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The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
Should I have found this book as funny as I did? Because I laughed so much during it that I can't help but feel bad. But everything did work itself out in the end so it makes it all acceptable? Down With the Shine is definitely one of the most uniquely funny, fun, and interesting book I have read in a while. I was genuinely sad and disappointed that I finished it, I wished it would have continued on because there is so much I want to know.
Lennie Cash is famous in her town. Why? Because her Daddy dragged her along on a robbery spree that killed two people when she was a child. And she isn't famous in the sense that "aw that poor child" she is famous for being a bad influence, a reputation she got because of her father. When the story opens, you get a brief look of her childhood, and then it goes straight into the story. Several months ago Lennie's best friend Dylan was murdered, chopped to pieces, put inside Lennie's suitcase and left. Lennie lives under the feeling that it should have been her, and she should have done more to stop it when she decides that it is time to live. Lennie never meant to cause trouble with the moonshine, she didn't even know of the powers until the next morning, when W2 came knocking on the door with "balls of steel." The night that Lennie unknowingly grants wishes she grants a wish for Dylan's twin brother Smith (who she is stuck holding hands with for the next day, and he hates her.) and her own wish for Dylan to be at home safe in bed. True lesson of this book: Wishes can be cool, but be careful what you wish for.
I loved Lennie's character, obviously she had a rough childhood and an even rougher time after Dylan's murder. She unknowingly caused a huge mess, and even though she could have left it alone she did everything in her power she could to fix it. Lennie was sassy, witty, and extremely sarcastic all through out the novel, making me laugh with the things she said and did.
It is hard to talk about the romance in this book because it is over a one day period of time, and it's with Smith. (Dylan's twin who hates her, but Lennie is secretly in love with) So the whole insta-love thing is down the drain because feelings were already there before the book even started. I felt it to be awkward and strange under the circumstances? I just really wasn't feeling it for this book. It could have did with out the romance, but it also makes sense to have it in there. (especially for the ending)
The only issue I had with this book was the magic building. Fine, the moonshine grants wishes. It explains how, but why? Where does the power come from? What were the other magical creatures her father collected? Is there going to be another book so I can find out? I wish some things were clarified. That was my only issue.
I loved the ending of this book. Lennie did a really brave thing, and I admire her character for that. Up until right before that part, I had no clue how this book was going to end. This was not how I expected it at all, and because of that I can't help but adore Quinn's writing now. Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to pick up some of Quinn's other books!
Should I have found this book as funny as I did? Because I laughed so much during it that I can't help but feel bad. But everything did work itself out in the end so it makes it all acceptable? Down With the Shine is definitely one of the most uniquely funny, fun, and interesting book I have read in a while. I was genuinely sad and disappointed that I finished it, I wished it would have continued on because there is so much I want to know.
Lennie Cash is famous in her town. Why? Because her Daddy dragged her along on a robbery spree that killed two people when she was a child. And she isn't famous in the sense that "aw that poor child" she is famous for being a bad influence, a reputation she got because of her father. When the story opens, you get a brief look of her childhood, and then it goes straight into the story. Several months ago Lennie's best friend Dylan was murdered, chopped to pieces, put inside Lennie's suitcase and left. Lennie lives under the feeling that it should have been her, and she should have done more to stop it when she decides that it is time to live. Lennie never meant to cause trouble with the moonshine, she didn't even know of the powers until the next morning, when W2 came knocking on the door with "balls of steel." The night that Lennie unknowingly grants wishes she grants a wish for Dylan's twin brother Smith (who she is stuck holding hands with for the next day, and he hates her.) and her own wish for Dylan to be at home safe in bed. True lesson of this book: Wishes can be cool, but be careful what you wish for.
I loved Lennie's character, obviously she had a rough childhood and an even rougher time after Dylan's murder. She unknowingly caused a huge mess, and even though she could have left it alone she did everything in her power she could to fix it. Lennie was sassy, witty, and extremely sarcastic all through out the novel, making me laugh with the things she said and did.
It is hard to talk about the romance in this book because it is over a one day period of time, and it's with Smith. (Dylan's twin who hates her, but Lennie is secretly in love with) So the whole insta-love thing is down the drain because feelings were already there before the book even started. I felt it to be awkward and strange under the circumstances? I just really wasn't feeling it for this book. It could have did with out the romance, but it also makes sense to have it in there. (especially for the ending)
The only issue I had with this book was the magic building. Fine, the moonshine grants wishes. It explains how, but why? Where does the power come from? What were the other magical creatures her father collected? Is there going to be another book so I can find out? I wish some things were clarified. That was my only issue.
I loved the ending of this book. Lennie did a really brave thing, and I admire her character for that. Up until right before that part, I had no clue how this book was going to end. This was not how I expected it at all, and because of that I can't help but adore Quinn's writing now. Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to pick up some of Quinn's other books!
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
Everyone knows how I feel about over hyped books, I typically don't like that. The Star-Touched Queen was a different story. The Star-Touched Queen transports us to a world unlike our own, rich in mythology and the desire to turn things right for the ones you love, The Star-Touched Queen will have you in its clutches from the first page to the last.
I really adore Maya's character, born with a horoscope of death and destruction to the man she marries. Do to this she is looked downed by the Raja's wives and the other children in the palace. Maya has learned to make the best of it though. At night she tells her younger half-sister about the night bazaar, and stories of pure mythology. Stories that she thought were just myths. One night to Raja offers Maya a way out and end a war they been fighting. To take a poison as she chooses the man she will would marry. The ultimate sacrifice, just as Maya comes to terms with her death a stranger comes to the rescue, and Maya claims him as her husband. Amar shows her the night bazaar (the one she told her sister was just myth) and brings her to his kingdom where she will be his equal. But the deeper Maya falls in the more secrets she learns, ultimately making a devastating mistake.
I loved Maya's growth through out the novel, she went from a timid girl who was just trying to get through her days to a fierce queen who would do anything for the people she loves the most. Amar was a harder character to read, as a reader you don't know much but the fact he saved Maya and he he leaves every morning before Maya wakes, and doesn't join her for dinner. There a certain part in The Star-Touched Queen that you debate who Amar really is, as in the secrets he has been hiding from Maya making him the bad guys or the good guy.
As for the romance I was a little disappointed, I can count on my hand the amount of kisses or "Steamy" scenes there were. I expected a a lot more then was included in the novel. But that my expectation, I know in past lives there was plenty of those but I wish they were included.
My only problem was I found The Star-Touched Queen challenging to follow at times, now I'm not sure that was just me or other people found it a little bit of a challenge as well. I did get the main gist of what was going on but it was a little disheartening considering I loved the story so much and had very high expectations for it.
I have a lot of love in my heart for this book, I really want more. I wasn't aware it was going to be a stand alone, so I was expected more adventures with Amar and Maya. If anyone is having any hesitations about reading this book, I will tell you to go for it. For me, it was worth every minute I spent reading it.
Everyone knows how I feel about over hyped books, I typically don't like that. The Star-Touched Queen was a different story. The Star-Touched Queen transports us to a world unlike our own, rich in mythology and the desire to turn things right for the ones you love, The Star-Touched Queen will have you in its clutches from the first page to the last.
I really adore Maya's character, born with a horoscope of death and destruction to the man she marries. Do to this she is looked downed by the Raja's wives and the other children in the palace. Maya has learned to make the best of it though. At night she tells her younger half-sister about the night bazaar, and stories of pure mythology. Stories that she thought were just myths. One night to Raja offers Maya a way out and end a war they been fighting. To take a poison as she chooses the man she will would marry. The ultimate sacrifice, just as Maya comes to terms with her death a stranger comes to the rescue, and Maya claims him as her husband. Amar shows her the night bazaar (the one she told her sister was just myth) and brings her to his kingdom where she will be his equal. But the deeper Maya falls in the more secrets she learns, ultimately making a devastating mistake.
I loved Maya's growth through out the novel, she went from a timid girl who was just trying to get through her days to a fierce queen who would do anything for the people she loves the most. Amar was a harder character to read, as a reader you don't know much but the fact he saved Maya and he he leaves every morning before Maya wakes, and doesn't join her for dinner. There a certain part in The Star-Touched Queen that you debate who Amar really is, as in the secrets he has been hiding from Maya making him the bad guys or the good guy.
As for the romance I was a little disappointed, I can count on my hand the amount of kisses or "Steamy" scenes there were. I expected a a lot more then was included in the novel. But that my expectation, I know in past lives there was plenty of those but I wish they were included.
My only problem was I found The Star-Touched Queen challenging to follow at times, now I'm not sure that was just me or other people found it a little bit of a challenge as well. I did get the main gist of what was going on but it was a little disheartening considering I loved the story so much and had very high expectations for it.
I have a lot of love in my heart for this book, I really want more. I wasn't aware it was going to be a stand alone, so I was expected more adventures with Amar and Maya. If anyone is having any hesitations about reading this book, I will tell you to go for it. For me, it was worth every minute I spent reading it.
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
This was on of my most anticipated of 2016, but it just fell short to me. What I was hoping would be a five star was actually a two star for me. *Sighs*
Likes:
-The characters that take after the actual Alice in Wonderland characters! So much love for that aspect, they pop up in characters that you wouldn't expect but it was really awesome how Oakes weaved them into the story.
-The fact that this is an Alice in Wonderland retelling!
-The last chapter of the book, I am quite curious what is going to happen next (Yes, I plan on reading on despite my rating)
Dislikes:
-For a lot of the book I felt like there was no plot. There is two occasions that there is actually a plot for, and even then they just fell short. The first one was a game of chance, and Dinah and Wardley pulled it off, but it just didn't add up. The last was the last few chapters of the book, and even then I wasn't sure what to expect.
-Time jumps. There are a lot of them.
-Dinah was incredibly immature in my opinion. She was very harsh to her half sister, ungrateful, and bratty. I felt for her age she could have been a lot more mature then what she was.
-So many questions are left unanswered or not answered at all. The end of the book only raised more. Who was the stranger in Dinah's room? Why is her father like that? Why this and why that. I am just frustrated that I'm more confused then anything with how this book played out.
-The romance (if you can call it a romance???) was awkward and seemed to be one sided.
Overall I am not impressed. Do to my love for all things Alice and Wonderland I will continue the series because it does have my interest, I just hope that some of these problems will be resolved in the next books.
This was on of my most anticipated of 2016, but it just fell short to me. What I was hoping would be a five star was actually a two star for me. *Sighs*
Likes:
-The characters that take after the actual Alice in Wonderland characters! So much love for that aspect, they pop up in characters that you wouldn't expect but it was really awesome how Oakes weaved them into the story.
-The fact that this is an Alice in Wonderland retelling!
-The last chapter of the book, I am quite curious what is going to happen next (Yes, I plan on reading on despite my rating)
Dislikes:
-For a lot of the book I felt like there was no plot. There is two occasions that there is actually a plot for, and even then they just fell short. The first one was a game of chance, and Dinah and Wardley pulled it off, but it just didn't add up. The last was the last few chapters of the book, and even then I wasn't sure what to expect.
-Time jumps. There are a lot of them.
-Dinah was incredibly immature in my opinion. She was very harsh to her half sister, ungrateful, and bratty. I felt for her age she could have been a lot more mature then what she was.
-So many questions are left unanswered or not answered at all. The end of the book only raised more. Who was the stranger in Dinah's room? Why is her father like that? Why this and why that. I am just frustrated that I'm more confused then anything with how this book played out.
-The romance (if you can call it a romance???) was awkward and seemed to be one sided.
Overall I am not impressed. Do to my love for all things Alice and Wonderland I will continue the series because it does have my interest, I just hope that some of these problems will be resolved in the next books.
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
I simply adore Megan Shepherd's writing. I loved her The Madman's Daughter trilogy and I am loving The Cage trilogy so far. Packed full of action, suspense, the unexpected and sacrificing the things you love the most to save yourself. Just when you thought the stakes couldn't get and higher, they do.
After Cora's failed escape attempt and the shocking reveal that Cassian is the mysterious Warden. Instead of being locked away in a prison cell for the rest of her life she is put to work in a safari menagerie (a hang out for the Kindred to uncloaked and enjoy human pleasures) but Cora isn't done fighting yet. With a chance of freeing humanity only days away Cora trains and strains her minds to do the impossible. (Levitate objects, reads mind and more.)But with the sizzling tension between Cassian and Cora things more complicated then they both expected. With the help of Leon, Lucky and a few others locked away with her Cora hopes she can gain her freedom and the rest of humanity's. *This is a spoiler free run down of the book*
The book is told in alternating point of views, Cora, Lucky, Mali, Rolf, Leon and Nok. Each going through a different experience or a different view point on what would happen next.
Cora- A majority of the book is told in Cora's point of view, so I have more to say about her then other characters. Cora is fierce. I found a lot of character growth in her this book then I did previously. Though she made stupid choices that did work out in the end, and some that failed she stayed true to what she believed in. I also think her feelings for Cassian and the ones she battled played a huge role and in what she sacrificed. I'm excited to see how she will lead the others and save humanity in final book of the series.
Lucky- At the end of the The Cage I believed Lucky to be a bad guy, but it was their enclosure that made him like that. I loved seeing the character he developed into through out The Hunt. I liked that Shepherd kept most of her characters together on the safari instead of separating them like she did to Nok and Rolf. But the ending made me tear up a bit. I won't spoil it for you all but you will see what I mean.
Mali- I really love Mali. We learn a little more about her in this book, but I don't have much to say about her. I liked that she is developing feelings for Leon and questioning all the things that she believed the Kindred have told her.
Rolf and Nok- I put them together for one reason: they finally grew on me. I despised them in the first book, and I guess I still do a little but they are stuck in a research facility for the Kindred to study the human customs when a couple is expecting a child. Both are doing everything in their power not to loose their baby to the Kindred who plan to take it away once Sparrow is able to live outside utero.
There wasn't much romance in this book, but the scenes there were I found a little heavy (which I like a lot) but I wish there were more Cora and Cassian kissing scenes to be honest. But I am hoping in the next book! Although this isn't what I was expecting the turn the the series would take I enjoyed it all the same. Characters I didn't expect to grow on me (Nok and Rolf) did, and I have a new appreciation for the romance that I hope will work out in the end.
I simply adore Megan Shepherd's writing. I loved her The Madman's Daughter trilogy and I am loving The Cage trilogy so far. Packed full of action, suspense, the unexpected and sacrificing the things you love the most to save yourself. Just when you thought the stakes couldn't get and higher, they do.
After Cora's failed escape attempt and the shocking reveal that Cassian is the mysterious Warden. Instead of being locked away in a prison cell for the rest of her life she is put to work in a safari menagerie (a hang out for the Kindred to uncloaked and enjoy human pleasures) but Cora isn't done fighting yet. With a chance of freeing humanity only days away Cora trains and strains her minds to do the impossible. (Levitate objects, reads mind and more.)But with the sizzling tension between Cassian and Cora things more complicated then they both expected. With the help of Leon, Lucky and a few others locked away with her Cora hopes she can gain her freedom and the rest of humanity's. *This is a spoiler free run down of the book*
The book is told in alternating point of views, Cora, Lucky, Mali, Rolf, Leon and Nok. Each going through a different experience or a different view point on what would happen next.
Cora- A majority of the book is told in Cora's point of view, so I have more to say about her then other characters. Cora is fierce. I found a lot of character growth in her this book then I did previously. Though she made stupid choices that did work out in the end, and some that failed she stayed true to what she believed in. I also think her feelings for Cassian and the ones she battled played a huge role and in what she sacrificed. I'm excited to see how she will lead the others and save humanity in final book of the series.
Lucky- At the end of the The Cage I believed Lucky to be a bad guy, but it was their enclosure that made him like that. I loved seeing the character he developed into through out The Hunt. I liked that Shepherd kept most of her characters together on the safari instead of separating them like she did to Nok and Rolf. But the ending made me tear up a bit. I won't spoil it for you all but you will see what I mean.
Mali- I really love Mali. We learn a little more about her in this book, but I don't have much to say about her. I liked that she is developing feelings for Leon and questioning all the things that she believed the Kindred have told her.
Rolf and Nok- I put them together for one reason: they finally grew on me. I despised them in the first book, and I guess I still do a little but they are stuck in a research facility for the Kindred to study the human customs when a couple is expecting a child. Both are doing everything in their power not to loose their baby to the Kindred who plan to take it away once Sparrow is able to live outside utero.
There wasn't much romance in this book, but the scenes there were I found a little heavy (which I like a lot) but I wish there were more Cora and Cassian kissing scenes to be honest. But I am hoping in the next book! Although this isn't what I was expecting the turn the the series would take I enjoyed it all the same. Characters I didn't expect to grow on me (Nok and Rolf) did, and I have a new appreciation for the romance that I hope will work out in the end.
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
I just don't understand why I am always disappointed in over hyped books. I was positive I was going to like this one too. I love anything to do with Russian history, especially the Romanov's (Who is the Tsar in this book.) It is probably the only time I paid attention my whole 10th grade year history class. But besides that aspect I was honestly disappointed in The Crown's Game. I made it to 62% before I started to skim and then ultimately gave up. So I know about the ending briefly, I know that is painful and I know that it was paced real slow for my taste.
-I was expecting a fast paced, fantasy packed book. It was full of fantasy, but it was slow and not really exciting to me. I was more: "When is everything going to pick up." then: "OMG I am loving this." At first I did love The Crown's Game and slowly my loved waned to it's: "Just okay."
-I wasn't a fan of the characters. Pasha was the only one I really actually liked.
-The magic aspect was cool, but it wasn't the kind of "magic" that I was hoping for.
I am not going to say much more, a majority of people really seemed to enjoy this one. For me it was just blah. Maybe one day I will like this one better? I don't know. This sure wasn't the type of review I was hoping to give this book.
Why three stars? The aspect was interesting, the time period, and overall world building was amazing. Skye's writing is beautiful. It was more of the characters that I had an issue with then anything else.
I just don't understand why I am always disappointed in over hyped books. I was positive I was going to like this one too. I love anything to do with Russian history, especially the Romanov's (Who is the Tsar in this book.) It is probably the only time I paid attention my whole 10th grade year history class. But besides that aspect I was honestly disappointed in The Crown's Game. I made it to 62% before I started to skim and then ultimately gave up. So I know about the ending briefly, I know that is painful and I know that it was paced real slow for my taste.
-I was expecting a fast paced, fantasy packed book. It was full of fantasy, but it was slow and not really exciting to me. I was more: "When is everything going to pick up." then: "OMG I am loving this." At first I did love The Crown's Game and slowly my loved waned to it's: "Just okay."
-I wasn't a fan of the characters. Pasha was the only one I really actually liked.
-The magic aspect was cool, but it wasn't the kind of "magic" that I was hoping for.
I am not going to say much more, a majority of people really seemed to enjoy this one. For me it was just blah. Maybe one day I will like this one better? I don't know. This sure wasn't the type of review I was hoping to give this book.
Why three stars? The aspect was interesting, the time period, and overall world building was amazing. Skye's writing is beautiful. It was more of the characters that I had an issue with then anything else.
Meanings of the Factions:
Spoiler
DAUNTLESS: fearless, undaunted.Undaunted: courageously resolute, especially in the face of danger or difficulty; not discouraged.
ABNEGATION: to refuse or deny oneself (some rights, conveniences, etc.); reject; renounce.
ERUDITE: characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly
The word “erudite” focuses on knowledge rather than intelligence– intelligence being something you’re born with, and can’t necessarily control, and knowledge being something that you acquire. I find that interesting, given what I know about Erudite.
CANDOR: the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness.
AMITY: friendship; peaceful harmony.
DIVERGENT: diverging; differing; deviating.
In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice(Tris) Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.
My goodness, how many hot guys can this book contain? Four, Will, Al, Uriah? Woah! Like hot guys alert, I was in heaven.
I am disappointed with the ending of this book, it isn't what I was expecting. Though the romantic scene between the two was adorable, I still wasn't impressed.
From all the Dystopian novels I have read Divergent is by far my new favorite. This coming from the girl that was in love with the Hunger Games (Still is) but Divergent is my favorite now.
Review to come!!
Initial thoughts: I enjoyed it more the second time then I did the first time I read it.
Initial thoughts: I enjoyed it more the second time then I did the first time I read it.