Wednesday, May 31, 2017

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Words in Deep Blue

                “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:


Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
Out:  6/6

From Goodreads:
                Years ago, Rachel had a crush on Henry Jones.  The day before she moved away, she ticked a love letter into his favorite book in his family’s bookshop.  She waited.  But Henry never came.

                Now Rachel has returned to the city—and to the bookshop—to work alongside the boy she’d rather not see, if at all possible, for the rest of her life.  But Rachel needs the distraction.  Her brother drowned months ago, and she can’t feel anything anymore.

                As Henry and Rachel work side by side—surrounded by books, watching love stories unfold, exchanging letters between the pages—they find hope in each other.  Because life may be uncontrollable, even unbearable sometimes.  But it’s possible that words, and love, and second chances are enough.

Why I’m Waiting:
                I read Graffiti Moon (review) what seems like forever ago but I adored it and the way it was written and am excited to see something new by this author!   

                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.


Tuesday, May 30, 2017

~Top Ten Tuesday~ Anticipated Released 2017 Pt. 2

                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 hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The top ten today is:  Anticipated releases for the rest of 2017

Thrax (Angelbound #4) by Christina Bauer 6/27
Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2) by Richelle Mead 6/27
Wicked Like Wildfire (Hibiscus Daughter #1) by Lana Popovic 8/15
Tower of Down (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas 9/5
Fireblood (Frostblood #2) by Elly Blake 9/12
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater 10/10
Sun Warrior (Tales of the New World #2) by P.C. Cast 10/17
Wolves & Roses (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1) by Christina Bauer 10/31
The Speaker (Sea of Ink & Gold #2) by Traci Chee 11/7



                 Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Which would you recommend so I know which ones to get first?  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Monday, May 29, 2017

Blank Space (Dirty South #1)

                Hello happy readers!  This weekend was not as productive as I would have liked for anything other than sleep and spending time with my bestie but I finish a book before I got really lazy.  That book is a newer, Blank Space (Dirty South #1) by Alla Kar.  This is a NA (New Adult) book and has adult language and sexual scenes.  This is my first book by this author though I see she has several titles listed on Goodreads and came out a couple months ago.  A copy was provided to me by Swoon Romance in exchange for an honest review. 


Rating:  3.5 Stars

                Sydney* Henry is former rich girl who left her families support but not the name as her party-girl ways bring lots of publicity—the bad kind.  She hasn’t been in a serious relationship instead enjoying casual nights which have lead others to associate her as the town slut and thus undesirable for anything more in the judgmental southern town.  Cash Jenkins was l about business with no time to spend on dating but when he is made an offer that would allow him to expand his business he was listening.  Sydney’s mother, tired of the bad press around her daughter, offers Cash a deal to date her daughter and bring her good publicity making her respectable again in exchange for money to expand.  Seems easy enough once he sees a picture and finds himself attracted to her.  What happens next isn’t what either saw coming.

                So from the start with Sydney I felt bad for her and her attitudes about herself and wanted for her to learn she was better than what others thought and for her to tell her parents where to shove it.  She wasn’t taking money from them and provided for herself so I never did understand why she subjected herself to having anything to do with them let alone weekly dinners.  I wanted her to say no and stand up for herself but I also could understand the damage that had been done to her emotionally.  It sucked.  Frankie though I adored from the start as a wonderful friend.  Though at times it did seem a bit less than equal (why you wouldn’t keep your phone charged or check it at least randomly if you know your friend is going through something is a no no) but for the most part they are sweet together.  I do kind of wish we had a bit more about Frankie and some of her story that was left unfinished which I figure will go into more as the series continues.

                Then we move on to Cash.  I was a bit slow to warm up to him.  I liked that he was interested in doing this more because he was attracted to her than because of her mother’s offer but not so much his reasoning that he was perfectly happy to use her.  Still it didn’t get better at first, his demanding and domineering personality set me off.  While I don’t mind a bit of dominance locking someone in and holding them captive is not okay, if someone tries to leave and you prevent that it’s kidnapping not all cute.  Personal pet peeve of mine when someone says NO, even if they are just denying themselves and secretly want to say yes that is not for the other party to decide no means no.  While trying to convince someone to change their mind by using your charm and power of persuasion is one thing in my personal opinion he took it a bit too far on occasion.  Again this could just bother me a bit more because it is a pet peeve.  That aside as the story progressed I did grow to like him a bit more and actually wanted things to work out.  After one particular scene in which he really turns a corner. 

                 Overall the story was a quick read. I enjoyed the authors writing style and I did like that Cash didn’t try sleeping with her from the start but instead they got to know one another some first.  This let me grow to like him and also had me rooting for her to resist him.  We got to see some depth to the characters, though I feel we got to know more about Sydney than Cash and what she got to know of him came in a less intimate way (ie someone else telling) but I look forward to seeing what will happen from here.  There is some good old fashioned country fun happening, things I have done and don't see often in books which made me laugh.  I went in not knowing if this was going to be a series or not and it stands pretty well on its own but there are some things that are left open.   I’m curious to see how the next story will play out and it’s something I wouldn’t mind continuing on.  I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys some steamy build up and sexy times with a very alpha male/domineering type.

                Until next time…

*my version of the book had the female character as Sydney but I see it in the description as Shelby. 
             

Saturday, May 27, 2017

~Stacking the Shelves~

                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:
The Crown'sFate (The Crown's Game #2) by Evelyn Skye

Audiobooks:
Lord ofShadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare


                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week.  

Friday, May 26, 2017

Everything, Everything Book & Movie

                Hello happy readers!  Okay so today I am doing a book and movie review.  I finally got to read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon which I have been excited to read since it came out but kept getting pushed back on my TBR.  So with the movie coming out I knew I had to get on it and read it before.  So I read it quickly the weekend it came out and then couldn’t wait to see the movie even more.  So I’ll fire review the book then the movie.

Book Rating: 5 Stars

                This book is all the feels!  We follow Maddy, a girl with a rare and famous disease that I can’t remember how to spell but is commonly known as bubble boy syndrome.  Allergic to everything, allergic to the world.  She turns 18 having lived her whole life in this house only seeing her mother and her nurse Carla regularly.  Her circle of people is limited until one day a moving truck arrives for the house next door and Maddy locks eyes with Olly.  Becoming friends with her isn’t easy given the restrictions, but as she begins to really understand how small her world is and what she will risk to live rather than survive. 

                First I have to say this book was such a quick read.  I would have finished it in one day had I not started it with only an hour before having to leave for a prior engagement.  I was so interested instantly I wished I didn’t have plans and I could stay and read.  The chapters are short and compelling and many times even include drawings and such which really added something extra to it.  Plus as Maddy is kept apart many of the conversations happen over IM and read quickly and the different medias in the book really helped to bring focus on all the ways one can have to communicate with the world and yet still be separate from it. 

                Maddy is a sweet girl who is happy with her life and stays positive.  She wants desperately to be normal and be able to go out into the world and experience things she can only read about or watch but she is thankful for what she has.  She loves her mother and Carla, he nurse, and books.  Considering her situation she keeps a pretty positive outlook on life which is impressive.  This helps put things in perspective when you get upset about things in your life knowing others are staying positive despite their problems.  She has struggled with depression in the past, which is only natural, and tries to stay above it.  Olly moves in next door and sees her through the window but hasn't been able to see her in person so he works to entertain her through the window for a while.  He is sweet and funny and I adored him.  He had his own struggles in life but he always treated Maddy normally, special to him but like a normal person.  Their connection and interactions are so cute and sweet it just made my heart swell.

                Maddy and Olly are the point of the book they are the focus.  However, I really loved the connection between her and Carla as well.  I enjoyed how she was so close with her.  Her story with her mother as it hits ups and downs was really a highlight thought as things progressed and things happen that just had me stuck to the book like glue.  It was a cute and quick book that was all about relationships and hope and I adore it!

Movie Rating:  5 Stars

                So I saw the movie the first day it came out only six hours after finishing the book so it was very fresh in my mind.  I enjoyed the movie.  It was cute and sweet and had so many positives and I look forward to seeing it again.  They kept to the main part of the story and most things where the same and I like a movie who does that.  They cut some things here and there and added a few things but the vast majority of the book was there.  Also Olly wasn't wearing a black cap most of the time because he shaved his head which I totally appreciate because Olly was hot. 

                One of my favorite things about the movie and something they were able to do to add humor and visual interest was during the IM sessions (now texting) was to put the characters in her fantasy worlds to have the conversations instead of just reading them.  I adored this concept.  And the astronaut was perfect.  This is something the movie did well.  I also love how all of the doodles and drawings in the book are in the end credits!  That was a real treat to see!

                The only down side to the movie is that it didn't really mention Maddy's past bout of depression and how hard it was for her.  It didn't give some deeper context to some matters so in the end when I was discussing it with my friend who saw it with me having not read the book she didn't feel my outrage at certain characters as strongly.  Without the context and past issues the book explains looking at the movie I can see it as well.

                I think anyone can really enjoy this movie.  If you read the book you understand some things on a deeper level and might even, in my opinion, enjoy the movie a bit more.  If you haven't read the book you can still go in and see a sweet movie that makes you all warm inside.  I highly recommend it either way. 


                So in conclusions I LOVED both the book and the movie and hope you read/see them both.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on both or either in the comments below!  

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Reading Challenge Wrap-Up: May

April Wrap Up

                Hello happy readers!  So today is the 25th which means it is time for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up.  Here is my standing but please don't forget to share your progress as well!

Goodreads Challenge:
Goal: 125
At: 37
Behind but I hope to rally! 

2017 Debut Authors (#2017DebAuthC):
Goal: 12
At:  3
What I've Read:
The LoveInterest byCale Dietrich (review)

2017 Rock My TBR (#RockMyTBR):
Goal: As many as possible!
At: 17
What I've Read:
Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World #1) by P.C. Cast (review)
Everything,Everything by Nicola Yoon
The BaneChronicles by Cassandra Clare


2017 Series Ender Challenge:
Goal: 15+
At: 4
What I’ve Read:
Champion:The Graphic Novel (Legend: The Graphic Novel #3) by Marie Lu
Rise ofFire (Reign of Shadows #2) by Sophie Jordan (review)


2017 New Releases Challenge:
Goal: 31-60
At: 15
What I've Read:
Champion: The Graphic Novel (Legend: The Graphic Novel #3) by Marie Lu
Quanta Rewind (The Shadow Raves #4) by Lola Dodge (review)
A Court ofWings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3) by Sarah J. Maas (review)
Rise of Fire (Reign of Shadows #2) by Sophie Jordan
The Love Interest  by Cale Dietrich
Cherished (Beholder #3) by Christina Bauer (review)
Blank Space by Alla Kar


2017 Audiobook Challenge:
Goal: 5-10
At: 12
What I've Listened:
A Court of Wings & Ruin (ACOTAR #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World #1) by P.C. Cast
Rise of Fire (Reign of Shadows #2) by Sophie Jordan
The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare



                All in all I'd say it was a pretty successful month.  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Lucky In Love

                “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:

Lucky in Love by Kasie West
Out: 7/25

From Goodreads:
                In the new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love comes into the picture.

                Maddie doesn’t believe in luck.  She’s all about hard work and planning ahead.  But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket.  And then, to her astonishment—

She wins!

                In a flash, Maddie’s life is unrecognizable.  No more stressing about college scholarships.  Suddenly, she’s talking about renting a yacht.  And being in the spotlight at school is fun…until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans.  Now, Maddie isn’t sure who she can trust.

                Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo.  Seth doesn’t seem aware of Maddie’s big news.  And, for some reason, she doesn’t want to tell him.  But what will happen if he learns her secret?

                With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love.


Why I’m Waiting:
                ApollyCon!  I got to just chat and hang out with her for a while and we talked about all kinds of things so her personality alone makes me want to check out her work.  But this is also so adorable cute and I can just imagine some things since who hasn’t thought about what would happen if they won!  I’m still hoping and wishing I win.


                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.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Cherished (Beholder #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I'm pleased to be reviewing a new Ink Monster release, the latest in the Beholder series by Christina Bauer, Cherished (Beholder #3).  I have reviewed the previous books Cursed and Concealed and of course have loved them so I was eagerly looking forward to this one.  I always look forward to new books by the author.  Cherished is out Tuesday May 30th so make sure to check out your copy!  I received an early ARC from NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review.  Spoilers for the first two books, duh.

Rating: 5 Loaded Totem Rings

                When we left off in Concealed I was a bit heartbroken.  I didn't see how it was possible that Rowan had betrayed Elea like that.  That he could be so sweet and amazing to her but really be engaged to her friend Amelia.  Our Elea already has trust issues given what her former best friend, Tristan did to her.  Still they defeated the Tsar and the Vicomte and she is back home on her farm where she wanted to be.  Running Braddock Farm is supposed to be her life but after the past few years it's a bit less than she's used to, even with her flirty friend Philippe there to keep her company.  So when someone comes calling trying to kill her it gives her a bit of the excitement she has grown used to.  Shujaa is a Changed One who has hybrid magic and promises he will ruin her and kill Rowan.  While seeing him is the last thing she wants to do, if hybrid magic is involved she knows he is her best chance of defeating this new evil.  That's all, not that she still has feelings for him or anything.

                I admit when the last one ended, while I loved the book and series I was a bit heartbroken and didn't understand how Rowan could have done what he did.  I had no idea how things could be fixed, how he would be able to redeem himself in my eyes after that.  I was well and truly worried I wouldn’t be able to enjoy Rowan again.  I clearly didn't have enough faith in the author because the way this story plays out I totally love Rowan still.  So yes Elea and Rowan, I still ship them and love them so hard.  Elea is still strong as ever and no matter how much her training tells her to not show emotions or be ruled by hear heart she isn't very good at that.  I love that she is one to think with her head but she also lets her emotions show unlike a good little Necromancer.  She has an entire army she brought back from the dead that want to follow her and she wants nothing to do with that.  She isn't power hungry like so many other leaders she just wants to find her own slice of happiness.  While Rowan is the leader of his people who are fickle to say the least and still even when they doubt him and cheer for another to rule he is strong and continues to fight for his people. 

                The chemistry is there from the start.  Even before they see one another again you can feel it in the air and while you hate that he is engaged to Amelia I kept hoping he was right and there was an explanation that would make it better.  I just love the magic these two create and not just the hybrid magic.  One thing I love about them together is that they are equals, they may want to protect one another but they are equals.  I really enjoy a romance that has each on equal footing and where the man accepts his partner is kick butt and doesn't need to sit the fighting out.

                We also get to see more into Caster life.  Some of the traditions and prophecies they live by.  It becomes clear that some things have different meanings and rules.  We also get to meet more of the Casters including Rowans brothers and even his mother.  Some we clearly like more than others.  For instance I just adore little Jicho.  Zoriah not so much.  Anywho this is all because of Viktor, yes even banishing him for a second time hasn't stopped his destruction as he left behind totems to continue his work.  This man is seriously one bad dude. 

                There is plenty of character moments for sure as Elea fights to figure out what life she really wants but this is a battle story and there is lots of action and fighting happening.  These characters we love so much never get a break because they are always needed to face some big bad.  I love this story so much and while there is still so much that has me concerned from the ending I can't wait to see what happens.  I also have a few questions left unanswered.  So I'm ready for book four, Crowned


                Until next time…

Saturday, May 20, 2017

~Stacking the Shelves~

                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-Books:
Ghost Code by Sarah Negovetich

Audiobooks:
Flame inthe Mist (Flame in the Mist) by Renee Ahdieh

                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week. 


Friday, May 19, 2017

The Love Interest

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all have a good weekend planned.  I hope to finish Everything, Everything today and hopefully see the movie this week so I can share all my thought about it with you.  So far I'm loving the book.  But today I'm going to discuss my thoughts and feels on a new release, The LoveInterest by Cale Dietrich, a new kind of story that I had been anticipating.  The Love Interest came out this week May 16th.  I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. 

Rating: 4 Stars

                There is a secret organization that creates spies, Love Interests, that get close to people who are important or have power so they can get all their secrets.  They typically come in two forms:  Nice, boy next door type, or Bad, dark and brooding, giving the target options to ensure they pick one.  Nice Caden and Bad Dylan are picked for Juliet and after some modifications are ready to try and win her heart and their lives.  Because this is the first time they get to go out into the world but though they are well trained and motivated, the one not chosen dies, being in the world they find unexpected complications, feelings that could jeopardize their lives. 

                So this book was really interesting.  It takes some of the things in other books or even shows that make us swoon over the romance/characters and turns them around.  Lots of cultural references and the like as well as fun times about set pieces and scripted lines and the like.  It had a really great story happening through it.  I liked the idea of seeing a romance, one I admit I would have been rooting for had the story been from say Juliet's POV, and seeing the base logistics of it as a job rather than a romance.  Seriously this is interesting and something I've never read before so high cheers for that.  We follow Caden who has been raised in this life, training for this chance to make his chosen fall for him and live his life as a spy.  He doesn't really consider himself Nice, he just knew that was what he'd be picked as and learned to play into it and struggles with how he has “not nice” thoughts and reactions at times.  He also realizes he is gay.  Not super ideal when you’re trying to win the girl.

                The whole concept of a basically raising spies is always appealing but to raise them to be turned into the perfect match for someone is just insane. Pitting a Nice and a Bad against one another gives new depth to a “love triangle” for sure.  I really liked the double life he was living and how it had different concepts of things and the book really intrigued me and flew by as I read it.  It was so different but at the same time familiar and I loved how it balanced those lines and made me think about so many other books all at once.

                Overall I really liked this book and would highly recommend it and the only drawback for me was the ending.  It wasn’t a bad ending by any means I enjoyed how things happened and the like it was more that the first part of the book was a quick read but it wasn’t rushed and the end felt a bit rushed.  Like once you hit around 80% it just hits warp speed.  Again it’s not bad just I kind of wish things had been taken a bit slower and given the same care and depth as the rest of the book.  Like there is a lot of action happening and part of me appreciates the book keeping up the adrenaline and it matching the mood of the scene I also want more.  It’s the end and I don’t want it to feel rushed, especially with some of the revelations that happen.  I’m just needy like that.

                I enjoyed the book and I’m glad I read it.  It is a stand-alone which is also nice.  I would recommend it to anyone as there is something that pretty much anyone can get behind and enjoy. 


                Until next time…

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Because You Love to Hate Me

                “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:

Out:  7/11

From Goodreads:
                Leave it to the heroes to save the world—villains just want to rule the world.

                In this unique YA anthology, thirteen acclaimed, bestselling authors team up with thirteen influential BookTubers to reimagine fairytales from the oft-misunderstood villains’ points of view.

                These fractured, unconventional spins on classics like “Medusa,” Sherlock Holmes, and “Jack and the Beanstalk” provide a behind-the-curtain look at villains’ acts of vengeance, defiance, and rage—and the pain, heartbreak, and sorrow that spurned them on.  No fairy tale will ever seem quite the same again! 

Why I’m Waiting:
                So there are a ton of authors I enjoy taking part in this anthology but more so I love the idea of them teaming up with BookTubers several of which I follow and watch their videos!  It just seems like a fun read.


                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.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Rise of Fire (Reign of Shadows #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I made it a whole week without purchasing any books, hence why no Stacking the Shelves this weekend.  Color me surprised myself I sat down to do my post and realized I didn’t have any.  I did go to a mini Harry Potter event in St. Augustine and got to road trip with my BFF so that worked out!  I also hope everyone enjoyed Mother’s Day be it as a child or a mother (including pet moms) I spent the day with mine and made her some cookies.  I also had the chance to listen to some of my new audiobooks on the drive to and from which worked out nicely.  Today I’d like to discuss the book/series I finished; Rise of Fire (Reign of Fire #2) by Sophie Jordan.

Rating: 3.5 - 4 Stars

                I reviewed the first book Reign of Shadows (here) last month having finished the audiobook in one sitting.  I dove into the second audiobook knowing I couldn’t finish in one sitting, despite how appealing it was and the story might have wanted me to do so.  I started it at work and work comes first there but I did manage to get a good chuck finished and then listened in a couple more chucks to finish it up.  Stopping each time was hard as the story kept you listening.  I highly enjoyed the two narrators for Luna and Fowlers POV’s the same ones that did the first book so cheers for continuity. 

                We left off Reign of Shadows in a huge cliffhanger.  Dwellers had just taken Fowler down into the earth and Luna dove in after to save him even though she was confused and made at him for having not told her h was the son of the man who killed her parents sooner.  She had left him and took off on her own but he had found her and saved her but she isn’t a damsel in distress.  She may be blind but she sees more than most and I love how this could be a handicapped and really limit Luna but it only makes her stronger in a world of darkness.  Fowler knows how strong she is and respects that about her knowing she is capable but still he wants to protect her when he can because that is who he is, and that is what she means to him.  I just adore their dynamic.  They save one another.  They don’t leave the other behind to danger but stand together or go after one another. 

                Both Luna and Fowler have a claim to Relhok in their own way and that makes them wanted. When Fowler is injured and Lagonia soldiers offer them to help they have to risk someone knowing them or risk Fowler’s life.  Outside of Relhok they discover that every kingdom has its darkness.  I liked getting to see another kingdom and see the people.  While the first story took place in Relhok we didn’t see much of the inner city it was mostly the outskirts in the wild/open so seeing more from the inner safety of a city was a contrast.  It makes you wonder which dangers are worse dwellers or the evil of man. 

                This book is also the end of the series as far as I can tell.  I didn’t know if that was going to be the case or not and it leaves you thinking it couldn’t possibly end (or was going to end in another horrible cliff hanger like ending) as you get closer to the end with so few minutes/pages left.  It seems impossible to end but then as it happens it just clicks.  Part of me thinks it was a bit anti-climactic but the other part of me thinks it was an awesome twist that just made me laugh so I’m conflicted a bit here.  Would I have liked more?  Yes.  Can I still enjoy the duology as is with the ending?  Also yes.    Would I recommend the series?  Yes.  I enjoyed the overall story and while I think I did enjoy Reign of Fire more than the conclusion I did enjoy the series and they were such quick listens I think anyone can fly through them for easy enjoyment. 

                Until next time…


Wednesday, May 10, 2017

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Loved (House of Night Other World #1)

                “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:

Loved (House of Night Other World #1) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Out:  7/11

From Goodreads:
                It’s Zoey’s eighteenth birthmas and the Nerd Herd has been scattered across the country busily adulting for almost a year when Stark calls them back to Tulsa to surprise Z.  But all is not well in T-town.  Strange, dark signs are appearing—could it be possible Neferet is stirring?  Not willing to chance disaster striking again, Zoey calls on her newly reunited friends to circle with her and add a layer of protection over Neferet’s grotto jail.  Easy-peasy, right?

                Wrong.  Nothing at the House of Night is ever as it seems.

                With rabid red vampyres closing in, Zoey and the Nerd Herd must come together again and battle evil.  But a year is a long time.  Have these old friends grown too far apart?

                When the world fractures and allies become enemies, will darkness devour friendships or will light save those she’s loved?

Why I’m Waiting:
                Auto-buy author.  This is one of those series that I first got into when I started reading again and the Nerd Herd will forever hold a place in my heart! 

                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.




Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I got had a bit of an internet problem yesterday and couldn't get this uploaded but better a day late than not at all.  So this weekend I was able to finish another audiobook, I have been really enjoying my listening time.  This book was none other than MoonChosen (Tales of a New World #1) by P.C. Cast.  I originally received a digital copy from NetGalley back as it was released, seriously I had requested it forever before but they approved me the week or so after release when I had given up hope and took on other reviews so it got pushed to the back burner. I like this author, the House of Night series was one of the series I first dove into when I started reading again and it lead me to her other series (Goddess Summoning and Partholon) which I adored even more making her an auto-buy author. 

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                I mentioned I had a digital copy, well I ended up using a credit and got the audiobook after my best friend couldn’t stop texting me about how she LOVED this book and stayed up all night to read it once she started.  This was high praise and I was down to start but my reading had been slow due to some headaches and travel so I figured audiobook was the way to go.  I am so glad I listened to this one as well if only for the comparisons with said friend in saying the names which had us laughing at one pups name in particular.  The narrator did a good job with the narration and distinguishing the voices of the characters.  

                I went into this story not knowing much just that it had a beautiful cover, an auto-buy author, and that it focused on a new world with a conflict between two different groups and that there was going to be a loveable pup in there somewhere.  This was all I needed to know.  I enjoyed the multiple POVs in general but even more so in that they were each from different characters in different clans/tribes and we were able to see how each one functioned from the inside as well as from the outside.  The Earth Walkers are kind people who have to be cleansed by their Moon Woman every few nights to keep the women from turning into deep depression and the men into something else but they as a whole work as a community nicely but to the Companions they are animals who can't care for themselves.  The Companions are tree living people who have these cities above the ground and bond with pups and have all these awesome things but to the Earth Walkers they are simply the evil ones who raid their lands and kidnap or kill their people.  Seeing from both Mari and Nik gave insights into both and showcased the highs and lows of each.  We also got to see some bits and pieces into the Skin Stealers as well and frankly those chapters were just creepy as can be but again insightful to the story.

                We learned a lot about both cultures in the story but I'm curious to learn more about both clans/tribes.  We also learn about another group towards the end, those who live in the mountains and bond with lynx like the companions do with pups.  I have to admit this whole idea was so fascinating because I love animals and the idea of bonding with one pup or what is so amazing.  The pups are generally Sheppard's or terriers and having had a couple of German Sheppards growing up this made me super nostalgic (I'm also looking at pups myself as I finally am finished with apartment living and have a place with a  yard) for my old babies.  Not all Companions have a pup but the pups that are mentioned they are totally characters in their own right and I was more nervous/upset if any danger befell them than anything else.  Though as they are characters and there are many in the story there is some animals that are injured in the story so I should say that is a warning for some. 

                As with many of her books Cast has a strong reliance on strong female characters and those whom lead their people.  I love this about her books.  I also love the different takes on their beliefs from taking power from the moon or the sun or some other things I won't mention each group has similarities but have somehow become so vastly different.  I loved seeing Nik and Mari trying to figure one another out and to break through the misconceptions they had of one another.  Nik isn't the most likeable at first he thinks a bit too highly of himself but that quickly changes as we get to know him better and he develops a new understanding for things.  Mari I instantly felt for with her situation.  Loving her mother and her people but being forced to hide her true self for so long and always feeling trapped.  Her journey was intense.  Rigel is my favorite character though if I'm honest.  Yes he is a pup and he doesn't speak but when he was in the chapters I would get all "awe what a sweetie" vibes and wish I could reach into the story to pet him.  They are the main characters for sure but I also adored some of the side characters like Sora whom if I'm honest I related to in many ways that my best friend and me discussed while I listened.  Even O'Bryan and his optimism and kindheartedness made him a favorite of mine when he was in scenes. 

                This new world is set before us and so many things have started with the potential for so much more.  I can't wait to see what happens in the next book because this one just really set the stage for the world, the characters, and what is at stake.  I can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy to go along with my audiobook because I know the one thing I missed out on were the beautiful images between chapters (I scanned my BFF's book after to see) so I highly recommend the listening experience but also the beautiful pictures in the physical copy!  I'd love to hear what you think of this new world and series and would you rather be a Earth Walker or  Companion (and if so to a terrier, sheppard, or lynx) or what?  Personally I would struggle between a sheppard and a lynx but would be happy with either!


                Until next time…