Saturday, September 30, 2017

September 2017 Wrap Up & Book Haul!!

Happy Sunday, Bookworms!!
Can you believe today is the LAST day of September??
This month has gone by wayyyy to quickly,
but I'm totally ok with that because October is FINALLY HERE!!

September was a pretty awesome month for books,
so keep scrolling to see what books I read,
and what books I added to my collection as well!!
*My September Book Haul*

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
Warcross by Marie Lu
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows
Renegades by Marissa Meyer

SO many great new books added to my collection this month!
I've only read 3 of them so far,
but I'm excited to get started on the rest of them soon!

*My September Wrap Up*

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling *
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo *
Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson *
The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin *
One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart
There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
Can't Hardly Breathe by Gena Showalter **

* = Re-reads
** = not pictured

10 books for September is not too bad, though I had hoped to read more.
Regardless, I'm all geared up to get started on my October TBR,
AND I've already started on my Fall TBR.
So many books... bring it on, October!!

What books did you read and add to your collection in September??



Thursday, September 28, 2017

My Thoughts: One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29923707-one-dark-throne
One Dark Throne
(Three Dark Crowns #2)
by Kendare Blake
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: September 19th 2017
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 464
ISBN: 9780062690456
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy / Own

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

The battle for the Crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail?

With the unforgettable events of the Quickening behind them and the Ascension Year underway, all bets are off. Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, once thought to be the strongest sister of all and the certain Queen Crowned, faces attacks like never before—ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent.

In this enthralling sequel to Kendare Blake’s New York Times bestselling Three Dark Crowns, Fennbirn’s deadliest queens must face the one thing standing in their way of the crown: each other. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake was definitely one of my most anticipated reads for 2017, especially after that massive cliff-hanger ending in Three Dark Crowns. I've been pining away all year just waiting to get my hands on this book, and now that I've finally read it, I'll be pining away for the next books!!

Can I start by saying that all of the characters in this book are awesome?? The three of the queens are all interesting, and each in different ways. I'm super curious to know what exactly is going on with one queen in particular, and I'm hoping we find out in the next book. Jules is still my most favorite character in the whole book, and I think I enjoyed her parts of the books the most, even though ALL the parts were pretty great.

For some reason I thought this series was just a duology, and I kept expecting the story to wrap up the closer I got to the end of the book, but it didn't. I totally didn't realize that there will actually be two more books in the series, which would make it a... quadrilogy? Regardless, I'm pretty stocked that there will be more books to read, because I totally didn't get enough of this story, and I'm super curious to know what is going to happen next.

Overall; If you loved Three Dark Crowns, you'll definitely love One Dark Throne! Kendare Blake definitely does not disappoint, and I will anxiously waiting to get my hands on both the third and fourth book in this series, both of which are currently untitled, but are set to release in 2018 and 2019 respectively. I can't wait to get my hands on them!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZdgU-Ogk9J/

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #292 - Still Me by Jojo Moyes

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35791968-still-me
Still Me
(Me Before You #3)
by Jojo Moyes
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: January 23rd 2018
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
ISBN: 9780399562457

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

From the sensational #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She is thrown into the world of the superrich Gopniks: Leonard and his much younger second wife, Agnes, and a never-ending array of household staff and hangers-on. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her job and New York life within this privileged world.

Before she knows what's happening, Lou is mixing in New York high society, where she meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. In Still Me, as Lou tries to keep the two sides of her world together, she finds herself carrying secrets--not all her own--that cause a catastrophic change in her circumstances. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places? (Goodreads)

Did you know that there's going to be a third book in the Me Before You series?
There is!

I am SO super excited to read Still Me, as I loved both Me Before You and After You.
I'm planning to re-read both books this Fall before this new one is released in January,
and I can't wait to get back into the story!
**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**


Monday, September 25, 2017

My Thoughts: There's Somone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15797848-there-s-someone-inside-your-house
There's Someone Inside Your House
by Stephanie Perkins
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: September 26th 2017
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Pages: 289
ISBN: 9780525426011
Genre: Young Adult | Horror
Source: Review Copy/Own

Add to Goodreads

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

Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

There's Someone Inside Your House was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, because, well... it's Stephanie Perkins, y'all! I've loved everything that I've read by her so far, so I knew I would love this new book as well, even though I'm SO not a fan of horror stories. But, I pushed through and read the book despite my dislike of creepy stuff, and I'm so glad that I did!

There are a lot of interesting characters in the story to keep up with, but I'll warn you not to get too attached to anyone, because you never know who the next victim will be. And though this is a thriller/horror story, there was still some romance in the storyline that was super sweet as well, and it was classic Stephanie Perkins. I think I loved that part the most.

The storyline for the book definitely excelled with the creep factor, but it really wasn't anything I couldn't handle. (Ok, ok... Some of the descriptions of the murders were gross, and I had to set the book down for a moment, but that's about it.) There was a pretty good bit of suspense throughout the story, and that definitely kept me interested. This book was a really quick read, not only because it came in at just under 300 pages, but also because the story completely grabs your attention, and you'll definitely want to know what happens next.

Overall; If you're a fan of horror stories, you should definitely have There's Someone Inside Your House on your reading list! It would also be great for your Halloween TBR as well, as the story is set in the Fall season, which makes it a great Halloween read. Do check it out!



Sunday, September 24, 2017

Week in Review • Week 38


Happy Sunday, All!!

Can you believe this is the last Sunday of September??
This month has gone by too quickly, yet I'm really glad to see it come to and end.
September has totally not gone as I had planned. Sigh.

I have a small update for this week, believe it or not!
Keep reading to see what I was up to!


This past week I finished two books I've been working my way through, the first being Jane Unlimited by Kristin Cashore which I've already shared my thoughts for on the blog, and also The House of Hades by Rick Riordan, which I hope to have my thoughts up for soon! I can't believe that I'm almost finished with this series!

I also shared two of my Fall TBR's on the blog earlier this week:

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on my Fall TBR
& 20 Books I Plan to Read This Fall

I am super excited to get started on ALL of these books, and I'm totally trying not to feel completely overwhelmed. Haha!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126029 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298148/

Yeah, yeah... I've seen the Shrek movies about a million times already, but I couldn't resist watching them again. I love these movies!

This week, while attempting to get caught up on my reading, I'm ALSO going to try to get caught up on my Fall Tv shows from last year as well. I'm so behind!



I *really* don't get how people have time to read all the books, and watch all the movies and tv, and blog and update their social media and EVERYTHING. How do they find the time?? I'd really love to know, because I'm forever behind on everything. I need to take a time management course or something. Haha!

That's all for me this week, here's hoping for a better update next week!!

Friday, September 22, 2017

20 Books I Plan to Read This Fall

Happy First Day of Fall, Y'all!!

Fall has *finally* arrived, and with it comes a MASSIVE list of books that I *really* want to read!

If you didn't already know, Fall is my most favorite season ever. When I think of Fall, I think of warm drinks and cooler weather, hoodies and sweatpants, and most importantly, curling up with a blanket and a good book. I LOVE Fall!

(Unfortunately it still feels like Summer here in the South, but I'm hoping that changes soon!)

Earlier this year I made it a priority to start reading books that I own, but haven't yet read. I've been enjoying doing this so very much, and I've decided to keep doing it with my Fall TBR! On this list are some books that I've been meaning to read for too long, and am finally going to try to get to them. (Hopefully!) Some of these books are creepy and scary, which are perfect for Halloween, and some are just books that I really want to read RIGHT NOW. So here it is, my Fall TBR!

(This list does not include my list of upcoming Fall releases. You can check out that list HERE!)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23783496-in-a-dark-dark-wood

Now that's it's officially Fall, that means that Halloween is Right Around The Corner!! I'm still debating on if I want to have an official Halloween TBR, but I did want to add some creepy books to my Fall TBR. A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena sounds wonderfully creepy, and so does In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware. I'm super excited to get started on both of these books!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23212667-all-the-missing-girls https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31443398-the-perfect-stranger

I have both All the Missing Girls and The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda on my list to read, hopefully, before Halloween, because they both sound super creepy as well!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32571395-one-of-us-is-lying https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9378297-anna-dressed-in-blood

I've actually been meaning to read One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus for a while now, but it sounds like a good mystery to have on my TBR for this fall!

I've read Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake before, but it's definitely a spooky read that anyone should have on their Fall/Halloween TBR! I can't wait to read it again.


I have been meaning to get to Into the Water by Paula Hawkins all Summer, but haven't yet had a chance to start it, so I'm going to try my best to tackle it this Fall as well!

I'm also hoping to read Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, as I've never read the book, OR seen the movie! (Which I'm watching with my fellow book club ladies next month!)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9571724-murder-on-the-orient-express https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9361589-the-night-circus

Speaking of book club picks, my book club and I are reading Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie in November, and I'm SO EXCITED to get started on it! I actually plan to listen to the audiobook, which is narrated by the amazing Dan Stevens. Swoon! I'm excited to see the new movie for this as well, and the old movie too!

I've been meaning to read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern for way too long now, and since I hear that it's a great book to read around this time of year, it's definitely on my list to get to soon!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17199504-the-bone-season https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22864842-the-queen-of-the-tearling

I've had both The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon and Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen on my TBR for waaaaaaay too long, and I'm determined to read them both before the year is up! I'm really looking forward to curling up this fall with both of these books. I hear great things about them!


I have this craving to read The Martian by Andy Weir this Fall for some reason, maybe because it was Fall the first time I read the book way back in 2015, or maybe it's just because Artemis by Andy is coming out soon, and I really just want to read them both!

And, yes... I will be watching The Martian movie again, because it's awesome. ;)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22055262-a-darker-shade-of-magic https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33876540-bonfire

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E.Schwab is yet another book that has been on my TBR for waaaaay too long. I keep meaning to read it, especially since I hear SO many good things about the book, so I'm hoping to *finally* read it this Fall!

Bonfire by Krysten Ritter just recently popped up on my radar, but it sounds insanely awesome, and I'm pretty excited to check it out as well!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9969571-ready-player-one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7090447-the-red-pyramid

Everyone and their mama is talking about Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, which I have not yet had the pleasure to read, but I am Super curious to do so. The movie previews look pretty awesome as well. ;)

I'm also just finishing up the last of the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan, and next I plan to tackle The Red Pyramid and the rest of the Kane Chronicles series next! There are only three books in this series, and I'm hoping to read them all this Fall!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15507958-me-before-you https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25041504-after-you

And I totally plan to re-read Me Before You and After You by Jojo Moyes this Fall, especially with the news of Still Me, the third book in the series, releasing in January!! I'm totally setting myself up for heartbreak by re-reading these books, but I want the stories fresh in my mind before starting the new book!!


Now that I've shared my list, I'm going to go hyperventilate into a paper bag to calm down. Haha! There are SO many books that I want to read before the year is over, and with only 100 days left in the year, I'd better get to it!!

Do you have a Fall TBR??
What books are you planning to read this fall?


** Fall Clipart by RedBirdPaperShop **

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #291 - Artemis by Andy Weir

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34928122-artemis
Artemis
by Andy Weir
Website  | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: November 14th 2017
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780553448122

Add to Goodreads

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

Jazz Bashara is a criminal.

Well, sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough if you're not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So smuggling in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not when you've got debts to pay and your job as a porter barely covers the rent.

Everything changes when Jazz sees the chance to commit the perfect crime, with a reward too lucrative to turn down. But pulling off the impossible is just the start of her problems, as she learns that she's stepped square into a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself—and that now, her only chance at survival lies in a gambit even riskier than the first. (Goodreads)
I have been waiting to read this book for what seems like forever,
and now I have an eArc of it, AND I'M SO EXCITED!!
I loved The Martian so much, and I'm super excited for this new book,
which is set on the MOON! Yeah!



Tuesday, September 19, 2017

My Thoughts: Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32991569-jane-unlimited
Jane, Unlimited
by Kristin Cashore
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: September 19th 2017
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Pages: 464
ISBN: 9780803741492
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy/Own

Add to Goodreads

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

Jane has lived an ordinary life, raised by her aunt Magnolia—an adjunct professor and deep sea photographer. Jane counted on Magnolia to make the world feel expansive and to turn life into an adventure. But Aunt Magnolia was lost a few months ago in Antarctica on one of her expeditions.

Now, with no direction, a year out of high school, and obsessed with making umbrellas that look like her own dreams (but mostly just mourning her aunt), she is easily swept away by Kiran Thrash—a glamorous, capricious acquaintance who shows up and asks Jane to accompany her to a gala at her family's island mansion called Tu Reviens.

Jane remembers her aunt telling her: "If anyone ever invites to you to Tu Reviens, promise me that you'll go." With nothing but a trunkful of umbrella parts to her name, Jane ventures out to the Thrash estate. Then her story takes a turn, or rather, five turns. What Jane doesn't know is that Tu Reviens will offer her choices that can ultimately determine the course of her untethered life. But at Tu Reviens, every choice comes with a reward, or a price. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts...

Jane, Unlimited is much anticipated, long awaited new release by Kristin Cashore, and boy was it worth the wait! I read Kristin's first book, Graceling, in the Graceling Realms series many, many years ago, and really enjoyed the book. I haven't had a chance to finish that series, (even though I own all the books), but I was super excited to read something new by her. Jane, Unlimited was definitely an interesting read!

This book was full of so many interesting and mysterious characters, including the main character, Jane, who seems to be the most ordinary person in the bunch. It was interesting to follow Jane through the story, and I seriously love her obsession with umbrella making. I like that the secondary characters were peculiar and mysterious, and that I never knew what to expect next from them. 

The storyline for the book was a little interesting. I didn't really catch on to the format of the book at first, and when I started a new 'section' of the book, I wondered why it seemed to be the same story, just told differently. (I'm not sure if I'm explaining this very well.) Basically this book is like a 'choose your own ending' book. We get the first half of the story in the beginning, then throughout the book, we get 'alternate' endings, and you can basically choose which you like the best. I don't think I've ever read a book like that before, and it was definitely interesting. Reminded me a bit of the movie Clue!

Overall; Jane, Unlimited was an interesting and unique read by the super talented Kristin Cashore! It was well worth the wait, and having read the book, I now want to make the time to finally finish Kristin's Graceling Realms series, which I'm hoping that I can get to soon!