I totally overdosed on netgalley books recently and I need to take a break because it started to feel like a chore to read them. Lots of books to share this month, there might have been a few nights I chose 'one more chapter' over 'turn off the damn light and go to sleep'.
I was provided some of these books from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley!
If you are looking for something light, fluffy, easy, cheesy and adorable, this is it. I did enjoy this, but I took it for what it is. Comparing to my favourites, it's not a 4 star book, of course not. But on it's own, for what it is, I enjoyed it.
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend - Katarina Bivald - 4 Stars - Netgalley
I actually almost bought this book in Dublin, but put it back, so I was happy to see it on netgalley when I got home. It was cute, though it took a bit to get into. I loved all the bookish references, it's hard not to. This is a super simple, sweet, easy read. I found myself really enjoying it, though as someone who has gone through the thing they go through, I rolled my eyes at how dramatic they made it. Definitely does not go down like that. I wish the ending was a little more fleshed out.
The Brontë Plot - Katherine Reay - 2 stars - Netgalley
I want to love Katherine Reay's books, but I don't (Dear Mr Knightley, Lizzy & Jane). I love the covers, they are absolutely beautiful. I love the titles and the ideas, they have such potential and the book lover in me wants to love them purely for that. I just feel like the books are forced.. I don't like the characters, I don't care about them or the story. I don't like the religious aspects of her books - though that's my fault for continuing to read them and hoping something will change. I think some people will - and do - love Reay's books but I am not one of them, and that is okay.
I was excited to read this book because I loved our recent trip to Versailles. Unfortunately, I should have left Versailles in Versailles. Someone likened this book to Mean Girls but in 18th century France. I completely agree, except I actually like Mean Girls. Someone else compared this book to Philippa Gregory's books, to which I say that person should not be allowed on goodreads. To put it quite bluntly, this book was not good. It was not well written and it was just plain boring. Sorry. Not a fan.
Fairytale Beginnings - Holly Martin - 4 stars - Netgalley
Quite honestly, this book is ridiculous. It's not very well written. But I really enjoyed it, so there you go. There were a few things that annoyed me (could do without the ex partners talk) but this book was really cute, silly and I liked it. There are lots of Disney references and it's more 'adult' than I expected it to be. It's not gonna blow your mind or win any awards, but it's cute and I enjoyed it.
The first half of this book was 2 or 3 stars, true story. It was boring and I didn't remember the characters well enough from Saving Francesca and I didn't care for them either. Gasp. But the second half picked up and I loved them all and I bawled like a baby and I loved the book as a whole. So much love for this book and these characters and please let me squeeze you and be part of your life. of course, I loved the Australianisms.
I also might have loved this book purely for the Pride and Prejudice references. Yep.
You -
Caroline Kepnes - 4 stars
This book is seriously fucked up. But I read it in one sitting, so it must have been good. It is definitely graphic and I didn't like certain parts, but overall, if you're going for a seriously crazy book, this is it.
The Maze Runner - James Dashner - 2 Stars
I feel bad giving this book 2 stars, it's not really that bad. Here's the thing: it is definitely written for a younger reader. But I have read books that are written for middle grade before and they were written better than this. I don't know how to explain it. If I was 12, most likely I would love it. But the juvenile style of writing drove me nuts. The story is fine, and I would definitely recommend this to kids / tweens, but it's definitely more on the Y side of YA.
This book is seriously fucked up. But I read it in one sitting, so it must have been good. It is definitely graphic and I didn't like certain parts, but overall, if you're going for a seriously crazy book, this is it.
The Maze Runner - James Dashner - 2 Stars
I feel bad giving this book 2 stars, it's not really that bad. Here's the thing: it is definitely written for a younger reader. But I have read books that are written for middle grade before and they were written better than this. I don't know how to explain it. If I was 12, most likely I would love it. But the juvenile style of writing drove me nuts. The story is fine, and I would definitely recommend this to kids / tweens, but it's definitely more on the Y side of YA.
The Reader - Bernhard Schlink - 2 stars
I did not enjoy this book. I didn't hate it, I didn't feel anything. It fell super flat for me and never grabbed me. Lots of people love it and it's apparently this amazing fabulous book but I must be missing something. Not a fan.
Night Pleasures - Sherrilyn Kenyon - 4 stars
Hashtag don't judge me. Or, you know what, do. I care not. I don't mind some steamy adult scenes as long as I enjoy the story, you know? For what it is, it's good. It's predictable, in fact very similar to the first book in the series (which I reread last year), but still enjoyable, especially if you like books like these. I keep going back and forth on 3 and 4 stars, it's probably more like 3.5 or 3.75 but goodreads doesn't allow that, and it did make me laugh in certain parts and some parts were original, and overall I enjoyed it so 4 stars it is. But it's definitely not for people who don't like romance, or the paranormal. I don't know if I will read the rest of the series, but there was an excerpt for the next book and it actually did sound interesting / funny, so I just might.
Burial Rites - Hannah Kent - 5 stars
I picked this audiobook up because it's read by the same person who read Code Name Verity, and she just might be my favourite narrator. The 2 books couldn't be more different, and she did an amazing job on both. I really think it helped me enjoy the book because of the Icelandic places and names, I felt like it was almost like I was watching a movie.. with my ears. Which is how I want all books to be, like a movie in my head.
As for the actual book: it took me a hot minute to get into it. I am so conflicted about it, I don't know how to convey my feelings. It was beautiful and moving, heartbreaking and intriguing. In other parts it was a bit boring. It is fictional, but based off real events. It's heartbreaking, but beautiful. That makes no sense, but there you go.
A Kiss at Midnight (and When Beauty Tamed the Beast) - Eloisa James - 5 stars
Okay okay, but remember 'don't judge a book by it's cover'? This cover is seriously ridiculous and almost made me not want to read the book, but I kept seeing it recommended. It is definitely a romance, so if you're not into that, step away. But if you are, I freaking LOVED this book. I thought it was really well written and funny with an actual story, not just sexy time. I seriously really enjoyed it and promptly read the rest of the series (though they can be read as stand alones). Honestly, if you like books 'like these' I'd suggest reading 1&2, don't bother with the rest.
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon - 5 Stars
I picked this audiobook up because it's read by the same person who read Code Name Verity, and she just might be my favourite narrator. The 2 books couldn't be more different, and she did an amazing job on both. I really think it helped me enjoy the book because of the Icelandic places and names, I felt like it was almost like I was watching a movie.. with my ears. Which is how I want all books to be, like a movie in my head.
As for the actual book: it took me a hot minute to get into it. I am so conflicted about it, I don't know how to convey my feelings. It was beautiful and moving, heartbreaking and intriguing. In other parts it was a bit boring. It is fictional, but based off real events. It's heartbreaking, but beautiful. That makes no sense, but there you go.
A Kiss at Midnight (and When Beauty Tamed the Beast) - Eloisa James - 5 stars
Okay okay, but remember 'don't judge a book by it's cover'? This cover is seriously ridiculous and almost made me not want to read the book, but I kept seeing it recommended. It is definitely a romance, so if you're not into that, step away. But if you are, I freaking LOVED this book. I thought it was really well written and funny with an actual story, not just sexy time. I seriously really enjoyed it and promptly read the rest of the series (though they can be read as stand alones). Honestly, if you like books 'like these' I'd suggest reading 1&2, don't bother with the rest.
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon - 5 Stars
If ever there were a ridiculously popular book that was not for everyone, it's this one. I loved it. Extremely well written, interesting and overall I just enjoyed it. However, just because I enjoyed it doesn't mean I would do the things they did, or that I accept them or think they are right. For pete's sake people, it's fiction. Not only that, but it is set almost 300 years ago, not to mention published 25 years ago. This book has some effed up shit in it, and I understand why people don't like it. But when I read a book set 300 or so years ago, I don't try and apply my life, my world, my culture to it. We must take care to avoid the enormous condescension of posterity.
I also read the 4 books in the Throne of Glass series - check out my review here. After I read this series, I hit the biggest book rut of this year. Nothing sounds good, all the books on my TBR list that I was excited about now held no interest. I have 50+ books on my shelves, 150 on my kindle. Nope. Nothing is grabbing me. I texted Kari for help and after going back and forth and me shooting everything down, she said 'I think you need the next Throne of Glass book' and I was like, duh YES. That is what I need. How rude of Sarah J. Maas to not have written it yet.
Linking up with Steph and Jana for the show us your books link up.
TL;DR - I recommend Burial Rites, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend and You. Completely different books, one serious, one silly and one kinda crazy. You choose.
I'm still in said book rut so haven't read anything else since. Help. Read anything decent or awful lately?
I totally need something light to read on the train so I think I'm going to have to download The Heartbreakers! If I get into something that's really deep I maybe, sometimes, slightly get lost in the book and forget to get off at my stop haha! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
ReplyDeleteDang girl, you are killing it on the reading train! I'm slowly getting back into my reading groove!
ReplyDeleteYou take that back about NetGalley! Haha! just kidding. I may have about 20 books waiting from them though. Heartbreakers is actually one of them so I am glad you end up liking it since it is my next book to read.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so much about outlander! I went rogue last week and picked up 3 completely random books at the library last week- I hope they're not all like your Versailles book...
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved YOU by Caroline Kepnes. Creepiness out the roof, but so, so addictive. I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator, Santino Fontana, had a voice to die for!
ReplyDeleteI am on a bit of a reading frenzy at the moment so I will be checking some of these reads out for sure! I am currently reading The Blind Assassin which seems good so far. x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.daydreamsofsummertime.co.uk/
I have found so many books from you, I love these recaps! Isn't Burial Rites such a good book?! My mom gave it to me the first month I moved to Iceland, I love it, and I have even visited the area it was set in which is really well described in the book, I hope the movie does it justice!
ReplyDeleteI've been going the ebook route lately by checking them out from my library and getting them on my kindle. I've been able to check out quite a few books from my list this way!
ReplyDeleteAwesome reviews gurlie! Bummed that The Sisters of Versailles and Mazerunner were letdowns though, but so good to know.
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
I think I just added like half of these to my GoodReads list! :) I was at Barnes and Noble yesterday trying to find Throne of Glass and they had all of them except the first one :( I'll definitely be checking to see if the library has them.
ReplyDeleteI might get fired as an English major if I admit that I've never read Outlander! And as always, hugely impressed with the number of books you devour!
ReplyDeleteYou always impress me with the number of books that you're reading! I'm so bad about refusing to put down a book that it's hard for me to read as much as I would like to and still be productive and do things like eat/sleep haha
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely check out Fangirl and Carry On, I think you would like them both if you like Rowell's other books. I read the first 4 Outlander books a few years ago, and although I own the others I think I'd have to re-read the first 4 to catch up. I love the series but it is crazy time consuming!!! I hope you get some good recommendations from the link up today! I've heard mixed things about Katherine Reay's books. It *seems* like I would like them so I'm going to give them a try but just not sure.
ReplyDeleteI've been taking an unplanned hiatus from reading lately, so thank you for all these reviews! I think I'm going to FINALLY get a library card so I can read more often (and save money), so I will take this list with me :)
ReplyDeleteLol! I love how you admit that a book isn't well written but still give it 4 stars. I do that, too. It's hard to review objectively and maybe we shouldn't have to! If you liked it, maybe there's some indefinable quality that the book does have that makes up for whatever wasn't good about it. Also, the cover of A Kiss at Midnight is super ridiculous. I wouldn't even have considered it if you hadn't acknowledged that fact. Ha!
ReplyDeleteUnrelated - Netgalley. I signed up, but how does this work? What are the rules?
I think I need to start a goodreads account! Is it something you need to like, have friends on? Thanks again for all of the good reccommendations!
ReplyDeletei liked outlander too ---despite how crazy long it was. i still have to finish the second -- and other books in the series. xo jillian - cornflake dreams
ReplyDeleteYou always have the most interesting reviews and I love how honest you are about the books. Can I say I laughed a lil bit when I saw the review of the romance novel. I've turned down many a book because of the cover and grabbed one because of it too. I'll have to give it a try, I like fun reads, especially ones that have good stories and not just seksi time. I'm on the fence about Outlander after reading the reviews on Goodreads. I'll let you know if I pick it up.
ReplyDeleteI just heard about Burial Rites a couple of days ago and now I'm adding it to my must read list after seeing your 5 star rating! I love book link ups - I suck at remembering when they are, but I'm adding the next one to my calendar. It's how I find all of my books I read!
ReplyDeleteI love your honest reviews! I can't even believe how many books you've read, you put my 2 books to shame lol! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteI cannot get over how many books you read. I'm still reading the same book from August. I so need to get my act together and read more. You have helped me rediscovered my love of reading. It just takes me forever to finish a book.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm Fairytale Biginnings sounds fun! I have had You on my list, but heard it was fucked up so I haven't gotten around to it yet. I have to be in a mood, you know? You have read SO MANY BOOK!!!
ReplyDelete"Quite honestly, this book is ridiculous." Hahahahaha. You've gotten lots of reading done! I'm jealous. I have too much "required reading" to do... >:[
ReplyDeleteThanks for being with us from the start!
ReplyDeleteLoved loved loved The Piper's Son even though it was a little slow. I read it soon after Francesca so they were both fresh for me.
Also loved You, like a lot, like what does that say about my brain? LOL
I haven't read Outlander but really like what you said about it. I think we apply too many of our own morals to fiction. Like that's where things can be totally crazy - fiction.
Also hated The Maze Runner. BORING!
Fairytale Beginnings - that has my name written all over it.
ReplyDeleteI actually liked The Reader ... but read it so long ago. Have you seen the movie? kate Winslet is in it.
Okay I'm super on the fence about You. It's like thriller/mystery right? I've said for ages that that's not my genre (because I'm a wimp and scare super easily and don't like to be scared) but then I went and actually really enjoyed Gone Girl (except for the end but that was just bad character development in my opinion). So I'm torn because I don't want nightmares but I also don't want to miss out on a good book. SO MUCH PRESSURE TO DECIDE. Sigh. Also, never read the reader, not really interested in reading it, but have the movie in my Netflix queue and can't wait to watch. I know, I know. Bad book-lover.
ReplyDeleteI'm adding Throne of Glass to the list but will wait on the 5th book to come out :) I just can't face another unfinished series. I've read most of the Outlander series and really enjoyed them, she is a good writer.
ReplyDeleteOkay so the Throne Of Glass series is now officially on my list! As well as You! This linkup is so amazing, my holds list is going to be out of control this month!
ReplyDeleteHey, glad you read and liked "You" afterall! And I really liked The Maze Runner, the movie, so I was bummed that the book offered no additional information. I gave it 2/5 stars as well so don't feel bad. I *had* to read the other 2 in the series because I wanted to know what happened. I gave Scorch Trials 3.5 stars and The Death Cure 3 stars. I hope they're both better in theatres. I agree, the writing is juvenile and sooo repetitive.
ReplyDeleteI clicked on Fantasy Lover, Fairytale Beginnings and A Kiss at Midnight because, duh romance junkie! I wish I had a book to recommend, maybe Dumplin'? Jana loved it and I'm hoping to get to it this month!
ReplyDeleteI really liked You - it was so messed up and I'm ready for the second book (out in February!). I'm adding Burial Rites and I'll hope for the audiobook, too!
ReplyDeleteYayyy!! It's book review day!! I do frequently refer back to the posts for recommendation so as much as you can't stop linking up with your friends, you also can't stop doing these posts. I'm SO GLAD you got through the slow beginning of Outlander to get to the good stuff. I also TOTALLY agree with your thoughts on it. I am also glad to read your thoughts on The Maze Runner! My kids want me to read it and I said I would since I've heard good things about it, but after reading your review I think I will let them know it's not happening. Maybe we can just watch the movie together and call it good. :P
ReplyDeleteYOU is in my top 10 favorite books of this year and The Piper's Son is already on my list because Saving Francesca was so good, even if I didn't read at the best time in my life. Too much real.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being with us from the beginning and no, we're not kicking you out. YET.
I am SO jealous of all the books that you've read recently - I didn't pick up my Kindle once in Puerto Rico. #shame Anyways, I have been intrigued by Outlander, and now I am even more based on your review. I also may have to pick up some of these easy, chick-lit reads because why not? Sorry that you didn't like The Reader! I can understand why not everyone would get into it.
ReplyDeleteI need to read Outlander. I keep hearing all about it.
ReplyDeleteI am really excited for Readers of the Broken Wheel Recommend (I don't think it's available in the US yet... I need to check... and Netgalley turned me down!) I totally agree about The Sisters of Versailles! I need to read the Bronte Plot. I keep reading the same (bad) things about it. However, I need to review it, too... I am so behind. I am on a total Her Royal Spyness kick! They're so cute!
ReplyDeleteI want to read some of these books just by the covers.. does that make me a bad person? lol
ReplyDeleteMy parents were visiting last night and my mom stayed up late talking about books we want to read! So posts like this always make me happy. So many books to read!
ReplyDeleteI've really wanted to check out The Piper's Son! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe Rad Wife
Tell me about NetGalley... I'm intrigued!
ReplyDeleteOoh, SO MANY BOOKS. I really need to read The Piper's Son. I mean, I AM AUSTRALIAN...but I've only read two Marchetta books?! and she has like 9 million. What even am I doing with my life?! SERIOSULY. XD hehe
ReplyDeleteI did read a terribly awful book the other day. *shudders* The Panem Companion. Like I thought it'd be about the Hunger Games, but it was full of horrible fan theories and no input from Suzanne Collins so I can't see how it can be called a companion!! Anyone could've written it. >_>
BUT THEN I READ BLOOD RED ROAD AND IT IS MY FAVOURITE THING OF EVER. <3
Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!
Stop reading so many books. You're making me feel bad!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I love the movie The Reader. You is on my TBR list. I didn't like The Maze Runner. Like, parts were okay but I didn't care enough to even hunt down the sequel. That's telling.
Dang - I need your reading skills (imagine me saying it Napolean Dynamite esq) haha I'm reading Devil in the White City and I need to hurry up and finish it!
ReplyDeleteYou was definitely a bit on the psycho side! Someone else had recommended Fairytale Beginnings in a previous Show Us Your Books link-up and I've had it on my to read list since. I need to try Outlander again. I own it and tried it awhile ago after hearing such amazing things about it. I think it was so big and I had other books that I wanted to read I put it aside and never tried it again.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I should join Netgalley, but I never use an E-reader. If I ever give in and get one, I'll definitely be signing up!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you really liked You even though it was really fucked up! That's definitely my kind of thing, but I know not everyone enjoys it. Do you think you'll read the next book in the series?
I feel like I really need to add The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend. Goodreads keeps recommending it, and so far I've seen it on both your list and Steph's list.
It sucks that you read so many mediocre to shitty books this time around. I mean, you obviously read a bunch that you really liked too, but three books with 2 stars and one book with 1 isn't exactly a great thing. And it's a shame about The Maze Runner because I actually thought the movie looked interesting (so I assumed the book would be as well).
Some of these sound amazing. I really need to look into You. I love crazy and insane books. Sometimes the crazier, the better.
ReplyDeleteMan, I feel bad. I keep getting sick or I've been so stressed with work that I just come home and crash with Netflix instead of reading. Need to change that.
#allthebooks ! eep. I am still working the blue bloods books. So many, so good. I really really want to read Outlander and Throne of Glass. I thought The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend looked familiar. What a nice coincidence that it showed up for you. :) It sounds good. :) Lolololol on the Sisters of Versailles. :)
ReplyDeleteXO -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Definitely adding Burial Rites to my list to read, and the Throne of Glass series I added last week. I totally agree that Outlander isn't for everybody, but oh my goodness I just love those characters and the story! It's just so well written, even if Diana Gabaldon does go off the deep end sometimes with all of the details in her later books. I haven't been reading a ton lately either, plus I think that most of the books that I would recommend you've probably already read lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome suggestions! Burial Rites and You sound like something I'd like to read. I've been in a reading slump lately after my move, so now I'm slowly trying to get back into it. I need to figure out the online ordering system so I don't have to spend hours in the library browsing all of the books lol.
ReplyDeleteI love reading so I love these books posts! I actually haven't read any of these so I'll have to check them out.
ReplyDelete~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
I recently read Elizabeth is Missing, which I loved. Now I'm reading Momo because I need to catch up on my classic German children's literature ;-) (it's by the same author as The Neverending Story).
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading You and it's sufficiently creeped me out in the first 3 chapters. I'm excited to finish it.
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the light fluffy books at the moment, so I'm picking out The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend, The Heartbreakers and maybe A Kiss at Midnight to go on my list. I've already heartily recommended Miss Pettigrew Lives for A Day so I'll stop going on about it. This month I need to stop getting things done (they usually don't really need to be done) and read more! Priorities.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good list of books to read! I am sorry you didn't like the Reader. It was definitely an intense book. I did like the movie adaptation as well. And a complete Outlander fan here! I don't like the later books as much as the first two, or three but they are good. Glad to find another person who likes them. It is one of those books that I am a little embarrassed to say I liked but they are too addictive! I had no idea that it was published in 1991!
ReplyDeleteAnnie- All Things Big And Small
I could talk about a lot of these, but let's talk Burial Rites. Did you know the author is Australian? There's that too. You know Elizabeth's Books on Pitt Street in the CBD? Well, one of their employees recommended Burial Rites to me about a year ago. I told her Iceland in the 1800s is not a book I'd typically select, but she convinced me to try it. You are spot on saying that it is heartbreaking and beautiful. I used to recommend it...then those that I recommended it to either didn't read it or didn't love it. And that made me sad. So, I'm SO glad you felt the same way about it!!
ReplyDeleteIm way too ashamed at my lack of reading these days ... because work has consumed my life. I literally cant wait to curl up tonight with a book before bed. One hour till I get my magical reading time. Also good recs!
ReplyDeleteThrone of Glass series sounds really interesting. I felt like I was in a book rut for a while but I'm getting back into reading again now.
ReplyDeleteI love that you like books that aren't necessarily literary award winners and you admit it. Some stories are just about enjoying for the fun of a story.
ReplyDeleteUgh! I am soooo disappointed that "The Bronte Plot" wasn't good. Truth is I'd never even heard of it until just now but I saw the title and the cover and thought "gotta read it". Ugh, boo!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, the cover for Burial Rites is so damn gorgeous! I've seen in on bookoutlet a few times but always end up not buying it, so it's good to hear that it's just as good as it looks.
Glad I could be of service with your reading slump! Although I don't know how much help it is to tell you that you want something you can't have LOL I wanted to suggest Maas' other series A Court of Thorns and Roses but I realize that it would just put you deeper into the slump as the 2nd book in that series doesn't come out until May. Booo, book release dates!
Outlander was hard for me to get into, but then I just wanted to keep going. I don't think I loved it, but I definitely was interested. Let me know what you think of the next one - if you read it. I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteI sure love a good book list and am always looking for the next book to read. I'll definitely have to check out some of these! Which was your favorite that I should read next??
ReplyDeleteAudrey
http://www.katieelizabethblog.com/
I feel the same about You (although I didn't quite read it in one sitting). I definitely want to read The Piper's Son. The Reader was not my favorite book by far, but I didn't hate it. It did creep me out a little. I keep thinking I should get into Netgalley but I already have SO many books I want to read!
ReplyDeleteYou has been on my list forever. I need to get to it! I started Burial Rites a long time ago but it didn't grab my attention. I think I need to try the audiobook!
ReplyDeletei tried so hard to read the maze runner but it was straight up wack. dumped it after 50pages and 2 naps LOL
ReplyDeleteI've been on the fence about ToG. Are you normally a fantasy fan? I also didn't like Maze Runner. Like didn't even pick the other books in the series up because the story and writing were just not there. That's my major problem with YA. Sometimes there are these YA books that are so amazingly written but most of the time, the writing is just crappy that even if they have a good story, you can't see it over the writing.
ReplyDelete