Shelli R. Johannes's Blog, page 3
January 21, 2015
Cool Nature Reads
Cool Nature Reads So in honor of Grace's adventures, today I'm going to share with you a few nature/thriller YA novels that are amazing! These reads are fantastic and if you like Grace's story, you're sure to love these!
1. Nature Catchers- by Cheyenne Lynnae
This YA nature thriller is full of elemental powers, shape shifters, and quite possibly everything you could ever want out of a novel! Not only that, but it delves into the realm of humans vs. nature, and ultimately what it means to be a part of nature yourself.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21008885-nature-catchers-a-young-adult-urban-fantasy?from_search=true
2. Maximum Ride- by James Patterson
A classic. Maximum Ride is about a"flock" of teenagers who were born in a lab. They have both human and avian DNA, and spend their days running from their elusive creators. In addition, they help save the world from ecological disaster on a daily basis. Score.
3. Origin- by Jessica Khoury
This is a great new YA novel, set smack in the center of the Amazon Rain Forest. Pia, the first of a new race of human beings who are supposed to bring a stop to death, finds a way out of her forest prison. It's truly gripping begs to ask the question: "What is humanity?"
So there they are, a few wonderful Young Adult nature reads that you'll love! Check them out on Amazon/goodreads, and let me know if you like them!
Best and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
1. Nature Catchers- by Cheyenne Lynnae
This YA nature thriller is full of elemental powers, shape shifters, and quite possibly everything you could ever want out of a novel! Not only that, but it delves into the realm of humans vs. nature, and ultimately what it means to be a part of nature yourself.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21008885-nature-catchers-a-young-adult-urban-fantasy?from_search=true
2. Maximum Ride- by James Patterson
A classic. Maximum Ride is about a"flock" of teenagers who were born in a lab. They have both human and avian DNA, and spend their days running from their elusive creators. In addition, they help save the world from ecological disaster on a daily basis. Score.
3. Origin- by Jessica Khoury
This is a great new YA novel, set smack in the center of the Amazon Rain Forest. Pia, the first of a new race of human beings who are supposed to bring a stop to death, finds a way out of her forest prison. It's truly gripping begs to ask the question: "What is humanity?"
So there they are, a few wonderful Young Adult nature reads that you'll love! Check them out on Amazon/goodreads, and let me know if you like them!
Best and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 19, 2015
YA Review- Gilded Ashes
Gilded Ashes (1.5)by Rosamund Hodge
Perhaps many of you don't know this, but there is actually a second installment in the world of Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. It's called "Gilded Ashes" and it's a take on Cinderella in Nyx's world of demons and Greek mythology- so, essentially, it's ridiculously good. It's available on Amazon for Kindle and ebook download, and it's such a great read!
Basically, Maia is a servant in the home of her stepmother and two stepsisters, in the same world Nyx and Ignifex exist. Only heads up- the ghost of her dead mother haunts the house and protects her only daughter dearly (and sometimes fatally).
It's an awesome retelling in a compelling world! Maia and Anax are wonderfully written characters, and I loved watching them develop. Not only that, but Hodge takes the evil stepsisters and makes them not only more likable, but more human as well. It truly is a creative turn from the classic tale- and the prince was a good looking dork with glasses. Um, yes.
This retelling will leave any fairytale lover wishing for more!Best and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Perhaps many of you don't know this, but there is actually a second installment in the world of Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. It's called "Gilded Ashes" and it's a take on Cinderella in Nyx's world of demons and Greek mythology- so, essentially, it's ridiculously good. It's available on Amazon for Kindle and ebook download, and it's such a great read!
Basically, Maia is a servant in the home of her stepmother and two stepsisters, in the same world Nyx and Ignifex exist. Only heads up- the ghost of her dead mother haunts the house and protects her only daughter dearly (and sometimes fatally).
It's an awesome retelling in a compelling world! Maia and Anax are wonderfully written characters, and I loved watching them develop. Not only that, but Hodge takes the evil stepsisters and makes them not only more likable, but more human as well. It truly is a creative turn from the classic tale- and the prince was a good looking dork with glasses. Um, yes.
This retelling will leave any fairytale lover wishing for more!Best and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 16, 2015
Book Shelf Friday!
Book Shelf Friday!
So in honor of it being Friday, I decided it might be entertaining to have a little fun with bookshelves! In this post you'll find pictures of ridiculously cool, (and downright unfair), book shelves- from the colorful to the tall, the zany to the straight up weird! So scroll down for some awesome shelf ideas and nerd fun:
1. Buzzfeed: 20 Insanely Creative Bookshelves
http://www.buzzfeed.com/melismashable/20-insanely-creative-bookshelves#.smODRQGYO
2. Pinterest: Awesome Bookshelves Board
3. IncredibleThings.com: 20 Brilliant Bookcase Designs
http://www.incrediblethings.com/lists/20-brilliant-bookcases/
4. Audra's Ally: Bookshelf Envy
http://audrasally.blogspot.com/2011/07/bookshelf-envy.html
5. LifeHack: 30 Awesome Bookshelves Every Book Lover Needs To Have
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/32-awesome-bookshelves-every-book-lover-needs-have.html
Hope you enjoyed these and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
So in honor of it being Friday, I decided it might be entertaining to have a little fun with bookshelves! In this post you'll find pictures of ridiculously cool, (and downright unfair), book shelves- from the colorful to the tall, the zany to the straight up weird! So scroll down for some awesome shelf ideas and nerd fun:
1. Buzzfeed: 20 Insanely Creative Bookshelves
http://www.buzzfeed.com/melismashable/20-insanely-creative-bookshelves#.smODRQGYO
2. Pinterest: Awesome Bookshelves Board
3. IncredibleThings.com: 20 Brilliant Bookcase Designs
http://www.incrediblethings.com/lists/20-brilliant-bookcases/
4. Audra's Ally: Bookshelf Envy
http://audrasally.blogspot.com/2011/07/bookshelf-envy.html
5. LifeHack: 30 Awesome Bookshelves Every Book Lover Needs To Have
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/32-awesome-bookshelves-every-book-lover-needs-have.html
Hope you enjoyed these and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 14, 2015
Why YA? - with Ashley
Why YA? Hello, Ashley here! Today I'm going to focus on YA fiction and why we love it. There are a number of reasons why readers love the Young Adult scene- it's action packed, full of captivating plots, and, of course, the love triangles. Oh the love triangles. No matter what your ship or team, there is always room for more on the YA fan-wagon. So, in honor of this magnificent, fiction-filled world, I want to share with you a few of my reasons for loving Yound Adult fiction:
1. Dystopian Societies to the Max
It's no secret that us YA fans love our dystopian societies- I mean, come on, futurist worlds ravaged by sections and kids with super powers? Freaking. Awesome. So of course one of my main reasons for loving YA is the fact that you can be transported to literally any world you like, and your imagination can run free in it.
2. The Love Triangles. So Much Yes.
Every love triangle you could ever want, ever. That's what you get when you hop on the YA fan-wagon. Whether it be Katniss, Gale, and Peeta or Juliette, Adam, and Warner...let's face it, that dangerous triangle is anything but equilateral. And it's the most exciting thing ever.
3. The Covers
Okay, so maybe this is a little superficial (not really), but I absolutely adore YA book covers. They're shiny and brand new and sometimes holographic (oh my gosh the holograms). The best part is when you buy a hardcover copy of a new release and the words are raised from the cover like beautiful little cursive mountains. Essentially, if your bookshelf is a rainbow you're doing YA right.
4. And, Lastly, the Community
The YA community is absolutely fantastic. Whether you're talking about fellow fans or authors, everyone on the scene is full of creative life and kindness. It's basically like this big cloud of awesome, where everyone is always writing and retweeting your EpicReads book nerd posts. Score.
This link says it all:
A Field Guide to Spotting a Fellow Book Nerd: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/feature/a-field-guide-to-spotting-a-fellow-book-nerd/
So there it is, a few of the reasons I absolutely adore YA fiction and the YA community. Below I've posted a few of my favorite reads for you, so you can see what I fan so hard over!
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge
Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
1. Dystopian Societies to the Max
It's no secret that us YA fans love our dystopian societies- I mean, come on, futurist worlds ravaged by sections and kids with super powers? Freaking. Awesome. So of course one of my main reasons for loving YA is the fact that you can be transported to literally any world you like, and your imagination can run free in it.
2. The Love Triangles. So Much Yes.
Every love triangle you could ever want, ever. That's what you get when you hop on the YA fan-wagon. Whether it be Katniss, Gale, and Peeta or Juliette, Adam, and Warner...let's face it, that dangerous triangle is anything but equilateral. And it's the most exciting thing ever.
3. The Covers
Okay, so maybe this is a little superficial (not really), but I absolutely adore YA book covers. They're shiny and brand new and sometimes holographic (oh my gosh the holograms). The best part is when you buy a hardcover copy of a new release and the words are raised from the cover like beautiful little cursive mountains. Essentially, if your bookshelf is a rainbow you're doing YA right.
4. And, Lastly, the Community
The YA community is absolutely fantastic. Whether you're talking about fellow fans or authors, everyone on the scene is full of creative life and kindness. It's basically like this big cloud of awesome, where everyone is always writing and retweeting your EpicReads book nerd posts. Score.
This link says it all:
A Field Guide to Spotting a Fellow Book Nerd: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/feature/a-field-guide-to-spotting-a-fellow-book-nerd/
So there it is, a few of the reasons I absolutely adore YA fiction and the YA community. Below I've posted a few of my favorite reads for you, so you can see what I fan so hard over!
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge
Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 12, 2015
Shatter Me Review
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Recently I picked up Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, and all I can say is wow. Well done. This book is breathtaking in every way, throughout every chapter. The prose is captivating and reads like poetry in places, and the love triangle is dangerously addictive. So, in honor of this amazing trilogy, here are five things I loved about this debut dystopian novel:
1. Juliette is so Human
The main character, Juliette Ferarrs, has the gift of touch. That is, her touch is lethal. As would be expected of anyone who could kill without meaning to, she is terrified of her own power and other people touching her. Wow. The plot in and of itself is fascinating, but to be thrown into the POV of a character who can't be touched? It's heart breaking and intriguing all at the same time, and shows the reader just how human Juliette is (or wants to be).
2. The Narration is Unique
Image courtesy of: http://www.mysteryscape.com/shatter-m...
It really is, because the whole story is narrated by Juliette and she likes to cross out words. In fact, she is obsessed with words, and has a hard time not telling us everything she is thinking, (even if she crosses out her true thought and replaces it, Mafi leaves it with the line through it for us to see). This is so cool, because the reader gets glimpses into Juliette's brain that Juliette doesn't want anyone to see. Or does she?
3. The Love Triangle. Oh my.
I love this triangle for many reasons. Warner and Adam are both devastatingly handsome (of course), and equally intriguing. What's best is that Warner is the kind of bad boy Adam looks like, and even though Juliette "hates" him, I have to say he's extremely persuasive. It's hard to know which guy to root for when they're both so equally fantastic...
4. The Prose
The way that Shatter Me is written is truly genius. Mafi's style is truly unique, a blend of poetry and modern prose, that leaves the reader absolutely breathless. She likes to write as if she is in Juliette's mind completely, oftentimes leaving out commas in lists and running her thoughts together. This makes everything so much more believable and urgent, and keeps you wanting to read more.
5. And, Finally, the Pace
The pace at which the novel reads is wonderful. Every instant I feel as if something dire is about to happen, and Juliette's thoughts and feelings perfectly mirror this anxiety. There is always a sudden twist around every page, and many characters surprise you. It's definitely a roller coaster read!
So there it is! A short review of the book, and a few reasons why you should go grab it up now. It was an amazing read, and I can't wait to pick up Unravel Me and Ignite Me (the sequel and final installment of the trilogy).
Best and Happy Reading!http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Recently I picked up Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, and all I can say is wow. Well done. This book is breathtaking in every way, throughout every chapter. The prose is captivating and reads like poetry in places, and the love triangle is dangerously addictive. So, in honor of this amazing trilogy, here are five things I loved about this debut dystopian novel:
1. Juliette is so Human
The main character, Juliette Ferarrs, has the gift of touch. That is, her touch is lethal. As would be expected of anyone who could kill without meaning to, she is terrified of her own power and other people touching her. Wow. The plot in and of itself is fascinating, but to be thrown into the POV of a character who can't be touched? It's heart breaking and intriguing all at the same time, and shows the reader just how human Juliette is (or wants to be).
2. The Narration is Unique
Image courtesy of: http://www.mysteryscape.com/shatter-m...It really is, because the whole story is narrated by Juliette and she likes to cross out words. In fact, she is obsessed with words, and has a hard time not telling us everything she is thinking, (even if she crosses out her true thought and replaces it, Mafi leaves it with the line through it for us to see). This is so cool, because the reader gets glimpses into Juliette's brain that Juliette doesn't want anyone to see. Or does she?
3. The Love Triangle. Oh my.
I love this triangle for many reasons. Warner and Adam are both devastatingly handsome (of course), and equally intriguing. What's best is that Warner is the kind of bad boy Adam looks like, and even though Juliette "hates" him, I have to say he's extremely persuasive. It's hard to know which guy to root for when they're both so equally fantastic...
4. The Prose
The way that Shatter Me is written is truly genius. Mafi's style is truly unique, a blend of poetry and modern prose, that leaves the reader absolutely breathless. She likes to write as if she is in Juliette's mind completely, oftentimes leaving out commas in lists and running her thoughts together. This makes everything so much more believable and urgent, and keeps you wanting to read more.
5. And, Finally, the Pace
The pace at which the novel reads is wonderful. Every instant I feel as if something dire is about to happen, and Juliette's thoughts and feelings perfectly mirror this anxiety. There is always a sudden twist around every page, and many characters surprise you. It's definitely a roller coaster read!
So there it is! A short review of the book, and a few reasons why you should go grab it up now. It was an amazing read, and I can't wait to pick up Unravel Me and Ignite Me (the sequel and final installment of the trilogy).
Best and Happy Reading!http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 9, 2015
Hot New Reads with Ashley!
Hot New Reads with Ashley This Week- Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Hello all! My name is Ashley- college kid, author's assistant, and professional stunt reader. This week I got a particularly amazing YA read in- Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge! It's a fantastic rendition of Beauty and the Beast that I am absolutely head-over-heels obsessed with. Not only does it take the reader into a whole new realm, it introduces you to a witty, dazzling, and just plain sexy demon lord. Um, yes please. So in short, here are five reasons why I love this book!
1. The Plot is Fascinating
It promises a love story with a killer twist and it delivers! Nyx is a powerful character with a goal that you can get on board with, not to mention her troubled past. The plot is so well done that it works to completely immerse you in the world that Hodge has created, Greek Gods and demons included!
2. The History is 100% Accurate
Hodge has a vast store of mythological knowledge and uses it! From Zeus to Kronos, Pandora to Leda, the book has hundreds of intricate Greek references that are completely correct. It's fascinating to delve into the world of Arcadia, and you even learn a little about the mythology as well.
3. Nyx isn't Perfect
The lead protagonist, Nyx, is filled with negative thoughts and emotions- and this makes her oh so real! I loved that she was able to feel hate towards others and still make me love her, it felt true and raw, like something you'd encounter in everyday life. In the end, though, Nyx always tries her best to let love into her heart, and that struggle is a relatable one.
4. Ignifex is... Just so Yummy
It's true. The moment he stepped onto the scene I loved him; the cocky demeanor, witty comebacks, and delightful tension that he brings to the book are all absolutely hilarious. He has a way of putting Nyx in her place and then loving it when she fights back, and it's ridiculously entertaining.
5. The Little Details
Hodge has a way of weaving little details into the book that work so perfectly together. Everything is explained and comes around full circle, making the reader feel like she was taken on a journey. It's an experience that I'd love to take again and again.
And there it is! A few reasons why Cruel Beauty was one of my favorite reads this week. I highly suggest picking up a copy, especially if you are a fan of plot twists and sarcastic demon lords!
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley
Check out Ashley on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThankfulForLif1Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AshleyDawson5
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Hello all! My name is Ashley- college kid, author's assistant, and professional stunt reader. This week I got a particularly amazing YA read in- Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge! It's a fantastic rendition of Beauty and the Beast that I am absolutely head-over-heels obsessed with. Not only does it take the reader into a whole new realm, it introduces you to a witty, dazzling, and just plain sexy demon lord. Um, yes please. So in short, here are five reasons why I love this book!
1. The Plot is Fascinating
It promises a love story with a killer twist and it delivers! Nyx is a powerful character with a goal that you can get on board with, not to mention her troubled past. The plot is so well done that it works to completely immerse you in the world that Hodge has created, Greek Gods and demons included!
2. The History is 100% Accurate
Hodge has a vast store of mythological knowledge and uses it! From Zeus to Kronos, Pandora to Leda, the book has hundreds of intricate Greek references that are completely correct. It's fascinating to delve into the world of Arcadia, and you even learn a little about the mythology as well.
3. Nyx isn't Perfect
The lead protagonist, Nyx, is filled with negative thoughts and emotions- and this makes her oh so real! I loved that she was able to feel hate towards others and still make me love her, it felt true and raw, like something you'd encounter in everyday life. In the end, though, Nyx always tries her best to let love into her heart, and that struggle is a relatable one.
4. Ignifex is... Just so Yummy
It's true. The moment he stepped onto the scene I loved him; the cocky demeanor, witty comebacks, and delightful tension that he brings to the book are all absolutely hilarious. He has a way of putting Nyx in her place and then loving it when she fights back, and it's ridiculously entertaining.
5. The Little Details
Hodge has a way of weaving little details into the book that work so perfectly together. Everything is explained and comes around full circle, making the reader feel like she was taken on a journey. It's an experience that I'd love to take again and again.
And there it is! A few reasons why Cruel Beauty was one of my favorite reads this week. I highly suggest picking up a copy, especially if you are a fan of plot twists and sarcastic demon lords!
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley
Check out Ashley on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThankfulForLif1Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AshleyDawson5
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 8, 2015
First Page Down Approach
"First Page Down" All right everyone, I'm about to share with you a process I like to call the "First Page Down" approach (FPDA). This is where I know from the first page (give or take) of a book if I will be obsessed with it or not- and by obsessed, I mean obsessed. It usually works, and after a few paragraphs in the main character's POV I'm hooked. Here are a few ways the approach works:
1. No Sleep
After I read that first page, I know I'm doomed. No sleep for me tonight, I'm going to spend at least eight more hours blowing through the rest of this novel so that I can sleep peacefully knowing that I've exhausted all efforts. Not only that, but I'll spend at least thirty minutes laying awake in bed dreaming up different scenarios for the sequel. Yeah. First Page Down for sure.
2. I Feel Like I Know the Character
After that first page, I already feel like the main character is a good friend of mine. I'm already in his or her head, and after I've read a page of their innermost thoughts and feelings I get some sort of separation anxiety. It's like I have a Fictional Abandonment Complex, (FAC- more about this coming), and I can't possibly stop reading now. Yep...that's the power of the First Page.
3. And Finally, the Feels
If the first page of a book makes me laugh, cry, and wonder, all in a few paragraphs, it's got me. All of the feels. There's nothing better than the inner turmoil of a flawed main character with a snippy attitude and a mysterious past. Not to mention if there's any hint of supernatural powers/Greek Mythological secrets/dystopian societies...well, that's a darn good first page.
Now, granted, getting all of those bullet points on the first page is not exactly easy. I usually extend the FPDA to the first 3-6 pages, give or take. Needless to say, we all know when those first few pages of a good book get us, and the end result is usually the same: little sleep, little food, and numerous fangirl episodes at the end of each chapter.
Best and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
1. No Sleep
After I read that first page, I know I'm doomed. No sleep for me tonight, I'm going to spend at least eight more hours blowing through the rest of this novel so that I can sleep peacefully knowing that I've exhausted all efforts. Not only that, but I'll spend at least thirty minutes laying awake in bed dreaming up different scenarios for the sequel. Yeah. First Page Down for sure.
2. I Feel Like I Know the Character
After that first page, I already feel like the main character is a good friend of mine. I'm already in his or her head, and after I've read a page of their innermost thoughts and feelings I get some sort of separation anxiety. It's like I have a Fictional Abandonment Complex, (FAC- more about this coming), and I can't possibly stop reading now. Yep...that's the power of the First Page.
3. And Finally, the Feels
If the first page of a book makes me laugh, cry, and wonder, all in a few paragraphs, it's got me. All of the feels. There's nothing better than the inner turmoil of a flawed main character with a snippy attitude and a mysterious past. Not to mention if there's any hint of supernatural powers/Greek Mythological secrets/dystopian societies...well, that's a darn good first page.
Now, granted, getting all of those bullet points on the first page is not exactly easy. I usually extend the FPDA to the first 3-6 pages, give or take. Needless to say, we all know when those first few pages of a good book get us, and the end result is usually the same: little sleep, little food, and numerous fangirl episodes at the end of each chapter.
Best and happy reading!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 6, 2015
Books That I'm Reading This Week
Books That I'm Reading This WeekWith Ashley Dawson (aka: YAshley)
So in case anybody is interested, (and I hope that you are! And if you aren't that's okay, no judgement here), I wanted to go ahead and share a few new books with you that I bought on a whim and decided to read this week. I haven't started any of them (yet), but I can assure you that the YA obsession remains strong within my nerd soul. So without further ado, here is my list of my recent book buys!
1. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
This one hooked me the minute I read the words "southern belle" and "lethal fighting instincts" on the same book jacket. Convinced that I'd be reading the story of a homecoming queen gone ninja, I just had to order the hardcover off Amazon. Worth it? Absolutely. I'll keep you guys updated on the ninja fight scenes.
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Now this one, this one had my YA senses tingling. A girl whose touch kills instantly? Um, yes please. Not only that, but the debut novel promises "superheroes" and unrequited love. I was drawn in automatically and can't wait to read it.
3. A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Grey
Of course, this one is on the top of every YA 2014 list. I've heard so much about this book that I can't wait to dive into Marguerite Cain's search for Paul Markov. The moment I read the synopsis I was intrigued by the mystery and alternate dimension-hopping action.
4. Reboot by Amy Tintera
And this one was one of my YA stocking stuffers. It was a random find, one of those books you happen upon in the store, pick up, and just have to have. I'm thrilled to read it, and am already in love with Wren Connolly, the newly awoken "Reboot" who has to figure out who she really is after death.
I highly recommend all of these YA books, simply based on their amazing plots and reviews! As I read I'll let you know how they are, although I'm sure all of them will be simply YAmazing!
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley
Check out Ashley on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThankfulForLif1Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AshleyDawson5
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
So in case anybody is interested, (and I hope that you are! And if you aren't that's okay, no judgement here), I wanted to go ahead and share a few new books with you that I bought on a whim and decided to read this week. I haven't started any of them (yet), but I can assure you that the YA obsession remains strong within my nerd soul. So without further ado, here is my list of my recent book buys!
1. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
This one hooked me the minute I read the words "southern belle" and "lethal fighting instincts" on the same book jacket. Convinced that I'd be reading the story of a homecoming queen gone ninja, I just had to order the hardcover off Amazon. Worth it? Absolutely. I'll keep you guys updated on the ninja fight scenes.
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Now this one, this one had my YA senses tingling. A girl whose touch kills instantly? Um, yes please. Not only that, but the debut novel promises "superheroes" and unrequited love. I was drawn in automatically and can't wait to read it.
3. A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Grey
Of course, this one is on the top of every YA 2014 list. I've heard so much about this book that I can't wait to dive into Marguerite Cain's search for Paul Markov. The moment I read the synopsis I was intrigued by the mystery and alternate dimension-hopping action.
4. Reboot by Amy Tintera
And this one was one of my YA stocking stuffers. It was a random find, one of those books you happen upon in the store, pick up, and just have to have. I'm thrilled to read it, and am already in love with Wren Connolly, the newly awoken "Reboot" who has to figure out who she really is after death.
I highly recommend all of these YA books, simply based on their amazing plots and reviews! As I read I'll let you know how they are, although I'm sure all of them will be simply YAmazing!
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley
Check out Ashley on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThankfulForLif1Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AshleyDawson5
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
December 11, 2014
My Top Five Retellings
My Top Five RetellingsNeedless to say, fairy-tale retellings are all the rage right now in the YA world. We're talking modern versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and various other classics. Personally, I'm a huge fan of this new trend, and love reading twenty-first century versions of my favorite stories, especially when the princess is turned into a cyborg, high school student, or hard-core martial artist. So, without further ado, here are my top ten fairy-tale retellings and why:
1. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Based on: Beauty and the Beast
2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Based on: Cinderella
3. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Based on: Little Red Riding Hood
4. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
Based on: Hansel and Gretel
5. Splintered by A.G. Howard
Based on: Alice in Wonderland
So there you have it folks! These five retellings are some of my favorites, and are all thoroughly entertaining and genius. They have fantastic plots, witty dialogue, and thrilling modern twists on some classic tales. If contemporary fairy-tales are your cup of tea, check a few of these out!
And if you need an even more extensive list, I'll leave you with a few links!
* YA retelling chart: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/376191375098104370/*YA classic retellings: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/550987335634978513/
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley Dawson http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
1. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Based on: Beauty and the Beast
2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Based on: Cinderella
3. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Based on: Little Red Riding Hood
4. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
Based on: Hansel and Gretel
5. Splintered by A.G. Howard
Based on: Alice in Wonderland
So there you have it folks! These five retellings are some of my favorites, and are all thoroughly entertaining and genius. They have fantastic plots, witty dialogue, and thrilling modern twists on some classic tales. If contemporary fairy-tales are your cup of tea, check a few of these out!
And if you need an even more extensive list, I'll leave you with a few links!
* YA retelling chart: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/376191375098104370/*YA classic retellings: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/550987335634978513/
Best and happy reading,
-Ashley Dawson http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
December 9, 2014
Writing Time is Sacred
Writing Time is SacredAs any writer knows, it's difficult to come by a stretch of time dedicated only to writing. Most writers need hours of time a day to sit down and draw up their characters, create layered dialogue, and fabricate intriguing settings- not to mention the act of rereading and revisions. But the stresses of every day life don't exactly allot for grand expanses of writing time, let alone days of it. So how can we as writers preserve our sacred time to write? Here are a few ways:
1. Set a Schedule
Just like with any job or duty, set aside a daily schedule for your writing. A personal journal will help you get organized and motivated, and seeing your writing hours spaced out on paper will help you stick to your goals! And if you miss a day here and there, don't worry- just make up for it in your next schedule.
2. Create a Safe Space
Creating a cozy space to write in is as important as scheduling itself. If you have a designated time and place to write, one that you feel comfortable in, you will be far more productive than sitting down and working randomly. So, section off a room in your house to use as your "writing space," and make sure it remains an uninterrupted safe zone.
3. Relax
Sit back, relax, and breathe. One of the main reasons why finding time to write is so hard is stress. If you take a little time away from every day stressors, you can utilize what time you have to get some good writing done. You just have to time out and step back, and try not to overwhelm yourself.
4. Plan Ahead
Of course, everyone has responsibilities. As a writer, the hardest thing to do is manage all of your daily tasks in addition to developing your plots, characters, and various ideas. So, try to get a majority of your daily work done before you write, and block out writing time in between! If you have to work Monday afternoon, write Monday evening. If you have shopping to do or phone calls to make, write in the time you have between those things. Planning is a useful tool that can create time you didn't even know you had!
So, try not to freak out. Finding time to write can be stressful and frustrating, but once you get your schedule down you'll find it easier and easier to set aside an hour here and there for your characters. And what's more, you'll be much happier once you do!
I'll leave you with a few links that may help in the ever-present writing time quest:
* Setting Aside Time: http://fearlesspub.com/2014/02/set-time-book/
* There's Never a Perfect Time to Write: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/why-there’ll-never-be-a-perfect-time-to-write/
Happy writing, and leave a comment below if you have any further tips for creating writing time! http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
1. Set a Schedule
Just like with any job or duty, set aside a daily schedule for your writing. A personal journal will help you get organized and motivated, and seeing your writing hours spaced out on paper will help you stick to your goals! And if you miss a day here and there, don't worry- just make up for it in your next schedule.
2. Create a Safe Space
Creating a cozy space to write in is as important as scheduling itself. If you have a designated time and place to write, one that you feel comfortable in, you will be far more productive than sitting down and working randomly. So, section off a room in your house to use as your "writing space," and make sure it remains an uninterrupted safe zone.
3. Relax
Sit back, relax, and breathe. One of the main reasons why finding time to write is so hard is stress. If you take a little time away from every day stressors, you can utilize what time you have to get some good writing done. You just have to time out and step back, and try not to overwhelm yourself.
4. Plan Ahead
Of course, everyone has responsibilities. As a writer, the hardest thing to do is manage all of your daily tasks in addition to developing your plots, characters, and various ideas. So, try to get a majority of your daily work done before you write, and block out writing time in between! If you have to work Monday afternoon, write Monday evening. If you have shopping to do or phone calls to make, write in the time you have between those things. Planning is a useful tool that can create time you didn't even know you had!
So, try not to freak out. Finding time to write can be stressful and frustrating, but once you get your schedule down you'll find it easier and easier to set aside an hour here and there for your characters. And what's more, you'll be much happier once you do!
I'll leave you with a few links that may help in the ever-present writing time quest:
* Setting Aside Time: http://fearlesspub.com/2014/02/set-time-book/
* There's Never a Perfect Time to Write: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/why-there’ll-never-be-a-perfect-time-to-write/
Happy writing, and leave a comment below if you have any further tips for creating writing time! http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
