Top 10 Sequels I Can't Wait to Get My Hands On

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is Top Ten Sequels You Can't Wait to Get Your Hands On. I am unbelievably excited for all of these books! Gorgeous sequels, COME TO ME <3

(in order of release date)

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas Aug 27/13
Okay, okay, I know I'm way late on this one... but I'm still stoked to read it and continue the series! Talking briefly to Michelle from Lipstick and Literature about it at the Ontario Blogger Meet-up this weekend just rekindled my excitement for it!

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater Sept 17/13
Another late entry but I can't help myself for this, I need it yesterday! The Raven Boys was such an amazing book, and, more than that, the kind of book that leaves me in desperate need of more. So more of Blue and the boys? Yes, please.

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead Nov 19/13
Richelle Mead knows how to write a story, that's all I'll say. Sydrian Sydrian Sydrian!

Evertrue by Brodi Ashton Jan 21/14
Ahhh, how could Everbound end off like it did?! I'm so excited to see how Brodi Ashton will handle the last book of the series. I'm not sure that I have a way I'd like this one to end myself so I'm fairly open to whatever she has planned!

Cress by Marissa Meyer Feb 4/14
This series is one of my favourites! I'm crossing my fingers for some good interaction between Cinder and Kai and preparing myself for some crazy schemes. Also, I think my mom (who is so not a reader) is more excited for this than I am? She's already planning to snatch up my review copy before I can get to it.

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi Feb 4/14
Warner, Adam... who cares? It's all about Juliette! (Okay, and Kenji....) I'm expecting big things from the final installment of the Shatter Me series.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins May 13/14
Finally a break from the supernatural! ;) I can't wait for the warm fuzzies from reading this book. Stephanie Perkins' books are the perfect bad day cure.

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare May 2014
It's... over? It feels like I've been reading this series my entire life (probably because it's been like 5 years now...) to the point where I just want to see how some characters make it out and escape with my sanity! I'm way too invested in some of these characters (like Magnus... and Alec... and Magnus... and Alec...).

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo June 3/14
My brain turns to mush when I even think about this series. Just... what?? Leigh Bardugo has woven one heck of a tale and I am dying to see how she'll end it. These books take so much out of me emotionally and I'm looking forward to/dreading (I'll let you know when I decide) the explosion that this book is sure to be. But like, the way Siege and Storm ended... wow.

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman Mar 24/15
I'm really relieved to see that Rachel Hartman is taking her time with the sequel to Seraphina because it seems to me the kind of book that requires plenty of planning and tweaking to turn into the intricate, detailed, gorgeous finished product that the first book was. Still though, I would love to have it in my hands!

***

Lesson learned from today's post: I use way too many brackets (5) and ellipses (9). I assure you though, this is really what it sounds like in my head! Just keeping it real, folks.

So these are my top picks! Which sequels are you dying to get your hands on?

Top 7 Scariest Book Covers

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is Top Ten Scariest-Looking Book Covers. 

I'm the first to admit I'm easily creeped out but I still couldn't make it to ten this time. I tried to stick to books that I would actually consider reading because, let's be real, plenty of horror covers scare me but I'm not quite prepared to actually venture into the genre. (This is what happens when you read It at like age ten, you are SCARRED FOR LIFE).

I've mentioned Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children before as one that freaks the hell out of me and it definitely tops the list! That little girl... just so scary. This is the stuff of nightmares.

Speaking of creepy little girls... I debated briefly between From Bad to Cursed and its predecessor, Bad Girls Don't Die, but this one won pretty quickly. That's just the creepiest expression, ugh!!

Sharp weaponry + baby carriage? Yikes. The smoky fog and creepy tree branch in The Replacement's aren't really helping matters either!

I checked A Certain Slant of Light out from the library way back when I first started blogging but had to return it before even cracking open the cover because it just scared me too much! Part of the scariness of this one comes (for me) from how unclean everything seems.

 

This book cover is definitely more gorgeous-creepy for me than straight-up scary but scary it remains! The creepy house in the back, the blowing hair, the BLOODY LEGS... Anna Dressed in Blood seems so perfect for Halloween time reading!

Tell me Unwind doesn't have the creepiest cover! This is such a typical horror movie image, it brings up a lot of feels!

I actually think this is a gorgeous shot, but nevertheless, also pretty spooky. The Unquiet definitely gives off the creepy, psychologically-intense vibe. 

That's all for me! Do any of these creep you out too? Share your TTT links! :)

Top Ten Favourite Secondary Characters

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is Top Ten Favourite Secondary Characters and such a hard one! I've tried to narrow it down and pick my actual favourites but the truth is, while I LOVE a lot of characters while reading the book, secondary characters don't always stick with me. I guess that's how you pick the favourites though, right? The ones that actually stick with you?

 

Neville Longbottom

Every book could use a Neville Longbottom! Neville is the BEST. The way that he turns from a clumsy, awkward boy to a confident and capable wizard is a beautiful transformation and even better because... it's Neville! He's sweet and dedicated and loyal and my heart twisted for him every time someone tried to mess with him.

 

Magnus Bane

I love Magnus! He's flamboyant, charming and sparkly -- a winning combination. I love how open and sincere Magnus is as a character. After living for who knows how long, he is understandably jaded and hardened by some of the things he's experienced, but he never lets that get in the way of his cheerful nature.

 

Finnick Odair

FINNICK <3 I love that Finnick is so much more than you initially see him as. Sidenote: I can't WAIT to see Finnick in Catching Fire. Every time I see a picture or part of the trailer with him in it, I get all excited and bouncy.

 

Nikolai

Nikolai from Siege and Storm is the best addition to the series ever! He has some hilarious, witty lines and a magnetic, winning personality. I loved that his words and actions were so well thought-out and that he genuinely cared about his work. Fingers crossed that there's more Nikolai to come in Ruin and Rising!

 

Asha

Asha from Speechless by Hannah Harrington is the best friend you could ask for. She's such a fun, friendly character and definitely one of the most genuinely kind, accepting people I've read about. Just remember: the square root of awesome is Asha! <3

 

Lola's dads

Lola's dads are so real! They're the perfect blend of protective and caring. They were really invested in Lola's well-being but also in her happiness. Also, they have a pie business and make fun of Lola almost as much as my parents make fun of me. I am in full support of this family!

 

Adrian Ivashkov

I don't know if Adrian counts as a secondary character, even in the Vampire Academy series but I figured that if I had an excuse to gush over Mr. Ivashkov, I should take it! Adrian, Adrian, Adrian. Adrian is hilarious and charming but more than that, he's kind and considerate and loving. Also, gorgeous. It's hard to forget how amazing of a character Adrian is. He was a favourite of mine from when we were first introduced to him in Frostbite and he's been on that list ever since!

 

Sir Nealan of Queenscove

If Adrian doesn't count as a secondary character, I'm pretty sure Neal from the Protector of the Small quartet doesn't either but... oh well. Neal is such a great character and friend to Kel! He's there for her when she needs him, he always has his head stuck in a book and he has the most dry sense of humour. I miss reading about him!

 

Grimalkin

Grim! I love this cat, he is the greatest. I love that he was actually REALLY NECESSARY as a secondary character for the main characters to achieve their goals. He's got so much sass but also so much wisdom. As he continually reminds us... he's a cat!

 

Luna Lovegood

I will defend Luna ANY DAY. She's such a strong, independent character and I adore the fact that she is never ever ever afraid to be herself or stand up for what she thinks is right.

 

Well, there's my top ten! What's yours? 

Top Ten Tuesday (5)

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Yay lists! This week's topic is Top Ten Best/Worst Movie Adaptations. I'm definitely usually a bigger fan of books than movies but I've become less annoyed over movies not matching up perfectly with their counterparts than I used to be. I keep trying to remind myself that it's just another visual representation, not a word-for-word replica. I'll let you know when it starts working ;)

 

The Best

 

Source: Novel Reaction

I LOVE this movie. It's something that my family never tires of watching. There are so many epic, memorable scenes in the book and I think the movie did a great job capturing them.

 

Source: thebricklayer

This was such a well-made movie (sigh of relief) and I can't wait for Catching Fire! I thought the actors did an A+ job and costumes, effects, etc. were just like I'd imagined. The only major thing that really disappointed me was Peeta's character. I felt like in the book I KNEW he was such a smart, strategic character and in the movie, he seemed so much less complex.

Source: Anime Out

Howl <3 This is just a really gorgeous film. It's definitely quite different from the book (which I also love!) but just can't help but love it on it's own. So maybe not a perfect fit for today's topic but definitely still a winner on my list!



Source: The Wakefield Express

The book and movie are both so visually stunning! I love watching this at Christmas time, it's such a feel-good movie.

Source: Comic Book Movie

The Harry Potter movies and I had a bit of a complicated relationship for a while (who didn't?) but in the end, I really did think they did a great job with them. There are things I would have liked to see (PEEVES!) and I kind of hated the end part of the last movie but OVERALL, y'know. My favourite adaptation is probably the 4th one, I've seen it way too many times!

Save the best for last... The Lord of the Rings movies are my all-time favourite movies. I get excited just thinking about them, ahh! <3 What do I even say about this? They're just such an extraordinary, sweeping series and the movies have been done with such thought and care.

The Worst

None of these movies are terrible movies or anything but all of them fell pretty short of my expectations. I'm not even going to say anything specific about them just because my feelings are pretty well summed-up by: meh.



Source

Source

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What's your best and worst? 

Top Ten Tuesday (4)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Yay lists! This week's topic is Top Ten Most Intimidating Books. There are definitely some books that come to mind immediately with this topic! I'm scared by a number of things, whether it be hype or sheer size. 

(Also, I know it's Wednesday, I'm sorry! The long weekend messed up my days so let's just pretend I'm right and roll with it)

1. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan: I've managed to successfully read 8 (I believe?) Rick Riordan books so far in my life so I have no idea why this one particular read is so intimidating to me! I've been trying to get myself to read it since it first came out but seeing it on my shelf just makes me anxious.

2. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver: Ha. Ha. Ha. I say aaaall the time that I have no idea why I haven't read this yet but THAT'S A LIE. I am SO scared that this book won't live up to my sky-high expectations. I loved the first book, I love Lauren Oliver and I've heard amazing things about this. Also, I don't want to like Julian!

3. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling: There's no way that I would have picked up this small town mystery novel if it hadn't been written by JKR. I know it's not for everyone and I don't necessarily expect to adore it... but still. Someone make me read this one!

4. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima: Everyone and their pet dog loves this series. Dammit Sonia, if you had just read it that one time you checked it out of the library 4 years ago and ran out of time, you could have been on track with everyone else and not worried about it not living up to the hype!

5. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare: This is without a doubt one of my favourite series (JEM) and I am nowhere near ready for it to be over! :( Maybe if I just ignore this book, I can pretend it's still in progress?

6. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs: This book actually scares the crap out of me, to be honest. It follows me EVERYWHERE I GO and I just get creeped out thinking about it. Am I being completely irrational? It seriously cannot be as bad as I'm making it out to be. I mean, I liked Sweeney Todd just fine and Tim Burton is directing this movie? I give up, someone please give me some advice here!

7. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. 

Valente: I've definitely heard a lot of good things about this book from other readers but the main thing that intimidates me about this one is the attention it's gotten from other authors. Neil Gaiman, Tamora Pierce AND Holly Black? Will I get kicked out of the blogging world if my feelings don't match up?!

8. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson: I was really looking forward to this one and then... I read a huge spoiler. Argh, Internet posters that don't warn for spoilers, I HATE YOU. I'm sure I'll still enjoy this but for now, I'm a little intimidated.

9. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent: I feel like this is such a staple read for YA bloggers and the fact that I haven't read it makes me feel kind of strange! Is it too late to catch up now? I have Volume 1 of the series sitting on my shelf. Then there's also, of course, the hype issue, which is apparently my #1 deterrent for what I'm sure are wonderful books.

10. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen: I've barely made a dent in the classics category but this is one that I feel like I should have read by now! I loved the Lizzie Bennett Diaries and everything I've heard about this book but actually making myself read it? Now that's a different story.

Happy Tuesday! (shhhh)

Top Ten Tuesday (3)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Yay lists! This week's topic is Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy... But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread. Ahhh, the guilty list. I have WAY too many books on my shelf that still need to be read.

1. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: I know this one wasn't even released too long ago but the level of excitement I had for it warrants it being on this list, I think. I couldn't stop bouncing for WEEKS and then I just dumped it on to a shelf. I'll be back for you, my pretty <3

2. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver: Sonia, what???? I don't know what's wrong with me. I LOVED Delirium and Lauren Oliver is one of my favourite authors. SO WHY WON'T I JUST READ IT ALREADY???

3. Crossed by Ally Condie: I loved Matched and pre-ordered this one (something that's pretty rare for me). Then I read a couple of bad reviews and I think I was a little nervous... but maybe like almost a year and a half is enough time for that to stop me? SERIOUSLY.

4. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev: I was SO unbelievably excited for this one from the summary and I still am! I just need to make some time for it (and uh, remember that it exists when I go to choose my next book, I'm terrible at that).

5. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann: Harry Potter + Hunger Games. If that's not enough to make me read a book, I don't know what is. And yet, here we are...

6. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton: Another pre-order! Okay, I was buzzing for this book for months. I was already partying with my bookmarks, postcards and button which, at the time, was such an exciting novelty. I will have to read this one SOON!

7. Entwined by Heather Dixon: I think this cover was enough to make me want to try out the book but then I heard about the plot. AHHH! HOW have I not read this already with a beautifully-sounding plot AND to-die-for cover.

8. Fateful by Claudia Gray: I don't know what it is about the Titanic + werewolves but even now, that concept gives me some thrill. I am really, really curious to see if it works for the book and really, really regretting that I haven't already done so.

9. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima: This is probably one of the most guilty books on the list because not only do I own the first one, I own ALL OF THEM. And it's fantasy. And everyone seems to love them. And it's fantasy. Did I mention it's fantasy? 

Top Ten Books for Spring 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Yay lists! This week's topic is Top Ten Books At The TOP Of My Spring 2013 TBR List. I love these lists where I get to go through my to-read shelf on GR and re-discover books that I'd forgotten about. There's a pretty fair mix in here of authors that are old & new to me. Hope you enjoy!

 

 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

Ahh, spring. So soon! I actually love winter and the cold weather so lucky for me since it seems it's here to stay! ;) That said, I am enjoying my sunny vacation and hope that the weather is great near you. Happy Tuesday!