Waiting on Wednesday: The Hammer of Thor

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Date: October 4, 2016
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #2

"Thor's hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon--the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn't just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can't retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer's return is the gods' worst enemy, Loki--and the price he wants is very high." -- From Goodreads

Anything by Rick Riordan is an automatic read for me.  I'm excited to delve back into this world!

Recently Added [1]

Here's a few books that I've recently added to my "to read" shelf on Goodreads.  Enjoy!

Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak

A killer from her past has come to haunt her new life.  This sounds so intriguing!  

Lock & Mori: Mind Games by Heather W. Petty

I haven't read the first book in this series, but I think I'm going to wait until #2 is out and then I can binge both.  I love all of the new takes on Sherlock Holmes lately!

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

How well do you know your neighbors?  This also sounds intriguing.  I love suspense novels.

What have you added to your TBR recently?

Leave me a list or link in the comments!

Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich

Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich
Published by Bantam in November 2015
Stephanie Plum #22

"Stephanie Plum might not be the world's greatest bounty hunter, but she knows when she's being played. Ken Globovic (aka Gobbles), hailed as the Supreme Exalted Zookeeper of the animal house known as Zeta fraternity, has been arrested for beating up the dean of students at Kiltman College. Gobbles has missed his court date and gone into hiding. People have seen him on campus, but no one will talk. Things just aren't adding up, and Stephanie can't shake the feeling that something funny is going on at the college - and it's not just Zeta fraternity pranks.

As much as people love Gobbles, they hate Doug Linken. When Linken is gunned down in his backyard it's good riddance, and the list of possible murder suspects is long. The only people who care about finding Linken's killer are Trenton cop Joe Morelli, who has been assigned the case, security expert Ranger, who was hired to protect Linken, and Stephanie, who has her eye on a cash prize and hopefully has some tricks up her sleeve." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
The Stephanie Plum novels have felt repetitious for the last couple.  I don't know if it was listening to this one on audiobook, but it made me giggle almost the entire time.  Morelli and Ranger still are the love interests, but we had a snag with Morelli.  It sounds like Stephanie is another step closer in choosing a partner (hopefully).  The audiobook has renewed my interest in this series, and I can't wait to listen to Turbo Twenty-Three.

Disclosure: I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers in January 2016.
Mr. Lemoncello's Library #2

"Welcome, boys and girls, readers of all ages, to the first-ever Library Olympiad! Kyle and his teammates are back, and the world-famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, is at it again!

This time Mr. Lemoncello has invited teams from all across America to compete in the first ever LIBRARY OLYMPICS. Will it be fun? Like the commercials say. . . HELLO? It’s a Lemoncello! But something suspicious is going on . . . books are missing from Mr. Lemoncello’s library. Is someone trying to CENSOR what the kids are reading?! In between figuring out mind-boggling challenges, the kids will have to band together to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Now it’s not just a game—can Mr. Lemoncello find the real defenders of books and champions of libraries?" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I truly enjoyed this book.  It centered around teams coming to Mr. Lemoncello's library to compete in the library olympics.  I loved how this book combined the Olympics, intellectual freedom, and banned books.  The ending was pretty good, but definitely written for younger kids.

I loved the narrator.  This narrator also read the Percy Jackson novels, so it also felt like Percy was telling this story as well.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.

The Pursuit by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

The Pursuit by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
Published by Bantam in June 2016
Fox and O'Hare #5

"Nicolas Fox, international con man, thief, and one of the top ten fugitives on the FBI’s most-wanted list, has been kidnapped from a beachfront retreat in Hawaii. What the kidnapper doesn’t know is that Nick Fox has been secretly working for the FBI. It isn’t long before Nick’s covert partner, Special Agent Kate O’Hare, is in hot pursuit of the crook who stole her con man.

The trail leads to Belgium, France, and Italy, and pits Nick and Kate against their deadliest adversary yet: Dragan Kovic, an ex–Serbian military officer. He’s plotting a crime that will net him billions . . . and cost thousands of American lives.

Nick and Kate have to mount the most daring, risky, and audacious con they’ve ever attempted to save a major U.S. city from a catastrophe of epic proportions. Luckily they have the help of an eccentric out-of-work actor, a bandit who does his best work in the sewers, and Kate’s dad, Jake. The pressure’s on for Nick and Kate to make this work—even if they have to lay their lives on the line." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This series is pure comedic gold.  I love the cast of characters that appear in every book.  This one did have a little more of an edge to it though.  Nick and Kate were really worried about dying in this book.  It is surprising to me that no one has died yet.

I prefer the audiobooks for this series.  The narrator is perfect, and manages to sound different for each person.  I have a weird feeling that this series is about ready to be done.  And I'll be really sad when it is.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.

Discussion: How I Use Google Calendar

I have one tool that helps me with keeping track of my editorial calendar.  It is Google Calendar!

I have used Google Calendar for several years now.  It was especially helpful when I was in graduate school.  I would put assignments in as events, and then have Google remind a week ahead and three days ahead of the due date.

But anyways, here is what my Google Calendar currently looks like:

This is for the month of August 2016.  I use a couple of different colors  Blue means a tentative post. The light blue means that it's a review and I have already drafted the post.  I usually do my review drafts when I create my Waiting on Wednesday posts.  That way I don't have do the same things twice.  Green means that the post has been drafted and is scheduled.

If I look ahead to November, this is what a month looks like for me before I start to fully plan a schedule.  I have all of my Wednesday posts planned out until December.  The book titles that I plan to read in November are currently listed on the Saturdays.  This helps me keep track of what I wanted to read and then I can just drag the titles around the month.  The pink color signifies that the title is an ARC I have access to via Edelweiss.  

I love Google Calendar.  I love how I can keep track of upcoming blog posts.  I am also not committed to anything either.  I can drag posts around to fit my upcoming week as needed.  

How do you keep yourself organized?

Let me know in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: Holding Up The Universe

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Date: October 4, 2016

"Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America’s Fattest Teen.” But no one’s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is.

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he’s got swagger, but he’s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can’t recognize faces.

Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game—which lands them in group counseling and community service—Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. . . . Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours." -- Edited from Goodreads

This book received significant buzz when the synopsis was released via twitter and goodreads earlier this year.  And of course if people are going to boycott it; I need to read it.  I can't wait!

TTT: Ten Books That Have Been On My TBR The Longest

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme features the books that I've had on my TBR the longest.  Here we go!

Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce

I've read this book.  Many times.  I just want to read it again so I can add a date to it.

Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols

This series sounds really funny to me, but I haven't made it a priority.

Throw in the Trowel & A Root Awakening both by Kate Collins

I love the Flower Shop Mystery series.  I really need to catch myself up.

Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany Schmidt

Organ trafficking?  Check!

The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

Another one in this series comes out soon!  I think I'll probably binge.

Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige

I think this is book 3, and I'm pretty sure that I need to read book 2 too.

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

I love the author!  Plus I own this book.

A Tyranny of Petticoats edited by Jessica Spotswood

Definitely different from what I normally read.  

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan

I have this home from the library on audio.  I love Percy's narrator.

What are the books on your TBR list?
Leave a list or link in the comments!

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers in March 2016
Rebel of the Sands #1

"She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him... or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I really liked this story.  Until 3/4 through the story.  A plot twist came out of nowhere and I would have appreciated some foreshadowing.  I get why the author did what she did, but I felt blindsided.  Also!  When Jin and Amani finally get to their destination, he acts really different.  I know the author tried to make it Amani's story, but I also felt that Jin turned from hot to cold too quickly.  I still plan on reading the rest of the series though.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Waiting on Wednesday: Crooked Kingdom

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Date: September 27, 2016
Six of Crows #2

"Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world." -- From Goodreads

The first book ended on such a large cliffhanger!  I can't wait for book 2!

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
Published by Point in July 2016

"While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she's flustered -- and kind of feels like she's falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer -- but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart?" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This book was adorable!  Lily was such a great character to get to know.  I truly enjoyed watching her grow in her relationships with her family, her best friend, and the mysterious pen pal.  She became more confident as the story went on, and I truly appreciated the fact that she asked a boy out herself.  I know that many high schoolers (myself included) would have been too chicken to do what she did.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Discussion: Which Books I Buy

I've seen a lot of people talk about how they choose which books to buy.  If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you've probably noticed that a lot of my books come from my local library.  Honestly, I go through books like water.  So here is my criteria for books I actually purchase.

Is it an author I purchase?

I have a few authors that I automatically pre-order anything that they're releasing.  Those authors include Rick Riordan, Sarah J. Maas, Marissa Meyer, and Ally Carter.

Is it part of a series?

I'm currently in the middle of some series- like Rachel Hawkins' Rebel Belle series and Jenny Han's To All The Boys I've Loved Before series.

Is it a book I can't stop thinking about?

The Fixer series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes recently did this to me.  I've now added this to my wishlist for Christmas.

All in all I'm very picky with what I purchase.  I don't have a lot of space in my apartment, and I try to only purchase those books that I know I'm going to love.

How do you decide which books to purchase and which to get from the library?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date: September 20, 2016
Flavia de Luce #8

"It’s Christmastime, and in spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation." -- From Goodreads

I love Flavia de Luce.  She is seriously so spunky, plus I always end up learning some chemistry from these books as well.  Plus I love the narrator of the audiobooks.  I can't wait!

TTT: Topic Rewind

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme is a topic REWIND!  That means I got to go through the archives of Top Ten Tuesday and choose a topic that I was sad to have missed.  I chose my top books I'd save if my house got abducted by aliens (or any other natural disaster).  So here we go!

The Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts

I have a special place for this series in my heart, so of course it would be one of the first that I'd grab.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Another series that I'm completely in love with.  

Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

I am in love with the world building that is done by Sarah J. Maas.  

A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

I love anything that Sarah J. Maas writes.

What about you?  Any books you'd save from a burning building?

Leave a list or link in the comments!

Tough Luck Hero by Maisey Yates

Tough Luck Hero by Maisey Yates
Published by HQN Books in June 2016
Copper Ridge #5

"Ranching heir Colton West knew his wedding would be the talk of the town. But he didn't expect to get left at the altar—or to escape on the next flight to Vegas with Lydia Carpenter, the woman who gets under his skin like no one else. The only thing crazier than honeymooning with Lydia is waking up married to her. So why does he find himself entertaining his new wife's desire to stay married—and fantasizing about a real wedding night?

As Copper Ridge's prospective mayor, Lydia can't risk a divorce scandal so close to election time. But pretending to be blissfully in love with her new husband is more confusing than she'd thought. For a man who's always rubbed her the wrong way, Colton suddenly seems to know exactly what to do with his hands. And his lips. Now Lydia's wildest mistake could turn out to be her luckiest move, if they're both willing to take the ultimate gamble…" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This series has become one of my favorite romance series.  I love the cowboy aspect (who doesn't love cowboys?).  I reach for this series when I need something fluffy to read.  If you like romance, then I would suggest this series.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Book Beginnings: Rebel of the Sands

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers in March 2016

"They said the only folks who belonged in Deadshot after dark were the ones who were up to no good.  I wasn't up to no good.  Then again, I wasn't exactly up to no bad neither."

These first few sentences caught my attention right away.  I wanted to know what she was up to.  I needed to know what she was doing.  I loved the words that the author used.  "Wasn't up to no good, but wasn't exactly up to no bad neither."  I'm currently reading this book, and I can't wait to see where it goes!

The Killer In Me by Margot Harrison

The Killer In Me by Margot Harrison
Published by Disney-Hyperion in July 2016

"Seventeen-year-old Nina Barrows knows all about the Thief. She’s intimately familiar with his hunting methods: how he stalks and kills at random, how he disposes of his victims’ bodies in an abandoned mine in the deepest, most desolate part of a desert.

Now, for the first time, Nina has the chance to do something about the serial killer that no one else knows exists. With the help of her former best friend, Warren, she tracks the Thief two thousand miles, to his home turf—the deserts of New Mexico.

But the man she meets there seems nothing like the brutal sociopath with whom she’s had a disturbing connection her whole life. To anyone else, Dylan Shadwell is exactly what he appears to be: a young veteran committed to his girlfriend and her young daughter. As Nina spends more time with him, she begins to doubt the truth she once held as certain: Dylan Shadwell is the Thief. She even starts to wonder . . . what if there is no Thief?" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
Truthfully, I was really annoyed with the main character for the middle third of the novel.  Nina doubts herself and her visions.  It wasn't like a "maybe these are dreams" but a litany of "maybe, yes, no" over and over again.  Would read it again for the ending though.  The premise was very interesting, and I would recommend this book solely based on that fact.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Waiting on Wednesday: Empire of Storms

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Date: September 6, 2016
Throne of Glass #5

"The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear." -- From Goodreads

Throne of Glass #5!  Throne of Glass #5!  Excuse me while I squee with delight!  I love anything and everything that Sarah J. Maas writes, and I am soooo excited to read the next book in this series.  

TTT: Books I'd Buy If I Had a Loaded Gift Card

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme is the books I'd buy if I had a fully loaded gift card.  If only there was some way to email this to Santa.  Here we go!

Magnolia by Kristi Cook

I have this weird fascination with this book.  I've read it several times now and I think I need to add it to my bookshelf!

Heartless by Marissa Meyer (pre-order!)

I am squeeing with joy about this book.  I miss the Lunar Chronicles so much, and I can only hope that this series lives up to their hype.

Miss Mayhem & Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins

I own book one, but I definitely need the rest of the series on my bookshelf.

The Fixer & The Long Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This is one of those series that you think about long after you're done reading.  

The Hidden Oracle & The Hammer of Thor (pre-order!) by Rick Riordan

I pick up copies of pretty much every book by Rick Riordan.  Love them.

The Pursuit by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

I own most of this series already.  I need the rest!

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (pre-order!)

Another author where I will buy everything!

Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Ally Carter (pre-order!)

Another series that I need all of the books.

What does your list look like?

Leave it or a link to it in the comments!