Review for the All the Wrong Questions series

Review for the  All the Wrong Questions series

* Books read thanks to Put Me In The Story (I had TRV's name and my name put into the story and then she read the books.)

* Check out all the books here

Reviewed by Tiny Reverse Vampire

The A Series of Unfortunate Events book series were my introduction to Lemony Snicket's way of writing and characters. All though Sunny by far was my favorite character I was always fascinated by the different sayings and stories that the narrator character of Lemony Snicket would put in throughout the book.

Lemony Snicket honestly I must say was one of my favorites if you liked his little ways of putting in the info in between that's telling the story then you really will love this other series of books getting him as the main character and getting to see how he started it all. His reporting side but actually how he himself investigates is great.

I love these books the whole new cast of characters. Then there is of course all their quirks and more mysteries for you to ponder. Everything from about how Beatrice sunk like the others but truly what's going on with the VFW and the different investigative agencies.

Now a big bonus with this series is that I was able to read one of the customized books so literally when reading the series throughout there are secret messages just for you I would definitely say those messages are fun and well, they made a twenty-nine-year-old laugh and smile at every turn. Giving this book to any one of Snicket’s fans should I think make them a true fan for life. With the different activities and what you are asked to do a parent could read with their child and have a great time too. I think this would make a great present.

I started reading Snicket’s books as a kid and am still really enjoy this series.  Meeting a lot of new characters and wondering what exactly is going on with them along with literally layers of mystery leads to a really intriguing read. These books are hard to put down and easy to race through.

Short/Sweet Review and My Favorite Quotes/Lines - Humans Wanted

5 out of 5 gnomes

This anthology was extremely well done. If you're looking for something positive to read and want to feel good about what humans are capable of then check this book out ASAP. It's full of strong stories that will make you laugh, cry and almost everything in between. There's something to like about each story as they show how weird yet vital humans can be to the world.

These are my favorite quotes and I think they encapsulate the whole anthology very well.

“Humans are tough.”

“Sure it's weird when they talk sympathetically to broken spaceships or try to pet every lifeform that scans as non-toxic.”

“Oh, well, a sidekick’s job is to keep the hero amused, carry the bags, and express admiration when the hero does something very clever and saves the day.”

“We all got the directive.”

“Humans bond with their machines emotionally. When the machines stop working, Humans will pet the machine and feel sad for it.”

“This is the most vital lesson of all: the hug. It is said that Humans hug frequently. It may even be necessary for their survival as a species. For certain, it is how they seal their pack bonds.”

“They’re so curious, some of them dedicate their lives trying to learn what happened to people dead for centuries.”

“It’s odd, I’ll admit. But if a human gets attached to you? There is no companion who will do more or care more for you, than a human who considers you their friend. Even a human who considers you an acquaintance is a powerful ally.”

“Humans grow attached, and so did I.”

“Irrelevant, Captain. Humans have been observed to name their toasters.”

“And by the sound of it, it’ll proceed to hug it to death,” the captain growled.”

“I closed my eyes. It was too much. I was injured, probably delirious, and the human got more and more bizarre the more time I spent with him.”

“Maybe it was a normal human reaction, though. The universe’s orphans, that’s what they called them in school, remember? Always so willing to adopt anyone into their “family.”

“Please don’t leave me alone.”

“How very strange, that he could hold me so gently after being so brutal.”

“I don’t know if I learned a lesson or not, but I did gain a friend.”

“Racism is literally losing a war for them.”

“What an unlikely gift. In a mad world, only the insane could thrive.”

“Oh, humans always find time for the things they enjoy. They will gain great satisfaction from squeezing in such an altruistic project, as it were, in the margins.”

“Amity is not a concern. Humans are capable of competing with one another and cheering each other on at the same time.”

“Five moonstrobes might as well be five hundred, for humans are simply ill equipped to feel the immediacy of an event until it is staring them in the face.”

“The humans pulled, what I believe is called, an all-nighter.”

“Procrastination. The ultimate human trademark.”

“Does your culture consider your excrement holy?” Valeri questioned politely. “I’d never heard that before.”

“Always remember your heart, my dearest.”

What Book Are You Reading Right Now/Really Liking?

I’m just about all the way through this book. It’s quite an awesome read because all of these short stories look at humans from an alien perspective. This unique perspective always finds the good in humanity/what makes humanity interesting. So if you want a book to cheer you up in these crazy making times then check out this great story collection.

Review - The Glass Spare

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano

4 gnomes out of 5 gnomes

 

If you’ve read any of this author’s previous books then you already know that you should prepare to have your heart torn out and stomped on a little. The love and heartbreak kind of jumps off the page at you at times. Saying that though I am really glad that I picked this book up and read it. It’s unique and a world I can’t wait to go back to.

You have a plethora of courtly politics and then you throw in things like curses and mysterious illnesses. This equals one jewel of a book.

This fantasy world makes you care right away. The sibling relationships especially are pretty well done. Then there are the romantic relationships including a rather unique take on the love triangle. The use of multiple points of view really helps too though I wish there had been more of her brother’s point of view.

Overall, a book well worth checking out.

My Favorite Quotes/Lines - The Glass Spare

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano

* Spoilers are highlighted like so :)

“Death itself is no match for you. The day you were born, it shrank away in fear.”

“Only instigate a fight you can win.”

“This was the way it had always been between them. The world tried to destroy them, but they kept each other alive.”

“The world was at once frightening and fierce and so beautiful she couldn’t stand it.”

“Story of my life,” she muttered, and began again. If she left her upbringing entirely to her instructors, her life would be nothing but poise and billowing skirts, her brain puddling in her skull.”

“Now, stepping forward onto foreign land, Wil was born for the second time in her life, a different sort of monster. Or perhaps, the monster she was always destined to become.”

“Hope is not a weapon.”

“Has it ever been suggested to you that you have a problem controlling your impulses?”

“I’m all copper and hinges, and you’re that indestructible glass. When we fall apart we know how to put ourselves back together. No one else will do it.”

My Favorite Quotes/Lines - Heroine Worship

“That satisfying sensation of my fist connecting with some demon asshole’s face.”

“But what if another portal never opens up? What if no one needs a superhero anymore? What if that’s the only thing I’m good at, the thing I’ve trained my whole life to be—all twenty-seven years of it—and suddenly I’m just . . . useless?”

“My gaze was kind of an asshole.”

“A wisp of feeling sparked in my chest, something bright and sure and just a little bit manic.”

“The Clark Kentiest version of myself.”

“Hell, don’t just fix it. Kick its ass.”

“Aveda Jupiter could multitask like a motherfucker.”

“Well, you know what? Aveda Jupiter was no fucking gnat.”

“I’d been cropped out again, and the photo was better for it.”

“When Annie Chang comes out, she doesn’t half-ass it. That’s one thing she has in common with Aveda.”

“I dumped my dildos by the door and climbed into the window display, approaching the dress trepidatiously.”

“Oh, Annie Chang,” I said to my reflection. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Clark Kent is what allows him to be the best Superman possible!”

“Like one big nerve ending who wants to be naked with you constantly.”

“As you may have noticed, I’m not great about letting things go.”

“But what I think of you shouldn’t matter as much as what you think of you.”

“And I don’t have to have every single thing figured out right now. I can still be happy.”

Review - Heroine Worship

Heroine Worship by Sarah Kuhn

4 gnomes and a gnome hat out of 5 gnomes

This is one of my favorite series out there. I love the characters and world building. Plus these books have such cool covers too.

It’s awesome to once again read about these butt kicking Asian American superheroines. Love seeing Aveda/Annie's point of view for this book. Her and Evie continue to grow as superheroes and friends.  Their relationship is dysfunctional at times but they're striving to improve it.

It really gets to the heart of who Aveda Jupiter/Annie is and lets you see her more down to earth side. After reading this you realize just why her and Evie are such close friends. I think it works so well because their relationship is definitely not perfect but they’re trying.

The relationships are really well done and I adore where the romantic relationships went. It was unexpected yet works so well. There were a lot of great surprises and twists in this book. Especially loved the happy ever afters for possibly two couples.

I can’t wait to read the next book that’s going to be all about Evie’s sister Bea, I just know it’s going to have some great drama. Plus I’m looking forwarding to seeing how this great story ends.

Review - One Con Glory

One Con Glory by Sarah Kuhn

4 out of 5 gnomes

I have a weird relationship with this book, I've known about it since it was first released and recognize the very distinctive cover. Yet I didn't read it until yesterday when I was reviewing another book by this author and saw that she'd written this book too. So you never know when you might find your way back to a book you've been meaning to read.

This story was short yet awesome. If you're looking for a quick read that'll also make you smile, then this book is definitely for you. There is a lot of cursing but it's really almost part of the charm of the story and characters/makes them feel realistic.

Some of the references are a bit outdated (like guitar hero but I too remember when that was the game everybody played) but it makes it fun if you remember them too.

Julie’s quest to get a Glory action figure because she is forever losing ones she’s had before is quite the journey. It leads her to an unexpected relationship that just might work out. Plus by the end I kind of want the TV show/comic Periodic 7 the action figure was based on, to be real.

My Favorite Quotes/Lines - Devils & Thieves

Devils & Thieves by Jennifer Rush

“Magic was the currency of our world, and Alex was rich. I… was not.”

“It was freaking painful to love something that didn’t want you in return.”

“Fine. I’m sorry. Like I said, it’s been a shitty night. Not the best time for me to be making serious decisions about anything.”

“And I’d punch the pope if he looked at you funny. You know that.”

“No shit?” he whispered. “No shit,” I said ruefully.”

““We’ve all got problems, Jemmie. We’ve all got sore spots and flaws and shit from our past and mistakes we’re still dealing with. You want me to tell you you’re perfect? I can’t. But I can tell you this: You’re brave enough to push through this. You’re strong enough not to let it hold you back. And that’s what actually matters.”

“Medici blood met Carmichael blood. Venemon and locant.”

“If a person can be judged on the basis of who their father is, then I need to get the hell away from you.”

“If it’s me who’s supposed to go down, I’m going to drag him into hell with me.”

Review - Devils & Thieves

Devils & Thieves by Jennifer Rush

5/5 gnomes

Holy carp, please tell me it doesn't end like that. I really truly hope there's another book. This author really kindled my love for these characters and the world that they live in.

Jemmie and Crowe are an electric pair who have chemistry to spare. This book will give you feelings aplenty. I really liked that they were in no way in insta-love but really have issues to work out. All the relationships in the book are a bit troubled/complicated.

The kindled magic system in this world is fascinating. I don’t know about you but I just couldn’t resist a book about a magical motorcycle club. There are a bunch of different magical families with some inheriting much stronger magic than others. All the different kinds of magic are intriguing though especially the venemon ability. These abilities could all be trouble causing too, that’s why these clubs and family’s try to keep order.

Personality and a plethora of problems lead to a passionate book that’s full of promise. I tell you, that ending, I haven’t glared that hard at my kindle as when it said this book was 97-99 % completed. Ahh so intense, leaves you wanting to know more ASAP.

Sentence Sneak Peek - Devils & Thieves

Devils & Thieves by Jennifer Rush

The first sentence from each chapter of Devils & Thieves, it's a mini summary of what you can expect to read.

* Spoilers are highlighted like so :)

“I HATED THE MALL.”

“ALEX AND I SPENT THE BETTER PART OF THE AFTERNOON at the Medici Cottage.”

“AS I HURRIED DOWN THE SCHOOLHOUSE’S FRONT STEPS, the double doors burst open behind me.”

“I FINALLY BREATHED A SIGH OF RELIEF ONCE I HEARD Crowe’s car start up and tear off down the street.”

“I WOKE TO THE SOUND OF MY MOTHER CURSING AT THE coffee machine in the kitchen.”

“ALEX FINALLY TEXTED ME AFTER MY TENSE CHICKEN FAJITA lunch with Dad, which had ended with him kissing me on the forehead and promising he’d catch up with me later before taking off in his shiny car.”

“I LOST ALEX FOR A FEW HOURS AFTER SHE’D LEFT ME WITH Darek.”

“WHAT—” I BEGAN, LOOKING OVER HIS SHOULDER TO THE open air outside.”

“WHEN I GOT HOME, I IMMEDIATELY TRIED CALLING DAREK, but he didn’t answer.”

“AS CROWE AND I CUT ACROSS THE SCHOOLHOUSE PARKING lot, clouds rolled in, blocking out the early light of day.”

“CROWE DROVE MY CAR WHILE I GAVE DIRECTIONS WITH my eyes closed, still focusing on the magic, on the weak, unsteady tug at the line I’d cast.”

“MY SENSE OF SMELL RETURNED FIRST, BRINGING ME THE scent of venemon magic, of Crowe, smoke and honey.”

“MY STOMACH DROPPED AS AMBER SKEINS OF MAGIC unfurled around Crowe—he was preparing to defend himself in the only way he knew, and it would make things worse.”

“I JERKED AWAKE WITH A START TO THE SOUND OF MY MOM coming in the front door, keys jangling.”

“NO!”

“I APPROACHED THE BARRIER WALL, SHIMMERING SAPPHIRE under the starlight.”

“WE REACHED THE MASSIVE CLEARING OF THE LOGGING mill a few minutes to midnight.”

“HARDY AND I USED TO PLAY HERE ALL THE TIME WHEN we were kids,” Crowe said as he led me around the junkyard, headed for the riverbank.”

“I COULD HEAR THE ROARING OF A RIVER.”

“YOU FIX HER, GODDAMN IT, OR I SWEAR TO GOD—”

“CROWE TIGHTENED HIS ARM AROUND MY WAIST, HOLDING me upright.”

Fantastic Flash

The Flash: Hocus Pocus by Barry Lyga

My Favorite Quotes/Lines:

“He would fix everything and paper over the hole in his heart.”

“And in the morning, things seemed different and not so bleak, as things in the morning so often do.”

“Overcaffeinated ADHD meets superspeedster. The two great tastes that taste great together.”

“But another part of him—a much bigger part, the part that was a dad and a cop—knew that anything was possible, that even the fastest man alive could be caught off guard. Barry wasn’t Joe’s biological son, but he had a claim on Joe’s heart just the same.”

“But she’d taken that moment. And to someone as fast as Kid Flash, that moment had lasted forever.”

“Dude’s obsessed with having people get their worship on. He needs a reality TV show or something.” “Or he could run for president,” Caitlin said. “Don’t even joke about that.”

“But what sets you apart from other people, Barry, is that when you get evidence to the contrary, you don’t just charge ahead with your original thought. You actually change your mind. And that’s a rare thing in this world.”

“Oh well. Life with superpowers means getting dirty sometimes.”

Review:

5 out of 5 gnomes

Wow, I really loved this book. After reading if you're anything like me you'll be wishing that the author Barry Lyga wrote for The Flash TV show. I adore the show too but his version of flashpoint not happening makes for some strong reading.

The author really seems to understand what makes these characters shine. Hocus Pocus is a great villain too. The tone, dialogue, etc… all felt legit to the series and characters.

The ending is To Be Continued, so here's hoping the next book is published ASAP. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

My Favorite Quotes/Lines: The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis

“Fascinating? He’s going to starve!” I flicked my ears in horror. “I told you humans had pebbles for brains!”

“I would walk my way down this mountain, I would find myself a livelihood, whatever that might mean … and I would eat as much chocolate as I wanted, forever!”

“I’d grown up in a cavern. I liked holes in the wall.”

“I just wished that all the horses I passed didn’t look so delicious.”

“Oops. Maybe I was showing a few too many teeth in my smile. I relaxed my face muscles and saw his shoulders sag in response.”

“Or are you ready to throw out that batch of your life that went sour, mix yourself up a new one, and work to your last breath to make it the best you possibly can?”

“Human society was so complicated. Why couldn’t I just roar at people to make them do what was necessary?”

Review - The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis

5 out of 5 gnomes

Oh, this book really made me fall in love with it. Fantasy + Dragons + a plethora of chocolate = a book you should read ASAP. The voice, the setting, it was just a lot of fun to read. The illustrations before each chapter draw you into the story too. This is one of those books that just makes you smile while you read it. Plus you’ll most likely develop a large craving for chocolate.

This fantastic fantasy’s main character is Aventurine, a dragon, who’s tired of being told what to do and always staying in the cave. She sneaks out one day and is transformed into a human thanks to some magical hot chocolate. This is of course a big surprise to her and she has quite the learning curve when it comes to being a human.

This one taste of chocolate starts her journey and leads her on a quest to find and learn everything she can about chocolate and the world she now has to live in.

The conflict mostly is from a dragon not understanding the human world. She’s a bit more bold than most people are used to. Her view on things though is usually pretty enlightening.

The characters are all really well done from her dragon family to her group of friends that become like a new family. There are plenty of misunderstandings to get through but this is just one heck of an entertaining read.

If you’re like me you’ll look forward to reading whatever Burgis writes next.