The Serpent King – Wonderfilled Reads

My Favorite Standalone Novels

As a massive fan of fantasy and science fiction, I naturally read more series than standalones. However, I promise that I do read standalone books from time to time! So to prove that I do enjoy them, I’ve compiled a list of just a few of my favorites. Now I’m sure I’ll be constantly adding to this list as I read more books, but as of right now, these are my faves!

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

This is one of my most recent reads and I absolutely loved it. It was sweet, cute and gave me all of the wanderlust. I’m dying to go to Florence now and eat some gelato, like tomorrow. Really.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

This was such a wonderful retelling of the origin of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. I don’t know what it is about Meyer’s writing but she just has this ability to immediately draw you in and leave you begging for more.

A Million Junes by Emily Henry

I’m sure at this point, y’all are tire of hearing talk about how much I loved this book. But I’m sorry that I’ll never stop talking about how good it is! Actually, I’m not really sorry because this book is amazing, and so was her debut novel, The Love That Split the World. Henry is my new auto-buy author and I recommend everyone picking up her novels!

Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

This book is just so much fun! It’s basically a genre mash-up of paranormal, fantasy, western, and historical fiction. Seriously, what more could you want in a book? I definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a quick and entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.. Plus that cover, y’all!

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

If you’re okay with a book breaking your heart, pick this one up. Zentner absolutely killed it with this debut. I haven’t gotten around to picking up his latest novel, but I know it’ll be just as good. The friendship portrayed is this book is one of the best ones I’ve ever read, for sure.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Now this is one of those books that either people absolutely love (like me!) or they hate it. But I think if you recognize it as a satire of Harry Potter and the “Chosen One” trope before picking it up, it makes it much more enjoyable. I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was funny and clever and I will forever ship Simon and Baz. Those two are the ultimate OTP and I will fight you on that!

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

I just read this one earlier this month and absolutely loved it. For a literary fiction, Towles’ writing style makes this such a fast-paced read and extremely engaging. He also created such amazing characters and I only wish they were real people. Count Rostov has become one of my most favorite characters that I’ve ever read.

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

I think at this point we can officially say that Hardinge has one of the most creative and unique story minds. Her books are all so original, especially The Lie Tree. I read this last year and can definitely see why it won awards. This one is all about take-charge females and definitely challenges the social norms of the 19th century.

Lost Stars (Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens) by Claudia Gray

Even if you aren’t really a Star Wars fan, I still think this is one science fiction novel that you’ll enjoy. It follows brand new characters who live through the original trilogy and experience it from opposite sides of the Rebellion. Claudia Gray is phenomenal when it comes to writing engaging science fiction and definitely proves it yet again with this book.

The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker

Now this is apparently being continued as a series, but as I’ve not heard any updates for a couple of years, I’m just going to count it as a standalone for now. I really enjoyed this one back when I read it when it first came out. It’s got dashes of A Discovery of Witches and a hint of The Magicians all rolled into one.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

I absolutely adored this story. I thought it was whimsical and such a great tale about fae, that actually embraces the dark side of these magical creatures. I am so sad that this is only a standalone because there’s so much more to explore in this world!

What are some of your favorite standalone novels? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Do you prefer standalones or series more? What are some other standalone books that you recommend?

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? 😉

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

Because Harry Potter, obviously.

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!

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!

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!

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?

Hype or Like Friday – Small Town Living

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 July BOTM is A Million Junes by Emily Henry.

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: Small Town Living… What books set in small towns do you recommend?

As someone who was born and raised in a small town, I always have a soft spot for books set in such a place. I smile at how everyone knows everyone and are into each other’s business. Such is the life of small town folks…

No matter if you’re from a small town and enjoy reading about similar places or are from a big city looking for a different way of life, the above books are good places to start!

Are you from a small town? Do you enjoy reading books set in small towns? Have you read any of the books that I recommended? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

Recommendations Series #2: Contemporary

My next post in my recommendations series is going to be on contemporaries! I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary, as it’s just not a genre that I gravitate towards. However, I do read it on occasion and still have a few that I really recommend. These aren’t the most recently released books, but hey, I tried! 😉

We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun & Susan Mullen

This was such a cute read that follows two best friends as they are split up following their high school graduation, with one staying in their hometown and the other going off to college in the early 80’s. It’s written in letter form and makes for a great summer read!

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

This book broke me in the best ways possible. I cannot recommend it enough. And the only reason that I haven’t picked up Zentner’s newest release is that I’m just not ready to ugly cry yet and my heart is still healing.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Now some of you may be all, “But Larkin this is a fantasy!” and I shall respond with, “This reads like a contemporary and it’s my list so I saw it’s a contemporary!” And then we shall all be friends because we agree that this book is awesome and Baz is such a hottie.

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Now this book isn’t for everyone as it deals with some pretty intense topics like incest. But I’ll be damn if this book isn’t powerful, beautiful and heartbreaking. Be ready for things to get heavy… I just rhymed!

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This book was insane and left me speechless at the end. DAT TWIST THOUGH. And did I ugly cry? Ummmm, I might have just a tiny bit.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Big thanks to my blogging bestie, Britt @ Geronimo Reads for recommending this one to me. She was right. This coming-of-age story about first love will forever stay with me.

The Love that Split the World by Emily Henry

This gorgeous debut story was one of my favorites last year. Weaving Native American folklore into this contemporary following a young girl as she struggles with two separate realities blurring, this story will definitely leave you with some serious questions about the universe.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I’m sure you’re groaning at such an obvious choice for me to end my recommendations on. However, this book is just too good not to include in my favorite contemporaries. I love it so much! And if you haven’t read it yet, I really do recommend it. Then watch the movie adaptation as well as it’s really good too.

What are some of your favorite contemporaries? Which ones would you recommend? Have you read any of the ones on my list? If so, what did you think of it?

10 Books for the Man in Your Life…

I’m pretty sure that we all know at least one guy that we would really like to get into reading, whether it’s your boyfriend, husband, dad, brother, or friend. For me personally, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I can bring someone new into the wonderful world of reading. And I’m not really sure why, but it seems to be easier to get a girl to read than a guy. Well, I’m here to make things a little less difficult for all of you having a hard time find the perfect book…. You’re welcome. 🙂

1. Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

This trilogy is a fast-paced epic science fiction adventure. It will satisfy all of that manly need for violence and revenge, as well as giving you a cause to really root for. Also, Sevro is almost reason enough to read this series. Your guy will definitely find his new favorite person. My dad and brother both love this series so I can vouch for its attractiveness to men.

2. Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab

I think the guys will appreciate the multiple POVs in this novel, that will keep things interesting for them. I also think they will appreciate that the magical world is structured less fanciful and more mature. Lila is also a total badass who will be a nice female character that they will find easier to relate to, especially if they’re lame like my brother and prefer to only read male POVs. Those boys….

3. The Illuminae Files Trilogy by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

The unique format and on-the-edge-of-your-seat plotline will leave any guy begging for more. I got my dad to read Illuminae and he loved it. The characters are funny and the story is non-stop action. What more could you ask for?

4. Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

Honestly, everyone should read this book. It’s funny, completely original, and is the perfect quick read. Guys will appreciate Biff’s, well, interesting view of Jesus’ life and find themselves crying from laughing so hard at some of the situations these two besties get into. (One being a very interesting encounter with some prostitutes. Yep, I’m serious.)

5. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Does your dude enjoy video games? Movies? 80’s music? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then there is a good chance that he will enjoy reading this novel about a teen who goes on a quest through virtual reality to find a treasure left by the creator. This book is chock full of pop culture references that will leave you with a sense of nostalgia and a whole lot of nerd. It’s great!

6. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

If he loves watching old Westerns or thinks John Wayne is the original badass, then he will love this story about two ex-Texas Rangers who decide to brave the cattle drive from South Texas all the way north to Montana. There will be shootouts, kidnappings, and all sorts of crazy adventures throughout this novel. Don’t let the page quantity deter him from trying this one out, it reads much faster than you’d think.

7. Ender’s Game Series by Orson Scott Card

This is one of, if not, THE standard for YA science fiction. It’s dark, deep, and packs an emotional punch that he’ll never be expecting. Just tell him not to judge the book by the movie!

8. The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Does your man prefer reality to the fantastical? Is he a lover of a good movie drama based on everyday life? Sometimes we can all use a little reality check and no one can pack more feels into a story than Jeff Zentner. Just don’t tell him that he will probably end up shedding a few tears here and there.

9. The Razorland Trilogy by Ann Aguire

This series is a post-apocalyptic thrill ride that is basically The Walking Dead but with a story where things actually happen and there’s a real ending. Also, it features the most badass female lead that will be a nice reminder to your man that you can and will kick his ass if the need arises.

10. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Disregarding the fact that Neil Gaiman is just one of the coolest people alive, this book is a great foray into his unique writing style that brings to life such an interesting look at mythology. It also has the added benefit of being brought to television by Starz that is scheduled to premiere on April 30th.

What do you think of my list? Which books would you add? Which books do you disagree with?

Hype or Like Friday – January 27th, 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.

Also, the February BOTM is going to be Truthwitch 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: The Serpent King book review!

Dill has had to wrestle with vipers his whole life at home, as the only son of a Pentecostal minister who urges him to handle poisonous rattlesnakes, and at school, where he faces down bullies who target him for his father’s extreme faith and very public fall from grace.

The only antidote to all this venom is his friendship with fellow outcasts Travis and Lydia. But as they are starting their senior year, Dill feels the coils of his future tightening around him. Dill’s only escapes are his music and his secret feelings for Lydia, neither of which he is brave enough to share. Graduation feels more like an ending to Dill than a beginning. But even before then, he must cope with another ending- one that will rock his life to the core.

The Good

I’m just going to be straight up honest right now on how I felt about this novel… It was simply amazing. EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING. Y’all know that I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary. I hardly ever pick them up because they just don’t interest me a whole lot. I like to truly lose myself in a story and contemporaries usually just don’t have that ability to draw me in that way. However, if you want to know just how deeply absorbed in this story I was, then you should know that I read it within 24 hours. It’s true! The writing was beautiful, the storyline was flawless, and the characters truly feel alive. I loved them all, including snobbish Lydia. But I have to admit that sweet Travis was my absolute favorite, just because he’s such a cute little cupcake.

Seriously though, I cannot recommend this book enough. It will make you laugh, cry, and break your heart then put it back together again. I promise that you won’t regret picking up this award-winning novel!

The Bad

There’s really nothing bad about this book for me. I would have enjoyed getting to see more of Dill’s relationship with his family, but in the end it wasn’t enough to detract my overall enjoyment of the story.

Have you read The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner? What did you think of it? Leave a link to your own Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

WWW Wednesday – January 25th, 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?

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Y’all just need to read this one, okay?! I promise you won’t regret it.

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is a wholly original story of rage and revenge, of guilt and horror, and of love and loathing from bestselling and acclaimed author Holly Black.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Architect of Song (Haunted Hearts Legacy, #1) by A.G. Howard

Do you enjoy beautifully tragic, gothic love stories such as Jane Eyre? Then you will Howard’s first book in a New Adult romance series! But if you’re worried about starting a new series, don’t be, as each book is a standalone.

A lady imprisoned by deafness, an architect imprisoned by his past, and a ghost imprisoned within the petals of a flower – intertwine in this love story that transcends life and death.

For most of her life, nineteen-year-old Juliet Emerline has subsisted – isolated by deafness – making hats in the solitude of her home. Now, she’s at risk to lose her sanctuary to Lord Nicolas Thornton, a twenty-seven-year-old mysterious and eccentric architect with designs on her humble estate. When she secretly witnesses him raging beside a grave, Juliet investigates, finding the name “Hawk” on the headstone and an unusual flower at the base. The moment Juliet touches the petals, a young English nobleman appears in ghostly form, singing a song only her deaf ears can hear. The ghost remembers nothing of his identity or death, other than the one name that haunts his afterlife: Thornton.

To avenge her ghostly companion and save her estate, Juliet pushes aside her fear of society and travels to Lord Thornton’s secluded holiday resort, posing as a hat maker in one of his boutiques. There, she finds herself questioning who to trust: the architect of flesh and bones who can relate to her through romantic gestures, heartfelt notes, and sensual touches … or the specter who serenades her with beautiful songs and ardent words, touching her mind and soul like no other man ever can. As sinister truths behind Lord Thornton’s interest in her estate and his tie to Hawk come to light, Juliet is lured into a web of secrets. But it’s too late for escape, and the tragic love taking seed in her heart will alter her silent world forever.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book when I first picked it up, as I’m not a huge contemporary fan (though I plan to read more in 2017!). However, this book was amazing and wonderful and perfect. And that Travis is such a sweetheart… But seriously, I cannot recommend this book enough.

Dill has had to wrestle with vipers his whole life at home, as the only son of a Pentecostal minister who urges him to handle poisonous rattlesnakes, and at school, where he faces down bullies who target him for his father’s extreme faith and very public fall from grace.

The only antidote to all this venom is his friendship with fellow outcasts Travis and Lydia. But as they are starting their senior year, Dill feels the coils of his future tightening around him. Dill’s only escapes are his music and his secret feelings for Lydia, neither of which he is brave enough to share. Graduation feels more like an ending to Dill than a beginning. But even before then, he must cope with another ending- one that will rock his life to the core.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

I haven’t read any reviews for this book yet, so I’m basically going into it blind. This was a cheap purchase from Book Outlet because ever since I saw that gorgeous cover, I knew I had to have it on my shelf. Not to mention the fact that the synopsis sounds totally badass.

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma

Damn that Book Outlet for always having the prettiest hardcovers available. I can never pass them up! I actually have heard some really good things about this book. I’m thoroughly expecting to be creeped out while reading this one and will probably end up sleeping with the closet light on. Eeeeeeee!!!!

On the outside, there’s Violet, an eighteen-year-old dancer days away from the life of her dreams when something threatens to expose the shocking truth of her achievement.

On the inside, within the walls of the Aurora Hills juvenile detention center, there’s Amber, locked up for so long she can’t imagine freedom.

Tying their two worlds together is Orianna, who holds the key to unlocking all the girls’ darkest mysteries…

What really happened on the night Orianna stepped between Violet and her tormentors? What really happened on two strange nights at Aurora Hills? Will Amber and Violet and Orianna ever get the justice they deserve—in this life or in another one?

In prose that sings from line to line, Nova Ren Suma tells a supernatural tale of guilt and of innocence, and of what happens when one is mistaken for the other.

What books are you currently reading? Have you recently finished reading any good ones? What’s up next on your TBR? Have you read any of the books on my list? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday 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

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

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

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

5. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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

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

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

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

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!

Hype or Like Friday – January 20th, 2017

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: New Year’s Resolutions – What goals and resolutions have you set for this upcoming year in regards to reading or blogging? Maybe you’ve decided to try and double your reading goal from last year, maybe you plan to expand your reading horizons into non-fiction, or have planned to write more discussion blog posts?

Reading Goals

Last year I didn’t really set any real expectations or goals on myself. However, this year I decided to step up my game a bit and really focus on reaching some different goals that I’ve set in place for myself. And reading-wise…well, there’s a few of them.

Read More Non-Fiction – I think this one is fairly self-explanatory. I also see this as being a very strong possibility as I’ve already purchased Carrie Fisher’s memoir, The Princess Diarist. I actually plan to read it next month!
Complete My 2017 Reading Challenges – I am currently doing 3 different reading challenges this year – POPSUGAR, Beat the Backlist, and Goodreads. Last year did not go so well but this year, I reallyyyy plan to try and complete them all (or at least 2/3!). You can read about the different challenges in my original post HERE.
Finally Finish Middlemarch – Now this one may seem a little strange and random to some, but trust me, it’s a big deal. I’ve had this book now for almost 2 years and have actually started it at least 2 different times but about 10 pages into it, I put it down and picked up something else. It wasn’t that I was bored or anything, it just kind of happened. But this year?! Ohhh no, that baby will finally get read!

Blogging Goals

And now to the fun stuff! I don’t have too many blogging goals for this year, as I’m really focused more on just revamping my site. If you have any good tips, send them my way!

Redesign The Blog – That’s right, folks! At some point this year, I will be completely redesigning Wonderfilled Reads. I am thinking of hiring a graphic/web designer too, so if you know of any good ones that are reasonably priced or would like to do it free for their portfolio, please let me know!
More Discussion Posts – I’m sure y’all get tired of seeing the same meme posts on my site. I try to only stick to ones that deal with what I’m actually reading, but I know we all like to see a bit more variety sometimes. I vow to give you some in 2017!

Here’s praying that I can do it all!

What are some of your reading goals and resolutions for 2017? Do you have any blogging ones, as well? Are you joining us this month in reading The Serpent King? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

WWW Wednesday – January 18th, 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?