Top Ten Tuesday: Inspirational/Thought-Provoking Book Quotes

GoodeyReads9 Comments

Howdy y’all! Happy Top Ten Tuesday to all.

Okay, I’m not a reader that writes out a lot of quotes or remembers them for that matter. The way I came up with these quotes today was in all honesty, remembering books I enjoyed. The only book quote I religiously remember is the first one from, A Court of Mist and Fury. The following are quotes I looked up from Goodreads that stood out to me from some of my favorite books.

“There are good days and bad days for me — even now. Don’t let the hard days win.”

– A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR #2) by Sarah J. Maas

“If you give up what you want most for what you think you should want more, you’ll end up miserable.”

– The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3) by Brandon Sanderson

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”

– Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”

– The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown (I’m clearly a big fan of hers)

“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.”

– Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

“Each scar marks me as a survivor. A warrior of the wild.”

– Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

“Unknowing ignorance is preferable to informed stupidity.”

– Warbreaker (Warbreaker #1) by Brandon Sanderson

“You don’t have to be fast. But you’d better be fearless.”

– Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

“We turn memories into stories, and if we don’t, we lose them. If the stories are gone, then the people are gone too.”

– What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

“But maybe it’s better to go after something, and not get it, than to not even try.”

– The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4) by Cinda Williams Chima

And this is only a small portion of the quotes I could have chosen. Isn’t it amazing how words from all of these books we read affect us? Going back and doing this was actually really enlightening. Like remembering dear friends who hold wise words.

Do you like any of these quotes? What is one of your favorite though-provoking quotes?

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Book Review: The Traitor’s Kiss (The Traitor’s Circle #1) by Erin Beaty

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA Fantasy/Romance
Length: 344 pages
Author: Erin Beaty
Publisher: Imprint
Release Date: May 9th, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An obstinate girl who will not be married. A soldier desperate to prove himself. A kingdom on the brink of war.

With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they’d call a lady―which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls―and on the soldiers escorting them.

As the girls’ military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks. The more she discovers as a spy, the less certain she becomes about whom to trust―and Sage becomes caught in a dangerous balancing act that will determine the fate of her kingdom.

OKAY. THIS BOOK WAS MADE FOR ME.

Yes, I firmly believe this book was written for me, so if by the end of this review you aren’t feeling it. THAT’S COOL. I’LL BE FINE (but seriously if it’s up your alley you should read it and gush with me).

This is a love story with other components surrounding it. Definitely reminded me of The Remnant Chronicles by Mary Pearson (which I absolutely adore). The plot flowed from action, to new locations, to one heck of an epic battle scene at the end. EPIC.

My angst filled romance between the two main characters WAS EVERYTHING. This didn’t start out as enemies to lovers. It was more who are you to lovers. BUT NEVER FEAR. There was banter, some hate vibes (which created the angst I previously mentioned) and plenty of sweet, precious moments.

My dearest Sage. Girl is stubborn, rash, strong-willed, and independent. I love that she hung with the men and wanted to DO something rather than sit on the sidelines. Even better, our lovely military escort allowed her too. NO HOLDING HER BACK. What I appreciated most was when she found out some information (that of course, as a reader, I already knew) that she responded in a matter that made sense. Sage was angry, yes, but also was able to listen and understand why things were done in such a way. It made me love her character even more.

Don’t even get me started on our male POV — yes keeping his name out. It’s more fun this way, TRUST ME. Y’all he was so swoon-worthy. He’s a new addition to my ever growing book boyfriend list. His final battle scene had me cheering. YOU TAKE DOWN THE DUKE. I loved getting to know him on many levels and watching this love story grow.

There was even one part that brought tears to my eyes. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t think it would happen. I appreciate this in authors though because sometimes, crap has to happen. And that’s okay, even if it pulls at all my heart strings.

Funny tidbit: the opening scenes are straight out of Mulan (the matchmaker scene). Not sure if it was actually inspired by that, but it brought Mulan to mind and I thought it was humorous.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young adult fantasy + romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: a few kisses, and make-outs
  • Violence: Knives, poison, physical, arrows, battle scenes (+gore), mentions of torture
  • Trigger warnings: suicide (a random soldier in front of male POV), domestic abuse + miscarriage (mentioned that it occurred to a character not in book), sexual assault (unwanted grab of backside & kiss to female POV)

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Book Tag Saturday: The Currently Reading Tag

GoodeyReads7 Comments

I’ve seen this tag floating around, but not sure who created it initially. If you happen to know I’d love to credit that blog!

For real though, I am SO SORRY to be slacking on my Saturday tags. Wow, I noticed I haven’t posted any for 3+ weeks. It’s been a rough time in our household. I have depression that gets really bad every few months and with my leg injury + getting sick I have run myself into the ground.

Positive note though is that I have some new options for treatment. Hopefully getting a different blood test and seeing a specialist (we’re pretty sure it’s no longer just a stress fracture in both legs). Anywho, here’s the answers to this tag!

How Many Books Do You Usually Read At Once?

Two to three. It depends on what I’m reading, but I DO keep it to only one per device. So I’ll have an audiobook, a physical book, and a digital book going at one time generally (or audio + e-book OR physical). That way I can keep things straight.

How Do You Decide When To Switch Between Multiple Reads?

When I finish it? I rarely stop reading and pick up a different book. I either finish or DNF before I move on. If I’m involved in a book I don’t want to switch.

Do You Ever Switch Bookmarks Partway Through A Book?

WHAT IS THAT MADNESS? NO.

I have one bookmark. It’s a dinosaur holographic one from good ol’ Hastings (RIP). I’ve had it for a few years, and I hope to always have it.

Where Do You Keep the Book(s) You’re Currently Reading?

Wherever I am. No really, sitting on the couch? My book is underneath (hiding it from toddler). Riding in car? It’s in my lap/purse. I can’t help it. My husband calls them my comfort items. He gets me y’all.

What Time Of Day Do You Read The Most?

Before bed. Baby bedtime is at 7 PM. I usually work on my blog til 9 or so then read until 12 PM. Then I’ll get up before she wakes to read some more. It’s too complicated reading with her awake right now (which is fine! It’s a season of life). I like to make sure she’s getting the attention and communication she needs.

How Long Do You Typically Read In One Session?

1-3 hours. I take breaks every 2 chapters though. Either to scroll through Instagram or get up for a snack, drink, bathroom break, etc.

Do You Read Hardbacks With the Dust Jacket Off?

Do you read with them on?

Do you not fear damaging those beautiful jackets!?

The answer is yes, I take it off before even opening the book.

What Position Do You Mainly Use To Read?

I sit in our chair (with ottoman) most often. Other times I read on my side.

Do You Take Your Current Read With You Everywhere You Go?

I mentioned this in a previous question, but yes. It’s my comfort item. I like to make sure I have a book anywhere I go.

How often Do You Update Your Goodreads Reading Progress?

I update regularly when I start/finish reading a book. I don’t take the time to update my progress as I read though. I think it’s tedious and unnecessary. I want to see book reviews, not random babble as you finish the book so I don’t post mine either haha.

Keeping it simple this week and doing a short tag and not tagging anyone. Trying to get back into a groove so feel free to do this one and tag your answers in it!

What are some of your bookish habits? Lets talk in the comments!

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Book Review: The Falconer (The Falconer #1) by Elizabeth May

GoodeyReads10 Comments

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
Audience: Young adult historical fantasy
Length: 378 pages
Author: Elizabeth May
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

One girl’s nightmare is this girl’s faery tale

She’s a stunner.
Edinburgh, 1844. Eighteen-year-old Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, has everything a girl could dream of: brains, charm, wealth, a title—and drop-dead beauty.

She’s a liar.
But Aileana only looks the part of an aristocratic young lady. she’s leading a double life: She has a rare ability to sense the sìthíchean—the faery race obsessed with slaughtering humans—and, with the aid of a mysterious mentor, has spent the year since her mother died learning how to kill them.

She’s a murderer.
Now Aileana is dedicated to slaying the fae before they take innocent lives. With her knack for inventing ingenious tools and weapons—from flying machines to detonators to lightning pistols—ruthless Aileana has one goal: Destroy the faery who destroyed her mother.

She’s a Falconer.
The last in a line of female warriors born with a gift for hunting and killing the fae, Aileana is the sole hope of preventing a powerful faery population from massacring all of humanity. Suddenly, her quest is a lot more complicated. She still longs to avenge her mother’s murder—but she’ll have to save the world first.

The first volume of a trilogy from an exciting new voice in young adult fantasy, this electrifying thriller combines romance and action, steampunk technology and Scottish lore in a deliciously addictive read. 

FAE. FAE. AND MORE FAE.

I’m really into anything with faeries y’all. I don’t know why. Maybe all that mystical-ness and gorgeous selves makes me have to pick it up. Either way, that’s my original intention when I grabbed this at the library.

This was fun! I wouldn’t say I thought it was spectacular, but it did get better and better as I went along. I loved the vibe of the world the author built. It was historical 1844 Edinburgh, but with a steampunk aesthetic. They had little devices to dispense tea/punch, others to create stitches and even a version of a helicopter.

Hot dang, I was almost upset about a love triangle, at present, there is none! And therefore, I can be alllll over Kiaran and Aileana. This is definitely a slow burn romance. I’m loving their banter and affinity towards each other.

They’re a lot of typical aspects to this novel. A fierce, warrior fae who’s handsome and brooding. The girl who’s in society, but secretly is a chosen-one type to help save the lands. She’s fueled by the death of her mother, etc. While this was a little eh, the different influences of everything else made this book worth the read.

A lot of secrets were left out for the next book. It was often chalked up to the fae “not answering” because they can’t lie kinda thing. I’m intrigued and interested because it seems each book is stronger than the previous. This is great, standard YA that I love to read.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young adult historical fantasy
  • Language: damn is used often, but that’s it
  • Romance: a few kisses
  • Violence: knives, explosions, a bit gory physical, faerie magic, guns