I actually think about this a lot, there are books out there that I rated and reviewed that I just don’t agree with anymore. Sometimes it just takes more time for me to mull over my thoughts. Some books I think deserve a higher rating now and some a lower rating, whether I’ll actually change them or not we’ll see! I also always feel like I should re-write my old reviews too, so cringey!
I found this amazing little tag on Hardback Hoarder’s channel, she has so many great tags so definitely go check her out! The original creator of this tag is @the.book.gypsy on Instagram.
This was “created” by Lost in a Story!
The Rules:
Current TBR: 774
**** For some reason I skipped a book last week! But I’m back on track this week.****
Book #120
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
I don’t know if I’ll ever actually get around to reading this but I’ll keep it for now since I own it. Plus I really loved “The Shining”!
The Judgement: Keep
Book #121
The Gift by James Patterson
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
I did enjoy “Witch and Wizard” when I read it AGES ago but I don’t really think I want to continue with the series anymore.
The Judgement: Go
Book #122
Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
Once again I read this series a while ago and enjoyed it but I don’t think I’ll ever continue with it.
The Judgement: Go
Book #123
School’s Out Forever by James Patterson
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
Again, read a while ago. Don’t want to continue with the series.
The Judgement: Go
Book #124
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
Are you guys seeing a pattern here in this patch of my TBR? Series I started and won’t be finishing because I just didn’t really think “Divergent” was that great.
The Judgement: Go
Book #125
The Name of Stars by Maureen Johnson
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
A sort of retelling of Jack the Ripper including a girl who can essentially see ghosts, at least that’s what it sounds like! It sounds interesting and I own a copy so I’d like to see if it’s any good.
The Judgement: Keep
Book #126
Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
I love Star Wars and I love zombies but I just don’t know about this one anymore. Maybe I’ll read it eventually or maybe not but for now meh.
The Judgement: Go
Book #127
I, Iago by Nicole Galland
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
I freaking love “Othello” it is by far my favorite Shakespeare play and Iago is one of my absolute favorite villains. So of course I’d love to read anything related to the play!
The Judgement: Keep
Book #128
Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance by Oliver Bowden
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
I really love the Assassin’s Creed games especially the Ezio ones and so I kind of wanted the book but I just don’t think I’ll read it. I’d rather go play the game!
The Judgement: Go
Book #129
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
Date Added: July 29th, 2015
I tried reading this a really long time ago and just wasn’t very intrigued by it, I just don’t think Holly Black’s writing is for me. Although I will be trying “The Cruel Prince” because the hype is ridiculous.
The Judgement: Go
Have you read any of these? What did you think?
Do you think I should have kept any of these books?
Do you agree with any of my keeps or discards?
Let me know in the comments!
Again, one HUGE thank you to all of my followers, and to those of you who commented or left a question!
Debby @ Always Booking, Asked:
Coffee or Tea?
Tea, I love tea and drink it pretty much daily. I really want to be a coffee person but I just don’t like the taste as much.
Theo @ Reading and Rambling, Asked:
What’s your absolute least favorite character you have EVER read?
Trust me there are definitely quite a few and it’s hard to pick between them for the absolute worst! I’m probably going to have to go with Zoe Redbird from the House of Night series, she was like Bella Swan but waaaay worse. It was constant stupid decisions!
Meghan @ Meghan’s Whimsical Explorations & Reviews, Asked:
What helped inspire you to create your blog name?
So my friends are constantly teasing me for being “sassy” all the time, mostly it’s my tone when I’m being sarcastic (which is kind of a lot) so that’s why I went with the Sassy part of my blog name. Then of course I love books and I fully embrace my geekiness (with all things from movies to video games) so Book Geek!
Lilly @ Lair of Books, Asked:
Which new to you 2017 debut author are you most interested in following into 2018?
There were SO many but I’m gonna have to go with Angie Thomas, her book “The Hate U Give” was perfection and her writing is amazing. Super excited for her book this year “On the Come Up”!
Kayla @ Kayla’s Book Nook, Asked:
Have you ever taken the Myers Briggs personality test? If so, what was your result?
Yes, I am INFJ.
What is your Hogwarts house and do you own any merchandise pertaining to it?
Ravenclaw and I do have a shirt but I’m definitely wanting to get a lot more merch!
Jessica @ The Awkward Book Blogger, Asked:
If you could trade places with one character in any book, who would you trade places with?
Definitely Eowyn from “The Lord of the Rings” because she is a badass!
What is your favorite bookish item that you own (bookish shirts, mugs, prints, jewelry, etc.)?
Probably my canvas print of the Marauder’s Map that I have hanging on my wall, it’s gorgeous and of course I want to fill my space with Harry Potter related items…
What is one skill you’d like to learn (fictional or real life)?
Sword-fighting, more on the fictional side of things though.
Aria @ Snow White Hates Apples, Asked:
What’s your most favorite and least favorite literary trope?
Favorite: Forbidden Romance
Least Favorite: Insta-love (it’s just so unrealistic, I like a slow burn romance!)
Kristin @ Kristin Kraves Books, Asked:
Who would you want to write your autobiography?
Jay Kristoff, he’s my favorite author, and his writing is gorgeous. Also I feel like he could really embellish my autobiography….by adding swords and thunder tigers…..
Jess @ Beaucoupbooks, Asked:
Any advice for newbie bloggers?
I feel like I always give the same advice but it’s because it’s the best advice I feel I can give. So newbie bloggers: do not be afraid to interact with other bloggers! If they have 5 followers or 5,000 followers we all love chatting with each other so go for it!
And what was your favorite read of 2017?
Probably “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown, it had everything I love in a book!
Kelly @ Just Another Book in the Wall, Asked:
What made you decide to start blogging?
Well back in 2015 I finally joined Goodreads and while I was reading reviews and searching for new books I discovered book bloggers! Of course I didn’t really know much about it then but I figured what better way to express my love of books than to start my own? Plus I actually get to talk about them now, as I don’t really have any IRL family or friends that read.
And, who is your current favorite book blogger?
Destiny @ Howling Libraries, she’s not only super sweet and supportive but I’m always looking forward to her reviews and posts!
Orangutan Librarian, Asked:
Which book world would you most like to live in?
Hands down Middle Earth! I’d get all the adventure but also be relatively safe too, haha!
Misty @ Misty’s Book Space, Asked:
What was you favorite and least favorite read of 2017?
Favorite: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Least Favorite: The Devils You Know by M.C. Atwood
What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2018?
I have to say I’m most looking forward reading “The Cruel Prince” since it is super hyped and everyone seems to love it!
Anna @ My Bookish Dream, Asked:
-Which fantasy world would you love to live in? What would you like to do there?
Middle Earth, for sure! As far as what I would do there…hmmm. I’d probably act like a tourist to be honest going and seeing the Shire, Edoras, and Minas Tirith. Also I would probably hunt down Legolas and cling to him.
-And which one would you definitely stay away from? Why?
Probably the world of “An Ember in the Ashes” because it is extremely brutal and I would more than likely not survive whatsoever!
Amanda @ Metal Phantasm Reads, Asked:
What’s a movie or music album you’re looking forward to this year?
I’m not really big into music albums but as for movies I’m probably most looking forward to Avengers: Infinity War!
Lucinda @ Lucinda is Reading, Asked:
What book/author never fails to make you smile?
Probably “Hyperbole and a Half” by Allie Brosh as I always find it hilarious and it really never fails in that!
Ignited Moth, Asked:
What book have you read that made you feel the widest range of emotions while reading it?
“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown, I was shocked, sad, happy, and enraged while reading that one! So many different plot twists!
Hannah @ Mortal Reader, Asked:
What was your favorite read of 2017?
“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown!
Zezee @ Zezee with Books, Asked:
What are 2 fantasy novels you’d highly recommend?
“Stormdancer” by Jay Kristoff and “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir
Michelle @ Book Adventures, Asked:
If you ever came across the mirror of Erised what do you think it would show?
This is such a creative question Michelle! I think the Mirror of Erised would show me happily in love and sitting, reading inside of a giant home library.
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
So these are all actually books I have on my 2018 Beat the Backlist TBR (which has yet to be posted) so I am bound and determined to ACTUALLY read them this year! They deserve it!
These are in no particular order.
10.) Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
I absolutely LOVED “The Darkest Corners” it was such a dark, twisted mystery/thriller especially for YA, there were times when I forgot I was even reading YA! After an amazing debut like that I want to read all of her books and this one is no exception, I just really need to get my butt into gear!
9.) The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
I KNOW I NEED TO READ THIS SO VERY BADLY! I am ashamed of myself for not having read this yet! It’s pretty much a must read for fantasy fans and I am one, therefore I must read this. This is the year!
8.) Because You Love To Hate Me by Various Authors
I am all for tales from the villain’s POV which all of these are, plus I like a good collection of short stories! I have heard mixed things about this one but I’m still excited to read it! I am so terrible, I’ve been meaning to read this for months. Literally.
7.) Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
I bought this right when it released and still haven’t read it. Why am I like this? I love Laini’s writing and I need to get lost in her newest fantasy creation! Soon, my friends, soon.
6.) A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
I do have a sort of excuse for this one but also not really because I own both this and “A Conjuring of Light”. I feel like I need to read this at exactly the right moment because I do not want to start reading and not be ready or have time to be fully immersed in this one, it deserves my attention 100%!
5.) The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst
I’ve hear tons of good things about this book and I got it a while ago for Christmas so honestly I have no excuses for myself since I own it! It sounds super good and I love a good fantasy with interesting world building!
4.) The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
I finally got the complete box set of the whole series so I am fully prepared to re-enter the Percy Jackson world. Now I just need to get to reading it…..
3.) Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
I borrowed this from the library, didn’t finish it, brought it back, bought a cheap copy on Book Outlet, and then proceeded to still not read it. I love pirates, I want to read all the pirate books, so I am FINALLY going to read it this year!
2.) Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas
Okay this book comes highly recommended by a ton of people and I’ve started it and stopped a couple of times just because I had other things to read. But this year I’m finally going to finish it, maybe during the summer since it gives off that vibe with the cover.
1.) Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios
This is a book about an abusive relationship and while that may be hard to read through I think it’s going to be a very honest and important book about abusive relationships. I’m really excited to finally read it plus I think the cover is stunning.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
Did you mean to get to any of these last year as well?
Are you planning on reading any of them this year?
What were some of YOUR books you meant to get to in 2017 and didn’t?
Let me know in the comments!
It’s a new year and of course that means tons of new books! January is LOADED with new releases and I can’t wait to get my hands on a lot of them.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Release Date: January 2nd
Everyone has been raving about this book, I don’t think there’s anyone out there who ISN’T loving this book! I also love this black and gold cover from Barnes & Noble and I think that’s the one I’ll be getting. I need to read more Fae books!
Everless by Sara Holland
Release Date: January 2nd
This one is like a fantasy mixed with the movie ‘In Time’ if you’ve ever seen that, people use time off of their lives as currency. I am down for this!
Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu
Release Date: January 2nd
Well I already have the Wonder Woman book so I need the Batman one, it’s just good manners.
Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely
Release Date: January 2nd
A dystopian, western featuring a girl who fights against a corrupt city. I like the blend of two very distinct and different genres, I think it will prove to be a very unique book.
Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking
Release Date: January 2nd
I was lucky to recieve an e-galley of this book and really enjoy it. It’s about Valkyries who are put in charge of slaying the other immortals on Earth, including many different supernatural beings from many different mythologies around the world.
You can read my full review here.
A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole
Release Date: January 2nd
I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK! It reminded me a lot of the movie ‘Avatar’ with the lush flora and fauna on a far off planet that a group of humans now inhabit along with the indiginous people. The world building is seriously creative, unique, and amazing.
You can read my full review here.
The Forgotten Book by Mechthild Glaser
Release Date: January 2nd
This one is about a girl who finds a book that whatever she writes in it comes true. Sounds very “Inkheart” and also kind of like “Death Note” hopefully not the latter, haha!
Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Release Date: January 9th
This is being described as Indiana Jones in space and that right there has me sold.
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire
Release Date: January 9th
The third book in this series I’m excited to read about one of the “nonsense” worlds and hope that McGuire gives us more books!
Iron Gold by Pierce Brown
Release Date: January 16th
While I have yet to finish the last 2 books I am 100% ready for this one too so I can binge!
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Release Date: January 16th
All I know is this is about an unsolved kidnapping mystery and a new kid attending the school where it happeend tries solving it but also a new crime that has appeared as well. Sounds pretty good though.
Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Release Date: January 23rd
I’m SUPER excited for this one because 1.) the cover is gorgeous and 2.) it’s a fantasy about a necromancer and it’s also LGBT!
Markswoman by Rati Mehrotra
Release Date: January 23rd
This fantasy sounds badass, it’s about a sisterhood of elite warriors that use telepathic blades. Awesome.
Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Release Date: January 23rd
This one seems like a really fun and cute read featuring POC and also an asexual main character
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
Release Date: January 30th
This one is a about a girl whose grandmother wrote a book of dark fairy tales and when her mother is kidnapped by something that claims to be from the land portrayed in those tales she is determined to rescue her. It SOUNDS great but I haven’t been hearing great things about it so far, so eehhhh.
Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen
Release Date: January 30th
A high fantasy about a girl who marries a king to ensure the safety of her family and her people but finds out her husband is hell bent on destroying Elementae, people who have control over the elements, and discovers she has these abilities. Sounds really good though!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
(aka not on my own TBR)
Meet Cute by Various Authors
Release Date: January 2nd
Thunderhead (Arc of the Scyth #2) by Neal Shusterman
Release Date: January 9th
Zenith by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings
Release Date: January 16th
Love, Hate, and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
Release Date: January 16th
Are you also looking forward to any of these books?
Have you read any of them yet (ARCs etc)?
What are some January releases I didn’t include that you’re looking forward to?
Let me know in the comments!
I am screaming right now, guys! I’m having a classic fangirl moment and “can’t even”! I am so incredibly grateful for you all and still can’t believe that there are wonderful souls out there that are interested in me rambling about books, haha!
Thank you all for supporting me and being there for a little ‘ol book blogger and book lover like me!
As you can see I’d like to do a Q&A to celebrate and answer questions YOU would like to ask me! I will try and answer all of them in a post either this weekend or the beginning of next week so please leave your questions in the comments section below! You can also leave your questions for me on Twitter or Instagram too if you’d like!
Follow Me Elsewhere: Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads
So since I actually completed a monthly TBR last month I figured I go for it again, and keep my expectations realisitc! Once again I have quite a few ARCs to get through this month and a couple library books (why do I keep getting library books when I have so many physical TBR books? The world may never know.) but if I get through all of them I’ll have a couple “bonus” books to try and squeeze in as well!
I’m also planning on doing the “Beat the Backlist” challenge this year so be on the look out for that post as I will be listing all of my backlist books I plan on reading!
Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre
This might be cheating a little bit since I finished it yesterday but still counts! I wasn’t as impressed as I was expecting to be but it was still an entertaining read, I’m a sucker for a good action-packed sci-fi.
Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
My current read at the moment this is kind of fantasy and sci-fi mixed together complete with emperors, kingdoms, robots, and space pirates! So far it’s really great with lots of action and interesting world building.
The Tombs by Deborah Schaumberg
Normally I’m not one for historical fiction, it really depends. However, this one has….super powers? I feel like that’s the best way to describe it or maybe more like psyhic abilities. Anyways it sounds great!
Fire & Bone by Rachel A. Marks
An urban fantasy featuring a main character who discovers she’s the daughter of a Celtic goddess. I think it sounds interesting because Celtic mythology is something I don’t see very often and would definitely enjoy reading about, however, there does seem to be a love triangle so I am a little leery.
The Ravenous by Amy Lukavics
So I do really enjoy Lukavics’ books but I heard this one wasn’t her best so I borrowed it from the library just because I want to see for myself!
Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody
Also borrowed from the library I wanted to give it a read before reading my ARC of “Ace of Shades” just for fun. I’ve heard lots of good things about it so I’m excited.
Locke & Key Volumes 2 and 3 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
I’m slowly picking through the graphic novels available at my library and actually really narrowing it down. I decided to continue with this series and see if it interests me enough to continue further with it.
BONUS BOOKS!
As I mentioned, I don’t want to pressure myself too much but IF I get through the other 8 books I have 2 more on deck!
The Heart Forger (The Bone Witch #2) by Rin Chupeco
I really loved the dark fantasy world in “The Bone Witch” and I’m very excited to continue on with the series with this ARC!
Golden Son (Red Rising #2) by Pierce Brown
I finally got a copy for Christmas so I am ready to devour the last two in preparation for “Iron Gold” that comes out this month!
Are any of these books on your TBR?
Have you read any of these, what did you think?
What are you planning on reading this month?
Let me know in the comments!
I had a pretty great blogging month in December, I’m proud of myself! I’ve started scheduling and pre-planning posts ahead of time and opening up more time for me to read so I’ve been finishing more books as well. Hopefully I can stick to doing things this way as I find it to be a lot more satisfying!
Books Read This Month: 13
I read a mix of books this month some were great, some were “meh”, and some I really didn’t enjoy. I loved “Dear Martin”, “Between the Blade and the Heart”, “A Conspiracy of Stars”, and of course “Paper Girls” and “Saga”. While I thought “Ms. Marvel” and “The Queen’s Rising” were okay but kind of meh. And I REALLY didn’t enjoy “The Wicker King”, “There’s Someone Inside Your House” and “Final Girls”. However, there were more good than bad so that’s always a great thing!
I also actually stuck 100% to my planned monthly TBR, which is kind of a first!
Reviews Finished This Month:
The Devils You Know by M.C. Atwood
No Saints in Kansas by Amy Brashear
This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking
Tags & Memes Done This Month:
Top Ten Tuesday: Book Settings I’d Love To Visit
Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books of 2017
Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Hope Santa Brings
Top Ten Tuesday: 2018 Releases I’m Looking Forward To
Other Posts Done This Month:
20+ Books! Black Friday/November Book Haul
All My Favorites Books of 2017!
Currently Reading:
So right now I have like 30 pages left of “Honor Among Thieves” so I’ll be finishing quick here, but I’m kind of underwhelmed by it which is a shame because it sounded great. Then I’ll be moving on to “Heart of Iron” which is another sci-fi and hopefully more enjoyable.
How was your reading and blogging month this December?
What were your best or worst reads?
What are you currently reading?
What books are you excited for this coming month, January?
Let me know in the comments!
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
Of course I read quite a few new authors this last year but these are the top ten that made the biggest impression on me! They are in no particular order and I will link to the reviews I have of their books.
10.) Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give)
After reading the amazing masterpiece that is “The Hate U Give” I am fully prepared to read anything and everything Angie Thomas writes! While I was reading I could not believe that this was her debut novel, she definitely writes like a seasoned pro.
(You can read my full review here)
9.) Pierce Brown (Red Rising)
Why did it take me so long to read his books?! Why?! There is such a wonderful blend of twists, fantasy, sci-fi, and just overall emotions in this book. He wrote such excellent characters and I fell in love with them! I am ready for more heartbreak, bring on the rest of the trilogy!
(You can read my full review here)
8.) Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes)
Once again I am ashamed that I didn’t read this book immediately because it was amazing. The world that Sabaa Tahir created is brutal, shocking, and full of twists but there are also hints of magic and fantastic characters. I’m not only really excited to read the sequel (and rest of the series) but also anything she writes in the future as well.
(You can read my full review here)
7.) Jen Wilde (Queens of Geek)
Not my usual genre whatsoever as it is not only contemporary but also romance, however, it was fantastic. There was loads of diversity, I found the anxiety rep to be on point, lots of geekiness, and in general just a great book. I am really excited to read her upcoming book “The Brightsiders” and anything else she writes!
(You can read my full review here)
6.) Mackenzi Lee (The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue)
While I do own another of Lee’s books, “This Monstrous Thing”, this was the first book I have read by her. This book was incredibly well written, fast paced, and downright fun! Her characters had a ton of personality and I’m very excited for her future books.
(You can read my full review here)
5.) Hillary Monahan (The Hollow Girl & Mary: The Summoning)
I actually read two books by Monahan this year because one was an ARC and the other was for Halloween! However, after reading “The Hollow Girl” I knew I would want to read her other books and was not disappointed with either of them. She definitely knows how to write horror well!
(You can read my full review of “The Hollow Girl” here)
(You can read my full review of “Mary: The Summoning” here)
4.) Margaret Rogerson (An Enchantment of Ravens)
I am so happy I decided to pick up this debut novel because Rogerson’s writing is so lyrical and beautiful! She also created a wonderful fantasy world in such a short amount of pages, I am excited to see what else she will come up with!
(You can read my full review here)
3.) Amanda Hocking (Between the Blade and the Heart)
This was such a fast paced, fun read that was filled to the brim with great mythologies and world building. I’m not only excited to continue this series but also to check out Hocking’s other books as well.
(You can read my full review here)
2.) Olivia A. Cole (A Conspiracy of Stars)
I think I could gush about this book forever! The vivid and creative world building is some of the best I’ve seen especially in a sci-fi book, the creatures and planet were described so well and all of it’s unique! I am PUMPED to read the sequel and of course any of her future books too.
(You can read my full review here)
1.) Jodi Lynn Anderson (Tiger Lily)
I loved this book it was a very somber but beautiful retelling of Peter Pan and some of Anderson’s other books also sound very creative too. I think I’m more excited to see some more retellings from her though.
(You can read my full review here)
Have you read any of these books before? What did you think?
Have you read anything by any of these authors before?
Who were some of your favorite new to you authors in 2017?
Let me know in the comments!
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