Guest Post by Sabrina

Thank you Sabrina for doing a guest post here on my blog! 

I hope you enjoy this everyone! 

Now, introducing, Sabrina from OMG Books and More Books! 

Hey guys! I am guest posting for Alexis today. 

My name is Sabrina (Sab) and I want to be 3 things in life; programmer, blogger, and writer. So far I'm getting my degree in Computer Science, programmer done. Second I have this blog, blogger done. My final accomplishment that I have yet to complete is writer, writer not done. It's a tug of war to write but it's a slow process that I'm enjoying.

Some other interesting things about is that I love reading while listening to music. I just feel the story a lot more when I listen to music. When I listen to a particular album it will remind me of a book. For example, I was reading the Splintered Series while listening to Blurry Face by Twenty One Pilots in March and surprisingly I found some similarities in themes between the two. 

Now I will talk about my favorite series (the important part) and hopefully persuade you guys to check out these series. 

1) Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead

 

Rose Hathaway is a kickass heroine that we all need to admire. Dimitri Belkov is soooo swoon worthy. The story and morals of this series is wicked. The character and plotting development from Vaampire Academy through Last Sacrifice is freaking astonishing. Each character grows and learns from mistakes and are human. I say that they are human because they understand their mistakes, Rose definitely does. This series is absolutely a wild ride. This will be the first series I plan to reread. 

2) Under the Never Sky Series by Veronica Rossi

This series is the definition of star crossed lovers. Aria and Perry came from two completely different worlds. Aria is cast out of her world and must fight for her survival in the unpredictable world that Perry calls home. She goes from a frail girl to a warrior queen. This whole series is about struggle and survival, not much about romance but the romance is important. It also has one of the most satisfying endings that I constantly wonder what Aria and Perry would be doing now. 

3) Splintered Series by AG Howard

I love anything Alice and Wonderland related. The Splintered Series is my favorite Wonderland retelling ever. There are so many Wonderland elements that are true to the Splintered Series and this still makes me so happy. This is the only series that has made me honestly cry just even thinking about that ending. When I first read that ending I cried for sooo long. But if you want a beautiful and elegant retelling of Wonderland, this is your series. I must mention that Morpheus is a wonderful aspect of this novel. ;) 

4) Blood of Eden Series by Julie Kagawa

This book really made me think. It made me think what it means to be human, what it means to be alive. I really loved how the writing was dangerous in the since that there was non stop action. It's a thrill ride from the beginning to the end. Allie's journey from human to vampire was eye opening. She is a warrior with a sword who will defend everything she believes in. Also the cliff hangers will leave you questioning everything.

Follow me on twitter, tumblr, instagram, and goodreads! 

Twitter @omgbooksandmore

Tumblr/ Instagram/ Goodreads  @omgbooksandmorebooks

Guest Post by Liv

I am happy to say that today there is a guest post by the lovely Liv! 

I am currently on vacation so, enjoy! 

Liv did a wonderful job on this guest post <3 

Hi everyone! My name is Liv, and my home blog is at https://curlyhairbibliophile.wordpress.com. I’ve actually been friends with Alexis since July, and I was so excited to have the opportunity to guest post on her blog. You can read more about me at the end of this post. (ALso: you can follow my blog via email if your blog is run by blogspot!) Let’s talk about something that we’re all here for: books!

Whenever I tell someone I love books/I’m a book blogger, one of the first things they ask is for book recommendations. Don’t get me wrong: I love giving people recommendations. The only problem is that I can’t think under pressure. I’m sure I am not the only person who has this problem. In my post, I’m going to be giving you eight book/series to introduce people into the world of Young Adult reading. (Technically some of these books are middle grade. Forgive me.)

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

This is quite a given, let’s be honest here. The store really captivates readers, and it is perfect for new readers and experienced readers.

2. Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan

Who doesn’t love Percy Jackson? All of Rick Riordan’s books are so jovial and wonderful. The stories are told in a way where it feels like you are being told a funny story around a campfire. They are great for all ages. (Despite PJO being middle grade, you can be any age to read them!)

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is quite an obvious answer. Almost everyone has seen one of The Hunger Games films or read the book. I still needed to include this in my list because it was one of the first Young Adult books I loved.

4. Divergent by Veronica Roth

I promise my answers will become less obvious… Divergent was the Young Adult book that made me really get into reading. So, I had to include it in this list.

5. The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection series is great for new readers because it’s addicting. Most people finished this series in less than a few days. It feels quite a lot like a reality T.V. show so that’s why it’s so good.

6. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

(Besides John Green’s novels) This book is probably my favorite contemporary romances. It’s hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. It’s enough to get a new reader hooked on YA.

7. Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Gayle Forman is most well-known for If I stay. However, Just One Day is my favorite Gayle Forman book. It’s such a lovely and beautiful story *fangirls*.

8. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

I actually stayed up all night reading this book. It was so thought provoking and an easy read; I just had to finish it quickly. It also gives a great overall message which makes it even better.

And that’s eight! Let me know in the comments what books you would recommend to people who are new to reading. Also,  a huge THANK YOU to Alexis for allowing me to guest post. I hope you guys can use these books the next time someone asks you for a recommendation. Thanks for reading!

About the Author:

Hi there! My name is Liv, and my personal blog is curlyhairbibliophile.wordpress.com. I love writing, reading, and traveling. I also love grammar, tea, cats, and the internet. I’ve been reading YA books for about four years, and I’ve been blogging for a couple months. I live in the North Texas area with my family, my dog, and my cat. You can reach me on my blog (see above), my Goodreads (curlyhairbibliophile), or my twitter (Grangerliv).

DISCUSSION POST #1

Hello Luvs! 

today I am doing something I've been wanting to do for a while now, and that is a Discussion post, as you can tell from the title above . . . 

And just a little warning before I start this rant/discussion thing, these are just my opinions. So you can have your own thoughts and if they are completely different than mine, that's awesome! 

But, don't hate me for my thoughts on everything <3 

also, I'd LOVE to see what you all have to say about this, so in the comments below tell me your thoughts or! you can even do a discussion post about it on your blog and tag me on twitter so I can read it!

Anyways, the topic today is INDIE AUTHORs. I've been wanting to post about this for a while . . . 

and I'm finally doing it! 

Okay, let's dive in! 

First off, I think that Indie Author's are truly underestimated. Some people (no one particular) don't like indie authors because, well, they aren't officially published authors. They are either author's who COULDN'T get a book deal or author's who just wanted control themselves (plus the countless other reasons but I don't know them all).  
To me, If Indie authors come to me asking me to read their book. I would check out their synopsis on goodreads and ask my friend and have her tell them no if I don't want to. Because I am the biggest sucker and would probably say yes to the worst sounding book in the world *looks at the non-fiction section*
*shudders* I hate non-fiction. 

I think all Indie authors should be given a chance, and that some people shouldn't hate on Self-publishing authors as much as they do. But it's really their opinion, and maybe they did give them a chance once but they got one of the 'not so great' books. 

You know what Indie author's are? background characters in a book. A few people notice them, but most just focus on the main characters (AKA, big named authors). 
I know of a few Self Published authors who are amazing people and am currently reading a book of one. Self pub authors are pretty cool, and even though you MAY end up reading one of the bad self pub'd books, they all aren't perfect. But neither are the ones that do get published, not everyone is going to like a certain book. 
But, hey, 


Here's a tip about something I experienced a little while back, 
If an author emails you and says something along the lines of reviewing their book, if it's the first time. You're gonna flip. If your like me, you'd be so excited. 
AND YOU SHOULD BE! 
but before you go replying with "OMG YES! I'll read it!" or however you'll reply, look at the friggin' Synopsis! 
I made that mistake my first first time, I was just so excited I didn't even look to see what the novel was about until AFTER I read it . . . you'll regret it.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy the book. I'm not going to name the book or author, but a couple people I know should know what book I'm talking about.
But now, I actually have a friend who I am gonna make say no if I don't want to read their book. Because I can't say no to people, it's really weird but I have a problem saying no. I will if it's something bad but generally, I am a sucker. 

 Some indie authors, I will say, have bad attitudes. Some are rude or don't interact with fans or just think they are better than everyone. Luckily I haven't met any rude authors. I mean, there are a few I could name that I won't but still you get my point ;) 

Next thing, tons of readers put indie authors down for having bad grammar errors, I am totally the opposite because I understand that NO ONE can write perfectly. You find me that person so I can give them a sticker. 
All authors (even published authors) make grammar mistakes. THE BEST OF THE BEST MAKE MISTAKES, it's only human people! 
so, if you read a book and it says "Hello, Bob, how ar you?" 
I won't be like, "oh! hate the book! look that word is wrong so I automatically hate this book" I couldn't do it. Because it's seriously the smallest thing to be upset about. I'd understand if it was the whole book where every single word is wrong, but seriously normally it is just a few words. I mean, come on people, you write a book and then have it not HAVE ONE grammar error.
Most of my posts on here have errors, and I'm to lazy to fix them, but they do! this post probably has some type of spelling error! 

I also understand that some indie/self published author's aren't as PROFESSIONAL. But there are also a lot of Indies that are really professional and super kind. 

There are so many things I could say about indie authors, 
but I am going to end it here before I start talking about book boyfriends . . . 

So, in the comments I want to know your thoughts! 
please comment on what you think, and what should my next discussion be about? 
new releases? how to's on blogging? certain genres? 

HAPPY READING, LUVs 
hope you enjoyed this! 

LL & A's Monthly Book Tag (March-2016)

Hello, Luvs! 

Today I am happy to present to you ANOTHER book tag! It's crazy how many tags Sabrina and I have already done! 8 or 9 now? 

Anyways, every month Sabrina and I have decided to come up with 10 questions. But each question will somehow relate to the theme of the tag. 

We welcome everyone to join, whether you are a book blogger, or just a reader on twitter or another site. 

If you do, do this tag all we ask is that you tag either of us via Sabrina's twitter 

or, mine. Or even the last option which is commenting below the link to wherever you may have posted this tag <3 

and now, for the THEME REVEAL! 

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The Theme this month is: 

SPRING

♠ my tag ♥

1. What is your spring TBR? 

hmmm, 

okay I got quite a few that I need to read. 

The Iron Web by Kristin Ravelle 

The Vengeful Half by Jaclyn Dolamore 

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi 

The Black Mace by Rachel E. Carter

Earth's End by Elise Kova 

Waters' Wrath by Elise Kova 

2. If someone asked you for a Spring release recommendation, what book would you suggest? 

At the moment, hmm, I'm really stuck in the Orvieto world right now. So I probably would say Gabriel and the Swallows by Esther Dalseno...whether that would be considered Spring-ish. I don't care. 

3. Which two books are you eagerly awaiting that releases within the next two months? 

The only reason this question is tough is because I haven't been fully aware of the releases coming out *face palm* but I do know of a book that I have been DYING to get my hands on ever since I heard of it. And it's by the author who STARTED my reading love--Chanda Hahn-- anyways, the book is UNDERLAND by Chanda Hahn and it is out April 5th. I really want to do a little release day party on twitter. Only because I have been DYING DYING DYING for this book. 

4. Which character would make a great Easter bunny? 

. . . Aldrik from Air Awakens. Don't ask . . . but a fire bearer prince wearing a bunny costume. 

It needs to happen. 

5. What book makes you think of Spring? 

Who CAME UP WITH THESE QUESTIONS?!?!?! oh yea, Sabrina and me. hehe. 

Splintered by A.G. Howard BECAUSE when they first go to wonderland. I don't want to say any spoilers, but that was Spring-y to me. 

6. Name a cover with flowers on it? 

Ink by Amanda Sun, I really need to read the rest of that series. Ink was so good! it has flowers on it though. 

Air Awakens by Elise Kova does too!!!! pretty pretty pretty 

7. Which two characters would you want to go on an Easter egg hunt with? 

All the characters. HAHAHAHAHA 

seriously, I'd have to choose Volatile from Gabriel and the Swallows (Esther Dalseno) and Aldrik (Elise Kova). No specific reason. I just really love BOTH of those characters. 

8. What is your favorite Bookish-spring activity to do? 

Something I WANT TO DO because I didn't get fully into this BOOK WORLD until June/July when I got back into my twitter. So, I'd say taking pictures of books around flowers and reading under trees and stuff <3 anything involved with being outside and having a book in hand. 

Another one, meeting authors. I still need to make this happen because I have never met an author. (I know, I need to do it!) 

9- Which book did you enjoy that had a Spring-ish cover?

I haven't read this book, but to me it has a spring-ish cover. 

The Dreamer by E.J. Mellow. 

10- Who is your favorite Contemporary author? 

I think I actually made this question. I regret it because I am blanking. The only Contemporary author that I'm thinking of is Jenny Han so let's stick with that because I am actually really into her books at the moment. I need to read P.S. I Still Love You 

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I hope you enjoyed! I'd love to see your tags! so tag me on twitter or comment the links below! 

HAPPY READING, LUVs 

OTP Book Tag

I was tagged by SJ over at A Tree Grows In Bookland

I have been trying to get to these tags for a while so I have two more after this one! 

And I am happy to do this one, because I have so many OTP's 

Like, Me and Silas. (Katie won't write me as the girl he falls in love with . . . so I just have to keep it OTP. Katie, I won't stop) 

Anyways, to the wonderful tag! Thank you for tagging me SJ! <3 

1- pick an unpopular OTP that you ship. 

An unpopular OTP that I ship? well, this is actually really hard, because I have to choose WHO and WHAT book . . . OKAY I GOT IT! 

In the novel, Cinder by Marissa Meyer, everyone obviously wants Cinder and Prince Kai together. 
But I, want Cinder and Thorne together. 

2- Pick an OTP that you didn't ship at first but now you do. 

Malec (Alex + Magnus). I didn't ship them at first (I am talking about the show shadowhunters) but they are starting to grow on me . . .  

3- pick your most hated OTP 

That would have to be . . . 
Okay, I got this. I have never liked Jeb, not since the beginning of the series (Splintered by A. G. Howard). So, Alyssa and Jeb. I'm a Morpheus shipper. 
Not Jeb. 


4- Pick an OTP that took WAY too long to get together
Mina and Jared/Teague. Seriously, took years, and maybe not 'years' but a long time. But it was all kind of worth it . . . even though I need more. I need to know what happens next. 
Mina has been my favorite character through three years now? she is awkward and is like how I picture myself in her situation . . . kind of. I would most likely have died in book one . . . 


5- Pick your favorite Non-Canon OTP 
wow, I actually had to look this one up. P.S. Canon means fan fic--right? 
if so...my non-canon favorite OTP is, 
to many. 
VHALLA YARL and Prince ALDRIK! 
<3 cause, come on. 

6- pick your favorite BROTP
Wow, the easiest question turns into the hardest. I'm trying to think of a book with two good guy friendships . . . my mind is blanking! 
well, this is another 'The Mortal Instruments' reference but my answer is Alec and Jace. 
Besides Alec being in love with Jace and all, they are a great team. 

7- Pick an OTP you adored in the books but not as much in the movie or TV adaptation. 

I think . . . The Hunger Games. I really LOVED Peeta and he just doesn't seem as Peeta-y in the movies. But he still wins over Gale. 
I will NEVER be a Gale and Katniss kind of girl. Peeta wins. 

8- Pick a popular OTP that no matter how hard you tried you just can't ship it. 

seriously, hardest question. I don't think I have one at the moment . . . If I thought about it long enough I could probably think of something.
But right now I GOT NOTHING. 

9- Pick your Favourite LGBT+ OTP 
Now that I think of it, not many books I've read are LGBT . . . but I know Carry on is and I've been really wanting to read that . . . 
but since I haven't read it I'll just go with the only one I know of. 
ALEC AND MAGNUS!


10- pick your all time favorite OTP 

It will definitely be, my go to couple, Mina Grimm and Jared--I mean Teague. 
Little Meague babies. Still need to do some re-reading of Unenchanted by Chanda Hahn. 
<3


♠♥♣♦

Thank you SJ for tagging me! 
(also Em! I<3) 
I've had so much fun and I'm tagging only two people. 

Sabrina @ Beyond the Book Reviews

Jade Crow @ metamorphicbooks

HAPPY READING, LUVs

Gabriel and the Swallows Release!

If you remember, Back in October, Esther Dalseno's novel DROWN came out! 

And I did an interview with her.

Well, today is the release of GABRIEL AND THE SWALLOWS. 

And I am begging you to get it, it was such a wonderful novel. I will be leaving links to my interview with her AND my review of both Drown and Gabriel and the Swallows. 

Interview (drown release)

Review for Gabriel and the swallows 

Before we get into the interview, I'm going to put all the novel information below. 

Title: Gabriel And The Swallows

Release day: TODAY! (3-11-16) 

Publisher: OfTomes 

Author: Esther Dalseno

Synopsis:
A lonely farm boy.
A girl with swallow’s wings.
An ancient city buried in a volcano.
A mystery old as blood and bone.

There is more to Gabriel than the life he’s ashamed of – the son of peasant winemakers, bullied relentlessly on account of his disabled mother. For Gabriel has a secret: the elaborate dream world he descends into at night – a grandiose, vivid existence – is becoming more real than his waking life.

Everything changes for Gabriel when he rescues a wounded creature – a miraculous girl with swallow’s wings – from the voracious pursuit of Alfio Gallo, a dangerous old enemy. Aided by the beautiful and mysterious Orlando Khan, Gabriel is conflicted by unanswered questions: who is the Dark One that dwells in the medieval tunnels beneath their city? Is he just a figment of Gabriel’s powerful imagination? And is the foundling really who she says she is?


Wrestling with manhood whilst beckoned by ancient rites and foreign lands, Gabriel is about to make a deadly decision that changes the course of life as he knows it…as long as he can decide which reality he’s in.

BUY LINKS

Amazon {I would put more but I don't know the links, hopefully update this soon!}

Q&A with Esther Dalseno 

Question 1- What made you want to write Gabriel and the Swallows? 
Esther- It was an idea that came to me rather suddenly. It had been about a year since I had completed DROWN, and after a disastrous holiday to a particular island. I was on a cross-country bus and kind of not speaking to the person I was traveling with. There were miles and miles of banana plantations out of the window and nothing else to look at, so I imagined a little girl with wings just dropping into them...and the first chapter was born. When I arrived at my destination, I hurriedly wrote the first 3 chapters in about a day. 

Question 2- When you visited Orvieto, did any of the people inspire certain characters? 
Esther- Well, there was a man called Signore Montanucci who is the owner and proprietor of a very famous bakery/restaurant that appears in the book. He told me many fascinating histories of Orvieto and some local gossip, and a bit about his childhood. I based the character of Gabriel on a particular glimpse of himself as a boy that he showed me. 

Question 3- How much research did you do for GATS? 
Esther- A lot. Like, a lot. Lots of reading, lots of talking, lots of listening, lots of traveling...and a ton of eating!
Question 4- How long did it take to write Gabriel and the Swallows? 
Esther-About four months. 
However, that was just the time it took to sit down and begin typing. In reality, after all the travel and research and planning etc, it took quite a long time. 

Question 5- When you were writing GATS did you hit any huge writers blocks? 
Esther- I did. I had a three year writer's block. Remember those first three chapters I mentioned? I actually didn't touch the book again until three years later. I knew I wanted to write it, but it took me that long to get serious about it, stop my hectic schedule, set the time to travel to Italy and research, and then just get on with it. In those three years, it really was an epic writer's block. I did not write a single thing. 

Question 6- In your opinion who was your least favorite character to write about? 
Esther- Volatile! 
Because Volatile is very much a made-up creature, unlike Gabriel and Orlando - oh, and Blanca, Celso, Mariko, and Darlo. Who seem to be very real, breathing people, writing a mysterious, winged girl did not go smoothly and wasn't easy. I was also very cautious to write her in a particular way - there is a very big shock coming to the readers about Volatile. and I needed to be very cryptic about her, making sure the audience only sees her in a certain light. The big shock will be revealed in the sequel. 

Question 7- Are you currently working on anything? 
Esther- I am currently writing the sequel to Gabriel, it's called ORLANDO AND THE SPIRITS. 

Question 8- I know you worked with Oftomes for GATS, was GATS already finished before you started working with Oftomes? 
Yes. I completed GATS in 2012. Almost four years ago. 

Question 9- Do you have to travel a lot for your books? 
Esther- I don't have to, but I like to, if it is required. I travel a lot anyways, which is the nature of my work for the past decade or so, so it comes easier to me as I'm always moving from country to country to live and work. However, my next books don't require much travel as they are based in worlds that I have created, or countries I already have a history with. 


Question 10- What was your least favorite part of the writing process?
Esther- Finding the time to write. I'm a very busy person, and all the books I've previously written were done when I was single and free. I have a family now, which you can imagine, takes up enormous amounts of time I used to use to write. I am hoping for some time soon, I have a manuscript due very soon!

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I may be biased, because I personally love Esther and so happy that I have been friends with her for a little while and hope to stay friends for a very long time! but I loved her answers to her questions! 
I am extremely excited about ORLANDO AND The SPIRITS . . . hopefully I can sneak some more information from Esther . . . ? 
But anyways, I really hope you all have enjoyed this interview! I feel like now that I have done three interviews with her (two for two different releases) that I now have to continue this like a tradition. So Esther be ready for me to ask you more questions when ORLANDO AND THE SPIRITS comes out! 
All the questions I'll have to come up with! (you may get some repeated questions . . .) 

I hope you all, not only enjoy GATS, but buy it so you can have the lovely physical in your hands! And make sure to put reviews up! I love reading reviews for Esther's book . . . I don't think I have read one bad one yet about Esther's amazing novels. <3

Also, I know I'm saying a lot, but go check out this video from READING TRANSFORMS! 
reading transforms on twitter! 

        

The feather's Katie wears in the end <3 

and the drawing *winks nonchalantly* I don't think you can really wink while being nonchalant . . . I guess . . . maybe. 

About the LUVELY Esther Dalseno: 

Esther Dalseno was born to a Malaysian mother and an Italian father in Australia. After living in both Portland, Oregon and Sydney, New South Wales, she headed off to see the world.

Writing and teaching, she has lived in Laos, Vietnam and South Korea and has traveled the world extensively, from Johannesburg to Bangkok to Barcelona.

She now lives in Berlin with her husband, daughter, and Pekingese dog, all acquired in different countries. She has no plans yet to return to Australia.

Esther loves museums, festivals, live music and can often be seen ambling about the graffiti-strewn streets of Berlin’s inner city.

began her publishing career with the short Totoro’s Garden in the acclaimed short story collection, We All Need a Witness, published by Macmillan.

Her debut novel Drown was published in 2015. Her second novel, Gabriel and the Swallows will be released in March 2016.

Make sure to also, follow Oftomes on twitter or visit their site, here. 

And of course, the same with Esther! 

Esther's twitter ♠ Esther's Website

HAPPY READING, LUVs 

March TBR

I am not gonna lie, I actually have NO idea what to read this month. 

I really want to read a few newer books but I need to order them. 

Tell me what you are reading this month in the comments below! I'd love to hear! But here is a list of books I will attempt, as only a few of you know I am going on a trip to Arizona for a week at the end of this month so hopefully I get a lot of reading done on the plane! 

I will not be taking my computer along sadly, so I will NOT be able to blog. 

Anyways, to the TBR! 

♠ Fire Falling by Elise kova

♠ Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis

♠ Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

♠ Zodiac by Romina Russell 

Yes, the TBR is short. But If I make it any longer I will get overwhelmed and won't read at all. So, he is what I'm going to read. Or try to at least. If I don't read these I have tons of digital novels that I have been planning to read!

I've gotten so busy lately! 

I need to do more reading, I need to dedicate a full day just to reading. 

If you have read any of these novels tell me below! 

HAPPY READING, LUVs