tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11588320846502667882024-03-04T21:36:32.889-08:00Vibrant ReadsHello, my name's CG, and reading, writing, and basically the arts in general are extremely important to me. This is a place where I can freely express my feeling towards books, share things with you, post my own stories, and hopefully a place where you can share yours as well.Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-72134229744461486782019-01-15T08:33:00.000-08:002019-01-15T08:33:41.031-08:00The Wicked King - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Wicked King</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Holly Black</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDP3HdV8PpO4dkGQclRy_R183PMHx7e9DSbQXWyfYaYMNsqJlbuqZ0JQsTpfkm2-c6RLJ5qPm_wGkv0Rg_vZ-2ySGYnBTetdNzobGsw-UjRNbUi_rTgLK8p0SGYSQ1S06XprTi9Gd_PKo/s1600/26032887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDP3HdV8PpO4dkGQclRy_R183PMHx7e9DSbQXWyfYaYMNsqJlbuqZ0JQsTpfkm2-c6RLJ5qPm_wGkv0Rg_vZ-2ySGYnBTetdNzobGsw-UjRNbUi_rTgLK8p0SGYSQ1S06XprTi9Gd_PKo/s320/26032887.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: The Wicked King</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Holly Black</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Little, Brown Books for Young Readers</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">January 8th, 2019</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span id="freeText33718028512980840" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.<br /><br />The first lesson is to make yourself strong.<br /><br />After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.<br /><br />When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I first tried to read <i>The Cruel Prince</i> I decided I hated it before I got through the first twenty pages. I was convinced that the rest of the world was wrong, and that The Cruel Prince was absolutely terrible. I posted about it, talked about with friends, and probably made enemies with a good half of the bookstagram community. But one of my friends would not give up on me. She promised that if I finished <i>The Cruel Prince</i> she would read a book of my choice that I'd been begging her to read for ages, so I begrudgingly agreed. I forced my way through the pages, hating almost every character I met along the way, but somewhere around halfway through I found myself unable to put it down, utterly invested in the story. I finished the book two hours later and made amends with (almost) everyone. From the moment I finished The Cruel Prince I put The Wicked King on my most anticipated reads of 2019, and started reading it on my Kindle the moment it was released.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This book absolutely infuriated me in the best way possible. Holly Black does a fantastic job and sucking readers back into the world of Elfhame--this time with Cardan on the throne. I loved how Cardan and Jude interacted throughout the story, the tension is tangible between the two, and the moment it finally breaks is absolutely epic and has given a new meaning to "I hate you". Cardan and Jude's relationship progresses in a way that is both entertaining and well done. There were moments between the two that made me swoon, made me yell, and made me wonder why I like to torture myself, but they are definitely one of my favorite ships. Jude is just as badass as ever (if not more), and Cardan a pompous ass who I both want to hit and kiss. Taryn and Locke still remain as two of my least favorite characters ever created, but that alone is a testament to Black's incredible characterization...I don't think I've ever loved hating anyone as much as I love to hate them. Their whole relationship just pisses me off to no end, and I swear to god the reveal near the end that involved Taryn had me screaming and tossing my book around the room. Speaking of things that had me screaming, I love how the Undersea was more involved in this book. Queen Orlagh and Nacasia and Balekin really raise the stakes in The Wicked King, and provide a wonder antagonizing force for our favorites to go up against. The only issue I have with the conflict in this novel is that it takes a while to get to it. I felt like the beginning of the novel, though interesting and necessary to establish where we are in time and what's happened while we've been away, could have been much shorter. That and the fact that I had to wait a year for this book and another year for <i>The Queen of Nothing</i> are the only issues I really have. Oh, and that the ending had me absolutely sobbing due rage because of my problematic faves and sadness that I'd have to leave Elfhame again until next year. In all honestly the ending is amazing, and it has left readers begging for the next book as soon as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">In conclusion I give The Wicked King by Holly Black four and a half out of five stars for being an incredible sequel to what was one of my favorite books of 2018. I highly recommend <i>The Cruel Prince</i> and <i>The Wicked King</i> to anyone who loves fantasy, epic relationships, and dramatic fae princes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1OZPH8D8yPcxD7OVyi1IEE4Hq2ah27RXxDrVV2qYxyQgIESfLsd_tQ45N2eZtMU9Me5vMP-XiXvqrmvAbykfKGMMqryPYDG4vo00bA0otuxanS56CvgFw8m0R0cG_v_N9XLsAiiHgZc/s1600/4_5_StarRating.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="1600" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1OZPH8D8yPcxD7OVyi1IEE4Hq2ah27RXxDrVV2qYxyQgIESfLsd_tQ45N2eZtMU9Me5vMP-XiXvqrmvAbykfKGMMqryPYDG4vo00bA0otuxanS56CvgFw8m0R0cG_v_N9XLsAiiHgZc/s320/4_5_StarRating.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to order <i>The Wicked King</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Wicked-King--The-Folk-of-the-Air--2-/9781471407352">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wicked-king-holly-black/1128113143?ean=9780316487139#/" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-King-Folk-Air/dp/0316310352/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1547567783&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to order <i>The Cruel Prince</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Cruel-Prince-Folk-Air-Holly-Black/9781471407277?ref=pd_detail_1_sims_b_p2p_1">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cruel-prince-holly-black/1126185761?ean=9780316310314#/" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cruel-Prince-Folk-Air-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y5HPRLC/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1547569461&sr=1-3&keywords=the+cruel+prince" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-14702677046910510592018-10-21T15:13:00.000-07:002018-10-21T15:13:19.452-07:00An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Virginia Boecker</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2x4b8pvMhmpaXu-fSxOrv2qsjNHW8485wNwuONKzMF8bLSKQr_GkTQ8jE7eQQI45-GJzoQqmpwUhS42u7YDlKtoFmrzN-N4-NzvEgIfz9Hwz1TWMQjeDT-sSGxotOS__ikmObbMVXLI/s1600/37678396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2x4b8pvMhmpaXu-fSxOrv2qsjNHW8485wNwuONKzMF8bLSKQr_GkTQ8jE7eQQI45-GJzoQqmpwUhS42u7YDlKtoFmrzN-N4-NzvEgIfz9Hwz1TWMQjeDT-sSGxotOS__ikmObbMVXLI/s320/37678396.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Virginia Boecker</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Little, Brown Books for Young Readers</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">October 23rd, 2018</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span id="freeText16133620093983442194" style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">When Lady Katherine's father is killed for being an illegally practicing Catholic, she discovers treason wasn't the only secret he's been hiding: he was also involved in a murder plot against the reigning Queen Elizabeth I. With nothing left to lose, Katherine disguises herself as a boy and travels to London to fulfill her father's mission, and to take it one step further--kill the queen herself.<br /><br />Katherine's opportunity comes in the form of William Shakespeare's newest play, which is to be performed in front of Her Majesty. But what she doesn't know is that the play is not just a play--it's a plot to root out insurrectionists and destroy the rebellion once and for all.<br /><br />The mastermind behind this ruse is Toby Ellis, a young spy for the queen with secrets of his own. When Toby and Katherine are cast opposite each other as the play's leads, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But the closer they grow, the more precarious their positions become. And soon they learn that star-crossed love, mistaken identity, and betrayal are far more dangerous off the stage than on.</span><span style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with ARC of <i>An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason </i>through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">As a fan of Shakespeare and historical fiction in general, I was itching to get my hands on the books from the moment I read the blurb. An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason has to be one of the most entertaining YA historical fiction novels I have ever read. It's a wonderful take on classic Shakespearian tropes that I can see many, many people enjoying. </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">A royal spy and an orphan out for revenge on the people who killed her father, Toby and Katherine could not be more different. One is out to prevent the people who are plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth and the other out to assassinate her. Katherine disguises herself as a boy, Kit, and auditions for a play which is being put for the queen in order to assassinate. The play itself is actually being put on by Toby who is using it to Lure the assassins in and stop their plotting. Over the course of the novel the two start to develop feelings for each other, and, of course, drama ensues. I really enjoyed both characters, and the similarities with the play which is being performed, Twelfth Night. I loved how we got to see Katherine grow and find herself over the course of the novel, and I found her story to be very relatable and empowering. Toby was so passionate and funny--he's a character that you can't help but like. The only real issue I had with this book was the pacing. I felt that there were a lot of things that could have been sped up such as all of the plotting, the investigating, even the relationship between the two main characters. The ending though, that definitely made up for the pacing issues. It was fun, exciting, and the perfect way to tie up the novel. One thing I really need to give props for is how well researched this book was. Reading it, I could tell that Boecker actually put effort into trying to make things as historically accurate as possible which is something that not every author does.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">In conclusion I give An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason four out of five stars for being a fun-filled read as well as one of my new favorite YA Historical Fictions. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, but especially to fans of Shakespeare.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s1600/02cf0-fourstars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="1600" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s320/02cf0-fourstars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to order <i>An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780316327343/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-assassins-guide-to-love-and-treason-virginia-boecker/1127922364?ean=9780316327343#/" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Guide-Love-Treason/dp/0316327344/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1540158586&sr=1-1&keywords=an+assassins+guide+to+love+and+treason" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-34242183896973792442018-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:002018-09-09T08:08:14.015-07:00Leading Edge of Now - ARC Tour<b id="docs-internal-guid-5baaa1cd-7fff-ee15-5afd-218bf4db9dd6" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://i1.wp.com/theyabooktraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Petite-Book-Blogger-BookTours.jpg?resize=560%2C315" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was invited by the wonderful <a href="http://thepetitebookblogger.wordpress.com/">Victoria @ thepetitebookblogger.wordpress.com</a> to participate in an ARC tour for The Leading Edge of Now by Marci Lyn Curtis. I hadn't really heard about this book before joining the tour, so I was wonderfully surprised by how much I enjoyed it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Synopsis</b></span>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3SRChh_h7PiirlMFfOaFTteCUazyIfW4s6oG9AMPeJk9VwTNz-K_TG8zl58cAmW3RZTkW9GquWu5o3syIx1-W2PuFQ_MD5ujhYay6mviBnOlYzcUDhVm5cJOACrZko7yU7q5PHx-" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="222" /></span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just when Grace is beginning to get used to being an orphan, her estranged uncle suddenly comes forward to claim her. That might have been okay if he'd spoken to her even once since her father died. Or if moving in with Uncle Rusty didn't mean returning to New Harbor. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grace once spent the best summers of her life in New Harbor. Now the place just reminds her of all she's lost: her best friend, her boyfriend and any memory of the night that changed her forever. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People say the truth will set you free, but Grace isn't sure about that. Once she starts looking for it, the truth about that night is hard to find --- and what happens when her healing hurts the people she cares about the most? </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34520598-the-leading-edge-of-now" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34520598-the-leading-edge-of-now</span></span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Book Trailer:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dAauhrXgTL8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dAauhrXgTL8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>My Review:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really didn't know much about The Leading Edge of Now aside from the fact that it was a contemporary novel. I was expecting it to be a quick, fun read, but it was so much more than that. Grace's story is raw, emotional, and focuses on difficult topics that I don't believe get featured very well in YA literature. I must put a trigger warning for rape/sexual abuse which is something that is heavily featured in the book, but Curtis does such a fantastic job at addressing it in a way that I believe to be very </span>prevalent<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in our society today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story starts out with Grace reconnecting with her Uncle, Rusty, after two years of being in foster care. She also learns that her ex best friend and ex boyfriend have moved next door and it's a lot for her to take in all at once. She used to hold so many great memories in New Harbor, but all those great memories were tainted after she was raped. She doesn't remember what happened that night, and blames herself</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Throughout the course of the story, we get to see Grace slowly but surely reconnect with her friends and family in a way that is more </span>believable than most stories<span style="font-family: inherit;">, as well as confront her past. The Leading Edge of Now is an emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns. We get to witnesses Grace's journey through a very dark time in her life and see her come out the other side. Her character was so realistic, and I often found myself wanting the best for her. We get to see Grace go from a victim to a survivor, and I think thats it is a very important and inspiration story that girls of all ages should read.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, I give The Leading Edge of Now four out of five stars for being an inspirational story of a survivor who goes through the darkest time of her life to come out the other side a better person. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a realistic, inspirational read, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3f3Rvk_pR-Qlx7f9fL5mg_mo_EsKjXlunfwr0jw_OKFfOjan7rXSirz8yyORfvzM9Y3DVRsA326_678dQMRAT7LwJ9PtoDWth7vzZ-36UdULA6_Ou8Kt5sAO4j9ah1wuSqMix3xCsso/s1600/4-four-star.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="840" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3f3Rvk_pR-Qlx7f9fL5mg_mo_EsKjXlunfwr0jw_OKFfOjan7rXSirz8yyORfvzM9Y3DVRsA326_678dQMRAT7LwJ9PtoDWth7vzZ-36UdULA6_Ou8Kt5sAO4j9ah1wuSqMix3xCsso/s400/4-four-star.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Author Information:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/x2WPIwJBCd0t1YQvpx6GKLOSoID3wFviSqSqaAfGLqTOHKzeRiJru_OGvU3mHgC64AAcpR_aCYEE63ScUfcxhDwGPPZRVCOpsZF-I7gy5vy8P3Mas4N3ZZCDaIEcPtzmsxIsBTFq" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="256" /></span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marci Lyn Curtis is the author of young adult dramedies </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The One Thing</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Leading Edge of Now</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. She lives near Tampa, Florida with her husband. You can find out more about Marci on her website (marcilyncurtis.com), on Twitter (@Marci_Curtis), on Instagram (@marcilyncurtis), or on Facebook (marcilyncurtis).</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
Thanks so much again to Victoria for inviting me to be a part of this tour, and thanks to the author, Marci Lyn Curtis, for providing an ARC of the book.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to purchase a copy of The Leading Edge of Now:</span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Edge-Now-Marci-Curtis/dp/1771389990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536465582&sr=8-1&keywords=the+leading+edge+of+now">Amazon</a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-leading-edge-of-now-marci-lyn-curtis/1127842472?ean=9781525301391#/">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Leading-Edge-Of-Now/9781525301391">Book Depository</a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
-CG</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-47412872958412867832018-07-30T21:57:00.001-07:002018-07-30T21:57:41.740-07:00The Impossibility of Us - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Impossibility of Us</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Katy Upperman</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhna7nNfnyI2-IAEaXREU9E6bip_j3taXwN0erjY_YDVpmFowQsmavQzMflWF0SN_N8BvJHBfuD-pbn4KkZiVnWvjJEa2GhVshnzyed28W32p_UL6PtrGAUer8J9eVJQRk2WMqznyFHMsg/s1600/35795898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhna7nNfnyI2-IAEaXREU9E6bip_j3taXwN0erjY_YDVpmFowQsmavQzMflWF0SN_N8BvJHBfuD-pbn4KkZiVnWvjJEa2GhVshnzyed28W32p_UL6PtrGAUer8J9eVJQRk2WMqznyFHMsg/s320/35795898.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: The Impossibility of US</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Katy Upperman</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Swoon Reads</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">July 31st, 2018</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The last thing Elise wants is to start her senior year in a new town. But after her brother’s death in Afghanistan, she and her mother move from San Francisco to a sleepy coastal village.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">When Elise meets Mati, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Mati is new to town too, visiting the U.S. with his family. Over the course of the summer, their relationship begins to blossom, and what starts out as a friendship becomes so much more.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">But as Elise and Mati grow closer, her family becomes more and more uncomfortable with their relationship, and their concerns all center on one fact—Mati is Afghan.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Beautifully written, utterly compelling, and ultimately hopeful, THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF US asks—how brave can you be when your relationship is questioned by everyone you love?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with ARC of <i>The Impossibility of Us</i> through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><br /></em></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">After reading Katy Upperman's debut novel, Kissing Max Holden, last year I knew I had to get my hands on her next novel as soon as possible. I was such a huge, huge fan of Kissing Max Holden so my expectations were high, and Katy did not disappoint. The Impossibility of Us was such a wonderful, emotional read, and it was so much better than I expected. I didn't expect this book to make me cry, but I was crying buckets by the end. Upperman does a fantastic job of making the reader feel so many things all at once, and I can truly say this is a story I won't soon forget.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> The characters were probably my favorite part of this novel. Elise was so relatable and headstrong and Mati was so sweet and strong--their relationship is so adorable!!! I loved how the story was told from both of their perspectives--Mati's being more poetic and Elise's being written in prose. It really added an extra element of creativity to the story that I haven't seen before. I thought Upperman did an amazing job at addressing Islamophobia by making Mati Afghan and showing how terribly people, including Elise's mother, treat him. I especially enjoyed the moments when Mati taught Elise about his culture--I found those moments to be so precious.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> Overall I think Katy did an incredible job with The Impossibility of Us. It touches on topics I don't think I've ever read about in YA novels in such a fantastic way. In conclusion I give the Impossibility of Us four out of five stars for being a heart wrenching, emotional read that'll be sure to have everyone crying. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, but especially to fans of contemporary romance. Katy Upperman is a fantastic author, and I truly can't wait to see what she comes out with next.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s1600/02cf0-fourstars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="1600" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s320/02cf0-fourstars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to order <i>The Impossibility of Us</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781250127990/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-impossibility-of-us-katy-upperman/1126791402?ean=9781250127990#/" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Impossibility-Us-Katy-Upperman/dp/1250127998/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533012827&sr=1-1&keywords=the+impossibility+of+us" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-46331109474608832712018-07-03T09:34:00.000-07:002018-07-03T09:34:41.140-07:00Grace and Fury - ARC Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Grace and Fury</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Tracy Banghart</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8m3Wa8f5KKATq2cAU27uHK5UEKYocQzXT49ZdoweVDYmyD9zLMpLXQdFSur6JxWvB0eoBHXLr0HS1e6P7jMTpv7PI_JqTvWHYvgBnDkdux1iZM2Ux7UsX7154DeGR0L62c8LSWVyKV8/s1600/36546635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8m3Wa8f5KKATq2cAU27uHK5UEKYocQzXT49ZdoweVDYmyD9zLMpLXQdFSur6JxWvB0eoBHXLr0HS1e6P7jMTpv7PI_JqTvWHYvgBnDkdux1iZM2Ux7UsX7154DeGR0L62c8LSWVyKV8/s320/36546635.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Grace and Fury</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author:<span style="font-weight: 400;"> Tracy Banghart</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher:<span style="font-weight: 400;"> Little, Brown Books for Young Readers</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">July 31st, 2018</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Serina has been groomed her whole life to become a Grace--someone to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining, subjugated example of the perfect woman. But when her headstrong and rebellious younger sister, Nomi, catches the heir's eye, it's Serina who takes the fall for the dangerous secret that Nomi has been hiding.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Now trapped in a life she never wanted, Nomi has only one way to save Serina: surrender to her role as a Grace until she can use her position to release her sister. This is easier said than done. A traitor walks the halls of the palace, and deception lurks in every corner. But Serina is running out of time, imprisoned on an island where she must fight to the death to survive and one wrong move could cost her everything.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with ARC of <i>Grace and Fury</i> through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><br /></em></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> What do you get when you mix together badass female characters, an amazing plot, and an interesting world? The answer:<i> Grace and Fury</i>. From the second I started this book I knew it was going to be fantastic, and it did not let me down. Tracy Banghart tells the story of two sisters, Nomi and Serina, in such a way that draws you in from the first sentence and leaves you begging for more at the last. I don't even know where to begin in writing this review because I loved everything so, so much, and I can guarantee that none of my readers want to read a ten page essay on how much I enjoyed this book.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The world building throughout the story is great. Set in an Italian inspired fantasy world where women are oppressed, the reader immediately gets the sense that something isn't right. Girls aren't allowed to learn how to read or write, and to do so is a capital crime. Men rule over everything, and the women who don't submit to them are sent off to the Hawaiian inspired prison at Mount Ruin. Banghart does a fantastic job in describing both the prison at Mount Ruin as well as the palace, which also happens to work as a prison for some of its inhabitants.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I will admit that I was a little worried when I read the first couple chapters of <i>Grace and Fury-</i>-it gave me major <i>Selection</i> vibes with the whole Heir and Grace thing, and anyone who knows me knows that I strongly dislike the selection, but luckily that ended as soon as the Heir selected his Graces and I WAS SHOOK! I love it when a story catches me off guard, and that's what <i>Grace and Fury</i> did from the very beginning. There are a multitude of twists and turns which are absolutely wonderful and unpredictable. The ending in particular left me absolutely shell shocked, and I kept trying to flip the page on my kindle, hoping there was more because I was not ready for it to be over. Banghart leaves the story on a cliffhanger which has the reader already begging to have book two in their hands (I NEED IT NOW!!!). </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> While both the setting and the story itself are incredible, it's the characters who truly steal the show. Nomi and Serina couldn't be more opposite: Serina has trained her whole life to become a Grace and be submissive to men, while Nomi is a rebel who constantly fights the role which has been set for her. Both girls end up somewhere they never could have imagined, and they have to fight to survive. If someone asked me to pick my favorite of the two sisters, I would not be able. Both characters go through so much throughout the story, and neither are the same person they were at the beginning of the story at the end. Their character devlopment is fantastic, and I can only imagine how much effort Banghart put into bringing these characters to life. Even for the side characters, Banghart does an incredible amount of characterization. She gives each and every one their own backstory, and she doesn't skip over any details. Personally, I really enjoyed getting to know about the others on mount doom--specifically Oracle and Val, but I also liked getting to know those within the palace--especially towards the end when I started to doubt everything I'd been told. The characters are the shining stars of <i>Grace and Fury</i>, and the character development throughout the story is truly some of the best I've ever seen.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">In conclusion, I give <i>Grace and Fury</i> five out of five stars for being a fantastic opening to a new series as well as a fun story that promotes feminism within its pages. <i>Grace and Fury</i> is a story of strong women and family love, and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Be sure to pre-order a copy today because I can guarantee this is a book everyone is going to be talking about.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5MiMduJ5ZQwO7ssJxNad4TORRONYiw4pETMhjbxIwMXfO9APfe9pD-3oCCQKIT0MrmNSZvjPuyhabjTFrXgQSMaf4M4OeE-mdgCMXUZVrhvsYnL5SZ3zBIwAyUgG69P3MzzuqSq55Jk/s1600/fivestars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="1000" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5MiMduJ5ZQwO7ssJxNad4TORRONYiw4pETMhjbxIwMXfO9APfe9pD-3oCCQKIT0MrmNSZvjPuyhabjTFrXgQSMaf4M4OeE-mdgCMXUZVrhvsYnL5SZ3zBIwAyUgG69P3MzzuqSq55Jk/s320/fivestars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to pre-order <i>Grace and Fury</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Grace-Fury-Tracy-Banghart/9780316471411?ref=grid-view&qid=1530551060468&sr=1-2">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grace-and-fury-tracy-banghart/1127395837?ean=9780316471411#/" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Fury-Tracy-Banghart/dp/0316471410/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530551126&sr=1-1&keywords=grace+and+fury" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"> There's also a pre-order campaign going on right now, so you can get some pretty cool swag if you submit your receipt. <a href="http://tracybanghart.com/2018/06/grace-and-fury-preorder-campaign">Click here to learn more.</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-57057869020435384322018-06-27T09:32:00.000-07:002018-06-27T09:32:23.194-07:00The Supervillain and Me - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Supervillain and Me</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Danielle Banas</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi969DhK2Kz5IFqZPC9HoC49jNpbbgyEAB25KAVsKXiKk0bJ0kpkrQxEZC0iO-LjTlVeBFkM3cH1Kgj5EHe9wGuMvQ3fyEQa5OmTrGlS_FceMZ3Dmyk4Nl9z_viUZY4GIArRb46ii0r7Tw/s1600/35795943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi969DhK2Kz5IFqZPC9HoC49jNpbbgyEAB25KAVsKXiKk0bJ0kpkrQxEZC0iO-LjTlVeBFkM3cH1Kgj5EHe9wGuMvQ3fyEQa5OmTrGlS_FceMZ3Dmyk4Nl9z_viUZY4GIArRb46ii0r7Tw/s320/35795943.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: The Supervillain and Me</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Danielle Banas</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Swoon Reads</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">July 10th, 2018</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Never trust a guy in spandex.</i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">In Abby Hamilton’s world, superheroes do more than just stop crime and save cats stuck in trees—they also drink milk straight from the carton and hog the television remote. Abby’s older brother moonlights as the famous Red Comet, but without powers of her own, following in his footsteps has never crossed her mind.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">That is, until the city’s newest vigilante comes bursting into her life.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">After saving Abby from an attempted mugging, Morriston’s fledgling supervillain Iron Phantom convinces her that he’s not as evil as everyone says, and that their city is under a vicious new threat. As Abby follows him deeper into their city’s darkest secrets, she comes to learn that heroes can’t always be trusted, and sometimes it’s the good guys who wear black.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with ARC of <i>The Supervillain and Me</i> through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><br /></em></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As soon as I saw The Supervillain and Me on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it. I'm a die hard superhero fan and a die hard YA fan, so the combination of the two was practically screaming my name. I started reading it the minute I was approved...and finished it two hours later. I can already tell you that Danielle Banas is going to become one of my insta buy authors--her writing style has to be one of my favorite that I've read in a while, and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> This story is so freaking funny and cute!!!! Banas does a fantastic job of pulling the reader in with her fun and easy to follow writing style, and I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. Overall, I thought the story was perfectly paced with no dull moments, and I just couldn't put it down. The one complaint I have is that, although I enjoyed the story, it was somewhat cheesy and cliche. The cheesiness didn't bother me at all because that's to be expected with anything involving superheroes, but I was able to figure out one of the big reveals of the story very early on. Even though I found the plot to be a bit predictable during certain parts, it didn't do too much to diminish my enjoyment of the story. I also wish we got a little bit more background on Morriston and why it's so crime ridden when other cities don't seem to have that big of a crime problem. Overall, I thought the story was super fun and action packed, and I really enjoyed it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The characters were probably my favorite part of <i>The Supervillain and Me</i>, and I could tell that Banas had spent a lot of time creating each and every one of them. Abby was a wonderful main character, and an absolute theatre nerd. She had so many wonderful lines that had me in stitches, and her romance with the Iron Phantom was absolutely swoon worthy. The Iron Phantom himself was a fun character as well, and I enjoyed getting to know both of his personas. Each of Abby and the Iron Phantom's interactions in Abby's bedroom were some of my favorite scenes of the entire book. The other supers we get to meet in the book, Red Comet, Abby's older brother, and Fish Boy, were both really fun as well. I loved getting to know each of their back stories and see both of them in action. Sarah, Abby's best friend, might've stolen the show for me because she reminds me so much of some of my friends who have One Direction shrines as opposed to Red Comet shrines. I love the description of her car as well as her reaction when she discovers Red Comet's true identity. As one of my teachers one said, a good plot is only possible through good characters, and the plot of The Supervillain and Me is truly driven by the wonderful character development done by Banas.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">In conclusion, I give <i>The Supervillain and Me</i> four out of five stars for being a funny, cute, entertaining story that's perfect for the summer time. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys super heroes and cute teen romance stories. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s1600/02cf0-fourstars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="1600" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s320/02cf0-fourstars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to order <i>The Supervillain and Me</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781250154354/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-supervillain-and-me-danielle-banas/1127124221?ean=9781250154354#/" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Supervillain-Me-Danielle-Banas/dp/1250154359/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530051604&sr=1-1&keywords=the+supervillain+and+me" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-30225199136900485082018-04-21T10:27:00.002-07:002018-04-21T10:27:29.682-07:00Sky in the Deep - Blog Tour<img alt="SkyintheDeep Blog Tour.png" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-589" height="273" src="https://vibrantreadsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/skyinthedeep-blog-tour.png" width="640" /><br />
Hey guys! I'm so excited to be a part of the blog tour celebrating Adrienne Young's debut novel, Sky in the Deep! I just want to say a quick thank you to Wednesday Books for letting me be a part of this tour because, as those of you who read my review already know, I absolutely adore this book! <a href="https://vibrantreadsblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/12/sky-in-the-deep-spoiler-free-arc-review/">Here's a link to my review in case any of you wanted to read it</a>, and today I'm gonna share a Q&A with the author, Adrienne Young. Be sure to let me know if any of you are excited for Sky in the Deep or if any of you have already read it because I NEED to talk about it with someone!<br />
<img alt="Copy of Sky in the Deep_Whim 1.png" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-590" height="480" src="https://vibrantreadsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/copy-of-sky-in-the-deep_whim-1.png" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>SUMMARY:</strong></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://vibrantreadsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/sky-in-the-deep_cover-image.jpg?w=199" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sky in the Deep_cover image" border="0" class="alignleft wp-image-591" height="320" src="https://vibrantreadsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/sky-in-the-deep_cover-image.jpg?w=199" title="" width="212" /></a><i>OND ELDR</i>. BREATHE FIRE.<br />
<br />
Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.<br /><br />
Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.<br />
She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Copy of Sky in the Deep_Whim 4.png" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-592" height="480" src="https://vibrantreadsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/copy-of-sky-in-the-deep_whim-4.png" width="640" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>General Q&A:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
1. What inspired SKY IN THE DEEP? How did the idea and Eelyn come to you? Do you have any favorite Viking stories? <br />
<br />
The sibling betrayal was definitely the first inspiration for this story. I was driving in the pouring rain on this country road and that first scene just hit me - Eelyn, seeing her brother on the battlefield after thinking that he was dead for five years. I pulled over on the side of the road and scribbled a million notes on an old envelope. I was immediately hooked to the idea and I wanted to know what had happened. I started writing that first chapter and I just never stopped. <br />
<br />
2. What type of research did you do for your characters and world-building? What languages did you study to implement the languages that the Aska and the Riki speak? What was the strangest thing you had to research for this book?<br />
<br />
I did a ton of research for this story. I actually really love to research things so it was a lot of fun. A lot of it was stuff like clothing, landscape, weapons, food, etc. But I did a lot of research into Norse mythology as well to build a foundation for this world. The language used is Old Norse, but it’s a dead language so studying it was really difficult. There is a lot of controversy about it among scholars and there’s no real way to fully understand it, so I just did my best based on my own investigation. I’m definitely not an expert! The weirdest thing I had to research was how to tear out someone’s eyeball. Yuck.<br />
<br />
3. What was your writing process like for SKY IN THE DEEP?<br />
<br />
Complete and utter obsession. When I draft, I get really buried in the world and I don’t really come up for air until I get to the end. I write as much as I can and limit my intake of other influencers that could mess with my mindset. I don’t watch TV or movies or listen to music that’s not on my playlist, and I kind of don’t have a social life until it’s done.<br />
<br />
4. What was your hardest scene to write? What was the easiest? <br />
<br />
I really didn’t struggle to get this story on the page the way I have with other books so I really don’t know what the hardest scene to write was. But the easiest was the first chapter. I wrote it so fast and it just clicked in so perfectly. <br />
<br />
5. Which of your characters are you the most like? Who was your favorite to write?<br />
<br />
Eelyn! We have so much in common and she really inspires me. But I think Halvard was the most fun to write. I really, really love him. <br />
<br />
6. Do you have a soundtrack for SKY IN THE DEEP? Can you share a couple songs? What would Eelyn’s favorite song be?<br />
<br />
Yes! Music plays a HUGE role in my writing process and I have a playlist for every project. The ones I probably listened to the most while drafting SKY are To the Hills by Laurel, Bare by Wildes, and Rise Up – Reprise by Foxes. But a link to the whole playlist is on my site!<br />
<br />
7. What books have inspired you to write? What books are you looking forward to reading this year?<br />
<br />
The ones that inspired me to write are nothing like my books. One of the most influential ones for me was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, because the human element is so beautiful and the author explores so many things in that book that really took my breath away. I wanted to write stories that went deep like that, but I love fantasy so I try to it within that realm.<br />
<br />
8. Any advice on querying? Or writing advice for aspiring writers?<br />
<br />
Querying – do not just sign with any agent who will take you. Make a dream agent list of qualified agents who have good reputations and make consistent sales. Query them. If they don’t bite, then write another book that they might want. Believe me when I say it is worth waiting for the right agent! <br />
<br />
9. Any details about the companion novel?<br />
<br />
I can’t say anything about the companion novel yet! But I’m hoping that we can start talking about it soon because I am really excited about it!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>About the Author</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<br />
<a href="https://vibrantreadsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/final_young-adrienne_no-credit1.jpg?w=200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Final_Young, Adrienne_NO CREDIT" border="0" class=" wp-image-594 alignleft" height="200" src="https://vibrantreadsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/final_young-adrienne_no-credit1.jpg?w=200" width="132" /></a>Adrienne Young is a born and bred Texan turned California girl. She is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, scouring antique fairs for old books, sipping wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her favorite art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings beneath the West Coast sun.<br />
<br />For information on release, appearances, ARCs, giveaways, and exclusive content, sign up for the newsletter at <a href="https://adrienneyoungbooks.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://adrienneyoungbooks.com/</a><br /><br />Instagram: @adrienneyoungbooks<br />Twitter: @adriennebooks<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young releases on April 24th, 2018. If you would like to pre-order Sky in the Deep:</div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781250168450/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sky-in-the-deep-adrienne-young/1126974645?ean=9781250168450#/">Barnes and Nobles</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Deep-Adrienne-Young/dp/1250168457/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524331309&sr=1-1&keywords=sky+in+the+deep">Amazon</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
-CG</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-64128338861401444562018-04-07T11:33:00.000-07:002018-04-07T11:33:08.803-07:00Snow City - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Snow City</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By G.A. Kathryns</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgggK2L1wGC2GvkR2kY8oFDX0hpQHnn5ef92L5yYNO5-WSmRX_5A2pRMaM8yoVbMEh6mkC5KI_nQSEhJ46bpwkZ3iMpOFzb0_3YzX93h5F_fVn41-WtVmM6Mi_VYeSoreJbiOcBjPb-c/s1600/34232153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgggK2L1wGC2GvkR2kY8oFDX0hpQHnn5ef92L5yYNO5-WSmRX_5A2pRMaM8yoVbMEh6mkC5KI_nQSEhJ46bpwkZ3iMpOFzb0_3YzX93h5F_fVn41-WtVmM6Mi_VYeSoreJbiOcBjPb-c/s320/34232153.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Snow City</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: 400;">G.A. Kathryns</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Sycamore Sky Books</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">February 7th, 2017</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Her name is Echo Japonica, and she lives in Snow City. But she was not always Echo, and she did not always live in Snow City. Somewhere else, she was someone else, and it was to Snow City that she fled in order to escape a place and a self that had at last become intolerable. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">For Snow City is a dream — Echo's dream — of a better place, an idealized place, a place of both anonymity and fulfillment. It is, for Echo, a haven of peace, a refuge, a sanctuary. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">But Snow City remains, nonetheless, a dream, and dreams, being such fragile things, can so easily shade into nightmare... </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: I was provided a review copy of Snow City in exchange for my honest review.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><br /></em></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Upon reading the summary for Snow City by G.A. Kathryns, I was instantly intrigued. I really love magical realism when it's done right, like The Night Circus or A Monster Calls, so I went in to Snow City with high expectations. However, it turned out to not be what I was expecting.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> This story is weird, let me get that out of the way right now, and I often found myself unsure as to where the story was going. It wasn't that the plot was bad--it was just very slow paced. It took me longer to finish this book than normal because I often had to put it down after every chapter or two to take a break before I continued on. Aside from the pacing, I did actually find the plot to be very interesting. Out main character, Echo, creates Snow City to be a sanctuary from the horrible real world. One day she meets this girls, Charity, who actually turns out to be a ghost. Echo doesn't like the way people treat Charity, so she takes her in, and, in doing so, she starts to notice that the utopia of Snow City isn't all she thought it was. This book made me constantly question what is real, and that's something I found I quite enjoyed.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Kathryns' poetic, elegant writing style really added to the book as a whole. It was very beautiful, and almost Jane Austen-esq. I found myself reading the story with a very British accent in my head at times. Every description was enchanting, and it really helped to emerge me into the world of Snow City. Although I found the writing style so beautiful, there were some instances where sentences felt as if they were dragged out for the sole purpose of making them poetic, and that just made the point of the sentence get lost in the delivery. Overall, I thought the writing was fantastic, and I'd love to read something in this style again.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Finally, let's talk about the characters. It took me a while to warm up the the main character, Echo, but that might've had more to do with the pacing rather than the actual characterization. I kind of felt like the author was trying a little too hard to make her come off as odd and quirky, but as the book progressed that feeling went away. I think Charity actually ended up being my favorite character from the novel. Kathryns writes her to be extremely brave and generous, and I love the mother-daughter like bond formed between Charity and Echo. This is a story truly built around the characters.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">In conclusion, I give Snow City by G.A. Kathryns three and a half out of five stars. It's a truly weird, unique book, and that's something you need to be ok with if you decide to pick it up. I recommend it to fans of magical realism, and I hope that you enjoy it if you decide to read it!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV98omjv8z8WeBBo5923mZ1MTL1UEjOiT0282lzoxOlYA94bBSX9RL2TzGDVvgViskG0uBmo4udjQhppPbxeoo1VzmSxylm-j5z0NXKz3m09pVCP8AzB8M3MgdwcjfstoZ5G8d0Z15UVE/s1600/3-three-half-star.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="840" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV98omjv8z8WeBBo5923mZ1MTL1UEjOiT0282lzoxOlYA94bBSX9RL2TzGDVvgViskG0uBmo4udjQhppPbxeoo1VzmSxylm-j5z0NXKz3m09pVCP8AzB8M3MgdwcjfstoZ5G8d0Z15UVE/s320/3-three-half-star.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>Snow City</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781542858076/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snow-city-g-a-kathryns/1125769133?ean=9781542858076" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Snow-City-G-Kathryns/dp/1542858070/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523125804&sr=1-1&keywords=snow+city" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-90726254756203076412018-03-27T11:12:00.000-07:002018-03-27T11:12:51.676-07:00Aru Shah and the End of Time - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Aru Shah and the End of Time</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Roshani Chokshi</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfyBNdcMevEH_j7F2YepP2Uomy3WNNotZBIrU4zosZHifm_c00qAivj-vegYIgDA6SdDCgl-f1ceePSn32xtf4YXiu73ONwzakujcGAQ92TCU262pz8kjQLCCRvz6g8f_HQNfZWXLTTo/s1600/36222611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfyBNdcMevEH_j7F2YepP2Uomy3WNNotZBIrU4zosZHifm_c00qAivj-vegYIgDA6SdDCgl-f1ceePSn32xtf4YXiu73ONwzakujcGAQ92TCU262pz8kjQLCCRvz6g8f_HQNfZWXLTTo/s320/36222611.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Aru Shah and the End of Time</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Roshani Chokshi</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Rick Riordan Presents</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">March 27th, 2018</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she'll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru's doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don't believe her claim that the museum's Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Just a quick light,</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> Aru thinks. Then she can get herself out of this mess and </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">never ever</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> fib again.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and it's up to Aru to save them.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The only way to stop the demon is to find the reincarnations of the five legendary Pandava brothers, protagonists of the Hindu epic poem, the </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Mahabharata</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">, and journey through the Kingdom of Death. But how is one girl in Spider-Man pajamas supposed to do all </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">that</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with ARC of <i>Aru Shah and the End of Time</i> through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><br /></em></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">As a kid, I grew up reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, The Hero's of Olympus, and basically any other Rick Riordan novel available to me. From these books sprang my love for all things mythology, and I'm so, so excited about Rick Riordan Presents so future generations can learn all about different mythologies through characters they will grow to know and love throughout their life times. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi being the first book by Rick Riordan Presents has me very optimistic about the future of this imprint. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> Before even entering Aru's world I loved Chokshi's writing style from her previous novels, and I knew she would do an absolutely fantastic job. Aru Shah is a twelve year old girl who lives with her mother above the Ancient Indian Art and Culture. She has a bad habit of lying, and ends up getting caught in a web of lies by her three class mates. As a result, she lights the Lamp of Bharata, freezing everyone in time, releasing the Sleeper, and setting Aru off on the adventure of a life time. I don't really want to say too much about the plot in fear of spoling anything, but it was just so much fun to go on the adventure with Aru, Mini, Boo, and everyone else. It was wonderfully paced, and there was never a dull moment. I really learned so much about Hindu mythology through this novel, and it has even inspired me to go out and do some of my own research to learn some more. </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> What I think really made me enjoy this novel was Aru herself. Chokshi gave her such a fantastic voice and a sense of humor that I found very Percy-esq that made this book just so much more enjoyable. There was a moment in the very beginning of the book where Aru made a reference to the song "A Boy Named Sue" by Johnny Cash, and I knew from that moment forward that I absolutely loved her. Overall I think Chokshi did a fantastic job with the novel as a whole, and I can't wait to see where she goes with the rest of the Pandava Quartet. </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">In conclusion, I give Aru Shah and the End of Time four out of five stars for being fun, hilarious, and a great entrance into the Pandava QuartetI highly, highly recommend this for young readers, anyone with any interest in Hindu mythology, and anyone who grew up loving Rick Riordan novels as much as I did.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s1600/02cf0-fourstars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="1600" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDmzEbSMPH282e2OS4jYAbABGJbAxMbwwE2dXHFqaVOFu_wCJDHYwsX25xcC0tT9YlDKcTKoYVRpA7piIomy1lSlGxOyaA8GIWMKMHE1sXLhqRvKEhzek1eGimE-Errb6CHzQEnC_rB4/s320/02cf0-fourstars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to order <i>Aru Shah and the End of Time</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781368012355/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aru-shah-and-the-end-of-time-roshani-chokshi/1127144748?ean=9781368012355" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shah-Time-Pandava-Novel-Book/dp/1368012353/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522173894&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=aru+shah+and+the+end+of+time&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-61959973883197446502018-03-14T10:01:00.000-07:002018-03-14T10:01:21.122-07:00Furyborn - ARC Review <h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Furyborn</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Claire Legrand</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLF6oqruTdTsQ6uF3C2Vx9OZXUHqQGVuEH5mHGd9QucAwgbD0Xhf0K_HoQmfe8Y2ItUvFPC9R311WE7Q6MjWinxzZL64PboFQUDtfCdXqd3zIg_O1AFP8xVnlFO0zIYJvRO_SySGzcMc/s1600/34323570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLF6oqruTdTsQ6uF3C2Vx9OZXUHqQGVuEH5mHGd9QucAwgbD0Xhf0K_HoQmfe8Y2ItUvFPC9R311WE7Q6MjWinxzZL64PboFQUDtfCdXqd3zIg_O1AFP8xVnlFO0zIYJvRO_SySGzcMc/s400/34323570.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
</div>
</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Furyborn</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Claire Legrand</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Page Count: <span style="font-weight: normal;">512</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Sourcebooks Fire</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">May 22nd, 2018</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">When assassins ambush her best friend, the crown prince, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing her ability to perform all seven kinds of elemental magic. The only people who should possess this extraordinary power are a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light and salvation and a queen of blood and destruction. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven trials to test her magic. If she fails, she will be executed...unless the trials kill her first.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">A thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a mere fairy tale to bounty hunter Eliana Ferracora. When the Undying Empire conquered her kingdom, she embraced violence to keep her family alive. Now, she believes herself untouchable--until her mother vanishes without a trace, along with countless other women in their city. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain on a dangerous mission and discovers that the evil at the heart of the empire is more terrible than she ever imagined.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world--and of each other. <i>(Goodreads Summary)</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with ARC of <i>Furyborn</i> through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><br /></em></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I was so sad to see that I had missed receiving an arc of <i>Furyborn</i> in the November 'Ladies that Slay' Fairyloot box, but then I was granted an ARC off of Netgalley and all of my sadness was forgotten because I finally had the book in my hands! I didn't read too much about it before starting because I wanted to be surprised, and I think I have discovered one of my new favorite fantasy novels of all time!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Legrand does a fantastic job of weaving two stories together in <i>Furyborn</i>--Rielle's story and Eliana's story. Though the two take place in different time periods, they are connected in multiple ways which are revealed as the story goes on. Each chapter switches back and forth from Rielle to Eliana, which some people might find annoying, but I was so invested in both story lines that I didn't mind it at all. It seemed to me, even though the book is over 500 pages, that it is very fast paces and almost every chapter ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. There were multiple times throughout <i>Furyborn</i> that I found myself completely caught up in the story, completely oblivious to the outside world. I managed to finish it in one sitting during an 11 hour plane ride, and I could barely notice the crying baby just three rows ahead of me. I thought that the plot itself was brilliant. Rielle is a lady who has grown up in court hiding her powers over pretty much every element from everyone else, until her best friend, the price, is in danger. After revealing her power, the people are frightened, and she has to prove to them that she is the good queen, the Sun Queen, who has come to help the world. She's put through a series of trials to prove herself, and in the midst of the difficult physical challenges, she's going through several things in her personal life--like how to deal with this voice which has appeared in her head and her feelings for the crown prince who just happens to be engaged to one of her other best friends. That's pretty much all I can say about Rielle's story without spoiling it. Now, Eliana's story reminded me somewhat of Celaena/Aelin from the Throne of Glass series. She's a bounty hunter working for the government, but after her mom gets captured by a mysterious group who's been kidnapping women and a group of deadly assassins try to recruit her--her life gets turned upside down. Oh, and she also has these powers she can't explain. I really can't say too much about her story because then I really would be spoiling it, but I think I liked her story <i>slightly</i> more than Rielle's because I found it less cliche. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Aside from her wonderful storytelling abilities, Legrand also possesses the ability to create an abundance of characters you just can't help but care for. The two main characters, Rielle and Eliana, are both bad ass women. There's a constant juxtaposition between the two, and by switching perspectives each chapter, the reader gets to see how they both react to somewhat similar situations. Rielle has been forced to hide her powers her entire life in fear of what might happen to her if someone was to find out, while Eliana is the famed 'Dread of Orline,' a famed assassin who's just trying to survive and keep her loved ones safe. I found myself enjoying both characters for several different reasons, and I enjoyed both of their characters immensely. Aside from the main characters, Legrand includes a plethora of side characters people are sure to love. My personal favorite is Simon, also known as The Wolf, because he is the perfect companion for Eliana, and, I'm not going to lie, they are one of my new favorite ships. In Rielle's story, she has two best friends, Ludavine and Audric. I adored Ludavine because I could see a lot of my best friend in her, and Audric was so sweet and truly cared for Rielle. Now, let's talk about the big, bad Corien. I loved him. I thought the way Legrand introduced him as a voice inside Rielle's head was wonderful, and he definitely gave me some Darkling vibes which was just the cherry on top. I can't go into too much detail on the characters in fear of spoiling something for y'all, but just know that each and every one of them is fantastic in their own way.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"> </span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> In conclusion, I give <i>Furyborn</i> by Claire Legrand five out of five stars for being a refreshing, new fantasy novel everyone is sure to love. I already can't wait to read the second novel, and the first isn't even out yet! I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fantasy lover, as well as anyone who is looking to get into fantasy. I can't wait for everyone to read it--I'm bursting at the seams to discuss it with someone! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7e3hQqtCRqOBYBILStQf7q-jfSI0OOUOCjVyIIg-bpo3woowYxN3o8RyEkRxwAQbiCrpWGnFr7wMFP6vAGd1iPB9Q2OlTnh8Yxg8FkbYS0Qk10pGmQQeDdBp0druLNhAnOjjDjPsDT4/s1600/fivestars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="1600" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7e3hQqtCRqOBYBILStQf7q-jfSI0OOUOCjVyIIg-bpo3woowYxN3o8RyEkRxwAQbiCrpWGnFr7wMFP6vAGd1iPB9Q2OlTnh8Yxg8FkbYS0Qk10pGmQQeDdBp0druLNhAnOjjDjPsDT4/s320/fivestars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to pre-order <i>Furyborn</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781492656623/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/furyborn-claire-legrand/1127017275?ean=9781492656623" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Furyborn-Empirium-Trilogy-Claire-Legrand/dp/1492656623/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516816676&sr=1-1&keywords=furyborn" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-51158407771796617782018-01-12T13:59:00.000-08:002018-01-12T13:59:19.209-08:00Sky in the Deep - Spoiler free ARC Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sky in the Deep</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Adrienne Young</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkNKFfn38oFT0Uct0nOjclEW80SUfGwDVcTvj46p6gRodrD6Y3HDNMKnTkgG4tLI6QUXZVV7qEybvZMygTXuCw7cvb0mPy5k34fGH5Wodakz8aIvkjMD-9FPfKsMvFHyWfGp7K6NBJEo/s1600/34726469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkNKFfn38oFT0Uct0nOjclEW80SUfGwDVcTvj46p6gRodrD6Y3HDNMKnTkgG4tLI6QUXZVV7qEybvZMygTXuCw7cvb0mPy5k34fGH5Wodakz8aIvkjMD-9FPfKsMvFHyWfGp7K6NBJEo/s320/34726469.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;"> Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Sky in the Deep</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Adrienne Young</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Date of Publication: <span style="font-weight: normal;">April 24th, 2018</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Wednesday Books</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;">Summary</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> S</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">eventeen-year-old Eelyn’s world is war. Raised to fight alongside her Aska clansmen in a generations-old blood feud against the Riki, her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki if she wants to make it back to the fjord after the thaw. But when she begins to see herself in the people she's been taught to hate, the world Eelyn once knew begins to crumble. And after the village is raided by a ruthless clan many believe to be a myth, Eelyn is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend who has tried more than once to kill her. Together, they must end the blood feud between their clans or watch their people be slaughtered. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> A lush, Viking-age inspired fantasy about loyalty, forgiveness, and the definition of family. <i>(Goodreads Summary)</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of <i>Sky in the Deep</i> in exchange for my honest feedback.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a massive fan of the Vikings TV show as well as the history of the vikings in general, I was looking forward to Sky in the Deep from the moment I read its description on Goodreads, and I did not leave this book disappointed. I managed to finish it in one sitting, and am already dying to get my hands on Young's next novel.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I don't often get to read YA historical fiction/fantasy stories, so I jumped at the chance to get my hands on <i>Sky in the Deep. </i> Young manages to build a lush, wonderful world while following what we know of the vikings from history. The story itself had me hooked in from the very first moment with an epic battle scene to start the story off. While reading it, each chapter seems to flow into the next, leaving you wanting more until you reach the very end. It's both brutal and violent, while also managing to be a touching story about family and loyalty. I especially love the description Young includes in her fighting scenes; she never holds anything back and allows for there to be blood and gore. I don't want to say too much about the plot in fear of spoiling it, but Young does a fantastic job in pacing her story so it doesn't feel rushed, letting things occur naturally. Sky in the Deep is truly an incredible Viking inspired story that will not only make your pulse race with adrenaline, but also cause you to appreciate those you have in your life.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> A badass story has to have some badass characters, and Young certainly delivers in that category. Our main character, Eelyn, is a piece of work and I absolutely love her. She is a fierce warrior who loves ferociously, and will do anything to protect those she loves. I loved how we got to see her develop throughout the story from an Aska who hates the Riki with every fiber of her being, to living and fighting amongst them. Fiske, her love interest, is the strong, silent type. He and Eelyn don't start off on the right foot, but we see them grow together, bringing out the best in one another. Young did a fantastic job in not letting the romance take over the story. Instead, the romance sneaks up on you when you least expect it, and actually adds to the story as a whole. Aside from the two main characters, there are also several other well written characters with tons of personality such as Inge, Halvard, Runa, Iri, Myra, and so many more! I can't discuss everything I loved about every single one of them without spoiling things--or making this review about five thousand pages long--but I feel I need to mention how Young doesn't skip out on the character development of any of the side characters as well. I've truly finished this book with several new favorite characters who will stay with me for years to come.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> In conclusion, I give <i>Sky in the Deep</i> by Adrienne Young four and a half out of five stars for being an exciting, action packed piece of YA historical fiction, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new book to read--but especially to anyone who enjoys the history of the vikings. I can't wait to see what else Adrienne Young comes out with in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7WJxjHhrrmzvMupBf_b-NZ75OczDLi2WWe6V3VKFctyrQuI3kK0O-QVvWlA887L7LpICH6NCNCBHCCmJZhfTVYZfClnx820IHblcfIpKWmINLLpim0ZrMxYrp-nP24IihJJ7-QbBjXU/s1600/1401603-4-four-half-star.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="840" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7WJxjHhrrmzvMupBf_b-NZ75OczDLi2WWe6V3VKFctyrQuI3kK0O-QVvWlA887L7LpICH6NCNCBHCCmJZhfTVYZfClnx820IHblcfIpKWmINLLpim0ZrMxYrp-nP24IihJJ7-QbBjXU/s400/1401603-4-four-half-star.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>Sky in the Deep</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781250168450/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sky-in-the-deep-adrienne-young/1126974645?ean=9781250168450#/" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Deep-Adrienne-Young/dp/1250168457/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1515777424&sr=1-1&keywords=sky+in+the+deep" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-57928932858963664492018-01-09T13:37:00.001-08:002018-01-09T13:46:10.919-08:00Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Robin Wasserman</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">WARNING: Spoilers for <i>City of Heavenly Fire</i> by Cassandra Clare</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuAtlQ1XPw5BPha5DGMr1WhVNvfrE-WJNLOBH-_CDu-OZZB6o1g-mdjY8H-hDjZYYNFOIqEGbcWM3OKq5NqO5od87lOiQOXqL6LcqZ3isS3Rl77oIT1nFfZlK0xqye8mQz8tWIVUms7Q/s1600/28954137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuAtlQ1XPw5BPha5DGMr1WhVNvfrE-WJNLOBH-_CDu-OZZB6o1g-mdjY8H-hDjZYYNFOIqEGbcWM3OKq5NqO5od87lOiQOXqL6LcqZ3isS3Rl77oIT1nFfZlK0xqye8mQz8tWIVUms7Q/s400/28954137.jpg" width="264" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Authors: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Robin Wasserman </span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Margaret K. McElderly Books</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Summary</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> After being stripped of his memories in</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> City of Heavenly Fire</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Simon Lewis goes back to being a normal mundane who knows nothing about the hidden world of Shadowhunters and Downworlders he was once a part of. He remembers he was once friends with Clary, and somehow dated Isabelle Lightwood, but has no idea what happened between them all. Every time he has to face his old friends, Simon feels as if he's letting everyone down by not being the man they used to know and love.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ec838c78-b476-d9cc-710e-122e59b09c2e"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> With the re-opening of the Shadowhunter Academy, Simon decides throws himself back into the world of demons and monsters by training to become a Shadowhunter in hope of finding himself again. The Academy is basically a functioning ruin with many, many problems as all the new students are bound to discover, but for Simon it is his chance to bring back who he once was. With a mixture of old favorites as well as several new characters, exciting adventures are bound to occur in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i><i> </i>I was somewhat cautious going into <i>Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy</i> because Cassandra Clare was not the only author, but I must say I was relieved to find that almost every story had a similar voice to Clare's past works. There were ten stories in total, and I'd be lying if I said I loved them all equally--some were better than others. Each story followed Simon throughout his time at the Academy and built up to the final story with their own separate arcs. I particularly loved how a majority of the stories offered flashbacks to characters that readers previously met in <i>The Infernal Devices</i>. I felt like the anthology really connected and added something to the Shadowhunter world as a whole rather than being a separate, stand alone collection. My personal favorite from the collection is the final story, “Angels Twice Descending”, because I loved how it combined aspects of all of the stories as well as the twist at the end in which Simon must face a tragedy which follows Clare's trend of ripping out and stomping on the hearts of all of her readers. I also have to give an honorary mention to “The Whitechapel Field” because it was about Jack the Ripper, a Shadowhunter world version of Jack the Ripper! My least favorite was probably “The Lost Herondale” because I kind of spoiled myself by reading <i>Lady Midnight</i> before <i>Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy</i>, which revealed who the lost Herondale is, and it is not as interesting to me as the other stories, but I like how Catarina was more prominent in it than she is in the other stories. I believe all the stories flowed well together, and it really makes me want to read the other Shadohunter anthology, <i>The Bane Chronicles</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> One particular thing I believe the authors of <i>Tales from the Shadowhunter</i> academy did well is blend the old characters with fresh new faces. Sure, I loved how my old favorites like Magnus, Alec, Jace, Izzy, Clary, and etc. showed back up, but I really loved a majority of the new characters introduced to us at the academy. There's two main groups at the academy: those with shadowhunter blood, and mundanes who are training to be worthy of becoming shadowhunters by drinking from the Mortal Cup. My personal favorites from the mundane group are George Lovelace and Marisol Garza. I loved George from the very first story when he and Simon are freaking out over a rat in their room, and I came to love Marisol throughout the story because I found she had some of the best character development. My favorite from the Shadowhunter group has to be Beatriz Mendoza because, unlike the rest of her group, she does not look down upon downworlders or the mundanes who are at the academy. Instead, she stands behind them and defends them. My least favorite of the new characters has to be Jon Cartwright--not because his character is terribly written--but because he's pretty much a terrible person until the last two stories. I'm really glad that Clare chose to continue Simon's story in this anthology because he really got the short end of the stick in <i>City of Heavenly Fire</i>. We get to see the 'new' Simon develop throughout the story and go from being confused about his place in the world, to forging his own path without his past holding him back. All in all I was pleased with the characters, both old and new, throughout the novellas, and I can't wait to see more of them in future novels.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> In conclusion, I give <i>Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy</i> four out of five stars for being a delightful addition to <i>The Shadowhunter Chronicles</i> as well as introducing several new characters I have grown to love. I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Cassandra Clare's work, as long as they have read the entirety of <i>The Mortal Instruments</i> series as well as <i>The Infernal Devices</i> trilogy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIiRz6Gjl85Cse2HSINcbRePG6GRGr52nO77dD3kD0bNH5r9_xmaazv12TYT2MOjEVHIWCv_Td-2FPOmyo8zzz4oABr4VGgsf4jiToIjNnjg1LhAqyvak3IcwVytaYSzD6jd7a4rauCg/s1600/fourstars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="1600" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIiRz6Gjl85Cse2HSINcbRePG6GRGr52nO77dD3kD0bNH5r9_xmaazv12TYT2MOjEVHIWCv_Td-2FPOmyo8zzz4oABr4VGgsf4jiToIjNnjg1LhAqyvak3IcwVytaYSzD6jd7a4rauCg/s320/fourstars.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781406373585/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tales-from-the-shadowhunter-academy-cassandra-clare/1123385475?ean=9781481443265#/" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Shadowhunter-Academy-Cassandra-Clare/dp/1481443267/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514832920&sr=1-1&keywords=tales+from+the+shadowhunter+academy" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-85342477343892756042017-12-01T21:12:00.001-08:002018-01-11T10:14:28.403-08:00Frostblood by Elly Blake - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Frostblood</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Elly Blake</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTjCYoL9HhYQBhHQ932Q3Y3X3hHr86COAzldncMJfyI7KayS1z2alDziW5sjb97P8LIn8WN6ha24KU11wqdYwoEhJ5XzotMi3JCEp9LI8hC1O9jY9DCCt_C7Zi68nfC_pIKOoTZaEY3E/s1600/27827203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTjCYoL9HhYQBhHQ932Q3Y3X3hHr86COAzldncMJfyI7KayS1z2alDziW5sjb97P8LIn8WN6ha24KU11wqdYwoEhJ5XzotMi3JCEp9LI8hC1O9jY9DCCt_C7Zi68nfC_pIKOoTZaEY3E/s320/27827203.jpg" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;"> Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Frostblood</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Elly Blake</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Page Count: <span style="font-weight: normal;">320</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Little Brown Books for Young Readers</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;">Summary</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> In a world ruled by a ruthless frost king, Firebloods grow rarer and rarer every day, making Ruby Otrera's gift extra special. She's spent her entire life trying to learn how to conceal her powers, but after she is discovered by the king's men and her mother murdered, she finds herself rotting in prison, waiting for the executioner to take her.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> Rescued by two mysterious Frostbloods, Ruby finds herself thrust into a world where her powers are the key in a rebel plan to overthrow the king, and bring the world together again. They train her on how to properly use her powers, and she grows stronger. However, before they deem Ruby ready for her mission, she is captured by the kings men, and forced to compete in the King's tournament, where she must fight to the death to survive. It's now up to her alone to destroy the evil man who took everything from her and her people. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had <i>Frostblood</i> sitting on my self for quite a while with no real urge to read it, but for some reason I was drawn to it about a week ago, and I was unable to put it down once I picked it up.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> While I enjoyed <i>Frostblood</i>, I found the story itself to be rather cliche and nothing new. It shares several common elements with books like The Red Queen, Throne of Glass, etc., but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The struggle between two different 'races,' the frostbloods and the firebloods in this case, is a bit played out in YA, but I thought that Blake did a fantastic job in providing a history between the two people which caused the animosity between the two. I actually believe this helped redeem the story overall. Though the book is rather cliche, there is no denying it is well written and that the cliches such as prophecies and tournaments to become the king's champion did add something to the story rather than just be there to be there. The story itself is very fast paced and easy to follow; the first few chapters had me completely sucked in, and I actually managed to finish <i>Frostblood</i> in one sitting. Even though I found parts of the novel to be very predictable, Blake includes a multitude of plots twists I did not see coming--especially at the end, and if I had any less self control I would have thrown my book across the room. Despite feeling like I've already read this book at times, I overall enjoyed the plot and am excited to pick up the next in the series.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As previously stated, I believe Blake giving a detailed history of Tempesia and its people help redeem the story from being too cliche. She does a fantastic job in describing the land, the people, and how the country has changed throughout history. One particular thing I enjoyed was when Ruby and Arcus compared the frostblood and fireblood histories of how the war between the two began. It gave an introspective view on how the people view each other which helps the reader understand how deeply the hatred between the two runs. We are also given tales of a frostblood king and a fireblood queen, which shows that despite the hatred, the two can work together and bring peace to the nation. Overall, I believe Blake's addition of the histories of Tempesia added a certain quality to <i>Frostblood</i> which most YA fantasies lack.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Without a doubt, the characters are the driving forces of this novel. Ruby, the fierce protagonist, Arcus, the brooding rebel with a secret, Brother Thistle, the kind monk offering her aid and asylum, and King Rasmus, the despicable villain. Admittedly, the characters do follow certain YA tropes, but less so than the story. I found myself truly enjoying Ruby and her spitfire personality. She is not afraid to speak her mind, and finds herself in a dark place after her mother's murder. She always has a witty comeback, and how she allows her emotions to run wild. Ruby's love interest, Arcus, is almost her opposite. Arcus is a brooding frostblood who's afraid to open up to anyone. While I liked there characters separately, I felt like there relationship followed the trope of hate to love (I found their relationship closely mirrored Aelin and Rowan from Throne of Glass), as well as a little bit of insta-love. Things are made very interesting between the two by Rasmus though after Ruby is taken by the king's men. Rasmus is the epitome of evil; he lives for chaos and does not care who gets hurt in the way. I found most--if not all--scenes with him very interesting and some of my favorites. I think that Blake does a fantastic job with characterization throughout <i>Frostblood</i> despite following some common tropes.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> In conclusion, I give <i>Frostblood</i> by Elly Blake three and a half out of five stars for being a fun, although somewhat cliche, YA fantasy read. I recommend this to anyone just starting to read YA, or any hardcore YA fans who won't mind that it shares some common themes with other mainstream YA books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlQ5Z2JToz5iPGhsaiCxVlwVyip8yWZFs1n3tQp5bY9jdOcMnZ1PA_12htr3qcdq6vB0xo8f0y-0XxWnBu9znNVhAu8CG1yniEw3sDLXoAsovkS1zpOFoonD39WScR_lpYjJv75GCM5Q/s1600/3-three-half-star.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="840" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlQ5Z2JToz5iPGhsaiCxVlwVyip8yWZFs1n3tQp5bY9jdOcMnZ1PA_12htr3qcdq6vB0xo8f0y-0XxWnBu9znNVhAu8CG1yniEw3sDLXoAsovkS1zpOFoonD39WScR_lpYjJv75GCM5Q/s320/3-three-half-star.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>Frostblood</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780316273183/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frostblood-elly-blake/1123748132?ean=9780316273183#/" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Frostblood-Saga-Elly-Blake/dp/031627318X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512060181&sr=1-1&keywords=frostblood" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-71052123585927294242017-11-13T20:26:00.000-08:002017-11-13T20:26:38.461-08:00Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Empire of Storms</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Sarah J. Maas</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yvtwvfDQ421j-uzpAKJqkd8OXAriIWCPHtw8U7qnrllUw-SjeeGyYEyy8WKNgfnYqF3fa12-LcrMlXWyPJ_SQSX_xETXcv6DNZ92x07v1McflcvCz7LOUoXmQ6yRXt8hLZ9L1TzpXCw/s1600/25014114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUjVguxD7W1c7kq5aSt5vkDaFebDcPateXQIpcUMWU6MFraIfNijge6Gl-XvM2JKSWvZlpV3wsMb4H7jDMtrlzVTAFfnzMwp7rtNIytQj2tkn5jwr4sNc64rQ1oJQ9BJ-IZ6FrzB93-c/s1600/28260587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUjVguxD7W1c7kq5aSt5vkDaFebDcPateXQIpcUMWU6MFraIfNijge6Gl-XvM2JKSWvZlpV3wsMb4H7jDMtrlzVTAFfnzMwp7rtNIytQj2tkn5jwr4sNc64rQ1oJQ9BJ-IZ6FrzB93-c/s320/28260587.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Empire of Storms</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Sarah J. Maas</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Page Count: <span style="font-weight: normal;">693</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Bloomsbury </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Summary:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">In this breathtaking fifth installment of the </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">New York Times </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">bestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.</span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having been a fan of The<i> Throne of Glass </i>series since the very beginning, I expected nothing less than perfection from<i> Empire of Storms</i>, and Mass pulled through once again with another fantastic installment.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The already long list of character grown in this addition to the series with some fresh new faces, but Maas doesn't forget about our favorite, original characters. Everyone from Aelin, to Manon, to Dorian, and beyond further develops, and I've found myself falling deeper and deeper in love with this set of characters every day. Manon is now officially my favorite, and I find her story so interesting. I love where Maas has taken her story, and I think it is such a good move on her part to put Dorian and Manon together. Aelin is still as problematic as ever, but I grew to respect her more throughout this novel. I still think her relationship with Rowan is a bit annoying and creepy to be honest, but by the time I read that ending I was sobbing for their sakes. There isn't much more I can say without spoiling the series for those who have not read the series yet, but just know that everything about the characters gets better as the series goes on.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> At almost 700 pages, <i>Empire of Storms </i>is the longest book in the <i>Throne of Glass</i> series, but it moves faster than the rest and is filled to the brim with action packed drama. The tension is tangible throughout the novel with war a war brewing, and I know that all the minor battles described in this book are going to be nothing compared to the full fleged war we expect to come in the sixth installment, but I still can't help but be impressed with Maas' ability to go from a romantic scene to one where Aelin is literally ripping off someones head in the span of a few pages without making it feel broken up and disjointed. The different character POVs throughout the story allowed for us readers to experience stuff beyond Aelin, truly opening up the world. I briefly mentioned the ending earlier, and oh my god--THAT was an ending. It caught me off guard, and I'm so mad at Maas for doing that to me, but so happy with how she's setting up the next book in the series. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> In conclusion, I give Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas four out of five stars for being another fantastic installment in one of my favorite series of all time, as well as leaving all of us readers on a cliffhanger, setting up the next installment. I highly recommend the Throne of Glass series to anyone who loves fantasy, and hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>Empire of Storms</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781619636071/?a_aid=vibrantreads">Book Depository</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/empire-of-storms-sarah-j-maas/1123536925?ean=9781619636071#/" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Storms-Throne-Glass-Sarah/dp/1619636077/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1510592780&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-85851495168583166652017-10-30T19:29:00.004-07:002017-10-30T19:29:46.316-07:00History is All You Left Me - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">History is All You Left Me</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Adam Silvera</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yvtwvfDQ421j-uzpAKJqkd8OXAriIWCPHtw8U7qnrllUw-SjeeGyYEyy8WKNgfnYqF3fa12-LcrMlXWyPJ_SQSX_xETXcv6DNZ92x07v1McflcvCz7LOUoXmQ6yRXt8hLZ9L1TzpXCw/s1600/25014114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yvtwvfDQ421j-uzpAKJqkd8OXAriIWCPHtw8U7qnrllUw-SjeeGyYEyy8WKNgfnYqF3fa12-LcrMlXWyPJ_SQSX_xETXcv6DNZ92x07v1McflcvCz7LOUoXmQ6yRXt8hLZ9L1TzpXCw/s400/25014114.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: History is All You Left Me</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Silvera</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Page Count: <span style="font-weight: normal;">320</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">SOHO Teen</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publication Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">January 17th, 2017</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">From the New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not comes an explosive examination of grief, mental illness, and the devastating consequences of refusing to let go of the past.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">When Griffin's first love and ex-boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, his universe implodes. Even though Theo had moved to California for college and started seeing Jackson, Griffin never doubted Theo would come back to him when the time was right. But now, the future he's been imagining for himself has gone far off course. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">To make things worse, the only person who truly understands his heartache is Jackson. But no matter how much they open up to each other, Griffin's downward spiral continues. He's losing himself in his obsessive compulsions and destructive choices, and the secrets he's been keeping are tearing him apart. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">If Griffin is ever to rebuild his future, he must first confront his history, every last heartbreaking piece in the puzzle of his life <i>(Goodreads Summary).</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before reading <i>History is All You Left Me </i>by Adam Silvera, I didn't understand why people enjoy reading books despite knowing they're sad, but I leave this novel with a whole new perspective. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> <i>History is All You Left M</i>e is such beautifully tragic story...and I'm pretty sure it gave me emotional whiplash; I'd go from crying, to laughing, to crying again in a matter of seconds. Silvera does such a fantastic job in using his characters to further the emotions and the narrative of the story, and although the story is meant to be all of the character's 'histories,' I can feel and hear Silvera's voice through the pages, leading me to believe this story is more personal than he's leading on.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> The characters themselves are real and raw and unafraid to flaunt their flaws. I found my self loving Griffen, Theo, Wade, and Jackson by the end. The main protagonist, Griffen, took me a while to warm up to due to some rather interesting choices he makes, but I ultimately enjoyed how vulnerable he is, and how the entire story is told through his 'histories' of his now deceased first love, Theo, and how he is 'today.' Silvera writes him as depressed as well as gives him a few little quirks like slight OCD that really make his character all the more real for the reader. Theo is the kind of character that I still have so many questions out despite the story being over because we only learn about him through other's experiences, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">and I ca't tell if I enjoy that or not. He's described as very geeky and the perfect compliment, but I can't help but feel like there's something important about him that we still don't know</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> I felt Jackson is a very interesting character being Theo's most recent boyfriend, and think he played a big roll in pushing the story forward. Lastly, I would Wade to a complete and utter cinnamon bun. He's not the most important character, but he's still necessary to the story, and I love how he is so caring and patient and accepting of the fact that his two best friends are in love with each other. History is truly a character driven story at its core, and I highly doubt it would have come across as impeccably as it does without such string, well written characters.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> What I believe truly sets History is All You Left Me apart from other contemporaries is that it's such a wonderful representation of the LGBT community and it deals with grief in such a unique and interesting way. It doesn't play to any stereotypes or feel forced, which helps readers outside of the community understand and develop there own feelings. In terms of grief, most contemporaries like to keep a lighthearted feeling thought a novel, but Silvera is unafraid to dive deep and make the reader hurt. I just found History to be such a unique and delightful change from normal contemporaries, and am glad to have finally read it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> In conclusion, I give History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera four out of five stars for being beautifully written, unafraid to test the boundaries of YA contemporaries, and a wonderful representation of the LGBT community. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a diverse read or anyone who's looking to have a good, ugly cry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>History is All You Left Me</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781616956929/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/history-is-all-you-left-me-adam-silvera/1123717619?ean=9781616956929#/" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/History-All-You-Left-Me-ebook/dp/B01EQ2O3CS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1509377677&sr=1-1&keywords=history+is+all+you+left+me" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-75508782976758579792017-10-16T17:10:00.000-07:002017-10-16T17:10:18.610-07:00Renegades by Marissa - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Renegades</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Marissa Meyer</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTspu_KJzfK9rVt_9BqFfpSupZxmbDQN7DMVyonA3CjlsqrGrQLkMfQUpW0TGnvlc8BEMK93Cba_k-m5hesfZRzMXyyqK9mmjJ1a_tvXxm88Mesl8R7mZUjda80dRfeWWI-eZiC9GGCCI/s1600/28421168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTspu_KJzfK9rVt_9BqFfpSupZxmbDQN7DMVyonA3CjlsqrGrQLkMfQUpW0TGnvlc8BEMK93Cba_k-m5hesfZRzMXyyqK9mmjJ1a_tvXxm88Mesl8R7mZUjda80dRfeWWI-eZiC9GGCCI/s400/28421168.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Renegades</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Marissa Meyer</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Page Count: <span style="font-weight: normal;">576</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Feiwel & Friends</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pub. Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">November 7th, 2017</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><i style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">Secret Identities.<br />Extraordinary Powers.<br />She wants vengeance. He wants justice.</i><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;" /><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;" /><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies—humans with extraordinary abilities—who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone...except the villains they once overthrew.</span><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;" /><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;" /><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice—and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 21px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with ARC of Renegades through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> With a vague synopsis that didn't give me must aside from Sky High (an old Disney channel original movie) vibes, I didn't know quite what I was in for when I started reading <i>Renegades</i>, but I put my faith in Marissa Meyer's very capable hands, and I shall never doubt her skills again.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> I can't say too much about the plot since this is an ARC review and I don't want to spoil anything, but it was very well written, action packed, and unpredictable. It's one of those stories thats begins in the middle of the action--literally starting in an assassination attempt--and I think it works very well for <i>Renegades</i> because it sets the pace for the rest of the story. The first few chapters read slightly slower than the rest of the book, but from the moment Nova decides that she is going to act as a double agent for the Anarchists by entering the trials to become a Renegade, I found myself sucked in and unable to put it down, constantly being hit with twists and turns as soon as I started to believe I had figured it out. I must say that the plot twist at the end truly shocked me, and I can't believe I have to wait so long to see what happens next!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> Meyer's vivid descriptions throughout the novel really help to transport the reader into the world of Renegades and Anarchists. She not only gives a fantastic visual description of Gatlon City including everything from the Renegades' headquarters, to the Anarchists' subway tunnels, to every individual street vendor's cart and product which makes the city come alive in our minds, but also describes the city's rich history with the Age of Anarchy and the Battle for Gatlon which allows ua to truly feel and sense the tension and uneasiness present in the city. The only thing I wish she had included more of was the history of how prodigies came to be because I thought that their powers were one of the coolest aspects in the story, and she could have expanded more on them.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> There is an expansive list of characters in Renegades which is already hard to keep track of, but with many of them being either superheroes or villains, a lot of them have aliases which makes it even more difficult! For the first few chapters I found myself unable to tell who was who or who had what powers, but eventually got the hang of it. I really enjoyed Nova and Adrian, the two main characters, and thought that Meyer did a good job in giving them interesting backstories which connected to their internal drives. Nova is an Anarchist who wants to destroy the renegades because of what they did to her uncle and possess the power to put anyone she touches to sleep, and Adrian is a Renegade who wants to find the Anarchists responsible for murdering his mother and has the ability to make anything he draws come to life. </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Of course there is a bit of romance between the two of them, but it isn't instalove, and I really enjoyed the way Meyer incorporated it into the story as to make it not feel forced. </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">The POV switches between them throughout the story, giving the reader the point of view of both an Anarchist and a Renegade, allowing them to decide which side they believe to be in the wrong. Aside from the main characters I must say I found the rest to be a bit lacking. Some of them had half-decent back stories and character development, as if some were just lost or forgotten along the way. I did enjoy the Anarchist entourage of Ingrid, Lyon, Phobia, and Honey--I just wish there was more of them, and as for the Renegades, I felt that a few of the characters were present only for their powers. Overall, l I believe Meyer did a good job with her characters.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"> </span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> In conclusion, I give Renegades by Marissa Meyer four out of five stars for being an fantastic, action packed start to a new series, and I highly suggest it to anyone who's a fan of YA, but especially to fans of D.C., Marvel, and superheroes in general. Also, there's a pre-order promotion going on, so if you send in proof of your pre-order to the publisher <a href="http://renegades.universeofmarissameyer.com/renegades-preorder-promotion/">HERE</a> you can get either a Renegade or Anarchist button pack--and you get to pick! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to pre-order <i>Renegades</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781250044662/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/renegades-marissa-meyer/1125840006?ean=9781250185563#/" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Renegades-Marissa-Meyer/dp/1250044669/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1507706109&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-69898910009981248352017-10-11T20:17:00.000-07:002017-10-11T20:17:14.246-07:00Mini Reviews - Volume 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy7pkyeNawIojTYqPzQuB3QGx5TgsVitB8TfXg0mU2GW5_MuX2Ei0xnmwP_syIYt779u-svm-RllBjgnjLc0tG0EOyE2rcpzBUSeHvm84NYhQKU88tP5GdD2vBuJ_Y8hO_R9lJjYySz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-11+at+3.40.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="958" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy7pkyeNawIojTYqPzQuB3QGx5TgsVitB8TfXg0mU2GW5_MuX2Ei0xnmwP_syIYt779u-svm-RllBjgnjLc0tG0EOyE2rcpzBUSeHvm84NYhQKU88tP5GdD2vBuJ_Y8hO_R9lJjYySz4/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-11+at+3.40.34+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey guys! I thought since I don't always have time to write full length reviews for every book I read and I have some books that I just didn't write enough notes on for a full length review, that I'd start a series on my blog where I post little mini reviews for books I've recently read. Here's volume one of my mini reviews--I hope you enjoy!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Disclaimer</b>: I was provided a copy of each of these books by their publishers through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;">Reincarnation Blues</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: large;"> by Michael Poore</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tFAU6PmQf_pQghHUJlaV-GWQaThENxrenD8M5iNYXAvXu1Q4hD-hDAORJ8y_SBm9K4C2ZiMKKpNhd1rmv-cc120wkTKvNIQMKYJjsP9bcpZFZa_kiWh6_AB7ePxn7q_A2afQFBN6skg/s1600/33571217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tFAU6PmQf_pQghHUJlaV-GWQaThENxrenD8M5iNYXAvXu1Q4hD-hDAORJ8y_SBm9K4C2ZiMKKpNhd1rmv-cc120wkTKvNIQMKYJjsP9bcpZFZa_kiWh6_AB7ePxn7q_A2afQFBN6skg/s320/33571217.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<b style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">Synopsis</b>: <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A magically inspiring tale of a man who is reincarnated through many lifetimes so that he can be with his one true love: Death herself.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What if you could live forever—but without your one true love? Reincarnation Blues is the story of a man who has been reincarnated nearly 10,000 times, in search of the secret to immortality so that he can be with his beloved, the incarnation of Death. Neil Gaiman meets Kurt Vonnegut in this darkly whimsical, hilariously profound, and wildly imaginative comedy of the secrets of life and love. Transporting us from ancient India to outer space to Renaissance Italy to the present day, is a journey through time, space, and the human heart.</span></span><b><br /></b>
<b style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">My Thoughts</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small;">: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">J<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">ust from reading the summary of Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore, I could tell it was going to be a story unlike any other I'd read before, and it did not disappoint. We, the readers, get to experience all of Milo's 9,995 lives on his quest for perfections, and the variety of fuck ups that occur along the way. I especially loved how the stories of his lives weren't told in chronological order and differed in length, although I did find some to drag on longer then others. The book itself has a very unique sense of humor in the writing, and I think Poore does a fantastic job of expressing that humor through Milo and creating a character that every reader can come to love and feel sympathy for. I also thought that the romance between Milo and Death--I mean Suzie--was really unique in the way that they've been together for several thousand years, but are only able to be with each other in between Milo's lives. All in all I give Reincarnation Blues four out of five stars for being fun, quirky, and unique, but also slow at times. I highly recommend Reincarnation Blues to fans of sci-fi and fantasy who are looking for something fresh and new and exciting. (PS: Do you see how gorgeous that cover is?!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UV8jOWYUokjqdhrkpZkTkMicZuL1YLno38wirZDDvvGyaafwCOto5nCfUZyF5ZJcDaYnGsw4WsxUZUjbKVUR92BE7XxevjzoNaN0ok2i1YuPUo8ZKt5EjLfeXL-p2xTx95bOiHkznMQ/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UV8jOWYUokjqdhrkpZkTkMicZuL1YLno38wirZDDvvGyaafwCOto5nCfUZyF5ZJcDaYnGsw4WsxUZUjbKVUR92BE7XxevjzoNaN0ok2i1YuPUo8ZKt5EjLfeXL-p2xTx95bOiHkznMQ/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Big F</b> by Maggie Ann Martin</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0V0c5R_ab3ZPu6SrbnQAStGeBCTYeHbQ3W5v_Ikn9bfwXeUdY6vZrfkgNa6N1SNLeaxe66k3sQtvSDTbQK11ReXKAii8r2TX8j0Bn6AiYKav12gpbrxugPlQqCHEGCYG0GvXm_J_Sp7A/s1600/cover108804-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0V0c5R_ab3ZPu6SrbnQAStGeBCTYeHbQ3W5v_Ikn9bfwXeUdY6vZrfkgNa6N1SNLeaxe66k3sQtvSDTbQK11ReXKAii8r2TX8j0Bn6AiYKav12gpbrxugPlQqCHEGCYG0GvXm_J_Sp7A/s320/cover108804-medium.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Danielle effed up. Big time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Danielle's plans for the future were all figured out... until she failed senior English and her single college acceptance was rescinded. Determined to get her life back on track, Danielle enrolls in her hometown community college with a plan: pass English and get back into Ohio State—and her mother’s good graces. Romance isn't on her radar... until she reconnects with her childhood crush and golden boy next door, Luke.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Between family drama, first love and finding her own way, Danielle can't help but feel a little overwhelmed. Thankfully she has her friendship with the snarky and frustratingly attractive Porter, her coworker at the campus bookstore, to push her to experience new things and help keep her afloat. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">One thing's for sure: This time, failure's not an option.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>My Thoughts</b>: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Maggie Ann Martin does a fantastic job of including all the the classic YA contemporary romance cliches that we've all come to know in love in The Big F, but altering them ever so slightly to give it a completely different feel from most other YA high school romances. The closest thing that I feel I can compare it to is Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell because both Daniella and Kath are college freshmen, but thats pretty much where the similarities end. It was such a fun, quick read that I highly enjoyed--I especially loved the theme of failure and how it doesn't mean the end of the world.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The story itself was intriguing, but it was the characters who truly brought the story to life for me. Dani being fresh out of high school instead of 16 or 17 was what really made this story unique for me. The way Martin wrote her was so realistic, and I found myself connecting to her trough out the story. Luke is the classic, adorable boy next door, and I loved him to pieces. I liked how the boy next door cliche wasn't the main focus of the story, but rather a tool used to push along the main plot. Zoe is one of the greatest best friends a girl can have, and I honestly wish that I could reach through the pages and pull her into my life to help me out during times of crisis. Porter reminds me so much of a lot of my guy friends who constantly like to push my buttons, but are always sweet and charming when they need to be--and I absolutely loved him! Martin did a fantastic job in writing relatable characters who develop well throughout the story, and find a special place in the reader's heart.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Big F by Maggie Ann Martin, and give it four out of five stars. I recommend this book to any high school junior or senior who's worried about the future, or anyone who wants a fresh take on the classic YA romance.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UV8jOWYUokjqdhrkpZkTkMicZuL1YLno38wirZDDvvGyaafwCOto5nCfUZyF5ZJcDaYnGsw4WsxUZUjbKVUR92BE7XxevjzoNaN0ok2i1YuPUo8ZKt5EjLfeXL-p2xTx95bOiHkznMQ/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UV8jOWYUokjqdhrkpZkTkMicZuL1YLno38wirZDDvvGyaafwCOto5nCfUZyF5ZJcDaYnGsw4WsxUZUjbKVUR92BE7XxevjzoNaN0ok2i1YuPUo8ZKt5EjLfeXL-p2xTx95bOiHkznMQ/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Moxie</b> by Jennifer Mathieu</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsR_apJ6gP_Y_FAbRzDWNTjI2kZNC7Cuxt8bDwXY8HBWpiqpIzklGbIlZgAh1ENa5QyHrumRUnrlX-ZG8A0TP5d8YPa27hQYHg3MvgLsnqZEzi1wCMmD688lQwiJPOpcEoChPGrUqIK0/s1600/33163378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsR_apJ6gP_Y_FAbRzDWNTjI2kZNC7Cuxt8bDwXY8HBWpiqpIzklGbIlZgAh1ENa5QyHrumRUnrlX-ZG8A0TP5d8YPa27hQYHg3MvgLsnqZEzi1wCMmD688lQwiJPOpcEoChPGrUqIK0/s320/33163378.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">Moxie girls fight back!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Vivian Carter is fed up. Fed up with her small-town Texas high school that thinks the football team can do no wrong. Fed up with sexist dress codes and hallway harassment. But most of all, Viv Carter is fed up with always following the rules.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Viv’s mom was a punk rock Riot Grrrl in the ’90s, so now Viv takes a page from her mother’s past and creates a feminist zine that she distributes anonymously to her classmates. She’s just blowing off steam, but other girls respond. Pretty soon Viv is forging friendships with other young women across the divides of cliques and popularity rankings, and she realizes that what she has started is nothing short of a girl revolution.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>My Thoughts</b>: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">I will admit that going into Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu, I didn't really know what it was going to be about and I didn't think I would like it, but after finishing it I want to go up to every other girl in my high school and force them to read it so they can feel as empowered as I did directly after finishing it. Moxie is the story of a girl named Vivian who is done with the sexist way of thinking that her town runs on, so she creates a zine after being inspired by her mom's old things and basically starts a revolution. I absolutely love Vivian, and how realistic she is compared to other main characters of YA contemporaries. She's passionate and zealous and perfect to lead the feminist uprising at her high school. I liked her love interest, Seth, and I thought that the addition of romance was fun to read, but I don't believe it was necessary. It neither added nor took away from the plot as a whole. Moxie also rape/sexual assault which I feel like is seen as a taboo subject in YA literature, so I'm glad Mathieu included it. Overall I give Moxie 4.5 out of 5 stars for being full of such great and important messages such as fighting against injustice, girls helping girls, feminism, and so many more. I believe that this is such an important novel that women of all ages, but especially younger girls, should read to feel empowered and like a boss.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6khkC1osN-SiCfbO3pUpbFdkditT5_EmBzBbjneUO7QQQNd-jRWjDHcxBJmRoIUoT0_7Xp9oT2NgavukIWXgqTmFzo5avAKURj-MiitY_jlD1lQX5pQHaCl4qjd-Ru0CnK41mgHOMTTw/s1600/4_5_StarRating.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="1600" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6khkC1osN-SiCfbO3pUpbFdkditT5_EmBzBbjneUO7QQQNd-jRWjDHcxBJmRoIUoT0_7Xp9oT2NgavukIWXgqTmFzo5avAKURj-MiitY_jlD1lQX5pQHaCl4qjd-Ru0CnK41mgHOMTTw/s400/4_5_StarRating.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">So these are all of my mini reviews I have for y'all at the moment. If you have any thoughts on these books or book suggestions please feel free to leave them in the comments--I'd love to talk about books with you!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">-CG</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-71926217029024116992017-10-02T13:12:00.000-07:002017-10-02T13:12:28.131-07:00Roar by Cora Carmack - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Roar</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Cora Carmack</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK71KgyZAsAaQX-b4scFrU4IG4WjJTBiSKb_kzhZNSLiZgFOc2GbZf_p36dhUq-MFqjBsGM5kuiItLCcGbDuHFNH8v5_r-Ktw-gDv9EqPTOdiWEsv7g5maVDPux7wTg9_XD4rv4-6LU2o/s1600/29939048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK71KgyZAsAaQX-b4scFrU4IG4WjJTBiSKb_kzhZNSLiZgFOc2GbZf_p36dhUq-MFqjBsGM5kuiItLCcGbDuHFNH8v5_r-Ktw-gDv9EqPTOdiWEsv7g5maVDPux7wTg9_XD4rv4-6LU2o/s400/29939048.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphLyngt-33RtAD4iMhRbcJ4ogwghwkyponzZBdKBlIXHj8OFcbbQt0DxbS5ZNTee5y02Hqzrer56abS1bJWCPzZR7fW_6y63pn6CqBN4xj6I2n3Re2BIzgLvOC5iuXK7IPJH4p60tjNA/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><br />
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Title</span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">: Roar</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Cora Carmack</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Page Count: <span style="font-weight: normal;">380</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Tor Teen</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publication Date: <span style="font-weight: normal;">June 13th, 2017</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21px;"> I received Roar many months ago in my June Fairyloot, and I was absolutely thrilled! I've been looking forward to reading for a while and was glad to finally have it in my hands. Although it took me a few months to start it, I went into this novel with high expectations, and Cora Carmack did not disappoint me.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 21px;"> Carmack's ability to write so many interesting characters truly impressed me--usually the main characters are interesting, but the side characters are lacking, but she didn't overlook a single characters. The main character, Aurora/Rora/Roar is a spitfire. In the beginning of the book I was worried that she was going to be a useless princess with no backbone who falls in love with the first guy that actually tries to get close to her, but she proved me wrong. The minute she leaves that castle and sets off to become a storm hunter she completely leaves behind 'Aurora/Rora' and allows 'Roar' completely take over. Locke, Duke, Sly, and the rest of the storm hunters are probably my favorite characters of the entire story. They've each got their own strengths/talents, and the way Cormack writes them truly lets them shine. Roar's first love interest and storm hunter, Locke, is officially a new book boyfriend of mine--he's smart, charming, and incredibly kind to Roar when she is in need . Roar's other love interest, Cassius, is a completely different story. I get Darkling (from the Grisha Trilogy) vibes off of him and I LOVE IT. He, his brother, and his father are completely wicked, and added just the right amount of conflict to allow the story to develop--I can't wait to see what they do in the second novel.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 21px;"><i> Roar</i> had my full attention from the very beginning due to the vivid details Carmack put into the world building, making the Lands of Caelira come alive. I truly admire the way Carmack never skipped out on a single detail of any of the multiple lands, which really helped improve the overall quality of the story. I adored how realistic the world was, even though it was fantasy, and I think that is something that very few authors achieve when writing fantasy. If I was able, I would have loved to have pulled myself into the pages and live in Caelira--when the lands aren't at war, or course.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 21px;"> I found the plot to be, surprisingly, very complex and layered. As soon as I got past the first thirty or so pages of the story which I found to be quite boring, the story really opened up and expanded past what I had assumed it to be. Every time I believed I had figured out the rest of the story, Carmack twisted the plot up once again, leaving it as a mystery. The action scenes had my adrenaline pumping, and I think they really helped to give the book a fast-paced feel even though it's close to 400 pages. Overall, I think Carmack did a fantastic job in creating a new, unique story that is unlike anything I've ever read before. The idea of storms being alive and having magical hearts that humans can steal is something truly new and refreshing to the world of YA fantasy.</span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> In conclusion, I give Roar by Cora Carmack four out of five stars for having a rather slow start, but overall compelling characters and an interesting story line. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique YA story full of fun and adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>Roar</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780765386311/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/roar-cora-carmack/1123683278?ean=9780765386311#/" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roar-Stormheart-Cora-Carmack-ebook/dp/B01M28M0DY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1506975061&sr=8-5&keywords=roar" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-6762902365797989862017-07-25T09:39:00.000-07:002017-07-25T09:40:37.774-07:00One True Pairing by Cathy Yardley Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="900" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0KdeGGI2uCzr1dIqhe_TJCI_SFwJplUhdLkKx_dgl6Sg0XfI1QLSNvIar_ZIhR-nDBPn8bwwOANBsUpzuKhezr7NcSOC57Zg8J8xLUv8zmtXeZlxkk-PuEKH7U95ZZRY5EZUPocb1Q0/s400/OneTruePairing_BlitzBannerr2.png" title="" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Synopsis:</span></b></div>
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}
span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none}
span.s2 {font: 12.0px Times; font-kerning: none}
span.s3 {font: 12.0px Times; font-kerning: none; background-color: #ffffff}
span.s4 {font-kerning: none; background-color: #ffffff}
</style>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span class="s2"><i> <span style="font-size: small;"> They couldn't be more opposite, the Hollywood actor and the hometown girl, but all they need is a little convention magic to become the perfect ship in Cathy Yardley's </span></i></span><span class="s3"><i><span style="font-size: small;">One True Pairing.</span></i></span><span class="s4"><br />
<br /> Jake Reese needs a decoy girlfriend. Fast. The lead actor of the popular TV show, Mystics, is tired of losing his shirt to overeager fans. Literally. Which is why a chance meeting with gothabilly bookworm-slash-barista Hailey Frost seems almost too perfect to be true. Hailey is not impressed with his TV fame and is desperate to save her family's bookstore. It's a match made in Hollywood, but as the two pretend to date, fan fiction becomes reality. Can this OTP become canon?</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 21px;"></span></span></span></span></div>
</h4>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>My Review:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I am a huge sucker for cliche romances as well as a huge sucker for stories involving geek girls, so this book was basically my kryptonite. Cathy Yardley does a fantastic job coming up with relatable characters, interesting story lines, as well as some rather steamy moments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Throughout the entire story, I found myself loving all of the characters. Hailey, the main female protagonist, is a strong heroine that truly needs no man, but manages to snag the heart of one Jake Reese. Now Jake, he's a sweetheart; he's just trying to work his hardest to make sure he stays on the show he loves. I thought that Hailey's sisters and Jake's cast mates actually added something to the story, and I found their little storylines very interesting--especially Cressida's. All in all, I found a majority of the characters fun and easy to understand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The main premise of the story is these two people fake dating to save a famous guy's career and a normal girl's shop. It's a very cliche plot that has been done before, but nevertheless I found it enjoyable. Of course there was a little bit of insta love in One True Pairing, but that was to be expected, and it didn't really bother me. I found the entire story engaging apart from this random stalker but that I thought was wildly unnecessary, and just a bit extra. It took away from the rest of the story, and I think the author could've found a better way to add in conflict.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> All in all I give One True Pairing by Cathy Yardley four out of five stars for the lovable characters and interesting plot, as well as the random story lines that interject the main plot and take away from the story overall. I suggest this book to anyone looking for a cute, geeky romance who isn't opposed to instalove. I received an ARC of this book off of Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Amazon: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LDSRW2"><span class="s3">www.amazon.com/dp/B071LDSRW2</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">B&N: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-true-pairing-cathy-yardley/1126399768"><span class="s3">www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-true-pairing-cathy-yardley/1126399768</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">iBooks: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781250170538"><span class="s3">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781250170538</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Kobo: <a href="http://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/one-true-pairing"><span class="s3">www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/one-true-pairing</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #0000ff; -webkit-text-stroke: #0000ff}
span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none}
span.s2 {font-kerning: none; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #000000}
span.s3 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; color: #0000ff; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #0000ff}
</style>
</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=LRXhDgAAQBAJ"><span class="s3">https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=LRXhDgAAQBAJ</span></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHLqSDmY-3KGSIo-m0SMNZT_95GAQO6WajJmckwJDht6eYu9leYzTSVLviINHNIIVFdm9MOJmc9w4wKaEAN7TDqJchwaQky7XS1ynqBIIY5lg8ZG5UXShMhFUPTu-JIZR-nGq3WT7qVk/s320/Cathy+Yardley+Author+Pic.jpg" title="" width="211" /></span></span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Author Bio</span></b><br />
<div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cathy Yardley is the author of the Fandom Hearts series, starting with </span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Level Up</span></i></span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-size: small;">, and needs to get out more. When not writing, she's usually lurking on social media, playing </span></span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Fallout 4</span></i></span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-size: small;">, or watching D-list movies and adding to her unnatural mental store of character-actor trivia. She's a fangirl of </span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Supernatural, Doctor Who, Sherlock, LOTR</span></i></span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-size: small;">, and too many others to name. She lives with her family in Seattle. They are considering performing an intervention for her addiction to pop culture.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Author Links</span></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Website: <a href="http://www.cathyyardley.com/"><span class="s3">www.cathyyardley.com</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Cathy-Yardley-12854466085"><span class="s3">www.facebook.com/Cathy-Yardley-12854466085</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #0000ff; -webkit-text-stroke: #0000ff}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
span.s2 {font-kerning: none; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #000000}
span.s3 {font-kerning: none; color: #0000ff; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #0000ff}
</style>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/cathyyardley"><span class="s3">https://twitter.com/cathyyardley</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; background-color: #ffffff}
span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none}
span.s2 {font-kerning: none}
span.s3 {font: 12.0px Times; font-kerning: none}
</style><style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}
span.s1 {font: 12.0px Times; font-kerning: none}
span.s2 {font: 12.0px Times; font-kerning: none; background-color: #ffffff}
span.s3 {font-kerning: none; background-color: #ffffff}
</style></div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-34386151460976849442017-07-15T16:36:00.000-07:002017-07-15T16:38:43.116-07:00Most Anticipated YA Releases of August 2017<h2 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Most Anticipated YA Releases of August 2017!</span></h2>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="line-height: 25.5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gNZQ2BUd9pKtthsyaudDxe0woZP0Rrm8zg1GK41M-msI2lz44DrMrC2fG0GngY4KdyHJV8lfM0-jaC5qOvXkCkmB89u70ZTG7KQzS1R-kWnnH3BSxNOV44oU1RZ9qkLrFkEOLM91UBw/s1600/AUG2017YA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="606" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gNZQ2BUd9pKtthsyaudDxe0woZP0Rrm8zg1GK41M-msI2lz44DrMrC2fG0GngY4KdyHJV8lfM0-jaC5qOvXkCkmB89u70ZTG7KQzS1R-kWnnH3BSxNOV44oU1RZ9qkLrFkEOLM91UBw/s400/AUG2017YA.jpg" width="395" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="line-height: 25.5px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It feels like this year has flown by! We're halfway through July, and there's been a ton of awesome releases this month, and there are a ton of incredible looking books coming out in August as well. I'm going to start a new series this month where I write a post of my featuring most anticipated reads of the upcoming month starting this month, so I hope you enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<h5 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Wonder Woman: Warbringer By Leigh Bardugo</span></h5>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw9WusBDkr-bQWHF3z6jBrGkDQ3BUUlElLt2qT-icVK547q2XMQBvJzwwuwKwrCwTDFp6xQuDPbDw0uux7X4HKbenBMhx2dcUzvLdymvN4II1rr2wX1ivYlFH_PoC2W28tD0Z970GTGc/s1600/29749085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw9WusBDkr-bQWHF3z6jBrGkDQ3BUUlElLt2qT-icVK547q2XMQBvJzwwuwKwrCwTDFp6xQuDPbDw0uux7X4HKbenBMhx2dcUzvLdymvN4II1rr2wX1ivYlFH_PoC2W28tD0Z970GTGc/s320/29749085.jpg" width="211" /></span></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>: <span style="background-color: white;">She will become one of the world’s greatest heroes: WONDER WOMAN. But first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons. And her fight is just beginning. . . .</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal. Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Alia just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea. She doesn’t know she is being hunted. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Together, Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer. If they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.</span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reason why I'm looking forward to it: I absolutely adore Leigh Bardugo's writing, so I'd pick up any books she's involved in. Besides having Leigh Bardugo as the author, the Wonder Woman movie has had me craving more stories involving Diana since I saw it, and the synopsis of Warbringer has me hooked!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to pre-order Wonder Woman: Warbringer:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Storms-Throne-Glass-Sarah/dp/1619636077/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472712669&sr=8-1&keywords=empire+of+storms" href="https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Woman-Warbringer-DC-Icons-ebook/dp/B01MDN52BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500108393&sr=8-1&keywords=wonderwoman+warbringer" style="color: #00aadc;">Amazon</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Empire-of-Storms-Sarah-J-Maas/9781619636071?ref=grid-view" href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780399549731/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="color: #00aadc;">Book Depository</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/empire-of-storms-sarah-j-maas/1123536925?ean=9781681193571" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wonder-woman-leigh-bardugo/1124692404?ean=9780375976162" style="color: #00aadc;">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Other Links: </span><a href="http://www.leighbardugo.com/m/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author's Website</a>,<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/534809/wonder-woman-warbringer-by-leigh-bardugo/9780399549731/">Publisher</a>, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29749085-wonder-woman" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Goodreads</a></div>
</div>
<h5 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman</span></h5>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqukCP-EiaqYAMFjSQyIiR0DxM9X9cCKjW800RULuSYt5YHJ0yTgvKkFE4qnFkEZqUGzPhGiz3mP98_uCLXauQ12mVmHyI6sNm2Q9tDfX7OqPDi3thM91pB1oLrn7SF5MnI-VY5kSzsbk/s1600/31145039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqukCP-EiaqYAMFjSQyIiR0DxM9X9cCKjW800RULuSYt5YHJ0yTgvKkFE4qnFkEZqUGzPhGiz3mP98_uCLXauQ12mVmHyI6sNm2Q9tDfX7OqPDi3thM91pB1oLrn7SF5MnI-VY5kSzsbk/s320/31145039.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>: <span style="background-color: white;">Kissing Max Holden was a terrible idea...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">After his father has a life-altering stroke, Max Holden isn't himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help him, but she doesn't know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows that she shouldn't let him kiss her. But she can't resist, and when they're caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it'll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?</span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reasons why I'm looking forward to it: I've already read and reviewed an ARC of Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman, and I love, love, LOVED it! (<a href="http://vibrantreads.blogspot.com/2017/06/kissing-max-holden-spoiler-free-book.html">here's the link to my review</a>) I can't wait for other people to get to read Max and Jill's story because it was such a fun, cute, contemporary read that I think everyone can enjoy</span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to pre-order Kissing Max Holden:</span></div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781250111166/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kissing-max-holden-katy-upperman/1124116006?ean=9781250111166" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Max-Holden-Katy-Upperman-ebook/dp/B01KFWX6RG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1498574086&sr=1-1&keywords=kissing+max+holden" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Other Links: </span><a href="https://katyupperman.com/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Author's Website</a>,<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.swoonreads.com/m/kissing-max-holden-2/">Publisher</a>, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31145039-kissing-max-holden" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Goodreads</a></div>
</h3>
</div>
<h5 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Zenith (Book #1 of the Andoma Saga) by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings</span></h5>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QQNZCewXC3A1WpqqcPjVDQfc6GA-8Dy4Xr1js_iaFpY8hMxuWxEbf8txOwaDO4U2eTQy393wfUs3icXoQpr9s9Kp9DoTFL8lUWKoIgeOP8sJmE-64ou8tOvXgd0RRtr1IACEDXVgL0c/s1600/31394234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QQNZCewXC3A1WpqqcPjVDQfc6GA-8Dy4Xr1js_iaFpY8hMxuWxEbf8txOwaDO4U2eTQy393wfUs3icXoQpr9s9Kp9DoTFL8lUWKoIgeOP8sJmE-64ou8tOvXgd0RRtr1IACEDXVgL0c/s320/31394234.jpg" width="210" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>: <span style="background-color: white;">Most know Androma Racella as the Bloody Baroness, a powerful mercenary whose reign of terror stretches across the Mirabel Galaxy. To those aboard her glass starship, </span><em style="background-color: white;">Marauder</em><span style="background-color: white;">, however, she's just Andi, their friend and fearless leader.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">But when a routine mission goes awry, the </span><em style="background-color: white;">Marauder</em><span style="background-color: white;">'s all-girl crew is tested as they find themselves in a treacherous situationand at the mercy of a sadistic bounty hunter from Andi's past.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Meanwhile, across the galaxy, a ruthless ruler waits in the shadows of the planet Xen Ptera, biding her time to exact revenge for the destruction of her people. The pieces of her deadly plan are about to fall into place, unleashing a plot that will tear Mirabel in two.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Andi and her crew embark on a dangerous, soul-testing journey that could restore order to their shipor just as easily start a war that will devour worlds. As the </span><em style="background-color: white;">Marauder</em><span style="background-color: white;"> hurtles toward the unknown, and Mirabel hangs in the balance, the only certainty is that in a galaxy run on lies and illusion, no one can be trusted.</span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reasons why I'm looking forward to it: SPACE PIRATES!!! Who wouldn't want to read about Space Pirates!?!? Hahahaha, besides Space Pirates, I'm really looking forward to this novel because I've been watching Sasha on her booktube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/abookutopia/featured">abookutopia</a>, for about three years now, and I really enjoy all of the content she puts out, and I haven't read a good sci-fi book in a while now, so I'm hoping this is good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to pre-order Zenith:</span></div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Three-Dark-Crowns-Kendare-Blake/dp/0062385437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472714167&sr=8-1&keywords=three+dark+crowns" href="https://www.amazon.com/Zenith-Androma-Saga-Sasha-Alsberg-ebook/dp/B01N3JKORN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500109312&sr=8-1&keywords=zenith+sasha+alsberg" style="color: #00aadc;">Amazon</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Three-Dark-Crowns/9780062564122" href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780373212590/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="color: #00aadc;">Book Depository</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-dark-crowns-kendare-blake/1123178046?ean=9780062385437" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zenith-sasha-alsberg/1124988032?ean=9780373212590" style="color: #00aadc;">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Other Links: </span><a href="https://www.theandromasaga.com/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Author's Website</a>,<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=70097">Publisher</a>, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31394234-zenith"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Goodreads</span></a></div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<h5 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones</span></h5>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQO47rTGHpumXTpxcLJ2krasY2h0D6361OmKDML7nhlETGZs7sEU8HfNiY3W3YaRRVgKU2wUzcYY6dJFtqQI1jG5WL9RB7GE_mEWzbWSBj5gk8QNwH_9iodO9o8qMOZYOWUnfHNA66lA/s1600/26309792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQO47rTGHpumXTpxcLJ2krasY2h0D6361OmKDML7nhlETGZs7sEU8HfNiY3W3YaRRVgKU2wUzcYY6dJFtqQI1jG5WL9RB7GE_mEWzbWSBj5gk8QNwH_9iodO9o8qMOZYOWUnfHNA66lA/s320/26309792.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>: <span style="background-color: white;">When Dee Moreno makes a deal with a demon—her heart in exchange for an escape from a disastrous home life—she finds the trade may have been more than she bargained for. And becoming “heartless” is only the beginning. What lies ahead is a nightmare far bigger, far more monstrous than anything she could have ever imagined.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">With reality turned on its head, Dee has only a group of other deal-making teens to keep her grounded, including the charming but secretive James Lancer. And as something grows between them amid an otherworldy ordeal, Dee begins to wonder: Can she give someone her heart when it’s no longer hers to give?</span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reasons why I'm looking forward to it: I can't really put my finger on why this book captured my attention, but it just does! I don't think I've read a book with a similar plot before, and I'm hooked by the synopsis. It sounds like a fun, romantic, fantasy novel that I'll be able to get through in one sitting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to pre-order The Hearts We Sold:</span></div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Three-Dark-Crowns-Kendare-Blake/dp/0062385437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472714167&sr=8-1&keywords=three+dark+crowns" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hearts-We-Sold-Emily-Lloyd-Jones-ebook/dp/B01MSVMPNG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500109712&sr=8-1&keywords=the+hearts+we+sold" style="color: #00aadc;">Amazon</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Three-Dark-Crowns/9780062564122" href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780316314596/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="color: #00aadc;">Book Depository</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-dark-crowns-kendare-blake/1123178046?ean=9780062385437" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hearts-we-sold-emily-lloyd-jones/1125284013?ean=9780316314596" style="color: #00aadc;">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Other Links: </span><a href="http://www.emilylloydjones.com/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Author's Website</a>, <span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/emily-lloyd-jones/the-hearts-we-sold/9780316314596/">Publisher</a>, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26309792-the-hearts-we-sold"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Goodreads</span></a></div>
</h3>
<h5 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Wicked Like a Wildfire (Hibiscus Daughter #1) by Lana Popović</span></h5>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x7O59PbhNicCW2-BjUzxm1Dy-sAXrDpthY_V73G2to3Kxp55Qr0qzkmbLhpBG7NmVtJshFkJm98HOgXXxLopDZmqByOHwJbQSXBjGfc_xUx-kVdpRWj9Py1yAQd1nvqAp46agkd5kFU/s1600/32051720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x7O59PbhNicCW2-BjUzxm1Dy-sAXrDpthY_V73G2to3Kxp55Qr0qzkmbLhpBG7NmVtJshFkJm98HOgXXxLopDZmqByOHwJbQSXBjGfc_xUx-kVdpRWj9Py1yAQd1nvqAp46agkd5kFU/s320/32051720.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>: <span style="background-color: white;">All the women in Iris and Malina’s family have the unique magical ability or “gleam” to manipulate beauty. Iris sees flowers as fractals and turns her kaleidoscope visions into glasswork, while Malina interprets moods as music. But their mother has strict rules to keep their gifts a secret, even in their secluded sea-side town. Iris and Malina are not allowed to share their magic with anyone, and above all, they are forbidden from falling in love.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">But when their mother is mysteriously attacked, the sisters will have to unearth the truth behind the quiet lives their mother has built for them. They will discover a wicked curse that haunts their family line—but will they find that the very magic that bonds them together is destined to tear them apart forever?</span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reasons why I'm looking forward to it: Wicked Like a Wildfire just seems like a truly beautiful book--and I'm not just talking about the cover. The synopsis is lovely, and a majority of the reviews I've read called Popović's writing some of the most beautiful writing they've ever read.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to pre-order Wicked Like Wildfire:</span></div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Three-Dark-Crowns-Kendare-Blake/dp/0062385437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472714167&sr=8-1&keywords=three+dark+crowns" href="https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Like-Wildfire-Lana-Popovic-ebook/dp/B01LX5K6U7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500111025&sr=8-1&keywords=wicked+like+wildfire" style="color: #00aadc;">Amazon</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Three-Dark-Crowns/9780062564122" href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780062436832/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="color: #00aadc;">Book Depository</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-dark-crowns-kendare-blake/1123178046?ean=9780062385437" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wicked-like-a-wildfire-lana-popovic/1124588978?ean=9780062436832" style="color: #00aadc;">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Other Links: </span><a href="http://www.lanapopovicbooks.com/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Author's Website</a>, <span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780062436832">Publisher</a>, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32051720-wicked-like-a-wildfire"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Goodreads</span></a></div>
</h3>
<h5 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The Dazzling Heights (The Thousandth Floor #2) by Katharine McGee</span></h5>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9YxwgoIE1fCruAVev9WHeV94l5N_ePnzGDcF_hAhMcfvuXrPjAj64zK6M_FQT3jy-wytQlrjSrUH6UGOm_SLHcGyDEnnKj2zmIQ06TvGEnUuQG-pc5hvJbdYT7C__HXUAIN3rjaRYSs/s1600/32711705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9YxwgoIE1fCruAVev9WHeV94l5N_ePnzGDcF_hAhMcfvuXrPjAj64zK6M_FQT3jy-wytQlrjSrUH6UGOm_SLHcGyDEnnKj2zmIQ06TvGEnUuQG-pc5hvJbdYT7C__HXUAIN3rjaRYSs/s320/32711705.jpg" width="211" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b>: <i style="background-color: white;">New York City, 2118. A glittering vision of the future, where anything is possible – if you want it enough.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Manhattan is home to a thousand-story supertower, a beacon of futuristic glamour and high-tech luxury… and to millions of people living scandalous, secretive lives.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Leda is haunted by nightmares of what happened on the worst night of her life. She’s afraid the truth will get out – which is why she hires Watt, her very own hacker, to keep an eye on all of the witnesses for her. But what happens when their business relationship turns personal?</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">When Rylin receives a scholarship to an elite upper-floor school, her life transforms overnight. But being here also means seeing the boy she loves: the one whose heart she broke, and who broke hers in return.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Avery is grappling with the reality of her forbidden romance – is there anywhere in the world that’s safe for them to be together?</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">And then there’s Calliope, the mysterious, bohemian beauty who’s arrived in New York with a devious goal in mind – and too many secrets to count.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Here in the Tower, no one is safe – because someone is watching their every move, someone with revenge in mind. After all, in a world of such dazzling heights, you’re always only one step away from a devastating fall….</span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reasons why I'm looking forward to it: I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Thousandth Floor, and I hope I like this one just as much! Also, I've met Katharine twice now (once when she visited my creative writing class at school and once at Teen Book Con), and both times she's been so nice and fun to talk to which makes me want to have her books even more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to pre-order The Dazzling Heights:</span></div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Three-Dark-Crowns-Kendare-Blake/dp/0062385437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472714167&sr=8-1&keywords=three+dark+crowns" href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+dazzling+heights&sprefix=the+dazzl%2Caps%2C202&crid=1I02BHQB19GQP" style="color: #00aadc;">Amazon</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Three-Dark-Crowns/9780062564122" href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780062418623/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="color: #00aadc;">Book Depository</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-dark-crowns-kendare-blake/1123178046?ean=9780062385437" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dazzling-heights-katharine-mcgee/1125815596?ean=9780062418623" style="color: #00aadc;">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Other Links: </span><a href="http://katharinemcgee.com/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Author's Website</a>, <span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062418623/the-dazzling-heights">Publisher</a>, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32711705-the-dazzling-heights"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Goodreads</span></a></div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 25.5px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">That's it for my most anticipated YA releases of August 2017! I'd love to know which books you're looking forward to down in the comments! Hope you have a great day! </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-CG</div>
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 25.5px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Links: </span><a href="http://vibrantreads.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blogger</a>, <a href="https://vibrantreadsblog.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wordpress</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vibrantreads/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bookstagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkWpv1i2iBVL9Xgd05zkIaQ" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Booktube</a></div>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-88506259985081661342017-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:002017-07-12T13:17:47.979-07:00Kissing Max Holden - Spoiler Free ARC Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Kissing Max Holden</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Katy Upperman</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<b>Spoiler Free!</b></h2>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yhLUT-1iLlUTsGbUZeqiS6s_Z8PDJLGM1iYrhMMx335kdLqvoHGiET8YNXA2IGssojaIOl2-c7qcaRQ852rXTwINJaOOJTVei8aGhlfHU15Lx7VD0o53YyUUcuM_pgE97JaWV8Wf4mQ/s1600/9781250111166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="287" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yhLUT-1iLlUTsGbUZeqiS6s_Z8PDJLGM1iYrhMMx335kdLqvoHGiET8YNXA2IGssojaIOl2-c7qcaRQ852rXTwINJaOOJTVei8aGhlfHU15Lx7VD0o53YyUUcuM_pgE97JaWV8Wf4mQ/s400/9781250111166.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphLyngt-33RtAD4iMhRbcJ4ogwghwkyponzZBdKBlIXHj8OFcbbQt0DxbS5ZNTee5y02Hqzrer56abS1bJWCPzZR7fW_6y63pn6CqBN4xj6I2n3Re2BIzgLvOC5iuXK7IPJH4p60tjNA/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><br />
<div>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Title: Kissing Max Holden</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Author: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Katy Upperman</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Page Count: 304</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: Swoon Reads</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Publication Date: August 1st, 2017</span></span></div>
</div>
</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Kissing Max Holden was a terrible idea...</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> After his father has a life-altering stroke, Max Holden isn't himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help him, but she doesn't know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows that she shouldn't let him kiss her. But she can't resist, and when they're caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it'll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I received an advanced readers copy of this book off of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Katy Uppeman takes her own unique twist on the classic boy next door story in her debut novel. It's the perfect amount of fun, witty, and serious, and I think that Upperman did a fantastic job. She created lovable characters, hatable characters, a ship that everyone will enjoy, and some seriously awesome make out scenes without making the book too cringe or too unbelievable. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> A majority of the Contemporary YA Romances set in high school read as completely unbelievable or fake, but thats not an issue I had at all with Kissing Max Holden. By the title alone I thought I was gonna be in for another cheesy teen romance, but I ended up finding so much more. Both Max and Jill have a lot of shit going on in there personal lives, and Upperman does not skip over that. She goes into deep detail on how Max's father's stoke has effected him and how the strained relationship of Jill's parents (and her father in particular) change her over the course of the novel. I feel this is something most typical YA romances lack, and I found it rather nice.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> One aspect I believe Upperman did particularly well was create sone truly incredible characters. There was Jill and Max and Betsy and ivy and Leah and the parents and so so many more. Max as well as Jill go through some major character development throughout the story that really helps to build their personalities past the cliche good girl and bad boy. i especially loved how Jill was a pastry chef--I found myself craving cookies and brownies and cakes on more than one occasion. Upperman didn't skip out on the side characters as well, all of Jills friends had interesting characteristics and I would kill to have a friend as great as Kylie. Also, I think that families/family dynamics that Upperman created were just outstanding. With Jills family, I thought that having a new baby on the way which caused some financial issues helped to set up for later....things (I WANT TO RANT SO BADLY BUT NO SPOILERS!), and that Meredith and Jills relationship wasn't terrible like the normal stereotype of stepmother/stepdaughter relationships. Now, Jills father may be my least favor character. He just has no bounds, and even though I could see where Upperman was going with his character I still hated him so, so much. Max's dad (Bill), on the other hand, I really felt for. Having had a friends father go through a similar thing (a stroke that lead to him just living in a vegetative state for years) really helped me imagine Max's family and understand them better. Max and Ivy (his younger sister) both act out in response to this, their poor mother tries to keep their family together, and their old sister treats Bill like he can't do anything on his own. I found all of the character so intriguing and I really have to give Upperman major props for this feat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> The story itself was fantastic, but as I stated with Jills father, I could see some major plot points coming from a mile away. This isn't a terrible thing, but I found some things to be very predictable and almost wished that Upperman went in a different direction to change things up to make a fantastic thing even better. She did manage, however, to throw me off guard with sever things as well. One thing in particular that had me literally scream out "HOW COULD THEY!" has to do with Meredith's medical bills--you'll just have to read and see. To summarize things, it was just really cute, fun, and I really enjoyed it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><br /></em></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> In conclusion, I give <i>Kissing Max Holden</i> four out of five stars. It was really adorable and fun, but also believable with interesting characters. The only issue I found with it was there were some predictable plot points. I highly suggest Kissing Max Holden to anyone looking for a fun contemporary read, and if you go pre-order Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman there's a pre-oder giveaway going on for it right now, and everyone gets a prize if you email proof of purchase.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>Kissing Max Holden</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781250111166/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kissing-max-holden-katy-upperman/1124116006?ean=9781250111166" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Max-Holden-Katy-Upperman-ebook/dp/B01KFWX6RG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1498574086&sr=1-1&keywords=kissing+max+holden" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-35822121215354766682017-06-23T11:08:00.000-07:002017-06-23T11:09:41.996-07:00A Court of Wings and Ruin - Book Review<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A Court of Wings and Ruin </span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Sarah J. Mass</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>DISCLAIMER</b>: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphLyngt-33RtAD4iMhRbcJ4ogwghwkyponzZBdKBlIXHj8OFcbbQt0DxbS5ZNTee5y02Hqzrer56abS1bJWCPzZR7fW_6y63pn6CqBN4xj6I2n3Re2BIzgLvOC5iuXK7IPJH4p60tjNA/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphLyngt-33RtAD4iMhRbcJ4ogwghwkyponzZBdKBlIXHj8OFcbbQt0DxbS5ZNTee5y02Hqzrer56abS1bJWCPzZR7fW_6y63pn6CqBN4xj6I2n3Re2BIzgLvOC5iuXK7IPJH4p60tjNA/s320/IMG_3456.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Details</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Title</b></span>: <span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">A Court of Wings and Ruin</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Author</b>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Sarah J. Mass</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Page Count</b>: 699</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Publisher</b>: Bloomsbury</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Publication</b> <b>Date</b>: May 2nd, 2017</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"> </span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. <b>I</b> was the nightmare.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places.</span>(</span><i style="line-height: 21px;">Goodreads summary</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">)</span></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">I honestly went in to ACOWAR thinking that Mass was gonna try to rip out my heart, then repair it, then rip it out again, step on it, roll it in some broken glass, and then throw it into a bucket full of lemon juice--and boy was I right.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> The book begins with Feyre causing havoc in the spring court as revenge for Tamlin siding with the King. I personally loved seeing the manipulative side of Feyre--especially when she used it to make Ianthe look like an idiot. I also loved how Lucien teamed up with her and became more of an interesting character than he was in the first and second books.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> Nesta and Elain are two characters who also develop quite a bit in this novel as well. We readers got a glimpse of what they were like when they were thrown into the cauldron, but Mass did a fantastic job with them in ACOWAR. Elain begins the book as a frail little thing who doesn't do anything other than mope around, but by the end she's holding Azriel's dagger on the battle field (...I kind of ship Elain and Azriel more than Lucien and Elain DON'T KILL ME PLEASE). Nesta, on the other hand, was a spitfire even before she was thrown into the cauldron, and that just intensified afterwards. She and Cassian are my new favorite ship, and I especially love the scenes where they just bicker back and forth. Both girls play a key part in ACOWAR, and I really can't see the novel being as good as it is without them.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> Though the inner circle has gotten bigger by adding Nesta and Elain, the original members are still going strong. Amren continues to be one of my personal favorites, and the sacrifice she makes at the end was really touching, and I'm so glad that she's still with them. Cassian and Azriel are still the best Illyrian warriors ever, and I think that they got a little bit more 'air time' so to speak in this book and I loved it. Now, Mor....I had some issues with her in this novel, but that can wait for a later paragraph.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> I can't believe I've gone this long without talking about everyone's favorite High Lord, Rhysand. I think we all went through an emotional roller coaster ride with Rhys in this novel--especially when Sarah ripped out all of our hearts by telling us that he had died. Of course it was only a momentary death before all of the high lords (yes, even Tamlin....I now consider him less of a prick) helped to resurrect him and bring Amren back to her human form. Also, Feyre and Rhysand's relationship develops so much </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> Aside from the Characters, I believe that Mass did a fantastic job in concluding the series. I know that there are going to be more books in the ACOTAR world, but this is teh last book with Feyre and Rhys as the main characters, and Mass ended their story well. The past two books have been leading up to the epic battle between Hybern and Prythian, and the battle itself did not disapoint. Mass also did well in displaying the politics side of war with the discussions of alliance and battle tactics between all the high lords. Almost every scene throughout the novel had me fully invested, and I can't wait to see what the next books have to offer.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> I'm glad that everyone's story had a somewhat happy ending (well....besides Hybern), but here is also where all of my happy thoughts about the book ends and I have to talk about everything I didn't like. Before I dive in on the deeper issues I just want to discuss some of the smaller things. Starting off, I think that bringing in Feyre's father as some pirate like figure was completely unnecessary and random. I get that Sarah had to get a ton of other troops to the battle field to help the good guys win, but Feyre's father was such a small character. Plus, he was only there for a chapter or two before he got killed so I really think it was not needed. Another minor complaint I have is that I think the sex scenes were a bit blasé compared to those in ACOMAF--if not a bit redundant.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> Now onto the bigger issue that I think a lot of people have been talking about--the lack of diversity. Honestly, before all these people started complaining about it, I didn't find any issue with it. Looking back on great series like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings there is a lack of diversity in those books as well, but it's not that big of a problem to me since it doesn't effect the content of the book itself. Don't get me wrong--I think it's important to have diversity and recognize different races, sexualities, etc. in literature, but I don't think it's good when it comes across as forced, and that's how I felt about it in ACOWAR. I think Mass was trying to overcompensate for the apparent lack of diversity in the other books by making Mor a lesbian and adding characters like Helion and co. She almost plays into the slutty bisexual stereotype with Helion, and if she had made Mor come out in the earlier books it could have made a stronger impact and would have felt much less forced. I just wish that Mass would've left her story alone and not let other people's criticisms effect her story as much, or that she could have at least waited to add some more diversity in the story in a smoother way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> In conclusion, I give <i>A Court of Wings and Ruin</i> four out of five stars. I thought that despite some of the issues I had with the amount of diversity in the world and the way Mass addressed this, the story line, character development, and overall kick-ass-awesomeness that ensured outweigh the problems leaving the reading feeling completely satisfied. I highly suggest the ACOTAR series to anyone interested in fantasy at all as it is one of my absolute favorites.</span></span></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s1600/Four-Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="600" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ih_kRN-03nLcV4JSmVCRJr8DKu13vVKkvBoWHiddTdzoUu2gpRcNZLuTE74RU069Zc0yNhWVeSxXLYNUYUeCaAgZvbyqn9H320BUcSerUMLekU9h0cxpm1Pby0vnjNHsIZnHJ2toEWg/s320/Four-Stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to purchase <i>A Court of Wings and Ruin</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781619634480/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-court-of-wings-and-ruin-sarah-j-maas/1125299079?ean=9781619634480" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Court-Wings-Ruin-Thorns-Roses/dp/1619634481/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1498172589&sr=1-1&keywords=a+court+of+wings+and+ruin" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-91147194436249741132017-04-17T06:47:00.000-07:002017-04-17T07:06:44.538-07:00But Then I Came Back - Book Review<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRYEC0WbkDLHDvJ5_jJTgomXZO1pYN8S8kccVzvVZbfOl6L1DfKsbP9_JBooi3X0CygcJo8jcqOvpoMeaEqZ3Epk2LtdLVP4M1zHaZTfRwONtbQQC0MP-3zoGoEBblZBKmQtSweKWj6g/s1600/30201136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRYEC0WbkDLHDvJ5_jJTgomXZO1pYN8S8kccVzvVZbfOl6L1DfKsbP9_JBooi3X0CygcJo8jcqOvpoMeaEqZ3Epk2LtdLVP4M1zHaZTfRwONtbQQC0MP-3zoGoEBblZBKmQtSweKWj6g/s1600/30201136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></h2>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But Then I Came Back by Estella Laure Review</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionMExwNniZ_mwi7Z00opNm7YRqmPq4t8Q3juCOKvFtDSQy8Vc6pMO3nk-KdfNQ55t9ByHwO0eMrutTqRhYEFP0Tr1wgc1wXdHGEHHCkDiR-pXgmJi-Oh_InbThKu6OY2evi-E0Q2j45c/s1600/27202450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionMExwNniZ_mwi7Z00opNm7YRqmPq4t8Q3juCOKvFtDSQy8Vc6pMO3nk-KdfNQ55t9ByHwO0eMrutTqRhYEFP0Tr1wgc1wXdHGEHHCkDiR-pXgmJi-Oh_InbThKu6OY2evi-E0Q2j45c/s400/27202450.jpg" width="266" /></a></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Title</b></span>: <span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">But Then I Came Back</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Author</b>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Estelle Laure</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Page Count</b>: 288</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Publisher</b>: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Publication</b> Date: April 4th, 2017 </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DISCLAIMER</b>: I was provided a ARC by the publisher off of NetGalley for review</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"> </span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;">Gayle Forman meets Francesca Lia Block in this dazzling story about two coma girls and the boy who connects their lives. From the author of This Raging Light, a debut that <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Morgan Matson calls “remarkable.”</b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;">“Something does exist. I saw. It’s a place. Like this but different.”<br />“Okay, so let’s say we do reach her, that something like that is even possible. Then what?”<br />“Then we ask her to come back.”</i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;">Eden:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> As far as coma patients go, Eden’s lucky. She woke up. But still, she can’t shake the feeling that she might have dragged something back from the near-afterlife.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;">Joe:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> Joe visits the hospital every day, hoping that Jaz, his lifelong friend, will wake up. More than anything, he wants to hear her voice again. But he’s not sure anyone can reach her.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eden & Joe: </b><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though she knows it sounds crazy, Eden tells Joe that they might be able to talk to Jaz. Opening themselves up to the great unknown—and each other—Eden and Joe experience life: mysterious and scary, beautiful and bright.</span>(</span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Goodreads summary</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">When I started reading But Then I Came Back, I didn't immediately realize it was a companion to This Raging Light--it was only at the very end that I was able to realize they were connected. I think that's really cool for fans of This Raging Light because it adds more to the story, but it's not so connected that someone couldn't just pick up But Then I Came Back off of the shelf and start reading it without reading the prior book.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> This was a very believable story, and Eden was an extremely realistic character for a YA novel. I like that she didn't immediately bounce back from being in a coma like so many characters in YA literature who magically heal from being sick and go back to regular life. I was rooting for Joe and Eden from the very beginning, and my little fangirl heart died a little during every romantic scene, but I wish there was more. Lastly, there's Jasmine. She was such an incredible character, but I feel like she got lost in the story, and I would have really liked for her to have a larger part.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Now lets talk about some of the things I didn't really like. The beginning for me was a little bit confusing, but that passed (thankfully). Also, the story seemed to get...distracted in some parts--going off on tangents and things just unrelated to the main story line. And that is it for the dislikes! I really overall liked this book, and I am so thankful to have received an ARC of it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> In conclusion, I give <i>But Then I Came Back</i> Four stars for being an interesting, believable story filled with such incredible characters. I highly suggest this to anyone looking for a realistic read that can be easily read in one sitting.</span></span></span><br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-DA9x2rcjX6OAeLk9gxDOUf0JUgnH0QpS7OzP5_aXh620RTLf0MV9CM5CZ_sA365I4nnUbsTLVW93dD-92y1ELs_XVOIeJA0y4RsHtZL1yflYIv7lZ-QgO1gKyhB7jZ6r2uALgbsfEw/s1600/fourstars.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-DA9x2rcjX6OAeLk9gxDOUf0JUgnH0QpS7OzP5_aXh620RTLf0MV9CM5CZ_sA365I4nnUbsTLVW93dD-92y1ELs_XVOIeJA0y4RsHtZL1yflYIv7lZ-QgO1gKyhB7jZ6r2uALgbsfEw/s320/fourstars.png" width="320" /></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to order But Then I Came Back</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780544531260/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/but-then-i-came-back-estelle-laure/1123877693?ean=9780544531260" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/But-Then-I-Came-Back-ebook/dp/B01912P3X6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1492436790&sr=1-1&keywords=but+then+i+came+back" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-22727151876355116762017-04-08T20:01:00.002-07:002017-04-08T20:01:15.581-07:00March Book Haul!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
March Book Haul!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/otcLW_ffipc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/otcLW_ffipc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Hey Guys! I finally created my own booktube channel, VibreantReads! Here's my first video, my March book haul, and it would mean so much to me if you would go like, comment, and subscribie.<br />
Here's the link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otcLW_ffipc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otcLW_ffipc</a><br />
Thanks! - CGVibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158832084650266788.post-31205217127122583252017-03-21T21:47:00.000-07:002017-03-21T21:56:48.601-07:00Geekerella - Book Review<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRYEC0WbkDLHDvJ5_jJTgomXZO1pYN8S8kccVzvVZbfOl6L1DfKsbP9_JBooi3X0CygcJo8jcqOvpoMeaEqZ3Epk2LtdLVP4M1zHaZTfRwONtbQQC0MP-3zoGoEBblZBKmQtSweKWj6g/s1600/30201136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRYEC0WbkDLHDvJ5_jJTgomXZO1pYN8S8kccVzvVZbfOl6L1DfKsbP9_JBooi3X0CygcJo8jcqOvpoMeaEqZ3Epk2LtdLVP4M1zHaZTfRwONtbQQC0MP-3zoGoEBblZBKmQtSweKWj6g/s1600/30201136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRYEC0WbkDLHDvJ5_jJTgomXZO1pYN8S8kccVzvVZbfOl6L1DfKsbP9_JBooi3X0CygcJo8jcqOvpoMeaEqZ3Epk2LtdLVP4M1zHaZTfRwONtbQQC0MP-3zoGoEBblZBKmQtSweKWj6g/s1600/30201136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeGK64fwoQ51A6L65S8l7SNrxE1EkgQnpPuYkahjkz1L9v9d0x2iEbHxEqfWbIsaluHD1Xpau96wQHTxsr-LUb-gsa6S7vLKE5p4Xp7rk_g9SPgpXxKYxtxkCGazI0q-u_RlD3XCFEA8/s1600/9781594749476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeGK64fwoQ51A6L65S8l7SNrxE1EkgQnpPuYkahjkz1L9v9d0x2iEbHxEqfWbIsaluHD1Xpau96wQHTxsr-LUb-gsa6S7vLKE5p4Xp7rk_g9SPgpXxKYxtxkCGazI0q-u_RlD3XCFEA8/s1600/9781594749476.jpg" /></a></h2>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Geekerella by Ashley Poston Review</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Title</b></span>: <span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Geekerella</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Author</b>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashley Poston</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Page Count</b>: 320</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Publisher</b>: Quirk Books</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Publication</b> Date: April 4th, 2017 (MARK YOUR CALENDERS!!)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DISCLAIMER</b>: I was provided a free eARC of this book by the publisher off of NetGalley in return for my honest review</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">Synopsis</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.</span>(</span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Goodreads summary</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">My Review</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26.208px;">: </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Geekerella </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">being the first YA book Quirk Publishing has published since Miss Peregrines, I was expecting a lot--and I was certainly not disappointed. I managed to finish this book the day I downloaded it off of NetGalley, and I can't wait to get my hands on a hard copy! Poston relates to the geeks inside of all of us with several nods to Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and many, many more. <i>Geekerella</i> is a well written combination of cosplay, fandom culture, mistaken, secret messages, and incredible characters. To me and every other fangirl out there, it is absolute perfection.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> The story itself is a wonderful retelling of Cinderella with a geeky twist. There's still the evil step mother and step-sisters, fairy godmother (but in this case she's a green-haired, vegan-food-truck-driving, fashion-designing lesbian), and, of course, Prince Charming. I loved the fact that the ball was a cosplay contest and that the main characters, Elle and Darien, accidentally start talking because of a stereotypical case of a wrong number. It was simply adorable, and such a fun story that was east to follow.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Now, a story wouldn't be complete without some kick-ass characters, and this book was full of them! I personally loved Gayle, Darien's caretaker of sorts, because she's kind of a mess who somehow gets it together, and Sage, Elle's estranged best friend who likes to food poison people with week old vegan chimichangas. I kind of got Simon Lewis vibes off of Darien with him being such a geek and all, but Darien seems much, much buffer. The main character, Elle, starts off as a somewhat lonely girl with one true love (Starfield), but as the story progresses she makes some new friends, her blog blows up after writing a post bashing her unknown prince charming, and opens her life up to a whole new realm of possibility.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> In conclusion, I give <i>Geekerella</i> five stars for being a breath of fresh air. This book was so light and fun and filled with an array of wonderful, diverse characters. It was so...geektastic and was, unknowingly, just what I was looking for to pull me out of a reading slump. I highly suggest this book to anyone who has ever fangirled or fanboyed over anything in their lifetime, or to anyone who's looking for something fun or light to read.</span></span></span><br />
<h3 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s1600/aTqoaoqpc.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.72px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZOkN7urVP52Et5sNySimKO0DbBhu41S452ZS7pIckTZ35s9GEK53FCuh0A3ynbRuYIElxrSGpfPgOSHOI3xe701sNB6Ohy6mD1PpmDgsTP9117SU5FhkRZjrD3pG-SLtKqOEO2SdPc0/s400/aTqoaoqpc.png" /></a></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "times new roman", times, freeserif, serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to Pre-Order <i>Geekerella</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781594749476/?a_aid=vibrantreads" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Book Depository</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/geekerella-ashley-poston/1123918421?ean=9781594749476" style="color: #4d469c;" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Geekerella-Fangirl-Fairy-Ashley-Poston-ebook/dp/B01HL12LCK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1490157702&sr=1-1&keywords=Geekerella" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">-CG</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
Vibrant Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03932936240208731645noreply@blogger.com0