Direct from District 13: The Faces of the Revolution Propaganda!

Are you ready for the final battle to make things right across the nation?! Let us know how you feel about the new Propaganda. 

I hope you all had a happy, healthy and Safe Fourth of July!

Have Books Will Travel.....

So back in February my family started planning our summer vacation. We went back and forth on where we wanted to go, some choose Flordia...maybe a cruise and finally (and rather quickly) we all settled on California. This was my first trip to California and their second. I, of course, was interested in the California weather and the laid back lifestyle. Not to mention there is a lot of history here in California; especially with the studios etc. So during our trip we visited several hot spots that I will highlight here. Chief among them, Universal Studios (and their tour) and Warner Brothers Studios. We also went to Madame Tussards (wax museum) in Hollywood. What I loved about the places that we visited is that some very "bookish" things come about during these tours. Also, I think it is important to mention that it is very difficult for me to decide on what books to take during vacation. Especially since I knew that I would need to be active and could not do my usual "antisocial" bookish behavior and just escape to a corner with my book. So I downloaded an audio copy of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I also physically brought along A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (which I finished), Grey by E.L. James and an annoted copy of Pride and Prejudice. We will not even get into the books that I have downloaded to my Scribd account and that are stored to my iPad. I know that fellow bookworms will feel my pain in the dilema of what books to pack. I digress, but I really really just needed to put that little tid bit in there. So here comes the photos...

Day one of our trip: Warner Brothers Studios; which seemed to be unlikely to have anything bookish until I remembered that the Harry Potter films were produced by Warner. During the tour the WB has a small museum that features some of the artifacts from the movies and original illustrations from the books. 

 

 

As soon as I walked into the exhibit this was the first thing I saw. I gasped and instantly wanted to snatch one of the letters so that I could take it home with me.

This is me with the Privet Drive sign. I also got re-sorted into Slytherin...which I was very happy with. In fact, I purchased a Slytherin wool scarf (mind you it was 90 degrees on the day we went to the WB).

I was so happy to see these costumes. When I saw the HP exhibit in NYC at Discovery Times Square the final movie had not be released. These three costumes where featured in part two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Also, Daniel is damn short lol.

Costumes worn by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's

And they had Quidditch gear

Also the costume for the Dark Lord was present. I really wish that something of Bellatrix would have been featured. 

 Harry and Ron's wizard chest set

I must say that I really love Luna's Style

Remember when Hermonie was petrified in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets? Well here is the dummy/wax figure that was used in the movie. I will admit that this thing is freaky and creepy looking, and it looks as creepy as it did in the movie.

 My favorite little Elf, Dobby. 

 

Why so Sirius? Ok, I had to do it. Especially since the other exhibit in the building involved Batman.

 

Every Robert Pattinson Fan should recongize this? Its the costume he wore in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.

So we all know that as soon as I saw this I could think was "Umbridge...a vial toad of a woman"

Day Four: Madame Tussards of Hollywood; most folks have been to one of these.

The most bookish thing was a figure of Katniss Everdeen as played by Jennifer Lawrence. I was very shocked to see this. But, it just goes to show how popular the books/movies are. Can I also mention that I have been looking for her scarf for months. (I have found them on Etsy, but they are so expensive).

And finally here is another photo of me being positively dorky. So everyone go forth and be geekishly prosperous. If I happen upon any fanastic book shops I will be sure to share photos ;)

Sexy High Fae...Oh my! The Bookbabe Reviews: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

The Bookbabe Reviews: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

My final book for review for June is Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses. I really don't know why I waited almost two months to read it after its release date. Especially since I knew that I would not be disappointed. This book had me tweeting her for information on the next book's release date. There is so much to love about this book. But what really stands out is that we meet a very different female lead than that of her previous series; Throne of Glass. In Feyre, we find a vulnerability that is often missing from the heroines in most YA novels. She is both tough and soft hearted. She wants nothing more but than to be able to support her family. When the book opens we find Feyre in a snow blanketed forest as she hunts for food. She is battling internally with being both mother and father to her family. (Even though her dad is alive.) She has to take on some very important tasks that most younger siblings would not have to; especially since her family has so recently fallen on hard times. While in the forest Feyre kills what appears to be a wolf and this set into motion something even Feyre would never expect. As the story progresses we meet some very interesting Fae characters. Chief among them being Rhysand, Tamlin and Lucien. In these three we really find all the characteristics that we hope to find in Maas' male characters. Tamlin is frustrating but gallant, hilarious, and sexy as all hell. Lucien is a bit of a jerk at first; then he grows on you like a fungus. By the end of the book you have a deeper appreciation of him as a character. Another character that I came away loving was Rhysand. Though I have a funny feeling that his court scheming and his help in the downfall of their "queen" well come back to bite Feyre and Tamlin in the behind. What I loved most about this book is that its a take on Beauty and the Beast; however, Maas took it in a very interesting and highly entertaining direction. I can not wait to see what happens in this series of books.

I would recommend this book to any fan of Throne of Glass, Game of Thrones and YA fantasies. 

  

Quotes I loved:

“Do you ever stop being so serious and dull?"
"Do you ever stop being such a prick?" I snapped back.
Dead—really, truly, I should have been dead for that.
But Lucien grinned at me. "Much better.” 
 

“I love you,’ he whispered, and kissed my brow. ‘Thorns and all.” 

“I love you," I said, and stabbed him.” 

For more reviews feel free to follow me at www.delawarebookaddict.blogspot.com

First Impressions ..... A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

So as promised I am posting my first impressions of Sarah J. Maas' latest release; A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Which is a new take on Beauty and the Beast. I am really excited to read it because Maas is one of my favorite Young Adult authors. So far we meet Feyre, the youngest of three sisters; that is managing to keep her family afloat after her family lost not only their fortune but, also their mother. The book opens up with Feyre internalizing the lifestyle in which she lives while she is out of the hunt. While hunting she kills what she hopes is a huge wolf that is stalking the deer she hopes to bring home to her family. Feyre later is taken from her home by another wolf, that is actually a member of the High Fae. She is taken because she violated a treaty when she killed the wolf. She is given the choice of death or to live out her life in the realm of the Fae. At her fathers insistence she goes along with the Fae. Knowing that this may be the best way to insure that her family remains safe. 

What I love so far: I love that the Fae is back in this book and that they are extremely different in this book. I can not wait to see whats up with the masks that they wear. Also I love our main characters courage, she is very different from Celaena (from Throne of Glass).

What I expect: I definitely expect to have a wonderful and fun time reading this book. I know Sarah J. Maas is going to have me yearning for more. 

For more first impressions come back when I read The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen in July. As always, Happy Reading!

Anyone can betray anyone.....The Bookbabe Review of Red Queen by Victoria Averyard

The Bookbabe Reviews: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

What can say about this book? Well, at first I had a very difficult time getting used to the writing style. And honestly for the life of me I just couldn't get into it. I kind of chalked it up to the fact that I started with the audiobook. Which was beyond dry. After I ditched that I had no problem getting into the story. Mare (our main character) lives in a society that is divided by the types of blood you are born with. Your either a red or a sliver. Red's are neither special or talented. Sliver's are special, considered talented and have special gifts. Both are factions are ruled over by a cruel king and his family. Mare does not really think about them much; in fact she has never even seen the royals. It is not until she breaks curfew to steal a few things to help out a friend that she  meets a handsome young man that will change everything. Due to an uprising in the slivers precious town several Red's are attacked and Mare's little sister is hurt in the process. This leads to Mare being "arrested"; and this is when all hell starts to break loose and things get interesting fast. This is where I could give you lots of juicy spoilers but I am not that type of reviewer (as you well know), so on to what I loved about the book. What I found most intriguing about the book was that there were some hints as to who might just betray Mare. She was duped right up until the end and honestly I was hoping that it was not the person it was. Also, I see a different love triangle emerging and I am hoping that the handsome strange I mentioned earlier wins Mare's affections. Of course I have to wait until February 2016 for the next installment in the series. All in all I give the book four stars.

Who would I recommend it to: Fans of Hunger Games and the Throne of Glass Series

Quotes I loved: 

"Revolutions need a spark....and even sparks burn" - Julian to Mare

"The truth doesn't matter. It only matters what the people believe."

"I am finally leaning my lesson. Anyone can betray anyone."

For more reviews feel free to follow me at www.delawarebookaddict.blogspot.com

*photo is by epic reads, not my own*

Daemons, Witches, Vampires and Enchanted Books ... oh my!

The Bookbabe Reviews: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

So I have completed the last book in this freight train of a book and I can honestly say that I was not at all disappointed. Harkness built the right amount of drama, suspense and weaved just the right amount of magic. There are a few things that I was really excited to see happen in this book. We finally travel back to England with Diana and Matthew and the rest of the "clan". Diana is still learning about her magic and more of Matthew's secrets are coming to the surface. As a result their bond is tighter than ever. While they are finally coming to terms with how the blood rage will affect their lives and we get a glimpse of the madness of Matthew's son, Benjamin. We also get reunited with one of my favorite characters from the previous book (Shadow of Night), Jack. We also see the reappearance of Father Hubbard; who the last time around was shrouded in shadiness. That is still the case this time but their is also a surprising twist that I really did not expect. The best part of this book was seeing Diana let go of her fear and go into battle with the congregation. As she takes them on we get the impression that Harkness is leaving an opening for a possible return to the story line. Which honestly is exactly what you are going to want to see happen after you've finished this book. 

Best Scene:

Favorite Quotes:

   "No wonder Philippe always looks so exhausted," he said ruefully when he was through. "It's very fatiguing pretending you're in charge when your wife actually rules the roost" 

"As I am the end, so my lover is the beginning. I encompass the whole work of creation, and all knowledge is hidden in me " 

"If you truly love someone, you will cherish what they despise most about themselves"