Tuesday, January 31, 2017

February Book of Choice Giveaway Hop


I am participating in the book of choice giveaway this month. If you don’t know what it is, it is a giveaway hop where blogs each pledge to do a giveaway which “hops” around the internet. That way people can enter into a variety of giveaways at one! It is hosted by the lovely: Lonna @ FLYLÄ“F (reviews.flylef.com).

So to start things off, I decided to share with you the book that I would buy with the giftcard if I were the winner. Windwitch by Susan Dennard! I have been dying to get my hands on this book since it came out because I absolutely loved Truthwitch by Susan Dennard. Can't wait to hear from you all what book you would love to buy with the prize giftcard! And if anyone has read the Windwitch, feel free to leave your thoughts on the book down in the comment section! I would love to hear what you have to say.

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Giveaway

Open February 1st at 12am (PST) until the 15th at 11:59pm (PST) of this month.

One winner will recieve a $10 amazon giftcard to buy the book of your choice with.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 30, 2017

Series Review: The 100 by Kass Morgan

The 100 Series by Kass Morgan

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The 100 by Kass Morgan


No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.

Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents -- considered expendable by society -- are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission.

CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves -- but will she ever forgive him? Reckless BELLAMY fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only pair of siblings in the universe. And GLASS managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.

Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their pasts, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope.


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The 100: Day 21 by Kass Morgan

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.

It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries...or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.

In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can -- together.





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The 100: Homecoming by Kass Morgan

Weeks after landing on Earth, the Hundred have managed to create a sense of order amidst their wild, chaotic surroundings. But their delicate balance comes crashing down with the arrival of new dropships from space.

These new arrivals are the lucky ones—back on the Colony, the oxygen is almost gone—but after making it safely to Earth, GLASS’s luck seems to be running out. CLARKE leads a rescue party to the crash site, ready to treat the wounded, but she can’t stop thinking about her parents, who may still be alive. Meanwhile, WELLS struggles to maintain his authority despite the presence of the Vice Chancellor and his armed guards, and BELLAMY must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he thought he’d left behind.

It’s time for the Hundred to come together and fight for the freedom they’ve found on Earth, or risk losing everything—and everyone—they love.



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The 100: Rebellion by Kass Morgan

Centuries after nuclear war destroyed our planet, humanity struggles to rebuild. It’s been a month since the dropships landed and the Colonists joined the Hundred on the ground. The teens, once branded juvenile delinquents, are now leaders among their people.

The Colonists and the Earthborns are celebrating their first holiday together when, to everyone’s horror, they’re attacked by a group of strangers whose unusual battle cries fill the air. The newcomers kill scores of people, seize prisoners, and pillage crucial supplies. When hotheaded Bellamy and his analytical girlfriend Clarke discover that Wells, Octavia and Glass have been captured, they vow to get them back at all costs. But as they go after their new enemies, Bellamy and Clarke find themselves increasingly at odds, unable to agree on a plan to save their friends. 

Meanwhile, Wells, Octavia, and Glass are being slowly brainwashed by their captors, religious fanatics with one goal: to grow their ranks and “heal” the war-ravaged planet… by eliminating everyone else on it.

But centuries of radiation exposure have taken their toll, forcing the cult to take drastic steps to survive. And unless the rescue party arrives soon, the teen captives will face a fate more terrifying than anything they could imagine. In this thrilling fourth installment, the hundred fight to protect the people they love on the dangerous planet they always dreamed of calling home.

Pages: 1268 (Total)
Format: Paperback
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult - Sci-fi, Dystopian

FTC Disclaimer: I received the first two books (originally, now I own them) free to read and review, thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley.

Rating:
✮✮✮

Review:
First, I will mention that I loved the inital trilogy. I loved the fourth book also, but it didn't really flow with the first three books, and I felt like it was unncessary to the series. The first three books in the series flowed really well together. My issues with the fourth book stemmed from the cult. I was at first intrigued by the concept of this cult, but I felt it was kind of weird from where the earlier books had taken the series. I do want to stress that I LOVED this book, but I felt like it could have been a standalone book (with different characters within "The 100 world"), but I just wasn't a fan of it within the series.

I believe there is a lot in "The 100" world Kass Morgan could create stories from. She has so many available options, but I think Clark, Bellamy, Wells, and Glass' stories should be over. There is no need to continue with their lives. The ending of the third book was satisfying, the ending of the fourth book was satisfying. It doesn't need more, and I feel like more could ruin the series. I, honestly, would not mind having a book or series about anoher group of "grounders" in a different location within "The 100 world". I would even love a future series about maybe Glass' and Luke's children, and Bellamy's and Clarke's. I think that would be awesome (of course it will most likely never happen), but I just feel like these would have been better alternatives than this fourth book, because it didn't flow as well with the story as the second and third book did. If you view it as a standalone story, it is fantastic.

Ok, so let's start from the beginning. The 100 was a fantastic start for this series, and Day 21 and Homecoming flowed really well with the first book. The fourth book was a new, different challenge that this group faced. The cult felt quite random, but at the same time, it didn't feel wrong because the "The 100 world" is so open-ended.

I loved Clarke and Bellamy, they were two of my favorite characters in the series for all four books. They were very strong and willful characters, which you can see throughout the series. Glass was another favorite, I thought her perspective was the most original out of the four viewpoints. I was not really a fan of her perspective in the fourth book, at times. I also liked how her character was diffferent from the rest. She was naive and her heart seemed to always be in the right place. Wells' was not a favorite of mine. He annoyed me in the first book, still didn't really care for him in the second book, and didn't like him in the fourth. The only book I didn't mind him in was the third book. I wish we could have seen Sasha's perspective in the series instead of Wells'. I just feel like it would have been different from the rest, and added a unique perspective to the series.

I shipped Bellarke, and Luke and Glass (there is really no way you can make a ship name). I also enjoyed seeming Bellamy's relationships with both Octavia and Wells. I also enjoyed a lot of the minor characters, like Fenix and Eric, Sasha, and Octavia. I just thought that those relationships were really well done, you could see how much they all cared for one another.

So to conclude, I loved this series. I loved the characters. I loved the initial trilogy storyline. The fourth was a little slow during the middle of the book. The beginning and end were wonderfully paced and interesting. I loved the setting of the stories, and I really enoyed Kass Morgan's writing style. Overall, the series was really good. I highly recommend this series, just take in mind when reading that the fourth book is quite distinct from the other books (not bad, just really different).

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Week at a Glance #5

Current Week Goals: So I was able to get one book done from the previous week's list, and two other books, but I still have five I'm still trying to get done.

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1)

Recieved: Library (Overdrive)
Format: E-book
Review: To Be Added







5899779


Recieved: Library (Overdrive)
Format: E-book
Review: To Be Added







24380140


Recieved: Own
Format: Paperback
Review: None








3


Recieved: Own
Format: Paperback
Review: None







30140756


Recieved: Own
Format: Paperback
Review: None











Previous Week Accomplishments:

23272028


Recieved: Library (Overdrive)
Format: E-book
Review: To Be Added







On tiptoe by Sarah Iles


Recieved: Author (Sarah Iles)
Format: E-book
Review: http://readingforthestarsmoon.blogspot.com/2017/01/review-on-tiptoe-by-sarah-iles.html






Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson


Recieved: Walden Pond Press (Jean BookNerd)

Format: Paperback
Review: Review to be Posted: February 19th


Netflix Book Tag

netflix book TAG


I first saw this tag at HardbackHoarder and here is the original: A Darker Shade of Whitney

And here we go...

1. Recently Watched: What is the last book you finished reading?

Defy the Dark by Various Authors

It's an anthology. I gave it 3/5 stars. Here is my review.

2. Top Picks: What book/books have been recommend to you based on a book you have previously read.

None... usually people just recommend random books to me...

3. Recently Added: What is the last book you bought?

Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen.

4. Popular on Netflix: What are books that everyone knows about (2 you've read and 2 you haven't read or have no interest in reading?

Two popular books that I have read are: Divergent and Hunger Games. Two books that I haven't read are Harry Potter (which I am currently working on) and Legend (which I hope to read sometime in the near future).

5. Comedies: What is a funny book?

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith. I've chuckled a few times already and I think I'm only like 15% in.

6. Dramas: What is a book with a character who is a drama queen/king?

Ummm... I have no idea. I can't think of a single drama queen character in any books I've read... I know there are some, but I can't think of them... drawing a blank here...

7. Animated: What is a book with cartoons on the cover?

A book with cartoons on the cover is Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy.

8. Watch it agan: What is a book/book series that you want to reread?

I typically don't reread books, but I would definitely reread the Article 5 series by Kristen Simmons.

9. Documentories: What is a nonfiction book you'd recommend to everyone?

The Bible

10. Action and Adventure: What is an action packed book?

I'm gonna have to go with the Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa.

11. New Releases: What is a book that just came out or will be coming out soon that you can't wait to read?

Windwitch by Susan Dennard... I absolutely loved the first book, and can't wait to read the second book... I want it now!

12. Max: Tag some people.

Everyone who reads this is tagged.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Lunar New Year Book Tag

I wasn't actually tagged for this, but I love doing book tags, and so I was just like, why not? So here I am doing this tag! You can find the tag I saw here. Let's get on with this tag. :)



My most anticipated 2017 book is Windwitch by Susan Dennard. I know that it's out now, but I still haven't had the chance to read it, and I just can't way to get my hands on it! I absolutely loved Truthwitch, and have been anticipating this since the first book came out last year.


A comfort book that I always go back to? Can it be a series? The Warriors Series by Erin Hunter. The warriors series was probably the reason that I love books as much as I do, and one of the reasons that I want to write books later in life. It was creative and wonderful, and I think Ive read the series like 5000 times... definitely my favorite parts 5000 times.


I don't feel like I spend a lot on books or book-related things. My go-to bookstore is the online bookoutlet, and if you've ever shopped on bookoutlet, you know that their prices are awesome, and I don't really buy bookish things... usually my bookish things are gifts.


Umm... I have a few options for this, but I think I will go with the author, C.C. Hunter. I loved her Shadow Falls series, and I can't wait to delve into her spin-off series (I feel ashamed, I have had the spin-off series since they were published, and I haven't read them yet...) Also, my other options were kind of discovered because of the Shadow Falls series...


I'm going to have to go with is Gwen Frost from the Mythos Academy series because I just feel like she was very steadfast in her beliefs, and she was just a strong character overall.


Some Boys by Patty Blount. This book handled the tough topic, rape, well. It was very emotional and painful because of how accurate I feel it was. There were times where I wanted to throw my phone across the room while reading because of how strong this book was. I loved this story, but it was really tough to get through.


There is a lot of books that I could choose for this one, but I'm gonna have to go with P.S. I Like You by Kasie West. I just love how the romance developed in this story, and it literally is the definition of sweet romance.


So many books with royalty... I'm going with Spelled right now, because that is a book that I am currently reading.


I'm going to have to go with... I don't know. I can't think of a single manipulative character, and I know there are some... I have an idea right now in my head, but I can't think of who the character is or what book/book series he is from. :(


Spies and Prejudice. I absolutely loved this book. It was recommended to me by my sisters, and I was hesitant about reading it, but then I did, and I was super happy that I did, because its fantastic!


Right now, I'm kind of in love with the cover of The School for Good and Evil. I just absolutely love it!


My favorite comic relief character would have to be Jamie from Mara Dyer. I just always loved when he was in the scene, and he made me chuckle a few times. He wasn't like overly humerous, but enough that I loved him.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Release Blitz + Giveaway: My Clueless Broken Heart by Jennifer DiGiovanni

Title: My Clueless Broken Heart
Author: Jennifer DiGiovanni
Genre: YA Romance

Becca Thornton is clueless when it comes to love. Why else would she break up with Will Gamen, a boy at the top of the hottie short list for every other girl?

Because, if she’s being totally honest, Becca will admit the truth. Her heart belongs to someone else.

For as long as she can remember, Travis Brennen has been unavailable.

When Travis unexpectedly rolls back into town, Becca realizes for the first time that her feelings for him might be mutual. But Travis and Becca come from what he calls “different circumstances.”

Becca’s parents are world-famous scientists and Travis’s dad is the caretaker on the Thornton family’s estate. Still, Becca can’t change the way she feels about him, no matter how hard her parents try to keep them apart.

She’ll just need to find a way to prove to her parents that Travis isn’t the guy they’ve always assumed him to be. Becca’s earned the right to grow up, make her own choices, and fall in love, even if she ends up with a broken heart.
 

Links

Buy on Amazon    

Author Bio

Jennifer DiGiovanniJennifer DiGiovanni is a freelance writer and YA author of the School Dayz series. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, working on home design projects, or trying to meet the daily goals on her Fitbit. She also likes to try new sports and activities, from archery to ballroom dancing, with varying degrees of success.


Swoon Romance: Twitter Facebook



Giveaway

Win an eBook copy of My Clueless Broken Heart.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

You're Not Good Enough Book Tag

you're not good enough TAG


So I saw this over at Our Book and Bookish Thoughts, and thought hey this sounds awesome, so I definitely want to do it! So check out herse, and check out the original one over at Read Like Wildfire and Becca the Book Reviewer.

So from what I surmise, you list a bunch of characters (30 to be precise), and the more random they are, the more fun. Then you pick two and those two determine the answer to a question below. I decided to change it up a little, and decided to make it even more random by allowing random.org to pick my characters from books, and I didn't write down any characters names (I just let it pick the book, and I picked a character from the book).

Here it goes...

1. You only have one more spot on your Spelling Bee team. Who would you pick to complete your team?

Dana from A Year in Europe Vs. Claire from Nobody

I think I will have to go with Dana because I think it would just be easier to work with someone on my team who people notice, compared to someone who would be practically invisible.

2. Both characters want to kill you. Which one would you kill first so you have a better chance of surviving?

Natalie from Magic Most Foul Vs. Meghan from Iron Fey

Well I'm pretty certain Meghan could kill me easily whereas I'm not as worried about Natalie killing me. So if I want to survive I would have to kill Meghan. I have no doubt that I would probably survive if it were just me against Natalie.

3. You're on the bachelorette and you're down to these two characters. Who gets the rose?

Connor from Ashes and Ice Vs. Cabel from Wake

Cabel... hands down Cabel. Sorry Connor, but you're just not the one for me.

4. You've been chosen for the Hunger Games. Who would most likely volunteer in your place?

Tella from Fire and Flood Vs. Gwen from Mythos Academy

I could easily see both of these characters volunteering, I honestly think probably Gwen. I feel like Tella might have to have a very good reason to, but I could see Gwen doing it because... well Gwen's a Champion, and that's what she does.

5. You're stranded on an island. Which character would you sacrifice to engage in cannibalism?

Adrienne from Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls Vs. Rogan from Countdown

Without a doubt, Adrienne because I really don't think I would be able to stand her (couldn't reading the book), and I love Rogan. I don't want him to be sacrificed. I want him alive. I'm keeping him alive.

6. You're the next DC/Marvel superhero (with your own TV show of course). Who is your sidekick?

Rhine from Chemical Garden Vs. Kaylee from Soul Screamers

I love both Rhine and Kaylee, but I think I'm going to have to go with Rhine. I think she could be a sidekick, and I think Kaylee could also, but I think our personalities would clash too much and I'd have to get along with my sidekick almost 24/7 (or else I feel like nothing would be accomplished... bye bye tv show).

7. You're a manager of an avocado admiring company. Who would you fire for lack of communication skills?

Dan from Asylum Vs. Antonia from Possibilities of Sainthood

I'm going to have to go with Dan on this one, mostly because he's quiet and I feel like he might not trust me enough to want to talk to me because of what he has gone through. Can't really blame him.

8. You've just finished a book in which your favorite character dies. Who is most likely to comfort you?

Ronan from Age of Legends Vs. Chase from Article 5

I love them both so much. But, without a doubt, Chase. He's more emotional and affectionate than Ronan. Ronan's a lot tougher when it comes to exposing his feelings, and honestly, I can't blame him. And I think Chase is just better at being someone you can depend on.

9. Ugh, it's high school. Who would most likely be part of the popular clique?

Niki from Halloween Party Vs. Kenna from Kiss of Broken Glass

As sad as this is, Niki without a doubt. If you've read Kiss of Broken Glass, you would understand why Kenna would most likely not be part of the popular clique. And Niki seems like the kind of girl who would just be popular.

10. The day has arrived; you're finally a year older! Who would have the nerve to forget your birthday?

Jules from Visions Vs. Luca from Order of Darkness

This was pretty easy, not because either of the characters are jerks and would purposely forget my birthday, but poor Jules has a lot going on in her life... with all her visions, and I think she would just get distracted by that... unless her visions are about me...

11. You've just found an upcoming Booktube star. Who would it most likely be?

Cecilia from Palace of Mirrors Vs. Bertie from Crimson Thread

I have to go with Bertie. I think it would be really interesting, plus she has a freaking Irish accent.

12. Sleepover time! Unfortunately, you can only invite one person. Who would you invite?

Kyra from Poison Vs. Sophie from Strangelets

This is kind've tough, because I really liked both Kyra and Sophie. I think Sophie is more relatable, but Kyra's pretty kickbutt, and well, she has a "too-cute pig", and well I just feel like the pig's winning me over. Sorry Sophie, maybe another time!

13. Bam, you're pregnant. Who's the father/mother?

Tarver from Starbound Vs. Fade from Razorland

Tarver, obviously. He's just perfect! Okay, maybe not perfect, but nearly close enough. And I like Fade, but Tarver won my heart in These Broken Stars, and as much as I like Fade, he just wouldn't win against Tarver.

14. You've just written a super important text. Who would 'see' it, but not reply?

Haden from Falling Under Vs. Talon from Legend of the Lightkeeper

I'm going with Haden because I just don't think he's as thoughtful and as nice as I think Talon is.

15. You've just woken up and it's time for breakfast. Your mum's been replaced by... who?

Julia from Regency Spies of London Vs. Katniss from The Hunger Games

I'm gonna have to go with Julia. No question about it.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Ten Weeks of Teasers #2: Digging in the Stars by Katherine Blakeney

Are you ready for Digging in the Stars by Katherine Blakeney? We've got ten weeks of teasers to get you just as excited about this sci-fi adventure as we are! When 16 year-old Carter's friend go missing and all clues lead to the rumored ancient tombs of the planet Thror, she decides to divert her archaeology group's trip to Thror in an effort to find him and discover the lost treasures of a lost king. Pre-order your copy now!


teaser two:

Carter had been so close to her goal. She saw that crack with her own eyes, a portal into a lost ancient world, chambers filed with carvings, images that had never been recorded or reproduced. The greatest discovery of this or any other century, waiting less than twenty feet away.


Get your copy 3/28!


about the book:

A lost ancient civilization and the tomb of a legendary king lie buried beneath centuries of ash on the volcanic planet Thror, but that’s not the only reason sixteen-year-old Carter has tricked her Archaeology of Outer Space class into coming here. Her best friend Conrad has just disappeared on a trip to Thror, leaving behind little more than a broken vintage camera. The strange and disturbing photographs she manages to extract make her suspect Conrad’s disappearance is somehow connected to the hidden tomb of the last king of Thror.

Unfortunately, the ludicrously over-friendly ‘Furry Giants’ who have taken over the planet’s barren surface would rather offer her cheap souvenirs than answers, and the local officials insist they have no record of Conrad’s existence. Inspired by fear for Conrad’s life and the chance to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, Carter and her friends follow Conrad’s footsteps deep into the mountains of Thror’s forbidden Black Zone and launch an illicit excavation.

Coded messages, stunning ancient ruins, and clues left by Conrad himself begin to surface as the young archaeologists fall victim to an alarming series of accidents staged by the increasingly hostile Furry Giants. Piecing together a history of dictatorship, terrorism and disguise, Carter glimpses the horrors beyond Thror’s flamboyant façade and startling revelations about the friend she thought she knew. The masks of Thror hide devastating secrets, and the golden tomb buried deep in the frozen core may claim the lives of everyone she loves.

about the author

Katherine Blakeney is an author and filmmaker with a BFA in Stop Motion Animation from the School of Visual Arts in New York and a PhD in Film Studies from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK). Raised by an archaeologist mother, she grew up among museums and excavation sites, where she developed an unhealthy fascination with ancient art and mythology. She divides her time between bringing 12”-tall people to life in her studio in Edinburgh, excavating ancient tombs in the desert, and researching Gothic literary monsters in silent film. She has published numerous articles on film and archaeology, and her independent short films have screened at various international film festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe.


Sunday, January 22, 2017

Week at a Glance #4

Current Week Goals: Honestly, I'm just hoping to get one of the following books done this week. I know there's a lot, but I have my reasons for all three of the books that I own and why they are on this list... :) The three I don't own, I'm more likely to finish A Study of Charlotte than Illuminae or Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but I never know.


Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1)

Recieved: Library (Overdrive)
Format: E-book
Review: To Be Added







5899779


Recieved: Library (Overdrive)
Format: E-book
Review: To Be Added







24380140


Recieved: Own
Format: Paperback
Review: None







23272028


Recieved: Library (Overdrive)
Format: E-book
Review: To Be Added







3


Recieved: Own
Format: Paperback
Review: None







30140756


Recieved: Own
Format: Paperback
Review: None













Previous Week Accomplishments:

Nothing!!!

Monday, January 16, 2017

2017 Reading Resolutions Tag

2017 Reading Resolutions
saw first here: jessethereader

1. An Author You Would Like to Read a Book By that You've Never Read a Book By Before?


Currently Working On Completing this Resolution with The Archived.

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2. A Book You'd Like to Read?


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3. A Classic You Would Like to Read?


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4. A Book You'd Like to Reread?

I'm pretty certain I read this when I was younger, although I am not 100% positive (I know I definitely started it), but with the new series on Netflix, I wanted to hop right into the novels.


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5. A Book You've Had for Ages that You Want to Read?


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6. A Big Book that You'd Like to Read?


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7. An Author that You've Read in the Past that You Want to Read More From?


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8. A Book You Got For Christmas that You Would Like to Read?

Don't Hate Me... Please...


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9. A Series You Want to Read From Start to Finish?


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10. A Series that You Want to Finish that You Have Already Started?

I only have one more book in this series to read.


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11. How Many Books Do You Plan to Read During 2017?

https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/6940207 <-- This many and you can follow along as I complete the challenge if you are interested (all books that I read will be listed on this blog at some point, regardless if I do a review or not).

12. Do You Have Any Other Reading Goals?

You can check out any other reading goals by going to this link: https://readingforthestarsmoon.blogspot.com/2017/08/2017-reading-resolutions_1.html