Category: Books

Reviews and ratings of books Toi has read for pleasure.

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Books

Review: Sacrifice

Sacrifice (Gryphon #3) by Stacey Rourke

I give this book a 4.

Okay, so the Conduit of the Gryphon has always been terrified of garden gnomes and now she has a reason for it, but I’m jumping ahead of myself.

Let me go ahead and tell you why I didn’t give this great story a five and then move on. Celeste is great, she really is, but her dim-wittedness is starting to drive me crazy…that’s it. I wish the Gryphon would make her smarter.

There is so much I want to say, but I usually make a point not to give away spoilers, so bear with me. I’m just going to list a few things I wish I could elaborate more on.

1. Love continues to be in the air for the Garret family, but not for too long.

2. The title is soooo fitting, it’s almost sad just how much so.

3. Mom finally shows up for a while.

4. There is another really cool conduit to meet, thus my specification in the first sentence. Go back and take a look and see my subtlety.

5. The mystery, or lack thereof, concerning Alex keeps developing…Again, here’s why I wish Celeste was smarter.

6. Titans in this mythology are very different from others I’ve read, but I’m liking them for what they are.

7. There’s something about blondes in this series.

And lastly, I’m ready for this war to finally start.

On a personal note, I’m sad that the book covers are changing with the release of the fourth book. I liked the old covers.

Now back to those gnomes…no that would give too much away.

See my review of book 2 in The Gryphon Series, Embrace.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

 
Categories
Books

Review: Divergent

Divergent (Divergent, book 1) by Veronica Roth

I give this book a 5.

 

Here is a story that is simple and yet compelling all at once. It’s YA and I like it, no question, which is really saying something for me.

As with all dystopian novels, there is a ridiculous amount of struggle in this book, but if there wasn’t it wouldn’t be dystopian. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but this story screams irony to me. Factions are somehow established to keep order and bring peace to this world seemingly built of wreckage, but the characters in the book don’t seem to realize how their factions are flawed and will be their ultimate demise (just a prediction).

Beatrice starts out as a small and meek member of the selfless faction and through a series of hard to imagine, understand, and believe events ends up being, Tris, a semi femme fatale member of the brave faction. There is a great deal of violence to this story that may be all shock value, but I like action in my movies, so why not in my books. There are several unanswered questions remaining when this book comes to an end, but I didn’t feel like I was lost in my understanding. I know what I know about the story and assume the rest will be explained later. Even if my questions are never answered, I’ve enjoyed the intrigue.

While this is a great novel for teens, I wonder if younger teens will be able to grasp the meaning of it all. I enjoyed the story immensely, but could understand why someone who is either a true fan of dystopian works or who isn’t a true fan of YA works might have problems with it. In any case, I think it’s worth a read just to find out whether you like it or not.

*I can’t imagine what Hollywood will do to this story on the big screen. I’m a little scared.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
Books EC: Giovanni's Angel

Eternal Curse Release Week! Friday Book Review 2014

Happy St. Valentine’s Day!

Ann, Jan 05, 14 (visit and or rate this review here)

This was given to me in exchange for a review.

I must admit the first couple of chapters were a little slow for me but I am glad I did not stop! It has turned into a OMG book!

You can read the Blurb as to what it is about. I could not put it down!

This story is FULL of so many emotions! I laughed at times and was on the edge of my seat! It is a beautiful story and only the first in a series!

I am usually attracted to action books which this first one is not, but don’t despair for I think a lot of action is on the way!

The more I read the more I was sucked in!

This one is a story of love, trust, secrets and learning who both of the characters are! How they are meant for each other and their struggles to fully open up to one another.

Written very well as it gives nothing away! It’s a story to make you happy, sad, laugh and cry! A lot of surprises!

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel releases worldwide on February 18th,
so be sure to check it out and enter my Release Day Giveaway!

A new edition of this book is now available.

To see author M.C.V. Egan interview Toi Thomas, click here.

****

 Today begins my Kindle Countdown Deals on Legend of the Boy and Unexplained, featuring two romantic tales, Encounter, and Our Place. Deals end at 11:59 pm EST 2/18; Happy Release Day!

I hope you are enjoying Eternal Curse Release Week! If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken