There’s something about summer that just screams mini reviews. I have a feeling that I’ll be doing a few of these over the next few months. It’s just a really convenient way to share a few thoughts on books that I’m unable to provide full reviews for and relieves me of that stress that sometimes accompanies me trying to write a full review (is this only me?). Covers below are linked to Goodreads.
Title: Shadowshaper
Author: Daniel José Older
Series: Shadowshaper, #1
Pages: 304
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Release Date: June 30th 2015
“Sierra Santiago was looking forward to a fun summer of making art, hanging out with her friends, and skating around Brooklyn. But then a weird zombie guy crashes the first party of the season. Sierra’s near-comatose abuelo begins to say “No importa” over and over. And when the graffiti murals in Bed-Stuy start to weep…. Well, something stranger than the usual New York mayhem is going on.
Sierra soon discovers a supernatural order called the Shadowshapers, who connect with spirits via paintings, music, and stories. Her grandfather once shared the order’s secrets with an anthropologist, Dr. Jonathan Wick, who turned the Caribbean magic to his own foul ends. Now Wick wants to become the ultimate Shadowshaper by killing all the others, one by one. With the help of her friends and the hot graffiti artist Robbie, Sierra must dodge Wick’s supernatural creations, harness her own Shadowshaping abilities, and save her family’s past, present, and future.”
“But tonight there wasn’t time for solace or peaceful momenta in nature. Someone — something — was after her. It knew her name. It had found her once and probably could again.“
There aren’t many urban fantasy books that pique my interest. I’m not sure what it is about the genre that doesn’t really appeal to me, but every once in a while, I like to give one a try. Daniel José Older’s Shadowshaper sounded truly unique and I’m always looking for more diverse reads. Afro-Latinos are a group I rarely see written about or represented in the media, so this was such a refreshing book. I really loved how Older combined fantasy elements with the protagonist’s artistic talents. Family plays a huge role in Sierra’s life and these are the relationships I always see suffer in contemporary settings. I also loved that the romantic interest in this novel was not the clichéd arrogant, too-perfect-to-be-true hot guy. Robbie is sweet and shy; and it was great to see that the romance did not overshadow Sierra’s relationship with her friends.
Rating: 3/5
★★★
Title: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #2
Pages: 279
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Release Date: April 1st 2006 (original publication date)
“The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan’s amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a “half blood” whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan’s series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that results in true page-turners that get better with each installment. In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book’s drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come.“
“Bull Number Two turned to face me, fire sputtering from the gash I’d cut in its side. I couldn’t tell if it felt any pain, but its ruby eyes seemed to glare at me like I’d just made things personal.“
This is only my second Rick Riordan book. I know, I know, it’s hard to believe that I’ve never read through the Percy Jackson series before. But I am slowly making my way through them and that is all that should matter. This second book really endeared Percy to me. His relationship with Tyson was a major highlight for me, it showed just how openhearted Percy is while still staying true to how complicated it is being the son of a god. I love how important friendship has been in this series so far. I feel like I got to know Annabeth better in this one and am looking forward to her growth as a character. The book ended with a shocking event that had me wanting to reach for the third book right away. What does this mean?! Overall, it was a good follow-up to the first Percy Jackson novel.
Rating: 4/5
★★★★
Such a relief when I finally allowed myself to do short reviews!
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This is only my second time doing it and I love it. It definitely helps take the pressure off myself.
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I love the idea of connecting with spirits through the arts! I’ve only read the first two Percy Jackson books as well so I’m in the same boat (haha.)
Great Mini reviews!
=D
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Shadowshaper has such an interesting and unique concept for sure. It’s so good to know I’m not the only one who hasn’t finished the PJO series. I got started super late on it. Thanks!
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You should really read The Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes. Sea of Monsters is, in my opinion a knock off of the Argonautica. I really wasn’t a fan of the Percy Jackson series.
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I will check it out, thank you.
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No problem, it isn’t the easiest to read though. It’s written in verse, not prose. It took me a while to read it.
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Gotcha, I will keep that in mind 🙂
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Oh, I love Percy Jackson! I’ve only gotten into the series since last year so I’m really late too. But The Sea of Monsters is one of my favorites. I really like Tyson and I agree about what you said about Percy and his open heart. He’s such a lovable character. He’s a typical young teen boy but he really does care about other people. The third book is good too. It has some awesome characters in it also. Reading PJO always makes me smile and just love life.
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Yes, I’m not the only late starter! Percy really is so sweet and I loved that despite the taboo of the situation, he still treated Tyson well. Can’t wait to read the third book, thank you!
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I’m hoping to read Shadowshaper – urban fantasy is one of my favorites and I love the sound of the story! 🙂
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I’m sure you will enjoy it since urban fantasy is something you love. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it when you do get to it!
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It’s been ages since I’ve read Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and I need to re-read it A.S.A.P. I loved that series so much, I remember my sister broke the spine of the first book and I didn’t talk to her for three days. Haha! I hope you’ll like the series as much as I do, happy reading!
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I just gasped when you said your sister broke the spine. I’m pretty sure that three-day silent treatment was justified. Thank you, I hope so as well!
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