Her Cover Reveal

Danielle Rose has an upcoming horror stort story coming out this fall published by OfTomes Publishing. I've read Rose's Blood Rose novel and I am very intrigued to check out Her. If you are interested in a bone chilling story, pick up this short story in September.

Title: Her
Author: Danielle Rose
Publication Date: September 19, 2017
Publisher: OfTomes Publishing
Pre-order Link: Amazon 

Synopsis:

Kemper Academy is over a hundred years old, but it has only recently reopened after a series of murders and stories of hauntings shut it down. Avlynn, a new student, refuses to let the rumors scare her, chalking them up to a bit of friendly freshman hazing. But when night falls and screams draw her from her room, she finds the truth is much more horrifying than any ghost story.

E X C E R P T

“Supposedly, the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is at its thinnest on Halloween.” The flashlight’s beam cast an eerie glow on Daeva’s face. “This gives all the restless ghosts a chance to”—she paused dramatically—“get their revenge!” Her voice rose with the last word, tugging gasps from her audience. “I know almost everyone here is a freshman, so you’ve probably never heard of the ghost that haunts our school.”

After allowing a silence to settle, she went on: “Well, Kemper Academy reopened five years ago, after being forced to shut down in the early 1900s because of the murders. They found the bodies in a room on the third floor.” She paused, twisting the ball of her foot against the hard-packed ground. “Isn’t that where the new freshmen dorms are?”

I knew she was trying to get to us, and it was working. I’d always believed in ghosts, but I refused to let her know just how deeply she was affecting me. I wouldn’t let her have any power over me. After all, that’s all the seniors wanted: control over the freshmen.

“One day, the headmistress poisoned the food supply. Those who had gone to bed without supper were killed—one by one—when she stalked from room to room, knocking on doors. No one suspected the nun who ran the school would be the very person to lock out…” Everyone gasped in shock this time, me included. As people squished even closer together, the seniors chuckled.

“After the murders, she went up to the top floor of the observatory tower and jumped…to her death.”

In the corner of my eye, I saw someone rustling within the bushes. I knew what was coming next, so I braced myself for it.

ABOUT DANIELLE ROSE

Danielle Rose holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine. Currently residing in the Midwest, where she spends her days dreaming of warmer temperatures, when she’s not writing, she enjoys pretending she lives in California, spending an embarrassing amount of time at Hobby Lobby, and binge-watching Netflix. Visit Danielle on the Web: www.Danielle-Rose.com.

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Typography Talk (5)

Typography Talk is an original feature where I discuss about book cover design and typography. Even though people always say that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you know everyone does. A book's cover art needs to captivate the potential reader. There are some readers who will be more inclined to purchase a book not only based on the synopsis, but also based on how the cover looks like. Colors, typeface, medium, spacing and originality are all factors that help make up a cover.

The Wingsnatchers by Sarah Jean Horowitz is a whimsical middle grade novel about a magician apprentice, Carmer, who loves tinkering and inventing. Grit is a one winged fire faerie princess who ends up befriending Carmer by accident.

The cover design conveys the general gist of the story quite well. With its steampunk elements and an exhibition in Skemantis, the landscape fuses in with the city. The tree presents the Oldtown Arboretum that Grit lives in. Grit is also shown standing on a pedestal with one wing.

The type for the author's name works well and looks like there is a banner introducing people to this wonderful world. I love the typeface chosen for the series title. It's rigid corners represent the analytical thinking and the yellow to orange-red gradient and the glyph marks around Grit adds a playful touch.

The colors of blue and orange work well because they are opposites on the color wheel. Although the steampunk elements are harsh on the eyes with the dark colors, the intricate designs along with the pastel colors soften ambience.

Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi is a whimsical and colorful novel which accurately describes the novel. The main character, Alice, is born without pigment in the colorful world called Ferenwood. You can see her pictured in the center of the cover design. Every item depicted on the cover holds significance. The fox, the bangles, the ruler and paper scrolls all play a part in the plot. Oliver, who is standing next to Alice, plays an important role in the story and is Alice's adventurous companion.

Although the cover seems a bit cluttered, it works in the sense that when Alice and Oliver visit Furthermore, the world is not what you expect it to be and it is all over the place. The main color scheme on the cover taps into complementary colors. Purple is often next to yellow. Oliver's blue shirt in the top left is complementary to the orange fox located on the bottom right. These colors and the placement of the colors provide a nice balance despite the cluttered design.

The title of the book is part of one of the paper scrolls. The paper scroll is never-ending, sort of how Furthermore is. Having the type in block capital letters provides some structure in the crazy world of Furthermore. The contrast works well.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay by J.K. Rowling has one of my favorite type treatments for a logo. For the new Harry Potter related franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a series about Newt Scamander's magical creatures. Newt steps into 1926 New York City where everything is proper and structured. Most of the typeface of Fantastic Beasts is structured in all caps serifs except for some details that add a bit of character. The whimsical S represents the Occamy, which is a magical creature that is serpent like that can grow and shrink in size. Some of the letters also have some fur or feather like appendages. You can say that the logo is very beastly! For more information about the logo design, check out this Pottermore article.

In terms of the rest of the cover design, the gold lettering and magical creature design pops from the midnight blue background. The raised metallic areas had a nice touch to the cover art. I love seeing magical creatures such as the Swooping Evil and Niffler depicted on the cover since readers and viewers of the film will come across these creatures. The small yet significant quill separates J.K. Rowling's name and the title of the screenplay.

How Blogging Changed the Way I Read

I have always been an avid reader ever since I was a child. My mother took me to the library for story time and encouraged me to take books out of the library. She would rather me buy books than toys from a young age. I was always that kid that would beg my mom to take me to the library and for my dad to take me to the bookstore. I often spent my weekdays at the library and weekends at the bookstore wandering through many aisles and looking at many shelves of books. Immersing myself in a book for hours is definitely a favorite hobby of mine still to this day.

I used to frequently visit Borders before they closed. Before Amazon, I used to get cheap books at book sales and also at a bookstore called New England Mobile Bookfair. All books at the New England Mobile Bookfair are 20% off. Sure, the bookstore looks more like a warehouse but I didn't care. The books are organized by publishing house which I found interesting. At that time when I was younger, I was frustrated how the books are organized. Now, I find it to be a clever way to organize books because readers get to learn what publishing house publishes each book.

Before blogging, I would choose books based on new releases and also based on synopsis. I never relied on reviews before choosing a book to read. If it's assigned reading, I never questioned prior whether it was good or bad book. I guess I can say that I am more of a picky reader now after blogging.  Now, I also don't finish books if I can't get into them. I don't believe in forcing yourself to read something that isn't interesting to you. Reading is suppose to be fun. Of course if it's assigned reading, you have no choice to read the book, but life is too short to read a book you are not enjoying during your free time.

It wasn't until I started blogging that I really began looking more at reviews and the opinions of others. Now, I always check out the synopsis and reviews for almost every title that I am interested in. Should I pick up this book if most people gave it 3 stars? This book got 5 stars, so I must read this book because I would like it. But is the hyped up book as good as people claim it to be? I look at reviews for certain tropes that I like in books. If there are friends or reviewers that have similar book tastes, I will consider looking into their recommendations a little bit further. I want to know why someone gave a book 5 stars besides "The book is great." Why is it great? I want to know why I should pick up a book.

Blogging has kept me aware of what books are coming out in the future. I no longer just read back list books. I know a lot of bloggers are obsessed with the front list books and want all the ARCs but I like to know what books are coming out soon. I still love reading back list titles. Also, this awareness lets me figure out what books I can recommend to my students. I love recommending books to my students based on their interests. It definitely makes my day if I can recommend a book or two and to keep encouraging my students to read for fun.

How has blogging changed the way you read? Do you still have similar reading habits or are they completely different now?

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

Title: What to Say Next
Author: Julie Buxbaum
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication date: July 11, 2017
Pages: 272
Source/format: ARC from Emma of Missprint as part of the ARC adoption feature

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

From the New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me Three Things comes a charming and poignant story about two struggling teenagers who find an unexpected connection just when they need it most. For fans of Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Niven, and Rainbow Rowell.

Sometimes a new perspective is all that is needed to make sense of the world.

KIT: I don’t know why I decide not to sit with Annie and Violet at lunch. It feels like no one here gets what I’m going through. How could they? I don’t even understand.

DAVID: In the 622 days I’ve attended Mapleview High, Kit Lowell is the first person to sit at my lunch table. I mean, I’ve never once sat with someone until now. “So your dad is dead,” I say to Kit, because this is a fact I’ve recently learned about her.

When an unlikely friendship is sparked between relatively popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker, everyone is surprised, most of all Kit and David. Kit appreciates David’s blunt honesty—in fact, she finds it bizarrely refreshing. David welcomes Kit’s attention and her inquisitive nature. When she asks for his help figuring out the how and why of her dad’s tragic car accident, David is all in. But neither of them can predict what they’ll find. Can their friendship survive the truth?

M Y  T H O U G H T S

David Drucker was surprised that Kit Lowell sat next to him during lunch. Although they are complete opposites of one another, they are able to start a meaningful friendship. Julie Buxbaum is able to tell a genuine story about a guy who is on the spectrum and a biracial girl who just lost her father in a car accident. Although there is a loss in the story and Kit is overwhelmed with grief, she finds solace in David.

What to Say Next is told in first person dual narrative. Julie Buxbaum is able to tell a story through the eyes of David and Kit and what obstacles they have to overcome everyday. She describes what David has to go through as the "weird" kid with the super popular sister. Kit, on the other hand, is going through tough times after she lost her dad but she also is having a hard time reconnecting with her current friends. Buxbaum also touches upon what it means to be biracial in an almost all white community and how families interact when races collide through Kit.

I love how David has his quirky moments and how he jots down things in his notebook. Although many people see David as different, he doesn't pay much mind to others. He marches to the rhythm of his own drum and finds ways to occupy his time. Kit finds out that she is a changed person after the death of her father and is trying to find herself. What to Say Next reminds readers that every cloud has a silver lining. Although there are obstacles and tough times in life, there is always something positive that can some out of it.

What to Say Next is a light read that will remind readers that there is always light in darkness and that opposites can be friends and sometimes even something more. Contemporary lovers will enjoy this novel. There is even a dash of mystery for the curious and a slight twist at the end.

Best Books I've Read In 2017 So Far

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to blog about their best books they've read in 2017 so far. Many books listed are contemporary but I did throw in a couple other genres in the mix. The following books are in no particular order.

1. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon celebrates women in STEM and the novel also breaks down stereotypes. The relationship between Dimple and Rishi is too cute. They both balance each other and are supportive of each others' passions.

2. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia is the ultimate fandom novel! Dive into Eliza's popular webcomic as she deals with her own monsters while connecting with the new guy in school who just happens to be a big fan of her webcomic.

3. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han is the last book in the The All the Boy's I've Loved Before trilogy. This heartfelt novel is the perfect read if you love contemporary, sisterly relationships and sweet treats. Also, find out which guy Lara Jean will ultimately end up with.

4. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli is a contemporary novel about finding who you are. With twenty-six crushes and zero kisses in her life, Molly wonders if she needs to step outside of her comfort zone. Maybe it's just because she hasn't found the right person...until now.

5. The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder is the perfect curation of crushes, friendship and finding one self. It's a quirky and delightful read full of nostalgia and innocence. Join Penelope on her adventure of self-discovery.

6. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See is a story about tradition, culture, family, love, loss, sacrifice, perseverance, new beginnings and origins. See takes writing to a whole new level. I highly recommend this novel who are interested in transatlantic adoption, mother/daughter relationships, the origins of Pu'erh and lovers of Lisa See novels!

7. After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat is about the aftermath of Humpty Dumpty's fall and what he has to overcome in order to live his life to its fullest. The picture book is beautifully illustrated in timeless muted colors and has a positive message.

8. I Believe in Something Called Love by Maurene Goo is rom-com that will sweep you off your feet with its heartwarming scenes and hilarious lines. Desi Lee excels at almost everything she puts her heart toward except love. She ends up creating the list "K Drama Steps to True Love" hoping it will help her with her love flailures.

9. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera doesn't release until September 5th, but it is a must read. It makes you think about what if you had less than 24 hours to live. Mateo and Rufus get a call from Death-Cast about their lives ending within 24 hours. The novel is about loss, hope, friendship and what it means to live your life to its fullest.

10. Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco is the sequel to Stalking Jack the Ripper. Join Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell in Romania where not only are they taking classes in forensics but they are hunting Prince Vlad the Impaler. I personally love this novel more than the predecessor. This novel will be released on September 19th.

What are some of your favorite books you've read this year?

Happy 20 Years, Harry Potter!

June 26th marks the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter! Come and share the magic with everything Potter like! Not only has Harry Potter been in my life for over 15 years but Harry Potter was life changing for me. I didn't dive into the fandom until after the fourth book was released when I was a freshman in high school. Who knew that I would still be loving Harry Potter in my adult years. As many of you know, Harry Potter has been a positive influence in my life and has helped me through many tough times. The books have transported me to Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and to a world that I felt comfortable. I could be myself and I didn't have to pretend to be something I am not.

Harry Potter has opened doors for many friendships. I bonded over Harry Potter in college with other Potterheads and it wasn't until after college, I began to attend Harry Potter conventions. Can I say those conventions are life savers! The fandom is so welcoming and it feels like a second family. Every time I go to MISTI-Con, it feels like a family reunion. Harry Potter conventions has provided a safe environment for many Potterheads. Along with conventions, I enjoy local Harry Potter meet ups in Massachusetts. It's a nice way to get together with others when conventions are not in session. 

The relationship between my sister and I has grown stronger through our mutual love for Harry Potter. We often attend Harry Potter conventions and events together. Harry Potter has helped me become a stronger person and to always persevere. After all, “happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

Bloombury recently launched a new set of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone books in house colors. Definitely check them out! I was fortunate enough to get a paperback and hardcover in Ravenclaw blue and bronze through Book Depository. If you live outside of the UK, definitely check out Book Depository to see if they deliver to your country. They provide free shipping!

Image from harrypotter.bloomsbury.com

Check out some of my favorite Harry Potter related blog posts. I have listed a bunch below for you to check out. I have various posts from Pottermas features to convention recaps.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Teaser Trailer
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Film
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Obscurials
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Connecting Wizarding Worlds

LEVIOSA 2016 

Day 1 and Day 2 Recap
Day 3 and Day 4 Recap

MISTI-CON 2015

Day 1: The Beginning
Day 2 Recap
Day 3 Recap
Day 4 and Day 5 Recap

MISTI-CON 2017

Day 1 Recap
Day 2 Recap
Day 3 Recap
Day 4 and Day 5 Recap

POTTERMAS 2015 

November 13: Pottermas 2015
December 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
December 3: Harry Potter Trivia Contest + Giveaway
December 4: Harry Potter Gift Guide
December 5: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
December 8: How Did I Find Harry Potter?
December 9: Pottermas Butterbeer Recipes
December 10: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
December 13: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
December 15: Ranking Harry Potter Books and Films
December 17: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
December 22: Harry Potter Gifts I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree This Year
December 23: Harry Potter Appreciation Letter and Digital Holiday Card
December 24: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
December 29: What Should You Read After Finishing the Harry Potter Series?
December 31: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

POTTERMAS 2016 

December 1st: Pottermas Introduction
December 5th: Ten Underrated Moments in Harry Potter
December 7th: Harry Potter Patronus
December 10th: Ranking Harry Potter Soundtracks
December 12th: Harry Potter Recipe
December 14th: Harry Potter Funko Pop Photoshoot
December 17th: Harry Potter Craft Tutorial
December 20th: Harry Potter Gifts I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree
December 23rd: Favorite Harry Potter Spells
December 28th: Favorite Harry Potter Character Quotes and Moments
December 31st: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review

OTHER 

Harry Potter Spells Book Tag
Harry Potter Salem Wizarding Halloween Ball
Pages to Tea: Harry Potter Version
Fandom: Harry Potter Beyond the Books and Movies: A Focus on Fandom
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Midnight Release Recap


Harry Potter has lead us to so much more than the books. With the films, theme parks, merchandise, Pottermore and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, I don't see the fandom ever dying. Long live Harry Potter!

Are you doing anything to celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter? How are you involved in the Harry Potter fandom? Please share your experience below.

Top Ten Series I've Been Meaning To Start But Haven't

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to blog about top ten series they've been meaning to start but haven't. I decided to highlight several series that I want to start but haven't yet but I also included a few series I've started but want to finish reading. The series are in no particular order.

S E R I E S  T O  S T A R T

1. Delirium series by Lauren Oliver has been on my TBR list forever. I own all three books and have heard great things about this trilogy.

2. The Covenant series by Jennifer Armentrout is a series that I should have already read already but alas, all the books are still sitting in a pile somewhere. I heard great things about this paranormal/mythological series.

3. The Birthright series by Cate Tiernan is a shapeshifter paranormal series. I have read Tiernan's Sweep series about 15 years ago when I was a teenager and I've always wanted to read more books by her. Balefire is another series that I love that she wrote.

4. The Tudor Witch Trilogy by Victoria Lamb transports readers to the time of 16th century England. Fusing historical fiction, the paranormal and magic, I am entranced by the synopsis. I own all three books and I hope to start reading this trilogy soon.

5. The Curse Workers series by Holly Black is a paranormal urban fantasy series that has been on my TBR list for quite a long time. I own all the books as well.

6. Vicarious series by Paula Stokes is a sci-fi mystery thriller series that seems very intriguing. Bent on revenge of her sister's death, Winter won't rest until she finds out what happened to Rose.

7. The Network Series by Katie Cross sounds like the perfect paranormal boarding schools series. For those who don't know, I am obsessed with boarding school books.

S E R I E S  T O  C O N T I N U E

1. The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani is one of the series that I definitely need to finish reading. I own three of the books but I seriously need to dive back into this fantasy middle grade series about magic and fairy tales.

2. The Casquette Girls series by Alys Arden is a paranormal series set in New Orleans. I enjoyed reading the first book, The Casquette Girls. If you love The Vampire Diaries and The Originals TV shows, definitely check this series out.

3. The Vault of Dreamers series by Caragh O'Brien is a sci-fi series about a girl who attends a prestigious school called The Forge School. All the students are broadcasted on the Forge Show, which is a reality TV show. However,  the school has secrets of its own. I have read the first book and enjoyed it immensely.

What series have you been meaning to start but haven't yet? What series would you recommend me?