beautiful
2016 March Wrap Up
Not much to say about my reading month that you haven’t already heard! Going to try something new and that’s keep track of how many pages I’ve read each month to give me a better idea of how I compare to other months ^_^
Total Books = 3
Total Pages = 1012
Average Rating = 3.33
1.) Emotions by Arnulfo Cantarero – 2.5/5
2.) Fiend by Peter Stenson – 3/5
3.) The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins 4.5/5
Hope you guys had a great reading month!
Happy Reading! xo
The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins
Book Description:
“Aerity…” Her father paused as if the words he was forming pained him. “I must ask you to sacrifice the promise of love for the sake of our kingdom.”
She could only stare back, frozen.
When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.
Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger…until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.
Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface.
Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, and a princess willing to risk all to save her kingdom.
My Rating: 4.5/5
**I would like to start off by saying that I received The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins for free via Epic Reads in exchange for a review. Although I am super grateful and excited for any opportunity at receiving a book for free, I am also very strict with being honest. That being said, giveaways do not impact my reviews.**
THIS BOOK! I LOVE the old century fantasy kingdom theme going on here! These are my type of books!
Now, I am reviewing this as a person who has NOT read The Singing Bone by The Grimm Brothers for which this story is based off of, so I have nothing to compare (although I think I’d like to read it now eventually…)
I only have one bad thing to say about this book. I really disliked the “flirting” scenes between Princess Aerity and Paxton. It was not only painfully awkward, but besides his good looks, I have no idea what Aerity sees in him. Every other part of this book was written well but it seems when it comes to romance, this is not this author’s calling. I had high hopes that Paxton was going to be a new fictional boyfriend for me but between his horrible flirting and his cold demeanor, I was left with nothing to desire.
Other than that, there’s action, there’s adventure and there’s lots to be questioned!
Beside the actual story, I love that this author lives on the eastern shore of VA – cause that’s exactly where I live! Maybe she even stops by my book store… if not she should, I’ll buy her a coffee for writing such a good book ^_^
If you’re into basic fairy tale/old century type stories, you need to grab this one! I am SO stoked that I unexpectedly won this book and very happy with my decision to drop everything and read it. I can NOT wait for book 2!
Happy Reading! xo
Fiend by Peter Stenson **WARNING: Spoiler In Last Paragraph**
And if your life’s already shattered beyond any normal hopes of redemption…well, maybe the end of the world is an opportunity. Maybe it’s a last chance for Chase to hit restart and become the man he once dreamed of being. Soon he’s fighting to reconnect with his lost love and dreaming of becoming her hero among civilization’s ruins.
But is salvation just another pipe dream?
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas **WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD**
![IMG_7475[1]](https://thenerdybookmark.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_74751.png?w=705)
Book Description:
The queen has returned.
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.
The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.
My Rating: 5/5
AHHHH! I HATE reading unfinished series! I NEED to know what’s going to happen next!
- What’s going on with this war?
- How does Aelin handle her new position?
- How does Dorian handle his new position?
- How does everyone adjust to their new beginnings especially with this war a brewin?!
And the witches! Manon getting…. feelings? I mean, yeah we’ve seen glimpses of it through out but now she almost resembles a human!
This book definitely made me appreciate Heir of Fire a lot more. With everything it built up to, wow, just wow.
I wasn’t sure I liked where the story was turning and how it has changed so much and now I am so glad it did. It’s more action packed, more suspenseful, less childish more adult through their experiences. If you want a book with great character development, look no further! Each character changes, grows in ways you don’t expect, it’s amazing.
I need to address some scenes:
Happy scene: I’m so so so so soooo happy Rowan came back. I mean, that bath scene with Aelin and Rowan, meow ;] I wasn’t a huge fan of him in the beginning but now he is complete and utter SWOONworthy. That sexy, sexy man. And if him and Aelin don’t do it within the first half of the next book, I’m going to explode. The sexual frustration is killing meeee!
Pg 525:
![IMG_7494[1]](https://thenerdybookmark.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_74941.jpg?w=705)
Ermergerdddd…. is it getting hot in here or what?…
Sad scene: When Aelin visits Sams grave and confesses her self to him – ughhh, pull on my heart strings why don’t you! So sad but so sweet and heart warming .. and did I mention sad?!
Shocking scene: Aelin helping Manon – I mean they were fighting to the death and Manon is about to die and Aelin saves her – what?! At first I was pissed, I was all, “LET THE BITCH DIE! WASN’T THAT THE POINT?!” but later when Aelin fully reveals her reason behind helping Manon avoid falling to her death, it made sense and dare I say it was quite noble of her!
Brutal scene: Chaol and Aelin walk up to the castle and all of Chaol’s mean are spiked outside the castle, mauled, tortured. INSANE!
I love all of the elements this series brings. From the raw emotions, to the brutality, to the excitement and the giddyness, these books have it all.
2016 February Wrap Up
Another bad reading month -_-
Not to make excuses or anything, BUT I have been super busy between everyday life things such as taking care of the household/working to the many, many extras this month such as my husband re-enlisting in the military! Then this past week, I’ve been battling with my neck everyday and today it was mega dick. I woke up and thought, “IS THIS REAL LIFE?!”.. I couldn’t move my neck, argh, so much painnnnn! So needless to say, it’s the first day of March and I haven’t even touched a book yet. STARTING OFF THE MONTH STRONG GAIZ! Hopefully I can read a bit tonight, the pain meds have kicked in and I’ve been trying to be as active as possible around the house to keep my muscle from tensing. Then later, muscle relaxers. I expect much of you my little white, roundy friend.
Maybe I’ll start another book – the one I’m currently reading is boring me. But I also want to just finish it to get it out of the way. The struggle.
Total Books = 4
Average Rating = 3.5
1.) Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas – 4/5
2.) The Painted Lady by Amanda Moncrefe – 0/5
3.) Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage by Miguel Lopez de Leon – 5/5
4.) Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas – 5/5
Minus the one st00pid book, this was a great month for good books! Hope you guys did better than moi!
Happy Reading! xo
2016 February Bookhaul
Total Price = $13.62
Barnes and Noble – $7.50
1.) Doctor Who The Encyclopedia by Gary Russel; paperback
Thrift Store – $6.12
1.) The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan; hardcover
2.) Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling; paperback
3.) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; paperback
4.) The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson; paperback
1.) Emotions by Arnulfo Cantarero; paperback: A special thanks to the author, Arnulfo Cantarero, for sending this my way! Please check him out on Goodreads!
2.) Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage by Miguel Lopez de Leon; paperback (via Goodreads giveaway)
3.) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling; paperback (special thanks to @thebookelves Instagram giveaway)
4.) Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs; paperback: (special thanks to @thebookelves Instagram giveaway)
5.) Orchards by ; paperback: (special thanks to @thebookelves Instagram giveaway)
6.) Delirium by Lauren Oliver; paperback: (special thanks to @thebookelves Instagram giveaway)
7.) Unwind by ; paperback (special thanks to @thebookelves Instagram giveaway)
8.) Galadria: Peter Huddleston & The Mists of the Three Lakes by Miguel Lopez de Leon; paperback: (A special thanks to the author, Miguel Lopez de Leon, for sending this my way! Please check him out on Goodreads!)
9.) Galadria: Peter Huddleston & The Knights of the Leaf by Miguel Lopez de Leon; paperback: (A special thanks to the author, Miguel Lopez de Leon, for sending this my way! Please check him out on Goodreads!)
10.) Atlantia by Ally Condie; hardcover: (special thanks to @author_jenniferparr Instagram giveaway)
1.) America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie; paperback
Not a bad month guys, not a bad month…
Galadria: Peter Huddleston & The Rites of Passage by Miguel Lopez de Leon
Book Description:
The GALADRIA trilogy is about Peter Huddleston, a lonely boy who discovers that he is the heir to the throne of the amazing golden realm of GALADRIA! Armed with his trusty boomerang, an assortment of magical trinkets, and his friendly white tiger, Rune, Peter charges into dangerous and magical adventures in this action packed series! Filled with watermelon sized ladybugs, ancient oracles, enchanted weapons, water dwelling monsters, a 3000 room manor, and a troop of lovable, kooky characters, the GALADRIA series is an exciting collection you’ll cherish!
My Rating: 4/5
**I would like to start off by saying that I received Galadria: Peter Huddleston & The Rites of Passage by Miguel Lopez de Leon for free via Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a review. Although I am super grateful and excited for any opportunity at receiving a book for free, I am also very strict with being honest. That being said, giveaways do not impact my reviews.**
This book is so cute and fun! I entered this giveaway several times and was excited to find out I had finally won!
It’s a super quick read, only 159 pages long and I would definitely classify it as a middle grade read. It’s a pretty basic concept story but with it’s own fun twists! Each character has their own huge, identifying personality, different from the others which makes it a memorable, quite silly at times, read. But don’t let that fool you – there’s also some eeriness lurking along with a great battle 😀
For us older people, this is a great breaking book (in between reads) to just relax and enjoy the ride! For the younger, this would be more than a ride but an experience. I would definitely recommend this for people who want an easy read with whimsical characters full of adventures around every corner with a touch of magic!
I really hope to one day get my hands on the 2nd book so I can continue following Peter and see what he does with Galadria :]
Happy Reading! xo
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Book Description:
She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.
Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.
My Rating: 4/5
I don’t know what happened with Heir of Fire or how it has the highest rating out of all of the books so far. This book is definitely slower than the others – starts slow, continues slow, ends … well it actually ends really good *snicker snicker*. There were maybe 2-3 scenes that could be classified as “exciting” but nothing at all like the novellas or the first 2 books. I thought the book started to pick up around pg. 160, but it did not. It faltered. Even if it did pick up and soar, that’s still an unusual start for a Sarah J. Maas book!
Besides it being a suuuuper slow read, the story takes a different turn, different environment completely which took me a while to adjust to. If the witches were from the get go, I might’ve enjoyed it more or if they were in their own story altogether, I just do not like them in this series. It felt awkward. I’m still confused by it!
I don’t have much to say about Heir of Fire because….well….there wasn’t much going on. I still enjoyed reading it though. It wasn’t TERRIBLE, it just wasn’t the same.
Conclusion: Sluggishly Slow But Good.
Happy Reading! xo
Beautiful Creatures Series (Wrap Up)
Series Description:
There were no surprises in Gatlin County. At least, that’s what I thought. Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Series Rating: 5/5 (average rating = 4.5)
If you can’t tell by my rating, this series is definitely one of my favorites! From the characters to the settings to the romances to the clever, witty lines of Ethan Wate, this series will live on my bookshelves for years and years to come!
If you’re a fan of YA/fantasy/magic, grab your hands on this series!
Favorite: Beautiful Chaos
Least Favorite: Beautiful Redemption
Talk about a series hangover. I was devastated when this ended. I wish it could have ended better, but I didn’t hate it. Now, I know this series seems to be hit or miss with some people because they find it slow or cheesy, but I just could not relate to that at all, although I do understand the “slow” at some parts in the books. The only reason I didn’t trudge through those parts was because of my love for the characters that I was willing to go in depth and hear all of those “boring” details that other people who are just trying to get through could care less to hear.
Here are my links to each separate review:
⦁ Beautiful Creatures
⦁ Beautiful Darkness
⦁ Beautiful Chaos
⦁ Beautiful Redemption
Now, as much as I ADORE this series, I also know that it’s not for everyone. So while I completely think highly of these books, depending on the person interested, I may or may not recommend. It’s kind of a balance between contemporary and fantasy/magic. If you can read both of these, I might suggest this mash up for you :]
The Truth by Jeffry W. Johnston
Book Description:
Lie, torture, kill—there’s nothing Chris and Derek wouldn’t do for their younger brothers…
My Rating: 2.5/5
**I would like to start off by saying that I received The Truth by Jeffry W. Johnston for free via Sourcebooks Publishing in exchange for a review. Although I am super grateful and excited for any opportunity at receiving a book for free, I am also very strict with being honest. That being said, giveaways do not impact my reviews.**
Let’s start off with: the dedication – his kid was inspiration? Either they have a crazy back story or he means inspiration to keep writing. Let’s hope that’s what he means 😛
I’m kind of tired of reading these books about siblings that get along. I grew up with 2 brothers. That’s now how it works when your 10 and 16. Especially angsty 16 and confused 10. Even through tragedy, it’s usually short lived.
^Okay so, I tend to write out my thoughts as I go and if I’m being honest, my opinion did change a bit on this. I later understood more of the “protective brother” thing at the plot twist. Turned out to not be as cliché lame as I thought BUT it did also make me think the main character was a little nutso.
This book wasn’t HORRIBLE – but it was a little predictable and I just clearly couldn’t relate (besides the main thing happening here, I also dislike most sports SO sitting through all of the baseball parts was a bit of a struggle, I really didn’t care), nor was I feeling any emotion the author was going for. I didn’t feel sad/scared/anxious/sympathy… I really just wanted to see how the book ended. And yes, it made my eyebrows rise, it was worth reading once, but then I threw it to the side and probably won’t ever touch it again.
And for the sake of being petty, I hate the page breakers. I looks like someone dropped their fat tipped marker on the page. Ew.
I don’t typically like these type of stories, but if there’s a HUGE twist in the end that blows my mind, then of course I’m gonna love it! But this just didn’t have that and it just fell kind of flat. I personally wouldn’t hand this out as a recommendation.
If you read this, let me know what you think!
Happy Reading! xo
TheNerdyBookmark 