Category: Reading Round-Up

Monthly Wrap-Up | June 2018

Siobhan @ Novelties10 Comments

Seriously?! June is over? I cannot believe it is. I’m kind of freaking out at how fast this year is going. So I needed to take some time away from blogging. My life has been too hectic. And just for the sake of doing so, I didn’t want to publish something half ass. But you’ll be seeing me around much more though!

Let me know how your June has gone! I’d love to check up with all of you.

 

Yeah, last month, reading took a back seat. I couldn’t decide which book to read, which one to hold off on, and which one to finish. I went back and forth from one book to the next. Don’t you hate you that? I know I do. I can’t stand it when indecisiveness rules my every choice.

But with the books I did read, I enjoyed. And I was finally able to read two of my most anticipated reads of this year!

 

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I need to find my fellow Dantella groupies because I need to squee about this book. Caraval is one book that snuck on me when I didn’t expect it. And I’ve been eagerly waiting to read Legendary. But like other readers, I was hesitant to read a book solely on Tella’s POV. Tella is a tricky character for me. She bothered me in Stephanie’s debut novel, but I loved her in this one. Stephanie blends magic, intrigue, and politics and creates an enchanting experience.

I cannot wait to read Finale.

 

Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is GORGEOUS. It rivals Flame in the Mist, and I thought that book was too beautiful for words. Smoke brings on a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Going in, I knew my favourite characters, Mariko and Okami, would suffer, but I was not anticipating the need to punch a wall and scream, “don’t hurt my babies!” at 2 in the morning.

Renée beautifully crafts a historical fantasy you’ve been hoping to read. And while the book is a slow burn, it will satisfy her dedicated readers. I’m hooked.

 

Winter by Marissa Meyer

This book is BEAST. I haven’t finished it yet, but I’m enjoying it. Even though I’m late to the game, I don’t want this series to end. Finally, the entire crew joins forces to take down the evil bitch queen we call Levana (bless my swearing skills). I feel the story starts off slow and then builds off of that. I enjoy seeing how each character interacts, and I hope to finish this monster off shortly.

I cannot wait to find more sci-fi books. I don’t want to miss any great series. So shoot me some of your favourite picks! I’d love to discover more!

Give it to me to buy more books than I read for the month. Okay, I can’t put the blame on that. I had several pre-orders, so don’t judge. What am I saying?! I’m talking to fellow book nerds.

I wanted to keep my book haul short for June since I wasn’t sure if I’d read this all (I’m glad I decided ahead of time, or I’d be kicking my butt right now). But I was able to pick up books I’ve been dying to read. And hopefully, I’ll get to them soon.

Who am I kidding? I’ll just keep adding to my pile. 😂

 

So what was your most anticipated book for June? Did you get into a reading slump like me? Let me know in the comments!!

Monthly Wrap-Up | May 2018

Siobhan @ Novelties13 Comments

Oh, hi there.

So, did you survive May? I’m surprised I did even though I loved the month, except when I got sick. On my birthday. 😒 And of course, my bank account took a big ding. I never thought so many book releases would almost take me out. But I’m still standing. I think. What about you, dearies? Have you found some great reads?

 

Look at me tackling my TBR list, while I just add more to it. 😅 So I participated in Kathy’s Moody May challenge. Since it’s been so long from the last challenge I did, I forgot how to do this one. Even though I knew I should have read the new releases, I couldn’t resist reading the Lunar Chronicles. And yes, this is where you can totally nerd out with me. I won’t judge.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

⭐⭐⭐¾

ACOTAR is, by far, one of my favourite series. And while I loved a good chunk of this novella, I was wanting more. What saves it though is Nesta. I adore her, and I’m eagerly awaiting to read her story and Cassian’s. I just hope my ship has not sunk. Sarah sunk the last two, and I’m still bloody LIVID.

 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I AM A LUNAR FAN. (*cough* fanatic *cough*) And I need help, like a peer support group or something. 😂 I completely regret not reading this series before. I’ve had so many readers and bloggers try to get me to read the Lunar Chronicles, but I had to wait until 2018.

Cinder will always be one of my favourite characters. I adore her and Kai, who is such a little cinnamon bun.

 

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

⭐⭐⭐⭐

When you combine an alpha female, a quiet and shy love interest, and thrilling action scenes, you’ve got me hooked. I loved this sequel. I was a bit scared going into it though. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially with some negative reviews. But Marissa does not disappoint!

 

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

⭐⭐⭐½

I wanted to love it. I’ve been a huge Red Queen fan. My bestie and fellow blogger Dana @ Dana and the Books got me hooked on the series, so I was eagerly waiting for the finale, especially after that devastating epilogue in King’s Cage. But I feel a bit disappointed with this book’s ending. One character who made up for my disappointment is Evangeline. Surprised much? Yeah, me too. But I love her character development.

Review to come soon!

 

Cress by Marissa Meyer

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh my stars. (Oh God, I’m using the book’s language now.) I’ve been waiting to read about Thorne! That cocky ball of fluff is one book boyfriend I’ve been wanting to see. And Cress is more adorable than I thought she was. I want to wrap her in a blanket and protect from the world. This book made me cry, and I wanted to stab Levana more than I thought. But that ending though! I want to pick up Winter now.

Don’t miss my review, which will come shortly.

Do you know when you’ve pre-ordered so many books that you forgot you’ve ordered them? Well, that’s how May turned out for me. Even the delivery people commented on my packages. 😂 And I never knew I’d hit that kind of high (or low?) before. But here I am.

Yes, I splurged, but I deserved a nice birthday. My credit card would like to say otherwise.

So which books disappointed or surprised you last month? What are you looking for in June? Did you find your next book boyfriend or girlfriend? Let’s chat!

Monthly Wrap-Up | April 2018

Siobhan @ Novelties14 Comments

Did I honestly think I’d get past this month? Not really. I forgot to tell you all that April is the second month I’ve been working at a small Canadian publishing house, so I haven’t had enough time to do every post I’ve wanted to. But I’m catching up slowly even if my mounting TBR in May is kind of freaking me out right now. So let’s get to the post.

 

I absolutely loved this month. I do not regret mostly reading only siren and pirate books, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love morally gray characters anyways. And then I finished off the month with some Vikings. So I’m one happy bookworm right now.

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This siren princess who rips out princes’ hearts makes me all giddy inside. I adore this debut novel. Alexandra twists the Little Mermaid into her own wicked and cruel beast. For years, I’ve been waiting for this kind of book. Lira and Elian are relationship goals.

I think the only negative I have about this book is that it’s a standalone novel. Alexandra has created a rich world that deserves more stories.

 

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I need more sirens and pirates in my life. I truly regret not reading this book sooner. Alosa, a captain of an almost female-only ship, will slit your throat and not bat an eye. Tricia creates compelling and wicked characters and an enthralling storyline. I was looking for more world building though. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

 

Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I practically breezed through this series. And I wish it weren’t over. Sirens, pirates, brilliant fight scenes, and hate-to-love relationship make a solid sequel. I honestly didn’t think the sequel would be good as the Pirate King, but here I am, gushing over Siren Queen. I’m so happy I picked up this series.

 

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Adrienne is one of my favourite debut authors of 2018. I can pray to the (Vikings) gods so I can get a sequel, but alas, she’s making a companion novel. I need more of this world. Sky in the Deep is rich in history and storytelling. If you’re looking for a taste of Vikings, go read it.

Do I recommend it? Hell yes.

 

No Rating

ARK by Jesse Miller

Last month, I thought I wouldn’t get a big haul, but here I am, showing all of you my weakness once I step into an Indigo store. Instead of returning one book I didn’t need, I walked out with three more. Was I expecting that? Sort of. I anticipated two, but the third one crept up on me. I have zero room on my shelves, but oh well!

I cannot wait to crack these beauties open.

How was your April? Have you tackled some of your anticipated reads? Let me know in the comments!

Monthly Wrap-Up | January 2018

Siobhan @ Novelties9 Comments

 

Hey book nerds!

As you can tell, I’ve redesigned some of my blog graphics. And I’ve combined the reading round-up and book haul posts into one, which is more easier to handle. I hope to revamp my entire blog, including my name (about time I can do that). Last year I struggled to keep up with some posts and just kept pushing things off, but I want to stay on top of my blog, so I’ll be scheduling much more this year.

Last month wasn’t that eventful, but I had the opportunity to jump on several blog tours and finish a few books that have been waiting on my TBR list. So here they are:

 

I was trying to catch up on my TBR pile since a particularly nasty cold hit me hard in December. So even though I wanted to read more, I could only get to four books in January.

 

 

Warcross by Marie Lu

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I haven’t read any of Marie’s previous work, and right now, I feel like I missed out on great writing. Warcross surprised me, and I instantly fell in love with this virtual reality clashing with reality.

I highly recommend this book.

 

Deadly Sweet by Lola Dodge

⭐⭐⭐¾

I’m always down for a witch story. For the past couple of years, I’ve steered clear of them because I’ve read too many that just blended in to each other. Just picture the sweetest bakery with a high dose of magic, and you have Deadly Sweet. I’m interested to see what Lola has in store for the sequel(s).

 

Rise by Sierra Cross

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another witch book in one month? Really? Don’t worry. This story didn’t disappoint either. But this adult one has the sexual tension cranked high.

 

Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surprisingly, as a Batman fan, I wasn’t sure how this book might stand up to the other stories and back history of the character, but Marie truly doesn’t disappoint DC fans. There are slow scenes that may detract from the storyline, but just hold on though. You’ll get your action soon enough.

 

You can find my review posts linked in the titles above.

I didn’t buy a huge lot in January. There weren’t many books that interested me. But a few caught my eye, and I couldn’t pass up on snagging them. I’ve already read two, and I can’t wait to read my first Holly Black book.

 

 

 

What caught your eye last month? Why don’t we catch up in the comments’ section!