Going to try to get a huge chunk of both of these done before the 1st since I’m in so many readathons. They are so different, and I’m crossing my fingers that I can maybe finish one by next weekend. I’m reading both for review: The Exalting it already out (came out in May) and Appalachian Book of the Dead is an ARC that comes out in September ❤️
Dani at Perspective of a Writer created a meme to show off our favorite characters. This week’s topic is The Rivals. The description: “Feature two characters who are in total competition with each other. Think love triangles, bromances, female relationships!” This is easy for me. The first two who came to mind are Jeb and Morpheus from the Splintered series by A. G. Howard. I absolutely LOVE this series. It is an Alice in Wonderland retelling centering around Alyssa, a 16 year old girl whose mother is in a mental institution and her father tries to take care of her as well as her mother. Jeb is her next door neighbor and also her best friend. Morpheus is a character from Wonderland you just have to read to understand (he is also my favorite character from the whole series.) Jeb and Morpheus have a small rivalry that gradually grows during the series, and of course it revolves around Alyssa. The way A. G. Howard chose to resolve it makes me so happy. The images below show Morpheus, Alyssa, and Jeb.
Hey everyone! I’ve decided to try and do some daily posts to make sure I stay active on here. So today I’m starting with WWW Wednesday. This meme comes from Taking on a World of Words, and all I have to do is answer the three questions: What are you currently reading?, What did you recently finish reading?, and What do you think you’ll read next? So lets get started!
What are you currently reading?
I am technically currently reading 7 books, but this one is the most current. The Exalting is a SF/F story about two people, Dana and Jet, from two different parts of the world. The odd chapters are from Dana’s perspective, and the even chapters are from Jet’s perspective (at least so far). Dana is a 17 girl with abilities from Xahna, and Jet is from Avalon and is an air pilot in the Believers service. This was just published in May, and I’m actually reading it for review. I acquired this from BookSirens. I’m not that far into it, but I’m liking it so far.
What did you recently finish reading?
My last “finished” book was actually a DNF, so I went with my actual recently finished book which is Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. Fantasy has always been my favorite genre, but after reading this I’m currently getting into Science Fiction (as seen by my currently reading). I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely pick up the rest of the series. I gave it a full 5 stars.
What do you think you’ll read next?
I’m participating in 4 readathons next month, so my July TBR currently sits at around 17 books. Will I get to all of them? Probably not. However, Quests For Glory is first on the list, and I couldn’t be more excited. I absolutely adore this series, and can’t wait to see what awaits Agatha, Sopie, and Tedros next. I’ll also pick up The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang since I will try to knock out two books at a time to try and make good progress.
I’m interested to see what everyone is reading or has read. If you have done this, leave a link in the comments, and I’ll come check it out. Have a great day!
I’ve been watching a lot of booktube lately, and I’ve seen this tag going around. So I decided to join in, and answer the questions about how my 2019 reading year is going since I started reading again this year. Here we go!
Question 1) Best book you’ve read so far in 2019
That has to be Untamed by A. G. Howard. This is sort of like a novella collection for her Splintered series, but it also wraps up the entire series as well. I had such an emotional connection to these characters that it was hard to believe it was the last book in their journey. So good, and i am definitely reading it again some day.
Question 2) Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019
Going with another book in the Splintered series, and that is the second book called Unhinged. This series is an Alice in Wonderland retelling, and Splintered, to me, sets up the whole wonderland retelling experience. Uhinged, however, takes place back in our world, and focuses more on character development. You find out things that about the characters, and not just the main ones, that really shapes the tone of not only the book, but the series as a whole.
Question 3) New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
Shifting to another series, I want to read A Crystal of Time by Soman Chainani. I have fallen in love with his The School for Good and Evil series since reading the first book back in January. This is a middle grade series following two girls, Sophie and Agatha, who come from the village/town of Galvadon. Every four years, two fourteen year old children are whisked away by the School Master, who drops one child off at the School for Good, and one at the School for Evil. Sophie, 14, does everything possible to be chosen for Good, while Agatha, also 14, would rather stay home. The day the School Master changes how they both view life, love, friendship, and even themselves. I am currently on book 4, which I will be reading next month in a readathon. A Crystal of Time is book 5 that came out in March. I couldn’t tell you what it was about because I haven’t looked myself lol I didn’t want to be spoiled by anything that could have happened in book 4.
Question 4) Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
This has to be Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell. I read Carry On back in April, and fell so much in love with it that I bought Simon and Baz bookmarks shortly afterwards. I just thought it was the cutest story, and I just can NOT wait until October to get my book (yes i pre-ordered it). Also, I’m excited for the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire illustrated edition that also comes out in October, which I will be pre-ordering soon.
Question 5) Biggest disappointment
That would have to be Switched by Amanda Hocking. It wasn’t a bad book per say, but it definitely was not what I thought it would be. It was a let down for me because I guess I had this whole other premise on what I thought it was going to be about, and it was nowhere close what I thought. I rated it 2 stars. Just not my cup of tea.
Question 6) Biggest surprise
I have to give this one to Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. The reason being is because it is historical fiction. Fantasy/Sci-fi is my go-to genre when it comes to books. This book would have never been in my radar if I didn’t need to fulfill a Goodreads challenge. It actually took me a long while to get into it. I liked it from the jump, but again it was hard to pick up because it isn’t my usual genre. That being said, it got 5 stars from me. I fell so in love with this, and I actually teared up at some parts because I loved the characters so much. This is also the book that lead me to realize that audio books really help me get a through I otherwise would have struggled through reading physically.
Question 7) Favorite new author (debut or new to you)
Techinally, everyone I’ve mentioned so far is new to me because I’m just getting to back to reading. However, my new favorite author is actually a husband and wife duo writing under the name Ilona Andrews. I have fallen in love with everything written so far. My favorite so far is the Hidden Legacy series (new release in August that i’m excited for). Nevada and Connor…yes please. I also love the Kate Daniels series and The Edge series, but Hidden Legacy series takes the cake.
Question 8) Newest fictional crush
Morpheus from the Splintered series. I love him with my whole heart. I read 80+ books so far this year, and no one has been able to take his top spot.
Question 9) Newest favorite character
Derek Gaunt from the Kate Daniels series and Bug from the Hidden Legacy series are tied, but for different reasons. Derek is a character I want to protect from harm (this is so weird due to what his character is lol) and Bug is just a lovable, sarcastic character that makes me laugh all the time.
Question 10) Book that made you cry
I haven’t read a book this year that made me cry. I have teared up a few times, but nothing that made me ugly cry. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe came extremely close though.
Question 11) Book that made me happy
Most of the books I’ve read so far have made me happy, so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one.
Question 12) Most beautiful book that you’ve bought (or received) so far this year
This would have to be Carry On. The paperback edition of this is so gorgeous, and I had to have it in that edition only.
Question 13) What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
What I need to read are the arcs I have (that I’m am so grateful to have) because those have deadlines. What I want to read is most of the physical books I already own because I tend to mostly read ebooks, while still buying books lol I need to read what I own.
This will be great to look back on and see if my answers still hold up. Will I be able to find a book that makes me cry? Will someone take the top spot of book bf from Morpheus? Will I make some kind of progress in reading from my shelves? Only time will tell. Have a great day ❤
Hey everyone! July is going to be a busy reading month for me (on top of it being my birthday month)! I have decided to participate in 4 readathons during the month. They are: The Book Junkie Trials, The Iron Tome A Thon, DND Readathon, and Medieval-A-Thon. They are all month long readathons, so it should be doable. Plus I’ve decided to use the same books so I wouldn’t stress.
The Book Junkie Trials is a quest styled readathon with 4 teams competing: Scribe, Magi, Outlaw, and Bard. You take the personality test that will determine which team you are on. You can also choose to just select your own team based on which quest you believe you can accomplish. I have linked the twitter page for the readathon so you can find all the info since I know I’m not explaining this well lol. I am on team Scribe, so this is what my TBR looks like for the our quest: Dwarf Mount- read a book with a hint of romance so I chose Quests for Glory by Soman Chainani; Apothecary Towers- choose a book at random from your shelf so my brother chose The Road to Woodbury by Robert Kirkman; The Great Library- read a book that has been on your TBR forever so I chose The Giver by Lois Lowry; The Drowning Deep- read a book with rich world-building so I chose The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien; and finally The Bookie Grail- read the group book which is Stardust by Neil Gaiman. We can also do other challenges after we finish our team quests, so I do have books picked for those but that’s going to be as I go.
The Iron Tome A Thon is just like it sounds. It is a Game of Thrones inspired readathon where you read only adult fantasy. I have the blog post linked if you want to get the full breakdown and prompts. The group book that was chosen is The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang. I have sort of wanted to read this, but was kind of intimidated by it due to the content. However, I managed to fit it into 4 of the 7 challenges. The other three I managed to fit A Game of Thrones into. Two books for seven challenges?? Go me!
The DND Readathon is based, of course, on Dungeons and Dragons. This round, we are tasked with picking the race of our character. I’m going for Half-Orc. The three challenges I have to complete are: read a book not in pristine edition (going with The Two Towers), read a book with a morally grey protagonist (chose And I Darken by Kiersten White), and read a book over 500 pages so I chose Quests for Glory.
Last but certainly not least, Medieval-A-Thon is a readathon where the more books you read, the higher you move up in the court. The max is 6 to become a king/queen, but if you can read more that is great as well. There are also side quests where you can build a suit of armor as well as grab a weapon (or more than one if you choose). This are not mandatory, but of course i’m going to try. I have some of my books picked out for these prompts, but of course that might change before July 1st (my birthday!)
So, these are all the readathons I am taking part in during the month of July. I hope to accomplish all that I set out to do. My reading has kind of slowed down during May and June, so I’m hoping to pick it back up next month. If you are taking part in any (or all) of these, comment and let me know! I’m always open to meet and make more bookish friends.
RoseBlood by A.G. Howard
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
There is always that one book from an author you love that you just do not like. This one is it for me. I absolutely LOVED the Splintered series, so I was very excited to get into this one. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work. I actually DNF this book at the halfway point. I loved the writing and characters, but otherwise I just could not get into it. I started it April 30. It is now almost the end of June, and I’m still only halfway done. There was just no motivation for me to pick it up. I will definitely continue to read more from the author because I love her writing. I guess it was just the story that I couldn’t connect to.
View all my reviews
I love Harry Potter. I have seen all the movies, and making my way through all the books. I’m currently on Goblet of Fire, as in I need to start it. I seen this tag on _ForBooksSake and thought I would do it as well! So let’s get into it.
Favorite book Like previously stated, I’ve only read up to book 3. However, Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite. That might change after i finish reading the rest of the series, but at this moment it is Prisoner of Azkaban. Least favorite book My least favorite has to be Philosopher’s Stone. It’s probably because it’s the introduction to everything, and i normally rate all introductions to series lower. That is really the only reason why it’s my least favorite. I still love it though. Favorite movie Prisoner of Azkaban is the only movie I’ve seen more than once. It introduces two of my three favorite adults, Sirius and Remus, as well as my favorite scene in the whole series. Plus Fred and George and the map. I just love this movie a whole lot. Least favorite movie I honestly don’t think i have a least favorite movie. Then again, I’ve only seen them once so I’m not sure. Favorite quote I am a proud SLytherin, and even though “After all this time? Always” is a favorite, i honestly have to say that Professor Snape’s opening speech in Philosopher’s Stone just makes me smile. Favorite Weasley I have to go with Bill. I love the twins with all my heart, but there is something about the oldest Weasley that just made me want more of him. Favorite female character This has to be Bellatrix. I just loved this crazy woman. I don’t consider her evil. She is just loyal to her beliefs, and will do whatever it takes to see them come through. (Spoken like a true Slytherin) Favorite villian Umbridge would be the perfect answer for this since she is like the ultimate villian. However, I’m going with Lucius. He is the ultimate con man in my opinion. He can talk or bribe his way out of anything. I love the whole Malfoy family. Favorite professor SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE!! Enough said. Wash Snape’s hair, or spend a whole day listening to Lockhart rant about himself Definitely washing Snape’s hair because I can see myself punching Lockhart to shut him up. Duel an elated Bellatrix, or an angry Molly An elated Bellatrix. Just because duelign either of these women when angry is just dangerous. Travel to Hogwarts via the Hogwarts Express, or flying car I am definitely riding the Hogwarts Express. The car just seems way too faulty. Kiss Voldemort or give Umbridge a bubble bath Kissing Voldie. No doubt about it. I am going nowhere near Umbridge. Ride a Hippogriff or a Firebolt Hippogriff, because there is more room to move around and hold in comparison to a broom. Is there a character you felt differently about in the movies over the books I can’t really answer this since I haven’t finished the books yet. Is there a movie you preffered over its book Again, I can’t really answer since I haven’t finished reading the books. Richard Harris or Michael Gambon as Dumbledore Um, I honestly don’t know. I would have to watch the first movies again because i can only picture the later Dumbledore. Your top thing (person or scene) which wasn’t included in the movie that annoyed you the most I really wished Peeves was in the movies. If you could re-make any of the Potter movies which would it be? None of them. I like them the way they are. Which house was your first gut feeling you’d be a part of? It was a tie between Slytherin and Ravenclaw, leaning more towards Slytherin. Which house were you actually sorted into on Pottermore? Ravenclaw Which class would be your favorite? Potions of course. I love chemistry so it only makes sense. Which spell do you think would be the most useful to learn? Protego. I need to shield myself Which character do you think you would instantly become friends with? Definitely Luna. Plus according to Pottermore, we would be in the same house. If you could win one of the three Hallows, which it would it be? The invisiblity cloak is the one i definitely want to own. Is there any aspect of the books you’d want to change? Nope. They wouldn’t have the same effect if they were changed. Favorite Marauder Remus, Remus, Remus. I love Sirius, but I can just connect to Remus. If you could bring one character back to life, which would it be? I can’t choose just one!! Hallows or Horcruxes Hallows I really liked doing this tag. Asking who to bring back from the dead was like asking who is your favorite child. I feel like some of my answers shows that I’m a grey witch lol I hope you enjoy doing this tag if you decide to do it.
Not Your Sidekick by C. B. Lee
I had never heard of this book or series until I was placed on the Sidekick team for the Biblio Games. The Biblio Games is a month long readathon that is happening this month, and this was the group book that was selected for team Sidekick. I honestly did not think I would even get to it. Turns out it has LGBTQIA+ rep in it so it fit the two Pride month themed weeklong readathons I was attempting: Read Your Gays and Queer Lit. Note to self: weeklong readathons are NOT a thing I can handle. I need month long.
This story follows our main character Jessica Tran. She comes from a Chinese/Vietnamese family or superheroes which include both parent and her sister Claudia. The story starts out with Jessica, or Jess as she goes by in the story, trying to make her powers manifest. Once children hit a certain age without powers, it’s guaranteed not happen. She soon realizes this may just be her fate.
The other characters in Jess’ life are her younger brother Brendan, best friends Bells and Emma, and the love interest Abby. Brendan and Jess have to hide the fact that the worlds most famous heroes, Smasher and Shockwave, are their parents.
You learn early on that Jess has had a crush on Abby for years. It’s also mentioned that she actually let it slip that she is bisexual on accident one day at school. Jess ends up applying for a job since her powers won’t come in, and it just so happens that Abby works there too. M also works there, and I liked her character.
This book also has the superhero/villain aspect of it too which plays into the characters interactions with each other as well as outsiders. All in all, this was a fun a read for me, and I am definitely continuing on in the series.
I have really been in the graphic novel mood this month. Started the month reading Fence vol 1. I kept hearing so much about it so I decided to check it out. I promptly fell in love with it. This series is about a boy named Nicholas and his journey in fencing. The relationship between Seiji and Nicholas is typical competitive nature. Bobby and Harvard are my favorite so far, especially Bobby.
I also read The Backstagers vol 1. This is way too cute. Jory (our main character) is a precious angel. This series is a little more fantastical. Sasha, Hunter, Aziz, and Beckett round out the little group, and I love them all for different reasons due to their personalities.
I am currently almost done with Fence vol 2, and I also have vol 2 of the Backstagers loaded on Hoopla. I might try to make more progress in my other books that I’m reading before going back to graphic novels. Just so I can have something to break up the dense/long books I read.
Thanks for joining me!
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Book Lovers Unite 