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betweentheshelves
So I did not love this as much as Illuminae, but it's still such a fun read! I struggled a bit in the beginning because there are so many points of view (and some of them don't get nearly enough development), but since this is the first in a series, I'm hopeful for more in the next books.
I'm also not sure I 100% knee exactly what was going on at the end, but neither did like any of the characters, so we were in the same boat.
I'm also not sure I 100% knee exactly what was going on at the end, but neither did like any of the characters, so we were in the same boat.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I finished this in a day and have no regrets. Just have to finish Wayward Son before I pick up Any Way the Wind Blows.
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When I started this book, I wasn't expecting it to suck me into that black hole that sucks you in when you've found a truly amazing story. I've loved every single thing that I've read by Rainbow Rowell, and this book was no exception. The moment I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Simon and Baz and the magical world that Rowell created and fully captured my attention.
Carry On is a spin-off novel from Rowell's last book, Fangirl, giving readers the context to the fanfiction that Cath writes in that book (also a phenomenal book, highly recommend). However, this book completely works as a stand alone book as well. Though this way Rowell's first foray into fantasy, and you can see the influence of Harry Potter (I mean, she used to write Harry Potter fanfiction, and who doesn't love Harry Potter anyway?), but I think it's different enough that you can't say that she completely copied her world from Rowling. The way magic is used in Simon and Baz's world is completely different than Harry's world.
And oh my god, the characters. The dialogue. The descriptions. If there's anything that Rowell does uniquely well, it's these three things. Definitely had a book hangover after this book, because I just didn't want to stop reading about Simon, Baz, and Penny. Rowell slowly draws you into the story at the beginning, and once Baz enters the picture, you've lost all hope. The chemistry between Baz and Simon was magnificent, adorable, and shows Rowell's ability to write romantic relationships.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book, and it's been awhile since I've read a book that I fell completely head over heels for. So go! Read it! And then go and read all of Rowell's other books too, because they are just as good.
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When I started this book, I wasn't expecting it to suck me into that black hole that sucks you in when you've found a truly amazing story. I've loved every single thing that I've read by Rainbow Rowell, and this book was no exception. The moment I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Simon and Baz and the magical world that Rowell created and fully captured my attention.
Carry On is a spin-off novel from Rowell's last book, Fangirl, giving readers the context to the fanfiction that Cath writes in that book (also a phenomenal book, highly recommend). However, this book completely works as a stand alone book as well. Though this way Rowell's first foray into fantasy, and you can see the influence of Harry Potter (I mean, she used to write Harry Potter fanfiction, and who doesn't love Harry Potter anyway?), but I think it's different enough that you can't say that she completely copied her world from Rowling. The way magic is used in Simon and Baz's world is completely different than Harry's world.
And oh my god, the characters. The dialogue. The descriptions. If there's anything that Rowell does uniquely well, it's these three things. Definitely had a book hangover after this book, because I just didn't want to stop reading about Simon, Baz, and Penny. Rowell slowly draws you into the story at the beginning, and once Baz enters the picture, you've lost all hope. The chemistry between Baz and Simon was magnificent, adorable, and shows Rowell's ability to write romantic relationships.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book, and it's been awhile since I've read a book that I fell completely head over heels for. So go! Read it! And then go and read all of Rowell's other books too, because they are just as good.
Read this for the BN YA Book Club, and for the most part, I was sucked into the mystery behind Raxter. By the end, however, the plot fell a bit flat for me. There was a lot of build up and not a lot of resolution. I definitely needed more answers than I got.
Read more at between-the-shelves.com!
The Change transported the world back to the Dark Ages. Due to Global Warming, the Alps has now become the only place where fresh water is available, making it a closed state with fortified borders. The Runners are the only ones that make it back and forth through the region. Which isn’t without its risks.
Cassady and Ghazi join a ragtag group of truck drivers whose mission is life or death. Something that might just reverse the Change. But with so many obstacles standing in their way, like nomads, constantly changing weather, and unpredictable governments, it’s unclear whether they’ll make it. Will Cassady make it through the important delivery?
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. As an avid fan and reader of dystopian fiction, I knew that this was right up my alley! I’m always up for a post-apocalyptic read, and this one definitely fit the bill. Overall, the story was something I hadn’t seen before, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
In addition to the unique plotline, the characters easily drove the story forward. They’re all vividly described and have personalities that work well together on the page. Once you get acclimated to this new world that Price has created, you won’t be able to put the book down until the end.
If you’re looking for a new post-apocalyptic story, definitely check this book out!
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The Change transported the world back to the Dark Ages. Due to Global Warming, the Alps has now become the only place where fresh water is available, making it a closed state with fortified borders. The Runners are the only ones that make it back and forth through the region. Which isn’t without its risks.
Cassady and Ghazi join a ragtag group of truck drivers whose mission is life or death. Something that might just reverse the Change. But with so many obstacles standing in their way, like nomads, constantly changing weather, and unpredictable governments, it’s unclear whether they’ll make it. Will Cassady make it through the important delivery?
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. As an avid fan and reader of dystopian fiction, I knew that this was right up my alley! I’m always up for a post-apocalyptic read, and this one definitely fit the bill. Overall, the story was something I hadn’t seen before, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
In addition to the unique plotline, the characters easily drove the story forward. They’re all vividly described and have personalities that work well together on the page. Once you get acclimated to this new world that Price has created, you won’t be able to put the book down until the end.
If you’re looking for a new post-apocalyptic story, definitely check this book out!
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Librarians, books, dreams, and magic. What more could you want in a book? I listened to this on audio and it was absolutely gorgeous. Now I get all the hype surrounding it!
Thought provoking and a much needed story for our currently divided nation. Will make for an interesting discussion this evening!
Read my full review at between-the-shelves.com!
Thanks to Swoon Reads and NetGalley for sending me a free copy of this to review! I first heard about it at Book Con, and the concept intrigued me. Someone who can sell memories? What a unique concept, and that aspect of the book lived up to it's name. Bonus: working down my list for ARC August!
There was one main thing that bothered me throughout the book that was almost entirely unrealistic: Arden is always wearing stilettos. Who is always wearing stilettos? Rephrase: what teenager is always wearing stilettos? Basically, no one. It would pop up on occasion, pulling me out of the story. Honestly, I hope that this is something they take out of the final book because it makes absolutely no sense and I thought about it more than I should have.
The mystery is good though, and that's what kept me reading until the end. I just wanted to know how the mystery was going to play out!
Full of action and a twisty mystery, this book will work its way into your mind and keep you guessing all the way through.
Thanks to Swoon Reads and NetGalley for sending me a free copy of this to review! I first heard about it at Book Con, and the concept intrigued me. Someone who can sell memories? What a unique concept, and that aspect of the book lived up to it's name. Bonus: working down my list for ARC August!
There was one main thing that bothered me throughout the book that was almost entirely unrealistic: Arden is always wearing stilettos. Who is always wearing stilettos? Rephrase: what teenager is always wearing stilettos? Basically, no one. It would pop up on occasion, pulling me out of the story. Honestly, I hope that this is something they take out of the final book because it makes absolutely no sense and I thought about it more than I should have.
The mystery is good though, and that's what kept me reading until the end. I just wanted to know how the mystery was going to play out!
Full of action and a twisty mystery, this book will work its way into your mind and keep you guessing all the way through.
Treasure hunting, romance, and magic--what more could you want in a book? Look for a full review coming later this week!
It took me awhile to finish this (all my library loans came in at once!), but that doesn't say anything about the story. The world is complex and Darrow is a fascinating main character. A lot happens in this book, and though I found it a bit difficult to follow at times, it was still a wild ride. Can't wait to read the next one!
Read my full review at between-the-shelves.com!
I got an ARC at BookCon, and it is one of my most anticipated releases for the fall. I'm so sad I didn't love this as much as Emergency Contact.
My main complaint is probably that the book felt too long to me. It took too long to get to Pablo meeting Leanna (Lee), and then their relationship felt weirdly paced. Pablo’s life slowly starts to spiral out of control as their relationship continues, which also gave me anxiety. It made Pablo relatable, but I think there were parts that could have been cut out in order to make the book’s flow feel more natural.
However, the characters were fantastic. Where the story sometimes fell flat or felt like it was dragging a bit, Choi made up with a quirky cast of characters all trying to make their way in New York. By the end, I was rooting for Pablo to get his life together and for Leanna to figure out a way to balance her work and her own life. The supporting characters breathe life into the book, making you want to keep reading.
Ultimately, this is a story highlighting the fact that basically no one has their life completely figured out, even those in the limelight. It also shined a light on the dark side of fame and social media and the toll it takes on everyone involved.
3/5 stars
I wanted so much to like this more than I did. Trying to pinpoint what felt off in a full review to come tomorrow morning!
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I got an ARC at BookCon, and it is one of my most anticipated releases for the fall. I'm so sad I didn't love this as much as Emergency Contact.
My main complaint is probably that the book felt too long to me. It took too long to get to Pablo meeting Leanna (Lee), and then their relationship felt weirdly paced. Pablo’s life slowly starts to spiral out of control as their relationship continues, which also gave me anxiety. It made Pablo relatable, but I think there were parts that could have been cut out in order to make the book’s flow feel more natural.
However, the characters were fantastic. Where the story sometimes fell flat or felt like it was dragging a bit, Choi made up with a quirky cast of characters all trying to make their way in New York. By the end, I was rooting for Pablo to get his life together and for Leanna to figure out a way to balance her work and her own life. The supporting characters breathe life into the book, making you want to keep reading.
Ultimately, this is a story highlighting the fact that basically no one has their life completely figured out, even those in the limelight. It also shined a light on the dark side of fame and social media and the toll it takes on everyone involved.
3/5 stars
I wanted so much to like this more than I did. Trying to pinpoint what felt off in a full review to come tomorrow morning!
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