Book Review: Life and Death by Stephenie Meyer

Life and Death

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Life and Death 〰️

So I did read the original Twilight series back in the day. I got the four-book box set as part of a Christmas gift. I enjoyed them, though I wasn't as hyped about them as the world was. I enjoyed the movies as well. They weren't my favourite books of all time, but I still had a fun read with them. I never got why they got so much hate. For a YA love story, it wasn't all that bad. I also thought the whole sparkle thing wasn't stupid. (Well, not super stupid). I thought it was a unique take on why vampires didn't go out into the sun.

That all being said, I've only read the books once, back when they weren't even movies. (Well, the first movie was out, but semantics). I've only seen the movies back when they came out, as well. I mention this to say that it's been a hot min since I've had anything to do with Twilight, and so reading this reimagined version was almost like reading the whole series (or at least the first book) for the first time.

I remember many key scenes from the first book, mostly because of the movie. Well, Cinemasin's video on the first movie, anyway. I love that YouTube channel. Anyway, it was fun to see what I recalled play out in Beau's POV. Though he's supposed to be the male version of Bella (and Edythe a female Edward), I feel like they differ enough from their OG book selves to be their own characters. Yes, they share many similarities, but I think they also have some unique personality traits. But then again, as mentioned, it's been a long time since I read the first book, and maybe I'm just remembering them wrong. But I did enjoy reading Beau and Edythe more than Edward and Bella. I don't know why; I just did.

I do remember, however, that the book didn't end the way this one did, with the MC turning into a vampire. And you know what? I'm here for it. I loved this new ending. A bit bittersweet, but still. I loved this ending much better than the OG Twilight ending. I wish we would have at least one more book, a novella even, showing Beau and Edythe's life together as vampires.

I'm glad Meyer didn't just rehash the story of OG Twilight and had a different ending. (Perhaps there were a few more different scenes, but again, can't recall the first book too much). I was worried she would just gender-bend everyone and leave it at that. But in a way, this felt fresh and new, despite co-tailing off a popular ten-year-old book.

If you are a fan of Twilight or even a first-time reader of the series, I think you'll enjoy this book. It's not the greatest love story in the world, but it made me smile, so it must have done something right.

Book Review: Fury by Rachel Vincent

Fury

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Fury 〰️

To say this book ended on a bittersweet tone on multiple levels is an understatement. How Vincent managed to tell two separate yet intertwining stories was perfection. And the ending. Just wow.

This is my second all-time favourite series from Vincent, the first being her Soul Screamers series. And in both, the main character dies. Not many authors kill off prominent characters (at least not in the books I've read). But when they do, it's usually not the main character we've been following for an entire series. Yet Vincent braves to write about it and make it a necessary part of the story.

I love how we learn more about the world we are in each part of this trilogy at the right time. I love Delilah's found family bond with her fellow escapees/former captives. Each character is so unique and well-written. I felt so upset when Eryx died and even more when it was Delilah's turn.

My only problem was that this book ended. (That and maybe we don't really know how Deliah's found family ended up five years after her death, though it seems that things are looking better for Cryptids. One can hope, anyway). Aside from that minor nitpick, this book and the series as a whole were absolutely amazing. Each new book had added new slew of problems to overcome, and none of them easy. I was as captivated by this book as I was by the first and second. This is defiantly a series worth re-reading.

If you are a fan of any of Vincent's books, you'll also enjoy this series. Granted, the end is bittersweet, but it's still the perfect ending to a perfect series.

Book review: Spectacle by Rachel Vincent

Spectacle

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Spectacle 〰️

Rachel Vincent has done it again. She managed to somehow up the high stakes of the first book and turn the dial past its maximum point. If you thought life at the menagerie was horrible, life at Savage Spectacle makes Metzger's place sound like a pretty sweet deal.

In Spectacle, the horror of captivity has been amplified. Sure, it may seem like a step up from the carnival at first, but with the introduction of the collars, it's a new nightmare. And once again, Vincent's writing is so superb I felt just as trapped and helpless as Delilah and her fellow captives. Granted, it's not a nice feeling, but I enjoy immersing myself in the world I'm currently reading, and Vincent's master storytelling does just that.

Reading this book makes me feel so many emotions about situations I've never been in and hopefully never will be. But that's what I love about Vincent and her works, how she can transport you to her world from the safety of your own home.

If you enjoyed the first book, Menagerie, you'll surely enjoy this one just as much. The world-building is expanded, and fresh plot twists. The writing is engaging, and you'll never want to put the book down. Actually, if you're a fan of Vincent in general, this book is for you. Just make sure to have the third (and final) book ready for when you finish because you are going to want to immediately fice back into this story the moment you finish the second book.

Book Review: Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

Menagerie

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Menagerie 〰️

This is my second reading of this book, and once again, I was not disappointed.

Rachel Vincent's Menagerie series is a super close second to my all-time favourite series of hers, the Soul Screamers series. (Though if you have read any of my previous Vincent book reviews, you'll know that anything she writes is literary gold, in my opinion, and there's a reason she is an insta-buy for any new book she writes).

I can't begin to describe how excellent this book is. I've never been stripped of all my rights and treated worse than a death row inmate, but Vincent's writing made me feel as though I have. I could feel Delilah's despair as her humanity was stripped away. I felt the sadness of her fellow captives. I wasn't just reading this story; I was experiencing it. And that is why Vincent is a master storyteller.

From the very first page, Vincent pulls you into a world where not only do animals and humans exists, but cryptids such as mermaids and shifters are real. Sadly, something known as the reaping happened in the 80s and cryptids is no longer allowed to co-exist with humans. (I read the whole series when it first came out; I just never did a review. So I can say that as the books go on, we learn more about the event known as the reaping). It's unfortunate to see cryptids being treated so poorly, but knowing humanity, I can buy this happening in our world.

If you are a fan of any of Vincent's works, especially her Shifters series or mythical creatures in general, this is the story for you. The twists and excellent writing keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time, wondering how Delilah can escape her fate of captivity. A true masterpiece of a story. 10/10 I highly recommend it.

Book Review: The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

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The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers 〰️

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

What a perfect book to end the year on.

This book was a complete 180 from the author's first novel, Surrender Your Sons. (A book which I've read and thoroughly enjoyed). While his debut was a much darker read, this book is a light, fluffy romance full of love and family support, and I'm here for it. Comparing the two books Sass has written, I can tell he has perfected his writing craft. The tone and characters are so different, yet Sass still has his unique voice.

As for this book, I loved it from the first page to the end. It was a wonderful romance filled with so many cute moments. I absolutely love how all the parents in this book are so supportive. (Also, how cool was it that Micah, the MC, and his sister both turned out to be gay/lesbian? And their parents still love and accept both of them. Love that).

Sure, some of the romance can be a bit cheesy, but I will admit, I'm a sucker for cheesy romance. And having it be gay romance? I'm all aboard the cheese train.

I knew from the start that Boy 100, though as great as a couple they were, weren't going to last. I could tell Elliot was the better fit. I still love that Micah and Grant were still a great couple and got along well, but I felt the vibes were better with Elliot. Plus, having Micah get a boyfriend so early meant something would happen with their relationship. It's how stories (and life) go.

If you are looking for a read that has a fun MC as a narrator and a light cute romantic read filled with lots of little happy moments, this book is perfect for you. It's also good for mental health because there isn't anything triggering in the book. A great way to relax in a world where almost all the characters are gay. Also, how can you not want to read this book based on the cover alone? It's stunning. I highly recommend this lovely read.

Book Review: Youngbloods by Scott Westerfeld

Youngbloods

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Youngbloods 〰️

I'm a little torn on how to review this book. It might not have been as good if this wasn't part of the Impostor/Uglies series. This book was good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't the strongest of the series. I was excited to see where this book would lead storywise, especially knowing Tally was coming back, but I'm not 100% sold on where Westerfeld took the book.

The other books in the Impostor series mentioned Tally, and since I loved her story, I was super excited to know she was coming back as a character (Shay, too!) and not just mentioned here and there. Sadly, I don't feel like this book did her justice. She almost seemed like a different Tally than the OG Uglies series, yes, including Extras, where Tally wasn't the MC. Shay felt like Shay, but something didn't feel entirely right with Tally. I mean, I guess years going by between novels and living in the wild for so long will change a character, but still.

Also, for some reason, I couldn't get into this book as I did with the others. This is no fault of the writer. I think I've just been too tired lately. But I was only really hooked at the end.

The ending also feels like it ended too quickly, like another book may be coming, but I'm pretty sure this is the end. Who knows?

Is this book terrible, however? No. It was still a good read, even with all its faults. I still enjoyed being back in the world of Uglies. If you have enjoyed the series so far, I believe it's still worth the read.

Book Review: Mirror's Edge by Scott Westerfeld

Mirror's Edge

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Mirror's Edge 〰️

I'm glad to say this series (not counting the original Uglies) keeps getting better. I thought this book was the last in a trilogy, but it turns out I was wrong. I'm glad about that because now I don't want this story to end. That's how you know a book series is good. (Although I'm aware that all good stories do need to end, or else they drag on).

Westerfeld starts this book off in media res, and it's exhilarating. And he keeps up with the action and perfect pacing throughout the book. I always loved how well Westerfeld writes good pacing in his stories. Everything happens precisely when it needs to, with no info dumping or scenes that drag.

Also, Westerfeld's books are known for their extreme cliffhangers, and this one was no different. In a way, there was a mini one right near the end with pages left when Rafia killed Col. I didn't believe she actually killed him. But it seems he's really gone, and props to Westerfeld for going through with it. And for the actual cliffhanger with Paz announcing Tally Youngblood is around, I nearly screamed in happiness. She's been hinted at in this series many times, but I didn't think she would return in the flesh. I'm excited to see her role in the last book.

I also want to mention that I love how Frey is really developing into her own character, and I enjoy reading her more now than I did in the first book. In book one, she was just a killer with one purpose, to save Rafia from anything and everything. And that still is her purpose to an extent. But now she's becoming more than a Rafia body double. She is developing her own personality outside of fighting and saving Rafia, and I love that for her. I'm glad she's gotten some good character development.

All in all, great read. I think you'll enjoy this one if you are a fan of the Uglies series. It's different, and I wouldn't say I liked it as much at first, but now I enjoy it. It's different in a good way.

Book Review: Shatter City by Scott Westerfeld

Shatter City

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Shatter City 〰️

It's weird. I don't usually find sequels better than the first. Sometimes I find them as good as the first book, but never better. (although it has happened before, it's rare). This is one of those rare times when I think the second book was better than the first.

This book felt more faithful to the original world of Uglies. I also found the story to be more engaging. I feel like Frey really developed more as a character in this book as well. I do think it's sad that she got addicted to what I feel are essentially drugs. In this book, she gets what's called Feels, and at first, she's apprehensive about using them. But after she starts to use them, she becomes dependent on them. And while the book never says they are drugs, I feel like they may represent them in a way. She even has a withdrawal of sorts in the way of PTSD and depression when she loses her Feels.

This story takes a dark turn compared to the other books in this series. I mean, yes, Victoria had a massive loss in the first book, but in Shatter City, we see the casualties firsthand, and it hits harder in this book because of it. This new trilogy is for sure more mature than the first Uglies series, but it still stays within the YA genre. So I give props to Westerfeld on being able to balance that well.

I will say; however, Frey learning her first kill was her brother and having that bother her seems a little off to me. Yes, it's her brother, but she's never met him and had no attachment to him. She was acting like she loved him and grew up with him when she had no idea that it was even him as the assassin. Although I can still see why it's upsetting, he was her brother. But it shouldn't bother her as much as it did, in my opinion. She was born to kill, after all.

All in all, this was still a good story, and I'm curious to see how it all ends in the final volume.