True (Elixir #3)

Judging A Book By Its Cover...

My Mom did her first youtube video with me!

Brooklyn Girls (#1)

Summary:

"Fantastically funny, fresh and utterly relatable, Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess is the first novel in her brand new series about five twenty-something friends—Pia, Angie, Julia, Coco and Madeleine—sharing a brownstone in hip, downtown Brooklyn, and discovering the ups and downs and ins and outs of  their “semi-adult” lives. The first story belongs to sophisticated, spoiled, and stylish Pia, who finds herself completely unemployed, unemployable, and broke. So what is a recent grad with an art history degree and an unfortunate history of Facebook topless photos to do? Start a food truck business of course! Pia takes on the surprisingly cutthroat Brooklyn world of hybrid lettuce growers, artisanal yogurt makers and homemade butter producers to start SkinnyWheels—all while dealing with hipster bees, one-night-stands, heartbreak, parental fury, wild parties, revenge, jail, loan sharks, playboys, karaoke, true love, and one adorable pink food truck. And that's without counting her roommates' problems, too. Gemma Burgess has captured the confusion, hilarity and excitement of the post-graduate years against a backdrop of the pressures and chaos of New York City life, with heartfelt empathy, fast humor and sharp honesty.
A charming debut series about five twenty-something girls and the humor, heartbreak, and drama that bring them together"

Getting To Know You, Saturdays - My Life in YA Book Titles

Top Ten Tuesday: Things That Make My Life As A Reader and Blogger Easier

1. My Husband Allows Me To Read...

No, this isn't a possessive thing, what I mean is.. my husband and I have a sort of arrangement. We both have hobbies that require a time commitment. My Husbands being Gaming and Mine Reading/Blogging. So, when we get home from work we kiss Hello, ask each other about our days and then pretty much leave each other alone the rest of the night. This may seem weird, but it works for us. Our weekends are more open for us to be together and a new thing we started is reading "together" at bedtime. Which really is me reading a book of his choice aloud. 

2. A Supportive Family

My family funds my bookish ways. Whether it is buying me books, bookcases, gift cards or driving me (since I am carless) to book related events. It is great to have this support for not only my reading habit but my blog as well. 

3. The Library

I hate that I can't keep the books I read, but it allows me the ability to read A LOT more books then I would be able to, since reading can be a costly habit.

4. NetGalley

Giving me the ease of reading ARC's. 

5. Goodreads

I don't really use GoodReads to its fullest, but I love that it keeps track of what I read and how much I read. As well as my love of book quotes. It also doesn't hurt when it lets me know how far behind I am at reading!

6. My IPad

Well, it is my Moms, but she kind of gave it to me. I use the Kindle App and even if I am not an e-reader fan, i appreciate the accessibility it gives me to read books from Netgalley and at night.

7. My Book Cases

Not only do they keep my my apartment organized, but I can display my books like trophies and just looking at them on the shelves makes me happy.

8. The Book Blogging Community

Undoubtedly, if this community did not exist I would most definitely not have enter the book blogging world and although, I would still read books.. I would definitely read less than I do now. 

The Diamond of Drury Lane (Cat Royal #1)

Summary:

"Capturing superbly the hustle and bustle, flair and extravagance of late Eighteenth Century times in England's renowned capital, The Diamond of Drury Lane introduces its feisty heroine with an undeniably exciting first adventure. This is historical fiction for young readers at its best--authentic, exciting and fast-moving.Cat Royal is a veritable institution at Mr Sheridan's famous Drury Lane theatre of ye olde London Town, circa 1790. Adopted by the owner after being mysteriously abandoned as a baby on the steps of his infamous establishment, Cat has grown up backstage amidst the glamour of the bright lights, the exotic artistes, hammy actors, melodious musicians and riotous viewing public. The performers are her family, the stagehands her closest friends.However, Cat is growing up and she is beginning to think about what she wants to do with her life. Those thoughts take an unexpected turn when she overhears a conversation about a diamond hidden somewhere in the theatre. Her adventures begin when she tries to find the treasure. Pedro, a gifted musician who is new to the company orchestra, ably assists her. Ever present too are the political ramifications of a mischievous satirical cartoonist called Captain Sparkler, who some suspect is a very important person nearby in disguise.The narrative traverses London and takes in the rival street gangs of Covent Garden, boxing matches, theatre riots, spectacular stage productions and several moments of drama and intrigue. Cat is so likeable as a central character, that readers will soon be caught up in her journey. That journey may only be short geographically, but she learns lots about who she is and who her real friends are. It's great stuff. Look out for the sequel, Cat Among the Pigeons.(Age 9 and over)--John McLay"

 I have passed this book several times in the Young Adult section of the public library and have always been intrigued to read it. So last month I FINALLY checked the book out and began reading. The book appealed to me as being an 18th Century Nancy Drew series. I was pretty stoked, given I have a fancy for Historical Fiction and Mysterys. I like all kinds of mysteries but this seemed to be more cloak and dagger like and I love those the most.

Unfortunately, for me.. I was very misguided in the fact that this book was in the YA section and not the Middle Grade section. The book is very MG and quite predictable, as well as NOT that much of a mystery. There were parts I liked and enjoyed and the characters are great but honestly it was just a giant book of subliminal lesson teaching to 8-12 year olds.

My other complaint is that the book is a BIG book that dragged out, by page 150 I was only JUST beginning to learn the plot. I rarely complain that a book is too long, usually the opposite is said. However, someone should have heavily edited The Diamon of Drury Lane, the story and atomosphere could have easily been told is less than 200 pages. In fact, I have seen many books, with far more substance do just that.

With that being said... The Diamond of Drury Lane is not a bad book, it is just not a book that should be in the YA section. The right age group would most likely enjoy this book and series. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)

Summary:

"Darkness never dies.
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm."

Why HELLOoOoOoO.... Darkling!
It doesn't take much to get sucked back into the Grisha world. In fact, it only takes 25 pages to leave you with your mouth gaping.  The plot does more story and world building, than action and plowing through, which for Book 2, I think was the perfect choice. Bardugo, does a marvelous job at giving the reader what they want, while still making them beg for more.

I am liking Alina more and more especially as her confidence grows, I also enjoyed Mal more in this book, but still am not convinced in him as the leading man. I just feel there is something lacking in his and Alina's relationship. Mainly, because it is SO brother-sister like. There are 3 additions to the book, that I enjoyed very much. That being the Privateer, whose role I think is vital to caring this story, and who I definitely have a crush on. I am definitely wishing him and Alina to hook up! Then there is Tamar and Tamin. They become Alina's confidants and they have a way about them, that makes you love them. Maybe it is the protective gentle giant type thing.

And of course... we cannot forget the Darkling. He actually isn't present very much and it mostly, just a Shadow to be feared. However, when he does appear I still love him and I pretty much never love the bad guy. A bad boy sure, but not a truly evil person. Which, is something I truly admire about Bardugo's writing. She can make you not just LIKE the bad guy but become Infatuated with him.

There is SO much that happens in Siege and Storm and all very much important to the series storyline. While reading Siege and Storm though, I knew there was to be an epic ending, since I had heard SO much about this epic ending, I was read through the book rapidly, eagerly waiting and anticipating it and I was disappointed. ONLY, because I was anticipating it so much, that I already saw it coming. I had built it up A LOT. However, I can say it is a good ending and if you don't over think it like me, you will hate and love it. Bardugo's writing is beyond superb and Siege and Storm is just one of those books, that is hard to review... because you might let something possibly spoilery slip. It is a great sequel to Shadow and Bone and overall, a HIGHLY recommended series.