Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag

I did this last year so here we go again!

I'm currently four books behind on my Goodreads challenge (I intend to read 60 books this year) but I wish to catch up and get ahead before the summer is over and university starts once again.

1. Best Book You've Read So Far in 2016

I have read some pretty amazing books but Winter by Marissa Meyer is the best. It was everything I could ever hope for a series finale, and I flew through it. I loved the characters, but most of all I loved everything that had something to do with Scarlet and Wolf.

2. Best Sequel You've Read so Far in 2016

I actually have four sequels to choose from. I have to go with Kings Rising by C.S. Pacat because it blew my mind. The character development, the plot, the twist, the feelings. It just nailed the series.

3. New Release You Haven't Read Yet but Want To

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan. The only reason why I haven't dived into this yet, is because I need to finish the Heroes of Olympus series first (I have only the last book, The Blood of Olympus, to read).

4. Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half of the Year

It's a tie between The Fever Code by James Dashner and The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan.

5. Biggest Disappointment

The only disappointment this far has been This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp. Overall it just lacked some and it didn't end up being anything really special.

6. Biggest Surprise

Must be The House of Hades by Rick Riordan. There's this revelation that has to do with my favourite character. It was something I always suspected but never dared to hope for. Now I'm just so mad that my ship will never sail - and I have shipped that one since the beginning if you know what I mean. It was surprise that just made me weep - for both joy and sadness.

7. Favorite New Author (Debut To You)

C.S. Pacat, definitely. I devoured the whole Captive Prince trilogy within one month. The writing style was so captivating (ahah) and I loved the characters - well, I loved Damen from the beginning and Laurent grew on me as I didn't like him at all during the first book.

8. Newest Fictional Crush

Damen from Captive Prince trilogy by C.S. Pacat. Damen was a true king, a hero, and just so damn strong character. He was so good even at the beginning and after the growth he lost the naivety and he was just so good. And can you tell me you don't find him extremely attractive when he throws a freaking big sword over a river to save Laurent?

9. Newest Favorite Character

Jazz from I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, because Jazz was so hilarious, witty, sassy, and smart. I really need to read the other two installments because I need more Jazz in my life.

10. Book That Made You Cry

Half Lost by Sally Green. First I cried because of joy - my ship finally sailed, and it sailed so beautifully. However, the ending made me cry from utter despair and sadness. It still does. I will never forgive the few twists that happened during the last forty pages or so.

11. Book That Made You Happy

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. This was a re-read for me so it made me so happy because I fell in love with the characters and the world all over once again.

12. Favorite Book To Film Adaptation

Sadly, I haven't read any books that have been adapted as a film this year so far.

13. Favorite Review You've Written This Year

Hmm... That must be my review of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. It was my favourite book that I read last year, and months after finishing it I was finally able to write coherent review, which ended up being longer than my usual reviews because I had so much to say about it.

14. Most Beautiful Book You've Bought This Year So Far

I can't decide between The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan and The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger. Both of them are gorgeous in their own way.

15. What Book(s) Do You Need To Read by The End of The Year

There's so many but I picked up a mix of different types and genres.

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Fast Connection by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell

The Wolf In The Attic by Paul Kearney

Trailer Trash by Marie Sexton

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

The Last Wolf by Jim Crumley

  

 

Waiting on Wednesday #34

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

The Fever Code by James Dashner!

The Fever Code (The Maze Runner, #0.6)

by James Dashner
Published by Delacorte Press

Expected publication: September 27th 2016 (UK)
YA, dystopia

Once there was a world’s end.

The forests burned, the lakes and rivers dried up, and the oceans swelled.

Then came a plague, and fever spread across the globe. Families died, violence reigned, and man killed man.

Next came WICKED, who were looking for an answer. And then they found the perfect boy.

The boy’s name was Thomas, and Thomas built a maze.

Now there are secrets.

There are lies.

And there are loyalties history could never have foreseen.

This is the story of that boy, Thomas, and how he built a maze that only he could tear down.

All will be revealed.

A prequel to the worldwide Maze Runner phenomenon, The Fever Code is the book that holds all the answers. How did WICKED find the Gladers? Who are Group B? And what side are Thomas and Teresa really on? Lies will be exposed. Secrets will be uncovered. Loyalties will be proven. Fans will never see the truth coming.

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I've been waiting for The Fever Code ever since it was announced. I've especially been anticipating it after the James Dashner event I attended because Dashner told a few things about it and it made me even more excited. September, come already!

Which book are you waiting for?

Review: The Wicked + The Divine, Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen

Fandemonium (The Wicked + The Divine, #2)
by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Clayton Cowles
Published by Image Comics
Paperback (borrowed from library)
Fantasy, graphic novel

Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the worlds of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity.

Fandemonium was a great sequel for the The Faust Act. It didn't manage to be better than the first installment but it was still a great graphic novel. The reason why it couldn't really top the first one, is because my favourite character wasn't in it. The art work continued to be truly amazing. It was interesting and nice to get to know both new characters and get glimpses of depth in others. However, there was a few annoying characters who got a little bit too much attention in my opinion, mainly Cassandra.

The twist at the end was something so unexpected. I'm starting to think that these graphic novels will give me a heart-attack with the big twists at the end, because even if you wait for it, it'll still surprise because it's so unexpected.

I continue to recommend this graphic novel series because it's fast to read and full of surprises.

4 of 5 stars.

On Goodreads.

Waiting on Wednesday #33

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

by J.K. Rowling
Published by Little Brown UK

Expected publication: July 31st 2016 (UK)
YA, fantasy, play

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a new play by Jack Thorne, is the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. It will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on 30th July 2016

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.

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I'm so excited of this, I can't wait for July! Especially since I'm going to a Waterstones Midnight Launch event for this. What about you?

Which book are you waiting for?

Review: The Wicked + The Divine, The Faust Act by Kieron Gillen

The Faust Act (The Wicked + The Divine, #1)
by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Clayton Cowles
Published by Image Comics
Paperback (borrowed from library)
Fantasy, graphic novel

Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. It's happening now. It's happening again. 

First of all, I don't read graphic novels or comics often, but this definitely got my attention. The blurb was so unique I just had to read it. The graphics were fantastic, I especially liked the vivid colours. The story itself was good, I was not disappointed. The concept was a bit more unique than the execution but it wasn't a failure of any kind - I guess I just had high expectations after the glorious blurb. However, the twist at the end, oh my, I'm so happy that my flatmate loaned the sequel for me right on because I couldn't have waited any longer to get more of the story.

The characters were amazing, although some more than others. Lucifer was my absolute favourite, but I really want to know more about Baphomet, Morrigan, and some other gods that were only mentioned. There was a few irritating characters like Cassandra but then again, it's good that the story has a variety of different types of people. And the diversity! The diversity was absolutely fantastic in this one, although there was a way more female characters than male ones but I hope that there will be more variety in that matter on the sequel.

I do recommend The Faust Act if the blurb sounds intriguing to you because the story is solid and the graphics are amazing,

4 of 5 stars.

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3 Penguin Little Black Classics Mini-Reviews

The Robber Bridegroom
by Brothers Grimm
Published by Penguin
On Goodreads

My review:
I've been meaning to read Brothers Grimm fairytales for a long time, and I feel like this short collection of seven stories is a good start. My favourites were The Devil's Three Golden Hairs and The Six Servants - both of them fairytales I'd never heard before. The classic Snowwhite was included, and what really got me was the age of Snowwhite which was so far from the Disney version. The Bremen Town Band, which I guess can be said to be a fable, was weakest for me, and I wasn't really interest on it. Overall, the collection was good and now I really want to read more from Brothers Grimm.

4 of 5 stars.


Circles of Hell
by Dante
Published by Penguin
On Goodreads

My review:
Circles of Hell has been something that I've wanted to read for a while now. I'm glad I finally did, and I did enjoy this part of the classic Divine Comedy. However, while some of the Canto's were strong, powerful and beautiful in all the destruction and fear of hell, some other Canto's were slightly more weak, and they didn't keep me as thrilled as the rest. That's why my overall rating came down from possible four stars to the three I gave it. Still, it's something I recommend to read because Circles of Hell is poetic, and it's referenced so often that I feel that I understand some things better now.

3 of 5 stars.


Aphorisms on Love and Hate
by Friedrich Nietzsche
Published by Penguin
On Goodreads

My review:
"Love and hatred are not blind, but are blinded by the fire they themselves carry with them."

I'm glad that I finally read something from Nietzsche, and this little collection of aphorisms from him was pretty great for it. Not too overwhelming but compact and full of thought-provoking thoughts. My copy is now full of sticky notes because I had to mark the aphorisms that really touched me and very brilliant. I'll have to read more from Nietzsche at some point of my life in the future.

"The demand to be loved is the greatest kind of arrogance."

4 of 5 stars.

Book Blitz + Giveaway (US/CAN): The Exiled Seven by Blake Renworth

The Exiled Seven (The Exiled Series, #1)
by Blake Renworth
Published by: Inglenook Publishing House
Publication date: May 12th 2016
Fantasy, New Adult

When Alariq is exiled from his home city-state for a crime he did not commit, only six stand by his side, convinced of his innocence and steadfast in their loyalty.

The seven dwarfs must set out from Ishtara to look for a new place to call home, but in doing so, they make a discovery that puts them all in danger. They are rescued and taken in by a mysterious and beautiful outsider, who lives alone in the depths of Loraheem Forest. What follows is Alariq’s struggle to come to terms with his exile, as those around him seek to make a place for themselves in this new life. Soon, however, it becomes clear their situation is more complex than they initially realized, and they begin to wonder if there is more behind Alariq’s exile than simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Told in a unique storyteller voice, this reversal and reimagining of the classic fairy tale explores the themes of shattering betrayal, the subsequent struggle to trust again, and the basic desire to take control of one’s own destiny.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

If you will, please imagine the tallest and most beautifully handsome man you can, the complete and perfect embodiment of classic male beauty, charm, and chivalry.

Now—cast this image far from your mind. For this tale is not about him. Many of such tales have already been told, and to tell yet another would be a great disservice to the other heroes of the world.
The hero around whom this tale revolves—and a hero I assure you he was, even if your faith may waver during the events that follow—was a hero of a different sort. Though it would be altogether unfair to say that he did not entirely look the part. He was as handsome as dwarfs come. Strong, in both physique and demeanor, and clearly one who commanded respect. But his jaw-length, dark blonde hair, the color of wet straw, and not even five-foot stature are not what you and I are accustomed to seeing in our mind’s eye when we think of the heroes of tall tales. Nor his slightly crooked nose or angular jawline, for that matter.

What about his personality, you ask? For, of course, looks are not all that matter in a champion. And I applaud your depth of character. But sadly, I must disappoint you and your commendable optimism. For this hero was not charming, or dashing, or gallant, or really very pleasant in any way at all. In fact, he could be downright unpleasant to be around when in one of his all-too-frequent foul dispositions. And unfortunately, it is in such a disposition that we find Alariq as we join his story.
As disagreeable as Alariq was, I am sure you will find his demeanor quite understandable. You see, his story is an unfortunate one. We find him, and his six loyal companions, banished from their city-state, Alariq for a crime he did not commit, and the others for their loyalty to him and their faith in his innocence.

Seven dwarfs they were, exiled and alone.

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Waiting on Wednesday #32

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan!

The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and The Gods of Asgard, #2)

by Rick Riordan
Published by Disney Hyperion Books

Expected publication: October 4th 2016 (UK)
YA, mythology, adventure, fantasy

The second book in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy.

Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon – the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds – but this time the hammer isn’t just lost. It has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki – and the price he wants is very high.

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I love Rick Riordan's stories, and I have been anticipating The Hammer of Thor ever since I finished reading The Sword of Summer last year.

Which book are you waiting for?

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases For The Second Half Of The Year

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!
I decided to go with the order of publication, so here we go!
Fast Connection by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell Expected publication July 11th, 2016 I was lucky to read and review Strong Signal by these two amazing authors, and I can't wait for more Cyber Love series. I need this, and I need to see the cover!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

July 31st, 2016

I mean, it's Harry Potter, it doesn't need any explanations. I'm lucky enough to have a ticket to Midnight Launch in July, and I can't wait for it! It's going to be the first ever Midnight Launch I'm attending and it'll be awesome because Harry Potter.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff August 9th, 2016 I mean, school of assassin and something resembling ancient Rome? Count me in.

The Fever Code by James Dashner September 27th, 2016 I need more Thomas, Newt, and Minho, and I'm over the moon that we finally get the long waited prequel.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor September 27th, 2016 I have never read anything from Laini Taylor but this sounds so good, because aftermath of the war between gods and men? Oh yeah, I cannot wait!
The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan October 4th, 2016 I loved The Sword of Summer, and I love the stuff Riordan comes up with, so naturally this is on my list. I need it now.

Turn the World Upside Down by Nyrae Dawn October 20th, 2016 I need more Nyrae Dawn in my life, because I loved Rush and this just sounds so good.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer November 8th, 2016 After the Lunar Chronicles, there's no question whether I want this or not.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling November 19th, 2016 I don't usually read screenplays and such, but I'll happily make exception when it comes to Rowling.
The Powers of Callaire by Saruuh Kelsey Expected publication 2016 The third installment of the Legend Mirror series by my friend and yes, I need this one. I haven't read The Dryad of Callaire yet, but that's because I want to wait closer to the Powers publication.

Review: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy, #1)
by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Published by Scholastic
Paperback (borrowed from library)
Middle Grade/YA, fantasy

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage.

The False Prince had everything I wish a middle grade/young adult fantasy to have: tension, plots, cunning folk, kingdoms, royals, and intriguing characters. It's been a while since I read a gripping royal fantasy like this with great characters. The story was fast paced with relatively short chapters which made the reading experience even more pleasant - it's not a must, but I personally seem to read faster when the chapters aren't too long.

The False Prince is both character and plot driven. The main character, an orphan boy named Sage who gets tangled in the game for the throne of Carthya, is cunning, rebellious, witty and smart, and he's never left without witty answer. Sage definitely is the best thing in this book, not that it was bad otherwise. There's other intriguing character's too, whose motives are not clear: Conner, a nobleman who is looking for a false prince to place on the throne; Tobias and Roden, the other two orphan boys competing for the throne alongside Sage; the mute servant girl, Imogen; and seemingly loyal swordman of Conner's, Mott. The plot is always present as Sage, Tobias and Roden are molted to be the lost prince, and all the shady things happening. Nielsen is fantastic writer because even though the book is written in first persons point of view, it's not until the very end when the reader gets to know some things Sage has been up to during the whole book. It's truly brilliant.

I devoured The False Prince and I'm definitely going to continue with the series as I'm dying to know what happens next. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys cunning plots and characters, and fast paced fantasy.

4 of 5 stars.

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Book Blitz + Giveaway: Bound by Birthright by Janeal Falor

Waiting on Wednesday #31

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab!

This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)

by V.E. Schwab
Published by Titan Books

Expected publication: June 7th 2016 (UK)
YA, fantasy

There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.

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I haven't read anything from V.E. Schwab yet despite that I own both Vicious and The Darker Shade of Magic. This Savage Song, however, sounds really interesting and I'll try to buy and read it before the YALC in July, where V.E. Schwab will be attending.

Which book are you waiting for today?

Blog Feature + Quest Post: Wicked Song by Saruuh Kelsey

Wicked Song
Saruuh Kelsey
Publication Date: May 31st
Genres: YA, Paranormal, Romance

A demon’s eye glitters in the harp’s reflection… Rosenfay Marsh can steal your soul with her Song - but can she save Hell from an angel invasion? 

After helping her demon father harvest the souls of her human schoolmates, Rosenfay is kidnapped by a cruel angel. With her skin burning and peeling in Heaven, escape is impossible. But if she doesn’t find her way to safety, the angel will torture her father’s location from her. And all Hell will be in danger. 

Wicked Song is a paranormal novelette (12,000 words) with reluctant demons, brutish angels, and a gender fluid romance.

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GUEST POST by Saruuh Kelsey:

10 Facts About Wicked Song

1 – Rosenfay, the main character, is bisexual and Indian

2 – Karel/Karellin, the love interest, is gender fluid, and their name and pronoun changes accordingly

3 – Rosenfay and Karel are both demons

4 – By using magic, Rosenfay can sever someone’s soul and send it to Hell

5 – She can also manipulate satisfaction and contentment (emotions she’s the demon of) until a person is delirious

6 – Rosenfay’s father can appear in any reflection in the world

7 – The story crosses Earth, Heaven, and Hell

8 – There are good angels and angels who have a little bit of Hell in them

9 – The air in Heaven scorches a demon’s lungs

10 – It has a happy ending

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Author Bio

Saruuh Kelsey is the author of several novels for young adults, including the Lux Guardians series and The Legend Mirror series. Her latest releases include WICKED SONG, a paranormal short, and THE DRYAD OF CALLAIRE, the second novel in a YA mythological fantasy series. Find her online at saruuhkelsey.co.uk.

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Review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing

Paperback (purchased)

LGBT, historical fiction, mythology

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their difference, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles' mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. 

But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

There almost isn't words to describe how I feel about The Song of Achilles. Even writing somewhat coherent review took me months. The Song of Achilles was captivating, gripping and so vivid. It was utterly brilliant. It was emotional roller coaster like no other. It was everything I wished a book to be: adventure, romance, peace, war, mythology, gods and men, tragedy, heartbreak, oaths and fights, and everything else wrapped in beautifully written story. Miller is brilliant, she breathed live into the legends, made them so real it hurt. I couldn't put it down, and I barely slept until I finished the book.

 I confess that I had fears of book being hard to read as it was about ancient Greek mythology and I heard that it was pretty authentic. My fears were for nothing because The Song of Achilles is easy to read, almost like young adult novel even though it was not one because there is sex and gore, mostly because of the war. It's not really graphic but it doesn't fit the young adult category either because the story is about Patroclus' whole life. 

And characters, oh how Miller made them so real: some utterly lovable like Patroclus, Briseis and Chiron. Some lovable with pride as a fault like Achilles, and some sneaky and not so likable like Odysseus, Agamemmon and Hector. And some utterly horrible like Thetis and Pyrrhus. Every character from the myths and legends added to the story of Achilles and Patroclus. It was brilliant even when the horrible characters got their way and threatened everything that was beautiful.

 Of course I need to speak more of Patroclus and Achilles. I ship them with all I have, as simple as that. I knew how it was going to end but The Song of Achilles is one of those stories where you still hope it will be different. Where you believe that it will be different. Both Achilles and Patroclus went through such character development that it was beautiful to see them grow from young boys to young men who were at the middle of the war that was going to be unforgettable part of history. Achilles changed because of that war, and Patroclus just grew so beautifully, he truly grew to be the the Best of Men.

I will forever cherish this book, and I definitely need to read it again. Over and over again, because I cannot get enough of Patroclus and Achilles. Especially their years with Chiron, when everything was still innocent youth and they had the whole world. 

I highly, highly recommend this to everyone who is even a bit interested in ancient myths and legends, or Achilles, Patroclus or the Trojan War. The story and voice really are authentic and even as a history major I found nothing out of place or nothing to criticize. Miller truly knows her subject. I do recommend this to everyone who finds the summary interesting. Or maybe just wants to give a historical fiction a try. It's worth it. The Song of Achilles is truly worth it.

5 of 5 stars.

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