August Read, September TBR

This month was a very good month for me. I was in the Bout of Books read-a-thon and am halfway through the Beat the Heat read-a-thon. This month was really great for me! So, without further ado:

August Read:
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
5 stars

99 Days by Katie Cotugno
2 stars

Frostbite by Richelle Mead
4 stars

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
4 stars

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
3 stars

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
2 stars

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
3 stars

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
3 stars

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
2.5 stars

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
4 stars

Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington
3 stars

Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
1 star

IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

The world building and writing continues to amaze me! I can say that any book this author writes, I'm willing to try!

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Great start to a series! Unfortunately, it goes downhill. But the world building and thought into all the characters and 'species' is amazing! I'm willing to check anything by this author!

September TBR:

• Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

BOOK CLUB PICKS (Square in Wonderland - link here):

• Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Thanks for reading! Comment and let me know what you read this past month!

Let's Talk: Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles #2) by Gena Showalter
Let's Talk contains spoilers

3 stars

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Zombies stalk the night. Forget blood and brains. These monsters hunger for human souls. Sadly, they've got mine...
Alice Bell has lost so much. Family. Friends. A home. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong.
After a new zombie attack, strange things begin to happen to her. Mirrors come to life, and the whispers of the dead assault her ears. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do very wicked things.
She's never needed her team of zombie slayers more, but ultra bad-boy Cole Holland, the leader and her boyfriend, suddenly withdraws from her...from everyone. Now, with her best friend Kat at her side, Ali must kill the zombies, uncover Cole's secret and learn to fight the darkness.
But the clock is ticking...and if she fails at a single task, they're all doomed.

---------------------------------------------

The second book in the Alice in Zombieland series. I enjoyed this one, but I liked the first better. Honestly, there is so many cute couples in this series I love it. I think that it would be awesome to see their POV, too.
I would just love to see what goes on in Bronx's head.

I understand that this series isn't tied to Alice in Wonderland. It was made abundantly clear in book one. I wish that it was clear so that the author would stop making these ties to Alice in Wonderland because in all reality it makes me roll my eyes. I mean, when Z-Ali started ticking: tick-tock all I could do was roll my eyes and laugh. They are trying desperately to tie it to Alice in Wonderland.



The other big issue for me was how each book ends in a way that you could stop reading it. I mean, I want there to be at least a semblance of connection or cliffhanger. They happen to solve every problem that arises in the book by the end. This sounds good, right? But they solve every single problem. It is annoying.

Oh and when Ali became Zombie Ali and she had that whole vision with Gavin about licking his neck


was I the only one to assume that she did it under the influence? I mean, am I some genius or is everyone else too dense to think of it. I understand that as a third party and not actually witnessing it is different, but come on. Ali convinces Cole she isn't going to. But he refuses to believe her. And then stupid Veronica come in and tried to take my Ali's boyfriend (Jokes, guys! Bronx is my guy!).

And the big revelation about the glowing hands? [I thought that it was cool. But I feel like everyone is trying to get a happy ending --> Now Cole's dad can fight too? I mean, it was fine with me that he wasn't fighting. (hide spoiler)]I thought that it was cool. But I feel like everyone is trying to get a happy ending --> Now Cole's dad can fight too? I mean, it was fine with me that he wasn't fighting.

And Ali's tattoos? I thought that was cool, but I'm so sure that the tattoo artist just allowed her to go along with it.

Can I also say finally Reeve is in on it! I felt bad for her because Ali and Kat were just kind of closing her out for too long in my opinion. All she wanted was to be included and given a real reason for why she can't be with Bronx.
And also, I have a crush on Gavin! He's just so hunky!


Anyways, the ending was kind of rushed, but still good. They all got Zombie Ali out because of their glowing hands? O-kay... I just wished they explained this a bit more. I mean, why does it just heal people?

Rating: 6/10
Parental Rating: 13+

Beat the Heat Read-a-Thon UPDATES Week Two

GOALS:

• Read at least 150 pages a day
• Read at least 6 books over these two weeks
• Complete three mini-challenges

WEEK TWO

Monday August 31st

Number of pages: 215

Total pages read: 215

Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Tuesday September 1st

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 215

Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Wednesday September 2nd

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 215

Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Thursday September 3rd

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 215

Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Friday September 4th

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 215

Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Saturday September 5th

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 215

Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Sunday September 6th

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 215

Finished books: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Books read in Week Two

Sorry guys, I know I failed this week. I had to do some shopping and then I attended FanExpo 2015 in Toronto (which was a blast!).

Thanks for reading! Comment below and let me know where your update page is!

A-Z Reading Challenge UPDATE: 08/24/15 - Ideas for Authors

This is a list to help myself out. I am listing author last names for books I need to read. This is books I own so that I can cross them off the list.

A- Catch Me If You Can by Frank W Abagnale
Next Summer by Hailey Abbott
Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto
Crewel by Gennifer Albin
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
Feed by  M T Anderson
Opposition by Jennifer L Armentrout
Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L Armentrout
Cursed by Jennifer L Armentrout
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

D- Tales of the Slayer Vol.1 by Doranna Durgin
The Iron King by Maurice Druon
Stalk Me by Jillian Dodd
Lessons in Love by A Destiny
Never Too Late by A Destiny
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
Skin by Ted Dekker
Adam by Ted Dekker
The Boneman's Daughter by Ted Dekker
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Crave by Melissa Darnell
House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski

E- Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

F- This Side of Paradise by F Scott Fitzgerald
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

I- N/A

J- yolo by Sam Jones
Possession by Elana Johnson

N- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

O- This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Opal
Envy by Gregg Olsen
Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler 

P- Starters by Lissa Price
Thirteen by Tonya Pines
Any Christopher Pike book
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult
The Visitation by Frank E Peretti
The Gift by James Patterson
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Q- N/A

T- Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
The Bane by Keary Taylor
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

U- N/A

V- N/A

X- N/A


Y- Blood Red Road by Moria Young
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Z- The Book Thief by Mark Zusak
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

I know this doesn't help much for viewers, but it helps me. Hopefully if you are participating in this challenge, you'll get some ideas from here. And please if you have any recommendations for ones that I have empty, let me know! :D

Beat the Heat Read-a-Thon UPDATES Week One

GOALS:

• Read at least 150 pages a day
• Read at least 6 books over these two weeks
• Complete three mini-challenges

WEEK ONE

Monday August 24th

Number of pages: 336

Total pages read: 336

Finished books: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Currently Reading: N/A

Tuesday August 25th

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 336

Finished books: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Currently Reading: N/A

Wednesday August 26th

Number of pages: N/A

Total pages read: 336

Finished books: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Currently Reading: N/A

Thursday August 27th

Number of pages: 206

Total pages read: 542

Finished books: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Currently Reading: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Friday August 28th

Number of pages: 97

Total pages read: 639

Finished books: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Currently Reading: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Saturday August 29th

Number of pages: 99

Total pages read: 738

Finished books: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Currently Reading: 

Sunday August 30th

Number of pages: 205

Total pages read: 943

Finished books: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington

Currently Reading: N/A

Books read in Week One

Comment below and show me your update page! I'll be sure to check it out!

Beat the Heat Read-a-Thon SIGN-UP!

The Rules:

• The Beat the Heat Readathon runs from August 24th at 12:00 AM to September 6th at 11:59 PM. What does this readathon entail, you ask? Well, read as much or as little as you want – the main point is to READ! You set your own goal, and for three weeks you read as many books as you can/want to reach your goal!
• There will be mini-challenges throughout the Readathon for participants, along with a grand prize giveaway at the end!
• Sign up at Phantasmic Reads or at Novel Heartbeat. You may join whenever you like, but to be eligible for our grand prize giveaway, you must sign up by August 28th.
• To join, all you have to do is make a sign-up post – even if it’s just a “Let’s do this!” thing – and add your post URL to the linky below! You can put your goals and progress (will be required for the final giveaway) in your sign-up post, or you can make it separate. Totally up to you! (You are welcome to use the template we provide in the kick-off post as well.)
• In order to enter for the grand prize, you must have a post to keep track of your progress so we can see that you participated.
• Follow along on Twitter and share your progress with the hashtag#BtHReadathon!

So I'm (Sydney) going to be joining! Right after Bout of Books, I'm on to my second read-a-thon! It starts today!

Bout of Books Update 7: August 23rd

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 17th and runs through Sunday, August 23rd in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 14 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

My Goals:
- Read at least 3 books
- Complete at least 3 challenges
- Read at least 1200 pages

I've never previously participated in a read-a-thon, but I hope it all goes well!

DAY 1: August 17th
Number of pages read: 392
Total pages read: 392
Finished books: N/A
Currently Reading: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Fictional World Travel

DAY 2: August 18th
Number of pages read: 97
Total pages read: 489
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Currently Reading: N/A

Book Scavenger Hunt

DAY 3: August 19th
Number of pages read: 312
Total pages read: 801
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: N/A

MASH

DAY 4: August 20th
Number of pages read: N/A (I guess a day off :P)
Total pages read: 801
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: N/A

Four Seasons Book Covers

DAY 5: August 21st
Number of pages read: 98
Total pages read: 899
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Character Soulmates

DAY 6: August 22nd
Number of pages read: 309
Total pages read: 1298
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

One Week Girlfriend by Monica MurphyCurrently Reading: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

DAY 7: August 23rd
Number of pages read: 141
Total pages read: 1439
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

One Week Girlfriend by Monica MurphyCurrently Reading: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

What to Read Next

So I completed all of my goals! I read three books, over 1200 pages, and completed 6 challenges! Comment below so I can see your final update!

July Read, August TBR

Haha, I know I'm about a month late, but I like to keep it updated on my blog. So I already know what I've read in August, but I had a list from the beginning, and I can add a few books that I want to read in the next week and a half.

July Read:
A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd
3.5 stars

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
3.5 stars

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
3.5 stars

August TBR:

• Frostbite by Richelle Mead
• Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

BOOK CLUB PICKS (Square in Wonderland - link here):

• Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
• The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Thanks for reading! Comment below and let me know what you are reading in August!

May Read, June TBR

Once again, I know it's late but I want my blog updated!

May Read:
Keeping Her by Cora Carmack
3 stars

The Heir by Kiera Cass
3 stars

These Broken Stars by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
4 stars

Take a Chance by Abbi Glines
2.5 stars

This Night so Dark by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
4 stars

One More Chance by Abbi Glines
3 stars

June TBR:

• This Shattered World by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
• Faking It by Cora Carmack
• Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

Thank you for reading! Comment if there is any reviews you want to see.

June Read, July TBR

I know that was a few months ago but I'm trying to keep my blog updated. Just for the sake of what books I've read, I created this list.

June Read:
Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter
3 stars

The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter
2.5 stars

Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay
3 stars

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
5 stars

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd
3.5 stars

July TBR:

• A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd (it's the only one I'm sure I'll read)

BOOK CLUB PICKS (Square in Wonderland - link here):

• Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Thank you for reading, I know it's definitely late, but better late than never! :D

Bout of Books 14: What to Read Next Challenge

The What to Read Next challenge is hosted by Sarah Reads Too Much and is all about recommending three books you read this year! Make sure you check out her blog because she is going to be posting one big compiled list! I'm super excited, so on with the challenge!

1. The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

This book has politics, romance, and a wonderful fantasy world! It's worth it to see how the characters interact and how Kestrel fits into this exciting world!

2. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

In this historical book, a girl sets off to find her father but quickly realizes that sometimes, some things are better left in the dark. This book is scary, intense, thrilling, and a bit romantic. One of my favourite books so far this year!

3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

After watching the TV show (first 7 episodes) I knew I had to read it! It is one of my favourites now! The historical romance is beautiful and heartbreaking! Jamie and Claire are an amazing couple who go through so much, but it makes for a beautiful story.

Thanks for reading! Consider what I recommended, because they are great!

Bout of Books Update 6: August 22nd

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 17th and runs through Sunday, August 23rd in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 14 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

My Goals:
- Read at least 3 books
- Complete at least 3 challenges
- Read at least 1200 pages

I've never previously participated in a read-a-thon, but I hope it all goes well!

DAY 1: August 17th
Number of pages read: 392
Total pages read: 392
Finished books: N/A
Currently Reading: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

DAY 2: August 18th
Number of pages read: 97
Total pages read: 489
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Currently Reading: N/A

DAY 3: August 19th
Number of pages read: 312
Total pages read: 801
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: N/A

DAY 4: August 20th
Number of pages read: N/A (I guess a day off :P)
Total pages read: 801
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: N/A

DAY 5: August 21st
Number of pages read: 98
Total pages read: 899
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

DAY 6: August 22nd
Number of pages read: 309
Total pages read: 1298
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
Currently Reading: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

DAY 7: August 23rd


Only one days left! I hope to read at least one more book!

Bout of Book Update 5: August 21st

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 17th and runs through Sunday, August 23rd in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 14 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

My Goals:
- Read at least 3 books
- Complete at least 3 challenges
- Read at least 1200 pages

I've never previously participated in a read-a-thon, but I hope it all goes well!

DAY 1: August 17th
Number of pages read: 392
Total pages read: 392
Finished books: N/A
Currently Reading: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

DAY 2: August 18th
Number of pages read: 97
Total pages read: 489
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Currently Reading: N/A

DAY 3: August 19th
Number of pages read: 312
Total pages read: 801
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: N/A

DAY 4: August 20th
Number of pages read: N/A (I guess a day off :P)
Total pages read: 801
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: N/A

DAY 5: August 21st
Number of pages read: 120
Total pages read: 921
Finished books: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Currently Reading: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

DAY 6: August 22nd

DAY 7: August 23rd


Only two days left! I hope to read at least one more book, but hopefully two!

Bout of Books 14: Character Soulmates Challenge

Today's challenge is to find a character from one book and one from another and explain why they are perfect together! This challenge is hosted by Blue Books and Butterlies.

I choose Edward from The Madman's Daughter trilogy 

To be with Anna from Anna Dressed in Blood duo.

The best name I could think of was Enna. I don't usually make up names, so this was the best I could do. :P

I think they would be perfect together because Edward needs someone who isn't afraid of him or what he will do. Anna also needs someone who will support her and won't be afraid of her (what in the world does Edward have to be afraid of?). They both needs crutches and why not each other?

Thanks for reading