Since the last time I updated (not just this week!), I’ve read:
The Selection and The Elite by Kiera Cass
This series is like a retelling of The Bachelor in a dystopian setting. Sometimes I felt like the writing was a bit flat; the dialogue and character development seemed wooden at times. However, the story is still intriguing, and I will finish the trilogy when the third book, The One, comes out.
Emerald Green by Kierstin Gier, translated by Anthea Bell
I love this series by German author, Kierstin Gier. It is one of the freshest story ideas I’ve read in a while. This is the third book in the trilogy that began with Ruby Red and continued with Sapphire Blue. Gwen is a time traveler, but no one in her family expected her to inherit that particular genetic trait. Because her cousin was supposed to be the time traveler instead, Gwen has received no training and has had to learn very quickly how to put up with a mystery that is hundreds of years old, a power-hungry 18th century count, her ability to talk to ghosts, and a very handsome boy who may or may not love her.
Gwen and her supporting cast are also quite funny, providing much comic relief in the midst of her dire situation.
Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
This book is difficult to explain, but that is just part of its appeal. Kami, our heroine, is a young aspiring journalist who lives in a town where nothing ever happens. Not much ever happens to Kami, except that she can talk to a boy, Jared, in her head. She has learned to hide this “imaginary” friend from everyone else in her life, as it has caused other friends to shy away from her and think that she is crazy.
When a strange family comes to her little town, one of the teenage boys they bring with them just happens to be Jared, who just happens to be the boy that Kami has never actually met but who had spoken to Kami in her mind for her entire life.
The resulting plotline involves Kami doggedly and spunkily attempting to solve the mystery that is Jared’s family and the danger they might pose to her hometown.
The Unbound by Victoria Schwab
This book is the sequel to The Archived and continues Mackenzie Bishop’s attempts to learn more about the Archive. She is deeply changed from her experiences in the first installment, and some of the changes may be putting her in further danger.
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Scarlet is the second book in the Lunar Chronicles, a series that began with Cinder. I waited for along time to begin this book. I liked Cinder, but I wasn’t just overwhelmed with love for it or anything. I rarely like second books more than first ones, but I loved Scarlet. It deepened the plot line begun in the first one, and I love the ways that Meyer is weaving fairy tale elements into her steampunk/science fiction world. I also enjoyed the love notes to Star Wars that seem to be planted in this series. Captain Carswell Thorne is Han Solo, no question.
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
I just finished this second book in Bardugo’s Grisha trilogy. I didn’t love it as much as I loved the first one, but I still really like this series and these characters. I love the story of Alina and Mal, and I’m looking forward to the third book in the series, Ruin and Rising, which will be release in June of this year.
That’s what I’ve been reading lately! What are you reading?
(“It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It’s a great way to keep track of what you’re reading and see what others are reading each week.)
Teach It Slant 