Sunday, July 31, 2016

July Wrap Up 2016

   July was busy, busy, busy. There was never a dull moment. Starting with celebrating Canada Day with friends, then our annual schools over clean up, (We do a huge clean up of our house), celebrating my sisters birthday, working, wisdom teeth removal, camping, like I said, it was jam packed. 
   The two things that took up most of my time were my surgery and my camping trip. With school being done, I finally got my wisdom teeth removed and was able to stay at home for a good amount of days. My friends were fabulous, a few of my close friends came and visited me on multiple days bringing ice cream, popsicles, and season 4 and 5 of Game of Thrones. It was a good couple of days, if you didn't count the constant pain in my jaw, and not being able to eat solid foods. 
   For camping, my family and I went to a somewhat close campground with family friends of ours. We were gone a week, and I pretty much got all my reading done within that week.  When I wasn't reading, we watched horror movies, and went fishing. Then there was the couple times we walked through a clay path and became walking grey beings, and jumped off a cliff into the lake. 
   Then finally, the last week of the month was jam packed with trying to kick my sister out of the house so that we could plan her Harry Potter Surprise Party. Which took place yesterday, we had her party in the morning then headed out to the official Harry Potter Party that was being hosted by McNally Robinson in honour of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child's release! We had Mandrake Cupcakes, a Wanted Wizard Photo Booth, and we tie dyed a Hogwarts House Crest Shirt with our house colours! It was great, and boy was my sister surprised. 
   Overall, it was phenomenal day and I think my sister was over the moon happy. And that was my month! August will be almost as packed, but either way I'm super excited!

Harry Potter Party

   Now for this months stats!  

Books Read:

Book Haul:

The Hunt by Megan Shepherd (ARC)
Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge (ARC)
As I Descended by Robin Talley (ARC)
In The Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken (Paperback)
United As One by Pittacus Lore (Hardcover)
Ice Kised by Amanda Hocking (Paperback)

A huge thank you to McNally Robinson and their Two Thumbs Up program, and Vivien from @deadtossedwaves for trading me The Hunt on #BooksForTrade!

Books Reviewed:


August Books I'm Excited For:





   That's it for July! I got a quite a bit of reading done if I say so myself! Hopefully August will be the same way!

Friday, July 29, 2016

Recommendation Fridays: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass


   Years ago on a random camping trip, I had picked up The Selection to bring along with me from my local public library. It was one of the last ones that I decided to read from the pile of books that I had brought, but I can definitely say, that I had no regrets when it finally came down to reading it. After finishing it within a day, I threw it at my sister to read the minute she asked me for something to read. She read it 3 times during that trip. 
   From that day on, the series became one of our all time favourites in the years to come. From pre-ordering each book in the series, to begging our mother to allow us to go to YALLFest 2014 mostly to see Kiera Cass. 
   The series is full of Princesses, Royalty, and a chance of a lifetime, and for the people who love hearing stories about what happens to the characters after their happily ever after, then this series is also for you.  

   You will not regret picking up The Selection series, it'll be one of the best decisions you've ever made.

The series would probably be best for people who like the following books:
Royalty, Princesses, Tiaras, Dresses, Drama, True Love



The Selection by Kiera Cass


Release Date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, #1
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages



Description from GoodReads:


   For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

   But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.


   Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.


The Elite by Kiera Cass


Release Date: April 23rd, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, #2
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages


Description from GoodReads:


   The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
   Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

   America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.


The One by Kiera Cass


Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, #3
Format: Hardcover, 323 pages



Description from GoodReads:


   The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

   When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

Check out Ohana Reads' Review 



The Heir by Kiera Cass


Release Date: May 5th, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, #4
Format: Hardcover, 346 pages


Description from GoodReads:


   Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought. 

Check Out Ohana Reads' Review



The Crown by Kiera Cass


Release Date: May 3rd, 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, #5
Format: Hardcover, 279



Description from GoodReads:


   When Eadlyn became the first princess of IllĂ©a to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

   Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.

Check Out Ohana Reads' Review


   What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Will you be interested in picking up The Selection series, sometime in the future? If you do, then let me know! I'd love to talk to another Selection Fan!

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday: (58)

Arcana Rising

Kresley Cole
The Arcana Chronicles, #4
Valkyrie Press
Expected: August 15th, 2016


Description from GoodReads:


   When the battle is done . . . 
   The Emperor unleashed hell and annihilated an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe struck back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies.

   And all hope is lost . . . 
   With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

   Vengeance becomes everything.
   To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

Why I Want It:


   I've been a huge fan of The Arcana Chronicles, ever since I read Poison Princess roughly three years ago. From becoming obsessed with the tarot cards, to the characters. I couldn't get enough, I even dragged my sister into becoming obsessed with the series. 

   Dead of Winter left us with a pretty huge cliffhanger, which broke me quite a bit. I'm super happy that the wait is almost over and that I can finally get my hands on the next book in the series, Arcana Rising!

   That's my Waiting on Wednesday this week! Will you be picking up Arcana Rising? What are you waiting on this week?








Sunday, July 24, 2016

Book Review: Burning by Danielle Rollins

Release Date: April 5th, 2016
Read: July 5th-8th, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury US Childrens
Series: N/A
Format: ARC, 352 pages
Source: McNally Robinson/ Two Thumbs Up Program




Description from GoodReads:


   After three years in juvie, Angela Davis is just a few months shy of release, and she'll finally be free from the hole that is Brunesfield Correctional Facility. Then Jessica arrives. Only ten years old and under the highest security possible, this girl has to be dangerous, even if no one knows what she did to land in juvie. As strange things begin happening to Angela and her friends that can only be traced to the new girl's arrival, it becomes clear that Brunesfield is no longer safe. They must find a way to get out, but how can they save themselves when the world has forgotten them? 


Review:


Contains Minor Spoilers:

   Monsters are more interesting than heroes.
   Burning was just a random book that I picked up at McNally Robinson for their Two Thumbs Up Program. At first I really intrigued by the premise, but eventually as I started reading it, my opinion started to change.
   I find a lot of the times with standalone's, that there will always be a loose end or two that the author never wrapped up because they had too much else to wrap up. Burning was one of those books for me, I didn't understand why half the stuff in the novel were necessary, or why they even existed. Like SciGirls, or the super powers, I just didn't understand their significance or the point of having them at all. Where did the powers come form? Why was it a big deal to be able to give them to other people? Burning left me with more questions than what I started with.
   Then there was Ben, a new Detention Officer who was super young and obviously had to fall for our main character. A novel doesn't have to always have a love interest in it, especially when it was so unnecessary like this one was.
   Finally, probably the thing I liked best about Burning, was that Angela didn't have the stereotypical body size like most YA girls do. It was lovely to see a change, and not have it made such a huge deal about, even the subtle things were perfect about it. There are so many different body types in this world, one way or another we have to get over that there isn't one body type that is "normal", and not treat them like they're such a big deal.
   Burning wasn't my favourite book, it was an interesting read but I won't end up picking it up again to read for a long time.

Rating:


Favourite Quote:


"The wolves in the woods aren't any worse than the wolves in here."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:


Young Adult, Paranormal, Horror, Mystery,  Superpowers, Woman's Prison, Juvie




Thursday, July 21, 2016

Book Review: The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

Release Date: April 5th, 2016
Read: June 29th-July 2nd, 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: The Glittering Court, #1
Format: Signed Hardcover, 400 pages
Source: Bought




Description from GoodReads:


   Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

   Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.


   When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.



   But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…

Review:


   I will walk by your side for so long as the sun continues to rise.
   Whatever I expected when going into The Glittering Court, it was not what I got. After reading practically everything Mead has ever written, I was sure I'd know what to expect when going into the story but apparently I was wrong.
   First thing's first, the cover for the book does not do it justice and it gives you a complete wrong impression of what it under it. Even when the cover was revealed I found it bland, and now that I've read it I can still say the same. People say don't judge a book by it's cover, but people are way more likely to pick up a book because its cover attracted them then anything else. The jewels and dress I can understand, but unless I completely missed something, why are there a bunch of flowers on the cover?
   Going into the book, I assumed that it was to take place in a somewhat distant future. Whether it was because from reading the summery I got a futuristic impression, I don't know. What I do know is that going into the book you should expect a more western feel, but from the perspective of the upper class. It was a western adventure I didn't realize I wanted.
   I really enjoyed the idea that even if the girls were getting "purchased" from the people of the Glittering Court, that they were still given the option of choosing who they wanted to wed instead of just going to the highest bidder.
   The only problem that I really had with the book was the somewhat slow beginning of the novel, I found the beginning to be slow because we got a bunch of unnecessary background information on characters that weren't really a part of the book after the first 50 pages.
   I was aslo a bit confused on why we never learnt "Adelaide's" real name in the first place, she was either Adelaide or Lady, until roughly the final 50 pages of the book. Was this just a mess up? Or did I just miss it? Either way, with the small insider jokes that happened throughout the book, I wasn't able to understand them until the very end when we finally learnt her name.
   The Glittering Court was written phenomenally, with a plot that kept you holding on for the ride. With everything that occurred in the end of the book, you just know that I'll be picking up it's sequel when it releases.


Rating:



Favourite Quote:


"Sometimes, at the right time of day, they can catch a glimpse of each other across the sky. Nothing more."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy: 


Young Adult, Historical Fantasy, Romance, Exploration, Settlers, Finishing School


Monday, July 18, 2016

Book Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass

Release Date: May 3rd, 2016
Read: June 26th-28th, 2016
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Series: The Selection, #5
Format: International Paperback, 288 pages
Source: Bought




Description from GoodReads:


   In The Heir, a new era dawned in the world of The Selection. Twenty years have passed since America Singer and Prince Maxon fell in love, and their daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own.

   Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

Review:


   I'm terrified of my heart.
   This is the second time I've finished the Selection series. The first time being with The One, when it had yet to be announced that Eadlyn would have her own story. This time around I was a little more prepared for my heart to handle the ending.
   I found The Crown to be super predictable, in the end my theory from The Heir ended up being correct, as well as who she ended up with. The two that I had thought were going to get picked, either were picked or practically were, but something huge popped up. Nothing was super exciting to me, I could just see everything coming, besides a few things of course. Although I found that the case, I still did enjoy The Crown.
   Cass' writing had me stuck in the story throughout everything, even when I wasn't reading the book I couldn't help but think of it. I was constantly being pulled back to the original trilogy with all the things Eadlyn didn't know, but we did, it was all nostalgic.
   Being only 288 pages, The Crown was a cute, quick read that will continue to have the fans of the series in love till the very end.
   Like usual, Kiera Cass won over my heart, and ended the series perfectly (again). Having still not read the new reboot of The Siren, I think I'll be heading into that direction really soon.


Rating:



Favourite Quote:


"You have to embrace the idea of imperfection, even if the thing that is most perfect for you."

"Maybe it's not the first kisses that are supposed to be special. Maybe it's the last ones."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:


Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopian, Romance, Royalty, Princesses, Prince





Saturday, July 16, 2016

Book Signing: Sarah J. Maas

   The Sarah J Maas signing was a little bit different than the Maggie Stiefvater Signing was, and the same goes for other signings I had gone to at home. Her signing was just that, a signing. As much as I would have wanted to hear Sarah talk to us about A Court of Mist and Fury, I understood the reason why she didn't. Sarah had gone to BookCon that morning/afternoon, the same thing that we had done. With us being exhausted, I wouldn't find it hard to believe that Sarah would be too, then there's that hour long drive from BookCon to Anderson's Bookshop to factor in as well. 

   Even if I was exhausted, I was still super stoked to meet her again. Even with the odd spotting at BEA, I had actually met Sarah for the first time at YALLfest 2014, although I wasn't a fan of her work quite yet.  It was a little bit after that event that I became obsessed. 

   With having to buy a copy of A Court of Mist and Fury at the event, I also bought a hardcover copy of The Assassin's Blade, ( I was having the darn hardest time finding a hardback at home), and I had also brought my ARC of A Court of Thorns and Roses to have signed.  

   The line process went as followed, when purchasing your copy of A Court of Mist and Fury, you received a ticket with a number on it, that was your place in line. We were numbers 80-something if I recall correctly. The line went up to numbers in the 200's. Luckily though, because we had our numbers predetermined for us, people with large numbers were allowed to leave and come back when it got closer tot their numbers. 

   We ended up staying and just waiting for our turn, so for the most part I ended up chatting the series with a few people standing around me, the rest of the time I started my reread of A Court of Thorns and Roses. The people we were in line with were the sweetest, one of them even blogged on Tumblr with one of my best friends at home. So that connection was really cool to talk about!
   When my turn in line was just around the corner, I was even more excited to read ACOMAF than I was before. Sarah was just as excited to see my ARC and matching ACOTAR bookmark, the only bookmark that one needs to survive. 
   She was just as sweet as before and really excited to talk to you. We discussed my ARC and Bookmark for a bit, as well as YALLFest 2014 before unfortunately it was someone else's turn to have their books signed. 

   In the end the signing was sweet and simple, and now I can gush every time I look at my Court of Thorns and Roses books!


A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas


Release Date: May 3rd, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2
Format: Hardcover, 624 pages


Description from GoodReads:



   Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

   Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

Check Out Ohana Reads' Review Here


Check out the book that started it all.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas


Release Date: May 5th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1
Format: Hardcover, 416 pages


Description from GoodReads:


   When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

   As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Check Out Ohana Reads' Review Here


 If you haven't seen my other posts from BEA you can see those here:


   Have you met Sarah before? Were you at the signing? Would you ever want to meet her in person? Tell me your stories! I'd love to hear!


Thursday, July 14, 2016

BookCon 2016


   According to all the other bloggers that I've spoken to, BookCon is a horror show. After having gone to BookCon, I can say that they were definitely not wrong. 

   Stephanie and I tried our best to get everything that we needed done while at BEA, just so that we wouldn't have to experience the horror show, but it couldn't be worse than the first Heartless ticket drop right? I was wrong.

   In the end I only had four things left on my list to do at BookCon. Signings for Cassandra Clare, Richelle Mead, the Amie Kaufman/Jay Kristoff signing and visiting the OwlCrate booth. And from the moment I got there I didn't even think I would get even get to two of them.

(Look at the skywalk.)
   The line to just enter the floor was OUTRAGEOUS, it went across two buildings, a skywalk and three floors.  Because we didn't have anything we needed in a dire need, we didn't even rush to get there, (We got there at 6:30am), but by god, if you even wanted more than one ticket to a signing you'd have had to be there super early. To get tickets, you had to go into different chutes and were only allowed one ticket per chute, and even those lines were outrageous. The two I wanted tickets for were in one chute, I knew I had a decision to make. 


   While waiting in line, it seemed like I would at least get one. So I decided that I would go for Cassandra Clare first then Richelle Mead. In the end it didn't matter because Cassandra Clare ran out before I got to the front. So I got a ticket to Richelle, where I was a little disappointed at not having gotten a ticket to Cassandra, I was still super excited at being able to meet Richelle Mead. The two of them are in my top 5 favourite authors, so getting the chance to even met one of them was phenomenal. 
   Having gotten my ticket I was good to go to the floor, unfortunately with some poorly given directions I had left admittance area and had to go to the veeeeerrry back of the line. Well that was a huge nope for me, having missed breakfast that was the first thing I got. I went back when I the line was completely gone.

   One point five hours later, I was finally on the floor exploring. My first stop was the OwlCrate booth! Having met Korrina a few days before, one of the main faces behind OwlCrate, I was super excited to see her again, especially her booth!

Corrina and I!
   They were packed! I was so happy to see them so busy! They were definitely one of the greatest hits of BookCon 2016!

My version of the shot.
   Then wandering took me to the Random House/Penguin booth again where when I was about to leave, ran into both Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, together. I knew that the afternoon signing wouldn't allow you to pose for photos, so I texted Stephanie. I was to stall them while she ran, and apparently she actually did! With her heart condition she isn't really allowed to do that, her mom told me later that she thought Stephanie ran the fastest she ever did in her entire life. While I waited for her to arrive, I stalled with the two by asking for a photo, when I noticed them going to leave. If you look at the photos that were taken of me and them, then you'd probably laugh because I look so stressed out hoping that my stalling was working so that Steph would make it in time. In the end everything worked out nicely and that photo is probably Steph's favourite from the entire trip.

   From there it was lunch time! So I headed up to the food court with Stephanie and her mom. We spent a good while up there just looking out over all the booths. Compared to BEA, the floor was half the size but filled with 2x as many people as BEA. It was crazy. 


   Then finally at 2:00pm, I had enough of just waiting around and knowing the lines from BEA, I headed to the Richelle Mead signing line. I was apparently so early that I was the tenth person in line. It was pretty great, it also meant that I was guaranteed whatever book I wanted when it came to start time. A majority of the ticketed lines required you to make a book purchase, and so I planned on buying The Glittering Court, which is Richelle's latest release. Along with The Glittering Court, I also brought my ARC of Soundless and one of her adult books, Storm Born to get signed! 
 
Cassandra Clare, (Red/Blue hair)
   As I waited in line, and we slowly made our way up in line, the authors came out to get started. Besides noticing Richelle come out to the signing table, I also got a clear view of Cassandra Clare who was right next to us.  I couldn't help but think that that would be the closest I'd ever get to her. So I took way too many pictures to count.

Richelle Mead
   Then finally it was my turn to meet Richelle. I was just as big of a mess as I was meeting Marissa Meyer, maybe even a bit bigger. She was so kind, you could clearly see that she was tired already but that didn't stop her from interacting with you. The minute she saw my ARC of Soundless, she got excited and asked if I was a blogger, that's when the blabbering mess came out. It stayed out until after pictures were taken and everything. I just couldn't believe that I met Richelle Mead, I still can't.

Kaufman/Kristoff, Jay smiling yet
again at Steph's nickname "Doodle"
   From there I walked star-y eyed towards the Random House/Penguin booth, where the line for the Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff signing had begun. Of course I met Stephanie and her mom there, who had almost two copies of everything for them to sign. Both the hardcover and paperback ARCS of Illuminae, the finished copy and the ARC of Gemina from the day before. Unfortunately I didn't realize that the event would be ticketed as well, this was because they had more ARCs of Gemina to give away. Fortunately because I already had a copy of Gemina they let me get my book signed without a ticket.

   Then the two had one more stop that they wanted to check out before we left, (We had to leave BookCon a bit early so that we could make it in time for the Sarah J. Maas signing at Andersons.) So while they wandered off, I headed towards the Cassandra Clare signing to see if they had finished already, and see if I could by chance sneak in.

   When I got to the signing line I found a girl about my age already waiting outside of the line, I asked her if she was hoping to sneak into the signing line too. She told me that her friend was currently in line "only to buy a Cassandra Clare book", and that the security guard let her. When the girl continued to walk in the line and reach the spot that was right next to us, she looked to the guard, who happened to be right next to us, and said" I've been a good human being and listened to you, may I please sneak into the signing line?" The guard had such a big smirk, and said go ahead! So being right there, I asked if I could sneak in too, being that that was what I was trying to do as well, and he said yes, too! In the end the two friends, myself and one other girl and her mom snuck into the line. The new girl was dressed in complete Isabelle Lightwood attire, so it was really cute to see.

   I was probably just as excited and nervous as I was to meet Richelle Mead and Marissa Meyer, maybe even more so. The closer I got to the the front the more I realized who was taking photos for people, it was Ursula from @Urs_Uriarte. I'm a huge fan of her bookish photography, so meeting her was almost just as exciting as seeing Cassandra!

Cassandra Clare
   Then the moment arrived, and it was time to meet Cassandra Clare. Because all of my Cassandra Clare books are hardcover, and they would weight a ton to fly down, I had originally planned on just bringing my tarot cards to get signed and buying the new edition of Clockwork Princess, but some things changed. Stephanie, as a early, early Christmas Present had gotten me the History of Notable Shadowhunters and Denizens of the Downworld by Cassandra Clare and Cassandra Jean. So I had that on me, as well as my cards, and because I snuck in line I didn't have to buy a copy of anything. Then I also had the cover flap of Clockwork Princess for my friend to have signed.

   The minute I handed Cassandra my copy of HoNSaDotD we started talking about Cassandra Jean, and what a phenomenal illustrator she is. With her being one of my favourite illustrators, we had a bunch to talk about and really besides talking about The Infernal Devices for a bit, that's all we talked about.

   I left that line feeling over the moon, and just staggered to the BookCon entrance looking for Steph feeling at bliss. When I said tearing up on the spot, that was nothing compared to my crying when I found Stephanie.

   Having met Cassandra Clare was the perfect ending to BookCon, and BEA, it was the perfect ending to my trip.

   And that concludes my BEA and BookCon posts, stayed tuned for my Sarah J Maas signing post!


 If you haven't seen my other posts from BEA you can see those here: