Apology and Reading Slump

Hey guys!
As you can probably tell, I haven't been posting much (nothing) on my blog lately. I apologize profusely for that. School is busy and my horses have taken over my life again because show season is just around the corner (which isn't a bad thing). I've also been in a reading slump lately, which I can't seem to break. I'm been reading some books off of Netgalley and I just can't seem to get myself out of my funk, which is one of the reasons I haven't posted any reviews lately. I'll be back in a few weeks for sure, after school slows down and my reading slump is kicked to the curb.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet

Author: Marissa Meyer

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Source: Library

Synopsis: The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My Review

You guys all know how much I loved Cinder. I mean, a sci-fi retelling or Cinderella? That's just plain awesome! And I thought that Scarlet was just as good, if not better.

I didn't realize how much I missed Cinder until picking up Scarlet. But Scarlet isn't completely about Cinder, and I loved getting to know Scarlet and Wolf *sigh* too. Scarlet was totally kick butt and and she would do anything to help someone she loves. She was totally spunky and a personality to fit her red hair. Wolf was another character that I really loved, even though we find out some not to great things about him towards the end.

The uniqueness of these books always strikes me. I love the feeling of expecting one thing from Marissa Meyer's books and having something totally different happen. The action of the books also helps. These books are full of action and suspense, especially in Scarlet because of the switching perspectives. Hardly anything is what it seems and Marissa Meyer always, and I mean always, leaves you on a cliffhanger.

Marissa Meyer always has a fantastic way of writing her books. Her worlds are so well built and fun to read about, and her characters aren't the perfect stuck up kind that you find a lot. The ideas behind these books are crazy awesome and she makes everything fight together so well.

Rating: 5/5 worms

If you haven't read this series yet, do it NOW!!

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. It showcases upcoming titles that we are currently awaiting.


This week's selection.....                  

The Neptune Project
by Polly Holyoke
Release Date: May 21, 2013

Synopsis: THE NEPTUNE PROJECT is set in a future where the seas are rising and global warming is out of control. Nere Hanson and her teen companions are shocked to learn that they have been genetically altered by their desperate parents to live in the sea. Protected by her loyal dolphins, shy Nere leads the rest on a perilous journey to her father’s new colony. Fighting off government divers, sharks and giant squid, can Nere and her companions learn to trust each other before their dangerous new world destroys them?

That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard

Title: That Time I Joined the Circus

Author: J.J. Howard

Release Date: April 1, 2013

Publisher: Point

Source: Publisher (Netgalley)

-Goodreads

 

Synopsis: Lexi Ryan just ran away to join the circus, but not on purpose.

A music-obsessed, slightly snarky New York City girl, Lexi is on her own. After making a huge mistake--and facing a terrible tragedy--Lexi has no choice but to track down her long-absent mother. Rumor has it that Lexi's mom is somewhere in Florida with a traveling circus.

When Lexi arrives at her new, three-ring reality, her mom isn't there . . . but her destiny might be. Surrounded by tigers, elephants, and trapeze artists, Lexi finds some surprising friends and an even more surprising chance at true love. She even lucks into a spot as the circus's fortune teller, reading tarot cards and making predictions.

But then Lexi's ex-best friend from home shows up, and suddenly it's Lexi's own future that's thrown into question.

With humor, wisdom, and a dazzlingly fresh voice, this debut reminds us of the magic of circus tents, city lights, first kisses, and the importance of an excellent playlist.

 

My Review

That Time I Joined the Circus was one of my most anticipated books of 2013, and I can say that it didn't disappoint. The characters were good, the story was nice, and come one, who doesn't want to join the circus?

 

I thought Lexi was a really likeable character. She didn't hide behind the tragedy that happened to her, nor did she use it as an excuse to get what she wanted. She was willing to go out and try to make it on her own. I also really loved the music aspect of her; I thought it was a nice touch. Eli was my other favorite character, even though he didn't show up until the end, but what he did for Lexi in the end just made me do crazy giggles. 

 

I'll admit, this book was a little slow. I was expecting a lot more from a circus book, more action and adventure. But it wasn't super slow so I kept on reading. I didn't really like how this book was told in alternating chapters of Lexi's past and present, and I think it took away from the circus aspect of the book. I also didn't think some of the information in those past chapters was necessary. We also don't find out how what happened in her tragedy until the end, and I had kind of lost interest. This book really picked up at the end, so overall I think the plot was good.

 

The circus in this book was  really nicely described. I could picture myself there, but I wish there had been more of it because if this book is supposed to be about a circus, why are we talking about New York. I truly enjoyed the writing of the book, and I liked how it wasn't a love driven book (even though sometimes I didn't know who Lexi was dating).

 

Rating: 4/5 worms

Overall, this was a good book. I think everyone would like this.