Top Ten Tuesday | Books on My Fall 2018 TBR

Hey, everyone!

So guess who got an extension on her internship? Clearly me. And I forgot to tell everyone. Typical, I don’t say anything until weeks later. I’m thrilled, and I can’t believe I’ve been working at a small press for the last six months. I can’t. Someone slap me, please.

As you all know, Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. For this week’s topic, we get to show off our potential TBR list for Fall 2018. And I don’t know if I should be dreading this post or if I should be happy. My physical pile is getting out of control, but let’s throw in some new titles and just ignore the problem, shall we?

So I hope you enjoy! Here are my top picks:

 

Sadie

I’ve heard a lot of buzz with this new YA mystery. And I knew I had to read it when I found about the podcasts you can listen to while reading the book. I love unique ways of telling a story, and I think this book deserves a place on my TBR list.

 

Two Dark Reigns

I probably haven’t given the series proper credit. Kendare has created an eerie yet spellbinding world, and I love it. Unfortunately, some tropes kept me from reading the sequels sooner. But I need to stop letting my moods get in the way of some great storytelling. And frankly, I need to know which queen kills Mirabella.

 

Broken Things

I wasn’t sure if I should put this title on my list. However, I like to explore different genres. And I’ve seen some promising reviews for this YA suspense. I don’t always read this kind of book, which is why I’m so drawn to it. And I think it’s a perfect read for the Fall and Halloween.

 

Archenemies

Please be good. Please be good. You don’t know how much I want this book to be good. 😂 I adore Marissa’s writing. I truly do. But the cliffhanger at the end of Renegades has kept me on my toes ever since I read it. I love dark little heart Nova, and I can’t wait to see the internal battle she’ll more than likely have in this sequel. Bring it, Marissa!

 

Shadow of the Fox

I first fell in love with the cover. You can’t go wrong with cover love. But at the time, I was a little hesitant about putting it on my list. I’ve never heard about the author before. But I adore Japanese culture, and I keep seeing rave reviews. So I’m taking a chance on this book.

 

Stalking Jack the Ripper

Yes, this book has been on another one of my TTT posts. But I’m not passing up on this series. Nope. Not going to happen. I love historical fiction, and the author incorporates some of the most prolific characters and real-life people into her writing.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Hidden Gems

Happy Tuesday, dearies!

Finally! I can breathe. The constant heatwaves just make me want Fall to come sooner. I shouldn’t complain since I’ve just seen the weekend’s temps. 😐 Who’s ready for cozy blankets and sweaters, hot chocolate, scary books, and bonfires? I know I am.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. For this week’s topic, we discuss hidden gem books. I had a hard time with this post. I wasn’t sure which books to put on my list and which ones to take out. So hopefully, you enjoy it more than I have. 😂 Here are my choices for books I don’t talk much about:

 

Grace and Fury

I’ve seen quite a bit of marketing for the book. But I haven’t talked much about it though. I wasn’t sure if I’d read the book, until I won it in an IndigoTeen contest. But the premise of it is one of the most unique concepts I’ve seen lately, so it deserves a bit more attention than it has received.

 

City of Ghosts

Yes, since it’s a Schwab book, it’ll receive great marketing. However, I’ve seen several readers hesitate to pick it up since it’s geared toward middle-grade readers. But often times, I’ve found great storylines in MG books. And with that thought, I believe more people should take a risk with Schwab’s latest story.

 

Black Witch

Black Witch had a solid marketing plan. But some readers were turned off because select reviewers ripped apart this book. Now, I haven’t read it yet, so I can’t back up some adult bloggers’ claims, but I know many people refused to read it, which I find unfortunate. So no one gave the book a chance. But I hope to do so soon so I can see if those claims are true or false. You can find more information about the controversy here.

 

The Wicked Deep

I wasn’t sure if I’d love the book. The author combines the Salem Witch Trials and Hocus Pocus. And if there’s one thing you should know about me is that I adore that movie. My expectations were high, but I loved the book, even the ending, which is slightly predictable. Unfortunately, since the publication, I haven’t seen many bloggers mention it.

 

An Enchantment of Ravens

Quite a few readers have compared the book to ACOTAR, and I think that does a disservice to it. When I finally picked it up, I had no expectations, but I haven’t talked about it since. However, I was so pleased with the writing, storytelling, and characters. Unfortunately, it hasn’t moved past that comparison, which is a shame.

 

Wild Beauty

I bought this book earlier this year, and while I haven’t read it yet (I need to stop buying books and not reading them), I haven’t seen a lot of love for it. But magical realism is sometimes hard to sell though. Not everyone likes it, and other readers may not even acknowledge this kind of genre. But I’m intrigued to see if it lives up to my expectations.

 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I haven’t cried so hard reading another book. I found this beauty several, several years ago, and I’ve read it so many times you can see my fingerprints on the book. I’m a historical book lover, and I’ll always fall hard for a story based in WWII. The storyline is heartbreaking, and the stellar cast of characters will stay with you longer than you read the book.

And it deserves all the praise it has received because of the Netflix show. I highly recommend both show and book!

Top Ten Tuesday | Bingeworthy TV Shows

Hey, everyone!

I can’t believe it’s the first week of September. August flew past far too quickly for me. Don’t you agree? And I’m still trying to catch up on liking and commenting on other posts since I was too busy to do so. I feel so neglectful!

For this week’s topic, we get to discuss our favourite binge-worthy TV shows and/or movies we watch when we aren’t busy reading. Surprisingly, I rather enjoyed this topic. So for my picks, I wanted to have a good blend of book-related and non-book-related shows. Not every adaptation will be great. However, some have surpassed its original source. So my choices below are my top eight favourite shows.

I hope you enjoy!

Outlander

I’ve basically given up on the books. I don’t have time to read 700+ books anymore. However, my love for the show hasn’t changed at all. Both Sam and Caitriona are one of the best up-and-coming actors. And I love how they explore the world the author has built. They both bring their own take of the characters and make them their own.

 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Clearly, this show is an add-on to my list (thank you, Sara, for reminding me 😂). But how can this list be complete without Buffy?! It can’t. This show made me who I am today. It is one of the reasons why I love fantasy and why I keep going back to that genre.

 

Supernatural

How could I forget my favourite show?! We’re currently coming up to season 14, and I still don’t know how long this show has lasted. I’ve seen my four smol cinnamon rolls (Sam, Dean, Cas, and Crowley) die, and I’m not sure if the new season may give me heart palpitations or not. Supernatural is a show that continues to surprise me even if it’s showed its fans everything.

 

The Strain

I haven’t loved a vampire show in such a long time. By the end, The Vampire Diaries disappointed me. And don’t get me started on The Originals, which had the worst ending I’ve seen in years. But the Strain has stayed consistent throughout its entire three-series run. And it hasn’t lost its gore either. I still get shivers when I see the vampire’s tongue sucker.

 

The Magicians

Probably one of my favourite series is the Magicians. I haven’t read the series yet, and I don’t plan to. However, I’ve never thought I’d love the show this much. The reviews for the series made me hesitant until I binge-watched the first season. Snark, sass, sarcasm, and huge doses of magic will wheel you in from the first episode. I cannot recommend this show enough. I would die for Julia, Margo, and Eliot.

 

9-1-1

In one sitting, I binge-watched half this series. I couldn’t get enough of watching this action-packed show. Each character brings a new arc that’s interesting. And they come together as a family so they can save lives.

 

How to Get Away with Murder

I don’t know how I still watch this show even when it confuses the hell out of me. And yet, I still come back, screaming for more. I’m a sucker for a great mystery. And the show constantly keeps me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait for the next season.

 

The Gifted

Did I have any, ANY, faith in a new Marvel show? No. Nuh huh. So I had zero expectations coming into this series. And I hate every second I doubted the show. The first season was short. However, it sucks you in so quickly that you don’t have time to question anything else. I didn’t realize I loved watching The Gifted until the finale came. I will always love the X-Men. But this show may top most of the X-Men movies.

Top Ten Tuesday | Back to School

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

So who else is excited not to go back to school this year? Me. 😂 I haven’t been so thrilled to see September arrive. I truly haven’t. But you have my sympathies if you do. Copious amounts of reading may help. Or an upcoming graduation may be better.

This week’s topic dor Top Ten Tuesday, we get to discuss school-themed books. I’ll stick with books that take place at school, savvy? Good.

 

The Hate U Give

Have you ever wanted to pick up a book, but you hesitated every time you looked at it on a store shelf? Well, The Hate U Give is that kind of book to me. It’s a revolutionary read. And I need to read it. But I need to be in the right frame of mind.

 

One of Us Is Lying

I’ve been contemplating reading this book. But it sounds so damn good though. Murder, mystery, and a killer on the lose. What else do you look for in a book?

 

Carry On

Look at the cover. I think I’m in love. 😍 I’ve heard a lot about Rainbow but haven’t read any of her books. But I’d love to get to this one before the sequel comes out. And frankly, I can’t call myself a “Supernatural” fan if I don’t read this book with the show’s theme song in the name.

 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

How can I make this list without putting a Harry Potter book on here?! That’d be insane. One reason why I love Order of the Pheonix is the beginning of Dumbledore’s Army. I loved it. And I enjoyed how the students banded together.

 

The Aftermath

Ugh, this book bloody killed me. I know this choice may be controversial since the book revolves around a school shooting. However, it’s one of the few YA stories that address the consequences of such a horrible event. And I love how Kelley brings a new perspective to it.

 

The Black Witch

I followed HarperCollin’s latest Frenzy Presents on Twitter. Laurie attended the event, which I wish I could have gone to. Unfortunately, life got in the way. I’m hoping to delve deep into this book. Embracing a destiny, learning magic, and an evil looming are all that I’m looking forward to.

 

Thirteen Reasons Why

I wonder if I’ll ever read Thirteen Reasons Why. When it came on Netflix, I was so thrilled to pick it up. Like Aftermath, it discusses difficult situations students face: rape, suicide, bullying. When the controversy hit about the author, I questioned my decision. A part of me wants to read it. But I’m still on the fence.

Top Ten Tuesday | Books to Pull You Out of a Reading Slump

Happy Tuesday, book fam!

I hope your week is turning out great. This month, I’ve been catching up on some series that have sat on TBR list for years. And I’m so happy I did.

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed I’m more of a mood reader. And unfortunately, I sometimes find myself in the dread reading slump, which conveniently is this week’s topic for Top Ten Tuesday, now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

And of course, I struggle with the topic. So I’ll highlight some books I don’t always list in my TTT posts. I hope you like my list (I’m still debating my choices 🤦‍♀️)!

Our Dark Duet

I haven’t read all of Victoria’s books, but one series, besides her debut one, that sticks out to me is her Monsters of Verity. The entire premise of the series is so unique that I always recommend it to fellow readers. While the plot is complex, I feel the series is more character-driven. Morally corruptness rules over compassion. And Our Dark Duet reminds me of how our society is evolving into just that.

 

City of the Lost

I’m always a sucker for a well-written thriller. Any of Kelley’s books will get me out of a slump. But this series is one to beat. The atmospheric tone will keep you up late at night, and Kelley pulls you into a multi-layered world.

 

Heir of Fire

I SHOULD HAVE READ THIS SERIES SOONER. After finishing Crown of Midnight, I thought I’d switch up my TBR pile and go straight into a sci-fi. Wrong move. I was quickly slipping into a slump, so I knew I had to read the Heir of Fire, and I’m thrilled I did. Celaena’s growth has improved, and I’m loving the Rowelin vibes.

 

Caster Chronicles Series

Caster Chronicles is my go-to series when I can’t find anything good to read. I haven’t found a witch book that can match my love of Beautiful Creatures. Kami and Margaret incorporate magic with southern charm, then throw in forbidden love to ramp up the tension.

 

Angelfall

What surprises me the most about the book is the fact that I loved it. When I bought it, I had no expectations to like it, even if I fell in love with the cover. But the author captivates readers by showing the ruthless and deadly side of angels, who cause an apocalypse.

 

City of Bones

I hate to admit this, but the series does help me with getting out a slump. I may have no love for the author or her writing, but I sometimes enjoy reading her first series (and I use that word liberally). Perhaps it’s my love of nephilims that keep making me come back. Or maybe it’s Chairman Meow and Magnus.

Top Ten Tuesday | Favourite Book Blogs!

Hey, book lovers!

Ah, I’m so stoked for this week’s topic! We’re halfway through August already. And Summer is flying by so fast, but that means we’re closer to Fall. 😉 With this constant heat, I need some cool weather, or I’ll go cabin fever. 😂

So let’s get to the topic. We get to talk about our favourite book blogs/websites. Since I believe more bloggers deserve more recognition than they get, I’ll stick with my top seven picks!

I know I can’t reach out to you all, and I don’t want anyone to think I don’t love them. But you’re a part of my blogging family. So I send my love to all of you. Everyone deserves this appreciation. So keep blogging, and I’ll keep liking!

 

Dana and the Books

Since journalism school, Dana and I have been friends for a good eight years. She pushed me into blogging (actually bugged me until I made my blog 😂), and I haven’t looked back. She’s not afraid to bash a book or author (bless you, my evil twin 💜), and I love her for that.

I miss you, so come back home!

 

Books and Munches

I absolutely adore Kathy. I always look forward to seeing her posts. And her enthusiasm is contagious! She’s one reason why I keep posting.

 

The Cozy Pages

Nina! I know I’ll always see Nina show up on my feed. I love how she dedicates her time not only to her blog but also to others’. I love talking with her about books and authors.

 

Fiction No Chaser

Both Teagan and Jess bring sarcasm and snarkiness to blogging. I’ve known them for only a short time, but I know I’ll get a laugh (and a good drink) out these two.

 

Books Are the New Black

Leslie! My fellow Schwab lover. I’m so glad to have connected with her. I love hearing her unique voice in each post she writes, and she makes me want to read every single book she reviews (my TBR list would like to say otherwise).

WE NEED TO BUDDY READ NEW SCHWAB BOOKS.

 

The Bibliophagist

I don’t know how Sara does it, but she’s practically a blog fanatic. Besides Kathy, I’ve never seen someone post so much, and she makes me want to push my blog further.

 

Flying Paperbacks

LaRonda has introduced me to more books I’ve never known about. So I knew I had to include her in my list. She knows how to write a headline. 😂 And she sure has earned my respect and laughter for that.

Top Ten Tuesday | Books You’d Mash Together

Hey, book fam!

It’s time for another TTT! Who’s excited? I know I am (a little too much, actually 😂). Why would anyone not think of this topic sooner?! I have so many choices, and I don’t have enough room in this post! Now, I know why this topic isn’t popular. 🤦‍♀️

(I may not be around for the next few days. I got food poisoning over the weekend, and I still feel like death.)

 

Throne of Glass and Six of Crows

I wonder who would be cockier: Kaz or Aelin. And I’m still not sure who’d be better at scheming. I’ve been debating with myself all night. I was extremely close in pairing up SOC with ACOMAF, but Kaz and Aelin won out. I can just picture Nina and Lysandra having fun, and Inej and Rowan rolling their eyes at their lovers’ next plan.

 

A Court of Mist and Fury and The Wicked King

This mashup can possibly create the ultimate fae story. Don’t you agree? I can see Rhys trying to outsmart Jude, and with a smirk on their faces, Cardan and Feyre watching them. But I’d love to see Amren killing anyone who looks at her funny. 😂

 

And I Darken and Nevernight

Just imagine Lada and Mia meeting up and just slaughtering EVERYTHING. And now, you know I’m slightly odd. I think these two characters perfectly balance each other out but would more than likely encourage more bloodshed.

 

 

Cinder and Wildcard

The reason why I’ve picked this mashup is the sismance between Cinder and Emika. Both of these young women have a passion for science and for tinkering around. And I’d love to see how these two would get in trouble with their shenanigan.

Top Ten Tuesday | Popular Books That Lived Up to the Hype

 

Hello, dearies!

Here comes another Top Ten Tuesday. Who’s ready?! I cannot believe it’s the end of July. I don’t. I feel as if I’m getting a grasp on my blog, then I forget to post anything. This month is going by so fast that I cannot keep up with everything.

So for this week’s topic, we get to pick which books live up to the hype. And while I’d love to talk about books I’ve already listed (and since I can’t read 100 books like some of you freaky readers), I want to highlight hyped-up books I want to read. Savvy? Good. Because I don’t know what else to post. 😂

 

Lifel1k3

This cover is killing me right now. I cannot get over the design and colour (and I’m not a huge fan of yellow). I need to start reading Kristoff books. I can’t keep putting them off. I first heard of Lifel1k3 from the blogosphere, and I knew I had to read it.

 

A Conjuring of Light

I’ve just finished A Gathering of Shadows, and I know I’ll need to read the finale soon because right now, I’m worried about my babies. This series is one of my favourites, and I’m so happy that Victoria is expanding the universe!

 

The Hate U Give

I’ve been wanting to read this. But a part of me worries it may just break me in several jagged pieces, and I’m not sure if I can put myself back together. I watched the movie trailer though, and I need to talk myself up to this book asap. I can’t miss it.

 

Stalking Jack the Ripper

How can I pass up a fantastic ya historical series? I’m still trying to figure that out. But fear not! I may just binge buy the three books eventually. I’ve heard nothing but praise of the series, and I’m eager to see how the author incorporates history into her writing.

 

Children of Blood and Bone

The hype surrounding the book has swayed me not to read it immediately off the shelves. I’ve been going back and forth with buying it, but I need to stop psyching myself out.

 

Ready Player One

A dystopian landscape, virtual reality, 80s and 90s culture all thrown together to make a sci-fi book readers need to read. What more can a reader ask for? The mixed reviews have kept me away from this, but once I heard about the movie and the sequel, well, it moved up on my TBR list.

What do you think of my choices? Did you love reading them? Did they not live up to the hype? Let’s chat!

Top Ten Tuesday | Books with Sensory Reading Memories

It’s another Tuesday!!!

Yeah, I yelled that in my head if you haven’t picked up on the excitement. 😂 Who’s thrilled to do this post? And who has no damn clue what to put? If you’re in the latter, you’re my people. I love when a topic makes you truly think what you should pick.

How has your week gone? I feel like this month just keeps speeding up when I pay attention to the dates. And I can’t believe we’re heading into Fall shortly. A part of me hopes the year slows down, then the other part, which needs to breathe, would love the cooler temperatures.

So for this week’s topic, we get to talk about books with sensory memories. Since I am a bundle of emotions that like nothing more than to escape the confines of my mind, I’m choosing the top six books that have captured a special moment or memory for me.

A Book That Made Me Love Reading Again

This book has stuck with me since I first cracked open the cover. And finally, I’m reading the sequel! (About time, right?) A Darker Shade of Magic is one book that surprises even the most seasoned reader. It catches up on you and makes you love reading again. Not many books do that for me. But this series does.

 

A Book That Made Me Love a Genre I Thought I’d Never Like Again

Did you honestly think I’d leave out Marissa’s masterpiece? Nuh uh. I never thought I’d fall back in love with science fiction books. Since I love sci-fi movies and shows, I don’t which book set off my dislike for them. But Cinder reminds me why I love the genre. I finished this debut novel in just a little over twenty-four hours. And I haven’t looked back since. I never thought I could binge read like that again.

 

A Book That I Buddy-Read With a Friend

I read A Torch against the Night with my college/blog friend Dana. I love and miss her (come home soon, will you?!). She got me into Sabaa’s brilliant YA series, so I had to read the sequel with her. And I’ve been weeping ever since, especially after reading A Reaper at the Gates.

 

A Book That Reminds Me of Fall

I’ve read only half the books in the series, yet it holds so many memories for me, especially the movies. With the first book, I smell the hot cider and the lit pumpkins and see the leaves blowing across the grass. It’s the Fall book. And I hope I can finish the series, eventually.

 

A Book That Made Me Love Going to the Movies

If memory serves me correctly, my Grade 8 English classmates and I read The Return of the King just before the final movie came out. And we were lucky enough to watch it on the big screen. Even to this day, I hated, absolutely hated, reading out loud in class, yet I couldn’t wait to watch the movie. And I still can’t think straight when I see Aragorn. That man is a god.

 

A Book That Started Me on My Path to My (Eventual) Career

I cannot stop raving about Kelley. She is my top author who I adore. I found her first book, Bitten, in my Grade 8 English class. Yes, this adult novel is not meant for a thirteen-year-old reader, but somehow, my teacher decided to give it to me as a graduation gift. 🤦‍♀️ It’s slightly torn, and I wish I took better care of it, but I’ll cherish it more than she’ll ever know. And it led me to my career in publishing (which is slowly taking off).

Top Ten Tuesday | Novellas and Short Stories

 

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

How’s your week been going? I’ve been struggling to come up with a good list since I don’t read a lot of these stories or novellas. I typically stick with larger books. But for this week’s topic of Top Ten Tuesday, I want to talk about some of the novellas and short stories I have read and want to read. So let’s get to the post, shall we?

 

 Ayama and the Thorn Wood and When Water Sang Fire from The Language of Thorns

It’s hard to pick which stories I love the most from this book. But the two that have stuck with me are these. Both are the first and the last, and yet they complement each other beautifully. However, the siren story may be my favourite out of all them.

 

A Court of Frost and Starlight

Yes, I’ve complained plenty about this novella. However, I love going back to Velaris and seeing what my favourite characters are up to. And the tension between Nesta and Cassian make up for some of my disappointment.

 

Queen Song from Cruel Crown

This short story revolves around the first wife of King Tiberius, Queen Coriane. She has intrigued me since Red Queen. And when I read her story, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. You know she’s dead. You know she lost her battle, and yet her story is nonetheless compelling.

 

Hidden

When I heard about this novella, I nearly screamed. I’ve followed the Women of the Otherworld series since I was 13. So when I heard Kelley wrote a story about Clay and Elena taking the twins on a holiday vacation, I knew I had to read it.

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Stars Above

I’ve finally finished Winter, and I just need the next dose of this series. When I found out Marissa wrote a collection of Lunar Chronicle stories, I knew there was no way I could pass up this book. No way. I can’t wait to get back into Marissa’s world.

 

Queens of Fennbirn

I’ve been meaning to catch up on this series. However, I haven’t read the second book, and I spoiled myself on the third, and clearly, I haven’t read this one as well. So I truly need to tackle my TBR pile, stat. I have a love-hate relationship with this series. I’m not sure if I hate it, but I do know I love some aspects of it. Kendare creates a magical yet dangerous world that you can’t help but fall for. This book combines The Young Queens and The Oracle Queen.

 

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy

I know, I know, I’m behind on my Shadowhunter books. Okay, one book doesn’t necessarily count as behind. But you get what I mean. I should have read this book before transitioning to the Dark Artifices series. I’ve been wanting to see how Simon transforms from a teenager who can’t remember the love of his life and his best friend to a Shadowhunter.