Friday, March 28, 2014

The Friday Reads Review (3/28/14)




Welcome to The Friday Reads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own Friday Reads Review on your blog, and then leave the link in the Comments below!


>> CURRENTLY READING <<
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (Pbk)
Only 10% left to go! Things have gotten really tense, so I shouldn't have trouble powering through to the end this weekend. I will finish this book by the end of March or die trying!


>> JUST FINISHED <<
Beauty Pop, Vol. 10
Beauty Pop Vol. 10 by Kiyoko Arai (Pbk)
I've had a serious manga need this month, so I decided to give my personal set of the Beauty Pop series a re-read. It's such a fun and playful series. My only complaint is that the romance kind of comes out of nowhere, but otherwise I definitely recommend it!


>> READING NEXT <<
House of Ivy & Sorrow
House of Ivy & Sorrow by Natalie Whipple (ARC)
I rarely expect anything to come of the few publisher ARC requests I send out into the ether, but I got the birthday surprise of my life when this beauty was waiting for me when I got home! Natalie is one of my favorite authors, so I have set it right on the top of my TBR pile - there will be no waiting with this one.


So what are you reading this week?

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday: Relax, I'm A Ninja (Natalie Whipple)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event hosted by Breaking the Spine, in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


Relax, I'm a Ninja
Title: Relax, I'm a Ninja
Author: Natalie Whipple
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Summary (from Goodreads):

A Clan of ninjas in San Francisco may sound improbable—but as the son of a ninja master, Tosh Ito knows what lurks in the shadows of his city. Or at least he thought he did.

When a killer with a poisoned blade starts cutting down teens, Tosh enlists Amy Sato—newest ninja recruit and his best friend’s crush—and sets out to uncover the killer’s identity. What they find is ninjutsu more evil than they could have ever imagined.

As Amy and Tosh grow closer, they discover their connection unleashes a legendary power that could stop the murders. Problem is, that power may be exactly what the killer is looking for, and wielding it could cost them both their souls.


Why I'm Looking Forward To ItNot only is this the next book by one of my favorite authors, but IT'S ABOUT NINJAS, PEOPLE. NINJAS. I rarely read self-published books, but for a Natalie novel (about NINJAS *flails*) I will be utilizing all my mad ninja skills to get my hands on this book as soon as possible!


So what book are you waiting on?

Monday, March 24, 2014

It's My Birthday and I Can Lounge If I Want To (+ The Winner's Curse Giveaway!)

So it's my birthday.


I'm not going to say exactly how old I am, partly because I'm at an age where it's not all that much fun getting older (for me, anyway), and partly because I'm not quite sure of the exact number right this moment and don't feel like getting up to check. Let's just say I'm a year older and leave it at that. Like a good adult I'm working today, and like a good homebody I have no special evening plans other than a nice meal and a good movie at home. After the insane month of sickness I've had, relaxing is just the way I want it.


This should be a big celebration for someone though, so I've decided that someone should be you by throwing a spectacular giveaway! After many, many months of trying to get my hands on an ARC of The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski, I ended up with two just as it released. (So is my life.) But lucky for you, that means I'm giving away the second copy! The Winner's Curse is turning out to be the book of Spring 2014, so if you haven't already you definitely want to give this a read! (I'm devouring it just as soon as I finish Strange & Norrell - almost there!) I'm also throwing in some awesome bookish swag, which includes signed bookmarks, stickers, and temporary tattoos. Consider them the party favors. ;)


And to make this a proper celebration, I'm making this giveaway INTERNATIONAL!! I know I have many Followers in other countries, and I want you to be able to join in on the party! :)


So enter below to win, and good luck!



Rules:
  • Must be 13 years or older to enter
  • Open Internationally!!
  • Cheaters do not prosper - be warned I check every entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, March 21, 2014

The Friday Reads Review (3/21/14)



Welcome to The Friday Reads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own Friday Reads Review on your blog, and then leave the link in the Comments below!


An apology of absence...
Apologies for not posting a Friday Reads Review last week - I had a nasty cold that I am just now getting over and could barely look at the screen, let alone form a coherent blog post. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes on Twitter! <3


>> CURRENTLY READING <<
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (Pbk)
I am at 700 of 850!! *prepares confetti* The story actually picked up a bit around 600, and now I can feel we're in the final stretch. This has been such a journey, I'm really curious to see how it will all end...


>> JUST FINISHED <<
Inu x Boku SS, Vol. 1Strobe Edge, Vol. 1 (Strobe Edge, #1)The Gentlemen's Alliance †, Vol. 11

I'm reading a lot of manga while I'm sick, most of it new. Here are the highlights:

Inu x Boku SS Vol. 1 by Cocoa Fujiwara (Pbk)
It wasn't quite as good as I was hoping, but still a fun and unique story. I look forward to reading more if the library collects them.

Strobe Edge Vol. 1 by Io Sakisaka (Pbk)
Expected to dislike this series and was pleasantly surprised just how amazing and adorable it is! Ah, the perils of falling in love with someone who isn't available, or who is in love with someone else. Luckily the library is collecting the whole series - I've already read Vol. 2, and will be getting 3-6 tomorrow!

The Gentlemen's Alliance Vol. 11 by Arina Tanemura (Pbk)
I finally finished this series! It was a good ending.


>> READING NEXT <<
Fool Me Twice
Fool Me Twice by Mandy Hubbard (ARC)
After a heavy read like Strange & Norrell, I'll want something light and fun - and this fits the bill! Major thanks to the publisher for sending it to me. <3


So what are you reading this week?

Cover Reveal: My Tethered Soul (Dorothy Dreyer)

Welcome to the the official cover reveal for Dorothy Dreyer's My Tethered Soul, Book 2 in the Reaper's Rite series! Check out the gorgeous cover and summary for this spooky paranormal YA, and be sure to add it to your Goodreads to-read shelf! 

Now...the cover!!


THE COVER
Release Date: May 2014
Publisher: Month9Books

Summary:

It’s been months since Zadie faced her sister’s Reaper, months during which she’s been under her mentor’s magical protection. But now that she’s turning seventeen, that protection is about to run out.

When dark forces lure Zadie to wander at night, she’s manipulated into committing unspeakable acts. With her friends and family at risk, Zadie must try to use her powers to break free from the Reaper’s grasp, or surrender to the Reaper’s Rite, which can only lead to death.


And I have a extra treat for you as well - Book 1, My Sister's Reaper, has a new cover! Check out this beauty! (I love her hair!!)



Release Date: May 29, 2013
Publisher: Month9Books

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Zadie’s first mistake was telling the boy she liked she could bring her dead sister back to life. Her second mistake was actually doing it.

When Zadie accidentally messes with the Reaper’s Rite that should have claimed her sister Mara, things go horribly wrong. Mara isn’t the same anymore—Zadie isn’t even sure she’s completely human, and to top it off, a Reaper is determined to collect Mara’s soul no matter what. Now Zadie must figure out how to defeat her sister’s Reaper, or let Mara die … this time for good.



THE AUTHOR


Dorothy Dreyer has always believed in magic. Born in Angeles City, Philippines, to a Filipino mother and American Father, Dorothy grew up a military brat, living in Massachusetts, South Dakota, Guam, New Jersey, and New York. She now lives in Frankfurt, Germany, with her husband, two teens, and two Siberian huskies. Dorothy not only writes books with some element of magic in them, but has a fondness for reading those kinds of books as well. She also enjoys movies, chocolate, take-out, and spending time with family and friends. She’s known to make a pretty sweet cupcake when she has the time. She also tends to sing sometimes, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.

Website     Twitter     Facebook

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday: Rebel (Amy Tintera)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event hosted by Breaking the Spine, in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


Rebel (Reboot, #2)
Title: Rebel
Author: Amy Tintera
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Summary (from Goodreads):

The sequel to the action-packed Reboot is a can't-miss thrill ride, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Veronica Roth, and Marie Lu.

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.


Why I'm Looking Forward To ItI really enjoyed the fast, thrilling and fierce first book, Reboot (you can find my review here), and look forward to seeing what happens to Wren and Callum in this "explosive" duology finale!


So what book are you waiting on?

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday: On the Fence (Kasie West)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event hosted by Breaking the Spine, in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


On the Fence
Title: On the Fence
Author: Kasie West
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Summary (from Goodreads):

She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…

Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world. To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Fun, original, and endearing, On the Fence is a romantic comedy about finding yourself and finding love where you least expect.


Why I'm Looking Forward To ItI cannot believe I haven't featured this book yet! I've seriously been slacking. This is the next release from my favorite "I shall read anything she writes" author, Kasie West. It looks cute and fun and romantic and I needs it now!


So what book are you waiting on?

Friday, March 7, 2014

The Friday Reads Review (3/7/14)




Welcome to The Friday Reads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own Friday Reads Review on your blog, and then leave the link in the Comments below!


>> CURRENTLY READING <<
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (Pbk)
I have passed the 300-page point - woohoo! Only 550 pages to go. *SOB* Although it still continues to be an interesting read, I'd kill to read something else right now. But I shall endeavor to soldier on...


>> JUST FINISHED <<
Otomen, Vol. 17
Otomen Vol. 17 by Aya Kanno (Pbk)
Otomen: boys who like "girly" things (makeup, sewing, cooking, drawing shojo manga, etc.). This is such a cute series, I hate to see it end with the next volume!


>> READING NEXT <<
The Winner's Curse (Winner's Trilogy, #1)
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski (ARC)
It calls to me like a siren from my TBR shelf... *covers ears*


So what are you reading this week?

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday: Stitching Snow (R.C. Lewis)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event hosted by Breaking the Spine, in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


Stitching Snow
Title: Stitching Snow
Author: R.C. Lewis
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Summary (from Goodreads):

Princess Snow is missing.

Her home planet is filled with violence and corruption at the hands of King Matthias and his wife as they attempt to punish her captors. The king will stop at nothing to get his beloved daughter back—but that’s assuming she wants to return at all.

Essie has grown used to being cold. Temperatures on the planet Thanda are always sub-zero, and she fills her days with coding and repairs for the seven loyal drones that run the local mines.

When a mysterious young man named Dane crash-lands near her home, Essie agrees to help the pilot repair his ship. But soon she realizes that Dane’s arrival was far from accidental, and she’s pulled into the heart of a war she’s risked everything to avoid. With the galaxy’s future—and her own—in jeopardy, Essie must choose who to trust in a fiery fight for survival.


Why I'm Looking Forward To ItRoyalty, technology, mysterious men, space - I'm getting a definite Lunar Chronicles vibe from this, and as LC is of my favorite series of all time, I am super-excited to read this book!


So what book are you waiting on?

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Top Ten Popular Authors I've Never Read


Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! This week's topic: 

Top Ten Popular Authors I've Never Read

1. Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)

Most Known For: 
Throne of Glass Series
Will I Read Eventually: 
Definitely
Why/Why Not: 
This is one of those series that I just haven't gotten around to yet. But soon.


2. Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl

Most Known For: 
Fangirl
Will I Read Eventually: 
Probably
Why/Why Not: 
Fangirl looks cute. Don't know if I'll read anything else by her, though.


3. Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)

Most Known For: 
Shatter Me Series
Will I Read Eventually: 
Maybe
Why/Why Not: 
These sound like they're going to be a little too steamy for me, but I might try her eventually. We'll see.


4. Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, # 1)

Most Known For: 
Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Series
Will I Read Eventually: 
Maybe
Why/Why Not: 
This just isn't really my sort of read. But who knows, I may be in the mood for it one day.


5. Leigh Ann Kopans

One (One Universe, #1)

Most Known For: 
One Universe Series
Will I Read Eventually: 
Yes
Why/Why Not: 
I rarely read self-published authors, but everyone swears by her. I have an ARC of Solving For Ex that I hope to get to soon, and her One Universe Series sounds right up my alley.


6. Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)

Most Known For: 
Fire and Thorns Series
Will I Read Eventually: 
Yes
Why/Why Not: 
Another series I just haven't gotten around to yet. But soon!


7. George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

Most Known For: 
A Song of Ice and Fire Series
Will I Read Eventually: 
Never Ever Ever
Why/Why Not: 
(1) They are too thick. (2) They have dozens of POV characters. (3) The chapters (heck, the books) are not in linear order. (4) General ick subject matter. (5) Etc.


8. Stephen King

Carrie

Most Known For: 
Carrie
Will I Read Eventually: 
Probably Not
Why/Why Not:
I have read pieces of his book, On Writing, but I'm generally not one for creepy stories. Or for him in general.


9. Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)

Most Known For: 
The Mortal Instruments Series
Will I Read Eventually: 
Heck No
Why/Why Not: 
I tried to start City of Bones and couldn't even make it through the first scene without laughing, yelling "This can't be serious!" and almost throwing the book across the room. 


10. John Green

The Fault in Our Stars

Most Known For: 
The Fault in Our Stars
Will I Read Eventually: 
Doubtful
Why/Why Not: 
I just can't take most straight contemporary stories, especially ones concerning depressing subjects. I don't care how beautifully written it is, I'm just too easily depressed and won't risk it.


What popular authors have you never read?

Monday, March 3, 2014

Review Hiatus: University Edition



Due to the amount of reading homework for my college class (which includes the daunting 850-page novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell), I've been unable to read much reviewable fiction, and have had very little time to work on the few draft reviews I have yet to post. 

The homework continues, and I'm making very slow progress on Strange & Norrell, so after putting you off several times in February I am officially announcing a review hiatus for the month of March. This will give me more time to devote myself to Strange & Norrell, and hopefully I will finish it this month and return to reviewable books before April!

I still plan to post regular Waiting On Wednesdays, The Friday Reads Reviews, and will probably participate in a few blog tours. I'm also planning to host several giveaways, including a birthday giveaway later in the month! But for the month of March, no Monday reviews. I apologize to my loyal Followers for this reviewing break, and thank you for sticking with me.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Comment Love + Giveaway!


To a smaller blogger like me, any post comments I receive make my day. I'm not very good at replying to them (it's a grave fault I'm trying to cure), but I do read and appreciate every single one. To make up for my silence, I would like to blanket Reply all the comments that have come before, and will come in the future:

Thank you for reading, and for commenting! 
You make this whole blogging thing worth it. <3

And to show my love, I'm holding a giveaway! (That is how I roll. ;) This time, I'm offering you these awesome reads:


(For the full list with descriptions, see my Giveaway Shelf here.)

You can choose up to five titles from the pic above. This means if you only want one, I'll send you one. See three that strike your fancy, but no more? Then I shall send you three! And if you're a reader who devours whatever they can get their hands on, feel free to take five of these beauties off my hands. Your choice!

Once more, thank you so much for your comments, and good luck!

Rules:
  • Must be 13 years or older to enter
  • US residents only (apologies, International Followers!)
  • Cheaters do not prosper - be warned I check every entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Stacking the Shelves: February 2014


Time for another Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, where I share the books that I've added to my shelves this week.

College has me bogged down in homework, so from now I'm doing monthly STS posts instead of weekly, at least until summer. So without further ado, here's... 

My February Haul:

Won: Defiance (signed, from giveaway/author); Tabula Rasa (ARC, from author); Throne of Glass (from giveaway); To All the Boys I've Loved Before (ARC, Twitter giveaway); The Promise of Amazing (ARC, Cuddlebuggery blogger giveaway)

Purchased Used: Blue Noon (Midnighters #3); The Night Circus; Fallen (ARC); Possess

Purchased New: Kamisama Kiss Volume 14

From Publisher: The Last Condo Board of the Apocalypse (ARC; Thank you, Curiosity Quills!); A Snicker of Magic (ARC; Thank you, Scholastic!); Liv, Forever (ARC; Thank you, Soho Teen!)

(Apologies for not doing links this time. Please forgive.)


So what books did you add to your shelves this week?