Review: Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I watched the show before I read the book, which unfortunately is the only reason I made it to the end of this one. The first half of the book is rather boring, I'm sorry to say (much like the show too). I nearly gave up on the show, but as it turned out, the best parts only happened in the second half.

I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, with the book, you have to get through more than 400 pages before the story actually picks up and holds attention. If I hadn't watched any of the show, I probably would have ended the series with this book. Since I am caught up on the show and started enjoying it a little more in season 2, I am going to keep trucking through the books and see what happens. If I'm lucky, I'll be caught up and beyond before the next season airs.

A note for sensitive readers: topics tackled in this book are abuse, rape (of both men and women), attempted rape, and torture (just to name a few). If you are looking for a simple Highland romance story, this is not the book (or maybe even series) for you.

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Review: Where the Forest Meets the Stars

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a fast read. While this book was about loss, life, and love, it also renewed my interest in the stars. Dying to break out the telescope. It needs to get a bit warmer.

This book was a Kindle First (nka Amazon First Reads) selection for February 2019.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2019 - A debut novel.

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Review: Soulbinder

Soulbinder by Sebastien de Castell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series really knows how to get the heart and blood pumping. I had to look over to my cat a few times to make sure she was all good. At one point while I was reading, she did a Reichis and gave me a few nips. I cannot wait for Queenslayer!

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2019 - A book set in an abbey, cloister, monastery, vicarage, or convent.

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Review: Charmcaster

Charmcaster by Sebastien de Castell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this book did not live up to the first two books it was still a good book. I would have only rated this book 4 stars, but I could not help but laugh (view spoiler)[at the image of a squirrel cat riding on the back of a hyena. Timon and Pumba come to mind (hide spoiler)]. This bumped it up to a 5 for me. The last 5-10 chapters of this book really pulled the heartstrings a bit. I am nervous about reading the next book based on the description for that reason. Still going to read it though!

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2019 - A book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature. (Squirrel Cat)

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Review: Smoke and Summons

Smoke and Summons by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really struggled with how to rate this book. This is the first book I have read by this author. On the one hand, Sandis is an annoying character and the book gets a little slow due to repetition. On the other hand, I enjoyed the book enough that I want to read the next book of the trilogy.

I do enjoy books dealing with the occult (or an author's version of it), but this was tough to hang on to. I really hope the next book is better.

This book was a Kindle First (nka First Reads) selection for January 2019.
I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2019 - A book that's published in 2019.

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Review: Cycle of Hatred

Cycle of Hatred by Keith R.A. DeCandido
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was alright. It was difficult to get into at the start. Most of the "action" happened in the last 1/3 of the book and even that was somewhat lacking. At least once in most chapters you are reminded that women had to work twice as hard to earn their positions.

I'm still working through the Warcraft lore in chronological order (not publish order). This is my least favorite so far. I still a long way to go, so maybe that will change later.

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Review: Mr. Booker’s Summer Vacation

Mr. Booker’s Summer Vacation by Mark Lages
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I was really looking forward to this book. The premise sounded fun and interesting. Unfortunately, the more I read, the more frustrating it got. This read more like a satirical social commentary rather than a science fiction book.

While the book brings up some important points, it also becomes hypocritical. This book should have been a quick read, but it just dragged on and on.

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