FEBRUARY '17 WRAP-UP

So, it's the end of the month and that means another wrap-up! [Sorry it is so late]

Reading wise, it was a pretty good month. I did have more books that I wished that I could have read and it didn't happen but it's alright. School is still taking up a lot of time which is sad but I have to deal with it.

I also am watching so much TV. Timeless [NBC] has ended and I still have to catch up and we're waiting on news to see if it will get renewed which I'm hoping it will. I'm also watching Supergirl, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. Oh and Riverdale which is honestly the best show ever. It is so good, the characters are amazing as well as the plot. I am doing reviews on my blog for every episode too. :)  Watch it, it's on the CW.

I read nine books this month which I am happy about and a lot of these are eArcs.

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 Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Marissa Meyer is my favorite author and I bought this right after it released back in November but it was fairly slow going so it took me awhile to get into it. But, I obviously became in love with this book and the characters and the story. I really enjoyed it. I rated it 5 Crowns.

The second physical book I read was A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. This book guys. This book. I read this in about thirty minutes and I was a literal mess afterwards. It was so emotional and I could not deal. I will get a full review up as soon as I can. [Sorry, I'm so busy all the time] I rated this one 5 Crowns as well.

The third physical book I read was The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud. This was a Middle Grade that I have seen in the library for ages and I never checked it out because it looked creepy. [Idk why?] I really enjoyed it and I am excited to read the rest of the series. I rated this 5 Crowns.

The fourth physical book I read was The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows. This was a book that I have put off reading for a long time, partly because I didn't have time to read it and partly because I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. I rated this one 4 Crowns.

The fifth and last physical book I read was City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare.  I read the first book practically a year ago and I really enjoyed it but I put this one off for a long time because of other reading priorities. The world and characters completely entrance you when you pick this series up. Clary is such a good heroine and her actions are realistic for someone in her position. I rated this one 5 Crowns.

ARC'S READ

The first ARC I read was Wanted by Betsy Schow. I read the first book, Spelled by Betsy Schow a year ago and I really enjoyed it so when I got the ARC of this, I was stoked but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one as there were some things that confused me such as a new romance that wasn't terribly necessary. I rated this one 4 Crowns and I have a full review which I will link under reviews. 

The second ARC I read was These Ruthless Deeds by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas. I really enjoyed this book but the ending was not something that I was expecting and there were a lot of twists and turns that were interesting. I rated this one 4 Crowns as well. 

The third ARC I read was It Started with Goodbye by Christina June. I did not expect anything out of this book because I just pressed request because the cover was pretty and drew me to it but I happened to really enjoy it. This is a contemporary romance but the romance isn't a huge part of the story. It is apparently a contemporary retelling of Cinderella but it hardly is at all. The main character, Tatum is a graphic designer and has to do community service for a crime she didn't commit. I highly recommend this book and I rated it 4 Crowns. 

The last ARC I read was 10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac. This was by far one of my favorite books of this year so far and it is a contemporary, who would have thought? Maeve [the main character], struggles with anxiety which is a current theme in this book. It is addressed so strongly and smoothly and it is such a good representation. She is also an LGBT character who is already out so there is no coming out story to this which was refreshing. Overall, I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. It is out now so go pick it up!  I did a full review as well which I will link below. I rated it 5 Crowns. 

REVIEWS IN FEBRUARY: 

Wanted by Betsy Schow: 4 Crown Rating

Ash by Malinda Lo: 3.5 Crown Rating

10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac: 5 Crown Rating

OTHER POSTS: 

MUSIC MONDAY:

NONE

TOP TEN TUESDAY: 

NONE

TOP FIVE WEDNESDAY: 

NONE

WEEKLY WRAP-UP:

NONE

DISCUSSIONS/OTHER:

January '17 Wrap Up

FAVORITE COVER OF THE MONTH:

NEW FICTIONAL BAE'S: 

Jest from Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Anthony Lockwood from The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

Tobiah from The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

TV SHOWS 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

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

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

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

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

WHAT BOOKS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

NEW BLOG FINDS

SONGS ON REPEAT

High - Zella Day 

Soldier - Fleurie

Beauty and the Beast - Ariana Grande and John Legend

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood

La La Land Album 

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

Riverdale 1x02 Thoughts

Riverdale Episode 2 Recap + Thoughts

Title of Episode: Chapter 2: A Touch of Evil

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Writers: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Rating: 9/10

Small recap:

The last episode ended with Jason’s body being found in the river by Kevin and Moose. At the beginning of the episode Archie is unable to sleep and texts Betty asking if they can talk and she says no. Archie goes for a run and goes to Miss Grundy’s house confronting her about what they heard on July 4th but she refuses to tell anyone because she doesn’t want them to find out about their affair.

Veronica and Betty are still at odds due to Veronica going into the closet with Archie, at Cheryl's party [which was not a good idea on her part but she was saving Archie from Cheryl herself]. Veronica tries to apologize by buying Betty a bouquet of yellow roses [for friendship] and tells her that she bought her cupcakes and booked them an appointment for blowouts and mani-pedis. [Gotta love V] Unfortunately, Betty doesn’t seem too happy and later when they are at lunch she breaks down and leaves. Betty gets into another argument with Veronica during cheerleading practice and decides to hang out with Cheryl instead which doesn't go well at all.

Jughead is catching on to Archie about his whole teacher-student thing and he is not pleased with him at all so he confronts him about it which doesn't go too well.

Overall, this episode was a lot more eventful than the previous one.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Josie and the Pussycats singing. Basically every song they sing is just beautiful but I loved them singing Sugar Sugar at the pep rally. It was catchy and I listen to it so much on my Spotify.
• The little interaction between Veronica and Betty at the end of the episode with the milkshakes and the vow. That was so cute and I was fangirling so so hard. I loved how Veronica asks her, “Betty can we make a vow?” and they clink milkshakes. Cute.
• Jughead ‘forgiving’ Archie. This happened at the end of the pep rally. I loved Jughead’s line: “We’re not going to hug in front of this entire town. So let’s just do that bro thing where we nod like douches…” I loved how they just both smiled and laughed. I need their friendship.
• Betty inviting Jughead and Archie to sit with her and Veronica.  I absolutely adored how she asked them to join them, despite just making a vow with Veronica. It shows that they trust each other. And I loved how Jughead jumped over the seat where Veronica was sitting to sit on the inside. [Now, that is a gentleman. He did not make the lady stand up]
• Basically all of Jughead’s lines:

Example: “It’s called necrophilia, Reggie. Can you spell it?”

• Archie protecting Jughead by fighting Reggie I did not like the fact that he actually fought Reggie but if it was to protect Jughead Jones then I am happy. Their friendship is on the mend and I am ecstatic.
• The Jason reveal. So, Jason didn’t actually die on July 4th. SHOCKER!! I mean, it was kind of a shock but not as much as I thought it would be. But I loved how Jughead executed this reveal.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

• How everyone is in love with Archie.  Like why? He’s boring and needs to get his life together. Please girls.
• Betty’s mom who is trying to control her life. She's really creepy and controlling.
• Ms. Grundy and Archie having a relationship. This will be in every single review of this show until she leaves. Mark my words.  This is a toxic, illegal relationship that would get both participants in trouble if they are caught. Plus it is gross. [See why I say Archie needs to get his life together?]
• Reggie Mantle. This kid just bothers me to death. He is always getting into arguments with people he deems ‘less’ than him and literally fought Archie over Jughead in this. Ugh.
• Cheryl Blossom just confessing.  This is so obviously fake. I mean, come on. How is no one questioning this? [I mean, in their defense it was a cliffhanger and Jughead did look concerned but still]
• Betty turning violent for a tensy tiny bit.  You know the part. When she says: “Get the hell out of my house.” and then for emphasis, adds, “before I kill you.” She is talking to Cheryl, of course and it was chilling. I admire her for standing up for herself and her sister but really B?
• Cheryl dissecting the frog. Why does she have to stab it and freak out the entire class and viewers. *shudders* [To be honest, I watch Teen Wolf so I’m not too upset by this] Gross.
• Betty pining over Archie for most of the episode. Betty Cooper. Get a grip. Just hang out with Veronica. Forget Archie. He needs to get a hold on his life.
• Cheryl acting like she gets special treatment. Throughout this episode Cheryl, has been milking the fact that her ‘beloved’ brother has drowned/been shot and it is sad but she is going too far.
• No one picks up on the fact that Jason had multiple bullet wounds. He had multiple bullet wounds everyone. Pay attention.  He was obviously shot and did not drown. So, who shot him multiple times? It must be someone who really hates him. Or maybe multiple people shot him?

MY FAVORITE PART:

My favorite part of this episode was when Veronica and Betty made up at Pop’s and made their cute vow. I also really liked the shots with Jughead, Archie, Veronica and Betty all sitting together in Pop’s and laughing. It was really cute.

Questions of the Day:

What was your favorite part of the episode?

Who do you think killed Jason Blossom?

Overall, I rate this episode an 9/10. I liked it more than the first episode because it had more character development and more Jughead. I am officially obsessed with this show.  I’ll see you all soon for more Riverdale recaps and reviews!

Weekly Update: 2/27 - 3/5

I have decided to start doing a weekly post called weekly recap where I update you on my life, reading and watching. Plus any posts I have done or will do.

I am slowly getting into the habit of writing posts when I have a sliver of free time so that should show in the next couple of weeks, though it hasn’t yet.  

This week wasn’t that productive in terms of posting but I did get to post my first Riverdale episode review and a book review. I also read three books this week which was impressive. I have had so much homework and studying to do lately. I am also trying to keep up my grades which are looking pretty good for right now. [But we’ll see]

Now, let's get into recapping.

New Books

Purchased:

Library: 

Received for Review: 

In Case You Missed It

Wanted by Betsy Schow Book Review
Ash by Melinda Lo Book Review
January '17 Wrap-Up

This Week I Read

  

  

 

Next Week I'm Reading

Upcoming Reviews

Upcoming Posts

Monday:  NONE

Tuesday: NONE

Wednesday: NONE

Thursday: Weekly Update + Riverdale e2 review

Friday: February Wrap-Up

Saturday: March Books on my Shelf

Sunday: Weekly Update

Around the Blog Community

Riverdale 1x01 Episode Talk

Hey guys! 

Title of Episode: Chapter 1 The River’s Edge

Director: Lee Toland Krieger
Writers: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Rating of Episode: 8.5/10

I am going to do a little bit of a different post. This is going to be an episode talk that I have't done before. I never talk about TV shows in depth on my blog which I am sad about because I watch a lot of TV.  This review will have spoilers so beware.

Riverdale is a TV show adaptation of the Archie Comics and it is shown on the network CW at 9/10 central on thursdays. Riverdale has proved to be entertaining in just its one episode that I have seen so far.

Riverdale is compared to the TV shows, Twin Peaks and Gossip Girl, both of which I've never seen. However, I could easily compare it to any TV show that takes place in a small town shrouded with mystery such as Pretty Little Liars or Once Upon a Time.

Riverdale is about a town where nothing bad ever happens or is supposed to happen, but one day a girl, Cheryl Blossom says that her brother has drowned and no body is recovered.  The show centers around a group of teenagers, some of them friends with each other and some of them not. 

CHARACTERS:

The main character is Archie Andrews (K.J. Apa) who is a popular and attractive sophomore who has worked at his dad’s construction company over the summer which bulked him up. Archie has developed a strong interest in music, (which could be because of his affair with Ms. Grundy) and he wants to develop his skills further this year which puts more things on his plate due to already juggling football and his dad’s construction company with his school duties. [I have a question, when are they doing homework? I mean, I’m in school and homework is basically all I do.]  Archie isn;t the best, especially in the first episode but I am hoping that he will get better.

Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) is the sweet, perfect, girl-next-door who has had a crush on Archie, her long time best friend. She is adorable and shy and wears cute clothes but she gets a makeover in this tv series.  When Veronica, the new girl, waltzes into the small town of Riverdale, they quickly become the iconic duo, B & V. With help from Veronica, she becomes a part of the River Vixens [Riverdale High’s cheerleaders] and she even invites Archie to go to the dance with her, despite still not telling him her feelings because they always get interrupted.   When she finally gets the chance, it's after she runs home because Veronica and Archie spend seven minutes in heaven together and she’s hurt. Archie of course friendzones her saying, “I’ll never be good enough for you,” which broke my heart because poor Betty is such a sweet character.  

Veronica Lodge [Camila Mendes] is my favorite character, next to Jughead.  She’s one of the best characters on Riverdale, in my opinion. She used to be the queen bee at her old school and she says she wasn't the nicest but she is attempting to improve herself at this new school and town. She has some of the best lines in the show, especially her references to movies.  We don't know too much about Veronica Lodge during the first episode, except that she and her mother had to move to Riverdale because her father was involved in some fraud surrounding money and the bank.

Jughead Jones [Cole Sprouse] is the narrator of this television series. He didn't make that much of an appearance in this episode. We just got a few glimpses of him here and there such as typing on a laptop. Then we finally got a better look at him at the end which was nice because he had a conversation with Archie who used to be his best friend. [Hmm. What exactly went down between these two?]  I love Jughead because in a town shrouded with mystery, he's one of the ones with the most.  

Cheryl Blossom [Madeline Petsch] is the queen bee of the school and she does not want Veronica Lodge to steal her crown [which she very well could with Archie and Betty at her side]. Cheryl is captain of the River Vixens, the cheerleading team, and she basically is playing the pity card this entire episode. And why is that? Why, because her brother happened to drown on the 4th of July and she had to witness it. [Poor thing]. As of the first episode, Cheryl is not being portrayed as a character you would like. She is very much the antagonist.

Kevin Keller [Casey Cott1] is the only gay character on the entire show. He is another one of Bettys best friends and I really like him too. He makes funny, cute comments throughout but he doesn't do much else as of this episode. I feel like they are just putting him in for filler which is really sad. :(

The parents: I don't even want to go here. I don't like most of the parents AT ALL. Well, Fred Andrews seems pretty cool. But Betty’s mom [shudders].  

WHAT I LIKED

• The narration done by Jughead Jones. I really like how we get a teenagers point of view on the whole story and how he is basically narrating what he is writing. It's so cool and unique.
• The budding friendship between Veronica and Betty. I mean the chemistry between these two is so realistic and visible. I already love them together. Especially, when Veronica threatens Cheryl and tells her, “Betty and I come as a matching set. You want one, you take us both.”
• The Beronica moment. You know what I’m talking about. That kiss between Betty and Veronica that was totally done for attention and not for real purposes. [que groan]
• Archie’s passion for music. His passion for music seems really genuine and I am excited to see where he might go with it. He is determined to try and make it work with all his other responsibilities but I am guessing that it is going to be hard since Josie and his father both aren’t for it.
• Screen-time for supporting characters: Okay, I adore the main characters but I also like Kevin and even though Cheryl is a you-know-what, she still has hilarious lines and is entertaining.
• The music selections. The music picked fits the show and scenes so well. I actually follow a Riverdale playlist on Spotify because the music is so perfect.
• The lines. The lines in this show are hilarious and witty. I am in love with the writing for Riverdale.

Examples:

#1

Veronica: I’m filled with dread.

Archie: And why’s that?

Veronica: Are you familiar with the works of Truman Capote? I’m “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” but this place is strictly “In Cold Blood”

#2

Veronica: Wonderful. Ten minutes in and I’m already the “Blue Jasmine” of Riverdale High

#3

Veronica: What is a ‘Chock’lit Shoppe’ and why does it sell burgers?

#4

Kevin: Game changer - Archie got hot! He’s got abs now. Six more reasons for you to take that ginger bull by the horns tonight.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:

• The teacher/student relationship Ms. Grundy and Archie being together just makes me want to throw up in my mouth. It’s gross. Archie is a sophomore!! And he missed something on July 4th to go hang out with his teacher who is probably like ten years older. It’s just disgusting, honestly.
• Cheryl Blossom is such a shady character. I have no idea what to do with her but I feel like she is definitely hiding some secrets.
• Jughead and Archie not getting along.  I want them to get along. I really do. [I know that I am in real life ahead of this episode but still]
• Betty’s mom. She freaks out at everything and acts like Betty is something fragile when she really isn’t. I just don’t like her. Another shady character y’all.
• Archie Rejecting Betty. This was probably necessary to plot development but he honestly just said he can’t give her what she wants. [Probably because of Ms. Grundy. Let’s be honest] Poor Betty looked so distraught.
• Veronica and Archie. I do not ship this. I am sorry. I can’t. Not right now.  What Veronica did was wrong. She knows Betty likes him and she just makes out with him in a closet.

Overall, I rate this episode an 8.5/10. It pulled me in and did not let go. Needless to say, I’m addicted to this show now. I’ll see you all soon for more Riverdale recaps and reviews!