Here at Chapter Break, we don’t always write a full review of every book we read. Well, now we decided to do these monthly wrap-up posts with roundups of our reviews this month and mini-reviews to fill in the gaps. Enjoy!
Pagewalker (Library Gate Series Book 1) This book had a fun premise – the character can step into the pages of the book and experience the goings-on during that book’s plot. But don’t try to change anything or the other characters will come after you! But it was short, and there was so little adventure inside the pages of the stories. I wanted more of that. But I see it’s a long series so maybe much more adventure awaits.
Children of Virtue and Vengeance: Honestly, this story really seemed like a bridge/second book in the series. And that bridge just got longer and longer and the book moved on. The only chapters that really matter were the last and the epilogue. And the instances of deus ex machina (scuba gear??) in the novel were very frustrating. I will say there is lots of character development here. And if Blood and Bone is Zelie’s story, Virtue and Vengeance is Amari’s. The highlight for me is Roen. We need more characters like Roen in ALL books.
Crescent City: I struggle A LOT with the Urban Fantasy as a whole, mostly due to the been there, done that sameness of the books I’ve tried to read. But this one? It’s something completely different. I’m calling it High Urban Fantasy with a side of buddy-cop mystery solving. Completely fictitious setting, copious world building, and modern technology like cell phones and computers. It’s gritty. The characters are snarky. My heart was pounding and aching at various times. The writing and plotting are fab, per the usual with Ms. Maas. Yes, it’s 800 pages long. And I was skeptical at the beginning, but yes, all 800 pages are needed. I did struggle with the overwhelming amount of world building in the first 100 pages. I’ll probably not remember most of that, but then the action really starts and I didn’t want to put this book down. I’d also like to point out that, as a first book in a series, there is an actual ending, with a set up for the next book, instead of a crazy cliff-hanger or a stop in the middle of a scene (which drives me crazy!) 12/5. Highly recommended.
Hardcore Twenty-Four: Sometimes I just need a Stephanie Plum book. Funny and comforting. And also the same as the others in the series. Though this one includes Diesel, and I haven’t read many of the books with him in them. However, the whole which hot guy will Stephanie sleep with this week plot line is getting really tiresome. It’s probably good that I take very large breaks between reading these books.
Dread Nation: I’m not sure how I managed to randomly pick up two books this month about zombies (this and Hardcore Twenty-four). And perhaps this wasn’t the best time to read zombie books. But I did so anyway! I mostly enjoyed Dread Nation. It’s original and well-written. Jane is a great lead character. And Katherine is an excellent foil for her (especially with all her corsets!). Some humorous moments. Some serious moments. I will say that this book really reminded me of that meme about the YA Heroine saving the world just as soon as she decides which boy she loves. (This one, in case you haven’t seen it. Or need a chuckle!) I’m still not sure which boy she’ll pick, which clearly means I’ll have to stay tuned for the next book in the series.
The Rogue You Know: Well, this was not a winner for me. It took all of 5 pages for me to remember why I didn’t really enjoy the first one in the series. Gideon’s colloquialisms are almost indecipherable at times. Sure I could have looked up the definitions, but I didn’t care enough to. What really put me off, though, is that Lady Susanna goes from sheltered girl to wanton sexpot in 24 hours. And in 48 hours, she’s in love and ready to marry Gideon. I found myself skimming over most of the novel just to get to the end to find out how the two end up together, as clearly, this is a romance, and they must end up together.
A Murder of Manatees: If you like sarcasm, pop culture, and very dry wit, then this book is for you! (If not, move right along so as to not offend your delicate, dolphin-like ears!) I find this series HILARIOUS. I love the pop culture references (from Clive Cussler to Bear Grylls to Kentucky Fried Velociraptors to so many more!). I found myself chuckling throughout the entire novel. Adam Baldwin’s narration is on par as well. You haven’t experienced a great narrator until you have listened to a narrator reading multiple languages like manatee and dolphin, on top of all the different human voices! Now you’ll have to excuse me while I head off to watch a bunch of episodes of Chuck. Or Firefly. But probably both!
A Brush with Shadows: Lady Darby and Gage are setting into marriage well, opening up about their emotions and past lives. What stands out about this book in the series is we learn more about Gage’s childhood. I also really appreciate Ms. Huber’s amazing descriptions of the scenery around Langstone Manor. The moors, tors, and weather come alive.
Books we reviewed this month:
- [9 Apr] Edison Jones and the Anti-Grav Elevator by Michael Scott Clifton
- [17 Apr] For Spacious Skies by Nancy Churnin ★★★★
- [21 Apr] The Not-So Dead by Isaiyan Morrison ★★★½
