Welcome to The Critical Corner

November Wrap Up:

Wrap Up:
# of books in November:  4
Read in 2014: 36

Challenges:
Books over 400 pages in November: 1
Books over 400 pages in 2014: 9
Classics: 0
Diverse Authors in November: 1
Diverse Authors in 2014: 4

 Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White 

This novel is hard to summarize, so here is the Goodreads' synopsis: Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.
Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.

I did enjoy this book, but I felt like I got lost in some of its politics. I would sometimes catch myself skimming, and I would have to force myself to reread. Flinn and Jessamin are awesome together. Eleanor is Jessamin's friend in the novel, and she is awesome. I would love to be her friend. The magic system was interesting. I do wish we got more of it. I guess the "twist" early on in the book, so that also might be a reason I didn't enjoy it as much. Overall, this book was just ok for me.

 

(more like a 3.5 stars)

Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling by Lucy Frank

Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling is about Chess and Shannon's friendship told in verse. Chess and Shannon are both diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Shannon has had it for a while, but Chess just found out she has it. Chess is freaking out and completely in denial, and then Shannon becomes here roommate. They are opposites  in every way. The story follows their struggle with the disease, and how they learn to cope with it together. This story was good, nothing spectacular.

 

(once again a 3.5 stars)

Fables Volume 1 by Bill Willingham & Lan Medina 

Fables is a graphic novel where Snow White's sister, Rose Red, goes missing. Snow White enlists the help of Bigby Wolf to help find her sister. I loved this fairytale world. I am really starting to enjoy retellings. The art in Fables was awesome. It matched the story perfectly. I will definitely continue with this series. 

 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 

Rainbow Rowell is becoming one of my favorite contemporary authors. She sure knows how to craft a beautiful love story. Cath and Wren are twin sister that are huge Simon Snow fans. Simon Snow is like Harry Potter in their world. They both decide to go to the same college, but Wren needs some space. The story follows Cath and her journey through her first year of college. Regan and Levi are the best friends a girl could ask for. I LOVED this. One of my favorite things about this book is Cath and Wren's relationship with their dad. It reminds me a lot of my my dad, my sister, and I. After having just an average reading month, this was just what I needed. I wanted to give this book a 5 stars, but the Simon Snow excerpts knocked it down. I found myself skimming and skipping over them because I needed to know what was happening with Cath and Levi. The ending was just ok for me. Rainbow's endings to Fangirl and Eleanor & Park left me NEEDING more. I can't wait to read Landline.

 

 I have already read one book this month. I'm currently reading A Thousand Pieces of You. I will also be reading My True Love Gave to Me and Dash and Lily's Book Dares for my book club. I would love to know what books you read this month. How are you doing with your Goodreads goal? 

Until next time,

Bre