May TBR

I already know I'm going to have a full plate in May, from new things going on at work to my grandma visiting for a week (which means I get to sleep on the couch...yay...). But I'm still super pumped for the book I plan to read in May!

May TBR

Library of Souls (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children #3) by Ransom Riggs 
I know this isn't a popular opinion but please don't chase me with torches and pitchforks for saying it; I'm not very fond of this series. I didn't like the first book so much that I never even finished it. (I read the graphic novel instead) The second book was good I suppose, I still had some problems with it, but it was much better than the first. The main reason I'm finishing this series is because I have so many unanswered questions, I feel weird not finishing a trilogy after reading the first two books, and if this is better than book two, which I hear it is, than I think I might actually like it. *shrugs* so yeah...

Never Never by Brianna R. Shrum - Currently ReadingI've been working on this book for just over a week now and, for the life of me, I've been having trouble really getting into. The story is so much fun and I love how it's kind of different than the wonderful Neverland and happy-go-lucky Pan we've all come to know and love. Hopefully I will be able to finish this book and it wont be added to my DNF pile.


The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy #3) by Marie RutksokiHonestly, I wanted to start this book the moment I got it in the mail, but I've been working on my self control. However, the moment I get the chance, I'm going to devour this book. I just cannot wait to see how Marie Rutkoski plans on wrapping up the series.

 
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani ChokshiGot this in the mail the other day, and again, I wanted to sit down and read it right than. This will probably be the first book I get to out of these and I already know I'm going to fall in love with this book. I mean, I'm already pretty much obsessed with the cover.


Golden Son (Red Rising #2) by Pierce Brown 
AHHHHHH! Now that I have Morning Star I can read the last two books in this trilogy right after the other. As I've said before, Red Rising was one of my favorite book of last year and I'm ecstatic to own the whole trilogy now so I can see what Pierce Brown has done to all the character I loved in the first book. Small bookish pet-peeve, I own all three of the books in different additions; promotional copy, paperback and hardback. They look terrible together on my bookshelf, but I'll manage for now. 

April Wrap-Up

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, at the beginning of the month I was in a reading slump, caused by both my job and some other personal things. Once I was finally working myself out of that slump my body goes and decides to be sick, like the universe wanted to just kick me while I was down. During such times I got into watch a bunch of random anime, due to my inability to pick up and enjoy a good book, which ended up not being so terrible. I'm usually not a book show watcher, but I've always had a weak spot for anime. Regardless of everything, however, I'd say the fact that I read more than two books this month was a pretty good feat.

April Wrap-Up

1. Pita Ten, Vol. 01 (Pita Ten #1) by Koge-Donbo, Adam Arnold and Nan Rymer (3/5) 
2. The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell (4/5)
3. Cardcaptor Sakura, Vol. 1 (Cardcaptor Sakura #1) by CLAMP and Maria Simpson (3.5/5)
4. The Lost Girl (Fear Street Relaunch #3) by R.L. Stine (3/5)
5. Beastly Bones (Jackaby #2) by William Ritter (4.5/5) - Review
6. Soundless by Richelle Meade (3.25/5) - Review Coming Soon 
7. Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol (4/5)
8. With Hunter, Volume 1 (Witch Hunter #1) by Jung-man Cho (4/5)

April Anime

1. Blue Exorcist -> Started in March, Finished in April. Such awesome action and the story line was pretty entertaining. Haha oddly enough, I found Satan to be kind of funny...evil...but his laugh cracked me up every time.
2. Ouron High School Host Club -> Second time watching it. Such a fun show. The twins are probably my favorite though, than again, I have a weakness for twins. They oddly remind me of Fred and George now that I think of it, interesting. 
3. Maid-Sama -> Actually much cuter as it went on. Haha the main character reminds me of myself though...so bad with my words.
4. Kamisama Kiss -> Not what I expected? Cool concept and the characters were pretty entertaining but I feel like nothing really happened. 
5. Inu X Boku Secret Service ->This show had so much potential. The writers didn't play up the characters abilities nearly as much as they could. hate to say it, but it kind of disappointed me. I will say, the characters made the show, they made it worth watching.
6. Wolf Girl and Black Prince -> What a total sadist! I mean, he was also kind of a sweatheart when you think of it, but at first he was such a sadist. *chills*
7. Kimi Ni Todoke: From me to You -> This was a lot more lovey-dovey than I thought it was going to be. That, and it was so freaking frustrating! It took them so long to admit their feelings to each other. UGH!! It wasn't even a secret, like holy guac, and the worst part, *SPOILERS* they didn't even kiss! I waited 37 episodes and they never kissed, not once!
8. Dance With Devils -> Another action packed show. Rem's fight scene in the grandfathers house was pretty cool. However, going into it, I had no idea it was kind of a musical. It didn't have very many songs and they were pretty short, but I just wasn't expecting it. Pretty interesting show in itself though. 
9. Special A -> This is another one where you are rooting for the two people to get together. This was such a fun anime and I'm pleased with how it ended. Plus, Jun's "secret power" is so great.
10. Red Data Girl (RDG) -> WTF. This shows had to much potential to be pretty freaking awesome and I feel kind of let down. First of all it was hella confusing, there should have been more filler/explanatory episodes throughout it. Second of all the ending was incredibly abrupt, I actually googled the show to see if there was a second season; sadly I didn't find anything that said there was.  
11. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU -> I feel like nothing really happened in this show. It wan't bad or anything, it just wasn't memorable. 

I also started a few anime that I didn't finish because I either didn't like it or I new something I wasn't going to like was about to happen. One of which was My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Too but I could just feel a love triangle coming on and I really really don't like love triangles. (Haha We're just going to ignore the love polygon in Dance With Devils) Oh! and I realize I don't right very many book review, so if I read a book you want me to review let me know!

Beastly Bones by William Ritter Book Review

Beastly Bones (Jackaby #2) by William Ritter

 

Goodreads Synopsis

“I’ve found very little about private detective R. F. Jackaby to be standard in the time I’ve known him. Working as his assistant tends to call for a somewhat flexible relationship with reality.”

In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer R. F. Jackaby are called upon to investigate the supernatural.
First, a vicious species of shape-shifters disguise themselves as a litter of kittens, and a day later, their owner is found murdered with a single mysterious puncture wound. Then in nearby Gad’s Valley, now home to the exiled New Fiddleham police detective Charlie Cane, dinosaur bones from a recent dig mysteriously go missing, and an unidentifiable beast starts attacking animals and people, leaving their mangled bodies behind. Charlie calls on Abigail for help, and soon Abigail and Jackaby are on the hunt for a thief, a monster, and a murderer.

Review

  I've never really been into detective books. Don't get my wrong, I love myself some Sherlock on BBC and Raymond Chandler's Detective Marlowe books aren't completely boring, but it's just never really been my cup of tea. Jackaby on the other hand has kind of gotten me into the whole detective thing and I'm currently loving it. Ritter takes Sherlock Holmes and spins it into this crazy supernatural adventure. 
The first book, Jackaby, sets the stage, set in the late 1800's Abigail Rook and R.F. Jackaby are a quirky and unexpected pair. Jackaby being an investigator of the paranormal, and Abigail, his assistant, coming from a different background. Having grown up in England, practically idolizing her father and his work in paleontology, she wants to follow in his footsteps, this is, until he tells her that ladies shouldn't be playing in the dirt and she decide to run away to find her own adventure. Jackaby and his private detective service ends up being the last thing she expected to be apart of, but she dives into this new adventure head first. 

“Follow my lead, Miss Rook," Jackaby said, rapping on the ornately trimmed door to 1206 Campbell Street. Were my employer a standard private investigator, those might have been simple instructions, but in the time I've been his assistant, I've found very little about Jackaby to be standard. Following his lead tends to call for a somewhat flexible relationship with reality.” 

Beastly Bones opens with some Chameleomorphs (shape shifting kittens) and acting police commissioner Marlowe (I'm actually really happy his name is Marlowe) asking for their help with a murder of "unnatural causes". The mysterious death leads them to Gad's Valley where they meet up with exile Charlie Cane, to help in discover the mystery behind some dinosaur bones, a similar murder to the one in New Fiddleham, and an unknown beast that's attacking both animals and people.
There's a lot going on in the story, which can almost be expected from something that is "for fans of Sherlock Holmes", and has so many factors at play. Ritter doesn't miss a beat making every aspect of the story weave together quite nicely and at the same time still have you wanting more. Jackaby's character is definitely something else, he's quirky, intelligent, awkward, and has a way of just laying out the facts and observing all that is around him in a way that no one else does. With all his...quirks... Abigail ends up being exactly what he needs in an assistant; quick learner, good with people, and good at noticing the details many tend to overlook. 

Ritter also introduced some new and refreshing faces to the story, from a couple of archaeologists at each other's throats, the burly Hank Hudson, and the charismatic reporter Nellie Fuller who doesn't take no for an answer. All these character and their seemingly clashing personalities made for some light-hearted moments, and some Scooby-Doo-esc scenes. 

“Hudson blinked, but then he leaned down tentatively and gave the doorknob an obliging sniff. "It smells like...metal?" he said."Not-I don't know-a bit saturnine?" asked Jackaby, "with a hint of stygian exigency?""You know what any of those words mean?" Hudson asked, looking to me for help."I think one of them might be a sort of cheese.” 

 The story itself was full of twists and turns, and some unexpected happenings. Jenny's ghostly situation was definitely one of my favorite aspects, I loved how we got to learn so much more about her and how she contributes to the overall theme of the series. Plus, another character was introduced that may or may not lead to the master mind of the series. With slight hints of romance, which is totally exciting in itself, there was just so much that was leading up to the next big, and the end of Beastly Bones made me so incredibly excited for the third installlment to the series, Ghostly Echoes. So far the series has been such a fun read, especially for those into interestingly crazy characters and the paranormal. Loving everything so far and I can't wait to see what William Ritter has to show us next, (4/5)

“The greatest figures in history are never the ones who avoid failure, but those who march chin-up through countless failures, one after the next, until they come upon the occasional victory.” 

 

Disney Princess Book Tag

Let's be real, now a days most of the protagonists of YA books are orphans or their parents basically aren't in the picture, so the T5W post for today just isn't going to happen, sorry. Also due to the fact that Iv'e been sick since last Thursday I haven't really gotten around to finishing the book review that I originally planned on posting today, instead I'm going to do this tag because it's been in my drafts pile for a while now and Disney related things are never a bad idea, right? Anyway, without any further delay, the Disney Princess Book Tag, originally created by...honestly I have no idea. Comment down below if you know, I guess.
P.S. I'm actually really excited to do this, don't let me seemingly indifferent intro make you think otherwise.

1. Snow White: What's your favorite classic?
   Alice's Adventures in Wonderland will always be one of my favorite classic books. Don't get me wrong, I also love Peter Pan and so may others, but there's something about the utter nonsensical ridiculousness of Wonderland that's always got me hooked. Plus, there are so many good retellings based off it, that you can't not appreciate the story.
            
2. Cinderella: What book kept you up way past your bedtime?
   The Book Thief was such a powerful book, I couldn't put it down. I read that book every chance I could form start to finish. Though, I'm not usually into books that make me really emotional, I loved this book no matter how many times it tore me apart.
     
3. Aurora: What's your favorite classic romance?
   Pride and Prejudice will forever be my answer to such questions. I mean, Jane Austen did good. Plus, the movie is basically everything.
   
       
4. Ariel: Name a book about making sacrifices and fighting for your dreams.
   The Darkest Part of the Forest...well Hazel fights in her dreams, close enough right? Okay, I really didn't know what to put for this one, but I really enjoyed this book. Besides, the cover's pretty gorgeous and ***SPOILERS*** Ben gets the prince, what more could you ask for?          
5. Belle: Name a book with a smart, independent female character.
   The Winner's Curse has some interesting characters in general, but Kestrel is such a fighter, plus she's hella smart. I mean c'mon, she got mad strategy skills. Though she independently goes off and does things I don't completely agree with sometimes, she's a damn smart cookie who pretty much always has a plan up her sleeve.
         
6. Jasmine: Name a book character that challenged the social conventions of his/her world.
   Cinder, from the Lunar Chronicle, is the most obvious choice for this one. She's a lunar cyborg who's got a thing with an earthen emperor, she lives in a place where cyborgs aren't even considered people, but property, and she's the heir to the Lunar kingdom. That and she kicks some serious ass. BAM. Nailed it.
       
7. Pocahontas: Name a book whose ending was a roller-coaster of emotions.
   Red Rising was roller-coaster in so many ways; action packed, craziness, emotions, I absolutely love it. One of my favorite books of 2015. If you haven't had the opportunity to read this book yet, get off of your craziness and go get it.
              
8. Mulan: Name a book with a kickass female character.
   The Harry Potter series has so many kickass characters I'm not even going to start with it. If you've read the series, or at least part of it, you know what I mean.
   
              
9. Tiana: Name a book featuring a hardworking, self-made character.
   In A Game for Thrones, well actually the whole A Song of Ice and Fire series, Deanerys Targaryen is the baddest of the bitches...okay, I guess that depends on who you ask. But really, when it comes to hardworking, self-made characters she really fought for her own and became someone that so many people would be proud to follow.
         
10. Rapunzel: Name a book that features an artist.
    I was originally going to go with the book If I Stay, but than I remembered that a large majority of what happens in the Splintered series is based around some of the characters art, from bug montages to bloody scenery. Besides, as I said earlier, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland retellings are rarely a bad idea.
         
11. Merida: Name a book that features a mother-daughter relationship.
    Though Molly Weasley is basically the mom of all moms, Connie Nicolson from Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging was a pretty awesome ma as well. I mean, yes, I only read the first two books in the series (and own the movie) but in those two books she was pretty awesome.
          
12. Anna and Elsa: Name a book with a great relationship between siblings.
    For the sake of not bringing up the Weasley family again, I'm going to have to go with the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe because Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie are a pretty bad ass group of siblings. What I really like is the fact that Lewis wrote such a fun story about four siblings instead of the usual two. Go Lewis for mixing it up a bit.
    
    

Okay, can we just talk about the Frozen gif? That's basically a perfect representation of my sister and I. To a T, no lie. Also, that Mulan gif was pretty awesome. This is the first time I've used gifs in a post (I think) and I don't know about you, but I'm kind of digging it. 

Do you agree with my answers? Do you think you have better ones? Am I asking a lot of questions in a short amount of time? (Yes Rachael, shut up) Let me know in the comments! I love reading what y'all have to say!