Ernest Cline – Wonderfilled Reads

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?

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?

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?

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 (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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 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?

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?

Books That Need Adaptations

I would like to thank Britt for giving me this idea because I was completely out of inspiration today. I just hate when that happens!

Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

I feel like the steampunk/alternate history WWI setting of this book would translate so well onscreen. All of the interesting contraptions and creatures could really be so vivid and amazing with the right director, like Steven Spielberg or Guillermo del Toro. In fact, the more that I think about it, the more that I want it to happen. Anyone know anyone in Hollywood?

The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon

I would seriously die if this series hit the big or small screen. I want to say that it was optioned for television but I can’t remember for sure. I’d be all up on that for sure if it was though!

Armada by Ernest Cline

I know that Ready Player One is coming out in March, but I think that Armada would have been a better book suited for adaptation. There’s an actual war going on in this plotline and if you’ve read the book, you’ll know that that opening scene is great. I might’ve had some issue with this book, but I’d definitely pay some money to see it in 3D.

Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

I think we can all agree that there aren’t enough good Westerns being made anymore. And one that’s mixed with fantasy and steampunk elements, starring a kickass female main character? It’s the movie that we didn’t even know we needed but now we have to have it!

Gold Seer Trilogy by Rae Carson

Oh, did you think I was kidding about Westerns? I wasn’t.

The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

If I’m being honest, I really just want this brought to screen so I can obsess over Nikolai and the Darkling. Maybe I’ll get really lucky and they’ll change the storyline up enough to kill off Mal. Oh, what a glorious day that would be!

Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

This series has actually been optioned for the big screen but nothing has moved forward past that. I don’t know what the heck is wrong with Hollywood because this could be the next great science fiction series! I definitely seeing this one becoming a total blockbuster hit.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

I’m already a sucker for any WWII setting movie and for my favorite historical fiction novel to show up on the big screen would be a match made in Heaven. I’ll go ahead and get the tissues ready.

The Lunar Chronicles Series by Marissa Meyer

Okay, I know every single one of you has been thinking the same thing when it comes to this series. I’ll actually take this one as a tv show so we can really flesh out this world and the characters. Who’s with me?!

The Cutting Season by Attica Locke

Now this is actually a thriller that I would go see at the movies. The atmosphere, the story, the characters… Yeah, I think this would be a really good movie right about now.

What books would you like to see turned into a movie or television show? Do you agree with the ones on my list?

The Fall Book Tag

Fall is one of, if not, my favorite time of the year! I’m also quite partial to winter because it’s when Christmas and my birthday is… though I promise it’s not all about presents, haha! Really, I just love cold weather. Give me sweaters and leggings all day, every day!

Anyways, big shout out to one of my faves, Lilly @ Lair of Books for tagging me to do this! If you haven’t followed her yet, I highly suggest you hurry your little butt over there to do so because she’s got such an amazing blog (not to mention, she’s such a sweetheart!).

The Rules:

Please link back to Bionic Book Worm, as the creator of this tag!! She wants to see your answers!!
Use the graphics – if you want 🙂
Have fun!

A Million Junes by Emily Henry

I will never stop recommending this book. Emily Henry can write the most beautiful stories that will both lift you up and break your heart. If you haven’t picked up either of her novels, I highly suggest you do. No one can write magical realism like this woman can!

Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity, #2) by Victoria Schwab

All I have to say is READ THIS SERIES. If you haven’t already, prepare for the perfect ending to such a dark and amazing journey. I literally died when I finished this one.

Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

This book is just so stinking cute. I can promise that it will make you smile while reading it. I mean, who can resist a sassy heroine falling in love with a sassy hero? I surely can’t!

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

This book is just so freaking awesome. Kate is one of the most badass heroines that you’ll ever come across and I want to be her best friend. Seriously, one of my top 5 reads of 2016. The companion novel comes out really soon too!

Armada by Ernest Cline

I think it’s pretty easy to see where science fiction novels tend to be pretty action packed, and Armada is the perfect example of that. The book starts off with a bang and doesn’t stop once. You’ll never have to worry about getting bored with this one!

Into the Bright Unknown (Gold Seer Trilogy, #3) by Rae Carson

Y’all, I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on this beauty. This trilogy has been such an underrated gem. I just don’t understand how it’s been able to fly under the radar for so long. I just know this finale is going to kill me and I’m not even ready for it.

Tag, You’re It!

Lauren @ Wonderless Reviews

Yvo @ It’s All About Books

Stephanie @ Adventures of a Bibliophile

I tag anyone else who wants to do this fun tag! And if you’ve already been tagged, please ignore!

Happy fall, y’all!

What are some books that make you think of fall? Have you done The Fall Book Tag? If so, please leave a link in the comments below!

Recommendations Series #3: Science Fiction

Hi y’all! Today I’m back at it with some recommendations, but this time focusing on science fiction novels! I will admit that I’ve been slacking on this genre over the last year or so and I would like to apologize to all of the amazing looking science fiction books currently staring at my with annoyed faces from my TBR bookshelf. I see you, babies! I’m coming for you soon!

The Firebird Trilogy by Claudia Gray

This isn’t your typical science fiction novel, as it’s not set in space. However, there is cross-dimension travel involved and non-stop action that I promise you won’t be able to get enough of. Also, a swoony romance to warm your heart. Can we also agree how gorgeous these covers are? Um yes!

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

A fairly well-known book, and soon to be movie directed by Steven Spielberg, this one is an epic adventure that is chock full of pop culture references from the 80’s. If you love video games and science fiction movies, you should enjoy this one!

The Diabolic (The Diabolic, #1) by S.J. Kincaid

This story is definitely a great place to start if you’re looking for a YA science fiction novel. It’s got political intrigue, a socially inept MC (who kills me with her social skills), and a completely engrossing plotline. It was originally going to be a standalone but is now being turned into a duology with the sequel due to release this fall. TW: Death of a LGTBQA+ character.

The Illuminae Files Series by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

To say that I’m obsessed with this series would be an understatement. Illuminae may actually be one of the most original stories that I’ve read. The first novel also contains a character who will always be the greatest character that I’ve read. If you don’t become obsessed with AIDAN too, I’ll be very surprised.

Starflight Duology by Melissa Landers

Now don’t go into this series thinking that it will blow your mind, because it probably won’t. However, you will have buckets of fun and will fall in love with this adorable crew of outcasts. Pick this one up when you’re just looking for a good time! TW: drug addiction (Starfall)

Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

Oh, I’m sorry, did you really think that I wouldn’t list my all-time favorite series (with the exception of HP, of course!)? HA! The joke is on you, my friend, because I will never not recommend this series to someone. Also, the first book in a new trilogy set 10 years later is being released in January! My body is probably going to spontaneously combust with excitement. TW: violence

Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1) by Michael Crichton

A classic, to be sure. The book actually delves quite deeper into the science behind the park that the film wasn’t able to cover. So if you like that sort of stuff, then you will appreciate Crichton’s writing. I haven’t read any of his other novels but I do believe that’s a common trait with his writing.

Across the Universe Trilogy Beth Revis

I will admit that it’s been quite a while since I read this series, but I do remember really enjoying it. I haven’t seen the movie but I assume based on what it was about, that this series is kind of like a YA version of the movie Passengers. Except better. Because I definitely heard that that movies was awful. Also, yes there was a cover change in the middle of this series. WE DON’T TALK ABOUT IT.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

I don’t tend to hate on the Twilight series because we all read it when we were teens and devoured it. It’s okay to admit these things, instead of acting like we were too mature for that. With that being said, this book is FAR superior to Twilight. I honestly wish more people would read this and see for themselves. I actually think I’ll be rereading it this fall! Also, there was a movie adaptation of it starring Saoirse Ronan.

Star Wars: Aftermath Trilogy by Chuck Wendig

Like I would do a science fiction recommendations post and not include something involving Star Wars! But seriously, I thought this was such a fun series, that just got better with each book. I know some people don’t like that Wendig writes this series in the present tense but I didn’t even notice it after the first book. If you like Star Wars, then these books are a must!

P.S. This post might have been written while listening to the Star Wars soundtracks.

What are some of your favorite science fiction novels? Which ones would recommend? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them?

Book Review: Armada

Sometimes you can enjoy a book sooo much and then you get to the ending only to be let down, which unfortunately was the case for me when I read Armada by Ernest Cline.

Zack Lightman has spent his life dreaming. Dreaming that the real world could be a little more like the countless science-fiction books, movies, and videogames he’s spent his life consuming. Dreaming that one day, some fantastic, world-altering event will shatter the monotony of his humdrum existence and whisk him off on some grand space-faring adventure.

But hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little escapism, right? After all, Zack tells himself, he knows the difference between fantasy and reality. He knows that here in the real world, aimless teenage gamers with anger issues don’t get chosen to save the universe.

And then he sees the flying saucer.

Even stranger, the alien ship he’s staring at is straight out of the videogame he plays every night, a hugely popular online flight simulator called Armada—in which gamers just happen to be protecting the earth from alien invaders.

No, Zack hasn’t lost his mind. As impossible as it seems, what he’s seeing is all too real. And his skills—as well as those of millions of gamers across the world—are going to be needed to save the earth from what’s about to befall it.

It’s Zack’s chance, at last, to play the hero. But even through the terror and exhilaration, he can’t help thinking back to all those science-fiction stories he grew up with, and wondering: Doesn’t something about this scenario seem a little…familiar?

While I enjoyed Cline’s debut novel, Ready Player One, I also felt that it tended to drag in areas. But lucky for us, Armada never suffers from the same problem. This story was fast-paced from beginning to end. I never found myself struggling with boredom or indifference, but always on the edge of my seat with excitement. I was so excited to turn each page to see what was going to happen next. I’m very happy to see that Cline has improved so much with pacing and I hope that he continues to, to ensure that this isn’t just a fluke. *prays intently to the book gods for it to be true*

I thought that Zack was a really fun character. He was snarky and nerdy, but came with some emotional issues from his father dying at such a young age. The opening chapter was the perfect setup for the reader to see just what kind of person he is and I loved how great of an introduction it was. I also enjoyed the various side characters that show up, however, the female love interest, Alexis Larkin (YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT!) was a bit much for me. I loved reading their interactions, but I felt that she was almost too much of a perfect badass that I didn’t particularly click with. She was too much of a trope and lacked anything original. Yes, she’s only a minor character but I would have preferred to see her make some mistakes or have some personal issues at least, but alas, nothing. She’s just too bloody cool and perfect. Yawnnnnnnn…

Plot-wise, this book is nothing original but then again, it doesn’t pretend to be. Throughout the entire story, Cline is referencing the very books and movies that it was inspired by. However, I never let that bother me. I found this book to be more of a contemporary homage to some science fiction classics, such as Ender’s Game, Star Wars, and The Last Starfighter. I felt that Cline’s pop culture references this time around helped pay tribute rather than just feel like an attempt to show off his extensive knowledge, as was the case in RPO. They were also much more accessible this time around and were references that I think everyone will be able to recognize. As a nerd, I can always appreciate a good pop culture reference! 😉

However, for as much fun as I had with this book, there were a few issues that I just couldn’t get over. I’ll start with the minor things… The first one was a bit of an insta-love moment between Zack and Lexi. It was more of a puppy love thing and was actually a pretty funny first meeting, so it wasn’t too terrible. Just worthy of a some eye-rolling, haha! The second thing that wasn’t a really big issue but still kind of annoyed me, were the so-called “twists”. Yeah, just no. None of them were twists to me, as I felt they were all a bit too obvious. But none of these compare to the ultimate fail when it comes to books for me, and that is CRAPPY ENDINGS!!!! Yes, you read that right. Armada was a fun, action-packed ride right up until the end. That ending was too quick, too easy, and too predictable. It lacked the tension and excitement that I expect in a good finale. It was like ordering a dry aged ribeye steak and receiving a hamburger patty. Yep, that kind of disappointment.

Overall, Armada was an entertaining and quick read but fell short in some areas. It had all of the entertainment value of a 5 star review but lacked the finesse and details (not to mention the perfect ending) to deserve it. If you’re looking for a quick travel or beach read then this book is an excellent choice, but if you’re looking for the perfect book then you might want to pick something else off of you shelf.

Final Verdict: 3/5 Stars

Have you read Armada? What did you think of it? What did you think of it compared to Ready Player one?

WWW Wednesday – May 17th, 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?

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer, #1) by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer is the story of:

the aftermath of a war between gods and men
a mysterious city stripped of its name
a mythic hero with blood on his hands
a young librarian with a singular dream
a girl every bit as perilous as she is imperiled
alchemy and blood candy, nightmares and godspawn, moths and monsters, friendship and treachery, love and carnage.

Welcome to Weep.

I’m enjoying this book so far. It’s whimsical and mysterious with an interesting cast of characters. I’m really curious to see where this story leads and I hope that I enjoy it every step of the way!

What did you recently finish reading?

Startup by Doree Shafrir – 4/5 stars, REVIEW
Armada by Ernest Cline – 3/5 stars, review will be posted Thursday

I really enjoyed both of these novels. I found Shafrir’s debut novel to be a fun and realistic social commentary on the tech scene. It had some funny moments and then a few moments that punched you in gut. I also enjoyed how sarcastic her viewpoint on millennials came out, so funny!

I was LOVING Armada, until it reached the ending. Something about the ending just really didn’t sit well with me. It seemed a bit rushed and wrapped up too perfectly, which is something that really annoys me in stories. However, I think this book is still a really fun read and fans of Ender’s Game will especially enjoy it. It definitely is chock full of sci-fi pop culture references, just like Ready Player One, but these references are much more universal and less obscure. I do believe that this novel has sold its movie rights, just like its predecessor, so be on the look out for that in the next few years!

What do you think you’ll read next?

Aftermath: Life Debt (Star Wars: Aftermath, #2) by Chuck Wendig
Go Set a Watchman (To Kill a Mockingbird, #2) by Harper Lee

I’m just going to get real with y’all – I shall be reading a buttload of Star Wars novels in the coming months, at least once a month. I’ve gotten really behind due to all of the new releases and so now I’m trying to play catch-up. If you’re not a Star Wars fan, you’ve been warned!

I will be reading Go Set a Watchman for book club. I’ll be honest and say that I’m reallyyyy not looking forward to reading this book. In fact, it gives me a headache just looking at the cover of it. I think I’ll just plan to read one or two chapters a night so I won’t put myself into a reading slump over it. I WILL NOT DO IT!

What are you currently reading? Have you finished any good books recently? Have you read any of the books on my list? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday in the comments below!