Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Lots of exciting things being revealed this week! I am especially excited that covers for books coming out in fall 2019 are starting to be revealed!

BOOKS

Cover of Renee Ahdieh's The Beautiful (goodreads)

This book has shown up on my blog a few times already but I am excited that it now has a cover!

I think this fits the synopsis perfectly and is really pretty! It fits the vampire theme and catches your attention. I am so excited to get my hands on this one!

Cover of Victoria Aveyard's Broken Throne (goodreads)

I loved the Red Queen series so I am really excited that Victoria is returning to that world for a collection of short stories to finish off the series.

The cover is just as amazing the previous ones in the series. I love that it has a different colour palette than the main series while still matching it.

MOVIE / TELEVISION

Spider-man: Far From Home

This trailer promises as much fun as the Homecoming trailer did and manages to make the idea of a Spider-man movie that takes place outside New York seem like a good one.

I love the bit with Flash Thompson at the end. Tom Holland is a perfect Peter Parker and Spider-man so I am excited we get to see him in another movie.

Lords Of Chaos Trailer

The amazing podcast Disgraceland made me aware of this story that will appeal to any other Murderinos out there. It is beyond messed up and the trailer only starts to capture that.

I wasn't sure what to make of this when I first saw the trailer. This happened in Norway and those are American accents I hear. However, the reviews I have read are largely positive and I think the story could make an interesting movie if done well.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

I had a lot of amazing arrivals this week! First up are two bookmarks that I love from HappyHello (Etsy shop link). They are adorable and I am happy to add them to my collection.

They are obviously Elio and Oliver from Call Me By Your Name. I've fangirled about this shop before, but you should check it out if you love cute bookmarks. A ton of different fandoms are offered and they make great gifts.

Next up was my Indigo Book Box which featured War Storm by Victoria Aveyard. The box contained a signed copy of the book, a candle, a note from Victoria, and a Scarlet Guard pin.

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

The pin is so amazing that I had to include a close up of it! It's a perfect addition to my pin collection and a wonderful bit of swag to celebrate the end of the series with.

What bookish goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
Release Date - February 7, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  528 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**purchased**

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard’s bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire—leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down. 

Three books into a series it can be hard to find something new to say about the world, the characters, and the plot. This is especially true if you are attempting to avoid spoilers. Victoria Aveyard makes this task easy by having her third installment expand the world, the characters, and the plot in ways that are completely unexpected. King's Cage takes the novel even further down the path to war, and blazes a scorching trail on its way there.

Three books into the series and it is clear that Victoria Aveyard knows her characters. She knows what makes them tick, and is able to make you understand their choices (even if you don't agree with them). The story is propelled forward in a way that shows she trusts us to be as comfortable with these characters and this world as she is. It makes the story progress in a realistic way and in a way that is very reminiscent of television show seasons or movie sequels.

Maven continues to be the worst in this installment. After taking Mare captive and literally putting her on a leash, there wasn't much further he could fall. This broken prince is a product of his upbringing and that has created a cold, calculating young man who is obsessed with Mare. I find Maven fascinating because he is unapologetic about his actions. He reminds me a lot of the characters in Game of Thrones. He's morally grey, and the scariest part is that he thinks he is justified in his actions. He believes he is doing the right thing. I want to know more of what makes him tick, and this novel does shine a light on the darker workings of Maven's mind.

 Mare's head space for most of this novel is not the greatest (understandably) but I admire her resilience and her determination. She has this inner strength that is readily apparent in this part of her journey. She may be selfish, a little whiny at times, but she does have strong convictions and doesn't give in easily. There are choices she has to make in this installment that change the direction of her journey and these decisions change her as a character. I find she has grown so much in this novel and is vastly changed from the young woman we meet in Red Queen.

Cal, the fire Prince who finds himself a tool in the rebellion is steadfastly Cal in this novel. He has a good heart, and that is going to be tested going forward. He may be the character who has to make the bigger sacrifices for the great good going forward. I hope that Victoria continues to explore how much power entices the young prince and how much he actually wants to rule. This element of  power corrupts, especially when it comes to someone as inherently good as Cal, would be fascinating and it is something that has only been teased so far.

 The connection between Mare and Cal is felt even when they are not together. There were plenty of moments where Mare thinking or talking about Cal left me swooning. They really are each others rock in this storm and hopefully they find a happily ever after that works for them at the end of this series. I am not hopeful, as I expect Victoria to be as brutal as possible even while delivering an ending that is not entirely bleak. This novel sets up a perhaps bittersweet finale for everyone involved, and I trust that all of them romances being built will be no exception.

There are many huge moves and strikes within this novel. If the other novels were setting up the chessboard, this novel was the game. Each move plotted and deliberated for maximum impact. This is a war and each side is prepared to win. There are many different sides to this fight, and each have their own agenda. Loyalties are tested even more in this novel and Victoria Aveyard handles this part of the novel masterfully. We understand each of the characters more by the end of this novel, and because of that the decisions being made are felt all the more.

Once again we're left on the edge waiting for the next novel. Victoria Aveyard is the queen of crushing, heart-ripping endings and this is no exception. King's Cage takes Mare's story to a much grander scale, and one that I expect will have dire consequences in the last novel. There are so many questions to be answered with who will ultimately be sitting on the throne in the end just one of them.

Victoria Aveyard's series continues to impress and expand the world she built in Red Queen. This breathtaking, pulse pounding installment sets up an epic conclusion where it feels like nobody is safe and rebellion may have a higher price than expected.

Waiting On Wednesday ..... King's Cage

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS NOVELS

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard’s bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire—leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down.

I could not believe that I hadn't already used this upcoming title for a Waiting On Wednesday post. It is one of my most anticipated of 2017 and I cannot wait for it to be released.

The ending of Glass Sword made me desperate to get my hands on the next book in this series and it sounds just as incredible as I had hoped.

If you've missed reading the first two novels in this series I highly recommend them. Luckily the wait for this one is pretty short now as it'll be released in less than a month!

Expected release date - February 7, 2017

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

This covers are stunning and I love the darkening of each as the series progresses. The crown made of bones, and that fierce tagline have me very excited to get my hands on this!

The title better be referring to Maven and a cage for him rather than a cage he has. He is honestly the worst. #TeamCal

When It's Real by Erin Watt (goodreads)

I just finished Paper Princess by Erin Watt and it has made me even more excited about this upcoming release. I was sold with the inclusion of  a bad boy pop star, and the potential for a cute (and sexy) romance. It is high on my 2017 wishlist and I cannot wait to hear more about it in the coming months.

TV/MOVIE

Nerve trailer

I stumbled across this trailer accidentally thanks to my Twitter feed. I immediately thought it sounded familiar and ran to Goodreads to verify that there is a book called Nerve that has a similar premise as this movie that is coming out this month.

Turns out is based on the book by Jeanne Ryan and the trailer has made me curious to pick up the book. I love that the trailer starts out kind of light and funny but grows quite dark towards the end. I am not even sure what it is about the trailer, but it has piqued my interest enough to go grab a copy of the book and check out the movie when it releases. If you've read Nerve, let me know what you thought in the comments.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Blog Tour : Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

I am so happy to be part of the official blog tour for Glass Sword. Since it's already in stores I hope some of you have already picked it up and have started reading it. I cannot wait to discuss it with you all.

My review will be below, and there is a pretty amazing giveaway as part of this blog tour as well so be sure to enter it. Seriously, the prize is amazing! Also visit the other stops for more reviews!

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Release Date - February 9, 2016
Publisher Website - HarperTeen/Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 448 pages
My Rating - 5/5
Book Links - Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // Chapters
**received for honest review from the publisher**

**RED QUEEN SPOILERS**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

The Red Queen series is not one of absolutes. There simply good or bad. There is a whole lot of wiggle room in between the two. As a result there is not one character that can be defined as fully good or evil within these pages. People are often ever shifting in their morality and this novel reflects that truth. We all make bad decisions for what we feel are good reasons sometimes and Victoria Aveyard embraces that greyness. Glass Sword embraces the shades of grey that Red Queen first introduced and reminds us that good and evil really depend on who is telling the story.

Glass Sword took Mare's story into unexpected places. The world is expanded and with it comes breath stealing storylines that are filled with surprises, and some new characters to love. So much of what Victoria chose to do in this instalment felt bold and daring. It's not the predictable direction you would expect it to take and that makes this story all the more engaging. It could go in any direction, and it is not necessary telling the story you think it is. It leaves you feeling unsettled because this could be the story of how a young woman becomes the hero, or it could just as easily be the story of a young woman becoming a villain.

Mare struggles with the events in book one. They have left their mark and haunt her every step. Maven's betrayal has cut deep and she is now a closed off, distrustful mess. She is sometimes selfish, sometimes cruel, and often makes quick tempered decisions AND I LOVE HER FOR IT. I've always said that I don't have to agree with a character's actions, or even like their decisions, but I do have to understand them. I understand Mare. The writing ensures that the reader recognizes her motivations. The things that happened to her have an impact and that's made her who she is. There is character growth, even if it feels like negative character growth. This isn't the story of someone learning to open up. Instead this is a systematic hardening of a young girl who has had a large responsibility put on her, one she is not sure she's ready for. She's a reluctant heroine, one who isn't sure the shoe fits. “If I am a sword, I am a sword made of glass, and I feel myself beginning to shatter.” This quote lingered with me and I think it defines Mare's mental state during Glass Sword perfectly. Mare is beginning to become a little ruthless, and we all know that saying about power and how it corrupts.

Maven haunts these pages both physically and metaphorically. His betrayal is the catalyst for so much of what happens in this novel. Both Cal and Mare mourn the loss of the boy they thought he was. He is never far from any of their thoughts, and he is hot on their trail while tracking down the new bloods. The path that Victoria takes with him is unexpected, and welcome. He is not some cliche villain. This is a villain who thinks he is just and right in his actions. This is a villain that sees himself as the hero of his own story, and those are the most dangerous (and fascinating) villains of all.

The romantic scenes are extremely subtle in this novel, but they are some of the most swoon inducing ones I've read. The ability to create chemistry and sexual tension without any kissing is an art, and Victoria Aveyard manges it masterfully. Her words paint a picture with nothing more than a look, or a brief touch. I am so fully invested in one particular ship that I am sure it'll end badly, but it doesn't even matter, because it is so perfectly written. There are parts of this novel I want to read again because of the emotions they capture. The romance in this isn't the central focus (hello, war happening) but it is the heartbeat. It is just as complex, and complicated as everything else. Feelings of betrayal, guilt, trust, loss, and lust are all tangled together. It's messy and that makes for some compelling dynamics.

Victoria Aveyard once again offers up a juggernaut of an ending that will leave you madly desperate to get your hands on book three. It is the sort of ending that once again pushes this novel into new territory. It is, like the rest of Glass Sword, bold and offers the perfect exclamation point to this chapter of Mare's story.

Now for the giveaway! Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter below to win this amazing prize. Seriously, I need one of the Scarlet Guard scarves! *need*

One winner will get a RED QUEEN Prize pack from HarperTeen, which includes:

- 1 Physical Copy of CRUEL CROWN (0.1 & 0.2 Red Queen)

- 1 Red Queen foam sword that reads “Kneel or Bleed”

- 1 Scarlet Guard scarf

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Victoria Aveyard is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Red Queen.

Victoria was born and raised in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a small town known only for the worst traffic rotary in the continental United States. She moved to Los Angeles to earn a BFA in screenwriting at the University of Southern California. She currently splits her time between the East and West coasts. As an author and screenwriter, she uses her career as an excuse to read too many books and watch too many movies. She has sold several television pilots and feature-length screenplays. You can visit her online at www.victoriaaveyard.com or on Twitter at @VictoriaAveyard.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Lots of fun goodies made their way into my mailbox this week! Super excited for everything.

Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

First up I received my pre-order goodies for Winter. The gloves are super cute and I intend to put some of the tattoos on my nieces.

I also purchased Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard which is a bind up of two short stories that take place in the Red Queen world. Very excited to read them.

I also was approved for some egalleys from the publishers.

Leave Me by Gayle Forman (goodreads)
26 Kisses by Anna Michels (goodreads)
The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (goodreads)
Walk The Edge by Katie McGarry (goodreads)

A huge thank you to all the publishers for the chance to review these amazing sounding titles.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Busy week in the mailbox but filled with so many amazing things that it's a fantastic ending to 2015. I feel EXTREMELY lucky and I cannot wait to read all of these books.

Keep Calm and Color On by Meredith Mennitt (goodreads)

A Gathering of Shadows by VE Schwab (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Raincoast books for A Gathering of Shadows and my first ever 'adult' colouring book. I am going to need to get some pencil crayons and try it out very soon!

This next arrival was a complete surprise and I was really excited to receive it.

It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick (goodreads)

The Secret Language of Sisters by Luane Rice (goodreads)

Unbecoming by Jenny Downham (goodreads)

The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork (goodreads)

Thank you so much, Scholastic. It was a lovely Christmas surprise and I am really excited about the new Jenny Downham (but am looking forward to all of them).

The next package definitely caused me to make some inhuman noises while I fangirled. I got this Christmas Eve and it was seriously THE BEST Christmas gift.

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

This glass box of emotions is seriously the BEST THING ever and it's so pretty in person. I am excited to read the ARC and to share my review as part of the tour! It may be my New Year's Eve read. Thank you a million times to Epic Reads, the Scarlet Guard, and Harper Collins USA for this incredible package.

I also received these adorable Throne of Glass bookmarks from the lovely Christy (The Reader Bee). How cute is Dorian?! I love that I have a bunch of adorable bookmarks now. Thank you so much, Christy. You seriously spoil me and you are simply the best.

These bookmarks can be purchased from the Magicbookmarks Etsy shop. She has a lot of amazing things (and she does fantastic custom orders, too).

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

2016 Most Anticipated - Heartless, Caraval and Glass Sword

As an end to the Most Anticipated of 2016 feature I am offering a round up of a few titles that are on my radar and should really be on yours, too.

These are titles that make me feel extremely lucky for the wealth of amazing books that are about to come our way in the new year.

I have chosen three to highlight and will provide a few reasons I am looking forward to each of them!

Heartless by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)

This one seems like an obvious pick. Pretty sure everyone is anticipating this. Here are my reasons for needing to get my hands on this magical retelling!

1 This is Alice in Wonderland before Alice drops in. It's al about how the Queen of Hearts becomes the Queen of Hearts that we know from the classic tale.

2 There is a character named Jest whom I have heard is very swoon worthy!

3 Some beloved Alice in Wonderland characters are said to make an appearance. Here is hoping we see Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and more!

4 It's Marissa Meyer. We know she'll deliver a fantastic retelling and completely make us fall in love with the characters.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber (goodreads)

1 The Hollywood Reporter deal announcement. Hype is already strong for this one!

2 The focus being on a sibling relationship. I love that two sisters are the main focus.

3 Everything about Roshani Chokshi's Goodreads review has me VERY excited to read it.

4 Caraval itself. It's being compared to The Night Circus and that setting was so vivid. The idea of a setting just as magical has me really excited AND the game itself has my curiosity piqued. 

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

1 The ending to Red Queen. That ending pretty much ensures you'll NEED to get your hands on Glass Sword. I need to know what happens next.

2 The continued expansion of the incredible world Victoria Aveyard has crafted. The hint that there are more people like Mare possibly out there, and that they may try to find them has me really excited.

3 Without spoilers for Red Queen.. one of the things that make me MOST excited to read this is finding out more about the characters and their motivations after certain events that happened. Are things what they seem, or does that betrayal have other layers to it? Cannot wait to find out.

4 This video! Victoria basically gives us three reasons to get Glass Sword and I agree with all of them! I cannot wait to meet these new characters she mentions!

This officially closes the 2016 Most Anticipated event on the blog! However, be sure to stop by tomorrow to see how you can win one of the books I've featured, an ARC of A Criminal Magic, and some fun swag!

What is your own most anticipated novel of 2016? Let me know in the comments!

Waiting On Wednesday ........ Glass Sword

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

SPOILERS FOR RED QUEEN! 

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The thrilling second book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen trilogy follows Mare Barrow on her mission to defeat the traitorous Maven.

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. 

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. 

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. 

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever? 

The electrifying next installment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they’ve always known—and pits Mare against the darkness of her own heart.

Kneel or bleed. Best tag line ever, right? Of course it is. I am excited to read the follow up to Red Queen which I loved. There is plenty of potential for this to become a really intense series and I cannot wait to see what direction Victoria takes the story in. Buzz for this one is going to continue to grow as movie rights have been snapped up and Elizabeth Banks is set to direct.

Expected release date - February 9, 2016

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Glass Sword ARCs

Picture proof that these beauties exist. They lovely people at HCC Frenzy posted this photo on their Twitter account which caused much fangirling and vaguely human noises to be made.

Photo Rights @HCCFrenzy. Taken from the @HCCFrenzy Twitter account

I desperately want to get my hands on one of these so that I can devour it immediately, but I have a feeling they'll be limited and harder to come by.

The Forbidden Wish ARCs

All of the Winter 2016 ARCs are being printed right now and seeing them all is extremely exciting. I have been all about this Aladdin retelling since it was announced so I am very excited that it's one step closer to me being able to read it.

Photo Rights - Jessica Khoury. Taken from Jessica's Instagram account

Pretty, right? I love the the cover so these ARCs are amazing. This photo was shared by Jessica Khoury on her Instgram account and it immediately ignited a need to read this book ASAP!

OTHER

Disney Designer Dolls - Peter Pan and Captain Hook

Disney has these collectible, limited edition dolls that are truly eye catching. This photo recently popped up in my Twitter feed (thanks to the lovely Wendy) and I immediately became obsessed.

They are hard to get from what I understand, and on the expensive side, but the want is fierce. I would just keep in them in the box forever. I love that they made it seem like Peter is flying. LOVE!

What are you obsessed with this week?

@HCCFrenzy Presents Event - Fall 2015/Winter 2016

I was recently invited to the Harper Collins office in Toronto to attend a blogger event where they'd be spotlighting some of their upcoming fall and winter titles. The event was hosted by the lovely ladies behind HCC Frenzy, which handles the young adult titles for Harper Collins Canada. Be sure to follow them on Twitter, and Tumblr as they are awesome!-*

Amazing Glass Sword decorations

It was beyond surreal to be invited to an event like this, and I am extremely thankful to all of the ladies who made the event possible, and Suman for her general awesomeness.

My favourite part of an event like this is touching base with the publishing contacts I've worked with, and getting to mingle with other bloggers. There are always lots of hugs, excited fangirling and general excitement at an event like this. You can't help but feel lucky to be part of this community.

Of course, the other part I love is getting hear about the upcoming titles that the publisher is excited to tell us about. They highlighted eleven upcoming titles that should be one everyone's radar and I am excited to share a little more about each of them with you.

1. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy (goodreads)

We were told that this one will make you want to listen to Dolly Parton, leave you dying to tell everyone you know about this book, and that it's ever better than Julie's debut novel. Needless to say the Harper ladies love this one and I cannot wait to read it for myself. There was also a little cameo by Julie Murphy via recorded video where she talked about the inspiration behind this novel - it sounds so uplifting and inspiring!

Julie Murphy discussing Dolly Parton concerts as research!

2. A Step Towards Falling by Cammie McGovern (goodreads)

This novel stood out because of the potential for discussion that it seems to hint it. Two teens witness something horrible happening, and stand by while it happens instead of helping. Through their punishment they learn about themselves, and about others. It sounds like it could be a novel filled with character growth and the potential for tears!

3. Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch (goodreads)

I haven't read the first novel in this series, and not too much was teased out of respect for spoilers, but this sounds like an incredible series. The world building and set up was praised, and it sounds really intriguing. This sequel promises an action packed follow up to the events in book one, and I am curious enough to check out the first one in the series.

4. A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis (goodreads)

Asylums, murder, and Mindy's writing. That was all I needed to be told in order to be completely sold on this one. A young woman finds herself helping a doctor as an assistant at crime scenes while dealing with personal issues in her past. This historically set novel takes place in one of the most creepiest settings, and promises chills and thrills. One of my personal most anticipated reads of the fall season.

5. This May Sound Crazy by Abigail Breslin (goodreads)

This one sounds like it'll be a big hit with teens. Actress Abigain Breslin offers up advice for teens of the modern age. Written as "essays" she'll cover everything from dating in the time of selfies, loss, Tumblr, and so much more. This was also talked up as one stunning book as the look, layout and many of the other design elements are promising to be very eye catching.

6. The Unquiet by Mikaela Everett (goodreads)

Sci-Fi fans may want to add this one to their reading list. It was mentioned as being for fans of Orphan Black, Fringe and Never Let Me Go. It involves parallel universes, assassins, and murder. It seems like a creepy, unsettling novel and I am definitely intrigued.

7. The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness (goodreads)

This has been compared to Buffy but from the perspective of the random kid in the cafeteria. The one who just wants to pass Math class, maybe get their crush to go to the school dance with them, and not have the school blow up before English. In other words, it's the story of the non chosen ones. The people who are average. I got to hear Patrick Ness talk about this one at Book Con this year and left immediately wanting to devour it. It sounds incredible, and poignant. It reminds us that even if we don't end up in the spotlight we still have a story worth telling.

8. Worlds Of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley (goodreads)

Lena Coakley was there to tell us a little about the novel, and the inspiration behind it, as well as having the Harper ladies talk it up. One of them referred to it as the best book she's ever read. If you're a fan of the Bronte sisters this one has to go on your reading list immediately. It blends real life with the fantastical as it examines what it would be like to have your literary creations become real, and is said to offer up a fascinating sibling dynamic.

Who should read this book? Everyone, basically

9. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

The title I am most excited about! This is the sequel to Red Queen, and offers up an action packed follow up of the events in book one. Betrayal, rebellion, decisions, and consequences all await in what I hope is a dynamite follow up to one of my favourite reads of this year. Fun fact - Movie options have already been snapped up and Elizabeth Banks is set to direct.

Best Tag Line Ever. Yes.

10. The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks (goodreads)

This seems like a mix of everything - comedy, drama, survival story. A girl goes to a party with her crush, and her ex-best friend. Awkward, right? A tsunami hits and she survives and is stranded in a life boat with said crush and ex-best friend. The humour is tongue in cheek, and was said to be a little reminiscent of Libba Bray's Beauty Queens. A satire that sounds like it could be a really fun reading experience.

11. This Is Where The World Ends by Amy Zhang (goodreads)

Amy Zhang's writing was a huge selling point here. She wrote this book while attending college classes (her debut was written while she was in high school) which is just impressive. It focuses on two friends, and the aftermath of when one of them goes missing. Sounds like it could be a potentially compelling mystery surrounding what really happened, and if Amy's first book is any indication, one that should definitely be picked up.

What did you do in college? (Side note - LOVE the FNL reference)

The bloggers who attended were gifted some of these amazing titles in swag bags as we left. They were such a nice surprise, and I loved the bags they came in!

A huge thank you to everyone who made them possible. I love, love, love the buttons and my Glass Sword swag in particular.

Which of these titles caught your eye? Any you're dying to read? Any new to you titles that you now want to pick up? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

This is a bind up for the two novellas being released (Steel Scars, and Queen Song) and I am in love with this cover. It's stunning. I honestly love these novella covers more than the cover for Glass Sword. Looking forward to seeing the cover for the third book and having this gorgeousness on my bookshelf.

Queen of Shadows Pre-Order Campaign

Alright, so the pre-order campaign for Queen of Shadows was already awesome. Those buttons are awesome. Bloomsbury just went and sweetened the whole thing with THIS...

A button for Team Dorian! I cannot wait to get these now. The grey colour is also my favourite out of the bunch so this makes me REALLY happy. If you haven't pre-ordered QoS yet do it immediately and secure your own set of these buttons.

TV/MOVIE

The Way

I've been super interested in The Way since I read that Aaron Paul had been cast in a role. Now more details and casting have been announced and I am ready to watch this already. The show revolves around a young man who becomes involved in a cult like faith based group and it's charismatic leader. TVline has a great write up about it. Hugh Dancy was recently announced as the leader of the group and I am VERY intrigued to see how Aaron and Hugh play off each other. This could be amazing. It'll air on Hulu so it'll be perfect for binge watching.

OTHER

DigitalAquamarine Etsy Shop (link)

I stumbled across this beautiful Etsy shop recently and am basically obsessed.  She does these amazing watercolour images, most of them based on pop culture items (like Disney, Star Wars, etc).

I fell in love with this print from Beauty and the Beast.

Image from DigitalAquamarine Etsy Shop

Stunning, right? All of her art is amazing. The best part? You can purchase the JPG file and print itself for easy framing without the high shipping costs. I could easily have these all over my apartment. Take a look, I am sure there is at least one image that will catch your eye (and if not she does custom orders!)

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Covers for Queen Song (goodreads) and Steel Scars (goodreads) by Victoria Aveyard

These stunning covers are for two novellas that will expand on side characters within the series. I am really excited as both of these characters intrigued me and are some that I am eager to learn more about. Both of these come out before Glass Sword (Queen Song releases September 1st, and Steel Scars follows on January 6th) so they'll be a much needed fix of this amazing world until it's release.

TV/MOVIE

Paper Towns movie

This movie was incredibly fun and was hilarious. Way more funny than I anticipated. There is also an A+++ cameo in it that will delight a lot of fans.  I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would and if you're  fan of the book I'd bet you'll enjoy this adaptation.

OTHER

#OTSPSecretSister

This will be my first time taking part and I am so excited to do so. It sounds like such a fun way to get involved with the community and I cannot wait to see who I get paired with. I've already gone out and got some cute stationary to write letters on.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

So Kneel Or Bleed is my new favourite. Such an AMAZING tagline. The mixture of red and silver blood is also a delightful touch. I love that the covers in the series are similar so that my collection matches. They first and second books are going to look amazing together on bookshelves.

Dumplin' pre-order campaign (goodreads)

I have it on good authority that Dumplin' is amazing. It's one you're going to want to read. 100%. So maybe take advantage of this amazing pre-order campaign since you'll be getting a copy anyway.

If you live in the USA (or have a USA address you can use) simply follow the instructions found on Julie Murphy's Tumblr after pre-ordering your copy of Dumplin' and she'll send you one of these shiny, adorable pins!

Photo from Julie Murphy's Tumblr

Cute right? The above photo is found on Julie's Tumblr to advertise the pre-order campaign kick off!

Blood and Salt pre-order campaign (goodreads)

If romance and horror are more your thing.... check out this amazing chance to see how a novel changes from draft to final in this pre-order being offered by Kim Liggett.

This requires a purchase from a particular store (McNally Jackson) but the 50 page look at the publishing process is more than a little tempting.

Cover for Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake (goodreads)

I love this colour scheme. I also like the current trend of not showing people's faces on covers. This one has a dreamy, almost romantic quality to it, but there is more than a hint of darkness here too. It's an eye catching cover for what I've heard is a fantastic read.

TV/MOVIE

Peaky Blinders

I pretty much adore Cillian Murphy and think he's a phenomenal actor.Peaky Blinders has a very Boardwalk Empire like feel to it, and I am already hooked after 2 episodes.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Summer Reading

It's a proven fact that summer and reading are meant for each other. There's nothing better than a great mystery while by the pool, spending a lazy day lost in a fantastic contemporary or devouring a fantasy while also devouring ice cream.

I am going to let you know what will be in my beach tote this summer, and offer up a few suggestions if you're looking for books to stash in yours!

MY PICKS FOR SUMMER READS

Here are some books you should check out if you haven't already read them! I loved all of them and any of them would make great summer reads.

1 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This is a perfect mystery/thriller that will keep you guessing. It's totally the type of book that is pretty much a sunburn waiting to happen. You'll becomes obsessed with Nick, Amy, and what really happened. Afterwards, be sure to check out the movie! One of my favourite book to movie adaptations ever.

2 Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

A sweet, fun read that has a lot of depth. This one will make you want to create some lists of your own for your friends. I totally made a "How To Have The Best Summer Ever" list for one of my friends after reading this one. You'll fall for the characters, the soundtrack (that can totally be the music of your summer) and Morgan's writing. Her other novels are just as amazing if you're looking for more after finishing this one.

3 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

The entire Royal Circle 'series' should be on this list. Tarnish just happens to be my favourite as I adore Anne Boleyn and Katherine's portrayal of Anne is one of my favourites (EVER). Her writing is beautiful, and fans of Reign will love the Tudor court drama and romance that graces these pages.

4 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

This book will never not be on a list like this from me. It's one of my most favourite books, and one I tell everyone to read. The letter style format works wonderfully for this story of a girl writing to her kidnapper. It's a clever, well written look at what might be Stockholm Syndrome (or what could be something else entirely). One thing is for sure however, you'll never forget Gemma and Ty's story.

5 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I feel like this should come with a warning - you will need tissues to make it through this one. The beautiful story of Will and Lou. A young man who feels he has nothing left to live for after an accident leaves him paralysed and the young woman hired to help him. It's a story that poses many thought provoking questions and is the perfect book for when you're looking for something a little different than the usual beach read.

6 The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan 

If you're obsessed with all things relating to the royal family, you'll want to devour this book. It's fun, charming, and has just the right amount of romance and drama. An often funny, but touching, love story filled with some unforgettable characters. You'll close this one praying for a companion novel that focuses on Freddie as you'll be dying to enter this world again.

7 The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

I could easily also recommend Open Road Summer by Emery Lord (so totally read both). The Start Of Me And You earns bonus points for it's clever nod to Pride and Prejudice, and the most adorable romance I've read in a while. It's a feel good read that will leave you feeling happy, and ready to try a few new things yourself.

8 Just One Day/Just One Year by Gayle Forman

This will make you want to pack your bags and head to Europe on a summer vacation. It's a lighter read mixed in with some pretty deep topics and all with the classic Gayle Forman romance. A story of a girl who agrees to spend one day in Paris with a cute guy she just meets ends up being about much more than the romance. Fall in love with Europe, and these characters as you follow first Allyson and then Willem on their journeys to where they are supposed to be.

9 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This novel is seriously on fire. It is the next big thing in YA as evident by it's impressive debut on the New York Time's bestseller lists at number one. It's got a movie in the works, and it honestly could be the next big YA series adaptations. A novel that promises that anyone can betray anyone will leave you turning the pages (and most likely sunburned in the process) as you become engrossed in Mare's world.

10 Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Another novel that will always be on these kinds of list for me. A beautifully written take on the Peter Pan tale that asks what if before Wendy entered the picture, Peter was in love with the girl with the crow feathers in her hair (that would be Tiger Lily). An often heartbreaking story that touched me, and remains one of my favourite Peter Pan retellings ever.


WHAT I AM READING

Here are the books I am going to be enjoying in the summer sun! So excited about all of these!

1 Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Pretty much every person I know that has read this has gushed. Not just a little, but A LOT. I am hoping to get to it ASAP because I am not sure I can wait much longer.

2 Tonight The Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

I am extremely curious about this one, and I am a sucker for the whole 'one magical night' aspect of the storyline, and am even more intrigued that this one seems to have a twist that perhaps it's not what it first appears. I am sure it'll be fantastic as I've heard nothing by raves about her first novel.

3 The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Described as Buffy The Vampire Slayer but from the perspective of the 'non chosen' students. It's basically the story of the kids who just want to go to prom without their school being attacked by vampires (or similar) and I think it sounds hilarious. I've never read anything by Patrick Ness before but he made me want to bump this one up during his panel at Book Con this year.

4 The Young Elites by Marie Lu

I have had this one on my list for a long time now, and I keep hearing how amazing it is. I am finally going to read it this summer. I've been told to have wine ready (and possibly chocolate) so I am going to be sure to stock up before diving in.

5 Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

I've been told I have to read this from Emilie and Katie. It sounds sexy, fun and a great beach book. I am considering binging all the books that are out right now in time for the next one.

Have you read any of the books I've mentioned? What is on your summer reading list? Read something that I simply must make time to read this summer? Let me know in the comments! I would love some suggestions.