Good evening, fellow dragons, wyverns, griffins, and other mythical flying beasts!* I seem to have fallen into the bad habit of waiting until the final hours of the day to put up my weekly post. Really need to start writing these sooner.
*Not only are you questers, readers, friends, bloglings, etc., you are now also a motley crew of legendary creatures? I don’t even know. I just need something to call you. Dragon will do.
Anyway, on a day like today, a tag is the perfect rescue. Thanks to Deborah O’Carroll for passing this one along from her book blog, The Page Dreamer! (Pssst, go check it out! Her reviews always have this amazing way of making you want to read a book, and yet they don’t spoil it.)
The Rules
Use the banner.
Answer the questions.
Use lots of book covers.
Tag your bookish friends!
(I was going to provide links to Goodreads, but ran out of time. Sorry!)
1) What Book Are You Currently Reading?
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It’s a 1,006 page beast, but a very entertaining beast at that. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I am.
2) What’s The Last Book You Finished?
Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz (book three in the Alex Rider series). It was a definite improvement over the first two.
3) Favorite Book You Read This Year?
Illusionarium, A Snicker of Magic, Cinder, Knightley Academy, Howl’s Moving Castle, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. *deep breath* I can’t pick just one!
4) What Genre Have You Read Most This Year?
Without formally counting? Probably fantasy. (Did you even have to ask?)
5) What Genre Have You Read Least This Year?
Well, I won’t list the genres I haven’t read at all. Instead, I will tell you that I’ve read only one nonfiction, only two thrillers, and only two contemporaries. Also one sci-fi/fantasy crossover (aka Cinder) and one steampunk (aka Illusionarium).
6) What Genre Do You Want To Read More Of?
Steampunk!!! And always, always more fantasy.
7) How Many Books Have You Read This Year, And What’s Your Goal?
Heh, funny you should ask. I’ve read a measly sixteen out of the fifty-two book goal I made for myself. I was hoping to match last year, but at this rate . . . Okay, the year’s not over yet, so maybe I’ll catch up! Maybe. Possibly. We’ll see.
8) What’s The Last Book You Bought?
One of the local bookstores is closing down (sadness), but the one good thing about that is discounts. I walked out of there with four books the other day:
Moonblood and Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (now only Golden Daughter and the two novellas are missing from my collection)
Raven’s Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet
Prophet by R.J. Larson
9) What Book Are You Saving Up To Buy Next?
There are several Bryan Davis books I don’t yet own, namely Reapers and Beyond the Gateway, along with the Tales of Starlight series.
Other than that, I don’t know. There’s a few gaps to fill in other series I’m collecting. Oh! Can’t forget A Branch of Silver, a Branch of Gold by Anne Elisabeth Stengl!
10) How Many Books Did You Check Out Last Library Visit?
Five, I think? It was–gasp!–back in March/April, and since then I’ve been reading books I have in the house already. But I’m missing the library, so I’ll have to make a trip again soon.
11) What’s A Book You Can’t Wait To Read?
ALL OF THEM. Well. Not true. I can’t wait to read Scarlet, The Dream Thieves, and The Shadow Lamp. Just to name three. Because you know how I can’t keep my answers to just one book.
12) What’s A Series You’d Recommend to Everyone?
Oh, toughie. The Chronicles of Narnia definitely. Classic, superb storytelling, and that profound quality that makes it enjoyable to both children and adults. Also Bryan Davis’s three connected series: Dragons in Our Midst, Oracles of Fire, and Children of the Bard. Because everyone could use more dragons in their lives! And more importantly, the depth with which Bryan Davis pens his tales builds one’s faith.
13) Who’s An Author You’re Hoping Writes More?
All of my favorites ever. Oh, you wanted specifics? How many can I mention? All of them? No? Okay, some of them. Anne Elisabeth Stengl, to begin with. She just released ABOSABOG (doesn’t that look hilarious in acronym form? The first time I read it, I was like, “Who on earth is Abosabog? Sounds like a monster.”), but I’m itching for another Tales of Goldstone Wood installment. And Heather Dixon needs to write more. So does Sharon Cameron (right, Mary?!). I could keep going, but it also bears mentioning that numerous writer friends of mine NEED TO KEEP WRITING. And I would greatly enjoy it if they PUBLISHED those epic writings. Meaning I would screech and flail and cry happy tears and order five dozen copies of each book!
14) A Few Books Your Heart Adores?
Excuse me, what? A few? A few. You know what that word makes when you take off the F? Ew. How can I pick just a few books my heart adores? Nevertheless, I shall make a valiant attempt to answer this.
The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis. By my recollection, the first portal fantasy (or really, first true high fantasy) I ever read. It’s because of this book I have a fantasy addiction. Narnia’s creation scene especially whispered deep into my soul, and I think I carry an echo of that wonder with me.
Starflower and Shadowhand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. Yes, that’s two from the same series (the whole of which is dear to my heart), but those two in particular struck a chord.
The Bones of Makaidos by Bryan Davis. That ending is the most perfect one I have ever, ever read. And it was, at the time (before he added another four books), the culmination of the adventures, joys, and heartbreaks of the characters packed into one giant book.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Probably doesn’t need explanation. It made me think, laugh, and inwardly cry.
The Ale Boy’s Feast by Jeffrey Overstreet. It came into my life just when I needed it, and was part of what got me through a difficult time.
And . . . I’d better stop now before I list a hundred books.
15) What Series’s Coming Conclusion Makes You Sad?
I don’t know when Tales of Goldstone Wood will end, but that will be a very sad day indeed. I don’t even want to think about it. #denial
16) What Books Are On Your Wish-List?
See question #9. Plus all of these . . .
Lord of the Rings (no, I don’t actually own them yet) by JRR Tolkien
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Books 2-5 in the Bright Empires series by Stephen Lawhead
Maybe all the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Maybe the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
Books 2 and 3 in The Solitary Tales by Travis Thrasher
Books 2-4 in the River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren
The Calling by Rachelle Dekker
Books 1 and 4 in the Auralia Thread by Jeffrey Overstreet
Books 8-10 in Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Golden Daughter by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
The entire Dreamhouse Kings series by Robert Liparulo
And that’s not even all of them. When I find a series I love, I must collect them all. I must have them, own them, display them. Consequently I am running out of bookshelf space at an alarming rate.
Well, this has been great fun! Thanks again to Deborah for tagging me! And now I shall tag the following fellow bookdragons: Sarah / Blue / Emily / Skye / Annie / Tori / Anna / and Savannah, whose blog is private. (Deborah has all the questions in a nice copy-and-pastable list included in her post.)
How about YOU? Any of the bajillion books here spark your interest? Any you’ve read before and loved? Which books does your heart adore?
P.S. The nominations are pouring in for the 2016 Silmarillion Awards! We’d love for you to participate and make this event even more epic, so be sure to nominate and second all your favorite fantasy characters/items before July 1st. (Which means June 30th is the last day the nominations will be open.) I can hardly wait to see who will win in each category!
EDIT: It means July 1st is the last day the nominations will be open, actually. Sorry I told you wrong.
I LOVED reading this tag. 🙂 And yay for Prophet by R.J. Larson! THAT BOOK IS SERIOUSLY SO GOOD I CAN'T EVEN. And the other ones in the trilogy just get better! 😀
I reeeeaaally want to read The Tales of Goldstone Wood sometime. but alas, I have yet put my mind to using a lot of my money on that slightly monstrous-in-size series. xD One day soon, though.
Another yay for getting the Lord of the Rings! Our copies are really old and somewhat… destroyed. 😛 Actually, I'm not even sure we own them anymore. They were just really beat up, and a big, fat, juicy fly was squashed on the last page of Return of the King, so… xD
Books that my heart adores: THE ILYON CHRONICLES by Jaye L. Knight, THE OUT OF TIME trilogy by Nadine Brandes, THE BOOKS OF THE INFINITE by R.J. Larson, and THE WINGFEATHER SAGA by Andrew Peterson. All of them are VERY different, and yet all so. good.
You did? Why, thank you! I feared it was rather slapdash. XD OH, I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT PROPHET! I've seen mentions of that trilogy floating around for years, and have always been intrigued by the titles/covers, but now I'll finally get to read them.
Oh, Emily, Tales of Goldstone Wood is one my favorites EVER. If you like fantasy with a strong fairy-tale vibe, deep/realistic characters, humor, and gorgeous writing, you'll love it. True, it is quite an investment considering the length of the series… but there's always a library, right? ;D
A big, fat, juicy fly? *shudders* LOL, that book has obviously been places! Sounds like outdoorsy places.
Oh, oh, those are all books I very much want to read! Again, they're all series I've heard about numerous times, and they all look so good. I especially want to get my hands on the Wingfeather Saga. (All these Silmarillion nominations for Wingfeather Saga characters and things are making me even more eager.)
YESSSS, YOU WILL LOVE IT, I'M SURE. <3
I KNOW. o.o I shall have to request them at a library. 😛
Actually, the fly was lurking on the shelf where the book came from and flew down to where I was sitting reading TROTK in a chair. I finished, sighed and yelled, "I'm done!" and slammed the book shut in satisfaction. I don't think that fly saw it coming. xD
YES OH MY GOODNESS THE WINGFEATHER SAGA. That is probably my favorite series in existence. I laughed, cried, and laughed some more. IT IS SERIOUSLY THE BEST THING EVER. Ugh, I love it so much. <3 <3 <3 And I hope you didn't see many spoilers in the Silmarillion Awards! 😛
I'm pretty sure I will too! <3
Yes, do that! And then I must know what you think of them. ^_^ Not that you HAVE to like them, naturally, but I'm always curious what people think of them.
Ha! That's too funny! I can just picture it now. Poor fly. (Not really. XD)
ASLKFJASJFKS I NEEDS IT, PRECIOUS. Everyone who's read it seems to adore it! And I probably did see some spoilers, but I don't think any stuck. Didn't recognize names, therefore no emotional reaction–just kept reading comments. 😛 (That heart wrenching death award though…! All the spoilers! XD)
This tag was SO fun to read, Tracey (and thank you for tagging me! I would love to do it – other than the fact that I've actually already done this tag, when Deborah left it up for grabs. I COULDN'T HELP IT BECAUSE BOOKS)! Your answers were perfect *nodnod*. And YES to Howl's Moving Castle! That's one of my favorite books I've read this year too (I mean, how could it not be?). And I just got Illusionarim from the library (it's sitting beside me at this very moment), so I'll be starting on that soon. Ooo, and The Magician's Nephew! I love that book so much :). I agree, the end of TOGW will be very much sad ;(. Oh, you MUST buy the LotR series! That one is on my wishlist too. It really is shameful that I don't own them already *hides face*. (and WOW this was a scattered comment)
I'm so glad! You did it already? Whoops, not sure how I missed that! XD (How could anyone resist a tag with the word "book" mentioned twice in its title?)
HMC is delightful, absolutely delightful. *gasp* You borrowed Illusionarium! Ohhhhh, I loveth that thing SO MUCH. All the steampunky goodness. And LOCKWOOD. You know, he shares a few qualities with Howl–mainly the arrogance. XD
We shan't think of the end of Goldstone Wood. Nope. Not gonna think about it. *locks up depressing thought in a chest and drops in the deepest sea* But yes, I absolutely must by LOTR! I'm holding out for a nice, matching set somewhere… it's just that those are expensive. 😛
(Scattered comments are awesome, and this was a scattered post, so you're all good. XD)
YES I borrowed it! I'm charging my way through a few more books before I start reading it BUT THEN I WILL DEVOUR ILLUSIONARIUM. That is my plan *nods*. After hearing Deborah flail all about Lockwood, I have a very strong feeling that I will enjoy him :D. Arrogant characters can be fun XD.
Yep. NO thinking about it. *locks thoughts in a cabinet and burns it*.
(also, how is 100-for-100 going for you?)
HOORAY! I'm curious to see what you think of Illusionarium, and especially of Lockwood. My dear, arrogant Lockwood. XD He reminds me of Eanrin in some respects.
100-for-100 is going well! I wrote over 3000 the first two weeks. This week is considerably less, but I haven't missed any days except for a couple of grace days. The challenge IS helping me to keep making progress, which is probably a very good thing considering the research-heavy stage of writing I'm in. It would be easy to procrastinate, but this way I'm forcing myself to take a step forward with the story every day. How's it going for YOU?
I READ IT AND IT WAS WONDEROUS. My mom thought it was weird and had a terrible plot, but I highly disagreed. It was a five star book, in my opinion. AND YES LOCKWOOD. I can most definitely see many traces of Eanrin in him :D. He was an awesome character! And the book had FOOTNOTES. I don't know why I loved that so much BUT I DID.
Okay done rambling :D.
Anyways, 100-for-100 is going really well for me, I've got about 20k words so far. I'm glad you haven't missed any days yet! Sometimes I have to stay up late just to scrape together 100 measly words *sighs*. Ooo, you're in a research-heavy stage? I despise those. Here's hoping you can make it through! *showers you with motivational candy*
Yay, I'm so glad you loved it! :DDD It kind of was weird, but it was the sort of weird I like. I give it five stars too! LOCKWOOOOOOOD. Weren't the footnotes awesome? So different and hilarious! I think it went really well with Jonathan's nerdiness and snark.
WOW, that's awesome! 20k! I've done close to 12k. Ugh, yes, I end up staying late to scrounge up words on more days than I prefer to count. The daily alarm I put on my phone helps me remember to do it.
Yeeaaahh… *sigh* *munches candy and feels better* I'm learning lots of interesting things, but the actual WRITING is my favorite part. I can't write while I'm researching, but I can't write /until/ I research. 😛
AAAAAAAAAAAHHH SAVANNAH YOU READ ILLUSIONARIUM!!! *flails* I ADORED the footnotes, yes. 😀 They were some of my favorite! ^_^ AND LOCKWOOOOOOOOOOOD! <3 I'M SO GLAD YOU READ/LIKED IT! 😀
I WILL GLADLY ACCEPT BEING A DRAGON. 😀
I love this tag sooo much! I really need to get to it myself.
You've read some amazing books this year. o.o Illusionarium, Cinder, HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. YESH.
I've only read 17 books this year myself (and I actually thought it was less than that, like 12 or something…), so I understand! Reading has been going slooooow this year. BUT I have read quite a few thick books AND some really, REALLY good ones. So we can just count quality over quantity? Looking at positives here. XD
That's so sad one of your local bookstores is closing down! D: But it looks like you got some great finds! I really need to be working more on my Goldstone Wood collection myself.
"ABOSABOG" kills me every time. XD It would be a cute name for a monster in a children's book or something. I love it! Lol.
BONES OF MAKAIDOS WAS SO VERY MUCH THE PERFECT ENDING. I don't know if I've ever felt so FULFILLED after a series finale. GAH. Now you're making me want to reread it!
I don't even want to think of an ending to Tales of Goldstone Wood. D: They must go on FOREVER.
This comment is so all over the place. But BOOKS. Like I can be coherent talking about books. IMPOSSIBLE I SAY. Needless to say, I looooooved seeing your answers and drooling over all the bookish goodness! 😀
I THOUGHT AS MUCH. XD
Ooh, I can hardly wait for you to do this one, because Christine and books is always a delightful combination. ;D
It's comforting to know I'm not the only one who's been slow on the reading front this year. (Must be all the work, writing, and blogging sucking my time. That or the time machine rumored to be at work…) Thick books and good books are the besssst. We can definitely go with quality over quantity! I too have been reading a number of good books lately. ^___^
I know! And the other local bookstore is sadly depleted in its stock on everything from books to music. *sniffles* Somebody needs to revive it somehow.
How many Goldstone books do you own again? I can't recall…
The great and mighty Abosabog lurks in the swamp, rustling through the reeds and leaving trails of green, sludgy bubbles… Though perhaps that sort of monster is too scary for a children's book. XD
IT WAS, OH MY HEART. "Fulfilled" is exactly the right word for it! I've actually been hankering to reread the whole 12-book collection lately, but I want to do them all back to back, which is a big undertaking. o.o So I'll probably wait a bit yet.
Forever and a day, they must go on! *clutches heart* The one consolation is that they are delightfully rereadable, so we can always go back to the stories and characters we love. But still. It will be so SAD.
Books have a habit of bringing on bouts of incoherence, I think. I'm so glad you enjoyed this, and I'm having terribly much fun flailing about all the wonderful books with you–as usual! 😀
"Christine and books is always a delightful combination." AREN'T YOU SWEET. <3
I understand your struggle with lack of bookstores. My town has a severe lack of good ones as well. I usually just have to order books off of Amazon. I mean, I WORK in a bookstore, but it's so small and we very rarely get the books I like to read. Since I read such obscure stuff. XD
I own the first 5 Goldstone books–Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, Starflower, and Dragonwitch. Though shamefully I've yet to read Dragonwitch despite it sitting on my shelf for…a long time.
Bwahaha! That's basically exactly how I was picturing the Abosabog. XD TOO PERFECT.
I've been wanting to reread all the books together myself. But I have so many OTHER books I haven't read… And shamefully I haven't even read Omega Dragon yet. And I can't decide if I want to read ALL the books together, or just read the Children of the Bard books together or…what. I need more tiiime!
IT'S TRUE, THOUGH! <3
Isn't that sad when your town doesn't have much to offer in the way of bookstores? It's too bad that's your situation as well. (Speaking of ordering off Amazon, I ordered Five Enchanted Roses TONIGHT! Eeeep!) LOL, not many dragon books at your bookstore, huh? XD
Nice! That's most of them. Ohhh, darling, Dragonwitch is so good! At least I really enjoyed it. It had a different *feel* to it than the previous books, but it's still very Goldstone Wood. I distinctly remembered where I was while reading it. You know how some books do that to you?
Brain twins YET again! XD Maybe it's the "bog" in Abosabog?
I know! That's the problem! I don't reread that often because of all the shiny new books I haven't got around to yet. As for Omega Dragon, I'll just tell you that going into it, I was scared the ending wouldn't live up to TBoM. I wouldn't say it was equal to that ending, but it was still a very GOOD, very satisfying ending of a completely different sort. So I had no reason to worry. ^_^ Hope you enjoy it when you get around to it. But ugh, yes, if you find any more time–that is, if you find Time with a capital T–tell him to dole out some extra for me too. XD
Eeek, you did the tag! 😀 This was so fun to read, I loved seeing your answers! ^_^
STRANGE & NORRELL. I'm glad you're enjoying it. 😀 *is itching to read it again myself* I also love seeing a pic of your copy. 🙂
ILLUSIONARIUM AND HOWL!!! <3<3<3 That is all.
Yay for Steampunk! I want to read more too… It's kind of sad I've only read three. o.o
Aww, bookstores closing are sad. 🙁 🙁 🙁 Buuut at least you found books on sale. 😉
I so want to read The Raven Boys books… And YES I want to read the rest of the Bright Empires books too!! Especially after the Stephen-Lawhead-commenting incident. XD
That does sound like a monster… Weird. XD (I used to be so confused when people said "ACOTAR" until I figured out it was "A Court of Thorns and Roses"… Weird acronyms of long book titles are weird. XD) YES MORE HEATHER DIXON. ;D
Oh dear, does that mean you read The Magician's Nephew first of the Narnia books instead of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe…? *twitch* *is a firm believer in reading the series in the order they were published, at least the first time, because of reasons*
OH DEAR YOU DON'T OWN LORD OF THE RINGS? :O I own too many. XD I accidentally keep collecting copies for some reason…? I approve of much of your wishlist. *nods*
*sees Savannah's comment about having a copy of Illusionarium from the library* *SHRIEKING*
Anyways, loved this, Tracey! 😀 *dances around in happiness because boooooks*
YES I BORROWED A COPY!!! I'm so excited to get started on it :D.
I did, and relatively promptly this time! XD I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again for tagging me. It was such a fun one to do!
It's so gooood and I'm on page 800-something and things are HAPPENING and oh my goodness I have no idea how it will end but it's baaad right now… *trails off into fangirl babbles* Yes, it's my precious, beat up second hand copy. ^_^
THAT IS ALL ONE EVER NEEDS TO SAY.
Three is good! That might be more than I've read. *runs off to count*
Sales on books are always a good thing. Helps out with the broke bookworm thing. XD
YES TO THE RAVEN BOYS AND THE BRIGHT EMPIRES!!! That's right, where did I see you mention that Stephen Lawhead commented on your review? Because I totally meant to scream excitedly about that. STEPHEN LAWHEAD commented on YOUR REVIEW. :DDD Way too cool!
Oh yeah, I've seen ACOTAR floating around too. All these title acronyms. XD
…Yes. You are correct. I read TMN first. Shameful, I know, and if I could do it over again I so would. As a little first-grader, I didn't know better. It was the one listed first (or maybe my friend told me it was the first one?), so that's what I went with. *sobs over tragedy*
I DON'T, AND THAT'S ANOTHER TRAGEDY. I do own The Hobbit, though. Haha, I love that you collect LOTR! ^_^
*shrieks with you over Savannah getting Illusionarium*
Thank yooouuu! <333
*whisper screams* I READ IT I READ IT! *points to comment at the top*
Thanks so much for tagging me! This is a good tag. I haven't seen it before. I shall add it to my list of many tags. The Magician's Nephew was so good. I want that book made into a movie so bad. XD
storitorigrace.blogspot.com
You're most welcome! I think this is a pretty new tag. It's definitely a fun one. OH, YOU AND ME BOTH. Speaking of which, I can't wait until they release more information on The Silver Chair movie! I was almost fooled by a well-made fan trailer the other day. 😛
Super fun!! 😀
By the way, I tagged you in the Quotation Tag, in case you're interested: http://oliviakfisher.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-quotation-tag-part-1.html. 🙂
Thanks, Olivia! That tag looks awesome–I'll probably save it until after the Silmarillion Awards are over. 🙂
HOW HAVE YOU ONLY READ SIXTEEN BOOKS THIS YEAR??? HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE???? DUDE YOU NEED TO CATCH UP C':
Aw aw aw I'm sorry the bookshop is closing down, that's always such a shame.
And our LOTR books are extremely battered, but at least it shows they've been loved..
Amy;
Little Moon Elephant
I DON'T KNOW, IT'S HORRIBLE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M SO BEHIND. I'm at seventeen books now, so… go me. Eheh. XD How many have you read this year?
It really is a shame. *sniffle* I wish all the bookstores would stay open and nicely stocked.
As much as I like to keep my books in good condition, the ones that get battered are somehow extra special because, like you said, it shows they've been loved. ^_^ My Chronicles of Narnia volume is like that.
Thanks for the tag! You have a great taste in books, *writes down all your favorites that I haven't read.* I'm struggling with meeting my book goal too, it's like how do I find the time to read, without staying up incredibly late, because I can't do that anymore because… responsibilities.
I miss when I was younger and could read all day.
You're most welcome! And thanks! *bows grandly* Ooh, which favorites did you write down, if I may peek over your virtual shoulder and read the list? XD
Ugh, that's my problem too. Between work, writing, blogging, and general life, there's not much time left for reading. Makes me sad. I miss those carefree days of reading for hours on end.
"A few. You know what that word makes when you take off the F? Ew." YOU KILL ME. But also I agree?? EW. I looooved reading this post. Other people's book love = warming to my heart :') <333
I've had Jonathan Strange (I think I've said this on here already but oh well, LUCKY YOU I'M SAYING IT AGAIN) for like three years and STILL not read it!!!? Must must must get onto that book. I'm really glad you're enjoying it.
What's Illusionarium? And what's The Ale Boy's Feast? Also, which Bryan Davis book would you recommend as my starting point? (Likewise EAS?)
I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO READ TDT. THAT BOOK. THAT BOOOOOOK. Also, I'm gonna read Cinder really soon (before Ashley kills me for not having read it) — I can't wait!
Thanks so much for tagging me, fam <33
PS Feel you about series collection. I just want to REREAD ALL THE SERIES. Hence I buy them. Rabidly.
NOOO, EMILY, DON'T DIE. XD Haha, thanks so much! I love reading about other people's book adoration too, AND of course I can't resist talking about my own favorites from time to time, so it's a win-win. <3
(Hmm, you might have mentioned it, but I had forgotten until you said it again.) Yessss, go read Strange and Norrell! It's hard to say, still being on the book high and whatnot, but it might lodge itself on my list of favorites?
OH. YOU HAVE JUST ASKED ABOUT SOME OF MY FAVORITEST BOOKS ON THE PLANET. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.
*clears throat*
Illusionarium is this awesome steampunk book that I love love love. A disease afflicting women and children (or maybe it was just females? I don't remember–it's been half a year since I read it XD) is running rampant in London and strikes someone close to the MC, Jonathan. There's scientific equations and airships and snark and hilarious little footnotes and Jonathan is presh. And there's Lockwood, a massively arrogant yet hilarious soldier boy. And there's a sort of time travel aspect (which I know is not your thing, but it's much more like an alternate dimension), and the costumes are gorgeously steampunky, and there's a creepy villainess and SUPER CREEPY THINGS HAPPEN TO PEOPLE AND OH MY GOODNESS, I LOVE IT. That was a really vague explanation, but I can't spoil things for you, now can I? ;D
The Ale Boy's Feast is the fourth and last book of the Auralia Thread, a series by Jeffrey Overstreet. It's Christian fantasy, but the Christian themes are refreshing instead of overdone. Each book kind of takes a different slant, so you end up following different characters in each one. THE WORLDBUILDING, THOUGH. <3 Overstreet's voice is rather poetic, and he writes as if we already know the details about his world–yet somehow manages to convey details and keep things clear. (A beautiful example of showing versus telling.) The character depth is top-notch. I loved Jordam, one of the beastmen in book 2 (they're beastly yet human creatures who are enslaved by something called the Essence–basically addicted to it). And Prince Cal-Raven! And Sharr ben Fray! And Auralia! And the ale boy! *flails about in all the character love* There's also a dash of humor, which is always a good thing in my opinion. You may find the first book a bit slow, but I promise you it does pick up as you go along. And as I said in the post, book 4 literally had me crying.
Which Bryan Davis book to start with, you ask? *rubs hands together deviously* WELL. I AM GLAD YOU ASKED. He's most known for his Dragons in Our Midst series (though all of his books are awesome), so I would start with book 1, Raising Dragons. Keep in mind that it's his first novel, and that all my hype is for all the books collectively. I still love RD, but each book gets successively better, you know? Anyway, prepare for teens with a dragon heritage and dragon traits, running from a dragon slayer–and King Arthur legends are used in a really cool way, too! ^_^
I'm assuming your fingers slipped and you meant to type AES. XD Start with Heartless! That's the first book of Tales of Goldstone Wood, and it's the most allegorical of all of them. The following books spin off in different directions, and it's delightfully complex the way the series jumps back and forward in the world's history.
YES, TDT IS CALLING ME… I really need to make another library trip now that I'm finished with Strange and Norrell!! And hooray for reading Cinder! I feel like I saw that series around for ages before it ever crossed my mind that I should read it, and that was only after my sister picked it up first. XD
My pleasure! I hope you have fun with it. <3
P.S. Same. o.o I've been getting a strange desire to reread series lately, and I'm always like, "Oh, but shiny new books…!" Buying series is probably an addiction of mine. XD
*sees length of comment*
*edges away innocently*
I think I'm gonna take photos for this tomorrow! 😀
Can't wait for S&N now!
I don't know if I've EVER READ a steampunk book?? I don't think I have! (I did make steampunk jewellery for Higher Art, though. That was fun.) So maybe I should educate myself! I like the sound of Lockwood, not gonna lie XD
Overstreet is such a great name, isn't it? And that worldbuilding sounds lovely! OK, so. I'm looking out for the Auralia Thread, Raising Dragons and Heartless. ~mutters names to self over and over~
That's like me and the Lunar Chronicles, or me and most series, in fact! I tend to find that books kinda follow me around the blogosphere, until after months — or even years! — I'm like YES ALL RIGHT I'LL ADD IT TO MY TBR! Though then it can take months, or more often years, to reach it … D:
About to buy three new books OOPS!
Neat! I can't wait to see them! Your book photos are always so pretty. 😀
^_^
It's a surprisingly underrated genre! There seems to be so much potential, but I haven't read many steampunks either. (THAT sounds epic. Now I want some steampunk jewellery. I've heard of someone who designed a steampunk bathroom, which also sounded really cool.) Lockwood is the BEST, oh my word. XD
I like it too! *wishes I had an awesome-sounding name* Yes! I have converted you! Well, almost. Perhaps it's only fair after you convinced be about the Raven Cycle. XD That's what bookworm friends are for, right?
Haha, saaaame. The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Raven Cycle, and the Lunar Chronicles all sprang instantly to mind as popular series that followed me around for a long time before I ever picked them up. XD
BUY ALL THE BOOKS. And all the shelves, because you might need them. (I sure do.) 😛
Great tag! I love seeing what other people are reading, and this is a lovely, long list!
I'm sorry to hear about the closure of your bookstore, but at the same time envious of your discount purchases. Moonblood and Dragonwitch are two of my favourites out of the series.
(Also,thanks for tagging me! I'm working on it now, enjoying being able to spiel about my books.)
Why, thanks! 😀
Discounts are a very wonderful thing to come across when it comes to books, because being a bookworm is an expensive pastime. XD I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite Goldstone Wood book, but I have been wanting to reread Dragonwitch in particular lately… Ah, who am I kidding, I just want to reread them ALL!
I can't wait! Speaking of your blog, my apologies for being so horrendous at commenting lately.
All the Goldstone Wood books are my favourites! These two just happen to be a little higher on the pedestal.
Ah, it's alright. I'm just happy to have something to write, and then a place to put it!
Nice! I think–if I HAD to pick–Starflower and Shadowhand would be a teensy tiny bit higher on my list.
You're very understanding. ^_^ Yes, that's one of the great things about blogging–a place to finally put all those thoughts.
Eeep, you did the tag! Yay!
I really need to read these Lunar Chronicles… they are taking over my internet. Also, Bryan Davis.
That "The Shadow Lamp" is an absolutely GORGEOUS cover! Who's the author? So pretty! *flails*
I love books! And reading! And Tales of Goldstone Wood!!!!! I'm glad I'm not all caught up on my reading of those… still have Draven's Light (and just bought a copy… so it's waiting for me!!!) I also have ABOSABOG (which would be an awesome villain name… just sayin') haha… but I'm kind of putting them off a bit… because I know that when they're done, I don't have any more coming for a while.
Love seeing what everyone is reading!
Yesss, the Lunar Chronicles are super good! At least Cinder was, and I hear the rest of the books are too. WAIT. JENELLE. You mean to say you haven't read anything by Bryan Davis yet? :O For some reason, his books seem to be so naturally something you'd enjoy that I subconsciously assumed you'd read them…
Isn't it stunning?? It's by Stephen Lawhead! The fourth book in the Bright Empires series, another one I hiiiighly recommend because time travel and epicness and yes.
BOOKS AND READING AND TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD. ALL THE HEARTS. <3333 I very much need to buy Goddess Tithe and Draven's Light–and Golden Daughter too–so that my collection can be up to date. Oh, I totally sympathize with saving books because of how precious they are. (We need someone named Abosabog to show up in one of the books–a cameo appearance, lol!)
Because books are a subject of endless enjoyment, what are YOU reading right now?
I've just added several books to my tbr – thanks for the recommendations!
I just listened to Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell on audiobook and it was perfection! I've also been working my way through the adaptation and it's really good so far.
Always a pleasure! *tips top hat* I'm curious now–which ones did you add to your TBR?
Oh wow, on audiobook? That must've taken hours! But it sounds like a lot of fun. I feel like Strange and Norrell would lend itself very well to being read out loud. Glad you're enjoying the adaptation–I wasn't aware there was one.
Thanks for stopping by! I recognize you from Ink, Inc. ;D