Book Review Speed Round

During my most recent extended hiatus, I read a ton of books. Most of these I had planned on writing full reviews for...but as time passes...details fade. So in an effort to feel caught up...here are several quick reviews that are so short I would never post them on their own.

Daisy's War by Scott Baron:

It is a wonderful conclusion to the series, but I feel like more can be done with the characters. I really want more. 4/5

Across the Universe by Beth Revis:

Although it is somewhat predictable (especially before the big reveal), I really enjoyed this book. The concept of race in the future was very interesting. 3.5/5

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman:

An amazing conclusion to the Illuminae series, it brings everything full circle. 5/5

Memento by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman:

I really enjoyed another addition to the Illuminae Files, even if it was just a prequel novella. The problem with Memento though, is how it was released (or...not released I guess). This was only available to individuals who pre-ordered Kristoff and Kaufman’s newest book together, Aurora Rising. It is not available to purchase in any format...so those who missed out...well...they don’t get to read it (unless the resort to pirating). I find this incredibly unfair. 4/5

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami:

A terrifying and creepy quick read, featuring disturbing graphics. 4/5

Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chobosky:

The majority of this book feels like a much darker and adult Coraline, then things get a little strange near the end. 4/5

You May Now Kill The Bride by R.L. Stein:

Not the most unique story, but Stein did a good job with it. 4/5

The Wrong Girl by R.L. Stein:

The Wrong Girl is definitely not one of Stein's best works. The characters fell flat and I found them to all be annoying (therefore I did not care what happened to them). However, it is still readable and a good way to pass a couple of hours when you have nothing better to do. 3/5

Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith:

I understand it was written for a demographic much, much younger than I am, but the repetitive phrases were annoying. The story builds and is quite intriguing, only to be ruined by an underwhelming end. 3/5

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan:

I can not remember what drew me to this book. I do remember being kind of bored while reading it and annoyed by the lead character. 2.5/5

The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass:

I received this as a gift because of the cover looking like something I would pick up. I knew absolutely nothing about it but definitely did not expect the disturbing tale it held within. 4/5

Sadie by Courtney Summers:

Incredibly heartbreaking, with an unsatisfying end, this book lives up to all the hype that surrounds it. 4/5

Mary, Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey:

An infinitely better experience compared to that time when I tried desperately to read Frankenstein. I also really loved the illustrations. 4.5/5

Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi:

First, just let me have a moment to fangirl over how stunning the cover of this book is. Seriously, it is one of the most gorgeous books I have ever looked at. The graphic designer behind it should be extremely proud. The story is wonderful, and I really like how you can read it as a stand-alone if you haven’t read the first book in the series. I found myself crying multiple times while reading. 5/5

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill:

A beautiful and unique spooky story. 5/5

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom:

Full of suspense and violence, I was shocked to discover this is classified as a YA. 4/5

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai:

The sad and sobering tale told in verse of a girl during the Vietnam War. 5/5

Song for A Whale by Lynne Kelly:

Another entry into the most beautiful book covers ever list, this had me happy crying...which is a first when it comes to books. 5/5

All the Rage by Courtney Summers:

I should have read this before reading Sadie. In comparison, this book DRAGS and almost sent me into a reading slump. 2.5/5

The Atlas of Monsters: Mythical Creatures from Around The World by Sandra Lawrence:

I own a book similar to this with more of a horror theme, so upon finding this in my local library I knew this was a must-read for me. I was about halfway through it before I started noticing all of the clues that help decode the messages at the end of each chapter (which was a fun addition to the experience). 4/5

Untrue: Why Nearly Everything We Believe About Women, Lust, and Infidelity Is Wrong and How the New Science Can Set Us Free by Wednesday Martin:

I expected this to focus more on recent events, but it really digs down into history and I learned quite a lot from this book. 4/5

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver:

I loved everything about this book, especially the illustrations done by Kei Acedera. 5/5

There will be at least two other posts similar to this. I have made progress on two separate series and decided to dedicate a post for both. Also, I am aware that something has gone haywire with the font...and it looks a bit messy. I have decided not to stress out about it...maybe I will fix it one day, but that day is not today.