2013 Wrap Up
Hallo, book lovers!
How have you been? Read any interesting books last year? ‘Cause I did! And since my last book update was in August 2013, I have lots of books to discuss, review and rant about. Moreover, it is already 2014 so I decided a 2013 wrap up (to sum up the past year) is in order before I can dive into my new year’s reads and share them with you. (There will be a separate article for 2014’s reads. This one’s only for 2013.) Thus brace yourselves for an extremely long but hopefully entertaining and enjoyable read!
How have you been? Read any interesting books last year? ‘Cause I did! And since my last book update was in August 2013, I have lots of books to discuss, review and rant about. Moreover, it is already 2014 so I decided a 2013 wrap up (to sum up the past year) is in order before I can dive into my new year’s reads and share them with you. (There will be a separate article for 2014’s reads. This one’s only for 2013.) Thus brace yourselves for an extremely long but hopefully entertaining and enjoyable read!
This article is slightly different from the previous three book updates (which you can find HERE) because the time span and number of books I have to cover in it are significantly larger. I just realized I’ve read only series since August. But due to the fact that some were (or still are) not finished, I didn’t exactly read each series’ installments in order, one book after the other. This means I won’t discuss them chronologically, as I usually do. If you want to know exactly when I read each book, check out my Goodreads list.
This being said, I will simply begin writing and see what happens. Sometimes planning ahead isn’t such a good idea.
Let’s start from where we left off.
This being said, I will simply begin writing and see what happens. Sometimes planning ahead isn’t such a good idea.
Let’s start from where we left off.
As intended, I read “The Midnight Heir”…and then the following four installments of “The Bane Chronicles” by Cassandra Clare and co. I wouldn’t want to spoil you too much so I’ll give you just a vague review and my humble opinion on these stories. If you haven’t read “The Mortal Instruments” or “The Infernal Devices” series, and you are not a shadowhunter fan, then…what are you waiting for?! You better start reading!
Now seriously; the one thing you should know is that “The Bane Chronicles” are complementary to the overall shadowhunter world so if you are not familiar with it, you may not have as much fun reading them.
Now seriously; the one thing you should know is that “The Bane Chronicles” are complementary to the overall shadowhunter world so if you are not familiar with it, you may not have as much fun reading them.
First in the row is “The Midnight Heir” (#4). I was very excited about this installment, so I was initially a bit disappointed when I read it. However, discussing it with my boyfriend gave me another perspective and as a result I like it better now. We get acquainted with James Herondale and learn some intriguing facts about his persona and his love troubles. |
We also meet Tessa, Will and Jem (from “The Infernal Devices” series) which is a huge plus because I LOVE them. “The Midnight Heir” is super short so that’s all I can say without spoiling you.
Next comes “The Rise of the Hotel Dumort” (#5) where Magnus Bane deals with the dry regime in the Twenties and a troublesome old warlock friend. Not bad, just not that interesting for me. “Saving Raphael Santiago” (#6) gives us a glimpse of Magnus’ career as a private eye and reveals Raphael Santiago’s life story. (Rafael is a character from “The Mortal Instruments” series). In “The Fall of the Hotel Dumort” (#7) we are dealing with naughty vampire causing trouble, and we get to see Camille in a new, not so flattering light. Pretty interesting story, I must say. |
Nevertheless, my absolute favourite (so far, because there are two parts left of TBC) is “What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything” (#8). Not only does it have Magnus in it (I mean, that’s a given for "The Bane Chronicles". Duh!), but it also has Alec and Isabel Lightwood (from TMI)! How cool is that!? As a bonus we indulge in hilarious conversations with Ragnor Fell, Catarina Loss and a demon. |
The whole story is so sweet and endearing. I had an ear to ear smile on my face the whole time I read it. It is absolutely lovely. And the ending…so cute! I don’t see how the remaining two parts – “The Last Stand of the New York Institute” (#9) and “The Course of True Love [and First Dates]” (#10) can beat this but since their titles suggest connection to TMI, there might as well be Jace and Clary so I am freaking excited to read them. ^^
Moving on to another supernatural series altogether – the “Caster Chronicles” by Kami Garcia. There are 4 books in the series (plus one extra) and I read 3 of them - “Beautiful Creatures” (#1), “Beautiful Darkness” (#2) and “Dream Dark” (#2.5) - before losing interest and ditching the series altogether.
The story revolves around Lena and Ethan fighting for their forbidden love. There are mortals, casters (a.k.a. witches), and other “beautiful” creatures. I think I got irritated by the main protagonists at some point and my desire to read about them and see how the story ends disappeared. However, my boyfriend told me what happens in the remaining books so I think my interest is back. That being said, I did like the parts that I read and I am willing to finish the series this year.
The story revolves around Lena and Ethan fighting for their forbidden love. There are mortals, casters (a.k.a. witches), and other “beautiful” creatures. I think I got irritated by the main protagonists at some point and my desire to read about them and see how the story ends disappeared. However, my boyfriend told me what happens in the remaining books so I think my interest is back. That being said, I did like the parts that I read and I am willing to finish the series this year.
Next on my list is the marvelous “Precious Stone” trilogy by the German author Kerstin Gier – “Ruby Red” (#1), “Sapphire Blue” (#2) and “Emerald Green” (#3). I read the English translations and they were spectacular. I enjoyed them immensely. The only thing that bothered me was that the story ended quickly and left me wanting MORE!
What is this series about, you ask? Here’s a hint - the action takes place in London and time-travellers are involved. I strongly suggest you give them a try. I bought a Bulgarian translation of “Ruby Red” as a birthday present for a friend of mine and she loved it. She even bought the rest of the series for herself, and backs up my opinion that the series are awesome!
What is this series about, you ask? Here’s a hint - the action takes place in London and time-travellers are involved. I strongly suggest you give them a try. I bought a Bulgarian translation of “Ruby Red” as a birthday present for a friend of mine and she loved it. She even bought the rest of the series for herself, and backs up my opinion that the series are awesome!
OK, enough ranting; let’s move on to yet another series I lost interest in - The “Lux” series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Prepare for hot alien neighbors, plenty action scenes, and a complicated plot. Honestly I read it so long ago I can’t remember the details anymore. I started by reading "Shadow" (#0.5) - kind of a back-story to the “Lux” series. I wish I hadn’t read this one first, but once read it can’t be un-read. It kind of spoiled me, both in a good and in a bad way.
So, anyway, I kept going and finished "Obsidian" (#1) and "Onyx" (#2) in a week or so. I was absolutely fascinated by the relationship between Damon and Kate. However the story got even more complex, and intense like sh…you know. I just needed a break from all the tension in the books.
So, anyway, I kept going and finished "Obsidian" (#1) and "Onyx" (#2) in a week or so. I was absolutely fascinated by the relationship between Damon and Kate. However the story got even more complex, and intense like sh…you know. I just needed a break from all the tension in the books.
Hence, I started a new read, namely, “The Selection” series by Kiera Cass - a futuristic trilogy (three novels plus two novellas) that take place after World War Four in America (now called Illea). There’s a king, a queen and a prince. Potential princesses are fighting for the prince’s heart in a competition called the Selection. It is better that it sounds, really. Quite entertaining. Our main protagonist is called America Singer and, if you haven’t guessed already, she’s a part of the Selection. Get ready for a love triangle.
I read “The Selection” (#1), “The Elite” (#2) and “The Prince” (#0.5) in this order. Now I’m waiting for “The One” (#3) to be published in May 6th 2014 and I’m trying to find time to read “The Guard” (#2.5) which was released this month (4th Feb). I’m pretty intrigued to see how the story develops.
I read “The Selection” (#1), “The Elite” (#2) and “The Prince” (#0.5) in this order. Now I’m waiting for “The One” (#3) to be published in May 6th 2014 and I’m trying to find time to read “The Guard” (#2.5) which was released this month (4th Feb). I’m pretty intrigued to see how the story develops.
Last but not least on my “books read in 2013” list is… drumroll …the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series by Rick Riordan! I’ve been wanting to read those babies for so long, and I’m so happy I finally did. They are remarkable!
If you can’t muster the gist of the series from the title, let me help you: Percy Jackson – main protagonist; The Olympians – yes, we are talking about the gods of Olympus, plus a bunch of cool and not so cool (but always amusing) demigods, monsters and other mythological creatures. On top of that you can indulge in brilliant humor, action-packed scenes and an intricate plot. I don’t think you need further convincing. Just give them a try and you won’t be sorry.
Bringing up the rear is “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” companion book – “The Demigod Files”. A nice little read containing some extra stories and compiled information about Percy and his demigod friends. |
Well, that’s it for now guys.
I hope you enjoyed my article and, with any luck, I inspired you to read some of the books I mentioned above. ;)
Till next time!
~ Vera
I hope you enjoyed my article and, with any luck, I inspired you to read some of the books I mentioned above. ;)
Till next time!
~ Vera