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.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Books I Want to Read in the Last Half of 2018

Hello, darlings!

How’s your Tuesday going? I’m finally back in my blogging groove (or so I hope), and I can’t wait to see what your choices are for this week’s topic. Since to date, I’ve read only twenty-seven books, and I read horribly slow sometimes, and my last tag basically covers all the books I’d talk about for this week’s post, I don’t see the point in repeating myself.

So I want to discuss my top picks I’d love to read in the last half of 2018. Let’s get to it!

 

 

Kingdom of Ash

Don’t judge me. I want to get to this series soon. Eventually. SOME TIME OR ANOTHER. I might as well want to read this book since I have the rest of the series. Honestly, though? I like Sarah’s world building and writing. Yes, both are problematic, but I lose myself in her world all the time. And I just want to find out if Aelin makes coffin jokes. If not, I’ll be pissed.

 

Mirage

Royal court, dreamers, science fiction, intergalactic travel, and princesses? Oh, hello, beautiful sci-fi I’ve been hearing all about. I fell in love with this cover, but the story behind is what hooked me in. I need more sci-fi books, so this is one I’ve been looking for!

 

Wildcard

I need to know what happens! Warcross almost ruined me. In a good way. But ruined me nonetheless. I waited too long to read it, but I won’t let that happen again with Wildcard. I just hope Emika and the Phoenix Riders save the day!

And secretly, I need to see how this one looks beside Warcross.

 

Evermore

The cover gods have blessed us with another fantastic masterpiece. Give me a second to look at this glorious cover. Okay. Now, Sara’s debut novel surprised me. Yes, some readers will talk about a slow-paced storyline, but I loved reading Everless. So many tricks kept me wanting more. And my OTP needs to happen, or I’ll just walk away from this series.

 

Muse of Nightmares

I need this cover. Screw the North American edition. I need this one. I need whimsical. I need magic. And I need a dreamer. So of course, I’ll want this sequel. And yes, I haven’t read (or bought) the first book, but you know me. I cannot wait to get to one of Laini’s books!

 

Escaping from Houdini

I haven’t read the first two books, but here I am wanting the third. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I truly don’t. But I’d love to squeeze in more historical YA into my life. I just love how the author incorporates important eras into her writing. I can’t wait to meet her characters!

 

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe

I much prefer the UK cover over the American one. It’s what drew me to the book. But I’ve been eyeing this book for quite awhile when my friend Dana reviewed it. Mix together mystery and suspense with space, and you get this book. I hope to pick up my copy shortly.

Top Ten Tuesday | Books with Red, White, and Black Covers

Hey, everyone!

Canada’s Day has just passed, and I was stuck in the house so I wouldn’t melt like a cruel witch I am. I guess this post serves as a late celebration for my country’s birthday. 😂 I couldn’t find just red and white, so I went with red, white, and black, which is our Olympic colours.

And I’d like to wish all my US bloggers a happy fourth of July!!! Hopefully, we’re all out of this horrible heat wave by then. If not, be careful, dearies.

 

Vengeful by V. E. Schwab

This cover gives me shivers. It’s so aesthetically pleasing. I’m Schwab Trash™, so you know I need to read this series. This series is one of the most original plots I’ve heard of, and I can’t wait to get these books.

 

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

I’ve heard this installment is one of the best, so I hope that’s true. I need to start reading this series. I can’t keep pushing it off. But not this year. I just need to see how Manon and Aelin interact with each other. 😂

 

City of Ghosts by V. E. Schwab

Another Schwab book I need to read and hope doesn’t sit on my TBR list. Ugh, this cover is so beautiful. I can’t get over it. I don’t always read ghost stories, but I’ll buy anything she writes.

 

Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff

The more I look at this series, the more I need to read it. LOOK AT THAT COVER. I’m in heaven. And frankly, I need more vicious female leads in my life. They just complete me.

 

Dangerous Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

I’m a huge Caster Chronicles fan. I’ve read all the books, swooned over all the characters, and loved yet hated the film (let’s just say I love to hate it). So I was giddy when I heard my two favourite authors were expanding the series. I loved this book. But I absolutely hate how this spin-off ended. The fans are still expecting the third book, but no, we aren’t getting it.

 

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

This book sounds enchanting, and I’ve been meaning to read it. But you know how it is. You add a book to your list, then forget about it. Beauty and the Beast is one of my top three favourite classic stories. I adore it. So I might take a chance in reading this retelling.

Top Ten Tuesday | Series I’d Like to Start/Finish Someday

Happy Tuesday!

Because of some family emergencies, I have had to take some time off of blogging, so I couldn’t post anything until now or comment on any of your posts. And I feel awful for not reaching out lately, but I simply couldn’t. Now I’m back, and I can’t wait to talk with you all about your TTT picks.

You know, I’ve only come across a few series I know I’d probably give up on, and I’ve actually talked about them quite a bit, so I thought I’d go with the third option for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic and talk about series I hope to start and/or finish one day.

 

Red Rising

I’ve been eyeing this series for several years but haven’t gotten to purchase it. But last year, my friend Kevin (I still feel bad I shot him) recommended Red Rising to me. I’ve put this series off because of the constant fighting among readers who pitted it against Red Queen. But since that series is over (and I’m still disappointed), I think I’ll take the plunge.

And I can’t help but expand my sci-fi list.

 

Throne of Glass

Besides the final book, I have the entire series waiting on my shelf, but I keep getting distracted by newer books and forget to get to this one. Yes, like I’ve said before, I spoiled myself and know a lot about this series, but reading it in its entirety is what I’m looking for. Frankly, I need some of Aelin’s kickass sass in my life.

 

Shadowsong

I loved reading Wintersong, so I knew I had to read the finale. Come on, it has the freaking LABYRINTH and the GOBLIN KING. My little 90s heart is screaming at me right now. But I’m hesitant though. When I look back, I think I fell for the hype of the book, not the book itself. However, Jae-Jones is such a great writer. Then again, the reviews worry me. So I’m conflicted.

 

DC Icons

I’ve read Batman, and I loved it. But I haven’t gotten around to the first book in this series, and I regret skipping it. I was so excited when Warbringer came out. But (*gasp*) I forgot to get to it. I just hope I can get to read it before Catwoman comes out.

 

The Wrath and the Dawn

Yes, I haven’t read A Thousand and One Nights. And I’m still debating this series. But I’m a big Renée fan, I adore Flame in the Mist, and I’m a sucker for retellings even with a huge dose of romance thrown into the mix. Her writing is whimsical and lush. So I’ll take a risk on this book and hope for some fantasy.

What do you think about it? Did you like it, or did you dnf it?

 

Two Dark Reigns

I loved yet hated Three Dark Crowns. So why have I put the third book on this list? I don’t know. But like I said, I loved it. But perhaps, a part of me needs to know how this story goes. And frankly, I can’t let a few (cheating) characters ruin a perfectly good fantasy series for me.

Top Ten Tuesday | My Summer TBR!

 

I am not a “sit by the pool” reader. Nuh uh. One, I don’t want my books wet. Two, my friends would like nothing more than to get them and me soaked. Three, if I’m not in the pool for most of the day, I’m more like Wednesday Addams. I stay in the shade, away from people. So I’ve chosen to show off my summer TBR list for this week’s topic of Top Ten Tuesday.

 

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

I KNOW. I said I didn’t want to read this series, but you all persuaded me to pick it up, so this is on my list. I saw it in Indigo not that long ago, and I knew I had to buy the first book soon. And now I’m regretting not including it in my last haul. I love book peer pressure.

 

Vicious by V. E. Schwab

This book has been sitting on my TBR list for years, and when I saw the redesign of the hardcovers, I couldn’t pass it up! Superpowers, jealousy, and betrayal? Sign me up. Let’s just hope the hype is real.

 

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning

I can’t get enough of siren stories, and I’m so excited to find another one for this summer! I’ve been counting down the days to this Ursula retelling, and I just hope it lives up to this gorgeous cover.

Who else is excited to get this book?

 

Heart of Iron by Asley Poston

I bought this book a while back, and I’ve been eyeing it ever since. So I know I have to read this sci-fi Anastasia retelling.

 

A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab

I keep pushing this series off, but that stops. I’m finally picking up the sequel and travelling back to Red London. I’ve been wanting to go for ages, but too many books simply got in the way.

 

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

Every single time I see Illuninae in a bookstore, I can’t help but flip through it. Ugh, I regret not buying the series sooner. Hopefully, this sci-fi will inspire me to read more books in that genre.

So which books do you hope to read this summer? Do you want to tackle a series you’ve been wanting to read? Have you’ve picked some of my choices? Let me know in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday | Books That Awaken My Travel Bug

Hi, everyone!

Who’s excited about this topic? I want to talk about real and fictional places. Before I started this post, I wasn’t sure if I’d come up with a list. Now though? It’s too long. So for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, I’ll show you which places I’d love to travel to.

 

Caraval in Legendary

I adore this series! I’m still reading Legendary as I write this post, and my heart is breaking. I don’t want the book to end, but a part of me wants to see what happens. Caraval enchants you, and I love going back to it. I don’t think I can get over the intrigue, magic, and suspense Caraval offers.

And I haven’t been so happy when I heard this duology is now a trilogy!

 

Virtual Japan in Wildcard

I’m still questioning if I like this cover, but I, without a doubt, love this futuristic Japan Marie. Virtual reality is always iffy for me. I don’t know if I’ll enjoy this type of sci-fi. However, I cannot get enough of Warcross. I don’t blame Emika for hacking into the game. I’d do the same.

 

Red London in A Conjuring of Light

I need to finish this series. I’ve been dying to read the second book. Can you imagine living in a world where magic isn’t shunned or hidden? Travelling to Red London is one of the top five places I’d die to get to. Knowing to me, I’d probably get in trouble with Lila.

 

El Brooklyn de las Brujas in Bruja Born

You probably know that I am still disappointed with Labyrinth Lost, so I hope its sequel will be better. But I love the worldbuilding in this series though, and I cannot wait to see how Zoraida weaves magic in and brings more diversity to the streets of Brooklyn.

 

Feudal Japan in Smoke in the Sun

As you can tell, I have a thing for Japan. Flame in the Mist is a culturally rich treat. Betrayal, magic, and smoldering romance, this series gives you just about anything. And since I got my copy of Smoke in the Sun, I need to find out how Okami and Mariko survive.

 

Diavolos Sea in To Kill a Kingdom

I swear I have a siren heart. And while I can’t really breathe under the water (but secretly want to), I’d love to immerse myself in this world. Each region conjures up its own magic, but Diavolos Sea speaks to me.

Top Ten Tuesday | Books I’m Glad I Didn’t DNF

Hey, everyone!!!

And guess what day it is. I’m excited for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. For this week, we have to talk about books we’ve DNF’d. Let me admit this: I rarely DNF. I don’t know why. Maybe I feel that I can’t do the book justice until I read the entire thing, or perhaps I’m just a stickler for finishing books. So I’ve picked the books I’m glad I didn’t DNF.

 

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

How can I possibly put an Aveyard book on this list?! Well, there’s always a first. I adore the Red Queen series, but I didn’t like the ending of War Storm. And I wonder if I’ll be able to write a review in the near future because I’m so undecided about everything. But the series is over, and I can’t help but still love it regardless of the ending.

 

The Wicked Deep Shea Ernshaw

Sometimes I enjoy a slow burn, and The Wicked Deep proves just that. I fell in love with the design of the book, especially the external design. But I felt like I couldn’t connect with the characters. But I soldiered through, and I didn’t believe I’d read the last page.

 

Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu

Batman has been in my life long before I can possibly remember. Even though I’m a big Marvel fangirl, Batman owns a good chunk of my nerd heart. So I knew I had to read this book. I honestly thought I’d DNF it though. The pacing may throw you off, but wait until the end.

 

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Yes, yes, you all know I’ll read anything ACOTAR. And I thought this book may piggyback onto that fandom. However, Margaret proves the readers wrong by creating a lush, imaginative, and lively faerieland. The fae actually have a weakness, and they aren’t truly human. I thought I’d trash this book, but I was wrong.

 

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

I loved this series. I felt the pace in the first book might have persuaded me to put down the book, but I fell in love with the characters. So I had no chance to put this back in my TBR list. I’m glad I persisted since this series is one of my favourites.

 

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake,

I’m not a fan of characters cheating. I’m also not a fan of women stealing other women’s boyfriends. I hate when authors pull that kind of trope. It spoils the book and the reading experience. I would like nothing more than to see those two characters die a horrible and painful death.

But the overall story and worldbuilding are what save this story for me. And I’m hoping to get to the sequel…soon.

Top Ten Tuesday | Bookish Worlds I’d Never Want to Live In

I struggled with this week’s topic. I could use all the books from my previous posts, but I don’t want to be repetitive. So for my latest Top Ten Tuesday, created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, I’ve picked my top five choices of worlds I’d never want to live in. Why? I have horrible luck. And knowing to me, I’d get myself shot or blown up. Or worse yet. BOTH. 😅

 

Kerenza in Illuminae

And here’s another sci-fi patiently waiting on my TBR list. Let’s throw in an invasion, teenage heartbreak (because, why not), and a deadly plague. I honestly thought the authors attempted too much in the first book of this series, but I’m dying to get my hands on it.

 

Fjerda in Ruin and Rising

Give it to me to be a Grisha born in Fjerda. I’d have a better chance at being a Heartrender in Ketterdam. The Drüskelle scare me more than anything. And I can only imagine how it’d feel going up against one of those soldiers.

 

Thuvhe in The Fates Divide

Yes, I haven’t read Carve the Mark or its sequel, but I doubt I’d like the planet both Cyra and Akos inhabit. But from some readers, I’ve heard the overall worldbuilding is fantastic though. Even though I was excited to see what Veronica has in store in her latest series, I wasn’t too thrilled with the reviews coming out. What do you think of this Star Wars meets Romeo and Juliet?

 

Republic of Gilead in Handmaid’s Tale

Given the fact I’m a woman who likes nothing more than to run her mouth, I doubt I’d be alive in Gilead. But if I somehow were, I wouldn’t want to live there. I have yet to read this series, but I have good reason. The political atmosphere lately has started to remind me of Atwood’s famous piece, and I think watching the show is enough.

 

Wonderland in Heartless

I’m not a huge Alice in Wonderland fan. But I’ll give it a read because I’m Marissa trash (God, I need therapy). I’ve always hated the queen, especially her classic “Off with their head” quote. I just hope I don’t gain ten pounds after reading this book. 😂

Top Ten Tuesday | Best Character Names

I think I’m making a repeat performance. I thought I liked my original post, but I’ve trashed it entirely. I don’t know why. I’m picky. So for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, I’ve chosen my favourite character names.

 

Nova “Nightmare” Artino from Archenemies

Look at this cover. 😍 It’s so pretty. Both her given name and nickname suit her rather well. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d like Nova as a character. I felt she complained too much, but when you read her background, you can’t blame her for it.

Have you heard this duology is now a trilogy?!

 

Aleksander “The Darkling” Morozova from Shadow and Bone

Of course, I’ll probably fall for the ultimate bad guy in this series. I can see it now. I’ve been eyeing this character for years but haven’t gotten around to reading Shadow and Bone yet. The Darkling has a nice ring to it though.

 

Princess Selene from Cinder

I am not obsessed with this series. I repeat. I am not obsessed with this series. Am I surprised the author used the name “moon” for one of her main characters? No. I love the name. And Cinder is, and will always be, one of my favourite characters.

(Yes, I fully admit I’m addicted to the Lunar Chronicles. Please don’t judge me.)

 

Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius from Empire of Storms

Oh, look. Another series I haven’t read but spoiled myself anyways. So I basically know what occurs in almost every book in the TOG series. But I won’t skip reading it. And one reason why is Rowan. I’m hooked on territorial fae males, and he will probably be on the top of my list, especially when he takes his wife’s last name. Cue the sighs.

 

Elias Venturius from An Ember in the Ashes

This boy may just own a big chunk of my heart. Even before I bought Sabaa’s debut novel, I knew Elias was trouble. His character arc in A Torch against the Night still makes me weepy, but I won’t be surprised if he finds a way to get out of his current deal.

 

Eelyn from Sky in the Deep

Doesn’t that name sound beautiful? I love Eelyn. Her storyline creates such a wonderful debut novel. I’m holding out hope that the author will expand this book into a series. I don’t how since this is a standalone. 🙃

Top Ten Tuesday | Books I Dislike but Am Glad I Read

 

Yeah, yeah, I’ve rewritten this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. I didn’t like the one I posted earlier, so I’ve decided to stick with this week’s topic. And now it has put me in a funk.

I hope you enjoy my little rants as much as I have. 😉 Here are my picks for books that disappointed me, but I glad I read regardless of the rating:

 

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

I dislike a Maas book? Come again?! I don’t particularly hate it, but I found it lacking. A Court of Frost and Starlight is one of my top most anticipated reads of 2018. So I had huge expectations. Yes, we get a clean transition from the first series to the second, but I wish Maas cleared up the issue with Mor and Az, but she’ll drag that on for all its worth. Az deserves the truth, and the fandom needs clarification on Mor’s sexuality.

What I do love about ACOFAS is Nesta’s growth. Some readers hate it, but I loved it. Her devolution is more startling than Feyre’s.

 

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

I rated this book too high when I first reviewed it. But the more I think about it, I think the rating should be closer to three stars. I don’t mind when characters push others away. But the way Mare pushed Slade, who she thought was dead, rubbed me the wrong way. The only thing that saved the book is the ending even if it broke my heart.

 

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

I was so ecstatic about winning the Hazel Wood from Indigo Teen. The cover is gorgeous, and the blurb sold me. But unfortunately, the story falls short of what I was anticipating. I like the overall storyline, but I feel the execution killed it.

Secondary characters are the saving grace of this story. I loved them. I’m still not sure if I’ll buy the sequel. Sometimes the hype doesn’t live up to the book.

 

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

I love how Cassie introduces a deadlier and dangerous foe with the Cohorts and Centurions, but I felt too conflicted with everything else. Her books are too dense, and probably a quarter of that book could have been taken out. Even though I love Julian and Emma, their relationship scares me, and it breaks my heart they were put into that situation.

 

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

IT’S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BOOK. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! The story killed my love for this book. I bought it on a whim, and while I adored the diversity, especially Alex, I wish it was set apart from high school. I know, I know. It’s a YA book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the last half of the book when the trio went to Los Lagos. I loved immersing myself in the Bruja culture, and I hope to see more of it. But the love triangle felt forced, and the female love interest seems like she worships Alex.