The Paper Critic

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #141

2016-06-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: The Revival
Author: Chris Weitz
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: July 19th, 2016

The teens survived a mysterious catastrophe in The Young World, brought the cure back home in The New Order, and now must forge a new world in this fast-paced conclusion from acclaimed film director Chris Weitz.

The teens forge a new world in this epic conclusion to The Young World trilogy.

After the emotional cliffhanger of The New Order, shocking events take place for Donna, Jefferson, Kath, and their tribe as they face their greatest challenge yet--how to hold the new city-state of New York against a ruthless attack from the Old World.

Heart-stopping action and exciting new revelations will leave readers hungry for the final installment in the series.

My Stance:

This is another series I am hoping to get around to. I am excited for this, and while my TBR is getting larger and larger, I am hoping to tackle that and get around to some of the books I am most excited for. The first book is something I bought on a whim, there was something that spoke to me. I was reading Gone by Michael Grant at the time and this book is pretty much the same thing, however without the superpowers.

There is something about how the world just ends and only teenagers are alive, and how the author thinks the world would react and somehow manage to work. That's the whole reason, I mean the whole teenage gangs and fighting to try to figure out the curse. As well, how does one fall in love in the end of the world and when you are leading a group of teens, there has to be a lot of pressure and growth in just the position Jefferson holds for his gang. I honestly am looking forward to this.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #140

2016-06-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: The Darkest Magic
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: June 28th, 2016

In the second installment of New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes's highly acclaimed Falling Kingdoms spin-off series, danger looms and the mystery deepens as two warring evils vie for possession of one elusive, powerful book.

Modern-day Toronto: Sisters Crystal and Becca Hatcher are reunited after reclaiming the Bronze Codex and narrowly escaping death. They have no one to trust but each other, and the only thing keeping them safe is the book that sent Becca's spirit to Ancient Mytica--the same book that their enemies would kill them for.

Ancient Mytica: Maddox grapples to keep his newly discovered powers under control, while the ruthless goddess Valoria hunts him down.

Modern-day Toronto: Farrell embraces his dark side as he unwittingly falls further under the spell of Markus, the mastermind leader of the nefarious Hawkspear Society, who will stop at nothing to find Crys and Becca--and the remarkable book in their possession.

New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes takes readers into exhilarating new high-fantasy territory with volume two of the Book of Spirits and Thieves series, an epic contemporary saga perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander.

My Stance:

So as of lately I have been in this whole fantasy and sci-fi bender and haven't gotten around to much else. Falling Kingdoms is by far is one of my favorite books and I have been meaning to explore the rest of her books. I have most of her novels on my shelf at the moment, and while I haven't gotten to Spirits and Thieves I am awaiting it expectedly. There is a lot of depth and character growth/diversity in her novels. Rhodes won't let me down.

[Teaser Tuesday] - #58

2016-06-21T13:43:00.003-04:00

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Take your Current Read.
Grab 2 Teaser sentences from the book (please be sure to avoid spoilers)
Post it on your blog with the title and author, so other Teasing Tuesday participants can add it to their To Be Read list.
When visiting other Teasing Tuesday participants, leave a link with your current TT in their comments.

Title: Six of Crows
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Release Date: September 29th, 2015

Quote: "Inej came awake slowly, her thoughts jumbled. She remembered the thrust of Oomen's knife, climbing the crates, people shouting as she dangled from the tips of her fingers. Come on down, Wraith. But Kaz had returned for her, to rescue his investment. They must have made it on the Ferolind."

--- Page 185

[Book Haul] - #17

2016-06-20T01:40:00.001-04:00

Book Haul is an event in which Bloggers and Readers alike showcase their weeks/months pickups and purchases. This showcases new books and older books alike. Feel free to share your books with viewers alike by posting in the comment section with your video or blog. Thanks!

Barnes and Noble #1		Barnes and Noble #2
Book Outlet #1	Book Outlet #2	Book Outlet #3	Book Outlet #4
Walmart		Misc

Barnes and Noble #1 - Book Haul:

Barnes and Noble #2 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #1 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #2 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #3 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #4 - Book Haul:

Walmart - Book Haul:

Misc. - Book Haul:

[Flashback Friday] - #93

2016-04-01T00:30:00.001-04:00

Flashback Friday is a weekly event, hosted here, that highlights a past release that we're dying to get our hands on...

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Born at Midnight
Author: C.C. Hunter
Release Date: March 29th, 2011

Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams, Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

My Stance:

So when I first read this, I thought it would be a good read. I mean there's a institution where the paranormal go, or are sent, where they train and harness themselves. I am curious, it sounds a lot like a sort of X-men style. I mean they are all gifted in their own way and are trying to learn how to do and be their own self in a world where the rest and everyone else is afraid of them. However, there is something that seems off. I mean, werewolves, fae, vampires, etc. the only thing that is missing is dragons, elves and dwarves.

I am most curious as to what some of them can do, but that's where my curiosity turns slightly sour. When you take a look at Kylie, the protagonist, there is something off about everything surrounding her. And frankly I believe it starts with the Twilight setup of a love triangle. You have Darek, a half-fae, and Lucas, a werewolf, who all have some sort of pull on Kylie. If this ends up as drab and boring as Twilight and even remotely as aggravating this book will be short lived. However, I think there will be something different with this, I am going to hope this book manages to somehow pull off the whole relationship thing.

I want this book to be something, to manage to pull me in and let me enjoy it. However I have my doubts with the protagonist. I want the protagonist to be better than Bella Swan, I can only hope and find out when the time comes. I have seen a few friends of mine buy and pickup the book, I am interested and intrigued as to why all the hype.

[Book Review] - The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie and Alyssa B. Sheinmel

2016-03-31T10:00:00.001-04:00

Title: The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
Author: Paige McKenzie and Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Series: #1 - The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 24th, 2015
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0

Something freaky's going on with Sunshine's new house . . . there's the chill that wraps itself around her bones, the giggling she can hear in the dead of night, and then the strange shadows that lurk in her photographs. But the more weird stuff that happens, the less her mom believes her. Sunshine's always had a quirky affiliation with the past, but this time, history is getting much too close for comfort . . .

If there is something, or someone, haunting her house, what do they want? And what will they do if Sunshine can't help them?

As things become more frightening and dangerous, and the giggles she hears turn to sobs and screams, Sunshine has no choice but to accept what she is, face the test before her and save her mother from a fate worse than death.

The first in a frighteningly good new series based on the popular YouTube sensation The Haunting of Sunshine Girl Network, created by Paige McKenzie.

My Review:

This book surprised me, mainly because I bought it on a small vacation and just wanted something to occupy my time and keep me busy. While I wasn't particularly looking for a haunting of supernatural book at the time, there was just something about this book on a Meijer shelf that caught my eye. I don't know exactly why anymore, other than the book just short of kept my attention throughout. I am not sure if there was just nothing to do on the vacation or I just wanted a book to read at night.

What caught my eye was the ghost, it's not really about Sunshine being the ghost other than she can see or experience the ghost of sorts. Sunshine is just a normal everyday girl whose mother happens to be a new doctor at the hospital. Sunshine is trying to find her way, and make sense of why her mother is constantly at the hospital. While Sunshine pretty much survives and fends for herself, you get the idea that while being somewhat independent she's looking for that friend.

The story revolves around how when Sunshine moves into the new house, she believes and finds it to be haunted. What gets me is how the glass unicorns she receives are slightly moved, and yet it doesn't always surprise her completely. I mean yea it's creepy and awkward, but she always has this idea that there's something there. As the tale goes on, you learn of the fate that's happened in that house. The story and how it as told and unfolded was great. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better story in something I just randomly picked up.

This book for just being a random pickup surpassed everything I thought it would be. Not saying that I pick up terrible books at all, it was just something I wasn't looking expecting or knowledge of. It's worth the read, and while not being a terrible or overly impressive book, it's something to keep your interest and maybe fill a gap in here and there. I am curious to read more out of this series as Sunshine and her friend, while not being perfect and great realistic personas, they have a good relationship and Sunshine has a heavy burden on her shoulders. I am looking forward to a second.

[Book Review] - No Safety in Numbers by Dayna Lorentz

2016-03-31T01:00:00.001-04:00

Title: No Safety in Numbers
Author: Dayna Lorentz
Series: #1 - No Safety in Numbers
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: May 29th, 2012
My Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0

When a strange device is discovered in the air ducts of a busy suburban mall, the entire complex is suddenly locked down. No one can leave. No one knows what is going on.

At first, there's the novelty of being stuck in a mega mall with free food and a gift certificate. But with each passing day, it becomes harder to ignore the dwindling supplies, inadequate information, and mounting panic.

Then people start getting sick.

Told from the point of view of two guys and two girls, this is a harrowing look at what can happen under the most desperate of circumstances, when regular people are faced with impossible choices. Some rise to the occasion. Some don't.

And for some - it's too late.

My Review:

No Safety in Numbers is a rather odd book, and while I am mostly on the fence about this book. I was hoping this book would be such a turn around and while there was some potential in this book. I mean what could possibly go wrong with a whole terrorist attack/bombing and a shopping mall. However, there was something that kept me reading a hope that it'd get better, but frankly it just wasn't there.

I am looking at some of the characters, who frankly confuse me. There are those who wander around and manage to survive; those who join gangs to survive; and yet there are those who for some reason are still manning their jobs. Which is what confuses me the most, and makes this whole book start to crumble. I mean I get the whole wandering around and the gang bit, but those who are still at their job is just unbelievable. I can see staying for a few hours, but those staying for more than a day in hopes of getting paid better are just straight ludicrous. In the real world people would abandon their post, and go about their daily life.

Second bit, those inside the mall are way too passive. Lock me in a mall and as people start dying and food running short, there would be a mob. I would be uneasy, and expect answers. Yet in this book, they all seem to stay quarantined like good little sheep and while some start to question the end result is just far too little too late. I honestly can't say it is accurate or remotely realistic.

When people start trying to escape it's not something simple like breaking a ground level window with something. However they try to do something drastic that ends up in either getting them killed or maiming someone. One attempt was trying to climb up through one of the sky windows and it frankly didn't work. There was an attempt at driving a car through one of those lovely garage gates, that ended up driving straight into a cement wall. It was all so silly and dumb, but at while the attempts were made, there just didn't seem much effort or realism behind them.

I would love seeing this book or a similar idea done by a different author. The idea is sound and great, but there's just something off about this version. It was more of a silly dumb book, and while it didn't do it for me, maybe there is a young adult who will enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, I am going to finish the series, against my better judgement. I just wish there was something more and better from this specific novel.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #139

2016-03-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: The Passion of Dolssa
Author: Julie Berry
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 12th, 2016

I must write this account, and when I have finished, I will burn it.

Buried deep within the archives of a convent in medieval France is an untold story of love, loss, and wonder and the two girls at the heart of it all.

Dolssa is an upper-crust city girl with a secret lover and an uncanny gift. Branded a heretic, she’s on the run from the friar who condemned her mother to death by fire, and wants Dolssa executed, too.

Botille is a matchmaker and a tavern-keeper, struggling to keep herself and her sisters on the right side of the law in their seaside town of Bajas.

When their lives collide by a dark riverside, Botille rescues a dying Dolssa and conceals her in the tavern, where an unlikely friendship blooms. Aided by her sisters and Symo, her surly but loyal neighbor, Botille nurses Dolssa back to health and hides her from her pursuers. But all of Botille’s tricks, tales, and cleverness can’t protect them forever, and when the full wrath of the Church bears down upon Bajas, Dolssa’s passion and Botille’s good intentions could destroy the entire village.

From the author of the award-winning All the Truth That’s in Me comes a spellbinding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page and make you wonder if miracles really are possible.

My Stance:

I loved All the Truth That's in Me so much that at the end of the book I immediately added Berry to my favorite author list. That book was so well written, the anguish and growth from the characters and was so great, and how Judith overcomes her trauma and still managed to be better. I am hoping for another monster of a book again in this novel and from the sounds it may be just that.

Dolssa and Botille and such odd names, but I guess the book does take place in France. What am interested in is how Dolssa end up near death, I understand that the Church is after her for being a heretic. I am curious on why she is a heretic as well, I mean it could be something like being a witch or just some odd science over church incident. Which opens the door to explore her character as well, and I doubt that Berry will let that go to waste.

Botille seems pretty self explanatory, her character just seems so one dimensional. I hope she's the one that surprises me the most. Who knows maybe the secret lover that Dolssa has is female and that's why she's a heretic, and being the kind woman that Botille is, she hides the two of them away. I am intrigued to get my hands on this book, it has the potential to be another good book from Berry.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #138

2016-03-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Forest of Ruin
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 5th, 2016

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes the breathtaking conclusion to the Age of Legends trilogy, perfect for fans of Graceling and Game of Thrones.

The empire rests on the edge of a knife, and sisters Ashyn and Moria are the handle and the blade. Desperate to outmaneuver the evil Alvar Kitsune, whose hold on the people grows stronger every day, Emperor Tatsu begs Moria to put aside past grievances and ally with Gavril—at least long enough to make an attempt on Alvar’s life. Meanwhile, reunited with her long-lost grandfather, Ashyn discovers that she is the key to a ritual that could reawaken an ancient dragon and turn the tide of the coming battle in their favor.

But with lies and betrayal lurking around every corner, Ashyn and Moria will have to decide once and for all where their allegiances are. And it may not be where their hearts would lead them....

In this breathtaking final book in her epic trilogy the Age of Legends, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong blends fantasy, action, and romance to give readers the unforgettable ending they’ve been waiting for.

My Stance:

I finally managed to get my hands on this series, so I haven't yet read this book. I know coming back recently I didn't want to have to say, I am trying to avoid this book's synopsis, but I am looking forward to this series. Something about Kelley Armstrong and some of her sci-fi novels, they have such great potential that I am not going to spoil anything or risk spoiling anything for myself. I just finished Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead and it was just fantastic, I am so glad that was the first book I read by her. I am super excited to get into The Immortal Crown with her, but everytime I see Richelle Mead's books, Armstrong's is right next to her. So if there's any comparison at all, I am looking forward to getting into them.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #137

2016-03-30T00:30:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Flawed
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 5th, 2016

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She's a model daughter and sister, she's well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she's dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.

But then Celestine encounters a situation where she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule. And now faces life-changing repercussions.

She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED.

In her breathtaking young adult debut, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society where obedience is paramount and rebellion is punished. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her-everything.

My Stance:

Flawed is one of those books that can go one of two ways, really good or just another run of the mill books. While dystopia is a bit overcrowded, you have to hunt for a good book. Personally I think you are looking at a decent one. I am looking for the book to be more about how the girl just makes a split second decision and for some reason that means her life is completely altered.

What I don't understand though, is how one simple action can brand you forever. I mean everyday we make decisions, and while there's not as many as drastic as what this book is going with. I am thinking more of you see a person on your walk into work, and a drunk driver is speeding toward them. I imagine most people would yell and try to get their attention. While some would run and try to save them. But all in all, we'd attempt to do something but it would all be the right thing to do. Not many people would keep walking and do absolutely nothing. To me, it's that decision that makes me wonder the validity of that decision the book is talking about.

However, I think the general plot of the book is going to be overall good. It reminds me of the movie Hot Fuzz, where there's a group of people who are trying or want to dictate the agenda of everyone. The idea that just because one decision brands Celes forever as Flawed, there's something odd going on. However, if you make a decision and feel that it was the correct one, stand up for it. There are too many people that when they feel pressured after their decision they back down and think they are wrong. If you believe in what you did, than stand up and fight for it. Plus who does something that they don't believe in in the first place. Either way, I think it's going to be a book to keep your eye on.

[Movie Review] - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

2016-03-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

CAUTION: May Contain SPOILERS

Title: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Director: Zack Snyder
Release Date: March 28, 2016
Rating: 7.5 Out of 10

Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

My Review:

This movie was rather one of my biggest expectations this year, and it did not let me down at all. Do not be fooled by my 7.5/10 score, the movie should be rated at least an 8.0 or higher, but there's a few problems I have with the story and the character, not the actors at all. First thing I want to get one thing straight and it's how the movie should have been. Batman doesn't have the strength nor speed of Superman, but managed to use his tactical skills to "beat" Superman. I thought that was a good move on the writing and directing part, because it plays to the character strengths of the the individual characters.

Batman
I am going to start with the first bit that everyone is probably going to want to know more about, than probably any other part of the movie. Batman... First off, Ben Affleck wasn't the problem, it was how Batman was written. I understand that Batman is in a rough time, that he's feeling at a low, and almost powerless when Superman arrives. Then to disasterbate things you will always have that feeling that Superman is all power, answers to no one and can destroy you or anything whenever he feels like it.

In Man of Steel, the main point of the whole movie is when Clark is growing up, his father teaching him that the world won't understand and be afraid of him. It's that idea that Batman really just falls into. He's so bent on gaining power over Superman, or vengeance for the innocents killed in the Zod/Superman battle in Gotham. I mean when you have the power Superman does, and who he was facing, you are always going to have that happen. Its sad and wrong yes, but it's going to happen. Batman is just so hell bent on obtaining justice at any means necessary, and even if it means killing Superman he's fine. That's the Batman I didn't want to see. Batman stood for justice not some vigilante, Batman could have easily been confused for Daredevil or say Punisher. It's sad, but that's the Batman they wrote, and it's hard to see and painful to watch.

Superman
Henry Cavill comes back and is does so great job as Superman. Frankly the performance is just as good as Man of Steel, if not slightly better. There's a lot going on with Superman, mainly a lot of growth. He's learning how to be Clark Kent and Superman and balance the two of them together. As well, where Lois and his family fits into all of that. So when he's rescuing people, he's not sure what to do with all recognition and what to do with some of those who harbor resentment toward him. It's the idea and processing that negativity, in light of positivity.

Superman is completely about saving and protecting people, so when he sees Batman who seeks just through whatever means necessary, he has trouble with it. The two styles are different, but ultimately they are seeking the same thing. However, Superman has a problem with Batman's method because Batman's content harming people if his goals are met.

Wonder Woman
She wasn't really a big part of the movie, but she in my opinion stole the show when she was there. Her speed and strength rivals that of Superman, and has some of the same detective skills that Batman has. There really wasn't much story to her at all, which is disappointing. I was hoping for some explanation of where she came from and how/why she has her abilities. either way it leaves a lot for her specific movie. The teaser of Wonder Woman really makes me want to see her movie.

Lex Luthor
Jesse Einsenberg was terrific. I doubt there has ever been a better Lex Luthor out there period. The character was so Art of War smart and evil. He had a number of scenes that they may not sound creepy or weird, but when you process them for a few moments they twist. They were so great. I loved how over and over, he was so smart or new how things would pan out that he even set egg timers. Genius, whoever wrote that scene needs a medal. I honestly hope to see more of Lex in the future and hope that Jesse gets it.

Misc.
There were other superheroes that were introduced into this, but I am going to have to leave them go, they are rather interesting and I hope to see them in Justice League. They don't have much more than one scene with their symbol. If they have anywhere near the success that Man of Steel has, DC Comics won't have a problem with funding at all.

So onto the movie again. Lois Lane is trying to help Superman and be his hope in the face of all his adversaries. Superman says it over and over, she is his world, which is partially true. He loves her and wants to protect her at all costs, but he also wants to save everyone else.

Spoilers

This movie was so good, yet through a few flaws, there's parts that held this movie back. The slow building beginning is just an easy fix, but the character flaws in Batman where just too pressing and negative to look pass. I really enjoyed it and recommend anyone and everyone to see it. Maybe I am being too harsh on the newly written Batman. Come to your own judgement, it's worth it.

[Teaser Tuesday] - #57

2016-03-29T00:30:00.001-04:00

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Take your Current Read.
Grab 2 Teaser sentences from the book (please be sure to avoid spoilers)
Post it on your blog with the title and author, so other Teasing Tuesday participants can add it to their To Be Read list.
When visiting other Teasing Tuesday participants, leave a link with your current TT in their comments.

Title: Witch & Wizard
Author: James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Release Date: December 14th, 2009

Quote: "Turn into a roach, I murmured silently. Turn into a roach!

My brain began to ache with the effort. Witches cast spells. I didn't know any spells. I remembered only a few rhymes from when I was a kid. Did I know any rhymes about roaches?"

--- Page 116

[Update] - 3/28/2016

2016-03-28T19:58:00.003-04:00

I am back, sort of. I am going to post when I get the chance. I hope to post mainly the reviews as frequently as I can. I just have been busy with real life and had a lot of work going on. I still have that and frankly I am slowly getting more time to myself. I would love to keep going.

I appreciate everyone that has kept in touch and everyone that's been coming while I have been away. I will have some new stuff this week for sure. I will keep going on next week as well, but from there it should be up in the air. I hope to have time to do more. I would also love to start posting some of my other writing too, poems and/or personal writings.

I am grateful for everyone and everything that's happened. I apologize to those that have left, I know that I've been away for a long time, that will change. Thank you, for everything!

[Book Haul] - #16 (Part 2)

2016-03-28T19:38:00.001-04:00

Book Outlet
Book Outlet #1	Book Outlet #2	Book Outlet #3	Book Outlet #4
Book Outlet #5	Book Outlet #6	Book Outlet #7	Book Outlet #8
Book Outlet #9	Book Outlet #10	Book Outlet #11	Book Outlet #12

Book Outlet #1 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #2 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #3 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #4 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #5 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #6 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #7 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #8 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #9- Book Haul:

Book Outlet #10 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #11 - Book Haul:

Book Outlet #12 - Book Haul:

[Book Haul] - #16 (Part 1)

2016-03-28T05:00:00.001-04:00

Anderson's Bookstore

Anderson's #1

Barnes and Noble
BN #1	BN #2	BN #3	BN #4
BN #5		BN #6

Misc.
Half Price Books	Walmart	Misc. #1	Misc. #2
Misc. #3		Misc. #4

Anderson's Bookshop - Book Haul:

Barnes and Noble #1 - Book Haul:

Barnes and Noble #2 - Book Haul:

Barnes and Noble #3 - Book Haul:

Barnes and Noble #4 - Book Haul:

Barnes and Noble #5 - Book Haul:

Barnes and Noble #6 - Book Haul:

Half Price Books - Book Haul:

Walmart - Book Haul:

Misc. #1 - Book Haul:

Misc. #2 - Book Haul:

Misc. #3 - Book Haul:

Misc. #4 - Book Haul:

[Update] - 2/1/2016

2016-02-01T21:52:00.003-05:00

So, I am working on trying to start up again. I had some things in reality land come up and just had to take care of them. Work has been busy and may get busier as the year goes on. So I am looking at the blog and what I do to keep going and making this available. I may have to cut back, but I think that's better than doing nothing like I have been doing for the past few months. I apologize for that. I need to post more and do more. I plan on doing so. Thank you, for everything!

[Teaser Tuesday] - #56

2015-10-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Take your Current Read.
Grab 2 Teaser sentences from the book (please be sure to avoid spoilers)
Post it on your blog with the title and author, so other Teasing Tuesday participants can add it to their To Be Read list.
When visiting other Teasing Tuesday participants, leave a link with your current TT in their comments.

Title: Last Year's Mistake
Author: Gina Ciocca
Release Date: June 9th, 2015

Quote: " 'Come on.' I nodded in the direction of an out-of-the-way boulder and started toward it. 'I have sunblock you can put on. It's too frickin' hot for rock climbing anyway.'

David snorted. 'You always find an excuse to turn around here.' "

--- Page 93

[Update] - 10/12/15

2015-10-12T12:26:00.002-04:00

There isn't any Mailbox Monday this week. It's mainly because of the holiday, I have a few packages that are supposed to be here Friday. However, the day came and nothing showed up. So I will have a Mailbox Monday next week. They should be here then. I will have a good post next week and a good series of books. I honestly can't wait to see what books and when they come in.

I am also looking at not buying books for a while, so I am looking for something that could possibly replace the series for a while. There's nothing on my mind or anything I am thinking specifically that could fill the spot. Maybe Movie Monday, but I would have to have a good source or something to continuously do it. So I am open to suggestions. I guess I could take the day off, but I'd rather not.

[Flashback Friday] - #92

2015-10-08T23:40:00.004-04:00

Flashback Friday is a weekly event, hosted here, that highlights a past release that we're dying to get our hands on...

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Scarlet
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Release Date: April 15th, 2015

Will Scarlet is good at two things: stealing from the rich and keeping secrets - skills that are in high demand in Robin Hood's band of thieves, who protect the people of Nottingham from the evil sheriff. Scarlet's biggest secret of all is one only Robin and his men know...that she is posing as a thief; that the slip of a boy who is fast with sharp knives is really a girl.

The terrible events in her past that led Scarlet to hide her real identity are in danger of being exposed when the thief taker Lord Gisbourne arrives in town to rid Nottingham of the Hood and his men once and for all. As Gisbourne closes in and puts innocent lives at risk, Scarlet must decide how much the people of Nottingham mean to her, especially John Little, a flirtatious fellow outlaw, and Robin, whose quick smiles have the rare power to unsettle her. There is real honor among these thieves and so much more - making this a fight worth dying for.

My Stance:

So I have not been in to retellings that much lately, and there were a few of these laying around some bookstores, and the cover is what caught my eye. I haven't really looked at them before hand, but this sounds great. I mean it's not really about Robin, but it does sort of retell some of the events that happened. My question though is what is Scarlets real name? I love how the story takes this girl and while she's thought to be a man, she's an equal. It's something like this novel that gives me hope equality will come.

So what more or less got me into the series was the whole thief and Robin Hood bit. What I don't understand is her relationship with Robin. I mean are they together or is that something I'll see as it goes? I hope so, but at the same time what happens to Maid Marrian or is this before her? Either way the whole bit of her hiding in plain sight is great. Again I don't see how Lord Gisbourne is going to out her if she's already established her place. What does it matter if she is outed anyways, normally thieves base their respect off of skill and jobs, so it shouldn't really matter. I am just hoping this book doesn't take some liberties and too big of risks. On a side note, I enjoy a good Robin Hood every now and then, I don't think there is much that can go wrong here.

[Movie Review] - The Martian by Andy Weir

2015-10-08T00:30:00.001-04:00

The Martian

Title: The Martian
Director: Ridley Scott
Author: Andy Weir
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Rating: 9.5 Out of 10

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

From the Book:

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him & forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded & completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—& even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—& a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

My Review:

This is the type of movie that makes me want to read the book. When I say that this is one of my top picks, if not THE top pick, of the year, I am not kidding. This movie leapt above all others in any sort of comparison. First off I may be a bit biased on this one. I say this probably more than I should, but I want to be honest with everyone. I am a fan of Matt Damon; he's a great actor and one of my favorites. So everything and anything that he's in, touched, or part of I go and see.

So whoever wrote the screenplay, the script, or if any of this was ad libbed in any way, I have to commend each and every one of them. The story and the plot was just fantastic, there is so much to this movie that I honestly can't do it justice. There was so much emotion, and I honestly can't tell you enough how much I wanted Mark Watney to survive. I think that's why this movie did so well, there's not a lot of movies that grabs the audience's attention and makes them want the ending. Who cares whether they expect the ending coming or if the direction is clear, if you can evoke them into the movie and make them desire and want that ending.

There are so many actors in this movie who just nailed their roll. I would have to say that even if some of them were mediocre, the story may carry them, but they just got it right. If you want to know who is in it, I encourage you to check out IMDb, the cast is all there and the cast is just stellar. I am not surprised this movie did so well with the cast, and the experience to land some of the roles, given how dynamic and complex some of the characters were and on a short screen time. It's just great and I wish there were more movies like this.

Lately I feel that some of the studios have been taking a great movie and the hype and the talk about the movie is there. However when it comes time to release they forgot somewhere along the line of who is actually going to see the movie. I don't think The Martian had that problem at all. It's beautiful and this is one of the fewer movies that yea the shorter version is more, but I want the extended edition because I don't want to believe that's all. I want more because it's so good, there has to be more. I just hope The Martian gets half the recognition it deserves.

[Book Review] - Scorpion Shards by Neal Shusterman

2015-10-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

Title: Scorpion Shards
Author: Neal Shusterman
Series: #6 - Star Shards Chronicles
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: May 7th, 2013
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0

Six teenagers are horrified to discover that an evil force has taken control of them. A force that feeds on them hungrily and finds its only outlet in the blind desire to destroy. The force must be destroyed. But how? What follows is the ultimate battle for supremacy between the forces of good and evil.

My Review:

Taking a break from the dreaded House of Night series lead me to my first Star Shards Chronicles and there was something oddly captivating. I normally am pretty hesitant on books that jump perspectives between a list of characters, but Neal just did such a great job that it was enjoyable. As well, the story worked. It was your pretty "Hi I'm a superhero. I'll save the day now" sort of book, there was the constant choice of good and evil. Which I think is what the book strived for, but also magnifies some of the changes and problems real world teenagers go through.

The book switches between 6 characters every so often, Dillon, Deanna, Winston, Lourdes, Michael and Tori. In the start, it's pretty slow, but it's mainly due to building the character. The foundation for each character is set well, there's just enough to get you interested, see who they are and then moves on to keep that pull going. The transition between characters isn't the best, it just simply ends or cuts. Sometimes I wanted to skip ahead to see what happened to another character, but if I did you'd lose on most of the story and timeline because it was all linked together. It just needed cleaned up and it would have been a better flowing book.

The characters are typical teenagers until an anomaly takes hold and they all gain different powers. It's not the typical flying, lasers or spider webs, but more of insatiable lust, uncontrollable obesity, the classic Benjamin Button reverse growth and the eye to cause chaos. There's this voice or void inside all of them that wants them to feed their ability, but if they do it causes pain and chaos in the outside world. It's a hunger that never ends, and the more they give into their inner voice the more the next demands. There's a lot to digest in how their abilities work and just what it does to all the characters, but most importantly it completely isolates all of them.

Now I didn't really realize it at the time, but the more I think back to this book and as I am reading it, there's a lot here to take in. There's this bit that reminds me of the peer pressure and the whole isolation bit. Their abilities isolate them from the world and they are striving to be accepted, they want it they strive for it. As teens, I felt that way until I made some of the best friends I have ever met. So we all are going through or went through that phase, it happens we know about it. But then you add in their inner voice they have to feed, peer pressure. How often as teens did we constantly hear people asking or nearly begging us to do things. "Everyone's doing it." "It won't hurt anyone." "YOLO" So it's a no brainer they are afraid to go against their voice, it's the same pressure we all had growing up.

There's just so much that Neal addresses in this book, and it's not pretty. There's a reckoning their pain, death and morbid moments in which someone gives in completely. It's just like real life though, it's not pretty, it will eat you alive and spit you out if you can't cope and manage what you are doing. The choices are always there. It's a pretty good, fast paced book that leaves enough meat on the bones to make you want more. I enjoyed it, I would love to reread this book having done the review now and have a bit more on my mind with regards to some of the motives in it.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #136

2015-10-07T02:00:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Ice Like Fire
Author: Sara Raasch
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 13th, 2015

It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world.

My Stance:

Ice Like Fire is on nearly everyone's watch list, if it's not it should be. I need to read the first book soon, and while it's on my list I am not sure where it's going to happen. For a book of faeries and a world of magic there probably won't be a better book this year. So this is just a no-brainer, and an immediate purchase.

So onto this book, and having not read the first, maybe there's a bit spoiled, but the overall plot I don't know yet, so maybe. There is just so much going on in this synopsis, in fact there is almost too much. I wonder if it almost requires you to read the first book? if so that's a good thing, I love books that carry over and make the reader want to go onto the next book immediately. I need a good series to binge read again. So I am not going to even try to touch the synopsis. I will say though that it sounds good, I don't understand much of it, but that's fine, just makes me want to read the first book sooner.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #135

2015-10-07T01:30:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: The Immortal Heights
Author: Sherry Thomas
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 13th, 2015

In a pursuit that has spanned continents, Iolanthe, Titus, and their friends have always managed to remain one step ahead of the forces of Atlantis. But now the Bane, the monstrous tyrant who bestrides the entire mage world, has issued his ultimatum: Titus must hand over Iolanthe, or watch as his entire realm is destroyed in a deadly rampage. Running out of time and options, Iolanthe and Titus must act decisively to deliver a final blow to the Bane, ending his reign of terror for good.

However, getting to the Bane means accomplishing the impossible—finding a way to infiltrate his crypt in the deepest recesses of the most ferociously guarded fortress in Atlantis. And everything is only made more difficult when new prophecies come to light, foretelling a doomed effort....

Iolanthe and Titus will put their love and their lives on the line. But will it be enough?

With The Immortal Heights, Sherry Thomas brings the acclaimed Elemental Trilogy to its breathtaking conclusion.

My Stance:

The conclusion of the Elemental Trilogy is here. With it comes more fantasy and turmoil than previously. I have the other two books, but they aren't high on my list. I am thinking about bingeing the series, it's one of those that I think would be better all in one sitting. I am eager to get to the series, it seems like a good read, and I've heard some decent reviews on Goodreads as well.

I have always wanted to read a good atlantis book, and while this seems like one of the forefront books of the series. I am looking at the high fantasy series as sort of a Divergent/The Young Elites sort of. Maybe I am mistaken on my interpretation on the series, but there are pieces that resemble both of them. Atlantis is sort of like Roman mythology for me, I prefer Roman more so, but Atlantis is good. The thing with Atlantis is there's a wide selection of stories, but there isn't a lot of them that aren't all that great.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #134

2015-10-07T00:30:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Newt's Emerald
Author: Garth Nix
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 13th, 2015

Lady Truthful will inherit her family’s most valued heirloom on her eighteenth birthday. Until the Newington Emerald is stolen.

Lady Truthful, nicknamed “Newt” by her boy cousins, discovers that to her horror, the people closest to her have been framed for the theft. But Newt won’t let their reputations be damaged by rumors from a false accusation. Her plan is simple: go to London to recover the missing jewel. Despite her best intentions, a young lady travelling alone is frankly unacceptable behavior. So Newt and her aunt devise another plan…one that entails men’s clothing and a mustache.

While in disguise, Truthful encounters the handsome but shrewd major Harnett, who to her amazement volunteers to help find the missing emerald under the assumption that she is a man, Henri de Vienne. But once she and her unsuspecting ally are caught up in a dangerous adventure, Truthful realizes something else is afoot: the beating of her heart.

Truthful has far more than romantic complications to worry about. The stolen emerald is no ordinary heirloom-it is the source of the family’s luck and has the power to yield vast magic. It would be completely disastrous if it fell into the wrong hands. The fate of England depends on Truthful securing the emerald.

My Stance:

On my shelf is the Sabriel series, and while I have heard great things about Garth Nix I haven't really gotten into any of his books yet. I've been looking for something simple and easy to get into, and this may be just the book. It's a solo book thus far, and I love how it's sort of contemporary but at the same time has a bit of fantasy. I get the feeling this is sort of an old timey book, as in it takes place in the past like the 1800s. I love the fashion around that time era, but there is something that drives this book further and further.

Garth Nix is one of those authors that's held pretty high above everyone else. I guess I can understand why at times, but having not read any of his work, I want something that I would enjoy and something almost safe for my taste in books. Which gets me to this book reminding me of Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld, the whole bit of dressing like a man and impersonating one just to get what you need done done. Something tells me also that there will be a bit of a complication similar to that in Leviathan. However the whole contemporary and fantasy bit gives me a sort of sense of urgency, and awe for how this book will end.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #133

2015-10-07T00:00:00.001-04:00

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

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: First and Than
Author: Emma Mills
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 13th, 2015

Devon Tennyson wouldn't change a thing. She's happy watching Friday night games from the bleachers, silently crushing on best friend Cas, and blissfully ignoring the future after high school. But the universe has other plans. It delivers Devon's cousin Foster, an unrepentant social outlier with a surprising talent for football, and the obnoxiously superior and maddeningly attractive star running back, Ezra, right where she doesn't want them first into her P.E. class and then into every other aspect of her life.

Pride and Prejudice meets Friday Night Lights in this contemporary novel about falling in love with the unexpected boy, with a new brother, and with yourself.

My Stance:

Everyone needs a good contemporary romance on their shelf and to read every now and then. This book would be my pick of the few for the week, it just has such an amazing synopsis that I am already more or less eager to get my hands on the book. It's go this whole bit of falling for that unintended person, and that's the whole bit that has me most interested. I love how Mills takes this before and after approach, that who we thought we'd end up with isn't who we end up with in the end. I for one know all about that. There is a lot about this book that's up in the air though and for the most part that is what confuses me the most.

Devon, which if I may say is an odd name for a girl, is set and wants to be with Cas. It's the turn of her Cousin Foster and Ezra, a friend, that makes the whole story far more interesting. It's their friendship that I think drives the rest of the story, there is a relationship that starts and the whole world takes a turn. Part of me wants to say that Ezra and Devon have something in common. Part of me wants to see the relationship between the two, but there's not enough about what the two are like and who they are to make a good statement, or judgement. I think this book is going to be a good short contemporary romance for the fall.