The Marvelous Mrs. Masiel Review

Hello, and welcome to day 9 of Birthday Blog Bash. The entire month of January I will be posting everyday. 

The Afterlife of Holly Chase Review

Hello my lovely readers and welcome to Day 6th of Birthday Blog Bash, which is a whole month of me posting everyday. If that sounds interesting to you make sure to stay up to date.

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones Review

Title: Wintersong
Author: S. Jae-Jones
Pages: 436
Publication Date: February 7th 2017
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
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Synopsis: "Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world."

Wonder Woman Review (non-spoiler)

Wonder Woman was released on June 2nd 2017 and it is the origin story of Wonder Woman. The movie stars Gal Gadot and Chirs Pine. For the full cast and more information about the movie itself check out IMDb.  If you aren't familiar it takes place in the DC universe. I wasn't sure how I was going to enjoy this movie because I'm more of a Marvel kind of gal. Also DC hasn't been very promising in the movie department since the Batman trilogy ended awhile back. Then they try to rebound with Batman vs Superman which looked horrible and reviews weren't the best. Suicide Squad was great, but it wasn't no marvel movie. Despite all of this I went into Wonder Woman not knowing what to expect and unbiased opinion. From one Marvel fan to the next you should totally go see Wonder Woman. 

Diana's background was really amazing and I loved it. It's very mythology based and I love my mythology. The setting of the movie was in the early 20th century. Basically combining mythology and history together which is some of my favorite things. The plot was great, predictable, but overall great. I enjoyed how the character development was there and there's still room for them to grow. I couldn't help, but compare it Logan where that development was on point and it had to be on point. My next favorite thing about Wonder Woman were the graphics they were amazing. Of course graphics aren't everything when it comes to movie, but they are still pretty crucial. I told my mom that they were up there with the Marvel movies.

Gal Gadot who played Wonder Woman was an amazing actress. I felt like she was the perfect actress for the part. I vaguely remember her playing in the Fast and Furious movies. Chris Pine sort of reminded me of the person played on Timeless. While at least his character did and I was fine with that. The whole movie left you wanting more and I came to the conclusion I need a sequel. I guess we will have to wait till this fall to see the Justice League, which looks really promising. 

Did you guys seen Wonder Woman? What were your thoughts on it? Did you like this non-spoiler set up? Do you like Marvel or DC? Remember keep looking for your Once Upon A Time.

Into the Wild by Erin Hunter

Title: Into the Wild
Author: Erin Hunter
Pages: 288
Published: 01-09-2003
Publisher: HarperTrophy
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Synopsis: For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their warrior ancestors. But the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger, and the sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying-- and some deaths are more mysterious than others. In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary house cat named Rusty . . . who may turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.  

Sherlock Recap S4:E1

If you guys don't know what Sherlock is where have you been? Sherlock is a British Television show featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. It has 10 episodes and is currently on it's 4th season. The fourth season just aired Sunday January 1st on channels BBC1 and PBS. Each episode is 90 minuets long. Overall Sherlock is an amazing show and so very incredibly detailed. All of the actors and actresses do a fantastic job with this show. If you haven't watched any Sherlock go turn on Netflix now don't come back until you're all caught up. Spoilers are going to happen so if you continue reading and haven't watched the latest episode it's you're own fault. Now goodbye for now.

Blog Tour: Weregirl by C.D Belle

Title: Weregirl
Author: C. D. Bell
Pages: 400
Publisher: Chooseco
Publication Date: 11-01-2016
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Synopsis:" Nessa Kurland is running for her life. 

C. D. Bell's WEREGIRL is a fast-paced teen thriller set in Tether, Michigan, a town on the brink of shutdown since it was stripped of its resources by corporate polluter Dutch Chemical. 

High school junior, Nessa Kurland, is a cross-country runner with her eyes set on one thing: a college scholarship as her one-way ticket out of Tether. 

Talented teammate Cynthia Sinise invites Nessa on a nighttime run through Tether overgrown forest trails. But she speeds ahead, leaving Nessa alone to discover a trapped wolf. Nessa tries to free the animal but is badly bitten, seemingly ruining her hopes for a strong fall season with the cross-country team. 

Instead, Nessa freakishly quick recovery is followed by improved running times. All her senses are heightened. Nessa has transformed. She has become a werewolf. 

In her new state, Nessa learns there are things about Tether that powerful people want to keep hidden. Why does a Nobel Laureate work at the small-town medical clinic? Are top college athletic scouts really interested in her emerging talent? Can she trust Chayton, the motorcycle-riding guide her friends have faith in? Nessa must navigate her junior year and true human darkness, while making peace with her new, wild nature."

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Madman's Daughter

Author: Megan Shepherd

Publication Date: 01-29-2013

Publisher: Blazer+Bray

Pages: 420

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Synopsis:  "Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father’s gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father’s handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father’s madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island’s inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father’s genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells’s classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman’s Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we’ll do anything to know and the truths we’ll go to any lengths to protect."

Blog Tour:Red The Untold Story by Angela M Hudson

Title: Red The Untold Story
Author: Angela M Hudson
Publication Date: July 25 2016
Page : 349
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | B&N
Synopsis: "An eccentric tale of tragic loss and renewed hope.
 
Do not go gentle into the wolf's asylum...
 
Once every twenty years, pack alpha Luther takes a new wife. On the day of Selection, Red is chosen. Just as her family always planned. Just as she always planned. Until she met Alex Plain. 
 
Alex took Red to worlds she never imagined, where the ordinary is seen as magical, and the upright is abstract. With the help of this new friendship, Red begins to see a future for herself outside of the pack. But, unfortunately, Alex Plain came along too late. 
 
Red is obligated to marry Luther now, and taken to live in the mysterious Ravenswood Mansion, where truth lies and the walls have eyes. What Red learns there about her alpha will ignite some burning questions--ones that, when answered, could undo the entire order of the pack: What happened to all the children born there? Why hasn't this mansion left the last century behind? And where are all his previous wives?"

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

Title: The Well of AscensionAuthor: Brandon Sanderson
Pages: 796
Publication Date: 06-03-2008
Publisher: TOR Fantasy
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Synopsis: "They did the impossible, deposing the godlike being whose brutal rule had lasted a thousand years. Now Vin, the street urchin who has grown into the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and Elend Venture, the idealistic young nobleman who loves her, must build a healthy new society in the ashes of an empire.

They have barely begun when three separate armies attack. As the siege tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.

It may just be that killing the Lord Ruler was the easy part. Surviving the aftermath of his fall is going to be the real challenge."

Gilmore Girls Review+ Thoughts and Predictions

Today's post is going to be a little different. I'm finally doing that review of the Gilmore Girls. I can't wait to share how much I love this show and thoughts and predictions for the spin off series that is being release later this year. Without further a do here is my Gilmore Girls Review.

Gilmore Girls aired on the CW from 2000- 2007 and made its way through seven seasons of ups and downs of life. We see little Rory Gilmore grow up and graduate an Ivy League School. The whole show will hits hard the struggles of being a single parent, but lets not forget the amazing cast and dialogue that's so quick and witty, All seven seasons are Netflix and if you want to check out more about it go look on its IMDB page. Each episode is great and have different moments that everyone would love. This is definitely a really good family oriented show. According to Rotten Tomatoes it has a 90% overall which is extremely good for Rotten Tomatoes.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Title: Mistborn
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Pages: 643
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Publication Date: 07-31-2007
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Synopsis: "Once, a hero arose to save the world. A young man with a mysterious heritage courageously challenged the darkness that strangled the land.

He failed.

For a thousand years since, the world has been a wasteland of ash and mist ruled by the immortal emperor known as the Lord Ruler. Every revolt has failed miserably.

Yet somehow, hope survives. Hope that dares to dream of ending the empire and even the Lord Ruler himself. A new kind of uprising is being planned, one built around the ultimate caper, one that depends on the cunning of a brilliant criminal mastermind and the determination of an unlikely heroine, a street urchin who must learn to master Allomancy, the power of a Mistborn."

Written On Her Heart by Paige Rion

Title: Written on Her heart
Author: Paige Rion
Publication Date: April 23rd 2014
Pages: 273
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Synopsis: "Andi Callaway has dreamed of becoming a published author her entire life.

Ford Delaney has always wanted nothing more than to escape his past.

An opportunity of a lifetime. This is what Andi finds when she returns home to Callaway Cove on summer break. A chance to work for her literary idol Ford Delaney is up for grabs, and she’s willing to risk everything—her boyfriend, her best friends, and her education—to get it.She’s positive this will be the key to reaching her dreams. But the moment she begins working for the reclusive author, Andi realizes there’s more to him than just a name. As attraction builds between Andi and Ford, she begins to discover consequences must come hand-in-hand with something great—which could loosen control over her tightly wound life. And once romantic sparks fly, Andi’s other relationships start to crumble, Ford’s fame comes back to haunt him, and the heat they generate will either forge a powerful, enduring love or threaten everything she holds dear."

5 Reasons Why You Should Read #1

Title: Life After Juliet
Author: Shannon Lee Alexander
Publication Date: July 5th
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 304
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Goodread's Summary: "Becca Hanson was never able to make sense of the real world. When her best friend Charlotte died, she gave up on it altogether. Fortunately, Becca can count on her books to escape—to other times, other places, other people...

Until she meets Max Herrera. He’s experienced loss, too, and his gorgeous, dark eyes see Becca the way no one else in school can.

As it turns out, kissing is a lot better in real life than on a page. But love and life are a lot more complicated in the real world...and happy endings aren't always guaranteed.

The companion novel to Love and Other Unknown Variables is an exploration of loss and regret, of kissing and love, and most importantly, a celebration of hope and discovering a life worth living again."

Change Places With Me by Lois Metzger Blog Tour

Title: Change Places With Me
Author: Lois Metzger

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: June 14th 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy

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Amazon | B&N | Kobo| Book Depository| iTunes|

Synopsis:

Rose has changed. She still lives in the same neighborhood with her stepmother and goes to the same high school with the same group of kids, but when she woke up today, something was just a little different than it was before. The dogs who live upstairs are no longer a terror. Her hair and her clothes all feel brand-new. She wants to throw a party—this from a girl who hardly ever spoke to her classmates before. There is no more sadness in her life; she is bursting with happiness.

But something still feels wrong to Rose. Because, until very recently, Rose was an entirely different person—a person who is still there inside her, just beneath the thinnest layer of skin.

A Quarrel Called by Shannon Wendtland Blog Tour

       

I'm lucky enough to be able to do participate in the A Quarrel Called blog tour. Check out the other stops on the tour.

Title: A Quarrel Called
Author: Shannon Wendtland
Publisher: a Crossed Arrows Title
Release Date: June 20th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Goodreads | Amazon |
Synopsis: "The Sage, The Guardian, The Lantern, The Light – together we four are Stewards of the Plane, a Quarrel.

G. is the Guardian; he’s developed a strong protective instinct and a kickass sword of light that can chase away the baddies like nobody’s business.

Sam is the Lantern; his dreams shed light on possible futures – he’s always had dreams, but now he sees where we’re going and how far, and it scares the crap out of him.

Tara is the Sage; as our resident mystic, she can commune with the Akashic records: the big data warehouse in the sky. She can get information on anywhere, anywhen, if only she can learn to ask the right questions.

And me, I’m Melody, I’m the Light. I can channel the earth’s energy and according to Gramps, I can stabilize a vortex. It’s a good thing, too, or else we would be in a lot of trouble.

Before the summer started, we were a bunch of normal teenagers getting ready for our senior year in high school. By the time summer was over, we’d fought and won battles, lost friends and saved the world (except for that time when we made it worse).

This is our story. We wrote it all down; that way when it happens to you, when you're called to be a Steward of the Plane - a member of a quarrel, you'll know what to do.

**This book is told in first person from four alternating character viewpoints."

A Court of Thrones and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 416
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Publication Date: 05-05-2015
Average Rating: 4.30
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Synopsis: "When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever"

The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Title: The Duff
Author: Kody Keplinger
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 01-13-2015
Publisher: Poppy
Ratings 3.88
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Synopsis: "Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper may not be the prettiest girl in her high school, but she has a loyal group of friends, a biting wit, and a spot-on BS detector. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. But things aren't so great at home and Bianca, desperate for a distraction, ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone"

When I first bought this book, I tried to read it, but I couldn't get into it. I think it was because I burned out from reading at the time. Over a year later I picked it up and finished it quickly and loved it. What would have made this book a five star book for me is the pacing is a little slow in the beginning and picks up around the fifth chapter. There was a lot of character development coming from the main character, Bianca. For me ,the whole point of story is to understand that everyone thinks badly about themselves.

This book is really real. I think a lot of people might feel that the plot line to be cheesy, especially in the synopsis. Yeah there are parts of the book where its super cheesy and overdone. For example, Bianca swears that she will never fall for Wesley, this basic sub-plot has been done over and over again. This works for the book because so many of the situations happen to people in real life. It deals with self-confidence, divorce, alcoholism. A teenager experiencing this can come to this book and build the connections with it. That will make the book mean so much more to the person.

Throughout our lives we grow and Bianca grows a lot, and becomes a better person in the end. In the beginning she's annoying and does blame all of her problems on someone else. I think deep down she is really afraid of falling in love and getting hurt. If she would have stayed this way throughout the book, I would have gone crazy. I also really enjoyed that we got to see the different side of Wesley, that wasn't shown in the school.

Overall, I had a fun time reading this book. It is a solid three star book. I'm sure as read more of Kody Keplinger that her books will get better and better. I would recommend this book to anyone because if you look over some of the flaws, then the message is worth it.  Have you read this book? What were your thoughts on it? Do you recommend any other of the author's books?A quick reminder is that I want to do a Q+A, and would love to see some of your questions. Remember always keeping searching for your Once Upon A Time.

Night by Elie Wisel

Title: Night

Author: Elie Wiesel

Pages: 115
Publisher: Hill and Wang
Release Date: January 16th 2006
Rating 4.28 Stars
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Synopsis: "Night is a work by Elie Wiesel about his experience with his father in the Nazi German concentration camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald in 1944–1945, at the height of the Holocaust and toward the end of the Second World War. In just over 100 pages of sparse and fragmented narrative, Wiesel writes about the death of God and his own increasing disgust with humanity, reflected in the inversion of the father–child relationship as his father declines to a helpless state and Wiesel becomes his resentful teenage caregiver.

Penetrating and powerful, as personal as The Diary Of Anne Frank, Night awakens the shocking memory of evil at its absolute and carries with it the unforgettable message that this horror must never be allowed to happen again"

  I didn't think I was going to enjoy reading Night. Most require school reading doesn't really work for me, I always struggle reading these kind of books. However, reading Night I was surprised on how much how I enjoyed it. It could because it was a memoir and I love reading memoirs. Or it could be the fact that the writing was really beautifully done. I have so much to discuss about this book and the way it made me feel.

 In a person's life, I believe there is always going to be a certain books that really hit you. That make you feel, think, and understand things. This book is one of those books. Just reading the description on the back of the book it's really hard to understand that something this horrific actually happened. That person's solution to solving one's problem is eliminating the inferior people. It makes me feel disgusted at mankind because they acted like they had no humanity. I don't want to say that it's sad because its beyond the point of the being sad.

 I mention this before, but his writing was really beautifully done. As I was reading this I had to literally remind myself that this actually happened to so many different people. I felt like we got a look on the inside where in the Diary of Anne Frank, it was more hopeful and happy. We never got to see how her life was in the concentration camp. I think it's very important for us to have a look from the inside and the outside. Everything flows together perfectly and we are getting a first hand encounter. That being said this is just Elie's story everyone went through some different.

 I have one scene burnt into my memory, it sticks out more than any other scene in the book. Elie and his family just arrived at the concentration camp. His little sister was wearing a red coat. When they got there they separated the males from the females, elderly, and young children. Eventually they got into lines and he saw his little sister with her red coat walk away from them forever. I assume that they ended up in the crematorium that day. Just thinking about him watching half of his family walk to their deaths is forever lodge into my mind.

  I highly recommend this book. I gave it four out of five stars. I feel like everyone should read this book. They need to understand the Holocaust, so we can prevent something like this from happening again. If you have read this book, please let me know your thoughts on it? If you have read any other WW2 book let me know so I can check it out. Remember keep searching for your Once Upon A Time.