The Holy Terror
A possible retreat from goodreads ... though I'm tempted to yell "get off my lawn" at this site's tumblresque-ness. Yes, that's totally a word.
Poison Fruit: Agent of Hel
3.75 starsAww, didn't realize this is the last book. It ends well though. Interesting world, likeable characters, and smooth reading—not the heavy epic fantasy that most people are familiar with from Carey—which for me was exactly what I wanted.
Plus this book is set in Michigan in the winter and I couldn't help thinking about this.
Banishing the Dark
Wow. This series took me completely by surprise. I liked the first book but didn't love it, but there was just enough creativity with the world, the magic, and its characters for me to want to give the second book a chance. And after that I grabbed the novella. And then I devoured the third book. Then finally I made a mad dash for this one, because SHIT WAS GETTIN' REAL as everything was coming to its badass conclusion. As you can imagine, I was shocked and delighted that each book only got better and better as I went along, and importantly; the story kept getting more cohesive. The final book of this series came together beautifully and I was really happy with the way everything ended.I almost never read a series's books back-to-back, yet I read all 4.5 books in one week. I can't remember the last time I did that, all in a row, but I just had to find out what would happen in the next book with each subsequent ending. The beauty about finding this one now is that they're all out and finished. So many series don't know when to wrap things up that this four book series really made me appreciate those that do. So if you're hungry for a new adult urban fantasy series, definitely check this out; it's unique, all of the characters are well-thought out and developed, and the magic system and world Bennett has created are really one of a kind.
Midnight Crossroad
I've read at least one book (in some cases all) of every single series Charlaine Harris has written. Her earlier cozy mysteries are at worst, mind numbingly boring (especially Aurora Teagarden), and at best, mildly interesting. Midnight Crossroad unfortunately falls into the cozy mystery genre, though I was hoping for more of a Harper Connelly-type story, especially given the (sort of) main character hails from that series, but this ends up closer to Lily Bard's series instead. Stay away from this if you don't like mysteries solved by people who shouldn't be solving mysteries (one of Harris's protagonists in another series is a cleaning lady, and yet the worst one is a librarian. No, these people should not, and would not, solve mysteries in real life!) Cozy mysteries as a whole just don't make much sense to me, though I realize lots of people like them.
Also skip this if multiple POVs make your head spin. On one occasion the POV switched mid-page. I was ok with this most of the time, but it took me a second to go with the flow.
Another thing, if you're a fan of whodunit mysteries and like to try to figure out the killer, good luck with this one. I don't think I'm oblivious to signs and clues but I had no idea who the killer was up until they were revealed. I honestly don't see how anyone could guess what had happened or why until it's spelled out in the end.
I'd like to say that this is a case of "first book syndrome" where things are just getting setup and the author can be forgiven for a shaky start: but COME ON. How many books has Harris written now? Plus, this is just a trilogy! She only has two more times to make this series seem worth reading.
Some of the characters are really interesting and I want to learn more about them, so that's why I'll continue reading this series. Plus, like I said this is just a trilogy. I don't have to invest much and I don't regret reading this book, even with its faults. I did borrow it from the library, which I suggest most should do, or wait for the paperback. Sadly, Harris is no longer on my insta-buy list for authors I'll blindly buy hardcovers of. I really wish she'd write another paranormal series because I know from experience that her cozy mysteries just aren't that exciting for me.
Crown of Midnight
Holy crap. I think if you didn't like the first book this one would totally redeem things. And if you liked the first book, prepare to be blown away. The next book is also bound to be EPIC.
No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die #0.5)
Initially gave this 3 stars.I know which side I'm on now though.
Original review:
Damn it, I didn't want to actually UNDERSTAND where Dorothy was coming from and why she is the way she is. This story definitely humanizes her a lot more and it changed my thinking towards Glinda and Ozma. But now I don't know whose side to be on! Argh.
Untitled
Kind of ironic that the person she's defending basically said, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!"
Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1)
I liked this book and initially gave it 4 stars.I no longer like this book.
Murder of Crows
Almost as good as the first book. Almost. I wanted more of the Elementals and Sam and more Simon and Meg moments. I don't mind a slow-burning romance and tension, but this is just a little too slow. I really wanted more. And the end was rushed. I really love this series and wish she'd write faster. Only having two books is killing me! This series has so much potential and I love her creativity in imagining an entirely new modern world. It's quite amazing and utterly fascinating.
A World Without Princes
OMG I JUST READ THE TOP COMMUNITY REVIEWS AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT YELLING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS THE BEST WAY TO PORTRAY YOUR FEELINGS REALLY WE SHOULD ALL YELL ALL THE TIME AND WHO NEEDS PUNCTUATION MARKS AMIRITE EXCEPT FOR EXCLAMATION POINTS BECAUSE YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY OF THOSE AMIRITE!!!1!!
Ghost Prison
Meh. A very short ghost story told half in pictures, which I wouldn't have minded at all: if the story had more substance. Borrow this from your library, don't bother buying it.
Double Delicious!: Good, Simple Food for Busy, Complicated Lives
I don't mind the whole idea of vegetable purees hidden in foods: I have a Blendtec that goes largely unused that I thought I could make use of with these recipes, but I won't bother with a cookbook that advises eating margarine. Sick.
The Lady Always Wins
This is free on Amazon right now ... which was definitely a good thing. So far my least favorite of what I've read by her. I think I just wanted more: as I do with most novellas. There's never enough characterization or development of the plot for me to care about anything.
For some reason I don't feel like this was a complete waste of time though.
YMMV
No One Else Can Have You
I don't always one-star books I haven't read, but when I do, it's because they fucking deserve it.
