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 Ten Books That Have Been On Your Shelf (Or TBR) From Before You Started Blogging That You STILL Haven't Read Yet:
Jen's Picks:
Back before I started blogging - or right around the same time, anyway - Borders went out of business. It was rather heartbreaking because at the time, that's where I did all of my book shopping, and they had these awesome 40% off coupons all the time. Plus, membership was free! Anyway, I visited their closing sales rather frequently and ended up with a lot of books on my shelves that to this day, I still haven't read. And I've been blogging for over five years now! :*( Mind you, not all of those pictured are from the Borders going-out-of-business sales. Some I truly had every intention of reading as soon as I got home with them. But I think even then I was a mood reader...I just didn't know it yet.
A lot of these have ended up in my #booksfortrade pile, but not all. And if you don't know what that is, you can find out more here. I honestly do still plan to read the Marchetta books, Sabriel and Twenty Boy Summer. One day...
Which books from before blogging are still sitting neglected on your shelves?
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 time, 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 and Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer since I'm not using a specific meme title anymore.
I can't believe Katie is already going back to school this week! Where did the summer go? I feel like we did a lot of fun stuff so even though she had to go to daycare a lot since I couldn't take a ton of time off, I think she still had a good summer.
Katie: This summer was shorter. Me: Nope, same length as last year. Katie: Well, it went by faster.
Poor kid. What she doesn't understand yet is that it's only going to go by faster from here on out. And she's growing up soooo fast. She has a crush on the neighbor kid -- but shhhh! Daddy doesn't know this yet or he wouldn't let her have playdates with this boy anymore, lol. He's a year older than her and quirky and wears glasses and I've already imagined a best friends to more romance for them. It's going to be glorious! :D
Okay, okay. On to the books. Here's what I scored this week...
From Publishers/For Review:
I actually got this one last week, but I forgot to post about it, so I'm doing it this week since I didn't request anything or receive anything this week. Anyway, it's a timey wimey YA featuring a M/M romance and I am so on board with that.
Traded:
I am ecstatic to add this book to my stacks, especially as I just featured it as a WoW pick recently. :D :D :D
I just posted a new #booksfortrade | Have You Seen This? post this week! I updated my lists, too! I'm still looking for a few high profile ARCs, like Throne of Glass, On the Fence, and Scarlet (Gaughen), plus some other 2016 releases, including Wintersong and Traitor to the Throne, plus others.
I've never read a story that featured hunting or hunters but I'm very intrigued by the premise of this one. My hubby is a hunter and I can't even imagine if he went out with four other guys and then came back one short.
Currently Listening:
I put this one on hold this past week while I read some regency romance because, well, because that's what I felt like doing. But I only have maybe 30% of this audiobook left, so I'm going to finish it this week. And I'm sure I'll love the ending even more than I've enjoyed the rest of the audio.
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So, I've seen a few others doing early reviews for books pre-release by doing a less formal review and sorta just fangirling over the title prior to publication, which may be months away, depending on when they read the book. Jamie from The Perpetual Page-turner has a Save the Date feature, and Heather over at The Flyleaf Review showcases her pre-release thoughts in a Mark Your Calendars post. I have the same problem. I want to tell the world about some of the awesome books I read pre-publication, but I can't wait until just a few weeks before the release date to shout it from the rooftops. And sometimes there just aren't words for a book, ya know?
My dilemma led me to an awesome idea: Reviews in a GIFfy. I already (sometimes) post my reactions to a book via GIFs on Goodreads. (The one I did for World After was very well received.) But I wanted to make it a thing for those titles that I just can't wait until they appear on the ole reading schedule -- or for the ones that it's really hard to adequately express my feelings -- and I wanted to share my reactions via GIF with all of you. Essentially, these are going to be GIF-only reviews to tide you -- and me! -- over until I can expand on my thoughts in a legitimate review closer to the book's release date...if ever!
Title: Blood for Blood Author: Ryan Graudin Series: Wolf by Wolf, book #2 Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR Publication Date: November 1, 2016 Source: ARC received from publisher Purchase:Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The action-packed, thrilling sequel to Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf.
There would be blood.
Blood for blood.
Blood to pay.
An entire world of it.
For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun.
Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.
But dark secrets reveal dark truths, and one question hangs over them all: how far can you go for the ones you love?
This gripping, thought-provoking sequel to Wolf by Wolf will grab readers by the throat with its cinematic writing, fast-paced action, and relentless twists.
Bloody verdammt book that made me cry all the tears and feel all the things. This follow-up to Wolf by Wolf was very different in tone and content but it was every bit as good and interesting and heartbreaking. Where Wolf by Wolf was all witty banter and racing and unbelievably sad flashbacks, this sequel was basically all of those sad flashbacks times a million. Blood for Blood was essentially the antithesis of Wolf by Wolf. Wolf by Wolf was by no means a light-hearted story, but it was full of wit and snark and moments of levity interspersed with moments of immense pain. But Blood for Blood...it was mostly harrowing ordeals and narrow escapes punctuated by instances of frivolity.
I think my GIF-tastic review below will sum it up best, but before I get to that, here are a few more things I appreciated about this sequel:
Multiple perspectives but with Yael always being the focal point - In the first book, I constantly wondered what the real Adele Wolf was doing while Yael was parading around as her, and you get that in this sequel, though not from the horses's mouth. The multiple points of view really help to form a complete picture.
I applaud the author's choices, that she did what was right by her characters - Big risks and hard decisions make this a tragic story but also make it all the more genuine. This is war and with war comes loss and devastation.
Unpredictable and thrilling story - I legit never knew what was coming in this book. I was blind-sided time and again and still kept coming back for more, even though it felt like my heart was being torn from my chest.
Incredible character growth - Going from kids trying to win a race (well, except for Yael, sort of) to people with loved ones to save and sacrifices to make and fuhrers to kill and making all kinds mistakes along the way, these characters change so much.
Okay, before I get to the GIFfy portion of this review, I just wanted to share a short video that perfectly depicts my reading experience:
So, when the novel opens, Yael is on the run after her disastrous assassination attempt from the previous book.
But that's nothing new, as Yael is pretty much always on the run. Her life is nothing but one big chase with one singular mission...to kill this guy:
Yael finds herself escaping with the two boys she took turns racing beside in the first book, and even this early in the story, I just knew there was no way things were going to end well.
My money was on the fuhrer, but I like to be prepared.
Basically, I felt like Yael was always backed into a corner, ready to claw her way out if need be.
Didn't make it any easier to read, though.
Not only does Yael's past come back to haunt her ten-fold in this sequel, but you also get a peek at past-Luka and past-Felix, and though their stories don't even compare to the torture Yael has suffered, they definitely still had difficult upbringings.
Meanwhile, well-thought plans crumble. Betrayals abound. Truths can no longer remain buried.
And good intentions pave the road to hell.
And through it all...
So much pain. It's been a month since I finished this book and still the pain is so fresh.
This story is definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you have a heart, it will definitely hit you in the feels. HARD. Don't say I didn't warn you.
About the author:
Hello! I’m Ryan. This is me in a nutshell.
29.
Writer.
Traveler.
Believer.
Sherlock Whovian Browncoat.
Wife to a talented and handsome photographer.
Mother to a fluffy and winsome wolf-dog.
Drinks Chai Lattes.
Loves vintage Christmas lights.
And this is me in the officially-official version:
Ryan Graudin grew up in Charleston and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Creative Writing in 2009. She is the author of Wolf By Wolf, Blood For Blood, The Walled City and the All That Glows series. She resides near Charleston with her husband and wolf-dog.
"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: Daughter of the Pirate King Author: Tricia Levenseller Series: n/a Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Publication Date: February 21, 2017
A 17-year-old pirate captain intentionally allows herself to get captured by enemy pirates in this thrilling YA adventure.
If you want something done right . . .
When the ruthless pirate king learns of a legendary treasure map hidden on an enemy ship, his daughter, Alosa, knows there's only one pirate for the job—herself. Leaving behind her beloved ship and crew, Alosa deliberately facilitates her own kidnapping to ensure her passage on the ship, confident in her ability to overcome any obstacle. After all, who's going to suspect a seventeen-year-old girl locked in a cell? Then she meets the (surprisingly perceptive and unfairly attractive) first mate, Riden, who is charged with finding out all her secrets. Now it's down to a battle of wits and will . . . . Can Alosa find the map and escape before Riden figures out her plan?
Debut author Tricia Levenseller blends action, adventure, romance, and a little bit of magic into a thrilling YA pirate tale.
I love pirate stories! And I'm already imagining that Riden looks like Hook from OUAT. :D This story of deception and treasure and enemy pirates sounds so fun. That cover might be too cutesy, though. Since it's not final, I'm wondering what other options they're looking at...
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
{TTT} Awhile on the Pile
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 Ten Books That Have Been On Your Shelf (Or TBR) From Before You Started Blogging That You STILL Haven't Read Yet:
Back before I started blogging - or right around the same time, anyway - Borders went out of business. It was rather heartbreaking because at the time, that's where I did all of my book shopping, and they had these awesome 40% off coupons all the time. Plus, membership was free! Anyway, I visited their closing sales rather frequently and ended up with a lot of books on my shelves that to this day, I still haven't read. And I've been blogging for over five years now! :*( Mind you, not all of those pictured are from the Borders going-out-of-business sales. Some I truly had every intention of reading as soon as I got home with them. But I think even then I was a mood reader...I just didn't know it yet.
A lot of these have ended up in my #booksfortrade pile, but not all. And if you don't know what that is, you can find out more here. I honestly do still plan to read the Marchetta books, Sabriel and Twenty Boy Summer. One day...
Which books from before blogging are still sitting neglected on your shelves?
Saturday, August 20, 2016
{The Weekend Update} 8.20.16 - Back to School
Katie: This summer was shorter.
Me: Nope, same length as last year.
Katie: Well, it went by faster.
Poor kid. What she doesn't understand yet is that it's only going to go by faster from here on out. And she's growing up soooo fast. She has a crush on the neighbor kid -- but shhhh! Daddy doesn't know this yet or he wouldn't let her have playdates with this boy anymore, lol. He's a year older than her and quirky and wears glasses and I've already imagined a best friends to more romance for them. It's going to be glorious! :D
Okay, okay. On to the books. Here's what I scored this week...
From Publishers/For Review:
I actually got this one last week, but I forgot to post about it, so I'm doing it this week since I didn't request anything or receive anything this week. Anyway, it's a timey wimey YA featuring a M/M romance and I am so on board with that.
Traded:
I am ecstatic to add this book to my stacks, especially as I just featured it as a WoW pick recently. :D :D :D
I just posted a new #booksfortrade | Have You Seen This? post this week! I updated my lists, too! I'm still looking for a few high profile ARCs, like Throne of Glass, On the Fence, and Scarlet (Gaughen), plus some other 2016 releases, including Wintersong and Traitor to the Throne, plus others.
Purchased:
Nothing new this week...and let me tell you, my shelves (and my husband!) are grateful! =P
Library:
I've been in the mood for some adult reads lately. And romance. And this series fits the bill. So much fun!!!
So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?
The Week in Review:
Reviews:
Current Giveaways:
Check back soon!!!
Promotional/Discussion Posts:
Currently Reading/Listening:
Currently Listening:
Thursday, August 18, 2016
ALL I KNOW IS PAIN: {Review in a GIFfy} BLOOD FOR BLOOD by Ryan Graudin
My dilemma led me to an awesome idea: Reviews in a GIFfy. I already (sometimes) post my reactions to a book via GIFs on Goodreads. (The one I did for World After was very well received.) But I wanted to make it a thing for those titles that I just can't wait until they appear on the ole reading schedule -- or for the ones that it's really hard to adequately express my feelings -- and I wanted to share my reactions via GIF with all of you. Essentially, these are going to be GIF-only reviews to tide you -- and me! -- over until I can expand on my thoughts in a legitimate review closer to the book's release date...if ever!
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series: Wolf by Wolf, book #2
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Bloody verdammt book that made me cry all the tears and feel all the things. This follow-up to Wolf by Wolf was very different in tone and content but it was every bit as good and interesting and heartbreaking. Where Wolf by Wolf was all witty banter and racing and unbelievably sad flashbacks, this sequel was basically all of those sad flashbacks times a million.
Blood for Blood was essentially the antithesis of Wolf by Wolf. Wolf by Wolf was by no means a light-hearted story, but it was full of wit and snark and moments of levity interspersed with moments of immense pain. But Blood for Blood...it was mostly harrowing ordeals and narrow escapes punctuated by instances of frivolity.
I think my GIF-tastic review below will sum it up best, but before I get to that, here are a few more things I appreciated about this sequel:
So, when the novel opens, Yael is on the run after her disastrous assassination attempt from the previous book.
But that's nothing new, as Yael is pretty much always on the run. Her life is nothing but one big chase with one singular mission...to kill this guy:
Yael finds herself escaping with the two boys she took turns racing beside in the first book, and even this early in the story, I just knew there was no way things were going to end well.
My money was on the fuhrer, but I like to be prepared.
Basically, I felt like Yael was always backed into a corner, ready to claw her way out if need be.
Didn't make it any easier to read, though.
Not only does Yael's past come back to haunt her ten-fold in this sequel, but you also get a peek at past-Luka and past-Felix, and though their stories don't even compare to the torture Yael has suffered, they definitely still had difficult upbringings.
Meanwhile, well-thought plans crumble. Betrayals abound. Truths can no longer remain buried.
And good intentions pave the road to hell.
And through it all...
So much pain. It's been a month since I finished this book and still the pain is so fresh.
Previous posts in this feature:
Of Metal and Wishes
The Kiss of Deception
Between the Spark and the Burn
Blue Lily, Lily Blue
This Shattered World
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Heart of Betrayal
Of Dreams and Rust
Nightfall
Winter
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
{WOW} DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING by Tricia Levenseller
"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:
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series: n/a
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: February 21, 2017
I love pirate stories! And I'm already imagining that Riden looks like Hook from OUAT. :D This story of deception and treasure and enemy pirates sounds so fun. That cover might be too cutesy, though. Since it's not final, I'm wondering what other options they're looking at...
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
View my complete profile