TTT. Would I Love It Now?

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week's TTT theme is Ten Books I Feel Differently About After Time Has Passed. I've come to the conclusion that I rarely change my mind. But there are a few books that I question myself if I would love them as  much as I did before, if I read them now.

Delirium, Lauren Oliver. I adored Delirium. It's one of my favourite dystopias. However, I was very disappointed with the ending of this series. Open endings always leave a sensation of emptiness, but I don't mind them if they're well done. But no matter how poetic the ending of Requiem was, it did ruin the series for me. I feel if I were to read Delirium again, I'd not give if five stars just because I knew how it would end.

The Hundred, Kass Morgan. I had no idea this book was so hated till I read it. I didn't like Clarke and it took a long time until something interesting happened on Earth, but I loved Glass (weird name, I know) and her story and her relationship with Luke. As I wrote in my review, I couldn't put the book down because I was eager to read Glass's chapters. However, after reading so many awful reviews, I'm afraid my opinion would change if I re-read it.

Matched, Ally Condie. Matched will always be a favourite of mine. I read it twice, first in Portuguese and then in English. But if I were to pick it up a third time after reading Reached, I fear my opinion would change and it's something I don't want to happen.   

Fangirl, Rainbow Rowell. Shocker, right? As a former fanfiction writer (let the hate start), Cath's obsession with it was perfectly understandable to me. However, after reading Fangirl, the more I thought about it, the more I realized there wasn't closure - if you were/are a committed fanfiction writer, I believe you understand what I mean. If I were to read it again, I'm sure my rating wouldn't be the same.     

A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas. Did I tell that after reading spoilers of the-sequel-I-shall-not-name, I cancelled my pre-order? A Court of Thorns and Roses has now become a stand-alone to me. I want to re-read it, but I'm afraid if I do it, I won't love it because I may find the love story pointless.

PS. Who is still emotionally devastated after the last episode of Game of Thrones?

TTT. Ten Books That Make Me Laugh (or at least chuckle)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

TTT this week is about books that made made me laugh. I started making my list and I realised that contemporary novels are the ones that usually make me laugh or chuckle. I don't read as many contemporary novels as I'd like (I read too much fantasy, I know). So, unfortunately, this will be a small list.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before & PS. I Still Love You, Jenny Han. Oh Lara Jean, you made me laugh from the first moment you decided to make Peter your fake boyfriend. These novels are super adorable and if you're in need of a laugh or chuckle I completely recommend them to you.

The Fill-In Boyfriend, Kasie West. Another fake-boyfriend plot. Why those always make me laugh?

 
Fangirl, Rainbow Rowell. Cath, I completely understand your obsession with fanfiction. And your are the biggest introverted in the world, after me, of course. So, fanfiction, introvert Cath plus Levi (if you are wondering who Levi is, go read the the story) means a lot of chuckles. Who wants a dancing party?  

The Shopaholic Series, Sophie Kinsella. Becky Bloomwood. Enough said, right? I mean, I laughed at the way she tried to avoid her bills. I laughed at her crazy schemes. I can't remember a single page that I didn't laugh or, at least, chuckle.

*Here it's my small list. I should read more contemporary novels - feel free to make recommendations (especially those that make a reader laugh).

TTT. Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

I can't believe in a few days it's officially Spring. There are so many books I want to read - but, as usual, so little time. I'll be dividing this list in two: five books that I already own and five books that are released during this Spring. 

Books I Already Own

A Little Something Different, Sandy Hill. This is the book I won in a Bout of Books 15 challenge (I still don't have it, but I'll have it on my hands pretty soon; so it's like I already own it). It just seems such a cute love story, which makes it a perfect Spring reading. 

Assassin's Heart, Sarah Ahiers. I received this book yesterday - don't you love going to pick the mail and find a book waiting for you? The cover is gorgeous! *.* It's a Romeo & Juliet kinda-of retelling. But, hopefully, the ending won't be so tragic.  

Fire Touched, Patricia Briggs. An obvious choice on my list. I waited for this novel for two years. How did I spend two years without Mercy Thompson? I'll never know...

The Forbidden Wish, Jessica. A retelling of Arabian Nights. You know how much I love retellings (I keep mentioning it, right?), so I have to read it. Also, Sarah J. Maas said some nice things about it, which is one more reason to read it.

The Weight of Feathers, Anna-Marie McLemore. Another romantic novel with a little bit of Romeo & Juliet. It will be a Spring full of love for me.

Upcoming Releases

A Court of Mist and Fury, Sarah J. Maas. One of my most obvious choices for this list. I can't wait to put my hands on this novel -even though I'm dreading the fact that Rhysand will probably become a love interest for Feyre. Am I the only one who can't stand the idea?  

Love, Lies and Spies, Cindy Anstey. "In "Love, Lies and Spies" Cindy Anstey's hilarious homage to Jane Austen, a lady with a penchant for trouble finds a handsome spy much more than merely tolerable". One single mention to Jane Austen and I know I have to read it. Also, it seems a really good spy novel. 

The Crown's Game, Evelyn Skye. This novel takes place in Imperial Russia and has enchanters battling for their life. Fantasy and history are always a perfect match. Another book that I can't wait to put my hands on.

The Star Touched Queen, Roshani Chokshi. This novel is inspired by Indian mythology. Of course I've to read it. I probably love mythology more than I should.

This Savage Song, Victoria Schwab. I haven't read any of Schwab's previous novels. I loved the summary of this one (violent acts that summon real monsters? A bloodsucking Malchai; a clawing Corsai; and soul-stealing Sunai ) and if I love it, I'll check her other works.        

TTT. Ten Characters I Love to Hate and Hate to Love

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

Today's topic of TTT is Ten Characters Everyone Loves but I Just Don't Get or Ten Characters I Love but Others Seem to Dislike. Instead of choosing one of the topics, I'm doing both. 

Five Characters Everyone Loves but I Don't Get

Charley Davidson from Charley Davidson series. She's annoying as hell. She isn't funny. She's childish. Her behavior and silly remarks make me want to strangle her. Yet, most people think she is awesome and that she is super funny. Well, no matter how hard I try, I can't laugh at her jokes.

Gale Hawthorne from the Hunger Games series. Poor Gale who has to watch the girl he has a crush on kiss another guy during the Games... Seriously? With everything that was going on in the series, I never found the time to feel bad for Gale. I couldn't even see what other people see in him.

Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses. I can't the see the appealing. I mean, he did help Feyre when she needed the most. But I don't understand why everyone is crazy about Rhysand and want him to be a love interest to Feyre. I'm super excited about A Court of Mist and Fury, but at the same time I'm dreading it because Rhysand will be all over the place and I'm afraid I'll dislike because he will ruin Feyre and Tamlin's love. Why try to ruin everything A Court of Thorns and Roses accomplished?

Ron Wesley from the Harry Potter series. This has nothing to do with me being pro Harry/Hermione. I liked Ron in the first three books - even when he and my favorite character, Hermione, were always bickering. But then Ron came across a jealous brat and I just wanted to put some sense in his head. I'm sure Harry would have changed places with him at any time - a loving family and not having someone trying to murder you every school year sounds pretty amazing.

Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series. He was bullied by James gang. He lost the love of his life. He treated badly Harry, the son of the love of his life. I don't hate Snape, but I don't understand all the love he receives. He did kind of redeem himself, but I find he is too adored for someone who behaved the way he did throughout the series.

Five Characters I Love but Others Seem to Dislike

Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey. Most people dislike Northanger Abbey because of its protagonist, Catherine. Her behavior is judged a lot. But her mind was influenced by Gothic novels and I laughed at some of her ideas. And let's face it, she has the mind/ideas of a reader. Are you telling me that after reading a mysterious book you never started imagining the same happening to you?

Cho Chang from the Harry Potter series. I think people are really unfair to Cho Chang. I found her adorable. Yes, she was jealous of Hermione, but who wouldn't be? Harry talked a lot about Hermione and he even said he had to finish their Valentine's date earlier to meet Hermione [see why I ship Harry/Hermione?]. Cho isn't the devil people make her. Her boyfriend was murdered. She wanted Voldemort dead. She returned to fight in the Battle of Hogwarts. She was a brave Ravenclaw.

Jericho Barrons from Fever Series. Yes, he's an idiot and most of his actions towards Mac go against my feminist side. However, then I remember when he painted Mac's toenails and how fun their bickering is, and I think I'd love a Jericho Barrons in my life. But, yeah, he is an asshole (excuse my language).

Laia from An Ember in the Ashes. I've read a lot of reviews trashing Laia because of her bad and irrational decisions. But I love her because she isn't your typical heroine. She has lost everyone and her brother is all she has left. Even though she is afraid, she tries to save him (which I don't think that is an irrational decision at all). She suffers at the hands of the Commander and she is manipulated by the rebels, but Laia never gives up. I can't hate a girl who goes through hell to save her brother.

Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. When I started reading The Catcher in the Rye for a American Literature course back at university, I couldn't pass from the first chapters because Holden can be an annoying narrator. However, when I started realizing what he meant with his observations and who he was, I couldn't put it down. The grow-up world is phony! I guess the readers who can't stand Holden are the one who never went through a crisis of being afraid of growing up. By the last page of The Catcher in Rye, I understood I had a lot in common with Holden.

TTT. Ten Books to Read If You Are in the Mood for Fantasy

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

It has been a while since I participated on TTT. I'm participating today and I'm recommending ten books to read if you are in the mood for Fantasy. I'll try to mention some of my most recent reading and I'll try to mention different genres of Fantasy.

A Thousand Nights, E.K. Johnston. This retelling of One Thousand Nights is simply beautiful. There is something magical in E. K. Johnston writing that brings such a realness to the novel that you can put it down. A fairytale retelling lover as me can't ignore this book. It's a must read!  [Review]

Six of Crows, Leigh Badurgo. I'm completely in love with this novel. It is well-written, it is fast paced and has lots of twists and surprises that leave the reader on the edge of its seat. Six of Crows is a beautifully written blend of magic and darkness that every fantasy lover must read. [Review]

An Ember in the Ashes, Sabaa Tahir. One of my favorite readings of 2015 (if not, my favorite one), An Ember in the Ashes brings fantasy to a world inspired by ancient Rome. Brilliant characters, strange men known as Augurs who deliver prophecies, masks that can't be taken off... All the ingredients for a mind-blowing fantasy novel.   

Dreamer's Pool, Juliet Marillier. No list made by me can be complete without Juliet Marillier. However, today I'm recommending Dreamer's Pool instead of Heart's Blood. Why? Dreamer's Pool is Marillier's first trilogy focused on "older" characters. Blackthorn & Grim is a series of fairytale retellings for those who want a break from YA.

Starbound Trilogy, Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner. This series is perfect for everyone who love spacial fantasy. Not only the covers are stunning, but the world created is simply brilliant and the characters are far from simple. I still have to read Their Fractured Light, but after the beauty of These Broken Stars and This Shattered World, I feel I won't be disappointed.

A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin. There is no reason to explain why this series made the list. If you love epic fantasy, A Song of Ice and Fire is a must.

Outlander, Diana  Gabaldon. History and fantasy (time-traveling is usually science fiction, but Claire traveled to the past because of some druid magic/stones, so it's fantasy), what could be better?

And my list is done. I know, how can I be done if there are only 7 recommendations? Well, the Starbound Trilogy, as it's obvious, has three books and A Song of Ice and Fire has five published books until the moment. In fact, I recommended more than 10 books. =P

TTT. Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

Five Books Coming Out This Fall

A Thousand Nights, E. K. Johnston - I never read A Thousand and One Nights, but I believe this book is something I'll enjoy. Death, mystery, magic...All the ingredients a good story needs.

Illuminae, Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff - Have you read its summary? Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews. It sounds pretty amazing.  

The Immortal Heights, Sherry Thomas - I'm so happy I only read the first two books of The Elemental Trilogy this year because a year waiting for the conclusion would have killed me. Must know the fate of Iolanthe and Titus.  

The Revolution of Ivy, Amy Engel - I don't know if it's the conclusion of the story started in The Book of Ivy, but I can't wait to know what happens next. My poor Ivy. I just want everything to be okay with her.

These Shallow Graves, Jennifer Donnelly - All I've to say is that I'm jealous of everyone who received ARC of this book. Lucky bookworms... 

Tower of Thorns, Juliet Marillier - I'm dying for this book. I just want it so badly! Gosh, just two more months and I'll say hi again to Blackthorn and Grim. I've missed you so much.

Five Books I Already Own

Rook, Sharon Cameron - I've owned this book since its release. I really wanted to read it but then came out An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses and PS. I Still Love You... You know, too many books and so little time.

Scarlet & Cress, Marissa Meyer - Yep, I already own the books, but I still haven't read them *please don't kill me*. But I'll try to read them before Winter comes out. 

Shadow Study, Maria V. Snyder - I'm so sorry Yelena. I promise that I still love you. I'll read Shadow Study before Fall is over. I promise.

TTT. Ten Finished Series I Have YET to Finish

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

Another short top for me. I can't think of many finished series that I have yet to finish (I checked on Goodreads). However, I can think of some series I've to catch up with that aren't finished yet. Yep, I'm always late! Too many books and so little time...

Top Five Series I Have Yet to Finish

 

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor - I only read the first book of the series this year during Bout of Book 14 Read-a-Thon. It seems I only start reading a new series when everyone has already read it. I told you: I'm always late!

Dust Lands Trilogy by Moira Young - I loved Blood Red Road so much! I already own the following books, but for some odd reason I haven't picked them out yet from my TBR pile.   

Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier - This is embarrassing to say, I know. I'm always telling you how much I love Juliet Marillier and yet I haven't finished the Sevenwaters series. I my defense when it was first release I was young (I still liked my books with pictures).

The Maze Runner by James Dashner - Book three was spoiled for me. So, I haven't found the courage to read it yet. But I will! It is on my reading list since January.

Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman - I read Unwind in a day. I couldn't put the book down - also, I was participating on Bout of Books 11. I've to read the following books as soon as possible!

Which finished series have you yet to finish? Is there any you'd like to recommend? ;)

TTT. Ten Characters I Just Didn't Click With

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This will be a Top Five because I can't think of many characters I don't click with. I always try to give a second chance to a character. I give them an opportunity to redeem themselves. But the few ones I don't click with, most of times, I feel that I end up hating them. A lot.

Charley Davidson from First Grave on the Right -  I hate you so much Charley! I really, but really hate you! Her childish ways annoy me. Charley isn't funny. She is like a little kid who keeps repeating the same jokes over and over again; she is like a girl stuck on high school forever. And the worse is that I enjoy the series plot (I really find it interesting), but Charley's behavior ruins everything for me. Another reason to hate her so much.  

Meg Corbyn from Written in Red - I didn't click with Meg at first. I found really difficult to accept her ingenuity (as a cassandra sangue she had never experienced the real world before). It annoyed me to no end how stupid she could be. But the Others made up for her bland character. I confess that by the end, I warmed up to Meg. I'm currently reading Murder of Crows and I haven't felt like slapping her yet.  

Ron Wesley from the Harry Potter series - This has nothing to do with me being pro Harry/Hermione. I liked Ron in the first three books - even when he and my favourite character, Hermione, were always bickering. But then Ron came across a jealous brat and I just wanted to put some sense in his head. I'm sure Harry would have changed places with him at any time - a loveling family and not having someone trying to murder you every year sounds pretty amazing.

Sansa Stark from A Song of Ice and Fire - Do I really have to explain? I mean, it's Sansa. I tried, but... It's Sansa. Enough said! But her character in Game of Thrones is more interesting than her character in the books.  

Trish Prior from Divergent - I read Divergent in less than 24 hours just so I didn't have to deal with Trish a second more. I can't recall the main reason why I didn't click with her (see? I really don't want anything to do with Trish), but we just didn't click. 

TTT. Books That Would Be On My Syllabus If I Taught Demonology in YA Literature

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

I think I wouldn't mind teaching literature. I used to enjoy some of the literature classes I took - my favourite class was 20th Century North-American Literature. But if I were to teach a Literature class, it would be related with the supernatural. So, let my class begin...

Demonology in YA Literature 666

Welcome to Demonology in YA Literature. During the next semester, it will be discussed the different demonic representations in Young Adult Literature and its roots. To pass this course students are required to read and fangirl. The required readings can be purchase in physical format or eBook. 

These are the first five readings and each story represents demons is a very different way. In Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, Dreams by Daniela Sacerdoti and The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent the main characters are demon hunters which allows the reader the opportunity to understand the reasons that motivate a human to fight demons. In Daughter of Smoke & Blood by Laini Taylor there will be a discussion about who the real demons are.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge offers another representation of demons and their physical and psychological effect on the human being. In Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London, Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr and Written in Red by Anne Bishop, there will be analysed the other demons as the demons can be represented by vampires, fairies and/or human beings. Riders by Veronica Rossi (my cheating book as it hasn't been published yet) will offer a discussion about the Four Horsemen. 

I wish good luck to everyone enrolling on this course. =P

TTT. Top Ten Of My Auto-buy Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This TTT will be very short. I've many favourite authors, but I can't say I auto-buy all their books. I love Patricia Briggs, but I only auto-buy her Mercy Thompson stories. I enjoy George R.R. Martin's work, but I only buy his series A Song of Ice and Fire (and everything related with the TV series, Game of Thrones). So, only two authors made this list (and one of them has only published a book yet). 

1. Juliet Marillier. Surprised? I know you aren't. I already wrote a million times how much I love her stories. She's the Queen! I must buy everything she publishes these days -sadly, I still have to buy/read some of her older words. I pre-ordered my copy of Tower of Thorns many months ago and it only comes out in November. 

2. Sabaa Tahir. I'm in love with An Ember in the Ashes (the title is simply beautiful). I didn't expect to love the story as much as I did; I didn't expect to fall for the characters as I did. Now, I simply can't wait for its sequel. Sabaa Tahir won a reader for life because if all her stories are as An Ember in the Ashes, I must read them. She is an amazing writer.