Shadow Falls Books 1-5 Series Review

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you are all doing well, I'm not feeling so hot myself think I have a bit of a sinus infection (yuck) and plan to spend most of today and tomorrow sleeping to try and head it off.  That said I won't be posting tomorrow given I hope to be sleeping all day.  But today I wanted to take a moment an do a series review.  As you may know one of my goals this year is to finish off some of the series I have or have started but haven't finished.  Now while the whole series is out some I will review individually but others I may do one big series wrap up.  This is a bit of a longer series of five books and I thought a brief review of each book and a overall series thought would work best. Today that series is the Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter.

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) Rating:  4 Stars

                Good solid start to the series.  The first book drew you into the world and gave lots of back story and understanding of the different supernaturals without making it sound like an info dump.  It flowed naturally and Kylie is really likeable.  She is going through some major changes in her normal life and then to find out on top of breaking up with her boyfriend, her best friend pulling away, and her parents divorce, surprise you're also an unknown supernatural!  I didn't really ship either Derek or Lucas in this book, they both were not on good terms but of the two I liked Lucas more and yeah maybe Socks has something to do with that ;) but  finding Derek a bit creepy from the start factored in too.  But where there is some boy drama for sure what really shined for me was the cabin mates.  Della and Miranda are the best.  So much fun!  And Holiday was pretty amazing. 

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Picking up where we left off.  Still don't know what Kylie is but I had it figured out here just saying.  It's all good though and the story itself is fun and keeps you moving right along.  Still the great things I loved in the first one Socks, Della, and Miranda and their fights and banter is on point.  Holiday is still a favorite and I grew to really like Burnett in this one and the dynamic between the two of them as well.  We went to the falls and find out more about the  lesser known and outcast type ability to see ghosts.  The ghosts are still vague and such but it's kind of like a mystery each time, a horrible and terrifying one but still interesting.  I like how it continues to have everyone dealing with their own things.  Perry was cute in the first book but he kind of grew on me a bit more in this one.  I really grew to dislike Derek in this one around the time I was growing to like Lucas more and he seems more accepting of her wishes at least in respect for boundaries which Derek claimed book one but never managed.  Also I like how one of the bad guys from the first one blends into this one and a larger plot.

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls #3)  Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So Derek was my least favorite character in this one I think.  I even enjoyed Frederka a bit more in this one than him and that's saying something.  Though while I was solidly on team Lucas I didn't like that he kept things from her, the packs disapproval and such but it kind of fits his protective instinct to keep her from the harm.  Plus he owns up to his issues and even admits it's part of his wolf nature and one thing I love about Kylie is that she always sees peoples sides of things and never holds something against them they can't control (their powers).  If I didn't already really love Burnett before…Miranda and a certain book dropping scene…yeah great stuff.  Both for the Burnett moment and for the moment I'd been waiting for since the previous book!  I liked that we find out more about the FRU and about Burnett and how he is a good guy.  Plus he is more chill about her ghosts and need to help than so many others (aside from Holiday who doesn't count since she sees them too) Burnett and Holiday have some of the most amusing lines ever and I love how Kylie is in the middle of it trying to help play matchmaker.  Plus learning more about her family, her blood family and what it means.  Also that was a horrible ending!

Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                I start out freaking out worried about Holiday because she is one of my favorite characters.  A ghost that might be here is scary!  Okay this series made so many favorite characters it's insane.  I just kind of really grew to know all of them so well and being able to marathon the series made my feels stronger.  Having learned what the FRU of the past did I am so against them in this one you have no idea.  But I love Burnett's reaction to them, steadily showing which side he is on and still persisting to try and get through to Holiday despite all her protests.  Though some moments are pure perfection.  Della grew on me more if that was possible, she is always there and ready to help.  She doesn't like the ghosts but if it comes down to it she's there.  I did like how Derek seemed to be moving into more of the real friend type role, there to talk and listen but being pretty good about his distance (finally) but his constant declarations are not cool.  Though the end of this had me torn up.  I was so emotional.  So many things happening and so many feels!  Also finally understand Holiday's vampire issues I've been wondering on for the last few books.  Plus this ending while one aspect had me shaking with rage another had me grinning like an idiot so my emotions were a bit confused there which was great.  Even better that I didn't have to wait.

Chosen at Nightfall (Shadow Falls #5)  Rating:  5 Stars

                A great conclusion.  So many things wrapping up but first and foremost I need to know what happened because she left Shadow Falls to live with others like her.  While I understood needing to go learn about herself and all I hated that she left her friends and the place she knew as home.  Plus getting distance from Lucas…oh did I want to throttle him for how the last one ended.  Not cool.  I was firmly on Team Kylie and no boys at this point.  Getting to know more about who she is and finding herself more both in terms of as a supernatural and as a person was great.  There was so much happening and all the underlying threats and threads that weaved throughout the books so far came to a head and some things I expected others I didn't so that was great.  I really enjoyed Kylies journey and how she came into her own.  And became the apparent relationship advise go to person which was hilarious. 

Shadow Falls overall *spoilers* for the series as a whole!!!

                You've been warned.  Okay so I was super thrilled about the wedding!  I had been shipping them since the second book so to have them finally go for it after all that build up and wow the pregnancy test….I couldn't see for a bit I was cry laughing too much.  Holiday was one of my favorites from the start and her and Burnett were so much fun but even with all the romances both them and others my favorite aspect of this was still the friendship between Kylie, Miranda, and Della.  They were just meant to be friends even through the threats and the moments of misunderstanding.  They always had one another's backs.  Girl power at it's best.  I also was on Team Lucas most of the series but I was seriously questioning if I could finish the series if they got back together after what he did but the way it was all written out was so perfect for me.  He didn't get off easy and he had to really prove himself after that.  Also she had to make it more than about her, and I respect that.  I'm happy with everything overall and her mom knowing the truth makes things so much easier.  I did want more of Della and Steve but she is apparently the subject of the spin-off series so I look forward to more of the crew in that one and hopefully finding out more of the secrets that she has been holding onto this whole time and maybe even letting herself open up. 

                That's all I have to share on the series as a whole.  I'd love to know your thoughts on this series and if you've already read the spin-off what did you think?  I'm dying to get to it.  Also the wrap up of the whole series was kind of fun and I'm planning to finally read Percy Jackson this year and was thinking of doing them the same way.  Let me know what you prefer to see.  Have a great weekend.

                Until next time…

January: Challenge Wrap Up!

                So today is the 25th which means it is time for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up.  Basically I want to share my progress with you all and it helps me hold myself accountable.  With that in mind this is how I have started the year.  For all the details on each challenge check out the tab at the top of the page!

Goodreads Challenge:

Goal: 100

At: 11

Currently it says I have read 15 but as 5 of them were the Grisha trilogy novellas I could them together as one putting my total to 11.

2016 Debut Authors:

Goal: 12

At:0

Rock My TBR:

Goal: As many as possible!

At: 8

What I've Read:

Deliverance by C.J. Redwine (review)

Rite ofRevelation by Sarah Negovetich (review)

The Wrathand the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh (review)

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken (review)

The 5thWave by Rick Yancy (review)

SomethingStrange and Deadly (review), A Darkness Strange and Lovely, and Strange andEver After by Susan Dennard

Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 2

What I've Finished:

Defiance/Courier's Daughter trilogy by C.J. Redwine with Deliverance

Something Strange and Deadly trilogy by Susan Dennard with Strange and Ever After

                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!

The Darkest Minds

                Another week down, happy Friday!  I know we are only 15 days into the year but I already feel like things are starting out positive and I'm doing good with my goals and challenges so that's a positive.  If you are not aware one of the challenges I'm taking part in this year is the RockMyTBR challenge which is basically where I try to put a huge dent in my books I already own but haven't gotten to yet.  I have too many to count and I'm a bit ashamed but working on it.  On that list are lots of completed series I am looking forward to marathoning through, some older than others.  One I'm working on finishing only wrapped up last year and that is The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken.  If you didn't know she has a new book Passenger, part one of a duology, that came out this month that I just adored, full review here.  Now I started her Darkest Minds series last year and read through book one in a weekend but then kept getting snagged up reading book two with life and other reading commitments.  I held off on posting my review hoping to be able to post all three in a relative close time so with book two finally complete I'm ready to push myself into finish the series and share my thoughts.  So today I'm discussing TheDarkest Minds, book one.

Rating: 5 Stars

               

                Kids suddenly come down with this disease that is sweeping the youth of America and it is killing or leaving the kids affected with powers.  There are five different powers that seem to develop and we follow the journey of Ruby who at only ten has her life changed forever.  She is sent to Thurmond, a horrid government controlled "rehab camp" that is more of a prison than rehab.  After being in the camp for six years and hiding the fact that she is one of the more dangerous ones she is found out and barely escapes with her life.  She has nowhere to go and no idea what her next move is when she runs into a small group of kids like herself.  She is drawn to them and their search for the so called safe haven of East River but she is terrified of getting close to anyone and hurting anyone else with her uncontrolled ability.  Still with both the government and the rebels fighting the government both searching for you finding someplace safe is the best option.

                I do like the powers aspect to the story.  I also find it interesting that everyone has one of similar abilities rather than everyone having some completely different ability it gives a set of boundaries and rules.  They are labeled by color: green, blue, yellow, orange, and red.  I also enjoyed that the majority of the story focused around our core group of characters and we really got to know them and feel for them.  When Ruby stumbles into this ready band of friends you can see how close they are.  Liam, Chubs, and Zu have been through lots together already and their connection is very clear and powerful.  Each with their own personality, Zu so sweet and adorable I just wanted to hug her so often and Chubs do I love him and his random facts and point blank attitude.  Then a more open and welcoming member with Liam.  He has this sweet southern boy kind of generosity and kindness even in a world like this. 

                 I enjoyed the story and while the beginning was more action packed and active the middle had more story development than action but I didn't find that to be a problem for me.  I enjoyed getting to know everyone and watching Ruby's struggle.  While at times it did seem a bit excessive that she was convinced she was such a monster and unable to really be close to anyone despite many reassurances otherwise, knowing what she's been through and that she went into the camp at such an early age it really did fit with her character.  Story wise though there were bouts of action and intrigue throughout but more towards the beginning and end.  The only thing I had a bit of a struggle with and I will say this every time but it's more personal preference than anything is chapter length.  I find I fly through books with shorter chapters fast, maybe because if the 'one more chapter' mentality that can lead to half a book later but when the chapters seem like forty plus pages it's harder to do that and makes finding a stopping place harder for short reading breaks.  But again just a personal thing there. 

                Overall, I really enjoyed the world building and the characters and was hooked with that ending.  I needed to know more.  I'm glad I didn't have to wait a year for the next book to find out what happened to some of my favorite characters.  The journey in the story it all made sense and fit the world I was pulled into.  Please share your thoughts on the book below in the comments I'd love to hear what your favorite part was or who was your favorite character.  I look forward to discussing Never Fade soon and hopefully finishing the series as well.

                Until next time…have a great weekend!

Mockingjay Part 2: The Conclusion of the series

                So today is the day The Hunger Games movies come to an end; Mockingjay Pt. 2 is officially out.  I went with a group of friends to go see the ‘advanced’ showing AKA what used to be known as midnight showings before they decided to put them at 7 or 8pm instead.  I have some thoughts on that change but that’s for another time, today I want to share my thoughts and feels of the concluding movie.  My review for Mockingjay Pt. 1 can be found here.

Rating:  5 Explosive Arrows!!!

                I am just in love with this conclusion.  Mockingjay was my least favorite of the books, and not just because of some deaths, but because it felt disjointed and rushed.  Some aspects were rushed wham bam next, and other aspects seemed to take forever considering the pacing of the other parts.  The movie did a great job in splitting into two movies and giving us more time to delve into some aspects.  I also give huge props for finishing up the movie without Philip Seymour Hoffman, I was unable to tell/notice while watching any scenes where he was digitally altered/added if it happened it was seamless and changing how some lines were delivered was just perfect. 

                Part 2 picks up just where we left off, Peeta and the others were rescued but upon seeing Katniss he goes into a blind rage and attacks her.  He does serious damage chocking her.  We find out he’s been hi-jacked, programed with tracker-jacker venom inducing fear and made to associate Katniss with fear and pain.  Horrible right.  Anywho we pick up with her throat still bruised but the brace coming off and her voice being rough from damage.  Still at war and trying to not lose momentum in the rebellion is key.  They need to move on the capitol but they still have other things to accomplish first.  And Snow isn’t going to make it easy for them.  Though when you’re not sure you completely trust Coin either it’s a hard place to be. 

                 I loved the visuals of the movie.  From the warn town areas to the capitols outlandish attire and fashion ideals and everything in between.  Peeta looks wrecked.  He looked like hell and given what he had been through it makes sense and looked real.  Then let us talk about the ‘games’ AKA traps.  They are insane.  That tar flood and the mutts!  Great stuff.  Really the mutts were beyond disgusting and creepy looking and sure to give small children nightmares and that tar, yikes not just water but tar.  The journey through it all was spectacular and the contrast from dark to light was on point back and forth seeing things from both sides, which again is something the movies were able to excel at and we didn’t get in the books. 

                Seeing how things went down from Snows POV was perfect.  It shows more depth to the character who wasn’t just evil for the purpose of being evil, he did have some qualities about him that make him seem human.  Do you like him?  NO!  But having him seem human was great.  Another aspect I enjoyed better for the movie was that they really worked on playing up some of the political/power play aspects and more of Coin and the not trusting her part.  The depth was nice and it made the ending resonate that much more.  We also got to see more of the ones we already love and learn a bit more about them like the propo-team, Cressida, Pollux, and Castor.  Favorites like Johanna and her spastic behavior and random outbursts add to the comic relief we find normally in Effie and Haymitch.  We also got to see more of Finnick and Annie!  Oh the wedding was just so sweet, made even more powerful given what you know he was put through not just in the games but as a victor sold out for the night.  I could name all the characters I really could because they did a great job and it was good to see familiar faces, like Commander Paylor, Boggs, Beetee, Plutarch L and new ones like Tigress.  All stunning performances. 

                 The cast did a stellar job and the story moved along and blended well, so well that even as I expected (and dreaded most) all the known deaths I still found myself shocked when they happened.  No amount of planning could prepare me for seeing it on the screen.  One particular death in the book I thought was moved through too quickly just there, bye, moved on; was given more depth and feeling which I loved.  Counter to that though I did find another death that was I believe several chapters and mental anguished for long gaps was over in an instant.  I am glad the long drawn out breakdown was played out differently but I wish they could have extended the emotion just a bit given how pivotal it was.  That was my only real complaint of the movie. 

                That’s all I really have to say.  It was amazing at keeping you on your toes.  Though I will say at certain parts I was the only one in my group who didn’t jump, just saying!  Though I did hold back tears better than I thought I would I still got teary at some parts I’ll tell you which in the comments if you ask.  I think this was a perfect wrap up to the series that is solid and true to the books.  I can’t wait to see it again and own it so I can watch it whenever I want and marathon the whole collection, because you know that needs to happen when it’s out!

                 Until next time…May the odds be ever in your favor.

Top Ten Tuesday

Hello everyone!  So I have been seeing some blogs doing this and I’ve decided it looks like fun and I want in on it.  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

Ten Finished Series I Have YET to FINISH!

Wow there are a lot of finished series that I have not read yet so I’m only going to pick from ones that I own with one exception but I plan to purchase this one before YALLfest this year so it counts.  Also these series are finished to the best of my knowledge.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Percy Jackson and the Olympians & Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Covenant by Jennifer L Armentrout

Summer trilogy by Jenny Han

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

The Curse Workers by Holly Black

Yes there are more.  Yes I need to get on it!  I plan to, I’m slowly making my way through some of my series and have knocked out several so far this year.  Great thing is when you read you don’t have to wait for more.  So share your thoughts below, tell me what you think I should dive into first.