Monthly Wrap-Up: September 2018

FALL IS HERE!!! Yay 😁

Sunday Post #177: Getting the Spooky Stuff Started Early

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Bookish Discussion: Top Books I’ve Been Meaning To Read Recently, But Still Haven’t

I’m a big-time mood reader, so my mood to read something changes ALL the time. But in the last year or so, there are a couple of books I’ve been really wanting to get to but just haven’t for one reason or another. (And okay, I wrote this post a while back, so I have actually started reading City of Bones just recently, but I'm just gonna leave it in. It's fine. Lol.)

Review: Creatures of the Night (Fear Street Collector's Editions #9) by R.L. Stine

Title: Creatures of the Night

Series: Fear Street | Fear Street Super Chiller | Fear Street Collector's Editions

Books in this omnibus: Haunted | Bad Moonlight | Trapped

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: October 1998

Published by: Archway Paperback

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Are you afraid to walk down Fear Street? Maybe you should be.

They say that weird things always happen on that dark and twisting road. They say it's a place to be frightened of—that those who go there never return the same. And some never return at all...

They say it's a place where strange creatures dwell, creatures who thrive on darkness. Dare to read about three of these creatures in the Fear Street books of this special Collector's Edition!

My rating: ★★★★☆

Ghosts and werewolves... and more ghosts!!

Review: Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3) by Kiersten White

Title: Endlessly

Series: Paranormalcy #3

Previous books in this series: Paranormalcy (#1) | Supernaturally (#2)

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: July 2012

Published by: HarperTeen

Source: Library book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

In Endlessly, pink-loving, butt-kicking Evie has way too much on her to-do list. Paranormals are begging her to open a faerie gate so they can leave the human world, something Evie’s not sure she has the power to do. The Dark Queen is torturing humans and must be destroyed.

On top of all that, Evie’s prom is coming up. She’s not sure what to wear, and, oh, yeah, her shape-shifting boyfriend, Lend, has been cursed so that he falls into an enchanted sleep whenever he and Evie are in the same room…and even Evie’s ex-boyfriend, the faerie Reth, can’t reverse the dark magic.

An epic battle is looming, and the choices Evie makes will determine the fate of whole paranormal world—and her own life.

My rating: ★★★★☆
And we have come to the conclusion of the series. A series I started 7 years ago and have only finished it just now. Heh. Hehe...

Review: Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White

Title: Supernaturally

Series: Paranormalcy #2

Previous book in this series: Paranormalcy

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: July 2011

Published by: HarperTeen

Source: Library book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be...kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

My rating: ★★★★☆
Evie is trying to live a normal life with Lend. Going to high school, going on dates... just normal teenager stuff. But if you think Evie’s left IPCA behind for good, think again! She starts taking jobs on a case by case basis, with her own rules, but things just go wrong. So much for normal.

Blog Tour - Review & Giveaway: Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kill the Queen

Series: Crown of Shards #1

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, high fantasy

Publication date: October 2nd 2018

Published by: Harper Voyager

Source: E-ARC for review from publisher

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | B&N | B-a-M | iBooks | Google Play

Synopsis:

The thrilling first novel in the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series combines magic, murder, and adventure when an unlikely member of the royal family suddenly becomes a contender in a clash for the crown...

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of combat, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself... and kill the queen.

My rating: ★★★★★
So, I actually don’t read very much epic fantasy—I don’t have anything against it, I just prefer my urban fantasies. Lol. But I gave this one a shot cause I adore Jennifer Estep’s work! Literally everything I have read by her I have loved! I’ve actually been binge reading her Elemental Assassin series lately, but I took a tiny break from that to read this, and I loved it! Honestly, I’m not even surprised. Lol. I always say I will read anything she writes cause I know I will love it no matter what it is, and this book just proved my point. Lol.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #132: Persevering

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #176: Germ Factories

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Bookish Discussion: Books That Have Been On My TBR List the Longest

I have a never-ending tbr list, as a bookwork usually does. According to Goodreads though, I have 1250 books I want to read.

Review: The Beginning (Fear Street Collector's Editions #1) by R.L. Stine

Title: The Beginning

Series: Fear Street | Fear Street Collector's Editions

Books in this omnibus: The New Girl | The Surprise Party | The Overnight

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: February 1998

Published by: Archway Paperback

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Are you afraid to walk down Fear Street? Maybe you should be.

They say that weird things always happen on that dark and twisting road. They say it's a place to be frightened of - that those who go there never return the same. And some never return at all...

Dare to read the very first three chilling FEAR STREET books, in this special Collector's Edition!

Contains "The New Girl" "The Surprise Party" and "The Overnight".

My rating: ★★★★☆

The first stories of Fear Street...

Review: Greek Gods #squadgoals (OMG Classics) by Courtney Carbone

Title: Greek Gods #squadgoals

Series: OMG Classics

Author: Courtney Carbone

Genre: YA, graphic novel, Greek mythology

Publication date: November 2017

Published by: Random House Books for Young Readers

Source: Own hardcover

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository | Book Outlet | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

OMG Classics, the greatest stories ever told . . . in texts. Imagine: What if Mount Olympus got WiFi and the gods and goddesses had smartphones? The classic Greek myths get new life in irreverent and hilarious texts and posts!

Zeus, a king of the gods always in search of a new bae.
A squad of goddesses who can't resist stirring the pot.
And the selfie-obsessed heroes out for all the likes.
If you have trouble telling Perseus from Theseus (#Greek2Me) or have ever wondered about Oedipus's tragic dating profile or why Medusa's Instagram never got traction--this satirical book of Greek myths retold for the Internet age is for you!
tl;dr D'Aulaires' and Homer's Greek myths told through characters texting with emojis, posting photos, checking in at locations, and updating their relationship statuses. The perfect gift for any reader--young or old--with a sense of humor!
A glossary and cast of characters are included for those who need it. For example: tl;dr means too long; didn't read.

My rating: ★★★★★

tl;dr The greatest myths ever told... in texts. 👍

I love Greek mythology, so I was very curious about this book because it sounded like a lot of fun. And it was!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #131: Time Travel! And Shadowhunters! Yay!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #175: Time Traveling

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop!

I've got a ton of books that need a new home... and honestly I need the space 😅 lol.

Review: Bad Moonlight (Fear Street Super Chiller #8) by R.L. Stine

Title: Bad Moonlight

Series: Fear Street Super Chiller #8 (Can be read as a standalone)

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: June 1995

Published by: Archway paperback

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

She wasn’t just crying wolf...

Danielle Verona can’t believe the band picked her to be their new lead singer. She’s on the road, performing at all the hot clubs. The adoring fans, the bright lights—it’s a dream come true!

But when nighttime falls, Danielle can feel the terror in the darkness. There’s eerie howling outside her window. And then a band member is killed—ripped to shreds by a wild animal. Danielle knows something is out there, lurking in the moonlight. Something savage...and hungry.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

Night time is the right time for terror!

Danielle is in a band, touring and singing with them, but she keeps having these awful “fantasies” of horrible deaths and stuff. She says fantasies, I say hallucinations. Lol. But at least she admits she needs help with her mental health issues. There were no stereotypes in this book about that and I really loved it. Needing help is not something you should be ashamed of. Anyway, Danielle just graduated from high school and her aunt, who she lives with now after her parents died in a car accident, actually encouraged her to get into this band stuff before she went off to college. You know, just a year off of fun before you settle down and focus on your studies. It’s usually the opposite of what parents want their kids to do, but I thought it was pretty cool.

Review: The Monster Museum (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #10) by J.L. Bryan

Title: The Monster Museum

Series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #10

Previous books in this series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper (#1) | Cold Shadows (#2) | The Crawling Darkness (#3) | Terminal (#4) | House of Whispers #5 | Maze of Souls #6 | Lullaby (#7) | The Keeper (#8) | The Tower (#9)

Author: J.L. Bryan

Genre: Adult, paranormal, horror

Publication date: August 31st 2018

Published by: J.L. Bryan

Source: E-book for review fro author

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Just outside the small but colorful mountain resort town of Foxboro, Tennessee lies Dr. Weirdman's Mountain Museum of Monsters, Curiosities, and Ancient Mysteries. A tourist draw for earlier generations it offered travelers the amusement of touring unusual underground caves, and pseudo-scientific exhibits ranging from strange creatures to the supposed artifacts of lost civilizations.

Now the museum is a crumbling relic of an older age, fallen into disrepair. Its long-time owner has died, leaving it in the hands of a younger distant relative who knows nothing of how to run a failing tourist-trap of a museum, but who is desperate to make a living and provide for his own children.

The museum has a serious ghost problem, though, and Ellie Jordan is called in from Savannah to help. An unexpected old friend joins Ellie at the last moment so they can spend a snow-filled Christmas together in the mountains...if the ghosts of the restless dead don't turn the holidays into a horrific tragedy.

My rating: ★★★★☆
Ellie Jordan’s latest case takes her to Foxboro, Tennessee where there is a museum called Dr. Weirdman's Mountain Museum of Monsters, Curiosities, and Ancient Mysteries that is apparently haunted, for real. It’s almost Christmas but Ellie decides to take the case because there’s children involved and she’s worried about their safety. That’s the kind of amazing person she is.

Review: Heart of Venom (Elemental Assassin #9) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Heart of Venom

Series: Elemental Assassin #9

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: August 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Library book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend.

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out...

My rating: ★★★★★
Gin is at Jo-Jo’s hanging out, having a girls day and trying to relax...

I held up my hand. Jo-Jo had painted my short nails a deep, dark red that was definitely my color. If nothing else, it would help hide the blood that was sure to get on my hands the next time some idiot tried to murder me.

Review: Kiss of Venom (Elemental Assassin #8.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kiss of Venom

Series: Elemental Assassin #8.5

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: July 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Library book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella—from the hero’s point of view! Owen Grayson is bound and determined to get Gin back...if her enemies don’t get her first.

When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life—if Owen can survive...

My rating: ★★★★★
This short story is told in Owen’s POV and it was amazing! Owen and Phillip go to hang out at Northern Aggression—just a guys night out of fun. I was so glad to see that they’re friends again. It was just nice to see them together and working on rebuilding their friendship. But then Gin show’s up and Owen starts reminiscing about things that happened with Salina. He so obviously misses Gin, but they still have not worked through their issues entirely. And I’m over here like, “Just get back together with her already!” Lol. I really do love them together and it’s very frustrating seeing how much they’re both hurting.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #130: More of the Same...

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #174: Mini Vacation!

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Bookish Discussion: Top Authors I Own the Most Books From (as of 2018)!

I was very excited to check out this list because I last did this back in February of 2015 and I know it has changed quite a bit! For comparison purposes, here are the authors who made it on my list 3 years ago:

Review - Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (Elemental Assassin #8.1) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks

Series: Elemental Assassin #8.1

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: June 2013

Published by: Pocket Star

Source: Library book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Come one! Come all! Witness Gin Blanco—aka the Elemental Assassin, aka the Spider—go toe to toe against the Esmerelda the Amazing's Wheel of Death and some dangerously creepy clowns! Only at The Carnival of Wondrous Wonders!

A free story from the forthcoming Carniepunk urban fantasy anthology starring bestselling authors Rachel Caine, Jennifer Estep, Kevin Hearne, Seanan McGuire, and Rob Thurman, and also includes Delilah S. Dawson, Kelly Gay, Mark Henry, Hillary Jacques, Jackie Kessler, Kelly Meding, Allison Pang, Nicole D. Peeler, and Jaye Wells. Samples of all fourteen tales are included to tantalize and to tease. Come to the Carniepunk midway and explore the creepy, mysterious, magical world of traveling carnivals today!

My rating: ★★★★☆
Gin is helping her baby sister Bria out on a case of a missing girl. This leads them to a traveling carnival, one that is quite strange and filled with even stranger people. And this missing girl might not be the only one who’s gone missing around this particular carnival. Gin's not a fan of this carnival, for more than one reason...

Review: Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin #8) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Deadly Sting

Series: Elemental Assassin #8

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: March 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Library book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color

My rating: ★★★★★
In this installment of Elemental Assassin, Gin goes to this gala to check out all of Mab Monroe’s stuff being put on display. Not willingly, mind you. Finn begs her to come with him, and Gin being the awesome sister that she is, agrees to go with him. What she doesn’t expect is to run into trouble at the museum. This poor assassin just can’t catch a break. But too bad for the thieves that decided to hold up the museum, because they just messed with the wrong assassin. The Spider.

Review: Widow's Web (Elemental Assassin #7) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Widow's Web

Series: Elemental Assassin #7

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: August 2012

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository | Book Outlet | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

I used to murder people for money, but lately it’s become more of a survival technique.

Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town anyway. Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back, she thinks he’s hers for the taking. Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.

My rating: ★★★★★
Owen’s old flame, Salina, is back to not only wreak havoc in town, but also in Gin and Owen’s relationship. I loved this book, but it seriously broke my heart.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #129: Finally Got My Fix

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #173: So many movies

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Random Reads: Finish that Series! (September 2018)

So, this used to be a feature hosted by imlovingbooks.com, and, well, I don't know what happened, but I loved this feature so I thought I'd continue on with the theme of it just for myself! Because amidst my ridiculously out of control TBR pile, I have a ton of series I have not finished and it's driving me insane! I can't seem to choose one to finish, so I have decided to leave that in the hands of random.org!