After spending a couple of weeks sick, I’m back.
What I Read:
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (YA, paranormal, ghost story, witch, mystery) ★★★★★
I loved it. Absolutely loved it. While the language is not as lyrical as The Scorpio Races, the pacing is faster and the story and characters so real I feel like I actually know them. My only quibble with this book is that the ending left me with more questions than answers — I prefer when each book in a series has a complete story arc.
The Crimson Crown by Cinda Chima Williams (YA, fantasy, high fantasy) ★★★★★
A thoroughly satisfying ending to one of the most enjoyable YA high-fantasy series I have read in a long time. I think this series may join the list of books I re-read when I’m sick.
Magisterium by Jeff Hirch (YA, fantasy meets science fiction, parallel worlds, ARC) ★★★★☆
I loved the first third, was lukewarm on the middle, and was frustrated with the cliffhanger ending. I wish the whole book had been as well-written and engaging as the first third.
I also re-read some favorite childhood series (I always re-read when I’m sick):
Harper Hall Trilogy (Dragonsong; Dragonsinger; Dragondrums) by Anne McCaffrey
Last Herald Mage Trilogy (Magic’s Pawn; Magic’s Price; Magic’s Promise) by Mercedes Lackey
The Dark is Rising (Over Sea, Under Stone; The Dark Is Rising; Greenwitch; The Grey King; and Silver on the Tree) by Susan Cooper
What I’m Currently Reading:
The Girl who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne Valente (MG, fantasy, fairy tale, ARC)
I’ve really stalled on this book.
What I’m Listening To:
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (mystery, Sherlock Holmes, PG-13) narrated by Derek Jacobi
Enjoyable but B.J. Harrison (Hound of Baskervilles) and Patrick Tull (Sign of Four) were better narrators. I don’t like Jacobi’s Holmes; he’s too sardonic.
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Japanese magic-realism, doorstop, rated R)
What’s on my TBR Pile:
Katya’s World by Jonathan Howard (YA, Sci Fi, ARC) — with a title like that, how could I resist?!
For more It’s Monday, What Are You Reading, visit Kellee and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Sheila at Book Journey.
Wow, I am so jealous of the books you read last week! I have both Magisterium and The Raven Boys, but haven’t gotten to them yet. There aren’t enough hours to read in the day!
Here’s what I’m reading
Have a good Monday!
Ashley
#BookNerd
Woah… you’ve read a LOT! Raven is on my “waiting for it at the library books” – I have read such good things about it, now I want to actually read it!
Awesome list! I loved Raven Boys too. Still need to read the Cinda Williams Chima series. I too re-read a childhood favorite, with disastrous results! http://wp.me/pzUn5-1hQ
I’m glad to hear you are feeling better!
IQ84 is definitely a door stop..but a good one ;)
Happy to see you back, Katya. I finished The Raven Boys too, just great, but now we have to wait & wait for the questions to be answered! Plus, if it’s a 4 book series, I would guess there will also be more questions. I love the Susan Cooper books!
I finished reading The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making recently. I had a little trouble getting through the beginning, but found the second half to be easier. Are you finding that with the second book? Lots of characters to keep up with!
I totally reread when I’m sick too! I’ve had a sinus/ear infection this entire week and I’ve not read as much as I usually do…and have totally reread three or four books.
Whatcha readin’ this week @ the Brunette Librarian :)
I thought the same thing about The Raven Boys! And you’re making me add more books to my “want to read pile.” Hope you enjoy your books this week :-)