Tuesday, 7 October 2014
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey.
Here’s a truth about my reading habits: I dislike narrator changes within a series, or changes of perspective ... and especially focal changes and changes in voice within a book. It’s fine when multiple perspectives are introduced in the first book, but I have a hard time warming up to new perspectives in a second book. Or if there’s suddenly another I-narrator ... or no longer an I-narrator at all. I hope you get the idea. I like continuity ... and my favourites from book one.
Here’s another truth about my reading habits: They totally and completely change if the book can persuade them to do so.
With this book those changes actually went so far that I was annoyed when my former favourite narrator got some page time because I so badly wanted to know what was happening to the other one. Luckily, this didn’t last long and I still like my former favourite, but now I have new characters to like! And I think that this is a thing that grows when it’s divided: Liking characters. Also makes the reader more vulnerable, but who said that reading was cuddly and safe? But damn you (in the kindest possible way), Rick Yancey, for that twist ... or the other one! Still reeling. Just saying.
I understand why many people who loved the first book might not like the second, because it is so very different in plot development and pace. The writing is the same. Very deep and revealing. And beautiful even if the subject itself is anything but. Second books can do one of two things: continue in the trajectory of the first book, which can be very rewarding, but also hard, or cut out a completely new path, which isn’t any less difficult, but can also lead to amazing results. And the more I think about it, the more I think this sequel executed the second of those options rather well.
Do you have reading habits that you gladly throw out the window for the right book? Let’s hear about them and share your teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- 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!
The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey.
 |
| The Infinite Sea – G.P. Putnam’s Sons |
You never know when the truth will come home. You can’t choose the time. The time chooses you. I’d had days to face the truth that now faced me in that cold, black space, and I’d refused. I wouldn’t go there. So the truth decided to come to me.
— Chapter 13
I didn’t think it was a promise at the time. I told myself it wasn’t. Told him it wasn’t. But there’re the things we tell ourselves about the truth, and there’re the things the truth tells about us.
— Chapter 76
Here’s a truth about my reading habits: I dislike narrator changes within a series, or changes of perspective ... and especially focal changes and changes in voice within a book. It’s fine when multiple perspectives are introduced in the first book, but I have a hard time warming up to new perspectives in a second book. Or if there’s suddenly another I-narrator ... or no longer an I-narrator at all. I hope you get the idea. I like continuity ... and my favourites from book one.
Here’s another truth about my reading habits: They totally and completely change if the book can persuade them to do so.
With this book those changes actually went so far that I was annoyed when my former favourite narrator got some page time because I so badly wanted to know what was happening to the other one. Luckily, this didn’t last long and I still like my former favourite, but now I have new characters to like! And I think that this is a thing that grows when it’s divided: Liking characters. Also makes the reader more vulnerable, but who said that reading was cuddly and safe? But damn you (in the kindest possible way), Rick Yancey, for that twist ... or the other one! Still reeling. Just saying.
I understand why many people who loved the first book might not like the second, because it is so very different in plot development and pace. The writing is the same. Very deep and revealing. And beautiful even if the subject itself is anything but. Second books can do one of two things: continue in the trajectory of the first book, which can be very rewarding, but also hard, or cut out a completely new path, which isn’t any less difficult, but can also lead to amazing results. And the more I think about it, the more I think this sequel executed the second of those options rather well.
Do you have reading habits that you gladly throw out the window for the right book? Let’s hear about them and share your teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas.
I should stop being surprised by this series, by its twists and turns and unexpected developments. The fact that I haven’t also shouldn’t surprise me any longer. The basic story line is unassuming enough, but the layers Sarah J. Maas adds to it make it quite extraordinary. There is not a single character whose motives you should disregard. Second-guess every single detail and especially what you thought you’d figured out. And don’t even think of hoping for one thing or the other. Even if it might look like something is headed in a certain direction, the story will almost certainly prepare an undercurrent to the complete opposite. All very vague and maybe a bit cryptic, but you absolutely need to discover this series for yourself.
Which book has surprised you recently with an unexpected plot twist? Share your reads and teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- 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!
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas.
 |
| Heir of Fire – Bloomsbury Children’s Books |
His silence demanded information for information – a fair trade. She sighed. “Let’s just say it was fear and necessity and impressively deep-rooted survival instincts.”
— Chapter 22
Men didn’t build more armies and forge more weapons without having plans to use them. And they certainly didn’t hand out bits of mind-controlling jewelry unless they wanted absolute dominion.
— Chapter 24
I should stop being surprised by this series, by its twists and turns and unexpected developments. The fact that I haven’t also shouldn’t surprise me any longer. The basic story line is unassuming enough, but the layers Sarah J. Maas adds to it make it quite extraordinary. There is not a single character whose motives you should disregard. Second-guess every single detail and especially what you thought you’d figured out. And don’t even think of hoping for one thing or the other. Even if it might look like something is headed in a certain direction, the story will almost certainly prepare an undercurrent to the complete opposite. All very vague and maybe a bit cryptic, but you absolutely need to discover this series for yourself.
Which book has surprised you recently with an unexpected plot twist? Share your reads and teasers in the comments.
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan.
There are not enough adjectives in this language to encompass how much I adore Sarah Rees Brennan ... and not just because she’s a seriously cool lady who gives out totally confusing spoilers (still a bit shaken after I reached a certain number and kept thinking that there would not be another occurrence of that phrase and that was just so!wrong!). Right, were was I? Final book in this amazing trilogy that I especially love because of its wonderful, spunky, witty, funny, independent, brave, clever (insert more adjectives here) heroine. And secondary characters who are not secondary at all. I’d probably be scared to death by Angela, but I’d give a lot to have her on my side. I love how Kami is the one who initiates action, who cannot and will not accept things as they are, and who will go to Cambridge because she is not only clever but also knows how to apply this cleverness. Even if due to loyalty reasons I still think Oxford is much better ... Perfect conclusion to Kami’s story with just the right amount of pain, sadness, and joy (if there is more I’d still be first in line to read it).
I have so many quotes bookmarked because they’re incredibly true and fitting. Especially regarding what happens to another certain someone. And about identity and self-consciousness. “Why be broken, when you can be gold?” ... This certainly is gold.
What are qualities you admire in a strong literary heroine? Share examples and teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- 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!
Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan.
 |
| Unmade – Random House Books for Young Readers |
Kami saw why so many teenagers who had adventures in books were interestingly tragic orphans. Parents were a real buzzkill, adventure-wise.
— Chapter 13
She wanted to be the person she was, and not the person anyone, including herself, had ever thought she should be.
— Chapter 24
There are not enough adjectives in this language to encompass how much I adore Sarah Rees Brennan ... and not just because she’s a seriously cool lady who gives out totally confusing spoilers (still a bit shaken after I reached a certain number and kept thinking that there would not be another occurrence of that phrase and that was just so!wrong!). Right, were was I? Final book in this amazing trilogy that I especially love because of its wonderful, spunky, witty, funny, independent, brave, clever (insert more adjectives here) heroine. And secondary characters who are not secondary at all. I’d probably be scared to death by Angela, but I’d give a lot to have her on my side. I love how Kami is the one who initiates action, who cannot and will not accept things as they are, and who will go to Cambridge because she is not only clever but also knows how to apply this cleverness. Even if due to loyalty reasons I still think Oxford is much better ... Perfect conclusion to Kami’s story with just the right amount of pain, sadness, and joy (if there is more I’d still be first in line to read it).
I have so many quotes bookmarked because they’re incredibly true and fitting. Especially regarding what happens to another certain someone. And about identity and self-consciousness. “Why be broken, when you can be gold?” ... This certainly is gold.
What are qualities you admire in a strong literary heroine? Share examples and teasers in the comments.
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
The Boy in the Smoke by Maureen Johnson.
You don’t need to have read the Shades of London series (but seriously why haven’t you?) to enjoy this short story. And if you have read them (and currently suffer from the really mean cliffhanger) then you get some neat additional information about a certain character. And the best part? You can read this story online for free if you click here.
To play along just do the following:
- 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!
The Boy in the Smoke by Maureen Johnson.
 |
| The Boy in the Smoke – Hot Key Books |
Was this actually happening? Was his father threatening him, physically, here on the Eton parking grounds?
— Chapter 2
Things change. Never act as if situations won’t change.
— Chapter 2
You don’t need to have read the Shades of London series (but seriously why haven’t you?) to enjoy this short story. And if you have read them (and currently suffer from the really mean cliffhanger) then you get some neat additional information about a certain character. And the best part? You can read this story online for free if you click here.
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
Rain by Amanda Sun.
How many countries have you travelled to (in books)? You can easily add Japan to that list with this series, learn a ton of vocabulary, and get a highly enjoyable story to boot. This is the second book in the series and contrary to quite a few series with second book syndrome this one really picks up the pace. Sure, there are some aspects of second book syndrome related to the love-interest situation, but I actually think that this is utilised in a way that makes sense. Such an interesting story universe; I’m already curious about the next book ... fingers crossed that the last chapter won’t throw me for a loop (too badly, a little might be okay ... maybe).
What’s your favourite read from a culture that is completely foreign to yours? Share recommendations and teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- 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!
Rain by Amanda Sun.
 |
| Rain – Harlequin Teen |
So the goal of the creepy goth cult was to save the world, feed the hungry, clothe the poor? That didn’t sound so bad.
“That’s it? You don’t want to take over the world or something?”
Jun grinned. “Do I look like some crazy dictator?”
“Looks can be deceiving.”
— Chapter 3
“Hey,” he panted.
“‘Hey’?” I repeated. “You collapse at my door and you say ‘hey’?”
— Chapter 14
How many countries have you travelled to (in books)? You can easily add Japan to that list with this series, learn a ton of vocabulary, and get a highly enjoyable story to boot. This is the second book in the series and contrary to quite a few series with second book syndrome this one really picks up the pace. Sure, there are some aspects of second book syndrome related to the love-interest situation, but I actually think that this is utilised in a way that makes sense. Such an interesting story universe; I’m already curious about the next book ... fingers crossed that the last chapter won’t throw me for a loop (too badly, a little might be okay ... maybe).
What’s your favourite read from a culture that is completely foreign to yours? Share recommendations and teasers in the comments.
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