The Thought Spot

Thanks to Macmillan Publishers and Goodreads for the giveaway, The Killing Lessons by Saul Black (audiobook cd)!  I have never listened to an audio book before, but I can see that I will be “reading” books more through this option.  I enjoyed being able to have my eyes and hands free to work on craft projects, so I was able to get twice the work done!

I began listening to the cd’s on the evening that I received them-November 3rd.  I now realize that audio books take much more time for me to “read” than a regular book or ebook.  I had to be alone in the room to listen, with other editions I can read while other people are in the room with me or while they are watching television, such as my husband watching a football game.

The first chapter dove right into the story and reminded me instantly of the elegance, creativity and realism of the writing of Stephen King.  Two criminals break into a home of a single mother who has two children.  The story revolves around the narrative of thoughts of these criminals, the mother and daughter and several other characters.   Descriptive writing brings the reader into each character’s mind and world.  The murderers don’t seem to feel emotion or pain unless it is their own, which is scary and completely horrible, but probably par for the course with these situations.  The Killing Lessons is intense to the very end.

I also enjoyed the author interview at the end of the audio book.  Saul Black shared the beginnings of his story and what he related to while writing.  Very interesting and it sounds as though we will hear more about Valerie, the detective, in the future!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen for the arc of Firstlife by Gena Showalter!  The story begins in a detention center, somewhat like a prison, for obstinate people who are unwilling to choose sides – Myriad or Troika. The world building is somewhat confusing and the dialogue, through letters, is difficult to follow. I think the difficulty is due to the arc and I am assuming these problems will be taken care of before publishing. Religious fanatics who go to tremendous lengths to make their children decide on either Troika or Myriad, including torture (even cutting out the tongue isn’t beyond what they will allow), are in charge of this world. The more I read, the more I enjoyed the book. Also, the book cover is beautiful and creative. Gena Showalter is a great author and this series has potential!  I am definitely planning on reading book #2!

The Spellcaster Series by Claudia Gray just gets better with each book addition.  A supernatural story of the struggle between good and evil ensues and builds a team of loyal and brave characters for the fight against all things wicked.

Verlaine and Asa are my favorite characters because they feel the most realistic and I enjoyed their love story.  I would definitely read this series again!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, an adult read, brings a strange and wonderful circus to life.  The drawback – the circus performers are trapped!  A suspenseful and imaginative story that is colorfully written and entirely creative.

Servants of the Storm by Delilah S. Dawson, a young adult supernatural read, adds a bit of the psychological thriller mode into a city devastated by Hurricane Josephine.  An enjoyable read for anyone who likes the supernatural with a twist!

The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender is another young adult supernatural story with an evil darkness that adds to the creepiness factor!  An old, decrepit building, a history of asylum patients and mysterious deaths all lead to a suspenseful story!

I recommend these books to all readers of the weird and spooky!

The Extraction Series by Stephanie Diaz has reminded me of Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Shadow Series.  Clementine has extreme intelligence and small stature, just as Bean does.  The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth also comes to mind because of the competitive nature of the societies.

In the first book, Extraction, a depressing world is brought to life where civilians are treated like slaves and livestock!  In Rebellion, the second book, Clementine worries that she might be unstable, but she is still intent on stopping Charlie and his senseless treatment of their people.  In the third and final book, Evolution, the world of Kiel comes full circle and I enjoyed this one most of all.  The writing is more complex than the first two books in this series and Clementine gets to meet the Mardenites’ God!

The Extraction series blends a dystopian society with science fiction and creates an unusual world full of brave and interesting characters!

I absolutely love NetGalley because I have access to many publishers and am able to read wonderful books before they are published!  I like reviewing books early, so I can plan purchases ahead of time and also let students and other readers know about books they might be interested in reading.

This revised edition is proof that NetGalley works and helps authors, publishers and readers! I appreciate receiving both editions and seeing the change involved in improving this book.

My goodreads review: Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Moon for the arc of Nirvana by J.R. Stewart! I received a revised edition of this book and enjoyed it the more I read. Kenders is the main character looking for evidence that her boyfriend Andrew is really alive, even though he has been pronounced dead. The storyline is based on a conspiracy theory of technology involving virtual reality and the profit that can be made. Four stars because I would have liked more explanation on how the simulations are created and more world building. Great concept, just over too quickly. I am anticipating the sequel because of the cliff hanger ending!

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the advanced reading copy of Passenger by Alexandra Bracken!  This time-travel fantasy is an interesting story about who owns the right to control the future, as well as the past.  I was confused at first because one bit of the story was told, then a bit of another.  These bits are blended seamlessly soon after and become one story full of several dynamic characters.  Some romance, action and a touch of history make this an enjoyable read for every fantasy reader.  The ending leaves the story on edge, so I am anticipating the sequel!

  

I have to say that the high school students, at the library I purchase books for, received the Fear Street Relaunch books with tremendous enthusiasm!  Suspenseful and creepy, just as horror books for young adults should be, these books still let me sleep at night:)  I hope the Fear Street Relaunch continues!

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas jumps right into the story with action and emotion.  Sarah J. Maas continues writing with her clever sense of humor!  Several characters and their stories keep building and growing throughout this book.  The comments about a peaceful day (page 290) and eating fish (page 291) made me laugh out loud.  On page 295, the magnificent writing brings Aelin’s piano playing to life!  Intrigue, suspense and complicated relationships kept me on the edge of my seat.  A wonderful ending to a new and promising, hopeful beginning!