Movie Review

La La Land |Movie Review

Happy Monday Wonderlanders,

Yesterday, I got to spend a few hours with my mom. And let me tell you I felt like a 5 year old again but, the time spent with her was priceless. We ended up going to watch La La Land, which is brand new musical playing in theaters. Initially, when I chose the movie I knew very little about it, only that it had Emma Stone was in it and I like her as an actress. la-la-land

Synopsis:
Mia, an aspiring actress, serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and Sebastian, a jazz musician, scrapes by playing cocktail party gigs in dingy bars, but as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.(IMBD)

Movie Rambles:

I wanted to see this movie the moment that I saw a trailer of this movie on youtube. I really enjoyed this film. It had a very independent film vibe to it and it was designed as a video collage. I was surprised that this movie was a musical because I wasn’t expecting it at all. Looking back, it does remind me a little of “Across the Universe.”  I thought that  the movie was very well designed to showcase both of the lives of jazz musician Sebastian and an actress named Mia.

I really enjoyed the story between Mia and Sebestian. I thought that the relationships were complicated yet well developed. The characters were put into difficult situation as they tried to find their own dreams while trying to be supporting of each other. This movie portrayed how one supports someone that they really care about however, it also portrays the hardships of having dreams and putting another’s dream before your own.

I loved how Hollywood was portrayed and that a lot of the movie was done in a coffee shop on a filming set. It was very easy to put yourself in the shoes of the main character, if you have visited “Universal Studios”. I was really able to get a feel of actually being in the coffee shop that Mia worked at  and being surrounded by the celebrities and the set life.

Although, I was really satisfied with the movie as a whole. I was disappointed with the ending, as I had my own hopes for how it would have ended. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who likes a good love story that revolves around dreams.

The most important thing I got out of this movie, was that dreams are just as important as love and that to love is to dream. But, it also got me thinking that maybe you can have it all an epic love and reaching all of your dreams.

ONE LOVE,

Rina

Advertisement
Friday Reads

#Friday Reads October 14,2016 |Las Vegas Weekend

Hey Bibliomaniacs,

The past few weeks we can say were a little hectic. School has been kicking my butt. But, I am hanging in there, strong as always. So, since I am take a much need vacation to relax, rejuvenate, eat some junk food, and spend time with my best friend. I figured this week is going to be a very laid back Friday reads.

The book I will be reading this week is: The Girl On the Train by Paula Hawkins. I bought last week when I was getting my car serviced and didn’t have anything to read. Needless to say this is one purchase I do not regret. The first 100 pages were EXCELLENT!!!

Synopsisthe-girl-on-the-train

The debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people’s lives.

EVERY DAY THE SAME
Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

UNTIL TODAY
And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

My Thoughts:

I am hoping to read at least another 100 pages by Tuesday. I am very much enjoying the story so far, and I am very curious as to how it all ends.

One Love,

Rina

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday: Midnight Heir

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB of “Books and a Beat“. Anyone can participate.

1.Grab your current book title

2. Open to a random page

3. Share 2 lines. NO SPOILERS PLEASE!!

4.Share Author and Title

Lady Midnight ” A boy with blazing blue green eyes and the blond girl he had seen at the shadow market the week before. They were both staring – not at him, but at the boy gripping his shirt. ” ( Chapter 16, “Lady Midnight” by Cassandra Clare)

Feel free to leave a comment with your teaser tuesday, as always if there are any books that you have to recommend please leave a comment or tweet me at: rinareviewsbks.

ONE LOVE,

Rina

0 by 2020

0 by 2020

This is hard to admit, but these are all the books I have on my bookshelf. The ones crossed off are the ones I have already read. The ones that are not crossed off are the long list of books still waiting to be crossed off. By the year 2020 I want to either unhaul, or read the books that are on this list. Let’s put the reading caps on and READ, READ, READ!!

  • Harry Potter
  • Sorcerer’s Stone
  • Chamber of Secrets
  • Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Goblet of Fire
  • Order of Phoenix
  • Half-blood Prince
  • Deathly Hallows
  • The Silkworm
  • The cuckoo’s calling *
  • The Casual Vacancy
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
  • Stieg Larson
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo x2
  • The Girl who played with Fire x2
  • The Girl who kicked the Hornets Nest x2
  • Ellen Hopkins
  • Crank
  • Glass
  • Fallout
  • Trick
  • Identical
  • Perfect
  • Collateral
  • Burned
  • Triangles
  • Impluse
  • Tilt
  • Smoke
  • Susan Collins
  • The Hunger Games
  • Catching Fire
  • Mockingjay
  • John Green
  • An Abundance of Katherines
  • Will Grayson, Will Grayson
  • Papertowns
  • The Fault in our Stars
  • Every you, Every Me
  • The Wasp Factory
  • The Painist
  • I Hate Myselfie
  • Gone Girl
  • Orange is the New Black
  • Stranger than Fiction
  • The Martian
  • Prozac Nation
  • White Oleander
  • The Journals of Sylvia Plath
  • Ariel
  • Red Queen
  • Glass Sword
  • Shadow and Bone
  • Siege and Storm
  • Ruin and Rising
  • Losing Hope
  • Ugly Love
  • This Girl
  • Point of Retreat
  • Slammed
  • Hopeless
  • Maybe Someday
  • On the Road
  • A Clockwork Orange
  • The Childern of Willesden Lane
  • Half Bad
  • Half-Wild
  • Ready Player One
  • Love Letters to the Dead
  • Catch -22
  • The Darkest Minds
  • Still Alice
  • Walking Disaster
  • Splintered
  • My True Love Gave to Me
  • Crash
  • Neon Angel
  • Harley Quinn:  Hot in the City
  • The Assasins Blade
  • Throne of Glass
  • Crown of Midnight
  • Heir of Fire
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses
  • Shadowhunters and Downworlders
  • The Bane Chronicles
  • City of Bones
  • City of Ashes
  • City of Glass
  • City of Fallen Angels
  • City of Lost Souls
  • City of Heavenly Fire
  • Clockwork Angel
  • Clockwork Prince
  • Clockwork Princess
  • Afterworlds
  • The Lightening Theif
  • The Sea of Monsters
  • The Titans Curse
  • The Battle of Labyrinth
  • The Last Olympian
  • The Lost Hero
  • Fan Girl
  • Eleanor & Park
  • The Hobbit
  • The Fellowship of the Ring
  • The Two Towers
  • The Return of the King
  • The Twits
  • Matilda
  • The BFG
  • The Witches
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/ Charlie and the Glass Elevator
  • James and the Giant Peach
  • Bitch
  • Tender is the Night
  • The Spectacular Now
  • The wind and the willows
  • The adventures of Huckleberry Finn
  • Heidi
  • The Adventures of Robin Hood
  • The Secret Garden
  • The Call of the Wild
  • Peter Pan
  • A little Princess
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Go Set the Watchman
  • Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Childern
  • Hollow City
  • Falling Kingdoms
  • Is Everyone Hanging Out Without me
  • Mistborn
  • The Hero of Ages
  • The Well of Ascension
  • The Hip Girls Handbook
  • The Pony Party
  • All The Wrong Questions: Who Could Beat this Hour?
  • The Lump of Coal
  • The Bad Beginging
  • The Reptile Room
  • The Wide Window
  • The Austre Academy
  • The Ersatz Elevator
  • The Vile Village
  • The Carnicorous Carnival
  • The Slippery Slope
  • The Grim Grotto
  • The Peniltimate Peril
  • The Beatrice Letters
  • Alice in Wonderland (Leatherbound)
  • Alice in Wonderland (Picture)
  • Snow White
  • Dark Lover
  • Interview with a Vampire
  • 1984
  • Leaves of Grass
  • The Three Muskatereers
  • Girl Interrupted
  • The Great Gatsby
  • Lolita
  • Modern Romance
  • Fairest
  • Room
  • Nightlight
  • Veronica Mars: Thousand Dollar Tan Lines
  • Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell
  • Diner
  • Star Wars Trilogy
  • My Life in France
  • Dash and Lilys Book of Dares
  • North of Beautiful
  • Notes from the Blender
  • Want to go Private?
  • Night
  • You Have 7 Messages
  • Coraline
  • The Perks of being a Wallflower
  • Little Women
  • The Best of Sherlock Holmes
  • The Grapes Of Wrath
  • East of Eden
  • Brave New World
  • The Tolken Reader
  • Dark Fever
  • The Bell Jar
  • Franny and Zoey
  • The Catcher in the Rye
  • The Man in the Iron Mask
  • Wuthering Heights
  • Lord of the Flies
  • The Road
  • Les Miserables
  • Kidnapped
  • The Phantom of the Opera
  • Treasure Island x2
  • A Game Of Thrones
  • Clash of Kings
  • Storm of Swords
  • Feast of Crows
  • Dance of Dragons
  • Anna Karenina x2
  • Queen Of Shadows
  • Gone with the Wind
  • The count of Monte Cristo
  • The Lucky One
  • The Last Song
  • The Notebook
  • A Bend in the Road
  • Nights in Rodanthe
  • Dear John
  • The Wedding
  • Message in the Bottle
  • The Best of Me
  • Prey
  • The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
  • Marilyn Monre
  • How to Speak Dog
  • FML
  • Babe in Boyland
  • Middle Sex
  • Speak
  • Annie
  • The Privilege Youth
  • A Walk to Remember
  • Disc World
    1. The Colour of Magic (1983) (Rincewind)
    2. The Light Fantastic (1986) (Rincewind)
    3. Equal Rites (1987) (Witches)
    4. Mort (1987) (Death)
    5. Sourcery (1988) (Rincewind)
    6. Wyrd Sisters (1988) (Witches)
    7. Pyramids (1989) (One-off)
    8. Guards! Guards! (1989) (City Watch)
    9. Faust Eric (1990) (Rincewind)
    10. Moving Pictures (1990) (One-off)
    11. Reaper Man (1991) (Death)
    12. Witches Abroad (1991) (Witches)
    13. Small Gods (1992) (One-off)
    14. Lords and Ladies (1992) (Witches)
    15. Troll Bridge (1992) (Short story)
    16. Men at Arms (1993) (City Watch)
    17. Theatre of Cruelty (1993) (Short story)
    18. Soul Music (1994) (Death)
    19. Interesting Times (1994) (Rincewind)
    20. Maskerade (1995) (Witches)
    21. Feet of Clay (1996) (City Watch)
    22. Hogfather (1996) (Death)
    23. Jingo (1997) (City Watch)
    24. The Last Continent (1998) (Rincewind)
    25. Carpe Jugulum (1998) (Witches)
    26. The Sea and Little Fishes (1998) (Short story)
    27. The Fifth Elephant (1999) (City Watch)
    28. The Truth (2000) (One-off)
    29. Thief of Time (2001) (Death)
    30. The Last Hero (2001) (Rincewind, although this is debatable)
    31. The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents (2001) (One-off)
    32. Night Watch (2002) (City Watch)
    33. Death and What Comes Next (2002) (Short story)
    34. The Wee Free Men (2003) (Wee Free Men)
    35. Monstrous Regiment (2003) (One-off)
    36. A Hat Full of Sky (2004) (Wee Free Men)
    37. Going Postal (2004) (Post Office)
    38. Once More* With Footnotes (2004) (Compilation of short works)
    39. Thud! (2005) (City Watch)
    40. Wintersmith (2006) (Wee Free Men)
    41. Making Money (2007) (Post Office)
    42. Unseen Academicals (2009) (The Wizards, Rincewind)
    43. I Shall Wear Midnight (2010) (Wee Free Men)
    44. Snuff (2011) (City Watch / Sam Vimes)
    45. Raising Steam (2013) (Post office)
    46. The Shepherd’s Crown (2015) (Wee Free Men)
#booktube · Friday Reads

#FridayReads: Lady Midnight

Hey Bibliomaniacs,

It is 17 minutes into Saturday, and I realized I didn’t post my #Fridayreads up yet. I have been reading Lady Midnight, by Cassandra Clare. I am Lady Midnightabout 54% of the way through the book.

I have been realizing a few things that have changed in my reading process. The major change is I enjoy reading from E-books, way more than reading a physical copy. Secondly, I read a lot faster when I read an e-book. As much as I love how my books look on my shelf, I am very much enjoying the process of reading e-books. One thing I love about E-books is that amazon offers very cheap audiobooks of the books you buy as e-books. This is especially awesome if you re reading thicker books like “A Game of Thrones”.

Synopsis: In a kingdom by the sea…
In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?

The darkly magical world of Shadowhunters has captured the imaginations of millions of readers across the globe. Join the adventure in Lady Midnight, the long-awaited first volume of a new trilogy from Cassandra Clare.(Goodreads)

My Bookish Thoughts:

I hope to read at least 200 hundred pages of “Lady Midnight”, this weekend. As of today, I have read 83 pages. The book is really picking up, and I am very much enjoying the setting of the story as it is set in L.A. I think that the character development although rapid, it is really interesting and engaging to see how the characters deal with certain situations. Also, there is a lot of suspense and mystery in the plot. I’m enjoying all the forbidden love aspects in this book, and find it to be very fast paced and entertaining.

What are you guys reading this weekend? If you have an book recommendations feel free to leave a commit or connect with me on Twitter at: rinareviewsbks

With Warm Cups of Tea, And just a Few more Chapters,

Rina

E-book Haul

Oops I did it again:E-book Haul September 2016

Disclaimer: As much as I love physical copies of books, I have recognizing a habit in myself that I only read books once and then give them away, in order to save some space and money I have started buying e-books. Secondly, this haul is quiet big. I had a gift card from my wonderful aunt and uncle for amazon. Thank you for supporting my reading addiction.

tog-nyt-coverThrone of Glass By Sarah J. Maas (Status: Read)

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king’s champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien. The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass–and it’s there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world. (Goodreads

 

Crown of Midnighcrown_of_midnight_covert By Sarah J. Maas (Status:Read)

“A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.
It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend.”

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.
Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena’s world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie… and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for. (Goodreads)

heir-of-fireHeir of Fire  By Sarah J. Maas (Status: Read)
Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Timesbest-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish. (Goodreads)

queen-of-shadowsQueen of Shadows By Sarah J. Maas


The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and buildassassins-blades to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world. (Goodreads)

The Assassin’s Blade  By Sarah J. Maas

Contains all five novellas.
Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan’s most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin’s Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas – together in one edition for the first time – Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn’s orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out. (Goodreads)

empire-of-stormsEmpire of Storm By Sarah J. Maas

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don’t.
As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin’s journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down? (Goodreads)

the-man-in-the-iron-maskThe Man in the Iron Mask By Alexandre Dumas

A swashbuckling novel of political intrigue. 

In the concluding installment of Alexandre Dumas’s celebrated cycle of the Three Musketeers, D’Artagnan remains in the service of the corrupt King Louis XIV after the Three Musketeers have retired and gone their separate ways. Unbeknownst to D’Artagnan, Aramis and Porthos plot to remove the inept king and place the king’s twin brother on the throne of France. Meanwhile, a twenty-three-year-old prisoner known only as “Philippe” wastes away deep inside the Bastille. Forced to wear an iron mask, Phillippe has been imprisoned for eight years, has no knowledge of his true identity, and has not been told what crime he’s committed. When the destinies of the king and Phillippe converge, the Three Musketeers and D’Artagnan find themselves caught between conflicting loyalties. (Goodreads)

anne-frankAnne Frank: The Dairy of a Young Girl By Anne Frank

Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has since become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.

In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the “Secret Annexe” of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death.
In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving, and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short. (Goodreads)

the-lie-changing-magic-of-tidying-upThe Life- changing magic of tidying up By Marie Kondo

Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?

Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).

With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this international best seller featuring Tokyo’s newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home – and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire. (Goodreads)

jungle-book-by-rudyard-kipling-2The Jungle Book By Rudyard Kipling

Run with them. Or fear them–

Bagheera the Panther: A silken shadow of boldness and cunning.

Kaa the Python: A thirty foot battering ram driven by a cool, hungry mind.

Baloo the Bear: who keeps the lore and the Law, and teaches the Secret Words.

Rikki the Mongoose: The young protector who sings as he slays.Akela and Raksha the Wolves: Demon warriors of the Free People.
Shere Khan the Tiger: The dreaded enemy of all.
And Mowgli the Man-cub: The orphan baby raised by the wolves, taught by Baloo, trained by Bagheera and Kaa. The sorcerer who knows the ways of the jungle and speaks the language of the wild… (Goodreads)

the-scarlet-letterThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

Set in the harsh Puritan community of seventeenth-century Boston, this tale of an adulterous entanglement that results in an illegitimate birth reveals Nathaniel Hawthorne’s concerns with the tension between the public and the private selves. Publicly disgraced and ostracized, Hester Prynne draws on her inner strength and certainty of spirit to emerge as the first true heroine of American fiction. Arthur Dimmesdale, trapped by the rules of society, stands as a classic study of a self divided. (Goodreads)

 

 

dracula-book-coverDracula By Bram Stoker

A rich unwavering appeal. David J. Skal, Gregory A. Waller, and Nina Auerbach offer their varied perspectives. Checklists of both dramatic and film adaptations are included. selection of background and source materials is provided in three areas: Contexts includes probable inspirations for Dracula in the earlier works of James Malcolm Rymer and Emily Gerard. Also included are a discussion of Stoker’s working notes for the novel and “Dracula’s Guest,” the original opening chapter to Dracula. Reviews and Reactions reprints five early reviews of the novel. “Dramatic and Film Variations” focuses on theater and film adaptations of Dracula, two indications of the novel’s Goodreads)

magoniaMagonia By Neil Gaiman

Aza Ray is drowning in thin air.

Since she was a baby, Aza has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak—to live.

So when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn’t think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name.

Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who’s always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more-than-friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world—and found, by another. Magonia.

Above the clouds, in a land of trading ships, Aza is not the weak and dying thing she was. In Magonia, she can breathe for the first time. Better, she has immense power—and as she navigates her new life, she discovers that war is coming. Magonia and Earth are on the cusp of a reckoning. And in Aza’s hands lies the fate of the whole of humanity—including the boy who loves her. Where do her loyalties lie? (Goodreads)

dead-ringer Dead Ringer By Jessie Rosen

From the moment Laura Rivers steps foot into Englewood High, she notices the stares-and they aren’t the typical once-overs every pretty new girl endures. The students seem confused and…spooked. Whispers echoing through the halls confirm that something is seriously off. “That new girl looks just like her,” they say. It turns out Laura has a doppelganger, and it isn’t just anyone-it’s Sarah Castro-Tanner, the girl who killed herself by jumping into the Navasink River one year ago. Laura is determined not to let the gossip ruin her chances of making a fresh start. Thanks to her charming personality and California tan, she catches the eye of Englewood’s undisputed golden boy, Charlie Sanders, and it’s only a matter of time before they make their relationship official. But something is making Charlie and his friends paranoid-and Laura soon discovers it has to do with Sarah Castro-Tanner. What really happened to Sarah? Why is Charlie unraveling? And how does Laura Rivers fit into it all? After all, she’s the dead ringer for a dead girl.” (Goodreads)

essential-oilsEssential Oils

There are many essential oil books out there, but very few are written by experts that really know what the complex details of essential oils. The Halls have spent years traveling the world teaching thousands of people about the amazing benefits essential oils can have. Their personally journey began when Seantay started experimenting with essential oils for emotional support while living in Asia. Discovering the amazing potential of essential oils she quickly became an ambassador for the oils. The Halls understand the science behind essential oils and appreciate how hard it is to find truly pure essential oils. They are dedicated to educating and empowering the masses with the these amazing tools nature provides.

Along with this ebook you are going to be able to get access to their 7 Day Essential Oil E-Course where you can learn more in depth about the history, science, and application of essential oils. You will also get access if you choose to a free 50 DIY (do it yourself) Essential Oil Recipes ebook with recipes like for things like:
– Natural deodorant
– Ginger lime sugar scrub
– Essential healing salve
– Natural herbal hairspray
– Natural yoga mat spray
– and 45 other recipes you will love!

In this book you are going to learn about…

  • What are essential oils?
  • The History of Essential Oils
  • How to find pure essential oils
  • Using the essential oils aromatically, topically and internally
  • Safety precautions when using essential oils
  • Essential oils health benefits
  • and much much more (Amazon)

doctor-who-3Doctor Who: Three Doctors

Take a blistering trip through time and space with three stunning ALL-NEW short stories featuring Tenth Doctor, Eleventh Doctor and the brand-new Twelfth Doctor by the ongoing DOCTOR WHO creative teams – PLUS a sneak peek of the TOP SECRET Summer 2015 event! Be the first to get a hint of the epic that will shake the Doctor to his core! It’s an unmissable read for fans, and the perfect primer for anyone looking to jump on board the TARDIS! (Amazon)

 

 

anne-of-green-gables

Anne of Green Gables Collection By Lucy Maud Montgomery

Everyone’s favorite redhead, the spunky Anne Shirley, begins her adventures at Green Gables, a farm outside Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. When the freckled girl realizes that the elderly Cuthberts wanted to adopt a boy instead, she begins to try to win them and, consequently, the reader, over. (Goodreads)

Favorites for nearly 100 years, these classic novels follow the adventures of the spirited redhead Anne Shirley, who comes to stay at Green Gables and wins the hearts of everyone she meets.

Includes Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne’s House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside – the whole collection. Each book includes: The original, unabridged text; a specially commissioned biography of L.M. Montgomery; a map of Prince Edward Island. (Goodreads)

 

the-ghost-filesThe Ghost Files By April Baker

Soon to be a major motion picture!

Cherry blossom lipstick: check
Smokey eyes: check
Skinny jeans: check
Dead kid in the mirror: check

For sixteen year old Mattie Hathaway, this is her normal everyday routine. She’s been able to see ghosts since her mother tried to murder her when she was five years old. No way does she want anyone to know she can talk to spooks. Being a foster kid is hard enough without being labeled a freak too.

Normally, she just ignores the ghosts and they go away. That is until she see’s the ghost of her foster sister… Sally.

Everyone thinks Sally’s just another runaway, but Mattie knows the truth—she’s dead. Murdered. Mattie feels like she has to help Sally, but she can’t do it alone. Against her better judgment, she teams up with a young policeman, Officer Dan, and together they set out to discover the real truth behind Sally’s disappearance.

Only to find out she’s dealing with a much bigger problem, a serial killer, and she may be the next victim…

Will Mattie be able to find out the truth before the killer finds her? (Goodreads)

Reiki: For beginners By Alexander Yamashita

24760352.jpg

The Joy of Less By Cary David Richards

A minimalist cheat sheet for simple organized living.  How to get off the stress, complexity and overwhelm merry-go-round and simplify your life.

The second book in Cary David Richard’s two book series on minimalist living details how to simplify your space and gives you down to earth real world strategies for declutering your home.

After being forced by circumstances to downsize and simplify Cary David and his wife Jeannie came to realize that their new minimalist life style had some very tangible and far reaching benefits. They began to re-think their previous lives of consumerism and the habit of accumulating more and more “stuff”.

˃˃˃ The ability to simplify life is the ability to declutter your soul, be present and in the moment and live with emotinal clarity.

Through the conscious implementation of minimalist living concepts, the couple realized that living with less brought a freedom and serenity not available in their previous lives.

Never setting out to become minimalist, they embarked on a journey of simplicity and discovered what was most important to them in the process. (Goodreads)

edgar-allan-poe-the-life-of-a-genius-who-was-misunderstoodEdgar Allan Poe By Kurt Thomas

Edgar Allan Poe The life of A Genius that was misunderstood

Edgar Allen Poe is a name synonymous with horror stories. In popular culture he is imaged with a black ominous Raven on his arm, while the slight smirk on his face could be an indication of a secret he knows which we don’t. His influence ranges beyond just appearing in a few episodes of “The Simpsons” and being the inspiration for the name of a football team. The story of his life is almost as interesting as his own poems and works of fiction. How many broken hearts did he leave behind? Has science been able to prove the cause of his mysterious death? Who is the stealthy hooded man who left a bottle of Cognac and three roses at his grave for seventy-five years? The mysteries of Poe’s own life have fueled the persona surrounding his character. Discover old letters that were exchanged between him and his friends, letters he wrote to the women who loved him, and the circumstances of his own death. Deduce for yourself whether the literary genius that is celebrated the world over was by a madman or just an ordinary man of letters who was trying to make a living. (Goodreads)

snow-like-ashesSnow Like Ashes By Sara Raasch

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own. (Goodreads)

deliriumDelirium: by Lauren Oliver (Status: Read)

There is an alternate cover edition for this ISBN13 here.

They say that the cure for Love will make me happy and safe forever. And I’ve always believed them. Until now.

Now everything has changed. Now I’d rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie. (Goodreads)

 

 

requiemRequiem: by Lauren Oliver

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has transformed. The nascent rebellion that was underway in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight. After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven. Pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels.

As Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain of the Wilds, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena and Hana’s points of view. They live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge. (Goodreads)

pandemoniumPandemonium: by Lauren Oliver

I’m pushing aside
the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana
and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.(Goodreads)

in-the-after-lifeIn The After Light By Alexandra Bracken

Ruby can’t look back. Fractured by an unbearable loss, she and the kids who survived the government’s attack on Los Angeles travel north to regroup. With them is a prisoner: Clancy Gray, son of the president, and one of the few people Ruby has encountered with abilities like hers. Only Ruby has any power over him, and just one slip could lead to Clancy wreaking havoc on their minds.

They are armed only with a volatile secret: proof of a government conspiracy to cover up the real cause of IAAN, the disease that has killed most of America’s children and left Ruby and others like her with powers the government will kill to keep contained. But internal strife may destroy their only chance to free the “rehabilitation camps” housing thousands of other Psi kids.

Meanwhile, reunited with Liam, the boy she would-and did-sacrifice everything for to keep alive, Ruby must face the painful repercussions of having tampered with his memories of her. She turns to Cole, his older brother, to provide the intense training she knows she will need to take down Gray and the government. But Cole has demons of his own, and one fatal mistake may be the spark that sets the world on fire. (Goodreads)

never-fadeNever Fade By Alexandra Bracken

Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself? (Goodreads)

wrecked-and-ruinedWrecked & Ruined By Amy Martinez

For the first time, The Wrecked and Ruined Series is available as a box set. 

One accident. Four lives. Forever changed.
It was only a single moment, but it destroyed us all.

Changing Course After a tragic accident robs him of a future with his wife, Brett Sharp must let go of the past and learn to love again. But what happens when the woman he used to love refuses to accept the woman he can’t live without?

Stolen Course After the loss of his fiancée, Caleb Jones is angry and numb. His only goal is to make the woman who killed her pay. But what happens when everything he knows to be true explodes around him? Who will be left to pick up the pieces, and who will need to be saved from the wreckage?

Among The Echoes After being stripped of her identity, Dr. Erica Hill had long since stopped living. The day she meets celebrity boxer, Slate Andrews, her life drastically changes for the better…and the worse. She’s on the run, determined not to take him down with her, but absolutely unable to let him go.

Broken Course After the fated accident that killed her best friend, Sarah Erickson is left consumed by guilt and self loathing. But
can a second broken soul be enough to fill the voids of her own? Or will such scarred pasts prove too much for love alone to overcome? (Goodreads)

here-with-meHere with me By Heidi McLaughlin

Ryley Clarke has grown up with the military in her blood, with both parents serving their country. Ryley knows the risks of being married to the military. But when the unthinkable happens, and her future husband is killed in action, Ryley can barely survive… until Evan’s twin brother, Nate, helps her pick up the pieces.

After serving on a special mission with the military for six years, Evan Archer returns home to find the unthinkable – the love of his life, Ryley Clarke – engaged to his brother, Nate. With Nate on deployment, Evan needs to figure out what happened in his absence, and more importantly, how to win Ryley back from the man he once considered his best friend, but now thinks of as his rival.(Goodreads)

choose-meChoose me By Heidi McLaughlin

Two brothers.

One woman.

One son.

One choice.

Lives ripped apart, shattered and rebuilt.

Evan and Nate Archer: Brothers, best friends, warriors and now enemies. Both in love with the same woman. Both determined to fight for what they want.

Nate Archer promised to protect Ryley Clarke in the event Evan didn’t make it back. It’s a promise between brothers since the early days of basic training. Nate never considered that his feelings, long buried since high school, would resurface and grow stronger.

Evan Archer wants answers. He wants someone to pay. After being gone for an unprecedented amount of time, nothing is making sense now that he’s home. Most of all, he can’t understand how his brother ended up engaged to his fiancée. Evan is determined to uncover the mystery, and win back his family.

The Archers are about to fight dirty.(Goodreads)

 

Monthly Wrap Up

August Wrap up 2016

My Reality

This month has been soo busy. And it flew by in no time at all. I took a week long vacation to Ventura, California. And it was amazing. I got to visit the little island of Santa Rosa, eat some incredible Italian food.After coming back from Ventura, my birthday was right around the corner. I can officially say I have been alive for 24 amazing years. This month I discovered a new book called, “The Japanese Art of Tidying Up”, and such an amazing read.  Which leads me to say, I have been getting rid of my shit. There you go I said. After discovering this book and reading a little of it, I couldn’t wait to start decluttering. And its been amazing so far. Lastly, I have applied to colleges. You heard it right here, this girl is putting her big girl pants on and going to a University. ( Which one is to be determined, but the important part is that I applied  right?)

Books

On too the books… This wasn’t the hottest reading month for me. But, the highlight that I have been the most proud of is that I have been keeping up to date with my “Research Methods,” textbook readings. WHOOP WHOOP!!! Textbooks are always the most hardest things for me to read and I tend to have the habit of procrastinating my text readings but, this semester things are going according to plan.

As far as all other books go, I only read 2 books at the very,very,very beginning of the month.

Safe havenSafe Haven By Nicholas Sparks, I gave it a 3.75/5 . I wanted to love this book. However, I felt like it dragged on in places. The main character Katy, was well developed and had quite a deep story line to her. The male protagonist, Alex was a heart throb. He was a very attentive father and put his kids before everyone and everything. I enjoyed how the story developed around their relationship. There was a dark side to their relationship as Katie was running away from her demons that weren’t far behind. I enjoyed this book and the complexity that it brought with it. My one complain is that the story just dragged in some spots and I wish there was a little more Obsidianaction scenes because there was a lot of potential for that .

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, I gave it 2/5. This book held absolutely no meaning for me. It was fun to read, it had a little of the 90’s Rosswell vibe to it. However, it didn’t grasp my attention from the start. One day, I’ll pick up the rest of the series until then I have other things to read.


Blog Posts

There were a total of 2 blog posts this month.

#FridayReads Ventura California edition and Obsidian review. There is hope that next month there will be more #fridayreads and reviews up.

Video Posts

Lastly, there were ZERO videos posted this month. I did film, just haven’t been inspired to edit. There is hope September will be a better filming month.

Until Next Time…..

With warm cups of tea and just a few more chapters,

Rina in w0nderland

Book Review

Obsidian By Jennifer L Armentrout |Review

ObsidianLux Series: Obsidian

Pages: 335

Publisher: Entangled Teen Publishing

Synopsis

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is. (Goodreads)

Review:

This is a Rosswell meets Twilight, kind of story. I’ll start by saying I have never read a book that had aliens involved. And I have to say that I really enjoyed the concept of reading a novelization about aliens. There a few things that I really enjoyed about the book.

Pro’s:

There were a few things I liked about this book:

-I loved that there was no instalove. The two main characters that this story revolved around never had a moment when they just met and suddenly they were dating. I really liked this because they were able to really get to know one another. Although, there was a lot of lusting for one another through out the book which came out in a bantering sort of conversation between the characters I really liked that the book took its time to progress their relationship.

– Since, the element of instalove was eliminated from the story the characters and side characters relationships were a huge concentration in the this book. I really liked how it balanced affection and dislike for another person. I liked that it showed the side that you may not like everyone that you first meet but, once you get to know them they can surprise and a strong relationship could be built. I really liked this because I have not seen it very often in young adult literature.

Con’s:

I had a couple of things that I just felt incomplete about at the end of the novel. I do have to keep in mind that this is the first book in a four book series, but even knowing that I felt that the first book should have concentrated strongly on world building.

-Since there was an interaction between characters that came from different planet’s, I felt that the Luxen planet needed to be explained more for the reader to understand and be able to visualize the villains, Arum in the book that are associated with Luxen.

-The villains, in this novel were very poorly explained and I couldn’t fully visualize them. Also, I would have liked a little more information on them, well at the same time having a sort of mystery established around them. I think that they were well introduced but, I needed more in order to form a visual in my mind.

-Lastly, I really struggled to like Katy’s mom. She wasn’t a huge issue that I had with her, but I wish that she was a little more authoritative then passive. I understood that she was excited that her daughter would have friends after their move to West Virgina, but at the same time her mom was way too trusting. She also really encouraged a relationship between Daemon and Katy which I felt was a little unrealistic.

Thoughts:

Overall, I gave this book a starsstars.75/ starsstarsstarsstarsstars. If you are looking for a meaningless read but you want some romance and drama this would be a good book to read. However, if you are wanting something to grasp your attention with syfy this isn’t exactly what you are looking for. It was a fun read, but it was a long shot from amazing. However, I will be continue on with the series.

Warm cups of tea, and just a few more chapters,

Rina

Friday Reads

#Friday Reads 8/12/16 |Ventura, California Edition

Hey Bibliomaniacs,

There is no #Fridayreads video this week, for I am currently out of the town, visiting the lovely city of Ventura, California and  I didn’t have time this week to pre-film it. However, I do want to share what I will be reading this weekend.

I have finally started reading the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the book that I am reading is the first installment called Obsidian. This was very popular within the book-tube community in the summer of 2013. I decided to give it a go. I have about 72 pages left in the novel and I have been really enjoying reading it off my kindle. However, I definitely have my share of issues with it. I will share them with you in my wrap-up.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Synopsis: Starting over sucks.ObsidianWhen we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is. (Goodreads)

Since I only have about 72 pages left in this book and I will be staying in tonight I feel like I will have not problem finishing this book. So, now I know there is a burning question in you. Why Marina, what will you be reading after you are done with “Obsidian”?

When I finish “Obsidian” I would love to start reading “Lady Midnight” by Cassandra Clare. I have been dying to start this one since it came out and I am finally caught up with this series.

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare 

SynopsisLady Midnight

In a kingdom by the sea…

In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.

parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?

The darkly magical world of Shadowhunters has captured the imaginations of millions of readers across the globe. Join the adventure in Lady Midnight, the long-awaited first volume of a new trilogy from Cassandra Clare. (Goodreads)

I am extremely excited about this installment. I have only heard really good things about it and I think that vacation time is the best time to start a very thick book.

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and getting plenty of reading in. Look forward to a travel vlog possibly in the near future. I would love to vlog this vacation. Although, today was a bit stressful of a start with a clogged toilet at the place we are staying but, I declare the rest of the trip to be delightful. I can’t wait to connect with my best friend who is coming to visit. And my dear ol’ pops is meeting us in Ventura as well.

With warm cups of tea and just a few more chapters,

Rina

#booktube · Challenges · Read-a-Thon's

BookTube-A-Thon TBR

Hey Bibliomaniacs,

The Booktube-a-thon is upon us once again. I can’t be more excited. This is a week long read-a-thon, filled with challenges and most of all reading. And although, I don’t have a lot of time this week to read, I will try to read as many of this books that I can.

The TBR list and Challenges:

A book with yellow on the cover: The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

A Book to read after  sunset: The new 52: Harley Quinn – Hot in the City by Amanda Conner

A Book you found through Booktube: Simon and the Homo sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertali & The Wasp Factory by Ian Banks

A Book by your favorite  Author: Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

A Book Older than you: Franny and Zoey by J.D. Salinger

A Book to movie Adaptation: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks