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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

December Book Haul!


     So I have a massive problem. I buy way too many books. Some of these were bought with Barnes and Noble gift cards that I got for Christmas...but most of them were not. Oops. To make it better a lot of these were purchased from Book Outlet. Ya know the sight where you can get hardcover books for only $2.99! It is like a dream come true. Now in no particular order, the books I bought in December 2015!

  • The Martian by Andy Weir
  • Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
  • Confess by Colleen Hoover
  • Maybe Someday by Colleen Hover
  • The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
  • The Host by Stephanie Meyer
  • Da Vinci's Tiger by L. M. Elliott
  • A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray
  • First and Then by Emma Mills
  • Soundless by Richelle Mead (Signed Copy) • Just sitting there in Barnes and Noble •
  • The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
  • Falling Kingdoms by Michelle Rowen
  • Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
  • Nightfall by Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski
  • Anomaly by Krista McGee
  • The Wrath and the Dawn by RenĂ©e Ahdieh
  • An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
What books are you excited for in the new year! Let me know in the comments below! 
Thanks Hons!
Lee Chand

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass Review!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: May 5th 2015
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 416
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
     
     A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.
     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.
     Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!
     OMG I have never been more in love with a book! Sarah J Mass keeps popping out these amazing books and all of them have me in awe! A Court of Thorns and Roses follows a nineteen year old huntress by the name of Feyre. After killing a wolf in the woods, Feyre finds her front door slammed down by a magnificent beast demanding to know who killed the faerie in the woods. Feyre admits to her crime and the beast states that she broke the treaty that resides between the humans and the faeries. She will now be forced to live in the fae land of Prythian for eternity. To her surprise her captor, Tamlin treats her as a guest with the upmost respect and kindness. As Feyre begins to fall of Tamlin and even begins to gain respect from his loyal emissary Lucien. Feyre's whole new life filled with happiness and love and dazzling opportunities is hanging by a thread and she might be the only one able to save herself, Tamlin and the whole of the Fae kingdom.
     Sarah J. Mass' writing is magical in every way possible and it was evident from the first page. So lush and captivating! There were moments where I felt completely enthralled in the book, as if I was in the forest with Feyre or in bed with Tamlin ;) With each scene I felt a world of emotions. This book was much better than the first book in the Throne of Glass series even though I like the plot of those books much better, but I cannot wait to see how she develops  these books just like she did with the Throne of Glass series.
     Then there are the characters! These characters were so realistic and life like for being fictional fantasy beings. They were fierce and brave with such authentic feelings. Genuine in their actions and each with their own flaws. The only character that we really did not get to know was Tamlin. Because he was keeping so much from Feyre, we did not know much. Only what he allowed her to see. Little small details about his life that we hear in passing, turn to be incredibly important in the end. I do not know. He was just a weird character to me. I knew he was beautiful and I saw where the romance was going, but I still did not fully trust him. I love how both Lucien and Rhysand develop throughout this story. They have to be two of my favorite characters. I tend to love sidekicks, villains or just secondary characters the most. They often are forgotten, but I find them to be the most in depth and interesting characters and I would like to know more of their back story than anyone else. Sarah J. Mass' characters grew throughout the entire novel. No one character was the same person in the end. They grew from their experiences and came into their own. 
     Feyre is one of my favorite female characters and reminded me so much of myself. Daring, passionate, thoughtful, loyal and stubborn. All characteristics I see in myself. She was not all bad ass and distant like Celaena from Throne of Glass but yet still had some elements that reminded me of her. Feyre was more relatable and obviously so. Feyre isn't an assassin, just a normal girl thrown into this world like every other fantasy novel expect the world Mass created around this book is wonderful. The history between the fae and humans and the war hundreds of years back had me so intrigued. I love learning about the history of a universe. I feel as if I am living a whole other life. One I have yet to discover filled with unknowns to explore.
     A Court of Thorns and Roses was beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes and my heart to ache in my chest along with laughter and happiness. From the romance to the political distress this book created such a wonderful story that I enjoyed beyond belief.  I love this book and I cannot wait for the sequel coming out in 2016! A Court of Mist and Fury! I am assuming that title is about the Night Court. I see a new favorite series to add to my list! 5 out of 5 stars!
Who is your favorite character from A Court of Thorns and Roses? If you could live in one of the Prythian Courts–Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter, Day, Dawn or Night– which one would it be? Me personally it would be Spring just so I could be close to Tamlin's fine ass!
Thanks Hons
Lee Chand
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Monday, December 28, 2015

OwlCrate Unboxing!

My first OwlCrate Box! For those of you who do to know, OwlCrate is a monthly bookish subscription box and at the end of each month, a box is delivered with a few goodies inside and a new book. I ordered a six month subscription during OwlCrate's Black Friday sale so expect more in the future. This months theme was Get Inspired!
WARNING: Spoiler Alert as to what is inside this month's box!
The first thing I saw when I opened the box was a candle from Frostbeard! This candle is called Reading at the CafĂ© and it smells of coffee bean and hot chocolate! I am in love! If you follow me on twitter (@leethereader) then you know how much I love candles–especially my Winter Candy Apple candle from Bath and Body Works.
The next thing I saw was a To Do List from BoyGirlParty! AND you can get 10% off on your next purchase if you use the code: OWLCRATE
Next I saw this What I Read book from both Penguin and Chronicle Books. This is the best thing ever! I now have a little mini and physical version of my blog where I can collect all my thoughts on all the books I have read. 
I also see this cute little hand-drawn magnet by Sandra Vargas
And finally we have the book! Da Vinci's Tiger by Laura Malone Elliott. I think this book looks stunning and if I saw it in the book store I would totally pick it up.This is a historical fiction novel that takes place during the Renaissance, and follows our heroine as she discovers a world of artists, philosophers and other creatives. When se meets a young Leonardo da Vinci her life changes forever as she learns about her inner desires and creative voice. Since our protagonist loves poetry, OwlCrate has also included some fun poetry magnets! I love these things. My AP Lang teacher had these and everyday after class I would mess around with them.
I love these OwlCrate boxes and I cannot wait for January's box!

What was your favorite thing from this months's box? Leave a comment below!
Thanks Hons!
Lee Chand



The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater Giveaway!

With the upcoming release of The Raven King–the last book in The Raven Cycle–I preordered the book on amazon. And I may have mistakenly ordered it twice. But here is where things get good. Scholastic is actually sending me a copy of the book for review for free...so I have two extra copies of The Raven King to give to y'all!
The giveaway ends February 29th and the winners will be picked by a random name generator. All you need to do to enter is follow ALL the rules and regulations listed below:
  • Follow me on BlogLovin (in the sidebar to the right)
  • Follow my reviews on Goodreads (If you would like to add me as a friend while you're at it you can) and follow me on Twitter and Instagram
  • Retweet the link to the giveaway here!
  • Email me at leereadsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com saying "I want The Raven King" and your Instagram, Goodreads and Twitter name 
  • Comment below and tell me who your favorite Raven Boy is!
(here is a quick tip. the more I see your name on my blog, twitter and GoodReads, the more I will put your name in the generator.)
Please do not spam one post! It does not increase your chances! Look around my blog!  That helps your chances!
May the odds be ever in your favor
Lee Chand
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

My Most Anticipated Books of 2016!

     I hope you all have a happy holiday and an awesome new year! PARTY HARD (cause I know I probably will) My plans for 2016 are to read...a lot. Along side a few reading challenges I have set in mind, I have an ever growing TBR already. 2016 is bringing so many new and exciting books that I cannot wait to read! This list is long already and 2016 has yet to begin.
     The first book that I cannot wait for is Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. Everyone at BEA received an ARC copy of this book so the hype over this book is somewhat lost, but since I have not read it yet I am very excited about it. It is a time travel book which I have not read in a while but I do love Alexandra Bracken's writing. The Darkest Minds is one of my favorite books and even though I have not finished the series yet, I will because I cannot get enough of Liam. Alexandra Bracken creates amazing book boyfriends that seem to fit my taste in men in real life. 
Release Date: January 5th 2016
Buy it Here: Amazon
     In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.
     Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not.
     Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are play­ing, treacherous forces threaten to sep­arate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever

     The next book coming out this year is Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard. This is the second book in the Red Queen series/trilogy??????? I have yet to read Red Queen, but I have it and I want to read it and hopefully I will read it just before Glass Sword comes out because I do love a good marathon. These books are set in a world where people are separated into two categories; those who have red blood and those who have silver blood. 
Release Date: February 9th 2016 
Buy it Here: Amazon
     Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. 
     The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.
Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. 
     But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. 
     Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

     The next book I am excited to read is The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine! Having read both Cinder and A Court of Thorns and Roses I have come to realize that I love fairy tale retellings. They take the same old boring story that I have heard a million times before and make it exciting and interesting again. They expand on so much and take so many different tracks but still go along with the original storyline. When I read the synopsis I couldn't help but think Snow White with a dark twist. I cannot wait to get my hands on this! Plus the cover is so intriguing! The black apple really caught my eye.
Release Date: February 16th 2016
Buy it Here: Amazon
     Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic. She’ll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen.
     In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol’s father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman…and bring her Lorelai’s heart.
     But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn’t going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose.

     The next book that I want to read in 2016 is Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie. This is another book that is filled with badassery and powerful women. This is Kathryn Purdie's premier novel and I have such high hopes for it. Plus the cover is beautiful. It is what first drew me to the book.
Release Date: March 1st 2016
Buy it Here: Amazon
     Sonya was born with the rare gift to feel what those around her feel—both physically and emotionally—a gift she’s kept hidden from the empire for seventeen long years. After a reckless mistake wipes out all the other girls with similar abilities, Sonya is hauled off to the palace and forced to serve the emperor as his sovereign Auraseer.
     Tasked with sensing the intentions of would-be assassins, Sonya is under constant pressure to protect the emperor. One mistake, one small failure, will cost her own life and the lives of the few people left in the world who still trust her.
     But Sonya’s power is untamed and reckless, her feelings easily usurped, and she sometimes can’t decipher when other people’s impulses end and her own begin. In a palace full of warring emotions and looming darkness, Sonya fears that the biggest danger to the empire may be herself.
     As she struggles to wrangle her abilities, Sonya seeks refuge in her tenuous alliances with the volatile Emperor Valko and his idealistic younger brother, Anton, the crown prince. But when threats of revolution pit the two brothers against each other, Sonya must choose which brother to trust—and which to betray.
     BURNING GLASS is debut author Kathryn Purdie’s stunning tale of dangerous magic, heart-rending romance, and the hard-won courage it takes to let go.
 
     The next book is the book I have been waiting ages for and I cannot believe it is finally coming out. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare! New Cassandra Clare books give me life! She creates such beautiful characters and the world she created is so detailed! You just want to learn more and more about the Shadowhunter history! This is the first book in The Dark Artifices out of how ever many there are going to be but I am way too excited!!
Release Date: March 8th 2016
Buy it Here: Amazon
     Los Angeles. It’s been five years since the events of the Mortal Instruments when Nephilim stood poised on the brink of oblivion and Shadowhunter Emma Carstairs lost her parents. After the blood and violence she witnessed as a child, Emma has dedicated her life to to discovering exactly what it was that killed her parents and getting her revenge.
     Raised in the Los Angeles Institute with the Blackthorn family, Emma is paired as a parabatai with her best friend, Julian Blackthorn. A series of murders in the city catch her attention — they seem to have the same characteristics as the deaths of her parents. Could the murderer be the same person? And her attention isn’t the only one caught: someone has been murdering Downworlders as well. The Fair Folk make a deal with the Institute: if the Blackthorns and Emma will investigate the killings, they’ll return Mark Blackthorn to his home. The catch: they have only two weeks to find the killers. Otherwise it’s open war between faeries and Nephilim.
     The Shadowhunters of the Institute must race against time to catch the killers, even as they begin to suspect the involvement of those closest to them. At the same time, Emma is falling in love with the one person in the world she’s absolutely forbidden by Shadowhunter Law to love. Set against the glittering backdrop of present-day Los Angeles, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches from the warlock-run nightclubs of the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica.

     Up next we have The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater! I love The Raven Cycle and I do not want it to be over! One of my first reviews on this blog was of The Raven Boys and my first giveaway was Blue Lily, Lily Blue. I love Maggie Stiefvater's characters and though her writing style is a little hard to get into, I find myself flying through these books. I have fallen in love with Richard Campbell Gansey III and I am not ashamed at all. I do not care if he is obsessed with an ancient king! He is perfect.
Release Date: March 29th 2016
Buy it Here: Amazon
     The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.
     All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.
     In a starred review for Blue Lily, Lily BlueKirkus Reviewsdeclared: "Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering close."

     Up next we have The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead. I have only read the first two book in the Vampire Academy but I do love them! Rose's personality is one that I can relate to with her sass and strength. I only hope that this book is just as good and has another strong protagonist.
Release Date: April 15th 2016
Buy it Here: Amazon
     A dazzling new fantasy series set in a mix of Elizabethan and frontier worlds that’s dripping with romance from Richelle Mead, #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy.
     Big and sweeping, spanning the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Courttells 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 capable of arranging 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 later, 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. . . 
     Up next we have A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Mass! I do not know how Sarah J Mass keeps popping out these books but I am so happy that she does. I have just finished A Court of Thorns and Roses and I just need more! I do not know how Sarah J Mass keeps me wanting more with every single book but she better keep doing it. The romance and action keep me enthralled the entire time!
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Buy it Here: Amazon
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.
     With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

     The next book I am excited for is The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson. I have yet to read a Morgan Matson book but I have all of them and I want to so badly! I just got into a contemporary kick so hopefully I will start soon. Her books just seem so cute and perfect for the summer months. Also the cover just screams summer!
Release Date: May 3rd 2015
Buy it Here: Amazon
     Andie had it all planned out.
     When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.
     Important internship? Check.
     Amazing friends? Check.
     Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks)
     But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life.
     Because here’s the thing - if everything's planned out, you can never find the unexpected.
     And where’s the fun in that?
 

Now the next few do not have covers and some do not even have a release date yet.
     I am so excited for Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor! I love her writing style! It is just beautiful and I cannot wait to get my hands on this!
Release Date: September 27th 2016
     The next book I am excited for is Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Even though I have only read Cinder I still love Marissa Meyer's writing style.
Release Date: Novemebr 8th 2016
     And the final book does not have a cover or a title or a release date but it is the fifth book in the Throne of Glass series! Who wouldn't be excited!?
What are y'all doing for the holidays!? What are you going to read during the new year! Leave a comment below!
Thanks Hons
Lee Chand
Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them TRAILER TALK

The Magic Begins...Again
     Guys! Guys! Guys! J. K Rowling wrote this script! A whole new story taking place in the Harry Potter universe that we have not read before!? How is this true? Because JK Rowling loves us. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them is a small little book that comes in the Harry Potter Library box set, but this is a whole two hour movie that will be turned into two more movies! The excitement running through me is unbelievable right now.
     The trailer opens up with someone trying to cast lumos and I was transported back in time to the opening of the third Harry Potter movie where Harry is under the sheets casting lumos and trying to read. "JK Rowling invites you back into the wizarding world..." AS IF I LEFT IT! I still where my Hufflepuff scarf with pride every winter.
     What I do find interesting is that the movies do take place in America. It will be interesting to see the different side of magic from across the pond. How different the politics will be and how they make decisions and how it differs from the English wizarding world.
     I love the fact that David Yates is directing the film so I can get the same feeling I get from Harry Potter. I love what he did with the movies making it very dark and cinematic with yet a bit of humor. I think over my winter break–after I finish my college applications–I will marathon every single Harry Potter movie and watch all eight in one day!
     I am so excited for this! Let me know your thoughts on the trailer below!
Thanks Hons
Lee Chand
HERE IS THE TRAILER
Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Harry Potter Illustrated Edition Giveaway Winners!!!

And the 3 lucky winners of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Edition are...
Julia Kenny
Vanessa Strong
Daniel Bachtold
Thank you so much for entering!!! You have 48hrs to email me with your information or there will be new winners picked!

Thank you everyone who entered! More giveaways to come!!!
Lee Chand
Monday, December 14, 2015

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines
Release Date: August 25th 2015
Source: Sent by Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 217
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, way-too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god who led Lawton High to the state championships. But while West may be Big Man on Campus on the outside, on the inside he’s battling the grief that comes with watching his father slowly die of cancer.

Two years ago, Maggie Carleton’s life fell apart when her father murdered her mother. And after she told the police what happened, she stopped speaking and hasn’t spoken since. Even the move to Lawton, Alabama, couldn’t draw Maggie back out. So she stayed quiet, keeping her sorrow and her fractured heart hidden away.

As West’s pain becomes too much to handle, he knows he needs to talk to someone about his father—so in the dark shadows of a post-game party, he opens up to the one girl who he knows won’t tell anyone else.

West expected that talking about his dad would bring some relief, or at least a flood of emotions he couldn’t control. But he never expected the quiet new girl to reply, to reveal a pain even deeper than his own—or for them to form a connection so strong that he couldn’t ever let her go…
     Now you may or may not know this, but I love football! I love the game, the atmosphere, the feeling you get when your team wins an intense game! Everything about football I love. I am a photographer for my school's yearbook so I spent every Saturday afternoon on the field with my boys watching from the sidelines as they kick ass! So needless to say, when I saw the premise of this book I thought that this would be the perfect book for me. FINALLY A CONTEMPORARY BOOK ABOUT FOOTBALL! I recently went to my last high school football game and I was hoping this book would fill the void. I was WRONG! I was so wrong! (I took that pic below!)
     I felt as if I was reading a completely inaccurate fan fiction. Abbi Glines portrays football players as rude assholes who are nothing but meat heads which is totally false. The football players in my school are some of the sweetest guys who treat women with respect and are quite intelligent. I have football players sitting next to me in AP Physics getting 90s on their tests. Granted there are maybe one or two assholes, but nothing like what is written in this book.
     I felt the characters to be unrealistic. As someone who is going through this exact time in my life that Glines is writing about, I feel no connection to a single one of her characters. No one in high school acts in such a way. They weren't genuine in their actions and I felt as if they were mearly two-dimensional. Nothing that made them come to life.
     I wanted to enjoy this book really I did. I thought it would be the perfect book for me, but instead it was a let down. I was completely underwhelmed and disappointed. 2 out of 5 stars.
Do you know any good football books? Ones that won't make me cringe! Leave a comment below!
Thanks Hons,
Lee Chand
Saturday, December 12, 2015

City Of Glass (The Mortal Instruments Book 3#) by Cassandra Clare REVIEW

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: March 24th 2009
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 509
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Timesbestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

     I slowly want to add a review to my blog of every Cassandra Clare book I have read thus far. So now we are moving onto City of Glass. I love the Mortal Instruments Series and if you have not read these books, please read no further and head to your local bookstore and pick all these books up. I love all the books in the Mortal Instruments series. I love how everything fits together so perfectly from the mythology to the romance. We are allowed to see Clary discover this world as we do and her reactions to the new adventures that her sight give her. The character development is not just restricted to Clary but also extends to love interests and supporting characters such as Jace who appears to be another typical tragic YA hero, but I enjoyed the way he was characterised in this as he transforms behind the mask of an annoyingly arrogant teen. GO PICK UP THESE BOOKS! SPOILERS BELOW FROM THE FIRST TWO BOOKS!
     City of Glass and City of Heavenly Fire are my two favorite Cassandra Clare books because the majority of it takes place in the City of Glass, a place for shadowhunters and only them. The outside world cannot infiltrate the way they live, it is their own world.
     We start off the book with Clary's mom still in a comatose state and in order to help her mother, Clary has the travel to the City of Glass to find a warlock. Jace refuses to take Clary because he knows the dangers that lie in Idris, so Clary must find her own way. But Joselyn is not the only thing Clary has to worry about. Valentine already has two of the Mortal Instruments and he only needs one last one to complete his cruel agenda. In order to save the Nephilim race, the Shadowhunters must team up with the Downworlders and stop Valentine once and for all.
     These books make me laugh, they make me cry, they give me such a range of emotions that it is hard to express it in words. While everyone is in love will Will Herondale from the Infernal Devices, I will always be in love with my Jace. I have fallen in love with his sarcastic humor and I am a sucker for a blondie. 
     If you could not guess my ratings for these books yet...I mean I do not think it could be less obvious. A million out of a million stars. Forever and always. I will love anything that Cassandra Clare gives me because she creates such beautiful characters and such intricate worlds! 
Tell me what your favorite Mortal Instruments book is in the comments below!
Thanks Hons!
Lee Chand
Thursday, December 10, 2015

MORTAL INSTRUMENTS HARDCOVER BOX SET GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!!

And the winners of the Box Sets are...
Savanna Kessler
Tiffany Yuson
Taylor Rosenthal
Andrew L Lampart
You have 48 hours to email me back with your information or new winners will be picked! More Giveaways to come so do not be discouraged!

Thanks Hons
Lee Chand
Tuesday, December 8, 2015

October/November Book Haul!

I hinted to this haul on my twitter for a while and now that I have finally received all my Black Friday and Cyber Monday packages, I can show you guys the insane amount of books I got. Side note:  I became exceptionally good at carrying a large amount of books from this haul!
  • Dangerous Women by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
  • A Court of Thrones and Roses by Sarah J Mass
  • Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
  • Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristof
  • Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
  • Yes Please by Amy Poehler
  • #scandal by Sarah Ockler
  • Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman
  • Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines
  • Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier
  • Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
  • Winter by Marissa Meyer
  • Cress by Marissa Meyer
  • Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
  • The Boy in the Stripper Pajamas by John Boyne
  • Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
  • Crazy Hot by Melissa de la Cruz
  • Beach Lane by Melissa de la Cruz
  • Tumble and Fall by Alexandra Coutts
  • A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
  • My True Love Gave to Me by way too many people to list
Along with these books I got the new Mortal Instruments box set and the Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone but those were already on my shelf and I could not be bothered to take them down just for this haul. This is defiantly one of my biggest hauls to date and I am probably going to get more books for Christmas. Out of these what should I read next?

Thanks Hons!
Lee Chand
Monday, December 7, 2015

The One (The Selection Series Book #3) by Kiera Cass


The One by Kiera Cass
Release Date: May 6th 2014
Source: Preordered
Format: Signed Hardcover
Pages: 323
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
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.

     If you have not yet read a single book in the Selection Series please check out my review of The Selection and The Elite. These books are frustrating as hell but since I have come this far I might as well finish them. If you have read both of the previous installments of this book and do not know whether or not to continue, might as well just do it. These books are such quick reads and before you even know it, the book is over. What I suggest you do is pick up this book in the library or at least get the paperback version. This book is not worth the $20 you spend on it because it goes so quickly and I honestly think it could be one book. But I get it...red, white and blue for America Singer. The three books would have looked nice on my shelf if I had my books sorted by series, but my shelves are arranged in a rainbow so they are not together on my shelf.
TO READ SPOILERS FOR THE ONE HIGHLIGHT WITH YOUR MOUSE THE WHITE SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO WORDS "SPOILERS" Also warning a swear a lot in this one. sorry.
     But anyways lets get back to America Singer. She is still annoying as fuck and she still irritates me with every move she makes. When Maxon is the clear choice, SHE IS STILL GOES BACK TO ASPEN! I don't know what is going on with this girl, but she clearly has something wrong with her. We ended The Elite with America saying she only cares about Maxon, but then we open up The One and America is like "I can't imagine my life without Aspen," and I am just so done with her. I have never been so frustrated with a main character in my entire life, but it was so entertaining and I could not put it down. Just like the show The Bachelor, it is so bad and frustrating and there is fighting and cliques, but yet you can not stop watching it. All I want to see is the drama resolve, but there is just layer upon layer being added to it. Whether it be between America and Maxon, America and the king, America and one of the girls...I just could not keep up and could not do it anymore.
     What I would have like to have seen out of this book is more of the history of IllĂ©a. Kiera Cass created such an interesting world, but we never got to truly know how it became this way. The story is told from America's point of view and even though she knew more than the average five, she still did not provide me with enough information. If anything I would have liked to have seen a prequel novella added to the series so we can figure out how we got into this mess of castes and rebels and what not.
     Speaking of the rebel attacks, this shit is getting way out of hand. SPOILERS At first only a few nameless guards were dying, but in that last attack everyone was dead! No one was left. Not the king, not the queen. We even just became friends with Celeste and now she's gone too. And we just brush over that...okay. SPOILERS These rebel attacks always seemed to happen when something major was going on. How convenient.
     I found the end of this book to be insanely rushed. Everything was resolved in a matter of 30 pages and somehow they live happily ever after. But 30 pages ago their world was fucking shit. It did not come to a nice well-rounded conclusion. It felt all over the place and I got no closure.
     There were some moments that I really connected with and that was Maxon and his photography. Being a photographer myself I understood that part of him. Wanting to capture a moment in time and keep it with me forever. I especially love candid photography. To capture something so beautiful without them even having to try is so magical.
     Overall I was not crazy about this series. I would still recommend it to anyone who likes a drama filled, almost reality tv show like story. Like the E! scripted series The Royals combined with the Bachelor. (I am actually really proud of that comparison because I think it is the most accurate thing I have ever thought of.) Maxon and Queen Amberley were my favorites and if everyone else in this series was like them I would have been a lot happier, but probably bored. I have so many conflicting opinions on this series, but I am just glad that it is over for me and I can finally never hear from America Singer ever again. I will not being going onto The Heir or The Happily Ever After or whatever the fuck is coming next. I just want to be done. I am glad that I read these books because they are an experience and I recommend reading it with a friend so then you can talk about it and vent together, but keeping your frustration and anger with America Singer bottled up inside will just ultimately end up ripping you apart. I would give the entire series an overall rating of three and a half stars. I would selectively recommend it to people.

Let me know what you think of The Selection Series. Did you read The Heir and is it worth the read?
Thanks Hons!
Lee Chand