Bookish Comforts is holding a Monday Challenge where you "purchase" $100 worth of books from Book Depository. The prize is one of those books ($15 value).
Here is my list:
Monday, 6 January 2014
Sunday, 5 January 2014
Bout of Books Read-a-Thon 9.0
I am excited to be doing my first read-a-thon! I have no idea how many books I will be able to get through, but I figured I would give it a shot.
Official blurb from Bout of Books:
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books teamTime Devoted to Reading
I will be reading any chance I get. I still have to work four days a week, but I still have mornings and evenings to read. I will also be reading a lot on my days off.My Goals
I will attempt to finish 5 books. I've never really thought about how many books I read in a week, so this may be a high or a low number. No idea. If I do better than that then great. Wish me luck. :)Books to Read
The Iron Daughter by Julie KagawaThe Iron Queen by Julie KagawaSummer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa (novella)Ash's Letter to Meghan by Julie Kagawa (novella)The Iron King by Julie KagawaThe Iron Fey Valentine by Julie Kagawa (novella)Iron's Prophecy by Julie Kagawa (novella)
- The Archived by Victoria Schwab
- Wake by Lisa McMann
- Fade by Lisa McMann
- Gone by Lisa McMann
- Cabel's Story (novella) by Lisa McMann
- Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Unsouled by Neal Shusterman- Marley and Me by John Grogan
- Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Monday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 81; 118 =199
Total number of books I’ve read: 0
Books read: The Iron Daughter; The Archived -didn't finish either
Tuesday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 148; 408=556
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
Books read: The Archived; Wake -finished both
Wednesday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 281
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
Books read: Fade; Gone -finished both
Thursday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 14; 383=397
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
Books read: Caleb's Story; Just Listen -finished both
Friday*different books are separated by semi colons
Number of pages I’ve read today: 290
Total number of books I’ve read: 0
Books read: Wither- didn't finish
Saturday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 68; I hit a book slump.
Total number of books I’ve read: 1
Books read: Wither -finished it
Sunday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 264; 73
Total number of books I’ve read: 1
Books read: One & Only -finished it
Final Tally: I read 7 books, 1 novella, and 2, 128 pages!!
The Iron King (The Iron King #1)
Goodreads Summary
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
My Thoughts
I'm not really sure what to feel about this book. I have never read any faery books before, so I don't have a frame a reference for this. I haven't even read Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream which part of the faery world seems to be based on. This book was interesting enough though. The faery world sounds beautiful, although sometimes difficult to imagine.
I was often frustrated with Meghan (almost always referred to as Meghan Chase which drove me crazy) because she was quite stupid at times. She wanders into this world knowing nothing, which is understandable, but then learns nothing from her mistakes. She keeps making promises no matter the risk. I just wanted to shake her and tell her to cut it out. Then miraculously by the end she has all this power and wins. What?
I'll keep reading because I am curious what will happen with her and Ash. Plus is Puck ok? Sure he was really annoying at times, but I still feel bad for the guy.
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
My Thoughts
I'm not really sure what to feel about this book. I have never read any faery books before, so I don't have a frame a reference for this. I haven't even read Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream which part of the faery world seems to be based on. This book was interesting enough though. The faery world sounds beautiful, although sometimes difficult to imagine.
I was often frustrated with Meghan (almost always referred to as Meghan Chase which drove me crazy) because she was quite stupid at times. She wanders into this world knowing nothing, which is understandable, but then learns nothing from her mistakes. She keeps making promises no matter the risk. I just wanted to shake her and tell her to cut it out. Then miraculously by the end she has all this power and wins. What?
I'll keep reading because I am curious what will happen with her and Ash. Plus is Puck ok? Sure he was really annoying at times, but I still feel bad for the guy.
Saturday, 4 January 2014
My Top Picks for 2013!
Although I started this blog as a New Years resolution of sorts for 2014, I thought I would share the books that I thoroughly enjoyed in 2013. I should say that they are in no particular order and I loved them all dearly.
I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold really late into the year, but it is on this list because I really enjoyed it. It was hard not to love this book. It sends its readers on an emotional roller coaster. It focuses on love and loss in a way that I hadn't read about before.
The Selection by Kiera Cass was a book that I picked up on a whim and boy am I glad that I did. This book made me dream of getting whisked away to a palace to meet prince...not so charming. I could wear gorgeous dresses and hope to not make a fool of myself. America gets to live everyone's dream and she hates every minute of it.I should also mention that The Elite was an equally entertaining sequel.
Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill was just too cute not to put on this list. I am generally a big fan of contemporary novels, so it shouldn't be a surprise that I loved this one. I had heard mixed reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love me a good love story.
Prodigy and Champion by Marie Lu are the second and third books in the Legend trilogy. These dystopian novels follow Day and June as they try to save their city, their loved ones, and each other.
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid is another story about loss. Elise is a young pride who looses her new husband in a terrible accident. The story was heartbreaking and had me crying from the very beginning.
Allegiant by Veronica Roth is the much anticipated final book in the Divergent trilogy. Although it had mixed reviews, I really enjoyed it.
Unspoken and Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan are the first and second books in the Lynburn Legacy series. I picked up the first one when I was at my local bookstore and liked it so much I need to read the second one immediately afterward. Cute reads.
Wait For You by J. Lynn a.k.a. Jennifer L. Armentrout is the kind of book that reminds you that there reallyare good guys out in the world today and boy is Cam a good guy. *SWOON* This is a love story. Look at the cover if you don't believe me. I am a sucker for a good love story and this was 2013's best one in my opinion. Trust In Me the companion novel from Cam's perspective was really good too!
Just One Day by Gayle Forman was another romance I read this year. This one took place in just one day...get it? Ha ha. Its companion novel wasn't as good though. Sorry Willem.
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson is a contemporary road trip book. Is there anything better than a good road trip book? Nope.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes was a sensational novel about love and hardships in England. This book was so good that I got it for my favourite aunt for Christmas.
The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare was maybe the best series I read all year. Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess follow William Herondale, Tessa Gray and Jem Carstairs through 19th century London. Poor Tessa discovers the world isn't quite what she thought it was and she isn't what she thought she was.
Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter is the third book in the Heist Society series. I read the first two books in 2012 and this one in 2013. I loved all three. This series is basically any young adult novel meets Ocean's Eleven. Plus I adore these covers.
UnWholly by Neal Shusterman is the second book in the Unwind dystology. There
is nothing like this series. I won't even try to explain it. Just check it out!
And there you have it. Those were my favourite books of 2013. What were yours?
I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold really late into the year, but it is on this list because I really enjoyed it. It was hard not to love this book. It sends its readers on an emotional roller coaster. It focuses on love and loss in a way that I hadn't read about before.
The Selection by Kiera Cass was a book that I picked up on a whim and boy am I glad that I did. This book made me dream of getting whisked away to a palace to meet prince...not so charming. I could wear gorgeous dresses and hope to not make a fool of myself. America gets to live everyone's dream and she hates every minute of it.I should also mention that The Elite was an equally entertaining sequel.Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill was just too cute not to put on this list. I am generally a big fan of contemporary novels, so it shouldn't be a surprise that I loved this one. I had heard mixed reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love me a good love story.
Prodigy and Champion by Marie Lu are the second and third books in the Legend trilogy. These dystopian novels follow Day and June as they try to save their city, their loved ones, and each other.
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid is another story about loss. Elise is a young pride who looses her new husband in a terrible accident. The story was heartbreaking and had me crying from the very beginning. Allegiant by Veronica Roth is the much anticipated final book in the Divergent trilogy. Although it had mixed reviews, I really enjoyed it.
Unspoken and Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan are the first and second books in the Lynburn Legacy series. I picked up the first one when I was at my local bookstore and liked it so much I need to read the second one immediately afterward. Cute reads.
Wait For You by J. Lynn a.k.a. Jennifer L. Armentrout is the kind of book that reminds you that there reallyare good guys out in the world today and boy is Cam a good guy. *SWOON* This is a love story. Look at the cover if you don't believe me. I am a sucker for a good love story and this was 2013's best one in my opinion. Trust In Me the companion novel from Cam's perspective was really good too!
Just One Day by Gayle Forman was another romance I read this year. This one took place in just one day...get it? Ha ha. Its companion novel wasn't as good though. Sorry Willem.Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson is a contemporary road trip book. Is there anything better than a good road trip book? Nope.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes was a sensational novel about love and hardships in England. This book was so good that I got it for my favourite aunt for Christmas. 
The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare was maybe the best series I read all year. Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess follow William Herondale, Tessa Gray and Jem Carstairs through 19th century London. Poor Tessa discovers the world isn't quite what she thought it was and she isn't what she thought she was.
Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter is the third book in the Heist Society series. I read the first two books in 2012 and this one in 2013. I loved all three. This series is basically any young adult novel meets Ocean's Eleven. Plus I adore these covers.UnWholly by Neal Shusterman is the second book in the Unwind dystology. There
is nothing like this series. I won't even try to explain it. Just check it out!
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick is another contemporary. What? I like what I like. This story has two adorable teens with very different families. It is a prime example why I love young adult novels so much.
A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess is a relationship 411. Abigail sucks at dating so she relies on her new roommate Robert for advice. It's humorous and oddly informative.
And there you have it. Those were my favourite books of 2013. What were yours?
Book Hauls
I haven't quite figured out how I want to do books hauls yet, but once I do there will be one up. I don't want to do a video, but just pictures of the books I have acquired doesn't seem like enough. Any suggestions?
There won't be book hauls often because it isn't often that I have the funds to buy new books, but I do like the idea of sharing what books books caught my eye enough to purchase.
There won't be book hauls often because it isn't often that I have the funds to buy new books, but I do like the idea of sharing what books books caught my eye enough to purchase.
Friday, 3 January 2014
Emerald Green (Ruby Red #1)
Goodreads Summary
Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is.
She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.
This stunning conclusion picks up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this last book in the series. It wasn't quite as good as the first two, but still held its own and fit with the rest of the trilogy.
I am really impressed that although these books were originally written in German, and were later translated into English, I didn't notice any mistakes. There was no lost in translation moments that could have completely ruined the series for me.
This book tied things up nicely. Maybe a little too nicely. Not going to spoil anything, but what happened to Gideon at the end was a little too convenient for me. I did however like that I didn't see it coming. I guessed the villain before he was revealed and I guessed the big secret about Gwen mere chapters into Ruby Red (even though it wasn't revealed until the middle of Emerald Green), so I am glad that some thing were a surprise to me.
Lastly, I really liked the addition of Raphael to the book. He was introduced in Sapphire Blue, but he had a bigger role in this one. As Gideon's younger brother he added a good dynamic with Gwen, Gideon, and Lindsay. He was good comedic relief and he helped add to Gideon's character and back story. I also like that Gier didn't try to set him up with Gwyneth. Too often authors try to pair up their female lead with any new male character that comes along. I'm glad that didn't happen here. Not all stories need a love triangle. Or multiple love triangles as the case may be.
Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is.
She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.
This stunning conclusion picks up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate.
I really enjoyed this last book in the series. It wasn't quite as good as the first two, but still held its own and fit with the rest of the trilogy.
I am really impressed that although these books were originally written in German, and were later translated into English, I didn't notice any mistakes. There was no lost in translation moments that could have completely ruined the series for me.
This book tied things up nicely. Maybe a little too nicely. Not going to spoil anything, but what happened to Gideon at the end was a little too convenient for me. I did however like that I didn't see it coming. I guessed the villain before he was revealed and I guessed the big secret about Gwen mere chapters into Ruby Red (even though it wasn't revealed until the middle of Emerald Green), so I am glad that some thing were a surprise to me.
Lastly, I really liked the addition of Raphael to the book. He was introduced in Sapphire Blue, but he had a bigger role in this one. As Gideon's younger brother he added a good dynamic with Gwen, Gideon, and Lindsay. He was good comedic relief and he helped add to Gideon's character and back story. I also like that Gier didn't try to set him up with Gwyneth. Too often authors try to pair up their female lead with any new male character that comes along. I'm glad that didn't happen here. Not all stories need a love triangle. Or multiple love triangles as the case may be.
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