The Reader Who Lives a Thousand Lives

I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God.  

  Ruby Red by: Kerstin Gier is a YA fiction, time-travel masterpiece. This is about a girl, Gwyneth who is from a family with the "time travel gene". The gene shows itself somewhere between your sixteenth and seventeenth birthday. Her cousin Charlotte has been preparing for time travel since she was small. What the family doesn't know is that Charlotte isn't the time traveler, Gwyneth is.

     I adored this book! The main character is really entertaining. The humor in this book is fantastic and the time travel element is very well done. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes time travel! I can't wait to read the rest of this series!

Thanks for reading! If you have read this book, let me know what you thought of it!

Yours Truly, signing off

Kenzie

I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God.

With that said, lets begin. I started reading this book yesterday. Almost immediately after I started reading, I realized that this wasn't the book for me. I tried reading more of it today, hoping that once I was deeper in the book it would get better. I didn't.

     I won't be finishing it, simply because of the fact that the writing style keeps me confused. It seems very choppy and I can only handle so much before I have to take a break. I ended up having to re-read paragraphs because I getting confused. I adore the title and my hopes were really high, unfortunately my expectations weren't met.

For more information on this book check here:

http://www.nina-george.com/

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this honest review.*

July was a great reading month as far as content goes! I didn't read as much as I usually do, but what I did read was pretty great!

The Selection by: Kiera Cass- This books was pretty good. It's Disney Princess meets Hunger Games. I enjoyed how quickly the book moved along. A lot of times a book can seem to drag on, not so with this book. Overall, the plot was lacking, no major twists that I didn't already see coming. I give this book 3 out of 5 fancy dresses.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by: Mary Downing Hahn- This is a middle grade ghost story. If you want a good ghost story, this is not it! Even for middle grade the plot is too basic. If I had to compare this to another story I would say it is a haunted version of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Overall 2 out of 5 not so scary ghosts.

Deep, and Dark, and Dangerous by: Mary Downing Hahn- This is another middle grade ghost story. This is a re-read for me, I read this back in fifth grade and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it just as much the second go round! Scary without being over the top, great for middle grade readers. I give is 4 out of 5 scary dolls.

Legend by: Marie Lu- Another re-read. I read this book a long time ago when it first came out and really enjoyed it. This is another book that is really good the second time! I have nothing bad to say about it. 4 out of 5 pocket knives.

The Grisha Trilogy by: Leigh Bardugo- This was a phenomenal trilogy! Complex without being confusing. The Characters were all really relatable and charming! I have a love/hate relationship with the Darkling. I think what he is trying to do is terrible, but at the same time I have added him to my list of book boyfriends...this is not good. For the whole series I give it a whopping 5 out of 5 amplifiers.

The Elite by: Kiera Cass- My feelings for this book are the same as the first book. Basic Plot. Maxon is a serious hottie though! I wish Aspen would just disappear.

3 out of 5 flashy necklaces.

The One by: Kiera Cass- By far the best book in the series. Nothing different in the plot, but the I enjoy the characters. 3.5 out of 5 dazzling tiaras.

The Assassins Blade by: Sarah J Maas- This is the book of novella's for the Throne of Glass Series. I loved each and every one of them. I love how you gain a deeper understanding of Celaena's decisions in the actual Novels. I need Queen of Shadows to be out...like now!  4 daggers out of 5.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I read this month. If you have read any of these books let me know what you thought of them down below!

Yours Truly, signing off!

Kenzie

 *Cue Dramatic Music* I now have a second blog! This is another book blog, it is hosted on WordPress. When I started on Booklikes, I told myself that if I kept at it I could move on to a different website...so now I'm taking the plunge! If you have a blog hosted on WordPress and have any advice please, please, please comment!

 I will still be active here on booklikes, I seem to have made some friends and I would hate to leave to soon! I will be here, although I might not post as much, we will see.

Also if you could suggest some of your favorite WordPress Book Blogs I would appreciate it! If you have an account Follow Me!

I will be re-posting some of what I posted on here....Mostly Tags and Reviews and things. Just to have a variety of things starting out.

https://herliteraryloveaffair.wordpress.com/

I'm nervous, and excited, and scared all at the same time. But mostly I'm just happy dancing...

Yours Truly, signing off!

Kenzie

I'm a little over halfway through with this book. At the moment it's got me kinda like...

Definitely slow going...Although there was one moment where all I could do was this...

Not bad so far...just slow going. I shall press on!

 This week I felt the need to go to the library, and it is a good thing I did. My library has a used book store filled with lots of good books and they were having a book sale. So, in addition to the 6 library books I checked out, I also bought 13 books from the bookstore. I paid a grand total of $3.65 for 13 books. Pretty sure that is some kind of record for me!

My Library Books:

The One by: Kiera Cass - Third book in the Selection Series! ( I finished this one and it is the best book in the series so far! Looking forward to the next one!)

The Assassins Blade by: Sarah J. Maas -Selection of novellas from the Throne of Glass Series. (I finished this one last night, and adored it! Can't wait for Queen of Shadows!!)

Eon by: Alison Goodman - First book in the series.  (Currently reading, really good so far!)

The Kingdom of Little Wounds by: Susann Cokal - Not sure if this is a standalone or if it is the first in a series.

Ruby Red by: Kerstin Gier - The First book in a time travel trilogy.

Cruel Beauty by: Rosamund Hodge - A Beauty and the Beast Retelling.

Books I Purchased from my Library

(NF) Age of Kings by: Charles Blitzer -This is a history book. (I don't really know anything about it other than that)

(NF) My War by: Tracy Sugarman- This is a book that is a non fiction account of a husband and wife during WWII.

(NF) I Remember Laura by: Stephan W Hines -This is a biographical account of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I believe it is focused more on her adult life.

(F) Crane by: Jeff Stone -I honestly have no idea what this is about.

(F) Brothers in Valor by: Micheal O. Tunnell - This about three German boys during WWII

(NF) Life in a Medieval Castle by: Joseph and Frances Gies -Since I have been to a medieval castle I thought this would be an interesting read.

(NF) Jane Austen the Woman By: George Holbert Tucker - This is a biography about Jane Austen!

(F) The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by: E. Lockhart -I have no idea what this is about.

(F) Restoring Harmony by: Joelle Anthony -This is a dystopian novel set in the future.

(NF) The Discovery of the Titanic by: Dr. Robert D. Ballard

(F) The Knife of Never Letting Go by: Patrick Ness -Heard really good things about this book.

(NF) The Devil in the White City by: Erik Larson -This sounds really interesting, it involves a World Fair and a Serial Killer

(F) War Without Friends by: Evert Hartman - A WWII book about some kids in occupied Holland.

I suppose I should feel guilty for all of the books that I bought, but with how much I paid for them I feel no guilt! I hope you enjoyed reading this!

Yours Truly, signing off!

Kenzie

I felt like I needed to post something...so here is a Top Ten Tuesday! I recently downloaded a ton of e-books, so here are the ten that I am most excited to read!

10. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by: Neil Gaiman (It would be my first Gaiman book!)

9. Between Shades of Gray by: Ruta Sepetys (I have a weakness for World War II Books)

8. The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath by: Ishbelle Bee (It looks similar to the Night Circus)

7. Where'd You Go, Bernadette by: Maria Semple (It just sounds like a really good book!)

6. Jasper Dent Series by: Barry Lyga (Everyone needs a good thriller!)

5. The Symptoms of My Insanity by: Mindy Raf (Sounds really cute!)

4. Unhinged Series by: A. G. Howard (I have been wanting this series for a long time)

3. Saint Anything by: Sarah Dessen (Heard great things about this book!)

2.  The Hundred Series by: Kass Morgan (TV show is great!)

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by: Sarah J. Maas (This is going to be read while I wait for Queen of Shadows to come out!)

This could partially be considered an August TBR. I hope you enjoyed reading this. If you have read any of these books, leave me a comment with what you thought of it!

Yours Truly, signing off!

Kenzie

 I started this book yesterday. If the time it took me to read it is any indicator, it was really good! I knew this book had high ratings among the book-tube community so I grabbed it while I was at the library a couple weeks ago.

 This is the most satisfying book from the library books I grabbed (Legend by: Marie Lu and The Selection by: Kiera Cass) I enjoyed this book a lot. There are a lot of good things about this book. First, the action is pretty immediate, chapter 2 is where I really got hooked. Next, the world building is very intriguing, and unique. You know I enjoyed a book when I automatically start the second book after reading the first, which is true in this case!

     My only negative for this book is that I was confused for half of it. There were details I wish I would have had a little earlier on in the book. Still, I am glad I read this book! Thank you so much for reading, as usual!

Have a fabulous day lovelies!

Yours Truly, signing off!

Kenzie

Well, this is just the beginning. I'm already hooked.

 These Life Updates just keep coming. Not long after announcing my return to Booklikes I found out that someone close to me will be tying the knot soon! I am so excited to be a part of the wedding party and being involved in the planning. I have been enjoying the extra time spent with the bride and groom as the preparations begin. In honor of the occasion I created the Wedding Book Tag. I looked around and didn't see another Tag like this one. All are free to do this Tag, all I ask is that you leave a link to my blog in your post and please, please, please send me a message with the link to your blog so I can read your post. Here goes nothing.

The Wedding Tag

The Wedding Dress- A book that was either simple and elegant or breathtakingly over the top.

     I picked simple and elegant. A book that I feel is both simple and elegant is Island of the Blue Dolphins by: Scott O'Dell. While it has its sad moments, overall, I find this book charming. I have read it several times since Elementary School and I love it more every time I read it!

The Wedding Cake- A book that was so scrumptious you just ate it up.

     For this, I chose The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by: Joanne Fluke. This whole series is very lighthearted and cheerful. They are easy reads, that fly by. The element of mystery is intriguing and sometimes unpredictable, which I adore! The characters are all lovely and there is humor sprinkled throughout the books! Can't go wrong with this series.

The Wedding Party- A book with amazing characters that you fell in love with.

     For this book I chose The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by: Mary Ann Shaffer. The characters in this book are all original and captivating. I loved getting to know all of them. For a full review click here: http://sheleadsmanylives.booklikes.com/post/1166498/review-the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society

The Wedding Reception- A book that left you with a major hangover.

     I chose The Night Circus by: Erin Morgenstern. This is one of the most magical books I have every read. There is so much to say, but so little time so all my thoughts can be found in my full review here: http://sheleadsmanylives.booklikes.com/post/1158068/the-night-circus-by-erin-morgenstern-review

The First Dance- A book that was so beautiful you cried.

I Never Cry. (Ha! Forgive my lapse of sanity, I cry all of the time. Especially over books!) Here is a typical answer, The Fault in our Stars by: John Green. I don't know that there needs to be a full explanation of why this book is so beautiful. As for tears, so many have been shed over this book, I can't even tell you!

The Maid of Honor or The Best Man- A book with two amazing friends.

I am picking a classic, Anne of Green Gables by: L.M. Montgomery. The friendship between Anne and Diana is so beautiful, it is a friendship I always wished I had! I am still jealous of their relationship, it was the sweetest!

Last but not Least....

The Bride and Groom- A Couple that you can't get enough of.

     My favorite couple in all of literature should not come as a surprise, Lizzy and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen. (A Masterful Authoress) There love story is, and will always be my favorite.

I hope that you enjoyed this post! Don't forget that this Tag is open to all! Don't forget to link back here and send me a message with your version of the tag! Thanks for reading!

Have a fabulous day lovelies!

Yours truly, Signing off!

Kenzie

 Today, we got out of the house for a little while and went on an adventure. By adventure, I mean we went to the Dollar Tree and to Walmart. (Walmart is always an adventure!) While at the Dollar Tree I browsed through the book section and nabbed 4 new hardback books to gorge myself on. I am also including the writing from the blurb to give you an idea of what the book is about.

The Emerald Storm by: William Dietrich- "The year is 1803. Swashbuckling, ribald, and irreverent hero Ethan Gage has outsmarted wily enemies and survived dangerous challenges across the globe, from the wilds of the American frontier to the pyramids of Egypt. Now the rakish hero finds himself in the Caribbean with his wife, Astiza, on a desperate hunt to secure the lost treasure of Montezuma—a legendary hoard rumored to have been hidden from Cortés's plundering Spanish conquistadors. Hot on his heels are British agents who want the gold to finance a black slave revolt in Saint-Domingue, robbing hostile France of its richest colony. The French, too, seek the treasure for the secrets it contains, the key to an incredible new means of invasion that can ensure Britain's defeat—on its own land.

Caught between the French and the rebel slave forces, Ethan and Astiza are in a race for gold and glory that will thrust them into the center of a bloody struggle for freedom as they try to rescue their son. And this time, Gage's luck may be running out.

Brilliantly combining science, history, mythology, and wit, William Dietrich has woven a larger-than-life tale that sees Ethan embroiled in the Napoleonic era's ideals, opportunism, and inventions, which gave rise to the modern world. Filled with intrigue, voodoo, a hurricane, violent political unrest, and unexpected passion, The Emerald Storm is Dietrich's most captivating work to date"

Year of the Tiger by: Alison Lloyd- "In ancient China, two boys forge an unlikely alliance in an effort to become expert archers and, ultimately, to save their city from invading barbarians.

A coming-of-age adventure story of two boys, the battalion commander's son Ren and noodle seller's son Hu, set during China's Han era against a backdrop of period politics and a dangerous uprising that threatens the stability of the Great Wall."

The Echo Chamber by: Luke Williams- "Impressive in its scope and ambition, this first novel is at once a family saga, a book that reimagines the myth of the empire, and a history of objects. The Echo Chamber is narrated by fifty-four- year-old Evie Steppman, who grew up in Nigeria in the 1950s during the last decade of British rule. As a child, Evie exhibited extraordinarily acute powers of hearing; now, alone in an attic in Scotland that is filled with objects from her past and with her powers of hearing starting to fade, she sets out to record her history before it all disintegrates into a meaningless din. Tales of the twelfth-century mapmaker in Palermo, stories whispered by embittered expatriates, and eyewitness accounts from Nigeria's civil war mingle with Evie's memories of her childhood, of her grandfather, a watchmaker who attempted to forge a mechanical likeness of his dead wife, and of her travels across America. Williams's interest in history and storytelling and his talent for evoking multiple voices will remind readers of the work of David Mitchell, Peter Carey, and Jonathan Safran Foer."

Lady-Protector by: L.E. Modesitt Jr.- "A new novel of Mykella, the young woman introduced in The Lord-Protector’s Daughter. Though a bloody coup has made Mykella ruler of her land, it has left her and her two sisters bereft of family and uncertain of their friends. Worse, an examination of the nation’s accounts reveals that their country is almost destitute. Plus, there are rumblings of war along the borders. With no money and few allies, Mykella is faced with the difficult prospect of rebuilding her nation while trying to hold off a potentially devastating invasion.

Fortunately for Mykella, an old magic has awakened in her; a power that gives her the ability to read the emotions of others and to spy on the movements of her enemies. But the resurgence of this power might herald the return of an ancient enemy, one that Mykella isn’t sure how to face."

If you have read any of these books please let me know what you thought of them! I don't know which one to read first! I may have to have my own little read-a-thon this week! Anyone want to join? (If you would like to have a little read-a-thon with me please send me a message!) As usual, thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

Have a fabulous day lovelies!

Yours truly, signing off!

Kenzie

In yesterday's post I briefly mentioned my wrist hurting and causing me all sorts of trouble. Well, today I went to the doctor to find out what is wrong with my poor, sad little wrist. Before visiting with the doctor, I had been told by a nurse that my pain was consistent with Carpal Tunnel. I read up on this and found that I disagreed, the pain wasn't consistent with Carpal Tunnel at all.

   The moment of truth arrived and... I was right, it isn't Carpal Tunnel. It is a Ganglion Cyst. (Sounds really scary right?) Carpal Tunnel and Ganglion Cysts are caused by similar circumstances. I spend the majority of my time on a computer typing so the repetitive action is what caused the ganglion cyst. It will be a while before I am back to my old self, so I will be putting my guitar away for a little while and I will be wearing a brace for the foreseeable future.

 I will still be posting! I have been planning some future posts and trying to get a little more organized with my blogging ideas and plans. I am hoping to do some weekly segments and things like that. I am also working on being more active in the groups I have joined. Thank you so much for reading!

Have a fabulous day lovelies!

Yours Truly, signing off!

Kenzie

First of all, is wrap up hyphenated? (Wrap up or Wrap-up) Does anyone know this? SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME!!!

Moving forward, this past month was kind of pathetic for me. I didn't read nearly as much as I usually do, don't worry I will try to make up for it this month! Without Further ado...

Tiger Lily by: Jodi Lyn Anderson- I started this book knowing that it was a "darker" version of Peter Pan. Boy did I underestimate it, much darker than expected. Even so, I really enjoyed this book . You have to go into this with an open mind though, especially if you love the original Peter Pan tale. It definitely changes your perspective of Tiger Lily and Wendy. 4 of 5 stars.

Whatever Life Throws at You by: Julie Cross- This is a cutesy little baseball romance. That's really all there is to say. 4 of 5 stars.

Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen- I can never get enough of this book! If you haven't yet, you need to read it. One, because you will probably have to read it at some point in your school years (High school/College). Two, because it is just genuinely a great book. 5 of 5 stars. (Obviously)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by: Joanne Fluke- I love books containing murder in general, but when you throw in a sassy main character the book gets a hundred times better. Hannah Swensen is an amazing character and I love the whole series! (Although, I haven't finished it yet) 4 of 5 stars

Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by: Jesse Andrews- Overhyped, to the max. I just didn't really like this book. I was a sucker for The Fault in Our Stars and I was hoping this book would be similar. It definitely isn't, I know that's the point, but I just didn't like it. I didn't like the characters at all. 2 of 5 stars.

As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

Have a fabulous day lovelies!

Yours Truly, Signing off!

Kenzie

I just want to apologize for my month long absence! Once school ended I just took some time for myself. I also got a job and I am taking 2 summer classes in order to lighten my load in the fall. I am also dealing with, what seems to be Carpal Tunnel, and I am in a lot of pain. I will be posting my June Wrap up soon and hopefully some other things in the upcoming weeks! Once more, I am so sorry for my absence!

 I am planning on dedicating more time to my blog and I am going to start working on a weekly schedule of things to post. There may a week here and there that I can't post, but overall expect something from me weekly now!

Currently Reading: Legend by: Marie Lu and Outlander by: Diana Gabaldon

Thanks So much for taking the time to read this!

Have a fabulous day lovelies!

Yours Truly, signing off!

Kenzie

Hi guys! I finished school today, so I should be posting more!(Finally!) So here is my May Wrap-up:

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by: Leslye Walton-I didn't finish this book because, it was terrible. I don't know if this counts as part of the wrap up, but I thought I would include it, since I wasted valuable time on it.

1 of 5 stars

The Night Circus by: Erin Morgenstern- This was probably one of my favorite books of the month, it was so fabulous!!! The writing style is intoxicating and magical! So are the characters!

5 of 5 stars

The Nowhere Emporium by: Ross MacKenzie- This was my first e-galley read! I enjoyed this book. This book is very similar to The Night Circus in writing style and some of the details, but it is directed toward middle graders.

4 of 5 stars

The Inheritance by: Louisa May Alcott- This was my classic pick of the month. This was one of Louisa May Alcott's first novels. She was 17 when she wrote this book. I loved it so much! This was a re-read for me.

4 of 5 stars

Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter by: Stacy King- This was my first Manga read and I really like it. It was slightly confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is a light and easy read.

3 of 5 stars

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by: Mary Ann Shaffer- The format for this book was fabulous. I love the letter's being written back and forth. I fell in love with Guernsey along with the main character. All of the characters were well done. It gets a little long winded near the middle, but it picks up.

4 of 5 stars.

Heir of Fire by: Sarah J Maas- This book was to die for! It is one of those books that you finish and you just sit there for while just contemplating everything that happened. The next book comes out this year and I am so stoked!

4 of 5 stars.

Stolen by: Lucy Christopher- This book caused so many conflicting emotions. It was another book that you have to stop and think about once you finish it. I struggled to understand her kidnapper and I could never come to a decision on if I understood him or not.

4 of 5 stars.

Cinder by: Marissa Meyer- This books was just okay. It is over-hyped and was boring at times.

3 of 5 stars.

Scarlet by: Marissa Meyer- I didn't finish this book. It just couldn't keep me interested, it bored me.

2 of 5 stars.

Paper Towns by: John Green- This book wasn't as good as I hoped it would be. It wasn't bad it just wasn't up to the level of The Fault in Our Stars. But overall I enjoyed it.

3 of 5 stars.

I suppose I did more reading than I thought I would at the beginning of the month! Yay me! Well, I hope you enjoyed this and as always, thank you so much for reading!

Have a fabulous day lovelies!

Yours truly, signing off!

Kenzie

I read the first book in this series with high hopes! I was sorely disappointed. This book is so over-hyped! It was distressing.

     I started Scarlet thinking it might be better than the first book. It was better written, but I just got bored with it. I have stopped reading it and I probably won't finish the series. I am ashamed that I couldn't get into these books. Sorry for such a short update, only two more weeks of school and I am pushing to finish up! Thanks so much for reading!

Have a fabulous day lovelies

Yours truly, signing off!

Kenzie