Announcement!

Hey guys! So sorry I didn't write this earlier, but this blog has been transferred to Wordpress.

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: The Blood of the Hydra by Michelle Madow!

Filled with magic, thrilling adventure, and sweet romance, Elementals: The Blood of the Hydra is the second novel in Michelle Madow’s Elementals series that fans of Percy Jackson and The Secret Circle will love!

Title: Elementals: The Blood of the Hydra

Author: Michelle Madow

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release Date: April 18, 2016

Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing

Series: Elementals #2

A DEMIGOD WHO CAN KILL WITH A TOUCH. IT’S AN ABILITY THAT MUST BE KEPT SECRET FROM EVERYONE, EVEN FROM THOSE TRUSTED MOST.

Review: Vicious by V. E. Schwab

Title: Vicious

Author: V. E. Schwab

Genres: Fantasy, Sci - Fi/Paranormal

Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Tor by Macmillan

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities.

But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. 
Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

Rating: 5/5 glorious stars!

Top 5 Books of 2015!

Hey everyone! Nina here! You may have forgotten about me. It’s been a super long while since I’ve done a post here. I sincerely apologize—life including schoolwork and etc. just love to get in the way of my bookish responsibilities. If you follow me on Instagram then you probably already saw my Top 5 Favorite books of 2015. I thought I would do a more in-depth post about why I chose each of those books. So here we go!!

           1. The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter

This is the third installment in The White Rabbit Chronicles. We’ve already been introduced to all of the characters and we meet a few new ones as well. What can I say? This book was crazy, weird, heart-warming, intense, and SO emotional to sum up within a few words. I absolutely loved every moment of it. The action started right at the beginning, which I usually don’t prefer but because it was the third book in the series I definitely understood why it was done. I loved the romance and not just the main characters. EVERY single couple in this book pulled at the heartstrings. And that ending?! What was that?? It completely wrecked me. I got emotional even towards the “side” characters; but Showalter creates a believable story with believable characters. Characters who are so well-developed and put together that you never forget about them. And you want the absolute best for them because they are so real to you and in real life of course you never want anyone to get hurt. All in all, this novel was incredible. I totally recommend it. And it definitely deserves to be #1 on my list.

2015 End of Year Book Survey

Since 2015 is almost over, this is the time I start reflecting on what I've read and plan my 2016 TBR. The End of Year Book Survey is hosted by Jamie @ Perpetual Page Turner that highlights the books we read in 2015. I read some amazing books this year, and am really glad I found this survey as I wanted to look back into my reading year. So without further ado, let's get started!

Number Of Books You Read: 37 so far
Number of Re-Reads: 1
Genre You Read The Most From: Young Adult

Best Book(s) You Read In 2015

The Christmas Cracker Book Tag

Since Christmas is right around the corner, I thought this was the perfect tag to do! Let the fun begin! :)

Pick a book with a wintry cover

 This is such an adorable cover! It gives me the holiday feels. <3

Pick a book you're likely to buy as a present

Illuminae would make a great gift as it has been getting a lot of hype since it's publication and I'm sure everyone would love to read it!

Pick a festive themed book

Even though I haven't read this book yet, it sounds really adorable. It contains 12 holiday stories written by some amazing authors. I hope I get a chance to read it during the winter break!

Pick a book you can curl up with by the fireplace

This book is AH-MA-ZING--absolutely perfect in every way!! Ah I can't recommend it enough! If you haven't read it yet, GO & READ IT NOW, OKAY?

Pick a book you want to read over the festive period

Let It Snow sounds super cute, and I'm so excited to read it!

Pick a book that's so good it gives you chills

Once again, I have to go with Fangirl. As I said before, this book is SO GOOD that I can re-read it a thousand times! (Yeah, I may be a bit obsessed, haha xD)

Pick a book going on your Christmas wish list

Okay, let's be real. We all know that my TBR pile and wish list are endless. There are so many amazing books I haven't devoured in my life yet. But one book that I really want to read before the end of 2015 is Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino. That's because it sounds awesome, and I feel like I'll end up loving it! And I've also heard nothing but great things about it! Really looking forward to reading it soon :)

I nominate anyone who hasn't done this tag yet and would like to participate. It's so much fun and perfect for the holiday season! <33

Holiday Book Recommendations

Christmas is right around the corner! That means it's time to snuggle up in bed with a cup of hot cocoa... and, of course, a good book! I've made a list of books that are perfect to read during the holiday season. Let me know if you've read any of these, and whether you liked it or not. (:

Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. 

Thanks to three of today’s bestselling teen authors—John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle—the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

This book sounds so cute! It's definitely on my winter TBR.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Bookish Holiday Gift Guide + HUGE Giveaway!

Hey guys! Can you believe that Christmas is only 9 days away?!? Are you prepared?! Ahh, time passes by so quickly! If you're still trying to find gifts for your book loving friends and family members, you've come to the right place! I present you with the Bookish Christmas Shopping Guide!

You can always give a book-lover books, but what if you want to give them something different this holiday season? What I have here today is a collection of some amazing stores that sell bookish merchandise and other book related things that I'm sure any book-lover would love to receive as a present (or you might even decide to gift yourself! ;) I highly recommend these brands/companies to everyone, and I, myself, am going to buy a lot of products from these shops this Christmas!

NOTE: I'm advertising these shops because I think they're amazing, not because they've payed me to.

Let's start with one of my favorite shops!

Evie Seo

Evie's designs are incredible!! SO creative! I honestly love them so much! You guys have to go check out her shop! It's really hard to choose, but some of my favorites designs are:

December TBR

Ah, I can't believe that there's only a month left for 2015 to end! Time's seriously running by. I'm so excited for Christmas! It's my favorite holiday, and I also hope to buy quite many books. I'm going to exchange books with one of my Internet friends and am really excited about that! What are your plans for winter break? Comment below -- I'd love to hear from you guys!

I've been on track for my 2015 reading challenge. So far, I've read 36 out of 40 books. I know 40 isn't a huge amount, therefore I'm planning to read 60 books next year. I'll definitely share my 2016 TBR next month! But today, I'm going to show you my end of the year TBR. :)


    

I'm going to buddy read I'll Give You the Sun and November 9 with some lovely bookstagrammers, and Bound by Duty with my wonderful co-blogger, Leah.

Have you read any of these books? Or are these on your TBR as well? Let me know in the comments below! :)

Cover Reveal | Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Expected Publication: February 2nd, 2015

Series: The Lunar Chronicles 0.5, 0.6, 1.5, 3.1, 3.6

The enchantment continues...

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

--

The Little Android: A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles.
Glitches: In this prequel to Cinder, we see the results of the plague play out, and the emotional toll it takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch….
The Queen’s Army: In this prequel to Scarlet, we’re introduced to the army Queen Levana is building, and one soldier in particular who will do anything to keep from becoming the monster they want him to be.
Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky: Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne has big plans involving a Rampion spaceship and a no-return trip out of Los Angeles.
The Keeper: A prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, showing a young Scarlet and how Princess Selene came into the care of Michelle Benoit.
After Sunshine Passes By: In this prequel to Cress, we see how a nine-year-old Cress ended up alone on a satellite, spying on Earth for Luna.
The Princess and the Guard: In this prequel to Winter, we see a game called The Princess
The Mechanic: In this prequel to Cinder, we see Kai and Cinder’s first meeting from Kai’s perspective.
Something Old, Something New: In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century...

Review: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Title: November 9

Author: Colleen Hoover
Genres: New adult, contemporary, romance
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: November 10, 2015
Page Count: 320

 

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Rating: 5/5 stars

ARC Review: Hear the Crickets by B. J. Sheldon

 

Title: Hear the Crickets

Author: B. J. Sheldon

Genres: Fantasy, romance, science fiction, young adult

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Publication Date: January 17, 2016

Page Count: 301

 
Skyy’s a freak. She’ll tell you so herself. Her past – a mystery. Her future – uncertain. Having spent most of her life avoiding humans in an effort to conceal her wings, she wants nothing more than to end it all, leaving behind the solitary life she’s been forced to live. But numerous attempts to die have proven immortality is both a curse and a nuisance. She now lives out her days in self-imposed seclusion to stay hidden from the world. But that quiet way of life is shattered when mysterious siblings arrive and reveal a destiny which sends her running for the hills. When an earth shattering discovery is made in the Badlands, history and science collide furthering the mystery behind Skyy’s past – and her future. Skyy will need to embrace her fate and confront an evil so ancient, only a miracle can keep the world from ceasing to be.

Rating: 4/5

Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Release Date: September 1st, 2015

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA Contemporary

Page Count: 320

Rating: 5/5 stars!

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

"Maybe growing up means disappointing the people we love."

Review: Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Carry On

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Page Count: 522

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

Rating: 5/5 beautiful, amazing, wonderful stars!

Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab

Author: V.E. Schwab
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Sci - Fi, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Rating: 5/5 stars

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.
Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London—but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—trickier than they hoped.

Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Title: The Assassin's Blade

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genres: YA, fantasy, romance

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens

Publication Date: March 4, 2014

Format: Hardcover

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam.

In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free?

Friday Finds

Friday Finds is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at A Daily Rhythm that showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).

Yesterday, I was trying to find more weekly memes on the Internet when I came across Bookshelf Fantasies. I found a Book Blog Meme Directory on there, which I think will be really useful for me to refer to in the future — and I'm sure it'll be for you, too! While scrolling through that list, I came across Friday Finds and decided to start doing it on this blog as well. :)
Alright, without further ado, let's get into it!

Waiting on Wednesday #4

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine which spotlights our most anticipated new releases.

This week's book is:

Sunshine Blogger Award

Thanks so much to the lovely Silanur @ Aloof Books for nominating us! Y'all should check out her blog, it's amazing!

Silanur has asked 11 questions, which I and Leah are going to answer. Then, we'll ask 11 questions to our nominees. We'll answer alternatively, starting with Leah. :) Alright, let's get started!

1. What are your favorite reads of 2015 so far?

Hmm... I'm gonna have to go with the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Darker Shade of Magic, and the Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy!

Waiting On Wednesday #3

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight your most anticipated new releases.

This week's is: