Tag: book blog

Old Man’s War-A Book Review

Lauren1 Comment

Have I mentioned I’m in two book clubs? I haven’t. Well, let me correct that now.

I’m in two book clubs, because one just wasn’t enough. This newer one I’m in is geared more towards sci-fi/fantasy books, so naturally, I’m in love.

In November Old Man’s War by John Scalzi was selected as our read. And holy cow, what a ride.

The book follows John Perry, who decides to join the Colonial Defense Forces after turning 75 and the death of his wife.

It’s a riveting tale of life at the edge of space when everything out in space wants to kill you. And, quite frankly, you are a soldier whose job is to defend those that live out on said edge.

John Perry is just an average guy who signs up for service, and like everyone else, has no idea what exactly it is he is signing up for. He moves along through the world like your average guy. Nothing overly special about him. Which of course, makes him special.

He does make some good friends along the way. I liked Maggie, Alan, Thomas, Harry, and Jesse, aka the Old Farts. They all added something to the story and didn’t feel like filler characters the way some friends can do.

The tone changed a couple of times. The first half of the book was more light hearted and fun with more comedic moments that genuinely had me laughing out loud. The second half was darker, with higher stakes on Perry’s actions and relationships. Pacing was also divided, with the first half of the book taking its time to get you where you need to go, and the second half just moving you along quite quickly.

None of that detracted from the book at all. It feels like you have viewed two distinct parts of Perry’s time with the CDF and seemed like a natural progression of the story.

I really liked this book. I definitely liked it enough to want to read the rest of the books in the series. The next one may or may not be in my Amazon cart right now. 4 out of 5 stars.

12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

Lauren1 Comment

‘Tis the season…for a holiday book tag!

Yup, I decided to try my hands at a book tag. So I set to the Googles and stumble across this one on The Sassy Book Geeks page. It loosely based on this one from Lizzie Loves Books.

A 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag! As a Christmas enthusiast I had to do this tag.

Without further ado, let’s go!

On The First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favorite stand alone?

Sherlock Holmes as a woman…and a sorceress. I reviewed this one back in February and I loved it! Also, I don’t read many stand alones, and this was one of the few I did read that I loved.

On The Second Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Two Turtle Doves

Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?

Rohan and Sioned of The Dragon Prince trilogy! Their relationship is fire, quite literally.

On The Third Day Of Christmas, My True Love Sent to Me: Three French Hens

In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have ever read?

I couldn’t think of anything more timely, because I have just recently started reading the newer releases. This trilogy, released back in the 90’s, has everything, romance, political intrigue, fight sequences! Love it!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, My True Love Sent to Me: Four Calling Birds

Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favorite series?

The Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliot is equal parts amazing world building and fantastic character development. I need to re-read these.

On The Fifth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Five Gold Rings!!!

One ring to rule them all! Who is your favorite villain/antagonist?

The scariest villains are the one’s that could exist in real life, and since Voldemort was essentially Hitler with magic. Yeah, scary dude.

On the Sixth day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Six Geese a Laying

Creation is a beautiful things. What is your favorite world/world building?

The Perilous Order of Camelot series has some of the best world building. I mean, it literally starts with the creation of the universe. Gotta love that!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Seven Swans a Swimming

Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who is your favorite animal sidekick?

Yfandes is one of my favorite sidekicks. She is a steadfast and sure, which is exactly what Vanyel needs in his life.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Eight Maids A Milking

Milk is so 18th century. What book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?

I love the way the hobbits love food and drink. Mushrooms! Second breakfast!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Nine Ladies Dancing

Dancing is just one skill of a lady. Who is your favorite kickass female lead?

Sarra from Exiles is a fantastic leading lady. She is intelligent and strong willed, but not unwilling to accept help from others.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Ten Lords A Leaping

Who is your favorite leading lad?

Rohan loves books and really hates the High Prince. Not that he doesn’t deserve it. Did I mention he is also a prince?

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Eleven Pipers Piping

What is your favorite book or bookish this about music? (It can be about music, reference music a lot, etc.)

Vanyel wants nothing more than to be a bard and escape his father’s keep. Music is his life. His whole life. Here’s hoping he actually has the bardic gift.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Drummers Drumming

What is your favorite book of the year?

This was by far my favorite book this year. And that ending. Oh my goodness that ending! This is a must read for anyone for sure.

How would you answer any of these questions? Let me know!

The Autobiography of Santa Claus – A Book Review

Lauren8 Comments

So I’m just gonna say it: This book is freaking adorable.

It really, truly is.

It follows the story of Santa Claus, from his humble beginnings as Nickolas the priest, to his later life as Father Christmas. It covers the course of about 1700 years so we get to see some of human history through his eyes. Which is fascinating!

His adventures take you all over Christendom, as Nickolas is a priest after all. And Santa does only go where the legend of Santa spreads. You watch as he encounters historical figures (most real, one or two not so much), places, and events. You see and experience these things through his eyes.

Now the book does shy away from some of the harsher realities that take place but also embraces others. Like the persecution of early Christians by the Roman empire. It’s not graphic though.

It’s very much a work of fiction but would stand up to some of the autobiographies I have read. It reads very much like a true story, and you find yourself getting swept up into the world of Saint Nickolas as a result.

I loved the way quiet way Nickolas moved through this world, just wanting to give gifts to those less fortunate than he. He was so determined to remain anonymous that he was well and truly shocked when gifts kept being given in his name.

His helpers are a ragtag bunch of interesting historical figures. From former slaves to warlords to priests to writers and many more! To give just one of them away would take the fun out of finding out for yourself.

You can tell Jeff Guinn, the author really did his research on various topics, religious beliefs, and peoples. He also happens to have a reference list in the back of the book just in case you wanted to doubt that he put in any research time on this book.

Cause he did.

And this book reads like a love letter to Santa Claus as a result.

To sum up, I truly loved this book. I thought it was well written and well researched. The characters were bright and vibrant. The world was colorful. The pacing was consistent throughout, which was nice. I can’t say it enough, I loved this book! 5 out of 5 stars.

What To Read-December 2020 TBR

Lauren1 Comment

Well, since I failed lasts month TBR by one book, lets see what I can do with this month’s TBR.

Maybe make it shorter?

Maybe read more books?

Maybe both?

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn tells basically asks the question: What happens if the hero fails? 1000 years have passed since that happened and a new rebellion is rising, but will they succeed? This is one of the Hubs’ favorite books and he is excited for me to read it.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guin

Jeff writes a story about Christmas, and he gets some of it wrong. To the point where a very important person from up north wants to chat with him. One of my book clubs is reading this book this month, and it sounds adorable!

Dune by Frank Herbert

This classic sci-fi story has been around for a long time. The story of Paul Atreides, the planet Arakkis, and the Spice. Because, as you know, “he who controls the spice controls the universe”. This is another book club pick. But I’m only supposed to read half of it for the month, which suits me just fine, since I didn’t really like it the first time I read it.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason

Rory was supposed to inherit the throne, but her father was assassinated and her mother gave birth to a son. Now Rory is betrothed to a prince and uncovers a plot to overthrow him. This book sounds like a fun space opera read.

And I think those are all the books I’m going to put on my TBR this month. Lets see how I do. Hopefully I’ll do better this month than I did in November!

November 2020 Book Haul

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Well, so much for No Buy November.

Also, Amazon and Book Outlet were having sales so it’s not my fault. It’s theirs.

Though does it count if I don’t have the books yet? Because I don’t have the Book Outlet books yet. Those should count for December, right?

Right?

Dune by Frank Herbert

“Whoever controls the spice controls the universe”. It’s a classic sci-fi tale that is much beloved and I didn’t like it the first time I read it. So why, you may ask, did I buy it? Well, because one of my book clubs is reading it and I thought I might like it more now that I am older. So yeah, here’s to second chances!

From a Certain Point of View (Star Wars) by various

These are tales set in the Star Wars verse told by different authors. All feature a different and unique perspective, for example, the trash compactor monster. If I like it, I will probably purchase the sequel that just came out.

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

The winter solstice is a time for celebration in Tova. Ships captain Xiala is hired to bring a man described as harmless to the city. I was hooked by the premise. Then I was hooked by the sale!

The Night Country by Melissa Albert

Alice escaped the Hinterland and is trying to live a new life without magic in it. But something’s stalking the Hinterlanders in New York. I’m excited to get my hands on it. The sequel to The Hazel Wood looks to be pretty good.

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Aurora was in cyro sleep for two centuries. When she wakes up the world has changed and she finds she may start a war. Can she and a ragtag crew of ne’er-do-wells stop it? This sounds interesting, so here’s hoping!

A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff

Orphaned, exiled, and hunted, Cerulia, Princess of Weirandale, must master the magic that is her birthright, become a ruthless guerilla fighter, and transform into the queen she is destined to be. I was on the fence with this one. But Book Outlet’s sale made me say yes. So yeah.

The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood

Csowre is supposed to be a sacrifice to the gods, but along the way there she meets a mage who will change her path. But the gods remember. This book sounds so cool. Doesn’t it sound cool?

Trail of Lightening by Rebecca Roanhorse

A post apocalyptic story featuring a Navajo monster hunter. I’ll take it.

Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

After reading Binti by Nnedi Okorafor, I knew I needed to read more by this author. And this post apocalyptic tale sounds both terrible and wonderful all at the same time. I’m really hoping to enjoy it.

The Autobiography of Santa Clause as told to Jeff Guinn

Another book club pick. Jeff writes an article for his paper about Christmas and is soon whisked off to talk to someone to set the record straight. This seems like it will be a heart warming tale that I will love given my, well, mild obsession, with Christmas.

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

When Casiopea accidentally freed the Mayan god of Death from a box in her Grandfathers house, she gets sent on quest to help him free his throne from his brother. I love a SFP (strong female protagonist) and this sounded right up my alley and the price dropped right before Thanksgiving, so naturally, I had to pick it up.

And there you have it. All the books I bought in Novemeber. Which is small potatoes to what I have been buying over the last few months. I’m not saying I have a problem, but I think I might have a problem.

Yeah, I have a problem.

What I Read in November 2020

Lauren1 Comment

Well, here is my list of books I read this month. You’ll notice it’s quite short. It took me days to get through each book. Even the ones I loved.

It just wasn’t a good reading month for me.

I blame TicTok.

Also, how cool is Storygraph? I found out about it through Kristin Kraves Books. Much love to her for sharing this cool site with everyone.

So here, thanks to Storygraph, are my rather miserable stats for the month.

I love that I like to read adventurous books. Also, challenging books. And the one book I did not finish was challenging, for sure. I mean, I know that’s not what Storygraph means, but still, challenging.

I am really surprised with the pacing here, mostly because I don’t always pay as close attention to pacing as I should.

I’m assuming this breakdown will change in months I read more books. I read a variety of page lengths. Keeps ya sharp.

This website separates books into their different genres for you, and the books can have more than one genre, so that explains, while I read 5 books, the stats say I read 7. Even I got confused there for a minute.

And without further ado, here are the books I read this month!

Cursed by Thomas Wheeler, art by Frank Miller

This is the story of Nimue and the legendary sword of power. I loved this YA story. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of were the black and white illustrations. Sorry Frank. I gave this book 5 stars!

The Road Not Taken by Susan Rubin

The story of a widow who travels the space time continuum with a alien race known only as the Lost. I’m not gonna lie, I would barely say I read this book. I made it only 25 pages in before the writing style and easy acceptance of certain things just drove me bonkers and I quit. 1 out of 5 stars.

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

When you turn 75 you are eligible to join the Colonial Defense Forces, and that’s just what John Perry does after visiting his wife’s grave for the last time. I read this book for book club #2 and I didn’t expect to enjoy it (or laugh) as much as I did. 4 out of 5 stars.

The Postmortal by Drew Magary

John Ferrell recieved “The Cure”, which means old age won’t kill him. Everything else still can. This was one of the most interesting books I read this year. It covers the social, economical, and environmental impact of what would happen if humanity all of a sudden never aged. I’m still thinking about this book days after I read it. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso

Amelia and her mage-marked Falcon, Zaria, must head behind enemy lines into the kingdom of Vaskandar as they prepare for war. I love this series. I find the writing compelling and the magic system to be very unique. And for someone who doesn’t always like hugely political plots, I don’t mind them in this book. 4 out of 5 stars.

The Book Nook

Lauren2 Comments

No, I don’t mean a place you can hide away with a good book. Though those are awesome.

I am talking about dioramas that are the size of a book that fit on your bookcase to liven things up.

I mean look at this one by the Etsy Shop BooknookFR

You can find it here. It’s of Diagon Alley! How great is that!

Or how about this book nook by DungeonKeep

You can find this one here.

I love this book nook that looks like an Asian village by StudioInteriorS.

You can find this one here.

The downside to these really detailed book nooks is that they can cost over a hundred dollars. And before you say anything, no, I can’t make one myself. This is a particular talent I don’t have.

Though I have discovered that they do make kits so you can build your own, those can cost as much as an already made one. So…yeah. Do your own thing.

None of this stops me from wanting one. Guess i’ll just have to save up.

By the way, one of these would make a great holiday gift for that bookish friend of yours.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue-A Book Review

Lauren4 Comments

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever—and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

I had heard people describing this book as their new favorite. That’s a lot to live up to. What if it was just mediocre? What if I found it to be terrible? What if it was so bad I had to DNF it? That’s a lot of “what if’s”. So, what did I think?

We see Addie’s life unfold in both the past and the present as the author chose to alternate between both. Addie was compelling when moving about the past figuring out how to navigate through the world right after her bargain was struck. She could have been a classic damsel in distress, but she manages to be smart when faced with trouble.

Addie in the present is lonely but has adapted to her situation. She is clever when it comes to knowing where to stay and how to feed herself. Not to mention clothing herself.

Luc is an fascinating villain. He is compelling and interesting. He is also very driven towards his goal.

Henry, as the only human who can remember Addie, is wonderful. He’s well written and interesting. He helps Addie really reconnect with the world while she does the same for him.

I found the world building was exquisitely done. The moments spent between the past and the present where brilliant.

The pacing was slow, but consistent. And I mean it when I say the pacing was slow. This is a slow read. Didn’t stop me from reading it in a day and a half though.

I don’t have anything negative to saw about this book, at all. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this is in my list of top ten favorite books. An enthusiastic 5 out of 5 stars.

November 2020 New Releases I Want!

Lauren2 Comments

With each month brings new releases! Here is a list of the new releases I am excited for this month!

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move.

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

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

Release Date: November 14, 2020

This is book four set in Branden Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive. I haven’t read a single book in this series. So why is it on this list, you may ask? Cause the Hubs is really looking forward to this. It’s already pre-ordered and plans to have nothing to do for two days have been made.

Ready Player Two by Earnest Cline

Days after winning OASIS founder James Halliday’s contest, Wade Watts makes a discovery that changes everything.

Hidden within Halliday’s vaults, waiting for his heir to find, lies a technological advancement that will once again change the world and make the OASIS a thousand times more wondrous—and addictive—than even Wade dreamed possible.

With it comes a new riddle, and a new quest—a last Easter egg from Halliday, hinting at a mysterious prize.

And an unexpected, impossibly powerful, and dangerous new rival awaits, one who’ll kill millions to get what he wants.

Wade’s life and the future of the OASIS are again at stake, but this time the fate of humanity also hangs in the balance.

Release Date: November 24, 2020

I’m not gonna lie, this is the one that I am that I am the most apprehensive about. Even the Hubs is like, really?

The Empire Strikes Back: From a Certain Point of View by Various Authors

On May 21, 1980, Star Wars became a true saga with the release of The Empire Strikes Back. In honor of the fortieth anniversary, forty storytellers re-create an iconic scene from The Empire Strikes Back through the eyes of a supporting character, from heroes and villains, to droids and creatures. From a Certain Point of View features contributions by bestselling authors and trendsetting artists:

• Austin Walker explores the unlikely partnership of bounty hunters Dengar and IG-88 as they pursue Han Solo.
• Hank Green chronicles the life of a naturalist caring for tauntauns on the frozen world of Hoth.
• Tracy Deonn delves into the dark heart of the Dagobah cave where Luke confronts a terrifying vision.
• Martha Wells reveals the world of the Ugnaught clans who dwell in the depths of Cloud City.
• Mark Oshiro recounts the wampa’s tragic tale of loss and survival.
• Seth Dickinson interrogates the cost of serving a ruthless empire aboard the bridge of a doomed Imperial starship.

Plus more hilarious, heartbreaking, and astonishing tales from:
Tom Angleberger, Sarwat Chadda, S.A. Chakraborty, Mike Chen, Adam Christopher, Katie Cook, Zoraida Córdova, Delilah S. Dawson, Alexander Freed, Jason Fry, Christie Golden, Rob Hart, Lydia Kang, Michael Kogge, R. F. Kuang, C. B. Lee, Mackenzi Lee, John Jackson Miller, Michael Moreci, Daniel José Older, Amy Ratcliffe, Beth Revis, Lilliam Rivera, Cavan Scott, Emily Skrutskie, Karen Strong, Anne Toole, Catherynne M. Valente, Django Wexler, Kiersten White, Gary Whitta, Brittany N. Williams, Charles Yu, Jim Zub

Release Date: November 10, 2020

I just heard about this series. I haven’t read the first one yet and I am already looking forward to the second one! Who does that? Well, me, apparently. I love the concept of having all these great authors write these short stories in this universe. I am so excited.

Can you tell I’m excited?

The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

After saving her nation of Nikan from foreign invaders and battling the evil Empress Su Daji in a brutal civil war, Fang Runin was betrayed by allies and left for dead. 

Despite her losses, Rin hasn’t given up on those for whom she has sacrificed so much—the people of the southern provinces and especially Tikany, the village that is her home. Returning to her roots, Rin meets difficult challenges—and unexpected opportunities. While her new allies in the Southern Coalition leadership are sly and untrustworthy, Rin quickly realizes that the real power in Nikan lies with the millions of common people who thirst for vengeance and revere her as a goddess of salvation. 

Backed by the masses and her Southern Army, Rin will use every weapon to defeat the Dragon Republic, the colonizing Hesperians, and all who threaten the shamanic arts and their practitioners. As her power and influence grows, though, will she be strong enough to resist the Phoenix’s intoxicating voice urging her to burn the world and everything in it? 

Release Date: November 17, 2020

I cannot wait for this book! Unfortunately, I’m gonna have to cause I’m not allowed to buy any books next month. I banned myself, cause my TBR pile is huge!

Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg

The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.

Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.

For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?

Release Date: November 1, 2020

I’ve already pre-ordered this, sort of. It was offered as a Kindle First so I got it for free! Those things are worth their weight in gold! All the free books, for all that they don’t have free fantasy/sci-fi books very often.

Planet Paradise by Jesse Lonergan

To survive after crash landing on an alien planet, a vacationer must battle against a hostile environment, killer lizards, corporate bureaucracy, and the pessimism of her sole companion, the drug-addled captain of the ship.

Release Date: November 17, 2020

I haven’t seen any of the art yet, but if the cover is any indication I might just love this graphic novel. Also, this sounds so funny.

And there you have it. All the new releases I am looking forward to in November of 2020.

What new releases are you eagerly anticipating?

What to Read-My November 2020 TBR

Lauren2 Comments

Well, it’s that time of the month again. The time when all good book bloggers sit down and decide what books they are going to read for the month of whatever.

This month I have chosen five contenders for the top spot. Or just five books I know I want to read over the course of the month.

What joy! What rapture! What a relief I stopped at five!

Our first two book are sequels to books I read last month.

Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire.

This is the story of Liir. The mystery surrounding his life is still unanswered. Is he the Wicked Witches’ son? He sets out on a quest to answer this and other questions in an OZ that is under new and terrible management.

The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso

Amalia and her bound Falcon Zaria must go behind enemy lines and use every bit of wit and wisdom they have to prevent war, or both nations may burn.

Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and art by Frank Wheeler

A story about Nimue, who becomes the legendary Lady of the Lake. I’m down for anything King Arthur related.

The Postmortal by Drew Magary

John Farrell is about to get “The Cure.” Old age can never kill him now.
The only problem is, everything else still can . . .

The Road Not Taken by Susan Rubin

Suddenly widowed at 50, a woman is shown all of SpaceTime by the Lost, a species that has been on Earth since the cool down.

And that’s the list of books I am hoping to get through this month. I hope I can do it/remember to read them all!