In case you missed anything, here's a recap of what was posted Saturday, April 9th through Friday, April 15th.
Reviews
All Just Glass by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Toads and Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson
Cover review: Artist Spotlight on Fernanda Brussi
(Click on the links to go to my reviews)
Memes
Features
What's Your Status?
A meme created by Zakiya from Butterfly Feet Walking on Life where we recap our reading week. Feel free to visit her site and link up your own What's Your Status Posts. Here's how my week went:
The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander
(Click on the link to go to Goodreads)
I liked this book a lot. At first I had to really push myself to read it, but before I knew it I was hooked.
The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker
(Click on the link to go to Goodreads)
Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban
Page 76/319
Received: Review copy from NetGalley and Tanglewood Press
A meme created by Zakiya from Butterfly Feet Walking on Life where we recap our reading week. Feel free to visit her site and link up your own What's Your Status Posts. Here's how my week went:
Finished
(Click on the link to go to Goodreads)
I liked this book a lot. At first I had to really push myself to read it, but before I knew it I was hooked.
Currently Reading
(Click on the link to go to Goodreads)
As you can see, I didn't get very far. I love high fantasy, so I was really looking forward to reading this book. The element of time travel was an added bonus, and I started reading this shortly after getting a copy in the mail. Unfortunately, I couldn't get very far. For me, the problem was the writing. I honestly had trouble understanding a lot of sentences. In most cases I could eventually figure out what the author meant, but it took more work than I am willing to put in. I only read fifteen pages, but I was reading for about a half hour (almost four times the amount of time 15 pages would normally take me to read).
I had a lot of trouble parsing the sentences and this significantly slowed my reading. Sentences are extremely long (sometimes a single sentence makes up an entire paragraph), pronouns often left me confused as to who exactly was being referenced, and there were some punctuation problems. As a result, I was continually jolted out of the story by the writing style. If you don't have trouble with the writing and the plot sounds interesting to you, then you might still want to give Ravenwild a try. From what little I did read, the plot was interesting and seemed like it was headed in a good direction. Unfortunately I will not find out for certain as I will not be reading further.
Page 76/319
Received: Review copy from NetGalley and Tanglewood Press
I so wanted to like this book but it just wasn't working for me. I wasn't feeling the main character at all. I started out with high hopes, but she quickly became a character that annoyed me all the time. I don't know if the point is that you're supposed to find her annoying now because she'll grow and learn as the story progresses, but I just couldn't take another minute with her. She was too impulsive and selfish for my tastes. I've been a very restless reader after coming off the high of a trifecta of awesome last week. The bar was set high and Two Moon Princess just wasn't doing it for me.
I was also put off a little by the writing style. Does anyone know if this is a translation? It has that almost overly formal feel where the English is sort of *too* proper and so it feels stiff. I don't know, maybe it's just me. Whatever the reason, I realized I wasn't enjoying the book at all and I was only reading because I was hoping for something better. It wasn't happening, so I DNF-ed. Maybe I'll try picking it up again at some point when I'm less picky.
Page 18/288
Received: Review copy from NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion
I only read a few chapters, but I was loving this book. I just don't feel like reading on my computer right now. My eyes are bugging me, holding the computer is annoying me, and I haven't had much time to read at home. I don't like reading a tiny amount and then having to leave the book unread for days at a time, which is exactly what was happening. I will definitely be picking this book up again just as soon as I have more time to read at home and can deal with reading on my computer.
"I only read fifteen pages, but I was reading for about a half hour (almost four times the amount of time 15 pages would normally take me to read."
ReplyDelete--- Amazing. You never made it out of Chapter One from Ravenwild.
I'm speechless. You are the first for that one. I guess it's above your reading level.
Too bad about Two Moons and Near Witch. I'm disappointed about the Disney-Hyperion books not being on Kindle.
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as you not liking Ravenwild...well, not every book we're going to like, right? I think it's most important you were honest. I have the book for review, too. But as far as Mike saying "I guess it's above your reading level"...let's not go all Jacqueline Howett on reviewers. We already witnessed that negative review fiasco. It's great a lot of people have liked the book. I read a review by a blogger who loved it, so I'm excited to read it. But we can't say things like that. Writing requires a thick skin and taking criticism all in stride. You have to throw it off and continue on. The best advice is to not comment on negative reviews. In fact, I know of several authors who don't even comment on positive reviews.
You had problem with Ravenwild? Interesting. I expect much of the book as well. It's next at my TBR so i will see what i think of it soon.
ReplyDeleteTwo Moon Princess is no good ?:o I have it as well but not yet decided when to read it. Now you put some doubts inside me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@xraymike79: "You are the first for that one. I guess it's above your reading level. " that sounds insulting. it's an opinion you know. you want the truth right? -.^
ReplyDeleteYiota, Julie and everyone else,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry if my first comment came off as insulting. My point is that if a person cannot complete chapter one, let alone the other 34 chapters in a book, then they have no authority or right to comment on it at all. Ravenwild is not a tawdry dime novel that you can read in a night. It's not a throwaway, mass-marketed book. It's a complex novel that interweaves several plot lines and requires some thinking on the part of the reader. Some people simply won't have the 'head' for it.
As with any first printing, there may be a few typos, but there are no grammar or syntax problems with Ravenwild. It's been looked at several times over by a few editors and English majors. If there are such errors, I would be eager for her to discuss them with me.
We have had a couple reviewers who have read up to an early point in the story and said that it just wasn't for them. They did not post anything on our book because they said it would not be fair of them to do so without having completed the book. To do otherwise would be unfair and an affront to the author and future readers. That is the correct and fair policy to follow in my opinion.
Deni, thanks for giving Ravenwild a try. I wish you the best.
Mike, My policy on reviewing DNF books is clearly stated in my Review Policy. I make every effort to accommodate specific and reasonable requests, but since you did not make one I had no way of knowing you were dissatisfied with my review policy. I must assume that anyone emailing me with a review request has read my policy and agrees to the terms I have set.
ReplyDeleteI make it clear why I chose not to finish a book and what page number I read up to. I am sure you are not alone in thinking fifteen pages is not enough to form an accurate opinion. That is why I include page numbers- so readers can form their own conclusions about what I post.
I do, however, have a right to discuss what I have read, regardless of how many pages. I will discuss the grammatical issues with you privately if you wish.
Julie, Two Moon Princess was a disappointment for me, but I may chalk that one up to mood. I wouldn't write it off if it sounds good to you. The Near Which I will definitely be picking up again sometime. Thank you for your comment on Ravenwild. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
Yiota, I hope you enjoy Ravenwild. I would give Two Moon Princess a try. I read a rave review and the book seemed promising. Just not for me right now.
It's a shame that you weren't getting on with Two Moon Princesses. Annoying characters are a turn off. I've requested it on net galley so if it's accepted, I'll just have to see what I think as the story sounds good. I would totally think about putting the prettier cover onto the front of the book too-it's not just you lol!
ReplyDeleteInteresting discussion and I had to chuckle at the Jacqueline Howett reference - she is famous for all the wrong reasons. I requested The Near Witch and am hoping to get to review it. I know how you feel about reading on the computer. I read the ARC of Delirium on the computer (before I got my ereader) and it was such a pain even though I loved the book. Hopefully, Disney will make its galleys compatible with the Kindle soon.
ReplyDeleteNC
Truly Bookish
I'm glad to hear the Near Witch is good! :)
ReplyDeleteI got it on my list to read too! :D
Truly Bookish. Thanks for letting us know that about Disney!
ReplyDeleteSmall Review, I wanted to say what I did because I know it's your policy. I also know that you post about books you couldn't finish and why every week in your weekly re-cap.
Oh, sucks to hear that about Two Moon Princess. I have that on my to-read asap list. And that person makes me laugh. It's an entirely bad idea for authors to respond to reviewers. If there's obvious problems with the writing, not because of stylistic preferences, but technical ones that hampers your enjoyment of the story it's not your fault - it's theirs. Especially with a self-published book. They should edited their book better.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, hehe, glad to hear it's not just me with that cover! The new one is so much prettier. I hope you enjoy the book. I'm going to keep an eye out for certain bloggers' reviews (yours included) to see if I should pick it up again. I haven't written it off completely yet.
ReplyDeleteTruly Bookish, Yes Jacqueline Howett certainly didn't do herself any favors! I read all my e-books on the computer since I don't have an e-reader, but it can get very tiring. It's also so frustrating not being able to bring the book with me when I leave the house. I never thought I'd want an e-reader, but Net Galley is changing my mind!
Alex, I really like her writing style so far. It's spooky and atmospheric with a main character I immediately like. I hope you enjoy it!
Julie, Thanks again :) I do it mostly because readers see what I get in my mailbox and then follow up to see how I liked the books. Plus, just because I didn't like a book doesn't mean someone else won't, and this allows them to see my reasoning.
Need Tea, I'm super interested in seeing your thoughts on Two Moon Princess when you read it. It was technical problems with Ravenwild. I don't accept self-published books but this one slipped by me. I didn't realize it was self-published until I already had the book. Live and learn.
Still totally jealous about The Near Witch!
ReplyDeleteSmall-
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a busy week. I'm with you on reading on the computer. MIGRAINES. It's why I gave up on NetGalley. I know I could get so many ARC's, but not worth the headaches. Hope the weekend goes well.
Heather
Ok I'm not going to try Ravenwild. The book is too long and I can't get the pub to send me a copy. I did pick up Two moon Princess and heard it does get better. The Fourth Stall I can get from the e-Library. Hope next week is better for you.
ReplyDeleteBookish Brunette, August isn't too far away :)
ReplyDeleteHeather, Oh no! I don't get migraines at least, but it can get very uncomfortable trying to position my computer. The font is also just a little too small, but if I make it bigger then it's too big and I have to click every other line.
Gina, Good to know about Two Moon Princess. I may very well pick it up again. I hope you enjoy The Fourth Stall. I'll be looking forward to your review :)
The Fourth Stall looks really great! I will be looking forward to your book review of that book (If you are planning to write one).
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad I got you interested with Life on the Refrigerator Door. I am very sure you won't get bored with it and will love it until the last page! I did, as well as everyone else that I shoved the book to.
Congratulations on your score on my quiz too! I did a few guesses too but you topped the score, nice :D And that The Culprit thingy? I had to think about that for days before I got it right, so thanks, glad you found it funny :D
Have a great weekend!
Brush Up On Your Reading
That's sad about Ravenwild. It looked so promising! After just finishing A Game of Thrones, I don't think I have it in me to jump into another long and complex story. I appreciate your honesty, and you handled yourself well with the author.
ReplyDeleteUgh, what a rude comment. You've clearly moved on from it but I'm so annoyed that someone feels the need to come to your page and "insult" your reading level. Give me a break. You're opinion is your opinion, geez.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think the books you haven't finished and your reasoning are the best part of your recaps. I see people get a lot books in their mailbox and never speak of them again (myself included haha).
How do I always miss out on a bunch of your awesome? I suck! :(
ReplyDeleteThough a lot of great books are being offered as galley grabs, I hate reading books on my computer. Can't do it. But glad to hear the start was good.
Off to check out some of those links.
Nina, I will be writing a review for The Fourth Stall and I do recommend it! Haha, well, your days of thinking was worth it because I laughed out loud :)
ReplyDeleteLogan, I feel like I should bow down to you for tackling A Game of Thrones. I have a few of the books, but they’re so big and I really don’t want to get into the series until he finishes writing it. But I want to watch the show (which I’m hoping isn’t all sexed-up like the movie channels tend to do). Thank you for what you said about my handling of the situation.
Lazy Girl, :) I appreciate your comment. What you said about seeing books in mailboxes is one of the main reasons I do the DNF mini-“review” I got a lot of questions about books in my mailbox that I never reviewed because I had DNF-ed them. This seemed like a good compromise because I don’t like writing a full review for a book I didn’t finish.
Missie, That’s what the recaps are for :) There really is a flood of awesome e-galleys available right now. Net Galley and Simon and Schuster should buy stock in e-readers because they really make me want to buy an e-reader.