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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Monthly Wrap-Up | August 2018

Hi, book lovers!

Who’s ready for the weekend?! I’ve been waiting months for this one to come. My nerd fam is all heading to Fan Expo! My little nerd in me wants to scream while I write this post. It’s my second expo, but I’m just as excited as I was with my first.

Okay, let’s get back to book stuff, shall we? August was such a fantastic month! Sure, stress kicked my butt, but books were my saviour. I’ve been putting off the TOG series for years, but I’m so happy to be a part of this fandom. I just wish there were more books after Kingdom of Ash, which, I know, will break me in two.

I can’t believe I’ve read this much. I typically breeze through four books, max. However, this month, I couldn’t get enough of the TOG series. I almost squeezed in Lifel1k3, but I’m still reading that sci-fi. I’m thrilled finally to tackle my never-ending TBR pile!

Now, I just need to catch up on my reviews. 🤦‍♀️

Royally Bad by Nora Flite

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve avoided romance books for years. But this year, I want to take more risks with certain genres. And I’m so happy I got the chance to read this thrilling romance! Nora combines high adrenaline, steamy scenes, gangsters, and a fiery love story.

Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve heard over the Twitterverse that YA shouldn’t be “dark,” but I disagree. YA will always show the gritty and seedy underbelly of our society. And Aftermath is one essential YA book every reader needs to read. Kelley tackles school shootings with a new perspective.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I finally took the plunge! And I am a total TOG fan. I don’t know why I doubted I would. I absolutely adored reading this book. Celaena is the badass female lead. Throne of Glass is a solid lead to a fantastic series I’m sure to love for years.

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m not surprised Sarah’s sequel surpassed her debut novel. But it does. Sarah cranks up the fantasy, the romance, and the heartache. You finally get to understand why Celaena is who she is. The character development is stellar. And I had such a great time reading this book. I knew about the plot twist, but that doesn’t take away from storytelling though.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I ADORE it so much. The worldbuilding, character growth, strength, heartbreaking pasts, and beautiful writing make this third installment of the Throne of Glass series one of my favourite books of the year.

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t know if I have words for the fourth book. Well, ROWELIN may be the only one I can think of. I’ve shipped them before I read the series.

This fourth installment explodes with new characters and conflicts. I can’t wait to get to the rest of the series!

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This haul looks so small yet cute. Am I right? Last month, not a lot of books drew my eye. But I knew I had to grab these books from my favourite authors. And I finally bought one of Kristoff’s books. I can’t wait to read these books!

• Lifel1k3 by Jay Kristoff
• Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas
• City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

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How did August treat you? Did you finally put a dent in your TBR list, read a book you’ve been dying to read, or buy your most anticipated book of the month? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to chat.

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 | 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.

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 | 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 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. 😂