#first chapter tag

Hello!

Work has been busy and I honestly have been so behind on this feature. I have been unhauling other titles on my shelves and I’ve also been reading a lot of my ARCs from my basement shelf. It’s the books I’ve set aside for this feature that have been sitting around, collecting dust. 

Recently, I tried to read one of the books that I prepped for this post. I thought it would be a book I would love, but I honestly felt indifferent towards it. I have this thing where I need to feel that urge to keep reading a particular book. If I find my mind wandering while I’m reading, or if I choose to watch Netflix instead of reading, then I know I either have to a) try harder with the book I’m reading, or b) put that book down. 

Over the years, I’ve started noticing my tells for an incoming reading slump. But anyway, let me talk about these three books!

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A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

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The Afterward by E.K. Johnston

Decision: Saved for later!

I do want to try this book in the future because the synopsis sounds awesome. I’m just not in the right mood to read a book like this one, but I want to give it a shot. Maybe next time around I’ll be more in the mood to read The Afterward. 

Synopsis: 

“It has been a year since the mysterious godsgem cured Cadrium’s king and ushered in what promised to be a new golden age. The heroes who brought the gem home are renowned in story and song, but for two fellows on the quest, peace and prosperity do not come easily. 

Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn't meant for heroism this early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she has earned, her reputation does not pay her bills. With time running out, Kalanthe may be forced to betray not her kingdom or her friends, but her own heart as she seeks a stable future for herself and those she loves.

Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar, pick pocket, thief, she lived hand to mouth on the city streets until fortune--or fate--pulled her into Kalanthe's orbit. And now she's quite reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her recognizable, which makes her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn't much of a choice at all.

Both girls think their paths are laid out, but the godsgem isn't quite done with them and that new golden age isn’t a sure thing yet.”

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The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody 

Decision: Unhauled

Normally, I would devour a contemporary novel like Brody’s. However, as I was reading, I found myself not only uninterested, but distracted. I had just read some incredible contemporary novels and I expected another great read. To be honest, the constant back and forth from the past to the present, and the standoffishness and meanness of the protagonist also threw me off. Maybe if there had been multiple POVs I would have liked this more, but I sadly put this down when I admitted to myself that I just didn’t care about this story. 

Synopsis: 

“Ryn has one unread text message on her phone. And it’s been there for almost a year.

She hasn’t tried to read it. She can’t. She won’t. Because that one message is the last thing her best friend ever said to her before she died.

But as Ryn finds herself trapped in the Denver International Airport on New Year’s Eve thanks to a never-ending blizzard on the one-year anniversary of her best friend’s death, fate literally runs into her.

And his name is Xander.

When the two accidentally swap phones, Ryn and Xander are thrust into the chaos of an unforgettable all-night adventure, filled with charming and mysterious strangers, a secret New Year’s Eve bash, and a possible Illuminati conspiracy hidden within the Denver airport. But as the bizarre night continues, all Ryn can think about is that one unread text message. It follows her wherever she goes, because Ryn can’t get her brialliantly wild and free-spirited best friend out of her head.

Ryn can’t move on.

But tonight, for the first time ever, she’s trying. And maybe that’s a start.”

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The Art of Losing by Lizzy Mason

Decision: On this month’s TBR

I’m going to try to read this as part of my TBR for July. I really do want to give it a go and see if I enjoy it. I don’t have much to say, other than I expect a lot of tears while reading. 

Synopsis: 

“On one terrible night, 17-year-old Harley Langston’s life changes forever. 

At a party she discovers her younger sister, Audrey, hooking up with her boyfriend, Mike—and she abandons them both in a rage. When Mike drunkenly attempts to drive Audrey home, he crashes and Audrey ends up in a coma. 

Now Harley is left with guilt, grief, pain and the undeniable truth that her ex-boyfriend (who is relatively unscathed) has a drinking problem. So it’s a surprise that she finds herself reconnecting with Raf, a neighbor and childhood friend who’s recently out of rehab and still wrestling with his own demons. 

At first Harley doesn’t want to get too close to him. But as Audrey awakens and slowly recovers, Raf starts to show Harley a path forward that she never would have believed possible—one guided by honesty, forgiveness, and redemption.”

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Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

Hi everyone, it’s been a while, huh? 

I mentioned in a post on Monday how I’ve been in a really weird reading mood since some personal stuff went down. Sadly, this Feature was one of the posts that was most affected. But I want to be better with my reading and I know that I won’t properly get back to my routine if I don’t even try (which is kind of what I l let myself do). 

Forcing yourself to do something you’re not in the mood for isn’t the answer. Allowing yourself to understand and accept where you are and what you’re doing, however, is okay. I don’t want to give up on a couple of my Features so I’m going to try a little harder. Especially because I do believe in this Feature because it helps me declutter my life. And at some point, I have to move on--especially when certain situations arise and I’m not at fault for them happening. 

I read the first chapter (or the majority of the first chapter) for the three books for this Sunday today (Saturday--this is a scheduled post). As my current ARC list grows, I need to make room for potential new reads--especially with the new book season arriving and more publishing events coming up.

Please let me know if you’re doing the challenge, too! I love reading about your experiences!

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

Megabat by Anna Humphrey & Kass Reigh

Decision: Will continue reading!

This is an adorable read that came to my attention thanks to a friend who goes with me to publishing events. Plus, I’m always open to reading new 6-8 books so I can better recommend new reads to the little ones who come into the bookstore. 

Synopsis:

“A sweet and hilarious chapter book about a boy and a bat, two unlikely friends who bond over loneliness, jellyrolls and Darth Vader.

Daniel Misumi has just moved to a new house. It’s big and old and far away from his friends and his life before. AND it’s haunted… or is it?

Megabat was just napping on a papaya one day when he was stuffed in a box and shipped halfway across the world. Now he’s living in an old house far from home, feeling sorry for himself and accidentally scaring the people who live there. 

Daniel realizes it’s not a ghost in his new house. It’s a bat. And he can talk. And he’s actually kind of cute. 

Megabat realizes that not every human wants to whack him with a broom. This one shares his smooshfruit. 

Add some buttermelon, juice boxes, a light saber and a common enemy and you’ve got a new friendship in the making!”

This Story is A Lie by Tom Pollock

Decision: Unhauled 

I was a bit on the fence about this one. The idea of the story is intriguing and even makes me wonder if there will be some exciting events happening. But while I sat here for a moment thinking about what to do about this book, I decided to just unhaul it. The going back and forth of the past and the present is actually what made me decide to not read this book. 

Synopsis: 

“Seventeen-year-old Peter Blankman is a math genius who suffers from an extreme anxiety disorder, one that subjects him to intense panic attacks. He only manages to get through his daily life with the constant help of his scientist mom and his beloved twin sister, Bel. But when their mother is nearly assassinated in front of their eyes--during a major awards ceremony in her honor--Pete finds himself separated from Bel, alone, and on the run. 

Dragged into a strange world where state and family secrets intertwine, Pete has to use his extraordinary analytical skills to find his missing sister, uncover the mystery of his mother's life's work, and track down the people who attacked her--all the while fighting to keep a grip on the fear response that threatens to overwhelm him. Weaving back and forth between his past and present, the novel is an extraodinary testimonial from a protagonist who is brilliant, broken, and trying to be brave.”

The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Decision: Will try to read by the end of the month. Unhaul if I don’t. 

I was so sure I was going to unhaul this book when I sat down to read the first chapter. But I surprised myself with how the writing just pulled me in. I’ve had this on my shelf for a long time because I always wanted to read Anderson’s novel, but a good time never really came up and here we are. If I don’t read this by the end of the month, it’ll go. Also, I wrote this and came to this decision before seeing the ratings on Goodreads.

Synopsis: 

“Girls started vanishing in the fall, and now winter's come to lay a white sheet over the horror. Door County, it seems, is swallowing the young, right into its very dirt. From beneath the house on Water Street, I've watched the danger swell.

The residents know me as the noises in the house at night, the creaking on the stairs. I'm the reflection behind them in the glass, the feeling of fear in the cellar. I'm tied—it seems—to this house, this street, this town.

I'm tied to Maggie and Pauline, though I don't know why. I think it's because death is coming for one of them, or both.

All I know is that the present and the past are piling up, and I am here to dig.I am looking for the things that are buried.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE!

Now that my birthday has come and gone, it’s time to jump back into my schedule. I know I didn’t post a First Chapter Challenge last Sunday and today’s is a little late, but I’m going to make up for it by writing about six books instead of three! 

I’m being pretty strict on myself regarding the six books because if I truly wanted to keep them, I would have tried to read them for this challenge a lot sooner. So, the end result isn’t entirely a surprise for me. Also, I’m going to post bulk pictures because of how many books there are.

Please let me know if you’re doing the challenge, too! I love reading about your experiences!

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

The Lifters by Dave Eggers 

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

Decision: Unhauled

I kind of knew I was going to unhaul The Lifters, but Meddling Kids was a bit of a surprise because I remember being really excited when I first found an ARC. But time has passed, as it always does, and I don’t feel that level of excitement anymore, so it’s time to say goodbye. Because there are two of them, you can click on the linked titles to learn more about each book on Goodreads!

Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin

Bad Girls with Perfect Faces by Lynn Weingarten

Landscape with Invisible Hand by M.T. Anderson

Decision: Unhauled

To be honest, these were all of the books I was supposed to feature for today’s post. I didn’t read any of the first chapters because, again, I was distracted and have been that way all of this past week. A glance at the books told me that I wasn’t going to keep any of them. To be honest, I knew right away which ones were definitely going to be unhauled just by looking at them as I picked them from the shelf. Again, click on the linked titles to learn more about each book!

The Hollow Girl by Hillary Monahan

Decision: Save for another day

This was the only book from the six that had my full interest. The creepy cover looks perfect for a late night read, or for when I’m in the mood to get spooked. Of all of the books I had picked for this post, I knew this one was a keeper right away. 

Synopsis: 

“Five boys attacked her. Now they must repay her with their blood and flesh.

Bethan is the apprentice to a green healer named Drina in a clan of Welsh Romanies. Her life is happy and ordered and modest, as required by Roma custom, except for one thing: Silas, the son of the chieftain, has been secretly harassing her.

One night, Silas and his friends brutally assault Bethan and a half-Roma friend, Martyn. As empty and hopeless as she feels from the attack, she asks Drina to bring Martyn back from death’s door. “There is always a price for this kind of magic,” Drina warns. The way to save him is gruesome. Bethan must collect grisly pieces to fuel the spell: an ear, some hair, an eye, a nose, and fingers.

She gives the boys who assaulted her a chance to come forward and apologize. And when they don’t, she knows exactly where to collect her ingredients to save Martyn.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

Better late than never, right?

I’m really hoping that this month is the month that truly gets me out of my reading slump! I’m feeling that familiar itch and excitement to keep reading my current read and I haven’t felt that for anything other than my safety genre (romance) for a long time. 

If you’ve been in a slump like mine, you’re not alone and it, too, will pass!

This week is a weird mix of genres and not as straightforward with my decisions as the past couple of weeks!

Also, it looks like Tumblr got rid of the line separator. Welp. 

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A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

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Berserker by Emmy Laybourne

Decision: Unhauled

I don’t know why I kept this ARC for so long. This is a genre so far from what I normally read/like that I honestly don’t even know why I even put it on my shelves. I’ve heard good things about this book and I’ve liked one of the author’s past books, but I just don’t see myself reading this one. 

Synopsis: 

“Are Hanne's powers a gift from the old Norse gods, or a curse?

Her brother Stieg swears their powers are a gift from the old gods, but Hanne Hemstad knows she is truly cursed. It's not Stieg's fault that their father is dead, their mother has left, and their brother Knut has been accused of a crime he didn't commit.

No, the fault lies with Hanne and her inability to control her murderous "gift"--she is a Berserker. When someone she loves is threatened, she flies into a killing state. The siblings must leave Norway for the American frontier or risk being brought to justice.

Aided by a young cowboy who agrees to be their guide, Hanne and her siblings use their powers to survive the perilous trail, where blizzards, wild animals, and vicious bounty hunters await.

Will they be able to reach their uncle, the one man Hanne believes may be able to teach her how to control her drive to kill?”

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Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

Decision: Save for Another Day

I know I will want to read this when I’m in the mood for a kickass fantasy. There’s not much to say--I knew I wanted this book the moment I saw the ARC and in wanting to be completely honest, I still shared this (random) pick from my mug. Back to the ARC shelves it goes. 

Synopsis: 

“I had a sister, once…

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

I promised her the throne would not come between us.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders—even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

But it is a fact of life that one must kill or be killed. Rule or be ruled.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

Sometimes the title of queen is given. Sometimes it must be taken.

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Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

Decision: Currently Reading

Ah, the second time this book has come through and it’s finally time to read it! I’m about a third of the way through and I’m really enjoying it. I knew I just needed to be in the mood for a cute contemporary to fully appreciate the book. I’m really glad I didn’t unhaul this one. 

Synopsis: 

“Shouldn't a girl get to star in her own love story?

Seventeen-year-old Megan Harper is about due for her next sweeping romance. It's inevitable—each of her relationships starts with the perfect guy and ends with him falling in love . . . with someone else. But instead of feeling sorry for herself, Megan focuses on pursuing her next fling, directing theater, and fulfilling her dream college's acting requirement in the smallest role possible.

So when she’s cast as Juliet (yes, that Juliet) in her high school’s production, it’s a complete nightmare. Megan’s not an actress, and she’s used to being upstaged—both in and out of the theater. In fact, with her mom off in Texas and her dad remarried and on to baby #2 with his new wife, Megan worries that, just like her exes, her family is moving on without her.

Then she meets Owen Okita, an aspiring playwright inspired by Rosaline from Shakespeare's R+J. A character who, like Megan, knows a thing or two about short-lived relationships. Megan agrees to help Owen with his play in exchange for help catching the eye of a sexy stagehand/potential new boyfriend. Yet Megan finds herself growing closer to Owen, and wonders if he could be the Romeo she never expected.”

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Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

My thoughts and writing are a little scattered today. 

The books for this week were some of the most random ones on my ARC tbr. I didn’t even know the genre of one of them. I will admit that with these books, because I knew so little about them, I didn’t read a lot of the first chapters. I kind of expected the end result for this week to be just a big unhaul because of how long a couple of these have been on my shelves. Honestly, I would have unhauled these sooner if I had better self control. 

But we all know this challenge has forced me to face my hoarding tendencies with my ARCs. So, there’s that.

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

Children of Icarus by Caighlan Smith

Decision: Unhauled

I remember thinking that this would be an interesting book to read...about 3 years ago. Then it sat on my shelf. I finally read the synopsis for it today. While I’m sure the story is interesting, it kind of gave me a cult-like feeling, and not in the best way. I’m sure that isn’t what this book is about, but I’m just not into it. 

Synopsis:

“It is Clara who is desperate to enter the labyrinth and it is Clara who is bright, strong, and fearless enough to take on any challenge. It is no surprise when she is chosen. But so is the girl who has always lived in her shadow. Together they enter. Within minutes, they are torn apart forever. Now the girl who has never left the city walls must fight to survive in a living nightmare, where one false turn with who to trust means a certain dead end.”

Mapping the Bones by Jane Yolen

Decision: Unhauled

I’m the dummy who didn’t realize that this was a historical fiction novel, despite the obvious hint on the cover. While this has some great reviews, I’m not a big fan of historical fiction. Also, I wonder how much I would have cried while reading this dark novel. I’m unhauling it because I know the likelihood of me picking this up in the future is very low. Might as well giving it a new home!

Synopsis: 

“The year is 1942, and Chaim and Gittel, Polish twins, are forced from their beautiful home and made to live in the Lodz Ghetto. Their family's cramped quarters are awful, but when even those dire circumstances become too dangerous, their parents decide to make for the nearby Lagiewniki Forest, where partisan fighters are trying to shepherd Jews to freedom in Russia. The partisans take Chaim and Gittel, with promises that their parents will catch up -- but soon, everything goes wrong. Their small band of fighters is caught and killed. Chaim, Gittel, and their two friends are left alive, only to be sent off to Sobanek concentration camp.

Chaim is quiet, a poet, and the twins often communicate through wordless exchanges of shared looks and their own invented sign language. But when they reach Sobanek, with its squalid conditions, rampant disease, and a building with a belching chimney that everyone is scared to so much as look at, the bond between Chaim and Gittel, once a source of strength, becomes a burden. For there is a doctor there looking to experiment on twins, and what he has in store for them is a horror they dare not imagine.”

Titans by Victoria Scott

Decision: Unhauled

I went through a phase where I loved Victoria Scott’s writing so much that I couldn’t go a week without recommending one of her books to a customer. Then this one came out and I was really excited...but instead of reading it, Titans sat on my shelf for years. This was a new release three years ago. As much as I considered keeping it because it still holds some of my interest, I know it’s time to let it go. 

Synopsis:

“Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

As the number of ARCs on my bookshelves dwindle, I’m finding that deciding what stays and what goes is becoming increasingly harder. I’m starting to come across books where I really struggle with whether I should keep them or not. Granted, I’m incredibly grateful for all of these books, even if I fell into the habit of picking up ARCs just because I could.

I’ve also watched a few book hauls from Book Expo America and BookCon this past week and I’ve realize how this trend of grabbing free books just because you can is still pretty standard at those events. I’ve seen people mention that they just grabbed a book because it was free and not because they were anticipating it. I mean, you do whatever makes you happy, but I’m starting to see that in my doing exactly what these book lovers do I took away the chance for others to enjoy books I’m now unhauling. It’s really an eye-opening experience. 

Anyway, onto the books!

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A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

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Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Justina Chen

Decision: Unhauled

i started reading this and knew right away that it wasn’t for me. I will admit that sometimes I do some research into a book when I’m not sure if I want to keep the book. I also tend to skim some of the pages to see if I’d be interested in actually finishing the book. I did that with this one and while the synopsis is interesting, I’m not really into the writing. But this was definitely the toughest decision of the three books this week.

Synopsis: 

“What would you do if the sun became your enemy?

That's exactly what happens to Viola Li after she returns from a trip abroad and develops a sudden and extreme case of photosensitivity -- an inexplicable allergy to sunlight. Thanks to her crisis-manager parents, she doesn't just have to wear layers of clothes and a hat the size of a spaceship. She has to stay away from all hint of light. Say goodbye to windows and running outdoors. Even her phone becomes a threat when its screen burns her.

Viola is determined to maintain a normal life, particularly after she meets Josh. He's a funny, talented Thor look-alike who carries his own mysterious grief. But the intensity of their romance makes her take more and more risks, and when a rebellion against her parents backfires dangerously, she must find her way to a life -- and love -- as deep and lovely as her dreams.”

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Little Monsters by Kara Thomas 

Decision: Save for another day

I’ve read one other book by Kara Thomas in the past and enjoyed it enough to want to save this one for another round! I’m not big on YA thrillers, but I’m willing to try another novel by this author.

Synopsis: 

“Kacey is the new girl in Broken Falls. When she moved in with her father, she stepped into a brand-new life. A life with a stepbrother, a stepmother, and strangest of all, an adoring younger half sister.

Kacey’s new life is eerily charming compared with the wild highs and lows of the old one she lived with her volatile mother. And everyone is so nice in Broken Falls—she’s even been welcomed into a tight new circle of friends. Bailey and Jade invite her to do everything with them.

Which is why it’s so odd when they start acting distant. And when they don’t invite her to the biggest party of the year, it doesn’t exactly feel like an accident.

But Kacey will never be able to ask, because Bailey never makes it home from that party. Suddenly, Broken Falls doesn’t seem so welcoming after all—especially once everyone starts looking to the new girl for answers.

Kacey is about to learn some very important lessons: Sometimes appearances can be deceiving. Sometimes when you’re the new girl, you shouldn’t trust anyone.”

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Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen

Decision: Unhauled

I’m not a big fan of historical fiction, so this one was a pretty quick decision. There isn’t much I can say about this book other than I really need to stop picking up books just because I can. I hope this book finds a new owner that will love it endlessly. 

Synopsis:

“After her mother is shot at a checkpoint, fifteen-year-old Sarah--blonde, blue-eyed, and Jewish--finds herself on the run from a government that wants to see every person like her dead. Then Sarah meets a mysterious man with an ambiguous accent, a suspiciously bare apartment, and a lockbox full of weapons. He's a spy, and he needs Sarah to become one, too, to pull off a mission he can't attempt on his own: infiltrate a boarding school attended by the daughters of top Nazi brass, befriend the daughter of a key scientist, and steal the blueprints to a bomb that could destroy the cities of Western Europe. 

With years of training from her actress mother in the art of impersonation, Sarah thinks she's ready. But nothing prepares her for her cutthroat schoolmates, and soon she finds herself in a battle for survival unlike any she'd ever imagined.”

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Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE! 

This week was a little harder with the two young adult books that I picked because I was torn with one book. As for the sole fiction title I picked up, it was a thriller that I thought I would really enjoy. Again, the whole thriller thing falls on the idea of having a book that I like the idea of but might never actually pick up. 

I’m also trying a new thing that I began last week, but didn’t mention here. I will be adding books that I choose to continue reading to my TBR for the following month. This way, I don’t feel overwhelmed with the need to read them right away AND if I don’t finish them in that following month, then they’re leaving.

So, as it stands, here’s how my decisions go for this challenge: Save for another round, Unhaul, and Next month’s TBR.

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

Decision: Unhauled

This was one of those thrillers that I really wanted to read because I loved the concept of Knoll’s prior novel. Also, look at that cover! Despite having the idea of liking thrillers, I’ve honestly never gotten into any thrillers--unless you consider something like You by Caroline Kepnes as a thriller. Anyway, I noticed right away that I wasn’t into this book. The writing was heavy and that Goodreads rating--wow. I’m sure it’ll find a better home!

Synopsis: 

“When five hyper-successful women agree to appear on a reality series set in New York City called Goal Diggers, the producers never expect the season will end in murder…

Brett’s the fan favorite. Tattooed and only twenty-seven, the meteoric success of her spin studio—and her recent engagement to her girlfriend—has made her the object of jealousy and vitriol from her cast mates.

Kelly, Brett’s older sister and business partner, is the most recent recruit, dismissed as a hanger-on by veteran cast. The golden child growing up, she defers to Brett now—a role which requires her to protect their shocking secret.

Stephanie, the first black cast member and the oldest, is a successful bestselling author of erotic novels. There have long been whispers about her hot, non-working actor-husband and his wandering eye, but this season the focus is on the rift that has opened between her and Brett, former best friends—and resentment soon breeds contempt.

Lauren, the start-up world’s darling whose drinking has gotten out of control, is Goal Diggers’ recovery narrative—everyone loves a comeback story.

And Jen, made rich and famous through her cultishly popular vegan food line plays a holistic hippie for the cameras, but is perhaps the most ruthless of them all when the cameras are off.”

Riders by Veronica Rossi 

Decision: April TBR

I’ve always been really interested in the Horsemen of the Apocalypse mythology and frankly, this is probably why I’ve held on to this book for so long. The first chapter shows a lot of promise and I love adventurous stories. I’m willing to give this a shot because I remember how excited I was when I first received this book. 

Synopsis: 

“Nothing but death can keep eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

While recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine, and Death—are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now—bound, bloodied, and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for—not to mention all of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?”

The Waning Age by S.E. Grove

Decision: Unhauled

I was originally torn about this book. I kind of enjoyed the first chapter and was even intrigued, but then I did what I always do when I’m not fully sure about a book: I flip through the book and see if anything jumps out at me (both in a positive or negative way)--nothing really did. Also, two points: This ARC had a weird thing going on with the font where it looked like it was badly printed, and I also may have peeked at the Goodreads rating. Oops. 

Synopsis: 

“In a parallel present San Francisco, Natalia Peña works as a hotel maid, practices martial arts, and cares for her eleven-year-old brother, Calvino. In this version of our world, all children start to "wane" when they reach Cal's age; by their teen years, they've lost their ability to feel emotion. But Cal isn't waning. When a mysterious corporation kidnaps him for testing, Natalia's reaction surprises her: she's crushed, and she'll do anything to save her brother from their experiments. But the road to his rescue leads her into the path of a dashing but troubled billionaire's son, a cadre of killers, and, eventually, the shocking truth about waning. Filled with twists and turns, The Waning Age is a powerful mirror that shows us the danger of becoming desensitized to violence and the remarkable, transformative power of love.“

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE!

Last week was a black hole for me. I was wrapped up in reading romance novels and though I have close to zero regrets about that week, one of the few regrets I do have was not doing the First Chapter Challenge. 

When it comes to the decisions made for the books this week, I’ve taken into consideration the fact that I didn’t feel exactly excited to read the books for this week, and the fact that a couple of these books have been on my shelves for a long time. 

Also, I received a lot of new ARCs in March that will also go through the First Chapter Challenge if I don’t read them before their release dates!

Please let me know if you’re doing the challenge, too! I love reading about your experiences!

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

The Last Place on Earth by Carol Snow 

Decision: Unhauled

I will confess that when I’m not looking forward to even reading the first chapter of a book, I go straight to Goodreads. I know that this is a flawed argument because I have loved books in the past that had really bad ratings, but sometimes it helps in my decision when I’m not feeling the book in the first place. This is a great example of how I’m scared to let go of a book until I am faced with the prospect of actually reading it. 

Synopsis: 

“Daisy's best friend is missing . . . and not for the reasons she thinks.

Henry Hawking is sixteen years old, brilliant, funny, and sly--and now he's missing. But no one seems worried except his best friend, Daisy Cruz, who knows that Henry's security-obsessed parents would never leave town without taking proper precautions. And Henry would never go away without saying good-bye.

Daisy considers all the obvious explanations for Henry's disappearance (federal witness protection program, alien abduction) before breaking into Henry's house. In his room, she finds a note that pleads, SAVE ME.

Desperate to find Henry, Daisy follows his trail deep into the California wilderness. What she finds there makes her wonder if she ever knew Henry at all . . . and if the world as she knows it will ever be the same.”

Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion

Decision: Saved 

I remember finding out about this book and loving the concept. I know I will want to read this when I am in the mood, so I’m going to save it for later. If later comes and I still haven’t read it, I guess it’ll be goodbye for this book. It has about an OK rating, so I’m not expecting something mind-blowing, but I’m sure it’ll make for a great summer read!

Synopsis: 

“Dominique is a high school junior from a gritty neighborhood in Trenton, where she and her mom are barely getting by. 

Ben is a musical prodigy from the Upper East Side, a violinist at a top conservatory with obsessive talent and a brilliant future.

When Dom's class is taken to hear a concert at Carnegie Hall, she expects to be bored out of her mind. But then she sees the boy in the front row playing violin like his life depends on it --- and she is transfixed. 

Posing as an NYU student, Dom sneaks back to New York City to track down Ben Tristan, a magnetic genius who whisks her into a fantasy world of jazz clubs and opera, infatuation and possibility. Each sees something in the other that promises to complete them.

As Dom's web of lies grows, though, so does Ben's obsessive need to conquer Beethoven's famous Kreutzer Sonata. But Ben's genius, which captivates Dominique, conceals a secret, and the challenges of her life may make it difficult to help him.”

The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher 

Decision: Unhauled

While I loved Stolen by Christopher, I’ve been skeptical of this book. I’ve had this ARC since 2014, making it one of my oldest ARCs. I think it’s telling enough that I’ve had this for so long and have yet to read it. I think I read one sentence and I knew I didn’t want to spend my time reading this book. I’ve found that Young Adult thrillers are hit or miss with me (most being a miss), and I’m not sure this is the book for me.

Synopsis: 

“Ashlee Parker is dead, and Emily Shepherd's dad is accused of the crime. A former soldier suffering from PTSD, he emerges from the woods carrying the girl's broken body. "Gone," he says, then retreats into silence.

What really happened that wild night? Emily knows in her bones that her father is innocent -- isn't he? Before he's convicted, she's got to find out the truth. Does Damon Hilary, Ashlee's charismatic boyfriend, have the answers? Or is he only playing games with her -- the kinds of games that can kill?”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!