Roseblood by A. G. Howard

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Roseblood, another awseome retelling by A. G. Howard- except this one is based off The Phantom of the Opera.

It's one stand alone novel, but it is AMAZING.

Gothic feeling, France setting, boarding school, haunted and paranormal feels.







Synopsis:  In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French arts conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.

At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn—an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.




This book does have a little bit of Instant Love, but it's not that bad (in my opinion). Mostly because it seemed like they knew each other and had a connection since they were young. 

The characters were interesting- two povs, one in first person and the other in third person. It made it a little confusing at times, but not as much as you would think. And I actually enjoyed both povs immensely.

The book kept me hanging right up to the end. The 'reveals' in the book were... surprising, as I did not predict them totally, but they didn't feel as much of a plot twist as I would've liked. 

Then the ending, I loved it. 
BUT right before it was the climax- the final battle- and... it was skipped. We get a two month skip, where Rune is talking about what happened after. She has questions of what went down- which gets answered a couple pages later.
But it was a little bit of a let down for me. Scratch that, it was a big let down.

 Though overall, I did really enjoy the book- but the unclimatic scene, that the whole book was leading up too, keeps me from giving the book 5 stars.






 
My Rarting: 🌟🌟🌟🌟(4 and half stars)



 
What did you guys think of Roseblood? Did you like Roseblood or Splintered better? 

 

Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel


P. S. My Book Talk on my YouTube channel is here. 

Guarded Wish by Addison Carmichael

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There was a book that was published recently (in February), and I was hooked after reading the synopsis. I couldn't wait to read it, and book two comes out in June! (Also can't wait to read!)
Well, I have finished it now and am ready to tell you guys what I think!

Published: February 2018

Genre: Fantsay, fairytales/make-believe come to life

Author: Addison Carmichael

Title: Guarded Wish



Synopsis:   YOUR DARKEST WISH COME TRUE—if only…
What would you do if your fantasy love came to life?
It wasn’t weird that Sandy Koufax dreamed of Peter throughout the years. Everyone has imaginary friends growing up. Particularly if you’re a lonely foster kid in the system.
But just as Sandy comes of age and stops believing in the impossible existence of her perfect fantasy guy, she strangely receives a cupcake and candle with a notecard that reads:

Happy Birthday, Sandy.
Make a wish. I promise it will come true.
And you know I always keep my promises
—Love always, Peter.

Yet, as the saying goes—be careful what you wish for. All is not as it seems. When Sandy miraculously spots Peter around her new home in San Francisco, this could very well be her dream come true. Or she may have opened the door to something mysterious and dangerous—from another world altogether.
And what if Peter isn’t the only one she accidentally brought over? When Sandy’s warned in yet another dream that there is now an assassin in her world determined to hunt down and kill her, a mimic able to take the image of even her coworkers and friends, she’s not sure who she can trust. Or who will help her escape him.




The characters were interesting, and Sandy was very funny at times. There were also certian side characters that I would die to be able to read their POV's *you know who I mean, if you've read it*. There were of course times were I wanted to facepalm or slap Sandy, but when do we not have those moments with fictional characters?

I really enjoyed the Mick and Sandy drama, expecially when she yelled at him and accused him of stalking her- and he calmly pointed out logical explanations. I personally am a romantic on the inside, but that doesn't mean I like gushiness in real life. I rather enjoy the romantic relationships that start with the two at each other's throats. (So entertaining!)

Now, here's the question I know you will be asking, Was there Instant Love in the book?
Well... there was some serious instant love for the main character's only friend. But for Sandy's relationship? I don't feel like there was too much intsant love, Sandy grew up with Peter and they both already loved each other. She thought Mick was Peter, so...
But when they do get 'together', it does happen rather quickly. But again, I overlooked that as everything else was so amazing.

Though I did guess a few things in the plot, I actually paid more attention to the mystery of 'Peter' than where the plot was going. So I was very surprised at parts. 

But you will not believe how excited I was for the reveals! I kid you not, I jumped up and down and was like 'Yes, yesss! Tell me more!!'
There were a few things that I really wanted to know, but weren't answered *yet*. Don't forget book two comes out soon! 

There was so much hinted at, revealed, and left to answer at the end of this book- that I have no doubt book two will be very interesting.



I do plan to do a Book Talk for Guarded Wish on my YouTube channel as soon as I can, but sadly it will be awhile. I have a few other videos I have to get out before I'll have the chance to do this one.
But it will be on there!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go buy a print version of this book to add to my bookshelves!



[MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐]



Have any of you read this book yet? If so, what did you think? Are you excited for book two?


Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

Boku no hero Academia [Anime Discussion]

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HELLO FROM THE ANIME SIDE!!!!!!

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME WITHOUT SUNLIGHT!!!!!

(Dang it, that didn't rhyme...)





It is time for an Anime Discussion!!

Boku no hero academia

(This is a poster in my room btw, it's right next to a Fullmetal Alchemist poster.)


Anyways... I binge watched the first two seasons of Boku no hero academia with my brother, but now season 3 is out!!

Sadly only one episode comes out every week :(
But it's more none the less!


I love love love this anime so much!















This is me, while I watch it:

''My dweebie children!!"

This anime takes place with people having evolved to where they have superpowers called 'Quirks'. There are people without quirks, but the majority of the population have them.

And being a superhero is a dream that can truly be accomplished. Which is what our main character, Izuku Midoriya, wants to do.



There were some characters that were freaky weird, but I find those in pretty much every anime that exists, so I can't complain.
As it is about superhero wanna-be's, there is action- so be warned about that if you get squeamish with broken bones etc.


The characters though are what freaking make the story. Forget the plot of wanting-to-be-the-greatest-super-hero-ever. Forget the freaking plot, focus on the character arcs!!
 Dang, I just want to adopt them all! (Except Todoroki, I'd marry him.)







Another awesome thing about this anime is the openings.

I would suggest watching the Japanese dubs, with English subtitles for this anime. But that's just because I liked it better than the English dub. (Let's be honeset, when is an anime not better in japanese?)



There is not really any 'Love Interests', but that does not stop the fandom from shipping just about everyone with Midoriya. But that does not come as a surprise, seeing as fandoms usually do that in the first place.


Another thing I particularily like in this anime, is that with each Quirk come limits and precautions. Besides a few quirks that are so OP (Over Powered), there's ups and downs with the quirks. If you're quirk is to electrify things, and you use too much of it- you turn into a vegetable. To create things, you have to know eveyrthing that makes it up (we're talking really sciencey stuff).

This made it hard for me to pick a favorite quirk. (Outside of Todoroki, of course.) I would probably say Tsui, but the idea of a frog tongue is a little....disturbing to say the least.








 My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟




Do you have a favorite Quirk or character? Who do you ship with Midoriya (if you've seen My Hero Academia)?



Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

Flame In The Mist by Renée Ahdieh

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I recently read Flame in the Mist as a Buddy Read with Amanda.

Before I had agreed to Buddy Read it- I'd mostly just heard a lot about it. A lot of my friends were excited for it, or wanting to read it, or just straight up buying it to read it.
A ton of hype for this book- which if you know me, means that I didn't really want to read it because of the hype. (Weird, I know. But I just don't like to read things that have a lot of hype.)

However, I was once again proven wrong about really hyped books- Flame in the Mist was truly amazing.






Synopsis:  The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.

So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.

The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.





In my opinion, this book was like another version of Robin Hood and Maid Marian- but with samurai. Everything held my attention, and I loved it- including the ending!

For those book lovers who hate the cliche of Instant Love- this is perfect for you. I have no doubt you'll probably burst out laughig in some parts. Though towards the end there is a case of Instant Love (which was surprising), I personally overlooked it because I was in love with everything else. So that didn't bother me as much.

There were multiple povs- which I usually find off-putting in a book but did not this time, it actually made the story more suspenseful and made me enjoy it more.

There were many surprises and twists that I actually could not predict, but it was very good. I had to go back and reread some parts- the story and characters were so good!

 This book is most definitely now on my list of books to buy, and I am eagerly waiting for book 2 (which is released this year).
In the meantime, I'll just read everything else the author has written. Hopefully I'll find more of her books that I love. <3





My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟



Have any of you read this yet? Did you enjoy? What did you think of the ending? Have you read any of the author's other books?



Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel


P. S. You can see my Book Talk here on my YouTube channel. 

#UnicornWriteAThon Progress and Updates

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Alright guys! The WriteAThon my friend was hosting has ended! So it's time for me to share my accomplishments, progress, and updates with you!

If you didn't know, my friend Desara hosted the UnicornWriteAThon, which was from May 13th - 19th. All you had to do was set a word goal for your writing, and try to accomplish it during the weeklong WriteAThon!


I had two writing goals:

1. To write 2,000 words.

2. To write for 24-hours.


The former was because I would be busy the last half of that week, and I wasn't sure how much writing time I would actually get. So I set the word goal smaller, but not too small. 2,000 words is still a lot!

The latter would not be a 24-hour writing session all in one sitting, so don't freak out. Over the whole week I would record my writing time until it added up to 24 hours.
Make sense? I hope so.

What was I writing? My novel that I hope to self-publish this year! When Stars Fall From The Sky, here's my link to the tab about it: https://bookswithnoel.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_22.html

 


 WRITING DAY 1

~May 13th~


{Time: 3 hours }

{Words: 1,172 }


Happy Mother's Day!! 
I started writing later in the morning, but I had stayed up late the night before finishing a chapter I'd been stuck on for 3 days. I wouldn't say I was in a writing slump, but I was close ;) Coffee works wonders Lol.
I ended up having to go back through 25 chapters because I forgot something and I had to work it in. 

So lots of cutting and adding.





WRITING DAY 2

~May 14th~


{Time: 2 hours }

{Words: 649 }


With a large cup of coffee (a must in life) I did some more revising and wrote some for a new chapter. The morning was absolutel lovely for writing, outside it was raining and I sat at a table by the windows. My pug was napping next to me, and my coffee was steaming. 
So the setting was wonderful, but how was the writing?

Welp, my editor will have something to work with but at least I'm getting some more writing done, aye?





WRITING DAY 3

~May 15th~


{Time: 3 hours and 20 minutes}

{Words: 2,008}


The best place for me to write, I've found is the library. I have a quiet space, and I have no more problems with distraction. It's nice and easy to end up writing for a few hours.




WRITING DAY 4

~May 16th~


{Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes}

{Words: 688}








WRITING DAY 5


~May 17th~




{Time: 0 hours and 0 minutes}


{Words: 0}


I got no writing done this day.








WRITING DAY 6


~May 18th~




{Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes}


{Words: 655}


This was not on my novel, my writing for this was on a few blog posts and other things.








WRITING DAY 7 {FINAL DAY}


~May 19th~




{Time: 0 hours and 0 minutes}


{Words: 0}


Sadly, I also got no writing done this day either....




So my total time was: 11 hours

 Total word count: 5,172 words




I exceeded my word goal for the WriteAThon, I however did not achieve my other goal to write for 24 hours.
I didn't even reach half the amount of time that I had wanted to...




How did you guys do??? How are your writing projects going?






Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel
<3<3<3

#UnicornWriteAThon | 24-hour Writing Plan Announcement

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So my friend Desara is hosting a WriteAThon!
The UnicornWriteAThon, and it's from May 13th - 19th.



What you do: Set a word goal to accomplish during this writing period.

My friend's goal is 3,500 words on her novel.



For the UnicornWriteAThon I will actually have 2 goals:


1. To write 2,000 words.

2.  To write for 24-hours.



I know that my first writing goal seems rather small to some, but I have plans for the last half of that week- and I don't know for sure just how much writing time I'll have. So I'm going to go with a smaller amount for now.


For the second writing goal, I plan to space out my writing until it equals up to 24 hours (or more). I've personally never done it before, but I've been planning to for awhile now.



I will be working on my novel, When Stars Fall From The Sky.
For those who don't know, here's a link to my tab about it: https://bookswithnoel.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_22.html.

Feel free to join in on the fun in the WriteAThon! :D


Sadly, I don't think I'll have the time to do a vlog on my YouTube channel. So my progress will just be on here for now. As always, I'll record my progress and let you know how I do!




 Do you like to write? What do you like to write most? Any writing plans or goals this month?


Thanks for reading!
~Books with Noel
<3<3<3

#CaffeineAThon Wrap-Up

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 Hey guys!!

The readathon I was hosting, has ended! It was from May 1st - 7th, and I also did a TBR video on my YouTube Channel (I'll be doing a Wrap-Up video today for it too.)






There were 5 challenges for the CaffeineAThon:


1. Read a book that you've heard nothing about.

2. Read a book that you recieved as a gift, but haven't read yet.

3. Read a book you picked out (or bought) because of the cover. 

4. Read a book that is popular- but you haven't read yet.

5. Drink Coffee (or tea) whenever you sit down to read a book.




The idea of the 5th challenge was to drink something with caffeine, but you did not have to strictly stick to that. You could just drink water (I understand if certain drinks mess with your stomach).

There were only 4 reading challenges so that it would be easier and less stressful for anyone who wanted to join :)





My TBR for the CaffeineAThon:


- The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

- The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky

- Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

- Chill Factor by Sandra Brown






So here's my progress and updates during the CaffeineAThon!!





DAY 1

- May 1st


Started Reading: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Progress: 48 pages

 
Started Reading: Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

Progress: 18 pages







DAY 2

- May 2nd


Continued Reading: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Progress: Finished reading [Rated 3.5 stars]








DAY 3

- May 3rd


Continued Reading: Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

Progress: Finisned [Rated 2.5 stars]








DAY 4

- May 4th


Started Reading: Chill Factor by Sandra Brown

Progress: 6 pages

I did not get a lot of reading done, I got busy again. But I at least started it, right? Right?








DAY 5

- May 5th


Started Reading: The Time Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky.

Progress: 10 pages

I was not getting into Chill Factor very well and I wasn't liking it a lot, and I ended up not finishing it. So I started something else.









DAY 6

- May 6th


Started Reading: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Progress:  10 pages

This was in place of Chill Factor, that way I'd still read 4 books.


Continued Reading: The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky

Progress: 50 pages







DAY 7 [FINAL DAY]

- May 7th


Continued Reading: The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky

Progress: Finished Reading [RATED 3 STARS]


Continued Reading: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Progress: 28 pages







So I finished 3 books, and I started the 4th book.



THANK YOU everyone who participated!!!

Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

My Summer Reading List

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Hey guys! I'm putting together my Summer Reading list for the months of May and June. I know that I will not be getting a lot of reading done, but I plan to read as much as I can!




~May's Reading Plan~



 4 books for the #CaffeineAThon (May 1st - 7th)

- The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

- Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

- Chill Factor by Sandra Brown

- The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky



Buddy Reads

- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

- Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller



If I have the time:

 - The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

- The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkins









~June's Reading Plan~



- Neverland by Emory R. Frie

- The Wrong Girl by C. J. Archer

- Everblue by Brenda Pandos

- Unenchanted by Chanda Hahn








This is my reading list for the next two months, and I don't know if I'll finish them all- but I'll try!

The #CaffeineAThon starts today (May 1st), so I have 4 books to finish by May 7th! Wish me luck!!


I'll have a lot more reading time in July and August than I will in May and June.







~July's Reading Plan~




The last of a series:

 - The Nightmare Charade by Mindee Arnett

 - Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan

- Champion by Marie Lu



New reads to try:

- Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

- Hunted by Meagan Spooner

- The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell

- Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

- Freeks by Amanda Hocking

- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern










~August's Reading Plan~




Books in a series:

- One Blood Ruby by Melissa Marr

- The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

- Thor's Serpents by K. L. Armstrong



New reads to try:

- The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron

- Panic by Lauren Oliver

- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

- The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

- Caraval by Stephanie Garber







Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel


P.S. What are you planning to read?