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…

The Lost & Found

                Hello Happy Readers!  A bit of a unique story I’m discussing my thoughts and feels on today, The Lost and Found by Katrina Leno.  I received a copy for an honest review and my original post can be found on No BS Reviews. 

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                This book is super cute.  Two people who meet online and bond over shared trauma in their lives as well as the inexplicable aspect of losing things.  Living on opposite sides of the country both receiving news that will put them both in the same place, a midway point between them and a chance to finally meet face to face after all this time. 

                First as someone who loves the internet and has made tons of amazing friends online over the years I adore this.  I have met some of my friends from online overtime and I would love to meet everyone if only travel were cheaper lol.  That and the whole pen pal idea caught my eye and hooked me.

                Frannie has had an interesting life to say the least.  Her trauma is….wow.  I can understand needing a support group for that and what she continues to deal with.  She is a pretty strong character in that respect because even when things are overwhelming while she may have moments of weakness she still manages to keep her head up and keep moving forward.  Plus her relationship with Arrow was precious.  Arrow also reminded me a bit of me and a couple of my friends, only with the OCD germs/cleaning aspect.  For sure not the running aspect.   

                Louis didn't suffer a horrible thing himself, he was there to witness it and live with the aftermath as his twin suffered and rebuilt.  Traumatizing for sure in a different way.  Still finding help and support online.  I loved how close he and Willa are.  I also got a pretty strong picture of her though him and I loved her struggles throughout as well, it all seemed very down to earth and relatable.  Never being separated from his twin and considering the possibility of living so far away is scary under normal circumstances.  Leaving home always is. 

                The Lost and Found is a contemporary story through and through with just a touch of magical realism.  Things magically going missing without rhyme or reason and then inconceivably being found in the most insane of places.  It's crazy and really interesting.  I loved the idea of it and where it could go but also how it and the results of it lead to some amazing depth in our Frannie and Louis.  When things randomly go missing from you it's hard not to at some point take it personally.  How some things are never really lost or finding thing you thought lost makes them all the more precious.

                This story really handles a lot of different issues very well.  It covers everything from fun and happy to dark and depressing.  Trauma, mental illness, diversity, and family dynamics are portrayed realistically around an overall rather fun idea of a road trip.  I still want to at this point to take a long road trip with a friend and just kind of make things up as we go along and I got to live vicariously though Frannie and Arrow for some of those aspects. 

                I really enjoyed this one and think it will appeal to anyone who enjoys contemporary at all as there is something for all.  I'd love to know what you think in the comments below.  

The Problem with Forever

                Hello happy readers!  I’ve been discussing my plans for ApollyCon next month for some time.  I’m thrilled.  It will be my first year attending this one but the other events I’ve been to in the past have been so much fun I am thrilled by the prospect.  There are several authors attending several whom I have read, others I own but haven’t picked up yet, and others I have never heard of but the covers/titles on their pages look amazing.  I’d love to know which authors you are most familiar with or recommend, a list of attending can be found here.  Jennifer L. Armentrout is actually the host, which is epic since she has so many books.  Seriously she puts out so many each year and I need to catch up.  I am working on one of her series but I also had to check out this stand-alone contemporary novel The Problem with Forever and that is what I want to review today.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The Problem with Forever follows Mallory “Mouse” as she tries to re-acclimate to everyday life in school after years of homeschooling from her adoptive parents after a traumatizing past that has kept her mostly silent.  Four years out of her nightmares in the best life she never could have imagined she is diving into public high school for senior year.  Already a terrifying experience being new in a huge unknown place for most of us, Mallory has much more pressure on herself to make it work.  Never did she expect to run into Rider Stark, her childhood protector she hadn’t seen for four years, on her first day.  They have a connection, share a past most could never fully understand, and have their own scars to deal with.  Mallory has always been silent but will she stay silent or speak out about what she sees and what she wants. 

                This books was a pretty quick contemporary and while it had some predictable moments for sure it was still a sweet journey.  I enjoyed watching Mallory go from being Mouse, quiet and shy to more confident with herself.  I also enjoyed how the story showed several people who have handled difficult situations in different ways.  Not everyone handles trauma the same and seeing how different people cope with it was nice. 

                I liked seeing through Mallory’s eyes and how there was the struggle between what she wanted to say/do and what actually happened.  She may have the best intentions and even mean to say things but fear is a legitimate and powerful thing that can freeze you in place in any type of spot.  Seeing it from her POV gave a real understanding to it.  How even simple conversations with people you do trust and know won’t hurt you are hard.  I also liked the dynamic of her adoptive parents and how it seemed perfect and that while grateful it put added stress on her to live up to expectations.

                Overall I really enjoyed this journey.  I did predict the majority of it but how the characters developed and got to where they were going was the real part of the story.  I enjoyed it and loved it was a single and complete story all in one.  I also liked how the title really played in.  The idea of making a promise as a child you know is impossible to keep because you have no concept of the idea of forever.

                Until next time.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Don't Get Caught

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Don’t Get Caught by Kurt Dinan

Out: 4/1

From Goodreads:

                10:00 tonight at the water tower.  Tell no one. – Chaos Club

                When Max receives a mysterious invite from the untraceable, epic prank-pulling Chaos Club, he has to ask:  why him?  After all, he’s Mr. 2.5 GPA, Mr. No Social Life.  He’s Just Max.  And his favorite heist movies have taught him this situation calls for Rule #4:  Be suspicious.  But it’s also his one shot to leave Just Max in the dust…

                Yeah, not so much.  Max and four fellow students-who also received invites-are standing on the newly defaced water tower when campus security “catches” them.  Definitely a setup.  And this time, Max has had enough.  It’s time for Rule #7:  Always get payback.

                Let the prank war begin.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I admit I have an ARC of this title and I am so excited to dive into it soon because it just sounds fun.  And who doesn’t need fun.  I thought this prank filled book could be a good break between some fantasy reads I have lined up.  So pranks and revenge.  Love it.  Plus the whole time I was looking at it I was imagining Ferris Bueller and those random prank videos that fill Facebook on occasion that are hilarious.  I’m ready for a good laugh and I hope this one provides it. 

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

Outspoken by Lora Richardson

                Today I have a book that I was contacted by the author about her book.  She was looking to spread the word on it and asked if I would be interested in having a read.  I read the summary and was interested.  I do really enjoy a good contemporary book they can bring you back to earth when lost in tons of wonderful fantasy.  A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.  So here are my thoughts on Outspoken by Lora Richardson.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Outspoken is a story of Penny, the girl who like many say yes when she really means no.  She keeps to herself, follows rules, and is a good girl.  After an eye opening experience she is determined to change her ways.  She wants to build a back bone and be the strong woman she dreams of and the best way to do that is to practice.  So moving cross-country to check on her grandpa she decides to try out her whole bolder and more outspoken attitude when she meets the strangers of the town.  Practice saying and doing what she wants without worrying what anyone else thinks.  That’s the plan.  Practice on practice people who don’t count because who cares what they think.  Until she does care.  Can she stick to her guns?

                I am much more outspoken now but even in middle school and high school I always spoke my mind even when I was beyond shy.  I might not jump right in but I never let anyone push me around.  Still I did like pleasing people, still do in some ways I do bake for my work people all the time after all, but there is a limit to it.  I have known people through life that remind me of Penny, who let others take advantage of them and their disinterest in any type of conflict.  Some do it by accident truly not knowing and others count on it to get what they want.  I was invested in Penny from the start and had hope for her after having the courage to move cross-country.  That’s a huge thing to leave your comfort zone. 

                 The story was a quick read and I enjoyed Penny and her little adventures.  It has a small town vibe also which was charming.  All the new characters, practice people, where fun and entertaining.  I could see the interactions and conversations playing out naturally before me.  Each one offered the story something different and helped Penny along on her journey.  Penny doesn’t instantly become a different person, she is still her but she is able to think things through.  I like that and she is still open to things even if her first thought is no she isn’t rigid in that. 

                I really enjoyed how Richardson handled the issues in the story.  Facing sick family and what it means for their life.  Making a bad decision that you regret, something you can’t take back, and living with it afterwards.  Finding your own place separate from that of what you came from. Family issues in several different aspects and how it effects you in different ways.  Confusion after school of knowing what you want to do with your life.  All of this was handled beautifully.  I just adored this story and would recommend it to everyone. 

                 This story has really made me think of things in my own life and how there are some things I just go along with just to keep things calm and not rock the boat, like work.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book and on the idea itself.  Are you more of a people pleaser or do you always speak your mind and do only what you want, or have you found the happy middle group?  Share in the comments below so we can discuss J

                Until next time…

This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

                Getting you through another Monday is some good book fun!  Sorry for my lateness in posting I stayed at work substantially later than intended and slept well past normal waking times, but then what are day offs for.  I’m doing very good at catching up on some reviews I’ve been meaning to write or edit from the ramble phase.  I am hoping to get most caught up and ready to post if not posted by the start of 2016 to start fresh!  With that in mind today I’m going to be sharing my thoughts and feels on This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales.  I previously read another book by the author, Tonight the Streets Are Ours (review here), and I enjoyed it and it only made me want to check out the other title I have by her.  Technically speaking I had this one for a lot longer.  Also something I’m working on and working towards in 2016 but I'll post more on that in a separate blog.  Today it's all about the review.

Rating: 4.5 Songs

                This Song Will Save Your Life is about Elise.  She's never had any friends.  Really she just kind of floats around, the mean girls are catty as usual and find ways to harass her and she doesn't really fit anywhere or have people to talk to.  After a failed attempted to revamp her image and gain popularity fails she gives up.  One night she stumbles into a warehouse party and some friends: Vicky, spunky sweet girl in a band who accepts her from the start, Pippa, English carefree party girl, Char, handsome mysterious DJ.  Most importantly she finds a love for DJing and how it changes her life.

                I liked this story.  I was drawn to Elise and her pain.  I think everyone understands that feeling in some way, the rejection.  It never gets easy and as she had no real friends as a support system I could feel for her and wanted things to work out for her so badly.  She makes some decisions and as she changes her mid which I think is a very true reality that many go through.  She then has to deal with the consequences of her choices but she is working through it.  I respect that.  When she finds the club I am excited.  That would be me, out in lounge clothes not looking nice and get invited into a club out of nowhere.  Still she finds something in herself.  I really enjoyed Elise's journey and while I didn't agree with her choices at times I could understand them from her perspective. 

                 Music is also a huge aspect of the story, it is about DJing after all.  I admit to knowing nothing about being a DJ other than playing songs and balancing them out so they don't leave open space and jazz.   I enjoyed getting a bit more information on the subject and seeing her learn, but not being bogged down either.  I also may have randomly stopped reading to YouTube some songs mentioned just to hear them and read along at times.  I think with Elise we also have a few other characters who were each unique and important, like Vicky, Char, her parents and siblings.  Each one has their own personality and added to the story as a whole and Elise's life good or bad. 

                I enjoyed this story and my favorite aspect was that it wasn't scared to show the emotion.  The nasty nitty gritty emotion of it all from the highs to the lowest of lows.  I loved the journey that Sales too us on in this book and I think it is something anyone can enjoy and find some aspect to relate to or root for.  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.  Remember comments spread love!  Tell me, did you love Elise?  Do you think certain people got off easy/harsh?

                Until next time…