July 2019 Book Haul

Hi everyone!

I haven’t done a book haul in ages and I figured this would be a good time to do one! My birthday was last week and I went on a bit of a shopping spree at the bookstore that day. Then, as if that weren’t enough, I went back to the bookstore with my best friend just yesterday (I’ll blame her for that one!). So, over this last week, I have gathered quite a few books that I’m extremely excited to read!

The Bone Charmer by Breeana Shields

In Saskia’s world, bones are the source of all power. They tell the future, reveal the past, and expose secrets in the present. Each village has a designated seer who performs readings for the townsfolk, and in Midwood, the Bone Charmer is Saskia’s mother.

On the day of her kenning—a special bone reading that determines the apprenticeships of all seventeen-year-olds—Saskia’s worst fears come true. She receives an assignment to train as a Bone Charmer, like her mother, and even worse, a match-making reading that pairs her with Bram—a boy who has suspicious tattoos that hint of violence.

Saskia knows her mother saw multiple paths for her, yet chose one she knew Saskia wouldn’t want. Their argument leads to a fracture in one of the bones. Broken bones are always bad luck, but this particular set of bones have been infused with extra magic, and so the break has devastating consequences—Saskia’s future has split as well. Now she will live her two potential paths simultaneously. Only one future can survive. And Saskia’s life is in danger in both.

Come Find Me by Megan Miranda

After surviving an infamous family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Kennedy Jones has made it her mission to keep her brother’s search through the cosmos alive. But then something disturbs the frequency on his radio telescope–a pattern registering where no signal should transmit.

In a neighboring county, seventeen-year-old Nolan Chandler is determined to find out what really happened to his brother, who disappeared the day after Nolan had an eerie premonition. There hasn’t been a single lead for two years, until Nolan picks up an odd signal–a pattern coming from his brother’s bedroom.

Drawn together by these strange signals–and their family tragedies–Kennedy and Nolan search for the origin of the mysterious frequency. But the more they uncover, the more they believe that everything’s connected–even their pasts–as it appears the signal is meant for them alone, sharing a message that only they can understand. Is something coming for them? Or is the frequency warning them about something that’s already here?

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Mayan god of death sends a young woman on a harrowing, life-changing journey in this dark, one-of-a-kind fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore.

The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather’s house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own.

Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfather’s room. She opens it—and accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopea’s demise, but success could make her dreams come true.

In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.

The Haunted by Danielle Vega

From Danielle Vega, YA’s answer to Stephen King, comes a new paranormal novel about dark family secrets, deep-seated vengeance, and the horrifying truth that evil often lurks in the unlikeliest of places.

Hendricks Becker-O’Malley is new in town, and she’s bringing baggage with her. With a dark and wild past, Hendricks doesn’t think the small town her parents moved her to has much to offer her in terms of excitement. She plans on laying low, but when she’s suddenly welcomed into the popular crowd at school, things don’t go as expected.

Hendricks learns from her new friends that the fixer-upper her parents are so excited about is notorious in town. Local legend says it’s haunted. Hendricks doesn’t believe it. Until she’s forced to. Blood-curdling screams erupt from the basement, her little brother wakes up covered in scratches, and something, or someone pushes her dad down the stairs. With help from the mysterious boy next door, Hendricks makes it her mission to take down the ghosts . . . if they don’t take her first.

Last Tango in Cyberspace by Steven Kotler

Hard to say when the human species fractured exactly. Harder to say when this new talent arrived. But Lion Zorn is the first of his kind–an empathy tracker, an emotional soothsayer, with a felt sense for the future of the we. In simpler terms, he can spot cultural shifts and trends before they happen.

It’s a useful skill for a certain kind of company.

Arctic Pharmaceuticals is that kind of company. But when a routine em-tracking job leads to the discovery of a gruesome murder, Lion finds himself neck-deep in a world of eco-assassins, soul hackers and consciousness terrorists. But what the man really needs is a nap.

A unique blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional cyberpunk, Last Tango in Cyberspace explores hot topics like psychology, neuroscience, technology, as well as ecological and animal rights issues. The world created in Last Tango is based very closely on our world about five years from now, and all technology in the book either exists in labs or is rumored to exist. With its electrifying sentences, subtle humor, and an intriguing main character, readers are sure to find something that resonates with them in this groundbreaking cyberpunk science fiction thriller.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

The Near Witch’ is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. There are no strangers in the town of Near. These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger, a boy who seems to fade like smoke, appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true. The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Nocturna by Maya Motayne

The first in a sweeping and epic own voices debut fantasy trilogy—set in a stunning Latinx-inspired world—about a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince who must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed. Perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Leigh Bardugo, and V. E. Schwab.

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks.

As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.

But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.

The Obsoletes by Simeon Mills

Fraternal twin brothers Darryl and Kanga are just like any other teenagers trying to make it through high school. They have to deal with peer pressure, awkwardness, and family drama. But there’s one closely guarded secret that sets them apart: they are robots. So long as they keep their heads down, their robophobic neighbors won’t discover the truth about them and they just might make it through to graduation.

But when Kanga becomes the star of the basketball team, there’s more at stake than typical sibling rivalry. Darryl—the worrywart of the pair—now has to work a million times harder to keep them both out of the spotlight. Though they look, sound, and act perfectly human, if anyone in their small, depressed Michigan town were to find out what they truly are, they’d likely be disassembled by an angry mob in the middle of their school gym.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

In this sparkling prequel we meet sisters Frances and Jet and Vincent, their brother. From the beginning their mother Susanna knew they were unique: Franny with her skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, who could commune with birds; Jet as shy as she is beautiful, who knows what others are thinking, and Vincent so charismatic that he was built for trouble. Susanna needed to set some rules of magic: no walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles and certainly, absolutely, no books about magic…

But the Owens siblings are desperate to uncover who they really are. Each heads down a life-altering course, filled with secrets and truths, devastation and joy, and magic and love. Despite the warning handed down through the family for centuries – Know that for our family, love is a curse – they will all strive to break the rules and find true love.

The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington

As destiny calls, a journey begins.

It has been twenty years since the god-like Augurs were overthrown and killed. Now, those who once served them – the Gifted – are spared only because they have accepted the rebellion’s Four Tenets, vastly limiting their powers.

As a Gifted, Davian suffers the consequences of a war lost before he was even born. He and others like him are despised. But when Davian discovers he wields the forbidden power of the Augurs, he sets into motion a chain of events that will change everything.

To the west, a young man whose fate is intertwined with Davian’s wakes up in the forest, covered in blood and with no memory of who he is…

And in the far north, an ancient enemy long thought defeated begins to stir.

Teeth in the Mist by Dawn Kurtagich

Before the birth of time, a monk uncovers the Devil’s Tongue and dares to speak it. The repercussions will be felt for generations…

Sixteen-year-old photography enthusiast Zoey has been fascinated by the haunted, burnt-out ruins of Medwyn Mill House for as long as she can remember–so she and her best friend, Poulton, run away from home to explore them. But are they really alone in the house? And who will know if something goes wrong?

In 1851, seventeen-year-old Roan arrives at the Mill House as a ward–one of three, all with something to hide from their new guardian. When Roan learns that she is connected to an ancient secret, she must escape the house before she is trapped forever.

1583. Hermione, a new young bride, accompanies her husband to the wilds of North Wales where he plans to build the largest water mill and mansion in the area. But rumors of unholy rituals lead to a tragic occurrence and she will need all her strength to defeat it.

Three women, centuries apart, drawn together by one Unholy Pact. A pact made by a man who, more than a thousand years later, may still be watching…

Have you guys read any of these books? What are some of your recent bookish purchases? Let me know in the comments!

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Down the TBR Hole #8

This was created by Lia from Lost in a Story. I’m going to attempt to do this post every week as the rules say, but since I have such a massive TBR, I’m going to be picking out 20 books instead of 10. So, let’s see how this goes!

The Rules:

Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.

Order on ascending date added.

Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books

Read the synopses of the books

Decide: keep it or should it go?

Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week!

Current “To Read” Shelf: 1957

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Send by Patty Blount

I’m dropping this one off my TBR solely for personal reasons. This is the type of novel that I would have picked up in my mid or late teens, but I feel I’ve grown out of that phase. I also am trying to cut down on some of the books on my TBR that I know I’m not currently in the right emotional place to read.

Judgment: GO

King of the Screwups by K.L. Going

This book has been sitting on my TBR for so long now and I forget how I even found it in the first place. I think this might have been one that I discovered on one of my random expeditions through the library. Anyway, though it still sounds very good, I don’t think I am actually going to get around to it at this point. And, as I need to be a bit stricter with my TBR, it has to go.

Judgment: GO

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I tried really hard with this series since Divergent is one of my favorite young adult dystopians of all time. But I just could not get past the halfway mark in Insurgent and, though I hate leaving series unfinished, I just don’t think I’m going to get myself to read the rest of it.

Judgment: GO

Asylum by Madeleine Roux

I’ll definitely be keeping this one. This is a book my mom got me because we are both into these types of novels. I’m always looking for some good young adult horror novels and though I’ve heard mix things about this one, I’m still very interested in reading it.

Judgment: KEEP

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

I am tentatively keeping this one on my list for now. I have given this novel a try once because I am constantly hearing such wonderful things about it. However, I just could not get into it and had to put it aside. I hate leaving books unfinished and I do think I was in the wrong mood for it at the time, so I am going to give it another try at some point.

Judgment: KEEP

Letting Ana Go by Anonymous

As I said earlier, I am trying to cut down on some of the books on my TBR that I know I’m not currently in the right emotional place to read. I think this is one of them at the moment. I do own it so I’ll hang on to my copy for a little bit, but for now it’s going off my TBR.

Judgment: GO

The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley

Once again, not in the right emotional place to read this. This is another one I might consider again somewhere down the road. It still sounds like a great novel and I am definitely interested in it. But, to be honest, I don’t feel I’m up to it right now.

Judgment: GO

The Book of David by Anonymous

Sorry to become repetitive, but the same thoughts from the previous two apply to this one as well. This is one I’m slightly more undecided on because I am still extremely interested in it, so the verdict might change. For now, though, I’ll be taking it off my TBR.

Judgment: GO

The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais

This one’s a definite keeper! I saw the movie back when it first came out and absolutely adored it and I was extremely excited when I found out it was actually a book. I’ve been slow getting around to it but yes, I do still plan on reading this one!

Judgment: KEEP

Where the Moon Isn’t by Nathan Filer

This was a tough one to decide on. I remember how eager I was to read this book when I first discovered it. However, it’s another one that I let sit on my TBR for ages and now I’ve lost a lot of that excitement. It does still sound like a wonderful novel, but I think I may have passed that window of interest for me. I feel like I’m just not going to get around to it.

Judgment: GO

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Okay, so any of you who know me and my book preferences are probably wonder just what the heck this is doing on my TBR. I shall explain! Well…basically this was one of the few times I gave in to hype. I was hearing so much about this series and it seemed like it would be a short read so I figured, why not? But now I am older and wiser…and this is a definite nope.

Judgment: GO

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

So the reason this is on my TBR is pretty much the same story as the previous one—I gave into the hype. I figured I should read a Colleen Hoover novel at least once just to see what I think and this one is one of the most interesting sounding ones to me. And (just to make things confusing) I do still plan to do that! However, right now, this is not something I am eager to read. So, even though it is leaving my TBR for now, I will hold onto it and it may return.

Judgment: GO

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

I am definitely keeping this one. I have been hearing so many incredible things about this novel and it sounds like such a heartbreaking but beautiful read. This is exactly my favorite type of historical fiction. I am really hoping I can pick this one up sometime this year.

Judgment: KEEP

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Keep! Once again, I’ve been slow getting around to it but I am so insanely excited to read this series! Even though I haven’t begun it yet, I already own all the books! 😛

Judgment: KEEP

Eon by Alison Goodman

I’m a bit unsure what to do about this one. It was another discovery from years ago and it does still sound fairly interesting. But, as I’m being strict when it comes to cutting down my TBR, I think this will have to go for now. I may return to it one day, but it’s not something I see myself picking up in the near future.

Judgment: GO

Something Real by Heather Demetrios

I’ll be honest, I thought for sure this would be one I’d take off my TBR. This has been on there for a while and it is another one of those young adult novels that I chose during a very different phase of my reading life. However, this story still sounds really lovely and heartwarming and I do honestly think I will enjoy it. I definitely still feel very motivated to read it.

Judgment: KEEP

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

This was another hype one. Historical fiction is definitely a genre I love—romance is always iffy. At the time I discovered this, I was definitely game to give this one a try. However, it’s been quite a long time now and I just don’t see myself getting around to it. I’m not sure it’s still my type of story.

Judgment: GO

Intangible by Jen Meyers

This is an old one from my Kindle that I’m not too sure about anymore. I think its another one from a phase that I’ve outgrown and I don’t know if I would get nearly as much enjoyment out of it now. The motivation to read it is unfortunately not really there.

Judgment: GO

100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith

I have been meaning to read a novel by Andrew Smith for quite a while now and I have a few on my TBR. They all still sound interesting to me and like books I will be picking up somewhat soon, so anything by him is staying for sure.

Judgment: KEEP

Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick

For a long time now I’ve been wanting to read a Marcus Sedgwick novel, but I’ve been a bit indecisive about which one to choose. This one sounded pretty good at the time so I figured I would go with it, but now I’m not certain how I feel about it. For now, I’ll be removing this one but I do hope to find another novel by him to read sometime soon.

Judgment: GO

Getting Rid Of: 13/20

TBR Total: 1944

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Down the TBR Hole #7

This was created by Lia from Lost in a Story. I’m going to attempt to do this post every week as the rules say, but since I have such a massive TBR, I’m going to be picking out 20 books instead of 10. So, let’s see how this goes! 

This time around, I didn’t clear out too much, but I thought it would still be fun to share my TBR with you guys! It’s been so long since I did one of these, so my TBR shelf has gotten ever more out of control. I’m hoping to get back to doing these regularly because it’s definitely in desperate need of a clear out.

The Rules:

Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.

Order on ascending date added.

Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books

Read the synopses of the books

Decide: keep it or should it go?

Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week!

Current “To Read” Shelf: 1741

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The Night My Sister Went Missing by Carol Plum-Ucci

I vaguely remember picking this up somewhere because it was really cheap and sounded intriguing. I’ve never heard anyone talk about this one, so I’m not quite sure what to expect with it. That being said, I do think I still have enough of an interest in it to keep it on my TBR. It’s an extremely short novel and I think I can probably breeze through it.

Judgment: KEEP

Life is But a Dream by Brian James

This is another one I found randomly and have been very interested in for years but I just haven’t gotten to yet. I don’t ever hear about this one either, but it does sound good. I’ve been cutting down on the amount of books I read about mental illness for personal reasons, but this is one of the few I do want to keep on my list for now.

Judgment: KEEP

Witch & Wizard by James Patterson

I’ve had this book—and series as a whole—on my radar for ages but I kept putting it off for some reason. I never seemed to be in the mood for it whenever I thought about picking it up. Between that and the fact that I am now well out of the age range for this one, realistically, I’m probably never actually going to get around to it. I’m going to let this book go.

Judgment: GO

Gone, Gone, Gone by Hannah Moskowitz

I had an incredibly hard time making up my mind about this book. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not likely to be something I read anytime soon and I have too many books on my TBR to keep something I feel that way about. I’m sure this is a great read, but I need to pass my copy off to a better home.

Judgment: GO

Flawed by Kate Avelynn

I don’t actually remember adding this one to my TBR and when I came across it while making this post, I realized I had absolutely no clue what it was about. It also definitely isn’t something I want to read anymore.

Judgment: GO

Dreamsleeves by Coleen Murtagh Paratore

Despite how long it’s been since I discovered and added this book, my desire to pick it up is still pretty strong. It sounds like such a sad but heartwarming story with a very unique concept. I definitely want to try my best to get to this one at some point.

Judgment: KEEP

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan

I remember hearing tons about this when it first came out and it was exactly the kind of novel I was enjoying reading at the time. But I remember my enthusiasm about it dying down somewhat quickly. This also seems like something I would have been a lot more interested in when I was younger anyway. So this one is going off my TBR.

Judgment: GO

Crazy by Amy Reed

As I mentioned earlier, I am cutting down on the amount of mental illness books on my TBR. I read one other book by Amy Reed years ago and I really enjoyed it, so I added some of her other books to my list. However, though I do think she is a good author, I’m not feeling any inclination to read this one anymore.

Judgment: GO

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I am for sure going to keep this one. F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favorite authors of all time, and I seriously need to read more of his work. I swear, I will get to this some day!

Judgment: KEEP

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Same reasons as I stated above!

Judgment: KEEP

Carrie by Stephen King

I’ve said before in these posts that almost anything by Stephen King is an automatic keeper and this is no exception. I am a massive fan of his and it’s crazy that I still haven’t gotten around to this one yet. But I am planning to try and work some more of his novels into my reading in the near future and this is toward the top of the list.

Judgment: KEEP

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

I’ve heard lots of great things about this novel—and the entire series—particularly from some friends of mine who I know I have very similar tastes to. And I am still extremely interested in this story. I will admit, I don’t know if I will be getting to this one really soon, but I am definitely going to keep it on my TBR.

Judgment: KEEP

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Conan Doyle is another one of my all-time favorite authors, so any work of his is something I want to read. I’m hoping to get back into this particular series this year and finally finish it. I’ve really missed these stories and I can’t wait to continue on with them.

Judgment: KEEP

The Watch That Ends the Night by Allan Wolf

A combination of a novel in verse with a story about the Titanic? This is a definite keeper! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been so interested in learning about the Titanic and I also enjoy reading historical fiction about it. It sounds like this will be such a beautiful and poignant way of approaching the topic. I’m still very eager to read it.

Judgment: KEEP

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

This is another one of those books that I just randomly found and I know I was also very drawn in by the wonderful cover. It is likely going to be a very heavy and emotional read, but I’m still so interested in the story. I’m keeping this one on my list.

Judgment: KEEP

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

I have been thinking a lot lately about how few series I have read—or at least completed—in my life and I want to change that. This year, I am dedicating myself to expanding that part of my literary experience and Leigh Bardugo’s novels are ones I have at the top of my list. I’m especially eager to get to Six of Crows, but I really want to read this trilogy first, so this should be a book on my monthly TBR very soon.

Judgment: KEEP

Lucy in the Sky by Anonymous

I remember reading Go Ask Alice—which is a book similar to this one—for school many years ago and I enjoyed it a lot. I have a couple of these novels in my collection and, though I don’t think I will like them quite as much as I did when I was younger, I believe they will still be good reads. It might be a while before I get around to this one, but I definitely want to keep it on my list for now.

Judgment: KEEP

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

I am absolutely, 100% determined to read this novel this year. I’ve been meaning to get around to it for ages and I’m sure I will absolutely love it. I think I put this off because I know it will probably be a bit of a slower read for me. But I’m going to try my best to make time for it sometime in the next few months.

Judgment: KEEP

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

I have to be honest, this was mainly a cover buy, which is a somewhat rare thing for me. I was also interested in the story, but I don’t remember ever being fully sold on it. It’s another one that I also feel I’ve outgrown. My tastes have changed so much in the last few years and I just know I’m never going to get around to this book.

Judgment: GO

Miles from Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

This is one other mental illness story that still makes it onto my list (I feel like I’ve made a ton of exceptions in this post!). I read another novel by Carol Lynch Williams years ago and it became one of my all-time favorites. This also seems like it will be a very quick read, so I believe I will in fact pick this up one day.

Judgment: KEEP

Getting Rid Of: 6/20

TBR Total: 1735

Top 5 Most Anticipated Releases of Winter 2018-2019

I’ve been having a bit of a hectic winter so far, so I’m running a bit late with this post. However, I wanted to make sure to get this out because I’m really looking forward to these next few months book-wise. There are so many awesome-sounding releases coming out very soon and it was incredibly difficult to narrow down my list to just five. But here are the novels that I am most looking forward to this winter.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo (February 12^th, 2019)

Quick-witted, ambitious Ji Lin is stuck as an apprentice dressmaker, moonlighting as a dancehall girl to help pay off her mother’s mahjong debts. But when one of her dance partners accidentally leaves behind a gruesome souvenir, Ji Lin plunges into a dark adventure: a mirror world of secrets and superstitions.

Eleven-year-old Chinese houseboy Ren also has a secret, a promise he must fulfill to his dead master: to find his master’s severed finger and bury it with his body. Ren has 49 days to do so, or his master’s soul will wander the earth forever.

As the days tick relentlessly by, a series of unexplained deaths wrack the district, along with whispers of men who turn into tigers. Ji Lin and Ren’s increasingly dangerous paths crisscross through lush plantations, hospital storage rooms, and ghostly dreamscapes.

Yangsze Choo’s The Night Tiger pulls us into a world of servants and masters, age-old superstition and modern idealism, sibling rivalry and forbidden love. But anchoring this dazzling and propulsive novel is the intimate coming of age of a child and a young woman, each searching for their place in a society that would rather they stay invisible.

Lovely War by Julie Berry (March 5^th, 2019)

A sweeping, multi-layered romance with a divine twist, by the Printz Honor-winning author of The Passion of Dolssa, set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II.

It’s 1917, and World War I is at its zenith when Hazel and James first catch sight of each other at a London party. She’s a shy and talented pianist; he’s a newly minted soldier with dreams of becoming an architect. When they fall in love, it’s immediate and deep—and cut short when James is shipped off to the killing fields.

Aubrey Edwards is also headed toward the trenches. A gifted musician who’s played Carnegie Hall, he’s a member of the 15th New York Infantry, an all-African-American regiment being sent to Europe to help end the Great War. Love is the last thing on his mind. But that’s before he meets Colette Fournier, a Belgian chanteuse who’s already survived unspeakable tragedy at the hands of the Germans.

Thirty years after these four lovers’ fates collide, the Greek goddess Aphrodite tells their stories to her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares, in a luxe Manhattan hotel room at the height of World War II. She seeks to answer the age-old question: Why are Love and War eternally drawn to one another? But her quest for a conclusion that will satisfy her jealous husband uncovers a multi-threaded tale of prejudice, trauma, and music and reveals that War is no match for the power of Love.

Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy (March 5^th, 2019)

I’ve been chased my whole life. As an illegal immigrant in the territory controlled by the tyrannical Mercer corporation, I’ve always had to hide who I am. Until I found Excalibur.

Now I’m done hiding.

My name is Ari Helix. I have a magic sword, a cranky wizard, and a revolution to start.

When Ari crash-lands on Old Earth and pulls a magic sword from its ancient resting place, she is revealed to be the newest reincarnation of King Arthur. Then she meets Merlin, who has aged backward over the centuries into a teenager, and together they must break the curse that keeps Arthur coming back. Their quest? Defeat the cruel, oppressive government and bring peace and equality to all humankind.

No pressure.

Call Me Evie by J.P. Pomare (March 5^th, 2019)

In this propulsive, twist-filled, and haunting psychological suspense debut perfect for fans of Sharp Objects and Room, a seventeen-year-old girl struggles to remember the role she played on the night her life changed forever.

For the past two weeks, seventeen-year-old Kate Bennet has lived against her will in an isolated cabin in a remote beach town–brought there by a mysterious man named Bill. Part captor, part benefactor, Bill calls her Evie and tells her he’s hiding her to protect her. That she did something terrible one night back home in Melbourne–something so unspeakable that he had no choice but to take her away. The trouble is, Kate can’t remember the night in question.

The fragments of Kate’s shattered memories of her old life seem happy: good friends, a big house in the suburbs, a devoted boyfriend. Bill says he’ll help her fill in the blanks–but his story isn’t adding up. And as she tries to reconcile the girl she thought she’d been with the devastating consequences Bill claims she’s responsible for, Kate will unearth secrets about herself and those closest to her that could change everything.

A riveting debut novel that fearlessly plumbs the darkest recesses of the mind, Call Me Evie explores the fragility of memory and the potential in all of us to hide the truth, even from ourselves.

Sherwood by Meagan Spooner (March 19^th, 2019)

Robin of Locksley is dead. 

When news comes that he’s fallen in battle at the King’s side in the Holy Land, Maid Marian doesn’t know how she’ll go on. Betrothed to Robin, she was free to be herself, to flout the stifling rules of traditional society and share an equal voice with her beloved when it came to caring for the people of her land.

Now Marian is alone, with no voice of her own. The people of Locksley, persecuted by the Sheriff of Nottingham, are doomed to live in poverty or else face death by hanging. The dreadful Guy of Gisborne, the Sherriff’s right hand, wishes to step into Robin’s shoes as Lord of Locksley, and Marian’s fiancé. Society demands that she accept her fate, and watch helplessly as her people starve.

When Marian dons Robin’s green cloak, and takes up his sword and bow, she never intended that anyone should mistake her for Robin, returned from the Holy Land as a vigilante. She never intended that the masked, cloaked figure she created should stand as a beacon of hope and justice to peasant and noble alike. She never intended to become a legend.

But all of Nottingham is crying out for a savior. So Marian must choose to make her own fate and become her own hero…

Robin Hood.

What upcoming releases are you looking forward to the most this winter? I’d love to hear about your reading plans for the next few months, so make sure to let me know about them in the comments!

Review: Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

My Rating: 5/5 TARDISes

Series: Wayward Children #3

Date Published: January 9^th, 2018

Publisher: Tor

Pages: 174 pages

Source: Purchased

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis: Beneath the Sugar Sky returns to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the “real” world.

Sumi died years before her prophesied daughter Rini could be born. Rini was born anyway, and now she’s trying to bring her mother back from a world without magic.

____________________________________________________________

This is a spoiler-free review, but may contain some spoilers for Every Heart a Doorway.

Beneath the Sugar Sky is yet another novel that is pure magic and further cements this series into my all-time favorites list. McGuire presents readers with an exquisitely crafted tale that dabbles in friendship, darkness, and nonsense and takes us on a captivating and powerful journey. Though the worlds are as fantastical as always, the multi-dimensional characters and relatable themes make this story incredibly easy to become absorbed in. McGuire expertly creates something that readers can easily relate to and builds up the world around them so that one is fully immersed in the enchantment of this fractured fairytale.

While this novel does return to the setting of the first, the story is structured in a much different way. We are taken from Eleanor West’s School for Wayward Children and travel through a variety of portal worlds that we have only heard of thus far. It is an adventure unlike any other with a beautiful and diverse cast of characters—both old and new. It is a wholly unique tale that combines fantasy with reality and celebrates our differences and the qualities that make us human. And, above all, it is about love, belonging, and the camaraderie that can form between an unlikely group of young heroes.

In this novel, we follow four kids from the School for Wayward Children—Cora, Nadya, Christopher, and Kade—and their unexpected guest, Rini. Every single character in this novel is absolutely brilliant and the friendship that binds them together, even more so. They fully accept each other for who they are and treat each other with equal amounts of respect. McGuire’s characters are always so lovable and I adore every second I get to spend with them. Time and time again, she is able to create fully fleshed out characters very quickly and fluidly, as these stories are quite short.

All of the novels in this series feature a huge amount of diversity and this one, in particular, demonstrates this extremely well. McGuire takes things such as sexuality, race, disabilities, gender identity, and size and folds them into the story. She does not highlight these qualities in a way where they clearly stand out compared to the rest of the plot. Instead, she treats them as pure, natural facts about her characters—it is just a part of who they are and that is all that matters. She does not make a big deal out of it, instead, showing how important it is to see people for who they are. We are all exactly who we were meant to be and nothing that makes us who we are is abnormal or should be a cause for discrimination. We are all equal. That is how she treats her characters and this is one of the many reasons why I love this series.

Through all the magic and nonsense and impossibilities, the humanity radiates from behind it all. It ties us so closely to the characters—the struggles and environments—despite the fantastical nature of the storyline. Adding in issues that run rampant in our society and take a toll on people—particularly younger people—allows readers to relate to each character and the obstacles they face. This also provides insight into the many problems that plague us and how everyone’s story is different. Every moment, this novel reminds us how important it is to be open-minded and, above all, that even though life carries each and everyone one of us through a unique journey, we all share one similarity that links us. We are still human.

The worlds that McGuire creates are utterly enchanting and easy to become a part of. They are so vividly described and I could always form a clear picture in my mind. For the first time, we are taken into multiple worlds, which was absolutely fascinating. In such a short period of time, she meticulously constructs them and seamlessly fits them into the adventure of the characters. These glimpses have left me dying to see more of each character’s individual world and hear their full backstories.

As always, McGuire’s writing is skillful and beautiful. The emotions that she evokes throughout the novel are palpable and her worlds are painstakingly created to the point of absolute solidity. She has the perfect voice for telling these types of narratives that are styled very much like modern fairytales. This voice of hers breathes life into every page, every element of the narrative itself.

The novel is imaginative—sugary sweet as the cover of the book with an undercurrent of sadness and longing. She fills it with adventure and magic while also weaving in the struggles people face in reality. Insecurities, fears, desire for acceptance—these and many more topics can be seen as the base for this story. This is what makes her stories feel so real—like we as readers could simply step through a door and instantly find ourselves exploring these breathtakingly beautiful worlds. They are each built up around us in such a detailed, multi-dimensional way that it is almost impossible for them and the characters to not take up residence in one’s mind. McGuire truly is an artist. If you have not begun this series yet, I highly urge you to give it a try.

Top 5 Most Anticipated Releases of Fall 2018

The first week of last month started out very strong. I was in more of a reading mood than I had been for quite a while, and I was already flying through my TBR. I was also really eager to get back to posting more regularly, as I’ve had some pretty slow months lately. Then, I can honestly say, I experienced the worst week of my entire life. For the rest of the month, I was spending a lot of time with family, and was just generally a mess, and all the reading and posting I was planning on doing sort of went out the window.

I’m still not feeling great, but I know it’s going to take some more time, and I’m ready to ease myself back in to reading and writing. I am so sorry my content has been so spotty, and I truly appreciate you all for sticking with me anyway. Hopefully September will be a much better month all around!

Now, on to my most anticipated releases coming this fall!

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton (September 20^th, 2018)

My real name, no one remembers.

The truth about that summer, no one else knows.

In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing, and Edward Radcliffe’s life is in ruins.

Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist’s sketchbook containing a drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river.

Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets? 

Told by multiple voices across time, The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a story of murder, mystery, and thievery, of art, love, and loss. And flowing through its pages like a river is the voice of a woman who stands outside time, whose name has been forgotten by history, but who has watched it all unfold: Birdie Bell, the clockmaker’s daughter.

Vengeful by V.E. Schwab (September 25^th, 2018)

**** CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST NOVEL, VICIOUS ****

The sequel to Vicious, V.E. Schwab’s first adult novel.

Sydney once had Serena—beloved sister, betrayed enemy, powerful ally. But now she is alone, except for her thrice-dead dog, Dol, and then there’s Victor, who thinks Sydney doesn’t know about his most recent act of vengeance.

Victor himself is under the radar these days—being buried and re-animated can strike concern even if one has superhuman powers. But despite his own worries, his anger remains. And Eli Ever still has yet to pay for the evil he has done.

Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak (October 9^th, 2018)

The breathtaking story of five brothers who bring each other up in a world run by their own rules. As the Dunbar boys love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world, they discover the moving secret behind their father’s disappearance. At the center of the Dunbar, family is Clay, a boy who will build a bridge—for his family, for his past, for greatness, for his sins, for a miracle. The question is, how far is Clay willing to go? And how much can he overcome?

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri (November 13^th, 2018)

A nobleman’s daughter with magic in her blood. An empire built on the dreams of enslaved gods. Empire of Sand is Tasha Suri’s captivating, Mughal India-inspired debut fantasy.

The Amrithi are outcasts; nomads descended of desert spirits, they are coveted and persecuted throughout the Empire for the power in their blood. Mehr is the illegitimate daughter of an imperial governor and an exiled Amrithi mother she can barely remember, but whose face and magic she has inherited. 

When Mehr’s power comes to the attention of the Emperor’s most feared mystics, she must use every ounce of will, subtlety, and power she possesses to resist their cruel agenda.

Should she fail, the gods themselves may awaken seeking vengeance…

Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful by Arwen Elys Dayton (December 4^th, 2018)

For fans of television shows Black Mirror and Westworld, this compelling, mind-bending novel is a twisted look into the future, exploring how far we will go to remake ourselves into the perfect human specimen and what it means to be human at all.

Set in our world, spanning the near to distant futures, Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful is a novel made up of six interconnected stories that ask how far we will go to remake ourselves into the perfect human specimens, and how hard that will push the definition of “human.”

This extraordinary work explores the amazing possibilities of genetic manipulation and life extension, as well as the ethical quandaries that will arise with these advances. The results range from the heavenly to the monstrous. Deeply thoughtful, poignant, horrifying, and action-packed, Arwen Elys Dayton’s Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful is groundbreaking in both form and substance.

What upcoming releases are you looking forward to the most this fall? I’d love to hear about your reading plans for the next few months, so make sure to let me know about them in the comments!

Down the TBR Hole #6

This was created by Lia from Lost in a Story. I’m going to attempt to do this post every week as the rules say, but since I have such a massive TBR, I’m going to be picking out 20 books instead of 10. So, let’s see how this goes!

The Rules:

Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.

Order on ascending date added.

Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books

Read the synopses of the books

Decide: keep it or should it go?

Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week!

Current “To Read” Shelf: 1533

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

There is absolutely no question about this one—definite keeper! The end! 🙂

Judgment: KEEP

The Predicteds by Christine Seifert

This one’s a no go these days. I can understand why this would have interested me at one point, but I’ve simply grown out of it.

Judgment: GO

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

I am definitely holding on to this one. Despite taking so long to get around to it, this series sounds absolutely fantastic and right up my alley!

Judgment: KEEP

Variant by Robison Wells

I had a lot of trouble making a decision with this one. On one hand, I love dystopian novels and this does still sound somewhat interesting for that reason. On the other hand, I’ve had this sitting around for so many years now—am I really going to pick it up? And I think I’ve finally come to the decision to give this one up.

Judgment: GO

The Sleepwalkers by J. Gabriel Gates

Here’s another one that I’ve gone back and forth on quite a bit. It’s one of those novels that isn’t always appealing to me—only when I’m in certain reading moods. I do love creepy/thriller type novels, so there is still enough about it that piques my interest. I feel like I should really get to this soon, though, while I am in that reading mood.

Judgment: KEEP

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

I’ve never read a Lauren Oliver novel—though I do have at least one other on my TBR—and I tend to keep putting them off. I always hear extremely mixed reviews, and none of her books have personally been really intriguing. However, this one sounds extremely sweet and more like something I would enjoy compared to her other books. I’ll be keeping this one for now.

Judgment: KEEP

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I feel like most of the reviews I have read or heard about this novel are very polarizing—either people love it or hate it. But there are some that fall in the middle, and that is what pushes me to read it. With the hope that I enjoy it at least enough to continue on with the series, which I’m told gets much better, I do really want to give this a go.

Judgment: KEEP

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Coming back to this novel and checking it out again, my initial interest in it is just not there anymore. It sounds like something I would have much preferred when I was younger and first getting into dystopian novels. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good dystopian, but I’ve definitely become quite a lot picker, and this sounds a bit too “samey” for me these days.

Judgment: GO

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

I’ll admit, this was sort of a cover buy for me initially. It is normally the type of novel that I would’ve just picked up from the library because I wasn’t totally sold on it. However, I do own it, and honestly, I am definitely still interested enough to give it a try. I’ll be keeping this one.

Judgment: KEEP

Beckoning Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I have been interested in this book—and the series as a whole—for quite a long time now. And I’m still just as eager to pick this up as I was back when I first got it. I’d love to get this read at some point in the next few months.

Judgment: KEEP

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

I’ve seen a few of my Goodreads friends read and enjoy this novel, and I think that is where I first picked it up. But I really don’t think it’s for me, and hasn’t been for awhile. So I think it’s time to get rid of this one.

Judgment: GO

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John

Yes, I know it has been ages since I got this book. But I’m still incredibly excited to read it! And now that it’s being brought to my attention again, I really want to try to finally get to it sometime this year.

Judgment: KEEP

Between by Jessica Warman

I picked this one up toward the very beginning of my Goodreads life, and I remember being extremely interested in it then. I’ve been recently been trying to unhaul some of my books (there will definitely be a post about this!) and found this again. And, to be completely honest, I couldn’t for the life of me remember what exactly had interested me. So, while I’m sure it’s a good novel, it’s just not for me anymore.

Judgment: GO

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Definitely still want to keep this one. Apart from it just generally sounding fantastic, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it. My relationship with Stiefvater’s writing had a rocky start, but I’m happy to try some more of her novels (this and The Raven Cycle) and hopefully change my mind.

Judgment: KEEP

Popular by Alissa Grosso

I remember myself being so excited when I first found this—at the age of probably sixteen-ish. However, it really has not aged well, and as an adult, there seems to be just way too much angst and drama for my taste these days. So…nope!

Judgment: GO

Without Tess by Marcella Pixley

I have kept almost picking this up for many many months now. So despite the fact that I do keep putting it aside, I really do still want to read it!

Judgment: KEEP

The Talk-Funny Girl by Roland Merullo

Despite the fact that it has been so many years since I first added this to my TBR, I still really do want to read this. It sounds really bittersweet and funny and heartwarming, and I think it will be a really nice read.

Judgment: KEEP

The Twin’s Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logstead

Another one of those books that I got way back in the early years of having a Kindle. It was a bit hard to decide whether or not I wanted to keep this one. Part of me thinks it still sounds interesting, but not all of it. And, realistically, there is only a very slim chance I’ll be getting around to it at any point in the near future.

Judgment: GO

Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

This is not really the type of book that I would normally read. But it is such a hugely popular novel that I hear a lot about. Plus, the main reason I’m keeping it is that one of my best and longest online friends is a massive fan of the entire series, and she has recommended it to me many times. So I definitely still want to read it!

Judgment: KEEP

11/22/63 by Stephen King

I absolutely love Stephen King, and I did have a rule that all of his books were an automatic keep. However, I’m going to have to break my rule for this one. I’ve had this on my Kindle since it first came out, and it does still sound good to some extent. I just don’t think I’m actually going to pick it up at this point, or at the very least, not very soon. So I’m going to remove it for now.

Judgment: GO

Getting Rid Of: 8/20

TBR Total: 1525

Top 5 Most Anticipated Releases of Summer 2018 (Part Two)

Hey Everyone!

I know I’ve already posted about my most anticipated releases, but the truth is, there were just way too many to fit into one post! And thus, we have a part two!

Also, I apologize for my brief absence and for the short post today. One of my cousins has just passed away and, unfortunately, a close friend of mine is very ill and in hospice care. So suffice it to say, life has been a bit hellish this last week or so. I’m slowly beginning to get back into the swing of things now, so we should be back to regular posting soon!

Thank you for bearing with me! ❤ 

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton (June 26^th, 2018)

You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!)

Or does she? 

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.

These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch (August 7^th, 2018)

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war. 

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre. 

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (August 7^th, 2018)

A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty’s resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.

The Dark Beneath the Ice by Amelinda Berube (August 7^th, 2018)

Something is wrong with Marianne.

It’s not just that her parents have split up, or that life hasn’t been the same since she quit dancing. Or even that her mother has checked herself into the hospital.

She’s losing time. Doing things she would never do. And objects around her seem to break whenever she comes close.

Something is after her. But a first attempt at an exorcism calls down the full force of the thing’s rage. It demands Marianne give back what she stole. And Marianne must uncover the truth that lies beneath it all before the nightmare can take what it think it’s owed, leaving Marianne trapped in the darkness of the other side.

A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan (August 14^th, 2018)

Gold is wealth. Wealth is power. Power is a curse.

King Midas once had the ability to turn all he touched into gold. But after his gift—or curse—almost killed his daughter, Midas relinquished The Touch forever. Ten years later, Princess Kora still bears the consequences of her father’s wish: her skin shines golden, rumors follow her everywhere she goes, and she harbors secret powers that are getting harder to hide.

Kora spends her days locked in the palace, concealed behind gloves and veils, trying to ignore the stares and gossip of courtiers. It isn’t until a charming young duke arrives that Kora realizes there may be someone out there who doesn’t fear her or her curse. But their courtship is disrupted when a thief steals precious items from the kingdom, leaving the treasury depleted and King Midas vulnerable. Thanks to her unique ability to sense gold, Kora is the only one who can track the thief down. As she sails off on her quest, Kora learns that not everything is what it seems—not thieves, not pirates, and not even curses. She quickly discovers that gold—and the power it brings—is more dangerous than she’d ever believed. 

Midas learned his lesson at a price. What will Kora’s journey cost?

From author Annie Sullivan comes A Touch of Gold, the untold story of the daughter King Midas turned to gold, perfect for fans of Cinder and The Wrath and the Dawn.

What upcoming releases are you looking forward to the most this summer? I’d love to hear about your reading plans for the next few months, so make sure to let me know about them in the comments!

Down the TBR Hole #5

Hey guys! I’m so sorry for the spotty posting and comment replying over the last week or two. I haven’t been feeling very well and that’s put me in a bit of an everything slump. But I’m pushing through it and trying to get things back to normal as soon as possible!

And I promise, I will be getting caught up on tags and replying to your comments very soon as well! You guys have been leaving the most wonderful comments that have completely warmed my heart—thank you all so much for your love and support! ❤

This was created by Lia from Lost in a Story. I’m going to attempt to do this post every week as the rules say, but since I have such a massive TBR, I’m going to be picking out 20 books instead of 10. So, let’s see how this goes!

The Rules:

Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.

Order on ascending date added.

Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books

Read the synopses of the books

Decide: keep it or should it go?

Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week!

Current “To Read” Shelf: 1440

____________________________________________________________

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

I’ve had this on my Kindle for a really long time. This isn’t my typical type of story because I believe it is at least part romance novel, but the mystery aspect of it still has me intrigued and seems like the primary focus. So I am totally still up for giving this one a try.

Judgment: KEEP

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I am definitely keeping this one—in fact, it’s a priority on my reading list for the year. I started it a few times, but I was always too busy to sit down and give it the time it deserves. I’m hoping I’ll be able to do that this year, potentially this summer!

Judgment: KEEP

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves

Okay, so this one apparently appealed to me at one point, but now it sounds incredibly weird and honestly really disgusting. I mean, I do absolutely love both reading and writing creepy, dark, twisted thriller stories, but this one seems a little much, even for me. And I am also now concerned about my younger self… 😛

Judgment: GO

Happyface by Stephen Emond

I feel a bit bad taking this off my list because it does sound like a sweet and funny story. However, I’m trying to really be hard on myself about eliminating books I’m probably never going to get around to and, unfortunately, this is realistically one of them.

Judgment: GO

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

I’m feeling a bit torn over this one. This is a book I’ve had on my Kindle for years but have never gotten around to. The mystery aspect of the plot is still really intriguing to me, but the rest of it sounds like something I would have preferred as a teenager. I’ve decided to remove it from my TBR for now since I don’t think I will be picking it up any time soon, but it is on my Kindle in case I change my mind at any point.

Judgment: GO

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

I found this through Goodreads/Booktube ages ago, but I ended up picking up A Monster Calls as my first Patrick Ness book (which is now one of my all-time favorite novels!). After reading that, I proceeded to have a Patrick Ness book buying attack and bought the entire Chaos Walking trilogy. Basically yes, this is definitely staying!

Judgment: KEEP

This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas

Nope, no…too creepy. I don’t actually remember putting this on my list either.

Judgment: GO

Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern

My initial reason for removing this was the fact that, these days, I’m often avoiding books that focus solely on mental health due to my own current situation. I’m just not in a place where I feel comfortable reading too many books on the topic. However, usually I would just put this aside until I feel better. But upon perusing the Goodreads page, I found out all about how this author has attacked reviewers who have expressed any negative opinions…so no, I’m not even going to consider this in the future.

Judgment: GO

After by Amy Efaw

Clearly, we’re still in the early stages of my TBR, so this is another old addition. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about this novel and I think it may have been one I discovered through my Goodreads friends. For some reason, though, I’ve lost interest in it. It definitely gives me that “I would have loved this when I was a teenager” vibe.

Judgment: GO

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Again, another really old addition, and again, one that I have heard many good things about. This is one that I was really eager to read at one time, but (sorry for being repetitive!) I just don’t feel motivated to pick it up anymore. I will keep it in mind though, in case my feelings change in the future.

Judgment: GO

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

I remember hearing so much about this book back when it came out—everyone I knew loved it. But taking a look at it now, it’s really not something that I’m particularly interested in anymore. This is one of those contemporary romance novels that seems like it would be a bit darker and thought-provoking, which is typically the only type that appeals to me. But I just think, realistically, I’m not going to be picking this up.

Judgment: GO

Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

I will save you from my repetitive ramblings with this one and just say: I might have read this as a teenager. Which I am not. 😛

Judgment: GO

Beautiful by Amy Reed

Okay, so this might not be a “forever removal”, but I’m taking it out for the time being. I read one novel by Amy Reed years ago and enjoyed it, so I would like to read more of her work. However, between the fact that I’m being cautious with mental health related novels at the moment and the fact that I’m not nearly as eager to read it as I used to be, I’m putting it aside.

Judgment: GO

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Don’t let the position on my TBR fool you—I am insanely excited to read this book! I’ve been wanting to read this for so long and I finally bought a couple a little while ago. …Okay, maybe by “a little while ago” I mean over a year ago…but still! Definitely picking it up soon! 😀

Judgment: KEEP

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

Another definite keeper! One of the top priority novels on my classics TBR. So excited to read this one!

Judgment: KEEP

Augusta, Gone: A True Story by Martha Tod Dudman

And this is where I have to own up to my Lifetime movie addiction. The majority of the movies I like to watch are…how should I put this…unintentionally hilarious. However, many of their movies that are based off of true stories are actually not bad. One that I really enjoyed was based off of this novel, and I thought it would be interesting to read it. I’ve had it sitting on my TBR for ages, but it’s something I can still see myself picking up at some point.

Judgment: KEEP

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

This is another novel that’s on my classics TBR, and it’s a definite keeper. I think this may have been on reading lists at school, but I always ended up picking other books. Then a few years ago, a bunch of people started recommending it to me and a good friend of mine got me a copy. It sounds like a wonderful story, and I’m excited to check it out and see what they all love about it!

Judgment: KEEP

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Again, yet another novel on my classics TBR—so pretty much an automatic keeper! We never did a full read of this novel in school, but we did read excerpts from it in my AP Lit & Comp class. And I really loved all the passages that we studied, so I quickly added it to my TBR. I’m trying to start reading some more classics as I’ve kind of slacked off a bit lately, so this is a priority on that list.

Judgment: KEEP

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Again, trying to be pretty strict and realistic when it comes to cutting down my TBR, and this one is unfortunately leaving. This novel has some great reviews and I was very interested in it when I first discovered it. But then it just sat there for years and, being honest with myself, I’ve lost too much of my eagerness to read it. It’s just very unlikely that I’m going to pick this up at any point.

Judgment: GO

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

The first and only E. Lockhart book I’ve ever read is We Were Liars, which I read back when it first came out. I know that opinions on that novel are very polarizing, and I ended up being one of the readers that really loved it. Ever since then, I’ve been wanting to pick up another one of her novels and this is the one that has been recommended to me the most. I’m definitely going to read this at some point.

Judgment: KEEP

Getting Rid Of: 11/20

TBR Total: 1429

Top 5 Most Anticipated Releases of Summer 2018

Hey Everyone!

Wow! I cannot believe I am already thinking about summer releases! This year has been going by insanely quickly. I am extremely excited about the next few months—there are so many amazing books consistently coming to shelves all summer long. It is extremely hard to narrow down my list of most anticipated releases, but here are the ones that I am struggling to stand the wait for! 

The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall (June 19^th, 2018)

From the national bestselling author of Whistling Past the Graveyard comes a moving coming-of-age tale set in the tumultuous sixties that harkens to both Ordinary Grace and The Secret Life of Bees. 

Tallulah James’s parents’ volatile relationship, erratic behavior, and hands-off approach to child rearing set tongues to wagging in their staid Mississippi town, complicating her already uncertain life. She takes the responsibility of shielding her family’s reputation and raising her younger twin siblings onto her youthful shoulders. 

If not for the emotional constants of her older brother, Griff, and her old guard Southern grandmother, she would be lost. When betrayal and death arrive hand in hand, she takes to the road, headed to what turns out to be the not-so-promised land of Southern California. The dysfunction of her childhood still echoes throughout her scattered family, sending her brother on a disastrous path and drawing her home again. There she uncovers the secrets and lies that set her family on the road to destruction.

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage (July 17^th, 2018)

Sweetness can be deceptive.

Meet Hanna.

She’s the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He’s the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she’ll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good. 

Meet Suzette.

She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna’s tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette’s husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there’s something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn’t the best place for their baby girl after all.

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas (July 31^st, 2018)

There are no more cheerleaders in the town of Sunnybrook.

First there was the car accident—two girls gone after hitting a tree on a rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever know why he did it. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die. After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one wanted to be reminded of the girls they lost.

That was five years ago. Now the faculty and students at Sunnybrook High want to remember the lost cheerleaders. But for Monica, it’s not that easy. She just wants to forget. Only, Monica’s world is starting to unravel. There are the letters in her stepdad’s desk, an unearthed, years-old cell phone, a strange new friend at school. . . . Whatever happened five years ago isn’t over. Some people in town know more than they’re saying. And somehow Monica is at the center of it all.

There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe.

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab (August 28^th, 2018)

Cassidy Blake’s parents are The Inspectres, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can REALLY see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one.

When The Inspectres head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob—come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil. Cass isn’t sure about her new mission, but she does know the sinister Red Raven haunting the city doesn’t belong in her world. Cassidy’s powers will draw her into an epic fight that stretches through the worlds of the living and the dead, in order to save herself.

The Second Life of Ava Rivers by Faith Gardner (August 28^th, 2018)

Vera Rivers’ plans to escape her dysfunctional family and their tragic past are abruptly put on hold when her twin sister Ava—reported missing twelve years ago—makes a startling reappearance. Strange, beautiful, enigmatic Ava makes Vera’s life magical again—but the demons of Ava’s unspeakable past lie between them. Exploring the limits of love, the effects of PTSD, and the nature of sisterhood and redemption, The Second Life of Ava Rivers is a haunting story of grief, family, and forgiveness.

What upcoming releases are you looking forward to the most this summer? I’d love to hear about your reading plans for the next few months, so make sure to let me know about them in the comments!