September Wrap Up

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1) Legend by Marie Lu 4/5

This book follows the characters of June and Day who live in a futuristic California. Day is a criminal working in order to try and protect his family. June is in her final year of school to become a soldier. After June's older brother gets killed and she thinks Day is the one who did it she stops at nothing in order to avenge her brother. I ended up giving this a four because while it was good it wasn't the best book I have ever read in the dystopian genre. 

2) Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James 3/5:

This book is about Betsy Wilde and because her mother had an affair and left the duke she gets criticized by society. So she decides she doesn't want to be anything like her mother.  However, her brother's best friend Jeremy who has no intention of ever getting married catches her eye. And when a duke tries to get her to marry him Jeremy realizes that he wants her to say no to the duke. 

3) The Lightkeeper's Daughters by Jean E. Pendziwol 5/5:

I really liked this book. It takes place in Canada and follows the POV of two different women. One an elderly lady named Elizabeth who lives in a retirement home and the other is Morgan a teenager in foster care. After Morgan has to clean up the graffiti she made on the retirement home's fence she meets Elizabeth and they form a connection. Elizabeth starts telling her story to Morgan and Morgan finds out more about the truth of her past as well. 

4) Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James 4/5:

This book follows Viola Astley who is the Duke of Lindow's stepdaughter. Viola is incredibly shy and when a handsome young vicar becomes the new vicar for her family's estate she sets her heart on him even though he is engaged to someone else. However, after meeting at the ball hosted by her family The Duke of Wynter decides that he wants her to be his wife. 

5) Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi 4/5:

This book follows Juliette a girl with a really interesting ability who is locked up in an insane asylum. This book is also dystopian and it is told in a really interesting way. However, I didn't understand why people like Warner's character so much until reading Destroy Me which is the novella from his perspective. 

6) Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi 5/5

This book takes place after the events of Shatter Me and it is told from Warner's perspective. Warner is the son of the leader of the organization which has taken over what used to be the United States. I really loved this novella even more than Shatter Me because it gave context to this character who I absolutely hated in Shatter Me. 

7) The Lighthouse Keepers Daughter by Hazel Gaynor 3.5/5

This book follows a girl named Matilda and her parents sent her to the U.S. from Ireland since she is pregnant outside of being married. It also follows Grace a woman who saved Matilda's great great Grandmother. This book had a bunch of twists in it, some I wasn't expecting others I sorta guessed at. However, I didn't really enjoy it that much. I thought it was slow at times and it's one I don't see myself ever reading again in the future. 

8) The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu 4/5:

This book follows Alec and Magnus while they are on Holliday in Paris. However, things go horribly wrong and Magnus is accused of being the leader of this cult which worships his father. This book takes place after the events of the third book in the Mortal Instruments series. I love Alec and Magnus so I really enjoyed this book. Also, the fact that Tessa was in this book and made reference to something that happened in The Infernal Devices was awesome. 

9) Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee 3/5:

This is the first Rick Riordan presents book I have ever read. This book follows Min who is a fox spirit and after finding out that her brother is in trouble she decides to go after him. There were parts in this book I really liked and parts I didn't. Personally, I found it to be slow at the start and I wanted more from some of the other characters in this book than what we got. However, I liked the idea of this book and the parts I really liked were done really well. So I gave it a 3/5 star rating. 

10) The Selection by Kiarra Kass 3/5:

This book is basically the Bachelor in book format in a dystopian North America. And just like the bachelor, it's so bad it is good. Honestly, there were times in this book I could not stand America. However, I enjoyed reading this book a lot so I decided to give it a three. 

11) See Me by Wendy Higgins 3/5:

This book was better than I thought it would be. However, I really didn't like when the guys would touch the main character and her sister with the excuse that her butt was at eye level for them so obviously, they are gonna slap it. Just No. Also, there is a scene near the end of the book that I hated which I won't go into because of spoilers. 

12) Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas 3.5/5:

This is the first book in The Ravenels series and I thought it was okay. I loved the beginning and the hate to love romance between Devon and Kathleen. And I loved the chapters where it was from Helen and Rhys's point of view. However, Kathleen did something in this book that I absolutely hated. Also compared to the other books in the series I have read so far this one isn't that great. I did find myself enjoying moments though and laughing out loud at parts like the bathtub scene. 

13) The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks 2/5:

This book is one of the ones where the movie is actually better. The book in my opinion didn't have as much emotion as the movie did and I was extremely disappointed. So I don't recommend the book I recommend watching the movie. 

14) Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas 5/5:

I loved this book. Rhys and Helen were a couple I was rooting for since reading Cold-Hearted Rake. And this one definitely didn't disappoint. Also, this one has the most steamy scenes out of all the books in the series I have read so far. So if you are into books with loads of steamy moments you might like this one. I loved learning more about Helen's backstory, and the way that Rhys was willing to explain everything to her and make sure she was comfortable. 

15) Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas 5/5:

This book had me laughing so much. I loved the romance between Pandora and Gabriel and this one might be my favorite in the series so far. Also, the cover on this one is absolutely gorgeous. 

16) Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis 4/5:

 

I enjoyed this book however it definitely is not my favorite in the series. There were also moments in this book I didn't really like, for example when Caspian acted like a spoiled brat when he couldn't go with Lucy and Edmond and Reepicheep. The moment when Lucy decided to spy on her friends and not question why her friend said that in the situation she was in. However, there were many good moments in this book and it is defiantly worth the read. 

These are the books I read during the month of September. What have you been reading? comment down below. 

Five Books with Autumn Vibes

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These are five books that I personally felt had some sort of Autumn vibe. 

1) Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery:

I love the way L. M. Montgomery describes the seasons in her book especially the fall. Since I am currently living on P.E.I. I can picture what the fall colours are very vividly. 

2) Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger:

Books that talk about the start of the new school year always make me think about the approaching fall. Even though in this book Sophie started at school halfway through the year. This book and series in general is incredible. Also when books have mystical creatures in them I usually think of fall as well because of Halloween. 

3) This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab 

This book includes three different types of monsters and monsters definitely make me think of the fall because of Halloween. Also, I absolutely loved this book and even some of the characters who aren't actual monsters are the actual horrifying ones. 

4) The Chase by Elle Kennedy:

This book is a college romance that revolves around a character from the previous series younger sister and one of the hockey players. I loved this book and the rest of the series. Also before reading this one I highly recommend reading the Off-Campus series first. 

5) Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

This book takes place in space but the cover is made up of fall colours. The reds and the oranges on the cover make me think of the leaves that are changing colour and I absolutely love it. Also, this book is told in such a unique way that I can't help but recommend it. 

What books make you think of fall? Comment down below. 

October new releases

 images from google synopsis's of books from Goodreads 

Books:

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab: 

Synopsis: "France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name. "

I love V. E. Schwab so I am super excited about this book. Also, I really love the cover. This book is coming out on Oct. 6. 

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow:

Synopsis: "In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.

But when the Eastwood sisters--James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna--join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote-and perhaps not even to live-the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.

There's no such thing as witches. But there will be."

I love the cover for this book. This book is coming out on Oct. 13. 

Among the Beasts and Briars by Ashley Poston:

Synopsis: "Cerys is safe in the kingdom of Aloriya.

Here there are no droughts, disease, or famine, and peace is everlasting. It has been this way for hundreds of years since the first king made a bargain with the Lady who ruled the forest that borders the kingdom. But as Aloriya prospered, the woods grew dark, cursed, and forbidden. Cerys knows this all too well: when she was young, she barely escaped as the woods killed her friends and her mother. Now Cerys carries a small bit of the curse—the magic—in her blood, a reminder of the day she lost everything. The most danger she faces now, as a gardener’s daughter, is the annoying fox who stalks the royal gardens and won’t leave her alone.

As a new queen is crowned, however, things long hidden in the woods descend on the kingdom itself. Cerys is forced on the run, her only companions the small fox from the garden, a strange and powerful bear, and the magic in her veins. It’s up to her to find the legendary Lady of the Wilds and beg for a way to save her home. But the road is darker and more dangerous than she knows, and as secrets from the past are uncovered amid the teeth and roots of the forest, it’s going to take everything she has just to survive. "

I love the cover for this book as well. Also, I really enjoyed other books I have read by Ashley Poston so I am excited to read this one. This book is coming out on Oct. 20. 

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco: 

Synopsis: "Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…"

This book sounds really interesting. Also, this book is coming out on Oct. 27. 

My Last Duchess by Eloisa James:

Synopsis: "Hugo Wilde, the Duke of Lindow, has a drafty castle, eight naughty children—and no wife. Ophelia, Lady Astley, has a fine house, one well-behaved daughter—and no husband. 

Hugo takes one look at Ophelia and loses his heart, but she doesn’t want more children or a castle. She takes one look at him and heads for her carriage. 

Desperate to find a duchess, Hugo identifies an appropriate lady to woo. Yet when he meets Ophelia again, the duke realizes that he will marry her, or no one. 

Now he faces the greatest challenge of his life.

He must convince Ophelia that their blazing sensuality, his exquisite castle, and his eight charming children add up to a match made in heaven."

I am really excited about this one. It is a prequel to The Wildes of Lindow Castle series which I have really liked the books I have read so far. This book is also coming out on Oct. 27. 

Anime:

Yashahime: 

For those of you who don't know Yashahime is a sequel to Inuyasha which is coming out on Oct. 3. This one follows the twin daughters of Sesshomaru and the series takes place after the events of the Final Act. I am super excited for this one, however, I will probably rewatch Inuyasha before watching this one. 

Video Games:

Pikmin 3: 

Pikmin 3 is coming to the Nintendo Switch and I am really excited about it. I have never had the chance to play this game before and I loved playing Pikmin 1 and 2 when I was younger. I will probably be picking up a copy of this when it comes out of Oct. 30. 

These are some of the things that I am excited about that are coming out in October. What are some things you are excited about? comment down below. 

Five Popular Books I have not yet read

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This is a list of five books that are very popular that I have not yet read. 

1) 1984 by George Orwell

This classic is one that is very high on my TBR. It takes place in 1984 which at the time this was written was thirty-four years away. It is described as being a negative utopia, and I cannot wait to read it. 

2) The Maze Runner by James Dashner

This one takes place in a dystopian world where this group of teenagers is put in an environment where the only way they can get out is through a maze. However, the maze contains many dangers. I really liked the movie so I want to read the book because usually, the book is better than the movie. 

3) Matched by Ally Condie

 

I remember when I was in junior high in this book was all the rage with everyone. It takes place in a dystopian society where after you come of age you get matched and have to marry the person you are matched with. I really love the cover of this book and I remember how many of my friends really liked it. 

4) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I love Bloodlines so the fact that I haven't read this series yet which comes before it sorta bugs me. I mean you don't have to read the Vampire Academy series to read Bloodlines but I really want to. This series is Urban Fantasy where there are different types of vampires, as well as half-vampire/ half-humans who are in charge of protecting the vampires with higher social standings. 

5) To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

I loved the Netflix movie that was based on this book. This book is about a girl who writes letters to the boys she liked however she never sends them. However one day her letters go missing and she realizes that the boys who she has been writing have them. 

These were five popular books that I have not yet read. Thank you so much for reading my post and I hope you are all having a great day. 

Five Books where you know a characters birthday

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 Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. For today's post, I will be talking about five books where you get to know at least one of the character's birthdays. For some, it might not be the exact day but you know the time of year. Also if I am talking about a series I will put book one even if the character's birthday isn't discussed until book two.

1) A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas:

I love the ACOTAR series and the character whose birthday is very well known is Feyre's of course. Feyre is the main character and her birthday is specified to be on the winter solstice. 

2) Twilight by Stephanie Meyer:

Yes, who doesn't remember the moment in New Moon when Bella did not want to celebrate her birthday because she didn't like the idea of becoming older than Edward. However, because of this, we know that Bella's birthday is in September making this book a candidate for this list. 

3) The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares:

This book follows four friends who know each other since their mothers were all in the same maternity class, and all of them were due around the same time. Since they were all born in the same month and their mother's meeting was such a coincidence the girls share a very unique bond. 

4) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern:

With the Night Circus you know that Poppet and Widget are born on the night the circus is opening for the first time. Each chapter of the book gives the date for when it is occurring. 

5) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling:

While I know there is a huge controversy surrounding the author of this book at the moment I decided to include it on this list because not only does the reader learn Harry's birthday is on July 31 but the fact that his birthday is on that day is very significant to the plot in the books further along in the series. 

Thank you so much for reading my post. I hope you are all having a great day. 

Smile Down the Runway Review

 images from google

Title: Smile Down the Runway

Show Rating: 5/5 stars

Director: Nobuyoshi Nagayama

Studio: Ezo'la

Number of Episodes: 12

Based on the Manga by Kotoba Inoya

Opening/Ending Theme: 

I really loved the opening theme for this anime. Depending on what the opening theme is like I sometimes opt to skip it but not with this one. However, in comparison, I didn't like the ending theme as much. However, I thought both themes fitted perfectly with the show.

Show Story: 

This show follows two different main characters Chiyuki Fujito an aspiring model, and Ikuto Tsumara an aspiring designer. I thought the show's storyline was really good, and I loved seeing the character's growth and development. 

I also personally ship Ikuto and Chiyuki, I think they would be really cute together. 

While both of the characters want to pursue their dreams however there is something in the way for both of them. Ikuto is from a very poor family so he wants to get a job when he finishes school instead of going to the design school of his dreams. 

Then there is Chiyuki and the only problem for her is that she is too short to be used as a runway model. However, that doesn't stop her from pursuing her dream to walk on the runway at Paris fashion week for her father's company which is named after her. 

Same with Ikuto after creating an outfit for Chiyuki which goes viral he ends up working under a designer who constantly refers to him as 'Bob.' With the help of the fellow designer his work again gets noticed and even though he is still a high school student he gets asked to be a part of the design competition at the school he wants to go to. 

While there he makes friends and discovers that there is someone he has wants to surpass. 

Do I recommend: 

I definitely recommend this anime. It is only 12 episodes long so it is a quick watch. It is also has a dub available to watch. You can watch this show on Funimation now. 

Thanks so much for reading my review. Have you watched 'Smile Down the Runway' what did you think? comment down below. 

August Wrap Up

images from google 

This past month I read eight books. I really liked all of them and didn't have any two or one-star books this reading month. 

3 Star: 

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Inkheart is the first book in a middle-grade series by Cornelia Funke. This book was actually initially published in German then translated to English. I have a review for this series already up on the blog if you are interested in more info about this book. However, I will say here that I gave it three stars because it was fairly slow, and after reading book two and three it just solidified for me that this rating was the right one to give to this book. 

Four Star:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore:

 

This book takes place in a world where people with two different coloured eyes are known as Gracelings. Gracelings have abilities known as Graces. In this book, we follow the main character of Katsa who has a very deadly Grace. Because of her ability, she is being used to dispatch people for her uncle who is the king. However, when Po, a prince from the neighbouring Kingdom comes she decides to use her power only for herself and go with him. I wish there was more description at some points in this book. Also, the end left me with some questions however since this is the first book in a series I have high hopes for the next one. 

Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer:

Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer is Twilight in Edwards perspective and in my opinion, this book was better than Twilight. Edwards perspective filled in some of the plot holes form Twilight like the reason why when the other vampires came they couldn't tell Bella was a human right away. In a way, I almost want to see the other books written from Edwards perspective as well. Because also with Edwards perspective you got to see through the minds of the other characters as well, and it was so interesting to see what some of the other characters were thinking about during the events of Twilight. 

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke:

 

Inkspell is the second book in the Inkheart series and instead of taking place in the real world for the most part it takes place in the Ink world. I loved seeing the world described in the first book come to life in this one. Also, I really enjoyed all the character development the characters underwent. I already have a review of this series on my blog so I will not go into to much detail in the wrap-up. 

Five Star reads (and 4.5) 

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke:

 

I rated Inkdeath 4.5 out of five stars because in my opinion it was better than book two but it didn't deserve a five-star rating. However, since sites like Goodreads don't have half stars I typically bump up books I rate 4.5/5 stars to 5 stars. I have a review of this book and the rest of the series already on the blog. 

Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas:

 

I saw the cover of this book and instantly thought of Cinderella. I actually really enjoyed this historical romance and will definitely be reading more books from this author since this is the first Lisa Kleypas book I have ever read. This book follows Lady Cassandra Ravenel and Tom Severin. Tom is a man who was born poor and worked his way up to death, and Cassandra is a girl who was already born in a wealthy family and wants to marry for love. Due to things that happened in the past Tom doesn't believe in love and says he only has five emotions. However, that changes when he meets Cassandra. I rated this book 4.5/5 stars. It was so close to getting a five-star rating for me. However, this book also left me wanting more. 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: 

I absolutely loved this book. I believe I have a review up for this book already so I won't say to much about it other than the fact that in my opinion, this is a must-read book. I rated this book 5/5 stars and it is definitely one of my favourite books I have read so far this year. 

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini:

I rated this book 5/5 stars. This book deals with two women who live in Afghanistan and end up being married to the same man. My initial experience with this book actually was seeing it performed as a stage play in Calgary. I really enjoyed it and afterwards added the book to my tbr. Now I have finally read the book and I can say with certainty that the play was an amazing adaptation of the novel. This book deals with abuse, violence against women, death, and many other topics. I can't imagine having to live in a situation like Laila and Mariam did. I highly recommend this book. (this is adult fiction.)

Those were the books I read last month and since I didn't finish any shows or anything this is the end. Thanks so much for reading. What did you read last month? Comment down below.