12.25.2015

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, Narrated by Amanda Dolan

Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The audiobook of this was wonderful. Narrated by Amanda Dolan, I fell into this story easily. Her voices consistent, I cannot imagine anyone else narrating these books.

This story seems familiar, and like the somewhat typical story of an undesirable rising to power by luck and chance, but it is more. I felt like I'd heard this story many times, but since I enjoy it, I didn't mind. Then suddenly after I'd listened to about 80% of the book, something changed.

I've read reviews where people gave up reading this book 40%, 50%, 60% into the story, because they were bored. Don't be them. Wait for it...

Wait for it...

View all my reviews

12.20.2015

The Short Life of Sparrows by Emm Cole, Narrated by Pamela Lorence

The Short Life of SparrowsThe Short Life of Sparrows by Emm Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did not see this story coming! I figured I'd give it a listen, and find myself entertained by the usual YA type of book. I was so wrong, and so happy to be wrong. The only assumption that can be safely made about Emm Cole's book is that it is about young adults. Past that, it's nothing I expected.

A town filled with secrets, magic, and terrible visions is just the beginning of what makes this story strange and fascinating at the same time. The narrator, Pamela Lorence, did a wonderful job. Her voice is easy to listen to, which made it easy for me to "read" for long periods.

If you know of any young adults (or not so young, such as myself) who are in need of something to read, this will not disappoint!

*I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.

View all my reviews

11.29.2015

Black Fall by D.J Bodden

Black Fall (The Black Year Series, Book 1)Black Fall by D.J. Bodden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this book! There is nothing old and stale about this vampire story. I didn't want it to end, and find myself wondering about the characters and what they might want to do next.

The writing is excellent, and it is obvious Mr. Bodden has a talent for detailed descriptions that do not bore, but add much more to the story. Something that stood out to me is the amazing writing of the fight scenes. They are so awesome that I could actually see the fights in my mind as I read. I am quite impressed; it's difficult to write fight scenes that don't become either confusing or boring.

Finally, I want to take a moment to mention how I appreciate Mr. Bodden's use of the supernatural in this book. I won't spoil it for you, but I will say that this is so much more than a vampire book. So. Much. More.

View all my reviews

11.14.2015

Amazon Books: The Store

    Book Store
    Address: 4601 26th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

So my husband and I decided to check out the first brick and mortar Amazon Books. It was fantastic! What do I love about it? The books in the store appear to be all 4.5 star ratings and up. What this means for them (in my opinion) is that they aren't wasting space putting books on the shelves that won't be purchased. What that means to those of us who are book lovers, is that you can know that the books you're looking at come highly recommended, and there is a good chance you will like it. I know, I know, that's not always how it works, I've read books that people love and I can find nothing redeeming about, at all. Overall, the books there are going to be the most well received, and not be a waste of space for this pilot store.

Our purchases? Let me share!
Sleeping Beauty, Gaiman style!
I've heard great things, so giving it a whirl.


My favorite poet!

Husband's, but I'm such a huge Joe Hill fan, I'll check it out too!

Another hubs picked up. New AMC
 show coming soon!

Just a little something to give me ideas. Yum!


11.03.2015

The Keepers by Donna Augustine, Narrated by: Laurel Schroeder

The Keepers (Alchemy, #1)The Keepers by Donna Augustine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the jacket: "Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of things floating around her.
One day ago, Jo's sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.

Today, Cormac ordered her shot. If he's real lucky, she won't die. Because if she does, all hope is lost."

Whaaaaat?! Yeah, I'm in.

I enjoyed this book so much, that I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't listening to it. It's paranormal with a hint of romance, and it's not at all what I expected. It's refreshing to read a book where the author has found a way to introduce a classic story in a whole new way. I'm already on to book 2 of the series! The narration is good, and works for this story.

I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.

View all my reviews

10.18.2015

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player OneReady Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short and Sweet: Such a fun book! If you liked the 80's music and movies, you'll really like this book. If you were a gamer in any form, you'll freakin love this book! The writing was good and appropriate for the topic. Wil Wheaton's narration was perfect for this story!

View all my reviews

10.16.2015

Darkling by K.M. Rice

DarklingDarkling by K.M. Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good spooky story, especially this time of year! The story has a little of everything: misery, love, patience, revenge, rage, and regret. I found myself crying at times, and grinning like a fool at other times. It's an easy, comfortable read, and well written. It would have been an excellent audiobook, and if it ever becomes one, I will happily throw down money to hear it!

DARKLING is K.M. Rice's debut novel. Well done!

View all my reviews

10.13.2015

Re-enjoying a couple of series.

I'm spending a lot of time re-reading or re-listening to books during the last month and a half. The two series that earned this time from me?

"No secret stays hidden forever."

A phone call from an old friend sets Dr. Giovanni Vecchio back on the path of a mystery he'd abandoned years before. He never expected a young librarian could hold the key to the search, nor could he have expected the danger she would attract. Now he and Beatrice De Novo will follow a twisted maze that leads from the archives of a university library, through the fires of Renaissance Florence, and toward a confrontation they never could have predicted.

A Hidden Fire is a paranormal mystery/romance for adult readers. It is the first book in the Elemental Mysteries Series


A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together. 

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell. 

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism. The first book in the All Souls Trilogy.

Find out more about these and other books at Goodreads.

10.08.2015

Back and forth

I can never seem to decide what type of blogging I'm feeling like.  I do love reviewing books, movies, whatever, but I also sometimes want to just say something. Like... I don't know, hi! Whatever. Anyway, I'm going to be adding the books I've read over the last few months to this blog, and take down my review blog. Cause screw it.  I don't feel like keeping up 2 blogs, and in fact I haven't kept up two blogs, only one.  I don't even know why I bothered typing this up to explain it. Hmm. Well, it's done now, so there ya go.  Peace.

9.30.2015

Rage's Echo by J.S. Bailey (Goodreads Author)

Rage's EchoRage's Echo by J.S. Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a perfect read for this time of year! I love ghost stories, and it's been a long time since I've read one.

Basically, a young woman (Jessica) who fancies herself a paranormal investigator, is asked to check out and see if a church's graveyard is haunted. It turns out that not only is it haunted, but she can speak to the ghost, and he follows her home against her wishes. From there, the story gets not just creepy and spooky, but it also becomes quite scary. There is also some seriousness woven through the story, but it's not so heavy that you'll feel it weigh the story down. The seriousness is what I think will give you something to think about after finishing the book, at least it has felt that way for me.

The writing is good, and I will definitely read more from Bailey, she is a fantastic story-teller. This would make a great book club read!

View all my reviews

8.31.2015

If I Speak True (Flora, #1) by Jessica L. Brooks (Goodreads Author), Angel Clark (narrator)

If I Speak True (Flora, #1)If I Speak True by Jessica L. Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book very much! I have to be honest, if it had not been an audiobook, I do not know if I would have liked it as well. Angel Clark was the narrator for this book, and she was simply perfect! I would never have "heard" Dahlia's voice in my head as Angel used, and that would have made the book quite different for me.

The story is about a teenage girl who dreams of her own little oasis, somewhere she can relax and think. She only visits there in her dreams, because it only exists there. Then, one day everything changes when a boy named Rowen makes himself known.

Where it goes from there is truly engaging, and well written. Jessica Brooks can write! I am so grateful that Jessica gave me a copy to listen to and review, because I would never have found this book otherwise. Angel does the voice of a 16 year old girl and her friends perfectly. I wouldn't change a thing! Please, PLEASE have Angel narrate the next books in the series. I've got to know what happens next!

Disclosure: I received the audible copy in return for an honest review.

View all my reviews

8.22.2015

Botanicaust by Tam Linsey (Goodreads Author), Meghan Kelly (Goodreads Author) (Narrator)

BotanicaustBotanicaust by Tam Linsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was very interesting. It had a scifi/post apocalyptic thing going on, which I enjoyed very much. I was happily enthralled with the story until the final 1/4 of the book when it turned into a scary religious debate. This killed the end of the book for me. A little bit might have been fine, and fitting, but it took over the story in the end. This is why I gave this 4 out of 5 stars. The writing was good, and the story in general was fantastic.

Narrated by Meghan Kelly: Ms. Kelly did an awesome job! Her voices were appropriate, distinct, and consistent. I would absolutely listen to her again.

Disclosure: I received the audible copy in return for an honest review.

View all my reviews

8.13.2015

The Magpies by Mark Edwards (Goodreads Author), Elliot Hill (Narrator)

The MagpiesThe Magpies by Mark Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A couple buys a flat, meets their neighbors, and hangs with them. Everything seems fine, they all get along... don'they? Apparently not. Read The Magpies and you'll find out why.

I'm not sure how to review this novel. In the end, I liked it. It was getting to the end that was unusual for me. I am used to horror/thriller novels that are in your face, obviously some stuff is about to go down, type of feeling. The Magpies is more of a slow build, but you're not entirely sure of what is building, and therefore unsure of where the story might go.

I think this is intentional since the novel is based on the personal experience of the author. Now that you know this, you're curious aren't you? I hope so, give it a go.

Elliot Hill (Narrator): Mr. Hill has a wonderful voice, and did a superb job with his narration. His voices were spot on.

View all my reviews

8.10.2015

As Night Falls by Jenny Milchman (Goodreads Author), Susie Berneis (Narrator)

As Night FallsAs Night Falls by Jenny Milchman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intense is the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book. I liked the story, it's one that has been told before. The difference with this story is that there is more as to the why it's happening, and not just a focus on the current situation.

For me, while it was excellent writing and amazing storytelling, the back story just pissed me off! So much so, that it made it hard to want to continue. Of course I pushed forward, because I just HAD to know what was going to happen.

Narrated by Susie Berneis: She did a wonderful job with the voices, and easily had me into the story right away. She was perfect for this novel.

View all my reviews

7.30.2015

The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings, #1) by J.R. Ward (Goodreads Author), Alexander Cendese (Narrator)

The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings, #1)The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! The story read like Dallas, or Knots Landing. So much happening, and I couldn't stop reading. This is not normally they type of book I read, but I trust J.R. Ward, and was willing to give this a try. No disappointment here!

The narrator, Alexander Cendese, has a perfect southern gentleman voice. If you are not sure which version to get, I highly recommend the audiobook.

View all my reviews

7.27.2015

Wicked Gods by EilĂ­s Leyne

Wicked GodsWicked Gods by EilĂ­s Leyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"It’s about the ways people abuse religion, not about the question of God’s existence."
- EilĂ­s Leyne

I enjoyed this book immensely! This book reminds me of The DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown. Not in the way of topic, but in the way of a thriller with a purpose. This book forces us to ask ourselves questions about what we believe, why we believe it, and how we believe it. It’s the how that gives this book the fuel it needs to take us on an adult version of Mr. Toads Wild Ride, and lead us to some insanely scary truths about society and its motivations.

I found this novel by randomly clicking on an article on Facebook, then another article from that page, and then another click or two that brought me to a site with this novel mentioned on it. I was intrigued by its description, and, well, here we are.

Something that I especially liked about this novel by EilĂ­s Leyne is that I was drawn in, and held there. When I stopped reading to give my eyes a break, I watched the clock and wondered if sufficient time had passed and my eyes were ready to continue. I also appreciated the use of words that were unfamiliar to me. I learned new words, and they were words that fit perfectly as opposed to words that were obviously found through use of a thesaurus.


Don't pass this book by because you think it's bashing religions, it's not. Not at all. Don't believe me? Then read it.

View all my reviews

7.26.2015

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (Goodreads Author), Finty Williams (Narrator)

The Girl With All the GiftsThe Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The writing in this novel is beautiful. In fact, it was so emotional, so suspenseful, and so filled with fitting concerns and reactions from the female characters, that I wrongly assumed the writer was a female. I've given many novels 5 stars, and right now, I feel like I may have been too generous. That most likely is not true, and the other novels were deserving of their ratings from me; however, right now I am smitten. I love this novel. I do. Take from that what you will.

I chose to listen to the audiobook of this, and it was phenomenal. While I am sure that I would have adored Melanie with just reading about her, the inquisitiveness and awe that Finty Williams (Narrator) gives Melanie is a dimension that I don't think can be inferred with words on a page. In fact, Flinty Williams is able to do that with all of the characters, and I think she may be my new favorite narrator.


I honestly cannot think of a criticism for this book. I am sure there are many critics out there who have much to say, but this reader is not unhappy with this book at all. I love it, and I look forward to the movie as well.

View all my reviews

7.21.2015

Americosis Vol. I by Haydn Wilks (Goodreads Author)

Americosis Vol. IAmericosis Vol. I by Haydn Wilks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novella has it all. I am not just saying that, it really does! If you're reading this review, then you have most likely already read the blurb about the book, and it intrigued you enough to read some reviews. Let me tell you, READ THIS!!

This first volume is a quick read, and it was over before I knew it. I sit here feeling so lucky to have been offered a free copy for an honest review, because it is the most unusual and addictive story I've read in awhile. I will be anxiously waiting for volume two, and reading any other works by Haydn Wilks. Wow. SO good!



View all my reviews

7.20.2015

Tarnish: The Thunderstrike Saga by J.D. Brink (Goodreads Author), Todd Menesses (-Narrator)

Tarnish: The Thunderstrike SagaTarnish: The Thunderstrike Saga by J.D. Brink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was exactly what I've been missing! An epic tale with swords, magic, and heroes!

Since finishing series' such as The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (James Oliver Rigney, Jr.), and The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind, I have been trying to fill a void I didn't know I had, that is until reading Tarnish. While the writing style is different, it's just enough to show the reader how unique J.D. Brink's telling of this type of story is. This is a wonderful fantasy novel with everything a fantasy lover could want. Do not miss out, and lose yourself in J.D. Brink's world. You will be so glad you did!

Audiobook Narrated by Todd Menesses: I enjoyed Mr. Menesses' voices and reading very much. He was the perfect choice for this novel, and would be excellent in the next in this series.



View all my reviews

7.16.2015

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Go Set a WatchmanGo Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What am I taking from this book? Kill your heroes. Think for yourself, and don't accept that change cannot happen. Work to make it happen, in whatever capacity you can.

There are a lot of reviews out there tearing this book apart. That's cool, but seriously, we don't need 13 paragraphs to tell us your beliefs.

As for me... I liked it a lot. There is SO MUCH to think about and consider. Nothing is as straight forward in this book as many people like to think.

Reese Witherspoon (Narrator): She was amazing! Her voice was perfect for this novel.

View all my reviews

7.14.2015

The Place of Voices (TimeDrifter Series, #1) by Lauren Lynch (Goodreads Author)

The Place of Voices (TimeDrifter Series, #1)The Place of Voices by Lauren Lynch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was a good book for preteens. It reads like a Narnia novel, and is obviously rooted in Christian beliefs. Story is about life, what is important, and the choices we make. While this is not the type of book I enjoy, and would not have volunteered to read for an honest review, I will say that the writing and story was good for a young audience.

Narrator Felisha Caldeira: I have not listened to any of her previous work, but I enjoyed her voice, and the voices that she used for the characters. It was easy to imagine the story as it unfolded.

View all my reviews

7.11.2015

Protect Her: Part One by Ivy Sinclair (Goodreads Author)

Protect Her: Part OneProtect Her: Part One by Ivy Sinclair
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this, just like I do any book I accept in exchange for an honest review. I just didn't like it. To me, the characters in this book spoke, and acted like people in the show 'Mad Men'. I'm used to strong female characters that don't take crap, kick ass, and and would scoff at a man who would call a woman a 'broad'.

The story itself might be good if there was enough of it to get into, but I couldn't be sure, this first volume is quite short. I also found much of the phrasing to be cliche, which often made me think Ms. Sinclair either wanted to write using canned phrases, or was too rushed to care. I'd like to think she would have been more creative with the telling of the story if she were able to.

The narration is okay at best. Both Angel Clark and Robert Neil DeVoe sound unsure of themselves, and give the feeling that they are uncomfortable reading aloud. I will admit that Angel seems to feel more comfortable at times, but overall I was not impressed.

It's not long, so it can't hurt to give it a read/listen. Or, you could wait for the next installment, and get a better feel for the story in a way that I was not able to.

View all my reviews

7.09.2015

The Hunt Chronicles Volume 1: Awakening by J.D. Demers (Goodreads Author), Joshua Story (Narrator)

The Hunt Chronicles Volume 1: AwakeningThe Hunt Chronicles Volume 1: Awakening by J.D. Demers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished this book 2 minutes ago, and had to hurry here to write about how amazing this book is! This is my first zombie book, and I had no idea how exciting it could be. Or, maybe it's just the wicked fun writing style of Mr. Demers. I want to gush about the many facets of the story, and how each one gave this book depth, and emotion in a way I didn't expect.

The story is well written, exciting, tense, and gross at times. In other words, perfection! I audibly groaned when the story ended knowing it might be awhile until Volume 2 comes out. Read. This. Book.

Joshua Story (Narrator): He did a fantastic job! The voices were were distinct and consistent, making it very easy to listen to. I hope to hear more from him.

View all my reviews

7.05.2015

The Fold by Peter Clines (Goodreads Author), Ray Porter (Narrator)

The FoldThe Fold by Peter Clines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was into this book from the first page. There is something about Mr. Clines' writing that immediately gets my attention. I fell in love with the central character Mike, and never got tired of his dialogue. The story was enthralling, and I had to pace myself so I wouldn't gobble it down in one sitting. Fantastic scifi, and I plead with you, if you've not read Mr. Peter Clines before then wait no longer. You won't be sorry.

Audiobook Narrated By Ray Porter: What an amazing voice actor! I say voice actor, because I swear I was listening to different people read. Mr. Porter had not only different voices for each character, but different accents, and intonation also. Excellent choice for this novel.



View all my reviews

7.01.2015

Finders Keepers by Stephen King

Finders Keepers (Bill Hodges Trilogy, #2)Finders Keepers by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had forgotten how many times Mr. King will spend the first half of a book building a foundation that is necessary, but not always the most entertaining. I almost stopped reading a few times, but decided to just push through. I am so glad that I did!

Short & Sweet: An exciting crime thriller! We get to know and care about (or despise) the people in the story in a way that only Mr. King can make us. The character depth makes this a terrific book club book. So groups, add to your lists!



View all my reviews

6.26.2015

Bone Dry by Cady Vance

Bone Dry (Soul Shamans, #1)Bone Dry by Cady Vance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This review is for the audiobook of Bone Dry, and I gave it 3 stars because the narrators voices for some of the girls was like listening to forest animals try to speak, and much of the interaction between characters was very cliche. I enjoyed the story, and I will read the next book. I won't listen if it's the same narrator though, which sucks, because I prefer audiobooks.

As for the story, it's not just a YA book, it's a VERY YA book. I think 13 and 14 year old kids are the perfect audience. Butterflies in the stomach, liking the hot guy that could never like her back, others can see it, but she can't.. you get the idea.

Still, the shaman part of the story was interesting. Hopefully that's where book 2 will go into more background, and explain what shamanism is in this world, and how it's different from other magic.

View all my reviews

6.18.2015

Dead Ice by Laurell K. Hamilton

Dead IceDead Ice by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Anita the Marshall part of the book was good, but was easy to figure out what and who "did it". The rest of it was the same relationship talk and sex that as readers we can't seem to escape. Well, I can, I just skip ahead ahead until the good zombie story comes back.

View all my reviews

6.12.2015

The Death Row Complex by Kristen Elise

The Death Row ComplexThe Death Row Complex by Kristen Elise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This prequel to The Vesuvius Isotope is fascinating! Dr. Katrina Stone is still smart and sexy, but with this second book she becomes a little more human too. An excellent medical thriller that kept me anxiously reading long into the night, and home until I was finished! I just could not put it down! An intelligent read, and well worth your time.

Kristen Elise is an amazing writer! Her knowledge of the science is of course a solid foundation for her novels, but it's her storytelling that grabs hold of you and throws you into the story right along with Dr. Stone. I feel like I know Katrina, and I care about her. Only a skillful writer can create that kind of relationship for her readers.

View all my reviews

6.08.2015

The Never Hero by T. Ellery Hodges

The Never Hero (Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs #1)The Never Hero by T. Ellery Hodges
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so surprised at how much I love this book! I decided to check this out after reading the little blurb about it. I'd never read any comic type stories, or comics for that matter, and I thought maybe now was the time. Holy cow, now was the perfect time!!

It's been not even a full 5 minutes since I finished this book, and I am here typing up this review. That's how much I loved this. The way Mr. Hodges draws comparisons between heroes in comics, heroes in movies, and the type of people many of us wish we could, or hope we would be, was eye opening. This could be because it's my first time reading a story with a comic type hero, but I found myself struggling to understand, and coming to accept certain ideas and desires, right along with the hero, Jonathan.

If you have any interest in hero stories, this book will NOT disappoint! Read it. Read it now!

View all my reviews

6.04.2015

Abducted by T.R. Ragan

Abducted (Lizzy Gardner #1)Abducted by T.R. Ragan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I thought the story was alright. It wasn't so boring that I stopped reading, but it certainly was not anything I can get excited over. It wasn't suspenseful, I wasn't worried about the characters, and I was glad when I was finally finished with it.

Overall, I think what's missing is personality. The characters felt very 'flat' to me. I didn't feel immersed in the book, and that makes for a tough read.

View all my reviews

6.01.2015

Acqua Morta by Adam Bane

Acqua Morta (Commissario Martelli, #1)Acqua Morta by Adam Bane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very good crime thriller! A nasty murder here, a missing person there, and interesting people all over the map. I found the story was told well, and introduced me to new places I'd never heard of. Read this book if you like crime thrillers, and be ready to google some gorgeous places and learn some new vocabulary.

View all my reviews

5.20.2015

Chaos Umpire Sits by Kevin Kneupper

Chaos Umpire Sits (They Who Fell Series Book #2)Chaos Umpire Sits by Kevin Kneupper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in this series I am giving four stars, because I liked it better than the first, and found the overall story finally coming together to give me a better idea of what's happening, and where the story is going.

While I did find this second book in the series more to my liking, I did still start skimming through certain parts of the story again. I get bored quickly if the story is jumping from one perspective to the next, and not giving me a reason to care about what is happening in one of the story streams. I realize that the streams will eventually merge, but they still need to have something to make me interested. Not all the streams flow well enough for me, but it is better in this second book.

My thoughts for the first book said that I felt it was good for YA's, and that they might like it better. This second book is darker, and has more to it. It reads more like an adult book, than the first. I am looking forward to the next book, and expect to see the story really take me on a wild flight.

View all my reviews

5.19.2015

They Who Fell by Kevin Kneupper

They Who Fell (They Who Fell, #1)They Who Fell by Kevin Kneupper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Three stars, because I liked it, but that's all. It was interesting, but about 1/3 of the way through I found that I wanted to start skimming certain sections of the story. One part had me thoroughly interested, and the rest... not so much.

I think that a teen reader might enjoy this story more than I did, it's hard to say. I did like it enough to want to read the next book to see what happened, so maybe that is good enough. I wanted to be entertained, and I was.

View all my reviews

5.18.2015

Friday Harbor


Yesterday hubs, mj, and I went to Friday Harbor to collect some of my aunt's things that Joanna (aunt's best friend), had set aside for us. We didn't stay long, we're not the most social group, well, mjis, but not me and hubs. Anyway, we took the hour long ride to the ferry, then the hour long ride on the ferry, and grabbed the stuff after checking out the home that my aunt loved so much. It was sad, because I would have loved to see my aunt in it. It was so totally her! 

5.16.2015

Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy, #1)

Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy, #1)Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm glad I read it! I just finished it, and really liked it. I loved the characters, I've come to like them a lot, and care about them. I thought the bad guy was very creepy, which I'm sure was the goal.

I just love a good thriller, and this one qualifies. I didn't like it as much as some of his other novels, like Doctor Sleep, but still enjoyable. Maybe it's the narrator? Will Patton read both of those, and he is amazing! Terrific voice acting.

View all my reviews

5.14.2015

End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days, #3)

End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days, #3)End of Days by Susan Ee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Apocalyptic stories have never really interested me. I chose the first book from Kindle Unlimited because I was desperate for something to download and read before I left the house. Within the first few chapters I couldn't put it down. I blew through the first and second books quickly, and had to wait for the final book to be released. It was released Tuesday. Completely worth the wait!

Weird, funny, sad, scary, intense, and infuriating. This book is a roller coaster ride I will definitely go on again.

View all my reviews

5.12.2015

The Last Town (Wayward Pines, #3)

The Last Town (Wayward Pines, #3)The Last Town by Blake Crouch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read it in less than a day! Awesome end to this messed up, scary fun series. The last line though? You're killin' me! Lol. So great.

View all my reviews

5.11.2015

Wayward (Wayward Pines #2)

Wayward (Wayward Pines #2)


Better than book 1! After reading the first book I thought it wrapped up fairly well and couldn't really imagine the need for 2 more books. After many months I found myself curious again, since seeing the preview of the show on Fox. I don't know how far they are gonna take it in the show, but I hope it's going to cover all three books. I have no idea what will happen next, but I will be finding out tomorrow when I start book 3. Read the blurb about the book on goodreads or amazon, it'll tell you what the book is about. If it sounds interesting, know you will not be disappointed!

4.23.2015

Next up: Pandemic (Infected #3) by Scott Sigler

Pandemic (Infected #3)

by 

The explosive conclusion to the New York Times bestselling trilogy that began with Infected and Contagious. 
The alien intelligence that unleashed two horrific assaults on humanity has been destroyed. But before it was brought down in flames, it launched one last payload-a tiny soda-can-sized canister filled with germs engineered to wreak new forms of havoc on the human race. That harmless-looking canister has languished under thousands of feet of water for years, undisturbed and impotent...until now. 
Days after the new disease is unleashed, a quarter of the human race is infected. Entire countries have fallen. And our planet's fate now rests on a small group of unlikely heroes, racing to find a cure before the enemies surrounding them can close in. 
- Goodreads

Short and Sweet Review: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the TrainThe Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall, this was a good story. It was a different way to go about introducing a murder mystery, making the reader wonder what was real, or imagined. I was able to figure out who the guilty person was very early in the book, but the writing was good, and will keep many people guessing until the second part of the book.

This story reminded me of Rear Window. A person stuck in his apartment with a broken leg, and he spends all his time watching the lives of the people living across the courtyard, through their apartment windows. Then, something bad happens. Same basic setup, but The Girl on the Train has some interesting twists.

View all my reviews

Next up: The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train

by 
A debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

4.17.2015

Short and Sweet Review: Contagious by Scott Sigler

Contagious (Infected, #2)Contagious by Scott Sigler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That escalated quickly! I enjoyed this book immensely, even with some seriously sad parts. I'm excited to read the last book in this series, and see what happens to the people we've come to care about.

*Spoilers ahead*


4.12.2015

Short and Sweet Review: The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #13)

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #13)The Shadows by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy buckets that was so good! I love Ms. Ward's writing, because she never lets me down. It's consistent. The characters are solid, and I care about each one of them. Even when the focus hasn't been on a character for a book or two, I still find myself wondering how they're doing. I don't forget about them.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood are some of the most cool, fun, and sexy guys around. I would be proud to be part of their tribe.

View all my reviews