Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Review: Of Dreams and Rust by Sarah Fine


Of Dreams and Rust by Sarah Fine
Book Two of the Of Metal and Wishes series
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

War erupts in this bittersweet sequel to Of Metal and Wishes, inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and called “relentlessly engrossing” by The Romantic Times.

In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.

The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?

What I Liked:

Bittersweet, indeed. The synopsis says it all. I am very pleased with the ending of the series, with this novel, but I can't help but feel slightly sad about this book. This book ripped me to shreds, and by the end, I was in emotional disarray. So much happens to Wen, from zero to one hundred to zero and back to one hundred again, in so many aspects of her life. There were things with which I was not entirely pleased, and there were things that melted my heart and made me smile. This book was a pleasure to read, even in its bittersweet loveliness.

This novel picks up a year after Of Metal and Wishes ends. Melik and the other Noor have left, and Wen stays with her father to continue aiding the injured in the factories, and keeping Bo company. A year passes but Wen never stops thinking of Melik. As the war draws closer, Wen makes the decision to warn the Noor. But when she is captured by the Noor and taken into Noor territory, she begins to realize that there is no good or bad side to the war - the Noor are just as guilty as the Itanyi in hurting and killing. Melik does not seem to be the same Melik who left her. But Wen is determined to lessen the pain and suffering of the war, and she wants to help the Noor. But the war could cost her everything that she loves, and more than she is willing to lose.

I loved Of Metal and Wishes, and I was really excited to see that this series would only be a duology, and nothing longer. While I found this book to be bittersweet (especially towards the end), I absolutely loved the book. There are scenes that I can pick out from memory that made my heart hurt, in a good way. So many sweet scenes. So many heartbreaking ones.

Wen is a brave and strong character, in her own way. She isn't physically strong, like a Noor soldier, but she is mentally strong and capable. She is more than willing to offer her services as a doctor/healer to the Noor who are injured throughout the journey and in the war. Wen is scared and indecisive sometimes, and she is kind and selfless. What really bothered me about her was her indecisiveness in some situations, but it wasn't childish indecisiveness. I liked how Wen thought, how she approached situations, even if I didn't like how she wavered. She figures things out on her own pace and terms. 

Melik! It's not too long before Wen and Melik are "reunited". I put that in quotes because while they are brought back together in terms of physical distance, there is an emotional barrier between them. Melik is forced to take Wen to his Commander and his General, as she is Itanyi and in Noor territory. It broke my heart to see how Wen was treated by some of the Noor soldiers, even as she cared for them. But Melik did his best to take care of her subtly, though she did not always notice. Melik! He lost and loses so much, yet he never stops fighting for his home, his family, his people. 

I love how different the Itanyi and Noor are. I love the way Fine creates both cultures and people, how different the customs and traditions are. This leads me to comment on the world-building - this series has a setting that I've never read or seen before. I think Fine does an amazing job of creating the world and setting, especially for it to be so lush and original. Most of this book takes place in Noor territory, and I really enjoyed seeing things in the Noor world, with Noor customs. Fine masterfully creates this world, setting, characters, plot. The Noor world is a harsh one, and there is some violence and gore that really lends to the reality and harshness of the world and war.

This book is relatively short, but a lot happens in this story. The war is brewing and storming, and eventually, everyone must stand and fight. The war is inevitable, but Melik's, Wen's, and even Bo's role in the war is surprising, each one. I like the direction of this story, and I like how the climax kept building until the end.

The end! Oh, it was somewhat sad! For several reasons. There were some deaths, there were some death scares, there was a lot of pain and sadness. So much grief to pass around, yet the ending itself - the last few pages - were very uplifting. Honestly I think this book ended very well, but like I've been saying very bitter-sweetly! I loved the ending.

The romance was achingly beautiful! I feared a love triangle with Bo and Melik vying for Wen's affections and Wen caught in between, but I didn't really find that to be the case. There is only one man that captured and held Wen's attention from the start of the series. Bo and Wen are friends, and it is clear that while Bo might see Wen differently (since she is the only female he ever sees), he is meant to be a strange (and strange one, at that). Melik and Wen simmer and burn together, breaking each other's hearts and having me swoon left and right.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This is my seventh Sarah Fine novel, and it is just as one would expect from Sarah Fine! She is so talented.

What I Did Not Like:

Like I mentioned above, I didn't like Wen's indecisiveness in some matters. I can't say more, but I wish Wen were the tiniest bit more decisive sometimes? And the Itanyi in general are poor at communicating. You all can do better! But this is something that makes the Itanyi the Itanyi, and Wen wouldn't be herself otherwise!

Would I Recommend It:

I would totally recommend this novel! I'm not even sure how to categorize it, it's so distinctive and original. I absolutely love the world-building, characters, romance... there is something that could draw just about everyone! I really enjoy Sarah Fine's books in general, but there is something about duology that I like the most!

Rating:

4 stars. Another Sarah Fine success! Up next for me is Claimed, and then Burn, and then Fated. And then The Impostor Queen! I have yet to read a Sarah Fine book I didn't enjoy. That's not a challenge!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Monday, June 29, 2015

Review: Crystal Kingdom by Amanda Hocking


Crystal Kingdom by Amanda Hocking
Book Three of the Kanin Chronicles
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Bryn must decide: follow her head or her heart. Thrown into a world of suspense and intrigue, Bryn now has to fight to clear her name. But she's not alone. With help from the Trylle - including Finn Holmes - she's on a quest to discover the truth.

With her life and her world on the line, will Bryn be able to risk it all?

What I Liked:

Possible spoilers if you have not read Frostfire or Ice Kissed! But I think I kept things vague enough about this book particularly. You're on your own, in terms of books one and two.

I rather enjoyed this book! I had hoped that this book would be a bit better than the previous book, Ice Kissed, which I gave three stars. I found that one to be a little boring, which wasn't a problem with this book. This one was nearly a hundred pages longer than the other two books, but the length didn't show at all. 

This one picks up right where Ice Kissed left off. Bryn is on the run, as she is a wanted person in Doldastam, among the Kanin tribe. She flees, and is tracked down by none other than Konstantin Black. She and Konstantin work together to try and rally support from other kingdoms, but it isn't easy at all. They will have to turn to unexpected sources for help, as well as fight on their own for what they lost and what they will lose.

This conclusion was one of high energy, but a slow-build high energy. It felt like another novel in the series, but it was clear that the stakes were very high throughout the book. I kind of liked how Hocking set this up! The pressure didn't feel super high, though it really was. War is brewing from Kanin, and the danger is inescapable. Bryn is on the run and needs amnesty and an army, but she doesn't want to take on the very people of her home, her fellow Kanin trolls. So much is at stake, but something must be done about the deception and false accusations and schemes and betrayals in the Kanin royalty.

Bryn is such a kickbutt character! I mean, a lot of YA heroines are kickbutt in their own way, but Bryn is physically and mentally and emotionally strong. She is constantly steeling herself for difficult decisions, or trying to save everyone. And when she's frustrated, she does push-ups! Sometimes she runs laps too, but push-ups! That's hardcore. And she proves herself to be a kickbutt character over and over, taking on the Omte (giant ogres) head-on, protecting her loved ones, even fighting with and for Konstantin Black.

I feel like I understand Konstantin more, after reading this book. He was made out to be a villain in Frostfire, which he kind of is - he tried to kill Bryn's father. But we find out that, as he said throughout the series upon meeting Bryn (in unfortunate circumstances), things aren't as they seem, and Bryn doesn't know everything that is going on in. I felt bad for Konstantin, though he isn't innocent by far. 

The plots and twists in this book are surprising and shocking and not too predictable, which is good. I didn't see most of them coming. I love the direction Hocking takes the story, with all the traveling and visiting the different kingdoms and whatnot. We get to see some characters from the Trylle trilogy, like King Loki (who has not changed a bit) and Queen Wendy, Finn Holmes and his wife and kids. Remember, this Kanin series is occurring like six ish years after the Trylle trilogy.

The story is very engrossing and I never felt bored as I was reading. I had no problem zipping through the 400+ pages. I love Bryn's character, the strength of her personality. I liked Konstantin - he becomes a friend to Bryn, even though he was once her enemy. Other character pop back into the story, like Ridley, Tilda, and Finn. Ridley isn't as present in this story, but when he is, emotions leak off the page. All kinds.

Which leads me to the romance. Bryn spends about a third of the book missing Ridley, feeling pain every time she thinks of him. She doesn't know that he was taken and tortured after she escaped. When he and Tilda find Bryn, he seems cold and distant. It's his own way of dealing with what happened to him, but it hurts Bryn. Nevertheless, I like their relationship, despite the obstacles in this book. They grow stronger even as they hurt each other and come back together and hurt each other and come back together. There are one or two hot scenes in this book, prepare yourself!

There is NO LOVE TRIANGLE. Konstantin never was a romantic player in this book. I saw someone say something about that, and I can't agree with the statement. There is no love triangle! Konstantin and Bryn develop a strong friendship, but Bryn has no romantic feelings for Konstantin. 

The ending is slightly sad (there is a shocking death, though I somewhat expected that person to die), but it's a satisfying and happy ending overall. Like I said, there is a big death, and other people die too, but I think the ending is a good one. I like the ending a lot! This series ends so well.

What I Did Not Like:

I wish for a happier ending for some people, but they ended up dead, so I guess they can't get their happy ending. But that happens in books involving war, especially in conclusion novels! The deaths didn't bother me too much though. I just wish a certain character or two could have gotten a nice ending. Maybe death is a nice ending though.

Would I Recommend It:

I liked this book a lot! Frostfire might be my favorite, or maybe this one. The series stumbled a tiny bit with Ice Kissed, but overall, the series was great. I enjoyed the Trylle trilogy too, and this spin-off series did not disappoint. Interesting take on trolls and changelings!

Rating:

4 stars. Hopefully I've not only kept this review vague, but I've also somehow convinced you that this is a great book and a wonderful conclusion novel. Not an easy review to write! But a great book about which to write a review. I'm interested in seeing what Hocking has next for readers!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Review: Public Enemies by Ann Aguirre


Public Enemies by Ann Aguirre
Book Two of the Immortal Game series
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

In Book 2 of the Immortal Game trilogy, Edie must learn the rules of the game . . . and then play better than anyone else.

Through a Faustian bargain, Edie Kramer has been pulled into the dangerous world of the Immortal Game, where belief makes your nightmares real. Hungry for sport, fears-made-flesh are always raising the stakes. To them, human lives are less than nothing, just pieces on a board.

Because of her boyfriend Kian's sacrifice, she's operating under the mysterious Harbinger's aegis, but his patronage could prove as fatal as the opposition. Raw from deepest loss, she's terrified over the deal Kian made for her. Though her very public enemies keep sending foot soldiers--mercenary monsters committed to her destruction--she's not the one playing under a doom clock. Kian has six months...unless Edie can save him. And this is a game she can't bear to lose.

What I Liked:

I'm actually not 100% sure how I feel about this book. There was no doubt that I would finish it, because I was engrossed in the story while I was reading. But I'm not sure if I fully understood and enjoyed what I was reading. This series in general is weird... this book is weirder than Mortal Danger. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing.

In this sequel novel, Edie Kramer is desperate to find a loophole to save her boyfriend, Kian. He sacrificed his life for hers, and he will die in a few short months because of the deal he made. But Edie isn't going to take no for an answer, nor is she going to quietly do as she is told by the Harbinger (who is supposed to protect her, courtesy of Kian's deal). Armed with a new and deadly weapon, Edie is more dangerous than weak, and the immortal players of the game fear her. But Edie's battle isn't just with the gods and immortals, but also with Kian's deal to save her. Can she save him?

This book departs completely from the story of Mortal Danger - it's no longer about getting revenge on her classmates. Few characters from book one are present in this book. The plot is completely different - it's all about playing the immortal game, and staying alive. Everyone seems interested in Edie, but Edie is interested in spending time with Kian, trying to find a way out for him, and getting her dad to less of zombie, after her mother's murder.

I can't say I really enjoyed the story... Edie was an okay character, though I barely see any of who she was in Mortal Danger, to be honest. Her voice is just another bland YA female voice, to be honest. I liked her in Mortal Danger, but I was feeling kind of meh towards her in this book. I guess she's kind of kickbutt, but she's not a favorite of mine. Still, better than a whiny YA female.

One thing that I REALLY liked was the Harbinger. I am intrigued by that guy. He's probably a gazillion years old and he can take on any face he wants, but I like him. I bet his hair is soft (this is totally relevant). I would give him a hug! Yay lovable villains.

In general, the story is interesting and well, creepy, which I think the author wants. I don't know if it's this series is my thing (I don't do horror or even low-key creepy books) but I'm intrigued. I am HIGHLY interested in the third book, despite how this one went for me. The ending of this book is INSANE and then WACKY - two events are incredible shocking and I really want to know how things end!

What I Did Not:

One of my biggest issues with this book seriously hindered my ability to really enjoy the book - I couldn't remember much of what happened in Mortal Danger, and I struggled to keep up. The author didn't do a good job of slowly recapping events from book one, so there were a lot of times when I was like, wait. Edie's mom was murdered? Kian bargained away his life? Does xyz friend of Edie's know about the immortal game? Does Edie's father? All of these things (and more) happened in/were details of book one, and yet, I couldn't remember any of them! So I was surprised a lot as I was reading this book, and it had nothing to do with this book - more so, with book one. I needed to reread book one - or the author didn't recap things well.

So this really hurt how well I could enjoy the book. This could have been a "me" problem, I realize that. But I didn't enjoy the book was much as I'd hoped because I was hopelessly confused. Still, the story was good. I just didn't really follow where things were going. Especially since the few things that I DID remember - Edie getting revenge on her classmates - didn't show up in this book basically at all. 

In general, this book is strange. I didn't quite remember that this game involves immortals and gods and whatnot, so that took me aback. And spirits - there is a creepy plot associated with spirits. I didn't care for that and was totally weirded out.

I didn't really like or hate in Edie in this book. It's sad because I really liked her in Mortal Danger, but I didn't really like her in this book. She's lost what made her stand out in the first book, in terms of her voice. Now she just seems like any other YA heroine. 

Kian is pathetic in this book! I didn't find him strong or brave or kind or even swoony. He knows he has a time limit, but literally all he and Edie do is argue and fight, and it's annoying.

So, the romance is... meh. No real swoony scenes, though Kian and Edie take their relationship up a notch. The bickering and fighting and miscommunication really turned me off. Edie doesn't trust Kian for whatever reason, though he loves her so much. Ugh!

Would I Recommend It:

Meh. Maybe. I don't think this book was disappointing, but I didn't really enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. I really, REALLY liked Mortal Danger though, and I'm really, REALLY excited to read Infinite Risk, despite not liking this one much. So, sequel slump?

Rating:

3 stars. The meaning of sequel slump! When you want to like the book because you liked book one, but it just isn't happening. But I absolutely will still read Infinite Risk - I must know what happens!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Stacking the Shelves (#131)


Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, in which bloggers share the books and swag they've received in the past week!


So, what did I get in the week of Sunday, June 21st to Saturday, June 27th?


(all links to Goodreads are provided!)


In the mail:


Chronicle Books tote bag
Bookmark (?)

THANK YOU, DEAREST KEL! She is amazing :)



Unsolicited - thank you so much, Penguin/Kathy Dawson Books!



I only asked for two this season, from Macmillan! My most heartfelt thanks, Mac lovelies <3



Thank you, Bethany! 



Unsolicited from Simon and Schuster - thank you! Completely not my thing so if anyone is interested, let me know.



Thank you, NAL!


A box of chocolate!

From the lovely Kimberley! THANK YOU! I love these so much, a good portion is already gone ;D She is the nicest person ever and I SO appreciate it!


From NetGalley:



Literally only reading this for the Age of Legends short story!



It seems unlikely that I'll get an ARC of this one, so I went ahead and downloaded the eARC from NetGalley!


For Review:



THANK YOU, PENGUIN! This is from the First Reads program. I'd prefer a print ARC but at this point I will take anything to read this one! I have 40 days before it expires so... *digs in*


What a week in books! It turned out to be pretty amazing. I go home on Fridays so I never know what is waiting for me until Fridays! It's like Christmas every week. Gah! This week was pretty great, no stomach pains or general issues. I will cherish this peace while I have it!

Friday, June 26, 2015

Review: Marked by Sarah Fine

Marked by Sarah Fine
Book One of the Servants of Fate series
Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: January 1, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In a broken landscape carved by environmental collapse, Boston paramedic Cacia Ferry risks life and limb on the front lines of a fragile and dangerous city. What most don’t know—including her sexy new partner, Eli Margolis—is that while Cacy works to save lives, she has another job ferrying the dead to the Afterlife. Once humans are “Marked” by Fate, the powerful Ferrys are called to escort the vulnerable souls to either eternal bliss or unending fire and pain.

Unaware of Cacy’s other life, Eli finds himself as mesmerized by his fierce and beautiful partner as he is mistrustful of the influential Ferry clan led by the Charon—who happens to be Cacy’s father. Cacy, in turn, can no longer deny her intense attraction to the mysterious ex-Ranger with a haunted past. But just as their relationship heats up, an apparent hit takes the Charon before his time. Shaken to the core, Cacy pursues the rogue element who has seized the reins of Fate, only to discover that Eli has a devastating secret of his own. Not knowing whom to trust, what will Cacy have to sacrifice to protect Eli—and to make sure humanity’s future is secure?

What I Liked:

I've had this book on my TBR shelf for ages! Everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Sarah Fine's books - I've read Sanctum, Fractured, Chaos, Of Metal and Wishes, and Scan, with Of Dreams and Rust, Burn, and Claimed in my possession to be read. Fine could write an amendment to a bill in Congress and I'd read it. I've been meaning to read this particular book for a long time, and so when Pili told me to send it up the TBR list, I took that as a sign. So, this is my June Pili-Pushed recommendation!

Cacy has a new partner, and she's not too happy about it. Eli is from Pittsburgh, where he grew up in a town with little water, and from a poor family. Meanwhile, Cacy's family reeks of money, and she's not all that she appears to be. As a Ferry, she guides souls to Heaven or Hell. Her father was the Charon - until he retired, and was murdered. Eli has no idea about the supernatural life that is right in front of him. But the attraction between Eli and Cacy burns, and it's not long before Eli is inextricably drawn into the chaos, his life entwined with the Ferrys'.

I knew I would like this book, and Sarah Fine did not disappoint! Her first published adult novel - magnificent. The world-building is splendid! This book has some Greek basis, as Cacy and her family are Ferrys, and there is a presiding Charon. There are Kere, who Mark souls that need to die. There are Shades, people who die and have not been guided to Heaven or Hell. Sarah Fine always does an amazing job of setting up the world and the characters and the setting.

I really like Eli! He surprised me towards the end, as his character got really complex and twisted. I like that the author hid things from the reader about Eli, until towards the climax. I was shocked to learn some things about Eli! But certain things made sense. Eli is a good guy, loyal to his older sister Galena, as well as Cacy, even when he first meets her. He is a sweetie!

Cacy is a tough girl, even though her family treats her like the little sister. The youngest of four, she definitely gets babied, and she gets a lot of crap for not joining the family's business (their business in the human world, not the Ferry business), instead becoming a paramedic. Cacy is human, and she is a Ferry. She has a temper and she's a bit sarcastic, but she is a likable character. Her character development is highly evident from start to finish. As was Eli's!

I LOVE the romance! Cacy doesn't necessarily like Eli at first, though she doesn't hate him either. She sees him as a new paramedic partner - a hot one, at that. Eli is attracted to her pretty much on sight (with good reason, since he walked in on her changing). The attraction simmers between the two, and then feelings come into play, and I love how Eli and Cacy get along and push each other and then get along again. The romance is lovely to watch unfold, and the chemistry between the characters is also a pleasure to read (hehehe pun intended).

I really like the story! At first it starts off simple... Ferrys guide souls, enter clueless human who falls for a Ferry (and she falls for him too). But then the Charon - Cacy's father - is murdered (this isn't a spoiler, look at the synopsis), and things get crazy. Someone starts to target Eli, and Cacy and Eli are desperate to find out who killed the Charon, if there is a Kere behind it all. Jason Moros, the Lord of the Kere, will have some explaining to do. 

In the end, I absolutely adored this book. I believe this is urban fantasy, and it's a really great urban fantasy novel. It's an adult novel, especially in terms of the romance, and it's a good one!

What I Did Not Like:

At first, there was something that was bothering me... but after talking to Pili, my issue is resolved and I am quite satisfied!

Would I Recommend It:

Anyone who loves adult romance novels should read this one! Or urban fantasy. Or Sarah Fine. It's heavily adult, which I love, but be mindful of this, young readers! It's a fantastic urban fantasy novel with unique and original world-building, and I would recommend this one to pretty much any adult-novel reader, to be honest!

Rating:

4 stars. I knew I would be reading this series in the future, but I thank Pili for pushing it to near future instead of far away future! I have Claimed on the queue for my July Pili-Pushed recommendation, so stay tuned for that review!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Thursday, June 25, 2015

The Blog Most Likely To... and Giveaway!

Hi everyone! Are we all excited to read The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick, heading our way in August? I AM! I liked My Life Next Door a lot - and I'm not even a huge YA contemporary fan!

Today, I'm going to share with you my blog's superlative. I thought of a lot of possibilities... some creative but fitting, some not creative at all. Some of the ones I came up with were:

The Blog Most Likely To...

... get swoony! (I mean, come on. I have 712 posts tagged with "Romance", and 125 Swoon Thursday feature posts - this is a weekly feature, so 125 weeks of swoon. We all know how much I LOVE a good swoon.)

OR

... blog/read at work! (The evidence is below!)








But ultimately, one thing really stuck out to me, and my blog's superlative was born. My blog is the blog most likely to...

MAKE READING AND BLOGGING MATHY!

(Yes, mathy is not a word. I know.)

How so, Alyssa?

Recall that yours truly is an environmental engineering, earth & planetary sciences, and Spanish triple major (or maybe two and one minor at this point). Math dominates my studies, along with science. I weave math and science into all areas of my life, including blogging.


I have my own meme! Yes, it's *Science* in Fiction, but I get mathy too!

I've done a "A Look at ____: Statistics and Numbers" post since 2012! Though the 2012 one was boring.


Here's some of the information from 2014:

 
 
  

Oh yeah. Things get real mathy up in here. This isn't about bragging or anything - it appeases the math/science nerd and engineer in me to see data compiled in an organized and readable manner.

Speaking of organized... being a math-obsessed person goes hand-in-hand with my control freak/obsessive nature. I mean, I've got this going on...


(Snippet of ARC posting data from 2014. Organized by title/author, publication date, age level, and posting date. Purple means I've read it. Red means I've not read it/I missed the date. There are no reds for 2014 - not anymore, anyway!)

And this...


(Snippet of books read in 2014 data - this is how I got the pie charts. Categories are Title, Author Year of Publication, Publisher/Indie, Dominant Genre, Age Level, Rating, Source, Number. You can see the tabs at the bottom of the picture - those have each individual pie chart!)

And this...


(Calendar schedule for May 2015. See colors below.)


(Calendar schedule for July 2015. Purple is review, pink is "Science in Fiction" meme, green is blog tour or promo, red is "Waiting on Wednesday", light blue/green is potential blog tour/promo, yellow is potential ARC that I may/may not receive. Stacking the Shelves is always Saturday, and Swoon Thursday is always Thursday, which is why both of those days usually don't have anything on the calendar - because it doesn't change.)


I do some crazy math at the beginning and end of every year and figure out how much I can read per month. At the beginning of every month, I do some more crazy math and plot out the month's schedule in ARCs and non-ARCs to be read and reviewed. Lots of math going on!

And I don't mind whipping out some fancy math skills to help younger bloggers!







(It's been many years since I did pre-calc stuff! Nikki is very smart and picked up this quickly. So proud!)


So that's that! Do you think my superlative matches my blog? Does it at least match my personality? :D What's your blog's superlative?


About The Boy Most Likely To:

The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: August 18, 2015

Summary (from Goodreads):

Tim Mason was The Boy Most Likely To find the liquor cabinet blindfolded, need a liver transplant, and drive his car into a house

Alice Garrett was The Girl Most Likely To . . . well, not date her little brother’s baggage-burdened best friend, for starters.

For Tim, it wouldn’t be smart to fall for Alice. For Alice, nothing could be scarier than falling for Tim. But Tim has never been known for making the smart choice, and Alice is starting to wonder if the “smart” choice is always the right one. When these two crash into each other, they crash hard.

Then the unexpected consequences of Tim’s wild days come back to shock him. He finds himself in a situation that isn’t all it appears to be, that he never could have predicted . . . but maybe should have.

And Alice is caught in the middle.

Told in Tim’s and Alice’s distinctive, disarming, entirely compelling voices, this novel is for readers of The Spectacular Now, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, and Paper Towns.



The Giveaway:

Swoon Thursday (#126): Nothing Left to Burn by Patty Blount

Swoon Thursday is a hot meme hosted by the fabulous ladies at YA Bound!


- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting


This week, my swoon is Nothing Left to Burn by Patty Blount!


Amanda tilted her head, nuzzling my palm, and sighed like I was a dream she didn't want to end. I pressed my lips to hers, and her hands gripped my arms, pulling me closer, and when her lips opened under mine, time stopped. Our tongues touched, and my stomach flipped. It was a kiss that should have broken hearts, but mine was mended.

- eARC, 55%


Read my review of Nothing Left to Burn!


Amanda and Reece! <3 I really liked this particular contemporary novel! And that is pretty rare - but Patty's books seem to click with me!