Review: Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Dreams of Gods and Monsters
Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3

I absolutely devoured the first two books in this series and was super psyched for this one. Accordingly, I was also a bit nervous. What if, in the months I had been waiting for DREAMS OF GODS AND MONSTERS, I had forgotten the details and was lost? Lucky for me, that wasn't a problem.

As always, Laini Taylor's writing is absolutely beautiful and her talent for creating vivid images is unrivaled. The characters are fun to read and well-rounded, and the plot -- well, let me just say this was the most satisfying series-ender I've read in a long time.

Taylor skips effortlessly from one perspective to another to create a story that is somehow more continuous and logical than it would be without the switching. And seriously, the way she crafts scenes and transitions, I think she'd be an A+ TV writer (but that's my opinion). And I could fangirl all day about the relationships between 1) Zuzana and Mik and 2) Karou, Akiva and Ziri, as well as each character individually.

The one thing that I'm not just going to gush over is Eliza. Not her specifically; I loved her character, I think she makes a spectacular addition to the friend group, and I am DYING to know more about her -- but her sudden introduction felt a little strange, and the whole explanation behind it felt a little bit rushed. It makes perfect sense in the context of the world; Taylor's not one for plot holes. But at the same time, the final book felt like the wrong place to introduce it.

I'm choosing to hope that the introduction of Eliza means that this may not be the last book we get set in this universe (multiverse?). I, for one, could go for a whole new trilogy with Eliza as the protagonist following the godstars arc. Any other takers? ;)

On the whole: A+++ series. Love, love, love. Absolutely recommend.

Waiting on Wednesday 5/21: The Spiritglass Charade

***Waiting on Wednesday is hosted at Breaking the Spine and features upcoming books that we bloggers can't wait for!***

My pick this week is THE SPIRITGLASS CHARADE by Colleen Gleason. It's the second book in her Stoker & Holmes series, a super-fun steampunk mystery series about the famous vampire slayer's sister and the equally famous detective's niece.

There's no description available yet, but it releases on October 7 and I cannot wait! Steampunk, mystery, and some of my favorite fictional characters reimagined? Yes please. Here's hoping the sequel is everything the first book was and more!

Pretty Cover Alert: In the After Light!

I haven't read this series yet but holy cow do I want to. And the cover for this third book? Is GORGEOUS.

IN THE AFTER LIGHT is the conclusion to Alexandra Bracken's Darkest Minds trilogy and releases in October 2014.

Review: The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave
Rick Yancey
The 5th Wave #1

You wanna talk about a well-done alien invasion story? Let's talk about THE 5TH WAVE. I've read and loved several alien books, but this one is the first I've found that adequately conveys the terror such a situation would instill. Like, holy cow, this could have been real. Also, SUCH a clever way for the aliens to function! This could read just as easily as a psychological thriller as a sci-fi.

The writing is easy to read, Cassie's voice is great, and the multiple perspectives are for the most part excellent. (I still found Cassie and Ben a little difficult to distinguish from their first-person occasionally, but for the most part, awesome.) And even though the story was about as cheerful as you'd expect from an invasion of creatures bent on destroying humanity -- read: depressing as hell -- it manages to be hopeful and courageous and leave me wanting the sequel.

Things I loved:

• SAMMY. Best character. He's Cassie's little brother, and it's probably his five-year-old reaction to the whole alien invasion that makes the novel as chillingly believable as it is.
• Cassie actually thinks about practical things like tampons in an apocalypse! It's just fun to see authors addressing real, practical details like that.
• On the subject of practical things, it's not a head-over-heels apocalyptic romance! Cassie prioritizes her, y'know, life goals over having a steamy post-apocalyptic romance. So yes, the way romance is handled is a definite plus.
• Writing, style, characters, plot -- all A++.

Things I did not love:

• I don't think I'm ever going to not be mad that the first non-Cassie living person we meet is her freaking middle school crush. Can you say "too perfect"?
• (I don't think this really counts as a spoiler, but it might, so beware.) Evan sketched me way out. I mean, I get that Cassie's got a crush on him, but she says "don't kiss me" and then he kisses her and that's totally fine and she melts? Let's not.

On the whole, excellent book, fun and interesting (if slightly horrifying) read. If you scare easily, read it with the lights on.

Om Nom Nom Books!

Hello friends! I'm Becky (aka Bex), your host and resident Bibliosaurus. It's time to BLOG ABOUT BOOKS. Let's get this party started!