Shon's November Reading Wrap Up & Book Haul

Hello Bookworms!  Another month has come to an end and that means it's time for my monthly wrap up!  I read one Books this month.

November Wrap Up

ROMANCE: Quarterback (An Alpha Billionaire Bad Boy Romance) (Contemporary New Adult Sport Romance) by Jess Winters

Being in love with a billionaire is one thing, but falling in love with the quarter back of the Atlantic Bulls whose head coach is your father? That is on a whole other level!

Katie Bersat finds herself in an on and off relationship with Steven Wilson. After her father threatens to enforce a transfer of Steven to a different team after finding out about their relationship, Kate is forced to keep off and let him be. But their attraction goes beyond the physical and she finds herself connecting with him on a whole new level.

Image is important for her and as she carries on with her daily activities she finds herself being drawn back to the arms of her man. This time he proposes to her and wants to make their union not only official but permanent.

Will Kate heed her father’s words and stay away from her bad boy who is “always high on cocaine” as her father says? Or will she roll the dice and choose love above all else?

I gave this book 2 out of 5 stars. See review here.

November Book Haul

Black City (Black City #1) by Elizabeth Richards

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-old Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

Phoenix (Black City #2) by Elizabeth Richards

Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie’s life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose’s Law—a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth.






Wings (Black City #3) by Elizabeth Richards 

Following the cliffhanger ending of Phoenix, Natalie finds herself separated from Ash and unexpectedly reunited with her parents, including the father she thought was dead. But she can only think of Ash. She hasn't heard a word of him since she and Elijah were brought to the underground headquarters of the Sentry Rebellion. But she vows to find him.







The Conspiracy of Us (The Conspiracy of Us #1) by Maggie Hall 

A fast-paced international escapade, laced with adrenaline, glamour, and romance--perfect for fans of Ally Carter

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

William Shakespeare's Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge (William Shakespeare's Star Wars #3) by Ian Doescher

To thine own Sith be true. Lend us your ears and comlinks for a Shakespearean retelling ofStar Wars Episode III! A once-heroic knight becomes the darkest of villains. The Jedi suffer slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The Republic falls, an Empire rises, and so begins the long wait for a New Hope.








The Stars Never Rise (Well of Souls #1) by Rachel Vincent

Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.




The Novice (Summoner #1) by Taran Matharu

When blacksmith apprentice Fletcher discovers that he has the ability to summon demons from another world, he travels to Adept Military Academy. There the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Fletcher is put through grueling training as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire’s war against orcs. He must tread carefully while training alongside children of powerful nobles. The power hungry, those seeking alliances, and the fear of betrayal surround him. Fletcher finds himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with only his demon Ignatius for help.

The Inquisition (Summoner #2) by Taran Matharu

A year has passed since the Tournament.

Fletcher and Ignatius have been locked away in Pelt’s dungeons, but now they must face a trial at the hands of the Inquisition, a powerful institution controlled by those who would delight in Fletcher’s downfall.







A Book of Spirits and Thieves (Spirits and Thieves #1) by Morgan Rhodes

Modern-day sisters discover deadly ancient magic in book 1 of this Falling Kingdoms spin-off series!

Worlds collide in this suspenseful, page-turning Falling Kingdoms spin-off series, which explores a whole new side of Mytica—and an even darker version of its magic.





Slasher Girls & Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke

For fans of Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Lois Duncan, and Daphne Du Maurier comes a powerhouse anthology featuring some of the best writers of YA thrillers and horror

A host of the smartest young adult authors come together in this collection of scary stories and psychological thrillers curated by Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’s April Genevieve Tucholke.




Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer 

Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Knight's Shadow (Greatcoats #2) by Sebastien de Castell 

Following his beloved debut, Traitor's Blade, Sebastien de Castell returns with volume two of his fast-paced fantasy adventure series, inspired by the swashbuckling action and witty banter of The Three Musketeers. Knight's Shadow continues the series with a thrilling and dark tale of heroism and betrayal in a country crushed under the weight of its rulers' corruption.





Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1) by Kendare Blake

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

"Waiting On" Wednesday #14: Spindle

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Spindle
Author: E.K. Johnston
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Expected publication: December 6, 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult 



The world is made safe by a woman...but it is a very big world.

It has been generations since the Storyteller Queen drove the demon out of her husband and saved her country from fire and blood. Her family has prospered beyond the borders of their village, and two new kingdoms have sprouted on either side of the mountains where the demons are kept prisoner by bright iron, and by the creatures the Storyteller Queen made to keep them contained.

But the prison is crumbling. Through years of careful manipulation, a demon has regained her power. She has made one kingdom strong and brought the other to its knees, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When a princess is born, the demon is ready with the final blow: a curse that will cost the princess her very soul, or force her to destroy her own people to save her life.

The threads of magic are tightly spun, binding princess and exiled spinners into a desperate plot to break the curse before the demon can become a queen of men. But the web of power is dangerously tangled--and they may not see the true pattern until it is unspooled. 

Top Ten Tuesday #49: Holiday Gift Guide

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Holiday Gift Guide freebie (ten books to buy the YA lover in your life, 10 books to buy for your dad, etc.)

  Top Ten Books Series to buy the YA lover in your life

 

1. Harry Potter series 

2. The Hunger Games

3. The Mortal Instruments series 

4. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series 

5. Vampire Academy series 

6. The Infernal Devices series 

7. Divergent series

8. The Lunar Chronicles series

9. Bloodlines series

10. Red Queen series

Manic Monday #1: Popular Young Adult Books

Manic Monday. . .

Hello Bookworms. It's another Monday morning. I was watching videos on YouTube this past weekend and I notice that a lot of Book Tuber have top 5 or 10 list. Which got me think, so I came up with this ideal to do my own list.  So every Monday, I will post a bookish list of things that are on my mind. 

This week list is, Popular Young Adult Books, that I just did not like or get.

1. Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer 

I did not understand why everybody love this series so much. I would like to blame age on why I did not like this series but, after doing the math I see that I was 20 something when I read this series. What Stephenie Meyer call vampires made me laugh out loud. She said they shine bright like a diamond in the sun. The story was over after that.

2.  Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

I have seen this book on a lot of list. This is my WTF I'm reading book. People told me not to read the book but I did anyway.  I feel that this series was written by 3 different people or someone who suffering from multiple personality disorder.

3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

So many people loved Anna and the French Kiss while I had such a strong dislike for it. There is a scene in the novel between Anna and her little brother that made me laugh because they where playing with Star Wars action figure. But otherwise a lot of my feelings towards Anna and the French Kiss consist of intense dislike. There were several times when I honestly had to put the book down and walk away for a while because I was getting so frustrated with the story and characters.

4. Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Where do I begin. I think if I had just read the synopsis on Goodreads about this book instead of listening to others people opinions and review on this book. I would not have gone into this book with such high hopes and expectations.

People refer to this book as an Epic Fantasy. I read this book there was nothing epic or fantasy about it. It was nothing more then a contemporary romance novel.

The heroine in this novel was described as the world's best assassin. But to me she was nothing more than a whiny drama queen she was more concerned about how she look and the clothes she wore.

"Waiting On" Wednesday #13: Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between
Author: Lauren Graham
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Expected publication: November 29, 2016 
Genres: Autobiography, Memoir 

Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

In her first work of nonfiction, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood recounts her experiences on Gilmore Girls—the first and second time—and shares stories about life, love, and working in Hollywood. This collection of essays is written in the intimate, hilarious, and down-to earth voice that made her novel, Someday Someday Maybe, a New York Times bestseller.


“This book contains some stories from my life: the awkward growing up years, the confusing dating years, the fulfilling working years, and what it was like to be asked to play one of my favorite characters again. You probably think I’m talking about my incredible achievement as Dolly in Hello, Dolly! as a Langley High School junior, a performance my dad called “you’re so much taller than the other kids.” But no! I’m talking about Lorelai Gilmore, who, back in 2008, I wasn’t sure I’d ever see again. Also included: tales of living on a houseboat, meeting guys at awards shows, and that time I was asked to be a butt model. A hint: all three made me seasick.”—Lauren Graham

Top Ten Tuesday #48: Thanksgiving freebie

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Thanksgiving freebie -- tell us what you are thankful for! Books you are thankful for!

Things that Shon is thankful for....

• I'm thankful I have such an awesome family and friends that love and support me.

• I'm thankful I have a roof over my head and food on the table to eat.
•  I am thankful that I am healthy!

•  I'm thankful for all the author who have taking the time to write so many wonderful book to read.

•  I'm thankful for all the books.

•  I'm thankful for for Amazon, Book Outlet and Barnes and Noble.

•  I'm thankful for the music, it help when I'm blogging.

•  I'm thankful for all our blogger and bookstagramer friends.

•  I'm thankful for public library.

• I'm thankful for coffee.

Shon & Tina Review: Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Title / Author: Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Published: May 1st 2007 by St. Martin's Griffin
Page: 306
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy and Paranormal
Source: Bought
Series: House of Night
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Synopsis

After a Vampire Tracker Marks her with a crescent moon on her forehead, 16-year-old Zoey Redbird enters the House of Night and learns that she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx and has affinities for all five elements: Air, Fire Water, Earth and Spirit. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite club, is mis-using her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny – with a little help from her new vampyre friends (or Nerd Herd, as Aphrodite calls them)

~*~We chose the House of Night series as our October read.~*~

Shon's Thoughts:

The book starts out kind of interesting. It's different from your typical vampire stories. I felt if I had read this book back in 2007, I would have enjoyed it even more.

For some strange reason I had a hard time getting through chapter 16. It took me a whole day to read that one chapter.

One thing that I found interesting was that Zoey, had an affinity for the five elements: wind, fire, water, earth and spirit. It reminds me of Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir from Vampire Academy. (Both series came out in 2007).


I do not not see myself  continuing with the series.


I gave this book 2 out of 5 stars.






Tina's Take:


I also had a hard time reading this book. I couldn't take it seriously. There was constant eye rolling. There was barely any intelligence from anyone aside from the main character. The story was predictable. Of course the heroine will take over as leader of the coven. Classic hero story. There was also plenty of hero worship in this story.


The only part I found funny was her complete assery to pretty boys even though she herself was pretty. Thank goodness she has a good circle of friends, they were entertaining, and make up a great squad.


The writing style loosely reminds me of LJ Smith because the story incorporated various fantasy elements and does not distinctly stick to vampirism. Overall, if it wasn't so silly, I would give it a higher rating.
I gave this book 2 out of 5 stars.

"Waiting On" Wednesday #12: Of Fire and Stars

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Of Fire and Stars
Author: Audrey Coulthurst
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Expected publication: November 22, 2016 
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy and Romance

Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 


Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine (called Mare), sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, each discovers there’s more to the other than she thought. Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. Soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other.

Top Ten Tuesday #47: Movie Freebie

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Movie Freebie -- top ten all time favorite movies, top ten foreign films, top ten rom-coms, top ten 90's movies, top ten action flicks, top ten tear-jerkers, top ten movies your favorite actor/actress is in, top ten movies with PoC leads, etc. etc.)

Favorite Movies

Shon's Picks

1. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

2. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

3. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

4. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens

5. Die Hard

6. Die Hard 2

7. Die Hard with a Vengeance

  

Tina's Picks

I enjoy action films and feel good stories. Here are my top selections:

Face Off

 Stardust

 Big Fish

 

Friday 56! November 9, 2016

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice. 

1. Grab a book, any book. 
2. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. 
3. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. 
4. Post it.

"I told myself that she was just freaked out about everything but a part of me wonders if she wonders. If she keeps looking at me like that because she's trying to figure out if she's dating a killer or some shit." -Reed 

From the book 

Twisted Palace (The Royals #3)  by Erin Watt

Have a safe weekend

Xo,

Wendy

Tina Reviews: The Thousandth Floor

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee Published August 30th 2016 by HarperCollins 
Genres: Sci-Fic, Young Adult
Page: 448
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina
 
Synopsis

A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future where anything is possible—if you want it enough. Welcome to Manhattan 2118.

A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. Everyone there wants something…and everyone has something to lose.


Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Fantastic buildup. I especially liked the flow of the story and the way the characters are depicted. I love how each are such complex characters yet they are all tragically flawed. The author moves you to care about each of their lives and I enjoyed watching how each one is connected to another's story.

Loved the tech world the author built. Laughed at the "gummy buddies" scene. And love the capability of installing a quant inside your head. 


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Prediction (Spoilery)
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Can it be possible that no one will be spared? Will none of them be able to find their happy ending? The author is ruthless :D

"Waiting On" Wednesday #11: This Is Our Story

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: This Is Our Story
Author: Ashley Elston
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Expected publication: November 15, 2016 
Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller 

Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

No one knows what happened that morning at River Point. Five boys went hunting. Four came back. The boys won’t say who fired the shot that killed their friend; the evidence shows it could have been any one of them. 

Kate Marino’s senior year internship at the District Attorney’s Office isn’t exactly glamorous—more like an excuse to leave school early that looks good on college applications. Then the DA hands her boss, Mr. Stone, the biggest case her small town of Belle Terre has ever seen. The River Point Boys are all anyone can talk about. Despite their damning toxicology reports the morning of the accident, the DA wants the boys’ case swept under the rug. He owes his political office to their powerful families.

Kate won’t let that happen. Digging up secrets without revealing her own is a dangerous line to walk; Kate has her own reasons for seeking justice for Grant. As she and Stone investigate—the ageing prosecutor relying on Kate to see and hear what he cannot—she realizes that nothing about the case—or the boys—is what it seems. Grant wasn’t who she thought he was, and neither is Stone’s prime suspect. As Kate gets dangerously close to the truth, it becomes clear that the early morning accident might not have been an accident at all—and if Kate doesn’t uncover the true killer, more than one life could be on the line…including her own.

Top Ten Tuesday #46: Ten Books I've Added To My To-Be-Read List

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Ten Books I've Added To My To-Be-Read List Lately (inspired by my New to the Queue posts)

TBR List

  

Tina's Picks

 

Books I want to read before the end of 2016: