Blogging and Buddy Reading Goodreads Group!

Hello, my beautiful blogging friends! As many of you probably know I've been reading the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson with my blogger friend Saloni (My Fantabulous Bookshelf) and posting blog discussions about the book. We've had so much fun doing this that we decided to create a group through goodreads to get more people and more books involved!

The name of our group is Read Together. Blog Together (click the name to visit the goodreads page). We've only just started it, but so far things are going pretty well. We have a few buddy reads set for September already (a couple of them are buddies to read/discuss/review some books by indie authors!). If you're interested in joining in on any of our buddy reading and blog discussing (if you don't blog you can still read with us and give/answer discussion questions to be used on the blogs that are participating).

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and join the group and join our fun reading time. You know you want to.

Mid-Year Freakout Tag

I was not actually tagged to do this, but I saw my booktube friend Janie (from Bookworms Buddy) do this tag and I thought it looked like a lot of fun, so here it goes! Most of these questions could be answered with just a couple of books, but I'm going to try and use more than just those.
 

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2015. 

This is the easiest question. This is actually my favorite novel of all time and that is: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.

2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2015.

Some of you may be able to guess this one pretty easily. My favorite sequel of the year is: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson.

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to.

Probably The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey. The cover is what got me for this one. It reminded me so much of the Grisha books (and I love those) that I was immediately drawn to it. We shall see if I get to it. 

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

Brandon Sanderson is dominating this tag so far. The book I'm looking forward to most is: Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson.

5. Biggest disappointment.

This is a really popular book, but it's the first one that came to mind. And I was really disappointed with it. That book is: Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

I just couldn't enjoy this novel. You can find my review on goodreads if you want to see more of my thoughts.
6. Biggest surprise.

I picked this up because the list sounded like an interesting set up for a story. I had no idea I would like it so much. 

This is easily one of my favorites of the year. I would really like to read it again.
7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

This is actually kind of an easy one. I read received her first novel through Netgalley earlier this year and fell absolutely in love with it. Mara Dabrishus. 

I love novels set around horses (if they are done well) and this one was brilliant. I think most fans of young adult contemporary novels would enjoy this even if they aren't horse lovers.
8. Newest fictional crush.

Well, I suppose I have a few. The main one is Kaladin from the Way of Kings. I just adore his character. Beck from Stay the Distance amazing as well, for different reasons. And one that I've been reminded of from rereading is Elend from the Mistborn trilogy. I don't know if I didn't like him as much the first time through or if I had forgotten, but he's just brilliant.
9. Newest favourite character.

Kaladin. Hands down. He's my favorite character of all time.
10. Book that made you cry.

There have been a few. I cried through The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance, but I'll give a new answer. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. Such an emotional book. 

11. Book that made you happy.

A lot of the books I've already mentioned, actually. There were so many parts that were so beautiful in these books. I'm sure there were lots of others as well, but these favorites I've already listed are definitely some of them.
12. Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year. 

I don't think I've seen a book to film adaptation this year, aside from re-watching old ones. I don't tend to watch very many movies. A favorite that I've re-watched that I love is the mini series of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Such an excellent adaptation (I actually prefer it to the book slightly).
13. Favourite review you've written this year. 

I tend to like most of my reviews. Maybe my review for From The Ashes or The Way of Kings. I did really enjoy both of those reviews.
14. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)

Aside from The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance (I love those covers!) I would have to go with Love and Other Unknown Variables by Shannon Lee Alexander. I'm a mathematician, so it had some extra beauty because of the design. I love the book too. (I won this in a giveaway)

15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

The only ones I *need* to read by the end of the year are the ones that I have for review. There are several that I would like to read, but I switch around so much that there's no telling what I'll end up reading.

I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you do this tag, please let me know so I can check it out!

Mistborn: The Hero of Ages Discussion #1

Hello everyone! It's time for another discussion about Brandon Sanderson's The Hero of Ages with Saloni from My Fantabulous Bookshelf. Be warned that there are spoilers for the previous two novels and minor spoilers for this one. Just go and catch up! This is a series that you definitely want to read. 

1.  Do you think that Marsh will be able to defy Ruin’s control in any meaningful way?

    Courtney: I feel really sad for Marsh. I’ve always found his character fascinating and I feel so bad for him being stuck in this position. He wants to eventually defy Ruin and end his own life, but he can barely move a finger without calling the creatures attention. I think that he will definitely play a part somewhere along the way, the real Marsh, not Ruin, but I don’t know how exactly. I just hope that he’s able to act in some helpful way on his own impulses. 

    Saloni: I think that the interactions between Marsh and Ruin are really interesting. I do think that Marsh will be able to defy Ruin and I think it’ll actually be a major way to pull the plot forward. Rather than completely overpower Ruin but I think there will be small moments in between where Marsh will be able to over Ruin for a short period of time, allowing him to perhaps reveal important information.

2. The Inquisitors are exhibiting new and frightening abilities, where do you think this stems from?

    Courtney: The Inquisitor that Vin and Elend fought in the beginning was fast, too fast, which worries Vin. I think it must have something to do with the extra spikes they’re placing in their bodies. And they kill people to do that. Including Keepers. I wonder if they’re somehow taking the power of the person being killed? Somehow they all become Mistborn, so it’s not too much of a stretch that they could gain more power. 

    Saloni: I agree with Courtney. It definitely has something to do with the extra spikes being put in their body, though how exactly the power gets transferred I’m not sure. Perhaps the Feruchemy in Keepers can transfer to Allomancy in the Mistborn Inquisitors somehow? I’m not sure how this would happen, but it’s just a theory.

3. What do you think of the kandra society?

    Courtney: So far I’ve really enjoyed TenSoon’s sections. We’ve not really had a view of the kandra as a people before, only being exposed to a few of them, and I find their hidden society intriguing. The control being with the older kandra and the fact that you never see the Firsts...It will be interesting to find out what’s going on there. 

    Saloni: I’m really enjoying these sections. I wasn’t sure we were going to see more of TenSoon, but I’m so glad we are. I think that the kandra are an interesting society and the way they operate based on generation is a strange yet intriguing form of government. I’m excited to find out how they deal with TenSoon and his betrayal. Perhaps they might go after Vin, but I have really no idea.

Tuesday Talks | First or Third Person?

If you want to get involved with the discussions visit the Tuesday Talks goodreads page to find out topics and follow everyone who participates! You don't have to have booktube or blog, you can participate right there on the group.

First or Third Person: Which Do You Prefer?

For me it's more about the story. Some stories work better with a certain perspective. While I do enjoy first person narratives (and am currently writing one), I think that they have been somewhat overdone recently, particularly in the YA category. Even with first person I tend to prefer novels that switch between different characters. 

What I really enjoy about a third person narrative is that it usually allows the story to have a broader scope. When you're dealing with first person you're confined to a single person's thoughts. With third person, even if you're still mostly following one character, there is some room for outside information. 

Overall I would probably say that I prefer third person, although I have enjoyed many novels that make use of both. 

What do you think, first or third person? Do you have a preference? Let me know in the comments!

Monthly Recommendations | Underrated Books

I've just joined a new goodreads discussion group Monthly Recommendations that was created and is run by Kayla and Trina. Each month there is a new topic and you either blog or video or discuss on the group books that you think fit that topic. You should check it out and join us. 

August: Underrated Books

Ha, there are SO many books that I'm sure I could put on this list, but I'll try and go through and find some that I think deserve more attention (plus I can't think of them all right now). 

• I'm going to start off with Stay the Distance by Mara Dabrishus. It's a 2015 release that I was absolutely addicted to. It's set in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing and has romance, family drama, and of course horses. It's young adult and so good. Seriously, I can't stop thinking about this book. 
• Next I'm going to say All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill. This one is more well known, but not an overly popular title. And I absolutely adored it. Finn was just perfect. It's a time travel young adult adventure. Highly recommend it.  
• Now I need to tell you about Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz. This was my first Koontz novel and made me fall in love with the man. Seriously, aside from Brandon Sanderson he is my favorite author. This book made me laugh so hard I cried. You may think that's extreme since it's supposed to be more suspense horror, but Koontz knows how to have a good laugh in the most frightening of circumstances. 
• I don't want to go on all day, so I'm just going to mention one more. The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill. This is a middle grade or young adult fantasy series that I've read twice (the first two books at least) and really enjoyed. They aren't very widely read, but they are good. 

Like I said before, I could go on and on. And don't worry, I'm sure I'll have more posts coming up that discuss some of my underrated favorites. What are some of yours? Let me know in the comments below!

Lost~Donnielle Tyner | Review

Title: Lost (The Caelian Cycle #1)
Author: Donnielle Tyner
Genre: YA Science Fiction, Dystopian
Length: 209 Pages
Release: June 2015
My Rating: 5/5 Stars

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Review

When I was approached about reviewing this novel, I wasn't entirely sure about doing so. I'm really glad that I did. 

This novel was fresh, original, compelling, and well crafted. Sure there are lots of books out there about people with super powers, but this was a fresh take on the idea. And the powers-Talents, as they're called-are fascinating. Some people who are born Caelian have different skin tones which makes them stand out, Sadie is one of them. 

The Talents bear some similarities to powers from other stories, but have have their own spin on things. There are secondary characteristics that go with different powers and learning to control and harness these abilities is very important. For Sadie it can mean life and death for those she loves. 

The characters in this story are really well written. Sadie is easy to relate to and her heartbreak over losing her boyfriend feels real. She feels guilt over his death and moving on in life after him, which is completely understandable and realistic. And I loved that even when she meets Kian and starts feeling attracted to him that she doesn't just forget her old boyfriend. It's not an insta love fest. She's still conflicted.  Her friends-both Norm (those without powers) and Caelian-are fun and likable. 

The novel is very nicely wrapped up but leaves plenty of unresolved issues for the next installment in the series. I am very excited to read it! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a science fiction or dystopian novel. It's short, fun, and really well done.

 

Tuesday Talks | Favorite Setting

Well, it's Tuesday and that means it's time for some more Tuesday Talks discussions. The discussion group was created by Janie and Janelle and you should definitely come and discuss bookish things with us.

Favorite Settings for Novels

This is kind of a difficult topic for me to discuss because I'm not entirely sure I have a favorite. Fantasy is my favorite genre, so I love a made up world type of setting, but I'm not sure if it's the setting that makes me love the genre so much. 

I think almost anything can be an interesting setting, if done right. Aside from fantasy worlds I really enjoy novels that are set somewhere near the ocean or a body of water. Particularly if the water plays a large role in the novel. I also love a story set around horses. Racing, jumping, dressage, it doesn't matter. 

Another setting I really like is the road. Travel adventures or road trip novels are fascinating to me. I love traveling and seeing new places, so reading about characters traveling just feeds my wander lust. And if the covers have maps on them, that's a bonus. 

So this is a short post, but I'm not sure what else I can really say. If I like the characters I tend to not mind the setting much. What about you? Do you have a favorite setting? Let me know in the comments!