Friday Finds is something that was started over on ShouldBeReading and Stacking the Shelves over at TyngaReviews, I am in love with all of these as I love finding other blogs to follow and books to read through these! So check them all out and see what you find, Stacking the Shelves has a lot of participants as well which is great. This is basically a way for me to show what books I have received, borrowed or bought each week. All book covers and their summary come from back of book or Goodreads.
I am finally back after my week off and I am so behind on everything. It's pretty daunting but, oh well. My week off was spent doing a lot of different things but the most excited was YALC! That's the UK's first ever Young Adult Literary Convention, in case you didn't know. And it was amazing. I loved every minute of it.
I keep saying that I am going to do a YALC post about it all but that's not happened so far. I will do it, I will. One day. Maybe. Maybe not. But I will tell you that I came home with far too many books, lots of bookish swag and a lot less money in my bank account than I started with. I brought home such a big haul that I am going to have to split it up over 2 weeks because I can't fit it in one haul. I probably could, but it's Friday night and I have work tomorrow and I'm lazy.
I have been rather distracted this week by the edition of a new kitten, who is utterly adorable. She was originally named Lilo but it doesn't seem to suit and I keep calling her Lola for some reason. It's sticking and I've started to prefer it. My other cat, who we thought would be okay with it, hates her. She just hides upstairs now and only comes down to eat. She then proceeds to hiss at the kitten for ten minutes and then back away super slowly. It shouldn't be funny but it is.
Tease by Amanda Maciel
A gripping, controversial debut about the nature of bullying.
Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault.
At least, that's what everyone seems to think when Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. But Sara is sure she hasn't done anything wrong, because Emma brought it on herself. Sara is adamant that she was the victim - not Emma.
Inspired by a true story, TEASE is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt you long after the last page.
I bought this from the Books With Bite table, where they were doing 2 books for £10 deal. I got this one as I have seen a lot of brilliant reviews for it.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.
Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.
Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.
I absolutely hated Fangirl, but I had to queue up to get my copy signed for Amanda, who I was giving it to. So I bought this in the hopes it might actually turn out to be as good as everyone says it is. Fingers crossed!
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
The monster showed up just after midnight. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his back garden, though, this monster is something different. Something ancient, something wild.
I caved and got the edition with pictures, even though I detest the size, shape and general feel of it. I hear the pictures really add to the story, so I ended up buying it.
Terra & Terra's World by Mitch Benn
A science fiction fable for the young-at-heart from stand-up comedian and satirical song-writer Mitch Benn.
No-one trusts humanity. No-one can quite understand why we're intent on destroying the only place we have to live in the Universe. No-one thinks we're worth a second thought. And certainly no-one is about to let us get off Rrth. That would be a complete disaster.
But one alien thinks Rrth is worth looking at. Not humanity, obviously, we're appalling, but until we manage to kill every other living thing on the planet there are some truly wonderful places on Rrth and some wonderful creatures living in them. Best take a look while they're still there.
But on one trip to Rrth our alien biologist causes a horrendous accident. The occupants of a car travelling down a lonely road spot his ship (the sort of massive lemon coloured, lemon shaped starship that really shouldn't be hanging in the sky over a road). Understandably the Bradbury's crash (interrupting the latest in a constant procession of bitter rows). And in the wreckage of their car our alien discovers a baby girl. She needs rescuing. From the car. From Rrth. From her humanity.
And now eleven years later a girl called Terra is about to go to school for the first time. It's a very alien experience...
After seeing Mitch Benn perform a musical, rock version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I probably would have bought any book he was selling. Even if that book consisted of just the word the written over and over again for 500 pages. Seriously, I would have! Hilarious guy.
Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
When Apple's mother returns after eleven years away, Apple feels whole again. But just like the stormy Christmas Eve when she left, her mother's homecoming is bittersweet. It's only when Apple meets someone more lost than she is that she begins to see things as they really are.
A story about sad endings.
A story about happy beginnings.
A story to make you realise who is special.
I had an eARC of it, but the hardback was so pretty and I got to buy it before the release date so... I had to have it!
Vivian Versus The Apocalypse & Vivian Versus America by Katie Coyle
A chilling vision of a contemporary USA where the sinister Church of America is destroying lives. Our cynical protagonist, seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple, is awaiting the fated 'Rapture' - or rather the lack of it. Her evangelical parents have been in the Church's thrall for too long, and she's looking forward to getting them back. Except that when Vivian arrives home the day after the supposed 'Rapture', her parents are gone. All that is left are two holes in the ceiling...
Viv is determined to carry on as normal, but when she starts to suspect that her parents might still be alive, she realises she must uncover the truth. Joined by Peter, a boy claiming to know the real whereabouts of the Church, and Edie, a heavily pregnant Believer who has been 'left behind', they embark on a road trip across America. Encountering freak weather, roving 'Believer' gangs and a strange teenage group calling themselves the 'New Orphans', Viv soon begins to realise that the Rapture was just the beginning.
I've been tempted by these a few times. Hot Key Books are awesome and were doing great deals on their books at YALC, so I ended up buying these.
There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake
In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.
Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.
All Shelby knows is that they’re running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn’t, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.
Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning.
This isn't out till January next year and YALC was the first time I had even heard of it. The little blurb in the ARC didn't actually reveal anywhere near as much as the Goodreads summary. I am definitely intrigued.
Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld
Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings…
Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most.
I'm currently celebrating July with a giveaway! I am giving 6 winners the chance to win a book of their choice, worth up to £10, from Book Depository. For all the details you can go to the original post.
I am also taking part in Book Badger's Summer Surge Read-a-thon. I even did an interview for it and have done a giveaway as well. You can win one of my favourite summer reads, to find out what they are then go over to the original interview post. Be sure to sign up for the read-a-thon while you are at it, it's going to be a ton of fun!
I keep saying that I am going to do a YALC post about it all but that's not happened so far. I will do it, I will. One day. Maybe. Maybe not. But I will tell you that I came home with far too many books, lots of bookish swag and a lot less money in my bank account than I started with. I brought home such a big haul that I am going to have to split it up over 2 weeks because I can't fit it in one haul. I probably could, but it's Friday night and I have work tomorrow and I'm lazy.
She's just too cute! |
The Throne of Glass tote makes me so happy! |
The above haul is just from day one at YALC!
Tease by Amanda Maciel
A gripping, controversial debut about the nature of bullying.
Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault.
At least, that's what everyone seems to think when Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. But Sara is sure she hasn't done anything wrong, because Emma brought it on herself. Sara is adamant that she was the victim - not Emma.
Inspired by a true story, TEASE is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt you long after the last page.
I bought this from the Books With Bite table, where they were doing 2 books for £10 deal. I got this one as I have seen a lot of brilliant reviews for it.
The Mission by Alex Zadoff
He was the perfect assassin. No name. No past. No remorse. Perfect, that is, until he began to ask questions and challenge his orders. Now The Program is worried that their valuable soldier has become a liability.
And so Boy Nobody is given a new mission. A test of sorts. A chance to prove his loyalty.
His objective: Take out Eugene Moore, the owner of an extremist military training camp for teenagers. It sounds like a simple task, but a previous operative couldn't do it. He lost the mission and is presumed dead. Now Boy Nobody is confident he can finish the job. Quickly.
But when things go awry, Boy Nobody finds himself lost in a mission where nothing is as it seems: not The Program, his allegiances, nor the truth.
The riveting second book in Allen Zadoff's Boy Nobody series delivers heart-pounding action and a shocking new twist that makes Boy Nobody question everything he has believed.
And so Boy Nobody is given a new mission. A test of sorts. A chance to prove his loyalty.
His objective: Take out Eugene Moore, the owner of an extremist military training camp for teenagers. It sounds like a simple task, but a previous operative couldn't do it. He lost the mission and is presumed dead. Now Boy Nobody is confident he can finish the job. Quickly.
But when things go awry, Boy Nobody finds himself lost in a mission where nothing is as it seems: not The Program, his allegiances, nor the truth.
The riveting second book in Allen Zadoff's Boy Nobody series delivers heart-pounding action and a shocking new twist that makes Boy Nobody question everything he has believed.
If I am completely honest, I bought this thinking it was the first in the series. It's had so many different covers and name changes that I get really confused. I got the first from Netgalley instead and plan to read both soon.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.
Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.
Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.
I absolutely hated Fangirl, but I had to queue up to get my copy signed for Amanda, who I was giving it to. So I bought this in the hopes it might actually turn out to be as good as everyone says it is. Fingers crossed!
More Than This by Patrick Ness
A boy drowns, desperate and alone in his final moments. He dies.
Then he wakes, naked and bruised and thirsty, but alive.
How can this be? And what is this strange deserted place?
As he struggles to understand what is happening, the boy dares to hope. Might this not be the end? Might there be more to this life, or perhaps this afterlife?
From multi-award-winning Patrick Ness comes one of the most provocative and moving novels of our time.
Then he wakes, naked and bruised and thirsty, but alive.
How can this be? And what is this strange deserted place?
As he struggles to understand what is happening, the boy dares to hope. Might this not be the end? Might there be more to this life, or perhaps this afterlife?
From multi-award-winning Patrick Ness comes one of the most provocative and moving novels of our time.
I really wanted to meet Patrick Ness and get all my books signed, but I couldn't deal with the crowds and heat by then. I'd queued for Rainbow Rowell for so long, my feet were sore and seeing the length of his queue after just broke me. I went home after that and slept for 12 hours straight, I was that exhausted. After seeing Ness on the panel at YALC made me realise how absolutely hilarious he is though. So sad I didn't get to meet him.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
The monster showed up just after midnight. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his back garden, though, this monster is something different. Something ancient, something wild.
I caved and got the edition with pictures, even though I detest the size, shape and general feel of it. I hear the pictures really add to the story, so I ended up buying it.
Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly
Waterfire Saga is an epic new series set in the depths of the ocean where six mermaids seek to save their world.
Written by Carnegie Medal winning author of A Gathering Light, Jennifer Donnelly.
When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be about reuniting with handsome Prince Mahdi, her childhood crush. Instead she finds herself haunted by strange dreams foretelling the return of an ancient evil, and dealing with the deaths of her parents as assassins storm the betrothal ceremony, plunging the city into chaos.
Led only by her shadowy dreams and pursued by the invading army, Serafina and her best friend Neela embark on a quest to avenge her parents' death and prevent a war between the mer nations. In the process they discover a plot that threatens their - and our - world's very existence.
Written by Carnegie Medal winning author of A Gathering Light, Jennifer Donnelly.
When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be about reuniting with handsome Prince Mahdi, her childhood crush. Instead she finds herself haunted by strange dreams foretelling the return of an ancient evil, and dealing with the deaths of her parents as assassins storm the betrothal ceremony, plunging the city into chaos.
Led only by her shadowy dreams and pursued by the invading army, Serafina and her best friend Neela embark on a quest to avenge her parents' death and prevent a war between the mer nations. In the process they discover a plot that threatens their - and our - world's very existence.
I only got this because of the 2 book deal that Books With Bite were doing, but it's a book I probably will end up giving to my little cousin to read.
Terra & Terra's World by Mitch Benn
A science fiction fable for the young-at-heart from stand-up comedian and satirical song-writer Mitch Benn.
No-one trusts humanity. No-one can quite understand why we're intent on destroying the only place we have to live in the Universe. No-one thinks we're worth a second thought. And certainly no-one is about to let us get off Rrth. That would be a complete disaster.
But one alien thinks Rrth is worth looking at. Not humanity, obviously, we're appalling, but until we manage to kill every other living thing on the planet there are some truly wonderful places on Rrth and some wonderful creatures living in them. Best take a look while they're still there.
But on one trip to Rrth our alien biologist causes a horrendous accident. The occupants of a car travelling down a lonely road spot his ship (the sort of massive lemon coloured, lemon shaped starship that really shouldn't be hanging in the sky over a road). Understandably the Bradbury's crash (interrupting the latest in a constant procession of bitter rows). And in the wreckage of their car our alien discovers a baby girl. She needs rescuing. From the car. From Rrth. From her humanity.
And now eleven years later a girl called Terra is about to go to school for the first time. It's a very alien experience...
After seeing Mitch Benn perform a musical, rock version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I probably would have bought any book he was selling. Even if that book consisted of just the word the written over and over again for 500 pages. Seriously, I would have! Hilarious guy.
When oxygen levels plunge in a treeless world, a state lottery decides which lucky few will live inside the Pod. Everyone else will slowly suffocate. Years after the Switch, life inside the Pod has moved on. A poor Auxiliary class cannot afford the oxygen tax which supplies extra air for running, dancing and sports. The rich Premiums, by contrast, are healthy and strong. Anyone who opposes the regime is labelled a terrorist and ejected from the Pod to die. Sixteen-year-old Alina is part of the secret resistance, but when a mission goes wrong she is forced to escape from the Pod. With only two days of oxygen in her tank, she too faces the terrifying prospect of death by suffocation. Her only hope is to find the mythical Grove, a small enclave of trees protected by a hardcore band of rebels. Does it even exist, and if so, what or who are they protecting the trees from? A dystopian thriller about courage and freedom, with a love story at its heart.
I have read Breathe and really enjoyed it, so I jumped at the chance to finally buy both books and get them signed by Sarah.
Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
When Apple's mother returns after eleven years away, Apple feels whole again. But just like the stormy Christmas Eve when she left, her mother's homecoming is bittersweet. It's only when Apple meets someone more lost than she is that she begins to see things as they really are.
A story about sad endings.
A story about happy beginnings.
A story to make you realise who is special.
I had an eARC of it, but the hardback was so pretty and I got to buy it before the release date so... I had to have it!
Frozen by Melissa De La Cruz & Michael Johnston
Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.
At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.
But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.
At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.
But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.
This isn't out till September so I died of excitement when I saw they were selling it at YALC!
Vivian Versus The Apocalypse & Vivian Versus America by Katie Coyle
A chilling vision of a contemporary USA where the sinister Church of America is destroying lives. Our cynical protagonist, seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple, is awaiting the fated 'Rapture' - or rather the lack of it. Her evangelical parents have been in the Church's thrall for too long, and she's looking forward to getting them back. Except that when Vivian arrives home the day after the supposed 'Rapture', her parents are gone. All that is left are two holes in the ceiling...
Viv is determined to carry on as normal, but when she starts to suspect that her parents might still be alive, she realises she must uncover the truth. Joined by Peter, a boy claiming to know the real whereabouts of the Church, and Edie, a heavily pregnant Believer who has been 'left behind', they embark on a road trip across America. Encountering freak weather, roving 'Believer' gangs and a strange teenage group calling themselves the 'New Orphans', Viv soon begins to realise that the Rapture was just the beginning.
I've been tempted by these a few times. Hot Key Books are awesome and were doing great deals on their books at YALC, so I ended up buying these.
These were all the freebies I got from my first day at YALC. I obviously don't have to review them all, but I'll try my hardest to anyway.
High & Dry by Sarah Skilton
Framed for a stranger's near-fatal overdose at a party, blackmailed into finding a mysterious flash drive everyone in school seems anxious to suppress, and pressured by his shady best friend to throw an upcoming game, high school soccer player Charlie Dixon spends a frantic week trying to clear his name, win back the girl of his dreams, and escape a past that may be responsible for all his current problems.
The Young World by Chris Weitz
After a mysterious Sickness wipes out the rest of the population, the young survivors assemble into tightly run tribes. Jefferson, the reluctant leader of the Washington Square tribe, and Donna, the girl he's secretly in love with, have carved out a precarious existence among the chaos. But when another tribe member discovers a clue that may hold the cure to the Sickness, five teens set out on a life-altering road trip to save humankind.
The tribe exchanges gunfire with enemy gangs, escapes cults and militias, braves the wilds of the subway and Central Park...and discovers truths they could never have imagined.
The tribe exchanges gunfire with enemy gangs, escapes cults and militias, braves the wilds of the subway and Central Park...and discovers truths they could never have imagined.
I am super curious about this one, very excited to see if I end up loving it or not.
There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake
In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.
Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.
All Shelby knows is that they’re running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn’t, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.
Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning.
This isn't out till January next year and YALC was the first time I had even heard of it. The little blurb in the ARC didn't actually reveal anywhere near as much as the Goodreads summary. I am definitely intrigued.
The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters
Olivia Mead is a headstrong, independent girl—a suffragist—in an age that prefers its girls to be docile. It’s 1900 in Oregon, and Olivia’s father, concerned that she’s headed for trouble, convinces a stage mesmerist to try to hypnotize the rebellion out of her. But the hypnotist, an intriguing young man named Henri Reverie, gives her a terrible gift instead: she’s able to see people’s true natures, manifesting as visions of darkness and goodness, while also unable to speak her true thoughts out loud. These supernatural challenges only make Olivia more determined to speak her mind, and so she’s drawn into a dangerous relationship with the hypnotist and his mysterious motives, all while secretly fighting for the rights of women. Winters breathes new life into history once again with an atmospheric, vividly real story, including archival photos and art from the period throughout.
This one was recommended by the YALC team and I am very excited to try it!
Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld
Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings…
Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most.
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two strangers cross paths. Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, culminating in heroic turns-of-heart and the most epic musical ever to grace the high-school stage.
They were handing out copies of this with TFIOS movie posters.
And Books With Bite were putting this short story in their tote bags, which you got when you bought books from them.
Rock War by Robert Muchamore
Two kids, one band, one crucial audition.
Noah's a natural on the guitar, and he'd give anything to get through the Rock War audition. But when he betrays his best friend to join another band, he knows he's crossed the line.
Will he risk their friendship for the sake of musical stardom?
Introducing new characters, a never-before-seen band, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Rock War auditions, in a story written especially for World Book Day.
Noah's a natural on the guitar, and he'd give anything to get through the Rock War audition. But when he betrays his best friend to join another band, he knows he's crossed the line.
Will he risk their friendship for the sake of musical stardom?
Introducing new characters, a never-before-seen band, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Rock War auditions, in a story written especially for World Book Day.
I'm currently celebrating July with a giveaway! I am giving 6 winners the chance to win a book of their choice, worth up to £10, from Book Depository. For all the details you can go to the original post.
I am also taking part in Book Badger's Summer Surge Read-a-thon. I even did an interview for it and have done a giveaway as well. You can win one of my favourite summer reads, to find out what they are then go over to the original interview post. Be sure to sign up for the read-a-thon while you are at it, it's going to be a ton of fun!
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: 4.5/5 Review
Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I Want On A Deserted Island With Me
Films for Thoughts on Thursday: How To Train Your Dragon 2 9.5/10 Review
Five Friday Favourites: Secondary Characters
Summer Surge: Spell It Out & Twitter Challenges
Five Friday Favourites: Secondary Characters
Summer Surge: Spell It Out & Twitter Challenges
Nice haul! Yeah, when you have a ton of books or even after attending such a big event, doing a recap post can be time consuming. And then just thinking of wrapping it up, uploading what's likely too many pictures...it's just too daunting to want to deal with! So I totally feel you there!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying all your new reads!
My STS will be up on Sunday, stop by then if you can!
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
I KNOW! It took me so long to even get the energy together to write this one, such a long post to get through.
DeleteYour new kitten is so adorable!! That haul is gigantic; amazing! :) I am looking forward to your review of Tease.
ReplyDeleteLola @ Hit or Miss Books
She is just the cutest, I love her.
DeleteWow great haul! I can't wait to see what else you got and look at that adorable kitty! Exciting!
ReplyDeleteHuge congrats to you!!
Thank you, she is a cutie!
DeleteLovely haul. I can't wait to see what you make of Tease! :-)
ReplyDeleteMe too, that one looks so good.
DeleteI dread to think what I'd be like at a convention. I'm a sucker for bookmarks! Enjoy your books and swag!
ReplyDeleteIT WAS HELL! But an amazing, book filled hell.
DeleteOooh, not sure if my comment posted there, so I'm trying again lol!
ReplyDeleteOMG THRONE OF GLASS BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *hyperventilates* That is so beyond awesome and I want it.
Also, I cannot believe you didn't like Fangirl. Are you dead inside? ;)
I am not dead inside, that book was just awful. AWFUL! Haha, all the rubbish fanfiction, about a book that is essentially a purposeful rip off of Harry Potter, yet HP then exists within Fangirl. How would Simon Snow have got published? It wouldn't have. Huge plot hole and it bugged me for the WHOLE book. Plus, Cath was whiny and treated Levi really badly. Not a fan.
Delete*dies of the awesomeness in this post*
ReplyDeleteSeriously OH MY GOSH. Just...just let me hug my laptop screen. Particularly that ToG bag. LOOK AT THAT AWESOMENESS. *cough* Also, A Monster Calls is brilliant and will probably make you cry. And Eleanor & Park is gorgeous (but I like Fangirl better). I'm reading The Young World right now. Well, I've read one chapter. Hehe. after like reading a book a day for 2 weeks, I've super slacked off this weekend. And I'm enjoying it. Lounging around. Watching TV shows about prison. Normal people stuff. YOU AND ME BOTH about that Boy Nobody series. I am so uber confused about which book is first. I've got The Hit (??) from Netgalley. OH and I saw Frozen like auto-read on Netgalley but I wasn't sure if I should get it or not....It looks cool but reviews didn't look so hot (har har) on Goodreads. OKAY. I'M FINISHED THIS MEGA COMMENT.
That Throne of Glass tote is now my pride and joy... I ADORE IT!
DeleteHaha maybe I will like E&P more, since I didn't like Fangirl. A girl can dream :)
CRY?!? Noooooo, I am scared of A Monster Calls now.
Oh dear, Frozen reviews aren't great? Ooops. Let's hope I like it.
I LOVE THE MEGA COMMENT :)
Awesome haul! I loved Tease, and I hope you will, too. I think Breathe looks really interesting, and the cover is eery! I have been wanting Frozen for a long time, but I keep adding so many other books. *sighs*
ReplyDeleteI hope all your new books will be enjoyable! Happy reading.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bokviews
I am really excited to read Tease, I really hope I end up loving it.
DeleteLola is so damn cute! 귀여운! And I love that I am seeing Patrick Ness books. I both enjoyed A Monster Calls and More Than This. Happy weekend!
ReplyDelete~ Dre @ Sporadic Reads
SHE IS! :) I hope I love the Ness books!
DeleteOh my, Lola is absolutely adorable. When we added our kitten for the first time our older cat did not like him as well. It took about 4 weeks before they could be in the same room and now they even sleep together sometimes! It will take time but they'll become friends. YALC sounds like an awesome thing. I'll have to see if I can possibly go there next year :). Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThe older cat is more accepting now, she still doesn't want to go near the kitten but she doesn't hiss at her anywhere near as much.
DeleteThe new kitten is so cute!!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Frozen, hope you do too! I've had Afterworlds for awhile, but I haven't read it yet. I loved his Uglies series, so I have high hopes. It sounds a lot different, though. I read Breathe so long ago I barely remember it, but I do remember that I loved it. I would need to reread it though to read Resist. Should do that soon! Have fun reading! ~Pam
She is! I have to reread Breathe too, something I really need to hurry up and do.
DeleteKITTEN! Oh my god she's adorable, I want one! :( All of the books too, I really hope you get to read them and love them because you've got loads now and being out of the slump should help, so good luck and enjoy The Unknown Assassin, honestly so excited for your thoughts! :D
ReplyDeleteShe is just too much cute, I adore her! I am very excited to get stuck into some of these, if and when I can find the time.
DeleteThat kitten is very cute. Your old cat is probably feeling very left out and excluded. Plus she feels jealous. In time, she will come to accept the kitten. Looks like you got some amazing books. I hope you love all of them. They look wonderful. I'm looking forward to your reviews.
ReplyDeleteGrace @ Books of Love
She is a bit better now, doesn't hiss at the poor thing anywhere near as much! :)
DeleteAwww...your cat is too cute! I really like the name Lola. A friend of mine and her boyfriend just bought two cats recently. I'm so jealous!
ReplyDeleteYALC sounded like it was fun and that's great you got lots of fun items.
I really want to read Afterworlds, and I'm curious about The Young World too.
-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com
The cat is adorable and far too much cute to deal with. The Young World is one I am definitely intrigued by, I hope I like it.
DeleteI like the cover of your Eleanor and Park much more than the other one I see all the time!
ReplyDeleteMe too, it's my favourite! :)
DeleteLove your haul and that kitten is so adorable :) I'm so jealous you got to go to a book convention! And it's a young adult one too. I live in the western part of Canada and there are hardly any book-related events :(
ReplyDeleteIt was AMAZING! It's like the first decent one we have had in the UK too. I can't wait for next year :) :) :)
DeleteWow that is an awesome haul! Thanks for sharing! These all look pretty good. And I must say, your kitten is pretty cute :)
ReplyDeleteShe is too cute, haha.
DeleteKitttyyyyy. Hope she settles in well! As for Eleanor and Park, I don't think I actually know why you didn't like Fangirl, so I don't know if it'll work any better for you, but I did like it.
ReplyDeleteShe's settling in fine, running around like she owns the place. Fangirl... HATED IT! Haha.
DeleteI loved The Mission. I really hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteThat haul is so purdy! I can't wait until I get to go to my first large/mainstream book event!
Happy reading!
I was so excited, can't wait for next year now! I know what to expect and what to bring with me. Lots of food and water and a suitcase for all the books! :)
DeleteI can't get past the kitten. How freaking cute!!! Great haul as well. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteDang, YALC seems like a great book event! I love the Throne of Glass tote. I really enjoyed Breathe, Resist, and Deep Blue! I hope you love all of your new books :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog! Have a fabulous weekend!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Can't wait for next year :)
DeleteI don't know how you could pick which to read first!
ReplyDeleteI can't decide!!!
DeleteNice Haul! Your are definitely going to be super busy reading for the next little while.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck.
Here's my STS
Thanks! :)
DeleteCute kitten! I really enjoyed Breathe, and I hope you do, too. I love that tote as well! I'm dying to read The Cure for Dreaming. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy StS
Thanks for taking part! :)
Delete{Awesome haul!! You got so many amazing books! Hope you have fun reading them all! And I love the Throne of Glass tote.}
ReplyDeleteThanks! I bet I will :)
DeleteAw, the new kitten is adorable!! And the books... oh my goodness, I don't know where to begin! I am so, so intrigued by the Vivian Apple books, I have been going back and forth whether I want to wait for their US release, or just order them from the UK! I am also really excited to read A Cure for Dreaming and Apple and Rain. And of course, ALL the Patrick Ness! A Monster Calls was really good! Hope you enjoy these, and that your cats will become buddies ;)
ReplyDelete-Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight
I love her, she's too adorable. A Cure for Dreaming looks so good, I am excited for that one.
DeleteWhat an awesome, awesome haul!!! So excited for you that you got to go to YALC! That kitten is super cute and I like Lola too. :) Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteTressa @ Wishful Endings
I had so much fun, can't wait for next year :)
DeleteLovely haul!! Oh my gosh that ToG Tote. You have no idea how jealous I am!! YALC must have been great, it seems like you enjoyed it. Ooh cute kitty ;) ooh book swag! Sorry it's late where I live right now and I'm exhausted and my thoughts aren't exactly coherent XD I apologize. Lovely haul, lovely post, lovely review <3
ReplyDeleteThe tote is the greatest thing EVER!!! :) YALC was amazing and I can't wait for next year now.
DeleteFirsty, your kitten is ADORABLE!!!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, AWESOME book haul! I want to read practically all of these, especially Breathe and The Mission, I LOVED the first book and I'm waiting for a chance to read the second one :)
Deep Blue and Terra also look really good and I'm adding it to my wishlist! :)
Enjoy your new books!
Kyra @ Blog of a Bookaholic
My STS Post!
Thank you, I love her! I hope I love em all.
DeleteWOW, what a haul! That's amazing, I really want to read Eleanor & Park and Will Grayson, Will Grayson, both sound like they'd be right up my alley :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
PS Your kitten is so CUTE! Absolutely adorable :)
Thank you! :)
DeleteAwwww, Lola is soooo cute. I was never a cat person but then a cat adopted me. :) Hope your other cat gets use to the new friend.
ReplyDeleteMe too, she seems to have settled down quite a bit.
DeleteWow, that's an amazing haul! Though I am not a cat person your kitten is cute. :) Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteI LOVE the pics of your new kitty!! ADORABLE. Gee, I sure hope your other cat will get over the jealousy and make friends!
ReplyDeleteYou are SO FREAKING LUCKY to have been able to attend such a terrific event! And then look at the great books you got! I wonder if my husband would consider moving to London.....lol.
Most of these books are entirely new to me, except for a few, and these few I WANT so badly!! They are: "Eleanor and Park", "Deep Blue", "Breathe", and "The Cure for Dreaming". I haven't heard of the others before. However, from the plot summaries, I can see that they're all incredibly intriguing, so I'll be adding them to my Goodreads shelves!
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for visiting my own STS post and commenting!! : )
I know, she is a bit better now but still not at the making friends stage.
DeleteIt was amazing, I cannot wait for next year!!!
P.S. Now I'm going to answer the questions you posed in your giveaways. For the first one, I'd pick "Never Fade", by Alexandra Bracken. For the second one, I'd pick "My Life Next Door", by Huntley Fitzpatrick.
ReplyDeleteThanks SO much for TWO such AWESOME giveaways!!!!! : )
Thanks :)
DeleteGreat haul! I'm quite confused because of all those different covers and names for Boy Nobody/I Am the Weapon/and if there's more names! I got my own copy of it waiting to be read. I enjoyed Breathe as well and I should read Resist sometime soon. Apple and Rain looks intriguing! Enjoy and happy reading :)
ReplyDeleteHenna @ Howling for Books
I am so confused by the different covers and names, they need to stop redesigning them!
DeleteOhh Lola is so adorable! Those tiny little paws, so cute! YALC sounds absolutely amazing. Tease looks so good, and I absolutely love Deep Blue’s cover. Enjoy all your new books, and happy reading :)
ReplyDeleteShe is too cute! YALC was amazing, can't wait for next year.
DeleteWow, that is a fantastic haul of books! I really hope you enjoy E&P. Sorry to hear you didn't like Fangirl, but E&P is so different that hopefully it's better for you!
ReplyDeleteAnd Lola is ADORABLE!!!
The Mission! And hope you enjoy Eleanor and Park. :> Great Haul and your new kitty is soooooo cute. Thanks a bunch for stopping by our blog. Enjoy the rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteThat is an insanely amazing haul! Looking at all those books has left me drooling and speachless! That haul deserves a happy book dance!
ReplyDeleteMichelle from Michelle's Minions
It really does! *dances*
DeleteOh, and your new kitty is adorable :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteLots of great books listed. I really enjoyed Breathe and Resist. Great haul. enjoy your books.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, cute kitty! Lola is a super adorable name.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, look at ALL the books! I could go on forever and ever. But really what makes me most excited if the ToG tote. I needs one! Super jealous!
I hope you enjoy all your new reads. I've read a few of them. So I'll keep my out for your future reviews.
Happy reading!
Brittany @ This is the Story of My(Reading) Life
Thanks you :)
DeleteOh my, you certainly had an insanely busy week! YALC sounds amazing. I'm just waiting for the day when they do one in Canada. For now, I get to dream about visiting NYC for BEA one day :P
ReplyDeleteThe Patrick Ness books are both so good. Especially A Monster Calls. That one, I think you'll enjoy a lot. I'm kind of lost when it comes to Boy Nobody too. I loved the first, and it's nice to know that the second is called The Mission. I'll keep that in mind. The new kitten is soo cute I would be obsessed with it too!
Have a great week!
-P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex
YALC was amazing, can't wait for next year. I want to go BEA too, that looks a million times more awesome.
DeleteSuch a great haul! I have tote envy, they had these at BEA but I didn't manage to grab one. I have a few of these, but I haven't read them, so I can't talk much about them. Thank for stopping by and happy reading :)
ReplyDeleteThat tote is my favourite thing ever, I LOVE IT! :)
DeleteLola is so adorable! Those pictures are so cute. Now I want another kitten. :)
ReplyDeleteThat Throne of Glass tote is so cool, and that is one amazing haul. Frozen looks really good, and I hope that you're not disappointed by Eleanor & Park. Enjoy your books. :D
I know, I just got one and it makes me want another!
DeleteGreat haul! :) Really want to read Afterworlds!! Enjoy all your wonderful books!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteNot sure, maybe Afterworlds, or else an older book in the Caster Chronicles.
ReplyDeleteOH yeah, awesome haul! YALC looks like it was totally awesome! Thanks for stopping by my STS earlier.
DeleteThanks :)
DeleteOh my gosh YALC looks totally awesome, it sounds like you got to meet many amazing authors and grab some great ARCs! I really want to read after world and frozen. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYALC was amazing, can't wait for next year :)
DeleteGreat selection of books! Eleanor & Park is just adorable. Mission looks interesting. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your books! ~ Bel
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteWow!! Awesome haul! That is so cool! And Lola is soooooo cute! Have a fab week!
ReplyDeleteThanx for visiting My Weekly Wrap-Up!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Thanks! :)
DeleteWow, great haul! I'm very jealous you got to go to YALC! We don't have any conventions like that out where I live so I've never been. I'm glad you had a great time. Enjoy all your lovely books.
ReplyDeleteI loved YALC so much, can't wait for next year :)
DeleteAWESOME HAUL! I wish we have YALC on our country too. Totally jealous. But I'm glad you had fun!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, The Escapist
I did, can't wait for next year :)
DeleteWOW! I LOVE THAT KITTEN SO much!! So so so cute. I also have a cat but she's already 2 years old.. I am quite curious about the Waterfire Saga because I have this crazy obsession about mermaids. I hope it will deliver. I am a bit apprehensive about picking up mermaid books today because a lot of them are disappointing.
ReplyDeleteShe is the cutest, can't get enough of her.
DeleteWow! Great haul!! I'm a little jealous right now...lol
ReplyDeleteHaha, sorry! :)
DeleteGreat haul! I loved More Than This, Tease and Breathe. Really need to get copies of Breathe and Resist, I only have an ARC of Breathe.
ReplyDeleteI hope I end up loving them all :)
DeleteAww kitty!
ReplyDeleteGreat haul, seriously some awesome books! I've heard a lot of great things about Cure for Dreaming. Hope you enjoy all your books!
I hope I do too :)
DeleteWhat a great haul you've got! I really hope you enjoy all your books, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks, me too :)
DeleteAw!! That is adorable. Cat makes so many things better. :3
ReplyDeleteI'm stunned you got ALL THAT from YA Lit Con. I think me and my friend were there for about five minutes. So much goodies! You're going to have a veeery fun time reading. =]
Ashana.
I really am! I loved YALC, can't wait for next year :) :) :)
DeleteNot sure which book i'll choose. But I loved this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteThank you, she's adorable.
ReplyDelete