Wicked Shizuku's Reviews

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

2001: A Space Odyssey (Space Odyssey, #1)2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book didn't piss me off like the movie did, but earned a new degree of loathing that made me put it on my physical bookshelf. Needless to say it was that damned good! Cheers!

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City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1) by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

OMG! Where the hell do I start! I do admit the further the story went along the better it was, but the first book almost completely put me off. The whole Star Wars, Luke/Leiah relationship thing mixed in with a Paradise Lost scheme. GRRRR.
FRUSTRATION. FRUSTRATION. FRUSTRATION.

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City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2) by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2)City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Yeah, so I just wasn't as happy as I thought I would be after reading this second book to the series. While some characters are likable, I found myself just frustrated with the main protagonists. The surrounding magical system is well done, but when coupled with this main scheme it just doesn't mesh well. I do hope that as I continue with the series that it will get better.

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City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4) by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4)City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This series started out so great, but now it seems like a terrible train wreck.
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The Warrior Heir *(The Heir Chronicles, #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

The Warrior Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #1)The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was wanting to finish this series since I unpacked them last week, but alas I am ashamed to say I forgot everything from the first third of the book. If I recall correctly I was in the process of moving when I finished this book.
Good news though I was able to sucker my husband into reading this one too. He really enjoyed it. As I did. Though there was a lot of wikipedia checking on my part because sadly I had forgotten everything pertaining to The War of Roses. Brush up on that subject before reading.
Cheers and Happy Reading!

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The Wizard Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #2) by Cinda Williams Chima

The Wizard Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #2)The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After finishing this read I can say that it much better than the first of this series. Last book I suffered from a terrible yawn-fest.
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I did enjoy this book and it's acceleration of the plot. It seemed that the brutality of the school that Seph attends was obvious from very early on; though I was left pretty peeved that I couldn't reach into this book and throttle the headmaster.
I wasn't very shocked that the characters from The Warrior Heir made a reappearance, though it disappointed me that they were. This keeps me wondering how the next book is going to turn out, and I hope I'll be able to find it.

Cheers Pretties!

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a WallflowerThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well Crap on Toast! It doesn't look like I'm going to finish my original goal for the month, since I keep getting distracted.(my copy of The Perks of Being a Wallflower keeps growing a pair of legs and walking off and then hiding in the strangest places. I swear it's a book that doesn't want to be read by me.)
Yeah so unless you are purposely wanting to put your mind through a mental rape; I wouldn't read it. I can however see how so many can love this book. Definitely not for the squeamish.

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Touch the Dark (Cassandra Palmer, #1) by Karen Chance

Touch the Dark (Cassandra Palmer, #1)Touch the Dark by Karen Chance
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

So I enthusiastically started this series with so much anticipation from reading so many good reviews on it. So you can imagine my disappointment when I was left with this feeling...

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I thought a good portion of the plot, settings, magic system, and time traveling; was well thought out. What wasn't to well thought out was the characters, design, and the relationships in this plot. I've continued the series to the present book and can say that it does get marginally better. So if you stick with it you can learn several fascinating theories. If you're easily bored move on to something else, because there is a LOT of history in and throughout the story.

Second time through, and yep it's still bad!


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Claimed by Shadow (Cassandra Palmer, #2) by Karen Chace

Claimed By Shadow (Cassandra Palmer, #2)Claimed By Shadow by Karen Chance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How is it that I haven't reviewed this? I'm ashamed that I haven't reviewed it for you guys.

Anyhow, Cassie Palmer is an interesting character on a whole different level in this book. I was also intrigued by the theory of a Pythia, and the level of sway it could have on events. The reprecussions of her actions aren't very aparent until almost the very effed up cliffhanger ending. Boo Chance Boo! Also Boo to the Love Triangle! Writer's PLEASE STOP IT!

All in all I blew through the first four books. Though as I've said in my first review of this series, a lot of confusing history is brought into the story. You might want to read up on some of the mentioned, I found it worth my time.

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Magic System YAAAAYYYY!
I liked John's character because I figured out who he really is the first paragragh he featured in, and no I won't tell you who he is! You have to go read it yourself.

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Curse the Dawn (Cassandra Palmer, #4) by Karen Chance

Curse the Dawn (Cassandra Palmer, #4)Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really want to like this more, but I can't. I just can't bring myself to. I thought the hesitation of the plot is what caused this. I did continue with the series to the present, but I think I'll reread them when the new one comes out. Time traveling is the most interesting twist in this series so far.
Cheers and Happy Reading!

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Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer, #5) by Karen Chance

Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer, #5)Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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I waited and waited and waited all to be let down. I honestly thought there was going to be more to this. While there is plenty of action, there just isn't enough structure to the author's style.

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Midnight's Daughter (Dorina Basarab, #1) by Karen Chance

Midnight's Daughter (Dorina Basarab, #1)Midnight's Daughter by Karen Chance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay the plotline has just turned my brain into scrambled eggs. I had no idea that this was a continuation or offshoot of the other series from the author.
I really liked the background for this book it has a charred type of flavor to the characters. On numerous occasions I found myself thinking, 'when and where are they going to find time to recover?' The story is nonstop action also adding a few history lectures to boot.

More to come later, so many Cheers and Happy Readings!

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Prince of Fools (Sebastian Darke, #1) by Philip Caveney

Prince of Fools (Sebastian Darke, #1)Prince of Fools by Philip Caveney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a comical book this was. The manling reminded me so much of a mix between Orik from Eragon and Mulch Diggums from Artemis Fowl. Also this book gave off the feel of something like Stephen King in a way. Maybe the simple goth atmosphere.

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Happenstance Found (The Books of Umber, #1) by P.W. Catanese

Happenstance Found (The Books of Umber, #1)Happenstance Found by P.W. Catanese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a weird book this was! The character development was well done, and the plot was interesting. The progression and speed of the story left a lot to be desired though. I expected it to move faster than it did. I think what makes up for this: is the detail to the world's history and the structure of the magical system. This is very hard to accomplish so I have to hand my praise off to Catanese for it.
Hats off and Cheers Pretties!

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Dragon Games (The Books of Umber, #2) by P.W. Catanese

Dragon Games (The Books of Umber, #2)Dragon Games by P.W. Catanese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the first book, Dragon Games, starts out very slow. Though it quickly picks up, and you're off on a new a quirky adventure. I really like this author's writing style, it has a nice flow that doesn't break apart very often.

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Just a warning: is that you have a cliffhanger ending. NNNNOOOOO!!!!


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The End of Time (The Books of Umber, #3) by P.W. Catanese

The End of TimeThe End of Time by P.W. Catanese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nooooooooooooooo! I don't want this trilogy to end! This book has been so fantastic. More write more! There are many many fascinating theories mentioned or proposed. The only difficulties would be able to get the scientific proofs to back them.

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Marked (House of Night, #1) by P.C. Cast

Marked (House of Night, #1)Marked by P.C. Cast
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall I just wasn't impressed with this book. The plot had some interesting points, but the main character comes off as a Mary Sue.

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Hunted (House of Night, #5) by P.C. Cast

Hunted (House of Night, #5)Hunted by P.C. Cast
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have a very love/hate relationship with this series. While the plot and its focus is a great theory. The characters are lacking in personality and the dialogue is incredibly immature. Read at your own risk people.
Cheers!

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Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy GuideFinal Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide by David Cassady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Probably the best game guide I've ever found. This FF was my all time favorite, and the guide only made the game so much more fun.

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Final Fantasy VII

Official Final Fantasy VII Strategy GuideOfficial Final Fantasy VII Strategy Guide by David Cassady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Awesome guide for the game. Mapping could be a little better, but it still helps when I haven't played in years.

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Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore

Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)Graceling by Kristin Cashore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pretty good it was a little odd though. I liked the adventure of Katsa and Po. Katsa herself radiates an aura of mystery around her.

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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-GlassAlice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly if you were thinking this is anything like the Disney versions, then you would be completely wrong. A good portion of Carroll's story was a more twisted version of that. I think that he may have written this for someone in particular. Whom that might be, I'm not to sure of. I would suggest that this is a pre-teen book.
Well Cheers and Happy Reading!

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The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll

The Hunting of the SnarkThe Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh Lordy this was so hysterical!
Quivering Curds and all!
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Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)Soulless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenally sophisticated filled with wit and charm. There couldn't have been a better way to write a paranormal fiction. I adored this novel, and I can't wait to finish the next book in the series.
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Yes, the characters were awesome, and the plot was full of win. After finishing the series; I now look forward to Carriger's work. Though I can't seem to appreciate tea to an excessive degree as the main character, but I do harbor the same type of adoration for coffee.

Carriger has an awesome grasp on how to write about a hero/love interest. Lord Maccon is the type of character that should be the basis of most of the trashy YA books heroes should be. He respects Alexia Tarabotti to a degree, and even goes out of his way to impress her. This follows the structure of good romance, and sticks with it. Big Loves!

Well thats all for now. Look for more reviews on my page.
Cheers Pretties!

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“My dearest girl,' said the vampire finally, examining Lord Maccon with an exhausted but appreciative eye, 'such a banquet. Never been one to favor werewolves myself, but he is very well equipped, now, is he not?' Miss Tarabotti gave him an arch look. 'My goodies,' she warned. Humans,' chuckled the vampire, 'so possessive.”
“How ghastly for her, people actually thinking, with their brains, and right next door. Oh, the travesty of it all.”
“She filed the image away as an excellent and insulting question to ask the earl at an utterly inappropriate future moment.”

Changeless (Parasol Protectorate, #2) by Gail Carriger

Changeless (Parasol Protectorate, #2)Changeless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Please have a seat and a cup of tea. This book was a bit longer than the first, but it didn't lack in action, wit, and interesting bits. I do have to say though that Lord Alkeldama's absence had me bereft until his correspondence was received. This character is now a new favorite, and I appreciate his type of humor.

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Blameless (Parasol Protectorate, #3) by Gail Carriger

Blameless (Parasol Protectorate, #3)Blameless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh what a jewel I have found. I don't remember enjoying myself, as much as I sinfully have, in quite some time. Finding out you're pregnant is taxing enough as it is, but for your husband to deny parentage well that is distressing. Soulless Alexia Maccon journeys to Italy to find out the mysteries of her infant inconvenience, and what threat it might pose to the supernatural community.
My favorite quote in this book...
“I mean to say, really, I am near to developing a neurosis - is there anyone around who doesn't want to study or kill me?"
Floote raised a tentative hand.
"Ah, yes, thank you, Floote."
"There is also Mrs Tunstell, madam," he offered hopefully, is if Ivy were some kind of consolation prize.
"I notice you don't mention my fair-weather husband."
"I suspect, at this moment, madam, he probably wants to kill you."
Alexia couldn't help smiling. "Good point.”
Cheers Pretties!

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“I have died and gone to the land of bad novels.”

Heartless (Parosol Protectorate, #4) by Gail Carriger

Heartless (Parasol Protectorate, #4)Heartless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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My there was a lot of eating done in the forth book of the Parasol Protectorate. I was shocked by the fact that Alexia wasn't confined, as was the custom in England during this era. I did find so much humor in the final chapters of the book, but I shall not spoil this humorous end. So please continue on with your day.
Cheers Pretties!

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“[She] lost her patience, a thing she was all too prone to misplacing.”
“Which was why, some six hours later, Alexia Maccon's daughter was born inside the head of an octomaton in the presence of her husband, a comatose werewolf dandy, and a French inventor.”

Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5) by Gail Carriger

Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5)Timeless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can't believe that this was the last to the series, and I'm a little sad to see it depart. On the upside I believe I'll be a Carriger fan for many years to come. I really hope that the following series are just as witty, charming, and cackle inducing.
Favorite Quote in this book...
“I never gossip. I observe. And then relay my observations to practically everyone.”

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Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1) by Gail Carriger

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like Pride and Prejudice and the Parasol Protectorate series I had these

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moments from guffawing so frequently. Any mention of ripped petticoats, decolletage, or pudding sent me into the hysterics.

This new series was very satisfying, and I love the fact that Ms. Carriger decided to continue with this universe. I hope to continue soon with the next book, and see where this plot will go.

Cheers Pretties!

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Waistcoats & Weaponry (Finishing School, #3) by Gail Carriger

Waistcoats & Weaponry (Finishing School, #3)Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Been looking forward to this one.

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The Devil You Know (Felix Castor, #1) by Mike Carey

The Devil You Know (Felix Castor, #1)The Devil You Know by Mike Carey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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This book is starting out at a kid's birthday party in order for the main character Felix Castor to catch/exorcise a ghost. I'm so confused that I'm having to consult my www.dictionary.com and www.urbandictionary.com ; just to be able to get the heavily used British slang. I'm freaking out man...


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My gods what have I gotten myself into with this series?!
Crazy crazy scheme to the plot. There really isn't much action meat to the book until much later, though there is a lot of theories about ghosts and spirits. I was actually surprised by the appearance of a demon. Certainly wasn't expecting that. A full star for that alone.
Mr. Carey seems fairly well practiced in referencing a lot of British culture. I have to admit while it's great for educating readers, it's also frustrating.

In the words of Gurgee, 'my poor tender head.'

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Vicious Circle (Felix Castor, #2) by Mike Carey

Vicious Circle (Felix Castor, #2)Vicious Circle by Mike Carey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor Castor is in the financial dumps again; with green milk and moldering mugs.
I absolutely loved this line while Felix is opening a shed. I was cracking up over it for about ten minutes.
"the third was a sexy little beast from the Titanium Masterlock series."

Now it seems that he has a new case from a married couple worried over their deceased daughter's ghost going missing. Wonder what's in store for the exorcist?

My gods, so that's what happened! My friends you have to check out this series if you haven't already. Felix Castor reminds me of a human grumpy cat.

Back to reading.
Cheers Pretties!

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“Words are the birds that break cover and show your enemy where you're hiding.”
“And send not to ask for whom the fucking bell tolls, because you're not going to like the answer.”

Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1) by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1)Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh my holy gods on Pogo sticks spreading fire across the plains!
This book has been the most twisted, manipulative society structure I have ever read about. I think what just gets me is that this system uses small children as soldiers. What was facinating to me was the possibility of technology in the settings. I was fairly angry at most of the book and was horrified by the escalation of violence between these children.

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Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

StellalunaStellaluna by Janell Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful and wondrous illustrations. The story was emotionally rending, and very attentive to detail.

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Seven Kinds of Hell (Fangborn, #1) by Dana Cameron

Seven Kinds of Hell (Fangborn, #1)Seven Kinds of Hell by Dana Cameron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seven Kinds of Hell Review photo bueno.png
Si, muy muy bueno!
Pardon me I just couldn't resist. This was my first encounter with this author. I really dug this book, I dug it like a garden. This plot had a very refreshing theory for the paranormal genre. The characters, settings, and conversations were all very well developed. A pity that I'm going to have to wait a while until the next book to come out. I'm left with this outraged feeling.
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"A Ring a-Ding-Ding" by Samantha Tolleson

  “A Ring a-Ding-Ding”   Cheery jingling airs Hurried purchases made Reunions after another year Incoming after not a whisper Se...