Sunday, February 28, 2016

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys | review

I have to confess: I have a long list of books that I want to read, intend to read, and am pretty sure I'm going to love, but I just don't.
No, not don't; I won't.

You see, they're books I think might make me cry, and frankly, I don't like to access my soft marshmallow core very frequently. Mostly I pretend it doesn't exist. So whether it's a book about a depressing topic (the Holocaust, kids with cancer), or the last in a series that I don't want to end, and think might rip my heart out (I'm looking at you, Monsters of Men, all these years later. Or, I suppose I am steadfastly not looking at you...), chances are, if I even suspect it might make me ugly-cry, I'm probably going to find any number of excuses why I simply can't read it yet. . .

But this week, I girded my loins, kept some tissues handy, just in case, and dove into Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. This was the result.




ABOUT THE BOOK:
SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys
Get It | Add It
Historical, 391 pages
Published February 2nd 2016 by Philomel Books
Winter, 1945. Four teenagers. Four secrets.

Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies…and war.

As thousands of desperate refugees flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.

Yet not all promises can be kept.

Inspired by the single greatest tragedy in maritime history, bestselling and award-winning author Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray) lifts the veil on a shockingly little-known casualty of World War II. An illuminating and life-affirming tale of heart and hope.

Preview the book below!



Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored video, though it is part of a promotion I was invited to take part in by the publisher. My thoughts on the book, both good and bad, are entirely my own, and not influenced by the promo at all, yo!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

February Book Haul (part one-ish, probably)

I really wasn't intending to upload a haul quite yet (and this was actually recorded a week & a half ago, when I REALLY wasn't planning to...), but then my mailbox kind of exploded in books. Which is not a bad thing. (Unless it really explodes...)
So. On to the bookage!




THE BOOKS:
The Nameless City | Faith Erin Hicks
Delilah Dirk & the King's Shilling | Tony Cliff
Riders | Veronica Rossi
Character Driven | David Lubar
Titans | Victoria Scott
Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys
The Love That Split the World | Emily Henry
Liv, Forever | Amy Talkington
Game | Barry Lyga
Reality Boy | A.S. King
 and a whole bunch of books about bread, and some about art, which makes for a very happy Misty.

Also Mentioned:
Buzzwords & Deal Breakers Book Chat


Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored video. As noted in the video, some of these books were sent to my by the publishers, for review purposes.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

The Next...er, "Five" Books: Late Feb/early March, 2016

Alright, we're already WELL into February, so I'm already underway with this stack (though sadly, not as far as I'd like to be), but here is my current February-ish/early March-like TBR. As you'll see, I definitely went over my "five books" rule... #reasons

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and what your current TBR looks like!



THE BOOKS (totally more than five):
You Were Here
Riders
Salt to the Sea
Wet Cement
Chasers of the Light
Delilah Dirk & the King's Shilling
The Nameless City
Sweaterweather
Apollo
Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Romeo & Juliet
Secret Coders
Fable Comics
Roller Girl
Midnighter, vol 1: Out

Also Mentioned:
Friends with Boys
Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong
Sara Varon, and how I love her
The Olympians Series

Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored video. Some of these books were sent to me by the publisher for the purposes of honest review.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

POLL: Recommended By... | Input wanted for a new feature!

For what seems like ages now, I've been wanting to incorporate a new feature here on The Book Rat from time to time -- one where I showcase (via snazzy graphics, maybe/possibly/hopefully) books that YOU love and recommend in specific genres.
You see, I get so many people that ask me for recommendations for such and such . . . science fiction books for their 12 year old niece, or contemporary YA romances for themselves, or the best of the best dystopias, etc. etc.  And though I always try to give those recommendations (because frankly, there's nothing I love more than giving someone a looooong list of books), sometimes it may not be a genre that I'm all that versed in, or I know that there are some books out there that are probably amazing that I haven't read (yet) that the recommendee would really like. AND, afterall, one of my absolute favorite posts of all time was when we all banded together and made an amazing long list of awesome books for Katie, a middle grader looking for some awesome new things to read. That post still makes me very happy. All warm and fuzzy -like. I want to recapture that feeling...

So, that's where you come in. Occasionally, I'm going to put up a little note asking for your absolute best, most-loved, must-read books that hit a specific target: best books for reluctant readers, best books to read in the summer sunshine, your favorite book from when you were twelve... It's all fair game, and it's all going to get a spotlight shined its way.
And then I will take these recommendations and work them up into a snazzy little to-read listicle/shareable graphic, so that we can take these books that we lovelovelove and spread that love around.

But none of it can happen without YOU!

So when you see these little questionnaires pop up, please take a minute and weigh in! Add your opinion to the mix and see your name & thoughts on the list of recommendations!

To that end, let's kick it off with  
Your Favorite (Happy) Contemporary NON-Romances

I know this is tricky, because frankly, it's hard to find a non-depressing book that doesn't have romance in it. So it's okay if a little romance sneaks in, if there's romancifullness as a sideplot, but for this recommendation list, I want to hear all about your favorite femships & bromances; the best family dynamics & buddy comedies & memorable non-romantic character interactions you've ever read. No kids dying of cancer or epic star-crossed love affairs here -- just plain old, cheerful, happy books that make you smile, that have barely a whiff of romance in their pages.

If you've got a favorite (or three) that spring to mind, books that you'd recommend for someone wanting something happy and friendly and fun, tell me all about 'em in the boxes below! Your recommendations & words may just end up on our very first Recommended By... graphic! (This will be completely dependent on the amount of recommendations I get, btw. I won't be intentionally leaving off anyone's recs unless I have to for space!)

Four simple questions, that's all it takes! And hopefully, we can build an amazing resource for varied recommendations!



Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday Face Off: Throne of Glass vs. The Winner's Curse (again)


Two weeks ago, Friday Face Off made its 2016 debut with the cover shakeup for Marie Rutkoski's The Winner's Curse series, in which I mentioned that the updated covers reminded me quite a bit of another female-centric YA fantasy series... This week, I thought we'd have a little Winner's Curse FFO redux, and put it head to head with said fantasy series -- Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass books.
From the tonal color themes to the specific Fierce Female Poses™, right down to the billowing hood placed just so, there's no denying these covers have a lot in common. When I first noticed the strong similarities, I was a little. . . surprised, to say the least, that such similar covers (especially when the originals, Throne of Glass, make up a pretty damn well-known and popular series, so it's not like it'd go unnoticed...). But the longer the comparison sits with me, and now, seeing them side by side (well, top to bottom, but you know), I think it may have been a good move. I mean, the similarities and feeling of familiarity may draw in readers from the Throne series, and as far as execution, I think they may have even done it better... There's something so crisp and clear in the design that makes the Throne of Glass series almost look muddied. . .

But I'm curious to see what you think. Which do you find more appealing? If you had to pick between the two sets, which would you reach for on the shelves? And maybe the real question is, if you've read the books, which suits their respective story more? In short,
Which one did it better?


VS.




(And in case you were wondering, in our last Face Off, the original covers for The Winner's Curse series just   b  a  r  e  l  y   managed to eke out a win. Many of you noted the submissiveness of the original covers not quite fitting Kestrel, but though the overall vibe of the original designs better captured the romance and feel of the books.)

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Excerpt: THE KILLING JAR by Jennifer Bosworth

When I shared the recent excerpt of Kim Savage's AFTER THE WOODS, and mentioned that both it and another dark contemporary YA, THE KILLING JAR, were going to be in my current TBR, I had a request to share a teaser of it as well. And I am doing so gladly, because frankly, I think The Killing Jar has a killer (ba dum tss) opening!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and if you want to see more of my thoughts on this book, make sure to check out my most recent The Last Five Books video!




about THE KILLING JAR by Jennifer Bosworth
Get It | Add It
“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”

Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.

She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.

On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…



Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored video. I did receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher, for the purposes of a review.



Tuesday, February 9, 2016

GIVEAWAY: "TruthRider" (Truthwitch + Riders) Swag Pack!!



As some of you know, I just recently read Susan Dennard's Truthwitch, and am currently reading Veronica Rossi's Riders, so when the lovely folks at Tor informed me that Susan and Veronica have teamed up and are setting out on a TruthRider tour (coming to Michigan's very own Schuler Books on Feb 17th -- though I can't make it (drat!)), and asked if I'd like to offer you guys a chance to win some TruthRider swag, of course my answer was: YES!
(When do I ever turn down the opportunity to shower you guys in swag? ;P )

SO:


Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Get It | Add It
Fantasy, 416 pages
Published January 5th 2016 by Tor Teen

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

RIDERS by Veronica Rossi
Fantasy, 384 pages
Expected publication: February 16th 2016 by Tor Teen
For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can't remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen--Conquest, Famine, and Death--are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now--bound, bloodied, and drugged--Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he's fallen for--not to mention all of humankind--he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?


****GIVEAWAY****
Tor Books has offered up a swag pack of a signed "Riders" poster, a signed "Truthwitch" bookplate, a "Riders" bracelet and a "Truthwitch" poster to one (1) lucky winner in the US or CAN!
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below.
Ends February 18th at 11:59pm EST
Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Friday, February 5, 2016

READER'S CHOICE & INPUT: The Friday Five / Friday Face Off


Hey there! It's Friday, which should mean either a Friday Face Off post (still talking about last week's big Winner's Curse shakeup) or a The Friday Five discussion post, but before I start diving back into those wholeheartedly, I thought I'd pause and give YOU a chance to weigh in!

I mean, I always invite you guys to contribute your take, or request topics/reviews/etc., but I thought I'd do so a little more formally, and have a dedicated space for us to generate ideas.  (Plus, with no internet, it helps me to have a go-to place for my TFF list-making, and FFO comparison-making.)

So in the comments, I would love to hear from you on both The Friday Five and Friday Face Off! If you've come across two books with similar covers, or a series that has had a cover rebranding, etc., suggest it for coverage on Friday Face Off!
And if you have a topic -- big or small, silly or serious -- that you would like to see talked about for a Friday Five (a top-five list & discussion post), I'd love to add your ideas to my own list! And I'd love to see what it is you guys would like to talk about, or hear my opinions on. Favorite side characters? Absolute worst mainstream (or indie!) book covers in existence? Most overrated books of all time? Book quotes good enough to get them tattooed on your body? It's all fair game, and I'd love to chat with you about it!

So let me know in the comments some of your ideas and topics you think could make for a fun, list-worthy discussion, and/or any cover-twins you've come across, and hopefully we'll see them in future TFFs and FFOs!

I look forward to generating ideas with you!

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

TRUTHWITCH by Susan Dennard | Review

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Get It | Add It
Fantasy, 416 pages
Published January 5th 2016 by Tor Teen

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.


I have to say, there came a point in this when I was feeling pretty let down. Hype has been strong with this book, and I was so excited to find out what all of that hype was about when it showed up in my mail – and then I found myself kind of feeling like I had to slog through it, and not really connecting with the world or the characters at all. I found it very, very cheesy in the beginning, and jumbled and messy – I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I think it was a number of smaller things: I didn’t fully buy the premise of “Threads” and the various witcheries, didn’t buy the names and the cultures as indeed separate languages and cultures; didn’t fully buy the relationship between the two female leads and the way the complete each other’s sandwiches sentences well, fighting moves, really. Names and locations seemed picked for individual sound, not for any truth to the weight of cultural heritage, which is one of my biggest fantasy pet peeves, and the fantastical premise and overall world-building was really hanging by a thread (ba dum tss), which is the other of my big fantasy pet peeves. All in all, I was ready to call it quits on this one at about 50 pages in, and write it off as one of those weird mindfreaks that sweeps through the blogging world on occasion.

But then something happened. I don’t know that it ever became That Book that everyone has been raving about, for me, but it did take a pretty sharp turn into ‘Hey, this isn’t so bad,’ and from there into ‘Hmm, this is vaguely addicting.’ It still sometimes irritated me with its gimmicky treatment of multiple POVs (I call it the Dan Brown Style™ of writing, where each chapter/POV is cut off right at the crucial moment, like a mini-cliffhanger, which is a trick that has a very short shelf life, before it becomes very obnoxious and starts absolutely killing  the tension the author has worked so hard to build); the names and gimmicks and the easiness of things still sometimes jangled against me, the jumble of the magic and the “witcheries” still got on my nerves a bit, or felt hollow and a little too far of a stretch for me to willingly suspend disbelief (completely).  And yet . . . Somewhere along the line, I grew to start really enjoying it. I couldn’t help but be drawn along, eager to see how it was all going to play out in the end – and I also found myself still thinking about it, still feeling like I should be reading it, should be continuing on with the characters, for days afterwards. It had worked its way into my head, and I came around to it.

Reading it on the heels of Six of Crows probably didn’t help, as you kinda can't help but compare the two, Tidewitches and all, and feel this falls short. But once the ball really got rolling, it was pretty damn enjoyable, and there are elements there that I actually do love (and man! Let me tell you, I was so excited to see a story where the focus (at least, for a time) was on a female friendship. Of course, of course, romantic tension competes hard for top billing, but the friendship aspect remains strong, and from the bits of the world mythology we get sprinkled throughout, I think that’s a trend that’s going to continue throughout the series, and that makes me very happy. YA desperately needs a stronger focus on friendships), and so, though in the beginning I felt sure I was going to abandon this one to the DNF pile, in the end, I find myself actually pretty eager for book two.
Go figure.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Catching Up & Finally Winter: The Vlog, January 2016 edition

Hiya! Here's a quick(ish) look at what I've been up to, and some of the pretty sights and sounds (ooh, ahh) of the last little while, all wrapped up in a tidy little VLOG.
If you're champing at the bit for more vloggish goodness, you can find the entire playlist here, including some from January of last year, in which we were definitely not short on winter-time goodness... (Hello, 24 straight hours of snowfall...)

Ahh, it's good to be back (ish). ^_^



MUSIC: "Not for Nothing" by Otis McDonald and "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" by Tchaikovsky