I kept trying to think about how I could keep you all updated with what I've read. I don't want to review books - I respect those who do but sometimes I really can't think of enough to say and I get really picky with the books I do read. Even books I love I wouldn't necessarily give 5/5 stars. So, while brainstorming, I came up with the idea of Book Wars.
Every Monday I'll post all the books I read during the week (from Monday to Sunday) and say one good thing about each book - there will be no negatives because I know first hand how hard it is to write a book. At the end of the post I'll pick my weekly favorite (which is where the 'war' part comes in, one book will end up on top though with very little bloodshed - unless, of course that's what the books about!).
I know it's only the 3rd but I've already read three books so we can start this week:
(For more about any of these books click on the title to be redirected to their Goodreads page.)
Captivate by Carrie Jones
The second book in the Need series.
My favorite thing about this book is the main character's voice. I love Zara's (MC) obsession with phobias: it's funny, amusing and interesting. And I even feel like I'm learning something.
VS.
ArchEnemy by Frank BeddorThe third and final book in the Looking Glass Wars
If you hadn't guessed by my blog's title, I love Alice Adventures in Wonderland/Through The Looking Glass. The Looking Glass Wars trilogy is basically a re-imagining of Alyss' story in a darker world. As with the first two in this series, I love the concept and the world. I also love how our world and Wonderland are so intertwined with each other yet separate at the same time (which basically fits into loving the concept).
VS.
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
The third and final book in the Darkest Powers trilogy
I like how the covers in this series focus on the changing stone. When focusing on the actual story, again I really enjoyed the concept. The idea of a Necromancer as a main character is something I hadn't seen in other fiction books. Maybe I'm too morbid or something but I really like the idea and Chloe's (MC) powers - even when they creeped me out and gave me shivers.
This weeks winner:
Unfortunately, I don't feel very strongly about any of these books. It's hard to pick a winner because, while I enjoyed them all, I don't feel like any one of them really stood out to me as better or easier to recommend then the others. I have positives and negatives (though I'll keep those to myself!) things to say about each of these books that are about equal in number.
In the end, I think I have to go with ArchEnemy by Frank Beddor. It isn't the best book in the series but it is a series that I would definitely recommend if you ever enjoyed Alice in Wonderland. The first book Looking Glass Wars will always be my favorite.
Have you read any of these books? What were some of your thoughts?
I hope everyone had an amazing holiday! Anything exciting happen that I missed during my absence?
Goodness, you must be a freaking speed reader! I read fast, but I don't think I'd be able to keep up that pace. I'm holding myself to at least a book a week. Three would kill me! lol
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these books, so I can't comment on the stories or your observations. But I love the idea of story wars. Especially on those weeks where you read a couple fantabulous stories!!
I've read two of the three. I couldn't get into the Armstrong series so I read just one and stopped. I would pick Captivate, just because I like how Carrie Jones developes her characters. But we all have different taste. Hey, this book wars idea of yours is clever.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these books! LOL, but I'll read up on them. Thanks, Mel~ :o) <3
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get in to The Looking Glass Wars. I thought it was a really cool, really promising premise, but the writing just fell flat for me.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I was just missing out on that wonderful whimsical tone Lewis Carroll has
Whoa, what inspiration--110 books this year? I'm already behind :-) But looks like your book wars will serve as great picks for some of us to choose from. Thanks. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI might have to check out this Looking Glass War series. The Alice stories and all the re-imaginations of it always fascinate me for some reason.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and an amazing idea. It's always better to be positive also. :)
lol, I just realized that the title of your blog directly relates to Alice. Yea, I can be quite slow at times. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this blog post idea!
ReplyDeleteI've read Need and The Summoning. Enjoyed both.
I absolutely agree with ArchEnemy--I love The Looking Glass Wars! :D
ReplyDeleteHave been meaning to start on the looking glass wars for some time now. The last book in the Armostrong series was sort of...not what I had expected. But still good.
ReplyDeleteI like this idea Melissa, about your reads. Hope you'll continue!
I haven't read these books, maybe one day, but not yet. You are a super fast reader though. I can't keep up. Then again the plan I have created for myself never really works out either.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa. Great to be back isn't it? I've also pondered posting about my current reads without doing a review, but I'm such a crazy reader with so many books on the go at any one time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of your three. So many books, so little time! And then we're trying to write more!
Happy New Writing Year!
Melissa, this is sheer brilliance! I don't do reviews either. This is a such a clever way to do it! I love it!! And good on you for setting a goal of 110 books a week! GREAT to have you back!!!
ReplyDeleteWow 110 books??? That is astounding! I wish I had the dedication to do it. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteHappy new Year!
What a great idea!!! I haven't read any of them, but I did want to read the Looking Glass Wars series. Now, it's officially on my tbr list....
ReplyDeleteFirst off, DAMN, my eyes are glazing over at the amount. And second, such a GREAT idea!! Short and sweet and to the point (and I respect that you won't say negatives)!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - you are amazing, 3 books already! I just finished my first. ;) I haven't read any of these but I will say if I was in a bookstore I'd pick up 1 & 3 based on the dust jacket alone. ;) Thanks for posting on these, reviews can be hard. I try to do justice on the few I've attempted thus far.
ReplyDeleteHappy New year and good luck with your goals this year!
I have not read any of them. Glad to hear your reviews though.
ReplyDeleteNice to have you back on the blogosphere, I think everyone has taken a little time off. Or, almost everyone.
I too, am going mon, wed, fri. I want to make sure that I'm excited about what I'm posting and not just posting for the sake of throwing something out there.
Boy, your reading schedule puts mine to shame. I haven't read any of these but I nearly bought Captivate in the airport bookstore the other day. The gold tear really was entrancing.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, you've already read 3 books?! I haven't read a new book since I finished one last week!
ReplyDeleteThe only one I've read is ArchEnemy. Like you, I really like the concept and think they're fun, quick reads, but I also have some negatives that kept the series from being one of my favorites. The first is definitely the best.
Wow, that is an impressive TBR number! I haven't read any of these, but I'll be watching your site to see your favs.
ReplyDeleteDude, you are awesome. Reading books, editing a ms, going to school and everything else you do? I can't wait to see what you have for your weekly book wars. Souns like fun, and I'll definitely be able to pick some of these up for my TBR pile. Actually reading them is another matter all together ;p Have fun- I'll cheer you on to meet your reading goal this year. At this rate, you'll have it in the bag!
ReplyDeleteYou read three books. Three! And you didn't lurv one of them enough to really give a rave review or pick a winner. I do think the re-telling of Alice sounds interesting, but (and this is going to sound REALLY shallow and stupid), I am totally turned off by the cover and the title. I think I'd have to read the synopsis to further my interest.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these books, although The Looking Glass Wars and the Darkest Powers trilogies are both on my to-read list.
ReplyDeleteThat is a MEGA ambitious reading goal, holy cow! I've only read half a book this year and I wrote it *shifty* (I am trying to edit). I like your idea though, for mini-reviews and staying positive. I don't mind a periodic book review, but the minis are more my speed.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of a quick word about the books you've read and not a review. Good luck getting to your reading goal!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love, love, love the NEED series! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, 110 books is a lot! I am sure you can do it though. :) I have only aimed to read 24 books this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog by the way. :) You are lucky to be able to still have homemade meals! I live in an apartment but don't have a lot of time to cook for myself so I usually just get something to eat at the college. Best of luck when school starts back up.
~TRA
http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
Wow, 110 books is a lot! I am sure you can do it though. :) I have only aimed to read 24 books this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog by the way. :) You are lucky to be able to still have homemade meals! I live in an apartment but don't have a lot of time to cook for myself so I usually just get something to eat at the college. Best of luck when school starts back up.
~TRA
http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
I knew you were going to chose that one!! But did you love Captivate? I did! I like this idea of book wars. Also I miss you! We should do something soon please?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of those, but I have read some of Carrie Jones's stuff. Good luck with 110 books this year. I felt like I read a ton last year and only read 90 books.
ReplyDeleteI've read the first Looking Glass Wars book and loved it--have to read these sequels! Happy 2011!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! Super impressive goal!
ReplyDeleteI just read Need a few days ago, and I liked it. I LOVE the cover artwork though. Seriously the whole reason I bought it.
I've read the first two Darkest Powers books... fan of those, too. I love how she digs both the brothers and there are those buds of romantic tension.
Woooo!!!! I love reading. I have such a long list of books that i want to read. Too busy though. I respect your goal. It's a really good one. Can't wait to hear all about it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great concept, and a great way of reviewing books -- I agree, I don't like to review negatively, because I know first hand how hard it can be to get the words on the page at all, but choosing the one you loved the most is a great guide.
ReplyDelete