Book #12: His Lady Mistress

I had not planned on counting this book initially, having pegged it as Not Worthy, but in retrospect I have adjusted my opinion. While it may have been a free ebook from Harlequin, it exceeded expectations. Yes, it is chiefly categorized as a romance, but it had a definite plot, dynamic-ish characters and more than one plot thread. Also, it is a historical novel, a genre of which I especially enjoy. Which isn't to say there were not fluffy parts; rather that they were nor the majority.

So... that's that for now. I was pleasantly surprised at the complexity of this (free) romance novel. Also, I spent all yesterday reading it, so not counting it did not seem at all fair. It may not be great literature, but it was an entertaining way to spend a Saturday.

Book #11: Black and Blue

Black and Blue left me with a funny feeling. On one hand, I liked the book. The story felt real to me, and the way it progressed seemed hopeful for Fran/Beth, who is relocated to Florida with her son when she finally finds the courage to leave her abusive husband.

But then comes the end, which isn't quite a happy one. The tables are turned and Beth is left without the one thing that mattered to her through it all. And while she manges to keep going and find some contentment with the life she has, the story still ends on a sour note. Whether this is realistic or not, I was still dissapointed.

Book #10: Magic Study

This is shaping up to be a very good series. I enjoyed the first novel in the series, Poison Study, immensely and this addition did not disappoint me. The story has developed nicely, and I look forward to reading the last book, Fire Study, soon.

I am a sucker for this type of story--fantasy set in a time that seems long past but isn't necessarily. Along the lines of Gail Carson Levine, Kate Constable, Katherine Roberts... I realize these are all sort of middle grade-ish writers (or at least that's when I first read their work), but the type of setting still stands, and I did (and still do) love the authors mentioned. This series is definitely Young Adult, which I love, and the story really is shaping up to be very good.

Yelena is a true heroine, even if that means she's often brusque, and can stand her own ground. But she means well. She's nice at heart, which can be seen through her 'friendship' with the beggar children at the Citadel in this novel.

And... Valek. Her heartmate, as they say in the book. Don't get me wrong: I like Valek. I like the fact that she is with him, and I like their dynamic and so forth. The thing is this: when I first read Poison Study, I would have never guessed that she would fall for him (and he for her). It never crossed my mind. To me he was merely her captor, even when they became (in the loosest sense of the word) friends. In my mind, he was not in her age range and was just doing his job. I don't know if he is actually too old for her--as the age gap is never mentioned, I have no idea, but my guess would now be not. The point remains, though, that the fact that they are together continues to be weird to me. It came out of the blue and hit me in the head.

Besides that, though, I have very few qualms about this series and I would recommend it. It's a lot of fun to read and the story continues to be awesome. In terms of non-main characters, I continue to love Ari and Janco, and Kiki is turning into a favorite of mine as well.

Book #9: The Great Gatsby

I don't suppose it will come as much of a surprise that I was required to read this for my English class. While I have no major qualms with the novel, I didn't love it either. Possibly if I were to read it again, or have it explained to me in terms of its brilliance, I would like it better.

Generally I love the era it takes place in itself (or at least Jeeves & Wooster, which is basically very amazing), but... I suppose I'm try to say this: I don't have much of an opinion of it (there are a few things I liked about it, but not enough to mention at length). I read it. School taints books for me. Tis a very sad thing.

"They're such beautiful shirts," she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. "It makes me sad because I've never seen such--such beautiful shirts before."

Book #8: Perfect Fifths

Sigh. I'm sad to see this series end, but I'm so so so glad to have read it. I feel as if Jessica Darling were a real person with real faults and experiences and THINGS. Her voice is so unique and wonderful and I am so enamored with these books now.

In previous books we have only heard this story through the diaries of the main character. Perfect Fifths, however, is told in the third person which I find very cool. It's a nice change, and the fact that the story encompasses only a few hours is another neat aspect. And character development! Just ahh. I wasn't sure about this series when I read the first book in the series, or even the second, but the story and the characters woven together through years and hardships and LIFE, and I love it so dearly now.

While my Kindle has a nifty bookmark feature that is perfect for saving quotes, I managed to only save one. While it is out of context, I found it funny at the time.

Natty frowns, a gesture that takes a lot of effort from his freckled, prenaturally sunshiny face. "I wasn't kidding, dude. I've got a whole heart full of nonsexual man love for you," he says.

Book #7: Princess on the Brink

I admit it: It has been a very long time since I last read a Princess Diaries novel. I'm pretty sure I picked up where I last left off in the series, but WHO KNOWS really? Not me.

This was a very quick read, and I found it an entertaining way to pass time during school so my brain does not turn into complete mush, but.... there's a but. Or a few. This could be be because I haven't read this series in so long, but I have a few qualms. Here are a few. That I can think of. In this moment. In no particular order:

1. Mia is annoying. Not TOO annoying. I wasn't reduced to smashing my head against a desk or anything that dramatic. But she's annoying. There's a lot of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! going on, which I guess I can relate to, but still.

2. When the whole 'Precious Gift' situation was going on and Michael's secret had been revealed, and everyone but Mia thought it wasn't a big deal, I had to agree (I guess) with Mia. Everyone was like: "Well, he didn't lie to you. He just didn't mention it." Maybe this isn't so much a qualm as a tirade against Mia's friends and family. I don't know what I'm saying. Moving ON.

3. What's with Kenny and J.P.? They're weird. Who IS J.P., anyway? In fact, I'm vague on who both of them are. It's been a long time.

4. I think Lars is cool. Just saying.

I so fail at this blog. My apologies. In other news, I started Thwonk by Joan Bauer today, and so far I'm annoyed at it. This is unfortunate because I loved (and still love) Rules of the Road and do not want to taint that childhood memory. Not that it will. Maybe it gets better. The 'ZOMG I am a stalker of Random Dude, whom I love' bit is nauseating me.

Books #5 & 6: Charmed Thirds and Fourth Comings

The fifth and sixth books I have read this year are--dun dun dun DUN!--Charmed Thirds and Fourth Comings. I truly cannot express how amazing I find this series. I cannot. Just... ahhhhh. Please read them. Hopefully I can get my hands on Perfect Fifths soon.

I must be off to continue watching the amazing John Green live on Helping Haiti Heal. This is necessary because John is awesome and I must let my brain rest before tackling my evil homework.

[I'm at school 8 hours a day... and then there is homework. I break down regularly because my brain is so often turned into the consistency of melted ice cream. ANYWAY.]