"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #55:

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.



Title:Renegades
Author: Marissa Meyer
Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Feiwel & Friends
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies—humans with extraordinary abilities—who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone...except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice—and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

Top Ten Tuesday #87: Halloween Freebie!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Halloween Freebie! (Happy Halloween! Let your creativity run wild with a themed post to celebrate!)

Shon's Halloween TBR

1. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco 

2. Slasher Girls & Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke 

3. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

4. How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather

5. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness 

6. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

7. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst 

8. The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

9. This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

10. Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco 

Disclaimer: I'm not the type of person who reads so-called spooky and scary books. I prefer reading more suspense, mystery books.

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #54:

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Darker (Fifty Shades #5)
Author: E.L. James
Expected publication: November 28, 2017
Genres: New Adult


E L James revisits the world of Fifty Shades with a deeper and darker take on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the globe.

Their scorching, sensual affair ended in heartbreak and recrimination, but Christian Grey cannot get Anastasia Steele out of his mind, or his blood. Determined to win her back, he tries to suppress his darkest desires and his need for complete control, and to love Ana on her own terms.

But the horrors of his childhood still haunt him, and Ana’s scheming boss, Jack Hyde, clearly wants her for himself. Can Christian’s confidant and therapist, Dr. Flynn, help him face down his demons? Or will the possessiveness of Elena, his seducer, and the deranged devotion of Leila, his former submissive, drag Christian down into the past?

And if Christian does win Ana back, can a man so dark and damaged ever hope to keep her?

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

 

Top Ten Tuesday #86: Top Ten Unique Book Titles

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This is our Top Ten List of The Most Unique Book Titles we've ever heard: 

 
Shon's Picks
Graceling by Kristin Cashore  
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Tina's Picks
American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road by Nick Bilton 
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau
Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley
Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
Wicked Like a Wildfire by Lana Popović
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #53: Harry Potter - A History of Magic: The Book of the Exhibition

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.



Title: Harry Potter - A History of Magic: The Book of the Exhibition 
Author:  J.K. Rowling
Expected publication: October 20th 2017 
Genres: Fantasy


Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and the brilliant curators of the British Library. It promises to take readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – from Alchemy and Potions classes through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures

Each chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrationsfrom the Harry Potter archive. There’s also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition – absorbing, insightful and unexpected contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, SteveKloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake – who offer a personal perspective on their magical theme.Readers will be able to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that reveal the secret of the elixir of life, vials of dragon’s blood, mandrake roots, paintedcentaurs and a genuine witch’s broomstick, in a book that shows J.K. Rowling’s magical inventions alongside their cultural and historical forebears.This is the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations, bibliophiles and readers around the world who missed out on the chance to see the exhibition in person.

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

 

Top Ten Tuesday #85: Top Ten Yummy Foods Mentioned In Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Top Ten Yummy Foods Mentioned In Books (Does a character eat something you'd love? Or maybe the book takes place in a bakery/restaurant that makes yummy things? You could also talk about 10 of your favorite cookbooks if you don't read foody books.)

Shon's Picks
OR
Food & Drinks from the Potter Universe
OR
Food & Drink I Get Every Time I Go Universal Studios Hollywood The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans
• Chocolate Frogs
• Pumpkin juice
• Butterbeer
• Gillywater
• Fizzing Whizzbees
• Fudge Flies
• Exploding Bonbons
• Pudding
• Beef Sunday Roast* 

 *Three Broomsticks at Universal Studios Hollywood

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #52: Into the Bright Unknown

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Into the Bright Unknown (The Gold Seer Trilogy #3) 
Author: Rae Carson 
Expected publication: October 10th 2017 
Genres:Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction


The stunning conclusion to Rae Carson’s New York Times–bestselling Gold Seer trilogy, which Publishers Weekly in a starred review called “Simply terrific.” A historical fantasy brimming with magic, romance, and adventure—perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah Maas, and Westworld.

Leah Westfall, her fiancé Jefferson, and her friends have become rich in the California Territory, thanks to Lee’s magical ability to sense precious gold. But their fortune has made them a target, and when a dangerous billionaire sets out to destroy them, Lee and her friends decide they’ve had enough—they will fight back with all their power and talents. Lee’s magic is continuing to strengthen and grow, but someone is on to her—someone who might have a bit of magic herself. The stakes are higher than ever as Lee and her friends hatch a daring scheme that could alter the California landscape forever. With a distinctive young heroine and a unique interpretation of American history, Into the Bright Unknown strikes a rich vein of romance, magic, and adventure, bringing the Gold Seer Trilogy to its epic conclusion. Includes a map and an author’s note.

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

 

Top Ten Tuesday #84: Ten Books With Fall/Autumn Covers/Themes

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Ten Books With Fall/Autumn Covers/Themes (If the cover screams fall to you, or the books give off a feeling of being Fallish)

Shon's pick

Orange books always give me fallish feels.

The Final Descent by Rick Yancey

Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes 

Half Lost by Sally Green

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Shon's Must Read Fall Book Recommendations

5. Harry Potter series 
6. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
7. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
8. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness by Ransom Riggs 

9. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
10. Six of Crows by Leigh Barburgo

Monday Reviews: Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen

Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen Published April 1st 2014 by Strange Chemistry
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal
Page: 469
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the mountain. When Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she realises that the trolls are relying on her to break the curse.
Cécile has only one thing on her mind: escape. But the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time…
But the more time she spends with the trolls, the more she understands their plight. There is a rebellion brewing. And she just might be the one the trolls were looking for...
But the more time she spends with the trolls, the more she understands their plight. There is a rebellion brewing. And she just might be the one the trolls were looking for...

Thoughts

This book came highly recommended by many YA book bloggers and I wasn't sure about a story on "trolls" and to my amazement, this is a delightfully fun read! There wasn't a scene when my heart didn't race in excitement.
 

What I Liked

What I enjoyed most from this book are the characters. They are relatable, warm, and well developed. They make you care about their problems and you ache to help them. My second favorite is the captivating story telling. The writing is action packed and full of drama and intrigue. The plans were well thought out and you just want to root for the prince; you want him to get the girl, see him defeat his father, wish for him to see his plans come to fruition.

What I Did Not Like

I cringed a little at the ending. It felt rushed and lacked creativity. If it could stretch a few more pages... if the plans for the second book is hinted a little more in the last few pages...

Overall

This book made me very happy. Truly elated. This is how a true fantasy should be. It is exciting. Refreshing. Full of possibilities. I'm looking forward to more works from Danielle L. Jensen. Astounding story writer!

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #51: Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View 
Author: by Ben Acker, Renee Ahdieh, Tom Angleberger, Ben Blacker, Jason Fry, Christie Golden, Ashley Eckstein, Mur Lafferty 
Expected publication: October 3rd 2017 
Genres: Star Wars


In celebration of Star Wars’ 40th anniversary, Del Rey is going to shine the spotlight on those unsung weirdos, heroes, and villains with a unique, new anthology. Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, coming October 2017, will bring together more than 40 authors for 40 stories. Each will be told from the perspective of background characters of A New Hope — from X-wing pilots who helped Luke destroy the Death Star to the stormtroopers who never quite could find the droids they were looking for.  


What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

Top Ten Tuesday #83: Top Ten Book Boyfriends

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Top Ten Book Boyfriends (Which characters do you have crushes on?)

Shon's Top 5 Book Boyfriends:

Peeta, The Hunger Games

Dimitri Belikov, Vampire Academy

Wesley "Wes" Rush, The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Jonathan Christopher "Jace" Morgenstern/Lightwood/Herondale, The Mortal Instruments Series

Dean Di Laurentis, The Score by Elle Kennedy 

Wendy's Top 5 Book Boyfriends:

Four, Divergent

Christian Grey, Fifty Shades

 
Adrian Ivashkov, Bloodline 

Alec Lightwood, The Mortal Instruments Series

 Reed Royal, The Royals Series by Erin Watt

Creating & Co Book Club 2017 Readathon: R.I.P.

Hello bookworms! I am participating in the Creating & Co Book Club 2017 R.I.P. Readathon. The readathon will take place from October 16th through October 22nd. Below you will find the book challenge, photo challenge and bonus challenges.

For more information: YouTube

MOST of the readathon action will take place in the Creating & Co Book Club Facebook group. Use hashtag #ccripreadathon to share on social media!

BOOK CHALLENGES

These are the 7 book challenges for the readathon. You can have 1 book count for up to 3 challenges and you can read your books in any order you want to. (My pick for each challenges are in teal).

1. Creature Feature (This is a book that features paranormal creatures. E.g: vampires, werewolves, witches, fairies, angels, demons, etc.):  Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

2. 2017 Release (Any book that was released in 2017): Hunted by Meagan Spooner

3. Book in One Day (A book you start and complete on the same day.):  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling
 
4. Book with a Spooky Cover (Any book you feel has a spooky cover):  Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
 
5. A New Format (Any book in a format you are not used to or read all the time. This could be a graphic novel, audiobook, screenplay, ebook, regular book, whatever.):  Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny by Holly Madison audiobook 

 6. Based on a True Story (Any book that is based on something that really happened.) This could be fiction or nonfiction - Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny by Holly Madison

7. Adaptation (Any book that has been or will be adapted into a tv show, movie, etc.):  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling

PHOTO CHALLENGES

These all have days assigned to them so they must be posted in the same order/on the same day as the challenge.

Day 1: TBR Stack - this is a photo of all the books you plan to read during the readathon.
 
Day 2: Book Unmasked - this is a book without the dust cover on it. It does NOT have to be on your readathon TBR.
 
Day 3: Seasonal Foliage - a photo of a book outside. Preferably one of your TBR but does not have to be
 
Day 4: Face Your Fear - a book that has a cover featuring something that is scary. This does NOT have to be on your TBR and it does not have to be a book in your personal collection.
 
Day 5: Spooky Photo - a spooky/halloween photo featuring a book. It could be your spooky book cover or a book not on your TBR
 
Day 6: Seasonal book stack - a book stack featuring covers that reflect the season you are in.
 
Day 7: Planned and Done -a photo of how you planned for the readathon week. It can be your planner, a list pad, a spreadsheet, whatever.

BONUS CHALLENGES

Challenge 1: Paper Craft - this can be any kind of seasonal/Halloween paper craft. It can feature your planner or not. Bonus if you include the how-to but we'll just ask you to share the craft :)

Challenge 2: Day in the Life - This is perfect for the vloggers and bloggers of the group! This is a video/photo post of a day during the readathon! If you do not have a channel or blog, we will have instructions of how you can do this challenge within the group.

Challenge 3: Spooky Food - this is a spooky/Halloween themed food item you make. Bonus if you include the recipe but a photo is all we'll be asking to share!

Shon's October TBR & Most Anticipated Releases!!

Hello Bookworms.  This month I am participating in the Creating & Co Book Club 2017 R.I.P. Readathon. The readathon will take place from October 16th through October 22nd. (Check back tomorrow for full details). These are the books I'm planning to read this month in addition to the books I'll be reading for the readathon.

~ October TBR ~

The Demon King (Seven Realms #1) by Cinda Williams Chima
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
Before She Ignites (Fallen Isles Trilogy #1) by Jodi Meadows

Most Anticipated Releases!

October 3rd
From a Certain Point of View (Star Wars)
That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston
The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli
Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore
The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3) by Rick Riordan

October 10th
The Silver Mask (Magisterium #4) by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress #1) by Julie C. Dao
Into the Bright Unknown (The Gold Seer Trilogy #3) by Rae Carson 

October 24th
The Glass Spare (The Glass Spare #1) by Lauren DeStefano

October 31st
Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi 

Tell me, what's on your October TBR??