The #FridayReads Review (10/16/20)

  

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh (PBK)

I've been excited by the surge in MG/YA graphic novels of late but haven't been keeping up with them as I should, so I only discovered Snapdragon last week. I just finished Part 1 of this diverse and currently contemporary story and am intrigued to find out in Part 2 if it's actually in fact magical realism...

>> JUST FINISHED <<

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (HBK)

3 Scribbles. Re-read. I was feeling nostalgic (as I do in the fall) and randomly thought of this series again, so I picked up the first book from the library and found myself reading the entire thing in less than 3 hours. It was both what I remembered and not, unsettling yet playful but also surprisingly really simple as it barely hints at all the layers of dark secrets to come. I vaguely recall that I got a bit bored with the later books in the series and distinctly recall that I hated the last with its depressing end, but I couldn't help but put the second book on library hold and will be curious to see how far I end up diving into this disturbing children's series now that I've begun anew. Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Servamp vol. 2 by Tanaka Strike (PBK)

The first volume was surprisingly good (if a little gory) with a unique premise and engaging characters - I couldn't believe I'd never heard of the series before now! I've put the rest of the released volumes on library hold (there are currently 13, I believe?) for a serious binge very soon.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (10/9/20)

  

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab (PBK)

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this ghostly MG series a few months ago (review) and once this sequel arrived I just couldn't hold off reading it in favor of more pressing titles. Just like City of Ghosts it is easy and engrossing with a chilling ghost story and lots of spooky atmosphere, and no surprise I'm already eager for the third book!

>> ON HOLD <<

The Language of Ghosts by Heather Fawcett (ARC)

The writing style was a lot thicker and the story a lot slower than I was expecting so I wasn't enjoying this as much as I'd hoped. I'm definitely still interested in reading it though, and plan to continue after Tunnel.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Yokai Rental Shop by Shin Mashiba (PBK)

I was reminded of this series last week and discovering there are only four volumes, all released, I put them on library hold for an October binge. Possible review to come.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (10/2/20)

  

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

The Language of Ghosts by Heather Fawcett (ARC)

Decided I felt like a MG fantasy and finally started this September release. Only a few chapters in and it's a little odder than I expected, but it's certainly intriguing and I'm invested enough to continue.

A Library Miscellany by Claire Cock-Starkey (HBK)

I have a special fascination of libraries so I'm thoroughly enjoying this little book of factoids. So far I've learned about different types of libraries (including lost ones), classification systems, book thefts, fines, popular borrowed authors, Public Lending Right, the Future Library, and library philanthropist Carnegie.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Death Marked by Leah Cypess (ARC)

2 Stars. While readable with an interesting premise, the vague setting, confused magic, forced plot, conflicted and cowardly main character, and anticlimactic end where nothing actually changed after two books of soul-searching left me very disappointed. Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Waiting for Spring vol. 12 by Anashin (PBK)

Discovered I'm a few volumes behind in this series so I've acquired them from the library (not that I quite remember what the story is about...).

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (9/25/20)

 

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Death Sworn by Leah Cypess (ARC)

I was struggling to get into Ten Thousand Skies and was craving a fantasy so I grabbed this for a re-read with plans to finally read the sequel next. It's been at least 5 years since my original read so I didn't recall much going in, but I think I've been enjoying it as much as I did before. It's a simple plot with a static setting, and I recalled one of the twists from the start so one aspect has been rather frustrating, but overall it's a quick, easy read with engaging characters and I'm already looking forward to the sequel. 

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Living-Room Matsunaga-san vol. 2 by Keiko Iwashita (PBK)

4 Stars. A fun and cute boarding house love story with interesting characters. Looking forward to the next one!

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts vol. 10 by Yu Tomofuji (PBK)

A Beauty & the Beast-esque story with unique characters and a generally interesting plot. This next volume is due to arrive at the library for me soon.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (9/18/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray (ARC)

Finished the first book and went straight into the second as planned. Only a few chapters in but as before the story started right in the middle of things and I was immediately engrossed - so far so good!

>> JUST FINISHED <<

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray (ARC)

4 Stars. Despite a few plot holes I think I enjoyed this even more the second read! Started up right in the middle of the action and barely let you or the characters catch your breath for the intrigue and romance. Looking forward to reading the second book immediately. You can read my original review here.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Ao Haru Ride vol. 7 by Io Sakisaka (PBK)

Discovered I'm several volumes behind in this series so I've acquired them for a binge soon.

So what are you reading this week?

Waiting On Wednesday: This Golden Flame (Emily Victoria)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

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

Title: This Golden Flame

Author: Emily Victoria

Release Date: February 2, 2021
Publisher: Inkyard Press

Summary:

Flee across the sun-and-shadow islands of Eratia, where runes have the power to unleash monsters…

Seven years ago, Karis was forced to become an acolyte for the Scriptorium, the rune scholars who rule Eratia. For centuries, these Scriptmasters have sought the key to reanimating the country’s fearsome automaton army, and anyone they deem unable to help them achieve their goal is sent away…including Karis’s brother, Matthias.

Then Karis discovers a unique human-sized automaton and unintentionally wakes him up. Intelligent, with a conscience of his own, Alix has no idea why he was created. Or why his father—Eratia’s greatest traitor—once tried to destroy the automatons.

Upon learning Matthias is being held by the Scriptorium’s sinister leader, Alix and Karis set out to rescue him and uncover the truth about Alix’s past. But when Karis is faced with an unthinkable choice, betraying everyone she cares about may be her only desperate chance to save their world.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It:  Asexual female MC + sentient male automaton + script magic = a me book, no question!

What book are you waiting on this week?

The #FridayReads Review (9/11/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review 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)

I've been struggling to settle on a novel to read, so when this randomly caught my eye I just started reading and after an engrossing first page I'm now several chapters in. I actually already read it a few years ago and recall enjoying it (my review), and with the entire trilogy now on shelf I've been planning a re-read soon anyway. I'd forgotten it's a multiverse story, not time travel, but that's just made it cooler.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer (HBK)

1.5 Stars. An extremely painful Twilight revisit that I somehow finished before my library borrow came due. Like reading a very, very, VERY long fan fiction of tortured internal monologue and never-ending scenes, but I guess I'm glad I read it, if only to say that I have. Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer A. Nielsen (ARC)

Looking forward to revisiting this world and its characters again!

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (5/22/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Sabriel by Garth Nix (MMP)

I've been meaning to re-read this classic for many years now and finally my friend-personalized copy caught my eye on the shelf. I recall not being particularly impressed with my initial read, but although it's been a bit slow and different it's also steady and interesting with unique magic so I think I might actually be enjoying it a little more this time around.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

The Power of Nunchi by Euny Hong (HBK)

3 Stars. A little repetitive at first, but overall an easy and interesting read. I especially enjoyed learning about not just nunchi but Korean culture. Looking forward to observing just how much (or how little) nunchi I possess in future social situations.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Everything Isn't Terrible by Dr. Kathleen Smith (HBK)

I actually got halfway through this, and was interested in finishing, when the pandemic hit and I didn't feel like non-fiction for a while. Now finally back to NF again, and I think I'll start this over for a fresh read.

So what are you reading this week?

Waiting On Wednesday: The Language of Ghosts (Heather Fawcett)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

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

Title: The Language of Ghosts

Author: Heather Fawcett

Release Date: September 8, 2020
Publisher: Balzer & Bray (HarperCollins)

Summary:

The Penderwicks meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this thrilling middle grade fantasy adventure about a trio of royal siblings who unlock a long-forgotten magical language in their bid to reclaim their stolen throne—from Ember and the Ice Dragons author Heather Fawcett. Perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Robert Beatty.

Forced into exile on an enchanted, moving island, ex-princess Noa Marchena has two missions: reclaim her family’s stolen throne and ensure that the dark powers her older brother, Julian, possesses don’t go to his head in the process. But between babysitting her annoying little sister, Mite, and keeping an eye on the cake-loving sea monster that guards the moving island, Noa has her hands full.

When the siblings learn that their enemies are searching for a weapon capable of defeating Julian—whose legendary spell weaving is feared throughout the kingdom—once and for all, they vow to get to it first. To everyone’s surprise, the key to victory turns out to be a long-lost magical language—and only Noa can speak it.

But what if by helping her brother, Noa ends up losing him?

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Why I'm Looking Forward To It: I was immediately snagged by the gorgeous cover, and after the fantastical summary with its cake-loving sea monster and long-lost magical language I am eager to lay eyes on this imaginative read!

So what book are you waiting on this week?

Release Spotlight: Race the Sands (Sarah Beth Durst)

Today I spotlight the latest from award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst: RACE THE SANDS! I only discovered this standalone fantasy in the last month (how this thrilling read slipped under my radar I have no idea) but have since looked forward to devouring this paperback original with great anticipation. If you haven't yet checked out this fantastical story, do so below and purchase your copy today!

Title: Race the Sands

Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Release Date: April 21, 2020

In this standalone fantasy, a pair of strong and determined women risk their lives battling injustice, corruption, and deadly enemies in their quest to become monster racing champions.

Life, death, and rebirth—in Becar, everyone knows that who you are in this life will determine what you are in your next life. The augurs can read your fate in your aura: hawk, heron, tortoise, jackal, human. Armed with that knowledge, you can change your destiny with the choices you make, both in this life and your next. But for the darkest individuals, there is no redemption: you come back as a kehok, a monster, and you will always be a kehok for the rest of time.

Unless you can win the Races.

As a professional trainer, Tamra was an elite kehok rider. Then a tragic accident on the track shattered her confidence, damaged her career, and left her nearly broke. Now Tamra needs the prize money to prevent the local temple from taking her daughter away from her, and that means she must once again find a winning kehok . . . and a rider willing to trust her.

Raia is desperate to get away from her domineering family and cruel fiancé. As a kehok rider, she could earn enough to buy her freedom. But she can’t become good enough to compete without a first-rate trainer.

Impressed by the inexperienced young woman’s determination, Tamra hires Raia and pairs her with a strange new kehok with the potential to win—if he can be tamed.

But in this sport, if you forget you’re riding on the back of a monster, you die. Tamra and Raia will work harder than they ever thought possible to win the deadly Becaran Races—and in the process, discover what makes this particular kehok so special. 

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | Amazon

The #FridayReads Review (4/17/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter (HBK)

Re-reading the hardcover of this fun and flirty YA contemporary romance to finalize my blog tour review. Be on the lookout for my post April 29th!

>> ON HOLD <<

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (PBK)

I really want to re-read this for review but just wasn't feeling it at the moment. I've set it aside for a few other books and will hopefully return to it soon.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston (ARC)

4 Stars. A thrilling teen sci-fi of violence and romance that moved way too fast for me to truly connect with the characters or feel much of an emotional impact but definitely entertained. I look forward to finishing the duology with Soul of Stars when the paperback releases later this year. Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Angel and Bavar by Amy Wilson (ARC)

I loved this book so much but was unable to write a coherent review. Desperate to sing it's praises, a re-read for review is naturally in order!

So what are you reading this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Twelve Books I Enjoyed but Don't Talk Enough About

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme formerly hosted by The Broke and the Bookish,
now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Top Twelve Books I Enjoyed 
but Don't Talk Enough About

1. Murder, Magic, & What We Wore (Kelly Jones) (review)
2. Love and First Sight by Josh Sundquist (review)
3. Daughter of the Pirate King (Tricia Levenseller) (review)
4. The Accidental Highwayman (Ben Tripp) (review)
5. Arclight (Josin A. McQuein) (review)
6. Undertow (Michael Buckley) (review)
7. Avalon (Mindee Arnett) (review)
8. Rebel Mechanics (Shanna Swendson) (review)
9. The Leveller (Julia Durango) (review)
10. Indelible (Dawn Metcalf) (review)
11. Hold Me Like a Breath (Tiffany Schmidt) (review)
12. Relax, I'm a Ninja (Natalie Whipple) (review)

What favorite books do you rarely talk about?