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.
BOOKS Cover of Something To Talk About by Meryl Wilsner (goodreads)
This book has been on my radar since the deal announcement and I am so excited that it has a cover!
Such a bright, fun cover, too! I love how eye catching it is and how it is very on trend with the rest of the rom-com book covers out there. I cannot wait to read this one! The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Lee (goodreads)
I am obsessed with the fact that this book will exist and the cover!
It matches the others in this series perfectly and I am so excited that we are going to get another book about a Montague sibling!
MOVIES/TV Riley Keough To Star In Daisy Jones and The Six
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Riley Keough has snagged the role of Daisy in the upcoming television adaptation of Daisy Jones and the Six. It's set to be a series available through Amazon. I loved the book and am thrilled with this casting news. They've chosen a great actress to play the part and I think she is going to be a perfect Daisy. Now we just have to wait and see who they cast as Billy.
What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.
Return to the enchanting world of the Montague siblings in the finale to the New York Times bestselling and Stonewall Honor-winning series, featuring a teenage Adrian Montague as he desperately seeks the now adult Monty and Felicity—the older siblings he never knew he had. The sole heir to his family’s fortune, Adrian Montague desperately wants to be free—from his father’s high expectations; the grief of losing his beloved mother; and the constant war being waged inside his mind. Adrian was diagnosed with hysteria at a young age and it’s always been kept a secret. But when he has a breakdown at his engagement party, the public learns Adrian’s worst fear: he might not be fit to run the Montague estate. Thankfully, Adrian is given an opportunity to avoid the impending scandal: a trip to the Caribbean to claim the last of his mother’s possessions. But along the way, Adrian discovers another secret lurking in his family tree. He is actually the youngest of three children—his sister Felicity and brother “Monty” went missing over a decade ago. Now Adrian has the chance to find them and offer to pass the estate back to the rightful heirs. Adrian expects to win his long-lost brother over with the promise of wealth and inheritance, while dreaming of a quiet life where Adrian doesn’t feel like a burden to anyone. But when Adrian finally tracks him down, Monty refuses to return home. The only thing he can convince Monty of is to accompany him across the ocean as an act of tribute to their mother, hoping that during the voyage he can persuade Monty into taking the weight of inheriting the estate off his shoulders. When they reach their destination, Adrian and Monty find something hidden in their mother’s belongings—a clue pointing to a valuable artifact that could potentially save the Montague siblings from a curse that threatens their lives. But to retrieve it, they must chase an infamous myth through the wild sugar fields of Barbados to the haunting streets of New Orleans to mysterious uncharted islands off the edge of the map.
I love the first two books in this series and am thrilled that the youngest Montague sibling is going to get his own story.
These books are so fun to read and this one sounds like no exception. I especially cannot wait to see what an adult Monty is like!
This one doesn't come out until summer of 2020, but that just gives you plenty of time to read the first two books if you haven't already.
Before the days of going toe-to-toe with the Avengers, a younger Loki is desperate to prove himself heroic and capable, while it seems everyone around him suspects him of inevitable villainy and depravity . . . except for Amora. Asgard's resident sorceress-in-training feels like a kindred spirit-someone who values magic and knowledge, who might even see the best in him.
But when Loki and Amora cause the destruction of one of Asgard's most prized possessions, Amora is banished to Earth, where her powers will slowly and excruciatingly fade to nothing. Without the only person who ever looked at his magic as a gift instead of a threat, Loki slips further into anguish and the shadow of his universally adored brother, Thor.
When Asgardian magic is detected in relation to a string of mysterious murders on Earth, Odin sends Loki to investigate. As he descends upon nineteenth-century London, Loki embarks on a journey that leads him to more than just a murder suspect, putting him on a path to discover the source of his power-and who he's meant to be.
I fully admit that my Marvel expertise is limited to the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. I haven't read any of the comics and I certainly do not know the characters inside and out. I, however, enjoyed Mackenzi Lee's version of Loki immensely.
There is a universal, very familiar, story at the core of this novel. The fact that it's so relatable under all of the superhero elements is one of the strongest aspects of the story. Loki just wants to impress his father and be seen. Loki and Thor fight and compete the way that most siblings do and yet they both still love each other despite all of that fighting. The human emotions at play here such as love, fear, jealousy, longing, and anger all ground the story in a realism that, I feel, makes this a book that even those who are not fans of the superhero genre will enjoy.
Loki's shown exactly the way this character should be - a gender fluid pansexual. I loved the subtle way this was woven into who his character is. All faceats of his personality are presented in this way so it makes these elements feel natural and just part of who he is instead of being all he is.
The complex relationship between Thor and Loki has always been a favourite of mine and that continues in this story. There is some great, hilarious banter between the two that was a pure delight to read. Their connection to each other is contrasted by the heartbreaking one that exists between Loki and Odin. I felt how desperately Loki wanted his father's approval and affection even if Odin seem incapable of those returning those feelings.
I could easily see these characters as younger versions of the ones I know from the Marvel movies. The personalities that I associate with these characters felt perfectly captured within these pages. Loki's voice, in particular, rang as very familiar.
The plot itself is a little bit of a mystery wrapped in a historical setting. The mystery itself is predictable but it is the impact these events have on Loki that is the true payoff of the plot. The relationships Loki makes while on Earth are formative and what he goes through will send him down the path to becoming the Loki we all know and love. It really is more about the characters than the plot.
I predict that those who already love these characters will enjoy Mackenzi Lee's twist on them. I also believe it offers a great introduction to those who are unfamiliar with the characters. It is a good entryway to this world and offers up an entertaining story in the process.
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. BOOKS Cover Of Courtney Summer's Sadie (goodreads)
People have raved about Courtney Summer's novels to me before. I have not read nearly as many of them as I should but I have read enough of them to know that her books are powerful, and her newest sounds like no exception.
Courtney's newest novel is being compared to the Serial podcast and sounds like it has a great murder mystery hook that will (most likely) also examine missing girls in general.
I also happen to love this cover. It's striking and eye catching while being very simple. I am super excited for this one as I think it is going to be one of the must reads of fall 2018 for a lot of people. When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen (goodreads)
Publisher's Weekly recently posted their Children's Books Fall 2018 Sneak Peek and this title caught my eye. It is described as "relating the fictional story of the love triangle that started Chicago’s Great Fire" which immediately intrigued me. I am looking forward to hearing more about this one when the Fall catalog is released.
Cover of The Dark Descent Of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White (goodreads)
A creepy sounding book deserves a creepy cover and Kiersten White's newest has got one of the creepiest covers I've seen in a long time.
This Frankenstein retelling has a cover that looks, chillingly, like sewn skin (even if it is pink velvet). It instantly brings to mind the classic story of Frankenstein while the title tells you that it's something all together different.
I am excited to see what this version of Frankenstein does to twist and reimagine the story. I am so excited to get my hands on this one, and that amazing cover is just one of the reasons.
Cover of The Lady's Guide To Petticoats And Piracy (goodreads)
I loved The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue. I especially loved Monty's sister, Felicity, and was thrilled that she was getting her own novel!
The cover of that novel has recently been revealed, and it is amazing!
I love that it is both similar to Monty's cover and yet uniquely Felicity's at the same time. I cannot wait to see what adventures await Felicity and the new characters we are to meet! TV/MOVIE Jessica Jones Season Two Trailer
My love for Jessica Jones is well documented and I am very (im)patiently counting down the days until I can binge watch season two.
This newest trailer is doing nothing to make the wait any easier. It's even better than the first trailer that was released. It pretty much filled with everything I love about Jessica Jones - Jessica's snarky one liners, Trish being the kind of best friend we all want, and Jessica calling men out on their shit.
I love that this show calls out rape culture the way that it does. It was vital to season one because of the plot, but it is nice to see that it is still part of the show for its second season. March 8th isn't that far away right? *cries*
OTHER Grease Funko Pops
I am a huge fan of classic movies, and Grease is one of my favourites. It is a movie I remember vividly from my childhood and is one I still watch when I am feeling nostalgic.
I was excited when Funko announced during their huge batch of Toy Fair announcements that they would be making some Grease Funko Pops!
We get two different versions of Sandy and Danny and I am pretty sure I am going to need both of them. I also really want to see the back of the yellow dress Sandy as I am sure her hair is amazing.
More Stranger Things Funkos
Along with the above mentioned Grease announcement, Funko also announced some new Stranger Things Funko Pops that have me already clearing some room on my shelves.
I am, for sure, going to need both of the Steve Funkos, and that Eleven is pretty awesome. I may also have to add Billy to my collection, and who could resist Bob dressed a vampire (it certainly doesn't suck)? The details on these Funko Pops keep getting better and these are some of the best I have seen yet.
An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.
Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.
But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.
Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.
Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.
I love books that are based around some kind of journey or trip. Especially ones set in Europe. I also love romances, and stories filled with adventure. Luckily, The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue has all of this and more. It's the kind of novel you'll want to immediately push onto others, and the type that makes you want to read it again once you've turned that last page.
This story is less fluffy than I anticipated. I didn't expect it to have the levity and weight that the story has. It's much more thoughtful and thought provoking than it might appear at first glance. It is still a whole lot of fun with some epic adventures within these pages, but it also tackles deeper issues with equal skill. It is the type of book you'll to discuss with others, because of the topics handled within these pages, as well as the feel good feeling it leaves you with.
Monty is a charming rogue who you will spend equal time wanting to smack and kiss. He both infuriates and invokes sympathy in equal measure. I appreciated how complex Mackenzi Lee made this character. He could have easily been a caricature, but instead we have a great example of character growth without losing what makes the character special. Monty never looses his spark, even as he comes to terms with his faults.
Percy is a character that I wish I had gotten to know a little more. We learn quite a bit about him, but I find his part of the story arc to be something I really wanted more of. Race, racism, and class structure are all examined through this character and the ways in which others view and treat him. His character is so incredibly sweet that you instantly feel protective of him because he really is just a decent young man.
Felicity ends up stealing every scene she is in. She's determined, focused, and caring. She is just so vivid, and her voice really jumps off the page. She is a character who follows the path they choose, even when it seems impossible to do so. I predict many readers will love her just as much as I do.
The romance is everything I hoped it would be. It is grin inducting, and swoon worthy. It has a delightful tension to it. There is the push and pull that exists in large part due to the 'will they/won't they' nature of the romance. It ultimately leaves you rooting for them both as a couple, and own their own. It really is the heart of the novel, and I anticipate plenty of people will feel the same way I do. They're really easy to ship together, and the relationship is one of the sweetest payoffs of the story.
There are so many action adventure type scenes within the novel. I was surprised at the amount of these scenes within this novel. It could easily be a movie with it's blend of action, humour, romance and strong characters. The action scenes add an element of danger, and risk to the story that is definitely welcome. It really makes this a grand adventure in all meaning of the word, and it is (perhaps) the most eventful Grand Tour that has even been written.
My slight issue with the novel was that I would have preferred this to be a series. There is so much more I want from this novel that I wish we had more time with this story. I wanted some characters to be explored more, I wanted some plot points to have more details. It really is a testament to how wonderfully this novel is written that it left me wanting more.
This is the book that I never knew I wanted. It's filled with fantastic characters, big adventures, and wonderful character development. It's left me eager to return to this world and I can only hope that Mackenzi Lee will return to this world, and these characters again and again.
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 exciting things made their way into my mailbox this week.
First up, the lovely people at Harper Collins Canada sent me some book that made me squeal with happiness. A huge thank you to them for sending these to me.
Midnight At The Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson (goodreads)
The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (goodreads)
Jodi Lynn Anderson is one of my most favourite authors so I am really excited to have a new book by her and I am very excited about Mackenzi Lee's newest!
The awesome people at Bloomsbury sent me a set of the buttons available as a pre-order perk for Samantha Shannon's The Song Rising. Expect some fun photos between now and when the pre-order campaign ends.
A huge thank you to Bloomsbury for these! I am excited to share some photos and help with the countdown to The Song Rising's release.
Lastly, I purchsed some new Funkos for my collection! I am very excited to have added two different versions of Eleven from Stranger Things to my collection.
I love that she has Eggos! I have pretty much the whole set pre-ordered so expect to see more soon.
My next selection for this event is a book with a seriously swoon worthy cover. It is a cover that makes other covers want to sexy wink at it. It also happens to have a European trip, boys falling for each other, pirates, and lots of debauchery (of the 18th Century variety) within its pages.
A novel that will most likely fill you with wanderlust and have you packing your bags to head off to Europe and so much more!
After reading the Goodreads synopsis it is pretty much impossible to not want to read this book.
An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.
Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.
But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.
Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.
Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.
If this hasn't made you desperate to get your hands on this novel perhaps Mackenzi's brilliant teaser video will. This video not only shows how insanely talented she is, but makes this book sound INCREDIBLE.
Mackenzi has also kindly taken the time to answer a few questions about The Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue.
Describe The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue using only emojis.
🇬🇧➡️🇫🇷➡️🇪🇸➡️🇮🇹➡️(I cannot for the life of me make the Greek flag emoji work but that’s what should be here :)
♥️♣️♦️♠️
⚓
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2 If someone were to make a signature drink in honour of your book, what might be included?
Funnily enough, I don’t really drink. But my main character, Monty, does. A lot. And in spite of being a classy rich boy, Monty’s also the sort who would drink whatever cheap, crappy booze gets him drunk fastest.
So I’d probably say the drink would be an old fashioned, with whiskey and citrus and cherry….except the ice cube would be infused with vodka, so as it melted the drink got boozier.
It gets you wasted fast but you look super classy drinking it. 3 Your book revolves around two gentleman taking the Grand Tour. Which countries would be on your own Grand Tour of Europe?
I am really lucky because I actually got to take a grand tour of Europe when I was in college, and I visited everywhere Monty, Percy, and Felicity go on their tour. The place I most wanted to see while I was abroad that I missed out on was Prague, so definitely it would be on the list, and definitely Edinburgh (which I get to visit very soon and I’m so very excited!). But also, can I just go everywhere!? Even countries I’ve already explored I feel like have so much more to see! It can get very overwhelming very fast when you think of how mind-blowingly huge and amazing the world is. 4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)
Since Monty is sort of an eighteenth century party boy, I listened to a lot of the music I thought he’d like if he were alive today. Which meant I wrote this book to pop music I would never, ever have listened to otherwise, like Sia, Lady Gaga, Fergie, Miiike Snow, Jessie J--even Uptown Funk was on my list.
But also “Paris” by Kate Nash, “Ship to Wreck” by Florence + The Machine, “A Question” by Bombadil, “Ne Me Quitte Pas” by Regina Spektor, “Keep Yourself Warm” by Frightened Rabbit, “Outlaws” by Alesia, and “This Year” by the Mountain Goats. All of which is much more to my usual taste. 5 I am guessing a lot of research went into this novel, particularly in regards to the time period this is set in. What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching?
But the most surprising thing about reading these journals was, in spite of the aforementioned crazy luxury and privilege, how much I could relate to the sentiments of these tourists. In spite of having several hundred years and a fortune separating us, and both of us living lives that on the surface the other couldn’t possibly seem to relate to, I read their journals and found so much emotion I could relate to. Things like obsessive crushes and depression and anxiety and preoccupation with your future--just further proof that the world may change, but it really doesn’t change that much. 6 What 2017 release are you most anticipating?
I have to just pick one?! That seems cruel.
I am aggressively excited about THE PEARL THIEF by Elizabeth Wein. Because ZOMG MORE VERITY. I’m fine. 7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
On the morning we are to leave for our Grand Tour of the Continent, I wake in bed beside Percy. For a disorienting moment, it’s unclear whether we’ve slept together or simply slept together.
Anyone else itching to plan a Grand Tour of their own? I haven't even read the book and I am ready to pack my bags. I can only imagine the wanderlust that will hit when I actually get to read this book.
The Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue is scheduled for release on June 20, 2017! It will be required reading for anyone heading to Europe for the summer (and the perfect beach bag accessory).
It is available for pre-order from your favourite retailer right now, and I highly recommend doing so.
You can also follow Mackenzi on Twitter, visit her website, and the publisher website for all the details about The Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue.
What countries would be a must visit on your own Grand Tour? Do you love travel inspired stories? Let me know in the comments.
And if you're wanting to chance to read this book early... I recommend visiting again near the end of the event for a giveaway that will include an eARC!
Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!
Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men. But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy. Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores. Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.
I love Eurotrip stories and this happens to sound like the best Eurotrip story ever. Pair this amazing sounding synopsis with that very swoony cover and you have an instantaneous "OMG! NEED IT NOW" reaction from pretty much everyone.
The wait for this is going to be rough though because it doesn't come out until June of next year. Join me in pining for Monty and Percy's story. We'll create a support group or something.
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 to be excited about this week and I predict lots of people will be excited about this week's inclusions. BOOK Cover of Mackenzi Lee's The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue (goodreads)
This cover will immediately turn you into a swoony mess. Don't say I didn't warn you.
This is Monty and I am already very excited to 'meet' him in this book! I cannot wait to get my hands on this one. Just read the synopsis and prepare to wait in agony with me for this to release. OTHER Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Tea
I stumbled across this tea on the Adagio Tea website. It sound entirely delicious and I am going to be ordering myself some immediately. I hope it is as delicious as it sounds because it could easily become my newest obsession.
This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee
Release Date - September 22, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy Pages - 384 pages My Rating - 4/5 **received for an honest review from publisher** Here is the Goodreads synopsis
In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.
His brother, Oliver—dead.
His sweetheart, Mary—gone.
His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.
Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.
But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.
Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is one of my favourite classic novels. The themes and insights the novel explores are timeless. Mackenzi Lee takes her own deep love for this novel, and it's author, and spins it into a unique, captivating story that stands all on it's own.
Clockwork and Frankenstein may not initially seem like they would naturally blend together. Mackenzi Lee effortlessly blends them together in a realistic way. The story really does lend itself to the addition of clockwork, and the author ensures it's there for a reason. It's a smartly written, clever inclusion that only adds to the themes of the plot
This is a story of two brothers above everything else. The bond between Alasdair and Oliver is the heart and core of this story. Everything revolves around it and it shapes every detail of what happens. This is true of the original Frankenstein tale, where the central focus is the relationship between two individuals. The scope of their relationship is immense, and we get to see the highs and lows of it.
The setting of Frankenstein only adds to it's sense of foreboding. There is something subtly unsettling about the story, and the setting adds to that feeling. This Monstrous Thing captures that tone, and effectively uses the setting in the same manner. Filled with dark, abandoned castles and hidden chambers the setting is gripping, and intense in a way that allows our imagination to run wild with all the unsettling 'what ifs'.
Choices define everything. We are the result of our experience and may of those are a result of choices. This novel plays with the consequences those choices have and where acting rashly can lead you. We see how each boy is moulded by the choices made either by them or for them by others. There is an underlying heartbreak to the story as you can clearly see how different things could have been if choices were made differently. There is a bittersweetness, and a feeling of sadness for what was lost that haunts these pages.
Regret pulses through the entire novel. It is an all consuming thing that each of the characters have. There is a sadness to these regrets because it ties back into the choices made and how differently things could have been if done differently. These characters are not perfect, and they often act selfishly, but their remorse when they realize this about themselves is palpable.
Society is obsessed with labels and defining things. We itch to put something into a box. Good or evil, right or wrong. Frankenstein is timeless because it makes you look at things as not so black and white. It's as shadowy as the setting and it embraces that all of us as the potential for both light and darkness within us. This still holds merit today where labels are a hot topic in society and this novel showcases that the monster doesn't always look the way you expect.
A novel that delight Frankenstein fans while still appealing to those just discovering the story. Mackenzi Lee has created something that respects the original while cleverly making it her own. Those who love novels that examine both the choices we make and the potential for darkness in us all will particularly enjoy this insightful twist on the Frankenstein lore.
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 Blood and Salt Book Trailer (goodreads)
This book trailer is highly effective. It showcases the sexiness of Kim's debut novel, and offers up a few surprises. Be sure to watch until the very end....
Insane, right? Doesn't it make you absolutely curious about this novel? Be sure to put this one on your radar because it's amazing.
This Monstrous Thing Book Trailer (goodreads)
Another book trailer that does exactly what it is supposed to and teases you just enough to make you NEED to read the novel. This one is for the Frankenstein inspired novel coming from Mackenzi Lee and it's perfect.
It captures the tone and feel of the original while offering up a taste of what makes this interpretation unique. I often don't love book trailers, but this one (and the other included here) are a very pleasant surprise.
TV/MOVIE
Wicked City Key Art
I am super excited to check out this show when it airs in Oct. I have high hopes and while I've heard mixed things I am still hopefully that I'll love this anthology style show. These posters are certainly eye catching and fit the premise of the show. I've always been of a fan of the striking red/black colour scheme so this REALLY works for me.
American Horror Story: Hotel First Look Entertainment Weekly just revealed the first look at some of the characters from this season of American Horror Story and I am in love. The is a definite 80's vibe to the wardrobe and look of the characters. I am intrigued by the 'pseudo vampires' being included in this season, and I enjoy so much of the cast.
Finn Wittrock, my favourite part of AHS: Freakshow returns and I am all about this look. Totally hot and fits into the 80's feel of the rest of the cast photos. For more, check out the newest issue of Entertainment Weekly! Cannot wait to pick up my copy.
OTHER ALA 2016
With BEA moving to Chicago for the year, I am going to be attending ALA instead (I may attend both but that is not for sure). I just recently purchased my flight ticket to Orlando and am insanely excited. I've never been to ALA but I hear it's similar to BEA and I do look forward to seeing all the amazing bloggers, authors, and publishing professionals.
In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits. His brother, Oliver—dead. His sweetheart, Mary—gone. His chance to break free of Geneva—lost. Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead. But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship. Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…
A Frankenstein retelling that mixes in clockwork? YES! YES! YES! I am really excited to read this one as I love Gothic horror (as evident by my Penny Dreadful obsession) and I think this is going to be absolutely amazing.
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.
Extremely small Weekly Obsessions post this week. BOOKS Cover reveal for This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee (goodreads)
This brings to mind Frankenstein immediately. It captures it's essence perfectly. It's one of my most anticipated books of this year and I am even more excited now that I've seen the cover.
Cover Reveal for Walk On Earth A Stranger by Rae Carson (goodreads)
This cover kind of sneaked up on me. I wasn't sure what to expect. All I knew was that I wanted to read this book because of it's synopsis. The cover though..is amazing. I love the use of gold. It fits the synopsis perfectly.
MOVIE/TV
The Last Five Years movie
If you love Anna Kendrick (and why wouldn't you? She's amazing) you NEED to check out The Last Five Years. Particularly if you love musicals. It's sad and crushing but so worth it if you enjoy this type of movie. The two leads are great, and the chemistry is there. It's heavy on the singing so it might not appeal to everyone, but I urge everyone to at least try it.
The next selection for This Monstrous Thing, a Frankenstein inspired tale of a brother who uses clockwork to revive his murdered brother. Yup, clockwork. Basically this is going to be amazing.
Read this brief synopsis and you'll be wishing you could read it immediately. Particularly if you're a fan of the classics!
Pitched as a reimagining of Frankenstein set in an industrialized 1818 Geneva, where a teenage mechanic must rediscover the line between man and monster after he uses clockwork to bring his murdered brother back from the dead.
Love that this will mix clockwork with the Frankenstein tale. It really lends itself to this sort of blending and I fully expect it'll be an emotional, slightly unsettling story. You can certainly tell it's taken inspiration from the rich and iconic tale.
Mackenzi Lee took the time to answer some questions about her book, design some tea that is perfect for the season, and share her novel's killer first line.
1 Describe This Monstrous Thing in Twitter format (140 characters or less) Boy uses clockwork to resurrect his dead brother. Brother comes back monstrous. OH NO PANIC. And it all happens in a steampunked Switzerland 2 If someone were to make a tea flavour in honour of your book, what might be included? The book takes place in December and several key scenes are set in and around Christmas markets, so it would probably be a Christmas-y tasting tea. Apples and oranges and cloves and cinnamon, like wassail. It would smell festive while brewing. The aroma alone would probably make you start caroling.
3 Can you share a secret about your book (either it's world, it's characters, or something that helped inspire the story)? I visited Geneva, the city where most of the book is set, a few months after I turned in my final manuscript. It was exciting, but also sort of terrifying—what if I got everything wrong?! While I was there, I spent a few hours wandering around the old town, and ended up going to the square where my main character, Alasdair, lives. I was delighted to find that what is actually there is a restaurant called La Clémence—which is also the name of one of the book’s main characters! It felt like a sign. A Frankensign, as my agent would say. While in Geneva, I also creeped through a hedge for a better view of the house where Mary Shelley lived while she wrote Frankenstein. But that’s another story.
4 What about the Frankenstein tale inspired you to create This Monstrous Thing? Oh man, what doesn’t inspire me? Frankenstein is such a fascinating book. It asks so many difficult and complicated questions and doesn’t offer easy answers for any of them. There are no clear heroes or villains, and even the best characters do terrible things. Because my initial access point to Frankenstein was a stage version told mostly through the lens of the Creature, I became very interested in the questions it asks about the nature of monstrousness. What makes a monster, and are any of us born to be one thing or another? I was also swept up in the idea of Frankenstein as a science creation myth that was born from the anxieties of an enlightenment age. That got me curious as to what the book might have looked like in an industrial setting. What did a steampunk creation myth look like, and what would make a man monstrous in a mechanical age?
5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel? This is HARD. Mostly because history is awesome, but also disgusting. Whenever I think of a time period I’d like to go back to, I immediately follow it up with, “But disease and filth and sanitation….and also internet….” I would miss internet. But if hygiene and wifi were not concerns, I would probably go back to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893.
6 What three things do you need while revising? Diet Coke, Diet Coke, and Diet Coke. I might have a problem.
7 If possible, please share the first line of This Monstrous Thing. (only answer if not too spoilery). “My brother’s heart was heavy in my hands.”
That opening line, right? Shivers. I cannot wait to read this one. Her tea sounds amazing and is something I would love to drink as the time before Christmas grows short.
This Monstrous Thing is set to be released Fall 2015 and no pre-order links are available yet but do keep an eye out for it! You can add it to Goodreads in the meantime.
Be sure to check back later on during the event for a chance to win a copy of This Monstrous Things (or any one of my featured titles!).
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.
Here are my obsessions this week.
BOOK Vendetta by Catherine Doyle (goodreads)
I stumbled across this while browsing some catalogs and after I read the synopsis I was hooked. It's Romeo and Juliet meets the mafia so basically I need it immediately.
Blood Will Spill, Hearts Will Break: With a fierce rivalry raging between two warring families, falling in love is the deadliest thing Sophie could do. An epic debut set outside modern-day Chicago.
For Sophie, it starts as just another slow, hot summer in Cedar Hill. Then a new family moves into the long-abandoned mansion across the street: the Falcone family, with its five mysterious brothers. Unable to resist bad boy Nicoli, Sophie finds herself falling for him--and into his world. But just as the dark secrets of the Falcones begin to come to light, the skeletons of her own family, the Gracewells, rise to the surface, too. And soon Sophie is torn between the desires of two warring dynasties: the one she was born into and the one she's now in love with. But she'll have to choose between passion and honor. And when she does, blood will spill and hearts will break. Because in this twisted underworld, loyalty can mean the difference between life and death.
I am a sucker for a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but mixing it with mafia families and I am all in.
The Shadow Boys Are Breaking by Mackenzi Lee (goodreads)
Frankenstein retellings seems to be a thing in 2015. This one was brought to my attention and sounds like an interesting take on the classic tale.
Pitched as a reimagining of Frankenstein set in an industrialized 1818 Geneva, where a teenage mechanic must rediscover the line between man and monster after he uses clockwork to bring his murdered brother back from the dead.
I like the twist of using clockwork to bring his brother back. I am definitely curious about this one and am delighted I stumbled across it on my Twitter feed.
TV/MOVIE
Nightcrawler trailer
Jake Gyllenhaal lost a whole bunch of weight for a movie role a little while back. If you're into Hollywood gossip you may recall seeing some photos of him on gossip sites looking pretty gaunt. Nightcrawler is the movie he was doing it for, and it appears those efforts paid off. The trailer is INTENSE and Jake is riveting, even in this brief glimpse.
Incredible, right? I will be counting down the days until this one is in theaters. It's already getting some Oscar buzz, and I think, based on this trailer, it might be warranted. So the only question left is - are you going to buy a ticket?
