My October TBR: Tim Burton Readathon

I wasn’t really sure if I was going to participate in another readathon after the disaster that was my attempt at the Iron-Tome-A-Thon. However, when I saw that there was a very low-key readathon revolving around Tim Burton, I knew that I had found a winner. I also liked that this one runs all of October so I don’t have to worry about trying to find a way to combine it with a regular TBR… Yep, I’m lazy that way.

This readathon is being hosted by MedusaReads on Twitter and will run from October 1st-31st. There are a few prompts to follow but no points system, so it’s as casual as you want it to be!

edfmw1qucaassrx

P.S. If you have access to the FreeForm Channel, I believe the majority of these films are on their 31 Days of Halloween lineup for this year! It makes it so much easier to watch them that way!


My TBR

Sweeney Todd – Read A Book With A Murder

46189758._SY475_

Sanctuary by V.V. James

9 – Read A Dystopian Book

18196040

The Walled City by Ryan Graudin

Nightmare Before Christmas – Read A Book Where A Character Goes From Evil To Good

41473840

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

Beetlejuice – Read A Book With A Haunted Place/Person

35297394

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Edward Scissorhands – Read A Book With An Isolated/Lonely Character

34842042

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth

Corpse Bride – Read A Book Based In Another World

29906017

Reign of the Fallen (Reign of the Fallen, #1) by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Dark Shadows – Read A Book With Black On The Cover

25843018

Devils & Thieves (Devils & Thieves, #1) by Jennifer Rush

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Read A Book With Purple On The Cover

32259911

First We Were IV by Alexandra Sirowy


What do you plan on reading in October? Will you be participating in any readathons? Will you join the Tim Burton readathon? Do you like reading spooky books in October?

The Iron Tome-A-Thon: Announcement & TBR

So I haven’t done a read-a-thon in probably over a year at this point. I usually participate in Tome Topple but I’ve missed the last two events due to being busy or on vacation during those times. Which is why I was just super excited when I saw a brand new read-a-thon being hosted by Aimal @ Bookshelves and Paperbacks, based around Game of Thrones and focuses on reading adult fantasy novels… I mean, how freaking cool is that?! Also, I can always appreciate fairly chill reading challenges where I don’t feel super pressured.

Details

  • Dates: July 1st through July 31st
  • Participation Rules:
    • must post an announcement/TBR post somewhere online (Twitter, Instagram, blog, etc.)
    • must link back to the original announcement post on Aimal’s blog
  • Points System and Prompts:
    • The number of pages per book will equal the amount of points you receive for completing it. Example: 330 page book will equal 330 points.
      • All graphic novels will equal 100 points each.
    • Participation in the @IronTomeAThon Twitter chat on July 28th will automatically receive 300 points.
  • Prizes: Two winners will receive a book of their choice worth less than $20 from Book Depository. There are two separate chances to win – one for just filling out the participation form and another for completing the most points winner form. Winners will be announced at the end of the first week in August to provide time to complete wrap-up posts.
  • House Options: Each participant may choose one of five Houses to represent and earn points for during the read-a-thon. One House will be announced the winner of the Iron Throne at the end of the challenge.
    • House Stark
    • House Targaryen
    • House Lannister
    • House Martell
    • House Baratheon

Reading Prompts

Please note that all reading prompts are only meant for fun and participation in them is not required for the read-a-thon. You can still win the prizes and collect points without doing a single prompt!

Castle Black

Castle Black is the main stronghold of the Night’s Watch, seat to their Lord Commander, and sits at the center of the Wall. The Night’s Watch is a military order tasked with protecting the Seven Realms from what lies beyond the Wall: old, evil supernatural forces and invading armies. The Night’s Watch’s men give up all titles, lands, honors and previous families when they join the order; their only brothers are each other, and they must rely on their own order to protect the realms of men.

You must read the group book, The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang.

Winterfell

Winterfell is the ancestral castle and home to one of the Great Houses of Westeros: House Stark. Built by Brandon the Builder with the help of giants after the Long Night, Winterfell is considered the capitol of the North and sits atop hot springs to keep it warm from the oft-brutal winters.

You must read a book set (partially or fully) in a cold environment.

King’s Landing

King’s Landing is the capitol of Westeros, located on its east coast. Built by Aegon the Conqueror 300 years prior to the events of A Song of Ice & Fire, King’s Landing is the home of the Iron Throne and the Red Keep. It is a study of contrasts: where kings and queens leisure in the castle walls, the city’s poor starve and die in the streets below. Home to the High Septon and the dragon pit, King’s Landing is wondrous and terrible at the same time.

You must read a book about or involving royalty, politics or government.

Sunspear

Sunspear is the capitol of the South, and is the seat of another of the Great Houses of Westeros: House Martell. During Aegon’s conquest, Princess Meria Martell defied the Targeryan invasion and House Martell became the only House to resist Targeryan conquest. Due to immigration from the Rhoynar, the Dornish peoples differ culturally and ethnically from the rest of Westeros.

You must read a fantasy book inspired by a non-Western setting, or read a book by an author of color or an indigenous author.

Oldtown

Old Town is one of the oldest cities in Westeros, said to be constructed by the First Men. It is home to the Citadel – a place where people all over the world come to train to be maesters: an order of healers, scholars, scientists and messengers. Oldtown is also home to the Starry Sept, which is historically the seat of the High Septon.

You must read a book about or involving an institution of knowledge or training.

Valyria

Valyria, also called Old Valyria, is a ruined city in Essos. Once home to the dragonlords, Valyaria is a long-dead city that was the capital of the Valyrian Freehold. Valyria was the center to much innovation, both good and evil – the dragonlords practiced magic that led to the development of wonders such as dragonglass and Valyrian steel, but also to abominations such as half-beast, half-human chimera borne of blood magic. It is the ancestral home of House Targaryan.

You must read a book about or involving dragons.

Asshai

Asshai is a mysterious port city located at the southernmost edge of the Shadow Lands. The buildings and streets are constructed of black, oily stone that absorb all light and make the city look dark and dreary. Despite its appearance, Asshai is a popular destination for trading ships, trading in goods such as dragonglass, gemstones, gold and amber. There are no children in Asshai and the people wear veils and masks. Bloodmagic, necromancy and all such depravities are practiced openly in Asshai – no practice is forbidden.

You must read a dark/grimdark fantasy or read an urban fantasy.


My House Targaryen TBR

  • City of Lies (Poison Wars, #1) by Sam Hawk – King’s Landing
  • The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1) by R.F. Kuang – Castle Black, Sunspear
  • Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #1) by Mark Lawrence – Oldtown
  • The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, #1) by Katherine Arden – Winterfell
  • The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – Valyria
  • Kings of the Wyld (The Band, #1) by Nicholas Eames – Asshai
  • Foundryside (Founders, #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett
  • The Savior’s Champion (The Savior’s Series, #1) by Jenna Moreci

Will you be participating in Iron Tome-A-Thon? If so, which House will you represent? Do you enjoy reading adult fiction? What are some of your favorite adult fantasy novels?

My Tome Topple Readathon: Round 6 TBR

The next round of Tome Topple has finally been announced and I’m so excited! I wasn’t able to participate the last time around but I definitely plan to this time!

If you’re unfamiliar with Tome Topple, it’s basically just a stress-free readathon that focuses only on those large books that you typically push aside due to not enough time, intimidation, or for whatever reason. The only rules for this readathon is that the books you’re reading must be at least 500 pages long. The bigger, the better! There are a few challenges that you can do to mix it up as well, but they aren’t required. If you’d like more information on this then you can visit Sam @ Thoughts on Tomes  for the official announcement.

Now on to my personal TBR for this round. I didn’t go too crazy this time around, as my reading has slowed down some this year, and I wanted to stay realistic for what I could potentially finish during the two weeks. With that being said, I really love how stress-free this readathon is so I never feel any pressure to try and rush through my books.


My Tome TBR

  • Lair of Dreams (The Diviners, #2) by Libba Bray
  • Titans by Leila Meacham
  • Renegades (Renegades, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Tome Topple came around a really good time as I had planned to try and get to Titans sometime this summer. I really wanted to focus on books that have been on my backlist this round, and all three of these books have been waiting for me to get to for a long time. I just recently finished a reread of The Diviners, so it’s perfect timing to start on the sequel. And Renegades was one of my most anticipated books last year (still can’t believe I’m just now picking it up!).

And if for some miracle I’m able to finish the above three and have time to start another, here are a few back-ups for me to choose from…

  • The Smoke Thieves (The Smoke Thieves, #1) by Sally Green
  • Middlemarch by George Eliot
  • Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6) by Sarah J. Maas

But let’s be real, I probably won’t have to even worry about trying to pick one from this group.


Do you struggle with picking up the tomes on your TBR? Are you participating in Tome Topple? If so, what books do you plan on reading? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

My Personal #24in48 Readathon and Giveaways!

Hi y’all! So as I’m sure most of you know, next weekend (January 26-28) is the official #24in48 Read-a-thon. Now I participated in the previous one last July and really enjoyed it. I think I actually completed 4 books that weekend. Yeah, for real! But unfortunately, this month’s read-a-thon falls on my birthday weekend and I will be out of town and unable to participate. However, not only is it supposed to rain this weekend here, I will also have the entire house to myself for a couple of days. Which means…

I have decided to hold my own personal #24in48 read-a-thon!

Starting tonight at 6pm CST, I will be live tweeting my read-a-thon on my Twitter account @larkinchurchill. If you follow my tweets all weekend, there will be two opportunities to win some giveaways! I will be doing a giveaway on Saturday and again on Sunday. I haven’t decided if both will be a 2018 preorder of your choice, or one will be a current release and the other a preorder. Might do a Twitter poll to determine what everyone would prefer…


I finally finished my audiobook yesterday and so now I’m currently in the middle of three physical books. My goal this weekend is to finish all three, and then hopefully finish a 4th and start a 5th. I’m behind on my January TBR and really want to catch up some during this read-a-thon!

Current Reads

  • These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly – page 141 of 488
  • The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy, #1) by S.A. Chakraborty – page 303 of 533
  • The School for Good and Evil (The School for Good and Evil, #1) by Soman Chainani – page 140 of 488

Total Pages to Read: 925

TBR

  • Into the Bright Unknown (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #3) by Rae Carson – 343 pages
  • Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View by Ben Acker – 477 pages

Total Pages to Read: 820


Please be sure to follow me on Twitter for your chance to win in the giveaways!!! Also, feel free to follow along with your own read-a-thon! Be sure to tweet me if you’re joining in on the fun so I can follow your progress and join in on some reading sprints!

Halloween Read-A-Thon Wrap-Up

Hello everyone! Today marks the end of the wonderfully fun read-a-thon that was first created by Lauren @ Wonderless Reviews. I’ve never really been one to read spooky books for Halloween or anything, so I’m really glad that I decided to switch things up this year and join in. I have to say that it actually went really well too! I did end up mixing things around a bit, but it all worked out well in the end.


haunted-house

51MM2QbUlsL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_

Can I just talk about how much I ended up loving this book? It was just so engaging and fun. I’ve already moved the sequel to my November TBR because I need to dive back into this world pronto.

costume-party

32682118

This turned out to be just a little different than what I was expecting. I found it to end up being more of a character study rather than a creepy murder mystery but I still really enjoyed it.

witching-hour1

I almost always read my books after sunset, because you know, I’ve got a full-time job and everything. So all of my books actually fit this requirement!

urban-legends

9378297

I originally planned on reading The Child Thief for this challenge but I just couldn’t get into it and rather than put myself in a reading slump, I picked up Anna Dressed in Blood instead. So glad I made that decision because I really enjoyed this one!

trick-or-treat

30237061

This was a really hyped book that I was both excited and nervous for. Luckily, it ended up being a really fun book even though the ending was a tad predictable.

all-hallows-eve

I fell a tad short of this goal due to not finishing The Child Thief. I did finish The Wonder during the last couple of days of this challenge, however, I didn’t have it on my original TBR so I won’t count it. Still, I I feel pretty proud with finishing all of the books that I did during this read-a-thon!


Did you participate in the Halloween Read-A-Thon? How did you do in regards to completing the challenges? Have you read any of the books on my list?

October TBR and Halloween Readathon!

Hi, y’all! Today I’m going to combine my TBR for the overall month of October, with my TBR for the awesome Halloween Readathon being hosted by Lauren @ Wonderless Reviews. This readathon will run from October 10th through October 31st. You can find all of the details on this readathon by clicking on the link above! (FYI…It’s gonna be so fun and you should join!)

But let’s get to it, shall we?


Halloween Readathon TBR

costume-party

32682118.jpg

You may not find the cover for One of Us is Lying as creepy, but I definitely do. I think it’s a combination of the faces scratched out and the red permanent marker of the font covering it. I’ve already heard really good things about this book and can’t wait to dive in!

haunted-house

51MM2QbUlsL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_

What better time to read a book about a badass female demon hunter set in Regency England? Yeah, I’m so there.

urban-legends

6308379

Peter Pan gets a dark makeover in this creepy retelling. I mean, just look at that cover! I have a feeling that I’ll never be able to think of Peter the same way again.

witching-hour1

This one will be really easy because I do most of my reading at night, so basically any one of my books will work for this one!

trick-or-treat

30237061

I’ve had this book on my TBR for quite a while, but I also think it goes really well with the Halloween theme. I always associate circuses and carnivals with this time of year. Probably because clowns really creep me out…. Crap, I really hope there aren’t any in this book.

all-hallows-eve

This could be doable if I’m able to have enough time to pull another book from my October TBR. Fingers crossed though, right?!

Remaining October TBR

  • Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
  • One Dark Throne (Three Dark Crowns, #2) Kendare Blake
  • The Cutting Season by Attica Locke
  • Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) by Kendare Blake

I started Meddling Kids this weekend and am enjoying it so far. I’m really excited to pick up One Dark Throne after the cliffhanger the first book ended on. I really hope it ramps up the action and tones down the teen drama. Actually just now realized that I have two Kendare Blake books on my TBR for this month. Guess she likes to keep it dark… and I’m totally okay with that!


Are you participating in the Halloween Readathon? What books are you hoping to read this month? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

#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

reading-quest-board1.png

My Character

the-reading-quest-character-classes.png

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

download.png

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?

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?

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?

 

24in48 July 2017 Readathon Wrap-Up

This weekend was the 24in48 Readathon and y’all, it went so well! I didn’t complete the full 24 hours because Larkin likes to take breaks and sleep (I’m old, I can’t help it!). However, I did complete every single one of my goals that I set in my TBR post on Thursday! And isn’t that what these readathons are all about?


Total Hours Read

  • 15 of 24 hours – I was really hoping to read the full 24 hours, but things happen and that’s okay. I still think 15 hours is pretty damn good. I also go to see Dunkirk during one of my breaks and that movie was freaking amazing, so I think it was time well spent.

Books Read

  • A Million Junes by Emily Henry – 350 pages
  • The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2) by Samantha Shannon – 510 pages
  • Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman – 281 pages

Goals

  • Read at least 600 pages. – FREAKING NAILED IT. I ended up reading a total of of 918 pages. Yes, you read that right! I actually almost 1,000 pages in 15 hours and that is way cool to me. I would’ve even hit the 1,000 mark if I hadn’t started A Million Junes Friday night before the readathon started. But sue me, I was eager to get to it!
  • Read 3 different books. – You bet your ass I did! I was a little worried that I might not make it to even picking up my third book, as I’ve been reading a tad slower than usual lately. However, not only did I make it to the 3rd book, I finished it! I gave myself a little pat on the back for that one.
  • Complete the Hype or Like Friday July BOTM, A Million Junes. – As I mentioned a moment ago, I was able to finish all three books on my TBR, including this one! If you haven’t read this book yet, I really encourage you to do so. This book is definitely one of my favorites of 2017 so far, and is certainly the most beautiful. It broke my heart but in the best way possible. I could go on and on about how much I loved it, but I think you just need to read for yourself and I’ll save my gushing for the review.

Now, I’m sure that tons of people were able to read more hours, books, pages, etc., but I’m not going to compare myself to anyone else. I completed the goals that were important to me and I hope that everyone else who participated was able to achieve that as well. And if you had a great time this weekend, then I think that’s all that matters.

Everyone should give themselves a round of applause for having such a fun weekend of reading! I hope to see all of you during the next readathon!


Did you participate in this round of 24in48? What were some of your goals? Did you complete them? Did you enjoy the books that you read? Will you be participating in future readathons?