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