Trashy Tuesday: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I finished this book a while ago and have been mulling over the review in my head for a while. What we have is a giant checklist of things I dig:

Cyborgs
Science Fiction
Interesting World
Fairy Tale 

All that and more is present but this book still lacks a lot of things.

The beginning of the book throws you right into the story. We are in New Beijing where disease is ravaging the population and they are trying to find a cure.  By chance our lovely Cinder ends up helping Prince Kai and this leads to many interesting adventures. Including her of course betrayal by a crazy Stepmother and more.

I loved that this was a science fiction twisted retelling of Cinderella and that Meyer’s wasn’t afraid to step away from the usual elements present in a cinderella story. I really dug that Cinder was a cyborg and mechanic. I don’t read many books where the woman is doing a stereotypically masculine job and I can really get behind the idea of her not being a maid or servant because that’s boring. I also found that the whole Lunar part of the plot was incredibly interesting, but I don’t want to give too much away about it.

My dislikes go more into the fact that I found myself frustrated with Cinder and the plot. This is a given of course we know how the story of Cinderella works but at least the story wasn’t 100% the same as classic fairy tale because Cinder’s a cyborg. Even with that caveat I found myself wanting to yell at Cinder. She does some stupid stuff that really endangers herself, but at the same time those actions move the plot forward so I have a hard time hating on it completely.

I found myself really involved in this book as I read it. Faults and all I honestly couldn’t put it down so overall 4/5 stars. I’m excited to check out book two which will hopefully present an even better story.

-Gummi

Trashy Tuesday: Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones

Ever fall in love with a series? I’m in love with the Inside Out Trilogy. I honestly can’t get enough of it so did Being Me satisfy my cravings for this series?

We resume right where we left off in the last book which means that terrible cliff hanger was resolved. THANK GOODNESS! We see a lot of plot movement in book two and development between characters. Most of the narrative actually revolves around revealing more about Chris and Sara in the best of ways. We knew Sara had something from her past haunting her and that is revealed in this book same goes for Chris. Which was essential for me to feel satisfied. Also you aren’t left on such a big cliffhanger this time instead the ending is a major payoff to someone who is invested in this story.

The things I loved about this book are numerous so I’m going to try and keep it short. Obviously the huge character development stuff that happens between Chris and Sara was amazing. I also died laughing during some portions of the book including a gummi bear joke which put the biggest grin on my face. Another thing is I liked that this book took some of the focus off Rebecca and instead on development of the characters. Including characters that I think deserve more attention like Mark Compton. One reveal at the end left me with my mouth hanging open because I honestly did not expect it at all. Keeping me on my toes when reading this series is a huge plus.

Dislikes? I really dislike how finicky Sara can be as a character. I also don’t get why she hide her secret so much I’m not sure I would have done the same in her shoes is all. I find some of the situations she gets into a little contrived but overall they end up adding to the story so I guess it’s okay in the end.

Overall I have a hard time really knocking off anything for my dislikes in this book becuase I just love this series. Lisa Renee Jones really knows how to write a good series that keeps you wanting more and that is not an easy thing to do. 5/5 stars for me and I highly recommend it if you enjoyed the first book.

-Gummi

Trashy Thursday: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

This week is Kresley Cole week. Obviously this is the second book I’ve read by Kresley Cole ever. I’m hooked and can’t wait to read her other series, but Poison Princess is a great entry into the post apocalyptic young adult books. Though I will say that you have to go in not expecting it to be 100% post apocalyptic.

We follow Evie’s journey before the apocalypse and after the flash occurs. As far as a plot device goes the flash was a great way to have the world be destroyed and felt new and interesting to me all the water on the planet disappears and so do crops. The world falls apart very quickly, but there are a few the Arcana who are supposed to battle it out in this apocalypse. Though the apocalypse stuff doesn’t really start until maybe 30% into the book.

The things I liked about this book is numerous. I loved the storyline I was hooked as soon as the flash happened. Evie felt like a real 16 year old girl not some weird contrived version of a 16 year old. The romance is at the perfect spot for a YA book as well. The cajun speak felt pretty authentic and not jammed in there as well. I personally kept imagining Jack as a kind of Gambit and also written as an authentic teenage boy. I felt like I was right along with Evie figuring out what was going on with the Arcana and more. The ending of the book is a great pay off as well but of course I can’t wait for book two.

I only really disliked a few things about this book. I was put off at first by how much of it wasn’t in the world after the flash. I kept wishing that part of the plot would be over, but felt less that way once I saw how it tied into the later plot.

Overall I give Poison Princess 4/5 stars and highly recommend if you like apocalyptic future stories. The story in this one is a lot more refreshing and different than other ones I’ve read. Well worth the cash to pick up this one.

-Gummi

Trashy Review: Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole May Vaginal Fantasy

I will preface this review with the fact I’ve never read a Kresley Cole book before this is quite literally my first even with how much I’ve heard about her novels. I didn’t feel disappointed in one bit having nothing else to base my opinion on her writing off.

Shadow’s Claim was a good introduction to Cole’s writing style and I really enjoyed this book. The plot is basic boy tries to win girl over in epic battle. Straight forward simple which isn’t a bad thing, the ‘bad’ comes in with our female lead Bettinna who seriously gets a whole chunk of dislikes put with her a little farther down. Cole’s writing does a wonderful job of pulling you into the narrative and making you see the world.

Anyways what did I like? Tehran our hero was deliciously sexy. Seriously he was all the things you’d want out of a vampire. Also a total bad ass assassin which is one of my favorite things. Who doesn’t want to be an assassin? I mean he could train you! Okay so I’m projecting what I’d want to learn from an assassin but still. The one thing that redeemed Bettina for me was her hobby she made discrete  weapons in her workshop that sounded awesome. On another good note the ending was a ‘twist’ of how they end up together and I did enjoy that part. My favorite character in the book besides Tehran was Salem though he has some great dialogue and is pretty interesting.

The bad well let’s just talk about an annoying heroine who makes you want to slap some sense into. That would be Bettina. She’s pining over her friend Cas for most the book while Tehran has blooded with her. Doesn’t see a problem with this nor care that Cas is basically a man whore who has no interest in her. Perhaps beside saving her from a terrible arranged marriage. Ugh Cas to me was basically another unredeemable character. I honestly usually don’t dislike so many characters in a book but the more I think about Bettina the more frustrated I get.

Overall Shadow’s Claim was a great starting point in Cole’s books and has me excited to read more of her novels. Shadow’s claim gets 4/5 from me for being a fun read.

-Gummi

 

 

 

Trashy Reviews: Comic Trades Round Up Part 1!

In an attempt to get myself not so behind in books and comics I am going to post round up reviews of the various things I’ve read in the past month or two until I’m caught up. Unless of course I deem somethign worthy of a full length review than I’ll post that.

I’ve been reading on trade or manga a day to get caught up though. I have a massive pile of trades to read and comics so this is helping me slowly get caught up.

 

Swamp thing is often seen as a subpar title, but I have found that there is a hidden gem in vol 1 of the new 52. I seriously am hooked and can’t believe I wasn’t reading this series at the beginning of the relaunch. I never thought I could feel anything for Swamp Thing but I found myself hooked pretty early on in this trade. I had an emotional involvement in the character and his choices along with what was happening to his world. 5/5 stars Highly recommend you pick it up and try reading it! It’s definitely nothing like what I expected.

Teen Titans: Year One is beautifully drawn and a fun quick read. I wouldn’t go in expecting anything spectacular. If anything it’s kind of a fun fluffy book dealing with the origins of Teen Titans. I enjoyed this book but luckily I wasn’t expecting a lot. I found that when I finished the book I felt it was too short, but still didn’t really dislike it. 3/5 stars and a fun read if you like Teen Titans.

Hawkeye Vol 1 I can’t really say enough good stuff about this trade! I seriously am super happy with myself for already owning the first printing issue 1 for this comic. It is amazing. The dialogue is clever and we see how Hawkeye isn’t really a ‘hero’ but someone struggling with having been in the Avengers and now living a ‘normal’ life. Though of course nothing is really normal and we meet the amazing Kate Bishop in this trade. It all pretty much rounds up to be an incredible trade and I can’t wait to read more Hawkeye! 5/5 Stars!

-Gummi

Trashy Book Reviews: Ghost Planet by Sharon Fisher – April 2013 Vaginal Fantasy

A planet that creates ghosts of people that the human used to know on earth. Our heroine Elizabeth Cole ends up dead, but doesn’t realize it nor does her supposed to be mentor Dr. Murphy. She ends up on Ardagh 1 one for her residency to help with the ghost protocol counseling. The ghost protocol requires the colonists ignore their ghosts which becomes a stick situation for Cole and Murphy that leads us through quite the adventure and revelations.

I only really read science fiction when it’s Vaginal Fantasy picks, but this book honestly has me sold me on the fact that I need to read more of it. I was instantly invested when we learned Elizabeth was actually a ghost. Murphy immediately stops talking to Elizabeth when he discovers she’s a ghost and she doesn’t tolerate that one bit. The narrative is immersive and I could barely put this book down.

One of the best things about this book is the narrative never stops or slows down. Elizabeth is a great mary sue of a character that I find to be relatable because she’s more science minded and not a total ditz. She’s determined to find out why the ghosts exist instead of fading into the background like the others. I found myself trying to solve the mystery of the planet right along with Elizabeth.

I only have one complaint and it involves the end of the book. I don’t like the ‘surprise’ that is sprung on Elizabeth at the end or the twist with her and Murphy’s connection. I felt like the connection twist was really terrible because it seemed like the go-to fix for any problems in the end of the story. A catchall to save them from any trouble, but still I loved this book.

Overall this book is incredible 5/5 stars even with my one dislike. I HIGHLY recommend you pick it up if you want an interesting science fiction story with some great romance added in.

-Gummi

Asparagus, Radish and Pea side dish and a bonus cauliflower mash!

I’ve been on the hunt for healthier yummy sides to eat with my meals. These are two of my new finds that I LOVE!

 

Asparagus, Radish and Pea side dish

Ingredients:

Asparagus – buy a decent size bundle

3 tablespoons butter

10 oz frozen peas

1 lb radish

salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Chop up your asparagus into decent size chunks while you let a large pot of water come to a boil.

2. Place the asparagus in the boiling water. Prep an ice bath for the asparagus while it boils for 3-4 minutes. It should still be crisp.

3. Transfer to ice bath to let cool then put on paper towels to dry. You can wrap the asparagus in a paper towel and plastic wrap and refrigerate for a day to do some of the prep ahead as well.

4. Chop up your radishes into quarters or smaller depending on preference.

5. In a large pan over medium heat place butter. Add your peas and asparagus. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes until warmed through.

6. Remove from heat and add radishes, salt and pepper.

7. Serve warmed and enjoy!

Cauliflower Mash!

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup milk

1 garlic clove

Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Chop the cauliflower up into smaller chunks. You can chop the stalk up or discard it.

2. Boil the cauliflower in a pot for 10-15 minutes until soft when stabbed with a fork.

3. Drain cauliflower and put into a food process or bowl to mash.

4. Add butter and milk to the processor and turn it on for a few minutes until it all starts to combine.

5. Add minced garlic, parmesan, salt and pepper.

6. Continue to mix until it has a consistency of mashed potatoes.

What is your favorite side dish to have with meals? I’m pretty addicted to cauliflower mash currently.

-Gummi

 

 

Trashy Tuesday: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor – March Vaginal Fantasy

I love a good young adult novel. Hell a good young adult series and I’m hoping this series will give me that. The first book has left me standing there with my mouth hanging open and pretty much shocked.

The book revolves around Karou an odd girl from a weird place. Though she’s not really aware of where she is from or who she is. She helps a magical creature named Brimstone gather teeth from all around the world by using these weird door ways. She’s also an art student who has blue hair no really it comes out of her head that color which is pretty bad ass. Anyways Karou meets a rather interesting boy named Akiva who is a seraphim.

Now we enter into a lot of typical young adult book tropes with this book, but the plot is so perfectly constructed that I can put that aside. Yes our main character is pretty much perfect and Akiva is the typical drop dead gorgeous guy, but it’s honestly pretty easy to look past especially once you reach the end of the book. Because that ending will leave you with your mouth agape and almost in shock.

Hype that I’ve heard surrounding this book hasn’t disappointed me from what I’ve heard about it. Unlike many young adult books that fall flat for me after hearing all the hype about them Taylor manages to not disappoint. The world created in this book is very unique and it didn’t feel like anything I’ve ever read before.

The book lost points for me though because of how it ended. It was a terribly painful cliffhanger and I really do despise those. I also had to knock a few points off for the fact that it took me a long time to get into this book. Though once it picked up I was beyond hooked.

I give this book 4.5/5 stars and can’t wait to pick up book two. Highly recommend it!

-Gummi

Lemon Bars – Spring Desserts

 

This is possibly one of the quickest and easiest desserts to make. It’s a great option for any spring event you have to bring a dish to!

Dough

2 cups flour

1 cup butter (2 sticks) – room temp

½ cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Mix ingredients together in bowl

3. Using a 13×9 pan put the dough into it. Push dough with fingers/fists to spread into pan. Be sure bottom of the pan is covered by dough.

4. Bake 350 for 20 minutes

 

Filling

4 eggs

2 lemons (1/2 cup real lemon)

2 cups sugar

4 tablespoons flour

¼ tsp salt

Directions

1. Whisk ingredients together until well combined

2. Pour over baked crust

3. Bake 350F for 25 mins

 There you have it. Delicious lemon bars. These are a great dessert to bring to parties or picnics without having to spend a lot of time doing prep work.

What’s your favorite spring treat?

-Gummi

Trashy Thursday: Comics You Should Be Reading!

I read comics in these weird spurts. I basically end up binging on comics then I don’t read any for a little while. I feel like this is okay though since it’s not an unhealthy binge just more like a I need my fix binge.

1. Saga

Anyways the most recent comic added to my lovefest is Saga! Thanks so much to all my twitter darlings (Hi Trin :p) who suggested it and tweeted about it constantly. Starring star crossed couple with a new born baby on the run through space. It’s pretty much perfect. Also lots of robots and robots having sex. That part is kinda awkward, but still READ THIS SERIES! I told myself if I can finish up my backlog of DC comics I will be immediately buying the rest of this series. Fiona Staples does some of the most beautiful art I’ve seen in a comic and holy crap the whole story is just so well written. I think the summary on Comixology sums it up perfectly “Star Wars-style action collides with Game of Thrones-esque drama in this original sci-fi/fantasy epic for mature readers, as new parents Marko and Alana risk everything to raise their child amidst a never-ending galactic war.”

And that my friends is why I love this series so much. I can’t wait to make the mister read it! Also I will talk to anybody about Saga anytime and will be rereading the first volume at some point again too because it’s that awesome!

2. Li’l Gotham

I’m a huge batman fan we all know this. It’s not a shocker I’ve got a bit of a bat family problem. But Li’l Gotham is the perfect adorable bite size treat for holidays. I feel like at 99 cents you can’t go wrong for a quick fun read. Also the art fits the stories perfectly. In Saint Patrick’s day issue we learn the bat mobile has a back seat! Who knew! Anyways I look forward to these every holiday because they are just too cute and fun to read.

3. Death Of The Family Story Arc

Joker’s back with a plan! And this arc is how I feel any big villain should be used in the batman universe hell comics in general! Just an amazing story and I really loved it overall.

4. Dr. Doom And The Master’s Of Evil

Doom is rather under appreciated as a villain. He’s a genius and a total mastermind which is why I love him. Masters of Evil show us just that. It’s a fun read AND has some epic twists. Plus Doom and I well we got a little thing. Kinda like my thing for the joker I got one for Doom too.

Go forth and read comics!

Also tell me what comics are on your must read list

-Gummi