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.
My week has been eventful, and that's putting it mildly. I am still recovering from being sick, which is never any fun. And we're very short staffed at the minute, so that means doing lots of extra time. Good for money but not good for your stress levels and health. By the end of August, I will have worked all my usual days and every single one of my days off except 1. The pay better be worth it at the end of it.
On the positive side of things, I won two giveaways. Two giveaways I never expected to win, one a Goodreads First Reads one. And the second was a twitter giveaway. But, after receiving the books, I realised that both books weren't the first in each series, like I originally thought. Have tracked down other books in the respective series and plan to read them all. I also got an finished copy of Heir of Fire for review from Bloomsbury and squealed with joy.
On the absolutely devastating, kill me now, why-does-the-universe-hate-me side of things. Our library service has just found out it's budget is being halved and we have to lose over half of our entire staff by 2016. General consensus from all managers is to go find a new job as fast as you can. Not good. And easier said then done when you have only ever worked in libraries. Have job searched for hours and there's nothing. It's disheartening, depressing and I just feel like spending all my time laying in bed, crying like a baby. I love my job so I am really devastated, especially with all the hard work we have put in. It's also rage inducing.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
The Giver by Lois Lowry
A shocking new world. A dangerous choice. Two futures preparing to collide...
Having left White behind her in Angle Tar, Rue is trying to make sense of her new and unfamiliar life in World. Its culture is as baffling as is it thrilling to her, and Rue quickly realises World's fascination with technology can have intoxicating and deadly consequences.
She is also desperately lonely. And so is White. Somehow, their longing for each other is crossing into their dreams, dreams that begin to take increasingly strange turns as they appear to give Rue echoes of the future. Then the dreams reveal the advent of something truly monstrous, and with it the realisation that Rue and White will be instrumental in bringing about the most incredible and devastating change in both World and Angle Tar.
But in a world where Life is a virtual reality, where friends can become enemies overnight and where dreams, the future, and the past are somehow merging together, their greatest challenge of all may be to survive.
I have read and loved both of Abigail's books, Dangerous Girls & Dangerous Boys. To celebrate the release of Dangerous Boys, I am giving 2 winners the chance to win paperback copies of both Dangerous Boys and Dangerous Girls. It's open internationally, as long as Book Depository ships to you!
I also have an ARC copy of Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini to giveaway to one lucky winner. Just be aware that it's an ARC and not a finished copy, so no pretty cover! Because of shipping, the giveaway is UK only.
On the positive side of things, I won two giveaways. Two giveaways I never expected to win, one a Goodreads First Reads one. And the second was a twitter giveaway. But, after receiving the books, I realised that both books weren't the first in each series, like I originally thought. Have tracked down other books in the respective series and plan to read them all. I also got an finished copy of Heir of Fire for review from Bloomsbury and squealed with joy. |
| About right. |
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
'Just listen,' Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel. I open my eyes wide now. I sit up as much as I can. And I listen.
'Stay,' he says.
Everybody has to make choices.
Some might break you.
For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they're all about a future full of music and love, a future that's brimming with hope.
But life can change in an instant.
A cold February morning . . . a snowy road . . . and suddenly all of Mia's choices are gone. Except one.
As alone as she'll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all.
Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you've lost - and all that might be.
'Stay,' he says.
Everybody has to make choices.
Some might break you.
For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they're all about a future full of music and love, a future that's brimming with hope.
But life can change in an instant.
A cold February morning . . . a snowy road . . . and suddenly all of Mia's choices are gone. Except one.
As alone as she'll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all.
Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you've lost - and all that might be.
I bought and read this one years ago, but I couldn't resist the movie tie-in version!
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Intelligence. Integrity. Courage. Wisdom.
These are the qualities a Receiver of Memory must have. And one more which can only e named, but not described. The Capacity to See Beyond.
Jonas lives safely within the community, a place where there is no war, no hunger and no pain. But when he is selected as the Receiver of Memory, he starts to discover dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of his perfect world. Secrets that will lead him to undertake and incredible journey.
These are the qualities a Receiver of Memory must have. And one more which can only e named, but not described. The Capacity to See Beyond.
Jonas lives safely within the community, a place where there is no war, no hunger and no pain. But when he is selected as the Receiver of Memory, he starts to discover dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of his perfect world. Secrets that will lead him to undertake and incredible journey.
Another one that I have already read, but I want to reread if before the movie comes out.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.
But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.
Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.
The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine—a young woman learning to harness her powers in a world where everything has been taken from her. It also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.
But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.
Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.
The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine—a young woman learning to harness her powers in a world where everything has been taken from her. It also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.
Love. Nightmares. Angels. War. A fast-paced, compelling debut novel from a fresh new voice in YA.
It’s been almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant.
It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn. And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams, he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense.
Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth – and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares.
Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly – who can she trust?
It’s been almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant.
It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn. And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams, he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense.
Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth – and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares.
Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly – who can she trust?
I won the third one on Goodreads, so I had to pick up the first two books. I've seen brilliant reviews for this series, so I am pretty excited.
Fearsome Dreamer by Laure Eve
There is a world where gods you’ve never heard of have wound themselves into hearts, and choice has led its history down a different path.
This is a world where France made a small, downtrodden island called England part of its vast and bloated empire.
There are people here who can cross a thousand miles with their minds. There are rarer people still who can move between continents in the blink of an eye.
These people are dangerous.
And wanted. Desperately wanted.
Apprentice hedgewitch Vela Rue knows that she is destined for more. She knows being whisked off from a dull country life to a city full of mystery and intrigue is meant to be. She knows she has something her government wants, a talent so rare and precious and new that they will do anything to train her in it.
But she doesn’t know that she is being lied to. She doesn’t know that the man teaching her about her talent is becoming obsessed by her, and considered by some to be the most dangerous man alive ...
This is a world where France made a small, downtrodden island called England part of its vast and bloated empire.
There are people here who can cross a thousand miles with their minds. There are rarer people still who can move between continents in the blink of an eye.
These people are dangerous.
And wanted. Desperately wanted.
Apprentice hedgewitch Vela Rue knows that she is destined for more. She knows being whisked off from a dull country life to a city full of mystery and intrigue is meant to be. She knows she has something her government wants, a talent so rare and precious and new that they will do anything to train her in it.
But she doesn’t know that she is being lied to. She doesn’t know that the man teaching her about her talent is becoming obsessed by her, and considered by some to be the most dangerous man alive ...
Shimmer (Shadows #3) by Paula Weston
Gaby Winters' life used to be pretty normal. She lived with her best friend. She worked in a library. She was slowly getting over the death of her twin brother, Jude. Until Rafa arrived.
Now Gaby has discovered she is one of the Rephaim - descended from fallen angels. She knows demons exist. That they are coming for her. And that Jude might be alive.
What she does next could change everything.
If you loved Becca Fitzpatrick's HUSH, HUSH, this is the perfect book for you.
Now Gaby has discovered she is one of the Rephaim - descended from fallen angels. She knows demons exist. That they are coming for her. And that Jude might be alive.
What she does next could change everything.
If you loved Becca Fitzpatrick's HUSH, HUSH, this is the perfect book for you.
Apparently it is possible to win a Goodreads giveaway!
The Illusionists (Fearsome Dreamer #2) by Laure Eve
A shocking new world. A dangerous choice. Two futures preparing to collide...Having left White behind her in Angle Tar, Rue is trying to make sense of her new and unfamiliar life in World. Its culture is as baffling as is it thrilling to her, and Rue quickly realises World's fascination with technology can have intoxicating and deadly consequences.
She is also desperately lonely. And so is White. Somehow, their longing for each other is crossing into their dreams, dreams that begin to take increasingly strange turns as they appear to give Rue echoes of the future. Then the dreams reveal the advent of something truly monstrous, and with it the realisation that Rue and White will be instrumental in bringing about the most incredible and devastating change in both World and Angle Tar.
But in a world where Life is a virtual reality, where friends can become enemies overnight and where dreams, the future, and the past are somehow merging together, their greatest challenge of all may be to survive.
I won this from a giveaway the author was doing on her Twitter page. Not only did she sign it for me, but she added in an amazing Trent Reznor quote. LOVE IT!
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
A FINISHED COPY!!! IT'S SO PRETTY!!! TOO EXCITED!!! I've already read it and I am still super excited! Bloomsbury are the greatest.
Love And Other Unknown Variables by Shannon Lee Alexander
Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswered questions. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck.
The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.
By the time he learns she's ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared).
The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.
By the time he learns she's ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared).
I have read and loved both of Abigail's books, Dangerous Girls & Dangerous Boys. To celebrate the release of Dangerous Boys, I am giving 2 winners the chance to win paperback copies of both Dangerous Boys and Dangerous Girls. It's open internationally, as long as Book Depository ships to you!
I also have an ARC copy of Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini to giveaway to one lucky winner. Just be aware that it's an ARC and not a finished copy, so no pretty cover! Because of shipping, the giveaway is UK only.
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover: 4.5/5 Review
Summer Surge: Challenges
Series: Is The Final Destination What Matters Most?
Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini: 4.5/5 Review and Giveaway
Films For Thoughts on Thursday: ARCs
Five Friday Favourites: Favourite Books I've Read Between April & August
Oh that is awful about the library! I'm so sorry to hear that. Gah that's frustrating and heartbreaking all in one. A totally different vibe but what about used bookstores? We have a few around here. I worked in one for a year and loved it. Was wonderful getting to visit with people as they shopped and seeing all the different things that would come in. I really hope something pops up for you soon!
ReplyDeleteI know, it's depressing, especially when we're getting hit the hardest!
DeleteOh, I'm so sorry to read about your bad week :-( I hope that you find a job perfect for you. I also got Love and Other Unknown Variables this week. It looks good! I hope you enjoy your new additions this week! Congrats on the giveaway wins!
ReplyDeleteMe too, hopefully something will come up very soon!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear your news. It is tough enough to find work but when you are losing a job you love it must be heartbreaking. With your experience hopefully Anna's advice about used bookstores could work out for you. Fingers crossed you get some good news x
ReplyDeleteIt really is, I absolutely love my job and can't imagine doing anything else. I wouldn't even know what to do.
DeleteBloomsbury is so totally the greatest. THAT'S AWESOME YOU GOT A FINISHED COPY AS WELL. So beautiful. *swoons in the face of beautiful books*
ReplyDeleteCongrats on winning the Goodreads giveaway! I've always got my fingers crossed for those. ;) Hasn't helped yet, lol. The Bone Season was a bit meh, for me. I just didn't really "get it", but maybe I was in the wrong mood? I have Shimmer! But...but I don't have the first two and my library didn't have them so, meh. I'll read it one day. I've been a very mood reader lately, but actually have read a whole bunch of sucky books this week which hasn't helped NOTHING. heh. Hopefully next week's will be better. ;)
Oh...but oh no. I hope you don't lose your job. That would be so incredibly sucky. No no no.
I know! When the finished copy turned up... I almost died from the excitement!!! :)
DeleteI didn't think it was even possible to actually win a Goodreads giveaway, so that definitely amazes me.
I have already emailed you my support and thoughts, but I'm so sorry about the job, it's the worst thing to happen to anyone and especially you, I know how much stress you've been under lately with that job and things happening, so I hope you do find something soon that's even half as good because you deserve it! No more sending books or giveaways until you're more financially secure though woman, you need to think of yourself this time, okay? :) On a lighter note, you'll have more books coming your way soon, so get excited! :D
ReplyDeleteHaha, I really should stop with giveaways. Although, my blogoversary is coming up and I have no idea what to do for it.
DeleteGreat haul and even better giveaway! Try not to work too hard :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the job woes. That always sucks. Hope things turn out for you!
ReplyDeleteNice haul too! Yay for signed goodies! I still need to read The Bone Season myself and I'm debating about the Giver. We used to have a copy and I looked through our old book box last night and was unsuccessful.
Hope you enjoy your new reads!
My STS will be up tomorrow, so be sure to stop by then!
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteYour haul and gifs are amazing! I hope you like them all!
ReplyDeleteOur STS @ Lazy Book Lovers!
Thanks, me too!
DeleteOh no I am so sorry about your job! I hope you are one of the lucky ones and get to stay. Budget cuts suck big time! *hugs* Glad you are at least starting to feel a little better sick wise.
ReplyDeleteGah, I want to congratulate you on all the great books but it seems wrong after reading your job news. :(
The sad thing is, even if you get to stay, it's not going to be a nice place to work in. We will be far too short staffed. I love the job, but it's stressful now. I can't imagine what it would be like with little to no staff.
DeleteI'm so sorry about your job problems -- that sucks so much. I'm thinking good thoughts for you.
ReplyDeleteI really should try reading Sarah J. Maas. I actually randomly ended up in Waterstones while she was signing there, but I didn't try and get anything because ooff, it was crowded. It was cute though -- saw a businessman rush in, worried he was going to be late, saying he needed his daughter's copies signed as a surprise for her.
I need to get round to reading The Bone Season, too.
Awww, that's so cute. What an amazing dad! I'd love to get my copies signed by her.
DeleteOoh, great haul!! I have an ARC of the Heir Of Fire, but the UK finished copy is sooo much prettier!! Great haul!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my STS:
http://addictreaders.blogspot.com/2014/08/stacking-shelves-68.html
Thank you :)
DeleteAmazing Haul. The Giver is one of my favorite books and series, hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteMy STS
I've read it before, need a reread before the film comes out.
DeleteGreat Haul! Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteDiane @ Diane's Book Blog
Thanks.
DeleteAwww no! So sorry to hear about your job. All the best with the search, it's so hard these days :(
ReplyDeleteOohh look at the prettiness that is Heir of Fire! I finished Throne of Glass yesterday, and I absolutely loved it! I kind of need the next book now though :D Enjoy all your new books!
My StS / Sunday Post
Job searching is just the worst. I hate it.
DeleteSo many great books. I am sorry to hear about the library..I am going to send you some good vibes and hope it all works out for you..
ReplyDeleteThanks, I hope it does too.
DeleteI'm really sorry about your library. I hope that everything works out in the end for you. You have some awesome books there!
ReplyDeleteThanks, me too.
DeleteOh, I'm really sorry to hear about the library, I hope that something will turn up for you soon. It can't be an easy industry to keep going in these times. I LOVE The Bone Season and The Giver, so those are some really great picks!
ReplyDeleteIt really isn't. But our council is decimating us, even when it's not completely necessary.
DeleteShadows, Haze, Shimmer…LOVE LOVE LOVE this series. I hope you love it!
ReplyDeleteThe Bone Season is excellent. With all of the buzz about the author and how young she is and how much money she got, etc. I was prepared to be underwhelmed, but the book lived up to the hype. Really impressive, I have to say.
So sorry to hear about your job, I hope it all works out. ~Pam
Me too! I am very excited to start it.
Deleteooh lovely haul!! HEIR OF FIRE IS SO PRETTY. I want to read Bone Season soon, can't wait to read your review of it ;) Awww I'm sorry about the job, I'm sure you'll find something soon.
ReplyDeleteRachel @ A Perfection Called Books
I really hope so! :)
DeleteAwesome post! I hope you are better now and if not: Get well soon! It really really sucks to hear that about your job and I wish you all the best for your inevitable job search. Books are so important to me and it always makes me sad to hear when library budgets get cut.
ReplyDeleteYou also got a lot of awesome books! The If I Stay cover is probably the best looking movie tie-in edition ever (TFIOS a close second) but The Giver cover looks cool too. I heard great things about The Bone Season, The Rephaim series and the Illusionist series and I especially want to pick up The Bone Season too! I hope you enjoy every single one of them. And congratulation on winning the giveaways! :) Hope you have a great rest of the week :)
I know, and they just keep on getting cut over and over again. I can't deal with having to reapply for my job each year. It's far too much hassle.
DeleteI really did, I had a great book week.
I'm sorry about your job. I've been where you could be a few years ago. And the job I'm in right no isn't total secure either. It's kinda of a scary place out in the world right now. Why do we need money?! Why?
ReplyDeleteHeir of Fire is so very pretty! I can't wait until I get my copy. I'll actually have both the North American and UK copies. I'm so excited to pet them!
Winning books is fabulous. But I've also thought I won a first in series and it wasn't. Yet to care enough to find the beginning books...
I've heard great things about Love and Other Unknown Variables. I can't wait to get my hands on it. Will definitely watch for your review.
Hope you're feeling better!
Happy reading!
Brittany @ This is the Story of My(Reading) Life
It really is scary. I am so not cut out to be an adult!
DeleteI got super excited to win something, was a little disappointing that they weren't first in the series but I hope to get to the series soon.