[Book Review] City of Roses by Donovan Pruitt

City of Roses

Donovan Pruitt

What rating would you give it?
2.5 (maybe 3) of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
A young man ventures to his lost love’s childhood home in the abandoned city of Pripyat, Ukraine. When a sudden accident puts him off-course, he awakes to discover a lively and vibrant culture living in a nearby village and a woman who reignites his heart.

But something sinister lurks in the shadows, and he must face the terror and help defend the village from evil before it is lost forever.

Go beyond the tragedy of Chernobyl and discover the magic in the City of Roses.

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What did you think of the book?

*LE SIGH*

Pretty covers will FOREVER be the bane of my existence. I don’t think I’m even ashamed anymore over
the fact that pretty covers are my weakness. End of story.

Good, bad, inbetween, NONE OF THE ABOVE — I will ALWAYS fall for a pretty cover.

(I wonder what the heck that says about me? Hmmm… )

Okay. so this book was DEFINITELY NOT what I was expecting. I had some completely different idea of what this story was going to be about, and then started reading and realized, “Woooah. This is SOOO NOT what I had in mind for my weekend.” And so, on that note, I’ll be quite clear that this is not my kind of book AT ALL. Still… it wasn’t bad. I think the ending saved it for me. If I had stopped earlier on, I would have given this book a much lower rating that I do now. Because although I did know that the tragedy of Chernobyl was the basic backdrop for this tale, I guess I just did NOT expect to get… well… what I got.

But don’t worry. I won’t be spoiling the ending in the slightest. However I will say that those who are
the particularly weepy sort, you might want a box of tissues and something or someone to hug as soon as you get to the end of this book.

I, for one, was annoyed with it halfway through, but soldiered on because… well… for goodness sakes!
It’s only 148 pages. That’s not even a NaNoWriMo novel, folks! And the ending was worth it. It was neat and tight and very symbolic. (Hint hint, if any of you are horror gamers out there, I direct you to
Silent Hill for my meaning. You will understand if you’ve played the games. Especially Shattered Memories. I dunno, but that one really reminded me of the ending of this book.)

The storytelling was a bit… vague, as was the plot. But all of that tied together in the end.

I just don’t think it was a good choice for telling this story. There should have been something more
to keep the reader engaged, or some focus to keep us centered. It’s one thing to play a video game that seems really vague and abstract, but has cool visuals or constantly keep shocking us. It’s another to write it in a book that does neither visually stimulate nor shock us in the slightest, but ties everything up nicely at the end. You… sorta need people to actually WANT to stay long enough to reach the end, y’know? And that was seriously lacking in this book.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Some violence, some gore. Lots of ambiguity that reveals itself (and its significance in the end).

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Tons and tons, per usual.

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 4, 5: YELLOW, 9: Ghosts & Supernatural Elements, 10)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New 2015 Title & First Time Read Of This Author)
• 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
• Ethereal 2015 (Ghosts & other supernatural phenomena)

Lastly… This book was provided by Xpresso Book Tours for free in exchange for an honest review. In no way does it affect my rating or review.

Would you recommend this book?

I don’t particularly think I’ll be recommending it. Certainly not to young adults (as supposedly this book is geared towards). At that age, I think they would get even more bored with a book like this than I did.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Kala Empire Publishing Publication Date: May 2015 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 148 Genre & Themes: Tragedy, Love, Ghosts, Supernatural, Chemical Warfare, Loss, Family,

Age: Young Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by Xpresso Book Tours Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (157), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, Ethereal 2015

Tour and Review! — What would YOU do to secure a place on “The Ark”?

Hullo everyone! Welcome to my stop on The Ark’s tour!

The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen
Published by: HarperVoyager
Publication date: March 26th 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopian
Book Links: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon || B&N

There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.

With her criminal record, sixteen-year-old Char is never going to get a place on an Ark, one of the five massive bioships designed to protect Earth’s survivors. The Arks are reserved for the real goody-goodies, like Char’s mom, dad, and brother, all of whom have long since turned their backs on her.

With Earth on the brink of destruction, Char must use all her tricks of the trade to swindle her way into outer space, where she hopes to reunite with her family, regardless of whether they want to see her or not.

Once she arrives on the North American Ark, Char discovers that the remnants of humanity haven’t achieved the egalitarian utopia they’d planned for. For starters, the “Officers of the Peace” are anything but peaceful, especially since stealing a spot on an Ark is a crime punishable by death…

REVIEW (More Like Rant) & THOUGHTS

Rating: 3.5 Stars!

I loved the whole premise of this book from the description alone and thankfully this book panned out as something worthwhile of my time.

However, I can only give this one a solid 3.5 stars.

Reason being: The weird-instalove TIMES TWO that took place in a book that REALLY DID NOT NEED IT.

It’s fine when the book is actually classified as a romance or something, but… this is a science fiction — YA yes, but still sci-fi — and that part of it was AWESOME. Yes, I’ll admit, some of the story reminded me of others (but that’s not always a bad thing when told in an interesting voice with interesting characters and — Oh yeah. Did I mention the world’s about to end? RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIIIIIIIIVES!)

What did it for me was our main character, Char. I actually liked Char quite a bit. I was genuinely surprised. Sometimes I have a real insta-NO reaction when I hear a book is being told from a female POV, and this was one such instance. (I know, it sounds horrible and I’m a bad person boo-hoo, but it’s the truth. I’ll always quote GRRM, who replied with this when asked how he was able to make all his female characters seem so different and genuine:

“You know… I always considered women to be people.” – George RR Martin

“I always considered women to be people.” Yeah. Well, that’s kinda what I’m talking about here.

Although it should SEEM to be common sense to simply WRITE FEMALE CHARACTERS LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE BECAUSE, I DUNNO, THEY ARE… writers have THE BIGGEST PROBLEM making like-able, authentic, female leads (or not-leads. Because even the female sidekicks often suck — and that’s such a… I mean, wtf, man! Really???).

Which brings me back to why I often shy away from books with female leads or lots of female characters.

I’m not big on teeny, high school reads, so I will almost NEVER read those unless there is something worthwhile in me reading it or I actually think it might be different from all the rest. I can’t stand the whiny shit that seems to go hand-in-hand with most female characters or the “I’M A BADASS, DON’T MESS WITH ME” vibe they give off if they’re NOT whiny bitches. I also can’t stand the chatty know-it-alls, either. Or the boy-crazy, girly-girls who do nothing else but look pretty, (though are often also INCREDIBLY SMART, because dumb blonds are SOOO overrated. Smart blonds are SO MUCH CUTER! 😀 😀 😀 …. UGhh, shoot me now. -_____-;;; )

Oh — and by the way — I hate these “supposed characteristics” in guys JUST AS MUCH as I hate them in the ladies. The only time either one of these scenarios work out is if… I dunno… it’s a SPOOF and that’s the POINT of the book. Otherwise, you expecting me to believe all of this crap is not gonna happen.

….and I totally got off track from Char, didn’t I?

Or did I?

No, I don’t think so. Because just like I went off on a random sidetracked exploration of existentialism and behaviorism, so does she. She’s not pretending that’s she’s the smartest cookie in the jar. She’s got problems — sadly it IS boy-related problems later in the book, but as I said, that is the one thing that irked me about her — but isn’t your usual teen if for no other reason than because she knows full well there are more IMPORTANT problems.

Like say… getting her ass on one of those ships ASAP.

Or finding her hairbrush.

I mean… the damn story opens with her looking around for her hairbrush, understanding fully well that the world is going to end and she REALLY shouldn’t care, but… but that hairbrush was one of the few things her mom tried to instill in her to use to keep her hair neat, and now she can’t find it, so it’s taking up her every waking moment because WHERE THE HELL IS THAT HAIRBRUSH?!

…y’see that? *That* I love. I love female characters just being… people. NORMAL PEOPLE. Not gong-ho slingers, or girly-girl, or whatever other stereotype you can think of. But just normal people who are sorta having a meltdown because the world is ending and they can’t find their hairbrush.

And it’s because this general theme of NORMALCY in the midst of total destruction and mayhem that keeps playing out with Char, that *I* kept reading and inevitably give this book 3.5 Stars.

She’s not perfect. She’s got her flaws. She gets caught up with all the wrong people and makes some bad choices (often not properly explained away by the author which might also be why this book gets the star rating I’m giving it…), but she’s also pretty REAL to me, and that’s what counts.

Were it not for that GOD-AWFUL INSTALOVE SORTA-TRIANGLE (because a simple, normal instalove just isn’t the YA way *eye roll*), this book would have gotten 4, perhaps even 4.5 Stars. Easy. That and the cliffhanger, because unless this book is going to turn out to be a series… that ending was NOT COOL, man. NOT COOL. 😦

The writing was done beautifully. Description and general happenings were all spot-on. I was engaged throughout the book, although my interest did wane a bit towards the mid-end half of the book. The other characters like Isiah, Eren, and Kip thoroughly entertained me for various reasons. And the whole escape plan was quite a bit of fun to read~

Still recommending this one. Especially to those who may not hate instalove as much as I most abhorrently do.

 

This book fits these 2015 Reading Challenges:

2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge

You Read How Many Books?

52 Books in 52 Weeks

Read A Million Pages

105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 1, 4, 10)

2015 New To You Reading Challenge (New Author To Me & Brand New “Series” hopefully)

NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

This book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review. In no way does it affect my rating or review.

Laura grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she spent an excellent childhood playing make-believe with her two younger brothers. The Ark is the direct result of those stories and a lifelong devotion to space-themed television. It received a Work in Progress Grant from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Laura has a degree in French and a license to practice law, but both are frozen in carbonite at present. She lives in Texas with her family.

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Author Links

Website || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter

Organised by:

[Book Review] The Long Journey Home by Cassandra Pierce

The Long Journey Home

Cassandra Pierce

What rating would you give it?
2/2.5 of 5 Stars (at best… :/)

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
For eighteen years, Wren has lived isolation with his guardians, Grum and Krulch, in the heart of a deep, peaceful forest. His life is tranquil except for the doubts that torment him: why does he look so different from his parents, and how did two male ogres manage to birth a small, pale creature like Wren?

Everything changes when he accidentally wanders too far from home and comes upon an entire village of people who look like him. One in particular, a scribe’s apprentice named Valerus, is simply the most beautiful being Wren has ever seen.

His elation soon turns to fear when the people of the village tell Wren he is one of their own and must remain with them—abandoning the ogres who raised him. Though he would love to stay with Valerus and build a new life, he doesn’t want to do it at the expense of the life that made him. But if he wants to enjoy a promising future, he’ll have to find a way to unravel his mysterious past.

What did you think of the book?

Although this isn’t considered a YA book, I’d definitely classify it as one. It wasn’t a bad read, it just wasn’t all that good, either. I think there were too many vague urges trying to find purchase for it to be a cohesive tale. I was torn reading it, because there were moments I liked… but far too many I didn’t.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

To be… confused. I think this story fell short on its grand notion. Two daddies? Check. Displaced teen? Check. Warring worlds? Check. What any of this has to do with one another to make a story that actually has meaning and depth outside of what I already mentioned? Yeah… big, fat red X there.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Tons and tons, per usual.

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 2, 4, 10)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (New Series To Me)
• 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

I doubt it. I just… ughh… I can’t even explain WHY it was so irritating a read. I think it stands to reason that it fell short on so many levels it’s just not worth bothering other people about.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Less Than Three Press Publication Date: July 2015 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 42 Genre & Themes: Fantasy, M/M Relationships, YA, Fairy Tales, Romance, Prejudice, Orges, Insta-love, Family, Isolation,

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (157), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge

[Book Review] Losing Ground by Sasha L. Miller

Losing Ground

Sasha L. Miller

What rating would you give it?
3.75/4 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
Carter Bellwood’s family has Earth-claimed the Bellwood territory for generations and they’ve always had an excess of Earth energy to back it up. Until Carter, whose energy is barely a fraction of that his mother has. But he’s the only Earth wizard in his generation and set to inherit the territory—if there’s anything left of it. The territory is being ravaged by a disease that kills all plant life it comes into contact with. They can’t cure it, can barely contain it, can only watch as their territory turns into a barren landscape.

Then a new Earth wizard shows up. Tai is everything Carter is not when it comes to the strength of his magic, and more importantly he knows how to cure the disease. But he’s also terrified and clearly on the run from something, and Carter’s not sure Tai’s help is worth the risk of him trying to stake his own claim on the territory—or the risk that whatever he’s running from finds him…

What did you think of the book?

I honest to goodness enjoyed this story.

I found the world-building satisfying enough, although I would have liked more of it.

The pacing was good, a little slow at times, but still okay. I actually didn’t find this story boring like some readers did. It was actually kind of refreshing actually to see a real “slice of life” kinda story revolving around earth elementals that didn’t involve them fighting monsters or being warrior elves or being super badass or anything like that. Just… regular folk who take care of their territories, people, and land.

There was just enough intrigue about who Tai was and his mysterious power tho keep the story from getting truly boring or dragged out. (Although I do wish had been explained as to WHY…)

Plus the friendship and relationship between Tai and Carter was worth it. Much more believable than some of these insta-love situations M/M books are so often guilty of.

So yeah. That’s my take on it. Definitely one I’ll revisit at a later date to see how I still feel about it. For now? I’m loving it.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Nothing particularly out of the ordinary.

One of the main characters gets hit by a car, but y’know. No big deal.  (His words, not mine! xD)

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Tons and tons, per usual.

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4, 5: Green)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New 2015 Title)
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
• Ethereal 2015 (Magic, Earth Wizardry)
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (MM/B/OTHER)

Would you recommend this book?

Yeah, I’d say so. But I’d warn that if you don’t like books that don’t have action driving them or if you get bored easily, this might not be the book for you. The biggest issue with this book for me (besides the anti-climate ending) was that there were more than enough slow moments. I know that’s a deal-breaker for many readers, so just be aware.

Otherwise, enjoy! 🙂

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Les Than Three Press Publication Date: March 2015 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 140 Genre & Themes: Fantasy, M/M Romance, Bisexual/Gay Sexualities, Magic, Elemental Powers, Wizard, Diseased Lands

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (156), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge,

[Book Review] The Dragon’s Curse by Victoria Zagar

The Dragon’s Curse

Victoria Zagar

What rating would you give it?
3 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
War is brewing between the Greenlands and the Summer Kingdom, despite the efforts of Lord Aidan and Prince Varion, who have been meeting in secret in an attempt to maintain peace. When war proves inevitable, Aidan offers Varion asylum, loathe to see the man he’s come to care about become his enemy.

But Varion refuses, sacrificing safety and his own desires to stay in the Summer Kingdom in order to protect his little brother from their ruthless father. The two men instead declare a blood oath to always protect each other, an oath that will see them through war, transformation, and a deadly curse…

What did you think of the book?

I liked it. I mean there were moments when I just couldn’t, but it was still a satisfying read. It started out soooooooo strong and promising, even as it began to taper off at the end and eventually fizzled out with that ending. But all in all, I enjoyed it while it lasted.

World-building was acceptable, though I would have preferred to see more of it better visualized.

Characters, save for the brother Tiernon, were all quite likeable, and I was seriously rooting for a good many (especially two very old dads). That being said, that damned kid though made me wanna vomit. I can understand where he’s coming from with his decisions in life, especially since it was driven by fear of their father, but damn. A true survivalist would have taken the offer from Varion and left with him a long freaking time ago. Tiernon’s ultimate decisions just made him an unforgivable little shit.

Lastly, I will end by saying one thing though:

“MAGNIFICENT SCALED COCK”

Yeah…. the answer is NO. A RESOUNDING, EMPATHIC NO.

Me and this book could have done without that, thank you very much.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Sexual situations (eventually) and some general violence, but nothing really out of the ordinary or trigger worthy.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Tons and tons, per usual.

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4, 9)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New 2015 Title & Brand New Author To Me)
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
• Ethereal 2015 (Magic, Dragons)
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (MM/B/OTHER)

Would you recommend this book?

 

Uhh… I’m torn. Though I liked how it began, I can’t really say I’d definitely recommend it to someone who asks. It fell short in too many areas, only just getting the “like” status for the characters – which I really DID like quite a bit.

So… toss-up?

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Les Than Three Press Publication Date: June 2015 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 86 Genre & Themes: DRAGONS!!!, Fantasy, M/M Romance, Bisexual/Gay Sexualities, Magic, Politics, War, Paranormal, Betrayal, Terrible Dad Of The Year Award, Greatest Dad Of The Year Award, Family, Vows, Promises, Goddesses,

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (155), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge

[Book Review] Satellite Sam (Vol.3) by Matt Fraction

Satellite Sam Vol. 3

(Satellite Sam, #3)

Matt Fraction

What rating would you give it?
1 of 5 Stars OR just simply DNL

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
The popular star of a children’s show during Golden Age of Television dies, sending waves of scandal and shock through the community of men and women inventing an entire medium on the fly in this blistering finale to this twisted tale of sex, death, and live TV. Collects Satellite Sam #11-15.

What did you think of the book?

…what a weird fucking book. An unintelligible mess.

I can’t even say there WAS anything about it that I liked. The art wasn’t really to my liking. The story – though gritty like I like it – was actually pretty chaotic or just plain flat (and boring). There was too much weird sex and wank-off angles that really weren’t necessary, especially since this was in no way a humorous tale (as some ecchi manga generally are).

I just… I don’t even know why I picked this up in the first place. I know it had everything to do with that cover, which intrigued and lured me in. BIG mistake that I certainly won’t be repeating again.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Lots of weird sex and overtly sexual scenes (for really no reason whatsoever), and random acts of violence as well.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Tons and tons, per usual.

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 2, 4, 10)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (New Series To Me)
• 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

Not particularly. In fact I might even go so far as to say avoid it at all costs. It was just… bad.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Image Comics Publication Date: August 2015 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 144 Genre & Themes: Graphic Novel, Comics, Sex, Politics, Secrets, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Violence, Noir

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (157), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge

[Book Review] Americosis Vol. I by Haydn Wilks

Americosis Vol. 1

(Americosis, #1)

Haydn Wilks

What rating would you give it?
4 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
A naked man arrives in New Mexico claiming to have traveled through time.
He says that he’s America’s savior.

A bizarre sexually-transmitted infection in New York takes control of people’s bodies and burns them out in an incessant drive to infect others.

And a Presidential candidate is conversing with angels.
His aides think he’s crazy.
The electorate might not agree with them.

It could all be madness. It might be the apocalypse.

Americosis.

An epic genre-bending mash-up of sci-fi, horror, thriller & dark comedy.

VOLUME 1
This short novella introduces the series. It’ll leave you begging for more…

What did you think of the book?

This book was weird as fuck, and yet… I just couldn’t put it down! When I got to the end, I was just in shock because: how the hell could it end like that?!?! I still have questions that need answers! Like what the hell is going on with the presidential candidate and who is this Savior? And just… EVERYTHING! I won’t lie, I am thoroughly intrigued and demand more immediately!

Americosis is a fast-paced short that keeps you engaged and intrigued ’til the very bitter not-end. The description is exceptionally accurate: this is a book of madness and violence and crazy things happening one after the other, all leading up to… something. It’s an introduction to what will undoubtedly be a fantastic tale of a world on the edge of falling apart — and no one knows it yet.

Except maybe The Savior.

You never know. He could actually be who he says he is.

I was getting such 12 Monkeys vibe from that guy. I just hope it lives up to all the hype I’m throwing at it.

I am thoroughly disturbed and intrigued and wanting more of Americosis! This is one title I’ll be putting on my watchlist for when the next book comes out!

Lastly – this is to any potential readers – I suggest reading this in one shot instead of over several days. As an example, I started reading this yesterday during my lunch break, but couldn’t finish it then. Here I picked it up two hours ago and had to just reread everything again because I was SO FRIGGIN LOST. The good thing though, is that it’s a quick read. So just give yourself time to get through it in a single go! :3

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

There is some strong religious and political talk in this book. The opinions of which might irritate some (as they did me, at first). There is also strong language (use of the g-damn word), violence (gorey, too!), and sexual situations.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Tons and tons, per usual.

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 4, 9)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New 2015 Series & New Author To Me)
• Ethereal 2015 (Religious talk and the appearances of The Savior)

Would you recommend this book?

Was that even a legitimate question?

Of COURSE I recommend this weird sh—

GO GET A COPY NOW!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Dead Bird Press Publication Date: July 2015 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 61 Genre & Themes: Dystopian, Thriller, Horror, Novelette, Science Fiction, Short, Time Travel, Supernatural, Fantasy, Mystery, Politics, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Theory Talk, Religion vs. Science

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by Publisher upon request Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (135), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, Ethereal 2015, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge

Books ‘N Tunes #7: Trees, Volume #1

Welcome one and all to the next installment of my Books ‘N Tunes Reading Challenge!

I wanted to get this one in before the end of the month, so here we go! Hope y’all enjoy~ ❤

Trees (Volume #1)
by Warren Ellis & Jason Howard

Publisher: Image Publishing Publication Date: February 2015 Format: ebook, ARC Pages: 160 Genre: Graphic Novel, Comics, Fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQUIA / QUILTBAG, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Belonging, Aliens, Paranoia, Social Collapse, Military, Gender and Sexual Identity, Dark Fiction, Social Constructs, Morality, (Self) Identity, Corruption

Age: YA / Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by NetGalley Challenges: 2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (62), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge (VARIOUS), Read A Million Pages, Books N Tunes, 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10), 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Series), NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge

SUMMARY

(synopsis taken from GoodReads)

Ten years after they landed. All over the world. And they did nothing, standing on the surface of the Earth like trees, exerting their silent pressure on the world, as if there were no-one here and nothing under foot.

Ten years since we learned that there is intelligent life in the universe, but that they did not recognize us as intelligent or alive.

Summarize in a word?:
ZEFUCK.

RATING
4 / 4.5 STARS!

THOUGHTS & REVIEW

Oh… that was so messed up, but DAMN was it good!

Okay, so this one collects issues 1-8 in a single volume, and THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT. I don’t think I would have understood a single thing if I had to read it piece by pieces.

Tress takes place all over the world: militant China, a research facility in Svalbard, Somalia, the slums of Italy, what’s left of New York, and so much more. Each place has its own set of problems and unique characters that all add to the overall story and the cryptic message.

Why are the Trees here? Are they alive? Do they think? And if they do… what do they think of us pathetic humans scurrying around beneath them?

Another question: Can they communicate with us? And if they can… have they been doing so all along? Were we just too deaf, dumb, and blind to see… to listen… to respond back? And what will they do if we take too long to respond?

My biggest issue with Trees was the pacing — which is SLOW AS FUCK. You’ll have to have patience while reading this one, but by the end of the 8th issue, you’ll definitely being gasping for some of the twisted turn of events that take place. It also leaves us on one HECK of a cliffhanger, so this is my main reasoning for only giving the comic 4, MAYBE 4.5 Stars.

Also some seriously depressing shit happens towards the end that had my mouth hanging open for days because of how… graphic and heart-wrenching it was.

SO ONCE AGAIN – NOT A PERFECT 5.

As to any warnings I would give…

Some sexual content, vulgar language, violent imagery and the like. You know… the usual. Some major character deaths as well. :<

Would I recommend?

Oh yeah. Although I still hold to the belief that it would be better if whoever reads it was able to do so along with volume 2 (which I haven’t read yet, but anticipate to be just as good if not better than the first).

SONG & LYRICS

1. System of a Down – Toxicity

~LYRICS IN THE SONG THAT RESONATE STRONGEST~
( Pfft~ You mean, all of them? XD )

Conversion, software version 7.0
Looking at life through the eyes of a tire hub

Eating seeds as a pastime activity
The toxicity of our city, of our city

New, what do you own the world?
How do you own disorder, disorder
Now, somewhere between the sacred silence, sacred silence and sleep
Somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep
Disorder, disorder, disorder

More wood for their fires, loud neighbours
Flashlight reveries caught in the headlights of a truck

Eating seeds as a pastime activity
The toxicity of our city, of our city

New, what do you own the world?
How do you own disorder, disorder
Now, somewhere between the sacred silence, sacred silence and sleep
Somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep
Disorder, disorder, disorder

New, what do you own the world?
How do you own disorder
Now, somewhere between the sacred silence, sacred silence and sleep
Somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep
Disorder, disorder, disorder

When I became the sun
I shone life into the man’s hearts
When I became the sun
I shone life into the man’s hearts

 

Reason for choosing this song

System of a Down’s, Toxicity  just seemed to capture the corruption and disorder of the world at large after the landing of the “Trees.”

I wouldn’t say the song is from the POV of any one character. I think it can be split between the different POVs that we see in the comic… The different cities, and the different states and levels of disarray, confusion, and disorder that’s proliferating the many cities’ walls, and furthermore corrupting the people within.

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[Book Review] As Spring Rain

As Spring Rain

Valentina Heart

What rating would you give it?
1.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)

Michael only wants for his twin brother to be safe as he picks one bad boyfriend after another, never even lingering on the thought of loving Michael the way Michael loves him.

All Gabriel wants is Michael, each morning when he faces the day, and each night when he pulls a stranger’s face in for a kiss instead of the one he wants the most.

Fixing Gabriel’s boyfriend problems is a way of life for Michael, but what he doesn’t know happens behind closed doors, where Gabriel welcomes each kick or hit, and where he numbs his pain with the sharp edge of a razorblade.

Can they find a solution to their situation and make both of them happy?

What did you think of the book?

I decide to round up only because… well… ugh… Story wasn’t utterly horrible, but everything else was.

This was really bad. I mean, I understand it was a short story, but… this is ridiculous. So much went wrong, it isn’t even funny. And not to mention the writing. It was… *rubs at eyeballs and tries to erase image of horrible writing from my mind* I just want to forget the last half hour of my life ever happened.

This is how NOT to write a twincest book.

NEVER. AGAIN.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

There is SO MUCH to warn my readers away from. How about this? JUST STAY AWAY FROM THE BOOK COMPLETELY.

The end.

Look, see? I’m smiling.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Tons and tons, hah ha~

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 1, 3, 4)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Book & New Author To Me)
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (MM – incest between twins)
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

DEFINITELY NOT. I just don’t know how a book could go so wrong. Really. I get the idea behind most of what happens in this book, but it’s just done in such a… fucking ridiculous manner that it all came across as some sort of twisted, demented, sick thing when it shouldn’t be. I get it. One brother wants the other, but in no way does it need to go down LIKE THAT just to get across the idea that he’s tormented by his feelings. Furthermore, who the fuck FUCKS SOMEONE “LOVINGLY” after finding them BLEEDING ALL OVER THE BATHROOM FLOOR in attempted suicide/trying to hurt and punish themselves? HUH? WHO THE HELL DOES THAT?!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Silver Publishing Publication Date: October 2012 Format: ebook, e-ARC Pages: 85 Genre & Themes: Novella / Novelette, Romance, Contemporary, Dark Fiction, Twincest,  Incest, Attempted Suicide, Self Mutilation, Cutting, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUIA

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (27), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge, NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge

[Mini Book Review] The History of the World in 1,000 Objects

History of the World in 1,000 Objects

DK Publishing

What rating would you give it?
5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)

From the watch Napoleon used to synchronize with his generals at Waterloo and Chinese David vases believed to be the oldest example of blue and white porcelain to the US Constitution and the Mayan Dresden codex, the oldest book written in the Americas, History of the World in 1,000 Objects provides a completely fresh perspective on the history of the world.

With objects revealing how our ancestors lived, what they believed and valued, and how these items helped shape civilization, History of the World in 1,000 Objects contains a treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day. Objects are grouped chronologically, under key themes, from art to the history of technology, and together help paint a unique picture that provides detailed insight into each culture.

In addition to stunning specially-commissioned photographs, History of the World in 1,000 Objects is packed with timelines and maps that make it easy to compare how people lived at different times and in different parts of the world.

What did you think of the book?

Absolutely LOVED this book! It’s visually stunning, intellectually fascinating… a perfect gift for any history buff or curious learner!

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

BE PREPARED FOR GORGEOUSNESS ON EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE. Your eyes and mind might just be blown sky-high.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

A couple. The usual.

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 7)
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

Oh most certainly~!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: DK Publishing Publication Date: September 2014 Format: Hardcover Pages: 480 Genre & Themes: History, Non Fiction, Illustrated Books, Photography, Microhistory, Reference, Encyclopedia / Dictionary, Guide books

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (??), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge