Friday, December 12, 2014

2015 Challenge Accepted...GAME ON!


Hey Guys!
It's been a while since I have last blogged and I have missed you all.
A new year is rapidly approaching us and I am super excited for what's to come.
The reason for spontaneously blogging after being gone for so long is because I have stumbled upon an awesome reading challenge for the new year.

 I usually stick to books in the sci-fi/fantasy genre so in doing this challenge I'll be coming out of my comfort zone. Now I'll be able to see what other great authors and stories are out there. I'm going to try my hardest to complete this list but no harm done if I can not. At least I tried. I'll be posting blogs about what I've accomplished. And I encourage y'all to do so as well. xoxo
Hopefully you guys will be up for the challenge too!
Thanks to Popsugar for inspiring me :)




Good Luck to all of you who plan to participate in the challenge and to all of you in the new year to come. Keep on reading on.

 BIG HUGS and Lots of Love 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Review: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, 2) By: Sarah J. Maas


Crown of Midnight

by Sarah J. Maas

"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."


From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.




I take it back...
Anything negative I said about Celaena Sardothien and book 1, Throne of Glass....I TAKE IT BACK!!!

This book...THIS FREAKIN' BOOK!!!!!
This beautifully BRUTAL book...mixed with so much feelings...



Magic and the Fae, Love and Death, lots and LOTS of bloody death.
My problem with the first book was that it was so timid. We're suppose to get an image of the countries most dangerous and deadly Assassin and what we got, in my eyes, was a whiny, junk food lovin', frilly dress wearin', girl with some toys to play with.

I didn't know what to expect in this book. I set my expectations high b/c so many people recommended that I shouldn't give up on the series and that book 2, Crown of Midnight, would blow me away. Well....They were abso-FREAKIN-lutely RIGHT!!!!




I got what I wanted plus some!! I got the BAD ASS killing machine I wanted ;).....SWOONABLE romance between Celaena and Chaol, and the friendship between Celaena and Nehemia. I wasn't expecting to tear up or swoon while reading Crown of Midnight but I did and I'm certainly not ashamed! I'm also relieved that I didn't give up on this series. I would of missed out on something incredible.

I'm anxious to find out what's next for these characters I've grown to love. I'm intriged by the mystery and the thrill of the quest Celaena is slowly discovering and what's to become of her and Chaol. I'm eager to know more about the secrets Prince Dorian is unveiling and what it'll take to take down the most evil man alive, his father, the King.

I'm counting down the days until SEPTEMBER 2nd, 2014.....Heir of Fire will be in my hands!!



If you have read this series yet...GO OUT AND GET IT, READ IT, LOVE IT!

check out my review of Book 1 Throne of Glass 
click here


 BIG HUGS and Lots of Love 



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Top Ten Books I'd Give to First Time Readers of......


Top Ten Tuesdays is a meme hosted by The Broke and Bookish that features a new topic each week where we have to put down our top ten of it.

Today's Topic:

BOOKS I'D GIVE TO READERS WHO HAVEN'T READ....

Okay....So this was just way too complicated for me to choose just one genre, so I decided to choose several and choose my favorite ones that I would give to a first time reader of that certain genre.

YA Paranormal Fantasy


Penryn and The End of Days series by Susan Ee
Angelfall and World After were both AMAZING reads. Dark and Twisted, super gory and swoonable at the same time. Can not wait for, the most anticipated, third book in the series (which does not have a title or a even a cover yet). Expected Release date for the 3rd installment is May 14th, 2015.
If you have read any of these.......WHAT!?!?! Get on it!!


Mystery/Suspense

I've read all three of her books, Sharp Objects, Gone Girl, and Dark Places, which I've listed in the order of  most liked (Sharp Objects being THE BEST). All of her books are twisted, TWISTED. I couldn't believe how this woman thinks, what crazy images she conjures up. Definitely shocked the spooks out of me.

Historical Fiction


Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern~ Magical, Romantic and Unique. One of a kind read and a favorite of mine.


The Golem and The Jinni by Helene Wecker~ I remember waiting for this book's debut and when the day finally came I was at the bookstore purchasing it 2 mins after the doors opened. It was an unforgettable journey with captivating characters and a magical look at a historical New York.


The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman~ A compelling story of young love during tumultuous times. Hoffman created a mysterious story during the buoyant and fickle first decades of the twentieth century New York. 

Horror


NOS4A2 by Joe Hill~ This is one book that I actually listened to the audio too and HOLY CHRISTMAS was is FANTASTIC. The Narrator, Kate Mulgrew, was absolutely phenomenal. Her raspy, rough voice fit perfect with the characters of the book. The story was bizarre and trippy, and just Plain creepy.
 YA Fantasy


Half A King (Shattered Seas #1) by Joe Abercrombie~ Definitely a great fantasy book for first time fantasy readers. It's not too massive, like most fantasy books, 352 pages, a decent amount. But trust me all 352 pages will fly by so fast. The story begins intense and doesn't stop. A misfit cast of characters and unbelievable plot twists.
This is, by far, my favorite book read this year!

Fantasy


The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archives #1) by Brandon Sanderson~ Read this in a group read-a-long created by Snowflakes and Spider Silk. It was pretty huge but so sensational and worth every page. I can not wait to get into the next installment (soon), Words of Radiance. 

Fairy Tale Retellings


The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer~ This series puts a sci-fi/fantasy flip on our classic fairy-tales. Re-tellings from Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel , Meyers creates such an inventive and incredible story.
 Star Wars/Indiana Jones/Cinderella and other fairy-tales= AMAZEBALLS

Neil Gaiman

Because Neil Gaiman is one of my most favorite authors I would, of course, want everyone to read his books. I listed the books that are a must read for Gaiman's first time readers. Neverwhere, The Graveyard Book and The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains.

Thank you for stopping by and for those of you haven't read any of the books or authors I've listed above, hopefully you'll take some time and read some of them. I promise, they will not let you down!!!

 BIG HUGS and Lots of Love 

















Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Review: Half A King by Joe Abercrombie

Half a King 
by Joe Abercrombie
My Rating: 5 Stars


“I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath.” 


 Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand.

 The deceived will become the deceiver.

Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.

 The betrayed will become the betrayer.


 Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.

 Will the usurped become the usurper?
 But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds his path may end as it began—in twists, and traps, and tragedy.



This is the first book I've read by Abercrombie and trust me, it will not be the last. Probably my favorite book read in 2014.

With a memorable cast of characters and a gripping, unpredictable journey til the end, this book did not disappoint. It exceeded my expectations and I'm eager to read more of Joe Abercrombie's work.


Whip-cracking pace, full of action, adventure, betrayal and plot twists galore. I can not stress how entertaining and enjoyable this book was. I definitely see myself re-reading this in the future.

I'm thrilled that this is only book one in Joe Abercrombie's Shattered Sea Series and I'm anticipating the wait for the next installment.

A must read for Everyone!!!!!

5 STARS

**much thanks to the publishers @ Netgalley. This was a free copy for my honest review.

♥ BIG hugs and Lots of Love ♥




Waiting on Wednesday: The Young Elites and W.W.W. Wednesday



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly bookish meme, 
hosted by Breaking the Spine,
that showcase upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating. 

Today's Book:

Marie Lu
Date of Release: October 7th, 2014

**I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.


Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.**

Okay, so I'm not going to lie. This is not this first time I have posted The Young Elites for my W.o.W. But that's okay, right!?!
The reason why I just had to post it a second time is because I got the chance to read a sneak peek, Chapter 1 preview! All I have to say about that is
WOW!! Freakin' give me the book NOW!!

Get ready to be blown away! Click here to read the first chapter of Marie Lu's The Young Elites.



"THE YOUNG ELITES is my new, upcoming YA series (the first book comes out in Fall 2014 from Putnam/Penguin Books). It's set in a fantasy, Renaissance-like world where magic is new and misunderstood, and where societies of dangerous young people with supernatural powers battle for supremacy. Think X-Men meets Assassin's Creed 2 meets Game of Thrones. (At least, that's the goal!) The following are some sources of inspiration that capture the general feel of the story.Marie Lu


Check out this quote and some awesome ideas Ms. Lu has conjured up on Pinterest, for her upcoming series, The Young Elites.

The only thing that sucks about this whole thing....
It does come out until October!


Bummer!

Now for a little something extra.......W.W.W. Wednesday :)

Because I've been away for a while I figured I'd update everyone on these three questions....

What am I currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you plan on reading next?


  • Currently Reading:

Half A King (Shattered Sea, #1)
By Joe Abercrombie

I am so in love with this book. It has consumed me from the very first page. I'm so absorbed and entertain by this book and Abercrombie's amazing storytelling. I don't want it to end. Sadly I'm almost done.
Good news there will be a second book, bad news....not until next year. I will be re-reading this magnificent masterpiece again....soon!




  • Recently Finished Reading:

Ruin and Rising (The Grisha, #3)
By Leigh Bardugo

I actually listened the audio-book, actually for Siege and Storm as well. I wasn't that impress with the first book, Shadow and Bone, but thankfully I listened to everyone's advice and did not give up on this series. I listened to Siege and Storm and fell instantly in love. As soon as that audio was finished, I IMMEDIATELY downloaded Ruin and Rising, listened to it non-stop. Cried, Cheered, Loved it! Leigh Bardugo is a wizard, magical with her words, brilliant with her storytelling! Sad it's over :(

By Josh Malerman

When I wasn't listening to an audio-book, I was reading Bird Box. Recommended by a friend who wanted to scare the bird shit out of me and succeeded. This book had me biting off every last bit of nails, I had, off. I read outside, always, so at night I had the porch light on but was constantly looking around, over my shoulder, eyes WIDE open!! This was a short, easy to read thriller. So intense and addicting, you won't want to put it down. Great read!


The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archives, #1)
By Brandon Sanderson

Not much to say about this one other than BRILLIANT!

Brandon Sanderson is my all time favorite Fantasy storyteller. He definitely knows how to create another world and characters, writing in such a descriptive way that you'll truly believe that it's all real, a part of history. Thanks to our WoK read-along and the master-mind behind it all, Kritika @ Snowflakes and Spidersilk. Check out her blog for out discussion on The Way of Kings Read-Along.


  • Plan on Reading Next:

There's no guarantee what's coming next. My mind is always changing by the hour when it comes to reading. Sometimes I'll pick a book up, read the first couple of sentences and just not be feeling it at that time. Pick up another book and the same thing might happen.....it just keeps going on like that until I get that feeling. Lol... I don't know. I'm weird!
Do any of you get like that????
Here are some that I do have in mind, either for reading or audio. (I usually do one of each)


(The First Law, book 1)
by Joe Abercrombie










by Erika Johansen









by Hugh Howey









I've been M.I.A. for a month, almost two, now and I'm sad that I've missed out on so much (blogging, that is)
I've missed a lot of my blogger friends, especially! Y'all know who you are. Even though I wasn't blogging, y'all made sure to tweet me, message me, find some kind of way of letting me know that y'all cared. That was freakin' awesome! Love you guys.
Now I'm back, trying to get into the grove again. It's, not going to lie, A LOT harder now. My kids are growing up, making blogging a bit difficult, LOL! For those of you that don't know, I have a 3 and half year old and a 1 year old. So yea, they're into everything!
Please bare with me....


I'm going to try my hardest to blog on a daily basis again. Wish me luck guys.
I got a lot of catching up to do!

♥ BIG hugs and Lots of Love ♥