It's Monday! What Are You Reading #711, January 20th

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week...and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!

What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #710
Teaser Tuesday #718
WWW Wednesday #718
WOW #714
Will the Time Come #711
Third Sentence Thursday #701
Random Reads #687
First Lines Friday #714
Book Blogger Hop #380

25 Books to Read in 2025 Update 1

Monthly ARC's Update 104
The Reward Challenge Update #696
Wheel of TBR #243
How Well I Stuck to It #548
Wrote that Review Update #545

Week 3 Reviews:
Grace and Fury

The Wildest Things 
Life and Death

Midnight Sun

Archangel's Ascension

The Last One

Creeping Beauty 

Threads That Bind

The Warrior God

The Savage God

The Golden God

Phase Out Your TBR: 

Phase Eight January 2025 Sign Up

Update 1

Update 2

Update 3

Update 4

Update 5

Update 6

Update 7

Phase Out Your Seriesathon: 

2025 Sign Up

Update 1

Magical Readathon: Orilium: 

Year in Aeldia 2025 Sign Up

Random:

The Stolen Bride: Cover Reveal

OK, so I got 35 posts in 7 days, and it was a pretty decent week, though we did get some snow, which is annoying, since it was almost gone from the last time, but oh well. At least week has Onyx Storm to read! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Onyx Storm!

THE STORM IS COMING . . .

Get ready to fly or die in the breathtaking follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons.

No more time for uncertainty.

Because the battle has truly begun; and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre.

The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves - her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.

They need an army.

They need power.

They need magic.

And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.

But a storm is coming... and not everyone can survive its wrath.

Week 3 Review: Creeping Beauty

From Goodreads:

From the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Misfit comes a subversive and feminist take on Sleeping Beauty, sure to appeal to fans of Damsel and To Kill a Kingdom.

Bitsy is no one's ideal princess.

She's heard it all: that it's a shame she's so plain, so lacking in grace. That the best thing for her to do is simply wait (and wait some more), and hope some prince will grant her a happy ending.

Then Bitsy pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down, down, down.

Into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. Where no one ages and everyone is beautiful. Where an inscrutable evil rests at its core.

A land where Bitsy's fate and her future are solely in her own hands—and neither are what she expects.

The dark and deadly world of Heartless meets the empowering twist of Cruel Beauty in this thrilling, unpredictable, multigenre retelling of one of the most beloved fairy tales: where instead of falling asleep to await her prince, this sleeping beauty finally wakes up.

My Review:


Author: Andrea Portes
Read: January 15th, 2025
Source: Edelweiss  
Reason Why: I enjoy her writing and it sounded really great, and it's a 2025 Retelling Reading Challenge Book, SAC 2025 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Harper Teen 
Published: August 22nd 2023

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Monthly ARC's Update 104

So I read my next book for Monthly ARC's and it was The Wildest Things by Andrea Hannah from the February list, and Creeping Beauty by Andrea Portes from the August 2023 list.

Here's the link to this month's post with my journey.

How it Works: 

This is my monthly ARC accountability challenge, to list out the books that I have as ARC's that are being published in the coming month, rounding them up at the start of the month, and seeing how well I did at the end, as well as rounding up the next month's books.    

   

WWW Wednesday #718, January 15th

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

Thanks to MizB of Should Be Writing now A Daily Rhythm for starting this meme! And thanks now to Taking on a World of Words for reviving it! 

I'm currently reading The Last One, and I'm loving it!

I'm also reading Creeping Beauty, and it's so good!

I read Archangel's Ascension, and it was such a fantastic read! 

I'm going to be reading Threads That Bind, and I can't wait, it sounds really good! 

What about you guys? Happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #636, July 19th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating! 

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

Expected Publication: August 22nd, 2023
From Goodreads:

The captivating sequel to the Gothic-infused Belladonna, in which Signa and Death face a supernatural foe determined to tear them apart.

A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He's hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago...and now he's determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate's past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate's unexpected games--all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

Dangerous, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to the story of Signa and Death is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.

After that Night by Karin Slaughter

Expected Publication: August 22nd, 2023
From Goodreads:

Will Trent and Sara Linton are back! This is the 11th electrifying thriller featuring GBI investigator Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton from New York Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter.

After that night, nothing was ever the same again …

Fifteen years ago, Sara Linton's life changed forever when a celebratory night out ended in a violent attack that tore her world apart. Since then, Sara has remade her life. A successful doctor, engaged to a man she loves, she has finally managed to leave the past behind her.

Until one evening, on call in the ER, everything changes. Sara battles to save a broken young woman who's been brutally attacked. But as the investigation progresses, led by GBI Special Agent Will Trent, it becomes clear that Dani Cooper's assault is uncannily linked to Sara's.

And it seems the past isn't going to stay buried forever 

Talulah's Back in Town by Brenda Novak

Expected Publication: August 22nd, 2023
From Goodreads:

Sometimes the past we leave behind leads us right where we belong.

Talulah Barclay doesn’t like complications. Unfortunately, they seem to love her. Fourteen years after leaving her fiancé at the altar, Talulah returns to her hometown of Coyote Canyon, Montana, to settle her great-aunt’s estate. As she’d feared, her “runaway bride” reputation is waiting right where she left it, and her ex’s best friend, Brant, isn’t about to let her slip by unnoticed.

Brant has always been a loyal friend, but Talulah’s decision to run isn’t the only thing he hasn’t forgotten. He remembers more about Talulah than he cares to admit. Vividly. And it’s increasingly difficult to ignore her now, especially when they find themselves in close quarters. Talulah has no plans to stay in town after she fixes up her aunt’s Victorian farmhouse, even if the unbridled sparks with Brant give her a good reason to linger. Besides, bailing on relationships is kind of her thing. But a lot has changed since Talulah last turned tail—maybe her heart has changed, too?

Creeping Beauty by Andrea Portes

Expected Publication: August 22nd, 2023
From Goodreads:

From the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Misfit comes a subversive and feminist take on Sleeping Beauty, sure to appeal to fans of Damsel and To Kill a Kingdom.

Bitsy is no one’s ideal princess.

She’s heard it all: that it’s a shame she’s so plain, so lacking in grace. That the best thing for her to do is simply wait (and wait some more), and hope some prince will grant her a happy ending.

Then Bitsy pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down, down, down.

Into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. Where no one ages and everyone is beautiful. Where an inscrutable evil rests at its core.

A land where Bitsy’s fate and her future are solely in her own hands—and neither are what she expects.

The dark and deadly world of Heartless meets the empowering twist of Cruel Beauty in this thrilling, unpredictable, multigenre retelling of one of the most beloved fairy tales: where instead of falling asleep to await her prince, this sleeping beauty finally wakes up.

Some really great books that I'm really excited for are coming out on the 22nd and I can't wait! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Waiting on Wednesday #494, October 28th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson 

Expected Publication: November 17th, 2020
From Goodreads:

The eagerly awaited sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Oathbringer, from an epic fantasy writer at the top of his game.

After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage.

Now, as new technological discoveries begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals, and potentially reveal the secrets of the ancient tower that was once the heart of their strength.

At the same time that Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with his changing role within the Knights Radiant, his Windrunners face their own problem: As more and more deadly enemy Fused awaken to wage war, no more honorspren are willing to bond with humans to increase the number of Radiants. Adolin and Shallan must lead the coalition’s envoy to the honorspren stronghold of Lasting Integrity and either convince the spren to join the cause against the evil god Odium, or personally face the storm of failure.

The Bright and Breaking Sea by Chloe Neill 

Expected Publication: November 17th, 2020
From Goodreads:

Chloe Neill brings her trademark wit and wild sense of adventure to a stunning seafaring fantasy starring a dauntless heroine in a world of magic and treachery.

Kit Brightling, rescued as a foundling and raised in a home for talented girls, has worked hard to rise through the ranks of the Isles' Crown Command and become one of the few female captains in Queen Charlotte's fleet. Her ship is small, but she's fast--in part because of Kit's magical affinity to the sea. But the waters become perilous when the queen sends Kit on a special mission with a partner she never asked for.

Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, may be a veteran of the Continental war, but Kit doesn't know him or his motives--and she's dealt with one too many members of the Beau Monde. But Kit has her orders, and the queen has commanded they journey to a dangerous pirate quay and rescue a spy who's been gathering intelligence on the exiled emperor of Gallia.

Kit can lead her ship and clever crew on her own, but with the fate of queen and country at stake, Kit and Rian must learn to trust each other, or else the Isles will fall....

Daughter of the Serpentine by E.E. Knight

Expected Publication: November 17th, 2020
From Goodreads:

As a young dragoneer moves through the ranks of the prestigious Serpentine Academy, her challenges grow greater and her time grows short to draw out a series of deadly threats, in this thrilling coming-of-age fantasy novel.

Sixteen-year-old Ileth is now an Apprentice Dragoneer, with all of the benefits and pitfalls that her elevation in rank entails. But her advancement becomes less certain after a she's attacked by an unknown enemy, and Ileth begins to suspect that someone deadly may be hiding within the walls of the academy.

Outside of the walls there is a different challenge. The Rari Pirates are strangling the Vale Republic. What they lack in dragon firepower, they make up for in the brutality of their ever-expanding raids, making hostages or slaves of the Republic’s citizens. Surrounded by enemies, Ileth will need to learn what kind of dragoneer she wants to be. And as she makes decisions about her future, Ileth will have the chance to uncover the secrets of her past. Both will irrevocably change the course of her life. 

This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes

Expected Publication: November 17th, 2020
From Goodreads:

I am not welcome. Somehow I know that. Something doesn’t want me here.

Whatever this is, it is saying to me in a voice that cannot be heard but only felt: Get out.

Daffodil Franklin has plans for a quiet summer before her freshman year at college, and luckily, she’s found the job that can give her just that: housesitting a mansion for a wealthy couple.

But as the summer progresses and shadows lengthen, Daffodil comes to realize the house is more than it appears. The spacious home seems to close in on her, and as she takes the long road into town, she feels eyes on her the entire way, and something tugging her back.

What Daffodil doesn’t yet realize is that her job comes with a steep price. The house has a long-ago grudge it needs to settle… and Daffodil is the key to settling it.

This is Not the Jess Show by Anna Carey

Expected Publication:  November 17th, 2020
From Goodreads:

A timely YA thriller about a teenage girl whose reality may not be what it seems, blending 90s nostalgia with a speculative hook that dissects our modern reality TV and influencer-obsessed culture.

Like many teens, sometimes it feels as though everything in Jess Flynn's life has been engineered for maximum drama--from her performance at the school talent show, to the reappearance of her childhood best friend and perennial crush Jeremy, to her friends trying to set her up with one of the hottest guys in school. It's almost as if everything might finally be going her way...until one day a tiny black phone with an apple logo on its screen falls out of her best friend's backpack and lands at Jess's feet.

The problem is, it's 1998, and the first iPhone isn't due out for another nine years.

Jess's friends refuse to acknowledge the strange device. Her sister Sara, on hospice care with a terminal blood disease, for once can't tell Jess what she should do. It's almost as if everyone is hiding something from her. Even her beloved dog Fuller seems different...like, literally different, because he definitely didn't have that same pattern of spots on his stomach last week...

Nothing in Jess Flynn's world is as it seems, and as the cracks begin to show, Jess will discover her entire life is nothing more than someone else's entertainment. Except in this reality, the outside world is no place anyone would want to escape to. 

Yeah, 4 excellent books are coming out! I have read 2 of these, and I can't wait to read Rhythm of War and This is Not the Jess Show! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Week 34 Review: This is Not a Ghost Story

From Goodreads:
I am not welcome. Somehow I know that. Something doesn't want me here.

Whatever this is, it is saying to me in a voice that cannot be heard but only felt: Get out.

Daffodil Franklin has plans for a quiet summer before her freshman year at college, and luckily, she's found the job that can give her just that: housesitting a mansion for a wealthy couple.

But as the summer progresses and shadows lengthen, Daffodil comes to realize the house is more than it appears. The spacious home seems to close in on her, and as she takes the long road into town, she feels eyes on her the entire way, and something tugging her back.

What Daffodil doesn't yet realize is that her job comes with a steep price. The house has a long-ago grudge it needs to settle… and Daffodil is the key to settling it. 

My Review:
This book was really fantastic to read! I loved the fact that this book says it's not a ghost story, but it's got hauntings. I just wanted to figure out what the heck was going on. And given that it is a short book, it's also paced quick quickly, so I devoured it and found out the answer without much wondering.

First off, I have to say, I love Daffodil's narration. She was a really fantastic character to follow. We're not sure if we can rely on her. The question of what is going on, is it real or not was a huge question. I just needed to know! 

This book was so creepy! It started off pretty innocuous. But it quickly became creepy with strange happenings. And she just goes about her day, ignoring it, pretending it's not happening, until that big twist reveal! 

That reveal though? I wasn't expecting that, and it just blow me away, it was totally unexpected for me. And I enjoyed how it concluded, it was what she deserved after all the horrible things she experienced, and I'm glad that she got that calm settling time! 

This was a really fantastic read, and I can't wait to read more by Andrea Portes! 

Author: Andrea Portes
Read: August 20th, 2020
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and it's a SAC 2020 and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Harper Ten
Expected Publication: November 17th 2020

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Bout of Books Update 5

So yeah, I've finished my next book for Bout of Books, and it was This Is Not a Ghost Story! I'm going to be reading Dark Song next!

My Reading Journey:

The Return by Rachel Harrison
Started On: August 17th
Finished On: August 17th,  2:41 PM

Pages Read: 368

Zero Repeat Forever by Gabrielle S. Prendergast
Started On: August 18th
Finished On: August 18th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 483

The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre by Robin Talley
Started On: August 19th

Finished On: August 19th, 6:35 PM
Pages Read: 464

Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 9:15 AM

Pages Read: 448

This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 8:58 PM

Pages Read: 288

Dark Song by Christine Feehan
Started On: August 21st

Currently On: Page 0 of 448

Goals: 10

Read: 5

Pages Read: 2021

Magical Readathon N.E.W.T.s Update 19

I've read my next book, and that was This Is Not a Ghost Story, which is for Arithmancy Outstanding, and I'm going to be reading Dark Song next!

Reading Journey:

The Last Airbender: The Promise by Michael Dante DiMartino and by Gene Luen Yang
Prompt Fulfilled: Muggle Studies Acceptable
Started On: August 1st
Finished On: August 1st, 10:09 PM
Pages Read: 246

The Emperor's Wolves by Michelle Sagara
Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy Outstanding
Started On: August 3rd
Finished On: August 3rd, 9:17 PM
Pages Read: 512

Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
Prompt Fulfilled: Herbology Outstanding
Started On: August 4th
Finished On: August 4th, 11:42 PM
Pages Read: 672

Kitty's Mix-Tape by Carrie Vaughn
Prompt Fulfilled: Care of Magical Creatures Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 5th,
Finished On: August 5th, 11:30 PM
Pages Read: 288

The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter
Prompt Fulfilled: Potions Outstanding
Started On: August 6th
Finished On: August 7th, 12:11 AM
Pages Read: 496

Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven
Prompt Fulfilled: Defense Against the Dark Arts Outstanding
Started On: August 7th
Finished On: August 7th, 2:23 PM
Pages Read: 384

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi
Prompt Fulfilled: Charms Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 8th
Finished On: August 8th, 10:04 PM
Pages Read: 416

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody & Joanne Rendell
Prompt Fulfilled: Ancient Ruins Acceptable
Started On: August 9th
Finished On: August 9th, 9:53 PM
Pages Read: 579

Deacon Locke Went to Prom by Brian Katcher
Prompt Fulfilled: Transfiguration Outstanding
Started On: August 12th
Finished On: August 12th, 11:29 PM
Pages Read: 386

The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska
Prompt Fulfilled: Divination Outstanding
Started On: August 13th
Finished On: August 13th, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 336

Season of the Wolf by Maria Vale
Prompt Fulfilled: Transfiguration Acceptable
Started On: August 14th
Finished On: August 14th, 10:40 PM
Pages Read: 320

Scared Little Rabbits by A.V. Geiger
Prompt Fulfilled: Muggle Studies Outstanding
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 1:24 PM
Pages Read: 368

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Prompt Fulfilled: Muggle Studies Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 9:26 PM
Pages Read: 416

You Look Different in Real Life by Jennifer Castle
Prompt Fulfilled: Arithmancy Acceptable
Started On: August 16th
Finished On: August 16th, 11:39 PM
Pages Read: 355

The Return by Rachel Harrison
Prompt Fulfilled: Defense Against the Dark Arts Acceptable
Started On: August 17th
Finished On: August 17th,  2:41 PM

Pages Read: 368

Zero Repeat Forever by Gabrielle S. Prendergast
Prompt Fulfilled: Divination Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 18th
Finished On: August 18th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 483

Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack
Prompt Fulfilled: Charms Acceptable
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 9:15 AM

Pages Read: 448

This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes
Prompt Fulfilled: Arithmancy Outstanding
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 8:58 PM

Pages Read: 288

Dark Song by Christine Feehan
Prompt Fulfilled: Ancient Ruins Outstanding
Started On: August 21st

Currently On: Page 0 of 448

Prompts Left: Ancient Ruins E, Defense Against the Dark Arts E, History of Magic A, E, Arithmancy E, Astronomy A, E, Care of Magical Creatures A, O, Charms O, Divination A, Herbology A, E, Potions A, E, Transfiguration E
Read: 19
Pages Read: 8103

ARC August Update 19

I've read my next book, and that was This Is Not a Ghost Story, and I'm going to be reading Dark Song next!

Reading Journey:

The New Improved Sorceress by Sara Hanover
Started On: August 1st
Finished On: August 1st, 11:10 PM
Pages Read: 432

The Emperor's Wolves by Michelle Sagara
Started On: August 3rd
Finished On: August 3rd, 9:17 PM
Pages Read: 512

Kitty's Mix-Tape by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: August 5th,
Finished On: August 5th, 11:30 PM
Pages Read: 288

The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter
Started On: August 6th
Finished On: August 7th, 12:11 AM
Pages Read: 496

Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven
Started On: August 7th
Finished On: August 7th, 2:23 PM
Pages Read: 384

Bombshell by Rowan Maness
Started On: August 7th
Finished On: August 7th, 7:54 PM
Pages Read: 313

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi
Started On: August 8th
Finished On: August 8th, 10:04 PM
Pages Read: 416

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody & Joanne Rendell
Started On: August 9th,
Finished On: August 9th, 9:53 PM
Pages Read: 579

Deacon Locke Went to Prom by Brian Katcher
Started On: August 12th
Finished On: August 12th, 11:29 PM
Pages Read: 386

Archangel's Sun by Nalini Singh
Started On: August 13th
Finished On: August 13th, 5:44 PM
Pages Read: 400

The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska
Started On: August 13th
Finished On: August 13th, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 336

Season of the Wolf by Maria Vale
Started On: August 14th
Finished On: August 14th, 10:40 PM
Pages Read: 320

Scared Little Rabbits by A.V. Geiger
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 1:24 PM
Pages Read: 368

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 9:26 PM
Pages Read: 416

The Return by Rachel Harrison
Started On: August 17th
Finished On: August 17th, 2:41 PM

Pages Read: 368

Zero Repeat Forever by Gabrielle S. Prendergast
Started On: August 18th
Finished On: August 18th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 483

The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre by Robin Talley
Started On: August 19th

Finished On: August 19th, 6:35 PM
Pages Read: 464

Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 9:15 AM

Pages Read: 448

This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes
Started On: August 20th

Finished On: August 20th, 8:48 PM

Pages Read: 288

Dark Song by Christine Feehan
Started On: August 21st

Currently On: Page 0 of 448

Goals: 31
Read: 19
Pages Read: 7665

Bout of Books Update 4

So yeah, I've finished my next book for Bout of Books, and it was Your Own Worst Enemy! I'm going to be reading This Is Not a Ghost Story next!

My Reading Journey:

The Return by Rachel Harrison
Started On: August 17th
Finished On: August 17th,  2:41 PM

Pages Read: 368

Zero Repeat Forever by Gabrielle S. Prendergast
Started On: August 18th
Finished On: August 18th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 483

The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre by Robin Talley
Started On: August 19th

Finished On: August 19th, 6:35 PM
Pages Read: 464

Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 9:15 AM

Pages Read: 448

This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes
Started On: August 20th

Currently On: Page 0 of 288

Goals: 10

Read: 4

Pages Read: 1733

Magical Readathon N.E.W.T.s Update 18

I've read my next book, and that was Your Own Worst Enemy, which is for Charms Acceptable, and I'm going to be reading This Is Not a Ghost Story next!

Reading Journey:

The Last Airbender: The Promise by Michael Dante DiMartino and by Gene Luen Yang
Prompt Fulfilled: Muggle Studies Acceptable
Started On: August 1st
Finished On: August 1st, 10:09 PM
Pages Read: 246

The Emperor's Wolves by Michelle Sagara
Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy Outstanding
Started On: August 3rd
Finished On: August 3rd, 9:17 PM
Pages Read: 512

Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
Prompt Fulfilled: Herbology Outstanding
Started On: August 4th
Finished On: August 4th, 11:42 PM
Pages Read: 672

Kitty's Mix-Tape by Carrie Vaughn
Prompt Fulfilled: Care of Magical Creatures Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 5th,
Finished On: August 5th, 11:30 PM
Pages Read: 288

The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter
Prompt Fulfilled: Potions Outstanding
Started On: August 6th
Finished On: August 7th, 12:11 AM
Pages Read: 496

Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven
Prompt Fulfilled: Defense Against the Dark Arts Outstanding
Started On: August 7th
Finished On: August 7th, 2:23 PM
Pages Read: 384

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi
Prompt Fulfilled: Charms Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 8th
Finished On: August 8th, 10:04 PM
Pages Read: 416

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody & Joanne Rendell
Prompt Fulfilled: Ancient Ruins Acceptable
Started On: August 9th
Finished On: August 9th, 9:53 PM
Pages Read: 579

Deacon Locke Went to Prom by Brian Katcher
Prompt Fulfilled: Transfiguration Outstanding
Started On: August 12th
Finished On: August 12th, 11:29 PM
Pages Read: 386

The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska
Prompt Fulfilled: Divination Outstanding
Started On: August 13th
Finished On: August 13th, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 336

Season of the Wolf by Maria Vale
Prompt Fulfilled: Transfiguration Acceptable
Started On: August 14th
Finished On: August 14th, 10:40 PM
Pages Read: 320

Scared Little Rabbits by A.V. Geiger
Prompt Fulfilled: Muggle Studies Outstanding
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 1:24 PM
Pages Read: 368

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Prompt Fulfilled: Muggle Studies Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 9:26 PM
Pages Read: 416

You Look Different in Real Life by Jennifer Castle
Prompt Fulfilled: Arithmancy Acceptable
Started On: August 16th
Finished On: August 16th, 11:39 PM
Pages Read: 355

The Return by Rachel Harrison
Prompt Fulfilled: Defense Against the Dark Arts Acceptable
Started On: August 17th
Finished On: August 17th,  2:41 PM

Pages Read: 368

Zero Repeat Forever by Gabrielle S. Prendergast
Prompt Fulfilled: Divination Exceeds Expectations
Started On: August 18th
Finished On: August 18th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 483

Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack
Prompt Fulfilled: Charms Acceptable
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 9:15 AM

Pages Read: 448

This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes
Prompt Fulfilled: Arithmancy Outstanding
Started On: August 20th

Currently On: Page 0 of 288

Prompts Left: Ancient Ruins E, O, Defense Against the Dark Arts E, History of Magic A, E, Arithmancy E, Astronomy A, E, Care of Magical Creatures A, O, Charms O, Divination A, Herbology A, E, Potions A, E, Transfiguration E
Read: 18
Pages Read: 7815

ARC August Update 18

I've read my next book, and that was Your Own Worst Enemy, and I'm going to be reading This Is Not a Ghost Story next!

Reading Journey:

The New Improved Sorceress by Sara Hanover
Started On: August 1st
Finished On: August 1st, 11:10 PM
Pages Read: 432

The Emperor's Wolves by Michelle Sagara
Started On: August 3rd
Finished On: August 3rd, 9:17 PM
Pages Read: 512

Kitty's Mix-Tape by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: August 5th,
Finished On: August 5th, 11:30 PM
Pages Read: 288

The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter
Started On: August 6th
Finished On: August 7th, 12:11 AM
Pages Read: 496

Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven
Started On: August 7th
Finished On: August 7th, 2:23 PM
Pages Read: 384

Bombshell by Rowan Maness
Started On: August 7th
Finished On: August 7th, 7:54 PM
Pages Read: 313

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi
Started On: August 8th
Finished On: August 8th, 10:04 PM
Pages Read: 416

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody & Joanne Rendell
Started On: August 9th,
Finished On: August 9th, 9:53 PM
Pages Read: 579

Deacon Locke Went to Prom by Brian Katcher
Started On: August 12th
Finished On: August 12th, 11:29 PM
Pages Read: 386

Archangel's Sun by Nalini Singh
Started On: August 13th
Finished On: August 13th, 5:44 PM
Pages Read: 400

The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska
Started On: August 13th
Finished On: August 13th, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 336

Season of the Wolf by Maria Vale
Started On: August 14th
Finished On: August 14th, 10:40 PM
Pages Read: 320

Scared Little Rabbits by A.V. Geiger
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 1:24 PM
Pages Read: 368

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Started On: August 15th
Finished On: August 15th, 9:26 PM
Pages Read: 416

The Return by Rachel Harrison
Started On: August 17th
Finished On: August 17th, 2:41 PM

Pages Read: 368

Zero Repeat Forever by Gabrielle S. Prendergast
Started On: August 18th
Finished On: August 18th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 483

The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre by Robin Talley
Started On: August 19th

Finished On: August 19th, 6:35 PM
Pages Read: 464

Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack
Started On: August 20th
Finished On: August 20th, 9:15 AM

Pages Read: 448

This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes
Started On: August 20th

Currently On: Page 0 of 288

Goals: 31
Read: 18
Pages Read: 7377

Third Sentence Thursday #471, August 20th

Third Sentence Thursday is a weekly meme which likes to watch fireworks especially while eating a cookie!

1) Take the book you are currently reading and open it to a random page. Share the third full sentence on that page. (If there isn't a third one – like at the end of a chapter or a blank page – you can share the third sentence of the book or just choose another random page.) Feel free to share more than one sentence, if you feel the need to do so.

2) Review this sentence anyway you want (funny and silly reviews encouraged)

3) Post a link to your sentence at Words I Write Crazy (This Blog)

4) Visit one or two of the other blogs to check out their third sentences!

"Maybe you think this is all a little dark?" -This is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes, page 8.

That's a bit of a menacing question! Must read more!

What are your guy's 3rd lines? Link up below!

WWW Wednesday #488, August 19th

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

Thanks to MizB of Should Be Writing now A Daily Rhythm for starting this meme!

I'm currently reading Your Own Worst Enemy, and it's so funny! Loving it! 

I read Zero Repeat Forever, and I really enjoyed the whole concept, and I can't wait for book 2!

I'm going to be reading This is Not a Ghost Story, and I can't wait, it sounds fantastic!

What about you guys? Happy reading!

We Have the Cover of This Is Not a Ghost Story!!!!

Yeah, we have the cover of This is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes! And it looks so creepy!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #376, August 20th

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week...and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!

What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #375
Teaser Tuesday #383
WWW Wednesday #383
WOW #379
Will the Time Come #376
Third Sentence Thursday #366
Random Reads #351
First Lines Friday #379
The Reward Challenge Update #361
Book Blogger Hop #45
How Well I Stuck to It #213
Wrote that Review Update #210

Week 33 Reviews:
Liberty: The Spy Who (Kind Of) Liked Me
A Spark of White Fire
The Raging Ones
Wild Hunger
Damsel
The Prince
Tsumiku and the Enslaved Fox
The Traitor Prince

Diamond Fire
The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak

OK, so I got 22 posts in 7 days, which was a pretty fantastic week! Lots of amazing books read! Though still having on and off problems with both migraines and stomach being unsettled, which isn't fun. I got through it, so onto another week! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Access Restricted, The Blood Spell, The Darkest Star, Gamescape: Overworld, Hidden Pieces, The Truth Lies Here, and The Wrong Highlander.

In this gripping sequel to All Rights Reserved, Speth Jime must risk everything to save the people she loves…or lose them to the corrupt system that's keeping everyone apart.On the day she went silent, Speth never meant for anyone to follow her lead – or to start a rebellion of Silents. But after taking down the tyrant Silas Rog and freeing the city from his grasp, everyone is looking to Speth for answers she doesn't have. All she wants is to find her parents, who are shackled to a lifetime of servitude in exchange for a debt they can never repay. But how can Speth leave her friends to fend for themselves when she's the reason their city is in chaos?When the government threatens to restore the WiFi and take back the city, Speth is forced to flee with a ragtag group of friends by her side. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey outside the dome they've lived in their entire lives, in search of a better future. Along the way, Speth will discover the shattering truth about their world…and the role she'll need to play to save it.

Blue de la Cour has her life planned: hide the magic in her blood and continue trying to turn metal into gold so she can help her city's homeless. But when her father is murdered and a cruel but powerful woman claims custody of Blue and her property, one wrong move could expose her—and doom her once and for all. The only one who can help? The boy she's loathed since childhood: Prince Kellan.

Kellan Renard, crown prince of Balavata, is walking a thin line between political success and devastating violence. Newly returned from boarding school, he must find a bride among the kingdom's head families and announce his betrothal—but escalating tension among the families makes the search nearly impossible. He's surprised to discover that the one person who makes him feel like he can breathe is Blue, the girl who once ruined all his best adventures.

When mysterious forces lead to disappearances throughout Balavata, Blue and Kellan must work together to find the truth. What they discover will lead them to the darkest reaches of the kingdom, and to the most painful moments of their pasts. When romance is forbidden and evil is rising, can Blue save those she loves, even if it costs her everything?

In the world of the Lux, secrets thrive, lies shatter, and love is undeniable.

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout brings her trademark drama and intrigue to this new series with a girl caught up in a world she doesn't understand, secrets long buried, a betrayal that could tear her life apart...and Armentrout's most swoonworthy book boyfriend yet.

Seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher knows firsthand the devastating consequences of humanity's war with the aliens. When she's caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...

The planet is dying. Centuries of abuse have damaged the earth beyond repair, and now all the authorities can do is polish the surface, make the landscape look pretty to hide the disease within. Two prominent yet mysterious businessmen couldn't fix it, either, but they did something even better. Together, they invented Chimera, the most complex and immersive virtual reality video game the world has ever known. The Cubes in which Chimera is played quickly became a fixture of this landscape: part distraction, part hospital, and almost wholly responsible for holding up the failing world economy.

Miguel Anderson is also dying. He isn’t the only one who plays the game–everybody does–but Miguel has more reason than most: When players leave their Cubes for the day, the upgrades and enhancements they've earned for their virtual characters leave with them. New lungs to breathe poisoned air, skin that won’t burn under the sun are great and everything… but Miguel, born as broken as the earth, needs a new heart–and soon–if he wants any hope of surviving just a little longer.

Then the two Gamerunners announce a competition, with greater rewards and faster progression than ever before, and Miguel thinks his prayers have been answered. All he needs to do is get picked to lead a team, play the game he's spent years getting good at, and ask for his prize when he wins. Simple, really.

At first, things seem to go according to plan. Mostly, anyway. Inside his Cube, with his new team–including his best friend–at his back, Miguel begins his quest. He plays recklessly, even dangerously, for someone whose most vital organ could give up at any moment, but his desperation makes him play better than ever. The eyes of the world are on him, watching through status updates and live feeds, betting on his chances. With greater rewards, though, come greater risks, and the Gamerunners seem to delight at surprising the competitors at every turn. As he ventures deeper into a world that blends the virtual and the real to an unsettling degree, Miguel begins to wonder just why the game was invented at all, and whether its stakes could be even higher than life and death.

Embry Woods has secrets. Small ones about her past. Bigger ones about her relationship with town hero Luke and her feelings for someone new. But the biggest secret she carries with her is about what happened that night at the Sea Cliff Inn. The fire. The homeless guy. Everyone thinks Embry is a hero, too, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Embry thinks she'll have to take the secret to her grave, until she receives an anonymous note—someone else knows the truth. Next comes a series of threatening messages, asking Embry to make impossible choices, forcing her to put her loved ones at risk. Someone is playing a high stakes game where no one in Embry's life is safe. And their last move...is murder.

In small town Michigan, Penny, an aspiring journalist, teams up with the nerdy boy-next-door and the town's star quarterback to find her conspiracy theorist father after he goes missing and several other townspeople turn up dead in the woods.

The deeper she digs, the weirder things start to get. Townspeople repeat the same phrases—verbatim. Men in black suits stroll around Main Street. Chunks of her memory go missing. Pretty soon, Penny's research leads her to the long-ago meteorite crash in Bone Lake's woods, and she's going to have to reconsider her definition of "real" if she wants answers. . .

A laird's daughter kidnaps a Highlander—and loses her heart… in New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands' new historical romance

Lady Evina Maclean has heard much about Rory Buchanan's skill as a healer. What she hasn't heard is how good the brawny Highlander looks bathing in a waterfall. But Evina can't afford the distraction, for her ailing father urgently needs care. Only when she's rendered Buchanan unconscious and dragged him back to her family's castle does the truth emerge—it's not Rory she's kidnapped but his brother Conran.

Other ladies try to ensnare Conran with flattery. Evina hits him over the head with the hilt of her sword to save her kin—and Conran likes the spirited redhead all the more for it. He's learned enough from his brother to heal Evina's father, but there are other dangers swirling around the Maclean clan. And while the beautiful, independent lady has sworn not to marry, this wrong Highlander may be just the right man for her.

Week 33 Review: Liberty: The Spy Who (Kind Of) Liked Me

From Goodreads:
What is a hero? Paige Nolan knows.

Sean Raynes, the young man who exposed America's unconstitutional spying techniques, is a hero, even if half the dum-dums in the country think he's a traitor. And her journalist parents, who were captured by terrorists while telling stories of the endangered and oppressed—they were heroes, too. Or are—no one has ever told Paige if they're still alive, or dead.

Not heroes? Anyone in the government who abandoned her parents, letting them rot somewhere halfway across the world.

And certainly not Paige herself, who, despite her fluency in five languages and mastery of several obscure martial arts (thanks, Mom!), could do nothing to save them.

Couldn't, that is, until she's approached by Madden Carter, an undercover operative who gives her a mission: fly to Russia, find Raynes, and discover what other government secrets he's stockpiled. In exchange, he'll reopen the case on her missing parents.

She's given a code name and a cover as a foreign exchange student.

Who is a hero? Not Paige Nolan, but maybe, just maybe, Liberty is.

My Review:
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a lot of fun, and I loved Paige's narration style, it was just so great to read! She was smart and quirky, and like she says in the book, there's not a tangent that she doesn't like. Just so much fun to read!

I really enjoyed the different parts of this book, the beginning when she's at school, the middle where she trained for spy work and started her missing, and the end with the end of her mission. I also really liked her narration of the chapters where there's video footage. Those were especially hilarious to read!

Paige made friends, really for the the first time, while on her mission. One her roommate who turned out to be a Russian spy, and the other, the sun of a criminal. I loved their interactions, and their relationships! So great to read about!

How it all wrapped up, yeah, that took some finagling! But that final action sequence was pretty funny, with how many different people who were after the guy! It kinda reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean 2, everybody trying to get the prize! Such a great ending!

This book was so awesome and I enjoyed it a lot! So great to read!

Author: Andrea Portes
Read: August 12th, 2018
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded good, and I've enjoyed her other books! And it's a SAC 2018 Book!
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: June 6th 2017

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Waiting on Wednesday #309, April 12th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

The Broken Ones by Danielle L. Jensen
Expected Publication: June 6th, 2017
From Goodreads:
A prequel to the USA Today bestseller and Goodreads Choice finalist Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy).

Below Forsaken Mountain, a plot is being hatched to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right-hand man of its leader. His involvement is information more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he loves.

After accidentally ruining her sister’s chance to become queen, Pénélope is given one last opportunity by her father, the Duke d’Angoulême, to make herself useful: she must find proof that the boy she’s in love with is conspiring against the crown. If she fails, her life will be forfeit.

Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together.

Except being together may turn out to be the greatest risk of all.

Here Lies Daniel Tate by Cristin Terrill
Expected Publication: June 6th, 2017
From Goodreads:
A young, street-savvy runaway looking for a place to call home realized he might have conned his way into the wrong family in this fast-paced and thrilling novel from award-winning author Cristin Terrill.

When ten-year-old Daniel Tate went missing from one of California's most elite communities, he left no trace. He simply vanished.

Six years later, when he resurfaces on a snowy street in Vancouver, he's no longer the same boy. His sandy hair is darker, the freckles are gone, and he's initially too traumatized to speak, but he's alive. His overjoyed family brings him home to a world of luxury and comfort he can barely remember. In time, they assure him, he'll recover his memories; all that matters now is they're together again. 

It's perfect. A miracle. Except for one thing.

He isn't Daniel Tate.

He's a petty con artist who accidentally stumbled into the scam of a lifetime, and he soon learns he's not the only one in the Tate household with something to hide. The family has as many secrets as they have millions in the bank, and one of them might be ready to kill to keep the worst one buried.

Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren
Expected Publication: June 6th, 2017
From Goodreads:
All’s fair in love and work. The first standalone romance by New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Beautiful Bastard) is a sexy, compulsively readable romantic comedy that dives headlong into the thrill and doubt of modern love.

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire.

But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending or just a dramedy of epic proportions, you will get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, raucous, and hilarious romance style at its finest. 

Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau
Expected Publication: June 6th, 2017
From Goodreads:
From the author of the New York Times bestselling Testing trilogy comes a sweeping new fantasy series, perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sarah J. Maas.

Twins Carys and Andreus were never destined to rule Eden. With their older brother next in line to inherit the throne, the future of the kingdom was secure.

But appearances—and rivals—can be deceiving. When Eden’s king and crown prince are killed by assassins, Eden desperately needs a monarch, but the line of succession is no longer clear. With a ruling council scheming to gain power, Carys and Andreus are faced with only one option—to take part in a Trial of Succession that will determine which one of them is worthy of ruling the kingdom.

As sister and brother, Carys and Andreus have always kept each other safe—from their secrets, from the court, and from the monsters lurking in the mountains beyond the kingdom’s wall. But the Trial of Succession will test the bonds of trust and family.

With their country and their hearts divided, Carys and Andreus will discover exactly what each will do to win the crown. How long before suspicion takes hold and the thirst for power leads to the ultimate betrayal? 

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber
Expected Publication: June 6th, 2017
From Goodreads:
Ever since the Delonese ice-planet arrived eleven years ago, Sofi's dreams have been vivid. Alien. In a system where Earth's corporations rule in place of governments and the humanoid race orbiting the moon are allies, her only constant has been her younger brother, Shilo. As an online gamer, Sofi battles behind the scenes of Earth's Fantasy Fighting arena where Shilo is forced to compete in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. But when a bomb takes out a quarter of the arena, Sofi's the only one who believes Shilo survived. She has dreams of him. And she's convinced he's been taken to the ice-planet.

Except no one but ambassadors are allowed there.

For Miguel, Earth's charming young playboy, the games are of a different sort. As Ambassador to the Delonese, his career has been built on trading secrets and seduction. Until the Fantasy Fight's bomb goes off. Now the tables have turned and he's a target for blackmail. The game is simple: Help the blackmailers, or lose more than anyone can fathom, or Earth can afford. 

Liberty: The Spy Who (Kind Of) Liked Me by Andrea Portes
Expected Publication: June 6th, 2017
From Goodreads:
Andrea Portes is back with a fast-paced, super-fun spy novel, told in her signature snarky, voice-driven style.

What is a hero? Paige Nolan knows.

Edward Raynes, the young man who exposed America’s unconstitutional spying techniques, is a hero, even if half the dum-dums in the country think he’s a traitor. Or her parents, journalists who were captured by terrorists while telling stories of the endangered and oppressed. They were heroes, too. Were. . . or are—no one has ever told Paige if they’re still alive, or dead.

Not heroes? Anyone in the government who abandoned her parents, letting them rot somewhere halfway across the world. And certainly not Paige herself, who despite her fluency in five languages and mastery of several obscure martial arts (thanks, Mom!) could do nothing to save them.

Couldn’t, that is, until she’s approached by Madden Carter, an undercover operative who gives her a mission—fly to Russia, find Raynes, and discover what other government secrets he’s stockpiled. In exchange, he’ll reopen the case on her missing parents. She’s given a code name and a cover as a foreign exchange student.

Who is a hero? Not Paige Nolan, but maybe, just maybe, Liberty is. 

Oh, oh, oh, the books coming out on June 6th! I can't wait to read them, they look absolutely fantastic! What about you guys? Happy reading!