Things are (mostly) good

I was riding high with these fresh crop of books, except for one. There's always a speed bump in the road but I flew right over that thing and went on to read some really great books over the past week. I love it when a book is so good that you're reluctant to put it down. You don't want to waste another moment not reading it.

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
The second novel of the Kane chronicles
3 STAR RATING

I didn't like this book as much as the first one. It lacked...chemistry with the reader, who is me lol. I was mostly annoyed with Carter and Sadie. They were making stupid mistakes that just happened to work out for them in the long run. I didn't appreciate that at all. Let these kids learn from their own screw ups instead of punishing supporting characters. With the next book being the last one of the series, I hope these siblings right their wrongs in a way that satisfies me. I don't want to end this on a bad note.

Black Widow Vol 2: The Tightly Tangled Web
The collection of comics 7-12 about Black Widow's life
4 STAR RATING

This was an orgy of awesomeness. You get Daredevil, the Punisher, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Anderson Cooper?! My heart was full with delight. I wish I had the next book already. The story is just getting good.

Panic by Lauren Oliver
A young adult novel about two teens competing for money in a dangerous game
2 STAR RATING

So, here we are. Another book that I was looking forward to reading has completely disappointed me. The plot was just...stupid. That's the only word I can use to describe it. These kids started a game that had the potential to be a gripping look at social hierarchy. Instead, it's a series of challenges that put people at risk for no reason except boredom. Once Russian Roulette was added as an obstacle, I gave up all hope for this novel. And it doesn't help that the characters aren't very likable. I mean, Dodge is planning a murder. And this is the guy I'm supposed to be rooting for? I think not. I was hoping to fall in love with this book like Before I Fall. Unfortunately, I had the opposite reaction.

Hard Knocks by Lori Foster
A prequel novella for the new Ultimate romance series
4 STAR RATING

Lori Foster never fails to entertain me. Her romance novels always puts a smile on my face and gives a jump start to my libido. The couple this time around, Gage and Harper, just about melt your heart. They are so cute and have great chemistry. I wish they had a full length novel all to themselves instead of a novella. But I'll take whatever I can get with this new series. here's to many more couples who are equally as hot as these two.