Crossing Over: Historical Fantasies Full of Humor and Adventure

Hey all. It's been awhile since my last Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my theme is historical mystery and honestly that was a pretty hard one for me. I feel like I don't read a ton of adult historical fiction and the ones that I do are very different from the YA I read. So I had to repeat a book. But it's been almost a year since I used it and the comparison is just so perfect I had to.

Jackaby by William Ritter
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This book is set during the mid-19th Century and is about a women who gets a job working for a paranormal detective. It does a great job combining all those elements together to make something you would not think would work but totally does. There's a great setting full of historical vibes, supernatural creatures, and a great mystery. The series definitely gets better and more complex as it goes on which makes it even more enjoyable.

But I think my favorite part of this book may have been the characters. This is a book that is full of fantastic and complex characters. Seriously, most of the characters in this book were incredibly fun and super likable. I instantly fell in love with Jackaby with his wit and Abigail for her sarcasm and pluck. Plus the secondary characters are all so delightful. And the romances. I'm not one for shipping but I ship these ships for sure.

Plus this is a book that is so much fun. It's full of action and adventure but it is also full of humor. I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book and it is the perfect palatte cleanser because it is just so fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously but if you're a historical fantasy, how can you.

In general, it's a good read and an interesting mystery. It's a done of fun and one of my all-time favorite series. If I have not done my job and convinced you to read it yet then you haven't been paying enough attention over the years.

Soulless by Gail Carriger
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This book is set during the mid-19th Century and is about a women who gets a job working as what is essentially a paranormal detective. It does a great job combining all those elements together to make something you would not think would work but totally does. There's a great setting full of historical vibes, supernatural creatures, and a great mystery. The series definitely gets better and more complex as it goes on which makes it even more enjoyable.

But I think my favorite part of this book may have been the characters. This is a book that is full of fantastic and complex characters. Seriously, most of the characters in this book were incredibly fun and super likable. I instantly fell in love with Alexia Tarabotti with his sass and Conall Maccon who is gruff and so kind. Plus the secondary characters are all so delightful. And the romances. I'm not one for shipping but I ship these ships for sure.

Plus this is a book that is so much fun. It's full of action and adventure but it is also full of humor. I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book and it is the perfect palatte cleanser because it is just so fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously but if you're a historical fantasy, how can you.

In general, it's a good read and an interesting mystery. It's a done of fun and one of my all-time favorite series. If I have not done my job and convinced you to read it yet then you need to read any of my Gail Carriger reviews because I've loved all of them

Besides the fact that both of these are historical  mysteries that involve paranormal elements, I would say that the main similarities are that they are light-hearted and fun. I really love books that don't take everything to seriously and can make me both laugh and be on the edge of my seat and these totally do that. Plus they combine so many things that shouldn't work and totally do. I love both series and totally recommend them.

Have you read Jackaby and/or Soulless? What did you think? What historical fantasies with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Recommending Comics

Hey all. It's time for this month's Crossing Over! I think this is the first time I have done two months in a row for awhile. Let's try to keep this up, huh. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading.

So this month my theme is superheroes. I would normally just recommend two books that have superheroes, or superpowers, or whatever but been there, done that. So instead I decided to do things a little differently and take this opportunity to recommend yo you some of my favorite comics based on books that I think are similar.

If You Like: 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
Bombshells by Marguerite Bennett and Marguerite Sauvage Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

There is one obvious comparison here and it's that both books are set during World War II. But I think with these two, it goes deeper than that. For one thing they are both about women who are serving during the war. For another thing they both involve fighter pilots and spies in some way. But the other thing too is that there are a lot of themes of female empowerment and some great friendships in both books.

If You Like: 
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Weibe Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Honestly, Rat Queens was surprisingly one of the hardest one to come up with for me. It's one of my favorite comics but I just couldn't find the right book. And then it hit me, Truthwitch. Both books have this great sword and sorcery vibe and involve a bunch of different kinds of magic, even pulling a little religion into it. But books also have kickass female characters who are pretty complex. But both books are also grounded in the friendships of the female main characters.

If You Like: 
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona  Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

What I love about both of these books is that there is a very strong family element to it. They are both really about women of immigrant parents who want their daughters to follow the cultural expectations of their heritage. And both books have main characters who want to be themselves even if that doesn't totally align with what their parents want for them. And in the end it all comes together. Plus both characters are super smart, and tough, and snarky. And there are some fun and lighthearted moments blended with the more serious.

If You Like: 
Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
Gotham Academy by Becky Kloonan, Karl Kersch, and Brendan Fletcher Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

So the obvious comparisson is that both of these books take place in boarding schools. Their schools have a lot of history and secrets to unfold throughout the course of the series. Both of these books also have a fantastic gothic kind of feeling to them. They combine all these fantastic elements like supernatural and mystery together really well. They both also have great casts of characters. I only wish maps could have gone to Mme Geraldine's. Or maybe to...

If You Like: 
The Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Alexandra Bracken Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Squirrel Girl was another difficult one to compare. You honestly can't compare Squirrel Girl to anything. She is one of a kind and that's why this comic is amazing. But I did my best. I think the reason I ended up deciding on these two is that they are both really fun books. They both had me laughing out loud while reading. They both also have really amazing heroines who are constantly underestimated but it never stops them from kicking ass and saving the day.

If You Like: 
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
Saga by Bran K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Both of these books have fantastic science fiction worlds, which is one of my favorite things about both of them. They both also have a lot of characters and a lot of different moving parts. But in the end they come together in a way that makes you root for the main characters. their relationships, and their survival. Because honestly, both of these books are about the characters trying to survive in the face of a ton of adversity.

If You Like:
The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughn, Cliff Chiang, and Matthew Wilson Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Both of these books have amazing surprises that I don't want to tell you about because then you will not be very surprised when you read them, which is the best part of these books and the first similarities. The other similarities is that the world of them. They both have subtle elements that are similar but different. Vague comparison is vague.

If You Like:
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

Then Try:
Batgirl of Burnside by Cameron Stewart, Brendan Fletcher, Jared K. Fletcher, and Babs Tarr Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

So Batgirl was the actual hardest to come up with a comparison for. I know, I know, I keep saying that. But with this book it is absolutely true. I love Batgirl of Burnside so much and I didn't want to not include it but this is not the best comparison. I will say though, both are obviously superhero stories but there is also an exploration of good and evil throughout the book. Plus there is some technology and subtle sci-fi elements to both books. And they are both really fun too!

Alright, there you go. Eight comics that I would recommend based on eight books. These are also some of my favorite comics so even if you haven't read the books, check out these comics.

Have you read any of these comics? Wha did you think? Do you have any recommendations? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over - Mysteries with Missing Persons

Hey all. It's been awhile since my last Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my theme is historical fiction and honestly that was a pretty hard one for me. I feel like I don't read a ton of adult historical fiction and the ones that I do are very different from the YA I read. So I did a little bit of a twist on the topic and do time travel stories with a big focus on historical fiction

Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehring
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This book is about a girl who goes missing and how her best friend and boyfriend has to cope with that and find out exactly what happened to her. Everyone thinks she just ran away but the main character suspects foul play. As the book unfolds we learn more about both the character who goes missing and the narrator. In fact, much more of the focus is on the development of Flynn's character, which honestly was totally fine with me.

Because honestly, the best part of this book may have been the characters. This is a book that is full of fantastic and complex characters. Seriously, most of the characters in this book were incredibly unlikable, even January. But the author does a great job in making you connect with them. You don't agree with their motives but you respect them for their bad decisions. They felt realistic and interesting. Which to me is an essential part of a good mystery.

Speaking of that mystery, this was a pretty good one. I prefer my mysteries to be solvable. I want there to be clues along the way that help me figure it all our but not until the very end. I want it to unfold in a way where I am solving it with the characters. And while I did figure this one out pretty easily there were still plenty of surprises along the way.

In general, it's a good read and an interesting mystery. It's more character-driven than I expected but that was okay because the characters were some of the best things about this book. I totally recommend it to fans of YA mysteries.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
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This book is about a girl who goes missing and how her best friend and roommate has to cope with that and find out exactly what happened to her. Everyone thinks she just ran away but the main character suspects foul play. Then there is the mysterious appearance of a woman in a town an hour away that the other main character is drawn to and no one else seems to care about or even notice really. As the book unfolds we learn more about the character who goes missing, the girl who just showed up, and the narrator. I don't want to give too much away but there are a lot of good reveals.

Because honestly, the characters were amazing. This is a book that is full of fantastic and complex characters. Seriously, most of the characters in this book were incredibly unlikable, even the narrators at times. But the author does a great job in making you connect with them. That is what Mary Kubica does so well in all her books. You don't agree with their motives but you respect them for their bad decisions. They felt realistic and interesting. Which to me is an essential part of a good mystery.

Speaking of that mystery, that was probably the best part. I prefer my mysteries to be solvable. I want there to be clues along the way that help me figure it all our but not until the very end. I want it to unfold in a way where I am solving it with the characters. And that is exactly what this book did. You don't have all the pieces of the puzzle until the very end and when you do and you see the whole picture you are shocked and so entertained.

In general, it's a good read and the perfect summer mystery. It's more character-driven than I expected but that was okay because the characters were one of the best things about this book. I totally recommend it to fans of mysteries.

Besides the fact that both of these mysteries involve kidnappings, I would say that the main similarities are that they focus more on the characters and who they are then on the over-arching whodunit kind of aspects of the mystery. That is one of the things I love about all Mary Kubica's books and I know Caleb Roehring focused a lot on making his characters complex but still sympathetic. If you like those kinds of mysteries check these two out for sure.

Have you read Last Seen Leaving and/or Don't You Cry? What did you think? What mystery novels with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Time Travel Books with a Focus on the History

Hey all. It's been awhile since my last Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my theme is historical fiction and honestly that was a pretty hard one for me. I feel like I don't read a ton of adult historical fiction and the ones that I do are very different from the YA I read. So I did a little bit of a twist on the topic and do time travel stories with a big focus on historical fiction

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
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So I feel like the first thing I have to say about this book is that it is not really a crossover book. It is very adult. VERY. There are some really explicit sex scenes and a ton of violence. And there are also plenty of violent sex scenes. This book is not for the typical YA reader. But it is still really good and I don't think teens should avoid these kinds of books because they aren't "adults." Alright, that's out of the way so let's get to the good stuff.

This book is about a woman who is ahead of her time who ends up, unbeknownst to her, having the ability to travel back in time. She ends up in the Highlands of Scotland right before the Jacobite uprising and becomes entrenched with a family who is more than meets the eye. There's a ton of action and drama, plus a good amount of political intrigue. As the series develops she starts to realize that if she wants to save the people she loves, she may have to change history.

This book also has amazing characters. I absolutely love Claire for one. As I said she is ahead of her time which often puts her at odds with the historical time period. She's sassy and tough, brilliant and resourceful, and shows a lot of confidence under pressure. She's an easy character to get behind. But Jamie Fraser is also quite amazing as well. He's not your typical war-hardened soldier. He's got a real vulnerability to him which makes him quite complex.  But even more than that, this is a series full of amazing and odious characters including some truly vile villains. Plus the book is way more character driven than you would expect.

But the thing I liked most about this book is that it's a time travel story that reads like historical fiction. The focus is definitely not on the time travel at least not in the first few books (yes, I admit I have only read the first one and seen the second season of the TV show). The time travel is just a means of getting the character to the time period which is a great setting. I loved the themes about the period that were explored and think fans of historical fiction will enjoy it as well.

In general, it's a good read. It defies genre classifications because it has elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance. If you are worried it's too romance heavy, don't be. Take it from this romancephobic person, there is much more about this series to love. If you are a historical fiction fan check it out.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
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So there are a lot of books out there that market themselves at Outlander for teens. Some because they are historical fiction that takle place in Scotland, some because they're time travel, some because they have both. But none of them quite get there. Passenger I think gets the closest. One because it's not trying to be Outlander and two, because it has the same kind of vibes,

This book is about a young woman who ends up, unbeknownst to her, having the ability to travel back in time. She ends up aboard a pirate ship right before the American Revolution and becomes entrenched with a family who is more than meets the eye. There's a ton of action and drama, plus a good amount of surprised. As the book and series develops she starts to realize that if she wants to save the people she loves, she may have to change history and travel through time even more.

This book also has amazing characters. I really liked Etta for one. Etta is a modern girl with modern sensibilities which often puts her at odds with the historical time period. She's tough, smart, resourceful, and shows a lot of confidence under pressure. She's an easy character to get behind. But Nicholas is also quite amazing as well. He's not your typical swash-buckling pirate. He's got a real vulnerability to him which makes him quite complex. But even more than that, this is a series full of amazing and odious characters including some truly vile villains. Plus the book is way more character driven than you would expect.

But the thing I liked most about this book is that it's a time travel story that reads like historical fiction. The focus is on the time travel but what it does right it perfectly capture the location and history of where it is taking you. The time travel is the main plot point but it doesn't neglect some of the larger implications and how the characters inhabit the locations. I loved the themes about the period that were explored and think fans of historical fiction will enjoy it as well.

In general, it's a good read. It defies genre classification by having great elements of historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, romance. Basically it has it all. If you are a fan of historical fiction I think you will like it just as much as fans of time travel.

Have you read Outlander and/or Passenger? What did you think? What steampunk novels with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Dark and Atmospheric Books with Surprising Worlds

Hey all. It's been awhile since my last Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month I don't have a theme so I can basically do whatever I want. But I kind of have no idea here. So I'm just going to do one that I've been floating around for awhile.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
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So I feel like this book is fresh in my mind lately because there is a sequel coming out pretty soon. And I have to admit that I didn't love this book as much as I thought I would. It seemed like something that was totally up my alley and I just didn't love it. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, I just didn't love it.

The thing I did love about this book was the atmosphere. It is a susprisingly dark and dramatic. There was a lot more going on in this book than I expected and things unfolded in a way that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. But the world of this book was even cooler. It was just as dark and dramatic. I'm not typically a fan of stories with fae but I liked how dark and brutal this one was.

So my favorite thing about The Darkest Part of the Forest is probably the characters. The heart of this story is in the family relationships. It's so much about the connections between Hazel and Ben. The characters are complex and interesting. They could have easily become cliche with the tough and smart badass female protagonist and the potential fae love interest but they weren't at all. They are honestly such fun and complex characters.

But in general, this book could have been very cliche and it wasn't. It felt like a classic fairy tale and still made for a unique and interesting story. It's one of those books that I think of as a modern fairy tale because it has the vibe and atmosphere of an older story but feels like it's own thing. The thing that makes these books most similar.

It's a good read and I think fantasy fans should totally check it out. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would but I still really liked it.

Rot and Ruin by Kat Howard
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So I feel like this book is fresh in my mind lately because it's my book club book for June. I'm really excited for maybe some of the other members to read it because I really liked it. It seemed like something that was totally up my alley and I did love it.

The thing I did love about this book was the atmosphere. It is a susprisingly dark and dramatic. There was a lot more going on in this book than I expected and things unfolded in a way that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. But the world of this book was even cooler. It was just as dark and dramatic. I don't want to give too much away because part of the enjoyment for this book is that you don't really know what is going to happen.

One thing about Rot and Ruin that I liked is the characters. The heart of this story is in the family relationships. It's so much about the connections between the main characters, Imogen and Marin. I thought this was going to be a Snow White and Rose Red retelling and it had elements of that but it was much deeper. The characters are complex and interesting. They could have easily become cliche  but they weren't at all. They are honestly such fun and complex characters.

But in general, this book could have been very cliche and it wasn't. It felt like a classic fairy tale and still made for a unique and interesting story. It's one of those books that I think of as a modern fairy tale because it has the vibe and atmosphere of an older story but feels like it's own thing. The thing that makes these books most similar.

It's a really fantastic book and I wish more people would read it. If you are at all a fan of fantasy, books about sisters, or you just want a unique read check this one out.

Have you read The Darkest Part of the Forest and/or Roses and Rot? What did you think? What steampunk novels with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Historical Fantasies With Atmospheric Settings

Hey all. It's been awhile Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my focus is historical fantasy or historical mystery. This is one of my favorite subgenres because it combines elements of my three favorite genres to make something totally fun.

The Diviners by Libba Bray
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I love this series. It seemed like the kind of book I would enjoy but it took me forever to read it and I kind of regret that. It's surprisingly complex and incredibly engaging. For one thing it combines basically everything that I love: magic, mystery, adventure, and a historical setting that pulls you in (more on that later). Plus the way that this book is written, it is full of this atmospheric tone that borders on spooky. I mean at times it is downright scary. Plus it's a book full of surprises and a mystery that will keep you guessing and reading from beginning to end.

This is also a book with great characters. It changes perspectives many many times giving you a well rounded look at the what is happening and it's surprsingly easy to relate to every character. Many of them are kind of dubious and a few are super villainous in the best possible way. It's definitely got some unlikable main characters but I kind of like that.  You still totally root for them especially when they go through terrible things because the antagonists are so sinister.

But I think my favorite thing about this book is the setting. Libba Bray was able to perfectly take a familiar historical setting and show it to you in an interesting way. She takes real people and real things and then puts her own spin on them. And that spin is an amazing supernatural elements and an amazing magical system. It was incredibly complex and so engrossing. It all shouldn't work but it totally does,

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
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I loved this book. It seemed like the kind of book I would enjoy but it took me forever to read it and I kind of regret that. It's surprisingly complex and incredibly engaging. For one thing it combines basically everything that I love: magic, mystery, adventure, and a historical setting that pulls you in (more on that later). Plus the way that this book is written, it is full of this atmospheric tone that is so emotional and beautiful. I mean at times it is downright sad. Plus it's a book full of surprises and a mystery that will keep you guessing and reading from beginning to end.

This is also a book with great characters. It changes perspectives a few times giving you a well rounded look at the what is happening and it's surprising easy to relate to every character. . It's definitely got some unlikable main characters but I kind of like that.  You still totally root for them especially when they go through terrible things because the antagonists are so sinister.

But I think my favorite thing about this book is the setting. Libba Bray was able to perfectly take a familiar historical setting and show it to you in an interesting way. She takes real people and real things and then puts her own spin on them. And that spin is an amazing supernatural elements and an amazing magical system. It was incredibly complex and so engrossing. It all shouldn't work but it totally does,

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. It has something for everyone. If you like fantasy, horror, historical fiction, mystery, doesn't matter. They combine all the things that I love to create an amazing novel. These are both good examples of books I think can combine genres really well. It combines fantasy and mystery in a way that is thrilling and interesting on it's own but then you add an atmospheric historical setting and things are taking to the next level. If you have read one of things I think you would really like the other.

Have you read The Diviners and/or The Golem and the Jinni? What did you think? What steampunk novels with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Fantasy Heist Stories

Hey all. It's been awhile Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my focus is fantasy and honestly this should be the easiest one to come up with but somehow it isn't. Maybe it's too general. But then the perfect idea hit me, heist stories. I love a good fantasy heist. It's the perfect combination between fantasy and mystery. So here you go...

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
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I really enjoyed this series. It's super fantastic and fill of action and magic and adventure and mystery. It really has everything. And the sequel is even better. I am still not over that ending! This is a book that combines a bunch of different elements that you wouldn't think would work well together and they do. For one thing, it's got an amazing world that is full of magic and adventure. I fell in love with this world in the Grisha trilogy and loved exploring it even more in this book. Plus it's a book that is super dark, which I enjoyed.

The best thing about this book however is the characters. It is a book full of interesting and likable characters. It alternates perspectives between a handful of characters and they are all fantastic and dark and terrible people. I mean it is a book about thieves and the criminal underground so you know they are terrible people. But you still totally root for them especially when they go through terrible things. And they really go through some terrible things. It doesn't seem possible that they will get out of the dangerous scrapes they get into but somehow they do and somehow they want them to.

And it's a heist novel so there is that fantastic aspect. My favorite heists are ones where all the clues or elements of the heist aren't revealed until the very end. I love when you think they are going to fail and then suddenly something falls into place that makes it all possible. This is that kind of book. It really is a great series that combines adventure, mystery, and fantasy really well.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
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This book and series came very highly recommended. So many of you fellow bloggers who love the same books as me, love this series. I  enjoyed the first book but haven't continued reading the series for no particular reason that I didn't have holes in my TBR. It's super fantastic and full of action and magic and adventure and mystery. It really has everything! This is a book that combines a bunch of different elements that you wouldn't think would work well together and they do. For one thing, it's got an amazing world that is full of magic and adventure. But it's a subtle kind of magic which is cool. Plus it's a book that is super dark, which I enjoyed.

The best thing about this book however is the characters. It is a book full of complex and likable characters. It alternates perspectives between a handful of characters and they are all fantastic and dark and terrible people. I mean it is a book about thieves and the criminal underground so you know they are terrible people. But you still totally root for them especially when they go through terrible things. And they really go through some terrible things. It doesn't seem possible that they will get out of the dangerous scrapes they get into but somehow they do and somehow they want them to.

And it's a heist novel so there is that fantastic aspect. My favorite heists are ones where all the clues or elements of the heist aren't revealed until the very end. I love when you think they are going to fail and then suddenly something falls into place that makes it all possible. This is that kind of book. It really is a great series that combines adventure, mystery, and fantasy really well.

These are both good examples of books I think can combine genres really well. It combines fantasy and mystery in a way that is thrilling and interesting. It really seems like an obvious choice though too because of the really dark with complex characters that you root for despite them being theives and rogues, not to mention that they're both heist novels so there is that. I think the main difference though is that with the Gentleman Bastards/Lies of Locke Lamora series is more of a long game. I'm not entirely sure what to say about it though because I've only read the first book.

Have you read Six of Crows and/or The Lies of Locke Lamora? What did you think? What steampunk novels with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Steampunk Supernatural Adventures

Hey all. It's time for this month's Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my focus is twofold, steampunk and science fiction but when thinking about which one I was going to do for this post the obvious choice was steampunk.

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
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I really enjoyed this series but if I am being entirely honest, I didn't love the first book. It's a series that gets better as it develops. But by the last book I was totally invested, both emotionally and intellectually in the outcome of the book. And I am still not over that ending!

This is a book the effortlessly combines a bunch of different elements that you wouldn't think would work well together and they do. Not only is it historical fiction with great elements about society and a woman's place in it, but it also has fantastic steampunk elements, and a mysterious plot that revolves around supernatural creatures. That's right, there are zombies in this book.

The best thing about this book however is the characters. It is a book full of interesting and likable characters, starting with the main character. Eleanor Fitt is a young women who has never really felt like she fit in with her society, but she's tough, plucky, and resourceful which makes her a great heroine. There also some fantastic secondary characters in the Spirit-Hunters, and a good love to hate relationship courtesy of one Daniel Sheridan who is pretty swoonworthy. Not to mention some great villains who are pretty odious and characters that walk a very fine line between good and evil, which I always like.

Throughout the series you are taken to different places throughout the world including France and Egypt, all in the name of adventure and mystery. It really is a great series that combines history, mystery, and fantasy really well.

Soulless by Gail Carriger
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It feels strange to mention a book that I haven't finished in one of these posts (I'm almost done!) but I really couldn't not mention it. I mean it is a really great steampunk story and has a ton of crossover appeal. Plus it does remind me a lot of Something Strange and Deadly so I think people who like one will really enjoy the other.

Soulless is a book the effortlessly combines a bunch of different elements that you wouldn't think would work well together and they do. Not only is it historical fiction with great elements about society and a woman's place in it, but it also has fantastic steampunk elements, and a mysterious plot that revolves around supernatural creatures. That's right, there are vampires and werewolves (amung other things) in this book.

The best thing about this book however is the characters. It is a book full of interesting and likable characters, starting with the main character. Alexia Tarabotti is such a spitfire. She doesn't quite fit in with her society, and that goes deeper than the fact that she preternatural. But she's tough, plucky, and resourceful which makes her a great heroine. There also some fantastic secondary characters. Great friendships in Ivy Hisslepenny and Lord Akeldama (the names in this book, you guys) and a good love to hate relationship courtesy of one Lord Maccon who is pretty swoonworthy (I will always and forever be Team Werewolf). Not to mention some great villains who are pretty odious and characters that walk a very fine line between good and evil, which I always like.

And a cursory scan of the covers for the rest of the series makes me think that I will also be taken to different places throughout the world including France and Egypt, all in the name of adventure and mystery, I hope. But seriously, even though I am not done I am really loving this book. It does a great job in how it combines history, mystery, and fantasy really well.

These are both good examples of books I think can combine genres really well. I'm all about historical fantasies and these take that and add steampunk elements their great. The obvious choice when recommending crossover Gail Carriger books is to recommend her other series like the Finishing School series which is like a lower YA or the Custard Protocol which is YA and I hope to read when I am done with this series. But like I said, I think the Something Strange and Deadly series is really similar.

Both series combine steampunk Victorian settings with supernatural creatures to make books full of adventure and mystery. Both books have spunky female heroines who are trying to navigate their places in society while fighting for or against these supernatural threats. Plus both main characters use a parasol as their weapon of choice. I think if you enjoyed one of these series, you should totally try the other.

Have you read Something Strange and Deadly and/or Soulless? What did you think? What steampunk novels with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Dark SF/F with Brutal and Violent Worlds

Hey all. It's been a few months since I have done a Crossing Over post. I think I'm being a perfectionist about them and haven't real been able to come up with the perfect one to fit the theme. Or I was busy. I don't know. On top of that fact, now that I am back to theme months I want to make them fit and that's not always possible. But at this point I am just going to do one that works and I have been saving in my archive.

If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. But like I said, this one doesn't really fit the theme.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
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I am not up to date with this series but I did like the first book. Not as much as a lot of people but I think the hype train got the best of me here. Plus the audiobook narrators were ones I had listened to before and I kept comparing the two books which is not at all fair. But now that it is going to be a larger series I do kind of want to marathon it when all the books are out.

The biggest stand out to me with this book is the world. Wow, this is a super brutal fantasy world that kind of harkens back to Greek city states, particularly Sparta, and their warrior tendencies. It is not for the faint of heart and there is a serious body count with the main character doing horrible things in the face of a contest that requires him to be super brutal. But his violence is nothing compared to some of the other characters. This is a book full of awful and unlikable characters who make really questionable decisions but are complex and interesting which makes me want to learn more about them. There is also an undercurrent of rebellion that I hope and assume is explored more with later books. Like I said, I've only read this one but I am really hoping there is more rebellion in the future.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown
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I am not up to date with this series even though all the books are out, but I did like the first book. Not as much as a lot of people but I think the hype train got the best of me here too, well and the fact that I should not have listened to the audio. But now that all the books are out I do kind of want to marathon it, if only I could find the time.

The biggest stand out to me with this book is the world. Wow, this is a super brutal sci-fi world that kind of harkens back to Greek city states, particularly Sparta, and their warrior tendencies. I mean the Greek symbolism isn't veiled thinly at all. It is not for the faint of heart and there is a serious body count with the main character doing horrible things in the face of a contest that requires him to be super brutal. But his violence is nothing compared to some of the other characters. This is a book full of awful and unlikable characters who make really questionable decisions but are complex and interesting, which makes me want to learn more about them. There is also an undercurrent of rebellion that I hope and assume is explored more with later books.

These are both good examples of books I think of really dark sci-fi fantasies. They have these really great atmospheric tones and a unique settings but plot wise they are super brutal. If you don't like graphic violence or you don't want your main characters doing awful and violent things, maybe don't read these books. But if that is your thing, and I like me some violence from time to time, then check these books out. They are really complex and there are great themes of rebellion and humanity that I hope are explored in later books because that is kind of what I came here for. They are really similar in theme and tone too so if you liked one, check out the other.

Have you read An Ember in the Ashes and/or Red Rising? What did you think? What dark sci-fi/fantasies with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Unique Fantasies with Unlikable Protagonists

Hey all. This month's Crossing Over is a little later than usual because I had a lot of other posts I was working on. I think. Or I was busy. I don't know. On top of that fact, like last month, I don't have a theme this month to focus me. But I've restored my idea stockpile for these and I have one that I'm really excited to share this one.

If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. But like I said, no theme this month so here is a completely arbitrary choice.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman
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I love this series so much. It's one that I think is really polarizing within the fantasy community because of the way it treats magic and the characters but those are things that I love about it. For me, this is one of the most unique fantasies because of the way it plays with the classic tropes. This is a book with a magical system where magic doesn't solve problems it creates them, it's a magic that comes from darkness. There is also this really interesting world within a world that is not at all what you expect when you learn about it. Not to mention this is a book with a main character that is not easy to like. He's a selfish and whiny little jerk who never seems to be satisfied even when he gets exactly what he wants in life. But he also has some really great development throughout the book and surprisingly I empathized with him. This book is not for everyone but if you like unlikable characters and if you're looking for a unique fantasy absolutely check this out.

Rocks Fall, Everyone Dies by Lindsay Ribar
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I loved this book a lot when I read it last month. I think honestly one of the reasons I liked it so much is that it reminded me a lot of The Magicians when I was reading it.  For me, this is one of the most unique fantasies because of the way it plays with the classic tropes. This is a book with a magical system that is unlike many magical systems and I loved that. I don't want to give it away but it's similar to The Magicians in a very particular way that I enjoyed.  There is also this really interesting magical realism type world that is not at all what you expect when you learn about it.Not to mention this is a book with a main character that is not easy to like. He's a selfish little jerk who never seems to be satisfied even when he gets exactly what he wants. But he also has some really great development throughout the book and surprisingly I empathized with him. This book is not for everyone but if you like unlikable characters and if you're looking for a unique fantasy absolutely check this out.

These are both good examples of books I think of really weird and unique fantasies. They have these really great atmospheric tones and a unique settings with some of the most interesting magical systems I have come across. It plays with the tropes in a interesting way and I like that about it. The Magicians has been described as adult Harry Potter and so the obvious choice for a similar book would be Carry On, but not to me. There are similarities but if you really want a book that has a similar tone and themes I think this is the book for you.

Have you read The Magicians and/or Rocks Fall, Everyone Dies? What did you think? What unique fantasies with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Atmospheric Fantasies with Surprisingly Sinister Antagonists

Hey all. This month's Crossing Over is a little later than usual because it was hard to decide on. On top of the fact that I don't have a theme this month to focus me, I've used up all my idea stockpile I put together when I first created the idea. But I finally decided on one and I'm really happy with it.

If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. But like I said, no theme this month so here is a completely arbitrary choice.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steivater
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First things first, this is an absolutely amazing book with gorgeous writing and an atmospheric tone that you will get swept away in. Plus the setting is so unique and enthralling you'll wish it was a real place. It's one of those books that forces you to slow down when you're reading and take it all in but at the same time it's not at all boring. The plot will have you wanting to find out what will happen next and there is a surprising amount of action. There is also a surprising antagonist. You don't expect sinister demon horses to be as vicious and terrifying but that's exactly what they are. And of course you have great characters that you will relate to, a complex family dynamic, and a really sweet romance. It's a fantastic read. Plus the audio is top notch!

Uprooted by Naomi Novik
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And of course Uprooted is also an absolutely amazing book with gorgeous writing and an atmospheric tone that you will get swept away in. Plus the setting is so unique and enthralling you'll wish it was a real place. It's one of those books that forces you to slow down when you're reading and take it all in. It will take longer than you expect to read it but at the same time it's not at all boring. The plot will have you wanting to find out what will happen next and there is a surprising amount of action. There is also a surprising antagonist. You don't expect a sentient wood to be as vicious and terrifying but that's exactly what it is. And of course you have great characters that you will love, an amazing female friendship, and a really good hate to love romance. It's a fantastic read and worth the time.

These are both good examples of books I think of as a modern fairy tale. They have these really great atmospheric tones and a unique setting that feels magical even if there isn't any magic in play. But then you add magic and/or magical creatures and it makes it all the more enjoyable. But I think the best thing about these books is how great of a conflict there is with an antagonist that is surprsingly sinister. And they'll both leaving having loved the way the standalone ended but wanting more.

Have you read The Scorpio Races and/or Uprooted? What did you think? What retelling that read like historical fiction crossovers do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Mysteries With Shocking Endings

It has been a few month's since my last edition of Crossing Over so I think it's about time for me to do another one. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. It's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So because this is Mystery month I decided to go with two books that are pretty fantastic and fit the theme.

Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas
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Dangerous Girls is a fantastic YA Mystery that will absolutely mess with your head and have you questioning everything and everyone. It is about a young woman who is accused of murdering her best friend while they were on spring break and she has to try and figure out who did it so that she can avoid conviction. It is full of complex characters that are rather on the creepy side and kept me guessing throughout the entire book and is one of the best mysteries I have read with something that is solvable but complex, and an ending that will leave you reeling and totally blow your mind. It's kind of dark at times and almost feels like a True Crime kind of story with a lot of focus on the court process. In general this is one of the best mysteries I read in a long time.

Dear Daughter by Elizabeth Little
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Dear Daughter is a really good Adult Mystery that will absolutely mess with your head and have you questioning everything and everyone. It is about a young woman who was convicted of murdering her mother and now that she is out of prison, she has to try and figure out who did it so that she can go on with her life. It is full of quirky characters that are rather on the creepy side and kept me guessing throughout the entire book and is a really good mystery I have read a few years back. The overall mystery was a little simpler than I like but the ending will leave you reeling and totally blow your mind. It's kind of dark at times and almost feels like a True Crime kind of story with a lot of focus on the affects that being convicted and going to prison can do to a person. In general this is a good mystery and I think fans of the genre should check out.

These are both good examples of what I love about mysteries. Something that has you questioning everything and anything to do with what is happening and "who done it" and whether you solve things or not, the ending has you totally shocked in the best possible way. This is of course not the only example of that, I did a Top Ten Tuesday for fans of Gone Girl and I think those are all books I would recommend to fantasy fans.

Have you read Scarlet and/or Bitter Greens? What did you think? What retelling that read like historical fiction crossovers do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Retellings That Read Like Historical Fiction

It has been a few month's since my last edition of Crossing Over so I think it's about time for me to do another one. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. It's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So because this is Retellings month I decided to go with two books that are pretty fantastic and fit the theme.

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
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Scarlet is a retelling of a well-known story from a different perspective. In this book we see Robin Hood from the perspective of Will Scarlet. But this time around Will is not what he or she appears to be. There is a lot of mystery and action as the story unfolds. You can't help but connect with these characters who are complex and full of secrets. Not to mention the main character of Scarlet being an intelligent and snarky female protagonist. But one of the best things about this book is that it's a retelling that reads like historical fiction that shows what things were like for people during the time period, especially women. It's kind of dark at times and it doesn't shy away from some of the more negative parts of the time period. But it was historically accurate and that made it all the more enjoyable.

Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth
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Bitter Greens is a retelling of a well-known story from a different perspectives. In this book we see Rapunzel from the perspective of three very different women: the traditional young woman locked in a tower, the witch who kidnapped her, and the author of the famous story. All of these women are more than they appear to be. There is a lot of mystery and action as the story unfolds. You can't help but connect with these characters who are complex and full of secrets and the author does a great job of making even the witch sympathetic. Not to mention the main character of Charlotte-Rose being an intelligent and snarky female protagonist. But one of the best things about this book is that it's a retelling that reads like historical fiction. It shows what things were like for people during the time period, especially women. It's very of dark and does not shy away from the more brutal parts of the time period but it was historically accurate and that made it all the more enjoyable.

These are both amazing examples of how retellings can be just as interesting by playing up historical elements. I love it as much as the next person if retellings that make the story completely different with a contemporary or science fiction twist ala The Lunar Chronicles but sometimes it's even better to have the books keep with the historical setting. Those are some of my favorite retellings and these are just two examples (I also suggest The Steep and Thorny Way and The Song for Achilles). They also do a really great job of playing with the tropes and the stories in an interesting way. The characters are more than they appear to be and there are some really great twists here. I will warn you however that Bitter Greens is firmly an adult book. I think it will appear to fans of YA but it's doesn't shy away from sex and violence. If those things (especially those combined) are triggers for you then avoid this book. But if you are looking for dark and dramatic retellings that read like historical fiction then check these out.

Have you read Scarlet and/or Bitter Greens? What did you think? What retelling that read like historical fiction crossovers do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Dimensional Travel

It's time for this month's edition of Crossing Over. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature where I recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that is similar. It's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So because this is Time Travel/Dimensional Travel month I decided to go with two books that are pretty fantastic and fit the theme. I was considering doing some of the books I actually reviewed this month (specifically A Thousand Pieces of You) but it felt like overkill so I picked a few that I talk about a lot but whatever.

His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
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His Dark Materials is a series about a multiverse and dimensional travel. While the first book is a lot of set up, the second book takes us to multiple Oxfords and different worlds where it analyzes how and why things may have evolved based on subtle changes in the world's composition. There is a lot of analysis over power and spiritual ideas about the soul and it's relationship with humanity. On top of that it has some really amazing characters that you will instantly fall in love with including a plucky heroine who speaks her mind, a strong hero that balances her out really well, and a devious villain that you love to hate. This is one of my all-time favorite series because how well-plotted and complex it is as individual books as well as a series. And don't let the fact that it's middle grade fool you, it's super dark and complex. If you haven't read it, you must.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
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I've been thinking a lot about this book with A Gathering of Shadows coming in about a month. It is a brilliant series about a multiverse and dimensional travel. It takes us to multiple Londons and different worlds where it analyzes how and why things may have evolved based on subtle changes in the world's composition specifically their relationship with magic. There is a lot of analysis over power, magic, and it's relationship with humanity. On top of that it has some really amazing characters that you will instantly fall in love with including a badass heroine who speaks her mind, a strong hero that balances her out really well, and devious villains that you love to hate. This quickly became a favorite series because of how well-plotted and complex it is as individual books as well as a series. It's a dark and complex fantasy. If you haven't read it, you must.

These are both amazing examples of how dimensional travel can go so well. You don't always have to make huge changes to the worlds. Sometimes the smaller more subtle differences make things more dramatic and interesting. But what really makes these series so good is the characters. They're likable and complex with strengths and weaknesses. The two protagonists make an amazing team and balance one another out really well. Plus, let's be real... Lyra Belacqua and Lila Bard are some of my all-time favorite strong female characters. Plus the plot development is top notch with specific plots for each book and larger plot points for the series. I cannot wait to see where things go in A Gathering of Shadows but I know I will love it because Victoria Schwab is a fantastic writer. These are some of my favorite characters and I would definitely recommend them to fantasy or even science fiction fans.

Have you read His Dark Materials and/or A Darker Shade of Magic? What did you think? What fantasy and dimensional travel crossovers do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!