"Just the Charms" Tag! Inspired by JakesTea

Hey Guys!
     
     I was watching JakesTea's video down here, and technically, this tag is meant to be for YouTube, but since I have not gained the audacity to actually start vlogging I have decided to turn this into a blog tag, so BEHOLD THE "JUST THE CHARMS" TAG!

The point of this tag is to determine whether or not some one is a great person or not (according to Jake). As he says it is the marshmallows of all the Lucky Charms tags out there. So here we go!

1. What does your username/blog title mean?
• I Am Fandom has always been my go to title. I think it just sums up everything I love and pushes me through the day, whether that be books, movies, people, music, etc. It is what I am. 
2. What is the best Star Wars film?
• A New Hope; no reason, just my favorite.
3. What is your blogging set-up? What you do to make your blogposts?
• I use the blogger page to type up my reviews and such, but I also have the help of Goodreads and Earl Grey tea.
4. What is your favorite type of pizza?
• Oh yes. A sizzling, stringy cheese pizza with a thick crust topped with mushrooms (thinly cut) and sausage. 
5. What does the blogging community mean to you?
• It's just such a great thing! I mean, I'm not a very social person on and off line, but it's so great to see people become friends and for authors to talk to their readers and for the readers to tell those authors how their books are. 
6. Who inspires you?
• So many people, each and every day. I mean some of my staples are John Green, Rick Riordan, Alex Goot, Jimmy Fallon, Katytastic, Troye Sivan, and many MANY others. Some of my every day inspirers would have to be Emma from SpunWithWords and my group of friends. They are all so great. Thanks guys. :)
7. How often do you tell the people around you, you love them?
• The word Love is such a fragile, beautiful thing to me. You must only give it to few and for specific reasons. I think most of that has to do with my overall insecurity but it is so special to me that I don't just deal it out. I try to so my love and appreciation for people in other ways, but sometimes I don't think I do it quite right. I'm quite the awkward person. 

Now it's you turn! The questions are below and you can tag as many people as you want!

I'm tagging:

     Emma @ SpunWithWords

     Remy @ BooksInHerHead

     Katy @ ABlightedOne

     Jasmine @ FlipThatPage

Here are the questions:

1. What does your username/blog title mean?
2. What is the best Star Wars film?
3. What is your blogging set-up? What you do to make your blogposts?
4. What is your favorite type of pizza?
5. What does the blogging community mean to you?
6. Who inspires you?
7. How often do you tell the people around you, you love them?

I hope you guys like the tag! I thought it was fun and creative, and a good get to know you. Have a good night, and see you soon. :)

~Monty

Prequel and Sequel Challenge 2014!

Hey friends!

       Join me in this new year to participate in Novel Heartbeat and Writer Grrl Reads's Prequel and Sequel Challenge! How many Prequels and Sequels can you read in 2014? There will be giveaways and prizes for participates. For full guidelines go to this line here.
        
       That's all I have to say for now! I will probably making a few more posts before the New Year, and will most likely making a New Years post all about my top reads, movies, music, etc. in 2013 to prepare myself for 2014. So get excited! :)

~Monty

12/26/13: Dangerous Dreams by Kami Garcia and Margret Stohl

Dangerous Dream

Cover: These covers are so very pretty, I love them so much!

Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Genre: Fantasy, Gothic Southern, Romance

Goodreads Blurb: We've got some magical news for all you caster kids: "Beautiful Creatures" authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl are going back to Gatlin for an all-new spin-off series called "Dangerous Creatures"!

The series follows fan favorite characters (and on-again-off-again couple) Link and Ridley as they embark on fresh (and sure to be epic!) adventures. The series kicks off with the enovella "Dangerous Dream," available for download on December 17, followed by the release of the first book, "Dangerous Creatures," on May 6, 2014.

Published/ing: December 17th 2013

Rating: 3.5/5

Review:

There was nothing to special about this book. It was great to plunge back into the world of Casters and magic, but it wasn't great. I think if they plan on doing a multi-point of view book, there needs to be more conflict like in the actual books. I'm really excited to see where they go with their new series. 

I enjoy Ridley's character a lot. She is so tough and powerful, but yet vulnerable. She is independent, yet is dependent. She is always conflicted with herself. It just gives so much depth to the character and the story. 

Getting to see her point of view was definitely great for her character development.  

Future News:

As seen above, Dangerous Creatures, the first book in the series, will be published on May 6th of 2014.

*sorry that this review is extremely short, there wasn't much to say about the book itself*

~Monty

12/26/13: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Leviathan

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Cover: This isn't actually the cover, I just like this version better. The original cover is very boring if you ask me.

Author: John Green and David Levithan

Genre: Romance, Contemprary, coming-of-age

Goodreads Blurb: One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both of them legions of faithful fans.

Published/ing: April 6th, 2010 Dutton's Children

Rating: 2.5/5

Review:

This book could've been a lot better. 

It was just so boring. 

I loved the characters, even though they were all pretty static the whole time. The plot was really slow and unchanging. Nothing exciting happened. 

When Will Grayson and Will Grayson met, I thought it could've been bigger, a bit changing. Both of their personalities could've been a bit more than just one unchanging trait. They could've contrasted more. 

The ending was pretty cute, and the idea was nice, but this could've been written better, which is sad to say because I love John Green and have always wanted to read David Levithan's books. 

I was really disappointed in this book. But oh well.  

~Monty

12/24/13: Top Ten Tuesday: Santa?

*sorry about the picture less post, my blogger is down*

Top Ten Tuesday

This meme is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. 

December 24: Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing Me

• The New Harry Potter Set
• So I actually opened some of my Christmas gifts today and I got the set, so I'm a pretty happy girl. :)
• Under the Never Sky
• This is easily one of the book series I will be reading next year.
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
• I'm about to read another one of Holly's books, and I've heard a lot of good things about her, so I definitely want to read the originals. 
• The Infernal Devices Trilogy
• I've read them all (but they would look really pretty on my bookshelf).
• The Unearthly Series
• Also another I've I wanted to read.
• The Time Traveler's Wife
• This sounds like such an interesting book, and I adore the cover.
• Beautiful Disaster
• I have a friend who has always wanted me to read this. Owning it would make it a lot easier.
• The Luxe Series
• I have ANOTHER friend who said these were really good (and the covers are beautiful).
• Asylum
• I adored reading Madeleine Roux's zombie novels so I bet her horror novels would be just as good!
• The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series
• And finally, I have another ANOTHER friend who read these and said they were good. 

Sorry about the whole lack of pictures thing. I was pretty disappointed about that myself. Have a Merry Christmas guys!

~Monty

12/23/13: Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

Fracture Me

Cover: Excellent. I like that they are all fitting together.

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Dystopian, Romance, Other

Goodreads Blurb: In this electrifying sixty-page companion novella to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, discover the fate of the Omega Point rebels as they go up against The Reestablishment. Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam's perspective.

As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about.

Fracture Me sets the stage for Ignite Me, the explosive finale in Tahereh Mafi's epic dystopian series. It's a novella not to be missed by fans who crave action-packed stories with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu.

Published/ing: December 17th, 2013 HarperCollins

Rating: 4/5

Review:

It has been a while since I hopped back into this series. When I was first reading this, I got really confused. I didn't know who was speaking or what was happening. Now, after a bit, my knowledge of the characters and situation came back, but I think since the last book was published a little less than a year ago, Tahereh could've added a bit more detail just to jock my memory.

Otherwise, I missed Juliette's point of view. I know it was supposed to be about Adam and his point of view, but the writing seemed awkward. It wasn't at all like Shatter Me or Unravel Me, the main books, writing wise.

Now if we are talking about plot movement then BOOM BANG BAM. Something was happening every second. I couldn't put it down. I like that the characters aren't the only things moving the plot along. I like the raw conflict.

I cannot wait for the final book to come out. I cannot get enough of Juliette's world.

Future News:

February 4th, 2014 is when the final installment in this series will be published. 

12/19/13: Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johson, and Lauren Myracle

Let it Snow

Cover: I love this cover! It's so perfectly pretty!

Author: John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

Genre: Romance, Holiday

Goodreads Blurb: An ill-timed storm on Christmas Eve

buries the residents of Gracetown under multiple feet of snow and causes quite a bit of chaos. One brave soul ventures out into the storm from her stranded train and sets off a chain of events that will change quite a few lives. Over the next three days one girl takes a risky shortcut with an adorable stranger, three friends set out to win a race to the Waffle House ( and the hash brown spoils), and the fate of a teacup pig falls into the hands of a lovesick barista.
A trio of today's bestselling authors - John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle- brings all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and kisses that will steal your breath away.

Published/ing: October 2nd, 2008 Speak

Rating: 5/5

Review:

I've read a lot of John Green books, all of which were exceptionally written. I love all the Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson joint books like the Bane Chronicles. I've only read one of Lauren Myracle's books, Shine. That was also quite good.

So you can imagine that I had high expectations for this book.

And did it fulfill those expectations.

While I was reading it, I couldn't grasp how perfectly tied together every detail was. Lauren, Maureen, and John must've sat down and just drew up a graph of every single way they could stencil the perfect, most quirky love story between six different characters.

I can't even.

It was the absolute perfect book for Christmas. It had the perfect small town, heavy snow setting. I liked the different characters. Three different characters and they all had completely different personalities. Heck, all of the characters had different personalities, different quirks, different desires.

It impresses me to an infinite extent.

The conflict that brought all the characters together in the end was also perfect. How the two main settings, Waffle House and Starbucks, brought them all together. It was a beautiful Christmas story. Perfect for this time of year, because it created and developed the age old idea of a Christmas miracle.

And for that I give John, Maureen, and Lauren a standing ovation.

Good luck with your exams, if any of you have them left, and have a Merry Christmas. :)
~Monty

12/18/13: Waiting on Wednesday: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that features upcoming books that we're looking forward to!

Landline

Cover: I love it. I love that it looks like the others and will look fabulous on my shelf.

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Romance, YA

Goodreads Blurb: Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

Published/ing: July 8th, 2014 St. Martin's Press

Page Count: 320

I honestly cannot wait for another Rainbow book. I adored Fangirl and really liked Elanor and Park. This is going to be exceptional. 

~Monty

12/17/13: Top Ten Tuesday: Writer Newbies

This meme is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. 

December 17: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013

On this topic I could write a million authors, but I'll just do my favorite new ones of this year.

• Huntley Fitzpatrick
• Huntley wrote one of favorite books this year, My Life Next Door. I'm ad so excited to read her next few books when they come out!
• Kevis Hendrikson
• He is definitely a new author for me this year. I appreciated getting the chance to read his books this year.
• Marie Lu
• OoOoOo, probably my favorite dystopian author this year. Her books blew me away.
• Lauren Kate
• I'm still reading her series, Fallen, and I don't know what I think of them yet. I think I'm leaning towards three stars, but I don't know, maybe she'll surprise me!
• Madeleine Roux
• I really loved falling into her zombie novels, Allison Hewitt is Trapped and Sadie Walker is Stranded, and really must read her Asylum novel.

• Rainbow Rowell
• I think she'll be on everyone's list this year. Quite the breakthrough writer. 

• John Green
• I DO NOT REGRET A THING. These books were so good and I love what John does with his brother and everything about it is wonderful and happy.
• Tahereh Mafi
• I think these books were so very unique. Shatter Me and Unravel Me just blew me away. 
• Cassandra Clare
• Ha. Hahaha. See John Green.
• Tamera Ireland Stone
• I also enjoyed divulging my self in her books. I liked that romantic and timey wimey feel they had. 

~Monty

12/15/13: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door

Cover: It's too cute and applies to the book perfectly.

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Blurb: "One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

Published/ing: June 14th, 2012 Dial Books for Young Readers

Rating: 5/5

Review:
*giggles* I really liked this book.

I loved it start to finish. I absolutely could not put it down.

It started out very "forbidden love" and "teenage girl with a disappointing life" and then it pulled away from those main themes and made it its own.

I liked the main protagonist, Samantha, who really thinks. Not your typical "oh he's goo looking" or "oh my mom will punish me because of this" but really, actually thinks about her situation.

This whole review is technically me geeking out about how realistic this book is.

I love the foil families. The Reeds who are very pristine and exact and proper, and then the Garretts, who are compassionate and heck tic and chaotic. I liked the idea that Samantha Reed grew up longing to have a family like the Garretts, and then finally have her dream come true when a certain (beautiful) boy comes knocking at her window.

And when we finally get to meet ALL of the Garretts, I liked that each and every kid, from youngest to oldest, had different personalities. It was so entertaining for me to see Samantha in such an unfamiliar environment.

The romance aspect of the book, between Jase Garrett and Samantha Reed was so dam realistic. I loved that they were so quirky and imperfect. Like, that's what I expect from a relationship; not some perfect fairy tale. I just teared up at how great it was.

I couldn't believe this was Huntley's first book. She deserves a standing ovation for how amazing it was. It frustrates me beyond belief how perfect it was. I could not find a single flaw.

I don't think I can emphasize how much I loved this book. Everyone needs to read it.

Future News:
There will be a sequel (more of a spin-off than a sequel) scheduled to come out 2015.

12/15/13: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss

Cover: I don't like the original cover (which is the edition I actually had), but the remade covers (the one above) that are one shade or color, are absolutely beautiful.

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Blurb: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming,beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

Published/ing: December 10, 2010 Dutton

Rating: 4/5

Review: 

I enjoyed this book quite a lot.

At the beginning, it started out a bit slow and general. I was angered by the fact that the main protagonist was mad about being sent to France. Who wouldn't want to be sent to France?

But then we meet our wonderful side characters. Each of which has unique and capturing personalities that help the plot move along.

But I'd like to talk about out two main characters: Anna and St.Clair.
Anna is such a quirky, sweet, and innocent girl. I love that she loves reviewing movies and is very independent. I feel like I connected with her on a personal level. She is very realistic.

St. Clair is the dream boy OF ALL dream boys. An American boy with an English accent living in France. I melted the at the first description of him. And so did Anna.

But they both had their boundaries. Anna knew that St.Clair had a girlfriend and Anna's roommate was crushing on St. Clair. She knew he was off limits. And I'm glad she respected that for the most part.

St. Clair was a bit confusing. He never seemed to make up his mind. He knew what he want, but he didn't want to hurt anyone to get what he wanted creating this spider web of problems for all the characters.

I think their romance was a little off kilter at some points, but I liked how it flattened out in the end. 

Overall, the setting was excellent and the writing wasn't the best, but still pretty good. You could definitely tell Stephanie Perkins did her research for each and every element of the story. 

Future News:

The third and final installment in this trilogy will come out May 13th of next year.

12/11/13: W...W...W...Wednesday: Hey...Guys...

Wednesday's meme is hosted by Should Be Reading.

• Currently Reading
• I am currently reading Being Friends With Boys by Terra Elan McVoy. I hope to write a nice long review for this one, along with two other contemporary books I read. Also, this book has a really pretty cover :).

• Finished Reading
• I read a lot of books the past few weeks (over NaNoWriMo and Exam Study Guide making). A couple of those books are Firebrand by Antony John (amazing sequel to Elemental), My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick, and Anna and the French Kiss (CUTESY TOOTSIEY) by Stephanie Perkins. All of which, I enjoyed. 

• To Read
• I want to read a bunch of books, in fact I have a huge stack, since Christmas is coming up, but my top two are Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle and Passion, the third book in the Fallen series, by Lauren Kate. 

Sorry I haven't been on lately. Between NaNo and Exams it's been insane. I want to get out a few reviews, but between all the exam crap going on, it might not be too likely. Oh well. I've missed this. :)

Have a good Wednesday,

~Monty