Book Boos: November

5. THE PHARO'S GATE by Nick Bantock. This is a tough one because when I bought this, I didn't realize it was part of a long series. The description says you can read it on its own and I agree, but I enjoyed it more for the creative use of letters than for the story. 

4. THE WRETCHED OF MUIRWOOD by Jeff Wheeler. (Audio). I really liked this story, about Lia, a kitchen slave who agrees to hide and then help a squire who is hiding from the sheriff. There's way more to it as magic plays a big part and I really liked that part of the plot. The only reason I ranked this lower is that Lia is 14 in the story so I immediately knew there would be no romance. (I love romance!) 

3. RAKE MOST LIKELY TO SIN by Bronwyn Scott. Except for using ridiculous terms like member and phallus, this book was so enjoyable. The chemistry between the two main characters was great and I was totally rooting for them to make it in the end. 

2. BLOOD FOR BLOOD by Ryan Graudin. (ARC). I LOVE this series from Ryan Graudin. It's so creative in its premise and I just adore the characters who are all so layered. I highly highly recommend it!

1. CROOKED KINGDOM by Leigh Bardugo. (Audio/Print). Leigh Bardugo is a master of words and plot. SIX OF CROWS was amazing, but I think I liked CROOKED KINGDOM more! We got to see deeper into some of the characters and I liked the plot a lot in this one. And check out that cover! Amazing!!!!

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!