Masters of the Air by Donald L. Miller

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

        I wanted to do a different genre than young adult to review so I decided non- fiction would be it. Besides young adult novels non-fiction especially military history is my most read genre. This was one of my must reads for the year since it was a really long work. I wanted to read this before the tv show called the Mighty Eighth comes out. This work is on the eighth air force in WWII and those who served in it. There were stories from different members and pictures of crew members. The work is a personal look at those who served at a great risk to their lives. The survival rate was not good but these men went out on missions any way. The book does not shy away from the hardships and what happened to those who were captured when their planes crashed in enemy territory. He did spare any details and made sure the readers knew what these men endured. It is a comprehensive read of the 8th air force and a must read for those wanting to learn about the most covered part of the air force during the war.

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My thoughts:

This book was as wonderful as the first book. I enjoyed this book and could not put it down. This series is so creative with the use of pictures, documents and words to make up the story. It keeps me focused because the pictures and docs help tell the story. The plot was interesting and again inventive. This book and the first book are  two of my favorite books of all time.

Plot:

Hanna is the main character and she is the focus of how the story plays out. It continues the story of the assault by BeiTech. There are different characters than the first but the first still needs to be read to understand what is happening with the assault. Then Nik is introduced and they have to fight to survive and fight off aliens.

Characters:

The story focuses on two main characters, Hannah and Nik. We see most of the story from Hannah's perspective and we see a lot about Nik through their texts. Hannah is well fleshed out character who does everything in power to survive. Nik is a complex character who has an important part of the story. The characters as always are the best part of the book they add to how the story begins and ends.

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

I just have to say I love this book so much! I read it in one night and I could not put it down. This is a book I cannot wait to read again. It was funny at times, sad at times, and a book that I wished was longer. I am anxiously awaiting the upcoming movie and am really excited to see it on the big screen.  I loved how diverse this book was as well. I have been trying to read more diverse books so this was a win for me.

Plot:

Simon is emailing a pen pal under the name Blue and accidentally leaves his email logged in. Another student blackmails him and he does not do anything because of Blue and the fact the student could out him as gay. The story revolves him trying to get everything messed up with the blackmail and figuring out who the mysterious Blue is since he goes to Simon's school as well.

Characters:

I love Simon so much! He was funny and relatable. his friends were well written and a wonderful part of the story as well. His family was at times not treating Simon well but they were a great edition to the story as well.

Under Rose-Tainted Skies

Rating: 3/5

Summary: (x)

My thoughts:

This book was a mixed bag for me. Some parts I liked and other parts I could not stand. This was an okay book for and I wish it was better. This book had lots of potential but it did not live up to it.  There was the annoying girl meets boy and fixes everything trope that annoys me. I thought that was not going to be in the book but it was.

Plot:

The plot was what drew me into reading this book.The main character has agoraphobia and chooses not to leaver her house because of that fear. Then a new neighbor moved in and she ends up meeting him by accident. They develop a relationship that slowly pushes her out of her comfort zone. This is where I was done with book even though I finished it. It felt like it was the love interest saves the main character. I cannot stand that trope so the book lost a lot of luster for me.

Characters:

I really liked Norah and how the author wrote her. I did not like Luke a lot  he felt rushed and not a very good character. I loved her mom she was very caring and supportive of her daughter.

Seized by the Sun: The Life and Disappearance of World War II Pilot Gertrude Tompkins (arc provided by Netgalley

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

First off thank you to netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book. I love wwii and will read any book I can get my hands on. This book was no exception I had heard of Gertrude Tompkins but only about her disappearance. This book helped me learn about her life and what lead her into a service in the WASPS. She was a fascinating person and I am so happy this was written about her. I do hope the solve the mystery of her disappearance. This book is very well written and worth a read.

Defiance by A.L. Soward (ARC provided by Netgalley)

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

First off thank you to Netgalley who provided me with this arc. This book was really good and well researched. I love historical fiction especially about WWII so I knew I had to read this. The author has other books about the era and I cannot wait to read them. I would recommend this book to everyone. The cover is also really well done.

Plot:

The plot follows the story of Lukas, a German born american citizen, while he fights in the infantry in Europe. The plot helps Lukas develop into a well rounded character and we see how he developed. It takes him from basic training to being a prisoner of war. Their are battle scenes but none to graphic. The story is flowing and fast paced.

Characters:

Lukas is a complex character who as the story goes along becomes even more complex. He changes from a young man of 18 to a battle hardened man by the end of the story. His mother is also a big character in the story and cares deeply for her son. His Brother Bastien is also a wonderful character who helps his brother even with his own war wounds still healing. The men he fought with are also well written and add to Lukas's story.