Another month, another batch of books up on the chopping block! In an effort to cut down my ever-growing TBR list I’ve selected another five hopefuls that I’m trying to decide whether I should keep them and read them, or scratch them off my list and wave them farewell.
As always I greatly appreciate your opinions and help!
(This post was inspired by Lia @ Lost in a Story. To read more about it and how this post series works check out my first post here)
The Books
A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle #1) by Libba Bray (2003)
About:
“Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother’s death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls’ academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions “for a bit of fun” and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the “others” and rebuild the Order.”
–Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I like the cover, I like how the story sounds, I’m just not sure if the book blurb is better than the actual book. Ya know? I’ve heard some varying opinions about this book and while it sounds like something I’d really enjoy a) I’d like to hear your opinions and b) I keep forgetting it’s on my TBR list to begin with so maybe that’s a sign?
Hood (King Raven #1) by Stephen R. Lawhead (2006)
About:
“Robin Hood. The Legend Begins Anew.
For centuries, the legend of Robin Hood and his band of thieves has captivated the imagination. Now the familiar tale takes on new life, fresh meaning, and an unexpected setting.
Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Stephen R. Lawhead’s latest work conjures up an ancient past and holds a mirror to contemporary realities. Prepare yourself for an epic tale that dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood.”
–Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I love the tale of Robin Hood. It’s just always been one of my favorites. I’ve heard this book is really good, especially for fantasy lovers, but I’ve also heard that the language can be a bit of a struggle which in turn can make submerging into the story rather difficult. What do you think?
The Novice (Summoner #1) by Taran Matharu (2015)
About:
“When blacksmith apprentice Fletcher discovers that he has the ability to summon demons from another world, he travels to Adept Military Academy. There the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Fletcher is put through grueling training as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire’s war against orcs. He must tread carefully while training alongside children of powerful nobles. The power hungry, those seeking alliances, and the fear of betrayal surround him. Fletcher finds himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with only his demon Ignatius for help.
As the pieces on the board maneuver for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands. The Novice is the first in a trilogy about Fletcher, his demon Ignatius, and the war against the Orcs.”
–Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This book has a good rating on Goodreads, I remember all the hype surrounding it when it first came out, and even now people still seem to love it. I’m a big fan of fantasy but for whatever reason the blurb for this book doesn’t win me over. Is it as good as the fans say? Should I trust the ratings and go for it?
Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead (2007)
About:
“Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth’s magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires – the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa’s best friend, makes her a dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.
After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir’s Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger . . . and the Strigoi are always close by.
Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever . . .”
–Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I’ve seen the movie adaptation and liked it but I have a strong feeling that the book (per usual) is way better. I don’t know many people who’ve read these books and the paranormal genre is a real struggle in the industry for whatever reason, so I’m wondering if this is one of those rare paranormal gems or is it just meh?
The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart (1971)
About:
“The cult classic that can still change your life…Let the dice decide! This is the philosophy that changes the life of bored psychiatrist Luke Rhinehart – and in some ways changes the world as well. Because once you hand over your life to the dice, anything can happen. Entertaining, humorous, scary, shocking, subversive, The Dice Man is one of the cult bestsellers of our time.”
–Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I honestly cannot remember how I even heard about this book. I don’t know anyone who’s read it and the description doesn’t give much away, but I feel like this could be one of those really good psychological thriller novels. Any chance any of you can help me with this one? Do you know anything about it?
Thanks!
Once again, thank you for your help and for participating in this fun post!
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