Monday, 4 January 2016

Books on my Shelf January 2016

Books on my Shelf


Hello lovelies,

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


So, it’s a new year! Yay! And a new month so here is my TBR! This is a shorter TBR. Only seven books on it because this is exam month and the end of a semester so tons of work is coming my way and I won’t have a time to do anything. :(




The first book I am planning on reading this month is Rook by Sharon Cameron and I am already 200 pages in. This is amazing and I am so mad at myself for putting it down constantly before this month!

History has a way of repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal?

Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy’s arranged marriage to the wealthy René Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiancé is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she. 

As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and René find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.


The second book I have is A Crown of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.  I have already finished this book. Yes, I finished it really fast. And it was really good so I will be reviewing it soon.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.


The third book I have is The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey. And I think I will enjoy this book!

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, though if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.



The fourth book I am planning on reading is Starling by Lesley Livingston. So excited to read this one!

Mason Starling is a champion fencer on the Gosforth Academy team, but she's never had to fight for her life. Not until the night a ferocious, otherworldly storm rips through Manhattan, trapping Mason and her teammates inside the school. Mason is besieged by nightmarish creatures more terrifying than the thunder and lightning as the raging tempest also brings a dangerous stranger into her life: a young man who remembers nothing but his name—the Fennrys Wolf. 

His arrival tears Mason's world apart, even as she feels an undeniable connection to him. Together, they seek to unravel the secrets of Fenn's identity as strange and supernatural forces gather around them. When they discover Mason's family—with its dark allegiance to ancient Norse gods—is at the heart of the mystery, Fennrys and Mason are suddenly faced with a terrifying future.


The fifth book I want to read this month is Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza. I'm not as excited about this book but I thought I'd give it a try.

Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past—that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.



The sixth book I want to read is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. I am of course re-reading this book and am so excited!

All Harry Potter wants is to get away from the Dursleys and go back to Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby - who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone--or something--starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects... Harry Potter himself



The last book I am planning on reading is Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan.

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .
 

Saturday, 2 January 2016

December 2015 Wrap-Up!

December 2015 Wrap-Up

So, the lovely year has come to a close so I obviously need to do a wrap-up blogpost.

I’m pretty proud of what I read during this month as I had a break and I had more time to read.



The first book I read was Defy by Sara B. Larson. This book was amazing and is definitely going on my top reads of 2015!


The second book I read was Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I can’t say enough good things about this book! It was very well-written and had the biggest plot twist I’ve ever read. I am working on a review for this one so keep your eyes peeled.



The third book I read was Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood. This book was pretty good. Better than I thought it would be but still not the best book I ever read. I will be doing a short review on it soon.


The fourth book I read was The Inventor’s Secret by Andrea Cremer. I loved this book and am going to read the next one soon but for right now I have a long list of books to read so that will be going at the end of it. :)


The fifth book I read was Keeper of the Lost Cities by Sharon Messenger. I was re-reading this book and it was just as amazing the second time I read it!



The sixth book I read was Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. I was re-reading this obviously and I loved it even more. I adore the HP books and I will for a long time.


The seventh book I read was The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan. I was re-reading this for like the fourth time. I loved this book a lot.



The eighth book I read was The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. OMG! I loved this book and I have written a review for it I just haven't gotten around to actually typing it yet. (Being sick sucks you guys. It really really sucks)

The believe that that was all I read this month. I am working on Rook by Sharon Cameron and I am almost done with A Court of Thorns and Roses.

I will see you soon for my January 2016 TBR!

~Annette

Sunday, 20 December 2015

Tis the Season Book Tag

1. Do you have a favorite Winter read?

Yes, I feel like Harry Potter is a Winter read. Especially the first one as it sort of makes me feel all warm and cozy inside and it even has scenes that take place during the holiday season.

2. Find a book with blue on the cover!

I found two books for this question. The first book is The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan. This book has a lot of blue on the cover and it is also all about the joy of Christmas. I really enjoy this book!  And the second book is Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. This book is one of my favorite books even though it is a Middle Grade Novel. This book has blue on the cover and sort of seems like it will also be a good Christmas read.

3. Find a book you’d use as the star on a Christmas tree?

I think I would like to use either Winter by Marissa Meyer or The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan. These two books have really pretty covers and I think they would look nice on top of a Christmas tree!

4. Pick one fictional place that would be perfect for a Winter vacation!

The Wizarding World or Hogwarts. This seems like it would be the most perfect place to vacation during Winter. The Wizarding World has always struck me as cheery and warm during the holiday season and I think that it would be a fun place to visit during the holiday season!

5. Pick one fictional character you’d take with you on your Winter vacation!

Oooh! This is a rather hard question to answer.  I would probably bring Keefe from Keeper of the Lost Cities because he just seems like he would be a lot of fun to hang out with and we would get into weird trouble and a lot of it.

6. Name one book on your Wishlist this year!

Magnus Chase and The Gods of Asgard The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan. Yes, I have not gotten the chance to pick this book up yet. I know I know. But I thought that it would be good to just receive as a gift this Christmas so I put it on my list and I really hope I get this book. It was one of my most anticipated books and I need to read it now!

7. Favorite Holiday drink, treat, & movie?

This one is an easy question. My favorite drink is most definitely hot chocolate. I love to drink this during the holidays as it makes me feel all warm and content. And it’s good to drink while snuggling up in a blanket and watching a movie. Doesn’t have to be a Christmas movie.

My favorite Holiday treat is probably cookies. I don’t care which type of cookie as long as it is a cookie. I love shortbread, sugar, chocolate chip and many more.

I feel like I should say something more grown-up for my favorite christmas movie except I haven’t really seen any of those. So, I am going to say Frozen. Yes, I love Frozen and I feel like this is a good movie to watch in the winter time and during the holiday season.


Well, that concludes this blogpost. I have not done a book tag yet on this blog so here it is! :)

Sunday, 13 December 2015

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Book Review

Another Book Review!!


This is a spoiler free review!




Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Written by April Genevieve Tuckolke
Genre: Mystery, Horror, Gothic, and Young Adult
Publisher: Dial
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Pages: 360
Source: Library
Places to Get this Book: Amazon Barnes and Noble  Book Depository
Recommended Age: 13 and up!


Summary:


You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…


Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town… until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard.


Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more?


Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery... who makes you want to kiss back.


Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Review:


This was totally NOT my type of book but I liked it anyways. I never really go for the gothic, horror type books but this one intrigued me for some weird reason.


I found the plot pretty interesting and unique. The plot was actually kind of creepy and scared me most of the time.


The main character however seems a little naive and predictable. Like of course she would fall for one of the baddest boys on the freaking planet. (Until he isn’t….Don’t worry it’ll make sense when you read it) And she isn’t really a heroine though she does save herself and another at the end.  


I found the love part of this book not very real and it seems that it happened way to fast. Almost as if he was manipulating her into thinking she loved him. It was so obvious that you can’t fall in love that fast.


Overall Review: I thought the plot was interesting, creepy and kept me on my toes. I did feel a variety of emotions while reading this book. However, I did not think that the characters were the best. Yes, I did care about the main character but I didn’t really care about anybody else. The love aspect wasn’t real and I felt should not have been rushed into as it had been.


My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Crowns


Saturday, 12 December 2015

Defy by Sara B. Larson Book Review!

I finished a book on my TBR!

This is a spoiler free review!



Defy
Written by Sara B. Larson
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Pages: 336
Source: Library
Places to Get this Book: Amazon, Barnes and Noble Book Depository
Recommended Age: 12 and up!

Summary:

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

Review:


So, this book was a great read and I feel like it shouldn’t have taken me as long as it did to read it. (procrastination strikes again!)

This book seems like it’s sort of a Mulan retelling. Except it’s not. It’s an original book all in its own. Sure, it does have some elements of novels written before but doesn’t every book?  

The world building for this book was done pretty well. Some of the conditions the people are in are awful. Such as there is a breeding house for young girls in order to get more soldiers. Yes, that grossed and terrified me.

I loved most of the characters. Alexa was a good kickass heroine though she could have done a little more fighting rather than having one of the men do things.  Damien was the prince and he seemed pretty rude at the beginning but he turns his whole act around. Rylan was Alexa’s best friend and I really liked him. And then there were other characters…

The plot was good except at times a little predictable. I like being surprised by what is going to happen and that only happened a couple times when I was reading this book.

And yes, there was a freaking love triangle but honestly I’m not sure which books don’t have one now. It’s really hard to escape them. Even my own book has one of these. (Yep, following the crowd. *silent slow clap*)  It was pretty obvious who would get the girl but I wasn’t very happy with it. I just hope things improve within the next few books, love triangle wise of course.

Overall I thought this book was pretty good, the world building was done well, the characters were good, and the plot was okay.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Crowns.


Sunday, 6 December 2015

The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron Book Review

Yay! Another book review!

This is a spoiler free review so anyone is welcome to read this!


The Dark Unwinding
Written by Sharon Cameron
Genre: Historical Fiction, Gothic, Young Adult, Steampunk
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: August 27, 2012
Pages: 318
Source: Library
Places to Get this Book: Amazon Barnes and Noble  Book Depository
Recommended Age: 12 and up!

Summary:

When Katharine Tulman’s inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle’s world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it.

Review:

So, this was a different type of book for me. I’m not usually into the darker gothic type stories but I thought I’d try a new genre! Yes, life is all about trying new things.  

I really thought this book was written well but at the beginning I felt that it was a little slow going so I had to keep putting the book down in order not to be bored to death.

Overall though the plot was unique and it interested me (once I got past the boring beginning). I love how it is a gothic type historical fiction novel which I don’t usually find now days.

The romance was sweet and there (luckily or unlikely) wasn’t much of it.

The characters. Okay, the characters were amazing.  Katherine was a good main character and she had her moments when she was a lovely and strong heroine. Lane was her ‘love interest’ though there wasn’t much of that. He was a strong male character who looked out for Katherine and some of her friends. Then Davy was a sweet little boy character...yeah still upset by some things that happened. And then there was Katherine’s uncle. Her uncle wasn’t mentally stable as it states in the summary, however he was kind and a very good inventor. There’s also Mrs. Jeffery’s who seemed like she had a plot to do in our main character for awhile.  Then there was Ben. Ben was a whole different story. He was very sweet and I actually liked him but some good things must come to an end.

My thoughts over all: I enjoyed this book. The plot could have moved a little faster at the beginning in order to pull me in faster. The characters were amazing and I thought it was generally a good book.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Crowns


Saturday, 5 December 2015

My Very Ambitious December TBR!

TBR:

So, today I am going to be sharing my December TBR with you! It is a very ambitious one so prepare yourself. (Yeah. I have to do a few breathing exercises to calm myself down)


The first book I have on my TBR is Defy by Sara B. Larsson. I am halfway through this book so far so I shall try and finish it soon!


The second book I have on my TBR is Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I have been wanting to read this for awhile so I shall try this month!


The third book I have on my TBR is The Death Cure by James Dashner. I seriously want to finish this series even though I think I will be an emotional mess.


The fourth book I have on my TBR is Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood. I wouldn’t normally read this book but I saw it at the library and decided to try it.


The fifth book I have on my TBR is The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross. This seems like a darker book and I think I shall enjoy it.


The sixth book I have is A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This looks like a good book which I really really want to read.


The seventh book I have is Rook by Sharon Cameron. This looks like such a good book and I have heard good things about it so I thought I’d try it for myself.


The eighth book I have is The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason. I had this on my last TBR so I decided to put it on this one as well.  


The ninth book I have is The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan. Since Christmas is coming up, I thought I’d like to read a christmas-y book.


The tenth book I have is Keeper of the Lost Cities by Sharon Messenger. This is the first book to a series that I have been reading. I decided to re-read it due to the new book that just came out!


The eleventh book I have is The Inventor’s Secret by Andrea Cremer. I have wanted to read this book so what better time to do it?


The twelfth book I have is Cress by Marissa Meyer. I am going to re-read this before I actually start the last book.


And last but not least I have The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson. I really need to finish this book before the last one comes out!

So, that’s my TBR! See you all next time! :)