Princess of Thorns

Book Review

Title: Princess of Thorns

Author: Stacey Jay

Date Published: December 9, 2014

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: YA Fantasy

Meet The Author: Stacey Jay

Buy Me: B&N, Amazon, Book Depository

Synopsis:

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm's fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty's daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.

Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora's throne ten years ago.

Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it's too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?

My Thoughts: 

Wow, this book just wow! I wouldn't call this book a retelling of Sleeping Beauty It’s more like a continuation of what happens after Sleeping Beauty marries her prince and has her children. In this wonderfully written novel, we follow the children of Sleeping Beauty Aurora to whom Sleeping beauty gave her Fairy blessings to even though the blessings were given with good intentions sometimes they can turn into curses and her brother Jor who has been captured by the Ogre Queen. 

When Aurora is taken prisoner by mercenaries she meets cursed Prince Niklaas, who believes her to be her brother Jor that is when Aurora decided to disguise herself as her brother. She promises to take Niklaas to his sister who he wants to marry as long as he helps her gather an army to save a "friend" the Queen has captured.

This retelling is so different from others I have read. Most of the retellings usually center on the main character of the story they're retelling, It’s rare when you find one that goes into what happened after the happily ever after. The world building in this novel was beautifully done and the character development very well written. Aurora is a very likable character; she is very head strong, stubborn, cares too much, and loves too hard which is very relatable. Niklaas on the other hand at the beginning of the story you want to slap him around, some of the things he says, but his character development through the book is perfection and you just want to take him out of the book and give him a big hug. 

This book is full of adventure and the perfect amount of romance. I love this book so much! I have read other books by the lovely Stacey Jay (Of Beast and Beauty and Juliet Immortal) which I loved. I have always loved her writing that’s why I was surprised when she was dropped by her publisher and after reading Princess of Thorns I'm even more in shock the book is really good. How could they drop a book that is good, but having said that I recommend this book to everyone! I promise you will love it! 

-SandraTheBookWorm 

Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul (Manga)

Author: Ishida Sui

Volume: 1

Chapters: 1-9

Publisher: Viz Media Entertainment (Jun.16 2015)

Art: 4 out of 5

Story: 5 out of 5

       So today marks the long awaited return of Otaku Friday! which is now hosted on the main site!(childish screams insert here) On today's review we will be talking about the ever so popular (and I understand why.) Tokyo Ghoul! Okay so I know many of you Otakus have probably watched the anime and today i'm here to tell you to READ the Manga which fills the gaps to unanswered questions and feels like a whole different story along the way. Although the anime is pretty amazing and ill admit a personal favorite the Manga is always better so lets get started on Today's Otaku Friday!

So, What's It About??!

      Strange murders are happening in Tokyo. Due to liquid evidence at the scene, the police conclude the attacks are the results of 'eater' type ghouls. College buddies Kaneki and Hide come up with the idea that ghouls are imitating humans so that's why they haven't ever seen one. Little did they know that their theory may very well become a reality. The story follows Ken Kaneki who barely survives a deadly encounter with Rize Kamishiro, his date who reveals herself as a ghoul , a human-like creature that hunts and devours human flesh, and is taken to the hospital in critical condition. After recovering, Kaneki discovers that somehow he underwent a surgery that transformed him into a half-ghoul by transferring some of Rize's organs into his body, as she died when she attacked him, and just like them, he must consume human flesh to survive as well. With no one else to turn to, he is taken in by the ghouls who manage the coffee shop "Anteiku", who teach him to deal with his new life as a half-human/half-ghoul, including interacting with ghoul society and its conflicting factions, while striving to keep his identity secret from other humans.

      * So the story is pretty awesome you have the whole ghouls eating humans and along the way you get to develop personal and deep sadness for the struggles the ghouls face and know that its just not their fault. Keneki is a not your average scatter brain shonen character that we are all used to, but a average guy with a knack for reading. Keneki who is already socially challenged gets this organ transplant that just, changes his life into an already hard one to an even worse one. He can't even eat a cheeseburger anymore and drools at the sight of an open wound. (not really but you get the point) the story just isn't revolved with a character who is told, "Hey, your a demon you eat people now." and their responds is "Okay! this is awesome!" but is taken to a realistic and physiological point with a average guy facing this drastic change in his life.

Review Me!

        Tokyo Ghoul is not for the faint of heart or anyone under 13! Tokyo Ghoul consist of a lot of Bodily Parts being dismantled and faces a lot of physiological issues. The main characters faces a problem in order to except himself and his new life to the point that he tries to (*****Spoiler****) cut out the organs that have been transplanted into him.( *****End Of Spoiler*****)  I myself would recommend this to anyone of the appropriate age since the story is a lot more different then anything I have ever read and it is just beautifully done. 

Tell Me More!

       Volume one of Tokyo Ghoul consist of nine chapters 

• Chapter 1: Tragedy
• Chapter 2: Strange Phenomenon
• Chapter 3: Terrible
• Chapter 4: Coffee
• Chapter 5: Feeding Ground
• Chapter 6: Homing Instinct
• Chapter 7: Deception
• Chapter 8: Kagune
• Chapter 9: Hatching 

Gimme Them Links!
Tokyo Ghoul Manga 

Tokyo Ghoul Anime

Tokyo Ghoul Root A Anime

Buy It! June, 16 ,2015

Tokyo Ghoul (MangaReader) on Android

Watch On Streaming On HuluPlus!

Trailer

*Best at 720p 

Not Every Girl

Book Review

Title: Not Every Girl

Author: Jane Mcgarry

Date Published: April 27, 2015

Publisher: Clean Reads

Page Count: 275

Rating: ★★★★★

Meet The Author: Jane McGarry FB

Buy Me: Amazon, B&N

Synopsis:

Olivia Davenport’s plan is destined to fail. 

She is going through with it anyway, of course. After all, it is the chance of a lifetime. The unreasonable rules of others should not stand in her way. 

In her small kingdom of Stewartsland, Olivia trains with the squires and harbors a secret dream. She longs to become a knight under the command of the Master-of–Arms, who just happens to be her father. He has indulged her passion so far, but they both know a simple fact – girls may not attain knighthood. Dismayed by the constant discouragement of her ambitions, she makes an impetuous decision to disguise herself as a boy in order to sneak on a mission. The consequences are not at all what she anticipated. 

When her deception is revealed, she is sent home in disgrace; however, an unexpected turn of events puts her at the center of a dangerous plot against the King. The ensuing adventure finds her grappling with mercenaries and outlaws, yet these pale in comparison to her newly awakened emotions. She finds not only her life at risk, but also her heart, when the aloof Prince Liam begins to affect her in ways she never thought possible. In the end, it is her courage and unique spirit which must guide her through the challenges she encounters both physical and emotional. 

My Thoughts:

This book reminded me of Mulan in some aspects and I loved it! Olivia was such a strong character and I loved that she made it her mission to show that girls can do what boys can do and sometimes better. I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad that Jane Mcgarry contacted me and sent me her book in exchange for an honest review.

Olivia has been training with the squires in hopes that one day her father will give in and let her become a knight, but she knows that it’s a long shot, even if her father is the Master-of- Arms girls can’t be Knights. When she finds out her father is going to escort the King to a meeting she devises a plan to dress like a boy and go on the mission. When she gets caught Prince Liam offers himself as an escort to take her back home, but on the way back a series of events put Olivia in the adventure she was looking for while she deals with her new found feelings for the Prince, which for her is a whole new territory.

I love this book especially our main character Olivia she is such a kick ass girl, she doesn't take crap from anyone and when someone tells her she can't do something she proves them wrong. I also loved, loved the story McGarry wrote between Prince Liam and Olivia it was so refreshing and Liam was ah he was so perfect and yes, I have added Prince Liam to me ever growing list of fictional boyfriends. I also really loved Jane Mcgarry's world building; the way she described the scenery just painted such a clear picture it was like I was there. This book kept me up to the wee hours of the night, I just needed to know how it ended; I really hope there's a sequel I need more of Liam and Olivia, did I mention I need more Liam. 

I love when I find hidden gems and this one is definitely one. I would recommend this book to anyone that is in the mood for a funny, romance, fantasy, with a strong female character; even if you're not in the mood for anything I mentioned I really recommend this book. Like I said it reminded me of Mulan and who doesn't love a book that shows that girls can do anything boys can!

-SandraTheBookWorm 

Maybe Someday

Book Review

Title: Maybe Someday

Author: Colleen Hoover

Date Published: March 18, 2014

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Page Count: 367

Rating: ★★★★

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Meet the Author: Colleen Hoover

Buy Me: Amazon, B&N, Book Depository

Told by both Ridge and Sydney POV

Synopsis:

At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her—and she’s forced to decide what her next move should be.

Soon, Sydney finds herself captivated by her mysterious and attractive neighbor, Ridge. She can't take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can't ignore, either. They soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one.

A passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance, Maybe Someday will immerse readers in Sydney’s tumultuous world from the very first page

My Thoughts:

I adored this book! Colleen Hoover has easily made her way into becoming my new favorite author! I immediately fell in love with both our main characters; Colleen Hoover has a way of making all the characters find a way to your heart. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars was because at some points the I'm  attracted to you but we can't be together got a little irritating, but other than that I didn't have any other problem.

When Sydney finds out her sleazy boyfriend is cheating on her she finds herself homeless and with her world turned upside down. She soon finds herself living with Ridge her attractive next door neighbor, Sydney can't help but to be attracted to Ridge there is just something about the way he plays his guitar and the way he carries himself and Ridge can't deny that he also finds himself extremely attracted to Sydney, but unfortunately they have to put those feeling aside because Ridge has a girlfriend that he loves and has no intent of leaving.

This book was just ah I don't even know how to explain it. I wanted Ridge to leave his girlfriend to be with Sydney, but when Ridge's girlfriend would come into the picture she was so sweet that I wanted them to make it, like I said Colleen Hoover has a way of writing her characters that they all make a way to your heart and you find yourself conflicted of who you want the happily after for. All the characters in this novel were amazing but Ridge has a very special place in my heart, he was just utter perfection; where can I find me a Ridge. I don't want to go into many details because I might give away some of the plot twists.

 So if you haven't picked this book up I highly recommend it, if you haven't picked anything up by Colleen Hoover a highly recommend you do; I need to own all her books! If you're in the mood for a funny, cute book that is also going to make you cry and at the same time make you extremely happy look no further. 

-SandraTheBookWorm 

Favorite Quotes from the book: 

" People can't choose who they fall in love with. They only get to choose who they stay in love with"

" However, I've learned that the heart can't be told when and who and how it should love. The heart does whatever the hell it wants to do. The only thing we can control is whether we give our lives and our minds the chance to catch up to our hearts." 

" We try so hard to hide everything we're really feeling from those who probably need to know our true feelings the most." 

Ugly Love

Ugly Love

Title: Ugly Love

Author: Colleen Hoover

Date Published: August 5, 2014

Publisher: Atria Books

Page Count: 337

Rating: ★★★★★

Meet The Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Point of View: Told by both Miles and Tate's 

Synopsis:

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn't love at first sight. They wouldn't even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn't want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don't expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can't handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly

My Thoughts:

I don't even know where to start with this book. First how can a book make you cry tears of sadness and happiness at the same time, secondly why did it take me so long to pick up any book written by Ms. Colleen Hoover; I'm kicking myself for waiting all this year’s her writing is perfection.

When Tate moves in with her brother and meets Miles she can't deny the strong attraction they both have for each other it's not love at first sight, but there is definitely something there. When Miles lets her know how he feels they decide to start a friends with benefits relationship with two rules never ask about the past and don't expect a future. They soon find out that having sex and not wanting more is very difficult.

I adored this book I love Miles and Tate they are perfect for each other, this book gave me a rollercoaster of emotions I didn't see that twist coming and the ending was complete and utter perfection. Colleen is definitely the queen of new adult contemporary, this was the first book of hers I've read and I devoured it in less than twenty four hours I just couldn't put it down and now I need to own all her novels; I know I'll love them just as much as this one. 

This book gave me the worst book hangover all I wanted to do was reread it, I could not get past chapter one of any book I would try to pick up after reading this one. This book does have a lot of explicit love scenes, so I do think I should warn my younger followers. I'm very excited for the movie; I can't wait to see this amazing and heartbreaking story come to live on screen.

If you have not picked this book up yet I definitely recommend you read it and if you're planning to watch the movie read the book beforehand remember the book is always better than the movie ( in most cases). If you're wondering if this book deserves all the hype it's getting, it definitely does, so what are you waiting for go to your closest library or book store and pick this baby up.

-SandraTheBookWorm 

Quotes I loved from the Book:

“Love isn't always pretty, Tate. Sometimes you spend all your time hoping it'll eventually be something different. Something better. Then, before you know it, you're back to square one, and you lost your heart somewhere along the way.” 

" Ugly love becomes you. Consumes you. Makes you hate it all. Makes you realize that all the beautiful parts aren't even worth it. Without the beautiful, you will never risk feeling this. Feeling the ugly."

" That's how it is when a person develops an attraction toward someone. He's nowhere then suddenly he's everywhere, whether you want him to be or not." 

June TBR

June TBR

On the picture above are the books I plan on reading on June. I'm so excited to dive into these especially Fangirl and Maybe Someday. I also plan on reading Not Every Girl the author was kind enough to send me an Ecopy in exchange for a honest review. Have you read any of these books? If you have I would love to hear your thoughts on them.

-SandraTheBookWorm 

May Wrap Up

May Wrap Up

I read a total of six books last month. I have reviews up for all of them, I will list them all below with the rating and a link to the review. I'm pretty happy with all the reading I did in the month of May. I know that I'm not very consistent with my wrap up, but I'm going to try a little harder to post my wrap up's every month. Have you read any of these books? If you have; what were your thoughts on them? Leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you.

An Ember In The Ashes ★★★★★ Review

Eleanor and Park ★★★★★ Review

These Broken Stars ★★★★ Review

.

Magnolia ★★★★★ Review

Why We Broke Up ★★★ Review

Ugly Love ( Not Pictured) ★★★★★ (Book Review Coming Soon)

-SandraTheBookWorm