Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.54k reviews by:
bookbriefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Otherworld is the first book in the young adult science fiction series of the same name by author duo Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller. I know they have teamed up to write the nightmare! series, but this is the first book I have read from them. I love the concept of Otherworld because virtual reality technology is developing at an astounding rate, so it is the perfect time to visit a crazy virtual reality world and see what kind of implications that might have. And Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller took that concept and blew it out of the freakin' water. I am chomping at the bit for the second book! Otherworld is hands down, one of the best novels I have read all year. I loved it.
There are so many layers to Otherworld. First, there is the new Otherworld headset technology that was released to a couple thousand test users, which was awesome by itself. You basically got to experience a whole world where you could do anything you wanted to do. Do you want to visit breathtakingly beautiful alps? Go for it? Do you want to visit the coolest resort ever and live a life of luxury risk and cost free? Go for it! So this Otherworld is awesome, right? But then there is the other, secret layer to Otherworld, starting in the White City. I don't want to get too much into the details, but let's just say it is next level. What I loved so much about this world within a world was that I wasn't expecting it at all! It was such a cool development. Once I got to that point in the story, I literally put my book down, interrupted whatever (less important, I'm sure...) thing my boyfriend was doing, and started gushing about how cool this book was. (btw- he is currently reading, and loving it!)
Otherworld follows our main character, Simon as he goes on a quest style adventure to save his best friend. It is deliciously dark and mysterious, and every bit as addiction as Otherworld itself. In addition to Simon, there are plenty of great secondary characters that accompany Simon through the world. I loved Carol and Gorog because they added a lot of great humor throughout the story. Otherworld felt terrifyingly realistic at times. The world building was excellent and the plot was perfect. I couldn't put this book down. Otherworld will take the readers in an unexpected direction, which I loved. The mystery element of the book is great, and I am dying for the second installment. I hope this is going to be a long series. Otherworld has made me want to dive into other gamer/virtual reality novels, so leave me some recs below!
Bottom line: Otherworld is one of my favorite books of 2017. I really, really loved this one! I need more from this author duo and from the Otherworld series!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
There are so many layers to Otherworld. First, there is the new Otherworld headset technology that was released to a couple thousand test users, which was awesome by itself. You basically got to experience a whole world where you could do anything you wanted to do. Do you want to visit breathtakingly beautiful alps? Go for it? Do you want to visit the coolest resort ever and live a life of luxury risk and cost free? Go for it! So this Otherworld is awesome, right? But then there is the other, secret layer to Otherworld, starting in the White City. I don't want to get too much into the details, but let's just say it is next level. What I loved so much about this world within a world was that I wasn't expecting it at all! It was such a cool development. Once I got to that point in the story, I literally put my book down, interrupted whatever (less important, I'm sure...) thing my boyfriend was doing, and started gushing about how cool this book was. (btw- he is currently reading, and loving it!)
Otherworld follows our main character, Simon as he goes on a quest style adventure to save his best friend. It is deliciously dark and mysterious, and every bit as addiction as Otherworld itself. In addition to Simon, there are plenty of great secondary characters that accompany Simon through the world. I loved Carol and Gorog because they added a lot of great humor throughout the story. Otherworld felt terrifyingly realistic at times. The world building was excellent and the plot was perfect. I couldn't put this book down. Otherworld will take the readers in an unexpected direction, which I loved. The mystery element of the book is great, and I am dying for the second installment. I hope this is going to be a long series. Otherworld has made me want to dive into other gamer/virtual reality novels, so leave me some recs below!
Bottom line: Otherworld is one of my favorite books of 2017. I really, really loved this one! I need more from this author duo and from the Otherworld series!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
The Rules of Persuasion is a young adult contemporary romance from Amity Hope. It follows one of my favorite tropes...the fake relationship trope. But this one starts out with a little blackmail, which is always fun. The Rules of Persuasion was a cute read that I really enjoyed.
Meg and Luke are the main characters of The Rules of Persuasion, and I have to say they were really interesting. Together and separately. First off, let me say that I really loved both of them. I think they are awesome people, but darn it if I didn't not disagree with Meg once or twice. What I did like about the two of them was how strong of personalities they both had. Meg has no problem putting Luke in his place when he tries to steamroll her and get his way. Instead of the bad boy, meg was the bad girl. But it worked out. Meg and Luke balanced each other out. They were each so good for the other one. I also loved that The Rules of Persuasion was told in dual narrative between Luke and Meg. That is by far my favorite narration style for a book like this one.
This might sound weird, but my favorite thing about this story was the little notebook of rules that Meg and Luke would keep. I loved seeing what funny new things they would come up with. It summed up the story perfectly. It was so unexpectedly cute and fun. I really enjoyed it. I have to say it was a little predictable, but as I have explained before that doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I kind of like it. The Rules of Persuasion was a great summer time read for me. I would highly recommend it to fans of contemporary romances who like bets and fake romance story lines. This one was a hit for me.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
The Rules of Persuasion is a young adult contemporary romance from Amity Hope. It follows one of my favorite tropes...the fake relationship trope. But this one starts out with a little blackmail, which is always fun. The Rules of Persuasion was a cute read that I really enjoyed.
Meg and Luke are the main characters of The Rules of Persuasion, and I have to say they were really interesting. Together and separately. First off, let me say that I really loved both of them. I think they are awesome people, but darn it if I didn't not disagree with Meg once or twice. What I did like about the two of them was how strong of personalities they both had. Meg has no problem putting Luke in his place when he tries to steamroll her and get his way. Instead of the bad boy, meg was the bad girl. But it worked out. Meg and Luke balanced each other out. They were each so good for the other one. I also loved that The Rules of Persuasion was told in dual narrative between Luke and Meg. That is by far my favorite narration style for a book like this one.
This might sound weird, but my favorite thing about this story was the little notebook of rules that Meg and Luke would keep. I loved seeing what funny new things they would come up with. It summed up the story perfectly. It was so unexpectedly cute and fun. I really enjoyed it. I have to say it was a little predictable, but as I have explained before that doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I kind of like it. The Rules of Persuasion was a great summer time read for me. I would highly recommend it to fans of contemporary romances who like bets and fake romance story lines. This one was a hit for me.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
The Hearts we Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones was an incredible read! It was so different than a lot of the books that I normally read and it pulled off the concept so well. To say I was impressed with this book is an understatement. The Hearts we Sold is a book that I will remember for a very long time.
In the Hearts we Sold Demons inhabit the world along with people. The demons claim they are independent third parties with no agenda to promote, but they are interested in making bargains with anyone that would like. They will grant a wish for a person in exchange for a body part and a number of years of service to the demon. Dee makes a deal with a demon, even though she starts out by saying she never would. In her 2 years of service she meets all kinds of other people that have also traded their hearts in exchange for their wish. I found this world to be completely fascinating. I loved watching the character progression. Everything about the plot and the pacing felt natural. Dee and her friends are all so wonderfully developed and complex. And the demons are so mysterious and interesting.
I loved them the most of all. Yes, I know that might be weird, but their purpose was so much fun to unravel. They had Dee and her friend closing their voids between worlds, but we didn't really know why until we got pretty far into the story. I was so totally invested. I needed to learn more about the demons and what made them tick. I also loved getting to know Dee and her friends. Not to mention the super sweet romance that bloomed between Dee and James. Watching the "heartless" characters are also a really cool concept for me. I loved Emily Lloyd-Jones take on what giving up your heart would mean. What kind of person would it make you? This whole book made me think. It was so fun to immerse myself in this scifi world and ask myself what if time and time again. The Hearts we Sold was a wholly engaging read for me. I really enjoyed (almost) everything about this one. My only hold back was the sweet and sour ending. On one hand it was pretty perfect (because of reasons...) but on the other hand it was a little sad. (because of reasons...)
Bottom line: If you are looking for a wonderfully original science fiction read, you can't pass up The Hearts we Sold. This is one of the most immersive and interesting novels I have read this year! I loved The Hearts we Sold.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
The Hearts we Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones was an incredible read! It was so different than a lot of the books that I normally read and it pulled off the concept so well. To say I was impressed with this book is an understatement. The Hearts we Sold is a book that I will remember for a very long time.
In the Hearts we Sold Demons inhabit the world along with people. The demons claim they are independent third parties with no agenda to promote, but they are interested in making bargains with anyone that would like. They will grant a wish for a person in exchange for a body part and a number of years of service to the demon. Dee makes a deal with a demon, even though she starts out by saying she never would. In her 2 years of service she meets all kinds of other people that have also traded their hearts in exchange for their wish. I found this world to be completely fascinating. I loved watching the character progression. Everything about the plot and the pacing felt natural. Dee and her friends are all so wonderfully developed and complex. And the demons are so mysterious and interesting.
I loved them the most of all. Yes, I know that might be weird, but their purpose was so much fun to unravel. They had Dee and her friend closing their voids between worlds, but we didn't really know why until we got pretty far into the story. I was so totally invested. I needed to learn more about the demons and what made them tick. I also loved getting to know Dee and her friends. Not to mention the super sweet romance that bloomed between Dee and James. Watching the "heartless" characters are also a really cool concept for me. I loved Emily Lloyd-Jones take on what giving up your heart would mean. What kind of person would it make you? This whole book made me think. It was so fun to immerse myself in this scifi world and ask myself what if time and time again. The Hearts we Sold was a wholly engaging read for me. I really enjoyed (almost) everything about this one. My only hold back was the sweet and sour ending. On one hand it was pretty perfect (because of reasons...) but on the other hand it was a little sad. (because of reasons...)
Bottom line: If you are looking for a wonderfully original science fiction read, you can't pass up The Hearts we Sold. This is one of the most immersive and interesting novels I have read this year! I loved The Hearts we Sold.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Wildman by J.C. Geiger is a young adult story about growing up and finding yourself. I enjoyed this quirky tale about a teenage guy that seemingly had his life together. He excels at school and at music, he seemed to be well liked and he is on the path toward a great college. But then he gets stranded in a small town in the middle of nowhere and he starts a rather crazy journey which leads him to question everything he knew about friendship and life. I thought this book was interesting and overall I liked it. I didn't love it, but I did like it.
Here is what I liked about the story:
Lance- I thought he is an interesting main character. I love a book from a male POV, and he really does change as a person throughout the course of the story. Especially towards the end, which is always rewarding to see. I thought him getting the nickname wildman was pretty hilarious, which brings me to point #2...
This book made me laugh. Some of the scenes were downright comical. And unexpected. Wildman was a really fun ride.
I also really liked the cast of secondary characters. They are kooky and crazy and really interesting to read about.
Here is what I didn't like about the story:
Some parts didn't hold my attention. I found myself wandering off or worse, skimming a few chapters until we got to a scene that grabbed my attention. It was weird, I was either super invested in the story or I wasn't really interested at all. There wasn't much of an in between for me.
I could not stand Lance's girlfriend. She really bugged me. She is super selfish and didn't really seem to care about Lance all that much. Now, I guess that is a good thing because Lance does meet another girl on his trip, but every time Lance spoke to his girlfriend she got on my nerves.
Bottom Line: Wildman is a fun quick read that will be great for readers looking for a quirky self discovery journey. There is great character growth and development. Overall this was a fun read. It just didn't knock my socks off. But I can really see some people totally loving this story and relating to it.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Here is what I liked about the story:
Lance- I thought he is an interesting main character. I love a book from a male POV, and he really does change as a person throughout the course of the story. Especially towards the end, which is always rewarding to see. I thought him getting the nickname wildman was pretty hilarious, which brings me to point #2...
This book made me laugh. Some of the scenes were downright comical. And unexpected. Wildman was a really fun ride.
I also really liked the cast of secondary characters. They are kooky and crazy and really interesting to read about.
Here is what I didn't like about the story:
Some parts didn't hold my attention. I found myself wandering off or worse, skimming a few chapters until we got to a scene that grabbed my attention. It was weird, I was either super invested in the story or I wasn't really interested at all. There wasn't much of an in between for me.
I could not stand Lance's girlfriend. She really bugged me. She is super selfish and didn't really seem to care about Lance all that much. Now, I guess that is a good thing because Lance does meet another girl on his trip, but every time Lance spoke to his girlfriend she got on my nerves.
Bottom Line: Wildman is a fun quick read that will be great for readers looking for a quirky self discovery journey. There is great character growth and development. Overall this was a fun read. It just didn't knock my socks off. But I can really see some people totally loving this story and relating to it.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
The Cad and the Co-Ed is the third book in the Rugby series by Penny Reid and LH Cosway. I am just going to say it...The rugby series is my favorite sports romance series of all time! Which should come as no surprise to any of you because I think by now you know I have a not so mild obsession with everything Penny Reid (and now LH Cosway) writes. Each of the books in the rugby series can be read as standalones and they each follow a a different character, but trust me when I tell you this, you are going to want to read all of the books in this series. So you might as well read them in order. They are all so stupendously wonderful, and they each follow a different member of the rugby team. Please don't make me pick my favorite because I might have a melt down (but if you twist my arm...it's Sean. I just love him. And even more so after this book.)
The Cad and the Co-Ed is Bryan and Eilish's story. Eilish is Sean's cousin, who is like a sister to him. So we get to see ton's of Sean in this story, which made my Sean loving heart very happy. Bryan was a super interesting character. Because when the story starts out, he most certainly is a cad. He was a total jerk, and I was more than a little intrigued to see how he was going to recover from it. Because I did not like my first meeting with him. But fear not, other than that one scene...Bryan is a total reformed Cad. He is such a sweetheart now. I loved that he was a 'boring old man'. (that is so much more my speed. haha) Watching him and Eilish interact was great. Let me set the scene for you Eilish and Sean hook up in the middle of his Cad days. Eilish becomes later involved with the team and Bryan doesn't remember her at all but he certainly wants to court her. Through in a big ole secret, some excellent writing and Penny Reid and LH Cosway grade A humor and you have a great time on your hands.
I also want to share a little secret with you. (please don't hate me.) Books with kids in them are not my thing...at all. So when I saw that Eilish had a child in in the summary I just glossed right over it because all my eyes could see was 'book 3 in the rugby series. BOOOK 3!!!! More Penny Reid. Must have right now!' etc. (those are direct quotes, btw.) I didn't even realize there would be a little boy in this story, but darn it all. Penny Reid and LH Cosway made me like the fact that there was a mini human in this book. Darn them! My point is, even if you are not a kids person, you should still read this book because it is so amazing.
I really don't want to spoil any of the story line for you, but know this. The characters are engaging, and very multidimensional, the romance is some of the best there ever was, the writing is witty and so much fun and the story is so good you will not be able to put it down. Penny Reid has written some of my very favorite romance series. Of all time people. She is one of my favorite authors Of.ALL.TIME! If you are not reading her books, you are doing yourself a disservice. Show yourself some love and read the Rugby series.
P.S. can someone please recommend me another LH Cosway series to read, because I need to be reading her books too because she is excellent as well!This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
The Cad and the Co-Ed is the third book in the Rugby series by Penny Reid and LH Cosway. I am just going to say it...The rugby series is my favorite sports romance series of all time! Which should come as no surprise to any of you because I think by now you know I have a not so mild obsession with everything Penny Reid (and now LH Cosway) writes. Each of the books in the rugby series can be read as standalones and they each follow a a different character, but trust me when I tell you this, you are going to want to read all of the books in this series. So you might as well read them in order. They are all so stupendously wonderful, and they each follow a different member of the rugby team. Please don't make me pick my favorite because I might have a melt down (but if you twist my arm...it's Sean. I just love him. And even more so after this book.)
The Cad and the Co-Ed is Bryan and Eilish's story. Eilish is Sean's cousin, who is like a sister to him. So we get to see ton's of Sean in this story, which made my Sean loving heart very happy. Bryan was a super interesting character. Because when the story starts out, he most certainly is a cad. He was a total jerk, and I was more than a little intrigued to see how he was going to recover from it. Because I did not like my first meeting with him. But fear not, other than that one scene...Bryan is a total reformed Cad. He is such a sweetheart now. I loved that he was a 'boring old man'. (that is so much more my speed. haha) Watching him and Eilish interact was great. Let me set the scene for you Eilish and Sean hook up in the middle of his Cad days. Eilish becomes later involved with the team and Bryan doesn't remember her at all but he certainly wants to court her. Through in a big ole secret, some excellent writing and Penny Reid and LH Cosway grade A humor and you have a great time on your hands.
I also want to share a little secret with you. (please don't hate me.) Books with kids in them are not my thing...at all. So when I saw that Eilish had a child in in the summary I just glossed right over it because all my eyes could see was 'book 3 in the rugby series. BOOOK 3!!!! More Penny Reid. Must have right now!' etc. (those are direct quotes, btw.) I didn't even realize there would be a little boy in this story, but darn it all. Penny Reid and LH Cosway made me like the fact that there was a mini human in this book. Darn them! My point is, even if you are not a kids person, you should still read this book because it is so amazing.
I really don't want to spoil any of the story line for you, but know this. The characters are engaging, and very multidimensional, the romance is some of the best there ever was, the writing is witty and so much fun and the story is so good you will not be able to put it down. Penny Reid has written some of my very favorite romance series. Of all time people. She is one of my favorite authors Of.ALL.TIME! If you are not reading her books, you are doing yourself a disservice. Show yourself some love and read the Rugby series.
P.S. can someone please recommend me another LH Cosway series to read, because I need to be reading her books too because she is excellent as well!This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Whichwood is a middle grade fantasy novel by Taherah Mafi. Even though this book is technically middle grade, I think it will appeal to fans of young adult books. It is a very detailed and long novel, and rather dark in some parts, and it felt like upper middle grade/lower young adult to me. I read, and really loved Furthermore last year. (you can check out my review here) So, I was super excited when I saw that a companion novel set in the same world was going to be released. So, it should come as no surprise that I absolutely loved Whichwood as well. It is a delightful book.
Whichwood follows our main character, Laylee, who lives in the village of Whichwood. Whichwood is set in the same world as the village of Farenwood, but it is a totally different place. Farenwood is a town where colors come to life, and Whichwood is a town that is in stark contrast. Laylee finds herself becoming more and more colorless as her job takes its' toll. Laylee is a mordeshoor, someone who prepares dead bodies and their souls for their afterlife. Laylee, much like Alice from Furthermore finds herself on an adventure. She meets Alice and Oliver from the first book and together they set off on an adventure which leads them to all kinds of whimsical and fantastical creatures and characters and colors. I want to see the Furthermore series brought to life on the big screen because I feel like it would be perfect in the style of Tim Burton and the new Alice in Wonderland (with Johnny Depp). I again read this book in one very long afternoon turned late night because I couldn't put it down. Tahereh Mafi is a master story teller. I love her young adult Shatter Me series, and seeing her hand at middle grade was insta love for me. Fans of Whimsical writing will become enchanted with the Furthermore series.
I love that Alice and Oliver play such a prominaent role in Whichwood. I fell in love with them in Furthermore and I was super excited to see them take part in Laylee's story. Now all we need is Oliver's story!! (And I won't take no for an answer to that one.) The books in the Furthermore series, can technically be read as standalones. However; I would suggest reading them in order because there is a lot of character overlap. Plus, the world is so fantastical that you will want to read all of the books set in it.
I can't get over how beautifully done this book is. From the absolutely perfect cover, to the magnificent writing, the pictures that Tahereh Mafi is able to paint with her words are downright magical. I know what Ferenwood, and now the village of Whichwood look like, and if they have a movie they better pay as much attention to the details and descriptions of scenes as Tahereh does because she lays it all out in such a perfectly described and richly detailed way. As far as descriptive writing goes, she is one of my all time favorite authors. She is so talented it is scary.
Bottom line: If you enjoyed Futhermore, you will love Whichwood. It is perfect for fans of Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and other childhood fantasy tales. I am pounding my fists on the table demanding more Alice, Oliver and everyone else! Get ready to go on a magical adventure with Whichwood. This is a book you do not want to miss.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Whichwood follows our main character, Laylee, who lives in the village of Whichwood. Whichwood is set in the same world as the village of Farenwood, but it is a totally different place. Farenwood is a town where colors come to life, and Whichwood is a town that is in stark contrast. Laylee finds herself becoming more and more colorless as her job takes its' toll. Laylee is a mordeshoor, someone who prepares dead bodies and their souls for their afterlife. Laylee, much like Alice from Furthermore finds herself on an adventure. She meets Alice and Oliver from the first book and together they set off on an adventure which leads them to all kinds of whimsical and fantastical creatures and characters and colors. I want to see the Furthermore series brought to life on the big screen because I feel like it would be perfect in the style of Tim Burton and the new Alice in Wonderland (with Johnny Depp). I again read this book in one very long afternoon turned late night because I couldn't put it down. Tahereh Mafi is a master story teller. I love her young adult Shatter Me series, and seeing her hand at middle grade was insta love for me. Fans of Whimsical writing will become enchanted with the Furthermore series.
I love that Alice and Oliver play such a prominaent role in Whichwood. I fell in love with them in Furthermore and I was super excited to see them take part in Laylee's story. Now all we need is Oliver's story!! (And I won't take no for an answer to that one.) The books in the Furthermore series, can technically be read as standalones. However; I would suggest reading them in order because there is a lot of character overlap. Plus, the world is so fantastical that you will want to read all of the books set in it.
I can't get over how beautifully done this book is. From the absolutely perfect cover, to the magnificent writing, the pictures that Tahereh Mafi is able to paint with her words are downright magical. I know what Ferenwood, and now the village of Whichwood look like, and if they have a movie they better pay as much attention to the details and descriptions of scenes as Tahereh does because she lays it all out in such a perfectly described and richly detailed way. As far as descriptive writing goes, she is one of my all time favorite authors. She is so talented it is scary.
Bottom line: If you enjoyed Futhermore, you will love Whichwood. It is perfect for fans of Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and other childhood fantasy tales. I am pounding my fists on the table demanding more Alice, Oliver and everyone else! Get ready to go on a magical adventure with Whichwood. This is a book you do not want to miss.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
