Stacking the Shelves #258

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

I made some trades on twitter's #bookstfortrade and added these pretties to my shelves!

What did you add to your shelves this week?

2017 Love-a-Thon - Mini-challenge #8: On the Road (Trip)!

 

Pick 3-4 bookish people you'd take on a road trip- describe the trip and your destination!

 

 

This is such a fun idea! I am going to pick all book characters for this one because it's not everyday (more like never) that I'd get to see my favourite fictional characters let alone go on a trip with them so I'm going to dream a little ;)

 

Lila from V.E. Schwab's Shades of Magic series was the first person to come to my mind when I saw road trip. She'd be such fun company. I have a feeling I'll probably be nonstop laughing at her snark. We will be joined by Will Herondale from Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices! Another character that will bring lots of sarcasm and laughs to our group. Ismae from Robin LaFevers's His Fair Assassin series will be the level-headed person in the car. She's resourceful and calm and will get us out of any unfavourable situation that we just might find ourselves in (Lila and Will are bound to do something silly and get us in trouble right?). Last person in the car will be Cath from Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl. She's a girl after my own heart so we'll be shyly fangirl-ing and gawking at the other characters. We made an amusing bunch haha...

 

     

 

And our destination is: Universal Studios Orlando! More specifically we'd be going to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Before we left, we'd all have gotten sorted into our Houses so once we've arrived, we'd all change into our House robes. Then we'd wander around the theme park drinking frozen butterbeer and eating chocolate frogs~ I imagine Cath would be longing for Simon and Baz but that's okay because I'd pull her back in and we'd have an amazing time seeing the looks on Lila, Will and Ismae's faces~ The magic of Harry Potter for all! *wink* :D

 

Also, I'd never want this trip to end lol...

Stacking the Shelves #88

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

 

In all my excitement at meeting Victoria Schwab, I actually forgot to haul A Gathering of Shadows lol... but here it is <3

 

 

Another one I forgot to haul because of my excitement at getting it but Lady Midnight yessssss!


I've been excited for The Way to Game the Walk of Shame ever since I read its synopsis so thank you Macmillan for accepting my request :D

 

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Event Recap: V.E. Schwab Signing

Guyssss, I got to meet the talented Victoria Schwab! Her A Gathering of Shadows Book Tour had a stop in Seattle on March 1st and I managed to go~

 

Before I start talking about the signing, I just want to thank my parents. They're the absolute BEST. They understood how much I wanted to go and drove down with me. (I'm in Vancouver, Canada.) They even stayed around during the signing. Thank you mom and dad, I love you  guys <3 <3

 

Okay so when Victoria first announced her tour schedule for A Gathering of Shadows, I was disappointed to see no Canadian stops. (I may have tweeted her several times asking if she'd come to Vancouver XD.) But then I saw that she had a Seattle stop and that's probably as close as she's ever going to get to me. I LOVEEEE her Shades of Magic series (and The Archived series) so I had to go!

I started asking around to see if anyone would want to go with me. My sisters had to work but they also didn't want me to go alone so I was pretty excited when my parents said yes! I also almost couldn't take the time off work but I managed to work it out with my coworkers, phewww! Finally I googled my driving route, booked a one night stay and drove down with my parents the day of the signing.



Can you tell I was super happy? LOL

 

It was pouring rain when we got to the bookstore. Some signs and copies of the books were displayed for the signing and my dad started taking pictures of me posing with them lol. Then I saw Victoria in the middle of the store. I knew arriving 40mins earlier was going to be worth it! I was internally fangirling and whispered to my parents that that's the author! Then she walked right by me. We sort of looked right at each other and gave each other an awkward smile. Since I was pretty nervous I didn't move. My dad however was like, go ask her for a picture! So he ran after her and asked for me lol. Victoria was so nice! She said of course and she actually recognized me from Twitter! "BookCatPin, right?" Guys, I was like overjoyed! Anyways so I got a picture with her before the event even began. She thanked me for coming to see her and complimented my family for coming with me~

Picture with the incredibly talented Victoria
Schwab! (I was flailing hard inside lol).

Three other authors were there with her: Jason M. Hough, Kerry Schafer and Alex Kahler. They each introduced themselves and their newest books then Victoria opened up the floor to some Q and As. To encourage people to speak up, she was giving away ADSOM London necklaces. The first two people that asked her questions got them. I really wanted one but sadly I didn't get picked :'( I'm not a very outspoken or smooth speaker so I was super impressed with how articulate all the authors were :D

 

 

A few things I remember Victoria talking about:

1. Antari don't live forever, they're not immortal. They have a life span that's slightly longer than the normal human. That is, if they survive long enough to live happily ever after on a farm, etc.

2. White London is white because the colour's been leeched out. There's no more boldness there.

3. The sequel to Vicious is possibly going to be called Vengeful. It's a title that people seem to be able to pronounce. (Apparently a lot of people didn't know how to say Vicious. They kept calling it Viscous and it was driving Victoria's editor nuts haha.)

4. Victor Vale is Victoria's inner evil villain!

Sorry I didn't catch more. I wasn't planning on doing a recap so I was just listening rather than taking notes :)

 

 

Then it came time for the signing! I decided to line up at the end since I had quite a few books and didn't want to hold up the line. (Also that way, I get to talk to Victoria more!) When it was my turn, I was pretty nervous but I managed to hold a conversation with her :D She asked if I'd read AGOS yet and if I liked hearing more of Rhy's voice. Of course I told her yes and that I was on the blog tour for AGOS and couldn't wait to share my review. I loved the book and Lila is too awesome. I asked her to come to Vancouver and she told me she's hoping to soon. YAY!



Me fumbling to get all my books out for
Victoria to sign XD



She run out of Rhy cards so everyone was
putting down their contact info to get one!
 

We're both left-handed! ;)

 

I'd been thinking of something to give her but I'm not creative or anything (she mentioned she loved fan art) so I gave her the bookmark I used to read AGOS. It's a green sprout bookmark. I told her it was my sprout of hope that she'd spare my favourite characters in the final book. She laughed and asked me who I'd like to survive and I basically named all the characters lolll. Victoria was super friendly!

 

And one more picture with her!

 

I also got to meet Alex Kahler who is the author of the Ravenborn series. The first book called Shades of Darkness released this week! Simon & Schuster Canada sent me an ARC and I got it signed! The story is a darker one but I enjoyed it!

 

Overall I had such a blast! I was still giddy a few hours after the signing and even now I can't believe I got to meet Victoria Schwab and had all my books signed!!! I really hope I will see her again!



BEFORE                                   AFTER

 

Okay that's the last picture of me fangirling LOL.

Blog Tour - Q&A & Review: A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab

Hi guys! Welcome to my stop on the A Gathering of Shadows Blog Tour! The Shades of Magic series is one of my all-time favourite so thank you Tor Teen and Raincoast Books for this opportunity! Today I'm really thrilled to be sharing with you a Q&A with V.E. Schwab followed by my review of the book. Spoiler- it's incredible, splendid and just everything!

A Gathering of Shadows
(Shades of Magic #2)

by V.E. Schwab

February 23, 2016

512 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

 

Announcing the #ADSOMreadalong!

Hi guys! Today I'm here to announce some very exciting news about V.E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic! In celebration of the paperback release of ADSOM and in anticipation for the release of its sequel, A Gathering of Shadows, there will be a readalong!!!!!!!

 

Now if you don't know what A Darker Shade of Magic is about, I have included the synopsis for you below. And if you need some convincing (which I'm positive you don't) I'll just leave my gushy fangirly review right here.

A Darker Shade of Magic
(A Darker Shade of Magic #1)

by V.E. Schwab

February 24, 2015

400 pages

Goodreads  Indigo  Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.


The readalong will come in the form of a weekly Twitter chat. Below is the reading schedule :) Andddd the author, V.E. Schwab will be joining us! *cue fangirly freakout*

The Schedule

TODAYish Monday Feb. 1st

#ADSOMreadalong Intro Chat at 9pm EST.

Come introduce yourself and we'll talk about all things ADSOM!

Please read Parts 1-5 so we can discuss next week.

Monday Feb. 8th

First #ADSOMreadalong at 9pm EST.

We'll be discussing Parts 1-5.

 

Monday Feb. 15th

Second #ADSOMreadalong at 9pm EST.

Parts 6-10 will be discussed.

 

Monday Feb. 22nd

Final #ADSOMreadalong at 9pm EST.

Let's discuss the final chapters and talk about theories and hopes for AGOS!

There is also a Goodreads group if you'd like to chat more! If you missed a chat, don't fret. Recaps and such will be posted in this group :D

Also also, if you're super eager, click on the title to learn about the sequel A Gathering Of Shadows. (But don't go reading it unless you've read ADSOM because there are spoilers!). Doesn't the cover just look super badass?!!

So join us using the hasshtag #ADSOMreadalong on Twitter! This is one epic adventure you don't want to miss out on!

WoW #79: A Gathering of Shadows (A Darker Shade of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab

 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

A Gathering of Shadows
(A Darker Shade of Magic #2)

by V.E. Schwab

February 23, 2015

512 pages
 

Goodreads  Indigo
 

Goodreads Summary:

Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

 

Who isn't waiting for this one?!? NEED!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Stacking the Shelves #73

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

This is a win from Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. I've had my eyes on this one so thank you! Many thanks to the author for sending it to me signed!

For the Record by Charlotte Huang

 

I received three very exciting books from Raincoast Books! One is a finished copy for participating in a blog tour and the other two are review books I am over the moon excited about!!!!! No words can express how incredibly lucky Ripple and I feel! Thank you so much Raincoast!

 

First & Then by Emma Mills

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?