Wednesday, August 31, 2016

August 2016 Wrap Up & Book Haul


*August Book Haul*

The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson
The Romantics by Leah Konen
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
A Week of Mondays by Jessica Brody
Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir


*August Wrap Up*

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson
Poppy by Mary Hooper
A Week of Mondays by Jessica Brody
How to Keep Rolling After a Fall by Karole Cuzzo
The Gilded Cage by Lucinda Gray
The Death Cure by James Dashner

The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews
(not pictured)

Sooooooooooo.....
August was definitely a better month for me than June & July were!
I read 8 books, AND have gotten back into the groove of blogging again as well.
Here's hoping that September is an AWESOME month for me,
cause I really need to get caught up on my reading challenge. HA!

Tell me, how many books did you read in August??
And, what books did you get in your book haul??




Waiting on Wednesday #249 - Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23207027-three-dark-crowns
Three Dark Crowns
(Three Dark Crowns #1)
by Kendare Blake
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: September 20th 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062385437
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23207027-three-dark-crowns

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest. (Goodreads)

Has anyone else been waiting on this book for FOREVER??
It's Kendare Blake!!
I loved her *Anna* series, it was SO good.
While I haven't read her *Goddess War* series yet, it is on my TBR, 
and I hope to get to it one day. :)
I am really looking forward to reading Three Dark Crowns soon!
**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**


Monday, August 29, 2016

Review: Poppy by Mary Hooper

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26072954-poppy
Poppy
by Mary Hooper

Publication Date: August 30th 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781619634961
Genre: Young Adult | Historical Fiction
Source: For Review

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Set against the backdrop of World War I, this romantic novel is equal parts sweeping and heartbreaking.

England, 1914. Poppy is 15, beautiful, and clever, but society has already carved out her destiny. She will become a servant to the aristocratic de Vere family . . . and bury her feelings for their youngest son, Freddie. He could never marry a girl like her.

But the path for Poppy's life changes when it becomes clear that the war isn't going to end soon. England needs every able bodied person to serve in battle, which, for Poppy, means volunteering on the front lines as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse. As she experiences what people are capable of--the best of humanity and the worst--Poppy will discover how to be her own person.

This sweeping drama vividly blends swoon-worthy romance with the story of a girl looking for her place in a war-torn world is perfect fans of Elizabeth Wein and Ruta Sepetys. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

Poppy is the first book I've read by Mary Hooper, although I've had her book Fallen Grace on my to-be-read list for quite a while now, and I was excited to finally have the chance to read something by her. Also, I haven't read many, if any, books set in World War I yet, most of them have all be WWII, so I was super curious about that as well.

The year is 1914, and young Poppy is a maid for the de Vere family. But with the war not ending anytime soon, and help needed on the frontlines, Poppy finds herself applying to become a VAD, Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse. This quickly thrusts Poppy into a completely different world than she has ever known, full of unimaginable horrors, but through these horrors, she begins to discover her place in the big world.

The storyline and the setting for the book was really interesting. As I mentioned, I've not read many books set in the WWI time period, and I found the descriptions and story to be really engrossing. I was worried about the ending of the book, as it ended rather abruptly, then I discovered that there is a sequel, one where Poppy goes to help even closer to the frontlines of the war, and I'm super curious to check that book out as well.

The one thing that didn't really grab me in the book was the romance between Poppy and Freddie, who was the son of the family she worked for. I fully expected it to be a swoon-worthy romance as described in the books summary, but it didn't work for me at all, unfortunately. However, I did see a few sparks elsewhere for Poppy, and I'm hoping that works out for her.

Overall; I found Poppy to be an interesting read. I enjoyed the storyline and setting, and I'm really curious to read Poppy in the Field, the sequel, when it's released.



Friday, August 26, 2016

Review: The Death Cure by James Dashner #DashnerDash

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7864437-the-death-cure
The Death Cure
(The Maze Runner #3)
by James Dashner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: October 11th 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 325
ISBN: 9780385738774
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi | Dystopia
Source: Own

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

It’s the end of the line.

WICKED has taken everything from Thomas: his life, his memories, and now his only friends—the Gladers. But it’s finally over. The trials are complete, after one final test.

Will anyone survive?

What WICKED doesn’t know is that Thomas remembers far more than they think. And it’s enough to prove that he can’t believe a word of what they say.

The truth will be terrifying.

Thomas beat the Maze. He survived the Scorch. He’ll risk anything to save his friends. But the truth might be what ends it all.

The time for lies is over. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

This is my second time reading The Death Cure, this time as part of the #DashnerDash read-along of The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, and I seriously can't get enough of these books!

All the characters that we know and love, and a few that we really dislike, are back again in this third installment of the Maze Runner series. I have loved watching the friendships between these characters grow and grow, and I'm constantly amazed at what these characters accomplished as the series went along. Thomas, Newt, Minho and more really make this series something special.

To  be honest, I found The Death Cure a little bit harder to read than the previous books, and most of that was because of Newt. Without giving anything away, I will just say that Newt has been one of my most favorite characters in this series, and reading about what was happening to him was SO hard to read. It made me super sad.

The storyline for the book continues along the same line as the previous books, and boy was it a wild ride! I can honestly say that I hope what happens in these books never happens in my lifetime, as I would totally be the first person to perish. (Ha!) I'm really glad I reread this book, because as with the previous books, I had forgotten a lot of what happened, including the ending. Now that I remember, I'm pretty excited to get started on the prequels, starting with The Kill Order next.

Unfortunately the movie for The Death Cure won't be released until 2018, so there's no review for that, but I am anxiously waiting for its release! I hope it's as good as the previous movies, and the book!

Overall; I think this series just gets better as it goes along, and I'm super excited to start The Kill Order now, as it will be my first time reading the book, and I'm super excited to start it! There's still time to join in the #DashnerDash read-along, in preparation for The Fever Code's release in September!!


Mark Your Calendars!!

Come join this month’s Google Hangout with James Dashner
And Editor Krista Marino as they talk about THE DEATH CURE!
AND…maybe James will read from the much-talked about page 250…

Wednesday, August 31st at 8pm EDT
https://plus.google.com/u/4/b/115020835543123360597/events/csdttftq3cgidth9gopin2d4v1o



Thursday, August 25, 2016

Book & Movie Review: The Scorch Trials by James Dashner #DashnerDash

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7631105-the-scorch-trials
The Scorch Trials
(The Maze Runner #2)
by James Dashner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: October 12th 2010
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 360
ISBN: 9780385738750
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi | Dystopian
Source: Own

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end.

Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.

There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.

The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.

There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

I started my re-read of The Scorch Trials for part of #DashnerDash, a binge read of the Maze Runner series by James Dashner, and also because I haven't seen the movie yet, and I almost always have to read the book before I watch the movie. It was great to re-read this story again, as most of the story wasn't as clear in my mind as when I reread The Maze Runner, so it was nice to get in a little refresher!!

I first read The Scorch Trials a few years ago, and as with the first book, my first time reading it was actually listening to it on an audiobook. I enjoyed reading the print version this time, and I feel like I gained a little more information this go around. As I mentioned above, there was a lot that I have forgotten from the story, and it was almost like reading it for the first time.

I know I may have said this in my previous review of The Maze Runner, but I really, really love so many of the characters in this book, and I adore the friendships that have been forged between them. Thomas, Minho and Newt are such great friends. With all the things that they have to go through as the story goes along, you can't help but appreciate their friendship.

The storyline for the book is just as addictive as that of the first book, and I was completely hooked throughout the story, waiting to see what was going to happen next. I have read this book before, and I was still hooked! I love rereading a story and enjoying it as much as I did the first time.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the movie for this book just as much as I did the first movie. I'm not usually a fan of movie adaptations that have lots of changes in them, but I was so engrossed  as the movie went along, that they didn't really bother me. I love the cast of characters. They are perfection, and I can't wait to see them all again in the next movie!!

Overall; Both the book and the movie were great additions to this awesome series, and I can't to continue the read-along and dive into The Death Cure next!! You still have time to join along in the series if you haven't already!

The Movie Trailer



Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday #248 - Replica by Lauren Oliver

Replica
by Lauren Oliver
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: October 4th 2016
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780062394163
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28448287-replica

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals since she was born. 'A sickly child', her lonely life to date has revolved around her home, school and one best friend, Alice. But when she discovers her father's connection to the top secret Haven research facility, currently hitting the headlines and under siege by religious fanatics, Gemma decides to leave the sanctuary she's always known to find the institute and determine what is going on there and why her father's name seems inextricably linked to it.

Amidst the frenzy outside the institute's walls, Lyra - or number 24 as she is known as at Haven - and a fellow experimental subject known only as 72, manage to escape. Encountering a world they never knew existed outside the walls of their secluded upbringing , they meet Gemma and, as they try to understand Haven's purpose together, they uncover some earth-shattering secrets that will change the lives of both girls forever... (Goodreads)

A new book by Lauren Oliver, yo!!
I've actually had an ARC of this book for a while now,
and haven't had a chance to get to it yet.
(That's something that I will be remedying ASAP!)
I can't wait to add this book to my collection,
it's going to look great on my shelf!!
**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**


Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Review: The Gilded Cage by Lucinda Gray

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22718751-the-gilded-cage
The Gilded Cage
by Lucinda Gray

Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pages: 245
ISBN: 9781627791816
Genre: Young Adult | Historical Fiction | Mystery
Source: Review Copy

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

After growing up on a farm in Virginia, Walthingham Hall in England seems like another world to sixteen-year-old Katherine Randolph. Her new life, filled with the splendor of upper-class England in the 1820s, is shattered when her brother mysteriously drowns. Katherine is expected to observe the mourning customs and get on with her life, but she can't accept that her brother's death was an accident.

A bitter poacher prowls the estate, and strange visitors threaten the occupants of the house. There's a rumor, too, that a wild animal stalks the woods of Walthingham. Can Katherine retain her sanity long enough to find out the truth? Or will her brother's killer claim her life, too? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

The very first thing that drew me in to The Gilded Cage by Lucinda Gray was it's absolutely stunning cover. I'll admit it, I can't resist a book with such a gorgeous cover. Then I started the story, and was immediately hooked by that as well!

The main character in the story, Katherine, was super easy to like. She spent her whole life growing up in Virginia and was well able to take care of herself when she gained an inheritance and moved to England. You'd think one would have a hard time fitting in in this situation, but she did so perfectly. And when everything started going wrong, she kept her head the whole time, even when people tried to prove that she was crazy. I really enjoyed Katherine as a character!

The storyline for the book was very mysterious, and at times, a little creepy, which I absolutely loved. I loved the time period for the story as well, as it just made the storyline so much more interesting, and of course, made the mystery factor even more mysterious. I also liked that this book was a really quick read, coming in at just 245 pages, I had the book read in no time!

Overall; The Gilded Cage is the first book I've read by Lucinda Gray, but it definitely won't be the last! This story had me hooked, I enjoyed so much about it, and I'm really looking forward to reading more by Gray in the future!



Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books That Have Been On My TBR From Before I Started Blogging


August 23: Ten Books That Have Been On Your Shelf (Or TBR)
From Before You Started Blogging That You STILL Haven't Read Yet

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6482837-before-i-fall https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23168945-the-sky-is-everywhere

1. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - Lauren Oliver is one of the first authors I read when I first started blogging, and I'm kicking myself because I STILL haven't read Before I Fall!! This will chance, SOON!

2. The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - Seriously, I've had this book on my TBR for wayyyy to long. I need to get to it soon, as well as I'll Give You the Sun!!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7736182-the-lost-hero https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8235178-across-the-universe

3. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan - I started the Percy Jackson series before I ever started blogging, and then I discovered the HUGE world of books, and completely forgot to start the Heroes of Olympus series. I need to do a massive binge read of ALL Riordans books that I'm behind on!!

4. Across the Universe by Beth Revis - I wanted to read this book SO badly when I first started blogging, and I still haven't gotten to it yet!! *Sad Face* I adore sci-fi books at the moment, so I must get to this one soon!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7075298-cloaked https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6357708-sisters-red

5. Cloaked by Alex Flinn- I've only read one book by Flynn so far, (Beastly), but I've had ALL her other books on my TBR for forever, including Cloaked!! I really need to get caught up on these books.

6. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce - I really, really meant to get to this book sooner, as everyone I know that has read it really loves the book (series), and I have to admit, I'm SUPER curious to see what happens! I need to bump this up on my TBR!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10637386-possess https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1254951.The_Luxe

7. Possess by Gretchen McNeil- I actually have quite a few books by Gretchen McNeil that I need to read, but I have a copy of Possess sitting on my shelf, just waiting for me to start it! I wonder if it would make a good Halloween read?!

8. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen - As most of you know, I'm a HUGE fan of books with gorgeous covers, and I've ALWAYS loved the cover of The Luxe!! WHY have I not read this series already??

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/944704.Nick_Norah_s_Infinite_Playlist https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4268157-perfect-chemistry

9. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan - How have I not read this book?? And, gasp, I haven't seen the movie either! I must remedy this soon!!

10. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles - I have had this whole series on my TBR since way before I started blogging. Your guess is as good as mine as to why I haven't read it already, but I MUST READ IT SOON!! :)


This is just a small bit of books that I've had on my TBR/Shelf since before I started blogging.
I have SOOOOOO many books that I need to read, but I keep on my buy more anyways.
Shhh, don't tell my Hubby that!!
Hahaha!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Please leave a link to your post so I can see what books are Still on your TBR!!

Monday, August 22, 2016

Review: How to Keep Rolling After a Fall by Karole Cozzo

How to Keep Rolling After a Fall
by Karole Cozzo
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9781250079282
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Review Copy

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

After a cyber bullying incident turns her life upside down, a handsome wheelchair rugby player shows a former mean girl that everyone deserves a second chance.

The party was at her house. The photos were posted to her Facebook account. That's all the evidence anyone needed to condemn Nikki Baylor for a cyberbullying incident that humiliated a classmate and nearly resulted in the girl's suicide. Now Nikki's been expelled from her old school, her friends have abandoned her, and even her own parents can't look her in the eye. With her plans for the future all but destroyed, Nikki resigns herself to being the girl everyone hates - almost as much as she hates herself. But then Nikki meets Pax, a spirited wheelchair rugby player who knows what it's like when one mistake completely shatters your life. Refusing to judge her because of her past, he shows her that everyone deserves a second chance... and everyone deserves to be loved.
(Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

How to Keep Rolling After a Fall is the second book I've read by the super talented Karole Cozzo. I read her previous book, How to Say I Love You Out Loud last year when it first came out, and really enjoyed the story, so I was super excited to read something new by her. How to Keep Rolling After a Fall definitely did not disappoint!!

Nikki was a mean girl through and through, and one night things went too far, which resulted in the complete humiliation of one of her classmates. Now she's been abandoned by her friends, expelled from her school, and even her own parents don't look at her the same way anymore. But then she meets Pax, a rugby player in a wheelchair, who shows her that second chances really can happen.

I really didn't think I was going to like Nikki when we first met in the book. Her past definitely made her one of those people I always tried to avoid in high school. But as the story went along, I realized that she was a person that had remorse for what she did, I felt she truly regretted her actions. She definitely grew on me as the story went along, and it was interesting to read the story through the eyes of the bully, and not the victim.

There were some really great secondary characters in the story as well, including Pax, who I loved from the beginning. *Wink*I have to admit, I absolutely adore the relationship between Nikki and Pax, not only because there were lots of swoon-worthy moments between them, but because I felt like they totally understood each other in a way a lot of people don't. Even after finding out what Nikki had done, he gave her a chance to prove who she really was, and he liked her despite her past. And, as I mentioned before, the romance between the two was super sweet, and I really loved it.

I love that the storyline for the book has a great message about cyber bullying and the consequences of the actions you make in life. I love so much that there are books like this in the world, for people who may be going through something similar, as either the one being bullied to show that there is hope, and to a would-be bully, to show that there are definitely consequences to any action you make.

Overall; How to Keep Rolling After a Fall is definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year. I loved everything from the characters, to the story, and definitely the message it sent out. Karole Cozzo is definitely an author I'm keeping my eye out for in the future. I'm really looking forward to reading more by her soon!!


Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday #247 - Leave Me by Gayle Forman

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28110865-leave-me
Leave Me
by Gayle Forman
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: September 6th 2016
Publisher: Algonquin Books
ISBN: 9781616206178
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28110865-leave-me

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

International bestselling author Gayle Forman's trademark humor and insight abound in this masterful adult debut, showing us that sometimes you have to leave home in order to find it again.

For every woman who has ever fantasized about driving past her exit on the highway instead of going home to make dinner, for every woman who has ever dreamed of boarding a train to a place where no one needs constant attention--meet Maribeth Klein. A harried working mother who's so busy taking care of her husband and twins, she doesn't even realize she's had a heart attack.

Afterward, surprised to discover that her recuperation seems to be an imposition on those who rely on her, Maribeth does the unthinkable: She packs a bag and leaves. But, as is so often the case, once we get to where we're going, we see our lives from a different perspective. Far from the demands of family and career and with the help of liberating new friendships, Maribeth is finally able to own up to secrets she has been keeping from those she loves and from herself.

With big-hearted characters who stumble and trip, grow and forgive, Leave Me is about facing our fears. Gayle Forman, a dazzling observer of human nature, has written an irresistible novel that confronts the ambivalence of modern motherhood head-on. (Goodreads).

AHHHHHHHH!
A new book by Gayle Forman!!
Is anyone else as excited as I am about this book??
I've really enjoyed all the books I've read of hers so far,
and I'm looking forward to reading this adult novel as well.
It comes out in September, so be sure to add it to your TBR!!
**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**


Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Books With *Summer* Setting




August 16: Top Ten Books With X Setting

I decided to go with a Summer theme again this week,
as we still have a little bit left of summer to go, and I need something
to psych me up to finish my summer reading list!!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17838528-the-unexpected-everything?from_search=true https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18189606-since-you-ve-been-gone

The Unexpected Everything & Since You've Been Gone
by Morgan Matson

These two books are the only two books I've read so far by Morgan Matson,
but they definitely won't be the last! I read The Unexpected Everything
early this year, and Since You've Been Gone the year before last
and both have excellent summer settings!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17978160-open-road-summer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22718793-broken-hearts-fences-and-other-things-to-mend

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
This summer road trip book is the PERFECT summer read!
I loved the road trip storyline, and of course, the summer setting. ;)

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn
I'm usually not a fan of drama, but the drama in these books are completely
addictive!! And they are set in the summer, double win!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12294652-my-life-next-door https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15832932-what-i-thought-was-true

My Life Next Door & What I Thought Was True
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

All of the books I've read by Huntley Fitzpatrick have had a summer setting,
and they've all been just really great reads. I love that even the covers
make me think of summer!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18160600-city-love https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5821978-the-summer-i-turned-pretty

City Love by Susane Colasanti
Set in the summer before college, this book is full of fun and drama,
and everything you'd expect from a fun summer read!

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
This whole series takes place during Belly's teenage summers,
and the books are seriously addictive!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15393060-that-summer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7664334-amy-roger-s-epic-detour

That Summer by Sarah Dessen
Amy & Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Ok, so these are actually two books with a summer theme that I HAVEN'T read yet..
both are on my wish list, and Morgan Matson has already proved to be GREAT
with Summer themed books, and summer just isn't summer without a
Sarah Dessen novel to read, so I know I will devour both of these, and SOON!!

That's all for my list!!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Review: The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25944798-the-beauty-of-darkness
The Beauty of Darkness
(The Remnant Chronicles #3)
by Mary E. Pearson
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pages: 679
ISBN: 9780805099256
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Lia and Rafe have escaped Venda and the path before them is winding and dangerous - what will happen now? This third and final book in The Remnant Chronicles is not to be missed.

Bestselling author Mary E. Pearson's combination of intrigue, suspense, romance and action make this a riveting page turner for teens. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

The Beauty of Darkness is the third and final book in the Remnant Chronicles series by Mary E. Pearson, and it's also one of my most anticipated reads for 2016. Let me tell you, I was totally not sure what to expect from this book, but, I absolutely loved everything about it. This book is gorgeous and massive and totally worth the wait. I loved all 679 pages of it.

When we first met Lia in The Kiss of Deception, I knew she would be an all-time favorite of mine. She's always been such a strong character. She has proven time and time again throughout this series that she is a smart, capable young woman, and an excellent leader. She fights for what she thinks is right, and is willing to do it all on her own if she needs to. Luckily she had great friends at her back, all of who were supportive and love her just as much as I do.

And there are SO many great secondary characters in this story as well, and I love that we get to see some of the story from their eyes as well as Lia's. Pauline, Gwenyth and Berdi are such great friends to Lia, and are right there when she needs them. The men in the story are great as well, always backing Lia and the decisions she made. I've been team Rafe from the beginning, because I just love everything about him, but, like Lia, I also have a place in my heart for Kaden. These men, I love them. I could go on and on about the rest of the characters, but I'll stop here. Read the books and meet them for yourself!

After the MASSIVE cliffhanger ending in The Heart of Betrayal, I had no idea what was going to happen in this final book, but the adventure Pearson takes us on is a wild, satisfying ride. The details in this book were amazing, and the storyline was completely addictive. The ending of the book had me sighing, which a huge smile on my face and happy tears in my eyes. It was perfection. I really couldn't have asked for a better ending. I really, really hate to see this series end, you guys. I love these books so much, these words aren't doing a great job of describing my adoration at all.

Overall; The Beauty of Darkness is an excellent conclusion to a wonderful series! If love you a good fantasy, and have not yet check out the Remnant Chronicles series, I highly recommend that you do so. This is by far one of my most favorite trilogies ever, and while I'm SO sad that the series has come to an end, I can't wait to read the books over and over again in the future. Check them out!!
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