Mundie Moms

#clearthelist | A Wave of Kindness Helps Teachers and Librarians Fill Their Wish Lists

2021-08-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

I think Dickens said it best -- "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times."

After two years of library subbing, I started last year as a K-5 librarian at a Title I school with a very diverse, mostly immigrant population. I took over for a librarian who had only been there for two years, and had spent them weeding out old books that were rarely checked out. She had replaced the non-fiction and some of the picture books, but she hadn't replenished the middle grade fiction books. The three bookcases against the wall were the only fiction books I had for a school that serves 550 students.

Then, the world turned upside down. We started off the school year with a combination of in-person and distance-learning models. In order to keep to the necessary social distancing requirements, my library was turned into a classroom for 31 fourth grade students. Gone were the tables, story rug and (airport lounge -- it's what I call them -- LOL -- they are an ugly black color) flexible seating, and in came 31 desks and chairs. I also inherited a dynamic veteran teacher, who turned tables on their side and created white boards out of plywood. My shelves were completely blocked by those. Every week, I went into 27 classrooms pushing one of four library carts, chock full of appropriate grade level books. It was a challenging year to say the least. But, the students and I read books together and laughed and got emotional over the plots and characters.

Another bombshell dropped when I was told that the money set aside for replenishing the fiction books was going to be used for distance learning laptops and tablets. I shared my predicament on twitter and instagram, and kind bookworms shopped my online Scholastic Book Fair and sent books to the school. Katie (yes, Ms. Mundie Moms herself!) sent dozens of boxes of books. If she sent an ARC, I covered it in clear shelf liner (to protect it because they are paperbacks) and shelved it. My students were thrilled! They had brand new books that they only glimpsed in stores.

Then, this year started. We are fully in person. COVID Delta+ variant is raging through our biggest, little city, and I, once again find myself with little funds. On Friday night, following the first week of school, I scrolled past this tweet from actress/comedian, Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters):

Saturday morning, when I logged back onto twitter, I saw all these replies. About 25 kind souls tweeted at it me saying they were going to buy a book or a card game (I'm planning Library Fun Days as a good behavior award). I was overwhelmed with their kindness. I put together a list of diverse middle grade fiction books and mostly graphic novels, because my students love those the most. Our small, empty graphic novel shelves, after a week of check-outs, looked so sparse.

But, no more, because all of those books on the blue cart were kind donations sent in by Leslie's twitter followers. It's been a long year and a half for us all. With COVID infection rates soaring, worries over schools going to distance learning and arguments over masking in schools, I was beginning to lose my faith in human kindness. Then, this happened. My heart grew, much like the Grinch's.

Look for the hashtags #clearthelist and my favorite, #weneeddiversebooks when you are on twitter and instagram. Amazon is also working to help clear teacher's lists by promoting them. When teachers and librarians have the necessary supplies, they can move forward with instilling a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

I am so grateful to Katie and all of you who have contributed to my library. Katie will be mad if I don't link my library's Wish List, so I will link it HERE. My goal is to make 550 bookworms by the end of each year and to give them stories that they can see themselves in as well as find relatable.

I hope this year, life is more tolerable for you all and that soon, we will all be in better spirits as we put the nightmare of COVID behind us. Here's to a good school year ahead.

Mundie Moms Turns 12 TODAY / #ChainOfIron Giveaway

2021-02-14T08:08:00.000-06:00

Mundie Moms is 12 today!!! Wow, that flew by so fast! When we first started, we started out as a Shadowhunters fansite / YA blog who hosted monthly and sometimes weekly live author chats. We loved those days! We also love all the book adventures we’ve been on from NYC, to LA, movie set visit, red carpet premiere, a lot of author events, moderating a lot of fantastic events, and meeting so many readers along the way. Thank you for all your support. We have loved sharing in the excitement of book releases, reading teasers and fangirling over our favorite characters with you (Will Herondale is the best). Thank you to all authors & publishers for your support of us. Especially, I’m forever grateful for the friendships. These friendships have seen us through it all. Book friends really do make the best of friends. ❤️

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER TO WIN! In celebration of today’s 12th anniversary, we’re hosting an international giveaway for Chain of Iron! Please see our post (2 posts ago) to enter to win! Giveaway ends tonight! Enter to win here.

CHAIN OF IRON LETTER GAME #ChainofIron

2021-02-14T07:20:00.000-06:00

Hello Shadowhunters,

Did you catch last week's Chain of Iron Letter Game letters? Last week we were one of five Instagram accounts / fansites to participate in Cassandra Clare's letter game. Below are the letters we shared (click on the images to enlarge them):

Check out our Instagram page to find out more about the #ChainOfIronLetterGame

FABLE by Adrienne Young / Book Review

2021-02-05T13:43:00.009-06:00

By: Adrienne Young

Published by: Wednesday Books / MacMillan

Released on: 9/1/2020

Series: Fable Book 1

Buy from links

Read an excerpt here

ABOUT THE BOOK

Filled with all of the action, emotion, and lyrical writing that brought readers to Sky in the Deep, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Fable, the first book in this new captivating duology.

Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.

As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known. It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food. To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one and rely on the unique skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island, finding her father and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father.

But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn't who he seems. Together, they will have to survive more than the treacherous storms that haunt the Narrows if they're going to stay alive.

Fable takes you on a spectacular journey filled with romance, intrigue and adventure.

MY THOUGHTS

What’s a recent read that swept you off your feet? Mine is FABLE by Adrienne Young. I love Adrienne’s Sky In The Deep. Fable is another one of her books I have completely fallen in love with.

Fable was captivating and a book I couldn’t put down. This story has all the elements I love; action, romance, intrigue, danger, characters whose stories I want to know more of, and a strong willed main character I absolutely loved getting to know. Fable is a strong willed character who doesn’t give up. She’s a survivor, a fighter and someone who will stop at nothing to protect those she comes to care about.

This book's setting was fabulous. I love a good high seas setting. This book's setting is on board a ship at sea, an island, and at port. It's definitely a dangerous world, but one Fable knows how to navigate all too well. Young's writing is so vivid, that it's easy to picture Fable's world, and the characters who make up her story.

I loved this book! This book is further proof why Adrienne Young is one of my auto buy authors. I am so glad there is a sequel, Namesake, which will be out on 3/16/21.

BRIGHTLY WOVEN Graphic Novel / Book Review

2021-02-02T09:48:00.032-06:00

It’s a big release day today. One of my highly anticipated releases is the BRIGHTLY WOVEN the graphic novel.

I first fell in love with Brightly Woven back in 2010 when the book was first released. You can read our review and features for it here. This graphic novel reminded me of all the things I enjoyed about Sydelle and North’s story. Leigh Dragoon’s adaptation and Kit Seaton’s illustrations were spot on. I’m thrilled to add this graphic novel beside my copy of Brightly Woven.

Whether you’re a long time fan of Alex Bracken's debut, or new to the story of Sydelle and North Dragoon's graphic novel adaptation is worth picking up. And yes, I’m still hoping for more of Sydelle and North’s story.... I know it’s wishful thinking, but still.

Thank you to Disney Book for providing me a copy of this book to review.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From #1 New York Times best-selling author Alexandra Bracken comes a magical graphic novel about discovering your own power, perfect for fans of the Amulet series and Howl's Moving Castle.

Extraordinary things just don't happen to fourteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabil, a talented weaver who dreams about life outside of her tiny village. But that all changes when a mysterious young wizard named Wayland North appears and asks for Sydelle's help. He's got a shocking secret that could stop a war between kingdoms-if he can reach the capital with the news in time. North needs a navigator who can mend his magical cloaks, and Sydelle is perfect for the job.

As Sydelle and North race against the clock to deliver their message, they must contend with unusually wild weather and a dark wizard who will do anything to stop them. But the sudden earthquakes and freak snowstorms may not be a coincidence. As Sydelle discovers more about North's past and her own strange abilities, she realizes that the fate of the kingdom may rest in her fingertips.

Find out more information about the book from Disney, here.

February TBR

2021-02-02T09:45:00.000-06:00

Hello February! It's been awhile since we've posted here on the blog. We're looking forward to getting back into blogging. Though, a lot of our posting is done on Instagram, we want to diversify what we'll be featuring here on the blog. We have some fun ideas to share in addition to book reviews. We're also looking forward to giving the blog a much needed makeover. We're still in the process of planning that out.

There are a lot of great releases coming out this year, and some highly anticipated ones for this year. What's on your TBR pile this month? Pictured are a few of the books I'm planning on reading this month.

This month I’m doing some re-reads, new reads & have few books on my Kindle I need to get read. Plus a few preorders that should be arriving this month. I just finished rereading From Blood and Ash for the 3rd or 4th time. It's such a good book.

What are some books you're looking forward to reading this month?

MIDNIGHT SUN + Signed Book Plates GIVEAWAY! #MidnightSun

2020-08-29T09:57:00.005-05:00

Happy Saturday! It's been awhile since I've jumped on the blog. I have kinda missed blogging, and really miss engaging with everyone on here. Despite not being as active as I'd like to on here, I am actively posting book reviews and bookish posts on Instagram, and Facebook. If you don't already follow us there, you may want to starting today, because we have an awesome giveaway happening there today! Please see the information below from Instagram and Facebook (where the giveaways are taking place at).

** ** ** ** ** **

It’s the weekend! We made it. What do you do to unwind? I love to read.

Have you read MIDNIGHT SUN yet? I read it as soon as my preorder arrived. It was definitely worth the years we waited.

It’s time for an awesome GIVEAWAY!!!!
Thank you to @ficklefishfilms & @thenovl, I was sent 2 copies of Midnight Sun & 2 signed book plates to giveaway! *Each copy of the book will come with a signed book plate.

•• GIVEAWAY ••
- Enter to win a copy of Midnight Sun + a signed book plate
- Follow me @mundiemoms, @ficklefishfilms, and @thenovl

• EXTRA ENTRY
- Tag a friend who would enjoy this book
- share this on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMsMidnightSunGiveway

• THE RULES
- Giveaway will end on 9/5/20 at midnight EST
- US only (international readers can enter, but will be responsible for covering shipping cost)
- not affiliated with IG or any other social media platform
- must be at least 18 yrs, or have a parent permission to enter
- no giveaway accounts are allowed to enter
- entries will be verified

SANCTUM by Hannah McBride | Book Blitz + Excerpt #Sanctum

2020-08-21T06:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I am so thrilled to feature a brand new release, out TODAY! Not only did I enjoy this book, I am so excited to be able to feature a long time friend of mine that I have known for years through blogging. Hannah McBride I am so proud of you, and how cool is it that I get to feature YOUR BOOK on my blog!?!? Seriously, this is one release day blitz I couldn't say no to.

If you enjoy a good paranormal read with one tough heroine, friendships, the real meaning of family, pick this one up. I will warn you though, this book is not for younger YA readers. It's targeted reading audience is 18 yrs & up. There are triggering topics in this book. I was impressed with how emotionally invested I got with these characters. They are true survivors. I am looking forward to reading this book's sequel. More about the book below:

ABOUT THE BOOK

A survivor on the run

After refusing the laws of her sadistic pack, Skye Markham barely escapes with her life, seeking sanctuary with the feared Blackwater pack. Hunted by her former Alpha and his soldiers, she’s determined to create a life even though she knows they will come for her.

An alpha with a pack to protect

As the next alpha in line, Remy Holt has spent years guarding the Blackwater pack and his family from those who seek to seize control and destroy them. The last thing he needs or wants is Skye Markham and the dangers she brings with her adding to the stress on his pack, but his wolf has a different opinion. He wants her, and after one moment that shouldn't have been possible, he knows he’ll never be able to let her go.

A bond unlike any other

Skye thought she was finally safe, but as her bond with Remy strengthens, the shifter world starts to break apart at the seams. Missing shifters, a dying population, and pack wars are all causing their sanctuary to crumble around them, and Skye is trapped in the middle of it all. Someone is out to destroy the pack and if they succeed, there will bring down everything Remy has sought to protect and for Skye… maybe there is no such thing as a sanctuary.

*SANCTUM is the first book in the Blackwater Pack series. Possible trigger warnings: abuse, violence, language, and bullying.

Buy From: Amazon

Add it to Goodreads

READ AN EXCERPT

He shifted towards me. "This is all new to me, too, Skye."

A sobering thought crossed my mind. The one that had been plaguing me since the woods. "Do you want this, Remy?"

The corner of his mouth hitched up for a second as he looked at me. Slowly, he raised a hand, tracing the curve of my jaw. I shivered, remembering the feel of his hands stroking when I was a wolf.

This was so much better.

He inched even closer. His breath, minty and warm, fanned over my face. His eyes tracked the movements of his fingers hungrily.

"Yeah," he answered roughly, thickly. "I want this. I want you." He dipped his head and covered my mouth with his.

As far as first kisses went, I was pretty sure this was one for the record books.

Fire ignited in me the second Remy's lips touched mine, soft but demanding all at once. His hands settled on my hips, pulling me closer. The smell of him from earlier in the evening, pine and soap and something that was entirely Remy, filled my senses.

I was going to combust in the most exquisite ways.

His large hands almost spanned my waist, his fingers flexing against the soft material of my yoga pants. His tongue teased the seam of my lips until I opened my mouth on a gasp, letting him in.

I groaned as his tongue stroked mine, one hand sliding from my waist up my spine.

My hands had been clenched into fists on his chest, the fabric of his t-shirt bunched in my grip. I relaxed my hold now, letting my hands slide over the hard muscle and up around his neck, pressing my chest flush against his.

Now Remy groaned, changing the angle of his head to deepen the kiss.

Flames licked through my blood, and I was sure I was going to combust any second.

I was one hundred percent okay with death by kissing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah McBride has been many things in her life - a restaurant manager, a clinical research coordinator, a dreamer, a makeup brand ambassador, an event coordinator, a blogger, and more. But at heart, she's always been a writer, and in 2020 she decided to make it official with her first release, SANCTUM.

ROYAL DECOY by Heather Frost | Blog Tour: Chapter Reveal #RoyalDecoy

2020-06-09T12:29:00.002-05:00

Welcome to today's ROYAL DECOY blog tour stop! Today we're thrilled to give you an exclusive first look at Chapter 1 in Heather's newest book. First, here's a little bit about the book:

A SERVANT blackmailed into becoming a princess’s decoy.

A BODYGUARD determined to keep her alive.

A PRINCE forced to execute his father’s brutal laws.

A PRISONER used to keep him compliant.

A WORLD on the brink of war.

In one horrible night, Clare goes from kitchen maid to royal decoy. She has three months to become the princess's perfect double so she can ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince. Desperate to survive, Clare throws herself into self-defense training, taught by her distractingly attractive bodyguard. The danger increases when a ruthless assassin begins stalking her, intent on ending the tenuous peace.

Across the northern mountains, Prince Grayson is his father’s ultimate weapon. He carries out the king’s harsh orders because the one person he cares about is his father’s prisoner. Grayson's silent obedience is tested when his father plans to exploit the marriage alliance between two of their greatest enemies. If Grayson submits, the blood of thousands will spill. If he resists, the girl who means everything to him will die.

The fate of Eyrinthia hangs in the balance. Some want peace. Some want war. All will be thrown into chaos.

Exclusive: Chapter 1 of Royal Decoy

Clare called a farewell as she left the castle kitchen, a fire still dying within the scorched hearth. Cook Towdy gave his usual grunt, hunched over the thick wooden counter, his apron dusted with flour. He didn’t look up from tomorrow’s menu as he made final adjustments. Clare was the last maid to leave; even after working under Towdy for ten years, she still felt like that eight-year-old girl with too much to prove.

The heat of the castle ovens clung to Clare’s skin as she entered the deserted corridor and stretched her tired arms. Errant strands of brown hair brushed her cheeks, her long braid swinging against her back. Her aching feet didn’t relish the long walk to Lower Iden, but she was anxious to see her brothers.

Silence reigned in the servant’s passage this time of night, the quiet scuff of her worn boots the only sound aside from the guttering torches. Flames leapt in the evenly spaced iron sconces, forcing the shadows to dance back, forever a servant to the light.

Clare knew how the shadows felt.

Somewhere down the hall a door slammed open, wood thudding against stone. Clare’s head jerked up, though she couldn’t see anything around the hallway’s bend. Rapid footsteps clipped against the floor and a male voice drifted around the corner, his tone wry. “Perhaps you want to slow down.”

“No.” The woman’s deep voice was sharp with annoyance. “If you’ll recall, I wanted a private walk in the gardens. That means without you, Bennick.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t accommodate, Princess.”

Clare froze, stomach dropping. Princess? Fates, kitchen maids weren’t supposed to be seen—especially not by the royal family. She fell back a step, eyes darting to the nearest door. She grasped the cold handle, but it caught.

Locked.

Clare pressed her back against the closed portal, cheeks burning as she ducked her head. Her palms skated over her stained apron and she hooked loose curls behind her ears before her hands fell, fingers twitching at her sides.

When the princess and her three bodyguards stepped into view, the princess’s cutting gaze caught Clare in an instant.

Even with a scowl, Princess Serene was beautiful. Sheathed in a dark purple gown that brushed the floor, she walked with regal grace, her chin lifted. Her dark brown hair was twisted into a braided bun at the back of her head with loose curls styled artfully around her face. The nineteen-year-old princess was half-Zennorian, her skin a rich and beautiful brown. It was a shade darker than Clare’s, but their deep blue Devendran eyes were nearly an exact match.

The princess was well-loved in Devendra for her charitable work, but everyone in the castle knew of her legendary arguments with her father. Even tonight the kitchen had buzzed with talk from the servers who claimed Serene had stormed out of dinner while the king yelled after her. Gossip had been so consumed with the dramatic scene that no one had even mentioned the Mortisian emissaries who had been the focus of rumor since they’d arrived at the castle a month ago. They’d been sent by Serjah Desfan Cassian, who currently served as regent since his father, the serjan, was reportedly ill. A chill raced over Clare’s arms whenever she thought about the Mortisians living in the castle, and she knew she wasn’t the only one uncomfortable with their presence. Rumor had it Serene herself was quite upset about it.

Seeing the princess for the first time, Clare could easily imagine her being upset with all four kingdoms of Eyrinthia. Her frown was severe, her eyes hooded, and her steps deliberate as she stalked forward. Her bodyguards only added to the intensity of the moment. Two walked in front of the princess and a third was behind her.

The bodyguard in the lead noticed Clare first, his long strides continuing easily even as his sharp gaze assessed her. His spine was stiff, his brown hair brushing the collar of his dark blue uniform. He looked to be about thirty and had a thin scar slicing over his right cheek.

The bodyguard behind him was easily twice as wide as anyone Clare had ever seen, and he stood head and shoulders above the two other guards. As if the man’s hulking stature wasn’t distinctive enough, a dozen or more pox scars dug across his rugged face. He was probably in his late forties and everything about him was hard, from the stern cut of his mouth to the steel-gray hairs at his temples.

The third and youngest guard strode behind the princess. He was probably about the same age as the princess he guarded, which meant he must be highly skilled. Broad shoulders strained against his fitted uniform while his hands hung relaxed near the hilts of his sheathed weapons. There was controlled power in his gait, a surety and confidence in each step. Torchlight flickered on his golden skin and caught the sand-colored hair curling over his brow. Stubble lined his angular jaw and his strong nose was slightly bent, as if it had been broken once. When his crystal-blue eyes found Clare, she was surprised to see warmth there. The corner of his mouth lifted, curving his lips into a half-smile.

She was staring.

The tips of Clare’s ears burned as she dropped her gaze, fingers knotting in her skirt. What had come over her? She knew better than to draw attention to herself.

It had been a long day. That was the only explanation.

She kept her head bowed, eyes trained on the gray stone floor until the moment the princess and her guards passed and she could escape.

Clare had only taken two steps when the click of a lock disengaging made her look over her shoulder. Her eyes briefly caught crystal-blue ones as the youngest bodyguard also twisted to track the sound.

The door Clare had been leaning against burst open and six men exploded from the room, long knives spinning in their hands and catching menacingly in the torchlight.

Clare stumbled back, fear strangling the cry in her throat as the men crashed into the princess’s guards. Even surprised and outnumbered, the three bodyguards leapt instantly into action. Grunts, hisses of pain, and angry snarls filled the corridor. Fists pounded flesh. Steel clashed against steel. The tang of blood flooded the air, changing the space completely in a matter of seconds.

Adrenaline shook through Clare and throbbed at her temples. Her muscles twitched, but she was unable to move. Sweat coated her palms and her lungs locked. She’d lost sight of the blue-eyed bodyguard, the pox-scarred one taking up most of the space in the narrow hall as he shoved into two of the attackers, pushing them back with his dominant size. As he plowed them into the wall, Clare finally saw past him.

The princess stood in the middle of the corridor, eyes narrowed on the fight, a long, thin dagger clenched in her hand. Where had that come from? Had the princess been carrying a weapon in her own home?

Someone yelled for the princess to run—the guard with the scarred cheek?—but Princess Serene ignored him. She was searching for an opening, a place to join the fight.

Was she insane?

Clare could ask herself the same. She should be running. If not for safety, then for help. But before she could move she spotted an attacker creeping behind Serene, the princess wholly unaware as he lifted his knife.

Clare reacted without thought, diving around the scarred giant and running for the princess.

Serene’s eyes rounded a second before Clare slammed into her, shoving them both against the wall. Clare swore she felt the whisper of the assassin’s blade as it flew past her neck, barely missing her.

Serene’s breath rattled out, her eyes burning Clare with a mix of fear and rage.

Before Clare could even open her mouth, a strangling hand caught her upper arm, shooting pain all the way to her fingertips. She cried out as she was ripped away from the princess, her shoulders cracking against the wall a second before a hand grasped her throat.

The pox-scarred soldier glared down at Clare, his hot breath searing her face. Fury blackened his fierce gaze and a muscle in his rigid jaw flexed as he squeezed, pinching off her breath.

Clare scratched the hand that crushed her entire neck. She kicked him, but his body was as immovable as the castle wall biting into her spine.

Her vision wavered and blood roared in her ears, muting the crash of steel that still filled the hall.

“Wilf!” the princess shouted. “They need you!”

The grip around Clare’s throat clenched fiercely, lancing pain through her neck and down her spine. He was going to snap her neck.

Through watering eyes, Clare caught sight of the blue-eyed soldier as he looked up from the body sliding off his long knife.

The young bodyguard’s eyes widened. “No! Wilf!” He lunged toward them, but it was too late.

The giant drew back a fist and knuckles as solid as stone hit Clare’s temple.

***

Clare shivered awake, blinking against the pain in her aching head. The left side stabbed with agony. She swallowed, but that only made her cringe at the burn in her throat. She reached to feel her bruised neck and chains rattled, dragging at her wrists.

They were shackled in front of her.

Her heart stopped. Her eyes cut over her surroundings, her pulse tripping as she realized she was in a small cell. Torchlight flickered over the glaring emptiness. There wasn’t even a chamber pot. The stones were grimy and an unpleasant moistness clung to the air.

She was in a prison cell.

Horror washed over her as memories crashed into her. The ambush. The fact that she had slammed the princess into the wall. It would have looked like an attack, not a rescue. Especially if they hadn’t noticed the attacker sneaking up behind the princess.

Clare trembled, the cold stone floor leeching all warmth from her body. She needed to speak to someone. To tell them what had happened. That she was innocent.

She had no idea how long she’d been unconscious, but it had been long enough. Her brothers would be worried. Thomas was barely thirteen and Mark only ten. They might even go to Eliot’s barracks, and her older brother couldn’t afford to be pulled into this.

The cell door grated open and the lone torch guttered. Clare hitched to her feet, nausea rolling in her gut as pain sparked in her head. The chains swung from her bound wrists and she stumbled from the dizziness that hit her. She leaned against the wall, jaw clenched and head pounding as she watched three men file into the cell.

The man in the lead had a gold rope on the shoulder of his uniform, marking him a commander. His lined face was indistinct in the flickering light, but Clare thought he was middle-aged. His hair was light brown with silver strands sprinkled throughout and his eyes cut to Clare, hard and cold.

Her stomach dropped.

The two men behind him fanned out on either side of her, raising the hairs at the back of her neck. The cell door clanked shut and she swallowed thickly. “Please.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat with a wince. “There’s been a mistake.”

The commander’s thick brows slammed down. He jerked his chin and the two men grabbed Clare’s arms. They hauled her toward the commander, putting them a mere pace apart. He towered over her and her breath stuttered but she bit back a whimper. She didn’t want to reveal her fear, even though she was exploding with it.

“You were the lookout, I presume.” His hard voice was chillingly quiet. “Once the princess passed, you gave the signal and the other rebels attacked.”

“No, I—”

He backhanded her and pain burst across her cheek, radiating through her aching head. Hard fingers dug into her arms, holding her upright as the commander glared down at her. “Don’t waste my time with denials.”

Clare blinked against the tears stinging her eyes. “I swear to the fates, I was only trying to save the princess. There was a man behind her with a knife. Just let me talk with her and—”

The commander grabbed her chin and forced her head back so their eyes met. “You’ll never get close to her again,” he sneered. “You failed. Your accomplices failed. So tell me everything about your friends.”

“I’m not one of them!”

His jaw flexed. “I have the power to make your death swift or agonizing. Now, answer me.”

A tremble shook her, but Clare tried to remain calm. It was hard with the commander breathing down on her, fingers digging into her chin, while the other two soldiers held her firmly. She swallowed hard but her voice still sounded too thin, too ragged, as it came up her abused throat. “I had nothing to do with the attack. I’m not a rebel. I work in the kitchen—I’ve worked there since I was a child. Ask Cook Towdy. He’ll tell you who I am.”

The commander’s face was unreadable as he studied her. Then, without warning, he shoved her face away and she would have stumbled if the guards hadn’t been holding her arms.

The commander took a step back and Clare would have felt relief, except for the darkness swimming in his eyes. “Very well. I will test your story.” His eyes bored into her, and she struggled to keep breathing as he continued. “I’m going to learn everything about you, girl. And you’re going to regret ever stepping foot inside this castle.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Frost writes mostly YA fiction and has a soft spot for tortured characters, breath-stealing romance, and happy endings. She is the author of the Seers trilogy and the Fate of Eyrinithia series. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and ghost stories and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and hold Lord of the Rings movie marathons. She owns two typewriters, sings in the car, and dreams of living in a castle someday. She currently lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains in Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com

Social Media Links

Royal Decoy Buy Links

Kindle | Goodreads

Exclusive Pre-Order Gift!

Pre-order ROYAL DECOY and you can receive an exclusive bonus short story!

Grayson is his father's ultimate weapon--but he wasn't always. THE PRINCE AND THE PRISONER is the story of how a young Grayson met the little girl who would change his life forever.

To claim your gift, simply pre-order ROYAL DECOY and fill out the form linked below. (You will need to upload an image of your pre-order receipt.) After ROYAL DECOY releases, you will receive via email THE PRINCE AND THE PRISONER!

NOTE: Since you can only pre-order the Kindle edition of ROYAL DECOY at this time, I will also extend this to any physical copy purchases made on release day, June 18th!

Claim your pre-order gift here: https://forms.gle/u3PpeGAU5KPLFxKEA

WE ARE POWER by Todd Hasak-Lowy | BLOG TOUR GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY

2020-05-07T12:06:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the We Are Power Blog Tour!

To celebrate the release of We Are Power by Todd Hasak-Lowy, blogs across the web are featuring original content from Todd and profiles of key figures in social activism history from We Are Power, as well as 5 chances to win a finished copy!

Cesar Chavez and The Farmworkers Movement
by Todd Hasak-Lowy

The farmworkers movement started from absolutely nothing. Before they rose to form a union, Cesar Chavez and his people weren't just powerless, they were invisible. This short snipper from my book details the awful conditions they sought to challenge through the creation of potent nonviolent movement.

At first they were nothing. There were hundreds of thousands of Mexican American farmworkers —many the children and grandchildren of immigrants brought legally to the United States in the first half of the twentieth century to work in California’s ever-expanding fields—but together they were nothing.

Each morning they’d take their short-handled hoes, only eighteen inches long, and set out for the fields, where they’d work, bent over from dawn to dusk, until they couldn’t stand up straight. When they got thirsty laboring in the hundred-degree heat, they’d drink filthy water from an irrigation ditch. When they had to go to the bathroom, they searched for some privacy, which in a wide-open field was often nowhere at all.

If they were lucky they’d get paid half the minimum wage, because farm workers weren’t protected under federal labor laws. The contractor who did the hiring might cheat them on their hours or tell them they hadn’t worked hard enough. He’d pay them whatever he wanted, and there wasn’t a thing they could do.

They couldn’t just go home at the end of another long, backbreaking day in the fields either. Earning at most a few dollars for a dozen or more hours of work, they couldn’t afford a permanent home. But even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to stay there for long. These workers were migrants, following the crops and the growing seasons wherever they took them, up and down the giant state of California. Home was the road, or wherever they could find a place to sleep in the middle of a job. Under a bridge, on a riverbank, or in a dirty, crowded migrant camp, where the “houses” might be built from cardboard, where there was no electricity, where a single faucet had to be shared by hundreds of people.

Carrots in the winter only miles from the Mexican border, grapes farther north as spring approached, cherries an hour east of Los Angeles in May, apricots up near San Jose in the early summer, back down toward Fresno for cucumbers in August, and then south for cotton until the end of the year. Each job inflicted its own damage. Dry, cracked, calloused fingers; bent, crooked backs; and, thanks to potent pesticides, red eyes, itchy skin, and who knew what else in the places no one could see. And if a worker got hurt on the job, well, too bad.

Many workers didn’t live to see fifty.

Maybe it would all be worth it if their children lived to see a better life. If the parents’ sacrifice paid off in the end, if the American dream was available to these Mexican Americans, too. But how could a girl get a true education if she had to change schools every few months in order to follow her parents across the state? And what would a boy learn if he had to leave school forever at the age of twelve and head to the fields him- self, because his parents, despite rarely taking a single day off, didn’t earn enough to support their family? For farm workers, life was a vicious cycle, the poverty handed down from generation to generation.

Most of them were too tired, too hungry, too poor, too busy, and too dejected searching for the next day’s work to think about making things better. On those rare occasions when they tried, when they demanded better working conditions and higher wages, they were fired, or worse. The growers cared little about their workers, seeing them less as people than as “just another item in producing products, like fertilizer or boxes or water.”

Even worse for the farmworkers, the growers had the politicians and the police on their side, and when that wasn’t enough they had the money to pay enforcers ready to meet the farmworkers’ demands with violence. Organizers went to jail, were beaten, or even killed.

So it’s no wonder that a federal report in 1939 found “a shocking degree of human misery among farmworkers.” But most Americans knew little about it. They went to their local supermarkets, bought grapes, water- melons, and lettuce, ignorant of the suffering that filled their shelves.

Most white Americans at least knew about the plight of African Americans. They knew about slavery, the Civil War, and the ongoing issue of segregation. Farmworkers didn’t work in the homes of white Americans. They rarely lived in their communities, or even at the edges of them, and when they did, they faced their own whites only signs. Many farmworkers didn’t yet speak English very well, if at all, so how could they tell their story?

They were isolated. They were invisible. They were powerless.

There were hundreds of thousands of them, but together they were nothing.

BLOG TOUR TOUR SCHEDULE

May 4th - The Fandom

May 5th - Big Shiny Robot

May 6th - BookHoundsYA

May 7th - Mundie Moms

May 8th - A Dream Within a Dream

★ "Hasak-Lowy's writing gives life to both the people and issues involved, taking time to explain historical backgrounds and the ways the lessons from one movement affected future ones.”
— Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

★ "Highly recommended for its outstanding treatment of the history of social justice. A good resource for student activists.”
— School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

★ "There has never been a time when a book is more relevant than this one.”
— School Library Connection, STARRED REVIEW

ABOUT THE BOOK

Buy: Amazon | Abrams | Bookshop | IndieBound

Add it to: Goodreads

Follow Todd: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

A stirring look at nonviolent activism, from American suffragists to Civil Rights to the Climate Change Movement

We Are Power brings to light the incredible individuals who have used nonviolent activism to change the world. The book explores questions such as what is nonviolent resistance and how does it work? In an age when armies are stronger than ever before, when guns seem to be everywhere, how can people confront their adversaries without resorting to violence themselves? Through key international movements as well as people such as Gandhi, Alice Paul, Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, and Václav Havel, this book discusses the components of nonviolent resistance. It answers the question “Why nonviolence?” by showing how nonviolent movements have succeeded again and again in a variety of ways, in all sorts of places, and always in the face of overwhelming odds. The book includes endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Todd Hasak-Lowy is the author of several books for young readers. He is a professor of creative writing and literature at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Hasak-Lowy lives in Evanston, Illinois, with his wife and two daughters. Visit toddhasaklowy.com.

GIVEAWAY

1 winner will receive a finished copy of We Are Power. Check out the other tour stops for more chances to win.
US/Canada only
Ends 11:59pm ET on 5/16

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AURORA BURNING by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | Book Review #AuroraBurning

2020-05-05T23:58:00.000-05:00

By: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Series: Aurora Cycle book 2
Released on: May 5 2020
Source: purchased books
Add it to Goodreads

Publisher: Random House

Buy it here B&N Amazon

Rating 5 stars

Our heroes are back...kind of. From the best-selling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic Aurora Cycle series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy's best hope for survival.

First, the bad news: An ancient evil - you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal - is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They've just got to take care of a few small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who'd like to rearrange their favorite faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who'll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

Then there's Kal's long-lost sister, who's not exactly happy to see her baby brother and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.

When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it's time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can't learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.

Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion's most unforgettable heroes - and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.

I am a huge fan of Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff's work. Their solo books are awesome, but there is something special that happens when these two write books together. We saw it with the Illuminae Files and now we see it again with the Aurora Cycle series. I adored book one Aurora Rising so I could not wait for Aurora Burning to be released, a week earlier in Australia than the USA which is how I came to read it last week.

This book is told in six points of view, each chapter being from a different character. After the ending of Aurora Rising, we pick up quickly with our squad trying to work out what to do next after discoving secrets that shocked them all. Aurora Burning is action packed from start to finish, at times you needing to take a breath, your heart is beating so fast. There are space chases, space walks, battle scenes a bank heist and of course many costume changes.

Aurora Burning is told with a lot of humour which we have become to love from Amie and Jay. It also has a lot of heart too. These characters are very real with lots of flaws but you can't help but love them. The appeal of this book I believe is the way the characters interact with each other, and how even though they were a mismatched squad thrown together by chance, they some how end up being the best squad for the job! The banter between the characters is very smart and funny. Yes the characters seem very stereotypical but I think Amie & Jay write stereotypes well, and then they get their characters to challenge them all.

5 Stars for this fabulous book. A great escape book to read at the moment that is an fun action packed page turner. Now after that ending it will be a long wait for book 3.

FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L. Armentrout / Book Review #FromBloodAndAsh

2020-04-10T15:21:00.002-05:00

ABOUT THE BOOK

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Blood & Ash
Released on: April 7, 2020
Source: purchased books
Add it to Goodreads

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel

_________________________________________

An exciting, captivating read that had me re-reading it shortly after finishing the book. I absolutely loved FROM BLOOD AND ASH, so much that I purchased both the e-book and physical book. I need the next book already.

MY FULL REVIEW

FINALLY! This book was so worth the wait! I absolutely love it. This is definitely my favorite book to date that Jennifer has written. If you’ve been following me for a long time, you that’s saying something as I’ve been a huge fan of hers & have read all of her books since reading an arc of her debut book, and FROM BLOOD AND ASH is her best book yet!

I absolutely love a well written fantasy book. I loved the way this book’s fantasy story was written. From the world and it’s complex history, to all the fantasy elements, and the trade mark character chemistry that makes Armentrout’s books an automatic buy for me, this book is Armentrout perfection!

The characters are all well developed, three dimensional characters. Some of secondary characters were just as easy to love as the main characters. Others were extremely easy to despise. One of the things I appreciated, was how Poppy grew into a strong, fierce character who didn’t make excuses for what she wanted. Once she embraced herself, there was no stopping her. I loved her for that. I also loved how Hawke saw her for more than just her Maiden title. Their banter was down right hysterical at times, and at other times these two can definitely make a reader blush.

I bought the e-book the day it came out and after reading it, and then re-reading it the next day, I had to purchase a physical copy of the book. This book is one intoxicating read! With fantastic character chemistry, magic, plenty of action, dangerous secrets, and an exciting turn of events, this is one book I’d highly recommend picking up.

There are some scenes that may be a trigger for some. There are also well written sexual scenes, and some language in the last part of the book that may not be suitable for all readers.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ME By Jenna Guillaume | Blog Tour + Giveaway #WhatILikeAboutMe

2020-04-08T09:04:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the What I Like About Me Blog Tour!

To celebrate the US release of What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume on April 1st, blogs across the web are featuring exclusive original content from Jenna, as well as 10 chances to win a finished copy of What I Like About Me and WILAM pocket mirror, as well as one grand prize giveaway of a book, mirror, beach towel, and sunglasses!

5 Things I'd Tell My 16-Year-Old Self
by Jenna Guillaume

Being a teen is INTENSE. Emotions run close to the surface and everything feels huge and important (both the good and the bad things). I vividly remember all the highs and lows of those years, which is something I tapped into for my work at a teen magazine—and now, when writing YA fiction. While I wouldn’t really change anything about my teen years—because your experiences, for better or worse, shape you into the person you are—there are a few things I wish I could let my former self know. The kinds of things I try to teach the characters in my books…

Stop comparing and competing
I know you just want to fit in and you’re desperate to be normal. But here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as normal. Everyone has their own insecurities, their own struggles—everyone, in one way or another, feels like they don’t fit in. Don’t try to change or shrink yourself in order to be what others want you to be, or what you think you should be. And really, seriously, don’t do something just because your friends do. Live your life, not somebody else’s.

Say goodbye to toxic friends
You don’t have to feel grateful that someone is friends with you. You are awesome and completely worthy of love and friendship, and if other people don’t see that, that’s their problem. Don’t let anyone make you feel like they’re doing you a favour just by talking to you. They’re not. Anyone who judges you for just being who you are is not a real friend. I know you’re scared to be without them, but trust me—you’ll be much better off.

Wear whatever you want
You don’t love your body, but you really, really should. And you should feel comfortable wearing whatever the hell you want. Go to the beach in a bikini. Wear a short skirt. Embrace shorts. Don’t waste your time angst-ing over stretch marks or pale skin or whatever else is worrying you. I promise you, no one cares. And if they do, they’re the one with major issues, not you.

Keep following your passions
Yes, I know the things you’re passionate about are watching TV and movies and spending time on the internet. Despite what your mother tells you, this is NOT a waste of time. Okay, maybe you should get a little more homework done than you’re currently doing…but all those hours consuming stories and communicating with others online? They’re not only influencing who you are as a person, they’ll also define your career. Never let anyone make you feel like something that brings you happiness is bad. That in itself makes it worth it.

Keep things in perspective
It feels as though everything matters right now, and one right or wrong move is going to define the rest of your life. It won’t. Even if you don’t get the exam results you’re hoping for, for instance, there are other pathways to success. No matter what others say, these aren’t the best years of your life, but they aren’t the worst either. Appreciate them for what they are—especially enjoy the ample time for seeing your friends, and napping—and don’t overthink the bad stuff. You’ll be okay.

*****

Blog Tour Schedule:

March 30th - BookHoundsYA

March 31st - Sprinkles of Dreams

April 1st - The Fandom

April 2nd - Fangirlish

April 3rd - Word Spelunking

April 6th - Julie Caught Reading

April 7th - A Dream Within a Dream

April 8th - Mundie Moms

April 9th - Good Choice Reading

April 10th - Crossroad Reviews

“This is the book I would hand to teen me.”

—Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

"Funny and heartfelt. I loved it."

—Melina Marchetta, author of On the Jellicoe Road

“Debut author Guillaume's novel features funny dialogue and fresh takes on body image and personal relationships as well as a plucky heroine who slowly but surely comes into her own….Perfect for fans of Dumplin’, a hilariously sweet yet complex romance.”

—Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT THE BOOK

Buy: Amazon | Indiebound

Add on Goodreads

Follow Jenna: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

You know all those movies where teenagers have, like, THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES? This vacation is probably not going to be that.

The last thing sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin thought she'd be doing over vacation is entering a beauty pageant. Not when she's spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone. Not when her Dad is AWOL and her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie's already shaky confidence. And especially not when her best friend starts flirting with the boy she's always loved. But Maisie's got something to prove.

As she writes down all the ways this vacation is going from bad to worse in her school-assignment journal, what starts as a homework torture-device might just end up being an account of how Maisie didn't let anything, or anyone, hold her back.

Jenna Guillame’s American debut features a plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice. This relatable and charming novel about friendship, confidence, and self-love will draw readers in as Maisie’s realistic emotional journey unveils the importance of embracing one’s body and celebrating one’s self.

About the Author

Jenna Guillaume was the editor-at-large for BuzzFeed Australia, where she wrote about pop culture, identity, feminism, social media, and, most importantly, Chris Hemsworth’s biceps. Previously, she worked in the features department of Girlfriend magazine in Australia, writing about everything from bullying and body image to bad kisses and boy bands. She also contributed to Girlfriend Life Hacks, an essential guide to navigating a girl’s completely-awkward-but-totally-awesome teen years. Guillaume lives in Australia. Visit her website at jennaguillaume.com.

ENTER TO WIN

10 winners will receive a finished copy of What I Like About Me and WILAM pocket mirror
US/Canada only
Ends 11:59pm ET on 4/18

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a finished copy of What I Like About Me, WILAM pocket mirror, beach towel, and sunglasses
US/Canada only
Ends 11:59pm ET on 4/18

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OUT TODAY!

2020-01-14T10:39:00.000-06:00

Happy book birthday to today's newest YA release. Here's what you'll find out on book store shelves today:

The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs, Penguin Teen
Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry, Tor Teen
Beyond The Shadowed East by Joanna Ruth Meyer, Page Street

Infinity Son by Adam Silvera, Harper Teen
The King's Questioner by Nikki Katz, Swoon Reads
Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore, Feiwel & Friends

Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday by Natalie C. Anderson, Penguin
Lucky Caller by Emma Mills, Henry Holt
Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown, Holt

Finding Mr. Better-Than You by Shani Petroff, Swoon Reads
Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden, Bloomsbury

Which new releases are you looking forward to picking up?

If you don't see a new release on our list, please leave us a comment and we'll get it added. Happy Reading!

In Memory of Ken Riggsby

2020-01-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

It is with broken hearts that we are sharing with you that Sophie lost her husband unexpectedly last week. As you can imagine this was a complete shock and has been absolutely heartbreaking. Ken was not only an amazing father and husband, Sophie herself is absolutely amazing! I can't tell you how bad Emm and I wish we could portal there to be there for Sophie. She is our closest friend and we are devastated for her and her kids. We are in constant communication with her, and we can tell you that they really appreciate and need a lot of prayers. Her amazing SIL has also set up a Go Fund Me to help cover costs for them. You can also click on the link here to donate. Most importantly, please keep Sophie, her kids, and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

SCAVENGE THE STARS by Tara Sims / Book Blitz + Giveaway #ScavengeTheStars

2020-01-08T05:57:00.000-06:00

A brand new YA book, SCAVENGE THE STARS by Tara Sim, was released yesterday. Today I'm thrilled to team up with Rock Star blog tours to celebrate. This book blitz includes an excerpt you can read below and a giveaway for 3 finished copies of the book, courtesy of Disney Hyperion and Rockstar Book Tours. Keep reading for a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: SCAVENGE THE STARS (Scavenge the Stars #1)

Author: Tara Sim

Pub. Date: January 7, 2020

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 336

Purchase it from: Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&aN, iBooks, Kobo , TBD
Add it to Goodreads,

When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence on the debtor ship where she’s been held captive for years. Instead, the man she saved offers her unimaginable riches and a new identity, setting Amaya on a perilous course through the coastal city-state of Moray, where old-world opulence and desperate gamblers collide.

Amaya wants one thing: revenge against the man who ruined her family and stole the life she once had. But the more entangled she becomes in this game of deception—and as her path intertwines with the son of the man she’s plotting to bring down—the more she uncovers about the truth of her past. And the more she realizes she must trust no one…

Packed with high-stakes adventure, romance, and dueling identities, this gender-swapped retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo is the first novel in an epic YA fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo.

READ AN EXCERPT

Revenge. It was a simple word when spoken out loud, but it was so much bigger, like the hidden city under the atoll. It was a word of fire and blood, of a knife’s whisper and the priming of a pistol.

It was a word that consumed her, filled her entire being until she knew that she could no longer be Silverfish. Silverfish’s will was to survive, to simply make it to the next day, and hopefully the day after that. But that was no longer her will.

Now it was revenge.

Captain Zharo. Kamon Mercado. Moray.

They would all pay.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Sim is the author of SCAVENGE THE STARS (Disney-Hyperion) and the TIMEKEEPER trilogy (Sky Pony Press) and writer of all things magic. She can often be found in the wilds of the Bay Area, California.

When she’s not writing about mischievous boys in clock towers, Tara spends her time drinking tea, wrangling cats, and occasionally singing opera. Despite her bio-luminescent skin, she is half-Indian and eats way too many samosas.

Tara is represented by Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

ENTER TO WIN!

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SCAVENGE THE STARS, US only.

Giveaway ends February 14th at midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OUT TODAY 1/7/2020

2020-01-07T09:55:00.000-06:00

The new year is off to a great start with book releases. Check out today's newest YA releases! These titles are out on book store shelves / available to purchase online now:

Chosen by Kiersten White, Simon Teen
A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer, Bloomsbury
Scavenge The Stars by Tara Sim, Disney Hyperion

The Map From Here To There by Emery Lord, Bloomsbury
The Night Country by Melissa Albert, Flatiron Books
Flowers In The Gutter by K. R. Gaddy, Penguin Teen

Throw Like A Girl by Sara Henning, Little Brown Books
Jane Anonymous by Laurie Stolarz, Wednesday Books
All The Days Past, All The Days To Come by Mildred D. Taylor, Penguin Teen

One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus, Delacorte
How To Speak Boy by Tiana Smith, Swoon Reads
We Used To Be Friends by Amy Spalding, Amulet

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez, Page Street Books
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen, Harper Teen
City of Stone and Silence by Django Wexler, Tor Teen

Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson, Inkyard Press
Just Breathe by Cammie McGovern, Harper Teen
This Light Between Us by Andrew Fukuda, Tor Teen

You Too? 25 Voices Share Their #MeToo Stories edited by Janet Gurtler, Harlequin Teen
A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison, Inkyard Press
Lie To Me by Kaitlin Ward, Scholastic
Oasis by Katy de Becerra, Imprint Macmillan
Shadowshaper Legacy by Daniel Jose Holder, Scholastic

Which new releases are you looking forward to reading?

Don't see a new release on the list? Just leave us a comment with the YA title and we'll add. Happy Reading!

We're Back!

2020-01-01T09:17:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We're back! We've missed our blogs, sharing our love of books, and talking to you. Last year was definitely a very interesting year that required taking time away from some things to focus the more important real life ones. That meant taking a little break from Mundie Moms and Mundie Kids. While we didn't post much on our blogs, we did so a little bit more on social media. We missed chatting with readers here on the blog, but loved keeping in contact with you on social media. We're looking forward to being back and jumping back into the book mix. We've definitely missed talking books. Can we just say we're really looking forward to a new year!

Thank you to ALL of you who didn't give up on us, who reached out to us, and kept in touch. We really appreciate it. We also appreciate the publishers who didn't give up on us either. We loved featuring your books on social media. While our reading time we almost nonexistent, the schools we work in loved the books that we donated to them.

Here's to a Happy New Year! Here's to a new, blank page filled with unlimited possibilities. Here's to strength for getting through the hard days. Here's to many happy moments, not being afraid to go after your dream, and empowering yourself to you know YOU.CAN.DO.IT! Whatever that 'it' may be. May this year be your year to do all the things you haven't done, and letting go of the things that hold you back. Here's finding new books, letting go of the ones that don't interest us, treasuring the friendships that we've made all because of a book. Here's to knowing it's okay to walk away from things and recharge, while focusing on the things that are much more important.

Here's to reading all the books we didn't get to last year, and so many new ones this year!

AURORA RISING: by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff Book Review #AuroraRising

2019-05-02T23:39:00.003-05:00

By: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Series: The Aurora Cycle
Published by: Random House
To Be Released on: May 7th 2019
Purchase from: B&N Amazon
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 stars - I LOVED It!
I received an arc from the Australian Publisher Allen & Unwin

From the internationally bestselling authors of THE ILLUMINAE FILES comes an epic new science fiction adventure.

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

After the well deserved success of the Illuminae Files Series, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff have done it again with an extraordinary first book in this new series. I was lucky enough to get an ARC from the Australian Publisher Allen & Unwin, and I loved it from start to finish.

It is written in multi character first person, one of my favourite styles of writing, so we get to know all the characters well. I fell in love with this squad of misfits from the start. With all the same humor and sass as the Illuminae files, fans will adore this one too. Think Six of Crowes but in Space. I can't wait for the audio book now as I know it will make an amazing adventure to listen to.

The characters are the real stars of this book. I loved that they were all so different. I fell in love with the characters instantly. Their quirks and style making them easy to know. The very description of these characters made them almost fall of the page, it was that real. I got to know these characters just as they did each other as the story went along. They were thrown together by chance, but when the job needed to be done, they pulled together. It was a great mix, adding different alien races, humans and a human girl found after being in cryo-sleep for 200 years.

I also loved the different worlds we were introduced to, starting at the Aurora Academy, then hearing about the different worlds our new alien friends come from, and also where our story leads us. It touches on themes of displacement and refugees and war. Fans of Amie's Starbound Trilogy with notice some similarities, which I loved. Fans of Star Trek, Indian Jones or Guardians of the Galaxy will love it too. It may also have a few Lord of the Rings references in there from our girl out of time, which made me chuckle. This is my favourite book of the year so far. I think it it will take a lot to beat it.

My 16yr old Daughter Megan & I were lucky enough to go to the launch and book signing at Dymocks in Melbourne on 30th April. As Amie is due to have a baby any day, (with her husband, not Jay) this was the only book signing the two could do together. Pictured below is Megan dressed in all her space get up with Amie and Jay.

Happy Release Day To THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC by Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu / Exclusive Quote + An INTERNATIONAL Giveaway #TheRedScrollsOfMagic #Shadowhunters

2019-04-09T14:55:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to THE RED SCOLLS OF MAGIC by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu. This is the book Magnus and Alec fans of long been waiting for! To celebrate today's release, we've teamed up with Cassandra Clare, and Simon & Schuster to share an exclusive art featuring Magnus and Alec, along with this quote:

“Alec found himself standing awkwardly alone in the center of the room as couples twirled around him. Crowns of thorns and towering multi-colored feathers blocked his vision. He looked around in alarm for an escape route. ‘May I have this dance, sir.’ Instead he saw Magnus, all in white and silver. ‘I was coming to find you,’ said Alec. ‘I saw you coming.’ Magnus pushed his mask halfway up his face. ‘We found each other.’”

That's not all, thanks to Cassandra Clare, and Simon and Schuster, and New Leaf Literacy, one lucky reader will win a SIGNED copy of the book! To enter to win, please fill out the form below. This is open INTERNATIONALLY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

From #1 New York Times bestseller Cassandra Clare and award-winner Wesley Chu comes the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War. The Red Scrolls of Magic is a Shadowhunters novel.

All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.

Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping

___________________________

Read more about the book, and find out where to purchase a copy at here.
Be sure to check out our Instagram page tomorrow! I'll have a signed arc to giveaway!

SHADOWHUNTERS TV Series, S3B, E14; A KISS FROM A ROSE / Review #shadowhunters

2019-03-26T10:39:00.000-05:00

UGH. The episode opens with Clary back in the Brotherhood of the Traveling Pants apartment. She suggests rather than Umbridging (yes, I'm making it a verb) her skin, he sends an email.

Or just DON’T. #Shadowhunters // @Kat_McNamara pic.twitter.com/AG3Gf1dqzx
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 19, 2019

And I already want the episode to end. Their banter makes me nauseous. We then discover that Seb is making a Downworlder glamour herself as Clary. Insert the godawful show theme -- this is the huuuuuuuuuunt.

Indeed.

I keep hunting for material from the books to no avail.

In the storage room of the Jade Wolf restaurant, Maia opens the door because the pounding stopped. 'Cause that makes sense. Not that the vamps could still be out there or anything. Great dialogue moment:

Jordan: Alright. Uh. We just have to sit tight. Someone will come for us eventually.
Maia: Who?!?! My whole pack was just slaughtered, Luke stepped down and the Jade Wolf is freakin' closed on Mondays!

This is the moment that Jordan remembers that Maia is claustrophobic. No, for reals, it's in the show. Feel free to start with the eyerolls. He uses deep Lamaze (don't we all know that technique, MMs?) breathing to stop her from "wolf-ing" (her words) out. Eyeroll. Eyeroll. Eyeroll.

Then we cut to Jace and Clary in bed. Still. Seemingly forever. Where Clary asks if Jace is feeling insecure. The Jace Herondale. My eyes have now officially glassed over.

GIF found here.

It's so awful, you guys, that I yelled nonsense out. WORST DIALOGUE EVER award goes to Clace. I died a thousand fangirls deaths, one at a time. It's so awful that the official Shadowhunters twitter account didn't make a gif of it for me to post here.

Luke is still trying to find the relic sword, and has turned over the information to Alec. Izzy is still on her Gard tangent. She feels it's their responsibility to find out what' s going on. Alec gives her 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Magnus goes to Lorenzo who accuses him of being "magic challenged" (if you're counting eyerolls, the Clace bit made my eyeballs freeze into position, so yeah....). Watching two excellent actors try to act their way through this nonsense is just the worst.

Storm of sassy comebacks in 3… 2… 1… #Shadowhunters pic.twitter.com/I4TgBDvGHN
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 19, 2019

But, help and magic come at a price. Lorenzo suggests a transfusion of magic. OMG. SO DUMB. Magnus' body crackles alive. The price, you ask? We have to wait for the Clace scene cutaway.

They're going skating. Clace are engaging in a sport I actually know.

Maia and Jordan are still in their supply closet, when Maia realizes Jordan has silver poisoning. She starts yelling, because that's logical, and Jordan starts coaching Lamaze breathing because she's freakin' out. Jordan tells her that when he's in a "bad situation" he imagines a time when he was happy. If only the cheese factor wasn't off the charts. But, it's Freeform, so we have a running away story from Maia when she was a teen. She called Jordan, and he came. Eyeroll x 100, but my eyeballs are frozen in a permanent one so, why bother.

Jace and Clary skate, and I die a fangirl death again. Because, I could've written this fanfic, MMs. I could've. Our talented, physically gifted boy cannot skate. Kinda kills me. Not that he could do a triple axel his first time, but I'm fairly sure he could catch on to the gliding stride fairly easily.

#Clace kisses make EVERYTHING better. #ShadowhuntersChat #Shadowhunters // @Kat_McNamara & @DomSherwood1 pic.twitter.com/SxaAiTTEiR
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 19, 2019

Jace leaves Clary on the ice to get a better pair of skates ('cause that makes sense in Shadowhunter World), and he runs into Sebbie. The conundrum is clear on his face. He can't hurt Seb, because he'll hurt Clary. Our boy is in Stuckland. And we hear another swell piece of dialogue:

Jace: So what are you going to do?

Seb: When Lillith brought me back, she brought me back stronger,

Of course, she did Seb 2.0. Quicker. Faster. Stronger. Dumber. Sebbie's eye turn black as knocks out real Jace, and he transforms into Jace. Of course, he does. There had to be some semblance of action in this episode.

Magnus steps into the room as Alec is pouring over pages trying to find mention of the Morning Star sword, and pages begin to swirl. Without answering Alec's many questions about getting his magic back, Magnus opens a portal to Belgium, where apparently a mundane was buried with the sword.

Our favorite bro is not doing so well in his Jace disguise, because when Clary advises him of the Umbridge dealio that Sebbie performed on her, Seb-Jace says he must've done it out of love. Color Clary confused. Color me bored. This thing is unraveling way too quickly.

Simon and Luke team up to find Jordan, because the Praeter alerted Luke that something could be wrong. In the storage closet, Maia and Jordan are having a confession moment. It's boring. Unnecessary. They've been there forever. Forgiving each other. Jordan's eyes close. Maia cries. I cry alongside her out of sheer boredom.

And eeeeeeeewwwww, we have THE KISS. Seb kissed his sister. Did we really have to see this? The answer is a quick NO.

Back at the Institute, CSI Izzy is performing an autopsy on one of the victims of the Gard. She gets a phone call from Clary, who suspects Jonathan has done something with Jace and assumed his identity. Can Izzy track them down in time?

In a Belgium tomb, which sadly looks like the same sewer set from the previous episodes only decorated with torches, Magnus and Alec come to a dead end. The sword that was buried with the mundie is a fake. They realize with the real sword Jonathan can summon an army of demons. Deja vu.

Izzy finds Jace at the rink and revives him. The two of them (along with a random Shadowhunter) are headed to Harlem, because the traveling apartment loves being in hip places.

Magnus tells Alec that Lorenzo's price was his apartment (what's with the real estate theme?). He reassures Alec that the magic makes him connected to "everything around" him. He needs it to matter. Such a sad moment for our favorite duo. Magnus realized that the apartment is only a possession as long as he has Alec and his magic.

Finally, Luke and Simon find Maia and Jordan at the Jade Wolf. They also find the remnants of the massacre. Luke tells them to take Jordan to the Praeter, and that he will deal with the cops. His old partner arrests him for the massacre.

Ambush time for Seb. Clary cannot stop him from escaping as Jace, Izzy and company slo-mo toward them. Clary doesn't know why she let him go.

Magnus' magic is becoming problematical. He feels a nosebleed starting. Reminds me of, umm, let me see, oh yeah:

GIF found here.

In the last moment of the episode, we find Jace and Clary kissy-facing. Jonathan-Seb is role playing with FakeClary. It's all good, you guys. UGH.

FINAL COUNTS
Total Eyerolls: Three pretty severe ones. One seismic one that shifted a few tectonic plates and registered on the Richter scale.
Worst Dialogue Ever: 3
Deep Lamaze Breathing Technique Used: 3
Stealing Another Shows Feels: 1
Deja Vu Feels: 1
Multiple Uses of Rented Sewer Sets: 1

SHADOWHUNTERS TV Series, S3B, E13; BEATI BELLICOSI / Review #shadowhunters

2019-03-25T11:06:00.000-05:00

We start off with the Praeter Lupus investigating Maureen's victims. Nick, Jordan's buddy, gets stabbed by Maureen while he's in Twi-wolf form. Aside: I'm so glad they get to use that GIANT wolf imagery again. It's just plain comforting to know that werewolves are always giant and have kind eyes. Beati Bellacosi. Blessed are the warriors. One dead wolf boy. So starts our "this is the huuuuuuuuunt" thirteenth epi.

Simon hands Izzy a cup of tea and this brilliant dialogue commences:

Simon: How are you?
Izzy: Drained
Simon: Izzy, I'm so sorry about that.
Izzy: It was a joke.
Simon: You could've died.

Ah, this is exactly why I've lost all hope for the show. Remember, MMs, it was in the last episode when Simon literally drained Izzy's blood. So, yeah. Good writing, mes anges. Both of their phones chirp at the same time. And we have our Simon-Clary choreographed-for-no-reason slide moment:

THIS HUG. #Shadowhunters // @Kat_McNamara & @arosende pic.twitter.com/3BJbXtwmwE
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 12, 2019

The others update Sizzy on the sitch. The tie-in Jonathan-Clary rune, the brotherhood of the traveling pants, I mean, apartment. All of it. And I wonder -- how many people need to be tied to Sebbie? Is this an overused plot device? Nod your heads with me. Jace thinks he's seen this rune before. Dun-dun-dun-dun.

Isabelle discovers that Magnus can't help her with the side effects from allowing Simon to feed off of her.

Our resident crazy, Maureen, begs the NYC vamps to let her into their clan. They refuse. Maia returns to the pack, but they don't want her either. Maryse and Luke shop for real estate, I mean, flirt with each other in an antique store. Maryse can translate some super-special code that can open a very important safe inside the shop. Luke's hoping that the sword Jonathan's looking for is inside.

Jordan informs Simon of the death of his buddy's and warns him about Maureen. He, also, hopes he'll join the Praeter, but Simon is no longer marked with Cain's mark. Jordan concludes he no longer needs the Praeter's help.

Clary is desperate to find where Jonathan's located, but Jace wants her to stop "just for minute". Jace realizes he may be looking in the wrong place for Seb-babe.

Izzy remembers about the Seelies tortured by the Gard. How quickly she forgot. She and Alec hatch a plan to find out what's going on. But our fave brother-sister duo, have a pause where Izzy realizes that Alec knows about the Simon-feeding-on-her bit, and he tries in vein (I couldn't resist the pun) to placate her cravings with some mundane addiction group talk.

Back to our code-cracking duo, Luke confesses to Maryse that he's suspended from work and that he's also left the pack. Do we care about the adult relationships? No, no we don't. Maia interrupts this moment to let Luke know that the pack is falling apart while he's on a date. I don't care about pack politics. But, the pep talk Maia gets from Luke is "alpha material" and bad dialogue all at once.

Yes, she is. 👏 #Shadowhunters #ShadowhuntersChat // @WainwrightAE & @isaiahmustafa pic.twitter.com/dmWbEUKe2W
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 12, 2019

We get a quick primer on Paradise Lost as Jace explains how Valentine was obsessed with the war between Lucifer and his brother, Archangel Michael. Waaaaaait, does this mirror someone else's obsession with his brother? No, not SewerVamp Cain's but, could it be? Sebbie's??? And if you look closely at the illustration (incidentally done by a Silent Brother, mercifully, not Jem), the two bubbies are tied vis a vis a rune just like Clary's and Seebie's. Such quick tying up of loose ends, Freeform. Bravo. Now all Clace needs to do is find a way to separate Jonathan and Clary.

Filing this in the I Have No Idea Why category: Jace attempts to remove the connecting rune with a zappy, electric stele thingey. It's a weird scene and showcases how difficult it is to act seriously when given moments like this. And no, MMs, this thingey didn't work.

Maia and Simon meet up, and she tells Simon how she has to step up into a pack leadership role. She breaks up with our boy, who takes it like a champ (duh). After all, he has Izzy now. And this scene feels so generic that it could be lifted from any old Freeform show.

Maryse opens the vault and Luke discovers a book inside. They kiss because code breaking, as we all know, is a sexy time moment.

SHIP. IT. ❤️ #Maruke #Shadowhunters #ShadowhuntersChat // @isaiahmustafa & @NicolaNCD pic.twitter.com/DvH5aCRmp1
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 12, 2019

Clary lights every single candle she can find in her room. It looks ablaze. Bath and Body Works must've had their $10 candle sale, and our girl had a coupon. But that's okay because, Jace is there and she wants him.

Clary: But right now, I want you. *lovey-dovey indie song plays* I love you.
Jace: *serious looking sad Jace face*

We’re not crying ... 😢💘 #Clace #Shadowhunters #ShadowhuntersChat pic.twitter.com/C73GRkXzO7
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 12, 2019

Just like that one of our favorite quotes becomes Freeform Fodder. I should trademark that phrase. It would've come in handy if there was a fourth season. Mercifully, there isn't one.

Back at the Institute, Mama Maryse and her kiddos are discussing the Latin words for Heavenly Fire. Apparently this referred to an "off-the-books Clave" program that was above Maryse's clearance level. Eyeroll number I've-lost-counting. Maryse begs them to stay away from it.

We have what this epi was missing a Shirtless Moment courtesy, this time, of Jace and Clary. But, it's interrupted by Jonathan, who in a Dolores Umbridge tribute writes on Clary's skin -- "I miss you". Bubby's lonely and none of us care.

Maia and Jordan have their scene where he tells her he's leaving. The moment is interrupted when the NYC vamps attack our wolfish pack. Slo-mo fight scene commences. Jordan gets stabbed in an attempt to save Maia. She takes him out into a storage area. She's scared and not the Maia we know from the books. Our epi ends with her trapped and the vamps, literally, banging on the door. I'm kinda feeling trapped, too, Mundie Moms, not gonna lie.

FINAL COUNTS
Total Eyerolls: 50 million for the kissy scenes alone
Worst Dialogue Ever: 4
Gratuitous Shirtless Moment: 1
Overused Plot Device: 1
I Have No Idea Why: 1
Stealing Another Shows Feels: 2 (Twilight, once again, proves immortal as does Dolores Umbridge)
Multiple Uses of Rented Sewer Sets: 3 (between the Seelie fight scenes, finding of Cain and searching for Maureen, Constantin/Freeform can write this off as a darn good investment)

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery / Book Review #thebluecastle

2019-03-24T06:39:00.000-05:00

By: L.M. Montgomery
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Released on: March 4, 2014
Purchase link: amazon | book depository
Add it to goodreads
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars

An unforgettable story of courage and romance. Will Valancy Stirling ever escape her strict family and find true love?

Valancy Stirling is 29, unmarried, and has never been in love. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she finds her only consolation in the "forbidden" books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle--a place where all her dreams come true and she can be who she truly wants to be. After getting shocking news from the doctor, she rebels against her family and discovers a surprising new world, full of love and adventures far beyond her most secret dreams.

When Stephanie Perkins recommends a book on instagram, I immediately order it. Here's what Stephanie said:

This novel features characters named Valancy (Valancy!) and Barney Snaith (Barney Snaith!!!), a host of horrid relatives, the ecstasy of leaving them behind, the quiet singing joy of exploring the Canadian wilderness, and a cottage on a remote lake island that is filled with books and cats and cozy fires. I mean, honestly. What more could a reader possibly want? This is one of Montgomery’s lesser-known adult novels, which is a shame, because it’s perfect. One hundred percent. A+

Although, the protagonist is a little older than our usual YA heroine, the story is so lovely and relatable that it will definitely hold both a teen's and a mom's attention. I think teens, in particular, will find the story very relatable as they try to settle into their rebellious moments.

Valancy's family is messy, prejudiced, completely overwhelming and so controlling. I completely related to Valancy's feelings of OMGSODONE. This novel is so rich in description and setting that I wanted to be ensconced in the Canadian wilderness with cats and cozy dinners and books to read. Doesn't that sound divine? But, it's the characters that steal the show. Valancy's over-the-top meddling relatives, her reaction to them, the kindness she finds when she breaks free are all tropes that (when done well) hold me entranced in their plot.

The twists were a little predictable as you can imagine. But, I found comfort in their predictability rather than annoyance, because of the characters and setting. I completely adored plucky, unstoppable Valancy.

In these dreary days, where Spring can't quite make it self known in most of our hemisphere, The Blue Castle is the perfect book to curl up with while sipping that big pot of tea. Oh, and you may just need a cat. My doggos, while ready to curl up with me, weren't quite the same comfort as a cat.

SHADOWHUNTERS TV Series, S3B, E12; ORIGINAL SIN / Review #shadowhunters

2019-03-23T10:33:00.000-05:00

Every time, I think about stopping watching this pure crap show, I think, wait, it may have something redeemable in it. Sadly, I'm always wrong.

So in the second episode of Season 3B, we start off with the Brotherhood of the Traveling Apartment, as our boy, Seb, and his sissy, Clary, find themselves in good old romantic Paris. Let's start with the awful dialogue right at the beginning:

Seb: I'll forgive you for trying to kill me anyway
Clary: So...how does this work? If one of us gets hurt the other one does, too?
Seb: That appears to be the case.

pic.twitter.com/Cypho5V0jD
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 5, 2019

OML, we just watched an entire scene of it in the previous epi, and in case, we forgot, it was also in the things-you-wish-you-forgot intro of this epi. Bring out all the eyerolls all at once. I can't even with this show. So, I'll focus on the highlights or should I say lowlights.

Malec are being so cute, but weird. A whole monologue from Magnus on going to the Farmer's Market and making orange juice without magic. Let the counts begin! Shirtless Alec count: 1 Malec Fight Training Scene: 1 Malec Kiss Count: 1 It's all cute, but it's just playing to the fan base not moving the plot forward.

Our resident GPS locator, Jace, figures out there are drops in 'barometric pressure" whenever the apartment moves. He's only a jump behind them, now, having located a trace of them in Siberia.

From Today Show's website

Simon and Izzy find the Sewer Rat vamp, who (surprise!) has the Mark of Cain, too. Behold the awesome dialogue:

The OG Cain. #Shadowhunters pic.twitter.com/AdARqGjcsl
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 5, 2019

Back in the traveling apartment, Clary convinces Sebbie to let her go out with him. She thinks she's recognizable with her hair. Ummm, wouldn't she WANT to be recognized? Also, how does she know that Jace is looking for her? Not important. It's Freeform after all. With a swish (and a flick) of his stele, Seb changes her hair to a dark bob. Somewhere in this universe, Heidi Klum is impressed.

Cain and Simon bond over biblical history. We get the story of Cain and Abel. You guys. This show. Ugh. We find out how Cain became a Daylighter. We don't care except for the fact that the story mirrors Simon's. Kinda. Because, you know, Freeform takes all the shortcuts it can. He finds out that he needs to see the Wizard of Oz, I mean, the Seelie Queen. Did we even need to meet Cain? Probably not.

Cut to a bedroom scene with Malec. Is it just me or did anyone else cringe a little? They're cute, but intruding into their actual lovemaking was a little too awkward for me. I know nighttime dramas do this all the time, but umm, yeah-no. A well drawn curtain is fine with me.

Meanwhile, Jace and Luke are investigating Siberia. Lookin' all Off the Grid Hot.

Is it just us, or are snow shoes suddenly sexy? 🔥 #Shadowhunters pic.twitter.com/Dslgqed7jQ
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 5, 2019

Our favorite detective pair figure out that Lillith must have brought Sebbie back to life.

Montage of pretty places in Paris with appropriate French music. Our resident chef (can anyone, please, explain to me his food obsession?), Sebster, suggests hot chocolate in foodie paradise. I'm awaiting a scene of them sharing a croissant. And YES, we get that scene and this dialogue:

Sebbie: You know, they'll bring you another if you want. You're attacking that like a wolverine.
Clary: Sorry, I didn't have time to eat after I passed out in the Arctic.

Simon and Izzy are in the Seelie Court, where Simon gets the bad news that he may die in the process of getting the mark removed.

At the Institute, Magnus educates Luke, Jace and Alec on inter-dimensional domiciles, and I wonder if there anything like tiny, TARDIS houses. I forsee a new Property Brothers show.

gif found here.

In the antique selling with Seb portion of the show, we find out that there are middle class Greater Demons who hang out at schools, banks, brothels. Seb wants to exchange something for the Morning Star Sword. Demony asks for Clary to wait outside because of her Shadowhunter blood. Is our girl going to run away? This move allows GPSJace to track her. Seb kills the shop owner demon, and a bystander who was trying to get Clary away from the shop. We have NO IDEA who that bystander was. Thanks Freeform.

Our boy, Simon, burns up all his blood in the ritual. So Izzy, willingly, gives him her blood. With the backdrop of a sad, plinky song, Izzy begs Simon to bite her and drink. What we didn't get in the Twlight books/movies, we get here. The love. The agony. The passing out.

Then we get the moment, we've all been waiting for:

#Clace, we’ve been waiting for you. ❤️ #Shadowhunters pic.twitter.com/wXdjm5gmzA
— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) March 5, 2019

Back at the, mobile apartment, Sebbie is raging. Destroying everything. Being the demon that some fans grow to love. I still don't get it.

FINAL COUNTS
Total Eyerolls: All the eyerolls in the universe
Worst Dialogue Ever: 3
Shirtless Alec: 2.5 (extra points for using the dialogue "bedroom"
Gratuitous Fan Base Scene: 2

FIVE FEET APART by Rachael Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Laconis #FiveFeetApart

2019-03-20T04:40:00.001-05:00

By: Racheal Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry, and Tobias Laconis
Published by: Simon & Schuster
Released on: November 20th, 2018
Purchase Links
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Stars
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Can you love someone you can never touch?

Stella Grant likes to be in control—even though her totally out of control lungs have sent her in and out of the hospital most of her life. At this point, what Stella needs to control most is keeping herself away from anyone or anything that might pass along an infection and jeopardize the possibility of a lung transplant. Six feet apart. No exceptions.

The only thing Will Newman wants to be in control of is getting out of this hospital. He couldn’t care less about his treatments, or a fancy new clinical drug trial. Soon, he’ll turn eighteen and then he’ll be able to unplug all these machines and actually go see the world, not just its hospitals.

Will’s exactly what Stella needs to stay away from. If he so much as breathes on Stella she could lose her spot on the transplant list. Either one of them could die. The only way to stay alive is to stay apart. But suddenly six feet doesn’t feel like safety. It feels like punishment.

What if they could steal back just a little bit of the space their broken lungs have stolen from them? Would five feet apart really be so dangerous if it stops their hearts from breaking too?

If you're a fan of books to movies, I highly recommend picking this one up! This book reads just like the movie. I loved this story. It had me crying, made me hopeful and had me wanting to do something more for these realistic characters I loved getting to know.

I was really surprised with this story. I wasn't excepting to be so emotionally connected to it or the characters. It definitely had me feeling all the book feels. The characters are incredibly believable, and so easy to be emotional connect to. I loved getting to know each of them, and what they each offered each other.

Most importantly, I really appreciated that this story opened my eyes to Cystic Fibrosis. What an incredibly brave battle those with CF have. I feel like this story does a beautiful, heartbreaking job at showing that and allowing readers to get a better understanding of what those who have CF deal with on a daily bases. This story made me want to learn more about it.

I highly recommend reading this book. Whether you do so before or after seeing the movie, it's worth reading. Judging from the book, the casting for this movie is spot on. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie.