Friday, September 29, 2017

2 Book Events & a Giveaway!

                Hello happy readers!  So this week has been a bit of a hit on my sleep schedule shifting between work schedules and making another well worth it day trip to Atlanta (4 hr drive one day) for a book event.  I mean it was Stephanie Perkins so it was a must go type of thing.  So today since I slept for 14 hours last night I would do an event talk instead of  a review.  I will be ready next week though since I won't have any events to drag me away.  I was thrilled to be able to meet my good friend, Bo from Bogdana the Booknerd, before both events to hit up our favorite pre-event meal of Noodle just a block from the shop and even get some ice cream from the delightful shop around the corner Butter & Cream.  I kid you not I get as excited about getting to get our food as for the events.

                So last week I went to the Epic Reads event with Kendare Blake, Jessie Ann Foley, and Katharine McGee for the Epic Reads event.  Epic Reads was hosted at the beautiful little store, Little Shop of Stories where I go to most all of my events up there.  This time with the multiple authors they did something a little different and instead of having them up in front of all of us they split the chairs into three circles and each circle got an author to chat with for a time before they swapped speed dating style.  It was different but really fun.

                 We got there and were lucky enough to be the first ones upstairs for the event.  We saw the circles and got to pick our spots.  One of the employees was kind enough to explain the set up and the rules and jabber with us while everyone else trickled in.  She also provided sticky notes to get the books ready for the post "speed date" signing but as usual we had come prepared.  They did a little intro and each talked a bit about who they are, what books they wrote, and where they are from before being split up. 

                First in our circle was the lovely Jessie Ann who shared her inspiration for Neighborhood Girls.  We discussed the heart of the story, the very relevant catalyst, and more.  With her first book taking place in Ireland we talked about some travel and a little tidbit of fun that with the book she was able to get her husband, who has the accent, to read parts out loud to see how they sounded to make sure they flowed.  I loved that and it makes me so excited to dive in. 

                 Next Katharine McGee made her way into our circle looking the picture of graceful in tiny stilts of heels that defy gravity.  She discussed her first book The Thousandth Floor more than the sequel since she didn't want to spoil any good bits.  We discussed the craft of writing and the process of getting your book out there as she had a different experience working in publishing and already knowing everyone.  I also found out she worked on editing some of the books in several shows that I enjoy (The 100, The Vampire Diaries, and Pretty Little Liars) but gave advice for those who might not have her connections.

                Last but not least we got to sit down with Kendare Blake who is not only part of several anthologies but also was celebrating the release of the second Three Dark Crowns book that very day.  We talked about how the book series went from being set as a duology ending with One Dark Crown to a four book series.  Nothing changed in the book.  It still ended where it was supposed to end but not we will get to see the fall out and what happens next after the winner sits on the throne.  Funny enough she got the idea after learning about bees at a party.  Everyone was worried about the huge ball of bees but there was a beekeeper present who explained they were safe as the ball was to protect the queen as they moved and it spiked her curiosity and she asked the beekeeper questions for the rest of the party.  I love how this came to be getting ideas and writing in general.

                Overall the Epic Reads event was a success.  Everyone got to ask questions in smaller groups taking the pressure off and letting some who may be more nervous and intimidated speak up.  I give this even 5 Stars for sure! 

                Then one week later Little Shop of Stories was working with the library to host Stephanie Perkins for the release of her new book, Theres Someone in Your House at the library.  As Stephanie used t o be a librarian it was perfect.  She also used to live in the area and had some friends pop in, which totally distracted her mid sentence and is something we can all relate to I think. 

                She got there a bit early to talk with her moderator but with the driving in Atlanta there was a change in plans with a vehicle accident (no one was hurt thankfully just unable to make it) and her fill in was already familiar as they had spent the day discussing things so she came out to just sit/chat/ and pre-sign for us early birds.  Clearly that included Bo and myself.  She signed our books and we discussed things from how we ended up meeting and becoming friends at a book event and book covers/designs since I have the UK version of her anthologies with the colored page edges. 

                Stephanie was such a riot.  Seriously she was SO MUCH FUN!  She is so down to earth and loves some dark topics just as much as the cute fluffy stuff.  We could have spent all night just talking about random topics.  But once it hit time she sat up to discuss her book.  It was a departure from what she is known for writing with her Anna and the French Kiss series being a slasher horror story and all.  However, anyone on the fence rest assured there is still the feel of her voice and that beauty in there as well because she couldn’t help herself.  However, there is also a high body count and lots of great horror classics.  I can't wait!  I love horror movies, the cheesier the better. 

                 Apparently she gets the question about the change in genre ALL the time as some are shocked given how sweet and nice she is but to those who know her they get it.  I could connect when she related how she is nice and sweet but she also loves horror movies and true crime.  She had on this adorable dress with cute little deer which I complimented on pre-event and as she explained later "I'm wearing a dress with cute little deer but also have murder in my heart" in talking about her eclectic decorating style and her love of Halloween.  She also discussed her interest in many different genres and how she wouldn't mind trying more but would steer away from mermaid books, this brought the question of genitals and how/what that is seems to be a conundrum which we spent some time thinking on, and Amish romance which I didn’t know was a thing.  

                After the event she was signing books for everyone and even though we had ours signed we still waited in line because we wanted to grab a photo and because we wanted to say something more post event.  Knowing she loved Halloween and scary things Bo recommended she check out Halloween Horror Nights and discussed some particulars.  After finding out she did a lot of research to make things feel right in her story including the law enforcement side having to find people to give help in different areas I told her I was a dispatcher for a university currently but spent several years in a very small county doing 911 dispatch, you know if she ever needed further help.  Hey I would love to offer my services! 

                That was my thoughts on the last couple events.  Sorry I didn’t get more photos of the events themselves.  However, I during the Epic Reads event I did get my paperback ARC of Three Dark Crowns signed by Kendare Blake and I was able to snag an extra tote bag from the event to use in a giveaway along with some other misc goodies I have been collecting to include ;) I'll leave this open for a two weeks so enter below!  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #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:

The CruelPrince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black
Out:  1/2             

From Goodreads:
                Of course I want to be like them.  They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire.  They will live forever.

                And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest.  I hate him more than all the others.  I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

                Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie.  Ten years late, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality.  But many of the fey despise humans.  Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

                To win a place at the Court, she must defy him-and face the consequences.

                In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed.  But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Why I’m Waiting:
                I have several more Holly Black books yet to read but the ones I have read I have really enjoyed.  She seems to have a way with Faerie and I look forward to this one! 


                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, September 25, 2017

Reading Challenge Wrap-Up: September

                Hello happy readers!  Here is where I stand 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: 56

2017 Debut Authors (#2017DebAuthC):
Goal: 12
At: 7
What I've Read:
Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

2017 Rock My TBR (#RockMyTBR):
Goal: As many as possible!
At: 22
What I've Read:
 Nothing.... :(

2017 Series Ender Challenge:
Goal: 15+
At: 7
What I’ve Read:
 Again nothing...

2017 New Releases Challenge:
Goal: 31-60
At: 31 (YAY!!!!)
What I've Read:
Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas
Thrax (Angelbound Origins #4) by Christina Bauer (review)


2017 Audiobook Challenge: (my best one)
Goal: 5-10
At: 24
What I've Listened:
Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas



                I completed another challenge which is exciting having reached the minimum set of my goal for the New Releases Challenge but I’m still pretty far off on some of the others sadly.    I am keeping positive though and hoping to finish more challenges!  Wish me luck!  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

Thrax (Angelbound Origins #4)

                Hello happy readers!  So I am thrilled to be back in the swing of things.  Today I'm super excited to be sharing my thoughts and feelings on the newest book in a series I just adore, Thrax (Angelbound Origins  #4) by Christina Bauer.  I have reviewed the previous books in the series Angelbound, Scala, and Acca.  There are more books in the series as a whole as the series took a time jump but now we are getting all the fun adventures we hear mention of in the Angelbound Offspring series.  Thrax releases tomorrow 9/26/17 but I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC (thank you NetGalley & Monster House Books) since my pre-order won't be here til tomorrow!  Even though there are future books I will only be discussing spoilery type materially as it pertains to the first three books in the series numerically as this takes place just after Acca.

Rating:  5 Lighting Bolts

                We left off with our dynamic duo getting hitched!  Well a bit more than that really since Myla's little igni have decided to make sure she has a scala heir sooner rather than later.  Newly married, newly pregnant, and new to the whole ruler thing Myla is taking on a whole new set of responsibilities which isn't easy given she's been having some weird dreams and scala related issues.  As their honeymoon comes to a close, time to get back to responsibilities of life, Lincoln disappears and Myla wakes up with someone who looks like her husband but she can tell is not.  Problem is not everyone else can pick up on 'Evil Lincoln' as she is.  Oh and he may have already planted that the pregnancy has made her crazy.  Yep that doesn't go over well with Myla.  Myla is always ready for a fight, and fighting to find her real Angelbound love is priority number one.  Only with her pregnancy she has to fight smart, less punching more thinking.  Enlisting the help of people she knows she can trust she must get to the bottom of what is happening before its too late.

                I have enjoyed all of the books in this series.  This series and author are auto-buy for me and as soon as pre-order links are available I always get my copy secured.  The world as a whole is vast and ever changing full of so many amazing stories and inspiration to draw from.  Each book is slam packed full of action, even if Myla is not jumping in fists first, Thrax doesn't lose any of the fast paced action.  The pacing keeps up as there is a mystery to solve.  Why would someone replace Lincoln?  But more important where is he?  I have really enjoyed watching Myla grow and change as the series grows and she adapts to each change in her life but still maintains who she is at her core.  She may be the Great Scala, a wife, queen, and mother to be but she is also part lust and wrath demon with a wicked sense of humor and a kick butt attitude. 

                I adore my Myla and Lincoln.  I can't say how much I adore this couple and how well they mesh for me.  I don't just adore him as a book boyfriend but I love them together.  The way they balance one another out just makes them for me and I could never grow tired of them.  With that in mind, with Lincoln being missing (the real deal one anyways) Myla works with her best friend Cissy.  I have enjoyed this friendship since book one and appreciate that is has come back into focus.  I love seeing more of Cissy and Myla adventures since they too balance one another out in a different kind of way.  We also got another character to 'meet' as it were that just had me saying 'awe' or laughing constantly. 


                This book flew by in pretty much one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.  That is one of my favorite parts of these books they have so much happening but it happens in a way that you just sail on through from sweet moments, heart racing, shock and awe, and surprises all the time.  There is always something new to learn and see. Thrax is a rollercoaster ready to take you on a fast thrilling ride you will enjoy and want to go on again!  Every book is.  I'm so excited for book five The Dark Lands but more than that a prequel Duty Bound  from Lincolns POV which comes out first.  So many stories I can't get enough! Plus come on these covers!  

                If it's not clear by my enthusiasm I highly recommend this series to EVERYONE!  Seriously read it so we can discuss because I have far too few people to gush about this with!  

Saturday, September 23, 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.  So between a week of no books, Irma and my hiatus during/following these are the goodies I got in the last couple weeks.  Several you will see were in preparation for a book event I was attending for Epic Reads!  Little Shop of Stories did something new this time and they did author speed dating, splitting the three talented authors up into smaller groups for more personal groups.  It was a blast!  
            
Physical Books:
One Dark Throne (Three Dark Crowns #2) by Kendare Blake 
The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley
Neighborhood Girls by Jessie Ann Foley

BookOutlet Haul:
Three DarkCrowns (Three Dark Crowns #1)  by Kendare Blake
TheThousandth Floor (The Thousandth Floor #1) by Katharine McGee
               
Siren's Song  &  Siren's Fury (Storm Siren # 2-3) by Mary Webber

Enter TitleHere by Rahul Kanakia
Don't LookBack by Jennifer L. Armentrout (review)
Forever Red & Red Vengeance (Black Widow#1-2) by Margaret Stohl

Review:
Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2) by P.C. Cast 

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


Sunday, September 10, 2017

Irma Hiatus

So this is a quick post via my phone.  I live at the Florida/Georgia line area.  I am also a dispatcher.  So as you might imagine Irma is making life real interesting at the moment.  Currently my home is safe, my big concern will be the few trees and any possible power outages that will more than likely plague the city.  However, with so many evacuees from South Florida, family coming up, and the like plus working extra shifts things are crazy.  I am hoping things clear up quickly, I mean my birthday is Tuesday and I had plans.  But for now my focus has to be on the storm.  I wish everyone well and anyone in the path of Irma be smart and stay safe.  

Friday, September 8, 2017

Cover Reveal: The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So with Irma making my town go crazy and the back and forth on what path and the impact my area will suffer is making normal life difficult.  I am hoping for the best in my area and living life as normal as possible until I have more information.  That said today I am happy to share the cover release of a highly anticipated book for me, The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3) by Elise Kova.  That’s right I loved and reviewed TheAlchemists of Loom and The Dragons ofNova here this year and can’t believe I will be getting the final book in the trilogy The Rebels of Gold this year as well!

                This is awesome!!!  Seriously one of my most anticipated reads!  Well sort of I listed to the first two audiobooks and I kind of want to finish off the series in audiobook form just because they were so enjoyable! 

Series:  The Loom Saga (Book 3 / Final book)
Release Date:  December 5, 2017

                A new rebellion rises from the still-smoldering remnants of the five guilds of Loom to stand against Dragon tyranny.  Meanwhile, on Nova, those same Dragons fight amongst themselves, as age-old power struggles shift the political landscape in fateful and unexpected ways.  Unlikely leaders vie for the opportunity to shape a new world order from the perfect clockwork designs of one temperamental engineer. 

                This is the final installment of USA Today bestselling author Elise Kova’s Loom Saga, The Rebels of Gold will reveal the fate of Loom’s brilliantly contrasting world and its beloved inhabitants.

***** 

               To celebrate the final book in the Loom Saga, the first book, The Alchemists of Loom, is on sale!  The ebook is on sale for $3.99! 

               Now for those of you who love book swag, there is some pretty cool pre-order swag available as well.  For those who preorder The Rebels of Gold, they can get exclusive swag.  All the details can be found here.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the gorgeous cover, your thoughts on the series thus far, or even theories for the final book and how things will wrap up.  Share in the comments below so we can discuss! 

Pre-order THE REBELS OF GOLD from:

| AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY |
| BOOKS A MILLION |
(more pre-order locations to come)

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Glass Spare

                “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:

The Glass Spare (The Glass Spare #1) by Lauren DeStefano
Out: 10/24          

From Goodreads:
                A banished princess.
                A deadly curse.
                A kingdom at war.

                Wil Heidle, the only daughter of the king of the world’s wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows.  Kept hidden from the world in order to serve as a spy for her father—whose obsession with building his empire is causing a war—Wil wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond her kingdom, if only her father would give her the chance.

                Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret.  Her touch turns people into gemstone.  At first Wil is horrified—but as she tests its limits, she’s drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability.  When it leads to tragedy, Wil is forced to face the destructive power within her and finally leave her home to seek the trust and a cure.

                But finding the key to her redemption puts her in the path of a cursed prince who has his own ideas for what to do with her power.

                With a world on the brink of war and a power of ultimate destruction, can Wil find a way to help the kingdom that’s turned its back on her, or will she betray her past and her family forever?

Why I’m Waiting:
                I think this one sounds interesting.  It reminds me a bit of the Midas touch but to me gemstones are much prettier.  I’m curious to see where this one will go. 

                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.




Saturday, September 2, 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:
Anna Dressedin Blood (Anna #1) by Kendare Blake
The DazzlingHeights (The Thousandth Floor #2) by Katharine McGee

E-Book Review:
Thrax (Angelbound Origins #4) by Christina Bauer
Wolves andRoses  (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1) by Christina Bauer

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


Friday, September 1, 2017

Mirror Me

                Hello happy readers!  Happy Friday.  I'm thrilled for this weekend because I am supposed to do my second escape room with my group tomorrow and I am beyond thrilled to see if we can continue the success in the Mad Hatter room.  Today's review kind of follows along the lines, going down the rabbit hole in a tale of a girl and her adventure wondering if she is going mad.  The book is Mirror Me by Tara St. Pierre.  I reviewed another title by the author Just a Few Inches some time back and enjoyed the writing and message so I was more than ready to give this new one a read.  I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                Mirror Me follows our MC Hannah who is currently under lock and key with strict rules and punishments in place while attending a private school.  It seems a bit harsh, the list of unapproved things but Hannah is trying to be better.  These are in place after a major screw up the previous year.  She is trying to get her life back on track and earn back trust.  So when she suddenly starts getting in trouble, accused of breaking the rules she has been so diligent to follow, no one believes she isn’t doing them.  She can’t even look at her own reflection, seeing a completely different person in there.  Are her past mistakes coming back to haunt her or is she losing her mind.

                 At the start we know Hannah got into some trouble and has since moved and started over but with no trust built with her mother and some serious rules.  I wanted to know just what happened to inspire these rules from the start and getting little bits along the way made me even more curious as I tried to figure it out.  Her mom, while I really appreciated her taking an active role in her life unlike some parents in YA who are never around, I think she was a bit harsh.  The whole dynamic works well within the story and really plays out over the length of the story.  There are also moments where I felt honest empathy for several of the characters.

                Hannah is very hard on herself and is punishing herself for what happened.  I liked that she was remorseful for what happened, even before we knew what that was.  She was the kind of person who knows she was making mistakes and is trying to learn from them and change.  Which is why I thought her mom was too harsh most of the time.  You can sympathize with her and what she is going through in trying to atone.  Hannah has her friends that she is close with and you can feel the bonds there even through ups and downs.  With friends you don't always have to agree with each other or approve of things they do to be friends.  Not every friendship is perfect but I enjoyed that they were able to work through difficult times.  Still they have plenty of hilarious moments and real sincerity. 

                The romance in this was rather cute and a bit different.  I liked the overall twist and the fall out of that twist.  I think everyone took it so much better than I think I would have.  The book has many great and positive messages that I really enjoyed.  They weren't shoved at you to make a point but woven into a fast and engaging story.  A girl with a past has things start happening that she can't explain.  Is she losing her mind?  Is her past coming back for her?  The play in binding just a touch of magical/fantasy elements was perfect.  Anything is possible.

                This was a quick read for me and I probably would have finished it in one sitting had I not been out of town at the time squeezing in family visits and the like.  It was easy to pick back up and fall right back into the story.  I would easily recommend this story to anyone for the plot and the way it makes you think and take stock.  Plus any book where you seriously doubt the sanity of the character is something I want to read.  I'm happy this book fell into my radar because it was an enjoyable read for me and that is always a positive!


                Until next time…