Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Her Royal Highness (To-Be)

Glitter by Apprilynne Pike
Published October 25th, 2016


Second review of the week guys! I'm on a roll.

Danica Grayson is a willful, pannier-wearing,17 year-old from the future. And She’s totally relatable.

Outside the Palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.


When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.


Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can
sell for more money than she ever dreamed.


But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.


Glitter first attracted me because of the cover. Then I heard what is was about and it was one of those “I HAVE TO READ THIS RIGHT NOW!” reactions. Unfortunately, “right now” ended up being six months later. But, I did read it and it was amazing.

The world of Danica Grayson is a blend of Sci-fi and Historical Fiction that fit together perfectly. Pike does an amazing job of connecting you to Danica almost instantly. The 18th century persona the citizens of the Palace of Versailles don is an exciting, lavish, world full of secrets and strategy.

Danica’s two best friends Molli and Lord Aaron are always kind and supportive of her. Lord Aaron is gay and makes a few comments about another man looking good or Lord Spencer, his love interest. Their relationship is not described or dwelled upon and is not a major part of the plot. Molli is a redeeming character in the story. She is innocent, kind, and sweet-natured.

Our anti-heroine struggles with morals throughout the entire book. She’s unsure if the the price of freedom is a price she can live with. Danica deceives the court members of Versailles, smuggles drugs, and lies to her best friend, as well as her family.

As fiance to a king who she repulses Danica is his number one target. He knows he can’t have her till she turns 18 and they are wed but forces physical contact on her anyway. He kisses her lips and neck in the book several times. These scenes are not explicit and mostly happen in front of others as to convince them they are a happy couple. Towards the end of the book he shows physical abuse twice in the form of grabbing her neck and choking her..

There was however, a redeeming moment. Danica realized she was doing all these things for revenge against her mother and the king. She was pushing away one of the only people who still cared about her (Molli) and needed to stop. Upon discovering a truth that is a major spoiler, Danica stops doing things only for herself. She tries to make some wrongs right again and even apologizes to some of the people she hurt. Glitter had me addicted from page 1 (See what I did there)

Language: Mild

Alcohol/drugs: Glitter is a very powerful drug. In small doses it gives the person a feeling of elated happiness and in high doses it can kill you.

Violence: 6

Sexual Content: Aside from what is explained above there is one make-out scene and kisses here and there.

Spiritual Content: Morals and the feeling of guilt is something that is discussed a great deal. The book takes on an outlook at life that has hope but at a cost.

Currently Reading: My True Love Gave to Me by Various Authors
Next Post: Special Christmas post!

*Photo from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24033058-glitter?from_search=true

Monday, December 19, 2016

She-Warrior

Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert
Published October 31st, 2016

I don’t usually gravitate towards historical fiction so when the opportunity to read this book came I wasn’t expecting to absolutely love it. But I did. Set in the Era of Leif Erikson, this story is about his brazen half-sister Freydis.

Determined to rise above her rank as the illegitimate "forest child" of Eirik the Red, Freydis launches a second voyage to Vinland to solidify her power and to demand the respect she deserves. She will return home with enough plunder to force her brother, Leif, to sell her the family farm in Greenland.

But nothing can prepare her for the horrors she must confront in Vinland...and nothing can stand in her way when her family is threatened.

In her race to outrun the truths that might destroy her, Freydis ultimately collides with the only enemy she cannot silence—her own heart.

What surprised me the most about this book was the realistic grit of the viking world Gilbert painted. It was refreshing to see a christian novel portray the good, the bad, and the sometimes gruesome. The action was fast paced and tastefully described. I hate when authors make action sequences so complex you have no idea what’s happening. This book definitely didn’t have that problem. The narrative held my attention and was purposeful, there were no filler sentences that didn’t fit.

Freydis as a character intrigued me. I wanted to know more about her as I read, to find out what drove her. At times her pride and malice frustrated me. But then Gilbert would let you see her affection and have you rooting for Freydis once more. The relationship between Freydis and Ref is something that interested me as well. Their marriage was far from perfect and I’m thankful Gilbert portrayed a life-like relationship that was raw and most of the time, strained.

I also enjoyed the setting of this novel and the history I learned as I read. If, like me, you dislike sad or frustrating endings do not fear. This story ended with all ties mended and relationships restored. A story full of action, betrayal, redemption, and girl power to the max. You’ll love Forest Child.


Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: Freydis eats a mushroom that causes hallucinations

Violence: 7

Sexual Content: Nothing that really stands out. A husband and wife lying together is noted throughout the book. Things are said in subtle ways as to make known what happened and nothing is sexualized. Think Bible terminology.

Spiritual Content: While the main character Freydis is not a Christian, Christianity is talked about a lot throughout the book and many of the side characters are Christians. There is a very powerful spiritual redemption at the end on the novel.

Currently Reading: My True Love Gave to Me by Various Authors
Next Post: Review of Glitter By Apprilynne Pike



Tuesday, November 1, 2016

The Hiatus is Over



If you're like me, this time of year is awkward for you. There's a lot of people that think that Christmas things should wait till after Thanksgiving. Even if that means breaking out the Christmas music right after the last dish of turkey and mashed with potatoes gravy is cleared. I am definitely one of those people. So this post is for those of you still have a few scary movies on your watchlist and feel like October flew by way too fast. These four books will prolong the spooky vibes.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

A dystopian twist on a classically chilling vampire tale. This book tells of a society overrun by vampires and the disease is spreading fast. If you are found to have the disease or think you may have it you are quarantined in a Coldtown, famous cities broadcasted to the outside world. But things aren't always as they seem on TV. Caution to readers: While this book only has some mild sexual content (kissing and some talk), the violence is realistically described and sometimes gruesome.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith

A timeless classic with a twist. All of the characters you love in a thrilling new setting. What girl needs a man when she's the most skilled zombie slayer in England? This book takes the original text by Austin and seamlessly interweaves Graham-Smith's apocalyptic world. A word to the wise, while most violence is not gorey and almost comical, it is blunt.

Betrayal by R.L. Stine

From the man who brought you Goosebumps a story that begins in one of Americas darker times. The witch trials. The town’s most powerful brothers, the Fiers, are responsible for finding the witches in their settlement. But, when a wife and daughter are wrongly accused of performing witchcraft the Fiers unknowingly take on an evil that will haunt their family for centuries. I am currently reading this book and so far it's only scary enough to give me minor doubts about the security of my room at night. I'll post a full length review when I finish it.




29527147 The Occupied by Craig Parshall

This book is on my TBR list and it looks like it will be a good one. Here’s an excerpt from the back cover:

As a youth, Trevor Black unleashed spiritual forces he couldn't comprehend. Years later, Trevor is a high-flying criminal defense lawyer in New York City, with a six-figure Aston Martin and a trophy wife. But in an extraordinary turn of events, he receives a burdensome gift: the ability to perceive the invisible. And the dark forces he now sees are all gunning for him.
When one of Trevor's hometown friends is murdered, the MO is eerily similar to a shocking trail of murders that have already crossed the lawyer's path. So Trevor must return home to find the killer. . . and face not only his own personal demons, but supernatural ones as well.



Currently Reading: Betrayal by R.L. Stine

*All Photos taken from https://www.goodreads.com/


Wednesday, August 31, 2016

5-8/12


My Summer in Review
                
         Well, I started school this week. Yay. It’s senior year so, yay again . . . but for real this time. You would think that summer would mean reading all day every day. Actually, it was more like X-Files all day every day and then reading at night because I was seriously freaked out by the X-Files. Eventually, I will pick a permanent blogging day for this year. Wednesday is looking pretty good right now but we’ll see once my schedule evens out. Anyway, into the part of the post you came for.

May

Books I Read:
·                   
  •       Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan
  • ·        Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • ·        The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Haul:
·              
  •         The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Thanks Liz ;)

June

Books I Read:
·         
  •      The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
  • ·       The Shannara Chronicles: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Haul:

        None. Self-control killed it this month.

July

Books I Read:
·         
  •       A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
  • ·       Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
  • ·       Live Original by Sadie Roberston

Haul:
·         
  •      A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
  • ·      Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
  • ·       Fairest by Marissa Meyers

What can I say? Target was having a really good sale.

August

Books I Read:
·       
  •         Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins
  • ·      Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Haul:
·       
  •          The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim
  • ·      The Calling by Rachelle Dekker
  • ·      The Occupied by Craig Parshall

Anyone else seeing a theme here?

Currently Reading:
  1.    Pride & Prejudice & Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Graham
  2.    Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs


Next Post:  Undetermined (That’s me tryna be professional. But I guess I just ruined it by using “tryna”)

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Emily + Sloane

Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson


Who else here thinks of the Kelly Clarkson song when reading this title? I know, I do.

I’m posting early this week because I will be dwelling in a wifi-less place for a few days and therefore, will not be able to post. Now you may or may not have heard of this author’s name before but in the YA world it’s a popular one. This is the first book of hers I have read and it definitely lived up to the hype.


It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.

On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?

Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger? Um...


Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she’ll find?

I LOVE Matson’s writing style. It seems so natural and the conversations are realistic. The overall story was smooth and at almost 500 pages was surprisingly easy to read. It was cute and funny and ugh, just so amazing. I would highly recommend this book to get you out of a reading slump.

Matson’s characters were normal people which I really appreciated. I related to something in each of them and I wasn’t expecting that. It didn’t seem like Matson was trying too hard or over writing them. The main character, Emily, has amazing character growth throughout the book as do many of the supporting characters.


Language: Mild

Alcohol/drugs: There is beer at a party, two main characters each have a glass of wine and the main character get tipsy once.

Violence: None

Sexual Content: Some kissing

Spiritual Content: None

Currently Reading: Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

Next Post: Summer Wrap-up

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Queen Me

Confession? I didn’t blog last week. Another confession? Disney shows still make me laugh. No matter how cheesy. Anyway, I wanted to write a post that was concise since I really didn’t feel like blogging today. Is that confession number three?

 The Ruler of Books Tag

What book would you make everyone read?

Definitely The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson. I NEED someone to talk about that plot twist with! Plus, it is basically perfect in every way.

What would you abolish in book construction?

Prices. All books would be free. BOOM. Okay, but serious answer? All paperbacks would be semi-floppy. I hate it when the book makes you feel like it doesn’t want to be read because it just keeps trying to close on you. I mean, how rude is that?

What author would you commission to write you any book?

I would make Suzanne Collins re-write Mockingjay so that Finnick escapes and there would be a very long epilogue at the end about how he and Annie live happily ever after with their adorable baby boy. That would make my LIFE.

What book would you demote to the library basement to make room for new books?
               
            All books from the 20th century sporting men with voluminous hair and low cut shirts. Yes, I’m talking about you 1970s Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers.

What cover artist would you commission to make a beautiful mural?
             
             Nicola Yoon’s husband is the artist behind the beautiful cover of her book Everything Everything. The colors and attention to detail would be absolutely stunning on a larger scale.

What character’s face would you put on a coin?
                
             I think Katniss is such a huge and inspirational character that she deserves her face on coin. And it would be so cool if there was a Mockingjay on the back like the eagle on the back of a quarter.

Who would you award the “Ruler of Books 2016” prize to?
              
            Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart reminded me of my horse crazy days and I loved every page.
               
That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed my book world. If only it was real. . .


Currently Reading: Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Next Post: ???

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Unfinished Buisness


Hello readers! I’m coming at you from the past and it was SO HOT today. It was actually annoying. As I was gazing upon my lovely bookshelves trying to decide what books to do mini reviews of I realized there are many books that I have started but have yet to finish. So, (sorry not sorry) I am changing the post. I will tell you how far I got in the book, why I put it down, and what I think of it so far.

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro 

Read: 125pgs out of 336

I put this book down because the language was too strong. The main character, Charlotte, is the descendant of Sherlock Holmes. She befriends Jamie, the descendant of John Watson and together they investigate copy-cat murders that are taken straight from a Sherlock Holmes novel.

 The murderer is also making it seem like Charlotte and Jamie are the culprits. I was actually really enjoying the characters as they had such a likeness to their predecessors. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be finishing this novel.

Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

Read: 138pgs out of 448

This one was just not what I was looking for at the time. I had just come off of a long fantasy reading streak and was not in the mood for another one. I put it down in place for a contemporary but am now itching to pick it back up again

. What I read I have to admit is too complex to explain properly. It is definitely a high fantasy novel and takes some time to comprehend the world. I’m still not sure I understand every aspect of it so I’ll insert the inside cover synopsis.

The night Quin Kincaid takes her Oath, she will become what she has trained to be her entire 
life. She will become a Seeker. This is her legacy, and it is an honor.

As a Seeker, Quin will fight beside her two closest companions, Shinobu and John, to protect the weak and the wronged. Together they will stand for light in a shadowy world.

And she’ll be with the boy she loves–who’s also her best friend. But the night Quin takes her Oath, everything changes.

Being a Seeker is not what she thought. Her family is not what she thought. Even the boy she loves is not who she thought. And now it’s too late to walk away.


Son by Lois Lowry

Read: 226pgs out of 400

Most people don’t know this but the modern classic, The Giver, is part of a quartet. I ran across the rest of the series in an adorable book shop in North Carolina. At the time I didn’t realize they had an order to them. They simply said “Companion Novels” so, I bought two

. It turns out, I bought the second . . . and the fourth. Son is the fourth. I didn’t even realize this until I reached a certain part and was like, when did that happen? It now sits on my shelf, waiting for me to buy the third book.

The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Read: 125pgs out of 608

I told myself when starting this book that I was going to go halfway and then take a break. Halfway was a little harder to reach than I thought. Don’t get me wrong, the book is really good. There are just so many words on each page and I had just bought some new books I was dying to read. I love Brooks choppy writing style with short sentences. I want to finish this book. I will finish this book.

Currently Reading: Champion by Marie Lu

Next Post: Undetermined 

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Books That Were WEIRD

For the record, I started this blog post yesterday but after trying to finish it before bed with an awful headache I decided it was best to just finish it today. So as promised: Books that were WEIRD.



The Love That Split the World by Emily Henri
             
                Magical Realism? Sci-fi? I don’t know how to categorize this book. All I know is that Native American legends told by an old woman only the main character, Natalie, can see, romance, and parallel universes made for a very interesting read. I really enjoyed this book and found that the concepts presented to be very original. The fact that the main character had a Native American heritage and was adopted made for a side of young adult fiction that we don't usually see. I was pleased that there was the story of Abraham and Isaac accurately told in the book. While most of the content is somewhat clean I was disappointed to read that in the last five pages of the book there is a line that talks about God's love for us and says he loves us "f****** well." It was very odd and I didn't appreciate it at all.

Language: Severe, everything else was moderate but for the F at the end

Alcohol/drugs: Several teens (not the main character) get drunk at a party and there are terrible 
consequences.

Violence: 2

Sexual Content: Some kissing, a short make out scene that doesn’t go too far, skippable.

Spiritual Content: This part is a bit tricky. As a sci-fi/fantasy novel there are some very weird concepts about life, death, and spirituality. All different ways of thinking are discussed and Natalie contemplates God and who or what he is. What I saw was a very lost and confused soul who wanted to have faith but struggled with believing in anything. It was very sad to read at times. In conclusion, the book had many spiritual aspects I just can’t summarize or categorize them properly.


These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

This was a stunning sci-fi survival book. The world building was done excellently and everything was easily pictured. A young war hero, Tarver, and the daughter the most powerful man in the universe, Lilac, crash onto a deserted planet after a star liner malfunction that causes the whole ship to plummet. Their journey as they navigate this eerie planet is well written. As their relationship changes it makes for even more drama to add to their plight. The romance was not original or creative and escalated way to quickly for my liking. The part of this book that was so weird was something you don’t discover until the end. Lilac starts seeing and hearing strange things as they trek to the star liner wreckage. It gradually builds towards the part when you discover what it is and when you do, you’re just like. . .what??

Language: Moderate

Alcohol/drugs: none

Violence: 5

Sexual Content: intimacy is referenced once with no more description that the mention of nudity briefly

Spiritual Content: None


You’ll Like it Here (Everybody Does) by Ruth White

                I read this middle grade book several years ago and absolutely loved it. Here’s the synopsis:
                While Meggie and David Blue are from another planet, they're a lot like Earth kids, with similar hopes and dreams. But, they also have GROSSLY UNIQUE qualities, such as blue streaks in their hair that pop up randomly and language skills that sound like nothing on this planet. The story takes these alien kids, along with their mother and grandfather, by accident, to a far planet in which the society is not only oppressive but hostile to individual freedom. People are kept submissive through drugs and brainwashing. The Blues, who have spent time in free societies recognize the upside-down-ness of this world. They're almost helpless to do anything, but do what they can, plan their escape, and vow to help others.
               
             This adventure story was so entertaining and well-paced. The story as a whole was very strange but in the best way possible.

Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: They use drugs on people to keep them submissive as the synopsis says

Violence: None

Sexual Content: None

Spiritual Content: None

I made a tag on Instagram inspired by this post. Link is in the side bar, go and check it out!

Currently Reading: Truth Be Told by Justine Johnston Hemmestad and Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes

Next Post: Mini Reveiws

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Mind. Blown.

Mary E. Pearson is probably one of the best writers of all time. The Kiss of Deception intrigued me from first page. That momentum never slowed throughout the rest of this book. The main character is a girl named Lia who is about to be married off to a prince she has never met. Sounds pretty cliché at first right? Wrong. From there it builds itself into something so complex you are pulled into the story and can't find your way out. Not that I wanted to. I could've stayed in that world forever.

(Please, I always read casually in our garden)

This was a book shrouded in secrecy. I loved that some things weren't completely explained, which, instead of annoying me, it made me even more interested. Pearson chose the right things to leave unexplained and did a beautiful job of immersing you in this political fantasy without feeling like you were being info dumped. I found myself really enjoying the political aspect of this world.

The thing that made this book was the plot twist. It. Was. Fantastic. I didn't even realize what was happening at first. I literally put the book down and looked it up on YouTube, thinking I had made a mistake. Then I re-read parts of the book to assure myself it was real. But it was the best thing ever. I realized Pearson had woven the story so deceitfully. She relied on how she thought readers would respond to certain cues and used that against them. Genius. Just Genius.


I liked Lia as a main character. I know some people said she annoyed them as first but I didn't experience this. I related to her personality and think I would've made the same decisions in a lot of the situations. Maybe that means that I'm annoying to some people…

I could go on and on about this book. I loved everything about it. But as it’s now almost 12:30 a.m. I think I should wrap things up for my sake and the family’s. My final thoughts are this: Get the sequel on my shelf already and read this book immediately.

 Stay alive, frens.

P.S.  If you got that reference I love you so much rn
P.P.S. I love you anyway 

Language: Mild

Alcohol/drugs: Visitors drink ale and hard cider in a tavern

Violence: 3

Sexual Content: A supporting character has a child out of wedlock, there is some mild yet romantic kissing, and talk of ways to flirt with men in the tavern.

Spiritual Content: The Fantasy world they live in believes in gods and the have temple-like places to worship. They pray and sing holy songs called Remembrances throughout the book although this is mostly done by supporting characters.

Currently Reading: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Next Post: Books That Were WEIRD

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

*Finally* Back

Hello everyone! I’m back after a much needed (but I know, very long) break and ready to get back at it again with the white vans. If you understood that reference you’re definitely in my posse. If not, don’t worry about it, there will be plenty of other chances for you to join the club.
 Step one would be to subscribe. Just enter your email on the sidebar for updates on when I post. Step two, follow my bookish account on Instagram. You can see some of my feed on the sidebar and if you click on it, it takes you to my account. My first summer post (even though it’s the end of June) is my top five summer reads list.


1.       The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson
I have actually already finished this book as of last week. But, I wanted to put it on the list anyway so it makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something. Anyone else do that? I do it all the time. It’s great.

2.       The Shannara Chronicles Book 1: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks
This is the book I am currently reading. I watched some of the TV show this winter and enjoyed it so I’m excited to see the differences in the book and explore the characters more.

3.        Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

The second book in the Rebel Belle Trilogy. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first book.

4.       The Land of 10,000 Madonna’s by Kate Hattemer

I tried to pick this book up in the beginning of June but was really in the mood for fantasy so I put it down. Reading Rule #1 : Don’t force yourself to read a book you’re not in the mood for. Unless, it’s for school. Then you kinda have no choice.

5.       The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Besides that fact that it’s a science fiction novel I have no idea what this book is about. But that’s my favorite way to go into a book; not knowing where it’s going to take you. Super cheesy, I know.


Normally, I have the end of my posts all planned out. But today, I’m a slacker so enjoy these Lord of The Rings memes.

 FYI: These are also a way into my posse.





Currently Reading: The Shannara Chronicles Book 1: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Next Post: Full Review of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson

*Memes from Pinterest