Books read in December

[orangerful]

Short list because HOLIDAYS! Just too much going on, distracted me from making time to read.

At least there were some good ones!

Descender, Volume Two: Machine Moon by Jeff Lemire

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


3.5 stars - This volume wasn't quite as engaging as the first, maybe because the story is starting to tread some familiar water to anyone who who is a fan of the sci-fi genre. Still, beautiful artwork and the characters are engaging enough that I want to know more about what happens next. This ends on a crazy cliffhanger !!!



As I Descended by Robin Talley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Robin Talley does a really great job of reworking 'MacBeth' in our modern world. She didn't just copy+paste the story, she reinterpreted it to work with modern young adults and the hierarchy that exists in high school. That doesn't mean she had to hold back on the horrific aspects of the Scottish play.

MacBeth is my favorite of Shakespeare's tragedies, maybe my favorite play of his overall. I would be curious how someone unfamiliar with the play, who wasn't reading it because it was a retelling, would feel about this book. I know I enjoyed it a lot because I was looking for the parallel stories and really enjoying the new twists that Talley added.

If you're a fan of MacBeth, definitely pick this one up!



Mooncop by Tom Gauld

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'm not sure what to say about this short but not simple graphic novel. Gauld's sparse use of text means you can finish a first read through in a matter of minutes, but the story and the ideas behind it will stick with you.



Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Goodreads says this is a series, but it does NOT end on a giant cliffhanger, thank goodness! I started to slow down in my reading when I saw the "Brooklyn Brujas #1" in the record. I'm so tired of series.

Alejandra comes from a family of brujas, powerful witches that live in our world. But she isn't sure she wants to embrace that side of her. But her Deathday celebration is approaching, a ritual that will bind her powers to her for ever. Alex must decide if she wants to stay a bruja, like her mother and aunt and sisters - or just be a normal girl.

This book is a great blend of magic and Mexican folklore. I think it would be a great read for teens who read Harry Potter when they were younger and want more magical people living in our world stories. Lots of adventure, a bit of romance, and real characters from Mexican folklore. The author even included notes in the back of the book to let the reader know which magical creatures are part of established myth.

If there are more adventures of the Brooklyn Brujas, I will definitely pick them up! But I am glad that Alex's story was wrapped up at the end of this book.



View all my reviews

Comments

[prinzessbtrfly.livejournal.com]

you should totally read with us in my book club this year! ;)

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

I'm just the WORST at book clubs. My reading habits are all over the place and I abandon books when a shinier one comes along. I tried to run a book club for the library once and that was a nightmare and I was the one that picked the books! LOL.

[icecoldrain.livejournal.com]

I've been waiting to read Labyrinth Lost. I'm so glad that you liked it! Plus, no cliffhanger!

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed it! It is a quick read so definitely pick it up!

[night-owl-9.livejournal.com]

Ooh Macbeth is also one of my favorites of Shakespeare's plays! I'll have to take a look at Talley's book. Thank you for the recommendation!

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! I'd love to know what you think of it!

[ragnarok-08.livejournal.com]

Those books sound neat :)

[snogged.livejournal.com]

"As I Descended" sounds like a really good book. I'll have to remember that one.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Yes! Let me know what you think of it if you do!

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

Ohh, I need to get a library card when I move!

*HUGS*

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Yesssssss always get a library card. Public libraries are everyone's best friend. :D

[kseenaa.livejournal.com]

I'm such a failure librarian. I never take time to read. :-P

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

I think it is harder for school librarians, your daily schedule is so packed. I'm able to sneak away at lunch and read for 30 minutes. Though I also read before bed because it helps my brain wind down. And I listen to books in the car LOL.

[kseenaa.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, totally. It's crazy sometimes the running around I have to do. I mean, I'm all alone in the library. So I am the only one responsible for ALL THE THINGS that needs be done to run the place. I do, however listen to books and podcasts when going to and from work, since I go by buss. :-)

[elizalavelle.livejournal.com]

I'm adding more to my to read list! Thank you for your reviews!

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy them! :D

[blakmagjick]

"I'm so tired of series."
RIGHT?! It seems that EVERYTHING is a series these days! I just want some stand alone books damnit!

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

YES! I have gotten to the point now where I will double check before I even start a book. If I am going to read a series, I need the books to be all out now, or almost done because I don't retain the information long enough LOL. Any series I've tried to read as it was released, I'm usually lost be the next book.

[blakmagjick]

I have that problem, it's the worst.
But seriously, why is it so hard to find stand alone books?!
And then some series aren't that good...and should have been like only book :P

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

It's the publishers pressuring authors to drag things out. My friend read a prepub book and it was a stand alone but when they published it for real, they messed with the ending and it became a trilogy! UGH! Just let the authors tell their stories!

[blakmagjick]

That is the worst >.>

[teagues-veil.livejournal.com]

I am wicked intrigued by that last one -- totally adding it to my Goodreads!