Unpopular Opinions Book Tag

You know this tag. It's fun, it's divisive, and it really speaks volumes about a person's reading tastes. Without further ado, here are my controversial bookish opinions. *curtain drop*

1. A Popular Book or Series You Didn't Like

Starting out with a bang: The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken. I hate saying this, because Alexandra seems like such a lovely person, but the plot of the first book felt a little bland and the writing didn't engage me at all. Sadly, I ended up DNFing.

Runners Up: The Legend trilogy by Marie Lu, Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (I know, I know, blasphemy!)

2. A Popular Book or Series that Everyone Else Seems to Hate but You Love

The Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes. This series isn't hated necessarily, but it certainly attracts divided opinions! I understand why some people have issues with these books. The story isn't rich, per say, but if you take it for what it is - a lite Game of Thrones type fantasy series - then I think these books are just fun and twisty and fast-paced. Also, there's an enemies-to-lovers relationship that is spot. on. The first four books are especially excellent.

3. A Love Triangle Where the Main Character Ended Up with the Person You Did NOT Want Them To OR an OTP You Don't Like

I have a few for this one, but I'm gonna go with Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series. *spoilers ahead* I enjoyed this trilogy overall, but I found Ash to be the flattest, most uninteresting character ever. Which is strange, because dark broody fey princes are completely my thing! But Ash lacked any personality and I groaned when Meghan and him ended up together. Especially because I loved her relationship with Puck, her sarcastic best friend. Their precious few scenes of romantic tension just about killed me. Why Julie, why?? *end spoilers*

Runners Up: (No spoilers here - just pairings I don't love!) Elias/Laia, Yael/Luka, Alina/Mal

4. A Popular Book Genre You Don't Usually Reach For

Probably New Adult?

5. A Popular or Beloved Character that You Do Not Like

Oh man - Lila Bard from V.E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic. It's been a while since I read the book, but I remember thinking she was so full of herself, and mouthy, and irritating for no actual purpose other than to show off in front other people. She was completely uncaring about what those around her were going through. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but I couldn't stand her character at all!

6. A Popular Author that You Can't Seem to Get Into

Hmm, I would say Marie Lu. I've tried reading two of her series and have failed to continue on. Her writing just isn't for me!

7. A Popular Book Trope that You're Tired of Seeing

Honestly, I think most tropes can be made new with the right perspective and story-telling. But I'm getting a little sick of hearing "fierce" or "kick-ass" female character when a book is being pitched to me, particularly in fantasy. It always comes off like that's the protagonist's defining quality, and I'm even more disappointed when the character turns out to be a carbon copy of other popular female protagonists. When calling girls "strong," I think it's important to remember that strength comes in many forms.

8. A Popular Series You Have No Interest in Reading

The Monsters of Verity duology by Victoria Schwab. (I don't hate all her books, I swear. Vicious is one of my favorite stand-alones!) Other than that, probably the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. I've been vaguely spoiled for where things go in those books, and I don't think they're for me.

9. The saying goes the book is always better than the movie. But what movie or tv show do you prefer more than the book?

This is so hard! Maybe Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen? I love the book, but the film with Kiera Knightley won my soul the minute I watched it. The music, the costumes, the atmosphere...it's just perfect. I also really enjoyed the recent Netflix adaptation of To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, but I feel like that's cheating since I haven't read the books!


FIN.
Thanks for reading! I hope I didn't hate on too many of your faves...

Review: A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

4.5 stars. There are few series that get progressively better with each book. Usually sequels stumble along the way, at least a little. That is not the case with this series - from Ember to Reaper, each book has outshone the last by jaw-dropping proportions. And that’s not to say that An Ember in the Ashes was a bad first book. The world was unique, the characters well-constructed, and I knew I wanted to continue on with the story. But I was taken aback by how much I loved A Torch Against the Night, and now...A Reaper at the Gates. A Reaper at the Gates is a masterpiece, and to call it anything short of that would be an insult.

Each of the four perspectives were fully engaging (though I had my favorites), and we get so much plot and character growth. The reveals left me shell-shocked and the writing. Sabaa Tahir is a born writer. She puts you in every scene. You feel every emotion, witnessing every event as if you’re there with the characters. I cannot praise this book highly enough. If I wasn’t so stingy with my 5-star ratings, Reaper would be first in line to get one. Just wow.

If you’re iffy about picking up or continuing on with this series, please do it. I promise you won't regret your choice.

P.S. - I know he’s the “villain”, but I absolutely love the Nightbringer.

Goodreads

Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

4 stars. This book is so severely underrated that it makes me want to toss copies down from rooftops. Illusions of Fate is possibly the best standalone fantasy I have ever read. It has a Howl's Moving Castle vibe, complete with quirky magic and warring wizards. The story follows a girl named Jessa, who is studying in a foreign country somewhat reminiscent to England. She sticks out due to the fact that she's from an island country and has darker skin. The prejudice and racial stereotyping she faces was handled so well, I thought, and realistically. Along with "fate", the theme of stereotypes actually plays a prominent role in the main plot, which was refreshing to read in a fantasy. 

The story kicks off when Jessa runs into a magician and gets tangled up in magical and political warfare. First off, I loved Jessa as a protagonist. She's witty and level-headed, and I immediately grew attached to her. The magician she encounters is charming and mysterious, and I just love him to death. There's also a magical blackbird, who Jessa names Sir Bird and who completely stole my heart. He is the purest soul. 

The only qualm I had with Illusions of Fate was with the villain, who was interesting but lacking in cohesiveness. He is dang scary though - let's just say there's a scene involving fingers and a hammer that scarred me a bit. In comparison to Kiersten White's other books, I thought this novel was leagues above her Paranormalcy trilogy, which I enjoyed enough when I was younger but did not love. I was especially impressed with her writing and characterization this time around.

To wrap up, Illusions of Fate is now an instant favorite that I'll be revisiting for sure. Though the story felt complete, I almost wish there were a sequel.

Goodreads

Quick Review: Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

A ballpark three stars. Jenna Welch's writing is as humorous, clever, and insightful as ever in this follow-up. Love & Luck follows Addie, the best friend of Lina from Love & Gelato, as she's on vacation in Ireland after undergoing a heartbreak back home. She's fighting with her brother, Ian, and decides to follow the instructions of an Irish guidebook on how to heal a broken heart. The author's descriptions of Ireland are vivid and beautiful, and I ended up enjoying Addie's character a lot more than I thought I would. 

The story is a road-trip adventure of sorts, which I always have fun reading. I will say, though, that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. The plot wasn't as solid, and some things that happened felt rushed and were beyond my bandwidth of belief. We do get to hear from Lina and Ren again, which I loved, but even their appearances felt a little shoved in. Overall, I'm still glad I read Love & Luck, even if it didn't quite live up to its predecessor.

Goodreads

Rapid Fire Book Tag

Hi guys! To switch things up, I thought I'd try a book tag. (No one's tagged me...but I've seen people tag "whoever's watching" on Youtube, so I'm running with that. 🤷) This is called the Rapid Fire Book Tag. The speed element is obviously a tad difficult to translate into writing, so I'm just going to be as concise with my answers as possible. Hopefully you'll get to know my reading tastes better this way, and you can see how much we have in common! But enough with all the chatter, let's get to the questions.

1. E-book or physical book?

Physical book all the way. I'm a tangible reader - I need to hold the story in my hands.

2. Paperback or hardback?

I'm a sentimental creature, so whichever copy I read first. But I prefer hardcovers.

3. Online or in-store book shopping?

Gah. I prefer the in-store shopping experience, but pre-order incentives have really pushed me toward online shopping lately. (Sorry, B&N.)

4. Trilogies or series?

BOTH. But I like the neatness of trilogies, as it keeps the story from running off-pace. I would say trilogies, because they leave room for the author to continue with a prequel/spin-off series, that's maybe set in the same world but following different characters.

5. Heroes or villains?

Look, I'm both Team Peeta (from THG) and Team Darkling (from S&B), so I'm split halfway. If I were to conduct a poll, though, I think more villains have stolen my heart. I'm one of those suckers for the antagonist with a tragic backstory, who has the potential to be redeemed. Kylo Ren/Ben Solo owns my entire soul. And as a kid, I rooted for the predator in every wildlife documentary (Yes, I know, I'm horrible).

6. A book you want everyone to read?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It's beautiful and tragic, and will change your life. But it's also pretty well-known, so I'll offer two more recommendations: Maus by Art Spiegelman, a nonfiction graphic memoir about the Holocaust, and 1984 by George Orwell, which is bleak but incredibly timely. Both offer important insights that I think everyone needs to reflect on.

7. Recommend an underrated book?

Going with a contemporary, which is not my preferred genre. Fracture by Megan Miranda. It's where I was first introduced to Les Miserables. The story follows a girl struggling with grief, death, meaning, and love, after she suffers a traumatic brain injury. Just, please look up the synopsis. You won't be sorry.

8. Last book you finished?

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Wemouth. It was beautiful and utterly destroyed my life. You can find my review here on my blog.

9. Last book you bought?

It's actually sitting next to me here on the couch as I'm typing, and it's Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch. I was lucky enough to pick up an advance copy of the book's follow-up, Love & Luck, which was recently released, and I wanted to read the first one before diving into the sequel. I believe these books follow a girl and the adventures she has while traveling to different countries (AKA my dream AU life...).

10. Weirdest thing you've used as a bookmark?

Maybe a *clean* piece of laundry? Like a sock? I generally use receipts because they're thin, unobtrusive, and found in abundance.

11. Used books: yes or no?

Heck yes! Unless they're severely damaged/gross/unkempt. I tend to be choosier with my used copies, but I like that they have history.

12. Top three favorite genres?

Fantasy (YA and adult). Historical fiction. Literary fiction.

13. Borrow or buy?

Buy. 😬

14. Characters or plot?

Characters, 100%. If you don't have complex and well-developed characters, I don't care if the plot is as intricate as Pan's Labyrinth. I won't care. I need to be attached to the characters to be invested. Plus, it's my belief that if you have well-written characters, they'll produce good plots on their own.

15. Long or short books?

Uh...don't care? I guess long, assuming the book is good.

16. Long or short chapters?

Without any given context (are there different perspectives?), I would say short.

17. Name the first three books you think of. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. (<3) Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

18. Books that make you laugh or cry?

Cry. I live to suffer.

19. Our world or fictional worlds?

Fictional worlds. Escapism is my primary coping mechanism.

20. Audiobooks: yes or no?

As a kid, my family and I rented audiobooks from the library to listen to during road trips. (Anyone else grow up with Hank the Cowdog?) But we usually owned the physical copy as well. So, sadly, while I have nothing against audiobooks, I rarely ever listen to them. I'm such a visual person that my mind will wander if I just hear the story.

21. Do you ever judge a book by its cover?

Judge? Yes, unfortunately. But I do try to give the blurb a chance if the book is in my favorite genre.

Book-to-movie or book-to-tv adaptations?

I think this is a bit of an unpopular opinion, but...book-to-movie. I think the production costs force higher quality effects/writing/standards in a movie than in a tv show. And if a movie is bad, I can erase it from my mind and just write it off as an unfortunate flop. TV show adaptations, though, generally have lower budgets and can ping-pong around wildly in terms of quality. And I don't like being strung along for moments that look promising and moments of utter disappointment. Not sure if I'm conveying my thoughts effectively, but I just don't like the feeling of being dragged along with tv adaptations that stir up the online wasps and are not a one-occurrence thing. They zap the strength out of me.

Series or standalones?

Overall? Series.


And, that's it! If you made it this far, thanks! And please let me know your answers to these questions in the comments. <3

Credit: I believe the original tag was created by GirlReading on YouTube.

Review: The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth

4.25 stars. I'm going to start right off by saying that this book broke my heart, and I am 100% not okay. The Light Between Worlds is about three siblings who cross over into another world called the Woodlands, and then are thrust back into our world a few years later. Specifically, we follow Evelyn, the youngest, and Phillipa, her older sister. This story in many ways feels like a darker Narnia, as it explores all the thoughts and feelings I've always believed I would feel, were I one of the Pevensie children. Laura nails the weight of loss and long-term grief, and how people grapple with those feelings in different ways and in varying degrees. 

While I grew attached to both sisters, I connected most with Evelyn, who takes her exile back to reality the hardest. If you're someone who hasn't experienced or witnessed long-term grief or loss, you may get irritated at how many times Evelyn relapses into depression - but her cycles of brief light and utter darkness struck deep for me. I saw myself in her character so many times. One trigger warning I feel I should mention (which I'll list at the end) is for self-harm. There are a few scenes and references to the fact that Evelyn goes through episodes where she intentionally hurts herself. None of these scenes are graphic, but I do think they could be potentially triggering if you're in a bad place. I think anyone who's suffered any kind of personal trauma will relate to the themes in this book.

One bump I will mention is that it took me a bit of time to feel connected to the story, as the characters and the world-building felt very surface-level at first. As I continued reading, though, I became more invested, and now I'm just left with the bittersweet heartache of witnessing something beautiful and painful, and something that mirrors a part of my own soul.

TW: self-harm

Release Date: October 23, 2018

Goodreads

Quick Review: Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh

3.75 stars. Once again, Renée Ahdieh totally stole my heart with Smoke in the Sun. I love that we got to see more of Tsuneoki in this sequel, since he was one of my favorite characters in Flame in the Mist. I think I loved Okami even more in this installment (if that's even possible), and I was backing Mariko 100% throughout the entire novel. Her relationship with Prince Raiden in particular kept me on the edge of my seat, as my trust in him kept ping-ponging back and forth. This book also confirmed how seriously messed up Roku - the new boy emperor - is. He's beyond twisted, and the way Renee wrote him was so beautiful and eerie that he really gave me the creeps. I got chills multiple times while curled up in bed, reading. My only qualm with Smoke in the Sun is that the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. Honestly, I think this series could've easily been a trilogy. A third book would've allowed the plot to breathe a bit, and would've given us more time to explore the characters, who I feel like we were just getting attached to. If you enjoyed Flame in the Mist, you have nothing to fear - this sequel does the story justice and will leave you satisfied, if not a little wistful for more.

Goodreads