Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl- Roald Dahl 100th Celebratory Blog Tour

Title: Danny the Champion of the World
Author: Roald Dahl
Publisher: Puffin

Summary from Goodreads:

Can Danny and his father outsmart the villainous Mr. Hazell?

Danny has a life any boy would love—his home is a gypsy caravan, he's the youngest master car mechanic around, and his best friend is his dad, who never runs out of wonderful stories to tell. But one night Danny discovers a shocking secret that his father has kept hidden for years. Soon Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible plot ever attempted against nasty Victor Hazell, a wealthy landowner with a bad attitude. Can they pull it off? If so, Danny will truly be the champion of the world.

Review

Danny the Champion of the World was a fantastically fun read.  I remember reading Roald Dahl as a kid and really enjoying this book so I was excited to reread it as an adult.  It is still 100% the same book, still a wonderful read even as an adult.  Dahl truly is a storytelling master.

Danny is raised by is loving father in a unique environment; the live in a small quiet caravan and live a relatively peaceful life.  That is until Danny learns that his father is a poacher!  Together they plan a crazy scheme to get the biggest poach ever.  The plot is crazy and when they both go to pull it off, I was nervous for them!  The story builds a wonderful amount of tension that flows right into the laugh out loud ending.

My favorite part is the ending, everything about the ending was well done, from the humor, to the interaction with the villian Victor Hazel, to the final pages that fit the story so well.  I highly recommend Danny the Champion of the World to any reader both young and old that want a fun, imaginative, laugh out loud story!

About the Author

Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the world’s most imaginative, successful and beloved storytellers. He was born in Wales of Norwegian parents and spent much of his childhood in England. After establishing himself as a writer for adults with short story collections such as Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected, Roald Dahl began writing children's stories in 1960 while living with his family in both the U.S. and in England. His first stories were written as entertainment for his own children, to whom many of his books are dedicated.

Roald Dahl’s first children’s story, The Gremlins, was a story about little creatures that were responsible for the various mechanical failures on airplanes. The Gremlins came to the attention of both First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who loved to read the story to her grandchildren, and Walt Disney, with whom Roald Dahl had discussions about the production of a movie.

Roald Dahl was inspired by American culture and by many of the most quintessential American landmarks to write some of his most memorable passages, such as the thrilling final scenes in James and the Giant Peach - when the peach lands on the Empire State Building! Upon the publication of James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl began work on the story that would later be published as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and today, Roald Dahl’s stories are available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, have sold more than 200 million copies.

Roald Dahl also enjoyed great success for the screenplays he wrote for both the James Bond film You Only Live Twice in 1967 and for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, released one year later, which went on to become a beloved family film. Roald Dahl’s popularity continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing legion of fans.

Two charities have been founded in Roald Dahl’s memory: the first charity, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, created in 1991, focuses on making life better for seriously ill children through the funding of specialist nurses, innovative medical training, hospitals, and individual families across the UK.

The second charity, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – a unique cultural, literary and education hub – opened in June 2005 in Great Missenden where Roald Dahl lived and wrote many of his best-loved works. 10% of income from Roald Dahl books and adaptations are donated to the two Roald Dahl charities.

On September 13, 2006, the first national Roald Dahl Day was celebrated, on what would have been the author’s 90th birthday. The event proved such a success that Roald Dahl Day is now marked annually all over the world. September 13, 2016 is Roald Dahl 100, marking 100 years since the birth of the world’s number one storyteller. There will be celebrations for Roald Dahl 100 throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and surprises for everyone.

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Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Breathe, Annie, Breathe
Series: Hundred Oaks #5
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 15th 2014

Source:Purchased

Summary from Goodreads:

Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

Review

Breathe, Annie, Breathe is hands down my favorite Hundred Oaks book.  Everything about this book was what I was in the mood for and what I needed, which is saying a lot since I don't typically lean towards contemporary books.  BAB is Annie's story; Annie decide she is going to run a marathon is honor of her boyfriend who passed away.

The training and struggles Annie faces starting her training from ground zero and hating run was incredibly relate-able.  I have run a half marathon before (3 to be exact) and I don't like running; I mainly don't like it because my knees hurt, the long runs are hard on my joints, and I am not very good at it.  I have been told that long runs might not really be in my cards anymore but that feeling though, crossing the finish line and achieving a goal has me going back to try again.  When Annie faces struggles and has running pains I felt like I was right there besides her commiserating with her. I have felt the desire to get sick on a run and just collapse from exhaustion and I have only run half marathons so I can't even imagine doubling that. I just wanted to be at the finish line cheering Annie on!

Her drive and goals are impressive and motivating; after finishing this book, I wanted to get up and train again.  Aside from the running the romance was slow building and genuine.  I thoroughly enjoyed the dates and competitiveness in both Jeremiah and Annie.  Each individual had their own history to live with yet their back stories felt true and not contrived just for a plot point.

Breathe, Annie, Breathe has a cute athletic guys,  a motivating marathon training group, and a swoony love story.  Just read it :)

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Raven King
Series: The Raven Cycle #4
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: April 26th 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

Nothing living is safe. Nothing dead is to be trusted.

For years, Gansey has been on a quest to find a lost king. One by one, he’s drawn others into this quest: Ronan, who steals from dreams; Adam, whose life is no longer his own; Noah, whose life is no longer a lie; and Blue, who loves Gansey…and is certain she is destined to kill him.

Now the endgame has begun. Dreams and nightmares are converging. Love and loss are inseparable. And the quest refuses to be pinned to a path.

Review

There is so much to say about The Raven King yet so much that would spoil it.  The Raven King was an epic conclusion to a truly magical series.  In preparation for The Raven King, I re-listened to all the books on audio.  Will Patton does an amazing job of conveying the suspense, the magical world of Cabeswater, and the always evolving dynamics between all the characters.  The Raven King audio book was no exception; the audio truly transports the reader right into Henrietta, Virginia.

The Raven King is full of magical battles, tense and high stake situations, and a dynamic cast.  Small pieces introduced in previous books come back to play bigger roles in this one.  One of the things that makes The Raven King such a strong conclusion is that it weaves together all the story lines The Raven Cycle has been building upon in the last three books.  There are surprises all the way through the very last pages.  Just when I have an idea of where something might go, it takes a completely different turn.  The relationships, all of them- family, friends, and significant other- are always changing and always growing.  There is so much to the plot, it never slowed down!

I have re-read this series every time a new book comes out and I am still picking up on new things and quotes I missed the previous times.  If you have not started the series I highly recommend it!  The Raven King had all the plot, beautiful writing, and character development that makes a fantastic book.  I have no doubt that I will come back to this series again and again.

Starflight by Melissa Landers

Title: Starflight
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: February 2nd 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. She's so desperate to reach the realm that she's willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.

When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he's been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world—and each other—the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe...

Review

IF YOU ARE ON THE FENCE, SAY YES TO STARFLIGHT! I am so glad I picked up this (audio) book; it was just the sci-fi book I needed.

5 Reasons to read Starflight

1. Fantastic Banter - The banter between Solara and Doran is fantastic, they are so different and always arguing. No insta-love here :)

2. Ragtag group of shipmates - The rag tag group of shipmates is where Starflight reminded me of Firefly.  Each shipmate has a different backstory, a unique personality,  and they all semi-work together on one mission

3. Space Travel - Starflight is a space travel story, the group is flying off to different planets all while being chased through space.

4. Multiple sub-plots - Not only do the two main characters have their own subplots that intertwine throughout the book but the secondary characters also have different back stories that play roles as well.

5. Adventure heavy - The book is mainly plot driven with great character development too.  The team is faced with crazy scenarios with space pirates and bounty hunters.

Starlight is a fun, adventure heavy book full of high risk space travel plus a great cast of characters. I highly recommend this book if you want a great sci-fi read!

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Title: Stars Above
Author:Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: February 2nd 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

The enchantment continues....

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

Review

It’s no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories. When I reread the series I will be adding the short stories into their (roughly) corresponding order. It was fantastic to be back in the Lunar world and get new glimpse of characters. The stories give a nice background into the individual stories.

Carswell’s story was super cute and fun plus fit his character so well. Jacin and Winter’s story, ahhh one of my favorites. It actually made me love the couple even more!  They are adorable together and Jacin's care for Winter is just great. The Mechanic was my least favorite story but mainly because I felt like it did not provide a lot of new material.  

Stars Above ends on a wonderful perfectly high note.  I loved the Something Old , Something New story.  It was the happily ever after that I was looking for.  If you are on the fence about reading the short stories, do it!  The last one is a wonderful epilogue to one amazing series! 

Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins

Title: Nameless
Author: Jennifer Jenkins
Series: Nameless #1
Publisher: Month9Books
Release Date: October 6, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Four clans have been at war for centuries: the Kodiak, the Raven, the Wolf and the Ram. Through brutal war tactics, the Ram have dominated the region, inflicting death and destruction on their neighbors.

Seventeen-year-old Zo is a Wolf and a Healer who volunteers to infiltrate the Ram as a spy on behalf of the allied clans. She offers herself as a Ram slave, joining the people who are called the “nameless.” Hers is a suicide mission – Zo’s despair after losing her parents in a Ram raid has left her seeking both revenge and an end to her own misery. But after her younger sister follows her into Rams Gate, Zo must find a way to survive her dangerous mission and keep her sister safe.

What she doesn’t expect to find is the friendship of a young Ram whose life she saves, the confusing feelings she develops for a Ram soldier, and an underground nameless insurrection. Zo learns that revenge, loyalty and love are more complicated than she ever imagined in the first installment of this two-book series.

Review

Nameless was everything I could ask for in a book. The world was well-developed and interesting. The characters were complex and had strong development arcs. The relationships – both platonic and romantic – were well-crafted and oh so heartwarming. And the plot was fast-paced and full of surprises. I am so impressed by this debut and am surprised it hasn’t received more attention. This is a must read, my friends!

In an attempt to gain information that might give her Wolf clan an advantage in the unending war against the Ram, Zo willingly gives herself over to the enemy, under the guise of a refugee from another clan, to become a Nameless slave. However, her plan goes awry from the start when her sister follows her to the gates and is taken as well. Now Zo can’t easily sacrifice herself because her sister’s fate is tied to her own. I easily rooted for Zo as she tried to outsmart the Rams and stay off their radar. She was extremely smart and capable but her bold personality, compassionate nature and striking looks couldn’t help but draw attention. She was quick to make enemies of several influential Ram, to the detriment of those around her, but to her surprise, she was quick to make friends and allies as well.

I love a behind-enemy-lines-type of story – the high stakes and constant strategizing always make for a fun read. And I especially love a pair of star-crossed lovers. Nameless could not have done either more justice. I loved the complicated relationships in this book so much and how two enemies began to see each other in a new light. It was a slow process to overcome a lifetime of ingrained hate but made for some great and thought-provoking reading material. There is also so much that happens within and outside the Ram camp as the war continues and dissent between the Ram and Nameless people rises but I don’t want to give anything away. Just know that this book is full and satisfying and heart-wrenching and hopeful and more.

I honestly can’t say enough positive things about Nameless. I absolutely loved it! So much so, that Clanless has become one of my most anticipated 2016 reads. It’s well worth a read!

Winter by Marissa Meyer

Title: Winter
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Release Date: November 10, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

Review

FANTASTIC, PERFECT, ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING SERIES EVER! Winter is a truly fantastic book in the epic series The Lunar Chronicles.  If you have not read the series yet, I highly recommend it.  Here are our reviews for Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Fairest in case you need further convincing.

The series beautifully all intertwines in this last book to make an epic conclusion full of action, crazy battles, and swoony romance. Princess Winter is a crazy yet endearing and sweet character that complements the rag tag group of characters.  Her unique personality gives her strength and allows her to aide the team in ways they never expected.

The relationships from the previous books continue to unfold,the plot is full of kisses and love.  Each character faces challenges that come from going to war and taking on an evil queen.  Meyer does not shy away from hard decisions, she incorporates the honesty and sometimes sadness that comes with the tough decisions that the characters are faced with. There is just so much greatness in this ending :)

Ultimately, Winter was everything I hoped for.  All 827 pages were full of romance, adventure, fantasy, and a fairy tale-ish ending.  I was sad to finish the story but without fail I know that this is a story that I will come back to again and again.

The Masked Truth by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Masked Truth
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Release Date: October 13, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
In this heart-stopping suspense thriller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong proves herself to be a master of terror and suspense.

Riley Vasquez is haunted by the brutal murder of the couple she was babysitting for.

Max Cross is suffering under the shadow of a life-altering diagnosis he doesn’t dare reveal.

The last thing either of them wants is to spend a weekend away at a therapy camp alongside five other teens with “issues.” But that’s exactly where they are when three masked men burst in to take the group hostage.

The building has no windows. The exits are sealed shut. Their phones are gone. And their captors are on a killing spree.

Riley and Max know that if they can’t get out, they’ll be next—but they’re about to discover that even escape doesn’t equal freedom.

Review

This book was bloody brilliant. WOW. I could not read fast enough nor put it down. And my mind is still reeling from what happened. It was amazing and I loved it and everyone needs to read it.

Armstrong doesn't waste any time before kicking this story into high gear. The masked men show up on page 21 and it's all suspense, anxiety, uncertainty, anticipation, and other thriller-y goodness from then on out. Shit hits the fan around page 56 and that's when Riley and Max team up and begin looking for a way to escape. But even after they escape (it's in the synopsis so I didn't spoil anything!), they aren't safe and that was one of the things I loved most about this book. The last third or so was perhaps the most exciting as Riley and Max (and readers) try to figure out what the hell is going on. At this point, I really couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was so curious and really had no idea what was to come.

I LOVED the incorporation of mental illness into the story. I think that is a large part of what makes this book so brilliant and why Armstrong deserves a HUGE pat on the back. Not only does having unreliable narrators add to the suspense - at times I questioned everything and found myself preparing for reality to turn on its head - but Armstrong simultaneously highlighted some very prevalent stereotypes and prejudices. It was so incredibly well done and relevant and eye-opening - seeing what individuals with these conditions might go through and how the world might react to them. Everyone can learn something from this book.

And Riley and Max... these two were incredible. Just good human beings through and through. I was so easily pulled into their struggles - their voices rang so true - and amazed at how they approached  and dealt with their situations. And together - they just melted my heart. I wouldn't say there is romance in this book, not really, but a relationship built on trust and understanding and desire does develop and it is so freaking beautiful. They are definitely going to stay with me for a while. I love them.

This book is perfection. On the surface, it was a very well-executed thriller with ample amounts of action, mystery and suspense. But then there were the layers and layers of depth that gave readers a very real glimpse into mental illness, human nature and choices. I'd have to agree with Danielle @ Love at First Page and say that this might be one of the best books I've ever read, especially in this genre. It easily deserves every one of those 5 stars. I'll leave it at that.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Title: Illuminae
Author: Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Series: The Illuminae Files #1
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Release Date: October 20, 2015
Source: ARC obtained at ALA & super fancy ARC obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Review

How does one begin to review the most epic book of all time? Illuminae absolutely BLEW MY MIND. It was unlike anything I have ever read and there are just no words.

Where should my feeble attempts even begin? With the utter racing of my heart or with its  complete destruction? The survivors of the attack on Karenza were fighting against the clock as the Lincoln closed the distance and threatened to finish what it started. Tension was at an all time high. Command was in disarray. Civilians were forced to become soldiers. Death was inevitable. As if those odds weren't bleak enough, a virus starts contaminating the remaining population, turning everyone into psychotic killers. Brutality is everywhere. Impossible decisions need to be made. AND AS IF THAT WEREN'T ENOUGH, the ship's Artificial Intelligence goes batshit crazy too making "calculated decisions for the greater good"! MY HEART. AND THEN EVERYBODY DIES. 

Ok, not everybody. I was being dramatic. But while I was reading, it sure as hell felt as if everyone was dead or doomed. 

How about I fast forward to the end with my breath of relief and tears of joy. When I discover that not all hope is lost. Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman gave us just enough so that they can destroy us all over again in the sequel. AGAIN, MY HEART. It was epic and beautiful and I both hate and love them for it. 

This book was brilliant. It was evil. It was glorious. It was exhausting. And it was told in the most unique way I have ever seen. I LOVED the concept behind the entire book - the interview logs, video surveillance recordings, hacked messages, internal memos, article intelligence scripts, schematics, illustrations etc. It was a work of art. And all of the computer mumbo jumbo and hacking JUST FED MY SOUL. My heart was threatening to burst out of my chest for 599 pages. How does one begin to recover from reading such a book? (hold me).

My god, just read the damn book. *curls into fetal position*

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past...

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

Review

I'm not sure there is another series that makes me feel quite like this one does. I could honestly read it forever, that is how much I love it. Crown of Midnight used to be my favorite book in the series but I think Queen of Shadows just usurped it. And yet, in some ways, I don't think it was perfect. I've seen some readers mention that they both love and hate this book and while I would never associate the word hate with Sarah J. Maas (or any negative emotion at all), I understand the sentiment they are trying to express. There are some things I wish were done differently, some I'm a little more upset about than others, but even so, I am obsessed with this book and I think it deserves all the stars. And I think that is because while I might change 1% of this book, the other 99% is so fucking off-the-charts perfect that that 1% is insignificant to me.

From this point forward, I'm going to just spew my thoughts everywhere...

Like, how fucking perfect was Aelin. MY GOD. Her shit definitely smells like roses. She is one brilliant badass and I love her so much it's unhealthy. I would swear fealty to her in a second. Rowan and Aedion move over. WAIT DID SOMEONE SAY ROWAN? Can I have his babies? Actually, I'll take Aedion because 1) Aelin could obviously so take me and 2) I just love those snarky royals. And then HELLO LYSANDRA. Talk about surprises! And while we are on the subject of surprises, I claim Asterin as my own second. Except, Manon scares me. LIKE REALLY SCARES ME. So, I guess I'll settle-but-not-really-settle for Elide. Or Nesryn. Damn that girl can shoot. I need to mention Dorian so DORIAN. Poor guy can't catch a break. Did I miss anyone awesome? Oh shit, Chaol... I guess this is as good a time as any to say...

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED. I really wish the reunion between Aelin and Chaol was handled differently and this is the one thing that I am mildly upset about but that quickly gets overshadowed by the overwhelming feels I just vomited up in the last paragraph. But yeah, their relationship was not what I expected and I don't feel it was all that necessary for things to play out the way they did.

CAN WE GO BACK TO ALL THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK NOW? By far the best thing to happen was Lysandra shifting into a ghost leopard and annihilating those Valg soldiers. Or am I the only one reliving that glorious moment? I am also happy about the long-overdue deaths of the two arrogant evil bastards that called themselves kings but I wish their deaths were more dramatic  after all that gods-damned buildup (second gripe). But there was never a dull moment in this book. There were several occasions were I may or may not have squealed out loud (in public), cackled like an evil witch, actually got up and happy danced, stared at my book in horror, stared at my book in awe, blushed so furiously I pretended I got sunburn, and many more embarrassing but totally justifiable display of feels. Sarah J. Maas always brings out the best in me.

So was this book perfect? Yes. (And no). Thank the gods that there are two more books. Don't even get me started on the mess of a human being I am going to be when this series eventually ends. Oh, and if you haven't started this series, i'm not sure we can be friends.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Six of Crows
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Six of Crows #1
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Release Date: September 29, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

Review

Is it a surprise to anyone that I loved this book? "A gambler, a convict, a wayward son, a lost Grisha, a Suli girl who had became a killer, a boy from the Barrel who had become something worse" - this cast of characters is like my dream come true. And a plot involving an impossible heist with lots of deception, trickery and power-plays in a world that I've already fallen in love with couldn't be more perfect. I devoured this book and I cannot wait for me.

Leigh Bardugo's execution of this story was pretty flawless. We learn more and more about these characters and their pasts - explaining who they are and why - with each turn of the page. New layers to the heist unfold with each new chapter read. It was like peeling an onion and and with each layer I became more and more invested, more and more enraptured.  By the end of the story I didn't want to say goodbye.

I loved how different these characters were but how perfectly they fit together. I loved watching the dynamics within the group evolve and deepen. I loved the strength of the female characters in this story who are beyond inspirational. I loved how Kaz Breaker was always one step ahead. And I loved how, despite their occupation which breeds distrust, they had become a little family and cared for one another. They were fearless, daring, and compassionate when it came to protecting their own but dangerous, merciless and calculating to those who dare cross them. It was the perfect combination. And I rooted for them every step of the way.

I loved the exploration into the other lands in the Grishaverse. I loved that the plot centered around  enhancing Grisha power. I loved every time Nikolai's name was mentioned in passing (maybe this was just me). For fans of the Grisha trilogy, it was just the right taste of a world we knew while being something entirely new and exciting. You do not need to read the Grisha trilogy to enjoy this book.

Everything about this book just worked for me. It was adventurous and unpredictable and so, so easy to love. This book was completely satisfying and yet that ending left me thirsting for more. I can't wait to go on another adventure with this gang and to watch them beat the odds again. Book two's release honestly can't come soon enough.

This book released on Tuesday and if you haven't picked it up already/don't pick it up soon, you are making a mistake a mistake. It was an easy 5 stars. An easy favorite. Leigh Bardugo rocks my world.

The Pirate Code by Heidi Schulz

Title: The Pirate Code
Author: Heidi Schulz
Series: Hook's Revenge #2
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Source: BEA & eARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review (thanks Disney-Hyperion!!)

Summary from Goodreads:

Fresh off a fearsome encounter with the Neverland crocodile, Jocelyn Hook decides the most practical plan is to hunt down her father's famous fortune. After all, she'll need the gold to fund her adventuring in the future. (And luckily, Hook left her the map.)

But the map proves to be a bit harder to crack than Jocelyn had hoped, and she's convinced that the horrible Peter Pan might be the only one with the answers. Of course, he doesn't really feel like helping her, so Jocelyn takes the only reasonable course of action left to her: she kidnaps his mother. Evie, though, is absolutely thrilled to be taken prisoner, so Jocelyn's daring ploy doesn't have quite the effect she'd planned for.

Along with the problem of her all-too-willing captive, Jocelyn must also contend with Captain Krueger, whose general policy is that no deed is too dastardly when it comes to stealing Hook's treasure. And with the ever-shifting Whens of the Neverland working against her as well, Jocelyn, Evie, Roger, and the rest of the Hook's Revenge crew have their work cut out for them.

In this rambunctious showdown between characters new and old, Jocelyn puts her own brand of pirating to the test in a quest to save her future and those she loves.

Review

Reading Hook’s Revenge might have been the best decision I ever made. At the time, I didn’t really give Middle Grade a chance but I saw some friends sharing quotes from the book on Goodreads and it sounded so much like a ME book that I found a copy and started reading it almost immediately. And OMG it was one of the most entertaining books I have EVER read. Naturally, the sequel was then at the top of my 2015 most wanted list. And I am happy to report that it was every bit as enjoyable as the first book. In fact, I might have even enjoyed it more, if that is possible.

For starters, the narration is simply genius. It’s told in 2nd person by an absolute grump of a man who is both hilarious and unpredictable. It’s so good that I’m not just IN LOVE with this series but I’m OBSESSED with it. Just start reading and you’ll immediately see what I mean and I promise you that you won’t want to put the book down again. It is a delight.

Jocelyn wants nothing more than to be a pirate and go on adventures just like her dear old dad (although in a slightly less fear-inducing way). In Hook’s Revenge, she traveled to Neverland to defeat the crocodile who claimed her father’s life. Now, with that nasty business taken care of, she’s on the hunt for her father’s famed treasure trove. But her journey is fraught with obstacles - the infuriating Peter Pan and his lost boys who are anything but helpful, a couple face offs with the terrifying Captain Krueger, and the unexpected (but not unwelcome) arrival of her Mother from a different When - and more. Not to mention, Jocelyn is still trying to figure out how to be a good Captain at the ripe age of 12. And her crew is made up of the poorest excuses for pirates. They are 100% endearing but 100% dysfunctional. And yet I wouldn’t have it any other way. I loved the dynamic between all of the characters in this story.

I love the unique perspective on Neverland and all of the characters we’ve grown familiar with through other stories. I loved the adventure of it all with its unlimited possibilities. It’s fun, cute, charming, hilarious, exciting and more. This is easily one of my favorite series and a must read!

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

Title: Lair of Dreams
Author: Libba Bray
Series: The Diviners #2
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Source: BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

After a supernatural showdown with a serial killer, Evie O'Neill has outed herself as a Diviner. Now that the world knows of her ability to "read" objects, and therefore, read the past, she has become a media darling, earning the title, "America's Sweetheart Seer." But not everyone is so accepting of the Diviners' abilities...

Meanwhile, mysterious deaths have been turning up in the city, victims of an unknown sleeping sickness. Can the Diviners descend into the dreamworld and catch a killer?

Review

When I first read The Diviners, I was blown away by the atmosphere and storytelling. I feel in love with 1920s New York City. Naughty John gave me nightmares (still does). And I couldn’t get enough of Evie and her antics. It was an instant favorite of mine with very few books even coming close and that is why I have waited with bated breath for this sequel. To give you an idea of how much I’ve been wanting to read this book, I actually cried when I got an ARC at BEA. Dreams became reality for me that day. But seeing as I loved it, it was well worth the wait (and tears) and I would happily (albeit anxiously) wait another 3 years for the next book if it can be this good (but I hope I won't have to). For the record, there will be 4 books.

One of the first things to pull me into The Diviners, and later Lair of Dreams, was the setting. Libba Bray makes 1920s New York City come alive and it is magical. It is also the perfect setting for this story – that time period and that city was filled with so much life, death, hope and uncertainty. It was a time of change and a place where anything was possible. And Libba Bray captured this feeling and exploited it perfectly. I loved this mix of Historical Fiction, Paranormal and Thriller. It was brilliant.

In The Diviners we are introduced to a wonderfully vibrant cast of characters. Evie, who I’ve already mentioned, is one of the most memorable and entertaining characters I’ve ever met, even after 3 years and so many books later. She was a bit selfish in this book but I still adore her. She has to share the spotlight with a few others – Theta, Jericho, Sam, and Memphis to name a few. And that list only grows bigger in Lair of Dreams when we add Henry and Ling to the mix. But I never felt overwhelmed by the amount of POVs present. And I cared about every single perspective I read. All of these characters were wonderful and had a story to tell, which tied together seamlessly. I think that is another testament to Libba Bray’s talent.

We might have left Naughty John behind in The Diviners but Libba Bray gives us plenty of new monsters to fear in Lair of Dreams. The way Bray introduced the Sleeping Sickness that slowly swept through New York City was just as horrifying and creepy, maybe even more so because it could get to anyone. There is also a new player in the game – The King of Crows – that will surely play a bigger role in future books. And we also learn about a secret government organization that has something to do with The Diviners, Evie’s Uncle and Sam’s mother. I really felt the story expand in this sequel and I am excited to see what unfolds in the next two books.

For complete transparency, there was a bit of a love triangle in this book. In fact, many of the relationships are quite messy and complicated. But since it wasn’t a large focus of the book, I didn’t mind.

If you thought The Diviners was a monster of a book, Lair of Dreams tops it by about 100 pages. But don’t let the size of these books deter you from reading them. They are so , so good and no amount of words will do them justice. I don’t know if I can say that Lair of Dreams is BETTER than the Diviners but they are both so far above your average book that it’s not fair to compare them to each other. I also recommend the audiobooks because January LaVoy is dazzling. But I don't care what format you choose, just read this series!!!

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Title: Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Source: BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

This innovative, heartfelt debut novel tells the story of a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she’s ever known. The narrative unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, texts, charts, lists, illustrations, and more.

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Review

This book was an absolute delight to read. Wow.

First off, Maddy is a bundle of joy. I know that phrase is more often used to describe babies and puppies but Maddy is like both a baby and a puppy so it works. She's been diagnosed with a rare disease that keeps her locked away from the world but she doesn't dwell on what she can't have. She makes the most of what she does. But then the new boy next door catches her eye and she catches his.  What begins as a friendship formed through late night IM conversations quickly escalates into something more. And suddenly Maddy finds herself desperate to live, even if it means she could die.  Her courage, hope, love, innocence, joy, and determination just shone through the pages of this book as she enters the world to be with Olly. My heart was in my throat as I watched her experience everything for the first time knowing what could be right around the corner.

And ohmygod if Olly isn't the cutest/sweetest/funniest/most charming boy ever. Our first real glimpse into his personality is through a series of staged Bundt Cake suicide attempts and there was no going back for me. Their conversations were effortless and adorable and it was impossible not to root for them. And he had his own issues that he'd rather not talk about so he didn't pry into Maddy's. He treated her with care and it was obvious he'd go the extra mile for her but he didn't pity or baby her. Basically he stole my heart and I loved every second of their relationship.

And on top of all that, this story is complemented with several illustrations that never failed to put a huge smile on my face. I would have loved this book regardless but this was just the icing on the cake. I am a complete sucker for illustrations.

You might be thinking how this book could possibly have a happy ending. I sure was while I was reading. All I will say is, don't worry, Nicola Yoon knows what she's doing. This book was brilliant. It made me smile. It made me laugh. It made me tear up. It made my blush. It made me hope. It's a must read for sure.

All Broke Down & All Played Out by Cora Carmack

Title: All Broke Down
Author: Cora Carmack
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Release Date: October 28th 2014
Source: Bought

Summary from Goodreads:
In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can't only fight for what you believe in... sometimes you have to fight for what you love.

Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.

Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians you name it, she's probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He's in for a different kind of fighting. And though he's arrogant and infuriating, she can't help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.

Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it's trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He's met girls like her before fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn't think he's broken, and he definitely doesn't need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about: his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.

Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

Review

It is no surprise that I loved this book after really enjoying All Lined Up.  Holy steamy book, All Broke Down is by far the steamiest of Carmack's book. Similiar to book one, football plays a role in the story but in such a way that it truly adds to the character's backstory.  I am by no means a huge football fan but I thoroughly enjoyed the team dynamics between the guys. The blend of friendship, competition, and romance makes for a perfect sexy summer read.  Those sexy scenes took me by surprise but I was all for the kicking it up notch.

This story focuses on Silas, who was not a favorite in book one but this bad boy for sure forced me to have a change of heart.  The chemistry and raw emotions between Dylan and Silas felt honest.  Dylan carries some family issues with her while Silas has almost the complete opposite upbringing; they face struggles but are still able to communicate and make it work.  This book is just as strong, if not stronger than book one.  Even though the story standalone, the previously introduced characters play smaller but great supporting roles.

Title: All Played Out
Author: Cora Carmack
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Release Date: Source:

Bought

Summary from Goodreads:
First person in her family to go to college? CHECK.
Straight A’s? CHECK.
On track to graduate early? CHECK.
Social life? …..yeah, about that….

With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. (Okay... Scratch that. She knows she hasn't had the full college experience).

So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a "to do" list of normal college activities.

Item #1? Hook up with a jock.

Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it's impossible to get hurt... again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it.

Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she's never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he's willing to take the chance when it's more than just a game.

Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real.

Review

"The future is never just one choice.  It's a thousand.  And they never stop.  You will choose your future every day of your life.  And should you wake up one day to find that you regret the choice you made the day before, then you make a new one."

All Played Out hands down is my favorite book in the series so far.  This one is not quite as steamy as All Broke Down but I felt more of a connection with Nell.  Nell is a smart, nerdy, goal driven individual that would rather dive face first into her school work than get distracted by other things. Nell decides she needs to change her ways and makes a to-do list to really 'experience' college. Lucky her, a super attractive football player has taken it upon him to help her complete her college bucket list.  Torres reminded me of a large teddy bear; he is sweet but also a protector.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is that the secondary characters continue to play roles throughout the entire series.  Nell becomes friends with the other girls and starts to expand her horizons and truly feel like she is growing and living.  I believe college is not only a educational experience but also a social experience.  It is not the easier to open up and try new things, I find it awesome that Nell decide to take on new challenges.

If I were to recommend one new adult series, hands down it would be this series.  The romance is a perfect amount of steamy, the characters have different histories and are well developed, and the plot is fast paced, not too heavy, and fun!

Of Dreams and Rust by Sarah Fine

Title: Of Dreams and Rust
Author: Sarah Fine
Series: Of Metal and Wishes #2
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Source: ARC obtained through trading

Summary from Goodreads:
War erupts in this bittersweet sequel to "Of Metal and Wishes", inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and called “relentlessly engrossing” by The Romantic Times.

In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.

The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?

Review

It's been a year since Wen and Melik have parted at the end of Of Metal and Wishes but despite the time and distance between them, Wen's heart is still very much with Melik. After she hears of her people's plan for war, she decides to leave the relative safety of the Ring with the hope of finding and warning Melik before it is too late. This book is very action-packed as Wen reunites with Melik and together they try to save the people they love from the weapons of war bearing down on them. Naturally, war brings death and Sarah Fine does not go easy on our gentle hearts. But its those losses that make the wins that much more precious. My heart was all over the place with this one.

Wen and Melik's relationship arc was extremely well done. They've spent a year apart and that's enough time to change people. Wen is insecure when she reunites with Melik and doubts whether her feelings are still reciprocated. And when Melik first appears hard and unforgiving, Wen worries that war has hardened him beyond her recognition. I thought these were very honest questions given the circumstances of their relationship. But Melik proves that he's just as steady and loyal as ever. Together they face trials that that would challenge the  strongest of relationships and I loved watching their love persevere. They were wonderful together.

For those of you who are wondering, Bo is still very much present in this sequel and Wen and Bo's relationship is still a complicated one. But even though Wen cares for Bo deeply, I never felt that her feelings went beyond a sibling/friend type of love. He was also a very interesting character to explore as he oscillated between love and hate and immaturity and maturity in his actions and expressions. Yet, despite everything, I still wanted the best for him.

Of Dreams and Rust was such an AMAZING sequel and conclusion to Of Metal and Wishes. Sarah Fine continues to amaze me with her brilliant storytelling, and penchant for creating the best romances. I cannot recommend this duology or the rest of her work enough. I have never given a single book of hers less than 5 glowing stars.

Armada by Ernest Cline

Title: Armada
Author: Ernest Cline
Publisher: Crown Publishing
Release Date: July 14, 2015
Source: BEA15

Summary from Goodreads:
Zack Lightman has spent his life dreaming. Dreaming that the real world could be a little more like the countless science-fiction books, movies, and videogames he’s spent his life consuming. Dreaming that one day, some fantastic, world-altering event will shatter the monotony of his humdrum existence and whisk him off on some grand space-faring adventure.

But hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little escapism, right? After all, Zack tells himself, he knows the difference between fantasy and reality. He knows that here in the real world, aimless teenage gamers with anger issues don’t get chosen to save the universe.

And then he sees the flying saucer.

Even stranger, the alien ship he’s staring at is straight out of the videogame he plays every night, a hugely popular online flight simulator called Armada—in which gamers just happen to be protecting the earth from alien invaders. 

No, Zack hasn’t lost his mind. As impossible as it seems, what he’s seeing is all too real. And his skills—as well as those of millions of gamers across the world—are going to be needed to save the earth from what’s about to befall it.

It’s Zack’s chance, at last, to play the hero. But even through the terror and exhilaration, he can’t help thinking back to all those science-fiction stories he grew up with, and wondering: Doesn’t something about this scenario seem a little…familiar?

At once gleefully embracing and brilliantly subverting science-fiction conventions as only Ernest Cline could, Armada is a rollicking, surprising thriller, a classic coming of age adventure, and an alien invasion tale like nothing you’ve ever read before—one whose every page is infused with the pop-culture savvy that has helped make Ready Player One a phenomenon.

Review

I know the first thing all you Ready Player One fans are probably wondering is if Armada is as good. To get it out of the way, I will say that I liked RPO more BUT I would probably say I liked RPO more than just about any book I have ever read EVER, so I don't really think that is fair to Armada, or really tells you anything about this book. So that is as far as my comparison will go. Moving on!

Armada was an awesome, geek-tastic, adventure-full, book and I loved it so, so much! Over the past several decades, a secret group known as the Earth Defense Alliance has been working to cover up an escalating conflict with an alien species while simultaneously preparing humanity for an eventual war through targeted movies and video games. As one of the best Armada players in the world, Zack Lightman is recruited to join the EDA in the final hour when the battle is finally at Earth’s figurative doorstep. This is when the fun REALLY begins. The next 300 pages are pretty much an epic alien battle with drones and other more sophisticated machinery that I can’t even pronounce let alone spell. It was pretty freaking great.

I loved the conspiracy theory that served as the basis for this story. Most of it was not outside the realm of possibility even though I do hope that the government doesn’t have us playing Halo and Call of Duty to learn to fight off an alien invasion. I also really enjoyed Zack’s voice which was just the right blend of humorous, honest, and humble. And as with RPO, I just loved all the gamer stuff. Again, this book was just a blast to read.

But it is was also not without it’s sad moments. I mean, Earth is fighting with a technologically-superior species and is far outnumbered. The odds are bleak. People are preparing to die and (spoiler alert) people do die and much damage is wrought. There were a few times I found myself getting choked up. But hey, I didn’t expect it to be all sunshine and rainbows and now neither should you.

This book could have easily been twice the size and I wouldn’t have minded. There is a lot I would have liked to explore in greater depth. That being said, the ending is open ended enough for a sequel and I’m hoping Ernest Cline will surprise us with one. But I would happily settle for ANYTHING Ernest Cline deigns to write because he is amazingly talented and a new favorite author of mine. This is a MUST read for RPO fans, gamers, geeks, fun-lovers, my friends & loyal subjects, readers, and whoever else doesn’t fall into one of the aforementioned groups.