Book Review: Shadow and Bone

This book was already on my list of "to-reads" when it came into the library. But it was put in the children's department and I was confused. Is this a children's book or YA fiction? What are the differences? 

Well, as a fairly judgmental person, I was like, do I want to read this now I know it is a kid's book? Totally glad I picked it up anyway, I'm really not sure it is in the right section. Oh well, let's discuss this in the discussion comments.

November 26th

(I'd just like to point out it is my birthday and it is always so funny writing that date)

As I mentioned I didn't have a lot of faith in this book to be fantastic. However, I started it last night after I reached 43753 words in my NaNoWriMo goal :) ... the book is fantastic (this one, not the one I'm writing, I'm not sure about that one yet)!! From the first pages to page 167 (which is as far as I read last night), I'm on the edge of my seat! 

Things I want to know

1. I want to know what happened that first day in the "Before"

2. Where did the scar come from (see above?)

3. What does The Darkling look like, I mean, really look like

Things I love

1. That Alina is honest with her feelings

2. That The Darking feels like he is right in between Anikin and Darth. 

3. That it is suddenly trendy to make non-beautiful female protagonists :)

November 26th - continued

So, I finished the book in a 24 hour period of time - that is how captivating this book is.

Things I Know

1. The prologue "after" sucked, what was that all about? That does not make me excited to read the next book. That sounded dull. Everything was tied up in such a neat little package.

2. That Mal is pretty awesome and totally a teenaged boy

3. That this is a totally unique storyline, nothing is like this - but it is fantastic.

Why I Want to Read the Next Book

1. Obviously I need to see what happens to both Mal and Alina.

2. I want to know the Darkling's name

3. Does light win over darkness?

New Read: The Crown of Embers

Okay, so I'm a librarian with no time to read - it really is shameful. I mean, I do read. I read picture books and hi-lo all day long. But to sit down and curl up with a great book, nope, not time for that. 

However, give me a really great book. I mean a REALLY great book, and I can't ignore it for long. I actually got this one almost two weeks ago, right when NaNoWriMo started. I decided I couldn't start reading it yet because I needed to focus on writing, not reading. 

Deep breath. I couldn't ignore it forever - plus I'm doing great on my word count - so I deserved a reward and this is such a great one!

If you haven't read book one, reading my review for book 2 will give so much away. Don't take this great adventure away from yourself, go get The Girl of Fire and Thorns now!

 The Crown on Embers

by Rae Carson

You'll remember that I devoured the first book, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, in a matter of moments. Elisa is the perfect character. She has Hermione and Katniss in her - plus some spunk of her own (this is a massive complement from me, by the way, no one is as awesome as those two girls and Elisa is a mix!). 

You'll be able to look at my reading list and notice that I don't like sequels. They are dull, unimaginative. The good stuff was the first story and everything else is extra now. This book, this book is nothing like that. From the first page I was pulled back into Elisa's world.

November 21st

I started this book over breakfast, bad plan, my cereal was completely soggy by the time I remembered it. Elisa is home and safe. It is her birthday - seventeen (did a whole year pass in the last book? nope, it has been about five months) and that deserves a parade. Trust me, Hector is concerned about her safety (awww ... heart him!) and he has every right to be, because in the first couple of pages they are attacked. Of course, and the excitement only starts there. 

The big news? Well, she might be queen, but even her council doesn't respect this from her. Instead they suggest she either step down or ... get married. They are drawing up a list of possible candidates. Bet you know who I want to be on that list :)

November 25th

I actually finished this yesterday, but maybe my shock was too much to write a blog post. I now remember why I didn't pick up the book - it is memorizing and hard to put down. I didn't take it with me on Thanksgiving to my family dinner because I didn't want to be "that girl" whose nose was in a book the whole time. Excitement on every turn, things that break your heart and things that make your heart smile.
1. I totally love Hector more than ever, especially after the beach!
2. Elisa is the strongest person I know, I'd be curing up in a ball and crying right now!
3. This book couldn't have ended better.
4. I seriously cannot wait for the second book to come out, Rae Carson, how do I get an advanced copy???? I'm dying over here!!

Hunger Games Animated Movie Poster

Hello Hunger Games fans, when I was at Breaking Dawn Pt. 2 (no judgement from any of you!), the mockingbird flashed onto the screen and my heart started to pound - a secret pre-trailer for the hunger games? You could feel the excitement in the theater as people leaned forward, eagerly anticipating the fabulousness that was about to be revealed. After a moment or two of swirrling fire the theater was in an uproar, people were booing and throwing their popcorn as the words Catching Fire, coming November 2013 came up on the screen and the whole thing was gone.

Obviously I'm not the only one who is excited about the release of the new movie. We will have to settle with the animated movie poster until there is something juicer to look at!

 

Check out the (source) for a cooler animated version that is protected (read, I can't share with you here) and know that it is only