Thursday, June 23, 2016

Book Review: The Crown

Time for the second book review of the week to catch up on things! Today, I’m reviewing the final book in Keira Cass’s Selection series: The Crown.


Here’s the synopsis:

"In The Heir, a new era dawned in the world of The Selection. Twenty years have passed since America Singer and Prince Maxon fell in love, and their daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own.

Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.”

My rating: ***** (Really more about a 3 ½)


I don’t really know how to put my thoughts together on The Crown. I didn’t hate the book by any means, but I feel overall it isn’t the best ending to have for this series. Eadlyn’s Selection is rather rushed when you consider it, though to be fair it takes place over two books whereas we had three during Maxon’s. Actually it almost feels unfair to compare them. With the first three books in the series, we’re reading through the eyes of America. As a result, we see two possibilities for her future. She’s either going to win the Selection and be with Maxon, or she’ll wind up with Aspen. With Eadlyn, it’s rather unclear who she’s going to go for because she has so many options. This makes things difficult as not enough time is spent with the boys for us as the audience to really make as much of a connection with them.

Of course, everyone still has that one guy they want her to end up with and some people are going to be disappointed as a result. I won’t say who I was leaning towards for the sake of avoiding spoilers, but I did feel like there could have been more building towards the relationship of the guy Eadlyn does end up picking. The way things went felt a little unrealistic. I know it’s a fictional novel, but the characters really weren’t given enough time to get to know each other to fall in love this fast. And that honestly would go with just about any of the guys in her Selection.

Really I think Eadlyn needed three books like America and Maxon. So much was happening in this book with the politics and the romance, it was hard to focus on one particular aspect. 

The novel was still a good read, and I don’t regret purchasing the book. I think in every series there are going to be some books that you don’t care for as much as others, and this book was more in that category for me.


I do still look forward to seeing what Kiera Cass comes up with next, because she comes up with interesting story ideas. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Book Review: The Stranger

Long time no see, blog world. School and work have kept me busy the past few months, but now I have some more free time and I can catch back up on blog posts. I have two book reviews coming for you, the first of which is this post. So I’ve been able to do plenty of reading, just not much blogging. Let’s get started with the first book review.

When it comes to mystery and suspense, my absolute favorite author is Harlan Coben. He always delivers thrilling stories with fantastic characters. As I mentioned in my Top 5 Favorite Book Series post, his Myron Bolitar series is one of my favorites to read. Today though, I’m reviewing one of his standalone stories: The Stranger.


Here’s the synopsis:

“The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces of your shattered world. 

Adam Price has a lot to lose: a comfortable marriage to a beautiful woman, two wonderful sons, and all the trappings of the American Dream: a big house, a good job, a seemingly perfect life. 

Then he runs into the Stranger. When he learns a devastating secret about his wife, Corinne, he confronts her, and the mirage of perfection disappears as if it never existed at all. Soon Adam finds himself tangled in something far darker than even Corinne’s deception, and realizes that if he doesn’t make exactly the right moves, the conspiracy he’s stumbled into will not only ruin lives—it will end them.” 


My rating: ****


The Stranger is a real page turner, that constantly keeps the wheels in your head turning as you try to solve the mystery. The characters were all intriguing and I felt for Adam Price throughout the book. The one thing that keeps me from giving this book a full five-star rating, is that the ending didn’t quite hit it out of the park for me. It’s not a terrible ending by any means, but the overall mystery of the novel doesn’t feel fully resolved.

One of my favorite things about Harlan Coben’s novels is that they take place in the same universe. So if you read his various books, you may just spot a character cameo here and there – and this novel is no exception with that. I love it when I’m able to spot a familiar face in a book.

Speaking of familiar faces, I’m also very excited to see that Harlan Coben is releasing a new Myron Bolitar book this year. I’ve missed getting to read the stories about him, and while I’ve enjoyed the YA books about Myron’s nephew Mickey, it’s not quite the same.

If you’re in the mood for a mystery, I recommend checking out The Stranger and some of Harlan Coben’s other books.