Showing posts with label Ohana Talks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ohana Talks. Show all posts

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Ohana Talks: Top 10 Favourite Reads of 2016


   I had many favourite reads of 2016, and even though we're already 22 days into 2017, I still want to  share them with you! So these are the books that I continue to find myself thinking of, every now and then, even when I had read some of them last January. Some were published in 2016, some in 2017, and some in 2015! So without further ado! 




Top 10 Favourite Reads of 2016




   And those are them! Did you guys love these guys too? Which were your favourites of 2016? I'd love to hear what those were!

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Ohana Talks: Favourite Debut Authors of 2016


   Hello, hello, hello! 
   Today, on Ohana Talks, I'm going to tell you guys about my top favourite Debut authors of 2016. There were a lot of fabulous debut authors this year. Unfortunately I wasn't able to read all their books but from the year, but out of the ones I did read, here were some of my favourites! I already can't wait to read what they have next in stored for us!


Katherine McGee

HarperCollins
Released: August 30th, 2016


Description from GoodReads:


   New York City as you’ve never seen it before.

   A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future, where anything is possible—if you want it enough.

   Welcome to Manhattan, 2118.

   A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. But people never change: everyone here wants something…and everyone has something to lose.

   Leda Cole’s flawless exterior belies a secret addiction—to a drug she never should have tried and a boy she never should have touched.

   Eris Dodd-Radson’s beautiful, carefree life falls to pieces when a heartbreaking betrayal tears her family apart.

   Rylin Myers’s job on one of the highest floors sweeps her into a world—and a romance—she never imagined…but will her new life cost Rylin her old one?

   Watt Bakradi is a tech genius with a secret: he knows everything about everyone. But when he’s hired to spy by an upper-floor girl, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of lies.

   And living above everyone else on the thousandth floor is Avery Fuller, the girl genetically designed to be perfect. The girl who seems to have it all—yet is tormented by the one thing she can never have.

   Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you’re this high up, there’s nowhere to go but down…



Alwyn Hamilton

Viking
Released: March 8th, 2016

Description from GoodReads:


   Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mythical beasts still roam the wild and remote areas, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinn still perform their magic.  For humans, it’s an unforgiving place, especially if you’re poor, orphaned, or female.

   Amani Al’Hiza is all three.  She’s a gifted gunslinger with perfect aim, but she can’t shoot her way out of Dustwalk, the back-country town where she’s destined to wind up wed or dead.

   Then she meets Jin, a rakish foreigner, in a shooting contest, and sees him as the perfect escape route. But though she’s spent years dreaming of leaving Dustwalk, she never imagined she’d gallop away on mythical horse—or that it would take a foreign fugitive to show her the heart of the desert she thought she knew.



Jessica Cluess

Random House Books for Young Readers
Released: September 20th, 2016

Description from GoodReads:


   Henrietta can burst into flames.

   Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she’s shocked when instead of being executed, she’s named the first female sorcerer in hundreds of years and invited to train as one of Her Majesty’s royal sorcerers.

   Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the prophesied one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.

   But Henrietta is not the chosen one.

   As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city—and the one she loves?



Evelyn Skye

Balzer + Bray
Released: May 17th, 2016

Description from GoodReads:

   Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

   And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

  Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

   For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip-smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

   And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love…or be killed himself.

   As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear—the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.


   Those were my favourites from the year! Who were your favourite debut authors from the year? Are there any debuts that you're looking forward to next year?



Saturday, January 7, 2017

Ohana Talks: Top 5 Most Anticipated Reads of 2017

   Hi guys!

   For today, I'm going to tell you about my most anticipated reads for 2017, or well at least my top 5 so far. Of course I'm still not sure what they're going to announce later in the year for the fall, and obviously I haven't included the final Throne of Glass book (I didn't really want to bother since a title and a cover haven't been revealed yet), but I've put together my current list for you anyway. Without further ado, my top 5 anticipated reads (so far), for 2017!


North of Happy

Adi Alsaid
HarlequinTeen
Expected: April 25th, 2017


Description from GoodReads:


   Carlos Portillo has always led a privileged and sheltered life. A dual citizen of Mexico and the US, he lives in Mexico City with his wealthy family where he attends an elite international school. His friends and peers-fellow rich kids-have plans to attend college somewhere in the US or Europe and someday take over their parents' businesses. Always a rule follower and a parent pleaser, Carlos is more than happy to tread the well-worn path in front of him. He has always loved food and cooking, but his parents see it as just a hobby.

   When his older brother, Felix--who has dropped out of college to live a life of travel--is tragically killed, Carlos begins hearing his brother's voice, giving him advice and pushing him to rebel against his father's plan for him. Worrying about his mental health, but knowing the voice is right, Carlos runs away to the US and manages to secure a job with his favorite celebrity chef. As he works to improve his skills in the kitchen and pursue his dream, he begins to fall for his boss's daughter--a fact that could end his career before it begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos must decide what's most important to him and where his true path really lies. 

Traitor to the Throne

Alwyn Hamilton
Rebel of the Sands, #2
Faber & Faber
Expected: February 2nd, 2017 (For the UK Edition)


Description from GoodReads:

   This is not about blood or love. This is about treason.

   Nearly a year has passed since Amani and the rebels won their epic battle at Fahali. Amani has come into both her powers and her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit, and the Rebel Prince's message has spread across the desert - and some might say out of control. But when a surprise encounter turns into a brutal kidnapping, Amani finds herself betrayed in the cruellest manner possible.

   Stripped of her powers and her identity, and torn from the man she loves, Amani must return to her desert-girl's instinct for survival. For the Sultan's palace is a dangerous one, and the harem is a viper's nest of suspicion, fear and intrigue. Just the right place for a spy to thrive... But spying is a dangerous game, and when ghosts from Amani's past emerge to haunt her, she begins to wonder if she can trust her own treacherous heart.

The Dark Calling

Kresley Cole
The Arcana Chronicles, #5
Expected: 2017


Description from GoodReads:


   N/A


The Crown's Game

Evelyn Skye
The Crown's Game, #2
Balzer + Bray
Expected: May 16th, 2017


Description from GoodReads:


   Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected.

   Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.

   For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world.

   With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves. 


A Court of Wings and Ruin

Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3
Expected: May 2nd, 2017


Description from GoodReads:


   Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

   As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 



   And those are them! So what do you guys think? Have you guys heard of them before? Are you excited for them too? Anyways, what are you looking forward to releasing in 2017? Let me know so I can add them to my TBR pile!


Sunday, October 2, 2016

Ohana Talks: Top 5 Favourite Authors.

   Since I began my obsession with reading oh so long ago, I've come to read a lot of books over that time, and with those books, I've fallen in love with so many great authors. Today I wanted to show you all, my top favourite authors. The authors that I own almost all of their books, as well as multiple editions of them. Many of them don't need any help getting their books out there, they're already big names, but I wanted to show them off to you anyway.

   I was originally just going to do my top 5, but I found that I had two authors that were tied in 5th place. So now I have 6 total.


Marisa Meyer/ Kiera Cass

   I was lucky enough to have met both Kiera and Marissa, to be completely honest, I've met all the authors on this list, expect one. I met Kiera Cass back in 2014, at YALLfest. She still remains one of the sweetest people I have met in my entire life. She adored how loved my copy of The Selection was, as well as The Selection and The Elite earrings that my sister was wearing. (That I made, hehe) I've loved her book since that one camping trip when I happened to have picked up The Selection at the library to bring along, and finished it in one day.
   I first met Marissa at BEA 2016, when I went through what you could say was A LOT of trouble to get tickets to her Heartless signing/ARC drop. I've adored her books since I first read Cinder, oh so long ago. Her Lunar Chronicles had been instant pre-orders, the minute the next book in the series was announced. 


Richelle Mead

   The Vampire Academy series was one of the first series' that I got into when I first started reading. My mom thought that because I started reading because of Twilight, that it was the vampires that sucked me in. (LOL, excuse my pun.) And so my love of Richelle Mead started. I went from reading and loving her Vampire Academy series, to her Bloodlines series, to eventually reading all her adult series' like the Dark Swan series. As of today, I've read everything but two books that Richelle has published, and I just can't wait to read her latest upcoming book, Midnight Jewel


Cassandra Clare

   Cassandra's City of Bones is what got me into her writing. The first trilogy of the series, The Mortal Instruments, was all released when I first picked up the series, and so I was able to read them all as a binge read. But it wasn't until I realized that she had a prequel series out as well, that I really became a fan of hers. I picked up Clockwork Angel, and read it, I believe in a week, although, Clockwork Prince is what really got me hooked. Will and Jem are who won my heart. Since then, I've read everything that connects to the Shadowhunters, and made it my mission to own all of them in hardcover. 


L. J. Smith

   The Night World series was another one of the series that got me into reading, reading it after Twilight but before Vampire Academy. I had picked up the Omnibus of the first three books, and so I was able to read them all at once. Even though the three should have lasted me a while, I had to go to the bookstore twice in the following two weeks to pick up the next two omnibus'. To this day, the series still has a place in my heart. Unfortunately it's been almost 19 years and we still don't have a conclusion to the series, but I still have hope. I even own the originally 1990's editions of the series. 
   I fell in love with the original few seasons of her Vampire Diaries TV show as well, even though it's totally different from the books. I still love them just the same. 
   She is the only one of my top five authors that I have yet to meet, I hope to change that one day.


Sarah J Maas

   I met Sarah J. Maas back at YALLfest 2014, along with Kiera Cass. At the time I had only read her Throne of Glass, which I hadn't really enjoyed. It wasn't until after that festival that I received the first ARC for her new book/series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, that she finally had me obsessed. I couldn't wait for the sequel, but since it was an ARC, I knew I had a long wait ahead. So I finally picked up the rest of the Throne of Glass series. Today, the A Court of Thorns and Roses series remains my all time favourite, and her Throne of Glass series is just a little bit below on that list.
   For her A Court of Mist and Fury tour, I was able to meet her again, but as a true fan. I was a blubbering mess, but at least I was able to see her and have my prized books signed for my collection.


   Those were my top 5,(6) all time favourite authors. Who are your favourites? What stories do you have behind those authors? What do they mean to you? I'd love to hear about your favourites!

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Ohana Talks: MYRCA


   Last October, I went to the Round Table Dinner with MYRCA, where we celebrated David Carroll' winning of the 2015 MYRCA award. That was the beginning of my dabbling with MYRCA. 

   April of this past year, I was asked to join the committee. After sending in my application, I was accepted! So today, I wanted to go a little more in depth about the committee for you all, since it just started back up for the year!


   MYRCA (Manitoba Young Readers Choice Award), was founded in 1990 when the Manitoba School Library Association decided to create an unique way to make a positive impact on young readers!

   Each year, MYRCA takes into consideration all English Canadian books that are published within that year, and if they suitable for our audience of 10-14 year olds. Then when 15-18 books are deemed suitable for the award (by the committee, all of which have ties to the book community), we leave the deciding to the kids in the grades 5-8. After reading a minimum of 3 nominees each, the children get to vote for what book they'd like to win the award. 

   Then each Fall, an Award Ceremony is held for the author of the book that won for the year. The author is awarded $1000, and is invited to Winnipeg for the ceremony. Two honour books are also selected, and are awarded plaques with the cover of the books. Unfortunately the ceremony is by invite only, and only to youth that have voted. 


   Last year David Carroll won the MYRCA award for Ultra, this year the award is being given to Kenneth Oppel for his novel, The Boundless. The award ceremony is to be held this month on the 30th of September! 

   If you weren't invited to this years ceremony and would still like to meet Kenneth, don't sweat! Kenneth will also be having a signing for his upcoming YA novel, Every Hidden Thing, set to release September 20th, 2016.

   The signing will be held at McNally Robinson, at 7pm on September 29th. 


Interested in reading the 2017 MYRCA nominees? 




   Are you in grades 5-8 and are interested in reading some of the books and voting for MYRCA 2017? Voting starts March 20th, 2017! When you're ready to vote, ask your teacher to help or go online with a parent, teacher or guardian to vote! 

   Check out our website for more info! (Link to site)


   Canadian Authors, does this sound like something you'd be interested in, and you have a book releasing in 2016? Get your publisher to check this link out! (Link)


   And that's MYRCA! Sounds pretty amazing right? I'm super excited to be apart of the team, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year is going to be like!