AllThingsNerd01

[allthingsnerd01]

Anybody else fall down the Jennifer L. Armentrout rabbit hole?? I just finished Fall of Ruin and Wrath and it was AMAZING!! Now I can't get my hands on her books fast enough!

[allthingsnerd01]

Part of Your World: A Disney Twisted Tale - Liz Braswell

Fun fact: i did not watch any of the Disney classic movies until the last few years and have instantly fallen in love with them. Being so, Disney’s Twisted Tales novels have become a fast favorite for me and Part of Your World was right up there on that list.

This WHAT IF story shows what would happen if Ursula had won at the end of the little mermaid. In the opening chapters, we find Princess Eric and the entire kingdom under a spell with Princess “Vanessa” gathering the army and we find Ariel, voiceless still, sitting on the throne in her father’s place. After hearing from Scuttle, Ariel suspects that her father, who is presumed dead, might actually be alive, she embarks on a journey to rescue him and along the way her one true love!

Truthfully, I really enjoyed this story, as I have enjoyed the previous Twisted Tales novels that I have read in the past, but it was a little bit harder to get into for me. I think I picked the book up about 4 times and put it back on my shelf before finally sticking with it. The beginning of the book felt slow to me and I had a difficult time reading chapters from the perspective of the seagulls. BUT, I am glad that I stuck it out. The scheming, the plot twists, and the vast array of character development (especially from that of the side characters) was fascinating and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[allthingsnerd01]

Five Survive By Holly Jackson

Stayed up way too late last night to finish this one! After finishing AGGGTM trilogy a few months back, I knew that any of Holly Jackson’s books were an instant buy and this one was WORTH IT!

Jackson again leaves readers on the edge of their seats in Five Survive, a story about 6 teenagers driving a thirty-one foot RV to their Spring Break destination, but everything is not what it seems. After a wrong turn, a flat tire, and a loss of cell service, the 6 teenagers soon realize, that there is more to this situation than meets the eye. Each occupant of the RV holds a secret, and one of those is the key to getting them back on the road to the Spring Break that they had planned .

The characters here are well written, the plot twists were unpredictable, and the conclusion was unforgettable!

If you are a fan of mystery, thriller, and definitely bingeworthy stories, pick this up. You will not be disappointed!

[allthingsnerd01]

Just finished A Series of Unfortunate Events audiobooks! Let me just say that I wished I had read these when I had picked up the first three books 15 years ago. I felt that the way that the story was written was interesting and I genuinely wanted to know how Lemony Snicket was related/ associated with the Baudelaire’s.

I will say that as an adult, it was a little bit difficult to get through at times and I had to keep reminding myself that I was not the target audience. But with that in mind, I did enjoy the series. The schemes of Count Olaf, the brilliance of the three Baudelaire’s, and the mystery of the EYE and the VFD definitely kept me coming back for more. Again, I definitely think the thing that kept me going was the need to discover what was actually happening at the VFD and if/when the children were FINALLY going to have a piece of luck.

Although the story didn’t end the way that I wanted.. and I still felt like I had a lot of questions.. The 13 book series does a great job of leaving the reader wanting more. Perfect for kids and equally as entertaining for adults!

[allthingsnerd01]

What’s Up Y’all!

Its been a while, but I am BACK! Life got a little bit hectic, but I wanted to make sure that I got back to doing what I love and that is reading and reviewing books, movies, and even board games! While I never stopped reading, writing definitely took a back burner for a while, so rather than simply going through and writing MASSIVE amounts of reviews for all the books I have read in the last 9 months, I am going to add a list down below of some of the things that I have read and LOVED recently. I would love to hear your thoughts on them!

THE INHERITANCE GAMES TRILOGY - JENNIFER LYNN BARNES

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES SERIES - SARAH J MAAS

ONE OF US IS LYING TRILOGY - KAREN M. MCMANUS

THE PERCY JACKSON SERIES - RICK RIORDAN

THE HOUSEMAID DUOLOGY - FREIDA MCFADDEN

THE COWORKER - FREIDA MCFADDEN

MANACLED - HARRY POTTER FANFICTION BY SENLINYU

THE MINDFUCK SERIES - S.T. ABBY

THE INMATE - FREIDA MCFADDEN

THE GIVER SERIES - LOIS LOWRY

CHAOS WALKING TRILOGY - PATRICK NESS

… AND SO MANY MORE!

What are you currently reading or what have you read recently that you absolutely love?

[allthingsnerd01]

Star Wars The High Republic: Fallen Star Review

So I FINALLY finished the Phase 1 adult novels of the High Republic. Fallen Star is the culmination of the story that begins in Light of the Jedi. This story primarily takes place on Starlight Beacon with brief flashes of what is going on “on the outside”. Again the Jedi and the Republic are trying toreturn to a state of normalcy after the events of the fair from the Rising Storm, believing that they now have the Eye of the Nihil in their grasps, Lourna Dee. Little do the Jedi know, Lourna Dee, while cornered, is not the orchastrator of the Nihil, and a new even bigger threat lies ahead for the Jedi, Republic, and most importantly, Starlight Beacon. 

*****SPOILERS BELOW*********

The story follows Jedi Elzar Mann, Stellan Gios, and Padawans Burryaga and Bell Zettifar and they attempt to rescue those aboard the impending crash of Starlight Beacon. Thanks to a team of Nihil sent to Starlight from the EYE himself, Marchion Ro, the space station that ones brought hope and safety to those in the Republic, now brought nothing but devastation and fear! Not only are the Jedi attempting to save Starlight and get everybody off the space station, they are also battling an unknown in the force, one that seems to be inhibiting their connection to it. While the Jedi are tasked with saving Starlight, rescuing those who are aboard, and battling this big unknown while not being able to fully call on the force, the Republic is forced to sit and watch, all to the pleasure of Marchion Ro. 

The Jedi must find new ways to rescue those aboard and stop the impending crash that face Starlight Beacon. This means that instead of relying on the Force to guide them, they begin to use other resources that are available to them, the people aboard Starlight. We learn relatively early that the Nihil had planned this attack early, sending small teams to attack systems that are far away from Starlight, pulling the Jedi and the republic resources away so that they would not be able to reach the stranded space station to assist. Stranded traders, smugglers, and transporters from the planetary devastations, all make their way to Starlight for assistance, not realizing that they will be in even more danger once they arrive. Luckily for the Jedi, they are able to team up with some of the civilians, mainly Affie, Leox, and Geode and come up with different modes of communication and attempt to get the other’s off the station as soon as possible. 

Personal Opinion!

I really like Fallen Star, more so than I liked the other adult novels of the High Republic. I think the reason for that is because the story was more localized. I had really struggled with reading the first two novels of this series because I felt like they jumped all over the place. The stories were great, but I felt like every time I started to get attached to a character, or was really learning more about them, we would jump to a different character, handling a different situation on a different part of the galaxy. That is not to say that I didn’t enjoy them, It just took me a really long time to read. Fallen Star was different. All of the characters were pretty much in the same area, dealing with the same situation and managing the same struggles and difficulties in the force. 

I really loved that they tied the story up well, while also leaving the ending opened for more. I finished the book late last night and was shocked with how the Epilogue concluded, but it left me craving more, which I guess is the point. I think my favorite part of this story is Elzar’s “redemption”. Rising Storm found Elzar leaning into the dark side of the force, while this story found him clawing his way back to himself and what it means to be a Jedi. Personally, Elzar is my favorite character from the High Republic as I feel like he isn’t just a straight forward Jedi. He struggles with disconnecting from his emotions, he struggles with his feelings for those around him and with forming attachments to others. Honestly, Elzar really reminds me of Anakin in a lot of ways, and while Anakin couldn’t find a way to pull himself back from the dark side until later in his life, Elzar found a way to do it which I thought was really cool to see. 

Final Thoughts 

Overall, the first three adult novels of the High Republic are quite the story and a must read if you love Star Wars. Fair warning, the series can be slow and dragging at times, but it is definitely worth it. Even just to read Fallen Star, it would be worth it. I would probably give Fallen star 4 stars, with the first three novels as a trilogy getting 3 stars as a whole. Now on to Tempest Runner. 

[allthingsnerd01]

FINAL THOUGHTS ON DAHMER

5 STARS: A Must Watch If You Can!

Ok so I finished Dahmer a few days ago, and was eagerly waiting for Conversations with a Killer: the Jeffery Dahmer Tapes to drop. I started the first episode of that last night, but was to tired to continue lol

So Finally thoughts on Dahmer: Evan Peters did a PHENOMENAL job playing Jeff. After even seeing the first part of Conversations with a Killer, you see that even more. Jeff did feel a lot of guilt about what he did, and ended up confessing to everything, but I think that Peters did a great job of showing that as well. He put both a lot of emotion into a character, who struggled to show it and accurately portrayed with Dahmer felt during those moments.

As far as the accuracy of the show, I know a lot of things have come out the past few weeks criticizing the show for the discrepancy that the show had with the actual case. Honestly, don't know how much truth is to those since I don't have an all inclusive knowledge of the case, but that happens with dramatizations all the time so not really surprised there.

For the idea that the show idolizes Dahmer behavior, I don't necessarily think that is the case. I think that to accurately show Jeff’s story, you had to show all of what he was doing, as well as what was going on in his head, but does that mean that it was “idolizing” him? I personally do not believe so. I think the show did a good job not just showing Dahmer actions and feelings, but also showed the aftermath of what his actions did to the victims of the families. The last two episodes show the victims families, the neighbors, and Jeffs family struggling to deal with the aftermath of Jeffery’s behaviors which I think was a great thing to include (One thing that I didn't feel like the Ted Bundy movie accomplished or even remotely attempted).

As far as the show sparking sympathy for Jeff, I don’t necessarily think that but I could see what people are getting that. Jeff did express that he wanted to know why he was doing the things that he was doing, it was part of the reason why he had confessed to begin with. Jeff repeatedly has said it was like a compulsion that he couldn't control. It leads me to believe that he genuinely had a problem or some sort of condition that made it difficult for him to control. Does that mean that I sympathize his actions, no, do I believe the man needed help. Absolutely.

Overall, it you take Dahmer as simply a show, its great, if you take it as a documentary, its still pretty great. In the end, it is a Netflix show and they always have to add things for “show business” and to draw people in. You have to see the show through that light. It is terrifying, creepy, disturbing, and heartbreaking all at the same time. If you can stomach the show, if you can take the gore and the trauma of it all, it's a must watch.

[allthingsnerd01]

Layla

 I went on a bit of a COHO binge after finishing It Ends With Us so get ready! 

I finished Layla in about a day and a half. It wasn't super long and while the story wasn’t one that I would say that I necessarily liked, It was different than anything I have read before. 

The story starts with Leeds meeting a girl names Layla at a wedding that his band is playing at. He is immediately drawn to her and to Leeds it seems like love at first sight. A few months later, we find Leeds and Layla, living together in a small apartment and Leeds working on becoming a solo artist. When tragedy strikes, Layla and Leeds find themselves to be two very different people. Layla has some pretty serious trauma and Leeds knows that they are drifting apart. In an attempt to rekindle their love, Leeds decides to surprise Layla by taking her to the bed and breakfast where they met. While staying at the bed and breakfast, Leeds soon begins to notice that things are not what they seem, and strange things begin to happen. Soon he discovers that they might not be alone. Leeds decides that there are two many occurrences for things to just be coincidences and seeks help from some online paranormal chatrooms. In the Leeds discovers what is actually going on in the old bed and breakfast, and that news is SHOCKING! 

******SPOILERS BELOW********

The story is more a paranormal story than anything else. While it is also a romance, the paranormal theme definitely overtook the book, which I think is what drew me in. Layla definitely kept me guessing at what was going on in the bed and breakfast and which was why I stuck with the story. I didn't necessarily like how short the story was. I felt like we didn't get enough backstory with the characters. We know that a Sable (who is a pretty decent part of the story) is Leeds ex girlfriend, but that is the extent of backstory we get. Throughout the book, Leeds keeps mentioning how Layla is different since the accident, but you don't really understand the extent to which she is different until the end of the book. Layla has absolutely no story here unless she is being “possessed” by Willow. I felt like I didn't know anything more about this character at the end of the book than I did in the beginning of the books. 

Overall, of the few COHO books I have read so far, this is by far the weakest. It was a decent read, but it didn't stick to me like the other stories that I had read by this author. 

[allthingsnerd01]

IT ENDS WITH US

IT ENDS WITH US REVIEW

So I finished this book a few days ago while I was waiting for my power to come back after Hurricane Ian, which is why it has taken me so long to upload this review.

This story follows Lily Bloom as she falls in love with a mysterious man, Ryle, who she met on a rooftop in Boston. The book opens with both Ryle and Lily struggling to come to terms with recent events, sharing “Naked truths” that they wouldn't tell to those closest to them. Over the next several months, both Ryle and Lily find themselves wanting the other, feeling as if they had a real connection. But in order to continue their love story, both must  come to terms with their past.

*******SPOILERS BELOW*********

Honestly, this book was a great read, but I didn't think that it necessarily lived up to they hype. The story was great, I love the dynamic between Lily and Atlas as well as the way that the book ties the past in with the future. As far as a love story goes, this one is great. It is tragic yet also gives you a hopeful feeling for the end of the story. I also adored the last line of the book and I know understand more of why CoHo choose this as the title of the book. It made perfect sense to me. I also thought that the inner narrative from Lily was amazing. I loved getting to see her inner thoughts about her relationship with Ryle and how she in a way justified his actions, but also came to the realization to finally leave him.

The only complaint that I really had about this book was “the Ellen Diaries”. I understand and really liked the writing choice of telling Lily’s past through her diaries, but I could not get on board with her writing to Ellen DeGeneres. There were moments that I felt were really cringey. I LOVED getting to see Lily’s past from both perspective of when she was living and when she is “past” what had happened, but felt that it could have been done in a different way.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I loved EVERY character that was in the story. I loved that we got an insight into what a person who is struggling in an abusive situation might be feeling and their rational for staying. I loved getting to see Ryle come to terms with his issues while also fighting to keep his marriage and, in the end, making the choices that he found best for his child. I especially loved getting to see Atlas and Lily’s love story and although it was rough at times, LOVED the way that their story was told and how their story ended.

I definitely would recommend this book to anybody who loves a goo romance story. For me, I enjoyed the story, but I am not sure that it would make my list of favorites.

[allthingsnerd01]

Almost finished with Dahmer (we have 2 episodes left) and I have no words.

It is Fantastic, terrifying, wonderful, and disgusting all at the same time.

I will post final thoughts here once we finish the show (hopefully tonight), but one thing both me and my husband said was that we didn’t expect to have so many emotions about the show. Excited to actually finish this show. I haven’t been this engrossed in a show since Stranger Things😍

[allthingsnerd01]

I have waited 28 weeks on Libby to get my hands on a copy of It Ends With Us and it finally came it!! Super excited for this one

[allthingsnerd01]

A Good Girls Guide To Murder Trilogy

So I officially finished the AGGGTM trilogy last week and it literally blew me away. I have not fallen in love with a series this good in a very long time, probably since finishing the Hunger Games Trilogy. Not only did this story leave me on the edge of my seat, but it kept me captivated and throughout all three books. 

The story begins with A Good Girls Guide to Murder, which shows Pip trying to solve a murder case of a local teenager, Andie Bell, for her senior capstone experience. With the help of the accuses murderers brother, Ravi, Pip uncovers a Andies “secret” life and the case of Andie’s murder begins to unfold.

After solving Andie's Murder case, Good Girl, Bad Blood find Pip leading a different sort of investigation, a missing persons case where the victim is one of Pip’s best friends brother, Jamie Reynolds. Pip and Ravi along the Conner, Jamies brother, they attempt to find Jamie on a time crunch. Little does Pip know, that this case, is going to change her life forever! 

As Good as Dead, finds Pip in a much different place. Rather than solving homicide or working a missing persons investigation, Pip is now trying to tackle a new problem, PTSD. Pip finds herself in a position where she is vulnerable and struggling to deal with the fallout of the past several month. But is it the PTSD or is there a new threat to uncover, one that is targeting Pip? Feeling alone and though she cannot talk to the police, her family, or even Ravi, Pip begins to dive into this new case, she realizes, that the end, is all ties to the beginning. 

Personal opinion, this is one of the best stories that has come out in the last several years. I only picked up this book because I saw it on BookTok and although I have not found many books that I enjoy, but this series.. 5 STARS!! 

Side note: Netlix: Please pick this trilogy up for a series 

[allthingsnerd01]

Just started the first episode of Dahmer and let me just say that Evan Peters does a FANTASTIC job. Not only does he actually resemble Jeffery Dahmer from the pictures that I have seen of him, but he also emulates that creepy, terrifying aspect that Dahmer carried about him as well. 

I have listened to a few podcasts about Dahmer as well as watching a few films bases on his life and from what I have seen of the new Netflix Documentary so far, this one seems pretty accurate and very well done.I am looking forward to finishing this short series and finding out the accuracy of it. 

[allthingsnerd01]

A Good Girls Guide to Murder

I recently finished the first book of the Good Girls Guide to Murder series and let me just say it was AMAZING! The story revolves around Pip who decides that for her senior capstone project she is going to look into the local murder of 18 year old Andie Bell and the presumed murdered Sal Singh. Alongside Ravi, Sal’s younger brother, Pip sets out on a journey to clear Sals name. Pip dives headfirst into the investigation and follows any leads that may come her way, from a local journalist to one of Andies close friends, Pip does not leave any stone unturned. 

Personal Opinion, this book is one of those stories that captivated me from the very beginning. Not only are there a lot of plot twists and and turns that you never would see coming, but it also is a really relatable story (No I am not saying that everybody should/has try to solve a murder case lol). While reading this book, I found myself really relating to Pip in the season that she is in. She is worried about submitting her application to college, she is struggling with the idea that nobody is innocent, and she is trying to keep certain parts of her life a secret from those around her. I think the most relatable aspect of the book is the underlying narrative that Pip is questioning who she is. There are several moments in the story where Pip states, this is not who I am, or this is not something that I typically do. To me, it really seems like Pip struggles to come to terms with the actions that she is taking and the decisions she is making, as well as some of the thoughts that run through her head late at night. I feel as if any teenager understands Pips mentality at some point in there life and finds themselves asking the same questions Pip does, “Who is this person that I am becoming”?

Overall, this story is fantastic. I think that this is probably the top of my list of books I have read in 2022. If you have a chance to read this story, DO IT!! You will not be disappointed. 

[allthingsnerd01]

Marvel Comics

Trying to get into reading marvel comics and don't know exactly where to start. I have Marvel Unlimited by the vast amount of comics available make it difficult to find a place to start. Looking for any recommendations on great comics to read or a great place to jump in the comics. I really love characters like the Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, Venom, Thor, Spider Man, Captain Marvel and Black Widow. I really loved the new Thor movie as well so would love to see more Jane Foster as Thor. Any recommendations?? 

[allthingsnerd01]

Break

Hey Everybody. I have been off for a hot minute as I started a new job and haven't had time to post. I have read A TON of books recently and wanted to update y'all on those. Below is a list that I have read recently so if y'all want to discuss. HMU!!!

Star Wars: the Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark by Lou Anders

The Wish but Nicholas Sparks

Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott

Star Wars: The High Republic: Into the Dark

I’m a Therapist, and my Patient is Going to be the Next School Shooter by Dr, Harper

They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Attack on Titan, Vol. 1

Guardian (The Guardian #1) by A.J Messenger

Found (The Missing #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix

The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe

The Dark One by Nikki St. Crowe

Star Wars: A Test of Courage

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

Star Wars: The High Republic: the Rising Storm by Cavan Scott 

The Queen’s Hope by E.K Johnston

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

[allthingsnerd01]

The Red Queen

I loved this book. I had the same enticing, edge of my seat feeling with this book that I had with some of my favorites, such as Hunger Games, Divergent, Beautiful Creatures, Shadow and Bone etc. The characters were interesting and dynamic, and I loved the whole concept of the blood being different. The whole story revolves around two different groups of people, the Reds and the Silvers, based on the color of their blood. The Silvers are superior, having special abilities, that they use to lord over the Reds, but when Mare Barrow, a common Red thief, discovers that she has powers as well, her whole world turns upside down as she is thrown into the world of the Silvers. She quickly learns that although her blood is definitely Red, there is something very different with her, something special. Now faced with a marriage proposal from a prince, her feelings for his older brother, and the possibility of a rebellion, Mare finds herself in for the fight of her life, not only to protect herself, but also to protect the lives of the ones she loves. I genuinely loved this book and would recommend it for any fans of YA books such as the Hunger Games and Shadow and Bone and I definitely am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.