What I Read: Week 2

NaNoReaMo Week 2 down! I am happy to say that I am still on track—finished book #6 around midnight last night. And then I didn't really sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about it. You know how it is...

Also, something unexpected happened this week, too. I wrote. A lot actually. More than I even realized. I just tallied it up, and I added 9,995 words to my Squishy, sekrit project (which isn't very sekrit anymore). I know I said I wouldn't work this month, but I think all this reading has jump started my brain. I just wanted to point that out, because I think we forget sometimes how important reading is. So yeah. Read.

Now, on to the books! (Reminder: I don't do summaries, but if you want to read one click the title.)

4. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
This is the final book in the Darkest Powers series, which starts with The Summoning. It was everything I wanted for the story and characters, so I was very pleased when I set the book down. The ending was well balanced. I won't say more because I hate to spoil things.

I really enjoyed this series overall. It's fast-paced. The paranormal powers are different (the MC can raise zombies, for example). And it twists without throwing you off the ride.

Actually, I would recommend this series to guys, despite the extremely girly cover. I feel sad that boys might not pick this up due to that, because the story itself is mostly action based. Conspiracy theories. Being on the run. Creepy undead stuff. And guess what? There isn't even one single kiss in the first two books. So, boys, just take the jacket off and read.

5. Gone by Lisa McMann
I freaking loved the first two, and the final installment was no exception. Be warned, it is on the gritty side, and some people say the style was too hard to read (third present). But I think it was the perfect choice for the mood of the series. I love the short, clipped pace of these books. It makes for fast reading and room for lots of interpretation. I love that.

Gone was not what I expected after reading Fade, but it was an awesome change of direction. I am so glad for the surprise, and I think it might actually be my favorite of the series. It tied everything together so well, gave answers and revelations, but it wasn't a pretty bow either. It stayed completely true to the story.

6. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Basically, this book made me regret not reading Dessen sooner. You know how sometimes you mean to get to some of those big authors everyone lauds, but then it just doesn't happen? Yeah, that was me and Dessen. (It's also me and Meg Cabot, sadly.)

But holy crap, I loved this book. I didn't want it to end. I'm still sad it's over. It had so many things I loved—art, catering, Truth. I don't get the compulsion to reread books often, but this is one I will likely come back to.

Besides, I practically blew through the last 150 pages going "Oh my gosh why haven't they kissed? She's going to drag this out to the very end! Oh, I will DIE if she does that. WHY, SARAH, WHY CAN'T THEY JUST FREAKING KISS ALREADY?"

So...yeah. I probably missed some of the finer details in the back third, which is a shame because the more I thought about it the more I realized its brilliance. This is what kept me up all night. I started to think about the seeds she planted in the beginning, how they grew and came together at the end. On the surface, it looks effortless, maybe even simple. But as a writer? I can see the work she put into this, and it seriously paid off.

Yes, Sarah Dessen is one of my new writing heroes.

And with that, I begin week 3. Woot.