"And thus starts ... the last year before grad-school when I'll have no time for reading again."-naive Fall 2015 Ashley who underestimated the usefulness of audio-books on a daily DC commute.
As is evident by the fact that there was only one physical book read this season, Past-Ashley was mostly-right in her thinking. But thank goodness for The Maryland Consortium for audio-books through Overdrive.
11 Total: 11 New Books xx Re-reads
READ:
The Scorpio Races*
The Winner's Curse*
Cinder*
Scarlet*
The Rithmatist*
The Winner's Crime*
Ahsoka*
Cast in Flight
Cress*
The Winner's Kiss*
Born a Crime*
__________________(Autumn)__________________
*audio-book
READING:
Den of Wolves
All the Light We Cannot See
Throne of Jade
PLANNING TO READ:
Words of Radiance
(someday...)
The Scorpio Races (Original Rec by Natalie)
Well. What a standout start to my commuting-with-audio-book experience. Quick word about that: I loved that there was a male narrator for Sean and a female narrator for Puck, it made seeing their perspectives so much more vivid to be told the story in their voices.
This is another one of those stories that I wanted to start right over as soon as I was finished. The telling of the tale was vibrant, with rich details such that I felt the spray of the sea as they dashed across the beach, and the sinking terror at the sound of hooves drawing ever closer in the night. I did not know what to expect, but was captivated by Puck's love for her family and determination to see her impossible goal through. At the same time listening to Sean's quiet integrity in a situation that could have left him jaded was just as inspiring. This is a well crafted story, with wonder and detail but also room for interpretation and speculation.
The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, book 1)
Considering the luck I had with my last tumblr recommendation (The Griesha Trilogy), I had very low expectations for a series I was reading because of one piece of fan art. It was of the two main characters playing a game that may be like Mahjong in our world (called Bite and Sting for the animal motifs on the playing tiles), but they were staring intensely at each other and not their game. Since I was borrowing the book from the library, I figured I had nothing to lose.
As it turns out, I quite enjoyed this book. The premise, of a conquering empire and the daughter of the general living in the foreign territory with a young slave helping his people start a rebellion, seemed to have all of the makings of a lack-luster YA trope machine (I've become a bit more jaded over the past few years). But on the contrary, the characters were fleshed out and had independent motivations. I'm also pleased with the political tone of the book (as this was something I thought greatly lacking in Griesha). The choices the characters must make are not easy and the repercussions will be felt in the continuation of the series.
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, book 1) (Original rec by Natalie)
I really have to eat my words on this book. I first heard of this as a Cinderella re-telling, but was put off because I thought the main character was an android and I wasn't looking forward to a philosophical discussion on humanity as a human fell in love with them. I think I put it off further because of my YA fear (and the covers drive me crazy). Luckily, my curiosity (and Natalie's nudging) was stronger and I began an amazing series.
I absolutely adored this book. Cinder is such a strong character, but has realistic flaws and faults that cause her to make mistakes she must learn from. The side characters are complex and possess independent goals that make the story an intricate tapestry of events and desires.
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, book 2)
So, clearly I really like this series. In this book we're introduced to Scarlet, and (I feel like I'm going to say this every time) I think she's my favorite. She's feisty, but realistically reserved about trusting outsiders since her grandmother's disappearance has been ignored and even discredited by the authorities and the townspeople. And I can't help but be reminded of Balckthorn and Grim in her relationship with Wolf, the hulking yet quiet lunar defector. They've both had to learn to be strong in their own ways, and that strength will be tested throughout the rest of their story.
On the other hand, I also really love Throne's character and the buddy-cop relationship he and Cinder develop aboard the Rampion. I appreciated that while he is a flirt, there was never any hint that a love triangle would develop between him, Cinder, and Kai. And on that note, poor Kai, who's only trying to keep his country and his world from mass destruction at the hands of Queen Levanna, who just can't seem to catch a break.
The Rithmatist (Original Rec by Valerie)
I had been meaning to branch out and read more of Brandon Sanderson's works outside of his Mistborn and Stormlight series. This one also came recommended by Valerie!
I will say that I was a bit disappointed with the narrator. Given that the main character was a teenage boy and one of the main side characters was a teenage girl, it was kind of jarring to hear their voices from a middle aged man.
The story itself was interesting, but not the most engaging I've read from Sanderson. I was a bit frustrated by the stubbornness of the main character and his "teenager-ness" exemplified in a penchant for believing himself more capable than all of the adults and thus disregarding their warnings. The magic system for this world, based on chalk drawings, was refreshing and explored well (and also reminded me nostalgically of Chalk Zone). I don't think the following books in the series (when they come out) will be high on my list, though.
The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, book 2)
This book did a lot to reaffirm my faith in the series. I was afraid of the easy star-crossed lovers plot-line that could have developed from the previous book, but the characters continued to be complex and their relationships anything but easy. I was actually impressed with the complexity of the politics between the empire and the neighboring nations, as well as the internal politics within the palace. Kestrel's tactician training was well utilized trying to navigate the cat and mouse traps the Emperor set for her, all while struggling with her own guilt for the crimes of her nation and her treason in trying to help overcome them.
Ahsoka
Since I finally started watching Clone Wars this past fall, and I've embraced the downward spiral I've begun, reading this was a natural progression. And as an added perk, the audio-book was narrated by Ahsoka's voice actor, and was accompanied with snippets of background music and sound effects!
Taking place barely a couple years after Order 66, the young padawan-turned-outcast is now trying to find her place in a galaxy she feels she's failed. Alone, friendless, and afraid to put down roots anywhere lest she bring danger to those who help her, Ahsoka struggles with how to move forward. I shouldn't have been surprised, but the mentions of friends across the galaxy and the formation of the rebellion were heart-wrenching and fleeting.
Cast in Flight (The Chronicles of Elantra, Book 12)
Ah, and back to Elantra at last! And finially the Aerian-centric book Katie and I have been waiting for! (Thanks to her for the ARC of this book, too)
While my initial reaction is to be a little saddened by the lack of Severn and Kaylin interaction in this book after the series of events at the end of last one, it was very illuminating about Aerian politics. Once again, Kaylin finds herself (or rather, puts herself) in the middle of a cast intrigue. While the atmosphere became understandably charged, it was the absurdity of events like the dinner party with the Emperor or trying to be civil with Nightshade that really made this book for me.
I'm a bit let down, I think at myself, that it took me so long to get through this book. It was the only physical book I read this season, and it took me over two months. I also have yet to update Chronicling Elantra since reading it, and feel rather guilty about that. But also considering the environmental factors I've been dealing with since moving back, and that this update is also being made two months late, perhaps a delay was to be expected. (I just can't help feeling like I didn't enjoy the book as much as would have if not for everything that was happening in real life)
Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, book 3)
Waiting for this to become available at the library took a long time, but it was well worth the wait! Of course I would love the Rapunzel character. Of COURSE after the events in Scarlet, Scarlet and Wolf would be separated before they can really figure each other out. Of course Thorne would try to protect Cress and be oblivious to how she idolizes him and of course Kai would agree to a terrible marriage alliance to save the world. This book should be ridiculous, but the characters are so honest and earnest in their striving. The complexities laid out earlier in the series continue to reveal new layers of depth as the story progresses.
The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy, book 3)
This series was certainly a delightful surprise. The conclusion was satisfyingly imperfect. And at the same time many parts of it felt resonatingly right. I admit that I was rooting for the two to be together in the end. While I was pleased with the follow-through on all of the political intrigues between the three nations, by this book I just wanted them to be happy. I found the ending to be poetic and want to revisit this series in a year or so.
Born a Crime
Definitely outside of my normal genres of choice, this memoir by Trevor Noah was made even more real listening to it as an audio book in two settings with him narrating. He talks about Apartheid South Africa, and how he was the representation of his black mother and white father crime of being together. It was heartbreaking and hilarious, told in his matter-of-fact way. While I'm still not sold on non-fiction (or even realistic-fiction, let's be honest), I would definitely read another book by him if he ever wrote one.
