tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26063751123713223722024-03-14T16:06:56.164+10:30Rachel's Reading CornerA book blog for fellow book geeks and myself to share and talk about what we love most... books!Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-6795495326798361052015-08-09T10:06:00.000+09:302015-08-09T10:06:53.471+09:30Sunday Overview: Somewhat Successful Week<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week hasn't be that great, honestly. School is a drag, but what's new on that front? And the amount of school work I have has dramatically impacted my reading time. I went three <i>entire</i> days without reading this week - three <i>entire </i>days! *wails* </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luckily, the few books I managed to read weren't so bad, in fact I enjoyed most of them! And, to top it off, I treated myself at Savers yesterday. Oh, that's a second-hand op-shop superstore, in case you don't have Savers where you're from. Plus all their profits go to</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> diabetes research. </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cheap books + helping people in need = a win-win really. </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This all means... *drum roll*... I will probably have my first ever book haul post soon. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and this was also the first week of ARC August as well. Since three of the books I read this week were ARCs - though one was a reread - I think I can count this as a successful start. That's two ARCs I can cross of the list now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><u>This Week's Read</u>:</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/937834881">Out of Reach</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1351950019">Deep Blue</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/846278833">Suspicion</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1342057136">Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favourite read this week was definitely <i>Suspicion</i>. I think that everyone's dislike towards this book made me underestimate it. Yeah, it was a little cliched and the ending wasn't as fantastic as it should have been, but I found it entertaining and it kept me second-guessing. </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ Thanks Hodder's Children's Books Australia, Witness Impulse and Missy Johnson ~</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20646683-rogue-wave?ac=1">Rogue Wave</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24280767-torn-sky?ac=1">Torn Sky</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24799229-circus?ac=1">Circus</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Thanks Tracy Banghart, Cameron Jace & Hodder's Children's Books Australia ~</i></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><u>Blog Shenagins</u></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/july-wrap-up.html">wrapped up July's fabulous reading month</a>, talked about my favoruite retellings for <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/top-ten-tuesday-on-wednesday.html">Top Ten Tuesday... but on Wednesday</a>, and <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/i-had-bit-of-reading-slump-this-week.html">reviewed</a> the books I read this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What did you end up reading this week? Anything exciting? Oh, an dhow is your ARC August TBRs looking? I hope you managed to knock a few books off the list. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Let me know in the comments below!</b></span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-1094419447881461252015-08-07T22:23:00.000+09:302015-08-07T23:54:34.000+09:30Mysteries, Mazes and Missy Johnson<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had a bit of a reading slump this week, unfortunately. The load of work that's been tossed at us in these first two weeks back at school is ludicrous - borderline illegal, I swear! And it really has been eating into my reading time. I did manage to get some books read though. And some good ones too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was hoping to get more ARCs read this week for ARC August but I have only read two and a novella. I'll do a proper update on Sunday though. How are you guys keeping up with your TBR? I haven't been following mine at all. Oops!</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>A missing girl in the news reminds Julia Carroll of herself: nineteen, beautiful, blonde hair, blue eyes. </b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Julia begins to dig deeper and plans an article for her college paper. She gradually becomes more obsessed with the case, never imagining how close she herself is to danger. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25613362-blonde-hair-blue-eyes">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blonde-Hair-Blue-Kindle-Single-ebook/dp/B00Z751DUY/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438949608&sr=1-1&keywords=blonde+hair+blue+eyes+karin+slaughter">Amazon</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Still available from Edelweiss (review copies) if you are interested. <a href="http://edelweiss.abovethetreeline.com/ProductDetailPage.aspx?sequence=1&group=search&keywords=blonde+hair&searchContext=&searchOrgID=&searchCatalogID=&searchMailingID=&sku=0062442813">Click here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Review copy provided by Witness Impulse for an honest review.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I haven't actually read a Karin Slaughter book before, and decided that I could no longer call myself a fan of mysteries and thrillers if I did not pick up one her books this year. And, once I saw this book, I thought what better way to introduce onself to a new author than with a short little story, something like <i>Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes</i>? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This story was everything I hoped for. Yes, it was short. Yes, I could have done with a lot more story, but that's just me being greedy. The story reached a natural conclusion - well, kind of. The is a cliffhanger, but I didn't feel cheated by it like I normally do with stories like this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a few short pages, I felt that we really got to know our protagonist, Julia. I loved the way her narration had this honest and realistic tone, especially about Julia's family and relationship. Oh, and the fact that Julia's prettiness actually hindered her - not in a "I'm so pretty so all the guys swoon over me. Gosh, isn't life so hard" sort of way <strike>like we see way too often in YA fiction</strike>. It didn't sugar coat anything, telling it just like it is, which I just adored. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The writing was really quite gripping and easily pulled you in. You knew something big was going to happen so the way the story built up that level of suspense until we were practically begging for the big event to <i>happen already</i> was perfect. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can easily say that I am now more than eager to pick up Slaughter's newest release, <i>Pretty Girls</i>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>There's something hidden in the Maze. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Seventeen-year-old Imogen has never forgotten the last words her father said to her seven years ago, before the blazing fire that consumed him, her mother, and the gardens of her family's English country manor. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Haunted by her parent's death, Imogen moves to New York City with her new guardians. But when a letter arrives with the news of her cousin's untimely death, revealing that Imogen is now the only heir left to run the estate, she returns to England and warily accepts her role as duchess.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>All is not what it seems at Rockford, and Imogen quickly learns that dark secrets lurk behind the mansion's aristocratic exterior, hinting that the spate of deaths in her family were no accident. And at the centre of the mystery is Imogen herself - and Sebastian, the childhood friend she has secretly loved for years. Just what has Imogen walked into? </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20527903-suspicion">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suspicion-Alexandra-Monir/dp/0385743890/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_har?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438949726&sr=1-1&keywords=suspicion+alexandra+monir">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Plot</u></b>: The storyline of <i>Suspicion</i> certainly had me engaged. Parts I and II had quite the addictive quality to them, though the Part III was a little too rushed for my liking. I was constantly guessing and reevaluating my theories though. No matter how many times I was 100% certain I knew what was happening, the book would take a new direction that I honesty didn't see coming.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The ending really took me by surprise, and I love that! Predictable endings are a pet peeve of mine - no one likes knowing what is going to happen, do they? But, like I said, the ending was a little rushed and I wasn't too happy with how the paranormal and romantic elements were resolved. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">The writing:</u><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>was the major downfall of this novel. I honestly believe that if the writing style was more of leerie yet poetic style of someone like Maggie Stiefvater - that captured the Gothic elements of the novel - then it would have helped to create an even more engrossing atmosphere, and maybe improved the ending too. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Andy and I have been best friends since we were eight years old. Watching him slowly fade away, ever closer to his final breath, made me so incredibly angry. I knew there was nothing I could do to change it - I had given in to despair, but Andy had not. He had one final hand to play. He wasn't simply sit back and wait for Death to claim him - not Andy. He was going to live life until he couldn't hold his eyes open any longer. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Andy didn't want to die in some sterile hospital and asked me to take him and Emily to the beach. It would be our last road trip together. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emily. Emily has a problem for me. I harbored a secret that would have torn our friendship apart. I was in love with Andy's girl, and had been since she'd walked into our sixth grade class, so many years ago. So what kind of person am I? My best friend is dying, and it's awful - but my heart still aches for his girl. I hate myself for thinking beyond Andy's death and there could ever be a future for Emily and I, but can't help it. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm in love with her. </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24789575-fairest">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Out-Reach-Missy-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00K6Y3SDQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438951551&sr=1-1&keywords=out+of+reach+missy+johnson">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had no idea what this book was about going into it, and I have to say how pleasantly surprised I am that it was such an emotional read. I honestly did not expect that, mainly because of the cover... because let's be real, it looks for like a 'typical NA' book than anything else. But the story definitely caught my attention from the start and the story bloomed from there. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> I was never bored, and easily managed to flick through it in a single sitting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Character</u></b><span style="font-size: large;">: were what made the story for me. I loved Seth especially. He reminded me so much of a friend from primary school, and that made him so much more realistic - so ultimately more lovable too. Unfortunately, I wasn't a the biggest fan of Andy. I obviously sympathized with him - you would have to have the blackest of souls not to - but there were times I felt that he was there simply to further the <strike>plot</strike> romance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Plot</u></b>: was also okay, but nothing particularly remarkable. Some chapters felt a little disjointed, especially in the second half where the timing was a little off, skipping every now and again. But the last 10% was better. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Writing</u></b>: was what bought this down - mostly - for me. The first 60% or so seemed to be almost completely made up of dialogue, which grew very, <i>very</i> tiring very quickly. I wanted some descriptions of things! And there seemed to be entire chapters consisting of little more than Seth drooling over Emily or Emily reminding us of Andy's misfortunes. The constant repetitions grew quite tiresome. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you read any of these books or other ones by these authors? What were your thoughts on them if you have? </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Let me know you thoughts in the comments below!</span></b></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-11390446718774324312015-08-05T19:53:00.000+09:302015-08-05T19:53:49.291+09:30Top Ten Tuesday... On a Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For some reason my post didn't post itself as planned yesterday which means that I am posting it today... a Wednesday. Oh well, that pretty much sums up the week I am having so far. School has me spinning with confusion and stress at the moment even though we started back barely two weeks ago. I don't know how I am going to survive this term...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, on a much cheerier note, this week's topic is very, very exciting: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Top Five Retellings & Top Five TBR Retellings </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you don't this about me already, I am massive fan of retellings . I know a lot of people dislike them because they feel like they've already read the story so there's no real point in reading it again, but - for me at least - one of the most important aspects of a good book is creativity and uniqueness. A necessity, I feel, that all retellings must have to reach their purpose - so it's really a recipe for success when put in the hands of a capable author. We get a unique story that we can draw awesome parallels with to some of favoruite classics, childhood stories, nation's legends... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But lets get down to business now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Some of my favoruite retellings: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sisters Red</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by Jackson Pearce:</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> The first in a series of fairytale retellings... with werewolf twists! </span>Another little fact about me: tied for first place as my fave subgenres is retellings and... werewolf books!<span style="font-size: large;"> This book just had everything I love in a book: great writing, dual narration with two fantasic writing, a great romance, action, vengeance, great sister relationships, werewolves... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sweetly, Fathomless</span><span style="font-size: large;"> & </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cold Spell</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by Jackson Pearce</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: these are the next three books in the same series as <i>Sisters Red</i>, and can be read as standalones (though I'd really, really recommend you read them in order). I liked both of these for different reasons. <i>Sweetly</i> had the same great elements as <i>Sisters Red</i> - awesome protagonist, good romance, plenty of action, great sibling relationships, lots of action and suspense - and retold the tale of <i>Hansel & Gretel </i>with some great twists<i>.</i> </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">Fathomless</i><span style="font-size: large;"> was a gritty <i>Little Mermaid</i> retelling with fantastically creepy and sad elements; and <i>Cold Spell</i> was a <i>Snow Queen</i> retelling with a great protagonist. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Kane Chronicles</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by Rick Riordan</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: I wasn't a fan of this author's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series </span>*hides from the pitchfork-waving, screaming fangirls*<span style="font-size: large;"> but this series really caught my attention. Again, it had a dual narration - which I love - especially when I equally adored both of the protagonists, Carter and Sadie, whose relationship was so spot on and reminded me so much of my brother and I. The story was also really, really intriguing and I loved seeing the Egyptian gods come to life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tiger Lily </span><span style="font-size: large;">by Jodi Lynn Anderson</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: this is easily one of the most unique books I've ever read. It's about Tiger Lily from </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">Peter Pan</i><span style="font-size: large;"> (with some major, major twists)... but its told from Tinker Bell's perspective. The writing is eerie and incredible. I made me cry and laugh in wonder and awe. It just... *gestures with hands, unable to form words* </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Avalon High</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by Meg Cabot</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: this book is not going to be for everyone, I can tell you that right now. But I found it adorable and wonderful. It's a spin on the Camelot legend, kind of, but it is a contemporary novel with all of Cabot's trademark cheesy romances, hilarious dialogue and fantastic protagonists. I found it addictive and simply fun. A definite recommend to contemporary fans that are too scared to pick up fairytale retellings with their usual paranormal or fantasy elements. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>What retellings do I need to read still? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, this lists would probably go on and on and on and on if I listed all the books I wanted to read so here are the five retellings that I have most recently discovered/added to my ever-growing TBR. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Alias Hook</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by Lisa Jensen</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: Peter Pan retellings are some of my favourites. It is such a wonderful story that can easily be manipulated to create some fascinating new stories. But what drew me to this book - apart from Amy @ <a href="https://deadlydarlings.wordpress.com/">Deadly Darling</a>'s <a href="https://deadlydarlings.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/alias-hook-lisa-jensen/">fabulous review</a> - was the fact that is both an adult retelling (something I haven't read before) and about Captian Hook (which is something I don't think I've read before either).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wendy Darling: Stars</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by Colleen Oakes</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: I don't remember where I saw this book but someone mentioned this on their blog and it immediately captured my attention. Again, I love Peter Pan retellings and I cannot resist that cover. Plus I am really intrigued to see how it would play over a series.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Shadow Queen</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by C.J. Redwine</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: The description of this one does sound a little cliched, I won't deny that. It has gotten a lot of fabulous early reviews though from some authors whose books I love so I'm intrigued. And eager to see what it has to offer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mirrored </span><span style="font-size: large;">by Alex Finn</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: When I had the opportunity to read this book for review, I snatched it up. I haven't even read the description of it, so I don't really know what it is meant to be retelling - Snow White? - but the author is pretty well-loved by my Goodreads friends so I am rather keen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. <b>The Looking Glass by Jessica Arnold</b>: This one has gotten no hype whatsoever. I don't even know how I stumbled onto it now that I think about it. But I like the sound of the premise and this is the author's deut so I'm intrigued!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is many more I want to say but I'll keep it at that. What are some of your retellings - either fairytale, mythology or classics? I'm always looking for recommendations. I know I have to read the <i>Splintered</i> series but what else? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Please let me know in the comments below!</b></span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-88158710735903812012015-08-01T16:22:00.000+09:302015-08-01T16:22:21.165+09:30July Wrap-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">July, for me, was a bit of a nothing month. I honestly feel like I did nothing at all for those entire 31 days. I mean, it <i>was </i>a half holiday and half starting back at school month, but that's hardly an excuse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The most exiting thing that happened was probably the fact that I got myself into the <a href="https://twitter.com/rach_lightwood">Twitter</a> world. Yeah, that's right - after simply ages and ages of procrastinating, I have finally done it. And I am so glad I did. It's a fantastic way to stay in touch with the bookish community - bloggers, authors and publishers alike - and talk to some bloggy friends. I don't know why I put it off for so long! Anyway, please feel free to tweet me, <a href="https://twitter.com/rach_lightwood">@rach_lightwood</a> - I love hearing from you all, and seeing what your up to. I plan on using it more so I can keep you up to date with what's happening hear on the blog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I did manage to get a bit of reading done - which is actually just me trying to be a little modest, seeing as I read TWENTY-TWO books this month. A number that I am very, very happy with, and honestly a little blown away. That's quite a lot of books for me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Recent Reads (most of them anyway):</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Links are to my reviews, in case you want to know my thoughts about them. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/946226885">Say Her Name</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/575220486">Mind Games</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1325133454">Perfect Lies</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/706410582">The Here and Now</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1284008144" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Potion Diaries</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1326850808" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Ruins of Gorlan</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1320258559" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Small Steps</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1246349283" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Astrologer's Daughter</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1333456946">To All the Boys I've Loved Before</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/955935047">P.S. I Still Love You</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1142418659">Things We Know By Heart</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/962007483">Red Queen</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1335231021" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Six Impossible Things</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1335513091" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wicked</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/972314950" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fairest: Levana's Story</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1273095441" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fearless</a><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Monthly Reading Stats</u>: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Best series: t</b>he <i>Mind Games</i> series by Kiersten White. It completely took me by surprise! I had no idea what it was about going into it, but as soon as I started it drew me in and I had a major bookish hangover after my little marathon of it. The characters were simply incredible and the writing was <i>to die for</i>. It deserves more attention!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Best sequel</b>: Although both <i>P.S. I Still Love You</i> and <i>Fairest</i> took me by surprise (I wasn't a fan of the other books in their series), I'd have to say <i>The Battle of Skandia, </i>book four of the <i>Ranger's Apprentice </i>series<i>. </i>It was just so good: the characters, the setting, the story.... the whole series is just bloody brilliant. I managed to read the first six books of it this month and boy is it addictive! Again, it deserve so much more attention than it gets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Best standalone/series starter</b>: I'd have to <i>The Potion Diaries, </i>which I buddy read with Rachel (<a href="https://instagram.com/bookishwonderland/">@bookishwonderland</a>). It took me by surprise! I really loved the scavenger-hunt aspect of it and it really made me laugh. A fantastic debut. I cannot wait for the sequel!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Worst book of the month</b>: Easily <i>The Astrologer's Daughter</i>. Thanks to Text Publishing for the review copy, but this was just really, really not for me. The writing didn't work for me, and you just cannot have an <strike>open</strike> non-existent ending on a standalone. It's hardly fair!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>What happened on the blog this month</u>? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Aneesa tagged me in the </span><a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/would-you-rather-tag.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Would You Rather tag</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- I <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/lets-be-positive-some-good-ya-tropes.html">discussed my favoruite tropes</a> in books</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- ARC August commences today and <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/arc-august-intro-and-tbr.html">I decided to participate</a>, though my TBR has completely changed already</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- I'm highly anticipated Eric Lindstrom's <i><a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/waiting-on-wednesday-i-have-high-hopes.html">Not If I See You First</a></i> and Amy Zhang's <i><a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/waiting-on-wednesday-my-current-most.html">This is Where the World Ends</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- We celebrated diversity in YA books and I <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/top-ten-tuesday-celebrating-diversity.html">recommended ten of my favourites </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- I admit to some <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/top-ten-tuesday-hyped-book-ive-never.html">hyped books I still haven't picked up</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I managed to read one of them this month... go me! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- I made a <a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/sunday-overview-boredom-bucket-list.html">bucket list of things I have to do this year</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- I drooled over </span><a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/new-releases-july-2015.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">July's new releases</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">... and I didn't end up reading </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">any </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">of them</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Next Month</u>: </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like I mentioned before, this month is ARC August... and I am participating! What is ARC August? Well, it is kind of a month long readathon to motivate you to catch up on your ARCs before the crazy half of the years begins. You can see my TBR here, but I am not being too strict about it. I want this to be a fun way of catching up on my reviews so I am not weighing myself down with schedules or anything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If I was perfect, I'd say that I was only going to read ARCs all month, but I know that isn't going to happen. What I will say that is for every non-ARC I read, I'll try and match it with an ARC. Does that makes sense? I hope so. Oh, and if that works I think I might even try and keep that up for the rest of the year. I am really, really behind on review copies at the moment so it seems like a good idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you guys participating? Do you have a strategy too?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Well, that was my July. What did you end up reading? Anything good, worth recommending? My recommend of the month is probably Minds Games by Kiersten White. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Let me know in the comments below! </b></span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-75052891514981376412015-07-30T12:00:00.000+09:302015-07-30T12:00:00.990+09:30Would You Rather Tag<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u>Would You Rather Tag</u></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to Aneesa @ <a href="http://acraveforbooks.blogspot.co.uk/">Book Lover</a> for tagging me in this challenge. I am always looking for an excuse to do these tags and it's a nice change to be actually tagged rather than deciding to do them myself because they look fun...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, this tag is pretty easy: answer the questions and tags some friends at the end - so let's get started. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Would you rather read only trilogies or only standalones for the rest of your life?</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well, it would be hard to limit my reading options so much but I think I'd prefer reading only standalones. I obviously enjoy reading my series and would miss them eventually, but my enjoyment of standalones is probably greater. There is just no way I would be able to give them up. My unfortunate habit of </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;">reading only the first book of a series would make my TBR grow and grow and grow. And I really don't need that at the moment! Anyway, I just prefer having everything all read and finished in one go - so standalones only for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Would you rather only be allowed to read female authors or male authors?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">How the heck am I mean to answer this question? It doesn't really make sense. What differentiates female and male writing? Is it meant to mean from what perspective would you rather read, male or female, instead? I think I am going to leave this question...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Would you rather shop at <strike>Barnes & Nobles</strike> a local bookshop or <strike>Amazon</strike> online?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I changed this question a little because Barnes & Nobles is an American thing and I am from down under. Our bookshops are called Dymocks and Angus & Robertson - or at least here in SA. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway, I would much rather buy books at a physical bookstore than online. I don't have the patience to wait a couple of days for books to get posted or shipped to my house. There is something much more satisfying about being able to go into a shop, pick your book out and walk home with it in your hands - its much better than sitting at my computer, clicking a button and waiting endlessly for a package to arrive on my doorstep. I also like supporting the little shops around town, makes me feel like a nicer person. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Would you rather all books be made in films or TV shows?</strong></span><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Oh, seriously? How is that a fair question? I would honestly prefer that they left all books untouched but I guess that isn't an option. I think it depends on book is being adapted and whether it is going to be adapted well or not. If its a long series, such as <em>Harry Potter </em>or <em>Ranger's Apprentice,</em> I think a television show would be the best. I saw an idea on Tumblr about having each HP book as a separate season and each chapter in that book as an episode - that way everything would done perfectly. This idea, for me, is gold! Short books however, such as <em>Anna & the French Kiss</em>, would work better as a movie than a TV show. I really think it depends on the book/series... and having a perfect cast and director too, of course!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Would you rather read five pages a day or five books a week?</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: large;">I honestly cannot see how people could only read five teensy pages a day. That's ridiculous little! I would have to go with the five books, hard as that might be for me to complete.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Would you rather be a professional writer or reviewer/blogger?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well, blogger. I mean being an author would be great but I don't think I posses the skills to do that. Blogging is my favourite hobby though so it would be my ultimate dream to make a career out of it! Imagine the only thing you had to do in life was read and write up what you thought about it... *sigh* </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Would you rather only being able to read your top twenty favourite books or only every other book in the world?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">While I obviously love my favourite book more than anything in the world, I think I would have to go with the new books option. Restricting myself so much would kill me! The new books would be too tempting. Who knows anyway, I could find a new top 20 favourite in my new books... and another 20 after that. Much more opportunity!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><strong>Would you rather be a bookseller or librarian?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">A bookseller sounds a lot more fun than being a librarian - no offence to librarians, of course. I think I would go with that. A quirky little YA bookstore would be perfect! Maybe when I am older and retire...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><strong>Would you rather only read your favourite genre or all other genres?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">This is practically the same as the other "only favourite" question - I would rather read everything than my favourite genre so that I would get more variety. Also, I don't think I really have a favourite series. I love fairytale retellings and werewolf books, do they even count as a genre?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Physical books. Last year or so I wouldn't have been able to pick because as much as I loved books, my Kindle was attached to my hip and went everywhere with me. But I don't know what happened this year but I just cannot read eBooks. They do my head in, staring at that little screen. My poor Kindle has barely been touched... and my purse is so empty from buying so many new (phsyical) books!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><b>Well, that's my "would you rather" answers. What would you rather? Do you agree with me or disagree? Tell me all about your "rathers" below or leave you links to your own challenge. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;">I am sorry if you have already done this tag, but I am going to tag the following people: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;">Alex @ <a href="http://www.thebooksbuzz.com/">The Book's Buzz</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;">Kerr & Rachel @ <a href="http://www.paein-and-ms4tune.co.uk/">Paein & Ms4tune</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;">Diamond @ <a href="http://diamondlovestoread.blogspot.com.au/">Dee's Reads</a></span><br />
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-1776060803390781972015-07-29T23:01:00.000+09:302015-07-29T23:01:10.287+09:30Let's Be Positive: Some Good YA Tropes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After reading too many books lately where I've had to complain about the overuse of some tropes, I thought that I need to talk about something more positive. I've found the perfect cure - the Top Five Wednesday topic today is to talk about our favourite tropes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm quite excited to share my thoughts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>5. A Love Triangle THAT HAS A REASON</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Obviously, I hate love triangles as much as the next person. They are pointless nearly 97% of the time. BUT the other 3% that they aren't are what I secretly love. When they have a reason. A 100% believable, legitimate reason - and then they cause you all the wonderful feels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My favourite books with this trope: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4. Teacher and Student Relationships</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gah! I feel so guilty about this one but I do, I like it. Not ALL of them, of course. Too much of an age gap is too much but if the age gap is slight and there is real, palapable connection (without it just being a lusty, "oh, they're forbidden, what a turn on" thing) it gives me the shivers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>3. The half-human, half-something else trope</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This trope is common amongst the paranormal, supernatural and fantasy genres, obviously. And I love it. For me it works better than the "special snowflake" trope where the protagonist finds out that they are the one true hero of the story, they have super powers or are prophesied to save the world for no real reason. But finding out that there is another type of creature out there, and that there is a whole new 'world' for them to dive into just works for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My favourite books with this trope: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>2. The badass female protagonist</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know that there is a lot of people that think this trope is bad for feminsim - that we have become so obsessed with the idea that female characters have to be kickass and badass and awesome, savvy, sassy characters that when we get a character that is a little 'ordinary' we call her weak etc. I get that and I agree that we need to find a balance but I love reading about badass female protagonist too. I don't know about you but I fall into the category of 'ordinary, boring teenage girl' so when I read - 'cause I do to escape reality and all that jazz - I like to read about characters that I could never be... but desperately want to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My favourite books with this trope: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>And my all-time favoruite trope...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>1. (Best) friends falling in love</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know that this doesn't work for a lot of people, but I cannot pretend to understand why. For me, the most important thing in a relationship - whether it is platonic or romantic - is mutual trust and loyalty. And knowing that a relationship is not only based on trust, but on friendship automatically gives it 150% more depth IMO. I can ship that relationship. I know that they are going to be there for each other and, maybe more importantly, that this isn't a case of lust like most YA books are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My favourite books with this trope: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's your favourite trope, one that you actually don't actually mind reading? Or worse, what's the one you absolutely despite</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">? Mine would have to be instalove. Oh how it makes me rage...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Let me know in the comments below!</b></span></span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-69860439298658827602015-07-27T12:00:00.000+09:302015-08-07T21:18:40.312+09:30Mini Reviews: Some Pleasant Surprises<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been reading a lot of books lately since I only started school yesterday and had a lot of free time to in the holidays. But my reviewing just has gotten away from me, and I haven't been keeping up to date like I should have been so I have some short reviews below, just to let you know my thoughts on the books I've been reading recently. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Quinn Sullivan loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident during their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from the some of them, but the person who received Trent's heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent's, then maybe she can have peace once and for all. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas - a guy whose life has forever changed by this priceless gift. But what start as an accidental ruin-in quickly develops into more, sparkling an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in it to it - especially since he has no idea how they're connected - but their time together has made feel Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she's falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she's lost... and all that remains at stake. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17571215-things-we-know-by-heart">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deserted-Deena-Lipomi-ebook/dp/B00LMQLFX2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436261083&sr=1-1&keywords=deserted++lipomi">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Story</u></b>: The weakest point of the book honestly. It was a little too much like <i>Love, Lucas</i> at times for my liking - it had a girl with depression because of the tragic loss of a loved one who finds comfort (and eventually heals herself) because of a cute surfie teaching her to surf/kayak. Not the most original storyline. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Characters</b></u>: Okay but I don't think they are going to be particualrly memorable, especially Colton (though I <i>love</i> that name). He was kind of just <i>there </i>at times and I wouldn't call our protagonist exciting either. Both of them were just too plain to stick out for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>The writing</u></b>: a masterpiece of the most gentlest prose, comparable to the brilliant Amy Zhang's Falling Into Place. The story was a little sad, but somehow the writing weaved a story that left you smiling and begging for more - in between the sobbing sessions, naturally. It was sweet and simple, but heart-wrenching and gorgeous at the same time. An absolute masterpiece. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>See full review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1142418659?type=review#rating_49035704">here</a>. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors god-like powers. </i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To Mare Barrows, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change. </i><br />
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possess a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control. </i><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win? </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17878931-red-queen?ac=1">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Promposal-Rhonda-Helms/dp/1481422316/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436260800&sr=1-1&keywords=promposal">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Plot</u></b>: I can understand why a lot of people were upset about this book - the similarities between <i>The Hunger Games</i> (the romance and dystopian elements) and <i>Bitterblue</i> (political situation and fantastical elements) were a little too uncanny at times but it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The plot didn't wow me though. I don't want to spoil anything, but there were many, many elements of the plot that were plan old ridiculous. I couldn't get aboard with the rebellion - there plans were plain old silly and I just found it lame. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">The writing:</u><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>wasn't actually too bad. In fact, there were many parts that were downright gorgeous and I highlighted more quotes than I would have expected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Characters</u></b>: All of the characters were a little too generic for me. I did like Cal though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Romance</u></b>: The romance itself was a little cliched. We have a love triangle though so I hardly expected it to be mind-blowing. What worked about it however, was Mare's reaction to it. She didn't get gushy or mushy or air-headed over the fact that she had members of royalty - Silvers even - that cared for her. She took it all underwing and handled it, I believe, in a realistic way. She didn't string anyone along or keep massive secrets. The love interest themselves were also different enough to warrant being two different love interests but not too opposite so that they whole trope with the 'one bad guy and one good guy' became an issue. Thank <i>God</i>! It wasn't fantastic but it could have been a lot worse. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>See full review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/962007483">here</a>. </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her "glamour" to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet and Cress, Levana lived a very different story - a story that has never been told... until now. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24789575-fairest">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Promposal-Rhonda-Helms/dp/1481422316/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436260800&sr=1-1&keywords=promposal">Amazon</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Woah. I wasn't expecting that at all. This series hasn't done much for me so far to be honest. It seems I'm practically the only person that opinion, but I just don't like the series that much. But this, <i>this</i> was incredibly well written. And so <i>disturbing</i>. How did Marissa Meyer manage it!? She went from writing the sweet but rather simple-minded narrative of Cinder to this incredibly complex novel that explores Levana - a girl whose is completely twisted. I'm speechless, awed. I certainly will be devouring Winter once it is released. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you read either of these books? What were your thoughts on them? </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Let me know you thoughts in the comments below!</b></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-12102028998733515092015-07-25T14:56:00.000+09:302015-07-25T14:56:51.450+09:30ARC August: Intro and TBR<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="270" src="https://rileymariereads.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/arc-august.png" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ARC August is a month long reading challenge, a chance to catch up on all the ARCs you've been meaning to read or need to read. It's hosted by Octavia and Shelly @ <a href="http://www.readsleeprepeat.org/2015/07/3rd-annual-arc-august-sign-ups/">Read. Sleep. Repeat</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>The Rules:</u> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- It may be a physical ARC or an eARC as long as it is an ARC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- It can already have been released as long as you received an ARC copy sometime before its release</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Make sure to have fun! There's no pressure with the amount you have to read, don't feel "forced", just read what you want to and whatever pace you want to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Update your readers during the month. You can post as regularly as you want (daily, weekly etc.) or just a wrap-up at the end of the month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to be posting my progress weekly (on Sundays). I don't plan on pushing myself too much with the amount of books I want to read because I just started back to school this last week and know that my homework load will slowly take over my life soon. But I want to read some series that I have had building up for too long now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below are some of the books that I want to read during this month. It is going to be a bit overly ambitious but that is just to give me more choice. </span></div>
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<img alt="16068780" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392220609l/16068780.jpg" width="213" /><img alt="24585267" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424367075l/24585267.jpg" width="211" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068780-the-jewel">The Jewel</a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068780-the-jewel">The White Rose</a> by Amy Ewing</span></div>
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<img alt="17668473" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395470671l/17668473.jpg" width="214" /><img alt="22838220" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413217141l/22838220.jpg" width="215" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17668473-prisoner-of-night-and-fog?ac=1">Prisoner of Night and Fog</a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22838220-conspiracy-of-blood-and-smoke">Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke</a> by Anne Blackman</span></div>
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<img alt="19504931" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394758272l/19504931.jpg" width="213" /><img alt="20977124" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1417078522l/20977124.jpg" width="206" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19504931-under-different-stars">Under Different Stars</a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20977124-sea-of-stars">Sea of Stars</a> by Amy A. Bartol</span></div>
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<img alt="23464638" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414515948l/23464638.jpg" width="215" /><img alt="23401147" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413823693l/23401147.jpg" width="211" /><img alt="23627067" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1417144814l/23627067.jpg" width="214" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23464638-how-we-fall">How We Fall</a> by Kate Brauning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23401147-99-days">99 Days</a> by Katie Cotugno</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23627067-the-choosing">The Choosing</a> by Rachelle Dekker</span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-29291958085864208272015-07-22T18:47:00.000+09:302015-07-22T18:47:00.705+09:30Waiting on Wednesday: I Have High Hopes For This One<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Waiting on Wednesday</b></u></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a weekly feature hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com.au/">Breaking the Spine</a>.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I only stumbled onto this book a couple of days ago. Somehow I was looking something up and I clicked on this cover and voila! There was this book's page before me and as soon as I saw it I <i>knew</i> that I had to read it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425351690l/22701879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="22701879" border="0" height="400" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425351690l/22701879.jpg" width="267" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Not If I See You First</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Eric Lindstrom</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Parker Grant doesn't need 20/20 vision to see right through you. That's why she created the Rules: Don't treat her any differently just because she's blind, and</i> never <i>take advantage of her. There will be no second chances. Just ask Scott Kilpatrick, the boy who broke her heart. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>When Scott suddenly reappears in her life after being gone for years, Parker knows there's only one to react - shun him so hard it hurts. She has enough on her mind at the moment already, like trying out for the track team (that's right, her eyes don't work but her legs still do), doling out tough-love advice to her painfully naive classmates, and giving herself a gold stars for everyday she hasn't cried sine her dad's death three months ago. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>But avoiding her past quickly proves impossible, and the more Parker learns about what really happened -- both with Scott, and her dad -- the more she starts to questions if things are always as they seem. Maybe, just maybe, some Rules are meant to be broken. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22701879-not-if-i-see-you-first">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-See-First-Eric-Lindstrom/dp/0316259853/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_har?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437287151&sr=1-1&keywords=not+if+i+see+you+first">Purchuse</a> (pre-order)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Release date</u>: December 1st, 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Publisher</u>: Poppy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was only talking about this last week with Inge's, Shannon's and Kayla's announcement of their upcoming (new) event <a href="http://bookshelfreflections.com/2015/07/17/shattering-stigmas-a-fortnight-of-mental-health/">Shattering Stigmas</a> - <b>we need some books (preferably YA) with disabled protagonist that are actually written honestly and well. </b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's <i>your</i> most anticipated book at the moment? Have you read this before - any of you lucky peeps have an ARC copy? Or have you read something similar to this? </span></div>
<br />Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-47315895550582967182015-07-21T22:09:00.000+09:302015-07-21T22:09:21.853+09:30Top Ten Tuesday: Celebrating Diversity<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X25fGC8IS5Q/VZoSMcIBg7I/AAAAAAAABdM/I8CMBj6sGLM/s400/TTT.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/p/top-ten-tuesday-other-features.html">The Broke and the Bookish</a>.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">This week's topic couldn't have come at a better time, honestly, with </span><a href="http://itstartsatmidnight.com/" style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">Shannon</a><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"> and </span><a href="http://bookshelfreflections.com/about/inge/" style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">Inge</a><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">'s upcoming </span><a href="http://bookshelfreflections.com/2015/07/17/shattering-stigmas-a-fortnight-of-mental-health/" style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">Shattering Stigmas event</a><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"> - calling attention to mental illness in YA fiction - and the talk of deaf protagonists on <a href="http://paperfury.com/minireviews-a-small-bite-of-australian-books/">Cait's post</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Books That Celebrate Diversity</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><u>Disabled Protagonist</u>: </b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420992313l/17788403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="17788403" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420992313l/17788403.jpg" width="129" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788403-maybe-someday?ac=1">Maybe Someday</a> by Colleen Hoover</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">Ridge - one of our main protagonists - is deaf. And is a musician - he writes music for his brother's band (and is technically part of the band since he plays guitar). I may sound naive saying this - sorry if I do - but I had no idea how people with hearing disabilities were able to play music. I wasn't completely ignorant and knew that some obviously do, but I never knew how that was possibly until this book. And I thought it was done 100% marvelously.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1305329500l/10841336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="10841336" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1305329500l/10841336.jpg" width="128" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10841336-darker-still">Darker Still</a> by Leanna Renne Hieber</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">I cannot say that I enjoyed this book 100% but one of my favoruite parts of the novel was the fact that the MC was mute... during the 1920s. Not a lot of (medical) stuff was known about this at this time and it is interesting seeing the MC interact with the world - having to sign and write as means of communication. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><u>LQBTQ+ Themes</u>: </b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389744233l/18667779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="18667779" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389744233l/18667779.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18667779-everything-leads-to-you?ac=1">Everything Leads to You</a> by Nina LaCour</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">The protagonist of this book was fantastic and I loved reading about the set design (the MC designs the sets of movies and TV shows, and it is INCREDIBLE how much detail goes into it, like you don't even realise). She is also a lesbian - so there's obvious LQBTQ+ themes - and it is written to perfect IMO. It didn't try to ram it down your throat nor did go down the route of trying to make the MC have to "learn to live with being 'different'" or any of that rubbish. It was simple and sweet. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/44457">The Shadowhunter Chronicles</a> by Cassandra Clare</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">Magnus Bane (bisexual) appears in <i>The Infernal Devices</i>, <i>The Mortal Instruments</i> and the <i>Bane Chronicles</i> (obviously). There is also Alex Lightwood (homosexual) who is an MC in <i>The Mortal Instruments</i>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><u>Clashing Socio-Economical Classes</u>: </span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334l/2767052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="2767052" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334l/2767052.jpg" width="129" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/73758-the-hunger-games">The Hunger Games series</a> by Suzanne </b></span></span></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">Collins</b><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">This book focuses more on the differences between the social-economical classes of Panem (a futuristic United States) than anything else - though there is a range of diverse characters in the books.</span></span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="17878931" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411472322l/17878931.jpg" width="130" /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17878931-red-queen?ac=1">Red Queen</a> by Victoria Aveyard: </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">This book is similar to The Hunger Games (and a lot of dystopians) in the sense that there is a major split between two types of people - Reds and Silvers, in this case. Mare (the MC) is a Red and has to deal with harsh conditions. But she also gets to experience life as a Silver and see that lifestyle as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/63328-blood-of-eden">Blood of Eden series</a> by Julie Kagawa</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">The MC of this series, Allison Sekemoto, is not only kickass and plain old awesome, but of Japanese heritage. </span></span><br />
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</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/121588-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before">To All the Boys I've Loved Before series</a> by Jenny Han</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">I wasn't a big fan of the first book (of the same name) but I liked the second book. It follows a girl, Lara Jean, and her family. Her mother (who has passed away) was of Korean heritage and the Lara Jean's family honour that throughout the books - making Korean food, dressing in traditional clothing, celebrating Korean holidays etc. to keep that part of them alive. It's very well done. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288776-styx-stone?ac=1">Styx & Stone</a> by James W. Ziskin</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">This book has great feminist vibes as it follows a young Italian girl during the 1960s who works as a reporter - which was very much considered a "man's job" during this period of time - and has an openly large sexual appetite. I found it refreshing to read and fantastic to see how the MC is treated / how she responded to it. It was also interesting to see how she coped being an Italian in American post-WW2 (a lot of racism and general rudeness).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b>This one just has a little bit of everything...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9464733-beauty-queens?ac=1">Beauty Queens</a> by Libba Bray</b></span><br />
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1289410187l/9464733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="9464733" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1289410187l/9464733.jpg" width="130" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">This book deserves award for the amount of diversity within its pages. Not only do we have an entire cast of beauty queens who range in race, sexuality, age, gender, socioeconomical backgrounds and abilities - including (identifying as) straight, gay, bisexual, transgender, deaf, Indian, American, British, poor, rich, smart, not so smart, etc. - but they are a </span><i style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;">fabulous</i><span style="line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"> cast of characters. And there is a wonderful tone of feminism to accompany the darn hilarious plotline. A win-win in all cases. Pick it up if haven't already. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.8000011444092px;"> </span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-76680829129447541312015-07-19T18:40:00.002+09:302015-07-19T18:40:56.675+09:30Sunday Overview: Boredom & A Bucket List<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey everyone!<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wish I could share some exciting stuff with you this week but nothing has really been happening. Honestly. I've barely moved from the spot where I wrote my <i>last</i> Sunday Overview expect to make coffee or switch DVDs over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I'm equally horrified, disgusted and saddened by the fact that I am actually starting to miss school now. Don't worry, it won't last too long. In an hour or so I'll go back to crying that holidays are nearly over...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But trying to be more positive, I really have managed to mentally reach a better headspace than I've been in for awhile now. And that's a good thing, obviously. I'm not quite where I want to be yet but I've got a list. And lists always makes things easier and well, just better - so here's what I decided these holidays:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1. I have to do something with my blog</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This is probably my biggest goal for the immediate future (apart from, you know, graduating high school next year and stuff like that). I am just super unhappy with my theme at the moment. I don't like my background or my header. I want a new design. Something minimal and white & blue colouring, or at least something easier to read and format. I want to switch to WordPress but I'm scared how momentous that is going to be... or expensive if I ask for help since I'm a literally as dumb as it gets at coding. I have been watching some "how to code" YouTube vids at the moment though, trying to teach myself some of it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There's also the fact that it just shut down randomly for a couple of months which was really hard on me. I want something more reliable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>2. I need a job</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a high schools student. I don't have money... and I need money. I've put off getting a part-time job because I wanted to have all the time I needed to study. I like getting good grades - as lame as it sounds - and want to get a good ATAR (without which I cannot get into whatever uni course I want to). But lets be honest now, only working a shift or two a week shouldn't hurt my school work. If it does I'll just stop. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>3. I have to redecorate my room</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like my blog, I've kind of grown out of my room. It is plain - like I used to like - but its cluttered. And I'm kind of in a mindset where I just want to throw everything out at the moment. I barely use any of the junk stuffed in my cupboards and I don't even know what I have stored under my bed so why am I keeping it? I want to have a MASSIVE clearance and then restyle my room. Get rid of some of my cupboards, buy a big armchair, a new bed and some bookshelves, and plaster the walls with picture of stuff I like. Oh, and fairy lights. I really want some fairy lights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>4. Make some blogger friends</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know that most bloggers have a couple of bloggers that they are really chummy with. They do buddy reads and send books to each other and all that. I don't really have any specific friends, just blogs I love visiting, and I really, really, really want to make some friends! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So that didn't end up being a Sunday Overview. At all. Oops! I'm glad that I got a lot of that off my chest though. If you guys have any thoughts or tips or anything at all like that, please comment below! </span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-20772712679051611302015-07-17T12:30:00.000+09:302015-07-18T10:43:03.982+09:30Mini Review Catch Up (#2)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a couple of mini reviews to catch up on. These are all books that I read during the time my blog was malfunctioning. I had them for review so I thought that this would be the best way to catch them up on here. My full reviews can be found on Goodreads. I'll leave the links below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Deena Lipomi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Seventeen-year-old Kara is done spying on people for her father, the wealthy and morally corrupt businessman, Dr. Ellison. Last summer, her father's project literally blew up, and she fell hard for one of his victims, Leo, who made her question her family's rules. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Her father now claims a rogue environmental group wants him dead because of his latest alternative energy business venture. He needs Kara back on his payroll. With nowhere else to turn, Kara sends Leo a distressed text message - just before she's kidnapped. </i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leo wastes no time hopping on a plane to Vegas to rescue Kara. As he struggle to find her, the pair tries to learn all they can about the Dr. Ellison's project. </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />If there's one thing they've learned from Dr. Ellison, it is that no risk is too big when it comes to fame and fortune, life and death. </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22746155-deserted">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deserted-Deena-Lipomi-ebook/dp/B00LMQLFX2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436261083&sr=1-1&keywords=deserted++lipomi">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me just say that I didn't realise this was a sequel when I was sent it so I went into it blind. I have no idea how much this affected my opinion, and I know that I definitely would not have picked it up if I knew that I hadn't read the previous book already.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quite easily I can sum this by saying that this was dull and shallow. The writing was bland. The characters were incredibly annoying, especially our protagonist. Torrey and Leo did not feel realistic in the slightest. The plot was confusing, boring and just plain old ridiculous at times. It also seemed to drag on and on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>See full review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1162963004">here</a>. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Rhonda Helms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>promposal (n.) -- an often public proposal, in which one person asks another to the prom, eliciting joy or mortification. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Camilla can't help but hoping her secret crush, Benjamin, might randomly surprise her with a promposal. However, when she's asked to prom by an irritating casual acquaintance -- wearing a fancy tux and standing in front of a news crew -- she's forced to say yes. Yet all hope's not lot. A timely school project gives Camilla a chance to get closer to Benjamin... it seems like the chemistry between them is crackling. But is she reading into something that isn't there? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Joshua, Camilla's best friend, has been secretly in love with his best friend, Ethan, since middle school. Just as he decides to bite the bullet and ask Ethan if he'll go to prom with him, even just as friends, he gets a shocking surprise: Ethan asks Joshua for help crafting the perfect promposal -- for another guy. Now Joshua has to suppress his love and try and fake enthusiasm as he watches his dreams fall apart... unless he can make Ethan see that love has been right in front of his eyes the whole time. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The road to the perfect promposal isn't easy to navigate. But one thing's certain - prom season is going to be memorable. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22456930-promposal">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Promposal-Rhonda-Helms/dp/1481422316/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436260800&sr=1-1&keywords=promposal">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Plot</u></b>: There wasn't one apart from the romantic drama! I needed something a little more substantial to grab my attention. If anything this book increased my horror at the American education system and this ridiculous notion of prom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Characters</u></b>: All of the characters were a little too generic for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Romance</u></b>: I really wanted an adorable romance from this - I mean the cover practically promised it. I didn't care about any of the relationships in this book though. I didn't care if Benjamin got with Camilla. I didn't see any chemistry between Joshua and Ethan. I didn't even like Niecey and Dwayne - who only sucked face the entire book - or Madison and Tyler. None of them had chemistry. None of them had </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">anything between them. I wasn't rooting for any of them to get or stay together. I just didn't care. And that's upsetting because I should care, I wanted to care, but there was absolutely zero chemistry - remember this is coming from the ultimate lover of best friend romances (moi!) and I still didn't ship it.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 25.7600002288818px; text-align: left;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you read either of these books? What were your thoughts on them? Do you read series in order or do you not really fuss about it? Are you a fan of best friend romances too? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Let me know you thoughts in the comments below!</b></span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-55205973048047101892015-07-15T14:35:00.002+09:302015-07-15T14:35:55.042+09:30Waiting On Wednesday: My Current Most Anticipated Read<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Waiting on Wednesday</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This is a weekly feature hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com.au/">Breaking the Spine</a> where bloggers highlight an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I haven't done this meme in such a long time. There are always books that I am eagerly anticipating so I really have no excuse... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anywho, the book I am currently anticipating the most: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>This is Where the World Ends</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Amy Zhang</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Janie and Micah, Micah and Janie. That's how it's been ever since elementary school, when Janie Vivian moved next door. Janie says Micah is everything she is not. Where Micah is shy, Janie is outgoing. Where Micah loves music, Janie loves art. It's the perfect friendship, as long as no one finds out about it. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>But when Janie is date-raped by the most popular guy in school - a guy she's had a crush on for years - she fins herself ostracized by all the people she thought were her friends. Now only Micah seems to believe she's telling the truth. But when even Micah expresses doubt about whether or not she as "asking for it", it leads to disastrous consequences, and Janie Vivian goes missing. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Using nonlinear writing style and dual narrator, Amy Zhang's astonishing second novel masterfully reveals the circumstances surrounding Janie's disappearance. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Publishing Details:</u></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Release Date</u>: March 22nd 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Publisher</u>: Greenwillow Books</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After absolutely adoring Amy Zhang's debut novel, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/957371077" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Falling Into Place</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, I need more of her work. It was honestly the most honest and raw book I've ever read. It made me have <i>all the feels</i>. ALL of them. Even the ones that I didn't know existed! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The plotline may put people off a little - YA authors aren't exactly known for their treatment of sensitive topics like date-rape - BUT the way the author handled the dark themes of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/957371077">Falling Into Place</a> has given me <i>completely</i> faith in her. And the possibility of a best friend romance is to much to overlook!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Go preorder it peeps!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This is Where the World Ends</b>: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24039424-this-is-where-the-world-ends">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Where-World-Ends-Zhang/dp/0062383043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436936474&sr=8-1&keywords=this+is+where+the+world+ends">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Falling-into-Place-Amy-Zhang/9780062367884">The Book Depository </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Falling Into Place:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22026075-falling-into-place">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Falling-into-Place-Amy-Zhang/dp/0062295055/ref=pd_sim_sbs_14_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1N1Y5BRDV8TNB42JN10A">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/This-is-Where-World-Ends-Amy-Zhang/9780062417879">The Book Despoistry</a></span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-25744327729284311842015-07-14T11:59:00.001+09:302015-07-14T11:59:15.861+09:30Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Have Recently Come Into My Possession<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/p/top-ten-tuesday-other-features.html">The Broke and the Bookish</a>. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week's topic is pretty simple: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Last Ten Books That Came Into My Possession</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have to admit that as much as I adore books, I don't tend to buy a lot of them. I know that it seems that book hoarding is somehow a </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">requirement</b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> of book blogging, but I am just not one of those lucky people. I wish I was though. I'm so envious of everyone's lavish bookshelves. One of my popular past-times is crying over everyone's #shelfie photos on Instagram... </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's sad how true that is</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I'm a high schools student with no job or form of income - that's right, I don't even get pocket money! - so I simply do not have the money to buy lots of books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of my books come from publishers/authors for review, from the library or from my op shopping expeditions. Who can turn down books that are only a dollar or two, honestly? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, these are the last ten books that have come into my possession:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24799229-circus?ac=1">Circus (Insanity #3)</a> </b>by Cameron Jace </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to the author for supplying a review copy. I'll be getting to this one as soon as I can. I have my fingers crossed that I'll enjoy this one more than the last two.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25407275-has-to-be-love?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr">Has to Be Love</a> </b>by Jolene Perry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I requested this one because I didn't enjoy the author's last book, So - that sounds kind of ridiculous but a lot of my Goodreads friends adore the author's work though so I had to give her another shot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20698530-p-s-i-still-love-you?ac=1">P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2)</a></b> by Jenny Han</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one I borrowed from the library and I finished it yesterday evening. I actually quite enjoyed it! I wasn't a fan of the first book you see, and I know a lot of readers said the first book was better. I have to disagree though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4.<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15783742-the-sorcerer-in-the-north"> <b>The Sorcerer of the North (Ranger's Apprentice #5)</b></a> by John Flanagan</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had to buy this one after marathoning the first four books in the series and simply falling in love with the story and characters. I want to pick it up immediately but there are few other books I have to read first. *wails*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17878931-red-queen?ac=1">Red Queen (Red Queen #1)</a></b> by Victoria Aveyard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After last week when we discussed hyped books I still haven't picked up - Red Queen being one of them - I decided to get my hands on a copy. I borrowed this one from the library too and plan on reading it pretty soon. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They released the sequel's cover and title the other day, and isn't it gorgeous!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6010872-i-d-tell-you-i-love-you-but-then-i-d-have-to-kill-you">I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1)</a></b> by Ally Carter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">^possible the longest and most irrelevant</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> title ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was sick of seeing books four and five of this series sit idly, and rather lonesomely </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(isn't that a great word!)<span style="font-size: large;">, on my shelves. I bought the first two books from my local Savers store so that I can eventually dive into this series. I still need books three and six though....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They've made a television show out of this book which aired here in Australia two or so weeks ago. It looked fantastic in the ads, but I knew I wouldn't watch it until I'd read the book. My</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> mother ended up buying me a copy the day it aired so I could though - bless her cotton socks! - and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I managed to whiz through it that very day and watched the show that night. It was unlike anything I'd ever read and I quite enjoyed it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5139.The_Devil_Wears_Prada?ac=1">The Devil Wears Prada (The Devil Wears Prada #1)</a></b> by Lauren Weisberger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've seen this movie an astronomical amount of times but the last time I watched I read in the title that it was based on a book. Flabbergasted I quickly tracked down a copy my local library and plan on devouring it as soon as I can. I'm still shocked that I didn't know that it was book beforehand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8579486-six-impossible-things?ac=1">Six Impossible Things</a></b> by Fiona Wood</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm a bit of stickler for reading books in order. I am not one of those readers that can pick up the second book in a series and just read it without touching the first book - even if it's a companion series like this one. I was sent a copy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22907574-wildlife">Wildlife</a> for review and realised it was a companion novel to <i>Six Impossible Things</i>, so I borrowed it out from the library. I'm pretty sure I've read it before but I still want to read it before picking up <i>Wildlife</i>, just so I feel like I have all the information I need before starting Wildlife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Which books have you bought recently? Or are you, like me, a broke reader that relies more on the generous nature of publishers/authors and the library for your supply of books? Have you read any of the books I've mentioned or want to?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. </span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-64646022777092027222015-07-12T19:02:00.002+09:302015-07-12T19:02:32.683+09:30Sunday Overview: Series Marathons and a Small Haul<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yeah, not much has been happening for me lately. I'm on holidays at the moment - thank <i>God</i> - and while that normally means I'm out and about, doing holidayish thing like <strike>shopping</strike> book buying, this week has been pretty sheltered. And that's Rachel code for nothing. Nada. Zip. I've barely moved from my bedroom - except to get food of course, because, you know, <i>food - </i>and it my opinion, that's the best part of the holiday: resting and reading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On Friday I did manage to leave the house though, and I caught up with some of my primary school mates which was pretty nice. We ended up at the movies and there wasn't anything on but <i>Inside Out</i> so we saw that and I am <i>sooo</i> glad we did. It was simply delightful! I know it seems a little childish but it had a lot of adult humour and themes that I think would have gone over a lot of kid's heads. My favourite character was Sadness because, well how could I not adore her? She's practically my spirit animal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Reading</u></span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've just found a new series that I'm currently <b>obsessed </b>with. It's 100% addictive and I barely knew existed before this week. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where has it been hiding!?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I've already flown through the first four books - </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">like I said before, I have a lot of time on my hands with the holidays - </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and have the next two books sitting on my shelf just waiting. What series am I talking about, you're wondering? Well, the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a YA epic fantasy set in an awesome realm with this awesome group of people called Rangers - </span><i>a ninja-Katniss Everdeen hybrid</i><span style="font-size: large;"> - knights & chivalry, hilarious banter, Will... and no magic. That doesn't sound good, but it is actually really refrehsing to read a fantasy purely about the realm and its characters. No magical voodoo to muck everything up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, definitely worth a read. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60400.The_Ruins_of_Gorlan" style="font-weight: bold;">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruins-Gorlan-Rangers-Apprentice-Book/dp/0142406635/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436692181&sr=1-1&keywords=ruins+of+gorlan" style="font-weight: bold;">Purchase </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also picked up <i>Small Steps</i> by Louis Sachar - the sequels to Holes - but I don't really want to talk about it. It was such a let down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Haul</u></span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't get too much this week - yeah for self-restraint! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I requested a copy of <i>Has to Be Love</i> by Jolene Perry - <i>thanks Albert Whitman and Co - </i>because</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I only mildly</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> enjoyed her last book, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/review-stronger-than-you-know.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stronger Than You Know</a> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and I had to give her work another go. A lot of my Goodreads friends adore her and I want to too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was also sent a copy of <i>Circus</i> by the author - <i>thanks Cameron!</i> - which just came out on the 10th of July, so I'll try to read that as soon as I can. </span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-46365499972240972642015-07-10T19:40:00.000+09:302015-07-10T19:40:00.596+09:30ARC Review: Madly<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>When the Princess of Nova accidentally poisons herself with a love potion meant for her crush, she falls crown-over-heels in love with her own reflection. Oops! A nationwide hunt is called to find the cure, with competitors travelling the world for the rarest ingredients, deep in the magical forests and frozen tundras, facing death at every turn. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Enter Samantha Kemi - an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent. Sam's family were once the most replaced alchemists in the kingdom, but they've fallen on hard times, and winning the hunt would save their reputation. But can Sam really completely with the dazzling powers of the Zoro Aster megapharma company? Just how close is Sam willing to get to Zain Aster, her dashing former classmate and family's enemy, in the meantime? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And just to add to the pressure, this quest is <b>all over</b> social media. And the world news. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>No big deal, then. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23344222-the-potion-diaries">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Potion-Diaries-Amy-Alward/dp/1471143562/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1436263079&sr=8-1&keywords=potion+diaries+amy+alward">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Review copy provided by Simon & Schuster for an honest review. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've read my fair share of what I want to call "dark fantasy". You know the books set in realms where everything is kind of like the medieval ages? People travel by horse, everyone is a farmer and super poor, the royalty is corrupt, assassins run rampant - if they aren't our protagonists - and their is a need for some sort of rebellion. It's a fantastic genre but also kind of depressing at times. No one seems happy within those realms despite them usually have a kind of awesome magical system. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23309862-madly">The Potion Diaries</a>, however, was fantastically light-hearted, almost whimsical, and managed to be without sacrificing the fast-paced nature of the adventure story it was telling. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The characters were perfect. I loved Sam, our protagonist, who had all the qualities I love in an MC. She was determined, smart but not cocky, she cared about people and she was just plain old sweet. I also loved that she was a homebody and loved books and researching and hot chocolate. She was just a really decent and realistic character.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What caught my attention the most though was the plot. I enjoyed every last second of it. I definitely managed to create the right vibe, and blended a perfect mix of fun and adventure. I was always kept on my toes, but it certainly wasn't action-packed. It was much more engaging than it was thrilling. There was so much to discover about this world and I simply <i>adored </i>the mixing side to it. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The only problems I had were rather minuscule. The ending was a little too abrupt for my liking and it was over before it really began. I am certainly glad that there is a sequel! I also didn't support the romance wholeheartedly. It was cute, sweet and rather adorable, but I didn't <i>quite</i> ship it. It needed a little more time, but I think that by the end of the next book it should have had the time it needed to strengthen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by this book and I am eager to pick up both the sequels and whatever else Amy Alward writes. </span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-88951914413009580582015-07-07T18:17:00.000+09:302015-07-07T18:17:20.924+09:30Top Ten Tuesday: Hyped Book I've Never Read Before<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Top Ten Tuesday</u></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by </span><a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Broke and the Bookish</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week's topic is:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Hyped Books I've Never Read Before... </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>And Cannot Believe I Still Haven't!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am one of those readers that <i>always</i> seem to be behind the hype, madly rushing to catch up to all the hyped up new releases. But the main problem is that I don't tend to enjoy these hyped books, so at the same time I try to avoid them until the hype dies down a little. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it probably my laziness that affects this more than anything. Here are ten hyped books or series that I <i>really </i>need to catch up on as soon as I can. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a somewhat recent release - it came out about March, I think? - and I haven't gotten around to reading it yet. It's sitting right there on my shelf though, begging me to pick it up, but the sheer amount of hype surrounding this book has scared off a little. Have you guys read it so you can tell me whether it lives up to the hype or not? I think its going to be a little too generic dystopian for my tastes so I'm hesitant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't think I need to tell you that this book isn't just hyped, it is the<i><b> it</b></i> thing at the moment. Everyone has read this book. Everyone <i>loves</i> this book. The author made an epic trailer for it. And I still haven't read it. *hides in shame*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <b>The Wrath and the Dawn by Renne Ahbdieh</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is another book that has only recently been released but everyone seems to be gobbling up. A few people weren't fond of the romance, but I don't think I've seen a single rating below three stars. And the premise of this book just seems awesome. I'm actually quiet eager to pick this one up myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those were some of the hyped recent releases that I haven't gotten around to yet, but the shame doesn't end there. Following I have a couple of books that have been out for awhile that I still haven't picked up, even though they've received a lot of hype. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4.<b> Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not only have I never even picked up this book before, I've never seen the show - not even a preview or an ad. This show never aired on "proper" TV where I live. Well, not that I know of so that's my excuse. I think it only came out on Foxtel or people just got it off the internet...? Anyway, I just never got into this series. I honestly don't even know what it is <i>about</i>. <b>BUT</b> I do want to read it at some point. I don't know if I'll like it, but I will give it a go. Some day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. <b>the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another adult fantasy series that is loved by ever reader that has picked it up... and another one that I just haven't read yet. This series is something that I know I'll get to sonnish though. It seems more up my alley than some of the other books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. <b>Paper Towns by John Green</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is easily one of the Nerdfighter's beloved favourites, but I have many mixed feelings towards John Green. I'm reluctant to pick up any of his books after disliking <i>The Fault in Our Stars. </i>The movie, however, comes out in a couple of weeks and it actually looks quite good so I'll probably get to it before then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. <b>The Selection series by Kiera Cass</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another dystopian series that everyone seems to have read except me. This one has mixed reviews though, with a lot of people absolutely adoring it and others simply loathing it. I'm not sure what to make of it at the moment but I own it so I'll try and get to it soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. <b>The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to be honest and say that I'm not quite sure what this series is about, but I know that it is some sort of spin-off to the </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Percy Jackson</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> series - which everyone loves but me. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, and I really need to read the last PJ book soon!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I really want to read this series. I love the mythology behind it, but I'm reluctant to start it because of my dislike towards the PJ series. Have you guys read this series - is it better or worse than PJ? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9./10. <b>Throne of Glass / ACOTAR </b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>by Sarah J. Maas</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think this one is the one that shocks me most. I cannot believe that I still haven't read anything by Sarah J. Maas! She is coming to Supanova here in November so I'm making a pact to read all her books by then. I'm just praying that I'll love them as much as everyone else does because I'm scared if I don't I'll pretty much be exiled by the book blogging community!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh and with all the hype surrounding ACOTAR at the moment it is really hard to miss being part of that fandom. And I've heard so many fantastic things about it I am almost more eager to start this than ToG. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyways those were my top ten hyped books that I haven't read before. What books have you read of these and loved or loathed? Let me know if the comments which ones I should read ASAP and which ones I should steer clear of. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and link up in the comments to your posts. I would love to see which books you haven't read yet - then I don't have to feel so lonely!</span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-90202211319435451322015-07-02T21:04:00.000+09:302015-07-02T21:04:16.146+09:30Mini Review Catch-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I've been awhile for a bit - as I've said in the last few posts - but while I have been reading, I haven't been able to post my reviews here. I thought a nice way of making up for that would be to write a couple of mini reviews... so h</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ere they are!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Ann Brashares</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This is the story of Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Expect Prenna didn't come come from a different country. She came from a different time - a future where mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they're from, never interfere with history, and never, eve be intimate with anyone outside their Community. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18242896-the-here-and-now">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Here-Now-Ann-Brashares/dp/0385736800/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-3&qid=1435834245">Amazon</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Characters</u></b>: I liked both Prenna and Ethan, but I found them to be a little too bland and stupid for my liking. There wasn't anything really wrong with them necessary, but they fell flat. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Romance</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">: I didn't think the romance was too bad. While it might have seemed a little rushed in this book, Prenna and Ethan were friends for two years prior to the start of this book and I think the bulk of their relationship was built up during that time. The problem for me was that I didn't see any spark between them, so I didn't particularly care whether they could be together or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Plot</u></b>: Entertaining, but I was left with more questions than I would have liked, and there were times were I was either left a little bored. The ending wasn't satisfactory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Review copy provided by Hachette for an honest review. See <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/706410582">here</a> for full review. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by James Dawson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Bobbie Rowe is not the kind of person to believe in ghosts. A Halloween dare at her ridiculously spooky boarding school is no big deal, especially when her best friend Naya and cute local boy Caine agree to join in too. They are ordered to summon the legendary ghost of "Bloody Mary": say her name five times in front of a candlelit mirror, and she shall appear... But surprise, surprise, nothing happens. Or does it? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror, 'five days' but what does it mean? And who left it? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night. Bobbie, Naya and Caine are now in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary come for them, as she's come for countless others before...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18621200-say-her-name?ac=1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Say-Her-Name-James-Dawson/dp/1471402444/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-2&qid=1435835662">Amazon</a> <b><- only $2.99 for the paperback!</b></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Characters</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">: My favourite part of this book, easily! I absolutely adored Bobbie. She was funny, sweet and completely realistic. I loved that she had a close friendship with her bestie, Naya, who was quite funny. I also liked that Caine really was a unique romantic interest. He didn't fit into any of the YA male hero stereotypes and that is a big bonus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Romance</u></b>: I didn't dislike it, but I am glad it was only a minute part of the story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Plot</u></b>: A fantastic retelling of the Bloody Mary legend. It took a lot of the basic facts and turn them into a new mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Review copy provided by Key Stone Press & Dillons for an honest review. See <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/946226885">here</a> for full review. </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have a couple of more reviews that I need to write too so keep an eye out for them. They will be coming sometime soon! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you read either of these books before? Or something else by these authors? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Let me know your thoughts in the comments. </b></span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-8149777321000393972015-07-01T12:00:00.000+09:302015-07-01T12:00:01.126+09:30New Releases: July, 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>The New Releases of July, 2015:</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are the July 2015 releases I am excited for:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20643052-ink-and-bone?ac=1">Ink and Bone (The Great Library #1)</a> by Rachel Caine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16278318-armada?ac=1">Armada</a> by Ernest Cline</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22929540-silver-in-the-blood">Silver in the Blood</a> by Jessica Day George</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Mystery/Thriller:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STAG8v1y2RU/VJaSAUifA0I/AAAAAAAACgw/jNsk6O5po1s/s1600/pretending%2Bto%2Bbe%2Berica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STAG8v1y2RU/VJaSAUifA0I/AAAAAAAACgw/jNsk6O5po1s/s1600/pretending%2Bto%2Bbe%2Berica.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gRrK9uprBA/VJaSsNOnZ6I/AAAAAAAAChA/qCzIM6Dxi8k/s1600/damage%2Bdone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gRrK9uprBA/VJaSsNOnZ6I/AAAAAAAAChA/qCzIM6Dxi8k/s1600/damage%2Bdone.jpg" width="131" /></a></span><img alt="18715922" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408019840l/18715922.jpg" width="132" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23281811-pretending-to-be-erica?ac=1">Pretending to Be Erica</a> by Michelle Pain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19542831-damage-done?ac=1"><span style="font-size: large;">Damage Done</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> by Amanda Panitch</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18715922-ruthless?ac=1">Ruthless</a> by Carolyn Lee Adams</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22446497-watch-your-back" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Watch Your Back</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> by Tracy Bilen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22929578-the-fixer">The Fixer</a> by Jennifer Lynn Barnes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Contemporary:</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><img alt="23361172" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414610433l/23361172.jpg" width="132" /><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410801979l/18484795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="18484795" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410801979l/18484795.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414510465l/20807316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="20807316" border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414510465l/20807316.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23361172-paperweight?ac=1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Paperweight</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> by Meg Haston</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18484795-a-million-miles-away?ac=1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A Million Miles Away</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> by Lara Avery</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20807316-between-us-and-the-moon?ac=1">Between Us and the Moon</a> by Rebecca Maziel</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those are the new releases I am most excited about coming out this July. I have a couple of them already, which I will hopefully get to to soon.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Which new release are you most looking forward to this month? </i></b></span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-6977856519340837902015-06-29T16:24:00.003+09:302015-06-29T16:24:56.160+09:30Half a Year Gone Already<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey all! I've found that getting back into the routine of blogging is a lot harder than I would have thought. Regardless of the fact that the actual behind the post stuff is rather glitchy - I'm working on it, promise! - but I'm really not happy with my theme and layout at the moment. I have no skills with coding or anything and I'm poorer than a nun, so I don't know what to do at the moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I'm sick of whining!<b> I want to blog, so I'm going to blog.</b> I've been keeping up to date, as much as I can, with everyone else but expect to see me around much more - hopefully! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I thought a nice way to start back would be to give a little wrap of my reading year so far. As of tomorrow, we are half way through the year. I know its going to be a pretty unpopular opinion, but I honestly feel that this year has dragged on and on so far. I honestly cannot believe we are only hitting July now. I feel so Christmasy at the moment - is this just me!? - and I am <i>so </i>eager to start my last year of high school. I'm completely sick of school and just want the year to be over with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I am happy to say that reading wise, at least, I am having an amazing year. I've read so many books I've loved already and, compared to last year, I am enjoying reading more than ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's my top 5 reads of 2015 </span>(so far)<span style="font-size: x-large;">:</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428066429l/22026075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="22026075" border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428066429l/22026075.jpg" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Falling Into Place</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Amy Zhang</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>On the day the day Liz Emerson tries to die, they had reviewed Newton's laws of motion in physics class. Then, after school, she put them into practice by running her Mercedes off the road.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mass, acceleration, momentum, force - Liz doesn't understand it in physics, and even as her Mercedes hurtles towards the tree, she doesn't understand it now. How do we impact one another? How do our actions reverberate? What does it mean to be a friend? To love someone? To be a daughter? Or a mother? Is life truly more than cause and effect?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428066429l/22026075.jpghttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22026075-falling-into-place">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Falling-into-Place-Amy-Zhang/dp/0062295055/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1435557830">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Falling Into Place</i> was one of the most realistic, heart-breaking, and beautifully written books I've ever read - and look at that gorgeous cover! I honestly believe its something that everyone needs to read at least once in their life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420992313l/17788403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="17788403" border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420992313l/17788403.jpg" width="206" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Maybe Someday</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Colleen Hoover</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: she's in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her - and she's forced to decide what her next move should be. </i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance. </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788403-maybe-someday">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maybe-Someday-Colleen-Hoover/dp/1476753164/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435557798&sr=1-1&keywords=maybe+someday">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is honestly so much more to the story than that description hints at. The relationship in this book - Sydney and Ridge - is beyond words. It was realistic, and I loved the fact that they shared a fantastic friendship first. I also loved that Colleen Hoover didn't make her characters stereotypical in the slightest. It was my first book of hers, and I now understand the hype. This is the perfect book to introduce you into the NA genre. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Richelle Mead</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from the Strigoi: the fiercest vampires, the ones that never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood flows through Rose Hathway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Then a strange darkness begins to grow in Rose's mind, and ghostly shadows warn of terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. The immortal undead are closing in, and they want vengeance for the lives Rose has stolen. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2802316-shadow-kiss">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Kiss-Vampire-Academy-Book/dp/1595141979/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1435557869">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is easily my favourite of the series. Well, of the four that I've read so far. Its ending was devastating, but the plot was fast-paced and kept me on my toes. I was enthralled, and my love for the series was cemented after I finished it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Tracy Banghart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Aris Haan gave up everything to join the Atalantan Military: her family, he boyfriend, even her identity. In the end, though, it didn't matter that she was a war hero; when the all-male Military discovered that she was actually a woman, she was sent home and erased from history. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Now she has a chance to go back to the battlefield - as herself. But as hard as it was to be a solider in disguise, it's even more difficult now. The men in her unit undermine her at every turn. The Safaran army has spies everywhere, perhaps even on Aris's stationpoint. And she's falling for her superior officer, Milek. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Then Aris discovers that Safran's leaders have set their sights on her, Atalanta's hero. And she must find them before they find her...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23556036-storm-fall">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Fall-Rebel-Wing-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00PBGZZA8/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435560427&sr=1-1&keywords=storm+fall">Amazon</a> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(available for free with Kindle Unlimited)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This series was such a pleasant surprise. I never expected to fall so in love with it, especially since I found the first book only alright. <i>Storm Fall</i>, however, stole my breath away. The plotline was intense, the characters brilliant, and I just loved every second of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Veronica Roth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The faction-based society Tris Prior once believed in is shattered - fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's know, Tris is ready.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>But Tris' new reality is even more alarming than the once she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless and explosives new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature - and of herself - while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, and love. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17383918-allegiant">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Allegiant-Divergent-Veronica-Roth/dp/006202406X/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_har?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435560407&sr=1-1&keywords=allegiant">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, this book came as a surprise to me. I didn't expect to love it since I was spoiled about a major event and didn't think I could possibly enjoy reading about that. It was, however, an entertaining and fast-paced read. I loved every second of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These were some of my favourite books of this year - so far - and I am excited to pick up some more over the next six months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What's have been your favourite books of 2015 so far? What do you plan on picking on reading in the next six months? </i></b></span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-35590636973228754152015-06-19T20:55:00.000+09:302015-06-19T20:55:02.358+09:30I've Got My Blog Back!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hey guys, I have the best news to tell you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>I'm back!</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been through so much during the months I've been gone and I feel like I have so much to tell you! But let me start with a quick recount of what happened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was locked out of my blog. I don't know how or why or what, but for some reason my blog just stop working for me one day. I emailed everyone I could think of, posted forums in the blogger help forum, and did everything possible, but it just didn't work. As you can imagine, this was a pretty stressful time for me. I feel like I've missed out on a lot while I've been gone. I haven't stopped hopping around the blogsphere, so hopefully you haven't all forgotten who I am!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, I'm back for good now. I'm going to try and tack advantage of this and update my blog for awhile. I have school holidays coming up in two weeks and will use that time to catch up. I have so many ideas just bursting to be written and I won't deny writing them any longer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know this is a short and abrupt post - I doesn't explain much, I know - but its late here, I'm off to bed now. I'm excited to be back. Watch out for my welcome back post. I'll be posting regularly as soon as I can. </span></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-53242483867250499532015-06-03T12:00:00.000+09:302015-06-29T17:09:25.571+09:30Recommending Books That Starts With W<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Recommend A</u>: </strong></span><strong style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Book That Starts With W</i></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've always loved doing this meme because it allows me to recommend all sorts of books that fit into the category, and bring some attention to underhyped books that I love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This topic was not as easy as I thought it would be though! There were more books that started with W than I thought, and narrowing it down was difficult. Anyway, these aren't all my choices but let's give a go anyway...</span><br />
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421921981l/6980720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6980720" border="0" height="400" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421921981l/6980720.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="256" /></a><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421921981l/6980720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a><strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Whisperer</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Fiona McIntosh</span><br />
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<i>Griff works in a circus, in his days filled with boring routine tasks. Nobody knows he has a unique ability: he can hear people's thoughts without their knowledge. When the greedy circus master discovers his talent, Griff knows he must escape, and takes with him fellow circus member Tess and her collection of magical creatures. But even on the run, Griff keeps hearing a cry for help from a mysterious source he calls the Whisperer.</i></span><br />
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<i>Meanwhile Lute, the Crown Prince of the realm, is under attack from his uncle Janko, who wants to rule the kingdom. Narrowly escaping Janko's murderous clutches, Lute comes up against Bitter Olof, a bandit with a long history, and Calico Grace, who also seems to have a dubious past. </i></span><br />
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<i>When Griff and Lute cross paths, many lives will change forever -- including their own. With allies both magical and human, they must join forces to defeat Janko, and reveal the truth behind the Whisperer. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6980720-the-whisperer?ac=1">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whisperer-Fiona-McIntosh/dp/0553498274/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1434760058">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A unique and wonderfully written story that has gotten none of the attention it deserves. The story is just captivating, and the mystery is enthralling. The fantasy world is incredible, and I remember absolutely loving the characters. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426466460l/22886113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="22886113" border="0" height="400" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426466460l/22886113.jpg" width="261" /></span></a><strong></strong><br />
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<strong><strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A Work in Progress</span></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Connor Franta</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Connor offers a look at his Midwestern upbringing as one of four children in the home and one of five in the classroom; his struggles with identity, body image, and sexuality in his teen years; and his decision to finally pursue his creative and artistic passions in his early twenties, setting up his thrilling career as a YouTube personality, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and tastemaker.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Exploring his past with insight and humor, his present with humility, and his future with hope, Connor reveals his private struggles while providing heartfelt words of wisdom for young adults. His words will resonate with anyone coming of age in the digital era, but at the core is a timeless message for people of all ages: don't be afraid to be yourself and to go after what you truly want.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22886113-a-work-in-progress?ac=1">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Work-Progress-Memoir-Connor-Franta/dp/1476791619/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434759406&sr=1-1&keywords=a+work+in+progress">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Even if you haven't seen Connor's YouTube channel and don't know who he is, I would recommend reading this. Its a short, sweet and lovely read that won't take more than an hour or two to whiz through. Its really inspirational and heart-warming. Oh, and the art is just gorgeous. </strong></span></div>
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<strong><strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Wings: Wings #1</span></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Aprilynne Pike</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful — too beautiful for words.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5056084-wings?ac=1">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Aprilynne-Pike/dp/0061668052/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434759649&sr=1-1&keywords=wings+aprilynne+pike">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>This series will be a hit or a miss with you, I know that much. It hasn't been mentioned much among the bloggersphere, but has been blurbed by a lot of popular authors. It was one of the first YA series I ever read. It's unlike any fae book I've ever read, and there is scientific groundings to it so that is a bonus. Plus David is such a sweetie. I should reread this soon...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you found this at least a little helpful and were able to find a new book to check out. Obviously, I recommend all of these so all the best and happy reading!</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What books have you enjoy that start with W? Let me know in the comments. You know I'm always looking for new books to read.</i> </span></b></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-49865244812802275012015-06-02T12:00:00.000+09:302015-06-02T12:00:00.292+09:30New Releases: June, 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>The New Releases of June, 2015:</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I saw this an idea very similar to this on Xpresso Reads - where they post a weekly "Fresh Batch" that shows all the new releases coming out. I wanted to do something similar but in monthly format. Here it is then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><strong>These are the June 2015 releases I am excited for:-</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-fi:</u></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipH07tJbmu4/VJFuTc4DJGI/AAAAAAAACU8/9t8atUtQnEQ/s1600/mindwalkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipH07tJbmu4/VJFuTc4DJGI/AAAAAAAACU8/9t8atUtQnEQ/s1600/mindwalkers.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVaNeHcpuZw/VJFvNSWUutI/AAAAAAAACVM/6KSCxENlIOg/s1600/the%2Bstars%2Bnever%2Brise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVaNeHcpuZw/VJFvNSWUutI/AAAAAAAACVM/6KSCxENlIOg/s1600/the%2Bstars%2Bnever%2Brise.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18883256-mindwalker?ac=1">Mindwalker (Mindwalker #1)</a> by A.J. Steiger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788681-the-stars-never-rise?ac=1">The Stars Never Rise</a> by Rachel Vincent</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-large;">Dystopia:</span></u></strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygXQ6PH2-nk/VJEqC6qNgmI/AAAAAAAACOU/6U4-dXduzOo/s1600/the%2Bchoosing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygXQ6PH2-nk/VJEqC6qNgmI/AAAAAAAACOU/6U4-dXduzOo/s1600/the%2Bchoosing.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23627067-the-choosing?ac=1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The Choosing</span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"> by Rachelle Dekker</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-large;">Mystery:</span></u></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Malp-d_nsGo/VJFpiVk68ZI/AAAAAAAACUo/U8BzMx85rE8/s1600/daughter%2Bof%2Bdeep%2Bsilence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Malp-d_nsGo/VJFpiVk68ZI/AAAAAAAACUo/U8BzMx85rE8/s1600/daughter%2Bof%2Bdeep%2Bsilence.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_SfKIDFszw/VJFzI9bSHnI/AAAAAAAACWA/TdyzvWYaNzo/s1600/the%2Bdevil%2Byou%2Bknow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_SfKIDFszw/VJFzI9bSHnI/AAAAAAAACWA/TdyzvWYaNzo/s1600/the%2Bdevil%2Byou%2Bknow.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IyUSd84V1fo/VJ0ehJG2utI/AAAAAAAAChY/YmzkLBZVF40/s1600/book%2Bscavenger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IyUSd84V1fo/VJ0ehJG2utI/AAAAAAAAChY/YmzkLBZVF40/s1600/book%2Bscavenger.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23281652-daughter-of-deep-silence?ac=1">Daughter of Deep Silence</a> by Carrie Ryan</span><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22929537-the-devil-you-know?ac=1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The Devil You Know</span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"> by Trish Doller</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22718727-book-scavenger?ac=1">Book Scavenger</a> by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Horror:</u></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-llwDy49fQ/VJF4v2zQZEI/AAAAAAAACWw/vYCDG_Fxd1E/s1600/the%2Brules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-llwDy49fQ/VJF4v2zQZEI/AAAAAAAACWw/vYCDG_Fxd1E/s1600/the%2Brules.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22611701-the-rules">The Rules (Wolf Spring Chronicles #1)</a> by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkhnjoF18ok/VJErjwX2AsI/AAAAAAAACOc/WTAj_jXreMU/s1600/in%2Bsearch%2Bof%2Bsam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkhnjoF18ok/VJErjwX2AsI/AAAAAAAACOc/WTAj_jXreMU/s1600/in%2Bsearch%2Bof%2Bsam.jpg" height="200" width="123" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGugRziLUSQ/VJE_g8u__kI/AAAAAAAACPs/FmfZpopVLZs/s1600/hello%2C%2Bi%2Blove%2Byou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGugRziLUSQ/VJE_g8u__kI/AAAAAAAACPs/FmfZpopVLZs/s1600/hello%2C%2Bi%2Blove%2Byou.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3knr2jVOBuw/VJFuD6hyB7I/AAAAAAAACU0/dm68skxzZ30/s1600/after%2Bhours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3knr2jVOBuw/VJFuD6hyB7I/AAAAAAAACU0/dm68skxzZ30/s1600/after%2Bhours.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22780060-in-search-of-sam?ac=1">In Search of Sam</a> by Kristin Butcher</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18484807-hello-i-love-you">Hello, I Love You</a> by Katie M. Stout</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22817098-after-hours?ac=1">After Hours</a> by Claire Kennedy</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvXT-H-AnMU/VJFuuvBtryI/AAAAAAAACVE/2QJYVzaWHHo/s1600/joyride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvXT-H-AnMU/VJFuuvBtryI/AAAAAAAACVE/2QJYVzaWHHo/s1600/joyride.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCqC10ifXqY/VJFv5EETudI/AAAAAAAACVU/AYEuwonAIz4/s1600/the%2Bsummer%2Bof%2Bchasing%2Bmermaids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCqC10ifXqY/VJFv5EETudI/AAAAAAAACVU/AYEuwonAIz4/s1600/the%2Bsummer%2Bof%2Bchasing%2Bmermaids.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGj41z53UTw/VJFxZP1QraI/AAAAAAAACVo/COJi63mX07s/s1600/every%2Blast%2Bwor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGj41z53UTw/VJFxZP1QraI/AAAAAAAACVo/COJi63mX07s/s1600/every%2Blast%2Bwor.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22718685-joyride?ac=1">Joyride</a> by Anna Banks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22840182-the-summer-of-chasing-mermaids?ac=1">The Summer of Chasing Mermaids</a> by Sarah Ockler</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23341894-every-last-word?ac=1">Every Last Word</a> by Tamara Ireland Stone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18249082-invincible?ac=1">One Moment in Time (Moment in Time #2)</a> by Lauren Branholdt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21825486-last-year-s-mistake?ac=1">Last Year's Mistake</a> by Gina Ciocca</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23287168-the-night-we-said-yes?ac=1">The Night We Said Yes</a> by Lauren Gibaldi</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aoMPNDpcYdo/VJF0k00MNvI/AAAAAAAACWY/tXp_uaxoRl0/s1600/alive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aoMPNDpcYdo/VJF0k00MNvI/AAAAAAAACWY/tXp_uaxoRl0/s1600/alive.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eoh7a1LQ6OU/VJF1Bf7bY1I/AAAAAAAACWg/IM3o1YYEWN4/s1600/proof%2Bof%2Bforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eoh7a1LQ6OU/VJF1Bf7bY1I/AAAAAAAACWg/IM3o1YYEWN4/s1600/proof%2Bof%2Bforever.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23268484-alive?ac=1">Alive</a> by Chandler Baker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18520642-proof-of-forever?ac=1">Proof of Forever</a> by Lexa Hillyer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18740851-even-when-you-lie-to-me?ac=1">Even When You Lie to Me</a> by Jessica Alcott</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-large;">Retellings:</span></u></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rDCd4IZvTk/VJFwhoi7Y3I/AAAAAAAACVc/N-X8GJjuf-Y/s1600/the%2Bsacred%2Blies%2Bof%2Bminnow%2Bbly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rDCd4IZvTk/VJFwhoi7Y3I/AAAAAAAACVc/N-X8GJjuf-Y/s1600/the%2Bsacred%2Blies%2Bof%2Bminnow%2Bbly.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17185496-the-sacred-lies-of-minnow-bly?ac=1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly</span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"> by Martha Brockenbrough</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some of these books I have the privilege of reading before there release dates. This is normally because of a read-to-review opportunity but may be for other reasons as well. This time I have already read the following (links to reviews are below each picture):- </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QSx5WYxKMc/VJZO8e9yHfI/AAAAAAAACXs/KjByoFI4Rrg/s1600/in%2Bsearch%2Bof%2Bsam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QSx5WYxKMc/VJZO8e9yHfI/AAAAAAAACXs/KjByoFI4Rrg/s1600/in%2Bsearch%2Bof%2Bsam.jpg" height="200" width="123" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://rachelsreadingcorner11.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/review-in-search-of-sam.html"><strong>In Search of Sam</strong></a><strong> by Kristin Butcher</strong></div>
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Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-78819805562469707742015-04-26T20:01:00.000+09:302015-04-26T20:01:21.491+09:30Sunday Shout-Out<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Sunday Shout-Out</u></strong></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Hey everyone!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I haven't posted properly in awhile now and well, I thought it was about time I got back into the routine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lots of exciting things have been happening over these Easter holidays so I've been distracted. *hangs head in shame* </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Most importantly, yesterday was ANZAC day. For those of you that aren't from Australia or New Zealand: this one the most important days in our (ANZ) calendar, and marks the day of the first landing at Gallipoli in 1915. It's a day to thank and remember the servicemen and women that have given their service or sometimes lives in all wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This year the celebration marked 100 years since the landing of Gallipoli and it was a major event across our two nations. I was at a footy game yesterday when this occurred and the ceremony held was incredibly moving. There is nothing like the silence of 50,000 people and the lonesome sound of the bugle. <strong>Nothing</strong>. So that was my rather long-winded way of saying thank you to everyone that has ever served in the name of Australia. <strong>Thank you</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And now, drawing this back to the bookish discussion I was planning on writing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the next month or so I have a few cover reveals, book blitzes and other stuff like that planed. Hopefully, I'll also get back into doing some memes. Its been too long since my last one! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Anyway, the real reason I am writing now is to say that I <em>have</em> been keeping up to date with the other blogs I love. I wasn't ignoring you all! To really show that I thought it might be a nice idea to share the love a bit - so here's some recent posts I've loved reading this month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Go check them out!</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Giselle @ <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4305970869&blog=4014216">Xpresso Reads</a> showed us the <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4305970869&group=0&frame_type=a&context=feed_all&context_ids=&blog=4014216&frame=1&click=0&user=0">upcoming release of this week</a>. I love her Fresh Batch posts as I get to drool over all the wonderful new books. I'm excited for so many of them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- In <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4305616523&group=0&frame_type=a&context=feed_all&context_ids=&blog=13972057&frame=1&click=0&user=0">Novel Ink</a>'s <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4305616523&group=0&frame_type=a&context=feed_all&context_ids=&blog=13972057&frame=1&click=0&user=0">Stacking the Shelf meme</a>, Christy talks about her visit with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575371.Katie_McGarry">Katie McGarry</a>, author of the <em>Pushing the Limits</em> and <em>Thunder Road</em> series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Amanda @ <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4304800779&group=0&frame_type=a&context=feed_all&context_ids=&blog=12236761&frame=1&click=0&user=0">Fandomly Bookish</a> dropped <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4304800779&group=0&frame_type=a&context=feed_all&context_ids=&blog=12236761&frame=1&click=0&user=0">the new trailer</a> for J.L. Berg's <em>Beyond These Walls</em>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4304360902&group=0&frame_type=a&context=feed_all&context_ids=&blog=4002680&frame=1&click=0&user=0">21st Century Once Upon a Times</a> revealed the cover for the Stacey O'Neale's <em>Eternal Sacrifice</em> and <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4304360902&group=0&frame_type=a&context=feed_all&context_ids=&blog=4002680&frame=1&click=0&user=0">hosted a giveaway</a> that ends on the 29th of April. Hurry and head over before the competition's over!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Jeann @ <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4304105360&blog=9683035">Happy Indulgences</a> held <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4304105360&blog=9683035">an interesting discussion post</a> on <em>emotional vs critical reviewers</em>. I think I'm a bit of a blend of both. What type of reviewer are you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303988815&blog=12057791">Paein and Ms4tune</a> wrote <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303988815&blog=12057791">a brilliant review</a> of C.J. Duggan's <em>Paradise City</em> that's left me a little nervous about picking the book up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Victoria @ <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303928389&blog=12759511">Addlepates and Book Nerds</a> hosted her eighth <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303928389&blog=12759511">Exploring My Bookshelves meme</a> and talks about which book characters she would bring to life. I have to agree with her decision to pick Skulduggery Pleasant as her mentor! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- I'm dying to pick up Melinda Salisbury's <em>The Sin Eater's Daughter</em> after <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303835672&blog=4987205">Tripping Over Books' review</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Alex @ Book's Buzz <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303545368&blog=12239067">talks about her upcoming trip to Bookcon</a> and I die of jealousy just reading it. Connor Franta is going to be there... *wails*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Inge @ <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303477263&blog=12199637">Bookshelf Reflections</a> shares her anguish at never finishing series on her post <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4303545368&blog=12239067">I Suck at Series</a>. One of the most relatable posts ever written. I am the<em> worst</em> at reading sequels. I might even write my own post about this soon...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- <a href="http://novelinkblog.com/">Novel Ink</a> created their own tag called the <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4302098952&blog=13972057">Find Me Tag</a>. I've already got my version scheduled! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Emma Pass revealed <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4300789600&blog=4014216">a playlist</a> for her book <em>Fearless</em> on <a href="http://www.xpressoreads.com/">Xpresso Reads</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Diamond @ <a href="http://diamondlovestoread.blogspot.com.au/">Dee's Reads</a> talks about <a href="http://diamondlovestoread.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/arcs-good-and-bad.html">the good and bad of ARCs</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- Amy @ <a href="http://www.trippingoverbooks.com/">Tripping Over Books</a> makes me exciting for Huntley Fitzpatrick's upcoming book <em>The Boy Most Likely To</em> on <a href="http://www.trippingoverbooks.com/2015/04/22/waiting-on-wednesday-the-boy-most-likely-to-huntley-fitzpatrick/">her WoW post</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">- <a href="http://paperfury.com/">Paper Fury</a> makes me laugh and laugh as she <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/undefined?post=4298807954&blog=13206855">shares her favourite authors of 2015</a>, so far at least.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And that's all I'm going to say. There are lots of awesome post to go check out now... so go on!</span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606375112371322372.post-8364387886424824612015-04-24T21:40:00.000+09:302015-04-24T21:41:39.208+09:30Review: Cooper Bartholomew is Dead<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review of <em>Cooper Bartholomew is Dead</em></span></u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Rebecca James</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Thoughts:</span></u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span sizcache="1" sizset="95"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wish I could be
more generous with the rating because <strong>bloody hell this book was
good</strong>, but there were just a couple of tiny things that didn't work for
me. <br /><br />Before we get into the small negativities, let me just say a big
thank you to </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3503644.Rebecca_James" title="Rebecca James"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rebecca
James</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - finally an author has listened to our pleas and we got a wonderful,
slow-building relationship built on mutual affection between two decent
characters. <strong>Can I get me some hallelujahs?</strong> Libby and Cooper
were both thoroughly fleshed out characters. They were sweet, genuine, caring
and honest. All of the usual relationship drama was thrown out the window and we
got a realistically sweet but still swoon-worthy relationship. I really don't
know what more to ask for. <br /><br />Quickly, I also need to add that the rest of
the characters were kind of perfect too. There was a great variety of characters
but not in a <em>Glee</em> cast kind of way. <strong>It was realistic.</strong>
There was variety in social class, genders, sexualities, interests, family
backgrounds... you get the point: <strong>plenty of diversity - can I get
another one of those hallelujahs?</strong><br /><br />Also the writing? It was
breath-taking in that simplistic-yet-takes-you-by-surprise kind of way. The mix
of "then" and "now" sections, as well as the multiple perspectives - Cooper,
Libby, Sebastian and Clare - in both first and third person was genius. Other
authors that have attempted a story with that many shifts of perspectives have
failed - or at least the books I've read have. It usually gets too confusing and
too disjointed but </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3503644.Rebecca_James" title="Rebecca James"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rebecca
James</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> managed it to perfection. It created palpable tension and really just
made the book what it was.<br /><br />But there was a couple of things that didn't
work for me - as can be expected. For one the predictability was rather
displeasing. <strong>Predictability is a big no-no for me and I saw the "twist"
coming from quite early in the book.</strong> The other thing is that the ending
left a little to de desired. </span><a class="jsShowSpoiler spoilerAction" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">(view
spoiler)</span></a><span class="spoilerContainer" sizcache="1" sizset="98" style="display: none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">[All that build-up and it wasn't even murder? Give me a break! </span><a class="jsHideSpoiler spoilerAction" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">(hide spoiler)</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">]</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">But
overall, this was fantastic book. I loved that it threw out all the clichés out
the window and built a decent plot centred around decent characters. I've missed
books like that. I'd recommend this in a heartbeat and will certainly be on the
look out for more of </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3503644.Rebecca_James" title="Rebecca James"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rebecca
James</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">'s books. <br /><br /><strong>Note</strong>:<em> a copy was provided
courtesy of Allen & Unwin Australia in exchange for an honest review. No
compensation was given or taken during this
process.</em><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--><!--["BR"]--></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Details:</span></strong></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Series:</u> none presently</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Publication:</u> October 1st, 2014</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Source:</u> Allen & Unwin Australia</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>4 stars</strong></span></span></div>
Rachel Lightwood @ Quite the Novel Ideahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17495927330080464034noreply@blogger.com2