Saturday, November 2, 2013

October 2013 Wrap-up [spoiler free!]

If there was ever any doubt about whether or not our favorite authors got together to plan out how best to ruin their readers, the fact that so many anticipated books were released this month should be enough to prove that, yes; they are all out to get us. My emotions will never be the same.




☆☆☆





1. Through the Zombie Glass (Alice in Zombieland #2) by Gena Showalter. Book number two in the Alice in Zombieland series/trilogy. I have been raving about the start of this series since finishing book one a few months ago and, man, what a disappointment this was. The plot and writing were amazing and I still found myself enjoying the whole "Zombie attack" thing—which is saying something, considering how I have never been a fan of the video games, role playing or movies done in their honor—but the characters were extremely annoying this time around... As big of a fan as I was of kick-ass Ali in the previous book, I found her just as unbearable and far too whiny/clingy—dependent on Cole and their relationship—during the sequel. Don't get me wrong, there were things I did like, but they were not enough to bump up the rating.




☆☆☆





2. Dance of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #2) by Bethany Griffin. Besides the gorgeous covers, there is not much all that outstanding about this series. In my previous wrap-up, I mentioned that this duo, based off of Edgar Allen Poe's Masque of the Red Death, contained likeable/relatable characters and extremely realistic situations. That is still true. When the first book ended, however, I had hoped that we would experience a thrilling continuation of the story and that things would be resolved in a big way which, unfortunately, was not the case. Instead, nothing really happened. Characters did an attitude one-eighty (Elliott was a particular disappointment), morale was completely lost, and the ending just kind of... ended, leaving me feeling absolutely no attachment to anything whatsoever. The writing was amazing, sure, but I think the story would have been much better off as a standalone. Overall, I think I just expected... more, and was let down when that wasn't the case.

I hate it when that happens.




☆☆☆☆☆





3. House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan. Oh, man. Where to begin? Well, for starters: PERCEBETH! NICO! BOB! LITTLE BOB! LEO! CALYPSO! OHMYGODTHEFEELS!!!!!!

How can I possibly be expected to wait an entire year before the Blood of Olympus? How?!




☆☆☆☆☆





4. Never Fade (The Darkest Minds) by Alexandra Bracken. Yet another anticipated release of 2013. Like the House of Hades, I have been waiting for this book to arrive in the mail with baited breath, and it did not disappoint. While reading, I found myself falling in love with Ruby and Liam and Chubs all over again (but where was Zu??!), despised Clancy just a little bit more (which I did not think was possible), and really, really enjoyed the character development and story, overall. The romance, which was pretty dominant this time around (obviously), did not take away from the actual plot and I LOVED all of the action sequences and suspense that took place. I think this probably goes without saying, but I cannot wait for the final book in the series; due out during the fall of next year. Especially after that ending.




☆☆☆☆





5. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. After reading Eleanor and Park a few months ago, I was really interested in experiencing some more of Rowell's work; which led me to this purchase. I adored the email conversations that took place within the book and really enjoyed watching the characters interact and seeing how their different relationships ended and then began. Lincoln was adorable, and definitely a likeable and relatable character from the get-go. I am excited to hear more from Miss Rowell, as she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Fangirl, I am coming for you!




☆☆☆☆





6. Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth. This book broke my heart. Not only is it the final release in an amazing series (maybe you've heart of it? Divergent is its name, I think. Ha.), but the author, Veronica Roth, knows just how to HIT HER READERS WHERE IT COUNTS. Farewell, Tris. I enjoyed your story. Four, I will be seeing you again soon.




☆☆☆☆





7. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen. After the emotional trauma I experienced upon finishing Allegiant, I was definitely in the mood for something light and entertaining. This book was perfect. The plot was simplistic and easy to follow, the characters likeable and cute (especially Alex) and I absolutely enjoyed leaving behind the dystopian societies I seem to be favoring as of late for something short, sweet and to-the-point. Not to mention fluffy.


 *ahem*




☆☆☆☆☆





8. The Transfer (Divergent #0.1) by Veronica Roth. I did not think I would be ready to jump back into the Divergent world so quickly after finishing Allegiant, but whatdoyahknow? The allure of reading more from Four's point-of-view was too great and I could not resist. And, good news: apparently there are more novellas to come! I am quite glad that I decided to end the month with this lovely little read.

Also, that cover... *drools*

. . . .

October Stats:

Read 7 books (and one novella)
Read 3,156 pages

Upcoming Releases:

NONE



Did you guys read any of the new releases that we were bombarded with this month? Which one was your favorite? I think my choice is going to have to be Never Fade. Liam was definitely a highlight.

No comments:

Post a Comment