WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday – July 19

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 9 Comments

WWWWednesday

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

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Constable & Toop by Gareth P. Jones

So far this book is mildly entertaining. We have ghosts in London that are being murdered, a priest that does exorcisms, a black shadowing dog eating ghosts, a weird black goop that is invading London’s buildings, a boy that can talk to said ghosts, and his murderous uncle. A lot going on, right? The story is actually pretty interesting but the characters don’t stick with you. For it to be a completely effective story you should give a crap about the ghosts getting exterminated, but you don’t. I’m going to finish it just out of curiosity.

 

What did you recently finish reading?

Silent in the Grave (Lady Julia Grey #1) by Deanna Raybourn
Silent in the Sanctuary (Lady Julia Grey #2) by Deanna Raybourn
Silent on the Moor (Lady Julia Grey #3) by Deanna Raybourn

“To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband’s dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor.” 

I got on a bit of a kick last week, if you can’t tell. Once I picked up Silent in the Grave I couldn’t put it down. Then I needed to read the next book in the series, and then the next. I ended up knocking out all three of these 500+ page historical mysteries in a week. A little excessive, right? Couldn’t help myself. I’ll be doing a group review of all three of them which will be up on the 21st.

 

What do you think you’ll read next?

I am actually considering taking a short reading break and instead working on my own book. I’m feeling a bit burned out right now. I have finished a ton of books lately (at least for me) and setting that aside for a week and writing on my own work sounds like a tantalizing option. After the short break I do have a few options of books to read. I have purchased several, both new and used, recently which have been mocking me from the shelves. “Why did you buy me if you didn’t plan on reading me, Amanda? Come pick me up!”

WWW Wednesday – July 12

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 1 Comment

WWWWednesday

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

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Silent in the Sanctuary (Lady Julia Grey #2) by Deanna Raybourn

“I put my hands on my hips, not caring if I sounded like a Billingsgate fishwife. “Yes, it was a dangerous thing to do, but as it seems to have escaped your attention, I remind you I am above thirty years of age, of sound body and mind, and in control of my own fortune. That means,” I said, moving closer still, poking his chest for emphasis, “I am mistress of myself and answer to no one.” 

I absolutely love the characters that Raybourn created for this series. Our leading lady, Lady Julia Grey, is such a strong character and really goes against the grain of everything a woman of standing was supposed to represent at the time. Some of the reviews on Goodreads call her a privileged bitch, and not in a complimentary way. You know, I can see why they would say that but she couldn’t do what she does if she wasn’t privileged and if she wasn’t a bit of a bitch she would get trampled on by the men. I’m good with it.

 

What did you recently finish reading?

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Silent in the Grave (Lady Julia Grey #1) by Deanna Raybourn

“To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband’s dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor.”

To say I’m a little obsessed with this series right now would be a bit of an understatement. I fell in love with Raybourn’s writing with her Veronica Speedwell mysteries and decided to pick Silent in the Grave up as a bit of a break from my recent fantasy reads. I devoured this sucker. Loved every page. The characters were all entertaining and I was completely wrong about who the murderer was. I love when it isn’t obvious who the wrong doer is. My review for this book will be coming up soon.

 

What do you think you’ll read next?

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Roar (Stormheart #1) by Cora Carmack

“She had hoped. And hope broke more hearts than any man ever could.”

I have had this one sitting on my shelf since it was released and it is just calling to be read. First of all, that cover is beautiful. The online image just doesn’t do it justice. I am also really hoping for a strong leading lady without too much of a love story. Oh please, don’t make me suffer through a love story…

 

That is all for this week! What have you been reading? Have a book you think I’d enjoy? Tell me in the comments!

WWW Wednesday – July 5

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ Leave a comment

WWWWednesday

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

13600168

“Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there’s no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.”

Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1) by Laini Taylor

I have a problem. I both like and dislike this book. I pick it up and feel engrossed in the story even though I don’t particularly like the story so far. Does that make sense? Taylor’s writing style is to blame, I think. The way she crafts the story just sucks you in even though I’m not feeling the plot quite yet. It’s still early, though. We’ll see what happens.

What did you recently finish reading?

17167166

“But death was her curse and her gift, and death had been her good friend these long, long years.” 

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

If any of you read my review for Throne of Glass you’d know that I was completely unimpressed. However, a few of you lovely folks convinced me to read Crown of Midnight and do you know what? I’m glad you did. It was a hundred times better than book one. The assassin actually does assassiny things! There is still a weird and awkward love story woven into it but that is okay. I have accepted that I will never like Chaol and moved on. My review will be up for this book on the 14th.

 

What do you think you’ll read next?

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“To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband’s dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor.” 

Silent in the Grave (Lady Julia Grey #1) by Deanna Raybourn

I have a love affair with Raybourn’s books. I just can’t seem to help myself. After reading her two currently published Veronica Speedwell novels I needed more from her so I picked Silent in the Grave up at the library. I’m trying not to read it at the same time as Daughter of Smoke and Bone but I’m tempted. Can’t wait to get started on it. Murder and a strong female lead all mixed up in a historical mystery? I’m in.

 

What are you reading this week?

WWW Wednesday – June 28

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 3 Comments

WWWWednesday

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

17167166

“But death was her curse and her gift, and death had been her good friend these long, long years.”

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas. Even though I was utterly bored and annoyed by the first book in this series, Throne of Glass, I still decided to give the second book a try after several recommendations to do so. So far it is definitely better than the first of the series but I still want to punch Chaol in the face. How can he act so seemingly innocent and kind when he is a king’s guard who has had to kill people in his service? It doesn’t jive with me.

What did you recently finish reading?

ClockworkAngel

“Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry.”

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare. My full review of this book will be up next week but for now I will say that I will not be continuing with this series. Nothing is going to change my mind on this one. I am one of those people who usually feels the need to finish a series even if the books aren’t particularly great but not doing it this time. Tessa is one of the top ten most annoying literary creatures ever created. The other characters weren’t much better.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Sigh. I’m not even sure. Everything I’ve picked up lately has been a let down. I’m starting to think it’s me and not the books themselves. Maybe a little reading break is in order. Help a girl out, recommend me a good book without flimsy, wishy washy characters that in no way has a love story attached and doesn’t delve too far into the sci-fi realm. I’m good with horror, mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction. I also have a weirdly specific love of historical mysteries. Happy reading, everybody!

WWW Wednesday – June 21

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 4 Comments

WWWWednesday

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

ClockworkAngel

“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare. I don’t think I have had a single person say something bad to me about this book. Everyone seem to be absolutely beaming about it! I admit, I am having trouble getting through the world building bit but I’ll get there. I want to enjoy this. Nearly all of the reading community can’t be wrong so I know it has to get better.

What did you recently finish reading?

ThroneOfGlass

“You could rattle the stars,” she whispered. “You could do anything, if only you dared. And deep down, you know it, too. That’s what scares you most.”

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas. I didn’t enjoy this one nearly as much as I hoped I would. The story felt like more of a love triangle disaster than anything else. Sigh. I’m still going to give the next book in the series a shot but, I admit, I don’t have high hopes. Maas can do better than this.

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“Justice isn’t about fixing the past, it’s about fixing the future. We’re not fighting for the dead. We’re fighting for the living. And for those who aren’t yet born.”

Morning Star (Red Rising #3) by Pierce Brown. After the miraculous wonder that was Golden Son, this book was a bit of a drag. I actually made a pro/con list of everything I liked and disliked about it which will go up with the review next week. Hint- the con list is longer. Despite that, I still liked the book. I think. I’m still working it out. It didn’t meet the same standards as Golden Son but still…

What do you think you’ll read next?

5

“You fought and fought to keep all the cruelty locked up in your head, and for what? None of them ever loved you, because none of them ever knew you”

Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe #1) by Rosamund Hodge. Currently, I have this one as a requested hold at the library so hopefully it comes in soon. Since it was released it has certainly had mixed reviews but I’m still interested. It seems that the consensus is that this book is a dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast and that could be a lot of fun.

 

What are you reading this week?

 

WWW Wednesday – June 14

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 12 Comments

WWWWednesday

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

ThroneOfGlass

“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name’s Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I’d still beat you, no matter what you call me.”

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas. Despite my frustration with A Court of Wings and Ruin I decided to give Maas another shot. Honestly, this was the only book the library had in that was on my TBR list the last time I went. I’m only about 100 pages in but so far I’m not impressed. None of the characters seem to be genuine. We’ll see how the rest of the story goes. I’m sure there is an awkward intimate scene somewhere in those pages I have yet to scoff at.

What did you recently finish reading?

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“I will die. You will die. We will all die and the universe will carry on without care. All that we have is that shout into the wind – how we live. How we go. And how we stand before we fall.”

Golden Son (Red Rising #2) by Pierce Brown . I’m happy to say that I finally got over my reading slump and devoured this book in just a couple of days. I’ll have my review up for it on Friday but, let me tell you, I’m still reeling from that ending. Holy crap! Brown sure knows how to write an engaging story. I bet he has to keep reams of notes just to keep all of the little details properly sorted.

What do you think you’ll read next?

ClockworkAngel

“Sometimes, when I have to do something I don’t want to do, I pretend I’m a character from a book. It’s easier to know what they would do.”

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare . Lately, I have noticed so many people excited about Clare’s books. Not to feel like an unworthy reader, but I had never heard of her. Yesterday I put in a request at the library for this book so hopefully it comes in soon. I want to know what all the fuss is about!

 

I’m so happy to be out of my reading slump and to actually have books to put on the list today! As soon as I finish this post I’m going to go curl up in my big, comfy chair and continue reading Throne of Glass before I have to go do the whole “adult” thing later today. Shudder. Have a beautiful day, everyone!

WWW Wednesday – June 7

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 9 Comments

WWWWednesday

 

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

AndIDarken

“On our wedding night,” she said, “I will cut out your tongue and swallow it. Then both tongues that spoke our marriage vows will belong to me, and I will be wed only to myself. You will most likely choke to death on your own blood, which will be unfortunate, but I will be both husband and wife and therefore not a widow to be pitied.”

And I Darken by Kiersten White. I keep trying to read this one but I’m only on page 125…for the last week and a half. It has such wonderful reviews and everything makes it sound like an awesome book. I’m attributing my slow reading and disinterest to my recent horrible reading slump. I’ll get there, though.

KingdomSeries

“Do not listen to the mad ramblings of a broken man. He means none of what he says and only half of what he doesn’t.”

Kingdom Series Collection by Marie Hall. Certainly not my usual type of book but I wanted something quick, simple, and mindless and this fills the bill. This book contains three different stories featuring The Mad Hatter, a character meant to represent a non-asshole Gaston, and the Big Bad Wolf. The three have a fairy god mother and she has to find a perfect romantic match for each in order to save their lives. Great literature this isn’t but I’ve always had a soft spot for the crazy Hatter so why not…

What did you recently finish reading?

I have a big ole’ goose egg here this week. The last thing I “finished” was The Song of Achilles two weeks ago. Yikes! I usually get through at least a book and a half each week but I have just haven’t had the yearn to read. It’s getting depressing. Okay, it is far passed depressing. Help me.

What do you think you’ll read next?

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“I will die. You will die. We will all die and the universe will carry on without care. All that we have is that shout into the wind – how we live. How we go. And how we stand before we fall.”

Golden Son by Pierce Brown. I read Red Rising a few months ago and absolutely loved it. When I spotted this on a library shelf this week I had to grab it. Brown’s writing is incredible and I hope Golden Son lives up to the standard he set with the previous book. I’m almost afraid to start it, to be honest. With my current reading mood I don’t want to ruin what will probably be a fantastic story. Hm. Hopefully soon.

 

This reading slump is starting to tick me off, ya’ll. I love to read. I know I love to read. Why can’t I just enjoy it again?! To say that I’m frustrated would be an understatement. Maybe next week…

May Wrap Up

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 3 Comments

MayWrapUp

The end of a another month and I believe my theme for this year is, “How in the world is this year flying by so quickly?” Wasn’t I outside yesterday watching fireworks for New Years? I also just nearly typed 2016 instead of 2017. I feel like I’ve missed this whole year so far. Despite my personal misgivings on the passage of time, I did get through a few books in May and wanted to go through a quick run down of them.

Read

A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn – 4 stars
So far I have read two books by Deanna Raybourn and have loved them both. The Veronica Speedwell series is set in Victorian England. Ms. Speedwell is a forward thinking butterfly hunter and she along with her slightly cranky companion Stoker they solve perplexing mysteries. The dialogue is more of a witty banter which is very entertaining. Excellent books.

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas – 2 stars
Yes, I am that jerk that didn’t like this book. It is currently sitting a 4.59 stars on Goodreads and I wish I had loved it as much as everyone else seemed to. The first two books in this series were amazing and I devoured them. The third one needed a hard re-write in my opinion.

The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates – 4 stars
I don’t pick up a horror novel often but when I do I like it to scare the pants off of me and give me some nightmares. While I was reading this book I was terrified to turn off the lights or turn my back to an empty room. It was great.

Victoria by Daisy Goodwin – 4 stars
What is better than stumbling across a great book? I picked this one up on a mere whim and am so glad that I did. In this book we follow the first couple years of Queen Victoria’s reign. We get to witness her growth, intelligence, determination, and cunning. The young Queen impressed me and left me wanting to learn more about her.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – DNF – 2 stars
I will be the first to admit that it is my own fault that I didn’t like this book. When I see the name Achilles I expect daring fights, bravado, and bloody battles. What I don’t expect is a love story. If you have read any of my reviews you may have noticed I’m not that interested in love stories and I couldn’t bring myself to finish this one.

Watched

I have found myself watching Once Upon a Time toward the end of the month. I started it a few years ago and got annoyed watching them meandering around Neverland and turned it off. Kind of glad I’m giving it another shot because Hook and his guyliner is the stuff of TV legend.

In May I also got through the rest of season 2 of Reign. I’m still pissed about all that happened to Conde because the situation wasn’t entirely his fault. However, Greer is the shit. The. Shit.

So many people talk about Sense 8 I decided to give it a shot. I hardly got through the first episode. Too many characters, no clear plot, and very little personality. I just couldn’t do it.

Usually the only time I watch TV is while I’m making dinner but I found myself devouring Penny Dreadful season 2 whenever I had spare time. I love that show. It’s creepy, has carefully developed characters, and always keeps me on my toes.

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Covers

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Things on Our Reading Wish List

Top Ten Tuesday: Mothers in Literature

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer Reads

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases

What Are You Reading Wednesday

WWW Wednesday – May 3

WWW Wednesday – May 10

WWW Wednesday – May 17

WWW Wednesday – May 24

WWW Wednesday – May 31

Other

Thank you, followers! – In May I also had the honor of hitting 150 followers and wanted to thank you all again for that! I love reading and having the opportunity to share my opinions on those books with you all. Since I started blogging I’ve met many wonderful bibliophiles and have truly enjoyed my discussions with you all.

 

 

 

WWW Wednesday – May 31

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 7 Comments

WWWWednesday

 

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

DorothyMustDie

“No matter how tough you think you are, there are certain things that just get to you, and they’re usually the little things. The ones you don’t expect.”

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. I picked Dorothy Must die up last week and, I admit, I have only read about three chapters of it. It really does seem like a good book but I’ve hit a slump and just don’t think anything will pull me in right now. Maybe I’ll put this one down for a while and try again another time. I don’t want to read it and dislike it just because I’m in funk, you know?

What did you recently finish reading?

11250317

“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. This book is the reason for my reading slump. I picked it up expecting epic battles, the clashing of swords, and a noble and heroic death. What I got was a love story. If you are into love stories it would be a wonderful book, I think, but I’m not. With the name “Achilles” in the title I just expected something very different than the book I got and it was such a disappointment.

 

What do you think you’ll read next?

AndIDarken

“On our wedding night,” she said, “I will cut out your tongue and swallow it. Then both tongues that spoke our marriage vows will belong to me, and I will be wed only to myself. You will most likely choke to death on your own blood, which will be unfortunate, but I will be both husband and wife and therefore not a widow to be pitied.”

And I Darken by Kiersten White . Look at that quote. Look at it. How can I resist? Even Emily May liked it and if you’ve spent any time at all on Goodreads you’ve seen Emily’s reviews and know she is a bit picky. I’ll be picking this book up from the library later today and am really looking forward to getting started on it. Hopefully it gets me out of my reading funk because, at this rate, I’m not going to have a review to put up this week. Yikes!

That is it for WWW Wednesday! Feel free to leave a link to your own WWW posts in the comments and have a fabulous day.

 

WWW Wednesday – May 24

~ Amanda @ Literary Weaponry ~ 4 Comments

WWWWednesday

 

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words and was formerly hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open for anyone to participate, even without a blog you can comment on Sam’s post with your own answers. It is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

11250317

“He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”

The Song of Achilles by Madison Miller. I’m not going to lie, the first half of this book bored me beyond words. I could barely read a couple of paragraphs before putting it down again. I have reached the section where they have landed at Troy and hopefully it gets a little more interesting or I’m going to have to DNF this one.

 

What did you recently finish reading?

Victoria

“I know that I am young, but I am ready for the great responsibility that lies before me.”

Victoria by Daisy Goodwin. I love when I stumble upon a good work of historical fiction. Victoria is the story of the early years of Queen Victoria of England. When I started the story I knew very little about her but quickly came to love her. This strong willed Queen had me entertained from page one.

 

What do you think you’ll read next?

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“Forgiveness can get you places, I guess. But sometimes you need to light a fire.”

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. To be honest with you lovely folks, I feel a reading rut coming on. I’m hoping Dorothy Must Die will snap me out of that funk. Let me let you in on a little secret, I never watched the original Wizard of Oz. Or read it. However, I adore Wicked. Hopefully Paige’s take on the classic story will give me some zip.

 

That’s it for this Wednesday. Happy reading!