Feature & Follow (17): My Bookshelves

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by both Alison Can Read and Parakunkee’s View. This is a great way to gain blog followers for book bloggers, follow other blogs, and get to know each other. Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we get to answer. You can find more info about this meme here.

This week's assignment:

Bookshelf Tour. Give us a tour of your bookshelf.

I have several bookshelves, because outside of being an avid reader, I also have three children and homeschool them, so between school books, living books, research books, non-fiction books, children's books, and my books, we have lots and lots of books. But I will limit this post to my personal books and our middle school shelves, and not inundate you with our other overflowing shelves :)

I also found, as I was photographing these shelves, that these shelves include 254 signed books. I guess I have official proof - I really do have book issues.
  
My Predominantly Young Adult and Indie shelves. Indie or Indie-ish are the shelves on the right column. The non-Indie shelves are double-parked, so this photo is the back row. The next photo is the front row of mostly YA but also other genre books. And I'm super boring and put them in alphabetical order.



 

 

Our Classics and Adult shelves, though additional Classics are on a kid shelf not pictured. Yes, book segregation is live and kicking in my house (which IKEA shelves are great for enabling me).

 



 

Our Middle School shelves, with the next photo showing our overflow area. Plus we've got an additional shelf, not pictured, containing more well loved children's classics. These are not ordered alphabetically, but according to whatever way I felt they were visually appealing at the time. Plus, we keep the signed books on the top away from dirty fingers and flying Legos. 

 

 

 
Thanks for visiting my shelves! Do you have a special way of organizing your books?

Book Review, Tour, Giveaway: Hydraulic Level Five

Hydraulic Level Five by Sarah Latchaw
September 3, 2013
Omnific Publishing
225 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC from publisher for honest review

Book Blurb:

How does a woman get over her one great love? With whitewater rafting, bluegrass, and a touch of revenge…

Kaye is an extreme sports addict with a kind heart and an axe to grind with her childhood sweetheart and ex-husband, renowned writer Samuel Caulfield Cabral. While Samuel enjoys a celebrity life in New York, Kaye remains in their hometown of Lyons, Colorado, running her PR agency and chatting daily with Samuel's family, the beloved Cabrals—first-generation Mexican-Americans who have embraced Kaye as their own.

But when Samuel returns home for his sister's wedding with a new love interest, stunning editor Caroline Ortega, the gloves are stripped off. Kaye is determined to unearth the reasons behind the death of their marriage and why two people who lived to love each other were driven apart, all leading to startling revelations about Samuel, about life...and about herself.

My Review:

I just finished reading Hydraulic Level Five, and I can honestly say I am blown away by how special this book is. I truly loved it.

First Impression: The book had a bit of a rough start for me in that I was I was not expecting this book to touch me the way it did. I became much more emotionally attached than I'd anticipated, but that turned out to be a good thing. Also, the format in the beginning and the numerous characters took some time for me to adjust to. There are book excerpts, definitions, email messages, present tense, and flashbacks. Initially the changes confused me and I had to reread parts to put everything together. But once I figured out the author's format, I really got into it, and enjoyed it for what it was. So I will forewarn you that if, like me, some of these techniques throw you off, I say hang in there. This is a beautiful story. And if you're brighter than me, than you shouldn't have a problem.

Plot: This is a second chance story. I won't say it's a second chance at love story, because there's a second book coming, but it's still a second chance story. We have Kaye and Samuel who divorced seven years ago under heartbreaking yet confusing circumstances. They are reunited when Samuel's sister is getting married. They have layer upon layer of unresolved issues, and Kaye has finally decided she needs gets things settled between them and get answers. This book is laced with humor and pranks, tender moments recollecting the beauty of childhood friendship and young love, the heartbreak of secrets, lies, and mistrust, and the fledgling hope of new beginnings and forgiveness. 

Characters: I loved that we get to know these characters throughout the story, and not completely up front. While this can sometimes be annoying, in this situation it was really well done. The main story comes from Kaye's POV, allowing us to get her perspective on not only her present self, but her past self as well. What I liked about Kaye was how she was finally working toward finding peace or resolution or whatever it was that she thought she needed to be able to move on. She was persistent yet fearful, timid but real. The way she handled things felt sincere and true, particularly because it wasn't perfect. We also get some of Samuel's perspective through his book excerpts and emails, but mostly it's through Kaye's eyes. This was the fascinating part for me - watching Kaye truly learn about this man she thought she knew so well. Samuel has so many layers that he had hidden and I loved the way they were exposed. He's not the bad guy she thought he was - but who is he? These are two imperfect people who grew up together and are now realizing there is so much about the other they don't know or didn't allow them to know. But through it all I still felt their connection.

Culture: I love that this has a strong Mexican-American base for many of the characters, yet it was not overpowering to the story. This was a nice change of pace and I loved the subtle cultural nuances.

Feelings: I was not expecting the depths of this book, and to be so touched the way that I was. It hurt to watch the pain this former couple was in, and heart broke for their circumstances. I actually felt pulled into the story and grieved the loss of their relationship right along with them. I related to the immaturity of some of their decisions. I mourned those lost years for them. I also felt the stirrings and twinges of hope. Is this the hope of friendship or future love? I don't know yet. But I like that the author did not do a quick fix of their problems. It would not have been realistic to tie everything up in a pretty bow in the last 10 pages. Because they feel like real people to me, and I love that. I feel their connection between one another, I feel connected to their story, and I look forward to how the rest of their story will play out.

Bottomline: This is a beautiful "second chance" story of hurt and heartbreak, disillusionment and disenchantment, but love and tenderness and friendship and hope. I truly loved it, bittersweet moments and all. Just writing this review has me feeling very emotional thinking about Samuel and Kaye all over again. There will be a second book, but this does not have a cliffhanger ending, so you are safe to read it. And then, like me, you will eagerly anticipate the next book.

5 STARS

Find on AMAZON  *  Add to GOODREADS

About the Author:

Sarah Latchaw was raised in eastern Iowa and appreciates beauty in mud-splattered gravel roads, weathered farm faces, and combine harvesters powering through cornfields. She also loves to explore the world, thanks to countless family minivan trips across the States to coastal cities and national  monuments. This passion for finding stories led to college adventures to Israel and Palestine, Jordan,  Slovakia, Germany, and other European countries. Each place’s story rests in the back of her mind and in her childhood photo albums.

In 2002, Sarah received her BA from Wartburg College in public relations and media, and entered the  workforce, ready to climb the ladder. However, when researching MBA applications evoked feelings of dread, she realized a corporate marketing career wasn’t for her. With the unfailing support of her loving husband, she chose to pursue a career in freelance and creative writing, and received her MA from Iowa State University in 2009.

These days, Sarah wakes every morning thrilled to cuddle her small children, show them the world, then capture that world and shape it into stories on paper. She also enjoys her piano, volunteering in her community, and reading anything with a cohesive plot. She and her family reside in Des Moines, Iowa.

Social Media Links:

 

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Tour-Wide Giveaway  (US Residents ONLY):

 

$25 Omnific gift card, Five (5) signed, paperback copies of Hydraulic Level Five, Ten (10) eco-friendly Duck Duck Farms totes containing signed books, music, and other Colorado-centric items.

 

Click on link:

 

 

Tour Schedule (click on banner):

 

 

Waiting on Wednesday (15): Reality Boy

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


There is something about this book that really intrigues me. I love a good male POV book, and the blurb sounds super cool. I'll definitely want to check this one out.

And you can preorder the first 14 chapters for free on Amazon! 

click here

Reality Boy by A.S. King
Publication Date: October 22, 2013

Book Blurb:

Gerald Faust knows exactly when he started feeling angry: the day his mother invited a reality television crew into his five-year-old life. Twelve years later, he’s still haunted by his rage-filled youth—which the entire world got to watch from every imaginable angle—and his anger issues have resulted in violent outbursts, zero friends, and clueless adults dumping him in the special education room at school.

Nothing is ever going to change. No one cares that he’s tried to learn to control himself, and the girl he likes has no idea who he really is. Everyone’s just waiting for him to snap…and he’s starting to feel dangerously close to doing just that.

In this fearless portrayal of a boy on the edge, highly acclaimed Printz Honor author A.S. King explores the desperate reality of a former child “star” who finally breaks free of his anger by creating possibilities he never knew he deserved.

 

Book Review: Crown of Midnight

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
(Throne of Glass - Book 2)
August 27, 2013
Bloomsbury USA Childrens
432 pages
Genre: Upper Young Adult Fantasy
Note: The main characters are between 18 and 23 years old.
Contains: Some sexual content (though not detailed), some minor language, violence
Source: Personal purchase

Book Blurb:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

My Review:

I already loved the previous novellas (review here) and Throne of Glass (review here), so I had high hopes for Crown of Midnight. And it did not disappoint.

How do I do this review without fan-girling all over the place and talking about all the spoilers floating through my head? Don't worry, I'll hold back my spoilers.

So yes, I loved this book. Crown of Midnight continues our journey into Celaena's life as the King's Champion. Right from the start we are thrust into her life. But being the Champion is just one of many, many plotlines, circumstances, and layers that we find. Not only are some previous issues carried over, but new ones are introduced. This story is a magic-filled, mystery-layered, intriguing fantasy ride. What starts as her newest task from the King, becomes more than Celaena had imagined. You want action? Yes, you'll get plenty of action here. You want mystery and suspense? Oh, you'll get that in boat loads. You want romance? Swoon, you'll get romance and ooey-gooey sigh-inducing feelings. You want heartbreak? Yep, sorry to say, you will get that too, and may even shed a tear or two.

Celaena continues to kick butt up and down this book. She's awesome. But she's still young, and I found the contrasts in her characters really well-written. She's almost a contradiction at times. She plots and plans her assassinations one moment, then flies off the handle in the next without a thought for consequences. She wants her freedom and then blows a bunch of money on meaningless trinkets. She's passionate and fierce, yet full of vulnerability that she tries to hide. Her relationships in this book take many twists and turns and I found my heart breaking for Celaena and everything she's gone through. And there is so much left for her to do on the horizon. But will she stop running and embrace it? And will that destiny hold a HEA? (No, seriously, Ms. Maas, I would like to know.)

Chaol and Dorian continue to play pivotal roles in this book. Is there still a love triangle? Well, yes, a little, but probably not the way you think. And it is not the main interest of the book. But regardless of that, Chaol and Dorian continue to be important characters in the story and Celaena's life. I really like the differences and similarities between these guys, though I personally have a favorite. Nehemia's friendship with Celaena also plays an important role in the story and Celaena's life. All of these people, though purposefully or not, force Celaena to take a long hard look at herself, at who she is, at who she needs to be versus wishes she were. Everyone wants to be "normal" at some point, right? But Celaena must face the reality that "normal" may never be her reality.

So no great spoilers here, but if you like a story full of fantasy and mystery, complex characters and relationships, twist and turns, love and heartache, look no further and keep reading this amazing series. My only complaint? That I don't have the next book in my grabby hands right now. Not that it was left with a major cliffhanger or anything. Just because the writing is that good that I just want more.

5 STARS

Find on AMAZON   *   Add to GOODREADS

Teaser Tuesday (18): Crown of Midnight

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
(Throne of Glass Book 2)
Published: August 27, 2013

 

I am loving this series so far.

Girl assassin + fantasy + romance + treachery  = pure awesomeness.

 

Teaser from page 29:

 

"Perhaps you and I shall get to work with each other, Lillian. Your position intrigues me."

 

She wouldn't mind working with him - but not in the way Roland meant. Her way would include a dagger, a shovel, and an unmarked grave.

 

Book Blurb:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

Book Links:
* My review of the Prequel Novellas
* My review of Throne of Glass (book 1)
* Amazon
* Goodreads

Audiobook Review: The Greyfriar

The Greyfriar by Clay and Susan Griffith
(Vampire Empire Book 1)
November 18, 2010
Pyr Publishing
301 pages
Genre: Paranormal Steampunk
Source: Audible audiobook

Book Blurb:

Vampire predators run wild in this exciting steampunk adventure, the first in an alternate history trilogy that is already attracting attention. In 1870, monsters rise up and conquer the northern lands, As great cities are swallowed up by carnage and disease, landowners and other elite flee south to escape their blood-thirsty wrath.

One hundred fifty years later, the great divide still exists; fangs on one side of the border, worried defenders on the other. This fragile equilibrium is threatened, then crumbles after a single young princess becomes almost hopelessly lost in the hostile territory. At first, she has only one defender—a mysterious Greyfriar who roams freely in dangerous vampire regions.

My Review:

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I was enraptured not only by the story, but also by the narrator. The combination of this amazing book with James Marsters narrating is virtual perfection. Maybe utter perfection. There isn't a single thing I can say negatively about this book.

Vampires: Okay, so I've read a fair amount of vampire books, though I would not call myself vampire-obsessed. What I liked here is that most of the vampires are scary. Like suck-you-dry-of-your-blood-and-leave-you-dead scary. Like raise-humans-as-mindless-cattle scary. Like kill-you-so-fast-you-didn't-see-me-coming scary. And I loved the interesting way they were described, as having the ability to change their density, therefore being able to fly. Being heat-sensitive but not erupting into flames at the mere sight of the sun. Wielding great strength but by no means being impossible to kill. And how they are described about their language abilities and treatment of human lore and abilities - really fascinating.

Plot: What I loved about this story was that it combines vampire lore with steampunk and new locations I don't read enough about (we get to travel a bit). Here we have the human societies, primarily Alexandria and America, on the verge of war with the vampires. But before that war can be started by the humans, the Alexandrians and the Americans must form an alliance, which is code for an arranged political marriage between Princess Adele and Senator Clark. Which is every girls' dream, right? To be forced into marrying an obnoxious, power-hungry man? Blech. But while preparations for the marriage can be completed, the vampires strike. Fortunately, Greyfriar comes to the rescue, and this is where the story really begins. We are then thrust into a fascinating story of political unrest, both in the human and the vampire world. I loved getting both sides of this. We also journey with Adele as she starts to uncover so many hidden truths around her, from vampire society, to her own politics, to the true nature of the bloodherds, as well as the truth of her own desires and abilities, and of course, the truth of where her heart is at. The story was exciting, action-packed, and I didn't want to put it down

Main Characters: This story is packed full of intriguing, fascinating characters. It draws richly upon their personalities and leaves no one a mere one-dimensional cardboard cut-out. I felt completely drawn into their lives, both good and bad, and could see so much of who these "people" were. So not only is this story plot-driven, but character-driven as well.

Adele is a wonderful heroine. She is young yet mature. She has strength yet humility. She has passion yet gentleness. She can be serious yet also funny. I loved when the POV returned to her because I love her perspective on everything and everyone. She's genuinely trying to puzzle things out, proving her to be the great leader she's meant to be. Even in the most difficult and confusing situations, she was able to keep her head. And of course I loved watching how things unfolded with her and Greyfriar and Gareth. And her tenderness with Gareth after all the confusion, so lovely.

I absolutely love Prince Gareth. In the gruesome world of vampires, he is a breath of fresh air. His desire for humanity battles with the reality of his needs as a vampire, yet it is his approach and his heart that stand out and make him one-of-a-kind. I love how even the simple things like books and writing and cats are gently undertaken, even with childlike wonder, by this powerful vampire. The different aspects of his character are beautifully written by the Griffiths. And his tenderness with Princess Adele is just lovely.

The Greyfriar is an enigma, with his mask and costume, completely obscuring any identifiable marks on him. He is a fierce warrior and fighter of vampires, but also a kind soul who would protect Adele with his life. Sigh and swoon for the masked man. The people's fascination with him is well-deserved.

Romance: There is light romance in this book, but it is lovely and beautiful all the same. This proves that you don't need hot-and-heavy to provide a romantic moment or a swoon-worthy event. If anything, I felt their emotional connection all the more.

Bottomline: I absolutely loved this audiobook. The story, the plot, the characters, and the narrating - perfection for me. Would I have felt the same without James Marsters narrating? I don't know, but I think so. I loved all the twists and turns, the action-packed, blood-filled moments and the gentle, tender moments. The Griffiths are an amazing team and I look forward to starting the next book.

5 STARS

 

FIND ON AMAZON  *  FIND ON AUDIBLE  *  ADD TO GOODREADS

 

Stacking the Shelves (24)

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Purchased:

   

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (loving!)

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

For Review:

 

 

Hydraulic Level 5 by Samantha Latchaw

By Proxy by Katy Regnery

Used Book Scores:

 

Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry

Vampire Empire: The Kingmakers by Clay and Susan Griffith

 

Audiobooks: 

 

Vampire Empire: The Greyfriar by Clay and Susan Griffith (loved!)

Vampire Empire: The Rift Walker by Clay and Susan Griffith (loving!)