T5W: NEVER is a strong word...

As always Top 5 Wednesday was created by Lainey at gingerreadslainey and is hosted by Sam at thoughtsontomes. All past topics and the rest of this months topics can be found on the Goodreads group page.
I'd like to say that never just sounds to absolute when it comes to books, but I suppose it can be very accurate considering I have some books that are so far from what I want to read that the chances of me ever picking them up are basically nonexistent. Still though, hard for me to say never; I use to never read contemporary (I went years without reading a single one) and I've already read about four this month alone...things change. Haha but I have a feeling that my feelings for these ones wont.

Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined (Twilight #1.75) by Stephanie Meyer 

- I just don't understand why this is even a thing....

The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Claire

- I'm going to say right now that I may one day read book one in this series, I own it, so why not. However, I've also tried to read it about 4 times and was never able to get into it, so I feel like I can safely say I will never get around to this whole series. 

Fifty Shades of Grey series by E.L. James 

- I just....no

Silence (Hush, Hush #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick 

- *SPOILERS* I do not do memory loss well, when I finished book two and read the synopsis for book three I was so disappointed. I have no intentions of getting back to this series...at all.

The One (The Selection #3) series by Kiera Cass  

- America was just starting to piss me off just a little too much after finishing book two.

Any books y'all never plan on picking up? Let me know whats at the bottom of your list!

Adorkable by Cookie O'Gorman Book Review

Adorkable by Cookie O'Gorman 

Synopsis 

Adorkable (ah-dor-kuh-bul): Descriptive term meaning to be equal parts dorky and adorable. For reference, see Sally Spitz.

Seventeen-year-old Sally Spitz is done with dating. Or at least, she's done with the horrible blind dates/hookups/sneak attacks her matchmaking bestie, Hooker, sets her up on. There's only so much one geek girl and Gryffindor supporter can take.

Her solution: she needs a fake boyfriend. And fast.

Enter Becks, soccer phenom, all-around-hottie, and Sally's best friend practically since birth. When Sally asks Becks to be her F.B.F. (fake boyfriend), Becks is only too happy to be used. He'd do anything for Sal--even if that means giving her PDA lessons in his bedroom, saying she's "more than pretty," and expertly kissing her at parties.

The problem: Sally's been in love with Becks all her life--and he's completely clueless.

This book features two best friends, one special edition Yoda snuggie, countless beneath-the-ear kisses and begs the question:

Who wants a real boyfriend when faking it is so much more fun?

Opinion 

True to the title, I only have one word to describe this book; Adorkable. Sally Spitz is a proud dork and Becks is the sweet as can be, hottie of a jock, how can this not turn into something adorable? I mean, yeah, the story is far from original and fluffy as all hell, but sometimes that's all you need. 

I originally picked this up as a free ebook on KU when I was bored at work one day and thought I would take a little break from fantasy novels and dive into a genre I rarely ever go near, and I am so happy I did. From start to finish, even though anyone with half a brain could figure out how it was going to end, you can't wait to see what is going to happen between Sally and Becks next, their just so damn cute, and it made me happy when they were together, even if he was her FBF. The fact that he was always smiling and his whole no-shave-pregame thing, oh, and the fact that he was a sweetheart (earning him major brownie points in my book), made it hard not to love his character. Than Sally's shameless Star Trek references and full on German overload when she lost her temper, made you want to be her best friend. 

“Not even after I’d told him about my secret life-long crush on Lucius Malfoy from the Harry Potter series. That hair, the voice, that whole uptight baddie/aristocrat thing... It was embarrassing, but the guy was just yum.” 

Though this was far from anything revolutionary, I have to give O'Gorman major props on how witty and fun the conversations withing the book were. Sally and Becks banter were pretty on point. I find that this is something that can really make or break a book for me and the fact that it was cute and fun made the book all that much more enjoyable. My teenage side (even though I'm still 19, so technically still a teenager) could really relate to a lot of what was happening. Admittedly, I've never had a fake boyfriend, but all the drama and such brought me back to my high school mind set for so much of the book. 

All in all, if you're looking for a light, fluffy, fun read I suggest you pick this up. If anything, it'll put a smile on your face. Though Sally's best friend Hooker drove me crazy sometimes, and Sally and Becks chemistry makes the book worth the read. (3.5/5)

T5W: Book I Want To Read By The End Of The Year

Can we just start of by saying that their are way more than 5 books I would love to read before the end of the year, that being said these are probably at the top of the list!

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

So...I still haven't finished the Harry Potter series. I wish I had read these books years ago but I'm still happy to be reading them now. So far I've read the first 4 and I can already tell I'm going to love the other 3 but their so daunting as a whole *sigh*...*eyes glistening* but I have determination! This will happens.

2. Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown 

I read Red Rising in December of last year and I absolutely loved it! I already own books 2 and 3 but for some reason I can't get myself to pick them up. Part of me knows I will love them, but part of me also doesn't want to finish the story. Readers struggles. 

3. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin 

Another series that I have loved so far! Another book that is daunting in size. I would be over joyed to finish books 4 and 5 by the end of the year, but I'm trying to be realistic considering I still need to finish the Harry Potter series and the Red Rising series as well. But this will happen, besides, I still have time. Who knows when book 6 will come out....

4. The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

I guess this is the year of finishing series. I started this book a few weeks ago but I just can't get myself to finish it. I've been so captivated by the series as a whole and the fact that it's over already kind of sucks. But I also really want to know how it ends.

5. Steam by Stacey Rourke

Another conclusion to a trilogy. The Legends Saga has been such a great and interesting read and Rourkes characters have really been awesome so far. Considering how book 2 ended I cannot wait to see what the Hessian does in the final book, I can already tell it's going to be crazy. Now I just need to get around to buying it, there's something about buy an ebook that's just not as fun as buying a physical one. Oh well. PS. I love the covers in this series. A

Raven by Stacey Rourke Book Review

Raven (The Legends Saga #2) by Stacey Rourke



Synopsis

An infamous love, destined nevermore,

For death could not claim, the enchanting Lenore.

Cursed by the malevolent spirit of the Headless Horseman, Ireland Crane ventures to Manhattan in search of a way to break her soul crushing bond. Instead, she discovers the lines between fact and fiction are blurring once more. Croaking ravens. Telltale hearts. Could the works of Poe be coming to pass with handsome Wall Street Midas Ridley Peolte as their unwilling target?

She walks the Earth, a plague on mankind,

searching for he, her rotted heart doth pine.

Together, the two unknowingly release a dark force death itself could not tame. Surrounded by the unrelenting violence and mayhem they’ve unleashed, Ireland feels her control over the Horseman slipping. Before the beast within consumes her, she and her crew must follow the clues of the dead to right a centuries’ old wrong. Will it be enough to sate the Horseman’s appetite?

Hell hath no fury like a ghoul scorned. 

My Opinion 

Let me start off by saying that I love Rourke's characters. Ireland is sarcastic and a great female lead, Noah is witty and supportive; all the characters are fun and not overly serious about themselves. I just love that the characters a funny and almost lighthearted when the tone of what is happening to them is dark and terrifying. 

On another note, this story was a great clash of two dark stories twisted together. Especially how she manages to mix two live/stories, one in the present the other in the past, and not make it confusing but instead add to the tragedy and twists of the story as a whole. Reading of one characters hardships and heartbreak in the past, while also reading about them trying to mend said past mistakes in the present add so much to the overall. 

“She … uh … suffers from low blood sugar. It turns her into a slightly demonic nympho. Awkward as it is here, family gatherings are the real bitch.” 

However, I will say that Raven, while still great, was not as good as Crane. Ireland's hessian revival was just such a great story that Ridley's just couldn't compare. Also, I felt like their were parts of this story that just seemed a little rushed. It's hard to really put my finger on what it was without spoiling anything, but there were parts towards the middle/end that seemed almost random or forced into the story. Basically it seemed like sh tried really hard to make this whole story to transition into the third book without a hwole lot of explanation as to what was happening.

Overall, Raven was such a fun read! I'm happy I got to see more of Ireland and Noah's witty banter and more behind the twisting and tragic tales behind the legends. (4/5)

T5W: Great Opening Lines

Everyone knows that a great opening line can really get you hooked, and who doesn't liked getting hooked right off the bat. I will say, however, that I very rarely remember the opening lines of books and if it weren't for google, I would have been able to do this. But, with no further ado, here are some of my favorite opening lines!

First the colors. 

Then the humans. 

That's usually how I see things.

Or at least, how I try.

 - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 

 I had just come to accept that me

 life would be ordinary when extraordinary 

things began to happen. 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs 

 He began his new life standing up, 

surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner 

 I'm pretty much fucked.

The Martian by Andy Weir 

 Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive,

were proud to say that they were perfectly normal,

thank you very much.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

What are some of your favorite opening lines? Let me know!

My Bookish Bucket List!

My Bookish Bucket List! Fun fact, I love bucket lists, I even have one. So, I decided that a bookish bucket list was in order since there is so much I want to do! I'm sure this isn't that exciting for some people who've seemingly done everything, but to me, these are goals. Now, without further ado, my bookish bucket list :) *Throw Confetti*

1. Read 50 Classics - (38 so far) 
2. Read 10 non-fiction 
3. Meet Pierce Brown 
4. Meet Maggie Stiefvater 
5. Meet Marissa Meyer 
6. Meet another book blogger 
7. Go to Shakespeare bookstore in Paris 
8. Complete all the books in the a Song of Ice and Fire series - (3 so far)
9. Complete all the books in the Harry Potter series - (3 so far) 
10. Go to Hobbiton 
11. Have my own personal library 
12. Buddy read a book with somebody 
13. Visit City Light Bookstore 
14. Participate in an in-person book club 
15. Own an entire manga series  
16. Read 100 books in one year 
17. Dress up as a literary character (either Halloween or cosplay) 
18. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, FL
19. Hike the 'Misty Mountains'
20. Stick to a TBR for at least one month 

What about you guys? Have anything on your bookish bucket list??

August TBR

Now that I finally have internet back I can really get back into blogging! This is exciting stuff for me. Plus I've really been getting back into reading so I actually have things to write about. Anyways, since I literally had no idea what to write for this weeks Top 5 Wednesday I thought I would share my TBR for August instead. Here we go! 

Raven (The Legends Saga #2) by Stacey Rourke 
I love this series far. Ireland and Noah are so witty, in the best way, and the story has so many turns and such great action. Rourke really knows how to draw you into her stories. 

The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy #3) by Marie Rutkoski 
I know, I know. I've been putting this book on my TBR for months now, but I really am determined this month to finish it. In fact, I've already started it so I'm a step ahead of the game. 

Steam (The Legends Saga #3) by Stacey Rourke 
Hopefully I can get to this book in the Legends Saga too because for some reason lately I've been in the mood for the creepiness this series provides, plus, I always laugh when I read these books. 

So those are the main books I plan on reading this month! I'll try to read a few more than this but these are the ones I'm most excited for. :) Also, leave me any book suggestions you have for horror books, like I said, I've really been in the mood for it lately. 

The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey Book Review

The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

Synopsis 

Melanie is a very special girl. Dr. Caldwell calls her "our little genius."

Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh.

Melanie loves school. She loves learning about spelling and sums and the world outside the classroom and the children's cells. She tells her favorite teacher all the things she'll do when she grows up. Melanie doesn't know why this makes Miss Justineau look sad.

Opinion 

To say this book was not what I expected would be a bit of an understatement. The story itself was much more chilling, and eerily creative than the synopsis made it seem. I've never really been a big fan of zombies, to me they just down right suck and the people in zombie stories are always incredibly terrible at making logical decisions. However, there was nothing really traditional about this story, it was like a mixture of the Walking Dead, World War Z, and so much else.

“you can't save people from the world. There's nowhere else to take them.” 

One if the things I really enjoyed about this story was the authors new take on zombies, the idea of some of them being intelligent and emotional. In the beginning Carey brings you right into how the children are feeling and how they think, making you understand how they are basically frightened children and not just lab rats to be sacrificed to the cause. This book really makes you think about what being "human" really means. There were times when I thought some of the non-infected people were total dicks for no real reason. (Don't even get me started in Dr. Caldwell). The story, however, really centers around Melanie and how, through the teachings of her beloved Miss Justineau, she learns about those like Pandora sparking her fire making her want to understand more of who she is and her feelings of love and acceptance. One of my favorite parts about the book, however, was all the science behind the infections and what makes children like Melanie special. Obviously I don't want to spoil anything, but damn, it was way better than I expected.

“And then like Pandora, opening the great big box of the world and not being afraid, not even caring whether what’s inside is good or bad. Because it’s both. Everything is always both. But you have to open it to find that out.” 

Okay, as much as I truly enjoyed this story, I acknowledge that there were a few flaws. For one, the story dragged a bit too much in some parts for me. Also, there were a few things I feel like Casey could have expanded on, for example, I want to know more or at least see more of the junkers in the story. Plus, I wish they got more into the ways of Beacon...but that's a whole other thing.

“the horror of the unknown is more frightening than any horror you can understand” 

All in all, this book was beautiful and creepy and left you asking for more. (Don't even get me started on the ending of the book...I just...damn it Carey). If you are a fan of zombie stories and enjoy twists on original 'monsters' I highly recommend giving this book a chance! (4/5)

P.S. I just found out that it's going to be a movie! Check out the trailer

July Wrap-Up

Where does the time go? July was such a crazy month and I'm sure that August is going to be even more crazy. However, I'm going to be much better at keeping up with my posts this month; I've got a planner and everything.

Wrap-Up

1. To Build A Fire by Jack London (4/5)
2. The Looking Glass Wars (The Looking Glass Wars #1) by Frank Beddor (3.5/5) - Review 
3. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (4/5) - Review CS
4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz #1) by L.Frank Baum (3/5)
5. Peter and Wendy (Peter Pan #3) by J.M. Barrie (3/5)

Other

• I officially started my new job! It's nothing too fancy, I work in one of the restaurants at one of the beach resort and hotels here in South Florida. 
• Started the process of going back to school, which is super exciting for me because I'm weird and actually love school. Don't judge, 
• I started watching Futurama and I can practically feel my brain cells dying as I watch it...but for some reason I can't stop...I'm pretty sure the show is brain washing me...send help.
• Also, I've started watching Orange is the New Black on Netflix and I'm not completely sure how I feel about the show yet. I know a lot of people love it, but there's something about it that makes me not quite sold yet.

That's a wrap! I know, nothing too exciting but I have a feeling that August is going to be something else; starting with a girl's road trip to Orlando. This is going to be fun.

The Looking Glass Wars Book Review

The Looking Glass Wars (The Looking Glass Wars #1) by Frank Beddor

Synopsis

Alyss of Wonderland?
When Alyss Heart, newly orphaned heir to the Wonderland throne, flees through the Pool of Tears to escape her murderous Aunt Redd, she finds herself lost and alone in Victorian London. Befriended by an aspiring author named Lewis Carroll, Alyss tells the violent, heartbreaking story of her young life. Alyss trusts this author to tell the truth so that someone, somewhere will find her and bring her home. But he gets the story all wrong. He even spells her name incorrectly!

Fortunately, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan knows all too well the awful truth of Alyss' story - and he's searching every corner of our world to find the lost princess and return her to Wonderland, to battle Redd for her rightful place as the Queen of Hearts.

The Looking Glass Wars unabashedly challenges our Wonderland assumptions of mad tea parties, grinning Cheshire cats, and a curious little blond girl to reveal an epic battle in the endless war for Imagination.

Opinion

I feel like this is a book you either love or hate. Personally, I'm on the fence. On one hand I really enjoyed the more unique take on the original Alice story, on the other hand, it wasn't executed very well.

“You can't spend so much time in a place and not carry a bit of it inside you.”

I was totally into the whole twist on the original Alice story and how Carroll got the story all wrong, at first. But Beddor kind of lost me at the whole imagination thing as being a 'power', I just couldn't get into it now matter how hard I tried. Also, the time line was awful. One paragraph she is 10 than a sentence later she's 16 than all of a sudden she's 20. There was a lot that was basically skipped over with that and then there were so many times that were dragged on to the point I wanted to just skip them (I didn't).

“For most of the universe's life is not all gummy wads and tarty tarts; is a struggle against hardship, unfairness, corruption, abuse, and adversity in all its guises, where even to survive - let alone survive with dignity - is heroic. To soldier through the days in the wake of failure is the courageous act of many.” 

The story did have some cool factors in it though. I really enjoyed the foot soldiers and the looking glass continuum (or whatever it was called). The way that the card soldiers actually acted like cards and soldiers, folding into themselves but then becoming really tall was incredibly cool to them, and bonus points to the author for the drawings to go along with it. Also I was sort of captivated by the world, *SPOILERS* both before and after the whole takeover. Oddly though, I thought it was kind of great how Beddor added in the whole drug problem with the imagination stuff (sorry, I'm honestly drawing a blank), I mean, that is incredibly realistic and such a fun small detail.

All in all, the book may not be executed in the best way and some of the dialogue made me want to cringe, but the story itself was fun and new. I was into the story and I wanted to know what would happen next the whole time. If you're a retelling buff, like myself, though, I would say to read this book with caution because you will either really like it or want to throw it across a room. (4/5)

“I've finished running from you, Redd. It's time for you to run."--Alyss”  

T5W: Most Unlikable Characters

Ah! So I obviously forgot to put this up yesterday. Sorry about that...

As always Top 5 Wednesday was created by Lainey at gingerreadslainey and is hosted by Sam at thoughtsontomes. All past topics and the rest of this months topics can be found on the Goodreads group page.
I dislike a lot of character, but this list was kind of difficult because I tend to not read the books that I know the characters suck in. However, sometimes, I just can't help myself...

Winter from the Lunar Chronicles was by far the most annoying character in the whole book. I'm not going to go to much into it because I got really ranty in my Winter book review, but damn, I was not a fan. 

Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings trilogy was a character had such an okay-hate relationship with. I understand why he was the way he was, but he did not have to be THAT difficult and he did not have to act like he thought he was such a martyr. UGH. My least favorite hobbit. 

Bella Swan in the Twilight series...that's all I have to say. If you've read the series (even if you liked her) you will understand why some people find her very unlikable. 

America Singer from the Selection series is another character that I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who disliked her in the series. She was kind of a pain and incredibly indecisive. Sometimes I wish I could just slap her and tell her to figure herself out. 

Every character in Gone Girl made me so mad. I don't even have a good explanation why, they just did. They were all incredibly self absorbed, complained way to much, and thought they were the victim of the world. Like c'mon, we all know you aren't as innocent as you say you are. 

So, what popular characters do you find unlikable?