Monday Meme: SEQUELS!

We all know that sequels to books are dangerous creatures. They can go a thousand different ways, and oftentimes they don't beat out their predecessors. But here are three sequels I think went above and beyond.

Fire (Graceling 2)- Kristen Cashore: This companion novel soared for me. It had luscious characters, intense world-building, and a beautiful, twisting plot that I adored. Graceling was amazing, too, but Fire really hit it out of the park. Click here to put a hold on it.

Pretties (Uglies 2)- Scott Westerfeld: A lot of people loved Uglies. I didn't. I had no interest in continuing with the series, but way back when it was so hugely popular my friends convinced me to continue. Pretties is the only book in the series that I own. I love the Pretty world, the characters, the flavor of the writing, and really, it was the only one (apart from Extras, which is a different story) that I really enjoyed. Click here to check it out.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls 2)- Ally Carter: I talk about this book a lot. It's one of my go-to recommendations for someone looking for a light mystery with a little bit of fun. I liked it better than the first book, mostly because of the appearance of a certain character I won't name for fear of spoilers. But if you're interested, click here.

Waiting On Wednesday: The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

The Problem With Forever

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: May 17, 2016

From Goodreads:

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

Why I picked it:

1. It's a Jennifer Armentrout book. I have yet to meet a book by her that I did not like.
2. I want to see how Mallory and Rider reconnect.
3.  I want to see how Mallory handles all of the problems that she will end up facing.

if you would like to read this book, click here to put your name on the hold list

Waiting On Wednesday: The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

The Crown's Game

By Evelyn Skye

Publication Date: May 17, 2016

From Goodreads:

Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love... or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear... the Crown’s Game is not one to lose

Why I picked it:

1. For some reason, I thought of the show Yu-Gi-Oh! (A show that I was obsessed with when I was younger) when I was reading the summary for this book. I don't know why, because I'm certain they're absolutely nothing alike, but hey, it has to mean something... right?
2. I've not really read any books set in Russia, but this one really caught my eye. Kind of like a Russian, magical version of The Hunger Games.
3. I'm meserized by the cover

if you would like to read this book, click here to put your name on the hold list

Monday Meme: Books for the Beach! #2

     I think everyone loves the beach, or at least likes to go squish their toes in the sand. But I like to read on the beach, and here are three books you should take along to your summer destination!

Along for the Ride- Sarah Dessen: This beachy romance is a relaxing, fun read for lounging on the sand. Two insomniacs find ways to occupy their nights, and find themselves in the process. It's really a great one- and here's where you can get it at KHCPL.

This is What Happy Looks Like- Jennifer Smith: A light, easy read, perfect for basking in the sun with a smile on your face. It's not the ultimate literary novel of the ages, but it's fun, it's fast, and best of all, it's happy. So click here to get a copy. 

The Royal We- Heather Cocks + Jessica Morgan: This one I haven't read. But I've heard great things! A modern royal story, it's a cheerful story that'll make you happy that you spent the time on it. Click here to reserve a copy.