An Existential Crisis in the Making

Title: The Love That Split the World
Author: Emily Henry
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Source: ARC provided by publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Natalie Cleary must risk her future and leap blindly into a vast unknown for the chance to build a new world with the boy she loves.

Natalie’s last summer in her small Kentucky hometown is off to a magical start... until she starts seeing the “wrong things.” They’re just momentary glimpses at first—her front door is red instead of its usual green, there’s a pre-school where the garden store should be. But then her whole town disappears for hours, fading away into rolling hills and grazing buffalo, and Nat knows something isn’t right.

That’s when she gets a visit from the kind but mysterious apparition she calls “Grandmother,” who tells her: “You have three months to save him.” The next night, under the stadium lights of the high school football field, she meets a beautiful boy named Beau, and it’s as if time just stops and nothing exists. Nothing, except Natalie and Beau.

Emily Henry’s stunning debut novel is Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler’s Wife, and perfectly captures those bittersweet months after high school, when we dream not only of the future, but of all the roads and paths we’ve left untaken.

This book was like an existential crisis for me. Have you ever just read a book that because of heightened emotions or personal experiences -- or in spite of them -- just resonates with you on a level that it maybe wouldn't have otherwise? A book that just made you want to live your life more fully? That made you think you weren't living your best life? That was this book for me.

The Love That Split the World was just so poignant and honest and beautifully heartbreaking that I would have to be a monster not to have felt something while reading it. It's a love story first and foremost, but it doesn't just focus on romantic love. Yes, the romance was a key focus of the novel, but it also delved into the familial bond and loving oneself and the all-encompassing love of a higher power, and it utterly captivated me in doing so, even if I'm not necessarily religious myself .

I loved Natalie Cleary from Chapter One, and I only grew to love her character more as the story progressed. She managed to corral anyone into her witty repartee and her snark knew no bounds. But even when she was stuck inside her own head, having an existential crisis of her own, I couldn't help but feel attached to her. It was the same with "Grandmother". I figured out the truth of this would-be deity a lot sooner than Natalie herself did, but it made me love her no less. Probably more, actually. Just as it was for Natalie, Grandmother's presence was warm and welcoming in a story that I knew was going to leave me undone.

That's due in part to the comparison to Friday Night Lights and The Time Traveler's Wife. Because of the FNL comparison, I pictured Beau as Tim Riggins. Not that I minded that one bit. ;0) And because of the stories Grandmother tells -- with their lack of endings -- and because of the apparent resemblance to The Time Traveler's Wife -- which I haven't read, nor have I seen the movie, but I fully expect to ball my eyes out if I ever do -- I anticipated a fulfilling yet not necessarily happy ending. I won't tell you what kind of ending I did get, but I did write in my notes somewhere that if this story ended like The Amber Spyglass, I was not going to be happy. Make of that what you will.

Going into this story, I wasn't sure whether to expect time travel or a multiverse novel or something in between, especially after Grandmother's first story. And I'm still not 100% sure what to classify this as because it's detailed yet vague and I feel as if you're supposed to draw your own conclusions, just like with Grandmother's stories. When what's happening is being explained to Natalie, it still seemed like it could be either/or. The explanation made sense to me in the way that Donnie Darko makes sense to me. Which is to say: not at all, then all at once, until I lose that train of thought and find myself confused all over again. Every time I watch that movie, I take something different away from it, and it was the same when I was trying to put the pieces of Natalie's story together. But, if you like Donnie Darko, I could easily see you enjoying this book for the same reasons.

I loved this novel. I love that it leaves so much unanswered while answering so much. I love that it made me question so much. And I love that it's a love story on so many different levels. Honestly, I loved pretty much everything about The Love That Split the World. It was breathtaking...inside and out.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

Emily Henry is full-time writer, proofreader, and donut connoisseur. She studied creative writing at Hope College and the New York Center for Art & Media Studies, and now spends most of her time in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the part of Kentucky just beneath it.

Find Emily:

Twitter | Goodreads

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Labels: beautiful covers, emily henry, multiverse, penguin, reviews, time travel, tough subject

Help! I've Fallen For a Monster and I Can't Get Up!

Title: This Savage Song
Author: Victoria Schwab
Series: Monsters of Verity, book #1
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Source: from publisher via Edelweiss, ARC gifted by Jessica
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The city of Verity has been overrun with monsters, born from the worst of human evil. In North Verity, the Corsai and the Malchai run free. Under the rule of Callum Harker, the monsters kill any human who has not paid for protection. In the South, Henry Flynn hunts the monsters who cross the border into his territory, aided by the most dangerous and darkest monsters of them all—the Sunai, dark creatures who use music to steal their victim’s souls.

As one of only three Sunai in existence, August Flynn has always wanted to play a bigger role in the war between the north and the south. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate Harker, daughter of the leader of North Verity, August jumps on it.

When Kate discovers August’s secret, the pair find themselves running for their lives and battling monsters from both sides of the wall. As the city dissolves into chaos, it’s up to them to foster a peace between monsters and humans.

A unique, fast-paced adventure that looks at the monsters we face every day—including the monster within.

You know how some writing feels forced, as if the author had to really work for their words? Victoria Schwab's novels feel nothing like that. Her writing flows effortlessly, as if the story has always been there for her to tell, and it was just a matter of her putting pen to paper. I'm sure she doesn't feel that way, but it doesn't show. Schwab's stories are always such a pleasure to read because they are so immersive, so all-encompassing, even when they're about really awful things.

Here's the thing: now that I've read this book, I don't think I really understood that synopsis before starting this novel. But now...now it makes complete sense and I think it's a brilliant summary. Also, maybe I just read that Victoria was the author and skimmed the synopsis because auto-buy author right here. Forever and always. This book was so amazing. I mean, I knew it would be amazing because it's Ms. Schwab doing her thang, but hot damn, This Savage Song was awesome!

I've said it before, but I just love how all of her characters teeter on the brink of good and evil, how they don't seem to be inherently one or the other. Okay, well, some of them do, but not the ones I feel I'm really supposed to care about. I think V has more than a little evil in her, though, with that ending. Heh, maybe that's why the writing seems to flow the way that it does: she sold her soul to the devil for this impressive power. ;0)

Speaking of incredible abilities, August's is. Impressive, I mean. Using music to steal the soul's of your victims....I've heard of worse ways to die, but maybe none so eerie. The Sunai of Schwab's story vaguely remind me of bean sidhe, often called banshees, whose wailing always portents death. Except in this novel, each Sunai has their own method or instrument for exorcising -- for lack of a better word -- the souls of their victims. And the Sunai's victims are only those who've committed the greatest of sins.

This sounds more or less like a good thing, right? But a power this great could be used as a weapon, so the "youngest" of the only three Sunai in existence must keep his identity hidden. I just loved this violin-playing boy so much and wanted to see him safe and sound. August is a little bit shy and very much sheltered, and I found that I had to keep reminding myself that he was technically a monster. He doesn't act like it, though. I'd liken his character to Pinocchio: he just wants to be a real boy. I worried more for him than I did Kate, who was an actual human.

Kate is something else. So guarded. So in control. So unflappable. I liked her right away. Mostly because it was all a disguise to keep her safe. As Kate fights to win her father's approval, she's also forced to fight for her life. If I'm being honest, I relished watching as Kate and August's worlds practically imploded before their eyes. If that makes me a monster, too, well, I think I can live with it. Because without their lives going to hell, they wouldn't have formed the uneasy alliance that they did, and things wouldn't have started clicking into place.

As with pretty much all of Victoria's stories, don't expect much of a romance. V's books are all full-throttle, ramped up action, and if feelings develop, so be it. But don't get your hopes up. Not this early on, anyway. There's way too much story to tell for the characters to start sucking face at this point. And still way too much animosity.

This Savage Song was fantastic. I'm a hardcore VSchwab fangirl, and so I always set out to read one of her books with the highest of expectations, whether it be YA or adult. But every single time, she knocks it out of the ballpark. Expectations be damned, I'm going to love her books no matter what. And This Savage Song was no different. Schwab blurs the line between good and evil with the best of them, and it's impossible for me to keep from falling for her monsters.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say "tom-ah-toes," "like," and "y'all."

She also tells stories.

She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems.

Find Victoria:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | YouTube

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Labels: beautiful covers, harper-collins, monsters of verity, reviews, urban fantasy, victoria schwab

{The Weekend Update} 2.20.16 - Spring Has Sprung!

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!  =)

Oh, gawd, we are going to have the most gorgeous weekend here in Texas and I cannot wait! I've got some gardening to do (those are daffodils from the front flower beds to the right) -- or prep for the garden, at any rate -- this morning and then it's wine and reading time. You have no idea how excited I am for reading in the hammock again. (I got a good start on it yesterday. :D) It is seriously the best, especially when the hubby is being sweet and keeps my glass filled so I don't have to get out of the hammock. Course, then it gets dangerous when I finally do, but that's a worry for later. ;0)

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

From Publishers:



Thanks to Simon & Schuster, I have an audiobook copy of He Will Be My Ruin to listen to since I traded my ARC before I managed to read it. Oops. I'll only make that mistake once, lol.

Traded:

Look for a new #booksfortrade | Have You Seen This? post coming soon. I made someone else's dream come true this last month and would love to help others...while also hopefully completing some of my own collections. I think that damn Throne of Glass ARC is going to remain elusive for the rest of my life, though. :(

Gifted:



My awesome amazing wonderful friend Sabrina sent me this Valentine's Day package loaded with my favorite candy, a THE TREES SPEAK LATIN bookmark (!), and an ARC of Hemlock, which I needed to complete my collection. She and her little guy also sent Katie those adorable heart-frame glasses, which she pretty much refuses to take off. :P



The lovely Michelle, whom *I* sent to this last round for #otspsecretsister sent ME this gorgeous pillow to say thanks. Isn't it soooo pretty?!? I LOVE IT!!!!

Purchased:

I was *this* close to downloading the audio for Riders by Veronica Rossi this week, but the reviews are all over the place for this book. Might wait till it's available from the library.


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

The Week in Review:

Reviews:

• Rebel of the Sands
• The Great Hunt

Current Giveaways:

Check back soon!

Promotional/Discussion Posts:  

• #StarsAbove Tour | Marissa Meyer Signing
• #WoW - Blood for Blood by Ryan Graudin
• The Literary Dinner Book Tag

Currently Reading:

I am loving this book. I wish I'd read it sooner. Or instead of The Great Hunt. But I'm reading it now and it is amazing and I'm still not sure what the hell is happening but I'm also kind of scared...




Currently Listening:

Re-reading this series via audio so I can be ready for The Winner's Kiss, though I don't know if anyone can ever be ready for that.




Upcoming Reviews:

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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:

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Labels: in my mailbox (imm), stacking the shelves, the weekend update

The Literary Dinner Party Book Tag

I didn't have anything planned for today's post and I saw that Nereyda and Nick just posted this tag the other day and it looked fun and I'm bored at work, so here we are. =) It apparently originated back in 2012 with Booktuber NEHOMAS2. I changed a couple of elements but it's mostly the same.

One character who can cook/likes to cook

Ideally, I was hoping for a hottie who can cook for this category, but I had trouble remembering any. But then I remembered that Hudson from Bittersweet baked some AH-MAZING cupcakes, so at least we'll have dessert, right? ;0)

One character who has money to fund the party

There was no question who fit this bill. Gansey is filthy rich, but he shares the wealth without even thinking about it. My kinda guy.

One character who might cause a scene

There is no doubt in my mind that Lila Bard will cause some trouble at this dinner party. But it'll be interesting, that's for sure.

One character who is funny/amusing

Thorne will keep everyone entertained with his antics. Plus, he'd be pretty to look at. :)

One character who is super social/popular

I adored Evie O'Neill the minute she stepped on to the page, and I honestly don't think there's anyone who couldn't love her, even if she does tend to push people's buttons. Evie will be the one to break the silence when there's a lull in the conversation.

One villian

I love a good villain, but I also love a darkly attractive, possibly redeemable villain. I'm still holding out hope for The Darkling. However unrealistic it may be. He'll just sit there, quietly brooding and it will be glorious.

One couple – doesn’t have to be romantic (but who are we kidding?)

Oh man, the snark would be flying with Ezra and Kady in attendance. Their heated banter would be just the thing to take everyone's attention off whatever obnoxious thing Gansey just said without even realizing it. ;0)

One hero/heroine

HECTORRRRRRRR!!! Forever and ever and ever. He is the ultimate hero and he will save us from whatever transpires tonight. Whether it be thanks to one of the guest or their many foes.

One underappreciated character

I feel like the awesomeness of Lucien's character is undermined by how brightly Tamlin and Rhysand shine in this book. We'll make sure he shines here at this dinner party. Also, he and Hector are both a little protective, so I think they'd get along well.

One character of your own choosing

Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is a force to be reckoned with and would make for a challenging party guest, but she does love the finer things in life. I bet she'd love Hudson's cupcakes! Also, I'm hoping to reunite her with the next guest on my list, and that will just make everyone in attendance go, "Awwwwww!!!" :D

One character you'd like to rise from the dead to attend your party

I cried a thousand tears when I finally went back and read this collection of novellas. Sam Cortland's death was one of the hardest I've ever experienced in a book. Aelin/Celaena deserves to at least get to tell him goodbye.

One supernatural character

Karou is a chimera, so that'll be interesting, but she's also pretty well-traveled, thanks to all that tooth-collecting she's done, so she'll have loads of stories to tell.

One character you'd just like to have on display at your party

Raffe. And I don't think anything more needs to be said on the subject.

One "plus one" for you ;)

Sturmhond may not have been the ultimate hero of the Grisha trilogy, but he was always my favorite.

Sixteen attendees in all, counting myself, and I managed not to make it a total sausage fest, lol. Also, I tried to invite people I thought had a chance of surviving if everyone turned on each other. :P I think this will be a dinner party these guests talk about for years to come...

Who would you invite to your literary dinner party?

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Labels: book tags, funfunfun