October 2016 Book Haul

I'M BACK.

It's been almost a month since I have written anything on this blog and I'm very sorry for that. The whole month of October 2016 can be renamed as "Hell Month" because of the amount of school work I had to do. Group projects, research papers, and final exams took up most of my time and if I had some time to spare, I spent it on watching the first season of Outlander (which I got completely obsessed with after the first episode. MY GOD JAMIE FRASER!!!). This basically means I have not read anything this month which utterly SUCKS. Although I have not read anything new this month (the last book I read was Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas back in mid-September), I did buy some books that I will be reading this semester break....along with the books I still have not read from my September 2016 Book Haul. So without further ado, here are all the books I have bought this month.

   1. Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows # 2) by Leigh Bardugo

(Photo from; www.goodreads.com)

In my September Book Haul, I vowed to get Crooked Kingdom on the day it came out, September 27, but there were some complications. I desperately wanted to get the hardbound version with it's beautiful red pages but for some reason, all the bookstores near where I live only had paperback copies. I think all of you guys know that normally the paperback copies come in much later than hardbound copies so the fact that the exact opposite was happening was very frustrating for me. My copy of Six of Crows is also hardbound and I'm the type of reader/collector that likes her books to be consistent with one another when they are in a series so I decided to wait until the hardbound copies are available. A week and a half later they finally sold hardbound copies and I got mine the day they called me up and told me my pre-ordered copy was ready for pick up. My friend Lyka Cali has already read Crooked Kingdom and has told me time and time again of it's greatness. I cannot wait to jump in and see for myself!

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description: 

(HEAVY SPOILER WARNING FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ SIX OF CROWS YET)

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets-a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world. 

   2. The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard # 2) by Rick Riordan 

(Photo from: www.riordan.wikia.com)

I thoroughly enjoyed The Sword of Summer. I thought it was great book in its own right with relatable and diverse characters. I learned a lot about Norse Mythology just by reading it just like how I learned more about Greek Mythology when I first started reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Of course I had to get it the day it comes out. Unfortunately, like Crooked Kingdom, the bookstores near me did not have any hardbound copies of Hammer of Thor on the day it came out. I really don't know why this keeps on happening to the books I have been anticipating all year but I hope those bookstores get their crap together before King's Cage comes out. I finally got my copy a week after the release date. I'm currently reading it and I am enjoying it immensely!

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description:

(HEAVY SPOILER WARNING FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THE SWORD OF SUMMER YET)

"MAGNUS CHASE, you nearly started Ragnarok. What are you going to do next?"

It's been six weeks since Magnus and his friends returned from defeating Fenris Wolf and the fire giants. Magnus has adjusted to life at the Hotel Valhalla- as much as a once-homeless and previously alive kid can. As a son of Frey, the god of summer, fertility, and health, Magnus doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of Odin's chosen warriors, but he has a few good peeps among his hallmates on floor nineteen, and he's been dutifully training for Ragnarok along with everyone else. His days have settled into a new kind of normal.

But Magnus should have known there's no such thing as normal in the Nine Worlds. His friends Hearthstone and Blitzen have disappeared. A new hallmate is creating chaos. According to a very nervous goat, a certain object belonging to Thor is missing, and the thunder god's enemies will stop at nothing to gain control of it.

Time to summon Jack, the Sword of Summer, and take action. Too bad the only action Jack seems to be interested in is dates with other magical weapons... 

   3. Outlander (Outlander # 1) by Diana Gabaldon

(Photo from: www.amazon.com)

As I mentioned above, I have been watching Outlander during my free time and I loved it immediately. I love the setting, the plot, and most of all the characters (especially Jamie Fraser). The show is really good but I know that adaptations will always have leave out details to be able to fit in the time frame they've been given and Outlander is obviously no different. I want to read all the little details and missing scenes the show was not manage to include in those first sixteen episodes.

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description:

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon- when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach- an "outlander"- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord... 1743

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shoes her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire- and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

   4. Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

I love All The Bright Places and I love Jennifer Niven.

I thought All The Bright Places was a heart-wrenching and beautiful with very good characters that gave mental illnesses the much needed attention they deserve. When I heard that she was publishing a new YA book, I immediately wanted to get it without even knowing what it was about. At this point, I'll buy anything Jennifer Niven puts out. Reading the synopsis got me even more pumped to read it. They were giving away ARCs of Holding Up The Universe in the Jennifer Niven Manila Book Signing back in May but unfortunately I was not lucky enough to get one. Nonetheless, I have it now and I can't wait to read up on what I'm sure will be another lovely book.

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description:

EVERYONE THINKS THEY KNOW LIBBY STROUT,

the girl once dubbed as "America's Fattest Teen." But no one's taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Since her mom's death , she's been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby's ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he's got swagger, but he's also mastered the art of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a secret: he can't recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He's the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything, but he can't understand what's going on with the inner workings of his own brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don't get too close to anyone.

Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game- which leads them in group counseling- Libby and Jack are both angry, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.

JENNIFER NIVEN delivers another poignant, exhilarating love story about finding the person who sees you for who you are- and seeing them right back.

   5. For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla, Guide to the Norse Worlds by Rick Riordan

(Photo from: www.rickriordan.com)

I've never really had much exposure to Norse Mythology like I did with Greek Mythology when I was younger. I must confess that while reading The Sword of Summer I would sometimes be really confused in certain scenes because I don't have the background knowledge. I don't count Marvel's Thor because they have their own take on Norse Mythology when they write their various comics and movie screenplays. It's a pain having to go back and reread the chapters explaining what happened in the original myths when I need clarifications. Thankfully, Rick Riordan thought of readers like me and published this companion book explaining all the basic information you need before reading the Magnus Chase books. It's so much easier to bring this out when you're confused than bringing out The Sword of Summer and looking for the specific pages where he explains the myths. Truly useful.

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description:

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'VE BEEN CHOSEN AS ONE OF ODIN'S BRAVE WARRIORS, AND YOU'VE MADE IT TO THE HOTEL VALHALLA.

NOW WHAT?

This can't-live-without guide to the gods and goddesses, mythical beings, and fantastical creatures of the nine Norse Worlds was prepared just for you, honored guest. It provides essential stats, interviews, stories, and personal reflections, so you can avoid those awkward introductions and start training for Ragnarok with both feet running on the ground. You'll never see Ratatosk as a cute little rodent or confuse dwarf and elf ever again!

We hope the Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds brings you both enlightenment and entertainment during your eternal stay at our fine establishment.

   6. What Light by Jay Asher

(Photo from: www.penguinrandomhouse.com)

I enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why.

Yes, I admit it had it's flaws and that the mid act dragged on more than it needs to be but overall it was good. It had a really interesting premise and I really loved the ending. Jay Asher showed in that book that he can make touching stories and this is what compelled me to get What Light. What Light's premise is very simple but as we all know, simplicity doesn't automatically mean it is boring and flat. It hints at a very personal story between the two main characters. I happen to love deeply personal stories when done right. This book has a lot of potential and I hope it does not disappoint.

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description:

From Jay Asher, # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Thirteen Reasons Why, comes a romance that will break your heart, but soon have you believing again...

Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon- it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives to lives; her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other.

Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other.

By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness, and maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them,  Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love.

What Light is a love story that's moving and life-affirming and completely unforgettable.

   7. The Young Elites (The Young Elites # 1) by Marie Lu

(Photo from: www.penguinrandomhouse.com)

I have heard countless of good reviews on Marie Lu's two series, Legend and The Young Elites. I've been meaning to get her books for a while now because the amount of acclaim both series have assures me that at the very least, it'll be good. The reason it took me this long to actually get a book was because I didn't know which one to actually get first. Both premises are interesting and tease great stories ahead but in the end I had to choose the one that really got me pumped to read it, The Young Elites. I cannot wait to see what everyone has been raving about and read it for myself!

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description:

A decade ago, a deadly blood fever swept through the  nation. Most of the infected perished, but some survivors were left with strange markings, rumored to signify powerful gifts for those who possess them. And though their identities remain secret, this group has come to be called 

THE YOUNG ELITES

The Inquisition Axis seeks to destroy them.

The Dagger Society aims to find them before the Inquisition Axis.

And Adelina Amourteru just wants to be left alone.

But to truths will soon surface:

ADELINA'S POWERS ARE FAR FROM ORDINARY...

AND SHE IS NOT TO BE CROSSED.

   8. The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

(Photo from: www.goodreads.com)

The Crown's Game is one of those books that I desperately want to read but know next to nothing about. It just gives off an aura of toughness and absolute kickass-ery. The cover alone screams "BAD ASS". That along with the good reviews of a lot of readers on YouTube has me convince that this is absolutely a book I should not miss. I can't wait to read it!

If you don't know what this book is about, here's the description:

VIKA ANDREYEVA

can summon the snow and turn ash into gold.

NIKOLAI KARIMOV

can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air.

They are enchanters- the only two in Russia- and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side. And so he initiates the Crown's Game, and ancient duel of magical skill. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chabce to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter- even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown's Game is a chance of lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with- beautiful, whip smart, and imaginative- and he can'y stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai's best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love... or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear... the Crown's Game is not one to lose.

Eight books. Not bad.

Not as much as my September 2016 Book Haul but still a lot. My wallet has been suffering from the onslaught of good books coming out this year but I still can't bring myself to regret it. Book are my weakness and will forever be. I don't know if I will be spending a lot in November and December since all of my most anticipated reads of 2016 have already been published but I won't put it past myself to continue binge-buying until every cent I have is spent. For now, I will be enjoying my semester break with all the books I've gotten these past few weeks....as well as the second season of Outlander.