The Mid-Year Book Freak Out / 2016

I wasn’t tagged by anyone, but I saw this tag circulating and thought it would be fun to do! 😀

Best book you’ve read so far in 2016

(I wanted to put ACOMAF but…) Queen of Shadows, The Forgotten Girls and And I Darken were probably my favorite reads of the year (so far)! I think those are the only ones I actually gave 5-stars?

“Fire-breathing bitch queen”

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2016

I didn’t even need to think about this one for a half-second. It is hands down, ACOMAF! This book was everything I wanted it to be, and has given me one of the biggest book hangovers!

New release you haven’t read but want to

As I was typing out my response to this cat. I realized there’s actually a lot of new releases this year that I haven’t read yet…fudge. Well, here’s a list!

• RUINED by Amy Tintera (I really liked her REBOOT series
• IVORY AND BONE by Julie Eshbaugh
• PASSENGER by Alexandra Bracken
• SUMMER DAYS AND SUMMER NIGHTS by Stephanie Perkins

….to name just a FEW, heh.

Most anticipated releases for the second half of the year

Okay, so this is one with A LOT of books too….so here’s another list!

• EMPIRE OF STORMS
• CRYSTAL STORMS (If you haven’t read the falling kingdoms series yet, please drop everything on your TBR and read these!!!)
• THE FEVER CODE
• A TOUCH AGAINST THE NIGHT
• CROOKED KINGDOM

If all of these could just come out now, that would be great!

Biggest disappointment

Hmm, I think I’m going to have to put A Book of Spirits of Thieves, mainly because I haven’t been interested enough in this book to finish it? Which is disappointed as I love the Falling Kingdoms series by the same author..idk, maybe once I make myself read this book more, I’ll like it! But for now..yea, it’s somewhat of a disappointment.

Now, for books that I HAVE finished, I would say My Lady Jane. Mainly because I received this book through my Uppercase Box subscription… they’ve had some really great books, so given that I got this book in my one (and only, so far) subscription through them, I was a tad disappointed with it..just not quite my thing.

Biggest surprise

I had heard SO MANY things about the Throne of Glass series…so, all the way in January I decided to FINALLY given this series a read. OMG I wish I had read this series sooner…though on the other hand, I was able to then binge read most of the series so that was great. lol.

Favourite new author

Given some of my previous answers, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Sarah J Maas, is my favorite new author! 😀

Favourite new crush

….Who hasn’t read ACOMAF and now has a crush on RHYSAND. As quoted on bookstagram/tumblr, “There are no teams. There is only Rhysand!” haha

Favourite new characters

Another list:

• Aelin and Dorian from Throne of Glass series
• Claire and Jamie from Outlander (okay, mainly from the tv series because I actually haven’t finished reading any of the books…oops)
• Feyre and Mor from ACOMAF
• Lada from And I Darken

A book that made you cry

…I actually don’t remember crying from any of my reads this year? However, I probably have! If I had to guess, I’d say I cried from one of the throne of glass books and from Lady Midnight…

A book that made you happy

Well I was happy to finally re-enter the Shadowhunter world after FOREVER with the release of Lady Midnight!

Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year

What books do you need to read before the end of the year?

ALL THE BOOKS. Haha, but for real, definitely Crystal Storms,and  Empire of Storms.

 

 

I tag anyone who wants to do this tag to give it a try! 🙂

 

A Court of Mist and Fury Review *Spoiler Free*

Author: Sarah J Maas

Date Published: May 3rd, 2016

Page Count: 624

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, book 2

Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy; Romance; Fairy Tales

Synopsis from Goodreads

Feyre is immortal.

After rescuing her lover Tamlin from a wicked Faerie Queen, she returns to the Spring Court possessing the powers of the High Fae. But Feyre cannot forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people – nor the bargain she made with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court.

As Feyre is drawn ever deeper into Rhysand’s dark web of politics and passion, war is looming and an evil far greater than any queen threatens to destroy everything Feyre has fought for. She must confront her past, embrace her gifts and decide her fate.

She must surrender her heart to heal a world torn in two.

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REVIEW

Rating: ★★★★★

 

This is the sequel of all sequels! I don’t think I have ever liked a sequel as much as I like – LOVED – this one.

This book was faster paced, more intricate, and a lot more interesting than the first one in the series.

All the twists, turns, backstory, etc. is probably something I would have expected of a first book. However, I understand that everything that happened in ACOTAR needed to happen before all that took place in this book came to fruition. …But ACOMAF will definitely be my favorite – for now (I’ll have to wait and see what the last book brings, ha).

It is quite something when an author can make you kinda dislike a character in the first book, but make you LOVE them in the next! I was quite shocked by what some of these characters did..but not in a way that seemed out of character. It actually makes sense, given what the characters when through in the first novel.

I love that Sarah J. Maas showed how people can fall apart, and actually change. (There is a lot more I wanted to say about this, and was typing it out but then I realized it could be quite spoiler-y… To those who read the book, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about..let’s discuss it in the comments! haha) This is something that actually happens in real life. People go through hardships and find afterwards that they are not the same person and might not want the same things. I feel like we don’t see this that often in books…but given what a lot of characters go through, it should happen more often…

This book ended on quite the cliff-hanger.. this year-long wait for the next (final?) book will be TORTURE!

I can not wait to see how Feyre deals with the current situation she is in, and tears those around her down to get what she deserves. 😉

 

What did you think of ACOMAF? How will we get over the wait!? Definitely feel free to discuss spoilers with me in the comments. 😉

A Court of Thorns and Roses Review *Spoiler Free*

Author: Sarah J Maas

Date Published: May 5th, 2015

Page Count: 432

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, book 1

Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy; Romance; Fairy Tales

Synopsis from Goodreads

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

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REVIEW

RATING: ★★★★☆

I was hesitant to read this. It seems like quite a few Sarah J Maas fans were disappointed by the book. HOWEVER! The rave over the second book is insane! So, being a Maas fan myself, I decided that I had to read this.

I will admit, the first half or so wasn’t that great. The only reason why I kept reading as fast as I was, was because I had heard it got better and that the sequel was great. And well, things did pick up in the end! A lot, actually. When I think about it, quite a bit happened in the last sections of this book… I’m really glad I powered through the not-so-great bits of this!

Another aspect of this I was wary about was the Beauty and the Beast connections people were making. I don’t mind Beauty and the Beast, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a remaking? And while I did notice the similarity, the connections weren’t too strong to where I felt like i was just reading that story with some changes. So I’m content on that.

There definitely is some juicy romance in this book though! I was kinda surprised at the detail,s given that this is young adult, but eh I don’t care. haha.

The world within this series has different Courts to the Fae lands, but this isn’t explored too greatly – yet. I am hoping we get more of them in the future books! Though I did take a quiz to see which Court I was, of course…(Day Court!)

Something I am curious about in the next installment (should be in my mailbox next week!), is what happens to a certain character that everyone seems to fawn over! He is somewhat unlikable in this book, so I want to know what changes in the sequel! Agh I want it now, haha.

Given how much I want to read the next book, I think this book is warranted a good recommendation despite it’s slightly lacking first bit!

I am very excited to start A Court of Mist and Fury when it arrives! 😀

 

my bad..

Oh gosh, I meant to post a review for AND I DARKEN days ago…or even post something in general! Life got busy with moving though.

I also have to admit, I have been playing more video games lately than I ever thought I would. lol 🙈 Plus, Pokemon Go has been consuming my life! My boyfriend, friends, and I are obsessed..it’s bad. Have you guys been playing it??

Besides all this, I have still been reading though! I JUST finished ACOTAR less than an hour ago…..needless to say, I should have read it sooner…so, review to come on that!

Also, I entered a book exchange in the bookstagram community and just got my first book in the mail! 😀 So exciting!

 

Anyways, what good books have you guys been reading?

And I Darken Review *Spoiler Free*

Author: Kiersten White

Date Published: June 28th, 2016

Page Count: 484

Series: The Conquerors Saga/Darken Trilogy, book 1

Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy; Historical Fiction

Synopsis from Goodreads: No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

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REVIEW

RATING: ★★★★★

This is the book that will give you a book hangover. 

In my opinion, this book is worth the hype! (And I’m not just saying that because I got this book for free in the book sub box I rep) I devoured this book even though there wasn’t a lot of action (in my opinion), because I was so fascinated by the characters and politics of this story.

This story follows a girl within the Ottoman Empire, who wants to, and is capable, of doing what the boys are doing. Lada is fierce, and gives no apologies for who she is. Some may find her cold and unlikeable, but she does what she has to do to survive mentally and physically. Lada is on a path to make her life her own. And I respect her character immensely for that!

I really enjoyed going on the paths that each character had in this novel. To me, they were all intriguing! After finishing this novel I was satisfied with the ending, but wished there had been an epilogue so I had more closure about the characters and their futures. It even seemed open for a possibility of a sequel…except silly me just realized right before writing this review that THERE WILL BE MORE BOOKS. Ah, I am so happy with this revelations. hahah. I should have looked that up DAYS ago when I had finished the book…

Thoughts? Let me know in the comments! 🙂

My Lady Jane *Spoiler Free Review*

Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Date Published: June 7th, 2016

Page Count: 491

Stand-Alone

Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy; Historical Fiction

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England.

 

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REVIEW

RATING:★★★☆☆

[First off, the cover is gorgeous!]

My Lady Jane is not a book I would normally pick up. In fact, I got it in my June Uppercase Box. This book, which ties in fantasy and comedy, is about the nine-day Queen of England Jane Grey. I actually did not know there was a nine-day Queen of England as she is often forgot about (as the narrators of this book pointed out). I am glad I now know this tidbit of historical knowledge, and I feel rather bad for poor Jane now…

Anyways while I probably would not have read this book normally, I am glad I did. It was not the greatest read ever (and I did have to trudge through reading it because there are other reads that had my interest more), but it was entertaining at times. I will give it this, this book made me want to read more historical fiction (preferably the fantasy kind). Also given that many people who received a book subscription box this month received this book, this book will allow me to connect with fellow booknerds.

…It is starting to sound like I am being harsh on this book and that I hated it, but I didn’t! I want to make that clear, haha. (Otherwise the rating would be worse) I enjoyed this read, but it wasn’t anything spectacular according to my tastes. People who read more contemporary and comedic books will probably like this one! I think I am just too much into fantasy and gore and such to consider this one of my top reads.

This was a fun, laid-back read. I enjoyed the hints of Shakespeare and the commentary by the authors. 

If you are looking for a stand-alone that is kinda different and unique, then give this book a go! 

Let me know in the comments what you guys thought of this book!

 

One Month Blogiversary!

(Okay it was yesterday, but I forgot..)

Guys, it has been one month since I started blogging!

It has been pretty fun so far, and I owe it to everyone who reads and comments on my posts. If it weren’t for you, I would feel like I was talking to myself…so this wouldn’t be so fun. 😆 I was super nervous to start a blog in the first place and I still have ways in which I can improve, but meh I’m just trying to enjoy this. If I try to hard to be perfect than I’ll loose track of what it is that makes blogging fun!

So again, thank you so much for following, liking, and commenting! ♥️

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme by Breaking The Spine. Each Wednesday you post about a book that you are anticipating (and is not out yet)!

Over the next few months, my most anticipated read has to be Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas! I find the main character quite bad-ass, and I have grown to really love this series. Here is the synopsis for the first book in the series, Throne of Glass, for those who have not read it.

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king’s council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her … but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead … quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Now for those who are familiar with the series, here is a refresher of the synopsis of Empire of Storms.

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don’t.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin’s journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

Release Date: Sept. 6th, 2016. 

Ahhh I don’t want to wish away summer, but can this be released like tomorrow?!

The Sunday Currently // 01

Hey everyone! I’ve seen some posts around the blogosphere called The Sunday Currently..they looked kinda fun, so I decided to give it a whirl! 😅

CURRENTLY

Reading

Outlander! I started watching the series a few months ago, and decided I needed to finally pick up this book that has been on my TBR for awhile! I usually like devoting my time to one book, but because Outlander is so big and I know what happens from the show, I am also reading My Lady Jane.

Writing

This blog post? heh. Though I hope to start writing more in my bullet journal soon…

Listening

Halsey. I just love her music! I find it calming, and kinda empowering of my own feelings? If that makes sense..haha.

Thinking

About the stressors of life, and relationships… 😁

Smelling

Old Books soy candle from Frostbeard on Etsy!

Wishing

I could understand my own feelings and path in life…studying psych may help you to understand people better, but it doesn’t help you with yourself! 🙃

Hoping

That everything will work out.

Wearing

A new black t-shirt dress I got on Friday! I have been looking for one for awhile, and I only paid $10!

Loving

That it is Sunday, which means a new Game of Thrones! 😄 Gotta love the small things in life that make you happier..haha

Wanting

Someone else to pack and move my things for me. 🙈

Needing

My mind to stop being my worst enemy.

Feeling

A little overwhelmed. But some things may come into place soon..

Uppercase Box Review: June 2016

This month I decided to get a book subscription box. There are quite a few variations of these around. From fairyloot, owlcrate, uppercase, etcetera. These boxes usually include a new YA book (sometimes signed or with a signed bookplate), and some bookish items depending on your subscription level.

It is hard to decided just which one to get! However I’ve been eyeing the uppercase for other a year now, and finally splurged to get one!

HERE’S WHAT IS IN MY BOX:

 

Image from my bookstagram

 

• SIGNED copy of My Lady Jane
• My Lady Jane bookmark
• ‘I Read Therefore I Fangirl’ tote
• Snitch earrings
• Deathly Hallows magnet
• Bookmark with reading experience codes
• A cute little bag everything came in!

I am very pleased with this case. As a Harry Potter fan, you can’t go wrong by putting anything potter related in the box. Haha. I don’t have any totes so that can come in handy!

Signed books are also definitely a plus. My signed books count is now at a measly: 2. Woo! Ha. Anyways, I probably would not have picked up My Lady Jane on my own. Unless it had a lot of really positive reviews. However I do like historical fantasy, so I am excited to give this book a shot! Plus I really like the CW show Reign, and this takes place during the same time period!

 

As a college student, I probably won’t be getting another box for awhile. This is more of a treat every once in a while type of thing until I am older with an actual career. So, nothing bad to say about this box. I can’t wait until I let myself splurge and get another! Hehe

 

Did anyone else get this book subscription box? If so, what did you think? 

Are there any book subscription boxes you guys like instead? Let me know! 😄  (I will be reviewing a new book sub box that just started up, so keep a look out for that post soon!)