My Top 15 of 2015!

DISCLAIMER: It was so hard for me to choose my top fifteen favorite books I've read this year. It was even harder to list them from my #15 to my #1 favorite reads, because all the books that are listed below are amazing and wonderful in they're own way. I also want you to know that this list in it's entirety is based off my personal opinion, so you might think that a book should be ranked lower, or higher, on your scale. But I hope you enjoy a look at some of my favorites from this year. 

#15

Eon by Alison Goodman

Okay, I know what you're thinking, "This book wasn't released this year!" While, yes you are right, it wasn't released this year. Sadly, I didn't read this book until I was on spring break this year with my friend, Jared, in Florida. I wish I would have read this book sooner though. It. Was. AMAZING. One of my other friends, Chase, gave it to me to read. So, I don't actually own a copy, but I plan on getting one. . . eventually. But I really did enjoy this magical tale about dragons, mysteries, betrayal, and adventure. I wish this one could of been higher up on my list, but I highly recommend this one if you like fantasy and dragons, like I do. 

Click here to see my review. 

#14

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

This is another on that wasn't released this, but yet again I wish I would have read sooner. Weirdly enough though, I also read this one when I was on spring break this year. I loved this one because it was different from any other dystopian I've read, up to that point, like Divergent or The Hunger Games. Rossi did something I have never seen before, and have yet to see repeated on some level. She managed to mix dystopia, fantasy, and sci-tech all into one, all in one book people! It was a very enjoyable and unique read for me. I high recommend to those who can't choose between dystopia and fantasy, if you fall into the category, I have a feeling you're really going to like this one. 

Click here to see my review. 

#13

Binge by Tyler Oakley

Yay! We finally have a book the was released this year, and one that was released recentlyish too. If you don't know already, Tyler is on of my favorite Youtubers, and queens. So of course his book would be on my top 15's this year. I loved reading about Tyler's life, and also seeing some of the embarrassing similarities both him and I have experienced through high school. I also liked reading this on because I learned so much about the LGBTQ+ community, and also learned a lot form his life experiences he shares with his readers. I highly recommend you pick up this one, because you will be laughing out loud at this one, and learning so much along the way.

Click here to see my review.

#12

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Okay so, this one was released last year. But I learned about this book after seeing how much Jesse, a Booktuber (Jessethereader), recommended it. And I thought, if Jesse, a guy, said that this was an amazing book even though the cover looks really girly, then I might as well give it a try. So, I did. And I don't regret it. I absolutely fell head-over-heels for this one. It was full of creative humor, that had me literally laughing out loud, and it had bone-chilling plot twists that had me cringing. I recommend this one to anyone looking for that different read, something that has a good love story and is so action-packed that it will have you reading it into the wee hours of the morning.

Click here to see my review.

#11

Broken Skies by Theresa Kay

Finally, we have an some alien love in this list! I fell in love with this book from another Booktuber, Sasha Alsberg (Abookutopia), when she met Theresa and recommended the book. So, me being the kind of person that I am, loving anything alien and sci-fi, I had to get get this book in my hands! So, I went and ordered it from Books.A.Million. This book has everything any sci-fi lover wants, romance, adventure, mystery, and aliens; especially aliens! I recommend this one to any of my fellow alien fangirls and fanboys, who wish to launch out of this world, and land amoug the stars. 

Click here to see my review. 

#10

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings

Here is another one that came out last year, but I got this one for Christmas this year. Actually, this was the first book I read this year. This one is a dystopia, but it's very different then anyone you have ever read before. It's so unique that the people in this world have bar codes printed on their foreheads. I fell in love with this dark world that Lindsay created, and it was a great way to kick of the start of the year. Full of death, action, thrills, chills, and mind-bending plot twists. I highly recommend this one to all of you, it was written so beautifully, and you will fall in love with it, just like I did. 

Click here to see my review.  

#9

Branded by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki


This is another one that was recommended to me by another Booktuber, Ben Alderson (Benjaminoftomes). After seeing how much he enjoyed this dystopian, I knew I had to check it out. It's now one of my favorite dystopians of all times. I loved the unique spin Abi and Missy brought to that table on this one. I never thought about the seven deadly sin so much while reading a book. I also liked how they both used the sins, in some ways, to formulate a character's personalities. Full of action, life and death, innocence and sins, this book has it all. I recommend you pick this one up, so you can see what the buzz is all about.

Click here to check out my review.

#8

Invaded by Melissa Landers

More alien love! This book also came out this year, and I also went to the release party for it all that way over in Ohio. This is another book I got into, thanks to Sasha Alsburg (Abookutopia). She's the one to thank for getting me obsessed with most of the books and fandoms I learn about. I fell in love with the first book Alienated, and fell in love again when reading this one! This series was the first sci-fi books I've ever read, so these book hold a special place in my heart, but most book do that anyways. I wish this one could have been placed higher on my list, but I still highly recommend you pick this up! You will be transported to an alien planet; where everything seems backwards, and you'll get to see what happen when two species collide.

Click here to see my review.

#7

Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Here is yet another book that Sasha (Abookutopia) has made me fall for. I one-hundred and fifty-thousand percent loved reading this book! Doon is full of magic and mystery that any fantasy reader would love. There is also two great romances thrown in the mix too. I got the most incredible opportunity to meet both of these amazing authors, Carey and Lorie, this year at PPL YA Authors Fest. And trust me you would have wanted to see how hard I was fangirling. So, I recommend you add this on the your TBR, if you haven't done so already. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Click here to see my full review. 

#6

Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton

Here's another great sci-fi book that I read this year! This time though, Ben Alderson (Benjaminoftomes) recommended this one to me. This one has to be my favorite Sci-fi book I read this year! I loved the love story, I loved the humor, I love the uniqueness of this book. The aliens in this one are very different from that ones I've ever read before, I mean for crying out loud they're purple! But I also liked seeing the character development, and plot make-up in this one. All in all, this book is a well-rounded show-stopper of epic proportions. I highly recommend this one to readers who are looking for the one book that will take them out of this world! 

Click here to see my review. 

#5

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This one wasn't released this year,but I found it on the shelf at the bookstore and decided to pick it up. And I yet again, don't regret it. This book hooks you in from the start, with suspense and mystery. With relatable characters, and action-packed scenarios, Mafi had completely blown me away. I highly recommend this one to anyone who is new to reading YA. it's a good series to start out with, and anyone who love dystopia. 

Click here to see my review.

#4

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This one was released early on and the year, and when I found it on my door step, I did a little happy dance. This book was my favorite dystopia I read this year. I loved Loved LOVED reading this one, and I'm currently waiting for the next book to be released. This one was so beautifully written and the characters are so unique in their own way that you will find yourself  growing attached to them. There's also action, romance, betrayal, and magic, that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and will leave you with wanting more. I highly recommend to any YA read, this one is most definitely one you don't want to miss.   

Click here to see my review. 

#3

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Well, here it is. My third favorite book I've read this year. This one was my favorite retelling too. Marissa just simply took my breath away!  This one was just so unique, because I have never read a Cinderella retelling like this ever before. I mean, there's a hot prince, a epidemic, and freaky moon aliens in it!  I also really enjoyed the sci-tech features in it from Cinder, and Iko. I loved the plot of this one, and the forbidden romance in it too. If you are looking for something unlike anything you have ever read before, you need to pick up a copy of this book! I highly recommend it!

Click here to see my review. 

#2

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Number Two! Here's my second favorite book I read this year! This. Book. Was. Epic. I loved reading this fantasy. It was full of betrayal, action, romance, heart-break, adventure, and a game of power. I was recommended to read this from Ben Alderson (Benjaminoftomes) again. And I don't regret going out and buying it the next day. This one way so beautifully written, and the each characters is unique with their own background story, some that you don't learn about until the future books. I loved reading it, but I'm going to warn any young YA readers out there, this is more of an adult read. So, there is a lot of mature content in it, so if your okay with reading things like this, I recommend you go pick up a copy and love it just as much as I do. 

Click here to see my review. 

#1

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

HERE WE ARE, MY NUMBER ONE READ THIS YEAR! AHHH, LOOK AT IT! Okay, I need to calm down a bit. But, OMG I loved this one to the moon in back. This was my top fantasy read I read this year! I read this one over the summer, and fell in love. This fantasy has magic, action, adventure, conspiracy, romance, a fight for power, and a rebellion; all in one. When I pick this out up to read, I didn't know what I was getting my self into. Tahir that left me speechless with this incredible masterpiece, and I'm dying to get my hand on a copy of the next one! I high recommend you pick this one up, and put it at the top of your TBR pile. And I can only hope that you love it just as much, if not more then I do!

Click here to see review. 

To Wrap It Up...

And to check out all I've read this year, click on the link below...

My Year in Books (Goodreads 2015)

A Thousand Skies Above You Book Review!

Ten Thousand Skies Above You

Click here to see my review of Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray. Fasten your seat belts, people! Claudia has created a show-stopper of epic per-portions! 

Winter Book Review!

Winter by Marissa Meyer

Click here to see my review of Winter by Marissa Meyer. An epic conclusion to an epic series that you're not going to want to miss! 

Binge Book Review!

Binge by Tyler Oakley

Click here to see my review of Binge by Tyler Oakley. A book that had me laughing out loud, and gasping at how relatable and eye-opening this one was. 

The Invasion of the Tearling Book Review!

The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Click here to see my full review on The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen. A book full of magic, mystery, and perseverance, that it will leave you with wanting more!

A Fangirl's Guide To Pretty Much Anything (Entry #2)

Book Hauls!

Knowing what to get, how to get them, and when it might be a good time to stop.

Book hauls are one of the easiest ways to make your book collection full and diverse with tons of new books. Monthly book hauls are even better because you stay up-to-date with new marital to quench your cravings of new books to read. 

Book hauls are good in a since, but we all know they hurt our pocket books. Books have become very pricey on today's market. But I'm here to tell you that most the books I own, I never had to pay full price for them. Here are a few of my favorite places to buy books that are "on sale" or cheaper than normal book stores like B&N or Books.A.Million.

Now, don't laugh cause these places most of you have heard about. The first place I usually go to for books is Target. Target is one place I know that takes 20 to 30% off new arrivals that come to their stores. A $24 hardback, poof just turned into a $17 one. It's like the book fairy came magical changed the price just for you. Another place I tend to get a lot of cheap books is at my local grocery store. Many local stores carry books, and most of these books aren't set at the sale price listed in the back of the book. It's just another way to save your money, so you can buy even more books. ;)

Another way to save when you go to the bookstore is to become a member at said bookstore. For example becoming a member at Barnes & Noble or Books.A.Million. Many members get perks when it comes to books; like free shipping when you order books through their sites, getting weekly coupons you can use towards buying books, or getting a small percent off on any item in the store. Now here's a warning, these memberships don't come cheap, but once you get on it's good for the whole year. So all those perks, you get them for an entire year. If you get a membership, it'll be your golden ticket on the cheap book express.

Now those are ways you can get the most bang for your buck, but now how do you know what books to buy? And that answer is as simple as the question sounds; it's the books you want to buy of course. It can be a new release, a classic, or a recommendation. Any books are great. So don't be afraid to try something old or something new whenever choosing new a read.

So, you now know what books to get and how to get them, but now when do you know when to stop? Now if your a dedicated fangirl, or fanboy, then you already know to answer to this on as well. It's pretty easy to guess this one too. The answer; you don't . . . unless you're either out of money, out of book space on your bookshelves (which you'll most likely get more shelves and buy more books), or are out of book recommendations you want to buy (which is highly unlikely). Once one starts, they can never stop buying books!

So there you have it, all you need to know about book hauls. If there are different ways you do book hauls, I'd love to hear about them, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. So until next time, drink some coffee, love a cat, watch out for them feels, and remember to always read fearlessly!

Fractured Suns Book Review!

Fractured Suns by Theresa Kay

Click here to see my review of Fractured Suns by Theresa Kay, a vary suspenseful read full of action, adventure, romance, and betrayal. This is one sci-fi you won't want to miss!

Everything, Everything Book Review!

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Click here to see my full review of Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. A heart-felt story that had me laughing out loud and crying my eyes out. It also has an unexpected ending that on one sees coming!

Armada Book Review!

Armada by Ernest Cline

Click here it see my review of Armada by Ernest Cline. An incredible sci-fi/videogame adventure that has kept me on the edge of my seat, and has left me with my mind blown!

Shades of Doon Book Review!

Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Click here to see my review of Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon, the series that has been calmed to be the Outlander for teens, and one you can't miss! Go and cross the bridge! 

The Queen of the Tearling Book Review!

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Click here to see my review of The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen.With multiple points of view and a unique writing style, The Queen of the Tearling has built up quite a reputation.

Magonia Book Review

New Book Reveiw

Click here to see my review on Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley. The book that has given a whole new meaning to Fantasy. 

Broken Skies Book Review

Broken Skies by Theresa Kay

Click here to check out my review of Broken Skies by Theresa Kay. Full of action, romance, betrayal, and adventurer, this is one you don't want to miss!

A Fangirl's Guide To Pretty Much Anything (Entry #1)

Death by Reading Slumps

How to deal with them, and how to get rid of them. 

Photo Credit via Instagram: @chicklitdesigns

Reading Slumps are every fangirl's/fanboy's nightmare. A reading slump is when either a book you're currently reading is no longer appealing to you and you can't finish it, or when you've started reading a series or genre and you just can't go on with it anymore. They are nasty beasts to deal with, and getting rid of them is harder that anything.

Most fangirls, and fanboys, can feel both mental and emotion pain when dealing with a reading slump. When we experience a reading slump, it's like our world has shut down. Some might even say they become depressed when in the middle of a reading slump. But I'm here to tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel; reading slumps never last! Most fanboys and fangirls eventually recover from reading slumps. Reading slumps can last from a few days, to months, it just depends on how hard reading slumps hit you.

Here's the reading cycle of a fangirl, or fanboy, and reading slumps:

Stage 1: 'I can't be in another book slump! I will tackle my TBR pile and emerge victorious. You're not going to hold me back, brain.'
Stage 2: *reads 50 pages of about a 750 page book* 'NOOOO!'
Stage 3: *mumbles about reading slump* *posts a blog about reading slump* *tell the whole town about reading slump*
Stage 4: 'So the hundreds of books I own aren't really working for me, I should defiantly go to a bookstore or library.'
Stage 5: 'I know, I'll re-read Harry Potter'
Stage 6: *puts on a sad song and stares at books on bookshelves longingly* 'I miss you...'
Stage 7: *after what feels like eternity, reads 50 books in a week to make up for lost time*
Stage 8: Repeat

One things is for sure though, we all feel guilty for not reading books, this guilt we feel really adds  stress to our lives when in a reading slump. You feel guilty because you know your TBR pile keeps growing everyday and that you should be reading, but you just can't. Don't worry though every fanperson has been there, and there are many ways you can break a reading slump. One thing you can try is switching genres of books. When I'm in a reading slump, I tend to switch to a completely different genre, so I can see a different reading and writing style.  This usually works every time, but occasionally I have to do something special to get myself out of a reading slump. Getting  new inspiration is another great way to break a reading slump. Whether it be watching a new Netflix series, writing something new , reading some new fan-fics, going to a new bookstore, or even trying new things; getting new inspiration can always re-spark the passion to read. Another way you can break a reading slump is returning to books you've already fell in love with. Personally, my go to is Harry Potter, and sometimes returning in 'safe' territory might just be the thing you need to pull yourself out of a reading slump. Finally, if all else fails, wait it out. I know it's the worst, but sometimes  your brain just needs a breather from reading, but don't worry it will pass and you can get back to reading in no time.

So, when it comes to reading slumps, remember just chill, it will pass. Also, don't feel guilty, your books can wait for you to recover, and every fanperson gets them, you're not alone. Great ways to break a reading slump is switching it up, getting new inspiration, and returning in 'safe' territory. And remember that if all else fails, wait it out!

I hope that this helped some of you out, and if there are different ways you get out of a reading slump, I'd love to hear about them, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. So until next time, drink some coffee, love a cat, watch out for them feels, and remember to always read fearlessly!

Ghosting Book Review

New Book Review

Click here to see my full review of Ghosting by Edith Pattou, a very unique story that is told through multiple points of view in naturalistic free verse and stream of consciousness, this is an unforgettable, haunting tale. 

An Ember In The Ashes Book Review!

New Book Review

Click here to see my full review of An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. It has to be the best fantasy I've read so far this year!

Cress Book Review!

New Book Review

Click here to check out my review of Cress by Marissa Meyer and to find out more about The Lunar Chronicles. 

PPL YA Author Fest!

Me at PPL YA Fest!

A few weeks ago I found out that some of my favorite authors where going to PPL YA Author Fest so I asked my mom if she would take me, and she said yes! Yesterday me and my mom hopped into the car, drove about three and a half hours to Pickerington, Ohio. At First we went to Pickerington High School, and then shortly realized that we went to the wrong high school. Did you know that there are two different Pickering High Schools? There's regular old Pickerington High School, and then there's Pickerington NORTH High School. Realizing that we weren't where we were supposed to be, my mom and I re-hopped into the car and drive 15 more minutes to Pickerington North High School and to PPL YA Author Fest. When we arrived we were directed to the Field House for Opening Remarks and a brief introduction by one of my favorite authors, Cinda Williams Chima! She wrote The Warrior Heir series and The Seven Realms series, I haven't read any of the Seven Realms series yet, but I read the first two of The Warrior Heir series and I loved them! So I was so excited to see her and hear her life story. 

Authors Carey Corp, Lorie Langdon, and Edith Pattou

After Open Introductions, I went to a sat in a Fantasy discussion panel and saw two other authors that have changed my life forever, Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon. Carey and Lorie both wrote the Doon series, currently only the first two are out (Doon and Destined for Doon) and the next installment, Shades of Doon, comes out in a month. I was so excited to hear about there writing stories and loved listening to the advice that they gave to upcoming writers. And the last chair on the panel belonged to Edith Pattou, she wrote and is currently writing the Fire Arrow Trilogy. She also wrote East, her new fantasy retelling, and Ghosting, an action thriller with kind of a Boo Radley/To Kill A Mockingbird vibe. I was trilled when her books grabbed my attention immediately, and was so excited to hear her thoughts on fantasy and her struggles with world building and writing strategies. I loved hearing from my favorite authors and a new one too. I knew I was going to have to go check out Eidth's booth later on in the day, to pick up copies of her books, but first I had to go to lunch.

Book Signings!

 After Lunch, it was book buying time. I bought the rest of The Warrior Heir series and the first of The Seven Realms series by Cinda Chima. And then it was book signing time! I first went to Carey's and Lorie's booth, I was fangirling so hard when they signed my copies of Doon and Destined for Doon, I also got some awesome posters, book planets, and bookmarks. Carey and Lorie where so cool, I had a blast talking to them and loved meeting them. After hitting up the Doon booth, I heading to meet Edith at her booth. Where I purchased her books East and Ghosting, and she kindly signed them both. She was so nice, and her book sound amazing. I can't wait to read them. After Edith's booth, I went and met Cinda Williams Chima! She signed my copy of The Warrior Heir and my newly purchased copy of The Demon King (Book 1 in The Seven Realms series). I was freaking out so much. She's just so awesome, and I couldn't believe I was meeting here. I had so much fun meeting some of my favorite authors and some new ones too. But the fun didn't stop then, there was also another discussion panel and book signing to go!

Authors Vicki Leigh, Mindee Arnett, and Cinda Williams Chima

After some book signing time, it was time for another discussion panel. This time I sat through another Fantasy discussion panel, but this Time with Cinda Willams Chima on it and two new authors to me; Vicki Leigh and Mindee Arnett. Vicki wrote Catch Me When I Fall, an urban fantasy about Dream Protectors and Nightmares. Mindee Arnett wrote The Nightmare Affair, a fantasy full of magic and mystery, and Avalon, an alien sci-fi full of action and hijackings. This panel focused more on the struggles of getting published and how too much world planning could be the death of your book. I also enjoyed hearing about their personal experiences with writing and writer's block. I really enjoyed meeting two new authors, who's stories sound amazing, and also seeing into the live of amazing authors. And I new that after the panel I'd have to go see them at their booths, during the next signing.

New Books and Goodies!

So that's exactly what I did, I went to both their booths and bought their books. Vicki was so awesome, I loved the way she personalized my book too. I can't wait to read her book, it sounds so good! Hopefully I'll read it soon! Mindee was so cool too! I bought her book Avalon, we talked about our love for sci-fi, and the way she signed my book was so perfect too. I also can't wait to read her book too! At the end of the Fest, I pick up a lot of book goodies, and I also picked up some at booths too. Then sadly the Fest had to end, and after having such an amazing day, my mom and I carried our very heavy and full tout bags and headed home. I had so much fun at PPL YA Author Fest, there was so much book love going around, I loved it! I met a lot of new authors, and a lot of new friends too. I can't wait to read the 10 new books I got, and I plan on going back next year.
There you have it, my first adventure through a book fest. I hope you enjoyed this longish post about my book adventure. So, until next time drink some coffee, love a cat, watch out for those feels, and dive into a good book you cant read!

Today is 'THE' Day

Well, today is 'THE' day I start a book blog. I've been reading ever since I was 12 year-old in 6th grade. So I figured that since I've been reading for 6 years now, I should probably start to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others. So far, I learned that I love fiction books A LOT more then non-fiction books. No offence non-fiction readers, but middle school and high school kind of killed that for me. But this doesn't mean that I'll never read non-fiction, I really enjoyed reading To Kill A Mockingbird and Silent Spring. I just read a ton more fiction then non-fiction. Only on rare occasions will you ever see a non-fiction book in my hands. Fiction is just so unpredictable, you can literally do anything with it. And I love seeing what kind of adventure authors can take me on.

 So you might be asking yourself, 'then what kind of fiction do you read?' And here's your answer; I tend to read YA fiction. There's just something about the YA style that I like. I also read YA, because most movies today a based off of YA books. For example; Divergent, The Hunger Games, The Fault in Our Stars, Vampire Academy, City of Bones, and The Maze Runner, are all YA books that made it to the big screen. I just love see books come to life right before my eyes, but most movies never live up to the book's expectations. Movies just make visualizing 'the big picture', like characters and plot lines, a lot easier. And movies also give a HUGE shout out to the author and the entire fandom. 

So you know I like YA fiction, and there are many different genres to choose from when talking about books in general. And throughout the years I've learn that my two favorite genres are, Fantasy and Sci-fi/Sci-tech. We've all had our Lord of the Rings days, and ever since I read the series back in 7th grade, I've loved fantasy. Some of my favorite fantasy books/series are Throne of Glass, Eragon, Red Queen, The Whisper of The Fallen, Doon, and Graceling. Fantasy uses that right amount of magic and supernatural phenomena that just has me head over heels. And just like we've had our Lord of the Rings days, we've also had our Star Wars and Star Trek days. I got into sci-fi when I was in 8th grade, and have loved it ever since. Some of my favorite sci-fi/sci-tech reads are Fire in The Woods, Alienated, The 5th Wave, These Broken Skies, The Host, and Cinder. I love aliens, and like how authors can do anything they want with sci-fi/sci-tech.

So there you have it, you now know what kind of books I read, my favorite genres, and where my whole reading journey started. Now, enough about me. What about you? What kind of books do you read? What's your favorite genres? And who are some of your favorite authors? Please feel free to leave your answers in the comments below.

Until next time, drink some coffee, love a cat, watch out for them feels, and dive into a good book you cant wait to read!