Top Ten Series I'd Like To Start But Haven't Yet (18)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday, bloggers post a top ten list based off of a bookish theme. This week's Top Ten Tuesday is:

Top Ten Series I'd Like To Start But Haven't Yet

1. Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin - I'm getting there. I love the HBO series A Game of Thrones, and that inspired me to read the books. So I have the books; I just need to actually read them. It's only a matter of time before I fully commit to reading the entire series through (or at least the books that are out at this time).

2. The Curse Workers by Holly Black - Is it horrible that I have yet to read any Holly Black? I haven't even read Tithe. It's inexcusable. I actually am more interested in her Curse Workers series than her A Modern Faerie Tale series. It just sounds like my type of series. I just need to find the time and get through some other books first...

3. The Maze Runner by James Dashner - I swear I'm going to get around to the first book sometime real soon. This series fascinates me for some reason, and I have high hopes that it won't be just another typical dystopian series. Please don't let these hopes be crushed!

4. Whistling Tor by Juliet Marillier - Heart's Blood, the first book of this series, is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Need I say more? I've read her Daughter of the Forest, and I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

5. The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss - Because there needs to be more fantasy in my life, especially high fantasy. Am I intimidated by the size of this book? Heck no! Bring it on, Rothfuss! Impress me with a new epic series that I can fall in love with!

6. The Immortals by Tamora Pierce - It's Tamora Pierce. Nuff said.

7. Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien - I really want to try out this series. It's another dystopian series that I really hope is worth my time.

8. Shades of London by Maureen Johnson - It's about a modern Jack the Ripper so I'm pretty psyched! Is that weird?  

9. Phèdre's Trilogy by Jacqueline Carey - I'm almost reduced to tears when I think of all the books I have that I have yet to read and still need to read. Along with my bookshelves, I have like a million books on my Ipad too. The pressure! Kushiel's Dart is one of them, and I have to get to it. At first glance, it doesn't look like much, but I've heard so many good things about it. I need more time!

10. The Light Isles by Juliet Marillier - Am I becoming obsessed? Possibly. I just want to explore more of the amazingness that is Marillier's writing. 

What is everyone else's Top Ten this week?

Review: The Shining by Stephen King

Title: The Shining 
Author: Stephen King
Published: January 28, 1977
Publisher: Pocket Books
Series: The Shining #1
Genre: Adult Horror, Paranormal
Pages: 683
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“This inhuman place makes human monsters.”
― Stephen King, The Shining

Synopsis
Danny was only five years old but in the words of old Mr Halloran he was a 'shiner', aglow with psychic voltage. When his father became caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grew frighteningly out of control.

As winter closed in and blizzards cut them off, the hotel seemed to develop a life of its own. It was meant to be empty, but who was the lady in Room 217, and who were the masked guests going up and down in the elevator? And why did the hedges shaped like animals seem so alive?

Somewhere, somehow there was an evil force in the hotel - and that too had begun to shine...(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Hands down, The Shining has to be one of the most terrifying novels I have ever read. I even had to sleep with my mom one night. A grown woman of 22 reduced to a little girl running to mommy because every single noise in the house, whether it was a cat jumping down from the counter or just the wind, made her jump. And I LOVED every single page! The Shining was amazing and it raised my expectations for every other horror book I will read in the future.

In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. Every week, bloggers post the books they've bought, received, borrowed, traveled to the other side of the Earth and back for...

Bought (Kindle):
-The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
-In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Both of these books were Kindle Daily Deals this week! Only $1.99! What a deal! I've only read Alvarez's poetry before, and I'm excited to read one of her books. Plus, she actually came to my college while I was still in school! I'm still regretting not getting her to sign something.

What did everyone else get this week?

Take Control of Your TBR-Pile Read-A-Thon

This is late notice, but I just decided to participate in the Take Control of Your TBR-Pile Read-A-Thon. This is my first read-a-thon ever, and I'm nervous. I'll admit that I'm terrified I won't even make a dent in my TBR pile, and that I will basically fail my first read-a-thon. But I'm just going to try to have fun with this and not stress about it.

My TBR pile has reached a monstrous size, and I'm honestly afraid it's going to gobble me up. So this read-a-thon came at an opportune time. It's gotten to the point where I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of unread books I have.

The Take Control of Your TBR-Pile Read-A-Thon is being hosted by Kimba @ Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. The read-a-thon started March 1st and will end March 31st at midnight. All books must be published before March 2013. So you can finally take the time to read your own books and no ARCS.

I'm planning to read:
1. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi (reading now)
2. White Cat by Holly Black
3. Red Glove by Holly Black
4. Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
5. Sanctum by Sarah Fine
6. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
7. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
8. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
9. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
10. The Swan Kingdom by Zoë Marriott

Will I get through all of these? It's possible. But things come up. Still, I have my hopes. But then again I do work, and have less free time than I wish. When I didn't work, this list would have been so much easier to get through.

Does anybody have personal favorites in this list? Or any suggestions of what to read when?

Review: Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz

Title: Teeth
Author: Hannah Moskowitz
Published: January 1, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Magical Realism
Pages: 272
Source: Purchased
Rating: 2 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I could totally be a . . .
whatever.”
“Sailor?”
“On a boat?”
“Yep.”
“Yeah.” He’ll sigh all wistfully. “I could be a sailor. But I’m too busy being a fish.”
― Hannah Moskowitz, Teeth

Synopsis
A gritty, romantic modern fairy tale from the author of Break and Gone, Gone, Gone.

Be careful what you believe in.

Rudy’s life is flipped upside-down when his family moves to a remote island in a last attempt to save his sick younger brother. With nothing to do but worry, Rudy sinks deeper and deeper into loneliness and lies awake at night listening to the screams of the ocean beneath his family’s rickety house.

Then he meets Diana, who makes him wonder what he even knows about love, and Teeth, who makes him question what he knows about anything. Rudy can’t remember the last time he felt so connected to someone, but being friends with Teeth is more than a little bit complicated. He soon learns that Teeth has terrible secrets. Violent secrets. Secrets that will force Rudy to choose between his own happiness and his brother’s life. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
What in the fudge did I just read? I have no idea. I distinctly remember reading this book, but I'm at a loss for words or feelings or just anything that requires thinking. Teeth is the epitome of wtfery. I've heard it called gut-wrenching, beautiful, and haunting, and so many people have raved about it, but I just don't get all the fuss. Teeth has a sharp bite, but I'm not entirely sure why I'm hurting and to what purpose.

Waiting on Wednesday (21) - Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every week, bloggers post the books they're pining for, books that unfortunately have yet to be released.

Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

Hits Shelves on May 28, 2013

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
Things you earnestly believe will happen while your parents are away:

1. You will remember to water the azaleas.
2. You will take detailed, accurate messages.
3. You will call your older brother, Denny, if even the slightest thing goes wrong.
4. You and your best friend/bandmate Lukas will win Battle of the Bands.
5. Amid the thrill of victory, Lukas will finally realize you are the girl of his dreams.

Things that actually happen:

1. A stranger calls who says he knew your sister.
2. He says he has her stuff.
3. What stuff? Her stuff.
4. You tell him your parents won’t be able to—
5. Sukey died five years ago; can’t he—
6. You pick up a pen.
7. You scribble down the address.
8. You get on your bike and go.
9. Things . . . get a little crazy after that.*
*also, you fall in love, but not with Lukas.

Both exhilarating and wrenching, Hilary T. Smith’s debut novel captures the messy glory of being alive, as seventeen-year-old Kiri Byrd discovers love, loss, chaos, and murder woven into a summer of music, madness, piercing heartbreak, and intoxicating joy. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
I am intrigued; I am curious. I often find myself loving random books with wild premises. This book sounds wonderful, chaotic, and exciting. I'm starting to appreciate YA contemporary for the first time. I'm hoping this book does not disappoint. I mean even the cover screams READ ME with its vibrant colors.

And MURDER?! You betcha!

What's your WoW this week?

Top Ten Authors That I'd Put On My Auto-Buy List (17)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week, bloggers post their top ten lists based on a bookish theme. This week's Top Ten Tuesday is:

Top Ten Authors That I'd Put On My Auto-Buy List

1. Stephen King - Did you even have to ask what my numero uno would be for this list? If you know me, you know King's a given. I'm slowly working through his bazillion published books, reading them one by one, and they are all amazing. This man is a genius. I want to marry his brillant, sick mind (sorry, I'll get a hold of myself). 

2. Patrick Ness - If his other works are anything like his Chaos Walking series, then I'm on board. This man has made a diehard fan out of me. I cannot wait to read more of his books, like A Monster Calls and his upcoming releases. I cannot imagine that he will disappoint.

3. Tamora Pierce - This woman is wonderful. Her writing has me singing her praises. After reading three of her series, I crave even more. She is simply amazing at doing what she does best: fantasy.

4. J.K. Rowling - Since she wrote the Harry Potter series, like many others, I have been waiting for my Hogwarts acceptance letter. It still hasn't come. But I have not given up hope! I am going to give her the benefit of the doubt and try her Casual Vacancy, with some anxiety, but also confidence in her writing capabilities. You are my hero, J.K. Rowling.

5. Cassandra Clare - Clare's books for me are like what candy is for a sweet tooth. I cannot get enough of them. As soon as one of her new books comes out, I snatch it up and read it in one sitting. I have to be prepared when a book of hers is released. I need a full night of sleep, caffeine, and plenty of time to read. Because once I start, I'm not stopping. I can't explain why I love her writing so. It's just so addictive.

6. Laini Taylor - So far, Taylor has blown me away with her Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. I couldn't find a fault with this series if I tried. I just love her writing, and I am anxious and beyond excited to read more by her in the future. 

Well, those are all the authors I could come up with. There are others I could have included here because I loved, loved, LOVED one of their books and I'm pretty sure they have out of this world talent, but I can't know for sure until I've read more by them. It's safe to say I'm more of a book person than an author person. I generally read books because they sound like they're up my alley and not because they're by a certain person (but there are exceptions). Though there are plenty of dead authors that I would put on my auto-buy list...like TOLKIEN!

What's everyone's Top Ten this week?

Review: The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Title: The Archived 
Author: Victoria Schwab
Published: January 22, 2013
Publisher: Hyperion
Series: The Archived #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 328
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Because the only way to truly record a person is not in words, not in still frames, but in bone and skin and memory.”
― Victoria Schwab, The Archived

Synopsis
Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.
Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
With such a wildly imaginative premise, I began The Archived with high expectations. Although I own The Near Witch, I have yet to read it so this is my first Victoria Schwab book. While the story was original, I found it sorely lacking in background story.

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. Every week, bloggers showcase the books they've borrowed, bought, received in the mail, etc.

These are the books I've actually received over the last couple of weeks. I'm trying to cut back, and my TBR pile just keeps growing and growing. I'm afraid it's going to eat me.

Bought:

-Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

-The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

-Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Borrowed:

-Sanctum by Sarah Fine

For Review (Netgalley):

-Poison by Bridget Zinn

I cannot wait to read this book, and I'm so happy Disney Hyperion finally accepted one of my egalley requests. Maybe they just got sick of me asking them so much. 

What did everyone else get this week?

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Narrator: Khristine Hvam
Published: February 1, 2010
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.
Series: The Iron Fey #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Length: 11 hours and 48 minutes
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“But if the Nevernever dies, won’t you disappear, as well?”
“I am a cat,” Grimalkin replied, as if that explained anything.”
― Julie Kagawa, The Iron King

Synopsis
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny--one she could never have imagined...Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth--that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face...and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Once again, I have fallen prey to all of the hype surrounding a series. I just had to see for myself if the The Iron Fey series was worth all of the hullabaloo, and I have mixed feelings. I'm torn between loving The Iron King and calling it another over-hyped, typical paranormal romance. There were certain aspects that had me rooting for The Iron King and others that majorly turned me off.