Review and My Favorite Quotes/Lines - Heroine's Journey

Heroine’s Journey by Sarah Kuhn

4 gnomes and a gnome hat out of 5 gnomes

Evie, Aveda, Bea and associates make for a truly awesome team.  I really adore this series and the way all the relationships have evolved so far.

There's a little bit of a time jump in this one (I don't remember how old Bea was in the last book and Scott and Aveda are already married (something I hope we see a short story of or something someday.))

Bea's character is definitely a lot messier than Evie or Aveda but that's also what I love about her. She makes bad decisions sure but if you really think about it though who wouldn't make some of these choices. She has quite the heroine's journey as the title suggests.

All the relationships are done really well. The familial ones are great especially that sister bond where one second you hate their guts but you would still do anything for them.

Bea's romantic relationship was a lot of fun too and very steamy. Especially a certain shower scene.

The porcelain unicorn scene as depicted on the cover and Pancake the one eyed dog are more awesome additions to this story.

The story is full of surprises and great super heroics. Plus the end of the story hints at an interesting future too. I was thrilled to learn this wasn't the last book in the series and that there will more to look forward to.

P.S. now I really do want to read the books that Bea and Leah described especially the dragon one and the wereporcupine books.

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My Favorite Quotes/Lines:

“Do not insult the wereporcupine shifters, you condescending, misogynist, genre-snob garbage can.”

“…nothing says pizzazz like a shit-ton of glitter.”

"Other times, I felt like I was surrounded by a bunch of dysfunctional weirdos who couldn’t figure out their own lives but had no problem telling me how to live mine."

“But let the record show I firmly believe that the most obvious route is not always the correct route.”

“I feel like we’re having a moderately tense silence here. Are we having a moderately tense silence? This is a social cue I should be picking up on, yes?” Without waiting for a response, she rose from the table and flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. “I’ll leave you two alone,” she said. “Social cue understood.”

“Nate’s the weak link!” I called out after her as she headed for the door. “Total not-so-secret softie.”

“I don’t know exactly what I’m doing. I don’t know exactly what I’ll be. But I do know this. I choose joy. I choose love. I choose hope. And I can be anything I want.”

Book of the Week - The Burning Maze

I'm just a chapter in so far but I can already tell I'm really going to like this book. I adore this series and am loving all the characters old and new, especially Apollo. I don't have a clue how the series will end but it's leading to some very intriguing developments so far.

Review and My Favorite Quotes/Lines - Letters to the Lost

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

5 out of 5 gnomes

So many feelings. I came to this series a little bit backwards I read the 2nd book 1st and fell in love with the characters. Then I figured out this book was first and knew I wanted to read it ASAP.

Kemmerer is pretty much a genius at writing books that stick with you and are hard to put down. I once again stayed up much later than I meant to just to finish this book.

The friendships and family dynamics are just so well done.

Declan and Juliet will most definitely make you Feel for them and root for them all at the same time.

The letter writing and twists make for a heck of a great read.

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My Favorite Quotes/Lines:

* Spoilers are highlighted like so :)

“Also ironic, because Rev is about as aggressive as an old golden retriever.”

“This is one of the things I love best about Rev. He’ll never force anything on anyone. I nod.”

“No hesitation. This is one of the reasons why I love him.”

“One day isn’t your whole life, Murph.” He waits until I look at him. “A day is just a day.”

“Every moment is meaningful.”

“In other words, life has a solid right hook, but it’s not going to take me down.”

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

“You wore your seat belt.”

“If fate were a person, I’d punch her in the face.”

“RF: I’m here. DM: Can I come over? RF: Always.”

“And right there, in the middle of his own crisis, Rev knows exactly what I need to hear. This is why he’s the perfect friend. And why I can’t wrap my head around him thinking he could ever hurt anyone.”

“Just because someone isn’t risking their life doesn’t mean their life’s work is . . . pointless.”

“We were wrong,” she says. “You make your own path.”

“For a tenth of a second, I think about running him over. Okay, maybe a full second."

“One who has unreliable friends may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.’”

Doorway to Awesomeness aka my review of Beneath the Sugar Sky

Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

5/5 gnomes

Feelings After Reading - Thrilled/hopeful.

This series says so much in so few pages. The book and series covers a lot but never feels rushed. You will fall right into caring immensely for these characters and all their different worlds. It's even difficult to pick a favorite character. They're all wonderfully unique and awesome in their own ways.

In this story you get to return to some old characters and meet some rather intriguing new characters. The characters all have an electric chemistry and heart to them.

This series continues to be intriguing and one I feel like I could read/reread/cherish for a very long time. It'll make you imagine what kind of door/world would call to you.

Review - The Demon Prince

The Demon Prince by Ann Aguirre

* Received from the author for review

5 out of 5 gnomes

This series is so good. The world is really immersive and you'll find yourself clamoring to figure out what happens next.

Even the politics of it all are fascinating. All the different shifters who definitely don't get along and the various customs lead to plenty of conflict throughout the story.

Sheyla and Alastor are a formidable pair. I've been curious about Alastor since the first book. Sheyla is the perfect foil for him and vice versa. I also adore the humor along with the seriousness that these two have.

Their story along with the continuing war effort are really well done. You will find yourself rooting for this couple/wanting them to make it work.

Their attitudes and chemistry are pretty darn electric and yes there are plenty of sexy times too.

This world and characters continue to impress, I'm looking forward to the next book.

Review - Genrenauts: The Complete Season One Collection by Michael R. Underwood

Genrenauts: The Complete Season One Collection by Michael R. Underwood

Overall Review

5 out of 5 gnomes

Overall this is such a strong story and each episode pulls you right in and makes you wonder what’s going to happen next. I think it would make for a heck of an interesting TV show or movie, it all feels very cinematical. It was also great to follow such a diverse group across a myriad of multidimensional stories. I sincerely hope that their will be more episodes to read ASAP.

Here are my reviews for each episode all in one place:

Episode One: The Shootout Solution (Genrenauts #1) -

5 out of 5 gnomes

Now, this, this is a fun series. Talk about story-tastic if that's a word. The world building is awesome and you get immersed right away. This diverse set of characters makes for a fantastic read. Jumping into different genres is fascinating and the Western world was a good intro to this whole concept.

Episode Two: The Absconded Ambassador (Genrenauts #2) -

4 gnomes out of 5 gnomes

Space-opera awesomeness. This second mission is not ideal for Leah but she get's thrown right into it anyway. This space world and its politics are very complicated. It all felt realistically like how one of these space stories would go.

This story felt like it was going to go a different direction but then it ended. So I am curious to see what the next episode entails.

Plus now I am extremely curious about Roman and what his whole backstory is. I have a feeling that it's one heck of an intriguing story.

Episode Three: The Cupid Reconciliation (Genrenauts #3) -

4 gnomes out of 5 gnomes

Romance World makes for a nice soapy type read. All the romance tropes are out in full force. The mystery of why the breaches are getting worse continues and this time Mallery gets added to the mix more.

Seeing what the genrenauts have to do to push everything in the right direction is fun. Plus this ends very interestingly and leaves you wondering about future relationships.

Episode Four: The Substitute Sleuth (Genrenauts #4) -

5 gnomes out of 5 gnomes

Crime/criminal procedural world was intense. Some great new twists are thrown into the mix. It was great especially to learn some more about King. Leah continues to grow into her role as a Genrenaut. Relationships continue to improve too. A big bad villain seems to be shaping up. Their problems are definitely not over.

Episode Five: The Failed Fellowship (Part One) The Shadow of the Night-Lord (Genrenauts #5)

5 gnomes out of 5 gnomes

Fantasy world at last. This story was fun and full of twists. I like the role each Genrenaut had to take. Leah is definitely in the zone here. You can tell some crazy repercussions are going to happen ASAP. That ending too, what a cliffhanger.

Episode Six: The Failed Fellowship (Part Two) The Heroes of Fallran (Genrenauts #6)

5 out of 5 gnomes

So, so good. Adore all the twists and turns. Epic finale befitting of this epic fantasy.

After the ending of the previous episode, I was very happy that this one picked up where it did. Just when you think they’ve gotten through most of their troubles then, WAM everything might be changing for the worst.

That ending makes for quite the future set up. Cannot wait to see where Leah and the rest of the team go from here.

Review - Episode Six: The Failed Fellowship (Part Two) The Heroes of Fallran (Genrenauts #6)

Genrenauts: The Complete Season One Collection by Michael R. Underwood

Episode Six: The Failed Fellowship (Part Two) The Heroes of Fallran (Genrenauts #6)

My Favorite Quotes/Lines:

“They advanced, a wall of beaten metal and stabby death.”

“Bring me my harem pants… it’s Hammer Time,” she said to no one in particular.”

“What in all that is weird and wonderful was that?” Leah asked.”

“Don’t sass. Preparedness is next to godliness.”

5 out of 5 gnomes

So, so good. Adore all the twists and turns. Epic finale befitting of this epic fantasy.

After the ending of the previous episode, I was very happy that this one picked up where it did. Just when you think they’ve gotten through most of their troubles then, WAM everything might be changing for the worst.

That ending makes for quite the future set up. Cannot wait to see where Leah and the rest of the team go from here.

Review - Morning Star

Morning Star by Pierce Brown

5 out of 5 gnomes

Wow, I’m actually a bit speechless after finishing this series. Now that, that is how you end a series. War, love, hate, intrigue, space opera-ey goodness, this book had all that and more. I loved this book especially when a character actually says,  “Bye, Felicia.” This goes to show you how great the humor can be to go along with all the mayhem.

A plethora of surprises and twists await. I can’t emphasize this enough, these are some truly surprising surprises.

I adore how these characters have grown/changed over the course of this series. Sevro’s my favorite he’s psychotic sure but at the same time he’s probably the most loyal/loving (in his own special way that is) character you’ll ever meet.

Action right up the the very end (so much so that I thought for a good while there that the book might end on a cliffhanger.) That ending was superb and did justice to all the character’s stories so well.

This is the kind of ending where you know the future can’t be perfect but yet with the world building shown here you can just imagine how this world could continue to go on.

Read this series ASAP. It’s for anyone who likes strong world building, characters you’ll really care for, and friendships that endure. Brown’s series drew me in hook line and sinker and I cannot wait to see what he writes next.

Review - The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée

The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée by Kristen Painter

5 out of 5 gnomes

This series is just so freaking fun. The halloween-tastic setting of the town means you never know what kind of creature or mythology might be featured next. Whatever is though is always entertaining and this book was no exception.

Loved learning more about Sebastian Ellingham. That whole family is intriguing. Seeing more of what made him all standoffish and how he grows as a character is great.

Then there's Tessa who I adore. Seeing as I am a Library Assistant, I never get tired of reading about kick-butt librarians. Her and Sebastian are definitely an interesting match.

I liked the conflict in this book and how everything worked out. It was full of surprises and the chemistry between Sebastian and Tessa was strong.

This setting and plethora of different types of characters continues to be an awesome combination. Seeing how the whole town works is just pretty fascinating too.

Check out this series if you love paranormal romances that have humor and heart.

Review - Golden Son

Golden Son by Pierce Brown

5/5 Bloodydamn brilliant

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! (aka the sound I made when I finished reading.) that ending... What a real kick to the head/twist of the knife right to the heart.

The story picks up two years or so later then the last book and shows you just how far Darrow has come. He’s great at infiltrating the Gold society. He is firmly immersed into the world of the Golds and you see what craziness he goes through.

Intrigue, spies, mystery, allegiances, there is plenty to go around. Twists and turns abound. Plus if you’re like me and love spaceships and battle scenes, then this is definitely the book for you.

The characters I already loved continue to be intriguing and there are new characters too that really shine. The Telemanuses are my new favorite characters, especially Kavax Telamanus.

These characters are so conflicted and their world is in need of change desperately. This sequel shows the horrors of war and that some people will do anything not to change.

This story goes all out into warfare. There are even more deaths than I thought there would be. It shows that just because you have a plan does not mean that it’s going to work out.

For a lot of the book you’ll feel really bad for Darrow and well pretty much everyone he knows. The scheming is this story gets turned way past eleven. The key seems to be that you have to figure out who to trust and it’s not as easy as you’d think it would be.

You have to truly wonder which side is going to win and even if a revolution is going to be possible.

I truly have no idea what to expect from the final book, I just know that I want to read it ASAP

Review - Red Rising

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

5 out of 5 gnomes

Wow, this book is crazy intense (I love it.) Now this, this is a truly great dystopian story. It’s like if the Hunger Games and the Percy Jackson had a baby, a very violent baby.

This story takes place on Mars in a unique color coded society. The different facets of the society and world are built up very well. Darrow is a Red which is the lowest of the colors. He’s a miner and very good at what he does. He seems happy or at least content but then you find out piece by piece that everything is not all hunky dory. He doesn’t seem the rebellious type but then things go horribly wrong.

Darrow's not looking to start a revolution but events drastically lead him to it. You can really feel his pain and the hard decisions he has to make. Lets just say the beginning was very surprising.

He becomes part of the revolution in a very unique way. When he is among the Golds is when the true face behind the society starts to be seen.

Most of the story takes place at the Institute where the elite of the Golds are trained. This training is the most brutal game of capture the flag ever. It involves a lot of real life warfare and more than one death/murder.

The people he meets are surprising and have real depth. I really loved Sevro, Roque and Pax's characters. Then there’s Mustang, she and Darrow have quite an interesting relationship.

Darrow continues to do things his way and sees how he can change the world. After more than a couple of mistakes of course. His way of looking at the world leads to some interesting choices and consequences.

Can't wait to see what happens and if he can follow through on his part of the revolution plan.

Review - Alien in Chief

Alien in Chief by Gini Koch

* Read via publisher for review

5/5 gnomes

Love this series so much. You never know what's going to happen next. Twelve books in now and I still adore the characters and care about what happens to all of them.

Bought one of Koch's tuckerizations [wikipedia’s definition can be found here]  awhile ago and was very happy to see my name in this book. :) Can't wait to see what this character does.

The hybrid kids continue to be really interesting too, especially Jamie. You have to wonder what they'll all be like grown up.

More then one plan abounds and it definitely doesn't bode well. I really like how this story also brings in pieces from some of the short stories too which are definitely great seeing how everything fits together.

From the title of the book you can guess what happens at least to one character, I didn't know how it would happen though and it's pretty sad/unexpected. The pace of this book can best be described as rollicking and mysterious.

So much chaos in this book, it really is like an intense action movie. There was even a pretty good fake out about who's funeral would be happening. Plus what's happening on the cover of the book pretty much happens in the story too.

If you haven't checked out this series then you should start it ASAP. If you love caring about characters, actually laughing out loud, and crazy stories then this series is for you. This one actually ended with a cliffhanger too, which I think is a first for the series. I of course am now eagerly awaiting the next book even more.

Review - Vision in Silver

Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

* Read via NetGalley

* Spoilers are highlighted like so

* Book will be released March 3, 2015

5 out of 5 gnomes

This series is fast becoming one of my favorites. Anne Bishop is just supernaturally good at world building and making you care so much about all of the characters. The book was pretty darn unputdownable.

Simon and Meg might just be the cutest almost a couple that I've ever read. This is probably the slowest burn of a relationship that I’ve read in a while yet it is awesome to read. Plus I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited that two characters were holding hands.

The world of the Others is just so intriguing because it takes a whole new take on shapeshifters and the what ifs of a world where humans are not in charge. This book is showing that sometimes people can be their own worst enemy and then when you throw in the Others, things really get interesting.

* The blood prophets and the learning curve they have really helps the story.

* That ending is intense and makes you wonder if the world will be able to survive.

* I recommend reading this series ASAP

Overall this series continues to be pretty darn epic. I know I love a series when I find myself caring about all the characters. This one ends in a very interesting place and I can't wait for the next book.

Review - Murder of Crows

Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop

5 out of 5 gnomes

This series continues to intrigue me. This second book in the series really helps build the world up even more. 

The chemistry between Simon and Meg is so sweet and you never know what’s going to happen next with them. I hope they get together but there are plenty of complications too if that did happen. Simon trying to be friends ends in some funny misunderstandings.

Seeing some of the other gards that aren’t used to humans was awesome. This also shows how much the Others have been changed by having Meg there. The new characters and an important new location add even more to the story. 

The blood prophets continue to bring a unique aspect and be full of surprises. Meg is quite the character and it’s always fun seeing her interact with the Others.

The dangerous drugs are explained even more and blood prophets and the history of them continues to show how they will continue to affect the story.

There are a lot of enemies in this book and you can foresee that there are going to be plenty of problems in the future. I thought there was only going to be one set of bad guys but this book adds some more bad guys to the mix.

Complications galore and a lot of heart makes for a fantastic read. Plus that ending leaves plenty of craziness in everybody’s futures.

Creative Collision aka when Universes Collide

* Book provided by the publisher for review.

5 out of 5 gnomes

This is such a great addition to the series and I think one of the best. It brings just about everybody together and answers one very important question, Who is the Mastermind?  

That first chapter was insane and I knew this book was going to be special. Multiple Universes/Bizarro World = Always something I’m going to be interested in. I just love the whole multiverse angle. I do kind of hope that we see more of the multiverse in the future or maybe have somebody else switch places too.

Both worlds have their own kind of appeal and of course both Kitty’s are cool in different ways. They both really help each other out in their perspective worlds.

I like how we learn more about just how special Jamie is. That kid is going to have quite an interesting future. She’s already a force to be reckoned with and isn’t even five years old yet.

She meets so many interesting people in the alternate universe. I actually said “Awww” out loud when she ran into a certain someone that was important but hasn’t been mentioned in the books for awhile.

Overall there is so much greatness packed into this book. I cannot wait to see where the series goes from here.

* Random thoughts:

• MASTERMIND!
• I want Chuckie to find somebody great or at least be happier again.
• I really need a mascot like Stripes in my life. :)