Top 3 - NEW things you want to do in 2016

Top 3 NEW things you want to do in 2016

Melody

The first thing that I would like to try this year is to keep up with a bullet journal. I have always wanted to keep a tradition journal where I keep my daily routine recorded. But that process has never really worked for me. I always end up dropping it after a while, not really felling that motivated for the project. However, this new system that I have discover may be just right for me. I love making list. I also love crossing out items from those list once I have accomplish them. It always keeps me motivated. I have random notebooks and papers all around with list. That is why I think the bullet journal is perfect for me. Because it's practically the same thing but organize. So here is hoping that I keep this journal this year.

image source

Second thing I would like to accomplish this year (starting in February) is to create a weekly graphic. I would like to get back into creating things I enjoy. I have always love making illustrations and I am hoping that this task will allow me to get back into a routine into creating something that I love. 

Example of one of the illustrations I have done

Lastly I would like to finish a novel I started during NaNoWriMo. It doesn't have to be perfect it just has to be complete. That is one of my goals to have a complete novel. That would be a new thing that I would try out. To have a complete book.

Em

(sadly, I have no pretty pictures) 

So, my top thing I want to do this year, I want to go back to work after I am done from my recovery. It's not on this list cause I have worked for many, many years. So, it can't be defined as a NEW thing, and the topic of this post. 

Now to the Top Three things I want to do:

#3 - Learn to Knit in the Round

For non knitters, that is learning to knit things like hats, and socks.  I own the double pointed needles, and circular needles, so I just need to DO and PRACTICE. Two things that are soooo boring. 

#2 - Walking 

Okay, this isn't all new. I use do fun walk/runs for charity a lot. (See when I worked and had money to do things like this) BUT I have a goal this time, I want to work on my distance and stamina.  I would love to do Bay to Breakers by 2017 again.  And when you are going from nothing, you need to work yourself up. 

#1 - Start an Esty Store 

I have been making crafts for a long time, and now I want to put some ideas to use.  I am working on idea and product demos now, so I can chose what I want to toss up on the store.  I do back and forth on geeky things I like, and the more hipster or country things that more people might buy.  

Or I could just do it all! What do you think, or what are some things you want to do this year? 

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Darkness Brutal by Rachel A. Marks

Darkness Brutal 

by Rachel A. Marks
Publisher: Skyscape
Publication Date: July 1, 2015
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback
Amazon Buy Link: HERE 
Goodreads Link: HERE 
Em's Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Book Blurb: Aidan O’Linn’s childhood ended the night he saw a demon kill his mother and mark his sister, Ava, with Darkness. Since then, every three years the demons have returned to try to claim her. Living in the gritty, forgotten corners of Los Angeles, Aidan has managed to protect his sister, but he knows that even his powers to fight demons and speak dead languages won’t keep her safe for much longer. In desperation, Aidan seeks out the help of Sid, the enigmatic leader of a group of teens who run LA Paranormal, an Internet reality show that fights demons and ghosts. In their company, Aidan believes he’s finally found a haven for Ava. But when he meets Kara, a broken girl who can spin a hypnotic web of passionate energy, he awakens powers he didn’t know he had―and unleashes a new era of war between the forces of Light and the forces of Darkness. With the fate of humanity in his hands, can Aidan keep the Darkness at bay and accept his brilliant, terrifying destiny?

 Reading the synopsis of this book, I was afraid I was going to read another “person founds out they had powers they didn’t know and was more important to the world” blah blah plot that I have read a dozen times over. What I feel that this book got right (and much to my happiness) is that our main character, Aidan, knows from a young age he is different. He can read langues long dead, and understand any spoken word. He can see demons and other otherworldly beings, and he can see your soul and the marks left behind on it, Violence, murder, sex - things that leave an impression deep into your core. I think I wanted to point it out, because one of the only negative comments on this book, was Aidan being able to see the “handprints of your partners”, which they called slut shaming. But, the author never had Aidan shame them, only know what happened in there past. If fact, Kara, the “broken girl” is a victim of sexual abuse and rape, (also she is far from “broken” in this story) and Aidan has a strong connection to her.

 There was many times that you had a tropes in this book like sex will “awaken” your powers, and then spun it to mean something else. Pointing out time and again connections to people are more important than sex. Other a mother dying when they were young - and other things I don’t want to spoil you about. It was like Rachel Marks wanted to set up part so you will feel, “oh I know where this is go...wait that didn’t happen?”

 This book was also 400 pages of no down time. You are carried through Aidan’s journey without times of random cleaning, or shopping trips, or any other random filler, but plot and character. I enjoyed most of the background characters, the main love interest was not a damsel waiting for her man, even if she was set up to feel like that was the trope the author was going for.

I will have to warn you, this urban fantasy is heavy with religious symbolism. This is not your “main character can shoot fire from his eyes,” demon hunter, (which he kind of turns into) but a lot falls back on that power of understanding ancient languages.  There is also talk about rape and basically a backstory of a child sold for sex, so if that is a trigger this might not be the story for you.

 I thoroughly enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to finish the next book. Which, I am already 30% into it, says my e-reader.

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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0| Comic Review

Writer: Kyle Higgins,Steve Orlando, and Mairghread Scott
Artist: Hendry Prasetya, Corin Howell, And Daniel Bayliss
Comic Company:Boom! Studios
Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0
Release: January 13, 2016)
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 24
Format: Single Issue
Where to find it:
Series: Yes
Summary:What’s to Love: Saban’s Power Rangers is a multi-generational, globally-recognized franchise. With its epic Ranger suits, giant Zords and Megazords, and—at its core—a story of super powered teens who defend the world from evil, the Power Rangers series is a pop-culture phenomenon that has continued to resonate with fans for more than 22 years. We, as huge Power Rangers fans ourselves, are excited to produce a modern Power Rangers comic featuring the iconic characters from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series. What It Is: It’s Morphin Time! Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers make their BOOM! Studios comic debut in this kick-off #0 issue, which sets the stage for the rest of the series. After escaping Rita Repulsa’s mind control, Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger, joins up with the rest of the Power Rangers to combat her never-ending evil plans. Any semblance of a normal life is gone for Tommy now, but with his newfound family there lies hope for a brighter path. Includes the short story from the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics! (goodreads)

Thoughts: If you were a kids in the 90's you knew about the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. A group of teenagers fighting weekly to save the world from the evil Rita Repulsa. I  remember watching it every weekend seeing what the Rangers would do against the villain. Although a lot has change since it first air. A lot of kids from the 90's always will go back to the originals being their favorites. I am very excited for this comic book series from Boom! Studios. This series will focus on the original Rangers (Jason, Trini, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, and Tommy).

I really liked this issue. It gave us a taste of what is to come in March. It felt as if it will be giving us an insight on the Rangers lives. Which is something that a lot of us wonder. What did they do, other that fight villains, and being in the youth center.

Another thing that I enjoyed of this issue was that it felt like a contemporary story. Yes, they fight and have the ability to fight villains with enormous "zords", but it still had a vibe of normal teenagers with normal issues. This is something that I will be looking forward to reading more and if you were a fan of the show it wouldn't hurt to give this a try.

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Mel's Weekly Goals 1/18-1/24

This week. I hope to accomplish reading more of my single issue comics. I have come to realize that I had let too many of them piled up. With the total of 51 single issues currently in my pile (yup that many). I had let it grow out of control.


Last week I didn't do much reading at all. I didn't complete a book but I did complete reading 10 of my single issue comics. Making it fine by my book.


At the moment I don't really know what I feel like reading. So I am hoping to pick up something soon. Even though I haven't been reading any novels lately (I blame it at my recent addiction of watching Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and Law and Order: SUV). Not really giving my self a challenge this week in a book. Since last week I challenge my self a book that I didn't pick up.


One thing I did complete from my list last week was Wayward. Which I am really enjoying. So here is for hoping to complete more this this.

Want to get to this week:

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Top 3 TBR

This week we are going to try to do the impossible feat of narrowing our TBR lists to the top 3 books we want to read in 2016.  Because this is a hard list, do not be shocked if we fudge and group a few under a series or author.  This is hard you-all! 

EM

In 2016 I have quiet a list I want to get through.  A list that keeps getting longer every time I hit our library bookstore.  (Just wait for my monthly book haul post later this month) So, with that said - 

Finish the Maze Runner Books - I started this book before Comic Con last year, and even though it is not my favorite book of 2015, I want to finish the books.  And more so before the rest of the movies.  BOOKS BEFORE MOVIES KIDS!

Finish the How To Train Your Dragon Series  (of books to date)  -  I'm already 4 books into this series and I am loving them.  Funny quick reads, and if you have kids (or still act like one) pick them up and read them!  (also there are 8 books I still need to read, so you get a pick of this box set that is on my Amazon wishlist) 

Oh boy, this last one is HARD cause I really can't think how to pick one out of these piles here.  I think I am going with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. - I have, shockingly never read these books, and always wanted to, so better start now(ish).  There IS 14 books total, but I am going to start with the first and see how that goes.  

Mel

There is so many I would love to get to this year, but there is just not enough time in my schedule to actually complete all these books. So here are the top 3 books I would like to get to this year.

First thing I hope to accomplish reading this year is to finish the books I own by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. She was one of the first authors I truly love reading. Owning 13 of her books and have read 8 of them. I am hoping to finish reading the rest of her books that I own before continuing in reading more of her books.  

    

 

Second group of books by an author that I wish to finish this year is to finally complete reading all of the Brandon Sanderson books that I currently own. (This doesn't include the new releases coming out this year. Which I am also hope to completing this year. I came to love Sanderson's writing last year and wasn't able to complete reading the books I own of his. I am hoping to complete that this year.

  

Lastly, I wish to read complete (or get close to completing) all of the Laurell K. Hamilton books I own in the Anita Black series. Now this one is going to be more of a challenge. With 25 books in the series so far, the latest one coming out this year. It's one of the longest series I have started. I currently stand in reading book 8th in the series. However, I own up to book 17 of the series. I am hoping to read up to that book in the series. Seeing if I would wish to continue in the series. With these books it brings my total of 18 books. Hope I can accomplish this challenge.

  

Starting with book 8th (Blue Moon) and ending with book 17 (Skin Trade).

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Keep (Men of the ESRB #2)

Keep (Men of the ESRB #2)

by Hollis Shiloh

Publisher: Spare Words Press

• Publication Date: December 18, 2015

Genre: Gay Paranormal Romance

Format: Ebook or Paperback

Amazon Buy Link: HERE

Goodreads Link: HERE

Em's Rating: ★ ★

Book Blurb:

Pete might always know when people are lying, but that doesn't make him a good judge of character. Will he ever find a man who wants to keep him?

Pete's the kind of guy who gets on people's nerves. He can't sit still. He talks too much. He doesn't know when to shut up. And he always knows when people are lying.

While his talent wasn't strong enough to get an empath rating from the ESRB, he now has a second chance with the new testing system they're using. If he makes it, he'll have some well-paying job offers from people who actually appreciate his gifts.

Maybe this time things will work out. Maybe his life will finally take a turn for the better. With some hot guys in it, too.

Okay, I really, really wanted to like this book.  A world where people like empaths and clairvoyants are a thing, and when I found out the main character with a P.I.. YES! Paranormal, suspense and some romance to ice my cake!  - sadly this cake is made of cardboard and paste that just looks good in the window.  

I almost don’t know where to start.  We met Peter has he is picking up a friend to help him on a case.  Which turns into a double round of sex and a glossed over part of the aftermath of the case. We then go to this ESRB headquarters for Peter to be tested.  Okay then, we are going to focus on him learning how to use these six sense for the good! Nope, we get him meeting ANOTHER guy and falling in love, yet doubting everything about the relationship.  And then we just move to place to place, focusing on relationships and nothing on the paranormal of this book.   

Which brings me to my next problem.  This author suffers from “tell you not show you.”  Don’t know what that is?  Take a look at this book, and we are told everything Peter is feeling, without a lot of body language. We are told that working for the police as an empath is hard on him mentally, yet there is no downfall or timeframe.  It is bad “I have a problem” or a toss out line that he is thinking about ending it.  Sure the story is from his point-of-view but the author could have done her world and the book a whole lot of favors and made this book 100 pages longer with STORY CONTENT. There seems to be a lot of interesting things around Peter, who only wants to tell me two things, his gay and he talks a lot people can’t stand him.  For a book that as a main character “talking a lot” and what sounds like he’s hyperactive, this story as shockingly little dialog.  And, only once did a side character point it out anything that was fidgety and it was in the first chapter.  Every time after that I was told.  Have banter. Have odd habits. Have ANYTHING to flesh out your character more.  

Then, (as I move to another paragraph, because I feel like it needs it’s own rant) there is the constraint pointing out, to us, that he is gay.  Or gay and hot, or any other gay and blank you want to add.  Like, I would forget 60% into the book, the man is gay.  Now maybe I have an issue with this, because I do not think every 10 mins, I’m Bi or I’m pagan or I’m add blank blank here.  But that is what we got.  Not more on him learning to control his gift. Not him helping people with his gift.  Nope those are taken care of in toss away chapters to give me that much more “I’m gay”ness filler.  It reminds me of something I read on tumblr once, about how it would be nice to have gay characters and them being gay is not the whole focal point of their story-lines.  

Okay, so I know there are going to be a lot of people that want a cute, fluffy romance with some angst to bind it all together.  If you do, here is a story for you.  But, if you are like me and want more than bed hopping and a toss away story this is not your book.   

Ugh!  I wanted to like this SOOOOO BAD!

*I got a copy of this book for an honest review at Netgalley*

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Em's Weekly Goals 1/18-24/2016

    This week the forecast calls for rain, and a sick Em.  Looks like I will be reading!  Also, lots and lots of writing.  I am SO far behind.

For reading I have ... a lot of Scifi in my books!

Writing - I have at least 8 reviews I need to type out, and THEN I have some of my own to do. Oh Boy! Crafting I have bookmarks to knit. And a sewing machine to earn it's keep!

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