Eleanor by Jason Gurley

When I initially chose this book I was taking a chance, as it is not my usually genre. However, I was incredibly drawn by the plot. It definitely did not disappoint. Gurley writes a thrilling novel that draws you in from the beginning and just keeps running. The use of time is a great way of telling the story, and adds an intriguing twist to an incredibly dark story. This was the first book by Jason Gurley that I had ever picked up, by I am interested to get into more of his books. 

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

K-Drama Traker

Completed
-Boys Over Flowers
-EXO Lives Next Door
-Moorim School
-Flower Boy Ramen Shop
-Shut Up Flower Boy Band

In Process
-Descendants of the Sun (Episode 3)
-Secret Message (Episode 2)
-Cheese in the Trap (Episode 1)
-Because It's the First Time (Episode 1)
-I am Sam (Episode 2)


Currently Watching
-Modern Farmer

ARC Review: Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Book: Gemina (Illuminae Files_02)

Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Rating: 4/5

Format: Paperback ARC received at BookCon 2016

Favorite Character: Nik

When I first read Illuminae, I was completely drawn in. The book is a work of art and tells an epic story in a way I had never imaged. The use of the case files brings a new level of depth to the storytelling. After reading Illuminae, I read the Starbound series by Amie Kaufman. I thought it was interesting how the three books were all based on a different set of main characters whose stories slowly started to become intertwined. I find it interesting that they decided to go that direction with this series as well, though I do not know how I feel about it.

Since I am reviewing the ARC copy, this will mostly be based on my initial reaction. Once the full book is released, I will reread it and review it again. Since a lot of the art was not complete, it did feel a little vacant. 

Pros: Gemina has the same face paced action as Illuminae but in a whole new way. Whereas Illuminae's central conflict was man vs. machine, Gemina explores the chaos of man vs. man. Hanna and Nik are both interesting characters with well-designed backgrounds and plenty of character flaws. There are multiple plots twists that made me throw my book in the air, then quickly grab it to get back to reading. Just like with Illuminae, I found the style of story telling to be wonderful 

Cons: With Gemina I had the same problem as with the Starbound series, which is the complete switch of main characters and plot. During Illuminae, I got incredibly attached to Kady and Ezra and the plot they are entangled in. While I understand that this book is telling a different part of the story, it did seem a bit disconnected. The new characters and new enemies really took me away from the story of the first book. It also felt a bit messy at times with the plot, and I often felt like there was too much going on. With three different sources of enemies, it was a bit much, and I felt that they could have left one out and been a little cleaner. 

Overall I enjoyed the second book from this series, and I am excited for it to be released in October. Once I read the finished copy, I will be doing another review that contains spoilers and reviews more specific information about the story. 

Books Read in 2016

January
1. Doctor Who: Deep Time by Trevor Baxendale (4)
2. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (4)
3. Frostbite by Richelle Mead (4)
4. The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau (3.5)
5. The Testing Guide by Joelle Charbonneau (-)
6. The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider (3)
7. Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed (3)

February
8. Fat Dad, Fat Kid by Shay and Gavin Butler (5)
9. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (5)
10. Steel Scars by Victoria Aveyard (4)

11. This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (4)

12. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (5)

March
13. A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab (5)
14. This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki (5)

April
15. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz (5)
16. Winter by Marissa Meyer (3.5)
17. Stars Above by Marissa Meyer (5)

May
18. The Crown by Kiera Cass (3)
19. Gemina (ARC) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (5)
20. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas (4)
21. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas (5)

Currently Reading: 

Currently Listening To: Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner