May Catch Up and Looking Forward To Summer
Hello again! It’s been a while since my last post. It’s been quite busy over the last few months and I just haven’t felt the urge to sit down in front of a computer after staring at one all day. But fear now, I’ve still been reading and watching lots. While I don’t love the heat of summer, I do love that the days are so much longer. It’s given me a boost of energy and I find myself being much more productive.
First up I have some books that have been recently sent for review.
The Wicker King by K. Ancrum – This is a YA psychological thriller about two friends trying to cope as one of them seems to fall into madness. Jack is imagining a fantasy world layered over his own and it is ruled by The Wicker King. This one sounds pretty creepy and I do love a good thriller , so I am excited about this one.
The Equals by Daniel Sweren-Becker – This is the sequel to The Ones, is about a world in which 1% of the popular was selected for genetic engineering in the womb. Now, years later, The Ones are thriving while a movement called The Equals wants to wipe them out and level the playing field. The Equals is a continuation of that story as The Ones try to survive. I remember reading good things about The Ones and the premise is intriguing. I’ll have to get a copy of the first book so I can catch up.
Ally by Anna Banks – Another sequel, this is a fantasy series about a princess with special powers who has to flee her kingdom into the neighboring rival kingdom. There she hides as a servant who is a thorn in the side of the king. This one sounds pretty intense and could be a lot of fun. My friend just lent me Nemesis, the first book in the series, so I will definitely be reading it soon.
The Innocence Treatment by Ari B. Goelman – Lauren is a young woman who has a disorder that makes her believe what everyone tells her, leaving her at risk. She decides to have an operation to fix the disorder but then finds that she’s become paranoid and possibly violent. This one definitely sounds a little creepy as it’s told from by letters and papers after the events of the book and involves government a possible government conspiracy.
Berserker by Emmy Laybourne – Hanne has a unique power. She is a Berserker. When someone she loves is in danger, she goes into a killing rage. Because of this, she and her brother must flee their home and make their way, with help, through the frozen frontier to their new home. This one sounds really unique but all I can think about when I see the title is Wolverine from the X-Men because I remember he used to go into berserker rages sometimes when he would fight.
I also received a small sampler from First Second, the graphic novel arm of Macmillan. They usually put out really good stuff so I am looking forward to browsing it. This whole lot came from Macmillan/Fierce Reads so many thanks to them for sending these over.
What I’ve Been Reading
Silver Silence by Nalini Singh – I just finished this one a couple of days ago and it was super cute. This book focuses and Silver Mercant and Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears. This is a long standing series that is consistently good. There have been a couple of misses (for me) here and there but overall I still really enjoy this series. While Silver Silence didn’t have much in the way of action, there were so many really sweet and cute moments between Silver and Valentin as well as the other clan members. I loved getting to know a new clan as well. The bears had a distinct personality that was different than the wolves and big cats that we’ve seen before.
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews – I am always gushing about Ilona Andrews and today will be no different. This is the third book in the Hidden Legacy series and is just as fun and exciting as the last two books. Nevada has to make some tough decisions in this one that will have lasting effects on their world and her family. Andrews have not announced whether or not there will be more books in the series but I really hope that there are. This book does brings things to a good end but also leaves room for more a lot more.
Up Next
They Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord – I admit that I haven’t managed to read any of Lord’s previous books before but they always come highly recommended. I’ve decided to start with her most recent novel, which is set in a summer camp, making it the perfect summer pick for me.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – I’ve heard amazing things about this book and was lucky enough to get a signed copy at Festival of Books this year.
I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo – Romance and k-dramas, what more could you ask for? I am super excited to read Goo’s new book which also features an Asian American main character.
The Girl with the Make Believe Husband by Julia Quinn – Julia Quinn is good pretty much all of the time and I’ve been saving her newest for when I had time to really enjoy it.
Watching
Your Name.
Wonder Woman
Orphan Black (Seasons 3 + 4)
I’ve been watching a lot of good things lately but I especially loved Your Name., a Japanese animated film about two teens who end up switching bodies. It’s sweet and funny and extremely moving. It’s not what you think it’ll be. Also loved Wonder Woman and finally caught up the the current season of Orphan Black.
Upcoming Events
San Diego Comic Con
Pasadena Loves LA
I haven’t been to a ton of events this year but two that I am really excited about are Comic Con and Pasadena Loves YA. I am eagerly awaiting my Comic Con badge, which should be here soon. Pasadena Loves YA is a great event held at the Pasadena Public Library every year. I am volunteering to help out this year and the schedule and author list should be up soon.
That’s what I have been up to lately. I’d love to know what you guys have been reading and watching and if you’re going to any fun events this summer. Please leave a comment below letting me know how your summer is going. Happy reading!
