The Gold Seer Trilogy – Wonderfilled Reads

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!

A Gryffindor Reading List

Here’s to you, brave and daring Gryffindors!

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Oh, come on! You know that this series is a given for our Gryffindors!

2. Wolf by Wolf Duology by Ryan Graudin

Yael is one badass chick who isn’t afraid to risk her life in order to take down the most terrible man in the world, Adolf Hitler. Remind you of a famous Gryffindor perhaps?

3. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

A young girl brave enough to work for a mysterious sorcerer and then willing to brave a dangerous forest in order to save her home? Yup, Agnieszka is a Gryffindor.

4. The Illuminae Files Series by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

I think all Gryffindors can appreciate and admire the extreme bravery it takes to try and save multiple ships full of refugees from an insane AI, a termination squad, and some crazy man-eating alien snakes.

5. The Gold Seer Trilogy by Rae Carson

It takes a lot of heart and courage to brave a trek across the United States from Georgia to California during the California Gold Rush. It takes even more when you’re a teenage girl doing it alone.

6. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Vianne and Isabelle are two of the bravest women that I’ve ever read about. I think all Gryffindors would gladly accept them in their House.

7. The Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

I think we can all agree that every single thing that Darrow has to go through in order to destroy the Golds, takes a hell of a lot of bravery. He’s also pretty damn chivalrous too, with just a hint of pride (especially when he gives his speeches!). Kind of the perfect Gryffindor combo, wouldn’t you say?

8. The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

I think just being a gladiator in general takes a lot of balls. I also think that a Gryffindor would pretty much say, bring it on.

9. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

This series is really all about strong women. I think all Gryffindors would be salivating at the chance to go on an adventure with Aelin and her gang.

10. Not if I See You First by Eric Lindstrom

There are all kinds of bravery, but I think Parker’s is a special kind. Her independence and strength is inspiring to see. And can you imagine watching her interactions with the Weasley twins in the Gryffindor common room? I need it!

Gryffindors, what did you think about your list? Do you agree with my choices? What books would you add to your list?

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 HERE, HERE, 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!

WWW Wednesday – November 16th, 2016

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 Ws 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?

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

Wolf by Wolf (Wolf by Wolf, #1) by Ryan Graudin

I’m currently about 60 pages into Three Dark Crowns. It’s been interesting so far, but there have been a whole lot of character introductions and I’m still trying to remember who is who. Hopefully that gets easier as the story moves along and we actually get to all of the action. Also, Kat is annoying. If I have to read one more mention about her being too small, I’m going to pull my hair out.

I started my first buddy read ever last night with Britt @ Geronimo Reads. We both realized that we had Wolf by Wolf for ages but hadn’t actually read it, so we decided to read it together. I didn’t get far at all into it last night but I plan to do some reading during my lunch break today. I’ve heard great things about this book so I’m looking forward to it!

What did you recently finish reading?

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid – review to come in the next few days
Like a River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #2) by Rae Carson – Review

Both of these books were really good. I’m a tad bit obsessed with The Gold Seer Trilogy and I wish more people would give it a shot. It’s such a good series and deserves more recognition! And The Diabolic actually lived up to all of the hype! It was a really good YA science fiction standalone that was dark, exciting, and unique. I definitely recommend both of these!

What do you think you’ll read next?

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4) by Sarah J. Maas
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5) by Sarah J. Maas
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World, #1) by P.C. Cast

All of these books for the Tome Topple Readathon that starts on the 18th. There will be an official post tomorrow about this readathon for those of you who are interested!

Have you read any of the books on my list? What are your thoughts on them? Which ones should I be excited about? What are you currently reading? Leave a link to your WWW post in the comments below!

Book Review:Like A River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #2)

The Gold Seer Trilogy is one of those series that I just wish everyone knew about and would read. This is such a great story about an independent young woman traversing America to start anew during the California Gold Rush. Westerns seem to be the new trend in YA genres and I’m definitely okay with that. And Like A River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #2) by Rae Carson is a perfect example of that.

After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.

Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.

The second epic historical fantasy in the Gold Seer trilogy by Rae Carson, the acclaimed author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

The Good

The Characters- I love that everyone in this series is super independent and tough. I guess that makes sense if you think about what kind of people survived the wagon train across the US back in the 1800’s. Also, diversity!!! You’ve got biracial characters, people of color, LGBTQ… I mean for a series that’s set in the 19th century, I’d say that’s pretty damn unique and wonderful. We need more of this!
Leah – Leah is one of my favorite female heroines. She’s super badass and doesn’t need anyone else saving her. In fact, she’s always the one saving everyone else. I also enjoy watching her develop as a character throughout these first few books. She’s starting to see the bigger picture, rather than just focusing on saving herself. In this book, her eyes are much more open to all of the injustice that is going on around her – especially in regards to the treatment of the Native Americans in California.
Plot – The plot in this book was a bit more fast-paced than in the first novel, especially once Leah gets entangled with Hiram. Also, I appreciated how the injustices done to the Native Americans takes focus in this book. This was a real issue during the migration into California that doesn’t get touched on often. I saw that some people were offended by it and thought that not enough focus was placed on it. There was also mention that Leah’s attitude towards the Native Americans was terrible, and that she shouldn’t have been the ones to save them. Well I saw it differently. To me, this was definitely shedding light on the terrible injustices done towards them and while showing the ignorance and selfishness of Leah. I believe we will see even more of this in the next book in the series, as Leah and Jefferson have to deal with the backlash personally in regards to their relationship and Jefferson’s heritage. Don’t give up on this one yet!

The Bad

The Ending – I think it felt a bit rushed once the climax ended. I understand that Carson was trying to make a transition towards what the finale’s Big Bad will be, but it didn’t really work for me. It was a little sloppy and didn’t really fit with the tone of the rest of the book. It’ll be very interesting to see how this all turns out in the next book since it came across as though all of the problems had been wrapped up and taken care of.

Just read this series, people! It’s so fun and unique, you won’t be disappointed. 🙂

Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars

Have you read The Gold Seer Trilogy? What are your thoughts on Like A River Glorious? What did you think of the ending?