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?

TL; DR | May Speed Reviews

Hey, look – I actually remembered to post my monthly wrap up! 10 points for Gryffindor! I spent a lot of May reading NetGalley Arcs to bump up my review score and then the rest of the month binging my highly anticipated releases. It was definitely a good few weeks of books. (Yet, how I’m still 2 books behind on my 2019 reading goal, I cannot figure out.)

Sorcery of Thorns

By: Margaret Rogerson

Overall Rating: ★★★★

The Verdict

If you enjoyed Margaret Rogerson’s first novel, An Enchantment of Ravens, you will LOVE Sorcery of Thorns. There are magical books, evil (and not-so-evil) demons, sassy sorcerers, and a strong-willed heroine. The feminist themes, slow burn romances, and unlikely friendships will leave you bewitched and wanting more.

Aurora Rising

By: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (ALL THE GOLD STARS)

The Verdict

When it comes to modern sci-fi stories, I didn’t think I would find anything that I loved as much as The Illuminae Files, but guess what? Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman knocked my socks off with Aurora Rising, and it’s my favorite read of the year so far. It’s sassy, humorous, fast-paced, full of amazing characters, and just 100% SPACE-TASTIC. If you love any of the following, you’re sure to love Aurora: The Breakfast Club, The Guardians of the Galaxy, Dramas/Soap Operas (BUT IN SPACE). Do yourself a favor and read this book as soon as humanly possible. And then recommend it to everyone you know!

The First Girl Child

By: Amy Harmon

Overall Rating: ★★★★

The Verdict

If you enjoy epics, Norse mythology, magic, and rich world building, you’ll definitely want to pick up The First Girl Child! Spanning 30ish years, the novel is centered around Dagmar & his nephew Bayr. Bayr’s mother is a woman scorned, and places a curse upon the land of Saylok. There won’t be any baby girls born to the men of Saylok and Bayr will be the land’s savior. There’s an evil king, a precious princess, and strong supporting characters you’ll love.

Finale (Caraval #3)

By: Stephanie Garber

Overall Rating: ★★★★

The Verdict

Ooookay, so Finale wasn’t the best series ending that I’ve ever read, but it was definitely a solid book. There were twists, turns, high-stakes gambles, love, hate, magic, gods, and even a Legend POV! While I’m still salty about that Legend reveal, I can say that I 110% love Jacks and he needs his own story ASAP. The world of Caraval is mystical, fun and you won’t ever want to leave. If you decide to start the series be sure you have all the book in hand, because you won’t want to stop reading!

Broken Throne (Red Queen #4.5)

By: Victoria Aveyar

Overall Rating: ★★★

The Verdict

In all honesty, I pretty much only read this for the Cal/Mare and Maven stories. The Barnes & Noble special edition has a family tree in the back and information on Cal and Maven, too, which I love. Did I find out that Cal’s favorite song is come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners? Yes. Does that make me love him even more and realize he is the f*ckboy of my dreams? 100% YES. Was this entire book worth the read? No, which is why I skipped through and read the bits and pieces I wanted. If you’re looking for some Red Queen in your life after finishing up War Storm, definitely pick this up. It’s fun, light, and you don’t have to read in order!

Furyborn

By: Claire Legrand

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

The Verdict

Excuse me while I go cry in a corner over this book. This feminist fantasy is filled with magic, time travel, multiple POVs, and some of the most intriguing characters I’ve ever met. It starts of with a bang and only gets more intense as it progresses. If you aren’t a fan of switching between character chapters or having multiple storylines happening at once, you may want to put this aside. But, I promise you if you give it a try you will fall in love. The main characters are broken, vulnerable and you won’t be able to stop yourself from rooting for their redemption. The second book in the series, Kingsbane, is out now. So, if you do decide to pick this up, know that you can keep continue the story as soon as you want!

Talk To Me

What did you think of my reads this month? Will you be adding any to your TBR? Have you read any of these already?

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!

---

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?

Top 5 Tuesday | Pretty Book Spines

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

This week we’re talking favorite spines! Spoiler alert, most of mine are going to involve Shadowhunter paperbacks because I LIVE FOR THE ARTWORK. I promise to add in a few others for the sake of being a fair and equal book lover.

Paperback Spines of The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassie Clare

Just look at how beautiful this end-of-the-world New York City scene looks. The details! The characters! The font! I just love this set So. Much. It’s one of my favorites.

The Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard

I love the Ombre coloring and the blood-dripping crowns on the spines. I’m excited to finish my collector’s editions set – they’re entirely different colors!

Paperback Spines of The Infernal Devices Series by Cassie Clare

I don’t think I need to say much about these spines. They’re amazing. I  could fill an entire bookshelf with just Shadowhunter books and it would be the prettiest thing ever.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

They’re fairy tale retellings and even the spines show it! My favorite is Winter – that apple glows. 

Paperback Spines of The Dark Artifices

I don’t have the entire set yet because the paperback version of Queen of Air and Darkness isn’t out yet, but I’m an LA girl and this beach pier scene speaks to me. 

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What pretty spines am I missing? Any that we agree on?

Mare Barrow | A Red Queen Playlist

It’s been awhile since I’ve visited the Red Queen world so I thought I’d share my one and only (for now) playlist I have from the world. I compiled some songs for Mare because she’s the snobby, flawed heroine I love to roll my eyes at.

The Breakdown

Obvi all my picks have something to do with being ⚡electric⚡. Here are a few of my faves!

Electric Feel, MGMT

Mare can make lightning, and she is helping to change the world. Everyone should want her electric feel!

Notable Lyrics: “You can feel it in your mind. Oh you can do it all the time. Plug it in, change the world. You are my electric girl.”

Body Electric, Lana Del Ray

This song has such a dark vibe, just like the series and honestly I just love the way it flows with the story.

Notable Lyrics: “I’m on fire. Sing the body electric.”

Electric Bird, Sia

A shoutout to Maven and Mare and the first two books. Poor Mare is an Electric caged bird.

Notable Lyrics: “Got to set you free, you were blinded by deceit. You can’t fly away electric bird, so now this rooms all staged, while you’re stuck there in that cage. You can’t fly away electric bird”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Top 5 Tuesday | Someone Buy Me These Books

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

The holidays are here! So naturally, like the true bookworm that I am, all I want for Christmas is books. And maybe more alone time to read said books. Today’s prompt is all about the top reads on my Christmas list, and maybe if I send out good vibes to the universe they’ll end up under the tree.

The Infernal Devices – Paperback Spine Set

This is my lease favorite Shadowhunters series, but I have all the other pretty spines in the series so of course I need these to finish off my set. Behold the spine artwork in all its glory.

Harry Potter – Hogwarts Spine Set

Another set of books that I already own, but that I need the pretty spine artwork. There’s no such thing as too many editions of Harry Potter. I currently own the original hardcovers, the 20th anniversary editions, the first 3 illustrated editions…and I want more.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians – The Lightning Thief Illustrated Edition

Are you sensing a theme yet? I don’t want to spend my own money on books I already own (because I want to spend it on new books, duh) …but I wouldn’t mind if someone just so happened to gift them to me. Percy Jackson is one of my favorite middle-grade series and I would die for an illustrated edition. I LOVE Greek mythology and seeing the gods in all their illustrated glory is all I’m asking for.

Glass Sword Collector’s Edition

I want the pretty cover, the silver painted edges and the exclusive content. That is all.

Red Scrolls of Magic

This isn’t even out yet…but I’ve seen ARCs out in the wild and I want someone to send me more Shadowhunter stories STAT. How am I supposed to go an entire year without any Shadowhunter stories?? (HINT: I CAN’T)

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What books are on your holiday wish list? Any I should add?