Book Review #1: Twisted Fate by Norah Olson

So, since it's been so long, I figured we'd start from scratch with book review number 1...

Sisters, Sydney and Ally definitely have a complicated love-hate relationship, that's for sure! Ally might be a little too trusting, especially when there's a new family that moves across the street. What's the "boy next door" hiding? And, while Sydney, usually can't stand her sugar and spice, everything's nice, sister, how far is she willing to go to protect her? Read "Twisted Fate" to find out!

I received an uncorrected proof, copy of "Twisted Fate" several years ago, and unfortunately, haven't had a chance to read it until now (panic laughing ensues). 

"Twisted Fate" was officially released in 2015, and was Norah's first YA (Young-Adult) novel. I'd describe it as a contemporary, YA, mystery. I could definitely feel that it was a first YA novel. While it's a little choppy in parts (which I'm sure was smoothed out in the final print), its definitely an intriguing and fast paced read. It jumps right into the main mystery and immediately has you wondering what is going on. 

You get multiple different perspectives of the story from many of the characters (majority of the book has a past tense setting). And it shows really well how the same details of a story (in real life and on paper) can be misunderstood and distorted by each person. Since it does follow so many different perspectives, at times I found it difficult to follow the plot and what was actually going on. Once you think you have a handle and inkling of what's taking place, you get to the next chapter and it makes you question what you just thought you figured out, the plot, the characters and their motives, everything! However, it does a decent job of showing each person's mental health, and/or deterioration of such. It also touches on the effect lack of proper attention children may receive from a parent(s), can have on them.

Some of the character's perspectives given, almost seem unnecessary, not really providing groundbreaking information, already provided to the reader, whether directly given or implied. I appreciated that the chapters were fairly short, the longest being 10 pages, so you're never bored or feeling like one scene or setting is dragging on too long. There are some stronger themes in it than I expected, but those themes generally weren't written about in detail (some directly mentioned, others hinted i.e., drug use and child abuse). There was also some strong language throughout the book, and while I wasn't thrilled about that, it did fit the character's personalities.

I finished "Twisted Fate" in just two days (had I not had other things to tend to I could have finished it in one), I felt like 258 pages was not enough. The ending came very abruptly, with only some character clarification and loose ends being tied up. I figured out one of the main plot points about a quarter of the way through (pay attention and you'll see it too!), and a secondary point about halfway as well, but the last left me surprised (don't worry, I'm not gonna spoil any of it!). Other things are left for the reader to conclude for themselves.

Overall though it was a fast paced, easy read, that kept me on my toes!

Now (of course) I'm curious how the final print turned out, I'm totally going to have to check it out!

I know this was a short review (to be fair it was a short book), but since it was so short, I should have another one coming in the next few days!

In the meantime, here's a couple of my favorite quotes from "Twisted Fate"

Let me know what you thought of "Twisted Fate" in the comments below!

-Morgan

Here's what I've been up to (book-signing edition)

So, in the last post I made before disappearing (for three years), I told you guys I was gonna talk abut a few of the books signings I had attended. It took some digging through pictures, and posts to find them. And here they are! Now, I've met plenty of other authors that I didn't get pictures with, but I'll share as many details as possible. (I apologize if any of these are repeats (I don't think they are though)

Book signing #1 

The one and only Veronica Roth!

Yes, I did actually get to meet the author of "Divergent," "Insurgent," "Allegiant," "Four," "Carve The Mark," "The Fates Divide," "The End And Other Beginnings," and "The Chosen One"

She was awesome! Really chill, super down to earth, and fun to talk to!  

So, this was back in late January of 2017, so while I can't remember all the details, I do have a few pics! (I apologize for the quality, I know they're really low...)

I was also able to attend Books by the Banks in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I met so many amazing authors, some of whom I was able to get a pic with..

   Rainbow Rowell, author of "Fangirl," "Landline," "Eleanor & Park," "Attachments," and "Carry On,"                                                                

   David Arnold, author of “Mosquitoland," "Kids of Appetite," The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik,"Behind the Song," and "The Electric Kingdom"

At Books By The Banks I also met Adi Alsaid, 

And! I was able to visit with some of my favs Nat Richards, and Lorie Langdon

Next event was the Ohioana Book Festival of 2018, I was able to volunteer and it was a blast! Not only was I able to help out my local library, but I was able to shop awesome books for all ages and genres and meet amazing authors as well!

Now, unfortunately, due to the craziness and speed of the day, I wasn't able to get any pics with the authors I met, but I'll share a cover picture of their book(s)..

So first up is Kurt Dinan author of "Don't Get Caught." 

He was super cool! 

And Mindee Arnett, author of "Avalon," Polaris," "Proxy," "The Nightmare Affair (The Arkwell Academy series)," "Onyx and Ivory (Rime Chronicles series),"

She was so sweet, and has great sense of style!

And of course, I got see Nat Richards, Carey Corp, Lorie Langdon, Mindy McGinnis, Tara Tyler, Tracy Lawson, along with plenty of others (my mind is failing me!)

I was thankfully able to attend (and volunteer) The Ohioana Book Fest again last year (2019), and again met some really cool authors!

Including, but not limited to,

D. W. Vogel, author of the "Horizon Alpha Series"

Dee Garretson, author of "The Torch World Series,"

And, Stephen Markley, author of "Ohio"

Now, the last one I'll share for now (perhaps I've shared this in a post years ago, I didn't see it though), is the one and only Kiera Cass!!

Author of "The Selection," "The Elite," "The One," "Happily Ever After," The Selection Stories," The Heir," "The Crown," "The Siren," and, "The Betrothed."

OMG! You guys she's amazing! so sweet and funny! I just can't even begin to describe her! (And yes, I did take her a One Direction themed pen and wallet (made with duct tape by my sister) that's what she's opening in couple of the pictures)

So, she did a book signing at Joesph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati a few years back, and I was able to go!

This signing was for "The Siren," 

So, there's my bookish adventures for the past few years that I've been absent. And, I hope to have many more to come!

I might post another update post with more details all about my adventures outside of the book realm..

And my first book review of the year (or past few) is coming this weekend!

I can't wait for you to read it! 

Thank you for being patient and sticking it out with me!

-Morgan

Long Time No See!!

Hello there!

Long time, no see! I know, it’s been forever. I’ve missed you guys, and I’ve seriously missed posting book reviews. I know three years ago I said I was back, and unfortunately that didn’t happen. So, I’m finally back (for real this time). However, things are gonna be a little different for right now..

So let’s get to know each other!

My name is Morgan, I’m an avid book lover (I have a small obsession 😆). In the time I haven’t been posting reviews, a lot has changed. I got my license to be an Advanced Esthetician (skincare and waxing), I’m an aspiring makeup artist (I’m even enrolled in an online class!). And I’ve been completing continuing education classes for all of that as well! I currently work part time at my local craft store. I’ve also been involved in a huge, global, volunteer work (that’s where I spend most of my time). I’ve been able to make it to a few book signings as well.

I’m definitely getting back into the swing of things here, but bare with me as it’s gonna be a little choppy for a while, until my schedule gets all smoothed out. Please be patient with me while I get some new reviews going (there may be a little more time in between reviews than there was before). And there might be a few repeats (sorry!) Oh! for right now, I’m only sticking to books, no movies like before. Although, “Avengers: Endgame” tore my heart out! 😭
 I’ll post some of the book signings I was able to make it to in my “time off,” in the next couple days. And! I have a long awaited book review coming at the end of the week!

I’m so happy to be back, and I can’t wait to hear what you guys have been up to all this time. Leave a comment letting me know what you’ve been up to!

-Morgan