Review: Wires and Nerve

Title Wires and Nerve (Wires and Nerve #1)
By Marissa Meyer
Genre Graphic Novel, Sci-fi, Adventure
Format Print
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Before Cinder and her friends brought down Queen Levana, she released wolf hybrid soldiers on earth. The hybrids have gone rogue and to help her friend, Iko becomes a hunter. Determined to stop the hybrids before they kill anyone else.








I was excited to read this graphic novel and get more from the wonderful world Meyer created.

Of course, I enjoyed the story but I wasn't as wowed or in love as I wanted to be. A lot of the characters didn't look at all how I imagined them so I'm not sure what I thought of the art.

I loved the relationship between Iko and the guard Cinder sent to help her. It was obvious but funny.

I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series, though. I preferred the novels.

Review: The Shadow Cipher

Title The Shadow Cipher (York #1)
By Laura Ruby
Genre Middle Grade Sci-fi Fantasy
Format Audio Book
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
The Morningstar Twins designed New York with amazing skyscrapers, machines, and train system then they disappeared leaving clues behind to a treasure. No one ever found the treasure. When twin's Tess and Theo's home is bought up by a greedy investor who's buying up and destroying Morningstar buildings, they'll have to move. But not before putting up a fight. Maybe if they find the treasure they can save their home. With the help of their neighbor Jaime, the twins will go on a wild ride deciphering clues and discovering more than they ever thought possible.

First Sentence
The true story of any city is never a single tale; it's a vast collection of stories with many different heroes.

I've wanted to try another Ruby book since I love Bone Gap so much and when this one was available on audio book I snatched it up...and listened to it in one day.

My synopsis did NOT do this story justice. It was so much fun! I loved all the characters...even the bad guys were memorable and fun.

This is definitely more plot driven, however, and I got immersed in the adventure as the kids chased clue after clue trying to solve the puzzle and hopefully save their building.

I loved the world Ruby created. It's like an alternate reality New York and it sounded much better than the real one. All the little differences were so fun. I want to go on an elevator that meanders about before bringing you to your destination.

My only real complaint was the unsatisfactory/cliffhanger ending. It's one of those stories that just sort of stops midway through and will continue in the next book. Which might have been fine if the next book is out but it's not! I'm so devastated! I want the next book now!

Review: Annihilation

Title Annihilation (Southern Reach #1)
By Jeff Vandermeer
Genre Adult Sci-fi
Format Ebook
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
A biologist, a psychologist, a surveyor and a anthropologist walk into Area X...sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, right? It's actually anything but funny. These people are part of the twelfth expedition into Area X. The other expeditions have either never returned or returned as shadows of their former selves and then died of cancer.

First Sentence
The tower, which was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before the black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh flats.

If you didn't know, they are making a movie of this book/series and it comes out in February. The previews for the movie looked so mysterious that I decided to read the book(s). I guess this series is wildly popular? Or was when it came out? I didn't even know it existed before the movie preview. I am SO with it. ;) Anywho, I decided to at least read the first book.

I started reading it in the evening and could NOT put it down. I was so engrossed. I wanted to know what the hell was going on. Eventually sleep won out but I picked it back up in the morning and inhaled the rest of it.

Not only was I invested in the story and what was going on but I was drawn into the creepy, disturbing atmosphere so much that when my cat, who was sitting in my lap, sneezed I violently  jumped and then laughed at myself.

I can clearly see from the movie previews that the book is totally different and that once again Hollywood has put their usual antics on display again. Oh well, I'll probably see the movie too but I don't think it will have nearly the disturbing atmosphere the book had.

A lot of people thought this one offered no answers and while I can sort of see their side I don't agree. Sure, we still aren't sure what Area X is but I'm not sure that was the point and as for the rest of it...I thought there were answers.

 I want to read the others in the series now but am a bit sad we don't get to follow the biologist anymore. I know her story was over but it sure would be fun to accompany her further.

Should you read it
If you like sci-fi then I'd recommend it.

Review: Dark Matter

Title Dark Matter
By Blake Crouch
Genre Adult Sci-fi
Rating ⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Jason Dessen lives a somewhat mediocre life with his wife and child. Once upon a time he could have chosen to go a different route but he didn't. When he's abducted and wakes up in a alternate universe where he has no wife and child and gets to see where his life could have gone, his mediocre life doesn't seem so mediocre after all and he'll do anything to get the life he had back.

First Sentence
I love Thursday nights.



Another book club read. Since I read and loved Crouch's Pines (the first book in the Wayward Pines series) I was very excited to read this one. Sadly, it didn't do much for me for several reasons.

First of all I've read several multiverse novels lately. It seems like that's the "In" thing right now and I'm a bit tired of them. They're hard to follow and wrap you're head around and must be done right. This one was not done right.

Littered with problems that were quickly brushed under the rug for the sake of the story, I found myself growing increasingly more angry as I listened to this one. Sure, it was a fast paced ride but that doesn't make up for all its flaws.

Luckily, I wasn't the only one at book club that felt this way. Usually I feel like I'm alone in my dislike of a book but there were a few other people there that had just as many issues with it as me.

Burnt out on multiverse stories or not, this one was just too flawed for me to appreciate. I'll still give Crouch's other books a chance, though.

Should you read it
No. I can recommend a few other multiverse books that are better than this one.

Review: United

Title United (Alienated #3)
By Melissa Landers
Genre YA Scifi
Rating ⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Just when Cara and Aelyx thought they could finally enjoy their new life together on L'eihr a message from a new planet threatens to destroy not only the bond between earth and L'eihr but between Cara and Aelyx.


First Sentence
Greetings, earthlings!





Again, free and available on Overdrive and something to listen to whilst I do all the things I have to do that don't allow for sitting on a couch and staring at a book. And I admit I wanted to know what was going to happen.

While this one felt too long and had a lot of uneven pacing lowering my rating back to two stars, I still found it a satisfying, albeit convenient, ending to the series and I don't regret reading it or the series.

One of my favorite things about this series is the guy. Usually I hate these teen guys who do that whole youhavetostayhereandoutofdangercontrolfreakthing. I LOATH that about guys. I know it's supposed to be out of love but it's suffocating and insulting and I hate it!

Aelyx however never even came close to uttering those words. Cara was right there beside him fighting and I loved it. Alright, teenagers, especially a 17-18 year old red head with as much responsibility as a 50 something adult, responsible for saving the world was unbelievable and more than far fetched but it works. It was fun watching them save the world. Again.

Should you read it
Well, if you've made it though the first two books then alright, read it. ;) Did I mention they're free and always available to listen to on Overdrive?

Review: Invaded

Title Invaded (Alienated #2)
By Melissa Landers
Genre YA Scifi Romance
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Losing her heart to an Aelyx and choosing to go with him to his planet wasn't and easy choice but Cara did what she felt was right. But when Aelyx has to go back to earth and Cara is left of L'eihr things are going to be even harder. Especially when Cara starts sniffing around and discovers a plot that could end both planets.

First Sentence
I'm dreaming of a beige Christmas.




As I mentioned in my review of the first book in this series, I decided to continue with it because it was available on audiobook and I was interested enough to see what happens I know, not a glowing review or reason to read a book but I'm kind of glad I continued. Sure, the romance is annoying but the plot in this one thickened nicely.

It seemed like once the author got the romance under way she no longer relied on it to carry the story. And the story is what kept me entertained. Learning about life on L'eihr was fun and watching Cara adapt to that life while learning some disturbing things about some certain members of the alien race intrigued me.

Sure, the story is your typical YA romance with a few convenient plot twists that are slightly unbelievable but I ended up giving this one three stars because the plot got going and tickled my fancy. What can I say? Sometimes it just works out that way.

Should you read it
I thought this one was better than the first so I'd say, yeah, give it a chance.

Review: Alienated

Title Alienated (Alienated #1)
By Melissa Landers
Genre YA Sci-fi romance
Rating ⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Cara has worked hard to be head of the debate team and valedictorian but when her school chooses her to be host to a alien exchange student from the planet L'eihr she'll struggle not to lose everything she's worked for...including her heart.


First Sentence
Winning.





This one has been on the old TBR list for awhile, it feels like. While I knew it was going to be your typical YA romance under the guise of a story, I was just sort of curious. When it popped up on Overdrive on audio book, I borrowed it and listened while doing endless yard work.

I always feel like audio books either make or break a story for me. This one, as you can see, I only gave two stars to but I don't blame the audio book this time. I kind of knew it wasn't going to work for me before I even read it. The whole YA paranormal/romance thing is getting on my nerves.

Before you just assume I hated this one and move on though you should know it has some good things going for it. The romance, for one, was not insta-love. It was a nice slow build up of friendship that turned to love.

The "Humanists" as they called themselves, felt real. I can just see a group of people protesting aliens that came to earth in peace because, well, they're different.

This one also had it's humorous moments that made me smile. I also liked the science. I doubt it's accurate but it was fun to read about.

I think I was expecting to hate it. Why I decided to read it then, I have no idea. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment, but I didn't hate it after all. In fact, I'm going to listen to the second book because it was available and, well, I'm curious what will happen next.  So I couldn't have hated it too bad, right?

Should you read it
We all know, I'm always in the minority with these books. And I didn't completely hate it so, yeah, give it a go.

Review: Version Control

Title Version Control
By Dexter Palmer
Genre Adult Science Fiction
Rating ⭐⭐

Synopsis
Rebecca feels like something just isn't right. Her world, her life, the president on TV. Nothing feels right and it's not just that she's still grieving the loss of her son two years ago. Her husband, a brilliant Physicist is working on a invention he calls the casualty violation device (a time machine but don't call it that in front of him). He's close to success but he may have already succeeded.

First Sentence
Nothing is as it should be; everything is upside down.




This was another Tournament of Books read but one I kind of wanted to check out anyway. I listened to this one on audio and always wonder how that affects my opinion. When someone else is reading in different voices and intonations than you might it skews your perspective a bit. And it was loooong! 25 hours or something like that. In print form it's about 500 pages.

And that leads me to my biggest problem with it. It didn't need to be that long. There was a bunch of little details that were completely unnecessary. And all these details seemed to be thrown in to make the book feel more like a story. Without them, it felt like reading a research paper.  That's not to say there wasn't a story, there was, just a story bogged down by science. The characters would have these conversations to explain things but it just made me zone out. I didn't really care how the machine worked or didn't work. I'm a reader, not a scientist, I don't need to know every little detail.

As for the characters, I hated, downright loathed, Phillip. He was a freaking machine. He acted so un-human that for a while I actually thought maybe he wasn't going to be human. There were other characters that I had suspicions about too but I never really got an answer...just another thing that bugged me.

This is making it sound like I totally hated the book and I didn't. Despite all the science and the length I was never bored. I wanted to know what was happening and how things would wrap up and I was satisfied with the ending if not in love with it.

It was an interesting read with plenty going on to think about. I liked the near future aspects and the character interactions. I liked that there were character interactions. This book could have easily fallen heavy on the story side but managed to be about people too. It made me think about the tech world we live in and wonder if things haven't gotten a bit out of hand and I think, maybe, that's what the author wanted.

Should you read it.
Can't say I'd recommend this one necessarily but I wouldn't outright tell you to avoid it either. I'll let you decide. ;)    

Review: All the Birds in the Sky

Title All the Birds in the Sky
By Charlie Jane Anders
Genre Adult Magic Realism/Dystopian/Fantasy/Science Fiction
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis
Magic and science meet in this story of a boy and a girl and their strange lives.


First Sentence
When Patricia was six years old, she found a wounded bird.







Another book for The Tournament of Books. Another great book. While I felt a lot of this one sort of went over my head, I really liked it. I'm not crazy. I got the whole story line etc but the deeper meaning and subtle hints at something more flew right over my head, I'm sure.

Still, as far as stories go, I loved this one. I was fascinated with the story and the lives of these strange characters. The book felt like a mash up of Harry Potter and The Magicians with a dystopian/science fiction twist. It wasn't at all what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised.

Dang! Sadly, I find myself at a loss for words on this on. Just know that I really liked it and would highly recommend it.

Should you read it
I just said you should. ;)

Review: Pines

Title Pines (Wayward Pines #1)
By Blake Crouch
Genre Adult mystery/scifi
Pages 315
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke is sent to Wayward Pines Idaho to investigate the disappearance of two colleagues but a terrible car accident gives him amnesia. Waking up with no ID, no money and not even able to remember his own name he wanders the sleepy streets of Wayward Pines. As his memories return he realizes things are not as they seem and the residents are hiding something from him. Will searching for his colleagues and trying to piece together the town's mystery land Ethan in danger?

First Sentence
He came to lying on his back with sunlight pouring down into his face and the murmur of running water close by.

• Confession! I meant to read this book for my Adult Literature Month. I started it at the end of January thinking it would take awhile...Nope. I flew through it. I couldn't put it down and I ended up finishing it in two sittings...in January. I'm still counting it towards February though. 
• So yeah, I couldn't put this one down. It was one of the books that sucks you in because you want to know what the hell is going on! 
• It's been awhile since I read a mystery and I quite enjoyed myself. Before you completely write this one off because you don't like mystery you should know it has a hint of the scifi to it...I can't say more without ruining it, just don't write this one off without giving it a shot.
• After inhaling this one I read the author's note and found that he wrote this book because once upon a time he used to watch a TV show called Twin Peaks. He adored it and then it got canceled. Isn't that the way it always goes? So, he wrote his own story that reminded him of that old, beloved TV show. I totally can relate to this! I loved the show The Pretender that used to be on NBC and then got moved to TNT. It was canceled without an ending and I was devastated. I still have an old manuscript lying around with a story I wrote that was inspired by it.  
• Speaking of TV shows. This book was made into a TV series. Did notice the guy on the cover is Matt Dillon? Did you? The pilot episode was directed by M. Night Shyamalan. If that doesn't tell you how creepily great this book was, I don't know what will.  I'll be trying to find and watch this first season. 
• Ugh! I just want to say so much about how many great things were in this book! It was so creepy and atmospheric and, and, and! Oh! Just read it! 
• I did have a few issues with this one, of course. Mostly just that I wasn't enamored with any of the characters. Now, remember, I'm a plot girl but I do like to connect to at lease one character. 
• I also wanted to know if this one was self published or what? I noticed a few typos. It was fine but something I thought about. 
• Wow! This was a super rambling review. So, I'll just end on this: It takes a pretty intense, mysterious book to grip me and suck me and make me not want to put it down. This book did just that.

Should you read it?

I would totally recommend this one, but to be honest, I'd really only recommend it to certain people. If you love character driven stories with lots of romance and kissing this one might not be for you. But if you love mystery and excitement and having your mind blown than, yes. Read this book! 

Review: Winter

Title Winter (Lunar Chronicles 4)
By Marissa Meyer
Genre YA Scifi/Fantasy
Pages 824
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
The exciting conclusion to the Lunar Chronicles finds Cinder and and the gang traveling to Luna for a final showdown with the evil queen Levana.


First Sentence
Winter's Toes had become ice cubes.

• Finally! I feel like it's been forever waiting for this one. I'm glad I finally got to read the exciting conclusion to this fun series. 
• My new favorite couple in this series is Winter and Jacin. I adored watching their relationship grow and learning more about them and their past. 
• Winter is an interesting girl. It's almost funny to read about her odd behavior but mostly sad. I was most excited to read her book and that excitement was amplified when we got a glimpse of her in Cress. I thoroughly enjoyed her character. She was sweet and caring and, yes, a bit naive but I loved her. 
• I really wanted to love this series as a whole but this book did have it's issues. It wasn't perfect. I was frustrated with its length. It was way too long. Unnecessarily long. It's like the author kept dragging it on because she couldn't bear to part with her characters. I get it but it didn't need to be that long. 
• I didn't like how easily the people of Luna joined Cinder. I found it a bit unbelievable. 
• All in all I loved the series. It's easy to overlook some minor annoyances when you love the characters and world the author has created. 

Should you read it?

Obviously! I think whatever you like reading that this series will appeal to you. 

Review: Fairest

Title Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles 3.5)
By Marissa Meyer
Genre YA fantasy/scifi
Pages 222



Synopsis
This bridge book between Cress and Winter tells the story of Queen Levana and how she became the unassuming sister to the heir of Luna to its cold-hearted queen.




First Sentence
She was lying on a burning pyre, hot coals beneath her back.


What it has going for it
To be honest with you, even though I adore this series, I didn't have high hopes for this one. I didn't think it would be awful or hard to read but I just wasn't looking forward to it. Well, I sat down to read a few chapters and ended up reading the whole book. Of course I loved it! Don't get me wrong, it's hard to watch poor Levana become the cold-hearted beotch she is at the beginning of Cinder, but it was still entertaining. And interesting. I liked seeing how everything is fitting together. I loved seeing the start of the plague and the wolf soldiers. I loved getting a small glimpse of Winter and seeing where she falls into things. I can't wait to read her story. Meyer is an expert at weaving all the little details together into a beautiful piece of art and this book was no exception.

What's lacking
You can't really root for anyone is this story. It's Levana, for heavens sake! Seeing where she's coming from makes you a little sympathetic but she's still pretty awful. It's hard to read a book where you're not rooting for the MC.

Yea or Nay?
Is this one necessary to enjoy the series as a whole? I haven't read Winter yet, so I can't say for sure but I definitely would recommend it. It's very interesting to have all the little details that are only hinted at in the other books explained in full.

Review: Dune

Title Dune
By Frank Herbert
Genre Adult Scifi
Pages 528

First Sentence In the week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurrying about had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came to visit the mother of the boy, Paul.



Synopsis
 Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family--and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream. (from Goodreads)



What is has going for it
I'll make this short and sweet. If you want to read my discussion posts about this book for a more in depth review you can find them here, here and here.  I read this one for Book Club and as part of a read along hosted by Jenni, Kami, and Suey. The read-along was awesome. There were Twitter chats and a sort of ongoing discussion going on all the time. I really enjoyed that aspect of reading this book. And while I can say I'm glad I read it, and no, it wasn't torture, I enjoyed the read along better then the book.

What's lacking
My biggest problem with this one was that it starts out very confusing and took quite awhile to get into. That being said, once you do get into it, it moves along at a quick pace, covering a lot of ground...Too much ground. It just seemed like too much happened for one book. Even if it was over 500 pages. I also really disliked the way Paul turned out. He seemed too bitter at being a slave to fate. Even though, Jenni assures me that, when read again and again, one picks up on so much more and might have a different opinion of Paul, I don't think I'll read it again. 

So, no, I didn't hate this one I just didn't really like it. 

Yea or Nay?
If you love scifi and classics, then yes. Otherwise, it's not one I'd recommend. 

Dune Read Along: Discussion Three

Well, we did it! We finished reading Dune. For our third and final discussion Kami is hosting. Stop on by her blog to link up and read other peoples thoughts on part three. Don't forget the Twitter chat tonight at 9:00 pm MDT. #DuneRAL




1. What are your overall thoughts? Did you like it?
I was into the plot but just never connected to anyone. I also felt like A LOT happened in just one book. It felt like too much and that affected my overall opinion.


2. Do you think you could ride a giant worm?

Never. Despite being a big fat wimp, I'd feel bad. I couldn't believe how they hurt them to keep them above sand. It was an awesome idea and it worked well for the story but it made me sad.

3. Paul's relationship with his mom, Jessica, dramatically changed and evolved over the course of the book. How did their relationship change and why do you think it did?

Definitely things changed between them. He was all dependent on her at first but then quickly took a leadership role. I understood his resentment of her but I thought he was kind of a jerk about it.


4. What do you think about Paul's lack of emotion?

I didn't think Paul had a lack of emotions until that last scene. Then I sort of thought he became a complete asshole! So he was pissed at his fate. Big deal! We all have crap we have to do and hate it sometimes. So what! Suck it up!

5. Now that I've finished, I feel like I'd pick up on a lot more of the details and things if I read it again. Do you think you'll reread Dune? If this is a reread, did you catch different things this time around?

I won't be re-reading this one. I know I'd pick up on more if I did but I just can't. There wasn't enough emotional connection to any of the characters for me.


6. How do you feel about the political arrangement at the end? Do you feel bad for Princess Irulan or Chani?

That was a really shitty ending. I'm sorry, but ouch! Why were they so damn heartless towards Princess Irulan? Geeze. You'd think Paul, being a slave of fate, would be more understanding of her. What a horrible cruel way to end the book. I felt like Jessica and Paul had become incredibly bitter.


7. Will you read the rest of the series?

No. Mainly because I learned in this book that when I expected that maybe Herbert wasn't a complete jerk and would maybe take us down a better path he NEVER did. So I can hardly continue reading the series. He won't make any thing better.


8. Favorite character and why?

I might have said Alia or Jessica or even Paul but by the end of the book my favorite character was Princess Irulan. Most of the chapter introductions were her history of Maud'Dib and after seeing how cruelly she was going to be treated it made me think, "maybe she finds solace in writing the history".


9. What did you think about the quotes at the beginning of each chapter? Did you read them? Were they interesting? Were they helpful?

I think I covered this question above. I read them. I enjoyed them but I was trying to figure out who Princess Irulan was.


10. Did you have fun during the Read Along? Was there anything we could have done better? Would you have read this book if you hadn't joined?

I had fun. The Twitter chats were fun and seeing everyone's opinions has been fun too. I would have read this book for book club but I would have dragged through it. The Read Along helped me get through it faster.

Review: Cress

Title Cress (Lunar Chronicles 3)
By Marissa Meyer
Genre YA, Scifi, Dystopian
Pages 550


First Sentence Her satellite made one full orbit around planet earth every sixteen hours.



Synopsis
As Cinder, Scarlet, Thorne and Wolf try to keep away from the evil Lunar Queen and come up with a plan to overthrow her, a young girl held captive in a satellite watches their every move. Cress, a netscreen hacker genius, has been watching the foursome escape and try to stay hidden. She's determined to help them if only they, specifically the handsome Thorne, will rescue her.


What is has going for it
I really love these silly re-tellings! I say silly because there's just a few unbelievable things here and there in these stories but other than that...what can I say? I really loved Cress. She was introverted and shy but a complete genius. Her wild imagination and silly fantasies cracked me up. The plot in this one is nonstop fun! I was much more engrossed in this story than I was with Scarlet. I loved Scarlet too but this one just had more fun and more action. It felt like it was moving forward more. I can see where the story is going and it's going to be just awesome! Marissa is a genius. I love the way she ties the original fairy tales in to these books and stays true to them but manages to make them her own. Pure Awesomeness! I can't wait for the concluding book!

What's Lacking
As I mentioned above, these books aren't perfect. Damn near, but not quite. I'm not sure I can believe that Cinder would so readily accept her destiny and then how unconcerned she is with starting a war. The books are awesome but there's always that obvious reminder in the characters attitude that screams, "This is only a story!". Which is totally fine with me but I like to really believe the book I'm reading could happen...Or at the very least, that the characters realize how serious things really are. People are dying, Cinder! Feel a little bad even if you can't cry!

Yea or Nay?
If you haven't read these ones yet, I'd highly recommend them. Very fun books!

Dune Read Along: Discussion Two

It's time for our second discussion on  the Dune Read Along. Today's discussion is hosted by Suey and the questions cover part two of Dune.  If you'd like to read other discussions or link up you can do so on Suey's blog.  And don't forget our Twitter chat Thursday May 2nd at 9:00 pm MST. 

Ok here we go.

1. What do you think about all the rituals the Freman have surrounding water? Especially the funeral.

I can totally get this obsession with water but one wonders why people actually try living on Arrakis. Why not have water shipped in or live off planet  on a space station or something with water being delivered? 

The funeral had one of my favorite quotes from this book.  

"The meeting between ignorance and knowledge, between brutality and culture—it begins in the dignity with which we treat our dead."

2. Any other thoughts you have about the Freman now that we've been introduced a little better?

I think they're very typical native type people. Though, I'm really not sure if they're native to Arrakis. Jenni? 

3.. How do you feel about the way Paul is progressing to his destiny?

I don't like the "many paths and out comes" crap. He's not all that cool if he can only see what might happen.  

4. We had more deaths in this section, two that stand out. Compare and contrast them.

I'm disappointed that Kynes dies. Especially after having this breakthrough about water.  Jamis was annoying and I didn't care that he died. I felt like he was used as a plot device to get the people to accept Paul... twice. 

5. What political maneuverings are happening during this section? I'd love a nice uncomplicated explanation!

We have several political maneuverings going on. I'm wondering why the Bene Gesserit want Feyd-Rautha's blood line to live on. I'm not sure why the Baron wants to make Arrakis a prison planet. I'm afraid that went over my head. 

6. What religious events are happening?

I guess Jessica becoming the new Reverend Mother was interesting, especially because she was pregnant, but I'm confused. Was this Reverend Mother a little off her rocker or did Jessica not understand the Bene Gesserit completely?  So confused. 

7. What do you think of the Baron?

I think he's disgusting of course.  And honestly not as clever as he thinks if he thinks the Freman are wiped out. 

8. Any foreshadowing moments that stand out to you? What's going to happen?

I actually think Hawat is going to play a huge role near the end.  I think he's blind as a bat but I like that he's playing the Baron and Feyd-Rautha against each other. 

9. How do you like (or dislike) this section compared to the first? Any new favorite characters?

I'm liking this section better than the first but I'm also becoming less interested in the book as a whole. I'm feeling like it's not going to wrap up and the characters I'm interested in aren't going to have a role in this book.  

10. Do you plan to finish and stick with us through part three?

Yes, yes.  I've already started part three. 

Dune Read-along Part One Discussion

It's been a week and section one has been read!  It was a bit of a slow confusing start but really picked up and I'm eager to continue with book two.  The questions for part one were asked by Jenni, one of our lovely hosts.  Here we go.

Questions
Have you ever read a high sci-fi book before?
Nothing quite as hardcore as Dune.
Is this your first time reading Dune?

Yes
If this is your first time reading Dune, is the book anything like you expected it to be? If this isn’t your first time reading it, have you noticed anything different this time around?

This is my first time reading it. It's very much like I expected. I've read enough "older" books to know what to expect.
Were you surprised that you knew who the traitor was before everything went down at the end of this book? Did it help prepare you? Or, were you bugged by it?

It didn't bug me. When I know and the characters don't though I'm always screaming at them to see what's happening but I still enjoy knowing something they don't.

What do you think of the idea of recycling the water from your body to survive in such an arid climate? 

I don't think it's gross but I did wonder, when they were describing the stillsuits, if recycling sweat  etc. in that manner was even possible. I'm sure it probably is and I think Herbet is smart to think of it. Plus the whole idea really makes you realize how desperately important water is.  

What was your favorite part of this section? Why? 

Obviously I liked when the action picked up but I think my favorite part of this section was the dinner party. I like that we get to hear all the main character's thoughts and all the political intrigue just makes me happy.
Which character(s) do you find the most interesting? Why? 

Of course I like Paul and Jessica the best. I also really liked the Duke and since his death was very for-shadowed I tried not to become attached but I did anyway. I'm also very intrigued by Kynes.
Are there any revelations in this section that surprised you?

Oh yes!  Totally didn't see Jessica being the Baron's daughter. Now I want to know what the hell's going to happen there.
What do you think of Dune so far? Are you having a hard time following what’s going on? Is it engaging? Boring?

I'm really liking it. The first bit was very confusing but as soon as they get to Arrakis it gets good. I thought so anyway.
Do you have any predictions about what’s going to happen in the next section?

I think we can expect to see more about Paul and his destiny unfold, but no, I don't really have any predictions. 

So, yeah. I'm enjoying the book more than I thought I would. And because it wasn't mentioned it the questions can I just say how pissed I was that the Baron escaped! I know, I know. He can't very well die off, he's the main villain, but I still was pissed!   Anywho, I'm enjoying things so far and anxious to continue. 

Don't forget the Twitter chat tonight at 9:00pm MST. It's a fun conversation. So far we've been discussing cheating (for those who are struggling through this part) Tsk. Tsk. It's a riot! Rember to use the #DuneRAL hashtag.

Dune Read-Along

I shall be joining this Dune read-along hosted by Jenni, Suey and Kami because...well we're reading it for book club so I have to read it anyway.  No I'm Teasing. It's going to be fun.  There's Twitter chats and a mini series watch -along and discussion posts and it's just going to be awesome. Hopefully the book is as good. ;) 

Schedule

• Section 1: April 19 – 27
• Section 2: April 28 – May 6
• Section 3: May 7 – 16

Discussion Posts

Each discussion post will go up on either Suey’s, Kami’s, or Jenni's blog at the end of each section.

• Section 1: April 27 on Jenni's blog (jennielyse.com)
• Section 2: May 6 on Suey’s blog (It’s All About Books)
• Section 3: May 16 on Kami’s blog (Kami’s Library Thoughts)

Twitter Chats

• 
  Section 1: Monday, April 27 at 9:00 pm MDT
• Section 2: Thursday, May 7 at 9:00 pm MDT
• Section 3: Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 pm MDT

Watch-along

The watch-along will be onSaturday, May 30 at 6:00 pm MDT and we'll watch until we’re done with the whole mini-series (about 5 hours). Join us via Twitter using #DuneRAL.

If you've been wanting to read this book or if you're just a fan of scifi, you should totally join us. These ladies really know how to host a read-along. Link up here if you want to join. 

Review: For Darkness Shows the Stars

Title For Darkness Shows the Stars
By Diana Peterfreund
Genre YA Scifi/fantasy
Pages 407

First sentence Dear Kai, my name is Elliot and I'm six years old and live in the big house.



Synopsis
Elliot made a choice four years ago to stay on her father's estate instead of going with the love of her life Kai. When Kai suddenly returns well off and successful Elliot has to face the choice she made even if it's breaking her heart. In this post apocalyptic retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, love conquers all.



What it has going for it
I loved the way this one starts out. It's definitely a YA post apocalyptic world but it still stayed pretty true to the original classic Persuasion.

Elliot stays behind and makes the choices she did for a good reason, well, a better reason than in the original and I liked the effect it had on my opinion of her. She has more spunk.

Even though the cover has nothing to do with the book or story I loved it.

What's lacking
I really hated the Reduction idea. Mainly because it wasn't really fleshed out very well. Which wouldn't have been a problem if it wasn't such a huge part of the story but it was. If the preCORS pushed science too far that they caused the Reduction then why were they pushing it again? weren't they worried? I don't know. It just irritated me.

What was with the author choosing to make Elliot's dad a bad guy? That drove me crazy! Having him vain and lazy in Persuasion was good enough. No need to make him evil.

Kai was kind of a jerk.I mean, I get it. He was mad she didn't go with him but sheesh, she actually had a reason to stay behind and choose the estate over him in this version and he was much ruder than Captain Wentworth.

The letter just wasn't as good as the original. No letter will ever be as romantic as Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne. Sigh!

Yea or nay?
It started out OK but just got boring at the end. I prefer the original.

Review: Scarlet

Title Scarlet ( Lunar Chronicles #2)
By Marissa Meyer
Genre YA scifi/fantasy
Pages 454
Recommended by Me

First sentence Scarlet was descending toward the alley behind the Rieux Tavern when her portscreen chimed form the passenger seat, followed by an automated voice: "Comm received for Mademoiselle Scarlet Benoit  from the Toulouse Law Enforcement Office of Missing Persons."

Synopsis
Scarlet's life has been simple. She helped run her grandmother's farm and kept to herself but when he grandmother goes missing Scarlet is frantic. Suddenly her grandmother's history is coming to light and she's more than the quiet farm owner Scarlet has always known. She may know about the missing Lunar princess and the Lunar/cyborg fugitive Cinder. Scarlet must join forces with a scary stranger who calls himself Wolf to rescue her grandmother.

What it has going for it
I'll be honest. It's been awhile since I read the first book in this series and I had such a hard time remembering what was going on in this one that I had to find a recap of Cinder on line to catch myself up. Once I remembered what was going on I delved right into this one. I was relieved to discover that we were being introduced to a new character that I actually enjoyed reading about but that we still got to see what was happening with Cinder and Kai. I liked seeing how Scarlet and Cinder's lives were tied together and it got me wondering how the next books will all tie together too. Scarlet has quite the temper and was spunky and just slightly stubborn. ;) I liked her. I liked her story and her determination to find her grandmother. I liked Wolf too. I know a lot of people are just blown away by the way theses books tie into the old fairy tales and I do too but to be honest...I don't really spend too much time looking for similarities. The stories are so great that, based on old fairy tales or not, they could totally stand on their own.

What's lacking
I was kind of bothered that I had to go back and read that recap of Cinder to remember what was going on. No, I don't need a play be play recap from book to book but a little more catch up might have been nice. There's a few cliche's at work and near the end I was becoming so stressed out at the action that I was just praying for it to end, but I think that was just a personal thing. All in all there's really nothing negative to say about these books.

Favorite moment
Without a doubt when Cinder reunites with Iko.

Yea or Nay?
Oh, yes! You must read this series. It's so great!