Victoria Schwab – Wonderfilled Reads

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?

Hype or Like Friday – Coming to a Close and Shining Stars

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.

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: I’m combining last week’s topic and this week’s because I missed it.. Oops!

Coming to a Close… What book(s) do you hope to read before the end of the year?

Shining Stars… What have been your favorite reads of 2017?

Coming to a Close

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang
The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh
The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy, #1) by S.A. Chakraborty

These are all books that I’ve received from Book of the Month Club this past year. I’ve heard some amazing things about each one of them and am super excited to hopefully get to them before then end of the year. I’ve been trying to actually read some of the books I’ve received from that subscription service more, as I had really just been putting them off. I think 4 in a month seems like a good step in that direction, haha!

Shining Stars

Caraval (Caraval, #1) by Stephanie Garber
Defy the Stars (Constellation, #1) by Claudia Gray
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1) by Victoria Schwab
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) by Marissa Meyer
A Million Junes by Emily Henry
The Song Rising (The Bone Season, #3) by Samantha Shannon
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss
The Dark Days Pact (Lady Helen, #2) by Alison Goodman

Basically you all should just go read these books/series because they’re amazing. Seriously. Stop reading this post and go pick one up. RIGHT NOW.

What are some books that you hope to finish by the end of the year? What have been some of your favorite reads of 2017 so far? 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!

Hype or Like Friday – #OwnVoices

The November BOTM is City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson.

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!

Spooky Scary Book Tag

I’ll be honest and admit that the only parts about the Halloween season that I really enjoy is the candy and 13 Nights of Halloween on ABC Family.. or is it FreeForm now? Who knows anymore, haha! However, I do enjoy all of the fun read-a-thons, challenges, and tags that go around this time of year. So big thanks to Heather @ The Sassy Book Geek for tagging me to do this one! Everyone go check out her wonderful blog!

Also, big thanks to Clever Fox for creating this tag!

What goes bump in the night? Name a book that has legitimately scared you while reading it.

This book, y’all… I literally could not read it right before I went to bed because as soon as the lights went out, I was getting the heebie-jeebies. The villain will creep you out more than anything. I plan to reread this one and continue on with the series really soon!

Jack O’ Lanterns and Classic Costumes: A book you always reach for during Halloween time.

I don’t typically reread any books for certain holidays or seasons. I guess I’m just weird that way.

Black Cats and Magic Mirrors: A book you love that is laced with superstition and/or magic.

Does it count if I’m currently only in the middle of it? Well I don’t care either way, because this book is full of magic AND superstition. I’m so into it.

Favorite witch character in any book/series.

I could’ve gone with anyone from the Harry Potter series, but who wants to be so boring and unoriginal? Not me! So I’m going to choose both Simon and Baz for this one. These two are so full of sass and I can’t even with their relationship because it’s just too adorable… Damn, now I want to reread this one.

A book that still haunts you to this day (good or bad).

Oh man, this duology shook me bad and I’m still reeling from that ending. How Schwab is able to completely capture our hearts and souls so easily, will always be a mystery to me. But damn, this one really got to me. SO, SO GOOD.

Haunted Graveyard: You’re all alone in a haunted graveyard, you get ONE book to give you comfort, which is it?

I’m going to need something warm, fuzzy, and totally engrossing if I’m going to be stuck in a graveyard. And I know I can count on Rhysand to keep me all warm and safe! Well, I can pretend at least… jeeze.

The Undead: Favorite supernatural creatures to read about (i.e. vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc).

VAMPIRES! What can I say, I’m a sucker for the undead.

In the dead of night: Pick a book with a black cover.

I’m going with a book from my TBR that’s being released later this month. I’ve had my eye on this one ever since it was first announced and THAT COVER. Like, why haven’t I already preordered this beauty?!

I TAG…YOU!

(If you want to, of course.)

What are some books that still haunt you? Have you read any of the ones on my list? Are you excited for The Afterlife of Holly Chase?

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!

Book Review: Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity, #2)

After finishing the amazingness that was This Savage Song, I was super excited to dive right into Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity, #2) by Victoria Schwab. And… OH. MY. GOD. Why is Schwab such a goddess at writing?

THE WORLD IS BREAKING. AND SO ARE THEY.

KATE HARKER isn’t afraid of monsters. She hunts them. And she’s good at it.

AUGUST FLYNN once yearned to be human. He has a part to play. And he will play it, no matter the cost.

THE WAR HAS BEGUN.

THE MONSTERS ARE WINNING.

Kate will have to return to Verity. August will have to let her back in. And a new monster is waiting—one that feeds on chaos and brings out its victims’ inner demons.

Which will be harder to conquer: the monsters they face, or the monsters within?

What can I say about Schwab’s writing that hasn’t already been said many times before? She knows exactly how to engage you from the beginning and pull you completely into the story, even before you’re entirely sure about what’s going on. From page one, you are thrown immediately into this dark world that Kate and August are trying to navigate and survive in. I never once found myself bored or wishing for it to be over already. Instead, I was savoring every moment of it. From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat with worry over what was going to happen next and if my sweet babies were going to have a happy ending. Needless to say, this is a Schwab book so I should have known better…

To say that our two protagonists have gone through some changes, would be an understatement. Kate is now a battle-hardened monster hunter – think Buffy Summers but with more of an attitude. I really liked seeing how much she’s been affected by what happened in Verity. You can see that she’s fighting monsters as a way to fight her own personal demons, especially the guilt over what happened in the previous book. She’s even become more closed off than before. August is no longer the same as well. He’s embraced being Sunai and is now leading his father’s troops. He has brushed aside his humanity in order to take control and try to live up to the expectations of everyone else, or at least what he believes to be their expectations. He’s also carrying his own inner demons and unfortunately, they’re winning. I loved seeing how the events in This Savage Song have profoundly changed the MCs. I hate how in some series you can barely see anything affect how the characters behave, but that’s not the case here. Yay!

Truthfully, I actually enjoyed the action much more in this book than I did in the first one. It came across much more intense and I could really feel how high the stakes were. Every scene felt like it was life or death and could possibly be the end for our characters. Schwab really was able to amp up the battle scenes. They were liberally spread throughout the story, never leaving us with a moment’s rest from the action. I loved it.

However, I think the strongest part of this book was the ending. Schwab always knows how to deliver the perfect ending that isn’t full of rainbows and sunshine, but one that is realistic and bittersweet. And she doesn’t disappoint here! It never felt rushed or left me feeling like anything was missing. It gave me everything I look for in endings – strong emotions, a clear and concise conclusion, and left me wanting more! It’s actually sad knowing that this story wrapped up so nicely that you know there’s nothing else coming afterwards. Yes yes yes, I do realize that it’s a duology but a girl can dream right?!

If you haven’t read this series yet, you definitely need to. It might just be Schwab’s best work yet.

Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars

Have you read Our Dark Duet? What did you think of it? Do you think it’s Schwab’s best work?

Book Review: This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)

I still don’t know why I put off picking up This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1) by Victoria Schwab. Actually, I might blame it on the fact that I heard it involved music and that reminded me of the most boring book I picked up and ultimately DNFed last year, Passengers. But I will never doubt goddess Schwab ever again, because this book was just amazing.

There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.

I’ve come to recognize Schwab’s writing style to almost be soothing. You’re probably like, Larkin has lost her mind and must be thinking of a different author. But fear not readers, I have not lost my mind… YET. Just kidding! Anyways, what I mean when I call her writing style soothing, I mean that it reads at a steady pace (or it does for me anyway). Even when there’s tons of action going on, the pacing never changes for me but just continues along. I think that really emphasized the darkness of this book, almost giving it a surreal quality while reading it. It made the tragedy of the situation that much more terrible and basically highlighting the fact that it can only end one way, tragically.

It’s time to just all agree that Schwab is the queen of strong and independent female characters. If you loved Lila Bard, then Kate Harker is going to be your next obsession. She’s incredibly strong, cunning, and full of enough snark and attitude to keep you grinning through the entire book. Yet, you can see how vulnerable she is. She’s just a typical teen looking for her father’s approval. Then you have August, who is in constant battle with himself to stay in control and not lose any of the little bit of humanity that he does have. He refuses to be the monster that he is. I found August to be one of, if not the most, complex character that I’ve read about so far this year. I really enjoyed being able to experience his struggles along with him. At times he seemed even more human than the actual humans. I especially loved his interactions with his fellow Sunai and being able to see the differences between each of them.

The world-building in this book was amazing. Schwab took the typical dystopian setting and completely turned it into something unique and engaging. The idea that our negative actions actually morph into physical monsters is such an interesting concept. You can see that Schwab was actually using this metaphor to commentate on the evil that occurs every single day. I love it.

I think my only issue with this book was that I struggled in the beginning to understand what was going on. You’re immediately thrown into the story and are not really explained as to what is happening until further on. I found myself confused by all of the different terms used to describe the monsters. Luckily, things do eventually get explained but I don’t think that happens until after about 50 pages into the story.

I totally recommend this book. It’s dark and isn’t full of rainbows and sunshine, but it will make you think and have you hooked from the very first page. If you haven’t read any of Schwab’s novels before now, I do recommend starting off with this duology to get a feel for her writing style. You will not be disappointed!

Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars

Have you read This Savage Song? What did you think of compared to Schwab’s other novels? Did you like August or Kate better?

WWW Wednesday – July 19th, 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 Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1) by Samantha Shannon
The Wicked & The Divine, Vol. 2: Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen – graphic novel
Parker by Jillian Quinn
The Winter Sea (Slains, #1) by Susanna Kearsley – audiobook

Don’t ask me how I got to be reading/listening to 4 different books. I honestly have no idea, because this isn’t typical for me at all. I do plan on finishing The Wicked & The Divine tonight though, so that should cut it down to a more acceptable amount… I hope so at least.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Wicked & The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act by Kieron Gillen – graphic novel, 4/5 stars
Bone Gap by Laura Ruby – audiobook, 2/5 stars
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1) by Victoria Schwab – 4/5 stars
Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity, #2) by Victoria Schwab – 5/5 stars

What do you think you’ll read next?

The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2) by Samantha Shannon
The Song Rising (The Bone Season, #3) by Samantha Shannon

The most logical choices as I continue on with Smashing Series Summer. I’m really excited to see where this series is going next as I’m falling in love with The Bone Season all over again!

What are you currently reading? Did you finish any good books this week? Have you read any of the books on my list? What did you think of them?