January Wrap Up!

January Wrap-Up

January was not a good reading month for me as I didn’t manage to finish all the books that I wanted to.

The first book I read was Rook by Sharon Cameron. I loved this book and the review will be linked at the bottom of this post.

The second book I read was A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. I loved this book and I do need to post a review on this and that is on my list of book reviews to do.

The third book I read was The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey. I loved this book as well and I will be doing a review of this as soon as I can.

The fourth book I read was Curio by Evangeline Denmark. This review is up and I shall link it at the bottom of this post.  

I have also started Winter by Marissa Meyer and I am about halfway through. I will most likely not finish this book in this month but I can try.

I did not finish the rest of the books that I wanted to so they will probably be going into my next TBR!

Reviews Mentioned:

Rook by Sharon Cameron

Curio by Evangeline Denmark

Curio by Evangeline Denmark: Just the right amount of action, style and romance!

This is a spoiler free review!

Curio

Written by Evangeline Denmark

Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction/Steampunk/Paranormal

Publisher: Blink

Release Date: January 5, 2016

Pages: 432

Source: Bought from Amazon

Places to Get this Book: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository

Recommended Age: 13 and up!

Summary:

Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town’s people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she—like her grandfather and father—may not actually need.

By working at her grandfather’s repair shop, sorting the small gears and dusting the curio cabinet inside, Grey has tried to stay unnoticed—or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive, underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists’ enforcers after trying to protect Grey one night, and after seeing the extent of his punishment, suddenly taking risks seems the only decision she can make.

But with the risk comes the reality that the Chemists know her family’s secret, and the Chemists soon decide to use her for their own purposes. Panicked, Grey retreats to the only safe place she knows—her grandfather’s shop. There, however, a larger secret confronts her when her touch unlocks the old curio cabinet in the corner and reveals a world where porcelain and clockwork people are real. There, she could find the key that may save Whit’s life and also end the Chemists’ dark rule forever

Review:

This book intrigued me from the start even though I didn’t really know what it was about. Yes, I judged the book by it's cover, but can you blame me?

I adore steampunk YA novels and since this one, well I naturally ate it up.

The world building was phenomenal and done very well. It’s very entertaining. There are two world in this one. The world within the curio cabinet and the world in which she was born. Both are ruled by evil rulers.

Most of the characters are well developed and you care about them. I would however like it if I got to know more of their backstories but maybe that will come in the next few books.

I like how there are multiple points of views so you can see what is happening at different times rather than just what is happening to her.

The villains are well developed though I’m still not absolutely sure why some of them are so evil. Like what exactly is the point.

The action in this story is wonderful and kept me in suspense and on the edge of my seat rather often. I was scared for the character’s lives at all the right moments even though I knew they would probably survive.

Oh and we mustn't forget the romance. The chemistry between Blaise and Grey was on-point. I love how the romance didn’t take over the whole book because of the fact that everyone was trying to stay alive. I also like how Grey didn’t solely rely on Blaise to save her. She was a strong-willed, kickass female character.

Final Thoughts:

I loved this book! And I’d recommend this book to fans of Dystopian/Science Fiction. Be sure to pick this book up and give it a go. It doesn’t disappoint.

If Curio was a Movie:

Maybe Natalie Dormer or someone else with blonde hair as Grey

Ben Barnes as Blaise

Colin Morgan as Whit

Quotes from the Book:

"You never needed me. You're a better Defender than I could ever be."

"Love is magic in our veins. Love the hand of the punisher stays. Love heals what justice flays. Love defends and mercy reigns."

"We're not porcies with pumps for hearts and delusions for souls."

"You tricked me. The moment your blood flowed, you grew stronger."

Waiting on Wednesday #2

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that everyone’s excited about.

The enchantment continues....

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

--
The Little Android: A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles.
Glitches: In this prequel to Cinder, we see the results of the plague play out, and the emotional toll it takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch….
The Queen’s Army: In this prequel to Scarlet, we’re introduced to the army Queen Levana is building, and one soldier in particular who will do anything to keep from becoming the monster they want him to be.
Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky: Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne has big plans involving a Rampion spaceship and a no-return trip out of Los Angeles.
The Keeper: A prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, showing a young Scarlet and how Princess Selene came into the care of Michelle Benoit.
After Sunshine Passes By: In this prequel to Cress, we see how a nine-year-old Cress ended up alone on a satellite, spying on Earth for Luna.
The Princess and the Guard: In this prequel to Winter, we see a game called The Princess
The Mechanic: In this prequel to Cinder, we see Kai and Cinder’s first meeting from Kai’s perspective.
Something Old, Something New: In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century...

Stars Above releases on February 2, 2016 from Feiwel & Friends

The Lunar Chronicles series is one of my favorite series of all time and I can't wait to read these after I finish with Winter! 

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Musing Mondays #1

I just joined a weekly meme called Musing Monday's and it is hosted by A Daily Rhythm You choose an answer to one of these questions and then answer the weekly question which always changes.

The Questions:

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

This week's Random Question: Have you read-or do you plan to read-the Shannara Chronicles by Terri Brooks? Have you been watching the new TV series based off the books? If so, what do you think?

I'm currently reading...

I am currently reading two fantastic books. One of them is Winter by Marissa Meyer which has almost lived up to my expectations so far. The other book I am reading is Curio by Evangeline Denmark. This book is so amazing and when I finish it, I shall be sure to do a book review!

This week's Random Question: Have you read-or do you plan to read-the Shannara Chronicles by Terri Brooks? Have you been watching the new TV series based off the books? If so, what do you think?

No, I have not read The Shannara Chronicles, however I really want to so I can watch the TV series.

That's all for today's Musing Monday! I hope you enjoyed and happy reading!

Music Monday #2

I got this idea from the blog Trust in the Words. 

So, this week I found a new song called Mad Hatter by Melanie Martinez. 

I love this song because it has elements of the story Alice in Wonderland which is one of my favorite children's classics. I love using this music to help me when I write. It is fairly fast paced but it is perfect to listen to while writing. 

Happy reading everybody! <3

Rook by Sharon Cameron Review

Another Book Review. Sorry, it has been so long. I have been mega busy with school, grades, tv and writing!

This is a spoiler free review!

Rook

Written by Sharon Cameron

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopia/Fantasy/Romance

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: April 28, 2015

Pages: 456

Source: Library

Places to Get this Book: Amazon Barnes and Noble  Book Depository

Recommended Age: 12 and up!

Summary:

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

Review:

I need to rant about how awesome this book was because it was amazing. I have no idea why so many people didn’t like it.

I loved the whole idea of this book. Sharon Cameron supposedly did this as her own version of The Scarlet Pimpernel which I have unfortunately not read so I couldn’t really pick out the similarities. I also really liked how it was set many years from now and technology was banned and those who used it or owned it were put to death.

The main character Sophia Bellamy was a wonderful character to read about. I loved her as she was normal and had the same kinds of emotions as a normal girl would except for the fact she was very adventurous.

Rene is also a wonderful character. He is rather mysterious but I loved him from the start.

The relationship between brother and sister (Tom and Sophia) was real and I loved how much they cared about each other.

I was constantly at the edge of my seat and almost biting my nails due to the intense action. Every day I dreaded putting the book down or going to school because I wanted to see what would happen next.

The villain was such a good villain. It made you hate him and love him at the same time.

And yes there was a love triangle but thank goodness it didn’t overwhelm the whole book. The romance between Rene and Sophia was sweet and adorable and I adored it. The romance was also pretty believable and it wasn’t a love at first sight type of romance. It was built up during the book and I loved that.

Basically in the book, no one can trust anyone because everyone has hidden secrets.

Final Thoughts:

I loved this book! The characters were amazing and well developed. The world building was done very well, the plot was perfect and the romance was sweet. I recommend this to lovers of Dystopian and Historical YA Fiction!

Quotes from the Book:

“Your maman was in my room last night.”

“And I was not.” His tone was glum.

“I think you are very beautiful," René said, "especially when you are admiring mischief."

"You must think that every time I look at you, then.”

“You are the variable in every equation, Mademoiselle.”

“Her grief for both of them was flavored with guilt the way salt flavors the sea; she could taste it in the tears.”

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Crowns

Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2016!

Hello all,

Today I am going to be sharing with you my most anticipated books of Winter 2016 which is from January-March! I decided to split my most anticipated into four parts because of how many books there are. Without further ado let’s get on with this blogpost!

[By the way these books aren’t really in any particular order though the first two books are my most anticipated books for Winter 2016]

The first book that I am excited for is Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard. This book is set to release on February 9, 2016 by HarperTeen. I am literally so excited for this book as I loved the first book.

The second book that I am excited for is Stars Above by Marissa Meyer. This book is set to release on February 2, 2016 by Feiwel and Friends. I am so excited for this book. I am currently reading the last book in the Lunar Chronicles series and I am loving it so much. I can’t wait to read all these short stories. I am so pumped for this book!

Now these books are in no particular order:

The third book I am excited for is Thief of Lies by Brenda Drake. This is set to release on January 5, 2016 by Entangled Teen. OMG this is already out and I saw it in the bookstore yesterday and I am freaking out. I can’t wait to purchase it!

The fourth book that I am excited for is The Sapphire Cutlass by Sharon Gosling. This is set to release on February 1, 2016 by Switch Press. Can I just say this cover is gorgeous and I loved the first book. I have yet to read the second book but I am sure it is just as amazing as the first.

The fifth book that I am excited for is Curio by Evangeline Denmark. This was released on January 5, 2016 by Blink. I bought this book a couple weeks ago and I am currently reading it. It is so amazing, the world building was done awfully well and I just love it so far.

The sixth book that I am excited for is Assassin’s Heart by Sarah Ahiers. This is set to release on February 2, 2016 by HarperTeen. This book has assassins and it is compared with Romeo and Juliet. I think I shall enjoy this book.

The seventh book that I am excited for is The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman. This is set to release on January 26, 2016 by Viking Books for Young Readers. This book has demon hunters, and is steampunk and I can’t wait.

The eighth book that I am excited for is These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas. This is set to release on February 9, 2016 by Swoon Reads. Basically, this book says it is Jane Austin meets X-Men. It is set in Victorian London and is a Paranormal Romance. I can’t wait!

The ninth book that I am excited for is A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro. This is set to release on March 1, 2016 by Katherine Tegen Books. This book is basically a retelling of Sherlock Holmes set in modern day with the great great  (not sure how many) granddaughter of Sherlock and then the great great grandson of John Watson. I can not wait to get this book.

The tenth book that I am excited for is A Spy’s Devotion by Melanie Dickerson. This is set to release on February 9, 2016 by Waterfall Press. I love Melanie Dickerson’s books so I am sure I will enjoy this one.

The eleventh book that I am excited for is Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor. This is set to release on March 1, 2016 by HMH Books for Young Readers. This is said to be an Outlander for Teens and since I haven't read Outlander I felt like I could read this first.

The twelfth book that I am excited for is The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow. This is set to release on January 26, 2016 by Dreamscape Publishing. This is said to be good for Percy Jackson fans and it has mythology aspects. I am so excited to get this book.

The thirteenth book that I am excited for is A Drop of Night by Stefan Bachmann. This is set to release on March 15, 2016 by Greenwillow Books. This is Historical Fiction/Paranormal and it says fans of The Maze Runner will enjoy it so I’m down.

The fourteenth book that I am excited for is The Assassin’s Masque by Sarah Zettel. This released on January 12, 2016 by HMH Books for Young Readers. I really want to read this book but I think I should first read the second book!

The fifteenth book that I am excited for is Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell. This is set to release on February 2, 2016 by Simon Pulse! I am so down to read this book as it sounds completely amazing. It is a Peter Pan retelling and I love retellings!

Here are some honorable mentions:

Of Light and Darkness by Shayne Leighton. Released: January 11, 2016

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. Released on: January 5, 2016

The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine. Released on February 16, 2016

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton. Released on March 8, 2016.

Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan. Released on February 9, 2016