Tuesday Top Ten-Best Books I’ve Read So Far This Year

June 10, 2014Leave a comment

Today I have stolen my topic idea from The Broke and Bookish blog, sales which hosts the Top Ten Tuesday meme. I usually get ideas from them, tadalafil but I call mine something different…honestly because I didn’t know theirs existed when I started mine haha. And I do more than books, physician so there is that.

Today’s topic though…its June, near half way June, so we are basically at the halfway mark for the year of 2014. So what a perfect time to talk about the best books that I have read so far this year.

Let’s get to it.

And yes, I did a top 15…don’t attack me haha. It was SO hard to narrow it down!

Remember, clicking the title will take you to the book’s GoodReads page and clicking the author name will take you to their webpage!

15. Rebel by Amy Tintera

Amy’s conclusion to her novel, Reboot, was incredible. I was so excited that I managed to get my hands on an e-galley of it, and I whipped through it so fast. Reboot is a major influence for The Awakened. Though they’re totally different spectrums of sci-fi, I love her writing, her style and the fact that she accomplished it in two books. I LOVED this book and my friend Mina just got me a signed copy so yay!

14. All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

I was massively impressed by this release of Cora Carmack. I think she’s a great writer but her stories honestly haven’t caught me quite yet but this one totally did. Football, hot boys and romance? You have me totally sold on that one. I can’t wait to read more in the Rusk University series.

13. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

This book kept popping up on my radar and the cover was so pretty that I am so glad I finally buckled down and bought this and read it. Harper is such a fun main character, all sass and attitude and hilarity, with these new, almost superhero like powers, and its just a great book. I loved every single bit of this novel.

12. Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I honestly don’t think that there has been a book yet that I’ve been disappointed in when it comes to Jennifer L. Armentrout. This book was so different from others that I’ve read from her in the past but it was just so good. It was scary! Every time the main character saw something in the mirror or got a note tucked into her backpack or something like that, I was just so scared. Such a great book.

11. Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Katie Finn is awesome, basically because its a lighter version of Morgan Matson, who I love…and its the same person. LOL. But I absolutely loved seeing a lighter, summer-y version of Morgan as Katie Finn and this book was SO much fun, and so delicious and…it just literally made me so excited for summer. Its the perfect summer read.

10. A Girl Called Fearless by Catherine Linka

What a beautiful, beautiful debut novel. I love it for so many reasons. Catherine Linka is SUCH a doll, and I love that its set in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I love the main character, and I love the bad guys for being so creepy and scary. I love what she brings up in this novel. I love that it reminds you that girls have to fight for their rights, every day, in every single country. Its just SUCH a great book.

9. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Look, yes, I was massively disappointed in the end of this book. I honestly thought it was way too incredibly safe and that Cassie could have made much bigger sacrifices than she did. That being said…I still liked the book a lot. I wasn’t a fan of the “second” trilogy of TMI to be honest, but this book really brought it to a close and I was pleased with many parts of it. So it definitely makes the list.

8. Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

YES! This book is so absolutely beautiful. Thank you Stephen Chbosky and Emma Watson for talking this book up, because then I got my hands on it and loved it. And I’ve met Ava several times, and become friends with her and she’s just the sweetest. This book is beautiful and wonderfully written and just heartbreaking. I absolutely love this book. Its a MUST read. And its going to be a movie, penned by Ava herself!

7. Cress by Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles blows my mind and they honestly get better with every single book. I LOVED CRESS. I feel bad because it took me so long to read it but I was in a massive slump back then and it was awful. But when I got caught up in this book, I couldn’t put it down and I just love it so much. I even wear a “Thorne is my captain” pin on my apron at work every single day. Such a great book and leaves me panting for Winter!

6. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Jenny Han is awesome. And yes, it took me reading this book to figure that out, but that’s okay. This is the book that made me a fan of Jenny Han. It was fun, and written so well, and I love the main character, and I love all the boys that make an appearance in this novel and I’m so excited for the sequel because this book was just so good. Jenny Han has contemporary YA romance in the palm of her hand, and she does it so well.

5. The One by Kiera Cass

Oh, Kiera Cass. Only you can take something like this and make it so wonderful. She creates basically a story that puts The Hunger Games with the Bachelor, and a bunch of girls fighting over the hand of one prince, and a love triangle (a big one), and just makes it work. It sounds like something I would never read in a million years but this is SUCH a great trilogy and The One is an amazing ending to it. I am so glad I got to meet her and tell her how this blew my mind.

4. Unforgotten by Jessica Brody

I was SO excited to finally get my hands on the sequel to Unremembered because I had questions that needed to be answered and then…and then! Jessica goes and leaves it on the biggest cliffhanger since Unremembered (haha), and leaves me literally dying for Unchanged. I can’t handle it. But being back with Sera and Zen, and in so many different time periods, and the action and the tension and the kissing…all of it was just so great and I am not kidding when I say I literally can’t wait to get my hands on Unchanged :)

3. Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott

Okay, talk about a book that literally came out of left field, and just knocked me down. I watched a live cast of Jessica Brody and Victoria Scott, and I thought Victoria was super cool so I had to get my hands on her book, and I did. I read it in literally about 2 hours. I LOVED it. I seriously…oh, god, don’t get me started. I just loved the whole thing of it. It has this epic survival story going on, and a race full of action and tension, and a hot guy (because we need hot guys and kissing, duh!) and the Pandoras. I won’t reveal what those are but the Pandoras are the coolest things in the entire world. I’m just saying.

2. Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Great summer book. Great book about friendship and breaking out of your shell and going out of the norm and falling in love and making new friends. Just such an amazing, great book. It reminds me that Morgan Matson has yet to disappoint me, and that she remains one of my favorite authors, period. She is just SO great, and I loved this book. I felt so close to the main character, and she felt so familiar. I could re-read this book again and again and again.

1. Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

I have never read a book like this in my life before GJ and I doubt I’ll ever read a book like this again. Its literally a book about everything, and it made me laugh and it made me shake my head and raise my eyebrows and so many other things. This book is absolutely incredible because it takes so many bits and pieces and manages to fit them together in such a crazy good book. Every time I see it, I just shake my head and smile because I’m just reminded of how much it blew my mind, and just…its amazing. Its the weirdest book I’ve ever read but its so good. You need to read this book. You just have to.

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Well, there you have it, folks. The top 15 books I’ve read so far this year. What are some of the best books you’ve read this year? Share in the comments!

Tuesday Top Ten-Most Anticipated Summer Releases

June 4, 20143 Comments

It has been so epicly long since I last did a Tuesday Top Ten. I was doing them for the Mortal Instruments re-read and then I get SUPER lazy with the re-read and I just stopped doing them. I apologize. I know a lot of you guys enjoy reading them so I’m going to try VERY hard to be back on top of it, viagra order I promise!

Today we are talking about the books that I am looking forward to hitting shelves this summer. There are so many but I managed to narrow it down to ten. Let’s dive in!

10. The Kiss of Deception by shop d.cGU” target=”_blank”>Mary E. Pearson

In this timeless new trilogy about love and sacrifice, a princess must find her place in a reborn world.

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.9. Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne.

I had an e-ARC of this, and got halfway through and then it expired and now I’m DYING to find out what happens next so I can’t WAIT until it hits bookshelves. It already has me panting to find out who is who, and I have no idea who I should be rooting for!

Releases: July 15th 2014

9. Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.

But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.

Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.

When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

I met Livia at the Ontario Teen Book Fest and she was SO awesome, so smart and thoughtful, and she mentioned Tamora Pierce as an influence and that was enough for me to be completely sold by her. I just recently read her debut ebook novella and it was incredible. She has a real grasp of character and story, and of weaving things together beautifully. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with in Midnight Thief.

Releases: July 8th, 2014

8. Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can’t believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

Its the last book of the Lux series. I am DYING to see what happens next especially since JLA is an artful master at the cliffhanger and Origin ended so beautifully in a very frustrating cliffhanger and I need to know how this all wraps up. After reading Sentinel, the end of her Covenant series, I’m excited to see how Katy and Daemon and the rest end their story.

Releases: August 5th, 2014

7. The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings

An action-packed, blood-soaked, futuristic debut thriller set in a world where the murder rate is higher than the birthrate. For fans of Moira Young’s Dust Lands series, La Femme Nikita, and the movie Hanna.

Meadow Woodson, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been trained by her father to fight, to kill, and to survive in any situation, lives with her family on a houseboat in Florida. The state is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organization that tracks the population with precision.

The plot starts to thicken when Meadow meets Zephyr James, who is—although he doesn’t know it—one of the MC’s programmed assassins. Is their meeting a coincidence? Destiny? Or part of a terrifying strategy? And will Zephyr keep Meadow from discovering the haunting truth about her family?

Action-packed, blood-soaked, and chilling, this is a dark and compelling debut novel by Lindsay Cummings.

I’ve been following Lindsay on Instagram and Twitter for ages, and she’s been following me back, and she’s SO cool, and really laidback, and she’s been getting her name out there long before this book releases (The prequel novella, The Fear Trials, has been released in ebook TODAY!), and I’m so proud of her. She’s a fangirl like the rest of us, and I’ve already read this book, so I’m just ready to have it in all its published glory on my shelf.

Releases: June 10th 2014

6. Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.

Newly christened “Four,” he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning, though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.

Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth comes a companion volume to the worldwide bestselling divergent series, told from the per-spective of the immensely popular character Tobias. The four pieces included here—The Transfer, The Initiate, The Son, and The Traitor—plus three additional exclusive scenes, give readers an electrifying glimpse into the history and heart of Tobias, and set the stage for the epic saga of the Divergent trilogy.

Its Four. I mean, I don’t think I need to say more than that. I’ve read part of this, and then they decided not to release the rest of the novellas in ebook before the book. Probably a smart marketing move, but still. Its Four. Sign me up. A thousand times.

Releases: July 8th 2014

5. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

I absolutely loved the first two books of this companion series, but I am really looking forward to this because I feel like its really going to tackle the realities of romances and how they’re not always easy and how achieving that happily ever after can be a lot harder than some books and movies make it seem.

Releases: August 14th, 2014

4. Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

Rainbow Rowell is a beautiful writer, and I have literally loved every single thing I’ve read by her so far, and I have yet to be disappointed. I’ve heard such amazing things about her second adult release, so I’m literally dying for this book to come out. I know that I’m just going to devour it.

Releases: July 8th 2014

3. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

Sarah J Maas is brilliant and the first two novels of the Throne of Glass series and I know that things are just going to get even wilder in this book. I actually just got an e-ARC today so I’m really excited to make time for it in my schedule, so that I can read it. Sarah has incredible world building skills and I just know that her world is going to get even bigger and better than it was before.

Releases: September 2nd, 2014

2. Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

Its so incredible that in such a short amount of time, I have completely fallen in love with the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series. I would have never believed that I could love vampire books so much but I do. Its like…Richelle writes such beautiful stories and such amazing characters that sometimes you ever forget they are vampires. I have fallen so in love with all the characters and the cliffhanger that leaves us practically heartbroken in The Fiery Heart makes me wish for Silver Shadows every. Single. Day.

Releases: July 29th, 2014

1. Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova’s amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling’s secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am for this novel. Leigh Bardugo is an incredible person, and I am so grateful that I’ve been able to meet her and that I’ve been able to get to know her. Its wonderful. She’s a brilliant writer and an inspiration and I can’t wait to read this book. I just re-read Shadow and Bone and was reminded how fantastic it is, and I’m planning on re-reading Siege and Storm before this releases. I just know that its going to be an epic conclusion and I can’t wait to dive in.

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What are some books that you’re looking forward to this summer? Share them in the comments!

Tuesday Top Ten-Favorite Studio Ghibli Movies

February 18, 20147 Comments

So, stuff can I first off say…god, I’m sorry about being the most awful blogger in the entire world lately. I mean, I’ve just been rubbish (I’ve also been saying rubbish a lot lately, I blame the Doctor Who convention for that). I haven’t posted a Tuesday Top Ten in weeks and there have been NO book reviews, because frankly I haven’t read any books.

But I am trying SO hard to get back to it all. I promise I will work as hard as possible.

Moving on, this week’s topic is brought up because in the past week, Jon and I have been sort of working our way through the Studio Ghibli movies…at least the ones that myself and my sister own! So that is the inspiration of this week’s countdown!

Can I also add that, in making this list, I realized there are a TON of Studio Ghibli films that I have not yet seen? I need to get on that. I feel like such a fake Ghibli fan…I mean, I couldn’t even get TEN movies. I only ranked the 8 I’ve seen. I think I’ve seen more but I haven’t seen ones like The Cat Returns or Pom Poko in years so its hard to rank them. Sigh.

Anyhow, here is my list:

8. Princess Mononoke

People are always, like, aghast at the fact that this is my least favorite of the Ghibli movies that I’ve seen. This is not to say that I don’t like it because I do. And I know so many people who are absolutely obsessed by it, my sister included. I think its beautifully animated and an incredible story but its also a bit…weird, even for me. Sometimes I have a hard time paying attention to it, because of its weirdness. The story also sort of bounces around a bit and the main character, Ashitaka, is kind of wishy washy and the ending is so abrupt and not really what I look for in an ending. But again, it is beautifully done and I do enjoy watching it.

7. Ponyo

Now this one is based off of Hans Christian Anderson’s story, The Little Mermaid. And it honestly baffles me because they don’t seem similar in the slightest. Well, the Disney version wasn’t either so there we go. That being said, its a CUTE, weird little movie and I love it. The animation of this movie is so stunning and its just kind of a light, fun story with adventure and mischief and agh, I just love it. Its one of the more younger stories of the Ghibli collection but I think that’s why I love it so much. Its fun watching a children’s movie, especially when you watch it with children. There is so much to giggle about it. And the story of friendship and love and family is all so wonderful too.

6. Spirited Away

Okay, I’ve decided that Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki are fully capable of weirdness. I definitely think this one is weird as well but the story is just so incredible that you forgot the weirdness and just get absolutely lost in the story. While it is not my favorite of the films (see? number six?), I definitely think its one of the BEST of his. Everyone always talks about this one when talking of Miyazaki and there’s a reason for it. Its a great story, its visually appealing and there are so many iconic moments in the film. I see pictures and I can spot it from a mile away. Its just such an incredible movie.

5. Kiki’s Delivery Service

I love this one because its fun! Its probably one of the most fun of the movies. The music is beautiful and fun, and its an adventurous story. Kiki and her little cat, whose name completely escapes me at the moment, go on their little adventure, and I think its a fun sort of coming-of-age story. Kiki starts her delivery service, learns and grows with her powers and really finds out who she is and who she can be. Its such a fun growing up story, and I love to show it to little kids because they can laugh and have a fun time (especially with that silly cat) but then they can also learn from it too. Okay, its been awhile since I watched this and talking about it makes me want to watch it. Big time. Let’s make this happen soon..

4. The Secret World of Arrietty

I have ALWAYS loved the book, The Borrowers, and to see it translated onto the big screen, from the amazing minds behind Studio Ghibli was so exciting. I mean, no offense to the movie with Tom Felton in it haha, but this one was just so absolutely beautiful. The animation of these movies just getting better and better and the characters and stories are always so compelling and addicting and familiar. This is so true of this one as well. I think I love this one as much as I do because of the book. I think they do a pretty good job of adapting it while also giving it that Studio Ghibli feel. Its adventurous and beautiful and I laugh and I get choked up at bits, and I will never stop getting over the fact that Will Arnett is the father in the movie haha.

3. Castle in the Sky

When I first saw this movie, I thought it was the sequel to Howl’s Moving Castle. Howl’s is a book and the sequel to Howl’s is called Castle in the Air. Yeah, definitely not the sequel but definitely an amazing amazing amazing movie. The story is amazing. I absolutely love it. Its so fantasy. I think it would make an excellent book but alas, it was written as a movie and I still love it anyway. I love that there is a sort of lost legend/myth quality about it, and that there is family and love and friendship. Ghibli and Miyazaki are so good at that. They are so good at human emotions and I think this movie is really one of the best at it. There are so many characters and there’s laughter, and there are times when I’m clutching my seat, wondering what is going to happen next. Plus its little baby Anna Paquin and James van der Beek and can you can wrong with that? I don’t think so.

2. My Neighbor Totoro

I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I seriously go around all the time and sing “Totoro, To-toro, Totoro, To-toro!” Its silly and fun, and short but that’s why I like it. There’s a very light, adventurous, fun feeling to it. You can watch that, and giggle and sing along and have fun without really having to think. You know that, in the end, everything is going to work out and everyone is going to be fine and I just love it. Plus I want a Totoro friend, who will take me adventures, and a cat bus to ride in. Who wouldn’t want that? Crazy people, I tell you. Every time I see something that is Totoro, I just want to grab all my money and buy it all. Its so cute.

1. Howl’s Moving Castle

This is my favorite by far, and there are several reasons for that. One, it was really the first time I had watched a Ghibli movie and fallen in love with it. It is what sparked me to go home and watch the rest. So it holds a special place in my heart because of that. But I also just love the story. I’m cheesy and its a love story. The love story between the two totally messed up characters, Howl and Sophie, and how they save each other, and make each other better…come on, its beautiful. But its more than that, too, its a story of family. Sophie finds a family that accepts her for herself and gives her so much strength in Howl, Calcifer, and Markl. Howl is able to recognize the family that he has, and what it means to feel and love. Its a story of coming-of-age for both Howl and Sophie. And it also has magic and humor and so much more. I will never get enough of this story. It also led me to the books by Diana Wynne Jones, so there’s that too!

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So what did you think of the list, everyone? I hope you liked it and I hope I’ll be able to be back on top of this again. I sincerely do.

Are you a Miyazaki fan? What are some of your favorites? Share them in the comments!

Tuesday Top Ten-Best Nerdy Gifts for the Holidays!

December 10, 2013December 9, 20132 Comments

Christmas is coming! Its only a few weeks away, dosage and I know what you’re thinking? What do I get for that favorite fangirl/fanboy in your life?

Now, buy information pills there are places like Barnes and Noble and Amazon and all those places that can provide awesome gifts for any fangirl or fanboy, see definitely. I am definitely happy every year that I get a B&N gift card from my boyfriend’s parents. Guaranteed. Every year. But with the fandom life growing all the time, there are so many more options. And I’d like to share some of the cool gifts you can get for a fangirl/boy, or that you can even ask for yourself, that are a little more off the beaten track. Some of these websites are smaller, some of these are handmade, and they are all awesome.

These are in NO particular order at all. These are all awesome things you can get

10. Nerd Shirts on Day of the Shirt

There’s nothing like wearing a tshirt that represents your favorite fandoms. But its even better when its a shirt that not as many people have. Day of the Shirt is a website where you can visit more than a couple dozen different t-shirt websites, all of them who sell really awesome fandom t-shirts. Most of them are fairly cheap (think 10-12 bucks and a couple bucks shipping). The best part of it is that most of the shirts are done by independent artists and are only available for purchase for 24-48 hours, making them limited, and sometimes, even a bit rare. I have a purple “Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes” shirt that I got off of one of the websites and I get tons of compliments on and I’ve never seen it go up again. You can find all kinds of cool shirts for any fan girl or boy on your list.

9. Bags, Scarfs and More at Bittersweet Stories Designs

I own TWO bags from these lovely ladies. Natasha and Delilah are the dynamic duo behind the super awesome Bittersweet Designs. They are most known for their Mortal Instruments/Infernal Devices fabric designs but they also have Vampire Academy and Divergent. They can make you custom bags and purses, scarfs, headbands, and so many other super cute things. I’ve bought two different bags from them. I have a purse, and a laptop bag and I love both of them so much. They design each one to YOUR preference, and send your proofs, and really take the time to make sure that you’re getting what YOU want. Each one is handmade individually and they’re super sturdy and just beautiful to look at it. I’ve gotten SO many compliments on my bags. Definitely check it out!

All pictures copyright Bittersweet Stories Designs.

8. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and More at The Noble Collection

I wish I could buy EVERY SINGLE THING on the Noble Collection but alas, I cannot. But that shouldn’t stop you from diving in and buying some fan collectibles for your friends! This is the place to get prop replicas. The prices can be a little bit on the heftier side BUT these are the legit prop replicas and they’re made solid. I’ve bought stuff on here, and they last so well. They have wands, and such from Harry Potter, chess sets (that are gorgeous!), and so many more things. You can have Bilbo’s sword or Batman cufflinks, or replica dragons from the Game of Thrones. Literally, there is a ton of really cool, fantastic replicas that I wish I could get my hands on. The Noble Collection makes really awesome things and if you have a Potter, Game of Thrones, Batman, LoTR, The Hobbit fans in your life, you’ll want to check out this website!

All pictures copyrighted to the Noble Collection.

7. Harry Potter Themed Candy at Sugardukes Sweetshop

I am lucky enough to know the brains and creativity behind this one :) Which means I’ve had the opportunity to try a lot of the delicious Harry Potter themed candy that she has created. Some of the delicious things I’ve enjoyed are Chocolate Frogs, Sugar Quills, Fever Fudge, and more. Her candy is SO delicious. While writing this, I discovered that her shop is closed for the holidays, unfortunately, but I’m keeping her on the list because her candy is delicious and I hope you’re inspired to visit her shop when she gets back on January 1st. She also makes this dill pickle barrels, which are similar to root beer barrels but pickle flavored. I can’t get enough of those. Oh, and she just had me try these new candies that were Love Potion chocolates or something of that sort, and they were so YUMMY! I can’t wait to get my hands on those! She also sells official Harry Potter candy like the Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts!

All pictures copyrighted to Sugardukes Sweetshop.

6. YA Book Handmade Shirts and Bags at Fangirl Feeels Etsy Shop

My girl Sylvia has so much creativity and she is ROCKING her Etsy shop. She makes the COOLEST shirts and bags. She took her love of all things YA and is translating into her artistic ways. Right now, she’s making Divergent bags (different factions! I love them!), The Fault in Our Stars bags and shirts, Game of Thrones bags, but message her and she’ll make more! She hand paints everything, which means you know you’ll get a unique and well made product every time. She also made herself and her nephew t-shirts for the Catching Fire premiere (see above) and got a TON of compliments. I’m going to get my hands on an Amity bag one day, I promise. She does an amazing job on all of them, really takes the time to make sure you’re getting what you pay for and she ships quickly :) And like I said, she’s open to custom orders and to making other things, like e-reader cases or laptop cases, things like that.

All pictures copyrighted to Fangirl Feeels Etsy Shop.

5. Geek Girl Fare at Her Universe

I first discovered Her Universe at Gallifrey One last year, where I bought my “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” Tardis shirt. I LOVE the stuff they sell because its completely aimed at us fangirls! Sometimes there are things out there that I want but it just doesn’t fit right! I’m a girl! I have curves and I want some Doctor Who and Star Wars and Star Trek things that fit me! This is definitely the place to go. AND I just found out that the founder, Ashley, is actually David Eckstein’s wife. I bet that means absolutely nothing to you, BUT David Eckstein is my favorite player EVER from the Los Angeles Angels so I’m, like, fangirling hard about that. But their stuff is awesome! I want it all. There are super cute Doctor Who and Star Wars shirts. You can buy a Tardis dress or a Princess Leia hoodie, or a Spock hoodie. They even have Walking Dead stuff now too. I will go broke buying things from Her Universe!

All pictures copyrighted to Her Universe.

4. Doctor Who/Disney Crossover Merch by Karen Hallion

Karen Hallion is an amazing artist. I follow a TON of fandom artists but she is by far my favorite and the reason is that she combines two things that so many of us love: Doctor Who and Disney. I first discovered her when I saw her Doctor Who and Cinderella fan art and nearly died of happiness. She has done Rapunzel and Snow White and Belle and Mulan and so many more. She does a TON of other fan art too, like fandom art nouveau and she just did a Doctor Who/Hermione Granger crossover that I just DIED for. You can check out her Etsy page and get prints, stationary and more. You can also google her and find authorized websites where you can buy her artwork as phone cases, tablet cases, shirts and more. She is also featured on Day of the Shirt often, on one of the t-shirt websites. She is INCREDIBLY popular and she’s a fan favorite. Definitely a must for any Doctor Who fan.

3. Convention Tickets

You wouldn’t think this is a good present, but it totally is! A lot of convention badges and tickets go on sale around this time of year, and a great present is buying those tickets for a friend. Now, tickets to San Diego Comic Con…probably not your best bet. One, they are really hard to get (I’m an attender of CC and I can’t even get a badge anymore). Two, you have to basically buy your own. BUT, you can buy your friends tickets to your local convention. There are SO many. The link above will take you to a Wiki page that has a list of conventions all over the world! And take my word for it: the smaller conventions actually tend to be more fun than the gigantic ones. So grab some tickets for a friend and buy your own! Its the gift that keeps on giving!

2. Book Themed Jewelry from Hebel Design

I only own one thing from Hebel Design but I so wish I owned more. Viviane Hebel is a YA fan, just like us, and she took her love and talent with jewelry making and started creating jewelry based on some of the books that she loved to read. Now she’s expanded into a ton of familiar titles. She’s made Shadowhunter rings and steles and jewelry from Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles. You can buy Grisha Trilogy (Leigh Bardugo), Lynburn Legacy (Sarah Rees Brennan), Covenant and Lux series (Jennifer L. Armentrout) and so much more from her. Plus, this is something she is very good at, that she’s spend many years working at, so every piece she makes is crafted to perfection. I have a Clockwork Angel necklace (which is a prized possession of mine) and its beautiful. You can see the time and care that went into making it. If you have a YA fan in your life, you’ll find some really great stuff here. She also makes these beautiful bookmarks, that you can get personalized with book themed charms and quotes from the book!

All pictures copyrighted to Hebel Design.

1. Book Character Dolls from Ellie’s Quirky Creations

I admit, I’m a little biased on this. BUT not without reason. Ellie is my mom. She surprised me, and my sisters and my cousin with these AWESOME Harry Potter character dolls for Christmas last year. Then she made me the 11th Doctor and Amy Pond for my birthday and I custom ordered a Magnus Bane doll to take to the TMI premiere, where I got it signed by a ton of cast members (see below). She has made a TON of amazing dolls, and also does cute fandom ornaments too! Every doll and ornament is handmade and it is made very sturdy, though you should know these are for collecting, not for playing. She has done Harry Potter, Mortal Instruments and Doctor Who but she does take custom orders as well! She has also branched into Despicable Me (minions!), Batman, Hunger Games and more. You can even get sports team themed wreaths too! She’s done so much that I can’t even begin to show all the cool things she’s been making so definitely check out her Facebook page and place an order.

Me, the first ever Magnus Bane doll and Magnus Bane himself, Godfrey Gao at the City of Bones premiere

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I hope you enjoyed this week’s Tuesday Top Ten and that you’ll check out all of these SUPER awesome stores for your nerdy Christmas needs! Tell them I sent you!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Tuesday Top Ten-Scenes I Hope to See in Catching Fire!

November 12, 2013November 11, 2013Leave a comment

So this week, visit I’m kind of on a one track mind. I’ve got Jennifer Lawrence, story Josh Hutcherson, approved Liam Hemsworth, some districts, and an epic rebellion on the brain.

Next week, the highly awaited sequel to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire will be releasing in theaters. However, this coming weekend, I will be attending the red carpet premiere, and participating in my FIRST EVER fan camp. I am so excited about it, and I literally am having so much trouble thinking of anything else.

So this week’s Tuesday Top Ten is counting down the ten things I hope to see in the Catching Fire movie!

I warn you: if you haven’t read Catching Fire, I will ruin the book for you. So please do not read this if you don’t want it spoiled for you!

10. The Victory Tour

One of my favorite parts of Catching Fire is the Victory Tour, and I think that’s because it really opens up the world that Suzanne has created. In the first book, we get District 12, a small portion of the Capitol and then the Arena. In this, we are able to see the vastness of the country of Panem, and the problems that is going on. I like the Victory Tour because Katniss and Peeta start to see so much more than District 12, and the Games. Its where the idea for a rebellion begins. I really want to see this in the movie because I want to see all the districts! Especially District 4!

9. Katniss and Haymitch Drinking

The moment when Katniss and Haymitch realize that she and Peeta will be going back into the arena is such a pivotal moment for the two of them. Its when Katniss finally understands Haymitch, and why he’s so drawn to drinking, and its why she drinks herself in that moment. She had been given a little bit of hope, by surviving, before the hopelessness sets in again. The moment that Haymitch and Katniss decide to make sure Peeta lives…its a beautiful moment. Its when they, and the readers, really realize how much better Peeta is than most people.

8. Jabberjays and the Tick Tock Arena

The Arena of the Games in Hunger Games is insanely enough, with flying fireballs and tracker jackers, and mutts that are made to look like fallen tributes, and so much more. But this one…it blows me away at how intricate and how seriously messed up it is. Its a clock, and each hour of the clock is a totally new horror. There’s the poisonous fog, and the bloodthirsty monkeys, but the one thing that killed me during the Games is the jabberjays. The fact they can match the exact tone of voice of someone and can make the tributes think they’re hearing their loved ones be tortured? Its pure evil. It doesn’t literally kill them, but it kills them emotionally. I can’t wait to see the Games in this movie.

7. Gale Being Whipped

Okay, I know that sounds super messed up but hear me out. Suzanne has Gale whipped for a number of reasons. It shows Katniss the feelings that she has for Gale, feelings that she is going to need to work out. It shows the levels of cruelty that exist in Panem. It shows that standing up and fighting, not running away, is the answer. So I had hoped that they would not take this scene out because of the violence of it. There’s a reason this scene is there, and I think its pivotal to the story and extremely pivotal to the character development of Katniss. I’ve seen enough previews and TV spots to know that it’ll be in the movie, and I know that despite my desire to have it in the movie, I will definitely be upset when I see it.

6. Victors Holding Hands

I think this is just an unbelievably beautiful scene in the book. Twenty-four people from twelve different districts that are going to be pit against each other to the death come together and band together for one moment, and show the injustice of the government. They may not have remained that way in the Games, but for a brief moment, they were united. I can’t have been the only one that was moved by that scene.

5. Peeta Proposing to Katniss

I know its not real, because they have to do that in order to protect each other, and the people they love, but come on, I have shipped Katniss and Peeta since the beginning, and I’m sure that its going to be a squeal worthy scene anyway. We know Peeta. We know how caring and loving and sincere he is, and how much he truly does love Katniss. I can imagine, even in a fake proposal (real proposal?), he expresses all of that so eloquently and I can’t wait to see it.

4. Katniss Being “Pregnant”

I hope, I hope, I hope this doesn’t get kicked out of the movie. I hope it made it in. I think its so important. I think it has so many purposes. First off, it just shows how incredibly clever Peeta is. He knows exactly how to garner attention and cause mayhem. He’s brilliant. By telling everyone that Katniss is pregnant, right before the Games, he is stirring something in all the people around the country who love her. If they didn’t already feel the injustice of seeing the victors they love going in to the arena, they are feeling the injustice now. I also think it shows how much Peeta is willing to do for Katniss, to keep her safe, to save her life and protect her. And separately, by letting Katniss go in, while carrying a child (though we know she isn’t actually), the Capitol and President Snow show their cruelty but not even sparing an unborn child. This better be in the movie!

3. Katniss and Peeta on the beach

Okay, this is totally the sexy scene of the book, but its more than that too. Its the moment that Peeta tries to convince Katniss not to save him, to save herself, because she has Gale and her mother and Prim to go home to. He tells her that no one will miss him, the way people will miss her. Its the moment when Katniss really realizes how much Peeta means to her, and that she’s the only one who will be completely affected by Peeta’s death. She’s confused; she has feelings for both Peeta and Gale, but I think this is the first moment that she really realizes her feelings for Peeta. The intimacy they share in that moment is so real, and raw, and not just because of their feelings for each other, but because of the hopeless situation they are in. I know this scene will be in there, because we will riot as fans if they aren’t.

2. Wedding Dress Into a Mockingjay Outfit

I think this is really the first moment that the idea of rebellion is more than just a spark. There are uprisings in some of the districts, and there’s unrest now that the Capitol is forcing former victors to compete in the Hunger Games. But Katniss is a hero to the districts, a person who beat the Capitol at their own game. I think everyone just sort of waits to see what she’ll do, to follow her lead, and by transforming from a young girl, in her wedding dress, to a powerful and beautiful mockingjay, she creates a visceral reaction. Its a very powerful moment, and thats a pivotal point for President Snow. Katniss has to die in the Games. This is also a moment that leads to a very important, very heartbreaking death.

1. Finnick Odair

Finnick Odair is my absolute favorite character in the entire series, and for so many reasons. Everyone has the image of him as the good-looking heartbreaker from District 4, because he’s a great fighter, a compassionate person and in love with the most unlikely of people, a girl gone crazy from her own trip into the games. He is incredibly charming and sexy, and he has the blond, surfer boy thing going on that I can’t help but love but he’s also an incredibly complex person too. I can’t wait to see him fight with his tridents, carry Mags on his back, save Peeta’s life, and just be the amazing Finnick that he is. I think Sam Claflin will do a great job!

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I hope you enjoyed this week’s Tuesday Top Ten. I can’t wait to see the movie, and I’m sure most of you can’t wait either!

What are some of the scenes from the book that you hope makes it into the movie? Share in the comments!

Tuesday Top Ten-Favorite Divergent Moments

October 22, 2013October 21, 2013Leave a comment

Today is the day, information pills my friends. It is 9:45 here, viagra dosage in California but most other places, its midnight and Allegiant has released. Which means, its released for me too! Which means its already downloaded to my Kindle RIGHT NOW.

Do you know how hard it is to write this post when all I want to do is dive into this book?

But alas, I will finish this post in a timely manner and then you guys will basically lose me until I finish this book :)

So in order to celebrate the release of the final book in the Divergent trilogy, I have decided to count down my top Ten moments in the Divergent trilogy…so far. I hope you enjoy them!

P.S. There will DEFINITELY be spoilers for Divergent and Insurgent in this post. You have been warned.

10. The Raven Tattoos

I love when Tris gets her tattoos, the three ravens on her collarbone. I think its a real turning point for her. She still has loyalties to her family and to the faction of Abnegation but she realizes she has to sway her loyalties toward the Dauntless in order to become one, and not a factionless. I think this moment shows her accepting that she can have both, in different ways. The Dauntless mostly all have tattoos and by getting this tattoo, she is stepping into their world. But because she gets three tattoos for her mother, father and brother, it shows she will always love them, no matter what factions they are in. I think its incredibly sweet and amazing. I plan on getting the exact same tattoo soon, so I can’t wait to be part of that with her.

9. Tris’ First Simulation

When Tris goes under the simulation, in order to determine which faction that she fits the best with, I don’t know what any of us expected. This is so soon in the book, it happens so fast before we even really know Tris or the society that she lives in. But this right here shows so much about her. It shows her strength, her intelligence, her courage and bravery and her ability to think quickly and her ability to lie as well. Its amazing how quickly you can become acquainted with, and fall in love with, Tris, in this one scene. Its also when we find out that she’s Divergent, which is SO pivotal to the entirety of the series.

8. Amity and Tris

When Tris goes to Amity, after the disaster events that happen in Divergent, and she is injected with the peace serum, and she just acts ridiculous? I just love it. Because I feel like we’ve gotten two different versions of her. We get the silent, selfless, “stiff” Beatrice of Abnegation and then we get the strong, brave Tris of Dauntless, and seeing this silly and carefree Tris, where she’s acting free and open. She’s saying all these things that she’s never said before and its just fantastic. Amidst all the chaos that is going on in their society, the fact that we are able to laugh for this scene is fantastic. I’m sure not sure how many humorous moments that we are going to have in Allegiant so this was a nice moment.

7. Peter Saving Tris

I didn’t expect this in the slightest. You think Tris is going to die, or be tortured, and you feel absolutely completely hopeless. I mean, I can’t even imagine how much hopeless I could have felt in that moment with Jeanine. So when Peter saves Tris, SAVES her, I was in shock, but I don’t know. I kind of felt for Peter in that moment. You hate him so much, he’s just an enemy but you can’t help but like him at least a little bit in that moment. He risks his life, does everything he can, and saves Tris. I kind of have hope for Peter now. I don’t know whats going to happen to him in the future, but you just never know.

6. The End of Insurgent

Come on! That cliffhanger, where they watch the video, and you see Edith Prior and then things go to chaos and then the book just ends! I remember thinking, this can’t be happening. I read Insurgent when it came out nearly a year and a half ago, and I thought, there is no way that I have to wait that long to figure out what happens next. I seriously think its one of Veronica Roth’s best moments because she knows exactly how to create a huge drama, and then just leave you hanging, panting, dying for the next thing to happen. Its intense and insane.

5. Knife Throwing Scene

Okay, so Four decides, hmmm, I’m gonna throw knives at Tris to teach her a lesson or something and he nicks her ear on purpose and makes her bleed. He’s a total jerk in that scene. But for some reason, every single girl who has read that book loves that scene and we totally fall even more in love with Four than we already were. We’re all mentally thinking, I wish a boy would throw knives at my head in a desperate attempt to tell me how much he is in love with me. It literally makes no sense whatsoever, but it just is one of those scenes that sticks with you. That’s why it was the VERY first still that was released from the filming. And even though its kind of crazy, I think it also shows the strength and fear in both of them, testing each other strengths and fears in that moment. Its a bonding moment for them, though they don’t even know it.

4. Four’s Fear Landscape

I like this scene because this is the moment that you realize there’s so much more to Four than just that tough guy, stoic attitude. He has fears, not a lot of them, but they’re all so real and full. I think showing Tris really is his way of telling her how much she means to someone. The fear landscapes open us up to a person, our souls, and you sort of lay yourself bare to a person when you show them that. By taking Tris into his landscape, and even letting her discover his true identity, he is opening himself up to Tris, completely. Its a beautiful scene. For the first time, you sort of believe that Tris is just as strong, if not stronger, than Four

3. The Ferris Wheel

There are two ways in which I love this scene. First off, you get the fact that Tris is incredibly intelligent in the scene and that she shouldn’t be underestimated. Ever. While everyone is bickering on how to handle the Capture the Flag situation, she decides, I’m going to climb this ridiculously huge Ferris Wheel in order to see what the other team is up to. And she does it, she shows the bravery to do it as well. But I like it as well, because I think that this is the turning point for Four when it comes to Tris. I think he had always noticed her, she was another Abnegation transfer, but this moment where she just shows her ultimate bravery and she’s so calm, it stands out to him. It also helps that climbing this far up, being high up, is a fear for him, and to see her tackle it is huge. Its a scene that I’m dying to see in the movie. I can’t wait for this.

2. Four’s First “I Love You”

This really speaks it all. Its the most absolute perfect way for it to happen. It reminds me so much of my own first “I love you” with my boyfriend. It was absolutely perfect. Its not the way you picture it or imagine it. Its not beautiful or over-the-top, but its amazing. Its amazing just exactly the way it is. So I can’t say much more than that. Its beautiful. It shows the perfection of them as a couple.

1. Tris’ First Jump

I think I knew I loved Tris as a character when you see the way she is in her simulation but when she decides to switch to Dauntless and she is the first one to jump into that chasm, where she just has to have faith that there will be something down there to catch her…its the moment that Tris becomes one of my absolute favorite characters. Tris is the only transfer from Abnegation and everyone is making fun of her, and they’re already underestimating her before she can even do anything and the fact that she undresses herself a bit and throws it at Peter, and then takes that first jump. Its beautiful and I love that scene. Its also the scene where she and Four meet for the first time, and where she changes her name from Beatrice to Tris, so I just love it. Its the one scene where I’ll probably tear up and jump up and down in my seat for in the movie. Of course.

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I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Tuesday Top Ten. Now I must go to my bed, curl up with my Kindle and dive into this book.

If you don’t see me for a few hours, that’s where I am!

Share your own Divergent and Insurgent moments in the comments below! NO spoilers for Allegiant!