Top Ten Tuesday | Cozy/Wintry Reads

It’s finally December. And Blogmas, or some variation of it, is upon us bloggers. So what’s better than the first winter-themed TTT post?

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is cozy/wintry reads. I’m not a huge cozy reader. I typically stick with the whimsical, fantasy, and thriller storylines. So I’ve pondered what I’d do for this week’s post. But these 7 books came to mind when I was writing it. I hope you all enjoy!

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Top Ten Tuesday | My Favourite Platonic Relationships

Hey, everyone!

This week is shaping out to be better than the last. And I can’t wait to get back to normal blogging.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is platonic relationships! I love this topic and have been waiting to do it in such a long time. You don’t see much talk about these relationships, but I love reading about them though.

So let’s get to the post. Here are my top choices of platonic relationships. I hope you enjoy!

Top Ten Tuesday | Thankful Freebie

Hey, book nerds!

We have just one more Top Ten Tuesday before December rolls up, and I cannot believe how the time has flown by! Clearly, my Thanksgiving has passed. But I never wrote a thankful post. So I’ve remedied that error.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is Thanksgiving/thankful freebie! As a blogger, maybe I don’t appreciate everything that has come along on this journey. Even though I’ve been blogging for more than two years, I’m still learning and evolving as a blogger. And I’m surprised that I’m still here.

So without much delay, I’ve picked the top five reasons why I’m thankful. I struggled with what I wanted to include in my list, but I hope you like it! So yes, this post may get a little sappy. Be warned! 😉

Top Ten Tuesday | Bookish Merch I’d Like to Own

Morning, everyone!

I’ve already done this type of post before. But you know me and my love for bookish merch. I can’t get enough of it.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is bookish merchandise! Over the last several months, I’ve collected an impressive lot of these goodies. But I’m dying to add the pieces below. (If you’re interested in buying them, you can click onto the link in the photo. All photos have been taken from the artists’ websites or Redbubble pages. I don’t own them.)

Finally, I can show off my new winter-themed graphics. I’ve been eager to see what you all think about them.

I hope you enjoy!

Top Ten Tuesday | Backlist Books I Want to Read

Morning, bloggers!

Please tell me I’m not the only person affected by the Daylight Savings time. I feel as if I’ve slept for 10 hours, but I didn’t.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is backlist titles. I don’t think I need a prompt to remind me that my TBR pile can easily kill me if it wanted to. 😂 But here are my top 6 picks of books and series I want to read. I hope you enjoy!

 

Rebel of the Sands Series

Romance, defiance, rebellion, and magic. SIGN ME UP! My friend Dana recommended the entire series, and for a good year, it’s sat on my TBR list. But I can’t resist another jinn-themed storyline though. I also can’t turn down beautiful covers. I’m vain, people.

 

Tower of Dawn

I’m so worried about the book. Chaol was, and may somewhat be, one of my favourite characters, but the way he treats Aelin in Queen of Shadows is hard to move past. I hated how his storyline turned out, but I need for him to have a redemption arc.

 

The Dragon’s Wing

Tate introduced me to reverse harem, so I can’t forget to mention her in this list. I absolutely loved her debut series and have thought about binge-reading the rest of it.

 

Bright We Burn

For months, I’ve avoided the book. You see, I somewhat glossed over the entire thing when it arrived, so I know what happens. However, I need to finish the series. I never thought I’d root for Radu though.

 

Shadowsong

Wintersong was my highly anticipated read of last year. And while I loved it, I feel I rode the blogger wave of loving this book and not critiquing it properly. Because of the mixed reviews for this one, I’m just worried I won’t love Shadowsong as much as the first.

 

Grishaverse

How can I possibly skip this glorious series? It has the Darkling in it! Okay, I screwed up by reading Six of Crows before Shadow and Bone. But I’ll get to this series before King of Scars. Or I hope. Please remind me if I don’t 😂

Top Ten Tuesday | Perfect Spooky Books to Read for Halloween

Happy, Tuesday!

‘Tis the night before Halloween. And every ghost was stirring, even the dead mouse. We officially have one more day until the glorious night. And I am stoked!

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is Halloween freebie! So I’ve picked books that are perfect to read for Halloween.

Strange Grace

Years have passed since a village made a deal with the devil. In order to keep that pact when every Slaughter Moon comes, it must offer the body of a young man. But three friends uncover more than what they expect.

What do you expect when a village decides to make a bargain with the devil? Nothing good. Colour me intrigued. I needed this book yesterday.

 

Lantern’s Ember

Jack is a Lantern, a supernatural who must guard the portal to the Otherworld. But his duty to keep the creatures there turns difficult when he finds Ember, who feels the pull of that world.

Right now, I have a lot of cover love. And I adore the play-on-words in the title. I’ve read some mixed reviews, but the premise is unique.

 

City of Ghosts

Cassidy Blake must learn how to learn her ability to see ghosts before her powers get her in trouble.

I’m more than halfway done this middle grade read, and I love it! I’m a sucker for a children’s spooky book. I knew I had to read it for this Halloween. Cassidy may be one child who I relate to the most. I don’t expect anything less from Victoria.

 

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Evelyn will be murdered, and one man must find a way to identify the murderer and prevent her death. So every day, he wakes up in a different guest’s body.

I see a lot of buzz surrounding the book. And many of my blogger friends have raved about it. I cannot wait to dig into this mystery. It reminds me of the game Clue.

 

Broken Things

Everyone believes Mia and Brynn killed Summer Marks. But they weren’t the murderers. On the anniversary, they must find out what happened in the woods.

I’ve talked about this book before. But I’m dying to get my hands on it. It’s such a great book for a dark, scary night.

 

Nightingale

June Hardie wants nothing more than to experience life, but society and her parents demand otherwise. When she protests, they put her in Burrow Place Asylum, but that’s the least of her concerns.

I haven’t heard a lot about this book, but doesn’t that cover creep you out? But being committed into an insane asylum is my ultimate fear. But I love how the author injects feminism into her writing.

 

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Top Ten Tuesday | Villains

Happy Tuesday, bloggers!

We have just eight more days until Halloween. I’ve been counting down the days for this prompt. You all know my affinity for awful characters.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is villains! I will never stop loving them. Sometimes, they might be the only reason why I stay with a series and why I pick up the first book. So let’s get my top eight choices.

 

Prince Balekin from The Wicked King

At first, I simply distrusted Balekin, but I never knew of his potential. You’d think I’d select Jude and Cardan for my picks. But no. These two characters are the product of someone’s design. Balekin is on a different level than they are. I can’t believe I rooted for his family.

 

Lifelikes from (Well) Lifel1k3

How can I possibly hate them?! The way Kristoff writes these perfectly flawed yet utterly human-like characters is why. Lifelikes may hold more humanity than us humans, but they scare me. They hold destruction in one hand and salvation in the next. But they’re hellbent on being the masters of their own fate and aren’t afraid of wiping out our race in the process.

 

The Arrons Two Dark Reigns

I haven’t caught up with the series yet, but from the first chapter, I hated the Arron family. They shape Katherine for who she is, and I almost loathe her as much as I do Mirabella. But I don’t blame the sisters for what they must do in order to survive this heinous world. The Arrons, though, still creep me out and infuriate me.

 

Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn

Yes, you only get a taste of Gotham City Sirens here. But Sarah perfectly captures my three favourite female villains! This terrible trio almost makes Gotham more interesting.

 

Caro from Evermore

Sara may be a debut author, but she knows how to spin the perfect villain. I never expected anything from Caro. But I was so wrong about this character. And as the second book draws closer, I cannot wait to see how she will destroy everything Jules fights for.

 

Cohort from Queen of Air and Darkness

I never thought I’d hate another Shadowhunter as I despised Valentine. But the Cohort holds a special place on my hate list. After the devastation from the last war, select few Shadowhunters form the Cohort and wish to find any means necessary to restrict Downworlders.

 

Mother Blackbeak from Queen of Shadows

I honestly thought I hated her in Heir of Fire. But I want to gut this woman more than you can imagine. I wanted to put Manon in my list, but I don’t see her as much of a villain. Her grandmother still sends chills down my back when I think of her.

 

Legend from Finale

Can we please take a moment to marvel at this cover?! I’m in bliss. I’m still debating this choice. Some part of me wants to scream that he is one, then the other part feels as if he’s misunderstood. Why must villains be so complicated?!

Top Ten Tuesday | Bookstores/Libraries I’ve Always Wanted to Visit

Happy Tuesday!

I’ve been dreaming of this post. If I were to travel the world and to visit libraries and bookstores, I would die a happy bookworm.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is libraries and bookstores we’d love to visit! There are many on my list. So let’s get to the post. I hope you love my picks!

 

Bookstores

Mabel’s Fables, Toronto, Ontario

This children’s bookstore isn’t far from where I live. I’ve heard nothing but great stories from buyers. I love the splash of colour and the magical feel of it.

 

Leakey’s Bookstore, Inverness, Scotland

I think almost every Outlander lover knows about Inverness. But some may not have knowledge of the Leakey’s Bookstore. In the middle of the building sits a stove, which sets the mood of the entire store. Leakey’s isn’t complete without a spiral staircase, which offers views of the Scottish landscape.

 

Waterstones, Piccadilly, London

This beautiful art deco building will bring you back in time. It is the largest bookstore in London and should be the first stop for readers on their London trip.

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Libraries

Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

This library may be the most recognized. Like Scotland, I’ve wanted to travel to Ireland and find my family roots. And there’s one place, in particular, I want to see: the Long Room, which houses 200,000 of the oldest books in Dublin.

 

Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt

I would almost give anything if I could see the original library. But I guess the modern one will have to do. This library pays homage to the Library of Alexandria, which was destroyed thousands of years ago. Brimming with history, Egypt is one country I wish to travel to.

 

New York Public Library

Located in the iconic Midtown West location, the New York Public Library transports you back in history. The Rose Reading Room will inspire anyone to pick up a book.

 

Clementinum National Library, Prague, Czech Republic

Probably one the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever wanted to see is this one. Modern architecture hasn’t touched the Baroque Library Hall. And I don’t think it will.

So what did you think of this week’s topic? Do we have the same places on our lists? Have you had the chance to visit any of these libraries and bookstores? If so, let’s chat! I’d love to read about your experience there!

Top Ten Tuesday | Longest Books I’ve Ever Read

Happy Tuesday!

I’ve finally come out of my food coma. I never thought a 10-pound turkey could take me out so quickly.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is the longest books we’ve read. Preferably, I don’t mind long books, especially from my favourite authors. But I’m starting to like shorter novels now. But here are my favourite picks:

Queen of Shadows

648 pages

Even though Heir of Fire is my favourite TOG sequel, I cannot get enough of Queen of Shadows. Rowaelin, Aedion, Lysandra, the fate of Arobynn, and the return of magic make my inner book nerd scream.

 

Eldest

704 pages

I feel sad that I never finished the series. But the main character annoyed me to no end. It took me weeks just to finish the book, and I couldn’t stomach the writing. And from the reviews that said the last two sequels never improved, I don’t feel so awful anymore.

 

Lady Midnight

720 pages

After the disappointing ending of the Mortal Instruments, I had little expectations coming into the next (and never-ending) Shadowhunters series. I loved meeting Emma, Julian, and the Blackthorns though. I have to do admit that I enjoyed reading Lady Midnight. I just wish Cassie didn’t rely on dense writing.

 

Breaking Dawn

756 pages

I can’t believe I finished this series. Back then, I had zero taste in books. I just read what was popular. And I’m so glad I’m much more hesitant with books now. I don’t think I could handle rereading the Twilight Saga.

 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

759 pages

Deathly Hallows certainly isn’t the longest book in the series. But I never finished all the books though. This series was always hard for me to get into. And I wish I encouraged myself to read along with my generation.

 

Winter

827 pages

I was completely intimidated when this beast showed up. I wasn’t expecting Winter to be so damn thick. But even 800+ pages isn’t enough for me. I wanted more. But I loved the finale.

 

Voyager

870 pages

Dragonfly in Amber was somewhat of a letdown. I wanted to love it as much I did with Outlander. But the whole structure of the book threw me off. And I hated the time jump. But when Jamie and Clare reunite, I was a bloody mess!

Top Ten Tuesday | Authors I’d Love to Meet

Happy Tuesday, readers!

 

Who is excited for October? I can’t see to see what this month has in store for all of us! So many great releases are coming up, and I’m a ball of nerves.

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 fangirl/boy over our favourite authors we’d love to meet. Oh God, this is not good. I have too many options and not a lot of room to fit them in. What have you done when you picked this prompt?!

I’m good. Not really. I’m I’m slightly calmer. Anyways. As a Canadian, I don’t always have the opportunity to meet my favourite authors. But, if the chance arises, I’d probably die if I met these ones:

 

Jay Kristoff

I’m a new fan of Kristoff. And even though I haven’t read a lot of (if not, most) of his work, I’d probably flip if I met him. The man is a literary genius. He reaches out to his dedicated followers, and I love that kind of interaction. And honestly, I want to see the height difference between us, given that I’m 5’2″ (and ¾).

 

V. E. Schwab

I have immense respect for Victoria. She isn’t afraid to discuss her disability and her struggles. And her writing brings such joy to my dark days.

 

Leigh Bardugo

My goth Queen—frankly, she’s a goddess—will be at the top of my list. I adore her. I admire her. And I respect her strength. She gave me Kaz, who has inspired me to fight my demons. And I can’t thank her enough.

 

Sarah J. Maas

I just want to talk about the Inner Circle boys with her and find dirty fanmade illustrations of them, then giggle like 10-year-old girls together. Odd? I don’t care. I can’t make this list without her on it. No dice.

 

Sabaa Tahir

I arrived late to the Sabaa train, but I was an instant fan. I adore her writing and her strong female leads. I don’t know what I’d say, but I’d love for the chance.

 

Kelley Armstrong

Okay, this list cannot be complete without a Canadian author. So here she is. Yes, I’ve met Kelley before. And I still remember the day. She’s the reason why I continue to blog and stick it out in publishing. I’d more than likely fangirl like I did before, but I might be more coherent. I doubt it though.