Tag: Ashley Elston

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

Another month is gone… Y’all, summer is basically here and I’m not really sure I’m ready for it. I hate the heat unless I’m on a beach. But am I at the beach? No, I’m sitting at work and it blows.

But hey, at least there’s only 5 more months until the Halloween season! Am I right or am I right?!

Books Read

  • The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson – physical book, 4/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry – audiobook, 5/5 stars
  • Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1) by Neal Shusterman – physical book, buddy read, 5/5 stars
  • Navigating the Stars (Sentinels of the Galaxy, #1) by Maria V. Snyder – audiobook, 4/5 stars
  • The English Wife by Lauren Willig – physical book, 4/5 stars
  • The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James – audiobook, 2/5 stars
  • The Lying Woods by Ashley Elston – audiobook, 4/5 stars
  • Tithe (A Modern Faerie Tale, #1) by Holly Black – 4/5 stars
  • And I Darken (The Conqueror’s Saga, #1) by Kiersten White – physical book, buddy read, 4/5 stars

Total Books Read: 9

Overall in 2019: 34

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

  • A book inspired by myth/legend/folklore – The Mirk and Midnight Hour
  • A book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature – Tithe
  • A book with a zodiac sign or astrology term in the title – Navigating the Stars
  • A book with no chapters/unusual chapter headings/unconventionally numbered chapters –  The Loneliest Girl in the Universe

Goodreads Challenge

Total: 34/75

Previous Total: 25/75

Blog Posts

Book Reviews

WWW Wednesday

Discussions/Misc.

Did you get a lot of reading done in April? Were you able to read all of the books on your TBR? Did you read any new favorites? What book did you like the least? What do you plan on reading in May?

WWW Wednesday – April 24th, 2019

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?

  • The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James – audiobook
  • Jade City (The Green Bone Saga, #1) by Fonda Lee – physical book
  • The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson – physical book

I will probably finish listening to The Loneliest Girl in the Universe today or tomorrow and am really enjoying it. It’s not super exciting but still engaging. This book is known for some sort of crazy plot-twist ending and I’m really excited to find out what it is. I really hope it’s not over-hyped…

I’m still enjoying Jade City! I’m about halfway through the story now and things have really started to pick up. I like that I’m taking my time with this book, as it’s allowing me to better absorb all of the different storylines that are taking place. I brought it with me to work today and can’t wait to read some during my lunch!

I started The Mirk and Midnight Hour the night before last and am almost 100 pages in already (without reading any yesterday!). I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book going by the Goodreads reviews but I am absolutely enjoying it! I love the mystery elements in it and I find it to be a very atmospheric story. I’ve never read the original Scottish folktale, Tam Lin, that it’s based on so it’s helping to not ruin any of the storyline for me. I plan to read some more tonight and can’t wait to see what will happen next.

What did you recently finish reading?

  • Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1) by Neal Shusterman – physical book, buddy read
  • The Lying Woods by Ashley Elston – audiobook

I really enjoyed The Lying Woods, solidifying the fact that Ashley Elston is one of the few YA contemporary/mystery writers that I like. I definitely recommend this book to anyone! I loved the mix of mystery and small town drama.

Okay, the hype was right… Scythe was awesome. I really loved it and I can’t wait to pick up the sequel, which I’ve heard is even better. I hope to write a review soon for this one but I’m having a bit of a writer’s block at the moment, so no promises. Sorry!

Honorable Mention: I started Rabbit & Robot the other night but only made it through about 30 pages before realizing it was soooo not the book for me. The writing was childish and I felt like the author was trying way too hard to be edgy by saying “fuck” at least once a paragraph. Dude, really?… DNFed it with no regrets.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales, #1) by Holly Black – physical book
  • The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay Faye – audiobook
  • Lifel1k3 (Lifelike, #1) by Jay Kristoff – physical book

What are you currently reading? What books did you finish this week? What are you planning on reading next? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!

WWW Wednesday – April 17th, 2019

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?

 

  • Jade City (The Green Bone Saga, #1) by Fonda Lee – physical book
  • Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1) by Neal Shusterman – physical book, buddy read
  • The Lying Woods by Ashley Elston – audiobook

I’m only about 150 pages into Jade City but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s definitely one of those books that you can’t speed through, as the world is very immersive and detailed. I catch myself having to reread some paragraphs a few times until I really understand what was being said. It may take me a lot longer to finish this book than I originally planned.

I am loving Scythe. I meant to finish this past weekend but I ended being busier than I anticipated. I hope to finish it in the next couple of days though. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen next!

I just started The Lying Woods so it’s still a little early to form any opinions yet. I loved Elston’s previous novel so I have high hopes for this one as well!

What did you recently finish reading?

 

  • Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry – audiobook
  • Navigating the Stars (Sentinels of the Galaxy, #1) by Maria V. Snyder – audiobook

I absolutely loved Heretics Anonymous. It was really fun and I enjoyed the play of family dynamics amidst the issues going on at the Catholic school. I was surprised how well the religious discussion in the story was very nuanced, not swaying so far one way or the other. I appreciated that it wasn’t just one big hate fest, like I originally expected it to be.

I’m really surprised that no one is talking about Navigating the Stars. It’s such a unique concept, which is really appreciated since YA tends to rehash the same stories. I definitely recommend trying it out if you’re a fan of science fiction.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Rabbit & Robot by Andrew Smith – physical ARC
  • Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales, #1) by Holly Black – physical book
  • The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James – audiobook

What are you currently reading? What books did you finish this week? What are you planning on reading next? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!

My April TBR

I didn’t get to all of the books I wanted to read in March, so there will be a bit of an overflow into this month’s TBR. But I think that’s alright, because I really want to get to these books soon rather than continue to push them aside until later. So yes, my TBR this month is once again a bit ambitious but I’m alright with it. Let’s kick some reading ass in April!

My TBR

  • Rabbit & Robot by Andrew Smith – physical ARC
  • Jade City (The Green Bone Saga, #1) by Fonda Lee – physical book
  • Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix (Rise of the Empress, #2) by Julie C. Dao – audiobook, currently listening
  • The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson – physical book
  • The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough – physical book
  • Navigating the Stars (Sentinels of the Galaxy, #1) by Maria V. Snyder – audiobook
  • And I Darken (The Conqueror’s Saga, #1) by Kiersten White – physical book, currently buddy reading
  • Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales, #1) by Holly Black – physical book
  • Lifel1k3 (Lifelike, #1) by Jay Kristoff
  • The English Wife by Lauren Willig – physical book, currently reading
  • Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1) by Neal Shusterman – physical book, buddy read
  • The Lying Woods by Ashley Elston – audiobook

This may look like a really extensive TBR, but with 3 of these being audiobooks which I can speed through pretty quickly, I’m not too worried about it. I think I have a really good mix of genres as well this month which will help me from getting too bored as well. I think I was actually starting to get burned out on fantasy last month, so this mix should help fix that problem somewhat.

What do you plan to read during April? Do you have a set TBR or are you a mood reader? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think about them?

Top 5 Audiobook Recommendations

I know some people aren’t big fans of audiobooks or have ever given them a chance, as I used to be one of them. However, I’m lucky enough to work at a job where I can keep a headphone in one ear and listen to music or whatever. So one day about two years ago, I finally decided that I needed to give listening to audiobooks a try… and I am SO glad I did. I get to listen to so many audiobooks now, between work and listening while at the gym. So if you’re like the old me and are just starting out with audiobooks, or are maybe a pro at it and just want some new ones to add to your Audible account, then I hope my recommendations help! 🙂

Sadie by Courtney Summers

This book is written in two different ways – one as a regular narrative following Sadie, and the other is a podcast format. Now I haven’t read this book in hard copy, but I can say that listening to the audiobook version truly brings you into the story. It makes the podcast narration come to life, just like if you were actually listening to a true crime podcast. I cannot recommend it enough.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

We all love Neil Gaiman. I mean, how could you not? But I wonder how many of you have tried his middle grade novel, The Graveyard Book? Well if you haven’t, I cannot recommend the audiobook version enough. It’s a full cast experience complete with music and sound effects. You can really feel the atmospheric setting of the graveyard come to alive. Seriously, you won’t regret it.

This is Our Story by Ashley Elston

A YA murder-mystery is the perfect story to translate into an audiobook. I loved how the mystery seemed even more realistic like you’re experiencing it in a movie, rather than just following along the page. The narration had me hooked from the beginning and I think it will do the same to you too!

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’ll admit that I’m actually currently in the middle of this one, but I can already tell that it’ll be one of my favorites. It’s another full cast audio featuring actors Benjamin Bratt, Jennifer Beals, Pablo Schreiber, and Judy Greer. It sounds just like listening to an episode of Behind the Music. I love that documentary feel to it.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

Audiobooks read by the author can be very hit or miss. However, Choo does an amazing job bringing her own characters to life. She has a very peaceful voice that really lends an extra ethereal quality to the magical realism and Chinese mythology in the story. It’s also just a beautiful story set in 1930’s Malaysia, which isn’t a typical setting for a YA novel.

Do you like to listen to audiobooks? If so, what are some of your favorites? Have you listened to any of the books on my list?

WWW Wednesday – January 10th, 2018

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?

  • The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis – audiobook
  • Ash and Quill (The Great Library, #3) by Rachel Caine
  • Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang

Slowly making my way through Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance. I’m really enjoying the sweet story, I just think that I’ve been into more action driven plots lately which has me putting this one aside more. However, I plan to finish this one this week!

I just started listening to The Female of the Species yesterday and am enjoying it so far. I was a little confused at first by what was going on but it’s starting to come together more now. I just don’t really like how Alex’s chapters are the shortest.

I picked up Ash and Quill last night and even though I’m only a couple of chapters into it, I’m already back in love with this world. I swear that this series doesn’t get enough recognition and I really wish more people picked it up. It’s awesome, y’all!

What did you recently finish reading?

  • The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn – audiobook, 3/5 stars
  • The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury – 4/5 stars, review to come
  • This Is Our Story by Ashley Elston – audiobook, 5/5 stars

I really enjoyed The Forbidden Wish and This Is Our Story. They were both so different from any of the other books I had read recently, with This Is Our Story becoming one of my favorite reads of 2017. The Forbidden Wish was such a beautiful retelling. The writing was just gorgeous and now I’m really interested in picking up another book from the author. I had really high hopes for The Jane Austen Project, but it just didn’t really meet my expectations. I enjoyed it but feel like there was just something missing. Maybe I should’ve read the actual book instead of just listening to the audiobook version?

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Into the Bright Unknown (Gold Seer Trilogy, #3) by Rae Carson
  • The School for Good and Evil (The School for Good and Evil, #1) by Soman Chainani
  • Wandering Star (Zodiac, #2) by Romina Russell

I’m both sad and excited to pick up the final book in the Gold Seer Trilogy. I’ve fallen head over heels for these characters that Carson has created and I’m not really ready to let them go yet. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a happy ending though!

I’m going to be buddy reading The School for Good and Evil with Britt from Geronimo Reads and am so excited to start it. I know it’s one of Reagan from PeruseProject’s favorite middle grade series and like we have the exact same reading tastes so I’m looking forward to diving into this one.

Then I plan on continuing the Zodiac series by picking up the sequel. I really enjoyed the first book when I read it last month for Hype or Like Friday. It ended on such a great cliffhanger that I cannot wait to see what happens to the characters next… probably a bunch of awful shit if it’s anything like the first novel.

What books have you read this past week? What are you currently reading? What do you plan on reading next? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!

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

2017 is finally behind us. Can you believe that we’re already a week into 2018?! Seriously, time is just flying by us and I’m not really sure how I feel about it. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I might have just teared up a bit thinking about how quickly the time is gone. I mean, this blog is now 2 years old!!! EEEEEEEEE!!!! Looks like it’s time to change things up a bit… like maybe a new blog design?! 😉

Books Read

  • The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh – 4/5 stars
  • Defy the Stars (Constellation, #1) by Claudia Gray – 5/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King, #1) by Tricia Levenseller – 4/5 stars
  • Goliath (Leviathan, #3) by Scott Westerfeld – audiobook, 4/5 stars
  • The Dark Days Pact (Lady Helen, #2) by Alison Goodman – 5/5 stars, REVIEW
  • This is Our Story by Ashley Elston – audiobook, 5/5 stars
  • Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, #1) by Morgan Rhodes – 3/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Zodiac (Zodiac, #1) by Romina Russell – 4/5 stars, REVIEW

Total Books Read: 8

Overall in 2017: 89

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

  • A book from a nonhuman perspective – Defy the Stars
  • A book by an author from a country you’ve never visited – The Dark Days Pact

Beat The Backlist

  • Zodiac (Zodiac, #1)
  • Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, #1)
  • Goliath (Leviathan, #3)

Goodreads Challenge

  • Total: 89/100
  • Previous Total: 81/100

Blog Posts

Book Reviews

WWW Wednesday

Hype or Like Friday

Discussions/Misc.

How did your reading month go in December? Were you able to read all of the books that you wanted to in 2017? What was your favorite read of the month? Least favorite? What books are you wanting to read this month?

WWW Wednesday – December 27th, 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?

  • This Is Our Story by Ashley Elston – audiobook
  • Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang – physical book

I’ve only got about an hour left in This Is Our Story and I’m OBSESSED. I can’t wait to find out what really happened. I’m usually not one for thrillers, but this book is so addicting!

I’m only about 50 pages into Beasts of Extraordinary, as Christmas was a bit hectic with all of my family in town. It’s very cute so far though!

What did you recently finish reading?

  • The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh – 4/5 stars, physical book
  • Goliath (Leviathan, #3) by Scott Westerfeld – 4/5 stars, audiobook

I finally finished Goliath and completed this trilogy. It was a fun read and I really enjoyed how it all came together. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoy steampunk or alternate history novels.

The Blinds was definitely a different read than what I would typically pick up. I enjoyed the plot, characters, and the really unique setting. The ending wasn’t all that twisty, but the interesting story was enough to keep my attention the entire time.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Ash and Quill (The Great Library, #3) by Rachel Caine
  • The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

What are you currently reading? Did you finish any good books this week? What do you plan on reading next? Have you read any of the books on my list? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!