bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)

What a great year reading these absolutely amazing books. I can't believe I've run out of books! I had a serious sad moment when I realized I basically GOT/GRRM'ed myself, and must join the thousands of others in the waiting game. Fudge.

Let's talk about this freakin' book. Holy shit. What a ride. Generally with Gabaldon's work I sink into them, ease into my favorite characters' lives, immerse myself into this lushly built world. In contrast, book 8 took off like a rocket, and never slowed down for a second. I had so many gasp out loud moments, crying moments, and moments where I really though dammit I should NOT be reading this in public venues! I absolutely loved it.

Now to my thoughts (and spoilers ahead)...

Spoiler

*ROGER WENT BACK TO THE WRONG TIME! What a clever, clever plot twist I was NOT expecting! I was so happy to see so many characters I missed so much, and holy shit Roger got to meet his FATHER. Not Jemmy, but JEREMIAH! Bravo Diana.
*Diana must have been reading some GRRM, because she shocked me so many times with the various deaths in this book. Some I was like YES (Ian in particular when he said, "You're right, I will regret it." and totally hatchets that guy in the HEAD. But, when Rollo died I about died. He was such a good dog. And don't even get me started on Henri Christian. Jesus.
*Also, Buck almost becoming his own grandfather a la Fry in Futurama was way to gross. Yikes. Hi, that's my mom, let's finger bang her. Sick.
*Rachel may be one of my new favorite characters. I love her and Ian's relationship, and I hope they have continued happiness. I was so worried about Ian drifting into darkness.
*Bree is still one of my least favorites, even with the fact she may be super important as the "last Fraser heir." She has a bit too much Frank Randall influence, and I still want to know what the heck else Frank knows. He seems to be pulling strings somehow. Grr.
*I was so hoping we would get a few more time travel answers, but alas no. Just more speculation. My head is throbbing with the potential.
*I still can't believe Lord John said "We were both fucking you" to Jamie. Hilarious, and yeah, a busted eye is the least of his problems there.
*So glad Jamie and Claire were not separated in this novel. They are just the best, and I just adore them.
*That ending. *Sobs.*
*Give me book 9, now.

Utterly enchanting. I have to say, I'd rather hang out with Simon, Baz, Penelope, and Agatha at Watford than Harry, Hermione, and the rest of the Hogwarts gang. Rainbow Rowell gives an authentic teen voice to wizards, of all people, and mixes in a lovely little love story that is splendidly handled. As with all of Rowell's work, the dialogue sparkles and while this is her first go at Fantasy (besides the snippets in [b:Fangirl|16068905|Fangirl|Rainbow Rowell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355886270s/16068905.jpg|21861351]), you would never, ever know it. I hope we get more Simon and Baz!

Plus, it is a beautifully put together book, from the jacket, the yellow hardcover binding, and the gorgeous map on the end papers. This is a perfect Christmas gift for all your friends and family who have grown up with Harry Potter and want something a little more.

I also recommended this for my library's "Great Books, Great Gifts 2015" publication, out soon!

What I enjoyed most was the way the two leads took to each other immediately, realizing that the "flaws" society forced on them were what made them perfect for each other. However, I found the story to be a bit over-long, and the Scottish accent to be a bit forced (and repetitive). Worth a quick read.

A properly gothic and creepy tale with a really unique premise (using found photos as inspiration), but overall felt like a foray into a writing exercise. I'm in the story for the characters, and I felt character development was on the thin side. Also, the whole

Spoiler

snogging with your grandpa's former girlfriend was completely not necessary to me. Why did Emma have to be a love interest

?!

I won't be reading the other books in this series, but a fun premise. I think the intended audience (teens) love the series for good reasons, I'm just not the right reader.

Still looking forward to discussing for my library's Book to Art Club!

Beautiful and completely compelling prose, but overall I found this to be kind of...boring? Seriously, Doerr deserves all of the accolades for his writing because it is gorgeous and the narrator was perfect for this book, but this wasn't my favorite WWII story. A book I'm glad to have read once, but I won't be visiting again.

My favorite quote is a simple one, and it is about living during WWII - "It was a hard time to be good."

A fantastically funny, wry, and insightful look into the American Revolution, as seen through the lens of one uber-patriot, Lafayette. What Vowell does best is tie the past with the present, arguing we Americans have been at odds with one another from the beginning. At turns pessimistic and optimistic, I highly recommend this to anyone who thinks they understand the American Revolution. Sorry, the text books glorify the past, and we Americans have many to thank, especially the French and Lafayette.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

What is this magic?! I was so skeptical when I heard about these retellings of the classic trilogy, but this was fantastic! Bracken lovingly and reverently honors A New Hope and gives the die hard fan a glimpse into the minds and thoughts of Leia, Han, and Luke in many moments we never saw on screen. Fabulous.

Also, the packaging of this book is a nerd's dream. The Ralph McQuarrie concept art, both black and white incorporated into the text AND the full color two page spreads with MATTE finish are simply stunning. Buy this for anyone even though it is geared towards the 10 year old market. LOVE.

Also, bravo Bracken for correcting a huge error AND GIVING CHEWIE HIS MEDAL. The End.

Uh, what did I just read? Feeling like I've been through a tempest, which is apt due to the cover, title, and Shakespeare references.

Marriage is a strange beast, and the one Groff examines here is maybe the strangest. My best comparison is to John Irving, but unfortunately lacking his biting wit. This one bites, and never let's go.

This was really delightful! I recently discovered Jenn Bennett when I heard about her new (and first) YA book, [b:The Anatomical Shape of a Heart|23310763|The Anatomical Shape of a Heart|Jenn Bennett|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426127809s/23310763.jpg|40336167].

Since I couldn't wait for that book, I decided to give this romance series a chance. Set in San Francisco in the Roaring Twenties with a supernatural twist, I was so pleased! Really great dialogue, a fun mystery revolving around a mysterious Egyptian artifact, an Indiana Jones type archaeologist, and a lovely, shy, but awesome lady who has really kick ass undergarments. The research and writing is truly superb, and it just goes to show that you don't need to be ashamed of reading in the mass market aisle. I'll definitely be reading more [a:Jenn Bennett|4485813|Jenn Bennett|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1309594232p2/4485813.jpg]!

Also, the romance is really sweet, but also very, very steamy. I loved that Hadley was afraid of sex not because she was inexperienced (she wasn't, okay, a bit) but because she may unleash some dark evil creatures on the poor chap.

A super timely and interesting premise, Charbonneau creates a social media site that promises to give you what you NEED, as long as you fulfill a request as small as providing some email addresses, delivering a package, or forging a receipt. Unfortunately, the premise is more interesting than the actual characters who while many (over eleven POVs) were not explored in depth. I think this would translate better to screen, and it has been optioned for a film. Actual teens will enjoy this book.