Morning Glories Volume 1-3

Title: Morning Glories Volume 1; Volume 2 All Will Be Free; Volume 3 P.E.

Author: Nick Spencer, Joe Eisma

Publisher: Image 2011; 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 192; 168; 240

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; 52 Books - W9; I Love Libraries

Vol. 1: Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country... but something sinister and deadly lurks behind its walls. When six gifted, but troubled, students arrive, they find themselves trapped and fighting for their lives as the secrets of the academy reveal themselves!

Vol. 2: Collecting the second story arc of the smash series in one volume. Learn (some) of the secrets in the Glories' lives as we delve into their pasts and see how it affects their present. Each chapter focuses on a different Glory while maintaining the narrative and moving the mystery forward.

Vol. 3: The critically acclaimed, smash-hit series rolls on with this collection of the blockbuster third arc, "P.E.!" The first days were just the beginning — when the faculty cancels classes and sends the students on an outing in the nearby woods, all hell breaks loose, sending the Glories on a mysterious journey through time and space. Nothing is what it seems to be as Academy's hold on the kids collapses and new threats emerge!

Picked these volumes up on a whim at the library and am so glad I did. This series is just amazing. I've heard it described as Gossip Girl meets Lost and that's a pretty apt description. We get all the drama of high school, but coupled with a bigger mystery and lots of deception. I sped through the first three volumes. By the end of the third volume, I'm still super lost as to what's really going on, but I'm enjoying the journey. Now I need to return to the library and grabbed the next couple of volumes...

Coffee Nerd by Ruth Brown

Title: Coffee Nerd: How to Have Your Coffee and Drink It Too

Author: Ruth Brown

Publisher: Adams Media 2015

Genre: Nonfiction - Popular Culture; Food

Pages: 206

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Nonfiction Adventure); Nonfiction; 52 Books 0 W8

Ever wonder what goes into making the perfect cup of coffee? There's more to it than you think, and a new breed of coffee nerds has transformed the cheap, gritty sludge your parents drink into the coolest food trend around, with an obsessive commitment to sourcing, roasting, and preparation that has taken the drink to delicious new heights.
Coffee Nerd details the history behind the beans and helps you navigate the exciting and sometimes intimidating new wave of coffee. From finding obscure Japanese brewing equipment to recipes and techniques for brewing amazing coffee at home, you'll increase your geek cred--and discover a whole new world of coffee possibilities.

Mom bought me this book as a stocking stuffer for Christmas. Overall, it was an enjoyable little volume detailing the ins and outs of coffee. I learned a lot about the different types of coffee and growing regions. I even learned more about what makes a good cup of coffee. My only issue with the book was that at times Brown got a little too high and mighty for my tastes. She definitely implies and a few times, states that to not seek out local roasters and brewers, you don't actually like coffee. I do like coffee, but sometimes I don't have the time or energy to make the perfect cup. And that's okay in my book. Still a interesting little book.

Impulse by Candace Camp

Title: Impulse

Author: Candace Camp

Publisher: HQN 1997

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 382

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors; 52 Books - W7

Torn from the arms of the woman he loved and cast into the night by her highborn family, Cam Monroe vowed revenge on those who had wronged him.
Fifteen years later, after amassing a small fortune of his own, Cam returns to England with but one ambition. Now the power is his, power to ruin the Stanhope family if they refuse his demands. And what he demands is simple: that Angela Stanhope be his wife.
Then the mysterious "accidents" begin. Are the Stanhopes trying once again to remove him from their lives? Or is it someone from Cam's past, someone desperate enough to kill to prevent him from uncovering a shocking lie?

A nice historical romance to entertain me for an afternoon's reading. I enjoyed the romance between Cam and Angela. They were both feisty characters. My disappointment laid in the question and reveal of Cam's paternity. I was not impressed by the twist. Very contrived. Oh well. That's what happens.

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig

Title: The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation #4)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Historical Fiction 2008

Pages: 433

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors; 52 Books - W6

Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary Alsworthy accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation. She must infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he and his master can stage their planned invasion of England. Every spy has a weakness and for the Black Tulip that weakness is beautiful black-haired women, his petals of the Tulip. A natural at the art of seduction, Mary easily catches the attention of the French spy, but Lord Vaughn never anticipated that his own heart would be caught as well. Fighting their growing attraction, impediments from their past, and, of course, the French, Mary and Vaughn find themselves lost in a treacherous garden of lies.
And as our modern-day heroine, Eloise Kelly, digs deeper into England's Napoleonic-era espionage, she becomes even more entwined with Colin Selwick, the descendant of her spy subjects.

Another satisfying volume in this series. I really can't see why I held off for so long. This is a great historical romance series. They may not have been my absolute favorite couple so far (hello Miles and Hen!), but I really did enjoy Mary and Vaughn. Those two were definitely suited to each other. I love that Willig didn't have a delicate young debutante paired with the cynical Vaughn. That would have been too much! Thankfully Mary is fairly cynical in her own way. They were a nice match. And we get so much more information about the Black Tulip. I'll admit to being surprised by the big reveal. Did not guess that at all! I think that makes it a good plotline. Can't wait to read the next one!

Pink Carnation:

#1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
#2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
#3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
#4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
#5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
#6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
#7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
#8 The Orchid Affair
#8.5 Away in a Manger
#8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
#9 The Garden Intrigue
#10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
#11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
#12 The Lure of the Moonflower

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

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Title: Hollow City (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children #2)

Author: Ransom Riggs

Publisher: Quirk Books 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 396

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Finishing the Series; 52 Books -W5

September 3, 1940. Ten peculiar children flee an army of deadly monsters. And only one person can help them—but she’s trapped in the body of a bird. The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they hope to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. And before Jacob can deliver the peculiar children to safety, he must make an important decision about his love for Emma Bloom.

I finally got to pick up the sequel to Miss Peregrine and it did not disappoint. I love seeing the characters travel through 1940 London and attempt to save Miss Peregrine. I especially loved their visit to the menagerie and meeting Addison. The wights and hollowgast were thoroughly scary. Something about the storyline and writing wasn't quite as tight and magical as the first book, but I still really enjoyed reading it. Hoping to pick up the last book in the trilogy soon.

Miss Peregrine:

#1 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
#2 Hollow City
#3 Library of Souls

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

Title: The Deception of the Emerald Ring (Pink Carnation #3)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Historical Fiction 2006

Pages: 430

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; What's in a Name - Clothing Item; 52 Books - W3

Eloise Kelly has gotten into quite a bit of trouble since she started spying on the Pink Carnation and the Black Tulip-two of the deadliest spies to saunter the streets of nineteenth-century England and France.
Not only has she unearthed secrets that will rearrange history, she's dallied with Colin Selwick and sought out a romantic adventure all her own. Little does she know that she's about to uncover another fierce heroine running headlong into history.

Another great volume this is series! I really enjoyed Geoff and Letty's story (although I think my favorite is still Miles and Hen). Plus, the larger storyline took some interesting twists and turns. I can't wait see what happens next... Hope we get more info about the Black Tulip's actual identity.

Pink Carnation:

#1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
#2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
#3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
#4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
#5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
#6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
#7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
#8 The Orchid Affair
#8.5 Away in a Manger
#8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
#9 The Garden Intrigue
#10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
#11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
#12 The Lure of the Moonflower

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

Title: The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #4)

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Disney Hyperion 2014

Genre: Children’s Fantasy

Pages: 590

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Popsugar - YA Bestseller; Finishing the Series; 52 Books - W2

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors from both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

I so enjoy this series! I love the allusions to classical myths and legends. I love the twists Riordan puts on the various gods and goddesses. This was a fast paced enjoyable read for a rainy week. I am excited to see how this series ends. I'm sure we will re-meet many characters and monsters in the last volume of this series.

Heroes of Olympus:

#1 The Lost Hero
#2 The Son of Neptune
#3 The Mark of Athena
#4 The House of Hades
#5 The Blood of Olympus

Fairest: The Clamour for Glamour

Title: Fairest 5: The Clamour for Glamour

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2015

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 168

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel Challenge; Fairytale Retellings; 52 Books in 52 Weeks -- W1

A nice ending to the Fairest series. We get conclusions for a few characters. We get more of what was going on at the farm during the events of Fables Vol. 21. We meet a few new characters that contribute to the story. I'm sad that the Fables world is ending, but have really enjoyed the main series and all of it's spinoffs.

Fairest:

Fables: Happily Ever After

Title: Fables 21: Happily Ever After

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2015

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 197

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W52

Holy cow! I am floored by this volume. I know there's only one last volume in this series, but wow! There were so many ends and revelations in this volume, I have no idea how this one ends. But I can't wait to read it! Now to see if the local library has it on the shelves...

Fables

:

Body and Soul by Stacey Kade

Title: Body and Soul (Ghost and the Goth #3)

Author: Stacey Kade

Publisher: Hyperion 2012

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 316

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Challenge; Ebook; 52 Books - W51

Alona Dare is now trapped in Lily Turner's body, and no matter how many psychics she and Will Killian visit, it looks like she won't be getting out anytime soon...

One of those series that I've been wanting to finish if only to say that I finished it. And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this series ender. Alona and Will are intriguing characters. I liked following their journey after the events of Queen of the Dead. Plus we get appearances from Misty and other former friends of Alona's. A nice enjoyable two day read for my Christmas vacation.

Ghost and the Goth

Soulbound by Kristen Callihan

Title: Soulbound (Darkest London #6)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2015

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 366

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Ebook; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W50

Once two souls are joined . . . When Adam's soul mate rejected him, there was more at stake than his heart. After seven hundred years of searching, his true match would have ended the curse that keeps his spirit in chains. But beautiful, stubborn Eliza May fled-and now Adam is doomed to an eternity of anguish, his only hope for salvation gone . . .
Their hearts will beat together forever No matter how devilishly irresistible Adam was, Eliza couldn't stand the thought of relinquishing her freedom forever. So she escaped. But she soon discovers she is being hunted-by someone far more dangerous. The only man who can help is the one man she vowed never to see again. Now Adam's kindness is an unexpected refuge, and Eliza finds that some vows are made to be broken . . .

An enjoyable volume in this series. I wasn't a fan of Eliza or Adam in the previous books, but they definitely grew on me over the course of this one. I really came to pull for them throughout the book. The storyline was fun. The ending was satisfactory. But my favorite part was encountering all the previous characters in the series. The little glimpses of Ian and Archer were great. And I liked seeing more from Lucien and Sin. The ending left the series open for another book. At least I hope so...

Darkest London

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

Title: The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation #2)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 464

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; 52 Books -- W49

...But now she has a million questions about the Pink Carnation's deadly French nemesis, the Black Tulip. And she's pretty sure that her handsome onagain, off-again crush, Colin Selwick, has the answers somewhere in his archives. But what she discovers in an old codebook is something juicier than she ever imagined.

I think I liked this volume even more that the first. Really it came down to the characters. I really enjoyed Henrietta and Miles as our main characters. They were incredibly likeable and fun. Plus their romance was very believable. I enjoyed the furtherance the larger storyline while giving more attention to a few specific characters. And of course, I enjoy the little glimpses into Eloise and Colin. I'm taking a bit of a break from their series while I travel, but I fully intend on continuing in late January.

Pink Carnation:

#1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
#2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
#3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
#4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
#5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
#6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
#7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
#8 The Orchid Affair
#8.5 Away in a Manger
#8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
#9 The Garden Intrigue
#10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
#11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
#12 The Lure of the Moonflower

Warrior Women by Jeannine Davis-Kimball

Title: Warrior Women: An Archaeologist's Search for History's Hidden Heroines

Author: Jeannine Davis-Kimball

Publisher: Warner Books 2002

Genre: Nonfiction -- History; Archaeology

Pages: 268

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Ebook; 52 Books -- W48

Davis-Kimball weaves science, mythology and mystical cultures into a bold new historical tapestry of female warriors, heroines and leaders who have been left out of the history books-- until now.

I thoroughly enjoyed the subject matter and wanted to learn more. I loved that I learned so much about groups of people that I have only heard mentioned in other texts. What i didn't love was the writing style. I just couldn't get behind her dry sentences and asides about her own personal life. I would have liked a more straight forward archaeology/history book.

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Title: Furiously Happy

Author: Jenny Lawson

Publisher: Flatiron Books 2015

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

Pages: 329

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); TBR Reduction; 52 Books - W46

In Furiously Happy, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jenny Lawson explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. A hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety? That sounds like a terrible idea.
But terrible ideas are what Jenny does best.

I love her, I love her, I love her! Just like her first book, this volume made be reflect, cry, and laugh (mostly laugh) at all the ridiculous episodes of her life. Life lessons abound disguised as silly arguments with her husband and strange encounters with the outside world. I loved diving more into her world even the parts that aren't so nice. I'm so glad I preordered this one. I had to wait almost a month before I had time to read it, but when I did I pounced. Now I feel like I should reread her last book... Maybe in January.

After Alice by Gregory Maguire

Title: After Alice

Author: Gregory Maguire

Publisher: William Morrow 2015

Genre: Reimagined Classic

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; 52 Books - W44

In this brilliant work of fiction, Gregory Maguire turns his dazzling imagination to the question of underworlds, undergrounds, underpinnings—and understandings old and new, offering an inventive spin on Carroll’s enduring tale. Ada, a friend of Alice’s mentioned briefly in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is off to visit her friend, but arrives a moment too late—and tumbles down the rabbit-hole herself.
Ada brings to Wonderland her own imperfect apprehension of cause and effect as she embarks on an odyssey to find Alice and see her safely home from this surreal world below the world. If Eurydice can ever be returned to the arms of Orpheus, or Lazarus can be raised from the tomb, perhaps Alice can be returned to life. Either way, everything that happens next is “After Alice.”

Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite books of all time. I was very much looking forward to reading this reworking of this story. I enjoyed reading about Ada and Lydia's experiences after Alice disappeared down the rabbit hole. It was an interesting little book. Maguire even wrote the book in a style that reminded me of Lewis Carroll's style. Recommended for lovers of the original.

Someday My Prince by Christina Dodd

Title: Someday My Prince (Princess #2)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books 1999

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W43

Princess Laurentia leads a fairy-tale life, attending glittering balls and wearing beautiful gowns. But after the ball is over, Laurentia finds herself getting into bed...alone. She dutifully agrees to choose a husband, but when she casts her eyes over her sea of suitors, she doesn't see a single man worthy enough to claim her.
But Who Will She Choose?
Then suddenly, she is swept off her feet by Prince Dominick, soldier of fortune, black sheep of his family...and the man hired to protect her. He's brazen enough to steal her kisses, yet tender enough to soothe her with one touch. He makes no promises, speaks no vows of forever...yet Laurentia can't help but hope that her prince has finally arrived.

Another disappointing fluffy romance. I did like this one better than the first book of the series, but I still didn't like the characters very much. Laurentia has a bit of character and Dom is an interesting guy, but their relationship is fraught with issues. Overall I was just so disappointed in this book.

Princess

#1 The Runaway Princess
#2 Someday My Prince

Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin

Title: Happier at Home

Author: Gretchen Rubin

Publisher: Harmony 2013

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir; Self-Help

Pages: 304

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); TBR Reduction; 52 Books - W42; OLW Home

In The Happiness Project, she worked out general theories of happiness. Here she goes deeper on factors that matter for home, such as possessions, marriage, time, and parenthood. How can she control the cubicle in her pocket? How might she spotlight her family’s treasured possessions? And it really was time to replace that dud toaster. Each month, Rubin tackles a different theme as she experiments with concrete, manageable resolutions—and this time, she coaxes her family to try some resolutions, as well.

A bit of a disappoint after loving The Happiness Project so much. This one reads almost like a redone Happiness Project without a huge amount of new insight or experience. I read it and added some of her resolutions to my ideas for 2016, but overall I wasn't deeply entrenched in this book.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Title: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Author: Susanna Clarke

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2008

Genre: Historical Fiction; Fantasy

Pages: 782

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy Project; NPR Scifi/Fan; 21st Century Women Authors; A to Z - J; Books to Movies; 52 Books - W41

English magicians were once the wonder of the known world, with fairy servants at their beck and call; they could command winds, mountains, and woods. But by the early 1800s they have long since lost the ability to perform magic. They can only write long, dull papers about it, while fairy servants are nothing but a fading memory.

It's taken me years to get around to reading this giant volume, but I finally did it this week! And it was great! Clarke's writing reminds me of Jane Austen or Charles Dickens. I love the old-fashioned style of writing. The writing put me into the time period. And the story was great. I loved diving into Strange and Norrell and their strange personality quirks. The side characters were also very interesting. I loved Stephen and Arabella. The book meanderings through topics, stories, and characters, but somehow everything comes together in the end! The book is long, but I very much enjoyed it.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Title: We Should All be feminists

Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Publisher: Anchor Books 2015

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 52

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Feminism; 52 Books - W40

What does “feminism” mean today? That is the question at the heart of We Should All Be Feminists, a personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from her much-viewed Tedx talk of the same name—by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the award-winning author of Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun.

This reads very much like the TED talk is is based on, but I still really enjoyed reading her message about feminism. Her argument is strong but clear. Her examples are personal enough to give her some emotional connection to the audience while illustrated her points. At 50 pages, this short essay packs a lot of ideas and discussion points. Now I need to go read one of her novels...

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Title: Dark Places

Author: Gillian Flynn

Publisher: Broadway Books 2009

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 349

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; 52 Books - W39

Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas.” She survived—and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, the Kill Club—a secret society obsessed with notorious crimes—locates Libby and pumps her for details. They hope to discover proof that may free Ben. Libby hopes to turn a profit off her tragic history: She’ll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club—for a fee. As Libby’s search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started—on the run from a killer.

The last of Gillian Flynn's books and this one made me feel just like the others: icky! Al three of Flynn's book made me feel sick while reading them. In that respect, her psychological thrillers work. And I hated most of the characters. They were well-written characters, you just don't like any of them. Libby was probably the least hated character of all her books, but I still wanted to smack her around many times throughout the book. This sounds like a very negative review, but it's not. If you're looking for a psychological thriller, Dark Places is the perfect choice.