Stacking the Shelves (#3)

 

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews to showcase the amazing goodies that you procured throughout the week!

Hello everyone! First I want to let you all know that I am currently hosting two separate giveaways. The prizes include a all-in-one copy of The Chronicles of Narnia (US only) and any book from the book depository up to $18 (International).

For a chance to enter either of these amazing giveaways and to see my April Fandom of the Month unboxing click HERE!


This week I got my hands on three gorgeous books! I cannot wait to show you how amazing these look. :)

#1.
Title: Crimson Bound
Author: Rosamund Hodge

 "When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption."

#2.
Title: the Great Hunt
Author: Wendy Higgens

 "When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger…until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface."


#3.
 Title: Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before
Author: David Yoo

 
"If Albert Kim has learned one thing in his tragic adolescence, it's that God (probably a sadistic teenaged alien) does not want him to succeed at Bern High. By the end of sophomore year, Al is so tired of humiliation that he's chosen to just forget girls and high school society in general, and enjoy the Zen-like detachment that comes from being an intentional loser.

Then he meets Mia Stone, and all the repressed hormones come flooding back. Mia, his co-worker at the Bern Inn, is adorable, popular, and most intimidatingly, the ex- long-term girlfriend of Ivy-bound, muscle-bound king of BHS and world class jerk, Ryan Stackhouse. But -- chalk it up to the magic of Al's inner beauty -- by the end of a summer vacuuming hotel rooms and goofing off together, he and Mia are officially "something."

Albert barely has time to ponder this miracle before the bomb drops: Ryan has been diagnosed with cancer, and he needs Mia's support, i.e. constant companionship. True, he's lost weight and he's getting radiation, but that doesn't make him any less of a jerk. And to Albert, it couldn't be more apparent that Ryan is using his cancer to steal Mia back. With the whole town rallying behind Ryan like he's a fallen hero, and Mia emotionally confused and worried for Ryan, Al's bid for love is not a popular campaign. In fact, it's exactly like driving the wrong way on a five-lane highway."



This last book is definitely not my "normal" type of read-- I tend to stay away from contemporary and gravitate towards fantasy-- but I really wanted to have this one! I think it will be a refreshing change of pace whenever I am ready for a good contemporary novel.

These other two books definitely sound like ones that I will enjoy. They both sound mysterious and romantic and I don't know how to possible choose which one to start with! Help!

Have you read any of these books? What did you add to your collection this week? 

April Fandom of the Month Unboxing + Giveaways

 

The Fandom of the Month is a monthly subscription service that will send you 3-4 pieces of fandom inspired jewelry for a surprise fandom. The boxes start at $13 for one month and decrease slightly in price as you bundle months together!

*This post will contain spoilers for the April 2016 FOTM Box*

This month I bought a one month subscription to The Fandom of the Month Club because I had heard so many great things about it and had to experience it for myself. When I received the box in the mail I was initially surprised by the size of it (I had expected it to be bigger) but this box really embodied the "good things come in small packages" proverb. With each new discovery I found myself growing more and more excited for what was to come! First of all, this box is adorable. The owl is super cute and I loved how each side of the box had a version of the logo on it. The box was easy to open and I just had to slice through a little tape to get inside.

Notice the small things. The rewards are inversely proportional.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/small_things.html

Notice the small things. The rewards are inversely proportional.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/small_things.html

Notice the small things. The rewards are inversely proportional.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/small_things.html

 

I definitely paused here to read this cute definition of fandom; which made me smile. This is just one example of the detail in this box!

  

The next two things inside my box was this adorable themed membership card and a lion magnet. When I first opened the box I thought that maybe this was the ship from Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters...until I saw the lion magnet and I realized that it's the DAWN TREADER. Duh, Lauren. 

If you haven't figured it out at this point I will tell you... IT'S A NARNIA BOX!!! I must say that I was slightly worried when I signed up for this box because I knew that they had already done Lord of the Rings (so sad I missed this one :'( ), Once Upon a Time (also very sad!), Star Wars and The Hunger Games. I honestly stalked ebay to see if anyone was selling the LOTR or Once Upon a Time ones because they looked THAT good. I couldn't help but wonder what could possibly be left that I would enjoy. 

It's like they know me in the best possible way and they have proven to me that they know how to keep picking winning fandoms!

One signatures of this subscription box is that the jewelry comes in one of these gorgeous cloth bags. This one has Reepicheep and a wonderful rallying quote from him.

You cannot even pretend that he isn't the most adorable sword-wielding mouse you've ever seen! Inside of this adorable pouch where three pieces of Narnia inspired jewelry:

 

 These little earrings are of the fierce and majestic great lion, Aslan. I love the detail on these and I can definitely tell what they are. Unfortunately, I had two problems with these when I went to put them on. the first problem was that the posts are attached to the back end of the lion. What this means is that unless you want this giant cat's tail facing forward, you have to but the earrings in backwards. This is completely doable it is just awkward and takes more time than normal. The second problem that I had was just a matter of personal taste; I didn't like how far out from my ear lope the lion head came. Because I have sensitive ears anyway and I am not sure what these are made with I am currently planning to use them as lapel pins when I'm feeling fancy.

 

This bracelet symbolizes each of the seven books in this series and I think that it is beautiful. I really like how there are so many different colors in this bracelet because if no one knew what it meant they would still think that it was really pretty.

This last piece of jewelry is my favorite of the bunch:

This is a locket style necklace of the Narnia wardrobe. I love the color of this necklace, the detail work on the door, the length of the chain, and (of course) the picture of the lamppost inside! I think that this is such a perfect representation of the fandom and I am so glad to see it included in the box. 

The only problem at all with this necklace is that the hinge is a little hard to open. It makes me more cautious about opening it because it does make me feel like I might break it accidentally. Otherwise, it's practically perfect.

Overall I loved this subscription box and I think that I will be signing up for another month! Let me know what you think of this month's box and/or if you have participated in a subscription service yourself before. 

Giveaway #1:

In honor of the Narnia theme for the month of April, I will be giving away a copy of Narnia. This is a paperback that contains all seven books in the series! Unfortunately I am only able to do this giveaway for the US only because shipping would be to expensive internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #2:

This giveaway will be international so that everyone will have a chance to win! The winner can choose any book up to $18 from the book depository. This could be one of the Narnia books or something completely different! 

*This giveaway is only applicable if the book depository will ship to your location!*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (#3)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to highlight upcoming releases we're excited about.

This week I have not one but TWO amazing books that I am looking forward too! Both of theses beauties will be release next Tuesday. 

Beautiful Book #1

Title: Ruined
Author: Amy Tintera
Release Date: May 3rd

"Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake."


I absolutely love the plot for this story and I think that the cover is simply stunning!

I cannot wait to here Emelina's voice in this story and I have high hopes that she will be as fierce and strong as this synopsis makes her sound. This book definitely sounds like it has the potential to be so many good things and I am oddly terrified to see if it lives up to my expectations! 

Beautiful Book #2

Title: The Hidden Oracle
Author: Rick Riordan
Release Date: May 3rd

"How do you punish an immortal?
By making him human.

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour.

But Apollo has many enemies - gods, monsters and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood."


I cannot wait to get my hands on the newest series by Riordan. This is one of the few authors that I feel comfortable saying is an insta-buy from me! I love the whole idea behind this new book and I cannot WAIT to have some more Apollo action. Bring on all of his hilarious haikus! :)

Waiting on Wednesday (#2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to highlight upcoming releases we're excited about.

*Hi Everyone! This week I have just discovered this GORGEOUS new book that is set to be released in September of 2016. I was drawn in by the cover but stuck around after reading this amazing synopsis!*

Title: A Shadow Bright and Burning

Author: Jessica Cluess

Release Date: September 20, 2016

Publisher: Random House BFYR

"Henrietta Howel can burst into flames.
Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers.

Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.

But Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one.
As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?"

This book is definitely making me wish that it was already September! Summer? Who needs it. I just want this beautiful book in my hands and safely on my bookshelf. I am so intrigued by the plot for this story and I just want to know why everyone thinks she is the chosen one, how she knows that she isn't, what are all the secrets everyone is hiding, and who this mysterious loved one is!  Am I really asking that much here?

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Ruby Red

Title: Ruby Red (Book #1)

Author: Kerstin Gier

Summary:

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

When Gwyneth Shepherd’s cousin starts to feel dizzy, the whole family goes on high alert, waiting for the moment when Charlotte will time-travel for the first time.  A few days later, Gwyneth takes an unexpected trip into the past instead of her cousin.  When the ensuing confusion, frustration, and shock finally sink in, the family must face the truth; Gwyneth is the family time traveler.  Having never been trained and having only rudimentary knowledge of the past, Gwyneth must try to learn all she can about this new ability—before it’s too late. 

The premise of Ruby Red is a good one; it’s intriguing, edgy, and who doesn’t like a bit of time travel?  Gwyneth and Gideon are both refreshing characters that are fun to read and rather mysterious. The interplay between them definitely picks up throughout the book and keeps to story alive. The fear and confusion Gwyneth displays, during and after time travel, feels genuine.  I could honestly picture myself transporting through time with her. 

I finished this book in two sittings (interrupted only because I HAD to go to class) and did not want to put it down.  Trying to subtly read it in class did not work well and I was forced to start taking some notes.  Many of the characters in this story are quite enjoyable… but, the people from the past are even more intriguing than the ones that are first introduced.  

One of the problems that I have with this book is that the only things that get accomplished are what the book summary already revealed would happen.  There is a lot of setup for this world and structure, and many characters are introduced, but nothing is resolved here.  In fact, the book literally ends in THE MIDDLE OF A SCENE.  Understandably, cliff-hangers are used as a way to keep people interested in the plotline, but please, let SOMETHING new get resolved in this book!  The story feels more like a movie trailer—or a much longer book “blurb” for the whole series.

Though, having just said that this feels like a movie trailer, it is important to point out   that it is one movie that I would definitely later pay to watch.  Ruby Red is good, and now that the set-up is out of the way, hopefully the next book will dive right into the actual plot.  I definitely recommend this book, but reading   more of the series is required to fully appreciate the story.  When picking up this book (and you should!) make sure to set aside plenty of time to read them all.

The cover:

This cover is absolutely beautiful!  The embroidery-looking design on the cover—the silver is a gorgeous contrast to the deep red.  If only more of this design had been placed on the spine of the book it would have been perfect… but, overall it is really pretty!

 I give Ruby Red a 3.5 out of 5 hearts: Good Book

Stacking the Shelves (#2)

 

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews to showcase the amazing goodies that you procured throughout the week!

Hello Everyone! This week I have two books that I am just so excited to talk about. Hopefully you have either read or want to read one of these... I would love to hear your thoughts. :)

Book #1:
Title: Truthwitch (The Witchlands # 1) 
Author: Susan Dennard

“In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi makes a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.”

*I had to pick this book up because so many people had been saying how much they loved this! I was definitely sucked into the cover and I am so glad I picked this up! I did have a few problems with the story but overall it was really well done. See my full review here


Book #2:
Title: Code Name Verity 
Author: Elizabeth Wein

“Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.

When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie…” (While the amazon review does give more information I think that it is spoiler-y for the story!)

 *I grabbed this (CD) book when my coworker practically forced it into my hands and told me to read it and let her know what I thought. At the time I had no idea how popular this book was! Having finished the book I can truly say that this is an amazing story that I am phenomenally happy to own. I would highly recommend this story if you are looking for your next great read (or listen). Review to come. :)

So what do you all think? Have you read either of these two books and did you enjoy them? And what did you grab this week?