Hype or Like Friday – February 17th, 2017

Just another Hype or Like Friday! This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The February BOTM is Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard.

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: Favorite Fictional Friendships – Which fictional friends do you love and would totally want to be besties with?


1. Iseult & Safi from The Witchlands Series by Susan Dennard

Granted, I just now meeting them as I only started this book a couple of days ago (and finished last night!), but I really just adore them. It’s not often you get to see such strong female friendships portrayed in YA novels and I think this one might just be the best there is.

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2. Blair and Serena from Gossip Girl

Okay, so those have had their ups and downs but we all knew that those two were destined to become besties again. They’ve done some pretty messed up schemes to help each other out when the other one needed help and I think in the end that’s all that mattered. Who wouldn’t want to have those two always on their side, no matter what?

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3. Harry, Ron, and Hermione from Harry Potter

Because, obviously.

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4. The Night Court Crew from A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Come on, this group of friends gives me life. There’s tons of love, honesty, and a whole lot of sass. I just love them all so much and want them all to be happy and live happily ever after. But I swear, if Mor and Azriel don’t get together before this series ends, I WILL BURN THIS DAMN HOUSE DOWN. Obviously I feel very strongly about this…

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5. Dill, Lydia, and Travis from The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

I loved this trio so much. They were all so different but still were so close. I also appreciated how real they were – they argue, fight, get annoyed, laugh, cry, all of it. I don’t think anything is more true than showing all facets of a friendship, even the not-so-good stuff.

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So what are some of your favorite fictional friends? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

Hype or Like Friday – February 10th, 2017

Just another Hype or Like Friday! This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The February BOTM is Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard.

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: Fictional Valentine – Which fictional characters would you like to be your Valentine?


1. Jamie Fraser – Outlander Series

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Honestly, I think Jamie is my number one book boyfriend. He’s so manly, kind, and just amazing. And let’s be honest, Sam Heughan is just an absolutely perfect choice to portray Jamie. I mean, he IS Jamie!

2. Rhysand – A Court of Thorn and Roses Series

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Oh, Rhysand… You’re such a funny, broken, beautiful thing. Now come to me, lover boy!

3. Nik – Gemina (The Illuminae Files, #2)

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Basically me whenever I think about Nik….

4. Erik Northman – True Blood Series

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Vampires have always been considered sexy and mysterious in pop culture, but none are as sexy as Eric Northman. That’s a fact!

5. Gilbert Blythe – Anne of Green Gables Series

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Doesn’t every girl dream of a guy that supports and encourages them as much as Gilbert does Anne? Be still my heart!


So what did you think of my fictional valentines? Which fictional characters would you want to be your valentine? Leave a link to your own Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

A Hufflepuff Reading List

Hello to all of you amazing Hufflepuffs out there! Today’s post is just for you! We see you for your loyalty, hardwork, and kindness – a few things that this world could use a bit more of, especially right now.


1. The Half Bad Trilogy by Sally Green

I don’t really know if I can think of a more loyal and kind person than Gabriel from this series. His commitment and love for Nathan turned this series into more just a paranormal adventure. I think all Hufflepuffs would agree that that’s what being a Hufflepuff is all about.

2. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

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Oh, yes… Just thinking about Ari and Dante’s loyalty to one another is enough to bring tears to my eyes.

3. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

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Louisa’s hard work ethic, kindness, and her ability to stay true to herself is about as Hufflepuff as you can get. I mean, who doesn’t want to be best friends with her?!

4. The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

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Hufflepuffs, read this book and know that you’re with friends.

5. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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I think it’s hard to picture Patroclus as anything other than a Hufflepuff. He went to war with Achilles even knowing how it was going to end. His love and loyalty spawned one of the greatest stories in the world.

6. The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare

Some might disagree with me on this one and think that our young heroes and heroine belong in Gryffindor. But I am here to tell you that these three represent the very best Hufflepuff has to offer!

7. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

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We all love to see the loyalty and strength that families provide. And I find a shining example of that is by the Dashwood sisters of Sense and Sensibility, both Hufflepuffs!

8. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

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Inman’s love and loyalty to Ada, mixed with hard work and determination, was the thing keeping him alive long enough to return from the War and home to his sweetheart. I think his quiet and resolute nature would be at home in Hufflepuff.

9. Matilda by Roald Dahl

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I originally had Matilda as a Ravenclaw, due to her precocious love for books and learning. However, I finally decided that her kindness and truth to self shined too brightly to be ignored.

10. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

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Lochan and Maya’s loyalty to their family and all of their hard work in order to keep them together was one of the most beautiful stories that I read last year. There’s no doubt that those qualities as well as their kindness, would have left the Sorting Hat saying, “Hufflepuff!”


Do you agree with the books on my list? What are some other books that you think belong on here? Do you disagree with any? Let me know in the comments!

A Slytherin Reading List

Since my Ravenclaw reading list was such a big hit last month, I thought I’d continue the fun for each House. I firmly believe that no House is any better than any other House. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, and all are full of wonderful people. I actually believe that I’m a little bit of each House all jumbled together, just more Ravenclaw than any other. I’ve actually heard lots of people say that about themselves which I think is very cool and interesting. I mean, I wonder how many other students argued with the Sorting Hat over which House they should be in. I’m almost completely positive that Harry Potter wasn’t the only one.

But today, let’s focus on the ambitious and cunning Slytherins!

P.S. I wasn’t able to translate the entire post in Parseltongue, maybe next t.


1. The Young Elites trilogy by Marie Lu

Adelina is the ultimate badass. She’s smart, ambitious, and isn’t afraid of anything. Basically, she’d be the Queen Bee of the Slytherin House. I’m pretty sure that even Malfoy wouldn’t want to mess with her!

2. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

Y’all cannot tell me that Celaena wouldn’t be in Slytherin! I mean, she’s full-blooded nobility and she’s oozing resourcefulness from every pore. I don’t think this girl even knows how to back down from a challenge. I think we can all agree that she embodies everything that Slytherin stands for.

3. Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

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What do Slytherins love? Well I think they love people who earn their respect and the main character in Vengeance Road is one such person. I dare you to read this book and not dream of becoming best friends with Kate.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

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A man hell bent on revenge for being wrongly imprisoned for 13 years thanks to his former best friend? Get out your popcorn, Slytherin, because you’re in for a damn good ride!

5. Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab

I’ll admit that I went a little back and forth on this selection. I honestly felt that Lila could actually fit in both Slytherin and Gryffindor (with Kell definitely being a Hufflepuff), but I ultimately decided that this is a series for Slytherins. Fear isn’t a word in Lila Bard’s vocabulary and she goes after exactly what she wants, and I’d have to say that she prides herself on that.

6. The Godfather by Mario Puzo

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Please… You know that the Corleone’s are the muggle equivalent to the Malfoy’s. Both are families that share legacies of tradition and blood, and they are extremely proud of that fact too.

7. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

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A novel about how an ambitious young works her way to the upper echelons of British society in the early 19th century? Oh yes, Becky Sharp is a total Slytherin. Watching her maneuver and manipulate her way to the top is nothing short of extraordinary.

8. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

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3 sisters battling to the death in order to win the crown? HA! Child’s play…

9. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

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I think it’s okay to admit that Amy Dunne would be a Slytherin. Cunning? Check. Resourceful? Check. Proud? Check. Yep, the Sorting Hat would definitely know where to stick her immediately.

10. The Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence

A prince who’s fled his thrown and decided to lead a band of outlaws raiding and pillaging across the land? Hmmm, sounds like something a Slytherin might do if they were really pissed off.


Slytherins, what did you think of this list? What books do you disagree with? What are some books that you would add? Let me know in the comments!

Hype or Like Friday – January 13th, 2017

Just another Hype or Like Friday! This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The January BOTM is The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner.

RULES:

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

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


Most Anticipated of 2017

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


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

Musing Monday – January 9th, 2017

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

PROMPTS:

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

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: What do you think about books being made into movies or tv shows and do you always read the book first?


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

Okay, these weren’t books that I bought in the past week, these are actually all of the books that I bought last month. I didn’t do a book haul for December so I thought that this would be a good time to showcase the beauties added to my bookshelf! Thank you, Book Outlet and Barnes & Noble, for always being there to take my money. HUGS!

What do you think about books being made into movies or tv shows and do you always read the book first?

I like movie/tv adaptations, because they bring to life the stories that we all cherish and love. Yes, they aren’t always true to the original story, but it’s still fun getting to see your characters in the flesh. I will never not be happy that Hollywood is smart enough to realize that some of the best stories actually come from books. I mean, it’s pretty obvious! I also try to read the book first before watching the movie or show, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Honestly, either way is fine. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way!


What books did you get during December? Have you read any of the ones that I got? What did you think of them? What do you think about movie/tv adaptations of books? Leave a link to your Musing Mondays post in the comments below!

5 Different Ways We Buy Books

If you’re like me, then when you find yourself out and about buying books, it becomes an adventure. There may be tears of joy, frustration, prolonged periods of intense staring as you have inner debates, and maybe even shouts of excitement because you finally found that really obscure book/edition that you’ve been searching for forever! Onlookers probably feel like they’re on safari watching us in our natural habitat. In short, when we bookworms buy books, it turns into one epic quest to Mordor to find the one book to rule them all.

And in honor of that journey, I decided to list just a few of the ways that we choose our books.


1. The Casual Multiple Hours Long Browsing Selection

This is probably my most common form of book buying when I’m not ordering online. I will literally spend hours just slowly making my way through all of the aisles, just taking my time and picking up anything that catches my eye. Also, the way that ends up with my wallet slapping me across the face and yelling at me about how I should be saving my money.

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2. The I-Only-Have-Enough-Money-For-One-Book Debate Selection

Don’t you just hate when you can only afford to get one book but you somehow have about 5 in your hands, and you can’t decide which one is the one you most want so you spend about 30 minutes in the aisle just staring at them all? Yeah, me too.

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3. The I’m-Only-Here-For-A-Specific-Book-So-Don’t-Look-At-Anything-Else Selection

We all know about those times when you are on a mission to get that one specific book, so you know that you can’t stop to look at anything else or you’ll end up going home with about 20 different books and not the one you originally came for. When I do this, I practically run down the aisles to where that book is going to be located. I must not be tempted!!!

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4. The Finding-Books-That-Were-Recommended-By-Booktube/Bookstagram/Blogger Selection

Because of this great big wonderful book community, we are constantly getting recommended different books to read and buy. For me, these trips don’t always turn out so well…. I find the book and then I’m all like, what the hell am I doing because this book doesn’t really interest me at all?! This happens far more often than I wish it did.

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5. The I’ve-Got-Unlimited-Funds-So-Give-Me-Everything! Selection

This is really just a dream scenario but it’s nice to have dreams though, right?

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What are some ways that you buy your books? Do any of selection choices fit your usual book buying tendencies?

 

A Ravenclaw Reading List

I was originally sorted into a Hogwarts house a few years ago on Pottermore. Now, this was long before the new updated sorting system, and I was sorted into Gryffindor. While I do agree that I fit into Gryffindor, I always had a little inkling in the back of my mind that I could be in Ravenclaw, too. Well a few days ago, I decided to redo my Pottermore account and take the new sorting quiz to verify my House, as I had heard that some people were actually getting sorted into different Houses. And y’all, I’ll be damned if that didn’t happen to me! It’s official, I am a Ravenclaw, just as I had always suspected!

So in honor of my new House, I decided to list a few books that you are most likely to see a Ravenclaw reading. Yippee!


1. The Great Library Trilogy  by Rachel Caine

Okay, this is a series set in an alternate history where the Great Library of Alexandria never burnt down, but ended up becoming a universal government that controls all of the knowledge and writings ever created. It’s a story about books, knowledge, and a library. I think it’s a no-brainer for any Ravenclaw!

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn…

 2. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

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A magic school? Check! I think that makes it a no-brainer. Ravenclaws would definitely be reading this book!

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

3. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

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A book about how much books affect our lives and shape us into who we are. And the main character owns a bookstore!…Yup, I would almost bet that Zevin is a Ravenclaw.

A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island—from Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who’s always felt kindly toward Fikry; from Ismay, his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving him from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who keeps on taking the ferry over to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.’s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, A.J. can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.

And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It’s a small package, but large in weight. It’s that unexpected arrival that gives A. J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J.; or for that determined sales rep, Amelia, to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light; or for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.’s world; or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn’t see coming.

4. My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

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That Jane has read book on all sorts of random things. The amount of knowledge she has is insane. I bet she would even be at the top of her class at Hogwarts, basically a Hermione twin!

The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane is about to become the Queen of England.

5. The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman

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Another magical school but this time a college. And a school that requires passing a test to get in? Ravenclaws are always looking forward to a reason to use their knowledge, wits, and creativity! I think that school is full of Ravenclaws.

Like everyone else, precocious high school senior Quentin Coldwater assumes that magic isn’t real, until he finds himself admitted to a very secretive and exclusive college of magic in upstate New York. There he indulges in joys of college-friendship, love, sex, and booze- and receives a rigorous education in modern sorcery. But magic doesn’t bring the happiness and adventure Quentin thought it would. After graduation, he and his friends stumble upon a secret that sets them on a remarkable journey that may just fulfill Quentin’s yearning. But their journey turns out to be darker and more dangerous than they’d imagined.

6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

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Cath is a total Ravenclaw. She’d rather spend time with her books and writing fan-fiction than out partying? Ohhhh yeah, she’s a Ravenclaw.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan…

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words… And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

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I think Jo, who is a strong, creative, independent woman, would make a wonderful Ravenclaw.

Following the lives of four sisters on a journey out of adolescence, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women explores the difficulties associated with gender roles in a Post-Civil War America.

8. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

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DUH!

In this historic romance, young Elizabeth Bennet strives for love, independence and honesty in the vapid high society of 19th century England.

9. A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin

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Ravenclaws enjoy using their wits, wisdom, intuition, and creativity. All of the political intrigue and strong characters in this series are the perfect combination to spark the minds and interest of a Ravenclaw. In fact, I bet Khaleesi would be a Ravenclaw and Arya would be a Slytherin. Obviously, Jon Snow is a Gryffindor. Right?!

In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes of the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

10. Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

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Anne is one spunky chick, with a super good creative and individual outlook on life. Her fight to be number one in her class is like music to my ears. And she meets the love of her life while doing it? That girl is living the Ravenclaw dream.

Everyone’s favorite redhead, the spunky Anne Shirley, begins her adventures at Green Gables, a farm outside Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. When the freckled girl realizes that the elderly Cuthberts wanted to adopt a boy instead, she begins to try to win them and, consequently, the reader, over.

And there you have it. If you see anyone walking around and reading one of these books, then chances are, they’re a Ravenclaw. So when you see one of us out and about, be sure to stop and say hi! 😉


So what did you think of my list? What are some other books that you think a Ravenclaw would be reading? Do you disagree with any of the choices on this list? What House are you sorted into and what books would one of those members be reading?

Hype or Like Friday – December 9th, 2016

Woohoo, it’s Hype or Like Friday again! This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The December BOTM is A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, #1) by Claudia Gray.

RULES:

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Hype or Like Friday – December 2nd, 2016

Woohoo, it’s Hype or Like Friday again! This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

The December BOTM is A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, #1) by Claudia Gray.

RULES:

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

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Pleasant Surprise – What books did you read in 2016 that you weren’t expecting much from but ending up completely loving?


2016 Pleasant Surprises

  • The Heart of Betrayal (The Remnant Chronicles, #2) by Mary E. Pearson – I was really surprised that I enjoyed this book so much, as the first one, The Kiss of Deception, kicked off my insanely long reading and blog slump this summer. Luckily, the sequel was sooo much better! Full review can be found HERE.
  • Half Bad (Half Bad Trilogy, #1) by Sally Green – I wasn’t really sure if I was going to enjoy this series, so I decided to grab a copy from the library rather than buy it. It turned out to be so good! It was a very unique spin on the subject of witches, with a bit of dark twist that I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t write a review for the first book in the series, but you can read my reviews for book 2 HERE and book 3 HERE.
  • Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell by Liane Shaw – I adored this book. I’m so glad that I found and requested it from NetGalley because I would have never heard of it otherwise. READ THIS BOOK. Seriously, I want all of y’all to read it! If you’re looking for a book full of diversity – this one fits the bill. My full review can be read HERE.
  • My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows – I was just looking for a little lighthearted read when I picked this book up. I’d heard that it was fun, but I was not expecting it to be soooo much fun. The story was kooky, silly, and just downright cute. If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up this holiday season, then Edward, Jane, and Dudley are just the ticket! Full review HERE.
  • Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #1) by Rae Carson – When I first grabbed this book from the library, I was just expecting it to be a nice little historical fiction (I kind of love them). But seriously, I ended up loving this book. It started off a tad slow but grew into a really fun read. And the sequel was even more exciting! Y’all just need to read it and love it with me. Review can be read HERE.
  • Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom – I don’t read a whole lot of contemporary, as I’m sure my followers have come to notice. But luckily, this book came in one of my Uppercase boxes and I’m so glad that it did. If you like a sarcastic, sometimes unlikeable protagonist with major snark – then you will love our blind (literally) leader, Parker. It’s also a really quick read if you’re looking for an easy book during a read-a-thon or challenge. Full review HERE.
  • Wolf by Wolf (Wolf by Wolf, #1) by Ryan Graudin – This is a more recent read, or actually buddy read, that completely took me by surprise. I didn’t really know much about this book beforehand but I actually had it pegged more as a fantasy type alternate history. Okay, I actually might have thought that Yael was a werewolf… Don’t judge! But needless to say, this book turned out to be something completely different and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it, and not the boring novel that I was expecting. My full review for it can be found HERE.
  • Ink and Bone (The Great Library, #1) by Rachel Caine – You know, I don’t know I was surprised that by how good this series is. I mean, it’s a book about books – how could I not love it? Well I don’t really have an answer for that. I just know that this book far exceeded my expectations, and maybe that’s because it’s not a very popular book. But it should be. Full review is HERE.
  • Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz – When Britt recommended this book, I thought it would be alright. But this book was such a beautiful book. I loved it and the characters were so lovely. Another contemporary to add to my growing list! I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed every bit of it. You can read my full review HERE.
  • Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas – Alright, alright.. I really kind of expected this book to be wayyyy overhyped and nothing special. But I’ll be damned if I haven’t become super attached to this series and the characters that fill it. It’s become my guilty pleasure and I’ve loved every second of it. So yes, I have become Throne of Glass Trash and I ain’t ashamed! You can read my reviews of this series HEREHERE, and Queen of Shadows review should be up in the next few days.

All in all, I think it’s been a good year for surprisingly good reads.


What books were pleasant surprises for you this year? Did you read any of the ones on my list? What did you think of them? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!