Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once I picked this one up, I couldn't put it down. I read almost all of it in one day. It was that entertaining. I was hooked, needing to know what was next, what was going on, where these characters would end up.

My first Holly Black book will certainly not be my last!

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Review: Archangel's Storm

Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable entry. Mahiya turned out to be a very likeable character. It's very easy to respect someone who conquers the near-impossible challenge of being good when the world around you is bad, not breaking with the unending negative around you, staying whole when the world tries its hardest to shatter you.

All in all, very entertaining. I have to say that I will NEVER adjust to the flowery terminology that the author uses in her nigh-PNR sex scenes... honestly, sheathes and hilts and quivering things. Gah.

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Review: The Hammer of Thor

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know that Rick Riordan's books aren't for everyone. They have a silly, wacky style that just doesn't appeal to all readers. But for me, they're relaxing, fun, and highly entertaining because of the sheer amount of cheese. And I love how they share knowledge about mythology while cloaked in the disguise of a fun romp through multiple worlds.

This one was an excellent "middle book" for the Norse trilogy... and the end REALLY makes me excited to see the big finale. I mean, honestly... hints of you know who making an appearance? YES PLEASE!

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Review: Archangel's Blade

Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you, Nalini Singh, for restoring my faith in your series. Book three felt like such a mess that this one was refreshing. Much better plotting, less filler sex, way fewer instances of flowery sex descriptions (still some, of course, that's her style), and lots of backstory!!!

My biggest gripe was the final reveal of Honor's history. I know they were building it up throughout the book, but it should have played a bigger part of the story than just the stuff at the end... "oh hey, THIS."

All in all, I liked Honor, I liked Dmitri, I liked Ash... so much good in this one.

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Review: A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many others have written much better reviews than I could ever write on this masterpiece.

If you've ever experienced loss, are in the middle of preparing for a loss, or will one day face a loss, then you need to read this book (aka, everyone!).

Just don't forget to bring the tissues. And a water bottle to stay hydrated.

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Review: Archangel's Consort

Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Meh. This was one big ball of meh. I REALLY liked the first two. I was very disappointed with how this one felt like plot scenes were second thoughts and built around the sex scenes. Here's a rundown:

-go out and smell bodies
-sex
-talk to friend/sister
-sex
-train for flying/fighting
-sex
-repeat, repeat, repeat
-oh, crap, I didn't put a real plot in, okay, ummm, his mom and the Chinese super creepy angel thingy at the end!
-probably more sex

It wouldn't have been as annoying had the sex been remotely hot (which, to be fair, is an uphill battle for the author trying to make a gay man think any hooha language is hot), but instead, she uses flowery language that makes it ridiculous. Honestly, he's shoving manhood into her sheath all the way to the hilt, and later he's quivering at the "entrance to her body" and... come on. Ridiculous descriptions.

Then we have to go and mention her damn "mortal heart" over and over... we get it. We were there with her when what happened happened. It doesn't need to be brought up every two pages!

I'll try book 4, since it's a break from Elena and Raphael and shows some backstory for a very intriguing character... but if I didn't like the characters as much as I do, I'd be done at this point.

If not for Illium (serious book crush!), some family progress, and finally more scenes (not enough though) with her hunter friends/family, it would have been a two star for me.

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Review: Waylaid

Waylaid by Kim Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This just made me miss Jenks and Al and Trent and Rachel and ALL OF THEM so much. Fun little crossover story. :)

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Review: The Drafter

The Drafter by Kim Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*writes a review*
*gets shot*
*drafts back 45 seconds*
What was I doing? Oh yeah, working on a review for Kim Harrison's newest series first.

What a roller coaster! So many crosses and double-crosses and lies and betrayals. Total mind-screwing stuff, especially for poor Peri! I had a blast though, and am definitely entertained enough to read the rest of the trilogy as it comes out. I'm hoping that with the three book deal, she has built a great plot to twist and turn through the three books and come to an explosive, satisfying ending!

All in all, while not Harrison's best, it was still a fun book. 3.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads' inability to do half stars.

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Review: Crooked Kingdom

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really love the world and the characters Leigh Bardugo has created -- this duology makes me want to go back and read the Grisha trilogy (which is upcoming on my to-read, for anyone wondering, so no need to pester me to go read it)... but...

One major event in this book felt so needless, out of place, lacking emotional/plot payoff, that I just can't give it all the stars I might have given it.

So, if another story/book comes out that takes the fallout from this event and makes it MEAN SOMETHING, then I'll come back and revise this review. Otherwise, meh. Not pleased.

It lost another star because, well, honestly, Kaz's incessant "one-step ahead, but that won't be revealed until the last second each time" just didn't feel realistic. I mean, seriously, aren't these characters teenagers fighting adults with years more experience and knowledge, etc?

Still loved the duology... and this cast of characters!

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Review: The Wendigo

The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Meh. Didn't feel like enough buildup, just lots of conversations... and the Wendigo parts weren't even remotely scary.

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Review: Sideswiped

Sideswiped by Kim Harrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This shorty provided some fun entertainment with a small time travel twist. I wouldn't say it's Kim Harrison's best work, but it sets the stage for an interesting series first novel in The Drafter.

I did really like Summer, Silas, and Peri. We'll see how it goes with Peri as the main character in the following book.

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Review: Shiloh and the Brick

Shiloh and the Brick by Faith Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don't you just love when authors give us fun little treats?

Especially when we get to see just how deep Leo can plan!

(Free to read at http://www.faithhunter.net/wp/2016/10... )

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Review: The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you, Maggie Stiefvater, for this hauntingly beautiful love story. Love between family members, love of home, love of life, love of beloved pets/magnificent creatures... this book showcases so many different kinds of love. And it accomplishes that with polish, grace, and realism.

While this book was amazing, I had to take away a star because for the first 60-80% of the book, it felt so slow, and you don't get the payoff from that slow burn until you get to the final bit. Don't get me wrong, it's totally worth it, and it was the absolute best and most majestic way it could have gone (and needed to go), but it was hard to see until you're completely done.

Please don't judge/hate/troll me, Stiefvaterites!

Like I said in my last status update for this book -- This might have been my first Stiefvater book, but it definitely will not be my last.

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Review: Marked in Flesh

Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another year, another Others under my belt, another year to wait... *sigh*

I love this series. I love the creative characters. I love the unique world. I love the dangerous Earth Natives. I love the Meg.

Why, oh why must there be only one book remaining? *cries*

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