The Back to School Tag

The Back to School Tag
 

 Although it isn't "back to school" season for me - in fact, school is almost over for the year - I thought this looked like a bit of fun and decided to do the tag anyway. Thanks to Brittnee over at Brittnee Bryan for her open tag.

 

 

 You've just started back and your workload has already increased. Which short book would you read that wouldn't take up too much time? 

The Giver - I just bought myself a copy of this book and I am eager to complete it before I go to check out the movie. Its under 200 pages so it won't take me very long.

You are in English class and your teacher says you will be spending the lesson reading an assigned book. What book did you have to read for school, but ended up really enjoying? 

I honestly haven't enjoyed any of the books that I have had to read for school. They have all been dull and too moral-driven for my liking. If I absolutely had to pick one of them it would probably be The Outsiders but I really wasn't a fan of it.

 

 

 

You and your friends have had an argument and you are feeling quite upset. What book never fails to cheer you up? 

Anna and the French Kiss - I would want a book that I found funny and was easily readable and that immediately reminds me of Anna and the French Kiss. I loved the characters, the dialogue was witty and hilarious and the plotline was easy-going. Definitely a book to read for a pick-me-up

 

You've been given detention. What book do you wish you have that could pass the time? 
  

Eragon - This is one of those books that require a bit of attention to get into so it is a really good book to read when you are waiting for something. You get absorbed into the world and the language and the lore easily so you don't notice the time passing. Perfect for reading in detention!

The bell rings for lunch time! Name a food from a book you would love to try. 

The first thing that came to mind was butterbeer but that isn't really a food - though I won't deny I am dying to taste it. I think the gum from Charlie & the Chocolate Factory would be pretty cool since it tastes like a three course meal all rolled into one. I wouldn't want to risk turning into a giant blueberry however! My ultimate would have to be the magical candy from the Candy Shop War series. How can you resist lollies that give you powers!?

 

You have a ton of homework to do and one of your assignments is to write a short story. What author's writing style do you most enjoy reading?

Tahreh Mafi... joking, joking! Her writing style made me want to hang myself it was that awful. Maggie Stiefvater is my favourite writer. Her style is gorgeous to say the least. It is poetic and lyrical but it doesn't come across as flowery or that love-dovey wish-wash that some authors try out. She manages to blend the perfect amount of poetry with "normal" writing so it remains readable and still  drives home the point she is trying to make. I know that description doesn't sound very appealing but trust me, it works! Read her Wolves of Mercy Falls series.
 

Uh oh, exam time! The nerves are getting to you. Which book do you read to calm yourself down?

Harry Potter - I know I have been saying that a lot but Harry Potter was my childhood and it will always be bookish security blanket. It times of need it always there to fall back on and I will read it over and over for the rest of my life.

 

You did amazingly well on your exams and are given some money as a reward. What book(s) do you rush out to buy?

 

I have sooo many books on my wishlist but at the moment there are two books on the top of my list: Shiver and Linger. I have a copy of Forever but I don't have a copy of these two and I really would love them - the collector's edition hardcover especially since they are one of my elite favourite series.

 

Summer is almost upon us. What book do you read to get you into the mood for the fun and excitement that summer brings?

 

I would really like to read The Summer I Turned Pretty series soon and that sounds like the perfect series to get into a summery mood!

 

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Well, that's it folks! Have you complete this challenge? How would you have answered these questions? Leave you links and comments below.

I am going to tag Izzy @ The Izzy Reader and Brittany @ Space Between the Spines in is this tag challenge as well as anyone that wants to try this out.

Giveaway and Cover Reveal: Dear Carolina

Giveaway and

Cover Reveal for Dear Carolina:

 

Title: Dear Carolina

Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey

 Author Links: Goodreads

 

Date of Release­­: May 5, 2015

Publisher: Berkley

 

Genre:  adult, contemporary

 

Link:   Goodreads

  

 

 Description:

One baby girl.
Two strong Southern women.
And the most difficult decision they’ll ever make.

Frances “Khaki” Mason has it all: a thriving interior design career, a loving husband and son, homes in North Carolina and Manhattan—everything except the second child she has always wanted. Jodi, her husband’s nineteen-year-old cousin, is fresh out of rehab, pregnant, and alone. Although the two women couldn’t seem more different, they forge a lifelong connection as Khaki reaches out to Jodi, encouraging her to have her baby. But as Jodi struggles to be the mother she knows her daughter deserves, she will ask Khaki the ultimate favour…

Written to baby Carolina, by both her birth mother and her adoptive one, this is a story that proves that life circumstances shape us but don’t define us—and that families aren’t born, they’re made…
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Waiting on Wednesday #7

This is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine where bloggers spotlight upcoming releases that they are eagerly anticipating.

 

The book I am most eager for this week is:-

 

Nil Unlocked

by Lynne Matson:

I just found out that there is a sequel planned for this series. I honestly had no idea! The first book in the series, Nil, wasn't a favourite of mine but I did enjoy it. However, I didn't realise it was not a standalone until only a couple of days ago and I am certainly intrigued. This is definitely on my wishlist now.

 

Have you read Nil before? Do you think a sequel is necessary?  What are your thoughts? Comment below!



What a gorgeous cover! I love the colours.

 

Description:

 

On the island of Nil, the rules are set. You have exactly 365 days to escape—or you die. Rives is now the undisputed Leader of Nil City, but keeping the City united is tougher than ever.

Raiders have grown bolder, supplies are dwindling, and non-human inhabitants have taken a turn toward the deadly. New arrivals cause rifts within the City, putting the Search system at risk, and calling everything Rives knows into question. Desperate for answers, he teams up with the only other person searching for them: Skye, a new arrival with a mysterious past of her own. Soon the duo find themselves locked in a desperate race to save all the residents of Nil—and possibly destroy the island forever. But at what cost? And who will pay the price?

 

Release date: 12th of May, 2015

 

Series: Nil, #2

 

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

 

Genres: young adult, science-fiction

Top Ten Tuesday #4

This week topic is:-

Top Ten Top Authors I've Only Read One Book From But Need to Read More

1. Colleen Hoover - One of my favourite books this year has been Finding Cinderella and since then I have been dying to read more of Colleen Hoover's books. I know that a lot of her books have gotten some pretty negative reactions but I definitely want to check them out and see for myself. Hopefully I will love them even more than Finding Cinderella!

 

Check out: Hopeless, Maybe Someday, Slammed and Ugly Love.

 

 2. Sarah Dessen - The Queen of Contemporary, or so she is called. Can you believe I have only read one her books? Me either! I really need to get on top of this. I read and loved Dreamland and actually own Lock & Key, Along for the Ride and Just Listen. I will be trying to read this as soon as I can.

 

Check out: Lock & Key, Just Listen, Along for the Ride, That Summer, This Lullaby, The Truth About Forever, Someone Like You, What Happened to Goodbye, Keeping the Moon and Infinity.

 

  3. Jessica Shirvington - I have read her Between the Lives which was a bittersweet read for me. I wasn't overly impressed with the characterization but there was something in her writing that made me want to read keep reading. Unfortunately, it was only a standalone book so I'll just have to try out her other series instead.

 

Check out: The Violet Eden Chronicles and Disruption.

 

 5. Nicholas Sparks - Is one of those writers that I am pretty sure every reader has at least attempted to pick up one of their books. For me that book was one his lesser known books, A Bend in the Road. It was a surprisingly sweet read that I quite enjoyed. I am really eager to pick up more of his work and see if it is worth all the hype. My only hesitation is that I am scared his writing is a little formulaic... and his books are going to end up being all really similar.

 

Check out: The Notebook,  The Last Song, Dear John, The Lucky One, Safe Haven, Nights in Rodanthe, The Longest Ride and A Walk to Remember.

 

4. Cat Patrick - I've read Patrick's The Originals and loved the characters and the casual, easily readable style. I really want to pick up her other books. They sound intriguing and I love the way she combines sci-fi and contemporary romance.

Check out: Forgotten, Revived and Just Like Fate.

 

 6. James Dashner - I read and loved Dashner's The Maze Runner. I loved the mysteriousness and thought put into planning it all out. It kept me on my toes and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series - or more of his work.

 Check out: The rest of the Maze Runner series, the 13th Reality series and The Eye of the Minds.

 

  7. Denise Grover Swank - I have always been a little wary when reading Amazon freebies, I haven't had much luck with them so have learnt not to expect to much. Swank's Twenty-Eight and Half Wishes was one of the few exceptions. It was phenomenal! I laughed and cried and it was just beautiful. I am very eager to read more of her books and hope they also have the same effect on me!

 

 Check out: After Math, Chosen, Here and The Curse Keepers.

 

 8. Emma Pass - I read Pass' Acid this time last year and can still remember it clearly. I did have a few problems with the book in particular but what kept me reading was her writing style. Seeing was her debut novel, it was good effort and I am eager to pick up her newest book.

 

Check out: The Fearless.

 

9. Jodi Picoult - For Christmas a couple of years ago I got Picoult's House Rules. It was a raw and emotional read that left me feeling hollow and achy afterwards. I knew that I would have to pick another one of her books sometime. Anyone that can write with that much emotion deserves a second chance.

 

 Check out: My Sister's Keeper, The Tenth Circle, The Pact, Salem Falls, Nineteen Minutes, The Storyteller, Harvesting the Heart, Keeping Faith, Lone Wolf, Mercy, and Between the Lines.

 

 10. Jodi Lynn Anderson - I mentioned Tiger Lily in last week's Top Ten Fairytale Retellings which was one of my favourite retellings. I loved the raw emotion and gorgeous writing. I am definitely going to be trying more of Anderon's books out.

 

Check out: Peaches and The Vanishing Season.

 

The Book Life Tag

The Book Life Tag

This is a post I saw on Izzy's new blog, The Reading Izzy, and I simply love the idea of it. Its practically a little bio of yourself if you were able to pick your own family and life from your favourite books.

 Although I wasn't tagged in it I decided I wanted to do it anyway. There were so many hard decision to make! I have too many favourite characters and fictional worlds I want to visit. If you had asked me these questions yesterday I probably would have given different answers, but anyway, here are what I was able to decide on.

 

 

 

Who would be your father?

Remus Lupin - the lovable teacher and father figure in the Harry Potter series was easily my first pick. He is smart, understanding, and kind. I love his loyalty, his strength, and his perseverance; the way he love with all his heart, the way he doesn't ever give up despite his condition, and the way he appreciates logical thought despite having magic at his disposal. I think he would be an amazing father.

 

 

Who would be your mother?

Charlotte Brantwell - this is the gorgeous, lovely, beautiful, amazing woman from the Infernal Devices series. Charlotte would an amazing mother. She is fiercely loyal and protective. She is smart and kickass. She doesn't have to go with the flow, she stands up for herself and what she believes in. She was a feminist icon!

 

Who would be your bookish brother?

Aubrey Fitzwilliam - this hilariously witty, handsome, genius protagonist from the Laws of Magic series would make a hell of a twin brother. He is one of the smartest characters I have ever read about, and definitely has the bets one-liners.  He is always getting into trouble and I can only imagine what sort of adventures we would get up to! I think he would  make a great brother - twin or older obviously, not younger!

 

Who would be your pet?
 

I am having a tough time deciding this one. I am stuck between Saphira the dragon from Eragon, Marley the dog from Marley & Me, Enzo from The Art of Racing in the Rain, and Hedwig, Harry Potter's owl. The more I think about it, Saphira doesn't really count as a "pet" in that sense. She is more of a best friend... just in dragon form! It would have to be either Marley, Enzo or Hedwig. I really cannot decide!

Where would you live?

Alagaesia - the world that Eragon and the rest of the Inheritance series is based in. This has to one of my absolute favourite fantasy worlds, if not my very favourite. I loved the landscape and the diversity of the land. There is everything from forests to dry-as-Satan's-tongue deserts, mountain ranges so tall they disappear into the heavens to the beautiful oceans. There are islands, hidden caves, and forests made of stone trees. There are little villages and big villages. Plains, lakes, and so much more. Its such a gorgeous place! I also love that it is inhabited by a lot of different species and there is magic there!

 

Where would you go to school?

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - is there really any other place people would consider? I am not going to bother listing my reasons for choices this place. My list would be practically endless.

 

 

Who would be your significant other?

William Herondale or Cole St Clair - I love both of these characters for completely different reasons and wouldn't be able to choose. They both have their different perks but I love them equally. Is polygamy allowed in Alagesia? *chuckles*

***************

Well, that's my fictional life. What's yours? Tell me below or leave you links. I won't tag anyone in particular since I wasn't tagged myself, but if you are reading this and want to do the post consider yourself tagged! I would love a link back if you do.

Cover Reveal: Zhukov's Dogs

Cover Reveal for Zhukov's Dogs:

 

Title: Zhukov's Dogs

Author: Amanda Cyr

 

Date of Release­­: October 27, 2014

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press 

 

Genre: science-fiction, new adult, action/adventure

 

Link:   Goodreads

  

 

Cover Artist: Alexandria Thompson (Gothic Fate)
 

Description:

Lieutenant Colonel Nik Zhukov is just like any other desensitized seventeen-year-old living in the year 2076. At least he likes to think he is when he isn’t busy eliminating threats to national security, breaking up terrorist organizations, and trying not to get blown up. It’s all in a normal day’s work for one of the military’s top dogs, and he’s never disappointed. Never failed. Never lost sight of his dream of making it to the elite force, even as each new job forces him to see just how morally corrupt his leaders are.

On the verge of promotion, Nik is dispatched to the underground city beneath the icy Seattle tundra, his final mission handed down directly from The Council. It should have been a simple in-and-out, but the underground is full of dark secrets and he soon finds himself swept into battles, lying to his best friend back east, and growing a bit too close to the rebels he was sent to spy on.

Nik realizes too late that he’s broken the number one rule within his ranks; he’s allowed himself to feel normal for the first time in his life. He might be able to turn the job around, become the soldier he was once was, except for his growing attachment to the rebel leader. A guy. Yet another first for Nik. It’s a mistake he pays for dearly when he learns The Council’s true intentions for the city.

It’s never just "harmless fun" when you’re a government dog, not when The Council holds the leash. Nik knows there are some lines you can never come back from crossing, and he’s forced to choose whose rules to play by. He races toward the invisible divide, aware he’ll be called traitor by both his nation and by his friends. Aware that even the right choice can be deadly to.

 
About The Author:

 

Amanda Cyr is a tea-loving freelance journalist, viral content curator, and debut novelist. She studied creative writing at Seattle University, where she developed all sorts of opinions before becoming a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. She is currently represented by Kimberley Cameron of the Kimberley Cameron & Associates Literary Agency.

Growing up, Amanda moved around a lot. She began writing to make the transitions easier and make up for her lack of friends in middle school. An awesome professor in Medford, Oregon tried to convince her to pursue writing professionally, but Amanda was deadest on a law career. It wasn’t until an unpleasant professor in Seattle, Washington told her she was a terrible writer that Amanda really committed to the idea of getting published, mostly just to spite her professor.

 

When Amanda’s not hunched over a laptop she enjoys sleeping, video games, Netflix binges, and wrestling with her two polar bear dogs. She currently lives in Los Angeles, where she spends her days hissing at the sun and missing Seattle. Her least favorite things include the mispronunciation of her name, screaming children, and California.

Author Links:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Facebook

 

 

Waiting on Wednesday #6

This is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine where bloggers spotlight upcoming releases that they are eagerly anticipating.

 

The book I am most eager for this week is:-

 

Every Last Word

by Tamara Ireland Stone:

This sounds so interesting! I love a good contemporary novel and I know that this author has written some really popular and well-loved books previously. I haven't read any of them personally but I already pumped for this one.

 

Have you read any of her other books? If so what did you think of them? Is this book on your eagerly anticipating list too?



 

What a gorgeous cover! It simplistic but it works. I love it!

 

Description:

 

If you could read my mind, you wouldn’t be smiling.

Samantha McCallister looks just like the rest of the popular girls in her junior class. But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can’t turn off.

Second-guessing every move, thought, and word makes daily life a struggle, and it doesn’t help that her lifelong friends will turn toxic at the first sign of a wrong outfit, wrong lunch, or wrong crush. Yet Sam knows she’d be truly crazy to leave the protection of the most popular girls in school. So when Sam meets Caroline, she has to keep her new friend with a refreshing sense of humor and no style a secret, right up there with Sam’s weekly visits to her psychiatrist.

Caroline introduces Sam to Poet’s Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of misfits who have been ignored by the school at large. Sam is drawn to them immediately, especially a guitar-playing guy with a talent for verse, and starts to discover a whole new side of herself. Slowly, she begins to feel more “normal” than she ever has as part of the popular crowd . . . until she finds a new reason to question her sanity and all she holds dear.

 

Release date: 16th of June, 2015

 

Series: No sequels have been planned so far.

 

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

 

Genres: contemporary, young adult, romance, realistic fiction