Favorite Sci-Fi & Fantasy Cover Art | Top 5 Wednesday

Hi all! Happy Wednesday. I'm back with another Top 5 Wednesday post for you all. This week's theme is favorite SFF (Sci-fi & fantasy) cover art. It was definitely hard to choose and when I looked at my shelf, I'm realizing that it is being taken over by contemporary reads. So that only means I need to add some more new and beautiful SFF reads to my shelf ;) Anyways... here are my top 5 picks!

1. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Review: HERE

This is a stunning cover! How could I not pick it up? I had the ARC of it and I was so happy that the finished copy kept the same design. It is mysterious but also incredibly intriguing. I think it reflects the world too. I love it and I can't wait to see how the next cover will look for the next book in the series. Hopefully it is along the same vein. Stunning book inside and out! ;) 

2. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab 

Review: HERE

I love everything about this cover. I love the use of color: red, black, and white. I just love seeing Kell and his coat and his abilities to cross between various Londons. I also love how it nicely matches with the other two books in the series. It is something that I always stare at on my shelf. 

3. Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins 

Goodreads Link: HERE

Funny enough, at a V.E. Schwab signing event, she recommended this book and I ended up picking it up that night. It is truly a strange read, but I absolutely love the cover art so much. It is unlike anything I've ever seen before and it really connects to the strangeness of the book. 

4. Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Goodreads Link: HERE

Ok, this is a stunning cover and it also happens to be my favorite book in the trilogy. I was so happy when they changed the cover art to feature the eyes. It is simply stunning and I just love how it represents Juliet's growth as a character. Also, we just got news that there will be new books in the series so I'm over the moon excited to see the cover reveal for those! 

5. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Goodreads Link: HERE

How could I write about Favorite Cover art and not include ANYTHING by Sarah J. Maas. I will admit that this was a cover buy for me and not so much based on the premise. I was pleasantly surprised because this is now one of my favorite series ever. I picked up ACOWAR last night and I'm dying to dig into it since that has got to be my favorite cover of the series so far (The indigo exclusive edition has stunning fanart as the ends and I just can't even deal with it all). Beautiful covers and just AMAZING books that will blow you away <3

And there you go! Let me know in the comments below what are some of your favorite SFF Cover Art and what you think of my picks! Until next time... happy reading! 

Favorite Non-Written Novels | Top 5 Wednesday

Hi everyone! So.. I know you are all probably thinking.. a top 5 Wednesday post? The last time I wrote one of these was in 2015! :O I've been meaning to bring it back for a while, so here I am! I loved the topics listed for February so I definitely wanted to participate. For those of you are don't know what the Top 5 Wednesday is, it is a group that was created on Goodreads and each month, they post a prompt to help you curate posts for every Wednesday. You can see the topics of February 2017 here!

For the topic this week, the emphasis is on non-written novels: "This was a hard topic to name, but this is about all books that are not 'written' novels! So graphic novels, comics, manga, audiobooks, etc. Shed some light on books in other forms" I'll admit, this was definitely a hard one, so I will list some of my current favorites, not my all-time favorites since that list would be so incredibly long. 

1. [Fanfiction] "call me, beep me" by safra

So if you don't follow me on twitter, you may not know that I am a pretty big Voltron fan. I love the new Netflix series so much by Dreamworks. Also, I am quite smitten with these two characters: Lance and Keith. They aren't cannon, but my god, I love their relationship. That led to me going to find fanfiction for them. I haven't read ff since Harry Potter "ended" and I honestly haven't had a reason to go look for it. But recently, I've been loving AO3 as an outlet to find good reads! I was recommended this one by one of my besties and it has a format of text messages and the story is just so lovely and sweet. It made me smile so much and I just loved how the relationship blossomed. I also loved how the other characters played a role in the overall story. Also there is a big emphasis on cats. Even if you don't ship them, please give this a try because this story was amazing! I'm also currently reading other ff by safra and ahhh, I love everything that is written. 

2. [Audiobook]  Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls 

by Lauren Graham

One of my favorite apps ever on my phone is my Audible app. I subscribe to the monthly credit system so that allows me to get audiobooks. I love audiobooks for commuting since it helps take away from the fact that commutes can be long and awful. It also helps me stay awake on the bus :P But I just love audiobooks. Especially when they are memoirs read by the person who wrote them. I've read quite a few memoirs last year but this one was one of my favorites. With the new Gilmore Girls episodes releasing, Lauren Graham also wrote a book. It was so great to hear about her experiences before GG, after GG, and how it was returning to GG. She also spoke about her time on Parenthood and spoke about her personal life. I knew a bit about her before, but I have a new found appreciation for Lauren and all the work that she has done. She is also so down to earth and funny. I felt like I was just listening to a friend the entire time. If you aren't familiar with GG, I think you would still enjoy this! 

3. [Manga] Say I Love You by Hanae Hazuki 

As someone who is doing her graduate studies in anime/manga, let me tell you, narrowing down my favorites for manga was so hard! I love a wide range of manga from shojo to shonen. I will always love a good fluffy romance manga. I was recommended this by the same bestie that recommended the klance fanfiction ;) and I loved it from the very first volume. The final volume (#18) is due later this year, but trust me, you just breeze right through them. They are so enjoyable and I love how the author writes about a person's inner thoughts and insecurities so honestly. She also gave so much character growth for characters, even the ones you aren't fans of at first. I love this story so much and I'm so sad it will be ending later this year. Please check it out. You will love Mei and Yamato's love story! 

4. [Manga] Horimiya by Daisuke Hagiwara 

Another cute fluffy romance. This series is still relatively new. I love the covers so much and the spines look amazing on the shelf. This story follows the friendship to relationship of Hori and Miyamura. Both are such fantastic characters and I love how much family and friendship plays a role in the entire series. I love how it is constantly exceeding my expectations and pushing the limit. I love it so much and I'm already dying for the next issue! 

5. [Comic/Graphic Novel] Archie by Mark Waid 

I grew up reading Archie comics and I remember every Sunday grocery shopping with my mom, I would beg her to let me buy a copy of the latest comic. I love Archie comics so much! I was stoked to find out they were re-releasing it with a darker vibe in graphic novel form. It is written by Mark Waid who does a fantastic job bringing Archie and the rest of the Riverdale gang to life in a new and fresh way. The art is absolutely beautiful and I love how it still has the same charm as the old comics. 

And there you have it! My top 5 for favorite non-written novels. I hope I gave some good exposure to other forms of narratives. Let me know if you check any of my recommendations out or if you have any of your own you want me to check out! 

Books You Read in One Sitting | Top 5 Wednesday

Hi everyone! So I'm back with a Top 5 Wednesday post for you all today. The topic is "Books You Read in One Sitting" (or close to). This is a really exciting topic because every so often, I completely DEVOUR a book in one sitting and it just goes to show how much I really enjoyed that read. I am going to pick books that I've reviewed on the blog, so you can read my full review to get more of my thoughts on the book. 

1. The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre

I really enjoyed this book so much! 

It was such a cute and lovely contemporary young adult romance novel! 

Review: Here! 

2. I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

Another really great contemporary young adult novel that brings two individuals from different parts together. It tackles the experiences one has with war which really brought another dimension to the YA genre imo. 

Review: Here!

3. Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum

I seriously could not put this book down. It was such an intriguing book and I found myself just devouring it! 

Review: Here!

4.  At The Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

This one wasn't one complete sitting but close enough since I had only read a few chapters and finished the rest of the book one evening. I loved this story so much and it is definitely one of my favorite reads from this year! I highly recommend it. 

Review: Here!

5. We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

I LOVED this book. This was such an incredibly cute and adorable story. 

It is one that will make you feel all "fuzzy" inside. 

Review: Here!

Well that is all from me for this Top 5 Wednesday Post! Let me know in the comments below which books you were able to read in one sitting, I would love to know! Happy reading! 

Books You'd Want to See as TV Shows | Top 5 Wednesday

Hi everyone! A new month is upon us. For today's post the topic is: Books You'd Want to See as TV Shows - so not movies! I used to read many books and think what a wonderful movie this would be, but now for series, I am seeing more and more that they are much better off as television shows that can be developed over a longer period of time. One of my favorite book series was made into one of my favorite tv shows: Game of Thrones! I would love to see that for the following five series as well! ;) 

1. The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Currently a 2-book series. I really love this series a lot and I think that a TV platform would be great for the story to develop. :D (Ps. I really hope there will be more books in this series!)

2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

This actually was a series that had a pilot on hulu and it was going to be made into a TV show but it never made it through. I really hope that someone will revisit this and consider making it into a TV show because I really enjoyed Lena's story. 

3. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

There will be that new Shadowhunters series coming out soon, but I really hope that they will tackle TID series as well. I loved Tessa, Jem and Will's story so much and seeing it as a TV show would be awesome! 

4. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

This story would be AWESOME as a tv series. I love the setting and the characters and I think a movie just wouldn't be enough for character building and world building. 

5. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I know there is a lot of mixed feelings towards the movie adaptation of this book but I really liked it and I was incredibly sad to hear that there wasn't going to be a sequel for it. So, I really hope someone will decide to pick this up and turn it into a TV show. There is so much material in the books. It is not a typical vampire story and I really hope that someone will give it a chance! 

Well that is it for me this week. Let me know in the comments below what books you'd want to see as a TV show! I would love to know! :) 

Favorite Series Endings | Top 5 Wednesday

Hi everyone! Wow! I can't believe another month has gone by already. Time really does fly. For today's topic it is Favorite Series Endings which is nice since earlier in the month there was Worst Series Endings! Anyway, here are my choices!

1. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Although, I did not love this book as much as the previous one. I still thought it was a decent ending, the best possible ending in a dystopic world. I am mad about some of the choices that Collins took with some characters, but in the end, I've grown (literally - oh hey 25!) and after rereading it recently, I've come to appreciate the ending that Collins has given us. 

2. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Oh this book. LOVED this book so much. I really liked how the story wrapped up nicely and in such a unique way for every ship. I really wish it wasn't only a trilogy because I loved the world that Clare produced with such strong and lovable characters. Just writing this out makes me miss Tessa, Will and Jem! I think it is time for a reread ;) 

3. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Look at that! Cassie Clare has made it to two spots on this top 5 list! I was so happy to hear when Clare had planned for more books in this series and that it did not simply end with City of Glass. I LOVED how this ended so much. There was so much build up and I was definitely anxious for the bloodbath of it all :P But I think in the end, Clare really put together a beautiful ending for the characters we love so much! 

4. Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

How could I not include this one? I remember lining up at midnight to get my copy and rushing home and sitting in one spot to read it until I finished it. I had mentally prepared myself for Harry's death, I got to the point where I would even be okay with it, and in the end [spoilers] Rowling didn't go through with it, which I was extremely grateful for. Although many character deaths did take place and those ones did break my heart, Rowling gave happy endings for a lot of the characters which I really appreciate. Sidenote however, I do not appreciate the editorial additions that came after publication. Sorry, J.K, but Hermione/Ron 5ever. 

5. Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Saving the best for last.. IGNITE ME! OH goodness, this book was everything I wanted and more. I loved this book so much. I've reread it at least three times now and it never gets old for me. I love how everything develops so much and I just love the character of Warner! If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for? Mafi has beautiful writing and builds characters that demonstrate such significant growth, it is wonderful! 

Well that is it for my choices this week. Let me know in the comments your favorite series endings! :D Thanks so much for reading and I will see you next week with another topic ;) 

Books That Feature Travelling | Top 5 Wednesday

Hi everyone! I hope that you are all well. My apologies for missing last week's topic - I was sick AND I don't like writing negative things on my blog to begin with, and last week was most frustrating characters. Anyways, I'm back with this week's topic and it is top 5 books that feature travelling. I am including a variation of "travelling" = road trips, vacations, etc, etc. 

1. Mosquitoland by David Arnold

This one is a must for me. I loved reading about Mim's travel to see her mom and her encounters along the way and how she learns to discover some truths about herself.

Full Review located: here! 

2. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson 

Travelling isn't a huge portion of the book, but it occurs mostly towards the end of the novel. I loved this book so much and I just loved the journey that the characters took and the relationships that came out of it. It is definitely one of my favorite YA novels ever. 

Full Review located: here!

3. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

AHHH! This book follows the protagonist and her boyfriend from New York to Singapore. What a funny and incredibly fun book. I loved this so much and when I finished it, I only wanted to visit Asia even more (I've never been). The sequel for it is coming out soon and I can't wait to start reading that as well! 

Full Review located: here!

4. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Oh this book left me in tears. What a book indeed. This book features some travelling for the main characters Violet and Finch and the places that they visited were not traditional and I just loved following along on their journey. 

Full review located: here!

5. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

I feel like this choice is pretty much self-explanatory. I mean how could I not include this one when it comes to travelling? ;)

Well that's it for this Wednesday's topic. Let me know in the comments below your choices for books that feature travelling. Thanks so much for reading! 

Books You Wanted to Start Yesterday | Top 5 Wednesday

Hi everyone! I hope that you are all doing well. I'm sorry I missed last week's Top 5 Wednesday. School and work recently started up again that day for me so I was swamped with getting back into the swing of things. Anyways, I'm back this week! I love the topic for this week because it basically will list the top 5 books that I really want to start reading asap, so basically the ones on my TBR list at the very top at the moment! Let's get started!

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 

I feel like I'm the last person on earth to read this book. I own this one and the second one and it's been on my shelf for so long! I will start it this month though because it is the next read for Chapters/Indigo's #WorldsBiggestBookClub read! 

2. The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simons

I've also had this sitting on my shelf for so long and I keep meaning to start it. Every time I think about picking it up again, I hear another rave review about it! I need to start this! 

3. The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead

The final book in the Bloodlines series. I keep wanting to start this and finish it but deep down, I'm not ready to part with this series just yet. That is probably why it's taken me so long to get around to it!

4. Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

Another book that I wanted to start yesterday and it just so happens it is also a final book in a series as well. I loved the first two very much so I really need to get around to finishing this! 

5. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

I've picked this up and put it down a few times, not because I didn't enjoy it but because ARCs came in and school work added up and I couldn't find the time. I am dying to read this and find out what happens next in the story so I really hope I can start it soon! 

Well those are my top 5 books of books I wanted to start yesterday. Let me know your picks below in the comments! 

Worst Series Enders | Top 5 Wednesday

So this week's topic is a bit of a controversial one. I don't usually like posting bad reviews or well saying bad things about books in general, so I am going to say now as a disclaimer before I begin, they are not the "worst" series enders, I just simply did not enjoy the ending of these particular series. I find it a common thread with trilogies. Where I absolutely love the first one, the second one it gets even better and then the third one, everything usually feels rushed and I am kind of left wanting more.

Anyways, here the choices for this week!

1. Requiem by Lauren Oliver

I had such high hopes for this one and I felt just really confused and distraught after finishing it. I did not feel it was a satisfying end to the series at all and I felt it was very unlike the characters to progress to this point. I was really sad because I LOVED delirium so much. 

2. The Death Cure by James Dashner 

Oh this book. What on earth happened in this book. I really did not enjoy this one and its a shame because the first book in the series was wonderful. I didn't like how the story progressed and I felt that the plot moved in a direction that was difficult to follow. 

3. Horde by Ann Aguirre 

This wasn't the worst series ender ever. I just felt it reached a point where I wasn't overly surprised by the turn of events and it fell flat with me. Overall, I liked this series, but this one was my least favorite of the three. 

4. Reached by Ally Condie

I loved the concept of this world that Ally Condie created but this final book of the series was my least favorite. I felt it did not stand up with the previous two and that similar to how Horde made me feel, it simply fell flat with me. It was predictable and I just knew where it was going before I reached the end. 

5. Allegiant by Veronica Roth

With a heavy heart, I am going to say Allegiant. I loved and hated this book all at once. I think my dislike comes from well the ending. I did not anticipate things to go in this matter. I don't think badly of Veronica Roth at all for choosing this route, in fact, I think it was and still is incredibly brave of her. I think my problems with this book mostly lie in the pacing of it. I felt things were either slow in some areas or moved way too quickly. All in all, it wasn't a bad book, but I much prefer the previous two in the series. 

I think by now you can see a common pattern: I much prefer books 1 & 2 in a series ;)

What books are your Worst Series Enders? Let me know in the comments below!