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Thursday, May 31, 2012

A Dune Read-Along - Who's With Me?

So, in the category of Epic Sci-Fi, I think this series wins an award.  I've been hearing good stuff about Dune by Frank Herbert for a long, long time.  And yet, despite my occasional lust for the big and epic stuff, I've never picked it up.  I've looked for it at library book sales and used book stores sporadically and never found a copy (possibly a testament to owners' love).  But I'm determined this summer will end my Dune-fast and I'll finally start feasting on the series. 

AND, I think it will be funner to read it with some company.  So, I'm hoping to make it a read-along.  I've never done one, but I think this is a great opportunity to start.  (That's kind of a hint to drop me some tips, assuming anyone wants to join in.)  Let me know if you're up for a read or reread (or rerereread).  I'm thinking July will be a fabulous month for it, since I'll probably need a whole month to get that first book finished.  Any takers?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Book Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: February 2012
Pages: 384
Source: Library
For: Dystopian Challenge
Series: Delirium, Book 2

Lena has buried her past. The loss of Alex was nearly her undoing, but that is all behind her and she is moving forward. The story is told in alternating storylines between the present where Lena infiltrates society as part of her role in the Resistance, and the past where she adjusts to life in the wilds without her friends and family.  Will she be able to play the part she needs to in order to survive?

Things I Liked:
I'm kind of split on this one.  I was still quite blown away with the writing - I just love how Oliver makes every scene come to life and feel so real.  I thought it was a really interesting direction to take the story too - so different from the first book and not what one would expect of a sequel to Delirium.  The dual narrative (same character, different time periods) was both good and annoying.  I was impressed that neither storyline was more interesting to me than the other, as is usually the case for two alternating stories.  I loved the new characters, Blue and Raven and Julian.  I kept thinking it was very aptly titled too, since pandemonium described pretty much what was happening.  Very well written, action-packed, and a surprisingly different kind of sequel.  I'm very interested in what happens next, especially after that crazy ending!

Things I Didn't Like:
I think more so when reading this one than the first one (for some strange reason) I was annoyed at the completely implausible basis of the world: love is a disease and we need to have surgery to remove its effects.  The world is very believably created, except for that basic premise.  Also, I found it to be more predictable - I caught all the clues to what would happen long before it did.  It didn't have much subtlety in that department, since I'm not generally that good at picking up on clues.  The ending got to be a bit of a stretch for me too, but if I didn't think too hard on it, I was able to enjoy the story and characters and especially the writing.  And I'm still interested to see where that final book leads us.

Read-alikes:
Start with Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Reminds me of the Chemical Garden trilogy by Lauren DeStefano
The Matched trilogy by Ally Condie

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
cussing throughout with a handful of f-bombs

mrg-factor: X
more sensuality than anything, but it's there

v-factor: ->->
a few scenes of brutality, but not descriptive in detail

Overall rating: ****

What did you think of this sequel?  And did you like it more or less than Delirium?
 
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

It's Summer! Keep Reading.

So, I'm only a month or so late writing about this, but since school just ended or is just ending for many students, I don't feel too bad. 

I remember when I was a kid being so thrilled for summer and days that weren't dictated by a teacher or a schedule or things I HAD to do.  Instead, it was months of free time lolling about in the sun doing whatever I wanted.  Which was often, reading.

But there are many kids who also equate summer with no need to read.  What is a parent to do?  Generally your local library will have a kid's summer reading program.  Or you could sign them up for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.  This free online program "motivates kids with weekly challenges, fun sweepstakes, virtual rewards, book chats and friendly competition. Starting today, kids can log their reading minutes, track their reading stats, and their school’s rank, collect virtual rewards in their ‘prize center’ and enter sweepstakes for the chance to win free books."  For more information, check out the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge website.  The program started on May 1st and will run to August 31st.

So, if you're wondering how to keep your kids reading, check out your local library and this awesome online reading challenge.  Summer can mean the end of school, but it doesn't have to be the end of reading.

Did you keep reading over the summer or was it a true break from anything book-ish?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Friday, May 25, 2012

Retro Friday Review: Curse of the Blue Tattoo by LA Meyer


Retro Friday is a meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc."

Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady by LA Meyer
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio
Publication date: (book published in 2004)
Length: 14 hrs 13 min
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun
Series: Bloody Jack Adventures, Book 2

*Likely to be spoilers for the first book, Bloody Jack*
After being set off shore in Boston to attend a ladies' school, Jacky misses her life on the open seas - and Jaimy, of course. She's finding that all of her training at sea and on the streets didn't prepare her for the horrors of being a lady. It seems that around every corner is a new disaster, waiting for Jacky to put her foot in it.

Things I Liked:
Are you prepared for more Jacky-raving?  If not, skip right on by this review.  Oh, Jacky.  I love this series with a serious passion and I can't get enough of Jacky's hard-headed, foolish, impulsive charm.  She goes from one disaster to the next, leaving a wake of destruction behind her, but you can't help but love her!  I'm also quite impressed with the natural historical fiction details about Boston that Meyer manages to squeeze in.  I once again must rave over the inimitable Katherine Kellgren, who does a fantastic job narrating the audiobook, keeping me enthralled in the story not only with her many and varied accents, but with the emotions she can portray with that voice.  I am so happy to have more adventures with Jacky, and thrilled there are still more books in the series for me to devour (all with similarly awesome titles).

Things I Didn't Like:
Ok, I have to admit the adventures leave you a bit incredulous.  It's a big stretch to imagine her literally going from stepping in one pile of poop right into the next with no break between.  But honestly, I just can't help but follow her wherever she goes.  Count me a fan of Miss Jacky Faber.

Read-alikes:
Start with Bloody Jack by LA Meyer (and prepare yourself to be entertained)
It kind of reminded me of (an irreverent, more lively version of) A Little Princess by Francis Hodgson Burnett
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
a fair number of cuss words

mrg-factor: XX
they do tend to get a bit bawdy

v-factor: ->
mostly for some scary situations she finds herself in

Overall rating: *****

Please tell me some of you are Jacky-addicts?  I may have to create a week-long celebration for this character!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Book Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die for Me by Amy Plum
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: May 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Review copy from publisher
For: Review
Series: Revenants, Book 1

Following her parents' death in a car crash, Kate and her sister move to Paris to live with their grandparents. While Kate struggles to recover from the loss, she meets a boy who might just help her start to live again. But the mysterious Vincent has a deeper history and more secrets than she imagined - secrets that might put her in danger.

Things I Liked:
While at first glance, this book appears to be a Twilight knock-off, substituting vampires with revenants, I was still intrigued by its unique elements.  I liked our fair heroine, who has spunk and vitality and doesn't go easily into her world of monsters and death without some kicking and screaming.  I really enjoyed the Parisian setting, which also added some fun elements to a very familiar plot.  And the added bonus of her sister and grandparents was also refreshing.  A pretty good paranormal, over all.

Things I Didn't Like:
The romance didn't do anything for me, though to be fair I think paranormal romance is not my cup of cocoa.  Despite Plum's best efforts to avoid insta-love of the eternal variety and the vampire culture (repeated jokes about NOT being vampires abound), I think the romance was a little too much too soon.  I liked that Kate fought it, but I don't like that it was just so inevitable.  I was also very unsurprised by any of the plot twists.  It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, which is very nice for a change, but I currently have no strong urges to pick up the next one. 

Read-alikes:
Twilight fans will likely enjoy it
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@ 
a few, no f-bombs

mrg-factor: X
some heavy kissing

v-factor: ->->
a few vivid scenes, but not really graphic

Overall rating: ***

Will we forever be doomed to compare all paranormal romance books to Twilight?  Do you think there will ever be a book in that genre as big?
 
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Book Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 416
Source: Library
For: Fun (and Printz Project)

Puck Connolly has never want to be in the races - her parents were brutally killed by water horses - but she is compelled to sign up anyway.  Sean Kendrick is the returning champion, so in tune with the vicious horses and his mount in particular he's likely to win easily again.  The two must face off, along with many other contenders, in a race that always ends in bloodshed. 

Things I Liked:
Oh, this book.  (Don't dismiss it based on my horrible summary.)  I'm not sure what I think about this book.  On the one hand, it is, in true Stiefvater fashion, gorgeously written with this lovely prose that seems to drip from the pages like nectar and characters that worm their way into your affections so slowly you don't notice until it's too late.  On the other hand, I couldn't get into it.  It's kind of embarrassing to say that about a book filled with killer sea horses, but there it is.  I struggled to want to keep reading, with the slow plot and the characters I hadn't yet come to love.  I was nearly three-fourths of the way through before I decided that I did like the book, the characters, and the crazy killer water horse story.  And then it ended (in such a nice way, too).  I will admit that I won't soon be forgetting about the cappaill uisce or Sean or Puck.  It boasts a beautiful mythology in the perfect setting - with a creepy undertone and old magic simmering under the surface. 

Things I Didn't Like:
Like I said, I got nearly all the way through before I wanted to keep reading and see what happened.  It was, to be honest, rather dull at the start.  Depending on when you are grabbed by the characters or setting or story, you may love it more or less.  I'd say it's worth the effort of pushing through the beginning to get to the rest.

Read-alikes:
Um, I can't really think of anything!  Perhaps a bit like Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
some, not a lot

mrg-factor: X
a few dirty jokes, nothing action-wise

v-factor: ->
bloody killer man-eating horses!

Overall rating: ****

What did you think of these killer sea horses?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Book Review: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.
Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's (Aladdin)
Publication date: March 2012
Pages: 512
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Beyonders, Book 2

Jason is desperate to find a way back to Lyrian, since he left Rachel behind and he needs to share an important secret.  But his parents are so overjoyed at his return he finds it hard to escape.  When he does eventually return, things are not as he left them, with tensions running high and both Jason and Rachel in great danger.  Will Jason, Rachel, and their friends be able to rouse a rebellion to fight against Maldor or will they all lose their lives?

Things I Liked:
I do not know what is going on inside Brandon Mull's head, but he has more imagination than any writer I've read, hands down.  The weird and crazy and magical beings that inhabit these books are just unbelievable in number and variety.  The story also manages to keep me interested and wondering what will happen next to our displaced hero and heroine.  It's an imaginative series filled with the strange and unusual.  There's never a dull moment, that's for sure.

Things I Didn't Like:
I think I was put off a little by the non-stop descriptions.  It seemed that everything and everyone had at least two descriptive adjectives.  It got to be a bit much, bogging down the story and action.  Also, Mull uses a lot more obscure or difficult words, making it less accessible than his Fablehaven series, but perhaps will help kids learn more vocabulary.  Still, for those not afraid of some bigger words, the story is satisfying and worth the effort.

Read-alikes:
Start with Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull
Reminds me of Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
some sword fighting, not graphic though

Overall rating: ****

How does this one compare to Fablehaven for you?
 
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Monday, May 21, 2012

Where We Went

I just know that my dozens of readers noticed my web absence this weekend (ha ha).  I thought I'd still post about where we went and what we did, because I'm still recovering and it might be a bit before I get back into the swing of things.  So, we were...

Checking out rock piles

 Hiking steep mountains

Keeping rocks from falling

Generally enjoying the view

Oh, and hanging out on bridges

What did you do this weekend?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Guest Post: Author Cat Patrick's Top Five Books

Today's guest post is from Cat PatrickAbout Cat: Cat Patrick is an author of books for young adults including Forgotten (June 2011), about a girl who remembers the future instead of the past; Revived (May 2012), about a girl in a top secret government trial to test a drug that brings people back from the dead and The Originals (May 2013), about three clones living as one person in order to hide their past. Cat lives outside of Seattle with her husband and twin daughters, and is both obsessed with and afraid of zombies and America’s Next Top Model.

Check out my review of Revived.
Cat Patrick’s Top Five Books
Whenever I’m asked to list my five, ten or even twenty favorite books, I panic. I stare up at the wall of books behind my computer, certain I’m going to forget The One. The one that kept me up at night and left me thinking about it long after I’d turned the last page. The one that’s not actually on my bookshelf right now because I loaned it out for the umpteenth time…and by the way, I really need to get that back.

You know who you are.

Ahem.

Since the process of selecting only five books is so ridiculously daunting to me, I’ve helped myself by allowing only a top pick from each reading phase of my life. So, without further ado:

Preschool Me Recommends…Anything by Richard Scarry, but specifically What Do People Do All Day? I remember this book feeling huge in both size and content. I was fascinated by Busytown and all of the zany characters who lived there.

Middle Grade Me Recommends…The Choose Your Own Adventure series. For the first time, I didn’t have to go on the journey the author chose for me—I could choose the path myself! I certainly wouldn’t want all books to be like this, but at that point in my life, it was incredibly exciting and empowering to control the outcome of the story.

High School Me Recommends…Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. I have to admit: I love me some dystopia. The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner…yes, please! I think that love traces back to Fahrenheit 451. In high school, I didn’t read a lot more than what was required. But this was one requirement that I devoured.

Twentysomething Me Recommends…The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Thinking of it gives me chills: It’s so lyrical and lovely despite being about the abduction and murder of a young girl. I think Sebold’s choice to tell the story from the perspective of the victim was genius. It’s a book I’ll never forget.

Today Me Recommends…(I know it’s cheating, but it’s a tie between) World War Z by Max Brooks and The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. I read both on vacation recently and love them for very different reasons. Both are gripping for sure, but while World War Z terrifies and traumatizes you with its oral history of the zombie war—which you’ll swear really happened after reading the book—The Scorpio Races wraps you in a wool cardigan and transports you to a chilly, eerie island where people race killer horses that walk out of the sea. And then it makes you fall in love.

What books are you in love with? Post here or feel free to visit me at http://www.catpatrick.com/.

Thanks for stopping by, Cat!
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Revived by Cat Patrick

Revived by Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: May 2012
Pages: 352
Source: ARC sent by publisher
For: Review

Daisy Appleby has died five times already - and been brought back to life each time by a drug called Revive. Part of a secret government program designed to study Revive and it's effects, she has had anything but a normal life. But when Daisy makes some new friends, she is about to discover that there is more to life than not being dead - and that there is more to the Revive project than she could ever guess.

Things I Liked:
I was intrigued by the premise - a drug that brings back from the dead, a secret government testing program, a girl who's died five times already - what's not to love?  This book was not exactly what I expected, but I still found that it was remarkably intriguing.  I loved Daisy and what she begins to discover about herself and about others when she makes friends with Audrey and Matt.  When she finally gets a grasp on death and what it is like for those who do not have Revive to bring them back, she really starts to grow.  I love the ethical implications that are slowly introduced and how she struggles to understand them.  This is the greatest strength of the book - a discussion of what something like this drug would mean for every day people and how death affects each of us in different ways.  I'll be thinking about this one for a long time to come.

Things I Didn't Like:
I had a really hard time getting into the book for a lot of the beginning.  It seemed like nothing interesting was happening, despite Daisy's unusual lifestyle.  When it did pick up, I was more invested in what happened to Daisy.  I was somewhat disappointed in the ending, though.  It seemed a little too neatly wrapped up after all the build up.  I expected more action, but got very little.  It is definitely more character-driven than plot-driven, but the interesting medical ethics alone make it worth a read.

Read-alikes:
Jenna Fox Chronicles by Mary Pearson
A little like The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a very few

mrg-factor: X
they make out a bit

v-factor: ->
well, come on, she's died 5 times!

Overall rating: ***

Check out the guest post from Cat Patrick as part of her Revived tour!

What do you think will be the next big medical break-through?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Book Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication date: April 2012
Pages: 560
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: His Fair Assassin, Book 1

When Ismae was born, she was marked as the daughter of Death. So when she ends up at the convent devoted to St. Mortain, she is welcomed with open arms and trained as an assassin to deal death to those who are marked to die. But an assignment to protect the young Duchess of Brittany might just test her loyalty to the Sisters against the feelings of her heart.

Things I Liked:
What I think stuck out to me the most in this book is the intricate plot and complicated heroine.  I love the idea (I mean, who didn't perk up at the idea of assassin nuns?) and I really enjoyed watching Ismae's progression from her oppressed home to powerful assassin to compassionate woman.  The politics and the twisty slippery villains and plots kept me interested and reading to know just what would happen next.  I especially love how nothing is easy for Anne - it would seem nice to have a convenient way out of all her troubles, but she doesn't and I like it, even as I wished it would happen.  I suppose that is because she was a real person and real stories don't often have convenient endings.  There is so much in this book that I can't even talk about all of it and do it justice (plus the numerous beautifully expressed reviews I've read about it make that even more daunting).  But I think the court maneuevering and political machinations were my favorite things.  Despite having seen who the villain was well in advance, I was intrigued enough to continue to the end.  Another fabulous historical fiction, again reminding me just how much I like the genre!

Things I Didn't Like:
It did get a bit long.  I took a lot of long breaks (most of them not of my own choosing), so that might have affected how smoothly the book flowed for me.  I was also a touch annoyed by the somewhat convenient and slightly strange way Ismae manages to save someone near the end.  Definitely not a book for younger teens, what with the mature themes.  Otherwise, I pretty much enjoyed it, especially the parts where she plays the defenseless girl but instead kicks the bad guys around.  Never gets old.

Read-alikes:
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Poison by Sara Poole

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@ 
a few

mrg-factor: XX
implied, not described in detail, but it does happen

v-factor: ->->
she is an assassin so death happens, sometimes in gruesome ways

Overall rating: **** 

I've seen lots of great recommendations for courtly intrigue books floating around as a result of this book.  Anybody have some good historical fiction courtly intrigue books to recommend to me?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Book Review: Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Library
For: Fun (and because it won the Newbery)

Jack is planning to have the summer of his life, until he's grounded for life.  His only escape is the unusual job of writing obituaries for Mrs. Voelker, his eccentric old neighbor. But things in his dead end town are about to get more exciting when a whole bunch of the original town members start to die off.

Things I Liked:
What a fun and interesting story!  I really liked Jack and especially Mrs. Voelker, who is the life of this story.  She is the Grandma Dowdel of the book.  There were lots of fun, quirky characters and I loved seeing the world of the 1960s from the eyes of a kid.  The writing was excellent, with some seriously great imagery and similes.  Check out the quotes below for a taste (ok, they're mostly just funny parts).  Not to mention, some of the stories are simply hilarious - I can totally picture Mr. Spizz riding around on his adult tricycle.  Definitely will be remembering these stories for a long time!
I was a nosebleeder.  The moment something startled me or whenever I got excited or spooked about any little thing blood would spray out of my nose holes like dragon flames. p 8
"I've only driven a tractor," I said nervously.  "I don't know if I can really drive a car."
"It's the same," she said.  "Just go slow and it won't matter if you hit anything."
"But what if I slowly drive off a cliff?" I asked.
"You'll have more time to pray before you hit the bottom," she said impatiently.  "Now try to be a man and let's get going." p 102
Things I Didn't Like:
Honestly, I thought it was boring.  Yes, there were funny stories and interesting things happened, but a lot of the time, there was nothing to keep me invested.  Also, it was a very all-over-the-place kind of book; I wasn't exactly sure what the point of the narrative was or often where the story was going.  It was fairly episodic, but not necessarily in a good way.  Instead of being completely impressed with this book, I felt it was just good, despite the fun I had reading it.  Now I really wish Okay for Now had taken the Newbery.

Read-alikes:
The Wednesday Wars and Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt
A Long Way From Chicago and A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
well, there are some people dying

Overall rating: ****

Are you often a bit disappointed with award winners?
 
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Monday, May 14, 2012

Northwest Regional Library

It's been quite some time since I highlighted a library, and I've been remiss in showing my new local library.  Since I use this delight quite frequently, I thought I'd get around to sharing the local love. 

Coming from a place where the local libraries were NOT a branch of a bigger system, this county-wide library system was new to me.  And I have to admit, I kind of like it!  Not only does it make the selection much wider, but it also allows for more copies of books and (hopefully) shorter hold list waits!  Without further ado, here's a glimpse at the new local, the Northwest Regional Library:

This is the front of the building, definitely has a southwest flavor to it.  I love the mural, even though most of the time when I come, I don't even give it a second glance.

This is the detail from the mural, which was done by a local artist (Niki Glen).

This is the clock tower, though to be honest, I don't think I've ever even noticed this. Gotta open my eyes a bit more.

This, I have seen.  It's pretty cool actually, a sculpture of a tree, called "The Reading Tree" and it's really beautiful.  Done by another local artist Joe Tyler. 

I didn't take any photos of the inside either, but it's got LOTS of computers and even a (small-ish) teen section, which I feel free to browse (though not too often, as that would explode the TBR pile).

Is your local library part of a bigger system or is it a stand alone?  Which do you prefer?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Friday, May 11, 2012

What's Next on the TBR and, More Importantly, Why?

This is kind of similar to what I posted a few weeks ago, where I wondered if book advertising swayed your reading choices, but now I want to know what kinds of things make you decide what to read next.  What feeds the TBR pile and what moves things to the top.  And, more importantly, who feeds it and moves it along. 

I know that often I'll put books on the TBR just from what publishers send to me and read in order of release.  Then there are the sequels to all the great series I started, which sometimes take a back seat, but usually make it to the top eventually.  I know that usually when I first hear about or see a new title coming out it's months in advance (which is a two-edged sword, me thinks, but that is a post for another day).  I'll see the description, but rarely am I drawn to read it just from that (exceptions: authors whose stuff I've adored in the past...and dystopian). 

I think it requires a bit more than those eagerly anticipating posts (like my I Actually NEED It posts) to persuade me.  Sometimes.  I usually need a few trusted folks to get it, read it, and write good solid reviews.  I like to note those things mentioned that I might like or dislike and decide based on that.  Or sometimes I throw caution to the wind and move it up the TBR based solely on one random raving review.  Or a really fun description. 

And so, since I'm in an analyzing mood and not a reviewing mood, here's a look at what induced me to pick up my last eight reads (with the random added bonus of where it came from):

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
-Despite the many good and reliable reviews I saw for this, I think it was the mere fact of it being a Printz Honor book tipped the scales.  Plus, I've enjoyed everything Maggie's written that I've read.  Library.


Revived by Cat Patrick
-Sent for review from the publisher (I requested it, because of the wicked-cool-sounding premise) and then I got a chance to be part of the blog tour.  That certainly pushed it to the top of the TBR :)

Curse of the Blue Tattoo by LA Meyer
-I mentioned the two bloggers who influenced me to pick up the first in the series.  Which in turn influenced my need to devour them all.  A case of next in the series.  Audio download from library.


Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
-This is one that intrigued me from the first mention of its summary.  I had it on my radar.  Then, several trusted bloggers wrote lovely reviews and I wanted it.  Finally, NetGalley had a special promo offering it and the deal was sealed.

Die For Me by Amy Plum
-This one was sent for review (you know, way back when it was first published, which is a hint of the awful wasteland that inhabits my review books) and then the winner of my Book Puzzle Mini-Challenge picked it as a prize.  I thought I'd try to squeeze a read of it out before sending it off. 

Beyonders: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
-A delightful sequel to a fun series by a favorite author.  Library.


Partials by Dan Wells
-Beautiful cover, dystopian premise (which, btw, is a huge weakness for me from the summary phase), Utah author (I have a weakness for them too).  Done deal.  Library.

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
-Picked up only because it was the Newbery winner and I had to figure out how it beat out my beloved Okay For Now.

So, I'm wondering what moves your books up the TBR?  Feel free to tell me about your most recent reads and the reasons behind them.  And who do you use as a move-it-to-the-top reviewer (like Angie, Small Review, and Susan, among others, for me)?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Book Review: Partials by Dan Wells

Partials by Dan Wells
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: February 2012
Pages: 480
Source: Library
For: the Dystopian Challenge
Series: Partials, Book 1

In a world where nearly all humans have been wiped out by the RM virus, and replaced by an engineered race of not-quite-humans, Kira has spent the last few years trying to fight the virus that continues to decimate the last surviving humans. When she makes a desperate bid to try to find the cure, she is led on a dangerous mission that might offer her more than she bargained for.

Things I Liked:
Wow, what a good story!  I think the best part about this dystopian book is the complex story and the very well thought out and developed setting and world.  It seems like Wells thought it through very completely and it is so thorough that I truly felt immersed in the story.  I really appreciated the passages where Kira tried to figure out how the virus works and what might cure it (though I can see how that will deter some readers).  I honestly wasn't entirely sure where the story would go, because it wasn't what I thought it would be from the beginning.  Though, there was something I figured out very early on, I wasn't 100% sure how it would play out.  It's an interesting, fast-paced, and rather terrifying look at the future of our race.  And there was much laughing along the way too:
"I've never been this wet in my life," said Kira.  "Even immersed in a bathtub I swear I was dryer than I am now."
"Look on the bright side," said Marcus.
Kira waited.
"This is the point," she said, "at which you would traditionally suggest a bright side." 
"I've never been a real traditional guy," said Marcus.  "Besides, I'm not saying I know a bright side, I just think this would be a great time to look at one." p 45
"My contribution was to somehow refrain from peeing myself.  You can thank me later." p 344
Things I Didn't Like:
There were parts of the story that I can see people being bored - as I mentioned above the parts where she's figuring out the RM virus and how it works, etc.  The somewhat technical explanations can be confusing or frustrating or just plain boring.  It was quite a long book too, with a lot of stuff going on.  Still, I never got bored or distracted and I really loved how everything developed and played out.  Including that cliff-hangery ending.  Great new series!

Read-alikes:
Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
The Passage by Justin Cronin

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
only a few here and there

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
fighting and rioting and such does happen, but not really gory

Overall rating: *****

How do you like the science in your books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
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