Book Review: The Dreamer by E. J. Mellow

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Author: E. J. Mellow

Genre: Fantasy

Published: 2015

I have been wanting to read these books for so long. The synopsis is so intriguing, the covers are to die for, and the author seemed like such a nice person (her Instagram is to die for). I was so excited to receive the series and the first book did not disappoint.

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s night. Always night. Dreams guard against the evil forged by nightmares. Infinite shooting stars illuminate a moonless sky. A city stands alone, surrounded by a darkened field. On its fringes, a man watches one star separate from the masses and fall. What survives the crash will unveil a secret centuries long hidden.

Molly hasn’t slept well since the night of her twenty-fourth birthday. Being struck by lightning might have something to do with it, but then again, her chicken did look a little undercooked at dinner. Whatever the culprit, her life quickly catapults from mundane to insane as, night after night, Molly is transported through her once dreamless sleep to a mysterious land illuminated by shooting stars.

There she meets the captivating but frustrating Dev, and together they discover Molly possesses a power coveted by his people—the ability to conjure almost anything she desires into existence. Seduced by the possibilities of this gift, Molly shifts her attention from waking life toward the man, the magic, and the world found in her dreams.

But Molly must ask herself—does something truly exist if you only see it when you close your eyes?

Faced with the threat of losing everything—her job, best friend, boyfriend, and most importantly, that little thing called her sanity—Molly will learn just how far she’ll go to uncover what is real and what is merely a figment of her imagination.

My Review:

Let me introduce you to our main character, Molly. Now Molly here is definitely not a pushover or a sweet, confused, dainty girl. No Molly is a sarcastic, take-charge type of person who isn't going to take being kept in the dark. In other words I LOVE MOLLY. Sarcasm is my first language and Molly spoke to me in a deep way. She goes through so much in this first book and keeps such an open mind (hahahaha) towards everything. She doesn't freak out or cower she takes it all in and gets the answers she needs. 

We spend a lot of the book in Molly's mind. After an unfortunate accident Molly starts having dreams that seem real. The world E. J. Mellow has created for this book is so original. It's been awhile since I've run into such a fun book world. Every night Molly wakes up under a tree... next to a city... that has hundreds of people dressed in black carrying these black sticks around (I want one). 

Side characters. As I've mentioned in some of my previous post I pay a lot of attention to side characters and the way they work in the story. The ones in this story -- namely Tim, Becca, Rae, Jared, and my personal favorite, Dev -- are AMAZING. Molly is already such a great main character so having all these side characters just brings the story together. The best friend, the boyfriend, the mysterious stranger, and so many others. 

The language  in this story is superb. I loved the way E. J. Mellow is so good at adding conversation, and providing information in a way that doesn't overwhelm you or leave you bored. The Dream world was so well put together and you were never left confused. All you wanted was more. The idea of the dream world, the thought that somewhere out there an entire race of people are watching over your dreams is just fantastic. I loved every minute of Molly's dreams and I really, really want to visit them.

All in all this is a great fantasy series. E.J. Mellow put together a unique, fast-paced first book and I couldn't have loved it more. If you enjoy fantasy, cute guys (there's two three in this one), sleeping, eating take out, and rainstorms this book is for you. 

A Sort of Book Review : The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

My Rating: 3/5 Stars

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Published: 2016

Yay! Another book down on my summer TBR *insert Party noises*. Earlier this year I met Renee Ahdieh and Roshani was there. I hadn't heard of her book but apparently everyone else had. I was a little disappointed in this story. I was expecting a lot more, but it still had some redeeming qualities.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you’re only seventeen?

Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father’s kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran’s queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar’s wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire…

But Akaran has its own secrets—thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most…including herself.

My Review:

Lets make this simple. I'll give you three reasons why I didn't enjoy the story and then I'll give you three reasons why it's worth picking up.

Three NO factors:

This book is SLOW. For me the story didn't pick up until halfway through.

The descriptions carried on forever. I'm all about being able to use my five senses for a book but at times this one took it to far. 

I didn't feel the passion between Maya and Amar until the last couple chapters. For most of the story I feel like Maya is avoiding Amar so when all of a sudden she realizes she loves him I was like "Since when?!" 

Three Okay That Works Factors:

This book is slow BUT when it picks up we get going. Everything falls into place and you have these 'Of course, duh' moments. 

The descriptions do carry on BUT Roshani gave us an amazing setting for this story. The culture in this story is awesome. The way they speak, what they wear, where they live. It all came together in this completely amazing setting. 

The passion between Maya and Amar was lacking but in those few moments before the end of the story it kind of made up for it. Amar was so sweet and when Maya did that something (trying not to spoil the story!) I could have killed her. 

I know you guys! Really odd review but this story had me back and forth. Maya was an amazing female lead. Amar was sweet and caring. The setting and the mythology were on point.

If you like mythology, or fantasy I think you should give this story a shot. I think it really depends on the reader. I'll probably reread it at some point and like it better. It's one of those stories. 

Book Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Author: Danielle Paige

Genre: YA, Retelling

Published: 2014

I honestly wasn't expecting much from this book. I've never been a big fan of Oz. It always seemed so weird. On my list it was up there with Willy Wanka and Alice in Wonderland. Bonkers. But a friend of mine said I should try it. So I did. And I LOVED it.

Goodreads Synopsis:

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado - taking you with it - you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little bluebirds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still a yellow brick road - but even that's crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy.

They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm - and I'm the other girl from Kansas.

I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.

I've been trained to fight.

And I have a mission.

My Review:

Our main character, Amy, was (in one word) tough. She's been through everything you could think of and all of a sudden she lands in Oz. She takes it in stride. I loved her sarcasm, her instinct to survive, the way she wasn't about to back down to anyone. In short shes become my YA female hero.  But even though she's got it all she's still vulnerable. After being bullied for so long she worries about how people see her. She wants to grow better, and even though Oz isn't her home she wants to save it. She wants it to go back to the way it was. And that makes her lovable.

The bluntness of this story shocked me. Not in a bad way. Most YA authors are discreet about everything but Danielle put it all out there. The difference between wicked and good was little to none. Killing was necessary to survive and it wasn't hidden.  Most good guys hate killing people even when it's in self defense. Amy learns quick that it's do or die in this twisted version of Oz.  I've never read the original Oz story but in my experience most fairy tales are dark. Danielle Paige takes us back to that and it creates such a unique story. 

If you're going into this story for romance don't. This story is all abut Amy and her growth from the beginning of the book. We have some side guys (please give me more Nox) but it's kept a very small factor in the story. You probably think tat make this some sort of feminist book where Amy hates guys and can do it all herself, but that's far from the truth. As much as this story is about Amy we get just as much about the people of Oz and their fight against Dorothy. 

I'm recommending this story to readers who love a book with a good bit of magic, an amazing lead, and far  away places. This book has everything so pick it up right now and go read it. Once you start it you won't be able too stop. Seriously I consumed it. 452 pages of awesomeness in twenty-four hours. 

Book Review: Dreamology by Lucy Keating

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Author: Lucy Keating

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: 2016

I was hesitant to pick up this book. It seemed like it was going to be a cliche, romance book. It had mixed reviews and a synopsis that didn't really interest me. I'm so glad that against all this I picked it up. If I were to describe this book in one word it would be sweet. I loved the gentleness of this story. I'm a big lover of fantasy and a lot of times they're full of sadness and violence. This book was a breather and definitely does not disappoint.

Goodreads Synopsis:

For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together they have traveled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.

But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. It turns out, though, that Real Max is nothing like Dream Max, and getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.

When their dreams start to bleed dangerously into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough?

My Review:

Alice is a girl with her head in the clouds. She prefers her dreams over reality and this is something I can SO relate to. I love my books more than I love most people (is that to harsh?). I probably loved this character because I an relate to her so much. But thats not all Alice was. She was bubbly and happy, but at the same time strong and ready to take on whatever she faced next. She loved her dreams but she was still able to surface. She loves her dog, Jerry, and her Dad. She had a big heart and a head full of dreams.  

The dreams in this book made you feel crazy colors and odd tastes. Is that weird? Does anyone else get this strange feeling when reading book? Maybe it's just me but with good books where writers describe it so well, I can see, hear, and taste some scenes. Like its all playing out in front of you on the T.V. but better. Lucy Keating did this for me. I fell in love with her writing style in every possible way. 

Side characters. One of my greatest pet peeves in books is having lame side characters. If you are going to take the readers attention away from their main characters you sure as heck better have someone good to take their place. All the extras in this book kept my attention but the four I loved most were Oliver, Sophie, Alice's Dad, and her dog, Jerry. They were all so interesting and added depth to this dreamlike book. And though Alice loves her dreams she has some very deep relationships with these characters that are just so fun to see happen throughout the book.

Now for the moment you've all been waiting on... Max.... and... Alice. The romance in this book is so light and airy. You don't have anything heavy and surprisingly this is not an insta love story. Max and Alice had a relationship long before they met. They had been together in their dreams for so long. They were a part of each others lives that they didn't wan to let go. When they finally meet in real life they're both hesitant. They have their doubts about each other and they take time to get to know one another outside of their dreams. And its something that grows throughout the book and doesn't overwhelm your senses.

I feel like this book is for all dreamers out there. That may seem cheesy but readers are dreamers. I feel like some people dislike reading (or fiction) because they don't have the imagination readers need to enjoy a book. Readers are people with strong imaginations and dreams. Most turn into writers, They just have the ability to construct whole worlds, and people in their heads. So I'm recommending this book to dreamers and readers alike.

Book Review: The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Author: Jessica Khoury 

Genre: Retelling, Fantasy

Published: 2016

I like to consider myself the queen of retellings. I really love them and if I see one I have to read it. It doesn't matter what story they're retelling I MUST read it. Funny enough I have never, ever, ever read a retelling (or even run into one) of Aladdin. Why? I'm not sure. Personally I love the disney version (*laughs hysterically cause disney is always so accurate*).  This book was full of romance, magic, and endless twists and turns. I loved how unexpected everything in this story was.

Goodreads Synopsis:

She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world... 

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes. 

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

My Review:

Our main character, Zahra, is one of my new favorites. Even though she has spent thousands of years being a slave of the lamp and granting the wishes of everyone who has stumbled upon her, she has a strong personality and a will of her own. She's both kind and determined, and wants nothing more than to earn her freedom. She both quirky and fierce and I loved that she could be both.

I haven't read a book with so much of a love factor in it in awhile. Everything I've read lately either hasn't had any romance or it's been on the back burner. Some YA romance leaves a bad taste in your mouth but this one was perfect. It wasn't forced or overpowering. It left you wanting more. Needless to say I SO ship Aladdin and Zahra. 

Now don't get me wrong this book is not just a romance. It's so much more. With a kick butt group of female warriors, a violent king of the Jin, and more magic and wishes than you know what to do with this book has everything a person could want in a retelling. My biggest thing with retellings is it can't follow the original story to much. That takes away all the surprise in the story. This book surprised me with how many twists it took. I kept thinking I knew what was coming when all of a sudden Jessica Khoury threw a new factor into the story. It was horrible and amazing and I loved it. 

Recommending this book to anyone who like retellings, romance, or magic. It's an amazing spin on Aladdin and it keeps you hooked till the very end. 

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.

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.