December Wrap-Up | Raquel

The first book I read this month was Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by: Rick Riordan. I was so so excited to read this book! I got it for my birthday but I had library books out that I had to read so I had to put off reading it until now! I read this book within a day I enjoyed it very much! I really like these books with all their unique mythology. I find it very interesting to read! This book still falls in a similar way as his others books so if you liked those then most likely you will like this one as well! It even has Annabeth in ita bit. I would be fascinated to see what would happen if he ever does a full crossover of all his books. I think that would just be so crazy yet so crazy interesting. I personally like stories such as this that include mythology. I have always just been interested by the whole concept of it I think. I like how now he is including a type f mythology that not everyone really thinks of right away, or at least I don't. I would rate this book 4.2/5 stars.

The next two books I read this month were Maximum Ride Volumes 2 and 3. The original books are by James Patterson. I read the first volume a while ago but my library didn't have the second volume for a long time which is why I never ended up finishing them. They finally got it so now I started reading them again. I really enjoy being able to re-read a story I really enjoyed while also getting to see a visual representation. It is really nice to be able to see the events and the people compared to how I imagined them. I give the first one 3.3/5 stars. I give the second book 3.8/5 stars.

The fourth book I read was All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. This book was everything. Seriously it was absolutely amazing. I haven't read a book that has made me feel so much in a very long time. THIS BOOK MADE ME CRY! If you knew me, then you would know I don't cry easily. Jennifer Niven's book takes you on a journey that sets you up for a heartbreak. The sad part is you can see it coming, yet you just want to keep believing that everything is okay, even when it isn't. The story itself is just so well written and designed. The idea of seeing places and adventure reminds me or Paper Towns by John Green, however I find her journey more interesting. I also really loved the characters in this book! She developed both of the two main characters very well, especially Finch. I liked how even though she clearly hinted at him having a mental illness, she also showed a realistic side to things. She showed how even when somebody is falling they can still appear to be at the top of the world. It is only when they hit the ground that everybody can see that it was all just a mirage. That the whole time they were falling, they were just there. Standing there, blind to the truth. It makes you see things in a different perspective. I highly suggest anyone and everyone read this story! I give this book 4.8/5 stars.

The next two books I read were Saga volumes 1 and 2. This is a series that was suggested to me by Faith. I actually enjoyed this series more than I thought I would at first glance. It is very unique and different from anything I usually read, but it was actually really good. The story itself it well written and I really was intrigued by the world. It was very well designed and I think the whole world it just so creative. I also enjoyed the visual aspect as well. I find when reading graphic novels or manga, it is a very different experience. It is different because it requires less imagination since you can see a picture of what the characters look like. You can also see things like the setting which really changes how you read it. I rate the first book 3.8/5 stars. The second book I rate 3.7/5 stars.

The next two books I read were Maximum Ride volumes 4 and 5.  I read two other books from this series just recently. I really enjoy this series! Volume 4 I would rate 3.6/5 stars. Volume 5 I would rate 3.9/5 stars.

The next two books I read are Saga Volumes 3 and 4. I read the first two books earlier this month. I really enjoyed them so I thought I would continue to read them. I really like the visuals in this series. I am not exactly sure where this story is going, but either way I enjoy reading it. I rate the third volume 4/5 stars. I rate the fourth volume 3.6/5 stars.

The last book I read this month was This is What Happy Looks Like by: Jennifer E. Smith. Faith suggested this book to me. As Faith has recently pointed out everytime I read a book she suggested I genuinely find myself surprised at home much I enjoy it. I think this is because though we do read some of the same types of books, I would be lying if I said all the books she tells me about sound interesting. The same goes vice versa I am sure. I feel this is why I find myself so surprised. Usually when I read books she suggests I really don't know if I will like it or not. This is unlike when I read a book I choose most of the time because I tend to only read books that I know I would like. Of course sometimes I venture out, but not too often. When I do it is most often a book Faith has suggested or someone else. I am not really into contemporary but I wasn't in the mood for the book I was reading so I thought I would try this one. I liked it a lot. It was really cute but also cheesy. However it was really light to read and it worked well. I was just bored and sometimes you just need a cheesy happy light read to get you out of your weird reading mood. Anyway I rate this book 4/5 stars.

Christmas Gift Ideas | Faith

Thinking of buying a gift for someone? Can't think of what to give them? Well you've come to the right place. In this post, I will be suggesting products that I really love (and I actually want for myself...hint hint FRIENDS) for that person you're thinking of. Most of the products will be book/fandom related but I will try to throw in some other ones for that non-book lover. 

#1: For the Harry Potter fan.

POP recently released HARRY POTTER funko pops. I'm sure you have seen these around, POP has a very wide variety of figures of characters from popular series such as Supernatural, Game of Thrones, Marvel and many Disney films. These figures are so cute and would be a lovely addition to someone's Harry Potter collection, or even the start of one!

The Ultimate Harry Potter Movie Christmas Bundle:

Something that I love to do during Christmas time is watch the Harry Potter films. I have always wanted to make Butter Beer, and now that you have the internet, it's so easy to find a recipe. Another thing I love is drinking hot chocolate.

Something that I think would a great gift would be a basket full of the DRY and the products that don't need to be put into the fridge inside. Kind of like a hot chocolate jar but with butter beer. What you can do is put a little instruction card, maybe hidden inside a Hogwarts acceptance letter with the jar.

Along with this cool Butterbeer latte, you can add on the films (if they don't have them already)

RECIPE for a ButterBeer Latte (Not my recipe):

You will need...

2 tbs of BUTTER

2 tbs of Brown Sugar

1 Mug of Milk

1 tsp of Vanilla Essence

A dash of Cinnamon 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1.  Melt butter and sugar to make caramel 
2. Add milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir and combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour into mug.

SOURCE: http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/nzg-reader-faves/yummy-butterbeer-recipe/

Another thing that I would suggest would be Hogwarts house SOCKS because socks and movies just go together.

WANDS:

What Harry Potter fan doesn't a wand? Noble Collection who is the supplier for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has every single character wand available on their website. I believe they are made of resin and they are each hand painted. I have Hermione's in the Ollivander Box as well as Ginny's!

MAKE YOUR OWN WAND Bundle:

The wands at Noble Collection/Warner Bro's can very expensive. One thing that I love to do is craft. Not long ago, I made my very own inspired by Hermione's old and new wand that I made out of tin foil and polymer clay. I have also discovered a way where all you need is a wooden dowel, a hot glue gun and paint.

I would find it so exciting if I received a box or basket full of materials to make your own wand. 

For the polymer clay wand, all you will need is...

1.  Polymer Clay (in the colours of your choice)
2. Tin foil
3. Clay tools optional 

I am not going to go into much detail with the process of making this, however if you want to know how I made it please just contact me!

You can check out an awesome tutorial for the other choice HERE.

#2 That overly obsessed Hunger Games fan:

If we burn you burn with us:

I have recently discovered a brand new store on Etsy called HRCandles, their candles are fandom inspired. The candles they have available for The Hunger Games are Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Let me tell you, I've been eying these. I'm pretty sure this would make any fan happy. And guys, if you order them this month, they will wrap them!

You can check out their website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HRCandles

THAT IS MAHOGANY! 

If this person hasn't read the books or seen the movies, this would be a very confusing gift. I would totally do this for someone, because I think it's funny. One of Effie's iconic lines is "That is mahogany!" I think it would be brilliant if you gave someone the first Hunger Games book and movie along with... mahogany scented products such as lotion or a candle (whatever you can find) because I think it would be pretty funny.

MORE FUNKO POPS!

I don't think anyone can have too many funko pops... I don't think there has to be any explanation for these because just look at them. They're awesome.

#3 That fairy-tale/disney lover

Disney meets Sci-Fi: THE DELUXE BUNDLE

I'm sure a lot of you know of The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. I think this would a great gift for someone. You can pair each of the books with one of adaptations of the fairy tale.

NON-BOOK LOVERS:

The next gifts are video games! These are the Lego Marvel and DC games. You really don't have to be a fan of DC or Marvel because they're both very entertaining and fun to play. Raquel and I play these games whenever I'm at her house, and we're not gamers which probably explains why we're so bad at playing them. Anyway, I think that these games would be pretty fun for anyone.

These games are so fun! Seriously they are the best.. There are so many types too! -Raquel

So those are my Christmas gift ideas! Let me know what you think! What's your favourite part about Christmas?

I hope you enjoyed reading this!

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Beyond the Shadows: The Making of Shadowhunters | Discussion | Faith

Follows the adventures of Clary Fray, a girl who discovers she is a shadowhunter. She must seek out others like her and descend into an alternate New York called the Downworld.

- IMBD Synopsis

Shadowhunters TV Show | Discussion | Faith

Shadowhunters is an upcoming Freeform television series based on The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. The show was officially picked up to series on March 30, 2015, by the network.^[1] It is the second adaptation of the novel series, the first of which was the 2013 film The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, which was also produced by Constantin Film. It is set to premiere on January 12, 2016.

- Wikipedia Synopsis

December To-Be-Read | Raquel

The first I am planning to and will 100% read in December is Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by: Rick Riordan. I have been waiting to read this for a while. Pretty much ever since I first heard about it honestly.. I think Faith and I were kind of having like this thing where we were waiting to see if the other person would get it so we could read it. I ended up getting it for my birthday so now we both can read it! I am really excited to see how this book is. I really enjoyed his Hero's of Olympus series.

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . . -goodreads

The second book I want to read in December is When The Moon is Low by: Nadia Hashimi. Indigo suggested this book to me on twitter and I am interested to see how I like it. I did take it out from the library but I was busy and was unable to read it. However my friends are getting it for me for christmas so I am hoping I have time to read it before the new year!

Mahmoud's passion for his wife Fereiba, a schoolteacher, is greater than any love she's ever known. But their happy, middle-class world—a life of education, work, and comfort—implodes when their country is engulfed in war, and the Taliban rises to power.
Mahmoud, a civil engineer, becomes a target of the new fundamentalist regime and is murdered. Forced to flee Kabul with her three children, Fereiba has one hope to survive: she must find a way to cross Europe and reach her sister's family in England. With forged papers and help from kind strangers they meet along the way, Fereiba make a dangerous crossing into Iran under cover of darkness. Exhausted and brokenhearted but undefeated, Fereiba manages to smuggle them as far as Greece. But in a busy market square, their fate takes a frightening turn when her teenage son, Saleem, becomes separated from the rest of the family.
Faced with an impossible choice, Fereiba pushes on with her daughter and baby, while Saleem falls into the shadowy underground network of undocumented Afghans who haunt the streets of Europe's capitals. Across the continent Fereiba and Saleem struggle to reunite, and ultimately find a place where they can begin to reconstruct their lives. -goodreads

The last book I want to read in December is The Game of Lives by: James Dashner. This is the last book in the Mortality Doctrine series. I really enjoyed this series so far and I am interested to see how it ends! 

Michael used to live to game, but the games he was playing have become all too real. Only weeks ago, sinking into the Sleep was fun. The VirtNet combined the most cutting-edge technology and the most sophisticated gaming for a full mind-body experience. And it was Michael’s passion. But now every time Michael sinks, he risks his life.
The games are over. The VirtNet has become a world of deadly consequences, and Kaine grows stronger by the day. The Mortality Doctrine—Kaine’s master plan—has nearly been realized, and little by little the line separating the virtual from the real is blurring. If Kaine succeeds, it will mean worldwide cyber domination. And it looks like Michael and his friends are the only ones who can put the monster back in the box—if Michael can figure out who his friends really are. -goodreads

This will probably be my last post before 2016, though I never know... Anyway just in case EVERYONE HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

November Wrap-Up | Raquel

The first book I read this month was The Tattooed Heart by: Michael Grant. It was my birthday this month and this was one of the books I got for it! Pretty much all my gifts were books which I was very happy about! This book is the second one after The Messenger of Fear. I really enjoyed this series. I find that the world it takes place in to be kind of mystical or magical, yet ordinary. I liked that in this book how the Messenger and the main character get closer. The original Messenger is definitely my favourite character even though he isn't really the character the story is about. I just find the mystery of his past compelling and interesting. In this book a whole lot is revealed about the Messenger. Also his apprentice takes a big step and earns a lot of responsibility in the end. This is my third book series of Michael Grant's that I have read and been in love with. Honestly I just really love his books. The stories are always very interesting and I think the way he develops his characters is always just riveting. There is always another story behind each person even when you think you know everything. I rate this book 4.2/5 stars.

  The second book I read this month was One by: Sarah Crossan. This was just a random book I picked up because I had nothing to read. I actually ended up really liking this book. I have always had a slight interest in twins. No idea why I just find the idea of it to be unique. I like how realistic this story is. It shows what the life of twins like this would actually be like. She doesn't try to make it seem perfect, she tells it truly how it would be. She includes things like the bullying that would come along with it. The difficulty of having to share a body and therefore not being able to completely control what is done to your body. There are really just so many things that to you may seem like nothing, but when you think about how if they are even slightly changed you realize how different life would be if you had been born like that. The ending of this book I found to be truly tragic and sad. As the book went on I kind of figured that was how the book was going to go, but even so the ending was really sad... I rate this book 3.8/5 stars.

The next book I read was The Fate of Ten by: Pittacus Lore. I have been waiting so long to read this book and I was finally able too! I was so happy :) I have been reading this series for a very long time and I just love it. Even so I do see how people could get bored with books doing so much repeating, however this book is very different. This book is not at all like the others in that way. I think it is because the series is coming to a close so the author is preparing for the end. Either way this book has much action, many different things happening that are just crazy. Like I really couldn't imagine these things happening when I read the very first book. The story has gone from being one thing to a completely different thing. In my opinion it has changed in a good way! I kind of think that there should have been less books between because even though I enjoy all the little details, I know many people get bored when stories drag on like that. Anyway if you started the series and got bored I would suggest reading the past few books because reading this one will be worth it and definitely not boring! I rate this book 4/5 stars.

The last book I read this month was The Rest of Us Just Live Here by: Patrick Ness. I absolutely love Patrick Ness as an author. I have not read a book of his yet that I haven't completely loved. I can say confidently that he is one of if not my favorite author right now. I had been waiting for this book for quite some time and I was so happy when I got it for my birthday! Definitely one of my favourite books that I got. The basic story of the book was just interesting in itself. I like how Patrick Ness includes so much of just basic things from real life. It is just really unique to read these things in books that I find it adds to the story. He also knows how to put subtle, yet realistic twists on characters. I guess in this book he also knows how to put unrealistic ones too.(*cough* a cat god's grandson) Also the way he writes the story is like in a crazy situation, but in the perspective of the normal people who have no idea whats really going on. I thought that was really weird but kind of cool. I have never heard of or read a book with a concept like that. That's what I really like about his books is that I am always being surprised with some odd story, or the way he writes it is just so unique I love it! I rate this book 4.5/5 stars.

November Wrap Up | Faith

The first book I read this month was for school, and this book was Animal Farm by: George Orwell. I have always wanted to read something by George Orwell, and when I heard that we were going to be reading this in my English class, I was really excited. I can't say that I was completely enthralled with this book, although I really did love the themes and symbolism in this book. I would rate this a 3 out of 5 stars.

A problem I have with classics is that I always feel obligated to give them a high rating just because it's a classic. So I feel really bad if I give one a 3 or below. Does anybody get this?

The second book I read was the illustrated version of Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone. I love Harry Potter and getting to experience it with the illustrations  is awesome. I almost feel so privileged to get a chance to experience the release of every book in the years to come because that is something that I missed out on. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

The third book I read this month was Fight of the Ivy by: Amy Bledsoe. I was sent this book by Amy in exchange for an honest review. You can read my review HERE.


You should go read the review!! Faith's reviews are the best :) - Raquel

The fourth book I read was Everything, Everything by: Nicola Yoon. The main reason why I read this was because Nicola Yoon was our November Author of The Month, and Raquel had said that she loved this book. I really loved the pictures, I just felt like this made the story so interactive. Also The Little Prince is one of my favourite classics so I was pretty excited when I saw some references. I would rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.

(THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!! - Raquel)

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 | Movie Review & Discussion | Faith

Realizing the stakes are no longer just for survival, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) teams up with her closest friends, including Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick for the ultimate mission. Together, they leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem and assassinate President Snow, who's obsessed with destroying Katniss. What lies ahead are mortal traps, dangerous enemies and moral choices that will ultimately determine the future of millions. 

- Wikipedia  Synopsis

You can read my reviews for:

The Hunger Games HERE

Catching Fire HERE

 Mockingjay Part 1 HERE

Check our my post for 'Saying goodbye to The Hunger Games.' HERE

This Review WILL contain SPOILERS

Fight of The Ivy: Amy Bledsoe | Review | Faith

Anna's determination to pull Griffin from his old life seems an ever-losing battle. With dangers from the past still lurking in the shadows and him healing from a disabling injury, the only place he knows to turn for protection is within the dark clutch of his family. Not only outside forces threaten the future they’ve made when secrets come from inside the family's mansion, and if Anna gives up her fight for Griffin now, she may never know the depth of his

This review will be SPOILER-FREE

You can read my review for Tearing Down The Ivy HERE

Timeless: Ingrid Q.M. | Showcase Your Stories

September/October Wrap-Up | Raquel

The first book I read in September was Every Day by: David Levithan. This book was not even kind of like what I imagined. I was genuinely shocked about where this story went and I really was surprised at how much I really loved this book. I mean I  didn't think I would hate it but at first glance it wasn't a type of book that I usually really enjoy. However this book is just so unique.
The story was about a person who everyday wakes up in a different person's body. This person has no gender, does not have it's own life and if they hadn't named themself, wouldn't have its own name. The story goes on about what happens when this person falls in love. It sounds kind of cheesy, but the plot is very well written.
 I don't think I have ever read such a book. Not only that but some of the ideas in here really made me think about how I would feel in such a situation. I have mentioned this before but I just love when books really make me see things in a whole new perspective. I mean it's nice to read a nice story that is just interesting, but when you finish a book and suddenly you see things different then you know that book really took an affect on you. That the book wasn't just another story about magicians or vampires. I rate this book 4.4/5 stars.

The last book I read in September was The Catcher in the Rye by: J. D. Salinger. As I mentioned in a previous post I originally read this book just because other people had mentioned how it is a classic. I did enjoy this book, but I don't really see what makes it a classic I guess... I mean it is good, but I personally feel I have read better books. I don't just mean the story, but even the just the way it was written. (I am taking into account that it's an old book) I could understand how or why this book was popular in the time period it came out in, but I don't understand why every is so eager to read it now. Okay well I mean other than for educational reasons. As for the novel it self it was pretty good. I have read stories with a similar idea but just more modern. I like the more modern books better though that might just be because it is in a time period I recognize so it feels more relatable. When it's in a society that is so similar to your own it is much easier to really get into a book to the point that you forget its all just a story. I would rate this book 3.3/5 stars.

Note: I was planning to read The Fate of Ten however I just got it at the end of October from the library and the friend I was going to borrow it from is a slow reader... Anyway I have it now so it should be in next month's wrap-up!

The first book I read in October was The Copper Gauntlet by: Cassandra Clare and Holly Black. This is the second book after The Iron Trial. I really enjoyed the first book! I really like Cassandra Clare's books and her series with Holly Black truly is amazing. In my opinion I think the books in this series could be longer. I feel like with a little bit more length they would have more depth and detail which would just add to the stories! Though I feel they are written this way because they are made for a younger audience. However even as they are they still are really good. I think that I liked the first book better. I don't think there was anything particular in this book more like a combination of things that make me like the first one better. In the first book they had more about them learning to control there powers which I was fascinated by. In this I feel like the book was faster paced and just had one thing after another of battles. It's not even the learning pieces specifically but I feel parts like that in books helps give you a deeper understanding of the world and I felt that this book didn't have as much of that. Nonetheless this book was still really great and well written for the most part. I rate this 3.8/5 stars.

The second book I read this month was Everything Everything by: Nicola Yoon.  I just saw this book on a list of new books coming out and I thought hmm maybe I will try this book out when I have nothing to read. I got the book from the library and honestly I didn't expect a whole lot. I was very surprised with what I got. I actually enjoyed the book so much I couldn't even put it down! Even just the simple parts explaining her lifestyle was interested. The detail she had just emphasized how isolated she really was. This story was nothing like I thought and the ending was so unexpected. It was like everything was just turned upside down. I loved how it was written in a way that it didn't really hint at the outcome. I just thought it would be some sort of love thing, but it was definitely more than that. The ending started with something very spontaneous and after that everything was just so crazy. I feel like I can't say much more or else I will ruin the story, but I will say that the reason I like stories like this is because the story is so wild, but yet could be very well possible. I genuinely recommend everyone try reading this book! I rate this book 4.6/5 stars.

The last book I read this month was Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.I actually got this book as an early birthday gift! I was very happy because I really wanted to read this book! I really wasn't sure what to expect this book to be about. I had read the summary though I was kind of confused and had problems picturing what the story was about. I was nowhere near right about the story, but I actually really enjoyed it. The character Kaz reminded me a lot of Sherlock Holmes from the show Elementary. I really don't know why but I just feel he is very similar in that they both are really smart, they think a head and they are rarely caught off guard. They also both have a thing for keeping details secret until they think its relevant for people to know. They both are very strategic and have a love/hate relationship with being around people. Even though the story is nothing like I thought, I still found myself interested in what was going to happen next. Though this book wasn't anything crazy, it in no way was a bad book. I rate this book 4.3/5 stars.