I finished three books and two novellas in January. It definitely was not one of the best reading months I have ever had, but it also wasn’t the worst.
The first book I read this month was Red Moon at Sharpsburg by Rosemary Wells,
Title: Red Moon at Sharpsburg
Author: Rosemary Wells
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Synopsis: Award-winning author Rosemary Wells lays bare the senseless devastation of war in this stunning novel. As the Civil War breaks out, India, a young Southern girl, summons her sharp intelligence and the courage she didn’t know she had to survive the war that threatens to destroy her family, her Virginia home, and the only life she has ever known. A timeless heroine of inspiring drive and bravery, India holds on to her dream of forging a career in science, unheard-of for a woman, in the face of battle, starvation, and tragic loss. Rarely has the Southern perspective on the war been told so even-handedly for young adults as in this meticulously researched, poignant, and riveting novel.
Review: I read Red Moon at Sharpsburg for my AP U.S. History class at school for the Civil War unit. The story was fine, the writing wasn’t great, and I didn’t learn much about the Civil War. It was a fast but mediocre read. I wouldn’t recommend it to somebody hoping to learn about the war, but it was enjoyable enough.
After Red Moon at Sharpsburg, I read the novella Ignite by Jamie Campbell.
Author: Jamie Campbell
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Synopsis: The Spark That Ignites The Flame.
Seventeen years ago an entire generation of aliens were sent to Earth in order to save their home planet and integrate into the human population. Now, those aliens are being hunted.
Amery Jones is finally allowed to go to camp for the summer. With her best friend Lola by her side, she is expecting awesome times ahead.
Unfortunately, Lochie, her charming mortal enemy and the only guy who can get under her skin, seems to have made it his mission to annoy her for the entire summer.
When one of the campers goes missing, Amery finds herself teamed up with Lochie in the search mission. Now, more than ever, her alien status has to remain a secret.
Review: I downloaded Ignite onto my Kindle thinking it was just a free short story, but it turns out it is a prequel to a whole series. I really enjoyed reading Ignite and I hope to someday read the rest of the series, although it is not on the top of my list of things I want to read.
I picked up another free short novel on my Kindle called The Flirting Games by Stella Wilkinson.
Title: The Flirting Games
Author: Stella Wilkinson
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Synopsis: Eleanor Parkhurst is determined to get in the way of Nathaniel Naverly seducing her sweet cousin Rose. Nate has a history of treating girls badly and Ellie suspects his intentions are far from honorable. Getting Nate to switch his attention to her seemed like a good plan, but Ellie didn’t foresee that she might have to protect her own heart from his schemes as well. The game is proving a challenge. Midnight meetings, fighting or kissing, it’s all part of the fun of flirting. Set in an English boarding school, Ellie and her American new best friend, Flora, discover that boys are more complicated than classes, and you have to play the game well or you might just get played
Review: I picked up The Flirting Games looking for a quick, fun read and I wasn’t disappointed. I liked just taking an hour out of my day and reading a cute novel. I recommend it to anyone who has just a short time to read, it is free on amazon for Kindles.
Then for school I had to read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Title: The Secret Life of Bees
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Rating: ***** (5 Stars)
Synopsis: Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily’s fierce-hearted black “stand-in mother,” Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina–a town that holds the secret to her mother’s past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.
Review: I LOVED this book. I had to read The Secret Life of Bees for my American Literature class and I am so happy I read it. The characters were wonderful, the story was beautiful, and it was about strong, independent women. I think everybody should read this book at least once and watch the movie, which is also fantastic. I definitely intend to reread it.
At the end of the month I finally got around to reading and finishing Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating: ***** (5 stars)
Synopsis: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
Review: This book is the third in the Throne of Glass Series and in my opinion it was the best. The new characters were all great (i.e. Rowan and Manon), as was the character development of older characters. I love Sarah J. Maas’ writing style and I am so happy there are going to be three more books.
Overall Reading Month: **** (4 stars)
Books added to Favorites: 2 (Heir of Fire, The Secret Life of Bees)
Pages read this month: 1,214
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas