YA

Book Review: The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

- Barb 2 Comments

“That’s the lesson they taught us, Razor. What matters and what doesn’t. The one truth at the center of all the lies.”

(The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey, Chapter 82, page 292)

Starting off the New Year by finishing The Infinite Sea, the second book in Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave series. The opportunity to tuck in with a good book for some quality reading time during the hectic holiday season has been pure bliss. I received the boxed set of The 5th Wave series for Christmas and have been making my way through this action-packed, end-of-the-world trilogy that combines just the right amount of YA angst with gritty fight scenes, layers of lies, and relatable characters.

Infinite Sea

The Infinite Sea continues the story of Cassie and Sam Sullivan, Ben “Zombie” Parish, Evan Walker, and the Others who’ve decimated the human the race in five distinct waves. The 5th Wave (book one) ends after the destruction of Camp Haven. Book two picks up shortly after with Cassie, Zombie, Sam, Ringer, Poundcake, Dumbo, and Teacup regrouping, healing, and coming to terms with the revelations they’ve uncovered regarding the Others.

While The Infinite Sea continues along with the storylines for Cassie and Zombie, it also gives readers more Ringer—and believe me, that’s a very good thing. Ringer’s story in book two was my favorite. Loved the insight into her background and Yancey’s development of her character was interesting, riveting, and revealing. In addition to Ringer’s backstory, we also get a deeper look at Poundcake and since I won’t do spoilers I will only say, Poundcake now has to rate as one of my favorite characters of the story.

New characters also are introduced, including Razor. I’m still making up my mind if I like him or not. I think Ringer may still be trying to make up her mind as well. Or not. Hard to say.

What I will say is that there’s a lot to contemplate in this book. Who are the Others really? Why the five waves? Why not just drop a big-ass rock on the planet and be done with it?

Like any good second installment of a trilogy, The Infinite Sea not only moves the story along, but it also leaves it with unresolved conflict and a questions that must be answered in book three.

Overall, I like The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey and I’m anxious to begin book three The Last Star.

Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

- Barb 3 Comments

“Luck had carried us through the first three waves. But even the best gambler will tell you that luck only lasts so long.”

(The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, Chapter 16, page 75)

Author Rick Yancey packs pages of twists and turns into an epic tale of survival during and after a cunning alien invasion. Told from multiple points-of-view (POVs), The 5th Wave is book one in a trilogy. The 5th Wave offers readers a fast-paced, action-adventure wrapped in paranoia and sprinkled with a range of deep emotions—from fear to love and horror. It’s all there.

5th WaveWith the first wave they took out all power. No lights. No motors. No cell phones. All grids down, just a taste of what was to come.

The second wave hits differently. Tsunami. Coastal cities across the globe wiped out. Still, the survivors press on. There is always hope, right?

The third wave decimates. A plague that kills almost everyone it touches. There’s no hiding from the pestilence they’ve unleashed.

Then comes the fourth wave. The Silencers emerge.

What’s the fifth wave? It’s the unthinkable.

Readers ride the waves of the world’s decimation with a variety of characters that include high school kids Cassie Sullivan and Ben “Zombie” Parish. Then there’s Evan Walker, a bit older and definitely different. He saves Cassie’s life, but can we really trust him? Author Yancey weaves a distinctive dystopian story that resonates because it’s just enough to have a reader thinking, hmmm, what if and yes, I could see this, crap—what would I do if I were Cassie or Ben or any other human trying to survive this invasion?

I found The 5th Wave to be a great escape book. It swept me away into its world, and that’s exactly what a good book should do. I didn’t want to put it down and I’m so happy that I have the boxed set so when I finished I was able to grab book two and soldier on with story.

You can find out more about author Rick Yancey here. And I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written end-of-world story told from multiple perspectives and that doesn’t lose its sense of reality.

Christmas. Reading. Books.

- Barb 4 Comments

“One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”

(“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling)

Sor. Stone compressed

As the Christmas holidays rapidly approach and the final days of 2017 wind down, I find myself wanting nothing more than to curl up with a good, familiar book. Maybe it’s the rush and hurry of the holiday season or the uncertainties that 2018 may bring. I don’t know. Whatever it is, I just know that I’m in the mood for something tried, true, and entertaining.

So I’m rereading the Harry Potter series.

HP compressed

I love to reread favorite books. It’s not uncommon for me to step up to my bookshelves and pull “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie or “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen just to plop down on the floor, opening the book to a random page and reading a chapter or two. Usually during December I reread a series (or two). Last year, I reread the Gone series by Michael Grant and the Starcrossed trilogy by Josephine Angelini. This year it will be Harry Potter.

It’s been about two years since I’ve read the full Harry Potter series. Currently, I’m at a little more than half way through “Sorcerer’s Stone.” I’m enjoying it so much. It’s amazing that after reading this series more than 10 times through that I still get just as much enjoyment as I did when each word, chapter, and book was brand new to me. Crazy, right?

Rereading the Harry Potter series won’t be the only books I open. I plan to reread “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson.

Yes, it’s a kids book.

Yes, I’ve read it too many times to count, including reading it aloud to my son when he was little.

It’s a GREAT Christmas book and I never tire of it. If you haven’t read it or shared it with your kids, maybe this is the year to do that. Here’s a handy link to Harper Collins if you want to check it out.

How about you? What are you reading this holiday season?

Book Review: “Monster” by Michael Grant

- Barb 1 Comment

“Writers—even unpublished ones—loved characters, and Shade Darby was definitely a character.”

(Chapter 3, Monster by Michael Grant)

As a reader, there is a delicious pleasure when you finally hold in your hand a book that’s been long awaited. “Monster” by Michael Grant is the one book release of 2017 that I most anticipated — anxiously checking the calendar and mentally counting down the days.

And it didn’t disappoint.

Monster

I read “Monster” in less than 24 hours because I had to know, not only how this particular story would end, but I needed to have a glimpse into where Grant might be taking readers as he continues to weave the threads that all began with “Gone”.

“Monster” is Book 7 in the “Gone” series by author Michael Grant. Its story picks up four years after the dome comes down in “Light”. Do you absolutely need to read the first six books before picking up “Monster”? Eh — not exactly, but you really should. And it’s worth it. You want to read the whole series and get a real feel for characters, the horror of the FAYZ, and why this aftermath is a story that also must be told.

Fans of the “Gone” series will enjoy a few familiar names, both hero and villain, as the story of “Monster” unfolds. We get to see what Dekka is doing four years later and how she’s survived, there’s a surprising moment with Diana, a bit of info on Taylor, and then there is Drake. Yes, Drake is back and he’s every bit as evil as he ever was—maybe more.

In addition to the familiar names, readers meet Shade Darby, Cruz, and Malik. I liked this trio. A lot. Shade’s smart, resourceful, and despite being extremely obsessive, she’s also kind. Cruz is very likable and I can’t wait to see how she continues to develop as the story evolves further, but she’s got an inner strength and courage that I admire. Then there’s Malik. Love can get you killed, but I’m not sure yet if that makes a difference to him or not.

There’s also Armo, who teams up with Dekka and an artist named Justin, a.k.a. Knightmare. Author Grant throws in power-hungry military commanders, secret government laboratories (filled with unspeakable horrors), and yes, there is a monster. I’m not going to give spoilers because I want you to read the book and experience it. Trust me.

One of my favorite things about the “Gone” series and the author’s style of writing is the action sequences. As you read, it’s like a high-intensity blockbuster, action-movie playing out in your head. If you’re a fan of action movies like Pacific Rim, Transformers, or X-Men—you’ll enjoy this type of book.

There’s a good balance in “Monster” between the intense action, tech, and character development. And then there is Chapter 18: Going Home. It gave me all the feels. All.The.Feels. Beautifully written and another level of closure from the original story.

So I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I recommend “Monster” by Michael Grant. If you haven’t read the first six books in the “Gone” series read those first and then definitely read “Monster.” You can find it here. According to the “Gone” Wiki, the next book (#8) is “Villain” and #9 is “Hero”. As soon as I find release dates, I’ll be sure to share.

Writing & Reading . . . Well, Mostly Writing

- Barb Leave a comment

It’s been about a month since my last post and probably one of the longest periods I’ve been away from this blog. As a freelance writer, the tide of work ebbs and flows. When it’s ebbing, I find myself spending as much time chasing the work as I do completing the work. Clients come and go, that’s just the way it is and I much prefer this as a day job than other options.

Freelancing as a content creator allows me the flexibility to pursue the completion of my first book and prep for NaNo, which I’ll discuss in just a moment. After several drafts, professional editing, revisions, more editing, more revisions, rounds with beta readers and CPs, and more revisions, it’s reallllllllly close to query time. And while that’s slightly terrifying, I’m ready. Actually mentally ready. I’ve done my best and it’s time to see if I can convince an agent that they should take a chance on it and me. And really, they should because the book’s awesome and so am I, right? Right? Anyhoo . . .

So I’ve been writing during this time I’ve been away from sharing book reviews here on the blog. From many, many freelance words to additions/revisions on the book, and prep work for my NaNo project. Which is:   drum roll please!    YA Mystery!

I’m really looking forward to this project and can’t wait to dive in!

nano-2017-participant-badge

If you’re considering NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) head over to their site HERE. Be sure to click over to THIS PAGE to find out how it works. It’s super easy, free, and trust me, you’ll have a blast. It’s a great way to meet other writers, get in the habit of writing daily with no excuses, and crank out a first draft in 30 days.

Now about the time I’ve spent reading. old booksLong before I was a writer, I was a reader. I can’t ever remember NOT being a reader. I only post a few of the books I read here, so even when I’m not posting book reviews, I am still reading several books. Since the beginning of the month I’ve been rereading Michael Grant’s GONE series in anticipation of his new book MONSTER that releases October 17. As this is one of my all-time favorite young adult series, I’m really looking forward to reading it! Keep your eyes out, I promise I will post a full review as soon as I can.

I’ve also been rereading “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie and YES, I do plan to go see the new movie in November. I own the 1974 version, and while I don’t favor it as much as “And Then There Were None” and “Death on the Nile” it does have its merits.

I’d love to hear from you! Comment below and share with me and other readers the new book releases you’re anxiously awaiting. I’m always looking to add to by TBR pile. If you’re an Agatha Christie fan like me, are you planning to see the new “Murder on the Orient Express” movie? Tell me in the comments.

 

 

 

And, I’m Back.

- Barb Leave a comment

So actually I wasn’t really gone, just away from the blog because of my freelance work and because I was doing a THING.

What thing?

Very glad you asked.

I made the monumental decision (cue fluttery heartbeat) to enter Pitch Wars for the first time. If you’ve never heard of Pitch Wars it’s a THING, a huge thing. An amazing thing. With amazing people and truly one of the most supportive communities of writers.

Direct from Brenda Drake’s site:

“Is it another contest? Oh, no, it’s so much better. Pitch Wars is a contest where published/agented authors, editors, or industry interns choose one writer each, read their entire manuscript, and offer suggestions to shine it up for agents. The mentors also critique the writer’s pitch to get it ready for the agent round. Writers send applications (query and first chapter of manuscript) to four mentors who best fit their work. The mentors then read all their applications and choose the one writer they want to mentor for the next two months.”

Click here to read the full scoop and be sure to peep around Brenda’s site to learn even more cool stuff about Pitch Wars, Pitch Madness, and more.

So if you’re a writer with an unpublished manuscript, this may be just the THING for you, especially if you’re at the stage where you’re thinking about querying.

And in case you were wondering, I entered my YA fantasy, LIES & MAGIC. Fingers and other digits crossed in hopes of being chosen by a mentor, but, seriously, I learned so much from the process and have connected with so many amazing people. It’s a win just for all that!

Keep your eyes out for more book reviews as I get back on my normal schedule. I’m currently reading A.L. Tait’s second book in her “The Mapmaker Chronicles.” That review will be up soon.

Happy Monday! Keep reading and writing!

Book Review: The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

- Barb Leave a comment

I picked up my copy of The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch on a whim. I’d not read this author but the cover drew me in and then after reading the jacket blurb, I knew I  had to take the book home — and I’m so glad I did. The book came out in 2011, the debut book for author Jeff Hirsch. The Eleventh Plague follows 15-year old Stephen Quinn, a boy born after the Collapse and the plague known as P Eleven.

Eleventh Plague

In this aftermath of war, disease, and desolation, Stephen has learned to survive as a salvager. After his grandfather’s death, a disastrous run-in with slavers, and an accident that puts his father into a coma, Stephen is faced with tough decisions. Should he take refuge at Settler’s Landing and let them help care for his father, or should he do what his stern grandfather would have, and keep away from people?

Author Jeff Hirsch does a good job creating an ugly world filled with danger at every twist and turn. Seeing this world from Stephen’s perspective is interesting. I love that the boy cares for reading and books and despite his harsh upbringing is able to begin to trust. There’s plenty of action throughout, from fights with the slavers to classic schoolyard brawling and sweeping life-or-death sequences that will keep you turning the pages.

I liked how Stephen evolved, from the cautious salvaging teen into a more confident young man who discovers what’s really in his heart and that fighting for what you what, for a future, isn’t hopeless or pointless.

The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch kept me entertained and I liked the writer’s style enough that I’d like to follow up and read another of his books. The Eleventh Plague is a stand-alone, and that was perfect for me right now. However, I do believe I’ll be putting Hirsch’s book, Magisterium  on my TBR list.

Please head over to the official website for author Jeff Hirsch to check out more information about The Eleventh Plague as well as his other books.

Book Review: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

- Barb 1 Comment

“Who would ever want movies or TV when there are books?”

Tiberius Blackthorn
(Lord of Shadows, by Cassandra Clare)

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare is Book Two of The Dark Artifices and A Shadowhunter Novel, continuing the epic story that begin in Lady Midnight. The 699 page book actually was a quick read, primarily because it was so engrossing. I had to keep reading and was annoyed when things like work, responsibilities, and the like got in my way. Author Cassandra Clare effortlessly combines heart-stopping action, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters, weaving it all together to create a tale that made me laugh, cheer, think, and feel.

Lord of Shadows

Seriously, so much going on in this book, but don’t worry, you will be swept away because Clare keeps things moving along. Lord of Shadows features Emma Carstairs, who has jumped into my Top 10 of favorite female characters of all time. I was impressed with Emma when she was introduced as a child during The Mortal Instruments series, and loved how she matured in Lady Midnight. Emma continues to impress through everything she goes through — she’s a loyal friend, loving “sister” to the Blackthorn kids, fierce parabatai, and totally bad-ass shadowhunter.

I’m going to put it out there right now, Emma Carstairs may give Jace Herondale a run for his money as most bad-ass shadowhunter. Because I won’t do spoilers, you’ll just have to read Lord of Shadows and then come back and tell me if you think I’m right or wrong. Hint: She does something that no other shadowhunter has ever done.

Along with Emma is her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, but this complicated and potentially deadly relationship isn’t the only one that Clare is developing. She gives us Mark and the Faerie prince Kieran as well as Mark and Cristina. There’s also Diana and Gwynn, and our old favorite Alex and Magnus. But the one relationship that interested me the most and that I can’t wait to see how it moves forward is Kit Herondale and Ty Blackthorn. I love their dynamic, I love that Kit sees how special Ty is, and I love how author Clare has written both characters.

But wait, you’re going on and on about relationships, I thought Lord of Shadows had action and an epic story line? It does! The action is intense, the plots and subplots twist and turn, keeping the reader engaged throughout, but at the heart, it’s really about the characters. When you pick up this book, you will become invested in the characters (if you haven’t already from Lady Midnight.)

Cassandra Clare does leave readers totally hanging at the end of Lord of Shadows. Fortunately, I’m one who loves a good cliff hanger and this qualifies. I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this book. Can you read it before Lady Midnight? I don’t recommend that, but you could start The Dark Artifacts series without reading The Mortal Instruments. However, I really encourage you to begin with The Mortal Instruments and just read them all. It’s worth it.

And the audiobook for Lord of Shadows, in case you’re interested, it’s read by James Marsters. Yes, THAT James Marsters. You really don’t want to miss that.

Find more information as well as official buy links for Lord of Shadows, here.

Book 3 is The Queen of Air and Darkness. Keep an eye out for a release date.

Book Review: The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro

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Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes are back again in The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro, the second book in her Charlotte Holmes trilogy. Teens Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes are descendants of the infamous duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. While book one in the trilogy (A Study in Charlotte) takes place at their boarding school in the United States, book two has the duo in Europe during winter break. Of course because this is Holmes and Watson, a tangled web of mystery and intrigue abounds — a poisoning, a disappearing uncle, art forgery, and kidnappings are just the tip of the iceberg.

Last of August

While Holmes and Watson may have survived last fall with their lives (barely), this winter break will prove to be even more dangerous. Not only will they find themselves working alongside a Moriarty, but they’ll have to deal with their own complicated relationship and Charlotte’s dark past.

I enjoyed reading The Last of August quite a bit, for which I’m glad since I always hope that the second book of a trilogy doesn’t fall flat. This didn’t, not at all. It gave me everything I like in a mystery with the added bonus of characters I’m still learning about — Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson. I love that author Brittany Cavallaro has given the reader a slow reveal of these two. And there’s still plenty left to learn, which is why I’m now looking forward to book three.

The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro is a fast-paced YA mystery with plenty of action, suspense, and dialogue that pops. The European settings were a nice combination of gritty (perfect for the underworld of the art forgery) and fanciful when viewed through Jamie’s less jaded eyes. If you’ve already read A Study in Charlotte, definitely don’t miss out on book two!

You can check out author Brittany Cavallaro’s website here to see  more about her Charlotte Holmes trilogy as well as her other work.

#AmReading . . .Are you?

- Barb Leave a comment

This weekend I began “The Last of August” by Brittany Cavallaro, the sequel to “A Study in Charlotte” that features Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson, teen descendants of the famous Holmes and Watson duo. If you haven’t read “A Study in Charlotte” and YA mystery is your thing — go grab a copy now and read it. You can read my review here. As for the second book, I’m about 100 pages in and it has my attention. Keep an eye for my review sometime later this week.

I also finished “The Firstborn” by Quenby Olson recently. My review is up on Goodreads and I’ll be posting it here on the blog as soon as the book officially releases. I had the awesome fortune to receive an ARC and thrilled that I was able to read it early. It’s releasing May 9, so if Regency romance makes your heart swoon, definitely mark your calendars and get a copy of “The Firstborn”. Visit author Quenby Olson at her website to see what else she’s been up to.

What else is on my #TBR list?

  • Star Wars AFTERMATH, Empire’s End by Chuck Wendig (bought and waiting for me to dive into)
  • The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg (the paperback has been on my shelf for too long!)
  • Closed Casket by Sophie Hannah (again, bought and need to read soon)
  • Imzadi (Star Trek: The Next Generation) by Pete David (okay, so I’ve actually read this book three times but I’ve never owned it until now, which is why it’s on my current to-read list)
  • Cloak of Shadows by C.K. Dawn (on my Kindle app)

Like many of you, I have a few dozen more on my e-reader, including a few books on the writing craft. I’m setting time aside daily to catch up and keep up with the books I want to read. How’s your TBR list for 2017 going? Doing the Goodreads challenge?