Wayfarer (Passenger #2)

                Hello happy readers!  It was a very long weekend for me at work and before I retire for to my bed for the day (night shift vampire) I wanted to share my thoughts on a new release and series ender I finished, Wayfarer (Passenger #2) by Alexandra Bracken.  This is the second and final book in the Passenger duology and picks up where we left off in Passenger (review).  Spoilers ahead for book one, if you don't know the easiest way to describe it is a scavenger hunt across the globe and time. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                So in Passenger we left off in a bit of a mess.  Etta had been gravely injured and thrown through time and away from the man she loves, Nicholas.  Etta finds herself with Julian Ironwood, the last person she expected to ever find alive.  She is unsure whom to trust in this world where warring families have been having it out through time for power and she is still so new to everything it's hard to know who she can trust besides Nicholas.  Nicholas had tracked down the treacherous Sophia and finding her in bad shape demanded she live to fight on and help him find the missing astrolabe and with it Etta.  He doesn't believe he will ever trust her but the enemy of my enemy is my friend and all.  They both must make their way through time in search of each other and so much more.

                In Passenger we spend so much time building this amazing world with the rules of the traveling game and getting to know the different characters on the ride of a lifetime.  We get to watch Etta and Nicholas grow close and fall in love and just adore them!  Then they are ripped apart and all you want is for them to magically get back to one another ASAP and then worry about the rest of the major issues in the world.  So when they don't get back together after the first few chapters I knew I would more than likely be suffering for some time as they journeyed towards one another.  It was both beautiful and painful.  It was so beautiful to see how they were separately, to see how they thought of the other no matter the distance, how the other stuck with them through it all in some small part.  Remembering things taught to you by the other and using that knowledge to hold onto…well it just made me so so happy but also so sad because OMG did I want them to get back together all the time!

                 Aside from trying to find one another we are trying to reclaim the astrolabe.  Keeping it out of Ironwoods hands seems to be the only thing most everyone agrees on.  What to do with it after is up for debate.  We see much more of the Thorns and what they stand for and aim to do.  The different timelines and the whole chaos of trying to fix timelines and such is so incredible and complex yet it still manages to make sense.  I was floored.  To be able to write this world and keep everything straight is an impressive feat so huge kudos to Bracken for managing this.   

                We have some new characters, and some old ones we just got to know more about.  Favorite new addition was Li Min.  She is pretty awesome, I love her crafty side.  I liked getting to see a deeper and more real side of Sophia as well.  She was just this teachers pet for most of the previous book trying to impress grandfather and a thorn in my side.  Now she has depth and purpose.  Julian, previously thought dead, was nice as well.  He was what I expected of him.  He wasn't evil or even horrible more that he was caught up in himself to much to see things in front of him.  Though seeing him learn and grow was rewarding.  I also loved the moments with Etta and her father.  Those, while I didn't trust them at first, were so precious.  The duet moment.  Sigh.

                 I liked the combo of Nicholas and Sophia as it went on and she grew on me.  She is fierce and determined and balances things out.  She's the more vicious and blood thirsty of the two which was funny.  Then when Li Min was added the trio became amazing to read.  I loved the interactions and banter between them.  On the flip side I liked how Etta interacted with everyone, experiencing so many new wonders in traveling.  The time with her dad was great reading but seeing her mom again.  That first scene felt so legit.  All the raging emotions fighting for dominance for her and for the reader as we try to figure out how we feel.  I loved it. 

                This book had a lot of ground to cover.  It managed to close out the series so beautifully.  I was biting my nails until the very end.  I had so many emotions I was texting my friend who had finished it a few days before my thoughts as I read.  Wayfarer was a huge success in my book.  I had so many of my questions answered and so so much more.  This book took the beautiful world we came to love in Passenger and made it more vivid and flushed out before ending the main storyline in a way that really left me happy.  It left me feeling hopeful.  I loved it and highly recommend this series! 

                Until next time…

Reading Challenge Wrap-Up: February

                Hello happy readers!  So today is the 25th which means it is time for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up.  I think for the first month I've done pretty good.  Here is my standing but please don't forget to share your progress as well!

Goodreads Challenge:

Goal: 125

At: 15

I also re-read Fifty Shades Darker & Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades of Grey #2 & #3) by E. L. James to be ready for the movie (review) (but Goodreads still hasn't come up with a way to count books more than once)

2017 Debut Authors (#2017DebAuthC):

Goal: 12

At: 2

What I've Read:

Daughter ofthe Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller (review)

2017 Rock My TBR (#RockMyTBR):

Goal: As many as possible!

At: 10

What I've Read:

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (review)

The Edge ofJuniper by Lora Richardson (review)

LadyMidnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare (review)

Reign ofShadows (Reign of Shadows #1) by Sophie Jordan

2017 Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 1

What I've Read:

Wayfarer (Passenger #2) by Alexandra Bracken

2017 New Releases Challenge:

Goal: 31-60

At: 3

What I've Read:

Wayfarer (Passenger #2) by Alexandra Bracken

Daughter ofthe Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller 

2017 Audiobook Challenge:

Goal: 5-10

At: 4

What I've Listened:

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Reign of Shadows (Reign of Shadows #1) by Sophie Jordan

                All in all I'd say it was a pretty successful month.  I didn't get to finish or review my debuts but that just means next month will be even better!  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

~Stacking the Shelves~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls. 

Audio Books:

Empire ofStorms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

The Queen andthe Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen

Red Rising (Red Rising #1) by Pierce Brown

Tales fromthe Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare

                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week. 

The Problem with Forever

                Hello happy readers!  I’ve been discussing my plans for ApollyCon next month for some time.  I’m thrilled.  It will be my first year attending this one but the other events I’ve been to in the past have been so much fun I am thrilled by the prospect.  There are several authors attending several whom I have read, others I own but haven’t picked up yet, and others I have never heard of but the covers/titles on their pages look amazing.  I’d love to know which authors you are most familiar with or recommend, a list of attending can be found here.  Jennifer L. Armentrout is actually the host, which is epic since she has so many books.  Seriously she puts out so many each year and I need to catch up.  I am working on one of her series but I also had to check out this stand-alone contemporary novel The Problem with Forever and that is what I want to review today.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The Problem with Forever follows Mallory “Mouse” as she tries to re-acclimate to everyday life in school after years of homeschooling from her adoptive parents after a traumatizing past that has kept her mostly silent.  Four years out of her nightmares in the best life she never could have imagined she is diving into public high school for senior year.  Already a terrifying experience being new in a huge unknown place for most of us, Mallory has much more pressure on herself to make it work.  Never did she expect to run into Rider Stark, her childhood protector she hadn’t seen for four years, on her first day.  They have a connection, share a past most could never fully understand, and have their own scars to deal with.  Mallory has always been silent but will she stay silent or speak out about what she sees and what she wants. 

                This books was a pretty quick contemporary and while it had some predictable moments for sure it was still a sweet journey.  I enjoyed watching Mallory go from being Mouse, quiet and shy to more confident with herself.  I also enjoyed how the story showed several people who have handled difficult situations in different ways.  Not everyone handles trauma the same and seeing how different people cope with it was nice. 

                I liked seeing through Mallory’s eyes and how there was the struggle between what she wanted to say/do and what actually happened.  She may have the best intentions and even mean to say things but fear is a legitimate and powerful thing that can freeze you in place in any type of spot.  Seeing it from her POV gave a real understanding to it.  How even simple conversations with people you do trust and know won’t hurt you are hard.  I also liked the dynamic of her adoptive parents and how it seemed perfect and that while grateful it put added stress on her to live up to expectations.

                Overall I really enjoyed this journey.  I did predict the majority of it but how the characters developed and got to where they were going was the real part of the story.  I enjoyed it and loved it was a single and complete story all in one.  I also liked how the title really played in.  The idea of making a promise as a child you know is impossible to keep because you have no concept of the idea of forever.

                Until next time.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Crown's Fate (The Crown's Game #2)

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Crown’s Fate (The Crown’s Game #2) by Evelyn Skye

Out: 5/16

From Goodreads:

                Perfect fro fans of Shadow and Bone and Red Queen, The Crown’s Fate is the thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Crown’s Game, an atmospheric historical fantasy set in Imperial Russia.

                Russia is on the bring of great change.  Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected.

                Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him and he believes his best friend is dead.  When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.

                For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply.  Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation.  But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world.

                With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                I really enjoyed The Crown’s Game (review) and that ending just wasn’t right!  I needed more and OMG Nikolai I need him to be okay.  I just felt so bad for all three of them stuck in bad spots with half information just enough to make bad choices!   

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books that were More/Less than I thought

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The top ten today is:  Books that are More/Less than I thought

More:

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James – full explination here.  Basically thought no way I’d read them and then once I did I really enjoyed the read and have since re-read several times.  Never saw that coming

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick – this was recommended as a different type of story all together to a friend at the bookstore and she told me the recommendation and then as I read it I found it to be nothing like it was described but I enjoyed it all the same.

Ivory and Bone (Ivory & Bone #1) by Julie Eshbaugh- I’m normally not one for historical fiction type stories but this one really caught my attention.

An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir- I had been ready to read this one hearing some hype for it and such but I had been tempering my expectations just in case and wow did this blow me away!

Harry Potter- Okay so I never intended to read this growing up they weren’t my thing (maybe because a boy who used to pick on me read them) but when kids my age read these I was reading my moms adult books having skipped over the whole MG/YA section.  Then after watching the movies years later I realized what I was missing and read as an adult and the rest is history!

Less:

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson- I’ll probably take some slack on this one but I didn’t like this one as much as everyone.  I just couldn’t get over some personal pet peeves with one of the characters which hindered things for me.

Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes- I didn’t dislike this just didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. 

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #1) by Ransom Riggs- Now don’t get me wrong I still need to finish the last book in this series and I have enjoyed the story but I had much higher expectations for them.

Paper Towns by John Green- I didn’t hate it I just wanted to love it more than I did.

                Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  I did some baking and house stuff, nothing glamorous but I am starting to get my books together for ApollyCon!  I've just checked a few of the titles really but I'm near giving up my dining room table to start stacking and such.  So excited.  Back to the post at hand, Friday I finished an ARC from NetGalley of Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by debut author Tricia Levenseller.  This book comes out February 28th and I highly recommend picking it up.

Rating:  5 Stars

                I was first drawn to this cover with the beautiful font and the red headed armed female at the bottom who looked ready to do some pirating.  Then once I learned more about the premises I was hooked and even more thrilled when my request to review it was answered!  Basically we follow 17 year-old pirate captain Alosa, daughter to the Pirate King, as she is captured by enemy pirates.  Though this was all part of the plan, see she isn't some captured victim but really using her "capture" to search the enemies ship undercover.  However, as with any well thought out plan there are bound to be some snags along the way like underestimating the first mate, Riden, who keeps her on her toes. 

                Doesn't that just scream interesting.  Let me say it is!  I was enthralled from the start and loved Alosa.  While I didn't always like how she did some things or her reasoning for others I understood her and her motives.  She is cruel when she has to be, this is a man's world after all, but she isn't cruel for the sake of enjoyment as others may be.  She has her own code.  I do enjoy people with codes (Dexter had a code, yes he was a serial killer but he had a code) and morals.  Plus what girl wouldn’t cheer for the daughter trying to make her way in this world of men and best them.  Alosa is able to get down and dirty when necessary though she is much more civilized and cultured.  She has to walk a fine balance and keep her real and full self and abilities from the crew while she plays the victim.  Though given her abilities and, yes pride, playing weak is a bit harder than she thought. 

                We get to know the crew that's taken her.  Like one would expect it's a miss-mash of personalities.  Some with honor and others more brutal.  Balancing between them while giving just enough away is a fine game and watching Alosa go toe to toe with Riden was amazing.  Riden from the start seems like an interesting character with a very complex personality.  He has so many conflicting opinions and actions it's impossible to nail him down.  The back and forth between them building as they try to figure one another out was enthralling.  Enemies who get closer are something I enjoy for sure but the best ones have to be able to go back and forth verbally at one another with witty zingers and Alosa and Riden have that in spades.  Sometimes more than verbal volleys because well they know how to keep it interesting. 

                 The overall plot of trying to find this hidden item and bring her captors to him was fascinating but also not even the half of it.  There is so much more happening that is just evolves so nicely into something much larger and expansive.  This book ties up in a way that you feel like you've reached a certain point but also where there is a ton more to learn in this world.  There were a few things that I saw coming and others that completely blew me away but when thinking back I could totally see the breadcrumbs.  It was beautifully written and an amazing debut for the author as well as for a series.  I can't wait to get a physical copy when it comes out next week!  I highly recommend this one.  It has something for everyone to enjoy and so many reveals and things that will just knock your socks off! 

                Until next time…

~Stacking the Shelves~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls. 

Physical:

The WishGranter (Ravenspire #2) by C.J. Redwine

Walk theEdge (Thunder Road #2) by Katie McGarry

P.S. I LikeYou by Kasie West

E-Books:

Goddess (Runes #7) by Ednah Walters

Review:

TheseRuthless Deeds (These Vicious Masks #2) by

                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week. 

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1)

                Hello happy readers! Today I am reviewing a book I had been wanting to get to since last year when it first came out but time and all plus it was massive.  So when I was contacted about working with a new audiobook app eStories I was thrilled and knew just the book to start with.  Plus it worked right into my audiobook challenge I'm doing this year!  The eStories app is simple and easy to use and super self explanatory and nicely laid out so thrilled with that.  The book in question you might ask is LadyMidnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare.

Rating:  5 Runes

                It's been a minute since I read the last Mortal Instruments book.  I had planned to re-read/skim it prior to moving on and reading Tales From the Shadowhunter Academy but that didn't end up happening go figure.  Still while I didn't remember specific details about the ending of the dark war it all came back to me as I began LadyMidnight.  We meet these characters, most of them anyways, at the end when they were younger but just as brave, stubborn, and dedicated.  Five years have passed and Emma is no longer a child but a woman still searching for answers about her parents murder.  Her and Julian became parabatai, bound together forever to become better together than apart so long as the most sacred rule of the Shadowhunters is not broken.  Emma and Julian must work to solve the string of demonic murders happening around them while balancing a thin line of treachery between the Clave and the Cold Peace.  Rules are meant to be broken though, especially when it comes to family and love.

                I didn't realize how much I missed this world until I was back inside of it.  It also made me laugh from the start as I do watch the TV show where things are massively different but I find it fun.  I had almost forgotten how non-high tech the world really is.  Getting to know a new Institute in Los Angeles between the ocean and the desert was so different from the one we know in New York.  The plot starts off right away but we also slowly get re-introduced to our characters and where they are currently in life since it has been five years and many things have changed.  Emma who I love just as fiercely as I did when she was a little girl in the last book is even more loveable.  She's strong and determined and confident in her abilities but she is very unsure about other things like matters of the heart which I think most everyone can relate to.  Plus she is kick butt and she has an equally awesome weapon of choice in Cortana.  Cortana is almost a character itself really.  A new face we have is Christina, visiting from the Mexico Institute, and a fast friend to Emma.  I adored them together and having some girl bonding because us girls all need a girlfriend to talk to and confide in.  Christina also brings her own story which I hope will  be much more developed in the next book because what pieces we got I was really enjoying. Plus I want to know more about this "perfect" Diego.

                Now the Blackthorns.  Julian is now the head of the Blackthorns and stand in father to the younger ones.  He is so much more grown up that we last saw him.  He has taken such good care of the little ones after Mark was taken by the hunt in the Dark War and Helen was sent away.  Julian stepped up.  You can't help but to love him and his dedication and love for his family.  He will do anything to help them and keep them together, including Emma.   The younger Blackthorns are just as loveable with the twins Livvy and Ty who are so cute together it hits the feels to Dru and then the youngest of them all little Tavvy.  Each has their own unique personality and skill set.  But it's their interactions together as a family unit that just make them so priceless.  The change in how they act together just family to how they act when someone new or unknown is thrown in just their protective instincts.

                 We also have a tutor for the kids, Diana who has her own secrets.  And of course every Institute works with the high warlock of the area, and while Magnus will always be my favorite in LA they have Malcolm.  He's not the only downworlder though as we have all different type some of the most memorable are the vampire Anselm and of course the members of the Wild Hunt with Gwyn and Kieran.  There are plenty more as they deal with several characters to try and solve this case.  A very rounded out cast already but we also have appearances from old favorites from both flashbacks and present day mentions like Clary, Jace, Magnus (who is still my favorite character in this world), Jem, Tessa, and even Church!  I was so excited to see these old faces.  While I love the new group to pieces, seriously they are amazing it was so nice to see everyone else as it really shows how all the stories come together into one beautiful world.

                With the other books we have not just the immediate plot but the underlying issue of change that needs to happen on a much larger scale.  Previously they made steps to reform and change things but the world still needs work as we all do.  The first book really points out a few issues that I hope will be tackled as the series progresses and I think most will focus on the Cold Peace and overall Shadowhunter law.  There is a specific law I am unpleased about at this moment.  I won't give it away but to say that when I finished this book I was in desperate need to talk about it.  Thankfully this is one of the few books a good friend of mine read before me so as soon as I finished I was texting her I would be over to visit and discuss later that day.  And discuss we did.  I have many theories and hopes myself but right now my heart is just aching for some of the individual relationships between the cast seem on unsteady ground.  I need more and I'm hoping Cassandra Clare doesn’t rip my heart out.  Some victories and some losses.  This series is off to an amazing start and I know I won't be waiting as long to dive into the next book!

                Though having enjoyed the audiobook I think I may want to listen to the next one as well.   I almost forgot one of my favorite parts of the eStories app is that it doesn't just tell you what chapter you're on or how much time you have left but it says what percentage you're at.  For someone who loves to update Goodreads reading progress that is perfect!  Usually I have to guess to update or if I have the physical book or know someone that does I'll ask them what page a certain chapter is on this is so much easier!  I could go on forever about this series and how awesome the audiobook was, because the change in voice/pitch/accent for different characters was on point!  I'd love to know what you guys thought of the book and any theories you have for the future (I can't share mine without spoiling anything) just please put *spoiler* before so if anyone hasn't finished they are safe. 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Hunted (Hunted #1)

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Hunted (Hunted #1) by Meagan Spooner

Out:  3/14

From Goodreads:

                Beauty knows the Beast's forest in her bones—and in her blood.  Though she grew up with the city's highest aristocrats, far from her father's old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who's ever come close to discovering them.

                So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved.  Out in the wilderness, there's no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman.  But Yeva's father's misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey:  the creature he'd been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance.

                Deaf to her sisters' protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley; a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva's only heard about in fairy tales.  A world that can bring her ruin or salvation.  Who will survive:  the Beauty, or the Beast?

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I really enjoyed another season the author co-wrote so I was intrigued to read more.  I'm also a huge Beauty & the Beast fan.  So combine them both and I'm going to check it out.  Spin things completely on their head where the Beast doesn't seem like a romantic prospect but a real beast and I'm more eager to give it a go.

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Top Ten Tuesday: Valentine's Day Freebie / Ships

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The top ten today is:  Valentine's Day Freebie

                This week is kind of freebie on Romance.  After lots of back and forth and tons of half finished lists I have decided to just share some of my favorite ships!  I just randomly picked some because I could do a book on just ships I ship but I did try to add in some of my new ships ;)

Feyre & Rhysand in A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas- I don't normally jump ships but this book…..damn!  I ship so many of her characters in her books could have just done a whole list on it.

Rose & Dimitri in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead-Seriously one of the best!

Eleanor & Park in Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell- this is just….OMG Or any of her other characters because so many ships!

Alex & Aiden in the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Still working on this series but OMG)

Emma & Julian in Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare- I just finished this one and it both filled and broke my heart.

Blue & Gansey in The Raven Boys series by Maggie Stefivater- Just all the feels through this series and other ships as well.  All the ships.

Becca & Alex in The Holders series by Julianna Scott- I just adore this series and I have been waiting SO LONG for more!  Can I please have more now???

Isla & Josh in Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins- I thought they were all so cute but this one just hit me. 

Cress & Captain Thorne in The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer- They are just so adorable from her sweet crush full of adoration and belief he is a good man and well all things Thorne because he is Thorne!

Ruby & Arcus in Frostblood by Elly Blake- I liked the dynamic between them! 

                 What books have I been missing out on?  Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Fifty Shades Darker: The Movie

                Hello happy readers!  So as most of you know Fifty Shades Darker came out this weekend.  Love it or hate it chances are you have seen it everywhere.  I am on the love it side.  I have my own random story on how I finally read the series which can be found here and I also reviewed the first movie here.  So I was excited and eager to see how they would do book two of the trilogy.  These are my thoughts on the movie in general as well as my thoughts on some of the variations from the book.

Rating:  5 Masks

                First let me say I really enjoyed the movie.  I really did.  I enjoyed the first one for sure but this one seemed even better.  There was more happening in the story with suspense but we know the characters now and they could really add in some humor.  Plus the dynamic between Ana and Christian is on point with her still unsure but having more confidence in herself and what she wants and can handle while he is suddenly unsure on new ground.  The turn is rather fun. 

                As a book to movie adaptation it was pretty true to the material.  It had most of the scenes those who read will remember and enjoy from the boat to the masked ball.  I adore masquerade masks, I have several so watching balls always makes me envious!  When we left off, Ana had left.  She was in love but she couldn't handle what he needed.  Still both were hurting and Christian, having lost her, is willing to make changes to get her back in his life.  Changes have to be made but with the looming threat of an unstable former submissive and a new job and a boss that brings out the overprotective side of Christian it puts a strain on this new ground they are trying to cover.  Still I enjoyed it.  The movie didn't take itself too seriously and there were lots of little quips and zingers that just had me laughing. 

                Now for a couple differences.  Christian of the movies is a bit more compromising and agreeable than that of his book counterpoint.  This seems more real to me.  In the books, while I enjoy them it can be a bit excessive sometimes his control this tempers in the movie.  I like this better, however, there were a couple moments when I think he was a bit too agreeable to quickly and it lost some of the dramatic effect.  First was when they are talking about trying again, no rules or contracts just together.  They don’t really talk about what happened.  She tells him her thoughts and he just states he is over it and wants her more than that no calling her out on not using a safe word or stopping him.  I felt that was a moment in the story where they were both open and he seemed more, agree to anything to get her back.  The other part is touching.  His no go area.  It’s important and major but then as he lets her it’s just fine like that no adjustment or adapting to it seemed resolved to quickly. 

                  For time and such some things were cut, though I was sad that one scene I saw a glimpse of in the trailer wasn’t in the movie itself.  They didn’t shoot pool which as I like to shoot pool and I am conspiring to get one of my own to play more often now that I have some space I would have liked to see that moment.  Plus that meant more of Escala since we didn’t get a tour.  Still waiting to see the library though.  We also cut out Ethan and Dr. Flynn completely.  Ethan I get.  I was somewhat saddened by Dr. Flynn though he was rather fun in the book and he gave insight into relationship.   Just saying.

                I enjoyed it and I do look forward to seeing it again and even more watching the next and final installment next year.  Speaking of, not a spoiler but a heads up, stay for the first song in the credits you get a peek at Fifty Shades Freed.

                Until next time…