January Reading Total

YAY! 41 Books Read in January!

30 - 5 Star Books

7 - 4 Star Books

3 - 3 Star Books

1 - 2 Star Books

0 - 1 Star Books

13 Books Added To My 2018 Favorites List!

Girl of Nightmares

Stars 5/5

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I really loved this duology and would highly recommend it to everyone who loves a creepy ghost story. I must say that I loved Anna Dressed in Blood (1st book) a bit more but OMG I just loved the Suicide Forest in this book. What creativity and spookiness! Maybe one day Kendare Blake will write more about that Forest! I know I would be first in line to buy the book. This story is told more from Cas's perspective than Anna's, like in the first book. I must say that I loved the ending of this book but I am greedy and would love to see Cas and his friends again especially if there may be a battle between him and Jestine or something else! 

Breakfast At Tiffany's

Stars 5/5

Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Of course, this is a long overdue reread for me. I have not read this story in years and I love it just as much now as I did then. Holly (Holiday) Golightly is such a carefree girl. I do admit I forgot about the horrible racial slurs and inappropriate labeling. For that, I can only contribute it to a time long gone. I do love Holly's sassy nature and how she is the life of the party where ever she went. I will be honest, when I first read this book when I was very young I had a book boy crush on the narrator, also known as Fred. This book is a classic and I would recommend it to everyone.

An Enchantment of Ravens

Stars 4/5

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

I am a true sucker for fairy stories and so I had to read this book. This followed Isobel, a human, that painted portraits for the fair folk. One day she paints a portrait of the Autumn Prince Rook and she notices a look of mortal sorrow, thus she paints it, and that is when the adventure begins. I am not going to say much more as to spoil the story but I must say that this book paints fae in a whole new light for me. I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

The Thirteenth Tale

Stars 5/5

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I truly loved this story. Other than the few mentioned modern conveniences, I read it as more a Victorian novel. The story follows Margaret, who not only loves books but grew up in a bookshop, is sent a letter from a world renowned author named Vida Winter. Ms Winter has been a mystery to the world and is known for giving out false info about her life but now is ready to reveal all to Margaret before she dies. I am not going to say anything more about the story as to not spoil it and I definitely  recommend this book to everyone. 

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Stars 5/5

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

This is definitely not the first time that I have read this book. I do believe I read it when I was in school and I love it now just as I loved it then. The story follows Kit, who lived in Barbados with her grandfather until his death, then traveled across the ocean to find her aunt and uncle in Connecticut. Kit realizes very soon that the new world is nothing like colorful Barbados and that the people are not like her at all. She makes friends with the woman the town calls "witch" and soon she must justify that she, herself, is not a witch. I love the way this book reads as vintage romance and I would recommend it to everyone.

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice & Virtue

Stars 4/5

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice & Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

This story follows Monty, his friend Percy and his sister Felicity on their Grand Tour of Europe. Monty was to take over the business when he returned home but things go a bit different than planned as their trip turns into a "run for life" adventure. I will not go into the story more as not to spoil it. This is a M/M romance which I adore. I would recommend it to everyone.

Because You'll Never Meet Me

Stars 5/5

Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas

As a huge fan of the lost art of pen pal snail mail writing, I just loved this book. It follows Ollie who is a 14 yr old boy allergic to electricity so he and his Mom must live in a house in the forest and Moritz a 16 yr old boy born with no eyes and has a pacemaker. Living a world apart, Ollie & Moritz become friends but know that they could never meet for one of them would die. I am not going into anymore as not to spoil the story but I highly recommend this book. I can not wait to read the next book.

Hunted

Stars 5/5

Hunted by Meagan Spooner

This book is a Beauty and The Beast re-telling and it was such a wonderful read. I love fairy tale re-tellings and I just knew I would love this. There are many twists and turns throughout the story that are different and keeps you wanting more. I am so very glad at the end the author took time out to tell of what happened next. I just love that. I don't want to go into the story line anymore as not to spoil it and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Year One

Stars 5/5

Year One by Nora Roberts

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

I just loved this post apocalyptic story and all it's magic. I was really curious how magical elements could be added into a story about a plague that caused an apocalypse and I am amazed at how wonderful it worked out. I can not wait to find out what is going to happen next. This follows different characters and how they survive a plague that kills off most of the world. Some develop magical powers becoming light and some grow dark. Fairies, elves, shape shifters, witches and humans all together. Most are trying to make a world for themselves but others hate the new powers and are on a path to kill everyone. This is a must read. I highly recommend it to everyone.

The Wizards of Once

Stars 5/5

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

I just loved this magical story. The book followed a young wizard Xar, still waiting on his powers, and young warrior Wish. They were from different worlds. Xar went into the dark forest to find an extinct witch to steal their powers for himself. Wish went into the dark forest searching for her forbidden magic spoon. The adventure began when they crashed into each other in the middle of the dark forest. Such a great adventure! I can not wait for the next book of the series. I would recommend this book to everyone of all ages.

The Hundred Headless Woman

Stars 4/5

The Hundred Headless Woman by Max Ernst

I really enjoyed this wonderful vintage book of art. I must say I did not understand some of it but what I did, I really enjoyed. I have to say the train art was my favorite and it took me back to a time that I occasionally dream about. I had read many things about this book and how it is considered one of the first graphic novels so it was a must read for me. I would recommend this to everyone who love historical art, firsts and things that make you wonder.

Disney Princess Vol #1

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess Vol #1 by Amy Mebberson

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Love, Life and the List

Stars 5/5

Love, Life and The List by Kasie West

I just love Kasie West books and so I loved this cutesy story as well. Abby is in love with her best friend Cooper and hides her feelings because she doesn't believe he has the same feelings for her. She tried to tell him once but it didn't go over as well as she hoped. Abby is an artist and is trying to put more heart into her work so she may be chosen for an art exhibit. So much happens. It is a must read. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a cute love story.

The Little Red Wolf

Stars 5/5

The Little Red Wolf by Amelie Flechais

A twisted Little Red Riding Hood re-telling told as a Folk Tale. I just loved this book. The story was magical and the illustrations were beautiful. I have to say I felt sorry for those cute drawn bunnies but the Little Red Wolf was too cute as well. I would recommend this book to everyone of all ages.

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life

Stars 5/5

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz

This book is beautifully written about families regardless of birth and being there for one another thru thick and thin. I feel as though this story captures the way families are quilted together and the diversities within. This follows the main character Sal, his friends Sam & Fito, his Father who is gay and their families. The story is heart touching and bring out tears but in the deaths, it brings lives together. The story is about growing up, coming of age, mourning & loss, finding your strengths, accepting who you are and opening yourself up to others. I would highly recommend this to everyone.

Madame Pamplemousse and The Enchanted Sweet Shop

Stars 5/5

Madame Pamplemousse & The Enchanted Sweet Shop by Rupert Kingfisher

This is a wonderful series. It follows a little girl named Madeleine and her adventures. Madeleine meets Madame BonBon and her sweet shop. These are very short reads but they are amazingly creative and imaginative. I just love all the potions, sugary sweets, meats and cheeses. Madeleine finds herself in a pickle and Madame Pamplemousse comes to the rescue... maybe. I do recommend these books to all ages.

The Serpent King

Stars 5/5

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

A box full of tissues book! I went into this book not knowing really what it was about and was a bit leery when it started in with the religious aspect because I am not religious but I found that I loved this story! It made it to my 2018 Favorites List. This book follows three friends Dill, Lydia and Travis and their life in "small town usa". It is about friendships, hope, aspirations, loss, bullying, abuse, fantasy, the staff, chicken livers & blueberry pancakes and even murder.  I can't recommend this book enough. Just Read It.

This Is Not The End

Stars 4/5

This Is Not The End by Chandler Baker

**SPOILER ALERT**

First let me say that I hated the main character Lake. I think she was a rude selfish teenager that made everyone around her feel horrible. Even when she learns the truth at the end, she decides to not only make her brother feel that it was all his fault but she just wasted the gift helping no one. The writing in this story is wonderful and it is a gripping story that is why I had to give it 4 stars. Just because I hated a character doesn't mean I didn't like the book. I also want to say that in regards to Lake jumping so fast back into another relationship, that doesn't surprise me at all. She was just that type of person. Remember it didn't take her long after she made friends with Penny and Will for her to not go to the restroom with Penny so she could push up against Will alone. Some girls are just like that. I would recommend this book.

Daughter of The Pirate King

Stars 5/5

Daughter of The Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

First I must thank Owlcrate for enclosing this book in their box. I just loved this fun and adventurous Pirate story and can not wait for the next book in the series. What a fun ride upon a Pirate Ship with thieves and assassins. This story follows Alosa, the Pirate King's daughter, and her plans to be captured by enemies to retrieve a piece of the map needed to find an ancient land of Sirens and Treasure! While imprisoned, Alosa meets Riden and that is when things get interesting. I refuse to say anymore, as not to spoil this book and I would highly recommend it to everyone. This book was added to my 2018 Favorites List.

The Smell of Other People's Houses

Stars 5/5

The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

I love to read everything set in Alaska so when I heard all the hype about this book I knew I had to get it and I am not disappointed. What I really loved about this story was how it followed many different characters from different backgrounds and how they all came together to fit in this community. It is set in the 1970's and how most of the younger kids deal with their lives including poverty and how the elders remember when Alaska became the 49th state and how it affected their lives. It is definitely a must read and I highly recommend this book.

Thunderhead

Stars 5/5

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

I just finished the book and all I can say right now is WoW! Such an amazing story. Amazing characters. Amazing world. Amazing Creativity. I am in Aw of it all. The story continues following Citra and Rowan but many other characters as well as some new ones. I could say that the story is about the politics of the Scythedom but there is so much more going on. I really can't say much more about this book other than to encourage everyone to read the series and do not forget to bring the tissues. I just love it and this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List. I can't wait for the next book!

Scythe

Stars 5/5

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

If there is a Team Faraday please let me know because OMG I just love him and I love love this book. In this futuristic world, there is No hunger. No disease. No accidents. The only way to die is to be chosen to die by a Scythe, which are trained to keep the population under control. This follows two characters Citra and Rowan and they are chosen to apprentice by Scythe Faraday for a chance to become a Scythe themselves. Only problem is there is only one spot open and there are two of them. So much more goes on in this book but I find it better to go in with no more info than to know it is an amazing story. I would recommend this to everyone and this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List. 

Turtles All The Way Down

Stars 2/5

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

I really wanted to love this book but I found it unrealistic and even a bit far fetched for me. I did enjoy Aza's best friend Daisy and her wit, charm and creativity but other than that I don't believe this book was for me. 

Skeleton Tree

Stars 4/5

Skeleton Tree by Kim Ventrella

A very heart touching book. This story follows Stanley and his little sister Miren. One day, Stanley finds a finger bone growing in his back yard. I don't want to say much more as to spoil this book but it is filled with juggling skeletons, friendship, dealing with hard issues and growing up. I went into this book not knowing what it was about at all so I will suggest bringing the tissues. I would recommend this to readers of all ages.

Winterhouse

Stars 5/5

Winterhouse by Ben Guterson
Illustrations by Chloe Bristol

This book was an amazing read with very creative illustrations that I loved. It brought together everything for a wonderful Christmas mystery. The story follows Elizabeth and journey to Winterhouse for the holidays while her aunt and uncle get a suspicious paid for vacation. During Elizabeth's stay at this magical hotel she meets Freddy and becomes best friends. They find lots of things to get into and even a very spooky mystery to solve. I don't want to spoil the story but I would highly recommend it to everyone especially around the holidays. 

The Young Queens

Stars 5/5

The Young Queens by Kendare Blake

Novella

(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

Since I am in love with this series, it didn't surprise me when even though this book was so short it would be 5 stars. This book follows the three queen as they are young and how their lives were as children preparing for the Ascension Year. You do learn a bit of the characters back story in the first book but this is a more detailed account of their lives. I highly recommend this book but only to be read after you read Three Dark Crowns bk 1 as this novella does disclose a few tidbits of knowledge that may ruin the first book for you if read first. 

One Dark Throne

Stars 5/5

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

I have to say that I really love this series. This book is the beginning of the Ascension Year and it follows the three queens, their lives and how they prepare for battle for the crown. I can not go into the story anymore as to not spoil it but I have to say that one scene at the end of the book made me very sad. It honestly seemed to rushed to be real. I guess we shall all see when the next book is released. I highly recommend this series to everyone.

Three Dark Crowns

Stars 5/5

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

This book made it to my 2018 favorites list because it is jam packed full of amazing content. A Goddess, an island, three kingdoms, three queens, their courts.. friends... loves and enemies. Lots of characters to love and hate. This story has so many things going on and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The book follows the lives of triplet queens and how they are raised to compete in one battle and that is to kill their other two sisters and sit on the one dark throne. This series is going at the top of my list of anticipated books. I can not wait to see what is going to happen in all of their different lives. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

The Doll: The Lost Short Stories

Stars 4/5

The Doll: The Lost Short Stories by Daphne du Maurier

A wonderful collection of short stories that I believe are even a bit taboo for the era. Definitely creepy and dark sided to say the least. I love Daphne du Maurier's writing style and I would highly recommend this collection to everyone who likes things a bit odd and twisted like I do.

LumberJanes Vol 1-3

Stars 3/5

LumberJanes Vol 1-3 by Noelle Stevenson

A graphic novel series with bright and fun illustrations. This series follows 5 girls and their adventures at camp Lumberjane. During their stay at camp, they encounter a variety of supernatural creatures that they must defeat. Very quick reads packed with action. I would recommend this series to everyone who loves "kick boom bang" graphic novels.

Everless

Stars 5/5

Everless by Sara Holland

(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

WoW! OMG WoW! I could not put this book down at all. This is definitely going on my favorites of 2018 Reading List! The story is so imaginative that it had my full attention from the first page. It follows the main character Jules and her life in Sempera. Where the poor must pay with years off their lives by draining their blood to pay for everything and the rich live on for centuries. She takes a job in the castle against her father's wishes to save his life and that is when the story will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I don't want to go into the book any more as to not spoil it but this is one story you definitely don't want to miss. I would recommend this book to everyone! I can not wait til the next book!

Beneath The Sugar Sky

Stars 5/5

Beneath The Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

(note... This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

Oh how I just love this series and hope it goes on and on! This book just made my day. Lots of smiles! Seanan McGuire, a weaver of sugar spun goodness! This is the 3rd book of the Wayward Children series and it made it to my favorites of 2018 as I knew it would. The series is about a boarding school for children who have returned from fantasy worlds. There are many characters that are all lovable and diverse in their own special ways and I would highly recommend this book as well as the series to everyone. 

Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles

Stars 5/5

Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles by Rupert Kingfisher

This book I read on a recommendation and was told that it read like a vintage children's classic and I have to agree. I just loved this story. It follows a little girl named Madeleine who was forced to work for her greedy nasty uncle in his restaurant called the Squealing Pig. One day, he found out how well Madeleine could cook and forbid her to ever cook again. Madeleine was out doing an errand one day and found her way to Madame Pamplemousse's little shop and so the adventure begins. I am not going to go into the story any more as not to spoil it. It is such a fun book to read with lots of imagination. I would recommend it to everyone of all ages. I do plan on reading the other two books in the series. What a delight! 

The Magic Misfits

Stars 5/5

The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris

(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites Reading List)

Oh what a wonderfully fun book! I just loved it. This story follows a boy named Carter. One day his parents up and vanish and he is forced to go and live with his thief of an uncle. Carter and his family are magicians and when Carter does not want to use his gift to steal from others he runs away from his uncle and goes on an adventure of a life time. I will not go more into this story as not to spoil it but it is such a joy to read that this book made it to my favorites of 2018 list. I can not wait to read the next books in the series. I recommend this book to everyone of all ages.

Fortunately, The Milk

Stars 5/5

Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman

Illustrated by Skottie Young

What a cute story! A Neil Gaiman classic for sure. This book tells of the crazy and adventurous journey a dad tell his kids that he faced on the trip to the corner store to get the milk. A short story but packed with quirky fun and loads of imaginative characters to love. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Best & Worst of 2017!

Daughter of The Burning City

Stars 5/5

Daughter of The Burning City by Amanda Foody

I very much enjoyed this book. I thought the story was very creative and I just loved the author's imagination when it came to the city and the characters. The story follows the young Sorina, who is an Illusion Worker which is very rare, and her family that she created for her Freak Show in the traveling city circus of Gomorrah. One day, she finds one of her illusions dead and so the hunt begins to find out who is targeting her family. This book is a magical journey that I very much enjoyed. I feel this book is definitely worth recommending to everyone and it will always have a place on my shelf.

The Cruel Prince

Stars 5/5

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites Reading List)

I knew this book would be on my Favorites list! WoW! Where do I even start! The story mostly follows Jude, Taryn (human twins) and their Fae born sister Vivi who are stolen away to Faerie to live with her father Madoc who is Fae & the murderer of their Mother & human Father. The High Court of Faerie, politics, dealing with being human in a magical world, spies, swords, murder, love and betrayal is not even the half of it. I don't want to go into much of the story as not to spoil it but it is filled with many intriguing characters. Ones to love and ones to hate. Holly Black is the Queen of The Fae! I love this story and can not wait to get the next book. I would most definitely recommend this to Everyone! 

The Hating Game

Stars 4/5

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

This book had me smiling and giggling to the very end. A wonderful story about two colleagues, Lucy and Josh, that absolutely hate each other or so they say. Lots of humor, fighting and sexual tension in this book. I have to be honest, about half way in the book for some strange reason I pictured Bernadette from the Big Bang theory in the episode where they are at a conference and she met up with her very tall ex-boyfriend.  After that I couldn't shake the thought so the sexy scenes were not so sexy for me. I did enjoy the book though and would recommend to everyone who loves a little contemporary romance in their life.

The Girl in The Tower

Stars 5/5

The Girl in The Tower by Katherine Arden
(note.. This book made it to my 2018 Favorites Reading List)

This story picks up where the first book left off following Vasya and her family after they left home. I want to say that I love everything about this story and I can not wait til the final 3rd book even though I know I will cry when it is over. As a child, I have always been fascinated by Jack Frost (Winter King) and this book has truly fed my interest. I love Morozko, his love for Vasya and hope the final book focuses more on this developing relationship because those are always my favorite parts of the story. I would recommend this book to everyone. My first read of 2018 and definitely 5 stars!