Latest Reads: August 2013 (late...again)

I know it’s not actually August anymore…and this is the second month in a row I’m late with my monthly “READS” post, but here are my thoughts about the books I READ in August, so that’s how I’m going to rationalize that one! No point in dwelling on something I can’t change. Onward…

I am very pleased to say that I was a MUCH better reader in August! I read SEVEN this past month…much better than the TWO I read in July, plus I’m still plowing through the fourth “Game of Thrones”. (On a Game of Thrones tangent: I usually hit a door stop when he introduces a brand new character followed by 20 pages of details…sometimes my eyes glaze over, but I’m plowing through. In fact, I’m ready to start a “Jamie” chapter, and I will say Jamie is easily becoming one of my favorite characters!)

ANYWAY…August was a much more productive month! Check it out!

 

JHappy ReadingJ

 

The Awakening of Agnostos by Jennifer Paquette and Nicholas Perrotti

Greek Mythology, take NEW (instead of two…play on words…)! This story features twelve of the main Greek gods and goddesses as we have never seen them, working together to save their own existence! For centuries Greeks have used legends surrounding the gods and goddesses to explain daily mysteries, and “The Awakening of Agnostos” is no different, EXCEPT this is a brand new tale created by a mother and son duo! As a fan of Greek Mythology, I found the authors’ attention to detail and accuracy extraordinary.

Final Thought: It’s the first in a series and I can’t wait for the next one!

 

Thou Shalt Not Kill by Theresa Oliver

In this present day thriller, we follow teenagers after they’ve escaped a brutal terror attack on their town and school. The main character Casey is a great heroine for young girls! She is strong and focused, plus she faces her fears and takes a leadership role. It’s easy to relate to the rest of the colorful characters. The author, Theresa Oliver, did a great job with an intriguing storyline. She made sure there were plenty of twists and turns for this band of determined kids…determined to get their town back and rescue as many people as possible!

Final Thought: I’m excited to see where this series goes!

 

All In by Molly Bryant

As a resident of Las Vegas and a fan of Molly Bryant’s work, I just had to check out this book. First off, I flew through this book in a matter of hours. Second, this is NOT one for the kiddies (18+). It’s loaded with adult themes and mature content. Lastly, it has Vice Jackson…hard NOT to crush on the tatted badass with a heart of gold…even if he is a fictional character, and his female counterpart, Harlow Jean, is likable and fun.

I really enjoyed this story. Bryant did a great job of mixing up the storyline (in a good way) to keep the reader guessing. Plus, the Vegas setting is one of my favorites!

Final Thought: I can’t wait to read some of Bryant’s other work!

(Want to know more? Check out my blog for the “All In” blog tour: http://stephaniegreenhalgh.blogspot.com/2013/08/all-in-blog-tour.html)

 

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Claire

I had to get the book and read it BEFORE I had a chance to watch the newly released movie. I also wanted to get it read before the movie trailers ruined the story in my head. It’s another problem with being a nerd girl, but I can dig it!

I liked this story. I really like the main characters, Jace and Clary. I enjoyed Claire’s depiction of this supernatural other world that takes place all around us, a world in which only a few can see or be seen. Needless to say, that is right up my alley and I was drawn in immediately! As Claire begins the tale, she leads the reader on an interesting road of discovery; the reader must sift through the ‘good’ guys and the ‘bad’ guys. After an intricate plot, the reader is left with some serious surprises to think about!

Final Thought: I am anxiously waiting to read the next book to ‘see’ if some of my predictions will come to fruition or if I am WAY off!

 

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

I LOVED this book so much! In fact, it has its very OWN blog. I couldn’t help it. It had such a profound effect on me; I had to write about it. Please check out that blog if you missed it the first time: http://stephaniegreenhalgh.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-fault-in-our-stars.html

Final Thought: A truly extraordinary story. READ IT NOW!

 

Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Both of these books were fantastic!!! I’m holding on to my thoughts for now. I’m still processing how book two ended while eagerly waiting for the third and final installment, Allegiant, which isn’t set to release until October 2013.

Final Thought: Stay tuned for my thoughts on the Divergent Series!