My 2019 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge TBR

For the past couple of years I have participated in the annual POPSUGAR reading challenge… and with abysmal results. However, it’s a new year (unfortunately, same me) and I’m really going to try and actually complete it this year. It’s always a long shot for me as some of the prompts don’t really excite me for one reason or another (like I really don’t appreciate poetry.. oops?). But I’m going to do my best to finish this really intense reading challenge this year. It’s going to be a uphill battle, but I’m willing to make the trek! And for me, the best way to do so is to plan ahead with a TBR. I’ve actually come up with a couple of options for some of the prompts to help with my indecisive reading habits.

If you would like to learn more about this reading challenge, please visit the official Goodreads reading group. They have tons of participants and also discussions on books that would work for each prompt. It’s quite possibly the best group on Goodreads that I’ve ever come across. NO LIE.


A Book Becoming A Movie In 2019

A Book That Makes You Nostalgic

A Book Written By A Musician (Fiction Or Nonfiction)

A Book You Think Should Be Turned Into A Movie

A Book With At Least One Million Ratings On Goodreads

A Book With A Plant In The Title Or On The Cover

A Reread Of A Favorite Book

A Book About A Hobby

A Book You Meant To Read In 2018

A Book With “Pop”, “Sugar”, “Challenge” In The Title

A Book With An Item Of Clothing Or Accessory On The Cover

A Book Inspired By Myth/Legend/Folklore

A Book Published Posthumously

A Book You See Someone Reading On TV Or In A Movie

A Retelling Of A Classic

A Book With A Question In The Title

A Book Set On A College Or University Campus

A Book About Someone With A Superpower

A Book Told From Multiple POVs

A Book Set In Space

A Book By Two Female Authors

A Book With “Salty”, “Sweet”, “Bitter”, or “Spicy” In The Title

A Book Set In Scandinavia

A Book That Takes Place In A Single Day

A Debut Novel

A Book Featuring An Extinct Or Imaginary Creature

A Book Recommended By A Celebrity You Admire

A Book With “Love” In The Title

A Book Featuring An Amateur Detective

A Book About A Family

A Book Written By An Author From Asia, Africa, or South America

A Book With A Zodiac Sign or Astrology Term In The Title

A Book That Includes A Wedding

A Book By An Author Whose First And Last Names Start With The Same Letter

A Ghost Story

A Book With A Two Word Title

A Novel Based On A True Story

A Book Around A Puzzle Or Game

Your Favorite Prompt From A Past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge


Are you participating in the POPSUGAR reading challenge this year? If so, have you figured out your TBR already? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think about them?

First Impressions of Books That I Got Wrong

Let’s be honest – we all prejudge books before we ever read them. Whether we are judging them based on their covers (don’t lie, we know you do it…), the hype surrounding them, the author’s previous work, etc., we are constantly forming opinions as soon as we learn about a book. But hey, we’re all human and this is just normal behavior!

I will openly admit that I am AWFUL about judging books before I ever pick them up. I immediately rate a book, usually judging it by the synopsis or the surrounding hype. I’m not one to usually jump on the immediate bandwagons for most new releases, unless it’s for a series that I’m already invested in. Also, I’ve recently gotten really critical of synopses lately. I used to not be this way but I’ve noticed over the past year or so that if a book sounds a lot like something I’ve previously read, I pretty much just write it off as #notinterested. Unless it’s some sort of retelling, because I’m totally trash for those! And then there are the books that you think you will love and then they end up crashing all of your hopes against a rock. How rude!

However, I have to say that there have been a few books that bucked the trend for me and I wanted to highlight a few of those in this post. I mean, we’re all bound to get it wrong sometimes, right?!


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Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi

I went into this book so excited because the synopsis sounded like such a whimsical middle grade novel full of adventure… But what I got was actually a really boring story with a lackluster ending.

 

 

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Furyborn (Empirium, #1) by Claire Legrand

I got an ARC of this book in a FairyLoot box last fall and just was not sold on that synopsis. Then when everyone started giving it mixed reviews, I was really put off. However, I finally picked it up around its release date and WOW!!! This book was just sooo good and now I’m desperately awaiting for the sequel!

 

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Scarlet (Scarlet, #1) by A.C. Gaughen

What I thought I was getting – a badass feminist version of Robin Hood, where the girl is the one taking care of business. What I actually got – the sappiest freaking love story I’ve ever read, that only got worse with each book.

 

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Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard

When this book first came out, it was getting some very mixed reviews. The majority seemed to not really like it, saying that the world-building was confusing. So I ended up putting off reading it for over a year and I immediately regretted it. I loved this book so much!!!

 

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The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

This book seemed to be really groundbreaking for a lot of people. However, it just felt really jumbled to me. It was kind of all over the place and tried a little too hard to be edgy and different in regards to the writing style, which really detracted from the actual plot. I wasn’t the biggest fan.

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Zodiac (Zodiac, #1) by Romina Russell

So no one ever talks about this series, EVER. So I was first attracted to the cover and synopsis (yes, I like astrology for fun!), but figured it would be just mediocre at best. Y’all, I was totally wrong. The world-building, plot, and characters are totally complex. I can’t recommend it enough!

 

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

I love a good antihero story just as much as the next person, but that wasn’t what I got with this book. Xifeng has zero redeeming qualities and her reasoning for everything she does lacks any depth. I kept rooting for someone to just kill her.

 

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

Another series that no one ever mentions and so even though I was intrigued by the synopsis, I put it off. But oh my gosh, this story is everything I want and more!!! Regency England, paranormal creatures, and a secret society… Perfection.

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The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy

I had seen so many people raving about this mysterious story… All I got was a total yawn fest. It was extremely slow and lacked any sort of conflict to grab my attention. My expectations were definitely shattered with this one.

 

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Heartless by Marissa Meyer

This book got a lot of hate when it was first released, which put me off from picking it up for a long time. However, when I finally read it, I loved it! It was definitely a unique twist on the origins of the Queen of Hearts. I won’t lie, my mouth was constantly watering from all of the yummy food descriptions too. Ha!

 


What are some books that ended up shattering your first impressions? Do you share the same opinion as me on any of the books on my list? Do you usually prejudge books before you read them based on covers, synopsis, or the opinions of others?

 

 

Hype or Like Friday – Not My Style

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

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

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RULES:

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

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


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The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

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

 

 

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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

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

 

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Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

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

 

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

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

 

 

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Furthermore (Furthermore, #1) by Tahereh Mafi

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

 

 

 


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

 

2018 Sequels that I’m Most Excited About

As I’ve mentioned quite a few times recently, one of my goals for 2018 is to catch up or finish series that I’ve already started. I mean, there are soooo many amazing series that I tend to just add to my pile every time I pick up a new book basically. Can we just not get any good standalone fantasy or science fiction novels anymore?! Anyways, here are some sequels coming out this year that I’m most excited about…


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

The opening moves of a deadly game have begun. Jess Brightwell has put himself in direct peril, with only his wits and skill to aid him in a game of cat and mouse with the Archivist Magister of the Great Library. With the world catching fire, and words printed on paper the spark that lights rebellion, it falls to smugglers, thieves, and scholars to save a library thousands of years in the making…if they can stay alive long enough to outwit their enemies.

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War Storm (Red Queen, #4) by Victoria Aveyard

VICTORY COMES AT A PRICE.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive.

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

Beyond the Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger.

The Blood Shrike, Helene Aquilla, is assailed on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable, while the Commandant capitalizes on his madness to bolster her own power. As Helene searches for a way to hold back the approaching darkness, her sister’s life and the lives of all those in the Empire hang in the balance.

Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. But while hunting for a way to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would aid her, and is drawn into a battle she never thought she’d have to fight.

And in the land between the living and the dead, Elias Veturius has given up his freedom to serve as Soul Catcher. But in doing so, he has vowed himself to an ancient power that will stop at nothing to ensure Elias’s devotion—even at the cost of his humanity.

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Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Kady, Ezra, Hanna, and Nik narrowly escaped with their lives from the attacks on Heimdall station and now find themselves crammed with 2,000 refugees on the container ship, Mao. With the jump station destroyed and their resources scarce, the only option is to return to Kerenza—but who knows what they’ll find seven months after the invasion?

Meanwhile, Kady’s cousin, Asha, survived the initial BeiTech assault and has joined Kerenza’s ragtag underground resistance. When Rhys—an old flame from Asha’s past—reappears on Kerenza, the two find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

With time running out, a final battle will be waged on land and in space, heros will fall, and hearts will be broken.

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Legendary (Caraval, #2) by Stephanie Garber

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister’s. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…the games have only just begun.

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Restore Me (Shatter Me, #4) by Tahereh Mafi

Juliette Ferrars thought she’d won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she’s still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch—and now she’s got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good?

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My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies, #2) by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodie Meadows

You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!)

Or does she?

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.

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Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King, #2) by Tricia Levenseller

Alosa’s mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he’s under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father’s justice.

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

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

They call him father, liberator, warlord, Reaper. But he feels a boy as he falls toward the pale blue planet, his armor red, his army vast, his heart heavy. It is the tenth year of war and the thirty-second of his life.

A decade ago, Darrow was the hero of the revolution he believed would break the chains of the Society. But the Rising has shattered everything: Instead of peace and freedom, it has brought endless war. Now he must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission. Darrow still believes he can save everyone, but can he save himself?

And throughout the worlds, other destinies entwine with Darrow’s to change his fate forever:

A young Red girl flees tragedy in her refugee camp and achieves for herself a new life she could never have imagined.

An ex-soldier broken by grief is forced to steal the most valuable thing in the galaxy—or pay with his life.

And Lysander au Lune, the heir in exile to the sovereign, wanders the stars with his mentor, Cassius, haunted by the loss of the world that Darrow transformed, and dreaming of what will rise from its ashes.


What are some sequels coming out this year that you’re most excited about? Are there any series that you need to finish or catch up on?

Hype or Like Friday – Crash and Burn

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 Zodiac (Zodiac, #1) by Romina Russell.

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RULES:

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

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Crash and Burn… What were some of your most disappointing reads of 2017?


This list doesn’t only include books that I didn’t enjoy, but also ones that might just not have lived up to my expectations. Sometimes I fall prey to the hype which can lead to a few letdowns.

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The Girl at Midnight (The Girl at Midnight, #1) by Melissa Grey

I didn’t necessarily dislike this story, it just was just bit unoriginal. I had really high hope for this story based on the summary but it ended up just being a bit of a mash-up of other popular YA novels. However, I do plan on finishing the trilogy because it was an entertaining read.

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

I was extremely excited about this book. The synopsis had me hooked, because who doesn’t want an Asian inspired retelling of the Evil Queen fairytale?! Well, disappointing is an understatement. If you’re going to write a good antihero/villain story, you must make me still care about that character and root for them to be happy. However, there is no redeeming qualities about Xifeng. I HATED HER. You can read my full review HERE.

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Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I almost feel like I read a different book than everyone else because it’s such a beloved story. However, I found this to be a mediocre at best. I really liked Simon as a character and the romance is cute, but everything else? Not my favorite. I actually really hated Leah as a character and now she’s getting her own novel?! Ughhhhh…. I found her to be such a bitch! Am I seriously the only one who didn’t like her at all?

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A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge

I loved Hardinge’s other novel, The Lie Tree, so I was really excited to pick this one up. However, it was just really long and a bit confusing at times. It seriously might be the strangest book that I’ve ever come across. I did listen to the audiobook version and that was probably part of the problem. I think this story is better off being read rather than listened to.

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Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Don’t ask me what this book was even about because I have no idea. I think it was supposed to be like a magical realism retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, but it wasn’t anything like it. It was just strange and nonsensical. I think I just need to accept that I have a very love/hate relationship with magical realism in general (but Emily Henry is queen!).

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The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Another book that I wasn’t able to enjoy due to the characters. You’re never given enough time to really develop any sort of relationship with them, as the story jumps around too much. I ended up not really caring what happened to them, even the main character. I was expecting so much from this one too.

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Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2) by Victoria Aveyard

Ughhhh, this sequel was disappointing. I don’t know why authors think they need to turn protagonists into brooding and bitchy I-have-to-do-everything-by-myself-because-no-one-understands-me types in sequels but it’s annoying. Seriously, writers just need to stop it already. You can read my full review HERE.

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Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi

I was soooo excited for this book when it was first announced. Maybe I let the hype get to me too much, because it was actually kind of boring. Yes, it was whimsical but the overall plot was pretty meh. I also really didn’t like the ending. It was wrapped up way too quickly and didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I’m hoping for better from Whichwood.

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Windwitch (The Witchlands, #2) by Susan Dennard

This book suffered from trying to do wayyyy too much. Instead of keeping the POVs simple and the same as Truthwitch, Dennard decided to add even more and most of them were completely pointless and unneeded. Let’s not even the mention that everyone is all split up and so we’ve already lost the magic of their relationships from the previous book.

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The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma

Another magical realism book that just didn’t do anything for me. It was strange and confusing, not to mention really depressing. I just hate it when books don’t live up their gorgeous covers.


What are some of your most disappointing reads of 2017? Do you ever suffer from buying into the hype for certain books? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

 

 

Hype or Like Friday – #OwnVoices

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 City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson.

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RULES:

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

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: #OwnVoices… What #ownvoices novels do you recommend?


As I was looking through my books, I realized how low my number is of #ownvoices novels that I’ve read. Luckily, I’m making a conscience effort to change that in the future and have a bunch sitting on my TBR shelf to read. We can only become a better person when we make the effort and so that’s one of the things that I plan to work on! With that being said, I’m going to combine #ownvoices novels with some of my favorite books written by diverse authors!

I obviously recommend every single one of these books/series. GO READ THEM NOW! 🙂


What #ownvoices books do you recommend for me to add to my TBR? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

10 Books You Can Read in 24 Hours or Less!

Do you ever just pick up a book and become so engrossed in it that you can’t put it down and finish it in one sitting? Or maybe you finish a book with one day still left before the read-a-thon or challenge ends and need something to help you reach your goal? Well you’re in luck, because I have compiled a list of my favorite reads that I was able to finish in 24 hours or less to help you out!

We could always add some more books to our TBR, right? 😉


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Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Short story anthologies tend to be favorites for read-a-thons and this one is no exception. At just a little over 200 pages, you’re sure to speed through this book.

 

 

 

 

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The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2) by Samantha Shannon

Honestly, you could read any of the books in this series in one setting because they’re just that addictive. However, this book really raised the stakes. I might be just a tad obsessed.

 

 

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The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act by Gillen McKelvie & Wilson Cowles

If you like graphic novels or are interested in picking one up, try this series! This was my first venture into graphic novels and I was immediately engrossed in the story incorporating mythological gods and beings.

 

 

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Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

If you’re looking for a cutesy period romance with a sassy heroine, this book is perfect for you. It never takes itself seriously and we can all appreciate a hate to love romance!

 

 

 

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The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

This is one contemporary that I just could not put down. It completely broke me. I’ve been putting off reading his latest novel, because I’m just not ready for another heartbreak!

 

 

 

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Because Harry Potter, obviously.

 

 

 

 

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

Another heartwarming story about finding love when you least expect it. The main character is also an introverted book lover that we all will recognize as one of us!

 

 

 

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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I know the reviews on this book tend to be a bit mixed, but I loved it. The story is so engrossing and the cliffhanger will leave you in awe… or it did to me, at least!

 

 

 

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

You might as well include all 3 books in the series, because I couldn’t put any of them down. Though I will warn you that this is a series that gets better with each book, so don’t let the first one get you down!

 

 

 

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Starflight (Starflight, #1) by Melissa Landers

When you just need a fun science fiction novel that involves an eclectic crew of space pirates and a whole lotta witty dialogue, turn to this beauty. It’s non-stop fun!

 

 

 


What are some books that you were able to finish in one sitting? Do you ever find yourself looking for a quick read? If you have read any of the books on my list, what did you think of them?

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

So y’all know how I had really awesome reading months in January and February? Well, needless to say that that put me in a bit of a reading slump this spring. I mean, it was really bad. Instead of reading books, I was playing The Witcher 3 and binge-watching tv shows (Peaky Blinders, anyone?!) like nobody’s business. Luckily, I think I’m finally coming out of my slump so cheers to tons of reading this summer and playing catch up!

Due to my less-than-stellar reading and blogging habits, I’ve combined my wrap-ups for March and April. You’re welcome! 😉


Books Read

  • Starflight (Starflight, #1) by Melissa Landers – Underrated Book Club March BOTM, 4/5 stars
  • Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi – 3/5 stars
  • A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3) by V.E. Schwab – 5/5 stars, REVIEW

That’s right, I only read 3 books in 2 months. I’m not proud of myself at all – more like ashamed…

I also read about 60 pages of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk since it was the pick for my book club but I’m pretty close to DNFing it. It’s just not for me and I even enjoy literary fiction, I swear! I really think that Lillian just believes herself to be so much better than everyone else and it makes me want to punch her in the face.

Total Books Read: 3

Overall in 2017: 19

Reading Challenge Updates

POPSUGAR

  • A Book by an Author Who Uses a Pseudonym – A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)

Previous Month

  • A Book of Letters – We Are Still Tornadoes
  • A Book by a Person of Color – A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes, #2)
  • A Bestseller from a Genre You Don’t Normally Read – Big Little Lies
  • A Book Published in 2017 – Caraval (Caraval, #1)
  • The First Book in a Series You Haven’t Read Before – Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1)
  • A book by or about a person who has a disability – The Architect of Song
  • A book that’s been on your TBR list for way too longRed Queen (Red Queen, #1)

Beat The Backlist

  • Furthermore
  • Starflight (Starflight, #1)

Goodreads Reading Challenge

  • Total: 19/100
  • Previous Total: 16/100

Blog Posts

Teaser Tuesday

WWW Wednesday

Discussions/Misc.

As I’m sure you can guess, these were not my best months. However, I can only hope that I don’t go into another slump for the rest of the year or I will never complete any of my reading challenges. Fingers crossed!


How was your spring reading? Did you read a lot of books during March and April? What were you favorite and least favorite reads? Have you read any of the books that I read?

WWW Wednesday – March 1st, 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?

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Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi

I’m only a couple of chapters into this one right now, as I didn’t get to read any more of it last night. So far it’s very cute and whimsical, perfect for a middle grade fantasy! Also, can I just mention how in love I am with that cover?!

Inspired by her childhood love of books like The Secret Garden and The Chronicles of Narnia, bestselling author Tahereh Mafi crafts a spellbinding new world where color is currency, adventure is inevitable, and friendship is found in the most unexpected places.

There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it’s been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she’s about to embark on one to find the other.

But bringing Father home is no small matter. In order to find him she’ll have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. It will take all of Alice’s wits (and every limb she’s got) to find Father and return home to Ferenwood in one piece. On her quest to find Father, Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.

What did you recently finish reading?

  • A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes, #2) by Sabaa Tahir – 5/5 stars
  • We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun & Susan Mullen – 4/5 stars
  • Love, Lies, and Spies by Cindy Anstey – 4/5 stars

Obviously, I did a fairly good amount of reading since my last WWW Wednesday post. I also highly recommend all 3 of these books. They were so much fun!

What do you think you’ll read next?

I haven’t decided between these 3 books yet but I’m leaning towards The Shadow Queen. I have the sequels for the other two so I think once I start them then I will just end up binge reading the rest of the series. Makes sense, right?


What are you currently reading? What do you plan to read next? Have you read any of the books on my list? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!

Teaser Tuesday – February 28th, 2017

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme currently being hosted by Ambrosia @ The Purple Booker. All are welcome to participate!

Rules:

  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share two ‘teaser’ sentences from somewhere on that page.
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! You don’t want to give too much away so as to not ruin the book for others!
  • Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

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Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi

But between you and me, dear reader, I would dare to share my humble opinion that Oliver’s stupidity alone was flimsy reasoning for Alice abandoning her otherwise well-traveled, well-informed partner at such a critical juncture in the story. If Alice had any sense of self-preservation she would’ve waited for a safer moment (or a safer place) to have walked away; but Alice and Oliver had more in common than they realized: The two possessed passionate, rumpled spirits and they were both guilty of crimes committed of childish ignorance.

-page 246

I’ve only read a few chapters so far of this novel. However, I’m really enjoying it so far – it’s so whimsical and cute! I think Mafi’s writing is a perfect for middle grade novels too. This book reminds me so much of Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan. It just has that classic feel to it that I really enjoy.

Inspired by her childhood love of books like The Secret Garden and The Chronicles of Narnia, bestselling author Tahereh Mafi crafts a spellbinding new world where color is currency, adventure is inevitable, and friendship is found in the most unexpected places.

There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it’s been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she’s about to embark on one to find the other.

But bringing Father home is no small matter. In order to find him she’ll have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. It will take all of Alice’s wits (and every limb she’s got) to find Father and return home to Ferenwood in one piece. On her quest to find Father, Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.


Have you read Furthermore? What are you currently reading? Leave a link to your Teaser Tuesday in the comments below!