December 22, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Santa Baby, Slip These Books Under the Tree ♪

December 22, 2015
Ina Hattenhauer, Hallo Heute

There are only a few more days until the long-awaited holiday, Christmas!  Here are ten books I'm hoping to see under the tree this year . . . (even though most haven't been released yet).
But, hey, Santa can grant ANY Christmas wish, right?

♪ Santa baby, just slip these books under the tree for me ♪

December 20, 2015

Book Review: Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

December 20, 2015

Carry On
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: YA (Contemporary) Fantasy
Page Length: 522 pages
Goodreads
Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

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

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

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

December 12, 2015

Series Review: The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

December 12, 2015

Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Publication Date: August 31, 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Page Length: 479 pages
Goodreads
In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever.  Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878.  Tessa Gray descends into London's dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother.  She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters --- including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to.  Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans.  Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them . . . 

November 22, 2015

Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

November 22, 2015

Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 10, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: NA Contemporary
Page Length: 433 pages
CATH IS A SIMON SNOW FAN.  Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . . But for Cath, being a fan is her life -- and she's really good at it.  She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading.  Rereading.  Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go.  She doesn't want to.

Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath that she doesn't want to be roommates.  Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone.  She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . and she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?  Can she make it without Wren holding her hand?  Is she ready to start living her own life?  And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

November 11, 2015

Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

November 11, 2015

Six of Crows 
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Six of Crows #1
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 465
Goodreads
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker.  Ka is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams.  But he can't pull it off alone . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts.  One impossible heist.  Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction - if they don't kill each other first.

October 31, 2015

Book Review: Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

October 31, 2015

Made You Up
Author: Francesca Zappia
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Genre: YA Contemporary
Page Length: 428 pages
Goodreads
Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion.  Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college.  She's pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles.  Didn't she imagine him?  Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers.  But Alex is used to being crazy.  She's not prepared for normal.

October 17, 2015

Six Quotes From Six of Crows

October 17, 2015


Last Sunday, I finished reading Leigh Bardugo's masterpiece that is Six of Crows, and to say I loved it is quite the understatement.  I was completely blown away with six all too amazing characters to love.

My review's in the making, and should be up in a few days' time.  Until then, I thought I'd share six Six of Crows quotes.  The entire book is filled with quotable words, but here's just a handful to pique prospective readers' interests until they have the privilege of claiming their own copy.

And . . . I'm not sorry to say most of these are Kanej quotes (Kaz + Inej).

September 20, 2015

Book Review: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

September 20, 2015

Finding Audrey
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Press for Young Readers
Genre: YA Contemporary
Page Length: 288 pages
Goodreads

With her genuine gift for comic writing, Sophie Kinsella blends comedy, romance, and psychological insight in this contemporary YA novel sure to inspire and delight.
Audrey loves her family, even if they are a bit off-the-wall.  When Audrey develops an anxiety disorder as a result of an unpleasant incident, her family is there to help.  Audrey now wears dark glasses whenever she feels the need to protect herself, but she's also making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah.

Then Audrey meets Linus, her brother's gaming teammate, and she is energized.  She can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she's never been able to do with anyone before.  As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.

September 7, 2015

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

September 7, 2015

Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 656
Goodreads

Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series reaches new heights in this sweeping fourth volume.
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her.  But she's at last returned to the empire - for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again.  She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison.  And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena's epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe.  This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena's story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter the world.

September 1, 2015

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas (Release Day Blitz + Giveaway!)

September 1, 2015


Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 656

Read CHAPTERS 1-5
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series reaches new heights in this sweeping fourth volume.
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her.  But she's at last returned to the empire - for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again.  She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison.  And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena's epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe.  This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena's story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter the world.

August 31, 2015

Book Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

August 31, 2015

Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 562 pages

The king's assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Crown of Midnight.
She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.

Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak - but at an unspeakable cost.  Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life - and her future - forever.

Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world.  To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.

August 25, 2015

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

August 25, 2015

A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: ACOTAR #1
Publication: Bloomsbury on May 5, 2015
Genre: NA Fantasy Retellings
Page Length: 432 pages
Source: Purchased
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it.  Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin - one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae.  But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin - and his world - forever.

August 21, 2015

The Liebster Award (Thank you, Carlisa!)

August 21, 2015

So way back when in June, the extremely sweet Carlisa from Confessions of Carlisa nominated me for the Liebster Award!  Thank you, a thousand times & more, Carlisa, for the nomination.

This post is way overdue but hey, there's no expiration date on winning the award, right?

Here goes!

August 20, 2015

Book Review: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

August 20, 2015

The Wrath and the Dawn
Author: Renée Ahdieh
Series: The Wrath and the Dawn #1
Publication: Putnam's Children on May 12, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy Retellings
Page Length: 388 pages
Source: Purchased
One Life to One Dawn.

Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer.  Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise.  So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid.  But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls.  Shazi's wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she's falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.

She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls.  Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle one and for all.

August 13, 2015

Book Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

August 13, 2015

An Ember in the Ashes
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Series: An Ember in the Ashes #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Page Length: 443 pages
Publication Date: April 28th, 2015
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Purchased
Laia is a slave.
Elias is a soldier.
Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death.  Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.
It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother.  The family ekes out an existence in the Empire's impoverished backstreets.  They do not challenge the Empire.  They've seen what happens to those who do.
But when Laia's brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision.  In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire's greatest military academy.
There, Laia meets Elias, the school's finest soldier - and secretly, its most unwilling.  Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he's being trained to enforce.  He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined - and that their choice will change the fate of the Empire itself.

August 7, 2015

Travel Diaries: Seven Bookshops To Visit in (& around) Boston

August 7, 2015

Hey everyone!  Sorry to have been a bit M.I.A. as of recent.  I'm currently enjoying my last few weeks of summer vacation traveling the East Coast.  

While in Boston, I stopped by as many bookshops as my limited time in the city allotted.  In just a few days, I was able to visit a total of seven awesome bookshops both in and around Boston.  All bookshops listed are easily accessible by the "T" (Boston Subway).

Today I thought I'd share these with you.  Come browse with me:

August 1, 2015

I'm Now a Co-Blogger at A Perfection Called Books!

August 1, 2015
Hey everyone!

Today I bring exciting news . . . starting today, August 1, 2015, I am now a co-blogger over at . . .



YAY!!!


July 30, 2015

Book Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

July 30, 2015

We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart
Series: Standalone
Publication: Delacorte Press on May 13, 2014
Format: Hardcover, 225 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery, Family, Romance
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends - the Liars - whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution.  An accident.  A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

July 28, 2015

Peach Talk: Books vs. Movies

July 28, 2015


Ah yes, books versus movies, the age-old debate.  For generations, those with a preferred taste for books clashed with those with a preferred taste for movies.  And all the meanwhile, lovers of both, (like me), mediated the battlefield.

I must admit, however, I used to exclusively be a book-lover.  I had little to no interest in movies, and for that matter, hated the whole "going out to theaters" experience.  I hated the scratchy fabric seats under my thighs (and the dirty cushion against the back of my head), hated the buttery smell of popcorn, and absolutely hated the oily feel of the theater atmosphere (which did not clash well with my oily teenage skin).

Yes, I was a crabby little hermit living under a rock; I rarely went out to see movies in theaters.  I couldn't fathom why a person would want to attend a public lice fest when a person had the option of watching Netflix in the comfort of their own cozy home.

Since my "moving-hating" times, I am now happy to say I am no longer a recluse or hater of movies.  In the past year especially, I've developed an appreciation, a fondness, you may call it, for the movie form.  A particular friend of mine began dragging me out to new showings on the weekends, and my family turned trips to the movies as frequent family outings.  When I had an hour or two to spare, they were dedicated to watching movies I'd previously missed in theaters.

July 21, 2015

Book Review: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

July 21, 2015

Saint Anything
by Sarah Dessen
Series: Standalone
Publication: Viking Juvenile on May 5, 2015
Format: Hardcover, 417 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Family
Sydney has always felt invisible.

She's grown accustomed to her brother, Peyton, being the focus of the family's attention and, lately, concern.  Peyton is handsome and charismatic, but seems bent on self-destruction.  Now, after a drunk-driving accident that crippled a boy, Peyton's serving some serious jail time, and Sydney is on her own, questioning her place in the family and the world.

Then she meets the Chatham family.  Drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time.  There's effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who's had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family.  But it's with older brother Mac - quiet, watchful, and protective - that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last.

Saint Anything is Sarah Dessen's deepest and most psychologically probing novel yet, telling an engrossing story of a girl discovering friendship, love, and herself. 

July 15, 2015

#BookProbs: Ten Struggles Bibliophiles Face

July 15, 2015
We all know being a bibliophile isn't all too easy in this technological, advanced day and age.  As a book lover, I struggle to make it through the 24 hours in a day.

Why?  Well, if you're a fellow bibliophile, you know why.

Here's a list of ten struggles we face:

When . . . 

1. PEOPLE TALK WHILE YOU'RE READING


I seriously cannot handle when people are having conversations with each other or (even worse) trying to have conversations with me while I'm very obviously reading.  Jesus Christ, people, do you not see that book open in front of me?


I require complete peace and quiet.  Please kindly take your loud mouths elsewhere.



2. THE BOOKSTORE/LIBRARY DOESN'T HAVE WHAT YOU WANT

Oh, the absolute horror.  When I want to read a book, I want to read it now.  Now meaning I can't continue living another day without that book in my possession.

This is how it usually goes:


First, the anger.


Then, the sadness.


A whole lot of sadness . . .


:'(
</3


3. YOU SPEND ALL YOUR MONEY ON BOOKS


Yup.


4. YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

Ah, yes.  This is how new love is bloomed.


First, the love.


Then, the obsession.


The excitement.


The screaming.


The FANGIRLING.

But then,
TRAGEDY STRIKES.

YOU REALIZE THE BOOK IS OVER.

YOU REALIZE . . .

YOUR FICTIONAL LOVE?

IS . . . well . . . FICTIONAL.




5. YOU FANGIRL BUT HAVE NO ONE TO FANGIRL WITH

Even worse than fangirling over fictional characters?

Having no one to fangirl with.




July 11, 2015

Book Review: We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

July 11, 2015
We All Looked Up
by Tommy Wallach
Series: Standalone
Publication: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on March 24, 2015
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Contemporary, Dystopia, Coming of Age

Before Ardor came, we let ourselves be defined by labels - 
the ATHLETE,
the SLUT,
the SLACKER,
the OVERACHIEVER.
But then we all looked up, and everything changed. They said the asteroid would be here in two months. That gave us two months to leave our labels behind. Two months to become something bigger than what we'd been, something that would last even after the end. Two months to really LIVE.

July 5, 2015

Book Review: Wildlife by Fiona Wood

July 5, 2015

Wildlife
by Fiona Wood
Series: Six Impossible Things/Wildlife #2
Publication: Poppy on September 16, 2014
Format: Hardcover, 400 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Coming of Age, Friendships

A semester in the wilderness?
Let me survive it.
Hey, let me enjoy it.

During a semester in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Sib expects the tough outdoor education program and the horrors of dorm life, but friendship drama and love that gets complicated?  That will take some navigating.

New girl Lou has zero interest in fitting in, or joining in.  Still reeling from a loss that occurred almost a year ago, she just wants to be left alone.  But as she witnesses a betrayal unfolding around Sib and her best friend Holly, Lou can't help but be drawn back into the land of the living.

In this tender, funny story of first love, good friendship, and going a little bit wild, Fiona Wood introduces two unforgettable girls who discover that before you can be true to yourself, you have to figure out exactly who you are.

June 25, 2015

Book Review: Like It Never Happened by Emily Adrian

June 25, 2015
Like It Never Happened
by Emily Adrian
Series: Standalone
Publication: Dial Books on June 2, 2015
Format: Hardcover, 368 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Drama

Rebecca Rivers wishes she were known only for being a great actress, and not for the (untrue) rumors that have followed her since middle school.  Landing the lead in her school's play changes everything: Rebecca casts off her old reputation; grows close with her four rowdy cast-mates to form the "Essential Five"; and gets to kiss the extremely handsome Charlie Lamb onstage.  Even Mr. McFadden, the play's critical director, can find no fault with Rebecca.

Though the Essential Five vow never to date each other, Rebecca can't help her feelings for Charlie.  But the on- and off- stage theatrics of the cast are eclipsed by a life-altering accusation that threatens to destroy everything . . . even if some of it is just make-believe.

Love, drama, and destructive gossip collide in this whip-smart story about stereotypes and standing up for the truth.

"I had thought that falling in love was a decision.  Like first you noticed a boy was cute and smart and had good taste in movies.  He kissed you and it occurred to you to love him.  If a certain amount of time passed and nothing went wrong, then congratulations: love.

But apparently that was not how it worked at all.  Apparently love happened accidentally, and without warning, and at the exact moment you were supposed to get out of the car."


June 21, 2015

Library Book Haul: New 2015 Releases (and then some)

June 21, 2015
So last week after summer school, I had a couple of hours on my hands to kill.  Of course, the only logical place to spend my time was at the library.

Libraries are pretty much the best creations in all of existence.  And whenever I make a stop at my local library, I always, without fail, return home with arms filled.

Here's what I picked up this week:


1. All the Rage by Courtney Summers
I actually already finished reading and reviewing this one.  Check out the review here.

2. The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre
I have absolutely no idea what to expect for this book.  I can deduce its a romance just by glancing at the cover, but for the most part I'll be diving into the story without any preconceived notions.

3. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Yup, I finally found a copy.  I can't wait to get reading.


4. Wildlife by Fiona Wood
Not a 2015 release, but a librarian recommended it to me.  Melina Marchetta, (one of my favorite authors . . . like, ever), has her praise written on the front cover.  If she enjoyed it, I'll enjoy it.  I'm really hoping for a five peach worthy read.

5. We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
Just the cover gets me.  It captured my attention from the very first time I saw it.

6. Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay
The library was giving away new 2015 releases for free!  (Yet another reason to absolutely love the library.)  It took quite a bit of self restraint on my part to only walk away with one, but here's the book I chose.


7. Like It Never Happened by Emily Adrian
Okay.  I almost DNF this one, but I powered through until the end just last night.  Um, I hate to say this, but can we pretend I didn't read this?  Can we pretend like it never happened?  Oh boy, watch out for a book review to come . . .

8. Pivot Point by Kasie West
Again, another book that isn't a 2015 release, but come on, it's a Kasie West.  I've read and loved all of Kasie's YA Contemporary Romances, but I haven't yet had a taste of her other works.  I had to pick this one up.

9. Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour
I don't know much about this one, but I recall seeing it on a few book blogs before.  Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.

And that's all.  Hopefully I'll be able to read and review all nine before the three week due date.

Did anyone else borrow books from the library recently?  Has anyone read any of my picks?  If so, let me know what you thought of them!

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