Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Book Review: The Killing Jar by R. S. McCoy

My Rating: 3/5 Stars
Author:R. S. McCoy
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Published: 2016

This was a fun, fast paced, science fiction book. With an amazing main character, fun side characters, and a beautiful setting.

Goodreads Review:

Earth is dying, circling the drain on life support. The future of the human race depends on space exploration, but they’re running out of time. Parasitic insects are systematically killing the best scientific minds but no one knows why. 

Mable Wilkinson is the last hope to figure it out, she just doesn’t know it yet. For years, her resourcefulness, intelligence, and penchant for problem-solving have put her at the top of a very short list of researchers, only she doesn’t want to be part of it. 

Cast out at sixteen, Mable wrote off the problems of the world long ago. Now, her focus is on Hadley, her adopted little sister, and teaching her to survive in the cut-throat underground. Instead, both Mable and Hadley fall into the hands of the program’s recruiter, Silas Arrenstein, and he’s determined to have one of them. Mable can join up with the man and program who killed her brother, or she can leave Hadley to the same fate.

A new sci-fi romance from RS McCoy, author of The Sparks Saga and The Luminary Chronicles. 

Book One of The Extraction Files


My favorite part of this story was our main character, Mabel. She was strong, independent, and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure her sister stays safe in a world falling apart. Mable was such a strong lead. Sometimes you get  a lead who outshines everything else in the book but she was just enough. I loved how tough she could be but knew when to let go and show herself to the people around her. Her relationship with Hadley was sweet and honestly made me so happy. Sister relationships in stories hold a special place in my heart. 

The world in this book is so well built! I loved the setting (earth dying, etc.) and I couldn't get enough of it. The domes over the cities, the underground colonies, the new species, the planet searching it was all just amazing and I loved the feel of it. The alien species especially.

So before I mention this next part I'd just like to say I have a terrible fear of bugs. Always have. It doesn't matter what kind of bug I hate them. So when these robotic bugs came into the story I was horrified and slightly disturbed. But at the same time I liked seeing how the author brought these into play,

This story had a lot of good qualities but I gave it three stars for two reasons. (1. it was a little slow. (2. At times the story was hard to follow. Maybe these play into each other and the only issue was how it was a slow at times but I put it as two issues. I felt that at times we had a little to much information and/or the author went on about something that wasn't important for that part of the story. This didn't prevent me from enjoying the story though.

I'm going to recommend this story to science fiction lovers. This book leaves an otherworldly taste in your mouth that reminds you of far away places and keeps you wanting more.




Thursday, June 2, 2016

My Summer TBR With High School Musical

When it gets closer to the end of the school year all I can think about is high school musical two 
      

  



and all the books I want to read. Seriously the list gets longer and longer the closer summer gets. 




I'm kind of odd when it comes to books and seasons. I read fantasy year round, contemporary and romance during the summer, and classics in the winter. I didn't make a plan or anything that's just what I'm in the mood for during those times. Odd but true.



I've narrowed the list down to nineteen books. I go back to school September fifth so I should be able to kill this... Hopefully.


           

  • The Star- Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi. I met Roshani at a book event in Ashville and she was so sweet! And please it's a retelling we all know I was gonna read it eventually. RETELLINGS ARE EVERYTHING. UPDATE: Finished 3/5 STARS

  • The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson. It seems like the perfect summer read so it's going on the list. UPDATE; Finished 3/5 Stars

  • A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab. UPDATE: Finished 5/5 STARS

  • A Gather of Shadows by V. E. Schwab. I'm reading this series with a friend this summer and the big theme of magic can't be ignored. UPDATE; Finished 4/5 Stars



  • Meet Me Here by Bryan Bliss. This seems like the perfect book for letting go of everyone's expectations and following your dreams. Excuse me while I read it.

  • The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh. I started this but didn't finish it. Why? Because I don't want it to be over.


  • An Ember in The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Why have I waited so long to read this?!

  • Dreamology by Lucy Keating. Dream guy finding you in real life? Yes please. UPDATE: Finished 4/5 STARS



  • My Lady Jane by three fabulous ladies. Because it turns Lady Jane Grey's story into a comedy and I want to know how.

  • The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis. I'll need something dark to get me over all those lovey dovey feelings. UPDATE: Finished 3/5 Stars

  • The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski. WHY?? Why does this series have to end??

  • Down With the Shine by Kate Quinn. This book sounds so odd but I'm giving it a chance anyway

  • Unrivaled by Alyson Noel. Glam life not so glam with missing people and famous actors. Alright then.



  • Red Velvet Crush by Christina Meredith. Honestly this book sounds perfect for a quick read at the pool.

  • Sing by Vivi Greene. This seems like such a Taylor Swift read! Seriously check out the synopsis here 

  • We Were Never Here by Jennifer Gilmore. I feel like I'm gonna cry but I'm gonna like it. UPDATE: Finished 3/5 STARS

  • The Creswell Plot by Eliza Wass. Secrets? Buried deep? Give it to me



  • Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Am I the only one who hasn't read this? *Looks around* guess so

  • Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. I'm not a big fan of Oz but this sounds pretty good. UPDATE: Finished 4/5 STARS






And that's it! I hope you guys have enjoyed this and are planning your summer full of reading like I am. If you're reading any of these books this summer let me know! Or if you have suggestions send them to me. I probably won't be doing much this summer besides reading. And swimming. And maybe dancing. 

If you liked this post let me know!


And one last gif because I can:




Oh Troy. My second grade crush. Still kind of crushing on him. I mean seriously SO CUTE.