2021 Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag

Folks, it’s true. I’m back! It’s been a long 18 months since you’ve heard from me, but my job got extremely busy and complicated last year and has just now decided to finally slow back down and let me get back to the wonderful world of blogging. Did you miss me? You know I missed you! And hey, what better way to get reintroduce myself to you than a mid-year catch up?


Best Book You’ve Read So Far

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far

55169010

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year

Biggest Disappointment

44280973

I was super excited for this book when it was first announced. However, I found it to be incredibly slow and the mystery didn’t quite capture my interest like I thought it would. I was just expecting a little bit more from this one.

Biggest Surprise

46261182._SY475_

This is a series that I came across on Kindle Unlimited and I had no idea what to expect. But man, oh man, did this series have me hooked from the very first page. It’s not amazing, nor will the writing win any prizes, but it is soooo stinking fun. It’s my guilty pleasure series of 2021… and no, I do not feel one ounce of guilt for loving it. Definitely recommend it if you want some naughty fun, but fair warning that a large portion of it does deal with some very adult situations around extreme bullying.

Favorite New Author (Debut/New To You)

53066550._SX318_SY475_

Whattttttt?! Larkin’s choice is a rom-com writer?! Yes, it’s true! I started listening to Jenny Colgan’s books on audio earlier this year and really fell in love. They’re cozy and cute and the small Scottish village setting really becomes its own character. Her books are like eating your favorite comfort food. I can’t get enough!

Newest Fictional Crush

50892338

Selwyn Kane. Bad boy and resident Merlin… Be still my beating heart.

Newest Favorite Character

16204601._SX318_

Sophie and Howl. I couldn’t really choose just one of them because their hilarious back and forth sassy comments made this book for me. I caught myself laughing aloud whenever they got into one of their arguments. And controversial opinion time: The book is wayyyy better than Miyazaki’s film adaptation. Like not even close.

Book That Made You Cry

52013133

Yes, I bawled my eyes out at this finale. No shame.

Book That Made You Happy

54303971

I was provided an ARC of this book from the publisher and enjoyed it so much. It had the cutest little romance that made me smile the entire time I read it.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought So Far This Year

36253143._SY475_

What Books Do You Need To Read By The End Of The Year

Favorite Book To Movie Adaptation You’ve Seen This Year

It’s not a movie, but the Shadow and Bone series on Netflix was absolutely amazing. It completely blew my expectations out of the water! I just really need season two to come out immediately, please!


What is your favorite book read of 2021 so far? Biggest disappointment? Have you discovered a new favorite author? What book are you most looking forward to reading in the second half of the year?

My Favorite Books Featuring Strong Female Characters

I’m sure like most of you do, I always enjoy reading a story that features strong and independent female characters. I never fail to feel an intense connection with those types of characters, as I like to think of myself as a fairly strong female as well. Everyone needs to be able to find a sense of strength and inspiration from their books and I think there’s nothing better than getting that from a special character. Long after you may forget what the plot from that book was about, you’ll still be able to remember that character and what they mean to you.

And don’t worry boys, you’ll get your turn soon!


39348113

Skyward (Skyward, #1) by Brandon Sanderson

Spensa is a total badass pilot. She never lets anything stop her from doing what she knows she was born to do. Also, her snarky comebacks never fail to make me laugh aloud.

Spensa’s world has been under attack for decades. Now pilots are the heroes of what’s left of the human race, and becoming one has always been Spensa’s dream. Since she was a little girl, she has imagined soaring skyward and proving her bravery. But her fate is intertwined with that of her father’s—a pilot himself who was killed years ago when he abruptly deserted his team, leaving Spensa the daughter of a coward, her chances of attending Flight School slim to none.

No one will let Spensa forget what her father did, yet fate works in mysterious ways. Flight school might be a long shot, but she is determined to fly. And an accidental discovery in a long-forgotten cavern might just provide her with a way to claim the stars.

18966819

Golden Son (Red Rising, #2) by Pierce Brown

Victra is life and anyone who disagrees can fight me over it.

As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow’s kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds—and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true love and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within.

A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love—but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution—and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people.

He must live for more.

34810320

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Sadie is one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever come across. She will do anything to avenge her sister’s death and I can totally respect that.

A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A Serial―like podcast following the clues she’s left behind. And an ending you won’t be able to stop talking about.

Sadie hasn’t had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she’s been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.

But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister’s killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.

When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie’s story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie’s journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it’s too late.

36373298

Trail of Lightning (The Sixth World, #1) by Rebecca Roanhorse

I want to be a monster hunter just like Maggie when I grow up. Can I say something like that even though I’m already 28? Eh, I don’t care. She’s fierce and I love it.

While most of the world has drowned beneath the sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse, Dinétah (formerly the Navajo reservation) has been reborn. The gods and heroes of legend walk the land, but so do monsters.

Maggie Hoskie is a Dinétah monster hunter, a supernaturally gifted killer. When a small town needs help finding a missing girl, Maggie is their last—and best—hope. But what Maggie uncovers about the monster is much larger and more terrifying than anything she could imagine.

Maggie reluctantly enlists the aid of Kai Arviso, an unconventional medicine man, and together they travel to the rez to unravel clues from ancient legends, trade favors with tricksters, and battle dark witchcraft in a patchwork world of deteriorating technology.

As Maggie discovers the truth behind the disappearances, she will have to confront her past—if she wants to survive.

Welcome to the Sixth World.

26032825

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1) by Holly Black

Jude is a human living amongst the Fair Folk and she’s able to play their games even better than they are. I only wish I could be as cunning as she is.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

39680088

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

Noemi Vidal is just so cool. She’s a fighter and isn’t afraid to break the rules in order to do the right thing.

he’s a soldier — Noemi Vidal is willing to risk anything to protect her planet, Genesis, including her own life. To their enemies on Earth, she’s a rebel.

He’s a machine — Abandoned in space for years, utterly alone, Abel’s advanced programming has begun to evolve. He wants only to protect his creator, and to be free. To the people of Genesis, he’s an abomination.

Noemi and Abel are enemies in an interstellar war, forced by chance to work together as they embark on a daring journey through the stars. Their efforts would end the fighting for good, but they’re not without sacrifice. The stakes are even higher than either of them first realized, and the more time they spend together, the more they’re forced to question everything they’d been taught was true.

28421168

Renegades (Renegades, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Technically Nova is the bad guy, but she’s still so loyal to the only family that she has even if that puts her at odds with the rest of the world. I can admire her standing by them, while also standing up to them when she knows what they’re doing is wrong.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone… except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova’s allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

35181313

Honor Among Thieves (The Honors, #1) by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre

I love how tough Zara is and how she’s willing to to do what’s right, even when putting her own life at risk. Also, I’m just really jealous she gets to fly a sentient ship.

Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead of moving with her family to Mars. In her eyes, living inside a dome isn’t much better than a prison cell.

Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.

Zara seizes the chance to flee Earth’s dangers, but when she meets Nadim, the alien ship she’s assigned, Zara starts to feel at home for the first time. But nothing could have prepared her for the dark, ominous truths that lurk behind the alluring glitter of starlight.

763588

Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1) by L.M. Montgomery

Anne is the real O.G. of inspirational females. No list would be worth even reading if she wasn’t on it.

As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever . . . but will the Cuthberts send her back to to the orphanage? Anne knows she’s not what they expected—a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. If only she can convince them to let her stay, she’ll try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes and blurting out the first thing that comes to her mind. Anne is not like anyone else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special—a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables.

18712886

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #1) by Erika Johansen

Kelsea is ruthless when it comes to fighting for her crown and protecting her kingdom. She is so strong willed and independent when it comes the choices she makes.

On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend . . . if she can survive.


Who are some of your favorite female characters? Do you agree with my choices?

My Top 10 Reads of 2018

Here we are again, at yet another year’s ending. But I have to say that I actually had a pretty good year in 2018 and I’m feeling even better about 2019. With that being said, my reading was kind of all over the place and involved me taking a nosedive into a few long reading slumps a couple of times over the past few months. But luckily, I’m finishing the year strong and I still was able to read quite a few awesome books. And I’m sure you’re wondering what my favorite ones were, right? Well you’re in luck!


32718027

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

Seriously, if I could sing my praises for this book from the top of every mountain on Earth, I would. It’s full of such a rich world and some amazing characters, that it’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. It has definitely worked its way into my all-time favorites list and I cannot for the sequel!

 

 

33257757

 

Iron Gold (Red Rising, #4) by Pierce Brown

I hope no one here is surprised to see that I loved this book. It’s a continuation of one of my favorite series ever and just keeps getting better and better with each book. I love how Brown keeps giving me conflicting feelings on all of my favorite characters and the decisions they make.

 

 

18712886

 

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #1) by Erika Johansen

This entire trilogy completely stunned me. It was wonderfully written and I loved how it was such a feminist story. I loved it so much that I made my dad read it and he loved it too! Seriously, if you haven’t picked this one up before, you definitely should.

 

29496575

 

Black Moon (Zodiac, #3) by Romina Russell

I really feel like this is a super underrated series. You never hear anyone talking about it but y’all, it is SO GOOD. The world-building is incredible and the plot has such an interesting storyline and mystery that it keeps you hooked from the very first page.

 

 

34323570

 

Furyborn (The Emporium Trilogy, #1) by Claire Legrand

This book got a lot of mixed reviews when it first came out, but I LOVED it so much. I liked how it went back and forth between the two characters and you got to read both of their stories parallel to one another. I’m super excited for the next book to come out and see what happens next!

 

 

30809786

 

A Reaper at the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes, #3) by Sabaa Tahir

Okay, seriously though… I don’t think I even need to explain how amazing this series is. And gosh, the story just gets more and more intense with each new release.

 

 

34942737 (1)

 

Defy the Worlds (Constellation, #2) by Claudia Gray

I swear that Claudia Gray can do no wrong. She continues to just blow away the science fiction genre and produce perfection after perfection. This book was left me dyyyyying for the final to be released. These two characters are some of my favorites and I need for them to have a happy ending!

 

 

36595619

 

Smoke and Iron (The Great Library, #4) by Rachel Caine

I am seriously obsessed with this series and this book in particular I found to be extremely intense. There were so many moving parts and I loved each of the character’s individual POV chapters.

 

 

28421168

 

Renegades (Renegades, #1) by Marissa Meyer

I wasn’t really expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. While I enjoyed Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles series, I felt that it was a little on the immature side. However, I loved that she embraces the dark a little more in this book.

 

 

34810320

 

Sadie by Courtney Summers

I listened to the audiobook of this haunting story and I cannot recommend it enough, as you really get to experience the whole podcast setting that way. This story definitely lives up to all of the hype that you’ve probably heard about it. Just pick this one up, you won’t regret it.

 

 


What are some of your favorite reads of 2018? Have you read of the ones on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

Three Bookish Things Tag

I saw that Kristin @ Kristin Kraves Books did this tag a few days ago and I was immediately like, now this’ll be fun! I haven’t done a tag in a while and loved getting to prepare answers for this one. I officially tag whoever else wants to do it! Let’s spread the tag love, y’all! 😉


THREE READ ONCE AND LOVED AUTHORS…

  • Claire Legrand – Furyborn was my first introduction to Legrand’s writing but I was immediately hooked. That book just hit all of the buttons for what I consider makes an amazing fantasy story. I can’t believe I have’t read any of her other books before but I definitely plan to pick them up in the future. Ohhhhh, yes!
  • Jennifer Donnelly – I think y’all already know how much I enjoy a good historical fiction novel and Donnelly delivered with These Shallow Graves. It was the perfect mix history, mystery, and a dash of romance. I needsssss more books like this one!
  • S.A. Chakraborty – Bow down to this queen! Her debut novel The City of Brass is my favorite of 2018 so far and I literally think about it at least a week. The wait for the sequel is breaking my heart.. January just seems sooooo far away and it’s not okay! Also, if she wants to toss out a new book every single year for the rest of her life, that’d be super cool with me.

THREE TITLES I’VE WATCHED BUT HAVEN’T READ…

Yes, I have seen all three of the adaptations of these novels but haven’t read the books yet. And if you’re thinking, Larkin you should be ashamed of youself.. Don’t worry because I’m way ahead of you on that front. I obviously plan on picking up Crazy Rich Asians and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before soon. Those adaptations got me hooked! As for The Alienist, I think I’ll just stick with the miniseries.

THREE CHARACTERS YOU LOVE…

  • Victra from Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown – Victra is my main bitch. She’s snarky, independent, a bit crazy, and just cool as hell. I love that she’s not afraid to do what needs to be done, even though it might be a bit drastic at times. I will continue to root for her until the end of time. You go, girl!
  • Nina from Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo – Nina is like my twin. We both love to tease people, we can never get enough of sweets, and we’ve got some curves. I also just love how kind she is. Basically, we would be best friends in real life. YOU DESERVE TO LOVE AGAIN, NINA!!!
  • Hermione Granger from Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – Because, obviously… Side note – I retyped her name 10 times because it didn’t look right. I might’ve had to Google it to make sure I wasn’t going insane.

THREE SERIES YOU BINGED…

  • The Queen of the Tearling Trilogy by Erika Johansen – This is one of my favorite fantasy series ever. It’s very complex with so many different layers to the story, and only gets deeper and deeper with each book. It’s also nice to have an adult fantasy that revolves around a female MC, especially one as awesome as Kelsea… Also, if you’re not convinced enough to read this one, just know that Emma Watson is trying to get this adapted for the big screen and will be producing it. You know, just FYI. 😉
  • The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon – This one probably shouldn’t count since only 3 of the planned 7 books have been released, but I binged all 3 in two days last summer so I’m counting it. This series is just freaking amazing and I hate how long it takes between each release, but I will follow it through to the end. Shannon just gets me and will forever be an auto-buy author for me. I can’t recommend this series enough. Bonus points for this one currently being optioned for television!
  • The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo – While this one didn’t end the way I was hoping for, I still really enjoyed the ride. The Darkling will forever be my one of my favorite villains in literature. Honestly, he deserved so much more! Also, Mal is the absolute worstttttttttttttt and I will stick by that until the end of time. Ugh, I just hate him. #stillsalty

THREE UNPOPULAR BOOKISH OPINIONS…

  • Mal Sucks – Please see above.
  • Keira Cass = Crap – Sorry, but I just cannot with her books. When I first read The Selection, I didn’t think it sucked too much but it definitely wasn’t this amazing series that everyone said it was. But now when I think about it, I have no idea how I even finished that series. You think there is really this huge revolution/rebellion conflict going on but it ends up being nothing but a sidenote to this stupid love triangle. And the writing overall is really less than mediocre. It’s gonna be a no from me, Dog.
  • No More Ebook ARCs – I have completely stopped using sites like NetGalley and Edelweiss, because I just do not enjoy reading eBooks. And honestly, I’m over requesting ARCs in general, I think. I don’t like being pressured to read a book in a certain amount of time, as I’m completely a mood reader which makes deadlines really hard for me. More power to those of you who can do it with no problem, I wish I had that kind of willpower!!

THREE CURRENT FAVORITE BOOK COVERS…

  • Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
  • The Kingdom of Copper (The Daevabad Trilogy, #2) by S.A. Chakraborty
  • The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Let’s give a shout out for 2019 releases because they are just killing it with these covers, ya’ll!

THREE BOOKISH GOALS FOR THE YEAR…

  • Read at least one Book of the Month book from my TBR each month.
  • Continue to read more diverse books.
  • Complete as many series as possible.

What are three of your bookish goals for the year? What movie adaptations have you seen but haven’t read the book? What are some of your unpopular bookish opinions?

2018 Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag

I think I say this every year, but it’s true… HOW THE HECK IS JUNE ALMOST OVER?! I mean, I could’ve sworn that January was yesterday and it was cold outside. Now, I start to melt like a popsicle as soon as I step outside. (Damn you, Texas weather!)

As always, I wasn’t tagged to do this tag. I just did it last year and decide to keep the tradition going!


Best Book You’ve Read This Year?

32718027

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

I wish I could just describe to you how much I loved this book. I binged it in less than 24 hours during a personal readathon back in January, and it has been on my mind ever since. This book has everything that I love in a story and the fact that it is based off Middle Eastern mythology just makes it even better. If you haven’t tried this book, please please do!

Best Sequel You’ve Read in 2018?

36329818

Legendary (Caraval, #2) by Stephanie Garber

For me, an amazing sequel elevates the original story to a completely different level, and I think Legendary did just that. The plot immediately pulled me in and brought a whole new element to the overall story. I also enjoyed Tella so much more as a main character than I did Scarlett. I just know Finale is going to blow us all away when it’s released!

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To?

34942737 (1)

Defy the Worlds (Constellation, #2) by Claudia Gray

I absolutely loved the first book, Defy the Stars, and cannot believe I have put off picking up the sequel for so long. Luckily, that’ll be rectified very soon as I plan to read it next. I cannot wait!!! I’ve missed Abel so darn much.

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year?

Dance of Thieves_FINAL 9.18

Dance of Thieves (Dance of Thieves, #1) by Mary E. Pearson

I am soooo excited about this newest series set prior to the events in Pearson’s The Remnant Chronicles. I ended up falling in love with that trilogy after a rough start with the first book. I’ve got really high hopes for this book, y’all!

Also, honorable mention goes to Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) by Sarah J. Maas… because, obviously.

Biggest Disappointment?

36336078

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman

I really don’t get the hype surrounding this book. I listened to the audiobook for a couple of hours before finally DNFing it. There’s barely any dialogue and the character is written in such an unbelievable way that I couldn’t enjoy the story. I think pretentious is the best word to describe this book. I think I’ll just stick to watching the film instead.

Biggest Surprise?

18712886

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #1) by Erika Johansen

This series has some very mixed reviews so I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I figured it be boring or something.. I WAS WRONG. This entire trilogy completely took me by surprise and solidified itself as one of my all-time favorite series. If you were turned off this series because of the reviews, I recommend still giving it a try. I recommended it to my dad and he really enjoyed it! I’ve also heard rumors that Emma Watson is working to turn this into a movie and I am so hype for it.

Favorite New To You Or Debut Author?

1074989

Claire Legrand

I read Furyborn (Empirium, #1) back in May and absolutely loved it. I haven’t read any of her other books but it makes me really want to pick them up. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for the sequel!

Newest Fictional Crush?

17342700

Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms, #3) by Morgan Rhodes

Let’s talk about my new boo, Magnus. I’ll be honest and admit that he kind of creeped me out by his unnatural obsession with his stepsister in the first couple of books. However, he really grew on me in Gathering Darkness. He finally seems to be doing his own thing and that sexual tension he has going with Cleo is giving me life right now. Hate to love, FTW!

Newest Favorite Character?

26032825

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1) by Holly Black

I think we can all agree that Prince Cardan is such a gem of a character. I love how awful he is and yet, you can’t help but like him for some twisted reason. Extremely complicated characters like him will always be my faves. I cannot wait to see how he responds in The Wicked King! Is it January yet?

Book That Made You Cry?

22698569

The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #3) by Erika Johansen

Damn, that ending.. It was a killer. But at the same time, after I finished bawling my eyes out, I realized that it was also more bittersweet and a little hopeful. Johansen did such a great job with this finale.

Book That Made You Happy?

20312462

Jackaby (Jackaby, #1) by William Ritter

I went into this book with zero expectations and maybe that helped how much I ended up enjoying it. It was just fun, quick read that made me laugh. I liked how it was a twist on Sherlock Holmes but also was able to really be its own thing, especially by incorporating the supernatural. I really want to get to the sequels at some point later this year.

Favorite Book-To-Film Adaptation?

Ready-Player-One-2018-movie-poster.jpg

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

I reallyyy enjoyed this movie. It was just a fun ride from start to finish. I liked some of the changes they made to help transmit the book to the big screen, though they did leave out some parts that I think would’ve been nice additions to the overall story.

Favorite Post You Have Done This Year?

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year?

34739766

Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett

Let’s all be honest, that is one wicked gorgeous and unique cover. I’m a little bit obsessed with it. It makes me want to pick up the book even faster!

What Books Do You Need To Read By The End of the Year?

  • Reign of the Fallen (Reign of the Fallen, #1) by Sarah Glenn Marsh
  • Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6) by Sarah J. Maas
  • Renegades (Renegades, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Honestly, there’s way too many books that I need to read before the year is over but that’s nothing new. I do plan to get to each of these soon though, as a couple have their sequels being released this fall.


What book has been your favorite of 2018 so far? Least favorite? What book(s) do you want to read before the end of the year? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

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

After a lackluster reading month in March, April was sooooo much better. I’m finally back in the swing of things, both reading-wise and blogging-wise. I can only hope that the trend continues through May! Luckily, at the end of the month I will be off to New York City for BookCon and I’m so excited for it. If you will be at BookCon as well, please let me know and maybe we can arrange a big group meetup or something at the convention or maybe for dinner! As excited as I am for the convention, I’m probably even more hyped to be seeing the Anastasia musical that Friday night. Ahhhhhh!!!


Books Read

  • Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente – physical book, 3/5 stars, REVIEW
  • The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy – audiobook, 1/5 stars
  • The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #3) by Erika Johansen – physical book, 5/5 stars
  • Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff – physical book, 5/5 stars, REVIEW
  • Black Moon (Zodiac, #3) by Romina Russell – physical book, 5/5 stars
  • The Big Inch (Misfits and Millionaires, #1) by Kimberly Fish – physical book, 5/5 stars, REVIEW
  • The Shadow Hour (The Girl at Midnight, #2) by Melissa Grey – physical book, 3/5 stars
  • Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms, #3) by Morgan Rhodes – physical book, 4/5 stars
  • Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) by Marissa Meyer – physical book, 4/5 stars, REVIEW
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – physical book, 4/5 stars

Total Books Read: 10

Overall in 2018: 29

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

  • A book by two authors – Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3)
  • A book by a local author – The Big Inch (Misfits and Millionaires, #1)
  • A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn’t get to – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
  • A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title – Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3)

Goodreads Challenge

Total: 29/75

Previous Total: 19/75

Blog Posts

Book Reviews

WWW Wednesday

Discussions/Misc.


How did your reading month in April go? 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? Did you do anything fun or interesting?

 

 

 

WWW Wednesday – April 4th, 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?

  • Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – physical book
  • The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy – audiobook

I just started on Obsidio last night and so I’m not very far into it at all. However, I can already see that this finale is going to wreck me so I’ve invested in a box of tissues. I feel like I never fail to at least tear up at series finales. And I just know that Kaufman and Kristoff will wreck my heart with this book.

What did you recently finish reading?

22698569

  • The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #3) by Erika Johansen – physical book, 5/5 stars

This ending… I just am in awe. This entire series was just amazing and so beautifully written. I really wish that more people would pick it up because it deserves all of the praise. I was talking about it so much that my dad is reading it now and enjoying the first book so far. If you’re looking for a New Adult fantasy that is well written, can get a little dark, and will make you think, then pick this trilogy up. I can’t recommend it enough!

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms, #3) by Morgan Rhodes – physical book
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – physical book
  • Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6) by Sarah J. Maas – physical book

I plan to continue on with some of my series and then mix it up a bit with a standalone that everyone has been raving about. I still can’t believe I haven’t picked it up yet either since I got it from Book of the Month Club as soon as it came out. Shame on me!


What are you currently reading? Did you finish any books this past week? If so, what did you think of them? 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!

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

March ended up not being the wonderful reading/blogging month that I had originally hoped for. I went through a bit of a blogging slump that wasn’t helped by the fact that work was just crazy busy as well. I also took some time off from reading ever single night and took my time with the few books that I actually read. And after turning my Xbox on for the first time since last summer, I got back into playing Elder Scrolls Online. I can’t believe I forgot how fun this game is! Now the challenge will be to make sure that I stop playing long enough to get my reading in too. This shall be interesting, haha!

In other news, I have decided I’ll be making a trip to Disney World and Universal Studios this December! I’m so excited that my blogging bestie, Britt from Geronimo Reads, will be joining me as well! We already started planning out the trip last night and I seriously cannot wait. I plan to eat all of the food and ride everything. Prepare yourselves for a gush post with tons of photos.


Books Read

  • Honor Among Thieves (The Honors, #1) by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre – 4/5 stars
  • Jackaby (Jackaby, #1) by William Ritter – 4/5 stars
  • The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #1) by Erika Johansen – 5/5 stars
  • The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #2) by Erika Johansen – 5/5 stars

Total Books Read: 4

Overall in 2018: 19

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

None….. Oops.

Goodreads Challenge

Total: 19/75

Previous Total: 15/75

Blog Posts

WWW Wednesday

Discussions/Misc.


How did your reading month in March go? 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? Did you do anything fun or interesting?

WWW Wednesday – March 21st, 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 Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #3) by Erika Johansen – physical book
  • The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy – audiobook

Right now, I am LIVING for The Queen of the Tearling trilogy. I have binged this entire series because I cannot wait to see how this story all ends. There are so many different moving parts and political intrigue that is so engrossing. You never know quite what is going to happen next or what the characters will do. Seriously, this series has become one of my all-time favorites! Why don’t more people talk about this book?!

(I refuse to talk about The Disappearances.)

What did you recently finish reading?

  • The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #1) by Erika Johansen – physical book, 5/5 stars
  • The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #2) by Erika Johansen – physical book, 5/5 stars

As soon as I finish the final book, I will be doing a write up on this entire trilogy. Go ahead and get ready to expect a lot of gushing and heart eyes!!!

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff – physical book
  • Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms, #3) Morgan Rhodes – physical book
  • The Shadow Hour (The Girl at Midnight, #2) by Melissa Grey – physical book

Continuing with my plan to catch up on/finish some series that I’ve started. My copy of Obsidio also just arrived on Monday and I don’t think I can put it off any longer. MUST…. READ… NOWWWWWWW!

After I get through these next couple of books, I think I’ll try and knock some standalones off of my TBR. There’s quite a few that have been sitting on my shelves for a while too. Time for some spring cleaning reading!


What are you currently reading? Did you finish any books this past week? If so, what did you think of them? 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!

WWW Wednesday – March 14th, 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 Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy – audiobook
  • The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #1) by Erika Johansen – physical book

Eh, one of these days I’ll finish this damn audiobook even if it kills me!

I finally picked up The Queen of the Tearling after owning the entire trilogy for a while now. I’m not very far into it yet, but I’m loving it so far. It definitely has an epic fantasy feel to it that I think would translate well for a television or movie adaptation. I can’t wait to see how this story plays out!

What did you recently finish reading?

20312462

  • Jackaby (Jackaby, #1) by William Ritter – physical book, 4/5 stars

This ended up being an enjoyable quick read. I really enjoyed the paranormal/fantasy elements mixed in the historical setting. Jackaby is definitely a fun character. If you’re into socially awkward geniuses (think Sherlock Holmes), then you’ll be a big fan of Jackaby.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) by Marissa Meyer
  • The Shadow Hour (The Girl at Midnight, #2) by Melissa Grey
  • Fuse (Pure, #2) by Julianna Baggott

I’m really hoping to tackle some more of my backlisted series that have been on my shelves for way too long. However, my reading habits have really been all over the place and a bit moody, so I may end grabbing something else. Who knows at this point what to expect for my TBR over the next couple of weeks, haha! SURPRISES!


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