75 Books...More or Less! discussion

Tomorrow is 2015! Can't wait to start reading! I will start fresh tomorrow, I won't be in the middle of any books. My goal is 175 this year. I barely crammed in 200 last year and I read a lot of novellas.

Good luck to you and Happy New Year!

YOU ARE AMAZING!! Some day when my kids are older maybe I can make it to 100! lol

lol thanks!

YAY for you!!! Cannot see what is on your list that will end up on mine!!!

Congrats on more than doubling your 75 book goal last year!!

Happy Reading toward 2015's goal

Thank you! :)

Good luck!

Thanks Charleen!

1. "All You Zombies--" Five Classic Stories - Robert A. Heinlein 5/5

E-Book Purchase.

"Robert A. Heinlein's brilliance and diverse talents are on display in this collection of five short stories that range from mind-twisters ("All You Zombies—"), paranoia and surprise ("They—"), hilarious engineering conundrums ("—And They Built a Crooked House"), fantasies ("Our Fair City), and the beautiful, heart-breaking "The Man Who Travelled in Elephants"."

Picked this up because I saw a movie trailer for a film called Predestination. When I looked it up, I found out it was based on Heinlein's short story "All You Zombies." I had to read it.

Holy mindblown. "All You Zombies" was INSANE and I had to check the Wikipedia to make sure I understood it right. WTH?! "They" was pretty freaky. "And They Built a Crooked House" was quite confusing but entertaining. "Our Fair City" was quite unique. "The Man Who Travelled in Elephants" was sad. All in all, a great, interesting, weird collection of Heinlein stories.

A great way to start 2015!

2. Red Hill - Jamie McGuire 3/5

E-Book Purchase.

"When the world ends, can love survive?
For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.
When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.
Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly realized apocalyptic world, love somehow finds a way to survive. But what happens when the one you’d die for becomes the one who could destroy you?"

Unfortunately just another zombie book. I was expecting so much more. But it was just a generic zombie story with a splash of romance, I guess I'll call it. Nothing stood out. I did like how she set up the POVs, went back a little in time for each one, showed connections, intertwined them really well, etc. leading up to where it did. The characters I actually liked...didn't make it. :( This is my first Jamie McGuire novel and I still fully intend on reading the Beautiful Disaster series. But I hope this isn't the beginning of a series because that's pointless. I do see she wrote a novella as well which I do want to read, to fill in some blanks from Red Hill.

3. The Halloween Tree - Ray Bradbury 5/5

Library Audiobook.

"On a Halloween night, eight boys are led on an incredible journey into the past by the mysterious "spirit" Moundshroud. Riding a dark autumn wind from ancient Egypt to the land of the Celtic druids, from Mexico to a cathedral in Paris, they will witness the haunting beginnings of the holiday called Halloween."

I remember watching this cartoon movie around Halloween called The Halloween Tree. Such a creepy children's cartoon. Come to find out it was based on Bradbury's short story of the same name. I had no idea! I'm a huge fan of Bradbury and am progressing through his works. Bronson Pinchot was a fabulous narrator and I got chills listening to this audiobook. Such a dark, dark tale. Deliciously scary.

4. Among Monsters (Red Hill novella) - Jamie McGuire 4/5

E-Book Purchase.

"Being thirteen has pitfalls of its own, but growing up has never been this hard.
Jenna had promised her mother that if the worst happened during her dad’s weekend, they would meet at Red Hill Ranch. When she finds seven words spray-painted on her dad’s wall the morning after a deadly outbreak, she makes a promise to herself: to get to the ranch with her seven-year-old sister, Halle, and to get them both there alive.
Among Monsters is the companion novella to Red Hill, both exploring from different perspectives what many broken families experience every other weekend: What if your children aren't with you when the world ends? What would you do to get to them? What would they go through to get to you?
For Jenna, seeing her mother again is worth everything. Determined to keep her promise, she is faced with experiences and decisions that force her to leave her childhood behind. "

The tone didn't feel like it was that of a thirteen-year-old. It felt too old. This was almost a full-length novel. I actually liked Jenna's POV a lot. McGuire should've just done Red Hill in Jenna's perspective! It was sad but interesting watching my liked characters die again from a different angle. Made me like them even more! And they still died. :(

4 books already?!?!? Someday I want to be like you. :-P

Well really it's 2 novellas, an audiobook, and 1 novel. So it's not that impressive. Lol. And you have twins!! I couldn't imagine keeping up with them and trying to find time to read! Married with only pets leaves time for me to read. :)

Haha... If we really want to go there, I have 5 kids total! A 14 year old, 13, 4 and my twins will be 2 in March. So, yeah, I don't get much quiet time. Some day I will devour books because I won't know what to do with my time. Lol

Elyse wrote: "Well really it's 2 novellas, an audiobook, and 1 novel. So it's not that impressive. Lol. And you have twins!! I couldn't imagine keeping up with them and trying to find time to read! Married with only pets leaves time for me to read. ..."

Oh, Elyse! You are a wonder, and an inspiration!

Kristin wrote: "Haha... If we really want to go there, I have 5 kids total! A 14 year old, 13, 4 and my twins will be 2 in March. So, yeah, I don't get much quiet time. Some day I will devour books because I won't..."

Oh my goodness, Kristin, how do you find time to read at all?! 5 kids?! Wow. Bravo!

Karol wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Well really it's 2 novellas, an audiobook, and 1 novel. So it's not that impressive. Lol. And you have twins!! I couldn't imagine keeping up with them and trying to find time to read!..."

Reading is my top priority. I was reading this thread to my husband last night and he was grumbling because I wouldn't play board games with him. I'd rather read than do a lot of things! lol.

Elyse, I'm the say way! My husband used to get irritated (still does sometimes) when I won't watch TV with him. I hate the TV! I will watch a show here and there but I get bored staring at it quite easily. It's a waste of time that I could be reading!

5. How Huge the Night - Lydia & Heather Munn 5/5

Free E-Book.

"Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair
Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough--and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.
Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon--the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust--"How Huge the Night" is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep readers turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices."

This was a fascinatingly real story of the Holocaust. There were people that went against it all and helped Jewish refugees, at the risk of their own safety. This was their story and it was a beautiful one. The bravery and selflessness was mesmerizing and the war was eye-opening to the teens central in the story. Perspectives switched between a pair of Jewish siblings and a French boy and how they came to be together. I really enjoyed this educational story of such a horrible time in human history.

Ugh. It's no longer free

Hillary wrote: "Ugh. It's no longer free"

Yeah, I got it awhile ago. Finally got around to reading it.

6. Dandelion Wine - Ray Bradbury 1/5

Library Audiobook.

"Dandelion Wine is a 1957 semi-autobiographical novel by Ray Bradbury, taking place in the summer of 1928 in the fictional town of Green Town, Illinois — a pseudonym for Bradbury's childhood home of Waukegan, Illinois. The novel developed from the short story "Dandelion Wine" which appeared in the June 1953 issue of Gourmet magazine.
The title refers to a wine made with dandelion petals and other ingredients, commonly citrus fruit. In the story, dandelion wine, as made by the protagonist's grandfather, serves as a metaphor for packing all of the joys of summer into a single bottle.
The main character of the story is Douglas Spaulding, a 12-year-old boy loosely patterned after Bradbury. Most of the book is focused upon the routines of small-town America, and the simple joys of yesteryear."

I had a hard time focusing on this audiobook. It was pretty dull and I found myself thinking of other things and not paying attention to the words. It wasn't nearly as captivating as Bradbury's sci fi stories. I was so bored I could barely finish it.

This week I have severely neglected my reading and that makes me sad! But I did finish this wonderful audiobook!

7. Yes Please - Amy Poehler 5/5

Library Audiobook.

"In Amy Poehler’s highly anticipated first book, Yes Please, she offers up a big juicy stew of personal stories, funny bits on sex and love and friendship and parenthood and real life advice (some useful, some not so much), like when to be funny and when to be serious. Powered by Amy’s charming and hilarious, biting yet wise voice, Yes Please is a book is full of words to live by."

Amy Poehler is such a fun, bubbly person so it was interesting to hear her talk about hard subjects about herself. I openly sobbed while driving when Amy read about the Hurricane Mary situation. Holy crap. This audiobook made me laugh, cry, and get angry. It was really great and really fun, just like I believe Amy Poehler to be! I loved it as much as I loved Bossypants!

8. The Emperor of Nihon-Ja (Ranger's Apprentice #10) - John Flanagan 4/5

Borrowed Paperback.

"When Horace travels to the exotic land of Nihon- Ja, it isn't long before he finds himself pulled into a battle that is not his - but one he knows in his heart he must wage. A kingdom teeters on the edge of chaos when the Nihon-Ja emperor, a defender of the common man, is forcibly overthrown, and only Horace, Will, and his Araluen companions can restore the emperor to the throne. Victory lies in the hands of an inexperienced group of fighters, and it's anybody's guess who will make the journey home to Araluen."

I liked this one but I didn't like the childish rivalry still going on between Alyss and Evanlyn. These ladies are in their early twenties by now, cut it out! Grow the eff up! That was annoying and unnecessary, Mr. Flanagan! And stereotypical. Women aren't nearly as at-your-throat bitchy and jealous as movies and books peg them to be. But overall, I liked this story and the whole gang. It was good!

9. Alex (Delirium novella) - Lauren Oliver 3/5

Library E-Book.

"When Alex sacrificed himself to save Lena, he thought he was committing himself to certain death, but what he got was almost worse. Imprisoned and tortured by the guards, his mind forces him to relive a past he would rather forget. But in the dark he grows stronger. Both hopeful and terrified, he fights to find his way back to her and the love he still clings to.
In this digital story that will appeal to fans of Delirium and welcome new admirers to its world, readers will learn of Alex's time after the events of Delirium, as well as the dark past that he has tried to forget."

This was too short! Just when it was starting to get good, it ended. Could've detailed a little more of Alex's travels to find Lena.

10. City of Liars and Thieves - Eve Karlin 4/5

NetGalley ARC.

"On the bustling docks of the Hudson River, Catherine Ring waits with her husband and children for the ship carrying her cousin, Elma Sands. Their Greenwich Street boardinghouse becomes a haven for Elma, who has at last escaped the stifling confines of her small hometown and the shameful circumstances of her birth. But in the summer of 1799, Manhattan remains a teeming cesspool of stagnant swamps and polluted rivers. The city is desperate for clean water as fires wreak devastation and the death toll from yellow fever surges.
Political tensions are rising, too. It’s an election year, and Alexander Hamilton is hungry for power. So is his rival, Aaron Burr, who has announced the formation of the Manhattan Water Company. But their private struggle becomes very public when the body of Elma Sands is found at the bottom of a city well built by Burr’s company.
Resolved to see justice done, Catherine becomes both witness and avenger. She soon finds, however, that the shocking truth behind this trial has nothing to do with guilt or innocence."

This started off slow but once it got going, I couldn't put it down. I didn't know it was based on a true story until I read the Afterword! Fascinating historical novel. Lots of intrigue and mystery surrounding this story.

11. Sweet Reckoning - Wendy Higgins 4/5

Library E-Book.

"It’s time.
Evil is running rampant and sweet Anna Whitt is its target. Nobody knows when or how the Dukes will strike, but Anna and her Nephilim allies will do anything necessary to rid the earth of the demons and their oppressive ways.
The stakes are higher than ever, and Anna is determined that the love she feels will be her strength, not a liability. But trying to protect the ones she loves while running for her life and battling demonic forces proves to be perilous—especially as faces are changing and trust is fleeting. When the Duke of Lust sends Anna’s great love, Kaidan Rowe, to work against her, Anna must decide how much she’s prepared to risk.
In the most sensual and fast-paced installment yet, Sweet Reckoning brings all the beloved Neph together one last time to fight for their freedom."

So apparently this is technically now not the last book of the "trilogy" but this will be my last book. I have no desire whatsoever to read the "trilogy" over again in Kaidan's angsty, sexually-charged perspective. Sounds like trash. Besides the sappy stuff, which was really annoying, I liked the book. I liked the angels-demons-Nephilim story. I liked the epilogue, though it was a little weird. Also, though the covers for the series are pretty, they make no sense to the story. Anna NEVER wears elaborate gowns.

Storm's raging outside and I'm working from home. The snow drifts are crazy!! Must do work before reading! At least I get to finish The Neverending Story audiobook.

12. The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) - Michelle Hodkin 4/5

Library E-Book.

"Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.
She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?"

Wow, this was wayyyyy better than Unbecoming!! This was riveting! What an unreliable narrator. So much happens and I didn't know what to believe. Things got a little complicated and out-of-blue so I'm very curious as to how Hodkin is going wrap it all up. Hopefully she does.

Elyse wrote: "Storm's raging outside and I'm working from home. The snow drifts are crazy!! Must do work before reading! At least I get to finish The Neverending Story audiobook.

12. [bookcover:The..."

I didn't read the second one because I was so incredibly unimpressed with the first. Do you think I should give it a go?

Meghanly wrote: "I didn't read the second one because I was so incredibly unimpressed with the first. Do you think I should give it a go?..."

I also didn't really like Unbecoming but Evolution was soooo much better!! There was a lot more supernatural, mysterious things happening. It really pulled me in and now I have hopes for Retribution.

Elyse, I ended up working from home the day of the storm. Te last thing I wanted to do after taking calls and sitting at my desk for 9 hours was to read...hahaha I ended up watching 2 hours of Youtube video's on scrapbooking :)

13. The Neverending Story - Michael Ende 5/5

Library Audiobook.

"In this classic fantasy novel from author Michael Ende, small and insignificant Bastian Balthazar Bux is nobody's idea of a hero, least of all his own. Then, through the pages of an ancient, mysterious book, he discovers the enchanted world of Fantastica, and only Bastian himself can save the fairy people who live there.
Shy, awkward Bastian is amazed to discover that he has become a character in the mysterious book he is reading and that he has an important mission to fulfill."

I loved this movie as a child and it's about time I read/listened to the book!!! It was very...interesting. And weird. I only remember up until Bastian re-names the Childlike Empress from the movie. And that's only half the book! I don't really remember the second movie. There's a lot that happens and it's a wonderful, fantasical adventure in Fantastica! There's good lessons for kids and it's definitely on my list to read to my future kids. Highly recommend! And now off to re-watch the movies! :)

14. The Revenge of Seven (Lorien Legacies #5) - Pittacus Lore 5/5

Library E-Book.

"The Garde have suffered an unbearable loss. Number Five has betrayed them. Eight is gone forever. Ella has been kidnapped. The others are now scattered.
In Chicago, John makes the unlikeliest of allies: Adam, a Mogadorian who turned his back on his people. He has invaluable information about Mog technology, battle strategies, and weaknesses. Most important, he knows where to hit them: their command base near Washington, DC. During the assault, however, John and Adam learn the unimaginable truth: it is too late. The Mogadorians have commenced their ultimate invasion plans.
With a front-row seat to the impending invasion, Ella finds herself in the hands of the enemy. For some reason she's more valuable to them alive, and they'll stop at nothing to turn her.
Meanwhile, Six, Nine, and Marina make their way through the Florida Everglades, hot on the trail of the traitorous Five. With the development of a new Legacy, Marina finally has the power to fight back—if her thirst for revenge doesn't consume her first.
The Garde are broken and divided once again, but they will not be defeated. As long as one still stands, the battle for Earth's survival is not lost."

Wow. This series keeps getting better and better! I don't want it to end and supposedly there's only one book left! :( I couldn't put it down! There's so much action and you learn more about the Mogadorians and much more about Lorien. I hope we don't lose anyone else in the Garde! I hope everyone gets brought together. And I love loved the end!! Super exciting!

I seriously need to read that series. Are all the books out yet? My 14 year old son loves them.

The final book comes out this August!

Awesome! I will wait until it's out and read the whole series. :-)

15. How To Be a Woman - Caitlin Moran 3/5

Library Audiobook.

"Though they have the vote and the Pill and haven't been burned as witches since 1727, life isn't exactly a stroll down the catwalk for modern women. They are beset by uncertainties and questions: Why are they supposed to get Brazilians? Why do bras hurt? Why the incessant talk about babies? And do men secretly hate them?
Caitlin Moran interweaves provocative observations on women's lives with laugh-out-loud funny scenes from her own, from the riot of adolescence to her development as a writer, wife, and mother. With rapier wit, Moran slices right to the truth—whether it's about the workplace, strip clubs, love, fat, abortion, popular entertainment, or children—to jump-start a new conversation about feminism. With humor, insight, and verve, How To Be a Woman lays bare the reasons female rights and empowerment are essential issues not only for women today but also for society itself."

I liked parts of this book. Moran was brutally honest. She had some good points on feminism and then some completely unrelated, unnecessary tangents. Being a feminist does not mean naming your girl parts. What? Some of the things she said were hilarious and some were absolutely filthy, which worked with her hardcore British accent. I got pretty upset by Chapter 15. I don't want to get into my opinions on abortion but this chapter horrified me.

16. Seraphina (Seraphina #1) - Rachel Hartman 5/5

Library E-Book.

"In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side – while below the surface, tensions and hostility simmer.
The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being.
When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive—and dashing—Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina’s struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult…while its discovery could mean her very life."

Loved this book!!! I devoured it and absolutely fell for the story. It was wonderful and exciting and charming! Dragons that transform into humans, half-dragon half-humans, forbidden love! I loved everything about this book! I can't believe it took me so long to read Seraphina. I'm so excited to read the sequel which isn't even out yet! Thank you, NetGalley!

17. Shadow Scale (Seraphina #2) - Rachel Hartman 4/5

NetGalley ARC.

"The kingdom of Goredd: a world where humans and dragons share life with an uneasy balance, and those few who are both human and dragon must hide the truth. Seraphina is one of these, part girl, part dragon, who is reluctantly drawn into the politics of her world. When war breaks out between the dragons and humans, she must travel the lands to find those like herself—for she has an inexplicable connection to all of them, and together they will be able to fight the dragons in powerful, magical ways.
As Seraphina gathers this motley crew, she is pursued by humans who want to stop her. But the most terrifying is another half dragon, who can creep into people’s minds and take them over. Until now, Seraphina has kept her mind safe from intruders, but that also means she’s held back her own gift. It is time to make a choice: Cling to the safety of her old life, or embrace a powerful new destiny?"

I really liked it. But it wasn't book 1. It just wasn't the same. It was still really great and mesmerizing but I wasn't as consumed as I was by book 1 There was so much potential!! I thought the the half-dragons were great. Very individual personalities. But there was a LOT. Too many. We lost focus of the main characters from book 1 and wrapped so many more into this book. The intro Jannoula chapter was oddly placed. I'm not sure where it could have fit in better...but I wasn't a fan of where it was. I wanted more for Seraphina's romance!!!! It was such a struggle in book 1 and you really felt for them and were rooting for them. They had their moments in this book but I needed more! I was heartbroken there wasn't more. The story was very interesting and very in-depth. I really liked it. But I didn't love it. I am disappointed that it's only a 2-book story. :(

18. Jason (Anita Blake #23) - Laurell K. Hamilton 2/5

E-Book Purchase.

"Sometimes you have to explain the unexplainable, especially if the love of your life needs to understand, or she'll leave you. Jason Schuyler is one of Anita Blake's best friends and favorite werewolves, with benefits. J.J. is his lady love, an old flame from childhood who dances at one of the top ballet companies in New York. She's accomplished, beautiful, and she's crazy about him, too. Neither of them wants to be monogamous, so what could go wrong?"

Bah. This so does not count as an Anita Blake novel. There was nothing in it. This is not book 23. This is book 22 1/4. Just like Micah was, many years ago. A lame, pointless filler. I was surprised by how long it was. There was no substance. There was talk of sex and sex. Nothing else. If you expected more, you'll be disappointed. Hamilton did say this would be just sex. She wasn't lying. NOTHING HAPPENS. I'm glad it was only $5.

19. Dissonance (Dissonance #1) - Erica O'Rourke 3/5

Read for free on Simon & Schuster's pulseit.com!

"Delancy Sullivan has always known there's more to reality than what people see. Every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world branches off from the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed ~ all of these choices create an alternate universe in which an echo self takes the road not travelled and makes the opposite decision. As a Walker, someone who can navigate between these worlds, Del's job is to keep all of the dimensions in harmony. Normally, Del can hear the dissonant frequency that each world emits as clear as a bell. But when a training session in an off-key world goes horribly wrong, she is forbidden from Walking by the Council. But Del's not big on following the rules and she secretly starts to investigate these other worlds. Something strange connecting them and it's not just her random encounters with echo versions of the guy she likes, Simon Lane. But Del's decisions have unimaginable consequences and, as she begins to fall for the Echo Simons in each world, she draws closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide ~ a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse."

I really liked the concept of this book. It was so interesting. I wanted it to be a really good science fiction novel about multiverses. Instead it was a mediocre young adult novel with a smattering of science fiction thrown in but focusing more on girl crushing on boy she can't have. Blah. So much potential!!! When I started reading it I was talking to my husband about it, explaining the multiverse and Walkers and the Consort. He was really interested and wanted me to let him know how it turned out because he might read it. Halfway through I told him it was definitely a YA novel and not Sci Fi. :/ It got too sappy and boy-crazy. Ugh. I'm hoping the second book, which isn't out yet and I do want to read it, focuses more on the Consort and their issues. But I have a feeling there will still be a lot of Simon. And please let Monty find what he's looking for!

20. Naked City: Tales of Urban Fantasy - Ellen Datlow, et. al. 3/5

Library Audiobook.

"In this thrilling collection of original stories some of today’s hottest paranormal authors delight, thrill and captivate readers with otherworldly tales of magic and mischief.
Featuring original stories from 20 authors, this dark, captivating, fabulous and fantastical collection is not to be missed!
Contents include: "Curses" by Jim Butcher, "How the Pooka Came to New York City" by Delia Sherman, "On the Slide" by Richard Bowes, "The Duke of Riverside" by Ellen Kushner, "Oblivion by Calvin Klein" by Christopher Fowler, "Fairy Gifts" by Patricia Briggs, "Picking Up the Pieces" by Pat Cadigan, "Underbridge" by Peter S. Beagle, "Priced to Sell" by Naomi Novik, "The Bricks of Gelecek" by Matthew Kressel, "Weston Walks" by Kit Reed, "The Projected Girl" by Lavie Tidhar, "The Way Station" by Nathan Ballingrud, "Guns for the Dead" by Melissa Marr, "And Go Like This" by John Crowley, "Noble Rot" by Holly Black, "Daddy Longlegs of the Evening" by Jeffrey Ford, "The Skinny Girl" by Lucius Shepard, "The Colliers' Venus (1893)" by Caitlin R. Kiernan, "King Pole, Gallows Pole, Bottle Tree" by Elizabeth Bear."

I couldn't really you tell much about the plot of each short story. Some stories stuck in my head way more than others. Urban Fantasy is a weird genre and I felt like some of these didn't really fit into that category. I really liked "Curses" and I had already planned on reading The Dresden Files. I really liked "Underbridge," "The Bricks of Gelecek," "Guns for the Dead," "Noble Rot," "Daddy Longlegs of the Evening" (very creepy), "The Skinny Girl," and "Colliers' Venus (1893)." I liked "How the Pooka Came to NYC" and "Fairy Gifts." I thought "On the Slide" could've been better. "Priced to Sell" was alright. Didn't care for or much remember "The Duke of Riverside," "Oblivion by Calvin Klein," "Picking Up the Pieces," "Weston Walks," "The Projected Girl," "The Way Station," "And Go Like This," or "King Pole, Gallows Pole, Bottletree." Overall, it was a interesting collection in which I enjoyed about half. Some were downright confusing.

21. Bittersweet - Sarah Ockler 3/5

Read for free on Simon & Schuster's pulseit.com!

"Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances...a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.
So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life...and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done
It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last..."

Do not read on an empty stomach! Or with no sweets, preferably cupcakes, around! You've been warned. I found myself yelling at Hudson a lot. I felt like she made some really stupid decisions when the obvious choice was obvious. Wasn't really a big fan. Some parts were kind of cute.

22. The Lost Stories (Ranger's Apprentice #11) - John Flanagan 4/5

Borrowed Paperback.

"Inspired by his millions of fans worldwide, many of whom wrote him emails and letters questioning the fate or the origin of some of the most popular characters and storylines from Ranger’s Apprentice, John Flanagan decided to reward his loyal readers with a collection of stories answering these questions. In Book 11 of the Ranger's Apprentice epic, fans will see never-before-published stories featuring all their favorite characters, from Will to Halt, from Horace to Alyss. More than a companion book, THE LOST STORIES is, ultimately, a new entry in the series—and a tribute from author to reader."

Aside from one or two stories, this book reads like another full-length Ranger's Apprentice novel. Most of the stories are in chronological order and follow fairly closely together. And they're leading up to one big event, with a few bad guys mixed in. I liked it, these characters are fun.

23. The Queen (The Selection novella) - Kiera Cass 4/5

Library E-Book.

"Before America Singer's story began, another girl came to the palace to compete for the hand of a different prince…
This prequel story takes place before the events of The Selection and is told from the point of view of Prince Maxon's mother, Amberly. Discover a whole new Selection with this inside look at how Maxon's parents met—and how an ordinary girl named Amberly became a beloved queen."

I really enjoyed this novella! I've really liked all of the Selection novellas except the Aspen one. No one cares about Aspen! I liked this glimpse of young Amberley and Clarkson though I wasn't a huge fan of the "reasons" Clarkson picked her. She does everything he tells her to without question? Uhhh nope. I'm excited for The Favorite though!

24. Day 21 (The Hundred #2) - Kass Morgan 3/5

Library Audiobook.

"No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.
It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries...or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.
In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can -- together."

I can't really get behind the book series anymore because of the show. The show is leaps and bounds ahead and better than the books. The books are sooo slow. And I don't like the romantic developments in the books though I can see where they manipulated characters for the show. I might as well read Homecoming to complete the trilogy. I really like the show!! Oh, I'm also glad there was a nonchalant gay relationship in the book. Very nicely, quietly done. No big showy thing.

25. The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #3) - Michelle Hodkin 3/5

Library E-Book.

"Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.
There is
She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should
She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.
Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.
Retribution has arrived."

I was pretty confused for most of this book. I just didn't really like the series as a whole. It got weird. There wasn't a whole lot of explanation for the end sequence. It didn't all get pulled together like I thought it would. And I wasn't a fan of the flashbacks. And the whole Noah and Mara thing got weird too. I get the gist, the whole balance thing and all. Not my favorite series. I do like the covers though.

26. The Royal Ranger (Ranger's Apprentice #12) - John Flanagan 3/5

Borrowed Hardcover.

"After a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible - even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path.
It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone - and it's a request Will cannot refuse.
Training a rebellious, unwilling apprentice is hard enough. But when a routine mission uncovers a shocking web of crime, Will must decide where his priorities lie - finishing his quest for revenge, or saving innocent lives?"

I kind of feel like this book was an odd afterthought. It wasn't really necessary and right from the beginning I didn't like the bomb that was dropped. Why couldn't we just live happily ever after?! I thought it was really cruel. There was basically no tragedies in this middle-grade series and then in the last book there's a big one?! Not fair! And hell, after that ending Flanagan could've written a bunch more books! The Lost Stories is the true final book of the series, in my opinion.