Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Reading Review - Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends by ShannonHale

The Storybook of Legends (Ever After High, #1)

At Ever After High, an enchanting boarding school, the children of fairytale legends prepare themselves to fulfill their destinies as the next generation of Snow Whites, Prince Charmings and Evil Queens...whether they want to or not. Each year on Legacy Day, students sign the Storybook of Legends to seal their scripted fates. For generations, the Village of Book End has whispered that refusing to sign means The End-both for a story and for a life.

As the daughter of the Evil Queen, Raven Queen's destiny is to follow in her mother's wicked footsteps, but evil is so not Raven's style. She's starting to wonder, what if she rewrote her own story? The royal Apple White, daughter of the Fairest of Them All, has a happy ever after planned for herself, but it depends upon Raven feeding her a poison apple in their future.


What if Raven doesn't sign the Storybook of Legends? It could mean a happily never after for them both. 



Today's review is about a book that is definitely not YA. However, Shannon Hale is one of my favorite authors who has written middle grade or young adult retellings (Goose Girl, Book of a Thousand Days, and Princess Academy are some of my favorites!) and so when I was recommended the Ever After High series, I was intrigued. This is a book series based off of some dolls that have been made. I'm not going to lie, when I first saw a commercial for them, I looked them up online because they looked like something I would have adored as a child. 
The premise of this series is actually really interesting- a villain who doesn't want to follow a path she hasn't chosen. Raven is a character that goes through some internal conflict, as she tries to discover what she wants for her destiny. The story is mainly told in her pov or that of her Snow White counterpart, Apple. Apple was a character I didn't enjoy reading about at all. She's very self centered and oblivious to the struggle Raven is undergoing, and while her character wasn't completely thoughtless, she lacks the dimension and consideration of Raven's character.
The plot and writing style were both appropriate and accessible for a younger audience, yet was still fun and entertaining to read. It wasn't a very complicated plot, but a lot of the story was driven by Raven's internal conflict. Shannon Hale is an excellent author, so even though the writing isn't as sophisticated as her other works, it's still interesting. The plot isn't very complex, but since this is a first book, I'm glad there was more of a focus on characters and Raven in particular. The ending was alright but it seemed to drag on at the very end. However, I'm definitely planning on continuing the series.

What are some of your favorite series for younger audiences? Have you read Shannon Hale's new YA, Dangerous?

From the paper world,
V

Monday, May 26, 2014

'Monthly Book Hauls' and Other Thoughts on book buying and book buying bans

So, I haven't really given my discussion posts a series name, and that's just because of how sporadic they are and how I write them really defies a specific category beyond 'random discussions'. Today I'm talking about book buying, book hauls, and book bans.

A lot of my blogging is influenced by Booktube, because I was a Booktube subscriber and viewer long before I was a book blogger. However, I am extremely proud of being a book blogger and being a part of that community. It just happens that some of what I saw in Booktube I tried for my blog. Book hauls are some of my favorite Booktube videos to watch, and I go through periods of just wanting to see what everyone's getting/excited about. Lately, I've been doing monthly hauls and linking them to Tynga's Reviews's Stacking the Shelves feature. However, all of the book buying and like I've seen lately has been a little thought-provoking, and I thought I'd share with you all.

To begin with, in the past I've had pretty large book hauls. I think March was probably my record, and that book haul is definitely extensive. April as well, but towards the mid/end of April I noticed that my book buying habits had slowed down noticeably, basically to the point of being non existent. I walked into a bookstore, and walked out without any new additions to the TBR pile. That's pretty surprising, since normally at a book store I want to pick up books. So, how has my book buying changed? Well, I've gotten a lot of books lately that I'm excited about reading, and so I've been less likely to buy new ones. Sure, there are some new releases off my Can't Wait list I might pick up if I see them, and there are always books I could buy, but I haven't felt the need to buy any. Maybe it's the size of my TBR pile, but I honestly think I'm just content with what I've got. And that's a great feeling.

Now, will I still buy books? Yes, probably, if I see something that I really want to pick up. But it's not as if I have a huge list of books that I must buy immediately, and having those particular books is my top priority. I don't feel like I'm in a book buying frenzy. 

However, I'm not on a book buying ban, nor do I think those would work well for me. If I were to do a book buying ban, I would just want to buy books all the more, and it would end badly. As in, the moment the ban was over I'd buy more than I would have if I'd avoided a ban. Also, as I mentioned in my last discussion, I'm a mood reader, and sometimes there's a new release that I really want. So, here are some of the ways I've been limited in my book buying without going on a ban.

-pre-orders
I've pre-ordered a few books lately. Personally, I'm not the type to pre-order a huge number of books, so pre-ordering a few gives me something to be anticipating without the need to go to the bookstore and buy a huge number for myself. Instead, I know something I'm really looking forward to is coming.

-have a can't wait list
These are the new releases, debuts, and sequels coming out that I'm really excited for. I'll probably end up picking up most of these, but it's easier to limit them on a Goodreads list before they are actually published than it is once I randomly hear about all the new books coming out. For me, being aware of the new releases and picking out the ones I'm really excited for helps avoid buying a bunch of books at once.

-exploring your TBR pile
Sometimes, I forget about all of the other wonderful books I have to read on my TBR pile in favor of the newer books I'll purchase. But that's a habit that I've fallen out of recently. I've been pulling books from my TBR, and enjoying discovering something that I picked up awhile ago.

-readalongs and readathons
Sure, nowadays most readalongs are for new release books. But, I participated in the Reboot Readalong, which was hosted by Epic Reads in celebration of the sequel coming out. I had Reboot on my shelves, I saw the readalong info, and I decided it was time to get it off of my TBR and into my currently-reading. Readalongs give you the opprotunity to read some books you might have on your shelf. And readathons, like the ever popular Bout of Books, are exciting because they give you the opportunity to read a bunch of books instead of buying them.

-the library
Ok, I have the worst record at returning books on time. I don't think I ever have before to be honest. They're always late. For me, this option doesn't work as well because two weeks to read books I'm not even sure I'll be in the mood to read in, in addition to a huge TBR pile I already have, makes going to the library not as viable of an option. However, once the TBR pile has diminished, this is an excellent resource.

My book buying has genuinely diminished over the past bit of time. I think I'm just content with the books I have, there are a few must buys waiting on pre-order, and I'm not trying to ban myself from anything. So, this system is working pretty well for me.

What are your thoughts on book buying? Have you ever done a book buying ban? 

From the paper world,
V


Friday, May 23, 2014

Reading Review - Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins



Rebel Belle

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

Rating - 4.5/5 Stars

I finally managed to readalong with the Booksplosion book of the month, and apparently this is one that has been super popular! Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins is the first in a new series, and I really enjoyed this. Initially, I wasn't as interested in the book, and the cover didn't appeal to me as much as it had other people. However, I decided to pick this book up, and I'm really happy I did.

Rebel Belle is set in a Southern town, and the setting is really a cute addition to the story. The writing style seems almost nostalgic, showing Harper's affection and love for her home and lifestyle. Other stories I've read that are set in small Southern towns but they didn't seem to capture this same sweet sentimentality that Harper has for her home. So, while the setting was modern day, it was written very well.

Harper and the other characters are ones that I see myself staying interested in as the story progresses. As a narrator, Harper keeps a quirky humor in her narration, and I was never bored by her method of storytelling. Her friends were also more endearing and involved than the usual 'best friend of someone with secret powers' trope, and as the story progressed I came to appreciate the supporting characters and their contribution to the novel. I will say there were ones that annoyed me endlessly in the novel, but the more major characters entertained me enough to make the whole thing manageable.

I think a few words should be said about David Stark and Harper's interactions. They are witty, bantering gold. These two can trade jabs like Beatrice and Benedick of Much Ado About Nothing, and this modern day duo was funny yet smart and thoughtful individuals.

The only reason I ended up giving this book 4.5 stars of 5 was simply because I felt like the ending was a little rushed. After all of the build up, there was action, but I felt like it was less than what had the build up had been for. While I wasn't really disappointed, I did feel like the story ended a little aprubtly.

Overall, I definitely recommend this series. It's a lot of fun and witty humor, as well as a unique storyline and start to an adventure. Harper is an excellent narrator and protagonist, and her interactions with David and the others make this series really memorable.

Did you do the readalong? 

From the paper world,
V

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Reading Review of a 2014 Debut! - Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen


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For those who have loved Seraphina and Graceling comes another truly fabulous fantasy...

For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.

Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.

But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.

As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever.


Rating - 4/5 Stars

I am so excited to share my first 2014 debut read with you all. It also happens to be the 2014 debut I said I was most excited for, and so I'm really happy to be reviewing Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen today.

So, let's just jump right in to talking about the world in this book. Trollus is richly developed and reading through it I could picture a lot of the cityscape as the story took place. The labyrinth, Cecile's home, and the other settings were interesting enough, but Trollus is the place that really shined in the book.

The characters were also really interesting, and I liked how they had so many characterisitics and quirks. I really liked the supporting characters- Marc, for example, was interesting and kind but had more to his character than appeared, and his backstory and ferocity are two unexpected qualities that are revealed throughout the novel. What I really loved was how layered the characters could be, and how they weren't necessarily entirely likeable or not. I think this is something that can only continue on in the sequels.The main two characters' interactions and relationship was one of the driving points of the novel. Cecile was a strong narrator and a protagonist that didn't fall flat. Tristan was unique, and reading from his point of view really added to the story and my appreciation of everything going on.

To me, the only thing this book was missing was some of the political intrigue that I had wanted from the summary. There are some goings-on and unrest, but I thought there would be more court intrigue or more of a conflict for Cecile to notice and be caught up in. There was a lot of build up to an ending that felt abrupt, but with everything going on I'm already anticipating the sequel. Books like this are going to make me create a 'Can't Wait Books of 2015' shelf! 

Overall, this was a book that didn't disappoint. While there wasn't as much intrigue and development in that area, this is a fantastic start to the series. The characters have a lot of depth and interesting backstories, and the world of Trollus was fascinating. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars, and I'm so excited for the sequel.

I'm excited to have read my first book for The Story Siren's 2014 debut challenge! The goal of this challenge is to read 12 new debuts.

What are some debuts you've read this year? Have you read Stolen Songbird?

From the paper world,
V

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Bout of Books 10.0- Day no. 6 Update

Today was a mix of reading several selections from books after finishing my current read. I still couldn't decide to read, so check out the books I started from and see if there's any you loved and think I should read- tweet me or let me know in the comments!

Books Read- finished Just One Day by Gayle Forman, started Endless by Jessica Shirvington, started Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne, started Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger, picked back up Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd
Pages Read- 15 pages to finish Just One Day, 14 pages of Endless, 25 pages of Monument 14, 6 pages of Let the Sky Fall, 61 pages of Her Dark Curiosity, 116 pages total
Total Books Read- 4
Total Pages Read- 1270 pages

I also did the Spread the Author Love Challenge today and sent out a tweet about one of my favorite authors, A.G. Howard. Right now I'm torn between finishing Her Dark Curiosity, which I picked up early in 2014, or continuing with Let the Sky Fall or even Endless let me know in the comments!

From the paper world,
V

Monthly Wrap Up - April 2014

Welcome back to another monthly wrap up here on the blog! I'm sorry this one is super delayed, but I didn't want to have many posts going up in the midst of Bout of Books, since I knew I wanted to do a lot more of the challenges this time. So, now I am happy to bring you my monthly wrap up!

What I Read...
Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1) Across the Universe by Beth Revis
I read this along with Kerrie, and I rated this book 3.5 stars, but rounded it to four on Goodreads. I also reviewed it on Goodreads, which you can find here.

Fathomless (Fairytale Retellings, #3)
3 Stars
Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin, #2)
5 Stars, also reviewed on Goodreads. You can find my Goodreads review here.

Rebel Belle
4.5 Stars

Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy, #1)
4 Stars

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1)
4 Stars

The Unfairest of Them All (Ever After High, #2)
No Rating Given

Love Letters to the Dead
No Rating Given
Emerald Green (Precious Stone Trilogy, #3)
4 Stars, you can find my Goodreads review here.

So, in total I read 9 books in April. Considering how much I had going on, and getting back into blogging along with everyday life, I was really happy with how many I read that I loved. I continued on with quite a few series (Emerald Green was a great series finale) and started several that I'm going to enjoy continuing on (To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Stolen Songbird!). There are two I didn't rate this month, and whenever I don't give a star rating, it's because I'm not entirely sure of how my thoughts on the book. Most of the times, it's either a younger series that I find difficult to review as a YA blogger, or a book that is incredibly complex and I find difficult to review. However, not giving a rating does not mean I do not recommend the book. On the contrary, it probably means this book has given me a lot to think about and I don't want to confine it to a rating. Or, sometimes reviewing middle grade and younger books that are targeted for a younger audience than the YA I usually read means I don't rate the middle grade in comparison to the YA and adult novels I read.

What I Reviewed...
I mentioned in the What I Read section that I have several Goodreads reviews. In the past I haven't highlighted those before as much, but if I do post a review on Goodreads that typically serves as my review of the book unless I write a completely different review for the blog. So, I'm going to start including those reviews in this section as well.




What I Posted...







Challenge Check In...

I'm now including my reviews posted on Goodreads!

2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
15 Reviews Posted for Bookish's 2014 TBR Pile Challenge

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No Reviews Posted for The 2014 Debut Author Challenge, now hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl and Books Devoured. (I have finally read some 2014 debuts, and I even have a review of one scheduled to go up shortly, but I only count already published reviews in the Challenge Check In Count)


8 Reviews Posted for 2014 Prequel & Sequel Challenge
Hosted by Writer Grrl Reads and Novel Heartbeat

Since this challenge uses a points system, I'm currently at 24 Points.


1 Review Posted for Fiktshun's 2014 Don't Let It End Reading Challenge.

Have I met the goal I set for any of my challenges so far?

YES!! I have met my points goal for the Prequel & Sequel Challenge! 
I set myself the lowest points goal challenge because I knew how many challenges I was doing, and I'm proud to say I accomplished my goal of 10-25 points, and at this point it definitely looks like I'll exceed my goal!

What I Did...
This month was a little blog slump for me. I'm disappointed about that, but I've got a lot of fun events and things to look forward to in May, and many posts already lined up for the month, so I'm excited and motivated to be back! I did, however, post my first discussion post and it was a very different experience for me. Basically I just sat down and wrote down my thoughts in one creative burst, and I'm happy with how it turned out. I have some other ideas written down, but I'm not sure if it will end up becoming a series or anything like that. It's just something I do when I have a book blogging or book related topic on my mind I have to discuss.

What's Next? Hosted by IceyBooks
I also joined the What's Next feature. I did my first post a little differently, since I asked about reviews to have next instead of books to read, but I love this idea and will probably post one sporadically in the future.

In Conclusion...
I'm so happy to have readathons coming up in May, and updating my Challenges (I've just posted a new Challenge Review tab you can go explore), and just getting back into blogging and reviewing in general! Hope you all had a great April!

From the paper world,
V


Friday, May 16, 2014

Bout of Books 10.0- Day no. 5 Daily Wrap Up

Books Read- The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (finished), Just One Day by Gayle Forman
Pages Read- 77 pages of The Immortal Rules, 354 of Just One Day, 431 pages total
Total Books Read- 3
Total Pages Read- 1154 pages

No mini challenges done today.

How is Bout of Books going for you all? I hope you're loving your reads!

From the paper world,
V

Bout of Books 10.0- Day no. 3 and 4 Updates

Here is a combined update for Days 3 and 4. I didn't do any mini challenges for Day 3 or Day 4.

Day no. 3
Books Read- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (read the last 50 pages), 79 pages of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, 8 pages of Star Wars, Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
Pages Read- 137 pages
Total Books Read- 2
Total Pages Read- 530 pages

Day no. 4
Books Read- 193 pages of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Pages Read- 193
Total Books Read- 2
Total Pages Read- 723 pages

From the paper world,
V

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

What I'm Looking Forward To - Most Anticipated Book Releases of May 2014

Bout of Books

Bout of Books! One of the day's mini challenges is books you're looking forward to, and I thought what better timing could it be? So, I'm sharing my monthly 'What I'm Looking Forward To'! Who's ready for a lot of new releases? I know I'm excited for a lot of these, and so without further ado, here are some books I'm excited about that are releasing this month! These all come from my to-read section of Goodreads, and there are some excellent new titles this month. Take a look!

May 1, 2014

Camelot Burning (Metal & Lace, #1)Camelot Burning by Kathryn Rose

May 6, 2014




May 13, 2014


The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah StrohmeyerThe Secrets of Lily Graves





May 20, 2014



May 27, 2014



May 29, 2014


Some of these new releases are for series I've yet to start, but hope to marathon with this new release. For example, The Steampunk Chronicles is a series I've wanted to read for a really long time, and I finally have the first book. So, hopefully I'll be able to pick up the other books in the series and start it. 

Also, City of Heavenly Fire. Oh. Wow. I am so excited, and so nervous, and it's a lot of feels! What are some of your can't wait book releases?

From the paper world,
V

Bout of Books 10.0- Day no. 2 Update and Mini Challenges

Books Read Today: 94 Pages of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, 28 Pages of William Shakespeare's Star Wars Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
Pages Read Today: 122 pages
Total Number of Books Read: 1
Total Number of Pages Read: 393 pages

Mini Challenges!

Books You're Looking Forward to Challenge! (hosted by River City Reading)
Alright, so if you've been to the blog before you've probably seen my feature where I show new releases I'm excited for, my can't wait books of 2014, etc. So, since I've shared so many books that I've yet to buy that I want to read, today I want to share the 10 books off of my TBR I'm looking forward to reading. If you've read any of these, let me know your thoughts in the comments!

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Just One Day by Gayle Forman
Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
Burn Bright by Bethany Frenette
The School for Good & Evil by Soman Chainani
Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott
Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy
More Than This by Patrick Ness

Bookish Battle Royale Challenge (hosted by  My Life in Books)
Here we are supposed to pick three fictional characters and list their strengths and weaknesses, then declare which one would be the winner! 

Cassie from The 5th Wave

Strengths:
trained to survive
endurance
resourcefulness

Weakness:
trusting
no formal fighting training
paranoid from the invasion

June from Legend 

Strengths:
combat skills
genius
tactical

Weaknesses:
blind loyalty
hesitation
recklessness

Magnus Bane from City of Bones

Strengths:
powerful warlock
immortal
glitter

Weaknesses:
black hair and blue eyes
can be mortally injured
dependent on his magic

Who would win and why?

Magnus Bane would win, and he would do it very simply. Suddenly, there would be a glitter explosion, and instead of a battle everyone would be at one of his famous birthday parties for Chairman Meow!

From the paper world,
V


Monday, May 12, 2014

Bout of Books 10.0 - Day no.1 Update and Mini Challenges

Number 573 Signed Up!

Books Read Today: Memoirs of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
Pages Read Today: 271 pages
Total Number of Books Read: 1
Total Number of Pages Read: 271


Mini Challenges: If You like X, Try Y
I love this because so many times I'm reading  a book and it resonates with another that I've loved!

If you like The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, try Sekret by Lindsay Smith.
The setting is very different, but both have a gifted group of teenagers working under their governments, solving mysteries and featuring awesome character interactions through an ensemble cast, and a great protagonist.


If you like Starcrossed the tv show, try Alienated by Melissa Landers.
I just finished Alienated the other day as part of a readalong, and I loved it. Both the tv show Starcrossed and this book have two teens from different worlds and their challenges. I actually prefer Alienated, but both are great!

If you like Percy Jackson, try Antigoddess by Kendare Blake.
This is another series with Greek mythology done in a fresh, unique way. Both are modern settings, and Antigoddess focuses on the goddess Athena (who is gritty, tough, and sarcastic) and co. as well as a mysterious mortal. It's an awesome start to a series that's continuing on with Mortal Gods!

If you like Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, try Splintered by A.G. Howard.
Both of these stories are darker fairy tale retellings, and I love both of them. Sisters Red is a unique take on Little Red Riding Hood, and Splintered is Alice in Wonderland in a whole new light! Both are excellent retellings, and starts to series!

If you like Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, try The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
These books feature lyrical writing that's incredibly descriptive and captivating. The two in love face struggles and challenges in their worlds, and the storytelling feels like a beautiful tapestry seamlessly woven together. While Daughter is YA and Circus is adult, they both have this beautiful expression through their writing and characters.

If you like Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, try To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han.
Another case of hilariously quirky, awkward, yet endearing protagonists and their lives. While Cath is off to college, Lara Jean's sister is and Lara is left at home. Both of these protagonists are thoughtful, and I laughed and reacted to both of these books. They are definitely two of my favorite contemporaries.

If you like Across the Universe by Beth Revis, try These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner.
These are two sci-fi books that I think anyone who likes one will enjoy the other. Both stories have to do with interplanetary space travel, and how some things go horribly awry onboard. They also have dual perspective from the main boy and girl in each of their respective stories, and it really helps you appreciate the entire story as well as the characters.

From the paper world,
V


Saturday, May 10, 2014