Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Trilogy: #3
✥Release Date:  October 22, 2013
✥Format:  Hardcover
✥Setting: Chicago, Illinois
✥Page Count: 526
✥Genre(s): YA, Sci-Fi/Divergent, Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 4/17/19-4/22/19
✥Rating:   Book:  2.5/5       Audio:  4.5/5        Narrator(s): Emma Galvin & Aaron Stanford

My Thoughts:

OWLs: 
Divination-Set in the Future 
Tome Topple: 
-Been on TBR longest (even though I didn't own it until recently, I knew I'd want to get back to it)
-Part of a series(3rd in a trilogy)
Audiobookathon:
-Listen @ least 30 minutes per day
-Previous put down/DNF'd 
Big Book Challenge

Audio:
Thankful for these two. They made it easier for me to finish a book I borderline dreaded reading. Why did I dread it? Well, continue reading below. 

Book:
After Insurgent, I was so frustrated that when I tried to get to this book, I just couldn't do it so I set it to the side, for at least 3 years. I was determined to finish the trilogy though. I refused to get that far in the trilogy not to finish it. Insurgent really worked on my nerves because of all the childishness that was that book. And, there was some spoiler'ish things said about this book but I wasn't quite sure who it applied to but pretty sure I knew/know but I thought I would read, well, listen to it anyway to see if it was a correct assumption.

Was it correct? Did I get spoiled on what I thought it was?

Yes. And that’s what frustrates me most. When people spoil books or movies. Intentionally or not but especially if it’s intentional. Just because most around you have read it, doesn’t mean all have and the least some can do is say they are giving potential spoilers before just putting it out there. The person that gave the spoiler, I don’t remember exactly who it was but they gave something away and that added to why it took so long for me to get to this book. I was ticked! Now, knowing what I knew, I skipped ahead a bit when I got to the last 75 pages or so to see if I was right on what happened  and I was (Hey, I had been spoiled already). It then became finding out the how of it all. I think by this point, I just wanted to finish this trilogy and be done. It doesn’t take much to spoil me on books and ruin it for me. That’s why I don’t read or listen to too many reviews before hand. And not many after either because I like just having my own thoughts on a book not ruined either! 😂 childish,I know! 😆 

For this one though, i am curious to see folks thoughts on why they didn’t like the books. I didn’t hate it... just wasn’t my thing really.



The book drug along. Just, ugh! I am glad I finally finished off the trilogy but I just wasn't fond of this one or the second one. Allegiant wasn't as bad but I still didn't enjoy it as much as I did Divergent. The arrogance of some of the side characters are annoying. She isn't a bad writer, I just think these books weren't for me. Dystopian books I think are just outside my comfort zone but very interesting and good to read. Some things just remind me of things I see in the real world and where we could end up if we aren't careful, especially this trilogy!

The Moon & More by Sarah Dessen

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: June 4, 2013
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Colby, NC
✥Page Count: 435
✥Genre(s): YA, Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 4/13/19-4/15/19
✥Rating:   Book:  3/5    Audio: 4.5/5   Narrator(s): Allie Gallerani

My Thoughts:
-O.W.L.s Magical Readathon: Herbology-Plant on the Cover
-Big Book Challenge (Goodreads)
-Audiobookathon (Finished it on the first day of the Audiobookathon (yep, I'm counting it!). Although I listened to more than 30 minutes of it today (to get it finished), I won't count it. It will just be part of the Readathon. It doesn't really fit any of the prompts)

Audio:
Not a whole lot to say about her other than I liked her and thankfully, she helped me get through this book. 

Book:
I enjoyed this one. Some characters were beyond annoying but beyond them, I liked the book. Some things that happened were pretty obvious what was going to happen when some characters popped into the book but I preferred those characters over others. I really and truly did not like Emaline's biological father. Good gracious he was a but hole and a half! I'm glad he didn't make too many appearances in the book but when he did I was ready to kick him in the shin! But, maybe that's just my personality speaking. Needing people around who are less pushy and just all around butt hole'ish. I liked Emaline enough. She could be a bit much but no where near as "bad" as some of the people around her. 

I had gotten sick for a couple days so I couldn't do a whole lot of listening to the book for a day or so but once I was able to listen, I was able to do a lot of listening. Her books are books that I have to have an audio book to get through them or otherwise, I wouldn't finish them. I want to get through her books because although many I am iffy with, her writing style can be really good. Sometimes, it's her characters that irk the mess out of me, like this book. I doubt I would have finished it if I were able to read the books on my own because the characters would have made me DNF it.There were more annoying ones than good ones and those seemed to have been the ones that showed up most. Of all the characters, I may have liked her parents (mom and "step" dad), Emaline, Morris and Benji. I kind of liked the best friend. Her sister, Amber, was the worst for me. I won't even get into details as not to spoil anything but she made me want to not only shake her but snatch her up! I am typically not a fighting kind of person but sometimes, some folks you just know they will make you want to fight! She was one of them! 

Ahem...sorry....I digress....

Some redeemed themselves. Some didn't. But the book wasn't a total bust. I liked it & Emaline's growth. As usual with Sarah Dessen books, I have my issues but I still like them well enough to finish them. Not favorites but still good. I haven't had a favorite from her since the first book from her that I read The Truth About Forever. I guess I go into all of her books hoping for that love that I had for this one. I am always hoping to find that family that is in this book. I think Keeping the Moon came close but ended up just fell flat in some parts for me. I have at least one more book that I want to read that I already own (Once & For All) but I know not to go into it expecting much. There's one due to come out soon (The Rest of the Story) & two others I just found that I will look into to see if it peaks my interest (Infinity - which appears to be really short. Reading someones reply to a question, only 32 pages long and the rest of the book is just excerpts to her other books. And How to Deal). 

There is at least one other book she has (Dreamland) that I am not sure about because if I am remembering some things correctly, it is about a topic I am not quite sure I can handle. When I read, I try to stay somewhat out of reality. Maybe one day, I can pick it up when I think I am ready for it and I can immediately go to a happier topic. Whether that be another book or even a t.v. show. I guess that's my anxiety taking over when I really don't want to read about certain topics I grew up seeing and/or been through myself or knew someone who has. But, other than the 4 mentioned that are already out,  that I am at least semi interested in, I have pretty much caught up on her books. Two of which, I read this month. 

Went too far left again I guess.

With all that said, this book does get a strong 3 out of me. More for the characters I did like over the ones I didn't and the fact that she can tackle some tough topics sometimes and make the unlikable characters, truly unlikable. Sometimes though, when I read contemporary, I like the mushy stuff. Maybe because I am not that mushy person in 'real life'. lol...I used to be one that wasn't into the straight out romance stuff. I liked paranormal, urban drama with romance (the Nikki Turner's), etc. But I am finally able to get more into the contemporary romance but most of the time, I do need the audio books to finish them but heck, that seems to be with most books these days. It's so much easier to listen to books while you're still living your life.

Angel Fire (Angel #2) by L.A. Weatherly (Spoiler'ish)

About This Book: 
Goodreads Summary
✥Trilogy: #2
✥Release Date: January 24, 2012
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Mexico City, Mexico
✥Page Count: 638
✥Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal, Romance 
✥Date(s) Read: 4/8-4/11/19
✥Rating:   Book:  3/5    Audio:  4.5/5     Narrator(s): Cassandra Campbell

My Thoughts:
May be a tad bit spoiler'ish. Depending on what you call spoiler. Read with Caution. 

O.W.Ls Magical Readathon: 
-Potions-Next Ingredient: Sequel

Other Challenges:
-Big Book Challenge
-Seasonal Challenge: Spring 2019: The A in Passover

Audio:
I liked her a lot. She made the book so much more bearable. Otherwise, I would have given up on it again. I just wanted to get to the third book and see if I would like it better. 

Book:

This book had a lot of second book syndrome for me. Some repetitive parts. A lot of Twilight'esque parts, just with angels and angel killers (AKs). Way too much Edward & Jacob type banter with a lot more jealousy. Some parts were boring maybe even some parts could have been left out. I feel like this is another that was just filler. I am still actually looking forward to book three in hopes that it is a lot better than this one. I guess a lot of series and trilogies can be like this. That first or second book syndrome but get better as time goes on. Maybe they're just major set ups for the next in the trilogy/series/duology. 

Some of the characters were annoying but there were some likable moments with them as well (Seb, Willow & Alex are still high on my "I really like them" list. I wanted to shake them sometimes but overall, they were good people). Book was pretty predictable for the most part. It's not an extremely strong 3 stars but I just don't really feel it deserves anything less. For the things I loved about the characters and the great parts of the book, keeps it at a three out of five. With all it's imperfections, it definitely wasn't the worst book in the world. 

I remember loving the first book so much. It's disappointing that it took so much for me to get through this. As I said under audio, it made it easier for me to get through. Especially the extremely boring and annoying parts. I initially started this book in February of 2012 then again in December 2012 never really being able to get into it either time. Thankfully, I was able to get the audio book this time. I'll be going for Angel Fever's audio book as well. 

Here's to hoping things get better in the last book in the series! 🍻🥂

The Christmas Box (#1) by Richard Paul Evans

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Trilogy: #1
✥Release Date: November 2, 1995
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: U.S.A.
✥Page Count: 125
✥Genre(s): Holiday, Christmas, Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: Finished: 4/8/19
✥Rating:  4.75/5

My Thoughts:

O.W.L.s Magical Readathon: 
Charms-Ageline: Read an adult book

Reread.

I can honestly say I remembered nothing about the book, even questioned if I actually read it a couple times. Once I started it, the doubt left. I didn't remember details of the story but I do remember enjoying it when I did read it. Then and now. I loved it but I am going back and forth on whether I will consider it a favorite or not. I love the characters, especially Mary. This is a coming of age story for everyone in the book I think, but especially the narrator. This is a sweet, beautifully sad story. I am just finding out while looking up the information for this book, that it is a trilogy. What I assume is more companion than anything. If I decide to read the second book, I guess I will figure it out then. 

Booklist Readathon Wrap Up

Challenges: ✔ 1. Read a 5 star predition: Love, Life & the List by Kasie Westx

❌2. Read a book Sarah or Lindsey has recommended (links below): Didn't do because I didn't have an interest in any recommendations (The one book I did see, I read years ago (Where the Heart Is) and didn't fit into another Readathon I'm doing. Although I love the book)

✔ 3. Read a book by a new-to-you author: Richie Rich: The Poor Little Rich Boy

✔ 4. Read a book that starts with "S" or "L": Love, Life & the List by Kasie West

✔ 5. Read a book that is on your "list": Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

(Titles are linked to my thoughts on the books)

I enjoyed this readathon. I had a bit of a rough start but I think it ended pretty decent. Especially seeing that I was able to add another one of Kasie West's books to a favorite (you'll just have to read my thoughts on it to find out what the first is). 😊

Richie Rich: Poor Little Rich Kid (Harvey Comics)

This was a cute little comic with several different stories in it. I remember these when I was younger but even then, I wasn't much on reading comics, or anything else really. If I remember correctly,there was a cartoon and eventually a movie. I'm pretty sure I watched the movie...more than likely, with at least my older son. I have a fragile edition so I will need to keep it in plastic with others. 

This little comic actually has me missing my childhood and that doesn't happen much. Nostalgia for happier times yes but rarely do I miss my childhood. 🙂

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: September 1, 1999
✥Format: Paperback
✥Setting: Colby, NC
✥Page Count: 228
✥Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 4/5/19-4/6/19
✥Rating:   Book: 3.5/5   Audio:  5/5    Narrator(s): Stina Nielson

My Thoughts:

Readathons:
1. Booklist Readathon: Read a book that is on your "lists"
2. O.W.L.s Magical Readathon-Published at least 10 years ago (1999)

Audio:
I think this is the second audio book I have listened to with Stina Nielson. It may have even been a Sarah Dessen book. One of these days, I may have to try to remember to look it up. I guess I can jot a note to do it later. I do enjoy listening to her read the book. 

Book:

I enjoyed the book There were some parts that I wish I could have shaken some of the characters. Some things were a bit much. Guilt trips because someone may think something or someone may or may not be their thing. Instead of just maybe asking have they ever even though about giving it a chance. Some things were just too easily thrown together, all of a sudden. Worked out too easily. I guess if their stories continued, you'd see the continued struggles. The story over all was really good but because of how some things just played out and came together too easily, that took the rating down for me a little bit. The growth in the book was really good. Realistic struggles that many deal with at their ages and even older folks deal with. Some behaviors could come off as controlling though, even though you knew they meant well. Some were just blunt and almost scary. lol...

I'd started typing it out as I was listening to the book but I found myself just flopping all over the place so, I had to start over! Which is why, I don't really have a whole lot to say. 

Love, Life & the List by Kasie West

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: 12/26/17
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Not Sure
✥Page Count: 374
✥Genre(s): YA, Romance, Contemporary
✥Date(s) Read: 4/1/19-4/4/19
✥Rating:   Book:  5/5   Audio: 5/5    Narrator(s): Caitlin Kelly

My Thoughts:

-Booklist Readathon:
* A 5 star prediction: 
* Book that starts with an 'S' or 'L'

-OWLs Magical Readathon:
* Muggle Studies~>Contemporary

-Favorite of 2019

Audio:
Well, I don't know what else to say beyond me liking her. Her voice was appropriate for the main character (teenager). 

Book:
Kasie West is an auto buy author for me. First book I ever read by her was The Fill-In Boyfriend. I loved it! And picked up every book I could since then. I have one more to purchase (Listen To Your Heart) and hoping to get it soon (paperback comes out in may. Might go for that one).

Now, how did I feel about this one? 

From the first chapter, I was giggling and wanting to laugh out loud but I was in a public place and my shyness tends to stop me from that! 😂

I loved Abby & Cooper. I loved how Abby tried to deal with her mother's anxiety. I know it had to be hard on her. As a mom, with anxiety, I know it can be a bit much for my sons. My anxieties were a bit different from hers but I got some of it. You get nervous about some things that may drive others nuts (i.e.-I can be a bit of a worrier) or just don't think much about. 

I, in all honesty, thought the list part would be a bit annoying but I actually enjoyed that part of it too. I enjoyed them going through the list. 

There was one character though, that I honestly wanted to smack! I really try not to say I want to smack folks, generally, I try to say I want to "shake some sense into them" but this one...Nope! Smack! 😂 Anyone who has read the book already, you might get it and know who it is. Those who haven't but want to, once you do, you will get it! Maybe even early on. I wanted to "shake her" when she first showed up but I had hoped I was wrong even though a large part of me knew better. 

Then it came. For the first time ever I think. I don't cry with books. This one, I did!  Memories. Mistakes I've made as a parent. Mistakes mine made, even if not identical to what happened here, just knowing how sometimes feeling you've been rejected, left out, or whatever negative feeling we can have because of others mistakes. Friends mistakes. Even mistakes you have made as a friend. So, um, yeah, my allergies cut up quite a bit during those parts of the book. My eyes just kept watering. A bit of a pain but thankfully, it cleared up quickly. 

I really did enjoyed this book. The fact it can pull out emotions from me and really jerk that chain for me, made it even "better"! This book, for different reasons, put this in the number one spot with one other Kasie West book: Fill-In Boyfriend! A bit of cheese, but I still loved it in all it's cheesiness! 

Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Easton

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: March 21, 1361
✥Format: YouTube (Link to video)
✥Setting: N/A
✥Page Count: 72
✥Genre(s): Classic
✥Date(s) Read: 4/2/19
✥Rating: 5/5

My Thoughts:

Audio:
I enjoyed the narrator for this. Made a really cute book even cuter. 

Book:

O.W.L.s: Care of Magical Creatures -> Land Animal on the Cover  I have always loved these "Dr. Seuss" books (I know it's not written under that name with this one). They have always been so much fun & cute to read/listen to. They were read to my as a child and I read quite a few to my sons and had them read them when they learned how to read. Even now, in my 40's, I still love these books and how much they can make me smile and laugh. I believe that no matter how old I get, I will always love these and feel like a kid again when I read them or hear them read. I listened to this one online as well. It was a video with someone reading it and had the book where you could also read along if you chose to.

The Star Money by Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: Not Sure
✥Format: Bind Up
✥Setting: N/A
✥Page Count: about a page
✥Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy/Fairy Tales, Short Stories
✥Date(s) Read: 4/2/19
✥Rating: 4.5/5


O.W.L.s Magical Marathon:
Astronomy:"Star" in the title
My Thoughts:
I found a Grimms Complete Fairy Tales book at a local used book store that I love going to. I have never read through all of their fairy tales so when I saw it, I snatched it up and made sure it went out the store with me along with some other books bought. 

Not much to say except I thought it was a good little story on helping others when you have little to nothing to give. Not even a page long. Nice little life lesson. 

The Voicemail of Magnus Bane (The Bane Chronicles, #11)

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series: Bane Chronicles #11 
✥Release Date: November 11, 2014
✥Format: In a bind up
✥Setting: New York, New York
✥Page Count: 15
✥Genre(s): Fantasy/Paranormal, YA, Novella
✥Date(s) Read: 4/2/19
✥Rating:   Book:  5/5    Audio:  4/5    Narrator(s): Not Sure

My Thoughts:

Audio:
I can't say she was good. I was able to listen to her entire reading. I think she was someone who took the time to record it to put it up for others to enjoy. Not a voice actor like the ones you may hear on Audible, etc. 

Book:

O.W.L.s : Arithmancy -> Work written by more than one author(Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brenan, & Maureen Johnson) This is a re-read for me but I read them in the bind up The Bane Chronicles This is was one of my favorite novellas in The Bane Chronicles. I didn't have the original audio book that I had before but it was still just as hilarious as it was the first time. I think I need to pick this up whenever I am in a book slump and/or I need a good chuckle.