Her Royal Highness (To-Be)

Glitter by Apprilynne Pike

Published October 25th, 2016

Second review of the week guys! I'm on a roll.

Danica Grayson is a willful, pannier-wearing,17 year-old from the future. And She’s totally relatable.

Outside the Palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.

When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.

Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can
sell for more money than she ever dreamed.

But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.

Glitter first attracted me because of the cover. Then I heard what is was about and it was one of those “I HAVE TO READ THIS RIGHT NOW!” reactions. Unfortunately, “right now” ended up being six months later. But, I did read it and it was amazing.

The world of Danica Grayson is a blend of Sci-fi and Historical Fiction that fit together perfectly. Pike does an amazing job of connecting you to Danica almost instantly. The 18th century persona the citizens of the Palace of Versailles don is an exciting, lavish, world full of secrets and strategy.

Danica’s two best friends Molli and Lord Aaron are always kind and supportive of her. Lord Aaron is gay and makes a few comments about another man looking good or Lord Spencer, his love interest. Their relationship is not described or dwelled upon and is not a major part of the plot. Molli is a redeeming character in the story. She is innocent, kind, and sweet-natured.

Our anti-heroine struggles with morals throughout the entire book. She’s unsure if the the price of freedom is a price she can live with. Danica deceives the court members of Versailles, smuggles drugs, and lies to her best friend, as well as her family.

As fiance to a king who she repulses Danica is his number one target. He knows he can’t have her till she turns 18 and they are wed but forces physical contact on her anyway. He kisses her lips and neck in the book several times. These scenes are not explicit and mostly happen in front of others as to convince them they are a happy couple. Towards the end of the book he shows physical abuse twice in the form of grabbing her neck and choking her..

There was however, a redeeming moment. Danica realized she was doing all these things for revenge against her mother and the king. She was pushing away one of the only people who still cared about her (Molli) and needed to stop. Upon discovering a truth that is a major spoiler, Danica stops doing things only for herself. She tries to make some wrongs right again and even apologizes to some of the people she hurt. Glitter had me addicted from page 1 (See what I did there)

Language: Mild

Alcohol/drugs: Glitter is a very powerful drug. In small doses it gives the person a feeling of elated happiness and in high doses it can kill you.

Violence: 6

Sexual Content: Aside from what is explained above there is one make-out scene and kisses here and there.

Spiritual Content: Morals and the feeling of guilt is something that is discussed a great deal. The book takes on an outlook at life that has hope but at a cost.

Currently Reading: My True Love Gave to Me by Various Authors

Next Post: Special Christmas post!

*Photo from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24033058-glitter?from_search=true

She-Warrior

Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert

Published October 31st, 2016

I don’t usually gravitate towards historical fiction so when the opportunity to read this book came I wasn’t expecting to absolutely love it. But I did. Set in the Era of Leif Erikson, this story is about his brazen half-sister Freydis.

Determined to rise above her rank as the illegitimate "forest child" of Eirik the Red, Freydis launches a second voyage to Vinland to solidify her power and to demand the respect she deserves. She will return home with enough plunder to force her brother, Leif, to sell her the family farm in Greenland.

But nothing can prepare her for the horrors she must confront in Vinland...and nothing can stand in her way when her family is threatened.

In her race to outrun the truths that might destroy her, Freydis ultimately collides with the only enemy she cannot silence—her own heart.

What surprised me the most about this book was the realistic grit of the viking world Gilbert painted. It was refreshing to see a christian novel portray the good, the bad, and the sometimes gruesome. The action was fast paced and tastefully described. I hate when authors make action sequences so complex you have no idea what’s happening. This book definitely didn’t have that problem. The narrative held my attention and was purposeful, there were no filler sentences that didn’t fit.

Freydis as a character intrigued me. I wanted to know more about her as I read, to find out what drove her. At times her pride and malice frustrated me. But then Gilbert would let you see her affection and have you rooting for Freydis once more. The relationship between Freydis and Ref is something that interested me as well. Their marriage was far from perfect and I’m thankful Gilbert portrayed a life-like relationship that was raw and most of the time, strained.

I also enjoyed the setting of this novel and the history I learned as I read. If, like me, you dislike sad or frustrating endings do not fear. This story ended with all ties mended and relationships restored. A story full of action, betrayal, redemption, and girl power to the max. You’ll love Forest Child.

Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: Freydis eats a mushroom that causes hallucinations

Violence: 7

Sexual Content: Nothing that really stands out. A husband and wife lying together is noted throughout the book. Things are said in subtle ways as to make known what happened and nothing is sexualized. Think Bible terminology.

Spiritual Content: While the main character Freydis is not a Christian, Christianity is talked about a lot throughout the book and many of the side characters are Christians. There is a very powerful spiritual redemption at the end on the novel.

Currently Reading: My True Love Gave to Me by Various Authors

Next Post: Review of Glitter By Apprilynne Pike

The Hiatus is Over

If you're like me, this time of year is awkward for you. There's a lot of people that think that Christmas things should wait till after Thanksgiving. Even if that means breaking out the Christmas music right after the last dish of turkey and mashed with potatoes gravy is cleared. I am definitely one of those people. So this post is for those of you still have a few scary movies on your watchlist and feel like October flew by way too fast. These four books will prolong the spooky vibes.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

A dystopian twist on a classically chilling vampire tale. This book tells of a society overrun by vampires and the disease is spreading fast. If you are found to have the disease or think you may have it you are quarantined in a Coldtown, famous cities broadcasted to the outside world. But things aren't always as they seem on TV. Caution to readers: While this book only has some mild sexual content (kissing and some talk), the violence is realistically described and sometimes gruesome.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith

A timeless classic with a twist. All of the characters you love in a thrilling new setting. What girl needs a man when she's the most skilled zombie slayer in England? This book takes the original text by Austin and seamlessly interweaves Graham-Smith's apocalyptic world. A word to the wise, while most violence is not gorey and almost comical, it is blunt.

Betrayal by R.L. Stine

From the man who brought you Goosebumps a story that begins in one of Americas darker times. The witch trials. The town’s most powerful brothers, the Fiers, are responsible for finding the witches in their settlement. But, when a wife and daughter are wrongly accused of performing witchcraft the Fiers unknowingly take on an evil that will haunt their family for centuries. I am currently reading this book and so far it's only scary enough to give me minor doubts about the security of my room at night. I'll post a full length review when I finish it.

The Occupied by Craig Parshall

This book is on my TBR list and it looks like it will be a good one. Here’s an excerpt from the back cover:

As a youth, Trevor Black unleashed spiritual forces he couldn't comprehend. Years later, Trevor is a high-flying criminal defense lawyer in New York City, with a six-figure Aston Martin and a trophy wife. But in an extraordinary turn of events, he receives a burdensome gift: the ability to perceive the invisible. And the dark forces he now sees are all gunning for him.

When one of Trevor's hometown friends is murdered, the MO is eerily similar to a shocking trail of murders that have already crossed the lawyer's path. So Trevor must return home to find the killer. . . and face not only his own personal demons, but supernatural ones as well.

Currently Reading: Betrayal by R.L. Stine

*All Photos taken from https://www.goodreads.com/

5-8/12

My Summer in Review

                

         Well, I started school this week. Yay. It’s senior year so, yay again . . . but for real this time. You would think that summer would mean reading all day every day. Actually, it was more like X-Files all day every day and then reading at night because I was seriously freaked out by the X-Files. Eventually, I will pick a permanent blogging day for this year. Wednesday is looking pretty good right now but we’ll see once my schedule evens out. Anyway, into the part of the post you came for.

May

Books I Read:

·                   

•       Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan
• ·        Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
• ·        The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Haul:

·              

•         The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Thanks Liz ;)

June

Books I Read:

·         

•      The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
• ·       The Shannara Chronicles: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Haul:

        None. Self-control killed it this month.

July

Books I Read:

·         

•       A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• ·       Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
• ·       Live Original by Sadie Roberston

Haul:

·         

•      A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• ·      Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
• ·       Fairest by Marissa Meyers

What can I say? Target was having a really good sale.

August

Books I Read:

·       

•         Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins
• ·      Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Haul:

·       

•          The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim
• ·      The Calling by Rachelle Dekker
• ·      The Occupied by Craig Parshall

Anyone else seeing a theme here?

Currently Reading:

1.    Pride & Prejudice & Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Graham
2.    Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Next Post:  Undetermined (That’s me tryna be professional. But I guess I just ruined it by using “tryna”)

Emily + Sloane

Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Who else here thinks of the Kelly Clarkson song when reading this title? I know, I do.

I’m posting early this week because I will be dwelling in a wifi-less place for a few days and therefore, will not be able to post. Now you may or may not have heard of this author’s name before but in the YA world it’s a popular one. This is the first book of hers I have read and it definitely lived up to the hype.

It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.

On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?

Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger? Um...

Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she’ll find?

I LOVE Matson’s writing style. It seems so natural and the conversations are realistic. The overall story was smooth and at almost 500 pages was surprisingly easy to read. It was cute and funny and ugh, just so amazing. I would highly recommend this book to get you out of a reading slump.

Matson’s characters were normal people which I really appreciated. I related to something in each of them and I wasn’t expecting that. It didn’t seem like Matson was trying too hard or over writing them. The main character, Emily, has amazing character growth throughout the book as do many of the supporting characters.

Language: Mild

Alcohol/drugs: There is beer at a party, two main characters each have a glass of wine and the main character get tipsy once.

Violence: None

Sexual Content: Some kissing

Spiritual Content: None

Currently Reading: Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

Next Post: Summer Wrap-up

Books That Were WEIRD

For the record, I started this blog post yesterday but after trying to finish it before bed with an awful headache I decided it was best to just finish it today. So as promised: Books that were WEIRD.

The Love That Split the World by Emily Henri

             

                Magical Realism? Sci-fi? I don’t know how to categorize this book. All I know is that Native American legends told by an old woman only the main character, Natalie, can see, romance, and parallel universes made for a very interesting read. I really enjoyed this book and found that the concepts presented to be very original. The fact that the main character had a Native American heritage and was adopted made for a side of young adult fiction that we don't usually see. I was pleased that there was the story of Abraham and Isaac accurately told in the book. While most of the content is somewhat clean I was disappointed to read that in the last five pages of the book there is a line that talks about God's love for us and says he loves us "f****** well." It was very odd and I didn't appreciate it at all.

Language: Severe, everything else was moderate but for the F at the end

Alcohol/drugs: Several teens (not the main character) get drunk at a party and there are terrible 

consequences.

Violence: 2

Sexual Content: Some kissing, a short make out scene that doesn’t go too far, skippable.

Spiritual Content: This part is a bit tricky. As a sci-fi/fantasy novel there are some very weird concepts about life, death, and spirituality. All different ways of thinking are discussed and Natalie contemplates God and who or what he is. What I saw was a very lost and confused soul who wanted to have faith but struggled with believing in anything. It was very sad to read at times. In conclusion, the book had many spiritual aspects I just can’t summarize or categorize them properly.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

This was a stunning sci-fi survival book. The world building was done excellently and everything was easily pictured. A young war hero, Tarver, and the daughter the most powerful man in the universe, Lilac, crash onto a deserted planet after a star liner malfunction that causes the whole ship to plummet. Their journey as they navigate this eerie planet is well written. As their relationship changes it makes for even more drama to add to their plight. The romance was not original or creative and escalated way to quickly for my liking. The part of this book that was so weird was something you don’t discover until the end. Lilac starts seeing and hearing strange things as they trek to the star liner wreckage. It gradually builds towards the part when you discover what it is and when you do, you’re just like. . .what??

Language: Moderate

Alcohol/drugs: none

Violence: 5

Sexual Content: intimacy is referenced once with no more description that the mention of nudity briefly

Spiritual Content: None

You’ll Like it Here (Everybody Does) by Ruth White

                I read this middle grade book several years ago and absolutely loved it. Here’s the synopsis:

                While Meggie and David Blue are from another planet, they're a lot like Earth kids, with similar hopes and dreams. But, they also have GROSSLY UNIQUE qualities, such as blue streaks in their hair that pop up randomly and language skills that sound like nothing on this planet. The story takes these alien kids, along with their mother and grandfather, by accident, to a far planet in which the society is not only oppressive but hostile to individual freedom. People are kept submissive through drugs and brainwashing. The Blues, who have spent time in free societies recognize the upside-down-ness of this world. They're almost helpless to do anything, but do what they can, plan their escape, and vow to help others.

               

             This adventure story was so entertaining and well-paced. The story as a whole was very strange but in the best way possible.

Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: They use drugs on people to keep them submissive as the synopsis says

Violence: None

Sexual Content: None

Spiritual Content: None

I made a tag on Instagram inspired by this post. Link is in the side bar, go and check it out!

Currently Reading: Truth Be Told by Justine Johnston Hemmestad and Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes

Next Post: Mini Reveiws

Mind. Blown.

Mary E. Pearson is probably one of the best writers of all time. The Kiss of Deception intrigued me from first page. That momentum never slowed throughout the rest of this book. The main character is a girl named Lia who is about to be married off to a prince she has never met. Sounds pretty cliché at first right? Wrong. From there it builds itself into something so complex you are pulled into the story and can't find your way out. Not that I wanted to. I could've stayed in that world forever.

(Please, I always read casually in our garden)

This was a book shrouded in secrecy. I loved that some things weren't completely explained, which, instead of annoying me, it made me even more interested. Pearson chose the right things to leave unexplained and did a beautiful job of immersing you in this political fantasy without feeling like you were being info dumped. I found myself really enjoying the political aspect of this world.

The thing that made this book was the plot twist. It. Was. Fantastic. I didn't even realize what was happening at first. I literally put the book down and looked it up on YouTube, thinking I had made a mistake. Then I re-read parts of the book to assure myself it was real. But it was the best thing ever. I realized Pearson had woven the story so deceitfully. She relied on how she thought readers would respond to certain cues and used that against them. Genius. Just Genius.

I liked Lia as a main character. I know some people said she annoyed them as first but I didn't experience this. I related to her personality and think I would've made the same decisions in a lot of the situations. Maybe that means that I'm annoying to some people…

I could go on and on about this book. I loved everything about it. But as it’s now almost 12:30 a.m. I think I should wrap things up for my sake and the family’s. My final thoughts are this: Get the sequel on my shelf already and read this book immediately.

 Stay alive, frens.

P.S.  If you got that reference I love you so much rn

P.P.S. I love you anyway 

Language: Mild

Alcohol/drugs: Visitors drink ale and hard cider in a tavern

Violence: 3

Sexual Content: A supporting character has a child out of wedlock, there is some mild yet romantic kissing, and talk of ways to flirt with men in the tavern.

Spiritual Content: The Fantasy world they live in believes in gods and the have temple-like places to worship. They pray and sing holy songs called Remembrances throughout the book although this is mostly done by supporting characters.

Currently Reading: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Next Post: Books That Were WEIRD

*Finally* Back

Hello everyone! I’m back after a much needed (but I know, very long) break and ready to get back at it again with the white vans. If you understood that reference you’re definitely in my posse. If not, don’t worry about it, there will be plenty of other chances for you to join the club.

 Step one would be to subscribe. Just enter your email on the sidebar for updates on when I post. Step two, follow my bookish account on Instagram. You can see some of my feed on the sidebar and if you click on it, it takes you to my account. My first summer post (even though it’s the end of June) is my top five summer reads list.

1.       The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson

I have actually already finished this book as of last week. But, I wanted to put it on the list anyway so it makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something. Anyone else do that? I do it all the time. It’s great.

2.       The Shannara Chronicles Book 1: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

This is the book I am currently reading. I watched some of the TV show this winter and enjoyed it so I’m excited to see the differences in the book and explore the characters more.

3.        Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

The second book in the Rebel Belle Trilogy. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first book.

4.       The Land of 10,000 Madonna’s by Kate Hattemer

I tried to pick this book up in the beginning of June but was really in the mood for fantasy so I put it down. Reading Rule #1 : Don’t force yourself to read a book you’re not in the mood for. Unless, it’s for school. Then you kinda have no choice.

5.       The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Besides that fact that it’s a science fiction novel I have no idea what this book is about. But that’s my favorite way to go into a book; not knowing where it’s going to take you. Super cheesy, I know.

Normally, I have the end of my posts all planned out. But today, I’m a slacker so enjoy these Lord of The Rings memes.

 FYI: These are also a way into my posse.

Currently Reading: The Shannara Chronicles Book 1: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Next Post: Full Review of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson

*Memes from Pinterest

4/12

April Wrap-up, Haul, and May TBR

               

                I am happy to say I got myself out of my slump this month and actually ended up reading quite a lot of material. I say material because some of what I read was comic books and a graphic novel. This post kick-starts middle-grade May which is where I review only middle-grade books all May. These reviews will be heavily geared towards parents.

The lineup so far:

May 8^th Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart

May 15^th Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K Rowling

May 22^nd Percy Jackson and The Olympians Book 1: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Books Read

What got me out of my slump are these guys right here:

Nightwing Comics. They were given to me by my uncle and I thought they looked pretty cool so I started reading them immediately. Nightwing is in the same "world" as Batman. In fact, I’m pretty sure he was the first Robin the Wonder Boy. I thought these comics were super entertaining and Nightwing is just . . . awesome.

I was then (finally) able to finish The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry and move on to the next books which were Sudden Mission and Nasty Leftovers by Guy L. Pace. I wrote a full review on both books and they were both pretty cool.

Next, I read my first graphic novel Through the Woods by Emily Carroll. The art in this book is just stunning. Seriously, the pictures don’t do it any justice. This is a book of short horror/spooky stories and I loved every one of them.

The last book I read is Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart which you will see a full review of next week. I’m so excited to write the review for this book because it was SO GOOD.

April Haul

The first book is one I bought and it’s The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I have read the entire series but do not have the physical copies of any of them. I received an Amazon gift card as  thanks for some work I did and purchased Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins, Nimona by Noel Stevenson, and Through the Woods by Emily Carroll. I also went to a book talk at a high school near me and got to bring home two ARCs. The Land of 10,000 Madonnas by Kate Hattemer and Fiona by Meredith Moore.

               

My May Reading List

1.  Finish Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

2.  Finish Percy Jackson & The Olympians Book 1: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

3.  A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

4.  Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling and Percy Jackson & The Olympians Book 1: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Next Post: Full Review of Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart

Beware of the Coyote

Sudden Mission by Guy L. Pace

                I was contacted directly by the author on this one (Thank you Guy!) and was very intrigued after reading the blurb. This book falls into the categories of Christian/Early Teen/Sci-fi. All were clearly evident in the book. Right off the bat I would like to say I liked this book. It was fun, adventurous, and entertaining.

Satan, once one of God’s favorites, now His Adversary, grows impatient with the plan and begins to harvest souls. In a fell swoop, he throws reality out of whack and the world into chaos. God calls on Paul and his friends Amy and Joe to set things right. The young teens journey through a messed up world—with a little help from an angel—struggling against everything the Adversary can throw in their path to accomplish their Sudden Mission.

With their world and their parents’ lives hanging in the balance—and the Adversary sending everything from zombies to Samurais to stand in their way—Paul will discover if he has the strength and faith to set things right again and stop Satan’s harvest.

I have to say though for a first book it was pretty good. It was obvious that it was a debut novel but it held my attention and kept me reading to find out what happened next. I loved the war between good and evil. Both sides were clearly stated and the inner struggle for Paul, the main character, was well done. Satan was depicted as a coyote and actually gave me chills at first!

               

            The supporting characters, Amy and Joe, seemed a little two-dimensional. They didn’t really grab me as someone to root for. The plot was very interesting. On the teens journey to Montana they encounter a number of foes sent by the Adversary (Satan). Monks, Zombies, Trolls, Samari Warriors, and Aliens. They were warned of these foes by an angel sent by God but they’re reactions seemed a little too toned down. Also, they seemed to come up with strategies awfully fast. These were kids who had never seen combat, death, or killed anything and yet none of these things seemed to faze them. 

              

             Maybe it was The Lord giving them peace but that wasn’t mentioned in the situation. Overall, I loved this book. It had the fun monsters and colorful plot of a middle grade novel with the action and character arc of a Y/A. 

Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: In another reality, slightly hard cider is served in a tavern

Violence: 4

Sexual Content: None

Spiritual Content: This is a Christian novel based on spiritual warfare so it is very evident in the book

Currently Reading: Nasty Left Overs (Book 2) by Guy L. Pace

Next Post: Nasty Left Overs by Guy L. Pace