Review: Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. This was a very special, memorable book. I didn't know what to expect, but I loved it! I'll have to write a longer review when I have more time, but I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone. August was a very special character and the story felt very authentic. What a great book!!!!

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Review: Searching for Dragons

Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this years ago and remembered the series fondly as one of my favorites from childhood. The first one in the series definitely lived up to my expectations, but this one fell a little short. It was still fun and enjoyable, but not as funny as I remembered. Also, the character of Telamain annoyed me, especially when Mendanbar had to "translate" what he was saying to Cimorene. It really wasn't hard to understand what he was saying, although maybe I would have felt differently when I was younger. Still, it was a light and happy fantasy novel. I plan to continue rereading this series!

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Review: I've Got Your Number

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was enjoyable as long as you can suspend your disbelief while reading it. The plot was implausible and full of holes, but for some reason I still enjoyed it. It was a very light, happy read, which was exactly what I needed. I didn't like how she (view spoiler)[ got together with Sam on the same day as her wedding. It made her seem very flaky and like she must not have really loved her fiance at all, (hide spoiler)] but I guess it had the makings of a good romantic comedy. There wasn't much to this book, but I can see myself picking up another Sophie Kinsella novel in the future. They seem kind of like candy - not very good for you, but you buy it anyway because it tastes good. It was a fast read and I would recommend it for people who enjoy movies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days or The Runaway Bride.

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Review: The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. This was great! But I do think it felt very much like a very long introduction to the bigger story. I was engaged the entire time and it was much easier to read than a George R.R. Martin book (those are great too, just more dense). I enjoyed the characters and the university setting (once you got 200 pages in). You can't help but root for Kvothe and want him to be successful. You cheer for his successes and hope Ambrose gets what's coming to him. I don't think there was a moment I was reading that I felt bored.

I'm a little unsure of what I think of some of the characters. I'm not sure about Denna (the girl he's interested in/in love with very obviously from the beginning). There are moments I like her but other times I dislike how she plays with men and I tend to trust Kvothe's friends' opinions. I'm also curious about Bast. I liked him (view spoiler)[ until the end, and while I get that he was trying to protect his master, I don't like how he did it. . . maybe mostly because I want to hear the entire story, not just the parts Bast wants his master to tell to feel good about himself. Also, that ending - - What?!? Dying?? Why??? (hide spoiler)]

It was a good book to take my time reading. I never felt lost while reading it, even if I hadn't read it in several days. I am really excited about reading the next one, although I'm definitely intimidated by the size right now. I may read a few others before I get to it. I won't wait too long though, because I hear there's a TV/movie in the works and Lin Manuel Miranda is involved - Woohoo!! :) I do wish the series was completed though. I'm also curious about how the books are going to unfold from this point on. From what I understand each of the three books is supposed to be one night of Kvothe telling his story, but there seems to be a good story brewing in the present time (the third person parts) as well. I'm sure Rothfuss will tie everything together nicely, I'm just looking forward to seeing how he manages it. Overall, one of the best fantasy stories I've read in a while and I can't wait for more!

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Review: The Hidden Oracle

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5-3.75 stars. I liked this one more than some of his. Apollo was very funny, even if the story is pretty much the same as every other Rick Riordan story. I get tired of the same plot over and over, but I love how diverse his characters are and how well he handles differences in sexuality. Apollo's voice was very unique and pretty hilarious. I'm looking forward to more in this series!

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Review: Three Dark Crowns

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. I really enjoyed it, although it left me with more questions than answers. I wasn't sure what I'd think because I saw some mixed reviews, but overall I thought it was very intriguing. I liked all three sisters and several of the side characters. I do think there were a few too many side characters to keep track of, but I think I got all of the main ones. I was only confused a couple of times, but hopefully by the next one I'll be able to keep track of them all. I accidentally saw a spoiler before I read the book about (view spoiler)[ Joseph and people really hating him. I can't say I hated him as much as some people did, although I certainly didn't like him. He was better than Pietyr, at least! I have no idea what's going on there . . . I was only somewhat surprised by the ending because I thought the name "Arsinoe" sounded like "Arsenic" (a good poisoner name) and "Katherine" can be shortened to "Kat" (maybe a good name for a naturalist?). I thought that they may have been switched at birth or something from the beginning. (hide spoiler)] I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

It ended rather abruptly, but definitely made me want more! I wish I didn't have to wait until September for the next one. I hope that (view spoiler)[ all three sisters live somehow and that they remember their love for each other. (hide spoiler)] I think it's unlikely, but I can hope, right? I'm looking forward to September!!

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Review: Dealing with Dragons

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun, funny series! I read this series when I was younger, and decided to see if it stands up to the test of time. Occasionally I've reread something from my younger days and realized it wasn't as good as I remembered, but this wasn't the case for this book. I love Princess Cimorene's character and I love the humor throughout the book. It is a great middle-grade read and I can't wait to re-read the rest of the series!

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