2016 Reading Challenge

2016 Reading Challenge

Here's a handy graphic I created for Indie Reading Challenge 2016. This challenge runs till December 2016. If it goes well I would love to continue this for the next year.

Feel free to use this graphic if you want. But I'd love it if you gave me credit ;)

Goodreads Challenge: 70 Books

Current Count: 70/70

Reading Challenge 2016

1. A Book You Stayed Up All Night to Read - F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher
2. A Book Based on the Cover - The Air He Breathes by Brittany C Cherry 
3. A Book Containing Letters - 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Jhonson
4. A Book that Takes Place on an Island - Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz
5. A Book Set in Europe - The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Jhonson
6. A Play - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
7. A Book Written by a Celebrity - Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
8. An Audiobook - The Red Necklace by Sally Gardener, Narrated by Tom Hiddleston
9. A Book with a Female Lead - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
10. A Book With Magic - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
11. A Steampunk Book - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
12. A Book Set in the Future - Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
13. A Historical Fiction - The Red Necklace by Sally Gardener, Narrated by Tom Hiddleston
14. A Novella - Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher
15. A Book with a Blue Cover - Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven

Indie Reading Challenge 2016

1. A Horror Novel - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke (Not really horror for me, but since its listed on Goodreads, I'm gonna take advantage of that and go with it! 😜 )
2. A Book About Angels - Stealing Light by Julie Cassar
3. A Dystopian Novel -  Female: 918: Part I by Jason Ellis
4. A Book Based on Retellings - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
5. A Book with Magic - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
6. A Book with a Female Lead - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
7. A Novella - Female: 918: Part I by Jason Ellis
8. A Trilogy - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
9. A Book About Aliens - 
10. A YA Book - Female: 918: Part I by Jason Ellis
11. A Book Set in a Different Era - The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin
12. A Romance Novel - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
13. A Book Based entirely on the Cover - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
14. A Poetry Book - The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace
15. An Anthology - 
16. A Comedy Book - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke (Stacey Rourke's writing style is pretty amazing and her books always have me in splits. That being said I now realize that the title for this challenge doesn't make any sense and I need to stop making challenges and graphics after midnight. Next year my loves, next year!)
17. A Paranormal Book - Stealing Light by Julie Cassar
18. A Thriller/Suspense - The Legends Saga by Stacey Rourke
19. A Book Based in a Different Country - The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin
20. A Fantasy Book - Stealing Light by Julie Cassar

Review for The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin

The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin

Blurb:

One of the darkest times in human history was the insane design and execution to rid the world of Jews and “undesirables.” At the hands of the powerful evil madman Adolf Hitler, families were ripped apart and millions were slaughtered. Persecution, torture, devastation, and enduring the unthinkable remained for those who lived. This is the story of one woman who lived to tell her story. This is a narrative of how a young beautiful teenager, Helen Stein, and her family were torn asunder, ultimately bringing her to Auschwitz. It was there she suffered heinous indignity at the hands of the SS. It was also there, in that death camp, she encountered compassion, selfless acts of kindness, and friendship. Written by the award-winning, best-selling author of His Name Was Ben, comes a story of the resilience of the human spirit that will leave you thinking about Helen Stein and The Seven Year Dress for years to come after the last page is shut.

Review:

As we all know I'm not a big fan of Historical Fiction, but this year I have read/listened to two books in this genre now. I think that's pretty damn good in itself. 

I avoid reading Historical Fiction because I for some reason don't want to read a story based in the times of hardship. Reading The Seven Year Dress was quite difficult. 

When you read about the World Wars or the cruel actions in Germany during that time, its all just in our textbooks. It doesn't feel personal or doesn't hit home that it was real and it was that difficult. And when you connect to a character and you read a book like this one, based amidst one of the most difficult times, it just makes it that much harder to look for the positives in this world that we live in. If people were capable of this, and history repeats itself, won't this happen again?

Anyway, back to the book. The Seven Year Dress was a really touching read. The little moments of kindness interspersed between the horrors and cruel actions kept me going. (It gave me a little hope)

The book beautifully depicts an amazing story of courage and kindness amidst the most excruciating circumstances. It was beautifully written and rang painfully true. The characters and writing style were so engaging that it kept me hooked.

Overall, another amazing read from Paulette Mahurin.

Review for The Red Necklace by Sally Gardener, Narrated by Tom Hiddleston

The Red Necklace by Sally Gardener, Narrated by Tom Hiddleston

Blurb:

France 1789: a time of terror; a charismatic boy, Yann, who must find out who he is; the daring rescue of Sido, an aristocrat's daughter - these are the elements in this tremendous adventure by a consummate storyteller, a marvellous tale of the first days of the French Revolution.

The story of a remarkable boy called Yann Margoza; Tetu the dwarf, his friend and mentor; Sido, unloved daughter of a foolish Marquis; and Count Kalliovski, Grand Master of a secret society, who has half the aristocracy in thrall to him, and wants Yann dead. Yann is spirited away to London but three years later, when Paris is gripped by the bloody horrors of the Revolution, he returns, charged with two missions: to find out Kalliovski's darkest deeds and to save Sido from the guillotine. With a tangle of secrets, a thread of magic and a touch of humour, the follies of the aristocracy and the sufferings of ordinary people are unfolded as their lives move relentlessly towards the tragic and horrific days of the Terror. THE RED NECKLACE is not only a tremendous adventure story but a vibrant and passionate picture of Paris in turmoil and of a large cast of memorable characters.

Review:

First of all - YAY!!!! I have successfully finished listening to my first audiobook!!

Now back to the review. Everyone who knows me knows that I'm not a big fan of Historical Fiction. I get bored and cannot find the will to keep going. And Audiobooks just make me sleepy. The last time I tried to listen to one I promptly fell asleep within the first 20 minitues on three separate occasions. Its safe to say that Audiobooks and me don't really work out well. So this year I thought why not kill two birds with one stone and listen to an Historical Fiction Audiobook?

And let me just say this was a good decision! So when I found out that Tom Hiddleston had narrated an Historical Fiction book, it was fate. I just was meant to listen to this. 

When I started I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish or even get through this book. But trust me Tom Hiddleston makes this narration so engaging and just brings it to life. I loved the different voices and accents he used for all the different characters. (I think that was what kept me from falling asleep :P )

The two blurbs pretty much tell you everything that you need to know about the plot. It did drag on at some places but the narration kept me going. Overall, I think it was a pretty interesting read.

Review for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Blurb:

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Review:

I actually thought Cursed Child wasn't that bad. Unpopular opinion I know.

The main reason why I liked this book was probably because I knew that this book was just a script for the play. I think I had accepted that the "original" magic might not be there in this book.

Was it the mind-blowing and intriguing book that we've come to expect from JK? Probably not. But did it make me smile and feel nostalgic? Hell yeah!

Don't get me wrong, I was a bit pissed off about certain parts of the book, but I just think that this book made me happy to go back into the beloved world of Hogwarts and Magic again. And the nostalgia alone would have made me happy, but the plot of the book was pretty clever. I liked that we got to see how one little action or decision would have made the entire outcome of original story so completely different.

Cursed Child had everything, time travel, magic and that spark that made the Harry Potter Series what it was. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

Review for Stealing Light by Julie Cassar

Stealing Light by Julie Cassar

Blurb:

"Tonight, everything could change. I wasn’t ready to let go of anyone just yet."

If you could change what you know is coming, would you? Cecelia Walker discovers an amazing ability deep within herself that gives her the power to change the future. When mysterious outsiders enter her life, she begins to question everything and everyone she once knew.

Years earlier, CeeCee’s life changed forever the day her parents were killed in a horrific car accident. Suddenly extraordinary people and bizarre events began to seep into her very small world. Surviving for years on her addiction to coffee and running, life suddenly deals her a game-changing wildcard and all bets are off. Her magnificent Gift of Light awakens a tremendous dark power wanting to steal what is hers.

Will Cecelia be able to change what she’s seen and set a new course? Has she met her otherworldly match against evil and found her true soul mate? Or, is nothing as it seems as the power of darkness threatens to consume her and those she loves.

Review:

Stealing Light is probably only one of the few books I wanted to read just because of the author. I have been following her on social media and I thought that her style was pretty cool. When she graciously offered the book for a review I jumped a t the chance!

First off all let me say this, I did not expect the book to turn out the way it did. Looking at the cover and the blurb, I thought it would be like a murder mystery sort of book , boy was I wrong.

Stealing Light took me completely by surprise. I really liked the author's take on angels and the way she built the whole book world. The writing style was pretty good and easy to follow. If I had to point out one negative it would be that I wish the book was a little more descriptive. At certain places I felt like I needed a bit more to just enjoy the book better I guess? I don't know I'm just being picky here because I really liked the book and this was just one thing that bothered me. Oh and I HAVE to mention the fact that the characters are really well thought out, from their mannerisms and the way they talk, I adore that the author put so much personality into each of the characters.

Overall, loved the book! Can we get book 2 soon? Please?

oxox
TJ

Review for Female: 918: Part I by Jason Ellis

Female: 918: Part I: Exist & Survive (Exist. Survive. Live.) by Jason Ellis

Blurb:

There are seventeen inked dots on the inside of my left forearm - to indicate my age - plus the identifier, F-918. That is my name, the only one I have ever been known by. 
-- A future impossible to imagine. The world is a connected entity, covered in train tracks which link countries and floating cities. The advancements in technology and science also carry a darker edge. Slavery has returned. People are grown to serve. Executions are commonplace to keep the workforce in line. 
-- 
I am

Review for Steam by Stacey Rourke

Steam by Stacey Rourke

Blurb:

Time passes, sins forgotten.
The bodies of the victims long since rotten. 

Trapped within the essence of the Headless Horseman by the guilt of slaughtering her best friend, Ireland Crane follows the father of science fiction, HG Wells, in search of freedom from the curse that binds her. Instead, she discovers even he has a hidden agenda. A dark, relentless passion to be reunited with the woman he loves has driven him to manipulate time and a murderous Horseman. 

Yet heed my warning, as the Raven flies,
The Hessian will come … and you will die.

All that prevents Ireland from abandoning Wells’ twisted pursuit, or introducing him to her sword, are the undead witches haunting her. Begging for freedom from a vile succubus, the ghoulish coven leads Ireland and her crew on a journey through Salem’s sordid past. There, they learn there is more to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s history than a scarlet letter, and the secret they’ve uncovered seeks to destroy them all.

Review:

Steam was by far the most exciting book in the series. Steam had elements from Sleepy Hollow, Edgar Allen Poe, The Lost Colony of Roanoke, and The Salem Witch Trials. It combined the different stories so seamlessly, it felt like it was intended to be this way. 

As always I loved the writing style, it just draws you in and keeps you hooked till the very end. Speaking of, I wasn't particularly thrilled with the ending. I think I was expecting the book to end with a bang.

Overall, I adored the series and the characters. It was funny and sassy and full of exciting moments. And The Legends Saga has made its way to my favourites shelf.

Review for Raven by Stacey Rourke

Raven by Stacey Rourke

Blurb:

An infamous love, destined nevermore,
For death could not claim, the enchanting Lenore.

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

She walks the Earth, a plague on mankind,
searching for he, her rotted heart doth pine.

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

Hell hath no fury like a ghoul scorned. 

Review:

I swear the last line in Crane had me completely flipping out! I immediately jumped and started reading Raven, till I was so tired that I fell asleep with my reader in my hand...

With Raven, The Legends Saga takes a slightly darker turn, and steps into the world of Edgar Allen Poe. Its mesmerizing how the author just weaves the stories together and brings these classics together.

Again, Raven took a completely different turn from what I expected and was so much better than I could have imagined. Stacey Rourke's writing style flows just so beautifully, especially in this book, I could not put it down.

Beautiful madness is what comes to my mind when I think of this book. Loved every second of it!

Review for Crane by Stacey Rourke

Crane by Stacey Rourke

Blurb:

The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep. 

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse. 

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?

Review:

“-"Death walks, and talks, and occasionally whisks you in a gruesome waltz." -” 

Crane is the retelling of the tale of the Headless Horseman from Sleepy Hollow. Think, imagine how that would go; and now throw that out of the window because this was such a different and fresh take on the story.

I will admit it was a little difficult getting into the book initially, because in my head I kept mixing voices with the movie, the TV Show and the book, and they all are on completely different levels but yet share a sense of similarity. But once you do get into the story line, the writing just pulls you in.

I have adored Stacey Rourke's work since I read The Conduit. And Crane did not dissapoint.

Crane has all the things that I love and look forward to in Stacey Rourke's books - a sassy, kickass female lead, sarcasm, action, mystery, and suspense. 

Crane will keep you guessing with incredible twists in the story. Grab a copy and ride with the Horseman! ;)


PS: SUPER LATE on this review!! I had to study.... Sorry my loves! The torture hopefully shall be over in May! ♥

Till Later
oxox

Review for F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher

F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher

Blurb:

Helena Conway has fallen in love.
Unwillingly. Unwittingly.
But not unprovoked.
Kit Isley is everything she’s not—unstructured, untethered, and not even a little bit careful.
It could all be so beautiful … if he wasn’t dating her best friend.
Helena must defy her heart, do the right thing, and think of others.
Until she doesn’t.

Review:

[18+ READ]

“Let people feel the weight of who you really are, and let them fucking deal with it.” 

Do you think a dream can change the course of your life?
It sure did for Helena.
The book opens with a dream where she sees what her life could be, should her life take that turn. Helena cannot shake off that dream and begins to see things in a different light. And that sets off a whole string of events that made me laugh, cry, go "aww..." and then some. I really do not know how to properly review this book. Its almost been a month and I'm still not sure. 

So my book buddy hounded me to read this book, relentlessly. When I finally did get to reading it - I. Could. Not. Stop! I stayed up all night reading and finishing this book in one sitting. It has been a while since that happened. And after I finished reading I spent a better part of the next day discussing the book with my book babe! *Bliss*

I cannot tell you enough about how much I loved the writing style. It just pulls you in and before you know it you are almost done with the book and it's almost morning, and you kinda forgot to sleep. No regrets here! 

I loved the wit and sarcasm liberally spread through the book. I loved some characters, hated some characters and just wanted to hit some of them at one point. You know, the usual for any book you love. Probably my favourite part was the fandom references, I've come to realize that if you throw in fandom references in a book, I'll love the book even more. Gotta stand by my fandoms.

I will say this, this is not the kind of book I would typically like, but the writing style makes all the difference to the story. I honestly enjoyed the book and it's now one of my favorites. I'll probably go and get some more books by Tarryn Fisher too!

Till Later!
oxox

Review for Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Blurb:

The enchantment continues....

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

(Sort of edited mini blurbs for you! :P )
The Keeper: The Keeper is a prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, and it tells us the story of a young Scarlet and how Princess Selene came into the care of Michelle Benoit.
Glitches: Glitches was a prequel to Cinder which was previously published. In this novella, we see the story of how Cinder meets her new family and the events that follow.
The Queen’s Army: The Queen's Army was a prequel to Scarlet which was previously released. In this one we’re introduced to the army Queen Levana is building, and the backstory of the alpha - Ze'ev Kesley.
Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky: This one was the book that the author sent out to everyone that subscribed to her newsletter. Here we see Carswell Thorne's backstory and we meet the elusive Kate Fallow and get to see how that story played out from Thorne's POV.
After Sunshine Passes By: This was a prequel to Cress. Here we see Cress' backstory and how she ended up on a satellite, spying on Earth for Luna.
The Princess and the Guard: The Princess and the Guard was a prequel to Winter, and I adored the story. Jacin and Winter feels!
The Little Android: This was a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles.
The Mechanic: The Mechanic was a prequel to Cinder where we see Kai and Cinder's first meet from Kai's POV.
Something Old, Something New: In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century...

Review:

I honestly am loving this re-telling of stories trend. I think its such an endearing way to have a fresh new, sometimes twisted, take on the stories we love.

Stars Above was a collection of novellas all from the Lunar Chronicles universe. It was amazing stepping back into the book world and getting even more details and back stories about the characters.

Of course my favorite was Something Old, Something New. But honestly I loved all the new stories that were added. The whole book world is so well developed and well thought out that once you start reading it again, its like meeting an old friend. This series is definitely on my favorites series list!

PS: So excited for Heartless!!! 

Series Review for Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Like most readers I hate cliffhangers. Never Never novellas had the worst cliffhangers ever! Since I just finished reading the finale for Never Never, I thought I'd post the whole series review together here.

Here's my reviews for Part I and II from Goodreads.

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Blurb:

Best friends since they could walk.
In love since they were fourteen.
Complete strangers since this morning.

He’ll do anything to remember. She’ll do anything to forget.

Review:
AHHH!!! Sweet torture!!

I wish I'd have the patience to wait till the second book was out at least, but no I just had to read this book because the blurb was just that good!

All I can think of right now is how much I want the second book. Its got me all like:

Anyway... Back to the book. It was really good as per usual, loved the characters and the plot is really intriguing. Grab a copy and accompany me in the torturous wait for part 2!

Can't wait for the next book. Maybe they could release part 2 early as well? ;)

Never Never: Part Two by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Blurb:

“Never forget that I was your first real kiss. Never forget that you’ll be my last.
And never stop loving me between all of them.
Never stop, Charlie.
Never forget.”

Silas races against time as more truths unravel, while others twist tighter together. And now, the stakes are higher as Silas’ control slips and others begin to point fingers. Charlie is in trouble and he must be the one to bridge the chasm between their past and their present. Because somewhere between I love yous and Never Nevers and Never Agains, a truth they can't imagine, beckons to be found. 

“Where are you, Charlie?”

Review:
Why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why?!?!

Okay now that its out of my system....
Never Never Part Two... I loved the book even though sometimes I feel like its way too short and leaves me with more questions than answers. But I still love it because of the sheer mystery and enigma of the whole situation. There are so many theories spinning around my head, so many questions, so many possibilities!

All the readers who love mystery with a dash of romance, who have a healthy curiosity and a lot of patience, YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Compelling, engaging, mind-boggling!

Okay now for the actual review for the book I read this year!

Never Never: Part Three by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Blurb:
Together, Silas Nash and Charlize Wynwood must look deeper into the past to find out who they were and who they want to be. With time ticking down, the couple are in a race to find the answers they need before they lose everything. Can they regain what they once had? And will it restore who they once were?

Review:

“Fate is the magnetic pull of our souls toward the people, places, and things we belong with.” 

Do you believe in fate and destiny?

That is the question which will determine if you like this book or not.

The series started with a bang. I could not stop reading and I could not shut up about it. I have had lengthy discussions about this series since part one came out. Part two was a little bit disappointing because as I said earlier (ie in the review above :P ) that it left me with more questions than answers. But it had set up the stage for Part Three to be amazing and even more mind boggling.

I have to say that I was a little disappointed by this installment. I think I just expected it to go in a completely different direction, because there were just so many little clues that pointed towards a more complicated answer than what we got in the book. I expected it to be a little darker, and I probably would have liked it better for it. The series had such a great build up and maybe because I was expecting a completely different outcome, I was a bit let down by it. 

It was like I was expecting a gut punch and all I got was a little tap. You know?

But that being said, I still adored the series. I loved the writing style and the characters. When you view your life as an outsider, without any prior knowledge about the people or worldly attachments, I think our whole perspective would change. This was what I found really interesting in this novella.

I liked the ending, it was a little cheesy/corny for my taste, but I think I can live with it.

If someone else has read this series, lets fangirl and discuss together!! Also if you haven't, and want to take a chance on it, read and then let's fangirl together! ;)

Till later beautiful people! 

oxox

TJ

New Year & Mini Update

Hello my lovelies!

Happy New Year!! 🎉😄

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a great start to the new year!

I usually do not make resolutions but instead I set up some goals that I want to achieve this year.

What are some of your goals this year?

I'm also setting up my 2016 Reading Challenge. Hopefully I'll finish this one successfully!

I'll end with this wonderful quote/wish for your new year by Neil Gaiman.

Love always
TJ ♡