Finding the spark is harder than I though

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am moving, moving blogs that is. I know I have not been the most dedicated to this book blog but I want to give it another go and I want to try to improve. The reason I was originally doing this blog was because I was passionate about reading and then I noticed I stopped. I fell into a ton of reading slumps and it seemed to carry over onto my personal life and my everyday feelings. This blog was supposed to be fun and it wasn’t anymore, it felt too structured and less creative and less fun. It felt like a job and in my eyes I was on a deadline to read books to review them, it was stressful more than anything. So I stopped, both the blogging aspect and the reading as well.

Then my life started picking back up, I found my hobbies again, felt the creative part of me return and I wanted to blog about something but I still wasn’t reading. I got a new job were I am surrounded by books and I want to read them all (well, the fiction ones anyway…) but that wasn’t enough. I don’t just want to blog about book but about life, my and the things that interest me. I want to share a piece of myself on these electronic pages, make a little nook for myself and the things that I love. I lost my confidence in writing and my passion in reading and I understand that I left you all hanging. I’m sorry. I know I probably lost all credibility that I might of had but if a few of you are still willing, I will posting my new blog link here so you can still visit. It still a work in progress but I want to review again, books, shows, you name it but I also want to talk about other thing. I can’t guarantee this will work out seamlessly but I’m willing to try, I want to try. Anything you have to say will help, I am open to suggestion, movie/book/tv show suggestions, and a list of more hobbies are welcome too.

 

I’ll be here if you decide to come too.

www.mugglewithmagic.wordpress.com

 

Book Review: Onyx By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication Date: August 14, 2012

Format: Paperback

Source: Library

Pages: 366

Series: Lux #2

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies….

 

Just to let you know, I picked this book up a whole lot sooner than expected,and  all because I showed up to work extremely early and forgot my other book at home. Then when I actually got home I could not put this one down for long so all in all, it completely high jacked my TBR pile.

Now Obsidian ( book 1) was pretty amazing on its own but Onyx completely blew my expectations out of the water. The overall book can be summed up in one word: intense. Everything about the action, the secrets, the romance, and the characters was just so intense and that is why I did not want to put this book down at all.

I know I said that Daemon was King Jerk in the last book but it seems like he does a complete 180 and ended up being the sweetest character in this book (didn’t see that coming!). Katy on the other hand gets a little more frustrating but its not too much to handle. I miss Dee because in this one we don’t see too much of her or any of Katy’s “regular” friends from the last book. We do get introduced to a new love interest and a handful of morally misguided men. It seems eye roll worthy and it feels that way sometimes too but the story would not be as intense without them.

While the plot of the first book is just a set up and introduction we really get the ball rolling in this book and I expect all of the questions we added to the list to carry us through the rest of the series (we get some answers here too I promise!).  I’m not so sure how book 3 will continue and steer us but I’m excited to find out! My library currently does not have book 3 so I will go back to my TBR pile for a while.

 

 

Book Review: Obsidian By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication Date: May 8, 2012

Format: Paperback

Source: Library

Series: Lux #1

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

For a while it seemed like everyone on BookTube had read this book and I had looked everywhere for it every time I went to the book store but they never seemed to carry books one or two. I was recently browsing the library and managed to grab a hold of a  copy!

I never really read the synopsis or listened to any in depth reviews so I went in not knowing what this book was about. Aliens! I have never read an alien book before so that was interesting but since I an new to this scene I’m not sure how original it stands in comparison. All that I can say it that I am excited to read on with this series.

Normally a thing I really like about reluctant romance stories is the back and forth bickering between the couple so I am shocked to say that that was far from the case here. It felt as if all they did was fight without managing to move forward. Every time it was finally going to lead somewhere they would go right back to square one!!! That was probably the only thing I disliked but it was extremely frustrating. (Although, when they did manage to progress it was really steamy).

Character wise, Katy was super awesome; a feisty yet still introverted book blogger! We can all relate with her there! One of the more interesting aspects though was Daemon. He was a total jerk! Sure he had some sweet moments but most of the time he was a jerk. Then you get to the bonus material with a few chapters form his perspective and BOOM, instantly more likable (but still a jerk). The chemistry between the two was incredible  but since they kept going back to square one after every breakthrough it became real predictable real fast.

The action and the pacing of the story was great (except for what I mentioned above) and I am looking forward to checking out book two. Hopefully they get their act together though!

Book Review: Into the Still Blue By Veronica Rossi

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 389

Source: Barnes and Nobles 

Series: Under the Never Sky #3

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do–and they are just as determined to stay together.

Within the confines of a cave they’re using as a makeshift refuge, they struggle to reconcile their people, Dwellers and Outsiders, who are united only in their hatred of their desperate situation. Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. Then Roar arrives in a grief-stricken fury, endangering all with his need for revenge.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble an unlikely team for an impossible rescue mission. Cinder isn’t just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival–he’s also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

This was probably my most anticipated release of 2014 and I have to say that this was the best in the trilogy! I re-read the first two books in preparation and I feel that this one really ties things up nicely. We were not left in the dark about anything that was questioned in the others by the end of the novel. 

My favorite aspect of the book was the character development and how the modge podge group and the beginning actually managed to  come to some sort of agreement and get things done. I am surprised to admit that I even liked Soren and Brooke in this book and even at time I liked them better than Aria who turned angsty teen every so often! 

The only thing that I feel was missing was Cinder. It felt like every time we had to talk about his abilities and his possible role in the finding the Still Blue it was presented in terms of how it affected Perry and how Perry was feeling about the possibilities. I am hopeful that Cinder will get his own e-novella for some closure and if so, everything would be completely perfect. 

Book Review” The Alchemyst By Michael Scott

Publisher: Ember (imprint of Random House)
Publication Date: June 24, 2008
Format: Paperback
Pages: 375
Source: Barnes and Nobles
Series: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, Book 1
Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 

  He holds the secret that can end the world.

The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life.

The records show that he died in 1418.

But his tomb is empty.

The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It’s the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That’s exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won’t know what’s happening until it’s too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.

Sometimes legends are true.

And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.

This book fell into my hands when I was spending the last of my gift card money and asked my boyfriend to pick out a book (he liked the cover). I tried reading the other books I picked out first but this one kept calling to me and who am I to resist?

The best way I found to explain this book is Percy Jackson meeting Harry Potter in the Kingdoms of Amalur (video game), except its not just magic and Greek gods pelting our heroes from all sides, it is quite literally EVERYTHING! A prophecy the depicts the end of the world (yep), car chases (check), obscure and well known myths from just about every culture (duh), and of course the expected magic, gods, and alternate realms. This book has pretty much everything except a love triangle (breath of fresh air if you ask me).

The characters were every interesting to read about, especially when it cam to Scatty and the Flamels (Nicholas and Perenelle) because of all the experiences that have but it is also hard to navigate their half truths and leave you questioning their overall goal (Nicholas and Dr. John Dee!). Out of the twins Sophie and Josh,  I would have to say that Sophie was my favorite because she just came across as more mature and educated. Josh’s personality is more suspicious of everything and while I do understand that, given the circumstances, this is more realistic but it mostly just came off more as complaining and repetitive to me.

I know that I stressed earlier that this story throws everything at you and that  might sound daunting but never fear, the author really explains everything that you need to know and he does so in a why that it does not distract from the events but enhances them because he makes everything easier to picture.  He does a great job at blending the myths in to real life historic events that mostly seem cause and effect that makes you want to read more just to see what else pops up.  He really did his homework on everything and boy does it pay off. Ps. Read the author’s note at the end!

Book Review: Wallbanger- Alice Clayton

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 320

Format: E-Book

Source: Bought

Rating: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥

Synopsis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17172215-wallbanger

Review:

I know this book came out with a lot of hype because that was how I heard if it in the first place and why I was dying to snatch up a copy of my own. I think it is fair to say that I went into this book actually knowing the plot (doesn’t happen too often) and expecting a lot from everything I had heard about it. All I can say it that it passed, with flying colors no doubt.

I cannot stress how amusing this book was and how often I was gen strange looks because I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the most random times. All the characters are lovable in their own way but I have to say that Simon, Clive, and Caroline where a hoot alone but when you but the three of them together you can’t help but feel the loving banter that balances between friends and family despite their first impressions and reluctance to follow the path the author intended. It was that love/hate relationship the whole way through, and every moment of it was hilarious bliss with a tender touch.

Given that they were my three favorite characters I am happy to say that reading their different points of views was probably my favorite thing about this book. I usually feel that we do not see enough of the male perspective in romance novels or that it is just randomly placed there just to get it out and over with but that was definitely not the case. Although there were not too many instances where we strayed from Caroline’s point of view, every time we did was short and sweet and just added a little seasoning to an already perfect dish. Amazing.  It really tied the story together and showed the readers why they were acting the way they did and how they felt about the way others were acting in awkward situations.

I don’t want to give too much away but I have to point out that the last POV really knocked this book out of the park for me. Alice Clayton has appeared to go above and beyond with this one and since I haven’t read any of her other work I am most defiantly interested.

You might have noticed…

I haven’t been around as of late and for that I am sorry, so so so sorry. Life has been a whirlwind of lost internet and having to venture our of my cave to post and the monster of all reading slumps (over a month!!!). Don’t worry, we did battle and for now I am victorious so you can expect semi-regular updates from my end of the book blog sphere. I am sorry guys that I left, once again, with no notice… but I’m back, if that helps… 

Bout of Books 8.0 Update

DAY 1

Okay, so today didn’t go exactly as planned meaning I started reading at 8pm… Yeah, tell me about it. But that is okay, I have started a book that I have been dying to read since it came out and even though I am posting an update now I plan to keep reading tonight. I will update some more tomorrow as well were I will list some of the books I am considering reading so please feel free to make suggestions and vote on the books I list. ! Keep Reading everyone!!

Currently Reading:

Book Review: Second Chance Summer -Morgan Matson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 468

Series: Stand Alone

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought/Barnes and Noble

Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (4/5)

Synopsis: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16127936-second-chance-summer

Is this book a summer read? Yes, most defiantly! A light summer read? Not so much… This book really s a tear jerk-er and if you don’t actually cry you better believe you will come very close.  It was worth the tears though, if that helps any.

This book was so hard to read, not because it was written poorly or had horrible characters that were simply unlike able or even un-connectable. No, it is because this book captures the truth and is especially truthful to those who have lived this story once before. Morgan Matson has a truly remarkable gift and the only way to explain it is by saying, she writes real fiction. She knows what she is doing and she is doing it well.

The style of writing was similar to that of Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour; the story progresses with small flashbacks scattered throughout that are key to explaining a character flaw/setback due to events from the past. While I didn’t mind it in her other book it frustrated me a little in this one because I either wanted everything answered and resolved faster than what was actually happening or because it was the whole reason this character had such a flight response to the negative that in turn created bigger problems.

Like always the thing that I end up liking the most would be the character. Although I was fonder of some over others, they were all very realistic and more importantly human. Everyone had their own life with this own trials, flaws, and secrets. They snapped at each other, fought with each other, hurt each other, and they still managed to love each other. Real life set to fiction. The emotional depictions ever spot on and you will feel every emotion Matson has written.  I dare you to try not to get attached to these characters! It just doesn’t seem possible.

Book Review: Legend -Marie Lu

 Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Pages: 320

Series: Legend #1

Formant: Hardback

Source: Library

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (5/5)

Synopsis: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9275658-legend?ac=1

Now that I was finally able to read it, I wonder why all the other times never quite worked out. Every time I have thought about buying this book it seems that something else magically caught my eye on the way to the check-out counter or the other time I borrowed it from the library I ended up reading another book instead.  Don’t push this book aside people!!  Marie Lu got the idea of the whole officer of the law chasing after the ‘criminal’ with an almost obsessed one track mind approach from Les Miserables and it was so easy to see her muse while the story itself stays original as well.

Day and June are mesmerizing. I loved watching their interactions and the inner workings of their minds. I think they were a great match and it seems that they have a butt load of things in common from how they both care so deeply about their families, how they deal with grief, and their intelligence and physical fitness abilities and make everyone else pale in comparison.  I also was pretty fond of Tress, she was like the little sister and wasn’t really related to anyone by blood but you still couldn’t help wanting to protect.

The world that it took place in was a dystopian America and boy does it look like history is repeating itself with another civil war but why exactly still seems to be a mystery. Two sides (The Republic and The Patriots) trying to take over the other’s land and although we only get a look at the Republic’s side, things are not looking good. Government secrets and experimentation… Scary!  I can’t wait till I get my hands on the next book; I really hope to see the other side of the battle field!