Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 146
June 25, 2017
Audiobooks vs Physical Books and eBooks
I recently hit a wall with a book I was reading (Caraval by Stephanie Garber). I was getting bored with the book but I wasn't sure whether I wanted to drop it or not. Then I remembered I had a code thing from OwlCrate for an extended audio excerpt and decided to download it onto my iPod. I'd never listened to an audiobook unless you count those books that came with accompanying tapes that I remember from my childhood and I've been hearing how much people are loving audiobooks so I decided to give it a try.
Here is my opinion on listening to books versus reading them:
1: For this particular book, I hated the narrator's voice, especially when she tried to speak for the different characters. It reminded me of this one episode of Murder, She Wrote where Mrs. Fletcher had created a detective character for her grandnieces and nephews and they decided to make it into a puppet tv show using the voice of a woman with "1000 voices" - and they all sounded stupid.
2. I know people say how convenient audiobooks are: they can listen to them in the car on the way to work, they can listen to them while working out, etc. But for me, it wasn't like that at all. Seriously, unless I was in my room listening to the book after I'd turned off the lights and the tv, I couldn't focus. And even then the digital clock distracted me as I tried to focus on what the narrator was reading. This may be a "me" issue, I tend to zone out when someone is trying to read me something.
3. I'm afraid of not retaining what I'm hearing. When I'm reading a book, seeing the words on the page, I can absorb the story and get lost in it. While I remember parts of what I heard, I can't remember it that well...
4. I'm on the fence about much quicker it would be to listen to an audiobook vs. reading the actual book. Sometimes if a book moves quickly I can finish reading it in a day or two, but if it drags and it's taking forever (like Caraval) maybe it would get me through it quicker. It's something to think about with books that are really long and/or a slow read.
My Verdict: Audiobooks may be more convenient for some, and in the future, it might come in handy when I'm having difficulty getting through a book I'm reading, but I still prefer reading over listening. It also really depends on the narrator.
Here is my opinion on listening to books versus reading them:
1: For this particular book, I hated the narrator's voice, especially when she tried to speak for the different characters. It reminded me of this one episode of Murder, She Wrote where Mrs. Fletcher had created a detective character for her grandnieces and nephews and they decided to make it into a puppet tv show using the voice of a woman with "1000 voices" - and they all sounded stupid.
2. I know people say how convenient audiobooks are: they can listen to them in the car on the way to work, they can listen to them while working out, etc. But for me, it wasn't like that at all. Seriously, unless I was in my room listening to the book after I'd turned off the lights and the tv, I couldn't focus. And even then the digital clock distracted me as I tried to focus on what the narrator was reading. This may be a "me" issue, I tend to zone out when someone is trying to read me something.
3. I'm afraid of not retaining what I'm hearing. When I'm reading a book, seeing the words on the page, I can absorb the story and get lost in it. While I remember parts of what I heard, I can't remember it that well...
4. I'm on the fence about much quicker it would be to listen to an audiobook vs. reading the actual book. Sometimes if a book moves quickly I can finish reading it in a day or two, but if it drags and it's taking forever (like Caraval) maybe it would get me through it quicker. It's something to think about with books that are really long and/or a slow read.
My Verdict: Audiobooks may be more convenient for some, and in the future, it might come in handy when I'm having difficulty getting through a book I'm reading, but I still prefer reading over listening. It also really depends on the narrator.
June 24, 2017
#BookTag Saturday: The Taylor Swift Book Tag
For this week's #booktag Saturday I chose: The Taylor Swift Book Tag. Now, I'm really not a fan of TS's music, in fact I downright hate it, but I can set that aside to do this prompt. I found this prompt on Goodreads in my favorite group, Coffee Break YA / NA and it was originally created by The Book Life on YouTube.
1. For ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ pick a book (or book series) that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with.
Answer: The Revelations Series by Leanne Rathbone (Grace & Divine)
2. For ‘Red’ pick a book with a RED cover.
Answer: The Elite by Kiera Cass
3. For ‘The Best Day’ pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic.
Answer: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
4. For ‘Love Story’ pick a book with forbidden love.
Answer: The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
5. For ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ pick a book with a bad character you couldn’t help but love.
Answer: Roar by Cora Carmack (Cassius)
6. For ‘Innocent’ (written b/c of Kanye West!) pick a book that someone ruined the ending for.
Answer: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
7. For ‘Everything has changed’ pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development.
Answer: Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Gathathynius from the Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
8. For ‘You Belong With Me’ pick your most anticipated book release.
Answer: Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones
9. For ‘Forever and Always’ – Pick your favourite book couple.
Answer: Feyre and Rhysand from A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
10.For ‘Come Back, Be Here’ pick the book you would least like to lend out, for fear of missing it too much.
Answer: The Obsession by Nora Roberts (because my mom wants it and I won't give it to her!)
11. 'Teardrops on My Guitar' - A book that made you cry.
Answer: Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly
12. 'Shake it Off' - A book that you love but have to shake off the haters.
Answer: See Me by Wendy Higgins
13. 'Stay, Stay, Stay' - A book you wanted to go on forever.
Answer: The Requiem Red by Brynn Chapman
14. 'All to Well' - Find a book series you wish was longer.
Answer: The Eurona Duology by Wendy Higgins
1. For ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ pick a book (or book series) that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with.
Answer: The Revelations Series by Leanne Rathbone (Grace & Divine)
2. For ‘Red’ pick a book with a RED cover.
Answer: The Elite by Kiera Cass
3. For ‘The Best Day’ pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic.
Answer: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
4. For ‘Love Story’ pick a book with forbidden love.
Answer: The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
5. For ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ pick a book with a bad character you couldn’t help but love.
Answer: Roar by Cora Carmack (Cassius)
6. For ‘Innocent’ (written b/c of Kanye West!) pick a book that someone ruined the ending for.
Answer: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
7. For ‘Everything has changed’ pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development.
Answer: Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Gathathynius from the Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
8. For ‘You Belong With Me’ pick your most anticipated book release.
Answer: Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones
9. For ‘Forever and Always’ – Pick your favourite book couple.
Answer: Feyre and Rhysand from A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
10.For ‘Come Back, Be Here’ pick the book you would least like to lend out, for fear of missing it too much.
Answer: The Obsession by Nora Roberts (because my mom wants it and I won't give it to her!)
11. 'Teardrops on My Guitar' - A book that made you cry.
Answer: Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly
12. 'Shake it Off' - A book that you love but have to shake off the haters.
Answer: See Me by Wendy Higgins
13. 'Stay, Stay, Stay' - A book you wanted to go on forever.
Answer: The Requiem Red by Brynn Chapman
14. 'All to Well' - Find a book series you wish was longer.
Answer: The Eurona Duology by Wendy Higgins
June 23, 2017
Cover Reveal: The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
Cover Reveals make Fridays even better, don't you think? This week I have a cover reveal for an amazing upcoming YA Fantasy novel from HarperTeen. I am so in love with this gorgeous cover and I can't wait to read this book!!! Check it out below...*******
"With gorgeous description and detailed rendering of a world where not everything and everyone are what they seem, Rebecca Ross weaves an intricate tale of revenge, loyalty, and, ultimately, self-discovery. Don’t miss the beautiful cover for Rebecca Ross’s debut young adult fantasy, THE QUEEN’S RISING, and pre-order your copy today!"
The Queen's Rising
Rebecca Ross
YA Fantasy
February 6, 2018
HarperTeen
The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross Blurb: When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
Add it to your Goodreads Now!
Pre-order The Queen's Rising Today: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes and Noble | HarperCollins
About the Author:
Rebecca Ross received her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Georgia. In the past, she has worked at a Colorado dude ranch, as a school librarian, and as a live-time captionist for a college. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog. THE QUEEN’S RISING is her debut novel. Visit her on the web at www.rebeccarossauthor.com or on Twitter @_RebeccaRoss.
Links:
Website: http://www.rebeccarossauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_RebeccaRoss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRossAuthor/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14926516.Rebecca_Ross
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rebeccajross/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccajross/
"With gorgeous description and detailed rendering of a world where not everything and everyone are what they seem, Rebecca Ross weaves an intricate tale of revenge, loyalty, and, ultimately, self-discovery. Don’t miss the beautiful cover for Rebecca Ross’s debut young adult fantasy, THE QUEEN’S RISING, and pre-order your copy today!"
The Queen's RisingRebecca Ross
YA Fantasy
February 6, 2018
HarperTeen
The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross Blurb: When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
Add it to your Goodreads Now!
Pre-order The Queen's Rising Today: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes and Noble | HarperCollins
About the Author:
Rebecca Ross received her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Georgia. In the past, she has worked at a Colorado dude ranch, as a school librarian, and as a live-time captionist for a college. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog. THE QUEEN’S RISING is her debut novel. Visit her on the web at www.rebeccarossauthor.com or on Twitter @_RebeccaRoss.Links:
Website: http://www.rebeccarossauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_RebeccaRoss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRossAuthor/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14926516.Rebecca_Ross
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rebeccajross/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccajross/
June 22, 2017
#BookMail Thursday #25
All week my Kindle and mailbox have been stuffed with new books! This is my book mail for this week and last week:
Last week: Signed Copies of:The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee AhdiehThe Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh
The Shining by Stephen King
ARC: Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly
eBooks: Cursed by the Gods by Raye WagnerHopeless by Colleen HooverThe Shadow Children, The Shadow City, and The Shadow War by L.C. Hibbitt
This Week: Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan
ARC: Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco - won in a giveaway!
Signed Copy of Road by Cora Carmack
Signed Copies of: Ivory and Bone by Julie EshbaughObsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
Last week: Signed Copies of:The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee AhdiehThe Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh
The Shining by Stephen King
ARC: Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly
eBooks: Cursed by the Gods by Raye WagnerHopeless by Colleen HooverThe Shadow Children, The Shadow City, and The Shadow War by L.C. Hibbitt
This Week: Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan
ARC: Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco - won in a giveaway!
Signed Copy of Road by Cora Carmack
Signed Copies of: Ivory and Bone by Julie EshbaughObsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
June 21, 2017
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #80
After the emotional roller coaster of Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly, I jumped into a book that's more likely to scare me senseless than make me cry. This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading...
The Shining by Stephen King
Blurb:
Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote . . . and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far: I chose to read this book at this time for several reasons. The first, most obvious reason being that on Monday I sat down to read my ARC copy of Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly and it was such a sad, emotional read that I had to read something so drastically different, something guaranteed to not make me cry, so I picked my most recent book purchase, The Shining.
The second reason is that with the book I'm nearly finished writing, Headless, my main character can't stand to read romance novels, preferring horror novels, especially the works of Stephen King. Since I've watched a few of the movies, but I've never read any of Stephen King's books I decided starting with The Shining was a good place to start. I'm eager to see the differences between the book and the movie.
So far I'm loving the story and I find the writing easy to get absorbed in.
The Shining by Stephen King
Blurb:
Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote . . . and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far: I chose to read this book at this time for several reasons. The first, most obvious reason being that on Monday I sat down to read my ARC copy of Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly and it was such a sad, emotional read that I had to read something so drastically different, something guaranteed to not make me cry, so I picked my most recent book purchase, The Shining.
The second reason is that with the book I'm nearly finished writing, Headless, my main character can't stand to read romance novels, preferring horror novels, especially the works of Stephen King. Since I've watched a few of the movies, but I've never read any of Stephen King's books I decided starting with The Shining was a good place to start. I'm eager to see the differences between the book and the movie.
So far I'm loving the story and I find the writing easy to get absorbed in.
{Release Day Blitz} Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly
It is finally release day for Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly! Join me in wishing Just An Illusion: EP a happy book birthday and be sure to read the whole post to get to the giveaway!
Cover Design: Regina Wamba / Maeidesign and Photography
Release Date: June 21, 2017
Synopsis
Lives are turned upside down …
Everything was perfect before life came to a screeching halt. When devastating loss flips Amelia’s world on its axis, she loses her spirit. Mel isn’t the only one hurting, though; the members of BAD are also struggling to find their way after that tragic night.
Life goes on …
Amelia’s friends move heaven and earth to help ease her sadness. Knowing she’s on a dangerous precipice, they fight through their own pain to bring her safely to the other side of her grief.
Love can conquer …
Amelia knows bottling up her feelings isn’t helping anything. With love at her fingertips, all she has to do is reach for it. Mel’s loved ones desperately hope she can once again find her way to happiness. Can Amelia overcome her fears to let love in again, or will she let the weight of that night continue to drown her in sorrow?Just an Illusion – EP is book three in The Illusion Series Add to Goodreads
Purchase LinkiBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia
Giveaway A choice of D.Kelly's paperbacks (1 winner) and a $20 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner)
a Rafflecopter giveaway Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d89/?
About the Author
D. Kelly, author of The Acceptance Series, The Illusion Series, and standalone companion novels Chasing Cassidy and Sharing Rylee, was born and raised in Southern California. She’s a wife, mom, dog lover, taxi, problem fixer, and extreme multi-tasker. She married her high school sweetheart and is her kids’ biggest fan.
Kelly has been writing since she was young and took joy in spinning stories to her childhood friends. Margaritas and sarcasm make her smile, she loves the beach but hates the sand, and she believes Starbucks makes any day better.
A contemporary romance writer, D. Kelly’s stories revolve around friendship and the bond it creates, strengthening the love of the people who share it. For all things D. Kelly, you can visit her website: http://www.dkellyauthor.com Connect with D Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2ngwyK4Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2mCW4GkFacebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2lU7EzGGoodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2mkiDPbTwitter: http://bit.ly/2nmHTVXInstagram: http://bit.ly/2nxf9ZIAmazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2n2aiTW
Bonus!!! As an added surprise, Just an Illusion - Side A is FREE & Just an Illusion - The B Side is .99 cents for a limited time.
Cover Design: Regina Wamba / Maeidesign and Photography
Release Date: June 21, 2017
Synopsis
Lives are turned upside down …
Everything was perfect before life came to a screeching halt. When devastating loss flips Amelia’s world on its axis, she loses her spirit. Mel isn’t the only one hurting, though; the members of BAD are also struggling to find their way after that tragic night.
Life goes on …
Amelia’s friends move heaven and earth to help ease her sadness. Knowing she’s on a dangerous precipice, they fight through their own pain to bring her safely to the other side of her grief.
Love can conquer …
Amelia knows bottling up her feelings isn’t helping anything. With love at her fingertips, all she has to do is reach for it. Mel’s loved ones desperately hope she can once again find her way to happiness. Can Amelia overcome her fears to let love in again, or will she let the weight of that night continue to drown her in sorrow?Just an Illusion – EP is book three in The Illusion Series Add to Goodreads
Purchase LinkiBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia
Giveaway A choice of D.Kelly's paperbacks (1 winner) and a $20 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner)
a Rafflecopter giveaway Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d89/?
About the Author
D. Kelly, author of The Acceptance Series, The Illusion Series, and standalone companion novels Chasing Cassidy and Sharing Rylee, was born and raised in Southern California. She’s a wife, mom, dog lover, taxi, problem fixer, and extreme multi-tasker. She married her high school sweetheart and is her kids’ biggest fan.Kelly has been writing since she was young and took joy in spinning stories to her childhood friends. Margaritas and sarcasm make her smile, she loves the beach but hates the sand, and she believes Starbucks makes any day better.
A contemporary romance writer, D. Kelly’s stories revolve around friendship and the bond it creates, strengthening the love of the people who share it. For all things D. Kelly, you can visit her website: http://www.dkellyauthor.com Connect with D Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2ngwyK4Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2mCW4GkFacebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2lU7EzGGoodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2mkiDPbTwitter: http://bit.ly/2nmHTVXInstagram: http://bit.ly/2nxf9ZIAmazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2n2aiTW
Bonus!!! As an added surprise, Just an Illusion - Side A is FREE & Just an Illusion - The B Side is .99 cents for a limited time.
June 20, 2017
Book Review: Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly
Just An Illusion: EP (The Illusion #3) by D. Kelly
Blurb:
Lives are turned upside down …
Everything was perfect before life came to a screeching halt.
When devastating loss flips Amelia’s world on its axis, she loses her spirit. Mel isn’t the only one hurting, though; the members of BAD are also struggling to find their way after that tragic night.
Life goes on …
Amelia’s friends move heaven and earth to help ease her sadness. Knowing she’s on a dangerous precipice, they fight through their own pain to bring her safely to the other side of her grief.
Love can conquer …
Amelia knows bottling up her feelings isn’t helping anything. With love at her fingertips, all she has to do is reach for it. Mel’s loved ones desperately hope she can once again find her way to happiness.
Can Amelia overcome her fears to let love in again, or will she let the weight of that night continue to drown her in sorrow?
My Review: After the devastating cliff-hanger ending of Just An Illusion: the B-Side, I was eager to read Just An Illusion EP. I didn't realize at the time the emotional upheaval I was in for. I went into reading this book hoping that finally, finally, the obstacle standing in the way of my 'ship sailing would be killed off (if you've read my reviews of book one and two you know what I'm talking about). And even if I got my way, which I will neither confirm nor deny, I had no idea that this book would hit me the way it did.
If I could describe Just An Illusion: EP in two words, those words would be "heart-wrenching." The writing is great, it gets right in there and screws with your heartstrings. I think I sobbed from the second page onward. While reading this book I literally ugly-cried for hours, and I'm a girl who hates to cry, who can actually force myself not to cry at times. At one point I ran out of tissues and had to wipe my nose with a dirty sock.
I'm glad that everything worked out the way I hoped in the end and I loved reading this series from start to finish (although I hear there will be a fourth book in Sawyer's perspective!) - it truly was an amazing journey.
Overall, if you've been following this series from the beginning you'll love the conclusion of Amelia's story, but be prepared - surround yourself with plenty of tissues and maybe some chocolate. Yes, chocolate would be very good right about now...
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars!
Blurb:
Lives are turned upside down …Everything was perfect before life came to a screeching halt.
When devastating loss flips Amelia’s world on its axis, she loses her spirit. Mel isn’t the only one hurting, though; the members of BAD are also struggling to find their way after that tragic night.
Life goes on …
Amelia’s friends move heaven and earth to help ease her sadness. Knowing she’s on a dangerous precipice, they fight through their own pain to bring her safely to the other side of her grief.
Love can conquer …
Amelia knows bottling up her feelings isn’t helping anything. With love at her fingertips, all she has to do is reach for it. Mel’s loved ones desperately hope she can once again find her way to happiness.
Can Amelia overcome her fears to let love in again, or will she let the weight of that night continue to drown her in sorrow?
My Review: After the devastating cliff-hanger ending of Just An Illusion: the B-Side, I was eager to read Just An Illusion EP. I didn't realize at the time the emotional upheaval I was in for. I went into reading this book hoping that finally, finally, the obstacle standing in the way of my 'ship sailing would be killed off (if you've read my reviews of book one and two you know what I'm talking about). And even if I got my way, which I will neither confirm nor deny, I had no idea that this book would hit me the way it did.
If I could describe Just An Illusion: EP in two words, those words would be "heart-wrenching." The writing is great, it gets right in there and screws with your heartstrings. I think I sobbed from the second page onward. While reading this book I literally ugly-cried for hours, and I'm a girl who hates to cry, who can actually force myself not to cry at times. At one point I ran out of tissues and had to wipe my nose with a dirty sock.
I'm glad that everything worked out the way I hoped in the end and I loved reading this series from start to finish (although I hear there will be a fourth book in Sawyer's perspective!) - it truly was an amazing journey.
Overall, if you've been following this series from the beginning you'll love the conclusion of Amelia's story, but be prepared - surround yourself with plenty of tissues and maybe some chocolate. Yes, chocolate would be very good right about now...
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars!
June 19, 2017
Book Review: Beautiful Creatures: The Manga
Book Review: Beautiful Creatures: The Manga by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and Art by Cassandra Jean
Blurb:
In crisp black and white manga pictures, Ethan Wate narrates his dreams, haunted an unreachable raven-haired beauty. When she moves into the small Southern town Blackwood mansion of her protective Uncle Macon, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her. As her 16th birthday nears, Lena must choose - or will the family curse choose for her?
There were no surprises in Gatlin County .. the middle of nowhere. I couldn't have been more wrong. There was a curse. There was a girl. And in the end, there was a grave.
My Review: Beautiful Creatures: The Manga was my first ever Manga book. I've never been a big fan of comic books or anime or manga but I fell in love with the cover of this book and decided to pick up a copy.
I wasn't sure what to expect because I can remember some of my classmates in junior high reading these type of books from the back of the book to the front but I was happy to see that this book was formatted to read like a normal book.
The illustrations in this book were really cool and it was a very quick read. For those unclear of how a 560+ page book was turned into a Manga, reading Beautiful Creatures: the Manga was kind of like reading a cliff notes version of the book. All of the basic important points of the book were there, just in a more condensed, less detailed way.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that the initial first pages were in color and then the rest of the book was in black and white. Maybe that is a normal manga thing, I don't know, but I wish the whole book would have been in color.
Overall, I loved reading Beautiful Creatures: the Manga. It reintroduced me to a book I had loved in a cool new way and I don't regret picking this book up. Have I fallen in love with manga and am I going to read it all the time now? No, but if another book I like gets turned into a Manga I'll be a lot more likely to pick up a copy.
My Rating:4 of 5 Stars!
Blurb:
In crisp black and white manga pictures, Ethan Wate narrates his dreams, haunted an unreachable raven-haired beauty. When she moves into the small Southern town Blackwood mansion of her protective Uncle Macon, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her. As her 16th birthday nears, Lena must choose - or will the family curse choose for her? There were no surprises in Gatlin County .. the middle of nowhere. I couldn't have been more wrong. There was a curse. There was a girl. And in the end, there was a grave.
My Review: Beautiful Creatures: The Manga was my first ever Manga book. I've never been a big fan of comic books or anime or manga but I fell in love with the cover of this book and decided to pick up a copy.
I wasn't sure what to expect because I can remember some of my classmates in junior high reading these type of books from the back of the book to the front but I was happy to see that this book was formatted to read like a normal book.
The illustrations in this book were really cool and it was a very quick read. For those unclear of how a 560+ page book was turned into a Manga, reading Beautiful Creatures: the Manga was kind of like reading a cliff notes version of the book. All of the basic important points of the book were there, just in a more condensed, less detailed way.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that the initial first pages were in color and then the rest of the book was in black and white. Maybe that is a normal manga thing, I don't know, but I wish the whole book would have been in color.
Overall, I loved reading Beautiful Creatures: the Manga. It reintroduced me to a book I had loved in a cool new way and I don't regret picking this book up. Have I fallen in love with manga and am I going to read it all the time now? No, but if another book I like gets turned into a Manga I'll be a lot more likely to pick up a copy.
My Rating:4 of 5 Stars!
June 18, 2017
{Release Blitz} Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert
Today I'm sharing with you not only a really awesome release by a great author but a cool new app to read stories on...
Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert is having a really exciting release! This book is available for FREE! You can read an episode each week on the INKLO app and react in real-time and chat with your friends! All you have to do is download the app and follow Brenda and the book Sweet Sixteen. Make sure to click "follow" on the book page so you will get a notification of each chapter's release on the app!To follow Brenda, go to the bottom of the Sweet Sixteen main book page, click on "More from Brenda Rothert" and then click "follow". You will get notifications when Brenda releases new titles on the INKLO app!
Sweet Sixteen by Brenda RothertA contemporary title available to read for FREE on the INKLO app! Check out INKLO and read how to download the app!
Book Blurb:
In Roper, Missouri, football is everything. At least, to everyone but high school senior Gin Scott. Gin plans to escape her hometown as soon as she graduates, but her plans to stay under the radar until then are ruined when her secret crush, quarterback Chase Matthews, offers her a coveted spot as one of the Sweet Sixteen. It's an honor Roper girls dream of, but for independent Gin, it's more like a nightmare. By rejecting Chase's invitation, she is ostracized from her classmates, and eventually, most of her town. How sweet it is.
ABOUT INKLO:
INKLO is a mobile app and digital self-publishing platform that turns written stories into real-time, social experiences. The app is very user-friendly. Once you've downloaded the app, you will be able to follow authors and/or stories to read the new chapter posted each week. Reading stories on INKLO is and always will be FREE.
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.AUTHOR LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon
Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert is having a really exciting release! This book is available for FREE! You can read an episode each week on the INKLO app and react in real-time and chat with your friends! All you have to do is download the app and follow Brenda and the book Sweet Sixteen. Make sure to click "follow" on the book page so you will get a notification of each chapter's release on the app!To follow Brenda, go to the bottom of the Sweet Sixteen main book page, click on "More from Brenda Rothert" and then click "follow". You will get notifications when Brenda releases new titles on the INKLO app!
Sweet Sixteen by Brenda RothertA contemporary title available to read for FREE on the INKLO app! Check out INKLO and read how to download the app!
Book Blurb:
In Roper, Missouri, football is everything. At least, to everyone but high school senior Gin Scott. Gin plans to escape her hometown as soon as she graduates, but her plans to stay under the radar until then are ruined when her secret crush, quarterback Chase Matthews, offers her a coveted spot as one of the Sweet Sixteen. It's an honor Roper girls dream of, but for independent Gin, it's more like a nightmare. By rejecting Chase's invitation, she is ostracized from her classmates, and eventually, most of her town. How sweet it is.
ABOUT INKLO:
INKLO is a mobile app and digital self-publishing platform that turns written stories into real-time, social experiences. The app is very user-friendly. Once you've downloaded the app, you will be able to follow authors and/or stories to read the new chapter posted each week. Reading stories on INKLO is and always will be FREE.
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.AUTHOR LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon
June 17, 2017
#BookTag Saturday: The Netflix Book Tag
I found this tag on a Goodreads group, Coffee Break - YA/NA and it originally came from: A Darker Shade of Whitney1. Recently Watched: The last book you finished reading.
Beautiful Creatures: The Manga
2. Top Picks: A book/books that have been recommended to you based on book you have previously read.
The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
3. Recently Added: The last book you bought
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
4. Popular on Netflix: Books that everyone knows about. --- 2 you’ve read AND 2 you haven't read or have no interest in reading
Read: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and Divergent by Veronica Roth
Haven't Read / Have No Interest In Reading: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
5. Comedies: A funny book
Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot
6. Dramas: A character who is a drama queen/king.
Princess Alosa from Daughter of The Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller - she's not so much a drama queen as just generally obnoxious
7. Animated: A book with cartoons on the cover
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
8. Watch it again: A book/book series that you want to re-read
The Nevermore Trilogy by Kelly Creagh
9. Documentaries: A non-fiction book you’d recommend to everyone
I don't read non-fiction books.
10. Action and Adventure: An action packed book
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
11. New Releases: A book that just came out or will be coming out soon that you can’t wait to read.
Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
