Dearest Apologies... AGAIN

Dear Anyone and Everyone Who May or May Not Ever Read This,

I'm finally back in the right mindset to start writing again.  Needless to say, I have definitely been reading a lot.  Therefore, many book entries will need to be posted before I can become fully up-to-date here (approximately 23 to be exact).  I may just post them all in one day, and be done with it.  We shall see... I'll change the time stamps so they're posted when I actually read them.

As always... will read and write soon!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

TITLE:  Insurgent (Divergent #2)

AUTHOR:  Roth, Veronica

GENRE:  Fiction/Dystopian

DATES READ:  6/24/2013 - 6/25/2013

MY RATING:  3/5

Holding aside the previous/current skepticism found in my Divergent review, I enjoyed this book.  I still have all the same issues with the plot points, not including the fact that I think Tris is even more superhuman and immune to pain in this installment.  My favorite character, Four, has been reduced to whiny and needy, instead of headstrong and magnetic.  Alas.  He regained my favor toward the end.

I love the idea of the Divergent and Insurgent world, and I can only hope that Veronica Roth takes it even further in her next installment.  Despite my gripes, I am definitely a fan.

This book was entertaining as all get out (it only took me a day to finish it!), but it's just missing something for me.  But, regardless, I will most definitely be picking up the third book in the trilogy when it comes out.

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

Inferno by Dan Brown

TITLE:  Inferno

AUTHOR:  Brown, Dan

GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  5/27/2013 - 6/3/2013

MY RATING:  4.5/5

The thing I most love about Dan Brown's novels is how they make you think, keep you guessing until the very last page, and surprise you every time!  It's his specialty, and he's made it an art.  And I felt the same exact love I feel now for both The Lost Symbol and The Da Vinci Code.

I adored the Italian setting, and the historical description.  I also loved Robert Langdon, per usual.  Sadly, no matter how hard the media tries, I will never picture Tom Hanks.

With Inferno, I did get a little mixed up with all of the characters.  But other than that, I loved every page turn.  I find myself in disbelief at the ending, but who knows.  I guess it's possible...

Reading and writing soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

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!

Book Cover Source

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!

Book Cover Source

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***