Angel Reads

15 Jan

Book Review: Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi | Blog Tour

Posted by angelreads Blog Tours, Book Reviews No Comments

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Pages: 400
Publish date: January 1, 2019
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Australia
ISBN: 9781534425934
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

For Penny Lee high school was a total nonevent. Her friends were okay, her grades were fine, and while she somehow managed to land a boyfriend, he doesn’t actually know anything about her. When Penny heads to college in Austin, Texas, to learn how to become a writer, it’s seventy-nine miles and a zillion light years away from everything she can’t wait to leave behind.

Sam’s stuck. Literally, figuratively, emotionally, financially. He works at a café and sleeps there too, on a mattress on the floor of an empty storage room upstairs. He knows that this is the god-awful chapter of his life that will serve as inspiration for when he’s a famous movie director but right this second the seventeen bucks in his checking account and his dying laptop are really testing him.

When Sam and Penny cross paths it’s less meet-cute and more a collision of unbearable awkwardness. Still, they swap numbers and stay in touch—via text—and soon become digitally inseparable, sharing their deepest anxieties and secret dreams without the humiliating weirdness of having to see each other.

Emergency Contact:

I received an arc of Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi from Simon and Shuster Australia as apart of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I was really excited when I first heard about this one. It seemed exactly like the book that I would love and easily be able to fall in love with. However, it really didn’t go that way.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi follows protagonists Penny and Sam as life throws all it’s curve balls. Penny is just starting college in a new town away from her mother and the life she went along with. She’s studying writing, has a roommate that might end up her friend and then she meets Sam.

Sam is a little complicated. He has dropped out of college, working at a cafe and living in the spare room upstairs and sleeping on a mattress on the floor. And then he meets Penny. When the two find out they have more in common then they thought, they become each other’s emergency contacts. They will be there for each other via text when every they need someone.

Alexandre Godreau

From the beginning of the novel, Penny really rubbed me the wrong way. At first, I couldn’t figure out why, but as the novel went on I found that it was how she treated and thought about people. Penny was very judgemental especially through the first half of the novel. It was just so hard to get into Emergency Contact when you don’t like the protagonist. Her thoughts on people also hinder her from making friends, there were people there wanting to be here friends.

In saying this, I felt that Penny and her group of friends acted much younger than they were. I don’t know if it was just me, but I don’t think I acted the way that Penny and friends did when I was 18. I felt that they were more around the ages of 14/15, then 17/18. Don’t get me wrong, if I know that characters are going to be younger I go in knowing that. But I just felt that they acted so much younger for their age.

Sam was much easier to get along with. I felt that I was able to connect with him more, and throughout the novel, I grew to like him more and more. He felt more real than Penny. He made mistakes, but he was able to stand up to his problems and he was prepared for his life to change.

It also took me a long time to get into the novel, I felt that the first half was really slow and nothing really motivated me to continue reading. When reading I felt that there was nothing really that motivated the characters. Nevertheless, as soon as I hit the second half of the I really go into it.

The second half I was able to connect more with both Penny and Sam and the plot was able really moved the story along. Penny was able to really find herself in this second half and it was really nice to see her characterization and character arc. While it didn’t redeem all the things that made me dislike her in the first half, it did make me like her in the second half.

I really liked Penny and Sam together, I liked that they were friends first and they took the time connecting with one another before anything more happened. I really enjoyed the concept of an “emergency contact.” Someone being there when you need them most. And both Sam and Penny were great to each other for that. I do the romance was present a little more. But I still really enjoyed being about to see Sam and Penny become friends and then slowly fall for each other.

Kaitlyn Baker

Penny relationship with her mother is also really strained throughout the whole novel. There were times where I understood Penny’s hostility, but there were also times where I didn’t. She didn’t even give her mum a chance to change things. While yes her mother was free-spirited, it felt that Penny couldn’t care less and that was really hard to read. The reader is able to see that her mum was trying to be there for Penny and be a better mother, but Penny wouldn’t give her a chance.

Overall, I liked Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi for the most part. While I did struggle a lot reading the first half, I really enjoyed the second half. The protagonist becomes more real and I was able to connect with them a lot. The plot also started to move forward in the second half and things started to come together. I also really enjoy the slow-burning relationship of Penny and Sam. Throughout the whole novel, Sam and Penny were able to confide in each other and as the novel goes on their relationship changes. Emergency Contact explores the notion of finding yourself and those around it. It’s about family, friends and finding new paths.

About the Author

Mary H.K. Choi is a writer for The New York Times, GQ, Wired, and The Atlantic. She has written comics for Marvel and DC, as well as a collection of essays called Oh, Never Mind. She is the host of Hey, Cool Job!, a podcast about jobs, and is a culture correspondent for VICE News Tonight on HBO. Emergency Contact is her first novel. Mary grew up in Hong Kong and Texas and now lives in New York.

Have you read Emergency Contact? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat! Also, don’t forget to check out the rest of the blog tour this week.

11 Jan

Unearthly Series Review by Cynthia Hand

Posted by angelreads Book Reviews 1 Comment

At the start of the year, I decided that I should finally start this series – and I have no idea why I waited so long. I adored this series, it was fun, heartbreak and I couldn’t stop reading it. So today I thought I would share some of my thoughts on the series.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Pages: 432
Publish date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780732292607
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Clara has known she was part-angel ever since she turned fourteen two years ago. But only now is her Purpose – the crucial rite of passage for every part-angel – becoming clear to her. Clara′s Purpose leads her family to Wyoming, where, amidst terrifying scenes of a bush inferno, she finds the boy of her visions, Christian. He is everything she could wish for – so why does she also have feelings for her enigmatic classmate Tucker?

Clara discovers that her Purpose is only a small part of a titanic struggle between angels and their destructive counterparts, the Black Wings. And when the fire of her visions erupts and both Christian and Tucker are in danger, who will she choose to save?

Unearthly:

Like I said before, I don’t know why it took me so long to pick this series up. I was hooked from the very first chapter of Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. I’ve read a lot of Angel books, especially those that came out around 2009 to 2012. It’s what I read a lot of. I think that is why it took me a long time to read it, I thought it would be the same. But I was so wrong.

I loved Clara as a protagonist. She was charming and really likable. From the start, I was able to fall into her voice and just go with her. I’ve been struggling recently with that, but it worked so well here. I adored the way that Clara cared about her loved ones and tried to do everything in her power to keep them safe.

The relationship with Clara and her mum was very tense at times. And I did like being shown that dynamic, but it was annoying to read at times because I wanted them to get along easier.

The romance in this one was interesting. I’m not a massive Christian fan, but I didn’t hate him. I just like Clara with Tucker better. It felt more natural to me. Normally I hate love triangles, but it worked really well here, and it was something that I could get on board with.

Overall, Unearthly was a really great start to a new series. There wasn’t much info dumping, but the world building was spread throughout the novel. This really helped with the pacing of the book and just moved things along nicely.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Pages: 395
Publish date: January 1, 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
ISBN: 9780732292614
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Clara Gardner knew that as a part angel she would one day have to fulfill her purpose. Rescuing Christian from a forest fire…what she never considered was what might happen if she were to fail.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend Tucker, Clara must deal with the repercussions of what happened the day of the fire as the two boys vie for her heart. And, as she is drawn further into the world of angels and part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings. Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain after a shocking revelation, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning…

Hallowed:

Things are getting intense now. After the ending of book one, I didn’t know where this was going to go. But not long in and wow. Everything jumps to another level in this one and I didn’t know what to make of it. There were some parts that were predictable, however, it didn’t stop me from loving the book. It drove me to find out more.

Again, I really enjoyed Clara in Hallowed. She not only became more independent but there was a lot more she had to consider. And I really think that made her more likable. Clara had to make some decisions that were questionable but also drove her in a way that moved the story along.

The love triangle was much more intense in this one. And will I still didn’t love it, I think that Cynthia Hand wrote it in a way that really worked. In saying that I really didn’t like Christian in this one, the way that he pushed to be with Clara, really put me off. I adored Tucker. He was thrown into a world that he knew nothing about. Into a world he didn’t think was real. And he tried, he tried to understand what he could for Clara.

Friendship was a really big theme throughout Hallowed and I really enjoyed it. At first, we see Clara struggle with keeping her human and Angel friends separate and even harder keeping them together.

Overall, Hallowed was a really good addition to the Unearthly series. The tension between Clara and the Angel world is intensifying and that just adds to the novel so well. A really good middle book to a series.

Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Pages: 448
Publish date: February 1, 2013
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
ISBN: 9780732292621
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

The past few years held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner ever could have anticipated. Yet through the dizzying high of first love to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she could no longer deny was that she was never meant to have a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seemed like the best option, so she’s headed back to California—and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must choose her fate once and for all.

Boundless:

What an amazing way to end a series. I knew from the first page of Unearthly, that I was going to enjoy these books and I certainly did. And Boundless was the perfect way to wrap it all up.

Everything comes together in this novel, everything this series has been building up to. The world building of this series is fantastic and as the reader is always finding out new things. I enjoyed that through Clara, the reader finds out about new things to do with the world. It really worked and I didn’t feel lost.

I’m really happy with who Clara ends up with, even if it took some time. It really worked for me and just made me like the series even more. The path wasn’t easy and that was enjoyable. It showed that even though there was a lot of things going on, they came back to each other.

Again, I was able to predict certain things that happened throughout the novel, but it worked out really well. And it didn’t take away from me enjoying the novel. I was just one step of Clara at times.

What I also enjoyed about this one, was the college setting. You don’t see that much in YA, especially early YA like this one is. And it makes me question, why isn’t there more like this? It worked out so well here and the transition from high school to college in this series was nice to see.

Overall, I really enjoyed Boundless, it was a fantastic way to finish this series. The world building was great, the romance was adorable, the characters engaging. I read this whole series in about 4 days and I have no regrets.

And that is it! Overall the Unearthly series was entertaining, engaging and kept me guessing. The romance was surprising and exciting. And I still can’t believe I waited so long to pick this one up. Have you read the Unearthly series? What did you think? Are you planning on picking it up? Let’s Chat!

08 Jan

Books That I Can’t Wait To Read in 2019

Posted by angelreads Discussions, TBR 7 Comments

There are a lot of books that I can’t wait to read this year, and it’s only January. So I thought I would share some of my most anticipated books for the next four months. I’ve included a range of different genre’s and readerships and I am so excited to see what 2019 brings. I’ve said this a couple times now, but I read a range of different books in 2018 and I hope that this year is the same.

But anyway here we go. I’ve done these by month just so it’s a little easier but other than that they are in no particular order.

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black: I have this one sitting right next to me, it’s my next read. But I had to have it on this list. Cruel Prince was shocking, dark and oh so brilliant and I have yet to hear a bad thing about book two. I am so excited to fall back into the world and fae and court intrigue. Bring it on.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely (A Curse So Dark and Lonely #1) by Brigid Kemmerer: I’ve adored Brigid Kemmerer’s contemporary novels, so when I saw this one pop up, I knew I had to pick it up and gosh does it sound entertaining. Said to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I think this one is for me.

Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry: It wouldn’t be a good year for if I didn’t have a Katie McGarry book to read. And yes I am so ready for it. I did a massive Katie McGarry re-read last month, and like always this sounds right up with the books that I love. Katie McGarry books are never easy to read through. There is also heartbreak, but also to do with family good or bad.

Overnight Sensation (Brooklyn Bruisers #5) by Sarina Bowen: YES, YES, YES. I need this one now, please and thank you. I love this series, I mean it’s all about Ice Hockey and you know how much I love them. Also, it’s about Castro and gosh give me this one.

Enchantée by Gita Trelease: This caught my eye late last year and now I can’t wait to pick it up. Paris in 1789, with a little bit of magic. It brings two of my favourite genre’s together; historical fiction and fantasy. Just go and read the synopsis and tell me what you think.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas: A new Angie Thomas, need I say more. I still try and recommend THUG whenever I can, and now with this coming out, I can give them more Angie Thomas love. And I think I would pick this up even if it wasn’t Angie Thomas because man does it sound good.

The Risk (Briar U #2) by Elle Kennedy: New Elle Kennedy? Yes, please. I adored Brenna in The Chase, so I am so looking forward to getting to know not only her more but her man. Plus it’s a sports romance, what more can I ask for.

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros: My favourite romance authors are just giving it to me this year. Another military novel from Rebecca Yarros that I know will tear me apart. Seriously. The synopsis just kills me, so have no idea how I am going to survive the whole book, but bring it on.

Lovely War by Julie Berry: I hadn’t heard anything about this book before I started making this list and know I need it! Like right now. Not only is it historical fiction, but also includes Greek gods. It just sounds so interesting and something that I already know I am going to love to bits.

Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris: I haven’t read a Rachel Harris in so long and I’m excited she is bringing out a new YA. It just sounds so cute and I can’t. Most of the time I really don’t enjoy dancing in books, I don’t know really. But I think it’s going to work perfectly right here.

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte: I have had a copy of this for months now, but I just haven’t had time to pick it up and read it. But let me tell you how excited I am about this #LoveOZYA. I have known Astrid for years now and I am so happy that I get to read something like this.

The Everlasting Rose (The Belles #2) by Dhonielle Clayton: I feel weird putting this one on my list. While I didn’t love the first book, I am really excited to see where the story is taken. I kind of don’t know what to expect and that feels great.

Every Moment After by Joseph Moldover: This book is going to make me cry like a baby, but also how good does it sound? I think it’s going to be one of those books that stays with me forever and I can’t wait.

The Red Scrolls of Magic (The Eldest Curses #1) by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu: Yer, I don’t think anyone would be surprised that this one is on my list at all. Magnus and Alec, just as they are getting together, off in Paris. And fighting demons – give me, please.

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett: New book from Jenn Bennett, um yes. As soon as I read the synopsis of this one, I knew that I needed to pick it up. I’ve loved all of Jenn Bennett’s novels that I have read I expect nothing less. But I think this one might just stand out even more.

Breaking His Rules by Aliza Mann: I hadn’t heard of this one before I saw Nick share it on her twitter and now I need it. I also think I need something not as heartbreaking as the other books that I plan to read this month.

And that is it! Not going to lie, some of these might change as the year goes on. But as of today, these are the books that I can’t wait to read in the coming months of 2019. What are some of your most anticipated reads for the first few months of 2019? Do we share any that’s the same? Let’s Chat!

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