Can't Wait Wednesday (182)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS: Prince and his fairy courtiers are staggeringly beautiful, unrelentingly cruel, and exhausted by the tedium of the centuries―until they meet foster-siblings Josh and Ksenia. Drawn in by their vivid emotions, undying love for each other, and passion for life, Prince will stop at nothing to possess them.

First seduced and then entrapped by the fairies, Josh and Ksenia learn that the fairies' otherworldly gifts come at a terrible price―and they must risk everything in order to reclaim their freedom.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: It's Halloween so of course I have to feature a creepy cover.  I like the sounds of this (and I'm not gonna lie, a MC named Prince - I could get used to that).  Tor also is one of my favorite publishers so there's that.  

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK????

TTT - 10 Creepy Covers

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

This week's topic is a Halloween/Creepy freebie and to be honest, I feel like I've kind used up all my good Halloween ideas earlier this month.  However, I might just have one last hurrah so I'm sharing with you the 10 Creepy Covers - some I've read and some are just on the wishlist!

All those terrifying screaming mouths - I need to find out what that's all about!

WTH?????

There's just something about this cover - THAT thing would certainly give me nightmares.

This just gives me the creeps for some reason - not sure why?  Am I alone in this?

I hope I never see something like this in real life!

While it's definitely creepy, I think this one is actually super cool.

The cover is actually the reason I read this one in the first place.  So well done.

There's just something about this one.  And I'd love to read it if the librarians would quit passing it around and get it out of "processing!"

Creepy and eerie in a good way.  I'd forgotten all about this one until I went searching for this topic.  I need to grab a copy of this one!

So much going on but I'm not gonna lie, I am attracted to the tentacles on this one.

So, have you read any of these and should I make any of them a priority?  I can't wait to see everyone's topics this week and Happy Halloween!

Death May Be Easy, But Living is Definitely Hard!

TITLE: An Easy Death (Gunnie Rose #1)
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
PUBLISHER: Saga Press
PUBLISHING DATE: October 2, 2018

FROM GOODREADS:  In a new trilogy that presents a chilling alternate history of the United States where everyone believes in magic—but no one is sure whether they can trust it.

Gunnie Lizbeth Rose has been hired by a pair of Russian sorcerers as both their local guide and muscle through the small towns of East Texas as they search for a distant relative of an infamous sorcerer whose bloodline can help save their emperor-in-exile as an ever-increasing number of assassins tries to stop them.

After the assassination of FDR in the 1930s, the US collapses and is picked off by the UK, Canada, Mexico, and Russia. We find ourselves in the southwestern states now known as Texoma. It is here that the gunnie Lizbeth Rose tries to piece out a life, running security on runs from Texoma, across the border to Mexico where work and prospects are stronger. When two Russian magicians come looking for a man named Alex Karkarov, they hire Lizbeth to find him or his family, but there are problems: The man they're looking for is dead, but he has a daughter they now need to find, as an ever-growing set of sorcerers and gunnies do not want them to succeed. It’s a good thing Lizbeth is a deadly gunfighter; too bad she hates sorcerers, even the ones she has to learn to rely on.

MY THOUGHTS:  Lizbeth Rose is a gunnie, which means individuals hire her for assistance based on the fact that she is an excellent markswoman and is not afraid to kill to survive.  Early on in the book, we see Lizbeth's team fall prey to an ambush.  She survives but this means that she must find another way to make a living.  Despite hating the Russian wizards and wanting noting to do with the part of the United States they have taken over, she agrees to a job helping two of them, Eli and Paulina.  However, unbeknownst to them, Lizbeth may have more of a connection to the man they seek than she is willing to share.

I loved this book.  It was almost impossible to put down and Harris has created a intriguing yet terrifying world in her alternate United States story.  First of all, Lizbeth is a kick-ass heroine.  She loves her guns almost more than people and is not afraid to kill.  Secondly, I found the adventure of looking for an individual who might be able to share the Tsar's life full of twists and turns and very few of them predictable. At every turn, someone was trying to kill Lizbeth, Eli, Paulina or all three and I would have just given up and died before I reached the halfway point.  Finally, while there isn't really a romance in this book, which it definitely didn't need, I loved the relationship that developed between Lizbeth and Eli.  Though they are an odd pairing at best, I am excited to see where they end up in the future.  In the impossible world they live in, when someone works hard to give you a fridge, yep I said fridge, it's a relationship you can't easily ignore.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, alternate history, fantasy and action-adventure.  There are witches, Russian nobility, lots of guns, dirt, grime and magic.  I fell in love with Harris' Midnight Texas trilogy and hated when it ended.  That being said, I think I'm going to enjoy this new trilogy even more!

RATING: 5 PAWS

Stacking the Shelves (181)

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

So this week I had to stop by the library (I know, sounds familiar huh?) but in my defense, it was to pick up 2 CDs I requested and also, keep in mind, all three of the libraries I visit are less than 15 minutes from my home.  I have seen so many people raving about "We Were Villains" over the past year that I finally took the plunge and grabbed it.  And in case you were interested, I picked up the new Janelle Monae and the new Daughtry CDs.

The great people at Flame Tree Press were kind enough to send my physical copies of two of their upcoming titles.  I haven't been so excited about a publisher in so long and I can't wait to see what else they come out with in 2019.  I think "Think Yourself Lucky" and "Night Shift" both look like good reads.  

And finally I got some awesome digital books for review.  Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publishers.  You guys know how excited I am about "Who Killed the Fonz" and Stormi and I are already planning a buddy read of it.  "End of Day" has a cover I couldn't resist but I need to find a copy of the first one before I start this one.  I don't read a lot of non-fiction but you know "The Trial of Lizzie Borden" caught my eye (I have some weird fascinations and you guys know she is one of them).  And last but not least, "A Monster Like Me" is a new MG book coming out early next year.

So I think I found some great books this week.  What books did you add to your shelves????

Also, my newest #booksboozeandblankets post is up on Instagram.  Check it out!

Spooky Book Tag

SPOOKY BOOK TAG

So I saw this tag over at Stormi's Booktube channel and thought it would be a great way to end the Halloween season.  I don't know who did the original but you can find Stormi's video HERE.

Corn Maze - What book had you lost and confused from the very beginning?

The Night Ocean - Paul La Farge.  While I didn't necessarily dislike this book, I did find it somewhat confusing.

Haunted House - what book has the creepiest setting

In the Mouth of the Dark - Tim Waggoner.  I have no desire to visit "Shadow" or meet the Pink Devil.

Ghost Boyfriend - who is your eternal ghost boyfriend.

Stoker from the Veronica Speedwell series.  I don't usually do book boyfriends but he would be a good one.

Caramel Apple Suckers - the best dang Halloween book ever

Dial Meow for Murder - Bethany Blake.  A cute pet cozy that takes place during the autumn season - complete with festivals and parades.

Vampires in Everything - What is your least favorite Halloween trope.

It's a tie between sparkly, lovable vampires and people who run UPSTAIRS when trying to escape monsters, killers, etc.

Pumpkins in Everything - Your favorite Halloween trope.

Monsters!

Evil Incarnate - the most evil villain

Damien from The Omen.

Ouija Board - a book that messes with things you don't want to be involved in.

Rosemary's Baby - Satanism

Full Moon -What character do you turn into during the full moon?

A Witch!

All Hallow's Eve - The other world and this world have meshed up for one night; what book would you love to be swept up in?  

The Library Lover's series - Jenn McKinlay.  Such a cute cozy town with awesome characters.

Voodoo Doll - What author would you like to take control of and make them write whatever you want.

Stephen King and basically I'd just make him write more!

Black Cat - What red flags do you look for when you are starting a book?

None really.  If the synopsis sounds interesting and it's something I might like, full steam ahead!

Witches Brew - A book that had a lot of different components thrown in but the result was magical.

Lost Boy - Christina Henry.  It had action, suspense, great characters and a fun plot.

So there you go. If you do this tag, make sure to let me know so I can check out your answers.

Weekly Reads (10-27-18)

So this week I had a few more books, movies and just plain stuff to talk about so I'm giving you a separate post.  I hope you all are having a great week and have lots of fun stuff planned for the weekend.  We are in full blown Halloween mode at The Farm and have been trying to squeeze in as much horror as possible. I've also been cat sitting.  Don't tell the pups.  They aren't quite sure while I've been running across the road every evening and Booker has seen Pepper through a door and did not like him so if he knew, he would not be pleased.  

Mr. Barb has started physical therapy for a slight back injury he thinks happened at the gym.  Score a point for me because I thought you went to the gym to feel better, not worse.  Knew there was a reason I don't go.  It's nothing major (thank heavens) and he seems to like the physical therapist.  Worker has been a tad stressful this week and since we are a remote office of two, when things get stressful, tensions can run high.  All is well now though.

Gpa is feeling better and Cassius goes to the vet Saturday for routine shots.  Booker T will go along so he can see his girlfriend Peggy.  Seriously, this vet tech would take him home if she thought she could get away with it.  

We watched "Hotel Artemis" last weekend and I really really liked it.  I mean, it wasn't deep and meaningful but I didn't need it to be and Sterling K. Brown is awesome.  We're caught up on "American Horror" and I think this season may end up being one of my faves.  I mean, they already had Stevie Nicks on it so they get points for that.  We watched "Apostle" on Netflix and I could have done without it.  I found it to be long and boring.  "The Purge" only has a few episodes left and let's just say, right now all the right people are being purged!  "The Walking Dead" is better than last year and I'm waiting to see how Rick dies (even though I sort of doubt he will because since when has that show warned us of a major death - NEVER.  It could be a smokescreen).  And I almost forgot, "Midnight, Texas" starts back up Friday evening - can't wait!

I want to read more this weekend than I will probably have time to do.  However, here's the books up next on the stack.  Hopefully I can finish "An Easy Death" Friday evening so I can work on "Twisted Tales from Tornado Alley."  I have to get that one finished.  When I do, maybe I'll start "Toil & Trouble."

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by The Farm!

Two Bloggers One Book - An Accidental Buddy Read

Stormi and I had our monthly buddy read all planned out at the beginning of the month but we were both sucked in by a new title and ended up reading it at the same time without really planning to do so.  Therefore, we decided to share our thoughts with you on this one and save the other one for later.

Once you read my review, make sure to check out Stormi's @ Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!  However, I don't think either of us enjoyed this month's feature.

TITLE: The Boy at the Keyhole

AUTHOR: Stephen Giles

PUBLISHER: Hanover Square Press

PUBLISHING DATE: September 4, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: An electrifying debut in the vein of Shirley Jackson and Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca, about a British boy who, after his mother is abruptly called away to America, begins to suspect that perhaps she did not leave, but was murdered—by the housekeeper who cares for him in the family's isolated country estate.

Nine-year-old Samuel lives alone in a once great estate in Surrey with the family’s housekeeper, Ruth. His father is dead and his mother has been abroad for five months, purportedly tending to her late husband’s faltering business. She left in a hurry one night while Samuel was sleeping and did not say goodbye.

Beyond her sporadic postcards, Samuel hears nothing from his mother. He misses her dearly and maps her journey in an atlas he finds in her study. Samuel’s life is otherwise regulated by Ruth, who runs the house with an iron fist. Only she and Samuel know how brutally she enforces order.

As rumors in town begin to swirl, Samuel wonders whether something more sinister is afoot. Perhaps his mother did not leave, but was murdered—by Ruth.

Channeling the masterful suspense of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca and the haunting, claustrophobic atmosphere of the works of Shirley Jackson, The Boy at the Keyhole is an electrifying debut about the precarious dance between truth and perception, and the shocking acts that occur amid tightly knit quarters.

MY THOUGHTS:  I think the above synopsis details the book pretty well. Samuel's mother left over 4 months ago setting sail for America in an attempt to save her deceased husband's business.  Samuel is stuck staying with Ruth, the housekeeper, who is not the nicest person in the world.  Fueled by his friend's overactive imagination, Samuel starts to suspect Ruth has done something to his mother preventing her from returning (unless it would be in ghostly form - hey, that might have been more interesting!).  Samuel tries to unravel the mystery of what happened to his mother but what he learns may be more terrible than he ever imagined.

So first of all.  This book is classified as an adult thriller.  I usually don't get hung up on genres and age recommendations but I think the publishing company missed the boat and should have geared this toward YA or MG.  Also, I honestly couldn't stand anyone in this book.  Samuel is a spoiled brat and Ruth is crotchety and mean.  They both kind of deserve each other and if the mom did in fact skip the country, she may have had the right idea and just may be the smartest one in the book.  The ending was disappointing and overall I was just glad it was over.

This is a relatively short read and I had high expectations for a Gothic atmospheric tale.  Glad I was able to grab this one from the library and didn't spend good money on it.  And one final caution - without including any specific spoilers, I will leave you with a closing picture.  If you don't want to risk learning too much STOP READING NOW!

If you love bunnies - step away from the book!

RATING: 2 PAWS

Don't Go Walking in the Woods Alone at Night....

TITLE: Slender Man
AUTHOR: Anonymous
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyager
PUBLISHING DATE: October 23, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: One man’s search for the truth about one of the most intriguing urban legends ever—the modern bogeyman, Slender Man—leads him down a dark, dangerous path in this creepy supernatural fantasy reminiscent of Night Film, House of Leaves, and Illuminae, that will make you question where the line between legend and fact begins

A young man is desperate to find his missing sister . . . desperate enough to resort to the darkest means. But just how much is he willing to pay the Slender Man in order to save her?

Told through a variety of narrative devices, including photos, journal entries, e-mails, articles, and other artifacts, this unique spine-tingling story is a brilliant and terrifying look at one of the most fascinating—and diabolical—mythical figures in modern times. 

MY THOUGHTS:  First I have to admit that as intrigued as I am about the entity of Slender Man, I didn't know a whole lot  about him going in.  So I did some research and basically learned he is a tall, skinny man (I guessed as much) with no facial features and long stretching arms which resemble snakes or tentacles.  I also learned that Slender Man is deeply connected to Lovecraft horror which is no surprise given the tentacle concept.  Thus it should be of no surprise to my followers my desire to read this book - TENTACLES!  Enough of the history lesson.

When the novel starts out, we learn that Matt Barker is a spoiled troubled rich kid attending a private school in New York.  He attends counseling and is tasked with keeping a "diary" which is how we learn much of what is happening to Matt and his friends.  One night, one of his good friends, Lauren, walks out of her apartment building and then goes missing.  Law enforcement gets involved and many are speculating about what has happened to Lauren, but only Matt feels there might be something sinister at hand.

One of the best things about this book is its epistolary format.  "Slender Man" is told in diary entries, texts, emails, police interviews, recordings and newspaper clippings.  There is also a story within a story here and guess what?  It works!  Because of the formatting, "Slender Man" is a great quick read and one which I devoured in a few hours.  And while I really liked Matt, I wish the story had a little more Slender man appearances.  Don't get me wrong, there are a few creepy scenes and I will never look at a flock of birds the same.  The ending was also fairly creepy even if I did pretty much see it coming.

So overall, this book has great formatting and an interesting enough story, but I needed a tad bit more horror.  I also admit that the fact that it is written anonymously adds to the book's mystic (plus, I'll give a big shout-out to anyone who can tell me who actually wrote this tale - curious minds and all).  If you like horror set in urban legends and folklore, then I would recommend "Slender Man" for a fast quick enjoyable read.  Plus there are still a few days left until Halloween so what better time!

Thanks to Edelweiss and Harper Voyager for a copy of "Slender Man" in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 3 PAWS

Can't Wait Wednesday (181)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS:  “I whisper the word, and my soul feels as light as air… Revenge.”

Lakin Hale, true crime writer and victim of an attack that left her for dead, has written numerous bestsellers under an assumed identity, helping crime solvers and victims close cold cases, yet there is one crime she hasn’t been able to solve:

Her own.

As she embarks on a new case, working closely with local authorities, the details of the murder begin to eerily resemble the event that nearly ended her life. A silhouette of a man haunts her dreams, but there were only two people there that night—Lakin and her murderer. Is her phantom hero who pulled her from the water real, or is he a devil sent to torment her, sparked by her desire for vengeance? 

Buried in a watery grave of lotus flowers, the victim calls out to Lakin, unearthing painful memories of what was stolen from her that fateful night. For those that played a part, it’s now time to answer for their sins.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  The premise of the author writing under and assumed identity sounds pretty interesting and I want to know what happened to her almost as much as she probably does.  Thrillers can be hit or miss but I think this is classified more as a mystery so all is good.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

TTT - My Favorite Villains

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

This week we are looking at villains so I thought I would share some of my favorite ones with you!

Algaliarept "Al" from The Hollows series.  There something very likable about this demon despite his demonic ways.

Eve Levine from the Women of the Underworld series.  Eve's a combination half demon and witch and while not a nice person, I found myself liking her.

Pam Ravenscroft from the Sookie Stackhouse series.  Some might argue that Pam is not a villain but I would argue she's just a villain with a soft-side...and a taste for blood and carnage.

Snape - Enough said.  And I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of him on today's topic.

Dracula - He started my love affair with vampires at a very young age.

Jack Torrence - Jack does evil so well!!!

The Big Bad Wolf - Come on, argue with me on this one...I dare ya :)

Pennywise

Brady - I've not read the books but he's an awesome villain on the TV series.

Atl - she rocks.  Have you not read this yet??? You all KNOW I love this book!!!!

So there you have it.  Some villains I love and some I love to hate.  Who made your list?