The Book Corner – The Lunar Chronicles

Hello People!

Today I’m gonna annoy you with how much I loved Cress.

Yep.

When I first started this series, I wasn’t too impressed with it, to be honest.

Cinder wasn’t a heavy read by any means, but I didn’t find it exactly captivating either.

As a protagonist, I kinda liked her, but there wasn’t the emotional connection I thought there would be, and the same happened with Kai.

I went on reading though, and I’m glad I did, because with Scarlet things started to take a pleasant turn, mainly because of the switching pov thing (I mean, I cared more about Cinder in Scarlet, than in her own book).

And, let’s be honest: also because of Thorne.

See, not every book/saga has a character so remarkable that is able to make a real difference, but this one does.

Thorne is that guy that you either love or hate, but can’t argue that is good for the story.

And me… Well, I ❤ Thorne.

Anyway, Scarlet was definitely more enjoyable than the first book, though it’s not perfect.

The major improvement comes with Cress.

Aaaaaahhhh, Cress.

For someone who blindly loves Rapunzel (and sees Tangled as THE canon version of the story because.), it wasn’t easy to please me. I was expecting to be veeeeery critical and veeeeery judgy about it, but I couldnt.

I liked Cress. I liked Thorne. I liked them together. liked the context. I liked pretty much everything.

I was dreading a weak and remissive character, some unoriginal washed-up version of it, but luckily that was not the case.

Besides the fact that there was great chemistry between all the stories and the characters – and that you could finally see the puzzle pieces coming together – this book read so smoothly, I didn’t even realize I was halfway through it at some point.

I really hope they’re gonna turn it into a tv show or a movie series soon (I’ll do some reasearch and see if the rights have already been secured by some major like they did with other book series).

Now we’ll have to wait till November to read Winter (and I still have to read Fairest), but I’ll probably spend the next few months diving into Cresswell fanfictions (if you know some good ones, please share!) because CRESSWELL OTP.

By the way, I have a habit of fancasting very book I read, so I’m just gonna leave you here my fancast for this series. Tell me if you could see it work 😉

Jamie Chung – Cinder

Rachel Hurd-Wood – Scarlet

Elizabeth Olsen – Cress

Sonequa Martin-Green – Winter

Godfrey Gao – Kai

Tyler Hoechlin – Wolf

Taron Edgerton – Thorne

Ryan Parrish – Jacin

The Book Corner – YA Series

Welcome to the first, extended edition of TBC! 

Today I’m gonna talk about some of those YA series that have kept me glued to the page/screen. 

Since I liked some better than others, or I still haven’t had the chance to read all the books in a series (mostly because of university or cause not all of them are out yet), I’ll be as brief as possible with the comments.

As a matter of fact, I’ll use colors to indicate how much I liked them. 

• Red: I Loved It! Like, A LOT.
• Pink: “It’s So Fluffy!!!” =  A bit cheesy, but definitely well done.
• Purple: Very Good. 
• Orange: Good.
• Yellow: Mmh, it works, but it could be better. There’s potential, therefore plenty of room for improvement. There are some issues, though. 

Of course, I’ recommending these books to you, so there won’t be (completely) negative feedbacks, hence the lack of other, less complimentary colors/grades. 

One last thing: This post is absolutely subjective. It’s just my opinion, my take on things. Feel free to disagree.

——

Let’s start! 

THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10507293-the-selection?from_search=true&search_version=service

.
 

RED 

I loved it.

Though The Elite didn’t live up to the expectations created by the first book, The One caught up to it, and overall it was a great read. Not too shallow, not too heavy. And say what you want, I love America: she’s a badass. I know many find her annoying, but I don’t. I might not agree 100% of the time with her decisions or actions, but I think that only makes her human. I know I’m biased on this; it’s probably just a purple or an orange.  But please, try to bear my unconditioned love for it.

SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429045-shatter-me?from_search=true&search_version=service

.
 

RED 

Warner. X-Men-like powers. Warner. Juliette going from a whiny, scared little girl to a powerful and empowered woman. Warner. Good characterization. Warner. Action, comedy, romance. Did I say Warner? 

ANGELFALL by Susan Ee

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15863832-angelfall?from_search=true&search_version=service 

.

 

RED 

I know, I know. You’re seeing Red (see what I did here), and a bit too much of it. But I can’t help it.

This series is not only well written, but it has great main characters (plus, the twins! Who doesn’t love the twins?) and the right balance of humor and drama. Definitely a must read.

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS & THE INFERNAL DEVICES by Cassandra Clare

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256683.City_of_Bones?from_search=true&search_version=service
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7171637-clockwork-angel?from_search=true&search_version=service

.

  
  

PURPLE

Ok, here’s the thing: I can’t stand Tessa, and I barely stand Clary. And let’s not talk about Simon. I know many of you will hate me for saying this, but I had to. On the other hand, I adore Will, Magnus, Sebastian and, most of the time, Jace. Izzy is totally the best female character in TMI. I’ll say no more, I don’t want to spoil you any more that I already have. The purple is more on a I-can’t-really-stand-the-main-character-sorry-can’t-help-it level than anything, because I love Cassie’s writing. 

THE RAVEN CYCLE by Maggie Stiefvater 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17675462-the-raven-boys?from_search=true&search_version=service

.
 

PURPLE

I’m only giving it a Purple because I still have to read Blue Lily, Lily Blue and, of course, The Raven King. It will most likely turn into a Red pretty soon after that, because these books are so brilliant. Maggie knows how to confound you with class. Yep, that’s what this series does: it gives you a bit of a headache, but it’s like, the best feeling ever. Though to be fair, I still have to decide if I like Blue or not. I sure love the boys, especially Gansey, Ronan and Noah. 

THE GRISHA TRILOGY by Leigh Bardugo

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157-shadow-and-bone?from_search=true&search_version=service

.
 

ORANGE

I’m way behind with this one, so I can’t be more specific. But I can tell you: so far, so good. 

THE DARKEST MINDS by Alexandra Bracken

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10576365-the-darkest-minds?from_search=true&search_version=service

.
 

RED

If you’ve read this, you’ll get the irony of classifying it as red. If you haven’t… Well, what are you waiting for? 

This series completely destroyed my feelings. I admit I had prejudices at first, but then I started it. All it took was 3 days,  and there I was, crying after reading the first two books and craving In The Afterlight like an alcoholic craves his bottle of Jack. 

RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17878931-red-queen?from_search=true&search_version=service

.
 

ORANGE

Look, I’m not doing this intentionally (not always, at least) but colors have their way of being funny, so I give an Orange to the Red Queen. (See…) 

The thing is, after reading The Selection and Shatter Me – also after The Jewel, which has next to nothing to do with it, but I still associate the two of them for no apparent reason – I kind of expected more from this. I really liked it, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t love it. But I am indeed incredibly curious about what happens next. 

THE WINNER’S TRILOGY by Marie Rutkoski

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16069030-the-winner-s-curse?from_search=true&search_version=service
.  

RED

Oh my God, I absolutely worship this book. 

The Winner’s Curse is basically perfect: Kestrel is one of the most likable and less annoying mc you’ll find in YA series, the world-building and storytelling are amazing, and you kind of wish you could play Bite and Sting instead of Poker like they do. I’m waiting for The Winner’s Kiss to be published before continuing with The Winner’s Crime, cause I’ve accidentally spoiled myself how the 2nd book ends, and I think I’ll need therapy if I read it before the 3rd one is out.

REBEL BELLE by Rachel Hawkins

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8475505-rebel-belle?from_search=true&search_version=service
.

 

PINK 

“On Wednesdays, we wear pink”

I had to do this, sorry. 

So, I didn’t label this books Pink just because it is indeed pink, or cause I wanted to quote Mean Girls. I did it because it’s so odd… But at the same time so likeable. It has a lighter vibe than other ?fantasy? series, but still concvincing, though the premise may seem totally absurd. it’s fresh and funny, and a pleasant read. Although truth be told, I didn’t enjoy Miss Mayhem as much as the first one. 

VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Richelle Mead

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18660669-vampire-academy?from_search=true&search_version=service
. 

RED 

I even surprised myself giving a Red to yet another vampire book. But here’s the thing: it’s not just another vampire book.

To get what I mean, please read this series. You probably wouldn’t believe my reasons otherwise. I promise, it’ll be worth your time. 

P.S. Adrian. 

THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7896527-throne-of-glass?from_search=true&search_version=service
.
 

YELLOW

Ah, the reason this category was created. 

This book could have been so much more. The prose here it’s so conceited and so unnerving. “Celaena here, Celaena there, she’s so beautiful/strong/amazing/breathtaking/incredible1!111! She’s the center of the universe, and everything and everyone revolves around her.” And it’s in 3rd person! I don’t wanna think about how it could have been if it was told from a 1st person perspective! It’s almost a miracle that it manages to deliver a good story, but it does. The story is interesting, it’s impossible not to like some of the characters, though it’s evident who the author’s protégées are. And that’s probably the thing that bugs me the most: the author presence is all over the place. I do like these books, and I do recommend them to those who love fairies, magic, assassins and whatnots. But be warned: the writing might get on your nerves.

GRACELING by Kristin Cashore 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3236307-graceling?from_search=true&search_version=service
.

 

ORANGE

I’ve only read the first book in the series, but I can already tell how good this is. 

Honestly: that’s how Throne of Glass should have done things. And I’m not talking about content, because the two of them are very similar on that matter; I’m talking about characterization and prose, as I’ve widely explained a few lines ago. Katsa is much more relatable (and human) than Calaena, and she clearly doesn’t need to be pushed by the author in order to seem more likeable. I look forward to read the next books in the series. 

THE LONE CITY by Amy Ewing

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068780-the-jewel?from_search=true&search_version=service
  

PURPLE

I really liked this book.

There’s a weird concept behind it, but it certainly works. And I’m so thrilled about The White Rose coming out in October.

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games?from_search=true&search_version=service
.

 

YELLOW

Yes, I’m The bitch who gave a Yellow to one of the most popular series ever. Boo-ooh.

But yeah, not sorry. 

Listen, I appreciate this series, the story and even the world-building. I just disagree on some of the choices the author has made throughout the book. I just find it really heavy, especially compared to other dystopians I very much enjoyed. And I don’t really care for Katniss or/and Peeta. I like Gale better, but that’s not the reason I have issues with these books. If you really wanna know, I adore Finnick. I actually ship him with Katniss. And Catching Fire is one of my favorite books/movies ever. So, see? It’s not that I want to criticize because it’s fun. It isn’t. It’s much funnier when you like everything. But I don’t, and that’s how it is, unfortunately. So, Yellow for now (I do need to re-read the series to confirm it though).

DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335037-divergent?from_search=true&search_version=service

.
 

ORANGE

You know, I still have to read Allegiant.

I just couldn’t. I accidentally found out about the ending just a few days after the book had been published, and since then I just… Left it there. Anyway, now that I don’t have to worry about university deadlines I will definitely have a readathon of the series. All in all, it’s a solid read, and I’m perfectly fine with an Orange rating (or even Purple if you will).  

SNOW LIKE ASHES by Sara Raasch

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17399160-snow-like-ashes?from_search=true&search_version=service
.

 

ORANGE

A lighter read of what you would usually expect from a fantasy book, but very pleasant nonetheless. I really dig the season-centered world. 

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749186-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before?from_search=true&search_version=service
.  

PINK

Nothing screams Pink more than this contemporary romance. 

Cute, quirky (if you read this, you’ll get the reference), funny and catchy. Lots of feels here. 

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6936382-anna-and-the-french-kiss?from_search=true&search_version=service
.

 

PINK 

I’m not sure this completely classifies as a series, but oh well.
I love Perkins’ writing style, and I enjoyed her books very much so. Warning: You will inevitably fall in love with the main male characters of the 3 installments, so brace yourselves.

THE EVERRE(A)D

A.K.A. Those instant classics that we love to read over and over again. 

HARRY POTTER by J. K. Rowling 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone?from_search=true&search_version=service 

.

 

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS by Rick Riordan 

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28187.The_Lightning_Thief?from_search=true&search_version=service

.

 

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C. S. Lewis

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11127.The_Chronicles_of_Narnia?from_search=true&search_version=service
.

  

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS by Lemony Snicket 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/78411.The_Bad_Beginning?ac=1
 . 

A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE by George R. R. Martin

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13496.A_Game_of_Thrones?from_search=true&search_version=service
.

  

THE LORD OF THE RINGS by J. R. R. Tolkien 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33.The_Lord_of_the_Rings?from_search=true&search_version=service

.