September Wrap Up 2019

Video in Swedish

Books read in September

1. "Drömtjuvarna" ("The Dream Thieves") by Maggie Stiefvater
2. "Sovarna" ("Blue Lily, Lily Blue") by Maggie Stiefvater
3. "Seraphina" by Rachel Hartman
4. "The Raven King" by Maggie Stiefvater
5. "Den sorgsna sjön" ("The Wide Window") by Lemony Snicket

Star of September
Gotta say "Seraphina" really hit the mark for me. It was all I'd hoped for it to be, although it was perhaps a bit too slow in the beginning.

Biggest disappointment of September
Unfortunately "The Raven King" wasn't what I'd hoped it would be. Compared to the previous books in the series, this one just felt super slow and lacked the character development we'd seen before in the series. I ended up giving this one 3,25/5 stars, a whole star less than the rest.

Surprise of September
If any, I might have to say "Seraphina". I had a hunch that I would like it, but I'd heard rather mixed reviews. Some like it, some said it was boring. Perhaps my mild expectations lifted my reading experience somewhat. Yes, it's a slow-burn, high fantasy, dragon murder mystery, which I guess is what I wanted from it. In the end, I really enjoyed "Seraphina".

Theme of September
The theme was to read a book with a name in the title. I read "Seraphina" for this month's theme. Seraphina is the name of the main character :)

Series started

1. "Seraphina" by Rachel Hartman

Series finished

1. "The Raven Cycle" by Maggie Stiefvater

Oldest on the shelf
Must be "Drömtjuvarna", which I think I bought at a book sale several years back. I bought "Sovarna" at a book sale as well, maybe a year or so later.

Overall thoughts
I had a decent month in reading, I think. I'm looking forward to next month, when I'll be finishing "The Reckoners" trilogy by Brandon Sanderson (finally) and hopefully get into some other nice books.

Book Reviews: The Raven King | Den sorgsna sjön | Firefight

Title: The Raven King
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Original title: The Raven King
First published: 2016
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: The Raven Cycle #4
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Format: Paperback
Pages: 438
Finished: 26/09/2019
Summary: Spoiler alert! For years, Gansey has been on a quest to find a lost king. One by one, he's drawn others into his mission: Ronan, who steals from dreams; Adam, whose life is no longer his own; Noah, whose life is no longer a life; and Blue, who loves Gansey … and is certain she is destined to kill him.

My thoughts: Going into “The Raven King”, I’d read the previous two books in the series within the past two weeks and gave them both over 4/5 stars. I read “The Raven Boys” years ago, but had fond memories of it. So what expectations did I bring with me when I picked up this fourth and final installment in the series? Well, what I liked most about the series so far were the characters; we follow a cast of four main character (Gansey, Blue, Ronan, and Adam) whom we’ve gotten to know on a deeper level in the previous books. The series focuses a lot on character development and relationship development, which I appreciate and was one of my favourite parts of the series so far. I especially liked Ronan’s perspective. Another thing I enjoy about the series is Maggie Stiefvater’s writing. I found that I at several points felt urged to highlight or take notes on certain quotes in the story.

In “The Raven King”, the writing style is one thing that didn’t let me down, though at times it became a bit sappy. No, what actually let me down in this novel was the abandonment of character closeness. The book is over 400 pages, but most of it is spent on kinda pointless plot detours that don’t really lead anywhere and just builds frustration for the reader. I’d wished to see more of several characters, like Noah and other spoilery folks. Instead, a handful of new characters are introduced, neither for which I can really understand the purpose. Yes, they drive the plot, but add nothing to what made me like the books in the first place. And truly, I didn’t care much for the plot at any point. It’s not what I came here for, and it’s not a plot that in itself had me hooked. Had it not been for the characters, I’d have never read further than the second book. And so it seems like a bleak finish to the series when what I got was 400+ pages of the thing I didn’t come to the party for.

Spoiler thoughts (highlight white text to read spoilers): So… Blue turned out to be a tree… I think it was at the moment of this reveal that I realized I really didn’t like “The Raven King”. And not only because Blue’s silly father stepped out of a tree to tell her she is also a tree, but also because of that not-so-amazing RoboBee of Henry’s and other minor stupid things that had me disappointed. The ending was anticlimactic and rushed, and the rest of the book did poor work of building up to it. We’re left with some loose ends that open up for sequels, but I don’t think I’ll consider reading those. Even though Ronan is my favourite character.

Rating: 3,25/5

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Title: Den sorgsna sjön (The Sorrowful Lake)
Author: Lemony Snicket
Original title: The Wide Window
First published: 2000
Genre: Middle grade, fantasy
Series: A Series of Unfortunate Events #3
Publisher: Richters
Format: Hardback
Pages: 224
Finished: 30/09/2019
Summary: Spoiler alert! Dear Reader,
If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted; but their lives, I am sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched, and this one may be the worst of them all. If you haven't got the stomach for a story that includes a hurricane, a signalling device, hungry leeches, cold cucumber soup, a horrible villain, and a doll named Pretty Penny, then this book will probably fill you with despair. I will continue to record these tragic tales, for that is what I do. You, however, should decide for yourself whether you can possibly endure this miserable story.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket

My thoughts: The series continues with this third instalment! I have bad news, however. I think I'm starting to feel done with the series. Yes, I know, there are 10 more books to go, and they are pretty fast reads, but I just don't see myself getting to the next book anytime soon. It's a good series, and I would probably have appreciated it a lot at the age of 9 or 10. However, this is not the series for me right now. These would be great to read out loud to someone younger in age; they're quirky, exciting, educational, and original. My problems are simple; I've seen the Netflix show and know everything that will happen, and the books are targeted at an audience where I don't belong anymore. This isn't meant to sound negative, because I don't dislike these books. They just don't do much for me.

Rating: 2,75/5

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Title: Firefight

Author: Brandon Sanderson
Original title: Firefight
First published: 2015
Genre: Sci-fi, YA, Dystopian
Series: The Reckoners #2
Publisher: Gollancz
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Finished: 09/10/2019
Summary: Spoiler alert! Babylon Restored, formerly Manhattan, may give David answers. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic, Regalia, David is sure Babylon Restored will lead him to what he needs to find. And while entering another city oppressed by a High Epic despot is a gamble, David's willing to risk it. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic—Firefight. And he's willing to go on a quest darker, and more dangerous even, than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers.

My thoughts: I’ve been eager to grab another Brandon Sanderson novel ever since I read "Steelheart" two years back. Despite my eagerness, I have yet to begin any other series by him, but I can finally say that I’m now two books into the "The Reckoners" trilogy. This series offers a ton of action that would look super cool on a screen. Of course it works in written form as well! I think the idea of a world taken over by supervillains is imaginative and so exciting to follow. Our main character, David, is witty and charming. His characteristic weird similes and metaphors are a nice touch to an otherwise rather serious story of battle, science fiction, and betrayal. I think what I wish this particular book had more of are “oh shit” moments to make me gasp and gawk. I want this series to just sink its claws into my brain so I can only think about the story all day. Unfortunately, I’m not feeling quite that so far in the series, which is why this doesn’t get a higher score than 4,25/5. I’m hoping for a grand finale in the next book, “Calamity”, which I’ll be picking up immediately after this one.

Rating: 4,25/5

Book Reviews: Drömtjuvarna | Sovarna | Seraphina

Title: Drömtjuvarna
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Original title: The Dream Thieves
First published: 2013
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: The Raven Cycle #2
Publisher: B. Wahlströms
Format: Hardback
Pages: 376
Finished: 13/09/2019
Summary: Spoiler alert! Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after…

My thoughts: Read for the September Raven Cycle readalong!
It’s been a minute since I read “Kresten” (the Swedish translation for “The Raven Boys”). In fact, it was six years ago. Honestly, what I remember from that book are vague plot points and generally positive feelings toward it. When the whispers of a Raven Cycle readalong in September this year, I finally saw my chance to gather some motivation and finish the series once and for all. One book for every week, during a four week period. Was I about to re-read the first book? No! I read up on reviews and summaries instead, and when the second week of September came rolling by, I picked up “Drömtjuvarna” (“The Dream Thieves”).

I settled into the characters and plot fairly quickly, despite being out of the universe for approximately half the life of an average raven. The entire cast is permanently gloomy and moody, though all in the proper manner of a Maggie Stiefvater series. I don’t think the lack of happy moments makes the story boring, so it’s really no problem. The atmosphere worked in harmony with Stiefvater’s everyday-beautiful writing style, making me feel super into the world and all that jazz. The plot is well structured and mysterious, but what has me hooked are the characters, without a doubt. What can I say? I’m a sucker for character driven stories and all that sweet character de-vel-op-ment!

Spoiler (highlight the following paragraph to read some very mild spoiler thoughts): My favourite characters from this book were Noah, Gansey, Mr Gray, and Ronan. I’m hoping for more character growth/depth to bless Noah in the upcoming books, because I think he deserves it and might be hiding some nice and juicy personality traits. Gansey is a sweetheart and Mr Gray is a cutiepie as well. Ronan was the absolute king of this book. He had all the time in the spotlight and he used it well! I also have a love for Blue, but I felt that she didn’t get much space in “The Dream Thieves”. She’ll probably be back with more glamour and snarkiness than ever before in the coming books, though! I’m uncertain about Adam; it seems to me that his character revolves around anger, pity, and self-centeredness, which I totally get, but it’s not conveyed in a way that successfully makes me feel any positive feelings towards him. Will that change? Maybe! I can definitely see it doing so!

All in all, this was a very solid second book to the series. I’ll be diving straight into the third book, and then into the fourth one later this month. Have you also participated in the readalong? Let me know! Which was your favourite book and character? Did you even find a favourite quote? I found a bunch, but was too lazy to mark them out, and now I’m suffering from my own past tardiness :’(

Rating: 4,25/5

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Title: Sovarna (The Sleeping)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Original title: Blue Lily, Lily Blue
First published: 2014
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: The Raven Cycle #3
Publisher: B. Wahlströms
Format: Hardback
Pages: 310
Finished: 17/09/2019
Summary: Spoiler alert! Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.  The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost.

My thoughts: Another book in the series, and another success! I shan’t write too much, because I have rather little to say (as is unfortunately the case with certain books that I enjoy a lot). What I like about this series is mostly the characters. Yes, the plot is interesting, but it’s not what has me “hooked on the books”. No, the characters make this series what it is, in my eyes. With a wide set of perspectives, Maggie Stiefvater allows us readers to get really close to the whole cast. The good, the bad, and everything in between. This is also a key to thorough character development, since we know every character so well and can easily see when they change.

Spoiler alert (highlight the white text to read mild spoilers): “The Dream Thieves” remains as my favourite in the series so far; mostly because I’m partial towards Ronan. He’s probably my favourite character, and he played the bigger role in the second novel in the series. We don’t see his perspective as much in this third one, which I miss, but can understand. Other characters needed time in the spotlight. One of them was Adam, whom I was rather sceptical towards after reading “The Dream Thieves”. I now feel more sympathy for him, which is what I was hoping for. We also see more of Blue in this book, and I’m glad for that, because I enjoy her stubborn and proud personality a lot. Also, Greenmantle is fun! I was sad to see Jesse Dittley go so soon, though :'(

I’m looking forward to moving on to the fourth and final book in the series!

Rating: 4,25/5

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Title: Seraphina

Author: Rachel Hartman
Original title: Seraphina
First published: 2012
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: Seraphina #1
Publisher: Corgi
Format: Paperback
Pages: 359
Finished: 19/09/2019
Summary: Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high. Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

My thoughts: Another book this year that I’ll compare to the BBC “Merlin” series, simply because of the setting and fantasy elements. “Serpahina” is a high fantasy, medieval inspired, dragon murder mystery story, which in itself should totally sell the book to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy. The story starts off a bit slow, but it gains momentum once you’ve passed the 100 page mark. I wasn’t bothered by this, seeing as it’s common for high fantasy novels to need some extra pages for world building, and the author makes up for it with fun and interesting characters. My favourites were Seraphina, Orma, Kiggs, and Lars (but also the rest of them as well :p). I must say the book earned points by not including a love triangle; I think triangle drama is a worn out trope and it doesn't do much for me.
As the story moved on, I found a pleasant amount of “OH SHIT!” moments embedded in the plot, and at some points I had to stop reading for a bit because I was SHOCKED!!!! I found the world intriguing; I think the idea of dragons mingling with humans was very interesting, and it made way for some yummy high fantasy politics, which were, btw, not too hard to understand and easy to get involved in.

Something fun with this edition is that there’s an additional 50 pages or so after the book ends with author interviews, book club questions, a playlist for the book, a glossary, and a list of characters. Very charming!

Ps. I read this for the theme of September, which is to read a book with a name in the title :) I'm very happy with this theme, because otherwise I probably wouldn't have read this book for a good while.

Rating: 4,5/5