October Top 5

Happy Halloween! So, this month was another crazy one. I also deviated a bit from my blog, if you haven't noticed - it's been quieter than usual this month. This is because I've discovered the joys of New Adult and had myself a bit of a marathon. There will be a post later this week breaking down this marathon, but I'm still all about YA. I did manage to read some amazing books this month between my busy schedule and the NA madness. Here are my top five YA reads in October. 

1. Black City by Elizabeth Richards

This book totally blew me out of the water. It twisted every idea I've ever had about soul mates, vampires, dystopia, life in general...This book is spectacular.

2. Dark Star by Bethany Frenette

SUPERHEROES IN MINNEAPOLIS. Plus, it mentions my home town. OH, yeah, and it's just straight up awesome. 

3. Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Miranda Kenneally writes contemporary fiction like a champ. Stealing Parker completely lived up to the awesomeness of Catching Jordan. I will now officially read anything Miranda writes. Check out my review here.

4. Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

Norse mythology, Norway, and a new book crush. This book has everything I want out of a mythological adventure. Read my review here. 

5. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Ok, I'm actually only almost done with this one. But of course, it's epic. This book lives up to book one. And duh, more Noah - always need more Noah. 

What were  your top reads this month? 

Valkyrie Rising - Ingrid Paulson

Synopsis: Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there. 
What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age. (From Goodreads)


This book has everything I love: foreign land, beautiful boy, mythology, some evil - but totally awesome - women, a kick-butt grandma, and a girl coming into her own strength and power. Guys, I freaking loved everything about this book. I stepped away from a Dawson's Creek marathon with my roommates to read this book - yeah, that's how real my love is.

So I've actually been trying to sort out Norse mythology for quite awhile. There are a lot of complicated things that go down and a lot of characters that are hard to keep straight. So I was very grateful to see someone take an aspect of Norse mythology and break it down. I loved the Valkyries. Everything mythology related in this book was pretty amazing. And, hello, Loki is one of the best tricksters out there. So I was definitely excited when Loki appeared in Ellie's life. He was written very well, because I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out what he was going to do next or what his motives were. I also like that he always adds different dimensions of right and wrong.

I will admit to having a little difficulty connecting with Ellie's character at first. I couldn't really pull out anything that made her unique. But as the story progresses, I almost felt a little like her lack of defining characteristics makes it somehow easier to project myself into her shoes. Which is pretty much my favorite thing ever. Any time I can feel like a superhero and hang out with someone like Tuck, it's a pretty good thing in my book. I don't meant that Ellie could be just anyone and she's definitely a strong character, I guess I just really related to her.

Tuck is pretty great as well. I just thoroughly enjoyed the banter between him and Ellie. There was some awesome tension between them building through the whole book that definitely added some spark to the pages. I love that he's her super-protective brother's best friend and thus, seemingly forbidden. So it's not like they'll end the world if they get together - their obstacle is minor and entertaining. And Ellie's relationship with her brother - awesome. It's complex and it evolves through the story. It's also pretty sweet how far Ellie goes to protect him, when it seems like he's the over-protective one.

So this book rocked my world. It definitely got a lot of reaction out of me. Great emotion, great concept, awesome characters, and it takes place in Norway. Definitely a new favorite of mine.