All the Bookish Things

Hi everyone!

It's been a while. The other day I remembered I once kept this little blog as a small way to share my passion for reading and books. When I decided to revisit, I was surprised that people are still viewing this old thing. It's fun to go back and look at my initial thoughts of books I've read a few years ago (despite gritting my teeth through the grammar and being too excited over books of which I have different views now). Life has been busy, and I don't think I'll make this blog as active again. Maybe an occasional post here and there, but it's safe to say that this blog can rest in peace. The last post I made was in the spring of 2014. It's now 2016. I've still been reading and thought that I would share some memorable books I've read since then (4/5 or 5/5 stars). To see all the books I've read, I have remained active on my Goodreads; you can also find these books listed in order as I will be sharing only small thoughts on each one. (The list is ordered chronologically).

Winter Wonderland Book Tag

Hey everyone!
Today I am doing the Winter Wonderland book tag and thought this would be great to do since it is currently snowing outside!

1. What book is so happy and sweet that it warms your heart?
The book I'm picking is definitely not a happy book, but I have a lot of happy memories while reading this book and it was the first book I read  and just loved (long story why it isn't Harry Potter... which I love!). And that is, of course, The Hunger Games.
2. What is your favorite book with a white cover?
Champion by Marie Lu. I still have to do a review for it!
3. You're sitting in a nice comfy chair, wearing a onesie, with a lovely warm hot chocolate but what MONSTER read are you reading?
Last year I was doing that exact thing without the onesie, and I was reading PJO: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan.
4. It started snowing so you decided to have a snowball fight! What fictional character would you love to have the snowball fight with?
Leo Valdez! Plus he'd be easier to beat.
5. Sadly, your fire is beginning to go out. So what book would you tear the last few chapters out to throw into the fire?
Honestly, Allegiant by Veronica Roth. Not because I don't like the ending, it's just that it was really sad!
6. What book is so close to your heart that you would gift to someone this Christmas who hasn't read before but wants to get into reading?
I'm going to go with a bit of a different answer and say The Book Thief by Markus Zusak since you were probably expecting Harry Potter, THG, or PJO or something. I think this is a book that everyone could get something out of and enjoy!

Thanks for reading, Kait

Bump in the Night Book Tag

Hey everyone!
Today I decided to do a tag which as you can tell is the "How I Read Tag." I found this on YouTube, but I really needed to post, so I decided to do a tag. More posts soon, again, sorry for the horrible posting! Let's get started!
 
1) How do you find out about new books to read?
I find out mostly from the BookTube community on YouTube. Also a few I've found out from Goodreads.
2) How did you get into reading?
I always read when I wad younger, but I went through a phase were I only read Harry Potter for two years (5th and 6th grade). In the beginning of 7th grade, I read The Hunger Games which got me reading again and how I found YA.
3) How has your taste in books changed as you've gotten older?
I read a lot more science fiction than I thought I would've. I've always liked fantasy, too, but I mostly read realistic fiction when I was younger. I've also discovered YA which broadened my taste as well.
4) How often do you buy books?
It depends on how much I can spend! When I was reading PJO and HOO, I went to the bookstore every week (long story as to why I didn't buy them at once). But sometimes I go for a month or two without new books.
5) How did you get into BookTubing?
Since this is from YouTube, I am changing it to book blogging. Originally, I had a beauty blog (and THG) because I wanted to share my own thoughts on the series as well as some products. However, I realized I liked talking about books more and I also personally think books are more special to me. So I decided to start this blog!
6) How do you react when you don't like the end of a book?
I feel a little disappointed, but you can't let just the end ruin a book!
7) How often have you taken a sneaky look at the back page of a book to see if it's a happy ending?
Too much. I learned my lesson with Catching Fire, but I did it for Allegiant and Champion (review coming soon!)
8) How many people are you going to tag, and who are they?
ALL OF YOU! Yes my typical answer.

Thanks for reading, Kait

Book Review: THE HOUSE OF HADES BY RICK RIORDAN

Hi everyone!

I'm finally able to do this post! After a long await, House of Hades by Rick Riordan is available (and read by me)! This post could be very long, so I'm going to try to shorten and word all the feelings. If you haven't read any of Rick Riordan's books, I have no idea what you're waiting for, but this will contain spoilers. I STRONGLY suggest that if you haven't read this book, you won't continue reading! (WARNING: FANGIRLNESS AHEAD.)

September Wrap Up and October TBR

Hey everyone!
Today I'm doing my September Wrap Up and my October TBR. To be honest, September wasn't a great reading month. I read 1 and about 3/4 of a book. But in October, there are many new releases that I'll be reading!

WRAP UP
So I randomly decided to reread The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan this month. Oops?
I also started reading Insight by Jamie Magee (it was free) but I haven't finished it yet!

TBR
This is a bit more exciting. I might reread Insurgent by Veronica Roth to refresh myself.
I will also be reading these new releases:

• The House of Hades by Rick Riordan (4/5 Heroes of Olympus)
• Allegiant by Veronica Roth (3/3 Divergent)
• Unsouled by Neal Shusterman (3/3 Unwind)
• Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken (2/3 The Darkest Minds)
• Altered by Gennifer Albin (2/3 Crewel)

I'm looking forward to this month's reading! Thanks for reading, Kait

Autumn Book Tag

Hey everyone!
Today I am doing a tag that I found on YouTube. It's the Autumn Book Tag which I thought was pretty convenient since, you know, it's fall now. Anyways, let's get started! Let me know if you do this tag. I tag all of you!

1) What is your favorite thing about Autumn?
I love the weather and fashion. It's also so pretty outside since the leaves are changing.
2) What book on your shelves reminds you of going back to school/your school days?
I have some books that I read for school on my shelves. Otherwise, I can't think of one!
3) Find a book on your shelf which has something Autumn related on the cover.
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
4) What is your favorite horror/Halloween story?
Maybe The Diviners by Libba Bray because it is kinda creepy and scary.
5) What is your favorite horror film?
I hate horror films, but for Halloween I like to watch the Disney movies!
6) Which book release are you most looking forward to this Autumn?
HOUSE OF HADES BY RICK RIORDAN.
7) Which film release are you most looking forward to this Autumn?
CATCHING FIRE.
8) Three books that you are hoping to read this season?

1. House of Hades by Rick Riordan
2. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
3. Champion by Marie Lu

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this tag! What book are you most anticipating? Thanks for reading, Kait

What I'm Excited for in House of Hades by Rick Riordan

Hey everyone!
It's almost the end of September and you know what that means... House of Hades! I cannot believe we're almost there! Anyways, here are some points I'm excited to see. Keep in mind that these may not happen, but since I read Mark of Athena, I have had a few ideas in mind. This will contain spoilers for the Heroes of Olympus series. If you haven't read them, let me say that you have to, for your own awesome.

Novellas

Hey everyone!
Today I'm talking about novellas in general, nothing specific. For those who don't know, novellas are not long enough to be a book, but too long to be a short story. Most of the times (maybe even all of the times) novellas are small parts of the main series. For instance, Destroy Me by Taherah Mafi is book 1.5. It's not essential to understand the main series's plot or characters, but it does improve your understanding. Others novellas are mini stories that it different from the main plot line of the series or happens in between series if there's a spin off or addition. A good example of this is the PJO/HOO series. Rick Riordan has written the Demigod Files and The Demigod Diaries which include a set of stories in them that don't have anything to do with the main plot focus of the series. Many series have novellas, here are a few listed.

• Divergent,Roth
• The Kane Chronicles, Riordan
• PJO, Riordan
• HOO, Riordan
• Caster Chronicles, Garcia & Stohl
• The Darkest Minds, Bracken
• Shatter Me, Mafi
• Delirium, Oliver
• Cinder, Meyer

And those are only a few! Thanks for reading! -Kait

My House of Hades Theory

Hey everyone!
So... I kind of created a theory surrounding House of Hades. If we can't read it yet (which is comes out October 8th, 2013), why not come up with some crazy theories? I've gathered some information about the story, and I already read the first chapter which comes with "The Son of Sobek" (which was great!). I'd love to hear what you think in the comments!
This will contain spoilers for the Heroes of Olympus series 1-3!

Bookish Your Vacation TAG

Hey everyone!
Today I'm doing a tag that I found on YouTube. I thought it was really fun, and expecially since it's summer, people tend to go on vacations a lot. Anyways, I hope you enjoy and I tag all of you reading!

1. Your destination/setting.: where do you want to go? Why?
I'm going to be different and not say Hogwarts... but CAM HALF-BLOOD
2. Constant Companion: the literary character you'd want to take along with you. Why? This character doesn't have to be from the book your setting is from, but they can be.
I thought about this, and I decided to pick Reyna cause then I can show her the Greek side and all that stuff. Maybe it would prevent *SPOILER ALERT* a war between Greeks and Romans.
3. Disgruntled Copilot: The one character you WOULDN'T want to be stuck sitting next to on the plane. Why?
I'm going to stick to the PJO theme and say Gabe Ugliano. Or Smelly Gabe. I don't think that needs an explanation.
4. Tour Guide: one person from your chosen setting that you'd want to show you around.
LEO VALDEZ. Enough said.
5. Site to see: the one place you'd want to see first. Why?
Probably the cabins. It would be cool to see how they're decorated and all.
6. Something to avoid: an aspect from the world or setting you would prefer not to be a part of.
The rock climbing with lava wall! I wouldn't do that. Or the attic with the Oracle if you're going by the earlier books.
7. Souvenir: one thing from your chosen destination that you'd want to take with you.
Maybe a pegasus like Guido or someone else.
8. One time visit or go to vacation spot? Why?
A VACATION SPOT, DUH. Actually, my vacation spot would be one of the cabins and I would go there every summer because I -wish- am a demigod.

Thanks for reading! -Kait

Review: The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan (Spoiler Free)

Hey everyone!

First of all, I want to apoligize for the lack of posts. Believe it ornot, I still have two days left of school and I've had many exctiting things happen recently. I've also being reading a lot and managed to finish The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan!

Five Books to Continue a Series I Can't Wait For

Hey everyone!
A little while ago, I did a post just like this one, where I list some books that are coming out that I NEED RIGHT NOW. Here's the post if you want to see how much it will change! Since I've done that post, I've read new series and some books have shifted their spots!

April Wrap Up and May TBR

Hey everyone!
As May begins, it means a new wrap up and TBR post! This is a little more productive, for lack of a better word. I hope you all had a great April and are looking forward to May.

APRIL WRAP UP
I reread three books: Percy Jackson and the Olympians 1-3: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, and The Titan's Curse. I read four new books this month as well.
The first book I read was Unravel Me by Taherah Mafi- the second book in the Shatter Me trilogy. You can read more of what I have to say here, but overall I enjoyed it!
The next book I read was a stand-alone: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I also have have a review here, so I'm not going to go in detail. To be honest, I was expecting more of this book, but I still loved it!
After that, I finally got around to reading Rise by Anna Carey which is the third and final installment of the Eve trilogy. Coming from a point of view where this trilogy isn't my favorite, I did enjoy Rise. I think Eve is still my favorite, but I liked it more than Once. And the ending- I had to look it up on Goodreads to make sure I wasn't inferring the wrong thing!
The last book I read was Cinder by Marissa Meyer- the first book in the Lunar Chronicles. I loved the concept of this book, with all the fantasy and sci-fi mixed! I definitely recommend it!

MAY TBR
I planning on finishing the Beautiful Creatures series. I'm currently reading the second one, but I've been having no time to read lately! I loved Beautiful Creatures- I read it in two days. I'm really excited to see where this series goes!
Next, I'll be reading Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, the second book in the Lunar Chronicles. I'm also excited to see where this series will be turning to and about our "Red Riding Hood" this time!
I'm not planning on thinking about what book I'm going to read next. When the time comes, I'll probably pick one. But I think I'm going to try to get to The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken. I hear amazing things about this book and I can't wait to read it! If I still have a lot of reading time, I'll probably start the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan! Thanks for reading! -Kait

Discussing TMI: City of Bones and PJO: Sea of Monsters

Hey everyone!
Many books are turning into movie adaptations which can be an exciting thing- or a nerve-wracking one. I'm looking forward to them, but let's just cross our fingers!
From what I've seen with the City of Bones teaser trailer, which you can see here, I think we're off to a good start. The only thing I disagree with is Jace's appearance, but I know it's not going to affect the movie that much. Although City of Bones is not my favorite book, the trailer makes me excited to see the movie. A new trailer is coming out this Monday, I think.
On the other hand, we have Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The first movie was, well, not like the books and a disappointment. However, Sea of Monsters has a new director, and they died Annabeth's hair! A trailer is supposedly supposed to come out this Monday as well, and all these stills and where you can find the pictures and captions are here. In the picture to the left, it looks like they're on the Princess Andromeda, I don't remember how to spell it. So that's good news that they're following somethings.
But in this picture to the right, the caption said that the demigods have to leave their own camp to go and save the Golden Fleece. Grover was not with them, and it is kind of important to the story since Grover is supposed to be with the giant. So I'm curios to see what they do. Both movies are coming out in August and just a week apart! Let me know what you think down below!

BOOKSHELF TOUR (March 3, 2013)

Hey  everyone!

Today I will be sharing you the books I have on my shelf! Yes, these are all my books that I have with the exception of Beautiful Creatures which is on my phone. I have my organized by author's last name and then by series. I wish they were all hardcover, but they're not, so sorry if that bothers you! Hope you enjoy!

On the first shelf I have Crewel by Gennifer Albin. Followed by Eve and Once by Anna Carey, and then the Mortal Instruments series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, and City of Lost Souls. Lastly, the amazing THG series: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay.

On the other half, I have the Matched Trilogy: Matched, Crossed, and Reached. Then Dark Life by Kat Falls. Finally, I have the Hush, Hush, Saga: Hush, Hush, Crescendo, Silence, and Finale.

On the second shelf, I have The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, then Legend and Prodigy by Marie Lu. After that is Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi. Next is Unwind and Unwholly by Neal Shusterman. And then Delirium and Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver.

After that, I have my Percy Jackson and the Olympians series: The Lightning Thief. The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian. Then I have the Heroes of Olympus series: The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune, and The Mark of Athena. I also have the Demigod Files and the Demigod Diaries. Then I have Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth. Lastly, I have the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy: Shiver, Linger, and Forever. Thanks for reading!

Overview of the Heroes of Olympus (Spoiler Free)

Hey everyone!
So recently, I have been overwhelming you all with book reviews-specifically Rick Riordan books. Therefore, instead of a doing a review, I will be doing an overview. I don't go into a lot of basics, but I still mention what I thought of each book. I read the first three books in the Heroes of Olympus (The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune, and The Mark of Athena) and decided that it would be a little too much to have 3 book reviews, in the same series, by the same author all come out within two weeks. This way, I mention each book, and my thoughts without annoying anyone! Yay! These will also be spoiler free! But obviously, if you read the part when I talk about Mark of Athena and (just saying) you didn't Piper was still alive or something-like those kids of spoilers.

The Lost Hero | Rick Riordan | Heroes of Olympus #1
For a book starting off a brand new series, I really enjoyed. Rick Riordan continues to bring different characters. My favorite in this book is Leo. Leo is just... well, Leo. I really found his back story fascinating, and it as cool to hear from a child of Hephaestus. It kind of wants me to be a demigod of him, but I still rather be Athena. Piper was also very cool. I liked to hear it from an Aphrodite's point of view because not all of them are stereotypical "omg" kind of people. We also get to see how Aphrodite isn't really about looking pretty and all that stuff, but also about spreading beauty and love. Jason wasn't my favorite, but I still like him. It was exciting when I found out that you-know-who (not Voldemort) was his sibling.

The Son of Neptune | Rick Riordan | Heroes of Olympus #2
I think I liked the second book a little more because we get to see Percy again! Unfortunately, Percy has an issue, so it was a little different. But also, it was in third person. I prefer 1st person, but it was still very enjoyable! Hazel was great in my opinion. I found her back story very interesting as well and the part with her half-brother and Percy, you know, that part, ugh. Hazel's half-brother! Like I said before, Rick Riordan does a wonderful job at creating new, different characters, and Frank definitely falls under that category. I did enjoy his back story and the ability he has, but he was probably my least favorite out of this trio-but I did like him too.

The Mark of Athena | Rick Riordan | Heroes of Olympus #3
Well, well, well... anyone who read this book let me say: Rick Riordan. Cliff hanger. Really?? I actually thought it was going to be a lot worse, just that person by herself, but yay! Someone goes with her to a special scary place! This one was by far my favorite. I read this book (574 pages) in 2 days. It was really good- so much action and I loved seeing the characters together! I also never had a book pull so much emotion out of me in the first 30 pages! Oh my gosh, that was great! Cough* Percabeth *Cough.



Overall, I really can't say enough how much I recommend this series. I do recommend reading the PJO series first, and then read this one. Thanks for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts down below! -Kait

Book Review: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Hey everyone!Today, I will be reviewing Rick Riordan's final, and fifth installment to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. My overall thoughts: I LOVED IT.
 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian

By Rick Riordan

 

"All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate."

 

First of all, I thought this was a great ending for the series. Rick Riordan wrapped up this series so well and it was very enjoyable. Percy continues to do crazy things, as well as the plot itself.

 

SPOILERS:

Book Haul/TBR (Rick Riordan Version)

Hey everyone!
I have a book haul today for you! For Christmas, I ended up just getting a gift card which I was so happy about! I actually have to get 2 more of the books tomorrow because one of them is not in, but otherwise the other 3 I used the gift card for. You can also count this as a TBR (To Be Read) pile because I haven't read any of these yet. All these books are by Rick Riordan, just fyi. Enjoy!

1. The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)

This is the book that hasn't come in yet, and not reading this is killing me a little bit, but I'm getting it tomorrow! I'm so excited to read this, but I'm also sad that the series will be ending.

2. The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus series)
Although this is a new series with new characters, it also has some ones from the PJO series. This I also can't wait to read!

3. The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus series)
This is the second installment and it also has Percy's point of view which, like I've been saying for every book, I am very excited to read.

4. The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus series)
Following The Son of Neptune, I will definitely be continuing this series.

5. The Demigod Diaries
I'm not sure yet if I'm going to be obtaining this or not, but I really want to read it and thought I would include this in case I do get it!

That is it! Talk to you soon! -Kait

Book Review: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Hey everyone!
Today I'm reviewing the Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan! It's the fourth installment and I must say my favorite so far! I really enjoyed this one so much and have been thinking about this series an unhealthy amount! Ugh. Soooo good!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth

By Rick Riordan

"When demonic cheerleaders invade his high school, Percy Jackson hurries to Camp Half Blood, from whence he and his demigod friends set out on a quest through the Labyrinth, while the war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near."

Where to start! Well I read this whole book in a few hours, so if that isn't enough proof to read it, or how amazing it was, then all I have to say is: GO READ IT.

SPOLIERS!!

Book Review: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Hey everyone!
I recently read the second installment to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Sea of Monsters, and thought it was appropriate to do a review! Also, this was my 100th book on Goodreads! *This will have spoilers for the first book which I do have a review on!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book Two: The Sea of Monsters | Rick Riordan

"The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan's amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a "half blood" whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan's series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that results in true page-turners that get better with each installment. In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book's drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come."
 
Like I always say when I like a book, I really enjoyed this one. I think I might like the first one a little more, but this one was not a disappointment to the series. The plot line was very exciting and the setting was very different than The Lightning Thief. The adventure continues, and I can NOT wait to get the third one! But I am still on my BBB so I'll have to wait until after Christmas.

SPOILERS: