Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Top 10 Books I Can't Wait To Get My Greedy Hands On In 2014

With each new year come some amazing new books. And that means that I'll be completely and utterly broke this coming year (nothing new....). So worth it. Here are some books that I definitely plan on spending my hard-earned money on (in no particular order).

The Queen's Choice (Heirs of Chrior #1)
by Cayla Kluver

So, this is kind of a weird one because I'm not terribly excited about the synopsis of this book, yet, at the same time I strangely am excited for the book....weird. I have a love/hate relationship with Cayla Kluver's previous books (Legacy), yet they have stuck with me so obviously there is something there (the side characters). So, I'm actually looking forward to her newest series.




by Rosamund Hodge

Fairy-tale retelling? Check. Tough chick for a protagonist? Yup. An intriguing, mysterious guy lead? You betcha. Add in a hate-turned-love relationship and I'm sold. Here's to hoping I get an ARC!






Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3)
by Marissa Meyer

AHHHHHH!!!! OWIEJFAEKFJWOAIEFJALDKSFJWOIEJFAOWJF
OMG!!!!!I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!! AHHHHHH I NEED AN ARC NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND MORE CAPTAIN THORNE!!!!! Okay, okay. I think I've calmed down a bit. But just a bit. I'm so excited for this book. This series is amazingly fun and you can't help but love all the characters. If there is one ARC I would do anything for, it's this one. 



Death Sworn (Death Sworn #1)
by Leah Cypess

One word: assassins.
I'm sold. 

*Side note - Totally in love with that cover! 





Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends #1)
by Kelley Armstrong 

"Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever."

Dashing men, monsters and court politics makes this book sound like one fantastical fantasy adventure. 


Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3)
by Leigh Bardugo
*Cover not final

I was blown away by the first book, and, although I didn't love (but still enjoyed) the second book (except for Sturmhond who is beyond amazing), I'm eagerly and impatiently awaiting this next installment. Also, with the other covers being so beautiful, I can't wait to see what this one is like!




The Murder Complex (The Murder Complex #1)
by Lindsay Cummings 

Sounds dark, bloody and action-packed....my kind of book. Add in an assassin and I think I'm in love. 






Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1)
by Livia Blackburne 

I love a good book about a talented thief! And more assassins! Yay! And sounds like there are some deliciously hot men in this book so I'm definitely looking forward to it.






The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5)
by Rick Riordan
*Cover not final

This is the last and final (so far as I know) book of the Heroes of Olympus series and I can't be more sad, nostalgic and happy for it. I've yet to read the previous book, something which I hope to remedy soon, but I absolutely love this series. Rick Riordan is definitely one of my favorite authors and one of the few authors of which I'm actually glad decided to continue in the world they created after the conclusion of the original series. October is too far away. 



No Cover Yet: The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa
After loving the first two books, how could I not look forward to the third installment? And after that ending?!?! Gah!

*Also, the third book in the Throne of Glass series should be on this list. However, since it doesn't have a cover, synopsis, or title, I didn't count it as one of the "10" per se, just an honorary mention. Even without these things I want it to get the love it deserves because this series is phenomenal :) Hint. Hint.

Quite frankly, these are but a few of the many books I'm looking forward to this new year. So many books, so little time.

So what books are y'all looking forward to this new year? Let me know in the comments below!

All the best ♥
Mackenzie 

Friday, December 27, 2013

Life of a Blogger: Favorite Movies


I've been a huge fan of Jessi over at Novel Heartbeat (what used to be Aunti Spinelli Reads) for a while now so when I saw that she started this new post I just had to join in! What a novel idea (hehehe). Okay, that was corny, but I'm proud of it. This weeks topic?

Favorite Movies

Okay, for those of you who don't know, I may have a slight addiction to movies and TV. Alright, maybe "slight" is too soft a word. Ughhh...okay! It's a straight up addiction but NO SHAME! I love movies. There is a dollar theater next to my college and let me tell you I take advantage of it. 

So, to say this is a hard topic is an understatement. I'm usually rather easygoing when it comes to movies. A movie has to be really bad for me not to at least enjoy it a bit. My favorite genre? Action. If its got guns, car chases, sword fights or explosions, I'm happy. But I definitely have some favorites. Here are the movies that I love. Heck, that's an understatement. My joy, excitement and love for these movies cannot be described in sufficient words. These are truly phenomenal.

1. MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL. 

There are simply no words to describe how awesome this movie is. So, I thought I'd let the GIFs convince you.







Honestly, if these don't convince you, I don't know what will....

2. LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY:

The epicness that is these movies is indescribable. I have never gotten so involved in the characters and plot of a movie. The brotherhood, loyalty, and courage that is shown by these characters is beyond expression. And the bromances! Ugh....love them. These movies are simply phenomenal (with plenty of hot men!!).

Yes you do....

And best of all....
The Fresh Prince of Gondor
How have I never seen this before?!?!

3. HARRY POTTER MOVIES:

Okay, let me say this first: the movies are not nearly as good as the books. However, I love these movies because I love seeing what is perhaps my favorite books series come to life. I love seeing all these amazing characters brought to life and all the adventures they go through. Whenever the marathons come on ABC family you can bet that I'm sitting on my butt watching em!



4. LION KING: 

I simply had to add in my favorite Disney movie!


Just look at those moves. Sassy.

5. MAJOR PAYNE:
Damon Wayan. 'Nuff said. 

Words of Wisdom

Just look at those moves. 

In all honesty, this is a very short list and in no way lists all of my favorite movies. I have a ton. However, these are definitely movies that have stuck with me and that I could watch over and over again. And, I just wanted to keep it short and sweet. In short, I love stupid humor and EPIC ACTION MOVIES!

So, what are some of y'all favorite movies? Did they make my list? 

All the best 
Mackenzie 

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS! and here are my "Top 12 books of 2013"

First off,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I hope y'all have an absolutely wonderful holiday filled with love, family, and, of course, presents! I know the holidays can be hectic but just remember that even when family is crazy (and believe me when I say I know how this is), it's still a blessing to get to spend time with them. And, as always, please remember our soldiers overseas who are unable to spend time with their family while fighting for your right to spend time with yours. 

Now, onto my Top Twleve List. 
 Even though 2013 has been a bust for me blogging wise, I did read some amazing books this year. So, without further ado, here are my top 12 of 2013 (in no particular order):


Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)
by Cassandra Clare

OMGOMGOIMGFOAIJFOWIEJFOW!!!!!
Ok, now that that is out of my system, LSKDFJOWIJFOSDLKSF. Whoops, had a bit more in me :P
This book was amazing. Throughout this book my emotions were all over the place. Honestly, I didn't even want to read this book because I didn't want this series to end! This series was a pleasant surprise considering I didn't fall in love with her original series. But THIS series was phenomenal! Even months later I still haven't gotten my emotions together enough to write a review. In short: LOVEEEEE!


Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms #1)
by Morgan Rhodes (aka Michelle Rowan)

Fantasy = YESSSSSSS. 
I loved the diversity of the characters, the world, everything! Blood? Yes. Destruction? You bet. Rebellion? Absolutely. 


Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3) 
by Kiersten White

Another fantastic end to a fantastic series. I hated to see this series full of magic, wit, and action come to an end, but what a wonderful end it was! 


The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)
by Julie Kagawa 

AHHHHH!!! 
Just read my review and you'll understand. 


Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) 
by Marissa Meyer 

First: A feisty and fiery heroine.
Second: Wolf - a hot street fighter. 
Third, and most importantly: Captain Thorne. DIBS!
While most sequels tend to fall short, this sequel did no such thing! Although this book is a sequel, it has it's own plot and set of characters that tie in with it's predecessor without being the same book. Meyers, I commend you. 


Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)
by Robin LaFevers

THE EMOTIONS!!!!!
Again, this is another book that had my emotions running so high that I've yet to write a review! While I absolutely adored Grave Mercy, that book was more politically based while this one was more of a personal story (and a sad one at that). While I prefer Grave Mercy for it's plot line, I couldn't help but feel lots of feels for Sybella and her hardships.


Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)
by Susan Dennard

I thought I'd enjoy this book, but I didn't realize just how much! This book blew apart my expectations! 
First off, zombies. Add in a daring, caring, and risk-taking young woman, a dashing if not grumpy inventor, and action, you've got yourself a wonderful book.


Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)
by Leigh Bardugo 

Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with this book. But, wanna know who saved the day? Sturmhond.
Oh, you witty, charismatic, sarcasitic son-of-a-gun you. YOU made this book worth reading. Your wit and swagger made me swoon for you. See you in book 3.


Sweet Venom (Medusa Girls #1)
by Tara Lynn Childs 

Another book I was pleasantly surprised. Triplets who just happen to be the daughters of Medusa? Sounds fun. This book was chock full of fun with each daughter being unique and lovable in their own ways. Hoping to read book 2 soon!


Defiance (Defiance #1)
C.J. Redwine 

Rachel doesn't like the restrictions set upon her by the Commander all because she's a girl. Nope. She'd much rather track, hunt and get all fancy with the knives. My kinda gal. Add in Logan, a man who actually respects Rachel and is quiet, intelligent, loyal and kicks-butt and you've got yourself a fantastic set of protagonists. This book was a surprising roller coaster of emotions. And the Cursed One? I have a weird mix of confusion and intrigue when it comes to this creature and can't wait to read the second book!


The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3)
by Rick Riordan

Oh, Riordan. You never fail to bring the wit and action. This book, like all of its predecessors, is fantastic. Even though I still have the last couple chapters left, I've already added it to this list because it's that good. And that part that just happened? WHAT?!?! 

Okay, so I did save the best for last....


Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
by Sarah J. Maas 

ALDKSFOQWIEJFADKSFQOWEIFJOAWDFIJOWQIRHGEOIGJASKDFJOWQIERFJOSGHAOWIERFJOAWJEFSAWJEFOAWIHFGOIAWRGHIUWHRFGISADFHIWJEFHIAWSUGBHIAWHFAWEFHILAFA
MY EMOTIONS!!!!!!! 
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO WRITE! THIS SEQUEL EVEN BLEW IT'S PREDECESSOR OUT OF THE WATER! THE EMOTIONS! THE TURMOIL! THE ACTION! THE INTRIGUE!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!


All the best and Merry Christmas ♥
Mackenzie