{The Weekend Update} 4.30.16 - Tomorrow is My Birthday Edition

So, since my end-of-the-week post isn't just about what I got in my mailbox or on my Kindle each week -- though that is a big part of it, I won't lie -- I decided to change up the title and intro a bit.  I might tweak the format a bit over the next few weeks, but for the most part, it'll contain the same stuff: stuff I got, stuff I did, and stuff that's coming up on the blog.  Plus, I get to use the awesome GIF you see here and blow kisses to all the people who sent me lovely books and bookish things.  Oh, and I've started linking up to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews since I'm not using a specific meme title anymore.  April's also doing her own Stacking the Shelves posts on Sundays.  Stop by and say hi!  =)

Another long, rainy week over with. Thank goodness. :) It was a good week to read some amazing new releases, though. And I'm kind of proud of the community -- despite, ahem, other things -- because I didn't see any spoilers for TRK. I'm sure they were probably out there, but I managed to finish without seeing any, and for that I'm thankful.

So, tomorrow's my birthday. And it kind of feels like the publishers knew that, even though I know that's not possible. :P But I got some amazing new reads this week, anyway. I didn't really need any new books to add to my TBR, but you won't find me complaining. :P

Okay, okay. On to the books. Here's what I scored this week...

From Publishers:



LOOK AT ALL OF THOSE FANTASTIC NEW BOOKS! I have to say I am most excited about Vassa in the Night, but all of them sound great. I also now have duplicates of This Savage Song and My Lady Jane, so look for me to be adding those to my #booksfortrade list soon so I can share the love.

Traded:

Nothing new this week, but I'm expecting a few to come in next week. :) Look for a new #booksfortrade | Have You Seen This? post soon! I'm still looking for a few high profile ARCs, like Throne of Glass, The Near Witch, and Scarlet (Gaughen), plus some other 2016 releases.

Gifted:



So my lovely friend and co-blogger April got me an early birthday present! She knows I'm dying without access to a library, so she gifted me with two audiobooks I've been really looking forward to. I read an ARC of Rebel of the Sands, then I basically forced April to listen to it, and then I really wanted to listen to it myself, so she grabbed that one for me. And I loved the audio for The Wrath and the Dawn, so it was natural to want to hear the sequel on audio, too. Thanks, bestie! Don't know what I'd do without you!!!

Purchased:



I pre-ordered The Raven King ages ago from Fountain Bookstore, so my glorious signed and doodled copy arrived on Wednesday. I prepared for the slight delay by also pre-ordering the audiobook version, which I would've gotten eventually anyway because Will Patton is amazing as the narrator for this series and I know I'll be doing a re-listen of the whole series soon. ;0) I usually pre-order through Amazon, but this is one time when I am supremely glad I spent the extra dough to buy from an indie. =)

Library:

Still missing the use of the library. Still whining about it. Still waiting on my sis to go renew her library card so I can use it since they're now charging that outrageous non-resident fee.


So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?

The Week in Review:

Reviews:

• The Raven King
• P.S. I Like You

Current Giveaways:

Check back soon!

Promotional/Discussion Posts:

• #TTT - Bookish Delights
• #WoW - A Torch in the Night by Sabaa Tahir

Currently Reading:

I've been wanting to read this book forever, and I just keep letting review books keep me from it. No longer, I say. I will read this and then I'll get back to my normally scheduled program. ;)




Currently Listening:

I left work when I hit 90% on the audiobook and I haven't picked it back up yet because OH MY GOD THE ANGST AND TORMENT AND I MAY NOT MAKE IT THROUGH THIS. So, I'll probably leave the ending till my commute on Monday morning because I'm a scaredy-cat, no matter what I tell myself. :P





Upcoming Reviews:

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P.S. I Really Liked This Book

Title: P.S. I Like You
Author: Kasie West
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

What if the person you were falling for was a total mystery?

While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she's flustered -- and kind of feels like she's falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer -- but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart?

From beloved author Kasie West (The Distance Between Us) comes an utterly charming story about mixed messages, missed connections, and the magic of good old-fashioned secret admirer notes.

If you're looking for one of the most adorable, quirky, feel-good YA romances to come along in a good while, THIS IS YOUR BOOK. Even if I was in the worst mood ever, this book would make me smile. It's got some seriously awesome powers of cuteness, in that P.S. I Like You is kinda like the Powerpuff Girl of YA contemporary.

It's not that the secret is all that hard to figure out, but the most fun aspect of the book is watching as it all unravels, seeing how long it takes the characters themselves to figure out the mystery. I loved the back and forth of the desk writing (a thing I also loved in Plus One), using lyrics to get to know one another at first. And it's awesome that it was music that kind of brought these two odd souls together. Music should bring people together...even bitter enemies. :)

I lovelovelove hate-to-love romances. They get me every time. And the romance in P.S. I Like You is no exception. It actually reminded me a bit of The DUFF, in that it featured the ultra-hot Mr. Perfect -- who turns out to be anything but -- and the kinda dorky but lovable girl who hates his guts. Except this story is way more PG than that one, though no less worthy of the swoons. ;-)

I've loved every Kasie West book -- and I've read them all -- and one aspect I always enjoy is how she incorporates so much family into her stories. It's not just the connection between friends and love interests that she focuses on, but she also makes sure that the main character's family has a pivotal role in her life. They might be kooky or annoying, but they are there.

This book was just so freaking cute, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. The warm and fuzzies it left me with cannot be denied. (Just writing up this review has made me want to sit down and read it again!) P.S. I Love You is the pick-me-up book I never knew I needed but have always wanted.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

I write YA. I eat Junior Mints. Sometimes I go crazy and do both at the same time. My novels, published through Harper Teen are: PIVOT POINT and its sequel SPLIT SECOND. And my contemporary novels: THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, ON THE FENCE, and THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND. My agent is the talented and funny Michelle Wolfson.

Find Kasie:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

THE RAVEN CYCLE Comes to a Close - My Spoiler-free Lamentations

Title: The Raven King
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Narrator(s): Will Patton
Series: The Raven Cycle, book #4
Length: 11 hrs 51 mins
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Source: purchased audiobook & signed HC
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

In a starred review for Blue Lily, Lily Blue, Kirkus Reviews declared: "Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering close."

I don’t think there was ever any chance that I was going to be disappointed by this final book, but I am so far away from that on the spectrum that I may have just accidentally looped back around and hit it by mistake, but that’s only because I’m disappointed that it’s over and I have no more Raven Boys to look forward to. I mean, I was seriously afflicted with TEABS when I finished last night, and even my husband commented on it. And he usually doesn't notice anything about my reading except that I'm doing it and that he should steer clear until I'm not. ;0)

I loved the mix of jovial moments with the altogether creepy, that this book wasn't all doom and gloom, even though the author maintained on numerous occasions that she was going to kill off our beloved Gansey. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud at my desk yesterday while listening or how many times I was nearly brought to tears...or even how many times I was thoroughly creeped out and ready to hide under my desk. I ran the full gamut of emotions with this book, but that should surprise no one, since every previous book caused the same reaction...at least from me.

Oh, the immaculate pain this book caused me. It's one thing to know you're reading the end of a series...it's a completely different thing to know that you're reading the final book in your favorite series. That you can never read it again for the first time. That you can't unknow what you're about to know. That you're about to see how all of those complicated threads are about to be woven together to produce the most magical of AHA moments.

Whereas the previous books introduced us to new characters who would be integral to certain aspects of the story, The Raven King was really focused on Blue and her Raven Boys. Sure, a friendly face becomes more than the bit player we supposed him to be in the last book and many of our previous acquaintances are there, but this book is the most Raven Boys book of the bunch. And just so we're clear, there is just as much death in this book as any of the books that came before it...I'm just not telling you who dies. But since we've lost some characters we've loved and some we've loathed, you should know by now that Maggie is not afraid to kill off any of our darlings.

She's also not afraid to explore what makes her characters who they are, what drives them. Some are so focused on the something more aspect, while others just want to be known. And sometimes I just wanted to hold their hands and help them through this dark time, but I also recognized that they didn't really need that because together, they were stronger than any of them knew. They were each separate characters that could hold their own, but together as a unit, they were a character in their own right, brave and strong and true.

And their complicated relationships have only grown more complicated...but also less so. You can currently find me sailing around the moon, so happy am I with my ships. But that's not to say it didn't take a lot of work for them to get where they're at. I love that this book is all about the honesty, letting go of all the secrets and seeking out the truth, regardless of the outcome. It was a hard road, but at least the previous books paved the way.

I'll probably end up listening to all four books back-to-back very soon - even though I just did a re-listen a few weeks ago - just because I'm not ready to say goodbye yet. These characters earned a spot in my heart from day one, and it won't be easy letting go. I love everything Maggie writes, but these characters and this story - this quest - have become very dear to me. And I couldn't have asked for a more perfect conclusion for Blue and her Raven Boys.

GIF it to me straight:

And for your viewing pleasure, my #feelsplosion from Goodreads:

Previous The Raven Cycle reviews:

The Raven Boys
The Dream Thieves
Blue Lily, Lily Blue

And all Maggie-related posts here on the blog can be found here.

About the author:

All of Maggie Stiefvater's life decisions have been based around her inability to be gainfully employed. Talking to yourself, staring into space, and coming to work in your pajamas are frowned upon when you're a waitress, calligraphy instructor, or technical editor (all of which she's tried), but are highly prized traits in novelists and artists. She's made her living as one or the other since she was 22. She now lives an eccentric life in the middle of nowhere, Virginia with her charmingly straight-laced husband, two kids, two neurotic dogs, and a 1973 Camaro named Loki.

Find Maggie:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

{WOW} A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT by Sabaa Tahir

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

This week's WoW selection is...








's Pick:



Title: A Torch Against the Night
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Series: An Ember in the Ashes, book #2
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: August 30, 2016

A Torch Against the Night takes readers into the heart of the Empire as Laia and Elias fight their way north to liberate Laia’s brother from the horrors of Kauf Prison. Hunted by Empire soldiers, manipulated by the Commandant, and haunted by their pasts, Laia and Elias must outfox their enemies and confront the treacherousness of their own hearts.

In the city of Serra, Helene Aquilla finds herself bound to the will of the Empire’s twisted new leader, Marcus. When her loyalty is questioned, Helene finds herself taking on a mission to prove herself—a mission that might destroy her, instead.

I think I was out sick the day this cover and excerpt were revealed, but that doesn't lessen my excitement for this sequel. I do wish this cover was more in keeping with that of the hardcover for the first book, but it's not bad by any means. Also, I'm pretty excited now that I know I was pronouncing Laia's name incorrectly the whole time I was reading Ember. That's the beauty of meeting the author on tour...besides the fact that she was really funny and snarky. =) I can't wait to re-read Ember in preparation for this book!!!

What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

{TTT} Things That Make My Lil Bookish Heart Go Pitter Patter

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the awesome ladies at The Broke and the Bookish. Apparently, they are overly fond of list-making and love to share their bookish lists with the rest of us book nerds.  =) We're game.

This week's topic is Top Ten Bookworm Delights.

Jen's Picks:

1. Reading outside...but especially in a hammock - There is just nothing like reading outdoors! By a body of water, under a tree, or on a park bench...nothing beats it. I just find it so much easier to immerse myself in a book's world when I'm also communing with nature.

2. Pretty or unusual editions - I love the leatherbound series from Barnes & Noble. I also love gilded edges or the black edges like those for Six of Crows or deckled edges. Pretty much anything that makes the book special and look extra special sitting on my shelves.

3. Used book stores/the smell of old books - These two go hand-in-hand. I could spend hours days in Half Price Books, just browsing and sniffing books. It would be easier (and cheaper!) if someone would just get me that old book scented candle I've been longing for. ;0) I do have a birthday coming up...hint, hint. =D

4. Finding out a kid you know is a reader - Of course, my own daughter is a reader. I think I'd never stop crying if she wasn't. But it just warms my bookish heart SO MUCH when I discover that one of her friends or cousins or even one of my friend's kids loves to read to. (To add to this, I also love discovering that anyone I meet loves to read.)

5. Being completely shocked by a twist - I read a lot...and often. And not much surprises me these days when it comes to reading. So when a book has a twist that I didn't see coming, that totally stunned me, I am all in. (I'm looking at you, The Kiss of Deception.)

6. When a bookish friend finally reads your favorite book and loves it - One of my closest friends finally read The Scorpio Races -- which is arguably one of my very favorite books, having just re-read it for the 7th time earlier this month -- and it was just so amazing to know that she loved it as much as I'd hoped she would when I found out she'd never read it before.

7. Going back to read a book you couldn't finish before and discovering you love it - Admittedly, this doesn't happen very often, but when it does, oh, the happy dance that ensues. I try to give every book the benefit of the doubt, and I realize that sometimes, it's me or the mood I'm in, not the book. Which is why, in addition to my DNF shelf, I also have one called to come back to.

8. Re-reading books - I own books for a reason, and it's not just so they look pretty on my shelves. I actually intend to re-read them some day. Granted, I usually end up doing so via audio because of time constraints and the sheer volume of review copies I receive, but I do end up revisiting a lot of favorites throughout the year, especially if a new installment is forthcoming.

9. Discovering one of your favorite authors is writing a new series - And it's even better than you could have hoped. Maybe even better than the last one!

10. When the final book in a series meets/exceeds your expectations - Waiting for a series finale can be torture, but reading it and hating the way the author ended things is even worse. So when the final installment actually lives up to your expectations, it's kind of the absolute best.

I could have listed tons more, but I went a little overboard with last week's top ten, so I decided to reign it in a bit this week, lol. What are some of your favorite bookish delights?

{The Weekend Update} 4.23.16 - It's Hammock Time

So, since my end-of-the-week post isn't just about what I got in my mailbox or on my Kindle each week -- though that is a big part of it, I won't lie -- I decided to change up the title and intro a bit.  I might tweak the format a bit over the next few weeks, but for the most part, it'll contain the same stuff: stuff I got, stuff I did, and stuff that's coming up on the blog.  Plus, I get to use the awesome GIF you see here and blow kisses to all the people who sent me lovely books and bookish things.  Oh, and I've started linking up to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews since I'm not using a specific meme title anymore.  April's also doing her own Stacking the Shelves posts on Sundays.  Stop by and say hi!  =)

What a long, rainy week! I'm so glad it's finally over and that we're supposed to have absolutely lovely weather this weekend! Perfect for reading in the hammock! =D

We're gearing up to celebrate our 5th blogiversary here at The Starry-Eyed Revue, but after five years, it's hard to think up new ways to do that. What do you like to see? Giveaways? Posts looking back? Do you even care? ;0)

Okay, okay. On to the books. Here's what I scored this week...

From Publishers:



Thanks to PenguinTeen for this seriously awesome The Last Star promo package featuring a poster, chapter excerpt and tote bag! I AM THE BATTLEFIELD!!!! :D :D :D

Traded:

Look for a new #booksfortrade | Have You Seen This? post soon! I'm still looking for a few high profile ARCs, like Throne of Glass, The Near Witch, and Scarlet (Gaughen), plus some other 2016 releases.

Library:

Still missing the use of the library. Still whining about it. Some of you have indicated that you see nothing wrong with sharing a library card, so I think my sis is going to let me use hers. But it's expired, too, and she has to physically go to the library to renew it, so it might be awhile. :( Still, there's hope...


So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?

The Week in Review:

Reviews:

• Down with the Shine
• Girl Against the Universe
• The Star-Touched Queen

Current Giveaways:

Check back soon!

Promotional/Discussion Posts:

• #TTT - Books That'll Make You LOL
• #WoW - Caraval by Stephanie Garber
• How Book Blogging Has Changed Me as a Reader

Currently Reading:

I want to be reading about a different Blue this weekend, but I already pre-ordered a signed copy and the audiobook and just cannot justify getting a copy from B&N, even if they do have it out days early. Bastards. So, I will just avoid the internets as much as possible until Tuesday so no asshole spoils me. Because I will murder the person who ruins that ending for me. MURDER. So, yeah, I'm reading this instead. =D




Currently Listening:

I've seen a lot of people just discovering this book for the first time, and it made me want to re-read/listen to it. So, here I am, listening again...and wishing I had Blood for Blood in my hands already.





Upcoming Reviews:

Like honest reviews & giveaways?  Be sure to follow us on Bloglovin' so you never miss out!

Like pretty pictures of books and bookish things? Follow me on Instagram! I also host IG giveaways from time to time. :D

Subscribe by email: