The Book Buffer

I read it so you don't have to. Curious about a book? Want to know if it's worth the time? That's why I'm here. This is a blog about books with reviews from yours truly.

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4/100 (2018)

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman | Arc of a Scythe Book 2

What’s It About?

Citra is now known as Scythe Anastasia, and she has become a Scythe to watch out for due to her own unconventional method of gleaming. She still works closely with Scythe Curie and still remembers when the Thunderhead told her she would be destined for great things.

Rowan has adapted the name Scythe Lucifer and is going after Scythes who have forgotten their true purpose, who gleam for pleasure and nothing else. His year of immunity is drawing to a close and he knows the entire Scythedom wants him to pay. 

Meanwhile, Scythe Faraday has a plan of his own, Greyson Tolliver has no idea what future he has in store and the Thunderhead is always watching.

Always.

Why Did I Like It?

I loved the first book because it’s such an original concept- death is no longer natural so Scythes were created to maintain population control and each one names themselves after a historical figure and there are rules and world building and it’s so solidly good.

The second book was incredible. It was a roller coaster from start to finish and to keep from spoiling as much as I can because these books should definitely be read and enjoyed, I have to say there were many things I never saw coming and I cannot wait until book 3.

Recommend?

Hell yeah!

Stats:

Started: Jan 9th

Finished: Jan 9th

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3/100 (2018)

Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu | DC Icons Book 2

What’s It About?

Bruce Wayne is about to turn eighteen years old and gain control over the legacy his parent’s left behind. When he attempts to help police nab a criminal, his hasty actions send him into community service- at Arkham Asylum. It’s here will he meets Madeline Wallace, a dangerous girl who was brought in due to her ties to the Nightwalkers, a group of rogues in Gotham who take revenge against the wealthy.

Madeline is cold but calculating, beautiful but dangerous and Bruce is the only person she’ll talk to. But can he get to the bottom of the Nightwalker’s grand plot? Can he even trust Madeline- or is she manipulating him just as she does everyone else.

Why Did I Like It?

When you think “what YA author is equipped to write a story about one of DC’s most morally grey characters” Marie Lu comes to mind. She has already written darker characters in Young Elites and Warbringer and I was really excited for her take on Bruce.

I was a little disappointed.

This book is great. I feel Lu definitely captured Bruce Wayne as a teenager, a little rebellious, a little paparazzied out but definitely someone who cares about his city as a whole and wants to do what’s best for it. I think the choice to make Harvey Dent one of his best friends, while ultimately knowing who he’ll become, is deliciously angsty and I enjoyed reading about the boy before the cowl.

However. Bruce Wayne being told, both by others and himself, that Madeline is obviously manipulating him and lying to him and yet still believes her in the end really annoyed me. It wouldn’t have been so bad if Bruce hadn’t said “I can’t trust her” and was already doubting himself in the very next line. 

I think this book suffered from being shorter (it’s less than 300 pages) because the time really could have been taken to flesh out Bruce and Madeline. And yes, while Bruce definitely has a weakness for dangerous women (Seline, Talia) I just couldn’t get over the fact that his behavior was a complete 180 within the same dialogue. 

I really loved his relationship with Alfred and with Lucius and I did enjoy Madeline as a character although I think her “redemption” came a little easier and I did enjoy this book a lot. Just not as much as I hoped I would.

Recommend?

Yes.

Stats:

Started: Jan 4th

Finished: Jan 5th

[richardcgansey3]

2/100 (2018)

This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills

What’s It About?

When Sloane moves from the big city of New York to the sunny side of Florida, she isn’t expecting to make friends. But after a chance encounter at a party, she soon finds herself absorbed into the fabulous foursome of Vera, her twin brother Gabe and their friends Remy and Aubrey. 

With her father, a best selling novelist, suffering from writer’s block, her parents relationship intensifying and her own innocent younger sister’s attitude, Sloane finds comfort in her new friends. And when a painting by the twins’ late mother goes missing, Sloane becomes determined to find it.

Why Did I Like It?

I had first experience with Mills when I read First & Then, her own take on Pride and Prejudice. Which I did enjoy because it did something a little different with the story. I figured I’d give this one a shot and it blew First & Then out of the water.

I love romances but I also love stories about friendships. It’s why The Raven Cycle and The Lunar Chronicles ring so true to me- because the books encompass both. Sloane finds true friendship with Vera and Gabe and Remy, and almost with Aubrey (where I at least can think it will) and I genuinely enjoyed watching them all become friends. 

Mills is becoming an author to look out for, who does romances with solid story, characters and developed relationships. 

Recommend?

Yes.

Stats: 

Started: Jan 3rd

Finished: Jan 3rd

[richardcgansey3]

1/100 (2018) 

The Suspicion at Sanditon (Or, the Disappearance of Lady Denham) by Carrie Bebris | Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mysteries Book 7

What’s It About?

Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy have met many interesting people throughout the years, and have solved as many mysteries. Now, with Darcy’s cousin expressing an interest in investing in a small sea side town called Sanditon, maybe they’ll finally get the vacation they deserve.

When an invitation to dine with Lady Denham coincides with her disappearance (and the slow disappearance of her guests) Darcy and Elizabeth must once again put on their sleuthing caps.

Why Did I Like It?

So far, every book in this series followed the events of Jane Austen’s novels. We met the characters from every book after their own stories have been told- Eleanor has already won Edward, Emma has married her Mr. Knightly and Anne is no longer miserable without Captain Wentworth. But Sanditon has the difference of being one of Austen’s unfinished novels. So Bebris put Elizabeth and Darcy right in the story as it was happening and then filled in the rest of the book herself.

It was very interesting to see Bebris mix her own work with Austen’s in a way she hadn’t yet done and I really enjoyed the story and the characters and, though this story was not at all in the direction Austen intended, I think it worked very well in Bebris’ universe.

Recommend?

Yes.

Stats:

Started: Jan 2nd

Finished: Jan 2nd

[richardcgansey3]

76/100 (2017)

Love, Life and the List by Kasie West

What’s It About?

Abby Turner is an artist. Or at least she thought she was, before her paintings were rejected from a local art show for not “having enough heart”. As a way to improve, Abby comes up with a list that requires her to do things such as learn a strangers story or conquer a fear. By doing so, Abby is convinced that she her paintings will improve. 

In the meantime, she’s wrestling with a mom who has severe anxiety, a grandfather who is sarcastic as she is, a father who is stationed in the Middle East and Cooper- her best friend, and the boy she is secretly in love with.

Why Did I Like It?

Kasie West is always my go-to for cute, rom com and this was no exception. This was way better than her last novel, Lucky in Love, because it hit all my angst buttons and, never fear, the best friends DO end up together. 

Recommend?

Duh!

Stats:

Started: December 31st

Finished: December 31st

[richardcgansey3]

74/100 (2017)

Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood by Abby McDonald

What’s It About?

After their father dies suddenly, Grace and Hallie are left dealing with the aftermath. Grace, the sensible younger sister, must take it upon herself to make sure her, her mother and her sister find a new place to live. Hallie, the dramatic older sister, would much rather curse their father and his mistress/their step mother for the rest of her life.

But when a move to Beverly Hills brings Hallie into the arms of musician Dakota, she thinks she can definitely handle this move. And while Grace finds a friend in fellow outcast, Palmer, she misses the boy she left behind- even if he was the brother of her step mother.

Why Did I Like It?

So this was probably the best adaptation of Sense and Sensibility that I have read and I absolutely loved it.

Grace is our Eleanor and Hallie is our Marianne and I loved that this adaptation kept the sister relationship (even if it sadly left out Margaret). I really enjoyed Theo as our Edmund. He had all the charm and awkward. I also loved Dakota and Willoughby and Brandon, the Brandon.

I liked that Brandon had gone to war in Iraq and was dealing with his own depression. I also LOVED that this book acknowledged that Hallie was suffering from some kind of mental illness and she actually went to therapy (although it would have been cooler to see it earlier) and I loved the way the Willoughby drama played out in this one.

Plus the girls are biracial (black mom and white dad) and the book touches on this a few times.

Recommend?

YES.

Stats:

Started: December 14th

Finished: December 15th 

[richardcgansey3]

73/100 (2017)

Summer of Secrets by Rosie Rushton | 21st Century Austen Book 2

What’s It About?

Caitlyn Morland has always been a little obsessed with the life of glamour. So making friends with Isabella Thorpe and Summer Tilney, two girls who come from rich families, is the icing on the cake. When the Tilney family invites her to summer in Italy, Caitlyn is suddenly finding herself engulfed in a family scandal that even she can’t get to the bottom of by herself. And then there’s Summer’s charming older brother Ludo. This is going to be a summer Caitlyn isn’t going to forget.

Why Did I Like It?

This is one of the few modern Northanger Abbey adaptations that I have actually been able to enjoy because, for once, Cate Morland is not obsessed with Twilight. Considering the fact that the original Cate Morland thought that General Tilney murdered his wife, I was really sad to never see a modern adaptation that was more mystery and less paranormal/supernatural (since it was a mockery of gothic novels at the time). So I was really excited when this Caitlyn is more of an eavesdropper who loves a good scandal. A much better way to adapt the story.

The execution wasn’t the best at times but overall, a good story.

Recommend?

Sure.

Stats:

Started: December 4th

Finished: December 4th

[richardcgansey3]

72/100 (2017)

Liam Darcy, I Loathe You! by Heidi Jo Doxey | The Jane Journals of Pemberley Prep Book 1

What’s It About?

When English teacher Anne Elliot assigns her students to write in a journal every day, she has no idea that she’d also be keeping one. Or that her ex-boyfriend would become her co worker.

Nila Suresh is spending her year match making her new friend Priyam with any boy she can find worthy, even if Amar Kulkarni thinks she’s wasting her time. Fiona Price-Bertram is dealing with her new step family, including her feelings for her step brother, Edmund. Cate Morland is slowly convincing herself that Henry Tilney is a vampire. Lizzie Bennett thinks Liam Darcy is a total snob. Alice and Vivian Du are struggling with the recent loss of their father and their own love problems.

Why Did I Like It?

So, if you can’t tell it’s a modern Jane Austen adaption which I am all about these days. This one combines all the books into one story and since the end of this book is basically the end of act one, I’m assuming more books in the series will continue with the girls stories.

I really enjoyed the diversity in the book and how it’s staying pretty true to it’s source material (even, sadly, in the case of Mansfield Park).

Recommend?

Sure.

Stats:

Started: December 4th

Finished: December 4th

[richardcgansey3]

71/100 (2017)

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows | The Lady Janies Book 1

What’s It About?

You thought you knew the story of The Grey Lady, the Seven Day Queen but here’s the real story:

We have Edward. He’s sixteen and the king and also he’s dying which kind of sucks since he’s never even kissed a girl. Then there’s his cousin, Jane, who cares far more about reading than anything else. Then Edward decides he has to marry her off to secure the line of succession. This is where Gifford comes in (otherwise known as G). He’s an Eoian. That means he can turn into an animal- specifically a horse. 

Why Did I Like It?

This is absolutely adorable and charmingly funny. Hand, Ashton and Meadows all do a great job with the humor (although I will say some of their fourth wall breaking moments can get awkward) and I really enjoyed how the end actually falls into historical accuracy. If you’re a history buff, you’re either going to enjoy the absolute ridiculousness of the “true history” or it’s going to drive you crazy.

They’re doing at least two other novels together and I’m very excited.

Recommend?

Yes.

Stats:

Started: I don’t even remember

Finished: December 2nd

[richardcgansey3]

70/100 (2017)

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano | The Glass Spare Book 1

What’s It About?

Wilhelmina is the youngest of four children, the only daughter to a king and queen and her father’s secret weapon: Wil is a spy. Having never been seen by the public, Wil has the ability to listen quietly in her father’s kingdom and report back to him. 

It’s a boring life that all changes the day she figures out she has the power to turn living things into gem stones. As Wil slowly begins to discover her power, her happiness quickly turns to tragedy when she loses control one night and everything changes.

Found by a cursed prince who wants to use her power to save his kingdom, Wil finds herself at the mercy of a man who hates her entire kingdom and her family.

Why Did I Like It?

It was so good!!! I really enjoyed that Wil was the kind of character who was the female badass tomboy but that didn’t stop her from stepping into the princess role when needed. And I love her relationship with her brothers. 

I got this book through my owlcrate and was promised that, as a fan of the Lunar Chronicles, I’d enjoy it and I really did. I love the way the curse was portrayed in the relationship between Wil and Loom and I definitely got Cinder vibes with the whole secret princess. I’m really excited to see how the story continues. 

Recommend?

Yes!

Stats:

Started: November 26th

Finished: November 29th 

[richardcgansey3]

69/100 (2017)

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz 

What’s It About?

Darcy Fitzwilliam is returning to her home town after eight years, called back when her mother suffers a heart attack. It’s here she runs into neighbor and high school enemy, Luke Bennett, one of a family of five brothers. Darcy and Luke have nothing in common and have never liked each other...until too much eggnog and mistletoe combine.

Why Did I Like It?

Uhhhhhh. No.

So I was definitely interested because it’s a genderswap Pride and Prejudice which I haven’t seen yet (and I have been looking for every modern Jane Austen I can) but dear God.

Darcy doesn’t talk to her family because her dad was mad she wasn’t to leave and cut her off instead of just talking to her? So Darcy assumed he was disappointed in her her entire life? But he was actually proud of her? 

Charlotte stays a girl so she and Luke can be engaged? And have a really crappy relationship? And Darcy is also engaged? But they’re both miserable? And everything about the execution was awful?

But, hey, Bingley stays a dude and is super gay for Luke’s brother so yay?

Recommend?

God no.

Stats:

Started: November 26th

Finished: November 26th 

[richardcgansey3]

68/100 (2017)

Because You Love To Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy edited by Ameriie

What’s It About?

Exactly as it sounds: 13 short stories written about villains with prompts and afterthoughts from some of the most popular booktubers.

Why Did I Like It?

I only picked this one up because Marissa Meyer and Victoria Schwab both had stories in it (which of course did not disappoint) but I really enjoyed the villain side on a lot of these stories. There was a really interesting Sherlock Holmes one that I would like to see explored more and one about an angry son in a matriarchal society that could make a good series. 

Recommend?

Sure.

Stats:

Started: November 14

Finished: November 15

[richardcgansey3]

67/100 (2017)

Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor | Daughter of Smoke and Bone Book 1.5

What’s It About?

Zuzana is in love with the violin boy (aka Mik) who plays in the orchestra that does the music for her puppet theater. But she’s too terrified to talk to him. Using magic wishes left to her by best friend Karou (main character of Daughter of Smoke and Bone series), Zuzana creates a scavenger hunt for Mik to find the prize at the end: her.

Why Did I Like It?

THE STORY OF ZUZU AND MIK. They were two of my favorite side characters from DoSaB series so it was very exciting to read this cute lil story about them.

Recommend?

Only if you’ve read DoSaB obvs.

Stats:

Started: November 12th

Finished: November 12th 

[richardcgansey3]

66/100 (2017)

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

What’s It About?

Luck has never been on Alice’s side. She lost her mother to breast cancer, and a year later, her father to a car accident. Since then, she’s lived with her aunt, uncle and cousin. When her best friend, Teddy, turns 18, Alice buys him a lottery ticket. To everyone surprise, Teddy wins the jackpot. Having dealt with a gambling addicted father, Teddy’s luck has been almost on par with Alice’s. This money could change everything for him- and that’s just what Alice is afraid of.

Why Did I Like It?

Smith is my second favorite rom com writer (after Kasie West) but I wasn’t as excited for this one for no other reason than Kasie West was also writing a lottery love story. So I was very pleased when this one knocked West’s out of the park (no offense, it was still a great story) and has actually become my favorite novel by Smith.

I really loved Alice and though her situation was sad, I loved that she had found a family with her aunt and uncle and it felt like it did. I also really loved Teddy and I loved Teddy/Alice. I think this was my favorite pairing of Smith’s (although Geography of You and Me...). While Lucky in Love was the story of the main character winning the lottery, this one was more told through the outsider perspective and gave room for both her and the lottery winner to grow.

I just really enjoyed this one. 

Recommend?

Yes!

Stats: 

Started: November 11th

Finished: November 12th 

[richardcgansey3]

65/100 (2017)

Renegades by Marissa Meyer | Renegades Book 1

What’s It About?

In the beginning, prodigies were feared. Hated by the public, ignored by the government, helpless to do anything but suffer. Then Ace Anarchy came. He united the prodigies, fought back against the world that hated them. And when the world rebelled, everything fell in chaos. Until the Renegades, the heroes, emerged to fight for justice, to make things right.

The Renegades rule Gatlon city now, with their teams of prodigies to fight crime, handle problems and build the city anew. It began with the death of Ace Anarchy.

Although to Nova, he was just Uncle Ace. The man who rescued her the night her entire family was murdered. The man killed by the Renegade heroes. The man she sought justice for. Nova doesn’t trust the Renegades, and when she gets the option to join their trial and become a spy for her fellow Anarchists, she doesn’t hesitate.

Adrian has grown up in the spotlight as the adopted son of the founding members of the Renegades. Using his prodigy powers, Adrian becomes the Sentinel, a new kind of hero. One that just wants to make a name for himself. 

Why Did I Like It?

SUPERHEROES? SUPER VILLAINS? UNDERCOVER SPY? FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE ENEMY? ADRIAN’S DIMPLES??? NOVA’S SNARK????????? 

I think the easier question is why didn’t I like it. Which the answer is I did. A lot. I was a little worried since I didn’t dig Heartless nearly as much as The Lunar Chronicles and I was worried Meyer was a one trick pony but I LOVED this one. Can’t wait for book 2.

Recommend?

YES! This was also pretty diverse. The two main characters are Adrian, who is definitely black and Nova, half Italian, half Filipino and Adrian was adopted by two loving dads. 

Stats:

Started: November 7th

Finished: November 7th 

[richardcgansey3]

64/100 (2017)

The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken | The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding Book 1

What’s It About?

Prosper Redding has never been the most accomplished member of his greatly achieving family but being the family disappointment isn’t the worst thing in the world. Until the day his slightly evil grandmother decides to rid his body of a demon that had been manifesting in him since birth.

Yeah. Apparently there was a deal between the very first Redding and a magical malefactor who granted him ever long success. Until the malefactor was betrayed. Now he just wants revenge. And for Prosper to sign a contract already. 

With the help of a long lost relative and a cousin, who happens to be a witch in training, Propser just might be able to fight the malefactor off. If the whole, him speaking inside Propser’s mind doesn’t drive him crazy first.

Why Did I Like It?

This was very cute! It reminded me a bit of Percy Jackson in the writing style (humorous middle school with a slightly troubled main character) and Harry Potter (with the magic, magic everywhere) and it was very enjoyable. I, however, did not realize it was part of a series and was super mad there was a cliffhanger.

ALSO Nell (witch cousin) had two moms! Her mom had a girlfriend! Canon! And it’s never thought of as weird or gross. Her mom is dead but that’s besides the point.

Recommend?

Yes!

Stats:

Started: October 11th

Finished: November 6th 

[richardcgansey3]

63/100 (2017) 

All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater 

What’s It About?

The Soria family have always had the ability to perform miracles- and their ranch home in the middle of nowhere has become a stopping point for many people seeking a miracle for themselves. But once the miracle starts, the Soria family cannot interfere less their family become cursed with darkness.

The heart of the Soria family lies with three cousins: the current Saint, Daniel who has broken the family rule for love; Beatriz, who thinks rather than feels and makes up languages made of numbers; and Joaquin, who dreams of becoming a radio show host and might be the one to finally figure out how to break the Soria curse once and for all.

Why Did I Like It?

I was already a little biased of this one due to a lot of chatter that surrounded it when it came out- that maybe Steifvater shouldn’t be the author writing a story about a Latino family that can do magic. Here’s the thing: this isn’t my lane at all. I didn’t necessarily see racism. However, if someone who’s lane it totally is were to tell me their feelings, I’d 100% respect that. 

I enjoyed the Soria family and how, at the heart of it, this was a book on family. Though Steifvater’s other novels touched on that, I more so always saw it as the idea of found families and it was nice to see a loving, blood related family wanting to help and care for each other. 

This is probably my least favorite novel by her but it was still enjoyable.

Recommend?

Eh.

Stats:

Started: October 10th

Finished: October 10th