Stealing Snow

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



First, the names in this aren't my favorite. I mean, Snow? Seriously. Yes, she controls the snow. Sure. But Paige really could have come up with something better than Snow. And Jagger? Like, hey, look at me. I'm a bad ass. Nope. And Algid. Sucks. The names just suck. Period. Moving on. The pacing at the beginning of the book took a bit too long for my liking. I get that she wanted back story so we'd all know how Snow how suffered in Whittaker. That way she could bemoan it later. It just took forever. Like 1/3 of the book. I just couldn't bring myself to care about the Robbers. Oh, and her precious Bale. OMG! I am so over Bale already and he is barely in the book. Was actually hoping they'd just let him die at the end. Sure he had his own little surprise, but I don't care. Move with Kai.



Ah, Kai. I liked him. He was the only character that came off as not pretending through the book, even in the end. I just have a feeling he knew exactly what was going on. He knew who he cared about and didn't let that sway him. Also, I like that he doesn't do magic. I don't know how I feel about the magic in this book. Everything is elemental or potions. That's different, but I'll have to read more to decide how much I care for it.


1. Kai
2. River Witch
3. Snow
4. Greta

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Killer Instinct - 4 Stars

Title: Killer Instincts

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series: The Naturals (2)

Format: Hardback

Source: CHS

So over the trope of the new girl showing up and being so special that the guys just have to fawn over her because she's just too precious. Seriously. It's like they have to prove their masculinity by always fighting over and protecting her. Let her get herself out the trouble that she gets herself into. Cassie is a big girl. Yet Michael and Dean act like she is completely unable to handle the real world. Granted both of them, along with Lia and probably Sloane too, have seen more, but she has been through plenty. Even in just the first book. She can take it. And if she can get herself into these scrapes then surely she can claw her way back out.

The mystery of the book was fantastic. Okay, so I guessed that  Clark and Christopher were the killers that's true, but [ I did not have any clue that there would be a third killer.  That threw me. Also, I love that Lia is honest enough (haha) to tell Cassie about her problems when everyone else is handling her with kid gloves. She gets in her face and straightens out whatever misgiving Cassie has. Honestly, it makes Cassie tolerable. I hate the female protag who can do no wrong and is all fragile while every male rushes to her rescue. Oh, and Cassie finally choosing Dean yay!

Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter - 1 Star

Title: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter

Series: Aurora Sky

Author: Nikki Jefford

Pages: 256

Source: Kindle Freebie

Format: Kindle

- Um, the grammar was okay, I guess

- The plot, the characters, the setting. Everything.

- Didn't buy the romance. Not even a little. It was shallow and horrible. Nope.

- Aurora so so whiney. If they could have picked a worse vampire hunter, it would have been a miracle. She's ungrateful that they saved her. Even if she didn't want to work for them, she should at least be thankful for that much. She's rude and wants everything her way. Couldn't stand her.

- I'm not even sure what the plot was meant to be. It didn't go anywhere. Did she kill a few vampires? Yes, but to what end? Nothing was achieved.

- Her mother was so obnoxiously absent. She didn't care that her daughter was now supposed to be killing these monsters. Didn't care that Dante is just whisking her off to who knows where. She buried her head in the sand. She acts all mad that her daughter has a "dangerous-looking boyfriend" but thinks nothing of her going off to hunt blood-sucking monsters. And she just takes these stranger's word for it that her daughter can do it. Worst part of the book

Cinnamon- 3 Stars

Title: Cinnamon
Series: Shooting Stars
Author: V.C. Andrews
Pages: 165
Source: Public Library
Format: Paperback
- The dialogue felt off to me. I mean, what senior girl still calls her parents "mommy" and "daddy"? It's just odd. 
- Also, I have trouble believing that any teacher would have play practices in her own on the weekend.
- Writing was okay, but not the best.
- The book wasn't loaded down with too many characters.
- Each character was unique and given any quote, I could guess who was speaking.
- Grandmother got what she deserved in the end.
- The ending was satisfying without being a "happy ending".

Harry Potter Survey :)

Day 1: Your fave book.- Sorcerer's Stone

Day 2: Your fave movie. - Meh, it's been a while

Day 3: Is there any of the films adaptations that have made you angry because they’ve ignored important parts of the book. - See answer 2

Day 4: Least fave female character and why. - Luna- She just irritates me.

Day 5: Fave male character and why. - Fred or George, because they are freaking hilarious

Day 6: What house would you want to be in. - Pottermore says Slytherin

Day 7: Fave female character and why. - Mrs. Weasley, because she's an awesome mom.

Day 8: What do you think would be your fave lesson. - Charms

Day 9: Least fave male character. - Filch

Day 10: Horcruxes or Hallows. Hallows- way more powerful

Day 11: What character would you say you are most like. - Hermione

Day 12: Fave ship.(relationship, eg - Ron/Hermione, Harry/Ginny etc) I always shipped Harry/Hermione

Day 13: Least fave movie. See answer 2

Day 14: Team Voldemort or Team harry. - Harry, of course!

Day 15: Who would be your best friends at Hogwarts. (three only) Hermione, Neville, Harry

Day 16: Fave professor - Snape

Day 17: Are you excited about The Deathly Hallows movie or scared it won’t do the book justice. ???

Day 18: Least fave book. Half-Blood Prince

Day 19: Do you prefer the books or films. - Books, of course

Day 20: If you had to meet one member of the cast, who would it be. - Emma Watson

Day 21: Out of all the characters that died, if you could bring one back, who would it be. George

Day 22: Pick a favourite quote from any of the books/films - "Always" so cliche but I love it

Day 23: Any part of the books/movies that makes you cry. - Dobby dying!

Day 24: Any particular scene you wished would have been put in the movie but it wasn’t.- ??

Day 25: Nineteen years later. Are you happy how it turned out, or do you wish something was different, ie Neville married Luna. Harry + Hermione! Oh, and George would have lived.

Day 26: If you could be able to work one spell without a wand what would it be. Expeliarmus

Day 27: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand.- Elder Wand

Day 28: Do you listen to Wizard Wrock, what do you think about it. Nope

Day 29: Did you enjoy A Very Potter Musical. Nope, I don't do musicals

Day 30: What affect has Harry Potter made on your life and how much does it mean to you- It's the book I go to when I'm sad/angry/bored/anything but happy, then when I'm happy too. It's my Plan A Escape

Red Queen- 4 Stars

Title: Red Queen

Series: Book 1 of Red Queen series

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Pages: 383

Format: Hardback

Source: Public Library

I am still not sure how I like the writing in this book. When I first started I thought, "Wow, this is so lush and vivid and wonderful and I WANT MORE!". But as I read more, the novelty wore off. That isn't to say that the writing worsened or became lackluster in any way. I just got past the honeymoon phase. However, the writing was definitely solid throughout the entire book. Pace was well done as were the twists and turns. Character development was there, but I could have done with more about the main characters and not so many side charactes.

Mare- She is brutal and bad ass, even before she learns of her ability and I love her for that. She remains true to herself throughout and never veers from what she believes. She does play the game that the Queen has set for her, but she does it for her own reasons as well. She has one awesome ability (but I won't spoil that for you :)) 

Maven- I could say so much, but that would end in one big spoiler. However, I will say that he is wonderful at playing people and I am eager to see how his character develops through the series. P.S. I was so hoping for a romance here!

Cal- Okay, I wanted a romance here as well. Guilty. But I do enjoy my love triangles. Again, he is a character, much like Mare, who stayed true to his beliefs, and I admire him for that, even if I disagree with his views. I like his balance of warrior/soldier and prince and vulnerable young adult. Very well done.

Queen Elara- I imagine her much like Cecilia (I believe is her name, but feel free to correct me) from Game of Thrones. In fact, it was her face that I imagined while reading this book. Their characters are nearly identical. She's sneaky and can come off as completely heartless were in not for the love she obviously has for Maven. That is her saving grace.

Evangeline- Oh, this girl. Couldn't stand her. She had no redeeming qualities, however, I attribute this to her upbring.

This is a tricky one. There are so many YA tropes throughout this book. It reads like a combination of The Selection and Hunger Games with some Darkling (Siege and Storm) and Game of Thrones tossed in for fun. Despite that, the story was well-crafted even if they reminded me of other books and shows (I've yet to read GoT, I know, I know. I'll get to it). There were up and downs and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. I do believe the story will deviate from the formula in the next installment, and began to in the last couple of chapters.

Solid again. While I would have liked to have known more about the world they are in (they refer to the past but not often), there is pretty good detail about the environment as it pertains to people. But what I want to know is, is this taking place some place comparable to our world? Like was there a war, a la The Selection/Divergent that left the world this way? Is it completely original? How did the people get their powers? Were they bestowed on them? Perhaps that was in there somewhere and I missed it.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Writing was great. Detail, which I love. Likable characters. Tropes just held it back from being a 5 Star for me.

Red Queen- 4 Stars

Title: Red Queen

Series: Book 1 of Red Queen series

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Pages: 383

Format: Hardback

Source: Public Library

I am still not sure how I like the writing in this book. When I first started I thought, "Wow, this is so lush and vivid and wonderful and I WANT MORE!". But as I read more, the novelty wore off. That isn't to say that the writing worsened or became lackluster in any way. I just got past the honeymoon phase. However, the writing was definitely solid throughout the entire book. Pace was well done as were the twists and turns. Character development was there, but I could have done with more about the main characters and not so many side charactes.

Mare- She is brutal and bad ass, even before she learns of her ability and I love her for that. She remains true to herself throughout and never veers from what she believes. She does play the game that the Queen has set for her, but she does it for her own reasons as well. She has one awesome ability (but I won't spoil that for you :)) 

Maven- I could say so much, but that would end in one big spoiler. However, I will say that he is wonderful at playing people and I am eager to see how his character develops through the series. P.S. I was so hoping for a romance here!

Cal- Okay, I wanted a romance here as well. Guilty. But I do enjoy my love triangles. Again, he is a character, much like Mare, who stayed true to his beliefs, and I admire him for that, even if I disagree with his views. I like his balance of warrior/soldier and prince and vulnerable young adult. Very well done.

Queen Elara- I imagine her much like Cecilia (I believe is her name, but feel free to correct me) from Game of Thrones. In fact, it was her face that I imagined while reading this book. Their characters are nearly identical. She's sneaky and can come off as completely heartless were in not for the love she obviously has for Maven. That is her saving grace.

Evangeline- Oh, this girl. Couldn't stand her. She had no redeeming qualities, however, I attribute this to her upbring.

This is a tricky one. There are so many YA tropes throughout this book. It reads like a combination of The Selection and Hunger Games with some Darkling (Siege and Storm) and Game of Thrones tossed in for fun. Despite that, the story was well-crafted even if they reminded me of other books and shows (I've yet to read GoT, I know, I know. I'll get to it). There were up and downs and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. I do believe the story will deviate from the formula in the next installment, and began to in the last couple of chapters.

Solid again. While I would have liked to have known more about the world they are in (they refer to the past but not often), there is pretty good detail about the environment as it pertains to people. But what I want to know is, is this taking place some place comparable to our world? Like was there a war, a la The Selection/Divergent that left the world this way? Is it completely original? How did the people get their powers? Were they bestowed on them? Perhaps that was in there somewhere and I missed it.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Writing was great. Detail, which I love. Likable characters. Tropes just held it back from being a 5 Star for me.

Tangled Tides- 1 Star

Title: Tangled Tides
Author: Karen Amanda Hooper
Series: Sea Monsters Saga

- Really didn't feel any chemistry between any of the characters (esp Treygan and Yara). It felt rushed and I don't get why she really liked him. Not even liked, she was ready to jump in and dash her existence to pieces for him. It just wasn't there for me. There was no growth.
- Too many tropes for me. Girls find out she is something special after being average. One "good" guy and one "bad" guy. Everyone fawning over her. Everyone wanting to protect her. No. Just no.
- Yara really just wasn't that likable. I didn't feel a darn thing for her.
- The coloring coding came off a bit juvenile.

- She did care about her uncle Lloyd and took care of him as best she could.
- She sacrificed a lot (but got quite a bit out of the deal as well).
- The overall plot of their world being shut off to them was pretty unique.

The History Major

Honestly don't even know what to say about this. I get that the MC is in some sort of in-between state and could die and is learning/evaluating/whatever about her life and choices. But I couldn't get into it. I can appreciate the message that Cash was sending out there, but it was just too random for me. It read like something a middle school student would write. Just didn't like the book. 

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Lightning Thief- 5 Stars

Written in a way which is appealing to children and adults alike, I think just about anyone could be entertained by this book. The dialogue is witty and sharp. While the story is completely fantastic, the characters come off as very realistic. The pace was well done as there was a new obstacle every few chapters, yet each was unique and unexpected.

Percy- Our young hero, he is unassuming and delightfully fresh. Told from his point of view, the story is honest about his short comings as well as his strengths. He is very singular in his lineage. I can't recall ever having read a book about a son of Poseidon, and this is certainly a creative twist.

Annabeth- Brave and intelligent, she is probably the real leader. Annabeth is resourceful and gets Percy and Grover out of quite a few messes using her cunning.

Grover- Probably my favorite character, if only for his humor. He is always doubting himself, but comes through for his friends when they need him. I predict he will be successful in whatever pursuit he chooses, quest or finding Pan.

Mr. D- Also a very humorous character, but in a more sharp, sarcastic way. He's grumpy and wonderful, and I hope to see more of him.

Chiron- I really wish we'd gotten more of him because I think he would have been a wealth of Greek history and stories. Since I'm sure we'll visit camp again, he will definitely pop up.

Clarisse- Quite a little bully, but after meeting her dad, Ares, I can understand why. She is the perfect example of children being bullies when their parents aren't too kind either.

Overall, I enjoyed the characters. However, I will admit that the trio of Percy, Grover, and Annabeth reminded me very much of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The reluctant hero, comic-relief best friend/side kick, and the know-it-all girl who pokes fun at the two boys.

This was a crazy adventure. It was none too serious, but still kept me guessing what would happen next, which is odd for a children's book, at least for me. There were some great twists and turns, especially at the end. I really enjoyed the predicaments that the three MCs got into: Medusa's "lair", the casino, and of course, Hades

Court of Mist and Fury- 5 Stars

In a book this long, the writing has to be fantastic. And it was. Maas managed to weave more current phrases (i.e. "I don't give a shit.") with a more classical, almost lyrical writing style that comes off as both realistic but fanciful. I loved it. The characters are introduced at just the right times, and I felt as if I knew them without huge info dumps about them. Settings change, but the transitions are smooth and seamless.

We have our "Big Three" throughout the story. Tamlin, Rhys, and of course, Feyre.

Tamlin- Though he didn't play a bog part, he played a huge role, if that makes sense. He wasn't in much of the book, however, without him, Feyre never would have gone with Rhys, so he was nonetheless important. He was quite delusional and probably paranoid with Feyre, though I understand his worry. I could even forgive his smothering her in the beginning if it weren't for his betrayal at the end. Was he truly delusional enough to believe she wanted to leave her true mate to go back to him, whom she'd run from? I guess so. Eager to see how they do in the next book.

Feyre- Ever the bad ass, I can understand why she felt so oppressed with Tamlin. However, I didn't expect her to be with Rhys, regardless. She proves herself among his friends/comrades, which I did expect, and did so quite well. She's gritty and doesn't give up, which I admire. 

Rhysand- Surprised me throughout this book again and again with his softness, of all things. He's still dangerous, of course, but vulnerable with Feyre as well, which we learn at the very end. He has lost of secrets, but I know that he would share them with her, and I look forward to see that happen.

Rhys's Council/Family- A tough team for sure. Azriel was probably my favorite, but I always go for the damaged ones. I think he could have a story of his own all about how he grew up. Amren is definitely a force to be reckoned with, and I am hoping that Rhys unleashes her, maybe even on Tamlin to get Feyre back, but I have a feeling he would save it for something more. Mor is lovely, but still bad ass. She has a nice duality about her, like she could be your very best friend, or kill you if you look at her wrong. I adore her.

So many ups and downs and betrayals through this book. Of course, there was a lot of book. The book really picked up with Feyre left Tamlin at their wedding and moved to the Night Court with Rhys. It never stopped from there. There were a good amount of battle scenes, which were all wonderfully done with great detail. My personal favorite was the one with the ice wolves.I would have loved to have seen that! There were also a few sex scenes, which earned the "adult shelf" label for me. They definitely bumped this up from YA. Rhys, Feyre, and his little gang travel quite a bit in the story, but it's smoothly done and didn't feel jumpy at all. The end was a surprise for sure. Tamlin's betrayal was something that I never would have seen coming, though I did wonder when he would pop back up in the story. He never would have just left Feyre without a fight and he pulled quite a trick to her back. Big cliffhanger at the end, and I can't wait for the next book.

A wonderfully written story. Very vibrant and detailed. Characters came alive and the setting never got dull. There was always something new to discover!

Only the Good Spy Young

Pretty much the same characters. So glad to see Zach. He adds something to the story, even though he's pretty bland. Not really caring for most the characters in this one actually. Liz and Bex are still favorites though. Cammie has a lot of spunk, but they just give her a boost.

The story really picked up in the second half. The problem is that this book was so short, the second half isn't much. I was surprised by how worried I was about Mr. Solomon. I never really cared much for him until he was missing. Also there were some leads on Cammie's father. Her mother believes he's dead, and she would know, but I still think he's out there somewhere. I have a feeling this will be sort of a happily ever after where she gets her dad back by the end of the series. It was interesting to see Blackthorne, and I think what they really do there is pretty brutal considering the ages of the boys

Pretty much all the suitors ran together for me. Eadlyn never spent enough time with any of them for them to come off as individuals. I can't tell you anything about Fox. Hale fixed her dress. Ean, who knows? Even Kile played almost zero part until the very end. I was rooting for Henri, even more than Erik, I think, just because I think he was more likable. The problem here was there were too many guys and not enough time with any of them. It would have been different had she narrowed it down to two. At least they would have been memorable, if not likable. I didn't like what Marid did to her, but honestly, it still wasn't enough to make me really hate him. The characters were just blah to me.

Not gonna lie. This plot was pretty much nonexistent. It was a bunch of Eadlyn running around not really doing much. I mean, she was doing a lot. Well, not not even. She talked about doing a lot. But we don't SEE her do much of anything. We hear all about how tired and stressed and exhausted she is, but really it's because all she did was complain about how tired and stressed and exhausted she is.  When I read the original three books, I was hooked. I could not put them down. As it was here, not much happened.

There just wasn't the world building there had been in the other four books. There was a lot in the, what do they even call it? Castle? But nothing was really described. There really was no real setting here and I just couldn't get into it. I didn't FEEL there, which I need to really engage in a book. Just bad descriptions overall.

Writing was nothing special. Honestly, it came off a bit like a Selection fan fiction more than anything edited. Everything felt too easily wrapped up. Just didn't care for it. REALLY wish this hadn't been the last of the series. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Title: Absolutely True Diary of Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie
Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company
Page Count: 231
My Format: Hardback
Source: Public Library

     I admire Arnold aka Junior as a character. He starts out the story as the ultimate underdog. The great thing about him, though, is his humor, his attitude, the way he refuses to give up. Sure, he's a little delusional, but he keeps himself happy. :) Not once in this book does he run away from his problems, and he has a ton of them. He's a risk-taker and I love that about him.
     There are a lot of supporting characters throughout this story. My favorite has to be Roger. Yes, Roger. He doesn't play a huge role here. Actually, the story could very easily go on without him. The thing is, though, that he is the character that grows the most. He starts off bullying Arnold, but they grow to be friends. He helps hi out when he doesn't have to. He's kind to him.
     Gordy is also a wonderfully quirky character. I always like a genius and anyone who gets a book-boner.

     There are a lot of ups and downs through this story. There are deaths and victories. But everything is told with perspective of a nerdy, little underdog with more maturity than I'd anticipated from him. The story wouldn't have been the same without the humor. In fact, it would have been just plain sad. 

     While there is a stark contrast between the rez and Reardan, I think the people bring it together. Arnold makes some really good points about the parents of his white peers being less that active in their children's lives. I think this is universal. Despite Wellpinit having the corner on alcoholism in this book, the people really do care about each other. They build relationships. They know each other. They root for each other. There's kinship. I think this story proves that locale isn't everything.