Staked by Kevin Hearne- I've been reading the Iron Druid series for a while now and this was book 8 of what I believe will be a 10 part series. I have to say that while normally I am usually sad to see a series end I am feeling that this one might have reached the point where it needs to finish. This book dragged on for me and I'm getting tired of some of the characters. Namely the main female character. I should like her, a strong female character that can hold her own in a fight...but honestly her chapters are TEDIOUS. I tire of her constant rambling. Also I feel like this series kind of lost me when it began writing from three different character POVs. If each character is interesting and can hold it's own then the different POV might work...however I found myself dreading the next time I would have to read from the female character's POV and even at times the third character (though at least he has some funny one liners). I miss just reading about the main character's adventures and if this is the route the series is going then I am just ready for a big finale and to be finished.
The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan- This book was pretty much what I expected from Tan. It read a bit like Joy Luck but without the stories really matching as well. I found myself getting bored and putting this one down in favor of other books. I liked the story line of her mother in China but then again China fascinates me and might not be as interesting for those that aren't. Not a bad book just slow.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman- Once again I love Gaiman's style. I loved learning about the hidden world that is between the real world. People and places that fall between the cracks of our reality. The world building in this novel was probably the best part. I love the fantasy and simply magical aspect of it. I will say that it took a REALLY long time to like the main character... and in the end I only liked him A BIT more than at the beginning. Not my favorite of Gaiman's work (The Graveyard Book is by far my favorite) but still a good read all in all.
Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly- I will admit I picked this book up purely because the cover drew me in, I saw it at Barnes and Noble and immediately put it on my holds list. This book was really well done. I loved Kymera from the very beginning and while it was predictable in who the villain was that didn't ruin the story at all. The world built in this book is fantastic and I love a good fantasy. The ending to this one was not the ending I wanted but that doesn't mean it wasn't a great ending. A fairly quick read since it is a YA book but if you are into fantasy and YA fiction then I would say pick this one up!
Tampa by Alissa Nutting- This book was MESSED UP. Seriously. Even more messed up that YOU and that is about psycho killer. This book is one that I almost hesitate to admit I read because the subject matter is pretty rough. Basically this is about a female sexual predator. She is a teacher and preys upon her 8th grade male students. See? MESSED UP. The problem is while this book has some really graphic scenes and the subject matter is really hard to read though...this book is really well done. It is well written and while you are completely disgusted with the main character....you still want to keep reading because you are drawn in by the writing. If you can stomach this type of thing this book is actually worth checking out simply because the writing style is so well done. Though if you give it a pass I totally understand!
Some pretty decent books this past month! I can't wait to see what you all have read! Be sure to join the linkup and share your recent reads!
