Hey, guys!
I managed to read so many books this month. I'm really not sure how I did it. I'm pretty happy with what I read, though I went through a week where I just read sub-par books. You'll see. Here are the books I read this month!
The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
The lag that I felt occurred in The Elite was immediately remedied when diving into The One. I love love love this book so much. The feelings of nostalgia really healed the sadness that had been welling up in my heart from all that happened in April. I love America and Maxon with all of their flaws. I don't think I'll read The Heir and The Crown for a little while, but I'm definitely going to reread them soon. I just love Kiera's writing. She has such a lovely style and the way she creates and develops her characters is so masterful. I hope she writes more soon, but I know that she's a mother as well as an NYT bestseller, so I totally understand her writing hiatus. I still miss her though.
Original series review: {click here}
Where Are They Now? (The Selection #5.2) by Kiera Cass
3 stars
3 stars
I loved this little novella. I absolutely love the world of the Selection and I wish I had been able to learn more and more about the original girls. They're all so wonderful and I loved seeing their happily ever afters/endings.
The Backstagers Volume 1 by James Tynion IV and Rian Sygh ~ 3 stars
This volume was really cute, but I found myself getting really bored halfway through. The first issue is by far my favorite, but I don't think I will continue this series. I'm really disappointed too because when I first read the first volume, I was so in love with the little world and the characters that I was introduced to. It's too bad.
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
3.5 stars
I've written a full review on Meet Cute. Click {here} to read my review!
{DNF} Lost Boys by Riley Quinn
ARC provided by the author
Release Date: May 11, 2019
No rating
No rating
I really tried with this book. I really did. However, I just was not enjoying it at all. I DNF'd it around 120 pages in, but absolutely nothing happened in it. I was just really bored. I really love my fantasy novels to be action driven and this just wasn't. I was bored with the characters, I didn't care about the actual conflict (was there a conflict) and rereading the synopsis to see what would happen just wasn't compelling me to finish this book. I know that I accepted this review request, but I was really bored and it wasn't happening.
The Chupacabras of the Rio Grande (The Unicorn Rescue Society #4) by Adam Gidwitz and David Bowles
3 stars
I was sent this ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
I really enjoyed this addition to the Unicorn Rescue Society series. It's such a great way to educate kids about important issues and immerse them in other cultures. I absolutely adored the setting of the Texas/Mexico border. The issues that were touched upon -- border relations -- are written in a way that children will understand and create their own opinion about the matter. In this story, Elliot and Uchenna head to Laredo, Texas with Professor Fauna to save the chupacabras and preserve their homes. As they are investigating the scene, they meet former Unicorn Rescue Society members, a young chupacabras, and the stinky Schmoke Brothers. This was such a great addition to the series -- definitely, one of my favorites-- and I'm eager to see where Gidwitz and Bowles take this series. It's so freaking fun, powerful, and relevant. These books are the stories that I hope young readers find and read...I'll definitely be reading these to my future children.
Full review {click here}
Steven Universe 2016 Special by Shannon Watters , Whitney Leopard , Chris Rosa , Ayme Sotuyo , Grace Park Rebecca Sugar
4 stars
4 stars
I loved the donut theme of this volume. Each comic had me giggling and loving the characters even more. I absolutely adore Steven Universe.
Check Please: #Hockey, Volume 1 by Ngozi Ukazu
4.5 stars
Before reading this adorable graphic novel, I had only heard positive things about this book. However, I was wary to pick it up because I do not typically enjoy sports-centered stories because I'm not an athletic person, nor do I enjoy watching, partaking, or learning about sports. This graphic novel...IT TOTALLY BLEW ME AWAY! I absolutely love the characters, the art style, the plot, the romance, and the hockey focus. Bitty is such a wholesome bean and I cannot wait to see what kind of growth he experiences in volume 2. The slow burn romance between Bitty and Jack was so freaking cute and I really do not appreciate the cliff hanger that we were left with. I definitely recommend this precious graphic novel.
5 stars
I have a full review for this book up already! I absolutely adored this book!
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally
5 stars
Read via audiobook on Audible with my boyfriend, Alex.
This book was so wonderful. We're such big fans of Megan and Nick. I love love love the audiobook so freaking much. They were constantly interrupting their own writing to add little stories and every moment was a hilarious ride of hilarity. I'm definitely going to have to listen to more of Nick's books.
I definitely recommend this book via audio, HOWEVER, you should have the book out as well because of the pictures and illustrations that are found throughout. Great stuff. Definitely worth purchasing both formats. 10/10!!
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer
4 stars
I I remember reading this and being so immersed and in love with the characters, but rereading for the third time at age 21 made me realize that there are still some flaws in this book. Scarlet is SO ANNOYING! She and Wolf are so two-dimensional and I am not for it. Scarlet was only focused on getting to her grandmother and her inner turmoil about trusting Wolf was getting repetitive. I wish she had more complexity than what was shown in the book. I'm not sure if it was the audiobook narrator, or the character itself, but damn was she just so annoying and whiny. I just did not enjoy her perspective like I did my first two reads.
I understand why Wolf is so bleh though. He's mysterious and his thoughts cannot be tamed. I'm excited to get back to the wolf-boy that I loved in 2015/2016.
Cinder is the best. I love her so much. Carswell Thorne! UGH, LOVE!
Aquicorn Cove by Katie O'Neill
5 stars
Another fabulous graphic novel. I'm such a big fan of Katie O'Neill now! Her style is so freaking beautiful and immersive. The magical creatures that she creates are always so captivating. I really want an Aquicorn! UGH PRECIOUS! The story of Aquicorn Cove is so important because it emphasizes the importance of taking care of our environment. The way that Katie wrote and created this story was so perfect because it captures the need for awareness for the need to take care of our home. "There's no home without a future." This graphic novel was so empowering, beautiful, breath-taking, important, immersive, whimsical...need I say more? I hope that everyone picks up Katie O'Neill's books and supports her work. She deserves every bit of hype.
Another fabulous graphic novel. I'm such a big fan of Katie O'Neill now! Her style is so freaking beautiful and immersive. The magical creatures that she creates are always so captivating. I really want an Aquicorn! UGH PRECIOUS! The story of Aquicorn Cove is so important because it emphasizes the importance of taking care of our environment. The way that Katie wrote and created this story was so perfect because it captures the need for awareness for the need to take care of our home. "There's no home without a future." This graphic novel was so empowering, beautiful, breath-taking, important, immersive, whimsical...need I say more? I hope that everyone picks up Katie O'Neill's books and supports her work. She deserves every bit of hype.
Fae's Captive (#1) by Lily Archer
2.5 stars
Road to Winter (Fae's Captive #2) by Lily Archer
2 stars
Bite of Winter (Fae's Captive #3) by Lily Archer
2 stars
Beyond the Mountain (Fae's Captive #4) by Lily Archer
2 stars
I have some of my thoughts up on my ebook-a-thon wrap-up! I also have a series review for these books up! Check out my full review {here}
Waiting on Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey
3 stars
This was a fun idea for a contemporary, but I found the constant and repetitive references to the iconic rom-com movies eventually became really annoying. I also really didn’t like the main character. The side characters and love interest were the best parts of the story. The “twist” at the end of the book was really random as well. I think this story has a lot of potential but it wasn’t 5-star material for me. I’m sure that a rom-com fanatic would love this book. Overall, the book was fun and a lovely love letter to the romantic comedy movie genre. It made me laugh many times.
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
2.5 stars
(first half ~ 3 stars; second half ~ 2 stars)
This book was a bumpy ride...here is my full review. My review goes up on June 5th! Stay tuned! The link will send you to the review on the 11th at 12AM EST. {click here}
With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
5 stars
This story is so powerful, beautiful, and full of hope. It's one of my new favorites of the year. I'll be finishing up my full review soon! Stay tuned!
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
3 stars
I quite enjoyed this little contemporary, however, I really didn't enjoy the "talking on the internet, meeting irl, having crushes on each other, and allowing confusion to ensue because of the lack of communication" trope. I think that the confusion from that executed trope just added an extra element that wasn't needed. It would have been a much better fluffy romance without it. Overall, it was really cute and I liked the characters. The way that the author handled trauma, teen drug use, and safe and consensual sexual escapades was really nicely done. I love how sex-positive and healthy this romance was. It was also nice to read a hate-to-love romance that was written for teens. I'll definitely have to check out more of Jenn Bennett's work.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
4 stars
I'm such a big fan of the film for The Princess Bride. It's one of my all-time favorite movies. Fantastic! This book would have definitely been a 5-star book if I hadn't seen the movie so many times. The movie is phenomenal, the book is just as great. It has some parts that weren't included in the movie -- backstories for the characters --, but other than that, the movie was nearly word-for-word taken from the book. WHICH IS GREAT! I love a A+ adaptation, but reading the book was like just a slower version of the movie and I was bored.
If you haven't seen the movie, I definitely recommend that you use your own discretion when deciding if you'll watch the movie or read the book first. Either way, you'll be entertained. I could have lived without reading the book, but I'm still glad that I read it. It was a bucket of fun.
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
When I was asked to read this for the blog tour, I was so excited. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It was still quite good. I want to reread it some time so that I can formulate my own opinion about the book, rather than the audiobook that I didn't enjoy much. You can read my review {here}.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
4.75 stars
If you've been following my recent reads, you'll know that I'm becoming trash for Christina Lauren's books. They're so engaging and addicting. I always love the characters, the story, the romance -- everything. Those ladies just have the best writing style and the best characters. I'm so glad that I pre-ordered this book and read it with my friends. It's just such a fun book. I definitely recommend.
Number of Literary Things Read: 24
Top 3 Favorites: With the Fire On High, The Unhoneymooners,
& Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Number of Pages Read: 6,101
Physical: 10
Audio: 4
e-Books: 6
Graphic Novels: 4
What did you read this month? Let's discuss in the comments!
Happy reading,
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~
Fae's Captive (#1) by Lily Archer
2.5 stars
Road to Winter (Fae's Captive #2) by Lily Archer
2 stars
Bite of Winter (Fae's Captive #3) by Lily Archer
2 stars
Beyond the Mountain (Fae's Captive #4) by Lily Archer
2 stars
I have some of my thoughts up on my ebook-a-thon wrap-up! I also have a series review for these books up! Check out my full review {here}
Waiting on Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey
3 stars
This was a fun idea for a contemporary, but I found the constant and repetitive references to the iconic rom-com movies eventually became really annoying. I also really didn’t like the main character. The side characters and love interest were the best parts of the story. The “twist” at the end of the book was really random as well. I think this story has a lot of potential but it wasn’t 5-star material for me. I’m sure that a rom-com fanatic would love this book. Overall, the book was fun and a lovely love letter to the romantic comedy movie genre. It made me laugh many times.
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
2.5 stars
(first half ~ 3 stars; second half ~ 2 stars)
This book was a bumpy ride...here is my full review. My review goes up on June 5th! Stay tuned! The link will send you to the review on the 11th at 12AM EST. {click here}
With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
5 stars
This story is so powerful, beautiful, and full of hope. It's one of my new favorites of the year. I'll be finishing up my full review soon! Stay tuned!
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
3 stars
I quite enjoyed this little contemporary, however, I really didn't enjoy the "talking on the internet, meeting irl, having crushes on each other, and allowing confusion to ensue because of the lack of communication" trope. I think that the confusion from that executed trope just added an extra element that wasn't needed. It would have been a much better fluffy romance without it. Overall, it was really cute and I liked the characters. The way that the author handled trauma, teen drug use, and safe and consensual sexual escapades was really nicely done. I love how sex-positive and healthy this romance was. It was also nice to read a hate-to-love romance that was written for teens. I'll definitely have to check out more of Jenn Bennett's work.
I quite enjoyed this little contemporary, however, I really didn't enjoy the "talking on the internet, meeting irl, having crushes on each other, and allowing confusion to ensue because of the lack of communication" trope. I think that the confusion from that executed trope just added an extra element that wasn't needed. It would have been a much better fluffy romance without it. Overall, it was really cute and I liked the characters. The way that the author handled trauma, teen drug use, and safe and consensual sexual escapades was really nicely done. I love how sex-positive and healthy this romance was. It was also nice to read a hate-to-love romance that was written for teens. I'll definitely have to check out more of Jenn Bennett's work.
4 stars
I'm such a big fan of the film for The Princess Bride. It's one of my all-time favorite movies. Fantastic! This book would have definitely been a 5-star book if I hadn't seen the movie so many times. The movie is phenomenal, the book is just as great. It has some parts that weren't included in the movie -- backstories for the characters --, but other than that, the movie was nearly word-for-word taken from the book. WHICH IS GREAT! I love a A+ adaptation, but reading the book was like just a slower version of the movie and I was bored.
If you haven't seen the movie, I definitely recommend that you use your own discretion when deciding if you'll watch the movie or read the book first. Either way, you'll be entertained. I could have lived without reading the book, but I'm still glad that I read it. It was a bucket of fun.
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
When I was asked to read this for the blog tour, I was so excited. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It was still quite good. I want to reread it some time so that I can formulate my own opinion about the book, rather than the audiobook that I didn't enjoy much. You can read my review {here}.
4.75 stars
If you've been following my recent reads, you'll know that I'm becoming trash for Christina Lauren's books. They're so engaging and addicting. I always love the characters, the story, the romance -- everything. Those ladies just have the best writing style and the best characters. I'm so glad that I pre-ordered this book and read it with my friends. It's just such a fun book. I definitely recommend.
Number of Literary Things Read: 24
Top 3 Favorites: With the Fire On High, The Unhoneymooners,
& Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Top 3 Favorites: With the Fire On High, The Unhoneymooners,
& Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Number of Pages Read: 6,101
Physical: 10
Audio: 4
e-Books: 6
Graphic Novels: 4
What did you read this month? Let's discuss in the comments!
Happy reading,
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~
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