Monday, February 11, 2013

January Mini-Reviews

Once again, I'm attempting to read 52 books in a year. Last year I read 53. So I know it's possible, even if January was a rough start. Here's an overview of what I read last month.

Goodreads
Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend by Becca Ann. This is one of those books that I read in a single sitting. the voice was hilarious, the characters were strong, and romance was melt in your boots steamy. Just a precaution,  there is some swearing and a teen sex scene, but it was kept pretty low-key.

Seriously cute story and something that will stay with me for a long time. If you're looking for something cute and romantic for Valentines, this is your book.





Goodreads
Aura by Rebecca Lynn Talley. I was really excited to read this one, which is probably why I felt so disappointed after having done so. I LOVE the concept of this story. There were so many good themes in this book, and I felt like with a little more work, it could have been knock your socks off amazing. As it was, I really struggled to get through it. The main character kept waffling on what she wanted and I didn't feel the urgency I should have felt at the midpoint when something happened to her parents.  I wanted to love this book, and I'm sure there are some people who do, but it just wasn't my favorite.




Goodreads
 Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Beautiful prose. Haunting Story. Strong characters. Everything a book should be. Except.... I love this book, really, I did. I've heard so many good things about it and from the first page I just knew it was going to be amazing. It started off a little too smexy for me, but that died down pretty quick.

The major drawback to this story was back-story. Yes, it was essential to the story-line, but it could have been resolved in a single chapter. Instead it takes up almost the entire second half of the book. The author was trying to draw out the big reveal, but it lasted Waayyyyy too long. I will be reading the second book, but if she launches into back story again, I'm done. It was annoying and distracting.

If I rated this book on goodreads I'd still give it four stars for the excellent writing. That backstory was just not my cup of tea.

What was your favorite read last month?

24 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I confess I only got through half a book last month. Intend to finish three this month!

Anonymous said...

You're ambitious and obviously with good reason. Speedy reader! I'm working through two right now and a third sitting on my to-read list. Sigh.

ilima said...

I finally read Shatter Me, and even though it ended a whole lot differently than I expected, I loved it.

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

I loved Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend! So cute. :) I really loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone, too. The back story stuff and the slow reveal didn't bother me. But I agree, it is a sloooow reveal.
I just finished The Book Thief and it was one of the best books I've ever read. Seriously, so so beautiful!

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I really liked the pacing in Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I have the second one sitting on my tablet as a dessert for finishing my revision.

Jay Noel said...

I'm reading an ARC right now...a steampunk adventure novel for a buddy of mine.

I'd like to read for enjoyment's sake soon!

Tara Tyler said...

thanks for the honest reviews!
i just finished one & hope to finish another this weekend, two in one month is great for me (but have been reading for a couple months...)

and congrats on being a knight!

Golden Eagle said...

Favorite book from last month . . . probably Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku.

Thanks for the reviews!

Nicole said...

I'm still working on my "January" book. :)

Lynn(e) Schmidt said...

I seriously want to read Reasons, I've heard so many great things on GoodReads

Leigh Covington said...

First... love the new look! Super cute!

Reasons I Fell for the FFF is one of my favorite reads too. That book is so sweet and fun. I just love that story :)

Samantha May said...

I've heard so much about Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend that I think I'm going to HAVE to read it :D

Thanks for the honest and insightful reviews!

Michelle Wallace said...

Those books sound great!
Last month I read my first space opera story, and really enjoyed it!

Jenny S. Morris said...

I LOVED Reasons. ;) And I really liked Smoke & Bone.

Emily R. King said...

I wasn't a huge fan of Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I should give it another shot.

Thanks for the other reviews!

Misha Gerrick said...

Mmm I'm so far behind on my reading it's not even funny. I really should get some done this weekend. The best one I read in Jan was... Open Minds.

Shallee said...

Thanks for the reviews! I've seen these around, and will have to look into a few.

Elise Fallson said...

I've been interested in reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone and have heard good things, but I really enjoyed your honest review. I think I will still read it (eventually), and when I do, I'll be on the look out for the back-story issue.

Kelley Lynn said...

I just started The Night Circus. So far so good.

DoSB actually inspired me to write FRACTION OF STONE. That woman has a way with words. But I TOTALLY agree. The backstory...I was not a fan of.

Cortney Pearson said...

My favorite read this last month was Meant To Be. Such a cute love story!

I got really annoyed with Daughter of Smoke and Bone for the same reason! I wanted more of the whole teeth thing and what the book's premise actually claimed to be about. It was a little disappointing!

Morgan said...

Gosh, pacing is sooooo important. Too bad with the heavy backstory. I read four books last month. That's good for me! :D

Krista McLaughlin said...

I loved Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend! Such a great read! And the sex scene was low key, so it didn't bother me. I'll have to check out the other books - they sound interesting.

I mentioned you on my blog today... :)

Robin said...

Oh-adding Reasons to my TBR and moving it to the top. I LOVE fun reads like that. And I agree about S & B-too much backstory for me.
Fav. read in Feb?-Warm Bodies (and no, I haven't seen the movie) I liked being inside the brain of a zombie, I haven't read that before.

Stephanie said...

Great reviews and an impressive number of books to read in a month. I can barely find time for one.