The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I DID IT I DID IT I DID IT I FINALLY MANAGED TO FINISH IT OMG
Author: Lee
“Kudos to the Imperial Guard for having stupid amounts of courage.”
– Rick Riordan, The Hidden Oracle (Trials of Apollo, book 1)
*endlessly screaming in frustration*
I CAN’T BELIEVE I STILL HAVEN’T MANAGED TO FINISH THE HIDDEN ORACLE AND MIND GAMES!!!
I read ALL of Rick Riordan’s other Greek/Roman demigod books (yes, hi, that’s 10 books) in less than a month, but I have been stuck on this LAST ONE for LIKE THREE WEEKS
And Mind Games? Oh, yeah, I’ve been reading that sucker for like 2 full months now!
And I can’t even say it’s a reading slump because I read 3 other books….
Seriously why can’t I finish these books? They aren’t bad books! Granted Apollo is super annoying, but the rest of the book is fine and what even is my excuse for Mind Games????
I’m not even doing the WWW Wednesday or WAYRW because it would literally just be me talking about how I’m STILL FUCKING READING THE SAME TWO BOOKS AND WILL PROBABLY NEVER FINISH THEM IN MY LIFETIME
Teaser Tuesday: December 12, 2017
“Not the jaw, don’t hang on the — huh. Stronger than I expected.”
– Heather Tomlinson, The Swan Maiden, page 186
Version:
Paperback, 320 pages
Published September 30th 2008 by Square Fish
Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR, or just share what you are currently reading. It is very easy to play along:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.
Completed: The Swan Maiden by Heather Tomlinson
The Swan Maiden by Heather Tomlinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Raised as a chastelaine-in-training unlike her sisters who are learning the arts of sorcery, Doucette discovers when she is sixteen years old that she too has magic in her blood, and she must brave her mother’s wrath–and the loss of the man she loves–in order to follow her birthright.
This is a pretty good fairytale retelling, but there’s just something about the writing — the pacing I think? or the flow? — that keeps it from being a 4 or 5 star book. That said, I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.
(I may do a fuller review later on.)
Completed: The Tenth Power by Kate Constable
Completed: The Waterless Sea by Kate Constable
First Lines Fridays: December 8, 2017
First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?
- Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
- Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
- Finally… reveal the book!
First Lines:
I suppose a lot of teenage girls feel invisible sometimes, like they just disappear. Well, that’s me — Cammie the Chameleon. But I’m luckier than most because, at my school, that’s considered cool.
Interested? Scroll down for the cover and summary!
I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
(Gallagher Girls, book 1)
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school — that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it’s really a school for spies.
Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real “pavement artist” — but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?
Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she’s on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.
November 2017 Wrap-Up
Oh, man! This was such a good month for me reading-wise! I could have done better at actually blogging, but I’m not even bothered because I’m doing so well right now.
Non-Reading Stuff
As far as my health and such goes, the month started off pretty badly, but it’s really improving now. I finally got new meds after my old ones were recalled (blah blah, kidneys matter, apparently) so I’m no longer in constant pain and I can eat normal foods and I’m even getting my appetite back. Hurray! (Also they shoved a camera down my throat, fun fun fun.)
Mental health has been doing better lately, too! I have left the house on 3 separate occasions this month, which anyone who has paid any attention to my tumblr blog knows is a record for any month in the past couple years. I even went into a public place during 2 of those trips outside (not counting the doctor’s office). And, I’ve even been letting people into the house. Only 2 so far, but that’s still a huge deal for me. I couldn’t even let my own mother visit for a long time there, and she’s been over 3 different times this month! Ha!
Oh, also, for those who remember me shaving my head several months back and then proceeding to complain as it grew out because it kept trying to become a mullet: I got a real haircut and the mullet is dead!
So you can see why I’m not going to beat myself up about not remembering to blog regularly. Now if only my allergies would fuck off… I’m developing a vicious hatred of tissues.
Reading Stuff
I read 18 books in November, and of those I finished 16.
You can view this list of books and my fave/least fave things about them here.
The last week or so of the month I hit a bit of a reading slump, but to be honest I expected it, and the good news is: I’m already coming out of it! In fact, I’m having to force myself to be typing up my wrap-up instead of reading…
Aaaaand…. My 16 completed books from November officially puts me 5 books from my goal of 75 for the year!
Those of you who were reading my blog around summertime might remember that even though I originally set my Goodreads goal at 75, in summer I lowered it to 50 because I was having so much trouble with my mental health and reading, and I didn’t want to further discourage myself by massively missing my goal. Well after I did so well in October, I decided to go ahead and return to my original goal, which I am 100% confident I can meet (and surpass!) before the end of the year.
Blogging Stuff
I haven’t been doing great at blogging, as I mentioned. Mostly I get so caught up with other things I just forget, but I’m going to be trying harder for December.
I did at least manage to occasionally post for the book memes I follow (which you can find in their respective tags in the sidebar if you are on WordPress) and a Dedication Spotlight, as well as some quote posts and rating posts for all the books I read (links to those categories in the sidebar).
The thing that’s really been bothering me is I haven’t been reviewing at all lately. Partially that’s because I’ve been rereading some books from years ago, and I don’t like to review rereads or classics for various (probably dumb) reasons. I also have trouble when I’m reading really quickly, like with the Rick Riordan books. I don’t take notes when I’m reading that fast, and even if I did I wouldn’t want to stop and review anything because I want to jump right to the next book.
But honestly, I was having trouble reviewing already anyway. I’m not sure why… I finish a book with the full intent to review it, and then find myself with absolutely nothing to say… I’m hoping it was just a case of block, or even just because I wasn’t in the right headspace. If not, I haven’t the foggiest idea how to solve this one. I don’t want to give up on reviewing entirely because I actually like it when I can do it, but I guess we shall see how it goes in December.
Is there something you would like to see (or see more of) on the blog? Let me know! And if you have your own monthly wrap-ups I’d love some links! 🙂 Hope all y’all had good Novembers!
November 2017 Reading Wrap-Up
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
(Underland Chronicles, book 1)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 3 – 4
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Ripred being a little shit.
Least Favorite Thing: Henry. Blah. Dickhead.
I woke up in the middle of the night with an urge to reread this series, and seeing as I have poor impulse control, I immediately arranged for my husband to go get them all for me from the library.
I know these books are Middle Grade so a few things are a bit silly, like a guy called Sandwich, but the story itself is quality and I recommend it to anyone who likes a fun fantasy adventure.
My Posts About Gregor the Overlander
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
(Underland Chronicles, book 2)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 5
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Twitchtip. I miss her already.
Least Favorite Thing: Please read this in your most disgusted tone, while screwing up your face as if you smell something foul: Shiners.
Gregor has a lot more self-restraint that I do when it comes to not yelling at people…
I have to admit though, reading this book is a bit more difficult once one knows what’s going to happen in the next books!
My Posts About Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins
(Underland Chronicles, book 3)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 6
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Gregor grooming Lapblood.
Least Favorite Thing: The descriptions of some of the grosser things like plague victims and Gregor’s acid toes…
I read this whole book in like 2 hours! I surprised myself lol I didn’t intend to read it that quickly, but since it’s middle grade and the story is pretty engaging, I zipped right through it.
My Posts About Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins
(Underland Chronicles, book 4)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 6
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Boots’ fucking princess scepter lol
Least Favorite Thing: The Bane. He skeeves me out.
Oh man I had forgotten that this book is way sadder than the others! 😦
My Posts About Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins
(Underland Chronicles, book 5)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 6 – 7
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Ripred and Lizzie. It’s too sweet!
Least Favorite Thing: I hate one very specific thing about the ending, but only read about it if you don’t care about spoilers.
[start] I just hate that they go back to the Overland permanently as if they don’t obviously and completely belong in the Underland! That has literally always bugged me. Sometimes I just pretend that and the thing with Ares never happened. [end]
I really love this series, I’m so glad it was recommended to me back in high school.
My Posts About Gregor and the Code of Claw
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 8 – 14
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: The end when Jane wraps everything up. I like the way she does it.
Least Favorite Thing: The way literally no one ever listened to Fanny about her own feelings?????
I’m glad I reread it, I think I even liked it more than Sense & Sensibility now.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
(Percy Jackson and the Olympians, book 1)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 13 – 15
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Puppyyyyy!
Least Favorite Thing: Come on, as if I was going to say anything other than Gabe? Please.
It’s been a long time since I first read this book and I admit to not enjoying it as much this time around, but I think that’s only because it’s geared more for younger readers and sometimes I have trouble with the rhythm of Middle Grade books. I’m glad I’m going to finally get down to going through all of Rick’s books though.
My Posts About The Lightning Thief
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
(Percy Jackson and the Olympians, book 2)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 15
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: lol Tyson
Least Favorite Thing: Clarisse not knowing when to shut her damn mouth…
Oddly enough I remembered almost nothing from this one except for Tyson… So rereading it felt more like reading it for the first time. I have a feeling the rest of them will be like this too.
My Posts About The Sea of Monsters
The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
(Percy Jackson and the Olympians, book 3)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 15
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Bessiiiiiiie!
Least Favorite Thing: I actually find Nico incredibly annoying…
Would it kill anyone to stop being cryptic? Like wow. Just answer a question somebody!
My Posts About The Titan’s Curse
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
(Percy Jackson and the Olympians, book 4)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 15 – 16
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Poseidon showing up for Percy’s birthday just to be a drama queen. “Blowfish?” lol
Least Favorite Thing: STILL NOBODY CAN JUST ANSWER A FUCKING QUESTION OR SHARE INFORMATION!
So far this is my favorite of the series. I’m wondering if they will just keep getting better or what.
My Posts About The Battle of the Labyrinth
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
(Percy Jackson and the Olympians, book 5)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 16 – 17
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Percy being like “acknowledge your fucking children assholes” at all the gods.
Least Favorite Thing: Guess what. It’s still the fact that no one will answer a damn question. I’m so annoyed.
Honestly, if someone doesn’t directly answer a question I’m going to scream.
My Posts About The Last Olympian
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
(Heroes of Olympus, book 1)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 17 – 18
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Leooo! Precious little fireball.
Least Favorite Thing: It took them way too long to figure certain things out… Like everyone who spoke to them alluded to 2 or 3 specific things and they didn’t get it until the very end? Oookay.
The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
(Heroes of Olympus, book 2)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 18 – 19
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Ella/Tyson lololololol
Least Favorite Thing: When Octavian talks I roll my eyes so hard I get a headache…
I’m not sure if this one was better than the first one (Lost Hero), but I was really glad to be back to Percy so I enjoyed it more.
My Posts About The Son of Neptune
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
(Heroes of Olympus, book 3)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 19 – 20
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: “If they’d let women warriors into their cult, the might have learned some common sense.”
Least Favorite Thing: Literally only Leo talks about things, everyone else is like “I’ll explain later” and “we can talk about it later” and “I hope it’s not what I think it is” but they never talk about it!!
My Posts About The Mark of Athena
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
(Heroes of Olympus, book 4)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 20 – 21
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Bob + Small Bob (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)
Least Favorite Thing: Gaea is so fucking annoying…
IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR LITTLE NICO TO GET A DAMN HUG????? My poor little spooky baby…
My Posts About The House of Hades
The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
(Heroes of Olympus, book 5)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: No
Reading Dates: November 21 – 23
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Nico gets to be happy!!!!!
Least Favorite Thing: Zeus the douche…
I’ve got all the warm fuzzies from the ending of this book. Thanks, Rick.
My Posts About The Blood of Olympus
Darkestwings Reads