Most Anticipated October Releases!

Hey guys!

October is coming and you know what that means! New books! It's also my birthday month! I will be turning 18 on the thirteenth and I'm really excited to spend time with my twin sister and my family and friends, and of course enjoy the new books coming out! Here are my top 5 books that I've been waiting for for the longest time and even for the shortest of times. I have been waiting for some since November of 2014 to even June of this year. 

Comment down below some of your most anticipated October releases! 

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Page Count: 384

Expected Publication: October 6th 2015

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

Genre(s): YA, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Paranormal

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

This is my number 1 anticipated read! I've been waiting since November of last year for this book! I adore Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and I desperately wanted to read Simon and Baz's stories and I'm sooo glad that Rainbow is writing it! I'm so excited I could barf!

Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

Page Count: 416

Expected Publication: October 13th 2015

Published by: HarperCollins/HarperTeen

Genre(s): YA, Romance, Contemporary, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Novella, Short Stories

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

OH MY GOSH GUYS DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN? THIS COMES OUT ON MY BIRTHDAY AND IT'S FINALLY ALL TOGETHER!!! THE NOVELLAS AND EVEN MORE! AAAAAAH

Lumberjanes Volume 2 by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Brooke Allen, Shannon Wattersz

Page Count: 112

Expected Publication: October 13th, 2015

Published by: BOOM! Box

Genre(s): Sequential Art, Graphic Novel. Comics, Fantasy, Humor, YA, Fiction

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Lumberjanes is definitely my favorite graphic novel that I've read so far, and I cannot wait to read volume 2 with my sister Bailey. She's ecstatic! 

Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Page Count: 528

Expected Publication: October 6, 2015

Published by: Disney Hyperion Books

Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, Middle Grade, Urban Fantasy, YA, Fiction, Adventure

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My sister Reagan and I have been waiting for the latest book by Rick Riordan. My sister literally has a book shrine to his books and it's actually kind of amazing. I'm hoping that my little sister will get this for her birthday or something so that I can read it after her. 

The White Rose by Amy Ewing 

Page Count: 320

Expected Publication: October 6, 2015

Published by: HarperTeen

Genre(s): YA, Dystopia, Romance, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Action, Fantasy, Fiction

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

I read The Jewel by Amy Ewing in June and I absolutely crave the next one! The cliff hanger at the end of The Jewel is still fresh in my mind and I am so excited to get my hands on this one soon.

        I'm also really excited for Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, After Alice by Gregory Maguire, and A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnston. I love Alice In Wonderland and I love A Thousand & One Nights story. I'm also really excited to dive into Six Of Crows...a high fantasy novel written by Leigh Bardugo I think yes!

Authors Mentioned (Twitters):

1. Rainbow Rowell: @rainbowrowell
2. Noelle Stevenson: @Gingerhazing
3. Rick Riordan: @camphalfblood
4. Amy Ewing: @amyewingbooks
5. Leigh Bardugo: @LBardugo
6. Gregory Maguire: none
7. E.K. Johnston: @ek_johnston

Which book are you most excited about?

Enjoy guys! 
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~
Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // Bloglovin

Destined For Doon by Lorie Langdon & Carey Corp

Page Count: 368

Published on: September 2nd 2014

Published by: Blink

Genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Romance, Science Fiction
Source: Print: Hardback: Library

Age Rating: PG-13

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Twitter: @LorieLangdon

              @careycorp

Facebook Page:  Carey's Facebook

                                          Lorie's Facebook

                                         Doon's Facebook

Goodreads synopsis:

       In this sequel to Doon, Kenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. To make everything worse, she's received her Calling proof she and Duncan are each other's one true love and it's pure torment, especially when visions of the very alluring Doonish prince appear right before she goes on stage. So when Duncan tells Kenna that Doon needs her, she doesn't have to think twice. But even if Kenna can defeat the evil threatening to eliminate Doon, her happily ever after may still be in peril."

~~~

Hey guys!

        I'm so sorry this is up so late! School has been killer! Anyway! I really actually liked this book! DESTINED FOR DOON is the sequel of DOON and it follows Kenna & Duncan a few months after Kenna had left Doon to pursue her acting career. Duncan goes to New York to get Kenna to come back to Doon. Doon is being attacked and Kenna and Veronica have to work together to save the kingdom.

        Now, when I finished Doon I was desperate to read the next book. Doon left you off with a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more. Carey & Lorie's characters are very loveable and I see myself in them in some ways. The characters are constantly wrestling with their feelings, fighting their head and fighting their hearts. I sooo ship Duncan and Kenna, but I felt like that if they had talked it out the whole drama could have been avoided. Kenna was really annoying in the first half of the book, but I feel like the second half made up for it because her character really grew and I really loved the romance between her and Duncan. I haven't decided if I like #Jeronica or #Denna more....Maybe Shades Of Doon will help me decide...

        The plot is pretty straight forward and obvious, but there are little details that Carey & Lorie add that just add to the magic of the story. I love the world that they're creating and I'm really excited to pick up Shades Of Doon and continue Kenna & Duncan and Veronica & Jamie's stories. I've fallen in love with their love and I've fallen in love with Doon. I can't wait to dive back into Doon!

        I hope you guys are picking up these books, because they are so worth it! I absolutely love them and I think you guys will too!

My Review of Doon: {click here!}

My Favorite Character: Duncan

My Least Favorite Character: the witch

Enjoy guys!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // Bloglovin

Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

Page Count: 368

Published on: September 8th 2015 

Published by: Bethany House Publishing 

Genre(s): Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, YA, Fiction, Christian Romance, YA
Source: Print: Paperback: From Bethany House Publishing

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Dina's Twitter: @DinaSleiman1

Facebook Page: Facebook

Goodreads synopsis:

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies. 

~~~

Hey guys!

      I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House Publishing. I'm so glad I've read this book! I loved the characters, the plot, and I especially loved the messages throughout the book...

What I Loved:

• The characters! 
• Allen: Allan was such a great character! I loved how chivalrous and polite and kind he was to everyone he encountered. He has such a kind spirit and he was such a wise and God fearing soul. I love how he encouraged Rosalind and Gwendolyn to read the Scriptures and educate themselves in the way of the Lord. 
• Gwendolyn: She was such a strong character! Even though this took place in the 1200s, she remained independent and she wanted to be treated like a person not an object. I love it. I loved how she stood up for herself and she didn't take most of the crap that was thrown her way. Even though her father was quite abusive and violent she didn't give up, because she knew what she wanted for her future! I could empathize with her throughout this book, girl to girl. Eventually, Gwen realized that even though her earthly father wasn't there for her all the time, her Heavenly Father is there no matter what and He loves her and forgives her and will protect her no matter what.
• Rosalind: I absolutely loved Rosalind. She was definitely one of my favorite characters. She's had such a sweet temperament, she's so hardworking, and she really did care about her family and her own salvation. I was kind of taken aback by the events concerning Rosalind towards the end of the story. I promptly checked Dina Sleiman's website to see what the next book would be about. I am so glad that the next book will be about Rosalind! Woooo!
• I like how Sleiman dealt with domestic violence and abuse. She did it perfectly.
• I loved the messages of the story.
• You can be feminine and still be strong and brave. Men can be feminine and be brave and strong as well, and women can be masculine and strong and brave and not have to be protected by a man. Men and women draw from each other's strengths and weaknesses. 
• God will protect you no matter what. He will protect you through everything.
• God has a plan for everyone.
• The women in this book KICKED BUTT! Gwen, Rosalind, Lady Barnes, Duchess Adela --the women were feisty and strong and stuck together for the most part. They didn't let the attitudes of the men stop them from trying to be as happy as possible. 
• I also love the links to Camelot and King Arthur's reign. It adds a bit of magic to the story.

Things I Didn't Like:

• I hate Lord Barnes. I mean it doesn't stop you from enjoying the book, but I hate his whole personality.
• I didn't like that the Gwen and Allen, when they were narrating in their POVs, would occasionally think something along the line. "He awakened something inside of her, something that made her see how women could like 'such touches' or Allen's face heated up at the thought of how children came about." Honestly, that was kind of awkward and I didn't really like it when that would come up. This book was supposed to be geared towards young adults, but I read a review where it mentioned this same topic and Sleiman said that she though that the feelings shared are healthy. She said she wants girls to know that those feelings are healthy, but if girls become guilty because of their feelings then that could damage their future marriage.
• I also think the romance was kind of rush or underdeveloped and kind of insta-lovey. Gwen just kind of randomly changed her viewpoint on marriage and love and again I felt it rushed. 

       This book actually deals with some heavy topics: alcoholism, domestic abuse (mental), domestic violence (physical), unwanted pregnancy, and it had hints of a discussion of sex. Mind you it only had one detailed kiss, but it was kind of mentioned a little. 

      I love loved this book. I'm really excited for the next one and I really hope I can get a review copy of Courageous (the next one).

Similar Books To Read:

• Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson {gr}
• The Broadmoon Legacy series by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller {gr}
• Treasure Of the North by Tracie Peterson {gr}
• Amish Promises by Leslie Gould {review linked}

       I'm sorry I've not posted as much this month! I've been so busy with school it's insane! I'm still reading as much as I can. It also doesn't help I'm kind of in a reading slump :/.  I'll try to post a bunch this Saturday, and I'll be trying to put up a review on Thursday of Destined For Doon by Lorie Langdon & Carey Corp. I hate not posting and reading as much, but I'm working on it!

Enjoy guys!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // Bloglovin

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Page Count: 672

Published in: July 21, 2015

Published by: HarperCollins

Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance, YA, Realistic Fiction, Travel, Chick Lit
Source: Print: Hardback: Library

Age Rating: PG-14

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Gayle Forman's Twitter: @gayleforman

Facebook Page:  Facebook

Goodreads synopsis:

Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life.

A book about love, heartbreak, travel, identity, and the “accidents” of fate,Just One Day shows us how sometimes in order to get found, you first have to get lost. . . and how often the people we are seeking are much closer than we know.

~~~

Hey guys!

       It's been about 10 days since I've read Just One Day by Gayle Forman. To be honest guys, I liked Just One Day so much better than If I Stay. I had read If I Stay around September of last year, and I didn't like it as much as I had expected to. If I Stay was so sad and depressing and kind of depressing. The story was great, but not the best. 

      Now, Just One Day was excellent! I really loved Gayle Forman's language in this. When I was reading I felt like I was in Allyson's head. I felt like I was almost her. I also love love loved the character development throughout the book, especially during the "One Year" section. Allyson developed so much throughout the book, whether it be socially, family-wise, confidence-wise, and she developed a lot in the romance department too. I could relate to Allyson in the shy personality in the beginning and I could kind of relate to the pressure she puts on herself, but I couldn't stand her mother. I feel like Allyson dealt with her family towards the end. She dealt with the "oppressive mom" character perfectly and it was absolutely lovely to read. I just loved how she grew as a character at the end. 

       I loved the minor characters that were introduced in Just One Day, especially Wren. Although you dodn’t know them for long, you felt like they had been with you for the whole book and this factor just adds to the amazing charm of this book. Throughout this book, there are tiny details or whole points in the plot that connect to the end and to the beginning.This novel was extremely poignant, because everything linked back to the beginning, which makes you realize how beautifully crafted this book is. Gayle is an amazing storyteller and I cannot wait to read Just One Year, which is the story told in Willem's perspective and I assume it's what happens after.

Y'all will love this book guys! It's so good!

My Favorite Character: Allyson

My Least Favorite Character: the thugs

If You Enjoyed ____ You Will Love Just One Day!

• If I Stay by Gayle Forman
• Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
• North Of Beautiful by Justina Chen
• Love Story by Jennifer Echols
• The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols
• Forget You by Jennifer Echols
• Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

All of these books are really good romantic contemporaries that I have read. It's been quite a while since I've read the Justina Chen and Jennifer Echols books, but I really really loved them and marathoned all 5 of them in one go. I hope you enjoy my recommendations and I hope you enjoyed this review!

Enjoy and happy reading!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // Bloglovin

The Last Ever After (The School For Good & Evil #2) by Soman Chainani

Page Count: 672

Published in: July 21, 2015

Published by: HarperCollins

Genre(s): Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fairy-tales, Romance
Source: Print: Hardback: Library

Age Rating: PG-12

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 5 stars

Soman Chainani's Twitter: @SomanChainani

Facebook Page:  Facebook

Goodreads synopsis:

In the epic conclusion to Soman Chainani’s New York Times bestselling series, The School for Good and Evil, everything old is new again as Sophie and Agatha fight the past as well as the present to find the perfect end to their story.

As A World Without Princes closed, the end was written and former best friends Sophie and Agatha went their separate ways. Agatha was whisked back to Gavaldon with Tedros and Sophie stayed behind with the beautiful young School Master.

But as they settle into their new lives, their story begs to be re-written, and this time, theirs isn’t the only one. With the girls apart, Evil has taken over and the villains of the past have come back to change their tales and turn the world of Good and Evil upside down.

Readers around the world are eagerly awaiting the third book in The School for Good and Evil series, The Last Ever After. This extraordinary conclusion delivers more action, adventure, laughter, romance and fairy tale twists and turns than you could ever dream of!

~~~

Hey guys!

       Oh my gosh. Y'all know how much I absolutely loved the first and second books of The School For Good and Evil trilogy, and let me say, Soman Chainani has done it again! This book was perfection! The characters were fantastic and the whole story was perfectly wrapped up at the end. I felt like that it was perfectly done and I was fully satisfied at the end. Though I was satisfied, I really wish that Soman Chainani would write another story. He needs to write a continuation of Sophie, Agatha, and Tedros' stories. I want to know how their story continues and I want to know about their future.

What I Loved:

• The characters. I loved learning even more about the characters. Soman wrote everything promised and more!
• Dot has this whole rant about her friends fat shaming her and not accepting who she is and it was perfect!
• You never know what will happen next. There are probably at least 5 plot twists. This book will keep you on your toes.
• Agatha and Sophie. That's all I'm going to say.
• Tedros + family. That's all I'm going to say. *grin*
• Merlin...*bigger grin*
• Guys to be honest, there are so many amazing things about this book that I can't name them all without writing a 672 page book. Haha. 
• This book highlighted really great messages. Such as bullying and family issues.

        There's only positive things that I can say about this book. It's a definite 5 star book. The characters are so well thought out, and I have fallen in love with Chainani's writing over the past couple months. His whole writing style and world building is really genius. He added new characters that I loved, even if some were Evil. The situations of some of the Good characters are explained, and the Ever Afters of the characters weren't as they seemed. Chainani makes the stories of the characters original and fantastical. I loved how Chainani handled the mature issues throughout the book. He stresses how important love and family is. I love this story so much. I recommend that everyone reads these books. Everyone from all walks of life, all ages will love this story. It's absolutely flawless!

Here are my reviews of The School For Good & Evil and A World Without Princes!

The School For Good & Evil: [click here]

A World Without Princes: [click here]

Enjoy & happy reading!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // Bloglovin

August 2015 Wrap Up

Hey guys!

August has been a kind of exhausting month. School has started back up and my last year of high school has begun! I’ve been taking 2 college level classes and next semester should be even harder! This month I read 8 books and a graphic novel! That’s pretty good for being swamped with school work! Here are the books I plan on reading in the month of September!

~~~

Daniel X (Volume 2) by James Patterson, Ned Rust, and SeungHui Kye

Page Count: 207

Published on: July 26, 2011

Published by: Yen Press

Genre(s): Manga, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, YA, Fantasy, Adventure, Paranormal

Source: Paperback: Library

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon  
My Rating: 3 stars

When Finished: August 2, 2015

Review coming at the end of the year!

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Page Count: 312

Published on: July 2, 2013

Published by: Harper Teen

Genre(s): Contemporary, Chick-Lit, YA, Realistic Fiction, Romance

Source: Print: Paperback

Age Rating: PG-13

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review: [click here]

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Page Count: 176

Published on: September 30th 1999

Published by: HarperCollins Publishing 

Genre(s): Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure

Source: Print: Hardback

Age Rating: PG-10

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review: [click here]

Rhymes With Witches by Lauren Myracle

Page Count: 237

Published on: March 1, 2006

Published by: Harry N. Abrams

Genre(s): Fiction, YA, Paranormal, Chick Lit, Fantasy, Horror, Contemporary

Source: Print: Hardback

Age Rating: PG-15

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 2 stars

My Review: [click here]

The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
Page Count: 219 

Published in: September 30th 1999 

Published by: Scholastic, Inc.

Genre(s): Fiction, Childrens Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure

Source: Print: Hardback

Age Rating: PG-9

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Ratings: 3.5 stars 

My Review: [click here]

The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
Page Count:  214

Published in: February 25th 2000

Published by: Scholastic, Inc.

Genre(s): Fiction, Childrens Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure

Source: Print: Hardback

Age Rating: PG-9

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Ratings:  3.5 stars

My Review: [click here]

Out Of the Dark by Quinn Loftis

Page Count: 253

Published on:  June 3rd 2012

Published by: Quinn Loftis

Genre(s): Paranormal, Romance, YA, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

Source: eBook

Age Rating: PG-14

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Cheryl's Rating: 5 stars

My Rating: [click here]

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

Page Count: 48

Published in: 1836

Published by: Multiple Publishers

Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Classics, Fairy-tales, European Liturature, Short Story

Source: Print: (Borrowed) Hardback

Age Rating: PG-12

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Ratings: 5 stars 

My Review: [click here]

The Last Ever After (The School For Good & Evil #3) by Soman Chainani

Page Count: 672

Published on: July 21st 2015

Published by: HarperCollins

Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Middle Grade, Fairy Tale retellings

Source: Print: Hardback: Library

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

REVIEW COMING SOON!!!




My top 3 favorite books have to be The Last Ever After by Soman Chainani, The Distance Between by Kasie West, and Out Of the Dark by Quinn Loftis. All three are really different but I love love loved them! 

What was your favorite August read? Comment down below!

Enjoy! Happy reading!
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~