Recent Reads of Awesome

During the most recent semester of uni, while working full-time, I had almost no time for reading. Reading for pleasure that is. I did a lot of reading lecture notes, text books and assignments. Since the holidays started I've been like an addict let loose. I can't get enough! And let me tell you - it's heaven.

So, let me tell you a little about my most recent faves.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

This book is ... wow. Just WOW. I loved it. Couldn't put it down. Loved the characters, loved the world, loved the plot, LOVED IT.

Laini's character development is amazing, and Karou, the MC, was brilliant. Not once did I get pissed at her for being stupid, or so independent that she refused to ask for help when she clearly should have, or so love struck that she kept going for the wrong guy, or so daft that she missed all the clues, or so weak that she had to be saved all the time. All frequent pet peeves of mine when reading YA MCs. What she is though is smart, intelligent, strong (mentally and physically) and self-sufficient. She's not perfect by any means, but who is? I for one, am a fan. Could you tell?


Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

Another radtastic book. Melina is better known for her contemporary YA books such as Looking for Alibrandi, but recently she ventured into fantasy with the Chronicles of Lumatere. Froi of the Exiles is the second book in the series, the first being Finnikin of the Rock.

Finnikin of the Rock is a standalone story (and is also very good), and Froi of the Exiles starts off three years later. Melina is a freakishly talented writer (you just need to read her bio listing all the awards she's won to see that) and this book is no exception. I love the different perspectives (we don't lose Finnikin completely) but the majority of the book is told from Froi's perspective. And ... Froi is awesome.

The only bad thing I have to say about this book is that there is no resolution, it literally finishes in the middle of the story. I know I've ranted before about books that end mid story, but this book is so good that I won't be holding a grudge. I'll be getting my pre-order in a few months before the next book is released.


Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

This is Stephanie's second book. Many of you would have read her first, Anna and the French Kiss (which was great). Lola and the Boy Next Door is very similar in the types of issues the MC faces, and just the general feel of the story. Girl has boyfriend, girl meets other hot boy who is awesome, girl has boyfriend issues, you get the idea. Anna even has a role in the book!

Anywho, despite the similarities, I still loved this one. It was a quick read and I had that happy squidgy feeling you get inside when you've just read a too cute love story.


I could go on ... and on and ooon and oooon about the books I've been reading and what I love and what I can't stand, but I'll spare you. I don't want to taint the awesome above with anything less.

So please, share, what freakin amazing books have you read lately? Anything to recommend? Have you read any of these? Agree with me? Disagree? Can't wait to hear. :)