Lisa Marie Pottgen's Blog, page 12
January 30, 2015
Review: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Title: New Moon (Twilight Saga #2)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 8, 2007
Page Count: 577
Where I got it: Library
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 10.99
Format I read it in: Kindle.
Description/Blurb:
I knew we were both in mortal danger.
Still, in that instant I felt well. Whole. I could feel my heart racing in my chest, the blood pulsing hot and fast through my veins again. My lungs filled deep with the sweet scent that came off his skin.
It was like there had never been any hole in my chest. I was perfect – not healed, but as if there had never been a wound in the first place.
For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella ever could have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning…
My Thoughts:
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow. Hard to believe it has been more than 2 years since I have read this book the last time. I cannot even tell you how many times I have read the books in this series, and yet for some reason, I often find myself coming back to them. I really cannot explain it.
As in the first book, the writing is simplistic and perhaps somewhat juvenile, but I still enjoy them. Call it my guilty pleasure, if you will.
A brief recap for those not familiar with the series: Our heroine finds herself in a precarious emotional situation do to circumstances beyond her control, and has to endure some intense, life-threatening action and find a way to survive on the other side. Intense, right?
The story has some intense action sequences that will keep a reader unfamiliar with the story on their toes, and even some that are familiar with the story, but haven’t read it for a while like me.
I enjoy these simple stories sometimes and I could even sit here and draw parallels to Romeo and Juliet, but those have been done a million times.
My advice? Forget the critics, read what you enjoy, and be proud of it.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I acquired a copy of this book of my own free will from the public library. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 28, 2015
Review: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 18, 2007
Page Count: 544
Where I got it: Library
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 10.99
Format I read it in: Kindle
Description/Blurb:
Isabella Swan’s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife-between desire and danger.Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.
My Thoughts:
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After reading The Fault in Our Stars, I wanted a lighter read, so I went to my old standby, Twilight. Then, of course, I realized I have never actually written a formal review of this one, so here I am.
I will admit it, I have always enjoyed the story of this one. It will forever hold a special place in my heart. I had actually done it backwards and had seen the movie before the book, and then found out there was a book, and I went to the bookstore to get it.
Looking at it now, I can see where it could have been edited better, and I can see that the language is rather juvenile, but I still enjoy the story itself. Before picking up Twilight, I hadn’t read a book in quite some time. Now, I had always been an avid reader, but I just had had too much life happens kind of stuff to be able to spend any serious time in a book. Enter Twilight, an I haven’t stopped reading since. So really, the fact that I am writing reviews and reading so many books is all owed to Twilight. Yep, now you know who and what to blame!
I can accept it for what it is, though; a light, fun read that can help me remove myself from the struggles and trials of the life of being a grown up and allow me to enjoy a simple, guilty pleasure for a little while.
I know the book community is strongly divided and you either love or hate Twilight and the entire franchise for the various reasons that many others have hashed out and rehashed ad nauseum, so I am not going to go there.
Have you read Twilight and loved it? Hated it? What book drew you in and made you the reader you are today?
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I acquired a copy of this book of my own free will. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 26, 2015
ARC Review: Knightley and Son by Rohan Gavin #MyNetGalley
Title: Knightley & Son
Author: Rohan Gavin
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Publication Date: March 11, 2014
Page Count: 320
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 16.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
Publication Date: March 11, 2014 | Age Level: 10 – 12 | Grade Level: 4 – 6
The once highly in-demand detective Alan Knightley has just woken up after an unexplained incident kept him asleep for four years. While he was out cold, his son, Darkus, took it upon himself to read of all his dad’s old cases, and he’s learned a lot about the art of detection. It’s a good thing too-because suddenly the duo find themselves caught up in a crazy conspiracy that involves a group of villainous masterminds (who keep appearing and then vanishing), some high-speed car chases (that will have everyone fastening their seat belts), and a national, bestselling book with the power to make people do terrible, terrible things. But because Alan is still suffering the effects of his coma, he tends to, well, fall asleep at the worst possible moments, Meaning that young Darkus might just have to solve this mystery . . . by himself.
My Thoughts:
Knightley and Son by Rohan Gavin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was intrigued by this book when I first saw it come up as available on Netgalley, and decided I would give it a go. I had recently read some of the Artemis Fowl series and have become enthralled with middle grade reads.
I found the premise of this story unique and interesting, but at the same time, some of the themes seemed a bit mature for the target audience. While I feel that my middle grade reader could comfortably read this one, he is an advanced reader and the same may not hold true for others in the age group.
The story takes place in England, so the English is British English and not American English like most children here in the US are accustomed to. Though, the Harry Potter sect would be fine.
I did have a sense that something was missing throughout the story, and I was never able to put my finger on what exactly that was.
It took me a lot longer than it should have to finish reading this one, and it could be the sense of something missing in the story that contributed to that. I am really not sure.
Even with that, I found the story interesting enough to still warrant a 3 star rating. It was well edited and a fairly easy read for me. The last half, however, definitely went faster than the first half.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher and/or author via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 24, 2015
ARC Review: My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling #MyNetGalley
Title: My Ex From Hell (Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1)
Author: Tellulah Darling
Publisher: Te Da Media
Publication Date: April 1, 2013
Page Count: 272
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 11.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:
a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.
Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy teen yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.
Literally.
This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.
Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.
Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …
… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.
My Ex From Hell retells the Persephone legend in this YA romantic comedy book. It’s a Greek mythology smackdown as love meets comedy with a whole lot of sass in book one of this series. Compared to Kai and Sophie, Romeo and Juliet had it easy.
My Thoughts:
My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received this to review via netgalley.
I love stories about mythology. I love stories of empowered female main characters. So this one was a slam sunk.
I had recently read Meg Cabot’s series about the underworld, so I was a little worried this might be too similar, but that was definitely not the case at all.
This story was compelling and well written and unique enough to keep this rabid reader coming back for more.
When we learned Sophie’s secret, I was rather surprised. She id’s your average, every day teenager with a crummy home life. But her universe gets turned upside down. How do you think she handled it?
Oh, and Kai. Hmm. Typical bad boy to the nth degree. I hatred him, then almost liked him, right Nash to hearing him again. can’t wait to see what’s next!
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 22, 2015
ARC Review: Before by Melissa Pearl #MyNetGalley
Title: Before (Betwixt #0.5)
Author: Melissa Pearl
Page Count: 89
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 0.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
Dale Finnigan is a teenage rebel; he lives for parties, girls and joy riding in stolen cars. In spite of his uptight parents’ constant warnings and lectures, he continues to run wild. His crazy lifestyle is the only way he can live and feel free… Until his reckless behavior takes him down a path where there is no going back.
In this prequel to BETWIXT, find out who Dale Finnigan was before he became known as“scar-face”—the unassuming hero everyone underestimates.
WARNING: This book is intended for mature teens due to coarse language and mature content.
My Thoughts:
Before by Melissa Pearl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
WARNING: The author even prefaces this one saying it is a bit intense and strongly recommends that it be read by mature teens.
So, yeah, warning totally was necessary. There is a lot of bad language and a lot of adult situations.
My heart literally raced reading this one. I was freaking out every time Dale made a decision and shaking my head. My inner mom was screaming. This is the type of life I fear my children having.
Dale makes a lot of bad decisions in his life, but does any of it have a purpose? He is the son of a minister, so there are some pretty heavy religious undertones in this one, so if that bothers you, don’t read. If you are easily offended by teenage stupidity, definitely don’t read.
I actually found it kind of refreshing. A lot of teen drama shows bad behavior, but without any moral to it, anything good to come out of it. A lot of times, teen fictional characters act stupid just to act stupid, and no one learns anything. It was different with this one, and I am glad to see some diversity coming to play in young adult fiction. Overall, well written and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 20, 2015
ARC Review: To Catch A Vampire by Jennifer Harlow
Title: To Catch A Vampire
Author: Jennifer Harlow
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
Page Count: 290
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 9.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
CLASSIFIED: F.R.E.A.K.S. Do Dallas
Beatrice Alexander, telekinetic special agent, is still adjusting to life among the F.R.E.A.K.S. while wiping out zombies and other supernatural threats. When Bea learns about her “special assignment” investigating a series of human disappearances with Oliver Montrose, her gorgeous but annoying vampire co-worker, she reluctantly agrees to go undercover. Disguised as a married couple, they infiltrate the gothic vamp scene in Dallas. While sniffing out clues, Oliver’s convincing public—and not so public—displays of affection have Bea swooning in her bustier and fishnets. Between contending with her fake husband’s ex-lover Marianna and feeling guilty for hiding the mission from her werewolf crush Will, Bea discovers she’s not the only F.R.E.A.K. keeping secrets. Clubbing with the undead turns bloody when Oliver’s old enemy, the Lord of Dallas, decides to seek his revenge. Caught in the crossfire, Bea is up to her neck in blood-sucking trouble.
My Thoughts:
To Catch A Vampire by Jennifer Harlow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
2-1/2
I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book got off to a rather slow start. But in full confession mode, I had not read the first book in the series, so I do not know if that would have made a difference in the pacing if I had.
I have been reading a lot of young adult and dystopian fiction lately, so this was very definitely in a different category altogether. I think it is more a paranormal romance, with some more mature themes than young adult.
I rather disliked Oliver in the beginning, but toward the end he kind of grew on me a bit. Though, he does remind me of Eric from True Blood quite a bit.
Here’s the thing, though. I usually try to ignore editing when it is an ARC I am reading. With this one, though, it was really, really difficult. Some of the lack of editing was extremely distracting. The flow of the narrative was a bit awkward. It read more like a novel outline, and felt like there were chunks missing.
There were a lot of similarities to True Blood. This could have worked in the book’s favor but I just didn’t feel like It was done well enough. The whole lord and lady thing was awful similar to the King and Queen thing in True Blood.
It really just felt like it took a long time to get to the meat of the story, and then when you finally get into it, toward the last 15% or so of the book, the action felt extremely rushed.
The book had a lot of potential but it just felt like it fell short of that for me.
I will very likely read the rest of the series in the hopes that it improves. I really wanted to love it, but it was just okay for me.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 17, 2015
ARC Review: In Session by MJ Rose #MyNetGalley
Title: In Session
Author: M.J. Rose
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Publication Date: October 21, 2014
Page Count: 62
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 2.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
In Session: Dr. Morgan Snow with Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher & Barry Eisler’s John Rain
IN SESSION from international bestseller M.J. Rose, features the return of Dr. Morgan Snow, in a brand-new story collection!
As a therapist specializing in sexual issues, psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow isn’t easily shocked, or shaken, as readers of the popular “Butterfield Institute” novels know. There are times, however, when the need for her services leads her out of the office… and into unfamiliar worlds.
In these stories the therapist matches her wits -and her training – against three men of mystery: Jack Reacher, John Rain, and Cotton Malone.
Those characters are, of course, familiar to readers as the creations, respectively, of NYT bestselling authors Lee Child, Barry Eisler, and Steve Berry. All three swore that their characters would never agree to therapy – unless Rose found a way to get then there. And she did.
In EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES with Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone, a woman seeks help for her lover, and sends Dr. Snow overseas on a most unusual house call….
DECISIONS, DECISIONS where Barry Eisler’s John Rain forces Dr. Snow out of her own comfort zone, and into the world of a former patient’s worst nightmare…
And KNOWING YOU’RE ALIVE with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher results in revelations for both the injured Dr. Snow, and her unexpected savior/patient…
All the proceeds of the audio book and a share of the proceeds of the ebook will be donated to David Baldacci’s Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (wishyouwellfoundation.org/)
These characters are the creations, respectively, of NYT bestselling authors Lee Child, Barry Eisler, and Steve Berry, and are used with their full knowledge and participation.
My Thoughts:
In Session by M.J. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
WARNING: Very Adult content, as one character is a sex therapist. This is not suitable for younger readers.
This one intrigued me. Combining characters from the works of 4 different authors. And it truly did not disappoint.
The glimpse of the characters in a setting outside of their usual element was fascinating. This was well written and you can tell that there was collaboration by the original creators of the characters of Rain, Jack Reacher, and Cotton Malone. I found it refreshing, partly because I have mostly read YA of late, but also because it stripped away the fact that authors are only out to compete with themselves. I think more authors should submit to projects like this. Loved it, and want to read more about Dr. Snow as a result.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 15, 2015
Review: The One by Kiera Cass
Title: The One (The election #3)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
Page Count: 337
Where I got it: Barnes and Noble
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 17.99
Format I read it in: Ebook
Description/Blurb:
When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.
My Thoughts:
The One by Kiera Cass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bear with me because I am not sure if I can properly put this one into words. And if you haven’t read the first two books in this series, well, you want to walk away right now because I cannot review the end of a series without spoiling things from earlier books.
My emotions are on overdrive right now and maybe I should have slept on it before I wrote the review for this book. But, I was afraid that if I did not put my thoughts down on paper now, I would not be able to sleep.
There are very few books in print to date that have been able to elicit both anger and sadness and tears of joy within pages of each other. This was definitely one of them.
To experience such a wide range of emotions within the pages of a single novel, that to me is the sign of a great story. Very few writers out there today have the ability to do this, and yet Kiera Cass has done so in spades.
My heart is still racing. The author managed to grab many moments of tragedy, weave them with moments of sincere joy, and wrap it up in a nice, neat package. My one regret is that I feel like I wish there was more. How do they accomplish the goals they set out to accomplish? Are the ones they believe to be allies really on their side? What happens a year down the road? Two?
As much of a roller coaster as the main plotline is, the subplots are just as capable of inducing the adrenaline rush. The character of Aspen evolves so much in this story, I almost feel like he could have had a book of his own.
We see new friendships formed and old ones shifting. We find alliances in the strangest of places. This is one of those that you just have to read, and you will probably have to reread at least a time or two to fully grasp everything. I feel like I could read this one again tomorrow and find so many things that I missed the first time around. I am just as sad to see this series end as I am emotional about the twists and turns the story took. I still have tears in my eyes and chills down my spine. Well done!
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I purchased this book of my own free will. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 13, 2015
Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Title: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Page Count: 431
Where I got it: Borrowed
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 9.99
Description/Blurb:
“A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.
It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend.”
From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.
Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.
Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena’s world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie…and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.
My Thoughts:
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First off, to review this book without giving away things that happened in the first would be nearly impossible, so let me just apologize ahead of time.
The level of emotion swelling around in my brain right now is nearly immeasurable. I am both shocked, awed, and immensely angry all at once. I am not entirely sure how to put that all into words, but I am going to do my best.
This book rocked me to my very core. I am a latecomer to this series, but now I am sitting here chomping at the bit like the rest of you. Part of me is cursing the fact that the next installment does not come out until September, while the other part of me immediately went to Netgalley to see if it was up, and now I am sitting with fingers crossed until I find out whether or not I will be approved to review it.
Crown of Midnight is a book that is so well written, and so beautifully continues where the first leaves off that you felt like there was no wait at all. Where some series, I feel like I almost have to reread the prior book(s) because I have forgotten what has happened, this author does a beautiful job of incorporating in the backstory, both the parts that we already read and the bits of backstory that we could only guess at.
In the back of my mind, I had harbored the thought and the hope that the ending of this one would play out the way it did, but another part of me was thinking it was just not possible.
The world building in this series is fantastic, as is the incorporations of bits of lore that we all know and love, built out to become an amazing story. If you are a fan of the young adult fantasy genre, then this is an absolute must read. If you read and enjoyed Jennifer Nielsen’s Ascendence Trilogy, this one is right up your alley.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I acquired this book of my own accord. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
January 11, 2015
#Boutofbooks Days 4-6 update
I know, I kind of disappeared. Had some life things happen that impeded the reading process. But hoping to get some pages under my belt today. I hope to get at least another 50 pages in so that I can at least say I read like 300 pages this week. Wish me luck!
