WWW WEDNESDAYS is a weekly meme hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World Of Words and is all about answering the three questions below.
- WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I’m trying to work through my ARCs so I can take the month of June off and read mostly my own books… I’ve been trying to resist new ARCs and so far things are looking up if I can only get through the current ones (about 8 left with these included; whoops?). I’m currently reading The Wisdom Of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan even though it’s a June ARC, mostly because I’ve been wanting a break from the mystery genre… It’s still early days so we’ll see how things go. I’m also starting with Breakers by Doug Johnstone, which I should try to finish quickly since my blog tour post is due next week. I’m really excited to be reading it though!
WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?
1. Circe by Madeline Miller (4,5/5 stars) REVIEW 16/05
I loved this story just as much as the gorgeous and shiny cover! If you enjoy (Greek) mythology retellings, Circe definitely is a must-read. Madeline Miller uses Circe’s immortal character to weave in a variety of different myths and stories about Gods and famous mortals alike. This is done exceptionally well and in a way that makes the story flow naturally. It’s true that time passes slower or more quickly at times and sometimes decades or centuries pass in a blink of the eye. But for me it only demonstrated the immortality of Circe and the way passes differently for her. I can see why Circe wouldn’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy Greek mythology retellings and don’t mind a slower pace at times, you will most likely enjoy it as much as I did.
2. Bright Burning Stars by A.K. Small (3/5 stars) REVIEW 17/05
Look out for my thoughts on Bright Burning Stars during my blog tour stop on Friday!
3. The Vanishing Season by Dot Hutchison (4,5/5 stars) REVIEW
The Vanishing Season has definitely succeeded in making this series go out with a bang. Things are going to get very personal and cold cases are going to get mixed with a current kidnapping case in a way you won’t be able to guess easily. There are twists and turns involved to mislead you and while you may get some details right, it will be impossible to imagine the full truth about the who, how and why until the very end. And you won’t be able to keep it dry by the time you reach the final page either… I found myself flying through the pages as I was dying to discover how it all ended; I literally couldn’t put down my kindle until I got there. I liked how everything wrapped up nicely and I was more than satisfied with this final book of the series. The Vanishing Season and The Summer Children are now tied for series favorite!
4. The Dead Girls Of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender (3,5/5 stars) REVIEW 21/05
I’ve enjoyed Katie Alender‘s books in the past so I was excited when my TBR jar thought it was time to pick up this title. I admit I was expecting something a little more creepy than what I found. There are elements of suspense and there are some creepy moments and secrets hidden in Hysteria Hall, but overall I found most of them to be cliche. I also didn’t find the main character Delia strong enough to carry the story; for example Maria came over as a considerably more interesting character to follow. There are a lot of cliche involved in general, related to both ghosts, family drama and even a love triangle… On the other hand it was still quite a fun and fast read; just don’t expect to be scared away, as for a haunted house story it’s surprisingly light on the horror.
5. Trouble Makes A Comeback by Stephanie Tromly (3/5 stars) REVIEW 21/05
I think I had the same issues with this sequel as with the first book… I should have checked that review better before deciding to read Trouble Makes A Comeback. I ended up having mixed thoughts about this story. It’s true the story reads superfast and there are entertaining parts. BUT. I had huge doubts about the credibility of it all and the fact that you are constantly reminded of THE love triangle is beyond annoying. In fact, it’s more than a triangle; a square maybe? Anyhow, this story is packed with high school and romance cliches and between those and the lack of credibility of the plot I had a lot of eyebrow raising going on.
- WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL READ NEXT?
As I said before, I’m trying to get through my May and June ARCs ASAP so I can start reading my own titles for a while… I’m really excited to read Dead Inside by fellow blogger Noelle Holten though! And I enjoyed Nathan Ripley’s other story Find You In The Dark last year, so I’m having high hopes for Your Life Is Mine. The only reason I didn’t read Call Me Star Girl by Louise Beech yet is that I’ve been reading ARCs and was in the mood for something lighter in between… I’m picking it up soon though. And I have a new TBR jar pick! The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout… Isn’t that cover gorgeous?! I’m not sure if the story itself will be for me, but I’m looking forward to find out either way.
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I’m taking the summer off from blog tours and can’t wait to start my final read.
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I might just copy you and do the same! I’ve been trying to get rid of my NG ARCs so I can read mostly my own books in June and July… Now I just need to resist those blog tour invitations. 😉
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Good luck xx
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I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on The Problem with Forever. It’s one I’ve been thinking of reading.
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I admit it was a cover buy but I’m curious about the story as well.
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I’m doing the same this month with trying to get through majority of my upcoming ARCs, so that June I can read more of my own books. It looks like you read some pretty good books this week. I hope you enjoy your upcoming reads! I’ve had The Problem with Forever for so long now and haven’t picked it up yet. Can’t wait to see what you think about it.
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Fingers crossed we will be able to clear our schedule! The Problem With Forever was a cover buy for me, but hopefully the story will be good as well. 😉
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I shall definitely look out for Bright Burning Eyes. I’m intrigued!
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It was without doubt a very interesting read.
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I love JLA, but I haven’t read that book. It is a gorgeous cover! Hope you enjoy it!
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I actually haven’t tried her work yet, but I have a few of her books on my TBR… The cover is gorgeous, so fingers crossed I’ll enjoy the story itself as well. Happy reading!
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I KNEW you’d love Circe 🙂 So glad you finally got to it.
I’m interested to see what you think of The Wisdom Of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan. I read her other book The Keeper of Lost Things last year and was a tad disappointed… Fascinating concept, but she didn’t execute the story well. Hope this book goes better 🙂
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I was 99% sure I was going to love Circe as well, especially after The Song Of Achilles. It’s great to add another favorite to the list!
I ended up having mixed feelings about The Wisdom Of Sally Red Shoes… It was too slow for me and I wasn’t able to connect fully to the characters; I don’t think it was my cup of tea.
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You’re making me want to finally read my copy of Circe! Hopefully sometime soon.
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It’s excellent! I hope you will enjoy it when you get to it.
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