Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #1) by Nalini Singh

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that's exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears, brings with him.

Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence--her mind clear of all emotion--Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That's what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious...and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.

Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...

“She cleared her mind of all other thoughts, her attention only on the wild, beautiful man who called her his sunshine and who saw starlight in her eyes.”

Because… Bears. Ohhh, I loved this one! I completely devoured this beast of a book in less than a week (which is good for me right now with everything else going on). Now, I've heard this is a series within a series, so I'm not entirely sure how it ties into everything else. However, Silver Silence easily stood on its own, and I never had trouble following the story. 

This is the first book I've ever read about changeling bears, but they are the best. I enjoyed their way of life and how the clan was like one giant family. Everyone looks out for their neighbor, and they all help with raising the children. The cubs knew they were loved by everyone and wouldn't hesitate to barrel into an unsuspecting adult. Bears are quite resilient, and their personalities were infectious! Also, can I be a changeling bear? If so, I want to be a StoneWater bear! Valentin can be my alpha any day. 

I've never thought about what it would be like to live without emotion, but now I can definitively say that it's not something I would ever want to do. Yes, it would allow you to avoid heartache and be more efficient as an individual, but people need human contact and feelings. It's a defining characteristic of who we are that often gets overlooked. I want to feel the overwhelming love and joy that I have for my children. I want to hear them laugh, see them smile, and have them know without a doubt how much they are adored by their parents. 

Silver Silence was a truly amazing read that I stumbled across on accident (I have a review copy of the next book, Ocean Light). It has been one of the best parts of my day all week (the hour or so I have to myself once the kids are asleep), and I look forward to revisiting this beautiful and complicated world that Nalili Singh has created. 

Mini Reviews [9]

Shanghai Red #1 by Christopher Sebela,

Joshua Hixson (Illustrator), 

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Illustrator), 

Tyler Boss (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Red is one of hundreds shanghaied out of Portland in the late 1800s. Drugged, kidnapped, and sold to a ship’s captain, she wakes up on a boat headed out to sea for years, unable to escape or even reveal who she truly is. Now she’s coming back in a boat covered in blood to find her family and track down the men responsible for stealing her life out from under her.

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Shanghai Red will not be a comic I choose to continue. I'm sure it will be loved by many, just not by me. I expected a lot of violence based on the description, so that wasn't what bothered me (though it was a little confusing and excessive). 

I wish they had explained more of Red's history and what happened to her prior to the opening scene... which ended up having more action than words. The images didn't really add up either, so I was stuck trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Eventually I just moved on without figuring it out.

If you enjoy dirty pirates (that deal in human trafficking), bloody fights (gruesome x10), underestimated women (go girl power), and untrustworthy people (basically everyone so far)--this might be a comic you enjoy.

⳼

The Amazing Spider-Man #801
by Dan Slott, Marcos Martin (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): After ten years, Dan Slott’s final issue of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN is here, and he isn’t pulling any punches. Joined by one of the best illustrators in the biz, Marcos Martin, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #801 is one of the most emotional, heartfelt tales not only in Dan’s run, but in all of Mighty Marveldom itself, and is one Marvel fans around the world won’t want to miss. 

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Dan Slott has been writing this comic for ten years! That's insane! My husband is going to cry if Charles Soule ever stops writing Daredevil, lol. I don't think he will anytime soon, but you never know!

I am in no way caught up on this series, but Jacob asked me to read this once he was finished. It didn't conclude a story, or start a new one... It was more of a goodbye. 

Slott does a wonderful job of showing why Spider-Man is important and what makes him a hero. He's out there saving the world every single day, one person at a time. Protecting someone's mom might not be world-changing for everyone, but it was life-changing for someone. 

If you love Spider-Man, this is definitely an issue to have!

⳼

Dazzler: X-Song #1 by Magdelene Visaggio,

Laura Braga (Illustrator), 

Elizabeth Torque (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The Brooklyn punk scene has never been cooler with DAZZLER’s new band taking center stage. But while she’s trying to find herself and reconnect to the one thing she’s always loved, Dazzler stumbles upon a truly toxic part of the underground punk scene. When a new and violent gang threatens the young Inhuman fans that follow her from venue to venue, Dazzler may have to turn to her own past to provide some guidance--and butt kicking.

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I don't think this is going to be one that I continue reading. I was curious about Dazzler and what her story would be about, but it didn't wow me, you know? I thought the story was good, and there was a lot in there about inclusion and being united, but it looks like the main conflict is going to be between the Mutants and the Inhumans. 

From what I gathered... there's a group of mutants that thinks the Inhumans aren't really mutants themselves, even though the Terrigenesis triggered a mutation. 

I was also a little confused by Colossus being there... isn't he married to Kitty Pryde now? Maybe that's another reality or universe... it's hard to keep up with sometimes! He just seemed a little too cozy with the main character. 😒

⳼

The Magic Order #1 by Mark Millar,

Olivier Coipel (Illustrator),

Adam Hughes (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): We live in a world where we've never seen a monster, and The Magic Order is the reason we sleep safely in our beds. Magic meets the mob in THE MAGIC ORDER, as five families of magicians—sworn to protect our world for generations—must battle an enemy who's picking them off one by one. By day, they live among us as our neighbors, friends, and co-workers, but by night, they are the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect us from the forces of darkness…unless the darkness gets them first. 

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It's official... I've seen my first comic book penis. I'm not going to go into details, but it was weird. Not the penis per se, but the shapeshifter impersonating the naked man... Why did he know what that man's penis looked like? Moving on!

I think I'm going to read the next issue before making a decision, but I'm still on the fence. I liked the dysfunctional family dynamic, and I'm curious if they end up working together to fight this new threat. 

The new threat wasn't very subtle, but their methods were brutal. If you're squeamish, I would recommend staying away from this one. I legitimately shuddered after reading the first page, and I don't think it's going to get better anytime soon. They're gearing up for a fight. 

Magic, monsters, and a murder mystery--my interest is piqued!

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Narrated by Bahni Turpin, 

Raymond Lee & Dominic Hoffman

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

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I loved that Natasha was very scientific and only wanted to believe in the things that she could prove. Of course that meant she didn't believe in love, because how do you prove that?

Daniel's poetic heart and his endless enthusiasm swept me away from the beginning. He was determined to prove to Natasha that love existed, and he wanted to do it with science. They didn't agree on a lot of topics, which I actually found refreshing, so it was fun to watch them learn new things about each other and themselves.

I also learned a lot while listening to this audiobook. Some of my favorite parts were the explanations about different religions, certain histories, and various scientific facts. I enjoyed the conversations about alternate and parallel universes, and how every choice brings with it an infinite number of possibilities. The author clearly did her research and wanted to make sure we were somewhat educated on the subject matter. However, it didn't come across as a lesson, just some additional commentary on what was already being discussed. I think it helped me to better understand the characters and their story.

The adults in this book were the worst. They were selfish, racist, and unwilling to listen to their children. I'm still angry with Natasha's father for saying something a parent should never say, Daniel's brother for being an unapologetic asshole, and Natasha's lawyer for being selfish and unconcerned with his professional responsibilities. 

At the same time, the author points out how every seemingly inconsequential action can have unforeseen consequences. Daniel stopping to leave a dollar in a musician's hat caused him to briefly miss passing Natasha on the subway. Natasha being a few minutes late to her appointment allowed her to pass in front of Daniel for the first time. There were so many small side stories that showed just how much one person could affect the lives around them. 

I think the author raises some important questions about immigrants and what happens to them once they are living in America. In the end, it didn't matter that Natasha's brother was born here, it mattered that his parents had overstayed their travel visa. Children that have no say in whether or not their families remain in America are being forced to leave the only homes they've ever known.

The Sun Is Also a Star was a very thought-provoking story that touched on a lot of relevant subjects. The ending wasn't perfect, but it was incredibly satisfying.

My Weekly Pull [27] & Can't-Wait Wednesday [2]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, leave a link in the comments. I would love to stop by and check it out!

Ant-Man & The Wasp #2 (of 5) by Mark Waid, Javier Garrón (Illustrator), David Nakayama (Illustrator) *Last month they accidently used the #3 cover for #2, so I have made adjustments to that post as well as this one. This is the correct cover for #2, but the third issue is being released this week.

Hunt for Wolverine Weapon Lost #3 (of 4) by Charles Soule, Matteo Buffagni (Illustrator), Declan Shalvey (Illustrator) 

Infinity Countdown Champions #2 (of 2) by Jim Zub, Clayton Crain

It's a really short list this week, which is actually a good thing! I have a lot of comics that I need to catch up on, and my wallet will get a nice reprieve, lol. There were two or three that we decided to stop reading, so that narrowed things down a bit. Lately I've been enjoying the first few issues of a comic, but then lose interest. A story has to make me want to keep coming back.

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, that highlights upcoming releases that we're anticipating and excited to read. It's a spinoff of the feature Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

See All the Stars by Kit Frick
Expected publication: August 14, 2018

Synopsis (via Goodreads) Part love story, part thriller, We Were Liars meets Goodbye Days in this suspenseful, lyrical debut.

It’s hard to find the truth beneath the lies you tell yourself.

THEN They were four—Bex, Jenni, Ellory, Ret. Electric, headstrong young women; Ellory’s whole solar system.

NOW Ellory is alone, her once inseparable group of friends torn apart by secrets, deception, and a shocking incident that changed their lives forever.

THEN Lazy summer days. A party. A beautiful boy. Ellory met Matthias and fell into the beginning of a spectacular, bright love.

NOW Ellory returns to Pine Brook to navigate senior year after a two-month suspension and summer away—no boyfriend, no friends. No going back. Tormented by some and sought out by others, troubled by a mysterious note-writer who won’t let Ellory forget, and consumed by guilt over her not entirely innocent role in everything and everyone she’s lost, Ellory finds that even in the present, the past is everywhere.

The path forward isn’t a straight line. And moving on will mean sorting the truth from the lies—the lies Ellory has been telling herself.

Legendary (Caraval, #2) by Stephanie Garber

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval...the games have only just begun. 

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

God's teeth (one of Tella's favorite phrases) is an accurate description of my feelings regarding this book. I loved the world and the idea of Caraval, but I just could not get behind any of the characters and what they were trying to achieve. I doubt even they knew what they wanted the majority of the time. Their priorities and feelings changed every chapter. It was exhausting to keep up with.

Tella was more likable than Scarlett, but she was still incredibly frustrating. She based most of her decisions on how they would make someone else feel, or constantly worried what might happen if they found out she had done this or that. It seemed like she was always trying to make Dante jealous, or wanted to see how someone would react to something she said or did. A lot of the time she just didn't think something through at all. 

The ARC I received for review also gave away who Legend was before they were actually revealed in the story. A simple typo where the author referred to Legend as Legend instead of the person they were portraying in the game. 

I think my biggest issue is the many, many threads and side stories the author has created. It's almost impossible to keep up with everything. Everyone has secrets. Like, life-altering and world-shattering secrets, yet they choose to keep them to themselves. I wish we had been given more answers instead of piling all the questions on top of each other. I need a little more resolution within my stories, and this series resolves very little. A single answer only added more questions.

Despite everything... I still want to finish this series and see how it ends. My hope is that the final book will have more answers and finally tie everything together into one coherent story.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1) by J.K. Rowling

Mary GrandPre (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Harry Potter's life is miserable. His parents are dead and he's stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he's a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry.

Though Harry's first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it's his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined.

Full of sympathetic characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details, the first installment in the series assembles an unforgettable magical world and sets the stage for many high-stakes adventures to come.

“One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”

I can really relate to this quote! People love to give me books (no complaints here), but no one ever gives me socks. I love socks (especially fuzzy socks, but plain socks are great, too). I feel like I never have enough, so I'm always looking to add to my less-than-stellar sock drawer.

I try to re-read this series every year, but it's not always doable. I remember falling in love with reading as a child because of these books. My fourth grade teacher was reading through the books herself, but she didn't start reading them aloud until Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (the fourth book), which was cruel and ridiculous (her not the book). Even at a young age, I knew books were meant to be read in the order they were written. Not everything works like the Star Wars movies. 

Eventually I checked out the first three books and spent the next week locked in my room. I devoured every page. Harry Potter brought magic and friendship into my life. I could relate to him and his living situation (more than I would ever admit), and it was nice to see him conquering evil every book. He made his life better by choosing to do the right thing, and because he had amazing friends to spend his days with.

I feel like I learn something new every time I re-read these books. It's like they apply to me differently based on where I am in my life. A phrase or an action might make more sense to me now as an adult than it did when I was nine or ten. For example, I thought Snape was romantic and in love when I first read through this series. He was the mean teacher that students avoided, but now I see it was more than that. Snape was a bully. He was biased against Harry from the start, but not because Harry himself had done anything wrong. No, Snape had his own personal issues that he chose to take out on an eleven-year-old child. That's fucked up. His treatment of children should have prevented him from being an instructor entirely. The fact that Dumbledore vouched for him, and saw him as a good friend, only makes me question Dumbledore's judgement. 

In the end, this is a series I will always treasure. The characters and the world have literally changed my life. They've been there for me when I needed an escape (more than a lot of other books that I've enjoyed), and I love that I can still find new things about the series every time I pick it up and start to read. It makes it feel like I'm reading it for the first time again.

This re-read I read the book out loud to my son. He's four, so I wasn't sure what he would take away from the story, but he did learn what a unicorn was. I may have skipped over some of the more gruesome aspects of those scenes for his benefit, but still explained to him what a unicorn was and how they appeared. He drew one for me the next day! He might not retain everything I say/read at this point, but I think it's good to expose him to literature and new ideas, concepts, and ways of thinking.

State of the ARC [2] & Weezer Concert

This is a new meme started over at Avalinah’s Books for tracking your ARC progress. I actually really love this idea and think it will help me better manage my current reads!

At the end of June 2018:

Legendary (Caraval, #2) by Stephanie Garber *Currently Reading (7/1/18)

The Unbinding of Mary Reade by Miriam McNamara

Tell Me No Lies (Follow Me Back, #2) by A.V. Geiger

Love Songs & Other Lies by Jessica Pennington

Ruthless Magic (Conspiracy of Magic, #1) by Megan Crewe

Where the Sea Takes Me (Sea, #2) by Heidi R. Kling 

These are the ARCs I didn't have a chance to read before their release date! I'll finish Legendary today (which I'm enjoying more than Caraval), and I plan on starting Ruthless Magic next. I only have two books to review for July, so I'm going to spend this month trying to catch up on what I've missed. Six books isn't too bad! It's totally doable. 

I didn't realize Tell Me No Lies was a sequel, and I'm not sure if it's a series that needs to be read in order... does anyone know? Can I read this one by itself, or do I need to track down the first book? I've been looking forward to Where the Sea Takes Me, because I feel like the first book (Where I Found You) left me with a lot of unanswered questions. However, the second book has a different setting, so I still might not get those answers.

Yesterday was my birthday! Jacob and I went to a Weezer concert! The Wombats and Pixies were the two bands that played before, and we had a blast. It's not often that he and I get to go out together without the kiddos. Weezer did a few covers (including Africa), and it's always fun to sing along to their original songs. My voice isn't all the way there today. I keep croaking in the middle of a sentence.

We had lawn seats for the show, but the best part... the food we ate beforehand. Austin has a lot of vegan restaurants, but we decided to try a vegan food truck! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Jacob and I shared a Bacon Mac n' Cheese Burger (seitan bacon, plant patty, and cashew cheese), and a Street Taco. There were also fries, but honestly they couldn't compare to their delicious companions. #yum

I hope everyone had a good weekend! What are you reading right now? Anything I should add to my list? <3