Book Tag | Bookish Adventure

Thanks to @Jess – Fiction No Chaser for tagging me! It’s been a hot minute since I did any of the tags but this seemed like a great one to strike off my list.

Rules

Imagine that you are an intrepid literary adventurer- braving the harsh bookish wilderness, traversing jungles of pages and slashing through vines of words. Where in the vast world of books would you go?

• Write about one place mentioned in a book you wish you could visit and why.
• List 3-5 things that you would do there.
• Mention which souvenirs, if any, you would bring back with you.
• Then tag some more literary explorers and please link back to the creator (Umairah @ Sereadipity) so I can see all of your adventures!

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Where I Would Go

It took me a while to decide where I’d want to visit, but I came to the conclusion I’d stay in America because I really wish Rick Riordan’s Demigod world existed. I mean, maybe it really does and I’m just not lucky enough to have the site or be born to one of the *gods*. Percy, if you’re out there, I love you!

What I Would Do

• Visit Camp Half-Blood (obvi)
• Visit Camp Jupiter
• Convince Blackjack to give me a ride around the world
• Go looking for the magical Lotus Casino…I’m of age and it seems like a good time minus the whole getting trapped in time thing
• Visit Amazon headquarters so I can meet the Amazons and convince them to give me a free Prime membership

Souvenirs

Definitely saying I want to take Percy’s pen/sword, Hermes flying sneakers, and a Camp Half-Blood shirt home with me.

Tagging

Anyone who wants to do this tag!

September TBR | Hispanic Heritage Month

How is it already September?! If you didn’t notice, I took a lot of summer off to focus on me and enjoy the world outside of blogging. My summer reading slump hit me like a ton of bricks, but now I’m back in action and my first order of business is hitting my TBR pile hard. I’m hoping to get through some solid reading with stories that all have to do with my Latinx heritage. Why, might you ask? Well…

I wish I was more connected with my Mexican culture in so many ways, but growing up without stories with little brown girls didn’t make it any easier. Why aren’t we ever the heroines in the stories? Why don’t we ever get the guy/girl? I decided to do some research and realized maybe I was just looking in the wrong places for books that highlight my culture.

Queue: This month’s potential reading list to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which kicks off on the 15th! My goal is to read at least 4 books on this list, if not more. These were all chosen based on genre, author, and main character backgrounds and all have Latinx roots in some way. I also had to do some major digging more these, so please feel free to add them to your TBRs if you’re looking for more Latinx in your life!

*Disclaimer: I am by no means in expert in Latinx reading, but I’m hoping to find some great reads along my journey and if you have any recommendations, I would love to know!

The Books

1. Nocturna (A Forgery of Magic #1)  by Maya Motayne

“Set in a Latinx-inspired world, a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed.” MAGIC FANTASY LATIX WORLD AND I AM IN

2. The Storm Runner (The Storm Runner #1) by J.C Cervantes

“Feisty heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate.”

This has literally been sitting on my shelf for ages and I’m ready for some Mayan gods and abuelita’s hot chocolate. Please and thank you.

3. Labyrinth Lost (Brooklyn Brujas #1) by Zoraida Cordova

“Alex is a bruja, the most powerful witch in a generation…and she hates magic. At her Deathday celebration, Alex performs a spell to rid herself of her power. But it backfires. Her whole family vanishes into thin air, leaving her alone with Nova, a brujo she can’t trust, but who may be Alex’s only chance at saving her family.”

I see Bruja Born EVERY.WHERE. and didn’t even realize it was part of a series, so hello to book 1. I’m obsessed with all things brujeria so let’s do this.

4.  The Living (The Living #1) by Matt de la Pena

“The earthquake is only the first disaster. Suddenly it’s a fight to survive for those left living.”

I don’t know where this one is going to take me, but post-apocalyptic stories are my kind of stories.

5. Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper #1) by Daniel José Older

“With the help of her friends and the hot graffiti artist Robbie, Sierra must dodge Wick’s supernatural creations, harness her own Shadowshaping abilities, and save her family’s past, present, and future.”

As you can see, I have a type…fantasy/urban fantasy/magic.

6. The Gateway Through Which They Came by Heather Marie

“To seventeen-year-old Aiden Ortiz, letting the dead walk through his body to reach the other side comes with the territory. Being a Gateway isn’t an easy job, but someone’s gotta send Bleeders where they belong. Heaven. Salvation. Call it whatever you want. Dead is dead. But when his search for Koren Banks––the girl who went mysteriously missing seven months ago––leaves him with more questions than answers, he finds himself involved in something far more sinister and beyond his control.”

I’ve heard this one is a bit on the younger side of YA, but I’m gonna give it a try.

7. The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore

“For twenty years, the Palomas and the Corbeaus have been rivals and enemies, locked in an escalating feud for over a generation. Both families make their living as traveling performers in competing shows—the Palomas swimming in mermaid exhibitions, the Corbeaus, former tightrope walkers, performing in the tallest trees they can find.”

Um, Latinx Romeo and Juliet? Yes, please.

8. City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende

“But there are many secrets hidden in the unexplored wilderness, as Alex and his new friend Nadia soon discover. Drawing on the strength of their spirit guides, both young people are led on a thrilling and unforgettable journey to the ultimate discovery. . . .”

This is meant to be a younger-skewing YA series, but I’m into Percy Jackson so why not give this a try.

9. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

“The brilliant, bestselling, landmark novel that tells the story of the Buendia family, and chronicles the irreconcilable conflict between the desire for solitude and the need for love—in rich, imaginative prose that has come to define an entire genre known as “magical realism.”

Another one that I’m not quite sure I’ll love, but I hear great things and I’m expanding my palette TYVM.

10. Aristotle & Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

“And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.”

Everyone has been raving about this and while the genre it isn’t normally my cup of tea, I’m going all in. I might be surprised.

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? Any other Latinx reads you would recommend? Any from my list that you want to add to your TBR?

Book Tag | Mid-Year Freak Out

Hello, friends! You may have noticed I’ve been MIA for a hot minute, but I’m BACK. I figured I’d get back into my blogging with the perfect tag to describe how I’ve been feeling about this year – because how can I not freakout about the fact that 2019 is more than half way over and what am I even doing with life?

Thanks to Siobhan @ Siobhan’s Novelties for tagging me! Now, let’s do this thang.

What Is the Best Book That You’ve Read so Far in 2019?

Gah, how do I even pick one book? I’ve read so many amazing things, but I’m gonna have to go with Kingsbane by Claire Legrand. It’s intense, heartbreaking, and will leave you MIND BLOWN. It’s everything you’d want in a fantasy book. It has magic, time travel, sass, book boyfriends…and did I mention the heartache? Now excuse me while I sob in the corner remembering the betrayal…

What Has Been Your Favourite Sequel of the First Half of the Year?

VOW OF THIEVES HANDS DOWN DESERVES ALL THE STARS. Mary Pearson is a legend, and her characters, world-building, and overall atmosphere are amazing.

Is There a New Release That You Haven’t Read Yet, but Your Really Excited To?

Have I mentioned that I’m so behind on literally everything? Shocker – I haven’t read the Shadowhunter novels that were released this year and I’m a terrible fangirl. I really need to get to them ASAP.

What Is Your Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year?

HELLO TO THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF CLOCKWORK ANGEL. I know this isn’t a new story, but OMG it’s beautiful and yeah, in case you didn’t know, I’m obsessed with Shadowhunters.

What Is Your Biggest Disappointment so Far?

Seriously, how does the Winner’s Curse get so much hype? This trilogy is terrible…Sorry, Not Sorry. Sue Me.

What Is Your Biggest Surprise so Far?

I blame Jess @ Fiction No Chaser for my latest obsession with all things romance. Who would have thought, me, a hardcore Fantasy/Sci-Fi fiend, could get into this genre. But let me tell you my not-so-secret, I’m kind of really into romance these days. So, big shocker – War by Laura Thalassa was my biggest surprise. *Please excuse the half-naked bro on the cover.*

What Is Your Favourite New-to-You or Debut Author?

See above ^. Laura Thalassa writes a lot of paranormal/fantasy/dystopian romance and I’m living for it. Why didn’t I read her books sooner?

What Is Your Favourite Fictional Crush from This Year?

Simon, Simon, Simon. You are the Slytherin for this Gryffindor. You can break my heart any day.

What Is Your New Favourite Character?

I can’t pick just one, so here are some of my faves in no particular order:

1. Elias Veturius – An Ember Series by Sabaa Tahir
2. Simon Randell – The Empirium Trilogy by Claire Legrand
3. Desmond Flynn – The Bargainer Trilogy by Laura Thalassa

A Book That Made You Cry

Here this is again, just so you know how much it hurts.

A Book That Made You Happy

Sorcery of Thorns is such a CUTE YA book. It warms my heart just thinking about Nathaniel Thorn, Elisabeth and all those magical books.

Your Favourite Book to Movie/TV Show That You’ve Seen so Far

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE PLEASE SEND ME PETER KAVINSKY STAT.

What Is the Most Beautiful Book That You Bought?

I told myself I didn’t need another set of Percy Jackson books…but then I saw them on sale and I told myself to not listen to a word of that.

What Is Your Favourite Post That You Have Written so Far This Year?

By far my Shadowhunters Los Angeles posts! If you’re into The Dark Artifices and you’re curious what Los Angeles locations inspired Cassie Clare, you can check out Part One here and Part Two here.

What Are Six Books That You Want to Read by the End of the Year?

1. Ghosts of the Shadow Market – Cassandra Clare
2. Red Scrolls of Magic – Cassandra Clare
3. Red Rising – Pierce Brown
4. Daughter of Smoke & Bone – Laini Taylor
5. Good Omens – Neil Gaimann& Terry Prachett
6. Deviate & Godsgrave – Jay Kristoff

And That’s It!

I didn’t think to tag anyone since I’m aggressively behind and this is obviously not a true “mid-year” post, but if you want to snag this tag and do it yourself, feel free!

Top 5 Tuesday | Favorite Fantasies

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

Today’s Top 5 is all about fantasy stories and it was so hard for me to choose only five because 98% of what I read is considered fantasy – lol. Here’s my attempt at choosing my faves…but just know this changes on a monthly basis depending on what I’m reading!

The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

SURPRISE. The Shadowhunter Chronicles is of course on my list of all time favorite fantasy series. The world is rich, unique, and so amazing. Angels, demons, mundanes. Vampires, Werewolves, Faeries. Magic. Battles. Death.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

I don’t care if Harry Potter has been around for decades. It will never get old. The Wizarding World just has a tendency to make me feel at home and I will not stop waiting for my letters to Hogwarts (Or Ilvermorny or Beauxbatons). My wand and school regalia are prepped and waiting for the day.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Cycle is urban fantasy, but I’m putting this on my list because I’m obsessed with the magical Virginia suburbs from this series. The main crew is dysfunctional, angsty, and full of pent up energy. They’re adapting this into a SyFy series and I literally can.not.wait.

The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson

A doomed land, a magical prophecy, fierce lady heroes, swoon-tactic male leads. The world building in this entire series, as well as the spin-off books, is so rich and intense – and amazing. The first book is written in a very “whodunit/Clue” way, where you don’t know which character fits what role (prince or assassin?) and it’s UH-MAZE. Please read.

The Stormheart Series by Cora Carmack

So far only book one is out, but that first installment is filled with magical storms, hottie stormhunters, a runaway princess, and a very mysterious/eerie villain (like so creepy he lays with dead people for fun. WTF?) I can’t wait to read the sequel – it comes out August 2019!

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? Do we have any favorite fantasies in common? Any I should add to my list?

Top 5 Tuesday | Main Males

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

Today’s Top 5 is probably my favorite topic so far. I get to talk about my Book Boyfriends in ALL their glory and you are not prepared for how hard I’m about to fangirl. Please be warned that you will see a lot of all caps and text screaming as I share my love for these fictional men.

Jace Herondale from The Shadowhunter Chronicles

In case you didn’t already know, the #1 LOML is Jace Herondale. He first shows up in The Mortal Instruments and makes appearances in all of Cassandra Clare’s later books. He’s a sarcastic, half-angel warrior and I’m obsessed. If I have a book boyfriend type it’s the self-sacrificing hero with maximum-level wit & humor. He is also a fellow Gryffindor and I approve. See below for more evidence that Jace is an amazing, magical warrior-angel.

Simon Randell from The Empirium Trilogy

Simon is a new addition to my favorite male leads list. He’s also my favorite Slytherin love. If you’re into moody, bossy heartbreakers who do whatever it takes to get their end game, you will love Simon. *Side note: I DIE for baby Simon. This series has some time travel involved and seeing Baby Simon transition to adult Simon GIVES ME LIFE.

Nik Malikov from The Illuminae Files

Introducing my Hufflepuff boyfriend, Nik Malikov. He’s meant to be the comedic relief in Gemina & Obsidio (those books get INTENSE) and his humor DOES SOMETHING TO ME. He is also part of a Russian Mob family and has tattoos galore and I’m here for that sort of thing. Everyone needs a Nik Malikov in their life.

Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses

Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court. That is all. He is the definition of a feminist and will do anything to protect his family. He might need way more time to primp than I do, but I love him. He’s a great male lead.

Finian de Seel from Aurora Rising

I’m SO obsessed with Squad 312. It was hard for me not to cheat and do a 2-for-1 combo here with Tyler and Fin, and my heart told me that Fin was my main man. He’s an alien tech whiz with white-blonde hair and dashing wit. Yeah, he can be kinda annoying sometimes, but he is the Ravenclaw I want around!

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? Do we have any main males in common? Any boys you think I’d love?

Book Tag | Identity Crisis

It’s time for another book tag! Loretta @ The Laughing Listener created her very own book tag and now I’m spreading it around, because who doesn’t want to know what characters they’re most like?

I’m was super hyped…but also scared, because I kept thinking “what if I get someone awful like Taryn (Cruel Prince) or Gale (*gags*).” I think I did pretty well for my Virgo/Gryffindor self. Check out my results and don’t forget to play along!

RULES:

1. Take all the quizzes down below and record your answers somehow. I decided to just copy the text from each quiz and paste it into my post, but screenshots work too! Whatever floats your goat (Yes goat. I SAID WHAT I SAID).
2. NO CHEATING. You get one shot to take each quiz my friends. I’m watching you. ∗Suspicious squinty eyes∗
3. Use this post to give credit to the creator Loretta @ The Laughing Listener or tag her on twitter @LaughnListener so I can see everyone’s answers!!
4. Tag some friends to spread the fun!

RED QUEEN

WHO I AM: Mare Barrow

Okay, so right off the bat I’m getting the MC Heroine and I guess I’m okay with that since CAL is def a thing for me. Mare can be kinda annoying, but I love her for it anyway.

SHADOWHUNTERS

WHO I AM: Charlotte Branwell & Mark Blackthorn

YES I LOVE THIS COMBO SO MUCH. Charlotte is my FAVORITE character in The Infernal Devices. She is a badass QUEEN and she ran that institute like the boss lady she is. AND Mark is DEFINITELY THE BEST BLACKTHORN BROTHER (Don’t @ me). I’m not sure if people underestimate me? But I’m definitely the responsible mom of the friend group…did you remember to pack a sweater?

THRONE OF GLASS

WHO I AM: Dorian & Nesryn

HOW is this so accurate? This is based off dessert preferences and favorite nature spots and I’m concerned that Epic Reads knows everything about me.

HUNGER GAMES

WHO I AM: Effie Trinket

LOL. This is completely wrong. I can literally camp in the forest for a week with no showers, cell phone service, or TV and be completely okay with life. I’m also not flamboyant AT ALL. Buzzfeed, who put this quiz together? I have some questions. Other than that, I don’t mind Effie!

HARRY POTTER

WHO I AM: Dolores Umbridge

This is literally the first time I haven’t gotten Hermione on a Harry Potter character quiz and now I REALLY have questions for you, Buzzfeed! Dolores? Seriously?! I mean…I can be ruthless and bitchy, but I don’t like fluffy pink things? Def have to admit loving sweets but still, DOLORES? Side note: this description does not sound bad to me AT ALL. So yes to the description, NO to the character.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES

WHO I AM: Amren

Okay, I am down with this answer for some strange reason? Buzzfeed Community members got it RIGHT. I am also short, with dark hair, and I do tend to act moody even with my family. So yeah besides the vain part I think this is pretty accurate. LOL.

THE RAVEN CYCLE

WHO I AM: Noah Czerny

The first part about being observant and keeping to myself is 100% ON. POINT. The rest of this is false. I AM loyal to those I love, but I’m not naive or gullible. I am probably the most skeptic person every. But I love Noah. He is a precious cinnamon roll and I don’t mind being like him in some way.

*Sorry friends, you don’t get a cute picture of Twilight because I don’t own these books. (Sorry, not sorry)

TWILIGHT

WHO I AM: Edward Cullen

SAY IT. OUT LOUD. I’m like Edward? This is not me…at all. Other than people staying away from me I have absolutely nothing in common with him, but like cool I get to be a hottie vampire. That counts for something.

FOLK OF THE AIR

WHO I AM: Jude

I mean, Jude isn’t the best Heroine of all time, but things could have been worse. I could have been Taryn. And nobody wants that. I am stubborn when it comes to my beliefs and decision making so I guess this makes sense?

THE LUNAR CHRONICLES

WHO I AM: Thorne

I LOVE Thorne (and also Flynn Rider…heeeey, how you doin’) so I’m so okay with this. I don’t think it describes me at all. I thought for sure I would be Scarlet, but beggars can’t be choosers. And at least I’m not Kai.

Talk To Me

Tagging anyone who wants to play along!

What did you think of my answers? Do you think I’m like or dislike the results?

Book Tag | Wonderstruck

Thanks to Jess from Fiction No Chaser for tagging me in this! Do yourself a favor and check out her blog. She’s snarky and amazing and full of spoiler-free reviews!

Guidelines

• Link back to the creator (Olivia)
• Answer as many or as few of the questions as you’d like.
• Feel free to use any of the graphics in this post. 🙂
• Tag however many people you’d like at the end!

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You’re Not Sorry: A book that un-apologetically broke your heart

The ending still keeps me up at night.

Back to December: A book you still think about even after you are finished

Does Harry Potter count? Because I’m pretty sure I think about something Harry Potter related at least once a day.

If This Was a Movie: A book you really want to become a movie

I NEED THE ILLUMINAE FILES TO BE A THING STAT.

Gorgeous: A book with the most beautiful cover

The 10th Anniversary Edition of City of Bones will forever be the most amazing cover.

Shake it Off: A book that gets hate but you still love

The Red Queen series gets a lot of hate – for the characters, plot, etc. – but I love it!

Never Grow Up: A book that gives you childhood nostalgia

I started reading A Series of Unfortunate Events in elementary school and I haven’t been able to find anything better.

Sparks Fly: A book you instantly clicked with

Aurora Rising is a book I INSTANTLY fell in love with. Squad 312, Fin, Tyler, Auri, SPACE, aliens, humor. It’s totally my kind of book and I need the sequel ASAP.

Style: A classic that will never get old

The Picture of Dorian Gray is dark, moody, and I love it.

End Game: A book with romance you love

Mary E Pearson knows how to WRITE. I loved the entire Remnant Chronicles series and the romance weaved into it.

I Knew You Were Trouble: A book you couldn’t help but become obsessed with

The Raven Cycle series is one that I was instantly obsessed with. The characters, the magic, the atmosphere, the writing. It’s all so good.

Bad Blood: A book where you loved the first one and hated the sequel

I don’t think I have a series where the first book was amazing but I hated the second book, BUT I do have plenty of series where the first book was amazing and the second book didn’t live up to my expectations. One said series, Caraval. Legendary wasn’t as good as book 1 (though I still loved it).

 

Tagging

Kal | Arin | Jessica | Anyone else!

 

Top 5 Tuesday | I Could NOT Put These Books Down

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

Today we’re talking the top books I could not put down. You are probably going to see a lot of familiar titles on this list, because I definitely rave about my favorites whenever I can (so they probably made some of the my other top 5 lists).

Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

The Illuminae Files is one of my favorite series is ALL TIME. It has crazy artificial intelligence, aliens, evil space corporations, and ALL the sassy characters. My favorite is the second in the series, Gemina. The stakes are high, Nik Malikov is the best, and did I mention the aliens?!

A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a solid 3-star book in my opinion, BUT the sequel is such an amazing book. There are unexpected twists & turns, hot faerie boys, and so much emotion. And did I mention the hot faerie boys?

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Another series that I’m obsessed with. I couldn’t put down any of these books, but the first book is my favorite. Rich boarding school boys, feminist badass heroines, and tons of magic.

Roar by Cora Carmack

This series is about magical storms, a princess with epic powers, and a kingdom that needs saving. I’m SO excited for Rage and all I can think about is Prince Cassius, Aurora, and probably the most creepy villain I’ve ever encountered.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This series involves X-Men like storm powers, one of the WORST betrayals I’ve ever felt, and a monarchy that is just dying to be taken down. While the series has its ups & downs, the first book is amazing. I could not stop reading.

BONUS: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

If you know me, you know I cannot go one post without talking about something Shadowhunters-related. So, I’m adding a bonus section to talk about my love for all things Cassie Clare. There were so many to choose from, but I went with Lord of Shadows because it’s an EPIC sequel. I lie awake at night thinking about how my heart was ripped out of my chest at the end…

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? Do we have any of the same unputdownable books? Any I should consider?

Book Tag | It’s Only A Game

FINALE IS HERE. So, obvi we need to hype it up as much as possible and play book tags to  keep the games going.

This tag was created by Jessica over at Booked J and Loretta @ Laughing Listener tagged me, so yes. I had to add this to my weekly content ASAP.

Rules:

1. Tag anyone you think would enjoy this tag.
2. Link back to Booked J. Or tag me in your post on Twitter (@bookedj). I want to see everyone’s answers!
3. If you are tagged by someone else, link back to their blog as well!
4. Remember, it’s only a game…

1. Performer, participant, or watcher?

I’m totally stealing Loretta’s logic here and comparing my Hogwarts house with what I’d do. I’m a Gryffindor, so that means I’d want all the honor and glory of participating and winning. I also have Ravenclaw tendencies and I would need to gather all the clues. I’d probably end up selling a week worth of my life to someone and sleeping the entire game though.

2. Which one of the fates would you rather not cross paths with? Which would you want to cross paths with? Why?

*Spoilers if you haven’t read Legendary yet – you’ve ben warned. (For a list of all the fates click here)

I LOVE JACKS. With that being said, I would definitely want to cross paths with The Prince of Hearts, even if his kiss is deadly. I. Don’t. Care. He is the best. I don’t think I’d want to cross paths with The Undead Queen, because, you know, she tries to kill people and all.

Me: Getting ready to meet The Prince of Hearts

3. The Luckless Coin—Do you believe in bad omens?

I TOTALLY BELIEVE IN SIGNS FROM THE UNIVERSE. This comes from my love of the movie Can’t Hardly Wait and the scene where Preston hears the song Mandy and says “Mandy…Amanda. It’s a sign.” And continues to attempt to talk to her the entire night. Also, I’m just a typical LA girl who is super into horoscopes.

4. The Sisters—Which one do you see yourself in the most? Do you find it difficult knowing when to walk away from something? AND/OR: Do you have a sister or friend who you’d love or protect like they do each other?

I have 3 sisters and I’m the second oldest, so I grew up taking care of and protecting my sisters. It’s just second nature at this point. I’m pretty sure I’m a Scarlett. I’m skeptic, responsible, and I don’t make rash decisions.

5. The closest you’ll ever find to magic in this world… What is the closest thing to magic in our world, for you? 

DISNEYLAND. It’s such a magical place and I love spending all my free time there. Also, nature. Spend some time in a national park where everything’s been created by a force of nature and tell me you don’t feel some special connection with the earth.

6. No longer dull shades of bland, the dress was now a rich cerise… If you were to put on an enchanted item of clothing, what color would it become?

LOL. Definitely black. #EmoNiteIsEveryNite

7. Wishes were things of wonder that took a certain amount of faith and Julian seemed the type to trust only what he saw… Do you believe in the impossible? Or are you a skeptic?

I mean, I believe in ghosts and some mystical things, but I’m not sure I can give into “anything” being possible. Can I randomly wake up one day and be taller than the measly 5 feet I currently am? Probs not.

8. Impractical dreams and untethered imagination… What was something you fiercely believed in as a child?

9. The Characters—Who’s your favorite in the Caraval series?

DID I ALREADY MENTION JACKS IS THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO CARAVAL? I love him so much, I don’t even care if he might be a villain. But at this point, what is “evil”?

10. Truth or adventure? How would you play the game? Are you a seeker of truth or breathless adrenaline? 

Definitely a seeker of truther. I don’t mind the feeling of breathless adrenaline BUT I would try to be the “smart” player and pull a Scarlett in book one and not a Tella is book 2.

11. Give away a day of your life, or sleep? Which would you rather give up? Or are you unwilling to sacrifice either?

This is tough, because I love to sleep. But I also don’t want to give up any days of my life. If I absolutely had to choose one or the other, I’d probably give away sleep. If the prize wasn’t worth it, I’d keep both.

12. Hopeful and magical… Scarlett loves the color gold because it feels hopeful and magical. What gives you hope?

Random Acts of Kindness!

13. The Words—What is your favorite quote from Caraval?

“Do you always focus on what you’re giving up, rather than what you’ll be gaining? Some things are worth pursuit regardless of the cost.”

14. Safe and guarded… What is your happy place? Is it a person? A place? Something nestled away in fiction?

My happy place is definitely Yosemite. I love escaping to a place with fresh air, campfires, trees, and no connection to electronics or humans.

15. Two halves of the same heart… Do you ship anything in Caraval? If so, who? If not, pick any relationship from any fandom.

I love Julian and Scarlett. I did like Tella and Dante until the big twist at the end of Legendary, then I was kind of over them. SO, Julian and Scarlett better work our their differences AND MAKE IT WORK.

16. The bad and the morally gray… What is your favorite archetype when it comes to the characters of Caraval? Who do you think fits the title of “villain” best of all? Is there one?

This is one of those series that doesn’t have a true “villain” because everyone has their own motives and does some pretty messed up stuff to get what they want. (But since we’re on the topic…Jacks, you’re still my fave villain.)

17. Would the game bring out the most selfish of selfless parts of you? Whether you’re a performer or participant or watcher.

I want to say I would be selfless, but I think my desire to win would make me do some pretty crazy and selfish things.

18. Spells cast aren’t easily shaken off… What books have been nearly impossible for you to shake off or forget through the years?

Lord of Shadows, A Court of Mist and Fury and Gemina are a few that I just cannot get over after all this time. THEY GIVE ME ALL THE FEELS.

19. What do you wish to see in Finale?

Okay – so two things.

1. I NEED Tella and Scarlett to not act DUMB AF and actually work together and communicate.
2. The person who is revealed as Legend CANNOT BE LEGEND. I’m just not feeling that reveal. If there isn’t some type of twist involving the “real” legend, I’m going to be salty AF.

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What did you think of my answers? Are you going to play along?

Top 5 Tuesday |My Mind Is Blown By These Books

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

Today we’re talking mystery & thrillers and I’m so hyped because these are some of my favorites. The only downside is they are definitely hit or miss with me. I can either figure everything out half way through or I’m completely thrown and shook by the end. Here are the top 5 that get me guessing!

Shutter Island

I read this book right before the movie came out (because, yes I’m the person in the theater who says “that didn’t happen in the book”) and I remember just how crazy I thought the reveal was. The twist is UH-mazing and the mental asylum setting keeps the creep factor at level 100.

Copy Cat

If there was ever a way to get me off social media and the internet it was this book. The premise is the main character is being stalked by a person pretending to be her. Someone sets up a fake Facebook account, knows her Amazon account info, and even tracks down her kids. The ending is crazy and I was seriously freaked about my online presence for a good while.

The Couple Next Door

A husband and wife have a baby. Said baby goes missing after visiting the next door neighbors. Of course people’s morals & histories are questions. You find out some interesting things about all the characters. And of course, the ending is MIND. BLOWING. I was completely wrong about how this was going to end, and that alone makes it better than half the other thrillers I’ve read.

All The Missing Girls

I loved everything about this book. It’s suspenseful, intriguing, and is written in REVERSE   chronological order. You’d think that would be impossible to read let alone write, and that it would give everything away, but it works. I was so obsessed with this story and figuring out what happened to all the missing girls. So. Good. Please read.

The Girl On The Train

An unreliable narrator. Sketchy happenings between the ex-husband, his new wife, and the baby. Throw in some alcohol and a few blackouts and you have yourself an amazing thriller! This one is a bit more predictable than the others on my list, so it gets the bottom spot, but I still loved it and would recommend it to any thriller lover.

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What did you think of my picks? Any that you’d recommend?