Waiting on Wednesday - A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine  showcasing upcoming books that we are waiting, often impatiently, to be released.

My WoW pick this week is....



A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas
Expected Release: February 24th 2015
Published by HarperTeen
Hardcover, 352 pages

Description (from Goodreads)

Rhiannon Thomas's dazzling debut novel is a spellbinding reimagining of Sleeping Beauty and what happens after happily ever after.

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.

Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. 

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.

Rhiannon Thomas weaves together vivid scenes of action, romance, and gorgeous gowns to reveal a richly imagined world … andSleeping Beauty as she’s never been seen before. 

Why I Want To Read It

 I discovered this book while looking through HarperCollins winter 2015 catalogue, and it was love at first sight ♥ It's no secret that I have been going through a big retellings faze and this got moved to the top of my debut authors of 2015 TBR. I have not yet read a retelling of Sleeping Beauty so I'm excited to dive into A Wicked Thing.

#AudiobookReview - I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)
by Pittacus Lore
Narrated by Neil Kaplan
Release Date: August 3rd 2010
Published by Harper Collins Audio
Goodreads
My Rating - ✯ ✯ ✯ 

Description

 Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

 Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.


My Review 

 I was interested in reading this book since the movie was first released a few years ago. The sci-fi elements in the movie intrigued me, which had me wanting to give the series a shot. Although this book did in fact have a mysterious and captivating concept, I was disappointed that a large chunk of the book was about bullies, crushes, and general high school drama.

 Unfortunately, I wasn't fond of the MC John Smith/4. Although he had interesting legacies (alien powers), and an intense back story, he was rather dull. On the bright side, Andre was a fantastic, loyal man, and I adored Bernie Kozar! The world building was there, and even though I didn't like the MC there were still interesting and believable characters present in the book. Which also included Sarah and Sam.

 Consequently, there was a tremendous amount of description in the fight scenes. At times I would be anxious for it to just end. However, because I did still like the concept of the novel, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars.

Top 5 Favorite's of 2014

 Merry Christmas!! I hope everyone is having a fun morning making memories =D Today I'm going to share with you my favourite books from this past year. I also wanted to share some of my reading stats.

Top Reads

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty by Katie Hamstead

Queen of Hearts: The Wonder by Colleen Oakes

Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Top Covers

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Earth & Sky by Meghan Crewe

Anomaly by Tonya Kuper

Sunset Rising by S. M. McEachern

New To Me Authors

Andrew Buckley - Stiltskin
Anne Brashares - The Here and Now
Meghan Crewe - Earth and Sky
Pauline Harris - Puppet
Wendy Higgins - See Me
A. G. Howard - Splintered /The Moth in the Mirror / Unhinged
Jaleigh Johnson - The
Theresa Kay -
Phiticus Lore - I Am Number Four
Elizabeth Los - Second on the Right
Marie Lu - Legend / Prodigy / Champion
Tahereh Mafi - Shatter Me / Destroy Me / Unravel Me / Fracture Me / Ignite Me
S. M. McEachern - Sunset Rising
Kass Morgan - The 100 / Day 21
Colleen Oakes - The Crown / The Wonder (Queen of Hearts Saga)
Danielle Paige - There's No Place Like Oz / Dorothy Must Die / The Witch Must Burn
Amy Plum - After the End
S. L. Speilbring - Perfection
Hilary Thompson - Justice Burial
Heather topham Wood - The Memory Witch

Number of Books Read
57
Most Books Read By One Author
 Tahereh Mafi (5)

Favourite Author
Marissa Meyer

First & Last Book Read In 2014
Kiya: Mother of a King
Hydro

Most Memorable Character
Arron Warner from the Shatter Me series

Book That Had The Biggest Surprise
Unhinged by A. G. Howard


 There it is folks. That is what I considered to be the best of my 2014 reading experience. What were your best moments? Did you read a book that stands out from the rest? Share your thoughts with me.

#BookReview - Unhinged by A.G. Howard

Unhinged (Splintered #2) by A.G. Howard
Release Date: January 7th 2014
Published by Amulet
Hardcover, 387 pages
Goodreads
My Rating - ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

Description

 Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of.

 That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs.

 As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind.

 If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head. 

My Review

 Since Alyssa refuses to return to Wonderland on her own, Morpheus makes an appearance in the human realm with his special way of trying to convince her that she belongs on the throne. That her coming back to Wonderland is the only way to stop Red from reclaiming the throne for herself. Alyssa has tried to convince herself that she would rather just forget that chapter of her life, and move away with Jeb, to live happily ever after. However, even she can't ignore the signs of Red's return forever.

 To begin I will note that you will not find one of Morpheus' supporters here. I suppose he is okay at times, but consequently I find him to be extremely arrogant. He's also pushy, and an instigator. Plus, there's the fact that he's vindictive, and can be cruel. Sorry to any team Morpheus fans, I'm just not one of you. I prefer Jeb. He loves Alyssa for who she is, not who she could become, like Morpheus does. However, just like during the ending of Splintered (book #1), Morpheus did exhibit a few decent qualities that softened my dislike for his character.

  Alyssa's parents play a significant role in this story. Quite honestly, it was the elements that Allison and Tom merged into the storyline that was my favorite aspect. I was thrilled to discover some of Allison's own experiences in Wonderland, and learn how she met Alyssa's father. Something else about this novel that intrigued me was Alyssa's vivid dreams of a childhood moment that she shared with Morpheus.

  Although the story started out slowly, around halfway through it turned into a captivating page turner, shrouded in mystery. A fantastic sequel to the Splintered series! Furthermore, if you like stories about retellings then you should definitely check out the series.
I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

#Blogmas (Day 7) Holiday Traditions

Parajunkee’s View is declaring the 12 Days leading up to Christmas, Book Blogmas!
 I could not resist signing up for this one last challenge in 2014. Especially since this challenge has a fantastic premise. No matter what our religion or family traditions are, we do have one thing in common, we are all bloggers. So let’s make it our own holiday and for the next 6 days let's celebrate Blogmas =D


 Our family traditions are simple. Leading up to Christmas, my daughter and I make yummy chocolate truffles to give to our friends. I do the rest of my baking in one crazy day at my sister in-law's with all the kiddos, it's a lot of fun. On Christmas eve every year, I insist that we watch Mickey's Christmas Carol together, just like I did when I was a little girl. These may be simple things but it's these special moments together that are my favourite things about Christmas. What are your holiday traditions?

#Blogmas (Day 6) Stocking Stuffers

Parajunkee’s View is declaring the 12 Days leading up to Christmas, Book Blogmas!
 I could not resist signing up for this one last challenge in 2014. Especially since this challenge has a fantastic premise. No matter what our religion or family traditions are, we do have one thing in common, we are all bloggers. So let’s make it our own holiday and for the next 8 days let's celebrate Blogmas =D

 When in doubt for what books to give as a gift, buy a box set. I have received each of these sets from past Christmas'. They all remind me of Christmas because I read all of them over holiday vacations. They are all fantastic page turners.

Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

 What books would you recommend to give as presents?

Book Blogger Hop - Do you review every book you read?

 The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. Its purpose is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new blogs, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to their own blog. Each week bloggers answer a different question.

 This week's question is:

 Do you write a review for every book you read or only review copies from publishers?

  I write reviews for every book that I read. Even novellas. Although those reviews are normally quite a bit shorter then my regular reviews. I like to share my thoughts on every book that I read. Which is the main reason why I began blogging in the first place.

#Blogmas (Day 5) The Nice List

Parajunkee’s View is declaring the 12 Days leading up to Christmas, Book Blogmas!
 I could not resist signing up for this one last challenge in 2014. Especially since this challenge has a fantastic premise. No matter what our religion or family traditions are, we do have one thing in common, we are all bloggers. So let’s make it our own holiday and for the next 9 days let's celebrate Blogmas =D

 Here are my top 3 choices for characters that would be on Santa's nice list.

Kenji - Shatter Me
Roar - Under the Never Sky
Jellia - Dorothy Must Die

 Something these characters all have in common is their ability to be a great friend. Sounds corny i know, but each of them snuggled right into my heart. They' re all completely trustworthy, and not afraid to tell you how it really is. Oh, they are all also secondary characters.

What are your favorite characters that you KNOW would be on the nice list?

#BookReview - The Moth in the Mirror by A.G. Howard

The Moth in the Mirror (Splintered #1.5) by A.G. Howard
Release Date: October 22nd 2013
Published by Amulet Books
Kindle Edition, 40 pages
Goodreads
My Rating - ✯ ✯ ✯

Description

 An original ebook-only novella in the Splintered series, told from the points of view of both Jeb and Morpheus. Morpheus wants to know more about his rival for Alyssa's affections, so he digs into Jeb's memories of his time in Wonderland. But he may be surprised by what he finds.

 This brand-new story and perspective from A.G. Howard's dark, magical world stands alone, but also provides a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come in Unhinged, the sequel to Splintered.

My Review

*Beware spoilers from Splintered*


 The Moth in the Mirror is about Morpheus exploring Jeb's memories in an attempt to discover the secret to winning Alyssa's affection. The novella consists of three different scenes. Each set during Splintered, when Jeb and Alyssa were separated. The experience's are told from Jeb's POV, and the reader does learn something new.

 The interesting part of the story for this reader were the scenes that led up to Jeb being locked in the jabberlock box. It was a pleasure to read about this moment. I loved discovering what was going on in his head at the time. It was emotional and beautiful to understand how deep his feelings are for Alyssa. This definitely reinforced my love for Jeb. Also, in my mistrust of Morpheus.

 In conclusion, If you are a fan of the series, you will likely enjoy hearing Jeb's side of the story.

I give this a 3 out of 5 stars.

#Blogmas (Day 4) The Naughty List

Parajunkee’s View is declaring the 12 Days leading up to Christmas, Book Blogmas!
 I could not resist signing up for this one last challenge in 2014. Especially since this challenge has a fantastic premise. No matter what our religion or family traditions are, we do have one thing in common, we are all bloggers. So let’s make it our own holiday and for the next 9 days let's celebrate Blogmas =D


 These are my top 3 picks from books I've read in 2014 of characters that I know would be on Santa's naughty list.

Levana - The Lunar Chronicles
Dorothy Gale - Dorothy Must Die
Aaron Warner - Shatter Me

 Levana and Dorothy both upped the bar for the role of bat sh*t crazy. These ladies shouldn't expect a visit from Santa for the remainder of their lifetime. And Warner!. Well he's totally on the naughty list, but just a different kind ;)

Waiting On Wednesday - The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine  showcasing upcoming books that we are waiting, often impatiently, to be released.

My WoW pick this week is....



The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent
Expected Release: June 9th 2015
Published by Delacorte Press
Hardcover, 368 pages
Add it to Goodreads

Description (from Goodreads)

Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.

Why I Want To Read It

This story sounds chillingly, spine tingling. I found Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series rather dull, but I'm willing to give this author another chance. The part about the black-robed exorcists run by a brutal church has my interest peaked!
 

#Blogmas (Day 3) Perfect Gifts For Book Lovers

Parajunkee’s View is declaring the 12 Days leading up to Christmas, Book Blogmas!
 I could not resist signing up for this one last challenge in 2014. Especially since this challenge has a fantastic premise. No matter what our religion or family traditions are, we do have one thing in common, we are all bloggers. So let’s make it our own holiday and for the next 12 days let's celebrate Blogmas =D


 Need some help selecting some creative gifts for bibliophiles besides the obvious choice of a book? Then you've come to the right place my friend =D I opted for 4 different goodies that would be great for any reader in your life.

 Ornaments - For a little bookish pizazz on your Christmas tree.

http://www.zazzle.ca

Clothes - So you can wear your favourite book quote.

http://teespring.com

Jewelry - What bookworm wouldn't love some jewelry replicated from a novel?

http://www.hebeldesign.com

Bookmarks - These colourful do it yourself bookmarks would make a fantastic inexpensive gift.

Top Ten Tuesday - Best Books I've Read In 2014

 Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at   The Broke and the Bookish This weeks Topic is: Top Ten Books I Read In 2014. Click on the cover to find my thoughts on each book.

 

1. Cress by Marissa Meyer

2. Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

3. Queen of Hearts: The Wonder by Colleen Oakes

4. Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty by Katie Hamstead

5. Sunset Rising by S. M. McEachern

6. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

7. Legend by Marie Lu

8. Splintered by A. G. Howard

9. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

10. Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

 What do you think of my list this week. Leave me a comment and share your link so I can check out your top ten.