Tag: Book List

Hype or Like Friday – May 12th, 2017

Just another Hype or Like Friday! 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 May BOTM is Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer, #1) by Laini Taylor.

RULES:

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

I will actually be doing this week’s topic and last week’s since I was out of town and didn’t have time to post. Enjoy, y’all!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: May 5th – Dreaming I Was There Now… Which fantasy worlds are your favorite and do you catch yourself wishing you were there?
May 12th – Oh, So Pretty!… What book covers are just dazzling you lately?

May 5th – Dreaming I Was There Now…

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Velaris – A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

I obviously dream about living in the townhouse in Velaris every single day, especially being surrounded by 3 sexy as hell guys. I wouldn’t be sharing them with the other girls though. Nope, ain’t happening!

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Jedi Temple on Coruscant – Star Wars 

Yes, I am a MASSIVE Star Wars fan. I love it so damn much. And like, how cool would it be to get to be a Jedi? THE FREAKING COOLEST! But not during the attack on the temple, I’d rather not have to die thanks to Order 66.

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Red London – Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab

Yes, yes, yes! I would like to say that it would be so freaking cool to watch the Essen Tach in person. Or maybe in compete? Yes, I think I like the sound of that even more.

 

May 12th – Oh, So Pretty!

There are so many gorgeous book covers out in the world that I wanted to give equal attention to some favorite oldies and upcoming beauties! I hope you don’t mind me getting a little too carried away with this one but I’m kind of obsessed with book covers. Which leads me to ask you the question – Are you disappointed more by amazing books with terrible covers or terrible books with amazing covers? I think it’s more of the former for me, especially when it’s a book that I’ve been looking forward to and then they reveal the cover and it’s awful.

Previous Releases

Upcoming Releases

Can I just say that I really think that publishing companies have upped their cover game this year?! It’s amazing how much better cover designs have gotten over the past couple of years. Soooooo pretty!

What fantasy worlds do you wish you lived in? What book covers do you obsess over? Are there any 2017 releases that you love? Do you think book covers are getting better recently? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

10 Books for the Man in Your Life…

I’m pretty sure that we all know at least one guy that we would really like to get into reading, whether it’s your boyfriend, husband, dad, brother, or friend. For me personally, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I can bring someone new into the wonderful world of reading. And I’m not really sure why, but it seems to be easier to get a girl to read than a guy. Well, I’m here to make things a little less difficult for all of you having a hard time find the perfect book…. You’re welcome. 🙂

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1. Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

This trilogy is a fast-paced epic science fiction adventure. It will satisfy all of that manly need for violence and revenge, as well as giving you a cause to really root for. Also, Sevro is almost reason enough to read this series. Your guy will definitely find his new favorite person. My dad and brother both love this series so I can vouch for its attractiveness to men.

2. Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab

I think the guys will appreciate the multiple POVs in this novel, that will keep things interesting for them. I also think they will appreciate that the magical world is structured less fanciful and more mature. Lila is also a total badass who will be a nice female character that they will find easier to relate to, especially if they’re lame like my brother and prefer to only read male POVs. Those boys….

3. The Illuminae Files Trilogy by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

The unique format and on-the-edge-of-your-seat plotline will leave any guy begging for more. I got my dad to read Illuminae and he loved it. The characters are funny and the story is non-stop action. What more could you ask for?

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4. Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

Honestly, everyone should read this book. It’s funny, completely original, and is the perfect quick read. Guys will appreciate Biff’s, well, interesting view of Jesus’ life and find themselves crying from laughing so hard at some of the situations these two besties get into. (One being a very interesting encounter with some prostitutes. Yep, I’m serious.)

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5. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Does your dude enjoy video games? Movies? 80’s music? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then there is a good chance that he will enjoy reading this novel about a teen who goes on a quest through virtual reality to find a treasure left by the creator. This book is chock full of pop culture references that will leave you with a sense of nostalgia and a whole lot of nerd. It’s great!

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6. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

If he loves watching old Westerns or thinks John Wayne is the original badass, then he will love this story about two ex-Texas Rangers who decide to brave the cattle drive from South Texas all the way north to Montana. There will be shootouts, kidnappings, and all sorts of crazy adventures throughout this novel. Don’t let the page quantity deter him from trying this one out, it reads much faster than you’d think.

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7. Ender’s Game Series by Orson Scott Card

This is one of, if not, THE standard for YA science fiction. It’s dark, deep, and packs an emotional punch that he’ll never be expecting. Just tell him not to judge the book by the movie!

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8. The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Does your man prefer reality to the fantastical? Is he a lover of a good movie drama based on everyday life? Sometimes we can all use a little reality check and no one can pack more feels into a story than Jeff Zentner. Just don’t tell him that he will probably end up shedding a few tears here and there.

9. The Razorland Trilogy by Ann Aguire

This series is a post-apocalyptic thrill ride that is basically The Walking Dead but with a story where things actually happen and there’s a real ending. Also, it features the most badass female lead that will be a nice reminder to your man that you can and will kick his ass if the need arises.

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10. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Disregarding the fact that Neil Gaiman is just one of the coolest people alive, this book is a great foray into his unique writing style that brings to life such an interesting look at mythology. It also has the added benefit of being brought to television by Starz that is scheduled to premiere on April 30th.

What do you think of my list? Which books would you add? Which books do you disagree with?

The Goodreads Book Tag

Big thanks to Meredith @ All Bout Them Books and Stuff for tagging me to do this one! I mean, who else thinks Goodreads is there most favorite website?!

What was the last book you marked as ‘read’?

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I read this one over the weekend, after falling in love with Truthwitch. However, I was a little disappointed with this sequel. I had really high hopes for Windwitch, but it just did not live up to them at all. I felt like there were way too many POVs and honestly, this book was pretty forgettable. Luckily, the ending gives me hope that the next book will be a return to form.

What are you currently reading?

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Y’all, I never thought I’d say this about an A.G. Howard novel, but I’m reallyyyy considering DNFing this one for now and maybe trying it again some other time. I don’t know if I’m just not in the mood for this type of story or what, but RoseBlood just isn’t working for me. It’s fairly boring and I don’t really care for any of the characters. I hope I’m not going into a reading slump!

What was the last book you marked as TBR?

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Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody. I saw this going around on Twitter a lot recently and was intrigued. But when they released the cover the other day, I was immediately like, TAKE MY MONEY!!!

What book do you plan to read next?

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I will finally, finallyyyy, be starting this book next. I’ve only had it since it first came out but have been pushing it aside because, (controversial opinion time!), I really don’t care for Helene and apparently she’s been added as a POV. Kill me now…

Do you use the star rating system?

I sure do.

Are you doing a 2017 Reading Challenge?

Yes, this year I have once again decided to set my goal at 100 books. I really think I can do it in 2017, I’m feeling good about it! Now watch me crash and burn thanks to a major reading slump a la summer 2016. Yuck!

Do you have a wishlist?

I do on BookOutlet, just because it’s easier to keep up with the books that I want rather than having to search every single time I go to place an order… EFFICIENCY!

What book do you plan to buy next?

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Because, obviously! I was going to put Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk since it’s the next selection for the book club I’m a member of, but I honestly don’t think that’s a book that I actually want to spend my money on so I’ll just borrow it from the library.

Do you have any favorite quotes? Share a few.

“He thinks he’ll be remembered as the villain in the story. But I forgot to tell him that the villain is usually the person who locks up the maiden and throws away the key. He was the one who let me out.” – Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury

“Love. It was the beginning and end of everything, the foundation and the ceiling and the air in between.” – Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale

“And I wonder, in my last moments, if the planet does not mind that we wound her surface or pillage her bounty, because she knows we silly warm things are not even a breath in her cosmic life. We have grown and spread, and will rage and die. And when all that remains of us is our steel monuments and plastic idols, her winds will whisper, her sands will shift, and she will spin on and on, forgetting about the bold, hairless apes who thought they deserved immortality.” – Pierce Brown, Morning Star

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Who are your favorite authors?

All-Time Favorites: Pierce Brown, Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, Diana Gabaldon, and Tahereh Mafi

New Favorites: Sarah J. Maas, Rae Carson, Holly Black, Erin Bowman, and Michelle Modesto

Have you joined any groups?

Oh yeah, way too many actually… Hype or Like Friday, Underrated Book Club, For Love of a Book, Stress Free Reading Challenges, Ultimate PopSugar Reading Challenge, Tome Topple Readathon, Perusetopia Book Club, Nothing But Reading Challenges, The Owlcrate Book Club, Oprah’s Book Club, Keep It Diverse, Read with Tessa, Bookstagram, and Blogger Lift

I hardly ever post to any of them, except on my own groups – Hype or Like Friday and Underrated Book Club.

Tagged:

And anyone else who wants to do it!

 

WWW Wednesday – February 8th, 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?

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Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

As of this moment, I haven’t actually read one page from this book. I only put my bookmark in it last night before I went to bed, as I’d already stayed up too late finishing up Big Little Lies. But I can tell you that I’m so excited to pick this one up and that I hope it lives up to the hype! Fingers crossed, right?

Whatever you’ve heard about Caraval, it doesn’t compare to the reality. It’s more than just a game or a performance. It’s the closest you’ll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

What did you recently finish reading?

  • Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty – 3 stars, If you’re looking for an engrossing murder mystery amongst some suburbanite mothers, then this might be for you. I will admit that I was hooked trying to figure out who was murdered and who did it, but I reallyyyyy hated all of the characters. They were just so awful!

Big Little Lies follows three women, each at a crossroads:

Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny and biting, passionate, she remembers everything and forgives no one. Her ex-husband and his yogi new wife have moved into her beloved beachside community, and their daughter is in the same kindergarten class as Madeline’s youngest (how is this possible?). And to top it all off, Madeline’s teenage daughter seems to be choosing Madeline’s ex-husband over her. (How. Is. This. Possible?).

Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare. While she may seem a bit flustered at times, who wouldn’t be, with those rambunctious twin boys? Now that the boys are starting school, Celeste and her husband look set to become the king and queen of the school parent body. But royalty often comes at a price, and Celeste is grappling with how much more she is willing to pay.

New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for the nanny. Jane is sad beyond her years and harbors secret doubts about her son. But why? While Madeline and Celeste soon take Jane under their wing, none of them realizes how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy will affect them all.

Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive.

  • Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto – 5 stars, THIS BOOK WAS SOOOO GOOD! Easily my favorite book of the year so far. It’s got a kickass heroine, monsters, mayhem, and sass. What more could you want?! Everyone really needs to go read this 2016 debut!

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Blood for Blood (Wolf By Wolf, #2) by Ryan Graudin – I’m finally going to finish up this duology after really enjoying the first book, when I buddy read it with Britt @ Geronimo Reads back in November. I’ve heard great things about it but I also hear that I’m going to cry sooooo, yeah. Already got my tissues handy!
  • Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard – This is the February BOTM for Hype or Like Friday, if you would like to join us! I’ve heard mixed things about this series so far but I’m interested in seeing how I feel about it.
  • A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes, #2) by Sabaa Tahir – I liked An Ember in the Ashes but I wasn’t blown away by it like some people were. I thought it was decent but nothing amazing or unique. However, I am interested in seeing how this story develops and I hope it gets better.

What are you currently reading? Have you read any good books this week? Have you read any of the books on my list? What did you think of them? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday in the comments below!

A Gryffindor Reading List

Here’s to you, brave and daring Gryffindors!

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

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Oh, come on! You know that this series is a given for our Gryffindors!

2. Wolf by Wolf Duology by Ryan Graudin

Yael is one badass chick who isn’t afraid to risk her life in order to take down the most terrible man in the world, Adolf Hitler. Remind you of a famous Gryffindor perhaps?

3. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

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A young girl brave enough to work for a mysterious sorcerer and then willing to brave a dangerous forest in order to save her home? Yup, Agnieszka is a Gryffindor.

4. The Illuminae Files Series by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

I think all Gryffindors can appreciate and admire the extreme bravery it takes to try and save multiple ships full of refugees from an insane AI, a termination squad, and some crazy man-eating alien snakes.

5. The Gold Seer Trilogy by Rae Carson

It takes a lot of heart and courage to brave a trek across the United States from Georgia to California during the California Gold Rush. It takes even more when you’re a teenage girl doing it alone.

6. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

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Vianne and Isabelle are two of the bravest women that I’ve ever read about. I think all Gryffindors would gladly accept them in their House.

7. The Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

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I think we can all agree that every single thing that Darrow has to go through in order to destroy the Golds, takes a hell of a lot of bravery. He’s also pretty damn chivalrous too, with just a hint of pride (especially when he gives his speeches!). Kind of the perfect Gryffindor combo, wouldn’t you say?

8. The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

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I think just being a gladiator in general takes a lot of balls. I also think that a Gryffindor would pretty much say, bring it on.

9. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

This series is really all about strong women. I think all Gryffindors would be salivating at the chance to go on an adventure with Aelin and her gang.

10. Not if I See You First by Eric Lindstrom

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There are all kinds of bravery, but I think Parker’s is a special kind. Her independence and strength is inspiring to see. And can you imagine watching her interactions with the Weasley twins in the Gryffindor common room? I need it!

Gryffindors, what did you think about your list? Do you agree with my choices? What books would you add to your list?

Hype or Like Friday – January 13th, 2017

Just another Hype or Like Friday! 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 January BOTM is The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner.

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: Most Anticipated of 2017 – Which books are you most excited to get your hands on this year?

Most Anticipated of 2017

I think we can just all agree that 2017 is going to be an insanely good year for new releases. I mean, this isn’t even a fraction of what I’m excited about but I thought I’d keep myself reined a little and just stick with a few choices. I tried to think of which book I’m most excited for and it was pretty tough to just narrow it down to one so I thought I’d go with A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3), since it’s the finale to an awesome trilogy. I’ll also choose Iron Gold (Iron Gold, #1), since it’ll be the beginning of a new trilogy. Makes sense, right?!

What books are you most excited for this year? Did any from my list make the cut? Don’t you think 2017 is going to be a great year for books?! Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

Musing Mondays – December 12th, 2016 (A Very Large Book Haul)

Musing Mondays is a weekly theme, now being hosted by Ambrosia @ The Purple Booker, that asks you to answer one of the prompt questions and that week’s random question.

PROMPTS:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) this past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Does reading help you to release stress during stressful times? If it does do you have a favorite book that you return to for calm?

I bought the following book(s) this past week…

So I actually purchased these books from Book Outlet during their Black Friday Sale, but they finally arrived last week. Needless to say, I got way too many books. However, for only spending $60 on all hardbacks except for three, I think I got an insane bargain. I don’t even feel bad about it.

See, I told you that I bought a lot!

Does reading help you to release stress during stressful times? If it does do you have a favorite book that you return to for calm?

I would have to say that reading does help me relax when I’m feeling stressed. I think it’s because my mind becomes focused on what I’m reading, and not what is bothering me. However, I don’t have any particular book that I turn to. I’ll just pick up whatever book I’m in the middle of.

What books did you buy recently? Have you read any of the ones from my haul? Does reading help you release stress? Leave a link to your Musing Monday post in the comments below!

Hype or Like Friday – December 9th, 2016

Woohoo, it’s Hype or Like Friday again! 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 December BOTM is A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, #1) by Claudia Gray.

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: Top Over-Hyped Books – What books were you so hyped up for that completely let you down?

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Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns, #1) by Kendare Blake

This one boiled down to me just hating all of the characters except one. And the way it was described, I thought it would be a super dark and violent story, but no, it wasn’t. Not even a little bit. I will continue with the series but I was still really let down by this one. Full review is HERE.

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The Midnight Star (The Young Elites, #3) by Marie Lu

I was anxiously waiting for this concluding book to this trilogy…. only to be so freaking disappointed that I almost chunked it right into the garbage. Marie Lu, I may never read another one of your books again if you consider this to be a brilliant conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. IT’S NOT!!!! Full review is HERE.

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The Winner’s Kiss (The Winner’s Trilogy, #3) by Marie Rutkoski

2016 was the year of disappointing series conclusions. Let’s just leave it at that. Full review can be found HERE.

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Yellow Brick War (Dorothy Must Die, #3) by Danielle Paige

This book was weird and so disjointed from the previous two books. It also focused on the new Big Bad, which made me realize that I guess Paige wants to make more money and turn this into a series. I think the next book is coming out in January and I keep going back and forth on whether or not I want to continue with it… Probably not. My full review can be found HERE.

What are some of your most disappointing hyped books this year? Have you read any from my list? Do you agree with my choices? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!