August Haul

images from google, official synopsis's of books from goodreads,

Here is a list of books, and anime I purchased during the month of August.  

Books:

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke:

Inkheart is the first book in the Inkheart series. It is about a girl named Meggie and her father who has the ability to read characters out of books. I have already read this book and I liked it. I rated it 3/5 stars.

Synopsis: 

"One cruel night, Meggie's father reads aloud from a book called INKHEART-- and an evil ruler escapes the boundaries of fiction and lands in their living room. Suddenly, Meggie is smack in the middle of the kind of adventure she has only read about in books. Meggie must learn to harness the magic that has conjured this nightmare. For only she can change the course of the story that has changed her life forever."

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke:

Inkspell is the second book in the Inkheart series. I rated this book 4/5 stars.

Synopsis: 

"Although a year has passed, not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of INKHEART, the book whose characters became real. But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater brought into being from words, the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller with the ability to read him back, Dustfinger leaves behind his young apprentice Farid and plunges into the medieval world of his past. Distraught, Farid goes in search of Meggie, and before long, both are caught inside the book, too. But the story is threatening to evolve in ways neither of them could ever have imagined."

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke:

Inkdeath is the third book in the Inkheart series. I rated this book 4.5/5 stars and I also have a series review available on the blog.

Synopsis: 

"Ever since the extraordinary events of Inkspell, when the enchanted book Inkheart drew Meggie and her father, Mo, into its chapters, life in the Inkworld has been more tragic than magical.

The fire-eater Dustfinger is dead, having sacrificed his life for his apprentice Farid's, and now, under the rule of the evil Adderhead, the fairy-tale land is in bloody chaos, its characters far beyond the control of Fenoglio, their author. Even Elinor, left behind in the real world, believes her family to be lost - lost between the covers of a book.

Facing the threat of eternal winter, Mo inks a dangerous deal with Death itself. There yet remains a faint hope of changing the cursed story - if only he can fill its pages fast enough."

Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer:

This book is Twilight written in Edwards perspective and I absolutely loved it. I thought it was even better than Twilight and rated it 4/5 stars.

Synopsis: 

"This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?"

Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan:

This book has been on my tbr for a long time so I decided to finally buy it. I plan on reading this book next month.

Synopsis:

"Sixteen-year-old Josie lives her life in translation. She speaks High School, College, Friends, Boyfriends, Break-ups, and even the language of Beautiful Girls. But none of these is her native tongue -- the only people who speak that are her best friend Stu and her sister Kate. So when Kate gets engaged to an epically insufferable guy, how can Josie see it as anything but the mistake of a lifetime? Kate is determined to bend Josie to her will for the wedding; Josie is determined to break Kate and her fiancé up. As battles are waged over secrets and semantics, Josie is forced to examine her feelings for the boyfriend who says he loves her, the sister she loves but doesn't always like, and the best friend who hasn't said a word -- at least not in a language Josie understands."

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks:

I really like the movie based on this book so I decided to buy it. 

Synopsis: 

"An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who has captured his heart. 

But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. 

Dear John, the letter read... and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love—and face the hardest decision of his life."

PS. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern:

This is another one that has been on my tbr for awhile that I decided its about time I read it. 

Synopsis: 

"Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed."

Angel Mage by Garth Nix: 

This book was onsale on kobo for $1.99 so I decided to give it a chance. It sounds really interesting though.

Synopsis: 

"More than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again renews her single-minded quest to be united with her lover, Palleniel, the archangel of Ystara.

A seemingly impossible quest, but Liliath is one of the greatest practitioners of angelic magic to have ever lived, summoning angels and forcing them to do her bidding.

Liliath knew that most of the inhabitants of Ystara died from the Ash Blood plague or were transformed into beastlings, and she herself led the survivors who fled into neighboring Sarance. Now she learns that angels shun the Ystaran’s descendants. If they are touched by angelic magic, their blood will turn to ash. They are known as Refusers, and can only live the most lowly lives.
But Liliath cares nothing for the descendants of her people, save how they can serve her. It is four young Sarancians who hold her interest: Simeon, a studious doctor-in-training; Henri, a dedicated fortune hunter; Agnez, an adventurous musketeer cadet; and Dorotea, an icon-maker and scholar of angelic magic. They are the key to her quest.
The four feel a strange kinship from the moment they meet, but do not know why, or suspect their importance. All become pawns in Liliath’s grand scheme to fulfill her destiny and be united with the love of her life. No matter the cost to everyone else. . ."

Unpregnant by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan:

I have heard very mixed things about this book, however since it was also on sale on kobo I decided to buy it in order to give it a chance as well.

Synopsis: 

"Seventeen-year-old Veronica Clarke never thought she would wish she’d failed a test until she finds herself holding a thick piece of plastic in her hands and staring at two solid pink lines. Even the most consistent use of condoms won’t prevent pregnancy when your boyfriend secretly pokes holes in them to keep you from going out-of-state for college. 

Veronica needs an abortion, but the closest place she can legally get one is over nine hundred miles away—and Veronica doesn’t have a car. Too ashamed to ask her friends or family for help, Veronica turns to the one person she believes won’t judge her: Bailey Butler, Jefferson High’s own little black cloud of anger and snark—and Veronica’s ex-best friend. Once on the road, Veronica quickly remembers nothing with Bailey is ever simple and that means two days of stolen cars, shotguns, crazed ex-boyfriends, truck stop strippers with pro-life agendas, and a limo driver named Bob. But the pain and betrayal of their broken friendship can’t be outrun. When their fighting leads to a brutal moment of truth, Bailey abandons Veronica. Now Veronica must risk everything in order to repair the hurt she’s caused. "

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell:

I really love Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell so I am super excited to read another one of her books. 

Synopsis: 

"Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.
Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose."

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey:

This is another one that has been on my tbr for a long time. Also since there is a movie out for it I want to read the book before seeing the movie. 

Synopsis: "After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother-or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up." 

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks:

This is another book where I absolutely love the movie and because of that I want to read the book. 

Synopsis: "Set amid the austere beauty of the North Carolina coast begins the story of Noah Calhoun, a rural Southerner recently returned from the Second World War. Noah is restoring a plantation home to its former glory, and he is haunted by images of the beautiful girl he met fourteen years earlier, a girl he loved like no other. Unable to find her, yet unwilling to forget the summer they spent together, Noah is content to live with only memories...until she unexpectedly returns to his town to see him once again.

Like a puzzle within a puzzle, the story of Noah and Allie is just the beginning. As it unfolds, their tale miraculously becomes something different, with much higher stakes. The result is a deeply moving portrait of love itself, the tender moments and the fundamental changes that affect us all. It is a story of miracles and emotions that will stay with you forever."

The Lightkeeper's Daughter's by Jean E. Pendziwol:

I purchased this one since it is the bookclub book for next month for my families book club. 

Synopsis: 

"Though her mind is still sharp, Elizabeth's eyes have failed. No longer able to linger over her beloved books or gaze at the paintings that move her spirit, she fills the void with music and memories of her family—a past that suddenly becomes all too present when her late father's journals are found amid the ruins of an old shipwreck.

With the help of Morgan, a delinquent teenager performing community service, Elizabeth goes through the diaries, a journey through time that brings the two women closer together. Entry by entry, these unlikely friends are drawn deep into a world far removed from their own—to Porphyry Island on Lake Superior, where Elizabeth’s father manned the lighthouse seventy years before.

As the words on these musty pages come alive, Elizabeth and Morgan begin to realize that their fates are connected to the isolated island in ways they never dreamed. While the discovery of Morgan's connection sheds light onto her own family mysteries, the faded pages of the journals hold more questions than answers for Elizabeth, and threaten the very core of who she is." 

The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter by Hazel Gaynor:

I also purchased this book for book club. 

Synopsis: "1838: Northumberland, England. Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands has been Grace Darling’s home for all of her twenty-two years. When she and her father rescue shipwreck survivors in a furious storm, Grace becomes celebrated throughout England, the subject of poems, ballads, and plays. But far more precious than her unsought fame is the friendship that develops between Grace and a visiting artist. Just as George Emmerson captures Grace with his brushes, she in turn captures his heart.

1938: Newport, Rhode Island. Nineteen-years-old and pregnant, Matilda Emmerson has been sent away from Ireland in disgrace. She is to stay with Harriet, a reclusive relative and assistant lighthouse keeper, until her baby is born. A discarded, half-finished portrait opens a window into Matilda’s family history. As a deadly hurricane approaches, two women, living a century apart, will be linked forever by their instinctive acts of courage and love."

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini:

I purchased this book because I really liked the stage play I saw based off this book. I already read this book and I absolutely loved it as well. I rated it 5/5 stars. Review to come.

Synopsis: 

"A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan's last thirty years—from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to post-Taliban rebuilding—that puts the violence, fear, hope, and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives—the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness—are inextricable from the history playing out around them.

Propelled by the same storytelling instinct that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love—a stunning accomplishment."

Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas:

As soon as I saw this cover I thought of Cinderella and new I had to read this book. I loved this one. I rated it 4.5/5 stars. Also even though it is book six in the series it is a type of series where you do not have to read the books in order.

Synopsis: 

"Everything has a price...

Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give.

Everything except her...
Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.
When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants—or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride:
Never underestimate a Ravenel.
The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun... "

Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James:

I am really excited to read this book since it was recommended to me by a friend. This series is also one where you don't have to read the books in order. 

Synopsis: 

"One little wager will determine their fate—a daring escape or falling into temptation with a rakish lord. 

Lady Betsy Wilde’s first season was triumphant by any measure, and a duke has proposed—but before marriage, she longs for one last adventure.
No gentleman would agree to her scandalous plan—but Lord Jeremy Roden is no gentleman. He offers a wager. If she wins a billiards game, he’ll provide the breeches.
If he wins…she is his, for one wild night.
But what happens when Jeremy realizes that one night will never be enough? In the most important battle of his life, he’ll have to convince Betsy to say no to the duke."

 Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James:

This book was also recommended to me so I am also excited to read this one. 

Synopsis: 

"Miss Viola Astley is so painfully shy that she’s horrified by the mere idea of dancing with a stranger; her upcoming London debut feels like a nightmare.

So she’s overjoyed to meet handsome, quiet vicar with no interest in polite society — but just when she catches his attention, her reputation is compromised by a duke.
Devin Lucas Augustus Elstan, Duke of Wynter, will stop at nothing to marry Viola, including marrying a woman whom he believes to be in love with another man.
A vicar, no less.
Devin knows he’s no saint, but he’s used to conquest, and he’s determined to win Viola’s heart."

Anime:

Weathering with you:

 

I purchased this movie since it is directed by Makoto Shinkai who also made the movie Your Name which is one of my favourite anime movies. I really loved this one as well however I didn't think it was as good as Your Name. This movie is about a boy who ran away from home who lives on the streets of Tokyo. In Tokyo it is always raining however there is a girl who can make the sunshine. She is known as the sunshine girl. And when he meets her he decides that they should make a business out of her ability not realizing what happens when she uses her ability to much. Even though I thought this movie wasn't as good as Your Name it is still an amazing movie and I highly recommend it. 

Thanks so much for reading my post today. Did you buy anything this month? Comment Down below. 

Inkheart Trilogy Review

 Inkheart Trilogy Review

Title: Inkheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath

Author: Cornelia Funke

Publisher: Scholastic 

Trigger Warnings: Death, violence

Rating: As a series in general 3.5-4/5 stars. Separate book rating (3/5, 4/5, 4.5/5)

Story: 

This series is comprised of a really interesting plotline and amazing characters. 

The series begins with the first books prominent main character of Meggie seeing Dustfinger outside her bedroom window. She has no idea who he is or why he wants to speak to her father who she refers to as Mo. 

Mo (Mortimer, Bluejay, Silvertongue, bookbinder (he goes by a lot of names in the series)) read Dustfinger out of Inkheart ten years prior to when Meggie (who is thirteen (or twelve turning thirteen) in the first book) saw him. Mo has the ability to read items and characters out of books. And at the end of the first book, you find out that Meggie also has that ability.

The main villain in the first book Capricorn takes him in order to use his ability leaving Meggie, her Great Aunt Elinor, and Dustfinger to go after him. 

During this series of events, they meet several other characters including Farid and the author of the book Fenoglio. 

Overall the first book is my least favourite book in the series. I was a little disappointed by book one so I went into book two a bit more hesitant. However, I absolutely loved the second and third books in this series.

I really like how in the second and third books you get to see more chapters following different characters, unlike book one which like I stated earlier primarily followed Meggie. 

Also instead of the characters being in our world, they go into the world of Inkheart in books two and three. The ink world is so interesting and intricate. As soon as I got into book two I was officially hooked. If I ever reread this series I think I would just skip over book one and start at the second one. 

However, not everything is how the characters imagined the ink world to be. Many of the characters from the book they were expecting to see were either dead or changed in some way. Nothing is as it seems. 

And in the ink world, Mo becomes someone else. He becomes the Bluejay which is a character that is like Robbin Hood. 

I really enjoyed Violante's character as well as Roxanne (Dustfinger's girlfriend), Brianna (Dustfinger's daughter), and Resa (Mo's wife). I thought the female characters in this series were powerful and played such a massive role even though in the ink world women are seen as less and are not equal to men. Even death in this book is pictured as having a woman's voice. 

There is also the fact that this series doesn't really focus on romance that much in my opinion. I wish though that there were more scenes with Meggie and Doria so that it would have been easier for me to see why she picked him over Farid. 

Also, I was really shocked at the end when Farid decided to leave and wander around instead of staying with Dustfinger. 

Also what angers me the most is that Orpheus remained alive by the end of the series. I hate that character so much. 

I also was not expecting the plot twist with Jacopo's (Violante's son) character in Inkdeath at all. I was honestly shocked because he acted so much like his grandfather (The Adderhead) who is the main villain of the series starting in book two.

The writing in this story is not really fast-paced at all, and because of that, it took me awhile to get through the books. 

An interesting fact about this series though is that it was originally published in German. Another interesting fact is that there is going to be another book in the series.  

Quotes: 

Inkheart

• "Books have to be heavy because they hold the whole world inside them."
• "Writing stories is a kind of magic, too."
• "Nothing is more frightening than a fear you cannot name."

Inkspell

• "Stories never really end ... even if the books like to pretend they do. Stories always go on. They don't end on the last page, any more than they begin on the first page."
• "A book always keeps something of its owner between the pages."
• "What are stories for if we don't learn from them."

Inkdeath

• "A reader doesn't really see the characters in a story; he feels them." 
• "Hope. Nothing is more intoxicating."
• "Nothing is more terrifying than fearlessness."

Would I Recommend: 

I would definitely recommend this series to my cousin who is in junior high but I don't think I would have rated this series as high as I did without having read it before when I was also in junior high. Especially the first book. I would almost say if you wanted to read this series to skip it since the second book begins with a character overview that details what happened in the first book with all the characters. If you like Middle-grade fantasy series, with not that much romance this series may be the one for you. But it definitely is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. I do intend to read the next book in the series when it comes out though. 

Thank you so much for reading my review and feel free to comment down below. Did you read the series? What did you think? 

September Anticipated Releases

images from google official synopsis's from Goodreads

 For the month of September, I only have books on this list. However, if you know of any exciting anime, video games, or other books I have not mentioned coming out in the month of September feel free to comment down below. 

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik:

This book is coming out on September 29 and is being published by Del Rey Books. 

Synopsis: 

"Learning has never been this deadly

A Deadly Education is set at Scholomance, a school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death (for real) — until one girl, El, begins to unlock its many secrets. There are no teachers, no holidays, and no friendships, save strategic ones. Survival is more important than any letter grade, for the school won’t allow its students to leave until they graduate… or die! The rules are deceptively simple: Don’t walk the halls alone. And beware of the monsters who lurk everywhere. El is uniquely prepared for the school’s dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out millions. It would be easy enough for El to defeat the monsters that prowl the school. The problem? Her powerful dark magic might also kill all the other students."

The cover for this book is absolutely gorgeous with black and gold. This is the first book in a new series by Naomi Novik and I am so excited for when it comes out. 

Blood and Honey by Shelby Mahurin:

 This book is coming out on September 1 and is being published by HarperTeen.

Synopsis: (as this is the second book in the series I will include the synopsis for the first book Serpent and Dove.) 

"Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all."

This book is the second book in the Serpent and Dove trilogy. Or at least I am pretty sure it's going to only be a trilogy. I love the cover for this one as well. However, it is pretty much the cover for the first book with the colours changed around. Although I still think the gold and black on the red look absolutely stunning, when I compare it to the first cover it's definitely not the best. 

The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner: 

This book is coming out on September 8 and is being published by HarperTeen.

Synopsis: 

"Prince North’s home is in the sky, in a gleaming city held aloft by intricate engines, powered by technology. Nimh is the living goddess of her people on the Surface, responsible for providing answers, direction—hope.

North’s and Nimh’s lives are entwined—though their hearts can never be. Linked by a terrifying prophecy and caught between duty and fate, they must choose between saving their people or succumbing to the bond that is forbidden between them."

This book is the first book in a new series by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. They have written many books together before so I am really excited to read this new book by them. Also, I love the fact that there is a cat on the cover. 

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi:

This book is coming out on September 22 and is being published by Wednesday Books. 

Synopsis: (Since this is the second book in The Gilded Wolves series I will include the synopsis for the first book.)  

"It's 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood.

Together, they will join Séverin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history--but only if they can stay alive."

The cover for this book is stunning. I love it even more than the cover for book one. The red and other colours on the cover look so striking against the white and silver. 

Fable by Adrienne Young: 

Fable is coming out on September 1 and is being released by Wednesday Books. 

Synopsis:

 As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known. It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food. To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one, and rely on the unique skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island, finding her father, and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father.

But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn't who he seems. Together, they will have to survive more than the treacherous storms that haunt the Narrows if they're going to stay alive.

This book sounds like it is going to be amazing. I am really excited for when this one comes out on the first.  

Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite by Zoraida Còrdova, Natalie C. Parker, Samira Ahmed, Dhonielle Clayton, Tessa Gratton, Heidi Heilig, Julie Murphy, Mark Oshiro, Rebecca Roanhorse, Laura Ruby, Victoria Schwab, and Kayla Whaley:

This book is coming out on September 22 and is being published by Imprint. 

Synopsis: 

"In this delicious new collection, you’ll find stories about lurking vampires of social media, rebellious vampires hungry for more than just blood, eager vampires coming out―and going out for their first kill―and other bold, breathtaking, dangerous, dreamy, eerie, iconic, powerful creatures of the night.

Welcome to the evolution of the vampire―and a revolution on the page."

This book contains eleven different short stories about vampires. I am really excited about this book mainly because it has a story by Victoria Schwab. I haven't really read books by any of the other authors but I am also anticipating reading their short stories and possibly picking up some of their other books. 

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas:

This book is coming out on September 1 and is being published by Swoon Reads. 

Synopsis:  

"When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave."

I am really excited about this book. It sounds really interesting, and the cover is also pretty great. 

The Lost Book of White by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu

This book is coming out on September 1 and is being published by Simon & Schuster.

Synopsis: (Since this is the second book in The Eldest Curses series I will include the synopsis for The Red Scrolls of Magic.) 

"All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.

Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friends from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping."

I loved Magnus and Alec from The Mortal Instruments series so the fact that they are getting their own series is incredible. I am so excited about this book. I love the cover. 

Skyhunter by Marie Lu:

This book is coming out on September 29 and is being published by Roaring Brook Press. 

Synopsis:  

"The Karensa Federation has conquered a dozen countries, leaving Mara as one of the last free nations in the world. Refugees flee to their borders to escape a fate worse than death―transformation into mutant war beasts known as Ghosts, creatures the Federation then sends to attack Mara.

The legendary Strikers, Mara’s elite fighting force, are trained to stop these monsters. But as the number of Ghosts grows and Karensa closes in, defeat seems inevitable.

Still, one Striker refuses to give up hope.
Robbed of her voice and home, Talin Kanami knows firsthand the brutality of the Federation. Their cruelty forced her and her mother to seek asylum in a country that finds their people repugnant. She finds comfort only with a handful of fellow Strikers who have pledged their lives to one another, soldiers determined to push Karensa back at all costs.
After another devastating battle, Mara seems ready to fall. But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front, Talin senses there’s more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? Or could he be the weapon that will save them all?" 

This one sounds really interesting. The cover on the other hand is definitely not my favourite. I mean I love all the colours on the cover but compared with some of the other covers of books coming out next month this one is definitely not one of my favourites. I do really like the thing going on on the cover with the character's silhouette.

Queen of Volts by Amanda Foody:

This book is coming out on September 1 and is being published by Inkyard Press.

Synopsis: (since this is the third and final book in the series I will be using the synopsis from book one Ace of Shades so people do not get spoiled on anything) 

"Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, Enne has only one lead: the name Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems. 

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets, and into the clutches of a ruthless Mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…"

I really love the cover for this one. Purple is my favourite colour so I love it when it's on book covers. This series is one in general where all the covers are absolutely spectacular. 

Majesty by Katharine McGee:

This book is coming out on September 1 and is being published by Random House Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: (since this is the second book in the American royals series I will be using the synopsis from book one American Royals.)

"When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne.
As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America's first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling.
Nobody cares about the spare except when she's breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn't care much about anything, either . . . except the one boy who is distinctly off-limits to her.
And then there's Samantha's twin, Prince Jefferson. If he'd been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their devastatingly handsome prince . . . but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart."

The concept for this series in general sounds really good. I also really like the cover designs for this series. 

Anxious People by Fredrick Backman: 

This book is coming out on September 8 and is being published by Atria Books. 

Synopsis: 

"This is a poignant comedy about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined.

Viewing an apartment normally doesn’t turn into a life-or-death situation, but this particular open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes everyone in the apartment hostage. As the pressure mounts, the eight strangers slowly begin opening up to one another and reveal long-hidden truths.

As police surround the premises and television channels broadcast the hostage situation live, the tension mounts, and even deeper secrets are slowly revealed. Before long, the robber must decide which is the more terrifying prospect: going out to face the police, or staying in the apartment with this group of impossible people."

This book sounds incredibly unique. I am really excited to read it and I have heard nothing but incredible things about the author. 

Snow White with the Red Hair Vol. 9 by Sorata Akiduki:

This manga is coming out on September 1 and is being published by VIZ Media LLC.

Synopsis: (Since this is the ninth volume in the series I will be using the synopsis for volume one.)

"A romantic retelling of a classic fairy tale about a beautiful herbalist and a lovestruck prince.
Shirayuki is an herbalist famous for her naturally bright-red hair, and the prince of Tanbarun wants her all to himself! Unwilling to become the prince’s possession, she seeks shelter in the woods of the neighboring kingdom, where she gains an unlikely ally—the prince of that kingdom! He rescues her from her plight, and thus begins the love story between a lovestruck prince and an unusual herbalist."

I love this series so much. I also really love the anime based on this manga series so if you haven't watched it yet I highly recommend checking it out before or after starting to read the series. I really love this cover. It is one of my favourite covers in the series so far. 

There are so many exciting new releases coming out next month. What are you excited about that is coming out during the month of September? Comment down below, and thanks so much for reading. 

15 Thoughts While Reading Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer

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 This is a list of 15 thoughts that I had while reading Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer. If you didn't know Midnight Sun which came out on August fourth is basically Twilight in Edward's perspective. 

1) Well guess it's time to start this. Hopefully, it's better than Twilight, although I have doubts. 

2) Stephanie Meyer's writing has gotten a lot better since she wrote Twilight.

3) I am actually kind of enjoying this

4) Wow okay wasn't expecting Edward to have Bella's death plotted down to a t. 

5) I really like how since it is told from Edward's perspective you get to see what all the other characters are thinking as well.

6) Well I didn't like Jessica before and I definitely don't really like her now. 

7) Wait is Twilight a Hades and Persephone retelling? Rethinks Twilight

8) Edward contemplating if Bella is brave or stupid. Yes. Yes, Edward she kinda is.

9) Reading about places in Canada and thinking, wow I've been there. Or I've lived there because I am Canadian. 

10) Questioning if some of the dialogue between Edward and Bella actually happened in Twilight because you haven't read it for years. 

11) Getting slightly irritated at Edward sometimes. 

12) Seeing an editing error that is so noticeable it hurts. 

13) Reading about how Edward hopes she doesn't think she finds it weird how he has been watching her sleep, and surprise she doesn't. While yes it is weird. 

14) Thinking about 'You' while reading about Edward stalking Bella

15) Getting to the end and thinking about how it actually might be nice to see Edward's perspective in New Moon and Eclipse. I mean thinking about it now, what on earth was Edward doing while away from Bella in New Moon?

Thanks so much for reading my post today. Have you guys read Midnight Sun yet? I just finished it and it was actually really good. What were some of your thoughts while reading the book? comment down below

The Night Circus Review

images from google

Title: The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Publisher: Doubleday

Rating: 5/5 stars

Trigger: Child abuse, mentions suicide, addiction, and death

Storyline: The story jumps around through time and follows characters that interact and are important to the circus in some way, shape, or form. The story begins with one of the best opening lines I have ever read, and the beautiful lyrical writing takes you into the story. 

These two older characters who have been competing with each other for a long time each pick someone to teach so that the students can be put against each other in a game. The game is one in which the main characters aren't really aware of the rules, or how to win. (since I don't want to really include spoilers I won't mention how the game is won.) Once in the game though you cannot leave until it is over. 

I love how the whole story pieces itself together the further you get along. Then, in the end, everything comes together to create this masterpiece.

Characters:

In this book for some of the chapters, the reader is also a character, exploring the Circus. I loved the main characters of Marco and Celia. Then the side characters are also great Bailey, Poppet, Widget, Isabel, and many others. 

The chapters follow different characters in different time periods. For example each time there was a chapter in the 1900s taking place in Concord I would assume it was a Bailey chapter. His chapters were some of my favourites in the book. His were some of my favourites due to his relationship with the twin's Poppet and Widget. 

Poppet and Widget are very intriguing characters in general. Poppet has the ability to see the future, and Widget has the ability to see the past on someone. 

Isabel is the fortune teller at the circus. She joined the circus because she loved Marco, and would follow him anywhere. However, Marco wasn't interested in her in that way. 

Marco is the student chosen by the man who is often just referred to as the Man in the grey suit. (His name is Mr. A. H.) You never get to know what Marco's real name is since when he was a child Mr. A. H. told him that names didn't matter before Marco could reveal what his name was. Macro typically put on an illusion for his appearance, however, when he would talk to Celia he would make sure she saw who he really was. 

Celia is the daughter of Prospero the Enchanter. And due to the promise, she shows he chooses her to compete in the game. She is taught in a much different way than Marco. She becomes the illusionist for the Circus, and she meets Marco for the first time at her audition. She is described as being very beautiful in the book. 

All the characters mentioned in the book are important to the story in some way.  

Quotes:

• "The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there when yesterday it was not."
• "Life takes us to unexpected places sometimes. The future is never set in stone, remember that."
• "Like stepping into a fairy tale under a curtain of stars."
• "Good and evil are a great deal more complex than a princess and a dragon ... is not the dragon the hero of his own story?"
• "I wished for her."

Would I recommend: 

I definitely recommend this book. The book is YA to New Adult. If you like historical fiction books with a touch of fantasy you will probably like this. Also if you liked the movie the Illusionist you would probably like this book as well. However, this book definitely isn't for everyone. I know many people say it is very polarizing because either people say they really loved it or they absolutely hate it. I, in particular, loved this book though so that is why I am going to recommend it to anyone who loves the things I mentioned before, as well as anyone who loves books that have Circuses in them. 

Thank you so much for reading. Have you read The Night Circus? What did you think? comment down below. I hope you all are having a great day. 

Top Five Anime Boys

 Similar to my book boyfriends post this one will revolve around anime characters. (images from google)

1) Kyo Sohma from Fruits Basket

I love the anime Fruits Basket in general but if I had to pick my favourite male character from the show it is definitely Kyo. I love the way he interacts with Tohru. Also while he acts tough a lot of the time he also gets easily embarrassed. Kyo has such a powerful, sad backstory like many of the characters in Fruits Basket do. I love watching his journey throughout the anime (and since I have already read the manga I know what happens but don't worry I won't put down any spoilers.) I especially loved the most recent dubbed episode which is up on Funimation now so if you have a subscription you should totally check this show out. 

2) Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia 

The next character on this list is icy hot Todoroki. Again, My Hero Academia has many amazing male characters but Todoroki is my favourite. His character is also one with a very sad, powerful backstory. In a way, he almost reminds me of Zuko from Avatar the Last Airbender. I love that he has the ability to control fire and ice. I am excited to see the rest of his journey unfold as the show continues. 

3) Yuri Katsuki from Yuri on Ice

 

I love Yuri on Ice. It is one of my favourite sports anime. It also has LGBTQ representation with the romance between Yuri and Victor. The romance in this show feels so natural. So not only do you end up routing for Yuri to win the tournament but also to win Victor's heart. 

4) Obi from Snow White With the Red Hair

With the anime Snow White with The Red Hair, I actually ship Obi and Shirayuki more than I ship her with Zen. I love the mystery surrounding Obi's character. I have been reading the manga as it has been coming out in English just to get more of Obi.

5) Hikaru Hitachiin from Ouran High School Host Club

The final anime boy on my list is Hikaru. Again I shipped Hikaru more with Haruhi than I did with Tamaki. He and his twin also have a very powerful backstory. This is also one that I read the complete manga for and I honestly hope they do an anime adaptation covering the whole series. Hikaru has a great deal of character growth both in the show and the manga. If you haven't I highly recommend both watching the show and reading the manga. 

If any of these shows interest you they are all available to watch on Funimation, as well as some other streaming services. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you are all having a great day. 

Top Five Book Boyfriends

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I think we all can understand when we find a book character attractive. We also have all probably had moments where we wished we could be the protagonist just in order to be with a certain character. This list will be my top favourite book boyfriends.

1) 

My first book hottie comes from the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. This series is a fantasy series where each book is a retelling of a different fairy tale. And while the fairy tale's being retold are different they all come together in one big story. While all the male love interests in this book are amazing one in my opinion stands above the rest. That character is Captain Carswell Thorne. While arrogant at times because he is attractive and he knows it you can't help but loving Thorne. He has blonde hair, blue eyes, and a killer smile. The way Thorne would act kinda reminded me of Flynn Rider from Tangled. 

2)

While both Jem Carstairs and Will Herondale from The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare are amazing I am picking Jem to be on this list of the top five book boyfriends. Jem is just so understanding, thoughtful, and kind. He always treated Tessa with respect and worried about her. He put the health of her and others above his own. And he gave up the one he loved for his friend. Also, Jem can play the violin and it is always hot when a guy can play an instrument.

3)

My third book boyfriend is Hades from Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis. I love Hades and Persephone retellings in general. However, I really love this one because of the portrayal of Hades's character. I loved reading about the Underworld and all the characters who resided in it. In this book, Hades isn't how Persephone imagined he would be like. Hades shows Persephone the beauty of the Underworld, and in this retelling, it is not difficult to see why she fell in love with him. 

4)

The next book boyfriend is Rhysand from the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas. Words cannot express how much I love this character. With his dark hair and violet eyes, he is incredibly handsome. He also has incredible character traits. How he treats Feyre and the rest of his court is amazing. After all, there is a reason why there is a saying about looking for my Rhysand in a world full of Tamlins. (Even though in my opinion Tamlin got some redemption in ACOWAR, however, I won't go into that because of spoilers.) Rhysand is a true leader, and his story is very well done. 

5)

My final book boyfriend (for this list anyway) is Garrett Graham from the Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy. Garrett is a hockey player for Brair University's team. However, when his grades start to plummet he has to find a tutor to help him. Garrett had to overcome many hardships before he ended up where he did. He is also very sarcastic most of the time, although he definitely knows when to be serious. I love how he helped Hannah, and how she helped him. I also really enjoyed the fact that I got to see more of his character in the other books since this is a companion series. 

Why are guys in fiction always better than the guys in real life? Who is your favourite book boyfriend? comment down below. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you are all having a great day. 

The Infernal Devices Trilogy Review

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Title(s): Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess ( The Infernal Devices)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Rating: 5/5 stars

Trigger: Torture, abduction, death, drug addiction, violence 

Plot: The books take place in 18th century London. Tessa Gray the main character goes to London after her Aunt dies to live with her brother Nathaniel. When she arrives she gets abducted by the Dark sisters who force her to use her abilities for their purposes. She is told that she will marry the Magister. However, before this happens Will Herondale who is a Shadowhunter comes and rescues her. He takes her to the London Institute where she meets other Shadowhunters. But while she is there she still isn't safe because the Magister is still after her. All the characters in the institute help Tessa with the challenges which she has to face on her journey of self-discovery. A lot of this plot is Tessa realizing who she is, and her accepting her powers. The story is very fast-paced and is one that easily gets the reader hooked. There is also a bunch of romance in this trilogy which I absolutely loved.    

Characters: This trilogy is very character-driven. The main characters of Tessa, Will, and Jem Carstairs are in a love triangle. Which by the way is one of the most well-done love triangles I have ever read about. All the characters are very intricately detailed, and they feel like real people. Jem is dying and in order for him to live longer, he has to take this drug which also in the process of keeping him alive is killing him. Then there is Will who left his family because he thought if he loved him it would kill them due to a 'curse' that was put on him by the demon he accidentally let out from the pixis. However, there was no curse. Then there are the other side characters. Charlotte and Henry who runs the institute. Sophie who is a maid, who becomes a shadowhunter. Gideon Lightwood is the older brother of Gabriel Lightwood who Sophie ends up with. Then of course there is Cecily Herondale, Jessamine Lovelace, and many other characters who are all done incredibly well. 

The majority of the plot of this book depends on its characters, and the emotional attachments the reader makes with them. 

Quotes:

Clockwork Angel: 

• "Words have the power to change us."
• "What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?"
• "It's alright to love someone who doesn't love you back, as long as they're worth you loving them."
• “You know," Gabriel said, "there was a time I thought we could be friends, Will."
  "There was a time I thought I was a ferret," Will said, "but that turned out to be the opium haze. Did you know it had that effect? Because I didn't.”
• "There's plenty of sense in nonsense sometimes, if you wish to look for it."
•  “Let me give you a piece of advice. The handsome young fellow who's trying to rescue you from a hideous fate is never wrong. Not even if he says the sky is purple and made of hedgehogs.”
• “Well, she's not responding to my advances," he observed more brightly than he felt, "so she must be dead." 
  "Or she's a woman of good taste and sense.”

Clockwork Prince:

• “We live and breathe words. .... It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt--I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you. I dreamed what you dreamed, wanted what you wanted--and then I realized that truly I just wanted you.”
• “They say time heals all wounds, but that presumes the source of the grief is finite”
• "If no one cares for you at all, do you even really exist?"
• "Our souls are knit. We are one person, James."
• “Someday, Will, I will go where none can follow me, and I think it will be sooner rather than later. Have you ever asked yourself why I agreed to be your parabatai?”
• “I can offer you my life, but it is a short life; I can offer you my heart, though I have no idea how many more beats it shall sustain”
• "God knows we're all drawn to what's beautiful and broken."

Clockwork Princess:

• "Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read."
• "You endure what is unbearable, and you bear it. That is all."
• "I am catastrophically in love with you."
• "Men may be stronger, but it is women who endure."
• “Sometimes one must choose whether to be kind or honorable," he said. "Sometimes one cannot be both.” 
• “There are so many worse things than death. Not to be loved or not to be able to love: that is worse.”
• "Do not seek revenge and call it justice." 

Would I Recommend: 

This series is one I definitely recommend. All the books were worth a five-star rating. I got so emotionally attached to the characters and addicted to the story. These are the best Cassandra Clare books I have ever read. Also, you don't have to read The Mortal Instruments series to read these ones. It was also very hard to narrow down what quotes I wanted to use in my review because there are so many good ones from all the books. This series is a very quick read, and worth it 100 percent. 

Thank you so much for reading my review. What did you think of the books? Comment down below. 

July Wrap Up

July Wrap Up

images from google

Books:

This July I read 21 books. I have never read this many books in one month before. As usual, I will list the books I read based on how many stars I gave them. I will also include a new category in this post of no rating due to other factors surrounding some of the books in this post. 

No Rating: 

- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling

I decided not to give this book a star rating due to issues dealing with the author (the same thing for Order of the Phoenix.) I really like the Harry Potter books and this book, in particular, represents the turning point of the series from middle grade to a young adult as Harry is 14 in this book. As well the topics in the books starting with this one start to be more YA. 

- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

This book is the fifth book in the series. It is also my least favorite book in the series. I actually almost prefer the movie over the book for this one. This book is long and has one of my least favorite characters of all time in it. Umbridge. 

One Star:

- I did not read any one-star books this month.

Two Star:

- I did not read any two-star books this month.

Three Star: 

- Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

This book to me was a three-star book for many reasons. While I thought the subject was interesting and I thought the book was better than the show there were many things I also didn't like about it. It was a difficult read because it deals with the topic of suicide. I did however find it interesting though how you could listen to the tapes online while reading the book. This book is definitely not for everyone. 

- The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

This book was almost more of a 2.5 but I typically round up when I rate books instead of down. There were many parts of this book I enjoyed, however, there were also many moments where the book was slow and I almost considered DNFing it. However, I am glad I read the whole book. I especially liked Clare's character in it. Mainly because it was interesting seeing what she thought while Henry was gone, and while she was growing up and he would be there at different ages. I wouldn't recommend this book personally. This is one where I would tell people that they should just watch the movie. 

- City of Bone's by Cassandra Clare

This book was a reread. Originally when I read it for the first time I loved it and rated it five stars. However, after rereading recently I dropped my rating to three stars. While this book will always have a special place to me isn't as good as her other books. I don't really like Clary's character very much, and while I do like Jace, Alec, Magnus, and Isabelle I find in the first book especially the writing is not very strong. 

Four Star:

- First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

This book is the first book in the Charlie Davidson series. This book was more of a 3.5 out of five stars but like I said I round up. There were multiple moments in this book I just rolled my eyes. However, there were also many moments I found funny and I thought that the storyline was actually an interesting concept. I do plan on continuing this series. This book is an adult urban fantasy book where the main character can see dead people. Using her ability she works with the police to solve crimes. This book is an adult book. 

- Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis

This book is the second book in The Chronicles of Narnia. I didn't like this one as much as the first book. I didn't really get attached to Caspian as much as the characters from the first book. I really love C. S. Lewis's writing though, and I definitely recommend this series. 

Five Star: 

- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

This was another reread. I absolutely love Little Women. It's impossible not to get attached to the characters of Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg. This book is so well written and truly stands the test of time. I highly recommend this book. I also recommend the movies. ( I especially liked the new one that just came out.) 

- The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I actually watched the movie for this before reading the book. I thought the characters in the book were really well done. The writing in this book is great, although at first, it was a bit hard to get into because the writing style changes a bit depending on which character's POV it is. This book is an adult book that deals with the topic of segregation. I recommend both the book and the movie.  

- The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess) 

This trilogy is amazing. Compared to the mortal instruments these books are very character-driven. This series also has one of the best love triangles I have ever read. I loved Tessa, Will, and Jem. I also loved the other side characters because I truly got so attached to all of them. At the moment this is my favourite series by Cassandra Clare. 

- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This book was really good. I read it in one sitting. I also watched the movie for this book before reading it. I was almost apprehensive about reading the book because I knew the subject matter and what happens before going into it. However, I was surprised about some of the things that were different and not in the movie. One of the topics in the book that isn't in the movie is abortion. This book is definitely not for everyone though because of some of the triggers in the subject matter including suicide, abortion, depression, bullying. I loved the characters in this book and I recommend the book and the movie because both are incredibly well done. 

- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

This book was incredible. I watched the movie before reading the book, however, with this one, I thought the book was far better. The book is about this elderly man who is remembering his past involving a different circus when a new one comes to town. This book is incredibly well written and is definitely one of my favourite books I read this month. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking an Adult romance with a male main character. Also to anyone who likes books with circuses in them. 

- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This is another book I pretty much read in one sitting. This book has children in it who have many different abilities. I also really enjoyed looking at all the images in the book. The storyline was so interesting. I am excited to continue the series and I definitely plan on doing a series review for it. I highly recommend this book.  

- The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan ( The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian)

I loved this series. I thought the books were really well written and it was very interesting how the main character Percy frequently broke the fourth wall by addressing the person reading the book. My favourite book in this series is the first one. I loved being introduced to this urban fantasy world where the Greek gods are real and Olympus is on top of the empire states building. I thought Percy was such a great character. I also really like the other characters too. The ending was also really good. It actually made me cry a little bit. I highly recommend these books. 

- The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

This book was really good. I loved reading about Narnia, and I really enjoyed Lucy, Susan, Peter, and Edmund's character. Like I said before C. S. Lewis has absolutely incredible writing so if you haven't read this series yet I highly recommend it.

Anime: 

This month I completed watching two different shows. Both of the shows I watched using Funimation's app. 

- The Promised Neverland

I already have a review of this show on my blog so I won't say much. Other than the fact that I rated this show 5/5 stars and it is absolutely incredible. This show is definitely a must-watch. The storyline sucks you in instantly. I watched the show in one sitting because I had to see what happens after watching the first episode. Also since this show only has 12 episodes it was a very quick watch. 

- The Royal Tutor

This show was pretty good. I would rate it 4/5 stars. This show is very comedic. It is about this guy who becomes the royal tutor and by doing so means that he has to take responsibility for the four princes education. The royal tutor is also the size of a child. Many of the jokes in the show revolve around the size of the royal tutor. I thought all of the princes were really interesting. I do recommend this show to people who like shows like Ouran High School Host Club. It was a very enjoyable quick watch. This show has 12 episodes.

What did you read during July? Comment down below. Also if you want a full review of any of the books mentioned in this post comment down below. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you are all having a good day.