Book Review: First by M.A. Grant

*I received an e-copy of First by M.A. Grant through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and have not been altered in any way.*

I have really mixed views on First.

First by M.A. Grant is actually two books in one. From the synopsis, I thought that there were going to be altering chapters of each story that eventually came together. Instead, we get a full story and then right after get another full story. Because of that, I wasn't reading what I expected.

The first story is Maya and Jake's. Jake is Maya's best friends brother, and they cannot stand each other. This is your classic love-hate relationship and though I didn't necessarily like or connect to the characters, it was fun to read. Maya did frustrate me, and I think it is for that reason I enjoyed the second story more.

The second half of the book centers aroudn Cat and Dallas. Cat is the aforementioned best friend, and she is in love with her brother's best friend. I liked this a lot more just because the characters seemed much more fleshed out. Once again, I didn't really connect to the characters that much and didn't really feel for them. The premise of this plot line was a lot more fun for me in comparison to the first half.

I had two big problems that were prevalent in both the first and second half of the story. The characters just weren't fleshed out enough. There are instances where Grant touches on the character's past, but it isn't delved into as much as I would have liked. If that were to be expanded on, I think I would appreciate the characters more. Another thing that just fell short for me were the endings. Right up until the last 5 or so pages things weren't resolved. When they were, it felt lackluster because everything resolved and right after ended. I didn't get the closure I wanted. 

Sorry if this review does seem more negative than positive! First fell right down the middle for me. It wasn't what I expected and I was let down by that. The story felt rushed as well as the character development, but it does show true promise of Grant's other books. Unfortunately, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one, but I wouldn't say to never pick it up either.

With that, I give this book

2.5 Stars out of 5!

Book Blitz: Starflight by Melissa Landers

Hey guys and welcome back to my blog! Today I am participating in the launch blitz for Starflight by Melissa Landers. Landers is one of my favorite YA science fiction authors, and Starflight is one of my most anticipated books of the year!  Landers has also written two other science fiction books, Alienated and Invaded, with the third and final novel, United, releasing this year as well. Here is what Melissa Landers has to say to you!

Hey there, booklovers! 


I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce the release of STARFLIGHT, the first in a brand new sci-fi series from Disney-Hyperion. I originally pitched this story to my editor as “Overboard” (one of my favorite romantic comedies) meets “Firefly” (an amazing show that was tragically cancelled after one season). STARFLIGHT follows the misadventures of Solara Brooks, a penniless felon who indentures herself to her high school nemesis, Doran Spaulding, in exchange for passage to a new world. But when Doran’s memory is temporarily erased, Solara convinces him their roles are reversed—that she’s the master and he’s the servant—and leads him onto a renegade spaceship, where intergalactic shenanigans ensue. STARFLIGHT is very different in tone from the Alienated trilogy, but the story is still filled with all the things I love: humor, heart, and adventure. 


What do reviewers have to say? 


“Get ready for blast-off! Action-packed and utterly addictive, nobody writes like Melissa Landers. A smart, satisfying romance set in a vividly detailed world, Starflight was just plain fun!” –New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman 


“Teens will be bracing themselves during the swashbuckling action scenes. A great choice for fans of raw sci-fi action, reminiscent of the lawlessness presented in the television series Firefly.” –School Library Journal 


“A lively tale of romance, space pirates, conspiracy, and made (as opposed to genetic) families.” –Booklist 


If you like your sci-fi adventure served with a side of romance, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of STARFLIGHT today. It’s now available in stores and online. 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1RUTRl2

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1MKVTwt

Book Depository (free international shipping): http://bit.ly/1OoN2WD

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1IIMPx7

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a STARFLIGHT swag pack, complete with custom nail wraps, bookmarks, and a mini poster! The giveaway is open internationally. Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate. 


Best of luck, and happy reading!

This link below is to the Rafflecopter Giveaway for the Starflight swag pack. Keep in mind you must be 18 years or older!
Rafflecopter Giveaway

Are you planning on reading Starflight? I am going to read ASAP!

Thanks guys for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read! 

Adaption Talk : Shannara Chronicles S1

Right before The Shannara Chronicles premiered on MTV, so many people were talking about it. Now that the show has been on for a couple  weeks, I haven't seen as much talk. I think that this show should get more buzz, because I am really liking it so far!

It's so much fun to watch and the actors portray their characters so well. The cast has so much chemistry with each other and the world building is phenomenal. I have been watching this with my mom, and both of us have never gotten confused before, which is hard to do for a fantasy series.

The way that the show has been going and taking the plot is so intriguing. The first couple episodes are so well done, which is weird for a first season. When you look at Vampire Diaries, another adaption based off a book series,  their first season was so weak compared to their others. If that is the way Shannara Chronicles will be, then I can't wait for the second season. I can see this becoming one of my favorite TV shows if Shannara Chronicles continues to be this strong. 

One of my favorite aspects of Shannara Chronicles is that it has a great balance between the romance and adventure plot lines. The love triangle in the adaption is so well done. It is refreshing to see a love triangle that is actually between two girls and a guy instead of the other way. Eretria and Amberle both represent different things to Will. While Eretria represents the forbidden and dangers of the world and is darkly intriguing, Amberle is the acceptance that Will has never gotten but has always wanted. Right now, I like Will with Amberle together more!

The Shannara Chronicles expands on its world with every episode. While they do this with the trials Will and the main cast faces, they also use the secondary characters very well. Bandon, a boy who can predict the future of people's deaths, is one of my favorite side characters. I'm excited to see how his story arc progresses.


As of right now, I am watching the seventh episode of the first season. I'm sad to think that the season is going to be wrapping up in the next three episodes. Wathcing Pykon truly shows the promise of the series. The Shannara Chronicles easily builds the tension and suspense throughout the episode and series as a whole. There are so many twists and turns that I never see coming. I can't wait to see how the series will end! Hopefully the series will be renewed for a second season!

What have you guys thought about the Shannara Chronicles? Have you been watching the series or are you planning on watching it later?

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

Top 5 Wednesday: Biggest Badasses

Hey guys and welcome back to my blog! I'm Genni and today I'll be participating in the weekly meme Top 5 Wednesday hosted by Lainey over at gingerreadslainey. This week's topic is biggest badasses and surprisingly enough, there are only girls in this list!

1.) Kady Grant - Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner 
 I adored Kady in Illuminae, the first book in the new series by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. What I really liked about Kady is that she is a badass not because she is physically strong. She has a genius level IQ and is able to handle insane situations. The last 200 pages of this novel are insane and I love it!

2.) Cinder - The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Throughout the whole entire series Cinder is kickass. When the fourth and final book rolled around, Cinder had already successfully completed a royal heist. The stakes are upped even more in Winter, and I loved how strong of a character is. She progresses so much from the first novel to the last and it is relevant in her actions. Check out my review of Winter, the final novel, here!

3.) Ari Alexander - The Taking Trilogy by Melissa West
The Taking Trilogy is a lesser known series about an alien invasion. Ari is training to become a leader in the military, just like her father. Things get out of control and Ari is faced into positions she would have never dreamed of by the third book. Throughout it all, Ari remains physically and mentally strong and she was such a great representation of a strong female character. You can check out my review of the final book, Collide here!

4.) Rachel - Defiance Trilogy by CJ Redwine
I really loved the Defiance trilogy. You can check out my review Deception here , and here for the conclusion, Deliverance. One of my favorite aspects of all the novels is how badass Rachel remains in the face of diversity. Her and her love interest, Logan, continue to support each other through everything and I just love it.

5.) Wren Connolly - Reboot by Amy Tintera
Last but certainly not least is Wren Connolly from the Reboot trilogy by Amy Tintera. Wren was dead for 178 minutes and "rebooted." The longer you are dead, the less emotional and more physically strong you are. Wren holds the record for the longest time dead, and you can tell with her personality. What makes Wren such a badass is that she decided not to conform to the only society she knows and decides to reach for the unknown. I haven't read the second book yet, but I want to before 2017 comes around!

If you did a T5W this week, make sure to link it down below! What are some of your biggest badasses in literature?

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

Book Review: Stop! by Alison G. Bailey

Stop! exceeded my expectations and then some. 

I had no real grasp of what Stop! was about before going into the book, which I was able to get through a goodreads group. The novel follows Hollis Murphy as she navigates her first year of college. She has major anxiety issues due to severe burns on her face and arms from an accident, and mean girls don't help. While figuring out how to overcome her anxiety, she not only gets paired up with a seemingly weird roommate, but bumps into a certain boy a couple times that she can't take her eyes off of. 

While Stop! was a much darker read than I anticipated, I enjoyed where Alison G. Bailey took it. However, the last third of the book did seem really rushed. So much was happening in so little of time that I had a hard time suspending my disbelief. Besides that fact, this was a pretty good book. I do wish some characters were fleshed out more, like Hollis' roommate and her best friend. 

I would recommend this for anyone who wants a refreshing contemporary novel that focuses on topics that are ignored far too often. There is a great LGBTQ+ plot to the story, and I loved it. A lot of the times books capture everyone as being straight, which is not realistic. Though I personally do not feel the struggle of being part of the community and feeling oppressed my society, I think Bailey captured it very well. 

Another plot point that I don't see often enough is the fact that the main character is a trauma survivor. A lot of the times in NA and YA we see people go through traumatic things, but we don't see the aftermath of that. In new adult, you see the classic guarded guy with a mysterious secret, but his secret is normally not that bad. Hollis on the other hand has gone through something truly horrific. 

One of the things I truly appreciated was how Hollis' love interest was not a douche bag for a good portion of the book. He wasn't this guarded mysterious guy, he was just a good guy. It was an accurate representation of what a healthy relationship looks like. 

All in all, I would recommend this book. I did have some issues with the pacing and characters, but that is something I can definitely look past. I enjoyed myself reading this, and I believe others would too!

With that, I give this book 

3.5 out of 5 Stars!

  

What are some of your favorite books set in college? Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

Adaption Talk: Thoughts While Watching Shadowhunters S1 E3

Hey guys! I'm Genni and today I'll be talking about the third episode of the Shadowhunters TV show. What I did was just listeed my thoughts as the episode went on. I really liked doing this, and if you do as well, I'll be continuing it! I probably won't be doing it for every episode, but every few.

1.) Clary and Jace actually have some chemistry together, but their scene learning about the seraph blade was pretty cheesy.

2.) Meliorn looks so gross it's not even funny. What happened to the Seelie being the most beautiful beings ever?

3.) "Oh my god. They're vampires." Well yes Clary, that would be expected out of blood sucking creatures that have fangs.

4.) Clary and Jace? Have you ever heard a personal bubble? You literally just met him..STOP.

5.) This is Camille, right? I never pictured her like this at all..

6.) Isabelle isn't subtle at all when she's fishing for information. I don't appreciate how they are making Isabelle so sexualized she doesn't even have a personality. 

7.) "You remind me of me, Alec. A loyal friend standing in the shadow...Don't make the same mistake I did..." Pretty good scene between Hodge and Alec. I liked the subtle foreshadowing.

8.) How could Jace have expected Clary to not fall under the vampires charms? She was raised as a mundane! I thought mundanes were supposed to be the ignorant ones. 

9.) I don't feel comfortable seeing Simon make out this much. Haha!

10.) "We've been breached." You're in a hotel, not a freaking war camp. Are they seriously doing this to Simon so easily into the season?

11.) I love Simon! Alberto is the best actor on this show so far. This is my face whenever there is a scenes with Alberto. 

12.) The scene with Clary and Jace are some of Dom's strongest so far. He's definitely improved since the first show, but he's still pretty bad. 

13.) Clary :"You've never been bitten? You've never been in love.." Jace:"...It fades, just like love." Oh god here I think Jace and Clary scenes are strong but then they have cheesy lines like this.

14.) Oh god the graphics for the vampires erupting are so bad. Why do we have to see a skeleton in some orange sparkles?


15.) "You really know how to hurt a guy." Random vampire, you have no idea. :D *cue Simon's heartbreak*

16.) Wow, I really do appreciate some slow mo walking in a pack. Not. The cheese factor in this show is off the charts.

17.) This scene actually makes me feel nervous. They have changed so much of the books, that it makes me intrigued because I don't even know what is going to happen. 

18.) "Jace Wayland! Remember who your friends are." Is that foreshadowing for what happens with Hodge?

19.) I low key ship Clary and Simon together on the show even though I hate a romantic relationship with them in the books. This unrequited love makes me feel so bad for Simon. It's probably because Clary has way more chemistry with Simon right now. 

20.) We all know that Alec hates Clary so much because he's trying to protect Jace and he's jealous. I'm over it. I already read a whole entire book with Alec being an ass-hat and I'd rather not have to do it all over again. 

21.) We're finally seeing a scene that makes it seem as if Alec and Jace are parabatai. Thank goodness! Also, Alec is totally looking at Jace's lips in this shot of the episode!

22.) Wow, that pumping vein. Way to be subtle, really. I'm excited to see Alberto in those scenes!

So yeah, I definitely had my issues with the episode, but it was a lot better than the first two for me. Dominic Sherwood, the actor who plays Jace, improved a lot this episode in comparison. The CGI was still really bad, but it's a minute detail. My favorite aspect still remains Alberto. He's the strongest actor so far in the series, and I think it is because at the time of filming, he was the only one who read all the books. You can tell he has a full feel of the character.

Though they made a lot of changes in the series, the plot still interests me even if they are doing everything in the wrong order. I feel like if I watched this series without reading the books, I would be more into the series.


Here's a gif that wraps up all my thoughts!

What did you guys think of the third episode of Shadowhunters? Have you decided to stop or continue with the series?

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

Top 5 Wednesday: Disappointing Eye Candy

Hey guys and welcome back to my blog! I'm Genni and today I am participating in the weekly meme Top 5 Wednesday! It is hosted by Lainey of gingerreadslainey. If you want to know more information, click here to go to the goodreads post!

This week's topic is disappointing eye candy. Esentially, we are showcasing some beautiful books that weren't as pretty on the inside as they were out. Here are my top five disappointments and reasons why I don't judge a book by its cover.

5.) Dark Metropolis by Jacyln Dolamore
I put Dark Metropolis at the end of the list just because the cover wasn't as beautiful as the others. However, the typography is downright amazing! Dark Metropolis left me disappointed. You know when a book doesn't speak to you when you forget the characters names soon after, and that is what happened to me.

4.) The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
I read The Luxe a while back, and the main feeling I remember reading this was me being underwhelmed. The ending was interesting and at first made me want to continue the series, but I decided against it. I didn't care for the characters and if the first book left me confused, I would be even more so continuing the series.

3.) Earthbound by Aprilynne Pike
Earthbound wasn't necessarily bad, it was just un-compelling. The novel didn't do anything for me and I will not be continuing on with the series. While the premise was promising, the book just didn't deliver to me. Besides that, the characters never made me feel anything and I hated the love triangle.

2.) The Fill in Boyfriend by Kasie West
Would you expect anything less than this book on my list? If you're new to my blog, you should know that I was beyond frustrated by this novel. If you want to check out my rant review, go check it out here! This book was also featured on my list of biggest disappointments and least favorite books of 2015. The main character annoyed me to no end and I could not connect to the story at all. I should probably stop mentioning this so much on my blog! XD


1.) The Fallen Series by Lauren Kate
When I read Fallen, the first book in this series, I absolutely hated it. I decided to give the series one more go, and read the second book, Torment. Let me tell you, it was a torment to read the book. Because I like torturing myself, I even went to read the third book and DNFed around half way through. While some people absolutely loved this series, I just couldn't do it. The main character and love interest were both frustrating and they never seemed real. There are some times that I even stop and think about continuing on with the series even though I hated the first two books. I'm crazy, I know!

Those are my top five disappointing eye candy novels! What are some of yours?

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!