YA and Beyond discussion

167 views
BOOKS TO DISCUSS > What are you currently reading #2

Comments Showing 151-200 of 1,381 (1381 new)    post a comment »

message 151: by Ashley Marie (new)

Ashley Marie Hamilton The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda came in the mail yesterday and I'm devouring it <333


message 152: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Jenny wrote: "David wrote: "Jenny wrote: "I finished my reread of The Queen of Zombie Hearts (White Rabbit Chronicles, #3) by Gena Showalter and I liked this one much better the second time. Also finished a beta read I was doing.

Next I'..."


Awesome!!!!


message 153: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments I finished Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys and it was SO GOOD! 5 star read, easy. I liked it even better than Out of the Easy. This was a heartbreaking story, told in 4 different POVs from teens caught up in the middle of the war. The writing is excellent, and kept me turning the pages until late in the night!

I started The Conspiracy of Us (The Conspiracy of Us, #1) by Maggie Hall in audio, the narrator is Julia Whelan :) I'm not far in, but I'm already hooked!

Next I'm reading The Reckoning (Darkest Powers, #3) by Kelley Armstrong


message 154: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 6961 comments Mod
Salt to the Sea sounds good Jenny!


message 155: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments I finished The Reckoning (Darkest Powers, #3) by Kelley Armstrong 3.5 stars
This was overall a good conclusion the trilogy. Plenty of action and things happening! But there was still a lot left to "finish" by the end, especially with the agency and all those other kids. It could have used another book to tie up all the loose ends.

Next I'm reading The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack and The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi


message 156: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments Heidi (Yup. Still here.) wrote: "Salt to the Sea sounds good Jenny!"

It was really good :)


message 157: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 6961 comments Mod
Jenny wrote: "I finished The Reckoning (Darkest Powers, #3) by Kelley Armstrong 3.5 stars
This was overall a good conclusion the trilogy. Plenty of action and things happening! But there was still a lot left to "finish" by the end, ..."


I read the first Darkest Power book but it is not really my genre so I didn't carry on with the remainder.


message 158: by Brigid ✩ (new)

Brigid ✩ | 2471 comments Mod
I remember really enjoying the Darkest Powers books back in high school ... at this point I don't really remember anything that happened in them, though. :D


message 159: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Jenny wrote: "I finished Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys and it was SO GOOD! 5 star read, easy. I liked it even better than Out of the Easy. This was a heartbreaking story, told in 4 different POVs from tee..."

Awesome! So glad you enjoyed SttS :)

And yay, Julia Whelan! My award-winning narrator LOL!


message 160: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments I just finished Wendigo's Under the Empyrean Sky series. It is a crazy series, sort of reminded me a little of Gone by Michael Grant in terms of overall craziness LOL. Which, of course, means I really enjoyed it!


message 161: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Now I'm starting The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1) by Marie Rutkoski


message 162: by Ashley Marie (new)

Ashley Marie David wrote: "Now I'm starting The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1) by Marie Rutkoski"

I hope you like it better than I did, David! LOL


message 163: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Oh no! Really, Ashley? I've been sorely disappointed in the last few YA over-hyped high fantasy novels I've read, including Snow Like Ashes and Red Queen. An Ember in the Ashes was a bit better, but still didn't meet my lofty expectations. I really lowered my expectations for Six of Crows, however, and really enjoyed that one! LOL I hope this one isn't another DNF for me!


message 164: by Ashley Marie (new)

Ashley Marie Ember didn't impress me -- Tahir has great potential but the whole love-square was a big turn-off. I did like Snow Like Ashes though.

Winner's Curse... see, I know so many people who love this trilogy, but I read WC earlier this year and I'm still amazed I didn't DNF. By the end of it I was just having a good time disliking it, if that makes any sense ;)


message 165: by Brigid ✩ (new)

Brigid ✩ | 2471 comments Mod
I've been torn about trying Winner's Curse––I've heard so many things about it, and yet I have a feeling I might not like it. :P But maybe I will still give it a shot eventually.

I just finished my re-read of:

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2) by Maggie Stiefvater

Ahhh so good!! It was my third read of it, and I love it more than ever. ;)

Naturally, next I'm going to re-read:

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

I haven't re-read this one before, so I'm excited to see how I feel about it this time! And hopefully I can finish it before my copy of book 4 comes in the mail on Tuesday. *bites nails*


message 166: by [deleted user] (new)

I dident care for winners curse either, dont care for most dystopians so I should just stop picking them up.
ember was good but not amazing as others think.


Donna (BookDragonGirl) (bookdragongirl) Finished Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales, #1) by Holly Black and loved it!! Now just starting Seven Years (Seven, #1) by Dannika Dark and The Calling (Endgame, #1) by James Frey , which I just got from the library.


message 168: by [deleted user] (new)

finished Liv, Forever by Amy Talkington not impressed
starting Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle, #1) by Rachel Hawkins


message 169: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 6961 comments Mod
I was not as in love with Rebel Belle as I wanted to be Oda. Hope you enjoy it more than I did :)


message 170: by [deleted user] (new)

Heidi (Yup. Still here.) wrote: "I was not as in love with Rebel Belle as I wanted to be Oda. Hope you enjoy it more than I did :)"

Oh. huh.
Me too.


message 171: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments I finished A Tyranny of Petticoats 15 Stories of Belles, Bank Robbers & Other Badass Girls by Jessica Spotswood and it was so fun! A few stories were heartbreaking, but all had great themes and great MCs!

Started The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack in ebook, and I don't know what I think of it yet. It started out strong, but now I'm a bit bored. The author asked me to read it, I read his first book a few years ago and LOVED it, so I was hoping to love this. I'm not too far in, so I'll give it a bit!

Just started The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi Not far in, but its AMAZING so far! This will be an intense read!

Also listening to The Conspiracy of Us (The Conspiracy of Us, #1) by Maggie Hall narrated by Julia Whelan, and its REALLY GOOD! I'm about 2/3 of the way through.

Next I'm going to read A Mad Zombie Party (White Rabbit Chronicles, #4) by Gena Showalter can't wait!


message 172: by [deleted user] (new)

I finished Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle, #1) by Rachel Hawkins Abselutely love it.

starting Found (Mickey Bolitar, #3) by Harlan Coben now.


message 173: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments David wrote: "Now I'm starting The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1) by Marie Rutkoski"

I really liked The Winner's Curse, and the sequel. Not the best ever, but it was a fun read for me! I can't wait to read the final book, I just got it recently!


message 174: by *b*l*u*e*m*o*o*n* (new)

*b*l*u*e*m*o*o*n* | 986 comments Mod
I've been meaning to pick up Winner's Curse as well, since I've heard nothing but good things about it. Now tho, I'm a bit hesitant. booo...

ODA: glad that you like Rebel Belle, but like Heidi, I didn't enjoy that much either.


message 175: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Oda wrote: "I dident care for winners curse either, dont care for most dystopians so I should just stop picking them up.
ember was good but not amazing as others think."


Winner's Curse isn't dystopian, are you confusing it with another book? It is high fantasy.


message 176: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments I'm still on the fence about Winner's Curse, at about 30% in. A couple of times I was like, "Here we go again..." because it had so many of the same high fantasy cliches that have been causing me to DNF a bunch of them. But then I would read a little further and something new would catch my attention. I DO like the author's writing, and she is great at subtlety and nuance, which I can appreciate. However, I'm really worried it's going to be too predictable. If I'm wrong, I might end up really enjoying it though!


message 177: by [deleted user] (new)

huh,
I heard it described as dustopian.. anyhow dident like it.


message 178: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 6961 comments Mod
I had Winner's Curse in my not to read pile - someone I trust must not have liked it. Not sure who.


message 179: by Jenny (last edited Apr 23, 2016 01:24PM) (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments Oda wrote: "huh,
I heard it described as dustopian.. anyhow dident like it."


It was kind of a cross between a dystopian and high fantasy IMO. I could see it being described as either :)


message 180: by Kristina (new)

Kristina (kristinalawhead) Began Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas in preparation for BookCon, and I'm really enjoying it!


message 181: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Jenny wrote: "Oda wrote: "huh,
I heard it described as dustopian.. anyhow dident like it."

It was kind of a cross between a dystopian and high fantasy IMO. I could see it being described as either :)"


Maybe the dystopian elements are still to come, I'm only 35% in. Dystopian is a subgenre of Science Fiction, and the world would generally be based on our current society, but set years in the future where thinks have gotten a lot worse. So far, this seems like a whole new world invented by the author (high fantasy) with no links to our current society. And there's certainly no SciFi elements, unless that is also coming further on (or at least an explanation why technology is non-existent in this world).

At the end of the day, I guess it doesn't really matter what you call it, as long as it is a good book! I'm still deciding whether I like it, but at least I haven't put it down yet :P


message 182: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Kristina wrote: "Began Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas in preparation for BookCon, and I'm really enjoying it!"

Awesome! Love that series!


message 183: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments David wrote: "Jenny wrote: "Oda wrote: "huh,
I heard it described as dustopian.. anyhow dident like it."

It was kind of a cross between a dystopian and high fantasy IMO. I could see it being described as either..."


"Dystopia" translated from Greek roughly means: a community or society that is undesirable or frightening. So that's how I think of Dystopian, although most of it is futuristic with Sci-Fi elements. It doesn't have to be in the future to my way of thinking. There have been plenty of "dystopian societies" in the past! And sometimes I see some crossover a bit with fantasy, like Throne of Glass for example. I do think of that one as high fantasy (which it is), but at times it really does remind me of a dystopian. You've got your evil dictator, ruling over all, and a group of rebels trying to overthrow said dictator. But it is all within a high fantasy world.

Also, Sci-Fi is actually is a broad genre of fiction that often involves speculations based on current OR future science or technology. Most of it is futuristic as well, but its really the technology that defines Sci-Fi. For example, All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill takes place around our current date to start, then moves to the future...but its really the technology that makes the time travel possible that makes it Sci-Fi. To my way of thinking anyways :)

Anyways, to each his own! There's a lot of different ways to categorize genres, and there's so much crossover! And as for the dystopian in this society, David, most of that is still to come! I love the last half of that book, it completely took off for me!


message 184: by David (last edited Apr 25, 2016 03:26PM) (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Jenny wrote: "David wrote: "Jenny wrote: "Oda wrote: "huh,
I heard it described as dustopian.. anyhow dident like it."

It was kind of a cross between a dystopian and high fantasy IMO. I could see it being descr..."


Well I look forward to seeing the dystopian elements later on then, I might just be surprised! So far it's just a land that's been conquered by another kingdom, with horses and fighting and spies and subversion, all of which I like, but scream High Fantasy all the way :)

Though I still must disagree with the broad definition of the dystopian genre when it comes to literature. Yes, that is the definition of the word dystopian, but when it comes to books I think that is way too broad as then almost every high fantasy novel could be called dystopian, as well as many contemporary novels set in frightening real-life places. I guess I think of subgenres as needing to be a little more specific in order to provide value to a reader looking for a certain type of book. For example, Fantasy is a very broad genre, but then has numerous subgenres, like High Fantasy (Throne of Glass, Lord of the Rings, The Winner's Curse, Game of Thrones, etc.) Urban Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Low Fantasy, etc. Dystopian, for me, is another example of a subgenre that makes me think of books that are directly linked to a real society gone bad.

I agree with what you said about Science Fiction, that was exactly the point I was making. Science Fiction is a broad header genre, like Fantasy, and has numerous subgenres beneath it, like time travel, space operas, dystopian, cyborgs, aliens, and many others. Regardless, all SciFi books either have an element of advanced technology, or an explanation of why technology has been wiped out.

I'll keep reading and see what I think by the end, now I'm REALLY curious to find out what's to come :) :) :)


message 185: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments And sorry for the long response, I tend to think about genres A LOT, as well as deal with them because Amazon makes me choose my genres very carefully when I publish a book. They have broad genres that then drill down to subgenres, which is more or less what I was explaining above. I actually hate the part where I have to pick only one or two genres, because not only could it make or break a book, but most books these days DO combine genres.


message 186: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 6961 comments Mod
Genres can be a very tricky thing David!


message 187: by David (new)

David Estes (davidestesbooks) | 836 comments Agreed! A new tactic authors are doing is classifying their books as Romance even if that is not the main aim of the book. Romance sells better than anything else!


message 188: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 6961 comments Mod
I didn't know that David. Weird. I like romance in my books but generally don't seek out romances as a genre so I must not be the target reader!


message 189: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments David wrote: "And sorry for the long response, I tend to think about genres A LOT, as well as deal with them because Amazon makes me choose my genres very carefully when I publish a book. They have broad genres ..."

No worries! And I myself do think of The Winner's Curse as more high fantasy, I was just explaining why I think others might classify it as a cross with Dystopian too.

And I understand why you, as a writer, have to classify it as you do, to fit in with the publishing world. That makes perfect sense. I think the publishing world has done this particular classification a disservice. I think Dystopian should be its own genre, not as a classified subgenre. The reason it crops up everywhere and in so many books is because its part of our everyday societies. I think the distinction to whether its true dystopian or not has nothing to do with Sci-Fi or futuristic setting, but as to whether the themes of dystopia are most prevalent in the book. So, for example, going back to Throne of Glass--in my head its high fantasy. Dystopian elements are there and are noticeable, but most of the story is concentrated with the fantasy element. The Winner's Curse I'd say the same, BUT the dystopian themes are a bit more prevalent, so some might say its a cross genre with Fantasy/Dystopian.

Anyways, in my own head, I think the main genres in fiction in literature are Contemporary, Classic, Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Sci-Fi, Mystery, and Dystopian. With sub-categories to all of those. I think the publishing world is dragging their heels (like they always do) at recognizing the Dystopian themes in books. But, hey, that's just my opinion *shrugs* Again, I can see completely why, as a writer, you'd stick with their rules. I'm not great at following a lot of rules of society, I'm afraid :P

Again, to each his own!


message 190: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments David wrote: "Agreed! A new tactic authors are doing is classifying their books as Romance even if that is not the main aim of the book. Romance sells better than anything else!"

I COMPLETELY believe this! Romance, erotica, NA Romance is EVERYWHERE now! This Saturday I'm going to a book convention that's about 90 minutes away with my mom. Her friend lives there, so we are driving up Friday night to stay with her. The event cost $2 to get in, and there will be different panels and things. This is a small potatoes book event, with mostly Indie and self-published writers. I wasn't expecting anything huge...but yesterday, I went through the list of authors that will be there. There's about 60 or so I think. And 3/4 of them are some kind of romance! I mean, I like romance and all when I'm in the right mood (although erotica isn't really my thing, the more graphic, the more EWWW for me!) but come on. Most of these novels I'm sure are a dime a dozen. And do you know how many NA romances I can read for free on Kindle Unlimited? LOL

BUT, there are about 8 or so authors I'm interested in checking out, all in the fantasy, Sci-Fi, or mystery genres. And Kelly Van Hull will be there! I've read both her books for review and liked them, so it will be fun to get to meet her!

Anyways, I'm not surprised by this at all. If you're going a self-pub a book, romance seems to be the way to go, according to the majority!


message 191: by [deleted user] (new)

I love the discussion that has started here.
Dont worry David, its part of the fun of the group. Discussions like this.
Also am studying to become a librerian, and we are learning about genres this week.


message 192: by Brigid ✩ (last edited Apr 26, 2016 03:41PM) (new)

Brigid ✩ | 2471 comments Mod
Wow, good discussion about genre! I hadn't really thought about the overlap between dystopian/sci-fi/fantasy. I guess I generally think of dystopia as being more of a sci-fi thing, but I've definitely read some fantasies that could qualify as dystopian too. I think usually fantasy trumps the dystopian aspect for me though, if that makes sense. But also a lot of books could be considered either fantasy or sci-fi, so that further complicates things, lol. I'm probably not making any sense. :D


message 193: by Brigid ✩ (new)

Brigid ✩ | 2471 comments Mod
Anyway! Yesterday I finished re-reading:

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Aaaand now I'm FINALLY reading:

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle, #4) by Maggie Stiefvater

Which I love so far! Amazon messed up the pre-orders, so even though I was supposed to get a (physical) copy of the book today, it was majorly delayed and I might not get it for a few weeks/months. *grrrrr* But I just bought the ebook because I could not wait. :)


message 194: by Elora (new)

Elora Mitchell | 578 comments Oh my goodness. I just finished TRK and it was so good. Stiefvater did not write these novels, she crafted them. :)


message 195: by Kristen (new)

Kristen Taber | 506 comments David wrote: "Agreed! A new tactic authors are doing is classifying their books as Romance even if that is not the main aim of the book. Romance sells better than anything else!"

Geez. Maybe it's time for me to publish my romance series then!

Just stopping by to check up on everyone. Been crazy here lately, so no new books started yet, but I still have The Scorpio Races next in line. I asked for a Kindle Paperwhite for Mother's Day, since it has a light (and my old one is super old). Fingers crossed I get it. Then I can read a bit more at night without waking anyone up :).

I did loan my Lunar Chronicles to a friend and got her hooked, so I feel good about that. She may wind up getting Winter done long before I ever do!


message 196: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (juliababyjen) | 1572 comments I finished The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack and I ended up really liking it! It was so refreshingly unique!

Also finished A Mad Zombie Party (White Rabbit Chronicles, #4) by Gena Showalter and also really liked it! It was great getting a new perspective, and getting inside Frosty's head! I really like that guy.

Moved on to reading Calamity (Reckoners, #3) by Brandon Sanderson and totally into it! I love this series, the action and creativity of the characters of the world building is great. This one's also LOL funny! The jokes are SO CHEESY (made by the MC) you can't help but laugh!


message 197: by Kristen (new)

Kristen Taber | 506 comments Oooh, Jenny, Calamity looks like a great fun read. Adding that. Thanks!


message 198: by Brigid ✩ (new)

Brigid ✩ | 2471 comments Mod
Finished:

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle, #4) by Maggie Stiefvater

Wow wow wow. It was just. So good. I will miss the characters with all my heart. What a gorgeous and wonderful series. <3

Next I think I'll probably read:

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2) by V.E. Schwab


message 199: by Ashley Marie (new)

Ashley Marie WOW, B! Did you stay up all night reading?? lol


message 200: by Brigid ✩ (new)

Brigid ✩ | 2471 comments Mod
Hahaha no I didn't! Although I considered it. ;) I started it around 2 pm yesterday and basically read it all evening. And then I got up early-ish this morning to finish it. I tried not to blaze through it too fast, but I just couldn't resist (and I was afraid of seeing spoilers on the internet, lol).


back to top