The Bird and the Sword

The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You can definitely tell it's self-published (editing, pacing need some work), but it's a fantastic story. Plus, reading a standalone fantasy is always refreshing.

The Rough-Face Girl

The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A beautifully-illustrated Native American version of Cinderella. My kids enjoyed this with me.

Six of Crows

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Really slow-going at the beginning, but action packed at the end. Hated that more wasn't resolved, but I don't think I will pick up future installments of this series.

Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I know I'm in the minority, but after giving this series a fair shot for three books, I'm done with it.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved listening to the audiobook. But, I loved even more how much my kids got into it and are already racing through the rest of the series.

Coraline

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Gaiman himself says it's the strangest thing he's ever written, and I have to agree. Perfect for Halloween.

Crown of Midnight

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So much better than the first in the series. Looking forward to the next one.

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good story, but the writing is clunky and awkward and the book is too long. Based on the reviews of others, I do think I will try the next book though.

Angelfall

Angelfall by Susan Ee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hmmmm, I'm on the fence with this one. Fast-paced with lots of action, but the plot feels familiar and it's kind of dark and disturbing.

The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a lovely work of art. Unique and enchanting.

The House at Pooh Corner

The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So fantastic. Everyone should read these.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So funny. Great for all ages. Way better than Disney. Loved learning more about the Milne family when we studied this in our literature unit this year.

Unspoken

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was entertained, but not enough to keep going with the series.

The Fourteenth Goldfish

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this aloud on a long roadtrip. My family liked it more than me. The humor is good for the target age group. Good for 8+.

My True Love Gave to Me

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 I disliked, 4 I really liked. The rest were OK. My favorites were from Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins, Gayle Forman, and Kiersten White.

Dark Triumph

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wish I hadn't waiting so long to read this second one. Such a great series. A little historical fiction with lady assassins and an element of fantasy. How could it not be good?

The Golem and the Jinni

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's well written, as good literature should be, but also engrossing enough for a beach read. Fantastic book.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read a few books like this lately, but the intensity of this one made it worthy of the 5th star. Loved it.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked the protagonist, but I thought the plot was really uneven. Everyone says the second one is better, so I will give it a try.

Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked the bad guy better than the good guy. And I'm hooked.