Saturday, 30 January 2016

Books on my Shelf February 2016

February Books on my Shelf!

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

Today I will be sharing my February TBR with you all!

My challenge for this month is: Read a book you picked based solely on the cover!



For this challenge I will read Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis.  

Sixteen-year-old heiress and paparazzi darling Liddi Jantzen hates the spotlight. But as the only daughter in the most powerful tech family in the galaxy, it’s hard to escape it. So when a group of men show up at her house uninvited, she assumes it’s just the usual media-grubs. That is, until shots are fired.

Liddi escapes, only to be pulled into an interplanetary conspiracy more complex than she ever could have imagined. Her older brothers have been caught as well, trapped in the conduits between the planets. And when their captor implants a device in Liddi’s vocal cords to monitor her speech, their lives are in her hands: One word and her brothers are dead.

Desperate to save her family from a desolate future, Liddi travels to another world, where she meets the one person who might have the skills to help her bring her eight brothers home—a handsome dignitary named Tiav. But without her voice, Liddi must use every bit of her strength and wit to convince Tiav that her mission is true. With the tenuous balance of the planets deeply intertwined with her brothers’ survival, just how much is Liddi willing to sacrifice to bring them back?

I am using one of my TBR jars of books I wish to finish soon so the next few books shall be from there.


The second book I shall read this month is The Death Cure by James Dashner.

It’s the end of the line.

WICKED has taken everything from Thomas: his life, his memories, and now his only friends—the Gladers. But it’s finally over. The trials are complete, after one final test.

Will anyone survive?

What WICKED doesn’t know is that Thomas remembers far more than they think. And it’s enough to prove that he can’t believe a word of what they say.

The truth will be terrifying.

Thomas beat the Maze. He survived the Scorch. He’ll risk anything to save his friends. But the truth might be what ends it all.

The time for lies is over.
 

This is the third book in the Maze Runner series. I have been avoiding this book for so long because I don't wish to be sent on an emotional roller coaster.


The third book I shall read this month is The Conjurer’s Riddle by Andrea Cremer.

Charlotte may have left the Floating City, but she’s not out of danger yet. On the run from the British Empire’s clutches, she leads her group of exiles west and south, plunging into a wild world of shady merchants and surly rivermen on the way to New Orleans.

But the more Charlotte learns about the revolution she has championed, the more questions she has. As she and her friends get to know the hidden tunnels that run below New Orleans, home to criminals, assassins, and pirates, and head deep into the mystical bayou surrounding the city, Charlotte must make a decision.

Do the revolution’s goals justify their means, or are some things too sacred to sacrifice?

This is the second book in The Inventor's Secret series. I read the first book a couple months ago and I am determined to read this book this month.



The fourth book I shall read this month is Prophecy by Ellen Oh.

The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy.

The rest of the books are not going to come from my TBR jar. These are books I am either currently reading or books I have not finished in previous months.



The fifth book I shall read this month is Winter by Marissa Meyer. I am more than halfway through this book so I hope to finish it in the next few days. I will be doing a review on it as soon as I am done. :)

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?


The sixth book I want to read is Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza.


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 last book I want to read is The Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling.

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.

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:


Curio by Evangeline Denmark

Thursday, 28 January 2016

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."

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

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?

Monday, 25 January 2016

Musing Mondays #1

Musing Mondays at ADailyRhythm
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

Saturday, 23 January 2016

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