So yes, I know it’s now the end of July and I am just now posting this tag, but better late than never right? I wasn't tagged by anyone, but I liked reviewing my books from the first part of the year. Let’s just jump right in.
1. BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ SO FAR IN 2019?
This is so hard to narrow down to just the one, so I figured I would list the five books I have given 5 stars to so far this year.
* Where the Crawdad’s Sing – Delia Ownes
* Educated – Tara Westover
* Sometimes I Lie – Alice Feeney
* Sorcery of Thorns – Margaret Rogerson
* Otherearth – Jason Segel, Kristen Miller
2. BEST SEQUEL YOU’VE READ SO FAR IN 2019?
I have only read a handful of sequels so far this year. My favorite has to be Otherearth by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller. I listened to this one on audiobook with my husband and we can’t wait for the next book in the series.
3. NEW RELEASE YOU HAVEN’T READ YET, BUT WANT TO?
There are so many that I have yet to read with such a lack of motivation and time this year. I am hoping to increase my reading time and get to all those books I have sitting on my shelves. I do know I will get to some new releases too.
4. MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2019?
The Toll by Neal Shusterman is my most anticipated book for the rest of the year. I loved the first two in the Scythe trilogy and look forward to this last installment!
Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan is also on the top of my list. I loved Girls of Paper and Fire once I got into it.
5. BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT?
Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman has to be my biggest disappointment. I was so hyped up for this one after the Illuminae files and everyone’s reviews that I thought I would love it. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
6. BIGGEST SURPRISE?
The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman was the biggest surprise to me. I had never heard about this book, but it was recommended by a friend and fellow yogi. I really enjoyed it and suggest you give it a try!
7. FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR?
Margaret Rogerson is a new favorite for me. I look forward to picking up An Enchantment of Ravens.
8. NEWEST FICTIONAL CRUSH?
So, I don’t really crush on fictional characters so I don’t have an answer for this one. I am married to my amazing husband and that is my only crush (gasp I know)!
9. NEWEST FAVORITE CHARACTER?
I don’t know if I have one to be honest.
10. BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah both made me cry. I am an emotional reader and get very invested in characters in my books. If you’ve not read either of those, do it, what are you waiting for?
11. BOOK THAT MADE YOU HAPPY?
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang definitely made me leave feeling happy. It was a steamy, romantic, own-voices book that left one feeling satisfied. Remember though… this is an Adult book not Young Adult.
12. FAVORITE BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATION YOU SAW THIS YEAR?
So I don’t go to movies too often and I don’t think I have seen any new ones this year. However, I have re-watched Harry Potter and that is of course a great book to movie adaptation (even with the changes and missing content).
13. FAVORITE REVIEW YOU’VE WRITTEN THIS YEAR?
I am a bit behind on reviews and blogging in general. I am hoping to really pick this up for the rest of the year.
14. MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK YOU’VE BOUGHT (OR RECEIVED) SO FAR THIS YEAR?
Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau-Preto is one of the prettiest books I’ve gotten this year. I love all of the reds. This is still a book I need to read!
15. WHAT BOOKS DO YOU NEED TO READ BY THE END OF THIS YEAR?
Can I list them all? I need to read so many books that I have back listed, but the new shiny books are so enticing!
Have you done this tag? If so, please link below so I can check it out! Also, if you've read any of these books let me know what your thoughts were in the comments.
Adventure On,
Amanda
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Friday, July 26, 2019
Review: Sorcery of Thorns
Author: Margaret Rogerson
Series: Stand-a-lone
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: June 4, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal
Format: Physical (OwlCrate)
Length: 456 pages
Rating: 5/5 Stars
“Knowledge always has the potential to be dangerous. It is a more powerful weapon than any sword or spell.”
Goodreads Overview (4.28/5 stars)
ll sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power.
Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.
As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.
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| Click to view on Instagram. |
First Thoughts
Growing up in a library and full of adventures!? Count me 100% in!
Short Review
I didn’t read Margaret’s other book Enchantment of Ravens, but after this one, it’s headed straight to the top of my TBR pile! This unique story sends the main characters on crazy adventures involving books, sorcerers, and monsters alike. I loved all of the twists and turns that this story took! The hate-to-love romance was also a great side theme to the story.
Characters
Elisabeth Scrivener is the heroin of this story. The one that belongs to the library. She was left abandoned as a young girl and grew up living with the enchanted books (grimoires) that speak to her and hold the secrets of sorcery. She is training to become a warden of these books to protect the kingdom from their power. Elisabeth begins to question all that she knows as true and this adventure takes her on a wild ride.
Nathaniel Thorn is a mysterious dangerous sorcerer that becomes a partner of Elisabeth’s as she is thrown into a multi-century old conspiracy. He’s a rich sorcerer known for his family’s dark magic of necromancy. Together they have to embark on a dangerous adventure to save the kingdom.
Plot: 9
Characters: 9
World Building: 8
Pacing: 8
Writing: 10
Ending: 9
Average Total: 9/10
I absolutely loved Margaret Rogerson’s whimsical and fast paced writing of this story. Although a well-known fantasy story plot, she did so in such a different manner than I have ever ready before. All the stars for this one!
Moral of the Story/Take-away
Just because you grow up differently or in a different environment than most, doesn’t mean you don’t have your own special abilities. You don’t have to be born rich, have everything you can image, be popular, or the prettiest person in the world to become everything you wish to be. Don’t ever give up on your dreams and remember to keep shinning! I look forward to reading Margaret Rogerson’s other book!
Continuing Series: N/A
Recommending: Yes
Adventure On,
Amanda
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Review: Renegades
Author: Marissa
Meyer
Series: Renegades
#1
Published:
November 7, 2017
Genre: YA
Fantasy, Science Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Length: 556
pages/16 hours 58 minutes
Rating: 4/5 Stars
“Hero or villain, all prodigies were powerful. All prodigies were dangerous.”
“Hero or villain, all prodigies were powerful. All prodigies were dangerous.”
Goodreads Overview
(4.16/5 stars)
Secret Identities.
Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.
The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with
extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and
established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they
remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they
once overthrew.
Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a
mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a
Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to
a villain who has the power to end them both.
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First Thoughts
Its superhero meets political chaos.
Short Review
I was extremely hesitant to pick up Renegades because I
couldn’t get into Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles. But, I was pleasantly
surprised with this super hero marvels kind of story. I really enjoyed the
politics that played throughout the book with the “good” vs. “evil” aspect and
the government control.
Nova grew up trusting in the Renegades to be there when she
and her family needed them most. The Renegades are prodigies, humans with
extraordinary abilities, which provided peace where chaos had taken over after
the crash of society. They are the symbol of hope and courage. However, Nova
has a reason to hate them and has set out for revenge. Adrian, a Renegade,
believes in justice, the peace of the community, and he believes in Nova for
who he thinks she is.
Characters
The characters were very unique with their own abilities and
their specific roles in society. I enjoyed the team effort stance and how they
all worked towards a common goal whether they were on the Renegades or the
Anarchists. Each character we get introduced to were well developed and we
actually get to know them personally. There are so many diverse characters
(color, disability, sexuality). I loved how they were not necessarily good or
bad… some of the good guys were bad and some of the bad guys were really good.
The motives of each character were questioned throughout the book and kept me
wanting to know more.
Cover: 8
Plot: 8
Characters: 9
World Building: 8
Pacing: 7
Writing: 7
Ending: 9
Average Total: 8/10
The reason I didn’t give this book a full 5 star rating really
was the pacing. The beginning was slow, like really slow, but the last half
really picked up. I am not sure I would have read the whole book physically as
I was stuck at the start, but the audio book was a great option so I could do
other things. It did take me a bit longer to finish this one as the first 2/3
of the book didn’t hook me. The last third really brought the rating up from a
3 star to a 4 star for me.
Moral of the
Story/Take-away
Just because you are labeled as one thing, doesn’t mean that
you are that thing. You can change who you are and what you do at a moments
notice.
Continuing Series: Yes
Recommending: Yes
Amanda
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
The Book Junkie Trials - July 2019
I know I have been absent for almost a year(insert eye roll), but I am hoping to jump back on the book blog and bookstagram train! I'd love if you gave me a follow at www.instagram.com/kanksbooklife. Without further ado, let's get to The Book Junkie Trials!
What is The Book Junkie Trials Read-a-Thon?
The Book Junkie Trials is a month-long read-a-thon hosted by Rachael Marie Book Junkie. Per her YouTube Announcement, "The Book Junkie Trials is a Month-long Readathon & Competitive event in July, for all the bookish community, with 2 ways to play via The Quest for The Bookie Grail &/or through the Competitive Championship Trials".
How does The Book Junkie Trials work?
As mentioned above, the read-a-thon is taking place the entire month of July 2019 and has two ways to participate. In addition, there will be micro-challenges throughout the month to earn your team extra points.
1. The Quest for The Bookie Grail is a team challenge. There are four different teams that you could become part of: Bards, Outlaws, Magi, or Scribes. You can either take the Personality Team Quiz created by the fabulous Rachael or you can CHOOSE which team you'd like to be a part of. Each team has it's own set of challenges and quest locations that must be completed in order to earn the earn The Bookie Grail. Most of the read-a-thon announcements will be completed via Twitter. Make sure you add your team name to your display name (i.g.: Amanda #MAGE).
2. The Competitive Championship Trials is a completely new level of adventure and challenge! You complete your team's quest for The Bookie Grail and then complete the other team's challenges too! There is a special prize for completing this challenge for the 2020 Read-aThon.
Creator, Co-Hosts, Important Links
Creator & Royal Majesty, Rachael Marie (YouTube & Twitter)
Baroness of Bards, Riley Marie (YouTube & Twitter)
Countess of Outlaws, The Psycho Nyx (YouTube & Twitter)
Marquess of Magi, Becca and the Books (YouTube & Twitter)
Dutches of Scribes, Sophisticated Books (YouTube & Twitter)
Personality Team Quiz
Book Tracker
Full Quest Map
All the Challenges (Use for Competitive Championship Trials)
Google Drive with all the Goods
My Team: The Magi
This is the team that I received when taking the Personality Team Quiz. I wasn't surprised and was glad as I am looking forward to the challenges. Plus, I get to start 3 days earlier.
Finally, we move onto my TBR for this tremendous event! As declared by Her Majesty, there are four unique teams and one shared quest - The Book Trails. The quest MUST be completed in order. I am excited to take on this adventure.
The Mage Challenges
*Orc Grove - Read a book that is gruesome, gory, or gritty. For this challenge I chose Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan
*Ol' Pirate Cove - Read a book that takes place, at least in part, at sea. For this challenge I chose The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks.
*Glimmer - Fit in a book with a beautiful or colorful cover. For this challenge I chose Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson.
*Dragon Isle - Read a book that features dragons. For this challenge I chose Dragonsong by Ann McCaffrey. This is also being used for my weakness "One of their spells went awry, and now they are forced to read a book outside of their comfort zone".
*Bookie Grail - Read the group book: Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I've decided to listen to this one on Audiobook as the rest of the books will be physical copies.
If you are participating, please comment below your link and I'd love to follow you!
Adventure On,
Amanda
What is The Book Junkie Trials Read-a-Thon?
The Book Junkie Trials is a month-long read-a-thon hosted by Rachael Marie Book Junkie. Per her YouTube Announcement, "The Book Junkie Trials is a Month-long Readathon & Competitive event in July, for all the bookish community, with 2 ways to play via The Quest for The Bookie Grail &/or through the Competitive Championship Trials".
How does The Book Junkie Trials work?
As mentioned above, the read-a-thon is taking place the entire month of July 2019 and has two ways to participate. In addition, there will be micro-challenges throughout the month to earn your team extra points.
1. The Quest for The Bookie Grail is a team challenge. There are four different teams that you could become part of: Bards, Outlaws, Magi, or Scribes. You can either take the Personality Team Quiz created by the fabulous Rachael or you can CHOOSE which team you'd like to be a part of. Each team has it's own set of challenges and quest locations that must be completed in order to earn the earn The Bookie Grail. Most of the read-a-thon announcements will be completed via Twitter. Make sure you add your team name to your display name (i.g.: Amanda #MAGE).
2. The Competitive Championship Trials is a completely new level of adventure and challenge! You complete your team's quest for The Bookie Grail and then complete the other team's challenges too! There is a special prize for completing this challenge for the 2020 Read-aThon.
Creator, Co-Hosts, Important Links
Creator & Royal Majesty, Rachael Marie (YouTube & Twitter)
Baroness of Bards, Riley Marie (YouTube & Twitter)
Countess of Outlaws, The Psycho Nyx (YouTube & Twitter)
Marquess of Magi, Becca and the Books (YouTube & Twitter)
Dutches of Scribes, Sophisticated Books (YouTube & Twitter)
Personality Team Quiz
Book Tracker
Full Quest Map
All the Challenges (Use for Competitive Championship Trials)
Google Drive with all the Goods
My Team: The Magi
This is the team that I received when taking the Personality Team Quiz. I wasn't surprised and was glad as I am looking forward to the challenges. Plus, I get to start 3 days earlier.
Each team has their own individual map as well to go along with the challenges. I am impressed with all of the work that has been put into this fabulous read-a-thon.
The Mage Challenges
*Orc Grove - Read a book that is gruesome, gory, or gritty. For this challenge I chose Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan
*Ol' Pirate Cove - Read a book that takes place, at least in part, at sea. For this challenge I chose The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks.
*Glimmer - Fit in a book with a beautiful or colorful cover. For this challenge I chose Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson.
*Dragon Isle - Read a book that features dragons. For this challenge I chose Dragonsong by Ann McCaffrey. This is also being used for my weakness "One of their spells went awry, and now they are forced to read a book outside of their comfort zone".
*Bookie Grail - Read the group book: Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I've decided to listen to this one on Audiobook as the rest of the books will be physical copies.
If you are participating, please comment below your link and I'd love to follow you!
Adventure On,
Amanda
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