Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

TITLE:  Darkly Dreaming Dexter
AUTHOR:  Lindsay, Jeff
GENRE:  Fiction/Crime
DATES READ:  7/3/2012 -  7/5/2012
MY RATING:  4/5

This book was so much fun to read.  What a thriller!  The idea for this novel/series is so unique and really breaks the mold on the Crime genre.

The character of Dexter is so novel and surprisingly endearing... for a serial killer.  He is peculiar, curious, and charming.  Even with his lack of emotion, he has so much depth and personality.  And what a strange experience, to be reading from the point of view of a killer.

Jeff Linsday truly took a sick and twisted character and made his trustworthy.  You'll be slightly frightened to find your inner Dark Passenger chanting "Go, Dexter, go!".  No wonder the casting director chose Michael C. Hall to play him.  What a fantastic choice!

I cannot wait to read the next book as well as start the Showtime series.

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The Cabin in the Woods by Tim Lebbon

TITLE:  The Cabin in the Woods
AUTHOR:  Lebbon, Tim
GENRE:  Fiction/Horror
DATES READ:  7/1/2012 - 7/3/2012
MY RATING:  2/5

The plot of this book was definitely unique but the twist at the end of it was really far-fetched.  I figured with all of the set-up throughout the novel, that it would make a little more sense.  The ending was definitely milk toast and difficult to believe.

All of the main characters were one-note but I suppose it's a horror novel/film.  You shouldn't really care about character development when they're meant to die.

Toward the end of the story, it got really confusing.  When I began reading, I really liked the plot and pace.  But it's all about the execution of the storytelling (pardon the pun!), and it was really muttled.  Good idea overall, but absolutely over-explained.  Kind of like this blog entry...

I'm sure it was a great horror flick.  But I think I'll pass until I forget the ending.

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Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

TITLE:  Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
AUTHOR:  Flagg, Fannie
GENRE:  Fiction
DATES READ:  6/30/2012 - TBD
MY RATING:  ?/5

Started this book on the plane in the Bahamas, and I'm about halfway through.  It was really good and old timey so far.  A man at the pool stopped me, and said he named his boat after Towanda.

I vow to eventually finish this book, but for now... the bookmark shall remain in its place.

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Bahamian Break!

I am leaving on a jet plane tomorrow for, you guessed it... the Bahamas!!!  I absolutely cannot wait.

Due to the size of my current book, Eona by Alison Goodman (which is a hard cover), I will be taking a temporary hiatus.  I'm halfway through and it is a wonderful book so far.  However, I am bringing four paperbacks with me (easier to get wet and read on the beach with), and I will absolutely update when I return to the States.

Will read, sunbathe, drink daiquiris, and write soon!

Entwined by Heather Dixon

TITLE:  Entwined
AUTHOR:  Dixon, Heather
GENRE:  Fiction/Fantasy
DATES READ:  5/27/2012 - 6/11/2012
MY RATING:  2.5/5

The idea of embellishing The Twelve Dancing Princesses made me very happy.  However, within the execution, there were several things that disappointed me about this book.

The characters were all very "one-note" with extremely little character development.  The tense was awkward at times.  In fact, the majority of the story could be written from Azalea's point of view (there was plenty of her inner dialogue present anyway).

The book was also very repetitive.  Over and over again describing about the "nail marks in palms", the King "sucking in his cheeks" when he's upset, or Bramble's "piercing green eyes".  For Pete's sake... if it isn't pivotal to the story line, there's no need for the repetition.

Overall, it was a charming alternative view of the story, but there were some key developmental point that I found irritating.  Just my opinion.  But then again... it is my blog!

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City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

TITLE:  City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments #5)
AUTHOR:  Clare, Cassandra
GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural
DATES READ:  5/15/2012 - 5/27/2012
MY RATING:  4.5/5

This book was everything I love about the Mortal Instruments series and more!  I adore these books.  I just can't believe that the next installment isn't supposed to come out until March 2014.  I'm going to be out of graduate school by then (and I haven't even started yet!!!).

I finished City of Lost Souls while camping with my family.  It was the perfect mixture of action, romance, and suspense.  Cassandra Clare constantly keeps you guessing about her characters and this series has a little something for everyone!

I can't recommend it enough for anyone.  I am now in the process of passing them along to my family and friends.  I hope that they'll enjoy them just as much as I do.  The only thing that could be improved is the release date of the next book.  But if you can't already tell, I'm a little biased.  :-)

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Shipbreaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

TITLE:  Ship Breaker
AUTHOR:  Bacigalupi, Paolo
GENRE:  Science Fiction
DATES READ:  4/29/2012 - 5/15/2012
MY RATING:  3/5

I purchased this book on the way out of B&N with my boyfriend because the metallic cover caught my attention.   They were alongside books with a sign that stated "If you like The Mortal Instruments series..."  which I love!!!  So I decided to pick it up...

...I enjoyed this book immensely, but I must admit that I actually like the cover more than I like the book.  I think that's the first time that's ever happened to me.  The author has a wonderful style and I can understand why this book was such an award winner.  I guess it just didn't stand out for me.

Toward the end of this story I got a little restless.  However, I have to give the author credit for being able to take such a futuristic world and make it believable.  While it was easy to read and easy to enjoy, something was missing for me (maybe the pace threw me off?).  I just wasn't my proverbial cup of tea.

I feel that this is a good young adult intro into science fiction, and would definitely recommend it for teens.  Not really enough substance for an older audience.

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