A Long, Long Sleep (Unicorp #1) by Anna Sheehan

A heartbreaking psychological drama with traces of the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, that goes way beyond the normally used and abused clichés, focusing instead on one girl's psychological path to recovery.

In a way this reminds me of  another novel, _ This Is Not A Test_ in the sense that you're expecting something, but in the end, you end up with a completely different tale.

In fact, both these two stories have a somewhat dystopic post-apocalyptic setting, but in the end, what really matters are the character's psyches. What has made them turn out the way they are? Can they change?

Can they overpass what has been done to them?

Do they want to?

This means that in this novel, the character of Rose may share some resemblances with Sleeping Beauty's "fairy tale" character,_ namely her sleeping patterns o_O _ but do not expect a fairy tale out of this story. That is not what the story is about.

What this is,  is one girl's struggle to find her place in a world, that has moved on while she has been kept asleep.

This had a very strong beginning. The characters and the story were believable enough.

The writing is concise, and to the point, with occasional traces of lyricism, but never entering the purple prose domain.

Another point that I especially liked was how the author was able to keep us in the dark _for so long! _ regarding what had actually happened with Rose, making her spent sixty two years asleep.

And even when we finally find out what actually happened, we're still not ready for the full truth of it.

*Keep some tissues at hand*

The story however has a phase in which I felt my attention wavering for a bit.

You see, for awhile, we are left to think that this is going to turn into the typical YA book in which the character gets obsessed over a boy...but in reality, the truth is much more complex than that.

I will not give any more spoilers regarding this _ in fact the only reason I am mentioning this to begin with, is in the hope that this may avoid some "misguided" DNF's _, I will just say that the author really knew what she was doing, and that everything is explained in the end.

The last part of the story is actually brutal, because the reality is so much worse than what Rose could have expected.

I did intend to write a short review, but as you can see, in the end I wasn't able to.

But, if someone were to ask me to define this book in one word, heartbreaking, would definitely be my first choice.

In the end, I will just say that I am really glad I read this book _ even if it broke my heart _ and that I am anxiously waiting for the moment in which I will have the sequel, No Life But This in my hands.

I can't wait to read more about these characters.

Author's Official Site

Buy " A Long, Long Sleep"

@Bookdepository.com

Pre-order " No Life But This"

@Bookdepository.com

Did You Know...

...that the brilliant, heart-breaking, and outstanding novel "This Is Not a Test" written by author Courtney Summers, is going to have an e-book novella sequel?
:)
And that it is going to be released on January, 20th?
*Gasp*
*Shock*
*Happiness*
:)

Yes, that's right!!

Rejoice, there is going to be more zombies!! o_O

I mean, there is going to be more Sloan and Rhys!! ( I really ain't that crazy about the Zombies...)

 

And in case you have no idea what I am talking about...what are you waiting for to finally read "This Is not a Test"?

Paperback's Wonderland's review 

Author's Official Site 

Currently Reading...

I am currently reading, Anna Sheehan's book A Long, Long Sleep, who is going to have a sequel published in December, called " No Life But This", so I decided this was about time of me reading the first one.

So far, I've only read 59 out of 342 pages, but the story is looking promising.
What about you guys? What are you currently reading?

                                                              

Splintered (Splintered #1) by A. G. Howard

DNF at 50%....because I just couldn't find another "duck to give" (1).

With this one star rating, I am not trying to say that this is an horrible book.

It isn't...it just ends up being the typical YA book, in which the plot ends up acting as an ornament for an inane romance.

The characters are pretty cardboard like. With fifty percent read, the only thing that has been thoroughly discussed is their "emo", "Gothic", "I couldn't care less about" wardrobe.

The writing style is dispassionate at best, with a predominance for short clipped sentences.

The relationship between the main characters, Alyssa and Jeb has this power discrepancy _ the guy is always telling her what to do _ that really gets on my nerves.

She doesn't think by herself. She has Jeb to do that for her...

The plot moves by ...some sort of serendipity logic, maybe ?

For instance: Alyssa needs to be in a certain place, so without further explanations, or just with a few sketchy ones, there's our character...in a somewhat time travel move. :/..in a different part of the globe.

There.

It's done.

For someone who always thought her mother was insane, and with her growing fears that she too might be following the same path, it was a big leap of faith.

There wasn't enough explanations, and a decent world building....I mean besides the emo clothing and the make-up, for which I really couldn't care less.

"Props" (as in items on a stage) are all fine...but they should be _ I don't know! _ "embellishing", characterizing a proper plot!

What do I care if the best friend Jeb has a piercing? And that he's a very art oriented guy?

Is that all there is to the guy?

 That, and taking advantage of his rich girlfriend?

 (For some reason, looks maybe, he reminds me of another character, one who lives on a train with his pet snakes _ I almost wrote snacks....o_O _, you know, the guy from "Wicked Lovely"?)

Well in this story there isn't any snakes _ so far_ but Alyssa does have pet Eels....because...of stuff....

I am sorry, but this just isn't for me.

It had potential _that's the worst _ but the stupid romance just sidetracked it.

Author Official Site

And if you must..

@Bookdepository.com

(1) From Sarah Rees Brennan's book "Unmade"

“Lucky for you, I have another scheme. First I need a hundred ducks, but after that it will be pretty simple."
"What do you need the ducks for?"
"I´m going to put a whole bunch of them in a giant catapult and launch them over Aurimere," Kami said. "This will create a distraction. My message will be: Look at all the ducks I give.”

How I failed My Reading Challenge :/

These are the books of my 2014 reading challenge. The ones that I would "supposedly" be reading this year...if I hadn't requested all those arcs....
The ones with the crosses on it, are the ones I've read...
________
22 books ( and three of them, I just removed them from my TBR list)
This is a bloody book catastrophe!
I still have sixty books to read!! In less than two months! :/ I am completely freaking out!
AHHHHHHHHHH!

What about you guys?
Were you able to stick to your reading plans?

Edit Reads:
November 15: Splintered

Bonkers by Michelle Holman

I had a great time reading this book! :)

Despite it's "outlandish" plot that ends up being developed in a contemporary romance setting _ always a tricky thing _ the author was able to tell an original story _okay, there was the Drop Dead Diva TV series that starts with basically the same premise..but apparently this book was released in 2008, so you do the math.. _ without crossing the borders into the "cheesy land" or the "borderline ridicule" path.

There's acclaimed authors whose works I love _okay...normally love  _ but when they try to mix some sort of fantasy aspect, with a contemporary setting...for me, they just crash and burn!

This was definitely not the case with Michelle Holman's story!

With a great cast of characters _ amazing really! _ and with emotions running wild, this is a great story about family and what would happen if we were given a second chance to live...but in another body, and with a completely different life. But never forgetting the life, and the family we left behind...

I honestly wasn't expecting it, but this story sure left me teary- eyed in quite a few moments:

The relationship and the bonds between Lisa and her family are extremely well done, and in the end, the only thing that would have made me enjoy this story even more, would probably have been if Lisa's and Dan's interest in one another, had taken a little more time to develop.

The writing does it's job....although it can be a little too descriptive at times, like when Dan is thinking about Linda, and we get a whole lot of outfits descriptions!

So yes, I wasn't crazy about the writing style, but despite that, the story is definitely worth reading.

I would love nothing else than to share some phrases with you guys, but I read the Portuguese version, and I am afraid that by translating it back to English, I might inadvertently change the original writing!

Bottom Line: A story that I really liked reading. It kept me up until five in the morning ...and I would love to read the "sequel" to this story, now with a different set of characters: Barefoot

I can only hope that the Portuguese Publishing House, Quinta Essência, will publish the sequel as well, because I have the inkling, that an original Harper Collins New Zealand edition will be way too expensive! :(

My suggestion guys?

Learn Portuguese! That way you can buy and read this edition which is way less expensive! :)

 

(translated title: From the Sky with Love) published by Quinta Essência, 2013

Author's Official Site

Buy " Bonkers"

@Bookdepository.com (Currently unavailable :/)

Here: AwesomeBooks has a used edition.

Across A Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund (For Darkness Shows The Stars #2)

 An absorbing tale of adventure, politics, and with a dash of romance in it, this is the perfect story for all of those readers who want a little something more in their reads.

You know? The readers who feel as if no author, no story, can surprise them anymore... *hands in the air*

(at least it works for old jaded me!)

This is probably the most inspired Scarlet Pimpernel retelling that I'll ever read!

(Okay, this is the first one I've read...but I doubt that I'll read better! lol)

Of course I probably said the same about For Darkness Shows the Stars, when it comes to it's Persuasion retelling in it.... and it's still true! ;)

(Read my review here! )

So yes, I admit it: I am in love with this world, with these characters....with the writing, with the visuals, with the whole imagination behind it!

The cove!! *.* (it's a scene in the book. You have to read it!)

What can I say?

This is just my cup of tea. Or better yet, _as the coffee addict that I am! _ my perfect cup of coffee!

What could be better than an innovative retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel, in which the main character is a sixteen year old girl, who is competent, courageous, friend of her friends, and extremely fond of her family?

___________

Just a sixteen year old, that having all those traits, also does the work of a much needed hero.

Oh, and one who has a pet Sea Mink genetically altered, who goes by the name of Slippy!

Persis smiled. “Would you really avenge me with neuroeels, Isla?”

“For you, darling, I’d gengineer a neuroshark.”

“Aww.” Persis pressed a hand to her chest. “That’s very sweet.”

Having already been familiarized with this dystopian world, through FDSTS (For Darkness...), I didn't encounter any difficulty in getting reconnected with it, despite the time that has passed since I've read it.

 In fact, I found  the New Pacifica's "expressions, "Aristos" and "Regs" more easy to follow, than the ones used in the first volume.

And although "Across A Star- Swept Sea", didn't pull at my heartstrings in exactly the same level as "For Darkness Shows The Stars" did, with its story of lovers gone astray, as a faithful Persuasion retelling should _although a much more complex one _ this tale, in it's own different way, in it's own originality, was done in the same amazing way, and it kept me glued to it's pages.

Both of  stories were kept true to their natures: FDSTS more romance oriented, and this one, written as full political intrigue /adventure tale.

Of course some things never change.

The writing as always, is gorgeous:

"Love was magma, shooting from the Earth.
It had the potential to form pillars of rock that would last for a thousand years or plumes of ash that choked the sky.
She would never love like her father, never let herself be loved like her mother. She would never suffer what her parents were suffering now."

The plot was brilliantly developed, so the only nitpicks I have, as the expression indicates, are small things, like for instance, the characters age.

They sound older than your typical YA gang. Which is Great, don't get me wrong!

I just couldn't help thinking that maybe they could be a little older on paper (Persis is sixteen, Justen is eighteen), although I understand the reasoning of this, due to the "Damocles Sword" which is poised above one character' head.

Besides that, there is this "expression" that is used regarding the mental state of some of the characters :

 _"The Darkened", it, refers to a condition, a mix of Alzheimer's and maybe Lou Gehrig's disease.

 A couple years ago, I wouldn't find any problem with it.

But now that I know better, I can't help wishing that another term had been used...

Bottom Line:

A+,  for the Plot

A+, for the characters

A+,  for the writing

And a B+ because in the end I wanted more pages!! o_O

It ended a little too abruptly ( no, no cliffhangers!)....in fact, the way it ended was just mean! ;)

Okay, I'll say it...

( I can't believe I am about to say this o_O)

I guess it could have a little more romance in it... o_O

(looks at the ceiling...)

 

Oh, and the cover?

So beautiful!! Keep them coming! ;)

Author's Official Site 

Buy "Across A Star- Swept Sea" (With Free Worldwide Delivery!)

Bookdepository.com 

Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck by Thug Kitchen

 

pictured above: racist, cultural appropriators

Thug Kitchen' Is the Latest Iteration of Digital Blackface

"Thug Kitchen—a brand that got popular by writing recipes in a tone reminiscent of African American Vernacular English—is run by two WASPy white people from California, Michelle Davis and Matt Holloway, whom Epicurious refers to as “masterminds.”" - Vice 

 "The Root refers to Thug Kitchen as “a recipe in blackface.” Belittling and commoditizing “ghetto” symbols and imagery for white gain is a form of racism and appropriation. It draws on a long history of white persons feeling entitled to control over non-white spaces. Whites draw on their immense social power to pick and choose from vulnerable communities from the safety and comfort of their spaces of privilege." - The Academic Abolitionist Vegan

DO NOT READ THIS RACIST POS!

Buried Above Ground ( A Nightspell Novella) by Leah Cypess

 

This is a companion novella to the novel Nightspell, which I've read when it was released a couple years back. So, as you can imagine, my memory of it is far from perfect.

However  I do remember the strange cohabitation between the living _probably not for long! _ and the dead, as one of the most important aspects of the plot.

What happens in that realm in which the story takes place, is that, if you're murdered there...get ready to come back _mostly asap _ as a ghost in order to seek your revenge.

Quick and effectively.

The thing with those ghosts, is that they end up "living an existence" that finds itself precariously standing, between the dead and the living.

 You see the ghosts can take a solid physical shape.

They don't have to eat...but they can do it.

This means that at times, the dead are mistaken for the living. And, in a place where turning your back to someone may signify your eminent demise _ not to mention your lack of wisdom _, things have a tendency to complicate themselves in the blink of an eye.

Meet Emilie:

 A second ago she was alive.

Now she isn't.

But her ghost is more than ready for revenge, and to strike the one who assassinated her. Only so, will she have a "true" death.

But in court, things aren't as they seem, and enemies wear a lot of masks....

With a good pace and a captivating writing, the author was able to take me to the middle of the "Nightspell" world, as if it had been yesterday that I had read the previous novel. Which I definitely need to re-read.

As soon as I've got the time.

Author's Official Site

Buy "Buried Above Ground"

Amazon.com

Crushed (Soul Eater #2) by Eliza Crewe

 

After all the fun I had while reading Cracked, the first volume of this series, I was more than ready to start with it's sequel, Crushed! 

However I have to admit that I had a little difficulty in getting into it....yes, Meda is here _of course! _ but I found myself missing her "I know that I am bad, and revel in it, now hear me laugh...you humans!" inner monologues.

Not that they're completely missing in the story. They do end appearing (I did read the same book as you guys!).

 But at the beginning, as I was reading it, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was justifying herself, in a "I may be bad, but I am not that bad!" kind of way.

I felt as if the Meda the demon was censoring herself, which for one side, could be seen as character growth I guess...but for me sounded a little strange.

Maybe because I read "Cracked" just the other week, and and some trouble adjusting to the changes...

Besides that, I liked the fact that Meda's and Jo's friendship seemed to have strengthen itself, despite the fact of both of them being as stubborn as two mules!

I guess I would have preferred if there had been more interactions between them, and if Chi the easy going, optimistic Crusader had had a little more "acting time", but in the end, the author managed to give us an intelligent nuanced story, between the so called good and evil.

Armand _ who makes an appearance in the first book _ is a vital part of this story, but true to the author's vision, do not expect a typical stereotyped relationship between the two of them.

In fact he was so well developed, than in the end I couldn't help developing some sympathy towards the guy.

In the end, the only thing that I really ain't crazy about, is the misunderstandings between characters derived from the fact, that they simply do not talk to one another!!! o_O

But of course, the positives of this story greatly counterbalance that aspect.

Bottom line, this ended up being more dark than the first story, _ also with less quantities of "snark"_  but in the end it managed to balance it, by being more emotion directed than the first one.

So yes, I am looking forward in reading the third volume, in order to "see" what is going to happen with all these characters.

...preferably in a paperback edition!

Author's Official Site

(where you can find all the links to purchase it!)