Monday Meme: Three Books Every History Buff Should Read

Into the Dim- Janet B. Taylor: There's nothing like a good time travel story! When three teens find themselves sent back to the middle ages via an ancient wormhole, they must rescue someone they thought was dead and ward off the evil plots of a rival time-traveling society, all the while searching for a gemstone that will give them control over the wormhole. It's really an interesting look at a time in history most people don't think about. Click here to get it from KHCPL.

Vengeance Road- Erin Bowman: This is one of my absolute favorite takes on the Wild West. There isn't a lot of western historical fiction in the YA genre, and Vengeance Road set the bar high for future writers. I love the gritty heroine, the chase across wild desert, and the truth behind the setting. If you think you would, too, check this one out here.

Blackhearts- Nicole Castroman: This one is described as a Blackbeard origin story, or "pre-pirate." As a member and co-founder of the #prepiratenation, I can safely say that this is one of my favorite books. Ever. It's got a great set of characters, perfect pacing, and excellent conflict, as well as a sequel coming in 2017. It's not a dangerous adventure on the high seas, but it peeks into what could have been the life of one of our most treasured bad guys. Click here to get your copy.

Monday Meme Spotlight: WAITING

So, I know kwatanabe is all over the Waiting on Wednesday, and I LOVE her picks. But I want to tell you all about some 2016 picks that I think are going to steal the scene! These are mostly early 2016, so hopefully the wait isn't too terrible!

Blackhearts- Nicole Castroman: It's a pirate origin story. It's the story of Blackbeard and how he came to be, as well as the girl he loved. Trapped by society and destinies that seem inescapable, can two vastly different people find a way to change the world? I'm dying for this book. Pirates? Yeah, that's the only thing you need to say before I'll pick your book. And Nicole Castroman, whom I've had the pleasure of talking to just a little bit, is an absolutely awesome person. So GET READY, because this one is shaping up to be fabulous. 

Passenger- Alexandra Bracken: Time travel can be dangerous, as a violin prodigy finds out when she finds herself mysteriously sent hundreds of years into the past and thrown into the middle of a sea battle (so, basically, more pirates). She's been drawn there for a reason, and as she searches for a stolen object, her chance to get home gets less and less possible. Seriously. Cannot wait. 

(I'm realizing just now that I seem to have a theme with my books that I want. Pirates, things in bottles, etc. But look at how pretty they are. Can you blame me?)

The Winner's Kiss- Marie Rutkoski: Let me break the trend. This is a total fantasy novel, the conclusion to a series that I could rave about for years. You don't want to get me started on The Winner's Curse series- you may die of starvation before you can get away. But this will be the climax, the end-all be-all of Kestrel and Arin and their heartbreaking story. *Crossed fingers for a happy ending*