The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan Review

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

I have always been a fan of Rick Riordan's novels, ever since I picked up Percy Jackson and the Olympians in fourth grade. It only took me nearly two months to finish this book, but I've finally made it through the finish line. I don't know what it was about this book, but I kept getting distracted by other things while reading it, causing me to forget that the book was even a thing that I could open and read. I really enjoyed all the characters - especially Magnus, with his supreme sass and shifty remarks. There were no specific problems with any of the characters that didn't benefit their development or the plot line itself. Oh, and all the Game of Thrones references thrown into the mix - thanks Rick :) But I wasn't as blown away by this series as much as I was when I read Percy Jackson and the Olympians; take it, that was about eight years ago, but I can still remember all the feelings that were brought up with reading those emotional rollercoasters *ahem* books. The world for me was a little hard to get in to, maybe because I wasn't really passionate about reading the book when I first started it, but as I read on, I was roped in as I always am with Rick's books, and had powered through the first third of the book without even realizing it. You definitely need to be in the mood to read a Rick Riordan book, and can't just wake up one day and be like "Oh jeez, I guess I'll read this book today and see how it goes." No. Don't do that. I beg of you, please do not do that. It will take away from the book because you will feel as if you are pushing yourself to read this. *rant over* Overall, this was such an interesting story and I can really commemorate Rick on his world building and attention to detail throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is already a fan of Rick Riordan's writing as well as fans of The 100 by Kass Morgan and City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I will definitely be finishing this series and will be reading The Trials of Apollo series by Rick as well. Once you're hooked on Riordan, there's no turning back ;)

The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker Review

The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker Review

I wish I could give this book 100 stars, it was just such an amazing ending to a duology and I am so satisfied with the ending that the author wrote :) I was so happy to be back in the world of Elizabeth, John, Fifer, and everyone else, and it was such a well written novel as well. It picks right back up after the ending to The Witch Hunter, and dives back into the situation that we were last left off with handling. The book ran very smoothly, and was at such a nice pace that I was able to nearly finish the entire book in a day; the pace really helped the motions of the book flow as well, and added the extra action that the book needed. Virginia Boecker did an amazing job writing the characters and their developments throughout The Witch Hunter, and she definitely did not disappoint in this installment. You are able to feel connected to the characters and understand why they do the things that they do, and get into their thought processes as well. Elizabeth is such an interesting character to read about because she starts off in the series as one of the most hated types of people in the land - a witch hunter - and then slowly is able to change her ways and become one with the people of the city. Each character has their flaws, and they make them who they are and influence how they act in certain situations. I absolutely loved this book, and can probably say that it is one of my favorite reads of 2016, and one of my favorite series that I have read. I highly recommend this series to fans of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. Both books involve young girls who are fighting to take over the existing ruling power, and are done so beautifully. “I understand the need for deception. I should; I live a life of it. Distasteful, perhaps. But necessary.”  ― Virginia Boecker, The Witch Hunter

Life After Juliet by Shannon Lee ALexander Review + BLOG TOUR

Life After Juliet by Shannon Lee Alexander Review

I would first like to thank Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours for providing me with a copy of this novel and choosing me as a host for this tour, and to Entangled Teen publishing as well. This is a companion novel to Love and Other Unknown Variables, and while I have not read that novel, I feel as though the reader does not need to read it in order to understand the plot and the characters in the novel. I absolutely think this book was super cute and definitely something that anyone can enjoy if you like romantic books with a hint of the classic teen angst put in with a touch of sweetness. The characters were so adorable and lovable, and were actually some of the most realistic characters that I have ever read about. You meet Becca, this young girl who has just had one of life's greatest obstacles thrown at her at such a young age. She really learns to overcome her grief while still holding onto what has happened as something that will always be with her in the end. I'm not usually such a big fan for books in this genre, but I have to say that this book made me laugh, cry, and root for the main characters like no other. I highly recommend this book to fans of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. This book will give you all the warm feelings that a rom-com YA should, with the touch of contemporary that ties the entire work together in a perfect package, ready to be opened by the reader.

Book Title: Life After Juliet

Author: Shannon Lee Alexander

Release Date: July 5, 2016

Genre: Contemporary YA

Becca Hanson was never able to make sense of the real world. When her best friend Charlotte died, she gave up on it altogether. Fortunately, Becca can count on her books to escape—to other times, other places, other people...

Until she meets Max Herrera. He’s experienced loss, too, and his gorgeous, dark eyes see Becca the way no one else in school can.

As it turns out, kissing is a lot better in real life than on a page. But love and life are a lot more complicated in the real world...and happy endings aren't always guaranteed.

The companion novel to Love and Other Unknown Variables is an exploration of loss and regret, of kissing and love, and most importantly, a celebration of hope and discovering a life worth living again.

Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26114303-life- after-juliet

Link to Tour Schedule: http://www.chapter-by- chapter.com/blog-tour- schedule-life- after-juliet- by-shannon- lee-alexander/

Extra Content: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/brbb3qo8ulv7ahl/AABNBS5BVIINrTavZt65B2Tea?dl=0

Shannon Lee Alexander is a wife and mother (of two kids and one yellow terrier named Harriet Potter). She is passionate about coffee, books, and cancer research. She spent most of her time in high school hiding out in the theater with the drammies and techies. Math still makes her break out in a sweat. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her family.

Author Website: http://www.shannonleealexander.com

Author Twitter: @shanlalexander (https://twitter.com/shanlalexander)

Author Facebook: Shannon L Alexander (https://www.facebook.com/shanlalexander/)

Author Goodreads: Shannon Lee Alexander (https://www.goodreads.com/shannonleealexander)

Newsletter: Sign up here - http://eepurl.com/09Igj

Giveaway Information: Contest ends June 15, 2016

Open internationally, but prize packs ship only to US. International winners will receive Amazon gift cards (listed below).*

 Grand prize: Hyperboles are the best EVER! tote bag, a 4oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Toe-meo and Juliet Shakespearean socks, Life after Juliet poison and dagger necklace, Velveteen Rabbit note card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

 1st Runner Up: Hyperboles are the best EVER! tote bag, a 4 oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Toe-meo and Juliet Shakespearean socks, Life after Juliet dagger earrings, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

 2nd Runner Up: 2oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Life after Juliet dagger earrings, Velveteen Rabbit note card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

 3rd Runner Up: 2oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Life after Juliet dagger earrings, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

*All contests are open internationally, but international winners will receive the following:

 Grand prize: $25 Amazon gift card, signed signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

 1st Runner Up: $20 Amazon gift card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

 2nd runner up: $15 Amazon gift card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

 3rd runner up: $10 Amazon gift card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Perfectionists by Sara Shepard Review

The Perfectionists by Sara Shepard

I've always been a fan of Sara's writing, ever since I was gifted the first ten books in the Pretty Little Liars series right after the show first aired on ABC Family, and have loved her books ever since. I already have a review of The Good Girls, the second and final installment in this series, up on my blog, in case you want to check that out as well :) I didn't really know what to expect from this book, mainly because I didn't really know much about the plot when I first bought the book. I had an idea of what was going to happen, but didn't have enough information to really have a steady grasp on what was about to come - and I'm glad for that. The best thing for someone who is about to read this is to not really know much about the book, it adds to the mystery of the book. I really enjoyed meeting all of these new and unique characters that Sara created, and found that none of them were characters that I didn't really connect with or understand. The entire premise of the story is so interesting, and will definitely draw the reader in as they begin to dive deeper into the world of The Perfectionists, and learn that everything is not what it seems. I was never bored while reading this story, and felt that the pace was very well played out and easy to follow as reader and gave the story just enough push that the reader would be able to finish the book in one sitting if they were determined to do so. The twists and turns that Sara includes in the book are truly some that I have never seen before, and it is completely refreshing to be able to see the normal tropes from YA novels be broken down and formed into something new. Anyone who is a fan of Sara's series Pretty Little Liars or The Lying Game will greatly appreciate this novel, as well as fans of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica (similar titles, both completely different and amazing stories!) The mystery, character development, and relationships between characters are all truly stunning, and will indulge any reader who picks up this book.

“She just looked tired. Like she battled the world and the world had won.” 

― Sara Shepard, The Perfectionists

Hair in All the Wrong Places by Andrew Buckley Review + BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY

Hair in All the Wrong Places by Andrew Buckley

Review: I'm so glad to be a part of "Hair in All the Wrong Places" Book Tour! Thank you so much to Chapter by Chapter for sending me a review copy of this novel and having me as a tour host! I really enjoyed the essence of the story  - it is a quick read that is light and fluffy, definitely for someone who enjoys a type of Middle Grade fantasy. The main character is relatable and is easily understood throughout the entire book, and I found myself really enjoying what Colin had to say rather than wanting to skip to the action part of the plot. All of the characters are unique in their own ways and that element really assists the writing style as well, for you can tell when a certain character is talking without needing the extra "so and so said" at the end of each piece of dialogue. This was such a cute read, and I liked the romantic aspect as well, adding it in made the readers be able to root for the character and his love interest all while hoping that everything would turn out okay in the end. The romance did not over power the true nature and plot of the book, and for that I am thankful - we were able to focus at the problems at hand and not have the romance shadow over everything else that was happening throughout the novel. I highly recommend this book to fans of werewolf novels and any Middle Grade fantasy novel as well. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Andrew's writing and seeing more of his characters.

Publication Date: June 7, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

What has he done?

What’s happening to him?

And what on Earth is that smell?

For Colin Strauss, puberty stinks. Blackouts, hallucinations, and lapses in memory are the perils of growing up werewolf.

Worse than that, Colin worries he might have had something to do with the recent attacks on the townspeople. He may have eaten a person. It doesn’t matter that it’s someone he doesn’t particularly like. What kind of boy goes around eating people?

Foolishly, all Colin can think about is how Becca Emerson finally kissed him for the first time. Yep, hormones are afoot.

Yikes!

But girls will have to wait. Collin better get himself under control before someone else ends up hurt or worse . . . dead.

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25014122-hair- in-all- the-wrong- places

Purchase Links:

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

About the Author: Andrew Buckley attended the Vancouver Film School’s Writing for Film and Television program. After pitching and developing several screenplay projects for film and television, he worked in marketing and public relations, before becoming a professional copy and content writer. During this time Andrew began writing his first adult novel, DEATH, THE DEVIL AND THE GOLDFISH, followed closely by his second novel, STILTSKIN. He works as an editor for Curiosity Quills Press. Andrew also co-hosts a geek movie podcast, is working on his next novel, and has a stunning amount of other ideas. He now lives happily in the Okanagan Valley, BC with three kids, one cat, one needy dog, one beautiful wife, and a multitude of characters that live comfortably inside of his mind. Andrew is represented by Mark Gottlieb at the Trident Media Group.

Giveaway Information: Contest ends June 24, 2016

 One (1) winner will receive a scrabble tile book cover charm (US ONLY)

 Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Hair in the Wrong Places by Andrew Buckley (INT)

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e554/?

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Review

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I was so excited to finally get my hands on this book, and had such high expectations for it. I had already read Landline by her, and thought that I should finally give Fangirl a try. As soon as I started the novel, I instantly connected with Cath, the main character. I too am a twin and love to read, so it made relating with the character very easy for me. The storyline did not go where I thought it was going to go, but maybe that was because I didn’t know much about the novel when I first received a copy. The only real problems I had with this novel was the fact that there was a decent about of cursing, but what else could you expect from college students. There were some characters that I couldn’t really picture in my head from their descriptions, but that didn’t affect the way that I read or interpreted the novel. I suggest that when considering reading this novel, be considerate of your age - anyone who is below the age of 16/17 should be warned that the language and situations may be a little mature for you. The overall impression that I got from this novel that it was a fun, quick read that anyone who is planning to go to college, is in college, or wants a cute read will enjoy this story. Fans of contemporary novels should definitely check this book out as well, it’ll fit right into that classic contemporary feel.

“To really be a nerd, she'd decided, you had to prefer fictional worlds to the real one.” 
― Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl