I'm back with another Stacking the Shelves. This week, just like last week, I only added two books to my shelves, but just like always, I'm very excited to get to them.
First, I was given a copy of The Company by the author, Chris Sloan.
Friday, 20 August 2021
Stacking the Shelves (9)
Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. It's all about sharing books you've added to your shelves be it physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in a physical store, or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks.
And I was also granted an ARC copy of A Taste For Poison: Eleven Deadly Molecules and the Killers Who Use Them.
Thursday, 19 August 2021
First Line Friday (13): The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl
There really is something to be said about a good first line, and I'm going to be using this tag from now on to showcase my current read's first lines.
This week for First Line Friday I'm bringing you the first line of The Grimrose Girls:
Goodreads synopsis
The Descendants meets Pretty little liars.
Four troubled friends, One murdered girl... and a dark fate that may leave them all doomed.
Four troubled friends, One murdered girl... and a dark fate that may leave them all doomed.
After the mysterious death of their best friend, Ella, Yuki, and Rory are the talk of their elite school, Grimrose Académie. The police ruled it a suicide, but the trio are determined to find out what really happened.
When Nani Eszes arrives as their newest roommate, it sets into motion a series of events they couldn't have imagined. As the girls retrace their friend's last steps, they uncover dark secrets about themselves and their destinies, discovering they're all cursed to repeat the brutal and gruesome endings to their stories until they can break the cycle.
This contemporary take on classic fairytales reimagines heroines as friends attending the same school. While investigating the murder of their best friend, they uncover connections to their ancient fairytale curses and attempt to forge their own fate before it's too late.
When Nani Eszes arrives as their newest roommate, it sets into motion a series of events they couldn't have imagined. As the girls retrace their friend's last steps, they uncover dark secrets about themselves and their destinies, discovering they're all cursed to repeat the brutal and gruesome endings to their stories until they can break the cycle.
This contemporary take on classic fairytales reimagines heroines as friends attending the same school. While investigating the murder of their best friend, they uncover connections to their ancient fairytale curses and attempt to forge their own fate before it's too late.
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"The first day of school started with a funeral.
This was not, of course, the usual for the Grimrose Académie for Elite Students, whose student body mostly lived to their eighties, and went on to command corporate conglomerates or win Academy Awards, Nobel Prizes, and other such trifles."
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If this first line has captured your attention, you can add The Grimrose Girls to your Goodreads TBR here and watch for its release, expected on November 2, 2021!
Wednesday, 18 August 2021
Chat With Me Thursday (16): Author Interview With Hailey Sawyer
I'm back with another Chat With Me Thursday! This week the author of Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale, Hailey Sawyer.
My name is Hailey Sawyer and I've been a fan of Japanese culture since I was about nine or ten years old. Other than writing, one of my hobbies is learning how to code. Through online college classes and classes out in the community, I've learned how to code with programming languages such as C# (C Sharp), C++, Java, Python, HTML, XML, and so on and so forth. The reason why I love learning to code is because it encourages me to have a sharp eye and try more than one way to fix a bug. I also feel great when the code comes together and the bugs are eliminated. Another hobby of mine is reading. I like how it allows me to travel without leaving my house and I like how it lets me learn about perspectives I may not have been aware of otherwise.
2. When did you realize you wanted to write a book?
I think it was a little while after the idea for Kenji and Yuki just popped into my head one day. Because I wasn't really sure if this was an idea I actually wanted to turn into a novel at first, I had to really give it some thought. Thankfully, I was eventually able to make a definite choice.
3. How have you found the self-publishing route? Was anything surprising to you? Was anything easier or harder than you thought it would be?
I think I found the self-publishing route through researching different kinds of publishing options. In February of 2018, I joined this site called Goodreads. What absolutely blew my mind and still blows my mind to this day is that, just on this site alone, there are tons of resources available for those who want to go the self-publishing route. For example, there's several groups like Support for Indie Authors dedicated to helping out... well... Indie Authors and at least a few groups dedicated to things like Beta Reading. There are also tons of marketers, editors, cover designers and so many others for free or for hire that can help you out.
What I found easier than expected was choosing the right place to publish my upcoming novel. So for Kenji and Yuki, I'm going to publish it with Draft2Digital, a platform that quickly won me over. Why? Well, even though I've never published a book before, Draft2Digital was still easy for me to figure out how to use. Not only that, but Draft2Digital seems to really care about authors. For example, they have no fees for things such as making updates or other changes to or formatting a book and the like, only take ten percent of the retail price per sale, allow an author to set a book's price to whatever they want, allow an author to sell their books on multiple platforms, and so on. One time, I had a question about their service and their support staff gave me a helpful and insightful answer rather quickly.
What I found harder than expected was creating a great blurb. Now you would think that all you have to do to make a great blurb is to describe what your book is about, right? Well, not exactly. See, based on the research I've done and the feedback that I've received from the people of Goodreads on the previous blurbs for Kenji and Yuki, you have to make sure that your blurb doesn't exceed one hundred and fifty words in length, hooks the reader in, doesn't include too many spoilers, fits the genre that your book falls under, and so on. With Kenji and Yuki, it's a largely character driven book, so on top of what I'd just mentioned, I also had to figure out how to write its blurb beyond introducing the characters. By the time I came up with a blurb that I felt was up to snuff, I had written at least twenty different blurbs.
4. What was your favourite scene to write in Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale?
3. How have you found the self-publishing route? Was anything surprising to you? Was anything easier or harder than you thought it would be?
I think I found the self-publishing route through researching different kinds of publishing options. In February of 2018, I joined this site called Goodreads. What absolutely blew my mind and still blows my mind to this day is that, just on this site alone, there are tons of resources available for those who want to go the self-publishing route. For example, there's several groups like Support for Indie Authors dedicated to helping out... well... Indie Authors and at least a few groups dedicated to things like Beta Reading. There are also tons of marketers, editors, cover designers and so many others for free or for hire that can help you out.
What I found easier than expected was choosing the right place to publish my upcoming novel. So for Kenji and Yuki, I'm going to publish it with Draft2Digital, a platform that quickly won me over. Why? Well, even though I've never published a book before, Draft2Digital was still easy for me to figure out how to use. Not only that, but Draft2Digital seems to really care about authors. For example, they have no fees for things such as making updates or other changes to or formatting a book and the like, only take ten percent of the retail price per sale, allow an author to set a book's price to whatever they want, allow an author to sell their books on multiple platforms, and so on. One time, I had a question about their service and their support staff gave me a helpful and insightful answer rather quickly.
What I found harder than expected was creating a great blurb. Now you would think that all you have to do to make a great blurb is to describe what your book is about, right? Well, not exactly. See, based on the research I've done and the feedback that I've received from the people of Goodreads on the previous blurbs for Kenji and Yuki, you have to make sure that your blurb doesn't exceed one hundred and fifty words in length, hooks the reader in, doesn't include too many spoilers, fits the genre that your book falls under, and so on. With Kenji and Yuki, it's a largely character driven book, so on top of what I'd just mentioned, I also had to figure out how to write its blurb beyond introducing the characters. By the time I came up with a blurb that I felt was up to snuff, I had written at least twenty different blurbs.
4. What was your favourite scene to write in Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale?
I would have to say the ending. I don't want to spoil too much, but it's the kind of ending that wraps things up without a single bit of dialogue.
5. Do you have any weird writing habits that help get your creative juices flowing?
5. Do you have any weird writing habits that help get your creative juices flowing?
I'm not really sure if this is a weird writing habit or not, but I'll talk about it anyway. Sometimes, when I need to get into a specific mood or capture a specific mood, I'll listen to certain kinds of songs in order to do so. I also listen to sound effects to get a better idea of how to describe a certain sound.
6. How do you deal with writer's block?
A: There's this list called Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling. One of the rules on that list talks about writing down or making a list of stuff that wouldn't happen next and honestly, for me, I think it's one of the most effective ways to combat writer's block.
7. Are you writing anything new right now? If so, how's it going?
Yes I am. I'm working on the ninth episode of a fan fiction series called Pokemon: Johto Quest. The series follows a five year old girl named Emily Hawthorne who goes on a journey with her Mareep named Eddy to win all eight Johto league badges to get into the “Nidoran Region” where her father is said to be living. At this point in time, the episode is in the plot outline phase.
8. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
I suggest looking at the rest of that 22 Rules of Storytelling list. For me, it's some of the best writing advice I've ever seen. In addition to the rule about listing or jotting down what wouldn't happen next, some of my personal favorite rules are "You admire a character more for trying than for their successes" and "Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle."
6. How do you deal with writer's block?
A: There's this list called Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling. One of the rules on that list talks about writing down or making a list of stuff that wouldn't happen next and honestly, for me, I think it's one of the most effective ways to combat writer's block.
7. Are you writing anything new right now? If so, how's it going?
Yes I am. I'm working on the ninth episode of a fan fiction series called Pokemon: Johto Quest. The series follows a five year old girl named Emily Hawthorne who goes on a journey with her Mareep named Eddy to win all eight Johto league badges to get into the “Nidoran Region” where her father is said to be living. At this point in time, the episode is in the plot outline phase.
8. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
I suggest looking at the rest of that 22 Rules of Storytelling list. For me, it's some of the best writing advice I've ever seen. In addition to the rule about listing or jotting down what wouldn't happen next, some of my personal favorite rules are "You admire a character more for trying than for their successes" and "Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle."
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And that concludes the interview! A big thank you goes out to Hailey for allowing me to feature her. Remember to look out for her novel Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale, and don't forget to add it to your Goodreads TBR!
Waiting on Wednesday (11): All the Tommys in the World by Javier Grombinsky
Waiting on Wednesday's is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. *It appears that Breaking the Spine hasn't been active since 2016, but I still want to credit them as the creators.
They know something we don't.
For horror Youtubers Lilith and Nate, zombie movies are escapist fantasies. So when a real zombie uprising in the streets of New Southport is quickly thwarted, they know those familiar-looking ghouls are hiding something. They should know. Born with a weak heart in the funeral town of Leatelranch, built around the largest cemetery in the world, Lilith’s parents raised her with zombie stories to keep her from learning the truth about what happens inside the cemetery walls. As for Nathan, the caretaker’s son... he has his reasons to be so cowardly. So when they get outsmarted by seemingly droning ghouls and are forced to split up, the uncanny coincidences are undeniable. And as things start to look more and more like Lilith’s apocalyptic visions, and as a darker threat lurks, it’ll be up to them to piece the puzzle before everyone they love faces a fate worse than becoming a zombie.
For my 11th Waiting on Wednesday I want to spotlight All the Tommy's in the World by Javier Grombinsky.
Expected publication date: August 17, 2021
Publisher: Pigfarm Press
Goodreads Synopsis
For horror Youtubers Lilith and Nate, zombie movies are escapist fantasies. So when a real zombie uprising in the streets of New Southport is quickly thwarted, they know those familiar-looking ghouls are hiding something. They should know. Born with a weak heart in the funeral town of Leatelranch, built around the largest cemetery in the world, Lilith’s parents raised her with zombie stories to keep her from learning the truth about what happens inside the cemetery walls. As for Nathan, the caretaker’s son... he has his reasons to be so cowardly. So when they get outsmarted by seemingly droning ghouls and are forced to split up, the uncanny coincidences are undeniable. And as things start to look more and more like Lilith’s apocalyptic visions, and as a darker threat lurks, it’ll be up to them to piece the puzzle before everyone they love faces a fate worse than becoming a zombie.
Can they be stopped? Are they just playing dead? Do they have a plan?
They know something we don’t. And whatever it is, they hate us for it.
Why I can't wait
I have been looking to read more zombies lately, and this one seems to be a great thriller! I know that technically this was published yesterday, but since it's only been published one day, I figured it was still okay to post, after all, I'm still waiting on it. I know I could buy it right now, but I'm trying to get through my TBR stack before I purchase anymore books.
Monday, 16 August 2021
Teaser Tuesday (19): Hematite by Victoria Maderna and Frederico Piatti
For this week's Teaser Tuesday I am bringing you slightly less conventional teasers from Hematite by Victoria Maderna and Frederico Piatti. Instead of sharing teaser sentences, I'm going to be sharing two teaser panels since this is a graphic novel and not a traditional one. I've also already reviewed Hematite, which is another thing that makes it unconventional for me. I usually only post teasers for books that I'm currently reading and have yet to review, so that you guys can get properly excited about the teasers, but the art in Hematite is so beautiful and and I enjoyed the story so much that I just have to share.
Isn't it just beautiful? Doesn't it give you October vibes. I am in love. Read my review of Hematite here
Top Ten Tuesday (13): Top Ten Favourite Places to Read
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
This week's topic is top ten favourite places to read. Just like last week, I could only think of five favourite places to read. I'd say I can't finish these lists more often than I can, but I always try my best!
1. My bed
A classic. Always cozy. Always comfortable.
2. Couch
Another classic. It made the list for the same reason as my bed did.
3. Porch
I love reading on the porch when it's nice outside, its a great way to enjoy the sunshine while also getting some reading in.
4. Library
What better place to read than where you can be surrounded by books?
5. Beach
Again, lovely on nice days, and the sound of the water in the back is so calming.
So that's all for this week! It was a quick one. I'm going to be surfing other people's posts to find other nice places to read in hopes of widen my reading location horizons.
Sunday, 15 August 2021
Red Magnolia by Lucy Holden
Title: Red Magnolia
Author: Lucy Holden
Series: The Nightgarden Saga (#1)
Publisher: Fehu Press
Expected Publication Date: September 15, 2021
Looking for a fresh start, Harper and her brother Connor move into an old, run down mansion that seems to harbor history of curses, not to mention that something weird seems to be going on in the old cemented-up cellar. Nobody seems willing to let this history go, especially not Antoine, a mysterious man who seems hellbent on getting Harper and her brother out of that mansion, no matter what the cost.
Pace
This book, in epub. format, at least, is less than 200 pages, making this a very quick and fast-paced story.
Characters & Relationships
Generally, I liked all of the characters, but I have a few small gripes about Harper's friend, Avery, her interest in Harper's brother, Connor, and Harper's, in my opinion, weird acceptance of it. It seemed like the only reason Avery ever came around was to ogle at Connor, and she hardly actually seemed interested in being Harper's friend just for friendship's sake. Given that Harper just moved to town, it's fair to assume that she would take friendship with anybody, but it's hard to believe that she would just let Avery come around so often when she's obviously just interested in Connor, and I can see that becoming a conflict in later books (which I'm excited to see play out, if that happens.)
Vampire Element
The vampire history and origin story of the vampires in this book is pretty on par with other YA vampire books that I've read. I like that the vampires here have to drink human blood as opposed to going the "vegetarian" route with animal blood or other substitutes. I've grown used to reading about vampires that don't drink human blood because They're Good Vampires and Hate The Curse and Would Never Harm Anybody because that's Not Who They Are so I liked this more classic route.
Twilight Vibes (Slight Spoilers)
There are STRONG Twilight vibes in this novel. The party scene where Antione swoops in to save Harper from a bunch of scary men is stunningly similar to the the scene in Twilight where Edward does the same for Bella.
Even more similar was the way that Antoine made Harper say that he was a vampire instead of saying the words himself, just like Edward.
I'm definitely not saying that these similarities are a bad thing, I just think it's worth mentioning that they are there, so if you love Twilight, this book might be for you.
Conclusion
I liked this book. It was a very quick read and good for scratching a vampire story itch. I think depending on if you enjoyed Twilight might gauge how you feel about this book because as I mentioned, there are a lot of similarities. I shamelessly enjoyed Twilight, so this was a good book for me, and the similarities were welcome. I would like to continue with this saga and will be looking out for more from this author.
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