More you might like
Book Review #2: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
This is the second book I read by Rainbow Rowell but it was also the first book I tried to read by Rainbow Rowell. I tried to start this book years ago, but I often got a few chapters in and quit to go onto some other book. It wasn’t until I read “Eleanor and Park” where I decided fully I was going to read the whole book. In which it did not disappoint.
What I liked about this book was how relatable it was. Like a few months ago I actually went to the college it talks about in the book for a school thing, and now reading it after that experience helped me see the settings better. But I also I really related to Cath and her situations with college because I too am I college freshman. I like books I can relate to.
I thought the characters in this book was really well written like with Cath, Regan, and Levi. Even the side characters like Nick, Professor Piper, and Cath’s dad were well written as well so I thought this was a good plus.
Of course with every pro, there is a con. I just didn’t like some characters, but I suppose with every book you’re not going to like some people. I just didn’t like Wren at all, and you know that’s okay. Some people might like her character and that’s totally fine.
Overall this book was an enjoyable read, and maybe I’ll read “Carry On” because I thought it was neat to see the little excerpts of Cath’s writing of fanfiction, so maybe I could read the whole thing. If you love contemporary young adult novels with a little bit of romantic drama and family dynamics plus a hint of the college lifestyle, you should go ahead and read “Fangirl”.
I would rate it 7.5 to 8/10
The next book I will be reading is “The Night Circus” by Erin Morganster(?) so I will give a review of that as well!
- Madi
Book Review #1: “Cruel Beauty” by Rosamund Hodge
I recently read this book, perhaps late last month. However, it is still fresh in my mind and I would like to give you my opinion of it.
First off, Beauty and the Beast will always be my favorite Disney movie and fairy tale so I was so happy to find a retelling of the story that got many great reviews.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I read it in about a few days. I was so into it! I enjoyed the characters in it, and I was hooked instantly. The concept was great, and how they put Greek mythology into it was super creative. Also the castle and the Gentle Lord was probably what intrigued me the most about this book. I liked reading the parts with his dialogue, and how we go deeper into his character.
However, I think one negative this book has is the fact that the book doesn’t really go into detail about the magic that is involved in this universe. It left me confused and I tried to fill in the blanks in my head. It was a bit brief and vague, and I wished they went into more detail about it. It would’ve helped a bit.
But I loved this book either way. Definitely one of my favorites. I would rank this as a 8.5 or even a 9/10.
If you like fairy tale retellings, magic, or royalty books in general, I think you would like “Cruel Beauty.” I will definitely read more of Rosamund Hodge’s books and see what other stories she will retell.
- Madi
Book Review #3: Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge
So I just finished reading Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge. If you remember, I did a review over Cruel Beauty which is another book by Hodge. I think I’m going to separate this review into two parts of what I liked and what I didn’t.
First off, I liked the characters in this book. Rachelle reminded me of Katniss from the Hunger Games in a way. She was a good character to follow, and I like to call her the anti-heroine of this book. She’s a good heroine with major flaws, which made her to me very likeable. I liked the setting of this book as well. The fantasy, Enlightenment-esque French vibe this novel gave was truly a good feature of this book. I liked the different little sects of the Forest and the powers that came with it.
One thing I didn’t like this book was I felt like it was still starting even when it was halfway through. Like I never really felt it pick up until towards the end. And even when it did pick up I didn’t feel like it was a climax.
Hodge really can create a world of magic quite well. Unlike how in Cruel Beauty (another book of hers that I have reviewed) where I felt lost in the world of magic, this book I felt more connected. She puts a lot more detail in this book about the magic and how it works in the world.
I didn’t like this book as much as I did Cruel Beauty, but I wouldn’t compare this to Cruel Beauty. This book is like a Divergent and Red Queen mashup to me. It has that fantasy vibe and the action stuff so it’s pretty good. It wasn’t entirely my thing but it was good either way. It was a pleasant read.
I would rate it a 7.5 to 8/10
Just finished my first book of my 60 book reading list for this year. Starting off pretty good!
So I got my first library card today. I know, pretty strange for a book lover to not have a library card or go to the public library. But seeing as though I’m in college and there’s not really a high school library around (and also that I am short on money and don’t spend everyday in Barnes and Noble), I decided to go to the public library and get books. Really glad I did so!
So I’ve given up on reading “Jane Eyre” for now, but I switched it out for another classic: “Frankenstein”. It is the day before October so I’m going to read some horror novels for the spooky season. That and I’m reading “Frankenstein” along with the audio book version with Dan Stevens. I never usually read with audiobooks unless they’re older classics. It helps me understand them a bit more. Anyways I’m going to enjoy that!
I just bought “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black. The first book that I got in the new year! Can’t wait to read it!
Reading Update #1
So I’m about halfway done with “Fangirl” and I love it so far. I love the characters in it, and the relationships each one has with each other. Cath is me right now in college (without the fanfiction), and I like how I can relate to her character even more now. I also like towards the end of the first half where we see more of Reagan’s character and how she actually cares about Cath.
My favorite characters so far are Cath and Levi. I think they are both really good characters. To be honest, I do not like Wren so much, especially towards the end of the first part. I thought of her to be a bit condescending, although I don’t despise her. I just don’t like her character all that much.
As much as I expect for the second half…. I don’t know? I just it’s about as good as the first half!
- Madi
I got a signed copy!!! I’m so happy!!