Review: Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Genres: YA; Fantasy

Pages: 416 pages

 

Goodreads Description:

 

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another.

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

 

My review:

 

Why was this book so hard to rate? After all, I flew through it. The world building was spectacular. And the story's delightfully morbid. (I kid! I kid!) For being a book about an assassin it was pretty low-key. (view spoiler)[Except for the whole gushing entrails thing. (hide spoiler)]

So. Why do I settle on only 3 stars? Because I've become this stupid analytical reader, that's why(Is this what editors feel like?). All of the problems with this book wouldn't stop glaring at me. I glared back at them; I told them to leave me be and let me enjoy my book in peace! They didn't listen. Bother!

On the upside, for everything I didn't like about the book, there was something else to praise.

For example:

The writing was beautiful and the descriptions were well done. Maas does a good job of really transporting you into the setting of the story. BUT--the info dumps scattered about the book and the frequent lack of showing was a major turnoff.

As for the characters? I LIKE them, and I like how they were portrayed. Celaena isn't a favorite character of mine, by any means, but I like that she wants to be known for something other than killing. I like that she's not some unfeeling killing machine. I like that, despite her job and her past and her circumstances, she can be girly. She can love dresses and balls and care about how she looks. (Oh, and she loves books. She's quite the well-rounded assassin).

I like Chaol and that, through all his gruffness, he's shown himself to be noble and generous. I like Dorian in that he wants to show that he's more than the crown. And that he wants a wife equal to him in mind and spirit. I like how Kaltain wasn't just portrayed as the simpering, catty girl who hungered after the crown but rather an intelligent, complex character(who hungered after the crown).

I like a lot of things, okay? BUT(I know, I'm so mean. Another 'but'.) while I liked them, I didn't feel this TRUE connection I was supposed to feel, I TRIED to feel. Where were all the FEELS??

It was also hard to get on board with the whole love triangle thing. First of all, WHERE WAS THE LOVE? I get that our two main guys both like Celaena, but the romance felt really flat. It was like the author put the characters together and gave them these weird mushy feelings for each other so we expect SOMETHING to happen and then...

Yup. I mean, there WAS romance, but it was pretty lame. The tension was lacking, which is the whole point of a love triangle. But it really wasn't all bad. It was refreshing, really, reading a Young Adult Fantasy with an emphasis on the actual fantasy(and less ooey gooey stuff). I'll be happy if the series continues that way, as long as the parts WITH romance are written better. That's all I ask.

I think for the most part the good parts outweigh the bad ones. The competition was cool, Celaena was an interesting character to read about, and the ending was pretty epic.

I've become quite the nit-picky reader. But I still devoured the book, didn't I? I'm still aching for Crown of Midnight. And I've heard it gets better. *shrugs* We'll see.

Content: Mild language; mild innuendo (view spoiler)[I think at one point two people lay in bed beside each other, but nothing happens (hide spoiler)]; violence

View all my reviews / Author site / Amazon

Top Ten Books Featuring Characters Who Are Anti-heroes

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Definition of Antihero according to Dictionary.com

1. a protagonist who lacks the attributes that make a heroic figure, as nobility of mind and spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose, and the like.

 

What I love about books like this, is that they leave so much room for character development. Usually, a character who starts out his/her own story without a hero complex, ends up very changed. I think it's fun to see that change. Here are ten novels featuring protagonists who are antiheroes.

1. Amir from The Kite Runner

2. Annyn from The Unveiling

3. Elisa from The Girl of Fire and Thorns

4. Celaena from Throne of Glass

 

5. Leo from Veiled Rose

6. Skylar from Me, Just Different

7. Razo from River of Secrets

8. Sybel from The Forgotten Beasts of Eld

9. Omar from Captives

10. Everard from Before Beauty

Review: Thorn in My Heart

Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Genres: Christian; Biblical Fiction; Historical Fiction; Romance

Pages: 496

Two brothers fight to claim one father’s blessing.
Two sisters long to claim one man’s heart.

In the autumn of 1788, amid the moors and glens of the Scottish Lowlands, two brothers and two sisters each embark on a painful journey of discovery.

Jamie and Evan McKie both want their father Alec’s flocks and lands, yet only one brother will inherit Glentrool. Leana and Rose McBride both yearn to catch the eye of the same handsome lad, yet only one sister will be his bride.

A thorny love triangle emerges, plagued by lies and deception, jealousy and desire, hidden secrets and broken promises. Brimming with passion and drama, Thorn in My Heart brings the past to vibrant life, revealing spiritual truths that transcend time and penetrate the deepest places of the heart.

My review:

 

Let my begin by saying that I do agree with the description Goodreads has provided. A more thorny love triangle I have never seen or heard of, and there is almost more drama, deception, and jealousy in this book than I can bear. Oh, and there are many spirituals truths. I know, that last one didn't quite seem to fit, did it? But it's true, even though those little gems seemed to be buried under everything I didn't like about the book.

To put it simply, this story irked me. Yet the whole time I was reading it there was this inexplicable draw.

It starts off interesting enough. The parallel to the bible story is obvious. Jamie finds himself in trouble at home. After stealing his brother's blessing with the support of his mother, he begins to fear for his life. He may now be the one to inherit Glentrool, but what good is that to him if he ends up dead by his brother's hands? It was a good beginning, but I found myself anxious to get to the drama of the story, when Jamie meets Leana and Rose(Leah and Rachel's counterparts).

Boy, if I had known... (Some minor spoilers ahead?)

With his brother after him, Jamie flees to home of his Uncle Lachlan, hoping to gain a wife during his stay. He's immediately attracted to the beautiful Rose that he barely even gives Leana, the tender compassionate mother hen, a second glance. Cue the love triangle.

 

Because Rose doesn't want to get married. She's fifteen years old for Pete's sake! So she and her sister agree that Leana must be the one to win the man.

 

I'm trying not to be too spoilery, but it's really very hard. In short, our characters are very, very fickle. There is lying, backstabbing, and deceit. A lot of the characters' actions were utterly despicable. Lachlan especially, but Jamie bothered me the most. His actions were innocent, yet so cruel. He's attracted to Rose, but he leads Leana on so many times it's no wonder she thinks him to be in love with her.

 

These characters take marriage so lightly. And divorce to be a perfectly acceptable thing! Yes, I realize this is a retelling of the Old Testament story, but these people are Christians! So why don't they act like it?

 

This book is classified as Biblical Fiction.

 

It reads more like a soap opera.

 

I really hate to be so harsh. Despite all of this, I DO feel sympathy for the characters(except Lachlan). It wasn't easy for any of them.

 

And I'll be completely honest--I read this book in one day. One day. I had to put it down and pick it back up several times, but it was extremely well written. I don't know of another story that has made me FEEL so much. Hence the extra star. I liked the ending, though I hate how it twists the original story. The whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth, and I won't be reading the next one, however much I want to know what happens next.

 

Content: Mature themes; mentions of the intimacy between man and wife

View all my reviews / Amazon Link / Author Site

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon

Okay, people! Clear your schedules, make that trip to the library and then get PUMPED. That's right--it's a readathon. One that lasts 24 hours.

If you know me, you're probably thinking, "why on earth does that girl need a readathon? She already reads practically 24 hours a day." Well...you wouldn't be wrong. But that doesn't change the fact that I've NEVER participated in readathon before and I've always wanted to.

Luckily, today I found out about Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon! Everyone participating in this readathon commits to reading as much as they can in that period of time. I, personally, am not going to be able to read the entire amount of time. I do have church the next day....sleep is a little important.

You can find more details on their site. It starts April 25th! Here are reader sign-ups if you're interested.

If you're participating in the readathon, leave links to your blog/social media so I can come cheer you on! If you want to cheer me on, you can do so here, or on my Twitter!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Choosing

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

 

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

“Not to be Chosen would yield a cruel fate of my own making.”

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—would end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. The whispers contradict everything she’s been told; yet they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, but she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

===================================================================

I know I shouldn't expect an awesome novel just because it's written by the child of one of my all time favorite authors. But this is Ted Dekker's daughter. How can I not be just a little intrigued? Plus, I love a good Christian Dystopian. Anxiously awaiting this one's release.

Mailbox Monday 4-20-15

 

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at To Be Continued and is now hosted at its own blog.

 

I love Mailbox Mondays. It means I recently bought/received books. What could make me happier?

Ladies and gentlemen, book number 1:
 

The Naming by Alison Croggon

Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child after her family is destroyed in war. She is unaware that she possesses a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the School of Pellinor. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true heritage and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now she and her new teacher must survive a journey through a time and place where the forces they battle stem from the deepest recesses of otherworldly terror.

All right, I've read it already. But I loved it. I want moooorre!

Book Number Dos:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Ha! That Rhymes! Wait....how do you pronounce Maas?)

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another.

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Book Number After Dos:

Starring Me by Krista McGee (Oh my goodness, this one rhymes too! I am awed.)

Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.

The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.

Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.

Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.

And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

So. Anything catch your eye? Did you get anything in your mailbox box? Can you tell that I'm fluent in Spanish? And tell me, how do you pronounce Maas???

Review: The Bishop

The Bishop by Steven James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Genres: Mystery/Crime Thriller; Christian; Contemporary

Pages: 523

 

F.B.I. Special Agent Patrick Bowers's cutting edge 21st century geospatial investigative techniques and impeccable logic have helped him track some of the country's most grisly killers. But those skills are pushed to the limit in this new installment of the highly acclaimed, award winning The Bowers Files series.

 

This time it's a congressman's daughter who is found dead even as her killers launch a spree of perfect murders in the Northeast. With nothing to link the crimes to each other, Agent Bowers faces his most difficult case yet even as his personal life begins to crumble around him.

 

Known for his intricately woven, masterfully plotted novels of highoctane action and spine tingling suspense, Steven James delivers once again. The Bishop is a gripping, adrenalinelaced story for readers who are tired of timid thrillers. Strap on your seatbelt and get ready for a wild ride. The game is on.

 

My review: I actually read this one back in December, and just discovered that I had a review stashed away. Convenient, right?

 

Well, Steven James did it again. The suspense continues with The Bishop, book number four in The Patrick Bowers Files. Creepy, but my favorite of the series so far.

“It's hip,” I assured Tessa.

She grimaced. “Hip?”

“Trust me. I have my finger on the pulse of all that is cool.”

“Please tell me you did not just say that.”

I love it. I love how, even during this dark, slightly gruesome suspense, James still manages to add a sprinkling of humor here and there. His characters really come alive—Patrick especially feels very real to me.

The Bishop was very thought-provoking and expertly crafted, in my opinion. Definitely a book that will get your heart racing.

 

At the conclusion I felt somewhat accomplished, having guessed a part of what would happen in the end. Yet, when that did happen, my mind was still completely blown. That's what reading this series is like. You think you have it all figured out, and then the author delivers a twist you never expected, completely throwing you off.

 

The endings of James's books are always the best part. You're kept in suspense until the very end when everything unfolds and all the subplots come together. And you're thinking, “I never would have guessed...”

 

And then, there it is.

 

The end.

 

A cliffhanger. A brilliantly executed cliffhanger, mind you.

 

Now you must read the next book.

 

Content: Some cringe worthy murders. Some intimacy--behind closed doors scenes. More of a Christian message.

View all my reviews / Author Site / Amazon Link

 

Read my reviews of:

 

Book one: The Pawn

Book two: The Rook

Book three: The Knight

If you like mysteries and have a strong stomach, you MUST read this series! Don't question me. I have my finger on the pulse of all that is cool.

Anyone have any recommendations for a mystery/thriller that'll get my heart racing? Creepy is GOOD, but clean is important.