December in Review


It's the last month of 2015, look how fast the time goes. This month I was working a lot because of the holiday season but I still managed to get some great books read. I am excited to be back blogging again regularly. I had a minor hiatus in November when school got really busy, we know the struggle. 

  

End of Days - Susan Ee {4 out of 5 Stars}
The Grownup - Gillian Flynn {5 out of 5 Stars}
The 5th Wave - Rick Yancey {3 out of 5 Stars}
Ignite Me - Tahereh Mafi {4 out of 5 Stars}
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadvavers - Mary Roach {3 out of 5 Stars}
Snowflakes on Silver Cove - Holly Martin {DNF}

Favourite of the Month: The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
Least Favourite of the Month: Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin
Overall Thoughts: I had a good reading month this month. Everything I read was good and even though I DNF'd Snowflakes on Silver Cove I didn't hate it just not my thing. 


I am hoping to finish Ice Like Fire before the end of December but as I am writing this post I am still reading it and I love it so far. I am very happy to be back in this world. I am also listening to The Lost Hero on audio and so far so good :) 



Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman
The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

I am very excited to snuggle up with these books. My TBR is never something I really follow closely but these are what I am feeling right now. I have Legacy of Kings and  The Heart of Betrayal out from the library right now and I am going to jump into them soon. Illuminae looks fantastically amazing and a must read asap.






TTT: Top 10 Most Anticipated Releases of 2016

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
2016 is soon upon us and that means new books! As a book lover, I am always a fan of new books. This week we are just talking about the books that are being released in the first half of next year. Here are the books that I am anxiously awaiting for 2016.


A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Expected Publication: May. 3/2016
I read A Court and Thorns and Roses when it came out earlier this year. I am excited to see how this series unfolds.

The Rose and The Dagger by Renee Ahdieh
Expected Publication: May. 3/2016
Another sequel to a 2015 release. 

Remembrance by Meg Cabot
Expected Publication: February. 2/2016
I read this series when I was in High School and I was excited to see that there is an adult continuation. Woohoo!


The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
Expected Publication: May. 3/ 2016
I will read anything Rick writes. However, I think I should finish the Hero's of Olympus before I start this one...

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
Expected Publication: February. 9/2016
This one has been getting some interesting buzz and it has sparked my interested. Who doesn't like some pirates?

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Expected Publication: January. 5/2016
Passenger has been getting mixed reviews and I am interested to see what I think. 

 

The Siren by Kiera Cass
Expected Publication: January. 26/2015
I loved The Selection Series so I pumped to see what else Cass puts out. I might already have this one on hold at my library. 

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Expected Publication: May. 3/2016
The cover drew me into this one. I skimmed the summary and it definitely sounds up my alley. 


I am not always up with the new releases, so we will see how this goes. This year I kind of want to read more than just YA fantasy and expand my horizons. We shall see. Looks like May. 3 will be a crazy day for book releases! Let me know what you are anticipating for 2016.



















Stacking the Shelves #9 - Merry Christmas

STS is a weekly meme hosted by Tyngas Reviews.
Happy Holidays everyone! I hope that Santa found you and left some bookish gifts. I only got a few bookish things. My family is always scared to get me books because they don't know what I own. But I put a few things on my list. 

The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King
I love Stephen King, and when this collection came out I knew I had to have it. It's another huge book, but I just plan on reading through the stories at my own pace. I haven't read a single one of these short stories so I am anxious to jump in. 

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Edition by J.K Rowling
I think this was on every book lovers Christmas list this year. I technically don't physically have it yet so I can't bask in it's glory but I will very very soon. 

The Harry Potter Colouring Book
This isn't technically a novel but it's Harry Potter related so it counts. It's seriously beautiful and if you're a Potter fan I highly advise you check this out. 

Did you get anything exciting this Christmas? Have you checked out any of these books? Let me know :) 




DNF Review: Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin

I received a copy of the this novel for an honest review from Netgalley. 

Genre: Holiday Romance
Publication: 10/30/2015 by Bookouture
Series: White Cliff Bay #2
Pages: 294 Pages
Source: e-ARC
Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars (DNF)
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:
Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…  

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.  As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George. But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas? Snuggle up with a piece of Christmas cake and mulled wine, and spend the festive season at White Cliff Bay. You won’t want to leave! Christmas at Lilac Cottage also out now.

My Thoughts: 
After some deliberation, I decided to put this book down. I am just not interested in finishing it at this current moment. Why may you ask? Well, this story just isn't for me right now. I requested it back when I was craving romance but when I actually got around to reading it, I just wasn't in the mood. There is nothing wrong with this book but there also isn't anything that makes it unique. It's a classic holiday romance and if that is what you're looking for this is definitely your book. 

I made it 50% of the way through this book and I think I have a good feel for the story. The biggest reason that this book isn't holding my attention is that every time I put it down I just don't have the desire to pick it back up. I enjoy my time while reading but once I set it down I never feel like going back to it. I would really have to push myself to pick it up to finish and I don't want to have to push myself when there are numerous other books I am interested in reading right now. 

I do enjoy the characters in this book and there is a lot of humorous dialogue between our love interests. It also follows a friends to lovers plot which is one of my favourite romance tropes. However, I think I can figure out what is going to happen so I don't feel bad setting this book aside. I do honestly recommend this to people who are a fan of romances. This is cute and not too in your face (as far as I have read anyway). I guess I have learned my lesson, don't try and read cutesy holiday romances when you are in a serious fantasy mood. 




Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancy

Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publication: 05/07/2013
Series: The 5th Wave #1
Pages: 457 Pages
Source: Audiobook
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother--or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

My Thoughts
I have heard so much about this book ever since I became involved in the book community and the movie is coming out soon too. So, I thought it was high time I started this series. I was really intrigued with the premise of the book, I can never get enough aliens in my life. 

During the beginning of the book I was seriously hooked. I really loved learning about the world and how the different waves affected humanity. There were so seriously emotional scenes in the beginning of this book, I might have teared up a bit. However, as the story moved forward I found I was losing my interest. The plot wasn't what I expected it to be and I was having trouble paying attention. 

I didn't know that this was told in a duel perspective until I started it which I think did hinder my enjoyment a bit. I preferred Cassie's voice over the other ones we got. I connected with her in the beginning and wanted to hear her journey. I just didn't connect with the other voices. 

I do plan on continuing the series, I am interested to see what happens to humanity and the world. I do hope that I connect with the characters later on. We shall see. I do recommend this book if you are interested in the movie. It isn't a bad book at all and if you are a fan of apocalyptic books then I'd check this one out.  



Stacking The Shelves #8 - Treat Yo' Self

STS is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
I've been really good about buying books recently. I am proud of myself. But in the words of Tom Haverford it's time to "Treat Yo Self!" After a long week of work and I got some awesome news I thought I deserved to pick up a few books. Kobo was having a Super Points Bonus too, so I grabbed 2 books I have been dying to read.

Aftermath by Chuck Wendig
With the new Star Wars coming out (I am seeing it on Sunday!!!), I decided to pick up some of the books in the new canon. I am very excited to jump further into this universe more and I am ready to become a super fan. 

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
This book has been super popular for a while now. Recently, I am have been really intrigued by this story so I decided to pick it up. It's huge but I am excited explore books out of the typical genres I read. It's time I read new things and this will be one of them.






Review: End of Days by Susan Ee

Genre: YA, Apocalyptic
Publication: 02/12/2015 by Skyscape
Series: Penryn and The End of Days #3
Pages: 344 Pages
Source: Library
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary
After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.
When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

My Thoughts
Look, I actually finished a series! It's definitely an accomplishment because I have only finished about 10 series in my life. Thumbs up for me. 

End of Days was a pretty solid series ending in my opinion. I wasn't left with too many unanswered questions and I felt pretty satisfied. I do think that there could have been more explanation and flushing out of characters and plot. I also wish that this series was going to be long as it was originally planned to be. I think so many things could have been addressed if there were more books but I wasn't disappointed with what I got. 

Penryn and Raffe were perfectly angsty and swoon worthy during the whole novel. I love how they both save each others butts a million times during this series. Penryn isn't helpless on her own, she saved Raffe as many times as he saved her. The action was also great and this book is just as gory as the last 2 were. This series is quite dark which is a nice to see in YA. I did find that the pace slowed down in the middle of the book and I felt like I was pushing to make it through a certain section but after that it picked up and I was back on the bandwagon. 

I do recommend this series to people who are fans of apocalyptic novels. It's fast paced and dark with an awesome forbidden romance. Just go check it out, it may not be my favourite series of all time but I think it is definitely a solid finish. 


Top 10 Tuesday: Top 10 Books of 2015

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
This week are are talking about the best books we read in 2015! I love this time of the year, and I am excited to start my 2016 shelf. The books I listed are either 4 or 5 Stars and I really enjoyed myself during all of these. I am not including re-reads, graphic novels/comics or short stories. So in no particular order, here are my favourite books of 2015:


Yes Please by Amy Poehler || Paddle Your Own Canoe by Nick Offerman
These 2 books share a space in my mind. I love both of them equally and if you are a fan of Parks and Recreation you will too. Amy Poehler is hilarious and has some really amazing stories in her book. Nick Offerman is very real in the most funny way. I listened to both of them on audiobook, which is the best way to experience them. Nick's giggle is to die for.

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raash
I fell in love with this fantasy from the beginning.  I have been dying to read the sequel for months now but my TBR has been a disaster. This story just hooked me and I am a fan. It's definitely an under appreciated book and I everyone should check it out.

 The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This book melted and broke my heart all at once. Mostly it was heartwarming and perfection. It's a book about books and it has a grumpy character that actually is a sweetheart on the inside. Perfection.

The Martian by Andy Weir
This one will be on so many people's list this year and I am totally okay with that. This was an awesome book. I loved the sarcasm from Mark Watney because my second language is sarcasm. It is a very science-y book which isolated some readers but I am a scientist so I loved it. Awesome.

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
This is one of the first high fantasy book that I read and it was a great start. It was a slow building fantasy that is spectacular. I loved the characters and I shipped two characters so hard that I couldn't handle it. I never felt like that before and I am excited to continue this series. 

 A Court of Thrones and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The more distance from this book the more it has grown on me. I have found myself thinking back to this story quite a bit recently. I really enjoyed the romance in this book, yes it's problematic but sometimes you just need that. I am excited to see where this goes in the next book. 

Gone Girl by Gillan Flynn
This was amazing. There were so many twists and turns that even if you know the big twist then there are so many other that it doesn't matter something will still surprise you. I need to read more thrillers now and I need to read Gillian Flynn's other books. She is awesome.

 Penryn and the End of Days Series by Susan Ee
I read a whole series this year!  These were super exciting and dark books. Highly recommend.

 Armada by Ernest Cline
Lots of people really didn't like this book but not me. I loved this. It is similar to Ender's Game but I still loved this book. I just can't say no to nerdy pulp culture references. I'll read anything Cline writes, bring it on.

 Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Even I am surprised this book made this list. I was into it, and I didn't like the first 2. How did this happen? I have no idea. The romance was steamy and there was so much drama it was hard to put down. Thumbs up!













Review: My True Love Gave To Me - Edited by Stephanie Perkins

Genre: YA, Holiday Romance
Publication: 08/14/2014 by St. Martin's Press
Pages: 336 Pages
Source: Library E-Book
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary
If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year's there's something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.


My Thoughts
This book came into my life just at the right time. I was looking for Romance and some Holiday spirit, and I found just want I needed. I also thought I should get it from the library before the holiday rush. I enjoyed this book for the most part, I really enjoyed some of the stories in this book and there were others I could care less about.

My favourite stories in the anthology were Midnights by Rainbow Rowell and It's A Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins. Midnights was very bittersweet and it reminded me of New Years Eves of my past. I was super flustered after reading this story for hours, so many memories. Also, Stephanie Perkins story was so sweet that I nearly melted. I loved how the story was told and how the romance unfolded. I really want to pick up her other romances now, they have been added to my ever growing TBR. 

However, there were stories that I really didn't enjoy which brought my rating down. I also find it hard to get into short story collections. I get connected to one story then it just ends and I have to connect with another right after. It's exhausting! But I do think there is something for everyone in this collection and if you are looking for some holiday romance check these out. 










Re-Review: A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Publication: 03/21/2006 by William Morrow & Company
Series: Grim Reaper #1
Pages: 387 pages
Source: Paperback
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary:
Charlie Asher is a pretty normal guy. A little hapless, somewhat neurotic, sort of a hypochondriac. He's what's known as a Beta Male: the kind of fellow who makes his way through life by being careful and constant -- you know, the one who's always there to pick up the pieces when the girl gets dumped by the bigger/taller/stronger Alpha Male.

But Charlie's been lucky. He owns a building in the heart of San Francisco, and runs a secondhand store with the help of a couple of loyal, if marginally insane, employees. He's married to a bright and pretty woman who actually loves him for his normalcy. And she, Rachel, is about to have their first child.

Yes, Charlie's doing okay for a Beta. That is, until the day his daughter, Sophie, is born. Just as Charlie -- exhausted from the birth -- turns to go home, he sees a strange man in mint-green golf wear at Rachel's hospital bedside, a man who claims that no one should be able to see him. But see him Charlie does, and from here on out, things get really weird. . . .

People start dropping dead around him, giant ravens perch on his building, and it seems that everywhere he goes, a dark presence whispers to him from under the streets. Strange names start appearing on his nightstand notepad, and before he knows it, those people end up dead, too. Yup, it seems that Charlie Asher has been recruited for a new job, an unpleasant but utterly necessary one: Death. It's a dirty job. But hey, somebody's gotta do it.

My Thoughts:
This is one of my all time favourite books. I want more people to read it and love it as much as I do. The story follows Charlie Asher who is an adorably awkward and hilarious character. He is a regular guy who ends up becoming something he never thought was possible. Charle is my original book crush, I just want to hug him for most of this book. Sophie is his daughter and is absolutely the cutest kid in a book ever. I would volunteer to babysit her any day (maybe...)

The biggest reason why I love this book is because it's absolutely hilarious. Christopher Moore writes the funniest most sarcastic books I have ever read. He also weaves his stories and characters together with his other novels. This story takes place in a paranormal version of San Fransisco, where there are appearances from some characters in his other series. I am also in love with that series so even briefly seeing how the characters and stories overlap is absolutely amazing. 

A Dirty Job, is an adventurous and awesome novel. If you are a fan of paranormal fiction and dark humour this is the book for you. I do recognize that this book isn't going to be for everyone, the humour isn't everyone's cup of tea but I highly suggest you at least check it out.