Graphic Novel Review of Princess Princess by Katie O'Neill

Read for: Graphic Novel challenge & I love her art style

Synopsis: "When the heroic princess Amira rescues the kind-hearted princess Sadie from her tower prison, neither expects to find a true friend in the bargain. Yet as they adventure across the kingdom, they discover that they bring out the very best in the other person. They'll need to join forces and use all the know-how, kindness, and bravery they have in order to defeat their greatest foe yet: a jealous sorceress, who wants to get rid of Sadie once and for all.

Join Sadie and Amira, two very different princesses with very different strengths, on their journey to figure out what happily ever after really means -- and how they can find it with each other."

My Review: I loved O'Neill's Tea Dragon Society so when I saw that this one was available online I had to read it. I, of course, loved her art style. It was a pretty short graphic story but the characters were all interesting and developed and the story line was as well. I would have liked more to the story, maybe a whole series. I loved the idea that these two princess take charge and save themselves and others, including the prince. A short, fun and feel good graphic story to read. My Rating: I enjoyed this one, it does remind me of a couple other stories (even graphic novels) that have a very similar basis. With that said it was short, it was fun and the art is so cute and I adore it.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

Bedtime Story: Early Reader Review of Baseball Buzz by C. C. Joven

Read for: Early Reader Challenge & Munchkin playing Tball

Synopsis: "Jackson is ready for his first baseball game, but a pesky bee might just ruin his big day. This Starting Line Reader is sure to be a home run for every new reader."

My Review: I picked this book up for Munchkin near the end of Tball season. He is definitely into baseball right now and this was a great book for him. It was easy for him to read and the words he struggled with were also easy to figure out based on the pictures. It does a great job of highlighting the baseball terms that he has been hearing throughout the season and next season when he starts pitch. This is a great book for young baseball players and fans.

My Rating: This was a great book for Munchkin, a great level 1 that introduced him to some new baseball words but nothing more than he could sound out.  We give it a rating of Four Paws.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Friday Face-Off: The North Wind doth Blow, and We shall have Snow

Friday Face Off was originally the brain child of Books By Proxy but you can check Lynn's Books the co-host for the most recent updates and topics.  The plan is to use the theme of the week and pick a book with different covers and pick the best.  I have been wanting to participate for some time but keep forgetting, but when I saw this week's topic I knew I had to schedule the post right away.

So this week's prompt is windswept covers. 

I thought this was pretty easy, my first thought was I have a book waiting on my shelf called Windblowne, but of course it only has one cover.  So I went through the rest of my TBR list books searching for a windswept cover, that there were also multiple editions of and came across . . . 

Rose Under Fire

 

 

 

There are a surprising number of cover designs for this book and I am not sure the symbolism of the red on almost all of them other than her name. 

I think my favorite is:

I think this cover blends all the elements beautifully and I love the text line.

Which is your favorite?  Have you read Rose Under Fire? If so which cover do you think captures the story the best?

Mid Year Book Freakout Tag

I did this tag last year and really like how it is a great way to check in each year, so of course I had to do it again this year. I believe the original was created by ReadLikeWildfire on Youtube, but feel free to correct me if I am wrong.  Obviously I am updating it to be current to this year. So on with my freak out  . . . 

Best Book You've Read So Far in 2018

As I am sure you saw in my Top 5 Wednesday yesterday, Plague of Giants is without a doubt my top book so far this year and most likely will be at the end of the year as well!

Best Sequel You've Read So Far in 2018

I loved Red Sister but honestly I think I loved Grey Sister even more!

New Release You Haven't Read, But Want To

Oh man, I have so many new books on my shelves! I think the top 2 that have been released so far that I haven't read yet are Queen of Sorrow and Defiant Heir.

 

Most Anticipated Release of the Second Half of the Year

Gosh there are some really great books coming out this year, and a few of them are conclusions to series that I have avidly been following. First is Ruin of Stars out in August, then in September is The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, and finally in November is The Storyteller. Obviously there are a ton more but these are definitely my most anticipated (luckily I have ARCs for 2 of them)

  

Biggest Disappointment

I have been better about DNFing books that are not going well and the one I had the hardest time coming to terms with was Vengeance Road, I love westerns but this one just wasn't working, especially after reading Under the Painted Sky by Stacey Lee, which was very similar but was written some much more to my liking.

Biggest Surprise

I have had a few surprises this year, some books out of my comfort zone, some new authors and some books I was hesitant to read but ended up loving. But I think the Sin du Jour series by Matt Wallace takes the cake here, I picked it up on a whim after seeing on of the covers and it has been the most bazaar ride.

Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You)

I think this has to be Adrienne Young, author of Sky in the Deep. She wrote a beautiful book, but on top of that she is really kind and generous with her time and tips for writing. If you don't follow her on Instagram you really should (@Adrienneyoungbooks)

Newest Fictional Crush

You know, I don't think I actually have anyone I have been overly swoony for this year. I have been reading a lot of darker fantasies and while I love a lot of the characters, they really aren't anyone I would crush on.

Newest Favorite Character

A few come to mind here, Isabella from the Lady Trent Series by Marie Brennan, Nona from Red Sister & Grey Sister, but I think my favorite has to be Mr. Kindly from Nevernight! A talking shadow cat?! Yes, please!

Book that Made You Cry

I have had 2 in the past couple of weeks alone! Definitely Three Shoeboxes and Cottage by the Sea, but both those authors make me cry every time so no surprise there!

 

Book that Made You Happy

I think this has to be Wishtree, while it wasn't happy the whole time, it was still a book filled with hope.

Favorite Book to Film Adaptation You Saw This Year

Yup, I don't think I have actually even seen a movie this year! Oh wait I did see Rogue One, I doubt this counts but at least it is a movie!

Favorite Review You've Written This Year

I think that has to be my series review of the Lady Trent Series by Marie Brennan, I really hope I convinced a few people to pick that series up!

Most Beautiful Book You Bought (or received) This Year

I was going to say the paperback version of Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, but for the second year in a row he narrowly misses out! I just yesterday received the Hardcover copy of Grace & Fury, and OMG this book is stunning! You will have to check on my Instagram later this month for pictures because this one just doesn't do it justice, the naked hardcover is stunning, the end pages are stunning, everything is just amazing!

What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of This Year

SOOOO many books!! Besides the new releases and anticipated releases listed above, I really want to get to the Greatcoats series by Sebastian de Castell.

 

 

So are you freaking out yet because half the year is already gone?! If you also post this tag please let me know so I can come check out your answers!

Bedtime Story: A is for America by Tanya Lee Stone

Read for: Children's Book Challenge & 4th of July

Synopsis: "Little ones will love learning American history in Tanya Lee Stone's latest alphabet book. Rhyming couplets that flow through the alphabet help kids celebrate everything from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to Thomas Jefferson and Harriet Tubman!"

My Review: I picked this one up for Munchkin thinking it would be a fun 4th of July read. It was surprising that they found something for each letter! It did have a lot of things listed that were a little above Munchkin's grasp, and they didn't go into detail too much. The beginning had a really nice rhythm going but it seemed to get lost later in the alphabet when it was really stretched to find things for each letter. With that said it was a nice introduction to all things America for Munchkin and it sparked a lot of questions.

My Rating: We did enjoy this one and I appreciate that it got Munchkin curious and sparked a lot of conversations about our country and history.  We give it a rating of Three Paws.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams! Happy Independence Day!

Top 5 Wednesday: Best Books So Far in 2018

Top 5 Wednesday is a group on Goodreads hosted by Sam from Thoughts on Tomes on Youtube.

It has been a while since I last participated in Top 5 Wednesday because of RI Author Month but I am glad I am back in time to talk about my favorite books so far this year!  So far I have read 177 books this year and many of them have been fantastic, so it is a little hard to narrow it down to just 5, but I will give it a go!  Oh and I am not including any of my re-reads because that just wouldn't be fair!

What I loved about Sky in the Deep is that it wasn't just an awesome Viking book, it also made some really awesome statements that could be applied to the world today. My Review

Steven Manchester always hits me in the feels but this one in particular really got to me, after having someone close to me go through almost this exact situation. My Review

 

I have been eyeing these books from a distance but when I was approved for an ARC of Grey Sister, I was forced to read Red Sister first. I have no idea why I was so hesitant!! My Review of Red Sister & My Review of Grey Sister

I wasn't too sure about this book, but it turned out to be amazing! What was even more amazing was watching the movie after reading this book, I was able to watch A New Hope from a completely different aspect, I really really hope they continue to release a book like this for each of the original trilogy.  My Review

This series blew me away! I never expected to love it as much as I did but I highly highly recommend reading this one, especially on audio book! My Full Series Review

I always seem to have a Middle Grade book in my top reads of the year, and even though I read this way back in January, I still find myself thinking about it. My Review

I really have little doubt that A Plague of Giants will be my top ranked book this year, I really don't foresee anything topping it.  I consumed this over 600 page book in less than a week, I am dying for the next book in the series and I really really want a TV series! My Review

Okay so it wasn't 5 books, but at least I narrowed it down to these! What have been some of your favorites so far this year?

Review of A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir & Event Recap & Giveaway

Read for: I LOVE this series & Recent Purchase!

Review of An Ember in the Ashes

Review of A Torch Against the Night

Synopsis: "Beyond the Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger.

The Blood Shrike, Helene Aquilla, is assailed on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable, while the Commandant capitalizes on his madness to bolster her own power. As Helene searches for a way to hold back the approaching darkness, her sister's life and the lives of all those in the Empire hang in the balance.

Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. But while hunting for a way to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would aid her, and is drawn into a battle she never thought she'd have to fight.

And in the land between the living and the dead, Elias Veturius has given up his freedom to serve as Soul Catcher. But in doing so, he has vowed himself to an ancient power that will stop at nothing to ensure Elias's devotion–even at the cost of his humanity."

My Review: I have anxiously been awaiting this one and it certainly did not disappoint but it did set a whole different tone than the previous books. There was a lot more internal strife, a lot of each character trying to find their place and their beliefs and where they draw their own moral line. I love how the addition of the Nightbringer's perspective adds and element to the story that makes you question who is in the right, and where the line between right and wrong lies. Each character has to answer questions about that right and wrong, they face tough decisions, and it lends to a much darker and beaten down tone to this book. It was honestly a bit draining to read but totally worth it, and the end really gives you a bit of hope and I love the direction it seems to be heading. 

My Rating: This is without a doubt a Four Paw book for me. It didn't capture me and make the pages fly quite like the previous two books did but that is due to the darker nature of this story. I need the next book, I need to know what happens!

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I was so excited to find out that Sabaa Tahir was going to be coming near me during the Reaper Release Tour and even though it was on a Tuesday night and Hubby, Munchkin and work all suffered a bit for it but it was so worth it!

I arrived a bit early and found a nice little park to read at until the start of the event.

The event took place at An Unlikely Story in Plainville MA.  Check out this little slice of heaven! I love the feel it gives off, lots of little cozy cubbies for different genres and yet a big open feel with some really eclectic gifts mixed in, and it has a little cafe and reading areas, then a whole upstairs for events!

I got a ticket online which included another copy of the book and they so kindly added this Elias poster! Now I just need to get my hands on the Helene & Laia posters!

I really enjoyed the format of the event, with a discussion between Karen McManus (Author of One of Us is Lying) and Sabaa Tahir. It was really entertaining and I think my favorite part was when Sabaa was talking about how she wished she was better at describing the character's outfits, she stated it usually goes "He was wearing black; and then he stabbed someone." LOL 

They then opened it up to the audience for a brief question and answer session. Sabaa then had a little trivia game with prizes.  Followed of course by signing lines. 

It was such a blast and I have to say An Unlikely Story really did a fantastic job running the event, everything was so smooth and seamless. Everyone was comfortable and happy and I cannot wait to go back!

So, I did end up with about 3 hard cover copies of A Reaper at the Gates, one of the extras was with my ticket, so I had Sabaa sign an extra copy to giveaway here to my lovely followers!! I am also including a couple of other items, the Laia & Elias Tea from Bookish Tea and a little pillow from Icey Designs with a quote on it.  

Of course with anything else we have rules
~You must be 16 or older to enter 

~Enter the giveaway via the below Rafflecopter methods
 ~US only, sorry but shipping this book would be too costly for me at this time
~Giveaway ends midnight on the 11th, winners will be selected the next day (I will be contacting you via email)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Southern Spice by Jeannette Winters
One White Lie by Jeannette Winters
Short Story Collection by the Rhode Island Short Story Club
Rhode Island's Friendly Faces by Roberta Mudge Humble (Bedtime Story)

 Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

Reaper at the Gates
I Capture the Castle
Crooked Kingdom
I will Surprise My Friend
Roar of a Snore
Baseball Buzz
Invention of Hugo Cabret
Cottage by the Sea
A is for America

Currently Reading:

Ruin of Stars by Linsey Miller - Print - on page 36 of  416
Grace of Kings by Ken Liu - Multiple Formats - 6%

Pages Read/ Time Listened
355:21 Hours Listened (35:21 listened this week)
22,437 Pages Read (1,029 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently: TBR
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
We Have Always Lived in a Castle by Shirley Jackson
To the Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher
Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry
Luck Love and Lemon Pie by Amy E. Reichert
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Reflections of Yesterday by Debbie Macomber
Jedi Search by Kevin J. Anderson
Eko by Loren Walker
Caging the Merrow by Heather Rigney
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Opel
The Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
Greedy Pigs by Matt Wallace
Lustlocked by Matt Wallace
Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
The Scandalous MacKenzies by Jennifer Ashley
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
The Stolen Mackenzie Bride by Jennifer Ashley
Frankenstein Alive! Alive! Trio by Steve Niles
Frankenstein, Alive! Alive! #4 by Steve Niles
Hard to Serve by Laura Kaye
Mastering Her Senses by Laura Kaye
Theirs to Take by Laura Kaye
Nightblade's Vengeance by Ryan Kirk
Circe by Madeline Miller
Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler
The Wolf by Leo Carew
My Lady's Choosing by Kitty Curran & Larissa Zageris
Beyond the Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso
True North by Marie Force
The Sorting Room by Angelina Singer
Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire
Frankenstein Dreams by Michael Sims
The Belgaraid by David Eddings
The Rhode Island Short Story Club presents The Club
Death Sworn by Leah Cypess
Sherlock Holmes and the Army of Dr. Moreau by Guy Adams
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
Prince of Persia by Jordan Mencher
Zenith by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
The Queen of Sorrow by Sarah Beth Durst
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett
Princesses Behaving Badly by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
The Marriage Arrangement by Jennifer Probst
Fight for Everything by Laura Kaye
Catching Stars by Cayla Keenan
Light as Air by Mari Carr
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper
Half Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
Pride's Spell by Matt Wallace 
Idle Ingredients by Matt Wallace
Guardian of Whills by Greg Rucka
Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Opal
The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
The Ship Beyond Time by Heidi Heilig
And I Darken by Kiersten White
Frostbite by Joshua Williamson
The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke
The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Pirateology by Dugald Steer
Polly and the Pirates: Vol. 1 by Ted Naifeh
Memoirs of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Theodore Roszak
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire



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Gosh, it felt like I crammed about a month into one week last week! It was a crazy week but it was also a great week! The event with Sabaa Tahir was fantastic and the location An Unlikely Bookstore is my new happy place! I had a great time but it really would be nice if I had a few bookish friends close by to go to these events with. Make sure you come by the blog tomorrow and I will have a little recap of the event and a giveaway too!

 I also got a lot of to dos knocked off the list for Munchkin starting school in the fall! I had no idea what went into sending my kid to a private school, you would think that for the amount of money I am paying I wouldn't have so much running around to do.  We also made some progress on the never ending house project with 2 more new windows installed. I also found out I am going to be an aunt again, and my brother in law returned from his specialized army training, so many good things happening!

I am in the midst of the Tome Topple Readathon and I have really been enjoying reading these books. I did manage to read 2 of the 4 books already! I took a little break today and tomorrow and maybe through the 4th to catch up on some ARCs that are due soon.

What are you reading today?