The NetGalley Book Tag

Today I’ve got a fun little tag to share with all of you. I found The NetGalley Book Tag while browsing the internet and thought I would be super fun to take part in. Check out the rules and answers below!

THE RULES:

• Link back to the tag’s creator Kourtni @Kourtni Reads.
• Thank and link back to the person who tagged you.
• Answer the questions the best you can. If you don’t use NetGalley, you can substitute other sites or places where you get books!

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Questions

Auto-Approved
Who’s one author whose books you automatically want to read, regardless of what they’re about?

Leigh Bardugo, Victoria Schwab, Roshani Chokshi

Request
What makes you want to request a book that you see on NetGalley?

Typically I’ve already heard about it online and have gotten hyped for it!

Feedback Ratio
Do you review every book you read? If not, how do you decide what books to review?

I read and review every book I request from NetGalley. The only books I don’t review are typically ones I read for a book club or titles I have no real comments on.

Badges
If you could create your own badge to display on your blog, what would it be for?

It would be cool to create a badge including all of my favorite things so it would represent me and my blog.

Wish for It
What’s one book that you are absolutely dying to read?

We Hunt the Flame and The Merciful Crow

2019 NetGalley Challenge
What was the last book that you received as an ARC that you reviewed?

The two most recent ones are Wicked Saints & The Princess and the Fangirl.

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Do you use NetGalley? Fancy taking part in this tag?

Let me know in the comments below!

The Grishaverse Book Tag

There’s never enough Grishaverse in my life so today I’m doing a book tag inspired by my favorite fictional world! (Honestly how have i not done one yet?) Created by Rebecca Books this tag uses Leigh Bardugo’s iconic characters, so let’s get started!

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Kaz Brekker
(A Book You Shouldn’t Judge By It’s Cover)

My Faire Lady by Laura Wettersten

Nina Zenik
(A Book That Made You Feel Empowered)

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Inej Ghafa
(A Book With A Good Balance Of Character And Plot)

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Alina Starkov
(A Book Unlike Anything You’ve Ever Read)

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Mal Oretzev
(A Book That Always Sticks With You)

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

The Darkling
(A Book With A Dark Plot)

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Jesper Fahey
(A Book That People Always Seem To Leave Out)

The Abyss Surrounds Us by Emily Skrutskie

Wylan Van Eck
(A Book That Wasn’t What It Seemed At First)

Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

Matthias Helvar
(A Book That Was Bad At First But Turned Out Good)

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Nikolai Lantsov
(A Witty Book)

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

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Are you a Grishaverse fan? Who’s your favorite character?

Let me know in the comments below!

Mid Year Book Freak Out 2018

Once again it’s time for a Mid Year Book Freak Out! I snagged these questions from Cait over at PaperFury but from what I can tell the original tag was created by Chami and Ely. Check out my responses below!

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BEST SEQUEL OF THE YEAR SO FAR

With the amount of series I read it’s impossible to pick just one killer sequel so I chose four that I absolutely adored. Stephanie Garber once again brought her A-game with Legendary and I devoured Robin LaFevers His Fair Assassin series with Dark Triumph being my favorite of the three. Whisper of the Tide was an exquisite ending and sequel from Sarah Tolcser and Zoraida Córdova continues to impress with Bruja Born.

NEW RELEASE YOU HAVEN’T READ YET BUT WANT TO

So many new releases, not enough time! At least A Reaper at the Gates, Circe, and Smoke in the Sun are at the top of my TBR list!

MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE FOR AUTUMN / WINTER

It was hard narrowing this down to just four but I love each of these authors and just clamor for anything new from them.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR SO FAR

Honestly with the promise of Scooby Doo for adults this should have been a winner but this book was all sorts of ridiculous. Guess I’ll still be waiting for my reboot.

BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE YEAR SO FAR

I’m actually surprised by how much middle grade I’ve been reading this year and I was especially impressed by Sayantani DasGupta’s debut.

NEW FAVORITE AUTHOR

I’ve been reading so much romance this year that it shouldn’t be surprising that my new favorite authors are all from the genre. Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, and Helen Hoang all have my heart and they’re now all auto-read authors.

YOUR NEWEST FAVORITE CHARACTER

Claire Legrand certainly knows how to write compelling, complex characters cuz Furyborn is chock full of them. Honestly it’s too hard to pick just one but Simon and Audric are my precious children and Eliana and Rielle are my sisters in anger.

BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY

Which books don’t make me cry? That may be a more apt question. Despite my emotions these three books are fantastic even with tears streaming down my face.

A BOOK THAT MADE YOU HAPPY

I need all the happiness I can get these days so contemporaries are a comfort but I can always appreciate an endearing fantasy as well. These three definitely filled my heart with good vibes!

MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK SO FAR

A pictures worth a thousand words, right? This cover love should be enough!

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How has 2018 been for your reading? Did you add a ton of new faves to your shelves?

Let me know in the comments below!

Reader Problems Book Tag

Today I’m bringing you the Reader Problems Book Tag that I discovered while browsing The Book Nut. It’ll give you a little insight into my mind in regards to books.

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1. You have 20,000 books in your TBR, how in the world do you decide what to read next?

Typically I’m picking up new releases or arcs for review but when I go to my backlist I’m looking for titles I was really hyped for or fit my current mood.

2. You’re halfway through a book and you’re just not loving it. Do you put it down or are you committed?

I very very rarely go the DNF route. If I really cannot power through it I have to put it aside for a bit.

3. The end of the year is coming and you’re behind on your reading challenge, do you try to catch up? And if so, how?

Of course I’d try to catchy up and the best way to do this is picking up comics, manga, and novellas. Short and sweet stories that breeze by.

4. The covers of a series you love do not match, how do you cope?

Basically by planning on picking up the new ones regardless.

5. Everyone and their mother loves a book that you do not. Who do you bond with over your shared feelings?

I’d probably just keep my opinions to myself but if I really needed to vent I’d maybe head to Twitter.

6. You’re reading a book in public and you’re about to start crying. How do you deal?

Probably stop reading until I can shed all of my pent up emotions. 

7. The sequel to a book you loved just came out but you’ve forgotten a lot of what happens. Are you going to reread it?

I don’t have the time to reread like this but if I’m super lost I’ll look up recaps to refresh my memories.

8. You do not want anyone to borrow your books, how do you politely say no when someone asks?

Gosh this is really hard. My books are so precious but when I do lend them out I’m very adamant that they will be given the utmost care. 

9. You have picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get over this reading slump?

My tried and true method is going to the romance genre. It really kicks my reading pace back to normal.

10. There are so many books coming out that you are dying to read, how many do you end up buying?

Quite a lot of them. I do try to read them at the library first if I’m not positive I’ll like it but when I love them, I need them.

11. After you purchase all of these books that you’re dying to read how long do they sit on your shelves before you get to them?

Some not long at all, others often gather dust.

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How do you face your reader problems? Any methods I need to try?

Let me know in the comments below!

The Ace of Shades Book Tag ~ #Doves Edition

Hello all! Today I’ve got an exciting book tag to help celebrate one of my most highly anticipated books of the year. Started by my fellow #Doves member Min over at Min & Her Books with the help of Katie at Katsyxo, The Ace of Shades Book Tag is inspired by Amanda Foody’s upcoming fantasy novel. Check out the questions and answers below!

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1. Ace of Shades takes place in the very mysterious, very dangerous City of Sin. Name a fictional city with a personality of it’s own!

Daevabad from S.A. Chakraborty’s The City of Brass. It’s teeming with character and culture housing a vast populace of djinn.

2. The City of Sin is home to three ruthless gangs: the Irons, the Scarhands and the Doves. Tell us about your favorite fictional criminal family/gang!

The Dregs! My crow children are the absolute best especially dear Dirtyhands.

3. Enne and Levi are about to be thrown into a deadly game… Name your favorite book in which the characters must play with, and for, their lives.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern! With the backdrop of the most aesthetically pleasing circus ever, everyone is wrapped up in a longstanding competition that frequently turns deadly. It’s so rich with detail and full of complex emotion.

4. The Doves are a gang of assassins… What book you’d kill to have in your hands right now?

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo. Yes I need my Nikolai book now!

5. The City of Sin is full of people with dark and complicated pasts. Name one book or book series you used to like, but don’t anymore.

Oh the Twilight series. How I loved you when first I read you. Now I don’t know what I was thinking.

6. With complicated pasts abound, we can find many… burnt cinnamon rolls, so to speak. Name a character that has prickly and tough exterior, but is actually a sweetheart deep down!

I’m gonna echo Min on this one. Gavin Brawley from Illegal Contact may be a brute but when he opens up he’s oh so soft.

7. Not only anti-heroes live in the Ace of Shades world! In New Reynes, one can find plenty of villains as well. Which bookish character do you just love to hate?

The Commandant from An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir is a character I cannot help but despise. She’s so brutal and coldhearted even with her own son.

8. You, much like our main character Enne’s mother, went missing in the City of Sin. The main character from the last book you read is the one looking for you… How screwed are you?

Well Odessa from Sarah Glenn Marsh’s Reign of the Fallen is excellent at finding things in the Deadlands so I think I might be alright. Fingers crossed the Sparrow brings her A-game.

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Did you enjoy this tag? Are you getting excited for Ace of Shades?

Let me know in the comments below!

The Air Awakens Book Tag

Today I get to do a book tag for one of my fave series, Air Awakens by Elise Kova. It was created by Sabrina from Beyond the Book Reviews and Alexis from Mad for Books, Luv in celebration of this wonderful world. Check out the questions and answers below!

Graphic from Beyond the Book Reviews

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Vhalla is a library’s apprentice, if you could have an apprenticeship, where or what would it be?

I’ve always been fascinated with architecture and home design and think it would be awesome to apprentice with someone. For a while I wanted to go to school for it but I ended up choosing history instead.

Vhalla battles with many friends by her side, which one of your blogger friends would you like to battle alongside?

I’d love to fight alongside Michelle from Dreaming of Alba. She’s such a fierce friend and I know she wouldn’t let me down.

Aldrik finds a rose garden to be his quiet spot, what’s your favorite place to read?

My favorite place to read is curled up on my couch with my dog snuggling me.

If Baldair invited you to the Gala, what color would you choose for your gown/suit?

I’d love to show up in a flowing red and black gown.

Affinities are dangerous in the Solaris empire. There are WaterRunners, FireBearers, EarthBreakers, and WindWalkers. Which would you want to be?

I’d most want to be a FireBearer with the power to wield flames and see into the future though I do think I’m more like a WaterRunner.

What book would you recommend to Vhalla Yarl if you ran into her at the library?

I’d probably use my go to recommendation of Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.

Baldair’s Golden Guard consists of six members. If you had your own Guard, pick five book characters to join you.

I would have to choose Kaz from Six of Crows for his conniving, Katniss from The Hunger Games for her bow wielding, Dick Grayson from DC Comics for his myriad fighting abilities and acrobatics, Lila Bard from Shades of Magic for her magic/sass, and Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings for his heart.

Between Jax, Baldair, and Daniel, who would you kiss, marry, and kill?

Kiss: Baldair   Marry: Jax   Kill: Daniel

Vhalla’s favorite dessert is a lemon cake. What kind of dessert would you like to eat while reading?

I love anything with peanut butter and chocolate but especially rich cupcakes with lots of frosting.

In the Air Awakens series, which cover do you love the most?

I do go back and forth on this but Fire Falling most frequently stands out in my mind with both Vhalla and Aldrik standing together in their armor.

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Did you enjoy this tag?

Feel free to take part yourself or let me know your answers in the comments below!

The Totally Should’ve Book Tag

I was searching the blogosphere when I came across the Totally Should’ve Book Tag on The Bibliophile Girl and thought it would make for a fun little post. The tag was created by EmmaBooks. Check out my answers below!

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Totally Should’ve…Gotten a Sequel

My friends and I have decided that Celeste Ng needs to write a sequel to Little Fires Everywhere with the kids as grown ups. There’s so many questions I want answered.

Totally Should’ve…Had a Spin Off Series

The Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters totally could’ve expanded with a series focused on the younger generation. Give me all the adventures of Ramses, Nefret, David, Lia, etc.

An Author Who Should…Write More Books

Erin Morgenstern!!! I fell in love with The Night Circus and would totally pick up anything she put out!

A Character Who Totally Should’ve…Ended Up with Someone Else

I honestly still ship Luna Lovegood with Dean Thomas. That last book totally set the stages for a sweet romance.

Totally Should’ve…Ended Differently

How dare you Cassie Clare? The ending of Lord of Shadows crushed my soul! I’m gonna need a different ending stat!

Totally Should’ve…Had a Movie Franchise

Leigh Bardugo’s entire Grishaverse should be brought to the big screen. Full of magic, political upheaval, and even heists, there would be so much world to explore as well as some epic fights.

Totally Should’ve…Had a TV Series

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater would be just such an atmospheric and cinematic story and I think it would make for a gorgeously heart wrenching show.

Totally Should’ve…Only Had One Point of View

Allegiant by Veronica Roth. It kind of ruined the way I felt about Four.

Totally Should’ve…Had a Cover Change

Nemesis and Ally by Anna Banks were pretty much awful.

Totally Should’ve…Kept the Original Covers

I really wish The Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon would have kept the original covers but at least the publisher is doing a special edition with each new book that will match.

Totally Should’ve…Stopped at One Book

Divergent by Veronica Roth. That book was so solid and then the rest of the series slowly dismantled everything I loved about the story.

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Did you agree with my answers? Have different ideas?

Feel free to do your own tag or let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

The Shadowhunter Tag

Sometimes I totally don’t talk about my fave series enough and the Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare all hold a special place in my heart. From The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and The Dark Artifices to all the other offshoots, I just cannot get enough of this world and these characters. Today I’m doing a little tag that Cait at PaperFury did recently to lay down my love for this series.

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WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER?

How could I just pick one? Let’s narrow it down by series at least! For The Mortal Instruments, it has to be Isabelle Lightwood. She kicks serious butt, has great attitude, and always look fabulous doing it. In The Infernal Devices, it will always be Will Herondale. He has my heart and soul. The Dark Artifices is harder to choose since I’m a huge Blackthorn family fan but let’s go with Mark. My smol Fae son.

WHO IS YOUR OTP?

There’s just so many options! By series again: Simon/Izzy, Will and Tessa, and Julian and Emma.

FAVORITE QUOTE?

“There was beauty in the idea of freedom, but it was an illusion. Every human heart was chained by love.” ~ Lady Midnight

MOVIE VS TV SHOW?

I definitely prefer the movie in terms of look and feel but I thought a lot of TV show casting was pretty great.

WHAT WOULD YOUR SHADOWHUNTER LAST NAME BE?

If I’m taking one of the common names it would for sure be Blackthorn but if I had to pick one I’d make it Rainshire.

WOULD YOU RATHER LISTEN TO JACE PLAY PIANO, JEM PLAYING THE VIOLIN, PLAY VIDEO GAMES WITH SIMON, READ A BOOK WITH WILL, OR PAINT WITH JULIAN?

Personally I’d choose to listen to Jem playing the violin. Music can be so soothing and I could just relax as he strung beautiful notes together.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE RUNE WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I think the communication rune would be really cool especially if it meant speaking easily in other languages.

WHAT TYPE OF DOWNWORLDER WOULD YOU BE?

Wow this is harder than I expected. Maybe a warlock, I mean who wouldn’t want magical powers, right?

FAVORITE SERIES SO FAR?

At the moment I’m enthralled by The Dark Artifices. Hopefully the final book won’t ruin things for me.

WHO IS YOUR MOST HATED CHARACTER?

Probably Valentine or Sebastian, those Morgenstern men know how to get under my skin.

IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH A CHARACTER, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Probably Izzy. I’d love to just chill in NYC with her, walk around, sight see, go shopping, hunts some demons. A regular day.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE SHADOWHUNTER BOOK?

Can I say a tie between Lady Midnight and Lord of Shadows?

WHICH BOOK HAD THE WORST CLIFFHANGER?

Lord of Shadows without a doubt!

IF YOU COULD HAVE MORE OF SOMETHING IN THE SHADOWHUNTER WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Just keep the books coming please!

IF YOU COULD MEET CASSANDRA CLARE, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK HER?

Why do you torment my heart?

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 Are you a fan of Cassandra Clare’s books? Prefer one series over another?

Let me know in the comments below!

 

Mid Year Book Freak Out 2017

Today I’m bringing you a mid year tag to recap some of my reading from the first half of 2017. I discovered this one on Literary Legionnaire and it was created by Read Like Wildfire and Earl Grey Books. Check out my responses below!

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Best Book I’ve Read So Far In 2017

How to pick just one? At the top is definitely A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab but I also adored The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli!

Best Sequel I’ve Read So Far In 2017

Not surprisingly another Victoria Schwab title. Our Dark Duet left me a mess but it was oh so amazing!

New Release I Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To

I’ve got a bunch of books on my shelf from earlier this year still to read but I really need to get to The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Must read faster…

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

Where to even begin? There’s 27 Hours by Trisitina Wright, Warcross by Marie Lu, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao, Turtles All the Way Down by John Green, The Language of Thorns and Wonder Woman by Leigh Bardugo. Honestly I could go on and on and on. Fall 2017 is overflowing with excellent stories.

Biggest Disappointment

Probably Gilded Cage by Vic James. It just wasn’t what I expected and I didn’t connect at all.

Biggest Surprise

I thought I would like Noteworthy by Riley Redgate but I didn’t expect to fall head over heels for it. Just so freaking good!

Favorite New Author

Mackenzi Lee! A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue was phenomenal and I love the way she writes funny historical fiction. Just bought the audiobook for this one for a reread and I’m so excited.

Newest Fictional Crush

Rishi from When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon was an absolute delight. He’s sweet, nerdy, and so endearing. I love him so much!

Newest Favorite Character

Jason Zhou from Want by Cindy Pon was such a cool character. He was conflicted yet driven and his friends were family. Definitely loved his voice and story arc.

Book That Made Me Cry

Most recently How to Make a Wish by Ashley Herring Blake left me a complete wreck. I read it in one four hour sitting during a road trip and sobbed pretty much the entire book.

Book That Made Me Happy

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde was such a wonderful cute story set at a convention. It just made my heart sing.

Favorite Book to Film Adaptation I’ve Seen This Year

You know what I haven’t really seen any book to movie adaptations this year unless Wonder Woman is a valid option. I’m gonna count it. It was too amazing not to.

Favorite Review I’ve Written This Year

I think my fave this year has been Saints and Misfits review. I really loved this one from S.K. Ali and hope people pick this one up.

Most Beautiful Book I’ve Bought So Far This Year

So far I think both editions of Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor are the prettiest purchases. I just love the blue and yellow gold combination.

Books I Need To Read By The End Of This Year

So many!!!! Hopefully Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken, The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon, and The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani. Obviously The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas as well. These are really just the beginning.

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How has your 2017 reading year been? Any books I need on my radar?

Let me know in the comments below!

Book Trailer Tag!

Book trailers have become more and more popular as promotional avenues and it’s fun to think of all the different options out there. The Book Trailer Tag, created by Kayley Hyde on Youtube, asks a bunch of questions in regard to the medium and a reader’s relationship to it. Check out my answers below!

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What is your favorite book trailer?

My friend Sarah from The YA Book Traveler makes some of the most wondrous book trailers. Currently my fave is her most recent work for The Crown’s Fate by Evelyn Skye. Check it out HERE but be wary of spoilers since it’s a sequel.

Do you remember the first book trailer you ever watched?

Honestly no. The first one to really stand out in my mind though was the trailer for Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider. It was done by Yulin Kuang who puts out amazing short films on Youtube.

Do you seek out book trailers when considering reading a book?

Not typically but if I see a trailer for a book I’m excited for I always check it out.

What’s the silliest book trailer you’ve ever seen?

There’s a website used by educators called Book Nook where students can make their own book trailers and let me tell you some of them are hilarious. I watched one on The Fifth Wave and these two boys starred in it; bad green screen hijinks and so much more.

What book trailer made you wish that the book was a film?

This trailer for Geekerella by Ashley Poston was so well done that I totally think it would make a great film. Plus I desperately want Starfield to be a real show so this is the next step. Right?

What book do you think would make a great, cinematic trailer?

Well, of course, any book in Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse! I’d love to see one for Six of Crows specifically though. The shady streets of Ketterdam, the vast ice fields of Fjerda. It would be visually stunning.

Has a book trailer ever swayed you to read a book that you weren’t sure you wanted to read?

Not that I can think of but I am pretty new to this book trailer thing.

What is your favorite style of book trailer?

I really like book trailers that give the reader a look at the world there about to be immersed in. It jolts the imagination and gives a starting point for visualizing the words on the page.

What book trailer would you send to someone to encourage them to read a book you love?

Have you read Nevernight by Jay Kristoff yet? Please watch this trailer and then pick up the book. Be repared for pain and suffering.

Who do you tag?

Whoever would like to participate! Or feel free to answer in the comments.

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So what did you think of this tag? Do you like watching book trailers? Any I need to check out?

Let me know in the comments below!