Top 5 Wednesday

Hey guys! We are only two days away from the weekend. God bless.I'm back at it again with the white vans- I mean, with T5W. It's such a great topic the one we've got this week. Books as Event Themes: It's party season, whether that is high school prom, weddings, or summer holiday events. What books would make a good party/event theme?

Well, we don't really have proms or school dances here in Argentina. But we do have two celebrations for when we graduate. What we do, is hire a venue for parents, some teachers and students to go have dinner and dance a bit after the graduation ceremony. That's the formal one. You probably think it's boring, and it kinda is. That's why we also have an informal one. It all requires months of preparation, especially for the informal one. Why? You may ask. Well, for the informal party, we hire a night club, and we advertise our party to everyone in advance. We hand out invitations (only teenagers are allowed.) It's custom to follow a theme for decorations and get costumes accordingly. Mine was Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs. The night of the party, the whole graduating class gets together in a house to have some drinks and then we go to the club to make a great entrance. It can be months before graduation or even after it, it depends of when the club you want to hire is available. 

Since I've never attended a prom, I decided to make today's theme about my ideal one. The theme I'm going with is Casino/Las Vegas. Let's pick some books related to it!

1) Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

We can't forget that nerve-wracking scene at the Lotus Casino.

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse—Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena—Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

2) The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt

Let's spice it up with some sexy time.

Sixteen-year-old Holly wants to remember her Grandpa forever, but she’d rather forget what he left her in his will: his wedding chapel on the Las Vegas strip. Whatever happened to gold watches, savings bonds, or some normal inheritance? 

And then there's Grandpa's letter. Not only is Holly running the business with her recently divorced parents, but she needs to make some serious money—fast. Grandpa also insists Holly reach out to Dax, the grandson of her family's mortal enemy and owner of the cheesy chapel next door. No matter how cute Dax is, Holly needs to stay focused: on her group of guy friends, her disjointed family, work, school and... Dax. No wait, not Dax. 

Holly’s chapel represents everything she’s ever loved in her past. Dax might be everything she could ever love in the future. But as for right now, there's a wedding chapel to save.

3) Pretending to Be Erica by Michelle Painchaud

Let's throw some mystery in the mix.

Seventeen-year-old Violet’s entire life has revolved around one thing: becoming Erica Silverman, an heiress kidnapped at age five and never seen again.

Violet’s father, the best con man in Las Vegas, has a plan, chilling in its very specific precision. Violet shares a blood type with Erica; soon, thanks to surgery and blackmail, she has the same face, body, and DNA. She knows every detail of the Silvermans’ lives, as well as the PTSD she will have to fake around them. And then, when the time is right, she “reappears”—Erica Silverman, brought home by some kind of miracle. 

But she is also Violet, and she has a job: Stay long enough to steal the Silverman Painting, an Old Master legendary in the Vegas crime world. Walking a razor’s edge, calculating every decision, not sure sometimes who she is or what she is doing it for, Violet is an unforgettable heroine, and Pretending to be Erica is a killer debut.

4) Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie

I haven't read this one, but it sounds like a great combo!

Love is a circus

"Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”

The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip. Thora knows she’s out of her element the second she meets Amour’s leading performer. Confident, charming and devilishly captivating, 26-year-old Nikolai Kotova lives up to his nickname as the “God of Russia.”

When Thora unknowingly walks into the crosshairs of Nikolai’s after-show, her audition process begins way too soon. Unprofessional. That’s what Nik calls their “non-existent” relationship. It’s not like Thora can avoid him. For one, they may be partners in the future—acrobatic partners, that is. But getting closer to Nik means diving deeper into sin city and into his dizzying world. 

Thora wants to perform with him, but when someone like Nikolai attracts the spotlight wherever he goes—Thora fears that she’s destined to be just background to his spellbinding show.

5) All In (The Naturals #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

How about a bit of murder?

Three casinos. Three bodies. Three days.

After a string of brutal murders in Las Vegas, Cassie Hobbes and the Naturals are called in to investigate. But even with the team's unique profiling talents, these murders seem baffling: unlike many serial killers, this one uses different methods every time. All of the victims were killed in public, yet the killer does not show up on any tape. And each victim has a string of numbers tattooed on their wrist. Hidden in the numbers is a code—and the closer the Naturals come to unraveling the mystery, the more perilous the case becomes.

Meanwhile, Cassie is dealing with an equally dangerous and much more painful mystery. For the first time in years, there's been a break in her mother's case. As personal issues and tensions between the team mount, Cassie and the Naturals will be faced with impossible odds—and impossible choices.

There you go! I love books set in vegas. I don't really know why. Maybe I was a gambler in a past life.

Where's your fave setting for a book? Tell me all about your prom! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Top 5 Wednesday

Hi there! How are you doing? I'm super excited because I'm going to the Argentinian Book Fair tomorrow. It takes place once a year and I can't freaking wait. I have to get a lot of books for uni and that's the best place to get them cheaper. I'll also get some non-related school stuff too, but don't tell my mom. There's also an event where colleges from the US come to talk about studying abroad opportunities which is something I'm all for. Anyway, onto the reason you're here! It's Wednesday, and today the theme is: Favorite SFF Cover Art.

Oookay! I love picking covers. Let's do it:

1) The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

 

2) Across The Universe by Beth Revis (book 1 & 2)

Only book 1 and 2 because SOMEONE came up with the idea of switching covers right before book 3. 

3) Newsoul Trilogy by Jodi Meadows

4) The Martian by Andy Weir

5) Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

There you have it!

See you next time

Which one of my picks is your fave? And what would you pick?

Top 5 Wednesday

Hello there! Don't worry, I'm not as angry as yesterday. How are you guys doing? I'm here today with another T5W! This week's topic is: 5 authors you want to read more from.

I'm not really loyal to authors in particular, but if I have enjoyed a book by them, then I will probably check out their other stuff. There's only a few of them who I'm actually devoted to. If you have read some of my previous posts, you'll probably guess who one of them is (hint: she's blonde). 

Let's get started, shall we?

1) R.S. Grey

Yes, I know I've mentioned her several times before. I absolutely adored Scoring Wilder but then didn't really like Settling the Score. I'm not discouraged by that though, she has plenty of other books. I just need to find the right ones. Definitely looking forwards to checking some out. She is one of the very few New Adult writers I like.

2) Rick Yancey

There will be a pattern here, you'll see I've talked about most of them before. I have read the first two books in the Fifth Wave trilogy. I loved them so I'm definitely going to read the third... at some point. I also want to see what he comes up with next!

3) Benjamin Alire Sáenz

I've only read one book by him, but it's all it took for me to fall in love with his writing. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was one of my favorite 2014 reads and it has stuck with me. So I really want to check some of his other works.

4) Tahereh Mafi

Oh boy, where do I start with this amazing woman. I have read 3 books by her, so she's not entirely new to me. The Shatter Me trilogy is one of my all-time faves. It's so dark, full of twists and character development. If you haven't already, check it out. I heard she's releasing a new book called Furthermore. Despite it's beautiful cover, I don't really think is my sort of book. We'll see.

5) Sarah J. Maas

Did you guys guess it? Mis SJM is my queen and I shall read anything that she writes. I'm such a sucker for her characters, especially her fae males (wink wink.) I have read all her published books and I got so happy when the Throne of Glass saga got expanded to 7 books. I'm sad to see that the ACOTAR series is coming to an end but I'm so excited to see what's next!

There you go!

See you next time

What's one author you would read forever and ever? Let me know!

Top 5 Wednesday

Hey guys! I'm here writing a T5W on a Saturday, again. I got a lot of homework done and I'm writing my third post...I think a nerdy alien has possessed my body. 

This week's topic is: Favorite LGBTQ+ Reads. 

They can be either books with LGBTQ+ characters or books written by LGBTQ+ authors. I guess I'll have to do some research for this one, huh.

Let's get started!

*Disclaimer: for most of these books I can't say who it is because of spoilers*

1) The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

If you have ever heard of The Mortal Instruments then you've probably also heard about #Malec. They're everyone's babies and you can't touch them. I mean it, don't. 

2) 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

You probably have also heard about this one, but since it's a spoiler, and I'm a nice person, I won't talk about it. Read the book or watch the show!

3) Weirdos by Kat Kruger

I don't consider this a spoiler, because it is described as a self-discovery story. But I won't say who it is, just in case. This is a lovely story and you should all check it out, or at least check my review and then decide.

4) Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

THIS IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY. Sorry. I'm okay now. I don't think it's a spoiler...the title pretty much gives it away. 

5) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

My babies 💜 Again, I can't say who it is even if it's not that important. Check this book out, okay? I HAVE to read book 2 because I've heard some really interesting things about it regarding romantic relationships.

I have two extra ones

Extra 1) Arclight by Brandon Graham and Marian Churchland

As I said in my review, there are genderqueer characters here, which I find fantastic.

Extra 2) Eggshels by Ziggy Schultz (a story from Behind the Mask)

In this case, the author is part of the LGBTQ+ community. You guys should check this compilation of superhero stories. Her story was one of my faves. I'll leave the link to my review!

Alright, guys. See you later!

Do you have any good recommendations? I'd love to know!

Top 5 Wednesday

Hello my friends! I'm back, yet another time, with Top 5 Wednesday, as the title may suggest. This week's topic is quite a fun one: Books That Would Make Good Video Games. Isn't that fantastic?

I'm not much of a gamer, but I definitely enjoy them. I have some friends who are extremely dedicated to them, though. My favorite is definitely The Sims, cause, you know, I enjoybeing a billionaire and killing off my sims when I get bored. I'm not a psycho, I swear. That's what a psycho would say, funny. I've played all 4 of the sims released so far and I've also played some survival games like The Long Dark. I have played one of the Harry Potter pc games, though I can't remember which one. I used to play World of Warcraft and GTA when I was a bit younger and I definitely played the Hannah Montana movie game up until I was like 15. It's a weird selection, I admit it. 

Anyway, I may not be a pro, but I can definitely recognize some books with elements that could be transformed into good games. Let's get into it!

1) The Secret Circle by L.J. Smith

Did I enjoy the books? No. But I loved the tv show (can't believe it got cancelled.) I think this could be a good aventure game with two playing modes: story mode, and online freeplay (like gta.) I love games with magic involved. The players could be sorted or choose an element to manipulate and then go on to play in the story mode or create a character in the online mode.

The circle's power has lured her home Forced to move from sunny California to gloomy New England, Cassie longs for her old life. Even so, she feels a strange kinship to a terrifying group of teens who seem to rule her school. Initiated into the coven of witches that's controlled New Salem for hundreds of years, she's drawn into the Secret Circle, a thrill that's both intoxicating and deadly. But when she falls for the mysterious and intriguing Adam, Cassie must choose whether to resist temptation or risk dark forces to get what she wants—even if it means that one wrong move could ultimately destroy her. 

2) Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Again, this isn't one of my all-time favorite books, as I've said in my review, but, the story could make a fantastic game. I would design it as a story mode game in which you have to switch between the 3 sisters during the story, just like with the book. I think the world in this books is fantastic and could look extremely beautiful in a game. The fact that you can switch sisters also means you can also get to play with each of their specialties (naturalism, poisoning, elements.)

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.
But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.
The last queen standing gets the crown.

3) Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden

I mentioned this saga in my Underrated Series post, and I'm bringing it up again because it's that good. At least, in my opinion. Partially because I love survival books, but also because they're really good. Have I already stated that they're good? Okay. I know there are plenty of survival games, but I've never seen a game in which a group of teenagers have to rescue their families from a group of invaders. Are there any games like that? Cause I'm down for it. Again, this should be played as a story mode in which you have to gather provisions from the town without getting caught and, well, surviving while trying to get their town back. It sounds great, right?

When Ellie and her friends return from a camping trip in the Australian bush, they find things hideously wrong — their families are gone. Gradually they begin to comprehend that their country has been invaded and everyone in their town has been taken prisoner. As the reality of the situation hits them, they must make a decision — run and hide, give themselves up and be with their families, or fight back.




4) The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

This book has a great plot, however, I don't think it's game material. Why am I including it here you might ask? Well, even though the story isn't fitting, the concept and the way it's written is fantastic and could make a very original game. I've talked about this one in a previous post but I can't remember which. Imagine you are escaping, and then, word comes that the king of the land has sent assassins to kill you. You also find out that there are good people on their way to help you, but you don't know who any of them are. You don't know their faces or their names, so you don't know who to trust. I would love to see this as a concept in a game in which you have to choose wisely who you talk to and who you accept missions for. 

A princess must find her place in a reborn world.
She flees on her wedding day.
She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.
She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.
She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.
The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.
Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love.

5) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

I love the story and the characters int his book, so that is probably the reason why I'm including it. This could become a story mode game in which you have a big mission (the heist) and secondary missions to accomplish. For different missions you would have to play with the different characters from the story. I would also like the game to have an option once you finish the story to continue playing in the world as a merchant, thief, pirate or whatever position and any part of the world you want. 

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker has been offered wealth beyond his wildest dreams. But to claim it, he'll have to pull off a seemingly impossible heist:
Break into the notorious Ice Court
(a military stronghold that has never been breached)
Retrieve a hostage
(who could unleash magical havoc on the world)
Survive long enough to collect his reward
(and spend it)
Kaz needs a crew desperate enough to take on this suicide mission and dangerous enough to get the job done - and he knows exactly who: six of the deadliest outcasts the city has to offer. Together, they just might be unstoppable - if they don't kill each other first. 

I would also like to start a petition to have a Mortal Instruments game... since we already see the saga adapted to so many platforms, why not a game? I would accept anything, literally. I only have one petition, for the player to be able to choose in which time era to have their character live in. I would love to be a shadowhunter in the Clockwork Prince/Princess/Angel period. 

Okay! That was sooo much fun. 
See you on the next one!

Do you have any game suggestions for me to try out? What books would you pick to be made into a game? Let me know.

Top 5 Wednesday

Hello, hello! How are you? I'm writing this on a Saturday because I'm trying to be organized. Keyword: trying. We'll see how it goes. I'm here, yet again, (not on a Wednesday, technically) with another Top 5 Wednesday and this week's topic is: Top SFF Books on Your TBR. I feel particularly connected to this topic because my favorite genres are Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I have a few of them on my TBR.

So let's just get into it!

1) The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

Somewhere within our crowded sky, a crew of wormhole builders hops from planet to planet, on their way to the job of a lifetime. To the galaxy at large, humanity is a minor species, and one patched-up construction vessel is a mere speck on the starchart. This is an everyday sort of ship, just trying to get from here to there. 

But all voyages leave their mark, and even the most ordinary of people have stories worth telling. A young Martian woman, hoping the vastness of space will put some distance between herself and the life she‘s left behind. An alien pilot, navigating life without her own kind. A pacifist captain, awaiting the return of a loved one at war. 

Set against a backdrop of curious cultures and distant worlds, this episodic tale weaves together the adventures of nine eclectic characters, each on a journey of their own.

2) The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee (The Thousandth Floor #1)

NEW YORK CITY AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.

A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future where anything is possible—if you want it enough.

WELCOME TO MANHATTAN, 2118.

A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. Everyone there wants something…and everyone has something to lose.

LEDA COLE’s flawless exterior belies a secret addiction—to a drug she never should have tried and a boy she never should have touched.

ERIS DODD-RADSON’s beautiful, carefree life falls to pieces when a heartbreaking betrayal tears her family apart.

RYLIN MYERS’s job on one of the highest floors sweeps her into a world—and a romance—she never imagined…but will this new life cost Rylin her old one?

WATT BAKRADI is a tech genius with a secret: he knows everything about everyone. But when he’s hired to spy for an upper-floor girl, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of lies.

And living above everyone else on the thousandth floor is AVERY FULLER, the girl genetically designed to be perfect. The girl who seems to have it all—yet is tormented by the one thing she can never have.

Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you're this high up, there's nowhere to go but down....

3) Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (Truthwitch #1)

In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

4) Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows #2)

*This is the summary for book 1 cause we don't like spoilers*

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker has been offered wealth beyond his wildest dreams. But to claim it, he'll have to pull off a seemingly impossible heist:

Break into the notorious Ice Court

(a military stronghold that has never been breached)

Retrieve a hostage

(who could unleash magical havoc on the world)

Survive long enough to collect his reward

(and spend it)

Kaz needs a crew desperate enough to take on this suicide mission and dangerous enough to get the job done - and he knows exactly who: six of the deadliest outcasts the city has to offer. Together, they just might be unstoppable - if they don't kill each other first.

5) The Last Star by Rick Yancey (The 5th Wave #3)

*This is the summary for book 1 cause we don't like spoilers*

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother-or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

I want to thank Sam and Lainey for all their work in Top 5 Wednesday!

What does your TBR look like? is it as high as the Everest? Let me know!