Friday, July 31, 2015

Beach Reads in August Giveaway Hop 2015

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What do you like to read at the beach?  Or what comes to mind when you think about that (for those that do not read at the beach)?  To me, adventure books, playful contemporaries or mysteries come to mind.  But everyone is a bit different.  
For this giveaway, you can pick any one of the top 100 books from this list.  The only catch is the book has to be $20 or less and I must be able to order it and have it sent from The Book Depository.  This giveaway is open to everyone as long as TBD can ship to you.
 These are just a few of your options that come with my personal recommendation but there are lots of choices!

The Girl on the TrainDivergent (Divergent, #1)The Selection (The Selection, #1)The Fault in Our Stars 

Review: The Walking Dead, Compendium 1

The Walking Dead, Compendium 1 
 
The Walking Dead, Compendium #1
(Contains Volumes 1-48)
 
By Robert Kirkman
 
Genre(s): Graphic Novels, Horror
Pages: 1088
Published: May 2009
Image Comics
 
Official Summary:  "Introducing the first eight volumes of the fan-favorite, New York Times Best Seller series collected into one massive paperback collection.

In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally start living. With The Walking Dead #1-48, this compendium features more than one thousand pages chronicling the start of Robert Kirkman's Eisner Award-winning story of zombie horror, from Rick Grimes waking up alone in a hospital, his band of survivors seeking refuge on an isolated farm and the controversial introduction of Woodbury despot, The Governor."
 


Review:  I started to read this series after watching the first season (however short it was) of The Walking Dead tv series. I had head it was based off a comic series but knew little else. When I spotted this massive comic at the library, I just had to check out out. So glad I did!

The book is similar to the tv series yet lots of differences. I don't want to spoil one or the other by saying what. But if you have seen the series and are thinking that since you have, there is no need to read this, then you are very wrong. While some characters are the same, others are not. We obviously have Rick and Carl. I won't say who else is or is not here beyond that. Some live in this that died in the series and vice versa. The beginning is basically the same but it does take some different routes and the focus is sometimes different.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Stacking the Shelves 89-Review Insanity!!

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Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, every Weekend. This is to share books I have acquired from various sources. Physical books & ebooks both are welcome. If its something being sent to me by mail, I will not mention it until I actually receive it. 
 
 
 
 
So I read 11 books this past week!  And a good thing too! I had a bit too much fun on Netgalley this week!  But I am (barely) holding to my restrictions of 1:2 ratio. 
 
But before I do that I want your opinion on something.  Do you prefer when I add summaries (like last weeks)with the books on my site (which does make my sts a longer post) or do you just prefer a quick link like I have today .  Or how would you like to better see me structure these weekly posts?  Any opinions shared would be appreciated.  Thanks!
 
Now on to the books I received in hopes for a review 
(I will have no life in August lol)...... 
 Just click the image to like to goodreads summaries!!
 
Warning:  Many of the books below are ADULT novels. 
 
 The Copper Gauntlet (Magisterium, #2) Son of the Black Sword

REVIEW: The Prince by Kiera Cass

The Prince (The Selection, #0.5) 
 
The Selection: The Prince (#0.5) 

By Kiera Cass

Genre(s): Novella/short story, Romance, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 64
Published: March 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen


Official Summary: Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection...

Before Aspen broke America's heart...

There was another girl in Prince Maxon's life...




Review:  This was a quick filler read that gives the reader a bit more perspective on Prince Maxon. We also get to know a bit more about his parents. One thing I will say is I do not like his father. This takes place around the same time as the start of The Selection, before the girls are picked. we meet his childhood friend Daphne (also royalty) and we see his meeting of America, Celeste and the others from his point of view. It was an enlightening read as to what to possibly expect in book two (The Elite) if you haven't already read it.
 
 
 

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Been There, Done That. Exhausting the book genres and themes

For most readers, we hit a point in our reading where we pause and go "This book reminds me of "__X__" book.  Or even the point where every book of a certain genre (or more often sub-genre) that every book just blends with another book.  

Some popular examples are vampire novels and their over-the-top  popularity explosion after the Twilight novels.  OR dystopian books after the Hunger Games (and now Divergent).    I have heard from so many readers that they are burnt out of an genre or saying that the books are too similar and not original.

I think we all get burnt out of certain types of books once in a while.  Sometimes very specific (such as just avoiding a particular author or maybe just not into vampire romance, etc), and other times more broad (no more horror or fantasy or YA) might sum it up better.  My thing is to break away before it starts to effect your opinion of the books.   If you start to feel things are too similar or dull or over-used, etc change directions.  Pick up something completely different.  Maybe even break away from your comfort zone of reading.  

Monday, July 20, 2015

REVIEW: The Curse Breakers by Denise Grover Swank

The Curse Breakers (The Curse Keepers, #2) 
 The Curse Keepers:  The Curse Breakers (2)

by Denise Grover Swank

Genre(s):  Paranormal, Mythology
Pages: 394
Published:  April 2014
Publisher: 47North
 
 

Official Summary:  For more than four hundred years, the Curse Keepers guarded the barrier between the human and spirit realms. All that changed the day Ellie Lancaster met Collin Dailey. Prophecy demanded they defend the world from evil?even as it ignited a passion that threatened to consume them both.

Now Ellie faces a frightening new life, abandoned by the man she loves and tormented by malevolent spirits unleashing their vengeance upon the earth. Her only shot at protecting humanity?and herself?from the demon scourge is to claim the mark of the god Ahone as her own. Finding it means trusting Dr. David Preston, a handsome professor of Native American studies whose skepticism is surpassed only by his attraction to Ellie. Together they must finish what the Curse Keepers began, defying the forces of darkness to face hell on earth?and unlock the truth of Ellie's destiny.
 
 
 
 

Review:  Warning: If you have not read the first book in the series, this review contains spoilers! You have been warned.

A substantial improvement from the first book. Ellie has her act more together in this book. She is actively looking for answers on her own. Her attitude in the first book about drove me batty but here she is more realistic in what she is doing.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Committing Sign-Up to Arc August 2015

arc august 

Hosted by Shelly at Read, Sleep, Repeat


Rules:

The rules are very simple
  • It may be a physical ARC or and eARC but it MUST be an ARC
  • Yes it can be an ARC that has released as long as it’s an ARC I’m not going to nit pick much
  • HAVE FUN WITH THIS! Feeling like you are being “forced” to read is the best way turn a fun event into a yucky obligation.
  • Update post!You can update once a week, every other week or once for the whole darn event. This update can be in the form of a blog or tumblr post, vlog, link to your “ARC August 2015″ shelf or even an instagram pic!

So my Arc list and stack is officially reaching completely ridiculous heights! I am too embarrassed to even think about sharing my percentage on Netgalley.  Luckily Edelweiss isn't quite as bad and my print copy stack isn't too atrocious.  I am already on a book collecting restriction through the end of August but hopefully this will help.

Graphic Novel review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush: The Graphic Novel, #1) 
Hush Hush; The Graphic Novel (part one)
by Becca Fitzpatrick
 & Various illustrators
Genre(s): Graphic Novel, paranormal
Pages: 120
Published: March 2012
Publisher: Sea Lion Books
Summary:  For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes tham at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgement.





Review: Ummmm....where is the rest of the book? That is the first thing I want to know. This is list priced at $19.95 and it only covers the first 5 chapters of the book?!

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Stacking the Shelves 88

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Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, every Weekend. This is to share books I have acquired from various sources. Physical books & ebooks both are welcome. If its something being sent to me by mail, I will not mention it until I actually receive it. 
 
 
So last week I put myself on a book restriction.   So for the rest of July and August, I can only take in 2 books for every 1 book I read.  So if I only read 3 books in a week, I cannot get more than 6 books max that week.  This is to include swaps, review books, freebies, library, and purchases.  
 
So this past week I read 5 books.  So I got to collect 10 books this week.  I am over a bit but that is due to 2 things.  First is that 2 books I had requested months ago showed up that I had given up on.   And also I was not thinking about past swaps I had requested on bookmooch.  So I have a few more than 10 to share but all in all, I am happy with how well I resisted a lot of temptations.
 
 

     


For Review

Need ""No one gets something for nothing. We all should know better."

Teenagers at Wisconsin's Nottawa High School are drawn deeper into a social networking site that promises to grant their every need . . . regardless of the consequences. Soon the site turns sinister, with simple pranks escalating to malicious crimes. The body count rises. In this chilling YA thriller, the author of the best-selling Testing trilogy examines not only the dark side of social media, but the dark side of human nature."

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The Rig"Fifteen-year-old Will Drake has made a career of breaking out from high-security prisons. His talents have landed him at the Rig, a special juvenile holding facility in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. No one can escape from the Rig. After hatching some escape plans—and making the first real friends of his life—Drake quickly realizes that all is not as it seems on the Rig. The warden is obsessed with the mysterious Crystal-X, a blue glowing substance that appears to give superpowers to the teens exposed to it. Drake, Tristan, and Irene are banking on a bid for freedom—but can they survive long enough to make it?"

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Hunter (Hunter, #1)   "Centuries ago, the barriers between our world and the Otherworld were slashed open allowing hideous fantastical monsters to wreak havoc; destroying entire cities in their wake. Now, people must live in enclosed communities, behind walls that keep them safe from the evil creatures constantly trying to break in. Only the corps of teen Hunters with lightning reflexes and magical abilities can protect the populace from the daily attacks.

Joyeaux Charmand is a mountain girl from a close knit village who comes to the big city to join the Hunters. Joy thinks she is only there to perform her civic duty and protect the capitol Cits, or civilians, but as cameras follow her every move, she soon learns that the more successful she is in her hunts, the more famous she becomes.

With millions of fans watching her on reality TV, Joy begins to realize that Apex is not all it seems. She is forced to question everything she grew up believing about the legendary Hunters and the very world she lives in. Soon she finds that her fame may be part of a deep conspiracy that threatens to upend the protective structure built to keep dark magic out. The monsters are getting in and it is up to Joy to find out why."

Thursday, July 16, 2015

REVIEW: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) 
 
The Hunger Games: Catching  Fire (2)
 
by Suzanne Collins
 
Genre(s):  Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages:  405
Published: Sept 2009
Publisher: Scholastic Press



Official Summary: "Sparks are igniting.
Flames are spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge.


Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn."
 
 
 
 
 
Review:  A fantastic sequel to the first book, The Hunger Games. For many books, the second book does not live up to the first book. For me, this one did. Now I am going to keep my points short on this. I figure most people have either read or seen the movies or at least hear about the books by this point. So getting opinions and thoughts on it are easy so I will just stick to the main points

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

July 2015 New release Giveaway Hop

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ENTER TO WIN


Any book published in July 2015 could be yours.  Well, any book up to $16 that is. You can get a print book from The Book Depository OR 1 ebook via Amazon or B&N.
Fiction, nonfiction, Y.A, Adult, childrens, graphic novels...you name it, you can pick it!  It is not limited to the image about although there are some great titles there!

Giveaway is International as long as The Book Depository can ship to you or you pick an ebook.   Up to $16 in value.



As a bonus- if this giveaway gets at least 3000 valid entry points (I will check before they can count), then I will have 2 WINNERS, and each winner will get a new release PLUS a second book of their choice (no release day requirement)s up to $14!  So be sure to enter as many ways and as often as you can to increase the winner and prize count!


Saturday, July 11, 2015

Stacking the Shelves 87

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Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, every Weekend. This is to share books I have acquired from various sources. Physical books & ebooks both are welcome. If its something being sent to me by mail, I will not mention it until I actually receive it. 



I am FINALLY caught up on sharing all my newly acquired books with everyone!!!  So it is another LONG, long, LONG post.  
 
Due to how many books I have taken in this past year, I am putting myself on a book restriction.  Right now, I am taking in way more books than I can get through.  While the ratio is always off (gotta have something to do when I retire one day, lol) I want to get it under better control at least. So for the rest of July and August, I can only take in 2 books for every 1 book I read.  So if I only read 3 books in a week, I cannot get more than 6 books max that week.  This is to include swaps, review books, freebies, library, and purchases.  Giveaway prize wins, gifts or  unsolicited books do not count as I have less control over getting those.  I hope to keep it closer to a 1:1 ration but that seems to hard.  At the end of August I will see how I did and if I need to continue the restriction to get caught up on the books I already have.
 
Outside of reading and blogging, I am continuing to enjoy finding free printable pictures to creatively color.  Looking at trying zendoodle type of art event though I cannot raw to save my life is seems fun.  Also getting into some older video game rpgs lately on my free time.  So my reading has been compromised for the summer.  But sometimes you just need a breather with something new. 

     


For Review

The Night Sister  "The latest novel from New York Times best-selling author Jennifer McMahon is an atmospheric, gripping, and suspenseful tale that probes the bond between sisters and the peril of keeping secrets.

Once the thriving attraction of rural Vermont, the Tower Motel now stands in disrepair, alive only in the memories of Amy, Piper, and Piper's kid sister, Margot. The three played there as girls until the day that their games uncovered something dark and twisted in the motel's past, something that ruined their friendship forever.

Now adult, Piper and Margot have tried to forget what they found that fateful summer, but their lives are upended when Piper receives a panicked midnight call from Margot, with news of a horrific crime for which Amy stands accused. Suddenly, Margot and Piper are forced to relive the time that they found the suitcase that once belonged to Silvie Slater, the aunt that Amy claimed had run away to Hollywood to live out her dream of becoming Hitchcock's next blonde bombshell leading lady. As Margot and Piper investigate, a cleverly woven plot unfolds—revealing the story of Sylvie and Rose, two other sisters who lived at the motel during its 1950s heyday. Each believed the other to be something truly monstrous, but only one carries the secret that would haunt the generations to come.
"

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Inherit the Stars  

"Three royal houses ruling three interplanetary systems are on the brink of collapse, and they must either ally together or tear each other apart in order for their people to survive.

Asa is the youngest daughter of the house of Fane, which has been fighting a devastating food and energy crisis for far too long. She thinks she can save her family’s livelihood by posing as her oldest sister in an arranged marriage with Eagle, the heir to the throne of the house of Westlet. The appearance of her mother, a traitor who defected to the house of Galton, adds fuel to the fire, while Asa also tries to save her sister Wren's life . . . possibly from the hands of their own father.

But as Asa and Eagle forge a genuine bond, will secrets from the past and the urgent needs of their people in the present keep them divided?"

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1) 
 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1)
 
by L. Frank Baum
 
 
Genre(s): Youth, Classics, Fantasy
Pages:   156
Originally Published: 1900
 
 
 
Summary:  "One of the true classics of American literature, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over four generations. Originally published in 1900, it was the first truly American fairy tale, as Baum crafted a wonderful out of such familiar items as a cornfield scarecrow, a mechanical woodman, and a humbug wizard who used old-fashioned hokum to express that universal theme, "There's no place like home."Follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, as their Kansas house is swept away by a cyclone and they find themselves in a strange land called Oz. Here she meets the Munchkins and joins the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City, where lives the all-powered Wizard of Oz."
 
Review:   I have parts about this I loved and parts that bothered me so my thoughts a left a jumbled mess. First off, if you do not know this story, go learn about it. Everyone should know the Wizard of Oz and most of us do. Although I think many of us are more familiar with the movie. The story concept is just great and one I have always loved and all that credit goes to the author.

Now, I must admit I like the movie more than the book. While the basic story is great and Dorothy being a little girl does put a more child-like quality of the book there is a lot of violence in this story. The Tin Man's story is both sad and horrifying and might be a bit much for a young child to handle. And the neck breaking, limb lopping as they make their way across Oz was harsh. While it is not very graphic in description it is still easy to visualize. So while the story is written in a style for young children, about half the content is on the mature side.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

MANGA REVIEW: Rosario+Vampire Vol 7, by Akihisa Ikeda

Rosario+Vampire, Vol. 7 (Rosario+Vampire, #7)  
 

Rosario+Vampire Volume 7


by Akihisa Ikeda


Genre(s): Manga, Graphic Novel

Pages: 200

Published: Nov 2007 (Japanese Edition)

June 2009 (English)

Publisher: Viz Media


Official Summary:  "All-around average teenager Tsukune can't get accepted to any high school save one...but on his first day he finds the rest of the student body doesn't appear average in the least. Best of all, the cutest girl on campus can't wait to fling her arms around his neck! Wait a sec'--are those her teeth around his neck too...? Tsukune's going to have one heck of a hickey when he gets home from Monster High! But does he have a chance in H E double hockey sticks of raising his grades at a school where the turf war isn't between the jocks and the nerds but the vampires and the werewolves?"

 

 


Review: 
This has been such a fun series. Action packed, funny, light-hearted, yet a true show of friendship. There are so many unique characters in this series so far. Everybook brings at least one (not to mention the regular cast). Check out the official summary. Although it is a generic summary for every volume so far, it does a good job of what the series is.

**WARNING-If you have not read previous volumes, this may contain spoilers for you!**

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Just Couldn't Put it Down! July 2015 Giveaway Hop-INTERNATIONAL



I love it when a book just sucks me in and doesn't let go.  While it can kill me energy level staying up late into the night or drive my husband nuts.  Sometimes it is the pace that keeps me going, other times it is the urge to know what is next, and often it the that the book is JUST THAT GREAT!

Here are a few books that have been impossible or really hard to put down (usually work, or passing out). that I have read in the past year for various reasons.  The winner of this giveaway can pick any two of these books to win OR one book of their choice (up to $15) from The book Depository. For these books, if they are part of a series, you can pick any book in the series! OPEN INT!!!

Game by Barry LygaThe Forever Song (Blood of Eden, #3)The Heir (The Selection, #4)Everbound by Brodi AshtonCity of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments, #6)The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner, #2)

Stacking the Shelves 86

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Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, every Weekend. This is to share books I have acquired from various sources. Physical books & ebooks both are welcome. If its something being sent to me by mail, I will not mention it until I actually receive it. 




So I thought this would be a shorter post but then I had a bit too much book fun this week.   I think I am going to have to go on a book ban soon.  Or at least a limitation.  I will think how best to play it out over this next week and share some plan next week. Especially since I lave a large library pickup next week, plus more I still just did not get to due to technical difficulty.  

So with how many books I am listing, I challenge you to find at least 1 new book to add to your TBR on this post!

OH, I also want to say sorry for some formatting errors that may be ahead.  For some reason, colors and fonts kept changing and things weren't pasting (or not showing until later)  I spent over 10 hour on this post trying to straighten out whatever the heck blogger or my computer was doing but I only have so much time.  So be warned, oddities may be ahead! I tried to catch them all but I have to go to work in less than 8 hours so I need sleep!


     

  for Review
  
The Dogs
"Cameron and his mom have been on the run for five years. His father is hunting them. At least, that’s what Cameron’s been told.

When they settle in an isolated farmhouse, Cameron starts to see and hear things that aren’t possible. Soon he’s questioning everything he thought he knew and even his sanity.

What's hiding in the night? Buried in the past? Cameron must uncover the dark secrets before they tear him apart."





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The Darkling Child (The Defenders of Shannara #2)  "From New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks—the second stand-alone Shannara novel in the Defenders of Shannara series, following The High Druid’s Blade, easily accessible to new readers.

Paxon Leah has joined the Druid Order as a paladin, tasked with protecting the Druids with the aid of his magical sword. But Paxon’s toughest assignment will come when he must track down a young musician with newly-manifested magic before a rival sorcerer can corrupt the boy."
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Fable: Blood of Heroes"The official companion novel to the videogame Fable® Legends

Deep in Albion’s darkest age, long before once upon a time . . . Heroes are thought to be gone from the land. So why have the bards begun singing of them once more? For Fable newcomers and dedicated fans alike, Blood of Heroes delves into a never-before-glimpsed era, telling the tale of a band of adventurers who come together to defend a kingdom in desperate need.

The city of Brightlodge is awash with Heroes from every corner of Albion, all eager for their next quest. When someone tries to burn down the Cock and Bard inn, four Heroes find themselves hastily thrown together, chasing outlaws through sewers, storming a riverboat full of smugglers, and placing their trust in a most unlikely ally. As the beginnings of a deadly plot are revealed, it becomes clear that Heroes have truly arrived—and so have villains.

What connects the recent events in Brightlodge to rumors about a malicious ghost and a spate of unsolved deaths in the nearby mining town of Grayrock? Unless Albion’s bravest Heroes can find the answer, the dawn of a new age could be extinguished before it even begins."

Friday, July 3, 2015

REVIEW: Godspeed by February Grace



Godspeed
GODSPEED

by FEBRUARY GRACE


Genre(s):  Romance, Steampunk
Pages: 204
Published: April 2012 
Publisher: Booktrope





Official Summary:  ""What is a heart if not the ultimate clockwork?"

Abigail’s young life was saved by the kindness of strangers: Schuyler Algernon, the man who found her collapsed on cold city streets, and Quinn Godspeed, the doctor who risked everything by breaking the law to keep her fragile heart beating.

As the truth about what she’s become and her feelings for her savior overtake her, Abigail is forced to ask what constitutes life, living, and what dark secrets are contained within Godspeed’s past and the walls of Schuyler’s house."



Review:  This was a slow, sweet historical novel with a bit of romance and a slight dash of steampunk. While not at all what I expected, it was very enjoyable nonetheless.

Our protagonist in this story is a young woman who has lost her father to a rare plague, and suffers some severe side effects herself from this same plague, is removed from the only home she has ever known and is left wandering the streets of the city when her ailment causes her to lose consciousness. She wakes up in the care of Schuyler who calls in his friend, the mysterious Dr. Quinn Godspeed. Days (weeks?) later she awakens to find herself attached to a machine that is keeping her heart pumping.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Discuss! What happened to the swap sites?

     I used to love swapping all my Arcs or new release books on sites like YA Book exchange or offering them  at Arcycling, etc but in the past 6 months they are gone.  There is a goodreads swap group but that seems fairly inactive as well and is only for arcs not yet released. 



     Did you ever use these sites, or others similar?  What are you now doing with your Arcs?   I am not sure what to do with mine.  I could do a giveaway (which I do once in awhile) but cannot usually afford international shipping so I usually feel bad for those of you who aren't in the US for these.  Plus trades are a great way to get a few titles I haven't read.  



     Any ideas on what to do or what you wish the community would have?  Is there anything actively running that does something with Arcs, nor newer released titles that you know of?

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

June 2015 Recap



So this month had a rough start when my computer faced the blue screen of death.  I was without it for nearly 3 weeks.  so there was a lack of posting happening this early month and what little order I had for blogging went out the door.  Now I am finally getting things back under control but it is still a mess.  for starters, when they wiped my computer Microsoft Office programs disappeared and now i will have to buy a new one.  Not helpful when money is tight and working from a read-only files is a pain so what I have done is slower.  

So while I had hoped to clean up my blog in June, it just did not happen.  Sorry.  I will try to work on things this month. 

My birthday was this month as was my first anniversary with my wonderful husband.  So that was a plus in the months chaos.  I have also re-discovered a love for coloring with colored pencils.  Not basic children's coloring books but the more detailed, geometric types.  Mandala circles, garden art, etc.  just something to relax to with a bit of creativity.   

So here is what you may have missed this month on the blog and in my reading.


Books I finished reading: 
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil GaimanHomegrown Terror by Steve      WhiteThe Death Cure by James DashnerThe Heir by Kiera Cass