Lexie – Page 14 – For the Sake of Reading

Book Review: The Lost Girl

Published on September 8, 2015August 22, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingya1 Comment

New student Lizzy Palmer is the talk of Shadyside High. Michael and his girlfriend Pepper befriend her, but the closer they get to her, the stranger she seems… and the more attractive she is to Michael. He invites her to join him on a snowmobile race that ends in a tragic accident. Soon, Michael’s friends start being murdered, and Pepper becomes convinced that Lizzy is behind the killings. But to her total shock, she and Michael are drawn into a tragic story of an unthinkable betrayal committed over 60 years ago.

Pros – Stine delivers on the terrifying factor (if you don’t walk away with at least two new fears of how to die I’ll be shocked), its not just a dude in a mask, my fear of horses is completely vindicated

Cons – convoluted plot, annoying characters, useless adults…honestly this is a Fear Street novel so these aren’t really cons as much as typical attributes of the books you tolerate because you’re not reading these for fine literature

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Series Recap: Thrones of Glass series by Sarah J Maas

Published on August 25, 2015October 24, 2016 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

Welcome to Series Recap! A quick recap of what to remember before the next new book hits the shelves.

Today we’re going to tackle the THRONE OF GLASS series by Sarah J Maas. Currently standing strong at 1 book of prequel novellas, 3 novels and book 4, QUEEN OF SHADOWS, releasing in September I think its safe to say folk really dig this assassin’s life. Even if she seems to do less assassinating then you’d think given her title. But how much do you remember?

Warning: Spoilers abound. I don’t suggest reading these if you haven’t read the series in question first. I don’t pull punches and I won’t give you another warning before telling you your favorite character’s pet cat dies in a horrible fire.

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Book Review: The Shadow Behind the Stars

Published on August 21, 2015August 20, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingya2 Comments

Heed this warning, mortal: stay far away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the world…

Chloe is the youngest. Hers are the fingers that choose the wool, that shape the thread, that begin it. The sun smiles upon her. Men love her without knowing who she is. She has lived forever and will live forever more. She and her sisters have been on their isolated Greek island for centuries, longer than any mortal can remember. They spin, measure, and slice the countless golden threads of human life. They are the three Fates, and they have stayed separate for good reason: it is dangerous for them to become involved with the humans whose lives they shape.

So when a beautiful girl named Aglaia shows up on their doorstep, Chloe tries to make sure her sisters don’t become attached. But in seeking to protect them, Chloe discovers the dark power of Aglaia’s destiny. As her path unwinds, the three Fates find themselves pulled inextricably along—toward mortal pain, and mortal love, and a fate that could unravel the world.

Pros – The Three Fates!, no romance, a lot of sage advice from Chloe

Cons – Its hard to really pinpoint the main plot at times, Aglaia is not particularly likable at times, the pacing may throw others off

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Book Review: Crane

Published on August 13, 2015August 13, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?

Pros – Not your average murder mystery, intriguing way to incorporate American legends, Ireland Crane is a different kind of main character

Cons – The alternating chapters disrupt the flow of the story, at times the story gets lost in its own mythology, Ireland gets super annoying at times

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Book Review: The Pirate Code

Published on August 11, 2015August 10, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

Fresh off a fearsome encounter with the Neverland crocodile, Jocelyn Hook decides the most practical plan is to hunt down her father’s famous fortune. After all, she’ll need the gold to fund her adventuring in the future. (And luckily, Hook left her the map.)

But the map proves to be a bit harder to crack than Jocelyn had hoped, and she’s convinced that the horrible Peter Pan might be the only one with the answers. Of course, he doesn’t really feel like helping her, so Jocelyn takes the only reasonable course of action left to her: she kidnaps his mother. Evie, though, is absolutely thrilled to be taken prisoner, so Jocelyn’s daring ploy doesn’t have quite the effect she’d planned for.

Along with the problem of her all-too-willing captive, Jocelyn must also contend with Captain Krueger, whose general policy is that no deed is too dastardly when it comes to stealing Hook’s treasure. And with the ever-shifting Whens of the Neverland working against her as well, Jocelyn, Evie, Roger, and the rest of the Hook’s Revenge crew have their work cut out for them.

In this rambunctious showdown between characters new and old, Jocelyn puts her own brand of pirating to the test in a quest to save her future and those she loves. !

Pros – Lots more pirate’ing fun, bonding over pillaging (well, sort of) and several people getting their just desserts (good and bad)

Cons – You need tissues and if you don’t have any you’re in a bit of trouble, Peter Pan (I really don’t like this kid) and not enough Tiger Lily

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Graphic Novel Review: Heart in a Box

Published on August 6, 2015August 5, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

When the Man with No Name breaks Emma’s heart, she wants to die. But you never die from these things; you just want to. In a moment of weakness, she wishes her broken heart away and a mysterious stranger–who may or may not be totally evil–obliges. But emptiness is even worse than grief, and Emma sets out to collect the seven pieces of her heart spread across the country, a journey that forces her to face her own history and the cost of recapturing it, and leads inevitably to a confrontation with the Man with No Name himself!

Pros – Heartfelt, honest and relatable to anyone who has ever been hurt

Cons – a little confusing at times, artwork may not appeal to everyone

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GGB July: Clever Girl Brunch Part 1: The Brunch

Published on August 1, 2015August 2, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

Have you heard of Geek Girl Brunch? No? Let me fill your earholes with some information. Geek Girl Brunch started as a get together for a group of friends that has since become a worldwide association of chapters. Chances are no matter where you are there’s a Geek Girl Brunch chapter fairly close by. Gather ye Geek Girls each month (or whenever) for boundless fun, food and of course the brunch staple of mimosas, Bloody Marys and fruity drinks.

In my particular area there’s the New York (founding) chapter, the Philly chapter and hopefully by the end of the year a Central Jersey chapter. On July 26th 50 or so Geek Girls got together at Bourbon Street Bar & Grille for a day of Jurassic sized fun.

Bourbon Street Signage — I can’t say I don’t agree with this…

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Book Review: Uprooted

Published on July 9, 2015July 9, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her. But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

Pros – The “romance” is light and doesn’t play out like you would imagine, old world “fairy tale” feel to the narrative, Agnieszka is easy to relate to, unexpected humor

Cons – takes a long while to get to the “root” of the plot, the Dragon is borderline abusive towards Agnieszka for the better part of the book, gets somewhat confusing in the middle third

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Post Book Conference – Choosing your first read

Published on July 6, 2015July 6, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

sheska from fullmetal alchemist — How do I choose?

There’s an important decision that you’ve either made or will make soon. You probably don’t realize it, probably haven’t even given it much thought, but its a decision that has the potential to have long reaching consequences. I’m talking about the first book you read (and finish!) after a book conference*.

All of us walk away with plenty of new reads to lavish attention upon. Whether its a new book in a favorite series or the hotly anticipate debut, they’re all so PRETTY and make you want to read them now now now. But what do you choose? How can you say yes to one without making the others feel less important? Is it better to stay with a known favorite author or strike out into new territory? Read something coming out now or something due out in 9 months?

Hey I get you, don’t worry I feel that way too. Its a thrilling and terrifying moment of truth that few consciously understand or can even explain adequately. The rush and anticipation, the thrill of cracking open that new ARC and knowing you’re one of only a few hundred (at most) who have it in their hands. Its the best feeling for a book nerd. That’s why its interesting to chart a person’s reading habits. I’ve done it to myself the last several book conferences and well the data is a bit eye opening when I consider what I THINK I do and what I actually do.

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Book Review: Lock and Mori

Published on June 30, 2015June 30, 2015 by forthesakeofreadingyaLeave a comment

In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students, one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James “Mori” Moriarty, meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart.Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more.

FACT: Someone has been murdered in London’s Regent’s Park. The police have no leads.

FACT: Miss James “Mori”Moriarty and Sherlock “Lock” Holmes should be hitting the books on a school night. Instead, they are out crashing a crime scene.

FACT: Lock has challenged Mori to solve the case before he does. Challenge accepted.

FACT: Despite agreeing to Lock’s one rule–they must share every clue with each other–Mori is keeping secrets.

OBSERVATION: Sometimes you can’t trust the people closest to you with matters of the heart. And after this case, Mori may never trust Lock again.

Pros – Surprisingly engaging take on the characters of Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty, offers a tangled mystery, banter between Lock and Mori is delightful

Cons – The mystery becomes predictable as soon as a certain clue or two is revealed, character development is uneven, first person perspective means we get plenty from Mori’s side of things, but very little from Lock’s

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