I've been told that I needed to read Blake Crouch's Dark Matter since I've started reviewing books on Goodreads—two and a half years ago. I've always I've been told that I needed to read Blake Crouch's Dark Matter since I've started reviewing books on Goodreads—two and a half years ago. I've always been hesitant because I never pictured myself enjoying a supernatural/sci-fi thriller. I just always believed it to be a little far-fetched and out of touch with reality. When I was given the opportunity to read Blake Crouch's Recursion, I figured that it would be worth a try. I am so happy that I gave Recursion the chance that it deserves.
Recursion's synopsis is a little ambiguous, but I would urge you to not know anything more than what the publisher is leading with because it will ruin your experience with this awesome story. I actually didn't read anything about the synopsis at all. I went in totally blind, hoping that this book will live up to my expectations. Going in without any knowledge of this book's plot was really a perfect move because as the story kept developing, so did my interest. I had no idea how the plot would continue, and I loved how each moment in the story played a substantial role in how it was going to turn out for the characters. I am a really big fan of Netflix's The OA, and I think that if you enjoy that tv show, you'll be head over heels obsessed with Recursion.
Blake Crouch, you have a new fan. Now, when can I fit Dark Matter into my TBR list?! Thank you Crown Publishing Group for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Recursion will be released on June 11, 2019 and is June's Selection for the Scared Suspense Book Club (@scaredsuspensebookclub on Instagram). Come follow us and let's get talking! ...more
Possible review to come, depending on if I think it's worth it—but I wasn't a fan. Possible review to come, depending on if I think it's worth it—but I wasn't a fan. ...more
The Institute has easily become my favorite Stephen King novel, ever! It may be over 500 pages, but this book reads so fast, you won't put it downThe Institute has easily become my favorite Stephen King novel, ever! It may be over 500 pages, but this book reads so fast, you won't put it down. I would say that this book is a combination of X-Men meets Stranger Things—with the literary horror writing style that you've expected to love by Stephen King. The characters were multifaceted, the story was gripping and original, and there wasn't too much exposition—we got right into the story early on. This story really will take you on an adventure that you weren't expecting, and you will definitely not expect how it turns out. The Institute will get you thinking and I see big things for this release. ...more
I'm torn between 3 and 3 1/2 stars for Amelinda Bérubé's upcoming YA/horror Here There Are Monsters. I normally do not read young adult novels, beI'm torn between 3 and 3 1/2 stars for Amelinda Bérubé's upcoming YA/horror Here There Are Monsters. I normally do not read young adult novels, because they are usually too campy or unbelievable for my liking, but I really enjoyed this one. Hence, it did not have the camp or unbelievable factors that I was expecting. Here There Are Monsters is a family drama/horror, and I kept thinking that this would be a perfect Netflix show while I was reading this. Seriously, Netflix call Ms. Bérubé please!
Bérubé's Here There Are Monsters is being called "The Blair Witch Project meets Imaginary Girls", and this is a spot on description for this book. The story centers around a high-school student named Skye and her family. Skye, her parents, and her sister Deirdre have moved after some antics at their previous school has left the family in certain chaos. After they move, Skye starts noticing that she's been hanging around the popular clique, but she isn't complaining. After years of protecting her little sister, she's happy to break from the mold and finally be herself. Her younger sister, Deirdre has always been an odd ball, and her antics at their new home have proven that she is just going to continue down this path of eccentricity.
As Deirdre begins withdrawing from everyone, Skye starts to notice her fixation with the woods surrounding their new home, and begins to worry that her sister has become some weird fanatic of some sort. That is, until she disappears. Her parents are freaking out, and the police cannot seem to find her anywhere. Skye feels responsible and plans to bring her sister back home at any cost.
Here There Are Monsters is a fun horror read that doesn't dive too dark for the reader to enjoy. This cover is probably the darkest thing about the story. That's no shade, but I just wanted to let the reader know that you don't need to check behind your shower curtain and deadbolt your doors while reading this book. I felt that the "YA" factor of the book didn't deter me from enjoying this story, and I really became invested in what was going to happen. At times, I felt that the story jumped too fast without explanation, which is why I didn't give this story a higher rating—we could've gotten more from the plot. However, I was definitely satisfied with the story and its characters. I would love to read more from this author and plan to do so. I think if you enjoy light horror novels, Riverdale, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, you'll definitely want to pick up Here There Are Monsters....more
I keep battling with my overall rating, but I would give this book 3/5 stars if I had to pick a number. Christine Lynn Herman's upcoming The DevourI keep battling with my overall rating, but I would give this book 3/5 stars if I had to pick a number. Christine Lynn Herman's upcoming The Devouring Gray is one of Disney's most anticipated 2019 releases, and I can totally understand why. It's being called a mash-up between The Raven Boys meets Stranger Things, and after finishing this supernatural young adult novel, I can see why.
Located in upstate New York, a small rural town called Four Paths is tucked away within miles and miles of forest. When Violet Saunders and her mother Juniper return back to Juniper's hometown during Violet's senior year of high school, Violet decides just get through the year and return back to her normal life for college. Violet grew up in Ossining, Westchester, which is just an hour's way from New York City —a world completely different from her new home at Four Paths. At Four Paths, everyone knows your name, and Violet's class is approximately 50 or so people, so she ends up learning everyone's names very quickly. What Violet doesn't know is that the town was founded by four founders, and each of their descendants come with their own notoriety, and baggage. The founders are linked to the surrounding forest in some way, but Violet is unsure how exactly. After meeting the teenagers of the town's founders, she starts to realize that what she believed to be true about herself is not what she was expecting. As Violet's tenure at Four Paths continues, townsfolk start disappearing while others are being killed. The culprit at hand for these murders, are the devouring gray of the nearby woods.
I keep battling about how I thought about The Devouring Gray—both in it's content, and how the dialogue was presented. The Devouring Gray is a diverse story, with sexual fluidity properly portrayed in a respectful, meaningful way. I felt that this theme in the story is important if this book is being rated for teenagers through young adult, because the representation of characters who fall on the Kinsey Scale in some capacity are usually not represented in the most respectful light. While I usually don't enjoy slow-burn novels, the slow burning attributes to this book ending up working in it's favor. My level of enjoyment increased after each chapter—starting from reasonably low, to exponentially high by the epilogue. My intrigue for the devouring gray is still being sought out after I closed the book. Lastly, although it is a fantasy/sci-fi story, it never crossed the point of ridiculousness with it's supernatural capacity.
However, as the story progressed, I felt that The Devouring Gray began to create an information dump in order for it to proceed. Rather than the reader figuring out what was going on, Violet was informed by heavy dialogue from the townspeople informing her (and us) to what exactly what was going on. That was disappointing, because as a reader, you want to uncover the mystery yourself, not be told what is happening in a matter-of-fact type of way. I also didn't enjoy the amount of exposition that was thrust into the story—you finally get down to the "fun stuff" at the final quarter of the novel. For a fantasy/sci-fi novel, that is way too far into the story for me to allow. I understand
As The Devouring Gray was coming to an end, that is where the author really takes the story and strengthens it. The characters start from being interchangeable background noise, to fully functional, important roles. Even with it's slow-burning capacity, my adoration for the characters in this book grew as the story moved along—which worked in the author's favor. I ended up finishing this story wanting more. I can't imagine that there won't be a sequel to The Devouring Gray, I just am unsure that I am ready to invest in more time with this story. ...more
Little Darlings is one of the most intoxicating, and addicting folklore thrillers that I've ever read.
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Little Darlings is a family-dramLittle Darlings is one of the most intoxicating, and addicting folklore thrillers that I've ever read.
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Little Darlings is a family-drama that weaves gothic thrills and suspense in such a miraculous way. The story commences with the delivery of Lauren Tranter's twin boys, Riley and Morgan. Lauren and her husband Patrick appear to be a picture perfect couple, but they have their own dramas that are deeply hidden within the boundaries of their home. After the two boys are born, Lauren is shaken, but ecstatic over her beautiful children. As she goes through the healing process, Lauren is staying at the hospital's maternity ward until the three of them are ready to go home. However, her stay at the hospital is overshadowed by darkness. One night, Lauren wakes up hearing a woman rambling about her own children. After Lauren tries to calm the woman down, she is thrown into the mix of chaos—this woman wants to exchange her children for Lauren's and Lauren has to escape. After Lauren contacts the police over this disturbance, she is shunned as being emotionally unstable.
Lauren, Patrick, and their two boys return home while Lauren's paranoia over this woman grows. Patrick is less than enthusiastic with his assistance with Riley and Morgan, adding more stress to Lauren's day-to-day life. Lauren starts to let her guard down—and in fact decides to go to the park—but it ends in disaster. Lauren believes that her babies were swapped by this woman, but nobody believes her. The babies look exactly like Riley and Morgan, how could they be swapped? Lauren's theatrics continue, and she's immediately shut down. If nobody believes Lauren's claims, then she must take matters in her own hands.
I actually believe that the synopsis for Little Darlings gives too much of the story, and maybe you should consider going into this novel blind. The way that this story starts to unravel is so dynamic, original, and ghostly—I was shaken to the core by how it played out. I thoroughly enjoyed the red herrings, the subplot storylines, and honestly, all the main characters. I loved several characters, and would love to see this story spin off with future stories with them (wink wink Melanie Golding). I loved to hate several characters, and didn't mind how the author portrayed them. Every single person in this story is valuable, and memorable in their own rite.
For those who may be turned off by its sci-fi flair that people are buzzing about, don't worry because it doesn't dive too deep into the world of unbelievable. There wasn't a time throughout the story where I had to second guess the story with any of it's supposed supernatural elements. You'll be able to follow the story, and believe what you're reading without judgment. At least, for me, I had no issue following along, and feeling deeply engrossed in it's plot.
I'm just hearing now that Little Darlings is Melanie Golding's debut novel, and that is unbelievable! What a spectacular debut Ms. Golding, you should be very proud. Little Darlings is my pick for this Spring's Biggest Blockbuster. It was a pleasure reading this story, and I urge you to put this on your TBR list now. ...more
One of my favorite novels this year was Christopher Rice's Bone Music. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the realistic vibes of the sOne of my favorite novels this year was Christopher Rice's Bone Music. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the realistic vibes of the supernatural that I've never seen before. This review will not be about Bone Music, but I just needed to make that disclaimer before I move on. If you haven't picked up Bone Music yet, do not read Blood Echo.
Blood Echo picks up right where we've left off. Charlotte (aka Charley—sometimes I will go back and forth with the naming of this character, because I'm lazy) has aligned herself with Cole and his pharmaceutical company in hopes to continue working with them on her Zypraxon-induced abilities. Zypraxon is a drug that has been created by Cole's company that has allowed Charley to gain superhuman strength and regenerative properties. Charley is the only person that this drug has ever worked for, and will continue to use it in hopes of creating a better society. Charley will team up with Cole, using Zypraxon, and preemptively strike serial killers and criminals before they attack. With one serial killer already taken into custody, the team decides to go after more.
As Charley and Cole continue with their experiments, the town that Charley and her boyfriend Luke call home—Altamira, California, has a problem of their own. When one of the richest developers in town's girlfriend comes to Luke's precinct to report criminal activity, Luke only scratches the surface of what's at stake here. Altamira needs Charlotte, and Charlotte needs Altamira. Will Cole allow Charlotte to pause on her experiments, in order to protect her home?
Blood Echo is rather different than it's predecessor, but still just as intoxicating. This time around, the story is more character driven than ever before. In fact, this time around, Cole takes the center stage. Blood Echo is more about Cole and his characterization, rather than any of the other characters. We do a deep dive into Cole's perspective, which is refreshing because we didn't get too much into detail about his life in Bone Music. Although I gave this story five stars, that does not mean that this novel isn't flawed. The first part of Blood Echo is astounding! Like hold onto your weaves, bitches, because we are moving fast! However, the second part changes course, and it's pacing dramatically. It really caught me off guard, but it sets the stage for the bigger, more important action in part three. Don't let frustrate you or put you off about continuing the story. The final 25% of the book reigns supreme, and really sets the series up for an unbelievable storyline. PS Christopher Rice, if you're reading this... I want more Dylan! Go into this book, and do not hold it up against Bone Music, because this story is more transitional than the first, but equally just as important to read if you're interested in continuing with the series.
Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Blood Echo will be released on February 19, 2019....more
LIFEL1K3 is one of those truly original books that I just know will make an epic movie someday #FirstInLine LIFEL1K3 is a dystopian futuristicLIFEL1K3 is one of those truly original books that I just know will make an epic movie someday #FirstInLine LIFEL1K3 is a dystopian futuristic novel taking place in a new era of pollution, civil unrest, technological advances, and conflict. We are given a world of cyborgs, machinas, automatas, and logikas. Each of these artificial intelligent bots have a different range of power, intellect, and sovereignty in this new world—living among the human race. The main character, Eve, battles robots in challenges, but is supported by her friends Lemon and robot Cricket. The trio are attached at the hip—doing everything together and protecting each other in a world that is more unsafe than ever before. After a victorious battle, Eve and team stumble across the ruins of an android boy. Quick on her feet, Eve decides to rescue this android in hopes of salvaging his life. When she brings this android back home to her grandpa's house, all hell breaks loose. Eve has just opened the pandora's box of secrets, and they aren't ready for what's to come.
LIFEL1K3 is so rich in it's atmospheric content that it's nearly impossible for anyone not to feel immersed into the story. This world is truly remarkable to read about! As everybody who follows me knows, I am viciously strict on my reviews for science-fiction/fantasy novels—LIFEL1K3 is a strong story, with a childlike banter. I understand that this novel was written for young readers in mind, but after getting immersed in the setting and time period, I wanted more. I wish the story was darker, with a sharper, deeper dialogue. The story felt a little campy to me, and I had definitely rolled my eyes several times throughout the story. However, this does not take away from the fact that Jay Kristoff has created a world in which people will love to read about, watch about (I'm telling you, this movie deal is coming folks!), and learn more about. I'm definitely going to continue on with this dystopian futuristic world, and I hope you will come along for the ride with me.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for the e-copy in exchange for my honest review....more
Everybody knows that I'm a psychological thriller and horror genre junkie, but every now and then I like to mix it up with other genres, so I was exciEverybody knows that I'm a psychological thriller and horror genre junkie, but every now and then I like to mix it up with other genres, so I was excited to pick up The Oracle Year. The Oracle Year is written by the renowned Charles Soule—Marvel writer for She-Hulk, The Death of Wolverine, and Daredevil. When I picked up The Oracle Year I was hopeful that it would be an original science-fiction superhero novel that would break the mold of the over-saturated superhero market. The Oracle Year is indeed an original novel that breaks the mold, but where it falls flat is it's character development and plot.
Will Dando wakes up one day, in his modest New York City apartment, with a dream of 108 predictions about the future in his head. Voices speaking to him let him know what inevitably will happen—and there's nothing people can do to change its outcome. Will decides to recruit his best friend Hamza and the two create a website called The Site where Will posts predictions and solicits wealthy buyers to get their own insider information. The Oracle becomes an overnight sensation worldwide; attracting people from all over the world and making enemies as well. Will and Hamza must navigate through the success of The Site without getting themselves caught in the midst of a worldwide controversy.
The Oracle Year is original—however, the story is around 400 pages and it could've been cut in half without taking anything important out of the story. We get a lot of pointless dialogue until we are halfway through and by that time, you don't really even care about how the story is progressing. There is not one character in The Oracle Year that is either likable or relatable. They aren't even told in a perspective that you'd love to hate them. You are just indifferent and bored with them. Everyone in this story is two-dimensional and that leaves the story flat and mundane.
I will recommend this story for those who enjoy the following: superhero stories, political thrillers, and religious/faith based dramas. If you can't check off 2 out of the 3 the aforementioned options, it would probably be best if you skipped this one. ...more
EPIC—Literally the first word that comes to mind after finishing up Christopher Rice's masterpiece, Bone Music. Charlotte doesn't have the cookie-EPIC—Literally the first word that comes to mind after finishing up Christopher Rice's masterpiece, Bone Music. Charlotte doesn't have the cookie-cutter life that many would be able to relate to. When she was seven years old, her parents were arrested after they were discovered to be a pair of serial killers, who in fact murdered Charlotte's birth mother. Charlotte's "parents tried to mold her into their prodigy with little success. Once she was rescued, Charlotte was reunited with her biological father and sent to live with him after spending years under the psychological deviousness of her captors. Charlotte's father realizes that Charlotte's story will break the mold for Hollywood success and exploits her shortcomings in a series of fiction novels and movie deals. Charlotte is reliving her past everyday in the public eye, with even more evil and public humiliation than before. Charlotte successfully emancipates from her father and changes her life around for the better. Fast-forward to the present day, Charlotte spends her days in rural Arizona, where she enjoys solitude and tranquility after growing up in the public eye. However, Charlotte's life ends up being completely thrown for a loop when she is secretly dosed with an experimental drug, allowing her to have shocking superhuman strength and healing properties. Think Jessica Jones, but more realistic. Charlotte's life will never be the same again—especially now that she's being hunted by those who want to control her newfound abilities. Once burned by her past, Charlotte will now use her extraordinary powers to prevent anyone falling victim to the torment she once possessed ever again.
OK everyone, I have to be honest here when it comes to Bone Music and the amazing Christopher Rice. My boyfriend is a big fan of Mr. Rice's work and for years he was begging me to try and pick up one of his books. My excuses always were, "maybe another time", "don't you read classic literature?", "well Gillian Flynn didn't provide a quote so IDK." It wasn't until I started seeing this book everywhere that it sparked my interest. Of course when I picked it up, the boyfriend was all "told ya so!" about it, but whatever!
Bone Music is seriously one of the best books I've ever read in my life. I can feel it, I know it, I'm living it. It's the book you need to read this year. I cannot stop talking about this book! At 450 pages, the story is so multifaceted, yet fast-paced. I never once felt overwhelmed by the length of the story nor the depth of Rice's writing (but seriously the depth in which the story is written is amazing). We learn about a plethora of characters and their personalities, without it ever being too much to handle. Seriously though, am I the only one fangirling over Dylan? #bae Not only is the characterization for Bone Music so wonderfully painted, we are also provided an original story that is not only believable, but refreshing. With a touch of sci-fi/supernatural, the story never falls into fantasy fanfare. If there's one review to take seriously from me this year, it would be this one. I know if you're following me on Instagram @scared_str8, you'll know that for 2017 that book was Unsub. GUYS THIS IS MY NEW WORSHIP BOOK FOR 2018! #micdrop ...more
Disclaimer: I don't enjoy giving negative reviews at all. It's not my thing and I don't want to bury anyone with a review that may or may not be a popDisclaimer: I don't enjoy giving negative reviews at all. It's not my thing and I don't want to bury anyone with a review that may or may not be a popular opinion.
When I first heard about Reign of the Fallen I immediately thought "Oh my gosh! It's The Walking Dead meets Game of Thrones!" and needed to grab a copy immediately. #AmazonPreOrder. Sadly, this book is more Harry Potter meets Charmed. Not bad, but not what I was expecting. I guess I should have taken note that it's a young adult fiction novel and lowered my expectations, but I was hopeful! In this story, we meet Odessa—one of Karthia's notable necromancers. In a world where people can be brought back from The Deadlands. The Deadlands is the afterlife realm where spirits go after their physical being has diminished. Odessa and her comrade/partner/love interest Evander must be careful because sometimes awakening the dead into their world can create zombie-like creatures called Shades. These Shades are spirits returning without their human vessels. As Karthia starts seeing a sharp increase of Shade attacks, Odessa and her team must uncover what is really going on and what is at stake.
I really don't want to get too much into the story because nothing really happens. If I tell you any more of the plot, why read this 350+ page book? For an action-packed adventure story, it really could have been condensed to like 200 pages. The plot was just not very engaging for me to stay focused. We are introduced to way too many secondary characters that we really don't care about. I do believe the concept of this story will be well received and that many may find my review incorrect. I encourage you to see for yourself. ...more
Ready Player One was the ride of a lifetime! Ernest Cline's soon-to-be-released-as-a-movie dystopian futuristic novel is immersive lik5/5 stars!!!
Ready Player One was the ride of a lifetime! Ernest Cline's soon-to-be-released-as-a-movie dystopian futuristic novel is immersive like no other book that I've ever picked up. It pulls you into a totally new (but very realistic and sadly possible) future world where we meet teenager Wade Watts, a poverty-stricken kid who lives with his aunt in the "stacks" - trailer homes built on top of each other like towers. Wade informs us immediately that it is 2044 and the world has basically gone massively downhill over time. First the Great Recession of 2008 had never ended, then the energy crisis/shortage causes mass hysteria, wars between countries have erupted all over the world (we get hints that the War in Afghanistan is still ongoing) and lastly disruptive climate change has destroyed the natural habitat of the world. Many people are destitute, living in hotel rooms (if they're lucky), while many are homeless and need help from government subsidies. Wade also introduces us to OASIS - Ontologically Anthropocentric Sensory Immersive Simulation, which is an interactive world that people can dive into with their avatars. Think the matrix, but wayyyyyyyyyy cooler. Wade spends most of his time in OASIS; school, avoiding his drug addicted abusive aunt, and trying to find the creater of OASIS, James Halliday's fortune. Mr. Halliday has passed away, leaving his fortune hidden in the game, letting one lucky winner have the possibility of becoming a multi-billionaire! Problem is, corporate conglomerate IOI - Innovative Online Industries is after the fortune too, and they're at a complete advantage because they have the money, power, and influence over modern-day society. In 2044, little hope is promised, but Wade is up for the challenge.
I've been sitting on Ready Player One now for months and kept making excuses on why I should hold off on reading this. I saw a commercial for the movie on a YouTube ad and figured, ugh why not pick it up now so I can complain about how poorly the movie was made, right?! Well, I am so glad I did because I was completely hooked into the story and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I just needed to figure out what was going to happen, who was going to win, and if Wade was going to get the girl! Ready Player One invites you to an ingeniously creative world that is also magnificently written. I was legitimately like a kid in a candy store while reading this book. USA Today calls this "Enchanting...Willy Wonka meets the Matrix." and they hit the nail on the head with this one. I urge you all, please pick this one up before the movie comes out!...more
"Because sometimes it’s easier to start over with a clean slate than to drag the baggage of your past with you wherever you go."
We Are the Ants i "Because sometimes it’s easier to start over with a clean slate than to drag the baggage of your past with you wherever you go."
We Are the Ants is not just a book surrounding Henry Denton’s difficulty in school due to bullying and his dilemma on whether or not the world is deemed necessary to save from unforeseen disaster. We Are the Ants is a book about life and the mechanisms to cope with the hurdles and pain people go through to just get by. This book truly resonated with me because as Henry, I was a kid in school who was bullied a lot throughout my high school years- not only for my sexuality, but for other reasons as Henry is in this book. Coping with the suicide of his boyfriend Jesse, Henry struggles to pick up the pieces as his hope for humanity and himself are dying out.
We Are the Ants is a book that recently got on my radar due to the glowing reviews that I’ve read via Goodreads, but I didn’t hear much press about it. I was hesitant to pick this one up as it is not a thriller and my attention span for anything that isn’t tends to diminish. The first chapter throws a lot of in-your-face semi-corny themes in the very beginning, and I considered that a scare tactic. Once you can get passed that first chapter, I promise you this book will change your life.
Every single character in this book is flawed-realistically and apologetically. Whether it’s Henry’s alcoholic mother, his grandmother with Alzheimer’s, his brother Charlie who gets his girlfriend pregnant, his friend Audrey who takes blame for the death of Henry’s boyfriend, Marcus the popular joke who has a secret, or Diego who won’t let the past dictate his future.
Safe to say that I’m giving this book 5 stars. If I could give a representative star for every star in the universe for this book, I would. We Are the Ants is truly a remarkable book. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
"The universe may forget us, but it doesn’t matter. Because we are the ants, and we’ll keep marching on."...more