Tag: Discussion

2020 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

Every year POPSUGAR announces a reading challenge and every year I participate but never actually end up completing it. Last year I did a much better job than I had previously, but still didn’t quite make it through all of the prompts. However, this year I really, really, REALLYYYYY want to finish this challenge for this first time ever. 2020 is supposed to be the year for new beginnings after all, right?

With that being said, I really enjoy how random and diverse the prompts are with this reading challenge and encourage anyone to try it out, especially if you enjoy no pressure challenges. It’s purely for fun and to get readers to expand their reading horizons. If you are interested, I recommend checking out the GOODREADS GROUP, as it is super helpful with a very engaged community.

2020 Prompts and (Tentative) TBR

Regular 

A book that’s published in 2020 – The Empire of Gold (The Daevabad Trilogy, #3) by S.A. Chakraborty

A book by a trans or nonbinary author – The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders

A book with a great first line – Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

A book about a book club – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club by Suzanne Kelman

A book set in a city that has hosted the Olympics – Warcross (Warcross, #1) by Marie Lu

A bildungsroman – The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

The first book you touch on a shelf with your eyes closed – The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O by Neal Stephenson

A book with an upside-down image on the cover – The Beautiful (The Beautiful, #1) by Renee Ahdieh

A book with a map – Five Dark Fates (Three Dark Crowns, #4) by Kendare Blake

A book recommended by your favorite blog, vlog, podcast, or online book club – Final Girls by Riley Sager

An anthology – From a Certain Point of View (Star Wars) by Elizabeth Schaefer

A book that passes the Bechdel test – Honor Lost (Honors, #3) by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre

A book with the same title as a movie or TV show but is unrelated to it – Invictus by Ryan Graudin

A book by an author with flora or fauna in their name – Valiant (A Modern Faerie Tale, #2) by Holly Black

A book published the month of your birthday (January) – The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams

A book about or by a woman in STEM – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

A book that won an award in 2019 – The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1) by R.F. Kuang

A book on a subject you know nothing about – Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins by Annie Jacobsen

A book with only words on the cover, no images or graphics – Last of Her Name by Jessica Khoury

A book with a pun in the title – The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

A book featuring one of the seven deadly sins – The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings, #1) by Mackenzi Lee

A book with a robot, cyborg, or AI character – Defy the Fates (Constellation, #3) by Claudia Gray

A book with a bird on the cover – A Gathering of Ravens (Grimnir, #1) by Scott Oden

A fiction or nonfiction book about a world leader – State of Sorrow (Sorrow, #1) by Melinda Salisbury

A book with “gold”, “silver”, or “bronze” in the title – Iron Gold (Red Rising, #4) by Pierce Brown

A book by a WOC – The Silence of Bones by June Hur

A book with a four-star rating on Goodreads – The Lioness of Morocco by Julia Drosten

A book you meant to read in 2019 – Kingsbane (Empirium, #2) by Claire Legrand

A book about or involving social media – If You’re Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser

A book that has a book on the cover – Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moira Fowley-Doyle

A medical thriller – Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

A book with a made-up language – Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1) by James S.A. Corey

A book set in a country beginning with “C” – Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

A book you picked because the title caught your attention – Layoverland by Gabby Noone

A book with a three word title – Now Entering Addamsville by Francesa Zappia

A book with a pink cover – Speak Easy, Speak Love by McKelle George

A Western – Devils Unto Dust by Emma Berquist

A book by or about a journalist – Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Read a banned book during Banned Books Week (September 20-26) – Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Your favorite prompt from a past year: A book you started but never finished (2015) – Middlemarch by George Eliot

Advanced

A book written by an author in their 20’s – That’s Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger

A book with “20” or “twenty” in the title – The Twentieth Wife (Taj Mahal Trilogy, #1) by Indu Sundaresan

A book with a character with a vision impairment or enhancement (a nod to 20/20 vision) – Aurora Burning (The Aurora Cycle, #2) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

A book set in Japan, host of the 2020 Olympics – Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

A book set in the 1920’s – Before the Devil Breaks You (The Diviners, #3) by Libba Bray

A book by an author who has written more than 20 books – Sword and Pen (The Great Library, #5) by Rachel Caine

A book with more than 20 letters in its title – The Last Equation of Isaac Severy by Nova Jacobs

A book published in the 20th century – The Song of Troy by Colleen McCullough

A book from a series with more than 20 books – Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1) by Steven Erikson

A book with a main character in their 20’s – The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Will you be participating in the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge this year? Have you participated before? Did you complete it? Have you read any of the books on my TBR?

My Unpopular Bookish Opinions

I’m going to be upfront and state that I’m a very opinionated person. There are very few things that I don’t especially feel one way or another about. I’m also pretty vocal about those opinions. However, I never force them on anyone else and I’m always interested in hearing other thoughts on them as well. With that being said, I decided to share a few of my personal thoughts on random bookish things. I mean, who doesn’t love a little discussion?!

I really do not care for anthologies.

Here’s the deal, I appreciate the idea behind them but I just don’t enjoy short stories on the whole. I feel like there’s not enough time to really dive into a story before it’s over. And most of the time, they’re just boring because they are so short that nothing actually happens. So yeah, short stories are not my jam. I only own one anthology and it’s the Star Wars one released as a special edition a couple of years ago… And I still haven’t been able to make it halfway through it. C’est la vie.

I struggle to enjoy contemporary novels.

I’m an escapist reader. I love to live in different times, places, and worlds through my novels. This makes it really hard for me to enjoy contemporary stories, unless there’s something unique to the plot. Now I do enjoy contemporaries set in other areas of the world, such as Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows or Love & Gelato. But typically, I’m super picky about contemporaries and I’m not ashamed about that.

I will not buy used or damaged books.

I’m a book collector. I enjoy buying beautiful books to add to my shelves and so this makes me prefer to purchase only new ones. It really bothers me to have damaged books. Maybe this stems from me being very careful with my personal books and never letting them get damaged. But either way, I just can’t justify buying a damaged product just to save a little money. If you’re like me and on a budget and located in Canada or the U.S., I really recommend using Book Outlet to buy new books at a low cost!

I like a good love triangle.

Yes, that’s right! I actually enjoy love triangles in books! I think my favorite part is rooting for one character over the other. This usually is helped by the fact that one of the characters I probably actively dislike (LOOKING AT YOU, STUPID MAL!!!!!).

What are some of your unpopular bookish opinions? Do you agree or disagree with any of mine? Is there a specific genre that your struggle to enjoy as well? 

My Top Five Auto-Buy Authors

We all have our favorite authors. Those authors who it doesn’t really matter what they’re writing about because we’re going to buy it either way. Before today, I had never really sat down and thought about which authors I naturally gravitate towards. But I think it’s interesting to talk about the authors that we love and why we love their work, which is why I wanted to share a few of my favorites with y’all!

Samantha Shannon

I don’t what it is about Shannon’s writing, but she always has me hooked into the world and plot in the very first paragraph. Her world-building is just phenomenal and she creates characters that are so complex and aren’t necessarily always good or bad. I really appreciate authors who can create characters that feel very real to me, which usually means they are very flawed and aren’t necessarily always doing the right thing. And you best believe that I am anxiously awaiting for my preorder of The Priory of the Orange Tree to arrive next week!

Emily Henry

I will be the first to admit that I typically hate magical realism, like I will go out of my way to not read magical realism. But dammit, if Emily Henry doesn’t make me pick up her books every single time a new one comes out! I’m not sure why it is but her writing style of magical realism is so much more accessible than the others that I have read. I never feel confused as to what is happening plot-wise. Also, Henry’s stories will make you feel ALL the feels, especially A Million Junes. I’m actually really interested in her upcoming release When the Sky Fell on Splendor, as it’s science fiction instead of her usual magical realism and I am so here for it.

Claudia Gray

Gray is my go-to for some amazing science fiction with strong female characters. I also like how I’m never bored with her stories. They’re really fast-paced and very engaging. I also love her writes relationships, whether it’s romantic or strictly platonic. She’s also a hardcore Star Wars fan (like your’s truly!) and has written a few new canon novels which I highly recommend. I have a few of the most recent ones that I still need to get to…

Leila Meacham

I love a great sweeping historical fiction novel and Leila Meacham writes those to perfection. She has this ability to immediately draw you into her novel and transport you back in time. I also really appreciate a well-written romance, which features prominently in her stories. I had no idea that she had a new release coming out that is set during WWII, called Dragonfly. I am pre-ordering that one immediately!

Pierce Brown

I will never not stop recommending Brown’s books to every single person I know. His writing is so expansive with some AMAZING political intrigue and epic battles sprinkled throughout. He does write adult science fiction so the situations can be very grim and violent. But my gosh, does he pull you into the world while falling in love with such flawed and complex characters.

What are some of your favorite/auto-buy authors? What is it about their writing that makes you want to read everything they create? Have you read any of the authors on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

My 2018 Mid-Year Personal Reading Goals

With the month of June already over the halfway point, I thought it’d be a good time to reevaluate some of my personal reading goals for the second half of the year. It’s always a good idea to take some time for personal reflection, even if it’s just over your reading habits! With that being said, here are some reading goals that I’d like to start/continue with for the rest of 2018.

  1. Read at least one book from a subscription box per month.

Right now, I have an excess of books built up from previous book boxes. I haven’t been very good at picking them up in a timely manner and it’s really time to start. I’ll probably focus on books I’ve received from Book of the Month Club first, as I feel like those are the ones I’ve pushed to the side more than ones from other boxes.

2. Finish/catch up on a series before starting a new one.

Let’s be real, we all start wayyyyy too many series and have the hardest time finishing them in a timely manner. I really need to try and not do that so much! I’ve been doing a pretty good job on catching up/finishing series during the first half of the year and so I want to focus on continuing with that. It makes me feel so accomplished when I finish a series, haha!

3. Focus more on reading books that have been on my shelves/TBR for a long time.

I own close to 300 books and half of those are unread which isn’t something I’m really proud of. I hope to remedy some of that for the rest of the year, by focusing more on my backlisted titles. I know how much I love all of the shiny new preorders that show up at my house on their release date, but I really need to learn to push them aside for just a little while. Stay strong, Larkin!

4. Read at least one diverse book a month.

I’ve actually been doing really good about this during the first half of the year, but I really want to continue doing so far the rest of the year. I actually have a Native American own voices novel up next on my TBR which I’m really excited to get to!

5. Be okay with DNFing books that I’m not enjoying.

I really struggle with DNFing books. I always feel like I’m failing if I don’t actually try and push myself to finish the book that I’m reading. However, I think it’s a good idea to know when something doesn’t work for you and to be okay with that. I was recently listening to the audiobook of Call Me By Your Name, and since it’s such a beloved book, I was struggling to continue listening to it because I thought maybe I would enjoy it if I just stuck with it. But after a few hours into it, I knew that it wasn’t going to work for me based on the writing style. And surprisingly enough, I felt so much better after I DNFed and moved on to a different book that I enjoyed so much more.

What are some of your personal reading goals for the rest of the year? Do you like to reflect on your reading goals throughout the year? Do you have any of the same reading goals as me?

Talk Me Into/Out Of… Books on My TBR

Fun fact about me: I’m a pretty avid Redditor. I won’t deny that I visit the amazing site every single day. It’s my dose of daily news and random fun stuff. If you wonder why I’m not the biggest Twitter person, it’s because you’ll find me on Reddit instead. And one of my favorites subs is Asian Beauty (HUGE k-beauty fan right hurrrr!), which will occasionally host one of my favorite threads, Talk Me Into/Out Of. It’s basically just a thread where different Redditors will post products that they’re on the fence about purchasing and would like for others more familiar with said product, to give them little reviews on it and whether or not they thought it was worth purchasing.

This got me thinking about how awesome would it be to apply this same post to books on my TBR that I’m not really sure on whether or not I want to keep them around. That’s a great thing about this community, you can always count on someone else to have read a book that you’re interested in!… Anyways, below I will list some of the books that I’m not really sure about and if you’ve read them then please let me know what your thoughts are on them! Help a sister out, please!!!

And so it begins…

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Rosemarked (Rosemarked, #1) by Livia Blackburne

This book was being mentioned a lot when it was first released back in the fall. I think it was mostly because of a really strong marketing campaign and was sent in a couple of different subscription boxes, as I haven’t heard it being talked about since then. The synopsis sounds interesting but I also get this feeling that it could also be a really slow read, and I just don’t prefer slow fantasy novels. I like to be really engaged in the stories I’m reading (who doesn’t, right?!). And as someone with TONS of fantasies that really interest me, this one I’m just not sure about.

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Ash Princess (Ash Princess, #3) by Laura Sebastian

I’m really on the fence about this one. On the one hand, the synopsis sounds like every single other fantasy novel out there and on the other, it seems that a lot of people have really been enjoying it. It’s a book that I don’t already own and so I’m just not sure if it’s worth it.

 

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The Most Dangerous Place on Earth by Lindsey Lee Johnson

I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary novels in the first place, and this one also suffers from a fairly low rating on Goodreads. The only reason that I haven’t tossed it yet is because I actually own a copy that I received in a Book of the Month box. The synopsis sounds pretty interesting and different than anything I’ve ever read, but then I think there must be a reason for all of the low ratings – such as shitty writing, underdeveloped characters, or over-dramatization (the biggest offender in contemporary novels!). I’m just not sure how I feel about reading a book that will probably not leave me in the best mood. I just prefer upbeat stories.. Sorry, not sorry!

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Given to the Sea (Given Duet, #1) by Mindy McGinnis

So this book was sent out in a FairyLoot box, which means it should’ve been really popular with tons of reviews. However, I don’t remember ever seeing even one. Which is a little disheartening, especially after seeing how low the ratings are for it on Goodreads. I also know how McGinnis can be a really hit or miss author for most people, and I wasn’t particularly impressed by the one book of hers that I’ve read. However, I think this is her first venture into the true fantasy genre so it could be better than her contemporary novels.

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Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist, #1) by Renee Ahdieh

I was really excited about this book when it was first being announced. I mean, I know we were all excited to hear about a book inspired by the story of Mulan. However, since this book was released, I’ve heard tons of talk that the story was actually really slow and boring. HOW CAN YOU TURN MULAN INTO A BORING RETELLING?!?!?! So yeah, I’m not sure how I really feel about that now. For a book that I was initially really excited for, I now could care less about it.

Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, please talk me into/out of them. If you want to recommend another book instead, please feel free to do so as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Thoughts and Emotions of a Reader

As readers, we tend to go through lots of different emotional/mental stages. It’s pretty much expected that our books will take us down many winding paths. (It comes with the territory.) With that being said, here are a few thoughts and moments that almost every booknerd will have at least once, or if you’re like me, constantly.

1. The I’m-So-Excited-To-Start-This-Book Feeling

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You know you’ve probably done this dance at least once when starting a book that you’ve been really excited about.

2. The Why-Would-The-Author-Do-This-To-Me Cry

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Yeah, I think this was me while reading Crooked Kingdom… Like, really, Bardugo? Why you gotta do me like that?!

3. The It’s-Now-4AM-And-I-Have-To-Be-Awake-In-Two-Hours Binge Read Realization

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The nights are fun but the next day is most certainly not.

4. The I-Have-Six-Different-Subscription-Boxes-Coming-This-Month Guilt Trip

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But does it matter as long as I really, really, really, really “needed” all of them?!

5. The I-Was-Sooooo-Excited-For-This-Book-But-Oh-My-God-I-Really-Don’t-Like-It Frustration Rant

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Well, wasn’t that just a waste of my time. WHYYYYYYYYYY??!!!

6. The I-Really-Should-Buy-More-Books-Even-Though-I-Have-So-Many-Unread-On-My-Shelves-Already Moment

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I’m pretty sure this is why I’m always broke.

7. The Well-I-Now-Have-A-Crush-On-A-Fictional-Character-So-There’s-That Moment of Acceptance

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“Yes, Grandma! I actually am involved with someone right now and no, you don’t know his family.”

8. The Favorite-Author-Is-Going-To-Make-An-Announcement-Today Anxious Waiting

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If you’re not announcing the release date for the next book in the series then I don’t even want to hear it. IT’S BEEN 2 YEARS, DAMMIT!

 9. The I-Can’t-Believe-I-Have-To-Wait-Another-Year-To-Find-Out-What-Happens-Next Annoyance

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Oh, goody. Another cliffhanger that won’t be answered any time soon… Thanks for that, jerk!

10. The Books-Are-Just-Really-The-Greatest-Thing-Ever Moment of Happiness

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More like a constant state of bliss, amirite?

Have you experienced all of the thoughts or emotions as a reader? What other moments have you had?

 

 

 

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

I ended up not reading as much as I had originally planned in February, but I think it’s okay to have months where you just take it a little easy with your reading. If I had tried forcing myself to speed through as many books as I could, I would no doubt send myself into a reading slump (it never fails). Luckily, I’ve been taking time with my books and mixing them up some with Netflix. I also binged the entire K-drama Reply 1997 and am now obsessed. So all in all, I’d call it a pretty successful month!

Books Read

  • The Belles (The Belles, #1) by Dhonielle Clayton – 4/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Rebel Spring (Falling Kingdoms, #2) by Morgan Rhodes – 5/5 stars
  • I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Good – 4/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Wandering Star (Zodiac, #2) by Romina Russell – 5/5 stars
  • The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1) by Holly Black – 4/5 stars

Total Books Read: 5

Overall in 2018: 15

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

  • A book set on a different planet – Wandering Star
  • A book with song lyrics in the title – I Believe in a Thing Called Love

Goodreads Challenge

Total: 15/75

Previous Total: 10/75

Blog Posts

Book Reviews

WWW Wednesday

Hype or Like Friday

Discussions/Misc.

How did your reading month of February go? Were you able to read all of the books on your TBR? Did you read any new favorites? Did you do anything fun or interesting? What book did you like the least?

The Wonder Woman Book Tag

As always, big thanks to the lovely and lively Lilly @ Lair of Books for tagging me in this. I absolutely loved this movie and am so excited to do this fun tag!

Wonder Woman: Your favorite badass female book character…

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Victra from the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you’re probably tired of hearing me talk about Victra. Well sorry, not sorry! Because I will never stop talking about the biggest badass that I’ve ever read about. I will go down swinging if you dare disrespect my favorite. Just kidding!…. (sort of.)

Fantasy Island: A book setting you want to escape to…

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The Zodiac from the Zodiac series by Romina Russell

Yes, I’m one of those people loves obsessing over what people’s astrological sign is and if they match its personality. I have no shame to admit that. Which is why I absolutely love the world that Russell has created with each sign having its own planets and people that reflect that sign’s attributes. As an Aquarian, I would have amethyst eyes. HOW COOL IS THAT?!

London: A hyped book that let you down…

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Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress, #1) by Julie C. Dao

Antiheroes are awesome. However, they need to have nuances with them to help us sympathize and form a connection with them. Well, Xifeng is completely lacking in any qualities that made me want to root for her. In fact, I just wanted for someone to kick her ass! She treated everyone awful and the only reason she thought she was supposed to be queen was because her aunt said so and because she’s pretty. Yeah, hard pass.

Steve Trevor: A book that has a beautiful cover and a great story (i.e. good personality)…

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The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy, #1) by S.A. Chakraborty

My favorite book of 2018 is an absolute gem! I finished this book and immediately wanted to reread it, which never happens! I don’t know how I’m going to survive waiting until the sequel is released. Seriously, if you haven’t picked this book yet then you’re really missing out. IT. IS. AMAZING.

Lasso of Truth: A book you hated…

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

I was completely in love with this series and dying to see how it would all end with this finale book. And well… all we got was a load of crap. This is without a doubt the worst series finale that I’ve ever read. I truly believe that Lu was just writing some nonsense to finish off this series so she could focus on her other books. Most of the characters lost all of their depth and personality traits and the climax was so rushed, it just felt completely jumbled and lacked any sort of importance. I’ve never finished a book so pissed off before. The only good part was the epilogue which was beautiful but only like 4 pages long.

Wonder Woman’s Shield: A book so sad that you need a shield…

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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This book gets some hate from some people, but it literally killed me. I was not prepared for what happened and ugly cried for a good hour. You’ve been warned!

Ares: a villain that is scary, but you can’t seem to hate them…

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Katherine from the Three Dark Crowns series by Kendare Blake

I know you’re supposed to hate her because she’s a Poisoner, but I can’t seem to do it. I’m just too intrigued by her to hate her. She’s really just a fascinating character and I love the growth her character has done.

The Amazons: A book that you wish had more/better LGBT+ representation…

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Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes

I’ve only just finished the second book in this series so maybe we get some LGBT+ representation in the later books. Because in my head cannon, Lucia is bi and that’s all there is to it. I need her to have a relationship with another girl like immediately! I’m also rooting for Nic to fall for a guy. I can totally picture him falling for someone in the army.

Do you agree with my choices? What would you pick for the different questions? I’m tagging anyone who wants to do it, so be sure to link back to this post so I can see all of your wonderful posts!

10 Books To Help You Escape This Winter

Thanks to Mr. Groundhog, we are supposedly going to have six more weeks of winter. Usually about this time of year, the winter depression starts to kick in because we are past all of the joyfulness of the holidays and are finally looking forward to spring and summer coming up around the corner. With that being said, here are some recommendations for you to dive into and escape the bitter cold that’s whipping outside your window!

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Defy the Stars (Constellation, #1) by Claudia Gray

Claudia Gray is the queen of YA science fiction and she definitely doesn’t disappoint in her latest series. This high powered space adventure is full of witty banter, nonstop action, and the world’s most adorable android. You’ll forget all about the winter doldrums once you dive into this thrill ride!

 

 

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The Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1) by Samantha Shannon

If space isn’t your cup of tea, then take a walk into a dystopian future London where clairvoyants are outlawed and forced to form criminal gangs in order to survive. If you’re already intrigued by that premise, just add supernatural beings as the ones in true control of the world and you have yourself a really unique story. Also, SIZZLING SEXUAL TENSION.

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The Cutting Season by Attica Locke

This own voices mystery thriller will have on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set on an old plantation in southern Louisiana, the caretaker finds herself pulled into the history of Belle Vie and her family’s connection to the very fields that they have worked since before the Civil War. This book will keep you guessing until the very end.

 

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A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1) by Deborah Harkness

I wish I could describe to y’all just how much I love this series. If you’re into science, the supernatural, and have a thing for brooding medieval vampires, then this is one story that you’re really missing out on. Also, it’s currently in production for a television series in the UK.

 

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Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

A fictional satire based on a Harry Potter type series? Oh yes! It also comes complete with the cutest freaking m/m romance that I’ve ever read. Seriously, Simon and Baz are just the sweetest little muffins! This book will both make you laugh and cry, and you’ll love it for it. It’s also a fantasy standalone, which we could use more of!

 

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

I will admit that this one takes a bit before it really takes off but once it does..WOAH. It’s dark and twisty in all the best ways.  Also, the sequel was one of my favorite reads of 2017 so it only gets better! I cannot wait to see where the story goes to in the next book.

 

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Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

If you haven’t already read this book yet, then I’m not really sure what you’re waiting for. IT IS AWESOME! If way it’s written isn’t really something that you’re into, I’ve heard the audiobook versions are just amazing. And with the finale due to release next month, it’s the perfect time to dive in.

 

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The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1) by Alison Goodman

I’m sure y’all are tired of hearing me gushing over this series by now, but sorry, I refuse to stop! This series is so engrossing and Goodman does the most perfect job of recreating Regency England. Also, the romance is the kind of slow burner that we all love. Trust me, this one’s a winner.

 

 

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Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard

This book got so much mixed reviews when it first came out, that I put off picking it up because I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy it. However, this book turned out to be so much more fun than I thought! If you are someone who wants to see more female friendships in YA, then this book is for you. It’s all about powerful women!

 

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The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles, #1) by Mary E. Pearson

I didn’t really have the highest hopes for this book when I first picked it up and then I fell into a month long slump right in the middle of it. However, this series turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. The world is so richly described, that you are immediately transported into it. Also, the romance doesn’t hurt either!

 

What are some books that you’d recommend to help escape the winter doldrums? Have you read any of the ones on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hype or Like Friday – Not My Style

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 February BOTM is The Belles (The Belles, #1) by Dhonielle Clayton.

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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:  Not My Style… What are some books that everyone seems to enjoy but you don’t?

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The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

I mean, this book was alright. I thought the ending was well done and the overall theme was great… but the story itself just wasn’t anything special. In fact, it was kind of boring. Like wasn’t there supposed to be some big mystery? Yeah, there wasn’t. I think the problem might’ve been that this book was marketed as a thriller type book and it’s not.

 

 

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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Don’t get me wrong, I really think the overall story in this book is really cute! However, I will continue to back my claim that Leah is an awful friend. All she did was sulk and whine throughout the whole book because she thinks that everyone likes Abby better, including Simon. Honestly, I wouldn’t be friends with someone like that.

 

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Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

This was supposed to be a magical realism retelling of the story of Persephone but… I honestly don’t know what the hell was even going on. This book is the perfect example of when magical realism takes a ride on the nonsense train and never looks back. It just goes to show why I am very picky when it comes to that genre.

 

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Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress, #1) by Julie C. Dao

If you’re going to write a book about an antihero/villain, at least give them a compelling reason for the reasoning behind their actions.

 

 

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Furthermore (Furthermore, #1) by Tahereh Mafi

This book was just kind of.. boring. I was expecting it to be full of adventure and whimsy, but I actually struggled a bit with making myself want to pick it up.

 

 

 

What are some books that everyone else seems to like, but you don’t? Do you agree/disagree with any on my list? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!