Wednesday, 30 September 2015

WoW #65: Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira



This week, I'm waiting on...


Bookishly Ever After


by Isabel Bandeira


 Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira book cover


Expected publication: January 12th 2016

Genres: Contemporary; Realistic Fiction


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In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?


I… I think I love this book already! A bookish main character? I’m sold! This sounds completely perfect and adorable, and I just plain need to read it. Plus, the cover is super pretty, too!


What do you think of Bookishly Ever After? And what new releases are you waiting on this week? Thanks for stopping by!

* Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. *




Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Mini-Reviews: Feast of Fools and The Assassin's Blade




Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine book cover

Title: Feast of Fools
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: The Morganville Vampires, #4
Format: Paperback, owned
My rating: 3.5 / 5

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n the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace. Clare Danvers has never been convinced, though - especially with the arrival of Mr. Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town's living and its dead is unthinkably sinister.

-- As seen on Goodreads


My Thoughts


The more books I read in the Morganville Vampire series, the more I’m enjoying the series as a whole. Each book is really quick and easy to read, and oh so entertaining. Feast of Fools continues on immediately after the ending in Midnight Alley, and I’m not going into detail about what happens– avoiding spoilers and all. That ‘story so far’ section before the book begins, though – how I wish more series did this! Particularly when there are long wait times between books being released, it’s inevitable that details will be forgotten. Getting a short little refresher without taking time away from the main book is definitely something I’d love to see more of.


Myrnin has become one of my favourite characters in the series, and I’m really glad to see he had a bigger role to play in this book. He’s the wildcard, as you don’t really know which version of his personality we’ll meet next, and I really like this unpredictability. Claire had grown on me an awful lot since the last book. Yes, she had a few moments where I wanted to shake her, but overall, I’m really beginning to like her. Thankfully, Shane was a lot less stupid, and his over exuberance for getting himself killed at the hands of vampires was toned down an awful lot. My one gripe would be the length of time it took to get down to the main point of the story. Granted, I really enjoyed how the story progressed, but I feel there was a lot of waiting around until things began to kick off. Once they did, though, I really enjoyed the remainder of the book.


I can’t put my finger on what it is, but there’s something very compelling about this series. Right now, I really like it, but I’m waiting for it to become truly amazing. Hopefully I won’t be disappointed, and I can’t wait to read the next book.






The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas book cover

Title: The Assassin's Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass, #0.5
Format: Paperback, owned
My rating: 5 / 5

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Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

-- As seen on Goodreads


My Thoughts


The Assassin’s Blade was amazing! It gave a completely different insight into Celaena, and showed us what shaped her into the character we know and love in the main novels. I read these novellas in between Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows, and for me, this was the perfect time to read them. I was familiar with some of the things that occurred, and I loved getting all the additional details that I was craving to know. I enjoyed some novellas more than others, and I’d rate each as follows:


The Assassin and the Pirate Lord – 4.5 Stars.
Reaction: I loved Sam. I loved Celaena. And I loved seeing both of them together! Celaena is a little different, yet so familiar. She’s more… pure. Pure assassin. I love it!


The Assassin and the Healer – 3.5 Stars
Reaction: Not as good as the first novella, but I enjoyed it. And, I really hope Yrene appears in future books. She’d be an interesting character to know more about.


The Assassin and the Desert – 5 Stars
Reaction: Finally I got to see the story behind the horse that was mentioned so many books ago! This was easily my favourite novella, and it was completely amazing, awesome and perfect!


The Assassin and the Underworld - 4 Stars
Reaction: Three words: Dorian and Chaol!


The Assassin and the Empire – 4.5 Stars
Reaction: The tears. So. Many. Tears *sniffle*


Overall, I loved this collection of novellas. It added so much back story, and I didn’t think I could love Celaena Sardothien more, but I do. She’s is a fabulous protagonist, and she’ll always have a special place in my heart. And Sam! Let’s not forget Sam, and how truly awesome he is.





Monday, 28 September 2015

October 2015 New Book Releases



Can you believe the autumn is fast approaching? We had a very inconsistent summer over here in Ireland this year, and it feels strange to think that even colder weather is just around the corner. But one awesome benefit of the autumn is the excuse to break out the hot chocolate. Oh, and yummy comfort food and lots more time to read!


My Most Anticipated Releases this October


Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch Our Lady of the Ice by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch – October 13th

Our Lady of the Ice by Cassandra Rose Clarke – October 27th

A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis We’ll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean

A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis – October 6th

We’ll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean – October 6th



More October New Releases to Watch Out For


October 6th 2015


Spinning Starlight by R. C. Lewis Dreamstrider by Lindsay Smith An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet

Spinning Starlight by R. C. Lewis // Dreamstrider by Lindsay Smith
// An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet

Romancing the Dark in the City of Light by Ann Jacobus  A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnstone The House by Christina Lauren

Romancing the Dark in the City of Light by Ann Jacobus //
A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnstone // The House by Christina Lauren


October 13th and 20th 2015


First & Then by Emma Mills Velvet Undercover by Teri Brown Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

First & Then by Emma Mills (October 13th) // Velvet Undercover by Teri Brown (October 20th) // Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (October 20th)


October 27th 2015


What We Left Behind by Robin Talley These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley // These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly
// Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen




Saturday, 26 September 2015

September 2015 Wrap-Up



Re-Cap

It’s officially Autumn, and I’m so happy! October through December are my favourite months of the year, and I’m already starting to get that giddy Halloween feel. I took a break from the blog mid-August, and I’m so glad I did. I really needed the break and a change from my usual blogging routine. I might have spent a bit too much time watching the Harry Potter movies, though. And watching Pride and Prejudice about, oh … four times. *dreamy sigh* I love that movie. I love the book. Oh I just love Pride and Prejudice so much! And now, naturally, I really want to re-read the book!


Since coming back, I’ve managed to get in a review-writing mood and oh gosh, I needed this so much! I’ve been reading away but neglecting to write a review, and the list of reviews I needed to write have been piling up. My intention is to get as many October posts pre-scheduled as I can, so I can really concentrate on Blog Ahead 2015 next month. I keep having all these grand visions of dozens of posts written for November and December, and I’m trying to keep my expectations at least somewhat realistic!


I’m linking up to both Stacking the Shelves and The Sunday Post memes this weekend.



Books I Bought Recently


Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Oh, how beautiful you are, Queen of Shadows. I pre-ordered it back in May, and naturally, I read it the minute it arrived. It was my most anticipated book of 2015, and I’m completely gutted it was a huge let down. This is one wound that won't heal for a long, long time.



For Review


Romancing the Dark in the City of Light by Ann Jacobus Shadows by Paula Weston Wonderland by Robert McKay

Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Hachette Children’s Group, and Robert McKay for these lovelies!



Books I Read in August and September


August


Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan – 5 Stars

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare – 3 Stars

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas – 5 Stars

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff – 4 Stars

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling – 5 Stars

Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine – 3.5 Stars

Ticker by Lisa Mantchev - DNF


September


I hope to read another book or two by the end of the month, (I’m eyeing Red Queen after I finish my current read,) but so far this month I’ve read:


Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge Earth & Sky by Megan Crewe Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

If I Should Die by Amy Plum The Changeling by Helen Falconer

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge – 3.5 Stars

Earth & Sky by Megan Crewe – 4 Stars

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas – 1.5 Stars

If I Should Die by Amy Plum – 4 Stars

The Changeling by Helen Falconer – 4.5 Stars


Currently Reading:
Romancing the Dark in the City of Light by Ann Jacobus

Romancing the Dark in the City of Light by Ann Jacobus



On the Blog Recently

I Love These Books, But I Don't Say It Often Enough

Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Review: Shutter by Courtney Alameda

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Unpopular Opinions Tag



Challenge Updates

I’ve completed a challenge, woot!

(And let’s just ignore the fact that I haven’t even begun the re-read challenge yet, okay?? Brill!)


Re-Read Challenge

0/10 Rereads


Fairytale Retelling Challenge

4/10 Retellings

Read:
Ensnared by A.G. Howard
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Cress by Marissa Meyer
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge



2015 New Release Challenge

18/16 New Releases

Read:
Tunnel Vision by Susan Adrian
Ensnared by A.G. Howard
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Dreamfire by Kit Alloway
The Infinite by Lori M. Lee
City of Fae by Pippa DaCosta
End of Days by Susan Ee
Shutter by Courtney Alameda
From a Distant Star by Karen McQuestion
Twist by Karen Akins
Endgame by C.J. Daugherty
The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson
Fairest by Marissa Meyer
Rome in Love by Anita hughes
**Challenge Completed**
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
The Changeling by Helen Falconer



Dystopia Reading Challenge 2015

6/7 Dystopians

Read:
Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee - Read and Reviewed
The Infinite by Lori M. Lee - Read and Reviewed
End of Days by Susan Ee - Read and Reviewed
Cress by Marissa Meyer - Read and Reviewed
The Selection by Kiera Cass - Read and Reviewed
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - Read and Reviewed



How was your September? Are you like me and struggle with writing reviews as soon as you finish reading? And are you taking part in Blog Ahead next month?

Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Reading!


Friday, 25 September 2015

Review: Earth & Sky by Megan Crewe


book cover

Title: Earth & Sky
Author: Megan Crewe
Series: Earth & Sky, #1
Format: eARC, kindly provided
by the publisher via
NetGalley (Thank you!!)
My rating: 4 / 5

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Seventeen-year-old Skylar has been haunted for as long as she can remember by fleeting yet powerful sensations that something is horribly wrong. But despite the panic attacks tormenting her, nothing ever happens, and Sky’s beginning to think she’s crazy. Then she meets a mysterious, otherworldly boy named Win and discovers the shocking truth her premonitions have tapped into: our world no longer belongs to us. For thousands of years, Earth has been at the mercy of alien scientists who care nothing for its inhabitants and are using us as the unwitting subjects of their time-manipulating experiments. Win belongs to a rebel faction seeking to put a stop to it, and he needs Skylar’s help--but with each shift in the past, the very fabric of reality is unraveling, and soon there may be no Earth left to save.

-- As seen on Goodreads


My Thoughts


I went into Earth & Sky with pretty low expectations, and it was for a couple of reasons. I read another Sci-fi/alien book recently that I didn’t particularly like, and I was a little apprehensive to try another so soon. Also, earlier this year I read one of the authors other books, Gave up the Ghost, and I wasn’t a big fan of it at all. Both of these things had me putting off reading Earth & Sky for longer than I intended. Now that I’ve finished reading it, I wish this was the first book of Megan Crewe’s I had read – I really, really enjoyed it!


When I read the blurb initially, I was both really intrigued and a little concerned about the time-travelling aliens. They’re not usually two concepts I associate merging together, but I have to say, I thought it worked really well here. Skyler is our main character, and she has suffered from panic attacks since her older brother, Noam, ran away when she was five. Since then, she will get a sense of wrongness from time to time which triggers the panic attacks, and she does her best to hide them from her friends and family. During a school field trip to the local courthouse, she meets a boy that could hold the answers to get rid of the sense of wrongness once and for all. I loved that we get straight into the action, and the plot never stopped from beginning to end.


I really liked Skyler’s character and how grounded she was. She questions what people are telling her, and doesn’t take things at face value. I really liked how conscious of her own personal safety she is, and this gets huge bonus points as I don’t think it’s shown often enough in YA. I couldn’t help empathising with Skyler as I’ve suffered from panic attacks in the past, and I really thought they were depicted really well. I really liked Win, too. It’s so nice to read about a regular guy for a change, rather than an arrogant asshole! While he did have a bit of an inflated ego at the beginning of the book, when everything is eventually explained, I can totally see why he acted in the way he did.


The writing style suited the story telling perfectly, providing the perfect amount of detail without going overboard and bogging down the story with unnecessary prose. I loved the action scenes in particular, and how well they were described: crisp, clear and so easy to visualise. It was so enjoyable to read, and it kept me hooked throughout.


Earth & Sky is the first book in a trilogy, and I love that it ended brutal-cliff-hanger-free. I feel this portion of the story has been wrapped up perfectly, leaving just enough clues to set the scene for the sequel, and to get me really curious about where the story will go from here. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Earth & Sky, and I can’t wait to continue on with the series in the near future.






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