Ten finished series that I have YET to finish (but won't) | Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish. 

The more I read, the less I am likely to finish series, because I lose interest in it. It's rare that I haven't finished a series I'm interested it, the only example I have in mind is for the Gemma Doyle trilogy, because I haven't read the last book yet, but I'm planning to, I'm just waiting for Halloween. 

1. ERAGON BY CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI

I loved the first two books but I had to wait forever to read the third, and when I did... I couldn't remember anything about this world or the story, except who Eragon and Saphira were. To read the fourth book, I would have to reread the first three books in the series, and I have so many other things to read that I don't have the time.

2. THE WOLVES OF MERCY FALL BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER

I loved Shiver and I started Linger but I couldn't get back into the story, unfortunately. I never succeeded in finishing The Scorpio Races either, but The Raven Cycle is one of my favourite series. Go figure. 

3. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES BY KAMI GARCIA AND MARGARET STOHL

The only book I didn't read was the last one, and in fact, it was the smallest, haha. Anyway, I don't have any interest for Lena and Ethan anymore, even if Liv and Ridley were great characters. But not enough to read Dangerous Creatures, actually. 

4. THE WITCH HUNTER BY MICHELLE KRYS

I wanted to like Hexed so much, but failed. There is only one other book I have to catch up on, but I won't. 

5. SLAMMED BY COLLEEN HOOVER

I looooved Slammed. However, I don't like to read contemporary series because there is so much drama. There are two other books and when I read the summary of Point of Retreat, I felt it would go this way, and I hate that. So, no matter how much I love CoHo's books, I won't continue with this series.

6. THE MAZE RUNNER BY JAMES DASHNER

I really enjoyed the first two books, but I heard The Death Cure was really disappointing, so I never tried it. I read the prequel, The Kill Order, and never finished it. Still, I will watch all the movies but I'm not interested. In fact, I don't even remember what happened at the end of The Scorch Trials, which means I'm not interested anymore.

7. MATCHED BY ALLY CONDIE

I enjoyed the first book, two years ago I tried to read Crossed, failed, then tried again last year, then failed. Yeah. It's sad because I own all the books in that trilogy, but book two wasn't working for me, it was painfully slow.

8. THE MADMAN'S DAUGHTER BY MEGAN SHEPERD

I found this novel to be gross. It disgusts me so much I don't have the will to go on... Moreover, the plot wasn't fantastic, and there is an unnecessary love triangle.

9. SERAPHINA BY RACHEL HARTMAN

I didn't really enjoyed the first book. I struggled to finish it, so there is no way I'll be able to read Shadow Scale...

10. KANIN CHRONICLES BY AMANDA HOCKING

When I read Frostfire, I was so confused because I hadn't read the main series (it's a spin-off) and it felt so much like previous YA series that I hadn't any interest to continue. However, the covers are GORGEOUS.

Did you finish any of these series? Are there series you're late and haven't finished yet?

Let me know in the comments ;)

Seasons for Books? | Book Discussion

With the change of seasons comes the change of clothes. The Fall is coming (Winter too, yes), which means coats and warmer clothes. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't want to depress you, so I'll talk about something that makes us all happy:

B   O   O   K   S

I don't know about you, but I noticed that I read more of certain genres during some seasons. For example, I like to have cute contemporaries for the summer, or more "heavy" books for the winter, I mean high fantasy, dystopia, sci-fi...

I'm so excited that the Fall is coming, because it is my favourite season, I love to see the colour of the leaves changing, that it's Halloween (even though we don't really celebrate it in France). Because it is that time of the year, there are certain types of books that I'd rather read than other. Of course, I'm also a mood reader and a sucker for high fantasy, so it doesn't mean I'll only read from the genres I'm going to list. 

WESTERN

I've never read a book from this genre before, to be honest, but I really want to try it. Western's landscapes always make me think of the Fall, with its brownish colours. Two books I'm anticipating are being released in this genre this Fall and I can't wait to get to read them: Vengeance Road and Walk on Earth a Stranger.

PARANORMAL & FANTASY

The right time to read paranormal books is Fall, let's be real. It's Halloween time, what's better to read about paranormal creatures? I don't have that much books of that genre on my TBR right now, buuut Lair of Dreams or Slasher Girls & Monster Boys. I can't wait to get my hands on Library of Souls because the photographies are a little creepy and create such an atmosphere. It's also the time to read about boarding school (because school is here again) like The Copper Gauntlet or The Sweet Far Thing. Witches is also something I want to read about, for example in Firewalker.

I can't really talk about seasons without mentioning one book in particular, coming out this October, which is Ice Like Fire. This high fantasy series is based upon seasons: the main character is coming from Winter's kingdom, for example.

Seasons totally make in a mood for a certain type of books, don't you agree? What are the kind of books you're eager to read during the Fall?

This is What Happy Looks Like | Book Review

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Published: April 2nd 2013 by Headline

Goodreads summary: If fate sent you an email, would you answer? 

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds. 

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs.

REVIEW

For this book, the title won't play trick you. This is exactly what it is about: make the reader happy. This is the kind of book that reminded me why I love reading so much: because I want to have a smile on my face while I read, and to be happy that I read it. This is a cute contemporary, perfect for summer time, really.

I really liked the premise of this book, how it was just luck that made the two characters starting talking to each other. Both of them had their own personalities and their own secrets, they were very realistic. On one hand, Ellie has reasons of her own not to want to be in the spotlight, because of her past. I enjoyed that aspect of the story, because it made the book more important than the romance: family, but also friendship, are important, it's still sometimes ignored in YA. 

On the other hand, we saw Graham struggling with his celebrity (of course, it's a classic, but it's something I love reading about) and his ordinary life, like how to interact with his parents now that he lived alone at seventeen. The way Jennifer E. Smith talked about celebrity, with its scandals and everything else felt true. Honestly, I cried a little at the end, because it was so beautiful. 

Of course, some people will say this book was predictable and that the situation was a little unrealistic - which explains why it won't be a 5 stars book - but that's why we love to read that kind of book, don't we? Because it makes us happy and confident in ourselves in humanity.

The Copper Gauntlet | Book review

Title: The Copper Gauntlet (Magisterium #2)

Author: Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Published: September 1st 2015 by Scholastic Press

Goodreads summary: Callum Hunt’s summer break isn’t like other kids’. His closest companion is a Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc. His father suspects him of being secretly evil. And, of course, most kids aren’t heading back to the magical world of the Magisterium in the fall.

It’s not easy for Call . . . and it gets even harder after he checks out his basement and discovers that his dad might be trying to destroy both him and Havoc.

Call escapes to the Magisterium -- but things only intensify there. The Alkahest -- a copper gauntlet capable of separating certain magicians from their magic -- has been stolen. And in their search to discover the culprit, Call and his friends Aaron and Tamara awaken the attention of some very dangerous foes -- and get closer to an even more dangerous truth.

As the mysteries of the Magisterium deepen and widen, bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare take readers on an extraordinary journey through one boy’s conflict -- and a whole world’s fate.

REVIEW

"Well, I'm no library expert, but A for Alkahest seems like a safe bet," said Tamara, skipping ahead. She was obviously thrilled to be back.

The Copper Gauntlet was better than the first book in the series, The Iron Trial. It is definitely a fast read, but I'm pretty sure I felt that because it is middle grade, so for a younger audience, I read it in a few hours. I loved the beginning and the ending, but had a harder time with the middle.

I liked that because of what was revealed in the first book, Callum was thinking a lot about his actions and the balance between good and evil, which is a very good thing for a middle grade book. The characters were well developed and I was able to understand them a little more, mostly because of the party we saw at Tamara's. Jasper was a pleasant surprise in this book, I came to respect him. I think he'll be a lot more with Tamara, Aaron and Callum, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I think the romance aspect was a little rushed, even if it was expected, because the characters are only thirteen and wouldn't act this way. However, we only see one side of the barrier, so I'm looking forward to see how the other character will react.

There was a point in the story, to find the Alkhahest, a copper gauntlet that can withdraw chaos magic (I think?). It was well executed, I liked that the apprentices weren't able to find it because they were the best and so on, but because they had been manipulated to do so.  However, I'm a little disappointed we didn't see much of the Magisterium.

"Call," said Tamara. "Is there someone in the bathtub with you?"

Call sighed. He hadn't expected his truth telling to bite him back so quickly. "Havoc," he admitted.
"Call!" Tamara said. "That is so disgusting." 

  

It was a fun read, especially with the Assembly, I'm still laughing when I'm imagining their faces. This book was also a little creepy because of the tomb and everything in it, so in my opinion, it's good for Halloween.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, even it still feels a little too familiar to Harry Potter. I think that if I was younger, I would love it so much more, even if I would still feel the similarities.

Did you read the previous book? Are you excited for this one?

Queen of Shadows | Book Review

Title: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Published: September 1st 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Goodreads summary: Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

REVIEW

I won't tell you that this book was perfect, to be honest, because it wasn't. However, it was fantastic, just like the other instalments in this series, and the plot took a big turn with the end of Queen of Shadows. At the end, a lot of things were resolved, it almost felt like a end... Even if it wasn't. I feel like Sarah J. Maas wanted to give a little rest to her characters, before things get bigger.

Dorian said, "So here we are."

"The end of the road," Aelin said with a half smile.

"No," Chaol said, his own smile faint, tentative. "The beginning of the next."

The plot was fantastic, I don't have anything to say about it, I was just hooked from cover to cover. The characters irritated me at some point in the first chapters (Aelin was acting a little out of character because she was missing someone, like whaaaat?) and I had a feeling Chaol was a little underdeveloped, because there was so many other characters to talk about, but it got better throughout the book. 

There was so much character development in this one, with a lot of secondary characters, I loved them all! I'm so happy how strong and kick-ass the female characters are in these books: Aelin, Manon, Lysandra, Nesryn, Asterin, Elide, you all won me over. I like how everyone has his part to play in this story, even characters that were new in this book but will have a bigger role in the fifth book. 

At first, I wasn't too happy about the romance, that's true. I don't like who Aelin is with right now, I'm totally against it. However, it is just my feelings, it will be up to you to judge. Still, I understand why the author made this choice and I respect it, because it is clever, just not what I wanted. 

"You make me want to live, too, Aelin Galathynius," he said. "Not exist-but live."

The ending was everything a reader could have wanted. So many things are resolved, it just seems like new beginnings. I can't wait to see how the characters will deal with all of that, but it will be really interesting. I won't tell you more, because I don't want to spoil you accidentally. Still, I'm a little disappointed because I expected too much.

What did you think about this book? Are you excited for the next one?

Tell me in the comments, I want to talk about this book so much!

Library of Souls | Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine where I discuss the upcoming releases that I'm most excited for. 

Title: Library of Souls (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children #3)

Author: Ranson Riggs

Published: September 22th 2015 by Quirk Books

Goodreads summary: The epic conclusion to the best-selling series! Time is running out for the Peculiar Children. With a dangerous madman on the loose and their beloved Miss Peregrine still in danger, Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom are forced to stage the most daring of rescue missions. They’ll travel through a war-torn landscape, meet new allies, and face greater dangers than ever. . . . Will Jacob come into his own as the hero his fellow Peculiars know him to be? This action-packed adventure features more than 50 all-new Peculiar photographs. Read an excerpt here.

MY THOUGHTS

I really like this series, especially the photographs that really add to the story. I'm wondering how it will wrap up. However, I will need a recap of Hollow City because I don't really remember what happened. Moreover, I can't wait to see what Jacob will choose: stay with the Peculiars or with his family?

Are you excited for this book? What are waiting for this Wednesday?

Ten Characters You Just Didn't Click With | Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's subject is about Ten characters we didn't click with. For some of them, it was just that they frustrated me, for others they were inconsistent and I even have a hard time remembering.

1. AMERICA SINGER (THE SELECTION SERIES)

I think that's a pretty classical answer in YA, because this character is so frustrating, not being able to make decisions like: what guy will I choose for the rest of my life? It took three books, okay, that's possible with some love triangles, but here, it was literally the plot of these books. She was a character that she didn't know what she wanted: by no means she wanted to live that kind of palace life, she wanted to stay a five, but at the same time, I could feel her enjoying her position in the books. Still, there is also her daughter, Eadlyn *sigh*. For her, I still hope redemption is possible, because we just got one book with her. BTW, it's a totally different America we met in The Heir, I think I liked her a little more thanks to that, but I remember the girl from the old days. You can't fool me, Kiera Cass. 

2. LAYLA (THE DARK ELEMENTS TRILOGY)

This girl is a total Mary-Sue, the perfect mix between gargoyles (basically Nephilims) and demons => Roth exactly described her this way. She was supposed to be perfect, which is boring. Just like America, she was just wondering which boy she would choose to be her boyfriend. For a character, that is pretty shallow...

3. ELISA (THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS)

I never finished this book, it's mainly because of her. She's a princess and has to go in a foreign land. She discovers that her wedding situation isn't exactly regular but she doesn't do anything about it. For me, she was a weak character that couldn't stand for herself and I didn't see myself reading about her for three books. I gave up on this book when I think it was starting to be interesting, because I couldn't connect with her. I felt pity, but that was pretty much it. I think I remember she was just complaining and praying, but I'm not sure. Now, don't get me wrong, I imagine she has a lot of character development in the next books, but I didn't want to be there to see it. 

4. ARIN (THE WINNER'S TRILOGY)

I think I ranted a little about him in my reviews... It's not my fault it's just that I don't like the way that he acts in the books. It's not about how he is with Kestrel, because I like them together and they have a lot of chemistry. However, he is such an impulsive character that it really irritates me... I hope he will evolve enough in The Winner's Kiss, because I have a hard time with him every time...

 5. JUDE (I'LL GIVE YOU THE SUN)

Again, that's the type of characters I have a problem with because of her actions. I can't forgive her for what she did to her brother, because it almost felt like she stole his life. Of course, bad things happened to her and she had no one to turn to at that time, but is it a reason?

6. TWYLLA (THE SIN EATER'S DAUGHTER)

Same situation than with Elisa. She was just constantly complaining that she had that destiny but hadn't choose it, and praying. I don't like it when main characters are that boring in the beginning. I didn't finish this book either because of that.

7. ALEX (COVENANT)

Another character of JLA *sigh*. It's just that this character was basically Rose Hathaway. How unoriginal was that???

8. LARA JEAN (TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE)

Such a childish character! I didn't like her voice, she was supposed to be a 16 years old girl or something but I felt like she was twelve. Another one that was selfish and complained like a lot. Okay girl, you like you sister's boyfriend, but other people have problems, you know?

9. WILL GRAYSON (WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON) 

It has been said before, but often, John Green's main characters are just him as a teenager, and I don't like that kind of character. At all. They always seems to me a little inconsistent, I couldn't care about his Will Grayson in this book. 

10. NATHAN (HALF BAD)

I don't know, it's just the kind of situation when you want to say "it's not you, it's me". I couldn't get myself to care about him. I liked the story of this book, but couldn't connect with Nathan, especially when the author used "you" for her story instead of "I" or "he". 

What about you? Are there characters you didn't click with?

Let me know in the comments ;)