It’s time for my favorite monthly post: book reviews! This month I read my weight in books. Seriously. I was dealing with allergy issues and the blahs, so I spent most of my time sneezing and reading books. Even better, no book earned the dreaded loathe title, with many instead earning the coveted love title. This makes me so happy. We give hours of our lives to reading and it only seems fair that they spin a worthy yarn.
The Books I Loved, Liked and Loathed this Month
I read quite a mix this month from YA to romance to horror to mystery. This is a long post so feel free to jump to the TL;DR at the end of the post for my recommendations.
The Books I Loved
This month several books made my heart pitter patter, which pleases this book loving lady. Let’s dig in!
Red Rising (Book 1) by Pierce Brown
Book Description: Darrow, a member of the lowest caste, is recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of society and destroy the caste system from inside.
Book Review I fully expected to enjoy this book but didn’t realize how much I would love it. While there is a strong Hunger Games influence, it is by no means a carbon copy beyond a carefully crafted world, full of characters you grow to love and hate. I also love that Brown created a complex world, because life is rarely black or white. Most life exists in the gray. And Darrow, who is a great main character, begins to see what seems simple (Golds are all bad) is not fact. I also really, really, really, really appreciated the lack of a love triangle in this book. And if one eventually exists in the series, please lie to me.
To Read or Not To Read: YES, unless YA and a dystopian worlds do not appeal to you. It is also a very violent and cruel world they live in, where wealth and value are tied directly to skin color. Ahem.
Apprentice In Death by J.D. Robb
Book Description: A sniper with an unknown vendetta begins killing what appears to be random targets.
Book Review: Another great addition to the In Death series that is now 43 books strong. While less graphic then the preceding book, it still moves at a fast-pace with a great supporting cast. Almost everyone you love makes, at least, a brief appearance too. Long-time fans will also experience the shock of Eve and Summerset enjoying a somewhat tender moment. Or at least the two of them getting along. For now. 🙂 At face-value, the In Death books are mysteries, but at their core, they tend to have an underlying message. This time Robb examines the role nature versus nurture plays in our lives.
To Read or Not To Read: Yes. While I always recommend starting a series at the beginning, I realize that 43 books may make some of you say “nope” and I get it. The In Death books can be read as stand-alone. I started on book 22, fell in love, then started back at book #1.
Heart-Shaped Box by Joel Hill
Book Description: Judas Coyne collects unusual items, but his purchase of a ghost brings great danger to him and his loved ones.
Book Review: I started reading this creepy book in the evening, and this little wimp quit because she was ready to crawl under her bed and hide, until she remembered the boogey man hangs out under there. Therefore, I smartly finished the book in the comfort of the bright, California sun with a purring cat next to me. The beginning freaked me out, but as the book progressed, my fear decreased. The intensity remained high, but now I understood what was happening. Plus, they also left their home. So basically a road-trip ghost is less terrifying than a home ghost in TanyaLand. Logical? Nope.
To Read or Not to Read: Absolutely. You root for aging rocker Judas Coyne and his current girlfriend, Georgia, to survive, and they don’t make the stupid mistakes most characters in horror books/movies do, which is refreshing. A great read for those who like horror/ghost stories. If not, then skip it.
All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker
Book Description: Jenny takes a drug to erase memories of her rape, but the trauma to her and her family still remains.
Book Review: Described as provocative and morally complex, I would also add infuriating. I thought this book would focus on the aftermath of Jenny taking the drug to erase the memory of her rape, which it does. But at the core, it examines how people respond to the rape. How we protect ourselves and those around us when threatened, even in ways we couldn’t imagine. Some opinions expressed made my blood boil and feel slightly ill — because deep down I agreed with a few of them. This book had me completely hooked, pissed as Hell and unable to put it down. My biggest quibble is that the ending was a little too pat. Walker wrote a truly complex book, so I wanted a messier ending. The somewhat happy(ish) ending rang a tiny bit false to me.
To Read or Not to Read: Yes. This is a book about a rape and those scenes are not easy nor should they be. The narrator rambles at times (or at least appears to), which gets annoying but really is just who he is. This also makes a great selection for a book group.
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
Book Description: The stories of two women searching to find themselves while living at the famed Barbizon hotel in 1952 and present day.
Book Review: This book hit the right note on so many levels, which is especially impressive for a debut book. The characters, which could have easily been standard paint-by-the-numbers, felt real and authentic. Initially, I found the action in 1952 with Darby, Esme, Sam and Stella more intriguing. Rose, in present time, annoyed me on occasion. She lacked a certain amount of self-awareness for a smart woman, but she got rightly called out and grew as a person. Davis delivered some solid insight about women, whether in 1952 or 2016, finding their power and I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
We aren’t weak. We don’t need anyone’s help. We help ourselves, and we help out each other. My life is rich and full and I get to do whatever the hell I want, when I want … Don’t you dare project your own fears on me. I reject them. If you’re lonely and scared, you better deal with it now, because life only gets lonelier and scarier, no matter how many people fill your home or your heart. It’s up to you, sweetheart. Ultimately, you’re on your own.
To Read or Not To Read: Yes. A great book about women finding themselves, sometimes where they least expect it.
Books I Liked
Books that I overall enjoyed, ranked from most liked to liked.
Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart
Book Description: Constance and her sister’s are back. This time Constance must find an escaped prisoner in hopes of keeping her job.
Book Review: Based on real-life sisters, the books presents a fictionalized account of actual events from their lives. Overall, another strong outing, although I enjoyed Girl Waits with Gun a tiny bit more. This was still a great book, and you can’t help but cheer Constance when she outwits men, both villains and peers, who underestimate her mental acuity and strength.
To Read or Not To Read: Read it! We owe a lot to women like Constance who were trailblazers without ever intending to be.
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Book Description: Bex, an American, meets and falls in love with Nick at Oxford. And oh yeah, he’s the Crown Prince.
Book Review: Young Tanya loved Romance. Old Tanya is kind of an old coot, so romance fell out of favor years ago. But my curiosity over this book outweighed my general ambivalence towards romance, so I gave it try. And I can happily report this book earned its praise. It won’t change your life but will entertain you. Some predictability exists, which all good romances have built in them, and the characters seem real versus just caricatures of Will, Kate, Harry and company.
To Read or Not to Read: Read it. Don’t worry if you’re not a huge Royals fan because I’m not and it didn’t affect my enjoyment.
Wolf Lake bt John Verdon (#5 Dave Gurney Series)
Book Description: After visiting a hypnotherapist, four people claim to have the same nightmare, then each commit suicide.
Book Review: The idea that someone could implant a nightmare into people had definite potential. Add in the fact that a good majority of the book takes place at a weird, secluded hotel (Hello, The Shining) made me expect (want) an intense thriller. Which it was and wasn’t. I expected to be terrified, which didn’t happen, although it was probably wrong of me to expect to be. The Gurney series are good mysteries but not horror stories. 🙂 Still, I enjoyed the story overall, but I don’t ever want to read about Madeline taking another dang shower. Seriously.
To Read or Not to Read: Yes. A solid series for fans of mysteries.
Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye
Book Description: Jane Eyre is reimagined as Jane Steele, a young woman who leaves a trail of bodies behind her as she tries to reclaim her childhood home.
Book Review: I’m not a Jane Eyre fan. At all. But the idea of a murdering Jane Eyre intrigued me. Jane Eyre, the book, still exists as written by Charlotte Bronte in this world and is referred to multiple times (so this is not Pride and Prejudice with zombies thrown in). I do like Jane Steele. She is both pragmatic and impulsive. She is not a sociopath but also doesn’t feel much (any) guilt over the murders she’s committed until she meets Mr. Thornfield whom I greatly preferred over Mr. Rochester. Perhaps, because he does not have a crazed wife hidden in the attic, although there is someone in the basement. 🙂 My only complaint is that her kills would be considered “heroic”, which felt like an attempt to keep Jane likable.
To Read or Not To Read: Yes, unless you’re a Jane Eyre purist.
My Sister’s Grave by Robert Dugoni
Book Description: Tracy Crosswhite sets out to prove the man behind bars for her sister’s disappearance is not guilty.
Book Review: Overall, a decent book with well-developed characters and some decent twists. To me, the biggest flaw — and what keeps it rated a like — is that the entire story could have be resolved had someone told the truth. Yes, many people keep secrets that create ripples in our lives, but in this instance, it eventually became a little unbelievable. Keeping the initial secret was a mistake, but a very understandable (and realistic) choice that bordered on insanity by the end.
To Read or Not to Read: Sure. It’s a fine way to spend a few hours.
TL;DR – My Recommendations for You
Okay, let’s break it down. There were no loathe books (yay!), so you really can’t go wrong with any of these books. The ones that I strongly recommend you add to your TBR are: Red Rising by Pierce Brown (if you’re a fan of dystopian YA), Apprentice In Death by J.D. Robb, Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (if you’re a fan of horror), All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker and The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis.
To More Great Books
September was a really good reading month for me, in both quality and quantity. Hopefully, October treats me just as well, although I don’t think my quantity will be as high. But that’s okay. The amount of books I read every month doesn’t matter to me. I only care about how the book makes me feel. This month, I’m also wrapping up Erin’s Challenge, which means I will have completed my first book challenge. Woo-hoo! As always, I’m joining the Show Us Your Books link-up, hosted by Jana and Steph. Be sure to checkout what everyone is reading!
What books are you adding to your TBR? Any good recommendations for me?
Tanya
I feel like I already have Heart Shaped Box and Red Rising on my TBR. I should look into that.
And you already know I feel the same way about Lady Cop. I’m pretty sure I’ll read every book in the series.
Me too. The Kopp Sisters are a great series and thank you for introducing me to them!
No Jane Eyre? Dagger to the heart. Lol
Heart Shaped Box and The Dollhouse are on my to read list.
I really enjoyed the Red Rising series.
I know. But Jane Eyre just wasn’t my jam. It’s been years since I read it so maybe I’d like it now … but I don’t think so. 🙂 I loved Red Rising and am anxiously awaiting for the next book to be come available in e-book … I’m next in line!
i had Red Rising a while back but I also had a ton of other books so this had to back into circulation…i’ve heard so many great things about it so I’m going to put it back on my To Read list!
Been there, done that. Sometimes I check out more books than I can read, which I guess is better than taking more food than I can eat! LOL! Give it a try — I think (hope) you’ll like it!
Red Rising is in my TBR and Jane Steele sounds really interesting! I might have to read it just to see the new Mr. Rochester (whom I could not stand).
I definitely think you’d enjoy Red Rising. I definitely preferred the new Mr. Rochester. It’s been years since I read Jane Eyre, and I’m a bit fuzzy on all the details but I remember Mr Rochester being kind of a douche.
So many great books this month! I read The Dollhouse and really enjoyed it too– I felt like every time the POV switched I was just getting into that storyline, which was frustrating at times, but I guess it kept me wanting to keep reading. Really want to read Jane Steele & the Kopp Sisters books/series.
I loved The Dollhouse far more than I expected. Sometimes it can be a real pain with different POVs because they always seem to switch at the wrong time! Definitely give Jane Steel and the Kopp Sisters a try – they are good reads!
I thoroughly enjoyed Red Rising and the rest of the series. I’m with you, it’s a little Hunger Games-esque, but that doesn’t continue in the next two books. I know some people didn’t like that about the book, but that never tends to bother me as I just treat each book as it’s own thing whether it’s similar to another book or not. I definitely enjoyed the characters in Red Rising, although Darrow would probably be my least favourite, or at least one that I’m not too bothered about. I hope you get to read the rest of the series and you enjoy them!
I’m now trying to remember if there’s a love triangle. There is relationships, but I’m sure there’s no love triangle, I’m sure of that. But don’t hold me too that, since I’m terrible for remembering details like that, I’m more invested in the action than the love interests haha.
I don’t mind some romance in my stories and expect in many ways but love triangles are my least favorite trope. It was so refreshing to not have one, especially in YA. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series … I’m next in line for the ebook and plan to devour it asap!
I went through a phase a few years ago where everything I read was a dystopian novel. I think I’m dystopianed out. 43 books in one series?! Holy cow! I’d have to really like it to read that many! I really enjoyed The Royal We. I can hardly wait to see the movie, if it ever gets off the ground. Although, Mae Whitman as the lead is something I have a hard time picturing.
LOL! I did too! I’ve been reading a wider variety of genres lately, so that helps. It always shocks me how many books there are in the In Death series and the fact that I’ve read every single one of them! I did not know they were making a movie for The Royal We, although it makes sense. I could see it being a really good movie. I like Mae Whitman, but I’m not sure if she’s how I pictured Bex either.
I have seen a few people talk about The Dollhouse so I am intrigued. The Royal We was something I was totally not caring about when I first saw it but there are so many people who read it and loved it that surprised me so it went back on my TBR. I care nothing about the royal family but I am glad you said that you liked it anyways.
I love The Dollhouse and highly recommend it. The Royal We wasn’t initially high on my list, but everyone seemed to love it. I chose it for Erin’s 5.0 Challenge and I’m really glad I read it. And my disinterest in the royal family didn’t affect my enjoyment of it, so you should be fine.
I, too, loved The Royal We. I read the first in the In Death series but haven’t picked up another one yet – I enjoyed it so I will probably read another one sometime but no rush 🙂 I really need to get on reading Red Rising because I do love that genre.
Sounds like you had a great month of reads!!!
The Royal We was good fun and a nice change of pace from some of my thrillers and mysteries. The In Death series is my favorite. I think the stories get better as they progress, more side characters to round out Eve and Roarke’s world. If you love dystopian YA, than you should love Red Rising too. I expected to enjoy it but it surprised me how much I loved it.
Red Rising, The Dollhouse, All Is Not Forgotten, and The Royal We were already on my list, but the In Death series sounds really good! I love a good mystery and thriller series so I definitely want to give it a try. Wolf Lake also sounds really good! You definitely knocked it out of the park with thrillers this month!
All great books to have on your TBR. The In Death series is one of my all-time favorite series. They are so good, which is really impressive given how many books are in the series. Wolf Lake was good too, after I remembered that it wasn’t really going to spooky. 🙂
i haven’t read jane eyre, but i have seen the movie with the weird alice in wonderland girl and michale fassbender (swoon i love everything about him) so i’m not a purist, not even close, so that book is going on my list. the dollhouse is on my kindle, the red rising series is on my night stand (so glad you liked it!) aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand OMG YOU LIKED THE ROYAL WE <3<3<3 yay!
sorry your allergies have been lame, but yay for lots of reading? lol. and double yay for no loathe books!
I think you’ll like Jane Steele. I have not seen the movie because I’m not a huge Jane Eyre fan, although I am a big Micahel Fassbender fan! LOL! ANd yes, I did enjoy The Royal We!!!! It was a really cute story and a great change of pace. It reminded me why I did once love romances.
I added The Dollhouse to my list – It sounds really good!
I didn’t love Girl Waits with Gun but I liked it enough that I’ll probably read the sequel.
LOL re: Young Tanya/Old Tanya. Interesting post idea though would be books I loved in my youth that absolutely don’t do it for me anymore.
Oh I hope you enjoy The Dollhouse as much as I did. Rose occasionally annoyed me but she also grew quite a bit by the end, which made me happy. That is a great post idea – I’m going to have borrow your idea because there are definitely books I loved years ago that I’m meh about now and vice versa.
Glad you didn’t loathe any books this month! That’s great, and diversity in reading is always fun! 🙂 I am looking into The Dollhouse now. I love how many suspenseful or scary things you chose. I need a bit more of that in my reading! I’m definitely going to look into more of these too! Xo – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Do give The Dollhouse a try. It’s a really great story. I am a real wimp but I love thrillers and spooky books. Weird, I know!
I felt exactly the same way about My Sister’s Grave. If they had just told Tracy the truth from the get-go, none of the subsequent events would have happened. Glad I wasn’t the only one who thought that 😉
The Royal We has been on my TBR list for ages…I gotta get on that!
Yup, that started to really grate my nerves after awhile. If I didn’t like Tracy so much, I probably would have quit the book, but she was a good character. I think you would really enjoy The Royal We. It’s a really fun read, maybe a tish longer than necessary, but still really good.
I’m glad to hear your positive thoughts on All is Not Forgotten – it’s been on my list for a bit now, but I’ve been reading conflicting views. Not that that usually stops me from forming my own opinion 😉
I have a friend for LOVED the Red Rising books and keeps telling me to read them, but I have such a hard time committing to a series. On my list though!
I adored The Royal We! It was such a cute and fun read.
I can’t definitely see it getting mixed reviews because it is an infuriating book. The narrator also had a tendency to jump around, which was annoying but intentional. I sincerely wanted to punch someone in the nose at the end of the book. Red Rising is soooo good. It’s only 3 books so it’s not a huge series, if that helps!
I am glad to read your thoughts about Heart-Shaped Box because I own it. I haven’t picked it up because I read a couple of negative reviews. This rejuvenates my interest.
I added The Dollhouse, and I’m reading Girl Waits with Gun now…so that will tell me if I pick up the second one.
Your loyalty to J.D. Robb is a little like mine to John Sandford and James Patterson.
I really enjoyed Heart-Shaped Box, in part because it did scare me, which doesn’t always happen. I’m a wimp but some scary books aren’t really that scary. And for whatever reason, I did get pretty freaked out in the beginning. 🙂 Judas was also a great main character. He’s an aging rocker, think Ozzy Osbourne or Axl Rose type of guy, so that probably appeals to you too! Oh, I hope you enjoy Girl Waits with Gun. The second is good, although not quite as good as the first one but still a book I recommend. Good comparison because I am definitely loyal the In Death books. Seriously, I get way too excited every time a new book comes out.
Something about this time of year makes me love dystopian novels. I’ll have to get right on Red Rising.
Definitely – it’s really good book. I’m next in line for book 2 and I can’t wait!
I really want to read the Amy Stewart books, I just haven’t gotten to them yet. I may have to bump them up on my list though.
PS. You are still a no-reply blogger. 🙁