Book Review: Throne of Glass, Book 1

I finally did it. I read the first book to the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, a series endlessly pushed by "booktube" and beautiful fan art on Pinterest, a book which I could ignore no longer.

Throne of Glass is about Celaena Sardothien, a world-reknowned 18 year-old assassin who is taken from the slave camp Endovier and brought to the kingdom of Adarlan to compete in a series of Tests against other assassins, soldiers, and thieves for the role of the King's Champion. Though working for the king who ruined her life isn't her ideal situation, Celaena is promised freedom in four years and finds herself facing an offer she can't refuse. She soon discovers things are not as they seem and finds herself not only in a fight for title, but a fight for her life.

I will say...the hype, centered around this young assassin with extraordinary skills, didn't live up to my expectations. I prepared myself for a dark, grim world and protagonist. While there were a few scenes where we got a glimpse of Celaena's mad skills, I felt her budding romance with one of the characters and her constant self-examinations in the mirror over every detail of her new dresses overshadowed the assassin in her. Granted, she's young and not inhuman, but she's also been through hell and trained to be an assassin by the leader of the Assassin's Guild; I figured there would be less concern over her attire and how dirty her face was and more suspicion and apathy. 

Despite my disappointments, I still feel as though I need to give this series a chance. I haven't heard great things about book 2, but have heard book 3 is where it starts to get interesting. There were elements of the story and characters that I loved, and I thought the world-building was unique (I mean, a castle of glass...C'mon. That's not usual). Book One can be tricky in setting up backstory and characters, so I'm still hopeful that this entertaining but shaky introduction will lead to bigger and better things.

A hopeful 3/5 stars

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Book Review : My Ántonia

A cousin of mine recommended this book to me because it was my grandmom's favorite. My grandmom passed away when I was 6, and I have hardly any memory of her, only stories from my dad. So anything that can bring me closer to her spirit, I accept readily.

My Ántonia is a beautiful mess of a book. The story is very slow, and from the moment I started till past halfway through the book, I felt like I'd jumped into a story that started somewhere else. None of the characters are particularly likable; in fact, the main character is downright annoying on many occasions, and the ones that have potential don't get much "page time."

These flaws have kept me from truly enjoying this book, and yet still it holds an element of intrigue. I read most of the book in a day, which is curious as it usually takes me months to struggle through to the end of a book I don't like. Willa Cather's writing is introspective with an autobiographical feeling to it. She lived in Nebraska, which is the story's setting, and it obviously had great impact on her life. Her descriptions are fluid, vivid, and read like none other I've read. When she writes I can smell the prairie, feel the cold of silent, grey winter twilight and the power of sun in a wide Nebraskan sky.

If you want to read a book with what I would call exquisite writing, then I would recommend you give this book a chance.

2.5/5 for the story
4/5 for the writing

Book Review: An Elegant Facade, Hawthorne House #2

To anyone else, Lady Georgina is a typical, spoiled young woman enjoying her first year out in society looking for a husband. Her ridiculous antics especially annoy Colin McCrae, a connected businessman lacking impeccable bloodlines. Little to the knowledge of her family and friends, Georgina is driven by a shameful secret, one that she has carefully hidden through the years and can only be remedied by her high social aspirations. But how long can she keep up this facade?

I haven't enjoyed a Christian fiction book in a while. So many of them are the same, in characters, predictability, storyline, etc. 

However, I enjoyed An Elegant Facade; I always love those stories which give a nod to Jane Austen. From the title character's mistaken first impressions, to chats during ballroom dances and the worry of finding a suitable husband, I think it's safe to say any Janeite interested in the genre would enjoy this story. 

 Kristi Ann Hunter adds mystery, danger, and intrigue, interspersed with delicious foreshadowing, just enough to keep you turning to the next page but distracted from discovering Georgina's secret too early. I thought Hunter did a wonderful job of introducing something new to an otherwise predictable story. I loved the author's writing style, and her characters had me hooked. 

( This is the second book in a series, and while you could read it alone, like I did, I think I would've had a few things cleared up if I'd read the first one. )

4/5 stars

**I received this book for free in exchange for review from Bethany House Publishers. 

I also want to apologize for the font issues in this post. I've tried everything I can think of and can't seem to fix it; hopefully it is a problem Blogger is having that will be sorted out in the next few days. I'll keep an eye on it.

Book Review: Jane's Fame — How Jane Austen Conquered the World

This is the story of how I conquered reading this book.

Don't go ahead and dismiss this review, however. It had its ups and downs, though that does make for a confusing book to review. But to start off on a good note, just look at that cover art; it makes my heart happy.

I purchased (or rather, I believe my mother did?) this book several years ago, started it, stopped. Started it. Stopped. Finally in February of this year I began the book again, determined to cross the finish line. It took me until now, with a month's break, but I was finally able to close the book on the last words. Satisfying.

As I got into the first couple chapters,  I was skeptical. It appeared a lot of what the author was stating as fact were assumptions, but the fact is, Jane Austen's life is shrouded in conflicting accounts and few material evidences of her life. If you're going to write a biography on her life, expect speculation.

By combining family accounts, personal letters, and the views of the time, the biographer Claire Harman is able to give us a glimpse into Jane's life, one that I'd never heard before reading this book. She covers Jane's personal life, her character, her writing and struggle with publication, and eventually modern-day Janeites and adaptations through the years.

I let go of my skepticism and gobbled up the first few chapters. Everyone has their own personal view on Jane, but to receive a personal view influenced by hard facts was fascinating, and made me love Jane Austen even more. (I especially enjoyed reading about what Jane Austen thought of her own writing and the process, gathered mostly from letters and family accounts. It humanized her.) I did notice the author seemed to repeat herself, especially in mentioning that there isn't much information to go on...everyone has a different account...but then continue on with her said assumptions. She could've cut down on these observances.

The middle chapters were rather dull, and that's where I set the book aside for a month. Leaving the personal world of Jane Austen and focusing on more technical aspects, such as publications and numerously mentioned critiques, I found myself skimming through the notes.

Again, this is how Austen conquered the world — her influence on chick lit, feminists, and film, to name a few. You'll get a couple chapters on her life, but if you're a true enthusiast and want to know more about how persuasive she's been over the lives of millions, I highly recommend you read this book. Decide for yourself what you accept as fact or fiction, possible or impossible.

And know that Jane couldn't care less what you think of her.


3.5/5 stars

Audiobook Review: The Red Necklace

   In April I came down with a sinus and ear infection. I've never had the latter, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. The combination of the two rendered me useless, and all I could do was lay on the couch with my eyes closed. Even my fall back, television, was useless.

So came up with the idea to listen to an audiobook. I don't often use audiobooks as I find, unless the words are directly in front of me,  my mind wanders in a thousand different directions. When you literally have nothing else to do, however, they come in quite handy.

I found an audiobook for The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner and read by Tom Hiddleston. I'd never heard of the book or its author before, but what drew me was my like for the charming British actor who would be reading said book to me, and well, there was no way I wasn't taking advantage of that.

The Red Necklace combines historical events from the French revolution and gypsy magic. It's the first book in a series (the second book published in 2009, two years after the first, so I don't know if the author is planning any other books), and young adult. I highlight these two things because the book was slightly shallow and ended rather abruptly in my opinion, and I can only hope the second will flesh out the characters.

Overall, the story was enjoyable and characters entertaining. It took me about halfway through the audiobook to really get caught up in the story, and I feel like some of the character growth was more of a leap rather than a gradual journey. This isn't a story I would rush out and get for my own personal library, but if you want a light story with magic, adventure, and young love interwoven with accurate historical events, then I think you'll have fun with this book... especially if you listen to the audiobook.

Tom Hiddleston is known for being talented with accents and impressions, and he doesn't disappoint. Each character has his or her own unique voice. I sometimes cringe when audiobook readers try to create voices — I have this problem where I feel intensely awkward for someone else. When Hiddleston began the story and voices, I began to feel that "oh no" flush on my cheeks, but then I realized he was doing an amazing job. His narration contributed greatly to the entertainment.

3/5 stars
4.5/5 stars for the audiobook

Book Review: Marley & Me

I am not one for sad dog stories. I locked myself in the bathroom and cried violently after watching Eight Below. After watching Hachi, I was angry at my parents for bringing home such a movie. Don't even get me started on Old Yeller.

However, Marley and Me was the one "sad" dog movie I could watch and enjoy, despite shedding tears at the end. I figured I would try the book, as well. I'm thrilled I did.

Yes, this book is about "the world's worst dog," a dog that was kicked out of obedience school and ate an 18K gold necklace. But this isn't just a dog story. It's about a family, about love, and loyalty. It's about learning to work through the trials and tears life brings you, and always finding the joy in a day.

John Grogan cleverly takes us through Marley's life and the experiences he and his wife went through starting their own marriage and family, making you feel as though you're right there with them. I laughed, I cried, and I walked away unable to stop thinking of the book.

I never thought I'd be able to pick a favorite book, but Marley & Me might just be my answer.

5/5 stars

Advisory: This book contains a little bit of language, and Grogan is fairly open and honest about marital relations as good chunk of the book deals with the Grogans attempting to start a family; some of it is also emotionally heavy. It might be a bit much for younger readers.

Book Review: Someday, Someday, Maybe

Synopsis taken from Goodreads: 

Franny Banks is a struggling actress in New York City, with just six months left of the three year deadline she gave herself to succeed. But so far, all she has to show for her efforts is a single line in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters and a degrading waitressing job. She lives in Brooklyn with two roommates-Jane, her best friend from college, and Dan, a sci-fi writer, who is very definitely not boyfriend material-and is struggling with her feelings for a suspiciously charming guy in her acting class, all while trying to find a hair-product cocktail that actually works. 

... It's hard to tell if she'll run out of time or money first, but either way, failure would mean facing the fact that she has absolutely no skills to make it in the real world...



I saw Gilmore Girls for the first time over the winter and enjoyed the show, especially Lauren Graham's performance, so when I saw that she had authored Someday, Someday, Maybe, I knew it had to be on my Christmas List (thank you, Gommie!).

The coming-of-age story of Franny Banks accurately depicts the anxiety, self-doubt, and wonderment of transitioning into adulthood and discovering yourself. Franny faces embarrassment, naive choices, and denial, all with the good hanging right in front of her eyes. It's a frustrating, comical experience that reminds you to step back and examine life, then trust your gut and leap forward with your dreams.

The author created an excellent character to represent common struggles women face, both personally and in the work place. I often cringed for or laughed with Franny Banks, but at the same time I will say she wasn't developed enough to the point where I felt a connection. I'm assuming this is a slightly autobiographical novel, and I wish Miss Graham had put a little more of herself into the character.

The story had it's flaws. Honestly, I had a hard time getting into the book, forgetting it for long periods of time on my bookshelf before picking it up again. It wasn't until Chapter 14 that things started happening and I began to have interest, but still I was just coasting through it. The ending wrapped up abruptly, and I was left saying, "That's it?" and back on my bookshelf it went.

Graham certainly has potential as a writer and I would read another book by her with the hopes that she had cleaned up some of her prose and developed characters. This book falls flat, but it still had an entertaining protagonist and comical moments that had me laughing out loud. ( And the book cover is one of my all-time favorites ;)  )

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
(I will give a heads up that this book contains some language and sexual innuendo/situations)

Have you read the book? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

Book Review and Giveaway of The Case of the Tabloid Tattler!

Author Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick is having a blog tour for the release of her new book, The Kitten Files: The Case of the Tabloid Tattler. She has graciously allowed me read the book ahead of time and post a book review as part of her tour!

A cat that writes? Impossible! But not so in The Case of the Tabloid Tattler. Detective Keith is shocked to discover the stray cat he took in can carry a conversation on paper. Together, they form a plan on how to solve Keith's latest case in which a wealthy young woman's secrets are being sold to the public by a perpetrator.

I first offered to write a book review because I thought the story sounded like something I would've been excited about as a young kid. I wasn't mistaken.

The book is charming and cleverly twists you around as you try to figure out just who is spying on Mrs. Thornblood and exposing her private life. The wording is simple enough for a younger reader to understand, yet incorporates just enough mystery and suspense to keep you on your toes and does a wonderful job in setting up future books.

I also enjoyed the special insight into a cat's life; the author did a great job in not letting us forget the protagonist was a domesticated animal while still providing a personal voice.

I wouldn't want to give away any spoilers by adding more details, but this story is perfect for your curious and mischievous young readers and would also make an excellent candidate for story time.

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A Bit About the Author:

Perry is a Christian, homeschool graduate who has written and published "The Heavens Declare," "Light of the World," "Pearl's Practice," and "The Case of the Tabloid Tattler." She lives in beautiful Oregon with her best-friend-turned-husband and their sweet baby boys. Find her books and other writings and connect with her at: perryelisabeth.blogspot.com.

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The book releases on the 17th, but in the meantime the next blog tour stop is at http://ekaiserwritesablog.blogspot.com , where E. Kaiser will interview Perry about her writing process, AND http://noblenovels.weebly.com, where blogger Holly Ciampi will be bringing you a character interview with Mia, the cat.

Perry Elisabeth is also hosting a giveaway for a signed, free copy of her new book, a chance to help name the dog in Book 2, or a free e-book version! Enter below for a chance to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Death of King Arthur

Last year in the fall I had purchased The Death of King Arthur: A Retelling by Peter Ackroyd. In the book, Ackroyd takes Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur and turns the language into modern English. The book was on sale, so I snatched it up; I have a hard time understanding old King James language, so this sounded perfect to me. (Plus, after finishing the BBC series Merlin, I wanted to learn more about the real Arthurian legends.)

Unfortunately, I've been less than thrilled with this retelling.

First of all, I do want to say that the book has been a good, basic introduction to the Arthurian legends. I've learned some things that I'd never heard concerning the legends, and some of the ideas in the book have been quite thought-provoking.

However, the style in which this retelling is written, though meant to be understood in modern language, is extremely simple. As I was reading, I felt like I had picked up a middle school book. It just all seemed very odd to me for the reading to be so incredibly simple, but the subject matter not always for young children.

For my reading experience, it felt unnatural and plain. This book might be preferable to keep on the nightstand for late at night when you're too tired to do any serious reading; The Death of King Arthur is broken down into several books and sections for each little story, so it's easy to choose one or two 3-7 page stories to read and then set aside. This is what I'm going to do and move on to another book for the majority of my reading.

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Would I recommend this to a friend?: For a fairly light read or, as I mentioned, night time book, yes.

Have you ever read this book? What was your opinion?

Have you read the original Le Morte d'Arthur?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!