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Thursday, November 30, 2017

My Thoughts on the Love, Simon Trailer

I thought I’d share my thoughts and feels about the newly released Love, Simon trailer. In case you haven’t seen it, I’ve posted it below:


My thoughts before watching the trailer: Okay, so I have to admit before I even get into the trailer review that I’ve been getting a little sick of hearing about Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. (And, in case you don’t know, Simon vs. was a YA contemporary gay love story that’s been adapted for the big screen and renamed Love, Simon.)

I LOVED Simon vs. when I first read it. It was cute and fun and totally adorable. However, people just won’t shut up about it on Twitter. It’s gotten to the point where the hype has almost killed it for me, which makes me a little sad. Hopefully the movie trailer fixes that.

My thoughts after watching the trailer: LOL. That ending, though. Everything else pales in comparison to that line: “Oh, God. Help me Jesus.” I’m just going to rewatch that snippet over and over again.

But seriously, it was a good trailer. It’s got a nice, contemporary outline and feel to it. Simon narrates his life and his woes to the world, and we listen with bated breath.

It’s cute. I love the casting choices, minus one detail that I won’t even bother mentioning. Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel look fabulous, and Nick Robinson is alright. I originally loved his casting choice, but he does look a little old in the trailer to be playing a teen. Not sure how I feel about that. (Nick’s age isn’t the detail I’m not going to mention.)

I’m not over-the-moon about the trailer, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be seeing this movie in theaters as long as I have the $$$ to do so. I also really need to reread the book because I don’t know if half the things in the trailer are book events or not. *sigh* The life of a reader…

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday: Say You'll Remember Me

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Say You’ll Remember Me
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Hardcover, 400 pages, Harlequin Teen
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance

When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.

My Thoughts

I don’t know how to feel about this new book of Katie McGarry’s. On the one hand, I typically really enjoy her YA contemporary romances. On the other hand, it’s not about motorcycles; it’s about issues that I get very heated about. I’ll just have to trust McGarry to keep up her winning streak.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Top Ten Books on My Winter TBR

 I decided that it is finally time to participate in Top Ten Tuesday! I’ve been putting it off/forgetting about it for years now, but I’ve always wanted to do it.

If you’re unaware, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly original feature created by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week there’s a new Top Ten theme that the blogger responds to with their own list of answers.

This week’s theme is… *drumroll please*…

Ten Books on My Winter TBR

I’m counting winter as in from December 21st to March 31st, just fyi… So, let’s get started.

***

Starflight by Melissa Landers

I’m in the mood for a good sci-fi read. Maybe I’ll pick this one up when it’s cold and icky out.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

This book has been on my TBR pile for a couple of years now. It needs to be read. Soon.

The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan

Bought it, have yet to read it, must get to it soon. It’s supposedly an LGBT adult fantasy book. So why haven’t I picked it up yet?

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

I want to finish this series, but I’m scared. I don’t want things to go wrong for the main couple.


 The Wish Granter by C.J. Redwine

I bought this one not too long ago at a signing event, but the third book in this spin-off retelling series sounds amazing. So, I need to read this one before I can get to The Traitor Prince.


A Court of Mist and Fury

I don’t know why because I swore I wasn’t interested in ever reading this, but I randomly had the strangest urge to pick this up. That urge hasn’t gone away yet.

Malice by John Gwynne

I bought this book to get me over my Game of Thrones withdrawal, but I still haven’t picked this up. *sigh*


This Shattered World &
Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

I plan on attending the signing for Amie and Meagan’s newest release, but before then, I’d like to finish this trilogy. The problem is, I still don’t have This Shattered World. (Maybe Santa will get it for me for Christmas…?)
By Your Side by Kasie West

This one made the list simply because I plan on reading it on my plane trip home for the holidays. I’m going to make myself read this book to cross it off my TBR.

Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes

This one is my second-most anticipated 2018 release after War Storm. I’m super excited to find out what happens to these characters.

***

Alright, there you have it. My Top Ten Tuesday and my list of winter TBR reads. What books would you put on this list? Let me know in the comments section.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Life Updates (AKA Job News)

So that job news that I said I’d share, it’s finally time for me to share it.

During the month of September, I was working for Scholastic Trade Books as a temp. It was a three-week position that ended on the first day of October. After that, I got another temp job in Manhattan for a few days. And, later in the month, I got another temp job with Scholastic in the education group. That position was supposed to last six months, BUT…

I got a new, permanent job in publishing. I am now the Assistant to the Managing Editor at…

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=8q%2bcqMi%2f&id=6C03F59D4C37E9A22CB22C2AA371A300D7AC3760&thid=OIP.8q-cqMi_vBbfjgkdtTVRjgENEs&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fstatic.tumblr.com%2faa9670dad07b239e7811a5559da55305%2f6q8ubix%2fK6Wn9jd3p%2ftumblr_static_bb66j9w106osooswcog40k0so.jpg&exph=445&expw=400&q=tor+publishing&simid=608046729679342005&selectedIndex=10&ajaxhist=0

So basically, I work Macmillan now in the Flatiron Building. Yay!

I only started last week, and I’m still currently learning the ropes.

Also, can we please take a minute to compare my job title to a certain character from The Office.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=Mq4TZGh%2f&id=1D49D453674FC75E0B96FDA7C5F3AD4BC0FE3690&thid=OIP.Mq4TZGh_xZ2RsHTrEvh8qgFNC7&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%2ffiles%2f2016%2f09%2f20%2f636099428508113576676581710_Assistant%2520to%2520the%2520regional%2520manager.jpg&exph=2160&expw=3840&q=dwight+assistant+to+the+&simid=607995855817344766&selectedIndex=45&ajaxhist=0

When I realized this, I couldn’t stop giggling. I am officially Dwight Schrute. Mwahaha.

I also wanted to share this news just in case I have any more unexplained absences from blogging. I was super busy this month juggling my temp job with Scholastic, getting ready to transfer to Macmillan/Tor, and Thanksgiving, so I should be around more now that that’s all over.

Well, there you have it. That’s my news. :)

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Review: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Invictus
Publication Date: September 26, 2017
Hardcover, 458 pages, Little, Brown Books
Genres: YA, Sci-Fi

Time flies when you're plundering history.

Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time-traveling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 AD, Far's birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after failing his final time-traveling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuables from the past.

But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with knowledge that will bring Far's very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems.

My Review

The son of a time-traveler and a Roman gladiator leading a ship of other time-travelers throughout history sounds like a good time, right? Right?

Okay, so this book has an amazing premise. Far is a character who reminds me a lot of young James Kirk, the Chris Pine version. He’s brash and cocky. He’s also that extra mix of specialness every YA character needs to be (aka he was born outside of time to a Roman gladiator). He also has a cast of side characters like the USS Enterprise. There’s Priya, the adorable, tea-drinking medical expert; Gram, the mathematically-minded, socially-awkward engineer; Far’s cousin, Imogen; and the mysterious Elliot.

While each character had their own personality traits, they didn’t quite come across as unique. The writing style for each character’s POV was eerily similar. Everything was flowy and lyrical in a way that I didn’t really expect nor want in a science fiction story. But because of this choice, no character came across as realistic. Also, with the first fourth of the book being in Far’s POV, and the rest being in multiple POVS, I was a little thrown off. I was expecting a Kirk-type approach to this story, in that we’d follow his POV throughout. Obviously, I was wrong.

 As for the plot of the book, this is where things take a downturn. Because, while nothing was predictable, it just wasn’t terribly exciting. I didn’t jump out of my seat when an on-page revelation happened. Also, I’m tired of every time-travel book/movie/whatever going back to visit the Titanic. It’s been done. This is where I was hoping more of the ancient Rome backstory and actual time-travel would come in. Unfortunately, the characters really only visit three timelines, and they’re only there for a chapter or two.

All in all, this book had the potential to be amazing; it just didn’t live up to its cool concept in my opinion. However, if you’re wanting to try something different in terms of time-travel stories, maybe this one is for you. Just go into it knowing it won’t be your typical sci-fi story.


*Note: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. This in no way affected my opinion/review.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Stacking the Shelves: The Book + Benefits Edition

 "Stacking the Shelves" is a weekly haul meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Reading Reality. It allows book buyers to share their accumulation of books with the online book-loving community.

Nothing too exciting this week, so this’ll be a short haul.

Little Elliot, Big City by Mike Curato

This was a gift from work. I guess HR thought this was a cute book to put in to our benefits packet totes. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it, though… It’s times like these that I wish I had nieces or nephews. (Not.)

What books have you bought/received lately?

Friday, November 24, 2017

Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you look at the gif.

  
I’m sure a lot of us are regretting our Thanksgiving indulgences yesterday. At the time, the pie was worth it, and now… Yeah, it’s still worth it. ;)

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate!



While my family doesn’t really do a lot for Thanksgiving besides having a nice meal with whoever can make it, this will be my first Thanksgiving away from home.

My roommate is planning on making dinner, though, so I won’t be neglected in terms of the food. I’m going to contribute by buying the pies. ;)

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday: Reign of the Earth by A.C. Gaughen

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Reign of the Earth
(The Elementae #1)
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Hardcover, 448 pages, Bloomsbury
Genres: YA, Fantasy

Shalia is a proud daughter of the desert, but after years of devastating war with the adjoining kingdom, her people are desperate for peace. Willing to trade her freedom to ensure the safety of her family, Shalia becomes Queen of the Bonelands.

But she soon learns that her husband, Calix, is motivated only by his desire to exterminate the Elementae—mystical people who can control earth, wind, air, and fire. Even more unsettling are Shalia’s feelings for her husband’s brother, which unleash a power over the earth she never knew she possessed—a power that could get her killed. As rumors of a rebellion against Calix spread, Shalia must choose between the last chance for peace and her own future as an Elementae.

This intense, richly drawn high-fantasy by the author of Scarlet will hold readers spellbound.

My Thoughts

I’m curious about this one. I really enjoyed Gaughen’s Scarlet series about Robin Hood, so hopefully, this one is just as good, if not better. I’m a little curious to see how the husband/brother-in-law love triangle will be set up. While I tend to hate love triangles, this one is weird enough for a YA series to have me intrigued.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Monday, November 20, 2017

NYC's Books of Wonder Event Recap

Last week, I went to a signing event at NYC’s Books of Wonder.

Authors Libba Bray, Billy Merrell, Alex R. Kahler, Lisa Williamson, and David Levithan were there.

Unfortunately, I hadn’t read any of their books beforehand, but I was excited for this event because of Alex R. Kahler’s new release Runebinder. It’s a YA fantasy story with a gay main character. Do you know how rare it is to find published fantasy stories with gay protagonists?! So I was super excited to get my hands on this one.


Runebinder was actually the only book I bought at the signing. I was able to pick up Vanilla, Billy Merrell’s recent release, and All About Mia by Lisa Williamson for free at my temp job with Scholastic. They have a small pile of up-for-grabs books. Thus, I was able to get three books signed instead of just one.

I also had no idea David was going to be there. He actually moderated the event. I’d met him a while back in St. Louis. I would have loved to have purchase another one of his books and/or Libba’s, but I’m trying to save money, so…


Anywho, the event was pretty short since the authors took up most of the panel time by reading excerpts of their newest releases, or, in David’s case, his upcoming release (the third book in the Every Day series).

Here are some fun tidbits that I did manage to write down about the event:

Libba actually hired a researcher for her Diviners series. She said the researcher is awesome, but she didn’t remember how they actually first got in touch.

Alex said Kirkus called his book too graphic, but a female author friend of his said her hetero characters had way more raunchy scenes in her YA book, and the reviewer loved it. Apparently, the hetero characters were sexing it up in a cage. Does this book sound familiar to anyone because I kind of want to read it now…? Ha ha.

Billy didn’t set out to write a break-up story about finding sexuality, but that’s what Vanilla ended up being. It was originally supposed to be a cute romance story.

Lisa is British, so her accent was great. She also has a sister she forgot to put in the acknowledgements in her book about sisters. Lol

David’s new Every Day book is overdue by two months. He really needs to get it in to his editor.

***

As for the signing portion of the event, it went by super quickly. I was originally first in line, hence the yellow 001 piece of paper, but the hosts just let everyone come up and get in line for the author(s) they wanted signed books from.

I actually didn’t get any pictures with the authors because I had a brain fart. I ended up only taking one panel picture at the event. That’s it. *sigh* Oh well…

Below is Alex’s signature. I nabbed a cool button from him too. I love it when authors bring swag to events. They never have to do it, but it always makes me happy when they do.


Here’s Lisa’s signature. It was kind of loud in the signing room, so I couldn’t understand what she said to me. I also don’t remember if she even did say anything.


As for Billy, all I remember about him signing my book was how awkward I was. I think I mentioned something about how pretty the design of his book was (on its inside without the dustjacket), and he replied. Like with Lisa, I couldn’t hear his reply.


Well, that was the event. It was fun. I laughed quite a bit.

Have you been to any signings/bookish events lately? Let me know in the comments.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

More 2018 Cover Reveals!

More cover reveals! Including the cover for my most anticipated release of 2018!

Ace of Shades
(The Shadow Game #1)
Publication Date: April 10, 2018
Hardcover, 400 pages, Harlequin Teen
Genres: YA, Fantasy

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

My Thoughts

Ace of Shades is not my most anticipated release of 2018, but it sounds like it could be a pretty good read. I love criminals in books, especially when they’re the sexy bad-boy type. ;)

I am a little sad that this book has a red cover. (Red is my least favorite color.) I guess I can understand why, since gambling is always associated with the color red. But, it still looks nice.

***

Leah on the Offbeat
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Hardcover, 352 pages, Balzer + Bray
Genres: YA, Contemporary

Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage in this novel of first love and senior-year angst.

When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.

So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.

My Thoughts

The cover for this one threw me off a little bit. I guess I wasn’t expecting it to look so similar to Simon in its overall design. I love the colors and the font. What I don’t love is that stupid sticker. And, it better be a sticker and not a permanent piece of the cover. I will riot if it is.

***

War Storm
(Red Queen #4)
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
Hardcover, 400 pages, HarperTeen
Genres: YA, Fantasy

VICTORY COMES AT A PRICE.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive.

My Thoughts

LOOK AT IT! It’s an actual book! I’m finally going to get my hands on the last book in this godforsaken series! I feel like I’ve waited years!

In case you haven’t realized it yet, this is my most anticipated book of 2018.

I’m in love with this cover. I like the electricity and the blood with the dark purply-black background. The only thing that makes me sad about this cover is the title’s font. All of the other books in the series had black font, and this one doesn’t (obviously because it wouldn’t show up on the background). But this means the spines will look different. *sigh*

***

There you go. Those are some new covers. At least two of them were revealed this week. I’m not sure, though, when Ace of Shades’s cover was debuted.

Any favorite of the three? Mine’s War Storm, hands down.