Review - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Wow it's been a while! I apologize it has taken me so long to get a new post up but I've been concentrating on school and college apps ('Tis the Season!). 

Without further ado, here's a review of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. 

Synopsis

Meet Celaena Sardothien.

Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, Celaena, an assassin, is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king’s champion. 

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass—and it’s there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

(Official Website)

Review

★★★★★

  Throne of Glass is the 1st book of the Throne of Glass series. It is composed of 6 books in total: Crown of Midnight (book 2), Heir of Fire (book 3), Queen of Shadows (book 4), and two other books that have yet to earn a title.

  I read this book after my friend, Jamelia (from Jamelia Blogging 24/7), recommended I read it.

  I must admit the cover sort of threw me off as the character's representation is rather disturbing to me. I don't know what it is about her, maybe the silver-tinted skin, but it did not appeal to me. Despite this minor hiccup, I opened the book and I'm glad I did because I got hooked!

  The narrative of this book alternates between three characters:
-Celaena Sardothien - pronounced Sell-lay-nah and not Celina as I'd thought, my bad - is the main character. She is one of the most bad-ass characters I've read about. I mean, she's a 17 year old assassin for crying out loud. Much more than the best-assassin in the land, she's also an avid reader and surprisingly sensitive at times.
-The Crown Prince, Dorian, is the son of the ruler. He is seen by many as a ladies' man. He is described as handsome, charming. He can do whatever he wants - unless his father tells him to do otherwise. Even he is afraid of the might king ruler, having more of a professional bond with him than a fatherly relationship.
-Chaol Westfall - pronounced Kay-all - is the Captain of the King's Guard. He's also handsome (yay) but less charming. For the most part, he does not show much emotion but, by reading parts of the story from his point of view, his character gains depth and I personally have become very attached to him.

  As you might have suspected, love emerges despite the violence in this book. Now, I'm not a fan of love triangles for the simple reason that they often cause conflict. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy reading love stories. However, I like them better when their are only two people involved so I know who I root for. I struggle with picking sides but I ultimately tend to decide (like in The Hunger Games *Peeta4ever*).

  This book has some very fast-paced action scenes that I would probably not recommend to younger readers but I'm no expert on such things. The scenes are sometimes rather graphic and I cringed when gruesome aspects were evoked (maybe that's just me...). They are very well described and I read the entire sections concerned despite my (bad?) habit of skimming over fight scenes from lack of easy visualization of what's going on.

  In my opinion, magic was not the main focus of the book, despite its description. However, it gained more importance as the story went on and, considering the book's ending (OMG), I'm sure it will be prominent in the next book.

  Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this book. I've been waiting about a month for the second book to become available at my local library and it's finally there! Off I go to my reading!


     Thanks for sticking by, I have actually read a few books since this so keep your tabs - haha, get it? - open for them!

New Release - How I Found You by Gabriella Lepore

     I have some exciting news for you! I've joined the Oftomes Publishing company team! This means I'll be posting updates on new releases and deals and such by Oftomes.

On to today's business, yesterday, the release of the publishing house's second re-vamped book was announced: How I Found You.

This is once again a book written by Gabriella Lepore (my previous post talks about Secrets in Phoenix, released not too long ago and that, by the way, I've enjoyed reading so far).

The cover is beautiful !!

Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Rose arrives at sleepy, remote Millwood expecting to spend a quiet summer with her aunt and uncle on their estate.
But after a series of dark and disturbing dreams, and the surprise arrival of charming brothers Oscar and Caicus Valero, her world is thrown upside-down. What are the brothers hiding? And what is it about Oscar that is so familiar? Before the summer is out, Rose will be forced to confront her destiny, even if it means facing the demon of her dreams. 
(Goodreads)


I'm looking forward to reading it!

It's available on Kindle and Paperback right now! 

Links to Oftomes Publishing:

Website - Twitter - Instagram - Facebook 

New Posts Coming Soon!

  It's been a while, hasn't it? Over a week, wow! I've been busy getting back into the swing of school, homework, practice... It's still a little crazy but I'm working it out.

  I thought I'd just update everyone in case you thought I'd given up on this blog. I most definitely have not! I haven't had the chance to read much while still returning library books so I need to get some reading time in soon and I'll be back and running smoothly.

  Thanks for sticking by as I sort this out!

Cover Reveal (+ Giveaway): Secrets in Phoenix - Gabriella Lepore

  Do you know what day it is? I get a little fuzzy on that sometimes but not today. Today is Sunday the 20th of September 2015... Do you know what that means? COVER REVEAL TIME !!!

BUT FIRST, here's a mind-refresher about the book

Synopsis

When Sophie Ballester and her twin brothers Sam and Todd are uprooted from their home and sent to a remote boarding school run by their Great Aunt Ness, they stumble upon a hidden room that holds a secret _ a secret that will change everything.

The people of Phoenix Holt are not what they seem.

In fact, nothing is.

Now that that's over with...

design by KimGDesigns

Isn't in beautiful? I really like it!

The book trailer by caseyannbooks is out too! (here)

If you're interested in acquiring this beauty, here a few options:

OR

You can pre order it in the UK (here) or in the US (here)

So here you go!

Oftomes Publishing links: tumblr ○ twitter ○ instagram ○ facebook 

Secrets in Phoenix - Gabriella Lepore

  I'm happy to announce I'll be assisting in a cover reveal for Gabriella Lepore's new release of the book Secrets in Phoenix!

  As you may possibly know already, Benjaminoftomes has launched his very own micro-publishing company. It's incredible and wonderful and I cannot wait to see all he can and will accomplish!
As I was saying, I, along will several other bloggers and vloggers, will be posting the cover of the revamped Secrets in Phoenix on September 9th 2015 - wait, that's this coming Sunday!? GET EXCITED!

Synopsis

When Sophie Ballester and her twin brothers Sam and Todd are uprooted from their home and sent to a remote boarding school run by their Great Aunt Ness, they stumble upon a hidden room that holds a secret _ a secret that will change everything.

The people of Phoenix Holt are not what they seem.

In fact, nothing is.

  It sounds like an interesting book. It seems to give of some kind of Narnia vibe because of the hidden room and it takes place in a boarding school in the middle of nowhere so it's bound to be filled with mystery and definitely action-packed. Keep in mind that it was actually released in 2014 but has been revamped by the publishing company and thus changes have been made to the writing. I'm looking forward to reading this new version when it comes out on October 13th 2015.
  It isn't available for pre order quite yet but I'll post another article with the link to the kindle edition as well as the official book trailer on Sunday!

 Stay tuned for a bunch of extra info and, of course, the highly anticipated cover reveal!!!

In the meantime, please enjoy this art regarding the book that the publisher sent me.

Gabriella Lepore's links: official website ○ goodreads ○ twitter ○ instagram

Oftomes Publishing's links: tumblr ○ twitter ○ instagram 

Reading Deadlines (#2)

  Once again, I have loads of books from the library. I have no clue as to why I put so many holds on books and think I'll have time to read them all before they're due...

  I'm in a slight reading slump so I've been having trouble finishing books lately but I'm hoping to get out of it with these!

  Without further ado, here are the books I need to read before the mighty deadlines.  

Fairest - Marissa Meyer

(The Lunar Chronicles #3.5)

I listed this book in the last Reading Deadlines post and haven't returned it yet (fingers crossed I'll finish it in time!)

Format: hardcover

Due date: September 16th 

Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Mass

(Throne of Glass #1)

I've heard a lot about this book and my friend Jamelia Blogging 24/7 says it's amazing so I just had to check it out!

Format: hardcover

Due date: September 21st

Firewalker - Josephine Angelini 

(Worldwalker #2)

This is the sequel to Trial by Fire, reviewed here.

I'm so excited to read this because the previous book ended with a cliffhanger...

Format: hardcover

Due date: September 26th

Outlander - Diana Gabaldon 

(Outlander #1)

I listed this with a different deadline in my last post but was able to renew it (yay!). This book is rather long (~900 pages) and I'm about 40% through so it'll take me some time to finish it. I'll have a review up as soon as I'm done!

Format: ebook

Due date: October 1st

The Queen of Tearling - Erika Johansen

(The Queen of Tearling #1)

I've been waiting about a month for this book to become available. I've heard good reviews about this from Sasha Alsberg (also know as abookutopia) and Benjaminoftomes - as you have probably noticed, I enjoy watching booktube videos.

Format: hardcover

Due date: October 3rd

Blood Witch - Cate Tiernan 

(Sweep #3)

I reviewed the 1st book in the series (Book of Shadows) here

Format: ebook

Due date: October 3rd

SO MANY BOOKS, SO LITTLE TIME...

Review - Book of Shadows by Cate Tiernan

Synopsis

Morgan Rowlands never thought she was anything other than a typical sixteen-year-old girl. But when she meets Cal, a captivatingly handsome coven leader, she makes a discover that turns her whole world upside down.

(Barnes & Noble)

Review

★★★★☆

  Book of Shadows is the first book in the Sweep series. I won't list all the sequels simply because there are a total of 15 books in this series - a fact I was unaware of when I embarked on this journey.

  It's only about 180 pages so this was a really (really) quick read for me. But the length makes it difficult to review without spoilers so this will shorter than usual.

  It's a fantasy book that involves teenagers and wicca - a witchcraft religion revolving around the four elements and balance. 
What's interesting with this story is that these practices aren't kept form the "outside world". It doesn't mean that everyone is familiar with it; witches don't hide it but they don't announce themselves when they walk down the street either. 
2 types of witches exist: the blood witch (descendant from a line of witches and thus born with magickal - the spelling is intentional to difference it form show magic - powers) and a witch who comes to be by joining a coven.

  The book is narrated by Morgan Rowlands, the 17 year old protagonist. She's always felt like the anomaly in her family. Her little sister, Mary K, is the pretty, nice, likable one in the family. Morgan's best friend, Bree, is model-like and popular in the dating game. Morgan's self-esteem is thus pretty low when she spends so much time with them. 

  Morgan's a junior in an ordinary, cliquey - yes, it's a word, I looked it up - high school in a small town. Nothing exciting ever happens around there. That is, until Cal Blair, a "god-like" senior, transfers in. He's the one who introduces wicca among the high school teens. 

  Lots of events and changes happen throughout the book and I enjoyed reading it. However, I think that there could have been more descriptions. Although the main characters are well described, we know little about what the inside of the school looks like or just their surroundings in general. I know it's rather uncommon for people to request more filler within a book but it's so short that it could have used more details to make it more captivating. 
This didn't stop me from getting invested in the book. I sometimes have that issue where I'm so into it that I get frustrated when conflicts arise. That's what happened here. I strongly dislike conflict within a book, especially when it's born from a lack of communication between the involved parties. 

  In the end, I would recommend this series if you're looking for a simple fantasy read. It's not amazing but it's a nice little magic-fix. I would recommend having the sequels at hand because you'll finish the first one in a few hours and need to know what happens next. 

  
  

Review - The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan

Synopsis

Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone—she’s about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can somehow see through her faerie glamor follows her into the Fae realm. Now she’s broken Guild Law, a crime that could lead to her expulsion.

The last thing Vi wants to do is spend any more time with the boy who got her into this mess, but the Guild requires that she return Nate to his home and make him forget everything he’s discovered of the Fae realm. Easy, right? Not when you factor in evil faeries, long-lost family members, and inconvenient feelings of the romantic kind. Vi is about to find herself tangled up in a dangerous plot—and it’ll take all her training to get out alive.

(Goodreads)

Review

★★★★★

  The Faerie Guardian is the first book in the Creepy Hollow series. The series consists of 5 books: The Faerie Prince (book 2), The Faerie War (book 3), A Faerie's Secret (book 4),  A Faerie's Revenge (book 5).

  As the title implies, the book involves faeries. No, they're not miniature Tinker Bells with their little dresses and faerie dust. These faeries are human-size, and don't generally carry around glittery powder. They live in a different real than humans and use faerie paths to travel between realms - or dimension if you'd rather call it that. In this book, the characters live in Creepy Hollow - isn't the name just great? I love it! Humans are unaware of magic and all of its implications; they live happy, ignorant lives.

  The story is entirely narrated by Violet Fairdale, a 17 year old faerie. Her name seems to be related to the fact that her hair is streaked with purple (all natural, too!) and her magic is the the same color. She is in training to become a guardian. [Guardians are in charge of protecting humans from magic folk; they go out on assignments in the human realm when magical creatures decide to pay a visit to a human.] Violet is actually at the top of her class and appears to be the perfect trainee. Every faerie has a special gift - an ability -, and hers is pretty cool.
I really like it when books are told from a character's point of view, in the first person. I don't know why that is but it makes it easier to read. It's told in the present tense which was rather disconcerting at first but I got used to it quickly.

  Violet interacts a lot with Ryn, a childhood friend who's become more of an enemy. And, whenever she would run into Ryn, she would immediately get annoyed and frustrated. I like learning about the way the character reacts to certain people; it makes the story more intimate, more captivating.
She also meets Nathaniel, a human boy, while out on an assignment. He can see through her glamour, how is that possible? We don't know! Nevertheless, they try to figure it out in secret as the Guild has rules against introducing humans to the faerie realm. It doesn't help that he's attractive and Violet can't seem to stay away from him.

  The action involves lots of magic but also close-combat with weapons and such. It's not too fantasy-oriented where they do stuff like send magical punches and what not. Okay, that may or may not happen at times but physical force is still at play. It may seem weird but I like reading descriptions of battles - it's like a slow-motion fight scene!

  Overall, I really liked this book. It provides a good balance between drama, action, and, of course, romance (duh!). The downside for me was that it took me a few chapters to really get into it and feel all that Violet was feeling. By the end, I hadn't realised how close I was to finishing it and when I tapped my screen to move to the next page, it said "Next in The Faerie Prince" and I may or may not have been overcome with disappointment. Bottom line, it's great and I need the next book...

  I highly recommend you get this book!

The eBook is free!

Reading Deadlines (#1)

  I'm introducing a new segment to my blog: "Reading Deadlines".  I'm the kind of person who places library holds on 18 books at once thinking it will be while before I can get them. However, magically, 5 - or more- of them become available on the same day. I check them out (obviously!) and, with that, comes a deadline. 
All this to say: I have lots library books to read! I'll list them in order of when they need to be returned.

Disclaimer: I'm not sure whether this will be a weekly segment simply because I check out books for 3 weeks at a time and don't always have any to talk about. Moreover, I won't give a synopsis of each book, just the title and cover because I'm don't always remember the plot and want to be surprised myself. However, for sequels, I'll either link you to my review of the first book or to the synopsis of the first book in the series, in case you want to know more.

Fractured Innocence - Julia Crane

(IFICS #2)

This is the sequel to Freak of Nature which I reviewed here.








Format: paperback



Due date: August 31st (so soon, argh!)

Book of Shadows - Cate Tiernan 

(Sweep #1)

Format: eBook

Due date: September 3rd

Rogue - Julie Kagawa

(Talon #2)

This is the sequel to Talon, reviewed here !

Format: hardcover

Due date: September 5th (FINISHED)

Outlander - Diana Gabaldon

(Outlander #1)

Format: eBook

Due date: September 6th

The 5th Wave - Richard Yancey 

(The 5th Wave #1)

Format: hardcover

Due date: September 12th

The Heir - Kiera Cass

(The Selection #4) 

 Here's the synopsis of the 1st book from the series, The Selection.

Fun fact: I've had a hold on this book since June and was 130th in line to get it.

Format: hardcover

Due date: September 12th

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

A stand-alone book!

Format: paperback

Due date: September 12th

Fairest - Marissa Meyer

(The Lunar Chronicles #3.5)

This is an extra for the series. Here's the synopsis of the 1st book, Cinder.

I checked this out once before but unfortunately didn't get around to reading it :(



Format: hardcover



Due date: September 16th




So, as you can see, I have a lot of books to read (and fast!).

Book Tag - Reading Habits

What? Another tag? Heck yeah, they're fun to do. I like changing it up a bit and only posting reviews is pretty monotone so I think I'll keep doing tags every once in a while for a pop of fun - oh no, did I actually use that phrasing? Am I that person? I guess I will be for now.


This tag was created by TheBookJazz.

1. Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

Not really...
Most of the time I lay on my bed and read but sometimes I'll sit on - lay across - the couch or even sit in the front yard.

2. Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Random piece of paper!
I cannot keep track of my bookmarks so I've given up on trying to use a nice one. When I pick up a book I've had on hold from the library, there's a piece of paper sticking out with my name on it so I can find it easily. I end up using that paper as my bookmark.

3. Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter/ a certain amount of pages?

I can just stop reading at any point.
I used to stop at the end of a chapter but, in some books, chapters can be 20 pages and I would have trouble staying focused. Now I just try to avoid stopping in the middle of an action scene because it's confusing to pick up later. 

4. Do you eat or drink while reading?

As much as I wish I could, I can't.

I'm too worried about damaging my precious book.

5. Multitasking: Music or TV while reading?

Nope!

I'm able to listen to music while reading but I don't really care for it; it can be distracting.

6. One book at a time or several at once?

Several at once.

During school, I read several books at once but if it's over break I have enough time to read, I tend to stick to just one. Other times I start a book but can't seem to get into it so I'll start another one (like right now). It basically depends on my mood - haha.

7. Reading at home or everywhere?

Everywhere, anywhere!!

I'll read at home, on the bus, in the car, at my friend's house, in the park... ANYWHERE.

8. Reading out lout or silently in your head?

In my head.
I actually do read out loud sometimes but only when it's a school book that's difficult to follow.

9. Do you read ahead or even skip pages?

Absolutely not.
It would spoil the fun.

10. Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?

I try to keep it like new.

Sometimes it's just not possible though... :(

11. Do you write in your books?

In books I'm reading for school? YES. Otherwise, no.

Some teachers require I take notes as I read and I find it a lot easier to write directly in the book rather than use post-it notes. Then again, if no notes are required I won't write in it because I don't see what good it would serve. 

Review - Talon by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

(Goodreads)

Review

★★★★★

  Talon is the first book in the Talon series - yes, it's a surprise, I know. The series consists of 5 books: Rogue (book 2), Soldier (book 3), and two other books that are currently untitled.

  I'd like to take a moment now to admire the beauty of this cover. I read the hardback edition (published by Harlequin Teen) and the cover is textured to feel scaly. Although the aesthetic of the book isn't the main reason I picked it up, it made me happier to look at - does that make any sense?

  The plot revolves around dragons - you know, the awesome mythical creatures that breathe fire and are incredibly strong and beautiful - and how they must hide themselves from the rest of the world. Now, this may not be a lot of information but it was enough to hook me in. I mean, come on, fire-breathing Dragons. That sounds pretty badass to me (and it is, indeed).

    Dragons do all sorts of things during their impressively long lives. Many have successfully assimilated to human society and even hold positions of power. There are also dragons who have broken all bonds with Talon, the secret organization that works to protect dragons; these are known as rogues.

  The story alternates between two point of views: Ember (a dragon), and Garret (a soldier who hunts dragons).
Both characters are around the same age but have a very different focus in life. For instance, Ember borders on rebellious behavior as she strives for freedom and fun while Garret, also known as the "Perfect Soldier", is all about doing his job.
Needless to say, things get complicated when these two opposed personalities meet (it's great!).

  Since Ember and her twin, Dante, are supposed to infiltrate society, they take it upon themselves to blend in with the crowd. This means hanging out with humans, surfing, and overall just experiencing the joys of being a teenager on summer break in California. It's fun to see - read - as the siblings discover the thrills of "ordinary" teenage lives such as surfing, drinking smoothies every day, going shopping and even attending parties!

    Now, it wouldn't be a proper YA novel without some romance. Within the secret organization, Talon, it is taught that dragons don't feel like humans do; they don't fall in love. However, who can judge what love is and who can or cannot feel it? No one, that's who. (Was that as deep as I think it is?)  It's interesting to see how Ember deals with unknown feelings. Aaaaand the male characters are, once again, rather attractive.

  Talon is full of surprises whether they involve romance, or action. The fight and training scenes are wonderfully described. I love the precision when it comes to describing the way a dragon's body moves and coils as well as the suspense that comes with one-to-one fighting. I even got worried more than once about the outcome on an altercation.

Review - Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Synopsis

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

(Goodreads)

Review

★★★★★

  Trial by Fire is a part of the Worldwalker series along with its sequel Firewalker. I believe the book's title might have been changed to: I am a Witch and Witches Burn (according to a new cover reveal). It makes sense but I personally really liked the original title because it referenced different aspects of the story and made it sound action-packed and rather mysterious. 

   I was confused when I started reading this book because, as usual, I hadn't read the synopsis of the book. Although I got it after Benjaminoftomes's stellar review, I had totally forgotten what it was about.
So here I was, reading about a sick teenager and her life in high school and I thought to myself: this seems like an interesting concept, I like it. Then, all of the sudden, the story switched directions as the main character, Lily Proctor, was transported to another world. At that point, I took a reading break and thought about it. I jumped right back in and let me tell you, I'm glad I did. Magic, witches, hot guys (yes, characters can be attractive just from their description despite what people say about how you don't actually see them so you're wrong), oh and did I mention magic? - What else could you ask for in a book?

  This book contains interesting magic. I liked the idea of using willstones to connect with others and help control your magic. It allows unbreakable bonds and conflicts to arise. In this world, magic isn't used to simply vanish or make food appear. It allows telepathic communication, impressive protection, and, okay, it can probably make stuff appear but that's beside my point. Magic is the source of everything in this world: medicine, electricity, heat, protection, and pretty much anything you can think of. Animals are grown. That's right, they're grown, not bred. Science doesn't have much relevance under the rule of this parallel world's queen (not elected, it's a monarchy - yay?) who is no one other than our dear Lily Proctor.

  As expected, the story involves friendship as well as romance. Although many think romance in YA novels is overrated and sappy, I love it. The romance is very well-written and, let's face it, I'm a sucker for it. However, the focus remains on the issues at stake quite a lot.

  I'm usually pretty good at guessing what's going to happen next in the book I'm reading. But this time, I simply couldn't. Sure, I guessed some parts; but other events blind sided me and it was a wonderful feeling.

  You know what they say, "when the action surprises you, you  must keep reading". 
Well, at least that's my excuse for reading all day and avoiding chores... 

  I look forward to reading the next book because this one ended with a cliffhanger. Why does the author hate me?

Book Tag - Would you rather?

I thought I'd try something a little different this time. I love watching book tag videos on youtube so I figured I'd give it a go! I sort of justified each of my answers because I personally like seeing the thought process in making the choices...

This tag was created by RayKayBooks (otherwise known as Rachel Reads).

Would you rather...

1. Read only trilogies or stand alones?

Although with trilogies I have more time to get attached to the characters and see their world evolve (or get destroyed, huh), I'd have to go with stand alones. That is because I tend to get attached to characters early on in the book and the action is faster paced when there is no sequel. I always worry that I won't like the sequel and it would ruin the book series for me.

2. Read only female or male authors?

Now, for this one, I couldn't care less. 
I've never payed attention to the author's gender when choosing a book. There are suppositions that female authors are more in touch with feelings... Excuse me, have you read anything by John Green?!

3. Shop at Barnes & Noble or Amazon?

Definitely Amazon! 
What could be better than ordering books online and having them delivered to your front step? Moreover, the books I want always seem to be cheaper on Amazon than on Barnes and Noble but, then again, I don't go there often.

4. All books become movies or t.v. shows?

Honestly, I'd go with neither but since this is a would you rather tag and not a please voice your opinion in total disregard of the nature of these questions tag, I'd rather all books become TV shows. In a TV show, the characters can portray more development and more details from the book can be included. (But the Harry Potter movies were, indeed, incredible)

5. Read 5 pages per day or 5 books per week?

5 books per week!
I couldn't stand only reading 5 pages everyday, I'd only finish about 4 books in an entire year! I already read a lot and there was a time when I would read 5 books per week so I would but rather do that.

6. Be a professional reviewer or author?

A professional reviewer.
You know those times when you have a creative writing assignment and you're stumped? Yeah, that's me 75% of the time. That being said, if I have specific guideline, I enjoy it. As a professional reviewer, I could help inspire others to pick up books they might have ignored otherwise. I'd have a chance to show how a book can make you feel and think; I would love it.

7. Only read your top 20 favorite books over and over or always read new ones that you haven't read before?

This is a tough one but... I'd always read new books I haven't read before. 
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy re-reading my favorite books but thinking about the thousands of other books I could read, I'd be missing an opportunity to find a new great book. 

8. Be a librarian or book seller?

A book seller.
That is because I believe there would be more customer service involved. Maybe someone would come in looking for a book as a gift to someone and need advice based on their favorite genres. Personally, when I go to the library, I already have a certain book in mind so I don't ask anyone their opinion. I simply walk through, find it, (check it out - of course) and leave.

9. Only read your favorite genre, or every genre except your favorite?

I would stick with my favorite genres (is that cheating?): fantasy, paranormal, dystopian...
There are so many books in each genre, I don't think I could possibly get bored of one.

10. Only read physical books or eBooks?

Only read physical books.

I love the feel of the book in my hands and turning the pages makes me feel for accomplished for some reason. I would miss the practical aspect of eBooks though... 

  So there you go, those were my answers to all the questions!

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