WWW Wednesday: May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022May 17, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd9 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 Atlas Six by Olivie Blake: This book snuck its way onto my radar after it seemed like everyone in the bookish community was talking about it. I know little about it other than it’s dark academia and it was originally self-published. It’s the story of six magically gifted people competing for a chance to join the Alexandrian Society, who holds all the secret knowledge supposedly lost in the great fire that burned down the Library of Alexandria. Unfortunately, there are only five spots available and it’s heavily hinted that whoever doesn’t get a spot also doesn’t get out alive. I’m enjoying the story, so far, though I’m not too far in. There’s a lot of characters to get used to, but I’m loving it!
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa: I’m reading this book for a group I’m in on Goodreads. It’s one of the Book of the Month selections, which I was happy about because I’ve been curious about this book for awhile. I do love a multiple POV novel and, in this one, we get the POV of a cat, as well! So far, this is such a sweet and cozy story, but it’s hinting at something that I know is going to destroy me later. We’re following a man named Satoru and his beloved cat, Nana, as they travel around trying to find someone that will take Nana into their home. I’m suspicious that, whatever reason Satoru has for giving up a cat he clearly loves, is going to make me a mess. Will it make me cry? Stay tuned, haha.

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5 on my tbr

#5OnMyTBR – Identity

May 16, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd4 Comments

#5OnMyTBR is a bookish meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook where you chose five books from your to-be-read pile that fit that week’s theme. If you’d like more info, head over to the announcement post!

Hello, reader!

It’s the start of another week, which means it’s time for 5 On My TBR! I love the theme for this week, identity, though I am admittedly not sure if the books I picked truly fit it. Does this mean books that focus on a character’s identity? Where they are hiding their identity for one reason or another? Where a character is figuring out their identity? I’m hoping it means all those scenarios and more because I have quite an eclectic mix selected today, haha.

That being said, let’s jump in!

#1. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Seeming as this book focuses on a woman who assumes her brother’s identity because she refuses to lead the life of mediocrity that has been promised her, I think this totally fits. I’ve been eager to read this epic fantasy centered around ancient China for awhile now. I also have an absolutely stunning Illumicrate edition that makes me want to read it even more! If it’s half as good as what I’ve been hearing, I’m going to love this book.

#2. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

One of our main characters in this book, Zafira, hides her identity in order to provide for her village. Of course, the book is much more than that, which is why I’m eager to read it! We also have a prince who is a deadly assassin and the possibility for ✨romance✨ Sign me up! I’ve had this one my TBR since before it released and I would love to get to it sooner rather than later. It’s one of those situations where I’ve hyped myself up so much that now I’m afraid to actually read it 😅

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first lines friday

First Lines Friday #45

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

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 First Lines Friday! I hope y’all had a good week. If not, let me distract with books! The book I’m featuring in today’s post is one that is on my one of my yearly TBRs. It’s only recently got on my radar, I’m sad to say, but I’m definitely looking forward to reading it!

Now, let’s see if the first few lines can make me even more eager.

The Line(s):

“People who move to New York always make the same mistake. They can’t see the place. This is true of Manhattan, but even the outer boroughs, too, be it Flushing Meadows in Queens or Red Hook in Brooklyn. They come looking for magic, whether evil or good, and nothing will convince them it isn’t there.”

The Hints:

This is a horror novella written by a Black author.

It also has magic and magic-wielders.

And it is set in New York City. As the quote might have clued you into, haha.

The Reveal:

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down the tbr hole · Uncategorized

Down the TBR Hole #30

May 12, 2022May 11, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd2 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 moment since I’ve done another round of Down the TBR Hole. And, surprise of all surprises, my Goodreads Want to Read shelf has actually reduced in number since the last time I did this post! I was at 721 books at the end of last round and I’ll be starting this one with 719 books on the TBR. This almost never happens because I have no self control, haha. I would like to contribute that to the fact I read quite a few books off my backlist last month. Of course, with the amount of books off my backlist I read, that number should have gone down way more… but remember how I said I have no self control? Haha… yeah 😅

Anyways! Let’s see if I can trim this list down a little bit more.

Extropia by Robin Bootle

I have no recollection of adding this book whatsoever, haha. The cover is cool, though, so that’s probably how it ended up on my TBR. Reading the synopsis, it’s about a boy that must save his father who has become stuck in a virtual reality realm named Extropia. And that sounds right up my alley! It’s also a standalone, which means I won’t be committing series.

Verdict: Keep

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Yup, I have yet to give this very popular YA series a try. I dunno… I’ve never been particularly drawn to fae stories. I’ve only read one Holly Black book and it was alright, nothing that made me eager to read her other work. I think the only reason this stays on my TBR is because of the hype. Honestly, though… I’m not feeling it anymore.

Verdict: Remove

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

This is one of those books I remember adding to my TBR but kind of forgot about in the shuffle of newer, shinier books. That being said, I’m still very interested in this series. I think the concept of three magical sisters having to fight over one crown is fascinating. Perhaps they’ll turn on whoever made up that stupid rule and kill them, instead 😂

Verdict: Keep

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blog tour · book reviews

Blog Tour: The Knave of Secrets by Alex Livingston

May 8, 2022May 8, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

Hello, reader!

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Knave of Secrets by Alex Livingston hosted by The Write Reads! If you read my First Lines Friday post, you’ll know that this book drew me in pretty much immediately. Now it’s time to tell you about my full thoughts on this fantasy novel filled with cards and political intrigue.

Before we get to my review, though, I have to thank Dave @ The Write Reads and all of the crew for giving me a spot on this tour. It’s always great working with everyone involved with The Write Reads! I also want to thank the publisher, Rebellion Publishing, for sending me an ARC of the book so I could be a part of this tour. All opinions in this review are my own.

Now, let’s get to the post!

Title: The Knave of Secrets
Author: Alex Livingston
Publication date: June 7th, 2022 (June 9th in the UK)
Genre: Fantasy
Age group: Adult
Content/Trigger Warnings: Death, violence, gang violence, gambling

Book Links

Bookshop::TBD::B&N::Amazon::
Goodreads

A twisty tale of magicians, con artists and card games, where secrets are traded and gambled like coin, for fans of The Lies of Locke Lamora and The Mask of Mirrors.

Never stake more than you can afford to lose.

When failed magician turned cardsharp Valen Quinol is given the chance to play in the Forbearance Game—the invitation-only tournament where players gamble with secrets—he can’t resist. Or refuse, for that matter, according to the petty gangster sponsoring his seat at the table. Valen beats the man he was sent to play, and wins the most valuable secret ever staked in the history of the tournament.

Now Valen and his motley crew are being hunted by thieves, gangsters, spies and wizards, all with their own reasons for wanting what’s in that envelope. It’s a game of nations where Valen doesn’t know all the rules or who all the players are, and can’t see all the moves. But he does know if the secret falls into the wrong hands, it could plunge the whole world into war…

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first lines friday

First Lines Friday #44

May 6, 2022May 5, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

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!

We’ve made it to the end of another work week! To celebrate, how about a lovely First Lines Friday? The book I’ve selected this week is one I’m reading for a blog tour. I read the first chapter and immediately knew I was gonna love it! So far, it’s living up to that first impression.

Now, let’s see if the first few lines can get you interested, as well!

The Line(s):

“Never stake more than you can afford to lose. One of the cardinal rules of gambling, and one which Valen Quinol was utterly breaking in a casual game at a highwayside inn.”

The Hints:

This is a fantasy that has been comped to The Lies of Locke Lamora.

It is centered around gambling and card games.

It sounds like it’s going to have a lot of political intrigue, as well.

The Reveal:

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book tag

The Ultimate Recommendations Book Tag

May 5, 2022May 5, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd8 Comments

Hello, reader!

Today is a good day for a tag, no? I certainly think so! I was recently tagged by Danni @ _ForBooksSake in the Ultimate Recommendations Book Tag. This tag was created by Ellyn @ Allonsythornraxx and it looked like too much fun to pass up. Let’s hope I do better with these recommendations than when people ask me in real life. Then, I usually freeze up and forget every book I’ve ever read 😂

Before I get to my post, if you haven’t checked out Danni’s blog, you should definitely give it a peek! She has a lot of great content, especially if you’re into thrillers and horror. And she’s also an incredibly be talented artist. Go give her a follow cause she rocks!

Now, let’s get to the tag!

Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you (Thanks, Danni!)
Answer all the questions down below
Pingback to the creator: Ellyn @ Allonsythornraxx
Nominate 5+ bloggers to do this tag

Prompts:

1 – A book from one of your favorite genres

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

I’m probably not gonna shut up about this book for a good long while 😂I loved it so much! It’s a fantasy with flavorings of sci-fi that is absolutely captivating. It’s raw and dark and so compelling I found it hard to put it down! Excellent world-building, fascinating characters, and incredible writing all combined to make a book I won’t soon forget!

2 – A short book

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Dex and Mosscap deserve all the rights forever and I will be hearing NO ARGUMENTS. I adored this short little book but my favorite part was definitely the characters. They brought such heart and joy to this story! Becky Chambers has a way of writing a book that just makes it so freakin’ cozy. Everything about this, from Dex striking out into the world as a tea monk to them meeting Mosscap, combined into a story that feels like a warm hug ❤

3 – A book-to-screen adaption

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

I’m gonna steal Danni’s answer because, honestly, is there a better adaptation than the Lord of the Rings movies? The three LotR movies directed by Peter Jackson are damn near perfection! I think it’s even more astonishing that all three of them are so freakin’ good. One, sure. Two, that’s pretty impressive. But all three?! Pure magic. To this day, I can still quote whole scenes from any of the movies off the cuff. I really want to re-watch them all now…

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www wednesday

WWW Wednesday: May 3, 2022

May 4, 2022May 3, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd7 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 Knave of Secrets by Alex Livingston: I’ve barely scratched the surface of this novel and I already know I’m going to love it. I already love Valen and his crew and want to know more about this world! The magic system and the various different games that seem to play a major part in this world have definitely piqued my interest. This seems like it’s going to be a quick read and I’m eager to get more into it.
Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire: I’m halfway through this book and I’m loving it! Cora is one of the characters in the Wayward Children series that I’ve grown attached to. She’s gone through a lot and come out the other side a strong person. To see her have to face old demons at a new school makes me want to fight everyone, but it’s great to watch her not lose herself in the face of terrible odds. Also, I love the randomness that is Sumi 😂 I dunno if this is going to be a new favorite in this series, but it is going to be high on the list!

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sundays in bed with

Sundays In Bed With…

May 1, 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!

I’m bringing in a new bookish meme today! Why? Well, a couple of reasons. I’ve seen multiple bloggers do this meme, though I first noticed it over at Dini @ Dini Panda Reads‘s blog (check her out if you haven’t already!!). I’ve wanted to jump on the bandwagon for awhile and there’s no time like the present!

Also, I have a killer headache today and, because I spent last night playing D&D and didn’t get a chance to schedule a post, I need something low effort, haha 😅 That being said, this meme is pretty apt today because I have literally been curled up in bed all day, reading when the headache is a little less severe.

So what has captured my interest this Sunday? Keep reading to find out!

My Sunday Read Is…

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first lines friday

First Lines Friday #43

April 29, 2022 kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

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!

It’s the end of another work week, which means it’s time for another First Lines Friday! This week, I’m featuring a book that I’ve been itching to read since it came out earlier this year. I recently picked it up from the library, which means I’m that much closer to actually reading it, haha. It’s one of my more anticipated reads for 2022!

Now, let’s see if the first few lines can make me even more excited to read it.

The Line(s):

“Children have always been drawn to the doors.
Scholars have recorded the adventures of the travelers, those whose lost and lonely yearnings were strong enough to attract the attention of something greater than themselves, for centuries.”