Bookish characters who are absolute QUEENS and make me look like a dull potato.

HI GUYS!! Ahhhhh I know, it’s been forever since I’ve last posted, and I am SO SORRY for that but I haven’t been feeling well lately, so I just really didn’t get around to writing blog posts or blog hopping for the past couple of weeks. I hope you guys have all been well and I promise I will be around to blog hop sometime soon!! I’VE MISSED TALKING TO YOU.

But I digress. I would love to shower you with all my love right now but you might get bothered sooooo I won’t do that. Yesterday was Victoria Day here in Canada in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday, and so I got inspired to do a little themed post of BOOKISH QUEENS!! (Because queens are the best.) They’re not all in the literal sense, but these are characters I just love so much that I think are, in their own right, queens. Let’s do this!

Woah, an intro less than 500 words!! Go me.

1. Nina & Inej from Six of Crows duology

OH HI it’s just one of my favourite duos of ever???? The whole Six of Crows squad is my faveeee but these two are the only ones who really qualify for this post right now haha. Inej and Nina are both so badass and they are just such fabulous queens, slaying no matter what they do! (Just the first two bookish queens and already my talents are disappearing *sigh*) Also, they both like food (Nina in particular–you see why I love her??) and that’s automatically evidence of a smart queen in my book.

2. Yael from Wolf by Wolf

Omg. Can someone give this girl a medal?? And a crown? And all the hugs????? Poor precious Yael, her strength astounds me. Here she is riding a motorcycle race and with a goal to kill Hitler (admittedly, I wouldn’t want to be in her place BUT not the point) and then there’s me whose race is to finish exams in time and whose goal is to read more books and get more sleep?? (Failing both, fyi.) GO YAEL, true queen here.

3. Cinder from the Lunar Chronicles

Girl, we have a CYBORG here who’s saving the world like a true queen. I love Cinder so much, such a sweetie and poor soul. She accomplishes so much?? Like HOW.

4. Elli from The Impostor Queen*

You’re welcome for that uncomfortably large close up of her face!! Like people needed more reasons to dislike faces on book covers hahahaha. Even I’m kind of disturbed by this close up jeez she should smile more, smiles are good okay I’ll stop now. 

But okay, this series is hardly talked about as much but Elli is actually such a great character! She’s one of the *actual* queens as well, but there’s a whole lot going on there that makes it more complicated BUT nonetheless, she is also a true queen in other ways that I am unable to disclose so take my word for it. (I’m trustworthy I promise!!)

*I just had the greatest revelation ever realizing impostor isn’t spelled with an e???!? I am actually mindblown, you have no idea. Why isn’t with an e though??? It’s pronounced more with the e rather than an o??

5. Lila from Shades of Magic

MY FAVOURITE PIRATE!! (Psh, nah she’s not the only pirate I know…) I didn’t like her very much wayyyy back at the beginning, but all that’s pretty much history because Lila is just too fabulous, honestly. I don’t know how she keeps slaying like this. (Kell and Lila are also the best thing of ever btw) Her sass, her wit, her fighting skills and A+ pirating talents make her one of the best ever and it will take a VERY amazing pirate-queen (she’s not actually but this is a thing now??) to out-queen Lila, let me tell you. *Me: rethinks all of life’s decisions*

6. Kestrel from The Winner’s Curse

Just fyi, Kestrel is one of the most badass characters out there. JUST SAYING. Despite not having any superior fighting skill–in fact she’s kind of horrible at combat (I relate)–Kestrel proves her strength with her intelligence and strategy against her enemies. Definitely one of the main reasons I love the Winner’s Curse series so much. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to be on her bad side?

8. Shahrzad from The Wrath and the Dawn

Can I first squeal over the fact that Renee Ahdieh’s Flame in the Mist is also now released and I CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT?? Ahem. Okay. Anyway! Shahrzad from TWATD is actually SUCH an amazing character, I love her so much and she’s just such a fab queen as well. SO MUCH LOVE. I honestly don’t know what else to say haha. Slay, girl!

9. Zahra from The Forbidden Wish

GUYS. If you haven’t read this book yet: YOU MUST. Apart from the fact that this is an Aladdin retelling that is quite frankly almost BETTER than the Disney story (I KNOW. Mindblowing already.), this book is such a great diverse, action-packed fantasy with such wonderful characterization. The main character, Zahra, is such a strong, and unique character. I honestly don’t know how else to describe her character, because truly she felt like a breath of fresh air while still being fabulous (as a queen is :P) and I LOVED IT.

10. Juliette from Shatter Me

Brb as I fangirl over the fact that there is going to be more books in this series??!? (But I have to wait SO LONG *cries*) Okay, I’m back!! Because Juliette, my darling girl here deserves some spotlight, I don’t think I’ve mentioned her enough on this blog here lately haha. Her powers are just so cool and I also adoreddddddd her character development over the course of the series. Going from a shy, scared girl to being a strong, fearless QUEEN with fabulous skills. Go, Juliette!!

11. Starr from The Hate U Give

CUE CHEERS for a character featured from a contemporary novel!! Honestly, there should totally be more… either I haven’t read as many of them, or my brain is slow and I just didn’t think of them. (OOPS in the second case but I mean?? I’m a goldfish, how fast are their our brains anyway.) Nonetheless, Starr is legitimately one of the best characters out there ever, and such an absolute queeeeeen omg someone give her a crown PLEASE. If you haven’t read this yet: YOU MUST.

ALRIGHT!! I’m going to stop there because a) I have to go and b) if I continue I WILL NEVER STOP haha.

I had so much fun writing this post!! To everyone who lives in Canada I hope your Victoria Day was great!! I really had planned for this post to go up yesterday but I went out to the tulip festival and I clearly didn’t get to do that oops. But anyway, which of these bookish queens do you agree with? (All of them obviously.) Are there other bookish queens you know of? (Literal or otherwise!) Let me know!! I’ll be around to visit blogs later as well, I can’t guarantee my activity for the rest of the month (what’s left of it, anyway, how did it go so fast??) but I do hope to have a couple of posts up and catch up on the loads of posts I’ve missed haha. Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! Sending you lots of hugs. ❤ ❤ 

Reasons I love retellings + recommendations! | Aka I’m super excited for Beauty and the Beast (!!)

Beauty and the Beast is releasing in less than a week!! I am SO excited, you guys. I love Emma Watson, I love the fairytale, I love Belle, all in all means I’ll love the movie, right?! I’m only slightly over the moon about this. Psh. It’s not like I already planned out two Beauty and the Beast-themed posts for the coming week. Nope.

All that aside, I suppose I’d be lying if I said that this post wasn’t inspired by fairytales… I mean, I’d always loved fairytales as a kid, and now, I have retellings of them that keep the fairytale love alive. And with the Beauty & the Beast movie-retelling approaching, I thought I might talk about why I love YA book retellings–I definitely don’t talk about them much. ❤ Let’s get into it!

1. An old concept gets developed into something new.

Fairytales like Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella, all of them, are something pretty much everyone is familiar with?? If you’ve never heard of these, I’m sorry, but the only thing I can ask is HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK??! Of course, for the lesser known fairytales, it’s a different story, but most people know of the fairytales I mentioned (thanks, Disney). But nonetheless, whether you live under a rock or not, the point remains with retellings: an old concept gets developed into something new! One of the most basic reasons I love reading retellings is because I get to see elements of the original fairytale/story, mixed in with new ideas, ultimately turning it into its own tale. 

2. Uses much creativity!

I LIKE CREATIVITY. And imagination. Because I have none of my own. Because I love seeing the power of a person’s mind and I love it when someone else is able to make me see things their way, or show me a whole new world. (Comment if you got that!!) You’d think retellings require less creativity than books written based off nothing. Thing is: no book is ‘based off nothing’. And to write a good retelling, a GREAT one, you need a heck a lot of creativity and talent. Because a great retelling, isn’t just re-telling a fairytale. It’s creating something alike in concept, but something different and yes, CREATIVE (I used that too many times, but oh well), because no one wants to read a rehash of something already written, am I right? Hence creativity comes into play. 

3. Upgraded version of fairytales

Kicka** protagonists, anyone?? (*Cough* Cinder *Cough* Feyre) The original fairy tales deserve credit for sure (especially for lasting so long in people’s minds haha) but retellings have the opportunity to include things that the OGs missed. It’s up to authors of the 21st century, to write the story how they will, which means we get to say goodbye to aspects like the damsel in distress (not that there is anything wrong with that trope, just I’d say we’ve had enough of that for a lifetime, eh?), and perhaps offer the villains a chance to either redeem themselves or gather our sympathy. AND THAT IS SO AWESOME. Personally, I love both stronger and less damselly protagonists AND villain POV stories, and it’s so cool that recent retellings have both, and more, to admire and read about. Retellings = upgraded fairytales, and sometimes they sound like they’re better than the originals, or they turn out to be better than the original.

I’d usually list a lot more, but these are actually the main reasons I can think of at the moment, so I’ll leave it at thar haha and allow you guys to chime in if you have any other reasons. 🙂

YA Retelling Recommendations

I don’t think it would be right to have this post without a few recommendations for some of my favourite retellings, now isn’t that right? Becuase obviously now you think retellings are fabulous, and require many retellings to satisfy your need for them right now. I AM YOUR HERO.

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh 

I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH. It’s a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights, which I’d never heard of actually until this book and it was so great, I’m telling you. GO READ IT if you haven’t already.

A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston*

Another retelling of A Thousand and One Nights, I’m actually currently reading it, and although there’s a chance I won’t end up liking it, so far it’s really good so at the moment, it’s a tentative rec!

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

An Aladdin retelling that is pretty much BETTER than the original!! This book features an amazing protagonist, wonderful setting and characterization, and plot, all in all such a great read. It had elements of Aladdin, but was such a unique story on its own!

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Featuring: retellings of Cinderella (Cinder), Little Red Riding Hood (Scarlet), Rapunzel (Cress) and Snow White (Winter, and Fairest from POV of Evil Queen). This series melds 4 different fairytales into a seamless series full of action, intrigue, and romance. I loved how all their stories interconnected, it was so great!

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

An Alice in Wonderland retelling–and origin story of the Queen of Hearts, if you will–this book, although entertaining, I’ll admit didn’t really reach my expectations, especially considering how much I loved the author’s previous series! But, I’m putting it on here because A) There aren’t many Queen of Hearts origin stories and B) I am but a black sheep, and perhaps you shall enjoy it more. I hope, anyway!

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

This series is actually a Robin Hood retelling! And I liked the first book, although it does have a love triangle, so be warned! The ‘Robin Hood’ of the story was a girl, actually, and the author put a nice spin on the story. However, I have not since picked up the rest of the series, so no idea how it continued!

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

A retelling of Blackbeard, the pirate, there was very little actual pirating in the first book, but it was a very nice read nonetheless! I really liked the characters, and am eagerly anticipating reading the second book, which I’ve heard holds more pirating. 🙂

Retellings Not-yet-read

BASICALLY ALL OF THEM. I will make a small list… and I shall hide at the end of it…

Sleeping Beauty

• Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay
• A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

Cinderella

• Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas
• Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

Snow White

• The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine
• Mirrored by Alex Flinn

The Wizard of Oz

 

• Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
• Spelled by Betsy Schow

Peter Pan

• Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell
• Never Never by Brianna Shrum

Alice in Wonderland

• Splintered series by A.G. Howard (Alice in Wonderland)
• Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes

Other Retellings

• RoseBlood by A.G. Howard (Phantom of the Opera)
• Entwined by Heather Dixon (12 Dancing Princesses)
• Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan (Rapunzel)
• A Whole New World by Liz Braswell (Aladdin)

Not yet released:

• Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao (Pitched as “The Wrath and the Dawn meets Snow White and the Huntsman” aka me going OMG OMG OMG.)
• Spindle Fire by Lexa Hillyer (Sleeping Beauty, sounds good!)
• Because You Love to Hate Me anthology edited by Ameriie (various authors + booktubers pair up to write stories from the POV of the villains; more OMGs.)
• Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust (“A feminist reimagining of the Snow White fairy tale”)

SEE? SO MANY I HAVEN’T READ. *hides* (And yes, I do realize I put no Beauty and the Beast retellings here…) But you’re welcome if I helped grow your TBR. *evil laugh*

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But I am very qualified to list the reasons why retellings are so awesome, as I have done in this post. *nods* So tell me! Do you love retellings? Why or why not? Which ones have you read? Any recommendations for me? Did you get my clever-not-clever hidden-not-hidden little pun in reason #2? Do you prefer the originals or the retelling? Let’s talk! ❤

My favourite bookish bromances | Because romantic relationships aren’t always everything.

Hello everyone! I hope your Monday has been amazing, and, for those of you in Canada celebrating family day, I hope that has been great as well. 🙂

So, as you guys all know, I love my romantic relationships in books. But that’s obviously not the only type of relationships there are; say hello to friendship/bromances, which are so amazing.  The platonic relationship, the friendship that is so strong, it just has to have its own title.

Why are bromances so awesome?

I shall tell you.

• There is literally all the banter??! I love banter between characters so so much and bromances basically mean wit and sass 98% of the time which is so great AND very relatable–but mostly just VERY fun to read. Ahem.
• So much platonic, beautiful, sibling love!! Without being siblings. The amazing brotherly bonds the characters form is so so wonderful and it makes my heart into a gooey mess just as much as our fellow romantic ships. Seriously, this love is so beautiful it can even totally be better than the romantic kind.
• No complications of love triangles! There are so many times where a love triangle creates oh so unnecessary problems that cause readers much grief and frustration, and just in general, romantic relationships can be so angsty and whatnot (don’t get me wrong, I love them, but it’s still true!) but with bromances, there’s no such issue which makes the relationship even more awesome. The love and the feels without the pain? Fine by me.
• Realistic, and relatable relationships. I suppose it depends on the book (most of us aren’t super close with a prince or have a buddy for a super dangerous journey or whatever the circumstances are) but a lot of the time, we read about romantic relationships that may or may not be something we’re familiar with. Most of the time, for me, I’m not familiar with it, but I love to read about them for that reason (and the feels, obvi). But despite that, it’s nice to see how valued platonic relationships are because those are the majority of the relationships I’m going to have. Apart from romantic love, friendships are one of the biggest aspects of my life, and most likely yours as well. It’s important to have that rep, you know?

So you can see how they are just as important, just as amazing, as my OTPs! Which is why I decided to make a separate post to list my favourites! I think I’ve rambled long enough, let’s get to the list!

Percy and Grover

“Meat!” he said scornfully. “I’m a vegetarian.”
“You eat cheese enchiladas and aluminum cans,” I reminded him.
“Those are vegetables.”

~Percy Jackson & the Olympians

As much as I love the trio here, and later the group of 7, I really wanted to focus on Percy and Grover, because these two were such a highlight of the Percy Jackson series! Their banter, their friendship gave me so much life and I was so sad when Grover no longer showed up as much later. #bringbackgrover2k17

Arin and Roshar

“You could offer her a seat,’ Arin said.
“Ah, but I only have two chairs in my tent, little Herrani, and we are three. I suppose she could always sit on your lap.”

~ The Winner’s Curse series by Marie Rutkoski

You must know my love for Arin and Kestrel, but to shine a light on my other favorite pairing: Arin and Roshar are SO AWESOME. There’s of course, the banter (love love love), but they have each other’s back in such a way that is so inspiring and makes me so happy ahhhh. Although there are tense moments between them (like any friendship), we know it’ll work out because they’re such an awesome pair.

Will and Jem

“Remember when you tried to convince me to feed a poultry pie to the mallards in the park to see if you could breed a race of cannibal ducks?”

“They ate it too,” Will reminisced. “Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck.”

~The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare, book 1

We can’t have a bromance list without these two lovelies! Ahhhhhh aside from the fact that I love them both as love interests for Tessa, these two have their own connection (they’re parabatai, a term for two Shadowhunters who fight together as warriors, bonded for life under an oath) which is so beautiful. I love Tessa, but these two, form a ship that’s much stronger than anything I can describe! They just go on to show that romantic relationships aren’t necessarily everything.

Ron and Harry

“He must have known I’d want to leave you.”
“No, he must have known you would always want to come back.”

~Harry Potter series, book 7

Ron has a reputation for being the sidekick (which, I’ll admit, is pretty true), the humorous one (also true), and the dumber one (not true) in the Golden Trio. And although the movies did a pretty accurate job on recreating the books, in the books, Ron and Harry had a strong relationship that is kind of underdeveloped in the movies. They had their fights, their problems, but at the end of the day the both need each other, and they both are very close friends. Bromances for the win!

Darrow and Sevro

“You tell anyone I cried, I’ll find a dead fish, put it in a sock, hide it in your room, and let it putrefy.”
“Fair enough.”

~Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown

Oh my gosh, the amount of love I have for Sevro and Darrow is UNREAL. Seriously. I would go even as far as to say I love them even more than Darrow’s romantic ship?? Sevro and Darrow’s friendship was formed earlier on and developed more and more throughout the series, so maybe that’s why, but seriously. I adore these two so so so much aghhhh I just can’t. ❤ ❤

The Raven Boys

“I never taught him to break his thumb.”
“That’s Gansey for you. Only learns enough to be superficially competent.”
“Loser,” Ronan agreed, and he was himself again.”

~The Raven Cycle by Marie Stiefvater

My beautiful Raven boys!!! ❤ ❤ I love each and every one of them so much. I haven’t finished the last book in this series yet (I will soon promise) but each and every book I’ve read so far has me loving their bond. All the characters individually are so wonderful, and seeing their connection as a whole is just so sweet and killllllllls me. So awesome. Now I shall go hide because I still haven’t read The Raven King and squeal over the Raven Boys because they are so great, ahhh.

Kell and Rhy

“A fine idea,” said Rhy. “But no. We must go out, you see, because we’re on a mission.”
“Oh?” asked Kell.
“Yes. Because unless you plan to wed me yourself—and don’t get me wrong, I think we’d make a dashing pair—I must try and find a mate.”

~Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab, book 1

Let me first pause to say A CONJURING OF LIGHT IS BEING RELEASED TOMORROW!!! And I am. freaking. out. Ahem. Apologies. But I’m so ready for this book, for more Kell, more Lila, more Kell and Lila, and definitely more Kell and Rhy! Kell and Rhy have the most amazing bonds ever and I love them to death. Seriously, they are my absolute favourites right now and ahhhhhhhhhh I can’t describe how beautiful their brotherly bond is. ❤ You just have to read it.

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So that concludes my list for today! Valentine’s Day is long gone, but I wanted to showcase these bookish bromances, because this form of relationships deserves so much love and appreciation, which I feel as if it doesn’t get enough with so much attention on the romantic ships.

What are your thoughts? Which of these bookish bromances do you absolutely love? Do you prefer romantic ships or platonic ships–or both? Let’s chat!

Yup, still more books! | 2017 February Releases

Hi everyone! It’s February, the start of a new month which means another book releases post! I swear, each and every one of these posts are constantly filled with so many pretty covers. Stop making me want you, books! I don’t have enough money lolll. This month is full of exciting releases, once again, so let’s just jump right into it!

I apologize for the overly-pink theme of this graphic…

February 2nd

• Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton: The US cover (being released next month) is horrifying so I shall ignore it because I despise cover changes and just whyyyyyyy. UGH. But aside from that, I really want to read this book! ❤
• This Beats Perfect by Rebecca Denton: I don’t know what it’s about but it looks cute!

February 7th

• Rise of Fire by Sophie Jordan (Reign of Shadows #2): I haven’t read the first book, but I’ve been meaning to. The cover’s pretty cool though!
• Starfall by Melissa Landers (Starflight #2): GIVE THIS TO MEEEEEE. I adored the first book and I want this so much ahhhh.
• Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza:

• King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #3): I have mixed feelings on this series, but I am definitely going to read this book in hopes of it turning out to be a worthwhile read. 🙂
• The Sky Between You and Me by Catherine Alene: I don’t know what this is about (I did read the synopsis on Goodreads but I don’t remember it anymore??) but I’m cover-judging and it looks cute aha.
• A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom: I really enjoyed his other novel, Not If I See You First, so I can’t wait to see what he did with this one. (And that cover though!)

• Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
• To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough
• Traveler by L.E. DeLano (Traveler #1)

I’m going to be honest here, I don’t have a clue what any of these are like (except for the first one, duh) but they’re being released this month and seem interesting!

February 14th

• The Wish Granter by C.J. Redwine (Ravenspire #2): I should probably start the first book…
• The Valiant by Lesley Livingston: Ooh female gladiators and lots of action, is what this sounds like! Me want.
• Miranda and Caliban by Jacqueline Carey: This book seems so heart-wrenching!
• #famous by Jilly Gagnon: Awww this seems so adorable. Check out the synopsis on Goodreads haha. 😉
• American Street by Ibi Zoboi: This book seems to deal with multiple topics and it has good reviews, so fingers crossed it’s as good as it sounds. 🙂

February 21st

• A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab (Shades of Magic #3) CAN WE JUSTTTTTT. Omg. I’m actually dying. I NEED THIS BOOK. If you haven’t picked up this series, you absolutely must ahhhhh. ❤
• The Dragon’s Price by Bethany Wiggins (Transference #1): Dragons!
• Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas:  Pretty cover haha. But it’s also a fantasy stand-alone (which is rare, when you think about it) and I’m intrigued by the storyline!

February 28th

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: So many people are looking forward to this one, and I’m certainly not an exception! It seems like such an important and great read. I hope it doesn’t disappoint!
• The Ship Beyond Time by Heidi Heilig (The Girl From Everywhere #2): Another sequel to a series I’ve been meaning to start but haven’t! According to Goodreads there doesn’t seem to be another book after this so I think it would be perfect to start this series haha. (And not have to die for the next book, ahem.)
• Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot: This book deals with a girl who has an eating disorder (ARFID) and omg it sounds so sad but also hopeful and I really do want to read it.
• 10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac: The main character in this book has anxiety, and it seems like a very good read!
• Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller (Daughter of the Pirate King #1): PIRATES.

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So many amazing reads, as usual! Well, I’m assuming they’re amazing. I could be wrong. But I hope I’m not haha. Which of these are you looking forward to? Have you read any of these? Let me know in the comments! ❤

Blogging: Expectations vs. Reality // Wherein I get too real about the harsh truths

THE DARK TRUTHS OF BLOGGING SHALL BE REVEALED TODAY. Dun dun dunnnnnn.

Am I being a tad dramatic? Maybe. I like to think of it as preparing you for what is to come. Ahem.

Hello everyone, and I hope you guys are all enjoying your day/night/whatever time of day it is (gotta love the international aspect of blogging!).

I’m sure posts like this have been made before, but I haven’t seen many and I thought I might put my own perspective on the situation! I think almost 2 years of blogging (although I suppose the 7 months I’ve been away should be deducted) has me slightly qualified to reveal the truth behind the reality of blogging vs the expectations we (or I) have! Let’s do this.

Expectation #1:

“I’m going to have over 1000 followers and comments in one night, for sure! My posts are awesome.”

Reality

Waiting for followers and feedback…

Now, I don’t know about you guys, but when I first started blogging, it was way too easy to get trapped into the stats count of things. (Sometimes still is.) And the reality of it is, it is extremely rare for the stats to go sky high immediately! Having expectations such as the above will most likely not give you the results, which I learned the hard way haha. 😉 I didn’t have the exact expectation as above, but you get the idea?

Expectation #2:

“I’m going to have a perfect blogging schedule 100% of the time! I ❤ organization!”

Reality

Me trying to keep up with life and never being able to keep a proper blogging schedule…

I mean, I love organization, I swear I do! But… way too hard to keep a consistent and perfect blogging schedule ALL. THE. TIME. If you do, I swear you will find me at your feet begging you to give me your skills. As proven by my hiatuses and life in general, sometimes it’s impossible to control everything! And I’ve felt bad about leaving blogging for so long, but sometimes it’s necessary. And it’s okay. So, no, my blogging schedule was never 100% perfect, and probably never will be! And that’s okay too. 😉

Expectation #3:

“Blogging is so easy, it hardly takes any effort at all! I could do it in my sleep.”

Reality

I mean, maybe for some the above expectation *is* reality, in which case, again, I PRAISE YOU. But for most of us (I’m assuming, anyway, based on myself, haha) BLOGGING IS DIFFICULT. Lots of fun, of course! But it takes a lot of effort and dedication to run and maintain a blog, you know? Saying blogging doesn’t take effort is like saying it’s easy for me to wake up early in the morning. They’re both LIES.

Expectation #4:

“I can totally comment on all the amazing posts out there? What are you talking about, it hardly takes any time??”

Reality

If we (I) tried to keep up with commenting on all posts… also can we just appreciate this gif here?? #muppetlove

This one still makes me sad, guys! I want so so much to be able to keep up with ALL of the great posts being posted by lovely and wonderful bloggers but it’s impossible! I love talking to other bloggers and spreading the comment love, but it actually takes a lot more time than you’d think, you know? I try to visit a bunch whenever I get the chance lately, but trying to keep up with all the posts that show up in my reader would drive me insane due to the HUGE number of them, not to mention rob me of my life haha. I do try to comment as much as I can! I love talking to you guys all. ❤

Expectation #5:

“It’s so easy to come up with new content, and my posts are so original!”

Reality

I’m not discounting the fact that there are a lot of diverse and unique material out there, but…. let’s face it, at one point, there was probably a post very similar to the one we write. It’s pretty much all been written about at some point. Sometimes it’s easy to come up with new content, sometimes not. But when it comes down to it, majority of the time, the reality is that it’s not always easy to come with new posts, or with truly original material. And that’s okay!

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Okay, so this has been mostly positive expectations with a negative reality?? Let’s switch gears a bit to a more positive note for the realities, shall we? That was kind of depressing, geez.

Expectation #6:

Opposite to the “I will be so popular really fast” mentality, there is also…

“No one is going to read my posts?? I’m going to forever be stuck with 2 followers, one of which who happens to be my [mom/friend/sister/second account/whatever].”

Reality

The blogging community is huge and I promise you, as long as you interact and have good material, there will be more than a couple people interested in your blog! It’s hard to believe at first, but I guarantee it! After all, that’s exactly what I thought when I started blogging (after the realization that followers don’t come super fast) and I’ve been proven otherwise haha.

Expectation #7:

“The more experienced, “big” bloggers will probably never speak to me anyway.”

Reality

NOT TRUE. All bloggers, from my experience, no matter how long they’ve been blogging, are always welcome to chatting! Always. I haven’t met a single blogger that ignored me completely, or if I have, the number of them is so low that I can’t even recall the memory! The bloggers I have met, even the “big” bloggers (I put big in quotations because, well, it’s subjective) always manage a reply and are always super sweet. Seriously. This is the one of the biggest myths ever!

Expectation #8

“My posts have to be 100% perfect 100% of the time or else people will stop liking my posts and following me.”

Reality

Nobody’s perfect! And nobody cares if we slip up here and there. Am I right? There have been countless times where my posts have been less than great and were actually quite terrible, if I look back on them now (those archives are forbidden, guys) but it didn’t really matter? People are always so kind and it just gave me an opportunity to make my posts better for the next time.

Expectation #9:

I will never become one of those “big” bloggers! They have so many followers, oh my gosh. I’m never going to be match them.

Reality

Liessssssss! Never lose faith in your blogging abilities! I’d say not to be so occupied with stats, but it’s easier said than done sometimes. And I know how it feels to be discouraged that our blog will never be as popular as other people’s. But I mean, I never thought this blog would go past, like, 20 followers, tops? I’m not bragging, but I’ve come a long way since then and I just wanted to tell you guys, anyone who’s feeling discouraged, or just in general, don’t get discouraged. Keep blogging. Keep working. You will reach your goal! Those “big” bloggers started off at the bottom, too. And at the end of the day, it’s just a number! Don’t let it determine your value. Because you and your blog are so much more than that!

Expectation #10:

“Blogging will totally change my life.”

Reality

… You know, this is actually 100% true. In the best way possible!

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Sooooo I think that wraps up the end of this post. Please comment and let me know your thoughts! Which of these do you agree with? Disagree with? Do you have any other ones to add? I’d love to know and grow my collection of blogging secrets. LOL.  I’ve also been blog hopping lately, trying to make up for my lack of participation for the past 7 months haha. Leaving a comment would make it easier for me to stop by your blog, not to mention make my day! ❤ I hope you guys enjoy your day/night. Hugs!

Welcome, 2017! (A bit belated but…) // An apology and 2017 January Book Releases!

Hi everyone! It’s been SO LONGGGGG agh. I’m questioning my ability to type proper sentences I’ve been away from this blog for so long. I’m wondering whether I’m even a book blogger, that’s how long I’ve been away. *sob* I missed youuuuuu and it’s okay, I’m not asking for “I missed you too” I just wanted to state that fact. I love you guys and agh 7 MONTHS. All gone. Since my last post. Can you even believe it?? Because I’m still in shock.

Ahem.

But I digress. Where do I even begin at the horrors of these past few months? A little recap:

• I stopped blogging for more than 7 months, no joke. *cue tears* *hides from mob of angry people*
• I stopped blogging for more than 7 months.
• I died and it’s my ghost speaking to you all now. 
• Don’t worry I’m still alive.
• I ran out of chocolate.
• (It’s okay I got more)
• I ran out of shelf space.
• But then I got a new shelf. Wait, that’s not a bad thing.
• Trump became president and my soul is still crying.
• I stopped blogging for more than 7 months.
• No. blogging. for. seven. months. Who even am I?
• I became an adult and started university which is my pathetic excuse for no blogging
• I stopped blogging for seven months.
• And I’ll stop here.
• Was this too much?

Okay I should stop before I drive you insane?? Okay.

But guys, it’s 2017!! And no, I did not just realize this. BUT. I was stating the fact. Though to be honest I’m still kind of shocked. 30 days was not enough for me to adjust to the idea! But it’s okay. I have another 11 months before I go through the whole cycle over again. How has 2017 been treating you so far?? Hopefully well and you’re all good and happy and perhaps stressed because #life. Wait, the last one’s just me. 😉 But really, how’s 2017?

I will definitely try to come up with a more consistent blogging schedule though, this whole posting and then disappearing for 7 months really isn’t doing me any favors and is actually making me quite sad and pressured afterwards. SO. New year, new me! Right? Right. Okay then.

Something that hasn’t changed, though! MY LOVE FOR BOOKS. I promise you, that has not changed and will never change, no matter what my schedule is. Pinky promise and all that jazz! This month has went by so fast, and I swear, the amount of books being released each month kind of drives me insane? Because I cannot keep up, for the life of me. So I’ve decided to make a list of the books that was released this month! I’ve done this before in the past, and I usually do it at the beginning of a month, but, well..

So let’s do this!

January 3rd

• Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken (Passenger #2)
• The Cursed Queen by Sarah Fine (The Imposter Queen #2)
• The Book Jumper by Mechthild Gläser

• Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
• The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti
• Love and First Sight by Josh Sundquist

• Flower by Elizabeth Craft, Shea Olsen
• Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh
• The Continent by Keira Drake (The Continent #1)

January 10th

• RoseBlood by A.G. Howard
• Windwitch by Susan Dennard (Truthwitch #2)
• Frostblood by Elly Blake (Frostblood Saga #1)

• The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
• Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields (Poison’s Kiss #1)
• A List of Cages by Robin Roe

• The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova (Loom Saga #1)
• Painless by Jamie Mayer
• You Don’t Know My Name by Kristen Orlando

January 17th

• History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
• Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (Carve the Mark #1)
• Heartstone by Ella Katharine White

January 24th

• After the Fall by Kate Hart
• Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

January 26th

• Gilded Cage by Vic James (Dark Gifts #1)

January 31st

• Caraval by Stephanie Garber (Caraval #1)
• By Your Side by Kasie West
• Blood of Wonderland by Colleen Oakes (Queen of Hearts Saga #2)

• How to Break a Boy by Laurie Devore
• The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles
• Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley

• Wait for Me by Caroline Leech
• The Careful Undressing Of Love by Corey Ann Haydu
• Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty

• The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman (Lady Helen #2)
• Long Way Home by Katie McGarry (Thunder Road #3)
• Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder (Soulfinders #3)

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Books I especially look forward to:

• History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera: ADAM. SILVERA. That’s all I need to know. GIVE ME plz.
• Caraval by Stephanie Garber (Caraval #1): Tbh I’m not sure what this one’s about? But it seems interesting!
• By Your Side by Kasie West: Kasie West’s books are so adorable!! I want thissssss.
• RoseBlood by A.G. Howard: Phantom of the Opera retelling? Sign me up!
• Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (Carve the Mark #1): I’ve read mixed reviews, but I’m still hoping it’s good? I enjoyed Divergent well enough, hopefully this one’s just as good or better?
• Windwitch by Susan Dennard (Truthwitch #2): I really enjoyed Truthwitch, and I’ve heard good things about this one so super excited!
• Frostblood by Elly Blake (Frostblood Saga #1): Ice and blood and fantasy and all the good things. Yum.
• The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden: Positive reviews! Fingers crossed.
• The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles: Ummm… the cover is kind of super pretty soooo.
• All of the other books, tbh. I was just too lazy to write a reason for why I want them? Pretty much because most of these all have #prettycovers and I’m just slightly obsessed with books in general? Just slightly.

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Omg, so many good books. I hope. They look good so I’m just judging from the covers, once again. Nothing new, right? I hope you guys have had a great year, hope you’re enjoying this brand new year, and I’m looking forward to talking to you all once again! (AFTER 7 MONTHS *sobs again*) What books are you looking forward to? Have you read any of these books? If you have, tell me if you liked/disliked because right now I haven’t read a single one of these?? And I need your opinions. (I know, I know. I’ll get on it.. sometime.)

Hugs! ❤

Anticipated Fantasy Books For The Second Half of The Year–Why is time so slow? | Top Ten Tuesday #34

How is it Tuesday again already? I swear, time passes by SO FAST nowadays. (Except when it comes to books, apparently, since it’s taking FOREVER for my anticipated books to be released. *SIGH*)

Anyway, it’s time for another Top Ten Tuesday! This week’s theme from The Broke and the Bookish is:

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For The Second Half Of The Year (since we did a topic about the releases we were excited about for the first half of 2016 back in the beginning of the year) Feel free to tweak it how you want to — like most anticipated fantasy for the second half of 2016 or debut authors. Whatever you want!

There are literally so many books being released in the next months that I am dying to read, so I decided to narrow it down to the top ten fantasy books I’m looking forward to–and there are STILL SO MANY I am dying. But whatever. I would die to have these books. Except not because I’d probably miss chocolate and just general good things in life too much for that. But you know what I mean.

Everyone knows lists are fabulous, so I won’t deprive you of them any longer! Let’s do this.

1. This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab (July 5th 2016)

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I absolutely ADORE Victoria Schwab’s books. And I’ve heard so many amazing things about This Savage Song and I’m seriously dying to read it. GIMME. I have nothing else to say.

2.  Nevernight by Jay Kristoff (August 9th 2016)

I haven’t read much (read: any) books by Jay Kristoff but SO MANY people adore his writing, especially with the release of Illuminae. Not to mention Nevernight seems so cool! Assassins, intrigue, and sounds of murder. What could be better? (I’m completely sane, I promise.)

3. A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir (August 30th 2016)

Sooo like most people I thought An Ember in the Ashes was a standalone? But nope! Can’t say I’m disappointed though. Can’t wait to see what this book’s like! ❤

4. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (September 26th 2016)

AHHHH if you haven’t checked out this book yet you DEFINITELY should because it sounds amazing! Just read the synopsis. *nods* I must have this. I MUST.

5. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (September 27th 2016)

Oh, did I ever happen to mention that I LOVED Six of Crows and Leigh Bardugo’s books? No? Well, I do. Six of Crows is absolutely LIFE for me (along with all my other favourite books of course) and I NEED CROOKED KINGDOM. NEED IT. Now. I-would-trade-chocolate-for-it need. (Big deal, you guys.)

6. Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge (September 27th 2016)

I don’t think I’ve actually expressed how much I enjoyed Rosamund Hodge’s books! Well, technically I’ve only read Cruel Beauty from her, but I do plan on reading Crimson Bound soon enough. I hope. Either way her newest book seems so good. I will definitely be picking it up! (Just look at that cover, people. How can you resist?)

7. The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan (October 4th 2016)

Ah, Rick Riordan. Always popping up with new books. I definitely don’t mind though! I read and really enjoyed The Sword of Summer last year, and I am totally looking forward to continuing with the journey.

8. A Million Worlds With You by Claudia Gray (November 1st 2016)

THIS COVER GIVES ME LIFE. Omg it’s so beautiful and I want this book so so much. That is all. (GO READ THIS series if you haven’t already though!! If only because the cover is literally BEGGING to be picked up. But also because the story is great!)

9. Heartless by Marissa Meyer (November 8th 2016)

If you didn’t know already, I really love the Lunar Chronicles! (It’s seriously the best.) Marissa Meyer is such a gifted writer. So a book describing the Queen of Hearts pre-Wonderland? YES PLEASE.

10. Crystal Storm by Morgan Rhodes (December 13th 2016)

And last but not least, Crystal Storm which is releasing in December! (*sob* Why December??!) The fourth book in the series, Frozen Tides left me totally hanging and begging for more and I’m honestly dying for this book. I suppose I’m lucky there will be so many other good books to keep me occupied before it’s released?? XD The series started off as meh, but really got better. Woo!

OH, and I just HAVE to add this one.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling (July 31st 2016)

Do I even have to explain anything for this one?! Didn’t think so. Good. Because I have no words other than alagla;hndgrgnalsajflkdjf complete gibberish. Ahem. So excited!

 

Honorable mentions (Pretty much most of the other books I’m looking forward to that I wasn’t able add to the top ten): Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (September 6th 2016), Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (September 27th 2016), Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch (September 20th 2016), The Midnight Star by Marie Lu (October 11th 2016), Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst (November 22nd 2016), A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (September 20th 2016)

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SO MANY BOOKS. So many books are being released in the second half of 2016 (a lot in September, I’ve noticed!) and I’m so giddy for them all to be released! Apart from these fantasy books, there are so many other books being released as well–don’t me started on all the contemporary books I also want to read! That’s a list for a different day. (I have too many books on my TBR SOMEONE STOP ME.)

So now tell me! Which of these books are you looking forward to the most? What other books are you looking forward to that aren’t on this list? Feel free to leave your TTT link below as well, I’d love to stop by (and add more books to my never-ending TBR pile)!

Happy Tuesday!

 

Fictional Settings I Wish Were Real | Seriously, I REALLY wish these were real.

Hello. It’s me.

(Sorry, I feel like this post warranted that. It’s been so long, and it’s so old, I know! But I had to. SHHH you know you do it too.)

I’m back today with another post, you guys! Be proud of me. I’m not exactly sure what inspired this topic, but I was making a few header graphics for some of my other planned posts and then suddenly I saw a picture that just made this idea pop into my head. Be prepared for a severe case of wanderlust guys, for these fictional places! I mean, come on, who DOESN’T want to go to these places?

Let’s do this! I apologize in advance if this post causes your wanderlust to go overboard and like me, you end up sobbing because these places don’t exist.

1. Hogwarts (Harry Potter)

YOU ALL SAW THIS COMING. I mean, come on! Even people who haven’t read Harry Potter (ps you must definitely go fix that mistake asap please and thank you) wouldn’t mind going to the utter fabulousness that is Hogwarts. And other magical places. (Diagon Alley, anyone? I WANT TO GET MY WAND and magic thanks.)

LOOK AT IT!! ❤ ❤

2. Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia)

Hasn’t anyone else dreamed of visiting Narnia once upon a time?! I mean, come on. IT’S NARNIA peoples. ❤

3. Camp Half Blood/Jupiter (Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus)

Rick Riordan’s books have always had a place in my heart, and it’s definitely a certain that Camp Half Blood found a place there too! IT’S JUST THE BEST. Someone take me there, please? *heart eyes*

4. Luna, New Beijing (The Lunar Chronicles)

The settings in the Lunar Chronicles sound so cool! And I SO wouldn’t mind visiting Luna or New Beijing. Seriously, why can’t these places be real?!

5. Panem (The Hunger Games)

I think it makes sense to wish this was real, right? I mean, war’s over and everything and Panem just sounds SO COOL. And really pretty? Are there any tours available, ’cause sign me up please. (Yes, I realize Panem is FICTIONAL *sadly* but maybe the places where the movie took place? ‘Cause those were super great. Ahem.)

6. Ravka (Grishaverse)

Ahh, Leigh Bardugo and her Grishaverse. Can never get tired of it, really. Especially now that we have the amazing Six of Crows and the books in that series! Ravka’s world just seems so cool. And I know it’s based off Russia too (which is already on my to-visit-someday list because RUSSIA.)

7. Trollus (Stolen Songbird)

I haven’t squealed about this book and the series enough, tbh. There is SO MUCH going on for this book and oh my gosh, the world building is most definitely one of the best parts!! Trollus just seems SO AMAZING (I’m saying that for literally every place on this list, but SHH. They’re all so amazing.) and I really want to go visit! It sounds really dark and cold and everything but beautiful with lights and hidden treasures. ❤

I found this on Pinterest and it LOOKS SO PRETTY

8. The Fae Courts (A Court of Thorns and Roses)

If there was one thing Sarah J. Maas didn’t blotch in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, it’s the world and descriptions! I absolutely adore the idea of the Courts (Spring Court, Summer Court,etc.–SO BEAUTIFUL) and it would be SO COOL if they were real (apart from the part where there’s a whole war going on… details, details.)

9. Khorasan (The Wrath and the Dawn)

Set in the middle-east, The Wrath and the Dawn duology is probably one of my favourite books, for like EVER. Seriously, I love this book series SO MUCH. (So basically, if you haven’t read this yet, LEAVE. AND DO SO IMMEDIATELY. Ahem.) And the setting was so cool!! I would definitely not mind visiting someday… (except I can’t *sob*)

10. Primoria (Snow Like Ashes)

Can I just squeal about how much I adore the world in Snow Like Ashes? It’s based on the seasons, and there are 4 kingdoms (each based on a season) and it’s just asjksfhkdhgolehtogrehgaernglekg. Seriously. I have no words. The descriptions and everything was all SO PRETTY AND MAGICAL. I just really want to go. Pretty please? PLEASEEE.

Bonus: Multi-Londons (Shades of Magic)

I suppose you can count this technically as a real setting, because, hello? LONDON? But this world as a whole is (to my dismay) fiction so. SOB. Who doesn’t want to visit multiple Londons? Red London, Grey London, White London. They’re all SO COOL and I severely want to visit!!!

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So.

*offers you tissue box*

Anyone else facing the struggles of being (too) attached to fiction? I am seriously SO SAD that these places don’t exist for us bookworms to visit… (With the exception of Hogwarts, kind of, since we can visit at Universal Studios? BUT IT’S NOT THE SAME *sobs harder* [I’m totally okay, guys. Totally sane. I’m usually not this emotional, sorry. 😛 But can you blame me?]

ANYWAY. Join me in my sobbing wanderlusting! (That sounds kind of weird..) Which of these places do YOU wish were real the most? (Obviously ALL of them, but if you had to pick. (a horror, I know! I apologize in advance.) Which of these books have you read? TALK TO ME, please. (I’m very desperate and it clearly shows.) Hope you’re all enjoying your weekend! ❤

Reasons why fantasy is one of the best genres ever | Top Ten Tuesday #33

Hola mi amigos! Don’t ask what that was, I have no idea. (My long-ago Dora days are kicking in.) Anyway, it’s been a LONG TIME since I’ve participated in a Top Ten Tuesday, and it’s about time, don’t you think? Making lists is one of my favourite things to do, so I’ve been quite sad that I have been depriving myself and the world of said lists. Ahem. ANYWAY. Rambling a bit there.

This week’s theme from The Broke and the Bookish is “Ten Reasons I Love X — could be a certain book, character, author, your indie bookstore, a fandom, a tv show, reading, a hobby, a genre. Honestly anything you want to gush about.” As you know, I went with reasons why I love the fantasy genre! Let’s do this.

1. It lets us escape into a different world.

Some people can argue that this applies to other genres as well (pretty much anything that’s fiction when you think about it) but I feel like it applies most strongly to fantasy? It generally tends to actually create a whole new world which is what makes it so magical and intriguing to read about. Sometimes reality just doesn’t cut it, you know? Whenever an escape from reality is required, fantasy is always such a good choice. What better way to escape than into a world completely different from yours?

I can’t be the only one who loves Harry Potter because of the world, right?

2. It takes us on an adventure.

It’s not even necessarily a physical adventure, though that’s what it is most of the time. It might be an emotional adventure too, where the events lead to an emotional roller coaster (that happened so many times… my feels were overwhelmed). We love to read books because of all the feelings we go through and going on an adventure alongside the characters definitely brings out all sorts of emotions, am I right? *cough* Percy Jackson *cough* Harry Potter *pretty much all my favourite fantasy books*

3. We get to use our imaginations.

One of the best parts of the fantasy genre is the amount of freedom authors have to spin their story. No boundaries of real life, nothing but their own creativity and it’s SO GREAT to read. There’s just such a thrill in being carried into a story of someone else’s imagination, in a completely new (and fictitious) world. So many new ideas, and tons of creativity. How can you not fall in love with all that?

DRAGONS. (Unfortunately they don’t exist in real life, soooo.)

4. Childhood memories

This seems like an odd reason with no correlation whatsoever, but remember those times back when you were a child, and you believed in everything, from fairytales to unicorns to dragons to fairies? Now, grown up we no longer believe in such things, but fantasy is now allowing us to go back to those times when we thought they existed, and read about them. Maybe this isn’t such a huge reason but for me at least, whenever *I* hear of a book about fairies, I can’t help but remember those days… 😉 There’s just something that feels so… I don’t know. Child-like, when it comes to fantasy despite it being the opposite of such. (Please tell me I’m not alone here?? I feel crazy right now. o.O)

5. There is a strong emotional message/theme.

You know how people enjoy contemporary a lot of the time because they’re able to relate and sympathize to the characters and their situation? How there’s a strong emotional theme (to the good books, at least)? Well, that’s not only for the contemporary folks. In books of the fantasy genre, there are tons that despite their out-of-worldness and fantastical elements, actually have an emotional theme that we’re able to relate to. That attachment, paired alongside the intriguing idea of a different world, is what makes fantasy such a gem for me. It’s like such a great mix between relatable and unrelatable? If that makes sense.

6. It puts things into perspective.

I mean, I suppose a lot of books across a variety of genres does so (considering how the characters’ lives always seem to be so much more worse and dramatic than ours in real life..) but especially in the fantasy genre. I mean, no matter how bad your life might be, when you compare to the lives of all the suffering characters in books, I’m sure it won’t seem as bad. Am I right? Like, you try comparing your life with Celaena Sardothien in the first book… um yeah. I doubt your life’s that bad. Just saying. 😛 (You should be glad, tbh.)

7. Options are endless.

The fact is, there are an infinite amount of ideas in fantasy. The options are actually endless. As such, it actually kind of makes me disappointed when I see that some fantasy novels are so similar because there are SO MANY things that fantasy can touch on. As long as you have imagination, fantasy can never die out of lack of ideas. And there’s just something so wonderful about that. ❤ There’s just something so comforting knowing that no matter what, fantasy is there and ready for us to delve into. Does that sound crazy? Probably but humour me.

8. Gives us something to root for.

When it seems like there’s nothing left in real life that seems worth rooting for and you’re just dead and lost all motivation for anything, pick up a fantasy novel! More often than not you’ll find something you root for, whether it’s the characters, their cause, a romance, and who knows what else. Sometimes it’s just that hope and rooting for something (even if it’s fictional) that helps us feel good.

9. (Usually) crushes our emotions and kills us.

Only partially joking about the ‘kills us’ part. Usually I find that fantasy always has me so drained after reading because me emotions always go through such a roller-coaster. And is it just me, or does it seem like fantasy is the genre where cliffhangers are used most often?? And let me tell you, those are absolute deathhhh. Agh. And then I typically fall into this state of shock and hangover where I cannot do anything but just sit in awe of the book. So. I still love these books even though they turn me into such a mess? #logic

Me, pretty much? <.<

10. It’s fun!

So I may or may not be just out of steam for now and grasping at straws for the last one, but I do feel like this counts. Fantasy is fun. It’s enjoyable. One of the main reasons we read at all is for fun, and fantasy provides exactly that. Fun! And who doesn’t like that? It’s entertainment, guys. No matter what emotional havoc it caused and all the turmoil and tension we go through while reading it, it all shows just how easy it is to get hooked into a fantasy novel (well, any genre of novel really, but for the sake of this post I’m making it more specific). I’d be lying if I said that I don’t pick up fantasy novels for entertainment. 😉

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Alright, so I think that’s it! I think I covered most of the important reasons why I love fantasy, for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday! I have been considering making a similar list like this for contemporary, feel free to let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in. What are your thoughts on this? Are you a fan of fantasy? Did I miss any other reasons? Or is fantasy not your thing? I’d love to know your thoughts! Feel free to leave a link to your own Top Ten Tuesday as well if you want. I’d love to stop by!

Enjoy your Tuesday, guys! Sending you lots of cake and chocolate. You’re welcome. ✌️ I know I need it! (Who doesn’t is the question.)

Okay, I’m back–FINALLY! | 2016 June Book Releases

Let me start this off by saying; I will not blame you if you decide to smother me with a pillow and chase after me with a stake! I’ve been gone, without a single explanation or notice for SO LONG it’s literally been a month (and more?) since my last post. Seriously. My last post was last month’s upcoming book releases, and now it’s June. Talk about absences. And awkwardness. Ahem. SOOO my point is I am immensely sorry! I offer chocolate and cake as apology. (That’s a big deal, just saying. No one touches my chocolate.) The past month has been crazy with exams and everything, and things are still a bit crazy but I’ve resolved to not let my blog die with me as I struggle through the final days of school. Yes. #determined

But that’s all besides the point. Right? Right. Let’s just all sit and share candy? And book recommendations? Or, even better, the upcoming releases of this month! It’s so much simpler to keep track of all the amazing-looking releases when they’re all in one place, am I right? You’re welcome, bookish fiends. (Pff, this is totally not to get me back in your good graces, what?)

June 7

• All the Feels by Danika Stone
• The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
• How It Ends by Catherine Lo
• True Letters From a Fictional Life by Kenneth Logan

• The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder
• The Way to Game the Walk of Shame by Jenn P. Nguyen
• 738 Days by Stacey Kade
• You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour, David Levithan

• One Paris Summer by Denise Grover Swank
• What Happens Now by Jennifer Castle
• Lucky Few by Kathryn Ormsbee
• Tumbling by Caela Carter

• Relentless by Tera Lynn Childs, Tracy Deebs (The Hero Agenda #2)
• The Long Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Fixer #2)
• The Leaving by Tara Altebrando
• Frayed by Kara Terzis

• With Malice by Eileen Cook
• The Wheel of Osheim by Mark Lawrence (The Red Queen’s War #3)
• The Marked Girl by Lindsey Klingele (Marked Girl #1)
• Break Me Like a Promise by Tiffany Schmidt (Once Upon a Crime Family #2)

• The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson
• The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass
• Goldfish by Nat Luurtsema
• The Sound of Us by Julie Hammerle

June 14

• Look Both Ways by Alison Cherry
• We Were Never Here by Jennifer Gilmore
• The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker (The Witch Hunter #2)
• Ivory and Bone by Julie Esbaugh (Ivory and Bone #1)
• Change Places With Me by Lois Metzger
• The Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love by Sarvenaz Tash

• Escape From Asylum by Madeleine Roux (Asylum #0.5)
• Autofocus by Lauren Gibaldi
• Cure for the Common Universee by Christian McKay Heidicker
• The Transatlantic Conspiracy by G.D. Falksen
• Steeplejack by A.J. Hartley (Alternative Detective #1)
• How it Feels to Fly by Kathryn Holmes

June 15

• Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler (Seasons of the Sword #1)

June 21

• Never Ever by Sara Saedi
• Mirror in the Sky by Aditi Khorana
• Zenith by Sasha Alsberg, Lindsey Cummings (The Androma Saga #1)

June 28

• And I Darken by Kiersten White (Conqueror’s Saga #1)
• Empire of Dust by Eleanor Herman (Blood of Gods and Royals #2)
• The Darkest Magic by Morgan Rhodes (Spirits and Thieves #2)
• Winning by Lara Deloza

• A Season for Fireflies by Rebecca Maizel
• Order of the Wicked by Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die #0.7)
• United as One by Pittacus Lore (Lorien Legacies #7)
• Never Missing, Never Found by Amanda Panitch

• Run by Kody Keplinger
• The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn
• Before We Go Extinct by Karen Rivers
• All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

June 29

• The Head of Medusa by Michelle Madow (Elementals #3)

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I know there are tons more releases I must’ve missed, but I believe this is already around 50-ish books? Sooo yeah, I think that’s more than adequate (I’m drowning, pretty much), and plus, among these are the ones I’m most excited for. A nice mix of contemporary as well as sci-fi/fantasy novels this month, so it’s sure to keep any bookworm happy, am I right? (Not our wallets though…) Some of the ones I’m excited for include All the Feels, The Loose Ends List, One Paris Summer, Ivory and Bone, Never Ever, And I Darken, as well as Winning. So many amazing books and covers here!! *drools*

Alright, so I think that’s all for today, folks! Unfortunately I will continue to be a bit tied up with studies and everything for the next bit and I *might* take another unnamed hiatus (fingers crossed I won’t though) BUT I will most definitely be seeing you guys soon in another post! ❤ Hope you guys are all enjoying your weekend–let me know how you’ve been! I’ve missed you. 😀

I’m totally not a week late on this…! | 2016 May Book Releases

Hey everyone, and Happy Mother’s Day!! It’s been a while since I posted anything on the blog, but I’m here to rectify that with this post! And shhhhh, what are you talking about, this post is definitely not late or anything. 🙂 After all, there’s never a wrong time to share new upcoming book releases! Unless you share them when they’re no longer upcoming. Or if you’re being chased by hordes of rabid monkeys. Though maybe even then it would be okay. You never know.

Alright, let’s just get into the stunning covers! I mean, good books.

May 3rd 2016

• A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
• The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
• Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes (Queen of Hearts Saga #1)
• Ruined by Amy Tintera (Ruined #1)
• The Crown by Kiera Cass (The Selection #5)
• The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo #1) by Rick Riordan
• Warrior Witch by Danielle L. Jensen (The Malediction Trilogy #3)
• Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

• Ask Me How I Got Here by Christine Heppermann
• The Way Back to You by Michelle Andreani, Mindi Scott
• Whisper To Me by Nick Lake
• Wild Swans by Jessica Spotswood
• The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood
• Anything You Want by Geoff Herbach
• A Walk in the Sun by Michelle Zink
• Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

• Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake
• The Blood Between Us by Zac Brewer
• Lost in Love by Susane Colasanti (City Love #2)
• Shuffle, Repeat by Jen Klein
• The May Queen Murders by Sarah Jude
• Dream On by Kerstin Gier (Silber #2)
• Wandering Wild by Jessica Taylor
• The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight (The Outliers #1)

• The Girl I Used to Be by April Henry
• If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
• Unforgivable by Amy Reed (Invincible #2)
• Night Speed by Chris Howard
• The Paladins by Julie Reece (The Artisans #2)
• Holding Smoke by Elle Cosimano
• Genius: The Game by Leopoldo Gout
• A Totally Awkward Love Story by Tom Ellen, Lucy Ivison

May 10th 2016

• Unrivaled by Alyson Noel (Beautiful Idols #1)
• Even If the Sky Falls by Mia Garcia
• The Fall of Butterflies by Andrea Portes
• The Season of You & Me by Robin Constantine
• The Last Time We Were Us by Leah Konan
• Summer of Supernovas by Darcy Woods
• Love Blind by Christa Desir, Jolene Perry
• This Is My Brain on Boys by Sarah Strohmeyer
• Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
• The Countdown by Kimberly Derting (The Taking #3)

May 16th 2016

• A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
• Winging It by Cate Cameron (Corrigan Falls Raiders #3)

May 17th 2016

• Summer Days and Summer Nights (edited) by Stephanie Perkins
• The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye (The Crown’s Game #1)
• Gena/Finn by Hannah Moskowitz, Kat Helgeson
• 100 Days of Cake by Shari Goldhagen
• The Problem With Forever by Jennier L. Armentrout
• Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes
• Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason-Black
• The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You by Lily Andersen
• The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson (Thornbeck #2)
• Places No One Knows by Brenna Yovanoff
• Because I Love You by Tori Rigby
• Company Town by Madeline Ashby
• Circle of Jinn by Lori Goldstein (Becoming Jinn #2)
• Spark by Holly Schindler

May 19th 2016

• The Loneliness of Distant Beings by Kate Ling

May 24th 2016

• Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
• The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury (The Sin Eater’s Daughter #2)
• The Hunt by Megan Shepherd (The Cage #2)
• The Last Star by Rick Yancey (The 5th Wave #3)
• Return to the Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz (Descendants #2)
• Traitor Angels by Anne Blankman
• 26 Kisses by Anna Michels
• The Safest Lies by Megan Miranda

May 31st 2016

• The Inside of Out by Jenn Marie Thorne
• Sing by Viv Greene
• Meet Me Here by Bryan Bliss
• Without Annette by Jane B. Mason
• Wanderlost by Jen Malone
• Frannie and Tru by Karen Hattrup
• Nil on Fire by Lynne Matson (Nil #3)
• Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten

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*temporarily stops drooling over new releases and pretty covers* Sooo, that’s it, I think, for a lot of the YA book releases for May! Thank god May 3rd already came and passed, ’cause there are SO MANY books released that day that I can’t wait to get my hands. But there are still so many other amazing releases spread out throughout the month! *grabby hands*

So tell me: which books are YOU excited for? (Is anyone else squealing about A Court of Mist and Fury, The Hidden Oracle, Queen of Hearts, The Unexpected Everything, Summer Days and Summer Nights, The Crown, Ruined and The Crown’s Game?? and all of the other books with pretty covers?) Oh, and can someone say, contemporaries alert! There are so many of them being released, though there are plenty of other genres this month added in as well. Either way it ends up with tons of books and pretty covers, and a broke bookworm. Oh wait. Most of us already start off as broke, right. (Most of us meaning me, of course.)

It’s been, once again, a while since I talked to you guys all (EXAMS ARE THE WORST I tell you) and I missed you! I hope this post puts me back in your good graces, guys. 😀 Here, I’ll even add in some chocolate to sweeten it up. Now you can’t refuse. I hope you guys are all enjoying the weekend–I know I am!

Re-reading! Library books! Woo! | WWW Wednesday #47 (April 20th)

Hey everyone! I think this post was actually supposed to go up earlier, but I guess there was a glitch and it didn’t. (Technology can be a bother sometimes.. *sigh*) But anyway here I am with this week’s WWW Wednesday! I actually managed to get A LOT of reading done, by some kind of magic witchcraft. And I enjoyed basically all of them, so yesss. Success right there! Alright, so let’s get into the what of everything.

Currently Reading

• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I started my re-read of The Raven Boys yesterday! I’m hoping to have this and at least the second book finished before the release of The Raven King (which I can’t wait for, by the way). I don’t actually talk about this series much (or ever), I’ve noticed, but I actually do like it! Re-reading it now is making me enjoy it more than the first time, I think. Just a little.

Recently Finished

• The Winner’s Curse by Marie Kutkoski
• It’s a Wonderful Death by Sarah J Schmitt
• A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern
• What We Left Behind by Robin Talley

The Winner’s Curse was the book I had been reading last week, and, well, I finished it! It was a re-read, and I loved it just as much as when I read it the first time. ❤

It’s a Wonderful Death was a surprise read for me, actually. I hadn’t planned on reading it, but I got it from the library the other day and since it seemed like a quick read, I decided to read it! And gosh, I loved it. It was such an insightful yet fun read!

A Step Toward Falling was another library book I got. At first I wasn’t that into it, but by the time I reached the end, I really enjoyed it! I’m definitely going to be trying out Cammie McGovern’s other novel, Say What You Will, sometime as well.

And finally, I also read What We Left Behind. I’ve been really into the library and contemporary books this week, it seems! This, as well, was a really good read. Full of diverse and interesting characters, I had so much fun reading this, especially since the author dealt with the LGBT themes so well.

Read Next

• The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski
• The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
• The Moth and the Flame & The Crown and the Arrow by Renee Ahdieh
• Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

So, I finished my re-read of The Winner’s Curse the other day (it was sooo good!) and am currently planning on writing up a review on it. I’m kind of debating whether to just do a series review once I finished The Winner’s Kiss? If I do then I can go straight ahead to The Winner’s Crime but otherwise I have to wait ’till I’m done writing my review… I’m quite indecisive right now. So.

Moving on, I’m currently re-reading The Raven Boys in anticipation for the release of The Raven King, and obviously, once I finish it I’ll be moving on to The Dream Thieves, the second book! I really must finish my re-read of the series soon, for the fourth book is being released quite soon. I think?

And, now, here’s a confession: I haven’t read The Moth and the Flame or The Crown and the Arrow yet! (They’re novellas set in the world of The Wrath and the Dawn, in case you didn’t know.) I know, I know. But I’ve been a busy little chocolate bar, and I just thought I might as well wait–The Rose and the Dagger is being released soon, after all, and these novellas might be useful to jog my memory as to what happened in TWATD.

Finally, I’ve decided to add Tell Me Three Things to this list–is it just me, or did that book seem to appear everywhere for a while? Those blog tour people sure know how to attack us with book publicity! But maybe that was just me. So. Anyway, I am mildly intrigued and definitely want to check it out!

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So there we have it for this week! What books on here have you read? What book do you think I should pick next? How has your reading been this week? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! I hope you’re all enjoying your Wednesday. ❤

Laughter is fabulous. Ergo books that will make you laugh is even better. So read these! | Top Ten Tuesday #32

If you’re anything like me, you most likely adore or at least mildly appreciate books with humor. I mean, who doesn’t? When (the right) humor is included, whether it be from witty dialogue, character interactions, or anything, a book generally becomes 10 times better. Generally. Or at least better, in general. (I’m saying ‘general’ too much, aren’t I? But generally, that’s how it is. Humor make books a better place. Right? Right.) Of course, it does depend on the quality of humor–but that’s a discussion for another day. So. The topic this week, for Top Ten Tuesday from The Broke and the Bookish, is Ten Books That Will Make You Laugh (or at least chuckle)–which is utterly perfect! Though making this list has made me realized how little books I had to choose from for this list… but nonetheless, here it is! In no particular order, as usual. If you haven’t read these books yet, YOU SHOULD MUST. Just sayin’.

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1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Ahhh, the sly and little tidbits of humour in this one absolutely killed me in this one! I loved them to death. Fangirl was SUCH a fun read and I remember smiling so much throughout this book! Not to mention it definitely caused me to laugh out loud various moments. Cath and Reagan, Cath and Levi, so many awesome exchanges in this book.

Reagan was sitting up at Cath’s desk when Cath woke up.
“Are you awake?”
“Have you been watching me sleep?”
“Yes, Bella. Are you awake?”
“No.”

#relatable (about the not being awake thing. I don’t usually have a person watching me sleep. I’ll leave that to Bella. And Cath, apparently. 😛 LOL.)

2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I still have not read Lola or Isla (BUT I WILL I PROMISE) but Anna and the French Kiss, I can say, is adorable! Although it’s not something that will make you collapse in a fit of giggles every couple of pages (I’d love to come across a book like that though, LOL) I don’t doubt that it will cause a few chuckles or at least some large grins for most of you.

“Thanks. I forgot how to flip off the English. I’ll use the correct hand gesture next time.”
“My pleasure. Always happy to educate.”

3. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

SIMONNNNN. (!!!) I think half the reason I loved this book so much was just because of Simon. I honestly want him to COME TO LIFE. (I say for the millionth time.) But seriously. This book is amazing, and not just because of Simon! (Though he plays a big part.) The humor in this is fabulous too, so it’s double the win!

“What’s a dementor?”
I mean, I can’t even. “Nora, you are no longer my sister.”
“So it’s some Harry Potter thing,” she says.

4. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Oh my gosh, this book. It had its faults, for sure, but it was so much FUN to read. Aha, like seriously. Perhaps the humor might appeal to different people, depending, but to me, it was great. This book was so light-hearted and really enjoyed reading from Harper (the main character)’s perspective. Definitely try out this book if you’re looking for a mostly fluffy and amusing read!

“Just . . . I don’t like crying girls, okay?” We were quiet for a second while I took that in. “That was very nice of you, David,” I finally said. “Now hold on because I’m about to drive into a fence.”
“Yeah, okay,” he muttered, his eyes still closed. “You do that.” Then his eyes shot open. “Wait, what?”

5. A Darker Shade of Magic (& A Gathering of Shadows) by V.E. Schwab

One of the biggest things I loved about this book, and its sequel is the copious amounts of sass in the dialogue of the characters. Like YASSS. I approve with quite a lot of enthusiasm. (!!!) Seriously, the witty dialogue is probably one of the things I love most. That, and all the other amazing things about this book. READ IT. (Especially A Gathering of Shadows, because it was perfection.)

“I apologize for anything I might have done. I was not myself.”
“I apologize for shooting you in the leg. I was myself entirely.”

6. All I’ve Never Wanted by Ana Huang

This was a book I read quite some time ago (last year, psh, yes, that counts as a long time ago) but I really enjoyed it! It was filled with so much humor, and it was so much fun to read!! Also the romance(s) in the book were super adorable. So. ❤

7. It’s a Wonderful Death by Sarah J. Schmitt

This, is actually a book I recently (?) finished–or at least, finished sometime this week; I forget when exactly because I’ve been doing other things too, but anyway! I loved reading this book so much. Near the end I think I might’ve even teared a bit? But it’s not a sad book, I assure you, despite what it may seem like. It was actually a lot of fun to read, and even if you’re not going to fall laughing each page, it still has a great undertone of witty humor which I adored.

8. Penryn & the End of Days by Susan Ee

I read this series last year, and really enjoyed it! Susan Ee is definitely an author I will be looking out for now. One of the most notable things that stood out to be about the series, though, is the humor. Despite the dark, and gritty mood and the post-apocalyptic world and everything, it had kind of a playful tone to it at times?? And it was so entertaining to read, and drew me a lot more to the characters.

“My friends call me Wrath,” says Raffe. “My enemies call me Please Have Mercy. What’s your name, soldier boy?”

9. Rick Riordan

As much as I would’ve liked to keep up with a semblance that I don’t cheat on these Top Ten Tuesday lists, I can’t. And won’t. I’m too far gone into the habit to stop now! Plus you all know I couldn’t. Every single one of Rick Riordan’s books that I have read, has managed to make me chuckle or just full out laugh at least once. I’m especially a huge fan of his Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series; both are AMAZING for humor. Seriously.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Aphrodite said. “War is coming. Bloodshed is inevitable. So there’s really only one thing to do.”
“Uh… and that is?” Annabeth ventured.
“Why, have tea and chat, obviously.”

Ahhhh, memories. I read The Mark of Athena such a long time ago but it only feels like yesterday!

10. Cassandra Clare

Similar to my situation with Rick Riordan, Cassandra Clare has written so many books, and the books I’ve read from her (aka, anything set in the Shadowhunter world) always have some part that makes me laugh. Most notably in The Infernal Devices and Lady Midnight. I loved the characters so much in both, and the dialogue was just amazing! Not to say that TMI wasn’t, but I guess I just don’t remember it as much since it’s been a while since I read them.

“I bet you didn’t like Magnus much, either,” said Julian, still with the same odd, stiff look on his face.
“Maybe not,” said Jace, “but I never would have said so.”
“Because it would have hurt Alec’s feelings?” Emma asked.
“No,” said Jace, “because Magnus would have turned me into a hat rack.”

 

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Alright, so I think that’s it for this week’s list! I have to say, I’m actually kind of surprised I managed to get to ten? I feel like despite the many books with witty characters and humor and everything, there’s still not enough.. Maybe I just forgot a lot of them. Oh well. These ones, for sure, are ones you MUST absolutely read if you haven’t already! Especially if you’re looking to have a fun read and a good laugh a few times too. 😉 Which of these have you read? Which quotes are your favorites? Do you have any recommendations for me, in terms of YA novels with humor? It doesn’t matter which genre–you can see that I have a mismatch of a bunch myself. Oh, and what do YOU think of humor in books?? What type do you like best? Witty, sarcastic, etc. Let me know any of your thoughts below! And feel free to link your own TTT post as well. 😉

The Blog Most Likely To… | TAG

Hey everyone! I haven’t done a tag in a while, so I thought I might as well do this one–in which I was tagged in by Summer @ XingSings. Thanks so much, Summer! This tag is one I had meant to do for a while now actually, but I never got around to it. It was created back when it was the release of Huntley Fitzpatrick’s novel The Boy Most Likely To (which I have yet to read, admittedly–I will, one day, promise!) and was really popular for a while! Now it’s just drifting around, I think. XD Basically we just share our own blogger superlative, and some other stuff (I think?), and invite others to do the same (as per usual in a book tag).

Alright, so are you ready for this? It was actually kind of hard to come up with only one, but finally I have reached one! And naturally, I cheated a bit and meshed two into one. Okay, here it is:

The Blog Most Likely To… Be Behind On Literally All The Reviews (And spend time squealing about books and chocolate instead)

Allow me to explain. (Yes, I realize you guys are all smart little minions but I am smarter* so hushhh)

If you’ve been around for a while, or even a bit, you know this is (unfortunately?) 110% true. As much as I would love for all of you lovely people to deny it, you just can’t. XD It’s totally not intentional, I swear it! But I just can’t keep up with writing reviews. Once I started slipping, it just kind of snowballed and now I can’t get out of it, aghhhhh. I literally have books I read over a year ago, like in May 2015, that I still haven’t reviewed, despite making a draft, telling myself I’d write up a review, etc. etc. I don’t know. LE SIGH. Around 98% of the time, I’m eating chocolate and read a new book rather than writing a review for the book I recently read.. which is really a bad habit of mine. I really enjoy writing reviews, I do! It’s so much fun expressing my thoughts on a book, especially if it’s one I loved.. or hated. 😉 But despite that, I seem to always never get them written?

*Hey, I like to dream, alright? No raining on my parade here.

Why do I procrastinate so much? 

(I mean, eating chocolate instead is time very well spent, in my book, but others may not see it that way. :P)

• I love reviewing, but reading often becomes first for me. There are so many books to be read, I just want to keep picking up another book once I finish one! And once that happens, I get caught up in another book, and then another, and then another, and then.. I find that instead of one review to write, I have, like 5. And then 10. And then.. yeah, you know what I mean. 😀
• I don’t always like to write reviews right after finishing a book, because I feel like at that time, I’m most likely still reeling from the ending and everything, so it wouldn’t be a very helpful or 100% accurate review because I’d most likely either hype it up way more than I actually mean to, or, the opposite. So. I like to wait a bit more, to clear my head.. except then I kind of don’t get around to writing the review at all, because of what happens in the above. *SIGH* I am terrible, guys.
• Squealing about books and chocolate is so much more appealing sometimes? I like my books, and I like my chocolate too much, guys. #sorrynotsorry

 I think I’m supposed to offer examples as well? But I can’t exactly do that, so… I’ll skip to the tagging!

This post is turning out to be very short! But this tag was a lot of fun to do–it was interesting to come up with the superlative, at least.

• Ali @ I Wuv Books
• Alicia @ #LoveBooks
• Amy @ Book Enthral
• Amy & Nikki @ Every Book You Need to Read and More
• Ashley @ Socially Awkward Bookworm
• Beth @ Reading Every Night
• Catia @ The Girl Who Read Too Much
• Claire @ Art and Soul
• Cristina @ My Tiny Obsessions
• Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse
• Emma @ Emma the Book lover
• Giovanna @ Book Coma
• Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books
• Poulami @ Daydreaming Books
• Kat @ Life and Other Disasters
• Sara @ Freadom Library
• Trang & Lashaan @ Bookidote
• Zezee @ Zezee with Books

As usual, no pressure if you don’t want to do this tag! And if you want to do it, but your name isn’t on here, don’t feel shy to go right ahead and do it! Let me know in the comments if you’d like to do it–and if you do it, please link back to this post so I can come check it out! ❤

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Alright, so I think that’s it for this tag! What do you think? Do you agree with the superlative I chose for myself? (I won’t be too offended if you do. :P) Do you think I deserve another superlative instead? What do you think your own superlative would be? Let me know all and any thoughts in the comments! ❤

I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend!

The dreaded reading slump has been defeated! | WWW Wednesday #46 (April 13th)

It’s been a while since I did a WWW Wednesday post (3-4 weeks, I think?) but to be fair, I hadn’t really read much in those weeks… or at all? Like, maybe one book. So. I was in a major blogging and reading slump–thankfully those dark days are over! *dances around with chocolate* But I’m back this week to catch up a bit on what I’ve been reading, what I plan to read, etc. Yes, yes, I know, you missed me and these posts. Probably not but hushhh.

Currently Reading

• Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
• The Winner’s Curse by Marie Kutkoski

Some of you may recall, how I started Illuminae.. maybe three weeks ago? Even longer? Yeah. Well, I haven’t made any progress with it! Which makes me really sad, actually. It’s just I haven’t been in the mood to read this AT ALL. I couldn’t bring myself to pick it up and read it, even after my reading slump was over. Which is why I’m thinking right now just to leave it? Not leave it forever, but, like, pause reading it? I don’t want to force myself to read it and end up enjoying it a lot less than I could have otherwise. So. I’m confused.

The Winner’s Curse is actually a re-read for me, since I read it a year ago or something? And since the third book has been released, I decided to start rereading the first two books! I kind of was unwilling to reread because there are SO MANY other books I want to read, but it’s been so long since I read this. So. So far I’m really enjoying it! Arin and Kestrel… ❤

Recently Finished

• The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine
• The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
• The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

I actually don’t even know what spurred me to read The Impostor Queen–but what I do know, is that it managed to jarr me out of my slump! I started it and I think I finished it, in like, less than two days. It started off kind of ‘meh’, decent, but nothing too great, but then it really became something amazing. I really loved the fantasy world it created, with magic based around fire and ice and everything. Loved it!

My friend actually had a copy of The Glittering Court (I was kind of surprised, tbh) and since I was kind of wary of whether I’d like it or not, I just borrowed it from her. I wouldn’t say it was a bad read, but… it wasn’t amazing either. I mean, I liked the concept well enough, but I wasn’t always the biggest fan of the characters, which really put down the enjoyment factor. I wished I liked it more, though I did still like it.

The book that followed The Glittering Court, however, made up for more than my partial disappointment over TGC. The Sky is Everywhere blew away all and any of the expectations I had! If you haven’t read this book already, guys, I’m telling you, you must. (At least if you’re into contemporaries.) A book with themes of sisterhood, coping with grief and of course, love, The Sky is Everywhere is such an emotional and fabulous read–READ IT.

Read Next

• What We Left Behind by Robin Talley
• The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski
• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
• Red Rising by Pierce Brown

What We Left Behind has been on my TBR since last year, when it was released, but I never got around to reading it! I’ve been kind of wanting to read another contemporary after The Sky is Everywhere, but I ended up starting The Winner’s Curse instead. Once I finish that I might read this?

The Winner’s Crime, of course, is the sequel to The Winner’s Curse. I’ll also be rereading this, obviously. I’m not going to read it directly after Winner’s Curse (a la binge-read fashion) because I do want to write up a review of it before moving onto the second book. 🙂

The Raven King will be releasing this month, and to prepare for it I decided I want to re-read the previous books in the series, starting, of course, with The Raven Boys! I’m really in a rereading mood this month, LOL. XD I blame this on you, publishers, for making books in a series so spread apart!

Alright, this book isn’t a reread, as I’ve been meaning to read this for SO LONG you know this; Red Rising! I’ve heard so many amazing things (but then, don’t I say that about nearly every book? Oops.) and I can’t wait to read it. Fingers crossed!

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Erm, are we missing anything? Nope, don’t think so (though I wouldn’t mind having some chocolate right now.. I’m kind of hungry.) so I guess that means it’s time for you guys to talk to me! Because you all know I need your opinions and approvals. XD So leave any of your thoughts below! I’d love to hear them. And feel free to link your own WWW post below!

Happy Wednesday!