Sunday, January 22, 2017

Wrap-Up | January 7-15 2017

Another week in reading gone great. I also did a review of A Gathering of Shadows. I really need to put my self in a posting schedule. I am hoping to getting that down by the beginning of this week. So far I have been review all the books I have reading. Which that is a good thing. I just need to try and not put too much of a gap between review. I will hopefully be posting different types of post during the upcoming weeks. I have been doing really good in my reading so far which that makes me happy. Hopefully I don't fall of the wagon. Here are 4 more books that I read the previous week. Hoping to get my review up from this passing week soon. Don't want to fall to behind schedule. If you guys have any ideas of what you guys would like me to post let me know.

Lisey's StoryTitle: Lisey's Story
Author: Stephen King
Release: October 24, 2006
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 513
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: No
Format: Hardcover
Summary: Lisey Debusher Landon lost her husband, Scott, two years ago, after a twenty-five-year marriage of the most profound and sometimes frightening intimacy. Scott was an award-winning, bestselling novelist and a very complicated man. Early in their relationship, before they married, Lisey had to learn from him about books and blood and bools. Later, she understood that there was a place Scott went -- a place that both terrified and healed him, that could eat him alive or give him the ideas he needed in order to live. Now it's Lisey's turn to face Scott's demons, Lisey's turn to go to Boo'ya Moon. What begins as a widow's effort to sort through the papers of her celebrated husband becomes a nearly fatal journey into the darkness he inhabited. Perhaps King's most personal and powerful novel, "Lisey's Story" is about the wellsprings of creativity, the temptations of madness, and the secret language of love. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
I really like this story. I enjoyed the format that it was written. This could be one of the top Stephen King books I have read so far. If you like his writing I recommend this book because it also gives you another aspect of his stile. It doesn't completely feel like his normal books (horror) but at the same time it still leaves his mark and you see how it is his book.
As we follow Lisey in the story we feel her lost and the struggle of living without her husband. As a reader you are thrown into her world and the mystery behind her life and her husbands. I really enjoyed it and I recommend it.

Ghosted, Volume One: Haunted Heist

Title: Ghosted, Vol. 1 Haunted Heist
Author: Joshua Williamson
Release: December 4, 2013
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 144
Where to find it:  Amazon
Series: Yes
Format: Paperback Trade
Summary: Jackson T. Winters is one of the greatest criminal masterminds to ever live... except he's rotting in jail after his last, doomed score. But when a filthy rich collector breaks him out, he's tasked with putting together an elite team of paranormal experts to do the impossible: Steal a ghost from a haunted house of horrors! Collects GHOSTED #1-5. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
I want to read everything by Joshua Williamson. He is easily becoming one of my favorite comic book writers out there. His stories always have to do with horror and the fantasy realm, which are two of my favorite things. I really enjoyed how his this comic story he incorporates a heist and horror. It really cleaver how he did that. It all felt like it flowed so well together. I was instantly pulled into the story and the mystery behind it all. I really loved it and can't wait to read the next volume of this world.
Really recommend picking up something from him. 

The Girl with All the GiftsTitle: The Girl with all the Gifts
Author: M.R. Carrey
Release: June 19, 2014
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ 
Pages: 460
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: No
Format: Paperback

Summary: Melanie is a very special girl. Dr. Caldwell calls her "our little genius." Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh. Melanie loves school. She loves learning about spelling and sums and the world outside the classroom and the children's cells. She tells her favorite teacher all the things she'll do when she grows up. Melanie doesn't know why this makes Miss Justineau look sad. The Girl with All the Gifts is a sensational thriller, perfect for fans of Stephen King, Justin Cronin, and Neil Gaiman. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
This was a story that I really enjoyed. The world was intriguing to me. Such a different idea of the Zombie lore. I enjoyed the new refreshing idea been seeing a lot of twist in the genre and I am really enjoying it. I love zombie movies and I have really been wanting to read more zombie books. Ended up picking this one and I wasn't disappointed at all. It felt refreshing and brilliant at the same time.
As we follow these character we see the developments and what they had to do to survive in this world and you don't really know who is right and who is wrong when it comes down to finding out how to survive in this new world.
I like that the story doesn't pick up a few years after the world is infected. Haven't really read a lot of books in that point of the outbreak. It was nice and refreshing.
I also ended up watching the movie which I really enjoyed. It was really similar to the book. I like that aspect. They did had to change a few things for the sake of time. But I did wish they showed more aspects of some of the characters.
Overall if you like novels about zombies I recommend you to pick this book up. It also gives you so much more and get's you thinking on accepting what the world has become and what people do to survive.


Preacher, Book 1 (Preacher Deluxe, #1)Title: Preacher Book 1
Author: Grath Ennis
Release: June 18, 2013
Rating:★ ★
Pages: 352
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: Yes
Format: Paperback Trade
Summary: Available for the first time in hardcover, preacher Jesse Custer begins his dark journey to find God, in this volume collecting PREACHER #1-12, plus pinups from PREACHER #50 and #66. After merging with a bizarre spiritual force called Genesis, Texan preacher Jesse Custer has become completely disillusioned with the beliefs to which he had dedicated his entire life. Now possessing the power of "the word," an ability to make people do whatever he utters, Custer begins a violent and riotous journey across the country. Joined by his gun-toting girlfriend Tulip and the hard-drinking Irish vampire Cassidy, Custer loses faith in both God and man as he witnesses dark atrocities and improbable calamities during his exploration of America. This new collected edition features an all-new introduction by series writer Garth Ennis. (goodreads)

Thought:
I really didn't like this first book in the comic series and I don't think I will be continuing it. The beginning of it was interesting but as I read more. I felt like it drag. I also don't know how I feel with some issues in the comic book. I usually could read pretty much any topic. But I really don't like the way this series is written.
Really don't have much to say about it but this. 

Off the Record (Record, #1)
Title: Off the Record (#1)
Author: Grath Ennis
Release: March 11, 2014
Rating:★ ★
Pages: 445
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: Yes
Format: Paperback
Summary: Liz Dougherty has no idea a single question is about to change her life. Her first big reporting assignment for her North Carolina college newspaper has her covering a state senator’s impromptu press conference. Brady Maxwell may have everything it takes to be a politician—a winning pedigree, devastating good looks, a body made to wear suits—but his politics rub Liz the wrong way. When Liz’s hard-hitting question catches the upstart senator off-guard, it impresses Hayden Lane, Liz’s editor who feels she’s headed for a promising career as a reporter. But Liz is also headed into a secret romance with Brady that could destroy both their ambitions. Though he’s a bachelor, potential voters might frown on Brady cozying up to a reporter. And Liz isn’t sure sneaking around is enough for her—especially when things between her and Hayden might be less platonic than she thought. Sleek, sexy, and smart, Off the Record ventures into a high-stakes campaign and an even higher-stakes affair to answer the question: When politics and love collide, can there ever be a winner? (goodreads)

Thoughts:
I have been in the mood of reading New Adult novels. Some of them have been good and some of them haven't been that great. This one wasn't that great. Or it just wasn't what I wanted from the characters. I picked it up because it had such high reviews but I was really disappointed by the characters. There is some New Adult books were the female character are written with confidents and are not allow to be push over by the male character in the story. Although this character is independent she is easily submissive to the male character without question. Even when some of the things he does aren't okay.
I don't know if I will be continuing with this series. It pretty much a straight forward romance novel with the characters being in a secret relationship. I get why some people will enjoy it.  

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Review: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2)
Title: A Gathering of Shadows (#2)
Author: V.E. Schwab
Release: February 23, 2016
Rating:★ ★
Pages: 509
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: Yes
Format: Hardcover
Summary: It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift--back into Black London. Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games--an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries--a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port. And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall. (goodreads)
Thoughts:
I just don't know what I was expecting from this book. I felt that the first book ended in a good place and the characters acted according to their circumstances. However, this book felt like the complete opposite. The characters didn't make sense to me. They were so spoiled and I just don't know how I felt. The plot was weird. It felt all too convenient for the plot line. It didn't feel like there was a lot of surprises in the story.
I like the idea of the world but the characters didn't really make me enjoy the story. Maybe I was trying to hard too like it because I did enjoyed the first book in the series. For example, one thing that thru me off was with Kell's parents, they felt completely bland and just hypocrites from what the first book was trying to say about them. I know that the writer was trying to make a point about an event that happen in the first book in this book and were their priorities stand. But it just felt so wrong to me. It felt like everything the first book was trying to prove wrong about them was completely thrown way. Specially with the Queen's character. I get that the writer did that to drive the story in the end. But it made me dislike the characters.
The book also felt as a filler book. It felt like it was written just for the third book to happen. It just dragged too long for me.
Mostly, the things I really liked about the book was the idea and the character of Kell. He was the only one that really made sense. Of course he would do everything he did in this book. But all the other characters just didn't make sense to me. Lila was just so different from the first book. It didn't feel as if she would do what she did. It was trying to hard to make is believe she was independent. If just didn't flow with me. Rhy's was just a mess to me I felt after what he went through in the first book, it just made me dislike him to some extent. I know that it would push him to do some things to try to cope from the previous book. But I just felt it was over exaggerated. I really wanted to like the book but there was just to many things that made me dislike the it.
I don't know if I will be reading the last book in the series. Maybe one day. What are your guys thoughts about this book if you read it?

Friday, January 6, 2017

Wrap up | January 1-6 2017





Goal this year is to review ever book I read during the year. By the amount of books I read this week. I think it may get a little over hand trying to post a review for every single book. So I think that I will be posting one or two single reviews for books that I feel to go more into detail and will be doing a general wrap up review for the rest of the books I read during the week. That way it doesn't feel so over whelm with review in the week. If I do end up reading more than one book in the week.

I think that is my plan. This week was a good reading week for me I think. I ended up listening to 3 audiobooks and reading 1 book. My goal this year is to listen as many audiobooks as I can since I could listen to them at work. I also ended up reading 5 single issue of my comic stack. So that is fun. I also read The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johanson. You can read the review of the book by clicking the title.

Lost Stars (Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens)
Title: Star Wars: Lost Stars #1
Author: Claudia Gray
Release: September 4th 2015
Rating:★ ★ 1/2
Pages: 551
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: Yes
Format: Hardcover
Summary: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Eight years after the fall of the Old Republic, the Galactic Empire now reigns over the known galaxy. Resistance to the Empire has been all but silenced. Only a few courageous leaders such as Bail Organa of Alderaan still dare to openly oppose Emperor Palpatine. After years of defiance, the many worlds at the edge of the Outer Rim have surrendered. With each planet’s conquest, the Empire’s might grows stronger. The latest to fall under the Emperor’s control is the isolated mountain planet Jelucan, whose citizens hope for a more prosperous future even as the Imperial Starfleet gathers overhead…(goodreads)

Thoughts:
Well this was interesting. This books was nothing from what the description said. It's basically a love story set throughout the war. It felt like a hash tag of the movies. It just went through the events of the movies as we followed the characters of each side. One in the side of the Rebellion and the other in the side of the Empire. It was an interesting aspect with the characters background story but I felt the story line was too force and just written for the sake of giving a little more background to the main story. Which that was the thing that enjoy from the book.

I enjoyed a lot of easter eggs for all the movies. They had things from Rogue One so that was a nice surprise all the way to The Force Awakens. That is what I like. It gave a little insight to each side but I felt that it wasn't something too realistic to the story. I do recommend it to people that are big fans of Star Wars just for the background things going on in the story and the nice surprises with some connections to the main story lines.

Broken MonstersTitle: Broken Monsters
Author: Lauren Beukes
Release: September 16, 2014
Rating:★ ★ ★ 1/2
Pages: 442
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: No
Format: Hardcover
Summary:Detective Gabriella Versado has seen a lot of bodies, but this one is unique even by Detroit's standards: half boy, half deer, somehow fused together. As stranger and more disturbing bodies are discovered, how can the city hold on to a reality that is already tearing at its seams? If you're Detective Versado's geeky teenage daughter, Layla, you commence a dangerous flirtation with a potential predator online. If you're desperate freelance journalist Jonno, you do whatever it takes to get the exclusive on a horrific story. If you're Thomas Keen, known on the street as TK, you'll do what you can to keep your homeless family safe--and find the monster who is possessed by the dream of violently remaking the world. If Lauren Beukes's internationally bestselling The Shining Girls was a time-jumping thrill ride through the past, her Broken Monsters is a genre-redefining thriller about broken cities, broken dreams, and broken people trying to put themselves back together again. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
Well this book was something. It was written in the same style as the authors previous books that I have read. I feel like her books have a formula, were we begin with characters at the beginning of the story and we end up seeing how they connect at the end of the story. I felt like it was very similar to the previous book I had read from her. Just with a new set of characters and in another location.

It was entertaining trying to find the mystery of the story and see how the mystery was going to be solve but the ending threw me off a bit. I would have like that the author wouldn't have added a last scene at the end making me confuse about what was really going on in the story. But overall I did enjoyed it and like some of the individual characters. I was pulled into the mystery and wanted to know what the outcome was. It is a little gory in some scenes. It also has adult scenes. But I recommend to people to give it a try.


The CircleTitle: The Circle
Author: Dave Eggers
Release: October 8, 2013
Rating:★ ★ ★ 1/2
Pages: 493
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: No
Format: Hardcover
Summary: When Mae Holland is hired to work for the Circle, the world’s most powerful internet company, she feels she’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime. The Circle, run out of a sprawling California campus, links users’ personal emails, social media, banking, and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency. As Mae tours the open-plan office spaces, the towering glass dining facilities, the cozy dorms for those who spend nights at work, she is thrilled with the company’s modernity and activity. There are parties that last through the night, there are famous musicians playing on the lawn, there are athletic activities and clubs and brunches, and even an aquarium of rare fish retrieved from the Marianas Trench by the CEO. Mae can’t believe her luck, her great fortune to work for the most influential company in America--even as life beyond the campus grows distant, even as a strange encounter with a colleague leaves her shaken, even as her role at the Circle becomes increasingly public. What begins as the captivating story of one woman’s ambition and idealism soon becomes a heart-racing novel of suspense, raising questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy, and the limits of human knowledge. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
This book was scary in the way that this could happen and we are already walking a thin line to this future. The book revolve in a world not much different than our own were we are driven by technology and social media. It feels like a prequel to Brave New World or Nighty Eighty Four. It was that intense. I wanted to read this book before the film came out and now I am intrigue to see how they are going to show case this film. In the story we follow the world through Mae and see how she gets consume in this world.

It touches on the issues of how much people live through other peoples lives. How we stop seeing the world for what it is. People want to record everything around them instead of enjoyed it and the people around us. It's such a great read. It really opens your eyes to our world and make you think step away and take time for your self. Don't invest all our time on the online world and actually go outside and experience the world.

I also I ended up reading 5 single issue comics. I ended up reading 3 issues of Pink Ranger mini series by Boom! comics and 2 issues of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series also by Boom! I am really enjoying the series. I am liking the contemporary feel. Can't wait to see where it leads.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Em's 2017 Goals

Em’s 2017 Mega List of Challenges!
Last year I did get to check of some big goals, mainly the get a job one, which with training and get back in the swing of working a solid 40+ hours a week, that cut into my read challenges a lot. I did lose some weight, 35 lbs, and hope to at least equal that in 2017. I have some more personal ones, but least be honest here, you want to know about books, so let’s get into that shall we?

Also if you find a challenge you think I would like, please post it in a comment.  

READING CHALLENGES

Challenge One -  Pages Read in 2017

My friend did a personal challenge, last year, to read 50 pages a day. It worked well for her, and I like that challenge a lot. However I found that there is a challenge for this too! (There is a challenge for everything.) If I go for my goal of 50 pages a day (at least) that would put me between levels 1 and 2.  I am fine with aiming low here, but will hope for high.


Book Dragon’s Lair is hosting a lot of interesting challenges this year. In 2016 I started listening to audiobooks, and with the help of my library I was able to knock out some books I wanted to “reread” or in this case relisten.  It also helps when I am done listening to music at work  

Challenge Three - 2017 Audiobook Challenge

Yep, I am doing 2 audio books challenges. Not cause I can get two challenges done for the price of one, but I want to see which challenge is more fun and engaging. My yearly goal is to get a book listened too.


This one has an odd sounding title, but another that is easy to do. No minimum amount of books, but they have to be those ebooks we all pick up for free.  You know the ones, the are shinny and pretty on amazon and the price is only zeros, just sitting there whispering “click me, take me home.”   Now, until March 4th I can knock those babies off my to read list, like I knock back peppermint mochas.  

My 3 month goal is 6 books.  Which should not be hard, I have a lot of smaller novels in here.  And what’s nice is this challenge repeats 3 times this year. The first one is going on RIGHT NOW!



I love these sites a little TOO much, as my e-reader tells me. Now I need to fulfill my commitments by reading and doing the reviews! I would love to get 1 a month out. We’ll see how it works.

Challenge Six - Beat the Backlist 2017

Well this covers like all of my books right now. I am going for 52 books this year! Swearsies.


That 52 books does not include my giant stack of graphic novels and mangas I have. Shut Up, don’t judge me! I want to do one a week at least here too. That is 52. Or until I run out. (I don’t think this is going to happen)


BLOGGING CHALLENGES

 So this one is pretty much cut and dry to what the tin label says.  No artificial additives in here, just pure, organic book reviews. You set a yearly goal (mine is 52 reviews) and you try to meet that goal.  


This challenge is one I really love the idea of. Getting interaction on the blogs. Because, if we don’t have a discussion, or at least try to, I might as well just post all my reviews to amazon and goodreads. I want to do 1 a week and will try to hit and post comment on at least 10 other blogs that are doing this each month. Because again, it only works when you get the discussion going.


If bloggers that didn’t post reviews like the should (in some cases they are even written just not posted) had to have a shame photo taken, complete with cardboard sign that said “I didn’t post my promised reviews.”   Well no more!  Now is the time to dust those books, write them up, and post, post post!  



And the last one!  My 2017 resolutions list, as it applies to this blog at least.  I like that I can even include non book goals in this challenge, so you can all see this as a sneak peek of what I want to bring to the blog this year

Reading Goals
  • Get my Netgalley percentage up to 80% (Again)
  • Read 1 authors that is new to me this each month, or 12 a year.  I can not guarantee I will not fall into a MUST READ THIS SERIES manic read-a-thon with myself and can do this monthly.
  • Complete all challenges this year I listed above
  • Do not buy any new books until July. Sorry I just have so many books!
  • Read 30  number of books that I already own  - or put in a micro dent
  • Read 52 books this year
  • Read all graphic novels I bought at comic con for the last 2 years.
  • Clean out my ereader!  (which I guess only works if I stopped getting more)

Blogging Goals
  • Keep spreadsheet completely updated  
  • Write 2 posts a week
  • Blog ahead on Top Three posts
  • Respond to comments as they come in
  • Remember non reading post too!
  • Use twitter more!
  • Start blogging some geeky crafts!

Well I think all of these challenges can keep me busy this year.  Not out of trouble, but busy.  Share one that sound like something you would like to do, or even a challenge you like but I didn’t join this year.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Review: The Fate of the Tearling #3

The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #3)

Title: The Fate of the Tearling (Tearling #3)
Author: Erika Johansen
Release: November 29, 2016
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 496
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: Yes
Format: Hardcover
Summary: The thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Tearling trilogy. In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has transformed from a gawky teenager into a powerful monarch. As she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, the headstrong, visionary leader has also transformed her realm. In her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies—including the evil Red Queen, her fiercest rival, who has set her armies against the Tear. To protect her people from a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable—she gave herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy—and named the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign, imprisoned in Mortmesne. Now, as the suspenseful endgame begins, the fate of Queen Kelsea—and the Tearling itself—will finally be revealed. (goodreads)
Thoughts:
What a book to start the new year. It's the end of a series that I have followed from the beginning and I completely loved it. Since it's the last book of the series I will not be discussing much about the plot line but I will be discussing some of the characters development. Which were so amazing! I was put off in reading this book from some ones strong comment on the ending on twitter. I don't have the same taste in books as this person, however that persons strong dislikes made me believe something horrible was going to happen at the end of the book and that the author somehow dishonor the characters at the end.

That wasn't the case. Lesson learn not to believe in what everyone rants on twitter because we all have our own taste. Now going on with the book. It was really an amazing journey. I really loved the writing and how the characters developed during the story. When I read the second book and third I saw how much the character change from book to book. I like when characters evolve and this series did that right. I am not saying this book is completely perfect and that everything that was written about character is correct. It does have it's issues but some off those issues do make sense. It makes sense. The characters would act certain ways reflecting the way they were brought up to. It's interesting to see the gender roles during the whole novels also. We see that the female is the person with power. As I read I saw that the females are way stronger than the male characters in the story. They handle the hardship and think ahead. While the male characters are weak and think they can handle everything when in reality they can't. I liked that the female characters can stand up for themselves and they are the one that out think a lot of the characters. I could instantly see the flaws of the male characters and see how they reflect with every single other fantasy novel. Which was refreshing. It makes the story seemed even more aware of itself and the problems in some fantasy novels.

I recommend to push through the first book because I understand that it's a slow start and it also has it's issues with the main character, but the second one is so good. It's completely different than what you would expect. Kelsea's development is the best one I believe in the story. You see how she grows from an isolated environment to being thrown into a word were she has to rule a kingdom. She is such a strong character in the later books and you see the sacrifice she must do to ensure the safety of her kingdom.

The ending of the series just kept me thinking and made me feel so much emotions for the characters and the world. I  did want more but at the same time I like the unknown of the future of this world. It was an ending that I didn't expected which was also amazing and breeze of fresh air because I don't read a lot of books with an unexpected ending. Most of the books that I have been reading have a predictable. Hope you guys give this series a try. I really enjoyed it.


Sunday, January 1, 2017

Mel's 2017 Goals

Another year has gone. Here is hoping for this year to be better. (But isn't that what we all say every year)

We all make goals at the beginning of the years. Why not make some goals of my own. (reflection will come at the end of the year, let's see how many of these are complete) Will they be accomplish at the end of the year? That is the question.

Finish draft of my novel
Read at least 80 books
24 Drawings at least
24 Poster designs at least
48 Audiobooks at least
96 Blog Post at least

I made a goal list with a few of my friends and I am hoping that we can help each other in accomplishing them. We will be checking on each other periodically. That way we could motivate each other and it could keep us on track.

What are your guys goals for the new year?