A Broken Zebra's bookshelf: boxset-wishlist-plzktnx en-US Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:45:04 -0800 60 A Broken Zebra's bookshelf: boxset-wishlist-plzktnx 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Batman: One Bad Day Box Set 125067511
"You had a bad day and everything changed." In the pages of the iconic story The Killing Joke , Batman's ultimate foe, The Joker, was changed forever, given new, horrifying definition by the graphic novel that acted as the template for all the character's stories moving forward. Now, 35 years later, some of comics' greatest creators have come together to give that same stunning reexamination and evolution to more of Batman's iconic rogues gallery.

This complete box set contains all eight Batman - One Bad Day hardcovers, each spotlighting a new, defining standalone story for Batman's greatest villains, plus a special edition of The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland.]]> 800 Tom King 1779524048 A Broken Zebra 0 4.06 2023 Batman: One Bad Day Box Set
author: Tom King
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, pretty-eye-candy-cover, short-but-still-sweet, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, #2)]]> 30119858
After experiencing a series of dangerous--and frankly, humiliating--trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he's gaining in new friendships--with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . .]]> 432 Rick Riordan 1368001017 A Broken Zebra 4 4.46 2017 The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, #2)
author: Rick Riordan
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/07/14
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: own-it-still-need-to-read-it, obessions, authors-i-adore, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, lgbtqiap-plus
review:
I'm truly hoping the reference of African Gods means that's the next pantheon Rick will tackle...
]]> Morning Star (Red Rising, #3) 24685115
Finally, the time has come.

But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied—and too glorious to surrender.]]> 526 Pierce Brown 0345539850 A Broken Zebra 5 This series, man. 4.57 2016 Morning Star (Red Rising, #3)
author: Pierce Brown
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2017/04/12
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, reading-with-friends, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:
This series, man.
]]> Zodiac (Zodiac, #1) 21850355 At the dawn of time, there werethirteen Houses in the Zodiac galaxy. Now, only twelve remain. . . .

In the Zodiac galaxy, your astrological sign determines everything about you. The stars tell the story of your life, and nothing—and nobody—is real unless you can actually touch them.

It’s a galaxy divided, where personalities clash and suspicions run high. Everyone is a potential enemy, so it’s best to stick to your kind. Hard-working realists in House Virgo scoff at sweet-talking Librans, who use stellar social skills to climb to the top. And while the brooding twins of House Gemini take forever to make a decision, optimistic Sagittarians hop from adventure to adventure without a thought.

House Cancer prizes loyalty and honesty above all else. When an unforeseen catastrophe strikes their ocean planet, the stars select sixteen-year-old Rho as their new Guardian. Rho suspects an ancient, power-hungry evil of legend has returned to exact revenge across the entire Zodiac. But Rho is an unknown novice and one of the youngest Guardians ever. Who should believe her?

And with the stars anywhere but in her favor, how can Rho defeat an enemy she can’t touch?

This first book of an epic sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series takes place in a galaxy inspired by the twelve astrological signs—rendered with stunning complexity that both transports readers to a fascinating new world and holds up a mirror to reflect how we can better know each other in our own. ]]> 338 Romina Russell 0698146131 A Broken Zebra 4 First Read-through: Four and a half stars, because the things that irked me were minor and a result of the novel being YA (and as such, includes teenager related issues that no longer apply to me, heh). Otherwise, this was very unique, fresh fun. Mind the pun, but stellar concept, and I very much look forward to reading the rest of the series. Being a Cancrian helps loving on the novel, too. :D

I'm hoping to get more attached to certain characters through the development as well, because at times I wasn't always moved by certain deaths, and that's never a good thing. And the events at the end were slightly underwhelming, but there's an excuse for it (to an extent).]]> 3.69 2014 Zodiac (Zodiac, #1)
author: Romina Russell
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2017/04/28
date added: 2024/09/20
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:
First Read-through: Four and a half stars, because the things that irked me were minor and a result of the novel being YA (and as such, includes teenager related issues that no longer apply to me, heh). Otherwise, this was very unique, fresh fun. Mind the pun, but stellar concept, and I very much look forward to reading the rest of the series. Being a Cancrian helps loving on the novel, too. :D

I'm hoping to get more attached to certain characters through the development as well, because at times I wasn't always moved by certain deaths, and that's never a good thing. And the events at the end were slightly underwhelming, but there's an excuse for it (to an extent).
]]> <![CDATA[The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1)]]> 24172101 491 Rick Riordan 1484719328 A Broken Zebra 5
*Loses points because of the character, Jack.]]> 4.43 2015 The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1)
author: Rick Riordan
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2018/04/01
date added: 2024/09/17
shelves: authors-i-adore, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx
review:
4.5 �

*Loses points because of the character, Jack.
]]> Thirteen Rising (Zodiac, #4) 32195037 Romina Russell’s epic sci-fi fantasy series reaches its breathtaking conclusion with this fourth and final novel.

The master has been unmasked. Rho’s world has been turned upside down. With her loved ones in peril and all the stars set against her, can the young Guardian from House Cancer muster the strength to keep fighting? Or has she finally found her match in a master whose ambition to rule knows no limits?]]> 332 Romina Russell 0448493551 A Broken Zebra 0 4.20 Thirteen Rising (Zodiac, #4)
author: Romina Russell
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: to-read, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, totally-need-to-buy-this, obessions
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tiamat's Wrath (The Expanse, #8)]]> 28335698
In the dead systems where gates lead to stranger things than alien planets, Elvi Okoye begins a desperate search to discover the nature of a genocide that happened before the first human beings existed, and to find weapons to fight a war against forces at the edge of the imaginable. But the price of that knowledge may be higher than she can pay.

At the heart of the empire, Teresa Duarte prepares to take on the burden of her father's godlike ambition. The sociopathic scientist Paolo Cortázar and the Mephistophelian prisoner James Holden are only two of the dangers in a palace thick with intrigue, but Teresa has a mind of her own and secrets even her father the emperor doesn't guess.

And throughout the wide human empire, the scattered crew of the Rocinante fights a brave rear-guard action against Duarte's authoritarian regime. Memory of the old order falls away, and a future under Laconia's eternal rule -- and with it, a battle that humanity can only lose - seems more and more certain. Because against the terrors that lie between worlds, courage and ambition will not be enough...]]> 534 James S.A. Corey 0316332879 A Broken Zebra 5 First read-through: Ooooooof.
Just.
WOW.

Easy tie for favourite Expanse novel. Going to be a difficult waiting period for book 9. 0___o ]]> 4.54 2019 Tiamat's Wrath (The Expanse, #8)
author: James S.A. Corey
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2024/04/20
date added: 2024/04/23
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions
review:
First read-through: Ooooooof.
Just.
WOW.

Easy tie for favourite Expanse novel. Going to be a difficult waiting period for book 9. 0___o
]]> <![CDATA[Persepolis Rising (The Expanse, #7)]]> 28335696 In the vast space between Earth and Jupiter, the inner planets and the Belt have formed a tentative and uncertain alliance, still haunted by a history of wars and prejudices. On the lost colony world of Laconia, a hidden enemy has a new vision for all of humanity � and the power to enforce it.
New technologies clash with old, as the history of human conflict returns to its ancient pattern of war and subjugation. But human nature is not the only enemy, and the forces being unleashed have their own price. A price that will change the shape of humanity � and of the Rocinante � unexpectedly and for ever �

The seventh novel in James S. A. Corey's New York Times bestselling Expanse series--now a major television series.
The Expanse Leviathan Wakes, Caliban's War, Abaddon's Gate, Cibola Burn, Nemesis Games, Babylon's Ashes, Persepolis Rising,
The Expanse Short Fiction The Butcher of Anderson Station, Gods of Risk, The Churn, The Vital Abyss, Strange Dogs.]]> 608 James S.A. Corey 0316332828 A Broken Zebra 4 4.34 2017 Persepolis Rising (The Expanse, #7)
author: James S.A. Corey
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/08
date added: 2024/03/08
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, science-bitch
review:

]]> Fairy Tail, #18 17702883 192 Hiro Mashima 8864202994 A Broken Zebra 4 3.87 2009 Fairy Tail, #18
author: Hiro Mashima
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2023/07/27
date added: 2023/07/27
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, pretty-eye-candy-cover
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fairy Tail, Vol. 08 (Fairy Tail, #8)]]> 6334780 208 Hiro Mashima 0345510402 A Broken Zebra 5 4.48 2008 Fairy Tail, Vol. 08 (Fairy Tail, #8)
author: Hiro Mashima
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 2023/07/15
date added: 2023/07/15
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, cotton-candy-read, i-need-more-from-this-writer, pressies-and-gifts, pretty-eye-candy-cover
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Abaddon’s Gate (The Expanse, #3)]]> 16131032
For generations, the solar system - Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt - was humanity's great frontier. Until now. The alien artefact working through its program under the clouds of Venus has emerged to build a massive structure outside the orbit of Uranus: a gate that leads into a starless dark.

Jim Holden and the crew of the Rocinante are part of a vast flotilla of scientific and military ships going out to examine the artefact. But behind the scenes, a complex plot is unfolding, with the destruction of Holden at its core. As the emissaries of the human race try to find whether the gate is an opportunity or a threat, the greatest danger is the one they brought with them.]]> 539 James S.A. Corey A Broken Zebra 5 4.75 � 4.26 2013 Abaddon’s Gate (The Expanse, #3)
author: James S.A. Corey
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2019/06/01
date added: 2023/06/16
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, science-bitch, lgbtqiap-plus, obessions
review:
4.75 �
]]> Evil Cast (Chapter Two) 52843266 22 Kyle Stück A Broken Zebra 4 4.00 Evil Cast (Chapter Two)
author: Kyle Stück
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/31
date added: 2023/04/05
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, first-to-read-first-to-review, i-need-more-from-this-writer, reddit-discovery, short-but-still-sweet, spooky-scary-skele-tales
review:
More quick fun as things pick up, taking a step in the spookier, wtf, side.
]]> <![CDATA[Spice Road (The Spice Road Trilogy #1)]]> 61356465
In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands.

Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation's coveted spice--a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother's betrayal, there isn't a day that goes by when Imani doesn't grieve him.

But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation's magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission.

Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes--and in her own heart--but will she find her brother?]]> 464 Maiya Ibrahim 0593126963 A Broken Zebra 5 NETGALLEY ARC
Plot: 5
Characters: 4.5
Writing Style: 5
Cover: 5 (both versions that I saw; the woman with aqua dusted hands, and then the one with Sinan [falcon]).
Enjoyment: 5
Buyable/Re-readable?: Ohhhh yeah, I will be seeing this series through. Another Top Ten of 2022.

Firstly. this book has a fun AF magic concept. Tea ceremonies and spices? Let's go!
"The tea must be taken in silence, allowing the drinker to dwell on the Great Spirit’s gift and prepare to receive the magic."
Both taste and smell vary, as well, from ceremony to ceremony, which is a fine detail. And this magic system also has consequences, which I appreciate.

It has this magical (pun intended? Probably) flow to it; Ibrahim's style and passion are just...you want to consume it like the characters do their tea. And it's forever nice getting glimpses into other cultures, even if they're Arabian fantasy world types. Spice Road is told in first person POV à la our main lady, Imani. I was able to accept the romance and attraction between her and another character when remembering that we the reader are coming into their relationship two years later, and thus, things have occurred off-page that we're not privy to. So, while it almost feels out of no where, it's two years in the making. However, there is another interest that, had I not loved the eff out of this book, would have been more problematic to swallow. The assumptions I applied are; maybe this person is akin to, say, a vampire, in that it's very difficulty to resist them. I am also wondering if it'll come out in another book that Imani has a past connection to said other interest, in which case, it would make a lot of sense why they're drawn to one another. And if those aren't the case? Then I will take issue with the execution of their interactions, because this one does come out of nowhere and has no build up or the like. It's not enough to ruin this gem of a book, but it will be enough to knock off a star. We shall see. I cannot wait!

� Contains: sorcerers, Shields, djinns, ghouls, sand serpents, skin- changer (ex: turns into lion), beastseer (ex: controls birds), werehyenas, giants, geomancy. Plus, adventure, non-story-dominating romance, family dynamics.
� Has the name Bayek, which is an "Assassin's Creed" character and nifty reference.
�
"In the dirt by my slipper crawls a black scarab, the first reaches of morning sun shimmering on its curved back. Startled, it emits a high-pitched squeak and flails its rayed legs."
-- I totally YouTubed a beetle squeak..
� Line highlight (there.are.SO.many!!1!) :
"I hopelessly search for a glimmer in her eyes. They are the painted glass lamps one would find in a bazaar back home. Beautiful but hollow without the light."
]]> 3.75 2023 Spice Road (The Spice Road Trilogy #1)
author: Maiya Ibrahim
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2022/12/20
date added: 2022/12/23
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, arc-not-ark, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, bring-me-that-culture-horizon, first-to-read-first-to-review, i-need-more-from-this-writer, pretty-eye-candy-cover, totally-need-to-buy-this, netgalley-discovery, top-ten-of-2022
review:
NETGALLEY ARC
Plot: 5
Characters: 4.5
Writing Style: 5
Cover: 5 (both versions that I saw; the woman with aqua dusted hands, and then the one with Sinan [falcon]).
Enjoyment: 5
Buyable/Re-readable?: Ohhhh yeah, I will be seeing this series through. Another Top Ten of 2022.

Firstly. this book has a fun AF magic concept. Tea ceremonies and spices? Let's go!
"The tea must be taken in silence, allowing the drinker to dwell on the Great Spirit’s gift and prepare to receive the magic."
Both taste and smell vary, as well, from ceremony to ceremony, which is a fine detail. And this magic system also has consequences, which I appreciate.

It has this magical (pun intended? Probably) flow to it; Ibrahim's style and passion are just...you want to consume it like the characters do their tea. And it's forever nice getting glimpses into other cultures, even if they're Arabian fantasy world types. Spice Road is told in first person POV à la our main lady, Imani. I was able to accept the romance and attraction between her and another character when remembering that we the reader are coming into their relationship two years later, and thus, things have occurred off-page that we're not privy to. So, while it almost feels out of no where, it's two years in the making. However, there is another interest that, had I not loved the eff out of this book, would have been more problematic to swallow. The assumptions I applied are; maybe this person is akin to, say, a vampire, in that it's very difficulty to resist them. I am also wondering if it'll come out in another book that Imani has a past connection to said other interest, in which case, it would make a lot of sense why they're drawn to one another. And if those aren't the case? Then I will take issue with the execution of their interactions, because this one does come out of nowhere and has no build up or the like. It's not enough to ruin this gem of a book, but it will be enough to knock off a star. We shall see. I cannot wait!

� Contains: sorcerers, Shields, djinns, ghouls, sand serpents, skin- changer (ex: turns into lion), beastseer (ex: controls birds), werehyenas, giants, geomancy. Plus, adventure, non-story-dominating romance, family dynamics.
� Has the name Bayek, which is an "Assassin's Creed" character and nifty reference.
�
"In the dirt by my slipper crawls a black scarab, the first reaches of morning sun shimmering on its curved back. Startled, it emits a high-pitched squeak and flails its rayed legs."
-- I totally YouTubed a beetle squeak..
� Line highlight (there.are.SO.many!!1!) :
"I hopelessly search for a glimmer in her eyes. They are the painted glass lamps one would find in a bazaar back home. Beautiful but hollow without the light."

]]> <![CDATA[Pokémon Primers: Box Set Collection Volume 2: Opposites, Habitats, Emotions, and Types (10)]]> 61272885
Start any young child with a journey into the world of Pokémon with Volume 2 of the Pokémon Box Set Collection! Join Pikachu, Eevee, and all their friends on an educational adventure—learning has never been more fun! Pokémon Primers offer a captivating storyline with over 100 flaps to lift and reveal, and each Pokémon named in the books include their pronunciations to help both kids and parents alike.

Each book is illustrated by The Pokémon Company International and written by beloved children’s author Simcha Whitehill. In this box set collection, you’ll find the Pokémon Opposites Book, Habitats Book, Emotions Book, and Pokémon Types Book. These books appeal best to younger children, so take your Trainer-in-training on a Pokémon adventure today!

Pokémon Primers Box Set Collection

- Pokémon Opposites Book

- Pokémon Habitats Book

- Pokémon Emotions Book

- Pokémon Types Book

- Plus bonus stickers]]> 112 Simcha Whitehill 1604382201 A Broken Zebra 0 5.00 Pokémon Primers: Box Set Collection Volume 2: Opposites, Habitats, Emotions, and Types (10)
author: Simcha Whitehill
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/10/11
shelves: boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, cotton-candy-read, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, pretty-eye-candy-cover, short-but-still-sweet, totally-need-to-buy-this, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Second Rebel (The First Sister Trilogy, #2)]]> 55711588
Astrid has reclaimed her name and her voice, and now seeks to bring down the Sisterhood from within. Throwing herself into the lioness� den, Astrid must confront and challenge the Aunts who run the Gean religious institution, but she quickly discovers that the business of politics is far deadlier than she ever expected.

Meanwhile, on an outlaw colony station deep in space, Hiro val Akira seeks to bring a dangerous ally into the rebellion. Whispers of a digital woman fuel Hiro’s search, but they are not the only person looking for this link to the mysterious race of Synthetics.

Lito sol Lucious continues to grow into his role as a lead revolutionary and is tasked with rescuing an Aster operative from deep within an Icarii prison. With danger around every corner, Lito, his partner Ofiera, and the newly freed operative must flee in order to keep dangerous secrets out of enemy hands.

Back on Venus, Lito’s sister Lucinia must carry on after her brother’s disappearance and accusation of treason by Icarii authorities. Despite being under the thumb of Souji val Akira, Lucinia manages to keep her nose clean…that is until an Aster revolutionary shows up with news about her brother’s fate, and an opportunity to join the fight.

This captivating, spellbinding second installment to The First Sister series picks up right where The First Sister left off and is a must-read for science fiction fans everywhere.]]> 512 Linden A. Lewis 1982127023 A Broken Zebra 5 4.22 2021 The Second Rebel (The First Sister Trilogy, #2)
author: Linden A. Lewis
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/09/23
date added: 2022/09/25
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, lgbtqiap-plus, pretty-eye-candy-cover, totally-need-to-buy-this, top-ten-of-2022
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Last Hero (The First Sister Trilogy, #3)]]> 58509068 The flame of rebellion burns across the solar system in this dazzling conclusion to Linden A. Lewis’s stunning First Sister trilogy perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Expanse.

Astrid is finally free of the Sisterhood, yet her name carries on. She’s called the Unchained by those she’s inspired and the Heretic by those who want her voiceless once more. Now Astrid uses knowledge of the Sisterhood’s inner workings against them, aiding the moonborn in raids against abbeys and Cathedrals, all the while exploring the mysteries of her forgotten past.

However, the Sisterhood thrives under the newly appointed Mother Lilian I, who’s engaged in high-stakes politics among the Warlords and the Aunts to rebuild the Sisterhood in her own image. But the evil of the Sisterhood can’t be purged with anything less than fire....

Meanwhile, Hiro val Akira is a rebel without an army, a Dagger without a Rapier. As protests rock the streets of Cytherea, Hiro moves in the shadows, driven by grief and vengeance, as they hunt the man responsible for all their pain: their father....

Transformed by the Genekey virus, Luce navigates the growing schism within the Asters on Ceres. Hurting in her new body, she works to bridge two worlds seemingly intent on mutual destruction. All while mourning her fallen brother, though Lito sol Lucius’s memory may yet live on.

Yet Souji val Akira stands in judgment on them all, plotting the future for all of humanity, and running out of time before war erupts between the Icarii and Geans. But can even the greatest human intellect outwit the Synthetics?

The emotional First Sister trilogy comes to a sensational climax in this final installment, and is a must-read for science fiction fans everywhere.]]> Linden A. Lewis A Broken Zebra 0 4.23 2022 The Last Hero (The First Sister Trilogy, #3)
author: Linden A. Lewis
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/09/24
shelves: to-read, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, lgbtqiap-plus, obessions, pretty-eye-candy-cover, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Wicked + The Divine Deluxe Edition: Year One]]> 28533221
Revel in the opulence of this over-sized hardback! Revel in it!

Collects issues 1 through 11.]]> 400 Kieron Gillen 1632157284 A Broken Zebra 3 2019 readthrough: Multiple pantheons + brilliant eye-candy? Yesplzktnx.

2022 readthrough: The dialogue/writing doesn't always make sense, which then means the story doesn't either. But I want to eat the artwork, it's that wonderful, and I am in love with the concept and world, so...

Plot: 3.5ish thus far? We have more installments to go.
Characters: 4
Writing Style: 3/2.5
Cover: 5
Enjoyment: 5 for the concept and world, 3 for the rest
Artwork/Layout: 5
]]> 4.14 2016 The Wicked + The Divine Deluxe Edition: Year One
author: Kieron Gillen
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2022/02/28
date added: 2022/03/07
shelves: boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, lgbtqiap-plus, pretty-eye-candy-cover, goodreads-discovery, obessions
review:
2019 readthrough: Multiple pantheons + brilliant eye-candy? Yesplzktnx.

2022 readthrough: The dialogue/writing doesn't always make sense, which then means the story doesn't either. But I want to eat the artwork, it's that wonderful, and I am in love with the concept and world, so...

Plot: 3.5ish thus far? We have more installments to go.
Characters: 4
Writing Style: 3/2.5
Cover: 5
Enjoyment: 5 for the concept and world, 3 for the rest
Artwork/Layout: 5

]]> <![CDATA[The Weeping Tide (Wilderlore #2)]]> 58437754 Barclay and his friends must save an island city from the Legendary Beast of the Sea in this second book in the Wilderlore series.

Something is wrong at the Sea. The weeping tide, a carnivorous algae bloom, is eating up all the fish. Beasts are terrorizing the nearby Elsewheres. And Lochmordra, the Legendary Beast, is rising at random and swallowing ships whole.

Barclay’s teacher, the famous Guardian Keeper Runa Rasgar, has been summoned to investigate, and as her apprentice, Barclay gets to join too. But Runa’s nemesis has also been called to the Sea, and he’s brought apprentices of his own. When the not-so friendly competition between them grows fierce, it’s Barclay—the only one from the Elsewheres—who can’t seem to keep up.

The key to stopping Lochmordra lies in his mythical home, but as the flood of the weeping tide encroaches, time is running out to find it. If the rival groups can’t cast aside old grudges and learn to work together, soon the Sea will be destroyed completely. And all the while Barclay must ask himself: is there truly a place for him in the Wilderlands?]]> 352 Amanda Foody 1534477594 A Broken Zebra 5 NETGALLEY ARC

I think I said this with the first book, but (to me) it's basically Pokémon meets Harry Potter and I adore the heckin' heck out of this series. In the time before we knew JK was an a-hole, the similarities to Harry Potter may have irked me, but now I just revel in them.

The book has charm and wit, inclusivity and extremely important message of self worth, etc. It has a decent pace and the right amount of action, though the ending was a little strange. Not enough to lose a star or turn me off the series, but enough to slightly confuse me with the abruptness of it all. The writing level isn't too simple, nor overly difficult, making the middle-grade label accurate.

Still recommend both books, still plan on buying the box set.

P.S. If there isn't a Toadles Funko POP! or plushie at some point, I'll riot.]]> 4.29 2022 The Weeping Tide (Wilderlore #2)
author: Amanda Foody
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2021/12/15
date added: 2021/12/16
shelves: arc-not-ark, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, first-to-read-first-to-review, i-need-more-from-this-writer, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:
NETGALLEY ARC

I think I said this with the first book, but (to me) it's basically Pokémon meets Harry Potter and I adore the heckin' heck out of this series. In the time before we knew JK was an a-hole, the similarities to Harry Potter may have irked me, but now I just revel in them.

The book has charm and wit, inclusivity and extremely important message of self worth, etc. It has a decent pace and the right amount of action, though the ending was a little strange. Not enough to lose a star or turn me off the series, but enough to slightly confuse me with the abruptness of it all. The writing level isn't too simple, nor overly difficult, making the middle-grade label accurate.

Still recommend both books, still plan on buying the box set.

P.S. If there isn't a Toadles Funko POP! or plushie at some point, I'll riot.
]]> Iron Widow (Iron Widow, #1) 52459864
When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead.�

To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia�. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way—and stop more girls from being sacrificed.]]> 394 Xiran Jay Zhao 0735269939 A Broken Zebra 5 NETGALLEY ARC

But can I give this more than five stars?

WOW. This is by far one of my favourite books read this year. It makes Top Three, and that's knowing the year still has five more months left in it. *Strong* female lead. Total badass, HBIC, and someone who isn't quite the hero, nor the villain. I adore (yes, adore) what the author did with the second and third main characters, and the relationships/chemistry said three have.

The theme and messages coursing havoc through the novel are legit and worth supporting. The description of "This is Pacific Rim meets Handmaid's Tale" plus historical fiction is pretty dang accurate; the concept and the world are just cool as hell, and the way in which Zhao choreographs language is utterly stunning. I highlighted so many passages, because they just left me drunk. And I didn't even realize who the author was until I went on a pronouns search, at which point, I literally yelled at my husband "OH. MY. GODS. Do know who wrote that book I just read??" We saw their YouTube videos and instantly took a liking, so knowing they're behind this g-dang gem only propels my exultation of it. I further trust the material, given the depth and detail put into their previous work.

You can guarantee that I'll be buying this series and screaming its praises. As if that gorgeous cover art by Ashley Mackenzie isn't reason alone.]]> 4.03 2021 Iron Widow (Iron Widow, #1)
author: Xiran Jay Zhao
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/08/02
date added: 2021/08/02
shelves: pretty-eye-candy-cover, netgalley-discovery, history-yes-please, bring-me-that-culture-horizon, arc-not-ark, first-to-read-first-to-review, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, lgbtqiap-plus, totally-need-to-buy-this, unlearn-relearn
review:
NETGALLEY ARC

But can I give this more than five stars?

WOW. This is by far one of my favourite books read this year. It makes Top Three, and that's knowing the year still has five more months left in it. *Strong* female lead. Total badass, HBIC, and someone who isn't quite the hero, nor the villain. I adore (yes, adore) what the author did with the second and third main characters, and the relationships/chemistry said three have.

The theme and messages coursing havoc through the novel are legit and worth supporting. The description of "This is Pacific Rim meets Handmaid's Tale" plus historical fiction is pretty dang accurate; the concept and the world are just cool as hell, and the way in which Zhao choreographs language is utterly stunning. I highlighted so many passages, because they just left me drunk. And I didn't even realize who the author was until I went on a pronouns search, at which point, I literally yelled at my husband "OH. MY. GODS. Do know who wrote that book I just read??" We saw their YouTube videos and instantly took a liking, so knowing they're behind this g-dang gem only propels my exultation of it. I further trust the material, given the depth and detail put into their previous work.

You can guarantee that I'll be buying this series and screaming its praises. As if that gorgeous cover art by Ashley Mackenzie isn't reason alone.
]]> <![CDATA[Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares (Paola Santiago #2)]]> 56209478 Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the sequel to Tehlor Kay Mejia's critically acclaimed own-voices novel about science-obsessed Paola Santiago.
"Paola is a brilliant, furious girl who often trusts her brain but trips over her heart."--Sarah Gailey, Hugo and Locus award-winning author of River of Teeth

Six months after Paola Santiago confronted the legendary La Llorona, life is nothing like she'd expected it to be. She is barely speaking to her best friends, Dante and Emma, and what's worse, her mom has a totally annoying boyfriend. Even with her chupacabra puppy, Bruto, around, Pao can't escape the feeling that she's all alone in the world.

Pao has no one to tell that she's having nightmares again, this time set in a terrifying forest. Even more troubling? At their center is her estranged father, an enigma of a man she barely remembers. And when Dante's abuela falls mysteriously ill, it seems that the dad Pao never knew just might be the key to healing the eccentric old woman.


Pao's search for her father will send her far from home, where she will encounter new monsters and ghosts, a devastating betrayal, and finally, the forest of her nightmares. Will the truths her father has been hiding save the people Pao loves, or destroy them?


Once again Tehlor Kay Mejia draws on her Mexican heritage to tell a wild and wondrous story that combines creatures from folklore with modern-day challenges.


Complete your middle grade collection with these best-selling fan favorites:

Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Rick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Rick Riordan Presents Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan





]]> 336 Tehlor Kay Mejia 1368049346 A Broken Zebra 5
I do, however, have one complaint with the second installment, and that was how rushed the ending felt. Like someone altered the deadline or restricted the number of pages. It didn't necessarily ruin the experience, but it also left me a little .__. That said, I still recommend this series and I will excitedly read it to its completion (and buy the box set).

Of all the RRP books, Tehlor Kay Mejia's is easily in the top five, if not three, for myself.]]> 4.15 2021 Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares (Paola Santiago #2)
author: Tehlor Kay Mejia
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/22
date added: 2021/06/22
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, arc-not-ark, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, bring-me-that-culture-horizon, first-to-read-first-to-review, i-need-more-from-this-writer, lgbtqiap-plus, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:
I'm in love with this series and this author. Mejia's two Santiago books have been so very fulfilling; they're extremely intelligent and well-written. They absolute do not hold back with social issues (first book had me legit crying multiple times by showing how PoC are treated). They're inclusive. They're creative AF. And as always, I love the exposure to another culture. I also appreciated how the author approached non-Spanish speaking readers by having the main badass Pao also not speak much of the language, and thus was as in the dark as said readers.

I do, however, have one complaint with the second installment, and that was how rushed the ending felt. Like someone altered the deadline or restricted the number of pages. It didn't necessarily ruin the experience, but it also left me a little .__. That said, I still recommend this series and I will excitedly read it to its completion (and buy the box set).

Of all the RRP books, Tehlor Kay Mejia's is easily in the top five, if not three, for myself.
]]> <![CDATA[Paola Santiago and the River of Tears (Paola Santiago, #1)]]> 49089021
Hating her mother's humiliating superstitions and knowing that she and her friends would never venture into the water, Pao organizes a meet-up to test out her new telescope near the Gila, since it's the best stargazing spot. But when Emma never arrives and Pao sees a shadowy figure in the reeds, it seems like maybe her mom was right. . . .

Pao has always relied on hard science to make sense of the world, but to find her friend she will have to enter the world of her nightmares, which includes unnatural mist, mind-bending monsters, and relentless spirits controlled by a terrifying force that defies both logic and legend.]]> 350 Tehlor Kay Mejia 1368049176 A Broken Zebra 5 4.00 2020 Paola Santiago and the River of Tears (Paola Santiago, #1)
author: Tehlor Kay Mejia
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/09
date added: 2021/06/09
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, bring-me-that-culture-horizon, obessions, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, science-bitch, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:

]]> Evil Cast: Volume 1 52842537 164 Kyle Stück A Broken Zebra 5
Per their website: “After stumbling upon a secret organization, two podcasters obsessed with the supernatural find themselves caught up in a horror adventure filled with all the monsters and evil they previously thought to just be stories.”]]> 4.12 Evil Cast: Volume 1
author: Kyle Stück
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/31
date added: 2020/03/30
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, first-to-read-first-to-review, i-need-more-from-this-writer, short-but-still-sweet, spooky-scary-skele-tales, reddit-discovery
review:
This was a surprising (as in "oh-my-stars-and-garters" and "oh-what's-this?") bit of fun, and if I hadn't perused through my custom feeds on Reddit, it's very likely I wouldn't have seen/heard/read this at all. So, thank you random Redditor for asking for horror book recommendations, and then further thanks to u/The_White_Ecuadorian plugging his own work. The artwork is chipper and the characters likeable (I get a real Gus Johnson & Eddy Burback vibe, which is delightful because they're so g-dang wonderful).

Per their website: “After stumbling upon a secret organization, two podcasters obsessed with the supernatural find themselves caught up in a horror adventure filled with all the monsters and evil they previously thought to just be stories.�
]]> <![CDATA[The Fox & Little Tanuki, Volume 1]]> 50351461 172 Mi Tagawa 1427863180 A Broken Zebra 5 NetGalley ARC

KAWAII MUCH??? I think I just died and went into a cute coma, because this manga is full to the brim with adorableness.

A tale of unconditional bonds, altruism, self-love and -growth, I thoroughly enjoyed the Bakemono guide and expanding my knowledge of pantheons (Japanese in this case). I even teared up a wee bit; a lot of heart and promise in this story. Fluid, lovely artwork too. If this series stays on such a wonderful path, I shall definitely be purchasing the omnibus.]]> 4.03 2019 The Fox & Little Tanuki, Volume 1
author: Mi Tagawa
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/12
date added: 2020/03/12
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, arc-not-ark, book-giveaway-winner, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, bring-me-that-culture-horizon, cotton-candy-read, first-to-read-first-to-review, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, pretty-eye-candy-cover, netgalley-discovery, short-but-still-sweet, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:
NetGalley ARC

KAWAII MUCH??? I think I just died and went into a cute coma, because this manga is full to the brim with adorableness.

A tale of unconditional bonds, altruism, self-love and -growth, I thoroughly enjoyed the Bakemono guide and expanding my knowledge of pantheons (Japanese in this case). I even teared up a wee bit; a lot of heart and promise in this story. Fluid, lovely artwork too. If this series stays on such a wonderful path, I shall definitely be purchasing the omnibus.
]]> <![CDATA[Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey Book One]]> 40082347 128 D.J. Milky 1427858977 A Broken Zebra 0 3.96 2018 Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey Book One
author: D.J. Milky
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/12
shelves: to-read, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, obessions
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey Issue #0]]> 40105058 28 D.J. Milky 1427860408 A Broken Zebra 0 3.94 2018 Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey Issue #0
author: D.J. Milky
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/12
shelves: to-read, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, cotton-candy-read, obessions, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Toll (Arc of a Scythe, #3)]]> 43822024
In this pulse-pounding conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe trilogy, constitutions are tested and old friends are brought back from the dead.]]> 625 Neal Shusterman 1481497065 A Broken Zebra 5 4.15 2019 The Toll (Arc of a Scythe, #3)
author: Neal Shusterman
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/12/09
date added: 2019/12/21
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, pretty-eye-candy-cover, reading-with-friends
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Nemesis Games (The Expanse, #5)]]> 22886612
A thousand worlds have opened, and the greatest land rush in human history has begun. As wave after wave of colonists leave, the power structures of the old solar system begin to buckle.

Ships are disappearing without a trace. Private armies are being secretly formed. The sole remaining protomolecule sample is stolen. Terrorist attacks previously considered impossible bring the inner planets to their knees. The sins of the past are returning to exact a terrible price.

And as a new human order is struggling to be born in blood and fire, James Holden and the crew of the Rocinante must struggle to survive and get back to the only home they have left.]]> 536 James S.A. Corey 031621759X A Broken Zebra 5 Expanse installation. ]]> 4.44 2015 Nemesis Games (The Expanse, #5)
author: James S.A. Corey
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2019/07/14
date added: 2019/07/15
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, obessions, science-bitch
review:
This is probably my favourite Expanse installation.
]]> <![CDATA[The Day the Eiffel Tower Went Beserk (The Umbrella Academy Apocalypse Suite #1)]]> 20700003 32 Gerard Way A Broken Zebra 4 3.95 The Day the Eiffel Tower Went Beserk (The Umbrella Academy Apocalypse Suite #1)
author: Gerard Way
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/03/23
date added: 2019/06/08
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Black Widow, Vol. 2: The Tightly Tangled Web]]> 22812127
Collecting: Black Widow 7-12 & Punisher 9]]> 160 Nathan Edmondson 0785188207 A Broken Zebra 5 4.13 2015 Black Widow, Vol. 2: The Tightly Tangled Web
author: Nathan Edmondson
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/17
date added: 2019/05/17
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, obessions, short-but-still-sweet
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Black Widow, Vol. 1: The Finely Woven Thread]]> 19539419 Home is where the hurt is!

And the Black Widow has plenty of that. She may be an Avenger and an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., but the Widow has her own mission: to atone for her past as a KGB assassin. Her methods are dirty. Her heart is cold. But her work is flawless. On an undercover assignment in Russia, she finds that the Hand of God is reaching for her--and it's as merciless as its name. Outmatched by the brute force of this powerful new villain, Natasha discovers a deadly globe-spanning plot. It's a race against time, and the Widow has nowhere to turn for answers. The trail of blood and destruction will test her strength and cunning--but it may also test her faith.

Collecting: Black Widow 1-6 & material from All-New Marvel Now!.Point One]]> 144 Nathan Edmondson 0785188193 A Broken Zebra 5 4.04 2014 Black Widow, Vol. 1: The Finely Woven Thread
author: Nathan Edmondson
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/17
date added: 2019/05/17
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, obessions, short-but-still-sweet
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Winter Soldier, Volume 1: The Longest Winter]]> 13537835
They're the super-spies of the Marvel Universe - and when ex-Russian sleeper agents awaken, Bucky and the Black Widow must go on the hunt for men trained by the Winter Soldier himself. But when the trail leads to Latveria, Bucky comes face-to-face with Dr. Doom! Can Bucky and the Widow prevent war with Latveria? Can Bucky stop the sleepers he himself trained?

Eisner Award-winning writer Ed Brubaker and superstar artist Butch Guice kick off an explosive new era for Bucky Barnes!

Collecting: Fear Itself 7.1: Captain America & Winter Soldier 1-5]]> 144 Ed Brubaker 0785144404 A Broken Zebra 5 First read-through: o_O If you're a Marvel/Avengers fan you have to read this. The artwork is lovely and the story is amazing. A fantastic insight on Widow and Winter together, and Bucky overall. I teared up once or twice while reading this and I cannot wait for the rest to come out. I have to buy this arc.]]> 4.05 2012 Winter Soldier, Volume 1: The Longest Winter
author: Ed Brubaker
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/09
date added: 2019/05/10
shelves: obessions, authors-i-adore, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer
review:
First read-through: o_O If you're a Marvel/Avengers fan you have to read this. The artwork is lovely and the story is amazing. A fantastic insight on Widow and Winter together, and Bucky overall. I teared up once or twice while reading this and I cannot wait for the rest to come out. I have to buy this arc.
]]> <![CDATA[Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, #2)]]> 33555224
Citra, now a junior scythe under Scythe Curie, sees the corruption and wants to help change it from the inside out, but is thwarted at every turn, and threatened by the “new order� scythes. Realizing she cannot do this alone—or even with the help of Scythe Curie and Faraday, she does the unthinkable, and risks being “deadish� so she can communicate with the Thunderhead—the only being on earth wise enough to solve the dire problems of a perfect world. But will it help solve those problems, or simply watch as perfection goes into decline?]]> 504 Neal Shusterman 1442472456 A Broken Zebra 5 Fucking.
Cliffhanger.

I'm just gobsmacked by how wonderful this book/series is. I have no words...except, um, where is book 3, plzktnx? ]]> 4.38 2018 Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, #2)
author: Neal Shusterman
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2019/02/02
date added: 2019/02/02
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions
review:
Holy.
Fucking.
Cliffhanger.

I'm just gobsmacked by how wonderful this book/series is. I have no words...except, um, where is book 3, plzktnx?
]]> <![CDATA[The Burning Maze (The Trials of Apollo, #3)]]> 28006096 Thanks a lot, Dad.

With the help of some demigod friends, Lester managed to survive his first two trials, one at Camp Half-Blood, and one in Indianapolis, where Meg received the Dark Prophecy. The words she uttered while seated on the Throne of Memory revealed that an evil triumvirate of Roman emperors plans to attack Camp Jupiter. While Leo flies ahead on Festus to warn the Roman camp, Lester and Meg must go through the Labyrinth to find the third emperor--and an Oracle who speaks in word puzzles--somewhere in the American Southwest. There is one glimmer of hope in the gloom-filled prophecy: The cloven guide alone the way does know. They will have a satyr companion, and Meg knows just who to call upon. . . .]]> 448 Rick Riordan 1368024122 A Broken Zebra 4 4.24 2018 The Burning Maze (The Trials of Apollo, #3)
author: Rick Riordan
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/11/01
date added: 2018/11/01
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, lgbtqiap-plus, obessions
review:
Fun, as usual. Quick read, entertaining, emotional.
]]> <![CDATA[Iron Gold (Red Rising Saga, #4)]]> 29217027 They call him father, liberator, warlord, Reaper. But he feels a boy as he falls toward the pale blue planet, his armor red, his army vast, his heart heavy. It is the tenth year of war and the thirty-second of his life.

A decade ago, Darrow was the hero of the revolution he believed would break the chains of the Society. But the Rising has shattered everything: Instead of peace and freedom, it has brought endless war. Now he must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission. Darrow still believes he can save everyone, but can he save himself?

And throughout the worlds, other destinies entwine with Darrow’s to change his fate forever:

A young Red girl flees tragedy in her refugee camp and achieves for herself a new life she could never have imagined.

An ex-soldier broken by grief is forced to steal the most valuable thing in the galaxy—or pay with his life.

And Lysander au Lune, the heir in exile to the sovereign, wanders the stars with his mentor, Cassius, haunted by the loss of the world that Darrow transformed, and dreaming of what will rise from its ashes.

Red Rising was the story of the end of one universe, and Iron Gold is the story of the creation of a new one. Witness the beginning of a stunning new saga of tragedy and triumph from masterly New York Times bestselling author Pierce Brown.]]> 624 Pierce Brown 0425285928 A Broken Zebra 3
Not entirely certain on how I feel about this installment, yet. The different perspectives was fun and interesting, and I took a liking to some of the new characters. Just...haven't settled on all the feelings at this point in time.]]> 4.24 2018 Iron Gold (Red Rising Saga, #4)
author: Pierce Brown
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2018/07/25
date added: 2018/07/26
shelves: authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, own-it-still-need-to-read-it
review:
3.5 ★★★☆�

Not entirely certain on how I feel about this installment, yet. The different perspectives was fun and interesting, and I took a liking to some of the new characters. Just...haven't settled on all the feelings at this point in time.
]]> Golden Son (Red Rising, #2) 25430565
A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love—but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution—and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people.

He must live for more.]]> 444 Pierce Brown 0345539834 A Broken Zebra 4 4.50 2015 Golden Son (Red Rising, #2)
author: Pierce Brown
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/19
date added: 2018/06/19
shelves: boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions
review:

]]> Red Rising (Red Rising, #1) 20766595 Darrow is a Red, a miner in the interior of Mars. His mission is to extract enough precious elements to one day tame the surface of the planet and allow humans to live on it.
The Reds are humanity's last hope.

Or so it appears, until the day Darrow discovers it's all a lie.

That Mars has been habitable - and inhabited - for generations, by a class of people calling themselves the Golds. A class of people who look down on Darrow and his fellows as slave labour, to be exploited and worked to death without a second thought. Until the day that Darrow, with the help of a mysterious group of rebels, disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside.

But the command school is a battlefield - and Darrow isn't the only student with an agenda.

Break the chains.

Live for more.]]> 416 Pierce Brown A Broken Zebra 5
Third read-through: Hic sunt lupus. Thrilled that this series is getting more installments!]]> 4.16 2014 Red Rising (Red Rising, #1)
author: Pierce Brown
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2018/06/02
date added: 2018/06/02
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, obessions
review:
4.75 ★★★★�

Third read-through: Hic sunt lupus. Thrilled that this series is getting more installments!
]]> <![CDATA[The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #2)]]> 27904311 "Magnus Chase, you nearly started Ragnarok. What are you going to do next?"

It's been six weeks since Magnus and his friends returned from defeating Fenris Wolf and the fire giants. Magnus has adjusted to life at the Hotel Valhalla—as much as a once-homeless and previously alive kid can. As a son of Frey, the god of summer, fertility, and health, Magnus doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of Odin's chosen warriors, but he has a few good peeps among his hallmates on floor nineteen, and he's been dutifully training for Ragnarok along with everyone else. His days have settled into a new kind of normal.

But Magnus should have known there's no such thing as normal in the Nine Worlds. His friends Hearthstone and Blitzen have disappeared. A new hallmate is creating chaos. According to a very nervous goat, a certain object belonging to Thor is still missing, and the thunder god's enemies will stop at nothing to gain control of it.

Time to summon Jack, the Sword of Summer, and take action. Too bad the only action Jack seems to be interested in is dates with other magical weapons. . . .]]> 459 Rick Riordan 1423160924 A Broken Zebra 5
First read-through: How about that squee-worthy last line?
（Ă＞Ӭ＜Ｖ�

MCatGoA: tHoT had an easy flow, was a thoroughly smart and enjoyable read, contained a fantastic new character, and possessed a respectful approach to relatable and relevant issues (i.e. transgender, Islam, Atheism, etc).

EDIT: I also appreciate the separation between these Gods and the ones established in Disney/Marvel's Cinematic Universe. Since, you know, Disney owns Hyperion Books as well. Pop culture and Meta stuff, woo!

Side-note of import: I think Riordan handles the cross-overs extremely well, making them organic and downright fun. This is a world I have always wanted - where all the Gods are real, no matter their origin. I do wish, however, that we saw more of the Kanes/Egyptian Gods, in terms of acknowledging the deity novels are within the same universe. Because all things Egyptian for the win, thank you very much.

ᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦ�

Second read-through: GDI, though, Jack is annoying as all get out. However, I am well aware that as a person over 30, said character element is meant more for the target age group and is probably less cringey/eye-rolly/sigh-inducing to others. ]]> 4.29 2016 The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #2)
author: Rick Riordan
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2018/05/14
date added: 2018/05/27
shelves: obessions, authors-i-adore, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, i-need-more-from-this-writer, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx
review:
4.5 �

First read-through: How about that squee-worthy last line?
（Ă＞Ӭ＜Ｖ�

MCatGoA: tHoT had an easy flow, was a thoroughly smart and enjoyable read, contained a fantastic new character, and possessed a respectful approach to relatable and relevant issues (i.e. transgender, Islam, Atheism, etc).

EDIT: I also appreciate the separation between these Gods and the ones established in Disney/Marvel's Cinematic Universe. Since, you know, Disney owns Hyperion Books as well. Pop culture and Meta stuff, woo!

Side-note of import: I think Riordan handles the cross-overs extremely well, making them organic and downright fun. This is a world I have always wanted - where all the Gods are real, no matter their origin. I do wish, however, that we saw more of the Kanes/Egyptian Gods, in terms of acknowledging the deity novels are within the same universe. Because all things Egyptian for the win, thank you very much.

ᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦᚦ�

Second read-through: GDI, though, Jack is annoying as all get out. However, I am well aware that as a person over 30, said character element is meant more for the target age group and is probably less cringey/eye-rolly/sigh-inducing to others.
]]> <![CDATA[A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)]]> 36271553 Witness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.

THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED...
The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.

WHO WILL CRUMBLE?
Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?

WHO WILL RISE?
Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.

WHO WILL TAKE CONTROL?
And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay.]]> 561 Victoria E. Schwab A Broken Zebra 5 4.26 2017 A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)
author: Victoria E. Schwab
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2017/12/01
date added: 2017/12/05
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, lgbtqiap-plus, obessions, reading-with-friends, totally-need-to-buy-this
review:
A nice conclusion to the delightful, rich, and thrilling work that makes up this trilogy. The characters are darling, the action is engaging, the take on magic is fresh. I was actually moved to tears in the final SoM installment. While I wouldn't be against revisiting this world through shorts or what have you, I am also content enough with the manner in which we leave Londons. I very much look forward to reading Schwab's other pieces, because she's a gd poet with the English language.
]]> Black Moon (Zodiac, #3) 28529955
One final secret stands between Rho and the enemy. But will the devastating truth be enough to destroy her first?

Rho, the courageous visionary from House Cancer, lost nearly everything when she exposed and fought against the Marad, a mysterious terrorist group bent on destroying balance in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now, the Marad has disappeared without a trace, and an uneasy peace has been declared.

But Rho is suspicious. She believes the Master is still out there in some other form. And looming over all are the eerie visions of her mother, who died many years ago, but is now appearing to Rho in the stars.

When news of a stylish new political party supported by her best friend, Nishi, sends Rho on another journey across the galaxy, she uses it as an opportunity to hunt the hidden master and seek out information about her mother. And what she uncovers sheds light on the truth–but casts darkness upon the entire Zodiac world.]]> 320 Romina Russell 0698146166 A Broken Zebra 4 4.22 2016 Black Moon (Zodiac, #3)
author: Romina Russell
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2017/05/18
date added: 2017/05/18
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, totally-need-to-buy-this, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx
review:

]]> <![CDATA[At the Bottom of the World (Jack and the Geniuses, #1)]]> 31305496 New York Times bestselling authors Bill Nye the Science Guy and Gregory Mone take middle-grade readers on a scientific adventure in the launch of an exciting new chapter book series, Jack and the Geniuses. The perfect combination to engage and entertain readers, the series features real-world science along with action and a mystery that will leave kids guessing until the end, making these books ideal for STEM education.

In the series opener, Jack and the Geniuses: At The Bottom of The World, readers meet Jack and his foster siblings, Ava and Matt, who are orphans. But they’re not your typical kind of orphans—they’re geniuses. Well, Ava and Matt are, which sometimes makes life difficult for twelve-year-old Jack. Ava speaks multiple languages and builds robots for fun, and Matt is into astronomy and a whiz at math. As for Jack, it’s hard to stand out when he’s surrounded by geniuses all the time.

When the kids try to spy on Dr. Hank Witherspoon, one of the world’s leading scientists, they end up working for him in his incredible laboratory. Soon, Hank and the kids travel to Antarctica for a prestigious science competition, but they find that all is not as it seems: A fellow scientist has gone missing, and so has any trace of her research. Could someone be trying to use her findings to win the contest? It’s up to Jack, Ava, and Matt to find the missing scientist and discover who’s behind it all—before it’s too late.

Integrating real science facts with humor and suspense, and featuring an ensemble cast of loveable boy and girl characters, this uniquely engaging series is an irresistible chemical reaction for middle-grade readers. With easy-to-read language presented in a fun, motivating, and accessible way, this series opener is a great book for both inquisitive kids and reluctant readers. The book also includes information about the science discussed and used to solve the mystery, as well as a cool science project about density that kids can do at home or in the classroom.

Bill Nye's brand new talk show series for Netflix, "Bill Nye Saves the World" is set to launch in Spring 2017.]]> 256 Bill Nye 1419723030 A Broken Zebra 5 3.93 2017 At the Bottom of the World (Jack and the Geniuses, #1)
author: Bill Nye
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2017/05/01
date added: 2017/05/09
shelves: a-few-of-my-favourite-things, authors-i-adore, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx, i-need-more-from-this-writer, science-bitch
review:

]]> Wandering Star (Zodiac, #2) 26247129
But news has spread that the Marad--an unbalanced terrorist group determined to overturn harmony in the Galaxy--could strike any House at any moment.

Then, unwelcome nightmare that he is, Ochus appears to Rho, bearing a cryptic message that leaves her with no choice but to fight.

Now Rho must embark on a high-stakes journey through an all-new set of Houses, where she discovers that there's much more to her Galaxy--and to herself--than she could have ever imagined.]]> 352 Romina Russell 0698146158 A Broken Zebra 3 4.17 2015 Wandering Star (Zodiac, #2)
author: Romina Russell
name: A Broken Zebra
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2017/05/09
date added: 2017/05/09
shelves: authors-i-adore, a-few-of-my-favourite-things, i-need-more-from-this-writer, obessions, totally-need-to-buy-this, boxset-wishlist-plzktnx
review:

]]>