Bout of Books 10.0

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Happy Monday!  

So just recently I decided to participate in the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon! I posted up a video up on my channel stating the books that I plan to read. If you haven’t checked it out, please do!

In this post I will be sharing my plans/objectives for the Read-a-thon. As the official blurb indicates, the read-a-thon runs for a full week. So this is how I’ll be tackling the read-a-thon: 

My Goals: 

• Read a book in a day. I have yet to check this off my bookish bucket list. So hopefully one of the books that I’ve mentioned will be the book that I read in a day. 
• Read at least 250 pages a day. The books I selected are more than 300 pages. Hopefully I can do this. 
• Finish more than 1 book. This is actually also on my bookish bucket list. Normally, I would read 1 book per week. But since this is a Read-a-Thon, and I’m trying to cross things off my bucket list. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. 

My Book Selection: 

Eona by Alison Goodman  I’ve already started reading this book. So I’m expecting to finish this during the Read-a-Thon. I have about 399 pages left on this book. 

The Thing You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor  

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo 

The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien 

I plan on posting on Goodreads (if it’s not down) and Twitter. I also will try to post on this blog my progress, just to maybe give myself a break from the reading. I will definitely post a wrap-up post that will state my overall progress. I’m so excited guys!

Book Review: Eon by Alison Goodman

Title: Eon 

Author: Alison Gooman

Series: Eon Duology (Book #1)

Pages: 531

Publication Date:  2010 Published by Firebird Books

Genre: Fantasy

Source & Format: Purchased paperback from Barnes and Noble 

For years, Eon’s life has been focused on magical study and sword-word, with one goal: that he be chosen as a Dragoneye, an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune. 

But Eon has a dangerous secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been masquerading as a twelve-year-old-boy. Females are forbidden to use Dragon Magic; the penalty is death.

When Eona’s secret threatens to come to light, she and her allies are plunged into grave danger and a struggle for the Imperial throne. Eona must find the strength and inner power to battle those who want to take her magic… her life. (Synopsis from the back of the book) 

Review: 

Every New Year’s Day twelve boys born twelve year’s ago compete to become the next Dragoneye. Eon, although crippled, tries his luck as a candidate. When a boy is chosen by a dragon to become the next apprentice, who will eventually become a Dragoneye. They take on the responsibility of protecting the people of their land as well as inherit some riches. As Eon competes for a better life, he hides a life threatening secret — he is actually a sixteen year old girl, name Eona. Women as Dragoneyes was unheard of. 

From the Primer Scrolls of Jion Tzu

“Women have no place in the world of the dragon magic. It is said they bring corruption to the art and do not have the physical strength or depth of character needed to commune with an energy dragon. It is also thought that the female eye, too practiced in gazing at itself, cannot see the truth of the energy world” Page 2

Little do they know. Eona, a female, has more depth of character than they think. Not only can she see the energy of the ascendant dragon, but she can see all twelve. This and only this is her and her masters only reason for risking everything to become the next apprentice Dragoneye. Even if she fails, and the ascendent dragon does not chose her. Her faith will be to go back to her old life in the salt mines. Which is a fate worse than death in her eyes. 

Come choosing day, Eona does not get chosen by the ascendant dragon, but by the most honored Mirror Dragon — long lost for five hundred years. Because of this new found miracle, of the Mirror Dragon coming back. The Emperor and Dragoneye council took it as a sign and proclaimed Eon to become coascendant Dragoneye with the ever so evil Lord Ido. Turns out there has been rumors of people making plans to dethrone the Emperor. Now the Emperor is banking on Eon’s help, to help keep power on his side. With so much people relying on her, a new problem arises and her lies adds more weight to her shoulders. She wonders what she got herself into. 

I picked up this book because the synopsis reminded me of Mulan. A girl masquerading to be a boy. I loved Mulan and was like YES! “you’ll bring honor to us all”  It sorta has other “Mulan” elements as well, where the women are treated differently from men. But the book explores so much more. In this book you get all types of different personalities. Everyone playing a part. Some even secretly teaching you lessons about one’s true value, the power of love, and being true to thy self. The characters that really teach you this are Lady Dela, Ryko, and Eona. Lady Dela is a “contraire” and is actually a man, but truly believes in his heart that he is really a she. Lady Dela’s bodyguard Ryko is a man, who knows and believes he is a man, but is in love with Lady Dela (another man). And with Eona who struggles to accept that being a girl comes with great power. 

The world building was understandable and believable. I did not want to live in this time when girls were treated so lowly. But I did however wanted to see this world for myself. My favorite scene out of the whole entire book was the the “Choosing” Ceremony. I wanted to watch Eona battle that cheater Armsmaster. I wanted to see the Rat Dragon, and Mirror Dragon appear and choose Dillon and Eona. I wanted to wonder into the library and moon garden of Eona’s Master, and the library in the Imperial palace. I want to see each of the Dragoneye’s quarters and see how each one is decorated to honor it’s Dragon. I however would not look forward to see the golden pearl sewn into the throat of Prince Kygo. Every time it was mentioned I cringed. I don’t know about you, but it made me uncomfortable reading about it. 

Overall thoughts: I truly recommend you try this book out. I really can’t think of any complaints that I might have with this book. Eona was human. She was scared when she has the right to be. All her actions and feels are probably what I would've done and felt myself. I would be too scared to tell anyone my problems, and I would take the necessary risks. If I truly believed it would help. The world was beautiful. The ending will leave you wanting more, but at the same time will not disappoint. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Favorite Quotes: “I found power in accepting the truth of who I am. It may not be a truth that others can accept, but I cannot live any other way. How would it be to live a lie every minute of your life? I don’t think I could do it” Lady Dela Page 245

My First Read-a-thon

So I just found out about the Dewey Read-a-thon last night, and decided to participate. Never done one. Always wanted to. So, why not ?  The  Read-a-thon will last for 24 hours, and will start at 5am for me. I don't really have a game plan. But I would like to accomplish reading an entire book in those 24 hours. So that I can cross it off my bookish bucket list. The books that I'm planning on reading for the  Read-a-thon are: Eona by Alison Goodman, and then The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor. Very excited for this. AHHH 

Cover Reveal: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

• Think X-men meets Assassin’s Creed 2 meets Game of Thrones

• Set in a Renaissance-like world 

• Our protagonist Adelina Amouteru is a bit like a teenage female version of Magneto and Darth Vader.  

Here are some Young Elite Inspired pictures. I highly recommend checking these out. Soooo awesome!

Title The Young Elites (Book #1) 

Authors  Marie Lu

Pages Not Sure 

Genre Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia 

Publisher Putnam/Penguin 

Comes Out October 7th 

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood plague: marked by a jagged scar, snow-white hair and lashes. Cast out by her family, Adelina has finally found a place to belong within the secret society of Young Elites. To some, the Elites are heroes, here to save innocents in desperate situations. But to the Inquisition Axis, the white-robed soldiers of Kenettra, they are monsters with demonic powers who must be brought to justice. As Adelina learns more about this perilous world where politics and magic clash, she soon realizes that her own powers may be in danger of bringing on an era of panic such as the world has never seen. ( from Goodreads) 

On April 10 USA Today  revealed the cover for Marie Lu’s new young adult series “The Young Elites” This time she is tackling the fantasy genre and I must admit that I am pretty excited about this. 

 I might get some heat for saying this, but I’m a little disappointed about the cover. The cover doesn't really grab me as much. I guess I would’ve wanted more.  An illustrated cover would’ve been nice, with a face or something. Have more of a Renaissance feel to it, besides having the sword. Theres really not much on the cover that gives us any idea about what the story is about. The only thing that sells to me is the synopsis and that Marie Lu wrote it. I’m hoping after I read the book, I’ll change my mind about the cover.

I tried to do some research and get all the info I can get about this upcoming  series. Here is what we can expect from the series.  

Regardless of what I said about the cover. I really am excited and can’t wait to emerge myself in this new fantasy world filled with assassins and mutants that Marie Lu has created. Mark your calendars because this book comes out October 7th. What are your thoughts on this new series. Does the cover float our boat? I'd like to know your thoughts. 

Cover Reveal: The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1) By Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

Title The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1)
Authors Holly Black & Cassandra Clare
Pages 400 Pages
Genre Middle Grade, Fantasy
Publisher Scholastic/Double Day
Comes Out September 9 

Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial. Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail. All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. If he succeeds at the Iron Trial and is admitted into the Magisterium, he is sure it can only mean bad things for him. So he tries his best to do his worst – and fails at failing. Now the Magisterium awaits him — a place that’s both sensational and sinister, with dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future. The Iron Trial is just the beginning, for the biggest test is still to come… (from Cassandra’s Site) 

On  March 27 USAToday revealed the cover, and an excerpt for “The Iron Trial” The first book of five to the Magisterium series. Although I don't know much about the book yet, the cover does have a Harry Potter feel. With the death eater at the top, and “The Golden Trio” (Ron, Harry, and Hermione) at the bottom. Cassandra Clare did introduced the character trio at the bottom. Meet  Callum (left), Aaron (center), and Tamara (right). I really love this illustrated cover. There’s so much detail on it, for example the hieroglyph-ish symbol within the title of the book, the dagger (assuming this is the “Semiramis”)  that splits the two authors who created this new world, and something glowing in Callum’s hand. I’m pretty excited to see how every little detail will unveil as we read the book. 

Reading the excerpt that Cassandra Clare has so graciously given us. I was very intrigued and really wanted to read more. I was kinda confused about how people were invited to take the test, but I think that will get more explained as we get to read more of the book. I was confused to also learn that Callum was the boy on the left on the cover. I assumed that he was the boy in the middle taking lead. In the excerpt that was given, Callum sounded like he was the main character, I also believed him to be very powerful, because of the earthquake he created when he found out about his power. So my confusion is why would he be hiding behind another boy on the cover? Again I feel like all my questions will be answered in the book.

         The prolong is what got me. When Alastair finds a dying message left by his wife, that says “Kill the child” I was wide-eyed and I was like wait? …is she talking about their baby? And being the optimistic person that I am. I’m thinking that she probably meant another child, or maybe she might’ve meant it in a different meaning. I really want to keep reading to see what she really meant. This series takes off in six months (September 9th) and I'm really looking forward to picking it up. 

Have you guys read the excerpt yet? What do you guys think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles (Book #1)
Pages: 387
Publication Date:  January 3, 2012 Published by A Feiwel and Friends
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Romance, Fairytale Re-tellings
Part of a Series?: Yes (Book 1 in the Lunar Chronicles Series)
Source & Format: Purchased from BookOutlet, Hardcover

Synopsis: 
     Sixteen-year-old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by more of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interface has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots,hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it "a matter of national security," but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on.

     Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived.

     But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for. 

*Warning*: This does contain a small amount of spoilers. 

Thoughts:
At first I was pretty skeptical on how this retelling of Cinderella was going to work. Cinderella a cyborg?  So I put off picking up this book. Regretting every day my decision, as raved reviews on the book kept popping up on booktube. It wasn't until I discovered BookOutlet. BookOutlet had Cinder up on sale. If you know BookOutlet, you know they sell everything on there for "Read-iculously low prices." So I picked it up, read it, and LOVED it!

Setting: I loved the whole futuristic feel on how the world updated itself to live in a world full of androids and cyborgs. A world that has portscreens, hovers, and ID chips embedded in your wrist. I loved it all! For those of you who read this book and loved the idea of this world, you should definitely watch the television series Almost Human, if you haven't already.

Characters:  I loved the characters in this book.
Cinder = I loved Cinder's character. Her character kinda had an "Anastasia" feel to it. The fact that she was an orphan that didn't know where she came from, when really she was ..... *sigh if you read the book you'll know what I mean. Anyways Cinder felt like she was no one special because of the fact she was a cyborg. People around her despised her and her kind because she was different.  I couldn't understand why. She was freakin awesome. She was a walking computer. She could download blueprints on how to make things and how to use it. Making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. She'll never be lost because she can download maps. She has the ability to know when someone is lying.
Because of the way people have treated her, it made her more and more self-conscious and a bit envious of wanting to be fully human, especially with Prince Kai in the picture. But Cinder is a strong character, and no matter how cruel people were to her, She was still a strong and selfless character.

Prince Kai = OMG Prince Kai! How I loved fan girling with the other characters in this book. Don't laugh, but the Prince Kai I pictured in my head was Tae Yang from Big Bang. (I recommend watching his "Wedding Dress" Music Video)

Of course he doesn't match the description of Prince Kai. But I really don't mind Tae Yang's face popping up in my head whenever Prince Kai made an appearance in the book. I loved how Marissa Meyer had Kai showing up, randomly, out of know where! OMG I was fan girling it out so much! Prince Kai showing up at the market! (AHHH!) Prince Kai in Cinder's face when she wakes up in the research lab  (AHHHH!!) When Cinder is in the elevator and Prince Kai runs in as the doors start to close (AHHHH!!). But in all seriousness I did feel for Kai's character. Everything just came at him so fast. His father catches the plague along with thousands of commonwealth people, Queen Levana pushing for a marriage, Rulers from the other countries and the people of commonwealth expecting so much from him to do the right thing but who really knows what the right thing is? He has no real friends, no one he can really talk to. He is alone. I did love the friendly relationship that he wanted to build with Cinder. Cinder made him feel "normal" she didn't treat him as other girls would. She made him laugh, and at times forget the issues that he was facing. What really charmed me was how sweet and kind he was. How concerned he was when Cinder was in pain. How sorry he was for what Cinder's sister was going through. How he stuck up for Cinder when Pearl was being rude.

Iko: Is just the cutest thing. She has such this comedic personality. The fact that she is an android that so badly wants to be human is what makes her so fun to be around with.

Overall: From beginning to the end I was sucked into the world and cared so much for the characters. So much happened from the plague to the Lunars, yet everything came together. I can't wait to read scarlet.

Rating 4 out of 5 Stars 

Looking forward to see..
- If Kai and Cinder's relationship will progress. I'm still a little clueless, if Kai has any romantic feeling for Cinder. I was pretty sure that he liked Cinder.  But that part when Cinder kisses him and he doesn't kiss back... Why didn't he kiss back? Now I don't know if he really likes her or just sees Cinder as just a friend.
- If Konn Torin will betray Kai. I'm having trust issues with Torin...I don't know why, but I'm keeping a close eye on him.
- Iko coming back!

It's Book Journal Time!

This part is where I'd like to share my book journal entry for the book I reviewed. I'm not a great artist, but I do like to fan girl and sketch fan art from time to time. Hopefully I can inspire some of you to start your own so you can share with me?…. yeah!?!?Anyways here it is...

1. I will begin my entries with basic information of the book I'm reviewing, followed by the rating I give the book. I do hope to also paste a photo of the book cover (which is why you'll see a small space there) but I haven't been able to print me out one.
2. My drawing of Cinder
3. An overview of the entry. This specific entry is three pages long. (Last page is not photoed). The written part of the review starts off with my version of what the premise is about, then I'll write about my favorite parts, my favorite characters. what the book made me feel, etc. etc.
4. My drawing of Dr. Erland and Iko
5. Sometimes I'll put my most favorite quote of the book at the start of the entry.  But instead I put a quote from Marissa Meyer "Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time"- you can also see my drawing of Cinders robotic hand.

I hope you guys enjoy this part of the review as much as I do. I'm hoping to share more of my entries in the future, if you guys would like to see.  :)