Obviously the first and most IMPORTANT thing to shriek at you is — I FINALLY HAVE THE RAVEN KING IN MY CLAMMY SHRIEKING PAWS. I waited so long for this. So so so so long. But never fear — I shall say nothing. BUT I AM AN ABSOLUTELY FRENZY OF EMOTIONS, OKAY?!
Ahem.
ANYWAY! Books! Huzzah! Although due to being on hiatus for the first week of April, I got severely out-of-the-loop and ergo my link-sharing will be sparse this month. Also I haven’t blogged much. #slacker BUT I DID WRITE A BOOK AND THAT EXCUSES EVERYTHING.
ALSO I HAD THE BEST READING MONTH IN THE HISTORY OF EVER. I…I’m seriously 84% wordless here, folks. IT WAS SO SURREAL. I read nine 5-star books. N.I.N.E. Usually I am the most picky reader of ever (proved by rating like 10 books 2-stars last month) but I got brave and finally read a ton of series finales. THEY WERE GOOD. Now I’m on a bookish high!! I FEEL LIKE DOING SOMETHING EPIC! HUZZAH! (To be honest, that probably just means reading more books…)
This are all library books. I KNOW. I HAVE A PROBLEM. But in my defence I had a whole bunch of reserves and they all came in at once. Because that’s just TYPICAL.Gah. Also half of these are brand new — ergo I’m the first one to read them — ergo HAPPY ME.
- IT’S A WONDERFUL DEATH: It was funny and clever, but no depth. Sad face.★★★
- WRITTEN IN THE STARS: I felt vaguely unsettled about just how negative Pakistan was portrayed here. ★★
- SYMPTOMS OF BEING HUMAN: I wanted to like this??? But the main character was far too hypocritical and whiny. ★★
- STARFLIGHT: YAY ALIENS. I AM EXCITE.
- ANYONE BUT IVY POCKET: Because Kelly told me I was Ivy Pocket, so I need to see this for myself.
- THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA: IT’S AN ADULT BOOK AND I’M SCARED. WHAT HAVE I DONE. (Apparently it’s really funny? But George RR Martin endorses the cover so. Multiply my fear levels by 6.)
- TITANS: AND I CONFESS: this blurb sounds 99% like The Scorpio Races and I’m partially wanting to read it to see if it does rip off Maggie Stiefvater? And partially because I LOVED Fire & Flood.
- SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA: Okay okay so I have read this one. LAST YEAR! But I may or may not have borrowed it to photograph it…(I only listened to the audio previous.) ★★★★★
- THE WAY WE ROLL: Sometimes I tell myself to read Aussie YA. So here I am.
- CREATURE OF THE NIGHT: I said “I want to read books about faeries” and Miriam said “Read this one” — SO HERE I AM ALSO.
- BLACK DOVE WHITE RAVEN: Whyyyyy do I want to read this? Elizabeth Wein constantly BREAKS ME with her WWII stories. Yet here I am. #masochist
These are books I’ve bought & been sent for review.
- NORA & KETTLE: I bought because Peter Pan. WHO IS MY SPIRIT ANIMAL. (Also Shannon swears it’s brilliant.)
- HALF LOST (HALF BAD #3): AFJDSAKLDJ I AM A MESS OF FEELS AND SHRIEKING EXPLOSIONS. THIS WAS MARVELLOUS. ★★★★★
- FRONT LINES: Thankyou Hardie Grant! And omg, peoples, something exciting is happening soon to do with a) Michael Grant, b) Front Lines, and c) my blog…VERY SOON.
- SHADOW QUEEN: I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE COVER AND FAIRY TALES.
- STARGIRL: Unsolicited from Hachette (thankyou!) (Although isn’t this a old book??? They must be reprinting?? Anyway I LOVED Maniac Magee when I was a Small Dragonish Hatchling. So I’m excited!)
- THE SQUARE ROOT OF SUMMER: Unsolicited from Pan Macmillan (thankyou!) and I have 0% clue what it’s about except probably maths. So I REMAIN DUBIOUS.
- WINK POPPY MIDNIGHT: It was a gorgeous audiobook. SO WHIMSICAL. AND WEIRD. ★★★★
- FIREFIGHT: This series is. my. everything. AWK. I am absolutely in love with it. ★★★★★
- THE RAVEN KING: AFJKDSALDJ BASICALLY THIS WAS BRILLIANT AND I AM 9 EMOTIONS. POSSIBLY MORE. ★★★★★
// click the photos to visit my Instagram account //
(Click covers to read the reviews!)
N U M B E R R E A D?
Remember how last month I was complaining about my entirely insufferable string of horrid reads? THIS MONTH WAS SO AMAZING I’M LITERALLY ON A BOOKISH HIGH. I have never read so many 5-stars or just been so happy while reading. Omg. Feelings. (I also re-read 3 books!! AND LOVED THEM MORE THEM 2ND TIME.)
B E S T B O O K S?
W O R S T B O O K S?
D I S A P P P O I N T M E N T S?
G O O D S U R P R I S E S?
T O P P O S T S:
- How Do You Know If Your Post is Copying or Inspired
- Why You Should Start a Book Blog
- My 1st Draft Writing Process (Which Is Insane) (Also Snippets)
I N T R I G U I N G S E A R C H E S:
- “what kind of writers are there” — Mostly insane ones. A few slightly psychotic ones. Just…well, approach a writer cautiously and maybe poke them with a stick before attempting conversation to see if they hiss.
- “tris prior annoying” — Honestly? This COULD be on a tee-shirt…
- “why adults read ya novels” — Because some adults are AWESOME and do what they want. And also, I ASK YOU, definite “young” anyway. That’s between 14 and 94, right?
- “i’m not a creepy fangirl” — I am super glad to hear this. But if you’re asking Google to confirm this then…um, I hesitantly theorise that perhaps you are creepy? Maybe stop?
- “why people wouldn’t recommend scary novels” — I DON’T KNOW. THAT’S SILLY. I’ll recommend you scary novels! Unwind is awesome and THEY STEAL PEOPLE’S ORGANS WHILE THEY’RE STILL ALIVE. #GoReadIt
- “how to imagine have a good face” — Don’t look in the mirror and imagine positively.
- “i am a poor bookworm” — YOU AND ALL OF US. The term “rich bookworm” doesn’t exist because we’ve all spent all our dragon treasure on books.
- “trust me i’m not doing wrong with you” — Excuse me while I don’t believe you. At all.
- “side effects of reading novel countuisly” — Improved spelling, I hope. But I make no promises.
- “mare barrow vs katniss” — One is a complex, dimensional heroine who is the heart of a rebellion and loves deeply and has survived horrible torture…the other is Mare Barrow who is also a flat pancake.
- “how to attack people?” — MAYBE DOOOOOON’T???? It’s not nice. Make waffles together and talk it out, okay?!
- “how to know if he poke me in orchestra” — Probably get your musical instrument and poke him. Violently hard. Then glare and say “So how does that FEEL, HUH?!?!?” and if he looks really super confused he probably didn’t poke you. Systematically do this to everyone in your orchestra. You’re welcome.
- “the five talented furious extraodinary devious” — This is probably another title for ME.
- “can i die because of fangirling” — Yes. Paper cuts. Heart exploding. Feels combusting. The fangirl life is super dangerous.
- “somebody say cheesecake” — CHEEEESECAKE!!! (You’re welcome.)
Life on Etsy has been rather slooooooow lately. SO! My ingenious brain demand reminded me of the kusudama balls I frequently use for props on my instagram. Because I AM SO KIND — now you can buy them and use them too. #YoureWelcome (Also there are still a few Book Hook bookmarks left!)
(Click the pictures to go straight to the listing page)
There are new designs up on Society6!! BECAUSE I’M KINDA ADDICTED TO MAKING THEM. No regrets. (Btw, these designs ALL come in mugs, totes, carry pouches, laptop skins…etc.)
(Click the pictures to go straight to the listing page)
So the first time of….ever!?? I don’t have many links! Apparently I haven’t been paying attention to the blogosphere. #mybad
A U T H O R S
- All The Raven Cycle addicts MUST WATCH THIS FAN ART VIDEO. It’s incredible. I might’ve screamed.
- Plus if you’re on The Raven King withdrawal (aka me) go and listen to this fantastic song composed by Maggie Stiefvater.
- Here’s a short yet awesome interview with Cassandra Clare with her top tips for writers! Me likey.
I N T E R N E T N E W S
- Excited for Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events? BECAUSE I AM, DUDES. First look at Count Olaf’s costume! (It soooo looks like the illustrations!)
- George RR Martin thinks some of his Game of Thrones side-stories and novellas could be TV shows. As long as he doesn’t write them, I suppose…SINCE WE DON’T LIKE WAITING 93 YEARS TO READ HIS STUFF.
B L O G G E R S
- Evie @ Bookish Lifestyle has tips for starting your #bookstagram account (including prop ideas!) and also a guide to starting a Society6 store! (With info about licenses and graphics. #helpful)
- Aentee @ Read At Midnight has helpful tips about designing graphics for your blog posts!
- Aine @ Writing On a Vintage Typewriter has reasons you should take your own photos for your blog.
- Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight has tips for BEA. (I’m not going to BEA, obviously. #AussieHere BUT SHANNON IS SO HILARIOUS THIS POST IS MY FAVOURITE.)
- Ava @ Bookishness and Tea has suggestions on how to read more! Avast ye, overwhelming TBR!
- Abbie @ Abbiee’s Music Blog has this AMAZING vlog about not confining ourselves to one talent if we want to run after a zillion of them. And it’s so great.
Book: Here are so many NICE characters for you to admire & love. Enjoy!
Me: *falls aggressively in love with the villain*#bookwormproblems— Cait (@PaperFury) April 29, 2016
- DID I MENTION THE RAVEN KING YET???? Basically it has rather consumed me. The countdown. The meltdown at realising my order from Book Depository wouldn’t arrive for 2 more weeks. The frantic signing up to audible to use the free first credit. The excruciating paaaaain of listening SO SLOWLY instead of racing through. (Mind you, I got that 11hr audio done in 3 days. I BE PROUD.) It made me thoroughly anxious and it was thoroughly worth it. Although I DON’T KNOW HOW TO FUNCTION ANYMORE.
- #RabidStiefvaterFan
- I also got sucked back into Supernatural. BECAUSE THOSE WINCHESTER BOYS. <3 I love this season! Except when Sam CRIED ACTUAL TEARS because he was so so scared in Ep 10. YEAH. NOT OKAY.
- Also my Wattpad story is now FINISHED. You can read the entire thing!! It may not stay up forever so HURRY WHILE YOU CAN. Also the ending is fiiiiine. Perfect. Happy even. #lies
- Everyone is SO ENCOURAGING TO ME. Eeeeep. I have infinite thankfulness to everyone who read it!!
- Now I have to figure out my NEXT writing project. Either I a) write one of my 38398 ideas, or b) start editing one of my 38398 drafts. Nunnngh DECISIONS.
- Speaking of ideas…I have 2 new ones this month which I have to mildly talk about or I’ll explode. OKAY?! OKAY. One is about a boy who steals houses and is a contemporary and involves homeless children and farms and loneliness and probably copious amounts of waffles. The other is a Russian fantasy and involves an illusionist who is slightly mad and a king who can’t stop bleeding. I’m a little in love with them. I have this MASSIVE problem of being equally in love with ALL my stories. I need 9 more hands to type these….
- CLEARLY READING SO MANY 5-STAR BOOKS IS INSPIRING.
- Also my TBR is officially so unruly I’ve just given up hope and am currently hiding from it.
- Remember when I said I only wanted 10 books on my TBR at a time?
- HAHAHAHAHAHA. <—- Sound of my nervous breakdown
- ALSO MY 5TH BLOGVERSARY IS COMING UP IN MAY. This is, um, huge. I so far have zero plans. BUT I’LL THINK OF SOMETHING FUN. I hope. (I feel so oooooold though.)
I also have the Raven King audio. But I need to finish my current audio first because I can’t multitask audiobooks. *sorry between Shades of Grey* I read this amazing (non-fiction!) book called The End of Night, by Paul Bogard. It was about light pollution and so interesting. Hmm, my month has been frantic frantic because school is now over officially and I just have external exams (starting on Monaday eep) and a big project to do. (but because I’m awesome, I made my project about the power of fiction and storytelling in the context of censorship, so I’ve read lots of academic articles about that and now I know what phenomenology is?) My TBR is HUGE. I tried to go on a library ban, but failed. Still, I’m currently reading Lady Midnight and The Raven King and The Rose and the Dagger are coming up. (excitement!) Cheesecake is great. I love your story ideas! I wrote and edited like 12000 words of short stories, essays and poetry for a school award thing, so I’m pretty proud of that. yay for productive happy aprils.
I can’t multitask audios either!! IT’s JUST…YEP. TOO HARD. 😂 Awgh, good luck with your exams. AND YAY FOR HOLIDAYS THOUGH, RIGHT?!?
Omg, I tried a library ban too…like my “rule” is supposed to be I’m only allowed to borrow out 2 books. HAHAHAH. *dies* I am doomed and have no one to blame but myself basically. AHHHH my copy of Rose and Dagger is on order and I’M SO EXCITED. Except I thought it was a trilogy not a duology? So I’m a little sad it’s going to all be over then. D:
CHEESECAKE IS LIFE. MY FAVOURITE KIND OF CAKE.
MATE, LIES OF LOCK LAMORA IS SO GOOD!! The plot twists are insane. Absolutely insane. I really hope you like it!
I’m buying The Raven King this weekend, but won’t get to read it/ marathon the series until June. My body is not prepared.
My TBR is extending into space. I’m about to collapse under it.
I AM SUPER EXCITED FOR IT. Someone also told me it had tons of witty banter?! *shrieks and clutches at book*
Awww, all the way till June?! I hope you avoid all the spoilers! (I mean, I actually haven’t seen any myself yet, but every time someone even whispers the title I RUN AWAY. 😂)
Waa you had quite the eventful week! I am so happy to see you got Ivy Pocket because I feel like that book is you condensed into words – I hope you will love it. I personally adored Lies of Locke Lamora, it’s so wildly entertaining and filled with treachery and death and dastardly anti-hero so I think you’ll love it. I seriously need to start reading TRC QUICKLY before I get irrevocably spoiled by the tumblr’s many edits.
Good luck for your next writing project & thank you so much for linking my post <3
More like month. 😂 I didn’t cram all this quite into a week, omg. hehe. BUT YAY AND THANK YOU. And zomg after Kelly saying I was Ivy Pocket and now you, I AM DOUBLY CURIOUS. I’m definitely going to read it ASAP. Also yayyyy about Locke Lamora then!! 😀 Treachery and dastardly anti-heroes are my FAVOURITE.
*hides from towering TBR pile* I would say a few weeks ago my TBR was at Mt. Everest, but now I’ve devoured a few of the books I bought on a giant let’s-go-buy-twenty-books-at-once-because-that’s-totally-a-smart-idea online spree. But of course, now my library has ALL THE NEW SHINY BOOKS, and I am enthralled by the covers. So, back to an almost Mt. Everest. 🙂
I want to read Shadow Queen so bad, especially since I just finished C.J. Redwine’s Defiance Trilogy. But it’s not in the bookstores over here yet. Ugh. Now I will have to wait ages for Book Depository to ship.
(I have yet to read Raven Cycle, but I will soon, I promise. Your shrieks about it and me loving the Scorpio Races has convinced me to add it to that mountain of a TBR.)
AGH LIBRARIES ARE THE DEATH OF US RIGHT?! I blame them for like 90% of my TBR troubles. And that time that I won 20 books last month. *facepalm* I LOVE BOOKS SO MUCH. But I’m definitely going to be crushed beneath them soon. 😂 At least if the apocalypse happens, we won’t be bored???
AHHH I HOPE I LIKE SHADOW QUEEN! I’ve heard some less-than-good things about it, but it has DRAGONS. What can go wrong with a book about DRAGONS?!?!?
(Oh oh I hope you do like The Raven Cycle if you get a chance to read it. <3 I am on suuuuch a Raven Cycle high right now. MY FAVOURITE SREIES OF EVER. *SHRIEKS*)
Gah I feel like I’m jumping from one novel idea to the next this month! First I had the Cheshire Cat (which I gave up on) then I had that one that I blogged about (which is making me tear my hair out) and I’m now trying to develop a second person story idea. Major fail in the writing side of things! But I’m SO SO SO SO SO SO SO excited because I won your giveaway for The Winner’s Curse! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I’m so incredibly excited to see them plop in the mail!
THERE ARE SO MANY BOOKS TO BE WRITTEN THOUGH, RIGHT?!?? I’ve had an unusually MAMMOTH amount of book ideas this year. It’s kind of terrifying. 😂 I mostly just plot them excessively and then do nothing, gah…
OH YAY YOU WERE THE WINNER! 😂 I didn’t recognise you! eeep. (Did you reply to the email with your mailing address? I’m waiting on the other winner to reply so I can get them passed onto the publicist.) BUT I CANNOT WAIT TO KNOW IF YOU LIKE THEM. 😀
I haven’t read The Raven King yet, due to the fact that I’m currently reading Blue Lily, Lily Blue AND ADORING IT.
My most recent 5-star read(other than Lady Midnight) was The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You by Lily Anderson, AND OMGS I FREAKING LOVED IT. It’s basically Much Ado About Nothing + fandoms + mystery. *hugs it forever*
Also normally I would feel like eating some cheese cake, but I’m sick, which means I don’t want to eat anything. THIS IS VERY SAD.
My TBR is *counts* 349 books tall, but that’s not including the Netgalley ARCS that I’m drowning in.
AHFAJDSKALFD I AM SO GLAD YOU LIKE BLLB. I still think it’s possibly my favourite?! But The Raven King also just MELTED MY BRAIN AND I AM UNABLE TO FUNCTION. *shrieks* AHhhhh I loved Lady Midnight too. <3 And now I want to go sneakily google this Lily Anderson book because IT SOUNDS WONDERFUL. FANDOMS!!!!
Ugh to being sick though. D: When one doesn't feel like cheesecake, one knows things are bad.
Dude. You and me both with the mammoth TBRs. How do we liiiiiiiive.
YESSS you must google(and then read) The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You. I can pretty much guarantee it’ll land on your favorites pile.
IKR. I must be really sick to not want to eat cheesecake, cause I love cheese cake. Especially mixed berry cheesecake.
I had to read the Raven King in one night because that was all the time I had blocked out for it. It took me three days to actually sort it all out in my head though. A certain thing disappointed me (humongous spoiler so I won’t write it here), but I DID see it coming. What did you think about the sudden introduction of Henry Cheng? Like, I liked him, but I’m not one hundred percent certain why he was there???
I’m three chapters into your ghost story – when one of the main characters is an angry ghost, what’s not to like? XD
My TBR is too big. And, after a week of “I MUST READ!” I’ve crashed into “…Must I finish this course book.” I blame the Raven King. Now that I’ve read it, I must process it.
OMG I WISH I COULD’VE READ IT THAT FAST. It kiiiiiilled me to take 3 days. KILLED ME. I mean, it was probably good because I absorbed it instead of just racing through to know the ending. 😂 BUT YEAH. It was so hard to write my review. I FEEL EMOTIONALLY DRAINED. And I was disappointed by a few things too…but ultimately I still loved the book a whole heap. <3
Eh, I did like Henry Chang but I WISH HE WASN'T THERE. If that makes sense? He kind of spoiled the duo and I HATED that Gansey went with HIM to find Glendower when it should've been with the others. 🙁
ZOMG THANK YOU FOR READING MY STORY. <3
Yes. Let's blame the Raven King for EVERYTHING from now on.
I AM SO JEALOUS YOU’VE READ TRK ALREADY I WON’T BE ABLE TO GET IT ANY TIME SOON!!!! also I’ve not been reading so much this year, it’s sad – I think I’ve been reading (and writing) more fanfiction than anything else. BUT SO GREAT YOU FINISHED YOUR WATTPAD BOOK! I’m saving the link to read one of these days (: also I went and just followed your instagram because I realised I wasn’t already. xD
oh, also could you like send some inspiration/motivation my way so I can get back into writing my other Wattpad short story?? kay thanks.
AFJAKDLSAD THE RAVEN CYCLE FEELS ARE REAL RIGHT NOW. SO REAL. *breaks down sobbing because mind has exploded* Also I totally understand writing taking over reading space…I can’t balance both. 😂 But eep god luck with YOUR wattpad story1! I’ll just package up some of my inspiration and send it (and some motivating cupcakes) to you via dragon expression post, eh? THAT SHOULD WORK.
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE I AM SO EXCITED FOR IT.
haha, Neither can I! And I keep falling into a rut for both?? And I have no motivation to do anything. Lol.
THANK YOU! YES PLEASE. I look forward to the dragon expression post xD
Raven King, here I come! I just finished Blue lily, lily blue yesterday and I’m dying to start the Raven King! And you’ve got Half Lost! I still have to read Half Wild though 😅
I only read five books this month and it was trc and The Young Elites and The Rose Society. TYE was good but TRS was amaaaaaaazing!
Obviously I can’t forget trc! 😆
Sorry about all those abbreviations, I’m #lazy at typing.
Also, I LOVE villains more than heroes. And your board for The Boy Who Steals Houses is fab. All the yellow! 😍
Okay, I better read TDBATC (is this correct?) before it goes away! I’m five chapters in and it’s awesome!
HALF LOST IS SO PERFECT AND HEARBREAKING. Honestly with all the feels-shredding finales I read this month, it’s a wonder I’m EVEN STILL ALIVE. *dies a little* 😂 But books are good. BOOKS ARE WONDERFUL. AHHHH. Ahem. And I’m glad you liked The Rose Society! I’m still tossing up whether to try it or not since I wasn’t blown away by TYE (I mean, it was okay, but I thought it’d be darker? ;D)
Omg yes it’s TDBATPC. 😂 KIND OF A HORRIBLE MOUTHFUL OF AN ACRONYMN RIGHT?! 😂 Awww, but thank you for reading! <3
Just a teensy doubt, how did Gansey survive the hornet’s? It still doesn’t make sense to me. And Adam and Ronan. Why do people ship them? It has something to do with Ronan saying that Adam was his second secret, right? I’m a clueless chicken, help.
You mean how did Gansey survive the hornet’s nest when he died when he was 10? He was on the ley line! His life got swapped for Noah’s. 😀 Also Adam/Ronan get shipped because they….like each other?! 😂
I got the Raven King in the mail earlier this week but I’m kinda scared to actually start reading it… Aaaah. Going on a vacation tomorrow so I’ll probably read it in 1 day haha. Also I need to start reading your watt pad story asap, love the other ideas as well!
Omg THANK YOU ISABELLE. <3 I hope you enjoy my story. *chews nails nervously* 😂 😂 Ahem. BUT OH HAVE A NICE VACATION!! And I was so totally freaked of the Raven King...BUT IT WAS GOOD. GOOD LUCK.
You got it! I’ve heard so many things about it and yet I’ve only read the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. Yeah, I know, I’m so late. I will read the Raven Cycle!
I love your designs by the way. They’re so beautiful!
YESSSSS YOU MUST!! IT IS SO SO GOOD. *shrieks* I love ALL the Stiefvater books, though, so I also adore the Wolves series. <3 Cole and Isabel are like one of my TOP favourite couples of ever. :')
Omg thankyou!!
I want The Raven King so bad . . . I just finished BLLB the other day and oh storms. Lucky you to have gotten it already!
The Google searches are, as ever, amusing. xD
Both of your new story ideas sound fabulous, but I like the second one better. And I will eventually read your Wattpad story . . . really, I will . . . but I do not generally go on Wattpad and so I usually forget.
I was so so desperate to read The Raven King. 😂 SO DESPERATE. I’ve been waiting for this book for 39839 years basically. *hyperventilates*
Awww, I appreciate that, Sarah!! And even if you don’t get a chance to read it, I UNDERSTAND. THANKYOU ANYWAY THO.<3
Wait, how long is the wattpad story going to be up for still? Because I was waiting for it to be done to read it in one go. Now I just need to plan it in this month…
So jealous of your nine 5 star reads. That’s amazing!
I just got all three Reckoners books because I think I should start there. They are shorter. The Way Of Kings is mocking me by taking almost as much space up on the shelf as that whole series in thickness.
Oh it definitely won’t go away SOON. But it just probably will eventually? You’ve got time. 😂 And ajdflaksd thank you for wanting to read it though. MY HEART IS A SMALL SUNSHINE OF HAPPINESS RIGHT NOW. Ahem.
Ohhhh, the Reckoner books are my EVERYTHING. *hugs them* I also own The Way of Kings and am currently avoiding it because it’s like…the size of a small PLANET. Halp.
Aaaahhh your posts are always so pretty. And the items and designs you’re selling on Society6 looks so amazing I seriously want them all. If only I get actually buy it. T-T
One day I definitely will.
Aww, THANK YOU THOUGH. <3 That means a lot. 😀
The Lies of Locke Lamora is awesome! Enjoyed it a lot. Pretty standalonish, so if you don’t like it, there’s no need to read the sequels. Which reminds me that I still haven’t got to them.
Glad you liked the Reckoners! Sanderson is working on a kinda, sorta sequel series? It’s set in the same universe (multi-verse?), where a group of people travel between dimensions to stop apocalypses. The main character is the group’s coffee girl. 😀 Probably won’t see it till 2018 though. 🙁
Ooh GOODIE. I mean, I do like series to get obsessed with, but standalones are awesome too. Less commitment. 😂
ZOMG HE IS?!?!? THAT IS THE BEST NEWS I’VE HEARD ALL DAY. Although I will miss David if he’s not in it at all. David is my darling. <3 I seriously need to read Calamity and know how it ends. *shrieks*
David and Megan <3
9 5-stars reads?! YOU GO, GIRL!
I AM LIVING THE BOOKWORM DREAM. *shrieks happily*
It sounds like you’ve had quite the month. Yay for Supernatural. I don’t actually watch it, but you know that thing where you’ve never actually seen/read something, but you’re obsessed with the storylines and the characters and you love the characters to death? Yeah. That’s what’s happening. I just…SAMMYYYYY is a precious little moose and he must be protected. Gah, that show kills me.
I am so stoked for the Series of Unfortunate Events to air on Netflix. That’ll be so awesome.
BAHAH YES. I KNOW. It’s like 2nd-hand-fandom-syndrome, right?!? But omg you should watch it then! IT IS SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD. MY HEART NEARLY EXPLODES ALL THE TIME. :’) I’m like partially emotionally destroyed from it. What’s not to love? :’)
I have the same writerly problems. I am currently writing 6 books at the same time because I CANNOT CHOOSE ONE!!!
My most recent 5-star read is my new favorite book. It was The Girl from Everywhere, and I read it based on your review! It was so awesome. Nix was amazing, and I liked how her relationship with Slate developed, and Blake was just such a cute little character.
I have never read the Raven Cycle, and I hadn’t even heard of it before I started reading your blog. I thought Maggie Stiefvater was a children’s author? That’s where all her books are at my library.
I currently have one book on my TBR. I never have a problem with my TBR being too big, rather I never have enough books. I would much rather have a crushing TBR.
And happy blogaversary! (I think I spelled that right?)
AGH. Writing struggles are HUGE and DASTARDLY. I need to get more of these books written, though, before they run away from me. 😂
AHHHH YOU READ THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE BECAUSE OF MEEEEEE?!?!! *flails for about 9000 years* THIS IS THE BEST NEWS OF EVER. Did you like Kash? I am in love with Kash. KAAAAASH. And I also
wantneed a pocket dragon. Like, immediately.Ohhh, um, well Maggie Stiefvater has written one children’s book. No, wait, maybe two? Like for middle-grade sort of readers? Otherwise noooo her books are definitely YA. 😂 tHEY ARE MY FAVOURITE. I KNOW IT’S HARD TO TELL.
Aww, thankyou! It’s not till the end of May though! 😂 I MUST PLAN SOMETHING BIG. Ahem. And I think there are like 9 million ways to say blogversary right? Like “blogiversary” or “blogaversary” or “blogversary”…agh. 😂 😂
I did like Kash a lot, but for some reason I liked Blake better. I thought it was so cool it was set in Hawaii! Next I am reading Under a Painted Sky, and I’m kind of nervous, but THE COVER IS SO PRETTY!!!
OH OH I hope you enjoy Under A Painted Sky then!! 😀 I was a little underwhelmed by it??? But it was still definitely good. 😀
Starflight is really good but there aren’t really any aliens that I can remember… And THE RAVEN KING. I feel like the only person who hasn’t been flailing over it now — I still haven’t read books 2 or 3. *Sob* I am woefully behind on current releases and popular series these days. I’m in a graphic novel/manga/comics mood as of late. Which is awesome, but means I’ve been neglecting all the novels that are threatening to topple over my bookshelves. 😛
Ah, great Weekly Fury, Cait! I always look forward to seeing what you’ve read and been up to. I’m snoopy like that. Because what devoted minion doesn’t want to know all the inside gossip and secrets about the One True Queen? ;D
WAIT. No aliens in Starflight?! DANGIT. 😂 And omg don’t worry! I’ve met many people who haven’t read The Raven King. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. (But omg I hiiiiighly recommend them. #justsayin)
OMG YOU MAKE ME LAUGH. YOU ARE WONDERFUL. <3 And I'm super pleased that you like these posts because I so enjoy writing them!!
I haven’t read a single book you mentioned 🙁 I feel silly and out of place.
But dude.. I love your origami. I’m broke, but if not for that I’d buy some right now! I love your Instagram feed. Ever morning I drool over them… It’s funny because I’m sort of a photographer, I’m somewhat confident when it comes to taking photos of living things. But still like a whole another beast… I just don’t know how to take sexy book photos 🙁
I need your origami for book props…
Omg NO! Please don’t feel silly! I definitely don’t want that to be how anyone feels reading my blog. *gives you cake*
And hehe, I envy your skills of taking living-things photos then!! 😂 I TRY SO HARD. But living things move, dangit. I love books because they just sit still nicely and do what I say. Ahem. Well. SOMETIMES. For everyone 1 photo I post, there’s like 93 deleted ones. hahah.
(I’m still casually pretending that Dead Boy doesn’t have an end and that it’s posted and I could read it any time >.> *denial*)
(I promise I will read it before I turn 90, Cait. I promise.)
I WAS WONDERING IF YOU WERE GOING TO READ IT. 😂 Come ooooon, I’m dyyyyyying to know what you think? *puppy dog eyes*
I DO keep meaning to go read it, I promise! I just haven’t actually gotten to it yet. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT IT THOUGH. I WILL READ IT I PROMISE.
OKAY. WELL I’M ONLY HERE WAITING IMPATIENTLY. 😂
(I’m just kidding! You totally don’t even have to read it. Nooo pressure. ;D)
NUUUU I WILL READ IT. I promise. I just can’t promise how soon XD
You had a much better reading month than I did! I gave out two one stars, four two stars, and four three stars. Reading not-so-great books is tiring XD
I bought the first three Raven Cycle books last year and have been waiting until The Raven King was released to binge read them. I haven’t read any Stiefvater, and your love for the series has me really pumped to read them!
Also your Society6 store is the best! I’m pretty sure I need like 5 mugs and 10 pillows! XD
AGH, I totally agree. That was me in March. 🙁 I was soooo despondent about reading because I had such a wave of sucky books. Bleh. But now I am ON FIRE for reading because of all the epic ones. :’)
AHHHH I HOPE YOU LOVE THE RAVEN CYCLE THEN. *flails wildly* Her writing is just … omg I have no words. BECAUSE IT IS JUST THAT BEAUTIFUL.
My most recent 5-star read is definitely The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands – idk if I’ve squealed sufficiently about it on here yet, but just in case I haven’t IT’S SO GOOD CAUSE IT’S SET IN TUDOR ENGLAND AND THERE’S MAGIC AND MYSTERY AND LOTS OF EXPLOSIONS AND POTIONS AND HIGH-SPEED CHASES AND IT’S LITERALLY THE BEST THING EVER .
*ahem*
My TBR pile is like a solid eight?? Idk there are *counts* eleven books on it?? So it’s actually pretty calm compared to normal lmao. (It used to be like thirty.) I’m getting to the end of a bunch of really long series, so that’s helped decrease the size.
Congrats on finishing your book!
Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality
Omg I don’t think you have mentioned it yet! BUT I SHALL GO LOOK IT UP IMMEDIATELY. Because I’m always on the look out for amazing books…even if my TBR wants to strangle me in my sleep as is. 😂 I live on the wild side.
BOUGHT TRK ON TUESDAY, FINISHED TRK ON WEDNESDAY, OR DID TRK FINISH ME? So it’s my most recent five star book, but I don’t know whether I gave it five stars just cause I convinced myself I was going to love it? As in, the five stars were never really in question? And I read it so fast and was so breathlessly excited beforehand and I’m just still processing, really. I have a lot of questions. But I’m listening to the song right now and I read Maggie’s bit and it looks like /that was exactly what she intended/. She said she wanted us to come away wanting more, which I do. So I don’t know whether I’m unsatisfied or not? But also I absolutely loved it so yeah there’s that. But also I really need to reread them all, because I think I may have missed a few things based on forgetting previous books? I think it’ll be such a great series to binge <333
THAT FANART VIDEO WAS SO PERFECT OH MY GOSH. Kavinsky! The Mitsubishis! Gwenllian waking up! The gravestone! ALL OF IT. So perfect. Oh my gosh. I guess at one time in one place I thought I had more to comment on than just TRC, but nope, TRC is everything.
TRK FINISHED ME, THAT’S FOR SURE. I THINK IT JUST SLAYED EVERYTHING IN SIDE ME AND I AM NOW A TREE. And pfft, I know I’m going to rate a Stiefvater book 5 stars before I even pick it up. Am I worried about that fact? NOPE.
AND AFJDKSLAD EXACTLY!! I think she succeeded exactly in what she wanted! BECAUSE I WANT MORE. And I love that she didn’t tie up everything in neat little bows, because when does that ever happen IRL? Not. And I mean, YES, there was magic and stuff in here, but the reason I loved it so much was because all the characters were so real. So I’m glad that they got REAL endings. And I think the fact that we GOT the disappointment that Gansey got is excellent writing. EMOTION. I HAVE IT.
AND AFJDKLSAD TO THAT FAN VIDEO RIGHT. I CRY FOREVER BECAUSE IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL.
:O I feel a little famous now because you screencapped my response to your wattpad story <3 (MinstrelWarrior here 😛 ).
This is a fantastic update – much love! Gosh I love your posts! *fangirls*
YOUR COMMENTS ON MY STORY ARE SO MARVELLOUS. <333 I APPRECIATED THEM A LOT, THANKYOOOOOOOU.
Bookish New! My favorite topic. OH MY GOSH, I can’t wait for A Court of Mist and Fury to come out by Sarah J. Maas. It comes out May 3rd (aka to far away)! I think my most recent 5-star read was Half Lost, its okay to be picky with 5-stars. There 5-stars for a reason. I wish I was a Raven Cycle fan, I haven’t even read the first book. AAAhhhhhhhh *me running to hide behind a bookshelf*(I’m trying to start it I just have to be in the mood to start it. What is it about even? I know nothing). I can always feel like I need cheesecake, especially chocolate cheesecake (my favorite). Oh, Oh, Oh, also have you heard of Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes. I love Alice in Wonderland retelling’s, they are my favorite out of all retelling’s. I got an advanced copy and started it yesterday and am almost done. It is technically about the queen of hearts before Alice came to wonderland and before she was queen. It is like a backstory to why the queen of hearts is so messed up. I think this will be my next 5-star rating! You should check it out. Also, Yes, sometimes I think my TBR will eat me. But I keep waking up every morning and laughing at it “Not today!”
YES! 5-STARS NEED TO BE SPECIAL! Or they lose their meaning, right?! AFKDSLAFD I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED HALF LOST TOO. Everyone seems to be raging at it and here I am…hopefully in love. 😂 Ahem.
And I totally get about needing to be in the mood. BUT I HOPE THE MOOD STRIKES YOU SOON BECAUSE THE RAVEN CYCLE IS MY EVERYTHING. *shrieks* And is there ever a time when cheesecake is not wanted? I think not.
I HAVE heard of Queen of Hearts! I nearly requested an e-ARC but then decided not to because…TBR IS GONNA KILL ME. But omggg, it’s that good?! OKAY. I IMMEDIATELY NEED IT.
HAHAHAHA THAT ORCHESTRA QUESTION !! The weird google searches is always my favorite section. 😛 WRITE THE RUSSIAN FANTASY. That sounds SO COOL. I’m just wondering, is it inspired by Rasputin and the Last royal family (the mad illusionist reminds me of Rasputin and the King that can’t stop bleeding is like the Tsar’s son)? But anyway IT WOULD BE AMAZING.
EEEEP I really want to read Raven King but I’m going to reread the previous three books because I’ve sorta forgotten everything that happened ….
OH OH the orchestra scene could totally be the beginning of a ship. Like, the violin player goes and pokes the guy behind her and is fiery mad and he’s all like “excuse me?” SHIP IT
DUDE YES. Someone needs to write an orchestra book with all the sections warring but secretly being in love. Romeo and Juliette in the Cellos and Trombone sections. IMMEDIATELY. 😂
AND YESSSS. YOU SEE MY INSPIRATIONS. Mwhahah. The Russian fantasy is going to be part Anastasia’s family retelling crossed with the Russian folklore tale “The Death of Koschei the Deathless”. Hopefully. It still needs much plotting BUT I AM EXCITE.
Omg rereading The Raven Cycle is an EXCELLENT decision. The foreshadowing is so so amazing. AFDJSAKLFDJAKLD
Gah you’re new writing ideas sound so interesting!! How do you come up with all these ideas? 😀
I DON’T EVEN KNOW. MY BRAIN GETS ATTACKED WITH THEM CONSTANTLY. 😂
OMG, congrats on finishing your Wattpad story!
I just want to read The Raven King right now, but my pre-order hasn’t come yet because of shipping issues and I feel like everybody else is reading it before me, which I know is not true but it just feels that way, you know??. . . Anyway, the shipping issues are giving me time to reread the first three books because I failed to do that before the month of April, which I should have. I was just so busy reading other books, because my TBR is also monstrous. (On a scale of 1 to Mt Everest, I would say OUTER SPACE, or that’s how it seems anyway). I’m actually paused in the middle of reading Burning Glass so that I can read The Raven Boys for like the 6th time. And THANK YOU for not sharing or spoiling any Raven King-related things. I mean, I want to hear all of your thoughts about it but since I haven’t read it yet I don’t want it to be spoiled. <3
Also, your story idea for The Boy Who Steals Houses is wonderful and awesome and sounds like it would be so sweet and amazing. I think you should definitely write it!
And I might be craving cheesecake now . . . .
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND. That’s exactly how I felt when I realised my copy wouldn’t arrive for TWO FREAKING WEEKS. *cries* Hence I broke and got the audible one because it was free and instant. 😂 Ahem. I TRIED to time my re-read to end in April, but I ended up finishing in March so I HAD TO GO A WHOLE MONTH WITH NO STIEFVATERING AND IT WAS TORTURE. *shrieks* Ahem. So yes. I completely understand the pain.
I think outerspace is an excellent TBR measurement device.
And of course!! I would rather stab myself in the eyeball with my laptop than give spoilers! BECAUSE I WOULD HATE IF SOMEONE DID THAT TO ME. *nods* I may review it on the blog?? But honestly, maybe not, too. 😂 It’s up on Goodreads anyway!
AHHH THANKYOU ABOUT MY STORY IDEA. <3 I really want to write it…and hopefully keep it sweet and not kill everyone off. AHEM. 😂
Ah, it’s so cool to hear about such a fantastic week. Very inspiring *edges slowly towards the TBR*. One day soon, when I am not so broke, I’ll be ordering from your Society6 store because DAMN. The laptop cover and the iphone cover are on my to-buy list.
In terms of reading, this month has been a bit stagnant. Today, though, I finished this pretty cool philosophical poetry-type short volume titled “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. Mr Gibran likes to draw Rembrandt-style people despairing over their existential crisis. It was an interesting read.
Alas I haven’t come across a cool five-star read since The Bane Chronicles. BUT. I’m reading Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and it’s totally messing with my mind in the best way possible.
AHHHH I’m so glad, *shrieks* THANKYOU. I do have fun designing things, even though they’re simple! hehe. 😂
ugh to a stagnant reading month. 🙁 But I do understand because I feel like that was me for March. But mind messing books are. so. good. I find I think about them WAY more and they stay with me for longer. :’)
Having a successful reading spree is always so awesome! I love it when that happens. I’m glad you liked The Raven King! (I’m read The Dream Thieves right now and loooove it so much! I probably post it too often on insta? But oh, well.)
EXCUSE ME. There is no such thing as “posting too often” on instagram when it comes to Maggie Stiefvater. *nods* I think I successfully sneaked her into my photos in my last 8 photos. #winning
“What did you do this month?” “Oh, I just wrote an entire book, NBD.” I love you, Cait. 😂
Ooh, very much looking forward to your Simon vs. pictures! Also to know what you think of Locke Lamora. (There’s also an audio version on Hoopla, if you decide the book is too much.)
Why is your reading goal 200 if you want to read 20 books a month. I am confused. XD
I’m still not over The Lost & Found. I already can’t wait to reread it!
Those kusudama balls are sooooo cool! 😍
Lol, are there are other Raven Cycle fans out there? You slay me.
What’s the step above Mt. Everest? That would be my TBR.
I should not be allowed to write comments when I’m this tired. I have no idea what I’m even saying anymore.
Both of your new book ideas sound fantastic, as always.
Ya know…write a book, AS YOU DO. 😉
(Is it awful that I’m frustrated about the library sticker on Simon Vs?!? GAH. I won a copy last month apparently…but it never arrived. Which makes my small heart break.) OMG. I didn’t realise Locke Lamora was on hoopla. I may actually go that way instead. 😂 Audios are so much kinder on my brain.
Um, sooooo, sHHHHH. No one else has commented on my 20 books for 12 months NOT equalling 200 😂 😂 I’m only subtly overachieving. Very subtly.
Mt Everest and then…STRETCHING TO JUPITER AND BACK? < -- That must be the next category. YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS FANTASTIC. I'M SMILING SO MUCH RIGHT NOW.
As YOU do. 😛
OMG, putting stickers on the covers of books—library books or otherwise—should be illegal! It’s the worst offense. I forgot about that. :O Did you email the person? (I just answered my own question. But you should think about it.)
Hahahahaha, oops, I didn’t mean to reveal your secret. Sneaky, sneaky.
Can I make it STRETCHING TO SATURN AND BACK? I’ve always wanted to visit the rings.
I’m smiling, too. <3
I DID EMAIL ACTUALLY. And they hadn’t shipped Simon yet. And…it’s been a month. o.O I mean, I felt really bad for asking after it, but hopefully they send it now. *fingers crossed* I want to own a sticker-less-version. 😂
Yes you may have Saturn. The universe is your oyster. You can even have Mars if you can handle Darrow & Co.
I wrote 76k in 22 days, so I’m a little dead right now. *flops* Oh! But the book a friend and I are writing is close to the end and we’re planning another!
OMG CONGRATS ON THE 76K!!! *flings confetti and cake at you* Writing is exhausting, right?!? SO EXHAUSTING. And oh oh congrats on your co-written book. CO WRITING IS SO FUN. I co-wrote with my sister once and it was…hilarious. 😂
ACK! Thank you so much! Yeeesh, I’m so tired.
I SAW STARGIRL IN YOUR PILE OF NEW BOOKS!! I recommend you swallow star girl whole like I did a few years ago, and love it, just like I did.
OKAY I WILL. *SALUTES* *DASHES OFF TO READ IT*
.,, the boy who steals houses is a wonderful idea, and I clicked right to the Pinterest right away (!!)
As for my TBR it’s practically scaling to outer space, not amount Everest. I have about 7283939473 books I have to read (I have the actual copies) and 3984746482 I want to read (I don’t have the copies… yet). I’m really happy you liked Lady Midnight! I honestly didn’t finish it because of a lot of reasons, one of them being Emma (that’s her name, right?). I didn’t like her character, but hey that’s great other people enjoyed it like you!
(And oh I am failing at writing. I haven’t written a book in like 6 months and I’m dying but oh well we’ll figure it out. I was on a roll though last year, I wrote two books both of which I will never touch again because they are ugly, evil, rotting orphan word containers and three novellas on steampunk because steampunk sounded cool. This urea though, nothing so far.)
Omg THANK YOU. I’m really quite in love with the idea. :’) AND YELLOW. Apparently pinterest decreed it would have muchly yellow. hehe.
I hear ya with the TBR. Those numbers are about the same for me. LIKE, RIGHT ON. WHERE CAN WE FIND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH SO WE HAVE TIME TO READ ALL OF THESE?!?! And also maybe we need to find a gold mine? So we can afford all the books we need? #ExcellentPlans
Aww, I’m sad you didn’t like Emma. But books are subjective, OF COURSE! I completely understand.
I pretty much failed at writing last year. 😂 So I’m TRYING to be mega-productive this year. ;D I hope your muse returns!!
I’m currently reading The Dream Thieves, but I can still understand your mad love for the series! I just love the way Maggie writes. I need to read ALLLLL her books. Wow! That’s awesome you’ve read so many 5-star reads lately. I didn’t really like The Haters either. It was okay, but not all that great (at least for me sigh).
-Lauren
FDJASLKFDA ISN’T HER WRITING JUST THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN THE HISTORY OF EVER? I COULD SOB WITH IT’S GREATNESS. *proceeds to sob anyway* And zomg I have NEVER had this much luck with reading! It’s so so exciting! Ugh, the Haters was just too crass and plot-less for me. I mean, what did they even achieve by the end?!? Gah.
True story: Every time I saw “Raven” and anything I covered my eyes and yelled “shhhhhhh I CAN’T KNOW ANYTHING” hhahaah. I really need to binge the rest of that series before I get spoiled. It’s going to happen.
THANK YOUUUUUU for finding my post funny and then telling others about it! I feel like I can’t really write anything that will be of any actual help, so why not have fun? 😉
I am SO glad that you loved Half Lost. I ummm did not, but I am glad you did! Also sad that you hated The Glittering Court. Because I loved it, and what if we are becoming like, reading opposites?!?!? That would make me the saddest bookperson EVER. Ever.
Also ummm I feel like that person with the poking in orchestra was talking about a different instrument. Or my mind is in the gutter, not even sure which. Both, maybe both. ALSO- how do you do so many things in just 30 days!? I am over here trying to come up with ANYTHING to tell people other than “man, I am tired, don’t know where the time went…” and you’ve written books and created bookish ,merchandise, read 38489 books, cured cancer, achieved world peace, and stopped global warming, and that was all during the first WEEK of April 😂 Seriously, you actually deserve to rule the world and make us your loyal subjects, because frankly, you manage your time wayyyy better than I ever could bwhahah.
DON’T WORRY I WAS DOING THAT TOO. 😂 The worry of spoilers is REAL. Which is why I reeeeally tried not to say ANYTHING here. 😂 I mean, I kinda did. But. No details. Noooooo deatils. *nods* AhEM.
Your posts are always helpful AND WONDERFUL. I am almost always shrieking with laughter. JUST SAYIN’.
I did read your review of Half Lost…eeek. I get why you (and a lot of people, I’ve noticed!) are unhappy, but I still think it was the perfect ending for them. And it was REALISTIC. To me. War that plays favourites is too convenient, ya know? BUT OMG DON’T LET US BECOME BOOK OPPOSITES. *WAILS* I bought Nora & Kettle so hopefully we twin on that one right?!?
WELL, YOU KNOW, I DO HAVE MY DRAGON SECRETARIES. *flips hair* All this productivity will crash and burn if I don’t remove myself from binge-watching Supernatural soon. ahem. BUT I’M ALMOST CAUGHT UP. Then I can go back to, ya know, establishing colonies on Mars or whatever as well.
Congratulations on finishing your story on Wattpad! *scurries to read it
I’m still contemplating if I should give writing novels a go or stick to flash fiction. Heh
Awww, thank you!! I HOPE YOU LIKE IT. *chews nails nervously* 😂 And you write flash fiction? THAT’S AWESOME! I’m opposite and completely can’t write anything sensibly short. It’s an art. SO YoU’RE AWESOME. 😉
I have 4 books on reserve at the library and whenever I am on the website I have to tell myself to not reserve them, because none of the 4 books have come! My TBR is probably going to collapse in an avalanche on me any second now…
I UNDERSTAND THAT FEEL. *cries* The worst thing about library reserves is they always come at once. I’m sure the librarians do it on purpose so they can sit back and cackle at our pain. THE BOOKWORM LIFE IS SO TOUGH.
I already have The Raven King and The Rose and The Dagger but I’m NOT EMOTIONALLY READY for them. I know they’ll rip my hearts out I just want to hold them off as long as possible (even though most of the times I just staring at the covers wanting to read them). Also Lies of Locke Lamore sounds really awesome, I’ve been eyeing it for AGES but never actually read it, so really excited to read your review (if you’re going to post one). I hope you’ll read even more 5-stars books next month!
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND TAHT FEELING. I do that A LOT with books I have too many emotions about. Except for The Raven King. 😂 Because I couldn’t risk spoilers!! And my copy of The Rose and the Dagger is in the mail and…*shrieks in anticipation*
I’ll definitely review The Lies of Lock Lamora on goodreads! It probably won’t make it to the blog though Because I tend to just review ARCs here instead of library books. Buuuut, I’ll definitely mention my thoughts in the next monthly recap!! 😀
CAIT. I demand a Raven King post right nao. I must know your thoughts, etc.
I am in love with your library haul. How does your library get so many good books? Mine generally sucks! I can never get new release ones! The woes of living in small town Queensland *sobs*
Thanks for all the lovely post links. I’m going to go check otu some of the featured blogs and their awesome posts. Yippee!
AFJDLKASD I NEED TO GO READ YOU RAVEN KING REVIEW NOW. *shrieks* I’ve been avoiding ALL the reviews and now I’m slowly going back to find and compare thoughts with everyone. 😂 I’m not 100% sure if I’ll blog about TRK yet? I might wait until more people have read it. ;D
Omg my library is SO NICE. And it buys a lot of books I request too!! *flaps happily* But the actual library has only 2 shelves of YA books. They’re almost all inter-library-loans (thank goodness YA ones are free though or I’d be dead) 😂
Isn’t that like utterly exciting??? when you get to read a few 5-star books in a row? it’s like hitting a lottery 🙂 I had a hard time with book 1 of the Raven Boys series but I think it was the narrator. So I’m really looking forward to give it another try because you shrike a lot about them 🙂 🙂 I know you are in Australia, and I’m here in the US AND I CAN HEAR YOU CAIT 🙂 so I’ll have to try them 🙂
I totally understand what happened to you with the library books. I do the same, like, just pretty much every week 🙂 BUT they should forgive us because it is like we are taking the books out for some fresh air too!
YES. It’s so suffocatingly exciting! I GET SO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT READING WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *flails* Sadly it doesn’t happen very often. Gah. Ahem.
I’M GLAD YOU CAN HEAR ME ALL THE WAY FROM AUSTRALIA TO AMERICA BECAUSE THAT MEANS MY PLANS OF FORCING THE RAVEN CYCLE ON EVERYONE IS WORKING. *awards self* I hoooooope you like it!! 😀 😀
(And YES. Libraries are like foster care for books, right?! We adopt and love them for a few weeks. WE ARE NICE.)
I still haven’t read anything by Maggie Stiefvater (shocking, I know, BUT I’M READING HER BOOKS THIS MONTH, OKAY?) but because you got SO excited about The Raven King I lost my cool, headed to the bookstore and bought it. CAIT. I DON’T EVEN OWN THE OTHER BOOKS YET?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME???
Also, my TBR is going to be the death of me. Somehow (?) there are another 15 books added to my TBR, just this morning and 10 yesterday. Like, WHAT IS HAPPENING? I thought things were under control, I thought my book buying obsession was coming to a halt, slowing down – NO. JUST, NO. *sigh*
Enough about me,
FIVE YEARS oh my gosh. *gives you a trophy* you deserve all the prizes for such an achievement.
And I’M STILL NOT OVER the dead boy and the paper cut. YOU HAVE SCARRED MY SOUL AND I WILL FORVER BE MARKED WITH SADNESS (and hope – because WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? I died *applauds brilliance*)
AND RUSSIA. STEALING HOUSES. These sound wonderful and I want to gobble them up.
OMG, KAT, HOW CAN I EVEN LOOK AT YOU WHEN YOU HAVE NOT STIEVATERED YET. (Yes “Stiefvatered” is now a verb. It works. Trust me.) Ahem. But omg doooon’t peek at The Raven King! GET THEE THE RAVEN BOYS AND DEVOUR IT IMMEDIATELY. And someone hire me as a bookseller because I’m AWESOME at this. *flips hair*
(afjdksalfd I really hope you like them though! *dances nervously*)
My TBR is just…nope. I just try not to look at it and hope it’ll calm down on its own. (Spoiler: it’s not working.)
DUDE HOW DO I EVEN HAVE BLOG POSTS AND THINGS TO SAY AFTER 5 YEARS?! I DON’T KNOW.
You’ll probably never trust anything I write every again, right?! 😂
My TBR is like… um… Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s not impossible, but it’ll likely give you a certain degree of altitude sickness and some really sore muscles. (Does that even make sense?)
I love the searches people do. Although, it’s also a reminder that there are some not-so-smart people out there, which is kind of depressing. Countuisly? Seriously? So much for spelling something out phonetically…
I’m finally reading (took me long enough). I just started The Untimely Deaths of Alex Wayfare, which I’ve been waiting for since June of 2014 when I read the first book in the series. Wouldn’t it be nice if my first read of the year was a good one?
It makes sense. 😂 TBRs are such dastardly and dangerous things…and yet we persist on feeding them. *feeds mine cake* *watches it grow* Ahem.
And YES. The search results are at the same time hilarious and depressing. The typos I find are insane. No one really has cause to be that bad at spelling these days. There’s spellcheck for one thing. Common sense is always nice too…AHEM.
Ooh, good luck with Alex Wayfare! I HOPE YOU lOVE IT! *fingers crossed for you*
WATTPAD SOTYR COMPLETED YOU SAY? *leaves everything to read*
OMGGGGGG. THIS MAKES MY DAY. <333 THANKYOU.
I AM STILL WAITING ON THE RAVEN KING LIKE HALP I AM NOT READY FOR THIS BUT ALSO I NEED IT OKAY. *weeps* *cough*
Also, FYI, Titans is totally a Scorpio Races rip-off. But not near as good. Bleh.
ZOMG gARGH. I’m really annoyed at Titans ALREADY THEN. *glares at it* Maybe I shouldn’t bother reading it and save myself the angst? (I’m such a rabid Stiefvater fangirl tbh. 😂)
I HOPE YOUR COPY OF THE RAVEN KING HAS ARRIVED YET. MY COPY ARRIVED AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL AND I HUG IT.
So many books in one post that I MUST read!! How am I supposed to read them all? Should I stop sleeping?! LOL! I’ve been reading The Winner’s Kiss, but I’ve had some issues getting into it. Ugh, I hate when characters lose their memory. I find it so annoying and cliche, but I just need to power through because I loved the first two books!
~Sara
YES STOP SLEEPING. < --- Excellent life decision. We don't really need sleep anyway, right?! 😂 Ahem. Aww, I'm sad that you're not loving The Winner's Kiss! I've heard a lot of people saying the same? But I LOVED everything. And I actually didn't even mind the amnesia trope for once! (But I agree that can get annoying.)
That is crazy – I read Stargirl when I was in high school! I remember enjoying it though! I sent The Square Root of Summer to Jenna, it kind of reminds me of Falling into Places.
I’m glad you enjoyed so many books this month, I need to catch up with Raven King already! I wasn’t a fan of Dreaming the Enemy either, it was just so fuzzy and hard to read.
I did find TITANS was so close to Scorpio Races so it made me uncomfortable about the book. YAY FOR SUPERNATURAL – One of my favourites! Congrats on finishing your Wattpad story too. Remember Cait, you deserve all the encouragement!
YES!! I read Maniac Magee and SO SO LOVED IT…so this must be a re-print. 😂 Which is kind of cool, getting those older books back in people’s hands, right?!
Ugh, that’s what I’m worried about with Titans. I PROBABLY shouldn’t read it…if I’m 90% sure I’m going to be mad. But. I’m also curious. *feels like an evil person*
AWWW THANK YOU, JEANN. <3 Honestly posting on wattpad has been SO good for my motivation levels in writing. 😂
Congrats on turning FIVE! FIVE!! Can you believe it has been this long? Whoot!
NOPE. I PRETTY MUCH CANNOT BELIEVE I’M THIS OLD AND YET STILL HAVE THINGS TO BLOG ABOUT. 😂 😂 Clearly someone is good at rambling oooon and on and on. 😂 😂
Intriguing Searches is my favorite part of your wrap-up posts. Yay for a stellar reading week! I just came off a one star, but the book I am reading now is FAB-U-LOUS! It is about an 11 year old Iranian immigrant, and guess what? The author was an Iranian immigrant, so I can read it and know it is factual. We have a grocery-department store that compares prices to other local grocery stores and gives you the difference on a gift card, so I am saving them all up to buy a decent digital camera (not a D-SLR, but maybe in the future). I want to start taking my own blog images so Aine’s post will be helpful. I have to set aside some time to finish Papercut now that I can sit down and read it straight through. I love the stealing houses idea and will be looking for what you do with it. 🙂
HEHE. I quite like seeing what weirdness people come to my blog via. 😂 THEY ARE SO RANDOM, RIGHT?! Ahem.
OH oh that book sounds GREAT! I love it when the author is writing about their own experiences (or near-to-them-experiences) because the book always feels so much more real. :’)
Oooh, good luck with starting on bookish photography, too! IT IS SO MUCH FUN. And very addictive. 😂
(Awww, thank you for reading Dead Boy. <333)
MUST. BUY. THE RAVEN KING. Omg Cait everyone is making me so excited. EEP. Except uni is eating me. I’ve done 3 assignments out of 9 for the semester. 6 weeks left and 6 assignments (except of course they’re all due at once).
AND OMG I’ve wanted to read Stargirl for aaaaaaages. Maybe Hachette doesn’t love me enough *sobs* But I read The Square Root of Summer recently, actually. Way too smart for me.
DUDE. Uni sounds very very intense. *nods* And of course they’re all due at once. Uni is unkind and unfeeling to TBR piles I suppose. *pats shoulder*
Omg shame on Hatchette!! I hope yours is still just coming. 😛 (And if it makes you feel better, Harpercollins doesn’t love me at all. *cries*) (I just finished The Square Root of Summer and wohhhhahhhh. MY BRAIN DOES NOT COMPUTE.)
CAIT I JUST READ THE DEAD BOY AND THE PAPERCUT AND NOW I MAY HATE YOU.
(a little.)
Translation: I loved loved loved loved loved loved loved it
also THE ENDING
also THOMAS
also I AM NOW A MESS
also YOU”VE MADE HAVOC WITH MY FEELS
also THE ENDING
also does Thomas turn Two Incorrigable Lives into The Dead Boy and the Papercut?
Also where is the paper cut in all of this?
also WHAT HAPPENS TO MY POOR DARLING THOMAS??????
*TACKLE HUGS YOU WITH CAKE CRUMBS*
OMG THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR READING IT THOUGH. I AM REALLY INTENSELY FLAILING FOREVER NOW PROBABLY. AHHHHHH.
(And the open ending is so you can decide what happens to Thomas. 😂)
(Also the “paper cut” in the title is a sarcastic commentary on Thomas getting killed by a book. Little more than a paper cut…ahem. BUT YEAH. That was the reasoning. 😂)
This sounds like it was an AMAZING month for you Cait! I mean…nine five star books? That’s incredible! And I am so glad that you loved The Raven King so much – I know how much you love Maggie’s books and I am so happy you found it to be a satisfying conclusion to the series.
And I am so excited to see what you think of Starflight! It’s been one of the better books I’ve read this year, and it kind of reminds me of These Broken Stars in a way. But I have a feeling you’ll really like it.
Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous recap! ♥
IT IS LIKE A TOTAL 5-STAR RECORD FOR ME. 😂 Usually everything is 2 or 3 stars these days (omg I’m so picky!) and…so far May is looking to be back to normal. Dangit. But reading 5star books makes me SO ENTHUSED AND EXCITED. It’s wonderful. :’)
I’m excited for Starflight!! SQUEEEE. I mean you liked it, so it’s like 90% guaranteed I will, right?! 😂(OH. And I also just got Ruined in the mail!! *shrieks*)
My Goodreads TBR is 3000+ strong. I’m guessing that’s to the moon and back? My physical TBR is only 45 books (Praise the Lord) and currently in a different country. I’ve been stuck with the terribly-stocked-with-English-books-library in a small town in Spain, but I make do. Thank God for Kindles!!!
Go for the Russian fantasy idea. That sounds very cool.
Also, I’ve finally moved to self-hosted. Would love it if you could check out my new site. It was scary, but I’m ultimately very happy with the decision.
You have definitely outdone Level Mt Everest. 😂 GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR TBR!! And even 45 on the physical one is kind of intense right?! Mine is like 50+ and I’m dyyyyying.
OMG CONGRATS ON MOVING, STEFANI! I will absolutely be visiting your new blog! 😀
My email must have stopped notifying me when you added chapters, Ack, you finished it!! I am so far behind,
Runs off to go read it!
Omg! Shame on your email! (Actually, probably shame on Wattpad? It can be finicky I’ve heard.) BUT AJDFKSAL THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING. <3
Oh my goodness how did you find those searches? Can’t stop laughing:)
People come to my blog via the WEIRDEST means. 😂 WordPress is awesome for collecting stats like this. hehe.
I know, right? I thought Blogger was the only free option so I went with that and then my brother got a WordPress and I was like “WHAAA…?”
Now I feel slightly pressured to switch over because everybody has WordPress now and like nobody has Blogger. Lonely me.
Plus WordPress looks awesome:)
I know a few people who do still have blogger!! 😂 You should go with whatever you’re most comfortable with *nods* (Although I do SO SO love WordPress omg *hugs it* But then I do self-hosted not free-wordpress, so I don’t know if they’re different muchly?)
So, funny (NOT) story… my internet died again for another WEEK (a.k.a. two whole weeks internetless) and only just came back so I am once again Cait-deprived. I’M IN WITHDRAWAL I TELL YOU. CAIT POSTS ARE LIFE. <3 Needless to say I adored this post, as I always adore all your posts and particularly your ginormous weekly fury ones. <3333 I also have ten billion things to say about it and can't remember them all so I will just try to be quick.
I'M SO GLAD YOU HAD SO MANY WONDERFUL READS THAT IS GLORIOUS I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOUUUU.
I pretty much lost it at what you said about The Lies of Locke Lamora. XD YOU ARE THE MOST HILARIOUS BEAN OF EVER AND I LOVE YOU FOR IT. <3 (Also I'm mightily curious about that book so you must tell me if it's good. Meep. BECAUSE HEISTS.)
AUGH! o_____O *has minor heart attack at how CREEPY and REAL that new Count Olaf looks* WHAT EVEN HE LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE THE OLAF IN THE BOOKS I'M TERRIFIED WHY DID YOU LINK TO THAT DO YOU WANT ME TO NEVER SLEEP AGAIN??? O_O
Your intriguing search replies. I CANNOT. XDDDD
I LIKE YOUR NEW STORY IDEAS. Russian fantasy = ALWAYS. The boy who steals houses sounds awesome tooooo. OH MY GOODNESS CONGRATS ON FINISHING YOUR WATTPAD STORY AND I MUST READ IT SDLKJFLSKDJ *scrambles to find time and still can't find time and collapses crying* (I will though. I wiiiiiill!)
My TBR is definitely on a Mt Everest level. *dies*
EEEP 5 year anniversary = awesome! 😀 THAT IS SO EXCITING.
Also curiosity: will there be a Beautiful People in this lovely month of May? 🙂 🙂 🙂 *winning smile*
LOVE YOU CAIT KEEP BEING AWESOME. <3
AHHH YOUR COMMENTS ALWAYS GIVE ME LIFE, DEBORAH. *sprinkles extra cake of happiness in your hair* I’M SMILING MUCHLY RIGHT NOW. Ahem. 😂 *composes self* So shame on your internet for getting between us. But also I’m extra specially pleased you like my recaps because I LOVE WRITING THEM so it’s always nice to know they’re fun to read too. 😂
I’M SUPER EXCITED FOR LOCKE LAMORA! Although I realised the library has an audio too? So I might end up going that direction so I don’t have to be terrified by the sheer size. #wimp 😂 But yesss to heists and criminally books. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH IT’S PROBABLY A WORRY.
AND AFJDKLASD I’M GLAD YOU LIKE MY STORY IDEAS! The Russian one was being SO disagreeable but I think I’ve got it now. I need to write down the plot though before it runs away again. 😂
*hi fives for level Mt Everest TBR* WE ARE IN THIS DOOM TOGETHER.
AND YES! BP for May is coming!! I’m sorry about April. *crawls into hole of shame*
Wow, what an amazing month for you! I can’t believe you had that many 5 star reads, that is so awesome! I’ve only had one so far this year if you don’t count re-reads and it’s The Raven King, of course! That ending !!!!!!!!!!!! Off to watch the fan video you linked now, so excited
I’ve basically been scoping tumblr non-stop — so many amazing edits on it! ♥
I CAN’T BELIEVE IT EITHER HONESTLY. 😂 Usually I’m SUCH a picky reader! But I feel like maybe I saved up a bunch of books I knew I’d like and I binged them all and <333 PERFECTION.
THE RAVEN KING = THE BEST OF EVER. I mean, it wasn't what I expected???? But I still love it so much I could scream. :') I should devour tumblr edits on it now too. I was avoiding EVERY mention of it until I'd read it. 😂
Both of those story ideas you mentioned sound. so. amazing. :O
And considering I am OFFICIALLY ONE OF YOUR FANS NOW I also can’t wait for them to exist. *waits patiently* *fails at patience and runs around screeching*
#RuinedByADeadBoy #andHisPaperCut #ThatWasn’tReallyaPaperCut
THIS COMMENT MAKES ME SO HAPPY YOU HAVE NO IDEA OMG. *hugs you*
^_^ ^_^ *hugs*
So many good books have been coming out lately! I’m in the middle of Lady Midnight and I am loving it! I’m beyond excited to start The Raven King and Half Lost!
YAYY FOR LADY MIDNIGHT! That was one of my favourites of this year. <3 AND HALF LOST AND THE RAVEN KING ARE BEYOND PERFECT. *screams*
Wow, NINE five star reads?? That is AWESOME! I am so crazy picky with my five stars. I give out plant of fours, but not as many fives. I can’t remember the last time I gave that many five stars in a row. Insanity. I just read 100 days of cake and I was a bit disappointed too. I wanted more cake. I think I gave it three stars on Goodreads.
I KNOW. IT’S INSANE. I’ve never ever ever had a run of 5-star reads like this?!? I feel like I did save up a lot of books I knew I’d like though. 😂 So that helped. hehe. (But mostly I rate books mega-low these days. #TrialsOfAPickyReader) But yeeeah, what was up with 100 Days of Cake, right?!? It was more about the FISH. I was so disappointed. 🙁
“Me: Oh I like this character. Character: *dies*” MY LIFE.
A boy who steals houses??? Color me intrigued. Pleasepleaseplease share as you write. Any little scrap will do, please and thank you.
I got horribly behind on TDBATPC, BUT I’M LOVING IT. Plus now I can binge-read rather than wait for new chapters and then cry when I got to the end. Now I just get to cry once it’s all over. Tears will be happening, I can guarantee it.
ISN’T THIS SEASON OF SPN AMAZING?!?! I’m still dying over the last episode. All the feels, alllll oooof themmmm.
Happy early blogversary!! Five is not old, you shush. xD If you’re old that means I’m old, and I don’t want to be old . . . *skips off to Neverland*
AHHH I WILL!! Although my Stealing Houses book will be a while in coming I think. Dangit. I’m pretty excited about it though *flails mildly*
AHH THANK YOU FOR READING DEAD BOY THOUGH. <3 I adore your comments and support and fajdkslad
Also: HECK YES this season of SPN is amazing. I didn't hate S10 or anything, but I felt like it didn't do AS MUCH as it could've with the awesome developments. Like, seriously, I wanted Dean to become king of Hell for a while. 😂 Idek? I just think they could've done MORE with his demonness. Ahem. BUT AJFDLAKSD I'M GLAD THAT THIS SEASON IS SUPER AWESOME AND THE BROS ARE GETTING ALONG AND AFDJKALSDJ.
Wait wait. How old is your blog?!?! ;D
How does one flail mildly, exactly? xD
Eeeeee, don’t thank me, I should thank you writing it!!
Oh, I KNOW. I was happy that it was over, but also not, if that makes any sense. There was just so much set up and hype and then . . . that was it. Some karaoke and punching a couple guys does NOT count as being an awesome demon. Ahem.
It’s turning 8 this July! Which I still kinda can’t believe. Like at all.
Ack, I’m sooo behind on your Wattpad story! Please don’t take it down until I have the time to read it, because it’s awesome and I need to finish it (although, those comments have me a little worried about the ending…).
I WON’T!! I’ll definitely leave it up for a few more months at least! 😀 I just wanted to warn people in case I DO have to take it down. But pfffft. It’s a lovely story. Nothing bad happens. #lies
Dude, even though you weren’t really on the blogosphere that much, it looked like you had TONS to do. TONS. Omg. And yay for finishing that Wattpad story. (erm, I’m reading it pretty slowly because I didn’t want it to end omgosh). AND AND THE RAVEN KING. I HAVE IT IN MY KINDLE. BUT. I’M SCARED. ALL THE WHAT IFS. *died*
Bahah, YES. I did do a lot. 😂 #overachiever ahem. But omg you’re reading my story?! *FLAILS MADLY* Thankyou so so much!! AHHHHHH.
And omg the Raven King is WONDERFUL. But be prepared for feels. 😂
THE RAVEN KING IS EVERYTHING. *whispers* I think I”m getting a tattoo of the doodle Maggie put in the books. And when I say “I think” I mean, I’m totally getting one.
Thank you for sharing all of your awesomeness. As always, your IG photos are gorgeous and you had me cackling while reading your post.