That's What I'm Talking About
I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent.
Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.
A+ Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A- Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+ Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B- Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+ Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C- Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
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TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish
updated July 9, 2015
Currently reading
Audio Review: The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
After LOVING The Maze Runner, I looked forward to seeing what WICKED would do to Thomas and the Gladers next. Unfortunately, I didn't really like what I saw (heard).
The Scorch Trials is the second book in The Maze Runner trilogy, beginning immediately at the cliff-hangerish ending of The Maze Runner. Thomas, Teresa, Minho and the others quickly find out that the maze was not the end of their trials, and what lies ahead is more difficult than anything they imagined.
Many of the core characters who were alive at the end of The Maze Runner continue to play a role in The Scorch Trials, a treacherous journey across a desert wasteland and through a city overrun by cranks (humans infected with the Flare). Additionally, the Gladers are introduced to members of an identical experiment, Group B, as well as meet a few folks along their journey. I enjoyed seeing familiar characters as well as some of the new ones.
While the story behind The Scorch Trials kept me interested in continuing to listen to the book, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of "variables" tossed at Thomas. I ended up being numbed and eventually turned off by the continual barrage of misfortunes, near-death experiences, and trials placed on Thomas, all the while not really sure if anything is real and true or if it's all a big set up. I felt that instead of a true plot, the book was just one awful experience after another. And there is one test that Thomas endures which really upset me, and like Thomas, I felt "enough is enough." Unfortunately, with one book left, it's not over and I don't know if I can make though another book like this one just to find out what it all means in the end.
I did enjoy the narration by Mark Deakins, who was able to capture Thomas's emotions in his performance. I felt his tempo suited the story, and kept me interested in what was going on. His voices for supporting characters were also spot on and entertaining.
In the end, while I still enjoy the overall story behind The Maze Runner trilogy, I feel that The Scorch Trials were too demanding, and at times too gruesome, for me to thoroughly enjoy the book. I was exhausted and weary by the end, and not happy at all with Thomas's predicament. This boy has been put through so much, I really do wonder if it will be worth it in the end.
My Rating: C+
Narration: A-
 - James Dashner)