Monthly Re-Cap: July 2015

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hello Summer! Can you believe it is already July? This past month was crazy and wonderful.

Hello All and Happy End of July - I am a little sad that we are already this far through the summer :/ This month has been pretty fun though. My hubby and I did a lot of fun outdoorsy things and we also have veggies in our garden (finally - yum!).

As far as reading goes, I had a bit of a slump after my Readathon madness that was June, but I read a bunch of books I got from the library - I am LOVING my library. :) and I am still getting through my ebooks sitting in my email, so if you are waiting on a review - no worries it should arrive soon.

How was your July? Do anything fun?

What did you read or listen to in July? 

Link me up in the comments section! 

 

     ~~Books Read in July ~~     

                     
                   



~~Links to Reviews ~~

•  Amulet Volume 2 by Kazu Kibuishi (Graphic Novel) - 4 stars
• Amulet Volume 3 by Kazu Kibuishi (Graphic Novel) -5 stars
• Max's Wild Night by Meg Welch Dendler (MG) - 4 stars
• Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up by Derek Charm (Graphic Novel) - 4 stars
• Odd Schnozz and the Odd Squad Chapter 7 by Jeffery Burandt (Comic) - 4 stars [cover not shown]
• Nightbird by Alice Hoffman (MG) -5 stars
• Survive the Night by Danielle Vega (YA) - 5 stars
• Atlantis Glacial Tides (Lost Daughters of Atlantis #5) by Allie Burton (NA) -4 stars
•  Amulet Volume 4 by Kazu Kibuishi (Graphic Novel) - 4 stars
• Amulet Volume 5 by Kazu Kibuishi (Graphic Novel) -5 stars
• Rick and Morty #4 by Zac Gorman (comic)- 3 stars  - review coming soon
• Let's Pretend this Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson (adult) - 5 stars - review coming soon

 

Cover Reveal: House of Grimm by Ashley Dawson

I love when titles are intriguing and I love it even more when the cover really pulls you in - and this one definitely does!

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ta da!

House of Grimm by Ashley Dawson

  

Goodreads Synopsis: 

After her best friend is the victim of a grisly murder, Dora is dragged unwillingly into a frenzied hunt for answers in this riveting young-adult debut from Ashley Dawson.

The town of Grimsby is home to horrid secrets, including the true identity of the homicidal book writers in the old estate on the hill–the Brothers Grimm. And Dora is only the latest in a long line of their fairy tale characters destined for an untimely end. With the youngest brother taking a liking to her, she must figure out how to rewrite her story with his help, before the eldest brother writes her off for good.

 What do you think?!

 

Early Reader Review: Even Monsters Say Goodnight by Doreen Mulryan Marts

Even Monsters Say Goodnight by Doreen Mulryan Marts
Publisher: Capstone
Publication Date:  August 1, 2015

 

Format: ebook
Source:From Netgalley and Capstone in exchange for an honest review. This in no way has altered my review or opinion of the book.

Rating:

 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

It's bedtime, and Avery hates bedtime. She is positive that there are monsters under her bed, especially on Halloween. Where else would all of those monsters sleep? After a thorough discussion with her mom about the monster situation, Avery finally goes to her room. Does she dare check under the bed? A mix of story text and speech bubbles blend seamlessly in this humorous bedtime tale that both parents and children will relate to.

 Review: 
I saw this cover and had to read this adorable book. As a fan of Halloween year round, much like Avery, the main character - I was so excited to get the chance to read it. 

Avery is a young girl who does not want to go to bed - there are monsters. So her mother explains that all the monsters are in bed too. The book is a cute question and answer session between Avery and her mother about all the monsters. 

This would be a wonderful book for kids that don't want to go to bed due to bumps in the night. I found the story adorable and think that it is relatable to kids and parents alike and is a fun book with bright and engaging images.



 

Recent Reads: Amulet #5 by Kazu Kibuishi

Amulet: Prince of the Elves by Kabu Kibuishi
Series: Amulet #5
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date:  September 1, 2012

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Library

Rating:


 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

THE ENEMY GROWS STRONGER...

Emily survived the chaos of the Guardian Academy, but Max Griffin has stolen the Mother Stone. With it, the Elf King forges new Amulets that will give him the power to invade and destroy the nation of Windsor. Emily and her friends lead the soldiers of the Cielis Guard in a fight to stop him, but Max stands in their way. And when she seeks information from the Voice of her Amulet, she discovers that the Voice is much more sinister than she ever could have imagined. 

 Review: 
I love this series, it is wonderful for a middle grade reader, and adult reader - it is just a lot of fun. Every page is beautifully drawn and the colors lend to the mood and ongoing theme. Emily is getting stronger and is learning more and more about the war she is about to be in and the people she needs to save. Her determination is the best part about this installment. She is strong and I love a strong female lead especially in a graphic novel. 

I can't wait to see where the next few books take me in the series - I am most excited to learn more about Emily's brother Max who seems like he will have a bigger part coming up...



 

Building the Book PIle #146

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Just another week. I have been working 4 long days so that I can have Fridays off at work and so on Fridays I have been cleaning the house, running errands, and reading. This Friday I only really ran errands and then took a really long nap :) I love naps. 

My reading has slowed down again, so I can't wait for ARC August and having more goals to read ALL THE THINGS!
I am getting excited for ARC August - If you haven't signed up yet you should!  Link Below.



What's Happening?! 

How was your week ? Let me know in the comments.

  Giveaways Going on NOW

None Sorry :/

Coming up on the Blog...

Recent Reads: Amulet #5 by Kazu Kibuishi (MG, GN)

Early Reader Review: Even Monsters Say Goodnight by Doreen Mulryan Marts (Youth)

Cover Reveal: House of Grimm by Ashly Dawson (YA)

Monthly Re-Cap: July 2015

      

Books Received this Week

Physical Books

   

I won a BEA giveaway from Words with Sarah and she sent me this awesome stuff!

 The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness (ARC)
Newt's Emerald by Garth Nix (ARC)
After the Red Rain by Barry Lyga, Peter Facinelli, and Robert DeFranco (ARC)
Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin (ARC)
Exquisite Corpse by Penelope Baglieu (Finished Copy)
and all this fun swag - sticker, tattoo, signed cards, and a sweet note. Thank you Sarah!

Have you missed anything lately?  

• Recent Reads: Nightbird by Alice Hoffman (MG) - 4 stars
  

• Recent Reads: Atlantis Glacial Tides (Lost Daughters of Atlantis #5) by Allie Burton (YA, NA)- 4 stars

• Recent Reads: Amulet #4 by Kazu Kibuishi (MG, GN) - 4 stars

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

 Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: Atlantis Glacial Tides by Allie Burton

Atlantis Glacial Tides by Allie Burton
Series: Lost Daughters of Atlantis #5 (but can be read as a stand-alone)
Publisher: Indie Pub
Publication Date:  December 4, 2014

 

Format: ebook
Source: From the Author in exchange for an honest review, this in no way altered my opinion or review of the book.

Rating:
 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Shocked by her family’s plans to wed her to a stranger, sixteen-year-old Princess Adria must decide whether to flee the underwater Kingdom of Merta or fight to keep her rightful place. When Kai, the criminal she’d rescued informs her of a plot to kidnap her future sister-in-law, Adria decides to take action to prove her loyalty.

Sparks flew between her and Kai when they met during a hurricane misadventure, but she can’t trust her judgment about him. Especially when Kai won’t help her stop the kidnapping because he’s on his own secret mission. A mission that he refuses to divulge.

In a case of mistaken identity, Adria is kidnapped and whisked away to a mysterious glacial underwater world of ice and evil where she learns that everything isn’t rainbow fish and roses, that there are Atlanteans who suffer and slave, and that being cold isn’t a state of body, but a state of mind.

With Kai as her prison guard, the two teens grow closer, and Adria must choose between loyalty to her kingdom or her dreams. 

 Review: 
This was a very fun read. Before reading the novella in this series about Adria and Kai, I wasn't really sure what I was going to get into with this book and I was pleasantly surprised by the novella and its influence in picking up this book almost immediately after reading it. So I recommend picking that up to see if this is going to be something for you.

Atlantis Glacial Tides picks up a little while after Atlantis Twisting Tides and follows Adria again. This time she is home facing the repercussions of her actions on the island and learns that she will be wed off. Instead, she is accidentally kidnapped and forced into slave labor, all the while learning more and more about Kai and his background and why he is helping these vicious people.


The story is very action packed - there is a kidnapping, multiple escape attempts, forced labor, an evil Emperor, and so many guards blocking Adria's way home. All things considered, Adria handles the madness pretty well considering she is in such a crappy situation. I enjoyed the action and the plot development but the ending seemed to happen all of a sudden, all that build up and then to have everything happen in what felt like 5 minutes was a little bit of a disappointment. Regardless, the build-up is very good.

I would say that this book is probably more on the YA side of things than the New Adult side and it was a fun read.



 

Recent Reads: Amulet Volume 4 by Kazu Kibuishi

Amulet: The Last Council
Series: Amulet Volume 4
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date:  September 2011

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Library

Rating:
 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Kazu Kibuishi's thrilling, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling series continues!

Emily and her friends think they'll find the help they need in Cielis, but something isn't right. Streets that were once busy are deserted, and the townspeople who are left live in crippling fear. Emily is escorted to the Academy where she's expected to compete for a spot on the Guardian Council, the most powerful Stonekeepers. But as the number of competitors gets smaller and smaller, a terrible secret is slowly uncovered--a secret that, if left buried, means certain destruction of everything Emily fights for. 

 Review: 
AH, all the twists! This volume of Amulet was intense and kinda scary. Emily is forced to make decisions about how she wants to use her power and who to trust now that she has it - this has been a recurring theme through the series so far, but in this installment allies and enemies are not as they seem.

I really enjoyed this book ans read it all in one sitting. Emily is becoming a stronger character and learning her limitations, she is gaining a strong following of allies and she is really tries to do what she thinks is right. This book is super action packed and will keep your heart racing as you read and I think that makes for a wonderful story.


 

Recent Reads: Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date:  March 10, 2015

 

Format: Hardback
Source: The Library

Rating:


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An enchanting novel from bestselling author Alice Hoffman: a charmed New England village, a family secret, and a friendship destined to defeat a witch.

"Some things could only be found in Sidwell it seemed: pink apples, black owls, and my brother, James."

Twelve-year-old Twig's town in the Berkshires is said to hide a winged beast, the Monster of Sidwell, and the rumors draw as many tourists as the town's famed pink apple orchards. Twig lives in the orchard with her mysterious brother James and her reclusive mother, a baker of irresistible apple pies. Because of a family secret, an ancient curse,Twig has had to isolate herself from other kids. Then a family with two girls, Julia and Agate, moves into the cottage next door. They are descendants of the witch who put the spell on Twig's family. But Julia turns out to be Twig's first true friend, and her ally in trying to undo the curse and smooth the path to true love for Agate and James.

 Review: 
I don't think that I have read any of Alice Hoffman's adult books, but I was very interested in this middle grade one. Nightbird is about a magical town and a monster that lives there and one little girls attempt to save her family, the town and make friends all at the same time. As an adult reading this book I think that it was beautifully written - it is a fun plot with a bunch or twists and it is a little deeper than your average middle grade book. 

Twig or Teresa is our main character and she seems to act a lot wiser than her 12 years - she has a secret to keep and doing that takes a lot of will-power and growing up and she has and does. I think that the author did a wonderful job showing her in that light but also showing her loneliness. 

The overall plot of the book is engaging - there is a monster and a thief and everything sort of gets blown way out of proportion in the town, as it normally does. But the twists are a mystery until they appear and the ending is beautiful. 


 

Building the Book Pile #145

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Another week gone - it was hot this week again too :/ Thanks to everyone for feeling my pain of no AC last week :) I hope your home was much cooler that mine if it was hot where you are :P It has also been find of stormy too :/

This week was just another week - work, home, read, sleep, repeat. Nothing exciting, but I did get some books :) and again I love my Library!

OH and I signed up for ARC August - hoping to get through more of the TBR list. You should sign up! Link Below.



What's Happening?! 

How was your week ? Let me know in the comments.

  Giveaways Going on NOW

Coming up on the Blog...

Recent Reads: Nightbird by Alice Hoffman (MG) 

Recent Reads: Atlantis Glacial Tides (Lost Daughters of Atlantis #5) by Allie Burton

  Not Sure what else yet :)

      

Books Received this Week

Physical Books

   

The Unquiet Past by Kelley Armstrong - from Librarything Early Reviewers program- June

Royal Wedding (Princess Diaries #11) by Meg Cabot from Librarything Early Reviewers Program -May, this is the first Adult Princess Diaries book in the series.

The Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest and Coloring Book 

Harley Quinn #18 by Amanda Conner 

Library Books

Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Amulet Volume 4 by Kazu Kibuishi

Amulet Volume 5 by Kazu Kibuishi

The Princess Diaries (#1) by Meg Cabot
 The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland #1) by Catherynne Valente

Have you missed anything lately?  

• Recent Reads: Odd Schnozz and the Odd Squad Chapter 6 by Jefferey Burandt (Comic) - 4 stars
• ARC August 2015 Sign-Up and Plans
• Recent Reads: Retaliation by Yasmin Shiraz (YA) - 5 stars
• Recent Reads: Odd Schnozz and the Odd Squad Chapter 7 by Jefferey Burandt (Comic) - 4 stars
• Recent Reads: Max's Wild Night by Meg Welch Dendler (MG) - 4 stars
• Early Reader Review: Survive the Night by Danielle Vega (YA) - 5 stars

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

 Happy Reading!

Early Reader Review: Survive the Night by Danielle Vega

Survive the Night by Danielle Vega
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date:  July 7, 2015

 

Format: ebook
Source: Penguin's First to Read Program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review of the book.

Rating:


 


 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

We're all gonna die down here. . . .

Julie lies dead and disemboweled in a dank, black subway tunnel, red-eyed rats nibbling at her fingers. Her friends think she’s just off with some guy—no one could hear her getting torn apart over the sound of pulsing music.

In a tunnel nearby, Casey regrets coming to Survive the Night, the all-night underground rave in the New York City subway. Her best friend Shana talked her into it, even though Casey just got out of rehab. Alone and lost in the dark, creepy tunnels, Casey doesn’t think Survive the Night could get any worse . . .
              
. . . until she comes across Julie’s body, and the party turns deadly.

Desperate for help, Casey and her friends find themselves running through the putrid subway system, searching for a way out. But every manhole is sealed shut, and every noise echoes eerily in the dark, reminding them they’re not alone.

They’re being hunted.
              
Trapped underground with someone—or something—out to get them, Casey can’t help but listen to her friend’s terrified refrain: “We’re all gonna die down here. . . .” in this bone-chilling sophmore novel by the acclaimed author of The Merciless.

 Review: 
I read Vega's The Merciless as an early review book and when I was reading it I was blown away by the visuals she was able to present and the chills up my spine. So when I saw Survive the Night I knew I had to read it - hoping so much that like her first book this one would suck me in and cause those same chills.

This book did not disappoint. Survive has a lot of the same elements as The Merciless -  a group of friends, a night of adventure gone completely wrong, and the craziest of twist endings ever. 

Now these books are not for every reader - they are very violent and I mean VERY violent and descriptive with it (so be aware). Survive follows Casey after getting out of rehab and she is back with her friends to celebrate only to find that her friends are ending up dead. The book starts off a bit slow, Casey gets out, you learn about her friends and flashback a bunch to her time before rehab, then things start to get better as the group end up at a rave called Survive the Night - a lock-in rave in the abandoned subway. This happens at about the halfway point in the book, so if you can stick it out that long - keep reading.

After they arrive at the rave all craziness ensues and people are dead and it is nasty and there is lots of running and chasing and it is very action packed. I read the book in 2 sittings, once to get to the halfway point and the 2nd I raced through to figure out what was happening.

Vega has this way with her writing that draws you in slowly and then kind of makes you feel like you are going to vomit and then throws in a twist that makes things make more sense but really just has you questioning the whole story... and... I kind of like that about her books. If you like Horror and YA, and violence this is for you.

 The Merciless Review