Book Review: Beyond The Lens by Hannah Ellis

Hey guys, how are you today? I don’t know where my lack of energy is coming from but, thank God it’s Friday. 

Beyond the Lens by Hannah Ellis

Release date: November 10th 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace

Pages: 365

Source: The lovely author

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary

From Goodreads:

When twenty-six-year-old Lucy Mitchell loses her job, she momentarily loses her mind too and agrees to take part in a reality TV show. Before she knows it she’s jetting off to a piece of paradise on a beautiful Spanish island. 

Much to her surprise, Lucy makes new friends and has the time of her life, even indulging in a behind-the-scenes romance with a hunky cameraman.

Convinced the production will never make it to the screen, Lucy returns home on cloud nine, but soon finds that things are not always as they seem. 

Review

I went into this baby without knowing what it was about and I read it in like two sittings. Yes, it was that good.

At the beginning of the week, Lucy is just a regular girl that lacks the sense of adventure. All it took to trigger this journey was a “yes”. This book showcases the path from ordinary to famous. Who would have guessed that she would meet such a great group of people and a cute but shy cameraman in the process?

I found the plot to be extremely original; I’ve never read anything like it. The TV is plagued by reality shows, yet I’ve never read a book about what goes on behind the cameras. 

We’re presented with a very odd yet hilarious group of people, and it was lovely to see how their friendship got stronger as the days passed. We need more of these friends in the real world. Friends who take care of each other (well, mostly. I’m looking at you Ryan,) and don’t succumb to the claws of fame. 

What pleasantly surprised me was how in the span of a short book, we get to see how much Lucy grows as a person and how her confidence increases. We don’t get much of this in contemporary books. And when we do, it seems that the confidence boost is always related to a guy. Thankfully, that’s not the case here.

I loved the mystery regarding Maria’s apartment. And although I saw it coming, it was a great twist. 

The second twist, though. It hit me like a truck. It was great! Congrats, Hannah, you played us all.

My only issue with this book was the distribution of the “problems” to be solved. The first half was too perfect and then it all goes downhill. I thought there were way too many things going on. Or maybe it’s just that I’m not used to it. It’s not that bad, really. I’m just making it sound worse than it is.

This book is a perfect summer read, but it’s not just that. It highlights the importance of how not everything is what it seems. In an era in which we’re surrounded by technology and information at the reach of our fingers, we should be careful with who we trust and what we hear. 

With that being said, let’s end this review with the other important moral from this story: let’s say yes every once in a while. We have to take some risks. If not now, then when?

Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Rating System

I Want to thank Hannah Ellis for providing me with a copy of this amazing book! I can't wait to read the next one.

That's all for today! Check this book out, it's awesome.

Are you a yes or a no person? I'm more of a "waits too long and then the opportunity is gone". What reality tv shows do you like to watch? Let me know!

Book Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

Release date: May 2nd 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Pages: 699

Source: No one sent it to me. I just love SJM.

Rating: 5 out 5 beautiful silver stars

Summary

From Goodreads:

*Spoilers*

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Review

Holy moly. I'm dead. And I have been for the past two days and a half. 

I can't believe I'm going to say it, and I might deny it in the future but, I think I love this trilogy more than the ToG series. 

Okay, that's the end of the review.

JK.

Where do I even start? I guess with the non-spoilery part?

This book was such a journey and it was so different from the previous 2 books. We get to see our fave characters mature, we get to see some old faces and some new ones, and most importantly, we finally get a diverse group of characters!

Sarah definitely lived up to the expectation and delivered a fantastic conclusion to Feyre and Rhys's journey. 

Not everything was perfect, but it was quite close. 

Spoilers ahead!

Can we take a minute to talk about how badass Feyre was at the Spring Court? A small trick here, another one there, man, the Lucien one killed me. And then the twins were the cherry on top. 

I think the most nerve-wracking moment for me in the whole book was the chase between Feyre-Lucien and the Autumn Court. That was until, of course, our angel Cassian came in to save the day.

Plot wise, I think this was, as usual, fantastically planned. So much happened and so much was solved. I still can't believe how it all worked out. I honestly thought someone from the gang would have to die. 

Since we brought death up, let's talk about how great the death of lil' King of Hybern was. Elain, gurrl, I didn't know you had it in you.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that this was entirely war-driven. It was filled with tactics and plans and yet the sarcastic banter we all love was still there. I hope we get something like this in the ToG books.

I want to highlight two very important points from the novel:

Diverse characters. I love, LOVE, the diversification of characters. We finally have people of different ethnicity and sexuality. The only thing I'm sad about is how long it took for her to include them. It was great to meet all these new characters with different backgrounds and stories. It gave the novel so much depth. It was also fantastic to know a bit about a certain character's dilemma (you know who I'm talking about.)

Character development. I was so surprised to see how far Feyre had changed, how much confidence she had gained. The whole scene with the high-lords was fantastic! If Feyre's change was a surprise, then Tamlin came in like a wrecking ball. I was so glad, that Sarah gave him a little room for redemption. Does it wipe all the shitty stuff he did? Definitely not, but it was a small step. So many people shocked me in this book! Elain, Nesta, Lucien, Mor, Jurien.

Now let's talk about everybody's favorite topics: SHIPS

I was so glad that the Feyre-Rhys relationship remained untouched. I was seriously concerned that the book could get ruined by adding some tension into the relationship. But fortunately, that didn't happen. If only, it grew stronger with each passing second.

You might think I'm crazy, but I'm happy that the Elain-Lucien ship is not really working out. Well, at least I think it's not. Plus, do you think it's a coincidence that we learned about how a bond can be rejected? I think not. My bet is on the Elain-Az ship. And I will sink with it. I don't really like Lucien. I hate that he just ignored everything that happened at the Spring Court. And I can't forgive him for it. No matter what he does.

Nesta and Cassian? Yep. Definitely mates. Can't deny it. 

A mating bond is suppossed to be very rare. Acomaf felt like the Oprah show. You get a mate, you get a mate. So I'm quite content with how everything is going.

I want to address a more serious and controversial topic. When the first 8 chapters were released, there was a big commotion over a phrase in which, allegedly, Sarah J. Maas was implying that asexual people were soulless. You have to be quite dumb if that's what you took out of it. “perhaps any sort of physical passion had long ago been drained away, alongside their souls.” I hate it when people just go ahead and jump to conclusions. After having read the book, I can say that it was nothing like that. She was definitely not implying that you had to be soulless to be asexual. In context, it's really easy to realize that she was referring to how war had left them soulless and maybe all the horrors they'd faced had made it impossible to feel attracted to someone ever again. So please, just wait to get the full picture before opening your mouths.

As I said before, it was a monumental (literally and figuratively) conclusion and I can't wait till the novellas are released. So Sarah, can you hurry up, please? Thanks.

The big question is: is it better than A Court of Mist and Fury? In my opinion, I don't think it is. But it's almost there.

Rating

5 out of 5 stars

Rating System

I have no more words or energy left. I need a year to recover from this roller coaster.

Sorry about the amount of gifs. Actually, no, I'm not sorry. I know you love them.

I'll see you on the next one!

How on Earth are we supposed to live after that? Any suggestions? What were your thoughts on all the controversy surrounding the book? Let me know!

Book Review: 2DEE by Robin Wyatt Dunn

Hey guys, sorry I couldn't post yesterday. I'm having some major power outage problems at home. Luckily, no power means time to read for me. 

Onto why we're here:

2DEE by Robin Wyatt Dunn

Release date: June 14th 2017

Publisher: John Ott

Source: LibraryThing

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Summary

From Goodreads:

The population of Los Angeles has vanished. John Dee has to find out why. With the help of his AI son, he journeys between dimensions, undergoes radical body modifications, topples extrasolar governments, and hunts his lost love, all without a clear idea of who he is. To rescue his city, and himself, he must confront both the cruelty of the universe he finds himself in, and his own interior darkness.

Review

I requested this book in March and only got around to reading it last week. Unfortunately, it was not what I was expecting at all.

I was drawn into it by the idea of reading dystopic/post-apocalyptic book whose main characters are a father and son. What I got instead was a city as a main character, an annoying adult, and a kid who barely appeared.

Honestly, I couldn't get past the first 100 pages. But from what I've gathered of other reviews, the rest of it is still as weird and incoherent. 

My main issue with it is the writing style. It's a mix of stream of consciousness with something else I can't describe. It was too jumpy for my liking. 

It is, apparently, a second book in a duology or trilogy. I don't really know. But you wouldn't be able to tell from the way this one starts. I don't think reading the first one would have made much difference. Maybe I wouldn't have been so lost with certain characters. But that's it.

The plot is all-over the place, and I just felt it was rushed for no reason. 

I gave it 2 stars because, as I've said, the writing style is my main issue and that's totally personal. Otherwise, it would have been a 1 or 1 and a half book. 

Rating

2 out of 5 stars

Rating System

I normally am not so blunt with reviews because I don't like dis-encouraging people from reading it, but I just can't say anything nice about this one.

Do you enjoy reading stream of consciousness? Let me know!

Book Review: The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

Release date: March 7th 2017

Publisher: Crown

Pages: 279

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Summary

From Goodreads:

Roanoke girls never last long around here. In the end, we either run or we die.

After her mother's suicide, fifteen year-old Lane Roanoke came to live with her grandparents and fireball cousin, Allegra, on their vast estate in rural Kansas. Lane knew little of her mother's mysterious family, but she quickly embraced life as one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls. But when she discovered the dark truth at the heart of the family, she ran fast and far away.

Eleven years later, Lane is adrift in Los Angeles when her grandfather calls to tell her Allegra has gone missing. Did she run too? Or something worse? Unable to resist his pleas, Lane returns to help search, and to ease her guilt at having left Allegra behind. Her homecoming may mean a second chance with the boyfriend whose heart she broke that long ago summer. But it also means facing the devastating secret that made her flee, one she may not be strong enough to run from again.

As it weaves between Lane's first Roanoke summer and her return, The Roanoke Girls shocks and tantalizes, twisting its way through revelation after mesmerizing revelation, exploring the secrets families keep and the fierce and terrible love that both binds them together and rips them apart. 

Review

“You know your family’s fucked up, right?” he asked. “Like, seriously screwed.” 

But damn, no one warned me of how much. 

Wait a second, my background music isn't setting the right mood for me to write. *Try by Pink comes on* Okay, we're good now.

Sometimes I think that it's better 

To never ask why 

Funny how the heart can be deceiving 

More than just a couple times 

Why do we fall in love so easy 

Even when it's not right 

If this song does not describe the sick and twisted "love" that goes on in this novel, then I don't know what does. But you're probably thinking "what the hell's going on?," so let's start at the beginning. You can come back once you've read it and understand a little better.

This is an extremely dark book, yet I devoured the last 150 pages in the span of a couple of hours. It kinda makes me wonder what's wrong with me.

*this will be a spoiler-free review because I don't want to ruin it for you*

The story already starts with quite disturbing news: Lane's mom committed suicide and now she has to go live with grandparents she's never met in the house her mom calls a nightmare. Delightful. And then it just keeps getting worse.

The story is told from different time periods, one from the summer Lane spent at Roanoke when she was young and one 11 years later, when she has to go back after her cousin goes missing. This  will often make you want to just skip parts to find out what the hell happened. I suggests you don't, though, because all the hints are there for you to see. 

The writing is fantastic, it hooks you up immediately. I promise there isn't a single boring moment in here. Or maybe there are and my mind erased them to fully appreciate the other amazing parts.

You won't find a single morally correct character in this book. And it's one of the best parts of it. 

What surprised me was that despite how awful the situation in this book is, it wasn't graphic. Not even a little bit. And to lighten the mood a little bit, there is also a healthier love story going on.

This is not a happy story, okay? I wouldn't suggest reading it if you're under 18, but that's on you. The plot is extremely dark and deals with themes that may be too much for some of you. 

Me when I finished it

Rating

5 out of 5 stars

Rating System

About the author

Amy Engel is the author of THE BOOK OF IVY young adult series. A former criminal defense attorney, she lives in Missouri with her family. THE ROANOKE GIRLS (March 7, 2017), is her first novel for adults.

Site: http://amyengel.net/

I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review.

Do you enjoy  books with dark topics? This one's for you! Do you recommend any books like this one? Let me know. 

Book Review: Shoebox Funeral by Elisabeth Voltz

Hey guys, sorry I didn't post anything yesterday. I really wasn't feeling it and I preferred to avoid posting something just for the sake of it. But I'm back, so don't worry!

Shoebox Funeral by Elisabeth Voltz

Release date: May 16th 2017

Publisher: Animal Media Group LLC

Pages: 310

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Source: Netgalley

Summary

From Goodreads:

Growing up with ten siblings on a farm in rural Grove City, PA, Beth Voltz came in contact with many animals, as one would expect when you live on a farm. But the Voltz family farm would usually have a few additions each week—the townspeople would often drop off their unwanted, or worse, dying animals for the Voltz family to take care of. Shoebox Funeral: Stories from Wolf Creek (Grave Tales) is a heartfelt collection of short stories about the ducks, cats, dogs, and birds that Beth would befriend, all the while knowing that they wouldn't be around for very long.

Review

I picked this book because I, as an animal lover, thought I would enjoy reading about a girl who refused to let helpless animals die. Unfortunately, it was a bit too depressing for me to fully enjoy.

If I'm being honest, I didn't finish this book. I thought you should know. 

While the writing was exceptionally good, the stories were just so graphic that I couldn't stand reading death after death.

Another element I liked, were the illustrations. They are fantastic and really sweet. The style would be great for a children's book. 

As with the previous Animal Media Group I reviewed, the edition I received has some format issues. I'll leave a picture for you to see:

There are also some letters missing throughout the book. I assume it's because of it being an ARC. You can appreciate here the beautiful art I mentioned before, isn't it stunning?

It's fantastic how innocent and pure kids can be and how they help selflessly when adults wouldn't even consider it. So, thank you, Elizabeth for what you've done and for sharing your life story. I hope everyone gets inspiration out of it. I know I did.

Rating

3 out of 5 stars

Rating System

About the Author

Elisabeth Voltz was born on a farm in Grove City PA, the tenth child to a horticulturalist and a mathematician/exorcist. There she collected unlucky and even suicidal animals, accumulating tragic death stories until she moved to Pittsburgh twelve years ago to become a video editor at Animal Inc.

What I've said shouldn't stop you from checking it out! Make sure to do so. What did you think? Would you have survived with 10 siblings?

Book Review: Rebel Flight by Mindy Klasky

Rebel Flight by Mindy Klasky (Darkbeast Chronicles #1)

Release date: February 28th 2017

Publisher: Book View Cafe

Pages: 188

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary

From goodreads:

Sometimes, rebellion is the only option. 

In the sheltered village of Silver Hollow, Keara knows exactly what is expected of her: Worship the twelve gods, pay the Primate his head tax, and follow her mother’s unreasonably strict rules. But Keara’s twelfth birthday is looming, along with an obligation she dares not meet. Keara must sacrifice her darkbeast on a holy altar or be branded a heretic forever. 

Other children despise their bonded scapegoat animals. But Keara loves her raven, Caw. He’s the only creature in Silver Hollow who truly understands her headstrong ways. 

When a traveling theater troupe passes through the village, Keara glimpses a way to escape. But the Great Road comes with its own dangers, including dread Inquisitor priests who hunt down infidels. 

Will Keara find the strength to flee the only home she’s ever known? Or will she be forced to slay her closest friend on the altar of the gods? 

Review

I'm not usually drawn towards books in which the main character is under 14-15 but, boy am I happy I picked it up.

This is one of those "what would you do when everything you thought was true, wasn't" type of stories but done the right way. Filled with so many relatable moments (despite it being in the fantasy genre), it will take you right back to your childhood and all those moments when you thought your mom was being so unfair.

Keara is one of the most realistic characters I've read in a long while. She's a girl who likes to think is a woman but is still struck with fits of jealousy, rebellion and those "nobody understands me" phases. Yet, she's still mature in ways I wish I had been when I was her age. I couldn't admit I was wrong even if my life depended on it. Well...I still can't, but that's not the point here. I really got to connect with her, which is weird since she is younger than me. 

I want to highlight the writing here. Mindy: I don't know how you do it, but I felt every single thing Keara was feeling. I felt mad when her mom wouldn't let her see the Travelers, I felt scared every time the inquisitors showed up, and I felt jealous and angry whenever she didn't get properly acknowledged. Whatever it is, your secret, keep doing it.

Caw was probably my favorite part out of the whole book, he reminds me a lot of Salem (from Sabrina the Teenage Witch.) They are both chill and sassy characters and exactly what I look for in a pet. Unfortunately, mine are not as smart.

Caw in a nutshell

Lastly, I loved how we get to see and know the world at the same time as Keara, and how both the character and the reader marvel in unison.

I'm sorry this is so all-over the place but I just finished this book and I'm too excited to form a coherent text. Luckily for me, I already have book 2 in my hands. *insert evil laugh*

Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

Rating System

About the Author

Mindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.

Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including traditional fantasy, urban fantasy, and category romance.

In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.

Do me a favor and check this book if you're a fan-tasy (fan of fantasy, I'm so clever.) Do you think animals can talk with humans but decide not to because we're stupid? Hmm, let me know.