My top faves for 2017

I know, it's crazy to even try and narrow down a list of fantastic books this year - and it was definitely a banner year - so I'm not limiting how many are on this list. 

I keep a notebook of all the books I've read because 1) I can't stand goodreads since I read so quickly that it just doesn't work 

also b) that I don't post *every* book on goodreads since my sister site has their own so the numbers are not even real. *eye roll* 

there has got to be a better system. 

Now, on to the books! 

out of the 200 I will have read by NYE, these are my faves, and all 10/10s for 2017: 




Caraval by Stephanie Garber 

I devoured this one in a few hours. The magic drew me in and I could not put it down.  I really want to find all the different covers but something tells me Canada doesn't have them. Like usual...
sequel comes out soon *squeee* 

  

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven 

I even read this the same day I read Caraval  and thankfully i read it afterwards because I was in a giant puddle of my tears. 

Stranger than Fanfic by Chris Colfer 

While the story itself was pretty predictable, I was laughing out loud on almost every page. A fun, quick read about a group of best friends before they go off to college. 


 

ACOTAR/MAF/WAR by Sarah J Maas

When I saw everyone gushing over ACOWAR online I went out and bought the whole series. TAR and WAR took 2 days, MAF took a few hours. 

Then I saw that SJM was coming to a town near me for her book tour and I ran down for it. Though I didn't get to meet her, I got to hear her speak and she was inspiring and hilarious and just *swoon*  

 

Falling Kingdom Series by Morgan Rhodes 

In the same month as SJM, Morgan Rhodes was coming to a town near-ish near me and so I binged this series within a couple of weeks too so I could go see her, spoiler free, and get some books signed. She was amazing - as was the panel she was on. 

and now I am anxiously awaiting the final book, but I need to reread number 5 because how am i supposed to remember what I read 6 months ago? 


 

Mindfuck Series by S.T Abby 

I saw this online and so I bought all 5 books and binged them back to back (don't ask me where one ends and the other begins) in a matter of few hours. This whole series is a SVU/Criminal minds episode but with no filter. and told from the perp's POV, if you will, so it had cringe-worthy moments but overall, it was action packed and had a sweet love story weaved in. You couldn't help but flip the pages as quickly as possible. 

  

The Book Jumper by Mechthild Glaser 

A unique concept with a bit of "West Side story"/"Romeo and Juliet" going on, I was quickly drawn into this story and fell in love with it quickly. What bookworm doesn't want the power to jump into the stories that we read? 

Wrath and the Dawn/The Rose and the Dagger - Renee Ahdieh 

I was at work when I finished WatD and was red from crying before I went into my appointment so, thanks for that Ahdieh! This was a powerful love story with an eventual happy ending so yay. 
  

Eliza and her Monsters by Francesca Zappia 

When I was done with this one, I wanted to go back to the beginning and start all over again. I'm pretty sure this is my favourite read of the year. All of it was just swoon worthy. 

If you haven't read it, and you have ever had an online presence you wanted to keep secret, or you know how it feels to try and keep your off- and online life away from each other - or you just want an awesome story - pick this one up! 

The Halloween tree by Ray Bradbury 

This one had been on my list forever and it was nice to finally read the story that matches one of my all time fave movies. True classic for any age, although it is a kid book .. " " ... 

King by T.M Frazier 

This was a promo buy - it was free on amazon and hello, free books. I didn't realize how amazing it would be and what turned into "i have an hour to read a bit" turned into a binge read to finish it. I cannot wait to get the rest of the series. 

Rough and explicit, Frazier pulls at our heartstrings in all the right ways. 

Alex approximately by Jenn Bennett

My second fave read for the year. SimonTeen had their 25-days of xmas with a free book every 24 hours, and I binged this one in a few hours. Amazing and adorable. I need to get my hands on a paper copy so I can read it over and over again.  

Who doesn't love a case of mistaken identity and a teenage love story set in a weird old museum? nobody, that's who. 


  

 The list above were my absolute loves but
 Honourable mention goes out to: 

- Strange the Dreamer (though I didn't like the ending) 
- End of Oz 
- Everything, Everything 
- Beginning of Everything 
- Talking as fast as I can 
- Yes, my accent is real 
- When Dimple met Rishi 
- Autoboyography 
- Mr President 
- Wires and Nerves Vol. 1
- Coldest girl in Coldtown 
- Let me be your hope 



and considering I read 200 books, this list is TINY but I'm pretty picky!  

2018 is looking like another fantastic year for books but my anticipated reads will be in my wrap up post for December *winks* 

Review: Autoboyography

 Autoboyography
 Christina Lauren


So, thanks to SimonTeen's #25daysofChristmas I got to binge read this in a day, and it was the sweetest story I've read in a long time.

Tanner lives in a very conservative town. Like, Uber conservative. Religious conservative to be specific. The ladder day saints, LDS, town reigns over the people of Provo. Now, while Tanner doesn't necessarily mind the religion, it does go against who he is.

Tanner's family accepts their son and brother as Bi. When the family lived in California, Tanner was able to be more free with himself but now that they live in a highly religious town, they suggest that he keep to himself more. It's not ideal by any means but Tanner has his best friend and his routines and he goes about his daily life until he can escape to college.

When Autumn, the bestie, convinces him to sign up for The Seminar - a course that focuses on writing a whole book within the semester (hello NaNo for high schoolers), he finds himself introduced to previous published Seminar boy, Sebastian.  and Hello Gorgeous.

but.
there's always a but.

Sebastian is a hardcore Mormon (a member of the LDS) ... but when he meets Tanner, he begins to questions what he wants more in life: the person he wants to be freely, or his beliefs. These two concepts do not go hand in hand and it is an emotional ride as we see their relationship unfold.

As Sebastian helps Tanner on his book throughout the Seminar, they get closer and closer until they cannot deny their feelings any more. While it's of little consequence to Tanner, it means a lot for Sebastian's present and future.



While I found the story slow, overall, it was intense. Knowing nothing of the LDS, I found that the authors did a concise job in explaining the religious aspect that were needed for the story (there were moments where I wanted to look up more, but I was too distracted by the book).

Tanner and Sebastian's relationship is one of my favourites. The ups and downs, the one being more invested than the other, the off and on. The consequences. Tanner's voice throughout the whole book has a curious edge to it. He just wants to be happy. He knows who he is, and who he wants.

But how do you have a relationship in secret? You can't.
Is love worth giving up everything you know and believe?
Do you even have to choose?
Go read Tanner's book and find out.

Review: Alex, Approximately

 Alex Approximately
 Jenn Bennett


As part of SimonTeen's #25daysofchristmas, I got to breeze through this one in a day and I absolutely loved it, so thank you to them!

I knew that it was a twist on the "You've got mail" storyline and I dived right in.

It opens with "@Mink" and "@Alex" talking online about the movies they love and the upcoming film festival in Alex's town in fancy California. What Mink, aka Bailey, doesn't tell him is that she is moving out to Cali to live her with her father while her mother deals with her second divorce.

She begins her summer job at a local museum - though I use that term loosely - and meets a fun group of people. When she begins to fall for frustratingly cute Porter, she pulls back from Alex. She still hasn't told him she is even in the same town as him, trying to see if she can scope him out without him knowing.

However, everything always comes out eventually and apparently, Alex and Porter are one and the same... well, approximately.



As someone whos been online for most of her life, though not by this screen name, I used to talk to a lot of different people online and if they lived in the same town - or even province - I tended to ignore (I did meet my husband online though so that didn't last to long haha)  so a lot of this story was easy to relate to. The writing was amazing and I fell in love with everyone as it's hard not to. There's laughter, there's sadness, there's some scary dude with a gun ... there's love, which is the main point. Though I think in 2017 a lot of like to hide behind the screen and while this story isn't new (i.e the hidden identity behind a phone or computer) this version is the best ones I've read in a long time.

The second I was done I wanted to read it all over again!

It makes me want to visit the beaches of Cali more so though, which is just rude considering there's snow outside right now.

It's now on the to-buy list, to-recommend (to everyone) list, and the reread worthy list so if you haven't read it yet, what are you doing with you life, approximately?

end of NaNo-vermber

hello nano-survivors, and the rest of the world...

i had a crazy month of typing like a mad woman for the whole month and as my first time doing NaNoWriMo, i had a lot of fun. 

Stressful fun, but fun! 
I had a weird idea that turned into something i fell in love with. I didn't get to elaborate on everything i wanted to yet, but that's what editing will be for. 

I also finished early - on the 26th - which was crazy! I only missed one day of writing at the beginning of the month because I had work all morning and then drove the 2 hours to see Queen Stiefvater at an author signing for her Crooked Saints tour (which was fantabalous! pics are on my IG if you're curious. She played the bag pipes for us *swoon*)  but I caught up on my words that weekend so really... 

Honestly, the only way to get me to do something is give me a goal and hold me accountable. I refused to let myself not make word count everyday. and now that I've done it once, if I do it again next year - and life is calm like this year - then I won't let myself lose either.  I lucked out this year though and Ontario college's went on strike for 5 weeks so I was home for half of October and most of November. Sorry students/staff, but I wasn't complaining. 

However, we went back to early for me and I had to take a night off to go see R.L Stine at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and IT WAS FANTASTIC! i fangirled all night and found a friend to fangirl with. Totally worth it *fangirl happy sigh* although I got in a fight with this lady because she said i cut the line. and considering the staff just said "so if everyone wants to make their way to the table and he'll sign your book" my new friend and I just walked to the front of the line and some lady was annoyed. Listen lady, I didn't take the day off work and get there like, 4 hours early to wait an extra 2 hours after the talk in line. So deal. She was not happy. It was funny. 

I feel like I didn't read much, but I did more than I thought I would. 

- Talking as Fast as I can 

- Narnia 4, 5, 6, 7 

- The Scorpio Races 

- Shattered Memories 

- Forbidden Wish 

- Don't stay up late 

- This Regret - Victoria Ashley

- Distrust - T.L Smith 

- If you were mine - Melanie Harlow 

and 4 for my sister site, TDC Book Reviews, so overall not too shabby. 

2017 = 184/200 whoohoo, but December will be busy!  

Next month I need to read 16 so my TBR includes: 

- All the Crooked Saints 

- Renegades 

- (finish) Orange is the new Black 

- Tiger Lily 

- When Dimple met Rishi 

- The rest of us just live here 

- Party Games 

- The Girl at Midnight 

- The Language of Stars 

- The Fire Wish/ The Blind Wish 

- Cruel Beauty 

- Crimson Bound 

- Young Scrooge 

- King - T.M Frazier 

- After we Fall - Melanie Frazier 

Plus I think I only have 1 or 2 for TDC - nothing up my alley lately.

December is busy with work, and now I only have 2 weeks at Christmas because the strike pushed the classes a week (though we get a week in January randomly between semesters) 

Hubby and I are trying to get away at Christmas - it's also our anniversary that week but with the new car this past Fall, who knows what will happen. My brother finally brought a girl home again so now christmas family time is getting more complicated. sigh. 

I already have another story idea in my head for my next book ; plus i had 2 on the go before i started my NaNo one so i got LOTS of writing I can do too. finally got a new laptop from black friday sales and its so comfy to type on it :) i'm in love -- though it's a chromebook so it's only good is you have internet. stupid technology.  

My grandma asked me to crochet her a blanket (last year) and im SUPER behind on it so I need to rush that too this month. ugh. 


alrighty, off to the books (and the yarn!) 


Did you do NaNo? 
How was it? 
Tell me in the comments! 

Review: Shattered Memories (Mirror Sisters 3)

 Shattered Memories
 The Mirror Sisters - Book 3
 V.C Andrews


The anticipated finale of this intriguing series finally came to a close... yet it opened more doors for us readers.  SPOILER ALERT if you have not read the book(s) yet.


Kaylee is dealing with her recovery. Haylee is locked away being treated for her issues (they aren't exactly stated in the book so I won't label them)

The book is told only from Kaylee's perspective, which was slightly disappointing. The unique hook of book two, Broken Glass, was seeing the events from both sisters. Going back to only one POV was not as exciting - even if our beloved author had only added one chapter, or a diary entry at the end as the epilogue. Many of us I'm sure would have loved to get into Haylee's psyche while she was in the ward and being treated.

The story itself was a faster pace than the two before it. We move on from the back and forth of the sister drama and Kaylee beings to take on a life of her own. She moves to a private school where she finds her own friends and even a love interest.

Side note: As much as I love this franchise, the recycled names have GOT TO GO! If he can come up with names like Mayfair and Jocasta, then there is no need for another Clara- name but I digress!

Speaking of Mayfair, this past summer us readers were given a tease into her world in the form of the school she is sent to. Corliss and Donna were released as back-stories to two other girls attending Spindrift school.  The school that Kaylee attends has a Spindrift vibe to it. The people she meets there, while not sent there for their high IQs but for their intriguing and possibly troubled back-story, give a sense that there is more to the place than meets the eye (no pun intended). Unfortunately, we never get into it much as this story's focus is still Kaylee.

Will we see more spin-off series happening? I for one am curious about Kaylee's roommate, Claudia. There is something going on there that seems very juicy (as oppose to Troy's back-story that just seemed forced and unnecessary as it went nowhere)


Overall, it was the best of the three and it had it's moments of excitement and resolution. That ending is one for the books - okay, maybe that pun was intended - but I wish it was more flushed out.
I hope that this tip to the classic vibe is a sign of good things to come.  3.5 stars.

 

OooOoo, October

This month was both slow and fast. 
How that works, I have no idea. 
It felt slow, for the most part but now that it's ending I am wondering where it went.

Oh yeah, it went to prepping for NaNoWriMo and reading.

Right.


  

I was happily surprised with how much I read this month (considering how slow September went)

- let me be your hope by l. stewart
- the beginning of everything
- fahrenheit 451 

- yes, my accent is real 

- art of wishing 

- scandalous by l.j shen 

- eliza and her monsters 

- tiger lily by a. duncan

- the halloween tree 

- chronicles of narnia: magician's nephew,
- narnia: the lion, the witch and the wardrobe 

- never ever 

plus 5 books for TDC Book Reviews so overall, not a bad month.
As I'm writing this, I'm half way through Narnia: the horse and his boy

that's 17.5 for the month :)

which puts my total at 167.5/200 for the year !

ps. book covers need to tell me if they are part of a series! 

I have a TBR of 10 books for my personal side
and I think 3-5 booked for TDC


If you haven't seen yet, I am doing NaNoWriMo this year which means I'll be writing most of the month.

50, 000 words is crazy town! but fingers crossed I get something accomplished
I'm happy I am a fast reader and I can get all my books in too - I really want to make my goal this year! I was 9 short last year *grumbles*

I still am participating in bookstagram challenges on IG so come check out the pretty shelves! I think I am going to change my theme a little bit for November.

Besides working when the work becomes available, not much has been going on. The college I work at has been on strike for the past 2 weeks, so I have been able to get a lot done (although i've been sick this past week so let's be honest here...) 

Unfortunately we don't expect the strike to go much longer - which, i mean, that's good because I need to go back to work but I do like having free time y'know - so I will try and get a lot done this week knowing I need to value the time I have in my office. Plus, it's still decent weather outside and the dog needs walks to build up her coat so I don't have to vacuum as much.  

oh, 

we bought a new car. Hello, anxiety.
This is not a fun thing to do. Do not adult!

 but our old one was becoming a money pit and with the amount of driving I do for work, it was time *sobs*
we upgraded from an '08 civic to a '17 tuscon
hello space. and it's so fancy with all the buttons.

but I do miss the comfort of my honda.
this new one has bum warmers though. and I live in Canada. so... I'm adapting quickly ;) 

Guess that's it for this month. If i survive NaNo, I will see you all in 30 days!

- A 

My first time with #preptober

I made the crazy decision back in the summer to do NaNoWriMo for the first time. ever.

Why? I have no idea.
I have no writer friends (unless you count the people I talk to on twitter)
and I never considered myself a "writer" even though I used to write when I was in high school...

I don't actually think I can do 50, 000 words in a month
but I'm willing to give it a shot.

My personal goal is more 30k but I am still aiming for 50k.

So, since this is my first time doing this, over September and October I was doing some research into what exactly dong NaNo means...

and I learned that October is "preptober" since it's a month of prep.

Welcome to youtube where I found countless videos of tips and tricks on how to stay organized throughout the month of November, which is when NaNoWriMo actually happens.

Plus, via twitter I followed some tags that helped me see what was going on in the writing world as well.

I am a mix of both a planner and a pantser - so, I am a "plantser" ; Meaning, I do prep but not overly and I "fly by the seat of my pants" for most of the story.

I know how I want to start, I know a few plot points, and I know my end goal.

I've been more focused on world building and the character descriptions more so than storyline while it's still "prep time" since that's just how my brain works, and so far so good. My notes are all over the place though. It will be at least a duology.

My word tracker is on the wall though, as is my monthly schedule because work is still going nuts and if I can see that I have work, I am hoping that I don't procrastinate too much.

I keep coming back to the same type of story when I think of new ideas so I am hoping that by getting this idea out of my head that I can move on to other story ideas.


For those interested, my NaNo name is Skrzy - it's a nickname based on my maiden name. Feel free to come find me and buddy up :) I could use some friends! 

• The story is fantasy, but it starts in our world and ends up in a distant one. The world we travel to will be elemental and will have a heavy emphasis on the 4 elements and the astrological signs (means I am doing a lot of research on these - well, mainly the ones my characters fall under) 
• I am not putting a love triangle in it. 
• My main character is different than everyone else, but I am not calling it a disability because I don't see it as that (and neither does he. Those around him do and he will deal with that) 
• Protag - Ravenclaw / His best friend - Slytherin / His love interest - Hufflepuff 

So this should be fun! 

I am freaking out but hubby knows whatsup and he promised to let me do my thing. His exact words were "So... I guess I'll see you in December then. Between reading, work and now writing, when will I ever see you?" but I promised to take my book into the living room to hang.  Plus, break times mean doggy walks so I stretch. 


I do wish I drank my coffee black because then I could steal the coffee machine for my office ... however! I did get a fancy wall sticker (that was posted on twitter) and a new coffee mug that I am sure will end up in a post eventually so no complaints

yet.


I am anxious to start. I keep wanting to but nooo, 2 more days!
Part of me feels like I am going to crash half way through and I am trying to come up with a motivational list to keep me going.

If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them :)


Good luck to everyone participating; we got this!



Pinterest-found inspo for my protag's best friend: 
(pinterest needs sub-boards!)

  

*OG post: https://iquoter.deviantart.com/art/alfa-429179496
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/376191375117632610/

my favourite books turned movies

So, if you have ever talked to me, or ask someone who has talked to me about my opinion on books-turned-movies you'll get a resounding "Alex hates them"

and I do, overall.

I usually boycott.

Us readers know that the book is always better. The details, the character descriptions, the subtle actions that lead to the fanfics we all love... *happy sigh*

However, there are a few movies based on books that I actually don't mind (but I am picky with which version) and so let's begin!

Keep in mind, I am not going to go too in depth with my reasoning. I know it's a great honour to have a book adapted into T.V or movie but overall, they aren't my thing.



Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte


"I cannot live without my life, I cannot live without my soul"

Cathy and Heathcliff are OTP for me, for sure.
I've read the long version back in grade 12 for an essay, but somehow lost that throughout the years and now have a condensed version. 

and I think my mom has every movie version made (or close enough)

but the only version I like watching is the 1992 one with Ralph Finnes as Heathcliff (he also plays Voldy for those who are wondering)

The actress for Cathy does an amazing job at being whiny and naive. The movie itself is quick and easy, but it has that creep factor with the moors and the brooding Mr Heathcliff who just can't get enough of his step sister. It also covers enough of the book to get a full picture. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte


Other oldie, but so many versions have been made of this one too and man, am I picky. My mother collects all the versions of this one too but my favourite has always been the 1996 one.

It was the first one I watched, and I fell in love.
Bertha scares me in this one though.

Jane just works for me. Her plainness is what makes the movie, and how she wins over Mr. Rochester is just swoon worthy.

  

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Now, I know many people love the one with Susan Sarandon as Marmee.
but I personally cannot stand that one.
None of the actors match the characters for me.

My favourite is the 1949 version.
The characters match my mental image of the girls perfectly and it was one of those movies I had (have) on repeat when I need a good comfort movie.

  

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

There are so many versions of this story and most of them human but every year, on either Christmas eve or Day (depending how busy I am) I watch the Mickey Mouse version.

1. because I love anything Disney
2. because it's cute
3. because the human versions are boring

 

Moving on from the "classics" !


Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I read this book in high school for an assignment and fell in love with it.
Since then, I've read it countless times.
When the movie came out, I was counting down.

Now, when I finally saw it, I was a little disappointed that they added the love interest in the beginning. WHAT FOR?! This kid is trying to find himself but no, we have to add a love interest because "movies". Give me a break.

Overall, I had very little issue with this movie. I thought it was masterfully done and stunning to watch.
The book has such an interesting format that you lose some of that, clearly, but still a repeat-worthy watch.

I cry. Every time.


  

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

Now, I admit I didn't know this was a book until I was older and paid attention to the opening credits.


This used to be on T.V every year in October, and I would plan my life around it. Now I have a copy and can watch it anytime I want.

however, in my latest bookhaul I GOT THE BOOK! and read it.
and which I was surprised that they changed some of the characters, the rest of it was pretty spot on to the movie. Which made me happy.

If you haven't heard of this one, the Tree is the keeper of spirits. A bunch of kids try to save their friend who's pumpkin is on the tree (and the light is about to go out). They travel through space and time, learning about the meaning of Halloween and friendship. It's lovely.

and every year, on halloween, I watch it. I will even wake up early or stay up late, to do so. Tradition! 

   

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Pretty sure I watched the movie first, but I eventually read the book. and I love both of them.

This story is heartbreaking yet beautiful at the same time.
Sigh.
Might be time for a reread.

It's definitely a "Gilmore" movie - meaning, I need snacks and a blanket and a box of kleenex. Probably home alone or with a friend and the lights are off so we can cry without judgement.


 

Riding the Bus with My Sister by Rachel Simon

This movie I heard about from Gilmore Girls and I checked it out. Amazing.
I eventually found the book and wasn't as captivated by it.
One of the few times in my life where I prefer the movie to the book (which I lent to my boss and haven't got back yet. Hmm, note to self: follow up on that)

It's based on a true story and the insight that we get from Rachel on her sister, Beth, is raw but beautiful.

We see a natural change of character over time and the reader/watcher can't help but fall in love with both of them.

 

The Chronicles of Naria by C.S. Lewis

Now, I know that the movies are incomplete. and I know that they added stuff for the sake of "movies" for no reason.

But I love them.

I finally started reading the books (for the first time! better late than never though) and I am already noticing differences

but I don't care.

These movies are great background movies, or as a marathon. 

I don't feel the need to try Turkish Delight though... 

 

 Interview with a Vampire


Growing up, I watched this movie constantly.
but it was on VHS
and while I still have the tape, I don't have the VHS machine anymore so... oh well.

However, when I read the book, it kept putting me to sleep.
I am just not a fan of Rice's writing.

but the movie is fantastic.

Now I heard rumor that they are doing a remake? I hope not! Leave the good stuff alone (go remake Eragon, you crazy movie makers!!)


 

Now, being a Potterhead and proud, my last books-turned-movies that I love to watch are the Harry Potter movies.

While they grossly under-represent the books, they are still good to watch on their own and do a marathon with.

or just throw on a random one (which usually has you putting on the next one, because comm'on now)

Just don't compare books to movies because then all is lost.

My favourite one is Half Blood Prince (except I never understood again, why the love interest?! and 2) why burn down the Burrow?) but it's my favourite of the books too.


 

Did I miss your favourite?
Tell me in the comments!

Review: Eliza and her Monsters

 Eliza and Her Monsters
 Francesca Zappia


An amazing story that brings the reader into a story within a story.

Eliza is LadyConstellation.
The creator of the online comic Monstrous Sea.
With her identity a secret, Eliza finds it easy to focus on her story and have her real life separate. Not that her real life has much in it these days; her parents and siblings don't pay much attention to her, she keeps to herself at school, and she has her two best friends online which keep her grounded. What else could she ask for?

When new boy in school finds out she draws "fan art" for MS, and she finds out he writes fanfiction, the grow into a friendship (which quickly grows into more) but Wallace has his own secrets that he has been keeping ...

... and secrets have a way of coming out eventually.

An amazing story that was so powerful and so easy to find connections with. The characters are richer than we see at first glance and as we get deeper into the story, we get deeper into their psyche.

The writing, the dual story, the pages with the comic drawings on it just add that much more to the overall story. It makes readers want to find Monstrous Sea and follow this story from beginning to end.

This one quickly found it's way up on my favourites list and will be on the reread list for years to come!

 

September is done?!

September went by too fast! I was not impressed.

It also was melting-temperatures until that last week, where overnight it dropped to "Fall" temperatures. Hubby's in bliss, I am not.

Started back to full-time work this month (which was nice for paying bills and stuff) but I'm so tired and it's daily I have at least 1 class, plus community work, so my schedule is all over the place!


 

I didn't think I'd finish my TBR but I *just* managed to squeeze 'em all in
 The list included:

- The Thousandth Floor
- Half Bad/ Wild / Lost
- Blue Lily, Lily Blue
- Love and Gelato
- Beauty's Release

Also read 6 for TDC Book Reviews

which puts me at 150/200 for the year!
50 books left to reach my goal and my fingers are crossed

It's a pain to remember to post reviews to GoodReads but a few on are there

- I finally started Empire of Storms and then onto Tower of Dawn
- Shattered memories, VC Andrews
- Eliza and her Monsters
- Yes, my accent is real
-Never Ever
- The Art of Wishing
- the Theory of everything

(The Raven King was supposed to be on here but the PB isn't coming out til January now so PFT! my ocd won't let me get the hardcover)

and so far I have 5 booked for TDC.
plus I have a big bookhaul planned!

Nothing really is going on, outside of working like crazy. I'm getting back into my writing and am doing NaNoWriMo in November so October will be full of prep! (p.s if you're a writer, go check out Scribe-Kit - fantastic box of goodies for writer inspo!)

We're planning a getaway at Christmas, which would be nice, but we have no idea where. With all the hurricanes etc that have been hitting the southern states we are going to see how they are healing before we make any plans. We might just escape to a cottage of some kind when I have 3 weeks off of college-work.

I need to read 17 books/month to reach my goal so I'm going to go get my reading on!

Check out my insta @inafieldofbooks to see my challenges and current reads!

Review: Blue Lily, Lily Blue

 Blue Lily, Lily Blue
 Raven Cycle - Book 3
 Maggie Stiefvater


It's been a while since I read book 2, and jumping into this one was a bit awkward in the beginning - but I quickly picked up on what was going on (There's really only one goal on these boys' minds ... well, depending which boy)

Anyways!

So, the gang is still looking for their King.
but with Blue's mother missing
and prophecies dictating everyone's actions
and mysterious people hanging around
and Cave searching
and a screaming, tall man

there is a lot to keep track of.

p.s I hated the chapters of the dude and his wife. they were just annoying.

This one so far is my favourite. We get a lot more emotion from this point in the story, and we are getting closer to the end so the build up is getting heavy.

There are 3 beings; 2 need to be woken, 1 should not be.
Who are they, and who should do the waking? and how do we find them?
them's the questions aren't they.
It's rather a crazy journey we go on in this one but worth every page!

p.p.s I love Adam.

I wish I paid more attention - I've been waiting for the raven king to come into paperback so my series can match. and it was supposed to be this month. and now the store is saying January. which is just rude. i waited to read BLLB thinking I could finish the series but NOPE.

However, if you have this series or have been thinking about picking it up - do it! It's amazing and these characters are so richly written with incredible things happening to them...  you just fall in love with everything.

Review: Half Wild (book 2)

 Half Wild
 Half Bad - Book 2
 Sally Green



Continuing from where we left off in Half Bad, Nathan continues to be on the run from the Hunters.

Now that he has received his gifts, and knows his powers, he is struggling to control them.
With Mercury holding Annalise captive, he knows he must save her.
Even if Gabriel doesn't trust her.

When Marcus is asked to join the team against the Council everyone except Nathan is on edge. His father is finally around.
This is a calming effect but when things begin to go amok, Nathan begins to question everything he knows and everything he is.


A rush of excitement on every page, this series is a wild ride (no pun intended. well, maybe a little) as Nathan races against time and fate to save the girl he loves, prove himself to everyone - including himself - and see if he can figure out his half selves.

I really liked this one, but for some reason the second installments of series always take me forever to finish. I don't know what it is.

It was busy, there were a lot of new characters, and a lot of gore (could've been worse considering) but as a series, I am loving it so far.

onto book 3!

Review: Half Bad (Half Bad book 1)

 Half Bad
 Half Bad - Book 1
 Sally Green


A world divided between good and evil; White Witches and Black Witches.

When a child is born of mixed White and Black, the world is set against him. Even his own family members.

When Nathan is taken away from his home and put into the care of a woman controlled by those who sit in power, he knows he must get out. He keeps a routine inside his head in order to maintain sanity.

but the cage is unforgiving.

When his captors are no more, he is by himself in a world where he stands out like Black on White (haha, see what I did there?) His only chance at survival lies in the hand of another woman, Mercury, who's payment for help is the same as everyone else's:

Kill your father, Nathan.


An amazing opening at an in-depth, powerful story. Nathan, his history, these characters and the surroundings are all written so rich and with such detail that you can't help but fall in love with all of it. I wish we got a little bit more of the "magic" aspect of it, but it's only book one so I'm hopeful for what's to come.

I also can't get over the writing style; so unique and so bluntly written that I am in awe and love every bit of it. If you love sarcastic and sassy, grab this series.  The sneak peak at book two Half Wild leads me to see more uniqueness coming through and I cannot wait!


  

Review: The Thousandth Floor

The Thousandth Floor 

Katharine McGee 

I was intrigued with the cover on this one, and the multi-POV story line (which I love, if you haven't noticed yet)

but the more I got into it, the more annoyed I got.
I am not one for "Pretty little liars" and story lines like that and that is pretty much what I got.

I was expecting more from some of the plot points (like Atlas') ... but this is still book 1 so maybe book 2 will be better.


We have a group of a friends (and a few misfits who fall in) who all live in this 1,000 floor Tower in New York

The year is 2118.

Avery, and her adopted brother Atlas, live at the very top.
As you go further down the tower, life gets less luxurious. 

The Tower has everything - shops, spas, hotels - and as long as you have the money, you have free reign to go where you please.

When a girls family is torn apart by secrets, she tries to keep up appearances.

When a boy is asked to spy on the group, he finds himself on a higher floor than he's used to. 

When a girl is in need of some extra cash, she finds herself falling in love with someone who could hurt her.

When a girl finds out a secret, or two, her addiction has her struggling to survive.


Overlapping stories keep you intrigued but only so far.
It ends on a high note (small pun intended) and we are left with a bitter taste of vengeance from an outsider.

like the cover says, the higher you are - the farther you fall. 

I liked it, overall, but I wasn't crazy about it. There are some stories I am more interested in others - just like anyone would be - and I will be picking up book 2 to see what happens and how the secrets come to pass so the author did her job in getting my attention. 

Would I recommend it? Only if you like high-school drama stories.


 

Review: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass 5)

Queen of Shadows
Throne of Glass - Book 5
Sarah J Maas


I remember how anxious I was to get my hands on this .. and when I finally got it, it sat on my shelf for a year haha (what else is new) but with Tower of Dawn out now, I need to get this series finished!

Also, considering it's been a year since I read Heir of Fire, I jumped into this one with very little remembrance of what was going on. 

But it didn't take long for me to clue in... although half way through I did look up my review of HoF because I could not remember some things. oops. 


Aelin is back in Rifthold to settle her debts. 
Of vengence. 

With demons possessions and a kingdom about to crumble, Aelin and her Court, with Chaol and his group of rebels, are trying to save their city while destroying it at the same time. 

Every step is being watched. 
Every step is calculated.  
Trust no one... until there is no one left. 

Manon Blackbeak and her 13 are ruthless.  
They are witches and killers and show no mercy... except to a small, shackled handmaiden who has a secret. 



I could barely put this one down. Falling back into this world was easy. Maas' world is full of magic, of heartbreak, and it keeps you on your toes the whole time. This one is action packed, while touching on remembrance, and the bonds of family and friendship.

Plus we see Aelin come into her own more.
With the help of Rowan, of course, but even on her own - she knows what she must do and while she is petrified, she knows her strength.

That ending will have you reaching for Empire of Shadows before QoS is even fully closed.

Powerful,with an insane cliffhanger, I cannot wait to see what happens next!


 

Review: Strange the Dreamer

Strange the Dreamer
Laini Taylor


To be honest, this was a bandwagon buy.
The cover is gorgeous (all of them)
and everyone was raving about it

so I bought it.

I didn't even read what it was about ...
which explains why I had no idea what was going on as I started reading it.
Fell in love with this man pretty quick though haha - Hello, bookhusband #237905732
I ... am still unsure how I feel about it. It was good, but that ending was odd.
It did keep me hooked enough to read it in one sitting so that's something. 


Lazlo strange is just that, strange. A dreamer, with his head in the books as he lives and breathes the ancient library's texts day in and out. An orphan boy saved as a child.

When Lazlo Strange has the chance to join an expedition to go to the city of Weep  (who's real name has been forgotten) he knows it's now or never. 
We then see the story from these Children of Gods.  Living in an a city unseen, found again. 
The 5 children that were saved from "the carnage" have 1 rule: leave no sign of existing. 
Each child has their own gift that they use to sustain themselves and the city of Weep that exists below them. 

When one of the children and Lazlo meet, in the most unexpected way, they discover they both have a purpose in life, and it just may be each other.  



The writing will have you locked in from page one, for sure.  I waited so long to read this and I'm kicking myself for it ; absolutely amazing (but again, that ending threw me off). There are beautiful passages all over the place, and these rich characters and back-stories that have you wanting to take these children into your arms and protect them from harm. 


BUT!
ITS NOT THE END!
which annoys me even more.

People, put "book 1" or "A *name of series* book" on your covers SO I KNOW to expect a cliffhanger! jeeze. 


so I am torn on this one; no fangirl flail over here ... but I am intrigued enough to read the next one. 

"The universe was endless, and love had it's own logic"