Book Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: September 2nd, 2014

Read: January 7th- 13th, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Series: Throne of Glass #2

Format: Paperback, 448 pages

Source: Gifted

Description from GoodReads:

   Celaena Sardothien is the king's Champion—yet she is far from loyal to the crown, for the man she serves is bent on evil. But working against her master in secret is no easy task. As Celaena tries to untangle the mysteries buried within the glass castle, she can trust no one, not even her supposed allies Crown Prince Dorian, Captain of the Guard Chaol, and foreign princess Nehemia.

   Then, an unspeakable tragedy shatters Celaena's world. She must decide once and for all where her loyalties lie . . . and whom she will fight for. 

Review:

   Does your love for yourself know no bounds?

   I was not a huge fan of Throne of Glass, I had heard the raving from friends and bloggers. Sarah was going to be at YALLFest 2014, so I bought the first one anyway. Knowing what everyone said about Crown of Midnight, on how the series got even better with each book I decided to give it a chance. The second chance might also have to do with the fact that I adored Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses but who knows.....
   Crown of Midnight started off right where Throne of Glass left off, so we didn't miss a single thing. It also made it easier for people who hadn't read Throne of Glass in a while to quickly remember what had happened.

   I love Celaena Sardothien, her character is fabulous. Bad things have happened to her, but she never let anything bring her down. Rather she embraced it and learned to become a better person and not allow any more harm to come to her. I'm truly glad that she got her bit of happiness and romance in this sequel, even if it was only for a brief while. I hope to see that romance happen again in the third, fourth and anymore books to come.
   So many secrets were unraveled that it was all so much that when you finally took it all in, all you could say was, "woah." Maas untangles all Celaena's secrets and feelings so beautifully that you wouldn't have thought that Celaena had any secrets in the first place. Not to mention that when you finally heard them, you just thought they were fitting for Celaena.
   Once I started Crown of Midnight I couldn't put it down, Heir of Fire will have to be one of the next books I read. I just hope that it doesn't pull me to shreds like Crown of Midnight did. Then The Assassin's Blade will be next!

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"The best lies were always mixed with truth."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, High Fantasy, Magic, Fae 

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

The Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen #1
Orion

Expected: February 10th, 2015

Description from GoodReads:

   The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

   To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

   Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

   But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

Why I Want It:

   Red Queen is a mush of fabulous. When I first heard of Red Queen, it was all the rage on Twitter. Aveyard having gotten a 3 book deal, and being option for movie all before we even saw the cover for the book! You'd think it'd have to be a pretty great book for it to all happen at once right? Right! Once again all my blogger friends are all in love with Red Queen, a bunch have said they know it's going to be their favourite for 2015 already! Definitely need a copy of Red Queen in my hands ASAP.

Why You Should Want It:

   If you actually read what I said above then you obviously know the reasons why you should check out Red Queen!

   That's my Waiting on Wednesday for this week! Will you being picking up The Red Queen? What are you waiting on this week? Let me know in the comments!

Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Mockingjay

(Contains Spoilers)

Movie:

Film Corporation: Lionsgate

Released to Theatres: November 21nd, 2014

Audience Rating: PG13

Length of Time: 123 minutes

Director: Francis Lawrence

(Movie Trailer)

Book:

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: August 24th, 2010

Format: Hardcover, 390 pages

Movie Review:

  Ms. Everdeen, it's the things we love most that destroy us.
   Catching Fire was one of my favourite YA adaptions of all time, so you can understand my excitement when Mockingjay was finally in theatres. I was rather disappointed with it to be honest, it just wasn't one of my favourites. Then again I also didn't enjoy Mockingjay as a book, but I still had high hopes especially after Catching Fire.
   I had two major concerns about Mockingjay, the first and top one being that the movie was basically Katniss and Snow messaging each other back and fourth. Actually that's exactly what it was. Just saying that was a pretty decent sum up of the movie.
    The second concern I had for the book was that Annie was supposed to be unstable. Even from the brief moments that we saw her in the book it was obvious that she wasn't. The question now is, will they fix it for Part 2?
   Overall the movie did hold my attention and I still had a good time watching it. No matter what I say, I'm still rather excited for Part 2. I hope Mockingjay Part 2 turns out better then this one did.
   Mockingjay Part 2 hits theatres November 20th, 2015.

Overall Rating:

Favourite Scene:

   My favourite scene from the movie was after the attack at District 13 and Katniss went above to shoot a message to show the capital that they were still living and found the white roses. The acting Jennifer Lawrence did in that scene was phenomenal.

Favourite Quote:

" Are you coming to the tree? ~ Katniss

Recommend to People Who Enjoy: 

Adventure, Sci-Fi, Action, Dystopian, Rebellion 

  What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments!

Ohana Reads Most Anticipated Books of Early 2015

   Just like everyone else, I have a huge list of books that I'm excited for in 2015. So today I have for you 15 of my top anticipated books releasing from January to June. Most books after July don't have covers yet! So I'll do another anticipated post in June or July. I currently have ARCs of two of these books, and have yet to read one of them but I am going to read the next one very soon! Out of the two ARCs I have the one I read, A Court of Thorns and Roses is to die for!

Diamonds are Forever by Michelle Madow

Storm by Amanda Sun

   Those are my most anticipated books for early 2015! What are yours? Let me know here or on Twitter!

Waiting on Wednesday (25)

The Last Time We Say Goodbye

Author: Cynthia Hand

Expected: February 10th, 2015

HarperTeen

Description from GoodReads:

   There's death all around us.
   We just don't pay attention.
   Until we do.

   The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment.

   Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.

   As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.

   Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.

Why I Want It:

   I adored Cynthia's first series ( Unearthly) and I can't wait to check out her new book. Many of my blogger friends have already had a chance to read it ( Blogger Perks) and I've heard MANY great things. So tickle me excited! 

Why You Should Want It:

   Cynthia's writing is unique, I don't know why but I always find myself in a different mood when I'm reading her books. If you're feeling up for something new definitely give Cynthia's books a try. Another reason you should want it, is like I said. Tons of great things are being said about it! 

   That's my waiting on Wednesday for this week! Will you be picking up The Last Time We Say Goodbye? What are you waiting on this week? Let me know in the comments!

My First Blogiversary!

   One. Whole. Year.

   Oh my goodness how time has flown. Who would have thought I would have been blogging for a whole year? I sure didn't. When I first started blogging I would never have thought I'd have been so successful with everything, always posting, page views, blogger friends, actually getting ARCS. When I first started my blog, to be honest I only had one goal in mind, and that was to practice my writing skills.

   In 2010 when I first became obsessed with books, I couldn't get rid of the idea of having my own book published and on shelves in stores. Of course, my mom being a mom kept on telling me each day to practice writing. Being a procrastinator and a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to writing, I kept on putting it off. Eventually after some time my mom suggested starting a book blog, I decided to give it a chance. Now look where I am today!

   

   This year has been one of the most astounding years I've had in a while, not to mention one of the fastest. In the past year I started High School, I made a bunch of new friends in school and I've been always working and running my blog.

   When I first started my blog I thought I'd get maybe a few pages views a day. Little did I expect people would actually be interested in seeing what I post. 

   This is my break down for the year.

Over 60,000 page views

76 Published Comments

120 Total Posts

My Top Series Enders of 2013 being my most viewed post...at 2,713 views

14 Bloglovin Followers

11 GFC Followers 

522 Twitter Followers

75 Facebook likes

311 Instagram Followers

   While I obviously use some of my social media sites more often then others (*Cough* Twitter all day everyday. *Cough*)  I still think I've done pretty good otherwise.

   If there was one thing that I learned about blogging in the past year, it was that you couldn't do anything without the support of my fellow bloggers or who I now call friends. I wouldn't be who or where I am today without the following friends;

Stephanie @ Doodle's Book Reviews 

Crystal @ Crystal in Bookland

Jess @ Stuck in Books

Emily @ Tea & Fangirling

Matt @ That Crazy Fanboy

Jessica & Amber @ The Book Bratz

Stacie & Kayla @ A Wonderland of Reading

Meredith @ Pandora's Books

Emma @ Awkwardly Emma

Regina @ The Sunflower Pages

And a few others that I didn't mention!

   Along with meeting all these fabulous bloggers I also joined a few street teams which also helped me meet so many people! I even made my own street team with a few people, and let me tell you being apart of these teams is like being apart of a family.

   Along with Stephanie (Doodle's Book Reviews), Matt ( That Crazy Fanboy), Kira, Eli and Krystan. We started out little group on Twitter, and since we are always talking, books, movies, everything. These people are some of my favourite people to talk too, and I'm definitely glad I meet them this year. Like I said above, we are one big Gummy Bear Family.

Other Street Team's I joined :

(I have a few other, I just don't have any buttons for them. Check out my Street Team page for more info)

    I also got to meet many different authors and become great friends with them along the way, online and in person.

Highlights of Ohana Reads 2014:

   Everyone has their own highlights of the year, mine just happen to narrow down to 3 particular events.

1. Requesting ARC's for the very first time and actually being accepted and having them come in the mail. ( Burning Kingdoms by Lauren DeStefano & Eternal by C.C Hunter)

2. Getting an ARC of Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow in the mail and discovering my name in the acknowledgements page. This event was one of the best events of 2014, having my name in a book was apart of a dream of mine and to have it fulfilled was heart whelming. I cried. 

3. Finally going to YALLFest 2014, since I became a book nerd I'd only had one author come to Winnipeg, and that was Kelley Armstrong. I have no problems with that, but I would have loved another chance at meeting authors. So when YALLFest finally come around, I was in heaven. Having meet some of my bookish idols was incredible. Then being able to be in my zone with hundred of other book people, I couldn't have been happier. 

Goals for 2015:

   2014 for me was the year of buying books (Oops) so hopefully 2015 will be the year of actually reading them. So you could say that that'll be my goal for 2015, to catch up on my reading from last year.  Another goal of mine for 2015 is to actually find a blog layout that I like, as you can see I'm still messing with the designs and such, so hopefully I'll find something that is right for me.


  2014 was way better then I could have ever asked for, and I hope to that 2015 will be just as great and maybe better. Without everyone that's helped me out throughout the year I definitely wouldn't be here today. From Jess helping me get set up last year and answering all my questions ( Girl you are my absolute favourite, thank you for all your help. I heart you.) to having all my friends on Twitter help me whenever I needed it. Thank you all so much, you don't understand how much it means to me that you guys are always there for me. Thanks again.


   To end my post, and say a finally thank you I have a giveaway for you all.

   Today's giveaway I have for you, is for 2 Compulsion by Martina Boone book pendants along with a bunch of Heir's of Watson Island book swag to go with it! The reason I picked Compulsion for my giveaway is because I am apart of her street team! So I thought I'd share my love for the team and book here!

Rules:

-Ohana Reads Giveaway Policies apply. (Check out the policies page)

-Open to US/CA only. (Sorry INT. peeps I'm broke!)

- Giveaway runs from January 3rd, 2015 to January 17th, 2015 12:00am

- Examples of my book pendants can be seen in my Book Jewellery page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

   Check out Twitter for another Ohana Reads Blogiversary Giveaway!  (Link)

   Once again I'd like you thank you all for making 2014 so wonderful and welcoming Ohana Reads and I with loving arms. I hope you'll stick with us for another year and see what 2015 brings us!

December Wrap Up!

Happy Holidays!

Viviane of Hebel Designs & I at YALLFest 2014

   December was definitely one of the busiest months I've had in a while, obviously because Christmas but it was among a few other things. Being broke from YALLFest did not help make Christmas shopping any easier, but in the end I think I did well. Signed Maze Runner for one sister, and America's Songbird necklace (The Selection) for the other.  I bought the necklace from the lovely Hebel Designs, I adore Vivane's  jewellery! (Viviane is the owner and designer of the website.)  I also got a few of her things for Christmas as well, I got Layla's Necklace (Dark Elements) and an Obsidian Necklace (Lux Series).  I actually got to meet Viviane at YALLFest 2014, she was such a sweetie. I think I may have actually surprised her when I asked for a photo aha. Alongside the jewellery I also got a stack of books! (Obviously) Besides all of that nothing really happened this month, next month on the other hand....

   The 3rd of January is my blogiversary! This past year I've been terrible when it comes planning things a head of time, BUT I for sure will have at least one pendant giveaway going! I'm trying to go for one on my blog and one on Twitter! So we'll see how that goes! New Years is also here and I can't wait to see what 2015 has to come! I hope you guys all enjoyed 2014 as much as I did!                                                                                       That's all for this month! Now for the bookish stats! 

Books Read in December:

Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Invisible by Dawn Metcalf

Eternal by C.C Hunter

Lux: Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead

January Books I'm Excited For:

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole (January 6th, 2015)

Ensnared by A.G. Howard (January 6th, 2015)

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking (January 6th, 2015)

Willowgrove by Kathleen Peacock (January 6th, 2015)

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black (January 13th, 2015)

Fairest by Marisa Meyer (January 27th, 2015)

I Was Here by Gayle Forman (January 27th, 2015)

Book Haul for December:

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
A Game of Thrones by George R.R Martin
Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead 
Lux: Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Revenge of Seven by Pittacus Lore
Valley of Fires by J. Barton Mitchell
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott  (ARC)
The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Lailah by Nikki Kelley
Talon by Julie Kagawa 
Half Bad by Sally Green
Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers

Books Reviewed:

Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentout

Invisible by Dawn Metcalf

Eternal by C.C Hunter

The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Movies Reviewed:

Catching Fire

   What does your month look like? What are your plans for the new year? I'd love to hear from you!