Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

TITLE:  Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2)

AUTHOR:  Gabaldon, Diana

GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  4/22/2013 - 5/27/2013

MY RATING:  4/5

Yet another book that was difficult for me to get through.  Granted, this is my most difficult semester in grad school so far, so it's understandable.  But usually I can beast through a book a little bit faster than over a month!  I bought this book when I was halfway through with Outlander, and it took me almost a year to read #2.  I think I'll need another year before I even think of cracking the third installment in Gabaldon's series.

I love Jamie and Claire so much.  And there's a strong wish for them to be together.  It's just a struggle to get through all of the drama sometimes.  It truly is an epic love story.  I just find myself needing an emotional break after a while.

Definitely a book series for those with strong will.  Until I feel prepared, Voyager (Outlander #3) will have to chill on my book shelf.

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Blue Bells of Scotland by Laura Vosika

TITLE:  Blue Bells of Scotland (Blue Bells Trilogy #1)

AUTHOR:  Vosika, Laura

GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  4/6/2013 - 4/22/2013

MY RATING:  1.5/5

This book lacked an incredible amount of depth in plot and character development for me.  Granted, I was hoping for a book a little like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander.  However, this one seemed like an outright copycat, and a severely disappointing one at that.

The main characters were so unbelievable to me.  I would read a book about Niall and Alene, but Shawn and Amy I could do without.  They're kind of lame.  A rock star trombonist?  I mean come ON (no offense to trombonists anywhere).  This book was just not my cup to tea.  It was too far-fetched.  Far be it from me to deny that I finished it.  On to something new!

Will read and write soon!

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Between the Lines by Tammara Webber

TITLE:  Between the Lines

AUTHOR:  Webber, Tammara

GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  4/3/2013 - 4/6/2013

MY RATING:  1.5/5

For me, this book was so "blah".   Of course, I bought it with the expectation of the first Tammara Webber book I read, Easy (which I loved).

The character Reid was so predictable and unlikable that you began to think Emma (the main character) was just plain stupid.  I never like thinking the main character is making terrible misguided choice for no reason at all.  There was nothing redeeming about either of their characters, and the side plots of Reid's story felt so forced.

The point of view kept switching back and forth, and this only served to drive a deeper divide between her purity and his evil.  It was too stark.  No nuance at all.

Also, there were too many superfluous characters for me.  Graham was the only character I liked, and Bella-esque Emma frankly doesn't deserve him.  I'd read a book about him in a heart beat.

Obviously, you can see my opinions on this book.  Passing on the love for Tammara Webber, but I probably won't pass this book to my friends.

Will read and write soon!

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Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

TITLE:  Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3)

AUTHOR:  Clare, Cassandra

GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural

DATES READ:  3/27/2013 - 4/3/2013

MY RATING:  4/5

This is a new one for me...  The only thing, and I mean ONLY thing, that stopped me from absolutely adoring this book is the epilogue.  I mean, I understand wanting to tie up loose ends and make everyone happy, but REALLY?!

I loved the characters arches in this book, and the plot development and action were in perfect balance.  There wasn't too much romance, but it wasn't light on heart break.  The scales were in order.

But I can't help that feeling that I'm not a fan of everyone reading a book should have their happy ending.  It doesn't sit right.  Like everyone gets to have their cake and eat it to.  It's forced.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good happy ending as much as the next reader, but there is such as a thing as overkill.

If you're read the other books in the series, this one is obviously a no-brainer.  But if you're happy with the way the book ended (because of certain expectations :-P), steer clear of the epilogue.

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

TITLE:  Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1)

AUTHOR:  Garcia, Kami and Stohl, Margaret

GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural

DATES READ:  3/22/2013 - 3/27/2013

MY RATING:  3/5

Overall, the plot of Beautiful Creatures was good, albeit some parts were definitely predictable.

I liked Lena's characters because she actually appeared to have a brain, and didn't just fall for a guy because he was interested in her.  Dare I say, she actually waited until she liked him?  I also love the idea of the majority of the YA book being from a male's perspective.  It was a nice change!

However, the love story seemed a little forced.  Cue the "I love her" because "she's different".  Heaven forbid!  If that was all it really took for someone to be interested and fall in love.

At least it took them a while to fall in love.  That was believable.  Now, I guess I should see the movie.  The characters don't really look like how I pictured them, but we'll see how it goes.

Will read and write soon!

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Zombie Apocalypse: Fight Back by Stephen Jones

TITLE:  Zombie Apocalypse:  Fight Back

AUTHOR:  Jones, Stephen

GENRE:  Fiction/Zombies

DATES READ:  2/23/2013 - 3/22/2013

MY RATING:  2/5

It took me almost a month to read this book because it was a little confusing.  The novel was definitely unique (a compilation of newspaper clipping, instruction manuals, and message logs).

It followed the spread of the zombie apocalypse from London all the way to the US.  Overall, it took a lot of effort and concentration to read, and it was extremely difficult to track all of the characters.

However, the plot development was unique and interesting to try and follow.  It guess I would recommend it to science fiction readers or people who generally like weird stuff.  :-)

Will read and write soon!

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The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

TITLE:  The Winter Sea

AUTHOR:  Kearsley, Susanna

GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  2/8/2013 - 2/22/2013

MY RATING:  5/5

This book was absolutely wonderful!  Another winner!  Albeit, I was kind of predicting/hoping/praying the ending would turn out exactly the way she wrote it.  It was perfection!

I loved both the story of Carrie, and the simultaneous story of her relative Sophia.  Sophia and Moray's story is romantic and heart-wrenching.  And the setting of Scotland is the best backdrop for all of it.

Everything about this book feels rather cool and refreshing, and the writing is so fluid.  Susanna Kearsley writes with delicate grace and deliberation.  Her style is charming, and makes me wish the story could continue on forever.

This book is for anyone who seeks time-bridging adventure with a hint of romance.  Honestly, is there any better kind?

Time to turn the page to read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***