Saturday, February 27, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up February 20th-26th



This week I managed to read four books. All were physical books; one a graphic novel and one an ARC.

How to Repair a Mechanical Heart by J.C. Lillis ****
Review to come.


Robot Dreams by Sara Varon *****
If you were ever under the impression that a children's graphic novel about a dog and robot could be anything but emotional, you'd be wrong.


A Gathering of Shadows(Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab ****.5
Review to come.


The Power(Titan #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout ****.5
Review to come.


A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on


A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on

A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on


What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Friday, February 26, 2016

Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab


A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: February 24th, 2015
Pages: 398
Series: Shades of Magic #1
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4/5

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit. 


Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London—but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—trickier than they hoped.


Better late than never, but I finally arrived to this party. And what an awesome party it is. But this is also a party I'm finding hard to review. I pretty much don't know how to do it without spoiling something.So I figure I'll just do a list of my favourite bits. First though, the only reason A Darker Shade of Magic didn't get a five star is because every time I put it down I wasn't exactly compelled to pick it up right away. I loved it as I was reading it, but wasn't really thinking about it when I wasn't. That might just be on my reading mood, or maybe it wasn't.

- The Londons are done in such a clever way. I know parallel universes isn't something new. But I love how each London was so different in many ways. And that travel between the Londons is done in the most realistic way. Kell couldn't just jump around wherever he wanted; there are rules which never made anything convenient for Kell. The Londons are fully developed characters with their own distinct personalities. Essentially they are the heart of the story. 

- The magic system incorporated the elements, which is one of my favourite magical tropes. But what I really liked is how the magic is said to be wild and everywhere in the world and through a person. How controlling it isn't in what you say or do, it's like an open door that is always changing. Whenever Kell would explain magic to someone his explanations would change in subtle ways because magic is not one thing and it takes a lot to control it.

- Kell, my precious Kell. My broody precious Kell. Being one of kind(for the most part) will shows through in his loneliness. It's one of those things where you're not alone but you feel lonely. It's hard for Kell to feel like even Rhy can understand his responsibilities and his usefulness to Red London. I really hope we come to get his backstory, even though Kell is unsure of his own history, I feel like it's needed to help Kell survive.

- Lila Bard, a cross dressing thief. She's reckless, a little insane and kind of my new hero. She's distrustful and trusting all at once. She's a complicated women and that is what makes her so compelling. And possibly her unknown and mysterious story.

- Rhy, the charming prince. And man am I utterly charmed. There is no way not to be taken by Rhy. He's entertainment and sadness all rolled together. And trying to explain that would spoil Rhy. His relationship with Kell is powerful. And thank you Schwab for including a bi-sexual character and for that never being questioned. Just accepted.
- Banter. Banter everywhere, It's glorious!

- Villains are villainous. Some are the kind where you want to like and possibly trust and some are just bad. 

- A Darker Shade of Magic is essentially coat porn. Not only Kell's amazing never ending sided coat; which what and where can I get one? Schwab clearly has a thing for coats and can describe in detail every coat in the book and have you drooling. It's actually quite the visceral experience.

- Which brings me back to the world building and how wonderful it is. It's that great kind of world building where it's effortlessly weaved into the story as you visit or learn about the world. Having the multiple worlds could have easily become overwhelming, but that was never the case. There is distinction and visceral descriptions where I had no problem imagining the world(s).

A Darker Shade of Magic is simply a treasure of a book. A great start to a trilogy that is only going to be epic.


Happy reading!

Brittany


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

WELCOME A GRAY DAY

One
morning
you stare
outside the
window
at the
gray ice dripping in
blips and blops
onto the brown lawn
and you think "My God, this has to be
the worst weather in all the world,"
and as soon as you think that,
you go WOAHHHHHHHH
you stop
and think
be grateful
for this water
that falls
so freely
and
plentifully
from
the heavens
so many people
in so many places are
dying of thirst and
drought.

There was a news story not long ago about some poor rural communities not far from Los Angeles where there is no groundwater at all, water has to be delivered by truck, each family faces such severe restrictions and has so few gallons a month that among other things they re-use dirty gray dish water to bathe.

Just
say
thanks
and stay in
gratitude
and
close
your
eyes
and
picture
the green
spring
that
awaits us
picture
those
lush
and
splendid
tulips
that
you are
fortunate
enough
to grow.




Miniviews #29: You & Blackhearts


You by Caroline Kepnes
Publisher:
Atria
Publication Date: September 30th, 2014
Pages: 422
Series: You #1
Source: Purchased
Rating: 2.5/5
Add to Goodreads
Well something I quickly discovered about myself well reading, You is that I don't have anywhere near enough patience to become a proper stalker. So you're welcome world. Another thing I found out is that a lot of readers are just as confused as I am for finding someone as messed up as Joe as utterly compelling and charming. Joe is the driving force behind this novel. I'm pretty sure you're supposed to like him well feeling disgusted with yourself for liking a murderer with a pretty serious stalking problem. Joe knows how to be who he needs to be to get what he wants. His witty thoughts are exactly what most of us are thinking. Beyond that he's fucking hilarious, especially when he's doing those illegal things. Whatever, it's fiction and I'm allowed to like him. So Joe was great, but I cannot say that about everything else. Beck(the girl Joe is stalking) is a fake, pretentious screwed up moron. I loathe her. Every single email she sent(that Joe would read like a good stalker) to her friends, every single time she called Joe, anything that had her and Joe connected actually had me feeling bad for the guy because she was using him; playing him. And what! He's stalking her, it should be the other way around. Nope, I actually felt that Beck was a worse person than Joe. And really Joe could have picked someone so much better to stalk and love.
The pacing was my biggest issue. A third of the pages could have been cut out. It was way to long. So of course that makes the book drag. And I lose interest and patience; which comes back to not having the patience Joe shows through many a pages. The second person narrative was different. But I never had that unsettling or creeped out feeling that it should have given me, and that was just a let down as that's the whole idea behind You being in second person; feeling like Joe is in your face.
I can see the hype behind You. I get it. Joe makes you route for an ultimately bad person. But he just wasn't enough to make me need to tear through the book.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: February 9th, 2016
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher **I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Rating: 4/5
Well this is truly a Blackbeard origin story. I knew that going in. Just not to the degree of Blackbeard not being known as Blackbeard, or to not even be at sea. But there you have it, Blackhearts is a love story that eventually produced when of the most notorious pirates. Well Castroman's take on that bit of history. So getting over that hump of no pirates and sea adventures, Blackhearts turned out to be a pretty good historical romance. That's how I ended up reading it anyhow. It definitely has all the scandal an intrigue that comes with a historical romantic backdrop. Edward is returning home to his wealthy merchant father and his "chosen" betrothed. Anne is the maid holding a big secret well trying to escape to freedom. Any relationship that develops just screams recipe for disaster. I mean it's already spelled out with the name of Blackbeard's/Edward's future ship. I like how their relationship started off on a mutual annoyance to realizing that they both craved freedom(which the open sea provides). Anne has a natural sassy-ness. Edward is naturally protective with an underlying darker side.
What I thought added a great layer to the story is Anne being of mixed ethnicity. Which is obviously something you would never see back then. Castroman could have made Anne just another poor white girl and based on the time period I know I would have thought nothing of it. But by not, there was more to Anne and her surroundings; how people reacted to her, whether just staring, being disgusted or the few that didn't continue to notice.
The setting of Bristol drew me right in. Not only am I sucker for a seaside town, but I also have family routes there. So you know, it's close to my heart.
As you might imagine Edward and Anne are not in for an easy love. Blackhearts can definitely stand alone, as I believe it's meant to. But we were just getting to the good stuff, adventure and piracy, so I can only hope there's more to come on the horizon.


Happy reading!

Brittany

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up February 13th-19th


This week I managed to read four books. All physical books; one being a re-read and one being a review book(and three of them taking me to long to read).


A Darker Shade of Magic(Shades of Magic #1) by V.E. Schwab ****
Review to come, I promise.


Hero by Samantha Young *****(re-read)
I was taking tooooo long with the books I was currently reading. So I decided a favourite romance was much needed. This is still my favourite of Young's books.


You(You #1) by Caroline Kepnes **.5
Review to come.


Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman ****
Review to come.


A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on



A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on


What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Sunday, February 14, 2016

IN YOUR HEART


BREATHING LOVE

IMAGINE IT STARTING AT THE BASE OF YOUR SPINE.
FEEL THE WAY THE BREATH RISES SLOWLY,
ALL THE WAY UP YOUR BACK
TO
YOUR CROWN.

STOP FOR A MOMENT. 
WATCH THE BREATH GLOWING THERE
IN WHATEVER COLOR YOU CHOOSE.
NOW  SEE THE BREATH
AS IT DROPS SLOWLY
SLOWLY DESCENDING
THROUGH YOUR FOREHEAD AND
YOUR NOSE AND CHIN AND DOWN
INTO YOUR HEART, WHERE THE LIGHT OF THE BREATH
GROWS BRIGHTER AND BRIGHTER.
THE GLOWNG LIGHT TURNS AND TURNS 
INTO A SOFT FLAME
THAT CARESSES YOU WITH LOVE

AS YOU BREATHE IN
AND OUT
KEEP BRINGING
MORE ATTENTION
BACK TO THE HEART
BACK TO THE LIGHT
BACK TO WHERE YOU ARE
IMMERSED IN ALL THE LOVE
YOU CAN POSSIBLY FEEL.


Showcase Sunday #98

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme held by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It allows fellow bloggers to show off any books or bookish things they've compiled over the week.

Hahaha. I don't even know in what world I thought I could go without buying many books. Obviously some alternate world that I live in. *shrugs* I did let these guys pile up for a few weeks, so at least it's not just a weeks worth of books... And out of the ones I purchased I had either read them previously and just needed a finish copy or I read them upon arrival in my hands. So there's that.
I'm so extremely excited for the review books I received. Especially The King Slayer. It isn't out until June but I might just need to read it sooner because the first book was such a wonderful surprise. 
.

Purchased

Kings Rising(Captive Prince #3) by C.S. Pacat| Killer Instinct(The Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig

Kindle Purchased

Netgalley


Review

The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone| The King Slayer(The Witch Hunter #2) by Virginia Boecker| Asking For It by Louise O'Neill
**Thanks so much to HBG Canada**

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
**Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster Canada**

Gifted

Say You Will by Eric Walters| The Inventor's Secret(#1) by Andrea Cremer| The Islands at the End of the World(#1) by Austin Aslan
**Thanks so much to Giselle @Book nerd Canada**

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
**Thanks so much to Juhina @Maji Bookshelf**

What did you guys get this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up February 6th-12th


This week I managed to read five books. All physical books; two of the re-reads.


Captive Prince(Captive Prince #1) by C.S. Pacat ****
This trilogy is one that is quietly well loved. And when I heard about it being a M/M romantic fantasy, I was all gimmie, gimmie, gimmie. Now this was a lot darker than I was expecting. Slavery(mostly pleasure slaves) and having human pets is the norm in one kingdom. So you can guess where rape and abuse comes in. Nothing was ever romanticized. In fact it was all there to make the reader feel uncomfortable. Like I said, it just made the book a lot darker and raw. Now Damen and Laurent are literally everything to me. They are my new OTP. Even with Captive Prince not giving me the good stuff. Their hate, arguments and banter was like many intense rounds of foreplay. I love a good hate to love relationship. Especially between two characters like Damen and Laurent.


Disarm(Disarm #1-6) by June Gray ****(re-read)
I didn't mean to re-read this, but I came across a short story or something and it made me need to pick this book up. #shrugs


Arrest(Disarm #7) by June Gray ***(re-read)
Although I think this "series" is a solid military romance; this book is a tad bit overly dramatic. But still good.


Prince's Gambit(Captive Prince #2) by C.S. Pacat ****
This was going to be a 3 star until the last quarter or so. Holy shit things got real, real fast. For the most part the book was really dragging, but Pacat, man, she really knew how to get me to keep reading. And can we talk about chapter 19. Just lovely. Yup, let's go with that, lovely.... *fans self*


Kings Rising(Captive Prince #3) by C.S. Pacat ****
I'm so glad I binged this trilogy. I really think it made it that more intense of read. Rather than having to wait and letting the shock wear off. Book three was definitely my favourite. The build up to Damen and Laurent's big conflict was done really well; lots of cunning planning, secrets and betrayals. But let's be real, I was fully reading these books for Damen and Laurent and their relationship. My heart. Even being two very different men with two very different futures, when together it's intense, tender and quite beautiful. I was really dreading the end because in my mind there should have been no way, that if both survived the battle for their thrones, that they could be together. Which is just depressing. They are meant to be together, Goddammit. Although the trilogy didn't blow me away, it is a solidly engaging, beautifully written series of books that pull a bit from Greek history that also offer a unique and hot romance in a day where there is a lot of sameness.











A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on

A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on


What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up January 30th-February 5th


Oh hey, the lazy blogger here. I'm having this thing where I'm having no problem reading, but I can't bring myself to write reviews. I'm pretty sure it's laziness.
I did manage to read seven books this week. One e-book novella. Six physical books; one being a graphic novel and two re-reads.


Bad Romeo(Starcrossed #1) by Leisa Rayven *****(re-read)
The short film was being filmed this past week and it made me NEED to revisit this amazing duology.


Broken Juliet(Starcrossed #2) by Leisa Rayven *****(re-read)
#cassieandethanforlife


A Very Bad Romeo Christmas(Starcrossed #2.5) by Leisa Rayven *****
A super fun novella taking place after Broken Juliet. Loves it!


The Naturals(The Naturals #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ****
Samantha got me this for Christmas, and I can honestly say that if she hadn't I probably would have never picked it up. Which sucks, but thanks Sam. This is totally a YA version of Criminal Minds; which I love. There was a super cool paranormal like element to the story that made it fun. I am totally into getting into the psyche of a killer. It's interesting. And The Naturals does a good job exploring the complexities that drive someone to murder. The love triangle was a little off putting only because it was cliched. BUT I will say that it didn't take over the story, and the characters didn't let it drive them. They were like whatever, we have work to do. No time for this right now. You don't get that much in YA. Will definitely be picking up the sequel soonish.


Stars Above(Lunar Chronicles novella bind-up) by Marissa Meyer *****
You guys should be proud of me for not skipping to the end and reading The Wedding first. Doesn't mean I wasn't antsy the whole time. The Wedding made my little heart so happy. This whole book just made me happy. Just getting to re-visit this series in any way is something I love. But the Thorne novella? Aces, how can I marry the guy?

Wicked Sexy Liar(Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren ****
So, although I had fun reading this one, and really liked Luke and London, some things with this book just felt off for me. Yea, I gave it a four star, because I base it off my fun factor. And there's no way I won't devour a Christina Lauren book. But the pacing was just off on this one; I don't even know if I'd call it insta-love because it wasn't. It's just that I found it hard to believe that they loved each other after a month when they slept together a few times and hung out a few more times. And it pissed me off that Luke was being shamed for sleeping around. He was never a dick about it. But on the other hand I like that he stood up for himself and was like yo, I like sex and I'm young it's all good. Besides that, London was a cool girl and Luke was a fun guy. So it made for a fun romcom. Sad that this set of characters book series has come to an end. But, you know me, I re-read like it's my job(I wish it were...).

Amulet Vol 7: Firelight by Kazu Kibuishi **
I've been waiting for what feels like years for this volume. So of course I was ecstatic when I scored myself an ARC. This is a fun middle grade portal fantasy. It's got a great cast of characters. But this volume was a let down. The story really dragged. And there was nothing moving the plot forward until the very end. I love me a long series, but I really don't think this one needed to be 7+ volumes(there's going to be at least another one). Everything needs to happen already. The long wait between volumes had me losing interest and after this mediocre volume I'm afraid of losing even more.





A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on








What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Friday, February 5, 2016

An Open Letter to Serena Williams

to win the Australian Open. 

By Dr. Mel Waldman

Dear Serena Williams:
During the 2016 Australian Open, a mammoth snowstorm swept across the U.S.A. The deep snow covered New York City while you and the other players played in the sprawling heat of the Australian summer. And with the 16-hour time difference, I often watched matches in the middle of the night throughout the 2-week period.
You see, I am an aficionado of tennis. Although I haven’t played tennis since the early nineties, and in my heyday was only an adept amateur player, I am now a passionate voyeur. My hungry eyes swallow the rapid sweeping movements of the tennis balls and the cheetah-like motion of the players. I taste and breathe the sultry landscape of the game. Indeed, I devour tennis as if it were my Last Supper.
And I thank you and your sister Venus for feeding American women’s tennis with female power, intelligence, and grace and transforming the game into a transcendent sport and art. I am thankful and joyous.
For most of your 2016 Australian Open, you played at the top of your game and were in the zone. The night before your final, I drank soothing sizzling hot coffee at a Brooklyn Dunkin’ Donuts and told my friends, “I believe Serena Williams is the greatest female tennis player of all time.” One of my friends disagreed and we got into a passionate debate. An hour later, neither one of us changed his opinion. We agreed to disagree and wished each other well.
The day of the final I thought about the 2015 U.S. Open and how Roberta Vinci had defeated you in the semifinals. This loss had not changed my perception of you. Your outstanding record speaks for itself. You have nothing to prove to me or any other human being. Great players have bad days too. On any given day, anything is possible.
The night of the final, my wife Michelle, a long-time fan of yours, told me she’d watch the second half of the match. “I want to see Serena win. Tell me when she’s winning. I’ll watch her win and get her trophy.”
I turned the TV on at 3 A.M. The match started about 3:30 A.M. I watched the match alone. During the 1st set, I became concerned. But after you lost the 1stset, you won the 2nd. “Serena won the 2nd set,” I cried out. “Wonderful!” my wife shouted from the bathroom.
Serena’s in the zone, I thought. But then you struggled in the 3rd set and Angelique Kerber
won the Australian Open.
“Serena lost, Michelle,” I said mournfully.
“Oh, no!” she said with disbelief.
During the trophy presentation, you were gracious and generous toward Angelique.
Before going to bed, my wife said, “Serena’s a great champ and a beautiful person.”
I stayed up for a few hours and thought about the final. Now, days later, I am writing this letter. Why? This is my gift to you, Serena Williams, the greatest female tennis player of all time.
I have created a short spiritual and psychological guide to your winning your 22ndGrand Slam singles title and tying Steffi Graf’s record. Please read and enjoy.
1. THINK, FEEL, AND VISUALIZE THE END YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE IN A TOTAL, HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE.
Begin at the end and imagine it is a reality now. Everyday, summon all the sensory memories of the 21 Grand Slam finals you won. In your creative mind, re-experience and relive the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and spirituality of joy and success. Hold and caress your 21 Grand Slam singles titles trophies. Ask your team to help you recall and evoke the reality of winning the final.
2. CONNECT TO THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE.
Everyday, find a quiet place and meditate in silence. Empty your mind of all negative thoughts and emotions. Rediscover a place of serenity. Think, feel, and visualize holistic memories and sensory images of beauty, love, and peace. Let go and immerse yourself in this beautiful place of serenity. Return to this place in your mind as often as possible.
3. CHOOSE A MANTRA.
It is a soothing sound, word, or phrase that is repeated by someone meditating or praying. A mantra connects you to the Source of all life. (OM is an example of a mantra.)
4. AFFIRM AND FEEL YOUR TRUE IDENTITY.
Everyday, immerse yourself in I AM.
I AM beautiful.
I AM loving. .
I AM joyous.
I AM peaceful.
I AM blessed.
I AM powerful.
I AM free.
I AM one with the Source of all life.
Create I AM statements of positive thoughts and emotions. Think and feel and fully experience your I AM Identity.
5. UNITE POWER AND LOVE IN YOUR MIND when playing tennis in the Grand Slam Final.
In my poem about Andrea Jaeger entitled The Habit of Love, I wrote, “What is the spiritual flow of a tennis ball rushing at you at 100+ miles per hour?” Former tennis champ Andrea Jaeger became Sister Andrea Jaeger, a Dominican nun in the Episcopal Church. At 16, she was Number 2 in the world. At 19, her career was over after having 7 surgeries. She didn’t want to be Number 1 because she could not find love and compassion in tennis. She turned to the Church to express and fulfill her love.
Yet I believe that a dialectical union of power and love is possible and necessary for ultimate success. When you return to the finals, imagine you are in a place of serenity, an inner landscape of peace and love, and your game will flow naturally. You will be powerful and triumphant.
6. REPLACE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS WITH POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS.
Everyday, think, feel, and visualize and return to a place of serenity. Recondition your mind so that on any given day, when playing tennis, you can summon and evoke a meditative, trancelike state of optimal performance.
7. FINALLY, ADDRESS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM-your conscious and unconscious resistance to winning your 22ndGrand Slam singles title.
I believe the pressure for you to always be great and perfect is a terrible burden. Your world-wide fans love you but expect you to win every time you play tennis. Are they kidding? You’re a human being like the rest of us. Sometimes you’re in the zone and win easily. Other times, you’re not in top form but win with much effort and will power. But some days, your game doesn’t flow, you struggle and fight yourself and lose. That’s okay too! Losing sometimes can be liberating. Failure may free you and lead to success.
When you’re ready to win, you will obliterate your doubts and conflicts, make peace with yourself, and believe.
Please consider my suggestions for winning. Rediscover a place of serenity and win from a beautiful place of love and peace. With love, your game will flow majestically with the power of the Source of all life.
 Sincerely,
Dr. Mel Waldman 
Dr. Waldman is a Brooklyn-based psychologist as well as a self-proclaimed poet, writer and dreamer.