Books That Were WEIRD

For the record, I started this blog post yesterday but after trying to finish it before bed with an awful headache I decided it was best to just finish it today. So as promised: Books that were WEIRD.

The Love That Split the World by Emily Henri

             

                Magical Realism? Sci-fi? I don’t know how to categorize this book. All I know is that Native American legends told by an old woman only the main character, Natalie, can see, romance, and parallel universes made for a very interesting read. I really enjoyed this book and found that the concepts presented to be very original. The fact that the main character had a Native American heritage and was adopted made for a side of young adult fiction that we don't usually see. I was pleased that there was the story of Abraham and Isaac accurately told in the book. While most of the content is somewhat clean I was disappointed to read that in the last five pages of the book there is a line that talks about God's love for us and says he loves us "f****** well." It was very odd and I didn't appreciate it at all.

Language: Severe, everything else was moderate but for the F at the end

Alcohol/drugs: Several teens (not the main character) get drunk at a party and there are terrible 

consequences.

Violence: 2

Sexual Content: Some kissing, a short make out scene that doesn’t go too far, skippable.

Spiritual Content: This part is a bit tricky. As a sci-fi/fantasy novel there are some very weird concepts about life, death, and spirituality. All different ways of thinking are discussed and Natalie contemplates God and who or what he is. What I saw was a very lost and confused soul who wanted to have faith but struggled with believing in anything. It was very sad to read at times. In conclusion, the book had many spiritual aspects I just can’t summarize or categorize them properly.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

This was a stunning sci-fi survival book. The world building was done excellently and everything was easily pictured. A young war hero, Tarver, and the daughter the most powerful man in the universe, Lilac, crash onto a deserted planet after a star liner malfunction that causes the whole ship to plummet. Their journey as they navigate this eerie planet is well written. As their relationship changes it makes for even more drama to add to their plight. The romance was not original or creative and escalated way to quickly for my liking. The part of this book that was so weird was something you don’t discover until the end. Lilac starts seeing and hearing strange things as they trek to the star liner wreckage. It gradually builds towards the part when you discover what it is and when you do, you’re just like. . .what??

Language: Moderate

Alcohol/drugs: none

Violence: 5

Sexual Content: intimacy is referenced once with no more description that the mention of nudity briefly

Spiritual Content: None

You’ll Like it Here (Everybody Does) by Ruth White

                I read this middle grade book several years ago and absolutely loved it. Here’s the synopsis:

                While Meggie and David Blue are from another planet, they're a lot like Earth kids, with similar hopes and dreams. But, they also have GROSSLY UNIQUE qualities, such as blue streaks in their hair that pop up randomly and language skills that sound like nothing on this planet. The story takes these alien kids, along with their mother and grandfather, by accident, to a far planet in which the society is not only oppressive but hostile to individual freedom. People are kept submissive through drugs and brainwashing. The Blues, who have spent time in free societies recognize the upside-down-ness of this world. They're almost helpless to do anything, but do what they can, plan their escape, and vow to help others.

               

             This adventure story was so entertaining and well-paced. The story as a whole was very strange but in the best way possible.

Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: They use drugs on people to keep them submissive as the synopsis says

Violence: None

Sexual Content: None

Spiritual Content: None

I made a tag on Instagram inspired by this post. Link is in the side bar, go and check it out!

Currently Reading: Truth Be Told by Justine Johnston Hemmestad and Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes

Next Post: Mini Reveiws

Mind. Blown.

Mary E. Pearson is probably one of the best writers of all time. The Kiss of Deception intrigued me from first page. That momentum never slowed throughout the rest of this book. The main character is a girl named Lia who is about to be married off to a prince she has never met. Sounds pretty cliché at first right? Wrong. From there it builds itself into something so complex you are pulled into the story and can't find your way out. Not that I wanted to. I could've stayed in that world forever.

(Please, I always read casually in our garden)

This was a book shrouded in secrecy. I loved that some things weren't completely explained, which, instead of annoying me, it made me even more interested. Pearson chose the right things to leave unexplained and did a beautiful job of immersing you in this political fantasy without feeling like you were being info dumped. I found myself really enjoying the political aspect of this world.

The thing that made this book was the plot twist. It. Was. Fantastic. I didn't even realize what was happening at first. I literally put the book down and looked it up on YouTube, thinking I had made a mistake. Then I re-read parts of the book to assure myself it was real. But it was the best thing ever. I realized Pearson had woven the story so deceitfully. She relied on how she thought readers would respond to certain cues and used that against them. Genius. Just Genius.

I liked Lia as a main character. I know some people said she annoyed them as first but I didn't experience this. I related to her personality and think I would've made the same decisions in a lot of the situations. Maybe that means that I'm annoying to some people…

I could go on and on about this book. I loved everything about it. But as it’s now almost 12:30 a.m. I think I should wrap things up for my sake and the family’s. My final thoughts are this: Get the sequel on my shelf already and read this book immediately.

 Stay alive, frens.

P.S.  If you got that reference I love you so much rn

P.P.S. I love you anyway 

Language: Mild

Alcohol/drugs: Visitors drink ale and hard cider in a tavern

Violence: 3

Sexual Content: A supporting character has a child out of wedlock, there is some mild yet romantic kissing, and talk of ways to flirt with men in the tavern.

Spiritual Content: The Fantasy world they live in believes in gods and the have temple-like places to worship. They pray and sing holy songs called Remembrances throughout the book although this is mostly done by supporting characters.

Currently Reading: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Next Post: Books That Were WEIRD

Beware of the Coyote

Sudden Mission by Guy L. Pace

                I was contacted directly by the author on this one (Thank you Guy!) and was very intrigued after reading the blurb. This book falls into the categories of Christian/Early Teen/Sci-fi. All were clearly evident in the book. Right off the bat I would like to say I liked this book. It was fun, adventurous, and entertaining.

Satan, once one of God’s favorites, now His Adversary, grows impatient with the plan and begins to harvest souls. In a fell swoop, he throws reality out of whack and the world into chaos. God calls on Paul and his friends Amy and Joe to set things right. The young teens journey through a messed up world—with a little help from an angel—struggling against everything the Adversary can throw in their path to accomplish their Sudden Mission.

With their world and their parents’ lives hanging in the balance—and the Adversary sending everything from zombies to Samurais to stand in their way—Paul will discover if he has the strength and faith to set things right again and stop Satan’s harvest.

I have to say though for a first book it was pretty good. It was obvious that it was a debut novel but it held my attention and kept me reading to find out what happened next. I loved the war between good and evil. Both sides were clearly stated and the inner struggle for Paul, the main character, was well done. Satan was depicted as a coyote and actually gave me chills at first!

               

            The supporting characters, Amy and Joe, seemed a little two-dimensional. They didn’t really grab me as someone to root for. The plot was very interesting. On the teens journey to Montana they encounter a number of foes sent by the Adversary (Satan). Monks, Zombies, Trolls, Samari Warriors, and Aliens. They were warned of these foes by an angel sent by God but they’re reactions seemed a little too toned down. Also, they seemed to come up with strategies awfully fast. These were kids who had never seen combat, death, or killed anything and yet none of these things seemed to faze them. 

              

             Maybe it was The Lord giving them peace but that wasn’t mentioned in the situation. Overall, I loved this book. It had the fun monsters and colorful plot of a middle grade novel with the action and character arc of a Y/A. 

Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: In another reality, slightly hard cider is served in a tavern

Violence: 4

Sexual Content: None

Spiritual Content: This is a Christian novel based on spiritual warfare so it is very evident in the book

Currently Reading: Nasty Left Overs (Book 2) by Guy L. Pace

Next Post: Nasty Left Overs by Guy L. Pace

Everything Everything

Hello everyone! I’m so excited to talk about today’s book and share an exciting announcement. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is an absolutely stunning book with a very unique dilemma.  This book was listed in a previous post as one of my favorite books of 2015.

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Sounds good right? WELL IT’S EVEN BETTER. Yoon sure does know how to tell a story. Her writing style was so easy to read and mixed throughout the book were quirky drawings, notes, and journal entries illustrated by her husband. They made the story so much more than your typical y/a contemporary. The story was also told through a series of emails between Maddy and Olly which I found hilarious. The short chapters were named which I loved as well.

 “I love how real this plot felt. Like, it wasn’t perfect and things didn’t always go as planned. It was messy and wonderful and scary all at once”

Maddy’s character development throughout the book was so fun to experience. I’ve never read a book where the main character has such a unique disease and it was fascinating to read about. As Maddy began to experience the world for the first time she became bolder and more driven. Olly was the kind of guy that when you first “meet” him he looks like the A-typical bad boy. But, as the story progresses he becomes so much more than that and you slowly discover there’s more to him than you thought.

The family dynamics in this story were interesting as well.  Maddy and Olly’s family life were so drastically different. At the end of the book the characters do something marvelously surprising. It’s as if you are going on a whole new adventure with them and I loved it! Yoon also throws in a heart wrenching twist at the very end. I would tell you but…no spoilers ;) I love how real this plot felt. Like, it wasn’t perfect and things didn’t always go as planned. It was messy and wonderful and scary all at once. This book was everything everything.

Language: Moderate

Alcohol/drugs: An adult is an alcoholic

Violence: There is some domestic violence between Olly’s parents and brawls between Olly and his dad because of it

Sexual Content: Olly’s friend mentions being gay but is only in one brief chapter and is not further dwelt upon. Maddy sees Olly in a swimsuit for the first time and we read her reaction. There is a scene of the sexual nature that is a little more descriptive than usual and more than I would have liked but it wasn't explicit.

Spiritual Content: None that I can remember

~ Special Announcement ~

 I am declaring the month of May "Middle Grade" May. Let me elaborate a little. Throughout the entire month of May all my reviews will be of Middle Grade books. These reviews will be heavily written towards the audience of the parental nature with more in-depth content reviews.

So far, I am reviewing Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart & Percy Jackson and The Olympians Book One: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I need three more books to review and I would greatly appreciate it if you guys could give me some suggestions. Seriously, I need some suggestions. Just hit me up in the Contact Me box off to the side and let me know.

Currently Reading: Sudden Mission by Guy L. Pace

Next Post: Full Review of The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry

3/12

March Wrap-up, Haul, and TBR

Books Read

This is going to be a very short post because I am in a dreaded reading slump. I finished Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas and started The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry. I have yet to finish this book and am about ¾ of the way in. I really wish I read more but I’m not one to force myself to read unless I have a deadline. So, we’ll see when my slump ends.

March Haul

I received Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart from Scholastic (Thank You!) it is a middle-grade historical novel based in the Midwest about a boy who goes on a search for his horse. I had my eye on this book for a couple months now and was surprised to receive it in the mail.

               

My March Reading List

1.       Finish The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry

2.       Sudden Mission by Guy L. Pace

I decided to keep it small since I’m in a slump but hopefully I can read more than this!

Currently Reading: The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry

Next Post: Full Review of Cress by Marissa Meyer

Halflings

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in their earthly mission, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

This book definitely has an interesting concept. This is a young adult urban fantasy/supernatural novel and that in itself intrigued me because I hadn't read a book in this genre before. The book starts off with Genesis 6:2 “The sons of God saw that the daughters of earth were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.”

 In the book, the offspring of these sons of God are still on the earth and have been shown mercy by God who has assigned several angels to look out for and mentor them. They are given a chance to be allowed entrance into heaven upon their death if they do not become like their fathers, fallen angels, or succumb to earthly desires like their mothers, humans.

Three Halfling brothers (Mace, Raven, and Vine) save a human girl, Nikki, from demon dogs and so the drama begins. I found Nikki a bit confusing one moment I thought I knew her character and could relate and another I found her a bit…bi-polar. She is sassy, and sometimes irresponsibly strong willed but, she is smart and is able to make pretty good decisions in the face of a threat though they might be risky. Although, I feel she didn’t have as much character depth as I would like to have seen and the same goes for the brothers.

 The brothers…I would have to describe them as stereotypically dreamy. Mace, the kind-of leader of three is tall with blond hair and blue eyes. Nikki goes into great detail about how attractive he is. I would definitely say he was the “Good Guy” out of the three. He’s responsible, kind, and respectful. Raven, also tall, blond hair and blues eyes is the “Bad Boy.” He is the exact opposite of mace. Rude, selfish, vain, and irresponsible. I mean, he even has a bad boy name. Vine is the youngest and has the same qualities as his brothers. He is the only brother who we don’t get a POV from in the book.

Writing was decent. A bit amateur, but decent. I noticed that the transition between some scenes were a bit awkward and unexplained. The characters would say they were going somewhere or doing something. Then, it would go to the next scene and you would have to assume they have already done although it was not mentioned or written about. I think, it would have been beneficial to the story if Burch went into better detail about how or when they did it.

But, all that said. It is a very enjoyable fun and easy read if you wish to take a break from literary greatness and just cruise. I got through this book quickly and had no trouble reading it for extended periods of time and not becoming tired of the story or characters.

Language: none

Alcohol/drugs: none

Violence: 4.5

Sexual Content: none

Spiritual Content: The main theme is supernatural warfare. There is a big distinction between God as the good side and “The Enemy” as well…the enemy. The only blurred line is the Halfings who struggle with the fact they are on caught in the middle of the war of good and evil.

Currently Reading: Nothing, because I haven't decided what to read next :/

Next Post: Cress (Lunar Chronicles # 3) by Marissa Meyer