TAG : 20 QUESTIONS BOOK TAG

Tag Time! Brianna tagged me to do this a while ago. I’ve been meaning to do this but just couldn’t find the time! I miss doing tags and really enjoyed doing this one. The questions were really creative!

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1. How many books are too many in a series?

I’ve read series with 10 books and wanted more. I’ve also read duets which I felt would’ve been better off as a single book. If there’s a story to tell, I am fine with as many books needed to wrap it up nicely.

As long as I don’t feel that the writer is just churning out new books in a series just for commercial reasons, and doesn’t take ages between each book *cough* GRRM *cough*, I don’t mind.

2. How do you feel about cliffhanger endings?

I think if a book can wrap up its own solitary arc, and a cliffhanger is there just to give a glimpse of what’s waiting for us in the next book, I’m fine with it. But if it leaves you with none of your initial questions for the book answered, then it’s a big no.

3. Hardback or paperback?

Both! I have a weakness for hardbacks. But paperbacks are easy to carry when I’m traveling. And I always feel  like something’s missing if I don’t carry a book with me when I’m holidaying!

4. Favorite book?

How do you even answer that? But if I had to really choose one, I’d just choose the Harry Potter series because they’re what started it all for me!

5.  Least Favorite book?

Veronica Roth’s Allegient, maybe?

6. Love triangles : yes or no?

No. Unless they’re written really compellingly. And that rarely happens.

7. The most recent book you couldn’t finish?

Well, I did lose my interest through one-third of Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez. Although I plan to get back to it, I’m still a little disappointed because I was looking forward to it and wasn’t as taken by it as I thought I’d be.

8. A book you’re currently reading?

Valencia and Valentine.

9. Last book you recommended?

All the pretty monsters.

10. Oldest book you’ve read?

The only book I can think of is The Quran.

11. Newest book you’ve read?

Fix Her Up.

12. Favorite author?

There are many. But I’ve been craving Jane Austen recently. So I’ll say her name!

13. Buying books or borrowing?

I prefer buying. Borrowing can be stressful. And yet the easy option.

14. A book that you disliked that everyone seems to love?

Any book by John Green or Colleen Hoover.

15. Bookmarks or dog ears?

The blasphemy! Bookmarks. Although I’m pretty good at remembering the page I’m in and don’t need either of these.

16. A book that you always reread?

Harry Potter. But I have a knack for rereading any book that I like.

17. Can you read while listening to music?

Yep.

18. One POV or multiple POVs?

One POV. Because if I happen to dislike the character with another POV, I tend to not pay as much attention to the story when they’re narrating. And sometimes, I like to be kept guessing about the intentions of the other characters. It keeps things interesting.

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

One sitting. In fact, I rarely start a new book if I don’t have the time at hand to finish it soon.

20. Who do you tag?

Sara, Alyssa, Mogsy, and anyone who’s interested to do it!

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Top Ten Tuesday : Characters I want on my team in a haunted house

Another Tuesday and another TTT! The theme for this week was Creepy Freebie and I chose the topic as characters I want on my team inside a haunted house.

For those who don’t know, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly blog meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

Okay, here we go –

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Hermione Granger : Let’s be honest. Harry wouldn’t survive even his first year without the help of Hermione. Plus, I think I’d need a rational person like Hermione to get me through a haunted house.

Kate Daniels : Having the most badass heroine like Kate Daniels beside me would ensure that I could just relax and let her combat all the ghosts. Heh.

Feyre Archeron : Well, she went to the Weaver’s house. So she could also tag along with me to the haunted house, right? Plus, she’s a loyal friend. What else could I ask for when entering a haunted house?

Minya : I thought of Lazlo Strange first. But Minya? She can control ghosts! Could the choice be any more obvious?

Victor Vale : Victor may be a sociopath who claims to love nobody, but if you’re on his team, then he’ll stop at nothing to protect at you.

The Weasley twins : Who doesn’t need humor to make things better when they are faced with horror? And nobody is better at humor than the Weasley twins. Plus, they have so many tricks up their sleeves, the haunted house might turn out to be a piece of cake!

Roy Mustang : Would you look at that smolder? It also helps that he happens to be my first Japanese crush. But let’s be honest here. I’d have this guy by my side at any place and situation, for purely selfish reasons.

Buffy Summers : Umm, hello? Buffy the vampire slayer? A definite YES.

 

Kaz Brekker : A quick-witted and sharp guy like Kaz is just what I need to survive a haunted house!

Lisbeth Salander : What a badass to have at your side! I’d be in too awe of her to be scared of ghosts, I think!

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What about you guys? Who would you pick to accompany you to a haunted house?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read

Another Tuesday is here. Another interesting prompt. For those who don’t know, Top Ten Tuesday is weekly blog meme created and hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl. Today’s prompt is Book By My Favorite Authors That I still haven’t Read.

In most cases, a favorite author for me is someone all of whose books I loved. I think I tend to read all the books by my favorite authors. But there are some cases where that doesn’t happen or yet to happen. I’ll talk about those authors here. Time to revisit my guilt.

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Lethal White Series | Rober Galbraith : I owe J. K. Rowling a lot. Harry Potter has a occupies a huge part in my life and heart. It’s the series that made me fall in love with books. So I still can’t figure out why I can’t make myself start this series.

 

The Cursed Child | J. K. Rowling : Well, it’s a more of a play than a book. It’s also not really written by Rowling but rather based on the story by her. So, technically this might not even count as a book by her.

Okay, here’s the thing, I was dubious about the whole thing since it was announced. And I’ve heard enough things about the book from my friends to never be interested in touching this book. I don’t want to let any flawed piece of work ruin my nostalgia for the books. I’m happy with where the books ended. I’ve also read enough Harry Potter fanfiction in my days to have curbed my thirst for any future stories in the Wizarding World. You know what I’d like, though? A book based on the Maruarders.

 

Saving Francesca | Melina Marchetta : I love Melina Marchetta. I have read every book by her except this one. I even read the second book ( The Piper’s So) set in the same universe as this. Saving Francesca has evaded me most probably because it was her second book. But I do plan to read it. I just need to dig down my TBR hole.

 

Looking For Alibrandi | Melina Marchetta : This was even before Saving Francesca so it’s even deeper down my TBR hole. To be honest, I’m not very confident about starting this book any time soon. But it all depends on my whims, really. And I DO tend to be very whimsical with my reading moods.

 

Infinity + One | Amy Harmon : Same case as above. I’ve read all books by Amy Harmon other than this. Except, I don’t think I’ll ever read this book. The theme of the book is that of Bonny & Clyde which is just not my thing.

 

   

Faeries of Dreamdark | Laini Taylor : Another series deep buried in my TBR list. I don’t know if and when I’ll ever get to start this series.

 

  

Innkeeper Chronicles | Ilona Andrews : What made me a fan of Ilona Andrews was the 10-book series of Kate Daniels. By the time I was done with that, she was about tor release Hidden Legacy which became another favorite. I already had 2 of her incomplete series I was in love with. I didn’t have the time or energy to start another incomplete series.

 

   

The Edge | Ilona Andrews : The same case as above. When I discover an author I like, I usually go from the most recent of her releases to her earlier ones. Now that Kate Daniels is over, I might get more motivation to start these 2 series now. You know what would motivate me more, though? Better covers.

 

         

Holding You Duet | Jewel E. Ann : Jewel E. Ann is a writer who is slowly climbing to the top of my contemporary authors. She gets better with each of her new releases. But her earlier and older releases are not as impressive. This was her earliest work and going by the trend of everything else I’ve read by her, this could be her least impressive work. And I’m not really tempted by the blurb or the reviews it’s gotten. Meh.

 

The Grisha Trilogy | Leigh Bardugo : She’s a recent favorite. I loved her Six of Crows so much that I don’t think I’m capable of not liking any of her books. I definitely will read the Grisha Trilogy soon. Sooner even than any of the other books on the list. It should be a crime not to read everything by Leigh Bardugo. And I don’t want to partake in this crime any longer. If only there weren’t additions to my TBR list every day.

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So, I might not harbor guilt for not having read all of these books, a few of them maybe – but definitely not all of them. Hopefully this partial guilt trip down the lane will make me start the books (I DO feel guilty about) asap!

 

TAG : The Lady Janies

Yaay! I got tagged by Sara @ Bibliographist. Can I just say that she’s fast become one of my favorite bloggers? I love her insights and reviews. Do follow her if you aren’t already!

The Lady Janies Book Tag was created by Rebecca over at Bookishly Rebecca & Ellyn of Allonsythornraxx and it was created to coincide with the release of the Lady Jane books by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton.

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Rules:

• Thank the person who nominated you.
• Answer all the questions down below.
• Pingback to the creators Rebecca & Ellyn.
• Nominate 5+ bloggers to do this tag.

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Questions:

Jane Lynch: A favorite book featuring a character on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum:

An Exaltation of Larks | Suanne Laqueur knows how to play with your emotions. Her writing’s got a lot of depth and her storytelling is brilliant.
Lady Jane Grey: A short book that packed a punch:

Ferragost | You can never make me shut up about my adoration for Melina Marchetta. This one’s set in the universe of Lumatere Chronicles and features a favorite character. It’s sort of a mystery/romance. I’m still waiting for the author to publish more stories about the pair of Lady Celie and Banyon.
Jane Austen: Favorite heroine in a classic book:

Sophy from The Grand Sophy | Georgette Heyer writes great heroines. Sophy was such a breath of fresh air. She’s as rebellious as she’s graceful. Loved her and this book.

P.S. Wanna know a secret? I was confused between Scarlett O’ Hara from Gone with the Wind and Sophy for this prompt. Scarlett is definitely a better written character but she made me want to slap her a few times. So I guess I favor Sophy more.
Jane Eyre: Your favorite retelling:

A Court of Mist And Fury | The direction Sarah Mass took with this book makes it an automatic favorite. It also helps that I love Hades and Persephone’s story.
Calamity Jane: Your most anticipated release:

99 Percent Mine | This was a tough one but among my anticipated releases, this book’s the only one that presently has not only a proper synopsis but a cover too! Also, I love childhood crushes, friends-to-lovers AND Sally Thorne.
Jane Fonda: A character who upholds feminist ideals:

Jane Eyre | A very easy one. Didn’t even need to think twice.
Jane Krakowski: An underrated book you wish more people would read:

Lumatere Chronicles | I want everybody to read this series.

The Lady Janies: Two or more authors you wish would write a book together:

The million-dollar question. I could think of so many pairs I’d like to see. But maybe off the top of my head, Amy Harmon and Melina Marchetta? Both of them have sort of this unique vibe that I’d be interested to see gelled together.

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I’d like to tag Meowread|Mariam|Tukunjil| Libroliv | Bristy

There’s no pressure. If you don’t feel like doing it or have already done it, then feel free to ignore my tags! And if you haven’t been tagged and still want to do it, go ahead! Do leave a link below, either way. 🙂

Top Ten Tuesday: Hidden Gems

Helloooo peeps! I’m back with my entries for Top Ten Tuesday. I sadly missed doing it last week. I’ll try my best not to repeat that as I really enjoy these things.

The topic for this week Top Ten Hidden Gems (AKA the books that I think deserve more recognition and wasn’t marketed or talked about much).

Without further ado, here goes my list.

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Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews

This 10-book series is criminally underrated. Kate Daniels is one of my all-time favorite badass heroines. This urban fantasy series is like a mixture of Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If only they were marketed better. Look at half of these covers and tell me if you’d check them out without hesitation. It still surprises me that I did. Thank God I did!

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Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta

I’ve rarely seen such beautiful world building and brilliant writing in a fantasy series. Lumatere Chronicles and its diverse ensemble of characters – with their own arcs – are very close to my heart. It’s a mystery that Lumatere Chronicles is not as popular as it should be. Is it because the author is an Australian or was it the timing of the publication? Whatever it is, this series deserves all the accolades and love.

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From Sand And Ash by Amy Harmon

This book about a Jewish girl and a Catholic priest during the World War II deserves a lot more love and buzz than it received. It’s not the most intriguing historical fiction you’ll ever read and romance is the more focal-point; but the emotions it invokes in you are no joke. Amy Harmon did her research and delivers with a masterstroke.

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How to Kill A Rockstar by Tiffany Debartolo

Contrary to its name, this book is not for aspiring-murders. It’s for lovers of love stories, music, and writing so beautiful that every line strikes a chord with you. Tiffany Debartolo needs to write more books.

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Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

Not only Foolish Hearts, every book by Emma Mills is a hidden gem. She writes female friendships like nobody else. She writes YA like nobody else.

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Angie Pallorino Series by Loreth Anne White

                                     

I randomly discovered this series recently and was intrigued by the cover and blurbs. I ended up devouring the books in 3 days. I was surprised that I hadn’t heard of these books before. It’s a gritty and hard hitting series with an edgy heroine. Perfect for fans of mystery, suspense and crime thrillers.

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Love Me With Lies Trilogy by Tarryn Fisher

Okay, I wouldn’t call these books unpopular. But I feel that they’ve been boxed into a certain category by general readers. This series feels so much more than a Contemporary Romance to me. This was not even a mere love triangle like I assumed it to be when I saw the synopsis at first. It felt like a character study on what people can do for love. I’ve never enjoyed unlikable characters as much as I did here. I wish everyone could read this series.

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Hydraulic Level 5 by Sarah Latchaw

This little known gem apparently started off as a fan-fiction. But don’t let that deter you. This is no 50 shades of grey. It is about two lost souls. This book deals with issues like mental diseases, grief, and of course, extreme sports.

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Transcend Duet by Jewel E Ann

                                                     
I feel like I’m the only one I know who’s read these books. I’d like more of my friends to read this series, and if that’s impossible, then I’d want to make new friends with people who’ve read this series.

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The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one, considering that it was a spontaneous pick. There was a freshness to it that I appreciated.  A sequel was released very recently. I plan to start that soon.

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So, this was my list of books that haven’t been talked about as much or haven’t been marketed as strongly, that I think deserve some recognition, in my opinion.

A few of these books have admittedly done well but not as much as they deserved, in my opinion. Interestingly enough, while making this list, I was thinking of all the books that I found to be overrated. Now, that’s another list I wouldn’t mind making! =^-^=

 

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I hope you enjoy this list. Let me know what you think about it. Do you agree with any of my choices? Leave your thoughts below. I’m also interested to look at your lists too! So join in on the fun!

TAG : I Spy Book Challenge

So, I’m new and nobody tagged me. But I still wanted to do it. What can I say? I’m an enthusiastic noob who loves these challenges!

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The Rules:

Find a book that contains (either on the cover or in the title) an example for each category. You must have a separate book for all 20, get as creative as you want and do it within five minutes!!

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Food| Transportation | Weapon | Animal

Number| Something You Read | Body of Water | Product of Fire

Royalty| Architecture | Clothing Item | Family Member

 

Time of Day | Music | Paranormal Being | Occupation

Season | Color | Celestial Body | Something That Grows

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These are all books I’ve read (some I enjoyed, some I regretted reading). Btw I took a lot more than five minutes. But I had so much fun with this! Hope you do too.

I’m tagging  Mowmee | Tukunjil  | Bristy | Mahjabin | Kaniz

You can ignore this if you want to. No pressure. I just tagged you for fun! And if anyone who wasn’t tagged by me happens to see this and wants to do it, feel free and let me know!

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Back To School

Hello, everyone.  I just discovered Top Ten Tuesday  and REALLY wanted to do it. So, even though Tuesday just ended in my country, I’ll cheat and just follow the timezone of the countries that are still on Tuesday. I’m excited to join in on the fun!

Today’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is Back to School/Learning Freebie (in honor of school starting back up soon, come up with your own topic that fits the theme of school or learning! Books that take place at school/boarding school/during study abroad, books you read in school, textbooks you liked/didn’t like, non-fiction books you loved or want to read, etc.)

I’ll go with my top ten list of books that take place at school. I hope I do it right!

Perks of Being A Wallflower

How can I make a list about books with a school setting and ignore this gem? Perks of Being A Wallflower is an all-time favorite for me. This book had so many lines that resonated with me and actually stayed with me for a long time. Here’s to all wallflowers!

Speak

Speak is another book set in school that is so powerful! It is not an easy read. The protagonist Melinda might have faced something that can’t be relatable to everyone, but she as a character is someone any high school student who struggle with helplessness and loneliness can relate to.

On the Jellicoe Road

A favorite book by a favorite author. Set in Australia. This book was emotional. It’s about friendship, family and home. The transition from rivalry of the schools to their friendship was so sweet to read. I laughed, I cried and I reread it countless of times.

Graffiti Moon

This is a Young Adult Contemporary, also set in Australia. Although this book revolves around a high school student but the focus is more on the characters than the school itself. This book is about graffiti artist. It’s a character driven book that’s about friendship, love and mystique of art.

The Catcher in the Rye

Any school based book list is incomplete without The Catcher in the Rye. What hasn’t been said about this book? This book is such an epitome of all things teenage angst and rebellion that every teenager should read it. Even adults should read it just to be reminded of those days of such complexity.

The Start of Me and You

This book is nothing remarkable or trendsetting like The Catcher in the Rye. And yet, there something so comforting in this Young Adult book. I loved the family dynamics, friendships. I loved that there was a big focus on female friendship that I could relate with; and also platonic friendship between boys and girls.

Foolish Hearts

This book was SO good! Claudia is an introvert who likes playing online games with her brother and her best friend. But an unexpected eavesdropping makes her rivals with the ice queen Iris. Their slow evolving friendship was the best thing for me. This book is set around a school play. I loved everything about it. Even the unorthodox love interest Gideon.

This Adventure Ends

Emma Mills has slowly become my favorite author. As you can see by the two entries on the list by her. This book was a fast read. It lives up to its name as the protagonist Sloane goes on an adventure in search of a painting. Sloane was perfect in her awkwardness, sarcasm and loyalty. I loved her friendship with twins Vera and Gabe. Vera and Sloane were #Bestiegoals. And can I say that I want a family like hers?

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Yes, the book that’s become the rage after it’s movie adaption released in Netflix. I’d read the series last year and only liked the first one the best. A strong focus on sisters and family, forbidden crush, fake-dating trope, cultural diversity. Can I just say that I loved how the protagonist was Korean-American and the hero was Mexican-American? And the food! Oh, all that food! How I wish the movie had more food in it aaaand that hate-love equation between sisters!

Harry Potter Series

It would be a crime for a Potterhead like me to make a list of her favorite books set in school. It would also be very easy for me to list the 7 books (Well, 6 since the last book wasn’t really set in Hogwarts for the most part) in the Top Ten list. But I like hardwork.I don’t think any book has able to portray a school more lovable than Hogwarts.

 

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So there you go. These are my top ten books set in school that I’ve read. Can you suggest me more books set in school that I should read? A book set in school that is in my TBR is The Hate U Give. Any other recommendations?