Ranger's Apprentice: The Early Years

Title:  The Tournament at Gorlan and The Battle of Hackham Heath

Author:  John Flanagan

Publisher:  Philomel Books

Date Published:  October 6, 2015 and November 29, 2016

Genre:  Fantasy, Adventure

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-  I love the Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband books. They are some of my favorite stories and characters in all of literature. I was really excited when the author wrote some books about Halt and Crowley in the their younger years. 

-  Morgarath has been plotting to take over the kingdom. He has already convinced the king to banish his son, Prince Duncan. He has removed almost all of the Rangers and replaced them with his own people, and he is trying to win over the majority of the barons. Halt and Crowley decide to team up and recruit some of the disbanded Rangers to take down Morgarath. They are also trying to find Prince Duncan, so they can prove his innocence and frame Morgarath for treason. 

-  I loved these books. I loved getting to know Crowley more, and I was excited to read more about Halt. I may or may not have a thing for him. I loved meeting old friends and gaining new ones. It was fun to see Crowley step into his role as leader of the Rangers.

-  I am sad the author has only written two books for this series. I think there were plans to do more, but he is currently writing the Royal Ranger series. I need to read those.

-  Flanagan's humor is the best! I love the bantering between characters and the way they tease each other. I caught some serious giggles when Halt first met Lady Pauline. 

-  If you love adventure, stealth, tournaments, battles, clever bantering, highly skilled archers, and/or Australian authors, this is the book the for you! I highly recommend anything by John Flanagan, but I would start with Ranger's Apprentice.

My Thoughts in a GIF:

Gemina

Goodreads Synopsis:    Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

My Thoughts:

-    I was blown away by Illuminae, and Gemina was just as good.

-    The format of these pages are beautiful. The book is a work of art. I love that Marie Lu was commissioned to do some artwork for this.

-    I really like the characters. Nik and Hanna are so much fun. They can kick-a, banter, and stick it to the man. They are also flawed teens, which I really appreciate. Human flaws are what make us humans. It made the characters more relateable. I also loved Ella, she cracked me up, but I could have done with a little less swearing from her. 

-    The story was great! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved how they handled the science and theoretical science. Not everyone can pull this concept off! 

-    Throughout the book, I was wondering when Kady and Ezra were going to make an appearance. They did towards the end, but I would love to see more of Kady and Hanna working together.

-    I am loving this series! 

Previous Book:

Glass Sword

Goodreads Synopsis:    If there’s one thing Mare Barrow knows, it’s that she’s different.

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. 

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. 

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. 

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

The electrifying next installment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they’ve always known—and pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul.

My Thoughts:

-    I thought the momentum from the first book would carry on throughout the second book, especially with how things ended in Red Queen. Sadly, this one moved slower. The urgency and thrill wasn't there.

-    Most of the book is about Mare searching for more new bloods like her. It was interesting, but there wasn't a lot to move the story along. 

-    Mare was a jerk for most of the story. I didn't like the way she treated Cal, Kilorn, her family, and everyone else. There wasn't a lot of character growth from anyone. 

-    The repetition got really annoying. Mare's monologues in her head were long winded, and sometimes I just wanted to smack her! You are the lighting girl! I get it! You don't have to say it ALL the time!

-    Despite my complaints, I'm still enjoying the story a lot. There were still a lot of great scenes, and I'm excited to continue the series.

The Ghostfaces

Goodreads Synopsis:    When the Brotherband crew are caught in a massive storm at sea, they’re blown far off course and wash up on the shores of a land so far west that Hal can’t recognize it from any of his maps. Eerily, the locals are nowhere in sight, yet the Herons have a creeping feeling they are being watched.
 
Suddenly the silence is broken when a massive, marauding bear appears, advancing on two children. The crew springs into action and rescues the children from the bear’s clutches, which earns them the gratitude and friendship of the local Mawagansett tribe, who finally reveal themselves. But the peace is short-lived. The Ghostfaces, a ruthless, warlike tribe who shave their heads and paint their faces white, are on the warpath once more. It’s been ten years since they raided the Mawagansett village, but they’re coming back to pillage and reap destruction. As the enemy approaches, the Herons gear up to help their new friends repel an invasion.
 
In this sixth book in the action-packed Brotherband Chronicles, the Herons find themselves in unfamiliar lands and prepare for battle with a ruthless, unknown enemy.

My Thoughts:

-    The story starts off slow. Besides a giant storm that throws them off course, not a lot happens.

-    If I wasn't so attached to the characters and this world, the story would have been boring, but I enjoyed it because I love everything Flanagan writes. The ending was really good and full of action and peril.

-    I enjoyed meeting a new civilization and culture, and I liked how the Herons interacted with the people. 

-    The ending is a sad and somber one. My heart ached for Stig.

-    It is hard to explain my feelings about this book without spoilers.

Previous books in the Brotherband Chronicles:

  
 

The Orphan Keeper

From Goodreads:    Based on a true story.

Seven-year-old Chellamuthu’s life is forever changed when he is kidnapped from his village in India, sold to a Christian orphanage, and then adopted by an unsuspecting couple in the United States. It takes months before the boy can speak enough English to tell his parents that he already has a family back in India. Horrified, they try their best to track down his Indian family, but all avenues lead to dead ends.

Meanwhile, they simply love him, change his name to Taj, enroll him in school, make him part of their family—and his story might have ended there had it not been for the pestering questions in his head: Who am I? Why was I taken? How do I get home?

More than a decade later, Taj meets Priya, a girl from southern India with surprising ties to his past. Is she the key to unveil the secrets of his childhood or is it too late? And if he does make it back to India, how will he find his family with so few clues?

My Thoughts:

-    I loved this book! It spoke to me on several personal levels.

-    Wow! Taj's story is incredible and a series of miracles.

-    I related to a lot of Taj's feelings, especially his feelings of longing. When you're adopted, there is always that longing and wonder about your birth family, even though I had a loving family, I have always wondered about my birth family.

-    The book was able to express SO much! 

-    I cried buckets at the end of the book. Taj's reunion with his family is a scene I have fantasized about since I was small child, and I just couldn't hold back the tears.

Life Debt

Goodreads Synopsis:    Set between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, the never-before-told story that began with Star Wars: Aftermath continues in this thrilling novel, the second book of Chuck Wendig s New York Times bestselling trilogy.

"It is a dark time for the Empire. . . ."

The Emperor is dead, and the remnants of his former Empire are in retreat. As the New Republic fights to restore a lasting peace to the galaxy, some dare to imagine new beginnings and new destinies. For Han Solo, that means settling his last outstanding debt, by helping Chewbacca liberate the Wookiee's homeworld of Kashyyyk.

Meanwhile, Norra Wexley and her band of Imperial hunters pursue Grand Admiral Rae Sloane and the Empire's remaining leadership across the galaxy. Even as more and more officers are brought to justice, Sloane continues to elude the New Republic, and Norra fears Sloane may be searching for a means to save the crumbling Empire from oblivion. But the hunt for Sloane is cut short when Norra receives an urgent request from Princess Leia Organa. The attempt to liberate Kashyyyk has carried Han Solo, Chewbacca, and a band of smugglers into an ambush resulting in Chewie's capture and Han's disappearance.

Breaking away from their official mission and racing toward the Millennium Falcon's last known location, Norra and her crew prepare for any challenge that stands between them and their missing comrades. But they can't anticipate the true depth of the danger that awaits them or the ruthlessness of the enemy drawing them into his crosshairs.

My Thoughts:

-    Ask and ye shall receive! I wanted more Han and Leia, and I got a lot more! Hooray! Now if I could just get some Luke in there. Where is he anyway?

-    I loved seeing Han and Leia's relationship. They understand each other's needs as individuals and as a couple.

-    This story was action packed. There was never a dull moment. 

-    I love seeing how the new republic had to struggle after destroying the second death star. Starting a new government is not easy, especially when there is still a big empire presence. 

-    The ending!! Wow! I can't wait to see what happens on Jakku!

Previous Aftermath Book:

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast

Goodreads Synopsis:    Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast. 

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border. Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable, and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

My Thoughts:

-    This was more of a ghost and vampire steampunk romance than a Beauty and the Beast retelling.

-    I'm not a big vampire fan, but this was alright. I enjoyed the mystery, and the vampires were the bad guys that were hunted, which is where they should be. 

-    The story starts out slow, but it picks up, and the ending is exciting. 

-    I can see the Jane Eyre elements, and I'm not a fan.

-    I didn't care for Lord Blackwell too much, but I liked Lucy well enough.

-    I loved the steampunk and gothic elements. They were fun.

-    I think I liked this overall. I want to read the next book.

Kanan: First Blood

From Goodreads:    Continue to explore the early days of Kanan Jarrus, the sensational star of STAR WARS REBELS! You've seen Kanan's last adventure as a Padawan, now witness his first! The boy who was Caleb Dune must find his feet as the Clone Wars rage all around him. When the Jedi Temple comes under attack, what can a mere Padawan do to make a difference? Caleb and his new master, Bilaba, will take command of their own clone troop, and lead them into the furious Battle of Mygeeto. But lying in wait for them there are a pair of Separatist Generals, one of whom is one of the most deadly threats in the entire galaxy! Can Caleb and Bilaba survive Grievous? 

Collecting KANAN #7-12.

My Thoughts:

-    This volume had the answers I wanted from the first volume. I liked getting to know Kana's master better. I liked the story of how she picked him for her padawan.

-    It was fun to see other characters like Grievous and the Ghost crew.

-    I love that there is a reference the book, A New Dawn. I need to read that now.

-    It was really fun to read about Kanan's back story.

Empire of Storms

Goodreads Synopsis:    The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Timesbestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

My Thoughts:

-    I've been dreading this review.

-    I'm so disappointed, and a little angry, about this book. I feel betrayed.

-    The biggest cause of my grief and angst is the porn. This series started out as a fun and edgy YA fantasy. I've cheered on this series, raved about it, defended it, and recommended it to a lot of people, including some teens. I feel like it wasn't fair for the author or publisher to let detailed sex scenes into the 5th book of a series. 

-    Also, why can't people just keep their clothes on. Several of the characters were just randomly naked a lot. Why? It was like a weird cartoon antic.

-    My second biggest complaint was that a lot of these amazing characters were diminished. Rowan was just a dog on a leash for most of the book. It was so frustrating. A lot of the men became dogs on a leash. Lorcan, who gets his power from the devil, became a dog on a leash! Aelin seemed so different. She wasn't a snarky kick butt girl anymore. She had so many doubts and needed so much comfort and support until the crazy unbelievable ending which I will address later.

-    Lysandra and Elide had some great character development. They stole the show for me in this book.

-    Does everyone need to be paired up? In the first four books, only a few of the characters had romantic interests, and all of a sudden, everyone is being paired up with someone! Why!? They don't need to be, unless every male character needs to be a dog on a leash!

-    I didn't buy the ending, and I didn't like it. I don't understand why Aelin needed to keep so many secrets, especially from the small group of people that she trusts and loves more than anything. I also don't think Aelin could predict EVERYONE's moves. There is no way she could predict everyone's motives and what they would do, especially Lorcan. She didn't even know where he was! I hope that wasn't too spoilerish.

-    I was so disappointed with this book, that I've decided to take all the books in the series to a book swap event later this month. I don't want these books in my house anymore. I've never felt so betrayed by a book before. 

Previous books in the Throne of Glass series

(covers are linked to my thoughts)

  

Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood

Goodreads Synopsis:    Red is not afraid of the big bad wolf. She’s not afraid of anything . . . except magic.
But when Red’s granny falls ill, it seems that only magic can save her, and fearless Red is forced to confront her one weakness.

With the help of a blond, porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red goes on a quest to cure Granny. Her journey takes her through dwarves’ caverns to a haunted well and a beast’s castle. All the while, Red and Goldie are followed by a wolf and a huntsman—two mortal enemies who seek the girls’ help to defeat each other. And one of them just might have the magical solution Red is looking for. . . . 

My Thoughts:

-    I know I'm posting this after Grump, but I promise I read this first. I just had to get Grump's post up because I was assigned a date.

-    I really enjoyed this one. I liked the references to Rump, and I really liked the variety of fairy tales that were used. For some reason, I just love fairy tale mash ups.

-    I'm glad Red got her own book. She was such a fun character in Rump, and it was fun to get to know her story.

-    I loved Red's character development. She went through a lot, and she had to learn so much. It was good to see her stretch and grow.

-    I really liked Red's relationships and interactions with the other characters, especially Goldie. 

-    I loved the message of this book. It is something everyone could benefit from. It talks about grief and not wanting the people we love to die. It was so good, and it tackled the topic is a great way for a middle grade book.

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well

Goodreads Synopsis:    Denmark is often said to be the happiest country in the world. That's down to one thing: hygge.

'Hygge has been translated as everything from the art of creating intimacy to cosiness of the soul to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things. My personal favourite is cocoa by candlelight...'

You know hygge when you feel it. It is when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, or sharing comfort food with your closest friends. It is those crisp blue mornings when the light through your window is just right.

Who better than Meik Wiking to be your guide to all things hygge? Meik is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and has spent years studying the magic of Danish life. In this beautiful, inspiring book he will help you be more hygge: from picking the right lighting and planning a dinner party through to creating an emergency hygge kit and even how to dress.

Meik Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. He is committed to finding out what makes people happy and has concluded that hygge is the magic ingredient that makes Danes the happiest nation in the world.

My Thoughts:

-    This book is full of so many comfy, safe, and wonderfully happy things. I love hygge. I want to hygge all the time.

-    I really enjoyed learning about Denmark. I want to visit there now. I want to visit and learn to hygge from the masters.

-    I liked how the book addressed socializing for introverts. Hygge is the perfect way for introverts to interact with other people without feeling uncomfortable or getting worn out. It was a great section of the book, and it spoke to me.

-    This whole book spoke to me. Hygge appeals to every part of me.

Of Mice and Magic

Goodreads Synopsis:    Princess Harriet is nobody’s hamster damsel in distress! Book two of this series for Babymouse and Princess in Black fans is filled with even more action and twisted fairy tale fun

Princess Harriet has absolutely no interest in brushing her hair, singing duets with woodland animals, or any other typical princess activities. So when a fairy tells a very bored Harriet about twelve mice princesses who are cursed to dance all night long, she happily accepts the quest and sets off with a poncho of invisibility and her trusty battle quail. But when she arrives at the Mouse Kingdom, she discovers there's more to the curse than meets the eye, and trying to help is dangerous business . . . even for a tough princess like Harriet. 

From the creator of Dragonbreath, comes a laugh-out-loud funny new comic-hybrid series, bursting with girl power and furry fairy tale retellings.

My Thoughts:

-    This was really fun and silly. I loved the different twists on an old fairy tale.

-    I love Harriet's snarky attitude, and I love that she takes charge and get things done. 

-    Gnome and I both had fun with this book, but Gnome wanted to read the rest of the series by herself. I won't continue the series on my own. 

Previous Book

Ahsoka

From Goodreads:    Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance .










My Thoughts:

-    I can usually read any Star Wars book in any order, and I know what time frame I'm in, who the characters are, and what has happened and will happen. This book was different. It takes place between The Clone Wars and Rebels. I love Ahsoka, but I don't know much about her. I'm on on Season 3 in The Clone Wars. I wish I had finished the TV series before picking this up. I was too excited to read about Ahsoka though. I have SO many questions now!!

-    This was a really fun book, and Ahsoka is swiftly becoming one of my favorite Star Wars characters. She is awesome! There are very few characters from this time period that I like, but Ahsoka is snarky, talented, and has a fun story. 

-    I kept wondering why Anakin's nickname for Ahsoka is Snips, but this book helped me find out! Yay! It is because she has snippy remarks. I love that!

-    I love learning more about the Star Wars Universe, and I learned several things from this book. I learned more about kyber crystals and how Jedi construct their lightsabers. It was really cool! 

-    While this book answered a lot of questions, I gained several more. I don't know if there will ever be an end to my Star Wars questions. There is SO much content!

Snow White: A Graphic Novel

Goodreads Synopsis:    Award-winning graphic novelist Matt Phelan delivers a darkly stylized noir Snow White set against the backdrop of Depression-era Manhattan.

The scene: New York City, 1928. The dazzling lights cast shadows that grow ever darker as the glitzy prosperity of the Roaring Twenties screeches to a halt. Enter a cast of familiar characters: a young girl, Samantha White, returning after being sent away by her cruel stepmother, the Queen of the Follies, years earlier; her father, the King of Wall Street, who survives the stock market crash only to suffer a strange and sudden death; seven street urchins, brave protectors for a girl as pure as snow; and a mysterious stock ticker that holds the stepmother in its thrall, churning out ticker tape imprinted with the wicked words "Another . . . More Beautiful . . . KILL." In a moody, cinematic new telling of a beloved fairy tale, extraordinary graphic novelist Matt Phelan captures the essence of classic film noir on the page—and draws a striking distinction between good and evil.

My Thoughts:

-    This book went by SO fast, but I really enjoyed it.

-    There is very little dialogue, but the artist puts a lot into the illustrations. 

-    This is the classic tale, but set in the 1920s. It was awesome. I wish there had been a little bit of a twist to the story.

-    I picked this one up on a whim, and I'm really glad I did. 

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel

From Goodreads:    War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.

Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.

My Thoughts:

-    This is my first canon Star Wars novel! Woo! I've decided to read them all, and it feels good to have one finished. 

-    The book was really slow and really dry, but when I wasn't reading, I wanted to be reading. The book kept calling to me. 

-    I found a lot of things interesting, and I really liked getting to know the characters, especially the Erso family. It was good to get background on Rogue One characters. 

-    I was surprised that this took place at the end of the Clone Wars and the beginning of the Empire. It was interesting to see the civilian side of things during this transition. People were scared, but they wanted to trust in their government.

-    I liked getting background on the research and everything that went into building the Death Star. Wow! It is amazing that the Empire finished building it, let alone how fast they did it. 

Ever the Hunted

Goodreads Synopsis:    Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force. 

My Thoughts:

-    This was good, but it wasn't anything special. It is enjoyable enough while reading, but I don't think I'll remember much about the book in a few weeks. 

-    The story was simple, and there wasn't much to the characters. I didn't feel connected to anyone or anything. I liked everyone, but I just didn't feel any emotions for them.

-    There are a lot of fantasy books out there, and this one felt like a lot of them. There wasn't anything that made it stand out from all the others.

-    Like I said, this is good, but not memorable. 

The Bad Guys: Episode 3: The Furball Strikes Again

Goodreads Says:    The Bad Guys are about to have a VERY BAD DAY! Mr Wolf and his bad, bad buddies have messed with the wrong guinea pig. And this nasty little furball wants revenge! 

Will they survive? Will they be heroes? And will they just stop trying to eat each other? 

It’s time to put on your chuckle-pants and find out!

My Thoughts:

-    Gnome and I put our chuckle pants on, and we laughed through the whole book. The humor is great! It is in the dialogue, the illustrations, and the situations. These books are hilarious!

-    Dr. Marmalade was such a fun villain.

-    I liked the Ninja, and I liked that it was a real good guy.

-    The ending is SO good! HA!

Previous Bad Guy Books:

 

Dark Matter

Goodreads Description:    “Are you happy with your life?” 

Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious. 

Before he awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. 

Before a man Jason’s never met smiles down at him and says, “Welcome back, my friend.” 

In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor, but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible.

Is it this world or the other that’s the dream? And even if the home he remembers is real, how can Jason possibly make it back to the family he loves? The answers lie in a journey more wondrous and horrifying than anything he could’ve imagined—one that will force him to confront the darkest parts of himself even as he battles a terrifying, seemingly unbeatable foe.

My Thoughts:

-    Parallel universes are like time travel. You pull it off or you don't. This one didn't pull it off. The science was sound enough, but the author took it too far.

-    The ending was ridiculous. Instead of a thought-provoking sci-fi, it was a slasher horror book. 

-    Why would a thousand Jasons end up on one single universe out of millions!? What are the chances? Why didn't some of the Jasons try to help each other get home? You'd think with that many brilliant minds, they would have helped each other out. Nope, they just went primal! LAME!

-    The writing was really good. The author definitely has a gift with words, and some of it was really beautiful. 

-    I really wish Jason had had a chance to talk to Jason 2 about everything. I felt like that conflict was passed over, and it bugged me. 

-    I would recommend passing this up.