Top Ten Tuesday: Books Which Feature Characters Who Would Make Awesome Best Friends

Sorry I've been MIA for so long! Good news: I've finished off a couple more books, so reviews to come soon. Bad news: the weather is getting nice, so I might be distracted. Win some, lose some I guess.

Ben Starling from Paper Towns- Provides some killer lines and is one of the funniest characters I've come across. Can we hang out please?

Faithful from The Song of the Lioness series- Who said cats can't be my best friend? And Faithful is sassy and fluffy. What's not to love?

Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter- Life is always going to be interesting around Luna. She might not always be right about everything, but her heart is always in the right place.

Patroclus from The Song of Achilles- Patroclus reminds me a lot of me, and I really think we'd hit it off. 

Rosie from Rose Under Fire- Throughout this novel Rosie proves time and time again how brave she is time and time again. She's sweet even with everything she had to go through, and I would love to have her as a friend.

Rudy from The Book Thief- Oh Rudy, you lovable rascal. Rudy and Liesel get into trouble time and again, but Rudy always stays loyal. And funny. And great.

Hazel from The Fault in Our Stars- For her sarcasm alone, I love Hazel. She's also got such an interesting perspective, and I think we'd have some good conversations.

Ben Wolf from Deadline- Ben and Hazel would probably get along. Except I could talk about football with Ben too.

Maddie from Code Name Verity- Even when she was afraid, Maddie persevered. She is able to make tough decisions in the name of friendship. And she has a motorcycle.  

Daisy from Winter of the World- Daisy grew so much in this novel and turned into a really spectacular person. Can she please stop being fictional?

Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting Top Ten Tuesday! Another review to be up soon :)

Reviews: Game & Blood of My Blood

I purposefully didn't write my review yesterday when I finished the last book of this series. Why? you might ask.

I thought it would be better that my review wasn't just swearing and random keyboard mashing.

[EXAMPLE REVIEW EXCERPT FROM YESTERDAY:

HOLY #@%^@*! WHAT IS dc nukqhskmf!!! ARE YOU asdqkshnxn< KIDDING ME?? @(&$T78273%&#!

JAZZ. NOOOOOOOO!!! Bad things!]

So yeah, I spared you guys from that. Sort of.

Okay, so I picked up the third book a couple of hours after the second one, mostly because of an incredibly cruel cliffhanger. My point: these story lines are awful entangled in my memory (Holla for reading ~1000 pages in three days!), so these reviews will be mashed together.

Also, you may have noticed that I failed to include summaries for these novels; I don't want to spoil anything. I'll give a brief overview though.

In Game, things pick up a few months after the events from last novel. A desperate New York City cop shows up at Jazz's doorstep requesting help in a string of murders committed by the "Hat-Dog Killer."

And from there, things go to crazy-town.

Man, I flew through this novel. The twists just keep coming and I was so irritated with myself because I NOTICED THE CLUES and STILL didn't guess the plot twists. That's the mark of a good mystery writer.

Personally, I thought the plot proper was stronger in this novel than the last one. While Jazz's fear of becoming his father were still on display, it wasn't the main focus of the story. I would give specifics except it would spoil parts of the first book. So it goes.

Holy hell, the ending of Game is intense. And cliffhanger-y. So if you decide to read it, make sure you have a copy of Blood of My Blood by the time you're done, otherwise you're going to hate everything. (Speaking as someone who had to wait several hours to get the last book. Seriously, a few hours almost killed me with suspense.)

Blood of My Blood picks up exactly where Game left off, and it is relentless. The pacing is so, so quick and flipping between point of views amps up the tension. 

What I loved best about this book was my uncertainty that all the main characters would come out of this all right. (I won't tell you if they do. MUAHAHAHA.) There was just a feeling that Jazz would cross over the line of good and evil (Nope, I won't tell you if he does. No spoilers) every time he had to make a decision, and even if he didn't, he would die as a result. The stakes were amazingly high for all the characters, and this insecurity in the future rarely happens for me in YA because I usually assume everyone important lives.

Even though I guessed the twist in this one, it didn't really detract from the tension. The breakneck speed of the story and fantastic characters kept me from feeling any disappointment. This series is really a top-notch thrill ride.

And really draining. I can feel Jasper's exhaustion leaking through the pages as he tears across New York. And the climax. Not disappointing in the slightest. (Read: I have bitten off all of my fingernails.)

Honestly, just go pick up this series.

Despite tearing through this in record time, there were a few things that could've been improved about the series, and a few things that require a decently large suspension of disbelief.

1. Connie, WTF are you doing? I like Connie, but some of her choices are really not good. No spoilers, but come on, girlfriend. Don't do this to me.

2. That ending. The ending of Game was downright cruel. It was a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. Also, I wish the epilogue of Blood of My Blood was a tad more badass. I understand why it is the way it is, but I think there could have been a stronger conclusion.

3. Point of View switches. It was interesting to be in other characters' heads, but I think something was a little lost because of it. I loved Jazz's angst in the first novel, and was disappointed we weren't always in his head. There were a few places where we didn't get to feel Jazz's revelations as he was going through them, and it made it a little hollow when he finally revealed them.

 4. Shoddy Police Work. So Jazz is boy-wonder smart in these novels, but the police also miss things  and do things they shouldn't. I'm also not sure why they would need the expertise of a seventeen-year-old boy (even with his background), but I can suspend disbelief on that front.

Overall, I would recommend the hell out of these books. Interesting characters and action-packed plot. Gets a gold star from me!

Game: 4.5/5

Blood of My Blood: 4.5/5

Series: 4.5/5

Top Ten Tuesday: Inspiring Quotes From Books

Here's a dose of inspiration for your Tuesday!

1. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." -Frank Herbert, Dune

2. "Don't Panic." -Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

3. "Answer.

That you are here— that life exists and identity,

That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse." -Walt Whitman, Oh me! Oh life!

4. "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

5. "It was kind of a beautiful day, finally real summer in Indianapolis, warm and humid—the kind of weather that reminds you after a long winter that while the world wasn't built for humans, we were built for the world." -John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

6. "We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are. We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail." -John Green, Looking for Alaska

7. "I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul." -William Ernest Henley, Invictus

8. "It's like being in love, discovering your best friend.” -Elizabeth Wein, Code Name Verity

9. "I tramp a perpetual journey." -Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

10. "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." -Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!

Review: I Hunt Killers

You’re seventeen years old, and your father is the most notorious serial killer America has ever produced.

He brought you up. Taught you everything he knows. Everyone in your ordinary American town knows who you are.

So even though Dear Old Dad is safely behind bars, when the killing starts all over again, you are the first person the police come to see.

They don’t know whether it’s nature or nurture. And neither do you.

I have been reading some damn good books lately. Am I going to pick up the sequel to this after work today? Why yes I am.

I devoured this book in just a couple days and the atmosphere is perfect. Seriously, I had a hard time falling asleep because I stayed up to late reading about the creepiness of serial killers, and afterwards I was pretty paranoid that someone was going to come through my window. 

And then I had a dream about me being paranoid about serial killers. Not cool, brain.

Main thoughts during this novel: Holy shit. Holy shit this is messed up. Poor Jazz. This is so messed up.

Anyhow, this was a fantastic novel. I adore Jazz, the main character, and being inside his head is fascinating and heartbreaking. Instead of just having a serial killer dad, his serial killer dad made him watch as he tortured and killed his victims. It's really no surprise that Jazz is screwed up and really struggles with his identity. After being trained to be the next big serial killer; how could anyone be "normal" after that?

The psychological element in this novel is gripping. Billy, Jazz's dad, really did a number on him. He lurks in the back of Jazz's mind and creeps into his thoughts almost constantly. For most of the novel we only see Billy through Jazz's though and I gotta say he is terrifying. Holy hell is he terrifying.

Lucky for Jazz, he has awesome people to help him throughout the novel, both with his psychological state and with the rash of murders. His awesome girlfriend, Connie, and best friend, Howie, keep Jazz grounded and are also just amazing characters. (And they provide some nice diversity too) As far as side characters go, I love them to pieces. Everyone, especially Jazz, is complex and well realized. They feel real enough to touch.

As far as plot: it starts off incredibly strong but peters out a little at the end. I'm okay with this though because it sets up the next book nicely. Overall, this was tense and gripping, and I can't wait to pick up the second book. If you like thrillers and the exploration of good and evil, check out this story. You're in for quite the ride.

4.5/5

Review: The Winner's Crime

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement... if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.
As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

I read this within 24 hours. Really, this is as gripping as the first novel. The stakes have been raised, and the impact of character choices can be felt across the entire empire.

As much as I loved The Winner's Curse, its follow-up has blown it out of the water. The Winner's Crime stepped up the political intrigue and there are no allies for Kestrel. She can't be sure who to trust and it's fascinating to watch her unravel the plots of the empire. The fantasy setting really lent itself well to this; life in the capital is gorgeously described but underneath all the pretty packaging is the dread of what could happen. No on is safe. (Seriously. No one.)

And man, the consequences have grown exponentially from the last story. This novel focuses more on conquests and out-maneuvering the emperor and sneaky courtiers, and I adore these types of stories. Kestrel and Arin still have their love/hate thing going on, but it isn't nearly as prominent as the last story. An improvement, I think, because every scene with them together practically leaps off the page. Their relationship simmers in the background and really drives a lot of their choices.

And some of the choices these characters make. Oh boy. There are no black and white options here. And none of the characters are completely moralistically good. Kestrel and Arin (along with side characters) are complex and feel like real people, even though I don't always agree with their decisions. I can't wait to see where they end up in the last book.

The pacing of this novel is tight and there are plenty of twists along the way. All in all, a quick read but nothing is certain and I kept guessing the whole way.

One of the few sequels that outdoes the original. The final book is going to be awesome. 4.5/5

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters You'd Like to Check in With

Jen and Eric from Ship of Theseus- I realize I finished this book about a week ago, but I adore these two. I'd love to see where they're at in their quest for knowledge.

Jonah Griggs from Jellicoe Road- This book was beautifully written and I miss Jonah Freaking Griggs so much.

The entire Harry Potter universe- Honestly, this goes without saying. I know there was the "Nineteen Years later" epilogue, but it just isn't enough.

Aly Cooper from Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen- Tamora Pierce has a knack for creating awesome heroines and I want to see what mischief Aly has managed. Heck, I'd like to see Kel too.

So let's just say Kel from the Protector of the Small series. (Maybe Dom too. And Neal...!)

Q and Co. from Paper Towns- Speaking of mischief, what have you guys been up to lately? The movie is coming out in a few months, so it'll almost be like checking back with Q and the gang. (Also, how is college going, Q??)


Cassie Maddox from The Likeness- Cassie has got to be in some serious recovery from her undercover stint. Is she all right?

Luna Lovegood from HP- Also goes without saying. Can we get a spin-off of her hunting Crumple-Horned Snorkacks?

Four from the Divergent series- I know, I know there was an epilogue for Allegiant but I want to see Four after the epilogue. Epilogues aren't enough for me!

So, have you got any characters you miss? Anyone you'd like to go grab a coffee (or a beer) with and catch up?

Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!

Review: The Winner's Curse

As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him-- with unexpected consequences. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she has paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you'll keep your head or lose your heart



Hey, YA, want to get some other covers besides girls in fancy dresses? No? Okay then.

Besides the typical girl-in-a-prom-dress cover, I really liked this book. (Note: the font and the fact that Kestrel has a dagger make this cover not-the-worst but it would be nice if there could be a bit more variety in our YA cover.)

I've loved fantasy since I was a kid, and this had the added bonus of having a society a la Spartacus or Gladiator (meaning Romanesque). And of course the ruling society is oppressive to those they've conquered, so rebellion is afoot.

All in all, exactly my kind of novel, so I cruised through this one.

Characters: I really liked the characters here and how they grew as the story progressed. Arin and Kestrel especially had to face what their relationship meant when they were from two very opposing cultures. This was well done and neither of them got easy solutions to their questions. I mean, how can you fall in love with someone who literally owned you? And how can you love someone dedicated to destroying your society?

The side characters were also compelling and I would love to have Jess as a best friend. Yay for realistic relationships!

Plot: Cruel ruling class, rebellion, love; what's not to like? I wouldn't say there were any major twists here, but this is part of a trilogy so the end definitely leaves room for future conflict. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book.

Overall: For me, this was a super enjoyable read. The writing was beautiful and the characters were interesting and likable. Waiting for the library to get me the second book because I needed it yesterday. (Actually like two weeks ago when I read this book, but who is keeping track?)

I've only knocked down a star because Arin, you need to act like a slave. Dude, I know that it is absolutely horrible but if you don't act someone is going to get suspicious of you. There were a few other things that seemed a tad far-fetched.

4/5