Tag: Outlander

A Comprehensive Guide to Series that I’ve Started but Haven’t Finished

I think the title really speaks for itself with this one. I’ve been thinking of all of the series that I’ve started but haven’t caught up with or finished. Hopefully by posting this, I’ll finally get on top of that. I mean, I can dream right?

Side Note: I’ll only list series that there are multiple books out already or have already been completely published that I just haven’t gotten to yet. I’m not including ones that only have the first book out and stuff like that. And if the sequel only came out within the last month or so, probably won’t be including that either.

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Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

I listened to the first book back at the beginning of the summer and have been dying to finish the series ever since then. This is like the penultimate steampunk story ever. Well, at least in my mind it is.

The Crown’s Game Duology by Evelyn Skye

I really enjoyed the first novel. I actually liked it a whole lot more than The Night Circus that everyone compares it to. Hopefully the finale is even better!

Pure Trilogy by Julianna Baggott

Yet another one that I have only read the first book of and yet I own the entire series. I probably should get on that, right?

The Great Library Series by Rachel Caine

Ash and Quill was released back in July and I STILL haven’t read it yet. What the hell is wrong with me? This has been one my most anticipated releases this year! I am so ashamed right now.

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Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

Even though I’m obsessed with this series (and tv show!), I have been putting off picking up The Fiery Cross because Brianna annoys me so much. I feel like she’s always causing more problems than what’s needed and I know the series is going to start focusing on her… UGH.

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The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

I don’t quite remember, but I think I read the first 3 books but never caught up from there. I’ve even read the entire Infernal Devices Trilogy! I do have plans in the near future finish out this series and then continue on with the newest installment, The Dark Artifices. Basically, Captain Eventually at this point…

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The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I honestly wasn’t sure if I should include this series as I’ve technically read Cinder so long ago that I don’t even remember what it was about. So I’ve decided to add it to my TBR for next month and finally finish off the series.

What are some series that you’ve started but haven’t finished or caught up on yet? Do you like to wait to start series after every book has been published? Do you try and stay away from series?

Recommendation Series #1: Historical Fiction

Hello, lovelies! I thought it was a good time to start a recommendation series. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting top 10 recommendations for different genres. I always find it fun to see what other bloggers like to recommend, so I thought you’d all enjoy some new recommendations from me! And if not, oh well. At least I’m giving you a heads up, right? Am I not merciful?! (Bonus awesome points if you get that reference.)

My first post in this series is all about that beautiful historical fiction. You may not realize how much of a historical fiction fan I am, but it’s true. I LOVE IT. I know a lot of people can’t really get into it, but maybe one of the books on my list can change that if you’re one of those people.

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Walk on Earth a Stranger (Gold Seer Trilogy, #1) by Rae Carson

This trilogy is simply amazing. There is a lack of Westerns in YA but this definitely helps make up for it. It’s also fun how it mixes in a little bit of the fantastical. Trust me, this is a great place to start your foray into historical fiction.

 

 

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Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

If you’re interested in lesser-known areas of history, then you’ll appreciate this novel that follows different teenagers as they all seek freedom from WWII aboard a German ship. You will cry, but you will love it.

 

 

 

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The Diviners (The Diviners, #1) by Libba Bray

In love with the Roaring 20’s? Enjoy a little creepy spookiness? This series is so fun that you forget it’s even historical fiction except for the hilarious twenties-style phrases that come out of Evie’s mouth.

 

 

 

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The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This is one of my all-time favorite books. If you haven’t read it yet, then please do! You will fall in love with these characters as the two sisters try and navigate Nazi-occupied France.

 

 

 

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Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

This is the penultimate classic when it comes to novels set during the Wild West. You’ll laugh and cry right along with this awesome cast of characters as they drive cattle from Texas to Montana.

 

 

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Outlander (Outlander, #1) by Diana Gabaldon

I’m sure you’ve heard of this one by now, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. It’s more than just a romance. There’s political intrigue, real historical figures events, and non-stop action. The hype is real, y’all!

 

 

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The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor

This is a more recent read (or actually listen, but I digress..) and I really enjoyed it. It’s beautiful and sweet, following two different points of view, one in 80’s California and the other in 30’s Austria. If you don’t find Kristoff adorable, then I’m not sure we can be friends. 😉

 

 

What historical fiction books would you recommend? Have you read any of the ones from my list? Did you enjoy them? Are you a historical fiction fan?

 

 

Subscription Box Review: Authored Adornments – November 2016

Authored Adornments is an Etsy shop that creates bookish jewelry and knick-knacks. You can find anything from necklaces and earrings to bookmarks and keychains. They have recently begun selling one time monthly themed boxes, as well. You can visit their shop HERE.

The theme for the November box was Outlander. Hell yes!img_9052

  • Necklace – This necklace was created by Authored Adornments. I’m kind of obsessed with it because it says Jamie. And I think we can all agree that James Alexander Malcolm McKenzie Fraser is the best of all fictional husbands! He’s such babe.
  • Ring – The ring is also an Authored Adornments creation. It’s from a passage in the book that says, “…all love is, the speaking is unnecessary. It is all.” So beautiful.
  • Print – This gorgeous “dinna fash” wall print was designed by Copper Kettle Co.. I think it’s perfect and makes me smile. I always love it when Jamie says, “Dinna fash, sassenach.” Basically, I just love everything Jamie does – let’s be real!
  • Tote Bag – I’m a sucker for a good tote bag. I think I came back with 6 different ones from BookCon this year, I’m not even joking. If someone was handing them out, I grabbed it. I didn’t even care what it said or anything. I am a firm believer that you can never have too many totes! So when I saw this box included this handpainted one from Simply Grace Designs Co., I did a little happy dance. I’ve taken this tote to work every single day this week. I really wish Jamie would take me home to Lallybroch… 😦
  • Tea – I loved that you got to choose between getting sent tea or coffee. And y’all know how much I love my tea, so I think it was a pretty easy choice! This loose leaf English Breakfast tea came from All in the Leaves. I can’t wait to try it!

Overall, I’m really glad that I snagged one of these boxes. As soon as I saw the theme, I knew I had to have it! I can’t wait to wear my Jamie necklace everywhere and hang up my wall print. This was the perfect box to help soothe my Outlanderless life until the new season comes back in the spring. Though I guess I could continue on with the series.. I probably will finally pick up The Fiery Cross in the next couple of months.

Did you grab the Outlander box? What subscription boxes are you subscribed to? Please leave any recommendations in the comments! I’m always looking for new ones to try out and review for y’all!

Hype or Like Friday – November 4th, 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 November BOTM is going to be Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake. All of the topics this month revolve around being thankful! Perfect for the upcoming holiday season, right?

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: Books I’m Thankful For  – think about the books that you can’t live without.

Books I’m Thankful For

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Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

I’m thankful for this book being my first big girl book to read and was introduced to me by my Nana. Obviously this book was going to be first on my list. Who’s blog do you think this is?!

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I’m thankful for this book always making me second guess my first impressions of people. I don’t really reread books, I’ll admit it. I usually only do so if I’m in the middle of a series and I haven’t read the previous books in a while and need a refresher course before the next release. But I’ve read this book at least 3 times that I can recall off the top of my head.  And let’s not even count the insane amount of times that I’ve watched the movie adaptation! Seriously, this book deserves every bit of the hype.

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Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

I’m thankful for this book being entire childhood. Don’t look at me like that… I’m being a cliché and I don’t even care!

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The Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

I’m thankful for this book because my brother, dad, and myself all share a love for it. If I was only able to ever read once series for the rest of my life – it would be this one. I want every single person in the world to read it and love it as much as I do. Side Note: Brown just adopted the cutest freaking puppy ever, so you all need to go see the adorable Instagram photos of it!

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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I am thankful for this book introducing the world to one of the most wonderful male characters ever. Gilbert Blythe was my first book boyfriend and love, but James Fraser is my husband. Jamie is all that is man!

What books are you most thankful for? Would you put any of my choices on your list? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday in the comments!

The Book Courtship Tag

I was tagged all the way back in April by Hopeless Book Addict (thank you!) and I am finally getting to it! If you’ve tagged me in the past few months, I promise I’ll get to it soon. I will be playing catch up from now until Christmas!

Anyway’s, let’s get to it!

Phase 1: Initial Attraction. A book that you bought because of the cover?

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A Passage to Shambhala (The Explorer’s Guild, #1) by Jon Baird and Kevin Costner

This photo doesn’t do justice to the actual cover. It was just so shiny and intriguing when I first saw it at the bookstore that I had to pick it up. If it reminds you of old Victorian classics, then good, it should! This is such a uniquely written story, as it is written in 19th century language and all speaking parts are in graphic novel format! And yes, it is written by THAT Kevin Costner.

Phase 2: First Impressions. A book that you got because of the summary?

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A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

This was the first book I’d ever read by Maas and the only reason that I picked it up was because it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. But oh damn, did this book completely become something else entirely! Now I’m completely obsessed and have since moved on to Maas’ first series, Throne of Glass. Also, Rhysand is life and let it be known that I thought  so even in the first book!

Phase 3: Sweet Talk. A book with great writing?

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Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1) by Tahereh Mafi

Mafi tends to get really polarizing views when it comes to her writing. But for me, personally, I think it’s amazing and beautiful. And this trilogy is just all kinds of awesome really. Now that I have Furthermore on my bookshelf, I’m really excited to dive back into Mafi’s whimsical styled writing!

Phase 4: First Date. A first book of a series which made you want to pick up the rest of the series?

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Red Rising (Red Rising, #1) by Pierce Brown

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you’ll know just how much I am obsessed with this series. It very much might be sharing the number 1 spot in my heart with Harry Potter – yes, yes you did read that right. I cannot say enough great things about this book. And if the first book doesn’t completely hook you (which I don’t know how that’s even possible), then just continue to Golden Son and watch your mind be blown. Simply amazing.

Phase 5: Late Night Phone Calls. A book that kept you up all night?

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The Rose Society (The Young Elites, #2) by Marie Lu

This series is just really great all-around, but the second book left me reeling. I couldn’t put it down and I had to know what was going to happen next. This series took a turn in this book that I just wasn’t expecting. Then that ending!!!!! I have barely been able to contain my excitement for The Midnight Star to be released, but I was finally able to snag the last copy of it yesterday at the bookstore. Now it is just staring at me from my bookshelf as I try to hurry up and finish Heir of Fire.

Phase 6: Always on my mind. A book you could not stop thinking about?

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The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

You could make the case that almost every WWII book will stick with you, but none has affected me more than this one. Everything about this story is just absolutely beautiful and that ending completely wrecked me. I still tear up when I think about it. All of the feels!

Phase 7: Getting Physical. A book which you love the way it feels?

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

My copy is one of those floppy paperbacks and I just love those kind of paperbacks. Me and Regan at Peruse Project share a love for them. They’re just comfortable to hold and easy on your hands. Because if you’re like me, then you know all about how holding books open can lead to hand cramps haha!

Phase 8: Meeting the parents. A book which you would recommend to your family and friends?

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Outlander (Outlander, #1) by Diana Gabaldon

Now, this one was a little hard to think of. You have to take into account the other person’s age/gender/tastes before you just go around recommending books to them. I’m obviously not going to recommend my brother, who reads pretty much only science fiction, Pride and Prejudice. However, if I was meeting a guy’s mother for the first time and she was asking for a book, I’d almost definitely recommend Outlander. I mean, what woman in her right mind wouldn’t fall in love with James Alexander Malcolm McKenzie Fraser?

Phase 9: Thinking about the future. A book or series you know you will re read many times in the future?

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Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Yeah, that’s right, I did go with the cliché answer and I don’t regret it one bit.

Phase 10: Share the love. Who do you tag?

If you’ve already done this tag or just don’t want to, then please don’t feel like you need to! Also, if anyone else wants to do this tag then I tag you as well! 🙂

What do you think of my list? See any books that you agree with? What books would you choose for these questions?