Top 10 Tuesday – October 29th, 2019

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It’s time for another Top 10 Tuesday list. This is an original weekly blog meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish, and it is now hosted by Jana from That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week, there is a new bookish topic for bloggers to create a list about. If you want to know more about Top 10 Tuesday, click here!

This week’s Top 10 Tuesday topic is a Halloween freebie, so I’ve decided to do the top ten books I would recommend reading around Halloween. I have done at least one Halloween reading list at some point in my time blogging, but I know that I usually focused on spooky/horror books. This time around, I do have some new favorites but these are not all horror novels—they are a mix of different genres that all have those autumn vibes. They are perfect to read on a chilly, cozy day (with a nice cup of tea, of course!). I’ll also leave links to any (always spoiler-free!) reviews I’ve done.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (My review)

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney (My review)

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (My review)

His Hideous Heart edited by Dahlia Adler (My review)

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb (My review)

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (My review)

What books do you guys enjoy reading around this time of year? What are some of your most recent reads that have had those autumn vibes? Let me know in the comments!

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Fall Activities Book Tag

I was tagged to do the Fall Activities Book Tag by my wonderful friend Heather from The Sassy Book Geek. Thank you so much for the tag! Please make sure you guys head over and check out her amazing blog (and give her a follow while you’re at it!) 😀

This tag was originally created by Ashley from Dreaming Through Literature, so also make sure to go check out her post as well!

Apple Picking: A book on your TBR that looks so delicious you can’t wait to take a bite out of it.

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff and Timekeeper by Tara Sim

I couldn’t decide between the two—they are both so tempting! First of all, Nevernight is quite appropriate for this particular tag because Heather was the one who recommended the book to me. I just got my copy in the mail recently and the need to pick it up is strong! Timekeeper isn’t coming out until the beginning of next month, but then I got approved for an ARC! Basically, these are probably going to be my next two reads!

Corn Maze: A book that’s so much fun to get lost in.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

I enjoy getting lost in any of the Sherlock Holmes novels, but this is my favorite of the series. These novels are extremely easy to get immersed in on so many levels. There’s brilliant, captivating writing, intriguingly plotted and absorbing mysteries—they are perfect for curling up and enjoying on a cold, fall day!

Click here to read my full review!

Haunted Houses: A book that scared you silly.

The Shining by Stephen King

Despite the fact that I love reading spooky stories, I’ve never actually been really creeped out by any. The closest I ever came to getting really scared while reading was with The Shining—things get pretty damn freaky! Stephen King is a total master of the horror genre.

Pumpkin Patch: The latest book you picked up (purchased).

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

This sounded like it would be such a sweet and unique read, so I just had to get myself a copy. I expect to be reading and reviewing this one fairly soon!

Scenic Drives: A book that is lyrically beautiful.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This book. This. Book. Every single thing about A Monster Calls is absolutely beautiful, but Patrick Ness’s incredible, lyrical writing is the star of the show.

Click here to read my full review!

Pumpkin Carving: A book you didn’t like and wouldn’t mind carving up.

The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin

This book had SO much potential, but ended up being one of the slowest and most painfully boring reads I have ever had. Now let me just say, never in a million years would I ever carve up a book, no matter how much I dislike it! But let’s just say, if I had a copy of this book and for some reason could not keep it in pristine condition…or if it were to be sucked into a black hole…yeah, not going to be too disappointed by that.

Click here to read my full review!

Hiking: A book that was a highly enjoyable romp.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I love absolutely everything about this novel…and absolutely everything about Mr. Rochester…*ahem* um…I mean the fantastic writing and…um…compelling underlying themes… Seriously though, this is one of my favorite classics and I adored studying it in school.

Drinking Apple Cider: A sweet book to curl up under the covers with.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

This was one of my absolute favorite childhood stories, and it most definitely is a sweet story to snuggle under the covers with (something I did on many a night!). It’s such an adorable, fun, easy to love story—plus it’s a total book lover’s book as well!

Jumping In A Leaf Pile: A book that reminds you of your childhood.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

and

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

This was another I couldn’t choose just one for, though neither of these are probably particularly surprising! Both of these series in general remind me of my childhood, but these are my personal favorites of those series—and they make me feel especially nostalgic!

Scary Movie Night: Your favorite spooky read.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Again, I’ve never found a novel that really scares me too much, but this is definitely one creepy story. And it’s creepy in a different way from the typical fall/Halloween time reads with ghosts and monsters (the non-human kind, at least!). It’s one of my favorite classics of all time and honestly a perfect story to read this time of year!

Bonus! Costume Party: A book with an eclectic cast of characters.

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

I’ve read so many wonderful stories with incredibly eclectic casts, but this is one that will always really stick in my mind. This novel holds a very wide variety of vividly portrayed and well-developed characters that truly drive the story. Every single aspect of Vicious is wonderful, but these unique characters really remain with you well after you’ve finished reading.

Click here to read my full review!

I Tag:

Anna @ My Bookish Dream

Jen @ J.N. Cahill

Fran @ Nightjar’s Jar of Books

Cheyenne @ Cheyenne Raphael Writes

Sam @ One Bookish Girl

Nagina @ OhBookish

Ola @ Ola Reads Books

Top 5 Anticipated Releases of Fall 2016

Hi everyone!

Happy Fall! It’s finally my favorite time of year, and I’ve already started wearing my sweaters and boots! First off, I’d like to apologize for my absence this past month. I’ve been dealing with some unexpected health issues and it has caused both reading and blogging to be rather tricky. I’m starting back with a bit of a shorter post today, but I promise, I’ll be getting back into the swing of things with posting this month. I have a number of reviews coming, including one from an awesome buddy read with my friend Anna from My Bookish Dream (read her review here!). I’m looking forward to coming back and being a bit more active—and feeling better!

1. When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore (October 4^th, 2016)

When the Moon Was Ours follows two characters through a story that has multicultural elements and magical realism, but also has central LGBT themes—a transgender boy, the best friend he’s falling in love with, and both of them deciding how they want to define themselves.

To everyone who knows them, best friends Miel and Sam are as strange as they are inseparable. Roses grow out of Miel’s wrist, and rumors say that she spilled out of a water tower when she was five. Sam is known for the moons he paints and hangs in the trees, and for how little anyone knows about his life before he and his mother moved to town.

But as odd as everyone considers Miel and Sam, even they stay away from the Bonner girls, four beautiful sisters rumored to be witches. Now they want the roses that grow from Miel’s skin, convinced that their scent can make anyone fall in love. And they’re willing to use every secret Miel has fought to protect to make sure she gives them up.

2. Timekeeper by Tara Sim (November 1^st, 2016)

Two o’clock was missing.

In an alternate Victorian world controlled by clock towers, a damaged clock can fracture time—and a destroyed one can stop it completely.

It’s a truth that seventeen-year-old clock mechanic Danny Hart knows all too well; his father has been trapped in a Stopped town east of London for three years. Though Danny is a prodigy who can repair not only clockwork, but the very fabric of time, his fixation with staging a rescue is quickly becoming a concern to his superiors.

And so they assign him to Enfield, a town where the tower seems to be forever plagued with problems. Danny’s new apprentice both annoys and intrigues him, and though the boy is eager to work, he maintains a secretive distance. Danny soon discovers why: he is the tower’s clock spirit, a mythical being that oversees Enfield’s time. Though the boys are drawn together by their loneliness, Danny knows falling in love with a clock spirit is forbidden, and means risking everything he’s fought to achieve.

But when a series of bombings at nearby towers threaten to Stop more cities, Danny must race to prevent Enfield from becoming the next target or he’ll not only lose his father, but the boy he loves, forever.

The stunning first novel in a new trilogy by debut author Tara Sim, Timekeeper is perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare and Victoria Schwab.

3. Blood For Blood by Ryan Graudin (November 1^st, 2016)

*Contains spoilers for 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.

4. Heartless by Marissa Meyer (November 8^th, 2016)

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king’s marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

5. Flashfall by Jenny Moyer (November 15^th, 2016)

Orion is a Subpar, expected to mine the tunnels of Outpost Five, near the deadly flash curtain. For generations, her people have chased cirium—the only element that can shield humanity from the curtain’s radioactive particles. She and her caving partner, Dram work the most treacherous tunnel, fighting past flash bats and tunnel gulls, in hopes of mining enough cirium to earn their way into the protected city.

But when newcomers arrive at Outpost Five, Orion uncovers disturbing revelations that make her question everything she thought she knew about life on both sides of the cirium shield. As conditions at the outpost grow increasingly dangerous, it’s up to Orion to forge a way past the flashfall, beyond all boundaries, beyond the world as she knows it.

What are some of your most anticipated releases this fall? Let me know in the comments!

-Ariana

Fall Time Cozy Time Book Tag

I was tagged by Liam over at Liam’s Library and Marie over at Drizzle Hurricane Books to do the Fall Time Cozy Time Tag. Thank you both so much for tagging me! Make sure to stop by and check out both of these awesome book blogs! 😀

Also, I’m sorry for the lack of posts and slow comment replies over the last few days. I am sick again for the second time in a month and that’s caused me to run a bit behind in posting. 😦 Hopefully this will go away very soon and I can get things back to normal. Thanks for being patient! ❤

Crunching Leaves: The world is full of color. Choose a book that has reds, oranges, and yellows on the cover.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

I have not yet read this book (I’m still mildly terrified to), but I love the beautiful color scheme of the cover. Definitely very warm and reminiscent of fall!

Cozy Sweater: It’s finally cold enough to don warm, cozy clothing. What book gives you the warm fuzzies.

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

I’m fairly sure that I use the Sherlock Holmes novels to answer far too many tag questions, but hey, they’re some of my favorites! These novels always give me the warm fuzzies no matter what time of year I read them, and for some reason, they always put me in mind of colder weather. They are the types of novels that make you want to curl up with a blanket and a warm cup of tea and read while it snows outside.

Fall Storm: The wind is howling and the rain is pounding. Choose your favorite book or genre that you like to read on a stormy day.

On a day like that, my favorite genre to read would definitely be fantasy; it’s the perfect sort of weather to sit inside and get lost in another world. In terms of specific books, I’d say any of the Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia books. Also, these are not fantasy books, but To Kill a Mockingbird and any of the Sherlock Holmes novels would be perfect as well. I’m sure I have shocked everyone by not being able to choose just one book! I’m usually so decisive… 😀

Cool Crisp Air: Who’s the coolest character you’d want to trade places with?

This is tough to choose just one for; there are so many incredible characters out there! I think I would have to go with either Hermione Granger or Daenerys Targaryen. They are both awesome, strong, and completely badass female characters, and two of my all-time favorites. I also wouldn’t mind trading places with either Holmes or Watson; it would be awesome to work alongside the greatest detective ever, or get to be him!

Hot Apple Cider: What under hyped book do you want to see become the next biggest, hottest thing?

This is another tough one for me because I’ve not read all that many under hyped books in recent years, or at least ones that I really enjoyed. If I had to pick one, I might say Jackaby by William Ritter. I read this book earlier this year and absolutely loved it. It’s such a fun, hilarious, and enjoyable read, filled with lovable characters and a world that I want everyone to discover. I’m not sure if this is under hyped, but I personally have not heard many people talking about it

Coats, Scarves, and Mittens: The weather has turned cold and it’s time to cover up. What’s the most embarrassing book cover you own that you like to keep hidden in public?

I honestly never really feel embarrassed over anything like books or movies or TV shows. I can’t think of any books that I’d feel the need to keep hidden; if I like it and want to read it, that’s all that matters. I’ll read what I want, gosh darn it! 🙂

Pumpkin Spice: What’s your favorite fall time comfort food/foods?

I am going to be extremely cliché here and say basically anything pumpkin related. Seriously though, I love pumpkin; I definitely have a pumpkin addiction. Pumpkin spice lattes are my absolute favorite fall time comfort food (drink). I also love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins…if it has the word pumpkin in it, I probably like it!

I Tag:

Since I have been doing a lot of tags recently (and have many more coming!) and since fall is almost over, I’m not going to tag anyone specific. Instead, I tag everyone who wants to do it! If you do, make sure to link me to your post so I can check it out! 🙂

The Autumn Book Tag

Winter is coming (Sorry! Had to!) and my favorite season of the year is drawing to a close. So, to finish off the season, I thought it would be fun to reflect back on the best parts of autumn! I was tagged by Windie at Geek Apprentice to do The Autumn Book Tag. Thank you so much, Windie, for the tag! 🙂

What is your favorite thing about autumn?

I love the weather being cool but not freezing, making it perfect for cozy sweaters and boots. And I love the changing leaves and beautiful colors. And pumpkins…I love pumpkins!

What book reminds you of your school days?

Once again, I’m going to have to bring up my favorite novel because To Kill a Mockingbird is the novel that reminds me the most of my school days. It was a book that I, like many people, discovered through school and it is by far one of the best books I have ever read. After studying it for the first time in middle school, I ended up reading this book at least once a year every year following that.

What cover reminds you of autumn?

Beastly Bones by William Ritter – I love the nice warm color scheme of this cover, and the contrast between it and the cooler color scheme of Jackaby. And let me just say (for the millionth time), this series’ covers are insanely beautiful!

What is your favorite horror or Halloween story?

My all-time favorite horror story is The Shining by Stephen King. This is one of the most incredible and terrifying horror stories ever, and it was the only novel I have ever read that has come anywhere close to actually scaring me. I very highly recommend giving this a read if you have not!

What is your favorite horror or Halloween film?

As always, I can’t choose just one! Related to the last answer, my favorite horror “film” is The Shining, but the miniseries version with Steven Weber, not the actual movie version. My favorite Halloween film, on the other hand, is Hocus Pocus!

What fall book release are you looking forward to?

 

All of the fall book releases I have been looking forward to have already come out. However, I have not yet had a chance to read most of them, so the fall release that I am most looking forward to reading is Winter by Marissa Meyer. I feel like this is definitely many people’s most anticipated fall release, and I am so excited to read this and see how the series wraps up. A very close second would be Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo; it sounds fantastic!

What autumn movie release are you anticipating?

  

I have been slacking off on my movie watching, so I have not yet had a chance to see any of my most anticipated autumn releases. However, the ones that I am most excited for (and hoping to see soon) are Spectre, Mockingjay, and The Peanuts Movie.

What are the three books you plan to read this autumn?

Since autumn is ending very soon, I figured I would list the three books that I am definitely planning to finish before the end of the year. Chances are I will finish some or all of these in autumn! 🙂

  

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

I Tag:

Everyone who is reading this and wants to do it! 🙂 If you do, please link me to your post so I can check it out!

-Ariana