End of the Year Survey 2016

 

I'm a huge  fan of The Perpetual Page Turner's blog and every year she creates this amazing survey. I participated in it for the first time last year, so I'll link that very old post here as well. 

 

Number Of Books You Read: 85 (Definitely not my best reading year. On average I usually read a 100 books, but with starting college I find that the only stuff I want to read in fanfiction. I have started walking and reading to my classes and that has helped me finish two books in the semester, so hopefully I can continue doing that in the spring semester!)
Number of Re-Reads: 11 (I didn't even realize I reread so many books! I'm so happy that I did though because I enjoy rereading. I'm currently rereading Anne of Green Gables now and I hope to continue the trend!)
Genre You Read The Most From: Short Stories/ Essays, Classics, Fantasy

                     

1. Best Book You Read In 2016?

Overall Favorite:                        Favorite Classic:                  
 

I read so many amazing books, but I only wanted to highlight these two for this portion. Surprisingly, I have come to the conclusion that Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier is my FAVORITE BOOK OF 2016 because of how absolutely breathtaking, imaginative, and captivating this story is. If you haven't read it, go read it now! 1984 by George Orwell is my favorite classic, which is hard to decide because I read some amazing classics this year, but it's probably the one I talk about the most. I'm obsessed.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

  
                                                    
I read a lot of amazing books this year, but I also ran into some very unimpressive reads. My biggest letdown is In Search of Scandal by Suzanne Lord who has written my most hated historical romance novel EVER. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or what I refer to as NOT A HARRY POTTER BOOK. I had high hopes for Tender Morsels. I listened to Margo Lanagan's The Brides of Rollrock Island and LOVED it. The beginning for Tender Morsels started out strong, but fell incredibly flat. God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian is my least favorite thing by Vonnegut. It's still funny, but in comparison to the other three amazing pieces of literature I read by him this year, this was lacking.

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read? 

Most Surprising Plot:         Most Surprising Find:       

   

Most Surprising Tragedy:      Most Surprising Author:    

      

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas has the most surprising plot and turn of events for me. I wasn't expecting this novel to go where it went or how it ended, but DAMN I NEED THE SEQUEL. My favorite hidden gem this year has been Nine Minutes by Beth Flynn. The cover is atrocious, but it follows a girl who is kidnapped by a biker gang and opens up with her kidnapper/lover's execution. IT IS SO GOOD and I found it for free on Amazon after seeing a review on Goodreads. I'm so happy I read it. The most tragic story I found this year beat out Shakespeare's King Lear. Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann is one of the most depressing pieces of literature I've ever read. After finishing, I felt like there was absolutely no hope in the world and I had the worst pit in my stomach. My most surprising author find this year started with Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. This author blew me away with his satirical take on PTSD and war. I LOVED IT, so much that I went out and bought one of his books and then another and another. I would keep buying them, but they are pricey and I'm broke.
 

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

Everything I love I push on people. Have one conversation with and I will try to push a book on you. At New Year's I pushed, Slaughterhouse-Five, And Then There Were None, and my current Stephen King read all in one conversation.

 

 5. Best series you started in 2016? Best Sequel of 2016? Best Series Ender of 2016?

Best Series Started:             Best Graphic Novel Series Starter:
    

Best Sequel:                           Best Sequel that Isn't a Series Ender:

     

Bonus: Best Rereading Material For a Series:

  

My favorite series that I've started this year is Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. Amazing fantasy story and I have the sequel, so I'm excited to continue! My favorite graphic novel series that I've started is I Hate Fairyland by Skottie Young. I was recommended this by Elena Reads Books on YouTube and it was so amazing! So gory and fun! The best sequel I read this year was A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas and considering it was one of the few sequels I actually picked up that speaks volumes because I'm a series abandon-er, but I LOVE this story so much and I will definitely continue to buy each book when it's released. Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon isn't a series ender, but it's the last book that I've read in the Outlander series and I haven't picked up the fifth book yet because my year has been crazy, but I'm planning to immerse myself with my OTP again this year. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling and illustrated by Jim Kay is the best thing since the idea of HP enter J.K.'s head. This is so much fun to reread and it enhances the story. 

 

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2016?

     

 I've found some AMAZING authors in 2016. My saga with Kurt Vonnegut totals up to four books read in one year, which is something I never do. Mother Night is my second favorite by him and proved to me that Vonnegut isn't a one hit wonder. George Orwell blew me away with his easy storytelling that left me feeling like I had read the guide to the government. I'm also currently reading Animal Farm and I'm still impressed by his amazing writing and horrific storytelling. Margaret Atwood blew me away with The Handmaid's Tale and her short story, "Happy Endings". I've written not one, but two essays since reading THT and it has been one of my most life changing novels. I have several of her books and short story collections and I can't wait to dive in. C.S. Lewis has proven to me that it is fun to read about religion and his writing is so beautiful. I took so much away from this novel and I hope to read more by him in 2017. I haven't read anything by Kiersten White, but And I Darken hit me like a wrecking ball. I was so surprised by how much I loved this novel and I can't wait to read more by her. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie made my psychological loving brain so HAPPY. This novel and that ending are so absolutely perfect and I've gone out and bought another one of her novels and can't wait to continue reading her works. Joyce Carol Oates was recommended to me by my English teacher in high school and Beasts fucked me up. It was so psychologically twisted that I went out and bought another one of her novels. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and Jim Kay made me excited to read The Chaos Walking trilogy and made me fall even more in love with Jim Kay's illustrations. This story was so beautiful and it gave me a little bit of closure in dealing with a loved one's death.

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

 

I'm not big on reading novels that are heavily drama focused, but Valley of the Dolls was surprisingly right up my alley because I love old Hollywood and it was fun to see the decline in women through fame and dolls (barbiturates- sleeping pills). Plus this is my mom's favorite novel and I didn't know if I would agree. I guess I'm actually into sleazy stories that read like a soap opera and show the worst in humanity. Too Late by Colleen Hoover is NA and I have a very rocky relationship with that genre. This novel was just so much fun to read on Wattpad during the semester because it wasn't really a novel about thinking and I loved the psychological torture in this novel. I also have a hit-miss love for Hoover because she uses sexual abuse as a plot device and while that is used in here it's important for the character development and understanding of the level of psychological abuse used to entrap the main character. I guess it is up my alley, but NA usually makes me cringey. 

 

 8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

 

Nine Minutes and And Then There Were None were bomb ass books filled with suspense. The Girl on the Train let me down, but it's a suspense novel so I definitely flew threw because I NEEDED to know what happened. Transcendence by Shay Savage was such an AMAZING book about a girl who is transported back in time and falls in love with a caveman. It was so beautiful and I was entranced by the story. I brought my Kindle to my high school, which is something I rarely do because I couldn't stop reading this amazing book.

 9. Book You Read In 2016 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

 
 I reread The Great Gatsby again in 2016 and I want to keep rereading forever because this book is so amazing and every time I read it, I fall in love more. The Handmaid's Tale changed my life and I reread a little bit of it at the end of 2016 for a paper and I loved it even more because going back to the beginning really drives home the horrors of the Gilead. Slaughterhouse-Five is funny and I want to read funny books, so if I don't have a new Vonnegut on hand I will probably pick this one back up. 1984 is an eye-opening novel that explores the true definition of a government in power and I loved Orwell's presentation of this story. Mere Christianity was a novel I asked God to send me because I wanted to know more about Christianity and since reading I have been baptized in the Christian faith through an amazing program at my university. XA The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is one of those short stories that people drag through the mud, but I think it is absolutely brilliant. It's a great look into existentialism and being a clog in the machine. Once you have nothing to contribute, you are essentially deemed a cockroach. LOVE IT.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2016?

                                                   
The Too-Clever Fox by Leigh Bardugo has my favorite cover of the year and it's too bad this isn't on a physical book because I want this on my shelves so badly. Mere Christianity is so stunning. It has french flaps, deckled edges, and the illustrations are beautiful. I love these editions of Lewis' work and only plan on purchasing these because I'm a snob and I want my books to match. The whole layout of the illustrated Sorcerer's Stone is amazing and this picture is so gorgeous! My edition of Daughter of the Forest is this beautiful light purple and I love it. The illustrations are simple and beautiful. And I Darken is fierce and beautiful, just how I like my covers. My edition of the Valley of the Dolls is the 50th anniversary edition and it has pink edges and pills everywhere. I love it. The Beauty Volume 1 has a haunting cover that I love. This story is about an STD that slowly kills you and I loved the concept.  (These are all in order of my love for their designs!)

11. Most memorable character of 2016?

 Drums of Autumn has memorable characters everywhere- Jamie, Claire, Brianna, Ian, Fergus are my absolute favorite. Feyre and Rhysand (ACoMaF) are killing it in character development. Sorcha, Red, and her six brothers (DotF) have left me with the deepest hole in my heart through all the sorrow, heartbreaking, and smiles. Kilgore Trout (Breakfast of Champions) is the funniest character ever created. He is essentially Kurt Vonnegut and his books are the funniest thing in the world. Lada (And I Darken) is a seriously scary heroine/villain and I'm not forgetting her anytime soon. Grizz (Nine Minutes) is one sexy ass man and yeah, he can be a little sadistic, but also I love him.

 12. Most beautifully written book read in 2016?

   
Diana Gabaldon is an amazing writer. Her books are long, but I can fly through them. The world building is superb and the characters are so beautifully written. This is one of my favorite series and it continues to shine in my eyes. Juliet Marillier is a delight. She writes such vivid, breathtaking, and imaginative narratives that left me aching in mind, body, and soul. She is amazing. Margaret Atwood is a truly gifted writer. She is a writer that leaves you uncomfortable and all the while immersed in a beautiful string of words that leave you breathless. Angela Slatter is a new-to-me author and she writes short stories (which I've discovered this year I LOVE) and her short story collection has some of the most striking stories all because how strong the writing is. Margo Lanagan may have not won me over with Tender Morsels, but her writing in The Brides of Rollrock Island is a force to reckon with.

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2016?

 
 The Handmaid's Tale is a book that left my soul heavy and it is a novel I constantly think about. 1984 is also a novel that I constantly think about and I enjoy discussing it with people. It's a novel that is still relevant today and will always be relevant. Mere Christianity deepened my love for God and myself. Slaughterhouse-Five made me really think about war and really see the horrors that the government likes to hide from us. Existentialism is a book I had to read for my philosophy class and it inspired me to minor in philosophy.

 14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2016 to finally read? 

   
 

 I've had Daughter of the Forest on my TBR since 2012 and I've been searching for it silently in bookstores and I finally found it in my used bookstore and I was so happy to have gotten my hands on it! I've had The Handmaid's Tale on my TBR since 2014 when I became aware of classics. 1984 sat on my physical shelf in my bedroom for two years before I finally got around to picking it up. Transcendence was on my TBR before it was even released in 2014 and I have been coveting since, but it was a little pricey for an ebook. Eventually I scrounged up the money and bought. Naturally it was free by the time I finished the book. A Monster Calls has been on my shelf since 2013 after reading a review and buying a copy that didn't have illustrations. I finally bought one with illustrations on Amazon because I couldn't find any in my bookstores.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2016? 

 

I annotate all my books, so I'm sure there are thousands, but I'll leave you all with this.

 "So it goes."-Kurt Vonnegut Slaughterhouse-Five 

 Bonus: I found my favorite quote I discovered this year and it's in Mere Christianity.

"Being in love is a good thing, but it is not the best thing. There are many things below it, but there are also things above it. You cannot make it the basis of a whole life. It is a noble feeling, but it is still a feeling."

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2016?

 Shortest:                                                                     Longest:
 

 16 pages Hungry Daughters of Starving Mothers    1070 pages Drums of Autumn by Diana
by Alyssa Wong                                                         Gabalon

 17. Book That Shocked You The Most

 

I love Stephen King and this is the only thing I read from him in 2016 and it was a reread. Even though I had read Night Shift when I was 13 the stories still shocked me and left me feeling horrified and scared. All in good King fashion. 1984 because Room 101 doesn't mess around and that scene made me want to puke. Nine Minutes because these plot twists were killing my soul and even though I knew Grizz died because it's revealed on page one, I still wasn't okay with this shit. And Then There Were None because the killer is a genius of epic and horrifying proportions.

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

 
Jamie and Claire Fraser have been my OTP in the fictional world. They are my favorite of all favorites in the book world. Sorcha and Red have become one of my top OTPs because OMG OMG OMG they are so fucking adorable and I just can't. Y'all I have to bite my tongue from last year. I loved Tamlin, but this year I did a complete 180 and wanted to hump Rhysand along with Feyre. I feel no shame. Beh and Ehd are just so damn amazing. They are a great couple because they have no way of communication through words and that is pretty damn astounding. Grizz and Kitty (I won't call her by her real name 'cause her real name is stupid). Okay, yes, it's Stockholm Syndrome, but the other option can kiss my ass because I HATE HIM. Grizz for life. 

I like to think I'm a mature adult, but one question shows I'm not.

Bonus: Fanfictin OTPS
   
Bethyl- My #1 OTP. When the prospect of Bethyl was first introduced on TWD, I was like NO, but then by the time the prison fell apart and I saw their interaction, there is no doubt in my mind that they are in love. Also I hate the writers of the TWD because they proved to me they can't actually carry out a story arc, but it's okay because I've been reading fanfic for three years and I will continue to read them forever. There is some amazing Bethyl fanfic out there. Go check it out!

Dramione- I have always thought they should've ended up together, but Rowling hates Slytherins (excluding Snape) to much to redeem them and I'm going to always ship them because I hate Ron Weasley. Does anyone have any good fic recommendations? It's hard to find good fanfic for this OTP because I'm picking about them.

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

   

The Night Court characters and Rhysand and eventually Feyre because YAS squad. Jamie, Claire, and Brianna. I thought it was so interesting to finally have Brianna and Jamie interacting. YAY! Sorcha and her six brothers because their love for one another was so beautiful and strong.  Winston and O'Brien...If you have read 1984, you are probably thinking why? Hear me out, I love their relationship because it shows how Big Brother makes you think you have comrades and then BAM! Psychological warfare. I'm trying not to spoil anything. The characters of Gatsby are all so intricately woven together and I love it. The Bear with Lyga and her daughters because while I didn't love this story; the bear scenes are what stole the show for me and I'm not gonna lie, I wish that there had been bear sex because it would've been much more interesting. Student is obsessed with teacher. Finally gets with teacher and his wife? Then all kind of really fucked up stuff happens and it's a great psychological story.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2016 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

 
I've mentioned the previous two multiple times, so I'll skip over explanations. Shakespeare is back at again with King Lear and I have to say that I really enjoy this play. I'm a sucker for tragedy. So, The Grownup isn't a novel, but it's Gillian Flynn and that's all I want and need. She needs to release something soon because I have nothing else to read by her.

21. Best Book You Read In 2016 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

 
*=I approve
*Daughter of the Forest- Keertana's review
*Breakfast of Champions- My English teacher and my Western Civ teacher
*Nine Minutes- Shelby *trains flying monkeys*'s review
*Beasts- My English teacher
*The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway- My English teacher GO READ Hills Like White Elephants RIGHT NOW!
*And I Darken- Emily May's Review
*Valley of the Dolls- It's my mom's favorite book.
*A Monster Calls- Cait's review
*I Hate Fairyland- Elana Book Reviews (Tagged above in previous question)
The Girl on the Train- everyone and their mama
Out of all the recommendations I read from this year only one was a bust and I'd still recommend it if you want a quick, thrilling read with no substance.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2016?

 
Red= I love him so much and out of all the men I've fallen for this year, he was the sweetest.
Rhysand=Well, shit. I went from hating him to loving him completely.
Ehd= I love him even though he can't talk. He's so loving and protective.
Grizz= Probably not the best guy in the world, but I love huge guys on motorcycles. They are my weakness.
Hamish aka The Duke of Murder= He isn't Jamie Fraser, but that's why I like him. He has such great humor and he's so dashing.

23. Best 2016 debut you read?

The Smaller Evil was a brilliant surprise. I gave it 4.5 stars! Absolutely adored the psychology behind the novel.
The Trouble with Dukes was so much fun. I gave it 4.25 stars! It's a fun historical romance with a dashing Scottish hero.
A Feast of Sorrows is a great short story collection that revolves around fairy tales. I haven't reviewed this one yet.

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

 
The Night Court was absolutely mystifying.
The forests that were described in Daughter of the Forests were so enchanting.
The Gilead is a place I don't want to visit.
Oceania is even worst than the Gilead and I definitely never want to enter Room 101 in the Ministry of Love.

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

   

 
I don't like happy books, but these books definitely brought smiles to my face with the humor. I do love satire and black humor, so Vonnegut is right up my alley. Jamie and Claire give me warm fuzzies. Rhysand makes me laugh. I love HRs because they can make me laugh with their wit and humor.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2016?

 
I cry over everything though so don't take my word for it.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

 

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

   

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2016?

   

 

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

   

The only one I'm going to explain is The Girl on the Train and that is because it made me rage at the reveal. I don't like the tactless presentation, story arc, cheap plot twist, and how dare this be compared to Gillian Flynn.

                

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2016?

I think I discovered Paper Fury in 2016. I love her snark and she's totally awesome!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2016?

 My A Court of Thorns and Roses review is one of my favorites. I didn't do much reviewing this year and I'm very sad about it.

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

 I really enjoyed the discussion video I filmed focusing on dystopian literature and whether or not YA dystopian is an accurate portrayal of dystopian literature.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

 I didn't participate in anything this year.:(

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2016?

I honestly don't know. This year was uneventful for me because of my transition from high school into working all summer and then college. I didn't do as much as I hoped. 

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

I don't review as much as I want to. I don't do all that I want to because I don't have the time or energy to do it and that makes me sad.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

 My review of a Tor Short called Red as Blood and White as Bone. It's an amazing short story and I recommend it! It got 40 views, which probably doesn't seem like a lot, but I've lost a lot of followers since changing my blog name so I don't have a lot of traffic on the  blog!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

All of them? My YouTube videos are seem to be almost completely ignored and I wish more people commented on my reviews because I would love to start discussions. I don't comment enough on peoples' blogs though, so I totally understand why there aren't a whole lot of comments. Hopefully this year I can have more discussions!

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

I have become more comfortable on BookTube, which is really awesome! I'm still obsessed with Goodreads so somethings never change. 

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I completed my Goodreads goal of reading 50 books and surpassed it by reading 85! I still haven't read Mistborn even though it's been my "top priority" for three years in a row. I did read five novels that have been on my TBR since I joined GR in 2011. Didn't even realize I completed that goal and totally forgot about it. Didn't finish 5 series AT ALL or read an Austen novel. Catch up on reviews? HAHAHA  I'm 131 review behind. 

            

 

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2017?

 Mistborn? The Gunslinger? Maybe an Austen? I don't know. I've decided not to set goals, just go with the flow of books.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2017 (non-debut)?

 
I still haven't read Ahdieh's duology, but I'm really interested in this one! I mean it's a MULAN RETELLING! If you know me, you know I LOVED the Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy and I'm so ready for a new Laini Taylor novel!

3. 2017 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

 

 4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2017?

 A Court of Wings and Ruin for sure. It's really my only priority reading that I know I want to get to in 2017.

I'm also anticipating this sequel!

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2017?

 Write reviews and keep writing reviews. That's the only thing I really want is to further grow in my writing abilities and expanding my reviews to be the best they can be.

6. A 2017 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

The only 2017 release I've read is A List of Cages and if you've seen my review then you know I didn't like it, but I also seem to be the black sheep in a mass of undying fans who love this Perks of Being a Wallflower ripoff.  

If you participated in the End of the Year Survey leave me a link of it down below! Did you love any of these books? Have I convinced you to read any? Let me know down below in the comments!

Great Tales of Horror by H.P. Lovecraft Part 2

 

Check out my video on the first couple of short stories/novellas in this collection! I still plan on reviewing these, but it may take a while before my review is published. I also finished At the Mountains of Madness in 2016 about a week after filming this video and my thoughts are- skip it!

Are you a fan of Lovecraft? What's your favorite short story by him? Let me know down below in the comments!

A List of Cages by Robin Roe

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that you all have a wonderful 2017!

A List of Cages by Robin Roe

2 stars

A List of Cages follows two young men at very different stages of adolescences who share a past. Julian is a shy fourteen-year-old freshman. His parents’ tragic passing has left him stunted socially, emotionally, and physically; being under the care of Russell doesn’t help. Adam is a senior in high school and he has a group friends that mean the world to him. His ADHD makes him the lovable guy around campus and when he runs into Julian, his old foster brother, he makes it his mission to get Julian to break out of his shell.


I probably would have never read this novel if I wasn’t invited by Disney through Netgalley to review this title. It’s not my type of story. I’m not a big contemporary reader. The only time I read novels that have fantasy is if it’s historical or psychological because that’s just my preference. Even when I enjoyed contemporary as my main literary diet, I probably would’ve never picked this novel up. It’s not a striking novel. It has a gorgeous cover, but the synopsis doesn’t really draw me in or make me instantly interested in stepping out of my comfort zone.


I wish I could say that leaping out of my usual reads was amazing and groundbreaking, but this book left me feeling inconclusive about the overall story. It’s a quick read, but it’s not a read that will stick with me or haunt me. I like my contemporary to strike my heartstrings and make me feel like the lessons and tribulations the characters have experienced have helped me to become a better person. I don’t really think I took away from this novel. All I can say is… meh.


The writing wasn’t horrible, but it felt elementary. The sentences were choppy and short. There was also a lot of repetition. I can definitely see younger middle school students enjoying this novel because of its readability. My biggest issue is that it felt like a Perks of Being a Wallflower rip-off. Shy, awkward kid (who probably has a mental or social handicap) is welcomed into a large group of seniors who have fun parties. It felt way too much like watching Charlie interact with Sam and Patrick; just characters had different names and genders. Although there is a character named Charlie in this novel who plays a HUGE role throughout the novel.


Whimsical Writing Scale: 2

The main characters are Adam and Julian. I honestly didn’t care for the majority of Adam’s POV throughout most of the novel. It felt inconsequential and irrelevant. I think his POV was only necessary towards the end in the second part. His whole passages with his friends and their interactions were just boring and pointless. Julian is a really sad character, but everything just felt a little too sad for him. I just couldn’t connect to him. I felt sorry for him, but I also didn’t care until he was going through the absolute worst forms of torture. After that I just felt frustrated with him and I couldn’t wait for the whole story to be over. He’s too naïve and it was probably supposed to make me want to hug him, but I wanted to sit him down for a long talk on being sensible.


Adam’s friends were an interesting aspect to the story. I can’t say I really cared all that much for them. Charlie’s interaction with Julian were integral to the story and I enjoyed seeing the progression of the relationship. Besides that, I couldn’t connect to any of these characters and I just could care less overall.


Character Scale: 2

The Villain- I love villains, especially in everyday stories because in reality there aren’t any visible villains unless you find yourself in something akin to an Investigative Discovery special. The villain, Russell, Julian’s adoptive guardian didn’t feel understandable. I didn’t get why he was inflicting the horrible level of psychological torture that he was. That half-assed explanation in the heat of the “final showdown” felt disjointed and like a failed attempt to explain why he did what he did. Then, again, do we ever really know why serial killers kill? I guess I can see why his actions don’t make sense, but from my standpoint I’m dissatisfied.


Villain Scale: 2

Overall, I’m not sure who I would recommend this novel to. It’s one of those stories that I would recommend if you are interested based off the synopsis or if someone recommends it to you personally, but besides that I don’t feel like it’s a novel to seek out in a bookstore.


Plotastic Scale: 1.75

Cover Thoughts: I do love this cover. The illustrations are beautiful.

Thank you, Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is the last novel I've read in 2016. It wasn't amazing, but I'm reading a bunch of amazing novels that I can't wait to finish in 2017. What book finished off your 2016? Did you love it, like it, or hate it? Let me know down below in the comments!

Books I've Read in 2016 Part #1

 

I forgot to write a post for this after uploading my video to YouTube. Forgive me! I'm going through the majority of what I read in 2016! 

   

Drums of Autumn- 5 stars This series continues to be one of my favorites and I haven't picked a novel in the series up since finishing this one. I'm aching to return home to my favorite characters.

King Lear- 4.5 stars Easiest Shakespeare play to read! High school memories. (My thoughts are more eloquently expressed aloud in the video!)

Transcendence- 5 stars I knew that I would love this novel because it's what I call "the four leaf clover of romances". It's an unexpected plot with a beautiful and captivating tale. It transcends the ages!

Have you read any of these novels? If so, what were your thoughts on them? Let me know down below in the comments!

Great Tales of Horror by H.P. Lovecraft Part 1

 

I will eventually review this anthology of short stories and novellas, but for now here is my video review and collective thoughts on some of the stories!

What are your thoughts on these tales? Are you a fan of Lovecraft? Let me know down below in the comments!

Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorensen

Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. :D

Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorensen

First in the Nova series

1.25 stars DNF

SPOILERS as to why I read 33% and then skipped to the end

Breaking Nova follows the story of Quinton and Nova. Nova and Quinton have been suffered through tragic deaths that have left the broken, reeling, and guilt-ridden. Their first love’s death was the source of their pain and turmoil. Nova deals with wallowing in depression and filming herself in hopes of capturing some essence of life. Quinton deals with shooting and smoking up whatever he can find to numb the pain and memories of the past. I reached the 33% mark when I realized I had enough. After hitting that realization, I skipped to the last chapter and epilogue. Reading the last chapter and epilogue made me happy that I didn’t waste my time on this crap. I felt pretty meh and uninterested in this book, until I realized how much a shitty person Nova’s friend, Delilah is. After that every little thing began to really piss me off and don’t even get me started on how Quinton doesn’t own up to anything in his past and only wallows in pot, beer, and eventually meth. HE BECOMES A DRUG DEALER and I’m supposed to root for Nova and Quinton as a couple? Nope, bye. I have no time for that.


The writing wasn’t horrible. In fact, there were a few quotes I highlighted because I liked, but most of the writing is just wallowing in self-pity. I’ve been depressed and I’ve lost someone who I loved greatly. I was filled with anger and resentment. Then overwhelming sadness and the worst empty hollow feeling. Nova had a good bit of that, but Quinton was too high to be anything but whiny to me.


Whimsical Writing Scale: 2

The characters aren’t horrible, but they aren’t good people. They all suck. The only good person is Nova and she’s supposed to be “too good for this world” to showcase how different she is in comparison to all these wasteoids who just smoke and snort. Delilah is also the worst person in this novel. I don’t care what her past is and what she’s gone through she’s a bitch. Examples:

“Nova, what the hell.” Delilah waves her hand in front of my face and I flinch, breaking the steady pattern of numbers in my head. “You’re totally spacing on me.”

In this scene, Nova is having a panic attack and Delilah is completely offended that someone has emotions and may just need a friend to help calm and diffuse the situation. As someone who has had panic attacks and helped friends through panic attacks this shit pisses me off.

“Look, when I first met you, you were seriously so sad, and I was kind of terrified of you. But then I got to know you, and you know what? My opinion changed.”

Delilah also talks like a stuck-up idiot. Her vocal patterns and diction annoy the shit out of me. “Literally” ten seconds ago, she was complaining about how sad Nova is all the time and now she’s buddy-buddy.

“But it was hard, you know, being your friend…”

FUCK YOU, DELILAH. I hate “friends” that make everything about themselves. Instead of trying to be a better friend and talk to Nova about what she’s dealing with, Delilah makes rude comments about her “bestie” and then diverts the conversation back to herself and the struggle it was to be Nova’s friend. SHUT UP.

While I don’t like Delilah, what pushed me over the edge is when she allowed her boyfriend, Dylan, to verbally abuse her. He grabs her aggressively and forces her legs around him and then makes her go to the bedroom. Delilah looks at Nova pleadingly, but kisses Dylan before they disappear. WHAT THE HELL. Nova doesn’t even say anything to stop it. Delilah doesn't want to be in this situation, but she feels like this is all she has and Nova doesn't help her friend.

In the end, Delilah, Dylan, Quinton, and Triston all become meth heads and drug dealers. Nova comes out on top in college and has to make it her mission to save Quinton.



Character Scale: 1

Nova isn’t a bad character. She is tolerable and a decent heroine for a novel of this content. My problem is that everyone paints her to be “too good”, “above all the bad”, and they all seem to be under the impression that she shits roses. I have no patience for that kind of characterization.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 2

Quinton started out good and then his drug addiction became too much a blasé mention. It was his crutch. I know what drugs can do to people, I’ve seen it happen, but I don’t want to read about from someone who digs their own hole. I’ve read enough Ellen Hopkins to have my fill of those type of characters.


Swoon Worthy Scale: 1

I’m not wasting my time on this or any of the books in this series. I’m hoping that Sorensen isn’t a one-time good writer for me. I enjoyed The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden, barely tolerated The Secret of Ella and Micha, but I’m FUMING over Breaking Nova. Three strikes and this author will be out of my game.


Plotastic Scale: 1

Cover Thoughts: Shitty cliché romance cover.

Thank you, Netgalley and Forever Publishing for allowing me to review this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Have you read Breaking Nova? What were your thoughts on it? Do you enjoy Jessica Sorensen's novels? If so, let me know down in the comments! 

The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes

The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes

4.25 stars

First in the Windham Brides series & Spin-off to the Windham series

“Wealth only looks like it gives a man power. In truth it makes him less free.”

The Duke of Murder is the talk of the town. He’s fierce, unruly, and a Scot. Everything that polite women in society turn their noses up at, but Megan Windham feels that there’s more to Hamish that unfitting title of the Duke of Murder. While Hamish battles with himself and his new feelings for an English woman, Megan battles the unwanted affections of a lecherous man after her inheritance and he will stop at nothing… even if it means destroying Megan’s reputation. I was approached by the publisher to review a physical copy of this novel, which is very rare for me. I couldn’t say no to this novel because it has a hero with the title of the Duke of Murder and he is a Scot! This book is practically made for me because I love Scotland and I gobble up Scottish historical romances like candy. I haven’t read the Windhams novels so I have no ties to the majority of the characters mentioned and showcased in the story, but that didn’t lessen my overall enjoyment. It made me want to read the about this wonderful cast of characters.


“Death is within anybody’s grasp. The greater challenge is to live, and to love despite our errors and failings.”

The writing in this historical romance is very well-written. Usually HRs are light and don’t contain much depth, but this one had a lot of great quotes and discussions about war and what it does to a man. I really enjoyed how serious this novel was while also being incredibly sweet and romantic. It was a perfect balance.


Whimsical Writing Scale: 4.25

“A ball is a test of endurance. Think of it as a forced march.”

The main female character is Megan. Megan is red-haired and bespectacled, which is not a common mix in the HRs that I’ve read. She’s also incredibly fierce, but she also is naïve to others and it costs her a great deal throughout the novel. She also speaks Gaelic, which is awesome and very beneficial in winning the heart of a very hardened Scottish duke. She’s just a fun heroine that definitely made the story fun and memorable.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 4

The main male character is Hamish. Damn, Hamish is the perfect package. He’s sweet, caring, awkward, handsome, funny, and Scottish. I adored his jokes, especially the nicknames that he gave the Windhams- Worsthaven, Cowlick, Rosebud, and he was the highlight of the story for me (which is usually the case for HR). A successful HR has a hero that charms me silly. I loved how Hamish is a damaged character because it made him real. I understood the choices he made because of the war that he fought in and how it affected him. Grace Burrowes also said that she mirrored Hamish with Jamie Fraser in mind. Enough said.
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Swoon Worthy Scale: 5
The Villain- What a douchebag. Sir Fletcher is the most annoying character in this novel and the most despicable. He was trying to sink my ship with his manipulative, conniving ways and that is not acceptable.

Villain Scale: 4

The characters in this novel are all sweet and lighthearted characters. There is a lot of Windhams and it is easy to get lost and forget which is which, but that’s the charm of having such a big family.


Character Scale: 4

I adored the relationship in this novel. It was so sweet and romantic. All of my notes consist of “Aw, so sweet!” about twenty times. This sappy romance stole my heart and made me squeal with happiness. Sometimes a sweet, romantic Scottish historical romance is all a woman needs. Definitely recommend this one for HR lovers or anyone looking for something fun and light!


Plotastic Scale: 4.5

Cover Thoughts: I personally like this cover. In comparison to others in the genre it’s a good one.

Thank you, Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

This novel comes out  today, 12/20/2016! Are you planning to pick up a copy? Let me know down below in the comments some of you're favorite Scottish heroes in HR novels!