January Wrap-Up

I can’t believe we’ve already wrapped up the first month of the year! Despite the meme’s going around the web making fun of how long this month was (sorry, it wasn’t bad if you didn’t participate in “dry January”), it went fast for me. As far as reading, I don’t even know what is considered “average” for me, it generally depends on if I’m in school or just how busy I am, but this month I finished three books. Here’s a quick recap of each, and a little mini review. Bring on February!

The Three Secret Cities, by Matthew Reilly
With the end of the world approaching fast (again), Jack West Jr. must find the Three Secret Cities – three lost cities of legend. He’s being hunted by almost everyone, and running out of time. 

As per the usual, Reilly DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT. God, this book had me shook. Every page had me gasping for air, every chapter was wilder than the last, and after he RIPPED MY HEART OUT at the end, he took it all back and left us with a gut-wrenching cliffhanger. And you know, here’s the thing about Matthew Reilly for me – he’s my number one favorite author, no question, but sometimes I forget why. He comes out with books every few years, which is understandable based on the level of research that goes into each one, and although I automatically say he’s my favorite, if I haven’t read him in a long time sometimes I question that answer. Well, after reading this book, I vehemently remember exactly why he’s my #1 guy. Non-stop action, crazy historical plots, and set of characters you just can’t help but love (even though I was sad to say goodbye to quite a few this time around ☹). As usual, bravo – can’t wait for the next one.

Two Dark Reigns, by Kendare Blake
Queen Katharine is finally on the throne, but dissent is growing and even the Goddess seems to be against her. Meanwhile, Mirabella and Arsinoe are alive but dealing with their own problems on the mainland. Jules, the final piece of the puzzle, is in disguise and learning about her Legion curse, and war gift.

You know, all I have to say is, well done Kendare – you really know how to leave us all hanging, don’t you?! Loved this installment of the Three Dark Crowns series. I was kind of iffy about reading it at all, just one of those series that petered out in my mind, but I’m sure glad I pushed through! This book had us split between two different continents, two different TIME PERIODS, and three crazy sisters. When I started, I really wondered where on earth this one could go – honestly, seemed like it could’ve been a duology. But I’ll be damned if I didn’t love every minute of this book, and can’t wait for the final chapter!

Liar’s Paradox, by Taylor Stevens
Jack and Jill have been trained for anything. They’ve been taught to hunt, hide, and even kill for survival. But when their fierce mother, who taught them everything they know, is kidnapped, the tables have turned and they begin the hunt again.

Sigh, this book disappointed me. I think a lot of factors were involved, but I cant quite pinpoint what exactly made it hard for me to get through. First, I haven’t read anything in this genre for a long time. I was excited for a kind of “palate cleanser” to get me out of fantasy before I start my next few TBR’s, but it just didn’t seem to hit me in the right spot. I found the book hard to follow, and more complicated than I was able to grasp. I also read this one on my tablet, which I don’t think helped. It’s been a while since I’ve read an ebook, and I found it distracting more than anything. So between the ebook distraction, the multiple perspectives that jumped around in time and location, and the complex nature of the book, it just, unfortunately, didn’t rank very high for me. Not sure I’ll snag the next Jack and Jill thriller ☹.