~Stacking the Shelves #50~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls. 

E-Book (Review):

Mirage (Mirage #1) by Somaiya Daud

Juniper Skies (The Juniper Series #3) by Lora Richardson 

Audiobooks:

Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

                Another good small week.  Ash Princess was a pre-order that I forgot about coming out this week so cheers!  I also can't wait for a specific pre-order to come out next week....I think it will be on several lists ;)  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week. 

Movie Corner #7

                Hello happy movie fans!    So while I have been slacking on book reading as evidenced by my pitiful April Reading Challenge Wrap-Up, I have been making the most of my pass and seeing some movies!  That said here is what I’ve seen the last two weeks:

Truth or Dare: 5 Stars

                So the concept of the movie is a horror movie that is a game of Truth of Dare that has deadly stakes.  It came out on Friday the 13^th (which is also the day I saw it) and I always love to see a good horror flick then as I find the superstitious people to be a riot in the movie freaking out.  This was very true anything something happened, the creepy smile you see in the trailer, yep people jumped and freaked and it was hilarious.  I am the dark person who laughs in horror movies….I can’t help myself.  I love horror movies even though I never get scared I love them.  This was a fun take on things and I enjoyed myself though out the movie.  It had its flaws but overall I really liked it. 

The Miracle Season:  5 Stars

                So this one I knew from the trailer I was probably going to cry….and I did…several times.  Yeah when the movie was over you could hear lots of nose blowing and jazz people had been holding in.  I had to laugh because I had been silently wiping mine away as well with my prepared tissues.  The movie is based on a true story and it tugs at the heart.  I enjoyed it and will watch it again….with more tissues.

Rampage:  5 Stars

                This movie is everything I expected it to be.  Now I never played the video game and had no context in that sense but I enjoyed the idea of the giant creatures, evil experiments run by purely horrible people, and everyday people trying to step into a situation they are totally underprepared for.  I mean the whole military is trying to take down huge building sized creatures without much impact but The Rock is going for it.  I LOVED it because OMG it’s great fun.  Of course he would take it on.  It’s got some action and lots of laughable moments, some intended some maybe not intended but I found hilarious.  It has fun with itself and that makes it something I would for sure watch again!

A Quiet Place:  4.5 Stars

                So it took me a bit longer to see this than I planned but I did.  I heard some amazing things from friends and I was super excited for it.  I had also seen all the hilarious comments about people being afraid to eat their popcorn in the movie, still that said I didn’t have anything to snack on for fear of disturbing my fellow movie goers.  I admit vast parts of the movie were startling quiet though I think my local theatre needs to update their soundproofing as I could hear the faint explosions from the movie next to mine and that is normally not something I ever notice before.  It’s a unique type story and way of telling it as there wasn’t much dialogue, some conversations are signed but for the most part we just see everything as it unfolds and learn what has been happening.  I would have loved a bit more back story as to how it started and such but I can also appreciate that it’s a survival story we dive into as they live their lives in this new reality having adapted and found a way to live around it.  I enjoyed it overall and appreciated the story it told and the way it was presented. 

Traffik:  3 Stars

                I didn't dislike it.  I came out of it thinking about the matter of human trafficking and how much of a problem it is which is a positive I think.  Still the movie just felt like it lacked a lot for me.  I went in thinking it was about a couple on a sweet vacation and then being brought into these horrible circumstances trying to escape crazy people.  I saw some plot holes and some acting moments that made me cringe a bit plus while I can get behind a bit of a slow build/character build they spent a lot of time on sex/sexy scenes trying to show this great love that I just never felt.  I just didn't connect with them and so much seemed out of the normal realm of reason.  Still once it kicks up it was a pretty good horror story happening.  

  

*****

                So I had planned to see I Feel Pretty by now but my bestie wanted me to see it with her so we have decided to make a girls night out of it this weekend.  So I look forward to that and….oh yeah Infinity War comes out tomorrow.  I had planned to see the first early showing tonight but sigh work schedule wouldn’t allow that to happen so I will be avoiding all social media comments about it before I see it Friday!  What about you?  What movies have you seen recently or are excited to see?  What else should I see?  

Reading Challenge Wrap-Up: April

                Hello happy readers!  The challenges are pretty self-explanatory but for full details on the challenges themselves please visit the challenge tab.  Also please share your yearly wrap-up / challenges as well I’d love to see how everyone else did! 

Goodreads Challenge:

Goal: 100

At: 21

2018 Debut Authors (#DebutAuthorChallenge):

Goal: 12

At:  2

I’m currently reading a couple so hope to have them finished for next month!

2018 Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 5

What I’ve Read:

Working on a couple…seems to be my theme

Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2018:

Goal: 48

At: 10

What I've Read:

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor (review)

2018 New Releases Challenge:

Goal: 31-60

At: 11

What I've Read:

Dimension Drift (Dimension Drift Worlds #1) by Christina Bauer

A Song of Summer Lost (The Magh Meall Chronicles #1) by Sarah Negovetich (review)

2018 Audiobook Challenge:

Goal: 30

At: 9

What I've Listened:

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor

                So lots happening that isn’t reading but trying to not get discouraged and just work on improving!  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

~Can't Wait Wednesday: These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders #1)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders #1) by Sara Raasch

Out:  8/7

From Goodreads:

                Adeluna is a soldier.  Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grave Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid a country ruled by religion.  But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy.  When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice---but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

                Devereux is a pirate.  As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market.  But after Argrid causes raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target.  An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any way.

                Benat is a heretic.  The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic.  When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can chance a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre. 

                As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are…and what they are willing to become for peace.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 So I enjoyed this authors other series so I’m game to try her new one.  Plus this cover is awesome!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your CWW as well so I can check it out.

Top Ten Tuesday: Frequently Used Words in YA Titles

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is now being hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.

The top ten today is:  Frequently Used Words in YA (especially Fantasy) Titles

Some of these are on multiple lists and I could have put a ton more I just got a bit lazy at one point lol.

Queen:

Queen of Shadows, Red Queen, The Orphan Queen, The Star-Touched Queen, Queen of Hearts, The Queen's Rising, Queen of Air and Darkness...

Sword:

Glass Sword, The Sword of Summer, Sword and Verse…

Storm:

Empire of Storms, Siege and Storm, Storm Siren, War Storm, Storm Born, Crystal Storm…

City / Cities:

The Mortal Instruments series (City of Bones/Glass/Ashes/Fallen Angels/ Lost Souls/ Heavenly Fire), City of Demons, Hollow City, Mystic City, The Walled City…

Girl:

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, Fangirl, The Girl at Midnight,Girls Made of Glass and Snow...

Blood:

Blood Promise, Half-Blood, The Blood of Olympus, Harry Potter and theHalf-Blood Prince, Days of Blood and Starlight, Children of Blood and Bone, Frostblood…

Daughter:

Daughter of Smoke and Bone, The Madman's Daughter, The Iron Daughter, Daughter of the Pirate King / Siren Queen, The Sin Eater's Daughter…

Glass:

Glass Sword, Throne of Glass, City of Glass, The Glass Spare, Burning Glass, Ink, Iron, and Glass, Girls Made of Glass and Snow...

Kiss:

The Winner's Kiss, Kiss of Deception, Shadow Kiss, Kissed by an Angel, Demon Kissed, Poison's Kiss, White Hot Kiss…

Ash:

An Ember in the Ashes, City of Ashes, Snow Like Ashes, Ash Princess, Gilded Ashes, Kingdom of Ash…

               

                So what do you think?  Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

~Stacking the Shelves #49~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls. 

Physical Books:

Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely

Heart of Iron (Heart of Iron #1) by Ashley Poston

Lady Renegades (Rebel Belle #3) by Rachel Hawkins

                I was able to make my way up to visit my friend Bogdana the Booknerd last Sunday and pick up a few books she’d been nice enough to pick up for me for events I couldn’t attend due to work schedules and such.  She also nagged me a few swag items like bookmarks for the books, some buttons, and some super awesome character cards (they are reflective and no matter how hard I tried the camera on my phone always blurred them).  I call it a great trip I got to see my friend and get books!  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week. 

A Song of Summer Lost (The Magh Meall Chronicles #1)

                Hello happy readers.  Okay so first things first I am sorry for the lack of posting as of late.  As mentioned previously my bestie was in the hospital for a bit and then when she got out I spent my days off with her rather than reading or typing things on here which combined with my newest Netflix binge, trip, and sinus ick I got be well behind on things and scatter brained.  That said I am working on trying to catch back up and get back on track.  Now on a happier note I was thrilled to finally sit down and get to pick back up A Song of Summer Lost (The Magh Meall Chronicles #1) by Sarah Negovetich.  Now if you remember I reviewed her other Acceptance series:  Right of Rejection, Right of Revelation, and Right of Redemption, and I got to interview her on that series here, so when I found she was starting another series I had to jump on board and was lucky enough to snag an early copy even if I didn’t get to finish it until after it arrived out.

Rating:  4.5 Stars   

                Caolainn, the soon to be crowned princess of the Summer Court of Magh Meall, wanted was to be a princess.  She wanted to play her music not run a realm.  Knowing she can’t avoid her fate forever Caolainn begs her father to make her the temporary emissary to the human realm until her birthday when she is to be crowned and take on the responsibilities of the court.  A temporary freedom.  She is granted this request but soon she realizes there are sacrifices to be made no matter what world you live in.  Caolainn has many tough decisions to make for her people and her heart.

                So there are many things happening in this story as we travel into the world of Magh Meall.  There is power, some more powerful than others, and a simple way of life protected from the human realm.  Still it is important to keep appraised of what happens there though most hate to be parted from the beauty of their world but Caolainn is all for it if it means a bit of freedom before her sentence.  I instantly liked Caolainn and her distaste for her future.  She has been held tight for so long it is hard to look forward to a future you get no say in, but at least she has her music.  She fully commits to the music and the pure love of it and it shows each time she is faced with music how deep her love goes and while I am not at all musically inclined, sadly, each time she played/talked about it I wanted to learn.  To feel that same feeling. 

                Aside from out MC we also have a very collective bunch.  Siobhan, the mother figure who has cared for her all her life and her only real friend in Magh Meall, who helps her keep her sanity when Ardan, her future advisor, drives her crazy, and her future husband the youngest Prince of the Winter Court, Mathol.  These we get to see in the beginning in the natural world they know but as we move into the human world Siobhan and Ardan tag along, like it or not, and we get to see them interact with others: Kit, May, and David to name a few.  As Caolainn has to attend school in the human world while there she gets to attend a music school which is pretty much cloud nine for her.  I enjoyed watching her try to adapt to the different world, despite studying it can be a HUGE culture shock to anyone, let alone someone who is normally all to herself.  Friends and interactions with people her own age (whom she doesn’t want to punch constantly) were a real treat and fun to experience with her. 

                The story focuses on Caolainn and her journey and the sacrifices she is willing to make.  I enjoyed the character driven aspect and as we got to know bits more of the darkness and evil in the world.  And how music was a such a focus in the story, a character in its own right.  We aren't just told of the love of music but we see it, even someone as musically inept as myself could feel it while reading and that is always impressive!  There is so much being built in this book I am excited to see where the story will go from here.  Some things occur in this one that I didn't expect for sure and now that they have I am thinking of all the things it could mean.  I am curious to see the future interactions between the courts as well as the Magh Meall and the human realm.  There is lots more to be told for sure and I can't say more without giving away some serious bits so I will have to leave it there. 

                Until next time…

~Can't Wait Wednesday: Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2) by Laini Taylor

Out:  10/2  

From Goodreads:

                Sarai has lived and breathed nightmares since she was six years old.

                She believed she knew every horror, and was beyond surprise.

                She was wrong.

In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before.  One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.

                Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice—save the woman he loves, or everyone else?—while Sarai feels more helpless than ever.  But is she?  Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths,  and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she’s capable of.

                As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel’s near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected:  Where did the gods come from, and why?  What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery?  And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed:  Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead?

                Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in the gorgeous sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I didn’t read Strange the Dreamer (review)when it first came out and I am so glad because having only finished it at the end of March in a read along I am already anxious for the sequel.  I mean that ending…it just about broke me.  I didn’t even remember the prologue literally said what was happening at the end but I didn’t remember I had been too caught up in the story.  So that said I need book two to be out NOW!  I need to know what is to come of Lazlo and Sarai and I need Minya to be put down. 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your CWW as well so I can check it out.

Movie Corner #6

                Hello happy movie fans!    I didn’t see much the last couple weeks but my last few days off my bestie was just out of the hospital so while there are some movies I would like to see I’d rather hang with her while she recoups!  That said here is what I’ve seen the last two weeks:

Ready Player One:  5 Stars

                It was different from the book.  They changed a lot of things.  This made me nervous.  But I really liked it.  I can’t wait to see this movie again.  The changes they made were consistent and played better to the screen and made sense.  They didn’t just change a couple things that seemed out of place but they changed bigger things and while I would have loved a by the book page for page type story I understand that the changes made for a more dynamic and engaging movie and I can also appreciate that.  Also even though they changed things it still kept the feel of the story and I liked that.  Plus I figured they would have to change some of the games/references for licensing issues anywho.  It was still packed with tons of nostalgia and fun moments even more action than before which I enjoyed.  Things were also a bit more focused and condensed which sped things up.  I am happy as both a movie lover and a book lover (book review). 

Blockers:  5 Stars

               So I saw this at the early day showing and I was super excited for some fun.  The trailers all look hilarious and I was down for that.  I was only slightly worried all the funny parts were in the trailers (as I’ve seen that happen before) but nope not a chance there is so much to enjoy.  There was tons of comedy and laughable moments.  I think I laughed through about 85-90% of it.  There were also real moments in there that honestly based on the trailer surprised me and were relatable in ways.  So I call it a huge hit and I can see it easily being one of those movies you can always put on for some laughs! 

*****

                So that’s it.  I still plan to see The Quite Place and The Miracle Season from last weekend’s releases but this weekend I’m excited to check out Truth or Dare tomorrow on Friday the 13^th (it’s fun to see all the superstitious people) and yes Rampage not sure what else is coming this weekend.  What movies have you seen recently?  What should I see?  This week I’m super excited to see.

~Can't Wait Wednesday: Mirage (Mirage #1)~

                Hey all sorry for being a bit spastic this last week but my best friend has been in the hospital and she just got out the other day so my last few days between work I have been spending time with her and I have thus let some things slip behind.  I am sorry but getting back on track now.  

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Mirage (Mirage #1) by Somaiya Daud

Out:  8/28

From Goodreads:

                In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, eighteen-year-old Amani is a dreamer.  She dreams of what life was like before the occupation; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventure, and travel beyond her isolated moon.

                But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects:  she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram.  The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she required a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place.

                As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty—and her time with the princess’ fiancé, Idris.  But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear.  If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection…because one wrong move could lead to her death.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 Body doubles and evil rulers….I am having a Man in the Iron Mask feel for the moment….just saying. 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your CWW as well so I can check it out.

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a good weekend, mine was long at work but I did get some listening down for a read-along so I call it a win.  I also found lots of recipes I want to try in the near future so there is that also.  The March book in the Goodreads read-along I co-host was Strange theDreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor and I LOVED it!  I had high hopes as I enjoyed her other series but this just blew me away.  So the rest will be my full thoughts on the story though if I miss spell anything I am sorry I listened so I got most of my spellings from Google.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Lazlo Strange is a war orphan who lives in the dream world of books and seeks nothing more than to know everything about the mythic city of Weep.  The journey would take much more boldness than the librarian holds but when the opportunity presents itself in the form of Weeps own hero, The Godslayer, and his warriors it may be the push Lazlo needs to be bold.  Weep is just a city but it became mythical after it was cut off from the rest of the world some two hundred years prior.  The Godslayer is in search of people to come to Weep and help them solve their mysterious problem.  Weep holds many mysteries including what Gods did the Godslayer slay to get his title; why is Lazlo the dreamer dreaming of a blue-skinned goddess before he knew she could exist and more? 

                Okay so this book.  I LOVED IT!  Seriously it was amazing and as I got towards the end I was so anxious and worried and looking to see how long I’d have to wait to find out what happens next.  Lazlo pulls you in with his pure adoration for learning wanting to spend all of his time learning all the things he can including his free time learning anything there is about this city of Weep.  He is genuinely good in a way that we don’t see as much.  He doesn’t do anything with the hope of getting something for himself but because he honestly wants to help.  There was just something that made me love him from the start.  Along the way we meet some good and not so good characters who are vast and varied to be sure.  One of my favorites in the book who caught me by surprise was Calixtie, she is a gem and I'll leave you with this to grasp who she is: 

"And Women," said Lazlo.  "It's a woeful species that's all male."

"More like a nonexistent species," remarked Calixte.  "Men lacking both wombs and good sense."

                Along the way we learn about other characters who have had a very different life.  The citadel and Weep the back and forth of the two was just heartbreaking at times.  There was so much pain and suffering on both sides.  The duality of it all was beautifully written I cried several times while listening I can’t lie.  Every new discovery brought me closer in understanding the larger picture as a whole.  Sarai, Sparrow, Ruby, Feral, and Minya have a different kind of life and seeing it had me back and forth on my feelings many times over.  I was so sure of some things throughout and some I was right about and others I was wrong but as I was proven wrong it was so much better (story wise) than I could have imagined. 

                There are a lot of serious feelings in this story and I don’t even know how to describe them without giving things away.  So in this I will simply say this was a top read for me and I can’t wait for the sequel.  I need it in my life NOW.  I loved the characters and the imagery.  The world was so full of beauty and imagination.  I want to live in it.  The story was intriguing and kept me emerged it was hard to stop when I got out of the car (I had it as my car book for the first 65% or so before I broke down and just had to listen at work) because I found all the different facets interesting.  One thing I found with the characters was their level of self realization and understanding.  I was able to forgive or understand the actions of some characters because of how some of the characters reacted.  Sarai really is such a beautifully complex character knowing both sides of things given her gift.  She is raised to know one thing and sees that side but also in it sees that of her "enemy" and is able to understand both sides.  She as a character might have a deeper understanding of people as a whole than most people in the world and that depth really was an amazing feat. 

                I can't wait for the sequel and I was thrilled when I heard it was going to be  duology because that means I won't have to wait for another book after October.  I have so many theories for what is to come and worries because I stress again this book has some seriously dark moments and is not for everyone.  It handles the issues too and they are felt rather than brushed aside which is another attribute.  Is it October yet?

                Until next time…