The Latest Three

This has been a rare, and also wonderful, semester.

Mostly for the reason that I have gotten to read quite a few more books than I have in the past.

Wouldn't that make your semester more wonderful?

Yes, indeed.

So anyway, as I have been reading so many books, here are...

The Latest Three!

Crown of Embers, Rae Carson

Ah, this book. Just FYI, if I say that about a book then it was beyond believably phenomenal and I loved it and I wanted to have its babies. I have not felt such strong emotions from a book in a long time. Every time Carson had the opportunity to take Elisa's character/adventure one way--and make me a very pissed off reader--she threw a curve ball and made me want to kiss the ground at her feet. Basically, there are so many excellently well crafted parts to this story, such a perfect second installment to the trilogy. Oh and Hector? TOTALLY saw that one coming! But holy cow, that romance was way even better than I could have fathomed. Well played Carson, well played.

Cinder, Marissa Meyer

I thought the first part of this book was a little slow and a little predictable. The most grabbing part about it was the setting, which is good for me because I consider myself a setting fiend. Well, having that said, I really loved this book. I loved Peony, the romance between Kai and Cinder, the presence of the plague, and of course the thoughts that were explored regarding Cinder's being a cyborg. For being such a fun read, I found the story surprisingly gritty and thoughtful, and I love it when a book can make me do that. I can't wait for the sequel, Scarlet!

The Morning Gift, Eva Ibbotson

I read A Company of Swans way back in the day and loved it! It seriously became my new favorite book and Ibbotson my new favorite author. Well, since then I have not yet read anymore of her books, which made me feel a little phony about calling her my favorite author. But now I'm one step closer to legitimizing that statement because I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It's a romance, but a very well done romance. In fact, I'd say there's something romantic about everything about this book, which probably has to do with the fact that it's not written by a contemporary writer for young adult, which I think shows. Ibbotson luxuriates in her setting and her characters, side plots abound, and it all comes together for one final climax that is as romantic as it is satisfying. I loved being transported into WWII times. The cultures of Austria and England were so vividly portrayed and I've never even been there before. I can't say it enough, give this book and Ibbotson a try.

Here's to more time to read this semester!

Here's to more time to read next semester!

Here's to more time to read EVERY semester!!!

(School gods, do you catch my drift?)