my favorite books from 2016!

Hey guys! Happy New Year! How’s your 2016 going so far? I just started school again (-_-), but at least spring break is soon, right?

Sorry it’s been so long, but I’ve just been so busy! I’m so excited to come back and finally write some blog posts and reviews.

So, as you can see by the title, I’m going to be giving you guys a list of my favorite books from this year, with a few excerpts and information. Just so we know, I’m going to be mentioning books that I read in 2016 (that may not have come out that year), along with books that actually came out in 2016. Let’s go ahead and get started?

 

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

★ pages: 640

★ genre: young adult, fantasy, romance, adventure

★ release date: may 3, 2016

★ rating: 4/5 stars

★ links: goodreads // amazon

★ series: a court of thorns and roses

book one: a court of thorns and roses

book three: a court of wings and ruin (expected arrival: 2017)

A Court of Mist and Fury (forgive me for saying this) was SO MUCH better than A Court of Thorns and Roses. Maybe it’s because I was always partial to Rhysand, but I enjoyed the story and the characters much more than the first one. The new characters are exciting, and Rhysand’s Night Court and Velaris sound so beautiful. It really is a great book, but I don’t think that it actually deserved Goodreads’ Choice Award for Young Adult Fantasy (I thought it should have gone to Heartless or Gemina, just saying).

 

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

★ pages: 528

★ genre: young adult, fiction, romance, contemporary, fantasy, lgbtq+

★ release date: february 25th 2016

★ rating: 4.5/5 stars

★ links: goodreads // amazon

★ series:

▽  (unrelated prequel): fangirl

 

Carry On is actually the cutest book I have ever read. It’s Cath’s fanfiction from Fangirl turned into a book (it’s nearly 600 pages long, you see why Cath couldn’t let go)! But Carry on is actually adorable. It’s pretty much a Harry Potter AU, where Drarry happens, but with funnier spells and more PoC characters. I hope you’ll love it as much as I did!

 

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

★ pages: 352

★ genre:

★ release date: september 20, 2011

★ rating: 5/5 stars

★ links: goodreads // amazon

 

 

 

When I say you guys need to read a book, this is the one I mean. The Song of Achilles is my all time favorite book, and should be cherished and revered as one of the best books of all time! It is akin to Romeo and Juliet (in the sense that you walk in knowing exactly what will happen to Achilles and Patroclus in the end), but the journey Madeline Miller takes you on leaves you despairing and depressed anyway. She writes so masterfully! If you don’t take my advice for any other book, please read this one.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

★ pages: 449

★ genre: fairytale retelling, romance, young adult

★ release date: november 8th, 2016

★ rating: 4/5 stars

★ links: goodreads // amazon

 

 

I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned this, but Marissa Meyer is by far one of my favorite authors. She writes so beautifully and so clearly and her descriptions are wonderful. She always has unique ideas and this story is so unbelievably different from the Lunar Chronicles. I also LOVE fairy tale retellings! Maybe she’s captivated me so much because she’s able to capture the essence of these stories while keeping true to their roots.

 

I hope you guys enjoy this list! Honorable mentions include Stars Above, Me Before You, and You Will Know Me.

I hope you guys enjoy this list! Sorry it came so late ^_^

love,

Alexis

book review ▽ you know me well by nina lacour and david levithan

you know me well by nina lacour and david levithan

basic information:

★ pages: 248

★ genre: young adult, contemporary, romance, LGBT+

★ release date: june 7th, 2016

★ rating: 4.5/5

★ links: goodreads // amazon

★ synopsis:

Who knows you well? Your best friend? Your boyfriend or girlfriend? A stranger you meet on a crazy night? No one, really?

Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year, but have never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have never crossed.

That is, until Kate spots Mark miles away from home, out in the city for a wild, unexpected night. Kate is lost, having just run away from a chance to finally meet the girl she has been in love with from afar. Mark, meanwhile, is in love with his best friend Ryan, who may or may not feel the same way.

When Kate and Mark meet up, little do they know how important they will become to each other—and how, in a very short time, they will know each other better than any of the people who are supposed to know them more.

Told in alternating points of view by Nina LaCour and David Levithan, You Know Me Well is a story about navigating the joys and heartaches of first love, one truth at a time.

review:

plot: 4/5

I really liked it. I revolved around the group of friends at Pride Week, and the romances and hijinks that ensue. I guess part of the reason we read is to see thinks go better than they would in real life, but some of this stuff was just too unrealistic.

characters: 3/5

Kate and Mark are really cute, and really good friends. But their insta-friendship is a little hard to grasp. Violet is the ultimate french girl. Which is absolutely amazing. Ryan is a cutie, but I feel like he takes Mark for granted too often. And they each have problems that feel a little ridiculous to their lives. But I do love each of them.

writing style: 5/5

It was written well, very easy to follow and what I thought to be a lot like the thought process of a teenager. One think I don’t usually like about YA books is that the author tries to write the main character like they’re actually an adult. It bothers me immensely, and this book managed to veer all the way away from that.

overall: 4/5

final thoughts:

I know the book is very cliché and what not, and that everything wraps up too nicely. But it kind of reminds me of a Disney princess story and this is the contemporary gay version (something I’ve always wanted), and I’m really glad I finally got one. Even if you end up thinking this book inauthentic, I hope you enjoy the quick, short read.

love,

alexis

book review ▽ illuminae by amie kaufman

illuminae by amie kaufman

basic information:

★ pages: 608

★ genre: young adult, science fiction

★ release date: october 20th, 2015

★ rating: 5/5

★ links: goodreads // amazon

★ series:

sequel: gemina (release date: october 18th, 2016)

★ synopsis:

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

review:

plot: 5/5

So interesting! It’s a space opera, mixed with chemical warfare, and terrifying technological advancements. I absolutely love it, it’s nothing like I’ve ever read before.

characters: 5/5

Kady and Ezra were so cute. I loved their relationship, and how they continued to latch onto each other, even with the miles of space in between them. And all the effort they put in to stay alive for each other made my heart melt (plus Ezra’s cute rose. aww).

And Kady and Ezra separately still kicked butt. Kady was hacking a high class ship, undetected and untraceable, just working as hard as she could to stay alive, and learning all the information she could to stay that way. Ezra was recruited to fly, destroying enemy ships and (i bet) looking fly as heck when he was doing such.

writing style: 5/5

The book was written a couple of different types of logs, which by far was the most interesting style of literature I’ve ever encountered. Each chapter either came in the form of a Hypatia Log, an Alexander Log, a Copernicus Log, a conversation involving Kady, Ezra, or a commanding officer, surveillance reviews and AIDAN’s reports (at least I think that’s it).

overall: 5/5

final thoughts:

This is one of the best books I have ever read. 100% amazing, and I really recommend this to everyone. Illuminae made me feel things I never thought a book could, my chest was tight, or I couldn’t breathe, or I was jumping with joy. For real.

love,

alexis

the pokemon go book tag!

Hey guys!

As you all know, Pokemon Go has been the center of the universe for the past few months. I got it about two weeks after it came out (TEAM VALOR FOREVER) , and I was in New York at the time, so I caught a couple AWESOME pokemon. But now I’m home and there’s like, nothing out here. So I figured I’d combine Pokemon and Books so maybe I’ll feel better.

Credit to Read at Midnight for creating this awesome tag!

Alright, let’s get started:

Quick question: Do you get starters when you start pokemon go? Because I didn’t get one. I don’t know if it’s just me or if it’s the game.

I never really played Pokemon before Pokemon Go, and it’s just because my parents never bought me the game and at the time, I thought it was cool to be a hipster (so ya gotta flow away from the mainstream… ^-^) so I never played. I think once I did get to start the game, and I chose a Charmander (TEAM VALOR FOREVER). I have both a Charmander and Bulbasaur in Pokemon Go, but no Squirtles. I don’t even think I’ve seen one yet.

On the book side, the first books I can remember loving were The Boxcar Children in the first grade. I don’t really remember much about them, but I do know they ROCKED MY WORLD. As a child, I was quite afraid of making friends, so instead of playing at recess I would sit on a bench and read. My other favorite books were the Warriors series. I read literally EVERY SINGLE BOOK. I got all the way through to Skyclan’s Destiny. That’s the last on I can remember, and I own it.

 

I did manage to catch a Pikachu, but I only have one and he’s level 33. He’s not helping me out very much.

My bookish Pikachu would have to be The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I absolutely love it. I know it’s totally a mess, but the idealism and the descriptions of the beauty of the city still makes me want to go back and visit (though I doubt I’d stay very long because I’d have literally 0 rights). Gatsby’s love (or obsession?) with Daisy is still pretty cute, no matter how many problems they had. He kept his heart out for her, threw lavish parties just on the off chance she might one day walk through his door. If that isn’t romanticism, I don’t know what is. Honestly, Gatsby parties are what I’d do if I were rich.

 

I feel like Zubat’s were slightly more respected before Pokemon Go came out. Now whenever I see a Zubat I want to stab myself in the face. They make me physically angry (along with Magikarp’s but we’ll get there later).

I can’t really think of a book like that, even though I KNOW there is one. But for right now, I guess I’ll go with Twilight. It came out in 2005, so I was still a toddler, but by around age 10 I would go into stores and see teenage fangirls screaming about it and I just thought it was gross (Oh how the tables have turned, amiright?). So I never watched the movies or read the books. I’m never gonna.

 

I haven’t found a ditto. Are they even real? Are they even in Pokemon Go? If you’ve found one, I don’t believe you.

Honestly, pretty much every YA dystopian book is the same. I’m gonna read them anyway. But I absolutely LOVE the Lunar Chronicles series (If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, you know)! But they’re very similar to other dystopias, as in a teenage girl leads a successful uprising over a tyrant. The other trope is the fairytale retelling, which is my favorite genre in literature. Fairytale retelling, literally any retelling. I’ll literally read any of them. I just read A Study in Charlotte (a Sherlock Retelling, for which I am writing a review which will come out soon). Retellings are always so go, and I always ADORE THEM.

 

 

I haven’t found a Snorlax yet. *sighs*

I 100% know I’m not the only person who said this but…

It’s Game of Thrones. I’m sorry! They’re just so long and I have no time. There are seven books, each immensely long. I promise I would if I could ever find the time. Even worse, I watch the show. I was going to wait until I read the books to watch GoT, but I lost a bet. So here I am.

 

Where even are half of these Pokemon? I haven’t seen them ANYWHERE!

The last book to keep me up at night was Illuminae, which was absolutely AMAZING. I loved it so much! If you haven’t read it yet, I highly suggest you do. Everything about it is amazing, and I’m just biding my time until Gemina comes out. My review of it is here.

 

I have a few male and female nidorans, so I’m on my (woot woot)

My bookish OTPs will forever be a tie between Winter and Jacin from Winter and Feyre and Rhysand from ACoTaR and ACoMaF. Winter and Jacin was absolutely adorable the entire time, and especially in Stars Above, when Winter accepts her love for him. They’re so cute. And Jacin’s undying need to protect her makes me so happy. Rhysand and Feyre was amazing. Rhysand and Feyre’s bond is something I wish I could have with any boy. Rhysand saving Feyre’s life gave me life. He cared so deeply and so obviously for her and I was so happy when they got together (even though I’d rather I was dating him).

 

WHERE ARE THESE POKEMON? SERIOUSLY???

A Study in Charlotte has returned. Absolutely wonderful, and Brittany Cavallaro has written a masterpiece. As I said before, I love retellings, and I really loved this one. I had a few issues with it however, which I’ll cover later in a review. But it’s a really, really fast paced read and I liked it.

 

I do have a couple Eevee’s, but I transferred most of them in hopes of evolving my strongest one. I still haven’t yet. I’m SO CLOSE.

Since spin-offs are practically retellings, I’ll read any of them. All of them. I have been in love with Greek mythology retellings since I was little, when Percy Jackson first came out. I read them when I was really little, and from then on Greek mythoi owned my life for years. They still kind of do. I would also love some Sherlock spin offs, from the Arthur Conan Doyle books or from the TV series. I love Sherlock and Watson’s dynamic. I personally love the romance aspect, even though I know some people don’t. Some other retellings that always get me are of course, fairytale retellings. They’re always really magical, and really dark, especially ones where the princess turns evil. Those are GOOD.

 

As everyone knows, Magikarps are by far the most useless Pokemon, but they evolve into Gyarados which are significantly more awesome. I only have one Magikarp, and looking at it makes me want to throw my phone out the window.

A book series that was surprisingly awesome? ACoTaR and ACoMaF. I really did not go in expecting much, because the descriptions seemed so dreadfully boring to me (despite how much I love romance), and I didn’t think I could get interested. Low and behold, they’re one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m just biding my time waiting for the third one. There are going to be six books, and I don’t think my poor Rhysand loving heart will be able to take it.

 

I think the funnies thing about the Legendary pokemons are that Articuno and Moltres look so regal and ready to fight, and Zapdos looks just crazy. He’s so out there. He’s ready to go fight. I’m so glad Spark and Zapdos found each other because they both look 100% not okay.

I am so excited to read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han! I’ve read The Summer I Turned Pretty and the other two books, but everyone always mentions TAtBILB as one of the best YA romance books they’ve ever read. So of course, I need to get my hands on a copy.

WHERE???

I wish I owned the Art Deco F. Scott Fitzgerald books. They’re SO pretty. I’ve only read The Great Gatsby. It would definitely inspire me to read the rest of them. But I do adore the Great Gatsby, which I’ve already mentioned before, and I bet I’d love the rest.

 

I hatched like, eight eggs this week. It was awesome.

A debut novel I’m excited for is The Way I Used to Be. I know it already came out, but I haven’t yet had the good fortune of reading it, as they don’t have it at my school library and I haven’t been to a bookstore in about a month. I’ve heard nothing but good things for this book, and I’m so excited to pick it up one day, hopefully soon!

 

I’ve never used a Lure Module. I don’t even think I have any.

My auto-buy author number one is Marissa Meyer. I ADORE HER. I read all the Lunar Chronicles, and re read them marathon style (it took me three days). I have almost all of the Lunar Chronicles books, with the exception of Winter WHICH IS MY FAVORITE ONE :((

My other auto-buy is Rainbow Rowell, because everyone of her books has ruined me emotionally. My favorite by far is Carry On, for obvious reasons, (it’s amazing, it’s gay, Simon and Baz’s relationship had me more salty I was single than anything else in the world).

 

Server’s being down means I can get on with my life, which is probably a good thing.

I’ve been waiting on Heartless (by Marissa Meyer of course) for what feels like 15 years now. I’m so excited for it, I’ve entered like 100 giveaways for it (I’ve won none, unfortunately), and I’m going to DIE of excitement when this book comes out, OK? It’s going to kill me because it’s going to be the most perfect book I’ve ever read. I can feel it.

 

Well here is my Pokemon Go challenge! I really hope you guys enjoyed reading about my poor pokemon exploits and my slightly better book ones. I really hope to do a challenge like this in the future, because this was really fun! Credit again to Read at Midnight for the tag.

The only person I tag here is The Page Parade because maybe this will motivate her to her first blog post! You all should tag her too.

In upcoming news: I’m in the midst of a new book review, plus another one I have lined up. I will be doing a book recommendation this month, even though I skipped the last two (sorry!). I set the standard too high with book counts, and I’m going to be lowering the limit to five instead of ten. It is too hard to think of ten books to talk about, especially since I didn’t read ten, and I am free to go into further detail now. You guys should definitely get excited!

love,

Alexis

 

 

 

 

 

 

the tmi tag!

I’m so excited to do this tag! Tags are always really fun, so let’s get started!

What fictional character has the best style?
I love Lou’s style from Me Before You. I know it’s not technically the ‘best’ but I just love the confidence and pride she wears her outfits with. Also, I imagine she looks pretty cute in them (at least, Emilia Clarke does).

Your book girlfriend/boyfriend/ fictional crush?
Ooh jeez, I have a HUGE list. But I’ll try to narrow it down. Jay Gatsby, Draco Malfoy, Baz Pitch, Rhysand (ACoTaR), Jem Carstairs, Will Herondale (fun fact: I had a crush on a guy at my school named Will, so I named him Will Herondale in my phone because WH is perfect), Luna Lovegood, Hermione Grainger, Mor, and Amren (ACoTaR)

Ever loved a character but than started hating them?
Tamlin from ACoTaR. He’s the WORST now.

Biggest/Longest book on your shelf?
Daughters of the Moon, by Lynne Ewing. I have the first three books in one, and it’s somewhere around 900 pages.

Heaviest book on your shelf?

It’s probably the collectors edition of Wicked I own.

Do you have any book posters?

I have one, the House guide that comes in the back of some of the Glass Sword copies.

Do you have any book themed jewelry?

I used to have a Mockingjay necklace, but it broke/I lost it.

Book OTP?

Ooh another list! Feysand, Cresswell, Scarwolf, Jacinter, Kaider, Malec, Sizzy, Clace, and Dallonny (Dallas x Johnny from the Outsiders). And those are the ones off the top of my head. Of course more, but I’m running a blank right now.

Favorite book series?

THE LUNAR CHRONICLES. 100% THE LUNAR CHRONICLES.

Favorite Book-to-movie soundtrack?

Um… I don’t really have one, but the Me Before You soundtrack has The 1975 on it so I’ll go with that.

A book story you miss/ wish would continue?
The Lunar Chronicles. I honestly would read a book about Winter just doing nothing. Her doing nothing, forever. I want this.

Favorite stand-alone?
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell! I love it so much. It’s so cute, and I was so unworthy of it’s beauty.

Since when did you read books?

I’ve been reading since I was probably around 3 or 4, and I hardcore read until about seventh grade. I’ve been picking up more now in the summer of ninth grade.

Which Hogwarts house are you in?
S, to the L, to the Y, T, H, E, R, I, N to the S, to the L, to the Y, T, H, E, R, I, N

Quality you look for in a book?

Romance, action, stupid snarky characters.

Favorite book quote
“You were the sun, and I was crashing into you.” from Carry On!

Favorite author?
Marissa Meyer and Rainbow Rowell

Favorite book cover?
Illuminae’s. It’s so clever and intricate, especially the blacked out words on the hardcover that are written on in the book sleeve.

Action or Romance?
Romance! I love romance, especially when they’re all cute and whatnot. I prefer my romances in space, however.

Where do you go when a sad moment happens?
I either continue the book to get past it, or I scream for three minutes and then sit in silence stunned.

How long do you need to finish a book?
Anywhere from a day to about three days. If I’m really busy, it might take a week.

How long is your mourning period?

Until I start another book. So usually, not that long.

Least Favorite Book?
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I read it back in the sixth grade and I could NOT STAND IT.

Turn on in a character?

Dark hair, sassiness, an anti-villain/hero (or maybe straight up a villain) and some serious internal conflict.

Turn off in a character?

Straight up rude. Not even like sassy rude. Just rude, all the time.

Reason I started blogging?
I really love reading, and I wanted to express my love to everyone who wanted to listen!

Name a scary book?
Misery by Steven King. Never read it because (horror = thumbs down), but I know of it.

Last book that made you cry?
Never cried! My eyes are permanently dry, sorry.

Last book that you gave 5 stars?
The last book I gave 5 stars was ‘A Court of Mist and Fury’ by Sarah J. Maas.

Any favorite book titles?
My two favorite book names are milk and honey by Rupi Kaur, and And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks by William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac.

Last book you read?
I last finished Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard.

Book you’re currently reading?
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. So good so far!

Last book adaptation you watched?
Um… Currently I’m watching Game of Thrones (literally watching Game of Thrones as we speak).

A book character you always wanted to talk to?
Honestly, it’s a tie between Penelope Bunce, Simon Snow, and Baz Pitch (because on one hand, Penelope is just amazing, I could talk to Simon about Baz, and I could talk to Baz about Simon!)

An author you always wanted to talk to?
Marissa Meyer!

Favorite Book snack?
Popcorn.

Book world you want to live in?
The Lunar Chronicles universe, just after Cinder becomes queen.

Book world you DON’T want to live in?

The Hunger Games, that one just sounds like a mistake.

Last time you smelled a book?
Two days ago when I bought Illuminae. Anyone smell books

Weird insults used in books?
In Macbeth when one of the murders

Favorite romance book?

The Wrath & The Dawn, or The Princess and the Guard from Stars Above.

Do you write?
Occasionally, I once wrote a Preacher prequel story. I write some poetry, and I did (don’t laugh) write a really depressing Grojband short for no reason. If you ever want to torture yourself and read some of this stuff, here’s the link.

thelovelies | Archive of Our Own

Favorite magical item?

Penelope Bunce’s purple ‘magic wand’ ring.

or Thor’s hammer.

Your quidditch position?
Beater.

Name a song you connect to a book
I know Young and Beautiful is in the Great Gatsby soundtrack, but I still love it.

Favorite book related chat up line?
Can I Slytherin to bed with you?

Have you ever used it?

Unfortunately not.

Favorite book fandom?
Carry On and The Lunar Chronicles, they’re so nice, and it’s full of stupid memes. I follow at least six ‘Incorrect Quotes’ pages for each fandom.

How many books do you own?
Probably upwards of 100, but I don’t really know.

Who do you tag?

My friend, the page parade who needs a first blog post!

I hope you guys enjoyed! Did you guys notice that I finally took the photo for the featured image! I’ve been to busy to get around to the photos before, but I think I’m going to take more of these from now own.

love,

Alexis

book recommendations ▽ three: june 2016

I’m sorry these are coming out so late, it’s just because I’ve so behind this month and literally I can’t fix it until I get home on Sunday.

10. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

This book is pretty good! I just wrote a review of it here. It’s the second book in the Red Queen series, so if you haven’t read that, read it first.

9. The Rose and the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh

This book is also the second in a series, The Wrath and the Dawn. I really loved both of these books, and EVERYONE should pick these up. Please.

8. milk and honey by Rupi Kaur

This book is a poetry book, and I really REALLY loved it. It’s full of short vignettes, and the cover design is beautiful!

7. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

This book is the sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses. If you thought ACoTaR was kind of dirty, I don’t suggest you read it, because it is 100% dirtier.I accidentally ended reading these parts at fencing around children and that probably wasn’t the best decision. But the book is AMAZING! I have a review of it here.

6. Legend by Marie Lu

Legend is the first book in the Legend series, the next two I haven’t read yet and don’t plan on it. Legend is good, but I think it’s for younger reads because the writing was kind of juvenile, but it wasn’t bad.

5. The Fever by Megan Abbott

This book is about an epidemic of seizures at a school and what happens because of it. The ending is a little bit of a let down, but it’s still a pretty good book.

4. Room by Emma Donoghue

This book has been made into a movie that coincidentally destroyed my soul. Both the movie and the book are amazing so I suggest you check both out!

3. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

This book is so beautiful! I absolutely love the story and the realism of the hardships that Lina faces on her travel to Siberia.

2. You Might Be a Zombie and Other Bad News: Shocking but Utterly True Facts! by The Editors of Cracked

This book is HILARIOUS! I love it so much. A ton of funny Cracked videos have come out of this book, here’s my favorite. Some of the facts are a little gross (but still pretty funny).

1.  My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

If you haven’t read My Sister’s Keeper, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Go read it right now. Stop waiting. Go to the bookstore and buy it. I don’t even know why I have to explain this to you.

 

Okay, that’s all the books I have for this month! I hope you guys enjoyed!

book review ▽ glass sword by victoria aveyard

glass sword by victoria aveyard

basic information:

★ pages: 444

★ genre: young adult

★ release date: february 9, 2016

★ rating: 3.7/5

★ links: goodreads // amazon

★ series:

▽ book one: red queen

★ synopsis:

If there’s one thing Mare Barrow knows, it’s that she’s different.
Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.
The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.
Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.
But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.
Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?
The electrifying next installment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they’ve always known—and pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul.

review:

plot: 4/5

The plot of the book ran a little fast for me, as Mare and her gang of New bloods were always running around, never really stopping for too long. I understand what it meant, I just wish there had been a little more elaboration into everywhere they went.

characters: 3.5/5

I know this is the style of YA books, but all of Mare’s thoughts are way too advanced for a 17 year old girl. It bothers me. I understand she is smart, but it’s unrealistic, and it pulls me out of the story.

My favorite character by far is Maven. He is completely a mess, stalking Mare completely and somehow managing to still have total control, as evil as ever. I absolutely love the duality of his descent to madness but his rise to power.

writing style: 3.5/5

My notes about the writing style are pretty much the same as my notes on Mare, I think she tries to be too sophisticated. I would appreciate it if Mare spoke more casually about the things she does talk about.

overall: 3.7/5

final thoughts:

It was a good book! The plot was interesting, and I would suggest to others. It’s never gonna be my favorite, but that’s just personal. But it really  is an enjoyable read. I promise you, the ending WILL DESTROY YOU.

love,

alexis

book review ▽ a court of mist and fury by sarah j. maas

a court of mist and fury by sarah j. maas

basic information:

★ pages: 640

★ genre: young adult, fantasy, romance, adventure

★ release date: may 3, 2016

★ rating: 4/5 stars

★ links: goodreads // amazon

★ series:

book one: a court of thorns and roses

book three: untitled (expected arrival: 2017)

★ synopsis:

 

Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people. Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two. With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas’s masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

review:

plot: 4/5

I really liked the story line of this book. Most times, with a heroine, we forget the psychological pain they may have experienced, and this book never lets it fall to far out of your thoughts. You must remember that Feyre, strong as she is, is broken, and experiences pain just like any of us. But her pain is not the only aspect of this story, and I feel like the synopsis of the book doesn’t do the rest justice. The King of Hybern is currently trying to start war, and Feyre and her friends are trying to stop it. It’s a very interesting dynamic, to accompany the thread of Rhysand and Feyre’s budding friendship.

characters: 4.5/5

Rhysand, my son. I loved him in A Court of Thorns and Roses, but now I love him even more! How is that possible? And jeez, I promise you, you will leave this book upset with someone characters and loving others even more! My favorites were Rhysand, Amren, and Cassian, but of course, Rhysand is my all time favorite (I don’t know if you can tell, but I have a thing for characters with black hair and internal conflicts), and he’s just so cute, honestly.

writing style: 3.5/5

I didn’t like the writing style as much as I could, I felt like the writing itself was an attempt at fancy, with casual words spread about. I just feel like either it should be regal writing, or casual, not both.

overall: 4/5

final thoughts:

I liked this book, all the way up until the end, when I LOVED it. Please check it out, even if just for the ending (which I’m telling you, is super awesome).The book is a smooth ride, easy to read, and all around wonderful. Please give it a look, but make sure you read A Court of Thorns and Roses first!

love,

alexis

book recommendations ▽ two: may 2016

Hey guys! Sorry this is so late, but I’ve been so unbelievably busy these past few weeks I barely even have time to pick up a book! In April, I made a book recommendations list, and I figured I’d continue the trend with stuff I read from this month! There will be 1o books in this list, and I really hope you guys read some of them!

10. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen was actually really good! I went in not expecting much, because my friend had told me she didn’t like it, but by the end, I was SCREAMING. It was absolutely gold! Please read it if you haven’t.

9. Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

As most of you may know, the Lunar Chronicles is my favorite series of all time. Everything about the books is spectacular and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever love anything more. So of course, when I finally bought Stars Above,  I almost cried because I was so happy. I finished the book moderately quickly, and please please PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you haven’t decided to pick them up even after all the praise I have given this series, GET IT NOW.

8. The Summer I Turned Pretty (series) by Jenny Han

These books are pretty cute, even though you can pretty much tell what’s going to happen because they’re pretty cliche. My only real problem with these books were the covers, because I hate these covers SO MUCH. They are just so awkward! I don’t like it.

7. Super Mutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki

This book is so adorable! The drawing style is so amazing, the jokes are hilarious, and it’s inappropriate in a way that’s totally not offensive. There’s an LGBT character in the book, and I just relate so thoroughly I thought I might have BEEN her. If you like graphic novels! Give this one a look!

6. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This book was really nice! Honestly, I don’t really know what to say about it without giving too much away, but I can say Rhysand and Lucien are my favorites! This book and the second, A Court of Mist and Fury (which I’m reading right now) are getting really popular, so I suggest you read them now!

5. Me Before You

This book DESTROYED MY SOUL. I didn’t cry or anything, but Will Traynor, my poor, poor son, was so upset and that made me upset and I didn’t want to be upset. The love story in the book is very adorable, and Louisa was an eccentric but relatable character. I’m really excited to see the movie, since I haven’t yet, but if it’s any bit as good as the book I know I’m going love it.

4.Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke

This book was pretty weird. Not in a bad way, but the ending was so confusing, I’m still not sure I know what was going on. If you want a low-key psychological thriller, you should definitely pick up this book.

3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

AGH THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTE. I loved it so much, and I really relate to Cath in the sense that I am an obsessive fangirl, and books don’t really get written about fangirls except to paint them in a negative light, and I am all for Cath loving Simon Snow and being represented in a completely human way.

2. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

This book is SO GOOD. Shahrzad’s love for Khalid is so pure and he is humanized in the best way possible and their love story is just great. They overcome all sorts of obstacles (namely them hating each other) and have some crazy adventures together. And they’re POC! What more could you ask for?

1. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Oh boy. Ohhhh boy. Based on Simon Snow from Rainbow Rowell’s fangirl, Carry On is the greatest book ever. Literally, I spent the entire first half of the book going, ‘where’s Baz?’ and then he showed up and I immediately fell in love. Baz and Simon were so cute together, and Baz’s feelings toward Simon can only be described as the cutest puppy dog of unrequited love. And Penelope? How was she so great? I don’t know, point is, if you haven’t read this book, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

Well I hope you guys enjoyed my book recommendations! I’ll be doing these once every month, and check out the previous one here!

Side note: I am changing my featured image of art from watercolor to Monet! Really excited, he’s an artist I am really starting to enjoy.

Love,

Alexis

monthly wrap up ▽ may 2016

Hey guys! As you all know, today is the last day of May (or at least, it was when I was writing this). And it has cone to that very important time where I wrap up my month, and get ready for the hectic one I have ahead of me. Let’s get started!

what i read this month:

▽ milk and honey by rupi kaur

▽ me before you by jojo moyes

▽ a court of thorns and roses by sarah j. maas

▽ the wrath and the dawn by renee ahdieh

▽ the fever by megan abbott

▽ wink poppy midnight by april genevieve tucholke

▽ the summer i turned pretty by jenny han

▽ it’s not summer without you by jenny han

▽ we’ll always have summer by jenny han

▽ carry on by rainbow rowell

▽ fangirl by rainbow rowell

▽ purple hibiscus by chimamanda ngozi adichie

I read a LOT more than I expected to this month, which is really great! I’d really like to keep this pace up, even though I know that might be kind of hard. But I’ll do my best!

books i bought this month 

▽ the program by suzanne young

▽ matched by ally condie

▽ carry on by rainbow rowell

▽ me before you by jojo moyes

It turns out, I didn’t buy any of the books I planned to. Which I’m totally fine with, and I took some home from the library, so if I like them enough I can just buy them later! Which, is exactly what I did with Carry On, because that book is pure magic (ha! see what I did there?)

tv i watched this month:

▽ empire

▽ jane the virgin

▽ arrested development

I finished season 2 of both Empire and Jane the Virgin, and ended both wanting to stab myself in the face. I also rewatched Arrested Development, against all better judgement, and 100% skipped season four because I cant bring myself to watch that beautiful show be ruined by season four.

movies i watched this month:

▽ captain america: civil war

I solely watched Captain America, which I do not regret because CAPTAIN AMERICA MET ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS, OK. Get ready for the fangirling, because I loved it so so much. Everything was perfect about it, Black Panther, Spiderman, Bucky, Steve, Wanda, just everything! If you haven’t seen it yet, stop whatever you’re doing. Go right now. Do not come back until you have finished.

music i listened this month:

▽ 7/27 by fifth harmony

▽ dangerous woman by ariana grande

▽ loving you is… by thedogandtherabbit (a playlist)

I listened mainly to these things, and to more fan-mixes on 8tracks for books I read (ex: a carry on playlist while i read carry on). I absolutely love thedogandtherabbit’s playlist because a. it’s kylux and b. it introduced me to a band i really like, miiike snow! 

how i did on my goals:

▽ read three books (purple hibiscus doesn’t count)

Well I read WAY over three books! I read 12 books, and it’s good to know the amount of books I can read in a month! 

▽ catch up on my supernatural

Literally, I am still so many episodes behind. i have so much to catch up. Literally didn’t do this. I need to get on this one.

▽ get to at least 10 followers on this blog, 50 followers on instagram, and 30 followers on twitter!

While I did get to 50 followers on instagram, I didn’t reach 30 on twitter or 10 on this blog, so I know what I need to work on.

▽ get a’s on at least 3 of my 4 exams.

I don’t know yet! Wish me luck.

▽ sign up for a book review website (if anyone has any good ones please recommend them to me)

I did! I think I need to sign up for some better ones. Please, if you have any good websites, please, please, please recommend them to me!

▽ complete the may bookstagram challenge! 

I did! It was so exciting to finish a challenge dedicated to book phtoography, two of my favorite things! I’m definitely going to participate in celinereads’s july challenge.

Thanks for coming back to see how my month went. Come back in another month for my July Wrap Up!