Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor

Quotable: "It was his sanctuary - a realm of stories, not just from the Unseen City, but the world."

Character Development: Fully realized characters, unique and realistic. I can't wait to see how they develop the Godlings' story and the history of Weep in the next book.

World Building: A vivid landscape from library to desert, the whole world is created in your mind right away. The kind of place you get lost in from the onset.

Writing Style: Taylor writes at the level of my favorite authors, with wisdom and insight into the human experience. I'm a fan from reading one book!

What I Enjoyed: Everything about this book was wonderful. It starts out a bit confusing when they introduce certain characters, but if you hang in there for a few chapters all will be revealed!

Deal Benders: The only thing I don't like is that the book ended at all!

Overall Rating: 5 stars - Such a gem of a giant book, I can't wait to read the next one.

For Fans Of: [bookcover:The Cemetery of Forgotten Series|40809736]

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Quotable: "Rishi was a naturally good friend, she could tell. The kind of guy who thought your every fight was his as well."

Character Development: When I realized this was a story about arranged Indian marriages, I was not excited to finish it. I expected misogyny and anti-feminist ideas, but was pleasantly surprised to find Dimple Shah has a mind of her own! I was happy that Rishi went from a rigid planner who always obeys his parents to his own - still respectful - adult. Their relationship and romance is realistic and adorable, which I was not expecting.

Writing Style: Readers from any background can pick up this story and gain insight into another culture without feeling out of place. It takes talent for authors like Menon to accomplish this.

What I Enjoyed: I wanted to know how these two would end - reading large chunks of this book at a time. I'm glad someone in my book club added it to the list, because I otherwise might not have given it a chance.

Deal Benders: Many Indian words and phrases are used, and the meaning often gets lost in translation. The author does her best, but once in a while it draws away from the story when you have to lookup a word in another language and hope it was translated correctly.

Overall Rating: 3 stars for a solid enjoyable young adult becoming story.

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

Quotable: "People who don't feel cared for are not always comfortable being cared for..."

Character Development: Arthur and Maddy are unlikely friends who change each other for the better. From their awkward meeting in a cemetary throughout the time they spend together, it's clear they become each other's catalyst for hope and second chances. Others support their story, yet remain on the outside of this special bond.

Creating a character like Arthur makes me wish men like him really existed. The way he loved Nola is beyond swoon-worthy. I'll just be over here daydreaming of meeting the kind of soul that goes out of his way to be kind to others. <3

Writing Style: I now have a new favorite font called Electra, thanks! I flew through reading this book, and cried at the end. Easy language with complex life themes.

What I Enjoyed: Nuggets of wisdom and life observation sprinkled among the chapters made for a poignant read.

Deal Benders: Quite a few instances of repeated phrases became distracting, and it was never explained why they were important enough to repeat. Like someone decides to do something, so they do it, because they decided to do it? Circular reasoning.

Overall Rating: 4 stars - I really liked Arthur and Maddy's story. A heartwarming read.

Tell the Machine Goodnight by Katie Williams

Quotable: "On the train, I watch strangers' eyes, studying the wrinkles that curl from them like script, like talons. How much squinting, how much laughter to earn each of those lines?"

Character Development: Pearl and her son are the main focus of the story, dealing with themes of loss and mental illness. I think watching them grow was one of the best parts of this story.

World Building: A future where machines play psychologist and tell us how to find personal happiness is an appropriately disturbing yet wistful notion giving the rise of technology. What an intriguing concept - what if there was an algorithm for happiness?

Writing Style: I adore Williams' carefully crafted prose! The way she tells the story alone makes this a good read. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy the tickle of clever words.

What I Enjoyed: The writing again is remarkable, and I cared about the characters.

Deal Benders: The ending felt like there was nothing left to say, but not exactly finished. I would have liked some resolution to the happiness machine thread rather than just following Pearl and her son for a short while.

Overall Rating: 4 stars because even with the unsatisfying ending, the writing in this book made me really like it.

Angel and Bavar by Amy Wilson

Cover Quote: "One Beauty. One Beast. One Enchantment to Break."

Character Development: Angel and Bavar are each scarred by their early childhood memories - their parents disappearing from their lives in mysterious ways. They learn a few lessons along the way, but I couldn't say I ever really got to know either of them.

World Building: Earth with magical elements and a Gothic style house provide the backdrop for a spooky retelling.

Writing Style: Accessibly to readers of all ages, Wilson gears towards teens while giving adults relatable content.

What I Enjoyed: I'm a fan of favorite classics with a new twist, and I've never dreamed of this version. Angel and Bavar give fresh breath to an old tale.

Deal Benders: Some of the story felt a bit flat, and the main villain had strange dialogue.

Overall Rating: 3 stars for a solid likable read.

For Fans of: Beauty and the Beast

Shopgirl by Steve Martin

Quoteable: "...it is not the big events that hurt the most but rather the smallest questionable shift in tone at the end of a spoken word that can plow most deeply into the heart."

Characters: I've known versions of each of the character types represented in this novella. Many of the trappings of modern day romance and growing up play out in these pages. I realize many people hated this book claiming they felt flat, but I found quite the opposite.

Writing Style: Martin's observations of human behavior may very well come from personal experience. While it's allowable to not relate, I feel many of the low ratings were given based on personal agenda rather than actual merit. I enjoyed his writing.

What I Enjoyed: This book made me feel, sometimes empathy and other times pity for different personas. Works like this are important - reminding us we're not alone in the confusing universe of dating and finding our center.

Deal Benders: The ending felt a bit unfinished. I'm not quite sure what else I expected to happen, but I was expecting more of a flourish. Also I seem to have picked up a few books lately that have random explicit content. I don't read romance novels because they're the equivalent of so-called 'girl porn'...I'm all for some sexual tension but it would be nice to see a bit more innuendo and less F-bombs. If you're writing erotica then just do that rather than masquerading amid an otherwise enjoyable storyline.

Overall Rating: 3-3.5 stars. I liked it, but have to adjust for the innaccessible pieces. If it were appropriate for a wider audience, I could give the main story more of a recommendation.

The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist

First Impression: I'm intrigued by a dystopian society where middle aged means dispensable.

Characters: I felt for the inhabitants of the unit, especially as they grow attached to each other while knowing it cannot end well. One relationship in particular stands out as star-crossed.

World Building: Claustrophobia is palpable in the underground unit, where only two seasons rotate around artificial sunlight. Otherwise a chracter-driven world.

Writing Style: I read this in one sitting, which is a testament to Holmqvist's writing ability. Except for a few unnecessary scenes, the story flowed really well.

What I Enjoyed: It didn't end the way I thought it would, which makes it all the more memorable. The relationships and moral questions bubbling up from this novel haunted my subconcious into the next day. The hallmark of good fiction is when it changes you in some small way.

Deal Benders: The author writes sex scenes with all the passion of a scientist observing the act. Seriously egregious sex scenes, enough already. This makes your book unsuitable for such a wider audience, I'm still not sure why authors feel the need to laboriously detail intimacy. It feels like a cheap ploy to increase hype...End rant.

Overall Rating: 3 stars for a solid likeable read.

Vox by Christina Dalcher

Quotable: "As of two minutes ago, my name isn't Jean. My name is Thief."

Characters: I adore a strong female character, with real struggles and no time for victimization.

World Building: A scary yet not too far from realistic dystopian future, where religious zealots try to silence women in a return to the good old days. Stark and unnerving.

Writing Style: I was captivated by Dalcher's writing. Accessible yet surprising, she entrances from the first sentence of every chapter. This is difficult to maintain from the initial excitement of a first page, so I was very impressed by such a feat. The research and explanation behind the neuroscience shows a care for accuracy and detail. I'm still a bit speechless after finishing this book.

What I Enjoyed: I finished this book in one day - I could not put it down! The story telling, characters, and writing style made me an instant fan of this author. The sparse cover, print and chapter length selection, everything timed perfectly together. I can't wait to read more of her work.

Deal Benders: The rare occasion where I can't find anything wrong with a book. <3

Overall Rating: 5 stars - It's been some time since a book grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. I'm so glad I made this my next Goodread!

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

First Impression: A book about libraries, yes please!

Characters: When characters become like friends, you know an author understands how to create them. Unger brings depth and distinction to each character as the highlight of this first installment.

World Building: Visceral and chilling. A future where owning books is a crime, and society is afraid of the librarians.

Writing Style: Well-paced, beautiful prose. Plot pieced together with background information in the form of letters. I appreciate this type of story telling.

What I Enjoyed: This is not a happy tale, yet an important realization of a cold reality within the realm of possibility. Many times in history groups have attempted to control the reading of the masses. I'm reminded of when slaves and women in this country were not allowed to read. Times when books were banned in many nations, or even burned to silence a population.

Deal Benders: In the second book I would like to see some hope for these characters and the world. Although wonderful, it was a bit bleak.

Overall Rating: 4 stars - I haven't read anything quite like Ink and Bone, which is hard to accomplish. I'm going to buy the next one as soon as my queue clears.

For Fans Of: Books about books! The Giver, Fahrenheit 451

Construct 11 Part II: Trust and Loyalty by Anna Lynn Miller

First Impression: I can't wait to read Part II in this dystopian series!

Characters: Daniel and the rest of the Seventeens grow and mature while acquiring knowledge the Leaders never wanted them to find. Caretakers (parents) show their human flaws, and a predator roams the Construct.

World Building: Life inside Construct 11 is appropriately depicted as confining. I can't imagine living in a world where the sky is only seen through the roof of a building. There's a not-so-surprising yet satisfying ending to this installment that makes me want to read the third!

Writing Style: I appreciate Miller's ability to write for all ages while keeping seasoned readers interested. Once in a while I wished for better conversations between the teenage characters however, as they felt very Leave It To Beaver.

What I Enjoyed: Many of the themes in this series and installment are new ideas. Secret lives and hidden treasures made me bring this book with me everywhere. The chracters are overall authentic and the plot deals with issues in everyday society.

Deal Benders: The women are all depicted as helpless and emotional children who need men to protect them - this really annoyed me even though it makes sense in such a closed society story. I would like to see stronger female characters in Part 3 please!

Overall Rating: 4 stars - I really like this story and want to find out if the characters leave the Construct. Hopefully creating space for capable females along the way.

Recommended Reading:

   

Empyrean's Fall by Nicole L. Bates

First Impression: I can't wait to continue this series! Also, another gorgeous cover.

Characters: The Leroni are a humanoid alien species to the humans who've landed on a strange planet somewhat like their own while vastly and dangerously new. I found the relationships authentic and the conflict believable. Of course my favorite is the love between Jahira and Krnar.

World Building: Again Bates brings exploration of Empyrean with peril and delight. Creatures, flora and fauna, and a host of other new discoveries await. I'm always impressed with this author's careful thought behind the technology and medicinal practices, as well as the character daily lifestyles and adventures.

Writing Style: Approachable and easy to follow, while building a complex enough sci-fi escape. Creating a series enjoyable for adults yet innocent enough for YA is no easy task, but Bates surprises me yet again with this accomplishment.

What I Enjoyed: What did I not enjoy might be the better question here? I want this series to go on forever. My favorite parts of fantasy and sci-fi combine to create a fast-paced adventure with enough tender and reflective moments to be immersive.

Overall Rating: 5 stars - Feel good at times, gripping at others. Everything I want in a story.

For Fans Of: Rhapsody series by Elizabeth Hayden, Jurassic Park

Bottled by Carol Riggs

First Impression: I haven't read a genie story in a very long time - plus that cover looks magical!

Characters: Clean YA romance themes throughout with a touch of magic. Adeelah is a genie trapped by a sort of magic curse. After centuries of spoiled "masters", she finds one who will change her world. What is most important is the characters each grow and evolve throughout the story, making them come to life.

World Building: Everything was plausible, if yet fantastic. The background of how Adeelah comes by her powers, as well as the impact of her abilities are fully realized in this short book.

Writing Style: This is the third book I've read by this author. Riggs brings a wonderfully new twist on an old story.

What I Enjoyed: I want a sequel. Bottled will likely stay with me, as the relationships and plot were so different from what I've read lately. I wanted to pick this book up every chance I had, which speaks to its magic.

Deal Benders: I'm not sure of the intended audience. If written for YA, there are violent themes I would suggest for adults only.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars for this short gem of a story. I wish for another installment, so now you have to write one - right?

For Fans Of: Aladdin, Harry Potter

Stars Uncharted by S.K. Dunstall

First Impression: A beautiful cover among the stars - take me away! 

Characters: Everyone has a unique personality with a sense of individual background and outlook. I would have liked more character development as the story progressed.

World Building: Set on space stations and ships, the universe feels realistic. Most of the building is spent describing the mod machines, ingredients, and history.

Writing Style: The Dunstall duo offers a fast-paced adventure with easy to read language. I appreciate their ability to create new words and ideas without making them confusing or distracting to the story.

What I Enjoyed: New technology and terminology is exciting to my creative mind, and is handled wonderfully in Stars Uncharted.

Deal Benders: I wanted more to happen than just a group of bad guys chasing down a group of good guys. Some parts were repetitive, and the ending left me feeling unresolved.

Overall Rating: 3 stars solid for an enjoyable among the stars.

For Fans Of: Firefly

Trinity (Dark Legacy #1) by Domenico Italio Composto-Hart

First Impression: Great title and cover although 600-some pages is daunting.

Characters: Kieko and Aiko are adolescents with typical teen problems. They hate each other out of fear and jealousy, yet strive towards a common goal. Their mentor is reminiscent of an old samurai warrior mixed with a Buddhist priest. I thought at any moment he would say, "patience, young grasshopper." Their relationships with family and each other were my favorite parts. The pieces that fell flat for me surrounded the character building of the evil enemies.

World Building: Set in the time of the fabled Atlantis, narrations by some wise and aged yet unknown lifeform interject the plot. We get to know the story of a previous generation, then focus for the remainder on Kieko's present. The descriptions of the temple and the Lemurian way of life paint an image of some remote untouched corner of the world.

Writing Style: Domenico is gifted with the ability to draw the reader into a story, even if it's not their typical preferred type of story. The details are reminiscent of Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series. At times however, I felt the dialogue a bit overdone. Shinsei and Keiko especially would benefit from variation.

What I Enjoyed: The relationships between all characters ring true and complex, which is not always easy to accomplish in the fantasy / sci-fi realm. Many of the action scenes are shocking yet realistic, which is appreciated in an adult series.

Deal Benders: Why were the Atlanteans attacking? Were they even the Atlanteans at this point? What is behind this evil force? What motivates them to kill and destroy with such force? I had way too many questions about the motives and the whole point of the antagonist throughout. I think if this is to be a 6-part series each installment could be condensed by removing uber-detailed depictions and lengthy conversations.

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars - An enjoyable read with a fresh premise. However, this first book does not warrant 616 pages.

For Fans Of: Kung Fu, The Karate Kid

Starswept (Starswept #1) by Mary Fan

**I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

First Impression: Music and stars, sounds dreamy.

Characters: The contrast between humans and their alien patrons is stark enough to be interesting. Readers get to know a few of the main characters from both species, with hopefully more complexity in upcoming installments.

World Building: A unique setting focused on alien abilities and the relationship between art and soul.

Writing Style: Creating an alien language is not easy, but Fan does so as if it already exists. As a linguist and music patron, I appreciate the attention to detail.

What I Enjoyed: Beauty, art, and relatable character themes made for an enjoyable read. Telepathy is a terrifying yet thrilling idea - the implications of which are seemingly endless. The tension towards the end meant reading late into the night, and now I can't wait to read the second Starswept book!

Deal Benders: I didn't understand how Iris fell in love with Damiul so quickly, and would have liked more development of their connection. By the last third of the book they would suddenly do anything for each other, although practically strangers still. Maybe a mind connection speeds up how close you feel to someone?

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a fresh alien fantasy.

The Preferred Observer by Matthew Bruce Alexander

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

First Impression: Martian microbes and a rogue android, yes please!

Characters: A diverse cast of fully realized characters, interconnected in ways that unfold as the story progresses. From Maggie the young heart who had to grow up too fast, to Lilith the call girl with a mission they drive the story of a world gone a bit mad.

World Building: Earth hasn't necessarily changed all that much, but has become a bit bleak in the future. The Government has a tight grip on the population, and everyone is afraid of catching "the Rouge". I became fully immersed in the action-packed plot.

Writing Style: This is what blew me away right from the beginning - Matthew Bruce Alexander's writing. I laughed, then was surprised, and sometimes scared. His ability to write the way someone might think means I'm a fan from this book onward. It rarely happens when I know I'm going to fall into an author's mind, but I can't say enough how I appreciated this mastery of the written word. Enough "big words" to stimulate the mind without going overboard to the point of search and replace in MS Word. Such prose and attention to detail is often missing in the novels of today.

What I Enjoyed: The author gives the impression he really understands his characters, maybe even on a personal level. Drawing the motivations of people like Thomas the insider felt especially insightful. This in an author you want to have dinner with, much like Douglas Adams, and simply listen to their thoughts on any subject.

Deal Benders: I wish this story didn't have to end. That is all.

Overall Rating: 5 stars, and can I give it more!?...but that would be over 100% which we know is not a real number.

For Fans Of: If you've seen the movies Gattica or Aeon Flux, this world has a similar feeling. The story itself is not quite dystopian or sci-fi, but somewhere along the line of a realistic future U.S. 

The End of Refuge by Beth Martin

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: I've never read a book about living in a bomb shelter that I recall, sounds scary.

Characters: Juliet is an innocent, literally sheltered young adult who comes of age amid the aftermath of conflict with North Korea. Her relationships and the supporting characters are realistic people with problems and charms like any of us.

World Building: There were moments of claustrophobia, which is not even something I struggle with in real life. While reading in bed I felt the walls close in and wondered what it might be like to never see the sun or feel its warmth on my face - to live in less than a square mile underground. What might that do to a person? The answer is many different things.

Writing Style: Martin's use of appropriate foreshadowing and answering questions as they unfold is comforting and like discussing a plot with a friend. I often wondered, "but what about this...?" only to be answered almost right away. The ending was satisfying yet unexpected, but I won't spoil the fun.

What I Enjoyed: The story really sparked for me around Avery and Juliet's relationship, as he shares his life story with her. From that point on I could barely put the book down as I wanted to know what became of these unlikely friends and the rest of the underground survivors.

Deal Benders: It takes about 10 chapters to really get into the story. I felt there could be less buildup to the main plot, or maybe a sideplot from another character's perspective. I was concerned for a bit, but after chapter 11 or so I was hooked on the story.

Overall Rating: 4 stars for an excellent last two thirds of the book.

For Fans Of: Anne Frank's Diary, Blast From the Past (movie with Brendan Fraser)

Dissident by Nikki McCormack

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: What a gorgeous cover and interesting premise! I want to learn more about this "ascard" power.

Characters: What I adored about each character in Dissident, is the full realization of personality. Every one is distinct and beautifully drawn. The real issues and struggles between chracters and their world will pull you in like somehow you're one of them. Spoiler****I almost fell in love with Yiloch myself, let alone as an interest for Indigo.****

World Building: I imagined a world somewhere between Middle Earth and a scene from Final Fantasy. Although not overly described, the sense of time and place are easy to discern.

Writing Style: The way McCormack pulls you into relationships is breathtaking. Everything from battle scenes to quiet moments is realistically developed.

What I Enjoyed: I didn't want this first book of the series to end! I want to know what happens to my new friends, and what new challenges await the realm. The ending gives the perfect sendoff for Forbidden Things #2.

Deal Benders: The only complaint I found was a slow beginning. Hang in there because about 1/3 through you won't want to put this book down.

Overall Rating: 4 stars. With a stronger start, this could be a 5 star series!

For Fans Of: Rhapsody by Elizabeth Haydon, The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson

Construct 11 (Part 1) by Anna Lynn Miller

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: I'm all in for the dark and dingy dystopian fiction. 

Characters: Watching Daniel awaken and question his sense of security seemed like coming up for air after diving into the water. I appreciate characters I can root for, and want to follow on their journey. 

World Building: I found myself intrigued, wanting to know more about the time before Construct 11. How did we get to this place? This is a great portend of things to come in the next book. The current world is bleak like in George Orwell's 1984. 

Writing Style: Miller creates a realistic future in a bunker that feels increasingly claustrophobic as the story progresses. This tension building makes me excited for the next book, as the characters start to question the world around them. 

What I Enjoyed: Renaming and shifting realities is exactly what a dystopian government would do. I liked the fresh voice among the flood in this genre.

Deal Benders: I would like it to be longer - mainly to explain a bit more of how things came to be as they are. Of course something is left to the imagination and future installments, but I think drawing the readers into the backstory a bit more would create more loyalty to the series. Especially the main characters, why should I care about them? 

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a fresh perspective and exciting introduction to this new world.

For Fans Of: The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, 1984

4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace by Johan Twiss

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: A paralyzed kid and a Jewish jazz musician - this sounds like it will get interesting. Also what a beautiful cover!

Characters: Aaron and Solomon become unlikely friends, and explore the connections possible across generations. Getting to watch Aaron grow through Solomon's wisdom was endearing and left me with that warm fuzzy feeling.

World Building: An imaginary world within the mind of a paralyzed teen unfolds alongside the dementia flashbacks of an old jazz musician. I haven't read anything quite like it.

Writing Style: Easy reading for all levels. I was able to read this entire book in a couple of days, and didn't want to put it down.

What I Enjoyed: Historical fiction mixed with a coming of age story is something I don't think has been done before! I want more stories that spark wonder and imagination.

Deal Benders: A bit too simplistic sometimes with dialogue and character behavior. Sometimes the story felt more like a fable than a narrative. I also did not fully understand the ending, and who exactly Aaron was in Solomon's timeline.

Overall Rating: 4 stars because I really enjoyed this story.

For Fans Of: Tuesdays with Morrie