Book Boos: October

5. THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Marieke Nijkamp. (Audio).  This plot in this book is difficult to read, but from a writing standpoint, I really like how the author told it. It was told in time increments that showed how quickly things can happen, but it also told the story in flashback to show how feelings can marinate and little moments can be so important to someone. There was just one plot thing I didn't like, but it's a bit of a spoiler so let me know in the comments if you want to know!

4. REPLICA by Lauren Oliver. (ARC). I'm a big fan of Lauren Oliver and while I loved the premise of this book, it fell a little flat for me. Again, from a writing standpoint, I loved how it was told and I found the characters memorable, but I was left wanting more. I'm curious was book two will hold. 

3. THE CONSPIRACY OF US by Maggie Hall. (Audio).  Super fun book about a girl who finds out she might be a part of a powerful international family and then ends up on the run as she tries to figure things out. I liked Avery and loved the two main male characters...probably my only complaint was that sometimes the book felt super realistic that then, when something crazy would happen, I'd have to remind myself that it was okay for it to be a little unbelievable. 

2. COCAINE BLUES by Kerry Greenwood. (Audio). Phrynne Fisher is SO MUCH FUN! I kind of can't even remember what the mystery is that she solves in the book because I remember the moments of her being awesome. 

1. A SHADOW BRIGHT AND BURNING by Jessica Cluess. (ARC) Loved this one that was filled with magic, lust, and danger. Henriette has hidden her powers for years out of fear, so when she is taken to London as the next prophesied sorcerer, she is understandably a bit of a fish out of water. Also...that cover! Beautiful! I definitely recommend this one!

Book Boos: September

6. THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL SORROWS OF AVA LAVENDER by Leslye Walton. (Audio). I listened to this while working an overnight at work and, while it was a great story and I liked it, I think maybe it wasn't what I wanted at the time. I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of magical realism...probably because I like fantasy so much...so I wanted her wings to be a bigger actual part of the story. I realize that's not the point! :) 

5. THREE DARK CROWNS by Kendare Blake. (ARC). First of all, I am OBSESSED with this cover. It is one of the best covers I have EVER seen. I was really into this story, but some of it just happened so quickly that the enormity of things was left vague for me. I have a feeling it's just writing style and I had just read a very verbose story so it probably seemed more disjointed than it really is...especially since people are raving about it. I still really enjoyed the story and looked forward to the sequel! (Thanks to HarperTeen via Edelweiss for the Advanced Reader e-copy of this book.)

4. KISS OF DECEPTION by Mary E. Pearson. (Audio). Epic story of a princess who fleas on her wedding day and ends up in a village with the jilted prince and an assassin sent to kill her. I think I want to re*read* this one to make sure I caught everything because it was delightful. 

3. A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT by Sabaa Tahir. I LOVED AN EMBER IN THE ASHES and was soooooo excited for this book. I really enjoyed it, but I got so angry when [SPOILER ALERT?] Elias and Laia were separated in the story. How are they going to makeout when they're not together??? I understood quickly why they were separated and I can't wait for book 3 now, but I wanted more interaction. 

2. THE HEIR by Kiera Cass. (Audio). Ahhhh, this series is so satisfying and I really recommend the audio of them. Perfect for stressful drives. I found the story of Maxim and America's daughter more believable and it was a great added layer of her being kind of a b;)

1. EMPIRE OF STORMS by Sarah J. Maas. (Audio/Book). OMFG THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE! I had the incredible pleasure of attending Sarah's book release party at the BN in Bensalem, PA where I nervously told her she's inspired me and also spit out that I was so thankful she recommended CAPTIVE PRINCE...What I didn't tell her is that I'm obsessed with her books and I'm eternally grateful that she publishes two a year because they're my crack. So yeah, I listened to this book on my drive to PA, then my drive to the Eastern Shore, and then, on my drive to and from North Carolina where I visited a friend and went to another Maas book event (Victoria Schwab was there, too! YAY!). SO yeah...pretty epic week I had with this book. I can't even handle how amazed I am at the story and how so many little things mentioned in prior books have come back to play a part in the story now. And while I obviously love Rowan, I want to give a special shout out to Lorcan! <3 br="">