional break from them first.

T5W: Classes Based on Books/Characters

Top 5 Wednesday is a great Goodreads group with a new topic each week. Check out my original post for more information!

This weeks topic for Top 5 Wednesday is Classes Based on Books/Characters

It's back to school season, so let's discuss some classes you'd like to take either based on books or based on characters' skills. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO NOT USE HARRY POTTER, because that is too easy. You are supposed to make up your own classes. For example, you could use How to Dismantle a Dystopian Regime for The Hunger Games or Archery 101 with Katniss.

1. The Hacker Life 101 – Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
Professor: Kady Grant
Take a trip on a ship to evacuate the planet and learn how to hack into the web of data to find the truth. Learn to use friends and enemies to find the answers you seek.

2. How Not to Start a Hiking Trip – Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Professor: Cheryl Strayed
Learn how to take your crumbling life and learn about yourself while hiking the PCT. This course will show what not to do when you start hiking for the first time in your life. Learn from real life experiences.

3. Love Triangle: The Basics – Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Professor: Bella Swan
Interested in two completely different men? Want to have both? Learn how to split your attention and keep both men waiting for you.

4. Hosting a Tea Party – Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Professor: Mad Hatter
How to have a mad and thrilling tea party. Enough said.

5. Surviving Social Awkwardness – The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Professor: Don Tillman
Are you a socially awkward individual? Do you wish you could fall in love? Join this course to understand what people expect you to say and not say.

What an interesting school this would be! 

T5W: Books from Before You Joined

Top 5 Wednesday is a great Goodreads group with a new topic each week. Check out my original post for more information!

This weeks topic for Top 5 Wednesday is Books from Before you Joined________. These are some of your favorite books from before you joined the online book community, whether that be booktube, goodreads, blogs, bookstagram, twitter, tumblr, etc.

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – This is a given. I have grown up with Harry Potter. The first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published in 1997 when I was 9. I remember reading each book as they were published. I grew with the characters and have very fond memories reading them. Then, going to every movie with my dad when they came out in theaters. Even the last few when I was moved out of the house, we made it a date to go together.

2. 1984 by George Orwell – This was a required reading in high-school. I think I've re-read the book 3 or 4 times since then.

3. Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan – I loved Rick’s first books in the world with Camp Half-Blood. I didn’t join the book community until 2013 and not actively until the past year or so.

4. Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer – I have to say these books and the House of Night series got me back into reading after college destroyed my love for it.

5. Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain – Yes, these were my favorite children's books. I think we had them all! I loved reading these with my sister and brother. We used to play school and I read them as a teacher.

What is on your list? Comment below!

Review: The Sun is Also a Star

Hey everyone! It's been a hot minute since I last posted a book review. I have been in a killer reading slump. But, I think I am doing better. So, I have decided to revamp my reviews a bit and shorten them to more of a chatty review. Let me know what you think. 

Title: The Sun is Also a Star

Author: Nicola Yoon

Page Count: 348

Genre: YA Contemorary, Romance, Fiction

Controversial Topics: Inter-racial relationships, illegal immigration

Rating: 3/5 stars

"If people who were actually born here had to prove they were worthy enough to live in America, this would be a much less populated country"

Summary

Two young people with a busy day ahead of themselves find each other running into one another throughout the day. Is it coincidence or fate? Natasha, a complete science/facts person, is being deported within 12 hours and Daniel, the hopeless romantic/dreamer, has an interview to determine his entire future. How will the next 12 hours play out? 

First Thought

Well it wasn't Everything, Everything. 

I know I shouldn't automatically judge this book based on Nicola Yoon's other book, but I do. I was really hoping that the mixed reviews were wrong and I'd love this more than the other. I think the unlikeliness that two young people would have "insta-love" in 12 hours really threw me off. 

I did enjoy the POV's of others within Natasha and Daniel's lives. I think I was more attached to side characters though. I just wasn't fond of Natasha and her crusty attitude. Daniel, the hopeless romantic, was an easy to love character. I felt the character development had so many holes and really could have been amazing. I was also completely expecting the ending... can't say more about that.

"Maybe part of falling in love with someone else is also falling in love with yourself."

Now, don't get me wrong, it is a cute contemporary and I don't regret the read. It was light and I enjoyed it. I wouldn't purchase this book for my collection, but it's worth a rental at the library. 

Have you read The Sun is Also a Star? What were your thoughts on it? Post any reviews below, I'd love to check them out. 

Read-A-Thon ALERT (08/21/7 - 08/27/17)

Did you hear? There’s a read-a-thon happening this week on Goodreads! Lindsay is hosting the read-a-thon via a Goodreads group. Head on over and join in the fun. There aren’t any specific challenges or goals, but everyone is adding their own. I have been in such a reading slump I hope this helps me get out of it!

Here are my very light goals for the week (08/21/17-08/27/17):

1. Read at least 800 pages.
2. Read a book by a new to me author.
3. Read every day.

Do you have any reading goals, reading slump suggestions, or read-a-thon tips? Check out my tips posted during the Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon a while back. 

T5W: Character's Fitness Routines You Want

Top 5 Wednesday is a great Goodreads group with a new topic each week. Check out my original post for more information! 

This week's topic is Character's Fitness Routines You Want! Think super powers, adventures, and athleticism. Here are my top 5. 

1. Quidditch - Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: I would want to be a Seeker! Or any player of a Quidditch team to be honest. I mean who wouldn’t love flying around on a broom chasing a ball? Yes please!!

2. Camp and Battles - Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan: I’d love to workout at Camp Half Blood. Learning to battle, capture the flag, and all the other camp sports. How fun?!

3. Workout Sitting - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: Sit in a chair and workout in a video game. That would be the lazy way out, but I would enjoy it. P.S. Movie adaptation is coming out next year!

4. Hiking - Wild by Cheryl Strayed: It would be such an adventure to walk the Pacific Crest Trail. I’d make sure I had the right shoes though. (If you've read it you know what I mean)

5. Running - Maze Runner by James Dashner: The runners are amazing! They run through the maze all day long without tiring. Like seriously, I can’t even run a block. 

Do you have any other fitness routines that you would want to have? Post them below. Also, link up your post for T5W in the comments.

Been MIA

Hello fellow book peeps! I have been completely out of the book world for the past few months. I haven't been reading even. Terrible I know! I've been in a serious rut. I am hoping to jump back in head first the next few weeks. If you all have suggestions for getting out of a reading slump... please let me know!

T5W: Favorite Minor Characters

For this week's Top 5 Wednesday topic is Favorite Minor Characters. Minor characters are less than a sidekick or a side character (but not in our hearts!) Everyone will have a different definition of what makes a minor vs. a side character.


These are those characters that I wish had more part in their stories...

1. Rue - Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Rue was only in the series for the first book, but was one of my favorite characters. She was everyone's sister. I loved all that she stood for and the way her and Katniss developed their relationship.
2. Daito and Shoto - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: Brothers in the book, both Daito and Shoto assist in finding the keys to the Halliday's easter egg. I loved their quirkiness and involvement throughout the book. I am beyond excited for the movie that comes out on March 30, 2018.
3. Emmitt Cullen - Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer: Emmitt is such a great brother character. Always joking with everyone and being there for everyone really showed how much of a family man he was. He always watched out for everyone else and seemed to be a big teddy bear of sorts.
4. Luna Lovegood - Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: Luna is such a fun and goofy character. I loved her individuality throughout the book. Although we don't see her a lot through the series, I feel her role is pretty important to the overall story.
5. Julian Jacos - Red Queen Trilogy by Victoria Aveyard: Julian was a beloved father figure for Mare. I enjoyed his kindness and loving nature, even with his apparent hidden messages. I'd love to see more characters like him.

For more information on Top 5 Wednesday, please see my original post.


If you posted a T5W please share below. If you didn't, comment your favorite minor characters below.

T5W - Books as Event Themes

This week's #T5W topic is Books as Event Themes. It's party season, whether that is high school prom, weddings, or summer holiday events. What books would make a good party/event theme??

For more information on Top 5 Wednesdays, see my original post.

1. Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling : I think any party with a HP theme would be amazing. I plan to do this with a child I have, when I get to that point in my life haha.
2. Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak : Always a classic children's book. This would make a wonderful children's birthday party theme!
3. The Selection - Kiera Cass : Now this might sound strange, but when I read this series I thought of wedding gowns being worn all of the time. So more so just the idea of wedding gowns.
4. Inheart - Cornelia Funke : Of course the love of books makes me want to have a party about books! I love the idea of reading characters out of the book. I think a birthday party with all different characters and books everywhere would be splendid.
5. Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis : I love the world of Narnia! This would be so fun to host a party/gathering or a birthday party. I would really rather find Narnia myself sometime!  

Book Traveling Thursdays

I am going to attempt to post the Book Traveling Thursdays topics. These will be short and sweet posts. To see the original group check out Book Traveling Thursdays on goodreads.

 

Here’s how it works:

• Pick a book! At the beginning of every month a list of themes will be posted. All you have to do is choose a book that fits the theme.
• In your blog post, the first thing you will want to include is an explanation of why your chosen book fits the theme.
• Look at covers from multiple editions and multiple countries for the book you chose.
• Finally, include pictures of the original cover, the cover from your country (if their are multiple covers from your country include all of them!), your favorite cover, and your least favorite cover.
• Be sure to tag your posts with booktravelingthursdays so we can all see each others posts!

Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon

Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon is only a few days away! It begins on Saturday April 29 at 7 a.m. CT and runs through Sunday April 30 at 7 a.m. CT. I am undecided if I will be reading for the whole time, but it’s not about reading for 24 hours straight, it’s about spending some time reading on that day and interacting with others. Search the #deweys24hourreadathon on Instagram to talk with others. There are a few challenges going around as well. I am hoping to use my Instagram too @kanksbooklife. Add me if you haven’t yet!


I thought I’d provide some suggestions/tips to help you through the readathon.

1. Let others know you are doing it so they can either participate or leave you alone.
2. Make sure you have snacks, drinks, food to avoid being interrupted.
3. Don’t do too much. If you normally don’t read for hours at a time, then don’t start now.
4. Get up and move around to avoid aches and pains.
5. Don’t choose a 500 page book. You might get bored and put in a reading slump.

What books are you planning to read?

Review: Half Bad

The Details

Title: Half Bad

Author: Sally Green

Genre: YA Fantasy

Length: 394 pages

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Medium: Hardcover

Rating: 3.5/5

Pace: Medium

Stand-alone or Series: Book 1 of the Half Bad Trilogy

“I couldn’t ever touch anything as bad as you.”

The Goodreads Synopsis

Wanted by no one. Hunted by everyone.

Sixteen-year-old Nathan lives in a cage: beaten, shackled, trained to kill. In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most terrifying and violent witch, Marcus. Nathan's only hope for survival is to escape his captors, track down Marcus, and receive the three gifts that will bring him into his own magical powers—before it's too late. But how can Nathan find his father when there is no one safe to trust, not even family, not even the girl he loves?

Half Bad is an international sensation and the start of a brilliant trilogy: a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive.

The Review

I found many controversial topics throughout this book. First, there is both black and white witches. The black witches are hunted and killed. Second, the slavery and abuse was evident throughout the entire story. Nathan is known as a half code, his father is the most wanted black witch in history and his mother is white. His struggle with knowing who he was and dealing with how bad he was seen was engaging and interesting. I was annoyed with the cage he lived in throughout the book and was so upset when he was bullied.

THIS BOOK IS NOT ABOUT MAGIC! I repeat, the book is not like Harry Potter or any other magical books you may have loved. There’s some reference to the witches different abilities, but nothing detailed. Maybe the rest of the trilogy covers this more?

The Characters

Nathan, the main character, was an alright character. He was the one everyone hated, the black sheep of the family. He did hold his own throughout the book.

Honestly, I don’t have a bunch of character names to list as they all blended together. I know there was the council that was against him and tried everything to get rid of him. Their kids were just as horrible. Then Nathan’s family, was also a bunch of jerks. Except his lone brother that tried to be there for him.

The Style

The style of the book was odd to me. At first, I thought I was reading it the way it was because the main character wasn’t educated. But some parts of the book are well written, while others are as if a second grader wrote it. I enjoyed the first chunk and the ending, but the middle was slow and lacked something, I am not sure what that something is, but it put me in a reading slump.

The Recommendation

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a different kind of witch tale. Be on the lookout for some triggers though: whites/blacks, slavery, bullying, and suicide.

Review: Red Queen

The Details

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Read By: N/A

Genre: YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Dystopian

Length: 383 pages

Release Date: February 10, 2015

Medium: Paperback

Rating: 5/5

Pace: Fast

Stand-alone or Series: Book 1 of the Red Queen Trilogy

“Anyone can betray anyone.”

The Goodreads Synopsis

This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

The Review

Debut novel by this author. I was instantly hooked! This novel was an amazing combination of history (in it’s own world), sci-fi, and dystopian. I loved the main character and what she stood for. Having not known who she was and what she was capable of, she was always looking to help others.

There are some intense betrayals throughout the book from all characters. I never knew who I could trust. The same issue that Mare had throughout the book. The action scenes were so detailed! I loved feeling like I could visualize the whole book.

When you’d think there couldn’t be any more twists, there is. Without spoiling the book, I can’t say any more.

The Style

The book was well written and very easy to follow. I didn’t feel like I was jumping around while reading it. It was fast paced and I read it in about a day and a half. I just had to know what happened next and ran to the library for the second novel.

The Recommendation

I recommend this book to those looking for dystopian novel. There is a strong presence of sci-fi/fantasy as the characters have powers. Keep in mind when going into this book that some of the story isn’t necessarily original as it is similar to other dystopian type books. Which, is part of the reason I loved it so much. 

Review: The Woman in Cabin 10

The Details

Title: The Woman in Cabin 10

Author: Ruth Ware

Read By: Imogen Church

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Length: 380 pages

Release Date:

Medium: Audiobook

Rating: 3.5/5

Pace: Medium

Stand-alone or Series: Stand-Alone

“I know what it's like. Don't you see? I know what she must have felt like, when someone came for her in the middle of the night. That's why I have to find out who did this to her.”

The Goodreads Synopsis

In this tightly wound story, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for—and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong…

With surprising twists and a setting that proves as uncomfortably claustrophobic as it is eerily beautiful, Ruth Ware offers up another intense read.

The Review

This is my first ready by this author. I was so intrigued right away and excited to see what would happen. The first few chapters were not what I was expecting. To be honest, I didn’t read any of the reviews before starting this one. It was a book club choice of the month and I knew the synopsis sounded great.

I enjoyed the book for the most part. I didn’t like the main character, Lo. She was so bossy and rude throughout the entire book. For being a journalist and trying to get people to talk to her she wasn’t very approachable. She was relatable with the panic attacks and the feeling of claustrophobia as many people suffer from those things daily.

The story line was OK. I wasn’t blown away, but thought it was an interesting take on the cruise ship mystery. I was questioning each and every character trying to figure out the big story. I kept wanting to turn on my phone to listen to the audio book. So, the suspense factor was great.

The Style

I felt like the style of the book was well done. The narrator did a great job with the different characters. It was a bit slow at the start and then the ending felt so rushed.

The Recommendation

I recommend this book to those looking for a simple mystery read. Keep in mind however the triggers involved including: weight, depression, anxiety, claustrophobia, and shipwrecks/drownings.

Review: Gilded Cage

The Details

Title: Gilded Cage

Author: Vic James

Genre: Dystopian, YA

Length: 368 pages

Release Date: February 17, 2017

Medium: E-Book

Rating: 4/5 stars

Pace: Medium

Stand-alone or Series: Series Dark Gifts #1

“Do your slavedays too old, you’ll never get through them. Do your slavedays too young, you’ll never get over them.”

The Goodreads Synopsis

Not all are free. Not all are equal. Not all will be saved.
Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world. 
A girl thirsts for love and knowledge.
Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price? 
A boy dreams of revolution.
Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution. 
And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts.
He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy?

The Review        

I was provided this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Seconds please! This book has its own magical world that I loved. I enjoyed the different take on a dystopian genre. The slavetowns were a new concept that I found interesting. I felt there was so much history behind the book and loved the world building. I was eager to know what was going to happen and the ending has me begging for more!

The Characters

I enjoyed most of the main characters. I felt like the Kingston estate characters could use a bit more detail, but then again the darkness behind them was mysterious.

Abi was the sister everyone wants and loves. Doing whatever it takes to keep her family safe.

Luke was a great character that I cheered for the entire time. He felt so real and relatable.

The Style

This book is told from different perspectives every chapter or so. Sometimes that drives me crazy, but the flow was great.

The Recommendation

I recommend this to anyone looking for a magical and historical type of book.