My Auto-Buy Authors: Part One

2016 is coming to a close and I think it is time to reflect on all the great authors, the new and the old. Here are the authors who could write a cookbook and I'd buy it :D

1. Sarah J Maas

Maas is a no-brainer. I've written an entire post about my love for her work! (Read it here.) Her books are thrilling, beautiful, and pull me into new worlds. Likewise, her storytelling and world building abilities are insane. ACOMAF might be my #1 read this year.

2. Rainbow Rowell

My love for Rainbow Rowell knows no bounds. I own three copies of Fangirl alone! My other favorites are Carry On and Attachments. If you haven't picked up her work, you should get on that :D Her books are always simultaneously cute, real, and out-of-the-box.

3. Richelle Mead

While I wasn't on board with The Glittering Court, Mead's work has previously always been reliable. Vampire Academy and Bloodlines are two of my all-time favorite series. In my opinion, her strength is in her characters. Who could not love Rose, Dimitri, Sydney, and Adrian? I can never resist Mead's novels... and I hope her next books meet her earlier standards.

4. Stephanie Perkins

Stephanie Perkins can do no wrong in my eyes. Anna, Lola, and Isla were all perfection. One of the most reread books on my shelves is Anna and the French Kiss. It's funny, has a serious message, and always makes me smile. I also applaud Perkins for her Summer Days and My True Love Gave to Me anthologies. I cannot wait for her next endeavor.

5. Rick Riordan

My childhood! This dude is responsible for my obsession with mythology. I have every single one of Riordan's mg/ya books. I admittedly still need to read some of his newer series, but Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles are forever in my heart. (PS we are all just pretending the PJ movies never happened, right?)

6. Kristin Cashore

Let's talk about Graceling, Fire, and Bitterblue. These books are the epitome of what makes fantasy amazing. I read Fire and Bitterblue this year (I don't know why I waited so long) and they knocked my socks off. Fierce female characters and the expansive world make this series a standout.

P.S I had so many authors I wanted to talk about that I'm making two parts! Be on the lookout for part two soon <3

Who are your auto-buy authors??? 

Caraval: A 2017 Release to Watch!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

 Mark your calendars for January 31st!

There is no doubt about it, Caraval will be the next big thing to hit YA shelves. Stephanie Garber has penned a breath-taking debut full of magic and twists and delicious, dangerous atmosphere.

The Premise:

Two sisters, Scarlett and Tessa, escape their home to participate in the fantastical Caraval. Headed by the mysterious Legend, Caraval is an event the sisters have wanted to see since they were very young. Then, Tella is taken, as a part of Caraval's game. Scarlett, with the help of Julian, an unexpected ally, has to find her sister within five days.  

The Setting:

This book shines with it's imaginative and descriptive look at scenes of Caraval. Things are glamorous, weird, decadent, and creepy. You can buy things with secrets, nightmares, or days of your life. The people around you may be allies or enemies. Nothing is as it seems. 

The Characters: 

I loved the strong sisterly bond between Scarlett and Tella. They both want to protect each other. I also loved how Garber showed the differences in their personalities: She showed both Scarlett's fear and Tella's recklessness. Then, of course, we have Julian. He was such an intriguing character, and the romance was exciting and well-done. 

The Special Effects: 

Now I come to what I call the "special effects" of Caraval. And by that I mean all the clever twists and games Garber has put into her book. You will be addicted to turning Caraval's pages, waiting for what will happen next. I finished it in two days! 

In Conclusion: 

I cannot wait for the sequel! (And I definitely have a long wait!) Caraval has a complete story arc on it's own, but Garber teases us with so many more questions to be answered and characters to meet and a world to explore in her epilogue. 

4.5/5 Stars 

P.S Isn't the cover stunning? 

The Diabolic Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

I was over-the-moon excited to be a part of this blog tour! Thanks Irish Banana Tours! 

Read on for my review of The Diabolic and an amazing giveaway :D

The Diabolic by SJ Kincaid

LINKS: Amazon | B&N

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire. 

One of my favorite things in the world is to close an amazing book and feel so ecstatic, and also sad at the same time, because I have to leave the world. The Diabolic, one of my favorite reads of 2016, was that book that was so wonderful and oh so hard to put down. 

The Diabolic is just as amazing as it's really pretty cover! SJ Kincaid has created a dangerous, vivid world in this newest Sci-Fi standalone. The reader feels the tension and emotions in every chapter. Nemesis, our main character, was one of the reasons this book shone. She is a Diabolic: someone who is not seen as remotely human. Her job is to protect Sidonia. Then, one day, she has to travel to the Galactic Court under the false identity of Sidonia to protect her friend. 

That's when things get crazy. Parties, deaths, wild schemes, horrible emperors, crazy princes. And, along the way, Nemesis discovers some truths about herself. Yes, she is a Diabolic, but that doesn't mean she's less than. It doesn't mean she can't feel. Meanwhile, she was also a genuinely strong main character. I loved how the author didn't shy away from having a main character with muscles and amazing fighting technique. 

I loved the relationships in the book: Especially between Nemesis and Sidonia, Nemesis and Tyrus, and Nemesis and Neveni. Along with great friendships and romance came also a lot of enemies. And, of course, The Diabolic wrapped up with an epic, grand ending. 

In conclusion, the action, politics, fantastic characters, relationships, space, cool twists, and more make The Diabolic a must-read! I know it's a standalone, and I love standalones, but I wouldn't exactly say no to another book or a spin-off or something of the like. That said, I'll definitely be picking up more SJ Kincaid no matter what she writes. 

5/5 Stars

ABOUT S.J. KINCAID:

S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut, Insignia, came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex was released in July of 2013. The final book in the trilogy, Catalyst, came out October 28, 2014. Her standalone novel The Diabolic will be released in fall 2016.

Now, time for a giveaway! You want this book, trust me :D

Enter to win Three Finished Copies of The Diabolic: US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

10/24: YA Bibliophile - Review

10/25: Swoony Boys Podcast - Character Interview

10/26: Reader Rising - Review

10/27: What Sarah Read - Mood Board

10/28: The Irish Banana Review - Top 10 

Week 2:

10/31: No BS Book Reviews - Q&A

11/1: In Wonderland - Review

11/2: Who RU Blog - Novel Secrets

11/3: Lili's Reflections - Review

11/4: Reading Is Better with Cupcakes - Review

Sarah J Maas Appreciation Post

Let's Talk About Sarah J Maas Books! 
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses 
I had no idea what to expect from this book, no idea if it would stand up to Throne of Glass, and I was so fantastically surprised for my all-consuming love. I honestly can not pick between the ACOTAR series and ToG. I was immersed into this beautiful book immediately. My full review is here. This book is for fans of fairy tales, fantasy, and immersive worlds.

2. A Court of Mist and Fury

So amazing! For a few days, all I could think about was this book and fantasize when I could get home to read it! I finished the book with an INTENSE need for book three. I need it now! I want more Feyre and Rhys and adventure. I am really craving a reread right now! I was so glad to see
 that ACOMAF was a #1 NYT Bestseller; Sarah J Maas deserves it soo much.

3. Throne of Glass   

I read this book AS SOON AS IT CAME OUT! I pre-ordered my copy on Amazon and was SO excited when it arrived. It had the old cover and all I had heard that it was a Cinderella retelling and I was in. I had no idea it would turn out to be such a phenomenon.

4. Crown of Midnight

Honestly, this was my least favorite Maas book. Yes, it was still amazing, and I rated it 4.5 stars. I think I enjoyed it less because I'm not a giant Chaol fan. Sorry! Still, there were some really emotional parts in this sequel that hit me where it counts. And I know for some, this is their favorite book! 

5. Heir of Fire 

Stuff goes down in this installment! This is one of my absolute favorite Maas books. Rowan! Manon! Sorscha! So many amazing characters are introduced. I could NOT put this gigantic beautiful book down. A+ perfection, 100%. Maas upped her game in this novel that I was initially was worried would disappoint. 

6. Queen of Shadows 

Just when I thought it couldn't get better than Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows comes along and proves me wrong. I squealed and laughed and gasped an cried so much while reading. The cast, plot, romances, writing, and world are just incredible. After reading I NEEDED Empire of Storms and it wasn't out yet.  It was rough. 

*Post on Empire of Storms coming soon! I'm in the middle of reading it right now!* 

IN CONCLUSION

I'm a major fan of both of Maas's series. I'm obsessed with ToG and ACOTAR fan art. I obsessively check for news on Twitter. Did you know there is a TV show in the works? Anyway, if you haven't, pick up one of these books! 

5 Reasons to Read My Lady Jane

Sometimes I just have days where I am not digging writing a real review. So I thought "What else can I write today?" and decided to just sit down with you and discuss one of my favorite books of 2016: My Lady Jane.

Check it out on Goodreads

Why Should You Read this BRILLIANT story? I am SO glad you asked.

1) It is HILARIOUS
Seriously, if you don't believe me go read the chapter sampler on Amazon. This trio of authors is so hilarious. I was in fits of giggles the entire time. In fact, My Lady is compared to The Princess Bride, so OF COURSE it is going to be a comedic gem.

2) It is UNIQUE and SPECIAL
The idea behind this book is so weird but it works wonderfully. An alternate retelling of the short reign of Lady Jane Grey with magic? Count me in!

3) There is HISTORY and other fun stuff
The Tudors! Royalty, Castles, Outlaws, and other HISTORY stuff abounds in My Lady Jane! Also, 16th century girls kicking butt :)

4) THE POVs 
Each author wrote one POV. Somehow all three of our main characters were equally wonderful and amazing. We have, of course, Jane... a bookish girl who never expected to be queen. Gifford, or "G", her husband, who has a slight predicament on his hands. And King Edward, who was hilarious. Also, there were really cute, funny romances for each character!

5) There will be MORE "Jane" books! 
So you better read the first book now so you can prepare for the others. Just saying.

For a more in depth review I recommend reading Emily May's review on Goodreads. Click here.

(My Lady Jane received FIVE shiny, beautiful stars from me btw)

My Top Ten Favorite Contemporary Novels

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

More often than not, I am a fantasy reader. However, a few contemporary books are close to my heart, and are just as amazing as my favorite fantasies!

(Oops.. that was twelve not ten... I can't help myself!)

What are some of your favorite contemporary reads? What do you think of my picks?

Mini Review: It Ends With Us

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Buy it on: Amazon/Barnes and Noble 
Release Date: August 2nd, 2016
Rating: 5 Stars
Publisher: Atria Books

*I'm not going to put the book description here... if you haven't read this book yet I recommend reading it WITHOUT knowing anything*

I was nervous going into this book. Why? Normally I'm the Colleen Hoover black sheep. I was meh about Maybe Someday, I wasn't into Confess, and I hated November Nine. 

So I tried this book with relatively low expectations. And I was blown away. 

This book was so raw, real, and important. There were some lines so perfect they made me cry. Colleen Hoover has a masterpiece on her hands. My advice? Go in blind. I read reviews saying to not even read the back... so I didn't. I went into this book with no idea what it was about. And that's part of the beauty of this story. 

You are right with Lily as she begins her journey. You have no idea what life will bring. After reading It Ends With Us, I was enlightened on a subject I thought I would never have to ponder. It was both heartbreaking and eye opening. 

I wasn't able to get this story out of my head for weeks. I only just felt okay enough to right this little "review" or stream of consciousness. 

Bravo, Hoover. Bravo. 

Have you read It Ends With Us yet? Are you planning on reading it?

What are your thoughts? 

My Top 8 Diverse Reads

The world is diverse, and books should be too! 

Here are some my absolute favorites:

Carry On and Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda

I LOVE both of these LGBT novels so much. Carry On is a fantasy with the cutest enemies-to-lovers story ever. I adore Simon and Baz. I just read Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda this year, and I couldn't believe I waited so long. Both of these books made it to my exclusive all-time favorites list which consists of only 40 books. Also just realized both have characters named Simon... 

On The Edge of Gone and Otherbound 

Both of these delightful books are by Corinne Duyvis! She has so much diversity in her books: autism, bisexuality, different races and ethnicity and sexual orientations... I love it! My favorite is Otherbound because I am a fantasy girl. But On The Edge of Gone is also so amazing!

The Wrath and The Dawn and An Ember In The Ashes 

Amazing fantasy books that aren't about white people! Yay! We need more of those. Both of these books are so wonderfully written and I devoured both so quickly. TWATD is lush and magical. I just finished An Ember In The Ashes and I was so enthralled; Tahir has created such a brutal, vivid world with characters you can root for. 

To All The Boys I've Loved Before and Pointe

Here are some super amazing contemporaries! Lara Jean in To All The Boys I've Loved Before is half Korean and one of my favorite contemporary MCs ever! This book is so adorable. Contrastingly, Pointe is a beautiful, powerful, dark book about a black ballerina. Both were wonderful reads.

Give me some diverse YA recommendations in the comments! Also, have you read/want to read any of the books on my list?