City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson 4.5/5 stars

Hey, guys! I was able to receive a copy of City of Saints & Thieves during Yall Fest in October, and it is now official out in stores!

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows Tina blending into the background of the colors of Sangui City as a refugee from the Congo. It's a neat cover that fits with this book. A- cover

Official Description:
In the shadows of Sangui City, there lives a girl who doesn't exist. After fleeing the Congo as refugees, Tina and her mother arrived in Kenya looking for the chance to build a new life and home. Her mother quickly found work as a maid for a prominent family, headed by Roland Greyhill, one of the city’s most respected business leaders. But Tina soon learns that the Greyhill fortune was made from a life of corruption and crime. So when her mother is found shot to death in Mr. Greyhill's personal study, she knows exactly who’s behind it.

With revenge always on her mind, Tina spends the next four years surviving on the streets alone, working as a master thief for the Goondas, Sangui City’s local gang. It’s a job for the Goondas that finally brings Tina back to the Greyhill estate, giving her the chance for vengeance she’s been waiting for. But as soon as she steps inside the lavish home, she’s overtaken by the pain of old wounds and the pull of past friendships, setting into motion a dangerous cascade of events that could, at any moment, cost Tina her life. But finally uncovering the incredible truth about who killed her mother—and why—keeps her holding on in this fast-paced nail-biting thriller.

My Review:
I wasn't sure how I would feel about City of Saints and Thieves because I wasn't sure what to expect. This book felt like a mystery novel meshed with an adventure novel, with some political documentary mixed in. The main story was Tina's attempts to get revenge for her mother's murder, as well as make sure she knows who the murderer is. The backdrop is refugee-crisis and the effect of war-torn African countries on the women and children in those places. This set-up added depth and an interesting element to the story, yet still did not seem preachy at all.

The characters were fun to read about. Tina was a well-thought out character who was easy to route for. She was not perfect, but her imperfections improved her as a character. The supporting characters (Boyboy, Michael) were also interesting and developed, though to a lesser extent than Tina. However, the other characters in this book were a bit one-dimensional. For example, Tina's sister is frequently mentioned yet is flat with very few relevant emotions.

The characters were also really representative. They were a variety of races, from different backgrounds, different sexualities. It had a nice variety that is not often represented, and, again, this book was able to have a diverse cast of characters without really unnatural (like it was trying to prove something).

The plot was mostly fast-paced. It was easy to get involved with the story. It moved quickly for the most part, with only a few slow parts.

I especially liked the transition between characters with one of Tina's "rules" for surviving on the streets of Sangui City. It allowed a smooth transition between chapters and a comedic break.

Overall, I would recommend reading City of Saints & Thieves if you like stories about murder mysteries, street gangs, or African politics/ refugees. It is a nice mix of all of them!

(Warning: While being a Young Adult book, it does mention some adult themes (i.e. rape).)

Phrase:
Kiki

If You Liked This Book, You May Also Like:
Six of Crows

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As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner 2/5 stars

Hey, guys! I had to read As I Lay Dying in my English class. I had high hopes. They were crushed. Honestly, if I hadn't had to read it for school I would have abandoned it after the second chapter (it doesn't get any better).

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows a flooded road after the large storm that knocks the bridge down, a central part of the story. However, the cover is uninteresting, just a shot of a forest. Even the other cover versions of this book aren't interesting. B- cover

Official Description:
As I Lay Dying is Faulkner's harrowing account of the Bundren family's odyssey across the Mississippi countryside to bury Addie, their wife and mother. Told in turns by each of the family members—including Addie herself—the novel ranges in mood from dark comedy to the deepest pathos.

My Review:
Usually I can find redeeming qualities in a book. That being said, I hated this book. As I Lay Dying was told in a manner that spoke more volumes of how smart the author hoped you would think he was than anything else. While I think that many classics are difficult to read, they are usually worth the hassle to understand references and feel cultured (ex. Moby Dick).

As I Lay Dying was not worth it. It is told in alternating first-person point of view, from not two, not three characters, but more than ten. It was incredibly difficult to understand who was speaking, as it was all written in first person and none of the characters were particularly distinctive. Even once you understood the characters, the chapters were more confusing than insightful. Many sentences are almost complete gibberish, even after being reread five times.

It often feels like comprehending this novel is impossible. Faulkner uses almost solely pronouns in his writing. There will be entire chapters which mention "he" and never declare who they mean.

Even when you get used to Faulkner's style of writing and mostly understand the novel, you will be disappointed. Buried underneath the symbols and confusions is... nothing worthwhile. I feel like I could read a John Green book and feel more enlightened than I did after finishing As I Lay Dying.

I honestly believe that anyone who can claim to have thoroughly enjoyed this book were lying so that you think they are cultured. Rather that or are just plain pretentious.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate this book just because I had trouble reading it. No. I understand this book. It's trying to prove how different people have different perspectives and about grief's varying effects. I understood this book, but I don't think that understanding is worth the pain As I Lay Dying causes by reading.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was just horrible. If you have to read this book for school or some other reason, I would recommend reading each chapter and then reading the Sparknotes for that chapter, so you aren't completely lost.

Phrase:
Get me some teeth

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At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson 4.5/5 stars

Hey, guys! After reading the majesty that was We Are the Ants, I was desperate to read Shaun David Hutchinson's next book. I thought it looked interesting and managed to get my hands on a pre-released copy of At the Edge of the Universe.

The Cover:

The Cover:

It shows a blurry boy who seems to be neither in nor out of reality. This could be either Tommy or Ozzie, both would make sense, but I think that he is Ozzie. The cover conveys the book's overall theme of fitting in and what reality even is in a way that I find particularly compelling. A+ cover.

Official Description:

Tommy and Ozzie have been best friends since second grade, and boyfriends since eighth. They spent countless days dreaming of escaping their small town—and then Tommy vanished.

More accurately, he ceased to exist, erased from the minds and memories of everyone who knew him. Everyone except Ozzie.
Ozzie doesn’t know how to navigate life without Tommy, and soon suspects that something else is going on: that the universe is shrinking.
When Ozzie is paired up with new student Calvin on a physics project, he begins to wonder if Calvin could somehow be involved. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for him to deny the feelings developing between them, even if he still loves Tommy.
But Ozzie knows there isn’t much time left to find Tommy–that once the door closes, it can’t be opened again. And he’s determined to keep it open as long as possible.

My Review:

At the Edge of the Universe was very similar to We Are the Ants in its storyline. A boy believes in something that everyone else thinks is fake (aliens/old boyfriend) and tries to figures out a solution with another boy who he may have a crush on. It's not repetitive, but if you liked We Are the Ants, chances are that you would like this book as well. 

The characters were interesting and well developed. I liked the characters but found that I couldn't 100% connect with them. It didn't disrupt the story at all, but it also didn't blow me away. 

The plot was engaging. I was really curious about how the mystery of Tommy's disappearance would be solved, as well as what the next twist in the other storylines would be. The story definitely grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. I couldn't put it down until I knew how everything would be resolved. 

At the Edge of the Universe also had a few unique details that I really enjoyed. For example, one of the main plot-points is that Ozzie goes to a new therapist every week, chosen by the alphabetical placement of their names on a list. Ozzie will speak about his problems-of-the-moment first with Dr. Brown, then Dr. Cameron, etc. It was a little detail that, while quirky, I just loved. There are plenty of little moments like this in At the Edge of the Universe.

The only reason that I am not rating this book a full 5 stars is that I built my hopes up too much. I was expected to be blown away as much as I was with We Are the Ants. I still enjoyed this book, but I think I would have loved it even more if I hadn't already read We Are the Ants. It gave me an unrealistic standard to compare it with; I know what Shaun David Hutchinson is capable of!

Overall, I would recommend reading At the Edge of the Universe. It was a really interesting book with a neat premise which is executed wonderfully. The characters were definitely unique and the writing style is engaging. It's definitely worth a read! 
(Note: this book contains homosexual relationships as well as a genderfluid best-friend-character. If you are not into that, be aware.)

This book comes out February 7, 2017.

Phrase:
Designing a roller coaster

If You Liked This Book, You May Also Like:
We Are the Ants
The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Winger
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! Anyone who has been on this blog for very long knows how much I loved Neal Shusterman. I believe that this is my 30th book I've read by him, yet I am still impressed. Scythe is one of my favorite books that he has ever written, which is saying a lot. 

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows a Scythe in their traditional robes with a weapon in hand. The cover mostly fits the theme of the book and looks neat, if abstract. A- cover

Official Description:
Thou shalt kill.
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

My Review:
I love books that are different. I love books that are based on weird ideas that make you consider things in a new light. This book was definitely one of those books. The story alone was simple, yet amazingly complex with small details that catch your attention and make the whole world that much more believable. Basically, in a utopian world, someone has to be a killer. Yet the killers, the scythes, are more than just individuals. There is a complex system of knowledge and politics behind them. 

The characters in Scythe were very complex and likable. Citra and Rowan, the main characters, were well developed and likable enough. They also served as a nice point of contrast and offered two different point of views on the experience of training to be a sythe, which I found fascinating.

The plot was fast-moving and exciting, with frequent twists and turns. I read the entire book in about a day because I got so invested in its story.

The writing, as usual for Neal Shusterman books, was beautiful. It is the type of writing that makes you forget that you are reading and instead places you into the story. It makes you lose yourself.

Overall, I would recommend reading Scythe. It is an original story, with an interesting idea that is executed wonderfully. I can't wait to read book two in the Arc of a Scythe series!

Phrase:
Murder? Is that a group of crows?

More Books By Neal Shusterman:
Challenger Deep
The Shadow Club
The Shadow Club Rising (sequel to The Shadow Club)
Speeding Bullet
The Dark Side of Nowhere
Unwholly (Unwind #2)
Undivided (Unwind #4)
The Schwa Was Here
Antsy Does Time (sequel to The Schwa Was Here)
Downsiders
Tesla's Attic
Edison's Alley (sequel to Tesla's Attic)

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Dexter by Design (Dexter #4) by Jeff Lindsay 3.5/5 stars

Hey, guys! I finally read the fourth book in the Dexter series. It was okay, definitely better than book 3, but still a bit of a let down.

Earlier books in this series:
Darkly Dreaming Dexter and Dearly Devoted Dexter
Dexter in the Dark

The Cover:

The Cover:
In typical Dexter fashion, the cover is not terribly complex. It is covered in blood stains and just the words scrawled across the cover. It fits but it isn't exactly exciting. B cover

Official Description:
The macabre, witty New York Times bestselling series (and inspiration for the #1 Showtime series, Dexter) continues as our darkly lovable killer matches wits with a sadistic artiste--who is creating bizarre murder tableaux of his own all over Miami.
After his surprisingly glorious honeymoon in Paris, life is almost normal for Dexter Morgan. Married life seems to agree with him: he’s devoted to his bride, his stomach is full, and his homicidal hobbies are nicely under control. But old habits die hard--and Dexter’s work as a blood spatter analyst never fails to offer new temptations that appeal to his offbeat sense of justice...and his Dark Passenger still waits to hunt with him in the moonlight.
The discovery of a corpse (artfully displayed as a sunbather relaxing on a Miami beach chair) naturally piques Dexter’s curiosity and Miami’s finest realize they've got a terrifying new serial killer on the loose. And Dexter, of course, is back in business.

My Review:
Dexter by Design was so much better than Dexter in the Dark. It didn't dwell on what the Dark Passenger is exactly. Instead, it focused on the crime-solving and Dexter's attempts to act human, which is what these books are supposed to be about.

Dexter continues to be snarky and likable, despite his many faults. The other characters are a bit flat. Maybe they aren't complex because Dexter doesn't see them that way, but either way, the characters are only two-dimensional.

The plot was interesting but moved slowly. I doubt that I would have been able to get through this book if I wasn't listening to an audiobook. I don't think I would have been engaged enough in the story to sit down and chose to read it to be honest. 

Overall, Dexter by Design was decent. If you enjoyed the previous books in this series, I'm sure that you will like this one as well. It is very similar to the previous books!

Phrase:
Modern Art

If You Liked This Book, You May Also Like:

Darkly Dreaming Dexter / Dearly Devoted Dexter / Dexter in the Dark
The Running Man

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Dan and Phil Go Outside by Dan Howell and Phil Lester 4/5 stars

Hey, guys! This is a bit of a niche book, a photo book by Youtubers Dan and Phil. I was curious and picked it up. If you don't watch the youtube videos by the two, I definitely wouldn't recommend picking it up. However, I made a promise that I'd review every book that I read this year on this blog, and I did enjoy looking through/ reading this book.

The Cover:

The Cover:

It's a bit dorky and a bit tacky, but that's the point of this cover. It fits the rest of the book at least. B cover.

Official Description:

A personal collection of candid photos and insightful stories from Dan and Phil’s adventure ‘in the real world’

Dan Howell and Phil Lester, avoiders of human contact and direct sunlight, actually went outside. Travelling around the world on tour, they have collected hundreds of exclusive, intimate and funny photos, as well as revealing and captivating side notes, to show the behind-the-scenes story of their adventure.

My Review:
Dan and Phil Go Outside was about 75% photos, about half of them with captions. The other 25% or so were entertaining stories and written dialogue between the authors.

I enjoyed flipping through it. The pictures and stories were very well laid out and worth looking through. It took me only an hour or two to look through the whole thing, paying careful attention to every page. It's more of a coffee table book than anything, but it was a nice way to spend an hour or two.

Overall, I'd recommend it if you are a big fan of the youtubers. 

Phrase:
Pictures while asleep

If You Liked This Book, You May Also Like:
The Amazing Book is Not on Fire

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The Fever Code (Maze Runner Prequel) by James Dashner 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! I read The Fever Code, a prequel to The Maze Runner, and really enjoyed it. The Maze Runner series already had a prequel (The Kill Order) which I was incredibly disappointed by. 

The Fever Code is everything that I had hoped of The Kill Order and was disappointed that it wasn't. While The Kill Order was a story of the initial infection and destruction of civilization with basically none of the characters from the original series, The Fever Code is a story of the original characters' interactions with Wicked. I enjoyed it much more!

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows the Maze in construction. The cover looks incredibly similar to the cover of the first book in the series, yet it isn't complete. I love this cover. It's clever and interesting to look at. A+ cover

Official Description:

Once there was a world’s end.

The forests burned, the lakes and rivers dried up, and the oceans swelled.
Then came a plague, and fever spread across the globe. Families died, violence reigned, and man killed man.
Next came WICKED, who were looking for an answer. And then they found the perfect boy.
The boy’s name was Thomas, and Thomas built a maze.
Now there are secrets.
There are lies.
And there are loyalties history could never have foreseen. 
This is the story of that boy, Thomas, and how he built a maze that only he could tear down.
All will be revealed.

A prequel to the worldwide Maze Runner phenomenon, The Fever Code is the book that holds all the answers. How did WICKED find the Gladers? Who are Group B? And what side are Thomas and Teresa really on? Lies will be exposed. Secrets will be uncovered. Loyalties will be proven. Fans will never see the truth coming. Before there was the Maze, there was The Fever Code.

My Review:
While a prequel, I recommend reading the entirety of The Maze Runner series before this book. It spoils some of the plot twists and would make this book less enjoyable since you do not already have the connection with the characters. That being said, I finished The Fever Code and wanted to immediately reread the rest of the series. Maybe it would be fine to read The Fever Code first, but I wouldn't recommend it.

I loved The Fever Code. It was nice to be back in the world of The Maze Runner series and to find an answer to some of the remaining questions. 

Despite being a prequel, I was frequently shocked by the plot twists of this book. I sat on the edge of my seat for the entire book and couldn't put it down (despite reading it during exams). 

The characters were easy to connect to and were complex and different, very interesting to compare to one another. The characters had more space to develop as they grew older and learned more about the world they live in. The character development of Thomas was especially interesting. He grows more and more jaded as he understands more about his situation. The development is both fascinating and heart-breaking.

The characters spend the vast majority of the book shut away inside, yet the action is riveting. The plot is fast-paced, with enough action sequences to keep anyone interested. The Fever Code will definitely get you hooked!

The only issue I found with this book was that at the beginning, the characters acted a bit too smart for their ages. It was hard to remember that they were just seven year old kids, etc. It is mildly excusable in the same way that Ender's Game is with this same problem. The kids are supposed to be geniuses, so it makes sense for them to sound too old. 

Overall, I loved this book. It is the prequel that I always wanted for the Maze Runner series. I think that everyone who has read and enjoyed the series will also love The Fever Code. It is an exciting story that also explores the characters a little bit more. A very enjoyable read, just like all James Dashner books. 

Phrase:
The Flare

Other Books By James Dashner:
The Maze Runner Trilogy
Eye of Minds/ Rule of Thoughts / The Game of Lives
13th Reality
A Door Into The Woods

If you're looking for a good book, check out my Suggestions Page!

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2016 A Year in Books

Hello! As this year wraps up, I wanted to give you my book highlights from this past year. Here are my top ten favorite books and/or series that I read this year in no particular order. Just click on the title to see my review. Hope you enjoy!

Thirteen Reasons Why 

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

The Wrath and the Dawn / The Rose and the Dagger

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

Ready Player One

In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the  OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.

The Knife of Never Letting Go / The Ask and the Answer/ Monsters of Men

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.
But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

More Than This
A boy drowns, desperate and alone in his final moments. He dies.
Then he wakes, naked and bruised and thirsty, but alive.
How can this be? And what is this strange deserted place?
As he struggles to understand what is happening, the boy dares to hope. Might this not be the end? Might there be more to this life, or perhaps this afterlife?

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.
With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.
Then came a plague, and fever spread across the globe. Families died, violence reigned, and man killed man.
Next came WICKED, who were looking for an answer. And then they found the perfect boy.
The boy’s name was Thomas, and Thomas built a maze.
Now there are secrets.
There are lies.
And there are loyalties history could never have foreseen. 
This is the story of that boy, Thomas, and how he built a maze that only he could tear down.
All will be revealed. 

We Are the Ants
There are a few things Henry Denton knows, and a few things he doesn’t.
Henry knows that his mom is struggling to keep the family together, and coping by chain-smoking cigarettes. He knows that his older brother is a college dropout with a pregnant girlfriend. He knows that he is slowly losing his grandmother to Alzheimer’s. And he knows that his boyfriend committed suicide last year.
What Henry doesn’t know is why the aliens chose to abduct him when he was thirteen, and he doesn’t know why they continue to steal him from his bed and take him aboard their ship. He doesn’t know why the world is going to end or why the aliens have offered him the opportunity to avert the impending disaster by pressing a big red button. 
But they have. And they’ve only given him 144 days to make up his mind.
The question is whether Henry thinks the world is worth saving. That is, until he meets Diego Vega, an artist with a secret past who forces Henry to question his beliefs, his place in the universe, and whether any of it really matters. But before Henry can save the world, he’s got to figure out how to save himself, and the aliens haven’t given him a button for that.

Steelheart / Firefight
Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his wills.
Nobody fights the Epics...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.
And David wants in. He wants Steelheart - the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning - and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.
He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

The Fever Code

Once there was a world’s end.

The forests burned, the lakes and rivers dried up, and the oceans swelled.
Then came a plague, and fever spread across the globe. Families died, violence reigned, and man killed man.
Next came WICKED, who were looking for an answer. And then they found the perfect boy.
The boy’s name was Thomas, and Thomas built a maze.
Now there are secrets.
There are lies.
And there are loyalties history could never have foreseen. 
This is the story of that boy, Thomas, and how he built a maze that only he could tear down.
All will be revealed.

Anna and the French Kiss

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?


Previous Years:
2015
2014

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