Book Bytes I #7

Book Bytes is a monthly feature I created to share news in the world of YA!

Each month posts can contain anything from new cover/title reveals, book-to-movie news, even the latest book deals!!

1.Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda Finds A Director!

Becky Allbertali’s debut novel Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, was optioned to be a movie back in 2015! As of September 6, Greg Berlanti, best known for producing/writing for popular DC shows on The CW/CBS such as Legends Of Tommorow, Supergirl, The Flash & Arrow is now set to direct Simon Vs.

Additional info can be found on The Hollywood Reporter article Here!

2.Everything,Everything Officially Filming

The month of September has been filled with behind the scenes pictures from Everything Everything’s movie set!

No release date has been announced yet, so for those of you who haven’t read Nicola’s novel, what are you waiting for? Now’s the perfect time to read it!!

First day on set of Everything Everything with @notnickrob. (I promise it is Nick Rob.) pic.twitter.com/Y46J1txXyy

— Amandla (@amandlastenberg) September 7, 2016

🎬 Late night shot from the set of the EE movie! How cute do @amandlastenberg (Maddy)& @notnickrob (Olly) look here?! pic.twitter.com/HP29UH5Sk3

— Nicola Yoon (@NicolaYoon) September 10, 2016

You guys, it's really, truly happening. Amandla & Nick are beyond talented. The movie is going to be incredible!!#everythingeverythingmovie pic.twitter.com/h8EztN0obG

— Nicola Yoon (@NicolaYoon) September 29, 2016

View this post on Instagram

With the director of the #everythingeverythingmovie the fantastic @stellameghie!!! Happy birthday, Stella! I'm so happy to share a birthday with you!! #everythingeverythingmovie #everythingeverything

A post shared by Nicola Yoon (@nicolayoon) on Sep 30, 2016 at 5:26pm PDT

3.Throne Of Glass Headed To Hulu

As of September 7, Sarah J. Maas, author of the NYT Bestselling Throne Of Glass + ACOTAR Series announced her novel Throne Of Glass is in the works to become a TV show for Hulu!

A writer/company/producer are attached to the project, Queen Of Shadows (the show’s title according to news sources) 

Additional info can be found on Deadline’s article Here

4.Red Queen Coloring Book

The NYT Bestseller Red Queen have a coloring book!

Announced September 21, this coloring book will contain “scenes and quotes from the series depicted within the pages“

Its set to be released December 20, 2016!

ALERT ALERT A RED QUEEN COLORING BOOK IS HAPPENING. What's the perfect color for your tears?! 🎨🖍🖌🎉🎊 https://t.co/0mhwKdHs0m pic.twitter.com/fMSKS5tPmS

— Epic Reads (@EpicReads) September 21, 2016

 5. Heist Society Movie Updates

Ally Carter author of the Gallagher Girls, Heist Society + Embassy Row Series, recently announced that her novel Heist Society, currently under option with Elizabeth Banks & Mark Handleman at Lionsgate to be adapted as a film, will undergo script rewrites.

As of September 22  The Hollywood Reporter  stated screenwriter Dylan Meyer will “take a second pass at the script.”

Dylan Meyer is best known for her work as a screenwriter on the Netflix film XOXO.

6.Seeker By Veronica Rossi Cover Reveal

Hypable revealed the cover of Seeker, the sequel to Riders. Announced September 30, the article from Hypable contains not only the cover, but also an official summary+excerpt!

Seekers is set to be released May 16, 2017.

What Book News Have You Heard?  🙂

 

 

A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir Review

A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir (An Ember In The Ashes #2)

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: August 30, 2016

Pages: 452

Summary: Elias and Laia are running for their lives.
After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf – the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison – to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene – Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus’s will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own – one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape… and kill them both.

My Rating: ★★★★☆ ½ 

*Spoilers Ahead*

My Thoughts: Tahir delivers a sequel with Laia and Elias on the run from the Empire, stakes are heightened, and danger is at every turn! 

“You are a torch against the night – if you dare to let yourself burn.”

A Torch Against The Night picks up right where Ember left off with Laia and Elias running for their lives.

Torch definitely has a different tone/feel than Ember but overall delivers an incredible story with expansion on the politics, magic and world of the Empire.

I.Plot

With the Commandant on their tails and managing to stay one step ahead, Laia and Elias are now traitors to the Empire, but nothing will stop them from helping Darin to escape Kauf Prison.

Similar to Ember, we are again in the minds of Laia and Elias. However, with Helene remaining in the Empire, she provides a 3rd POV that expands on the intricacy of the politics and hierarchy that weaves throughout.

Laia and Elias escape the city of Serra through underground catacombs with soldiers and the Commandant close by.

Early on, the Commandant finds her way to Elias. After a quick but intense battle, Elias emerges victorious with minor cuts and manages to escape his mother. However, he begins to question why he was able to escape so easily.

After suffering from episodes of seizures and blackouts Laia comes to understand why. The Commandant has poisoned him!

Trying to find an antidote at a local market in a nearby town does slow them down. However due to these seizures Elias finds himself drifting in and out of consciousness and drifting to a mysterious forest called the Waiting Place where the Soul Catcher tells him more about the fate he destined to with the limited time he may have left!

However things really pick up when Keenan and other familiar faces from Ember catch up with Laia and Elias on their journey to Kauf.

As for Helene, when her arc is introduced she is being brutally interrogated and must give up the info she can about Elias’s whereabouts. She doesn’t break so easily, but it backfires when she gets tasked with becoming Blood Shrike and hunting down Elias.

However, not everyone can be trusted! As Helene tracks him down, the Commandant we come to learn has a hidden agenda of her own and she won’t let anyone or anything get in her way.
Helene knows the risks involved if she doesn’t complete her task. Deep within her heart she cannot let Elias go. And she doesn’t plan to!

Darin’s life hangs in the balance with each and every obstacle Laia and Elias encounter.

II.World Building

With hints of magic in book 1, I knew it would play a bigger role in Torch and it was miraculously done!

The magic feels like much more of an integral part of this world and is explained in such a unique way that I cannot wait to see how it expanded on in future books!

Helene’s POV gives the reader additional world building/back story and the politics/hierarchy that governs the secrets and darkness that cloud the Empire.

Tahir expands the world beyond Blackcliff Academy with a number of settings explored throughout the novel:

-Kauf Prision
-Harsh deserts
-A forest known as the Waiting Place where souls have not yet passed on
-Tribal camps

With the 1st person POV I was immediately transported back into the brutal world of the Empire + could really picture each and every setting!

III.Characters

Character development is truly the backbone of this novel and it is masterfully done!

My favorite characters by far were Elias and Helene.

Battling the darkness within himself, Elias wants to show he can do good regardless of all the pain he’s caused. His capture/interrogation at Kauf further shows the light that shines within him to set things right.

Helene is stuck. She wants to abide by the Empire’s rules, but being his childhood friend she still loves Elias and doesn’t want to see him get hurt.

The glimpse of the Empire from Ember is seen in more depth in Torch from politics to the magic system, world-building and the secrets that lay hidden deep within. 

No surprise that Tahir’s sequel went above and beyond my expectations! Can’t wait to see what Book 3 has in store!

+ I also have A Torch Against The Night Playlist coming on Monday! (9/5)

Can’t wait to share it!! 

Book Bytes I #5

Book Bytes is a monthly feature I created to share news in the world of YA!

Each month I share with you, title reveals, book to movie news & so much more!

1.To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before #3

Jenny Han’s 3rd and final book in To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

titled Always & Forever Lara Jean 

will be released:

4.4.17 Always and Forever, Lara Jean pic.twitter.com/2AGSt2Hkyx

— Jenny Han (@jennyhan) July 10, 2016

2.Darkest Minds Director

On July 12, Alexandra Bracken announced a director is attached to direct the book to movie adaptation for The Darkest Minds!

Director of Kung Fu Panda Jennifer Yuh Nelson will be at the helm of this project!

More can be read on The Hollywood Reporter article character Here!

Happy, happy, happy! https://t.co/E9fDWlCB2p

— Alexandra Bracken (@alexbracken) July 12, 2016

3.Vampire Academy 10th Anniversary

As of July 15, PenguinTeen + HappilyEverAfter (USA Today) revealed a 10th Anniversary edition of Vampire Academy, which will be released November 29!

+ it comes with a “never-before-published short story, set in the Vampire Academy world.”

Check out the cover reveal for the 10th anniversary edition of #VampireAcademy by @RichelleMead on @HEAusatoday! https://t.co/pIAJpm3tH7

— Penguin Teen (@PenguinTeen) July 15, 2016

4. Story Of A Girl Director/Star Attached

As of July 18, it was announced that Sara Zarr’s 2007 novel Story Of A Girl, will be directed by Kyra Sedgwick and star Kevin Bacon.

Deadline states that production will begin in September with the movie being brought to Lifetime for a 2017 debut.

So this appears to be actually happening! Kyra Sedgwick Directs, Kevin Bacon To Star In ‘Story Of A Girl’ | https://t.co/5VvyoaTx1T

— Sara Zarr (@sarazarr) July 18, 2016

5.Everything, Everything Stars Attached

As of July 20, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Amandla Stenberg and Nick Robinson will be starring in Everything Everything & will play the main leads Maddy and Olly.

Full article from THR can be found Here.

So. I have some amazing, wonderful, incredible news!! https://t.co/XNFuRjeOxp

— Nicola Yoon (@NicolaYoon) July 20, 2016

6.This Savage Song Optioned By Sony

On July 21, The Hollywood Reporter also announced that Victoria Schwab’s latest novel +  NYT Bestseller This Savage Song, was picked up by Sony.

Full article can be found Here.

AHHH YOU GUYS!!! MY MOVIE NEWS JUST BROKE!!! https://t.co/cgiQc94OSj @EpicReads

— Victoria/V.E. Schwab (@veschwab) July 21, 2016

What Book News Have You Heard? 🙂

YA Books I’d Love As Graphic Novels

On my blog you may have noticed I’ve been reading+reviewing more comics/graphic novels which got me wondering… which of my favorite YA novels would I love to see as graphic novels?

I’ve put together a list below of books that I feel would make great graphic novels!

Thoughts On My List? + Any books you would love to see as graphic novels?

Lets discuss in the comments below 🙂

1. Eleanor & Park/Fangirl 

With the 80’s background of Eleanor&Park it would give great visuals as a graphic novel! + ever since the announcement of it being optioned for film (back in 2014) I would just love to see some sort of adaptation!

As for Fangirl, Rowell’s writing-style creates such a relatable coming-of-age story surrounding socially-anxious  Cath, who finds solace in writing/reading everything Simon Snow (especially fan fiction) and what she experiences during her first year of college!

The delightful story and realistic characters would make Fangirl a truly incredible graphic novel!

It’d be a dream of mine to see both of these fantastic YA novels adapted into a graphic novel!

2.Heist Society

Ally Carter’s Heist Society Series centers around Katarina Bishop, a 15 yr. old who grew up in a family of thieves who wants out, but gets thrust back into the world she’s tried so hard to escape when her father needs her help!

Carter’s fun & fast-paced novel takes the reader to Italy, Las Vegas, even France as Kat gathers intel w/ her crew to steal back a mobster’s artwork!

The visuals would be absolutely stunning, the planning,theivery,cons & heists that ensue  would definitely keep the reader turning the page!

3. An Ember In The Ashes 

Just imagine the colorful visuals of the Empire , dark shadow creatures/monsters + the intricate details of the Masks, even Blackcliff !!

Laia & Elias undergo their own perilous journeys where they not only learn more about who they are and how their fates become intertwined, but the deep darkness and brutality that lurks within the Martial Empire!

Sabaa Tahir’s debut YA-Fantasy is packed with such dynamic characters and rich world-building and an engaging plot that would make a truly unforgettable graphic novel!

4.Air Awakens Series

Elise Kova’s Air Awakens Series centers around Vhalla Yarl, a library apprentice turned sorcerer!

Through Kova’s writing-style she weaves together such a rich and vivid world/world-building with elemental magic, prince’s, libraries…everything that makes a YA Fantasy absolutely magnificent!! ❤ ❤

The cover alone, further proves this would make a magical, colorful and epic graphic novel series!

Don’t you agree?? 😀

5. 5 to 1

Holly Bodger’s feminist-dystopia takes place in 2054 where “India now has a ratio of five boys for every girl, making women an incredibly valuable commodity.”

Enter the main protagonists, Sudasa and Kiran who are desperate to escape!

Told in dual POV w/ prose and free-verse, Bodger’s novel could make a captivating and exquisitely  written/illustrated story!

6. Six Of Crows

Expanding on the world she created in her Grisha Trilogy, Bardugo’s Six Of Crows introduces a group of misfits a sharpshooter, thief, spy, Grisha, convict, and a runaway!

Together they takes their chances in a heist that could bring them riches beyond their wildest dreams! But the stakes are high! Can they pull it off?

Bardugo’s writing-style not only captures the complex characters and the bustling city of Ketterdam,the Ice Court+ other vividly described locations, but also is packed with humor, a little romance, and non-stop action!

From the numerous edits/fanart I’ve seen, I am absolutely certain this fast-paced, dark Ocean 11 fantasy would be phenomenal as a graphic novel!

7.Wolf By Wolf

Ryan Graudin’s Wolf By Wolf, an alternate WW2 Sci-Fi centers around Yael, a former death camp prisoner who underwent experiments giving her the ability to shape-shift!

With the Axis Tour (motorcycle race) coming up, she is given a task to impersonate a motorcycle racer, with the winner getting a chance to meet Hitler!

But Yael and the resistance she joined have only 1 task: Kill Hitler!

Graudin’s writing-style not only immerses you in the era of WW2/the wonderful characters, but really shows whats at stake for Yael in this  cross-continent motorcycle-race!

8.The Diviners

Libba Bray’s YA Historical Fiction takes the main character Evie O’Neill  1920’s New York! Evie is forced to stay with her uncle in his occult museum and when her uncle is called to the scene of a murder, she wants to use her supernatural gift to catch the killer!

Speakeasies, Flappers, Jazz, murder-mysteries??+ The large/diverse cast of characters!

All of these make great elements for a graphic novel!

8.Rebel Of The Sands

Alwyn Hamilton’s Arabian-Nights/Western Mash-Up would be a spectacular graphic novel!

Because the novel is written in Amani’s POV, elements of Miraji from fouza (the currency) to the outfits, and locations are wonderfully described and from page one you are fully immersed in her world!  Alwyn’s descriptions/dialogue really bring Rebel to life!

 

Here are other YA Novels that I feel would make great graphic novels as well:

 

 

Book Bytes I #4

Book Bytes is a feature I created to give quick updates in the book community such as cover

reveals,  book adaptation & so much more!

1.Everything,Everything Director

June 1st, it was announced that Stella Meghie would be attached to direct Nicola Yoon’s 2015 YA-Contemporary Debut Everything,Everything!

More info can be found on The Hollywood Reporter article Here

I'm so proud to be directing @NicolaYoon's EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING! This book is in my bones! And soon on the screen! https://t.co/42CEhnxC4k

— Stella Meghie (@stellamink) June 1, 2016

2.The Song Rising Cover Reveal (Bone Season #3)

On June 2 Samantha Shannon revealed the cover for the third book in her Bone Season series!

This book has a cover change from the previous books, but Samantha assured the spines would still match!

The Song Rising is set to be released March 2017!

 

And this one is for the UK and the rest of the world. I can't believe I finally get to share them! pic.twitter.com/fbUBsHU1rE

— Samantha Shannon (@say_shannon) June 2, 2016

3.The Inexplicable Logic Of My Life Excerpt+Cover Reveal

On June 8 EW released an article which revealed the cover+an excerpt of The Inexplicable Logic Of My Life which is from the same author who wrote Aristotle&Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe! You can read the excerpt on the EW article Here!

It is set to be released March 7,2017!

4.Red Queen 3 Release Date+Cover

On June 8 Victoria Aveyard, author of the NYT Bestselling series Red Queen announced the third book in her series will be released February 7,2017 + a cover reveal would be coming soon!

RED QUEEN 3 comes out on February 7, 2017! pic.twitter.com/zNuLHXgaz7

— Victoria Aveyard (@VictoriaAveyard) June 8, 2016

5. A Torch Against The Night Tour

June 16, Sabaa Tahir announced the tour dates for her book A Torch Against The Night the sequel to An Ember In The Ashes.

She will be on tour from the end of August to mid-September

Full list of tour dates can be found Here!

6.The Selection Director

June 18, Kiera Cass author of The Selection Series announced a director was found for The Selection movie!

You want some #SelectionMovie news? Okay, here you go: https://t.co/FWhLdqJLsf

— Kiera Cass (@kieracass) June 17, 2016

We are still not greenlit though. The best thing you can do is cheerlead to @wbpictures and I will keep you posted! #SelectionMovie

— Kiera Cass (@kieracass) June 17, 2016

More can be found on the Variety article Here!

The Selection is currently under option at Warner Bros.

7.A Crown Of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi Cover/Excerpt

June 21, on EW revealed the first chapter + the cover to the companion novel of the NYT bestseller The Star-Touched Queen 

Ch. 1 can be read Here! + Here is the cover:

It is set to be released March 2017!

8.The Ship Beyond Time by Heidi Heilig Cover Reveal

On June 22, YABC revealed the cover for the sequel/finale to The Girl From Everywhere!

Here is the cover:

It is set to be released March 28,2017!

9. Bloodrose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves Cover Reveal

Also on June 22, Rosalyn Eves revealed the cover for her 2017 YA-Fantasy debut!

Book 1 in a new trilogy set in an alternate Victorian England!

It is set to be released March 28, 2017

It's live! The cover for #BloodRoseRebellion + a giveaway! Huge thanks to the fantastic team at @KnopfBFYR: https://t.co/R76WmUKkhe

— Rosalyn Eves (@RosalynEves) June 22, 2016

 

10.Epic Reads 2017 Winter Cover Reveals

On June 27 Epic Reads revealed a number of covers for the books they are releasing from January to April!

There are a number of continuations, finales, debuts+ standalones!

You can check out the full list Here 

11. King’s Cage Cover Reveal

On June 28, Epic Reads revealed the cover for the 3rd book in Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen Series

It is set to be released February 7, 2017!

AHHHHHH the cover for #KingsCage by @VictoriaAveyard is here!!!! https://t.co/k7H9mmQXLF pic.twitter.com/sgHGnUug6a

— Epic Reads (@EpicReads) June 28, 2016

12.Our Chemical Hearts Optioned for Film

On June 29, The Hollywood Reporter announced Krystal Sutheraland’s 2016 YA-Contemporary debut Our Chemical Hearts film rights were picked up by Awesomeness Films!

It is set to be released October 4 2016!

What book news have you heard this month? 🙂

 

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab ARC Review

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab (Monsters Of Verity #1)

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: July 5, 2016

Pages: 464

Summary: There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.

My Rating: 

My Thoughts: Everything Victoria writes is perfection!! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

She does an incredible job with creating tone/atmosphere!
From the summary alone this novel gives a dark/mystery-thriller vibe and she does it remarkably.

She’s got character development down to a T! With each and every character, from minor characters to villains, etc. they are all fully developed and I felt I understood each and every one of them by the end of this novel!

Kate struggles in this book to not only get approval from her father but also find her own path!
August struggles to understand what it means to be human, while also trying to protect his family!

*It was so interesting to see how music was seamlessly weaved into this story*!
I loved how August’s Sonai powers revolved around music, more sepcifically the violin and how his connection to it was represented in his narrative and him as character!
+ There is NO ROMANCE!! Very refreshing to see in a YA novel! W/ that said I loved the friendship that developed between August/Kate & while there were very very minor “romantic” moments you really see how much they care for each other & how their meeting really changed their life in Verity!

My only minor issue, was world building! In the first few of pages you are put into this world without much background, but as the story progresses the world becomes much more easy to follow and while the descriptions gave me a Dystopian Vibe (while it is classified as Urban Fantasy), As the story continues Victoria truly gets you immersed into the world/setting of Verity with Kate & August!

While I am usually hesitant about 3rd person narrative (I feel at times it makes hard to connect w/ the characters) Victoria executes it perfectly!

The dual narrative of August & Kate really gives you an overall scope of Verity and whats at stake b/c of a truce that is on the verge of collapse + how the monsters really are the root to this complex city!
+ THE ENDING!! I am really interested to see how it wraps up in book 2!!

Overall this was a dark and fast-paced story w/ twists, complex characters & a rich and lyrical writing that will keep you reading till you’ve reached the last page & leave you wanting the next book!

June 2016 Wrap-Up

# of Books Read: 10

1.The Girl Of Ink And Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

The Girl Of Ink And Stars Full Review

Publisher: Chicken House

Release Date: May 5, 2016

Pages: 228

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: A beautifully written debut! This book is filled with mystery, adventure, and an unforgettable world/characters that keep you turning the page!

2.You Know Me Well by David Levithan + Nina LaCour

You Know Me Well ARC Review

Publisher: St.Martins Griffin

Release Date: June 7,2016

Pages: 256 (Hardcover) 250 (ARC)

My Rating:

Overall Thoughts: A dual-POV contemporary that has friendship at its core!

Mark+Kate struggle to tell their crushes how they feel about them, fearing their friendship would be put at risk!

But along the way Mark & Kate help each other no matter what and find the strength within themselves to confront their crushes/friends!

3.Zodiac Starforce: By The Power Of Astra by Kevin Panetta + Paulina Ganucheau

Zodiac Starforce Full Review

Publisher: Dark Horse Books

Release Date: March 9,2016

Pages: 136

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: A fast-paced comic with friendship/girl-power ❤ ❤

The art-style is beautiful & the plot itself is pretty easy to follow w/ a diverse cast of characters!

4.How It Ends by Catherine Lo

How It Ends Full Review

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Release Date: June 7,2016

Pages: 304

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: A deep and moving story about friendship!

This book was spectacular! I found myself relating to Jessie (being quite shy) & finding it difficult to navigate friendships!

Lo’s novel tells the story of Annie & Jessie and the obstacles/tensions that threaten to destroy their friendship!

Highly recommend !!

5.Prodigy by Marie Lu (Graphic Novel)

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books For Young Readers

Pages: 160

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: A condensed but overall enjoyable read of Marie’s 371 page novel of the same name!

This is definitely for those who have read all the Legend books! (more background info/character development)

I will def. be reading the GN of Champion if one is to be released!

6. The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Problem With Forever Full Review

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: May 17,2016

Pages: 480

My Rating:

Overall Thoughts: A deep and character-driven contemporary!

Reading from Malory’s POV while at times heart-breaking showed the reader just how strong/independent she had become! There are some aspects that did bother me, the mean girlfriend cliche and at times the pacing was quite slow! But this was a truly unforgettable contemporary!

7.Lady Killer Vol.1 by Joëlle Jones + Jamie S. Rich

Lady Killer Full Review

Publisher: Dark Horse Books

Release Date: September 15, 2015

Pages: 138

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: A dark thrilling story of a housewife turned assassin! Everything about this comic was perfect! The plot is fast-paced the characters are well developed and the plot twists will leave you wondering what happens next!

8.The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace

The Princess Saves Herself In This One Full Review

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: April 23,2016

Pages: 156

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: Powerful and moving poems that discuss grief, acceptance, love, independence and so much more! Each poem is raw and evokes such emotion!

A must read!

9.This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

ARC Review To Come

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: July 5, 2016

Pages: 464

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: A dark, but fast-paced story! The 3rd person POV makes it easy to transition from Kate to August! Twists/turns + plot twists that keep you reading till the very end!

10. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Love & Gelato Full Review

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: May 3,2016

Pages: 390

My Rating:

Overall Thoughts: This contemporary took me by surprise! There is so much depth to the characters + reading from Lina’s POV was never dull! Italy is brought to life in this novel and the mystery/friendship that Lina develops is enough to keep you reading!

Additional Posts From This Month:

Book Bytes I #3          

June 2016 Releases

Literary Magazine Discussion

The Alchemists Of Loom by Elise Kova Cover Reveal

May 2016 Book Releases I’m Looking Forward To!

Here Are The May Releases I’m Looking Forward To!

Publisher: S&S Books For Young Readers May 17

1.Some Kind Of Happiness by Claire Legrand

Summary: THINGS FINLEY HART DOESN’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT

• Her parents, who are having problems. (But they pretend like they’re not.)
• Being sent to her grandparents’ house for the summer.
• Never having met said grandparents.
• Her blue days—when life feels overwhelming, and it’s hard to keep her head up. (This happens a lot.)

Finley’s only retreat is the Everwood, a forest kingdom that exists in the pages of her notebook. Until she discovers the endless woods behind her grandparents’ house and realizes the Everwood is real–and holds more mysteries than she’d ever imagined, including a family of pirates that she isn’t allowed to talk to, trees covered in ash, and a strange old wizard living in a house made of bones.

With the help of her cousins, Finley sets out on a mission to save the dying Everwood and uncover its secrets. But as the mysteries pile up and the frightening sadness inside her grows, Finley realizes that if she wants to save the Everwood, she’ll first have to save herself.

Publisher: Balzer+Bray May 17

2. The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye

Summary: Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love… or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear… the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

Publisher: GP Putnams Sons BYR May 24

3. The Last Star by Rick Yancey (The 5th Wave #3)

Summary: ‘Wildly entertaining . . . I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough’ The New York Times

We’re here, then we’re gone, and that was true before they came. That’s always been true. The Others didn’t invent death; they just perfected it. Gave death a face to put back in our face, because they knew that was the only way to crush us. It won’t end on any continent or ocean, no mountain or plain, jungle or desert. It will end where it began, where it had been from the beginning, on the battlefield of the last beating human heart.

 

 

Publisher: HarperTeen May 31

4. Frannie & Tru by Karen Hattrup

Summary: When Frannie Little eavesdrops on her parents fighting she discovers that her cousin Truman is gay, and his parents are so upset they are sending him to live with her family for the summer. At least, that’s what she thinks the story is. . . When he arrives, shy Frannie befriends this older boy, who is everything that she’s not–rich, confident, cynical, sophisticated. Together, they embark on a magical summer marked by slowly unraveling secrets.

 

 

 

Publisher: HarperTeen May 31

5.Wanderlost by Jen Malone

Summary: Aubree can’t think of a better place to be than in perfectly boring Ohio, and she’s ready for a relaxing summer. But when her older sister, Elizabeth, gets into real trouble, Aubree is talked into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe.

Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop in Amsterdam before their perfect plan unravels, leaving her with no phone, no carefully prepared binder full of helpful facts, and an unexpected guest: the tour company owner’s son, Sam. Considering she’s pretending to be Elizabeth, she absolutely shouldn’t fall for him, but she can’t help it, especially with the most romantic European cities as the backdrop for their love story.

But her relationship with Sam is threatening to ruin her relationship with her sister, and she feels like she’s letting both of them down. Aubree knows this trip may show her who she really is—she just hopes she likes where she ends up.

What May Releases Are You Looking Forward To? 🙂

The Winners Kiss by Marie Rutkoski Review

The Winners Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (The Winners Trilogy #3)

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Release Date: March 29, 2016

Pages: 496

Summary: War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

My Rating:

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

My Thoughts:

“No battle is won without a good gamble.”

An epic conclusion to an incredible trilogy!

First and foremost, what I love about this trilogy so much is Kestrel as a character.

She is powerful not in a sense of her strength as a fighter, but through her mind and development of strategy.

This final installment, as with the past 2 novels, is presented with an exquisite writing style!

Each and every sentence carries so much weight and meaning to overall story and is delivered in such an elegant manner.

There is immense character development in this novel and can be seen through the actions each character takes. With the 3rd person POV, we see just how important perception/strategy is and how its weaved into to the main characters personality.

In addition, politics/strategy plays a huge role and weaves in perfectly with the plot.

At the start of the book, Kestrel is sent to a prison camp and she reflects on all that has happened (from what happened w/ Arin, her father, etc.). Feeling guilty she does what she can to erase those past memories.

Arin is now plays an important role in the battle between the Valorians & Herrani, while still holding onto his moments w/ Kestrel.

An aspect to plot which I really loved, was the dynamic between Arin & his god of death (which later is reveled to be himself)

As the plot continues they reunite, but Kestrel has lost important memories and Arin no longer sees her as who she once was.

While forgetting some memories, she recovers but throughout this novel there is definitely growth to Kestrel. In addition to her incredible logic, she also develops her strength through combat.

Kestrel and Arin’s relationship while important, did not remain the focus and development for their relationship was definitely there when necessary.

In terms of world-building it is definitely there, with the descriptions during battle/strategy planning. And through the characters reflecting on past events.

*This novel also has a slower pace in my opinion than the previous two, but does not make the story drag*

While reading, what I also loved about this book was the character dynamics/interactions. From conversation to battles, the writing style really sets this final book up as a strategy game with the characters each playing their part.

Overall each element from plot to politics weaved together perfectly to deliver an action-packed and stunning conclusion to The Winners Trilogy ❤ ❤

February 2016 Wrap-Up

# Of Books Read: 6

1.Between Shades Of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Between Shades Of Gray Full Review

Publisher: Philomel Books

Release Date: March 22, 2011

Pages: 344

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: This was my first Ruta Sepetys novel and it was amazing! While heartbreaking, this story focused on another side to WW2 not usually explored. I really felt for each character and their struggles during the war. The pacing was a little slow at times, so that’s why I took away a star.

2. Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Blackhearts Full Review

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: February 9, 2016

Pages: 384

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: By the end, I felt I really knew each and every character. Anne and Teach slowly develop a relationship and through the writing, I really felt I was transported to that time period. With each chapter, I really saw their relationship develop and grow! Definitely a wonderful debut novel!

3.Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #2)

Glass Sword Full Review

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: February 9, 2016

Pages: 448

My Rating: 

(Still in between 4/4.5)

Overall Thoughts: Glass Sword definitely had a different tone to it than RQ. Maven’s transition to a villain really made this book a blast to read! He is now my fave. character in the series! My issues were mostly with plot direction and world building! But this was definitely a solid sequel! I do plan to continue the series!

4. Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Salt To The Sea Full Review

Publisher: Philomel Books

Release Date: February 2, 2016

Pages: 400

My Rating:

Overall Thoughts: Told through multiple, short, POV’s we follow 4 people as they plan to board the Wilhelm Gustloff! The writing style truly creates such emotion and depth within each character! Similar to Between Shades Of Gray, this novel focuses on war from a different angle. This novel was absolutely brilliant! Highly recommend ❤

5.Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell

Unhooked Full Review

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: February 2, 2016

Pages: 342

My Rating: 

Overall Thoughts: This was a dark and immersive retelling of Peter Pan. The tone/atmosphere was definitely present all through out the story. The characters and plot were wonderfully developed. However, I did feel the ending was quite rushed!

6.Earth’s End by Elise Kova (Air Awakens #3)

Earth’s End Full Review

Publisher: Silver Wing Press

Release Date: February 11, 2016

Pages: 350

My Rating:

Overall Thoughts: A great continuation to an amazing series! Character development is huge in this story. The end will definitely leave you wanting to get your hands on Book 4 right away!

What Books Did You Read This Month? 🙂

Let Me Know In The Comments Below!