Can't Wait Wednesday #19 - All The Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings and spotlights the books we are excited about and have yet to read. This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday which is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

I can't wait for...
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

Expected Publication: October 10, 2017
by Scholastic Press
Goodreads

Synopsis:
Here is a thing everyone wants: 
A miracle. 

Here is a thing everyone fears:
What it takes to get one. 

Any visitor to Bicho Raro, Colorado is likely to find a landscape of dark saints, forbidden love, scientific dreams, miracle-mad owls, estranged affections, one or two orphans, and a sky full of watchful desert stars. 

At the heart of this place you will find the Soria family, who all have the ability to perform unusual miracles. And at the heart of this family are three cousins longing to change its future: Beatriz, the girl without feelings, who wants only to be free to examine her thoughts: Daniel, the Saint of Bicho Raro, who performs miracles for everyone but himself; and Joaquin, who spends his nights running a renegade radio station under the name Diablo Diablo. 

They are all looking for a miracle. But the miracles of Bicho Raro are never quite what you expect. 
__________________

If I didn't know who Maggie was, or that her books are always so unique, I probably wouldn't be too interested in this, to be honest. It does have a certain mystery surrounding it but if I was to put nearly any other author's name to this synopsis I'd just be 'meh' about it. But this is Maggie Stiefvater. And she's brilliant and I know that she does amazing things and has amazing ideas and that alone makes me super psyched for this. 

Picture Book Review: Tidy by Emily Gravett

Title: Tidy 

Author: Emily Gravett

Publisher: Two Hoots

Publication Date: April 7, 2016

Length: 40 pages
Format: Hardcover

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

Pete the badger likes everything to be neat and tidy at all times, but what starts as the collecting of one fallen leaf escalates quickly and ends with the complete destruction of the forest! Will Pete realize the error of his ways and set things right? 

My Thoughts: 

Pete the Badger loves to tidy things up. He helps the birds takes baths and combs the foxes fur until all the twigs, leaves, and burrs are gone. But things get out of hand when he starts to clean up all of the falling leaves in the forest. Pete tidies up so extensively that soon he's digging up the bare trees and getting rid of all the dirt. He only realizes how far he's gone when he can no longer find food to eat or get home to sleep. 

This is a cute little story that reminds us that we can sometimes take things a little too far. That there's no such thing as perfect and that we need to learn to accept things for how they are. 

I loved the illustrations so much! They are very calming, even when chaotic. I love the warmth in the colors and the details as well as the adorable forest animals. 

The Sunday Post #71 - Already August?

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things you received, share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead, and more.

I've been trying extra hard to catch up with all of my reviews and keep up with blogging this week but I'm already late today. I also put more effort into replying to comments and visiting more blogs. I've been pretty bad at that in the past few months because I've been focusing on just trying to keep up. I've been giving up my current bookstagram obsession little by little to do so but hey, it's all about balance, right? Unfortunately, I haven't been reading much this week even though I have a huge TBR for the month (to go along with both COYER and ARC August) AND I just got a few books in from the library that I had on hold for months so I need to prioritize better. But that's my life; always trying to squeeze all of my hobbies in between parenting, chores, and other obligations. It's what keeps me sane though so I'm not giving it up! 

NEW TO MY SHELVES

I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous prequel by Athena from Goodreads! I'm really looking forward to reading this! 

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
Since last Sunday, I've posted my July Wrap-Up, my August TBR, a Can't Wait Wednesday, and two reviews.
I wrote a review for National Geographic Kids' 2018 Almanac

And a review of The Dragons of Nova by Elise Kova.

RECENTLY READ

CURRENTLY READING

CURRENTLY WATCHING
Hubby started Breaking Bad again so I've been watching a little bit of that with him but otherwise avoiding television.

BOOKSTAGRAM / Book Photos

I am linking to Book Photo Sundays via Rabbit Ears Book Blog!

I have been a little less active on instagram this past week but still trying to keep up.  Here's my new (bluer) theme for August and my feed from the end of July! :)

Follow me on instagram!

I hope you all have an amazing week! 

Book Review: The Dragons of Nova by Elise Kova

I received a free ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Keymaster Press in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: The Dragon's of Nova

Author: Elise Kova

Series: The Loom Saga #2

Publisher: Keymaster Press

Publication Date: July 11, 2017

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

Length: 448 pages

Format: ebook

Source: Netgalley

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

Cvareh returns home to his sky world of Nova with the genius crafter Arianna as his temperamental guest. The mercurial inventor possesses all the Xin family needs to turn the tides of a centuries-old power struggle, but the secrets she harbors must be earned with trust--hard to come by for Ari, especially when it comes to Dragons. On Nova, Ari finds herself closer to exacting vengeance against the traitor who killed everything--and everyone--she once loved. But before Ari can complete her campaign of revenge, the Crimson Court exposes her shadowed past and reveals something even more dangerous sparking between her and Cvareh. 

While Nova is embroiled in blood sport and political games, the rebels on Loom prepare for an all-out assault on their Dragon oppressors. Florence unexpectedly finds herself at the forefront of change, as her unique blend of skills--and quick-shooting accuracy--makes her a force to be reckoned with. For the future of her world, she vows vengeance against the Dragons. 

Before the rebellion can rise, though, the Guilds must fall. 

My Thoughts: 

Arianna, better known as the White Wraith, makes it to Nova with Cvareh, right where we left off in The Alchemists of Loom. In the first book, we learned that Nova is a floating world in the sky above Loom where the Dragon race live. These aren't your typical winged dragons, though they do fly with the help of their magic and some awesome machines that the Fenthri of Loom created. Nova's powerful Dragon King, Yvuen, has been holding Loom and it's inhabitants hostage for decades, having split them into guilds and destroying any rebellions.
But Arianna is holding a heavy grudge against these dragons and will stop at nothing to find the one that killed someone special to her. She's also determined to destroy the grip that the Dragon King has on her people. So, with Cvareh's help, she entertains an alliance with his older sister, Petra, the Oji of House Xin, whom vies for the throne. 

This was pretty much just as awesome as the first book. There's the steampunk elements, the kickass worldbuilding (which was even more amazing now that we're hanging out on floating islands high above the clouds), and some really brutal moments between Arianna, Cvareh, and basically every dragon she comes across.
Kova's writing and worldbuilding is simply fantastic with great pacing and never a dull moment.

I love the very capable women in these books. Arianna, Florence, and Petra are 'take no shit' kind of characters and I love them. 
We are introduced to more characters that shape the story and what is to come and I'm excited to continue on with this series and see what happens to them all.

Some of the POVs kind of made the story drag, but this is definitely a personal opinion that others might not share. I wasn't really interested in Petra or Yveun's POVs despite how important they were to the overall story. I also kind of disliked Florence's chapters, though they were important to an event that happens at the very end, and to keep us connected to those on Loom (but come on, can we please just live in Nova forever?!)
This sequel was a bit more political and I honestly just wanted more of Cvereh and Ari and their crazy tension.

I'm hesitant to recommend this to young adults because of the sexual interaction in this book but I think mature young adults could handle it just fine. It's all tastefully done.
Otherwise, I'd recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy, steampunk, or is just looking for something a little different since this series is pretty unique and equally awesome. 

My Rating: 4.75 stars

My review of The Alchemists of Loom

National Georgraphic Kids Almanac 2018

I received a copy of this book from National Geographic Kids and Media Masters in exchange for an honest review.

National Geographic Kids

Almanac 2018

Publication Date: May 9, 2017

Length: 351 pages

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

*National Geographic Store*

With the new school year just around the corner, it's time to get rid of the summer brain drain and get those kids ready to learn again! We all love those summer breaks but getting your child ready for school well before they start the new year will help them fall right into the learning schedule and will help them keep their grades up in the upcoming school year.

So why not start with an amazing resource filled with a ton of topics paired with brightly colored photos that will catch your child's interest over and over again! 

The National Geographic Kids Almanacs are an affordable way to give children a bit of knowledge on so many different topics. It is a great way to review things your children may have already learned in the past and they're sure to learn a few new things while they are at it!

This almanac is split into 12 different sections starting with what's new in our part of the world (there's a Canadian version, too!). These sections cover all sorts of amazing topics from amazing animals, space and earth, to engineering and technology, and much more! 

Each section is packed full of amazingly detailed color photos and more facts and tidbits of useful information than you could absorb in just one day. 

Want to be a Conservationalist? You can learn what subjects you should study, what shows to watch, and what books to read. You can also read about people who work in that field (or others). 

Want to know how to write the perfect essay? Want to know more about dinosaurs? Or animals that are currently battling climate change? 

You may learn about weather and natural disasters, types of biomes, rocks, planets, and more. You can even find out exactly when the next supermoon, eclipse, or meteor shower is!

Want to know your Chinese horoscope or what holidays people around the world celebrate? Then check out 'Cultural Connection'! 

Want to grow your own biofilm, learn how to do proper research, or learn how your brain works? Check out 'Life Science'!

There's something for everyone in here!


Do you like a little challenge with your learning? Not only does this almanac have quizzes throughout the 12 sections but it also has a 'Fun & Games' section full of 'Funny Fill-Ins', 'Find It' picture pages, comics, jokes, and more! 

With all your favorite Nat Geo Kids features like 'Weird But True Facts', '18 Cool Things', there's enough in this almanac to keep any curious child busy for days, weeks, and months! 
It is the perfect resource for any little learner, whether they are homeschooled, tutored, or attend a brick and mortar school.  There's so much more than what I've shared here so be sure to grab your own copy (links above) and add it to your shelves! 

Can't Wait Wednesday #18 - Odd & True by Cat Winters

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings and spotlights the books we are excited about and have yet to read. This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday which is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

I Can't Wait For...
Odd & True by Cat Winters

Expected publication: September 12, 2017
by Amulet Books
Goodreads

Synopsis: 
Trudchen grew up hearing Odette's stories of their monster-slaying mother and a magician's curse. But now that Tru's older, she's starting to wonder if her older sister's tales were just comforting lies, especially because there's nothing fantastic about her own life--permanently disabled and in constant pain from childhood polio.

In 1909, after a two-year absence, Od reappears with a suitcase supposedly full of weapons and promise to rescue Tru from the monsters on their way to attack her. But it's Od who seems haunted by something. And when the sisters' search for their mother leads them to a face-off with the Leeds Devil, a nightmarish beast that's wreaking havoc in the Mid-Atlantic states, Tru discovers the peculiar possibility that she and her sister--despite their dark pasts and ordinary appearances--might, indeed, have magic after all. 

__________________________________

I always get excited about spooky, monster-filled stories right about this time of the year. To be honest, though, my excitement is usually channeled into creating Halloween props and not so much into reading horror novels three months in advance. I usually save those for October. But I can't help but get excited over all of these dark stories. I've only read one other book by Cat Winters but I've been hoping to read more because what I read was fantastic and I have a special dark space in my heart for ghosts and monsters and other things that go bump in the night. 

August 2017 TBR

I will be participating in ARC August challenge this month so I'm hoping to get through at least 4 of my review books. I'm still participating in the Summer COYER as well so basically everything on this list besides maybe some of the library books are on my original COYER TBR. 
August should be a pretty uneventful month for me so (let's hope) and I'm looking forward to lots of reading and blogging. :)

struck out = finished reading
CR = Currently reading

For Review:
1.  Jorie and the Golden Key by A.H. Richardson
2. The Princess and the Page by Christina Farley CR
3. Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan  CR
4. The Eye of the North by Sinead O'Hart
5. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip
6. Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

For Fun:
1. The Ersatz Elevator (#6) by Lemony Snicket
2. The Vile Village (#7) by Lemony Snicket
3. The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin

Borrowed/On Hold: (subject to change)
1. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
2. Shadows of the Lost Sun by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis
3. The Vanishing Throne by Elizabeth May

Have you read any of these? What books are you hoping to get to this month?