I was tagged by Captivated Reader to do The Seven Deadly Sins tag. So there are seven questions themed around the seven deadly sins - simply enough, let's get right into it, then.
1. What is your most inexpensive book? What if your most expensive book
Inexpensive? Probably a random book I bought at a used book store, but for a specific book I can't be sure. For expensive it's probably either Page the Screen (the Harry Potter book) or The Victorian Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls by Emilie Autumn (which I got on sale, but was still pretty pricey).
2. What author do you have a love/hate relationship with?
Mmmh, I'm not sure. As in some books of theirs I've liked and others hated? Because I can't think of any like that (maybe Holly Black? I either seem to adore her books or just eh).
Or as in them. Because Orson Scott Card comes to mind - I've mostly enjoyed what I've read by him, I think only two books, but I'd never want to meet him in person and possibly even support him by buying his books. (No, seriously, he's an asshole).
3. Gluttony - What book have you devoured over and over with no shame?
It by Stephen King - it might be the book I've reread the most (the single book, of course there's also the whole Harry Potter series, too). There was a span in middle school where the only thing I was reading was It over and over again. Some of his other books I've reread - they're just so intriguing and I get so attached to the characters.
4. Sloth - What book have you neglected reading due to laziness?
I feel like I mostly neglect books just because of a state of: ohmygod so many books to read, so little time. so many booksomanybooksomanybooks. However - I've been currently-reading a few books for such a ridiculously long time, I don't understand why. The Queen of the Tearling, for instance, because I'm really enjoying - but I'm still reading it.
5. Pride - what book do you talk most about to sound like an intellectual reader?
None? I don't really feel like I do that, it's like the strange idea of being 'literally well read' that I don't believe in. I tend to talk about books I completely loved, and I know I talked about a few non-fiction books incessantly after finishing them, but because they were so good and interesting.
6. Lust - What attributes do you find attractive in a male and female character?
Male - respective of others, treats women like equals, smart, funny, open minded..... and a tragic, damaging backstory. What? I like my guy characters damaged, alright?
Female - strong, true to themselves, not just all about whoever their love interest is (seriously, stop), smart, funny, open minded, a kind of 'take no shit from these idiots' attitude is great
Also, like, nice/kind. I have a lot of opinions on characters, I guess.
7. Envy - What book would you like to receive as a gift?
Well I just bought way too many books over the weekend so - hold on the girls, question seven. But probably the new Firefly TP when it comes out in November. Oooh, or another Penguin Drop Cap edition (so pretty, they make a rainbow).
I can't think of anyone to tag because I'm still a bit brain dead from so much travel and from my brain clicking into NaNoWriMo panic/preparation mode or else I'd probably pick some people. If you'd like to do the tag, and you're reading this, then I tag you (because you're awesome, leave a comment letting me know if you do it).
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
The Ithaca Book Haul
I bought a lot of books over the long weekend that I spent in Ithaca, which is in upstate New York, and I had a ton of fun. My full run down of the time can be found here. Anyway - this is all about the books (and comics books) that I ended up buying. Spoiler alert: way too many.
I talked about where we went in my The Adventures post, but basically - a used bookstore, a library sale, a comic book store, and a Barnes and Noble (full of used, pretty cheap books).
These are from the book sale/library sale thing - so some of them are strange, or just impulse buys that looked interesting. Obviously, I ended up with two Scooby Doo books and an Angel novel (based on the TV show, I don't know it was just like yes, I need this?) I picked up another Dean Koontz books, some James Joyce, a manga that looks a bit creepy, The Bluest Eyes, a Meg Cabot book, and a book called The Egyptologist that I know nothing about so that should be fun.
I talked about where we went in my The Adventures post, but basically - a used bookstore, a library sale, a comic book store, and a Barnes and Noble (full of used, pretty cheap books).
- The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K Le Quin (it was cheap, and I might continue with this series, I'd like to, hopefully this one doesn't take me as long as the first one)
- Intensity by Dean Koontz (I, surprisingly, haven't read any books by Koontz)
- It by Stephen King
- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (this was a first edition UK edition - soooooo I bought it)
- Dune by Frank Herbert (A classic I haven't read yet - and I didn't want a mass market paperback that was going to be one of those awful tall weird things)
- Chew Vols 1 + 2 (I really loved volume 1, and I can't wait to dive deeper into this strange, disgusting, gorey world).
- Captain Marvel (Women superheroes - I haven't read many classic superhero based comic books, but I definitely want to read the kick-ass female ones).
- Captain America: Civil War (I've heard fantastic things, and also horribly sad things, and I'm excited. Also terrified. And this is, apparently, what the next Captain America movie will be based on and that sounds like it's going to be insane, I'm excited).
- Fables, Vol 1 (I've heard quite a few things, but nothing too in-depth about plot, which is on purpose. I know the basics, the art is fantastic, so I'm excited).
- Harley Quinn: Vengeance Unlimited (probably a weird place to start, but I don't care - I flipped through it and it looked kind of awesome).
- I also got some single issues, which I'm excited for. I've always been interested and liked comics, but this past year - I've been reading quite a few of them.
 |
| Barnes and Noble haul |
- Is Everyone Hanging out without me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling (I've heard just good things, I'm sure you have too - this book sounds fantastic and hilarious).
- The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (I've actually been waiting and waiting for this to come out in paperback and I was excited to finally see it in paperback - someone, when it first came out, said it like YA/teenage Criminal Minds and that sounds awesome.
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (I've been hearing a lot of things about this, especially recently because the sequel is coming out, and it's been all good things)
- Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes (I'm currently reading her first novel, The Shining Girls, and really enjoying it. So I figured I'd pick this one up for the future, at some point).
- Ah, Grace Helbig - I wasn't sure about Grave when I was first introduced to her channel, I'm not even sure when that was, but she slowly grew on me. She's funny and smart and sometimes her videos can get on my nerves, or be a little awkward, but I still really like her and - this book sounds like it'll be fun and interesting, and maybe helpful?
This is the end, that's everything I bought over a three day span - completely ridiculous amount of books, I don't even want to know. Though, to be fair, two were used books and everything, but seriously this is way too many books for such a short period of time, I really need to not buy anything for a little while.
Have any of you read any of these? Want to? Let's talk books!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
(Slightly late) #25hSanderson
The lovely Crini at All About Books and Elena (whose blog is in German, but pretty. Google translate failed me). Announcement post for this. This is part of their A Year of Reading Brandon Sanderson. This is, obviously, 25 hours of reading Brandon Sanderson books (whichever you want). I don't think I'll be able to go for it all, I know I won't since I didn't sleep well last night, but I'll try and go for a while.
I'll probably be mostly tweeting/social media-ing updates (Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads). However, I'm going to try and remember to - and there are questions.
Start: What book are you going to read and why?
I think Alcatraz book two, I read book one a little while ago and it was ridiculous and I loved it, so I'm excited for book two - and it'll be a quick, fun read. Hopefully. I don't know what after that - maybe Elantris.
+04h: Did you set yourself a goal for the read-a-thon? Have you read a Sanderson book before? If so, which one?
I didn't, because it was very last minute and ExtraLife is going on at the same time, and I always try to watch as much as the stream as I can because it's so much fun. And, of course, try to donate in some way (the RoosterTeeth poster this year was too good to pass up).
I have read quite a few of his books (The Way of Kings, Mistborn trilogy, Warbreaker, Steelheart, Rithmatist, The Emperor's Soul, Legion). I want to reread WoK before WoR - which I've been saying at this point for months but I think will happen in December or else.
+08h: Where do you read?
On my couch, mostly, there's a chaise part so I can lay down and relax.
Reading update: I've only read to like chapter four, I ended up taking a nap after getting to there and have yet to read anything further (soon). I'd like to finish at least this one for the read-a-thon, but I'm also enjoying reading what others are up to. (currently-reading Alcatraz #2).
+12h: Who is your favorite character so far?
As I'm reading Alcatraz #2 - probably Alcatraz, but I also really enjoy Bastille.
Edit: I did for the book I'm currently reading, or else it'd be probably a 5 paragraph essay.
+16h: What is your favorite quote from the book so far?
The Alctraz series has a very strange, fantastically weird sense of humor that's very Sanderson. (Speaking of, I've only read two chapters more then last update, and then I'm going to take a nap, and then I'll work on it, I promise. I'll finish it today, the 26th, I just don't know if it'll be before the time cut off).
+20h: Who would you cast as the main character(s) in the book?
Mmmh, I don't know? I mean he's a thirteen year old boy, I can't think of a particular person, but I'd definitely want the decription to match and the actor to be young himself, close the thirteen, and have the acting ability to pull of Alcatraz's personality.
End: Did you enjoy your book? Any plans on reading another one soon?
I'm not quite done, I think I"m about 3/4th through it, at the moment, and I'm really enjoying it so far. And I'll definitely be reading another one soon - I want to keep going with the Alcatraz series and Elantris and then, like I mentioned, reread WOK and read WOR. I have anything he ever publishes or mentions publishing on my 'to read immediately' list.
Reading Update:
Almost forgot to mention the reading I got done - like I said, about 3/4th of the way. I'm reading from the bind-up of the series so I'm guessing/going by the chapters. Alcatraz is a very strange series of books that I really enjoy, but it definitely wouldn't be for everyone. Personally - I giggle to myself too much when reading it, which I'm not angry about at all.
I'll probably be mostly tweeting/social media-ing updates (Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads). However, I'm going to try and remember to - and there are questions.
Start: What book are you going to read and why?
I think Alcatraz book two, I read book one a little while ago and it was ridiculous and I loved it, so I'm excited for book two - and it'll be a quick, fun read. Hopefully. I don't know what after that - maybe Elantris.
+04h: Did you set yourself a goal for the read-a-thon? Have you read a Sanderson book before? If so, which one?
I didn't, because it was very last minute and ExtraLife is going on at the same time, and I always try to watch as much as the stream as I can because it's so much fun. And, of course, try to donate in some way (the RoosterTeeth poster this year was too good to pass up).
I have read quite a few of his books (The Way of Kings, Mistborn trilogy, Warbreaker, Steelheart, Rithmatist, The Emperor's Soul, Legion). I want to reread WoK before WoR - which I've been saying at this point for months but I think will happen in December or else.
+08h: Where do you read?
On my couch, mostly, there's a chaise part so I can lay down and relax.
Reading update: I've only read to like chapter four, I ended up taking a nap after getting to there and have yet to read anything further (soon). I'd like to finish at least this one for the read-a-thon, but I'm also enjoying reading what others are up to. (currently-reading Alcatraz #2).
+12h: Who is your favorite character so far?
As I'm reading Alcatraz #2 - probably Alcatraz, but I also really enjoy Bastille.
Edit: I did for the book I'm currently reading, or else it'd be probably a 5 paragraph essay.
+16h: What is your favorite quote from the book so far?
The Alctraz series has a very strange, fantastically weird sense of humor that's very Sanderson. (Speaking of, I've only read two chapters more then last update, and then I'm going to take a nap, and then I'll work on it, I promise. I'll finish it today, the 26th, I just don't know if it'll be before the time cut off).
(...) Dangerous, but unseen. (Kind of like those troublemakers who read fantasy novels).And I'm sure there are a ton more, but they're mostly very long. I do really love this one, though.
+20h: Who would you cast as the main character(s) in the book?
Mmmh, I don't know? I mean he's a thirteen year old boy, I can't think of a particular person, but I'd definitely want the decription to match and the actor to be young himself, close the thirteen, and have the acting ability to pull of Alcatraz's personality.
End: Did you enjoy your book? Any plans on reading another one soon?
I'm not quite done, I think I"m about 3/4th through it, at the moment, and I'm really enjoying it so far. And I'll definitely be reading another one soon - I want to keep going with the Alcatraz series and Elantris and then, like I mentioned, reread WOK and read WOR. I have anything he ever publishes or mentions publishing on my 'to read immediately' list.
Reading Update:
Almost forgot to mention the reading I got done - like I said, about 3/4th of the way. I'm reading from the bind-up of the series so I'm guessing/going by the chapters. Alcatraz is a very strange series of books that I really enjoy, but it definitely wouldn't be for everyone. Personally - I giggle to myself too much when reading it, which I'm not angry about at all.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Ithaca, NY - The Adventures
The drive was much longer then I expected, mostly become of some traffic at the beginning. And it was a long drive to begin with. And we drove in at night, followed by random patches of fog. I ended up staying the first night in Haley's room, borrowing her roommates bed (who went to Disney for their break). Ithaca college is basically hills and prettiness. With some seriously fantastic sunsets.
So our first full day involved waffles, used books, gorges, and more food. Which was a ton of fun, overall - I bought some used books, which I'm going to make a separate post about because I ended up buying quite a lot of books over the course of the weekend. The waffle place was awesome, a kind of "make your own" waffle, just adding your own toppings to it, it was pretty fantastic. It also involved takeout from Italian Take-Out (they're imaginative), which was really, really good. And then I ended up going asleep pretty early, though, especially after that drive and such, I will still exhausted.
 |
| giant book sale, just a small part |
And dinner was an Irish pub (obviously I got corned beef and cabbage, have to be as Irish as possible here, and I haven't had it in way too long). Anyway - good food, friends, it was raining a bit when we got out but it not freezing here yet.
 |
| Comics for Collectors |
And then we headed to Wegmans, because apparently we had to go (it's a grocery store that's open 24 hours and gigantic), anyway - we had probably too much fun. Bought Butterbeer, some UK treats, I bought a bag of candy corn - obviously all fun, good things.
And then we ended up heading over to Barnes and Nobel (obviously the theme of this trip was books and food. That also might be a good explanation of Haley and I's friendship, with more Harry Potter, though to be fair we both purchased HP editions used).
 |
| Wegmans! |
I know I've missed stuff, my memory is awful, but I know I caught most of it. I was exhausted going into it and on the drive up wondered what the hell we were doing - but I'm really, really glad we went because it was fun and worth it. And now I want to sleep for a week, but I can't because too many things to do.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
NaNoWriMo 2014: Not Wanting to Loose My Reading Momentum + Overachieving + More
If you're confused, as to what is going on... NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) takes place in November and it's where you accept the challenge to write a novel, or 50,000 words, in a month. The "overachieving" part is writing more then 50k. The last few years I've been writing more then 50k, steadily going up, and last year I wrote over 350K and I'd still like to write as much as possible, but I don't want to not read all month.
Mostly because I know if I don't read all month, I'll completely loose all the momentum I've got going, and I don't want to do that. I love being able to keep reading, this isn't a normal reading year for me by any stretch. And I've still been writing, everyday. I think I can do this if I completely cut out everything else (YouTube, TV, Tumblr, probably everything that isn't writing or reading) and I think I'm okay with that? (I'll still probably watch some YT/TV stuff for breaks - icing wrists, possibly, and eating).
It's going to exhaust me and burn me out a little, but I love NaNoWriMo. I look forward to November every year specifically because it's NaNo time. I love when the website resets (which it hadn't reset when I was started writing this and now it has), and I normally try not to be too busy in November - setting aside time to get ahead in everything else and outline for November, but I really haven't had time to do that this year.
This year October has been insanely busy, hectic, full of traveling and a reading hangover/slump of epic proportions after finishing the Heroes of Olympus series. And it's another reason why I'm not going to push myself as much this year, because I know it just wouldn't happen, wouldn't do any good to even try, because I' simply not prepared to write that many words in a month (by which I mean trying to beat my previous year), but I still want to write and overachieve and read. And not completely abandon my mom and friends. (and you guys, this blog).
Which all seems impossible, but November always seems impossible. Still, after this month, I'm looking forward to locking myself away and just - not doing too much. I'm an introvert by nature, so I was already exhausted after our first trip.
Overall, besides my personal sides of this year, I cannot recommend NaNoWriMo enough if you're a writer. If you're trying to do a first draft for something or have no idea what you want to write - just go, dive into the forums, talk to people or just lurk, and give it a try. Even if you don't hit the 50k, maybe you'll write 10k, 20k, 30k - that's more words then you'd have if you hadn't tried.
NaNoWriMo is incredibly important to me, and always will be. It's made me more sure of myself as a writer, it's made me a better writer by the practice I've gotten from it. And those crazy, insane, awesome people in the 50k Beyond section of the forums pushed me to write so much last year and I couldn't thank them enough (seriously, they're all fantastic).
I'm going to give you my own tips here, which are definitely in some of the tip videos linked below, but these are what I think are super important.
Just Write. Just do it. It's hard, some days it's awful, but write something everyday. NaNo will teach you writing is not about 'waiting for inspiration to strike,' you just have to do it. You have, if you're aiming for 50k - 1,667 words to write each day, you can't waste anytime. However - if you're super busy one day (traveling, socializing, school/work), then just try and write few hundreds words, or just a hundred so you don't loose momentum on your story.
Don't go back. Yet. I'm actually guilty of going back and reading what I've written in November, but it never ends well. Wait until December. If you need to read the last few hundred words to get back into the story, that's fine, no more and no editing. Don't edit, don't delete a single thing - forward motion.
Pregame. If you jump into November not having written for a while - you're going to be bewildered and those 1,667 words are going to feel like ALL THE WORDS EVER. You should already be trying to do this, write 500 words or 1,000, as much as you can without starting on your NaNo story (or do, be a rebel! No one's going to kick you out, everyone's very nice, and there's a forum for that).
Be prepared to sacrifice things, forcing yourself to make time for writing. Tumblr, maybe not watching as much Netflix or reading as much fan fiction - maybe an hour of sleep. But, honestly, you probably have enough time to fit in those words just cutting a few things out. Writing sprints help and so do friends, who you can be competative with. (Don't have friends doing NaNoWriMo? Go make some - the comments of Kristina's newest video, the forums, you can add me as a writing buddy if you want).
Surprisingly, after so long, I can't think of much of else - because that feels like what you need to know. There's more tips, there always is - but really I think just write is enough. NaNoWriMo is one of my favorite times of year because of the pressure to do it, some people don't work well under that kind of pressure, but apparently I thrive with ridiculous goals and short time periods. However, if you want more peptalks and tips - Chris Baty's No Plot? No Problem! is fantastic, I read it every year (and now it's, apparently, revised, updated, and expanded! I might of just ordered that copy), but I really love it and it's part of my NaNo experience.
Now - there are many inspirational things (backlog pep talks, for instance), but I still love the videos because I remember watching them and then rewatching them every year to get myself into the mood.
I first heard about NaNo, at least as far as I can remember, through Kristina Horner (YouTuber, Wizard Rocker, All Around Awesome Person - and a new BookTuber). And she makes a new video every year, sometimes more then one.
2009 - Why I Do NaNoWriMo
2010 - NaNoWriMo
2011 - You are a SUPERHERO.
2012 - NO EXCUSES (A NaNoWriMo Pep Talk)
- The Writing Process - A Journey
2013 - 5 Ways to Get Your Novel Written
- Writing a Book in a Month (Filmed Everyday of Nov)
2014 - I'm Calling You Out!
"The NaNoWriMo Song" -- UPDATED!
Speaking of BookTubers - Katytastic has a ton of NaNo videos on her channel, click and just type in 'NaNoWriMo' - there's way too many to link. (she's done vlogging during the month, tip videos - there's a lot).
The lovely (New York Times Bestselling) author Robyn Schnieder also has some videos which I love. NaNoWriMo YWP: How To Vanquish Your Suck Dragons (official video pep talk #1) + 5 Tips for NaNoWriMo
John Green's NANOWRIMO video from 5 years ago is still one of my favorites, just because it's so great.
hayleyghoover's - 5 Reason-o to NaNoWriMo
Other Stuff:
NaNoWriMo YouTube
Chuck Wendig's blog (author). (Some recommended posts: 25 Things You Should do before Starting your Next Novel + Welcome to NaNoWriMo Prep School, Word-Nerds)
Mostly because I know if I don't read all month, I'll completely loose all the momentum I've got going, and I don't want to do that. I love being able to keep reading, this isn't a normal reading year for me by any stretch. And I've still been writing, everyday. I think I can do this if I completely cut out everything else (YouTube, TV, Tumblr, probably everything that isn't writing or reading) and I think I'm okay with that? (I'll still probably watch some YT/TV stuff for breaks - icing wrists, possibly, and eating).
It's going to exhaust me and burn me out a little, but I love NaNoWriMo. I look forward to November every year specifically because it's NaNo time. I love when the website resets (which it hadn't reset when I was started writing this and now it has), and I normally try not to be too busy in November - setting aside time to get ahead in everything else and outline for November, but I really haven't had time to do that this year.
This year October has been insanely busy, hectic, full of traveling and a reading hangover/slump of epic proportions after finishing the Heroes of Olympus series. And it's another reason why I'm not going to push myself as much this year, because I know it just wouldn't happen, wouldn't do any good to even try, because I' simply not prepared to write that many words in a month (by which I mean trying to beat my previous year), but I still want to write and overachieve and read. And not completely abandon my mom and friends. (and you guys, this blog).
Which all seems impossible, but November always seems impossible. Still, after this month, I'm looking forward to locking myself away and just - not doing too much. I'm an introvert by nature, so I was already exhausted after our first trip.
Overall, besides my personal sides of this year, I cannot recommend NaNoWriMo enough if you're a writer. If you're trying to do a first draft for something or have no idea what you want to write - just go, dive into the forums, talk to people or just lurk, and give it a try. Even if you don't hit the 50k, maybe you'll write 10k, 20k, 30k - that's more words then you'd have if you hadn't tried.
NaNoWriMo is incredibly important to me, and always will be. It's made me more sure of myself as a writer, it's made me a better writer by the practice I've gotten from it. And those crazy, insane, awesome people in the 50k Beyond section of the forums pushed me to write so much last year and I couldn't thank them enough (seriously, they're all fantastic).
I'm going to give you my own tips here, which are definitely in some of the tip videos linked below, but these are what I think are super important.
Just Write. Just do it. It's hard, some days it's awful, but write something everyday. NaNo will teach you writing is not about 'waiting for inspiration to strike,' you just have to do it. You have, if you're aiming for 50k - 1,667 words to write each day, you can't waste anytime. However - if you're super busy one day (traveling, socializing, school/work), then just try and write few hundreds words, or just a hundred so you don't loose momentum on your story.
Don't go back. Yet. I'm actually guilty of going back and reading what I've written in November, but it never ends well. Wait until December. If you need to read the last few hundred words to get back into the story, that's fine, no more and no editing. Don't edit, don't delete a single thing - forward motion.
Pregame. If you jump into November not having written for a while - you're going to be bewildered and those 1,667 words are going to feel like ALL THE WORDS EVER. You should already be trying to do this, write 500 words or 1,000, as much as you can without starting on your NaNo story (or do, be a rebel! No one's going to kick you out, everyone's very nice, and there's a forum for that).
Be prepared to sacrifice things, forcing yourself to make time for writing. Tumblr, maybe not watching as much Netflix or reading as much fan fiction - maybe an hour of sleep. But, honestly, you probably have enough time to fit in those words just cutting a few things out. Writing sprints help and so do friends, who you can be competative with. (Don't have friends doing NaNoWriMo? Go make some - the comments of Kristina's newest video, the forums, you can add me as a writing buddy if you want).
Surprisingly, after so long, I can't think of much of else - because that feels like what you need to know. There's more tips, there always is - but really I think just write is enough. NaNoWriMo is one of my favorite times of year because of the pressure to do it, some people don't work well under that kind of pressure, but apparently I thrive with ridiculous goals and short time periods. However, if you want more peptalks and tips - Chris Baty's No Plot? No Problem! is fantastic, I read it every year (and now it's, apparently, revised, updated, and expanded! I might of just ordered that copy), but I really love it and it's part of my NaNo experience.
Now - there are many inspirational things (backlog pep talks, for instance), but I still love the videos because I remember watching them and then rewatching them every year to get myself into the mood.
I first heard about NaNo, at least as far as I can remember, through Kristina Horner (YouTuber, Wizard Rocker, All Around Awesome Person - and a new BookTuber). And she makes a new video every year, sometimes more then one.
2009 - Why I Do NaNoWriMo
2010 - NaNoWriMo
2011 - You are a SUPERHERO.
2012 - NO EXCUSES (A NaNoWriMo Pep Talk)
- The Writing Process - A Journey
2013 - 5 Ways to Get Your Novel Written
- Writing a Book in a Month (Filmed Everyday of Nov)
2014 - I'm Calling You Out!
"The NaNoWriMo Song" -- UPDATED!
Speaking of BookTubers - Katytastic has a ton of NaNo videos on her channel, click and just type in 'NaNoWriMo' - there's way too many to link. (she's done vlogging during the month, tip videos - there's a lot).
The lovely (New York Times Bestselling) author Robyn Schnieder also has some videos which I love. NaNoWriMo YWP: How To Vanquish Your Suck Dragons (official video pep talk #1) + 5 Tips for NaNoWriMo
John Green's NANOWRIMO video from 5 years ago is still one of my favorites, just because it's so great.
hayleyghoover's - 5 Reason-o to NaNoWriMo
Other Stuff:
NaNoWriMo YouTube
Chuck Wendig's blog (author). (Some recommended posts: 25 Things You Should do before Starting your Next Novel + Welcome to NaNoWriMo Prep School, Word-Nerds)
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? Do you have an idea in mind? Are you aiming for 50k or are you aiming lower or higher?
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Slight hiatus (October 16th - 21st)
It's already been a hectic month and I'm heading up today to Ithaca to spend some time with my best friend, whose going to college there, and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to have time to do anything but whatever she has planned for us to do (I'm told there was a list).
But, hopefully, when I get back I can get back to reading and read a ton in that last week and also have some posts up that I have the first draft of done. And have my normal computer back from being fixed, which is much easier to work on (when it's working write), then what I'm currently typing on.
Not a long hiatus, at all, but I'll still be completely gone, I wasn't really very here last week, either. Normally, October is quiet for me with preparations for NaNoWriMo (which is something I have a post about for next week, hopefully), and I normally try to get ahead of everything and do some outlining. That's all, just about, going to be squished into the last week of the month.
So I hope you have a great rest of the week, weekend, and I'm sorry for it being a very quiet month (few posts wise, but I worked hard on those rec posts, those are harder to put together then I thought). And I'll be back mid-next week, hopefully after sleeping for twelve hours.
But, hopefully, when I get back I can get back to reading and read a ton in that last week and also have some posts up that I have the first draft of done. And have my normal computer back from being fixed, which is much easier to work on (when it's working write), then what I'm currently typing on.
Not a long hiatus, at all, but I'll still be completely gone, I wasn't really very here last week, either. Normally, October is quiet for me with preparations for NaNoWriMo (which is something I have a post about for next week, hopefully), and I normally try to get ahead of everything and do some outlining. That's all, just about, going to be squished into the last week of the month.
So I hope you have a great rest of the week, weekend, and I'm sorry for it being a very quiet month (few posts wise, but I worked hard on those rec posts, those are harder to put together then I thought). And I'll be back mid-next week, hopefully after sleeping for twelve hours.
Horror/Scary/Thriller Books I Haven't Read Yet
I got into the horror genre very young, probably too young, but I was interested and it was amazing. I read a lot of genres, though, and I kind of read/love most genres, which sounds ridiculous but I can't think of any genres I don't like or haven't, at the very least, tried. And, while making the two book recommendation posts I just did (Scary Books for Beginners & Horror/Scary Books for Halloween) I realized that I hadn't read as much as I thought I had.
I'm trying to read more horror/thriller (or just plain creepy/weird) books, because at some point I'd forgotten how much I ten to actually enjoy these books. I don't know why, I know a lot of people don't, but I just adore them.
Some of these, I'm not expecting to be incredible, but I still will be fun (also, I'm writing this towards the beginning of the month, ideally I will rad some of these during the month).
Authors:
H.P. Lovecraft
A person, not a specific book, but most of his fiction is short. I'd most like to read all of the stuff in his Cthulu Mythos, but I'd like to read at least some of his work, if not all of it.
Stephen King
There are a lot of his books I haven't read, unsurprising considering how many there are, but some very big ones I haven't: The Shining, The Green Mile, The Stand. I'd really like to read those, but also: Insomnia, Misery, 11/22/63, rest of The Dark Tower series, Under The Dome, The Dead Zone, Cell, Thinner, and more. And also I'd like to reread some, maybe because I don't remember them very clearly or just because I love them: Carrie, Pet Semetery (don't remember either very clearly), IT (I kind of reread this almost once a year, love it), Duma Key (kind of same as IT), Bag of Bones, Dreamcatcher (it's been a few years for both of these, but I want to reread soon).
Dean Koontz
I haven't read a single book, which feel weird, because he's a very large name in horror. But I've also never known where to start - but I think I might start with Intensity or Phamtoms, I don't have it yet, but it'll think that'll be there. Opinions?
Books:
Other Halloween Related Posts:
I'm trying to read more horror/thriller (or just plain creepy/weird) books, because at some point I'd forgotten how much I ten to actually enjoy these books. I don't know why, I know a lot of people don't, but I just adore them.
Some of these, I'm not expecting to be incredible, but I still will be fun (also, I'm writing this towards the beginning of the month, ideally I will rad some of these during the month).
Authors:
H.P. Lovecraft
A person, not a specific book, but most of his fiction is short. I'd most like to read all of the stuff in his Cthulu Mythos, but I'd like to read at least some of his work, if not all of it.
Stephen King
There are a lot of his books I haven't read, unsurprising considering how many there are, but some very big ones I haven't: The Shining, The Green Mile, The Stand. I'd really like to read those, but also: Insomnia, Misery, 11/22/63, rest of The Dark Tower series, Under The Dome, The Dead Zone, Cell, Thinner, and more. And also I'd like to reread some, maybe because I don't remember them very clearly or just because I love them: Carrie, Pet Semetery (don't remember either very clearly), IT (I kind of reread this almost once a year, love it), Duma Key (kind of same as IT), Bag of Bones, Dreamcatcher (it's been a few years for both of these, but I want to reread soon).
Dean Koontz
I haven't read a single book, which feel weird, because he's a very large name in horror. But I've also never known where to start - but I think I might start with Intensity or Phamtoms, I don't have it yet, but it'll think that'll be there. Opinions?
Books:
- Horns by Joe Hill - I haven't read anything by Joe Hill yets, and considering the movie coming out (or is out, with Daniel Radcliff). So I guess this is a good place to start.
- The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancy - I really want to read this first book, and probably the rest of the series. It looks fantastic, and I've heard good things.
- The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith - I haven't read anything by this author yet (by any of these guys yet, actually), and I've heard mixed reviews about this one but I think I'm really going to like it.
- We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson - I remember, vaguely, reading The Lottery in middle school, but not enough to remember what happened. And this looks amazing, a lot of her stuff looks strange, weird. Also - The Haunting of Hill House.
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Dracula
- American Psycho (classic, both this and the above two - I'm excited for all, I just haven't done it. I did try to read Dracula in 7th grade but the journal/letter whatever through me off).
- Carmilla (lesbian vampires, that's what brought this onto my radar. Don't you want to read it now? it's a classic novella - with lesbian vampires. RonLit did a video about it, she convinced me).
- The Yellow Wallpaper
- Abbadon's Gate (and other in the Leviathan series, I hadn't thought about how these were horror until I started researching for my recommendation posts
- Horrorstor (this just came out, and it's been some hype, but it looks awesome)
- Sleepless (I haven't heard much about this, but it's really short and has a great cover)
- The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes (I actually started this and I'm loving it way more then I thought I would)
- Unwind Series (I'm stunned I haven't read this series yet, because it sounds right down my alley. And also the covers are all awesome).
- The Forest of Hands and Teeth series (this series has been complete and out for a while now, and I still haven't even started it).
- Razorland series (I have the first book and I've had it for years, but I've always wavered about reading it, but I have liked everything else I've read by Ann Aguirre).
- Jasper Dent series (This book series sounds awesome, from what I've heard, people seem to love it. And the books are awesome, mostly under the jacket...)
- The Madman's Daughter series (This sounds... interesting, and I've heard middle things)
- Feed series (Adult zombie stuff, it sounds fun)
What scary books are on your TBR? I'm sure I missed some on my own list, but which one are you most excited for? And are you planning on reading any this month?
Other Halloween Related Posts:
Monday, October 13, 2014
Movie Recommendations: Halloween Movies to Watch During October (Horror and not so scary included)
A lot of my personal favorite Halloween movies are the ones that aren't, actually, scary. Though, I do love a movie that can make me jump out of my skin. These are all, obviously, only movies I've actually seen
Not Really Scary / Childhood favorites
HalloweenTown Series
Don't pretend you don't like these movies, if you grew up watching them, like I do, I have no doubt you do. they're fantastic and amazing and I kind of love them (just ignore the actress switch in the last one). Disney original movies and feel good, cheesey, family fun.
Twitches (& Twitches Too)
I rewatched these recently and was surprised how much they held up. Mostly, the first one. And the CGI doesn't hold up, of course, but still - it's good fun, also Disney.
Harry Potter
I think mostly Azkaban, which is a little strange because the dementors are slightly terrifying, but it makes me think of fall. All of them, kind of do, fall/winter. Also Harry Potter is good at any time of year - books, movies, conventions...
Hocus Pocus
Need I say more? You know.
A Nightmare Before Christmas & Corpse Bride
I really love both of these - Burton, creepy but in a fun, musical way. And I think A Nightmare Before Christmas is appropriate for both holidays, or all year round really.
Beetlejoice
I wouldn't consider this movie scary, but I also might not show it to young children (judge by maturity). But I love this movie, it's just - so good.
Horror/Scary/Creepy/Weird (probably mostly rated R)
Let's get the obvious ones out of the way: Scream - I hadn't watched any of the scream movies until recently and I was surprised how much I liked them. The fourth might be my favorite, love that ending, and I'm sure a lot of people will just roll their eyes at the premise - but I, weirdly, think it's just a lot of fun. It's not taking itself too serious, anyway.
A Haunting in Connecticut
I don't know why, but I loved this movie. I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't like it, but I still highly recommend it.
I discovered a new favorite, I think just this past year. There's a story here - you see, basically there are what my mom and I call the "Grindhouse movies." It's what they were released under, just - Grindhouse. It's a double-feature of Planet Terror and Death Proof. They're co-everything by Robert Rodriquez and Quentin Tarantino. They're both pretty gore-y, but also fantastic. It seemed like each one had a film and my personal favorite is Tarantino's - it's Death Proof it's fantastic, a little slow of a start, but it builds so well, and the ending is so worth it, it's fantastic. And Planet Terror is just - fucking insane, I don't know how else to put it.
The Cabin in the Woods
I loved this movie - its very... meta, I guess (kind of how the Scream movies get, with the Stab movies being part of the world), but I loved this movie and the realization of whats going on. And then seeing all the monsters, so fantastic.
One Missed Call
These people keep getting calls and then they die - but the creepiest thing is the things they see before hand, and the ringtone, the suspense of that. I don't know if I've ever heard anyone talk about this one - but this movie honestly freaked me out (and I was able to freak out some of my friends later by setting my ringtone as that). I really love this movie. I haven't watched it in a long time, but I'm planning to soon.
Repo! The Generic Opera
I really don't think of this as horror, but it isn't exactly warm and fluffy, either. I love this movie and it's definitely strange and twisted. And has some great people in it/who created it. Also - Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy, Merlin) sings and it's fantastic, the whole cast is fantastic (yes, that's really Paris Hilton). Also, The Devil's Carnival by the same people is also fantastic and also musical.
The Stand
Alright, maybe with the recent outbreak happening (mostly outbreak threat for most people) this is obviously the best mini-series to watch. It's fantastically done. I haven't read the book yet, but I've watched this a few times through because I love the characters, the feeling, the whole thing is incredible.
Dreamcatcher
This is one of those books I read as a child and then immediately searched out the film - I adore this story, in both forms, actually. (Obviously I prefer the book). This movie is fantastic in it's own right, though, and the book has some kind of easter eggs if you've read IT.
Children of the Corn
This movie is fucking ridiculous and that' wy I love it. Recently there was a remake - watch the original, the original is where it is at. The main kind of villian has such a - you've just got to watch it, it's... hilarious. And mildly terrifying, I've not trusted fields of corn ever since.
Even more: The Unborn, Sweeney Todd (highly recommended, '07), When a Stranger Calls, Paranormal Activity, Psycho, The Birds ('60's), , LegionDrag Me to Hell (alright)
Based on Stephen King's Work (I mentioned some in my book recommendation posts (links below, so I thought I'd just list them): 1408, The Mist, Christine, Dolores Claiborne, IT, The Shinning, Carrie, Thinner, Cujo, Misery
I'm sure I've forgotten some, I know I've forgotten at least one, but besides that I hope you enjoy this variety of recommendations. What is your favorite halloween or horror movie? Or what's one you're looking forward to watching?
Scary Books for Beginners
Horror/Scary Books for Halloween
Not Really Scary / Childhood favorites
HalloweenTown Series
Don't pretend you don't like these movies, if you grew up watching them, like I do, I have no doubt you do. they're fantastic and amazing and I kind of love them (just ignore the actress switch in the last one). Disney original movies and feel good, cheesey, family fun.
Twitches (& Twitches Too)
I rewatched these recently and was surprised how much they held up. Mostly, the first one. And the CGI doesn't hold up, of course, but still - it's good fun, also Disney.
Harry Potter
I think mostly Azkaban, which is a little strange because the dementors are slightly terrifying, but it makes me think of fall. All of them, kind of do, fall/winter. Also Harry Potter is good at any time of year - books, movies, conventions...
Hocus Pocus
Need I say more? You know.
A Nightmare Before Christmas & Corpse Bride
I really love both of these - Burton, creepy but in a fun, musical way. And I think A Nightmare Before Christmas is appropriate for both holidays, or all year round really.
Beetlejoice
I wouldn't consider this movie scary, but I also might not show it to young children (judge by maturity). But I love this movie, it's just - so good.
Horror/Scary/Creepy/Weird (probably mostly rated R)
Let's get the obvious ones out of the way: Scream - I hadn't watched any of the scream movies until recently and I was surprised how much I liked them. The fourth might be my favorite, love that ending, and I'm sure a lot of people will just roll their eyes at the premise - but I, weirdly, think it's just a lot of fun. It's not taking itself too serious, anyway.
A Haunting in Connecticut
I don't know why, but I loved this movie. I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't like it, but I still highly recommend it.
I discovered a new favorite, I think just this past year. There's a story here - you see, basically there are what my mom and I call the "Grindhouse movies." It's what they were released under, just - Grindhouse. It's a double-feature of Planet Terror and Death Proof. They're co-everything by Robert Rodriquez and Quentin Tarantino. They're both pretty gore-y, but also fantastic. It seemed like each one had a film and my personal favorite is Tarantino's - it's Death Proof it's fantastic, a little slow of a start, but it builds so well, and the ending is so worth it, it's fantastic. And Planet Terror is just - fucking insane, I don't know how else to put it.
The Cabin in the Woods
I loved this movie - its very... meta, I guess (kind of how the Scream movies get, with the Stab movies being part of the world), but I loved this movie and the realization of whats going on. And then seeing all the monsters, so fantastic.
One Missed Call
These people keep getting calls and then they die - but the creepiest thing is the things they see before hand, and the ringtone, the suspense of that. I don't know if I've ever heard anyone talk about this one - but this movie honestly freaked me out (and I was able to freak out some of my friends later by setting my ringtone as that). I really love this movie. I haven't watched it in a long time, but I'm planning to soon.
Repo! The Generic Opera
I really don't think of this as horror, but it isn't exactly warm and fluffy, either. I love this movie and it's definitely strange and twisted. And has some great people in it/who created it. Also - Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy, Merlin) sings and it's fantastic, the whole cast is fantastic (yes, that's really Paris Hilton). Also, The Devil's Carnival by the same people is also fantastic and also musical.
The Stand
Alright, maybe with the recent outbreak happening (mostly outbreak threat for most people) this is obviously the best mini-series to watch. It's fantastically done. I haven't read the book yet, but I've watched this a few times through because I love the characters, the feeling, the whole thing is incredible.
Dreamcatcher
This is one of those books I read as a child and then immediately searched out the film - I adore this story, in both forms, actually. (Obviously I prefer the book). This movie is fantastic in it's own right, though, and the book has some kind of easter eggs if you've read IT.
Children of the Corn
This movie is fucking ridiculous and that' wy I love it. Recently there was a remake - watch the original, the original is where it is at. The main kind of villian has such a - you've just got to watch it, it's... hilarious. And mildly terrifying, I've not trusted fields of corn ever since.
Even more: The Unborn, Sweeney Todd (highly recommended, '07), When a Stranger Calls, Paranormal Activity, Psycho, The Birds ('60's), , LegionDrag Me to Hell (alright)
Based on Stephen King's Work (I mentioned some in my book recommendation posts (links below, so I thought I'd just list them): 1408, The Mist, Christine, Dolores Claiborne, IT, The Shinning, Carrie, Thinner, Cujo, Misery
I'm sure I've forgotten some, I know I've forgotten at least one, but besides that I hope you enjoy this variety of recommendations. What is your favorite halloween or horror movie? Or what's one you're looking forward to watching?
Scary Books for Beginners
Horror/Scary Books for Halloween
Friday, October 10, 2014
Book Recommendations: Horror/Scary Books for Halloween
These are the books don't play as well with others, or will definitely, at least, creep you out. It takes a lot for a book to unsettle, scary, or creep me out. It takes even more for a book to disgust me in some ways.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (standalone)
I read this book over the course of a few months (February to April). It's a hard book to get to - the design is strange, it's slow and the tension builds very slowly and it's confusing. This book doesn't take you into account, it just goes with it. It's very visual, at points the words mimic what they're saying is happening.
It honestly creeped me out, had my heart pounding. It made me claustrophobic at points. It's differently not for everyone - it's a huge, strange, confusing, creepy book. But it's very, very good if you think it's for you, I highly recommend it.
It by Stephen King (standalone)
This book is long, alright? And it's strange and fucked up and I completely adore it. I'm completely biased on this book, first off. I first read this book at the same age the kids are, 11, and I read it over and over. I've reread this book possibly more then a Harry Potter book.
It's about a group of seven people - going between when they were 11 and then them over 20 years later, having forgotten about their childhood. It's about the characters, at least in my opinion, more then anything. About these seven kids and them being friends and together against all odd and - and also about a lot of fucked up, creepy things. It's why I liked this book so much at first, it's scary, creepy, and a bit gross at points. I'd highly, highly recommend this one.
Also - the movie that was made for this was made in 1990 and is 4 hours long and is actually pretty good. They're planning remakes, but that one was only missing a few things I wanted (and the affects weren't the best, but only laughable at one scene towards the end, the end is where I have most of my problems with it).
Duma Key by Stephen King (standalone)
I've reread this on a fair number of times, I also think I first read this when I was 11 (listen, some kids read Nancy Drew or whatever, I went from Harry Potter to Stephen King and I liked that). This was written after King's own accident that he had and so it's about a guy who pretty much gets crushed by a machine on a job site, much more extreme then King's accident.
And him moving to Florida for a change of pace and starting to paint - and everything that happens there. Learning about where he is, the history, and that maybe he should be more careful about what he's painting. It made my skin crawl at points, it's creepy and strange but also lovely and fantastic. The characters will dig into your heart and the story will intrigue you. Definitely up there for a favorite King book and not one that's talked about much. Also, not as scary as I think others are, or as long - if you're looking for a place to start with his full length stuff.
The Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay by Stephen King
The movie is fine, even good, but I love, love this screenplay. I'd totally forgotten about it, but there was a time when I sang it's praises. It's creepy, taking place on an island off the coast of Maine during the storm of the century, a huge storm that causes all kinds of problem while something else is going on. It's strange and creepy and really good.
Dreamcatch by Stephen King (standalone)
This was, also, an early read for me. I think I saw part of the movie first (also good and I have a whole movies post coming up), but it made me interested so I read the book. And holy crap - I loved it. I loved it a lot. With King's books - it's always about the characters, for me at least and I think it just is, there's a lot happening and that's also very important but all of his characters - you get attached to them so completely. These four, five, I love. And the little It easter egg.
Bag of Bones by Stephen King (standalone)
I promise this is my last King recommendation (for now). This I also read when I was 11 (I read a lot at that age. I had a deal with my math teacher if I got 95+ on everything, I could read in class. Where did those math talents go, though?). Anyway - this is definitely scarier then the other two, in my opinion, there's no build up to the creepy, scary stuff. It's there quickly and it stays there.
There was a two episode mini series done in 2011 of it - that is no where close to the book, but I thought it was alright, interesting at least, if you want to watch it after the book. (Don't want it first, it's not worth it).
The Preacher, Vol 1 by Garth Ennis, Steve Dillion (graphic novel series)
I've only read Volume 1 so far - but it was gorey, a tad ridiculous, strange, creepy - and a freaking ton of fun. The art work is fantastic, but it does get very bloody and a bit gross at parts, so I'd steer clear if you're not alright with that.
The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey
This is primarily space opera - but it's also horror. This is the first space book that made me feel claustrophobic and panicy from them just being in a spaceship, at one point. There are also vomit zombies, as they are so lovingly termed (I don't even remember if that's an actual term used, but one of the authors used it, I think, and I like it). I've only read book one and two in this series, but I've loved them both - they were fast paced, character-centric, with definite horror elements. And this is being made into a series that's going to be on SyFy, which I'm super excited for.
World War Z by Max Brooks
I didn't put this on my initial list, because I forgot it was horror, as I do apparently. This book was fantastic and incredible. I don't want to give you any real information besides it's written like interviews and it's incredible and don't watch the movie (the movie is based on the book, technically, but from what I saw of it before I rage quit it had nothing to do with the book besides zombies). If you like audiobooks, I'd highly recommend getting the full version of this - it's awesome to hear the different voices and completely incredible.
Something from the Nightside (Nightside #1) by Simon R. Green
This isn't in the same vein as the others, I only gave it 3/5 stars, but I still really liked it and it was gritty and strange and very dark. I'm going to continue on with the series, eventually, but I do recommend it. It's like pulp horror, I guess, is a good way to put it. It isn't fantastic, but it's a ton of fun and definitely creepy and weird/strange.
Making this post has made me realize how few horror books I've actual read. I felt like I'd read a lot, but apparently not. I mean I've read quite a few and some other people consider horror, that I havne't put on here, and this isn't all of my recommendations (I have more King up my sleeve, always).
More:
Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King (highly recommended)
The Long Walk by Stephen King
Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales by Stephen King (these last two I haven't read in a long time, but I remember really enjoying both of them).
Pet Sematary by Stephen King (don't read if you don't want to continually eye your pets with suspicious afterwards)
Books I guess are kind of horror (that others have classed as it, but I wouldn't):
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris (after rereading book one - it's an alright series, definitely gorey and has a lot of sex, for more mature audiences)
Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton (I can see the horror elements in some of them, especially as Anita gets more terrifying, Obsidian Butterfly was the last I read and probably creeped me out the most, I haven't read on because I know it becomes all sex for a while).
In Death series by J.D. Robb (this is a series following Detective Eve Dallas and is more character centric, with all that as the backdrop, but some of the cases are creepy, weird, sad, horrifying, and/or gross, so I guess it does probably fall under it. Imitation in Death was probably the closest to horror, at least that I remember. Even so - much more character centric, still highly recommended).
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
I only recommended books I've read, but there's a ton I haven't (a few obvious classics are missing), but if you're curious.... I made a horror shelf on Goodreads (that really horror/thriller), but if you want to know what I want to read that horror, check if out. And if you have any recommendations of your own, even if they're already on my TBR, let me know and it might make me bump it up the list - I'm always for talking about books!
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (standalone)
I read this book over the course of a few months (February to April). It's a hard book to get to - the design is strange, it's slow and the tension builds very slowly and it's confusing. This book doesn't take you into account, it just goes with it. It's very visual, at points the words mimic what they're saying is happening.
It honestly creeped me out, had my heart pounding. It made me claustrophobic at points. It's differently not for everyone - it's a huge, strange, confusing, creepy book. But it's very, very good if you think it's for you, I highly recommend it.
It by Stephen King (standalone)
This book is long, alright? And it's strange and fucked up and I completely adore it. I'm completely biased on this book, first off. I first read this book at the same age the kids are, 11, and I read it over and over. I've reread this book possibly more then a Harry Potter book.
It's about a group of seven people - going between when they were 11 and then them over 20 years later, having forgotten about their childhood. It's about the characters, at least in my opinion, more then anything. About these seven kids and them being friends and together against all odd and - and also about a lot of fucked up, creepy things. It's why I liked this book so much at first, it's scary, creepy, and a bit gross at points. I'd highly, highly recommend this one.
Also - the movie that was made for this was made in 1990 and is 4 hours long and is actually pretty good. They're planning remakes, but that one was only missing a few things I wanted (and the affects weren't the best, but only laughable at one scene towards the end, the end is where I have most of my problems with it).
Duma Key by Stephen King (standalone)
I've reread this on a fair number of times, I also think I first read this when I was 11 (listen, some kids read Nancy Drew or whatever, I went from Harry Potter to Stephen King and I liked that). This was written after King's own accident that he had and so it's about a guy who pretty much gets crushed by a machine on a job site, much more extreme then King's accident.
And him moving to Florida for a change of pace and starting to paint - and everything that happens there. Learning about where he is, the history, and that maybe he should be more careful about what he's painting. It made my skin crawl at points, it's creepy and strange but also lovely and fantastic. The characters will dig into your heart and the story will intrigue you. Definitely up there for a favorite King book and not one that's talked about much. Also, not as scary as I think others are, or as long - if you're looking for a place to start with his full length stuff.
The Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay by Stephen King
The movie is fine, even good, but I love, love this screenplay. I'd totally forgotten about it, but there was a time when I sang it's praises. It's creepy, taking place on an island off the coast of Maine during the storm of the century, a huge storm that causes all kinds of problem while something else is going on. It's strange and creepy and really good.
Dreamcatch by Stephen King (standalone)
This was, also, an early read for me. I think I saw part of the movie first (also good and I have a whole movies post coming up), but it made me interested so I read the book. And holy crap - I loved it. I loved it a lot. With King's books - it's always about the characters, for me at least and I think it just is, there's a lot happening and that's also very important but all of his characters - you get attached to them so completely. These four, five, I love. And the little It easter egg.
Bag of Bones by Stephen King (standalone)
I promise this is my last King recommendation (for now). This I also read when I was 11 (I read a lot at that age. I had a deal with my math teacher if I got 95+ on everything, I could read in class. Where did those math talents go, though?). Anyway - this is definitely scarier then the other two, in my opinion, there's no build up to the creepy, scary stuff. It's there quickly and it stays there.
There was a two episode mini series done in 2011 of it - that is no where close to the book, but I thought it was alright, interesting at least, if you want to watch it after the book. (Don't want it first, it's not worth it).
The Preacher, Vol 1 by Garth Ennis, Steve Dillion (graphic novel series)
I've only read Volume 1 so far - but it was gorey, a tad ridiculous, strange, creepy - and a freaking ton of fun. The art work is fantastic, but it does get very bloody and a bit gross at parts, so I'd steer clear if you're not alright with that.
The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey
This is primarily space opera - but it's also horror. This is the first space book that made me feel claustrophobic and panicy from them just being in a spaceship, at one point. There are also vomit zombies, as they are so lovingly termed (I don't even remember if that's an actual term used, but one of the authors used it, I think, and I like it). I've only read book one and two in this series, but I've loved them both - they were fast paced, character-centric, with definite horror elements. And this is being made into a series that's going to be on SyFy, which I'm super excited for.
World War Z by Max Brooks
I didn't put this on my initial list, because I forgot it was horror, as I do apparently. This book was fantastic and incredible. I don't want to give you any real information besides it's written like interviews and it's incredible and don't watch the movie (the movie is based on the book, technically, but from what I saw of it before I rage quit it had nothing to do with the book besides zombies). If you like audiobooks, I'd highly recommend getting the full version of this - it's awesome to hear the different voices and completely incredible.
Something from the Nightside (Nightside #1) by Simon R. Green
This isn't in the same vein as the others, I only gave it 3/5 stars, but I still really liked it and it was gritty and strange and very dark. I'm going to continue on with the series, eventually, but I do recommend it. It's like pulp horror, I guess, is a good way to put it. It isn't fantastic, but it's a ton of fun and definitely creepy and weird/strange.
Making this post has made me realize how few horror books I've actual read. I felt like I'd read a lot, but apparently not. I mean I've read quite a few and some other people consider horror, that I havne't put on here, and this isn't all of my recommendations (I have more King up my sleeve, always).
More:
Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King (highly recommended)
The Long Walk by Stephen King
Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales by Stephen King (these last two I haven't read in a long time, but I remember really enjoying both of them).
Pet Sematary by Stephen King (don't read if you don't want to continually eye your pets with suspicious afterwards)
Books I guess are kind of horror (that others have classed as it, but I wouldn't):
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris (after rereading book one - it's an alright series, definitely gorey and has a lot of sex, for more mature audiences)
Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton (I can see the horror elements in some of them, especially as Anita gets more terrifying, Obsidian Butterfly was the last I read and probably creeped me out the most, I haven't read on because I know it becomes all sex for a while).
In Death series by J.D. Robb (this is a series following Detective Eve Dallas and is more character centric, with all that as the backdrop, but some of the cases are creepy, weird, sad, horrifying, and/or gross, so I guess it does probably fall under it. Imitation in Death was probably the closest to horror, at least that I remember. Even so - much more character centric, still highly recommended).
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
I only recommended books I've read, but there's a ton I haven't (a few obvious classics are missing), but if you're curious.... I made a horror shelf on Goodreads (that really horror/thriller), but if you want to know what I want to read that horror, check if out. And if you have any recommendations of your own, even if they're already on my TBR, let me know and it might make me bump it up the list - I'm always for talking about books!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Series Review: Fruits Basket Vols 1 - 23 (by Natsuki Takaya)
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| My photo: volumes 1 & 23 |
Author: Natsuki Takaya
Genre: Shojo Manga
Overall Series Rating: 5/5
Volume One Synopsis:
A family with an ancient curse...
And the girl who will change their lives forever...
Tohru Honda was an orphan with no place to go until the mysterious Sohma family offered her a place to call home. Now her ordinary high school life is turned upside down as she's introduced to the Sohma's world of magical curses and family secrets.
My Background (with the series):
I first was introduced to this series through the anime, by some friends in middle school (I can't remember for the life of my what year, it was 7th or 8th grade, I think). And completely adored it, fell it in love, and needed to read the entire manga (since I know that, mostly, the anime only covered the earlier ones).
I did read them all, back then, back to back. I just reread them recently(June), in an unhealthily short amount of time, and just thoroughly enjoyed myself again. I already loved these characters, so getting to relive their story was fantastic. This is going to be a review of the manga - but I also highly suggest the anime, by the way.
Review:
This is a shojo manga - which means it's manga specifically for teenage girls, which focuses on relationships and love and stuff. I haven't read a lot of this type of manga, this might be the only one, definitely the only full series, but my experience with the genre (anime included) is that it tends to make fun of itself in a lighthearted, fun way - which is one of the things I adore.
The other is the characters and how this whole premise is slightly ridiculous. People who turn into zodiac characters when hugged by a member of the opposite sex? Sure - totally not random and strange. But saying that, when I first heart that, I was just like that sounds awesome and weird, I have to watch/read that, and it's kind of still my response to it.
This whole manga, though, is really about the characters - about their lives, their loves, their troubles, and ups and downs. And I loved that. It's a large cast of characters, too. Tohru, our main character, her best friends, all of the zodiacs (and the cat), and the people that surround them (mostly family) - and it's a lot of fun.
Overall, obviously I love this series, and a lot of people do (the average rating for the series on Goodreads is 4.38 out of 270,112 ratings). I'd, honestly, probably recommend this to anyone - check out the first few volumes if you like funny, strange, well written shenanigans with a 'love triangle' that, in my opinion, isn't a love triangle.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
WWW Wednesday (19)
It's been a few months since I've done one of these, since June if my memories correct, but I wanted to do another one just because - so much reading is happening recently and I'm behind on my mini-review posts and my actual review posts. Anyway - WWW Wednesday.
WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. She asks that you answer three questions:
- What are you currently reading?
- What did you recently finish reading?
- What do you think you'll read next?
Currently-Reading:
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
I haven't gotten very far in this book, but I'm really enjoying it so far, it's strange and definitely gore-y at one point so far - but I'm interesting. And looking forward to more.
The Call of Cthulu and Other Weird Stories by H.P. Lovecraft
Also not very far, but also really enjoying - cannot want to read more.
I haven't gotten very far in this book, but I'm really enjoying it so far, it's strange and definitely gore-y at one point so far - but I'm interesting. And looking forward to more.
The Call of Cthulu and Other Weird Stories by H.P. Lovecraft
Also not very far, but also really enjoying - cannot want to read more.
Read(finished so far this month):
The Thing on the Doorstep by H.P Lovecraft
This is a short story and was the first thing I read in full by Lovecraft and I really, really enjoyed it. I liked his writing, imagery, and how it was creepy but in a way that is subtle, at least I thought so. Very good, already started to read more Lovecraft.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
I know this story and I've liked things based on this story - but I'd never read the original text before. And I'd tried to read Treasure Island last year (or the year before, I'm not sure), and I just couldn't get through it, so I was a little worried about this. But I loved it, I really enjoyed it and everything, so good.
The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1) & The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2) by Rick Riordan
These were a reread, in preparation for The Blood of Olympus and I'm really glad I did. I remembered the main points, but I felt like I'd forgotten so much that'd happened. (Also, its Wednesday now - so the Blood of Olympus has been up for a day).
The Demigod Files & The Ultimate Guide (Percy Jackson related) by Rick Riordan
I really enjoyed The Demigod Files, though I wish they were longer but still informative, but having just reread most of the books The Ultimate Guide felt redundant to me, and didn't have any additional information.
The Demigod Files & The Ultimate Guide (Percy Jackson related) by Rick Riordan
I really enjoyed The Demigod Files, though I wish they were longer but still informative, but having just reread most of the books The Ultimate Guide felt redundant to me, and didn't have any additional information.
The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3) & The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan
To explain the reason I'm seperating these books like this and not putting them all together, or all separate, it's because this is how I read them by day. Anyway - I really, really loved these, too, and I'm really, really glad that I decided to reread these books before the last one, because I wanted everything to be as fresh as possibly in my mind for this last book. I'm going to miss all of these characters, and I'm a little stunned #5 isn't longer, just because of how many loose ends need to be wrapped up with so many characters.
The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan
Holy shit, this was fantastic. I kind of wanted to go a little more, even though I did like the ending, I wanted to see more. Also - Nico chapters. I'm only a bit angry there weren't any Percy or Annabeth chapters, I was bribed by Nico chapters. No spoilers, I promise, but I highly recommend this series.
To explain the reason I'm seperating these books like this and not putting them all together, or all separate, it's because this is how I read them by day. Anyway - I really, really loved these, too, and I'm really, really glad that I decided to reread these books before the last one, because I wanted everything to be as fresh as possibly in my mind for this last book. I'm going to miss all of these characters, and I'm a little stunned #5 isn't longer, just because of how many loose ends need to be wrapped up with so many characters.
The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan
Holy shit, this was fantastic. I kind of wanted to go a little more, even though I did like the ending, I wanted to see more. Also - Nico chapters. I'm only a bit angry there weren't any Percy or Annabeth chapters, I was bribed by Nico chapters. No spoilers, I promise, but I highly recommend this series.
To Read Next:
I'm not all together sure, would like to finish both those currently-reading books, but they're slow reading books, I think. I'd also like to get to The Raven Boys very soon and some other horror books, considering the month and my sudden instence craving for the genre. It's been a too long since I've read a straight up horror novel.
I'm not all together sure, would like to finish both those currently-reading books, but they're slow reading books, I think. I'd also like to get to The Raven Boys very soon and some other horror books, considering the month and my sudden instence craving for the genre. It's been a too long since I've read a straight up horror novel.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Book Review: The Merciless
Author: Danielle Vega
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rating: 4/5
Page Count: 279 pages (hardcover)
Publication Date: June 12th, 2014
Plot (goodreads):
Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned
Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied up and gagged. No one outside of these dank basement walls knows she’s here. No one can hear her scream.
Sofia Flores knows she shouldn’t have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace, and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn’t realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.
Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn—but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can’t go against the other girls . . . unless she wants to be next. . . .
In this chilling debut, Danielle Vega delivers blood-curdling suspense and terror on every page. By the shockingly twisted end, readers will be faced with the most haunting question of all: Is there evil in all of us?
Review:
The first thing I need to mention about this book - is it's fantastic design. I'm not the biggest pink fan, but as soon as I saw the whole thing, I knew I needed it, because it's just so... ridiculous, I guess? Not in a bad way, because I love it, but it's bright, florescent pink and you have to, at least, pick it up and check out the design when you see it in the store.
Besides that, though, I really enjoyed this book. I know some people didn't care much for it and I was a little iffy through about 3/4ths of it - it as interesting and strange, but it wasn't anything special. But I ended up loving it for the ending, the implications of the ending. Not everyone will, I know, it's probably just my weird, twisted brain - but I adored this.
This books gets a little gross at points, not extremely gore-y or anything, but there is some torture involved. I like horror books and, overall, this felt a little less then it could of been, but it was overall just a ton of fun. Yes, fun, you read that right, that's the word that keeps coming to mind with this book - fun.
A great read for a stormy night, curled up in bed. It's a fast read, too, pretty short and as soon as it picks up, it doesn't stop.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Book Recommendations: Scary Books for Beginners
Book recommendations! I've never done a post like this before, but I'm planning quite a few at the moment, we'll see how many work out. This is, obviously, because it's officially October (though, I start thinking about Halloween in, like, the last week of August). Soon bad horror movies will be on TV (maybe I'll do a post recommending those, I've got some favorites).
To explain the title - these are scary/horror/such books for people who don't normally read in the horror genre but are looking to maybe give it a try. Or if you scare easily, these are also good books for you. I'm going to do another post, that when it goes up will be linked here, about more serious horror books, that maybe you don't want to start with, but you should work your way up to. I also might do a post recommending plain paranormal book, those always scream fall to me, lurking down dark alleys and around graveyards and such.
Personally, it's rare a book honestly scares me. I started reading King young, probably too young, so keep that in mind for these books - but, overall, I think others would agrees these are a good kickoff into horror/scary stuff.
The Merciless by Danielle Vega
I've read a fair number of horror books and so I wasn't expecting anything from this. So was surprised that I actually kind of enjoyed it. It's a bit gore-y at points, but it's fun (at least I thought it was a lot of fun), and the ending surprised me. Definitely a good way to get a taste of horror, if you've never ready it before, at least I think so. (Full review going up on the 7th, but this is all you need to know).
Say Her Name by James Dawson
I only gave this book a 3/5, but I think because I was just expecting so much from it. Don't get me wrong, though, I did really enjoy it. It's a little cliche for most of it, but when it starts to pick up it definitely veers off that set path. And I really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for anything Bloody Mary, and this was a lot of fun. (Maybe read it with the lights off and a flashlight, maybe a candle or two around).
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
This is, technically, a middle grade book - but it's very, very creepy. Gaiman is always good at creating a certain atmosphere in books and this is no different. It's creepy and strange and has scattered illustrations that are mildly terrifying, in all honestly. Fantastic, highly recommended book. It's scary, but I still think it's a good jumping off point, more creepy then anything.
Coffin Hill, Vol 1: Forest of the Night by Caitlin Kittredge
This is very, very good. It's a bit more gore-y then anything else here, bloody, and a graphic novel. It's set in New England, in my home state, and it's - eerie and mysterious and I really, really loved it. The art is really good, too.
The Breathing Method by Stephen King
This is only a short story, but it definitely gives you a taste of what King is like. The writing, the building tension, the horrifying ending. It was fantastic - personally, when I read this, I listened to the audiobook, but you can find it in print. (I believe it's in Different Seasons, a short story collection).
Sandman by Neil Gaiman
Comic book series. I've only really read the first volume, about half of the second, but I really loved what I read. Now - I've heard the second volume is really bad and they're pretty creepy, scary, so these aren't the best place to start, in my opinion, but if you're looking for something in the middle - start with first volume and move forward with caution.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
I wasn't going to include this one because I forgot it's horror. I'm not sure how I feel about that label, because it's definitely weird and strange at parts, but no part really scared me, or even creeped me out. I really loved this book, though and it is odd, but I know it's not for everyone.
To explain the title - these are scary/horror/such books for people who don't normally read in the horror genre but are looking to maybe give it a try. Or if you scare easily, these are also good books for you. I'm going to do another post, that when it goes up will be linked here, about more serious horror books, that maybe you don't want to start with, but you should work your way up to. I also might do a post recommending plain paranormal book, those always scream fall to me, lurking down dark alleys and around graveyards and such.
Personally, it's rare a book honestly scares me. I started reading King young, probably too young, so keep that in mind for these books - but, overall, I think others would agrees these are a good kickoff into horror/scary stuff.
The Merciless by Danielle Vega
I've read a fair number of horror books and so I wasn't expecting anything from this. So was surprised that I actually kind of enjoyed it. It's a bit gore-y at points, but it's fun (at least I thought it was a lot of fun), and the ending surprised me. Definitely a good way to get a taste of horror, if you've never ready it before, at least I think so. (Full review going up on the 7th, but this is all you need to know).
Say Her Name by James Dawson
I only gave this book a 3/5, but I think because I was just expecting so much from it. Don't get me wrong, though, I did really enjoy it. It's a little cliche for most of it, but when it starts to pick up it definitely veers off that set path. And I really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for anything Bloody Mary, and this was a lot of fun. (Maybe read it with the lights off and a flashlight, maybe a candle or two around).
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
This is, technically, a middle grade book - but it's very, very creepy. Gaiman is always good at creating a certain atmosphere in books and this is no different. It's creepy and strange and has scattered illustrations that are mildly terrifying, in all honestly. Fantastic, highly recommended book. It's scary, but I still think it's a good jumping off point, more creepy then anything.
Coffin Hill, Vol 1: Forest of the Night by Caitlin Kittredge
This is very, very good. It's a bit more gore-y then anything else here, bloody, and a graphic novel. It's set in New England, in my home state, and it's - eerie and mysterious and I really, really loved it. The art is really good, too.
The Breathing Method by Stephen King
This is only a short story, but it definitely gives you a taste of what King is like. The writing, the building tension, the horrifying ending. It was fantastic - personally, when I read this, I listened to the audiobook, but you can find it in print. (I believe it's in Different Seasons, a short story collection).
Sandman by Neil Gaiman
Comic book series. I've only really read the first volume, about half of the second, but I really loved what I read. Now - I've heard the second volume is really bad and they're pretty creepy, scary, so these aren't the best place to start, in my opinion, but if you're looking for something in the middle - start with first volume and move forward with caution.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
I wasn't going to include this one because I forgot it's horror. I'm not sure how I feel about that label, because it's definitely weird and strange at parts, but no part really scared me, or even creeped me out. I really loved this book, though and it is odd, but I know it's not for everyone.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
October 2014 TBR + Some Questions For You
October - the month of Halloween. Where the weather starts to get chillier (in most northern hemisphere climates) and the leaves start to change color. Bad horror movies on TV, pumpkin favored everything, the month before NaNoWriMo (meaning all the NaNo prep possible), and a 24 hours read-a-thon and a 24 hour stream(s) for charity (Extra Life!). Wow, October is very, very busy when you put it like that.
Also The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan is coming out at the end of the first week of October and there's some other good books that I"m excited for, but mostly that one. I'm planning on rereading the Heroes of Olympus series in time for that one to come out. I'm also planning on posting some horror book recommendations to see how book recommendations go, and if anyone likes them.
I'm not really sure of my TBR, a shocking surprise I know, and I don't tend to stick with them. Though - I do know I'm going to try and read as much as I can, whatever it is, because NaNoWriMo in November tends to eat my reading time (though, this year I think I'm going to make time, since I've been writing quite a bit the whole year).
I do want to read some scary books of my own this month and maybe get some full reviews up. I have a few ideas as to what I might read, but I kind of don't want to share them. I might stop listing random books I could read and, instead, just start talking about what'll be happening in the coming month. So maybe "October TBR" is the wrong title for this post.... Though - Heroes of Olympus series reread, and I want to finish Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, too.
Stuff talked about:
Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon
ExtraLife
NaNoWriMo
Questions:
Also The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan is coming out at the end of the first week of October and there's some other good books that I"m excited for, but mostly that one. I'm planning on rereading the Heroes of Olympus series in time for that one to come out. I'm also planning on posting some horror book recommendations to see how book recommendations go, and if anyone likes them.
I'm not really sure of my TBR, a shocking surprise I know, and I don't tend to stick with them. Though - I do know I'm going to try and read as much as I can, whatever it is, because NaNoWriMo in November tends to eat my reading time (though, this year I think I'm going to make time, since I've been writing quite a bit the whole year).
I do want to read some scary books of my own this month and maybe get some full reviews up. I have a few ideas as to what I might read, but I kind of don't want to share them. I might stop listing random books I could read and, instead, just start talking about what'll be happening in the coming month. So maybe "October TBR" is the wrong title for this post.... Though - Heroes of Olympus series reread, and I want to finish Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, too.
Stuff talked about:
Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon
ExtraLife
NaNoWriMo
Questions:
Would you guys like book recommendations? Either by genre or around a kind of theme (but that'd probably also be genre-d, mmh)?
Would you mind NaNoWriMo related posts?
How do you feel about weekly wrap-ups for 2015? I'd still do a monthly one to wrap everything up, but I would talk about the books I read more frequently.
I also have some other new stuff in mind and such. I've learned I just can't fully review every book I read, only a few do I really have enough to say about them to fully review.
Do you like my mini review posts? Or would you like me to do slightly longer, but still kind of mini, reviews with the names of the things I'm reviewing in the title?
And that is a lot of questions to answer and I know there's not a lot of you and this is my blog - but I'm curious. It'd be really helpful to me if you'd answer even just a few of them, whatever you feel like you have thoughts/opinions about or the quick yes/no ones.
Series Review: The Grisha Series (by Leigh Bardugo)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: YA High Fantasy (Adventure, Romance)
Overall Series Rating: 5/5
Books:
Shadow and Bone (5/5)
Siege and Storm (5/5)
Ruin and Rising (5/5)
First Book Synopsis (Goodreads):
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.
My Background (with the series):
I bought the first book when it very first came out, probably the week of, and the same with the second - and then didn't read either of them. And then just decided to wait until the third one came out. So I did, I preordered it, and it came in the mail - and then I read them all in a row. Three days, three books (June 17th - 19th. Started and finished book one on the 17th, and finished book three on the 19th).
And since I read them so quick I didn't have a lot of exposure to the fans/fandom of the series, or the discussion and such. And I was so confused and surprised (and confused) about why everyone was obsessed with The Darkling. Guys, I'm sorry to break it to you, but he was kind of evil (I mean, he was entertaining, but we didn't get to know him at all). And he hurts people, using them, and I just honestly don't get it because he doesn't have any redeeming qualities that I could find. I mean sometimes I adore villains because of how evil/insane/whatever they are - but seemed to have honestly wanted him and Alina to get together. Pretty sure that would of been bad.
I also don't understand why people seem to hate Mal. Okay hate might be strong word for some, but for others I don't think it is. I mean he wasn't my favorite, but he wasn't bad (Sturmhound, and I think the logical way was him, the "follow your heart" was Mal for her).
Review:
I don't know what it was that made me enjoy this series so much. It wasn't, like, overly fantastic in any way (the plot was okay, interesting, but not wow, original and the writing was just good), but for some reason I really loved this series. Now, rethinking it, I'm considering lowering the ratings on the books - but I'm not going to because I just feel like I should, and that's an awful to reason to do anything.
I did really enjoy these three books though, this series. And the romance aspects, oddly, never felt out of place or pushed into where they shouldn't be. I feel like that's a common problem when warlike things are happening or the worlds in danger - the romance can just feel not right, out of place, and/or ridiculous. But this book wasn't like that - the romance was there and that was that.
The world might of been my favorite part - the supernatural parts and the historical fantasy world being my main favorite parts. I loved how the supernatural parts were mixed in and how the worldbuilding didn't feel too much like info-dumping. I did like the writing, overall, her style was good, not too flowery, but also not too simple.
I think I'm in the majority, as well, for liking how the trilogy wrapped up (I mean, I didn't love it, but it was cute / I was fine with it).
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
September 2014 Wrap-Up
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| Physical books from the month! (part1) |
September was an interesting month. It started with me marathoning the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, which promptly just broke me for a week, I think. I highly recommend that you pick up anything by Sanderson, that will convince you to continue on with them.
Overall, I read - books this month, it's been a great month. I upped my Goodreads goal to 250, which is completely terrifying, but I'm just going to lower it in December if there's no way I can hit it. But I had a secret goal to hit 200 books this month!
- The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
- The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
- The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
- The Merciless by Danielle Vega (3/5)
- Tinder by Sally Gardner (3/5)
- Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz #1) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
- The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson #1) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson #2) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson #3) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Battle of the Labrynth (Percy Jackson #4) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson #5) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- Revolver by Marcus Sedwick (4/5)
- Single by Saturday (Weekday Brides #4) by Catherine Bybee (3/5)
- Taken by Tuesday (Weekday Brides #5) by Catherine Bybee (3/5)
- Opal Fire (A Stacy Justice Mystery #1) by Barbra Annino (2/5)
- Not Quite Dating (Not Quite #1) by Catherine Bybee (3/5)
- Not Quite Mine (Not Quite #2) by Catherine Bybee (3/5)
- Purity in Death (In Death #15) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
- Portrait in Death (In Death #16) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
- The Little World of Liz Climo by Liz Climo (5/5)
- Girl on Tour (Kylie Ryans #2) by Caisey Quinn (2/5)
- Imitation in Death (In Death #16) by J.D. Robb (5/5)
- Warbreaker (Warbreaker #1) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
I'm not sure my favorite things I read of the month was, honestly, like I said earlier the Mistborn series definitely broke me a little. I've just realized, having just finished Warbreaker, that I've read 5 books by Brandon Sanderson and they could all probably claim my favorite for the month, especially the Mistborn series.
Though, I also really enjoyed reread the Percy Jackson series and getting back into the In Death series. Basically, I loved a lot of things I loved this month. Some of things were just already, but most I really, really liked.
Though, I also really enjoyed reread the Percy Jackson series and getting back into the In Death series. Basically, I loved a lot of things I loved this month. Some of things were just already, but most I really, really liked.
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| Uhh... Warbreaker is accidentally in both pictures. Oops. |
Reviews:
Everything else:
Read-A-Thon Related:
Dewey's 24-hour read-a-thon! (October 18th, 2014) - announcement of participation
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