Weekly Reading Update 5/20 - 5/26/16!

Another week, another update! Let's see what sort of trouble I got to up this week, hmm?

As always, click the title to get more information about each book!

Saturday was ALA’s annual Readathon, so I spent my day reading an 800 page book - The Fixed Trilogy by Laurelin Paige. This author is part of the writing team Laurelin McGee, so I’ve decided to try reading some books by both individual authors. So, since The Fixed Trilogy seemed to be Laurelin Paige’s most well known book, I requested a copy to read. 800 pages later, I’m still torn about my feelings. These characters are messed up, very very messed up. But it’s been several days since I finished it, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. So that says something about the author’s ability to write a compelling story - it definitely gets under your skin.

I also read a short novella (or novelette?) by Mary Robinette Kowal titled The Forest of Memory. This was a random find at work, and I’m so glad I read it. It was weird, but oh-so-good. If you like strange, haunting science fiction - definitely check out this short book. And by short, I mean 80-ish pages! Definitely perfect for a lunch break or stormy evening. I’ve already decided to hunt down more books by this author.

To finish off my weekend, I went on a graphic novel reading binge. Surprise, right? I read Figment and Figment 2: Legacy of Imagination, both by Jim Zub. I love love love all things Disney, so of course I had to pick these up when my library bought them. They were adorable! I want a Figment of my own. I also read Young Avengers 1: Style > Substance by Kieron Gillen. I’m not the biggest Young Avengers fan, but I really enjoy Kieron Gillen’s work, so I had to pick it up. And it was definitely worth a read. I already have the next volume requested.

Next up was Royal Wedding Disaster by Meg Cabot. Since the Princess Diaries series ended with Royal Wedding (though I will always hold out hope for more Mia!), I have to get my Michael Moscovitz fix in however I can - even if it means reading the diaries of Mia’s younger sister. But you know what, they are legitimately adorable books, just like the rest of Cabot’s work. The first book in this series, From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess was just as cute - and frankly, I think they will both have to be added to my wish list.

I moved onto the paranormal and science fiction route after that - reading The Devil You Know by K.J. Parker. This is another one of the short novellas/novelettes from Tor.com, like The Forest of Memory. It was a very interesting read, with devious characters and the whole selling your soul to a demon thing. After that, I moved onto Rocked By Love by Christine Warren. This is the fourth book in her Gargoyles series. Christine Warren is a go-to for me when it comes to paranormal romance. I have several of her books on my keeper shelves. And I love the direction she’s taking with this series.

I finished off this week reading Creed by Kristen Ashley. I read Knight a few months ago, and it really got under my skin. I didn’t think I liked the book, but I just couldn’t stop thinking about it.. So I searched out the second book. As of writing this, I’m only halfway into the book (hopefully finishing it

tonight), but it’s already got the same feel. I even dreamed about the characters last night! It’s just frustrating - I didn’t know I could like and hate something at the same time.

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

Weekly Reading Update 4/17 - 4/21!

Another week, another obsessive amount of reading! Well, okay, maybe not obsessive, but definitely a fair amount. But hey, I just consider this practice for ALA’s Readathon on Saturday, May 21st. Let me know if you’re planning to participate! I definitely am.

As always, click the link to get more info on the book!

Continuing from last week’s Mediator series binge, I read the new novella The Proposal by Meg Cabot. I wanted to jump right into the last book in the series, Remembrance - but I couldn’t do it. I need to hold off a little bit longer. Spread out the joy, as it were. The Proposal was very cute, and really hit the spot. I wasn’t sure how Meg Cabot would be able to pack a full Mediator story into a novella - considering Suze’s ability to get things blown out of proportion, but she manages. And it was so wonderful to see Suze and Jesse a little older. I really can’t wait for Remembrance.

Continuing my obsessive nostalgia kick, I started rereading the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson - Undead and Unwed (1), Undead and Unemployed (2), Undead and Unappreciated (3), Undead and Unreturnable (4), and Dead and Loving It (4.5). I really do love this series, it’s quirky and funny. And they are definitely fast reads, as evidenced by my reading so many of them so quickly. I’m currently reading number 5, Undead and Unpopular, but I think I might take a break after this one, just so they don’t start running together.

Next up was Midnight Heat by Cat Johnson, book three in the Midnight Cowboys series. I reviewed this one for Romance Reviews Today, so be sure to check out that website for my review, and for some other awesome content. This was a really good read. I think I liked it better than the previous books in the series. And I’m still holding out hope that Colton will get his own book, even though there’s no mention of it yet.

Last, but certainly not least (or maybe yes least) was Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend by Alan Cumyn. This was a whole rollercoaster of weird. You may be asking what the author means by a pterodactyl boyfriend - just that. A guy that is a pterodactyl. And he becomes (sort of) her boyfriend. If you like weird stuff, and who doesn’t now and again, definitely check this one out. It’s… certainly something.

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

Weekly Reading Update 4/8 - 4/16! Better late than never, right?

I know, I know, I'm a couple days late - but I had a lot to get done. Alas, sometimes real life gets in the way of reading - no fun, for sure. 

As always, click the link to get more info about the book!

Well, I finished the Princess Diaries series this week! When I originally read these books years ago, I stopped after book four or five, I think. And I'm not sure how I managed that, because they're just so good. I think re-reading this series was exactly what I needed to boost my spirits. I also made sure to re-read The Royal Wedding (which I reviewed last year!). It was just so much better reading it right after finishing the series. And I totally had to buy them all so I can re-read them whenever I want. So I have a mix of the original hardback covers, mass market paperbacks, and the re-issued new trade paperbacks. And I don't care!

Since I finished the Princess Diaries, I had to find a new series to obsess over - so I finally picked up the Mediator series, also by Meg Cabot. A friend suggested I read this series years ago, and I finally got the chance. I listened to the first two on audio, then had to read the rest because I couldn't wait for the audiobooks to come in from the library. I finished the original books, now I'm just waiting for the new novella to come in (yay library digital collection!), and then I can read the new Mediator book that came out this year, Remembrance! 

And since I was on such a throwback kick with the Princess Diaries, I also re-read Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty. Because really, the only thing that can help me get past my love of Michael Moscovitz is Marcus Flutie. They were as good as I remember. But alas, my copies are worse than I remember - I bought them all second hand, and my copies of Charmed Thirds, Fourth Comings, and Perfect Fifths aren't too bad, but books one and two are kind of a mess. I might have to invest in new ones. 

I also read Dragon Soul by Katie MacAlister - another favorite author! I got to review Dragon Soul for Romance Reviews Today, and I loved it. I love all of Katie Mac's books, she just has such an amusing writing style - I end up chuckling throughout the whole book. Dragon Soul is going on my wishlist as well. I own all of Katie MacAlister's books except for the two most recent dragon books (Dragon Storm and Dragon Soul) - but I'm sure I'll find them and add them to my collection soon enough. 

Another read this week was Hate to Love You by Elise Alden. Goodreads recommended this one to me, and my library had a digital copy, so I figured why not. It was definitely... interesting. I can't say I really liked it, but I didn't full on hate it either. Part one (several years in the past), was confusing and awkward. Part two (present day) was better, and reminded me a lot of some of the Harlequins I've read in the past, and enjoyed. But there were still some issues that weren't addressed, and I hate when stand-alones aren't wrapped up completely. 

I also read Lumberjanes volume 3: A Terrible Plan by Noelle Stevenson, and Paper Girls volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan. Both were interesting, and both had dinosaurs, strangely enough. I'm a huge fan of the Lumberjanes series, so I knew that one would be great. But Paper Girls is brand new, so I wasn't sure how it would go. However, I've read a few other comics by Brian K. Vaughan, so I knew it would at least be good, if not completely amazing. I recommend both of these to any comic reader!

I think that's enough for this week, right? I'll see you again soon!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Weekly Reading Update! 4/1 - 4/7/16!

Another week, another weekly reading update! This week I went on a bit of a nostalgia kick, so I've been reading The Princess Diaries series like it's going out of style! And of course, that's making me want to read the Georgia Nicholson series, and the Jessica Darling series, all over again as well. Maybe next week!

As always, click the link to check them out!

Since last week, I finally picked my 2016 Popsugar Reading Challenge back up by reading a book of poetry - "The Hunting of the Snark" by Lewis Carroll. I'm not a big poetry fan, and that might be because to really understand a poem, I have to read it out loud to myself. Which can get pretty weird, depending on where you're reading it. I live in fear that someone will stop by my house and hear me reading poetry to myself.. But anyway! This book was good, really. Very enjoyable, even for someone that doesn't really like poetry.

I also read "Knight" by Kristen Ashley. I didn't know what to expect when I started this - I picked it up on recommendation from someone else, without ever really looking into it. And I'm stuck somewhere between liking it (it was definitely hot), and disliking it (really? you can't think of another word besides "babe"?!). In the end, I gave it three stars because I was so conflicted. But then I promptly requested the second book in the series to read, so clearly I liked the author and writing enough to seek out more!

Next up was "Simon Says: Mine" by Cherise Sinclair. When I want a good, steamy, hot read - I pick up something by Cherise. This novella was part of a series I hadn't read before, but her books can often be read as stand alones - especially near the beginning of the series. This was offered as an eBook at my library, so of course I had to jump on it. Yum! I can't wait to start this series as soon as I finish the Shadowlands series.

And last, but certainly not least, I read books 2-5 of the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot. (2: Princess in the Spotlight, 3: Princess in Love, 4: Princess in Waiting, 5: Princess in Pink). I read this series years ago, and stopped somewhere near the end, but I couldn't remember where. So I figured, since I was feeling nostalgic, I'd pick them back up. I listened to 4 & 5, but read books 2 & 3, since they were checked in at the library. If you like audiobooks, I'd give these a listen. The narrator does a fantastic job! I forgot how much I love Mia and her friends - and especially Michael. Oh, Michael Moscovitz. *Sigh*

Well, that's it for me this week. But I'm sure I'll have plenty to talk about next week!

Happy reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Review: ROYAL WEDDING by Meg Cabot

Release Date: June 2nd, 2015

Type: Series, Book 11, Young Adult, New Adult, Adult, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Humor, Contemporary, We'll never be royals (royals)..

About the Book: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well? [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: This was everything I could have hoped for. The Princess Diaries is such an iconic series, and one I remember fondly from my younger years. I picked up the series a little later than most, I was twenty at the time, but that didn't mean I loved it any less. And when I heard there was going to be another book, I might have just squealed out loud. But I was also very, very nervous. Could this hold up to the series I loved so much? Is it too late for Mia to really get some sort of happily ever after?

Let me tell you - I was not disappointed. The characters all held true to their former selves, and you can even see the growth and maturity in them since the last time we got to see them, those many years ago. I'll admit, this book could have had a lot of issues, and I still would fangirl all over it. But really, it felt right. I got the happy ending I needed, and Mia became the amazing princess I always knew she would be.

This may be silly, but I want to thank Meg Cabot for writing this. The readers that grew up with Princess Mia will always have a special place for her in our hearts, and Meg Cabot gave us a gift by writing this book.

Cover Lovin': Look at it, just look at it! It's perfect. While the Princess Diaries books I remember reading were all pink, this pale blue gorgeous-ness is perfect for Mia.

Recommendation: For long-time fans of the series, for new fans of the series, for everyone. This series is a classic, and Royal Wedding is just what everyone needs. Side note: For a similar read, try The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan!

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars! Amazing, wonderful, I'm so happy I could cry. Maybe I did cry, you can't prove anything.

Get your copy today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Abandon hope all ye that enter here. REVIEW: "Abandon" by Meg Cabot

Why this book?: Well, I'm definitely riding the Greek Mythology in YA trend, especially when it involves my favorite myth story, Hades and Persephone. Also.. it was due back to the library tomorrow.

Disclaimer: I got this book from my local library. I am reviewing this for my own enjoyment.

Type: Young Adult, Teen, Young Adult Romance, Trilogy, Book One, Series, Greek Mythology, Hades and Persephone

About the book: Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid. Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most. But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.
My Review: I'm conflicted about this book. I enjoyed it over all, but for every good thing I liked about it, there was something about it that just didn't work for me. I'm all for jumping right into a story - but "Abandon" starts when Pierce moves to her new home, which happens to be almost ten years after she first meets John, and a full year and a half after her death and her deal (sorta) about staying with John. The first several chapters were incredibly confusing, because Pierce would make vague references to things that happened in the past, and you'd eventually get told what happens.. but usually not right away. So be prepared to pay a lot of attention while reading.

The author mentions "Abandon" is book one in a trilogy, which is great - because "Abandon" felt like all set up, with little of it's own plot and story. This book might by the type that is hard to judge without reading the rest of the series, because you can't really review it without reviewing the rest (and I will, when they're released). And even then, it's not so much set up in the present, as learning about John and Pierce's past together, and then we'll get the rest in books two and three. And then the word "love" is mentioned (C'mon people, it's a YA romance, you knew the L word was going to be there), and it seems like it came out of left field. It doesn't feel like they have enough history to be tossing around that word, not when we've only been present for a few days worth. Hopefully this will be addressed in the future novels.

That said, yes, there were things I liked about "Abandon." I love this take on the Hades and Persephone myth, and the history behind the gift (a necklace) that John gives Pierce. I cannot wait to see what Cabot will do with the rest of the series, and how she will further blend the mythology in with what she has already started. I also like Pierce's family dynamics. Her parents are actually present in the story, or at least her mother is. But Pierce doesn't just have her mother to rely on, her father is still a presence in her life, as is her Grandmother, uncle and cousin - she has family, and isn't totally alone, something that isn't too prevalent in young adult fiction.

Cover Loving: This cover is very well done. Simple, and elegant. The gold and black tones seem perfect for the story.

Recommendation: It's a good story, and one I would feel confident recommending to younger teens to read, since it doesn't deal with subjects that are too mature. And fans of "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter will want to check out "Abandon."

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE (3/5). I toyed with giving this a lower rating, maybe 2.5 or even 2, but as mentioned above, that might just be because this book is so hard to judge without reading the rest of the trilogy. I'm seeing a lot of things in "Abandon" that show it has the makings of a great series, but there are equal amounts of issues and problems.

Have you read "Abandon" by Meg Cabot? Share your thoughts in the comments! How would you compare this book to other mythology-based YA releases? Would you like to pick up a copy of "Abandon?" Get it at Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Review of "Insatiable" by Meg Cabot

Since I'm stuck at home with a massive headache all day, I decided to keep my mind off of it by reading. It at least helped a little. So I finished the first House of Night novel, but had no urge to review it.. maybe after I read a few more of the series I'll do a massive review. So I started on the next book, "Insatiable" by Meg Cabot.. Been looking forward to this one for a while. Let's see...

Disclaimer: "Insatiable" by Meg Cabot was not given to me for review, nor was anything else. This book is most definitely a "Library Loot" item.

Type: Fiction, Vampires, Romance (?)..

From the back of the book: " Sick of hearing about vampires? So is Meena Harper. But her bosses are making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn't believe in them. Not that Meena isn't familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you're going to die. (Not that you're going to believe her. No one ever does.) But not even Meena's precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets - then makes the mistake of falling in love with - Lucian Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side. It's a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire hunters, would prefer to see him dead for. The problem is, Lucien's already dead. Maybe that's why he's the first guy Meena's ever met whom she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena's always been able to see everyone else's future, she's never been able to look into her own. And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare. Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future... If she even has one. "

Wow, that description looked shorter on the book, whew. Anyways. I have been a fan of Meg Cabot for some time, because of the Princess Diaries series. Yeah, I watched the movies first, but then got really into the books. So when I heard "Insatiable" was coming out, I got a little excited. Especially after reading that blurb. And now, having read it, I feel almost let down. And there are two specific moments in this book that made me feel less than pleased with it over all.

First up, when Meena was talking to her best friend about the encounter she had the night before. This particular scene happens early on in the book, but just in case, I'll put up a SPOILER warning.

********SPOILER ALERT************
In an early scene, Meena is unable to sleep and gets up, originally to take some sleeping medication, but when her dog gets excited thinking it's time to get up, she decides to take him for a walk. While on their stroll, she walks past an older church currently undergoing renovations. Suddenly, it looks like something is falling from the church, and a second later, Meena realizes there is a colony of bats bearing down on her. A good looking man that had been walking past dives on top of her, shielding her from the bats. She can feel his body twitching and shivering from the bites, claws, etc, but when they both get up, she sees he is completely unharmed. He walks her back to her apartment, and it's not until a little later she learns he is Lucien Antonescu, the famed vampire prince. After this encounter, Meena goes home, and takes her sleeping pills so she will actually be able to rest, instead of continuing to think about what happened.
*******END OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS******

What bothered me was how her friend wouldn't believe that it actually happened. And I don't mean she was going "Oh my gosh, no way! NO WAY!" I'm saying her friend kept telling Meena she obviously just took her sleeping pill earlier than she thought, and dreamed all that. Despite what Meena said to try and convince her friend, she just didn't believe it. But Meena knew better. Now, maybe I have a particularly odd group of friends, but I'm fairly positive that no wonder how weird my story is, they're going to at least pretend to believe me, and not try to convince me I'm making everything up, or dreamed it. I'd get annoyed pretty quickly if someone tried to convince me that I just dreamed something I know I actually experienced.

And lastly... the ending. Man did that ending frustrate me. I will not offer up any spoilers here, but I will say it disappointed the crap out of me. I had expectations, and not only did Meena fall short, but so did Lucien. In fact, the only main character that did not make me angry in the end was Alaric, our favorite member of the Palatine Guard (read: Vampire Hunters). The last big battle was epic, I mean... what Lucien did/how he changed during it was AMAZING... a really interesting little twist.. but how Meena ended up acting after she witnessed this act just irked me. Yes, it might weird a person out, but.. well, as I said, it was annoying. I looked on the author's website, there is no mention that there will be a sequel to "Insatiable." I would be so willing to let this ending go if I knew for sure there would be something more after it. But so far, it's a stand-alone novel, one with a really crappy ending. At least in my opinion.

I'm going to give "Insatiable" by Meg Cabot a THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE. 3.5/5. I didn't care for the ending, and the way the characters turned out. Yes, Meena grew as a character, which is good, but I feel like if this is going to be a stand alone novel, the author should have given us way more.

I'm sorry if this review seems a little all over the place, as I mentioned, I'm still battling this headache. But I wanted to get the review over and done with while the book was still fresh in my mind. Maybe I was just hoping for too much with this book, so the actual product fell short of my expectations. But what are your thoughts?

Happy Reading!
~!~ Morning Glow