WWW Wednesday – August 30th, 2017

Welcome to WWW Wednesday which is currently being hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. It’s really just a place to do little update on what all you’ve been reading lately. Anyone is welcome to join, just leave a link to your post in the comments and be sure to give the appropriate credit to Sam!

The Three W’s are:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

  • Heartless by Marissa Meyer
  • Parker by Jillian Quinn
  • Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) Leigh Bardugo

Still going through a bit of a reading slump, but I did read over 100 pages in Heartless last night and can’t wait for my lunch break to get back into it. I’ve kind of put aside Crooked Kingdom at the moment because I’m pretty sure it’s what put me into the slump in the first place. Uh oh, controversial opinion time!… It’s boring. Sorry to everyone who is just obsessed with this book but I’m not particularly enjoying it at the moment.

What did you recently finish reading?

Nothing….. yet again.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • American Fire by Monica Hesse
  • Hunted by Meagan Spooner

Going to dive into some non-fiction with American Fire next. It’s been a while since I’ve read any and this book sounds so intriguing. I’ve been terrible about reading the books I’ve received from Book of the Month Club, so this will be my push to finally get into those. Due to my reading slump, I didn’t read either Hype or Like Friday August BOTM choices and so I’m going to finish the second one. Fingers crossed!


What are you currently reading? Have you finished any good books lately? How do you get out of reading slumps? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!

Hype or Like Friday – Never Satisfied

This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The August BOTMs are Heartless by Marissa Meyer and/or Hunted by Meagan Spooner.

RULES:

  • Answer the weekly discussion topic.
  • Optional: Discuss your chosen hyped book of the week.
  • Optional: Talk about your progress on the BOTM.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Never Satisfied… Which fairy tales would you like to see more retellings of?


1. Beauty and the Beast

I honestly don’t think I will ever tire of this fairy tale retelling. It might help that it’s my all-time favorite Disney classic or it could be that the retellings that have been done recently have just all been so good. Keep them coming!

2. The Snow Queen

I think this one has fallen to the wayside when it comes to popular retellings. I think this one could be really interesting if done correctly. Who wants to try?

3. 1,001 Nights

I would really appreciate if we could get some more Aladdin stories. I’m actually really surprised that it hasn’t had more retellings than it has. I do have The Forbidden Wish on my TBR shelf though and I’ve heard great things!

4. King Arthur

I mean, this counts as a fairy tale, right? I think so. Which is why I need to see some YA stories on this beloved tale. I honestly can’t name one retelling of this story, which is really sad. I’m a sucker for some good medieval stories.

5. Robin Hood

Does this count as a fairy tale? It doesn’t? Well I don’t care, because it’s not been proven to be true yet so I consider that a fairy tale (minus the fairies, obviously). Can you imagine a retelling where Robin Hood was a girl and she was kicking ass all over England with her band of female thieves? Now that’s a story I think that we all deserve to read.


What are some stories that you would like to see more retellings of? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below.

WWW Wednesday – August 16th, 2017

Welcome to WWW Wednesday which is currently being hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. It’s really just a place to do little update on what all you’ve been reading lately. Anyone is welcome to join, just leave a link to your post in the comments and be sure to give the appropriate credit to Sam!

The Three W’s are:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

 

  • Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) by Leigh Bardugo
  • Parker by Jillian Quinn

I’ve barely read any since last Friday. I had a busy weekend with family in town and then had a migraine all day yesterday. I do hope to get back to reading tonight though, so fingers crossed that that works out. I worry that I’m still in a bit of slump…. **GASP!**

What did you recently finish reading?

Six-of-Crows

Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) by Leigh Bardugo

After a slow start, this one really picked up and I loved how it ended. I will admit that I’m still not as obsessed with Kaz and Inej like everyone else is. I will forever and always ship Matthias and Nina! Those two kill me and I love how she just teases him constantly. But Nina is my favorite Dreg anyways. We would be best friends, I can tell.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
  • Heartless by Marissa Meyer – Hyper or Like Friday August BOTM

Hopefully I can get out of this mini-reading slump and finish up my Tome Topple TBR and move on to the BOTM for this month for Hype or Like Friday. August always seems to be a slow reading time for me and I never know why. Maybe I’m just gearing up for the fall? Wishful thinking?


What are you currently reading? Have you finished any good books lately? Do you find yourself having a slow reading month in August?

Hype or Like Friday – Wait, I’m Not Evil!

This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The August BOTMs are Heartless by Marissa Meyer and/or Hunted by Meagan Spooner.

RULES:

  • Answer the weekly discussion topic.
  • Optional: Discuss your chosen hyped book of the week.
  • Optional: Talk about your progress on the BOTM.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Wait, I’m Not Evil!.. What are some of your favorite fairytale villains?


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1. Ursula

Come on now, you know that her sass and attitude is something that we all strive to have. Did she steal Ariel’s voice? Well yeah, she did. But we can at least thank her for giving us some funny scenes due to miscommunication! And you know what they say – confidence is key!

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2. Gaston

Yes, he’s a big fat butthead. But let’s be honest, he’s such an idiot that you can’t help but love to hate him. He’s French but doesn’t know what je ne sais quoi means? That’s freaking hilarious, y’all!

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3. Iago

I mean, technically he’s not the main villain in Aladdin, but he’s the evil sidekick so that’s close enough. I just crack up over his one-liners. This bird can dish out some serious sarcasm. Keep doing you, Iago.

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4. Loki

I know he’s a mythical character and not a fairytale villain, but this is my post so I do what I want! Haha! Loki is more like neutral chaos and I love that he just starts stuff to fuck with anyone and everyone. I also can totally get behind the guy who’s the smartest and most clever person in the room.

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5. Captain Hook

ALRIGHT, FINE! I just like to look at him….


What are some of your favorite villains? Do you ever root for the bad guy? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below.

#TheReadingQuest Introduction & TBR

You’ve probably seen this new readathon/bingo around that was created by Aentee @ Read at Midnight. It looked like so much fun (plus, I love me some video games!) that I decided that I had to join! The quest will be running from Sunday, August 13th until Sunday, September 10th. You can learn more about it and sign up by clicking on Aentee’s name at the top. There are quite a few different ways to earn XP & HP to become the top character and win the grand prize, so be sure to read the entire information post!

All of the amazing artwork for this fun reading quest was created by CW @ Read, Think, Ponder. It’s just so cute and perfect!


The Quest

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My Character

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Each participant will choose one of the above characters to follow their reading quest. And the character I have chosen is….

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The Mage!!!

MAGE: As wielders of spells and witchcraft, these players will conjure and summon their way through the First Down path on the quest. Their tomes contain magic and whispers of alternate lands.

I typically play as a rogue or mage in most video games, so I thought I’d stay true to my gaming self by choosing to be a mage. It also doesn’t hurt that the mage path focuses on fantasy, my fave! And yes, I was too lazy to make my character profile. It happens, you know?

My TBR

  • A book with a one word title – Hunted by Meagan Spooner
  • A book set in a different world – Heartless by Marissa Meyer
  • A book that contains magic – Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) by Leigh Bardugo
  • A book based on mythology – The Last Days of Magic by Mark Tompkins
  • The first book in a series – Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King, #1) by Tricia Levenseller

As luck would have it, some of the books that I had already planned to read this month, were able to count towards the reading quest. I may have to change up the rest of my TBR but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I do that anyways usually, haha!

Can’t wait to get started on this fun quest!


Are you participating in #thereadingquest? Which path did you decide to follow? What books are on your TBR?

WWW Wednesday – August 9th, 2017

Welcome to WWW Wednesday which is currently being hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. It’s really just a place to do little update on what all you’ve been reading lately. Anyone is welcome to join, just leave a link to your post in the comments and be sure to give the appropriate credit to Sam!

The Three W’s are:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

  • Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) by Leigh Bardugo
  • Parker by Jillian Quinn

I’ll be honest and admit that I haven’t picked up Parker in a couple of weeks. It’s unfortunately it’s been pushed to the wayside, but I hope to pick it back up in the next few days. I’m finally over halfway through Six of Crows and really getting into it now. It did take a while to get into and so I was a little afraid that the hype might have been too much for me. Luckily, things are starting to get interesting so there’s still hope!

What did you recently finish reading?

I haven’t finished any books in the last week because I was taking a bit of a reading break/slump. But I think I’m finally coming out of it. WOOHOO!

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) by Leigh Bardugo
  • Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

Hopefully by Friday I’ll be able to finally start on my Tome Topple Readathon TBR. I’ve heard great things about both books so I cannot wait to get to them!


What books are you currently reading? Have you finished any good books this past week? What’s up next on your TBR?

Recommendations Series #4: Fantasy

And here’s the moment you have all been waiting for… FANTASY! As my good friends, the Czech, would say – “I do not have the fantasy.” Inside joke from my time in the Czech Republic, I’m sorry that doesn’t make any sense to anyone but I just had to add it, haha! (Also, dobry den to any of my Czech readers!!!). And now, here I am to give you all the fantasy!

And if you’re like, but what about ACOTAR? Harry Potter? ToG? LoTR? Well, I couldn’t be too obvious and include series that are so well-known. I figured that would kind of defeat the purpose of the post.


The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon

Can I just say how awesome this series is? Because it’s so awesome. If you like complicated and intense magical systems, then you’ll love this series. Shannon put a lot of thought into it and it’s just so unique from most fantasy novels. Also, Warden is basically a mixture of moody/intense Rowan Whitethorn and the public facade of Rhysand. Yes, you did read that right.

Monsters of Verity Duology by Victoria Schwab

Okay, I just read this duology last month and haven’t stop thinking about it since. This fantasy is dark and twisted, but leaves you with some very interesting philosophical thoughts. Or, at least it did for me. I can always appreciate how she is able to create such complex characters.

All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

This is an adult paranormal fantasy that actually gets fairly scientific in some parts. You can tell that Harkness is a real professor, which really adds something extra to the overall story. I will say that the second book is my favorite of the three, which I know isn’t typical when it comes to series. Also, there is a bit of a trigger warning when it comes to the relationship as it is portrayed with a possessive male.

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Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

Now this recommendation is really interesting as it’s kind of a mix of genres – steampunk, fantasy, alternate history, mystery, and western. Basically this book is just a fun story. And if the main character, Westie, doesn’t make you laugh-out-loud and want to pick up a pair of six shooters to join her on her crusade for revenge, then I shall be very surprised. She might be my favorite character so far of 2017.

The Remnant Chronicles Trilogy by Mary E. Pearson

I will admit that the first book took me a while to get into, but this is definitely one of those series that just gets stronger with each book. I would be lying if I said this series didn’t blow me away, because it really did. I love the fact that Pearson gave us such a strong and independent female lead. If you’re looking for a new heroine along the lines of Wonder Woman, I think you’ll find Lia could be your girl.

An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir

I wasn’t as blown away by the first book as some people were, but I will say that the sequel was amazing. I love how all of the characters are so different and the multiple points of view really play off of each other well. It’s awesome to see such a complete view of story from different sides. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I think you’re really missing out.

Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks

If you like grim, heavy, and intense adult fantasy, then look no further than this trilogy from one of the kings of fantasy, Brent Weeks. Don’t expect to fall in love with any of these characters, as Weeks doesn’t create good people. In fact, you’ll probably really dislike them for their attitudes or the choices they make. But that’s what makes it so much fun!

The Young Elites Trilogy by Marie Lu

I really struggled with whether or not I wanted to include this one. On the one hand, I really loved the overall story, but on the other, I absolutely hated the finale. However, I do think that this is one of those series that I still want everyone to read. I think my opinion on the final book is actually in very small minority, actually it might just be a minority of one this time. Haha! If you’re into really twisted and morally ambiguous characters, this will be right up your alley.

The Witchlands Series by Susan Dennard

I put off starting this series for over a year because after all of the incredibly mixed reviews on the first book, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pick it up. But luckily, I did and I loved it! Yes, it can be a bit confusing in the beginning but I was able to finally piece together the magic system as time went on. Also, the main characters are all so amazing and I just want them to live happily ever after, alright?!

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The Splintered Trilogy by A.G. Howard

First off, let me state that I do not like Jeb whatsoever and I am #TeamMorpheus to the very end. But seriously, who doesn’t appreciate a great dark retelling of their favorite fairytales, like Alice in Wonderland? Because I sure as hell do! And trust me, this one can be as dark and twisted as they come. And I’m so here for it.


What are some fantasy books that you would recommend? Have you read any of the books on this list? If so, what did you think of it?

August TBR: Where I Try Way Too Hard

Well it’s that time of the month again… And by that, I mean that a new month is starting which means a whole new monthly TBR! Obviously. I’m a little late getting out my TBR this month but I’ve just been really busy between work and all that jazz to sit down and formulate what my reading plans were for August. I was also in a bit of a mini reading slump this past week which affected my blogging plans. But I’m finally here, right?! So let’s get to it!


August Tome Topple Readathon TBR & Announcement

Yes, I am participating again this round! I’m joining in a few days late because of my stinking reading slump which has pushed me back just a tad. However, I have full plans to catch back up and finally start on my two book picks for this round!

Tome Topple is a readathon hosted by Sam @ ThoughtsOnTomes. She’s one of my favorite booktubers, in case you don’t recognize the name. This readathon is all about reading those big books on your TBR that you’re usually too scared to grab. The only rules is that the books must be over 500 pages and cannot be an anthology of short stories. Sounds easy, right?! This readathon is running from August 4th – August 17th. You can visit the Goodreads Group to learn more about the readathon.

And the choices for my readathon TBR are….

  • Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) by Leigh Bardugo
  • Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

I’m aiming for only two books during this readathon, as I will be starting late due to the fact that I’m still reading Six of Crows at the moment. So the logical first book for the readathon should be its sequel, Crooked Kingdom. Then I want to finally pick up Lost Stars so I can check another Star Wars canon novel off of my list. I’ve also had both of these books since they were published, so you know, just a little behind on reading them. OOPS!

August TBR

  • Hunted by Meagan Spooner
  • Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) by Leigh Bardugo – currently reading
  • A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
  • Heartless by Marissa Meyer
  • Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
  • Fuse (Pure, #2) by Julianna Baggott
  • American Fire by Monica Hesse
  • The Child Thief by Brom
  • The Mysterious Benedict Society (The Mysterious Benedict Society, #1) by Trenton Lee Stewart

I think I might be a little ambitious with my TBR for this month, especially after not really reading at all during the first week. However, if I can even get through half of these books then I will be satisfied. I think I have a really good mix of genres this month, which should help keep me from getting too bored. At least I hope so.


What books are on your TBR for this month? Are you participating in Tome Topple? If so, what books did you choose to pick up for it?

Hype or Like Friday – A Modern Spin

This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The August BOTMs are Heartless by Marissa Meyer and/or Hunted by Meagan Spooner.

RULES:

  • Answer the weekly discussion topic.
  • Optional: Discuss your chosen hyped book of the week.
  • Optional: Talk about your progress on the BOTM.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: A Modern Spin… What are some of your favorite retellings?


  • The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore – Romeo & Juliet, REVIEW
  • Helen of Troy by Margaret George – Trojan War
  • Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige – Wizard of Oz
  • The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – Trojan War, REVIEW
  • Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen – Peter Pan, REVIEW
  • Asleep by Krystal Wade – Sleeping Beauty, REVIEW
  • A Million Junes by Emily Henry – Romeo & Juliet, REVIEW
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas – Beauty and the Beast, REVIEW

What are some of your favorite retellings? What do you look for in retellings – darker story, modern setting, etc.? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

July Wrap-Up: Reviews, Reading Challenges, etc.

Another great reading month! Here’s hoping that that trend continues through for the rest of the year!


Books Read

  • Bone Gap by Laura Ruby – 2/5 stars, audiobook
  • A Million Junes by Emily Henry – 5/5 stars, REVIEW
  • The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead – 2/5 stars, audiobook
  • This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1) by Victoria Schwab – 5/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity, #2) by Victoria Schwab – 5/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman – 3/5 stars
  • Leviathan (Leviathan, #1) by Scott Westerfeld – 4/5 stars, audiobook
  • The Wicked & The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act by Kieron Gillen – 4/5 stars, graphic novel
  • The Wicked & The Divine, Vol. 2: Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen – 4/5 stars, graphic novel
  • Starfall (Starflight, #2) by Melissa Landers – 4/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Kings Cage (Red Queen, #3) by Victoria Aveyard – 4/5 stars, REVIEW
  • The Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1) by Samantha Shannon – 5/5 stars
  • The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2) by Samantha Shannon – 5/5 stars
  • The Song Rising (The Bone Season, #3) by Samantha Shannon – 5/5 stars
  • The Winter Sea (Slains, #1) by Susanna Kearsley – 3/5 stars, audiobook

I cannot believe I was able to read/listen to this many books this month. It truly baffles my mind, haha! I’m also having a whole lot of trouble deciding on what else to say right now because I’m kind of starving and all I can think about is food. Y’all, I’M SO HUNGRY!

Total Books Read: 15

Overall in 2017: 52

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

  • A Book That Takes Place Over a Character’s Life Span – The Underground Railroad
  • A Book Written by Someone You Admire – Norse Mythology
  • A Bestseller from 2016 – This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)
  • A Book with a Month or Day of the Week in the Title – A Million Junes
  • A Book with One of the Four Season in the Title – The Winter Sea (Slains, #1)

Beat the Backlist

  • This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)
  • Bone Gap
  • The Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1)
  • The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2)

Goodreads Challenge

  • Total: 52/100
  • Previous Total: 36/100

Blog Posts

Teaser Tuesday

WWW Wednesday

Hype or Like Friday

Discussions/Misc.


How did your reading go during July? Did you get to all of the books that you wanted to? Did you participate in any of the reading challenges?