Thursday 11 May 2017

MAY BOOKS ON MY SHELF '17



May Books on my Shelf!

I got this idea to call it Books on my Shelf from http://cornucopiaofreviews.blogspot.com/

I know this is rather late but I really wanted this to go up because I have a ton of books to read and I want to get through as many as I can. Let's get into it.




The first book I have on this list is The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud. I already love this series so much because it is a lot like Rick Riordan books with humor and great characters. I am about 20% through this book and I am loving it. I can't wait to finish it.

In the six months since Anthony, Lucy, and George survived a night in the most haunted house in England, Lockwood & Co. hasn't made much progress. Quill Kipps and his team of Fittes agents keep swooping in on Lockwood's investigations. Finally, in a fit of anger, Anthony challenges his rival to a contest: the next time the two agencies compete on a job, the losing side will have to admit defeat in the Times newspaper.

Things look up when a new client, Mr. Saunders, hires Lockwood & Co. to be present at the excavation of Edmund Bickerstaff, a Victorian doctor who reportedly tried to communicate with the dead. Saunders needs the coffin sealed with silver to prevent any supernatural trouble. All goes well-until George's curiosity attracts a horrible phantom. 

Back home at Portland Row, Lockwood accuses George of making too many careless mistakes. Lucy is distracted by urgent whispers coming from the skull in the ghost jar. Then the team is summoned to DEPRAC headquarters. Kipps is there too, much to Lockwood's annoyance. Bickerstaff's coffin was raided and a strange glass object buried with the corpse has vanished. Inspector Barnes believes the relic to be highly dangerous, and he wants it found.





The second book I have on this list is A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. I haven't read this yet which is actually really surprising. I adored the first book when I read it last year and the third book has come out so now I have to read this one. I am really excited to read it.

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.




The third book on this list is Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman. I am already reading this book and the main character, Kate is such a unique character and the book is very unique as well. It is a Western which is something that I have never read before.

Revenge is worth its weight in gold.

When her father is murdered for a journal revealing the location of a hidden gold mine, eighteen-year-old Kate Thompson disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers—and justice. What she finds are untrustworthy strangers, endless dust and heat, and a surprising band of allies, among them a young Apache girl and a pair of stubborn brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, a startling truth becomes clear: some men will stop at nothing to get their hands on gold, and Kate’s quest for revenge may prove fatal.




The fourth book on this list is The 100 by Kass Morgan. As I told you before, I am watching the TV show and I want to see what it is based on. It is so different so far but I am enjoying it so I am keeping at it.

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.

Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents -- considered expendable by society -- are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission.

CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves -- but will she ever forgive him? Reckless BELLAMY fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only pair of siblings in the universe. And GLASS managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.

Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their pasts, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope.




The fifth book I have on this list is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling. I have had this out for so long from the library but I've heard both bad and good things about it. I am worried about starting this but I will probably do so.

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016. 

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.






The sixth book I have on this list is Joyride by Anna Banks. I have this out as an audiobook from the library and am currently listening to it whenever I am doing my blog or stuff like that. I am currently adoring it because the people reading it are amazing and the characters are hilarious. Contemporaries are really my thing lately.

A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.

It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.

Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.

All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.








The last book I have on this list is the Book Club Book for this month which is Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. I have been wanting to read this for a long time and it looks so unique. I hope some of you join me in reading this, this month.

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.


That is it for this blogpost. I'll see you all soon.

APRIL '17 WRAP-UP



So, it's the end of the month and that means another wrap-up!

I had an okay reading month. I didn't read too many books but I was studying for my AP exams most of the month which I have just finished. Yay! Blogging didn't do so well either.

But spring break was this month and I watched a lot of TV and a couple movies in the theater. I finished the entire first season of the 100 which was amazing and I bought season 2 from Barnes and Noble. I also finished the first season of Pretty Little Liars and started the second season. I actually like this show which is surprising. I saw Beauty and the Beast for the second time in the theater with my friend and I enjoyed it just as much.  The second movie I saw in the theater was Power Rangers. Quite a few people I know did not enjoy this movie but I loved it. It was hilarious and the diversity was really important.

Join my book club: here.

 Anyways...

Time to talk about the books I read this month.


PHYSICAL BOOKS





The first physical book I read was Ronit & Jamil by Pamela L. Laskin. I did not enjoy this book because it wasn't at all what I expected. I have a full review up which I will link down under the review section. I ended up rating it 2 Crowns.

The second physical book I read was City of Glass by Cassandra Claire. I really enjoy this series. It is so much fun. I love the characters and the story. I was a little confused because it ended so nicely and yet there are still three or four more books. I ended up rating it 5 Crowns.




The third physical book I read was Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler. I was so surprised because I enjoyed it. Contemporaries aren't usually my thing but lately I have been enjoying this genre so much. This book was so much fun. I loved the main character, Harper, and the whole setting of New York and working at a magazine was amazing. I rated this 4 Crowns.

The fourth physical book I read was Nemesis by Anna Banks. This was such an interesting book with an interesting main character named Sepora. I also loved Tarik and a review should be up as soon as possible. I rated this 4 Crowns.



The fifth physical book I read was Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza. This book was amazing. It reminded me a bit of other science fiction space books like Starflight and The Lunar Chronicles. I also love how there was no love interest for Rhee and she was really badass so far. I'm excited for the next book. I rated this 4 Crowns.

The sixth and last physical book I read was The Valiant by Lesley Livingston. I loved this book as well because it was about Ancient Rome and the main character was a female gladiator. I rated this 4 Crowns.




ARC'S READ


NONE


REVIEWS IN MARCH: 



OTHER POSTS: 


MUSIC MONDAY:

NONE

TOP TEN TUESDAY: 

NONE

TOP FIVE WEDNESDAY: 

NONE


WEEKLY WRAP-UP:




DISCUSSIONS/OTHER:






FAVORITE COVER OF THE MONTH:




NEW FICTIONAL BAE'S: 

Tarik from Nemesis by Anna Banks

Alyosha from Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhonda Belleza 

Cai from The Valiant by Lesley Livingston




TV SHOWS I WATCHED THIS MONTH:

 



MOVIES I WATCHED THIS MONTH:



CHALLENGE UPDATES:

2017 New Release Challenge: 

1. FrostBlood by Elly Blake
2. Wanted by Betsy Schow
3. These Ruthless Deeds
4. It Started with Goodbye
4. 10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac
5. Freeks by Amanda Hocking
6. Hunted by Meagan Spooner
7. Ronit & Jamil by Pamela L. Laskin
8. Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza
9. The Valiant by Lesley Livingston


NetGalley Challenge: 

1. FrostBlood by Elly Blake
2. Wanted by Betsy Schow
3. These Ruthless Deeds
4. It Started with Goodbye
4. 10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac

Series Ender: 

None

Debut Challenge: 

1. FrostBlood by Elly Blake
2. It Started with Goodbye 

Retellings Reading Challenge: 

1. Ash by Malinda Lo
2. Wanted by Betsy Schow
3. Heartless by Melissa Meyer
4. Kingdom of Ash and Briars by Hannah West
5. Hunted by Meagan Spooner


Beat the Backlist Challenge:

1. Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston 
2. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
3. Black Widow Forever Red by Margaret Stohl
4. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
5. These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas
6. Glitter by Aprilynne Pike
7. Ash by Malinda Lo
8. Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
9. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
10. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
11. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
12. The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
13. City of Ashes by Cassandra Claire
14. The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
15. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
16. Kingdom of Ash and Briars by Hannah West
17. City of Glass by Cassandra Claire
18. Little Black Dresses, Little Black Lies by Laura Stampler
19. Nemesis by Anna Banks


Flights of Fantasy Challenge: 

1. FrostBlood by Elly Blake
2. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
3. Ash by Malinda Lo
4. Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
5. Wanted by Betsy Schow
6. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
7. The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
8. City of Ashes by Cassandra Claire
9. Freeks by Amanda Hocking
10. Kingdom of Ash and Briars by Hannah West
11. Hunted by Meagan Spooner
12. Nemesis by Anna Banks
13. Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza

Diverse Reads 2017:

1. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
2. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
3. Ash by Malinda Lo
4. 10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac
5. Ronit & Jamil by Pamela L. Laskin


WHAT BOOKS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:



 




NEW BLOG FINDS

NONE

SONGS ON REPEAT


John Wayne - Lady Gaga

Now Or Never - Halsey

Kissing Strangers - DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj

Beauty and the Beast Album - Various Artists

I Feel Love - Riverdale Cast



The graphics at the top belong to me. The background pictures for them, however do not.

Sunday 7 May 2017

Bookish News and Stuff #1


Hello guys!  I've decided to introduce a new feature on my blog which will be posted every few weeks or so when I have a lot of book , movie and TV news. This mostly focuses on book cover reveals, new books, book to movie adaptations and book to tv show adaptations. There will occasionally be other news that I will share with you such as a new series or something to look out for that I enjoy. 

Since today's news and stuff post contains a lot, let's get started. 


BOOK NEWS


The first piece of book news is that Tahereh Mafi [author of the Shatter Me trilogy and Furthermore] just announced that she is going to be continuing the Shatter Me trilogy. This is so exciting even though I haven't finished the series, because fans have always wanted more. Check out the synopsis for the fourth book here



The second piece of book news is that we got a cover and a title for Leigh Bardugo's new book coming out in September. [IKR! Two books from Leigh Bardugo in one year! How does she do it?]. It is called The Language of Thorns and it is so beautiful. It is a collection of short stories and I will be picking this one up.  



The third piece of book news is also regarding Leigh Bardugo. She has released the title of a new book of hers but there is no release date yet. I am guessing 2018. This time it is a Contemporary New Adult. I am excited!!



The fourth piece of book news is about a new imprint of Rick Riordan's. Disney-Hyperion is launching a new imprint called Rick Riordan Presents which is devoted to mythology-based books for middle grade readers. The first three titles and authors have been revealed. Roshani Chokshi [known for her book The Star-Touched Queen] is writing a book called Aru Shah and the End of Time. It is described as Percy Jackson meets Sailor Moon.  Then we have Storm Runner by Jennifer Cervantes which includes Mayan gods [this should be interesting]. And last but not least we have Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee and is described as Korean Fox Spirits in space.  I am excited to see what will be new from this imprint. 



The fifth piece of book news is actually another thing from Rick Riordan. The cover was revealed for Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead and it is stunning. 



The sixth, seventh and eighth pieces of book news are all cover reveals so I decided to group them together. The first cover reveal is for the sequel to The Thousandth Floor called The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee. It is gorgeous but I am a little bit confused as to why there are two towers on the cover. Oh well, guess I'll have to read it.  The second cover reveal is for the last Falling Kingdoms book, Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes. And Magneo is on the cover. I hope my ship is safe. *crosses fingers*. The last cover reveal is for Ever the Brave by Erin Summerill. The cover is a really bright red and I like how there is a castle in the background. 



The ninth piece of book news is a new book by Marie Lu called Kingdom of Back which will be published by Putnam Publishing. It is based on the childhood of Mozart and I am here for this! This is set to release in 2019. 


The tenth piece of book news is the announcement that Mary E. Pearson is going to be writing a new book called Dance of Thieves which will be published by Henry Holt Publishing. It is going to be set in the universe of the Remnant Chronicles and I couldn't be more excited! It should be released in 2018!


The eleventh piece of book news is that Gwen Cole is writing a futuristic western. I am all for more YA westerns so I will be looking forward to this one which is set to release in 2018. 



The twelfth piece of book news is that Claire Legrand is writing a new trilogy about two young women who are centuries apart and must fight a cosmic war that spans millennia. I loved Winterspell so I am all for new books from Claire Legrand. The first book is set to release in 2018.


The thirteenth piece of book news is that Colleen Oakes is set to release a new book called The Black Coats in 2019. 



The fourteenth piece of book news is that Kiersten White [author of And I Darken] is going to be writing a spin-off series based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I know nothing about Buffy but I will probably read these. The first is set to release in 2018. 



The fifteenth piece of book news is that Sarah J. Maas' Chaol book is called Tower of Dawn. A lot of people are worried about this because Sarah J. Maas has treated Chaol like trash throughout this season [HE DESERVES BETTER] but I will buy it and read it because bby Chaol. 



The sixteenth piece of book news is that there is going to be a YA book based on Mean Girls. I'm not going to read this but I had to put this on here. 



The seventeenth and last piece of book news is that there is going to be a new Star Wars anthology called Star Wars: From A Certain Point of View. This is releasing in October of this year [2017] and there are some great authors who are writing parts of this such as Renee Ahdieh.


MOVIE NEWS


The first piece of movie news is that there is going to be a movie based on the book, A Wrinkle in Time which will be released in 2018. I have not read the book yet but I shall soon. 



The second piece of movie news is that Ophelia by Lisa Klein is set to be adapted into a movie. This book is a retelling of Hamlet about the character of Ophelia. I personally think this will be interesting. 



The third piece of movie news is that A Darker Shade of Magic which will be produced by Gerard Butler.  I have yet to read this book but I want to see this. 



The fourth piece of movie news is that FOX has acquired the rights to Three Dark Crowns by Kendra Blake. I also have yet to read this but I think it's interesting that so many YA books are set to be adapted soon. 


The fifth piece of movie news is that The Darkest Minds is going to be adapted into a movie. I started this book and never finished it because I couldn't get into it but since this is happening and they have already started filming, then I must read it. 



The sixth piece of movie news is that Labyrinth Lost is set to be adapted into a movie and Paramount has the rights. 


The seventh piece of movie news is some exciting Harry Potter news. Jude Law is set to play young Dumbledore in the second Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie. I am really excited for this. 



The eighth piece of movie news is that the YA book Scythe is set to be adapted. 



The ninth piece of movie news is that Rebel of the Sands is also set to be adapted. I need to read this book because I heard it is so good. 



The last piece of movie news is that there was a new teaser trailer for the next Star Wars movie which is going to be called The Last Jedi. Who else is both excited and terrified?


TV NEWS


The first piece of television news is that Thirteen Reasons Why has officially gotten a second season. It has been in talks for another season for a couple of weeks which a lot of people had been a little iffy about. 


The second piece of television news is that Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi has gotten a pilot from ABC which is very exciting. 



The third piece of television news is that American Gods by Neil Gaiman is now a TV series which is staring Ricky Whittle [who happens to be in the 100]. I will not be watching this but I felt like it was important information. 



The fourth piece of television news is super exciting. The Raven Boys is getting a television series. I have never read this series but I own one of the books and I am so excited. 



The fifth piece of television news is that Marvel's Cloak and Dagger got a trailer on Netflix. It looks really interesting but I won't be watching it since I don't have Netflix. 


The sixth and last piece of television news is that there is going to be a new show on Freeform [which I also don't have] and it is called Siren. It looks so creepy because it is a siren tv show. 

And that's it for this first news and stuff post. I hope you enjoyed it and learned a little book/movie/tv news from it! See you soon!