Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine
This week (and probably next few months) I can't wait for:


Crystal Storm by Morgan Rhodes
Falling Kingdom series #5
Publication date: December 13, 2016

MAGNUS and CLEO are forced to test the strength of their love when Gaius returns to Mytica claiming he's no longer the King of Blood but a changed man seeking redemption.

LUCIA, pregnant with the child of a Watcher, has escaped the clutches of the unhinged fire god. Her powers are dwindling as she goes forth to fulfill a prophecy that will keep her baby safe . . . but could mean her demise. 

JONAS treks back to Mytica with a plan to overtake Amara, but fate takes hold when he runs into the beautiful Princess Lucia and joins her on her perilous journey.

AMARA has taken the Mytican throne, but with no way to unleash the water magic trapped within her stolen crystal, she'll never be able to seize glory and get sweet revenge.

And what kind of darkness will descend--and who will be safe--after Prince Ashur reveals the dangerous price he paid to cheat death?



Monday, September 19, 2016

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas Review!


Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas


So I finished EoS a few day ago and this is what I have to say about it:
Non-spoiler section:

This book  was awesome, tumultuous, heart-wrenching, and addictive to sum it up. For the few days it took me to read it, I was ready and willing to neglect my homework so that I could keep reading. I got QoS a few days after it came out and tortured myself then as well by finishing it ASAP and my year long wait  is over! (But its starting again now). Seeing Aelin & co. again was great. I love delving into their world and experiencing their dynamic. Sarah J. Mass did it again by trapping my attention and making me want more and more. Half of the time while reading this book, my mouth was agape. I was shouting, I was laughing, I was experiencing every emotion under the sun. Definitely give this a read and let me know how you like it!



**SPOILER SECTION**
Okay, for those of you have read Empire of Storms, lets get to it. This book was friggin' amazing and I'm pretty mad that I have to wait ANOTHER year for the finale. I'm gonna bullet point this so it doesn't look like an essay (which I was tempted to write). 
  • This book was pretty damn exciting
  • I loved that we were able to delve into the side characters even more.
  • Lysandra is the best friend a girl could ever ask for. The willingness and loyalty that she displays is astounding. she is one of the FEW people that Aelin lets in on most of her plans.
  • The multiple POV's could be slightly disorienting but its better than only hearing from Aelin. Its like having a 360 view of everything going on. It shows Sarah J. Maas' ability to switch voice and tone.
  • AELIN AND ROWAN ARE THE BEST AND IF YOU AREN'T ON THIS SHIP WE'LL THROW YOU A LIFESAVER BECAUSE YOU NEED TO GET ON BOARD
  • Let us list all the reasons why Aelin is one of the baddest bitches thus far:
  1. She can be pretty selfless when it comes to protecting the ones that she loves.
  2. Such a sacrificial martyr lamb type
  3. She is now a married woman! (Tears)
  4. She is basically a chosen one because her power in close to endless and she does not play around
  5. She is still flawed and does not always make the best choice, so she isn't too untouchable.
  6. HER ABILITY TO PLAN AHEAD AND PRACTICALLY SAVE THE DAY IS CRAZY. We didn't get a taste of this until Queen of Shadows but when she saves the day and has been working on whatever plan for weeks, I cannot help but to be blown away. The Ansel thing in the Pits? That's. Crazy. I could not stop saying "WOW". Aelin and Lys going to that temple to study the sea dragon? Genius!
  7. She figures things out ahead of time and accounts for all possible outcomes. She figured out about her death before Elena even told her! She didn't need the spirit of a past relative. And she accounted for it to make sure that Terrasen was well guarded and had heirs.
  • I liked that when she went to Terrasen and was not welcomed with open arms. I assumed she would go to Terrasen to an abandoned castle and just start stuff up from there. Boy was I wrong. But things couldn't be too easy on her and all those criticizing her had a point. She was mad at first but she got over it and knew she had to be the queen that her country deserved. She likes challenged anyway.
  • Manon! What's up girl!? I love her so much. I knew she had a kind heart once she accepted Abraxos. At least, she did when she wanted to. She doesn't even know most of the time why she saved Dorian or warned Aelin about Dorian still being in their despite the collar. She went against everything she was taught and basically betrayed her own kind. Especially when it came to Asterin being put on death row. She was so brave in this book as always. and Cochran heir?? Look at you go girl.
  • For Elide and Lorcan, i like it a lot. now I saw it coming a mile away admittedly. And at first I was getting some Heir of Fire deja vu. No Elide is not a princess turned assassin but you get the drift. A cold-hearted bastard finding someone that he learns to love against all odds. Too bad shes giving him the cold shoulder, for now..

Now I have read some complaints about EoS from other book lover and everyone is entitled to their opinion and no book is perfect. But I have to say:
  • Some people are very clearly letting their anger of their long time ago ships sinking cloud their judgement of the book. Was I teal Chaol for the first two books and half of the third? Yeah. But I hated the way he treated her in QoS and how judgmental he was. But don't let the fact that she never has been with Dorian make you hate the series. If so, stop reading.
  • I heard someone say that they feel like they can't relate to Aelin anymore. Well no duh! Last I recall none of us are heir to a throne, we can't shift into a Fae, have a Fae warrior male husband, have bomb ass fire powers, former assassins, etc. She is supposed to be slightly untouchable. But she still makes mistakes, laughs, can be an asshole, he can still be very human. She cares for people like we do and has responsibilities. 


If you read the book let me know what you think down below!!


Thursday, June 23, 2016

SUMMER BOOK HAUL

Hey guys! Well for some reason this summer I keep being a flake with my blogging duties, soo I suck. But I wanted to at least show what books I've gotten recently!


(A Court of Mist and Fury #2)
Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.


Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.

Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.

But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.



(Waterfire Saga #1)
Serafina, daughter of Isabella, Queen of Miromara, has been raised with the expectation - and burden - that she will someday become ruler of the oldest civilization of the merfolk. On the eve of the Dokimí ceremony, which will determine if she is worthy of the crown, Sera is haunted by a strange dream that foretells the return of an ancient evil. But her nightmare is forgotten the next day as she diligently practices her songspell; eagerly anticipates a reunion with her best friend, Neela; and anxiously worries about Mahdi, the crown prince of Matali, and whether his feelings toward her and their future betrothal have changed. Most of all, she worries about not living up to her mother's hopes.

The Dokimí proceeds, a dazzling display of majesty and might, until a shocking turn of events interrupts it: an assassin's arrow wounds Isabella. The realm falls into chaos, and Serafina's darkest premonitions are confirmed. Now she and Neela must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the mer nations. Their search will lead them to other mermaid heriones scattered across the six seas. Together they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence.


(The School for Good and Evil #3)
In the epic conclusion to Soman Chainani’s New York Times bestselling series, The School for Good and Evil, everything old is new again as Sophie and Agatha fight the past as well as the present to find the perfect end to their story.

As A World Without Princes closed, the end was written and former best friends Sophie and Agatha went their separate ways. Agatha was whisked back to Gavaldon with Tedros and Sophie stayed behind with the beautiful young School Master.

But as they settle into their new lives, their story begs to be re-written, and this time, theirs isn’t the only one. With the girls apart, Evil has taken over and the villains of the past have come back to change their tales and turn the world of Good and Evil upside down.


(Snow Like Ashes #1)
Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own

The first thing you’re going to want to know about me is: Am I a boy, or am I a girl?

Riley Cavanaugh is many things: Punk rock. Snarky. Rebellious. And gender fluid. Some days Riley identifies as a boy, and others as a girl. The thing is…Riley isn’t exactly out yet. And between starting a new school and having a congressman father running for reelection in uber-conservative Orange County, the pressure—media and otherwise—is building up in Riley’s so-called “normal” life.

On the advice of a therapist, Riley starts an anonymous blog to vent those pent-up feelings and tell the truth of what it’s REALLY like to be a gender fluid teenager. But just as Riley’s starting to settle in at school—even developing feelings for a mysterious outcast—the blog goes viral, and an unnamed commenter discovers Riley’s real identity, threatening exposure. Riley must make a choice: walk away from what the blog has created—a lifeline, new friends, a cause to believe in—or stand up, come out, and risk everything.


(Kanin Chronicles #1)
Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes.

Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royal family. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden.

But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero she once loved – begins kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?
 


Let me know below if you've read any of these or are planning to!

Friday, May 6, 2016

Feature and Follow Friday #4


Feature and Follow is a weekly blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read Feature and Follow’s goal is to promote the book blogging and author community to join together and support each other – even if it is just through a simple follow.

This week's prompt: Favorite book genres

  1. Fantasy (Urban, Young Adult)
  2. Paranormal Romances
  3. Science Fiction
  4. Romance


Let me know below if we have any of the same favorites!


Wednesday, May 4, 2016

May TBR + Reading Challenge Updates!

Reading Challenge Updates:

So far my reading this years has been very minimal. School has been hectic and reading slumps have been REAL. But I'm slowly getting out of it and back in to the world of books. I'm going to try to keep to a good schedule for the rest of the year.

Of the 14 books on the #RockMyTBR list, I have read 3 of them. And since then of course I have added more books to my TBR and to my shelf that I now technically own. But I am going to try an knock out those books that  were originally on the list.

For my 2016 New Release Challenge, I have yet to start it because the two releases I really want to read came out yesterday and my birthday in Friday so I'll be getting them as gifts.

The A Series a Month Challenge  has proven just as hard as I thought it would. So far I have only completed one series. This challenge was going to be the hardest since I am usually reading the most recent book of the series and not the whole thing. 

And for the typical Goodreads Challenge I have read 6/50 and I am 10 books behind according to Good reads, always helping my book esteem. But I know by the end of the year I will probably surpass my goal. 


May (birthday month) TBR:



The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski 

The Winner's Curse #3















The Rose and the Dagger  by Rene Ahdieh

The Wrath and the Dawn #2















Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles #2

















Frozen Tides  by Morgan Rhodes

Falling Kingdom Series #4
















Let me know in the comments what you're reading this month!

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookworm Delights


This is a weekly meme started by The Broke and the BookishEach week they have a specific topic for a top ten list. Link up, visit blogs and compare lists!



Topic of the Week: Bookworm Delights
Oh where to start...


  • Book Covers: I can fall in love with a book based on covers alone. Of course you can't (or shouldn't) judge a book by its cover, but I mean come on, if a book had a gorgeous look and title I'll probably pick it up. 

  • Near birthday release dates: Is it not the best feeling in the world to have a book released on or around your birthday? If you're really pumped for this book, it makes it all the more special to you! Alsoooo, great excuse to get it as gift, so yay free book for you

  • Bookshelves: For avid readers, book shelves are like trophy in our eyes. We get to see all of the books we have conquer and all of the ones we own. Its like our own personal collection and you cannot help but be like an annoying person displaying your achievement. 

  • Recommending books (and it going well): I have many friends that always say they would read more if they find those books that would get them really interested. Have no fear, Nicolette is here with plenty of books that might appeal to you. There is no greater feeling than someone absolutely LOVING the book you gave them. You practically deserve an award ceremony after it right? I'll get my acceptance speech ready.

  • Meeting other book nerds and bloggers: You're not alone out there in the quest to blow through your TBR pile and make the employees at your local bookstore know you by name. Its great to talk with other people who have read books you want to read, who want to talk about books, and are just cool people. What's better? 

  • OTPs: One of he greatest thing about reading books is getting heavily invested in the characters and then playing match maker. Oh the interesting conversations that spawn from that... We get so heavily invested in who we want to be together and we accept nothing other than that! We definitely get a little crazy but it always keeps us interested.

  • Bookish themed items: The amount of times I have coveted pillow bases, blankets, mugs, totes, hats, t-shirts, leggings, etc. is ridiculous. But they are absolutely irresistible!  what better way to display your favorite series than proudly walking around with the merchandise. Its also a great way to trap people into conversations about the book. What does this tote say you ask? Well then, step in to my office...

  • Meeting authors: Its the ultimate fan girl moment. You want to keep it cool, seem like you're not desperate but you totally are. But then its even better getting to know them as people and see that they are normal and have the tendency to write stories that keep you up until ungodly hours of the night. No biggie.

  • Quotes: Book quotes are everything. Its great to be reading a book and then BAM the next line is something so great that you have to stop everything you're doing to document it.  Then all of a sudden you have accumulated a large amount of them and they're all so beautiful and from different books but you love them all the same.

  • Reading: Actually sitting down whenever you can find the time to crack open a book is great. We read between classes, during breaks, while eating, hell even on the phone. I love staying up late to read, even though my body will make me hate it in the morning, I'll be okay knowing how much I read.










Monday, April 25, 2016

Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms #3) by Morgan Rhodes REVIEW


Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes
  
4.5/5 stars

In GATHERING DARKNESS, book three of the New York Times bestselling Falling Kingdoms series, the stakes have never been higher as three teams push forward on a race to find the Kindred, the four elemental crystals possessing ancient all-powerful magic, first:
Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred - the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic...

• THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.

• THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia's overpowering magic - all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.

• THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia's powers to unveil the Kindred.
The only certainty in the dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica... but fate can be fickle when magic is involved.


This book series so far is one of the best things since sliced bread and I'm loving it. Calling it the Game of Thrones of YA hold SO much truth. You never know who is going to live or die, who will be spared or betrayed by someone close to them. And as the titles of the series suggests, kingdoms are always falling.


I read this book in a day and half if that is any indication of how good it was. I couldn't out it down and then the next thing I knew, it was over! The third book of this series exceeded all of my hopes and more.
I must commend Rhodes on getting everyone up to speed with everything that happened in the past two books. Even if you only read the books two weeks apart you're bound to forget something, but never fear!

The fact that I could never quite tell what was going to happen made me want to find out more. The amount of intrigue I got from this book was astounding. This book was very fast-paced and full of action.There were so many plot twists that it made my head spin, but it was welcomed! The way I can be so attached to a character one moment then see who they truly are and wishing harm against them is amazing!
When it comes to ships, I have never been more confused and undecided as to who I want together. my INITIAL ship three books ago sunk before it could even test the waters. Now I still don't really know what I want. But I might as well take what the books is going to give me.

In Gathering Darkness, the character development was great. Cleo is really coming into her own and figuring out how to manipulate all of those who stand in her way of reclaiming the throne. She has become so much stronger mentally and actively displays her cunning and wit. Magnus is having a rally hard time accepting his role and the son of the King, brother to Lucia, and husband of Cleo. He does not know who he should be or what she should and shouldn't feel. Though there are some choices he made that made me angry, I can't say he hasn't grown on me. I used to be simply indifferent toward him, especially after a certain person he killed. I felt like I did not see too much of Jonas, but what I did see was the typical Rebel leader who values everyone under his care and will do anything possible to get King Gaius out of commission. 

Do not hesitate to pick up this book if you haven't already. This is a great read that you won't regret! 
If you've read it, let me know below!


It's Monday! What are you reading?



Last Week I Read:


Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer review here

What I'm Reading This Week:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (His Fair Assassin #1)
Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes (Falling Kingdoms #3)

What I Plan on Reading Later This Week:

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (The Winner's Trilogy #3)