Divergent by Veronica Roth

TITLE:  Divergent (Divergent #1)

AUTHOR:  Roth, Veronica

GENRE:  Fiction/Dystopian

DATES READ:  11/25/2012 - 12/3/2012

MY RATING:  3.5/5

I originally found this book in soft cover, and saw that it was recommended for "if you like the Hunger Games".  Now, I thoroughly enjoyed the Hunger Games so I picked it right up.

I really appreciated the plot and the theme of this novel.  However, there were certain elements that I found a little far-fetched.  How can each person be expected to only fit in one certain archetype.  Regardless of the dystopian society, there is bound to be overlap (not just those who are uniquely "Divergent").  Especially if you can change your faction after being raised for years in another.  It just didn't make sense to me, and vaguely reminded me of Harry Potter's "sorting hat".

However, once I suspended my disbelief and took the whole faction idea with a grain, the world was well executed.  It was different than other dystopian worlds I've read about.

Tris is definitely more tough than other YA female characters out there.  But you can't help but roll your eyes a little on how well her story falls into place.  How she happens to be Divergent, and also happens to be able to handle more pain than anyone else in the book (so it seems anyway, to the point of surreal expectations).  Four, I feel, was the most well rounded character in the book (and of course he happens to be the swoony YA romantic interest).  But putting that aside, I felt his character was deeper and more complex than all of the others put together.

I wish that the plot line went a little deeper and further, to bring it to the next level.  I suppose we'll see what happens with the second book in the trilogy (because I'll definitely be buying it).

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

TITLE:  Storm Front (Dresden Files #1)

AUTHOR:  Butcher, Jim

GENRE:  Fiction/Fantasy

DATES READ:  11/1/2012 - 11/25/2012

MY RATING:  4/5

My brother has been obsessed with the Dresden Files for some time now, and he finally convinced me to start reading the series (at least the first book anyway), while we were camping.

The book moved very slowly from time to time, but I've heard from a lot of Dresden fans, that only the first book does that (as it is establishing the tone and the characters for the rest of the series).  My favorite character was, obviously, Dresden himself.  He was absolutely fabulous, possessing the perfect amount of frankness and mystery.  I told me brother he reminded me of Han Solo mixed with a wizard.  I've already made a mental casting note for him.

I think that Kevin Durand would be perfect, if they ever make a movie!  He's got the height, and the piercing good looks.  Dresden fans, feel free to agree or disagree.  But I found myself picturing him the whole time.

Some of the plot elements were a little predictable.  I found myself knowing when bad things were going to happen (and who they would happen to) a little too early.  However, this was also Jim Butcher's first book, so slack is given until I read the next!

Overall, this book is awesome, and I look forward to the next one.

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

TITLE:  A Reliable Wife
AUTHOR:  Goolrick, Robert

GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  10/8/2012 - 10/20/2012

MY RATING:  2/5

This book turned out to be a lot more sexual than I anticipated.  It was extremely depressing, and while the cover mentioned "intoxicating", the majority of it was just plain sad.

The characters were depressing and I understand that Catherine is looking for love with Truitt, but shouldn't the book have at least tried to make you love him too?  Instead he was muted, and almost voyeuristic.

Toward the end, I just found myself wanting for the book to be over.  Really lame.  Then again, this book was a freebie for me, I don't have much to complain about.

The ending was surprising, but I need to start reading something that has more hope and less sex/depression.  I'm sure it has it's place on someone's bookshelf.  I certainly don't think it will stay on mine for long.

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

Dearest Apologies

I must apologize more sincerely for my absence, dear readers.  It was has been quite sometime since I've been able to take a moment to breath/write.  I've recently started school, and while I'm thrilled at my prospects, it does not leave much time for my greatest passions - reading.

I hope to sneak in snippets here and there, when I get my much-needed breaks.  I have indeed been reading during my sabbatical.  I will make sure to update with all of the books I have finished - there are many of them (eek!).  I may also change my format due to the length of time I have available to write.

Needless to say... it is a wee bit daunting when combined with schoolwork.  But I've been keeping records of books I have read and wish to read in the hopeful future.  Keep an eye out for my next blog post!  There is a new challenge that I has me intrigued, and I challenge anyone and everyone to do it with me! :-)

Will be reading and writing and reading and writing and reading and writing until the end of eternity...

Easy by Tammara Webber

TITLE:  Easy

AUTHOR:  Webber, Tammara

GENRE:  Fiction/Romance

DATES READ:  9/25/2012 - 10/2/2012

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I have to admit that the overall plot of this novel was fabulous!  Tammara Weber does an amazing job of taking very difficult story matter, and it discussing it in an elegant way.

I will never forget the main male love interest.  He is a fantastic and deep character, whose story and past unfolds before you.  Truly unforgettable.  The main female character was okay, but I felt a bit of a Bella-complex going on there (what makes her so great that everyone is interested in her?).  But I suppose authors have to make female book characters a little muted so that readers can insert themselves and their own qualities.

Overall, I loved the story line, the characters, and the ending!

As a warning to readers:  This book does contain very graphic situations that younger readers may not be able to handle.

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

Thicker Than Blood by Shaolini Boland

TITLE:  Thicker Than Blood (Marchwood Vampire #2)

AUTHOR:  Boland, Shaolini

GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural

DATES READ:  9/15/2012 - 9/23/2012

MY RATING:  3/5

My mom and I both love the Marchwood Vampire series.  The plots for these books are always entwined very well.  Shaolini Boland has a gift for taking several story lines and melding them together.

Maddy and Alex were both wonderful and fallible at the same time.  I feel that Maddy is definitely one of the stronger female book characters I have seen lately, and that's refreshing to see.

I always feel like while there's a little something lacking for me in these books.  But they would make GREAT movies!  You can picture all of the action and locations so vividly (plus they're only $3.99 Nookbooks... you just can't lose!!!).  Definitely worth taking a look if you like supernatural beach reads.

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

TITLE:  Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)

AUTHOR:  Clare, Cassandra

GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural
DATES READ:  8/30/2012 - 9/9/2012

MY RATING:  4/5

This is the last Cassandra Clare book I'll read for a while, and it makes me sad!!!  :-(  I love her work.

The plot development and pace in Clockwork Prince was a little slow in comparison to the first novel.  But I have to say, Clare's bare bones writing style is blissfully un-complicated.  She makes the supernatural so believable, you don't question anything.

The setting, as always, is unique and creative.  But it's the characters that always set Cassandra Clares novels apart.  Will and Jem are drastically different but you find yourself loving them both in their own way.  The only part I've found annoying is Tessa in-decisiveness.  It's getting a little old (dare I say... Bella-esque??).  If I have to pick a dreaded team, I would have to say I'm team Will.  And here I was a couple of entries ago complaining about the token angsty bad boy.  What do I know?!

Definitely put this on your to-read list.  Especially if you're a fan of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***