Let's Talk About... How Do You Review?

I don't know why this has been on my mind recently, but I've been thinking a lot about my reviewing process.

I am one to fly by the seat of my pants. I almost always write a review the night before it goes up. (I actually almost NEVER schedule posts--not just reviews--in advance.) I rarely edit heavily and most of the time read over the finished product once after its been written. To be fair, I am not big on editing my own work once its written, even in papers for school. I edit as I write; I look over most sentences again before I move on to the next one and I reread whole paragraphs once they're done. If there's no travesty of grammar or complete horror in organization, I move on. (This sounds terrible, since I do aim to be an editor, but I seem to have no problem editing other people's work... Conundrum.)

I know there are a lot of people who spend hours writing a single review, and I've never quite understood that. Don't get me wrong, I applaud those that do, since I'd bet anything their reviews are better than mine. But, I've tried spending time perfecting my reviews before, and I always feel that my best reviews are the ones that come organically, those that just flow out of me. Those are generally the ones that took me fifteen minutes to write. If a review takes me longer than an hour, it's probably terrible and I probably didn't have strong feelings for the book.

I also, many times, wait a decent amount of time between when I finish a book and when I review. I find I can't organize thoughts immediately after I'm done with a book, especially if it's a book I've loved. Again, I WISH I could pound out a review right after I'm done with a book. Honestly, I'd get more reviews done.

Anyways, I am curious. How do you review? Do you edit heavily, or do you just write it and go like I do? How long do you generally spend writing reviews? When do you review?

Of Triton (Of Poseidon #2) by Anna Banks

Release date: May 28, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 256
Format: Egalley
Source: Publisher provided through Netgalley
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Hmm... I never actually reviewed Of Poseidon because I didn't have strong feelings either way about it. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. I thought it had potential, though. I had high hopes for Of Triton because I guess I was hoping it would maybe capture some kind of magic I'd hoped for in the first. Sadly, just like Of Poseidon, I don't have any strong opinions about Of Triton.

Of Triton picks up almost immediately after the end of Of Poseidon. We're pushed right into the action of the story with little recap to remember what happened previously. I picked up really quickly what had happened, so it didn't affect anything, and I thought it was good that the book just went. Once you start reading you don't really want to stop because things just keep happening.

We learn a WHOLE lot more about the world and rules of the Syrena, which I found interesting and quite liked seeing.

So, you see everything I wrote above this line? I wrote that immediately after finished Of Triton. I got tired of writing the review and quit, with the intention of coming back later. I read it back the beginning of March. I came back to write this review and have found that I only just vaguely remember what happened in this book. I've read a lot of books in between then and now, but I am not one to forget plot. I'm one of those that can remember obscure details of the last Harry Potter book, which I read once the day it came out and haven't picked up since. So for me to not remember what happens in a book says a lot about that book.

I think those that loved Of Poseidon will enjoy this book because it's a continuation of the story of the characters, but those of us who weren't huge fans to begin with would do better to skip this one. Despite the pretty, pretty cover.

(I'm sorry this review doesn't really act as a review, but I decided I'd rather not fake an actual review and instead give the absolute truth.)

Teaser Tuesday: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa {21}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 446

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

My teaser, from 22% in the egalley:

"So, yes," he finished, still smirking at me. "I call humans 'bloodbags.' I don't need to know their names or if they have a family, or what their favorite color is. Because I'm either going to outlive them, or I'm going to tear their throats open and suck them dry. And life got a lot simpler once I realized that."

Oooooh, I don't even know who is talking. I'm starting this one tomorrow, once finals are done, and I'm quite excited! :)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Release date: February 26, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 325
Format: Ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

I'll be the first to admit I have not been the biggest fan of contemporary YA. But, interestingly, I have found myself drawn to more and more contemporary novels. I'm wondering if I've gotten a little worn out on all of the things I normally read and am just looking for something new. Anyways, I like to think I would've liked this book just as much were I not so attracted to contemporaries recently. Eleanor & Park is a truly lovely story of first love, heartbreak, and acceptance.

It's 1986, and Eleanor has just moved back in with her mom, her mom's husband Richie, and her four younger siblings in Omaha, Nebraska. Eleanor is not typical. She has curly red hair, is far from being a size two, and dresses colorfully. When she meets Park, an on the fringes half-Korean boy, they bond over comic books and music, which propels them quickly into one another's hearts. Even when they know they won't last, they dare to hope for a future together.

I fell in love with Eleanor and Park quickly and deeply. Eleanor is broken, with her insecurities and her tragic life, but she's witty and sarcastic, and wishes so badly to change her lot in life. Park has worked for so long to be accepted by his friends, but finds that he doesn't need their acceptance when Eleanor is around. To be cheesy, they complete one another. Each brings out the best in the other.

I loved seeing the slow progress of their relationship. It's filled with mutual respect, love, and a bit of lust. At times they're awkward with one another, exploring new facets of a relationship they've never experienced. It felt very true and natural to me; every word didn't seem perfect, every action wasn't the exactly right thing, but that's life.

It's hard for me to have especially high expectations for books that everyone gushes over, but Eleanor & Park definitely deserves gushing. It is the epitome of contemporary YA, keeping true to life while giving a heartfelt story.

Stacking the Shelves {13}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

So it's been dead week for me! That means it's the week before exams and professors aren't allowed to give tests or make assignments due. Instead of studying for my exams, like I was supposed to, I a decent amount of reading this week! I think that's time well spent. :)

Purchased: 

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris (It's only $1.99 for ereaders right now!!! So excited!)

The Hidden Sun by J. Lloyd Morgan (I actually have a paperback copy of this from when I reviewed it for the blog tour, but it's free for Kindle till the 30th, so I got it again. :) Most definitely worth your time, guys.)

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I reviewed In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters.
Tuesday - I teased from Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon.
Wednesday - I reviewed Blood and Snow by RaShelle Workman for the blog tour.
Thursday - I promoted Flight by Lindsay Leggett with a blitz and a giveaway.
Saturday - I reviewed Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey.

Books I read this week:
In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
Blood and Snow: The Complete Set by RaShelle Workman
Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo (OH MY GOSH SO GOOD)
Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey

I'm currently reading:
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

So that's been my week! I'm done with school for the semester on Wednesday, and I'll have 12 days until I start my internship, so hopefully LOTS of reading will be done! :) Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. :) Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey

Release date: April 2, 2013

Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publisher: Harper

Pages: 320

Format: Hardcover

Source: Library

Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

How far will you go when you have nothing left to lose?

When she lost her soul mate, Caleb, Eve felt like her world had ended. Trapped in the palace, forced to play the part of the happy, patriotic princess of The New America—and the blushing bride of her father's top adviser—Eve's whole life is a lie. The only thing that keeps her going is Caleb's memory, and the revolution he started.

Now, Eve is taking over where Caleb left off. With the help of Moss, an undercover subversive in the King's court, she plots to take down The New America, beginning with the capital, the City of Sand. Will Eve be able to bring about a new, free world when she's called upon to perform the ultimate act of rebellion—killing her father?

In Rise, Eve must choose who to leave behind, who to save, and who to fight as Anna Carey's epic tale of romance and sacrifice in the chilling dystopia of The New America comes to a stunning conclusion.

Since I read the first book in the Eve trilogy, Eve, I've never had especially strong feelings toward the series. I've enjoyed reading the books, but never felt that strong a connection to any of the characters or their plight. I was hoping with Rise, being the last book in the series and everything, that that would be different. I'm sad to report that Rise is not my least favorite book in the series but certainly still couldn't live up to its potential, though I still generally enjoyed it and I know that others have and will.

The book, in general, is a quick read, only just over 300 pages. It began quickly and ended quickly, but the middle just dragged for me. We get another extended road trip, like in the first book, and it just felt like much of the book was spent treading water instead of forwarding story. I wanted Eve to be more active in the rebellion, after all that she's gone through, and what she ends up doing is important, but she could've done more.

On a little side note, I thought Anna Carey did a good job of making the City of Sand so beautiful sounding, only to destroy it so completely and effectively in this book. We're treated to scenes of the palace and all the beautiful places the rich and powerful go in Once, only to see that very world turned into a war zone. Very effective imagery.

I did like how  the story ended (Though I wish there was a prologue! Just a little bit more! Just one teeny tine scene!) and I thought everyone was set in a hopeful, but not perfect situation, which is how it should be (At least in my humble opinion.) 

There are a couple of great twists (one I definitely expected, the other I didn't see AT ALL) and the bigger twist, to me, wouldn't work in a lot of YA dystopians. Here, it works. Really well, actually. It's the driving force behind many of Eve's hardest decisions and I think it makes her think of her choices in terms of others, rather than just herself, which makes her a more sympathetic character than she's been for most of this series. I know I felt more connected to her in this book than in the other two.

On the whole, Rise is a serviceable ending to a decent series. I never found exactly what I was hoping for in the last two books, but it was still good to see the progression of Eve and her friends into strong women. 

{Book Blitz: Excerpt + Giveaway} Flight by Lindsay Leggett

Title: Flight
Author: Lindsay Leggett
Author info: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Release date: April 1, 2013
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

The first rule of survival in the Underground: When you’re outside, keep your eyes on the skies. Ace Harpy Hunter Piper Madden is used to danger, but the death of her brother slams the brakes on her high-torque lifestyle and leaves her broken and confused.

On the run from the dictating Elder Corporation, she’s eventually found in the quiet undergound city of Ichton and asked to work for the Corp on contract to quell a new and frightening Harpy threat.

Enter the discovery of horrifying Corporation secrets, Harpy attacks, and a new friendship with the strange Asher, and Piper’s days become anything but boring.

Then, a chance encounter leaves Piper privy to a dangerous secret, ad as she and Asher team up in an effort to unravel the truth, the secrets they uncover beneath the ancient walls of the dead city will spark their world into a grand-scale war.

Excerpt:

It always starts like this. My vision starts to blur and the depth of the dirty brick walls plummets into a single plane, like I’m staring into an abyss that never ends. Pins and needles prick their way over my body and I fall backward, sinking through layers of sticky black sludge. I land with a thud and David is before me speaking urgently. His eyes are lined with confusion and anger.

“Piper, I don’t like what you’re doing. Please, for the sake of our mother and our friends, put an end to it now,” he says to me. We’re at our place in the mountains, the stars peering onto us like frail paper lanterns. I look at him seriously, my hand over my mouth, mind reeling at what he’d said.

“You don’t understand, David. I love him,” I reply, feeling tears brim my eyelids.

“… … ….” David’s lips are moving, but the noise coming out of his mouth is like raw static.

“I can’t hear you. What’s going on?” I ask. He looks like I just slapped him in the face.

“I can’t believe how selfish you are! “… … … ” He shouts, then comes the static again.

“David, I think there’s something wrong right now. I haven’t done anything!” I cry frantically, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. He brushes me off and gives me a hard stare.

“People are going to get hurt, Piper. I need you to understand that!” he shouts.

“I don’t understand, David!” I plead, “How are people going to get hurt?”

I hear more static come from his mouth, but he doesn’t seem to notice, he just keeps talking, clearly thinking he’s telling me something important. Frantically, I look around for a clue as to what is going on. When I turn back to him, David’s face starts to deteriorate and his body fades away to dust.

Now for a giveaway! :) I can give away one Kindle copy of Flight! This is international, and the winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. It ends May 8th. The prize will be sent the week of May 13th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About Lindsay:

Nearly every writer struggles to put together information about themselves, perhaps because we’re so used to detailing the lives and ways of others. For the most part I am a writer, editor, photographer, and all-around artist living in the wilds north of Toronto, Ontario. I thrive on the juxtaposition of beauty and grit, enjoy urban crawls, indie everything, and time well-spent in the woods.