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Was This A Perfect Conclusion? - End of Watch Review

End of Watch by Stephen King

End of Watch is the bone-chilling conclusion to the Bill Hodges Trilogy mixing both detective/crime fiction and supernatural elements to create one of the most interesting endings yet.

The trilogy has come to an end and I am quite bummed about it.

I feel like within the past couple of weeks, I've grown so close to these characters that it's really hard to think this is the last book in the trilogy.

I'll have to admit though, this was probably my least favourite book of the trilogy.

Not necessarily because the book was bad or written the worst but because it didn't really feel like a conclusion to me personally.

I know Stephen King admits that he isn't very good at conclusions anyways but I was hoping for a more "In-Your-Face" kind of conclusion.

I did enjoy the read though, I loved being able to live in the same world as my favourite characters one last time - maybe.

Holly, Jerome and Bill are my absolute favourite trio and I think the way King has written the three of them was quite well. The dynamic between them is truly one of my favourites and I think it's one of my favourite friendship dynamics in a King novel.

There was indeed so many twist and turns in this novel, especially when it came to Brady's powers at it's full potential. I thought that was an awesome idea, and very King-like to add Stephen King's infamous supernatural aspects into his books. I do wish these aspects were brought at either the end of the first book or at least in the second because I wanted these to be expanded a little more as I did really love the incorporation.

His almost psychic abilities perhaps, were amazing. I am very convinced that his powers are somewhat connected to the powers portrayed in the Hulu show, Castle Rock.

Nevertheless, we still got that supernatural effect and I am very pleased.

I also really loved the incorporation of the Zappit, which is almost like a Game Boy. I thought that was very interesting and quite pleasing.

I have been really into futuristic-kind of books or books that serve some form of gaming utility so when I found out they use a Zappit in this book, I was automatically intrigued.

As always, I found a lot of references that King tends to use in his work that relate to his previous novels: for example, Brady has very similar powers to Randall Flagg from The Stand and him being in Room 217 which is the same as in The Shining.

I overall, really enjoyed this book, although it felt more like a middle of a series than a finale.

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, by jessreadsalatte

The Trilogy Gets Better! - Finders Keepers Review

Finders Keepers by Stephen King

Finders Keepers is the second book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy by Stephen King which follow our same group of detectives: Bill, Holly and Jerome with a few additional characters. Following the event of a robbery - not necessarily for money, but for vengeance as an author hasn't published a new instalment in one of his most infamous books, Morris Bellamy is livid as he kills the author and steals not only the money but written work as well. Morris hides the money and notebooks as he's locked away. Not until decades later, a new family finds this "treasure" and it's up the infamous trio to save them as Morris is released from jail.

Way before I actually read Finders Keepers, before I even purchased the book, I knew this one would be my favourite of the three.

And I was absolutely right.

I personally feel like out of the three books - with partially separate plots, Finders Keepers would appeal to me the most.

I always seem to love books written around authors or booknerds as characters because I seem to relate often - I mean, not really with getting killed for my work - and even get inspired to add their own attributes into my own characters as well.

Right off the bat, from what I've noticed is that the plot is quite different from the previous book. Theres a completely new case and doesn't necessarily pick off right when Mr. Mercedes ended.

There are some brief connections to the previous book which I really enjoyed but the plot itself doesn't necessarily pick up from the last book.

Typically with book series, it feels like the second, third, fourth, etc. books pick up after the last one making it one big plot with little plots between the books and perhaps you could say the same about this trilogy but I didn't really feel that way.

Instead of the whole series having one big plot and each individual book has it's own separate plots, it felt like the complete opposite where the whole series has a smaller plot whilst each individual book had a bigger plot themselves.

Character-wise, I was quite happy with the selection.

I absolutely love Bill, Holly and Jerome so I was happy to see them back.

The other characters though, at first, I wasn't a huge fan. I wanted to keep it exclusively to the detective trio, but once we start getting to know the new characters more and more, I seriously started to love them - especially Pete.

I found Pete to be a very interesting character; semi-angsty, semi-considerate almost. It's hard to wrap my head around this character.

Honestly, he kind of reminded me of Holden from The Catcher in the Rye for some reason; just the personality he possesses gives me a Holden kind of vibe. And hey, I'm not complaining because he's one of my favourite characters of all time.

I also love how much Brady's character is expanding - and I'll get more into it for my review of End of Watch but it was seriously a plot twist I wasn't expecting.

I feel like the writing itself improved a lot - like the plot structure and everything revolving around it. I absolutely loved the new use of new points of view - in a way, but I can also see why some "OG" King fans still aren't impressed by this trilogy so far.

I feel like the Bill Hodges trilogy itself is a lot to take in as it is pretty different from King's original works so it makes sense.

Overall, I loved this book more than the last. I believe out of the trilogy, this one was my favourite.

If you've read Finders Keepers, I'd love to know your thoughts on it! Leave a comment down below or on my Instagram!

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, by jessreadsalatte

Okay, Wow. - The Lost Hero Review (Spoilers)

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

The sequel series to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians, this book is the first that introduces new (additional) demigod characters: Jason, a boy who wakes up on a school bus with no past or present memories. Piper, who's father went missing and she has absolutely terrifying nightmares that she doesn't understand yet, could possibly find her dad and bring him to safety. And Leo, who feels at home in his cabin at Camp Half-Blood filled with tools and machines, yet his bunkmates believe he is a god. Each serving a purpose to an important quest, we follow and explore each of their backstories, as well as stories of already existing characters as well.

I loved every second of this.

I say this a lot, but for those who don't know, I'm one of the few who grew up with the Percy Jackson series instead of Harry Potter; in fact, I just got into the Harry Potter series in the past recent years.

Because I grew up with Percy Jackson -- and I consider him my first book boyfriend, anything involving Percy hits a special place in my heart.

I haven't read any of Rick Riordan's works after the PJO series but as I've recently re-read it as an adult, I thought I'd dive into a newer part of the world and bring you all along with me!

I wanted to start off this review with the characters for many reasons, but mainly because how genuine these characters are. Rick Riordan's characters are truly my favourite sets of characters -- which is hard to believe isn't it since I love Six of Crows and Throne of Glass so much.

But I feel like these characters are the most realistic. You feel the grief Leo feels as he constantly expresses his sorrow and determination to run away from any foster home after his mom passes away. You feel the neglect through Piper as she feels her dad doesn't truly care for her. You feel that connection between Jason and his sister Thalia. These characters are so genuine yet so relatable.

At the beginning of the novel, I could right off the bat admit I love Leo's character and perhaps no one else. Because he is such an interesting character, he also brings such comic relief and humour into this book - honestly, I haven't had a book that literally made me laugh out loud in a long while.

But the more you spend time with these new characters as a whole, the more you love all three of them; each in their own ways.

I feel like characterization plays a huge part in this book; if Rick Riordan chose to write completely different characters with completely different personalities, I don't think it would have been as enjoyable.

I also really love the fact that Rick Riordan brought old characters into this novel as well. So if you have read the PJO series, theres a high possibilty you'll hear from Annabeth, Thalia, and even Percy. *wink, wink*

To add onto that, the writing is phenomenal.

I re-read the Percy Jackson series very recently, and I can admit, it's pretty rough writing. With the first book, The Lightning Thief, it kind of feels like Percy is talking to you; but not necessarily in the most enjoyable way.

But I admitted in my review of the PJO series (which will be linked here if you want to read it), from book one to book five, Rick Riordan's writing progressed a lot. But in comparrison to those books, Riordan's writing became a million times better. I know theres the Kane Chronicles as well which is based on Egyptian mythology and I will definitely get into reviewing that in the future; but that series has also probably helped a bit with Rick's writing proving. Hard to say yet though because I haven't read the series.

One of my favourite things about this novel is how fast paced it is.

This book is over 500 pages yet, because of the plot and how Rick Riordan has set everything up, the book is incredibly hard to put down.

It is also very easy to become obsessed with this demigod content and the ideology of having one parent a god or goddess.

Mythology has always sparked my interest since I first learned about it in the 5th grade. Every year, mythology was something I looked forward to until high school, where it was barely taught.

This whole franchise sparks my interests greatly; the idea of mixing mythology and fantasy together is an absolutely brilliant idea.

I've just picked up the second book and I cannot wait to dive into it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the whole demigod ideal! Have you read any of Rick Riordan's books? Did you grow up, wanting to be a demigod like myself? What god or goddess do you think would fit best as your parent? Let me know in the comments section or on my Instagram!

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, by jessreadsalatte

Two Months Worth of Wrap Ups! - July and August Reading Wrap Up

I know what you're thinking: Jessica, why didn't you post a July Wrap Up at the beginning of August?

Well, I didn't post one because I didn't find a point to it. I barely read anything in July because I was in such a creative slump that I figured this post would be more eventful if I added the two months together.

I read about 13 books in the two months combined which is still a good number for two, although, I wished it was the amount of only one month.

Regardless, I am very happy and exited with the reads I have read in these two months.

With that being said, Let's get into my July and August Wrap Ups.

July Wrap Up

Different Seasons by Stephen King

Different Seasons is one of King's more well-known novella/short story collections because it includes some of his best novel based adaptaions like The Body which is the basis of Stand By Me, and Shawshank Redemption. A lot of you have recommended this to me and fortunately I've finally gotten to it!

Finders Keepers by Stephen King

For those who don't know, I read Mr. Mercedes which was the first book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy a month prior and thought I'd finish the rest of the trilogy -- since that is what most King readers have suggested to do before reading King's newest book: The Outsider. I finally dived into the second book: Finders Keepers in the month of July and loved it.

End of Watch by Stephen King

To go along with Finders Keepers, I read the final book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy: End of Watch in July as well. I personally also loved it and thought it was a perfect conclusion to the trilogy. I think I read this book on the last week of July and binged the book in a couple of hours.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

As you could previous sense a theme, I read a lot of Stephen King books in the month of July -- and even more in August. I wanted more of a variety when it came to my Wrap Up, so I obviously read this to spice things up a little. My sister gave me her old copies of the Hush Hush series and it's been sitting in my library since 2016. I thought I'd finally start the series off in July.

Trick 'r Treat: Days of the Dead by Michael Dougherty

The last book I read in July was a graphic novel. For those who don't know, I am a huge horror fan; I love horror films, especially the classic ones. Trick 'r Treat is one of my favourite horror movies as Sam is one of my favourite horror icons, so when I found out the creator also made a graphic novel companion to the movie, I couldn't pass it up!

August Wrap Up

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

Going into the books I read in August, Meddling Kids was the first one I read. I went to the bookstore late July and saw this book right about King's novels. I remember seeing the cover everywhere and having great interest in it, but didn't actually pick it up until I was at the store that day. I think I read this book in about a day or two and thought it was a great read!

Misery by Stephen King

Here's where the endless amounts of King books come back in! Believe it or not, I haven't read one of Stephen King's most iconic novels: Misery yet and thought, since I was able to land a first edition hardcover, minus well read it. I genuinely enjoyed it though and I cannot wait to write my review for you lovelies soon!

The Stand by Stephen King

As you can tell, I've had quite a Stephen King reading month especially this month where I was able to devour this 100+ paged beast while reading seven other books alongside. The Stand was one of the most intimidating books for me, even though it's roughly the same as IT which I finished in a couple of days. I think it was mainly because I had no idea what it was about. But I finally got a Mass Market Paperback copy -- mainly because I didn't want to read from my old King edition and might I say, I loved it.

The Outsider by Stephen King

Because I had finished the Bill Hodges Trilogy the previous month and have anticipated this new King release since it came out, I thought it was finally time to dive into The Outsider by Stephen King. It was definitely something I didn't expect but I did absolutely love this read as well.

Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich (and more)

I do get sent Advance Reader Copies from publishers time to time and I finally got my fall releases from Hatchette Book Group. One of the books included was Dear Evan Hansen, a novel based on the hit musical which I am incredibly obsessed with the soundtrack. When I saw this in the mail, I automatically had to read it. I still have to watch the musical as it doesn't come out in Toronto until March of 2019, but it was still quite enjoyable.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic was one of the books I bought a while back and it just sat on my bookshelf. I did enjoy This Savage Song by the same writer and have seen a lot of A Darker Shade of Magic fanart recently that I finally got myself to read this book. If you follow my Instagram, which most of you do, I became obsessed with this series and the characters. I can't wait to write a review for this as well.

Being Me With OCD by Alison Dotson

I have has such crappy mental illness days lately, most of it being devoured by my OCD and thought I'd read about other people's experiences since I don't know anyone else with this mental illness. I looked through a lot of OCD based books and this one caught my eye unexpectedly on Instagram. I decided to give it a read in August and it was definitely very eye-opening.

Notes From The Upside Down by Guy Adams

The last book I read in August was Notes From The Upside Down, which is an unofficial information/companion novel to Stranger Things. I am absolutely obsessed with Stranger Things; it's one of my favourite shows at the moment. Originally, I bought this book to put on my Stranger Things shelf but couldn't help myself when I flipped through and saw a whole section for Stephen King and how he inspired the show. From there, I picked up the book.

And there you have it, all the books I read in July and August. I know for most of you, this seems like a lot but to me, this doesn't seem like a lot of reading.

I was in a huge reading slump in July so I wasn't able to read as much as I wanted but 13 books for two months isn't so bad! I think I have less than 10 books left until I'm finally at my 2018 Reading Goal!

I'd love to know how many books you have all read in the month of July AND August!

Let me know in the comments section below or on my Instagram!