Bibliofiend's Bookbag

I am a reference librarian with a specialty in teen services.  My primary reading interests include YA but also adult romance, mystery, and sci-fi fantasy.  Read my reviews and general thoughts about what I'm reading and experiencing on and off the clock.

Endsinger - Jay Kristoff

No specific spoilers here. It has taken me a few days to try to write a coherent review following my emotional turmoil and profuse sobbing after completing this series.

Endsinger is a truly satisfying conclusion to the Lotus Wars. Kristoff continues to solidify himself as a master storyteller. The sheer creativity of the plot, well developed characters and relationships as well as the profound writing style make this a stunning read. Reading this series is an experience for the senses.

Having read Kristoff's stance on happy endings, I tried to prepare myself for the worst but hoped for the best. I was not disappointed. The losses sustained are meaningful and necessary for the story. That being said, they were still gut-wrenching. Despite the heartache, this remains probably my most memorable read of 2014. I have the strong desire to immediately start the series again just to relive the highs and lows of such a beautiful kinship and poignant portrait of human and beastkind at their best and worst.

Everything I Never Told You - Celeste Ng

I picked this up to cover a book club for a coworker.  I enjoyed this.  Well written family drama that was though provoking about identity, gender roles, culture, and race.

The Darkest Touch - Gena Showalter

I love the series and that Torin finally got his book but his love interest, Keeley was just annoying. 

All Broke Down - Cora Carmack

I just loved it.  Great characters and plot.

The 10 Commandments: Book Lovers' Edition

Reblogged from Lisa's Book Corner:

From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's books

Voted by Kirkus as one of the top YA books of 2014.  It looks hilarious. I can't wait to read it!

Source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395786033l/20558767.jpg

Book of the Dead

Book of the Dead - Michael Northrop A new Scholastic juvenile series launching as a hybrid between the 39 Clues and Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles. This is certainly a first book in a series. Lots of plot and character set up but the concept is sound and I think it will resonate with the desired reading audience.

Laughing at My Nightmare

Laughing at My Nightmare - Shane Burcaw I received an ARC through Netgalley with the agreement that I post a review.

I enjoyed this book immensely because of Burcaw's honest voice and biting wit. We share the same disability. I could certainly relate to a lot of his experiences and stories.

Black Widow

Black Widow - Jennifer Estep With this 12th installment of the Elemental Assassin series, Jennifer Estep certainly doesn't disappoint. Receiving this ARC had me jumping for joy. Fans of the series will love to see Gin back in action and the story line with Madeline Monroe move forward. There is plenty of suspense, fights, witty dialogue as well as angst for our favorite characters. Even after so many books, I still adore this series!

Dead Boy Detectives Vol. 1: Schoolboy Terrors

Dead Boy Detectives Vol. 1: Schoolboy Terrors - Toby Litt, Mark Buckingham meh.

Rowdy

Rowdy - Jay Crownover <3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Off Pointe

Off Pointe - Leanne Lieberman Quick read. High/low reader. ROYAL review pending.

Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo

Guys Read:  Other Worlds - Rick Riordan Super funny!

Seventh Grave and No Body

Seventh Grave and No Body - Darynda Jones So funny and awesome!

Immortal

Immortal - J.R. Ward I good ending to the series. A little nugget about a spin off w/ other character. But I just can't give it 5 stars. I don't know why but I expected more.

Burn Bright

Burn Bright - Bethany Frenette The plot: 'Burn Bright' picks up where Dark Star ended. Audrey helped save the world with a little help from her superhero mother, Morning Star. All she wants is to find a little bit of normal including some alone time with Leon, her new boyfriend, who is also the Guardian charged with protecting her. But life is never that easy, a new Harrower, Susannah stormed into town with plans to kill all Guardians so that she can discover the identity of the Remnant. Throw in some romantic angst, a BFF in crisis, a startling revelation and let the games begin.


The characters: Audrey and her friends, Gideon and Tink, continue to be well developed, sassy and engaging. There is a Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Scooby gang quality to the interaction and dialogue that will keep readers of any age entertained. As a villain, Susannah is deliciously evil. I do believe readers will find the other adults continuously frustrating; however, this mirrors real life interacts that many teens face.


Overall evaluation: This is a strong follow up to the series debut. One strength is that the novel fits well within the series but can ultimately be read on its own without the reader losing too much information. The blend of romance, super abilities and the paranormal is refreshing. I would pair this series with that of Sanderson's 'Steelheart'.

Currently reading

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Sophie Jordan