WoW: 2016 Swoon Reads

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 I've chosen two upcoming Swoon Reads titles:

Title: Love, Lies & Spies

Author: Cindy Anstey

Release Date: April 19, 2016
Publisher: Swoon Reads

Summary:

Juliana Telford is not your average nineteenth-century young lady. She’s much more interested in researching ladybugs than marriage, fashionable dresses, or dances. So when her father sends her to London for a season, she’s determined not to form any attachments. Instead, she plans to secretly publish their research.

Spencer Northam is not the average young gentleman of leisure he appears. He is actually a spy for the War Office, and is more focused on acing his first mission than meeting eligible ladies. Fortunately, Juliana feels the same, and they agree to pretend to fall for each other. Spencer can finally focus, until he is tasked with observing Juliana’s traveling companions . . . and Juliana herself.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: As a funny homage to Austen, there is nothing about this book that doesn't excite me - including the awesome keyed cover!

Title: These Vicious Masks

Author: Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas

Release Date: February 9, 2016
Publisher: Swoon Reads

Summary:

Jane Austen meets X-­Men in this gripping and adventure-­filled paranormal romance set in Victorian London.

England, 1882. Evelyn is bored with society and its expectations. So when her beloved sister, Rose, mysteriously vanishes, she ignores her parents and travels to London to find her, accompanied by the dashing Mr. Kent. But they’re not the only ones looking for Rose. The reclusive, young gentleman Sebastian Braddock is also searching for her, claiming that both sisters have special healing powers. Evelyn is convinced that Sebastian must be mad, until she discovers that his strange tales of extraordinary people are true—and that her sister is in graver danger than she feared.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: Jane Austen meets X-Men? Be still my heart.

So what book are you waiting on?

Series Blast: THE EARTHBOUND SERIES (Aprilynne Pike) + Giveaway

To celebrate the release of the final book in Aprilynne Pike's Earthbound Series, EARTHRISE, Me, My Shelf & I is hosting a Series Blast! If you've been eagerly awaiting Earthrise, you can READ THE FIRST EIGHT CHAPTERS HERE while you purchase your copy (links below)! If you have yet to check out this Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy series, information and links for all three books are below, along with an International giveaway to win a signed set of the entire series!

THE EARTHBOUND SERIES by Aprilynne Pike
Book 1: Earthbound (7/30/13, Razorbill)
Book 2: Earthquake (7/8/14, Razorbill) 
Book 3: Earthrise (9/1/15, Imaginary Properties)

Summary for Book 3:

Even with the power to create and destroy at will, Tavia Michaels couldn't save her parents. She couldn't save the boy she's loved for countless lifetimes. She barely managed to save herself from the treachery of supposed friends. So how can she save the world from a deadly plague--and the immortals spreading it? As the events of EARTHBOUND and EARTHQUAKE reach their thrilling conclusion, no one is safe--Tavia least of all!

ADD TO GOODREADS
EARTHBOUND | EARTHQUAKE | EARTHRISE

PURCHASE LINKS
EARTHBOUND: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
EARTHQUAKE: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
EARTHRISE: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Critically acclaimed, #1 New York Times best-selling author Aprilynne Pike has been spinning tales since she was a child with a hyper-active imagination. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found out running; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne lives in Arizona with her husband and four kids; she is enjoying the sunshine.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

GIVEAWAY

1 WINNER will get a full set of signed books in the EARTHBOUND series from Aprilynne Pike. (Books are a combo of HC and PB due to how they were released)

4 WINNERS will each get a signed paperback of  EARTHBOUND

Must be 13+ To Enter  |  Open internationally
Please see terms and conditions for full contest rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Small Screen Review (9/20/15-9/26/15)

Back for the 2015 fall lineup, it's Small Screen Review!!

I watch quite a bit of telly. More than I should, really. So since I watch as much television as I read books, I thought I should "review" what I watch each week, both television and movies (I only watch movies on DVD at home, long story). Nothing fancy, just a few sentences about what I thought of what I watched. (I'll try to avoid spoilers, but no promises.) Comment with your thoughts on the shows!

NEW SHOWS

Blindspot: Nothing particularly new, but I like the actress and the mystery intrigues me so I'll give it another episode or two.

Grandfathered: Series Premiere 9/29

The Grinder: Series Premiere 9/29

Heroes Reborn: I thought this would be a whole new show with completely different characters (except Bennet and a few cameos), but apparently it's a sequel to the original Heroes. Since I never finished the original show (although I've been bingeing it this summer, see below) I didn't quite understand some things, but on its own Reborn was a little better than I'd expected. Nothing even close to the groundbreaking first season of the original show though, especially since a lot of the powers are repeats. I'll give it a few more episodes.

Last Man Standing: This is a new show for us because this will be the first season we'll be watching live. It wasn't until this summer that we actually watched the first two seasons on DVD, and although we haven't yet seen Season 3 (the library doesn't have it, alas), we decided to add it to the lineup. After this season's first episode we can see we've missed quite a bit, but since it's a comedy it thankfully doesn't matter too much.

Limitless: Sequel to a movie I haven't seen. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but the male actor plus engaging plot rather blew me away. I'll definitely be continuing.

Minority Report: Sequel to a movie I have seen. Surprisingly much better than anticipated, and I like the two lead actors. Will continue.

The Muppets: Much funnier than I'd expected, and now that story about Kermit and Miss Piggy splitting up makes sense. Will continue.

The Player: My most anticipated show, and it did not disappoint! An amazing concept with stellar actors and intense action - already calling it as my favorite show this season. Definitely recommend for Person of Interest fans.

Rosewood: Nothing even remotely new and just not interesting. Barely finished the first episode and won't be continuing.

Supergirl: Series Premiere 10/26

CONTINUING SHOWS

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season Premiere 9/29

Bones: Season Premiere 10/1

Castle: The return of Richard Castle, P.I., plus Alexis as his Girl Friday, saw unending flails from me when Season 8.1 began! And then they brought the whole Beckett conspiracy dead horse back for yet another beating and completely ruined it. Hopefully after the two-part premiere we'll return to the fun I've been praying for.

Elementary: Season Premiere 11/5

Fresh Off the Boat: One of our favorite comedies actually returned! And it's just as good, if not better. Looking forward to the season to come.

Gotham: Pending. Honestly I'm a little wary of all the crazy, but I'm too interested in Bruce's thread to not at least find out what's behind the fireplace.

The Great British Baking Show: PBS actually brought it back! While for some reason this season isn't quite as good as the last one, I'm still enjoying it and only two episodes in already have a few favorites to win.

iZombie: Season Premiere 10/6

Master Chef Jr.: Season Premiere 11/6

Once Upon a Time: Season Premiere 9/27

Person of Interest: Season Premiere Unknown

Scorpion: Still the high-octane thrill-ride I came to know and relatively enjoy last season, but the new character development has already gotten old. Don't know if I'll actually stick with it the entire season, or even another two episodes.

DVD

Heroes (Season 4): Tried to re-watch the entire series this summer before the new Reborn series started, but no dice. I never made it through the fourth and last season when it ran, and pushing through it now I can understand why (they really should've stopped after two seasons). However, since it looks like Reborn is a Heroes sequel I'm more determined than ever to see it through the end.

Perry Mason (Season 7.1): A family favorite. When the sets are cheap we purchase one and watch at our leisure when we need more mellow television.

Poirot (Series 3): One of our favorite British mystery shows, Mother and I are re-watching the entire Poirot series in order. Discovering I enjoy early Poirot much more than late Poirot, and I just adore Miss Lemon - I wish she had been his traveling assistant and not bumbling Hastings.

I, Robot: Felt like a re-watch. It was actually better than I remembered, although I'd forgotten about all the language. Discovered a scene I'd thought was in Minority Report (but surprisingly wasn't when I looked some time ago) was actually in this movie instead! Mystery accidentally solved.

So that's it for this week! What did you watch?

The #FridayReads Review (9/25/15)

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 #FridayReads Review on your blog and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray (ARC)
After struggling so much with my last read (see DNF below), this was an immediate breath of fresh air. I'm not even 90 pages in and I think I've pretty much figured out most of the twists already, but the writing is engrossing and the story really interesting. Already know I'll want the sequel as soon as I finish!

>> DNF <<

Dreamstrider by Lindsay Smith (ARC)
DNF at Page 128. An intriguing fantasy world and premise, but I couldn't connect with the writing, bring myself to like the main character, or find it in me to care about the story. DNF review to come.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson (HBK)

4 Stars. A fun and adventurous story of secrets and revolution with bandits, spies, and magic set in an alternate historical steampunk-esque world. In the fastest turnover ever for me, you can actually read my full review here! 

>> READING NEXT <<

Komomo Confiserie vol. 1 by Maki Minami (PBK)
A new series from VIZ that sounds cute. Willing to give it a try from the library.

Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger (PBK)
Unless a surprise review book appears in the mail, I actually have my next few reads scheduled! Coming up is a re-read of Finishing School Book the Third, to finally finish my review and prep for the release of the final book in the series November 3rd!! *flails*

So what are you reading this week?

WoW: Tell the Wind and Fire (Sarah Rees Brennan)

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:

Title: Tell the Wind and Fire

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Clarion Books

Summary:

Tell the Wind & Fire is about a young girl called Lucie who lives in a New York very different from the New York we know: the city is torn between two very different kinds of magic, and Lucie’s own family was torn apart years ago by that conflict. Lucie wears magic rings and carries a burden of guilt she can’t share with anyone.

The light in her life is her sweetheart boyfriend Ethan, but it turns out Ethan has a secret too: a soulless doppelganger created by dark magic, who has to conceal the face identical to Ethan’s with a hood fastened by a collar nobody but a Light magician with magical rings can take off… and who introduces himself to both of them by, for reasons nobody can understand, saving Ethan’s life…

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: Alternate New York! Magic rings! Soulless boyfriend doppelgangers! Sarah Rees Brennan! What's not to be excited about?

So what book are you waiting on?

Blog Tour: Picture Imperfect (Jelsa Mepsey) Spotlight + Giveaway!

Welcome to the Picture Imperfect blog tour! Check out this awesome September release from Swoon Romance and enter to win an digital copy!

Title: Picture Imperfect

Publication Date: September 22, 2015

Author: Jelsa Mepsey

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Sixteen-year-old Max Prescott knows all too well the joys of cheating girlfriends and traitorous friends. He’s not eager to have his heart trampled again, but money and a fresh start can mean the difference between happiness and a dark path with his name on it.

So when Melly Hewson, a perky and enigmatic classmate, asks him to be her model for a year-long photography project, Max agrees. Melly Hewson is everything Max isn’t. She’s outgoing, witty and always knows the right words to say. And despite his best efforts, Max finds himself drawn to her.

Still, he isn’t stupid. He knows a girl like Melly will only use him and then never speak to him again. Besides, he’s been to that rodeo. As long as he keeps his feelings off the market, he won’t make the same mistakes as last time.

Yet underneath Melly’s sweet smiles lies a secret she’d rather kept hidden. And as the year goes on and the photos pile up, Max and Melly will find themselves developing through the negatives, a story that when told could push them to opposite ends of their world. But the only thing worst than the truth is, the facade that surrounds them.

Add to Goodreads

Purchase from Amazon


THE AUTHOR

Jelsa Mepsey writes young adult contemporary romance fiction, drawing inspiration from daily life. With her work, she is dedicated to spurring people to think about what they have taken for granted and to shed light on the issues people avoid talking about. As an Asian-American in her 20s, she is excited to explore more of the human experience as she herself journeys through life. Writing, rock climbing 5.12 routes, and playing various instruments have resulted in the formation of many calluses on her hands over the years. When not engaging in her previously mentioned hobbies, Jelsa can be found at her local library with a stack of at least ten books, naming her various pens, or staring at her dog Waffles for inspiration.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

THE GIVEAWAY

One (1) winner will receive a digital copy of Picture Imperfect by Jelsa Mepsey, 
and a $10 Amazon GC (INT)

Content ends October 16, 2015

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour 
September 21st through October 2nd! 
Go here for all the links!

Release Day Celebration: Walk on Earth a Stranger (Rae Carson) + Giveaway!

Today I'm excited to be a part of the Rock Star Tours & Me, My Shelf & I release day celebration for WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER by Rae Carson, which releases today from Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)! If you haven't yet heard about this gorgeous book check it out below, add it to Goodreads (and maybe purchase a copy while you're at it ;), and be sure to enter to win a set of the author's Girl of Fire & Thorns trilogy at the end (I highly recommend it)!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Walk on Earth a Stranger

Author: Rae Carson

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)

Pub. Date: September 22, 2015

Pages: 448

The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research. 

Read Chapter 1, annotated by the author, HERE!

Add to Goodreads

Purchase your copy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rae Carson is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy. Her next book, Walk On Earth A Stranger, will be available September 22, 2015. She lives in Arizona with her husband.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

THE GIVEAWAY

1 winner will receive a paperback set of the
GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS trilogy!

US Only | Ends September 30, Midnight EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Rebel Mechanics (Shanna Swendson)

Title: Rebel Mechanics
Series: Rebel Mechanics, Book 1
Author: Shanna Swendson (site)
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux BYR
Release Date: July 14, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Alternate History Magical Realism
Told: First Person (Verity), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (violence, kissing)
Format Read: Hardcover (purchased used)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

A sixteen-year-old governess becomes a spy in this alternative U.S. history where the British control with magic and the colonists rebel by inventing.

It’s 1888, and sixteen-year-old Verity Newton lands a job in New York as a governess to a wealthy leading family—but she quickly learns that the family has big secrets. Magisters have always ruled the colonies, but now an underground society of mechanics and engineers are developing non-magical sources of power via steam engines that they hope will help them gain freedom from British rule. The family Verity works for is magister—but it seems like the children's young guardian uncle is sympathetic to the rebel cause. As Verity falls for a charming rebel inventor and agrees to become a spy, she also becomes more and more enmeshed in the magister family’s life. She soon realizes she’s uniquely positioned to advance the cause—but to do so, she’ll have to reveal her own dangerous secret.

*          *          *

In a Sentence: A fun and adventurous story of secrets and revolution with bandits, spies, and magic set in an alternate historical steampunk-esque world.

It takes a really interesting premise nowadays to not only get me to read a book, but to read it hardcover. I almost never read hardcover for a number of reasons, the main being that my ailing wrists simply can't take the heft, but when I stumbled upon a signed half-price hardcover of this magical alternate history I couldn't resist not only purchasing it but reading it immediately, and bore the pain to devour it in just a few days.

As I'd imagined, it was just my sort of story. Strong, well-read main character out to make her way in the world. Interesting, magical setting that's both familiar and different. An unusual living situation with an eccentric yet secretive employer and adorable charges. And an adventurous story packed with thrills and intrigue. Needless to say I was hooked right from the start and once I'd begun I hated to put it down.

The writing was light and fun, with excellent chapter breaks and delivery - although I saw a few of the twists coming early on I still gasped when they finally hit. The plot was quick and engaging, the story a chain of rousing adventures that included robberies, reconnaissance, riots, and rescues. Verity's growth from naive, sheltered girl into strong, independent revolutionary was exciting to follow, and her love of reading and writing was butter on the teacake. The rest of the cast was a lively and colorful mix of mechanics and magisters, but I especially adored the family Verity worked for with their blend of ordinary and eccentric - scenes featuring Mechanics may be considered more "exciting," but for me most of the best scenes were with members of the Lyndon household.

Alas, I did have one problem with the book: the romance, which proved a dangerous case of instalove. Verity immediately became besotted with a Mechanics boy upon gazing into his eyes and, although she wasn't instantly on board with the revolution she was eager to impress and please him however she could, despite the fact that if she was caught she could be arrested - or much worse given her secret. At a few midway points I found myself rather frustrated with her, but thankfully the story eventually veered her away from her infatuation and Verity started making her own decisions about her role in the revolution.

Conclusion: A fun, exciting and magical alternate history that I will definitely be reading again (although hopefully in softcover) and recommend for anyone who enjoys light reads with elements of history and magic. I'm greatly looking forward to the next in the series, and hope this will turn into at least a trilogy!

For Fans Of: Gail Carriger, Mary Robinette Kowal

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

The #FridayReads Review (9/18/15)

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 #FridayReads Review on your blog and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson (HBK)
Who was so excited to read this that when she found a half-price signed HARDCOVER she couldn't resist not only purchasing it but reading it next? Not me, that's for sure. If it was me though, I would have to say that I'm really quite enjoying it!

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin (ARC)

3.5 Stars. An engaging alternate history with an interesting twist. Definitely recommend for alternate history lovers. Review to come. 

>> READING NEXT <<

Dreamstrider by Lindsay Smith (ARC)
For review. Hoping the story is as stunning as the cover!

So what are you reading this week?

WoW: Burning Midnight (Will McIntosh)

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:

Title: Burning Midnight

Author: Will McIntosh

Release Date: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Delacorte

Summary:

For fans of The Maze Runner and The Fifth Wave, this debut YA novel from Hugo Award winner Will McIntosh pits four underprivileged teens against an evil billionaire in the race of a lifetime.

Sully is a sphere dealer at a flea market. It doesn’t pay much—Alex Holliday’s stores have muscled out most of the independent sellers—but it helps him and his mom make the rent. No one knows where the brilliant-colored spheres came from. One day they were just there, hidden all over the earth like huge gemstones. Burn a pair and they make you a little better: an inch taller, skilled at math, better-looking. The rarer the sphere, the greater the improvement—and the more expensive the sphere.

When Sully meets Hunter, a girl with a natural talent for finding spheres, the two start searching together. One day they find a Gold—a color no one has ever seen. And when Alex Holliday learns what they have, he will go to any lengths, will use all of his wealth and power, to take it from them.

There’s no question the Gold is priceless, but what does it actually do? None of them is aware of it yet, but the fate of the world rests on this little golden orb. Because all the world fights over the spheres, but no one knows where they come from, what their powers are, or why they’re here.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: Unique magic + dystopian & sci-fi vibes = I'm in!

So what book are you waiting on?

Review: School for Sidekicks (Kelly McCullough)

Title: School for Sidekicks
Series: standalone
Author: Kelly McCullough
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Alternate Superhero Action-Adventure
Told: First Person (Evan), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Middle Grade (violence and death, superhero fighting, thematic elements)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Being a hero isn't always what it's cracked up to be in this funny and genuine novel from adult fantasy author Kelly McCullough.

Evan Quick is a GIANT superhero geek who dreams of one day becoming a superhero himself. Every morning he checks to see if he's developed his powers overnight, and every day there's nothing. No flying, no super strength, no invulnerability—that always hurts to check—no telepathy, no magic. Not even the ability to turn off the alarm clock without smacking the switch.

But then Evan somehow manages to survive a supervillian's death ray, and is sent to the Academy for Metahuman Operatives. Unfortunately, his new school is not what he expected, and instead of fighting bad guys, Evan finds himself blacklisted, and on the wrong side of the school's director. If Evan ever wants to realize his dream, he must convince his "mentor" Foxman, a semi-retired has-been, to become a real hero once again.

*          *          *

In a Sentence: A campy but also complex Middle Grade that explores the hero-villain dynamic.

With a name like "School for Sidekicks" I expected a story similar to Sky High: a campy action-adventure about kids with "lesser" powers proving they have what it takes to be heroes. But while School for Sidekicks did begin with the same Sky High vibe, it grew into something much more contemplative that both entertained and made me think. 

The story was an interesting mix of mockery and morality that, while the superhero names and powers and classes and tech were for the most part rather farcical, the life lessons that Evan learned about good and bad and the wide gray area between were thoughtful, sometimes almost solemn - more on par with the revelations of adult superheroes than 13 year-old boys. Evan's journey started young and naive, an ultimate fanboy whose ultimate dream came true, but he quickly learned that fulfilled dreams aren't always what they're cracked up to be. He was a trooper though, and even though the results weren't exactly what he'd been hoping for he made the best of his situation, growing and adapting until he embraced his responsibilities with a more mature outlook. The young start was a bit of a struggle for me since I've rather outgrown a lot of middle grade now and I almost gave up a few chapters in, but I stuck with it and was greatly rewarded with interesting powers, great banter, both spirited and sedate action, and some surprising ponderables.

The writing was playful, with occasional sound effects and even a little breaking of the fourth wall, which worked well for the Middle Grade book. The description was a little hard to picture and follow, but the dialogue (especially between Evan and Foxman) was engaging and fun. The setting - an alternate Earth where in 1988 a radiation bomb killed millions but transformed hundreds into the first Masks and Hoods (heroes and villains) - takes place in the "present," where the superpowered are revered like our sports players and their innovations have elevated technology to higher levels than ours. While the differences could be a little over the top, they gave the heavier content a more animated backdrop that age-appropriate readers should appreciate. Evan was young but bright, and I enjoyed watching his growth from flailing fanboy to strong sidekick, absorbing everything he learned and forging his own path, making his own decisions. The rest of the cast was eclectic and eccentric and made interesting associates and adversaries that added mainly to the camp but also to occasionally to the contemplation. 

Conclusion: A fun but also thoughtful superhero adventure that I really quite enjoyed! Definitely recommend for anyone who likes a good superhero story with some camp. While School for Sidekicks is currently a standalone, there is definitely more to Evan's story that I feel needs to be told - keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel!

For Fans Of: Sky High

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

The #FridayReads Review (9/11/15)

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 #FridayReads Review on your blog and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin (ARC)
For some reason this has been the year I read outside my usual genres, so I decided to give this alternate historical a try. I'm almost halfway through and so far it has proven an engaging-enough read. The writing is rather clinical, which leaves little room for tension where action is concerned, but the characters and plot are interesting. I've enjoyed the flashbacks the most though (which has never happened before), and look forward to the "Then" more than the "Now."

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Superheroes Anonymous by Lexie Dunne (PBK)

3 Stars. A palate cleanser after the Fire & Thorns trilogy burned me out. Struggled with the first half but became quite engrossed in the second, and of course it ended on a shocking cliffhanger that had me despairing that I read it before getting my hands on the second book.  

>> READING NEXT <<

Dreamstrider by Lindsay Smith (ARC)
For review. Hoping the story is as stunning as the cover!

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (9/4/15)

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 #FridayReads Review on your blog and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

The Good, The Bad, and The Smug by Tom Holt (PBK)
I snagged this from the library because it looked interesting, but after starting it yesterday I discovered it's Book 4 in the YouSpace series. I HATE reading books out of order, but it's really rather amusing so I'm continuing with trepidation. I do feel like I'm missing some important history, full explanations, and not quite getting many of the jokes, though.

Fairy Tail vol. 40 by Hiro Mashima (PBK)
Decided to catch up on this series a little, I'm at least some 10 volumes behind.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson (PBK)

4 Stars. An action-packed end to an amazing series with a highly relatable main character and vivid description. Review to come.

First Love Monster vol. 1 by Akira Hiyoshimaru (PBK)
3 Stars. Not quite as good as I was hoping but still had a lot of squee-worthy moments, and the boys are completely adorable. The characters and vibe reminded me A LOT of Inu x Boku SS, minus the paranormal elements (although a 5th-grader that big feels a bit magical). Will definitely be reading Volume 2 - curious to see where this goes.

>> READING NEXT <<

Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger (PBK)
Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin (ARC)
xxxHoLic by CLAMP (PBK)
I have no idea what I want to read next - I'm itching to re-read Waistcoats & Weaponry, but I really need to try Wolf By Wolf , but I'm also craving more manga so I'm considering re-reading the xxxHoLic series so I can review it... Decisions, decisions...

So what are you reading this week?