Top 5 Books Read in 2017

2017 I read a lot of books; way more than usual. Usually I'm around 52-60. This year I blew that out of the water with over 100 books read!! I absolutely surprised myself. Now, most of these were audiobooks, so I wasn't physically reading which helped as I am a slow reader. (Trying to get faster at reading because there are soooo many books out there to be read. Including the close to 100 on my TBR.)

5.

Balanced on the Blade's Edge
By Lindsay Buroker

I don't remember when I read this, but I do remember the story. It has stuck with me it was that good. I was also grateful I had the next 2 books in the series because I jumped right to them when I was done.







4.

The Hundredth Queen
By Emily R King

I would not want to be a girl living in this world. But the writing was just fantastic! I will have to give in and get the second book soon because I'm not going to be able to wait much longer. I've been trying to be good though since my TBR is probably close to 100 books and I don't own the second book. The problem is not knowing what happens next is slowly eating away at my soul!





3.

Fledgling (Dragonrider Chronicles: Book 1)
By Nicole Conway

I listened to the audiobook of this back in April and just about died it was so good! I attempted to find another book to listen to but couldn't. I just had to see what happened next. I ended up getting and listening to all 4 books in the series back to back and marathoned the books. The raving in the YouTube video, possibly videos, yeah that was real. I loved them that much!





2.

Firstlife
By Gena Showalter

This is one of the books I listened to while training for a 5K run. I was still listening to this when it came time for my first actual 5K race. I was so distracted by the story, I didn't realize I ran most of the 5K!! I had never even done that while training. The story was so unique to me I think it allowed me to keep the perfect pace for myself and allowed me to run most of the race. This book will always hold a special place in my heart.




1.

Secondborn
By Amy A. Bartol

I very much enjoyed this book. I hadn't read something like this before. I did not want to put this book down. There were times I had to for meetings or because I was working on something a little more complex, but I didn't want to. I wanted to be a like a child again and put off the things I had to do and just read. (When I was younger I never wanted to read, but I also didn't want to do my homework.) I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out in April of 2018.



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Sunday Post #2 - December 24, 2017

Work has still been crazy! It's not showing signs of slowing down either. This last week I finalized 2 reports which took entirely too long to do. Our Marketing Department at work is also in the midst of basically an overhaul on a lot of the advertisements they have, so a co-worker and I have had our hands full reviewing the advertisements. It seems they are just flying in on fighter jets or something because they come at us so fast. Get one overhauled piece reviewed, there's another one waiting in the wings. Plus there are the regularly scheduled advertisements.

It didn't help I got a cold on Tuesday. Thank goodness I seem to have kicked it already. I still have a stuffed up nose, but at least I can breathe most of the time. I'm not filling my trash cans with used Kleenex. (Eeewww.) Then our dog got sick as well on Wednesday. So he is now on drugs I have to give him with each meal. My husband is currently the only person in our house not sick yet. (Crap, need to go knock on some wood now. Hope I did that in time, wouldn't want to have hexed it.)

So, COYER has been going for one week now, and I haven't finished one book yet! I haven't picked up my eBook at all. I did start My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni in audiobook format. The eBook I think I've been trying to finish for like 2 months now is Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller. I feel like I'm barely into it and it's still calling my name, I just haven't been able to pick it up at all. I'm getting quite frustrated about it too. Of course, if I hadn't watched YouTube videos while having breakfast, I could have read a few more pages at least. I'm going to go rectify this and go read some while I still can before the madness of the holidays fully hits (we still have presents to wrap 🤪).

Recapping Last Week
Tuesday - December 21, 2017: Book Review - The Secret Garden
Saturday - December 9, 2017: YouTube - 2017 Reading Wrap Up & 2018 Reading Goals

Coming This Week
Tuesday - December 26, 2017 - Top 5 Favorite Books Read in 2017
Saturday - December 16, 2017 - YouTube: 5 Book Releases I'm Most Looking Forward To

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly at The Caffeinated Reviewer.

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

Book Review: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Title: The Secret Garden
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Format: audiobook (Audible)
Narrator: Victoria McGee
Publisher: Trout Lake Media

As a child I was given a movie version of The Secret Garden. I watched it over and over and over again. As an adult I found out the movie was based on a book and I decided I wanted to read it, and I finally did.

While reading this book I kept thinking back to the movie I continuously watched when I was younger. This book brought back all kinds of memories.

The story follows a young girl who was spoiled growing up because her parents didn't want her, and didn't want to hear her crying. The servants in charge of her care gave her anything she wanted for fear of her mother. Then a great sickness hits the village and the household including her parents are killed, somehow she survives and is taken to her guardian's.

Life at her guardian's house is not much better. The house is a mansion with hundreds of rooms not in use, but she is not able to explore any of them. She is to stay in her room or go play outside, but there are also really no toys. There is also a weird howling that can be heard in the house from time to time. She's told it's nothing but the wind, but she knows better.

The howling turns out to be a cousin of hers, but he doesn't walk. He's been sickly and has refused to even try. The two end up helping each other grow and become better.

It's interesting how the two work off each other, and help each other grow. The friends they make along the way are great too. The friends even help them learn to make friends and show them things about themselves they would have never realized because they have both been given basically everything they ask for in fear of their tantrums.

The amount of growth they each go through in such a short time is amazing. And their growth even helps the guardian's view of life. Her guardian is a hunchback and doesn't see much point in life since his wife died giving birth. He also doesn't give much attention to his son since he reminds him of his wife.

This is an excellent classic book, and I would recommend you check it out.

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

The COYER Winter Switch Reading Challenge

I recently found of a reading challenge called COYER - Clean Out Your E-Reader. Coming up they are having a new challenge, running from December 16, 2017 - March 9, 2018. For this challenge you can choose either the regular COYER or doing COYER Switch which has 3 different components to it. You can read more about COYER over at coyerchallenge.com. I will be doing the Switch, and I'm going to try to focus on ebooks although you can also listen to audiobooks, except it's my ebooks that are piling up...figuratively speaking of course since ebooks are hard to physically pile.

From December 16, 2017 - January 12, 2018, is the first part of the COYER Switch. For this first part I will be doing The List. For this challenge I will be making a list of probably closer to 15 books, even though you can have up to 30 on your list. I don't read fast though, and while I know the electronic pile of books is tall, I don't want to feel overwhelmed. I'm very competitive and know I would push to read all 30 books that started on the list. For each 5 books you read from your list though, you can add 5 more. I feel this would be enough to give me options for reading.

The next run for the COYER Switch is January 13, 2018 - February 9, 2018. For this I will be doing The One with a Twist. This is easy enough, read any book, any price, obtained any legal way. The twist is sticking to one format. My focus will be ebooks, but this means any audiobooks I listen to won't count for this part of the challenge.

Finally, I will be doing the Strict, from February 10, 2018 - March 9, 2018. I chose this one for last because the books you read can not be borrowed from anyone or anyplace, or Kindle Unlimited, and need to be under $5.00. Many of the books I picture reading, or would like to read, are ones I've had for years such as Snow like Ashes. I know I did not purchase Snow like Ashes for under $5.00, but there are likely several that are. Since many of the books were purchased because they were free, $1.99, or $2.99. I'm not sure I know which all of these books are, so I need to allow myself plenty of time to go through my purchase history and make sure the books I read were purchased for less than $5.00.

You can follow me on my social media accounts to see how I'm doing. I'll also check in from time to time here on the blog. :-)

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

Sunday Post #1 - December 10, 2017

Work has been crazy! I haven't even been able to listen to an audiobook while working. I've been trying to go full force to get all the projects we have before the end of the year. Thankfully there's only a few left, but the year doesn't have long before it's gone either! Things got complicated when one of my coworkers lost her mother. Needless to say, she has been understandably not coming in. However, since her and I work most closely, I've been trying to be her in her absence. I don't know how she does it all. I've had a seriously hard time filling her shoes and have been bringing work home so I haven't been able to do a lot of reading.

My husband also got the crazy idea, now that it's freaking freezing, to paint our master bedroom. The house is a bit of a disaster area due to this, and as I've been doing most of the painting it's been hard to read. I'm grateful for the help I've received painting, but when someone is helping, it's hard to listen to an audiobook because there is usually a conversation that starts. (sigh) Being social is hard when there are hundreds of books calling my name. (I do think I am now up to 100 books I own and haven't read; if I'm not there I'm sure I'm close.)

Recapping Last Week
Sunday - December 3, 2017: YouTube - November Whimsify Box Unboxing
Tuesday - December 5, 2017: Book Review Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters
Saturday - December 9, 2017: YouTube - NaNoWriMo 2017 Vlog

Coming This Week
Tuesday - December 12, 2017 - COYER Winter Switch challenge announcement
Thursday - December 14,  2017 - Book Review (?) (This has not been set in stone and is subject to having time to finish a book...)
Saturday - December 16, 2017 - YouTube Top 5 New To Me Authors of 2017

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly at The Caffeinated Reviewer.

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Format: audiobook (Playster)
Narrator: Jesse Bernstein
Publisher: Listening Library

Camp Half-Blood is in trouble. The tree is dying, it's been poisoned. No one knows how to cure it. Without the tree, the protection the half-bloods have at Camp Half-Blood won't be there and they will be susceptible to attacks.

The leader of Camp Half-Blood has been replaced by someone who seems to not care the camp is dying and in serious trouble. Percy and Annabeth suggest a quest, but the quest goes to the camp bully, Clarisse.

Hermes has other plans, and encourages Percy, Annabeth, and Percy's newly found half-brother, Tyson, sneak out of camp and thanks to the fates who took them to camp, head off to the Bermuda Triangle.

Additionally, Percy is having dreams about Grover being in trouble. It turns out, Grover is being held captive exactly where Percy and Annabeth are heading, to obtain an item that can cure the tree and restore balance to the camp.

I found this story entertaining, and loved the chapter headings. There is humor throughout. This book, just like the first, will make you laugh. It may also make you think about your family and how you treat them...Percy has some issues with Tyson being claimed by his father Poseidon. Tyson is a Cyclops and no on at camp really accepts Tyson and calls him a monster; because Cyclops are monsters.

If you pick up this book, you will not be disappointed. There will be a smile on your face, and plenty of laughter to be had. I gave this book 4/5 stars.


You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

Book Review: Secondborn by Amy A Bartol

Title: Secondborn (Secondborn #1)
Author: Amy A Bartol
Format: audiobook via Audible
Narrator: Kate Reinders
Publisher: Brilliance Audio

This is one of those books, where after you finish the book, you scream nooo, and reach out like your 5 years old and all you need to do is reach far enough for more. Unfortunately, we have to wait for next year to get more, as the second book of the series isn't set to come out until April of 2018.

Amy A. Bartol does have other series out, and after reading this I will be checking them out sometime. Since this year is almost over, they may wait until next year though.

In the Secondborn universe, you can only have 2 children. Your first born takes you family name and family responsibilities. Your a Senator, your first child will take over as Senator. The second child is given up to fight a war. If your first child dies, the second will take over as your first. You can apply to be able to have a third, but you may not be approved to have another child.

Roselle is the second born daughter of The Sword, her mother runs the Sword faction. The Sword faction, as you can probably guess is good at fighting. Roselle's life has been televised since she was little, many want to be her, but this doesn't save her from her transition day. The day she is turned over to the government and becomes a soldier just like every other second born child.

Roselle is smarter than she looks, and she would make a far better Sword than her brother, or even her mother. This can be seen by her resourcefulness to overcome obstacles and get out of certain circumstances. Even Roselle though needs some help. On her transition day, on her way to the check in, her train is attacked. She is taken the rest of the way by a group of Secondborn soldiers. One of them turns out to be a love interest. Not right away, but he does help break her out and guide her on what things mean; such as someone asking for personal lessons from her, doesn't mean they want to see and learn her fighting abilities.

Roselle gets into some pretty tight and sticky situations, and it doesn't help a census agent is now watching her every move. He is ruthless and enjoys causing harm to others. He was a second born, but killed his older sibling. Now his parents have no choice but to accept him. His parents allow him to work in census hoping he will get over the urges he feels to cause others harm.

There is also a Rose Society developing, wanting to keep her alive and trying to move things to their favor to keep her from being killed. Something her mother would love, because she feels Roselle's existence threatens her first born. Her mother thinks Roselle is out to be the Sword, and if she could would kill her brother. This can't be further from the truth.

Roselle's life is not her own as everyone seems to have their own idea of where she would fit best, even if it means her death. Roselle is smart and cunning and manages to wiggle through, and stay alive.

I swear when I finished this book I started to scream. I had to quickly muffle my scream since I finished the book at home, but while my husband was sleeping. He wouldn't have understood if I suddenly screamed over a book. It was hard to rate this, knee jerk after finishing was to give it full stars, but I also don't feel a need to reread, or throw the book in everyone's hands. The action was never edge of your seat action, and even when things got hairy there was an element of calm. With that, I am giving this 4 stars out of 5.

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Book Review: Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalvan

Title: Until Tuesday
Authors: Luis Carlos Montalvan and Bret Witter
Format: eBook
Publisher: Hachette Books

Until Tuesday is both motivational and inspirational without being specifically a self help book or religious.

This is the story of Former Captain Luis Carlos Montalvan and a Golden Retriever named Tuesday. Tuesday is a service dog who ended up needing some help of his own after his experiences growing up as a puppy. He was part of a program called Puppies Behind Bars where people convicted of a crime and serving time in prison can train a dog to be a service dog. Each dog has to know certain tricks so they can help someone.

Tuesday went through a few trainers at the beginning through no fault of his own. His first trainer from Puppies Behind Bars was paroled, and from there once he learned all the tricks he needed from one trainer he moved to the next until finally being paired with Former Captain Luis Carlos Montalvan. Luis was injured in Iraq plus suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The two then slowly begin to help heal each other's wounds.

The book is well written, beginning with Tuesday in his puppy years and what he went through, and then goes to Luis and his first tour in Iraq. From there he leads right into his pairing with Tuesday and everything just flows together.

Reading about what this pair has been through and how hard they have fought to be where they are gives you strength to get through the day. Luis talks about his struggle with people not believing Tuesday is a service dog because most think a service dog only helps the blind. So he is continuously kicked out of stores and restaurants. People not seeing Tuesday as a service dog even messes with a date Luis goes on, as the bus driver did not want to let him on thinking Tuesday was a pet, and then the restaurant he took his date to, the greeter did not want to let him in because of the health risks.

What these people don't know is the daily grooming he must do for Tuesday so that he can take Tuesday in all these establishments. He even talks about one of the people who received their service dog the same time he did, and how they almost lost their dog because  it was believed they weren't taking good enough care of the dog.

This book is great for readers of all ages, it doesn't matter what genre is your favorite. You will love this book.

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Book Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Format: audiobook via Overdrive
Narrator: Carla Corvo, Lannon Killea
Publisher: Listening Library

We've all wished for special powers at some point or another. In The Young Elites children have special powers allowing them to change people's minds, or whip up a storm. But the rest of civilization is afraid of them, for obvious reasons. Who knows what they will use their abilities for. These abilities were received as a side effect of getting over something called the blood plague.

The story is interesting and touches on family relationships. When one person in the family has the blood plague and then gets an ability, does the family support them or turn them in to the inquisition to be killed. Like the Salem witch trials, there are those without abilities also being burned at the stake.

The family and friend dynamics are something else. The story also had me thinking about the consequences of our actions. How we do something thinking it's a good reason and for the best, only to have it blow in our faces, and we lose.

I found the story entertaining, and had me thinking about our lives here in the real world. I really like a book that gets me thinking about my actions and how I could possibly do or be better. This book is a definite recommendation to all fantasy lovers.

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

Review: Mage Slave by R.K. Thorne

Title: Mage Slave
Author: R.K. Thorne
Format: audiobook via Audible
Narrator: Tanya Eby
Publisher: Iron Antler Books

This book was surprisingly good! I was expecting something that was okay but entertaining. Instead I found something I really enjoyed and am looking forward to starting the next book.

In this world, in a certain town if you are born with magic, you are automatically enslaved. Whatever the masters order you to do, you are compelled to complete your task and return. So when ordered to kidnap a Prince, you must. Which is exactly what happens to Miara when she is ordered to kidnap Crown Prince Aven.

Crown Prince Aven has been hiding something though. He was born with magic. His parents have been working to hide his secret. Magic is not needed by a King, and so they don't train him in his powers.

The magic system is something a little new. Just like other magic systems I've seen, mages pull power from other things around them. But depending on the type of mage you are, determines what you are able to pull power from. There is a twist I haven't seen before, but also provides a key to the story unfolding. So I can't say anything more without giving a hint to the key in solving their problem, and may spoil some of the story.

I enjoyed the writing as well, transitions between following the two characters was seamless. When one passes out, you aren't thrust to the other character. You almost don't even realize the switch is happening.

I will definitely be picking up the next book as soon as I am able, and I recommend picking up Mage Slave if you are looking for a good Fantasy read.

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Review: The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Title: The Dream-Hunter
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Format: Audiobook via Audible
Narrator: Fred Berman
Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Dr. Megeara Kafieri doesn't believe in Atlantis. Or at least she didn't until her father passed away and she inherits 2 special items he dug up on one of his excursions to find Atlantis. These items were carbon dated to the time of Atlantis and made of an unknown material.

Arik lives in people's dreams. There is one person who he always looks for though when she sleeps, and goes so far as to draw her to the dream world. He looks for the great Dr. Megeara Kafieri. Something about her dreams gives him the emotions he is cursed to live without. Her emotions are always so livid they are like an addictive drug to him.

Arik has become so addicted to Dr. Megeara Kafieri he makes a deal with the devil - figuratively speaking - to become mortal. The deal he agrees to without knowing the full details is to exchange his mortality for Dr. Kafieri's soul.

Things get crazy when Arik, in an attempt to get to know Megeara better in the real world, gets her the permits she's been needing to go on a dive for where she believes Atlantis is. The Gods don't want her finding Atlantis though and things start getting hot...in more ways than one.

The story draws you in as there is always someone out for Arik or Megeara and you have to wonder how they will get out of it. The biggest one I can tell you about without spoiling, would be how is Arik going to settle his agreement to trade for his mortality in exchange for Drl Megeara Kafieri's soul.

The writing is typical Sherrilyn Kenyon, and the narration is another wonderful job by Fred Berman. If you pick up this book you won't regret it.

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Book Review: Once Dead by Richard Phillips

Title: Once Dead: A Rho Agenda Novel (Book 1)
Author: Richard Phillips
Format: Audiobook via Kindle Unlimited
Narrator: MacLeod Andrews
Publisher: 47North

The story follows Jack Gregory, who is the CIA's top assassin. That is until he becomes difficult to control and the CIA moves to kill him. While dying, an alien entity gives Jack an opportunity to live provided he serves as a human host. He takes the job of human host to the alien, and starts living simply as The Ripper. A fixer for hire.

I found this strangely engrossing. I usually don't necessarily go for a Sci-Fi but something about the synopsis drew me in, and I don't regret it. I finished this book actually a few months ago now, and I still find myself thinking about it and some of the great scenes.

This story is full of suspenseful action, and leaves you wondering what will happen next or how the characters are going to get out of their latest jam. And each event doesn't feel like some of the action movies do, where it's action just to be action, they actually go together and form a story. A story that has me wanting more, and I bet will do the same for you.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by MacLeod Andrews, he is a new favorite narrator for me. I loved how he manipulated his voice to become the various characters, and each voice seemed to somehow fit the character. I will definitely be looking for other books he's narrated.

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Review: The Trials of Apollo - The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

Title: The Trials of Apollo - The Hidden Oracle

Author: Rick Riordan

Format: Audiobook from Overdrive

Genre: YA Fantasy

This story was hard to get into, Apollo is kind of a self absorbed ass.

Apollo has done something to get on Zeus's bad side. As punishment Zeus has sent Apollo to Earth as a mortal. Apparently this has happened before and Apollo has kept some of his God powers, this time however Apollo has retained none of his powers. He even has a hard time remembering all his God like information about some of the enemies who cross his path.

Apollo must assist a half God. I'm not going to say much about this person, as they add some humor and I wouldn't want to spoil Rick's fun in writing this particular character. This character helped make the beginning bearable, and kept me going until things got a little better.

Turns out, campers from Camp Halfblood are going missing. Not only that but possibly due to Apollo, the God of Prophecy, being on Earth, there are no prophecies either. This means the campers don't have any quests to go on. It is up to Apollo, and his new friend to get prophecy back.

Overall, I'd give this story 3 stars, but do plan to start the second book soon. If you enjoy the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, you will definitely enjoy this story.


You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

You can also help support this Blog and use this link to Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited with a free trial. I will get a small commission if you use this link to sign up now for Kindle Unlimited. This is a service I can get behind, and enjoy using. I would never recommend something I don't myself use or support.

Review: The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King

It's hard to believe The Hundredth Queen is a debut novel, but it's true! I was hooked while listening to the audiobook of The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King.

In today's world we would never have one hundred wives, or husbands. But in this world, a king does exactly that. It was one of their gods who had done it first, and so as to not suffer any wrath, one hundred was the max number of wives and concubines any man could have. The one hundredth wife must be someone special, as special as the first since she will be the last.

Kalinda is an orphan ward of the Sisterhood. She would be seen as some as the luckiest girl, but she doesn't feel that way. She has been chosen by the king to be his hundredth wife. When she was younger, she was sick for an entire year, and fell behind in her training in weapon arts. She can use a slingshot, but put a sword in her hand and she's not nearly as skilled. Her lack of skill only makes scenes in the story more sweet for the reader.

Lauren Ezzo narrates this story. She does a wonderful job. As a listener, I truly felt the characters, likely more than if I had just read the story myself. I felt as if I was there, just a fly on the wall seeing and feeling everything unfold.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantasy book. There are elements that I would say make this stand out, but don't want to get into them as I'll likely spoil something trying to explain. So, please take my word that you will enjoy this book and go pick it up. I'll be picking up the next book in the series.

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

You can also help support this Blog and use this link to Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited with a free trial. I will get a small commission if you use this link to sign up now for Kindle Unlimited. This is a service I can get behind, and enjoy using. I would never recommend something I don't myself use or support.

July Wrap Up 2017

Books I Read

I've been on a kick for the In Death series which started at the end of June. It's continued and I listened to basically no other books but the In Death series. Up until the Booktubeathon. I just couldn't get my head into the other books. I usually go on kicks like this if I'm stressed. Connecting with Eve Dallas helps me keep the stress at bay, put things in perspective. Plus, I start trying to think like her.

Booktubeathon - Monday July 24 - Sunday July 30

During Booktubeathon I managed to read 2 books. The original books I had chosen were mostly physical, and 1 ebook. This was probably a mistake as these days my reading is mostly by audiobook. It allows me to continue working on things I have to get done, like projects for my office job. I ended up changing my book originally chosen for a hyped book, from Falling Kingdoms to The Hundredth Queen. I downloaded the book from Audible and listened to it mostly while at the office. I didn't quite finish a third, but was close enough I finished the book I had chosen for my book to read outside, which was my other original audiobook.

I threw out the challenges on the final day and managed to listen to most of Portrait in Death, but didn't quite finish during the readathon. I did however finish it the next day, and final day of July.


Currently Reading
I'm still working on Fall of the Dragon Prince by Dan Allen. Things are still crazy and I haven't finished an ebook or physical book really in forever it seems. The last one I did finish, I only did because it was due back at the library, and I'd only forced myself to finish because I couldn't renew it anymore. It was also supposed to help me on the journey I'd seriously like to take more than the trip to work each morning, and become a writer. I'm looking for the balance that doesn't mean I'm too tired to function in the morning, which is the only option I've seen but not followed. Since I've not followed this, I haven't done well at keeping up with this blog or the YouTube channel I started last year.

As I write this, I am listening to Remember When by Nora Roberts and J D Robb. This sounds weird to say since J D Robb is the pen name for Nora Roberts. Plus you're probably wondering how I can think about what I'm typing and what I'm listening to at the same time. I can't really answer that. My boss is still wondering the same thing, but doesn't really question it since I get my work done and have a quality record.

Books I'm looking forward to reading in August
I'm half tempted to get back to reading the books I already own, rather than rereading a favorite series...only half tempted. We'll see where that goes. I don't have any specific books I'm looking forward to, honestly haven't thought about it.

Happy Reading!! :-)

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

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Booktubeathon Wrap Up - Summer 2017

I participated in the Booktubeathon which took place from Monday, July 24 - Sunday, July 30. Instead of 7 books, which honestly I knew I had very little chance of reading all 7 due to work, I did manage to read 2 full books, and made good progress on a 3rd and 4th. In fact, I finished one of them the day after the Booktueathon finished.

I finished my, what I call the freebee book, which was the audiobook of Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I also finished a hyped book, which I changed during the readathon from Falling Kingdoms to The Hundredth Queen by Emily R King. These are the only books I finished during the readathon.

I made good progress on Fall of the Dragon Prince by Dan Allen. I'm about half through. Now I just need to find time to finish it. I totally want to. I'm totally hooked. It sounds weird to say, and even I sometimes feel as if I must not actually mean it. But I can't work and read an ebook at the same time. Reading a few minutes - literally maybe 15-30 - each morning only gets so far.  And with how good the book is, I don't want to put it down after that little bit. It's torture! So I'm biding my time until I can have more than just those few minutes. I purposely put work to the side for the week at times, using the readathon as an excuse. (Gosh I love my boss.)

The book I finished the day after the readathon completed was the audiobook of Portrait in Death by J D Robb. I had chosen this as my book to be read outside. On the last day, in an attempt to finish one more book, I put that to the side and just tried to finish the book. I was mostly finished, and so even though it was another busy work day on Monday, I managed to get a few hours in which was all it took.

And that was basically my readathon. I'll post the Vlog of my time sometime this week on YouTube. I just need to get a chance to edit the footage and put it all together.

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Book Review: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake follows three sisters, that must fight each other to the death to be queen. Each has a special affinity, poison, elemental, and naturalist. Each are raised by different families so they can best learn their abilities. This story follows them as they prepare for a special feast where they show off their abilities, and then the battle will begin.

I found this book very dull. I guessed what was left to be revealed at the end less than an hour into the audiobook. I stuck with it waiting for this fantastic story everyone was talking about. Instead there was no battle really, just a game of chess with humans. Everyone trying to outsmart the other, and it's not a very entertaining game of chess either.

I kept listening waiting for the characters to catch on to what I had already guessed. It just became aggravating when they didn't, and I felt like I was being dragged along. I never felt connected to any of the characters. This may have been due to me expecting something that took the entire book to be confirmed for the reader.

At the very least, the narrator Amy Landon, did a good job of telling the story. She did some great voices for the characters, and that did help lessen the dragging feeling. But it wasn't enough to get rid of the dragging feeling entirely. I would be very willing to try another audiobook narrated by her.

Overall, I did not really enjoy this story and would not recommend this. I gave the book a 2 star rating on Goodreads. I will certainly not be continuing this series.



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June Wrap Up

Books I Read

• Blood Magick (Book 3 Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy) by Nora Roberts
• The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson
• Shadow Spell (Book 2 Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy) by Nora Roberts
• Naked in Death (Book 1 In Death series) by Nora Roberts
• Glory in Death (Book 2 In Death series) by Nora Roberts

Currently Reading

• Audiobook: Ceremony In Death (Book 4 In Death series) by Nora Roberts
• eBook: Fall of the Dragon Prince by Dan Allen

Books I'm looking forward to reading in July

• I'm hoping to finish Fall of the Dragon Prince. Life got kind of impossible to do much outside of work. I wish I had more time because this book is soooo hard to put down. I only put it down if I have to, and I would love to just sit and finish it. If life wasn't so hectic right now, I bet I would have finished this in one sitting.
• I would love to start Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. Since my Friday Reads post, and books looking forward to. Things are too hectic right now, and I can't renew the other book I got from the library; and if I must be honest with myself, Falling Kingdoms is higher on my list. So the other library book will likely go back, unread, but I will check it out sometime in the future.
• I am still stressed, but we've now hired someone for my old position. So I will be training them this month, and hopefully they will be mostly self sufficient by the end so I can really get back to reading, and posting my reviews. In the meantime, keeping me going, I will likely continue relistening to the In Death books by J D Robb aka Nora Roberts.

Happy Reading!! :-)

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Friday Reads - June 30, 2017

Recently finished...

Currently reading...

Currently listening to...

Reading next...

I'm not sure why, but when I checked out Duct Tape Marketing from my local library, I also grabbed this one from my TBR list on Goodreads. I have plenty of books here at home, but decided to get this one too. So I'm likely to read this next before it needs to go back.

Next audiobook...

I've been stressed lately, and the In Death series has over 40 books. To add to this, I haven't read the first few in a while. So I seem to be running through the start of the series again, and it's helping.

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Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Poison Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Format: Audiobook

Summary:

Murder, mayhem and magic…

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.

My thoughts:

I very much enjoyed this story. I found the main character interesting in her accepting of killing a man, and yet not claiming self defense even though in the eyes of the law in the story, she was still guilty and would be sentenced to death. 

She finds a much needed friend in the trusted Commander's kind of, secret agent. He is a spy master and becomes someone we can trust; and even though he is someone who reports to the Commander, and keeps the law he's very understanding. He knows how to play things so that he doesn't have to break the law, but at the same time can still stop things, and keep the Commander and others safe.

Some in the Commander's house don't appreciate her, or think because she's already killed, she's going to kill again and is just biding her time. There are a few who trust her, and become her friends. It's amazing to watch these friendships develop. Her adventures are fun to experience. As a reader I felt I was in her head as things are happening, and things unravel.

If you enjoy a good fantasy, with some interesting adventures, and tests of loyalty, I think you'll enjoy this book.

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Review: Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

Title: Stormdancer
Author: Jay Kristoff
Format: Audiobook

Summary:

A DYING LAND
The shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever.

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST
The hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their Shogun to capture a thunder tiger - a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shogun is death.

A HIDDEN GIFT
Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shogun's hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima's last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, and she knows for certain is he'd rather see her dead than help her.

But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

My thoughts:

I did not want to put this book down, I felt the story was amazing. There were times I could almost feel like there was a dance going on with the characters in the book, which only made me love the story more.

I enjoyed the take on pollution, and needing to do something to save their city. They were making their own pollution as a form of control. I thought this was a unique way of looking at a pollution problem.

I became connected to the main character. I've sometimes wished I could talk with animals and know what they were thinking. She doesn't have to wonder about this though, because she can talk to animals. This ability helps her, and even saves her life.

I would definitely recommend this story. If you loved Illuminae, you will love this story too.

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Wrap Up May 2017

Books Read:

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas: I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I listened to the audiobook and could not (okay there were points I had to, but I didn't want to) stop reading.

This is the final book in the Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy. It's upsetting to say goodbye to our friends, but this is so awesome I forgot it was the last book. 

In the second book Feyre returned to the Spring Court to play spy. In this book she is playing her little game in the Spring Court. Avoiding spoilers if you by chance have not read this book yet, all I'll say is I would hate to go against Feyre in a game of Chess.

The ending was unexpected, and so perfect how things happened and got wrapped up.

Poison Study by Maria V Snyder: This book was entertaining, and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I listened to this mostly while running outside training for a 5k. 

The main character has committed murder. In this world, murder is inexcusable. It doesn't matter if it was self-defense, if you commit murder, you are sentenced to death. Luck is with her though and she is offered the job of food taster.

I think the true plot with the father of the man she killed trying to have at her and the secret plot he is running is entertaining. I did not guess what he was truly after. I had ideas, but I didn't come close to how he was going about things.

If you don't know what to read, and are looking for something kind of smooth to read but entertaining, I think you would enjoy this book.

Currently Reading:

So if you read my last post, you'll know work has been getting in the way of my reading and fun time. Well, this is the only reason I have for not finishing this book yet...okay it's not the only reason. The other reason is my tablet is retarded, and it's time to replace it. When I open any of my apps to read a book, the app will crash. Due to this impending crash, and the 3 or more crashes that typically follow, I do not exactly look forward to reading. 

Having said that, when my Kindle app does allow me to read this book, I have been completely absorbed. In fact I was almost late for work once because I completely lost track of time and just managed to finish getting ready before my Dad arrived to drive to work together.

Okay, I must be honest. I think from all the hype maybe, I was expecting a bit more from this book. I borrowed the audiobook from my library, and am in no hurry to finish. I'm tempted to DNF this book, however I only have a little over 2 hours to go. I feel at this point, I may as well finish the book. If I can manage this before it's due back, you'll see this appear shortly after the month starts on my Goodreads.

Books I'm looking forward to reading in June:

Yes I realize this has been on my list for...a reeeeeaaaly long time. But, I even took it with me on vacation for Memorial Day weekend. I had every intention of finishing Fall of the Dragon Prince, and after I finish that I was going to this book. Well, things happen, and work happened, so I still haven't gotten to this. Hoping really hard, June 2017 will be the month I read Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes.

What books are you looking forward to reading in June? Let me know in the comments! :-) Happy Reading!

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Where I've Been

Hellooo! It's been so long, I'm glad to see you all again!

Work has been CRAZY!!! I think I've finished maybe 2 books this month...which is the lowest number finished in a long while. If that doesn't say how crazy things have been with work, I don't know what does.

I've also been having serious issues with my tablet that I use for reading. I open any of the apps I use for reading books, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, or whatever, and it usually crashes. I've been looking into a new tablet, but can't seem to pull the trigger. It's an expensive purchase, and something I'm going to have to live with for a while. So I want to make sure I'm picking right. Speaking of picking, if anyone has any suggestions of a tablet, let me know in the comments below.

I also just got back from a short vacation. One of my close co-workers, and friend, just got married this past Saturday. Then after we got back, our dog found a porcupine, and from there the vacation was basically over. The night was spent plucking the spines from the lower jaw of AJ (our dog), which is something you are probably not supposed to do because there is a high risk of them breaking, however it is what the vet we called...at 11:00 pm...advised us to do. So pluck we did, and of course, one broke. If left alone, these can cause further harm to your pet, so the hunt was on Sunday morning for a vet who had Sunday hours for more than just boarding pick up, and didn't require a 3 hour drive if we could help it. We did find one, BluePearl, which is open 24/7, but they are apparently really good at what they do. So we drove an hour and spent around $700.00 to have one, small, spine, removed from the lower lip of AJ. Even my husband commented, that was one expensive porcupine.

We were all so whipped from spending a little over an hour plucking the spines, which of course AJ didn't like us doing. The us would be both my parents, my sister, my husband, and myself. It took the 5 of us to get the spines removed. Three of us holding him - I held his snout, my mother held his upper half, then his back half from his fighting us was sliding off the porch so my sister came and kept him from falling off the porch. My father held the light - we were in the middle of like nowhere, at 11:00 pm - it was super, uber, dark. My husband attempted to pluck the spines. Him and I did switch off at one point, but for the most part of the ordeal, those were our positions. And a BIG THANK YOU to my parents and sister for helping, giving up their sleep, and sitting in some very uncomfortable positions, on a not so comfortable surface, to help pluck those stupid spines.

Anyways, this basically covers where I've been. I will make a better effort for June to not be totally sucked into work for the month. I think part of why I've been so, umm, feisty lately, is because I've been so absorbed in work and haven't been having much fun lately.

How has your May gone? Or are you on this wonderful crabby boat with me, and hoping June will be better? Let me know in the comments.

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April Wrap Up

Books Read in April:

Currently Reading:

Books I'm looking forward to reading in May:

You can find me on Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, and Facebook.

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