This is a place for books that I didn't fully review.
Maybe I listed my likes and dislikes, had a little short paragraph, or a few sentences to convey my feelings on the book, but whatever the "review" is, all of them are short and simple. (hence the clever name)
It’s been three years since Rowan and Citra disappeared; since Scythe Goddard came into power; since the Thunderhead closed itself off to everyone but Grayson Tolliver.
In this pulse-pounding conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe trilogy, constitutions are tested and old friends are brought back from the dead.
Review
I love the Arc of a Scythe series, but for some reason, I kept putting this book off. I was intimidated by the size, and honestly, I was not emotionally prepared. But you know what? I could never be emotionally prepared for Neal Shusterman's writing. This book definitely takes readers on that emotional rollercoaster. No one ever really seems safe, there's a whole bunch of death and destruction, and, of course, the premise is just downright fantastic. Throughout the book, I felt like I never could fully predict what would happen and there is plenty of action right down to the last chapter. Despite the fact that this book is a brick, I sped through the pages. I know there are plenty of readers that carry some mixed feelings on the ending of this series, but I honestly loved the direction this book took. I do think there are a few questions I need answered. [highlight to view spoiler] Namely that it wasn't clear what happened to Munira. Did I just miss that? [end of spoiler] Overall, this is just a fantastic series.
I hereby give this book
5 Stars
Meaning: A new favorite!
Welcome to 1876 and a rootin’-tootin’ America bursting with gunslingers, outlaws, and garou.
JANE (a genuine hero-eene)
Calamity’s her name, and garou hunting’s her game—when she’s not starring in Wild Bill’s Traveling Show, that is. She reckons that if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one.
FRANK (*wolf whistle*)
Frank “the Pistol Prince” Butler is the Wild West’s #1 bachelor. He’s also the best sharpshooter on both sides of the Mississippi, but he’s about to meet his match. . . .
ANNIE (get your gun!)
Annie Oakley (yep, that Annie) is lookin’ for a job, not a romance, but she can’t deny there’s something about Frank she likes. Really likes. Still, she’s pretty sure that anything he can do, she can do better.
A HAIRY SITUATION
After a garou hunt goes south and Jane finds a suspicious-like bite on her arm, she turns tail for Deadwood, where there’s been talk of a garou cure. But things ain’t always what they seem—meaning the gang better hightail it after her before they’re a day late and a Jane short.
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Review
Unfortunately, this turned out to be my least favorite book in the series. I loved My Lady Jane, I enjoyed My Plain Jane, but I just liked this book. Now, I have been in a little of a reading slump lately, but I was hoping that this book would get me out of that slump! I've been reading too many depressing books and I needed the ridiculous humor of this series! But, this book combined two things that I don't typically like to read about: werewolves and the wild west. Not usually my cup of tea.
This book was pretty fun, though. I enjoyed reading the narrators' comments throughout. Quite a few made me chuckle out loud. There are a lot of shenanigans and ridiculous coincidences throughout the book, which the book pokes fun of. This kind of bordered on humor at times, but sometimes I actually enjoyed the self-awareness of this book. While I am not always keen on reading westerns, I do think the authors took the inspiration in a unique direction. I am curious about the real history behind the real figures that the characters are very very loosely drawn from. They obviously took a lot of liberties, but that is part of the fun of the series.
Overall, I didn't love it as much as I hoped to, but it still was a fun read. It was refreshing after reading so many YA books about grief to read this (not)historical ridiculousness.
I hereby give this book
3 Stars
Meaning: I liked it
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As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since,
Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.
Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.
Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.
Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.
Review
This was an okay read. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't find it particularly memorable. I don't see Hansel and Gretel retellings in YA often, so this was a little different. I do think the author did a great job of twisting the tale while keeping her own voice. By the end it did feel like it was trying to tie more into the previous book in the series, but since it's been more than seven years since I've read Sisters Red, I didn't always catch the references. The setting was really well-written, and I could clearly feel the tension in the town. Gretchen was also a great MC, though, as the book progressed, I got tired of her trying to find meaning in everything. Not everything has to have a meaning. The book ended with some questions. Maybe those will be answered in the companion books, but it doesn't look like it.
I didn't like this book as much as Sisters Red, but my reading tastes have changed since I've read that book, so my original feelings may no longer be the same. I'm likely not going to continue the series. I liked this book, but as it's not that memorable, I'm not moved to read the companion books. Maybe if I see them at used book sales I'll pick them up, but for now I'm not planning on continuing the series.
I didn't like this book as much as Sisters Red, but my reading tastes have changed since I've read that book, so my original feelings may no longer be the same. I'm likely not going to continue the series. I liked this book, but as it's not that memorable, I'm not moved to read the companion books. Maybe if I see them at used book sales I'll pick them up, but for now I'm not planning on continuing the series.
I hereby give this book
3 Stars
Meaning: I liked it
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