I'm normally a big fan of the "For Dummies" series, but this wasn't organized well at all. I picked up D&D for dummies because my friends and I de...moreI'm normally a big fan of the "For Dummies" series, but this wasn't organized well at all. I picked up D&D for dummies because my friends and I decided to start a game. This was my first book on D&D and I thought the For Dummies book would be great for a complete beginner. However this book was really overwhelming and difficult to follow. Reading the player's handbook would be a better place to start.(less)
I tried, but I did not like this at all. The main character was really unlikeable, and not in that bitchy fun Regina Georg...moreDNF, stopped around page 100
I tried, but I did not like this at all. The main character was really unlikeable, and not in that bitchy fun Regina George kind of way, but more in that I'm the entitled asshole at Starbucks kind of way.
I also didn't really enjoy the writing style, in particular the conversation. Each pause and umm is painstakingly typed in, which got really old really fast.(less)
I honestly don't know how to rate this. This is such a sensitive subject and while I think parts of this book would be very helpful for teens thinking...moreI honestly don't know how to rate this. This is such a sensitive subject and while I think parts of this book would be very helpful for teens thinking about suicide or teens who suspect someone is thinking about suicide, I'm not sure the overall method was effective.
I liked it, but I didn't love it. It's very funny, but I feel like it's the same type of humor that gets a little old after a while. I think this book...moreI liked it, but I didn't love it. It's very funny, but I feel like it's the same type of humor that gets a little old after a while. I think this book is best read is small doses. Jenny Lawson is a blogger and I suspect that this book was written like her blog. However, blog posts come out once every couple of days and this book is all at once. It's a bit overwhelming.
However Let's Pretend This Never Happened is still very funny in a random and silly kind of way but with more sincere moments as well. I recommend this to fans of her blog or anyone who enjoys humerous memoirs. (less)
This started off very boring and difficult for me, but what a turn around! I really enjoyed the second half of the book, enough to bump it from a 2 to...moreThis started off very boring and difficult for me, but what a turn around! I really enjoyed the second half of the book, enough to bump it from a 2 to a 4 star rating. (less)
This was surprisingly enjoyable. I'm not sure I would call it "good", it's very cheesy and there were some questionable sex scenes. but overall it was...moreThis was surprisingly enjoyable. I'm not sure I would call it "good", it's very cheesy and there were some questionable sex scenes. but overall it was a fun read. I would read the next book and I hope in the second book we learn more about the Aegis and the corruption going on there. (less)
I listened to the audio book of this and really loved the two readers. They were excellent and I recommend the audio book to everyone, especially if t...moreI listened to the audio book of this and really loved the two readers. They were excellent and I recommend the audio book to everyone, especially if the gold text puts you off (as it did for me).
As for the actual novel, I really enjoyed Legend. I really liked Day and June, I thought they were both really great characters and I had fun reading their conversations with one another. With that said I do wish they had lived up to their "intelligence". We're told how smart they are, but they get trapped a lot. I wish we could have learned more about Day's history and his motivations behind his crimes. We know he's done all of these crazy stunts (like attack an airbase) but we never really learned why since he's not part of any rebellion group.
I did have some issues with the world building. In dystopian books set in America I really like to understand how we got from present day to the current government in the novel. There were some hints at this so I'm hoping this will be discussed more in future novels. I also would have liked to know some more answers to the Republic plague conspiracy as well as why they are at war with the colonies, but again I think that will be covered more in later novels. I also wanted to know more about the trials, especially what exactly when down with Day's trial.
So basically I really liked all of the ideas in Legend, I just wish there was more. I also did find the plot semi-predictable but still very enjoyable. If you like Divergent and The Hunger Games you'll really like Legend.(less)
Do you ever just randomly pick up a book without knowing much about it and it's just the perfect thing for your life? Well that's what happened for me...moreDo you ever just randomly pick up a book without knowing much about it and it's just the perfect thing for your life? Well that's what happened for me. I wandered into the bookstore with the goal of just getting a coffee but then Dr Bird's caught my eye. I had no idea what it was about, but I saw the blurbs from Matthew Quick and Jesse Andrews and thought "I need to read this".
Turns out Dr. Bird's is about a boy with depression and anxiety. The synchronicity is rather freaky because I've suspected that I have depression for years but I've never really taken action to get some help, I've always tried to deal with it on my own. Dr. Bird's helped me realize that I cannot do it alone and I've started taking steps to find a therapist. I really appreciate this novel and the perfect timing in which it came into my life.(less)
great continuation of the story. i have a hard time believing no one realized cinder's identity. i mean obvious! I'm really excited for the training m...moregreat continuation of the story. i have a hard time believing no one realized cinder's identity. i mean obvious! I'm really excited for the training montage coming up!(less)
I know it's barely into 2012, but I already think that Cinder will be one of my favorites of the year. I've read a lot of fairytale re-tellings, but n...moreI know it's barely into 2012, but I already think that Cinder will be one of my favorites of the year. I've read a lot of fairytale re-tellings, but never one quite like this. There's not just one thing about Cinder that makes it so awesome. The setting, the characters, the twists, the writing style, and so much more all add to this unique reading experience.
Let's talk characters. Cinder is fantastic. She is one of the best heroine's I've ever read. I love how she faces prejudices against her and still tries to take charge of her own life. She's her own person and makes her own decisions. Some of the things that are said and done to her by her "family"are absolutely horrible, but that only makes Cinder more determined. It's not just Cinder that's an awesome character though. I really LOVED all of the supporting cast. Iko, Cinder's robot BFF, is adorable and HILARIOUS. Cinder and Iko together were some of the cutest parts of the book. I also really liked (and hated) the evil stepmother and sister. I think Meyer did an excellent job with these two characters because, while they are still evil beyotches, I understood WHY the were evil beyotches. They were just flat "bad guys" they had their own motivations and reasoning behind their actions.
Let's also talk Prince Kai for a minute. Prince Kai is dreamy and funny with great interaction with Cinder. I really liked how we also get to read some chapters from his perspective. Not only does this give us valuable information about the overall story, but we also get to see Kai's struggles. He's trying to come to terms with his father dying and the fact that he will be the next emperor, which is a huge responsibility at any time, let alone when his country is precariously close to war with a much stronger nation.
I absolutely loved the futuristic setting, AND the fact that it was set in future China! I've been to China, so I really enjoyed reading her interpretation of how China would have evolved.
Proof! I'm in the red coat, and yes that really is the great wall behind me.
Cinder is an excellent start to the series. There are going to be 3 more books, and each one is going to be a re-telling of a different fairy tale. They are Scarlet (2013) - Little Red Riding Hood, Cress (2014) - Rapunzel, and Winter (2015) - Snow White. This is really encouraging because in Cinder there are plenty of questions that still need to be answered, in particular with the Lunars and their evil "queen".
In all honestly, I haven't been this excited about a book in a long time. While I don't think I'm doing nearly a good enough job at expressing just why I love this book so much, I hope you all will look past my inadequate ramblings and just buy the book. You won't regret it. (less)
I was really excited when I first found out about Dance of Shadows last summer. I really love ballet stuff (Center Stage, Dance Academy, So You Think...moreI was really excited when I first found out about Dance of Shadows last summer. I really love ballet stuff (Center Stage, Dance Academy, So You Think You Can Dance, even Dance Moms!) and I was really excited to see how the paranormal aspects would be woven into the ballet story. While I think there were some really interested ideas in Dance of Shadows, I though they were presented in obvious and uninteresting ways.
Let me start of by thanking Bloomsbury and netgalley for the chance to read Dance of Shadows early and to participate in the blog tour, but unfortunately I don't have a lot of positive things to say. The best part of Dance of Shadows is the cover, so be prepared.
I didn't think any of the characters were that memorable. Vanessa, the main character is pretty oblivious throughout. She had this blind faith in certain characters but her relationships with them were never really all that developed so I didn't understand her devotion to them. She also, and I hate to say this, was a bit of a mary sue (ugh that's so bad but it's true). She doesn't want to be good at dance, she doesn't love it, but she's instantly the most special snowflake dancer. Ballet is HARD AS BALLS. Even the most naturally gifted dancers have to work their asses off, and frankly this book makes all of their dedication to the craft a bit of a joke. She also instantly makes a ton of friends (who serve no other purpose other than being Vanessa's friends, they have no back story or anything else interesting going on) and instantly draws the attention of the hottest dancer in school (who is really a big jerk face but for some reason Vanessa is just in love with him for....reasons). It's all just a little too easy for her in my opinion.
The other big issue I had was the pacing of the book. The mystery was just dragged out at a snails pace for 70% of the book and then it was like all of a sudden they realized they were 300 pages in and nothing had really happened yet so the ending was a huge flux of information and crazy events that took place a ludicrous speed (almost went to plaid!).
Now, with all of that said, I still really liked this book. I liked the premise and I really liked all the crazy stuff that happened at the end, I just wish the pacing was better and the characters were smarter. I mean, how did NO ONE notice that so many ballet dancers were missing? How did Elly or Chloe's parents not notice? Whose parents don't call their teenaged daughter in months? If it were my kid I'd be freaking the eff out. While I was intrigued by the people and events that were hinted at for coming books in the series, I do think it could have all been completed in one book and not dragged out.
Overall I thought Dance of Shadows had an interesting premise but poor delivery which may be the most disappointing type of novel. I think with a lot more editing Dance of Shadows could have been really good. Even though I had major issues with the book I was intrigued enough to want to read the sequel if one is published. (less)
Naked in Death is an ok mystery but it has some major flaws. I enjoyed Eve, the main character, and eventually grew to like Roarke the love interest....moreNaked in Death is an ok mystery but it has some major flaws. I enjoyed Eve, the main character, and eventually grew to like Roarke the love interest. I really liked the side characters of Mavis and Feeney, plus there's a cat who is awesome. I listened to the audiobook and I loved the reader's voices for these two characters, espeically Feeney.
However I didn't like some of the writing style choices, the graphic descriptions of child abuse, and Roarke's alpha male bullshit. I would consider reading the next book in the series, but am in no hurry to do so.(less)
The Diviners by Libba Bray is a dense book. This is by far one of the most historically rich young adult books I have ever read. The amount of effort...moreThe Diviners by Libba Bray is a dense book. This is by far one of the most historically rich young adult books I have ever read. The amount of effort and research Bray put into The Diviners is immediately apparent. Not only do we get the more surface historical elements such as bobbed hair and flappers and speakeasies, but we also get the political, social, and economic climate of the time period in a masterfully subtle way. I think that is the greatest strength of The Diviners. The historical elements are fully integrated into the story in a beautifully seamless way.
Besides the awesome historical element, I really enjoyed the occult aspect to The Diviners. I loved "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies" as well as the various rituals and ghosty things that happen. I think there's a wonderful blend of fact and fiction that creates a really interesting story. I think some people may be initially turned off by the occult elements, but I think if you just remember that this is 100% fictional it will be ok. (I personally love creepy Halloween stuff so that was a huge selling point for me).
Now let's just take a minute to discuss Naughty John. That is one CREEPY mofo. Seriously, Naughty John is one of the best villains I have ever read. I would say he is on par with Stephen King's ghostly bad guys, which are really about as good as you can get. I think a lot villains in YA are watered down but not Naughty John. He's a great villain and I'm really excited when YA authors take their villain out of the box the way Bray did.
The other characters were also wonderful. I really liked Evie, even if she started off rather shallow, I think there will be a lot of growth with her character. I also really liked Theta and Mable, Evie's two friends. I liked their friendship a lot. I've said it before, but I love YA that has girls being friends with other girls. I think it's really important to include in YA and I think The Diviners does a great job.
My only real complaint about The Diviners is the sheer density of the book. Not only is it almost 600 pages, but the story is so full of background and historical elements that it can be a little daunting. This really isn't a negative, more of an observation that The Diviners was a slow burn for me.
Overall The Diviners is an impressive YA novel and really stands above a lot of historical fiction (YA or not). The excellent paranormal mystery woven into one of the most comprehensive historical novels that I've ever read makes The Diviners by Libba Bray an achievement for the YA genre. (less)
ok I can't do it. This book is just awful, and I can't finish it. I made it about half way and while a lot of people told me it would get better in th...moreok I can't do it. This book is just awful, and I can't finish it. I made it about half way and while a lot of people told me it would get better in the second half, I'm sorry this book is almost 900 pages. If you have literally zero plot in 400+ pages then it's not worth finishing. I think this book needed a much firmer editor. Just in the first half I'd say 50-100 pages could easily have been cut, largely due to the complete lack of story. The whole first half of the book goes like this:
Claire - 'Cuz we are living in a post WWII world, and I am a 1940s girl....
****MAGICAL TIME TRAVEL ROCKS ACTIVATE****
Evil Englishman - ARRRR RAPE!
Sexy Scotsman - Rape save!
Claire - 1700s Scotland!? dafaq?...ooh a kilt...OK!
Other Scotsmen - ARRRR RAPE!
Sexy Scotsman - Rape Save!
Roadway Bandits - ARR RAPE!
Sexy Scotsman - Rape Save!
****300 pages of them living in Scotland doing nothing except living in Scotland****
Sexy Scotsman - Now we have to get married because...reasons!
Claire - but I'm already married...oooh a kilt...OK!
Evil Englishman - ARRRR RAPE!
Sexy Scotsman - Rape save! Wife Beat! ARRR RAPE!
Claire - I'm mad I hate you...ooh a kilt....OK!
****Loch Ness Monster (no really)****
That's literally it.
The thing about this book that really grinds my gears is the general acceptance of rape. Basically the main character lives in constant threat of rape from everyone. The villainous Englishman, the Scottish clansmen, and even her (second) husband. It's one thing if the villain is doing the raping, it makes him more evil. What I completely don't understand is when the romantic interest does the raping or threatening of rape and we as readers are supposed to find it manly and sexy. I'm sorry, but threatening your wife with assault is NEVER attractive.
ANOTHER THING. So many people have defended the rape in this book because it's "historically accurate" and "that's just how things were back then". It's true that women didn't have many rights and were treated like property, but that DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT. Rape is ALWAYS wrong, even if it's the 1700s and even if it's your husband. For Claire to be so accepting of it and for other readers to still find Jamie attractive and heroic is just disgusting. We need to stop making excuses for rapists and abusers, regardless of time period, culture, childhood, or whatever else you want to try and use. (less)
Warm Bodies is a really fun mashup of Shakespeare and zombies, two of my favorite things. I really liked the re-imagining of zombies and how Warm Bodi...moreWarm Bodies is a really fun mashup of Shakespeare and zombies, two of my favorite things. I really liked the re-imagining of zombies and how Warm Bodies examines what makes a person human and if you have nothing to live for are you really living? I didn't expect a zombie novel to make me think as much as Warm Bodies did.
R was a really great character, and one I could really relate to. He's a great narrator and reading his inner monologue is hilarious and touching. I really loved how he had all of these eloquent thoughts and ideas but due to his zombie self he can't actually express these ideas to other people. There's a quote from the book where R says “In my mind I am eloquent; I can climb intricate scaffolds of words to reach the highest cathedral ceilings and paint my thoughts. But when I open my mouth, everything collapses.” I love that.
I really liked the theme of living your life to the fullest and how it applies to not only the zombies but also the surviving humans. As R and Julie begin to get to know each other they help each other heal. They both help each other find their humanity, because both of them have been wandering and not really living (R literally).
There were a few things that I didn't really like about Warm Bodies. I didn't like how heavy handed the Romeo and Juliet stuff got at some parts. In particular the balcony scene was just too obvious and I found myself rolling my eyes. I also didn't like how Perry's death was glossed over. Julie and Perry had been having problems, but I still think I would have been a lot more upset if my boyfriend had been eaten by a zombie. Just saying. It's not even that Julie's reason for not being that upset was bad (I can understand in an apocalyptic situation preparing for everyone you love to be killed at any moment) but I wish R had tried to talk to her more about it. I wish there had been more of an ethical conflict.
Overall I enjoyed Warm Bodies quite a bit, but due to the sometimes obvious re-telling elements and some disappointing author behavior Warm Bodies fell just short of the 5 star rating. It's still a really adorable and fun read that will also make you think!(less)
I am a huge fan of the Song of Ice and Fire series. I think it's absolutely brilliant and by far the best epic fantasy I have ever read. The character...moreI am a huge fan of the Song of Ice and Fire series. I think it's absolutely brilliant and by far the best epic fantasy I have ever read. The characters are complex and they live in a rich world with long running history, religions, and cultures (not to mention some fantastic geography, the backbone of any good fantasy in my opinion). I love discussing the different themes and events that occur in the series so I was very interested in this collection of essays about the popular series. However, we get kind of a mixed bag. Some of the essays are thought provoking and worth the read, but others just felt like filler.
A word of warning, do NOT read this book if you haven't read the first five books in the series! These are discussion essays and will contain major spoilers!
My favorite essay in the collection is probably The Brutal Cost of Redemption in Westeros by Susan Vaught. This essay talks about how seemingly good characters, such as Robb Stark, make terrible choices due to lack of foresight and are forced to pay the consequences. The essay also looks at characters that start off unlikable, such as Sansa Stark or Jamie Lannister, adapt to their situation and struggle towards redemption, often having to make terrible sacrifices in order to do so.
Other notable essays in the book are An Unreliable World by Adam Whitehead, which discusses how over time events can be skewed and exaggerated, with average men being made into heroes and demons. I especially enjoyed the discussion of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen and the uncertain truth to their relationship.
In Of Direwolves and Gods by Andrew Zimmerman Jones we look at the different religions that are present in the Song of Ice and Fire series. It analyzes the influence of these religions on Westeros society and also compares them to modern religion's influence on today's society as well. The end point is summed up quite nicely in a quote from Varys "Power resides where men believe it resides. no more and no less."
And finally in the essay A Different Kind of Other by Brent Hartner we look at the role of outcasts in ASoIaF. Through this essay we realize that many of the main characters are viewed as unnatural or minority in some way - Arya and Brienne defy feminine social norms; Jon Snow the bastard; Tyrion the dwarf; Bran who is disabled; and Daenerys the literal outcast queen. This essay looks at how people who don't conform to social expectations can develop into the strongest and most heroic characters of all.
There are other essays that touch on subjects of rape and feminism, post traumatic stress disorder, the use of magic in Westeros, and more publishing business topic such as adapting the books into graphic novels and a television show, the collection of prequel novels, the future of publishing in a digital age, and the expectations of the fantasy genre as a whole. These essays are interesting, but not really stand out.
Overall the collection is just ok. There are a few interesting points, but most of the essays are disappointing. I would recommend this collection to the true die hard fan who really wants to dive into more thematic discussions but would say pass to the more casual reader (less)
The Italy parts were fairly interesting, but overall this was just meh. I felt like it was trying to be too many things, and I would have preferred th...moreThe Italy parts were fairly interesting, but overall this was just meh. I felt like it was trying to be too many things, and I would have preferred the Italy stuff to be toned down (as much as I do love Italy) in favor of a better supported political conspiracy drama. Characters were introduced and then never resolved. What happened with Lugi or Francesca or Rudolph? There just wasn't any consistency. (less)
I liked this, but it wasn't as awesome as Vampire Academy. My intuition about certain characters were correct but I was still surprised by the (depres...moreI liked this, but it wasn't as awesome as Vampire Academy. My intuition about certain characters were correct but I was still surprised by the (depressing) ending. I do want to continue the story because I really do like Seth and I want to find out what happenes to him. I'm not so sure I really like Georgina though, she could really use a backbone. No means NO!(less)
The Friday Society is simply a fun read. What I loved the most about The Friday Society was the girl power vibe. Cora, Michiko, and Nellie were all sm...moreThe Friday Society is simply a fun read. What I loved the most about The Friday Society was the girl power vibe. Cora, Michiko, and Nellie were all smart, independent, and resourceful but still had different shortcomings they had to overcome with a little help from their friends.
The three main characters were the best part of this novel. It is incredibly refreshing to read a YA that has girls working together to solve a problem, not fighting or swooning over some boy. I think The Friday Society has just the right balance of boy angst in that it's there, but it's not the main focus of the novel. This kind of relationship between girls, friends helping other friends, is really important in YA and sadly very lacking. I also loved how the three girls start off as assistants, but throughout the course of the book they find their own agency and really take control of their lives.
The actual story is cute. It's not anything wildly substantial, but it's entertaining and exciting and would make a super fun teen movie. I wouldn't have minded some of the science to be more fleshed out, but I'm really picky about science and understanding how things work in a novel. I did find some of the technology in The Friday Society to be a bit convenient so I really had to stop questioning it and just let it happen. There's a lot of just silliness in the book (they dress up in super hero costumes at the end to go fight the bad guys) but I just kind of had to be like Michiko and go along with it, even as I rolled my eyes.
The biggest negative was that the book was written with a very modern voice despite the historical setting. However as I continued to read the novel I enjoyed it more and more. Sure the book is set in Edwardian England, but I could completely related to these girls and was really cheering them on.
The Friday Society is a cute and silly novel that I think would work well as an introduction to steampunk and alternative history. I think it's a perfect book for a middle school aged reader and has a great message of team work, friendship, and a healthy dose of girl power. (less)
I was really excited to read the maze runner after having met James Dashner at a book signing for his newest series, The Infinity Ring. He had such en...moreI was really excited to read the maze runner after having met James Dashner at a book signing for his newest series, The Infinity Ring. He had such enthusiasm for writing for kids and encouraging them to read that I wanted to read all of his books right now! However, I was really disappointed with a lot of what happened in The Maze Runner. (sad panda!)
The one thing that got really old with The Maze Runner was the withholding of information from Thomas just because "you don't need to know that right now greenie". UGH WHATEVER! I hate books that try and create tension by purposefully keeping the main character in the dark. It's one thing if the character has amnesia, that I don't mind, but it's when they ask a specific question and are told "you don't need to know that" or "I'll tell you later". No. NO! TELL ME NOW!
This is especially true in a dystopian type setting. Like ok, if it's a contemporary and the reason you don't want to tell the main character something is because you have too many feels and you're just not ready yet or whatever ok. I get that. BUT in a dystopian kind of setting information is how you survive! Why would you with not tell someone some vital information for no reason other than you think it doesn't matter or they don't need to know? That's crazy talk! And yet this went on for pages and pages during The Maze Runner.
However, a pretty interesting story did develop. While I wasn't a huge fan of the majority of The Maze Runner I like where it's going. I was really drawn into the story in the last 25% of the book, so that's where the 3 stars came from. So while the second book, The Scorch Trials, isn't very high on my TBR pile, it's in there. I'm not giving up yet! (less)
I found out about My Life as a White Trash Zombie from Felicia Day's Vaginal Fantasy Book Club. This was my first read for the club and I have to say...moreI found out about My Life as a White Trash Zombie from Felicia Day's Vaginal Fantasy Book Club. This was my first read for the club and I have to say that while I don't think it was a vaginal fantasy MLasWTZ was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The zombies in MLasWTZ aren't standard zombies in that they retain their humanity as long as they consume brains on a regular basis, as opposed to the usual mindless re-animated corpse. In this way Angel is more like a vampire, especially like the vampires in the Daybreakers movie (with Ethan Hawke and Sam Neil, am I the only person who's seen this movie?). As long as she has brains she can pass off as human. This didn't bother me at all but some people were squicked out by the eating brains and the idea of undead sexy times (even though physical romance is very light), so be warned if you're squeamish.
I have to say that my most favorite part of MLasWTZ was Angel and her inner monologue, which is hilarious and sarcastic and awesome. She also goes through so much transformation, both physically, emotionally, and mentally. Angel starts off as an unambitious pill head with a dead beat boyfriend and an abusive father. Throughout the book though she really comes into her own. She starts to care about her situation and she realizes that she is not only capable of more, she is worthy. The Vaginal Fantasy Book Club usually reads romance novels, but as one commenter so aptly put it, this is a story about Angel finding love for herself.
Ultimately I don't think that Angel is white trash. I think that just because you're living in poverty or have an addiction problem doesn't automatically make you white trash. I think that white trash is a state of complacency, a willingness to stay in your current situation and not work to try and change it.
Overall I really loved My Life as a White Trash Zombie. It was quirky mystery and a great introduction to The Vaginal Fantasy Book Club. I'm really looking forward to the second book in the series and to reading more VFBC selections. (less)
The Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a PERFECT example of paranormal romance done wonderfully right. Everything about this book is fantastic. The charact...moreThe Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a PERFECT example of paranormal romance done wonderfully right. Everything about this book is fantastic. The characters are all well developed and supported, the setting is imaginative and descriptive, and the plot is fresh and unique while still having the classic elements of the paranormal romance genre.
First let's discuss the characters. The entire cast is charming, interesting, and very well written. I absolutely love Karou. I love her physical description with her blue hair and the double life she leads. She's interesting and smart but still can make mistakes. She goes through a lot of growth because she starts off very sheltered and a bit precocious and by the end of the book she has become a strong heroine. I also liked Karou's love interest, Akiva, but not as much. He was a bit more of a stereotypical paranormal romance "bad boy" but near the end of the book when we learn about his past he grows on me and I actually really liked him.
As a bit of a side note, I really appreciated how the secondary characters (namely Karou's BFF Zusana) don't get forgotten about half way through the book when the romance starts to heat up. This happens countless times in paranormal romance and it really grinds my gears. I think the fact that Karou doesn't just forget about her friends is refreshing and shows her as a strong woman, capable of making decision and not defining herself by the man she is (or is not) with.
Now let's just talk for a second about my favorite character, Brimstone. Oh my gosh, I loved him so much. This could be partially due to the fact that I imagined him as the faun from Pan's Labyrinth:
Am I right? Brimstone is hella awesome, I wish we had learned more about him from his point of view, not from other people telling us about him. I LOVE his teeth collection and the magic behind them. His home/workshop is just so creepy but at the same time the way Karou describes it makes it feel safe and secure. Everything about Brimstone could be terrifying, but because we know Karou we see him as a fatherly figure. He is an interesting character and despite what happens (no spoilers!) I really hope to see more of him in the next book.
I was a little worried that this book was just going to be a run of the mill paranormal romance. I had just read a book that I thought was going to be sweet but fell into that category, and I really didn't want to repeat the same mistake. Lucky for me this was paranormal romance done so, so right. I love the ending. We get a lot of interesting back story which is almost a whole new book within a book (inception anyone?) but it never feels awkward or forced. It totally fits the story and is integrated flawlessly into the pacing of the book. (Dang writing this review is making me want to read it again lol)
Overall The Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a fantastic fantasy that doesn't sacrifice any action or explanation of the mythology in order to have a spicy romance (and believe me, there is some fantastic romance too). It's a perfectly paced and balanced story that does a great job of setting up the series story arc while still being an independent book in it's own right. I highly recommend The Daughter of Smoke and Bone; it's in my top 10 for 2011 for sure :) (less)
Loading...
