Friday, March 18, 2016

Weekly Reading Update, 3/11-3/17/16!

Another week, another update! This has been a slow week for me, reading-wise, since I've been so busy with everything else going on. Work has been hectic this week, since we're having some staffing issues, so I'll admit to coming home and crashing every night. Or, in some cases, watching silly TV shows to unwind.

What I have read is "Bully" and "Until You" by Penelope Douglas. I found a list of "Essential New Adult" books in a book review magazine, and I've been working my way through the list. I had heard of "Bully" mostly because I had accidentally read the second book in the series ("Rival"), not knowing it was part of a series. So I checked out "Bully" on audio from my library's digital collection, and finished it up rather quickly, because I had to know what was going to happen next.

I can't say I particularly liked this book. I thought Jared was a complete jerk throughout most of it, but I did love the big climax at the end. But I heard many people saying "Until You" redeemed Jared considerably, since it is the same story from his perspective. I haven't finished it yet, but I am very close, and I can say for sure that yes, it does show Jared in a little bit more of a favorable light. I think he's still a jerk, but you get a better explanation as to why he is such a bully. Not that it excuses all his behavior, but... it helps, a little. I think.

Other than those books above, I've read some more comic books, but nothing that really stuck out to me. The exhaustion of this week has left me feeling like I'm in a reading slump - but it's really just being tired. Hopefully I'll snap out of it soon and I can get back on track with reviews, pleasure reading, and reading for Romance Reviews Today.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Monday, March 14, 2016

REVIEW: "Faith" issues 1 & 2 by Jody Houser

So I have been hearing so much about Valiant's character Faith. I read a few Valiant titles and really liked them, so I have been eagerly awaiting Faith to come out in graphic novel form. Well, Netgalley put up the first couple issues as a partial galley, so of course I jumped at the chance to get a sneak peek!

Release Date: July 26, 2016

Type: Comics, Graphic Novel, Series, Book 1, Partial Galley, Issues, Nerdtastic

About the Book: VALIANT'S MOST DEMANDED HERO STEPS OUT OF HARBINGER... AND INTO AN ALL-NEW ADVENTURE! Orphaned at a young age, Faith Herbert - a psionically gifted "psiot" discovered by the Harbinger Foundation - has always aspired to greatness. But now this once ordinary teenager is taking control of her destiny and becoming the hard-hitting hero she's always known she can be - complete with a mild-mannered secret identity, unsuspecting colleagues, and a day job as a reporter that routinely throws into her harms way! Well, at least she thought it would... When she's not typing up listicles about cat videos, Faith makes a secret transformation to patrol the night as the City of Angels' own leading superhero - the sky-soaring Zephyr! But flying solo is going to be tougher than she ever thought when Zephyr uncovers a deep-rooted alien conspiracy. Two-bit burglars and car thieves are one thing, but when the world needs a hero to stave off an full-blown extraterrestrial invasion, will Faith find herself in over her head... or ready for her biggest challenge yet? [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: I've never judged a comic book on just two issues before, but I can already tell I'm going to enjoy the full volume when it releases. Faith is a fascinating character, and I love her narration. The authors did a great job of making her human alter ego someone I can relate to. Actually, I can relate to her super hero self too - at least the nerdy references. I'm sure there were a few I didn't catch, but usually at least once per page there was some sort of sci-fi or nerd reference. So, being a huge nerd, I was in love.

Faith has apparently featured in another graphic novel series before this, of which I was unaware. She keeps mentioning her former team, so I guess I will have to check that out. It might get confusing for some, I was a little unsure a time or two myself, so forewarned is forearmed!

Cover Lovin': I'm just assuming the cover they have for the partial galley will also be the final cover - and if so, I'm all for it. It would definitely make me grab it off the shelf!

Recommendation: Apparently Faith appeared in another comic series, which I was unaware of, so some of the mentions of the backstory flew right over my head - be forewarned this might happen to you.

Final Rating: It's tough to rate this, since it's only two issues and not a full volume. But judging by these two books - I'm loving this. FOUR out of FIVE stars!


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a review.