fiction
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…
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Book Description:
“A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.
Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena’s world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie… and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.
My Rating: 5/5
THIS SERIES IS TOO GOOD FOR WYRDS!! <—heh heh heh…
But seriously, just like the first book (Throne of Glass) and the novellas (The Assassin’s Blade), it’s full of the feels! I’m happy, I’m ‘dawwwww‘ing, I’m angry, I’m crying – reallllly crying, I’m gagging cause it’s so awesomely disgusting! When we first start this book, Celaena is throwing severed limbs on to the floor – how awesome is that?! I totally love how brutal these books can be! And the throwback to the Endovier slaughter is badarseee >:]
I love that we can go from gore and blood and slashing to complete heart melting moments. This is what I really love about these books is this diversity. I thought it was sooo cute of Dorian to give Celaena Fleetfoot, granted he could save ALL the puppies from there on out, but whateves. And my SWOONWORTHY moment – when Chaol catches Celaena sneaking off from her post only to find her dancing by herself and then JOINS HER!! I’m a Chaol/Celaena fan all the way so this scene had me grinning from ear to ear and hugging my book to my chest whilst rocking it back and forth. Totally not weird.
Then the “ERMERGERD!” moments – being 2 huge ones! I’m not even going to get into the one but it was insane, is was gross, it was sad. Lastly, the way this book ends revealing a HUUUUGE secret is insane!! I’m so excited to jump in to Heir of Fire – you can’t just say these type of things and leave me hanging! I also kind of wish I waited till ALL of these books are out because this seems to be a common theme and I don’t want to have to wait!
HEIR OF FIRE, HERE I COMEEEE!!
+Side note: I LOVED how the Throne of Glass picture turned out, that I think I may have found a theme for my book reviews! For more random pictures – please see my bookstagram found on the right of the front page or via my Get To Know Me page!
The Isle of the Lost by Melissa De La Cruz
Book Description:
Twenty years ago, all the evil villains were banished from the kingdom of Auradon and made to live in virtual imprisonment on the Isle of the Lost. The island is surrounded by a magical force field that keeps the villains and their descendants safely locked up and away from the mainland. Life on the island is dark and dreary. It is a dirty, decrepit place that’s been left to rot and forgotten by the world.
But hidden in the mysterious Forbidden Fortress is a dragon’s eye: the key to true darkness and the villains’ only hope of escape. Only the cleverest, evilest, nastiest little villain can find it…who will it be?
Maleficent, Mistress of the Dark: As the self-proclaimed ruler of the isle, Maleficent has no tolerance for anything less than pure evil. She has little time for her subjects, who have still not mastered life without magic. Her only concern is getting off the Isle of the Lost.
Mal: At sixteen, Maleficent’s daughter is the most talented student at Dragon Hall, best known for her evil schemes. And when she hears about the dragon’s eye, Mal thinks this could be her chance to prove herself as the cruelest of them all.
Evie: Having been castle-schooled for years, Evil Queen’s daughter, Evie, doesn’t know the ins and outs of Dragon Hall. But she’s a quick study, especially after she falls for one too many of Mal’s little tricks.
Jay: As the son of Jafar, Jay is a boy of many talents: stealing and lying to name a few. Jay and Mal have been frenemies forever and he’s not about to miss out on the hunt for the dragon’s eye.
Carlos: Cruella de Vil’s son may not be bravest, but he’s certainly clever. Carlos’s inventions may be the missing piece in locating the dragon’s eye and ending the banishment for good.
Mal soon learns from her mother that the dragon’s eye is cursed and whoever retrieves it will be knocked into a deep sleep for a thousand years. But Mal has a plan to capture it. She’ll just need a little help from her “friends.” In their quest for the dragon’s eye, these kids begin to realize that just because you come from an evil family tree, being good ain’t so bad.
My Rating: 5/5
Hands down. If you’re a Once Upon A Time TV Series/Disney nut/magical geek like myself, then definitely grab this book (as if you already needed convincing after you’ve SEEN THAT BEAUTIFUL BOOK JACKET – what the heck is that?!). I had originally intended on grabbing another book that day, but the cover of this book drew me in and once I read that jacket and found out it was about some of Disney’s best evil villain’s children – what?! SUPER DUPER SOLD! Definitely a younger read, but it’s fun.
I absolutely love the idea of this book! Not only are there the 4 main characters mentioned above, but there’s random “guest” appearances throughout the story and every time they introduced another, I would just “EEEEEE!!” with excitement! This was definitely a fun blast-to-the-past read for me.
**Fun Fact: I found SO many errors from spelling to grammar to extra words.. doesn’t take away from the book but it’ll make you giggle. See if you can spot them!
Happy Reading! xo
2015 November Bookhaul
I literally bought 0 books this month and somehow I still acquired a decent amount. Unfortunately, most of them were ebooks which sucks because I really dislike reading ebooks (although I’m still grateful) so it’s gonna be hard getting through some of them and I might end up pushing them to the side for a bit for that reason alone 😦
On to the books! I’ll have a list below of each book pictured, where I got them, paperback or hardcover, special editions and how much my total purchase at each place was! If you have any more questions – or comments – about this months haul, please feel free to leave/ask them below 😀 Happy reading!
Total Books: 10
Total Spent: $0
Thanks to LibraryThing & The People Hosting The Giveaways – FREE
1.) The Witch’s Kiss Ep. 1 & 2 by Antara Mann; ebook
2.) The Brazen Blade by Billy Wong; ebook
3.) Flames of Auriel (Not Shown) by Erin Bedford; ebook
4.) World of Shawn by Jordan M Ehrlich; ebook
5.) The Wish Thief by CD Verhoff; ebook
Thanks to the author – FREE
1.) Mystical by Michael Weekly; ebook
Physical Books – FREE
1.) Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz; paperback; thanks to Random House
2.) After Alice by Gregory Maguire; signed hardcover; thanks to Shelf Awareness
3.) Happy Cooking by Giada De Laurentiis; hardcover; thanks to Crown Publishing
4.) The Truth by Jeffery W. Johnston; paperback; thanks to Sourcebooks
+5 Romance Novels – these won’t be included in the total. I get these from work but I do not keep them, instead, I pass them on to my momma to read because she loves romance novels – and I do not… *shudder*
2015 November Wrap Up
Total Books = 4
Average Rating = 4
Uuuuuberrrrr slow month for reading. Between the holidays and work and other lifey things there just wasn’t as much time as I normally have to devote to this wonderful world *le sigh*
With that being said, here’s my sad, little finished reads for the month of November:
1.) Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – 5/5
2.) Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – 4/5
3.) The Witch’s Kiss Ep. 1 by Antara Mann – 5/5
4.) The Witch’s Kiss Ep. 2 by Antara Mann – 3/5
Hope you guys who celebrate had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The Witch’s Kiss Ep. 1&2 By Antara Mann
*I’m combining my reviews for Episodes 1 & 2 because Episode 1 was so short, it would be silly to make it stand on it’s own*
Book Description Ep. 1:
A genie’s life is full of wishes – the wishes of those who own him, that is.
When his owner, the powerful yet ugly witch Ezemelda, is called to celebrate the coming-of-age of King Nruk’s daughter, her prophesy of the princess’ future goes against everything Nruk desires. Promising a special spell to reverse the curse on the princess and change her future, but won’t cost him a cent, Ezemelda has more than the future of the kingdom in mind.
What’s the cost of signing a contract with a witch?
And, what does it mean for the genie of the lamp?
Book Description Ep. 2:
Ever since the witch Ezemalda and the Genie escaped him, the Dark Prince has plotted his revenge. Now it comes in the guise of the mortal countess Sybil van Dyk. After selling her soul to the the Dark Prince, she seeks to reverse her enchantment at the magic workshop of the Genie and the witch. As they work to set the countess free, the Genie and Ezemalda embark on a new adventure in their battle with the Dark Side, not suspecting what signing a contract with the Dark Prince on new moon portends.
**I would like to start off by saying I received both copies of The Witch’s Kiss Ep. 1&2 for free via a LibraryThing member 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.**
My Rating Ep. 1: 5/5
This novella was crazy fun and fast read (only 25 pages)! It reminded me so much of old fairy tales having involved creatures from witches, dwarves, goblins, genies and more to involving concepts such as dark and light – so many ingredients make for a fantastic recipe!
But with that being said, it had a nuisance that I can’t ignore: the main character’s name – Ezemalda. This reminds me way too much of Ezmerelda so every time I read Ezemalda, I had to correct myself because I always read it as Ezmerelda. Ezemalda sticks to the tongue. Too much work for a main character’s name.
Other than that, very entertaining – was excited to read the next episode!
My Rating Ep. 2: 3/5
This book started with promise and completely lost it’s way which really bummed me out. I will not be continuing on to the third episode at all.
Let’s start off on a good note, as always:
I adored the repository! I wish I could find books in a bookstore by calling out keywords and having books just fly to me.. that would be glooorious ❤
The little drunk owl, I’m dying – so funny
This episode had a nice twist to it though, involving the moon clause. Nooooo! I felt so bad haha but I won’t ruin it for any one who’s interested in reading this.
And that’s about it for the pleasantries. Here’s where we start the decline to the depths of book hell:
The details – they weren’t much. I really wish there were more as far as drawing out the environments for the readers! I totally bet this author could construct gorgeous landscapes and creatures if she just took a little more time to describe things instead of throwing us from one room to the next without any transition or mere description such as “cellar” or “bedroom.” The reader’s aren’t given much to envision so good luck and start getting creative guys!
Another HUGE irk in mah birk is the Harry Potter like reference. If you’ve read this you KNOW what I’m talking about. The “You-Know-Who” that people are too afraid to say and the one person who sees that as giving him power so refuses to use “You-Know-Who…” come on now…
But we’re still not at the point where I’m ready to throw in the towel. At this point, I was still very interested in continuing on to the 3rd episode. The thing that completely made me throw in the towel and make me feel like I wasted my time on yet another poorly written ARC/Giveaway was the sexual ending. DAFUQ DID THAT COME FROM?! Now, I’m no prude by any means but 1.) this came out of absolutely frickin no where and 2.) rape is just crossing the line for me.
But gaiz, the 3rd book doesn’t redeem itself by any means. I read the synopsis, because up until this weird turn of events, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, but the 3rd book is all about some passionate love making and the genie becoming a hardcore rapist… that’s where I end this train. It’s one thing to be sexual but I picked a fantasy book not a fetish romance… I don’t want anything to do with rape, thanks.
And just so you don’t think I’ve completely lost it, here’s the synopsis from Goodreads for Episode 3:
NEVER BEFORE HAS PASSION BEEN MORE DANGEROUS.
Furious that once again the Genie and the witch Ezemalda escaped his clutches, the Dark Prince enlists the help of Lilith, the dark queen of sexual magic in his quest for revenge. Tricking them with a drink, Lilith bewitches Ezemalda and the Genie with obsessive sexual dreams. The Dark Queen’s plan backfires when Ezemalda comes up with an antidote, but she will not be stopped and implants a dangerous idea in all the kingdom’s subjects. With everyone around them now convinced that the Genie commits terrible acts against women, even rapes them, he and Ezemalda have to find a new way to stand against the dark forces and clear their names.
**DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THESE NOVELLAS/STORIES/BOOKS**
Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl **WARNING: One or Two Slight Spoilers Ahead**
Book Description:
Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home from the Great Barrier, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena’s Claiming. Even Lena’s family of powerful Supernaturals is affected — and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What — or who — will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?
For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He’s being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it’s not Lena — and the mysterious figure is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself — forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn’t know why, and he’s afraid to ask.
Sometimes there’s no going back. And this time there won’t be a happy ending.
My Rating: 5/5
I love these books so much *sobs* THAT ENDING HURT MY HEART SO BAD! Especially because I wasn’t prepared for the book to end – MEANING – there was so much additional content in the back that I forgot about, I assumed all of that was still bewk. It wasn’t. So when it ended in the fashion that it did, I was completely and totally in utter shock. I threw my book down and yelled toward my unsuspecting husby, “THAT’S HOW IT ENDS?! THAT’S IT?!” ..I probably looked like a maniac because I was also crying. I immediately grabbed the final book, I have to know what happens next, how it all ends. At the same time, I don’t want this to end. This is hands down a top favorite of mine, I’m adoring this series with everything I have! My ARCs and Giveaways are just gonna have to wait.
Now the reason I’m not giving this book a 5/5 is because once again, it started slow (if you’re confused – see the bottom of the post). And WHERE WAS MY LENA?! She was practically non existent for awhile and I need Lena.. I love Ethan but I kind of love Lena more. And Lena WITH Ethan is just, agh, perfection ❤ So I really wouldn’t give this a 4.5, more so a 4.8 but that’s just getting a little too technical..
But one thing in the beginning that made me LAWL – “Linkubus” oh my goodness bahaha so seely!
AND DIS QUOTE:
I love Ridley, I can’t wait to grab Dangerous Creatures!!
I will forewarn: This book in particular brings a lot of heartbreak with it.
For example, Pg.140 – the library has burnt down. Nuuuuu! I felt as attached to this place as Ethan had. Ugh, WHY?!
But I loved getting to get a glimpsed into Seraphine’s life prior to becoming Seraphine. How hard this has to be on Lena to see that there once was good in Seraphine’s heart that seemed to have never existed. I couldn’t imagine what that would be like after your mother has already tried to kill you…
But things do lighten up. It’s not all sorrow. On pg. 198 where everyone’s gathered at the table in Ravenwood and Liv comes in to play and Lena and Ethan are Kelting and Ethan gets confused between Kelting and real talking and blurts out loud, hahaha totally something I would do, how awkward XD
AND I LIVE FOR THESE:
They finally discuss “The Caster Chronicles” – we get the reference and learn what this is all about! Yahoo!
We also find out what’s going on with Ethan because he definitely hasn’t been all ‘there.’ YUS! I love how it’s tied in to the first book (his soul split in half when he died on the Sixteenth Moon – the other half was left behind in the Otherworld). Brilliant! I couldn’t figure this part out..
Pg: 383 – There’s always SO many good pieces to quote in these books, but especially in this one:
I’m really happy what they ended up doing with Ridley! I was nervous at first, but it all worked out for me in the end. I won’t give this away, but for what I had to endure, I’m glad this happened :]
So the more I reflect on this, the easier it is to talk about and the more I realize I’m a complete idiot for not giving it a 5/5, so by the time I have finished writing this, my rating has changed.
Thank you once again ladies for writing an amazing book that stole my heart ❤
Day of the Dragon by Richard A. Knaak
Book Description:
In the mist-shrouded haze of the past, the world of Azeroth teemed with wondrous creatures of every kind. Mysterious Elves and hardy Dwarves walked among tribes of man in relative peace and harmony – until the arrival of the demonic army known as Burning Legion shattered the world’s tranquility forever.
My Rating: 5/5
I swear this is not just because I’m a Warcraft nut, but because the way this story just ascends! How can you not love Rhonin?! This is the first book I’ve decided to start reading under the Warcraft lore. I’ve played the game for about 8+ years now (I’m getting so olddd, wahhh) and it’s so awesome reading these characters to life that I’ve already come to know. Even if you’re not a player of any of the Warcraft games or don’t even know what it is, I’d still recommend it if you’re in to fantasy/adventure!! If you’re wanting to get in to the Warcraft lore, there’s so many forums out there that argue which book you should actually start out with. I’ve racked my brain and the one I chose to follow along with (because it made the most sense to me) was this one –>
Now you by no means have to follow this, but this is what I’m going by so I thought I’d share!
I already grabbed the “second” book.. I tread lightly with these words…. and I can’t wait to see where this one takes me next (while also comparing Richard Knaak’s writing with Christie Golden’s)!
Happy Reading! ^_^
Divergent Series Wrap Up
Series Description:
Divergent: One choice can transform you. This debut is a gripping dystopian tale of electrifying choices, powerful consequences, unexpected romance, and a deeply flawed “perfect society.”
Insurgent: One choice can destroy you. This story continues the dystopian thrill ride. As war surges in the factions all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Allegiant: The explosive conclusion to the Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers.
Four: A Divergent Collection: A companion volume to the Divergent series, told from the perspective of Tobias. The four pieces included—”The Transfer,” “The Initiate,” “The Son,” and “The Traitor”—plus three additional exclusive scenes, give readers a fascinating glimpse into the history and heart of Tobias, and set the stage for the epic saga of the Divergent trilogy.
My Rating: 5/5
Some might argue that Four: A Divergent Collection should not be included in the series. Do you need to read it? Absolutely not. But if you’re a fan of Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant than I must urge you to grab this companion novel. To me, it IS apart of the series – it gives you insight on some scenes throughout the trilogy that will may you go, “ahhh – that’s why he did that!”
This series is a series that will stay on my bookshelf probably forever. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner series, there’s no doubt in my mind that you won’t enjoy what Veronica Roth has to offer. And it’s set in Chicago gaiz, greatest city everrr 😛 (Yes, I’m biased). You will be taken on an emotional roller coaster, you will experience heart pounding action, you get romance, you get breathtaking scenery. Everything you could want in a YA/Dystopian novel, you get that and more. I personally hope we get to read more of Veronica Roth in the future :] Thank you for taking me on an incredible adventure, Mrs. Roth!
Here are my links to each separate review:
Thanks for reading! :]
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal **WARNING: Slightly Spoilery**
Book Description:
It says quite a lot about Jeremy Johnson Johnson that the strangest thing about him isn’t even the fact his mother and father both had the same last name. Jeremy once admitted he’s able to hear voices, and the townspeople of Never Better have treated him like an outsider since. After his mother left, his father became a recluse, and it’s been up to Jeremy to support the family. But it hasn’t been up to Jeremy alone. The truth is, Jeremy can hear voices. Or, specifically, one voice: the voice of the ghost of Jacob Grimm, one half of the infamous writing duo, The Brothers Grimm.
Jacob watches over Jeremy, protecting him from an unknown dark evil whispered about in the space between this world and the next. But when the provocative local girl Ginger Boultinghouse takes an interest in Jeremy (and his unique abilities), a grim chain of events is put into motion. And as anyone familiar with the Grimm Brothers know, not all fairy tales have happy endings…
My Rating: 3.5/5
Although I enjoyed this read, the first 3/4 of the book are not that entertaining. I wouldn’t call it boring – because I wasn’t bored – but it definitely lacked any inkling of excitement. Let’s just say the ending really made this book for me. A majority of the story is rather s-l-o-w. I want to say the author did this on purpose though because there’s a few hints throughout the majority of the book as to what’s leading up to the end. It’s almost like he purposefully wants you to forgot so you can get smacked with a nice surprise in the end!
On to the plot twist – !!! I was SO happy and lost in the tranquility of this story and then BAM! I completely forgot about the past references to even connect the dots.. I’m thrilled and heart broken at the same time.. I believe I forgot because they didn’t really focus on the missing children but more so on Jeremy and Ginger – which I came to love.
And I swear those prince cakes kind of had me disappointed. I really thought they were going to be made of children.
I did yearn for the ending to be a little more dramatic though. Why didn’t the baker get whats coming to him? Why did all of the kids, including Possy live? I feel like there should have been SOME type of death or sad/brutal/shocking moment and for my taste, there just wasn’t -_-
All in all, this story lacked and left a lot of questions hanging in the end. Speaking of the end, this is what made me go from a 3 to a 3.5. Maybe not a huge jump to some, but to others it makes the difference (like myself). I’m not sure if I’ll ever re-read it again, but I might hang on to it for a bit. I wouldn’t cross it off that list just yet. I would definitely recommend it to people who want to read a lighthearted “creepy/spooky” book but aren’t interested in gore or really the horror genre in general.
Notes that have nothing to do with the story:
- The book jacket = pretty sweet. Simple but effective.
- Beautiful cover. It’s what drew me in (like most of my books, teehee).
- Love the perspective through Jeremy Johnson Johnson’s ghost, Jacob Grimm. Clever way to tell the story!
- Pg. 160: The Dauntless reference.. I recently finished the Divergent series – WEIRDUH! – Okay, maybe not that weird but I enjoy little tie ins like dis ^_^
Happy reading!
TheNerdyBookmark 