Book Review | Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda 

Author: Becky Albertalli (@beckyalbertalli)

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Page Number: 303

Genre: Contemporary
Publication Date: April 7, 2015

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

Goodreads | Book Depository 

My Review:
I read this book, when, in JUNE!?!?!?!? Procrastination skills on POINT. Just kidding.

ANYWAYS, I could some up this entire review with just two words: SO. CUTE. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda has got. To be. The CUTEST freaking book ever.


"White shouldn’t be the default any more than straight should be the default. There shouldn’t even be a default."

Simon was a quick read; I flew threw it in a day or two. And although I talk mostly about it's adorableness, there are a few great moments that truly demonstrate the LGBTQ+ aspect of this book.
Simon is the best character ever, from his amazing fandom references, which got me screaming like no other, to the sweetest moments between him and Blue (ship. ship. SHIP.) Simon felt so relatable. I wanted to be his best friend. He's so freaking heartwarming, and his dialogue, his sarcastic tongue, and EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING was perfect.

Simon coming out was one of the best parts. High schools is difficult as it is, and knowing that you're gay, and people are going to tease you about that is a big toughie. What I loved most about Albertalli's writing is how she made is so realistic. I started crying when Simon came out to (you know who). Simon's group of amazing friends (#squad goals) were so sweet and supportive, and you just feel mush for him. YOU JUST LOVE HIM SO MUCH <3 <3 <3

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a heartwarmer, adorable, and ever so relatable and will always be remembered. And to those still debating on whether or not to read it?

Read it. Love it. Repeat. 

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

Book Review | The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer
(Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)

Author: Rick Riordan (@camphalfblood)
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Page Number: 528

Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

Goodreads | Book Depository 

My Review:
Words can't even express my excitement for The Sword of Summer. Riordan is, and will always be one of my favorite authors...but his two latest books fell flat-ish for me. Riordan's not losing his touch, by any means. It's just...time to get a-move on...

But that doesn't mean I hated The Sword of Summer. I enjoyed it nevertheless. The chapter titles were hilarious (especially the one with Jason Grace), and the characters were enjoyable as usual. The Annabeth cameos were by far the most anticipated, and probably my favorite parts. 

Magnus is snarky and sarcastic, and although his sarcasm far from Percy's level (Persassy FTW), but it's up there. And it makes everything 10x more hilarious. One thing Magnus lacks is character. Yes, he's sarcastic and snarky, but other than that, there's pretty much nothing going on for him. He's just...Percy.! Sam and some of his other buddies helped too. I especially loved Blitzen. 

I went into this knowing extremely little about the Norse gods, and although this did inform me a ton more, it info-dropped a lot. Not completely, but a lot. I found myself referring back to the back of the book, which explained which levels were which, as I got them confused a lot. 

The plot was standard Riordan, and I've come to peace with it. People might argue that it's predictable and simple and not original, but I've gotten so used to it, and it hurts to give Riordan's books less than a 3 star rating. They were my childhood. Besides, I like the classic Riordan plot. Ordinary boy/girl finds that they are special, then they come to this fabulous new place, find that they're destined for something great (or bad), and go on a quest, etc, etc. It's strangely warming. 

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

YA Summer Contemporaries: Saint Anything + Emmy and Oliver

Saint Anything

Author: Sarah Dessen
(@sarahdessen)
Publisher: Viking, published May 5, 2015

Page Number: 417

Genre: Contemporary

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.

Goodreads | Book Depository

My Review:

“I was used to being invisible. People rarely saw me, and if they did, they never looked close.”

Saint Anything was my first Dessen novel, and hearing that they have similar plots, I’m not sure if I’m going to pick up another one. The beginning started out interesting, and I found myself really enjoying the story, despite the dullness of Sydney’s characters. Insert the Chatham family, and I don’t know whether or not it’s a good thing that I like the secondary characters rather than the main character. There’s quirky Layla, who always falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, and Mac, who was a pain in the ass throughout the beginning of the book, with his strange diet and whatnot, but I grew to love him.

I just felt really bad for Sydney. Her mother was a pain the head, and Sydney had done NOTHING wrong. It was her brother, who I DESPISE, who was the drug addict and nearly killed someone. Sydney hadn’t even touched liquor! ERGH. NO, JUST NO.

Huge Dessen fan? Pick this up. Otherwise, go pick something else.

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄

Emmy & Oliver

Author: Robin Benway
(@robinbenway)

Publisher: HarperTeen on June 23, 2015

Page Number: 352

Genre: Contemporary

Synopsis from Goodreads:  

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story

Goodreads | Book Depository
  My Review:

“Love isn’t something you say, it’s something you do.”

Although Emmy & Oliver was compared to Dessen’s books, I found it a whole lot more enjoyable. You’d think this was a romance, but no, it isn’t. It’s that book, with family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, growing up, and everything, and I loved it so much. It was SO CUTE.

In the beginning, Emmy and her group of friends are in second grade. Emmy, Caro, Drew, and Oliver. Oliver, Caro, Drew, and Emmy. Their friendship is genuine, and you know that, because they’re still friends to this day. Oliver then gets kidnapped by his father, and their little group hasn’t been the same since.

Unlike Sydney from my review above, Emmy was RELATABLE. And sarcastic, and embarrassingly awkward, but what’s not to love? She sees the her best friend from 10 years ago, and he’s hotter than before, but she doesn’t blush and look away (I HATE THAT), she pokes her tongue out and crosses her eyes. THE GUTS. And the guts of her to go out and surf every night for what, five years?

The dialogue is smooth and something teens these days actually would say. I feel like Caro and Drew are my BFFs. Hell, I want them to be my BFFs.

The only problem I had were Emmy’s parents. They were overprotective, just like Sydney’s parents. It frustrated me. *frustration dance*

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

Book Review | Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Queen of Shadows
(Throne of  Glass #4)

Author: Sarah J. Maas
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Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Page Number: 648

Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: September 1, 2015

Synopsis from Goodreads:
The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series contrinues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes and Nobles 

My Review:

“Let’s go rattle the stars.”

This review will have a spoiler section, and a non-spoilery section. Please DO NOT read the spoilery section if you haven’t read QoS, I REALLY want you do find out what happens by yourself. Thanks :D

Queen of Shadows was a hella of a ride, and no way did Sarah J. Maas hold back on anything. You’d think it’d take a long time to read a what, 648 book, but HECK NO. I probably read it in two or three settings. I COULD NOT put the book down. Literally. Both physically and mentally.

The thing I probably loved the most was the wide and diverse set of characters. QoS introduced many new characters, and I loved ALL OF THEM. Seriously. All of these characters developed so well, especially Aelin. Also, the number of badass ladies in this series is amazing, and I’m lovin’ it. (McDonald’s puns when I’m not supposed to be eating it...whoops...)

Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen, Heir of Fire and Ash (or was it ash and fire?), demands you read this book… (only if you want to… but PLEASE)

---

please only read on if you have read qos, please don’t spoil yourself. thanks! -beatrice xx

---

everything is amazing.

The book starts off with Dorian, and it’s just so sad. Dorian is so broken, and it’s just ARUGH please don’t die and just sadness.

Then of course, Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, Heir of Fire and Ash, Mighty Queen of Terrasen, or other shit like that breaks in. Don’t get me wrong, I love Aelin and everything, but we get it. You’re powerful and stuff. Yeah, let’s move on. Their plan is to kill Arobynn (yay) and steal back the final Wyrdkey, but then they make a bargain with her former instructor order to save her cousin, Aedion. Teaming up with Lysandra turns out to be a great idea, and Aelin learns all that Arobynn did, and thus, the plans to slaughter the man happen.

WAIT. But before that, Rowan comes back, which was so nice, because we were about 100 pages in until he came back. I was almost worried he wasn’t going to come. He tells the crew about Lorcan (that idiot) and Maeve (double idiot), and Aelin tricks him and yeah. Lysandra kills Arobynn. YAY LYSANDRA. Although I did wish that we got to see Arobynn’s last words, but this works too.

Lysandra gets taken by the witches, and in order to save her, Aelin and Manon has that epic fight of theirs, but Dorian… I cried SO hard.

Magic is back, and Lysandra is an epic shapeshifter (i forgot when that actually was announced...stupid me, so i'm going to randomly put it here. :D) Magic is weak and things go wrong and shit goes down at the castle because the King of Adarlan knows Aelin’s real identity. But that doesn’t matter, because Aelin uses her epic fire powers and somehow burns the demon inside of Dorian so hooray!? And then they hold and hands and bind powers and defeat the king and then Dorian shatters the glass castle, killing his father in the process. I’m so glad he did. That dude was getting on my nerves.

Everything is wrapped up so well but ArgH I WANT MORE.

---

lysandra is my new fave.

Because the badass ladies in this series are SERIOUSLY kicking it. Honestly, all the characters in this series just develop so much in QoS. Although the transition between Aelin and Celaena wasn’t as smooth as it could have been, I really admired Aelin, whereas with Celaena, I was just yelling at her, “YOU GO, GIRL!”, I respected Aelin. Aelin really starts to understand herself in this installment, especially with Rowan.

The part where Manon and Aelin meet is probably one of my favorites. They are so similar, yet feel so different. Aelin fought for her friends, Aedion, and her COUNTRY. And the lovingness that both Aedion and Rowan give her is just amazing. In the first few books, Aelin was just this almost not human assassin, just listening to orders, and now, she has people to love, people who care for her. AND WHEN SHE BARGAINS WITH AROBYNN TO SAVE AEDION. That’s called badass. She’s always been badass, but now she just takes badass to another level.

Manon Blackbeak just kicking it like usual. When Asterin explains to Manon her situation with their grandmother, I just understand all her years of harshness and cruelty. And when she helped Dorian… I LOVE MONORIAN… or Dorion? IDK I JUST SHIP IT asd;lafkjds;flaj;sdlfkja;dlkjf

Let’s talk Chaol. Honestly, I’m just glad he found Nesryn, and that are happy together. I didn’t like him much in HoF, but I didn’t despise him like other people did. I understood his reasons for acting such, and I didn’t love him as I did in CoM, but he did improve. And Nesryn and Chaol is better than Chaolena. Wow, I can’t believe I’m saying that._.

“You and I are nothing but wild beasts wearing human skins.”

Lysandra has officially become my favorite character. Aelin needed a girlfriend REAL BAD, and Lysandra fit that deal better than no other. And shape-shifting just added another bonus point. Her childhood was similar to Aelin, and they just clicked, maybe after a few times, but #FRIENDSHIPGOALS.

And Rowan. ROWAN. ROWAN. Rowana forever. I missed him SO much in the first 100 some pages, and he arrived. HE FINALLY ARRIVED. Learning about his lover, and his adorableness (#nightgowns) and EPICNESS EVEN WITHOUT MAGIC was just over the top. And did I mention the times he saved Aelin?

Oh, Dorian…

The chapters we got of Dorian were the small snippets of the demon consuming his mind, and they were heartbreaking to read. Not even a full page. But when he came back to his full power, he was ready to become king. Strong, powerful AGH.

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

Book Review | Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)

Author: Susan Dennard
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Publisher: Harper Teen

Page Number: 388

Genre: Paranormal
Publication Date: July 24, 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Philadelphia 1876. The Dead are rising. A zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor Fitt. Whoever controls the Dead Army has her brother. She avoids her mother's choice of husband for the lab of Spirit Hunters, including the maddeningly stubborn yet handsome Daniel. The situation threatens her reputation, and the lives of everyone in the city.

Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes and Nobles 

My Review:

Something Strange and Deadly was indeed something strange and deadly. (I know, I’m so punny.) What did I like, and what did I hate? (not really)

1. Characters

Eleanor, the protagonist of the novel, really annoyed me in the beginning of the novel. However, towards the end of the book, she really did mature a lot, and although she’ll never be one of my faves because she’s honestly kind of stupid and reckless, I appreciate her development throughout this story.

DANIEL IS SO ADORABLE ACKKK!!!! His arrogance, sarcasm, ARGH SHIP SHIP SHIP. I shipped them right from the start, and although it was obvious that they were going to be together, I loved seeing them fall in love - although Eleanor had sort of love at fifth sight… whatever. AND THE PARCEL. THE PARCEL. You know what I’m talking about.

Jie. Remember how I said Eleanor was kind of stupid? Well, this is one of the reasons. I’m Asian, and Jie in Chinese means Older Sister. Also, the fact that they shave their heads? Um, no. And bound their feet? Um, no. Besides that, Jie was probably my favorite character in this book. She was so badass and strong, and I was so pleased to see her relationship with Eleanor grow.

Throughout this whole book, I just wanted to punch Eleanor’s mother. She KNEW that they were low on money, but she still wasted money on stupid dresses and curtains? PLEASE. Give me a break. No wonder Eleanor can be dumb and careless.

2.    Talk About Intriguing

Maybe it’s just me, but I haven’t read many books about zombies. The plot was all sorts of interesting, but it was a bit predictable. I knew the plot twist was coming at the end; I was surprised Eleanor didn’t pick it up. The whole necromancer thing really intrigued me, especially the magic parts.

This book was more about the magic parts, rather than the gruesome and bloody parts. Which actually, I’m fine about, because I don’t particularly like vomiting on my books, yeah? (QUOTING JIE YEAH?) I went into this book thinking it would be gross, but to my pleasant surprise, it wasn’t!

3.     THE ENDING

The ending was cray. Eleanor gets injured, and the other Spirit Hunters just leave? Like, what??? Her mother is still being stupid about Eleanor getting married to a fine gentleman, although she already knows after the incident, no one’s going to want to marry her.

Honestly, I just want to pick up the second book. Seriously. BINGE READING, YEAH? (JIE JIE JIE)

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

Booktubing VS Book Blogging & Why I Will Never Booktube...Yet

Booktube. It's been getting pretty popular these days. Why? I dunno, maybe that you can actually see personality and actually know who's making these videos, whereas in book blogging, you're more behind the scenes, and being secretive. Which is the better deal? Booktubing or Book Blogging? 

I love watching videos, I'll tell you that. I'm subscribed to a crap ton of booktubers, while I only follow a few book bloggers. But what makes us really enjoy booktube videos better than blog posts? 
One of the reasons is visual interpretation. You get to actually see the booktuber talk and hold up books and fangirl and whatnot, whereas in blogging, you have to resort to images from Goodreads/Instagram, and ASLKDF;AKSJL;FLKASD;JF; J OMFG is probably the best thing you'll get to fangirling. 

Another reason why I love watching booktube is that it's more interactive. Most booktubers have various sorts of social medias to interact with their viewers/subscribers. Yes, we do have social media, but it's just not the same, because some of us don't show our faces while using social media, so we feel less connected with our followers. 

Finally, booktube is usually done on YouTube, which is has a large platform of viewers. Therefore, people are more likely to stumble upon a booktube video, rather than stumble upon a website about books. I mean, who's going to search "The Winner's Book Thief" on Google? No one. We bloggers have to find different ways to increase our views and followers. Some good ways are Twitter, BlogLovin, and Goodreads. Just so you know :D 

However, booktube does have its cons. If you really want to increase your audience, a good quality camera and tripod do cost a lot of money. Not to mention a fancy lens. It takes a big commitment to buying those things. In book blogging, all you need is a computer, website, and a creative mind. 

It takes lots of time to get ready to film a video, time to edit it, and time to upload it. Dude, I could have finished two rough drafts of a blog post by the time one video uploads itself onto YouTube. Talk about wasting time!

Book bloggers are more behind the scenes, not showing their faces in profile pictures (usually), not giving too much of their lives on the internet, while in booktube, you should look good on camera. Heck, if I was wearing pajamas while typing this post, you wouldn't know, but if you were wearing pajamas on screen...that might been seen as weird. No judgment though. And for the record, I'm not wearing pajamas while typing this. Just so you know.

Which is better?  
Ehhh, honestly depends on your approach. As a book blogger, I'm hella scared to show my face on the internet, but...

Finally-
I'm going to recommend you some booktubers, if you don't know where to start. Seven, to be specific. A few are quite well known in the booktube community, a few, not so much. 


Jesse from jessethereader: Jesse is so adorable, and we have similar book tastes. Also, his videos are hilarious, and pun-tastic...

Jenny from Jellafy: Jenny has this sarcastic tone that's so funny, and she reads a lot of historical fiction, which is something I rarely reach for, so if I need a rec, I'll go to her. She's also really underrated, which is bad, because her videos are really well done.

Regan from PeruseProject: Regan...is the queen of derp faces. I mean, seriously. Also, this girl has really good fashion taste and historical fiction recs. 

  

Yep. Derp faces on fleek. Like usual. 

Sophia from The Book Basement: Sophia used to be a book blogger as well, apparently. I discovered her because she was chosen to be one of the people who read the clues for The Blood of Olympus release thingy? Yeah, remember? Yeah. I found out she had a blog, and she inspired me to create on of my own. Also, she's so amazing and smart and supa supa nice and I love her glasses. Also, she's underrated so go subscribeeeee. OH AND SHE LOVES IMAGINE DRAGONS <3333333

Maureen from MaureenKeavy: Maureen reads so quickly, and she reads a variety of books, and loves Morgan Matson and is underrated, go subscribe. Also she's really sweet and yeah. 

Catriona from The Little Book Owl: Catriona, or Caz also reads a variety of books, and was technically the first booktuber I ever discovered. I love her accent so so SO much. 

Finally, save the best for last...

Christine from PolandBananasBooks: Christine has INFECTIOUS energy, and she's so amazing. And she loves Percy aksdkjf;aksd;falksd;flkja;sdlkjf;lkj and she makes a variety of vids and her sketches/comedy videos are absolutely HILARIOUS and she makes things so unique and I just love her so so so much. She's also the mother of booktubing, which makes her even more fab :D

♡ Beatrice

Book Review | The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey

The Girl at Midnight (The Girl at Midnight #1)

Author: Melissa Grey
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Publisher: Delacorte Press 

Page Number: 357

Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: April 28, 2015

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, though if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes and Nobles 

My Review:
I've seen many similarities between this, DoSaB (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) and The Mortal Instruments. However, since I haven't read DoSaB (I know, I know xD), this was a pretty solid fantasy for me. If you want the honest truth, this felt like a Percy Jackson novel. I know. Why? I don't know, really. It just had that sort of vibe. Except, obviously, PJO is much, much, MUCH better. Sorry :D

"Run when I have to, and fight to the end." -Echo, pg. 357

The blurb left me so confused, yet so intrigued. 
From the very beginning, I thought that the enemy to the Avicen were humans. Blame my poor comprehension skills, but honestly. 

"Are you flirting with me? Because you're cute enough, but you're not really my type."

I didn't like Echo. 
Echo didn't work, for me. She was really reckless, and hated when anyone called her a little kid, when seriously, she acted just like one. Honestly, grow up. Her sarcastic tongue came up at the most RANDOM fucking moments. Sometime they would just make me lol out loud because they were just so hilarious. Also, she was the literal ONLY one who cussed. Which, I wouldn't care about if the other characters did it too, but Echo was literally the only one and the least mature. 

HOWEVER. Books. Libraries. That's all I have to say. 

"Finders, keepers, asshole." -Echo, pg. 128

Caius. 
Everyone likes Caius. I find myself disliking most of the male leads these days. He was too quiet, and yes, he was brave, but dude, fucking STAND UP to your goddamned sister. And open your eyes. He literally could NOT tell that obvious crush that ____ had on him (read the book and find out). It was seriously so obvious, even I, the least romantic person ever, noticed. I also couldn't imagine Caius as being hot. I mean, that doesn't matter. But, I like to imagine these dudes before fangirling. I really must imagined Caius as a human with scales. And I imagine the Avicen as humans with feathers and black pupils, but that's what they are, right? 

Secondary Characters.
I really would have appreciated more backstory on Ivy, or Echo's relationship with her boyfriend. Grey really only focused on Echo, and developing her as a character, leaving the rest of the characters boring and bland.  

Pacing. 
The pacing of this book was all over the place. The first half, I understand, was to develop the setting and characters and whatnot, but the second half. WHOA. The second half was freaking bomb. The action finally started happening. This might have made the book a bit rushed at the ending for me, but I enjoyed it. Thank god the ending wasn't a huge cliffhanger. Yeah, Grey leaves room for questioning, but she wrapped up the first book rather well, which I appreciated. 

If you enjoy a good, solid fantasy, and you haven't read DoSaB, or don't care about originality, The Girl at Midnight would be a pretty good read. 

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Authors I've Read The Most Books From

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme held by the ladies at The Broke and Bookish.

This week's theme is: Top Ten Authors I've Read The Most Books From

Well, I have a confession- I've never done a Top Ten Tuesday before. I know, *gasp*. But today seemed like a fun topic, so I decided, why not? BUT...I have a problem...I have, like, lots of ties. So I don't know what I'm going to do xD.  

Well, number ten. A seven way tie. I've read four books from each of these authors. Some of these are my absolute favorites....like Marie Lu and Marissa Meyer :D

Kiera Cass // Author of the Selection Trilogy
I've read the original Selection trilogy, plus one of the novella bind ups. Does that count?? Yeah, too late.The Selection trilogy is one of the most freaking addicting books ever. I guess that's good....?
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Michael Scott // Author of the The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series
I've read the first four books, and until recently, I thought there were only four books. However, I found out there were six recently...and sorta lost interest. I read these books in elementary school, but they are still good.
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Veronica Roth // Author of the Divergent Trilogy
I've read the Divergent Trilogy, of course, and Four, the bind up. Apparently she's writing a new book about Star Wars...even though Allegiant wasn't that well written, I'm really intrigued about what she's doing next!
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Marissa Meyer // Author of the Lunar Chronicles Series
Oh my gods, oh my gods, oh my gods. I've read the first three books, plus Fairest. Marissa Meyer is an AUTO-BUY author. I love her books so so much, and I can't even express my feelings for Winter. aklsdf;akjds;lfakjlsd;fkja;lsdkj SO EXCITED ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
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Tahereh Mafi // Author of the Shatter Me Trilogy
I've read the Shatter Me trilogy, and the novella. Can I just be the 10238401928341824th to say that her writing is gorgeous? Because seriously, it's just hella beautiful. She's writing a new book, and I'm really really excited. :D Plus, Ranhereh is just goals AF.
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Marie Lu // Author of the Legend Trilogy and the Young Elites Trilogy
AUTO-BUY. Anything Marie writes, I'll buy. I've read the Legend trilogy, and the first book in the Young Elites trilogy. I love love love her soooo sooo much. I love Day and June, and admire her for taking a new route with Adelina, traveling to the dark way. alskd;falksd;falk  I LOVE HER SO MUCH. plus she's Asian. we need more Asian authors.
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Lois Lowry // Author of the Giver Quartet
I didn't pick up a Lois Lowry book until recently, but I just love her stories. I read Number the Stars (I was about to write Counting Stars... ONE REPUBLIC <3) in elementary school, and that story touched me in so many ways. During winter break, I binge-read the Giver Quartet, and I loved it just as much.  
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 EIGHTTTTTTTTTTTT YAYYY. :D

Pittacus Lore // Pseudonym of the Author of the Lorien Legacies series
This series has an interesting take to it, even though it's really easy to figure out what's going to happen next, they are so addicting.
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Sarah J. Maas // Author of the Throne of Glass Series / Princess of Fantasy
Must I say more? JK Rowling's apprentice, the princess of fantasy. I'm so hella excited to see a new generation of amazing fantasy. F*ck yeah!
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Number Seven. These two authors wrote some of my late elementary school favorites <3 They deserve some love! MIDDLE GRADE DESERVES MORE LOVE <3 <3 <3

Angie Sage // Author of the Septimus Heap Series

My non-reader friend actually introduced me to this series, and I freaking read two in a day. I don't even know how. I had, like, lots of time. These books were fantastic and high fantasy and satisfied that fantasy that I missed when reading Mother Daughter Book Club.

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Heather Vogel Frederick // Author of the Mother Daughter Book Club Series and Once Upon a Frog

Ugh, so sorry for the typo on the graphic. The Mother Daughter Book Club encouraged me to pick up more classics, and I just love the simple drama and loving environment all the characters live in. I related to all the characters in some sort of way, and even though they weren't realistic, I just enjoyed that aspect of the series. And she's writing a seventh book? I still reread this series. GIMME. Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

 Three? Three.

JK Rowling // Author of the Harry Potter Series / Queen of Fantasy
Need I say more? I've read the Harry Potter series, and they created my love for reading. I have to thank Jo for she's done, because I'd never be that hyperactive fangirl without her. 
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Ally Carter // Author of the Gallagher Girls Series
Everything Ally Carter writes, I'll probably read. She's writes the most interesting mysteries, a genre I don't really read. Also, her writing and stories are so fun and mysterioussssssssss....
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John Flanagan // Author of the Brotherband Chronicles and the Ranger's Apprentice Epic
Yes, I realize he's middle grade. I've only read the first five books of the Ranger's Apprentice, and the first four books in Brotherband, but his fantasies are so interesting, about pirates and ships and yayyyy! :D
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 Ahhhh...the very last two.

Rick Riordan // Author of the Percy Jackson series, Heroes of Olympus series, Kane Chronicles trilogy / Professional Troll / King of Fantasy
TROLL. TROLL. TROLL. But seriously, I love you, Uncle Rick. I've read 19 books by him. Does that prove I love his books? 
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Cassandra Clare // Author of the Mortal Instruments series and Infernal Devices trilogy / Queen of Urban Fantasy
This bada*s lady has the best ideas for fantasy books. Seriously. 12 Books about Shadowhunters and I'm not tired of 'em.
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♡ Yiyi