Hey Everyone,
I have started a youtube channel and am basically filming my thoughts on books and talking bookish things on there! I want to keep the blog going also, but will probably focus on videos until I have more time aka when I finish school! 🙂
I hope you all continue to follow my blog, Youtube channel, and now Instagram!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLSP01sNOCWO128zvAZgCg?view_as=subscriber
@Nerdbookblog – Insta
Where to start? Okay, I tried to keep my review not totally harsh because this is a YA novel. But…wow… this was not good. In turn, this review will probably not be that good because I am struggling to spend any more time on this book.
Synopsis: Basically, there is this island where 3 girls, the Swan sisters, were drowned in the waters back in the 1800s because the town viewed them as outsiders. Each year since the drownings the town holds a festival and the Swan sisters return by inhabiting other girls’ bodies to continuously seek their revenge on the hateful town.
Wow. Okay. I am going to try not to obliterate this book… but it really was not good. The only word I can think of to sum up the whole thing is cheesy. There is literally so much cheese. The Swan sisters roll into the town of Sparrow and try to settle down but the townies hate them. Marguerite, Hazel, and Aurora are the most beautiful in all the land and the islanders are so jealous they seek revenge when the sisters sleep with their husbands and basically every other person they encounter… *eye roll* Naturally. the townies drown the sisters. Each year, the sisters come back and inhabit 3 girls’ bodies and drown boys. Um. Okay. Really though, that is about as much of a visual that you get throughout the novel. It’s never really clear what is going on out there in the water when the boys are being killed. It is also not clear what the heck the sisters are doing every other day of the year.
Some Highlights: There’s a teenager beach party in which Penny’s friend Rose stays under too long and freaks everyone out *GASP.* A douchey guy tries to throw Penny into the water and Bo saves the day… *eye roll*  Next, Penny and Bo fall in LOVE and are SO deeply in LOVE there is NO OTHER LOVE that could even compare!! Got It?!
Major Spoiler. Penny isn’t Penny. Turns out she’s a Swan sister. Pretty sure that crosses some consent lines when Penny (who is actually Hazel Swan) sleeps with Bo but pretends she is Penny. Some serious consent lines have been crossed. Poor Bo, for real. This bish Hazel (kisses?) and kills his brother then tricks Bo into banging her when he thinks he’s banging penny. That’s a little messed up and I do not approve.
Can we pause and talk about how ridiculous Swan sister sounds? Speaking of ridiculous, I actually laughed out loud for a solid ten minutes when I read this: Town RINGS A BELL and GATHERS to watch drowned boys be pulled from the water. Lol… what. As a true crime lover, I literally could not stop laughing. Oh! Dead body! RING THE BELL GUYS! RING RING. Dead body yall!
Clearly, calling the police is not acceptable. The. Bell. Must. Be. Rung.
Overall, the message I got from this book is this: Boys (and let’s be honest some grown husbands sleeping with teenagers) are weak for pretty girls who have the power to drown them. Damn.
Everything is cheese in this book. Listen, I know it is a YA book and I always expect some cheese but every sentence was cheese.
I can only give this book a 1 star… and that star is for creativity because the idea was neat just not well executed. The coolest part about this book was the cover. Aside from that, I can’t believe I didn’t DNF this…
Synopsis: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des RĂŞves, and it is only open at night.Â
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.Â
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.Â
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.
I am listening to this one on audiobook. Right now, I am about 4 hours in and I have been HOOKED from the start! I cannot wait to finish this one! More updates to come!
Have you read this one? What did you think? No spoilers yet please!
Okay, I couldn’t help myself. I ordered 3 more Owlcrate subscriptions and had to make a video. It’s so addicting! Will I make videos for the next two? Probably!
I made a youtube for this kind of thing, so here we go round 2! Are my editing skills getting better? Probably not, but this is so fun! If I get real brave, I may voiceover one of them!
WARNING: If you haven’t read the first book in the series, this review will be a giant spoiler.
SPOILERS EVERYWHERE.
The Wise Man’s Fear is the second book in the King Killer Chronicle with the first book being The Name of The Wind.
Let’s jump on in!
There is a lot going on in both books. Clearly! I knew to expect a slow-burn type book with The Wise Man’s Fear. However, I felt like this one was way more “ranty” than book 1.
The first part of the book, I was all in. Kvothe is leaving the university and going on another epic adventure. He’s getting in with the high courts and getting some change in his pocket finally. Unfortunately for me, the adventure was just… blah. One thing I really loved was the dynamic between the mercenaries and Kvlothe during part of the adventure, which I think is what kept me invested.
I was on board 100% with this book until Kvothe spent FOREVER with Felurian. I thought it was freaking cool that he chased a fae and ended up in another realm. Epic. However, After Kvothe finally had a sexual encounter with Felurian, it was like the experience WOULD. NOT. END. I actually put the book down for several weeks during this part of the story because I was just not into. Like… I get what the author was trying to do, and by the end of the book it worked. The entire experience was supposed to be other worldly and sense of time completely jacked up. The sense of time WAS distorted for Kvolthe AND the reader, which fit the narrative of sense of time being screwed up… but damn. Guy loses his virginity and it’s all we hear about for chapters upon chapters.
Hooray! Kvothe got laid by a fae creature. Awesome. Now let’s move on. And when the moving on part FINALLY happened, it felt like more rant and sidewinding. At one point, the book stated Kvothe would be going to the edge of the world and I was just like, “oh great, here we freaking go with a 300 page side note. And it was exactly that. Like, so much random and bland adventure that I don’t even want to blog about it…
NEXT!
Book 1 – zero sex. Which is good, because Kvothe was a child for most of it lol.
Book 2 – Kvothe loses virginity to fae creature and suddenly bangs everything in sight. Prepare to indulge in pages upon pages of what feels like a teenage boy’s gross sex fantasy. Oh? What is that? Kvothe traveled to a culture where everyone casually has sex with everyone? Even their teachers? Of course it is. Let’s keep this sexcipade going for literally hours.
Speaking of side notes, I don’t know if it is just me, but I really wish Kvothe and Fella would have run off into the sunset together because I can’t stand Denna. Kvothe is interesting and talented. What is Denna besides a free-spirit? What do they even have in common? Survival? I don’t know, but Denna just doesn’t do it for me. Denna is the only character I actually can’t stand. Her mysterious nature is not mysterious. She’s boring. I just do not get it. Kvothe can be annoying at times too, but confidence goes a long way right? He admits flaws, so that makes him more likable. but Denna? She is as plain Jane as all get out.
By the end of the book, I had truly felt the exhaustion Kvothe must have felt from traveling all over the freaking place by pushing through 43 hours of audiobook. Fortunately, the ending chapters were like a warm, happy, fuzzy homecoming and it was nice to see Kvothe get reacquainted with all his old friends and professors. Except Denna. She can frick off.
BUT I DID IT! I FINISHED BOOK 2! Although my review may seem a bit harsh, I really did LIKE it. I just didn’t LOVE it. I wasn’t wowed.
The writing is absolutely brilliant. The world is immersive. The characters are super likable (most of them). However, due to the adventure not being entirely exciting and a little bland as well as the ranty nature of this book, I have to knock off 2 stars.
Oh, and the weird teenage-like sexual fantasies featuring banging fae creatures and a sex cult of swingers was a little much. Yeah.. that. Nonetheless, adventure makes things exciting and no matter how amazing the writing is, exciting things need to happen in an exciting way to keep me invested.
I know we are wayyy beyond May at this point. However, I uploaded my unboxing video to youtube so I could put it on here!
Fingers crossed that it works!
I have some work to do, but for a first unboxing/editing video, I don’t think it’s too bad!
Hey everyone!
I know it has been a while since I’ve posted, but I haven’t given up on the blog life. I am just super busy balancing reading for school vs. reading for fun. Currently, I am about to finish the second book in The King Killer Chronicle. I finished Name of The Wind several months ago and decided to tackle The Wise Man’s Fear.
The first book was a 27 hour audio book and the second is 43 hours!!! So, I am about 3 hours from finishing The Wise Man’s Fear!
I am currently reading 2 physical books as well. First, I am reading I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara and The Forgotten Book by Mechthild Glaser.
My reading loves are all over the place as there is a fantasy, true-crime, and YA on my current reading list!
The Wrap-Up
Reviews for The Wise Man’s Fear, I’ll Be Gone, and The Forgotten Book coming soon!!
As a true crime junkie and avid listener of the My Favorite Murder Podcast, I counted down the days for this book to come out. Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered is a dual memoir by Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark.
Talking about murder and having an interest in true crime is a bit taboo. I’ve been finding that there are many people interested in the topic, but it definitely isn’t something I go up to everyone and start talking about.
Yes and no. I don’t think someone would get the entire benefit or enjoyment from this book if A) they don’t like true crime or B) have never heard of Karen and Georgia. Nonetheless, there are some valuable messages and it’s a fun read, but I doubt you would get the full benefit of its awesomeness.
I think this raw and gritty book could apply to anyone who has faced struggles, is currently going through some tough stuff, or have found themselves in unhealthy mental cycles. Karen and Georgia portray these experiences and what they have learned along the way. Their information and knowledge of going to therapy is spot on and so accurate! As a future therapist, I approve!
I had gotten the hardcopy of the book, but have heard great reviews about the audiobook. In all honesty, I probably would have enjoyed the audiobook more because Georgia and Karen are the ones actually voicing it. While reading, I found myself dragging in some parts because I was thinking, “this is pointless and they are trying to fill up page space.” Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE KAREN AND GEORGIA… but parts of the book seemed kind of pointless. By the same token, other parts of the book were so sentimental, deep, and meaningful that it was a weird balance that I think reflects their podcast, so I can only assume this was on purpose, which is why I think I would have liked the audiobook more. When they talk about murder in the podcast, it’s heavy (because murder), but balanced out with their jokes. Yeah, it’s a strange combo, but it totally works and it is not demeaning to victims nor does it make it fun of the murders.
I love ya Karen, Georgia, and all of the murderinos! I’m not sure how a non-true crime fan would like this book, but there are some really good parts/messages. It’s a fun (sometimes sad) read! Just like the podcast!
#MFM #Staysexydon’tgetmurdered #SSDGM
4/5 stars!
Have you ever picked up a book at your local book store that was either gigantic or so heavily prose that it scares you from purchasing or attempting the read? SAME! I cannot even count how many times I have thought, “Oh wow, this book looks cool!” *picks up book* “Hmm… this looks huge. I don’t even think I could dedicate the time to read this thing…” *sadly puts cool looking book back on shelf*
I have experienced this more times than I am willing to admit. However, here is a list of 5 times I accepted the intimidating book challenge and loved every second of the experience. This list encompasses the times I picked up the book and thought “I got this! Yay! Cool book!” Took that sucker home. Dug right in. Loved it.
Full disclosure: Some of these I still have not finished the entire series but have conquered the first book. Nonetheless, the satisfaction of finishing that first intimidating step is indescribable.
Okay, let’s get into this! IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:
If you have never picked up Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, the book is freaking huge. It’s a thick ole’ thing and is ultimately quite INTIMIDATING. In fact, I was ultra intimidated by this book for two reasons 1. thick ole’ thing and 2. fantasy. I know that fantasy novels are usually pretty big because of the world building and in-depth nature of the genre. The intimidation was so real, I actually listened to Book 1 on audiobook, which was every bit of 27-30 hours. I ended up loving the slow-burn of the story and it was the perfect listen for my long drives. I am currently 20% into Book 2 and it is SO GOOD.
Side note: If you’re looking for fast paced fantasy, this book is NOT for you.
Intimidated? Try the Audiobook!
Nerdbook Wisdom
I know everyone is SO SICK of hearing about Game of Thrones… but years ago I tackled the first book… so…
Have I finished the entire book series? Frick no. That first book was a huge reading accomplishment for me on a personal level. I like short, quick reads. You can imagine my horror when I received a beautiful, leather-covered box set of the GOT series. My thoughts: “Holy mother of… that’s a lot of pages… but dang… that leather…”
A few summers ago, I took the first book with me everywhere. I was hooked. AND I FINISHED IT! Happy Dance! I am not going to lie though… I felt an extreme reading slump when I finished. The mental game had begun. Do I want to tackle book 2? There are soooo many books.
My concluding thoughts: I opted to go ahead and watch the series rather than finish the books. I am NOT giving my opinion on the ending, but I am super motivated to finish the book series to get my GOT fix.
Did I just contradict a previous blog post? Sure did. But Harry Potter is a huge series and let’s face it, intimidating. If you have not tackled HP, the time is now because this series is amazing. Harry Potter. ‘Nuff said.
I’m not really sure why I was so intimidated by this book. It’s not gigantic and it’s not a deeply philosophical difficult to understand book. Nonetheless, I was a little intimidated about reading this one. I followed some Nerdbook wisdom and got the audiobook. Best. Life-choice. Ever. I LOVED the audiobook and the story in general. So. Fricken. Good.
I have picked up this book so many times. A few weeks ago, I made the leap to buy book 1. Have I touched it since then? No. I have not. The first step has been taken and someday I am going to make this book my… friend.
SO INTIMIDATED!
I think book intimidation is a real thing, especially when you prefer smaller books. Anyways, Leave a like and a comment to let me know what you think of this list! Do you agree? How do you overcome intimidation?
Hey everyone!
I am back to school this past week, so the blog might slow down a bit! However, as a true crime fanatic and avid listener of Crime Junkies and the My Favorite Murder podcast, this murderino got her copy of Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guidelast fricken night!!
OMGSHHH! I am fangirling.
Clearly, I am going to have to do everything possible to get this book read, even thought I am back in school!
I am 66 pages in and I LOVE IT! More to come later. SSDGM!
Nerdbook: A Nerdy Book Blog (Amanda) 