Music Monday: Solo Tracks

Happy Monday everyone and welcome to Music Monday! This weekly meme was created by Lauren @Always Me. Let's share some songs we've been enjoying lately! If you would like to play and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up. 

I keep trying to listen to more varied music, but since I found this genre I have barely stopped listening to it. I think it's because it's non-instrumental music I can listen to while reading; since the lyrics aren't distracting because I don't speak Korean the lyrics become more a part of the music.
These three tracks are by people who are in three separate groups doing solo tracks. Whee-in is part of Mamamoo (My favorite girl group), Baekhyun is part of EXP, and Taeyong is part of NCT.

Review: The Last Necromancer by C.J. Archer

Title: The Last Necromancer

Author: C.J. Archer

Series: The Ministry of Curiosities #1

Genre: Historical Fiction/Steampunk/YA

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Publication Date: August 11th, 2015

Edition: Kindle Edition, 270 pages

Source: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | BAM

Synopsis:

  Victorian London: For five years, Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has lived as a boy in the slums. But when one theft too many gets her arrested, her only means of escape lies with a dead man. Charlie hasn't raised a spirit since she first discovered she could do so five years ago. That time, her father banished her. This time, she brings even more trouble upon herself.

People are now hunting Charlie all over London, but only one man succeeds in capturing her. 

  Lincoln Fitzroy is the mysterious head of a secret organization on the trail of a madman who needs a necromancer to control his newly "made" creatures. There was only one known necromancer in the world - Charlotte - but now there appears to be two. Lincoln captures the willful Charlie in the hopes the boy will lead him to Charlotte. But what happens when he discovers the boy is in fact the young woman he's been searching for all along? And will she agree to work for the man who held her against her will, and for an organization she doesn't trust? 

Because Lincoln and his ministry might be just as dangerous as the madman they're hunting.

Review:

I admit, I only "bought" this book because it is currently free. And I download all the free books I come across that sound interesting in the Kindle store. And I was honestly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a pretty cliche, slightly campy book. But this was actually much better and much more than that.

Charlotte (Charlie) is a really well-rounded character. She is very resourceful, and pretty damn tough. She can't fight, knows it, but uses her smaller size to her advantage. She was a very likable character. 

Seth and Gus, I don't know exactly what to think of them. They were kind of the comic relief of the book, and I don't really have a clear picture of what they look like. They were very much supporting characters. And they filled the role with out being pointless.

Lincoln Fitzroy. The brooding male character of the book. I liked his character. But I am still not really sure what his deal is. Chosen to be the leader of this secret society that fights/investigates the strange and oddities that haunt the country. He is obviously going to have some trouble navigating certain social interactions, he lacks tact at times being more straight forward than he should be at times. I hope more about his past is explored in later books.  He is also kind of the love interest of the book. And for me, it was kind of weird that he is. He's 30, and Charlotte is 18. And look, I know it's the 1800's... but this is a YA book. Meaning it's for teens. I just think he should have been a touch younger, like 23 or something. Twelve years is a really big age gap. Maybe my "old age" is showing... I dont know.

The plot of this book actually took a while to really get off the ground. It was more than half the book before they find out that Charlie is Charlotte, and why it was so important to find her. It wasn't a slow book, but I that's later into a book for the main plot to fully be revealed. Then the last half of the book kind of went really quickly, to the point that I felt somethings were kind of left unanswered. But I suppose that's what the sequel is for, which I hope to read soon. 

This was a surprise of a book, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series (Once my Library gets them, because I'm kind of cheap, and this is a 10 book series. I have recommended/requested the Kindle versions to be purchased, so hopefully they will be.).

Identity Crisis Book Tag

So, another day, another tag. I say this every time I find a new one, but I love doing tags. 

They always help me feel less guilty for not having a book to review. 

I saw this tag over on Lauren @ Always Me's blog. It looks like a lot of fun and I couldn't resist.

This Tag was created by Loretta @ Laughing Listener. And it looks like the place to go if you are looking for a good tag to do on your blog.

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Loretta's Rules:

1. Take all the quizzes down below and record your answers somehow. I decided to just copy the text from each quiz and paste it into my post, but screenshots work too! Whatever floats your goat (Yes goat. I SAID WHAT I SAID).

2. NO CHEATING. You get one shot to take each quiz my friends. I’m watching you. ∗Suspicious squinty eyes∗

3. Use this post to give credit to the creator Loretta @ The Laughing Listener or tag me on twitter @LaughnListener so I can see everyone’s answers!!

4. Tag some friends to spread the fun!

Red Queen

Who I Am: Kilorn Warren

Did you forget about Kilorn? Well you shouldn't have! He may not be the center of attention but he has stuck by Mare since day one and didn't even hesitate to join the Scarlet Guard. Just like Kilorn, your loyalty and bravery are your most admirable qualities. Rise, Red as the Dawn!

My Thoughts:

I have no idea who this character is. I've only read Red Queen, and that was way back around the time it was released. I enjoyed it but had no motivation really to finish the series. I've since donated my copy, but I've thought about going back and reading the whole series now that's it's finished.

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Shadowhunters

Who I Am: Jem Carstairs & Alec Lightwood

You're selfless yet guarded, protective and romantic. You value those around you more than yourself, and sometimes you need to be reminded to take a moment for yourself! You're the friend that everyone loves to have around, even if you doubt it sometimes.

My Thoughts:

Yeah, that sounds like me. Honestly, they are two of my favorite characters in the whole of Shadowhunters (Granted I've also only read Lady Midnight in the new series.)

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Throne of Glass

Who I Am: Rowan and Asterin

You may come off as stand-offish at first, but once a new friend earns your loyalty, they have it for life. Not without good reason. You've been through your fair share of struggles and are careful to protect yourself from more.

My Thoughts:

I don't fully remember who Asterin is. It's been a couple years since I've read a book in this series and I've only just started Empire. I think she's one of the Ironteeth witches. (Correct me if I'm wrong)

All that aside, I am pretty standoffish. With most everybody. I think of myself to be like a cat. I dislike everybody until they give me a reason not to.

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The Hunger Games

Who I am: Johanna Mason

Yes, you can be known to be feisty and sometimes you feel life can be unfair. But you won't let that get in the way of your happiness. You use your charms to your advantage and won't take any nonsense. But when you finally let the barriers down your personality shines and so do others around you.

My Thoughts:

It's been so long since I've read the book, so I don't know how similar the book to movie character is... But that still sounds like me. Kind of. I don't know if I'm as charming as she is, but I don't really put up with any BS. 'Cause who has time for that?

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Harry Potter

Who I Am: Fred Weasley

You’re the life of the party! You never take things too seriously and can diffuse tense situations with your sense of humor. You might not be top of your class, but your creativity and wit are the reasons for your success.

Thoughts:

I don't know if I would call myself the life of the party, because crowds.. ew. But the Weasley Twins are fantastic characters, and I am pretty snarky and use sarcasm and jokes to try and defuse tense situations because... anxiety. I do aspire to be more like them.

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A Court of Thorns & Roses

Who I Am: Lucien

Your soft heart, sharp tongue, and cynical nature bring laughter and fiery wit to every conversation. But that bravado simply hides the broken pieces of your soul, leftover from your family’s betrayal. You’ll need to figure out how to put yourelf back together, and stiffen your backbone, in time to save yourself and your friends.

Thoughts:

Hmm, this actually really does sound like me. Weird. Most of the time these quizzes are really far off. But it's been pretty dang close. 

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The Raven Cycle

Who I Am: Blue Sargent

You are outspoken, and walk to the beat of your own drum. You've always been different, and take pride in your individualistic nature. Although you try to maintain a rebellious streak, you are consistently told that you are sensible. Remember, don't kiss any strange boys!

Thoughts: 

And here I was expecting to get Ronan, since he was the character I related to the most. But Blue isn't that far off either. Both Blue and Ronan have a very "eff off" attitude towards judgemental people. I guess, like Blue, I'm not as rebellious as I think I am. If only rebelling was only about not conforming...

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Twilight

Who I am: Charlie Swan

Hey, Charlie. You're a cool dude. Just keep being your adorable oblivious self. Also, your daughter is now a vampire and your granddaughter is growing at the speed of life. Shouldn't you notice that?

Thoughts: 

Is this because I tell dad jokes? I mean, he is the most sensible character in the entire series. So I'll take it! 

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Folk of the Air

Who I Am: Locke

You have a way with words and aren't afraid to use them. You're a natural charmer and people tend to like you right away.

Thoughts:

ಠ_ಠ But he's kind of a piece of shit. I haven't read Wicked King yet, but still... also I highly doubt that I have a way with words, or if people like me right when they meet me. But whatever I guess. One of these had to be wrong.

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The Lunar Chronicles

Who I Am: Jacin

Personal guard and pilot for head thurmatauge in the Lunar Army. He has an abrasive personality and can be quiet and surly. He will do anything to protect the ones he truly cares about.

Thoughts:

Hmm... sure, I guess. I don't remember much about his character. But I am very protective of the people who I am closest to. And I can be pretty abrasive. 

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This tag was really fun. I don't like tagging people, so if this looks like fun, then go for it! 

Friday 56 and Book Beginnings: The Last Necromancer (The Ministry of Curiosities #1) by C.J. Archer || Friday 50/50: Favorite/Least Favorite Fandom

Please join us over at RoseCityReader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author’s name.

This is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice
These are the rules:

1. Grab a book, any book.

2. Turn to page 56, or 56% on your eReader.

3. Find any sentence (or a few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you.

4. Post it.

5. Add the URL to your post in the link on Freda's most recent Friday 56 post.

I've had this book on my Kindle for a while now, the other two books I'm reading are physical books. I like to read at least one eBook that way I can read it when I'm having a hard time reading I can read in bed without disturbing The Husband.

Synopsis:

  Victorian London: For five years, Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has lived as a boy in the slums. But when one theft too many gets her arrested, her only means of escape lies with a dead man. Charlie hasn't raised a spirit since she first discovered she could do so five years ago. That time, her father banished her. This time, she brings even more trouble upon herself.

People are now hunting Charlie all over London, but only one man succeeds in capturing her. 

  Lincoln Fitzroy is the mysterious head of a secret organization on the trail of a madman who needs a necromancer to control his newly "made" creatures. There was only one known necromancer in the world - Charlotte - but now there appears to be two. Lincoln captures the willful Charlie in the hopes the boy will lead him to Charlotte. But what happens when he discovers the boy is in fact the young woman he's been searching for all along? And will she agree to work for the man who held her against her will, and for an organization she doesn't trust? 

Because Lincoln and his ministry might be just as dangerous as the madman they're hunting.

Book Beginning:

The other prisoners eyed me as if I were a piece of meat. I was someone new to distract them from their boredom, and small enough that I couldn't stop one - let alone four - from doing what they wanted. It was only a matter of who would the first to enjoy me.

Friday 56:

"Yes, but I'm not sure she's thought it through." Lady Harcourt turned her winning smile onto me. "What is there for a girl to do here?"

"Gamble and play cards," I told her.

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50/50 Friday is a new weekly link-up hosted by Carrie @ The Butterfly Reader and Laura @ Blue Eye Books.  Every week they have a new topic featuring two sides of the same coin - you share a book that suits each category and link up on the hosts' blogs.

This week's topic, Favorite/Least Favorite Fandom.

Hmm... I had to think about this. Because I try to not judge or trash on people for liking things I don't... So, I'm gonna go with how people behave within the fandoms.

Favorite

People in this fandom are, mostly, very accepting and open to discussions about characters, headcanons, and theories. (Every fandom has those bad apples.)

Least Favorite

In my experience, the majority of the people in this fandom act as if they are ready to cut you if you either don't like the books or if you don't like their ship. (Even though the books are all published and the pairing has been set.)

Review: The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young

Title: The Girl the Sea Gave Back
Author: Adrienne Young
Series: Sky in the Deep #2
Genre: Fantasy/YA/Historical Fiction
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date: September 3rd, 2019
Edition: Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Source: NetGalley
Pre-Order: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | BAM

Synopsis:

  For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.

  For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home.

Review:

When I first read Sky in the Deep, I thought it was a stand-alone. This book is part sequel, part companion book. The main plot takes place about 10 years after the end of Sky in the Deep. It follows Halvard, Fiske's little brother, now a young man; and a young woman named Tova, who when she was a girl washed up on the beach near a Svell village in a half-burnt boat. It follows their intertwined path.

I wasn't sure at first if I would like this book as much as the first one, as it doesn't follow the same characters, they make cameos, but they aren't really in this book. I really loved Eelyn and Fiske, so I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as much. I did though, not as much but I still really liked this book. The world has expanded a little, and the magic that was eluded to in the previous book is expanded more with Tova and her runes. I love the setting of this world. It feels real and ancient. 

This book is more plot-driven than character-driven in my opinion. Tova and Halvard, while still great characters, just aren't as compelling as Eelyn and Fiske were for me. They weren't in many scenes together, so their chemistry came across a little more forced and less authentic. The pacing wasn't great either, but this is an uncorrected proof. And while I only noticed one type-o, I'm also sure when the novel goes through final edits everything will be smoother.

I can't wait for this book to come out though. I look forward to reading the final copy. And if you enjoyed Sky in the Deep, I hope you like this one too.