Parable of the Talents picks up a few years after the ending of Parable of the Sower. Lauren and her Earthseed followers are living in a community theParable of the Talents picks up a few years after the ending of Parable of the Sower. Lauren and her Earthseed followers are living in a community they built called Acorn, safely and comfortably. Pregnant, Lauren faces questions for the future of where she wants to be and how to spread the word of Earthseed to a larger demographic. But outside forces see Acorn as a threat, and mean to cause it harm.
This duology is like nothing I've read before and I absolutely love it. I got full body chills when I heard the slogan "Make America Great Again" considering this book was published in 1998. There are actually a lot of parallels to modern day that were jarring to read.
This book was incredibly well written and well paced, I wanted to keep listening to the audiobook at times when I wasn't on my commute. It definitely wasn't an easy book to read at times, but I still loved it all the same. I'm really sad that Butler passed away before writing more books in the series, I would have loved to know where this story would have gone. But even if there aren't more it still ended on a high note. ...more
I don't have many coherent thoughts on this one, but I mostly liked it despite somewhat confusing worldbuilding. I do wish there had been m 3.5 stars
I don't have many coherent thoughts on this one, but I mostly liked it despite somewhat confusing worldbuilding. I do wish there had been more female characters supporting the heroine in this feminist young adult novel, but hoping there will be more in the next one. Overall I liked it, but wasn't as in love with this book as everyone else. ...more
Not really sure what to say about this one (in a good way). It’s a very unique story with great characters. It’s not often you find a book with a fantNot really sure what to say about this one (in a good way). It’s a very unique story with great characters. It’s not often you find a book with a fantasy world like this one and I got lost in it. The characters were all very complex and interesting and I can see why this book is very well loved. I found the pacing of the plot to be a little bit off but otherwise enjoyed it a lot....more
The third book in The Four Horsemen series, this installment follows Ana in South America. Right at the beginning of the book she crosses Fam 4 stars
The third book in The Four Horsemen series, this installment follows Ana in South America. Right at the beginning of the book she crosses Famine, and is left for dead. Filled with anger and vengeance, she follows him across the land in order to exact her revenge on him. But instead he catches her, and is intrigued by her.
I have to say I was curious what Thalassa’s concept for this third book would be and Famine wasn’t exactly what I expected. Ability to control and create murderous plants was something I never would have thought up and I thought it was a pretty cool concept. I loved that Ana was a sex worker, we don’t see a lot of heroines in romance in that profession. It made for great character development and added a little extra layer to the story.
I’m excited for book 4, Death, but who knows when we will get it. Hopefully soon! ...more
Laura Thalassa is an author I’ve loved for years, her Fallen World series is absolute perfection. When Pestilence was released I was on 3.5 – 4 stars
Laura Thalassa is an author I’ve loved for years, her Fallen World series is absolute perfection. When Pestilence was released I was on that book like peanut butter on jelly and devoured it. And then came the wait for the rest of the series. For some reason, I didn’t pick up War when it was released, despite loving the first book. I’m glad I waited because now I can dive right into Famine.
Let’s start with what I loved: Miriam. I love love love a strong female heroine who fights for what she believes in. Throughout the book she struggled with her feelings toward War and how he could do such horrible things. And I love that she basically sexually blackmailed him into doing good deeds. I also loved the world building in this book and that it took place somewhere other than the United States. While reading I felt like I was transported to a post-apocalyptic Israel and it was chilling to say the least. I also loved Thalassa’s writing style, I just click with it. I know she can wax on a bit with purple prose, but I never feel like I have to work to get into the story and I appreciate that about her.
I have two criticisms of this book. The first 15% for me, was almost a carbon copy of The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley. Right as I was about to be like, wtf, the story went it’s own way and I was glad because some of the similarities were starting to annoy me. I’m not saying Laura plagiarized, I would never say that. But this book felt heavily influenced, in my honest opinion. Secondly, I thought the pacing was off and some things repetitive. But these two things didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book....more
I think this book was a huge turning point in this series.
I love the writing due Ilona Andrews, they do such a wonderful job creating dynamic and be I think this book was a huge turning point in this series.
I love the writing due Ilona Andrews, they do such a wonderful job creating dynamic and believable new worlds. In Emerald Blaze we follow Catalina, still heartbroken over Allesandro leaving before anything could begin, but she’s also holding her entire family together. Catalina is brought in as Deputy Warden to investigate the killing of a businessman who was murdered in an area of the city called The Pit. There she discovers something that threatens all of humankind.
I really enjoyed this book, as I said before I think it’s a huge turning point in this series. The plot unfolding with Victoria Tremaine I think will only build from here, and the Baylors have no choice but to become closer as a family to survive. The romance was a little bit lacking for me. Don’t get me wrong, what we did get was great. But I wanted a wee bit more from a romance novel. This book was more urban fantasy format than romancy.
I’m looking forward to more in the series, hopefully it’s not an excruciating wait! ...more
“First we only want to be seen, but once we’re seen, that’s not enough anymore. After that, we want to be remembered.”
In the aftermath 4.5 stars!
“First we only want to be seen, but once we’re seen, that’s not enough anymore. After that, we want to be remembered.”
In the aftermath of a global pandemic that kills 99% of the earth’s population, this book follows a traveling group of actors and musicians making their way through a post-apocalyptic landscape, fleeing a false Prophet. It also follows the life of an actor pre-pandemic, and those around him at different points in his life.
“Hell is the absence of the people you long for.”
What an incredibly compelling story! I was completely hooked from the beginning of this book. I listened to the audiobook which is why I think I enjoyed it so much, if I had been reading the hard copy I could see myself skimming or putting it down. But the audiobook, perfection! It’s a book that makes you think about MANY things, but for me it was about the importance of human connection, and what the world is like when we have lost much of that.
“A fragment for my friend-- If your soul left this earth I would follow and find you Silent, my starship suspended in night” ...more
One word comes to mind when I think of this book: unnecessary.
I went into this book with an open mind, I love The Hunger Games trilogy. I even 1 star
One word comes to mind when I think of this book: unnecessary.
I went into this book with an open mind, I love The Hunger Games trilogy. I even have 3 different copies of the first book. But this one fell flat. And the main reason? I did not give two shits about a single character in this book. Which was weird to me, because I cared so deeply about all the characters in the original trilogy. How can these books be written by the same author??? I don’t get it.
Also this book was waaaaaayyyy too long at 500 pages. It honestly could have been cut in half and been much better.
That’s all I got. I’m sure I’ll rant about it more to friends but, that was a waste of $27.99. Except I bought it from an indie bookstore, so at least I supported them and not Amazon. One good thing....more
I’ve been wavering on my rating since finishing this book. Ultimately, while I liked this book, just about nothing happened plot wise til the2.5 stars
I’ve been wavering on my rating since finishing this book. Ultimately, while I liked this book, just about nothing happened plot wise til the end. And after the first three books ended so perfectly (imo) I have to wonder if this book was really necessary? (No, it wasn’t). I’m debating reading books 5 and 6 to see if it gets better or quitting and forgetting this book happened....more
The Handmaid’s Tale was a book I read when I was in high school and it’s a book I love very dearly. When this graphic novel came out I was s 4 stars!
The Handmaid’s Tale was a book I read when I was in high school and it’s a book I love very dearly. When this graphic novel came out I was skeptical but I saw lots of positive reviews and gave it a shot. I won’t rehash the plot because there’s the book and the show. But what this novel added was fresh color and almost an abbreviated version of the book. I thought the art was beautiful and it was a quick read....more
I’ve already recommended this to one of my library kids, so it goes to show that just because you don’t love a book it doesn’t mean you can’t 3 stars
I’ve already recommended this to one of my library kids, so it goes to show that just because you don’t love a book it doesn’t mean you can’t recommend it to others.
I’m a cover lover and read this for purely shallow reasons. I listened to the audiobook and found myself not always wanting to listen or tuning out. But conceptually, this book is great. A shapeshifting fox girl who travels through space to save her brother, that’s a great unique plot kids will love.
“...some things are better left in the past. And true things are destined to repeat themselves.”
Since Goodreads published a list of the 3.5 stars
“...some things are better left in the past. And true things are destined to repeat themselves.”
Since Goodreads published a list of the Top 100 YA books, I have been making a conscious effort to read (almost) all of them. The Program makes 74/100. You can find the list here: https://bit.ly/2MtitVH
The Program is a YA dystopia novel where teen suicide is a sweeping epidemic. In response to this, the US government has created a program which saves the life of a suicidal teen. The only problem is, it basically erases all their memories, and takes away who they are.
“If it's meant to be, you'll find each other again.”
If not for the YA list, I probably never would have sought this book out on my own. I almost gave this book 4 stars, but then I realized if I really liked this book I would have the desire to read the rest of the books in the series. And I don’t. So 3.5 I liked but did not love stars.
The plot of this makes me think the author saw The Happening and Girl Interrupted at the same time and thought a combo would make a great YA book. It’s an interesting concept, but I am left unclear on the overall message. I thought the author did an excellent job creating authentic relationships with the characters, every single one of them felt genuine when reading. The relationships between the characters are what I enjoyed most about this book.
I felt that this book was three books shoved into one. I liked that the author gave it all to us in chronological format. With a story like this I could see many other authors starting it with the characters knowing nothing, but I felt it was more effective the way Young told it. I wasn’t frustrated because I had all of the information up front, and I appreciated that.
“You know I'm never going to be able to not kiss you again, right?" he said. "For the rest of my life, every time I look at you, I'll have to kiss you.”
“If you want to rebel, rebel from inside the system.That's much more powerful than rebelling outside the system.”
I can admit this right n 3 stars
“If you want to rebel, rebel from inside the system.That's much more powerful than rebelling outside the system.”
I can admit this right now, if I had read this book when it was published, I would have loved it.
Legend is the YA dystopia about Day and June. Day is an outlaw rebel and June is the golden girl of the republic. When Day robs a hospital to save his family, it sends him and June on a series of events that rocks the country they live in.
“You're brilliant,"he says."But you're a fool to stay with someone like me." I close my eyes at the touch of his hand."Then we are both fools.”
I enjoyed this book for the most part, but there is nothing for me to differentiate it from the 5 billion other YA dystopias that was released around the same time. I read it because it’s on the Goodreads list of the top 100 YA books and I am hoping to read all 100.
Again, if I had read it in 2011 I probably would have loved it, but 8 years later I am a bit jaded. I also felt the romance was too instalove and came out of nowhere. The most interesting part was the mystery of one characters death and honestly, that was kind of glossed over. I won’t be reading the other books in this series.
“Forever and ever, kid, until you're sick and tired of seeing me.”
I loved Grace and Fury, but this one fell a bit flat. Pacing was off, the book felt too fast and too slow all the at same time. The ending 3.5 stars
I loved Grace and Fury, but this one fell a bit flat. Pacing was off, the book felt too fast and too slow all the at same time. The ending seemed particularly rushed. I liked Nomi's story the most and it's what kept me reading, but I cannot help but wonder what happened with this book. It just wasn't up to the standard of the first one.
“How can she expect her children to dream as big as the stars if they can't lift their heads to gaze upon them?”
[image]
This was, dare 4.5 stars!
“How can she expect her children to dream as big as the stars if they can't lift their heads to gaze upon them?”
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This was, dare I say it.... EXCELLENT. I watched Bird Box the movie (along with 45 million other people) when it came on Netflix and loved it. When this book went on sale I snatched it up and finally got around to reading it. I knew I loved the movie, I just hoped I would love the source material.
I love the dystopia/end of the world kind of stories. In this book some creature has somehow invaded earth; we are not sure if it's an alien or something else. When people see these creatures they go mad and/or kill themselves and others. This book follows Malorie between the past and present, trying to survive with a group and then trying to survive alone with two children.
I devoured this book in one sitting, I was completely enthralled by the story. I think the horror genre it's placed in is fitting because it makes the reader question a lot of things and the characters did truly find themselves in horrifying situations. If I woke up in a world like this, I'd think I entered a horror movie for sure.
It's hard not to compare this book to the movie since I saw the movie first, but I can say I think while similar, each is it's own. There are enough differences that it wasn't boring for me, but any changes between the two aren't irritating. I wish there had been more closure in one aspect of the plot but otherwise this was a fantastic read and I am dying to read the sequel.
“It's better to face madness with a plan than to sit still and let it take you in pieces.”
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
I first read The Giver in 5 stars
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
I first read The Giver in the 8th grade as a school assignment. For homework we were to read the first chapter... I read the entire book in one night instead. Here I am again many years later, and I devoured this book all in one day. Such a powerful story, and one that I think everyone needs to read.
In a world of sameness, Jonas is excited to receive his life assignment. Much to his surprise, he is selected to be a Receiver. Once he begins his training, he finds that the current Receiver is to give Jonas memories of past to save for the wisdom of the community. And with these memories, Jonas begins to awaken.
“We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others.”
“For every woman who has been told to sit down and be quiet... And who stood up anyway.”
You know, I must be reading a different book f 4.5 stars!
“For every woman who has been told to sit down and be quiet... And who stood up anyway.”
You know, I must be reading a different book from everyone else. Because while everyone hated this book, I ended up friggin loving it!! And I almost let a huge amount of negative reviews scare me away. I am so glad I gave this book a shot. Thanks Owlcrate! Would have never discovered it otherwise.
Grace and Fury is basically The Hunger Games meets The Handmaid's Tale. In a dystopian fantasy world, women are not allowed to read and don't have much to hope or work for in life. Sisters Nomi and Serina are total opposites: Nomi destined to be a handmaid and who rebels against society and Serina meant to be a Grace and who does everything she's told. When the Heir to the throne chooses Nomi as his Grace over Serina, their world is turned upside down. Even more so when Serina is punished for a crime she didn't commit. Both girls must face a world and life they never expected and if they aren't careful, they both won't make it.
“My father used to say that opression isn't a finite state. It's a weight that is carried until it becomes too heavy, and then it is thrown off. Not without struggle, not without pain, but he believed the weight would always, always be fought and overcome.”
Like I said before, I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did seeing as most of my book friends didn't like it. But I always give my Owlcrate books a chance and this was no exception. I loved the character development in this book and how the sisters were thrown into unknown situations out of their element and they either thrived or drowned.
There's a lot of mystery following Nomi's story and Serina's is action packed and so compelling. I was so completely emotionally invested in what would happen to both girls, normally I care about one character more than the other in dual POV but I loved Nomi and Serina for different reasons.
I can honestly say the next book is one of my most anticipated reads of 2019 and its release date cannot come soon enough. I hope readers give this book a shot!
“It isn’t a choice when you don’t have the freedom to say no. A yes doesn’t mean the same thing when it’s the only answer you’re allowed.”
“The Darkest Minds tend to hide behind the most unlikely faces.”
This is one of those reviews where I really don’t know what to say. D 2.5-3 stars
“The Darkest Minds tend to hide behind the most unlikely faces.”
This is one of those reviews where I really don’t know what to say. Darkest Minds is a book I had my eye on since it published in 2012, I always meant to read it but never made the time. Fast forward to 6 years later and the movie is coming out so I finally made the time and…… meh.
Starting this book my rating was at a 4 stars, then midway in it was more a 3.5. Then by the end I was so disenchanted. I’m still wavering on my rating, it’s between a 2 and a 3 because I enjoyed parts of the book but not others.
I would relate this book to a teen X-men story, but that feels like an insult to the X-men universe. This is about a bunch of teens who suddenly develop powers during puberty and the world goes crazy and locks them up and murders some of them. Ruby has been in the equivalent of a work camp for 6 years before she gets the opportunity to break out and ends up with a group of teens with other abilities looking for a safe place.
My biggest issue with this book is it’s structured really poorly. The plot is all over the place and both romantic storylines felt so completely forced to me. This book has the potential to be a 5 star read, but it was about 200 pages too long in my opinion.
For the most part I enjoyed it, so if you are interested I say go ahead and read it. I’m just a lot picker than other people.
“We'll just have to try to make better mistakes tomorrow.”
In a totally random and weird review, I will be using gifs from the movie AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
[image]
ALL THE STARS!
In a totally random and weird review, I will be using gifs from the movie Elf to express ALL THE FEELINGS!
So me about Laura Thalassa all the time: [image]
Which will probably lead to this: [image]
Anyways... from the moment I saw the cover reveal for Pestilence, I was DYING (get it?) to get my grubby hands on a copy of this book. I preordered and everything, which I rarely ever do. Then once it hit my kindle I couldn't put it down (except for sleep. Stupid stupid sleep).
Here's what I was like reading the book:
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And I loved it so much! My first 5 star book in over a month!
This is about Sara, a young firefighter who attempts to kill Pestilence when he comes to her town. BUT, he cannot be killed. So Pestilence takes Sara captive in order to make her suffer. Over time Sara finds herself conflicted because of the horrible things he does, but she cannot help but see another side to the horseman. The question is, can he ever change and go against his nature?
Laura writes the best new adult fantasy/dystopia novels. I get completely sucked into her world building, her characters and her stories. I demand more of my book friends read her books!!! Seriously, you won't regret it.
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