tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47210118874383619032024-02-06T21:30:43.038-05:00leaninglightsThis is a blog about books.leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-58795522063259903002018-04-24T11:18:00.000-04:002018-04-24T11:26:30.641-04:00Where The Heck Have I Been?HELLO PEOPLE.<br />
<br />
An explanation. A reason. A clue as to what has been going on.<br />
<br />
These are all things that I feel I owe you all... a small few know that my life has changed drastically in the last couple of years and the reason that I kept it from social media is because I was going through it and life was rapidly changing and I didn't feel at the time that I owed anyone an explanation. Now that some time has passed and life has moved forward (all for the better), I feel like I have a moment to sit down, breathe and say a few words.<br />
<br />
In large part, I went through a breakup and divorce in 2015-2016. It was unexpected and it was all-encompassing and entirely painful. I was a stay-at-home mom with two small children and I had no idea what was going to become of my life. I was scared, afraid and very alone. The grief and loss was insurmountable and I didn't know how I was going to get my daughters and myself through it.<br />
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Fast-forward to finding a job, the biggest saving grace of my journey. I returned to work with the help of friends and my church family, who offered to help me with childcare. I was tired, exhausted and emotionally numb. But I kept going, kept showing up to work, and eventually found my place in the world.<br />
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I've been back at work almost 2 years now and I wouldn't change it for anything. I am a social worker working with children and families and it's challenging work but meaningful work. It has pushed me back outside of the comfort zone I had become accustomed to and I also found the best group of women in my coworkers and they are my family now.<br />
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I had resolved myself to be alone, that I would not find anyone and would not look for anyone until my girls were older and had planned to focus all my attention and time on them alone. My best friend was concerned about this (and she should've been :P) and challenged me to go on three dates and see if I couldn't find someone or at least believe in love again.<br />
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The first date was fine, a nice guy who was kind but not quite for me. The second date was Isaac, my now-husband. It was instant, it was all at once and it was not what I was expecting. I didn't believe I would get a second-chance at love and be able to share my life with someone and it happened when I was least expecting it. We've been married over a year now and in addition to my amazing husband I also got two amazing sons, my sweet boys.<br />
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We are a Brady Bunch sort of crew, making it work and blending our families. Is it complicated at times? Yes. Is it challenging at times? Yes. It is worth it? 100% yes.<br />
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What I realized through my journey of loss and then growth is that I am not responsible for another person's actions. I wasted a lot of time trying to fix things that were too broken and to change things that weren't able to be changed. Once I stopped and embraced my present, and I started living my life in today, I realized I was blessed beyond measure and that life was only going to get better.<br />
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I have four kids now, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. I have a husband whom I adore and admire entirely. I have a job that is challenging and fulfilling and a group of friends who are loyal and true.<br />
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We have been VERY busy the last 4-5 months in the house-hunting and buying process. We moved into our new home (pictures will be coming soon) at the end of February and finally have enough room for our whole crew!<br />
<br />
Long story short, life has had hurdles but has had more blessings that I can count. I am thankful, I am happy and I am healthier in heart and spirit than I have ever been in my entire life.<br />
<br />
I want to share this for those of you who wanted to know what has been going on, why I am not here as much and also for those of you who are struggling with a broken situation. YOU are not broken and YOU are not defined by your circumstance or how someone else sees you. YOU are worth it and YOU are infinitely stronger than you think.<br />
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When things are tough, keep pushing through. Keep fighting for yourself and believe in the process of change.<br />
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In terms of coming back to BookTube, I am considering it. I am MUCH more busy than I was previously and I read less, work more and have a lot more people to balance in my life. I am working on a schedule and what I feel might be possible. I have heard you guys asking for me to come back and I can't tell you how good that makes me feel! I have missed you all so much and I am glad to be coming back into the community.<br />
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I love you all!<br />
<br />
xo, Shannonleaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-56776615732970971272016-10-15T09:16:00.000-04:002016-10-15T09:16:51.767-04:00Addicted Series Pt. 1 by Becca & Krista Ritchie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
Addicted Series Pt. 1</h2>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
Addcited to You #1 | Ricochet #1.5 | Addicted for Now #2</h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
by Krista & Becca Ritchie</h3>
<a href="http://kbritchie.com/index.html" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/KBRitchie" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7056935.Krista_Ritchie" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Publication Date: </span>June 14th, 2013 | August 1st, 2013 | November 30th, 2013<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Publisher: </span><a href="http://kbritchie.com/index.html" target="_blank">K.B. Ritchie</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Available to purchase:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Addicted-You-Krista-Ritchie-ebook/dp/B00DE5EBZ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1476535556&sr=1-1&keywords=Addicted+to+You" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Addicted-You-Krist--Becc-Ritchie-Becc-Ritchie/9781682305171?ref=grid-view" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Book Depository</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/addicted-to-you-krista-ritchie/1123625019?ean=9781682305171" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Addicted-to-You-Audiobook/B00RNGB59E/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1476535531&sr=1-1" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Audible</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
She's addicted to sex. He's addicted to booze...the only way out is rock bottom.<br />No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway's biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.<br />Loren Hale's best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they've pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They've mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.<br />But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.<br /> <br />Their real vice may be each other.</blockquote>
I did a video review for the first book in the series, back when I first read in in January 2016, so I will link here if you are interested (spoilers start around the 5 min mark):<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jjw825KkbtE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jjw825KkbtE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Oh this series. I'm going to tell you right now: I'm trash for it.<br />
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I love all the characters and while it does fall into the GENRE of new adult, I don't find it fall victim to the tropes. Not fully. Krista and Becca Ritchie has this genius way of giving you everything you want from a new adult book without crossing over into clicheville or boringtown, USA. I find the romance in these books <i>refreshing</i>.<br />
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We have the original ADDICTED series, which centers around Loren Hale and Lily Calloway, and then the CALLOWAY SISTERS series, which centers around Lily's two other sisters and their romantic interests: Rose Calloway & Daisy Calloway. This review talks about the first *three* books in the ADDICTED series, focusing in on Loren and Lily.<br />
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The first thing I will tell you that is great for you if you are wanting to TRY the series, is that the first books, Addicted to You, is FREE on pretty much all e-book platforms. That's how I got it and read it and I'm really glad, because it's a Pandora's box of awesome. But judging from the cover along, I REALLY was not sure I wanted to read this series. It looks hot and heavy, which is not a bad thing, but the covers do border on cheesy (just being honest). However, I am SO GLAD I picked up the first book because I am so hooked.<br />
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Lily and Lo are addicts and their story is addictING (see what I did... okay, enough Shannon). I found reading from the perspective of an admitted sex addict so riveting. I never stopped to think that there are real men and women who don't WANT to be this way. It's not always something they are proud of, and it doesn't mean they are horrible people with loose morals. Compulsions are very hard to kick, especially when your brain doesn't function properly and there are chemicals raging through your mind that tell you, you NEED this to survive. Watching Lily journey through her addiction was educational and eye-opening, to say the least.<br />
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And my sweet, sweet Lo. Loren Hale is a twenty-something addict that acts like a 20-year drunken veteran. His addiction to alcohol is terrifying and all-consuming. And while he's the romantic love interest for Lily, I was happy he wasn't romanti<i>cized</i>. His problem was called out for being just that: a <u>problem</u>. It wasn't brushed over but it also wasn't a nail in his hands. Seeing him and Lily try to protect each other while suffering themselves was a classic definition of toxic. BUT. I enjoyed seeing their growth. I think it's important to note that I don't think we can "save" people from their addiction, and I don't think LOVE is a healthy reason to try and become sober from any addiction: it needs to be because the addict WANTS/NEEDS it for their own sanity, not someone else's.<br />
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The first book has been the strongest so far. I didn't love the 1.5 books, Ricochet, very much because it felt just what it was, very in-between. It didn't give me enough new content. However, I did enjoy book #2 a lot more again as well and I loved getting to know the side characters more, as they are main characters for the other series in this... series (it's complicated).<br />
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Overall, I highly recommend this series from what I've read so far. It is NEW ADULT, so it's not for the kiddos out there and I would recommend you be 18 years or older before you read it due to it's mature themes and content. But I do recommend. It's one the best new adult series I've read.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Addicted to You 4.5 out of 5 stars!<br />Ricochet 3.75 out of 5 stars!<br />Addicted for Now 4 out of 5 stars!</h3>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-8692364827739399912016-10-15T08:32:00.000-04:002016-10-15T08:32:51.341-04:00The 5th Wave Trilogy by Rick Yancey (SERIES REVIEW)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
The 5th Wave Trilogy</h2>
<h3>
The 5th Wave | The Infinite Sea | The Last Star</h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
by Rick Yancey</h3>
<a href="http://www.rickyancey.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/RickYancey" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3377941.Rick_Yancey" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Publication Date: May 7, 2013 | Sept 16, 2014 | May 24, 2016</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Publisher: </span><a href="http://www.penguin.com/meet/publishers/gpputnamssonsbooksforyoungread/" target="_blank">G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">ISBN: </span>9780399162411 | 9780399162428 | 9780399162435<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Available to purchase:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142425834/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZV7JD7NRD94GGKT8NA2J" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/5th-Wave/9780147519085" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Book Depository</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-5th-wave-rick-yancey/1113594440?ean=9780142425831" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/The-5th-Wave-Audiobook/B00CDWRXJE/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1476533561&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Audible</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.<br />
Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother-or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.</blockquote>
My experience with the 5th Wave trilogy has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. I went from really enjoying the first book to <i style="text-decoration: underline;">loathing</i> the second book, to actually liking the third and final book, which surprised me more than anyone.<br />
<br />
I think Rick Yancey has a great story here and I really love Cassie as a main character. I think the overarching plot is good and the side characters are strong. HOWEVER, I think this series from too many cooks in the kitchen. Meaning, there was too much going on to adequately fit in a trilogy. And while I enjoyed each different plot line running through the series, that's just it: it felt like a bunch of different plot lines running through the series. If the series had been longer, or split up into a first series and then a spin-off series, I think it would have worked better. But the constant switching of perspectives, while can be effective in some instances, worked against the series as a whole, in my opinion.<br />
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All that being said, I did enjoy how the series ended. I thought it was fitting and brave and I was glad to see Rick Yancey "go there," for lack of a better term. He didn't wrap everything up too nicely and it felt more genuine and realistic than many YA stories I have read.<br />
<br />
However, I do have to say that The Infinite Sea (book 2) was a hot mess. I did not enjoy a single page and I'm not even sure the book had a point. If you had taken one or maybe two minor things from the second books and divvied it up between books 1 & 3, making the series a duology, I think it would have been much more effective and efficient.<br />
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So all in all, I <u>would</u> recommend this series. I think that if you are not into aliens or teen romance, steer clear, but otherwise, I think it's worth taking a crack at. The books are quite heavy in language, so if that bothers you, this is not the YA series for you... so you've been warned. But there is a fun cast of characters and a story running throughout that you probably haven't read before!<br />
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Overall, I am satisfied with my reading experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWA8sjDJAA7SdWGduENqmkQArgXvH-kyztk_KcVXosLiYIlPgLgdAIez8xJSRgMlrvfcmMAc2Al-ff9SmO9kJuAuBp-tOMYc-_y7LVjbuqECNdnmt_B-YKnIocQVIDbPzzov5l2Ij0hk/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWA8sjDJAA7SdWGduENqmkQArgXvH-kyztk_KcVXosLiYIlPgLgdAIez8xJSRgMlrvfcmMAc2Al-ff9SmO9kJuAuBp-tOMYc-_y7LVjbuqECNdnmt_B-YKnIocQVIDbPzzov5l2Ij0hk/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<br />The Fifth Wave: 4 out of 5 stars<br />The Infinite Sea: 2 out of 5 stars<br />The Last Star: 3.5 out of 5 stars</h3>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-76353168236898635132016-05-18T09:24:00.000-04:002016-05-18T09:24:10.729-04:00Waiting on Wednesday #8 | The Darkest Magic by Morgan Rhodes<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjP5fUEdjH45WMi2m1tVt8g7XUN54rAAH74jLt4A_PHDGMp21HDMCosj_DqY1m3oWm9TmSG51T6dg3nc8J45JUvQpA2FSZLsbJR3EVuq0AuzxHZy8MTlvD8AegEXTiyiMYYcxBYFufZ8/s1600/23367270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjP5fUEdjH45WMi2m1tVt8g7XUN54rAAH74jLt4A_PHDGMp21HDMCosj_DqY1m3oWm9TmSG51T6dg3nc8J45JUvQpA2FSZLsbJR3EVuq0AuzxHZy8MTlvD8AegEXTiyiMYYcxBYFufZ8/s400/23367270.jpg" width="266" /></a>The Darkest Magic</h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">A Book of Spirits and Thieves, Book 2 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">by Morgan Rhodes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><a href="http://www.marypearson.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/marypearson" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25944798-the-beauty-of-darkness" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Publication Date: June 28, 2016</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Publisher: Razorbill</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">ISBN: </span>9781595147615<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Available for pre-order:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Beauty-Darkness-Remnant-Chronicles/dp/0805099255?ie=UTF8&keywords=the%20beauty%20of%20darkness&qid=1460549744&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Beauty-of-Darkness-Mary-E-Pearson/9780805099256?ref=grid-view" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Book Depository</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-beauty-of-darkness-mary-e-pearson/1122341836?ean=9780805099256" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">*DISCLAIMER: The Darkest Magic is the second book in a series and therefore the synopsis may contain spoilers for the previous book in the series.</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Modern-day Toronto: Sisters Crystal and Becca Hatcher are reunited after reclaiming the Bronze Codex and narrowly escaping death. They have no one to trust but each other, and the only thing keeping them safe is the book that sent Becca's spirit to Ancient Mytica--the same book that their enemies would kill them for.<br /> <br />Ancient Mytica: Maddox grapples to keep his newly discovered powers under control, while the ruthless goddess Valoria hunts him down.<br /> <br />Modern-day Toronto: Farrell embraces his dark side as he unwittingly falls further under the spell of Markus, the mastermind leader of the nefarious Hawkspear Society, who will stop at nothing to find Crys and Becca--and the remarkable book in their possession.</blockquote>
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I really love the entire Falling Kingdoms world.</div>
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A Book of Spirits and Thieves was a pleasant surprise, blending modern day with the ancient adventures in Mytica. </div>
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This second series by Morgan basically melds the amazing world of FK and blends it with a modern urban fantasy feel. </div>
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The Darkest Magic comes out next month and I am desperately waiting!!</div>
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<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?</h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">*Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7c93a1; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Breaking the Spine</a><span style="font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">.</span> </h2>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-13810713048216286302016-04-13T08:20:00.000-04:002016-04-13T08:22:13.101-04:00Waiting on Wednesday #7 | The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqOHxSft4XtsVX1sIGh13KZ_Xomvn_0jdX5JWLYcXMV5TTvw3QMwRFZzYovaOLAlijCEdiHjkCZ302pKhB8pJeqcWDkiiHHG409OuBE4G9OTI5j9c9agD7i5SOjKEXOK8VTNqPUKW5iw/s1600/25944798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqOHxSft4XtsVX1sIGh13KZ_Xomvn_0jdX5JWLYcXMV5TTvw3QMwRFZzYovaOLAlijCEdiHjkCZ302pKhB8pJeqcWDkiiHHG409OuBE4G9OTI5j9c9agD7i5SOjKEXOK8VTNqPUKW5iw/s400/25944798.jpg" width="266" /></a></h3>
<h2>
The Beauty of Darkness</h2>
The Remnant Chronicles, Book 3<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">by Mary E. Pearson</span><br />
<a href="http://www.marypearson.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/marypearson" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25944798-the-beauty-of-darkness" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Publication Date: August 2, 2016</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Publisher: <a href="http://us.macmillan.com/henryholt" target="_blank">Henry Holt and Co.</a> (BYR)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">ISBN: </span>9780805099256<br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Available for pre-order:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Beauty-Darkness-Remnant-Chronicles/dp/0805099255?ie=UTF8&keywords=the%20beauty%20of%20darkness&qid=1460549744&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Beauty-of-Darkness-Mary-E-Pearson/9780805099256?ref=grid-view" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Book Depository</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-beauty-of-darkness-mary-e-pearson/1122341836?ean=9780805099256" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">*DISCLAIMER: The Beauty of Darkness is the third and final book in a series and therefore the synopsis may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Lia and Rafe have escaped Venda and the path before them is winding and dangerous - what will happen now? This third and final book in The Remnant Chronicles is not to be missed.<br />
Bestselling author Mary E. Pearson's combination of intrigue, suspense, romance and action make this a riveting page turner for teens.</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
The Remnant Chronicles is one of my all-time favorite series.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
I was blown away by The Kiss of Deception and then floored by The Heart of Betrayal.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
Mary E. Pearson is a phenomenal writer who's epic story just pulls me in.</div>
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This is one of my most anticipated releases and finales of the entire year!</div>
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<br />What are you waiting on this Wednesday?</h2>
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<h2 style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 22px; line-height: 21.56px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">*Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7c93a1; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Breaking the Spine</a><span style="font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">.</span> </h2>
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<br />leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-77050797909994063922016-04-13T08:06:00.001-04:002016-04-13T08:06:07.052-04:00#TBRTakedown 3.5 RECAP<div style="text-align: center;">
So #TBRTakedown 3.5 came and went and yes, I didn't blog about it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel terrible for those of you who are readers and viewers. I apologize.</div>
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Life has been crazy busy and all over the place lately and I just haven't had the time to sit down and write and also film/edit/upload.</div>
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So here are the videos I posted related to #TBRTakedown 3.5 and the books I read:</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SEDCqqB3pYc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEDCqqB3pYc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-PqFr9HtdFE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-PqFr9HtdFE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bm4vQTiWTjs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bm4vQTiWTjs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
And the books:</h3>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Starflight by Melissa Landers</h4>
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Status: Completed</div>
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Pages: 224</div>
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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander (JK Rowling)</h4>
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Status: Completed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pages: 120</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry</h4>
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Status: Completed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pages: 426</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
This is Where the World Ends by Amy Zhang</h4>
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Status: Completed</div>
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Pages: 287</div>
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Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Rules for 50/50 Chances by Kate McGovern</h4>
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Status: Started</div>
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Pages: 23 pages</div>
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Rating: ----</div>
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TOTAL PAGES READ: 1,080</h2>
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Until next time, #TBRTakedown!</h3>
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(#TBRTakedown 4.0 will be in summer 2017)</div>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-18882704739247975362016-04-13T07:45:00.001-04:002016-04-13T07:45:45.408-04:00Forgive Me, Blog.<div style="text-align: center;">
My poor blog, how I have abandoned thee. </div>
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I apologize.</div>
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Please forgive me. </div>
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Let's spend some time together today. </div>
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I'll make up for it. </div>
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Promise.
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-24809359272297149772016-04-04T22:01:00.002-04:002016-04-04T22:01:21.068-04:005-Second Thoughts: The Ragamuffin GospelI love this book. It's simple, straight to the point and uninhibited. It's so refreshing to have a book that remains so timeless and beautiful in it's message. I am a Christian and I think all believers and nonbelievers would benefit from reading this beautiful book. It cuts to the heart of being human and what the Gospel really means.leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-72364061593900069022015-12-11T10:25:00.000-05:002015-12-11T10:25:26.377-05:00#TBRTakedown 3.0<div style="text-align: center;">
It's finally time for my readathon to come back!</div>
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Here is my announcement video on my YT channel:</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Em4P6FIK9JI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Em4P6FIK9JI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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It's almost time for #TBRTakedown 3.0! Get excited!</div>
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Here is all the information you need to know for the readathon :)</div>
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<u>SIGNUP HERE</u>: https://t.co/fueYsrMvMS</div>
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January 4th (12:00 AM) - January 10th (11:59 PM)</h3>
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TWITTER: https://twitter.com/leaninglights</div>
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INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/leaninglights/</div>
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YOUTUBE: http://youtube.com/c/leaninglights</div>
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HASHTAG: #TBRTakedown</div>
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<u>TBR Challenges</u></h2>
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1. Read a book from your most recent book haul.</div>
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2. Read a book on your TBR Shelf over a year (or longest).</div>
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3. Read a book outside your comfort zone! (Genre, content, etc).</div>
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4. Read a first book in a series</div>
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5. Complete a series/Read a sequel in a series</div>
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6. Read a FIRE color book (Fire colours such as shades of red, pink, purple, lilac, burgundy.) Lucky Colors for 2016</div>
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7. Read a non-novel item: poem, verse, novella, short story, etc.</div>
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*You can use one book for multiple challenges.</div>
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*There is no set number of book you need to read.</div>
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*This readathon is FUN! So relax and enjoy!</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
I hope you join me for #TBRTakedown 3.0!</h2>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-63843034169397628632015-12-10T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-10T08:00:02.661-05:00Harry Potter Meme of the Week #2 - Skrewt v. Slug?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Would you rather care for a blast-ended skrewt or get hit with the slug eating curse?</h2>
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VS.</div>
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To be quite honest, this is a no brainer.</div>
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I'd much rather care for a blast-ended skrewt, despite their dangerous and large appearance, I trust that I could have the proper equipment available to me and possible help from Hagrid... but eating/vomiting slugs? </div>
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Just no.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">HP Meme of the Week is a feature created by <a href="http://uncorkedthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #7c93a1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Uncorked Thoughts</a>.</span></div>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-35081971051212399622015-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:002015-12-09T08:00:06.803-05:00Waiting on Wednesday #6 | Morning Star by Pierce Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99X_gP3gtI4D2BTVmGA89iLWux7_V-wV-BqW0EEJ7P8EIFwiG9IopLNqZkur_0HWB1hEPGymZi4CKY8AfLOXzeEr3x1gsIWqqQcEe86KPqALNpWK8TGTYCdQMGIhNjq6i71_6afElDj8/s1600/18966806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99X_gP3gtI4D2BTVmGA89iLWux7_V-wV-BqW0EEJ7P8EIFwiG9IopLNqZkur_0HWB1hEPGymZi4CKY8AfLOXzeEr3x1gsIWqqQcEe86KPqALNpWK8TGTYCdQMGIhNjq6i71_6afElDj8/s400/18966806.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<h2>
Morning Star</h2>
<h3>
Red Rising, Book 3</h3>
by Pierce Brown<br />
<a href="http://www.pierce-brown.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Pierce_Brown" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18966806-morning-star" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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Publication Date: February 9, 2016<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://sf-fantasy.suvudu.com/" target="_blank">Del Rey</a><br />
ISBN: 9780345539847<br />
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Available for pre-order:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0345539842/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_tK5zwb19A4JT2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Morning-Star-Pierce-Brown/9781444759068" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/morning-star-pierce-brown/1121834135?ean=9781101885512" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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*DISCLAIMER: Morning Star is the third and final book in a series and therefore the synopsis may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series.<div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Born a lowly Red in the mines of Mars, Darrow lost his beloved wife to the treacherous Gold overlords. Vowing to fight for the future that his wife believed in, Darrow joins a secret revolutionary group and is remade into a Gold so that he can infiltrate the ruling class and bring them down from the inside. Now, after years of hiding amongst the Golds, Darrow is finally ready to declare open revolution and throw off the chains of oppression. Nothing in Darrow’s world has been easily won, and this final fight will be the most harrowing of all.</blockquote>
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Red Rising is a SUPER hyped series that I have just gotten around to reading.</div>
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I have started the second book, Golden Son, and hope to finish it by the end of the month.</div>
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The world is very interesting and while I wasn't OBSESSED with the first book, I thought it was a really strong start and I've heard the second book is even better!</div>
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Morning Star is the third and final book in the trilogy and it comes out in February!</div>
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<br />What are you waiting on this Wednesday?</h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">*Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7c93a1; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Breaking the Spine</a><span style="font-family: 'josefin sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">.</span> </h2>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-6647500882705891212015-12-08T13:27:00.000-05:002015-12-08T13:31:05.749-05:00Top Ten Tuesday #4 - 2015 New-to-Me Authors!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Top Ten New-To-Me Favorite Authors I Read For The First Time In 2015</h2>
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<i>What do you think of when you think of new-to-me authors? My instinct says that it is authors who are not 2015 debut authors, but were authors that I picked up for the first time this year. Here is a list of the best new-to-me authors I've read so far this year!</i></div>
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<u>Sophie Kinsella</u><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />This is a classic case of, "better late than never!" </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I kept hearing great things about her stand-alone books, so I decided to give them a try. And I'm really glad that I did because it gave me the opportunity to fall in love with Sophie's writing without feeling the pressure to commit to a 8+ (and growing) series. </span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am so glad that I have read Sophie's books and I look forward to many more in the future.</span></div>
</h3>
<h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Read in 2015:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Remember Me</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Can You Keep A Secret</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twenties Girl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Undomestic Goddess</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've Got Your Number</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finding Audrey</div>
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Colleen Hoover</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You may be surprised to discover that I am new to the Colleen Hoover train.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I didn't pick up her books until 2015!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I have loved most of her works and there is something so addictive and fast-paced about her writing.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">2015 was supposed to be my year to take all the unread CoHo books I had on my shelf and get them read and I succeeded for the most part!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Slammed</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Point of Retreat</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This Girl</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hopeless</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maybe Someday</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maybe Not</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ugly Love</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Confess</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Jonathan Maberry</u><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I wasn't sure if I should put authors that I have only read one book by on this list but I loved this man's book SO much that I couldn't not!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was challenge by a friend to read Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry at the end of 2014. Of course, I almost waited until the year was over to get to it. And I will be the first person to tell you I'm not a fan of zombie. I just find them weird and usually gross. HOWEVER, I didn't know what I was getting into with Joe Ledger. He's my new book boyfriend and I have since bought the entire series and can't wait to read more about Joe!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Patient Zero</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Mary E. Pearson</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">When The Kiss of Deception came crashing into my life, I wasn't ready for it. I loved it and was literally DYING for the next book in the series. So when The Heart of Betrayal finally came out, I read it immediately. I love them so much, so when I found out that Mary had other books, I finally decided to pick them up. I just finish the first book in her Jenna Fox series and have picked up the second two books from the library to read!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Kiss of Deception</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Heart of Betrayal</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Adoration of Jenna Fox</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Morgan Rhodes</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ah, Falling Kindgoms.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Morgan Rhodes also came crashing into my life in 2015. Her books were getting an insane amount of hype on the internet and so I decided to finally pick up the first book and read it. And then I immediately when out and bought the next two. Morgan's Falling Kingdoms series is hailed as YA-Game of Thrones and/or light Game of Thrones and to a point, I would say that's true, but it is definitely it's own entity and definitely worth reading!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Falling Kingdoms</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rebel Spring</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gathering Darkness</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A Book of Spirits and Thieves</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Anthony Doerr</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">All the Light We Cannot See is probably my favorite book of all-time. I bought it originally in the summer of 2014 and read about 80 pages of it and never continued on for whatever reason. So when my book club decided to read it, I jumped in. I cannot begin to tell you what this book means to me. It's SO beautifully written and it definitely changed my life. I have since bought all of Anthony's other books and hope to read some of them in 2016.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Read in 2015:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">All the Light We Cannot See</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Ellen Hopkins</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ellen Hopkins is an iconic name when you think of young-adult literature. She is ground-breaking and constantly challenging the world in which teenagers live. Her stories are heart-breaking and brave and while I've only read three of her books, I look forward to reading many more.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Crank</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Glass</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Fallout</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Andrew Smith</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ryan Dean West!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I finally read Winger and then it's sequel, Stand-Off in 2015. I had been putting it off despite the hype around the book because I didn't see how I would want to read a book from the perspective of a 14-year-old boy. But I was wrong and I fell in love with Ryan Dean (despite being so annoyed with him sometimes) and Andrew Smith's writing. I look forward to reading more of his books in the future!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Winger</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stand-Off</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Leigh Bardugo</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy is one of the most hyped series on BookTube and in the YA book community. I couldn't stop hearing about it in 2014 and though I had bought the books, I never actually picked them up until halfway through 2015. And while I really enjoyed them, I didn't ever connect fully to the characters. So I was happy to hear that Leigh was writing another series set in the Grisha world (which is AWESOME), and I was much happier with Six of Crows. I like Leigh's writing and I look forward to seeing what she does next!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shadow and Bone</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Siege and Storm</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ruin and Rising</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Six of Crows</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Meg Cabot</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And last but not least, we have Meg Cabot, author of the very famous Princess Diaries series.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I never read Meg's books growing up, despite being the right age for them as they were released. The truth is I didn't read much middle-grade/young-adult as a teen. So I decided to finally read the iconic series this year, after the newest book, Royal Wedding came out. The series is light-hearted and fun and while I didn't LOVE it, I enjoyed the world and would like to pick up other books by Meg.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Read in 2015:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Princess Diaries</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Princess in the Spotlight</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Princess in Love</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Princess in Waiting</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Princess in Pink</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Princess in Training</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Party Princess</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Princess on the Brink</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Princess Mia</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Forever Princess</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Royal Wedding</span></span></div>
</h3>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-78262864054069219892015-12-02T11:17:00.001-05:002015-12-02T11:21:16.728-05:00Waiting on Wednesday #5 | The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlBq1TWIC7Tp_9-A1M3aAk8BqzuZr8GaXOpszG4gP02jhGyPPATJNd1kNOrq4WbYI5Jb6gQNlR5xDctVnW0B_VT0EUD7UZ9wRH21BnF6VHGtHy1-a1IHwuCrInUsvRxFKUOqLhOEhLlY/s1600/26542535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlBq1TWIC7Tp_9-A1M3aAk8BqzuZr8GaXOpszG4gP02jhGyPPATJNd1kNOrq4WbYI5Jb6gQNlR5xDctVnW0B_VT0EUD7UZ9wRH21BnF6VHGtHy1-a1IHwuCrInUsvRxFKUOqLhOEhLlY/s1600/26542535.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></h3>
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<span class="s1">The Fate of the Tearling</span></h2>
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<h3>
<span class="s1">The Queen of the Tearling, Book 3</span></h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">by Erika Johansen</span><br />
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<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/cr-107550/erika-johansen" style="color: #7c93a1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Website</a></span><span class="s3"> | <span class="s4">Twitter</span> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22698569-the-fate-of-the-tearling?from_search=true&search_version=service" style="color: #7c93a1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="s4">Goodreads</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Publication Date: June 7, 2016<br />Publisher: <span class="s5" style="color: #7c93a1; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/" target="_blank">Harper</a></span><br />ISBN: </span>9780062290427</div>
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<span class="s1"><br />Available for pre-order:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062290428?keywords=the%20fate%20of%20the%20tearling&qid=1449072567&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" style="color: #7c93a1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="s5">Amazon</span></a> | <span class="s5" style="color: #7c93a1; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Fate-of-the-Tearling-Erik-Johansen/9780062458872" style="color: #7c93a1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Book Depository</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">*DISCLAIMER: The Fate of the Tearling is the third and final book in a series and therefore the synopsis may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series.</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Tearling trilogy.<br />
In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has transformed from a gawky teenager into a powerful monarch. As she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, the headstrong, visionary leader has also transformed her realm. In her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies—including the evil Red Queen, her fiercest rival, who has set her armies against the Tear.<br />
<br />
To protect her people from a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable—she gave herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy—and named the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign, imprisoned in Mortmesne.<br />
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Now, as the suspenseful endgame begins, the fate of Queen Kelsea—and the Tearling itself—will finally be revealed (via Goodreads).</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't have words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is hands down my most anticipated book of 2016.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love doesn't begin to express what I feel for this series.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's political, violent and romantic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's smart, complex and unpredictable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's freaking amazing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you haven't read The Queen of the Tearling yet, PLEASE do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The final installment of the trilogy comes out in June and I for one, cannot wait!</div>
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What are you waiting on this Wednesday? </h2>
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<span style="font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">*Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7c93a1; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Breaking the Spine</a><span style="font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">.</span> </h2>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-37006846931677351602015-11-30T19:08:00.000-05:002015-11-30T19:08:02.896-05:00Reading with Friends Makes Everything Better :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJcrB7G-1c58XlW3A4Xitma4AzUxKHucib2LhHlXv509Ungz3JGoAD9eOf76Qcxl6Zt20xdgKzMxbuUNokwS5bBnZqLaYzPiTsgLugyKrg6YZJc6hv2FI_I-hJuux4MJKa1rR3CrlQZI/s1600/RWFjanfeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJcrB7G-1c58XlW3A4Xitma4AzUxKHucib2LhHlXv509Ungz3JGoAD9eOf76Qcxl6Zt20xdgKzMxbuUNokwS5bBnZqLaYzPiTsgLugyKrg6YZJc6hv2FI_I-hJuux4MJKa1rR3CrlQZI/s640/RWFjanfeb.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/151316-reads-with-friends" target="_blank">JOIN US IN BOOK CLUB!</a></h2>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-63485331548613034502015-11-29T09:50:00.002-05:002015-11-29T09:52:09.361-05:00Christmas Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkkFjY-dG2uO2wgyzAvTkSZ4doM-nQdx7nST91_z7-HFH5-rzI5fTtYPt__lgW4h-HwGTlMKgWXPEbNN4z5wlHlLeOVJZiDxIo4K6ZhA8UrQEAurM3ZvDK-KV_CO2_4Gf_CeptuCcmxc/s1600/CHRISTMAS+GIVEAWAY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkkFjY-dG2uO2wgyzAvTkSZ4doM-nQdx7nST91_z7-HFH5-rzI5fTtYPt__lgW4h-HwGTlMKgWXPEbNN4z5wlHlLeOVJZiDxIo4K6ZhA8UrQEAurM3ZvDK-KV_CO2_4Gf_CeptuCcmxc/s640/CHRISTMAS+GIVEAWAY.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6d2c959f4" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6d2c959f4/" id="rcwidget_dzie9ohh" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-28555744453598508862015-11-26T08:00:00.000-05:002015-11-26T08:00:06.979-05:00Harry Potter Meme of the Week #2 - Hermione's World<div style="text-align: center;">
Hermoine is the best.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was so influential to me as a kid and teen growing up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I even think she was a big reason I became a booknerd.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So the prompt for today is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rename the books from Hermione's point of view.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Genius.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hermione is the most present character in the series besides Harry, so it makes sense she would have an opinion about all the crazy that went down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
1. WELCOME TO THE WIZARDING WORLD AND THE TWO MOST AMAZING/ANNOYING BOYS YOU WILL EVER MEET.<br />2. MORE CRAZY BOYS AND GETTING PETRIFIED IS NOT HOW I IMAGINED MY SECOND YEAR GOING.<br />3. THE YEAR IN WHICH I AGAIN DO EVERYTHING FROM TURNING INTO A CAT-THING TO TIME-TURNING ISH TO SAVE THE WORLD.<br /> 4. S.P.E.W. ANYONE?<br />5. UMBRIDGE CAN BITE ME.<br />6. I HATE LAVENDER BROWN.<br />7. SAVING THE WORLD IS HARD. THANK GOD HARRY HAD ME.</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Obviously I went with funny titles because I love Hermione's sass-level.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fact is, she is the ONLY reason why Harry had a chance and everyone knows it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hermione is unwavering in her loyalty, morals and love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is passionate, kind and brilliant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's hear it for the brightest witch of her age.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-25769644571575605842015-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:002015-11-25T08:00:02.414-05:00Waiting on Wednesday #4 | Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry<div class="p1">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVRQbbI0OCyRjXKqEyTLsCNsnmOkkkh0_aComViKOZCpkb5AMnJw4nQwyYQkx4tUqQVEVUF7qdRBv4YOIN0iYBBPpq5SN2tva0iSvhfiphQ1DMaCE1bd37nVEht1EkP-7HBnFcg7Y3vw/s1600/17928147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVRQbbI0OCyRjXKqEyTLsCNsnmOkkkh0_aComViKOZCpkb5AMnJw4nQwyYQkx4tUqQVEVUF7qdRBv4YOIN0iYBBPpq5SN2tva0iSvhfiphQ1DMaCE1bd37nVEht1EkP-7HBnFcg7Y3vw/s320/17928147.jpg" width="212" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1">Walk the Edge</span></h2>
<h3>
<span class="s1">Thunder Road, Book 2</span></h3>
by Katie McGarry<br />
<div class="p2">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.katielmcgarry.com/">Website</a></span><span class="s3"> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KatieMcGarry"><span class="s4">Twitter</span></a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928147-walk-the-edge?ac=1&from_search=1"><span class="s4">Goodreads</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Publication Date: March 29, 2016<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.harlequinteen.com/"><span class="s5">Harlequin Teen</span></a><br />
ISBN: 9780373211623</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br />
Available for pre-order:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373211627?keywords=Walk%20the%20Edge&qid=1448382173&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1"><span class="s5">Amazon</span></a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Walk-the-Edge-Katie-Mcgarry/9781848454569"><span class="s5">Book Depository</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
One moment of recklessness will change their worlds<br />
<br />
Smart. Responsible. That's seventeen-year-old Breanna's role in her large family, and heaven forbid she put a toe out of line. Until one night of shockingly un-Breanna-like behavior puts her into a vicious cyber-bully's line of fire—and brings fellow senior Thomas "Razor" Turner into her life.<br />
<br />
Razor lives for the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, and good girls like Breanna just don't belong. But when he learns she's being blackmailed over a compromising picture of the two of them—a picture that turns one unexpected and beautiful moment into ugliness—he knows it's time to step outside the rules.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And so they make a pact: he'll help her track down her blackmailer, and in return she'll help him seek answers to the mystery that's haunted him—one that not even his club brothers have been willing to discuss. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And suddenly they're both walking the edge of discovering who they really are, what they want, and where they're going from here.</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's no secret that I love Katie McGarry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I read a ton of young-adult contemporary in 2014 and have read much less in 2015.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, a contemporary author I will always read is Katie.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her books are magic and I love the way she interprets the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I personally relate to her characters so much and I appreciate the topics she tackles in her stories.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I read Nowhere But Here thinking it wouldn't live up to her previous series, Pushing the Limits.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Walk the Edge is the second installment in the Thunder Road series and to be quite honest,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am DYING to get my hands on it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like, I would consider selling an organ to get an arc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kidding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But seriously.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What are you waiting on this Wednesday? </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">*Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7c93a1; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Breaking the Spine</a><span style="font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">.</span> </h2>
</div>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-63110722313740782792015-11-24T11:04:00.001-05:002015-11-24T11:04:49.740-05:00Top Ten Tuesday #3 - Fictional Families I'd like to Celebrate Thanksgiving with!<div style="text-align: center;">
Funny story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I actually made a video (basically) about this topic on Monday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had no idea this was the Top Ten Tuesday topic, but it worked out perfectly!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are my book recommendations for YA contemporaries featuring family!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cTC-dQpxs-s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cTC-dQpxs-s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What are some books featuring family that you love?</h2>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-29591559248060197052015-11-24T10:58:00.000-05:002015-11-24T10:58:12.782-05:00November Weekly Wrap Up #3<div style="text-align: center;">
I read 5 books this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was pretty epic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dCqyYCea6RQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dCqyYCea6RQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What did you read this week?<br />And what did you think of the books I tackled?</h2>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-49844444295941498182015-11-24T10:54:00.001-05:002015-11-24T10:54:16.844-05:00November Book Haul!<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of the books I got in November...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I went a little crazy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What's a booknerd to do?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What books did you buy in November?</h2>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-44260511743335748252015-11-19T09:59:00.001-05:002015-11-19T10:09:44.065-05:00Harry Potter Meme of the Week #1 - JKR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's no secret that I love Harry Potter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So when I found a weekly meme dedicated to HP, I had to jump in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today's prompt is:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
Favorite J. K. Rowling moment?</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are so many.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honestly, it's really hard to choose.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think the first time I remember JK Rowling being totally awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think my favorite thing (I really can't pick a single moment) is her quotes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's so freaking quotable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And every time I read her interviews, press releases, etc., I can't help but tear up and appreciate her and everything she has done for us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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I mean, I'm tearing up just looking at her face.</div>
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Thank you for my childhood, Ms. Rowling!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">HP Meme of the Week is a feature created by <a href="http://uncorkedthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Uncorked Thoughts</a>.</span></div>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-11553940187681675602015-11-18T16:01:00.000-05:002015-11-18T17:00:41.766-05:00The Revolution of Ivy<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hsKFw8k_VK8aI9HdYu8xOkl1mZ3fBoz99ElSpPaSMDifp03Qa2e6IUn-E2pTIP7pCsbIV6NuPgqMFpG8BZMXVuUmdwUOibnrXRTk7sv9P4DNa-f4tPCKxQFHn-9a86vKlwOcsEppDA8/s1600/23198876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hsKFw8k_VK8aI9HdYu8xOkl1mZ3fBoz99ElSpPaSMDifp03Qa2e6IUn-E2pTIP7pCsbIV6NuPgqMFpG8BZMXVuUmdwUOibnrXRTk7sv9P4DNa-f4tPCKxQFHn-9a86vKlwOcsEppDA8/s400/23198876.jpg" width="266" /></a>The Book of Ivy</h2>
<h3>
by Amy Engel</h3>
<br />
<a href="http://amyengel.net/">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/aengelwrites">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23198876-the-revolution-of-ivy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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Publication Date: November 3rd, 2015<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.entangledpublishing.com/category/entangled-teen/">Entangled Teen</a><br />
ISBN: 9781633751156<br />
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Available to purchase:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Revolution-Ivy-Amy-Engel/dp/1633751155/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RJWV6BTP8Y132J1N3JX" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Revolution-Ivy-Amy-Engel/9781473629349" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-revolution-of-ivy-amy-engel/1120818234?ean=9781633751156" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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*This book was sent to me from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are my own*<br />
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**PLEASE READ: The Revolution of Ivy is the second in a series and will contain spoilers for the first book in the series in the synopsis and the review.**</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty--forced marriages and murder plots--for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders.<br />
But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for. (via Goodreads)</blockquote>
I wasn't sure WHAT to expect after The Book of Ivy ended with our poor Ivy exiled to outside the fence. I was 1) terrified of the gross and awful rapist guy 2) terrified of the gross and awful rapist guy. That storyline was gut-wrenching in the first book and I was 100% sure he would be back in the second book.<br />
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And the biggest selling point of book 1 for me was the romance and we start Revolution with our love interests separated, so I was a tiny bit hesitant when picking up book 2. And while I was happy with how the romance played out, I thought the rest of the story was equally just as compelling.<br />
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I really liked Ivy's journey in Revolution because I felt like she grew up a lot and learned about herself and I think she needed to be away from Bishop to do that. Not because of Bishop but because was only 16 when they got married and she needed time to be independent from her family AND Bishop -- otherwise reuniting them would have felt cheated to me and I wouldn't have been as excited.<br />
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Ultimately I really enjoyed The Revolution of Ivy and I think it was a great sequel to The Book of Ivy. I think I enjoyed it the slightest bit less than the first book, but it was still a fantastic book I recommend everyone read!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> GIF from <a href="http://goodbooksandgoodwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/I-just-finished-the-most-wonderful-story.gif" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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4.25 out of 5 stars!</h2>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-20771546050534501332015-11-18T15:21:00.000-05:002015-11-18T15:21:01.986-05:00The Book of Ivy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuNPVe-fJi_nKODU3oFTDNQpcuT2vOxClhhsZuhb7twxI32U8mNITKmlj5odtgoNf8h-JH8yjM4uFtKAeD-aFVywisj0n2syjI97ycKUDZZWldWQDZyUciaSq4Fiskfd_1j7DNg4CLGo/s1600/20640755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuNPVe-fJi_nKODU3oFTDNQpcuT2vOxClhhsZuhb7twxI32U8mNITKmlj5odtgoNf8h-JH8yjM4uFtKAeD-aFVywisj0n2syjI97ycKUDZZWldWQDZyUciaSq4Fiskfd_1j7DNg4CLGo/s400/20640755.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 22px;">The Book of Ivy</span></h2>
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<h3>
by Amy Engel</h3>
<a href="http://amyengel.net/">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/aengelwrites">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20640755-the-book-of-ivy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br /><br />Publication Date: November 4th, 2014<br />Publisher: <a href="http://www.entangledpublishing.com/category/entangled-teen/" target="_blank">Entangled Teen</a><br />ISBN: 9781622664658<br /><br />Available to purchase:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1622664655?keywords=The%20Book%20of%20Ivy&qid=1447877271&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Book-Ivy-Amy-Engel/9781473629301" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-ivy-amy-engel/1118661267?ean=9781622664658" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual.<br /> <br />This year, it is my turn.<br /> <br />My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power.<br /> <br />But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy.<br />Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him… (via Goodreads)</blockquote>
My thoughts on The Book of Ivy are quite simple: I loved it.<br />
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It's been awhile since I have picked up a straight young adult dystopian book and I have to say that the experience was refreshing. This book is a testament to the idea that less can be WAY more. There is nothing complicated or overly complex about the book and honestly, it is part of what made is so enjoyable.<br />
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Amy Engel was able to capture something familiar yet enticing with her balance between politics and romance. The Book of Ivy, at it's core, is a romance between two teens on the opposite sides of a political war. You have Ivy, who is the daughter of a gilted would-be leader, who is determined to bring his family back to power. Then there is Bishop, the privileged and seemingly spoiled son of the president of Westfall, Mr. Lattimer. But there is a lot more to both teens story than meets the eye.<br />
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So on the joining of their families through their arranged marriage, we see them in a new position, away from both influences and forced to face the truth that both families may have lied and that they might not be what the other was expecting.<br />
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I found the romance in this book SO ADDICTING. It was a slow burn that had me turning pages, unable to put it down. I HAD to know what happened next between Ivy and Bishop and just when I thought I knew what would happen, I would be thrown off-guard.<br />
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It's a fast-paced read that will have you begging for more. And that ending?!<br />
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4.5 out of 5 stars!</h2>
<br />leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-8336740439918846872015-11-18T09:17:00.000-05:002015-11-18T09:17:37.426-05:00Waiting on Wednesday #3 | Riders by Veronica Rossi<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
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Riders</h2>
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Riders, Book 1</h3>
by Veronica Rossi<br />
<a href="http://www.veronicarossi.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/rossibooks">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23430471-riders?ac=1&from_search=1">Goodreads</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17342701-frozen-tides"><br /></a>Publication Date: February 16, 2016<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://us.macmillan.com/publishers/tor-forge">Tor Teen</a><br />
ISBN: 9780765382542</div>
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<br />
Available for pre-order:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Riders-Veronica-Rossi/dp/0765382547/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Riders-Veronic-Rossi/9780765382542" target="_blank">Book Depository</a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.<br />
Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can't remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.<br />
Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen--Conquest, Famine, and Death--are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.<br />
They fail.<br />
Now--bound, bloodied, and drugged--Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he's fallen for--not to mention all of humankind--he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.<br />
But will anyone believe him?</blockquote>
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Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky series was one of my favorites from 2014.</div>
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I thought her writing was brilliant and let's just be honest:</div>
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Perry is a MAN.</div>
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I also read the first book in her new adult series, Boomerang.</div>
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I am very excited for Riders.</div>
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I think it has the potential to be the next big series in YA!</div>
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If you haven't read Ms. Rossi's books yet, I highly recommend you do!</div>
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What are you waiting on this Wednesday?</h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">*Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Breaking the Spine</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">.</span> </h2>
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leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721011887438361903.post-7355729168469659292015-11-13T09:19:00.001-05:002015-11-13T09:19:55.731-05:00November Weekly Wrap Up #2<div style="text-align: center;">
I read 3 books and 1 short story this week!</div>
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Check out this video to hear my thoughts.</div>
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What did you think of these books?</h2>
leaninglightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17968509367983178016noreply@blogger.com0