Review: Subway Stops and the Places We Meet

Title: Subway Stops and the places we meet (#2)
Author: Mindy Hayes and Michele C Miller
Release: February 26, 2017
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 405
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: Yes
Format: Paperback
Summary: On June 18, 1992, Flight 397 crashed off the coast of Long Island, claiming the lives of all on board. Cole and Samantha, two strangers who randomly meet one year later at a memorial for the crash, both lost loved ones that day.
There are over seven million people in New York City.
One random encounter is called chance.
Two is coincidence. Three? Well, baby, we call that fate.(goodreads)
Thoughts: I really love this series. I feel it's different from contemporary books. Because like the first book in this series the relationships take it's time. The love interest in the book don't start dating right away. It first begins as a friendship. This is something I wish more contemporary romance would do (maybe some do and I am yet to read them. If you guys have any recommendations please leave them in the comments). This series is something I just stumble on goodreads and was happy about that.
The story follows two individuals that lost someone in a tragic event and develop a friendship that eventually becomes a romance. Even though it's the second in the series. It does give itself to read as a stand alone. There is a few inserts from the previous book but you don't really have to pick it up. However, I highly recommend to pick up the first book in the series. Because it's such a gem. I loved it so much. I also did a review for Paper Planes and other things we lost if you would like to read.
This is also a great friendship book between both female and male characters. It doesn't feel force at all. Which is something I really enjoyed.
I can't wait for the story to continue in Chasing Cars and the Lessons we learned.

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YallWest 2017 - Mel

It's a week late but it still counts. Been a crazy week. Another successful year at YallWest. It felt a lot bigger this year than the previous years. It also can be the factor that it was only just one day this year. It was excited to see so many people excited about books. It's events like this that as a reader you feel welcome. You see other people talking about books in person that make you love the reading community even more. Is something I wish more in my day to day life.

I had lot's of fun. The even did have it's issues at the beginning but the overall day was fun. Got to see friends that I don't see much during the year, which is always a plus.

I did get a lot of books this year compare to other years. I am excited to dive into them and discover new worlds. I am hoping to start reading them soon. Slowly getting back to reading again and I love it. We all need a break from reading every once in a while.

Any suggestions in to which books I should read first? Is there any reviews you guys would like to see?

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January Wrap-Up + February TBR

My goal was to try and do a review for every single book I would read this year. I come to realized that I wouldn't be able to do that. I have been reading to many books lately that it has been hard for me to write up a review for them. I think what I will be doing instead will be to write a review to books that I really enjoyed during the month. Also, I am hoping to start posting other bloggish things during the month.

January Wrap-up: 

1. Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes ★ ★ ★ ★ 
2. The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
3. The Girl with all the Gifts by M.R. Carey ★ ★ ★ ★  1/2
4. Ghosted Haunted Heist by Joshua Williamson ★ ★ ★ ★ 
5. Star Wars Lost Stars by Claudia Grey ★ ★ ★ 
6. Room by Emma Donogue ★ ★ ★ ★ 
7. Preacher Book One by Ennis Garth ★ ★ 
8. Off the Record by K.A. Linde ★ ★ 
9. The Circle by Dave Egger ★ ★ ★ ★ 
10. A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab ★ ★ 
11. This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab ★ ★ ★ 
12. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab ★ 
13. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones ★ ★ ★  1/2
14. Lisey's Story by Stephen King ★ ★ ★ ★ 
15. Daredevil Yellow by Jeff Loeb ★ ★ 
16. The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by John Joseph Adams ★ ★ ★ 
17. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
18. Commander in Chief by Katy Evans  ★ ★ ★ ★

I did ended up reviewing some of the books in the list. Ended up getting half way through my reviews after it got a little to crazy for me. This was the most I have ever read in one month. Which I am very proud of my self. 

February TBR:

1. White Sand by Brandon Sanderson
2. Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
3. The Cabin in the Woods by Tim Lebbon
4. The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
5. The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
6. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie 
7. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
8. The Sight by Chloe Neill
9. The Green Mile by Stephen King
10. Legion Skin Deep by Brandon Sanderson
11. Different Seasons by Stephen King
12. Fantastic Beast and Where to find them by JK Rowling
13. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
14. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
15. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
16. Station Eleven by Emily St. John
17. Misery by Stephen King
18. East of West Vol. 2 by Jonathan Hickman
19. East of West Vol. 3 by Jonathan Hickman
20. Ghosted Vol. 2 by Joshua Williamson
21. Maus I by Art Pantheon
22. Maus II by Art Pantheon

Yeah I know. I am insane but let's see how it goes I do listen to a lot of audiobooks that is a good thing. Also, so far I have already finish 4 books so not that bad. Some of the books I selected are also comic book trades and graphic novels so that is something else that help out. I am just in such a mood to read that I just want to take advantage of it. Hopefully I don't burn my self out in the reading area. 

What did you guys ended up reading in January and what are your plans to read in the month of February? 

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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.

Title: 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.

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. 

Title: 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.

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. 

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.  

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

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?

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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.

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.

Title: 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.

Title: 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.

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Review: The Fate 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.

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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?

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Top 6 books of 2016

These are the top 6 books that I loved this year.

     

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson

I'll Give you the Sun by Jandy Nelson

The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

Paper Planes and other things we lost by Mindy Hayes and Michele C. Miller

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Top 6 Part 1: Graphic Novels/Comics of 2016

This is Part 1 of my favorites of the year. They are not in any particular order.


     

Nailbiter by Joshua Williamson

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Kyle Higgins

Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire

Superman American Alien by Max Landis

Spidey by Robbie Thompson

Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley

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Review: Sweet Tooth Book Three

Title: Sweet Tooth: Deluxe Edition Book Three
Author: Jeff Lemire
Release: November 29, 2016
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 368
Where to find it: Amazon | Bookdepository
Format: Hardback
Series: Yes
Summary: The time has come for hybrid animal-boy Gus and Jeppard to learn the answers they’ve been searching for. But they’re not the only ones looking for the truth behind the plague. The evil man called Abbot is on a collision course with Gus and Jeppard, and now the stage is set for the final, bloody showdown, an intimate Armageddon with the fate of human and hybrid alike in the balance. Collecting: Sweet Tooth 26-40 (goodreads)
Thoughts: Oh man, what a way to end a story. This story was incredible. It was something different than what I have read before and it was a nice surprise. I followed this story since the beginning of the year and I was happy to finally finish my journey this year.
Since this is the third book of this series I can't really say much. We continue following Gus story along with the rest of the hybrid kids. We find out things about the origin of the disease and we get a few answers into how this all started. I really did enjoy the ending. It was a bitter sweet because I followed these characters for a while.
I did wanted more but at the same time it ended up being a perfect ending. I do recommend for people to pick up this comic book series. It's something fresh and unique and you will want to stay for the characters.

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Review: Paper Planes and other Things we Lost

Title: Paper Planes and other things we lost
Author: Mindy Hayes and Michele C. Miller
Release: June 6, 2016
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 374
Where to find it:  Amazon | Bookdepository
Format: Paperback
Summary: On June 18, 1992, Flight 397 crashed off the coast of Long Island. But this story isn't about the crash. Not completely. This is a story about two high school seniors living very different lives, who share one connection: they both lost parents on that fateful flight. Slowly, letters bridge the gap between California and Pennsylvania as Ruby Kaminski and Brett Pratt find a way to remember the past while looking toward the future. This is a story about hope, paper planes, and the other things they lost. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
This book! It gave me all the feel. Apart from feels it felt so real. It felt that the authors wrote the characters perfectly and acted appropriate to certain situations AND THE FEMALE CHARACTER HAS COMMON SENSE! In certain situations. I like that there was different reaction to the event for all the characters. There isn't only one respond for the characters. Everyone is different and I liked that from the writing.
I really love the idea of the letters being send back and forth. If made me miss the idea of pen pals. Living in a electronic world there is ideas that where lost and wish that more people continue doing that.
The era of the book is also perfect. It is set in a perfect time where it make sense that they would be writing letters back and forth. I just love everything from this book. The writing didn't feel force, the reactions didn't feel fake, it was just so amazing. Maybe it was the right time to read this book or I was in the right set of mind. It was just perfect with me.
I like the relationship the characters had. I like that it was a journey for them and that they discovered themselves first before jumping into anything else. They needed to heal themselves. The supporting characters where amazing. The were not jerks. They were actual people that reacted genuine. Their reaction made sense in situation.
I recommend everyone to read this little gem. It wasn't expected. I love discovering books and hope more people read this book because it's just so beautiful.

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Review: American Assassin

Title: American Assassin #1
Author: Vince Flynn
Release: January 8, 2013
Rating:★ ★ .5
Pages: 448
Where to find it: Amazon | Bookdepository
Format: Paperback
Series: Yes
Summary: Vince Flynn’s stunning #1 New York Times bestseller introduces the young Mitch Rapp on his first assignment, a mission of vengeance that made him a CIA superagent. Two decades after the Cold War, Islamic terrorism is on the rise, and CIA Operations Director Thomas Stansfield forms a new group of clandestine operatives—men who do not exist—to meet this burgeoning threat abroad, before it reaches America’s shores. Stansfield’s protégé, Irene Kennedy, finds the ideal candidate in the wake of the Pan Am Lockerbie terrorist attack. Among the thousands grieving the victims is Mitch Rapp, a gifted college athlete, who wants only one thing: retribution. Six months of intense training prepare him to devastate the enemy with brutal efficiency, leaving a trail of bodies from Istanbul and across Europe, to Beirut. But there, the American assassin will need every ounce of skill and cunning to survive the war-ravaged city and its deadly terrorist factions. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
I own a physical copy of this book but decided to listen to the audiobook. I felt it would go a lot faster if I would have read it and it was true. I would have taken longer to read it. I felt that the beginning of the book was interesting. I was pulled into the story line. I was interested to see where the story lead to and how the character would develop. But as I got halfway through the book I started dozing off and the characters felt flat.
I was more entertained with the training at the beginning of the story than with the actual mission. I felt it rush and felt them fall flat. The story started to wonder off from the storyline. I would have liked that the whole book would just focus on Mitch point of view or if anything it would only focus on him and another person only. Not more than two. Didn't really like how it jump from person to person. It didn't felt like a steady storyline. I have read other books with multiple characters point of views and liked them. But I felt this one wasn't executed correctly.
Mitch character was an interesting characters, but I did feel him a little flat. He felt too convenient. I also felt that the book started with a mood and later changed the type of book it was. It was very hard to focus on the storyline. I did like the action scenes. But I just don't think this is my type of series. I felt it rush and sloppy.
I don't think I will be continuing the series. If anything I will pick up the second book to see if it's the same pace but other than that I wasn't really pulled into the story.

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The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone

Title: The Hatching
Author: Ezekiel Boone
Release: July 5, 2016
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
Disclaimer: I won this book in a twitter giveaway from the publisher.
Series: Yes
Summary: An astonishingly inventive and terrifying debut novel about the emergence of an ancient species, dormant for over a thousand years, and now on the march.
Deep in the jungle of Peru, where so much remains unknown, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist whole. Thousands of miles away, an FBI agent investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery. Unusual seismic patterns register in a Kanpur, India earthquake lab, confounding the scientists there. During the same week, the Chinese government “accidentally” drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country. As these incidents begin to sweep the globe, a mysterious package from South America arrives at a Washington, D.C. laboratory. Something wants out.
The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster. An ancient species, long dormant, is now very much awake.

Thoughts: It's been a hard process for me to find a books that I actually has the scary factor for me and I think I just found the book. This book accomplished that for me. I had no idea what to expect in this book when I first picked it up. All I knew was it had to do with spiders and fear. This book accomplished that. Just reading the description of the event in this book is scary enough to make me not get near an insect I don't recognize.

I really like the fact that all the characters of this book are connected in one way or another. It makes me enjoy the book more to discover the mystery behind the connection of the character. It was also interesting to see in every chapter how the events were affecting every aspect of the world. I think my only complain about the book is that I wish there was a little bit more towards the ending of the novel.

I do give the warning that if you are scare of spiders don't read this book. I really enjoyed it but I wouldn't give this book to my sister to read (she has a phobia of spiders). Because the descriptions of what the spiders do is very descripted. It gave me goose bumps in some of the description. It's been a while since I read a book like this and I was very happy to get this book because it wasn't something I have heard of. I was lucky to get my hands on it and I am thankful for being able to have read it this month. It was the perfect set of horror and suspense. Just what I needed.

I really don't want to say much more of the book because it was so good and the fact that I haven't heard of it made it so perfect. I didn't know what to expect which is rare for me to experience. The sad thing is that it's not a stand alone. It does have a sequel coming out next year. Which I will be waiting to get my hands on it until it's release.

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Birthright by Joshua Williamson

Title: Birthright Vol. 3
Author: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Andrei Bressan and Adriano Lucas Release: May 11th 2016
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 112
Format: Trade
Series: Yes
Summary: As Mikey and Brennan's quest to hunt Terrenos's worst war criminals intensifies, their parents make deals with new and dangerous allies to protect their sons, but a mysterious foe debuts, threatening to destroy the Rhodes family forever.
Collects BIRTHRIGHT #11-15. (goodreads)

Thoughts:
Another great continuation from the series so far. He keeps getting me. With his twist and turns that I just don't know what to expect anymore. I love the writing that Williamson does in his stories.

I really can express much about the story because it will ruin any twist in the story. Which is amazing to discover during the process. That is another thing with Williamson. His story always have a twist.

The only downfall I think is that you have questions and he ends up leaving you with a lot more and not answering you the previous ones. But at the same time you are still invested in the story. You are addicted. You can't stop reading the story because you just want to know and hoping that your questions will be answer.

If you like fantasy novels this is a great read. Also if you a Brandon Sanderson fan this is a great comic book series to pic up.

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Screwdrivered by Alice Clayton

Title: Screwdrivered
Author: Alice Clayton
Release: September 2, 2014
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 256
Format: paperback
Series: Cocktail #3
Summary: After witnessing a mob hit, surgeon Jack Francisco is put into protective custody to keep him safe until he can testify. A hitman known only as D is blackmailed into killing Jack, but when he tracks him down, his weary conscience won't allow him to murder an innocent man. Finding in each other an unlikely ally, Jack and D are soon on the run from shadowy enemies.
Readers back for a third round of the bestselling Cocktail series will enjoy a madcap romantic comedy about bodice ripping and chest heaving, fiery passion and love everlasting. Plus a dash of paperwork filing and horseshi—wait, what?
By day, Viv Franklin designs software programs. By night, Vivian’s a secret romance-novel junkie who longs for a knight in shining armor, or a cowboy on a wild stallion, or a strapping fit refighter to sweep her off her feet. And she gets to wear the bodice—don’t forget the bodice.
When a phone call brings news that she’s inherited a beautiful old home in Mendocino, California from a long-forgotten aunt, she moves her entire life across the country to embark on what she sees as a great, romance-novel-worthy adventure. But romance novels always have a twist, don’t they?
There’s a cowboy, one that ignites her loins. Because Cowboy Hank is totally loin-ignition worthy. But there’s also a librarian, Clark Barrow. And he calls her Vivian. Can tweed jackets and elbow patches compete with chaps and spurs? You bet your sweet cow pie.
In Screwdrivered, Alice Clayton pits Superman against Clark in a hilarious and hot battle that delights a swooning Viv/Vivian.
Also within this book, an answer to the question of the ages: Why ride a cowboy when you can ride a librarian? (goodreads)

Thoughts:
I was actually surprise that I like this novel. I don't know why romance novels have horrible titles and horrible covers that make them look dirtier than what they actually are. The covers makes it look like a really trashy novel when in reality it's really good. This is the third book in a book series. You don't really need to read the other books to read this book. The only thing that connects it with the other books in the series are character. I really like it. I had only read the first book in this series and skipped the second one and read this one. I was surprise how I like it. It was a fun fluffy read that I really didn't need too think much. I really enjoyed the characters and the romance. The characters were interested enough for me to say invested. You do see appearances of characters from the other novels which is fun to read. I did find it a little irritated when the main character was to narrow minded to figure out what was right in front of her. That she was determine to get with a guy that completely was a douche bag. But I think that is one thing I did liked about the book. The fact that's what novels always do. They always make the female determine to get with the bad boy and the girl to change his ways just to be patient. It was sort of a metaphor that the guy will always be a douche bag. It's good to see the good guy win for a change. I like that the Viv was a determine character except when it came with her fascination with Hank which I disliked as I mention. But overall it was a fast quick read that I really enjoyed. If you like romance novels it's I completely recommend to give it a read. You don't really need to read the other books to understand this book from the series. It could perfectly stand on it's own.

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Hawkeye, Vol. 6: Hawkeyes by Jeff Lemire

Writer:Jeff Lemire
Artist:Ramon Perez
Title: Hawkeye, Vol. 6: Hawkeyes
Release:June 28, 2016 (I own these in single issue)
Rating:★★★★
Pages: 136
Format: Volumes
Where to find it:
Series: Yes
Summary: Hawkeye and Hawkeye take aim at another season - but this time there's a twist! Arrows fly across two eras as a deep-seated rift stretches across time, bringing old man Clint and a wiser Kate back together to chase down mistakes from their past. But as the reluctantly reunited Team Hawkeye struggle to rebuild their trust, things get messy when their mission brings them face-to-face with the Mandarin! As tomorrow's Kate reunites with two former Young Avengers teammates, today's Clint finds himself estranged from his partner and paying a visit to his big brother Barney. What makes a hero and what breaks a hero? Hawkeye and Hawkeye experience both in a turbulent trip down memory lane that takes them back to the future!
COLLECTING: ALL-NEW HAWKEYE 1-6

Thoughts: This being the second volume of Lemires and Perez run I wasn't really happy going into it. Still feeling the lost of Matt Fraction and David Aja run. The run that made me love Hawkeye as a character and introducing me to his other half Kate Bishop, a kick as female character also with the alias of Hawkeye. But I think that this volume did amazingly well in bringing back what Fraction and Aja did in their run. Focusing on the characters themselves.

I was very hesitated in reading this volume but am happy I did. It gave me more of a background of the characters when they were younger which I did like. It also changed something I thought was happening in the last volume and was happy that it really didn't happened. That is the part I didn't like what they were making us believe that was going to happen that was throwing me off from finishing the run.

But I do recommend to reading this volume if you would like to get more insight in the characters pass and to just all in love with these two Hawkeyes friendship. Because the friendship between these two I think is what makes the story amazing.

Right now I am just waiting to see what happens after Civil War II event to be over to see what happens to these characters and where they are going to be after. Let's see who takes up the writing and the art of these amazing characters that are just human and want to do good in the world. Hoping for some more Hawkeye in the future.

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Stacking the Shelves (4)

To see other blogs joining this weeks Stacking the Shelves or join with us, visit Tynga's Reviews.

So it's been a month! Yeah this is going to be a long list.

Em

From Book Outlet 

Lux Beginnings - Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Lux Opposition - Jennifer L. Armentrout 

The Lost Sun - Tessa Gratton 

Half Bad - Sally Green

I'll Give You The Sun - Jandy Nelson

From Library Sale

Maximum Ride: School's Out -Forever - James Patterson
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment - James Patterson
Ravenwood - Andrew Peters
The Scroll of Years - Chris Willrich
Sliver Borne - Patricia Briggs

For Review

The Chasm (Madion War #2) - S. Usher Evans 

Mel

Books From Yallwest (These books where all free)

Longbow Girl - Linda Davies

One Silver Summer - Rachel Hickman

Da Vinci's Tiger - L.M. Elliott

What Light - Jay Asher (ARC)

Still Life with Tornado - A.S. King (ARC)

Kids of Appetite - David Arnold (ARC)

Ivory and Bone - Julie Eshbaugh (ARC)

The Women in the Walls - Amy Lukavics (ARC)

Legacy of Kings - Eleanor Herman

Books I bought during the month

The Hidden Oracle - Rick Riordan

The Raven King - Maggie Stevader

Birthright Vol. 3 - Joshua Williamson

Nailbiter Vol. 4 - Joshua Williamson

Sweet Tooth Deluxe Book One - Jeff Lemire

Sweet Tooth Deluxe Book Two - Jeff Lemire

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Stacking the Shelves (3)

We missed last week, so this is going to look a little crazy. Plus it didn't help I was out thrift store shopping.

Em

The Society Of Steam: The Falling Machine by Andrew P. Mayer

Ghost Radio by Leopoldo Gout 

My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison

This Glittering Word by T. Greenwood

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (won in a giveaway)

Smoke by Dab Vyleta (given from the publisher) 

AND 

Pooh Invents a New Game by A.A. Milne 

(found a great copy published 40 years ago for 30 cents. As a Pooh fan, I had to get to go with the rest) 

Mel

Nailbiter Vol. 3

Ghosted Vol. 1

Ghosted Vol. 2

Chew Vol. 2

Daredevil: Yellow

East of West Vol. 2

East of West Vol. 3

Long Walk to Valhalla

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April Goals & Events | 2016

Em

This month I need to focus on spring cleaning, and looking for work. I have something like 6 crafting projects I am juggling too. Does this stop me from reading? Oh hecky poo no, but I need to plan this month out better.

Books I would like to read this month Glory over Everything  by Kathleen Grissom

Relativity by Antonia Hayes

Queen of Hearts   by Colleen Oakes

Crafts I would like to finish 

Harry Potter House Bunny 

Teen Wolf Cross Stitch 

Mel

This month I want to take it easy. I don't want to overwhelm my self with a million things to do. I am just giving my self two books that I want to read this month and the rest will be what ever I feel like reading. I think I read better that way. If I set my self a list I am most likely won't be able to accomplish it.

This month I am also hoping to complete my Camp NaNoWriMo goals of the month. So it looks like a busy month as it is. There will also be 2 book events that I am hoping to go this year. The Los Angeles Festival of Books (April 9 & 10 2016) and YallWest (April 30th & May 1st) this year they both fall under the same month so that will be something interesting. There will also be a signing event for Ernest Cline in my area so I am really hoping to go to that. So many things to do this month so I am making my reading list short apart from comic books I am hoping to read this month.

Apart from that I am hoping to getting back into a creative routine of drawing and making graphics again. It's just been so long. Here is hoping for this being the month.

Books I would like to read this month

Cabin in the Woods: The Official Movie Novelization by Tim Lebbon

The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson

Ernest Cline Event info - Barnes & Noble, Huntington Beach, CA
Wednesday April 13, 2016 - 7:00 PM

What are your goals for the month? 

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