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Let’s Talk About… Most Owned Authors!

I was recently catching up on my YouTube subscriptions and I saw Katystastic’s (a YouTube Book Blogger) video talking about her Top Ten Most Owned Authors. She went into detail that the authors on her list were not just authors whom she owned the most books by, but also that they were on her auto-buy list (if you want to watch the video, click here!) So, I thought to myself, I should do that too. Why the heck not right?

So today I will be talking about my Top Ten Most Owned Authors that are also on my Auto-Buy list. Here we go!

 

1

 

If you know me really well, this is not surprising. I own 12 of her books. All of the “Vampire Academy” Series and all that is out of the “Bloodlines” Series. I also have in my possession both “Age of X Series” books, “Gameboard of the Gods” and “The Immortal Crown”. Anything this woman writes, I love. Whether it be her paranormal young adult novels or her new adult series that has Fantasy, Dystopian, and Science Fiction themes in it, I read it all. Her writing has the ability to suck me in and make me forget reality for a couple of hours.

2

Now this may come as a surprise to many because I hardly ever mention Ms. Ally Carter. Probably because I read most of her books before I started my blog December of 2012. I own all of the Gallagher Girls Series, and all three books of the Heist Society Series. Total of 9 books. She has a new series coming out soon and I have no clue what it is about, but you can bet I will buy it without reading the synopsis.

3

A lot of people think of her as the YA Contemporary Queen of the early 2000s. Her books were crazy popular with good reason. Although I don’t click with the characters in two of her books, I will buy any book she writes. Her writing is poetic and beautiful. Some of my favorite quotes come from her books. She knows how to write a coming of age story that will sit with you for years.

4

She recently became an auto-buy author for me. The first book I ever read by her was “The Disreputable History of Frankie-Laundau Banks”. That novel was eery and haunting. The emotion was raw and deep. I felt things I never had before reading this book and really brought to light the issues we have with romanticized rebels (or criminals). Two years later, I listened to her read her new book  “We Were Liars” at the LA Times Books Festival and it prompted me to buy it. “We Were Liars” left me breathless. After that I went and bought most of the books she has published. I have 6 of her books in my possession.

5

There was a time in my life where I wanted fun summer contemporaries that still gave me some substance, but I also didn’t want them to be too serious. In comes “The Daughters” Series by Joanna Philbin. She’s another author whose writing just sucks me in. I feel as if I know her characters personally and I am their friend. It’s that intimate. I own 5 of her books.

6

Isaiah & Noah. That’s all you need to know. Okay, okay, just kidding. I’m not ending it there. 🙂

I own 4 of her books because that is all she has published. If she had more books published, I would own them all by now. What I love about her stories is that her characters are real. Their issues are real. You could say she uses the same freaking formula in each book, but she writes it in a way that doesn’t feel like she’s using the same formula to tell the story, and I freaking eat them up. She writes grittier young adult contemporary and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty when it comes to writing her books. She learned how to drive stick just so she could legitimately write the car scenes in “Crash Into You”. If that is not dedication to your work, then I don’t know what is.

7

We now have Ms. Sarah Ockler. Gosh Darn her stories make me happy. Her stories aren’t really always happy per say (“Twenty Boys Summer” broke my heart), but she writes them so well that I will sob through her books if that’s the price I have to pay to read them. I say she falls in the same category as Katie McGarry’s books with the whole characters dealing with real issues, but Ockler’s characters are a little less rough around the edges. I proudly own 3 of her books (and I need to get my hands on #Scandal as soon as its out! *grabby hands*).

8

My lovely Morgan Matson. How I love her so. I know that sounds a little weird, but I have been a faithful fan of her writing since “Amy and Rogers Epic Detour”. I waited for “Second Chance Summer” for an entire year, and now I have “Since You’ve Been Gone” in my hands. Although the premise for SYBG doesn’t sound as intriguing to me as the other two, I still wanted it and got it (Thank you Kayla you are the best!). Her writing takes me a little bit longer to read, nonetheless it entertains me and makes me happy. Even though her books are seen as sad, I don’t feel sad when I see them or read them. I get all giddy and happy. Yes, I’m weird. Deal with it. 🙂

(proud owner of all three books!)

9

She’s actually a last-minute addition because I didn’t think I owned enough books to add her to this list, but alas I do! I own 3 of her books and a novella. Jessica Park wrote “Flat Out Love” which is one of my favorite contemporaries of 2013. I loved it so much that I went on and read “Flat Out Matt” and “Left Drowning”. I devoured them. I recently purchased “Flat Out Celeste” her newest novel in the “Flat Out Love” world. (Kayla I know you’re gonna be mad, but I bought the kindle version okay! It was only 3.99. I couldn’t resist!!). I think the reason I am so amazed by her is because she is an independent author. She does not publish her books through a big publishing house, but through an independent publisher. Her books are edited so well that I almost want to pee my pants at how happy it makes. She’s an indie author who got it right. It gives me hope for future indie authors and indie books.

10

Surprised to see this? I know I’m not. Why? Because I’m one of those few people who loved “Allegiant”. I loved the Divergent Trilogy as a whole. The world she created, the way she wrote it, the trilogy sucked me in and I never wanted to leave it for the real world. Sadly, I had to, but if she publishes something in the near or far future, even if it sounds boring, I will buy it. I don’t care. I love her that much. (And honestly how can we forget Divergent? That was one of the best first books in a trilogy I have EVER read!) I own three of her books (and soon four! haha get it?! Because the new book is titled Four and it’s the fourth book!!! No… I just think it’s funny… okay… *walks away shamefully*).

11

Lastly, we have an honorary mention because if this woman had published “Isla and the Happily Ever After” sooner, she would have been able to make it on the list officially. We all love Stephanie Perkins and we all know why. I feel like she is the recent Queen of YA contemporary and no one has come close to dethrone her. At least not in my book. Her books are all sugar, sweet, and honey. They make you feel all happy and bubbly inside. BUY HER BOOKS!

 

We have finally reached the end of this really long post for which I apologize, but I did have a lot to say and yet I feel like I didn’t say enough. I’m going to go ahead and tag Kayla over at The Thousand Lives and demand she do this because I want to see what she comes up with, and I think most of you might want to know too! If anyone decides to write a post like this, please let me know and send me the link. I want to read your posts and have discussions about our most owned authors that are also on our auto-buy list.

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Reviews, YA Dystopian

Book Review: Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

allegiant-book-cover-high-res

Goodreads Summary:

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

My Initial Thoughts:

Oh Dear Lord, I was hesitant. Why? Because I was afraid of what might happen. I was also super excited at the same time because Four. We are having his POV. Made my day really.

Review:

I have no clue how to start this except with a GIF.

IMHAVINGANEMOTION

 

I seriously don’t understand why people are bashing this book. Yes, it is super hard to read. Yes, it has a lot of politics. Yes, it is full of feels. When I read Divergent, or for that matter any dystopian book, I know politics will be involved. Why? Because it is a story about a dystopia, “An imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.” (Source: Oxford Dictionary) That to me screams FAILED GOVERNMENT. The government will take precedence a good amount of the time. The Divergent Trilogy isn’t about Tris & Four, it’s about the world they live in, and we are experiencing everything through them. Yes, it is also about them, but in a dystopian novel, the world and the characters both have equal importance.

I think Allegiant was perfectly written. I cannot see another ending that will have the same impact as the ending it has had on us. Roth did a brilliant job bringing us full circle, tying everything neatly with a bow. In Divergent and Insurgent, she set the stage and left us confused as heck. She made a story that was big to begin with, even bigger. That is why we were all gasping for air at the end of Insurgent. We did not see that coming. At least I didn’t.

Allegiant had such a big job to do. It had to not only wrap up the initial world we were given, but also the new one we were pushed into at the end of Insurgent. It had to not only intensify Tris & Four’s relationship, but also every other characters as well. Allegiant had such an enormous task, and I am happy to say it did it all.

I am blown away by this book. I can only consider it Grade A literature. This right here is some good stuff. I personally may not be happy with how some characters were killed off, but the impact it had on me and the message it came with it balanced out my negative feelings.

I know everyone is spoiling Allegiant, and I will be one of the few that won’t. All I can say is, take Allegiant for what it is and what it is accomplishing. Don’t let your ship get in the way of the message and the well-crafted story.

Rating: 5/5

Reviews, YA Dystopian

Review: Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Goodreads:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris’s initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth’s much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

What I liked:

I liked that Insurgent had the same feeling of dread, excitement, and heart pounding adrenaline that Divergent had. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. The ending was… perfect. Veronica Roth is the only author I approve of using that type of torturous cliffhanger on me.

What I disliked:

I don’t really have anything negative to say about the book except that I kept thinking, “Dear women let me breath!!” At the same time, it is also why I like it. I am a very complicated person when it comes to this series. It also seemed that Insurgent lacked the ‘love’ part of the story. What redeemed the lack of love in the book was the ending, when Four did what he did (if you read this book already, you know what he did) and believed Tris. The understanding and loyalty between these two just gets to me. They may just be one of my favorite pairings at the moment.

Overall:

Insurgent was phenomenal. I loved every second of it and I can only hope Allegiant is going to be as good as the first two books in the trilogy.

Rating: 5/5

Rating System:

1/5: I hated it.

2/5: It had some redeeming qualities but overall, not a good book.

3/5: I liked it (A fun read).

4/5: I really like it, but something was missing.

5/5: I love it! It’s as close to perfection as it can get!

Editor Letter, To-Read

UPDATE: Currently Reading?

Hello everyone!

I am writing to you today from my cave [aka my dorm room]. I’m sorry there hasn’t been that many reviews the past couple of weeks. I have a very valid reason, University. Yes, you read right. My excuse is school, but I am still trying to update and read for “fun” as much as I can so here are the books that I am currently reading:

  1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
  2. Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
  3. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
  4. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare [ebook]
  5. Capital Girls by Ella Monroe [ebook]
  6. Imperium by Robert Harris (This is a hybrid book. I am reading it for class and fun.)

Which book will I be reviewing next? My money is on Delirium since I am about 80% done with it, but it can be anyones game. I’ve never had so many books on hold before. I used to be a person that could only read one book at a time but that has changed. I promise to give you guys a book review within a week so hold on to your horses, the Talking Bookworm is back!

Happy Reading and Have a Blessed Day!

Editor Letter, Random

Editor’s Letter: Books on Hold (A Tumblr Post)

Happy Thursday!

This semester, Thursdays are my Fridays. I managed not to have Friday classes. *jumps in excitement*

This post will be a bit less professional than normal because I am re-posting something here that I posted on Tumblr a few days ago regarding books I have not finished, books that will probably be in my “on-hold” list for a while. My quality of writing suffers a bit in my tumblr blog because I write how I think, grammatical errors, incomplete sentences and all. You have been warned 🙂

Tumblr Post:

I have several books on hold. Like I can’t finish them for some reason.

Book #1 Insurgent by Veronica Roth

  • I have a very good reason why I haven’t finished it. The book can’t end. I refuse to finish it and… I have about 50% of the book left and I know I must read the rest in one sitting which I do not have the time for.

Book #2 Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

  • Juliet makes me mad. And Romeo, don’t get me started with Romeo. Oh, and Juliet’s friend (I know it’s not her “real” friend because Juliet isn’t really Juliet but whichever girl’s body she is currently in. *sorry for spoilers but not really*) really annoys me too. Ugh.

Book #3 Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

  • I’m mad at Hale. And Kat. For a more logical reason, see Insurgent’s reason.

And I’m currently reading Clockwork Prince (#2 in the The Infernal Devices Series) and If We Kiss by Rachel Vail.

So far, I really don’t like ‘If We Kiss’. Can’t get used to the writing style. Everything seems so immature and cliché. I bought the ebook for 2.99 so I’m not that upset. Just a little annoyed. I’m going to finish it though. I want to see if it has any redeeming qualities aside from the fact that the book is written grammatically well [so far].

Some books I have on hold [like I haven’t gotten to them] are:

  • Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
  • Delirium by Lauren Oliver
  • and some other books in ebook form which I forgot the names of.

So that’s basically my book life. Apart from Uni books and homework.

Which I must get back to.

Oh Dear. God Help Me.

 

Happy Reading!

To-Read

To-Read: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Hello!

The next book I am tackling in my “to-read” pile is Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I couldn’t wait to know what happened next in Tris’ and Four’s journey in their dystopian world. I am currently halfway through the book and oh boy is it good! As soon as I’m done, I’ll be posting a review on it.

Other books in my “to-read” pile are The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead and Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter. If you have any suggestions on what other books I should read, just leave me a comment below and I’ll add it to my to-read list!

Happy Reading!

&

Happy Monday!

Reviews, YA Dystopian

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Divergent by Veronica Roth

Oh My!

This book exceeded my expectations! It blew them out of the water!

I was hesitant to read this book. I really was. I picked it up a few months ago, read about 3 pages and decided it wasn’t worth my money. Boy, was I a bit judgmental because of the hype! I regret not reading this book sooner. I could have had the hardcover edition of the first book instead of the paperback edition the bookstore only had in stock.

Honestly, this is by far one of the best books I’ve read this year. The amount of action, romance, intrigue, and the writing style, make it into a blockbuster of books! No wonder the hype is as big as it is!

You could say the main characters are Tris (also known as Beatrice) and Four (whose identity I can’t disclose because I want to keep this as spoiler free as I can, Muahahahaha). Tris’ world consists of Five Factions, the Abnegation, the Amity, the Candor, the Dauntless, and the Erudite. Each faction stands for a “value” one could almost say. The Abnegation strive to be selfless, the amity strive to be peaceful, the candor strive to be honest, the dauntless are the brave, and the Erudite strive to gain knowledge. At Tris’ 16th birthday she had to go through a simulation test that decides what faction you’re most compatible with. That’s where things get tricky for Tris because no faction is the correct one for her. She is factionless. Her father is a leader in the Abnegation government and changing faction’s would mean she would betray her family, her government almost.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of any book genre. I’m not a big dystopian fan but this book made me want to read more books in that genre.

Oh and, Divergent takes place in Chicago. That might peak your interest a little more. 😉

Rating: 5/5

Rating System:

1/5: I hated it

2/5: It had some redeeming qualities but overall, not a good book.

3/5: I liked it. A fun read.

4/5: I really like it, but something was missing.

5/5: I love it! It’s as close to perfection as it can get!

Random, To-Read

To-Read: Divergent by Veronica Roth

I gave in.
I admit it, I gave into the hype. The reviews, the recommendations. They all convinced me, so I made a trip to Barnes & Nobles yesterday and bought the book. Couldn’t find the hardcover edition so I bought the softcover edition instead.
See, I have proof!

The book Divergent by Veronica Roth.
The book Divergent by Veronica Roth.

I’ll be reading this book after I read Over You by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus.

Happy Reading!