Top 5 Tuesday: Books With Bones

August 30, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd1 Comment

Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!

Hello, reader!

It’s late on a Tuesday and I am just now getting to sit and write this post. School starts tomorrow and clothes shopping was accomplished today after a long day at work. Ya girl is T I R E D. Still, I can’t let this day end without joining in on the Top 5 Tuesday fun! Mostly because today’s scavenger hunt was one of the easier ones for me. I had to pick five of my favorite books with bones on the cover.

I suppose it says something about that this came so easily… 😂

Anyways! I had to tough time narrowing this down to five books, but I’m happy with the books I’ve chosen. Let’s get to the list!

#1. Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Starting off with a fairly obvious one, though not all covers feature the classic “Alas, poor Yorick…” scene. This is hands down my favorite Shakespeare play. Always has been and always will be. I’ve consumed so many renditions of this play that it’s slightly obscene, lol. Unfortunately, my version of the play has this creepy looking guy on it… but at least there’s also a skull so I can feature it on this list!

#2. Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

This doesn’t feature any actual bones, but ‘bone’ is in the title, and I say that counts! This might also be an excuse to gush about one of my favorite series of all time. This is the first book in the Great Library series, which is criminally underrated. It features an alternate timeline in which the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down and now it’s this super shady organization that controls the flow of knowledge. The series is incredible!

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down the tbr hole

Down the TBR Hole #38

August 29, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd4 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

It’s been a looong Monday over here, but I’m hoping y’all had a great first day of the week. We’re gearing up for the kids to go back to school, so lots of supply and clothes shopping happening this week after work. Now that I’m finally home, though, it’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This week, after ending last round with 706 books on my ‘Want to Read’ shelf, I’ll be starting this round with 705 books. I’m doing rather well not adding a ton of books to my TBR!

Now, time to see if I can trim it down even more.

A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth

This is a book I don’t really remember adding to my TBR. I’m assuming it’s because of the cover because look at it! Utterly gorgeous 😍 Having read the synopsis, though, I know it’s not going anywhere. It features a weird house, which is one of my favorite things! It sounds creepy and magical and, now that I know what it’s about, I’m eager to read it.

Verdict: Keep

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

This contemporary novel sounds like it was written specifically so that I would love it. It features a bookish woman who is very much an introvert. Kind of like me. She’s a fan of trivia and has a cat. Like me! I feel like this is a book I would be able to get into very easy, even though I’m not a big contemporary reader. I’m excited to give this one a go!

Verdict: Keep

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first lines friday

First Lines Friday #59

August 26, 2022August 26, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd4 Comments

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines? If you want to make your own post, feel free to use or edit the banner above, and follow the rules below:

Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first (I cheat a little bit here *cough*)
Finally… reveal the book!

If you’re using Twitter, don’t forget to use #FirstLinesFridays!

Hello, reader!

Happy Friday! Even though I’m working this weekend, I’m excited that the end of the week has finally arrived. Mostly because I’m one day closer to my oldest kiddo coming home from visiting her dad for the summer. The house just seems a little empty without her here. I’m also excited that it’s time for another First Lines Friday!

This week, I’m featuring a book in which I’ve found myself completely immersed! It has led to quite a few late reading nights and I suspect more will come before I’m finished. The first few lines certainly managed to pull me in. Now let’s see if they’ll spark your interest!

The Line(s):

“Father told me I’m broken.

He didn’t speak this disappointment when I answered his question. But he said it with narrowed eyes, the way he sucked on his already hollow cheeks, the way the left side of his lips twitched a little bit down, the movement almost hidden by his beard.

He taught me how to read a person’s thoughts on their face. And he knew that I knew how to read these signs. So between us, it was as though he had spoken out loud.”

The Hints:

This is the first book in a new fantasy series.

The magic system centers around bones.

It has one of the best animal companions I’ve read in awhile!

The Reveal:

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book tag

The Afternoon Tea Book Tag

August 25, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

Hello, reader!

It’s Thursday and that seems like the perfect time for a book tag! Today, I’ll be doing the Afternoon Tea Book Tag which combines two of my favorite things: food and books. I’m looking forward to giving this one a go.

Before I do, though, I must thank Ashlee @ Books Are 42 for tagging me! She has an incredible blog (with an incredible name!) and y’all should definitely go check her out. This tag was created by The Incessant Bookworm and you should check out their blog, as well!

Alright, now let’s get to the post!

Finger Sandwiches – A Book You Savored Every Minute Of

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

I talk about this book… a lot. But there’s a good reason for that! I truly loved every minute of this reading experience! So much so that this book has quickly become one of my most re-read books of all time. I just can’t get enough of Tarisai and company. And it helps that I loved the sequel just as much! I’m eager to read whatever Jordan Ifueko comes out with next.

Scones – A Book Everyone Should Own

Hmm. I don’t think there’s a book that everyone should own. Different readers have different tastes, after all. There’s no one book that is going to loved so much by everyone that it should be on all the bookshelves of all the readers of the world. I like Ashlee’s answer, that everyone should own a childhood favorite! I’m going to go in the same vein and say everyone should own a book that is their go-to escape from the world. A book they can come back to time and time again that will make them feel good.

Biscuits – A Book That Can Be Finished In One Sitting

Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo

I recently picked up the first manga in this series because I was seeing it everywhere. Now I’m fully obsessed, so I guess I know why 😂 If you like found family, this is a manga for you! Add in the fact that there are spies and assassins and telepaths and it’s just an incredible fun, fast read. It’s also hilarious! I would suggest the whole series if you’re looking for a quick read.

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www wednesday

WWW Wednesday: Aug 24, 2022

August 24, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd3 Comments

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.

Current Reads

The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart: I’m about one-third into this book and can already tell I’m going to love it. Mostly because of Mephi because he is the best! I legit need a Mephi plushie right now. One that could hang around my neck and be all cozy 😌 Anyways… the book! I’m loving the multiple POVs, the wonderful world-building, and especially Jovis and Lin. They are my favorites so far and I can’t help but root for them both! I’m looking forward to continuing my read.
All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban: This is my second Diana Urban thriller, though it’s her first one, and I find myself liking this one more than the other, haha. It’s probably because I don’t want to shake the main character every two seconds. Do I find the premise a little outlandish? Sure, but I’m still having a great time! I’m hoping that trend continues as I read more.

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down the tbr hole

Down the TBR Hole #37

August 23, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

Hello, reader!

Tuesday seems like a good day for another round of Down the TBR Hole! I’ve managed another week without adding the same amount of books I removed last round 😂 In fact, I ended the last round with 710 books on my ‘Want to Read’ shelf and I’m starting this one with 709 books! I really need to use my backlist books as my readathon picks more often. It’s certainly helped me cut down on my owned TBR this month!

Now let’s see if I can cut down my unread TBR.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

This is a book that I’m fairly certain I added to my TBR simply because a lot of people in the bookish community were talking about it. I couldn’t even remember what it was about! Having read the synopsis, it sounds vaguely interesting, but not enough for me to keep it around. Who knows… it might reappear on the TBR one day.

Verdict: Remove

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

After witnessing so many Booktubers read and love this book, I just have to keep it around. I’m also a big fan of contemporaries that have a bit of the fantastic mixed in. This sounds like a book that will gut me and, honestly, it’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that’s made me outright cry. Tear up? Sure. Actual tears? Not so much. Perhaps this will be the one.

Verdict: Keep

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sundays in bed with

Sundays In Bed With… The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart

August 21, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

Sundays in Bed With… is a meme that dares to ask you what book has been in your bed this morning and is hosted by Midnight Book Girl. Come share what book you’ve spent time curled up reading in bed with, or which book you wish you had time to read today!

Hello, reader!

This is the first Sunday in a minute that I didn’t have to work and it has been glorious! Mostly because I slept for a good portion of the day, haha. Apparently, my body needed to catch up on some rest. Now that I’m feeling more restful, I’m definitely in the reading mood. I’ve picked a book from my various monthly TBRs that I’ve been wanting to read for awhile now. It’s been so hyped and I’m eager to see if I jump on the train, as well.

That being said, let me tell you more about it!

My Sunday Read Is…

The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart

I’m reading this book for the Magical Readathon because it has an animal companion. Thankfully, it’s also a book I’ve been wanting to read for a long time! I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m already falling in love with the world that Andrea Stewart is creating. I’m already rooting for both Lin, the daughter of the Emperor, and Jovis, a smuggler on a quest. And I’m definitely curious about the Tithing Festival and what sounds like a horrible tradition. In just a few short chapters, this book has sucked me in and I’m excited to continue!

Goodreads Synopsis

Magic. Revolution. Identity.

The Emperor’s reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire’s many islands.

Lin is the Emperor’s daughter and she spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.

Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright – and save her people.

The Bone Shard Daughter is an unmissable fantasy debut – a captivating tale of magic, revolution and mystery, where a young woman’s sense of identity will make or break an empire.

What are you reading this Sunday? Are you enjoying whatever you are reading? Let me know in the comments!

And, as always, happy reading!

blog tour

Blog Tour First Impressions: With Fire In Their Blood by Kat Delacorte

August 20, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd3 Comments

Hello, reader!

I’m excited to be bringing you another blog tour stop hosted by The Write Reads today! In today’s post, I’ll be talking about an upcoming young adult fantasy that has a healthy dose of gothic vibes: With Fire In Their Blood by Kat Delacorte! This book drew me in with it’s gorgeous cover, but the eerie, spooky atmosphere is what is keeping me reading.

But before I tell you more about my first impressions, I want to thank Dave @ The Write Reads and all of the crew for giving me a spot on this tour! I also want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a free e-ARC in exchange for my participation and eventual review! It is, as always, much appreciated.

Now, let’s get to the post!

Title: With Fire In Their Blood
Author: Kat Delacorte
Publication date: September 1st, 2022
Genre: Fantasy
Age group: Young Adult
Content/Trigger Warnings: Suicide, parent death, war, fighting, grief

Book Links

TBD::Amazon::Goodreads

‘Startingly original… Readers will be lured into this tumultuous world of warring families, forbidden power, and heart-searing romance’ – Lyndall Clipstone (Lakesedge, Forestfall)

From the word-of-mouth fantasy sensation Kat Delacorte – the standout debut star of 2022 YA Lit Con (YALC) – comes the first instalment in a new YA fantasy duology.

Packed to the brim with bisexual and queer representation, With Fire in Their Blood is a simmering supernatural romance set in the crumbling Italian city of Castello, where mafia clans make the rules, dark magic pulses the streets and the sins of the past threaten to consume the present. . .

When sixteen-year-old Lilly arrives in Castello, she isn’t impressed.
A secluded town in the Italian mountains is not where she saw her last years of high school playing out.

Divided for generations by a brutal clan-family war, the two halves of Castello are kept from destroying each other by the mysterious General, a leader determined to maintain order and ‘purity’. . . whatever the cost.

Lilly falls in with the rebellious Liza, brooding Nico and sensitive Christian, and sparks begin to fly. But in a city where love can lead to ruin, Lilly isn’t sure she can trust anyone — not even herself.

And then she accidentally breaks Castello’s most important rule: when the General’s men come to test your blood, you’d better not be anything more than human…

Perfect for lovers of Chloe Gong, Renée Ahdieh and V.E. Schwab, With Fire in Their Blood is quality YA storytelling at its best by an exciting new voice in YA fantasy.

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first lines friday

First Lines Friday #58

August 19, 2022 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first (I cheat a little bit here *cough*)
Finally… reveal the book!

If you’re using Twitter, don’t forget to use #FirstLinesFridays!

Hello, reader!

Happy Friday! I’m extra excited that it’s the end of the week because I finally get a full weekend off. We’re pretty short-staffed at work, so I’ve been picking up a lot of overtime. I’m ready to finally have a couple of days to just relax. Well… relax and visit my best friend so we can be stupid together ❤

Before all that, though, it’s time for another First Lines Friday post! The book I’m featuring today is one that wasn’t really on my radar, but I’m so glad I decided to give it a try. I’m loving it, so far! The first few lines certainly got me intrigued. Let’s see if they can pull you in, as well!

The Line(s):

“On the hospital bed, her delicate body cradled between thin white pillows, Rosita dreamed. Pictures in metal, plastic, and wooden frames surrounded her, displaying images of friends and family, giving the appearance of an audience. However, the only visitor in the room was Nina, who sat on a tin chair beside the hat rack-shaped IV pole.”

The Hints:

This is a young adult fantasy starring an Indigenous girl.

It also features a world populated by animal people.

The author also wrote Elatsoe.

The Reveal:

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down the tbr hole

Down the TBR Hole #36

August 18, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd6 Comments

Hello, reader!

I’m not gonna lie, I am a tired bean. Life has been a hectic pile of chaos lately and I feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get to all the things I want to do. That’s why, for now, we’re gonna keep the truncated Down the TBR posts around. Five books at a time is all my over-taxed brain can handle at the moment 😂

That being said, I managed to make it to a new round without increasing my TBR! I ended last round with 717 books on my ‘Want to Read’ shelf and I’m currently sitting at 713 books. I have been reading quite a few backlist books this month, so that definitely makes sense.

Now, let’s get to the post!

The House of Dragons by Jessica Cluess

Let me be frank. I completely forgot what this book is even about, but I know without reading the synopsis that it’s getting the boot. Why? Because the author decided to go in on a Black woman educator because she deigned to question why schools seem to stick with teaching the same ‘classics’ all the time. It was ugly and I don’t feel like supporting someone who can act like that with the platform they have.

Verdict: Remove

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I will fully admit I’ve forgotten what this book is about, as well. I remember there was a movie and it centered around a painting? Having read the synopsis, this sounds like it could be interesting, but I’m not nearly intrigued enough to keep it around. Honestly, I’d rather read The Secret History by this author to try her out. I don’t need to keep this one around just because I’ve always wanted to try a Donna Tartt novel. If I like the other one, maybe it can come back.

Verdict: Remove

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