I've Moved!

Yes. This is basically how I dance.

So much skill you're just jealous. 

But you'll understand soon enough because....

Drumroll please

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Yes, yes. I've finally made the move to Wordpress. 

I will always miss my blogging roots (sorta. Blogger kinda sucks now comparatively) but I've wanted to move for SO long. It's been a constant back and forth because it's not free (money, you know how it goes). But, I finally decided, what the heck. You never know till you try, right?

I know I've been absent from blogging lately, partly due to my schedule, but partly due to the fact that I just wasn't happy with my blog. I kept trying to update it and it was difficult and annoying and there were quite a few things I was unable to do. At least with free templates. My lack of excitement about my little corner of the internet led to me not being motivated to write anything because I wasn't proud of my blog and that's a problem. 

But, thanks to Ashley at Nose Graze (who you should totally stalk....I mean follow btw) I have a wonderful new Wordpress blog. I used her hosting site (BookHost) and so far, so good! Her Ultimate Book Blogger plugin alone is amazing and so worth it. 

But, I'm still trying to figure things out and get it all nice and pretty for y'all. I've done the designs myself and am still working on making it perfect. However, I'm very happy with what I have up so far. It'll be a few days most likely before I start posting (besides an introductory post), but feel free to check it out! 

Oh, For the Love of Books!

It'll take a few days for bloglovin followers to be switched over to the new blog but don't fret! It'll happen seamlessly :) 

I'm so excited to get back in the blogging universe and just have fun with it. And, hopefully, y'all will to. 

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The One Where I Introduce Myself for Armchair BEA 2015

It's that time of year again. The time when book bloggers, authors and all bookish fans get together in the NYC for the great meet and greet known as BEA. For those of us not lucky enough (read: poor college student) to attend the real life version of BEA, there is the great internet version known as Armchair BEA so that we unlucky folk can get a taste of the great big BEA in our own little corner of the internet. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself: How long have you been blogging? Where are you from? How did you get into blogging?


I actually started blogging wayyyyyy back in January of 2012 (I feel so old at this moment....). I accidentally came across one while looking for a book recommendation online and just kept finding more and more. I thought it seemed like a lot of fun, the community is great, and I just like to spread my opinion, so I created it on a whim. Even though I've had this blog for a good long while I've taken a lot of lengthy.....breaks. When I first started blogging I never realized how time-consuming it could be (I'm sure many other bloggers can understand). A lot of these breaks happen during the school year because with full credit loads and work, time is almost nonexistent and Netflix is all-consuming (curse you NETFLIX *shakes fist* okay, not really, you're amazing I love you). I always try to get back into it, but time-management is not my forte and unfortunately blogging gets pushed to the wayside. However, as always, I try and restart and get back into it. I enjoy it. I really do. And even though I may not always be the most consistent, it's still a ton of fun and I enjoy coming back to it and getting back into the community. 

A little bit about myself:

  I'm an Army brat so I'm not really "from" anywhere, but everywhere. I'm currently blogging from GA but go to school in VA. I'm a HUGE movie lover. Some of my favorites? Gladiator, LOTR, Harry Potter, any war movie, superhero movies (a la avengers), Lion King, Mulan, Aladdin, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, the Princess Bride, Major Payne, and my absolute favorite comedy - MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL! If you love that movie, we can be automatic friends. And don't get me started on TV (see above paragraph for obsession with Netflix). I also love all things shopping and fashion. Too bad I have so few funds and that my love of clothes competes with my love of books. And traveling! Oh how I love to explore the world! I've visited and lived all over and can't choose favorites. Each place holds a special place in my heart. I also absolutely love animals. I wanted to be a zoologist until I learned it was pretty useless unless I had a PhD. Too much money. Also, too much science.  But I have 2 wonderful, adorable, and annoying pugs. Gotta love em. I instead turned to Psychology. Still a science, but a science I enjoy so much more and only need a Masters for. So, still a ton of money, but at least it's something I enjoy.  

2. What is your favorite genre and why?

Yes. I'm a HUGE fantasy junky. I love the escapism aspect of fantasy novels. I love to find a new world and get lost in it. The creativity and imagination behind fantasy books is like no other. I'm always a sucker for magical realms, magical powers and creatures, warring countries, action-packed fighting scenes, assassins, thieves, chosen ones, political intrigue  and all sorts of weaponry. Give me a high fantasy any day of the weak.

3. What book are you reading right now?

Crown of Embers  by Rae Carson.

Phenomenal. This is actually a re-read for me in preparation of the last book and it's amazing. I forgot just how much I absolutely love this book (and series). And what better book to be reading during this armchair BEA where the theme is diversity? The main character does not fit the typical beautiful, skinny girl mold but must deal with emotional eating. Though she's a tough character, her strength in not in her skill with weapons but her intelligent and strategic mind. And this takes place in a Middle Eastern or African inspired realm that is beautifully crafted and magical. 

Read it. 

4. What book are you most looking forward to reading this summer?

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

by Sarah J. Maas

Release date: September 1, 2015 

Please. Do I even need to give you a reason for this being my most anticipated? 

Which leads me to this question:

5. What is one book everyone should read?

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

If you're a fantasy lover and love kick-butt women, hot guys, political and royal intrigue, assassins, emotional blows to the heart, feelings, feelings, and more feelings, pure awesomeness, tons of action, fae, awesome bad guys you hate, magic, and more awesomeness and hotness, then read this (and that's a really horrible description that doesn't do this the slightest justice). This is one of the few series where it actually gets better as it goes along. Book 3? Destroyed me, put me back together, said "PSYCH!!", and destroyed me again.

I loved it.

How about y'all? What are some books you're anticipating this year? What are your plans for Armchair BEA? Introduce yourselves in the comments below (if you're so inclined).

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The One With the Top 10 2014 Releases I Meant to Read, but Didn't.

                                 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish.  Each week a new Top Ten list topic is posted and book bloggers fill in their own choices. 

This weeks topic is

Top 10 2014 Releases I Meant to Read, but Didn't

These are books I either own and never got around to, or books I don't own but wanted to read. 

*All pictures link to GR page

 

      

                                                                             

1. The Blood of Olympus: I own it and refuse to read it. I DON'T WANT IT TO ENDDDD!

2. Red Rising: So much hype. So many reservations.

3. Sea of Shadows: FANTASY AWESOMENESS! ANIMALS! But, I heard some...iffy reviews and I admit it turned me off. Library? 

4. Death Sworn: One word: Assassins. But I also heard not so good things about this one so......

5. The Murder Complex: Yet another one in which I had high expectations yet seems to fall flat. I'll get around to it....eventually. 

6. The Midnight Thief: Loved the prequel I got for review. Heard some rather boring things about this book from people I trust so I'm waiting for book 2 to see if it gets better. 

7. Talon: Why haven't I read this yet? I read the first couple chapters and was intrigued. I would've been happier had it not been urban fantasy. But dragons! 

8. Suspicion: I got this one for review through Netgalley and just haven't gotten around to it yet. I hope to read it soon though. 

9. Mortal Heart: I own it but I don't want it to end! What a great series! ASSASSINS! 

10. The Vault of Dreamers (the picture wouldn't work): I got this for review and really should read it. I read one chapter.....not that I didn't like it, just wan't feeling it. I'll pick it up again soon. 

How about y'all? What books released in 2014 did you mean to read, but for whatever reason weren't able? Let me know in the comments below!

All the best ♥︎

Mackenzie 

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The One With All the Books I Got

This post is just to show y'all what books I've gotten over the past....well, as far back as I can remember (been a long time since one of these went up). There's no way I'm going to remember them all since it's been so long, but here I go:

*Pictures lead to Goodreads pages

Bought

                     

For Review

      

Gifted

  

I know this isn't all the books, but this is all I can remember at the moment. I look forward to all the reading I get to do!

What book have y'all gotten this past week?

Let me know in the comments below!

All the best ♥︎

Mackenzie 

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The One With My Top Ten Most Anticipated Debut Novels for 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish.  Each week a new Top Ten list topic is posted and book bloggers fill in their own choices. 

This weeks topic is

Top 10 Most Anticipated 2015 Novels

It's supposed to be debut novels, but I realized that there are only a couple that I'm pretty psyched out (so far as I know - my GR shelves are lacking). I used to keep up with them a lot more but not this year. Instead, I've switched it to novels released in 2015 (debut or otherwise) that I'm psyched for (which is more than 10 - I'm obviously not one for the rules). 

The Red Queen (Red Queen Trilogy #1) by Victoria Aveyard

Release Date: February 10, 2015 (Debut)

I'm sold on this epic fantasy with a heavy dose political intrigue and "elite warriors with god-like powers". 

Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles 0.1) by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: January 27, 2015

We get all the juicy details about why Queen Levana is crazy, psycho, and evil. I love a good backstory. 

The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy #2) by Marie Rutkoski

Release Date: March 3, 2015

THAT COVER! Also, Winner's Curse destroyed me in a wonderful, beautiful, heartbreaking way. I need more. 

The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen #1) by Jodi Meadows

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Dethroned princess, spies, magic, and wraiths. Need. NOW.

Shadow Scale (Seraphina #2) by Rachel Hartman

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Um. Dragons. I've been dying for this sequel since 2012! It's been 3 years too long! 

The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2) by Elizabeth May

Release Date: September 17, 2015

THAT ENDING WAS JUST CRUEL. NEED THE 2ND BOOK NOW! 

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Sarah J. Maas. 

'Nuff said. 

Lion Heart (Scarlet #3) by A. C. Gaughen

Release Date: May 19, 2015

I. NEEEEEEEEEEEEED. THISSSSSSSSS!!!!

The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2) by Erika Johansen

Release Date: June 9, 2015

So, I kind of totally definitely had a love/hate relationship with the first book. Yet, I kind of totally definitely want the second book. Think of that what you will.

Finally, 3 books that don't have covers yet but LOTS of flailing on my part:

Throne of Glass #4 by Sarah J. Maas (AHHHH!!)

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (AHHHH!!)

Winter (Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer (AHHHH!!)

So what books (debut or otherwise) are y'all waiting on this year? 

Let me know in the comment below!

All the best ♥︎

Mackenzie 

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The One with My 2015 Challenges

     Even though my track record with challenges is....lackluster to say the least, I still really enjoy participating in them. While I don't take too much stock in the challenges, they are lots of fun and can help me when I'm choosing what to read. However, I'm a total mood reader and won't let these challenges force me to read a book because I feel I have too. How horrible would that be? I usually do it to help keep track of books I read and connect with other bloggers. And they're fun (even though I suck at them). These are some of the challenges that will kill me I'm going to partake in this year. 

Challenge: Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge

Host: Goodreads

Goal: 52 books

I've participated in the Goodreads reading challenge every year since I've found this website. It's a great way to help keep track of all the books I've read that year. I'm not a fast reader and lately it's a miracle if I even read at all (I know, shame on me). I've decided to set my goal at 52 books which means 1 book a week. There are going to be times that I can read more (school breaks, slow school weeks), and other times where I have very limited time. However, I think this is an achievable goal. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it. 

Challenge: Fairytale Challenge

Host: Mel @ The Daily Prophecy

Goal: Magic Mirror -- 5-9 books

The lovely Mel is taking over this challenge from the previous host Debz. Her obvious love of fairy tales makes this the perfect challenge for this first time host! You got this girl!

As for the challenge itself, I only participated in this last year and only met half my goal (which was incredibly low to begin with). This year, because I know of at least 4 books I want to read that are retellings, I decided to level up to a whopping 5-9. So daring, I know. 

These are the four books I want to read for this challenge:

1. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge (Beauty and the Beast retelling) - This one will actually be a re-   

    read but I'm curious to know why I knocked down the rating. I remember devouring it. This is      

    what I get for not writing a review immediately after finishing. By the way, I thought this was a 

    standalone but on Goodreads it says it's part of a series. Interesting. 

2. Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge (Little Red Riding Hood retelling) - Beautiful cover, girl 

    who can kick butt, kingdoms and princes, hate turned love relationship possibility = my cup of tea. 

3. Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles #0.1) by Marissa Meyer (Evil queen retelling?) - Since evil queens 

    are (almost) always part of a fair tale, I figured this one could count and I'm SO excited. This chick 

    is crazy psycho. My inner psychologist can't wait to understand why that is. 

4. Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer - *FLAILS* OMGOMGOMGOMG! So, not 

    gonna lie, Winter seemed a bit....odd to me in her cameo in Cress. However, this series is 

    phenomenal and I have absolutely no doubt that Marissa Meyer will once again blow me away. 

5. No idea. I'll probably re-read Cress (because it was PHENOMENAL! THORNE! READ IT  

    NOWWWWWW). 

Challenge: Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge

Host: Alexa Loves Books & Hello, Chelly

Goal: 15 books

I was so lucky to stumble upon this challenge because I LOVE fantasy. Like, ridiculously so. It is my go-to genre, the best of the best, the most awesome of all that is awesome! Also, since you can set your own goal and it's my favorite genre, I figured it'd be relatively easy to complete this challenge. So there's that. 

Here are some contenders for this challenge:

1. Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima (Re-read 1st three so I can finally get to the last)

2. Fire & Thorns trilogy by Rae Carson (Another re-read of the first two so I can read the last one)

3. Book 4 of the Throne of Glass series

4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

5. Reread some Tamora Pierce

6. Taste of Darkness (Healer #3) by Maria V. Snyder

7. The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2) by Elizabeth May

8. The Heart of Betrayal (The Remnant Chronicles #2) by Mary E. Pearson

9. Lion Heart (Scarlet #3) by A. C. Gaughen

10. The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2) by Erika Johansen

Challenge: 2015 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Host: Falling for YA

Goal: Silver level - 25 books

Ha. HAHAHAHA. I'm really shooting for the stars here. But I've got a horrible ratio (mainly because I got approved for books but forgot to download o_O) but anything helps. And, let's face it, I'm totally going to request more. 

I may or may not have a problem. 

Challenge: 365 Days of Reading YA 

Host(s): Sarah at What Sarah Read and Kate at Literary Kate.

Goal: Whatever I feel like.

I'm doing this one purely for the absolutely AMAZING graphic. WHAT?!? WHO TOOK THE TIME TO DO THIS?!? Regardless, it's awesome. I'm really just joining this one because it gives me great ideas about what to read throughout the year. It's basically a set your own goal. Totally my speed. Head over to the hosts sites to hear all about this one.

     Will I complete all these challenges? Well, I like to think I could, but I'm a realist. So... no. Ha! But that's okay. If I do, awesome. If not, awesome. Basically, if I read, I consider it an accomplishment. Besides, I like to think of these challenges more as guidelines about what to read, rather than actual rules goals. 

All the best ♥︎

Mackenzie 

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2014 Books read and Challenges

Warning: Epic fail ahead.

2014 Goodreads Challenge

Host: Goodreads

Goal: 60

# of Books read: 30

Status: Not. Even. Close.

2014 Debut Author Challenge 

Host: The Story Siren

Goal: 12

# of Books read: 6!

Status: Even though I still didn't meet the goal, I made it halfway which was a big accomplishment for 2014 *happy dance*

Books:

1. Defy (Goodreads) by Sara Larson - Didn't hate it, but certainly didn't love it either. 

2. Cruel Beauty (Goodreads) by Rosamund Hodge - I really want to re-read this one because I'm not sure why it's at 3 stars. I remember devouring it so I wonder why I changed the rating. This is why you review right after you finish reading. 

3. Camelot Burning (Goodreads) by Kathryn Rose - No. Just no. 

4. The Falconer (Goodreads) by Elizabeth May - YESSS! SO MUCH YESS I CANNOT CONTAIN THE YESSSS! Except that ending - curse you May! *shakes fists in the air*

5. The Queen of the Tearling (Goodreads) by Erika Johansen - I'm....I'm really confused. I liked it. And hated it.

6. Threats of Sky and Sea (Goodreads) by Jennifer Ellision - A hidden gem. Go read it. 

2014 Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Host: 

Goal: 25

# of Books read: 8

Status: *crickets*

Books:

1. Defy (Goodreads) by Sara Larson

2. Camelot Burning (Goodreads) by Kathryn Rose

3. Threats of Sky and Sea (Goodreads) by Jennifer Ellision

4. The Queen's Choice (Goodreads) by Cayla Kluver - DNF

5. The Lady Thief (Goodreads) by A. C. Gaughen - READ IT! 

6. Sworn to Raise (Goodreads) by Terah Edun - Meh.

7. Manor of Secrets (Goodreads) by Katherine Longshore - Downton Abbey in book form. 

8. Heir of Fire (Goodreads) by Sarah J. Maas - WOEIJSLDFKJWEOIFJWOEF! ROWAN!

Lucky No. 14 Reading Challenge

Host: Books to Share

Goal: 14

# of Books read: 12

Status: Woohoo! So close! 

Books: 

1. Visit the Country: Read a book that has a setting in a country you really want to visit in real life. Book read: The Falconer (Goodreads) by Elizabeth May - SCOTLAND!

2. Cover Lust: Pick a book from your shelf that you bought for the beautiful/creepy/awesome ect. cover. Book read: Cruel Beauty (Goodreads) by Rosamund Hodge - JUST LOOK AT THAT COVER! 

3. Blame it on Bloggers: Read a book because you've read the sparkling reviews from other bloggers. Book read: The Queen of the Tearling (Goodreads) by Erika Johansen - I don't know whether to hug you, or punch you. 

4. Bargain All the Way: Read a book you bought for the price. Sworn to Raise (Goodreads) by Terah Edun - 'Twas free (ARC). 

5. (Not So) Fresh From the Oven: Read a book released last year that you never had a chance to read. Book read: Insurgent (Goodreads) by Veronica Roth - WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG?!?! 

6. First Letter's Rule: Read a book with a title that begins with the same letter as your name (M). Book read: Manor of Secrets (Goodreads) by Katherine Longshore

7. Once Upon a Time: Choose a book published before you were born. Book read: None. 

8. Chunky Brick: Read a book more than 500 pages. Book read: Cress (Goodreads) by Marissa Meyer - This book is huge because it is full of AWESOMENESS! THORNEEEEE! Also, Cress is just too plain adorable. 

9. Favorite Author: Read a book written by your favorite author. Book read: ALL THE THRONE OF GLASS BOOKS! MAAS! WHY MUST YOU DO THESE THINGS?!

10. It's Been There Forever: Pick up a book that's been on your shelf for more than year. Book read: Charlie Bone and the Time Twister (Goodreads) by Jenny Nimmo - so this is actually a re-read, but I LOVE it. 

11. Movies vs. Books: You've seen the movie, now it's time to read the book. Book read: Divergent (Goodreads) by Veronica Roth - I actually read this wayyyy back in 2011 when it first came out, but I watched the movie and wanted to compare it to the book again (and also read the rest of the series) so I decided to re-read it. 

12. Freebies Time: Read a free book (giveaway, ARC, birthday, ect). Book read: Threats of Sky and Sea (Goodreads) by Jennifer Ellision

13. Not My Cup of Tea: Read from a genre you've never tried (or just disliked) before. Books read: Do textbooks count? Here's to looking at you biology. 

14. Walking Down the Memory Lane: Re-read a book you loved as a child. Book read: I'm reusing this one - Charlie Bone and the Time Twister (Goodreads) by Jenny Nimmo 

2014 Dystopia Reading Challenge

Host: The Blog of Erised 

Goal: Rebel 7-12 books

# of Books read: 4 

Status: Eh. Not to bad. Crammed in 2 at the last minute. 

1. Divergent (Goodreads) by Veronica Roth

2. Insurgent (Goodreads) by Veronica Roth 

3. Cress (Goodreads) by Marissa Meyer

4. The Queen of the Tearling (Goodreads) by Erika Johansen

2014 Series Challenge

Host: Read. Sleep. Repeat.

Goal: 4 series

# of Series read: 2

Status: So, I didn't actually finish any series, but there are 2 series that I've read all available books in which counts. So, that was really my only saving grace. Also, not a single one was a series I planned on finishing. Almost finished the Divergent series (reading Allegiant now) but didn't finish it in 2014. 

Series: Throne of Glass series and Lunar Chronicles series. 

2014 Fairy Tales Retold Reading Challenge

Host: Debz Bookshelf

Goal: 4-6 books

# of Books read: 2

Status: Fail. 

Book read:

1. Cress (Goodreads) by Marissa Meyer

2. Cruel Beauty (Goodreads) by Rosamund Hodge

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