Michelle’s Tantalizing Treats

Because I have no time to read anything outside of the textbooks I need for class, I have decided to write about all the books that I want to read, but can’t because school is evil.

These books aren’t in any particular order. I looked around my room and picked the first four books I saw. Also note that these are not the only books that I own, but have yet to read. I have about thirty others, but that would make one hell of a long list and nobody likes long lists.

Firstly, there is Sever by Lauren DeStefano.

Though the second book was not fantastic, I have to finish the series. The last book ended on a cliffhanger, so I need to find out what happens next.

Then, there’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is my favourite author and everything he touches is magical, so why wouldn’t I want to read it. I am just waiting for the price to go down a little bit. It’s less than 200 pages and yet it’s nearly $30.

On the same note, The Graveyard Book also by Neil Gaiman.

Again, everything he makes is magical.

Lastly, I really need to read John Dies at the End by David Wong.

A friend of mine recommended this book to me during the summer, but I haven’t had time to dive into this one. I got through the first few pages and I was immediately hooked. It was a bit of a shame when I had to put it down, but Game of Thrones was calling me. This one is first on my reading list, though last in this list.

My Wandering eyes have found: Shadows

Title: Shadows
Author: Paula Weston
Publisher: Text Publishing
Type of book: Hardcover
Genre: Fantasy, paranormal, angels & Demons, Romance
Pages: 388

So I did a little indulging on the Chapters/Indigo website and bought 3 books, completely different from one another. My reasoning for such spontaneity are as listed: 1) it’s been a while. 2) I legit had read all which sit on bookshelf. 3) I look for any excuse to go book-shopping :). So This particular website was rather kind to me and introduced me to Shadows by Paula Weston. So once I foudn this little treasure I had no choice but to consult my book-guru Goodreads and what jackpot it came out to be. Needn’t I forget the fact that I bought this book despite it being a hardcover and that is a big time deal. For one simple fact {I may have mentioned it before but I will repeat} I ABHOR hardcovers.

It’s almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant. It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn.
And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams—he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense. Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth—and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares.

Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly, who can she trust?

-Goodreads

I do not know about you, but I get a feeling that this book will not be your typical girl meets mystery-drowned boy. I haven’t been interested in a book surrounding angels and demons since Daughter of Smoke and Bone and I think this could be it. Yes, I am getting my hopes up and yes, waves of chills went down my spine whenever I look at the cover. That’s just how they bait me I swear. It feels very much that it should not be in the YA section.

My hopes for this book is that I will get a series of unexplainable events, people ending up dead, maybe some whispers of Gabby Winter’s brother from a shallow grave {maybe even find out that he didn’t really die and is actually imprisoned in a dark place}. My aspirations on the romance are that I don’t want instant trust from Gabby. Goodness knows that a stranger coming into your life and talking nonsense isn’t someone you bring home to meet the folks. I basically I want this romance to build up and to make sense. I won’t accept reasoning that because she sees him in her dreams, that he is a good person. That’s just ridiculous-ness at it’s finest right there. {not to mention overdone}.

I do hope Gabby will after a series of horrible scary happenings have no choice and man up and become the warrior her dreams make her out to be. I want Gabby and her black knight go places no mortal has ever gone and maybe…just maybe end of the world happenings, but I think that’s a little stretch seeing it is the first book.

I really hope this book will standout and wow me, nay, I need it to blow my mind. {with old age comes picker times bwahahah} Doesn’t it sound sweet?! I am get hyped up! The proper review for Shadows will only follow sometime maybe next month, but warnings: I do have a book in between to get to beforehand so it might be pushed till December. It’s almost fitting though if it was ready for December don’t ya think? Nevertheless the more I read other reviewers comments basking the book in nothing but magnificence only furthers my anticipation.

Anyways that is where I will leave you all tootles!

-Meli

Curiousity Corner: Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

This week instead of a review, I’ve decided to write about something that I have hopes to read at some point…soon? In the distant future somewhere at least.

Okay. So. I feel like everywhere I go, I’ve been seeing this book. That’s weird isn’t it? And each and every time this happens, I’m reluctant to flip through its contents. After all my stubbornness, I’m taking it as an extremely delayed sign. I think because the cover shares the same color scheme as the Twilight series (which I’ve read…though I shan’t speak of it) that it through me off a little bit? Yeah, let’s go with that. So I shoved my bitterness aside one day whilst bored on my cellular device as usual. I ordered a sample from Kelley Armstrong. Bitten seems to revolve around werewolves. Normally, I wouldn’t indulge in this sort of furry fantasy. But I’m thinking Year of the Vampire is over. At least for now.

The first few chapters that I got to peek, introduces our main character Elena who is a newly bitten wolf still trying to hold onto her humanity. It does seem to sound like the usual self-loathing supernatural creature, but I’m interested to see where this goes. Especially when Elena gives into her wolfy urges. It’s always a little fun when they join the dark side for a quick spin, don’t you think?
This is going to be added to my collection soon enough. Hopefully it won’t be collecting dust.

xox,
Sasha

Book Wish List: Strands of Bronze and Gold

Title: Strands of Bronze and Gold
Author: Jane Nickerson
Type of book: Hardcover
Genre: Historical Fiction, fantasy, fairy tale, mystery
Pages: 352

Nothing says trouble more than a young girl, down on her luck with no money, no home and no family suddenly receiving a letter from a man you haven’t seen in years. This particular man invites you to live with him and suddenly you are saved from your desperate situation. Already her circumstances give me grave anxiety, the girl is all alone, just 16 years old and is forced to embrace a world and way of life unlike anything she has experience. Boys and girls if you are hoping for a happy-go-lucky-tale you will not find it here.

She finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her.

This is supposed to be a retelling of the fairy tale Bluebeard and for those of you unfamiliar; it is a tale of a aristocratic man who repels all women because of hideous Bluebeard. Although he has had many wives they all end up disappearing. He eventually gets himself a new wife, but soon leaves her to attend important matters in another country, and before he does he gives his new wife a set of keys which opens many doors. Bluebeard tell her that she may go anywhere those keys allow her to, except the smallest room. It was forbidden and she promises him to be a good wife and not open that room. But like any other heroine, she doesn’t listen and learns the secret of her husband’s strange hobby, as well as the mystery of his past wives. Frightening story I must say, so to have a retelling I can’t help but nibble on my curiosity and wonder what will be different and the same. WILL THERE BE A HAPPY ENDING? . I know I have an addiction so sue me… actually, please don’t, my name has yet to reveal any monetary value teehee

And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world..

Goodness I get chills at that, could he possibly trying to re-create the image of a past love with all these girls with this one repetitive feature? That is such a typical sign of a serial killer based on a lot of Law and Order.

When you are given everything when you use to have nothing what do you do when faced with a terrible secret? I know I would run for the hills, but this 1855 so obviously my solution is a lot less possible. I have heard from other reviewers that this author is rather good and the general public have been pleased. I am hoping to end up having a similar reaction and feel that my hard earn 5$ plum points will be well spent.

-Meli <3

To Wherever the Wanderings of My Eyes May Lead: The Night Watchman Express

Title: The Night Watchman Express
Author: Alison DeLuca
Publisher: Fantasy Island
Type of book: Paperback
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Science Fiction Steampunk
Pages: 324

This book right here, every time I look at the cover I get instant goose bumps. This story is a bit different than what I usually go for, but the story line just seemed so freakishly disturbing that I knew I have to get it.

Miriam, an orphan who is toughing it out in the world, whose only real fears lie with Night Watchman Express, a train who takes people at random and drags them to this mysteriously evil location. There, people say experimentations occur at the old factory and once you get in…you are most likely never heard from again. Now imagine that, you have no one but yourself, stuck in what I am imagining is a pretty big house and hearing that terrifying train run by your house every night.

Oh and did I mention you’re alone? That is some messed up business. I would be so worried about falling asleep and knowing maybe they might catch me. Say hello to too much coffee and a life dedicated to being an insomniac. Of course, that’s not all with the story, poor Miriam just got herself some new family-mates, the Marchpanes, who are harbouring a secret or two and are rumoured to be linked to the NEW. We mustn’t forget their lovely (or maybe not) son Simon who is far from being Miriam’s best person in the world.

But you know what they, if you can’t love friends love your enemies…I hope that’s the saying anyway.

Also, as you can guess that nobody escapes The NWE as poor Miriam and Simon become its new passengers and what awaits them is danger, evil, and jailers who are more than just a pretty face. The part of the jailers I must admit, I got an image of a scene in that movie Silent hill where Radha Mitchell’s character is stuck in a dark basement with zombie nurses…creepy. If you haven’t seen the movie, no worries, my head just likes making associations.

I am suspecting this might be a trilogy (please don’t let it be!) but tis is the trend so I hope nothing but a delicious time. I also hope I have gathered your interest. As for me, I am going hunting 

Tootles all!
Meli

Mandy’s Musings: Of stars, books and Aztecs

This is going to be a slight change of pace from the series of book reviews we have been expertly spurting out so far (yes go us!), which is mostly due to the fact that I haven’t finished any books in time for today… my bad…

I do however have something up my sleeve, or rather, something waiting for me on my untidy desk.

That thing is this brick of a novel by Gary Jennings, an epic tale entitled Aztec.

The first time I heard of this book was in my Mesoamerican Art History and Archaeology class which I adored. The indigenous cultures of Central America have always fascinated me, especially because of my heritage on my dad’s side, and finding out that a class about them was offered in my program practically made me leap for joy.

However, I was afraid I’d have to seek out this book with no luck once vacation started, but imagine my surprise when I found it lying in a bookshelf in my boyfriend’s childhood home? I’m not really one to believe in fate or destiny, but god be damned if this wasn’t meant to be. The stars were in position for me to find this book! (…I should clarify that I don’t mean I simply met my boyfriend to find this book, this is just one of the many perks of being with him :p)

Anyways, as the title suggests Gary Jenning’s Aztec is about the Aztec civilization (or rather the Mexica as they referred to themselves), but more precisely, about the life of Mixtli-Dark Cloud before, during and after the arrival of the Spanish. Born the son of peasants, Mixtli quickly rises within Aztec society, starting as a young scribe, then a warrior, a wealthy traveling merchant, and finally a lord in the impressive city of Tenochtitlan and Motecuzoma’s emissary to the newly arrived Cortes and his Conquistadors.

I’ve heard that this book had some issues but I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve actually read the book. I also heard that this book wasn’t for the faint of heart, but having researched in countless books and sources about the sacrificial rituals of the Aztecs, I think I’ll be able to handle it (they were surprisingly graphic). Besides, faint isn’t even close to being my middle name.

Also, what is interesting is how the narrative is composed as a series of letters between Bishop Juan de Zumárraga and King Carlos I of Spain (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) who requested a chronicle of the lives of the Aztecs as they once were. This is where Mixtli comes in, now an impoverished old man but deemed educated enough “for his race” to share his life story, with friars transcribing and hanging on to his every word. And what an old man this Mixtli seems to be! As Zumárraga writes at the beginning: “From the very first opening of his mouth, the Aztec evinces disrespect for out person, our cloth, and our office as our Reverend Majesty’s personally chosen missionary, which disrespect is an implicit insult to our sovereign himself.”

As if I wasn’t excited enough! I hope this book doesn’t disappoint!

Mandy

Sasha’s Curiousity Corner: That Cat Had 9 Lives

 In the good, not-so-long-ago days, I went through a bit of a romance novel binge.

It is exactly how it sounds.

I would read so many of them that now I walk right by the aisles without even taking a quick peek. That is simply not done. The genre has become so predictable and tedious to me to the point where I may have anointed myself a psychic. Of course, sticking (loyally) to a certain handful of authors didn’t help. For this book, I will gladly make the honorable exception and put on my veil of denial. Delusion? I was actually searching for another book online when this one popped up and presented itself: Educating Caroline by Patricia Cabot takes place in the Victorian era where our heroine Lady Caroline Linford discovers the less than noble indiscretions of her husband-to-be. Sadly, wherever it is that her fiancé seems is getting his goodies isn’t a valid reason to nip the upcoming wedding in the bud, at least the rest of society doesn’t seem to think so. To keep his eyes (and hands) from wandering anywhere else, Caroline devises a plan to seek the help of Braden Granville; London’s most notorious rake. What better plan than to have something of a professional teach you the rules of seduction and enticement? But Braden has no intention of helping Caroline. Until of course, he discovers that she has something that he wants: the name of his fiancée’s dirty little secret. Sparks will undoubtedly fly, get heated to scorching temperatures and lines between lessons and actuality will become blurred. As the saying goes: the heart wants what it wants.

The plot seemed appealing enough to bring me out of my anti-rom funk, which is lovely. After reading the synopsis I was literally shaking my head and smiling in amusement. I’m also excited for how Victorian day England is to be described and the  subtle flirtation disguised as witty banter; especially that it will all be depicted through Patricia Cabot`s vast imagination. Patricia Cabot is actually another nom de plume of well-known author Meg Cabot. Though the cover is a sight for a sore eyes (as most romance novel covers go…) and I’m interested to read just how love blooms between the two. Hopefully, neither of them will get tangled in those pesky love squares (Love square; a four person love complication). If this book is anything like any other of Meg Cabot’s works, I’m definitely sure that I’ll fully enjoy this book. Even though I’m supposed to put a stop to my falsely established clairvoyant self with a firm hand. I hope to see what kind of read this turns into. It does sound pretty juicy though, don’t you think? It sounds like a sexy little adventure. Speaking of sexy, I wonder if there will be a sex scene?

Just kidding.

Of course there will be a sex scene. Multiple. Probably.

You know what else I’m sure there will be multiple of?

…the letter ‘A’.

What were you thinking of?

Again- there goes my not funny humour.

I’ll stop now.

-S

 

 

To Wherever the Wanderings of My Eyes May Lead

In my life I must say that books in general must spark an interest for me to keep putting it on replay. I can hear as many recommendations as the next person, but if you don’t make the cut, sorry honey BUT there must be a specific reason. (yes I am a high believer that fate exist and sometimes you cannot run for it…THANK YOU myth stories you really make me question things.) I know what I like and I usually think I know what won’t disappoint me (hah sadly I do get bamboozled)…however, with this blog I’m putting on the black streaks of paint on my face, wrapping my ninja bandana across my forehead, lacing up shoes and getting ready to dive into a pool of new discoveries.

The journey will be long and perhaps I’ll be angry, happy, and nervous and maybe I’ll become this ball filled with every other emotion to which my whole being will feel like a rocket setting itself for lift off. So what is causing my eyes to wander off to today you ask? Well it is a book…a book detailing a delicate story by Brian James called Life is But a dream.

Seeing this title I instantly replayed that song “row, row, your boat gently down the stream…” you should know the rest and if not…google it, the internet is your friend if you let it do your bidding :) also what’s funny about this book is I tried to look for this book at Chapters and I could not remember the name for the life of me, then my buddy who works there tried to help but I was pretty vague “It’s the book with the girl with red hair…something dream?” I said.

She gave a dubious look while saying “oookayy?” and that’s when I knew…I had become one of those clients, those who when they come to a bookstore and are looking for a book and say “I don’t know the author or the title, but the book was green” or “It has the word love in it and it’s set in the past” Yes it’s one of my biggest fears and I swore I would never go there…but I did and my ex-Chapters-employee-self cringed and fell off a tower for my impudence.

Mind you that it did come back to me when I absentmindedly started to hum it. This brought me back to the good old days where that song was hummed to me and I guarantee I got myself some happy dreams because of it…but enough of my childhood, back to the book. I really like the cover too (Pretty covers FTW) as the girl whose curled up in a ball on the stoned ground, shielding herself from the harshness of the world she lives in, looking more closely you can also say that perhaps she is just giving up in general as her dull eyes are no longer in focus.

Our main character is named Sabrina and she is an artist, but she is also schizophrenic so she gets checked into a center (because they can’t handle her and that type of shit just pisses me off! whatever happened to the good old saying of “through thick and thin..” and whatever else follows, also I have this feeling that is the last she will see of them…but who knows.), but no worries she isn’t completely alone for she meets a buddy (a male buddy *wink*) and he somehow convinces her that the doctors will take away her creativity with their special treatments so she is encouraged to rebel against the treatments to keep your true self alive.

Although the synopsis is short and my eyes are hungry for more information, this book feels to me that it’s going to be one roller-coaster. With Sabrina being an artist and schizophrenic I am feeling that I will reach some awareness, because of the type of person I am I cannot just read facts on Wikipedia and assume it will stick in my brain (unless it’s for an exam then it’s memorize or fail). I like learning in a story like way? If that makes any sense and this book will I feel should provide people the chance to experience everyday life through her eyes and perhaps we too will see more color than shades. Let’s face it we hear more about Cancer than any other sickness and from reviews that I have read you truly do get a better understanding of what the sickness does to a person. A truly heartfelt and intense read is what awaits us.

I’m really really looking forward to this book because it’s out of my comfort zone, will make my brain expand and I suggest that if you are as curious about schizophrenia and if your brain does work like mine then let’s take that ride on the yellow wagon and open up the pages of Life is But a Dream and allow our brain to fill with smarts.

Meli :)

Mandy’s Musings: Of balloons, summer and The Pants

In true Mandy style this entry is two days late, but as the saying goes: better late than never, right?

With my semester coming to a close, my brain has been battered, pummelled, and mercilessly stuffed with information from assigned scholarly articles and textbooks. All of which will ultimately be forgotten by the final period in my endless essay, or answer in my final exam.

In other words, my brain is worn out. Exhausted. It feels like a balloon that has been emptied of its air and fallen onto the hard, cold floor after flying all over the place in a frenzy because its purpose in life is to be an air-filled balloon but some idiot decided to release its air and reduce it to its original state as a distant cousin of a condom.

There’s something deep and metaphorical in there, but I can’t make the connection.

Anyways, anyone who ends the semester saying otherwise is full of shiitakes.

With that said, even though I’m mentally exhausted I’d still appreciate a good read, albeit something lighter than Roland Barthes’ theories on intertextuality and postmodernity.

Fortunately, I’ve found the perfect book to begin my vacation.

Ann Brashare’s newest installment in The Sisterhood series is entitled Sisterhood Everlasting. As a teenager I devoured these books and could not wait to read about the summer adventures of Carmen, Bee, Tibby and Lena and wish I could have a magical pair of jeans that fit perfectly while making wonderful things happen. It goes without saying that although I was completely taken by surprise at the ending of what I thought was the final installment of The Sisterhood; I also felt that it was a fitting end to a wonderful series. Things change, and people grow up. Like me, these four girls grew up and were now starting a new phase in their life. It was a bittersweet end, but I knew I could revisit these characters by picking up one of the books, dusting it off and sitting comfortably on my couch and relive their adventures and the memories that they bring back of my own teenaged summers spent under the sun.

So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon Sisterhood Everlasting the newest addition to the Sisterhood series! I’m not sure what to expect from this newest installment, but with ten years separating the events of the last book from this one there are bound to be major changes with the four girls, or should I say women, that I grew to know. However, I can’t wait to start reading this book and hopefully enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the others. Here’s to the Pants!

Remember: Pants=Love. Love your pals. Love yourself.

Mandy

Sam’s Book Craving

In case you haven’t figured it out by the title, this little segment here, is where I’ll talk about all the books I can’t wait to get my hands on! :)

Here we goooo~!

To kick off this post, the first book on my Craving’s list will probably have to be the book Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan.

Why did I choose this book? Well first impressions, without even cracking open the spine, I love the cover; the colors are really appealing and they definitely pop out on the shelf when the covers are facing out. It’s actually how I discovered the book in the first place when I was at work. Without that bright blue, I probably would have just walked right by it and continued on my way. Luckily though, I’m attracted to bright and colorful things so it was quick to catch my attention. :D

The synopsis is very simple and to the point but in that hook-line-and-sinker kind of way. Plus, I’m a sucker for the whole “One person can make a difference” thing. Besides those reasons, I chose this because I’ve been reading only fiction lately. I think a little change will do me some good and I’ve been trying to get my hands on a copy of this book for the longest time. Why it hasn’t happened yet, I don’t know, but I promise… SOON it will be mine!

The second book on the list and the last for this post is JK Rowling’s new not-for-kids novel The Casual Vacancy! I couldn’t NOT put this up for this post after I found out about it. Now, I’m still a little bit on the fence about it because it doesn’t seem like a book I’d normally be interested in, but being such a huge Harry Potter fan, I can’t help but want to support Rowling’s newest project! I mean, it can’t be horrible right? I know it won’t be Harry Potter but I still don’t want to dismiss this newest piece of work just yet because it might not compare to the series. To be honest, it shouldn’t even be compared to Harry Potter, but I guess I’m human and can’t help but do so anyway. Besides, even if it isn’t really my kind of book, it’d be nice to try something different! My friends and I created this book blog to be able to find and read things we probably wouldn’t have even glanced at otherwise. Hmmm…. We’ll just have to wait and see! Either way, I’m excited! :)

I think that’s all for now!

Sorry it’s a little rushed

I haven’t been home in a while, it’s late and I realllyyyy need to get some sleep!

Till next time~!

Sam