Dee’s Reading Tree

These past few months I’ve been trying out a few book subscription boxes. I didn’t want to clog up this post with a bunch of pictures, so if you want to see pictures of everything go check out my Instagram page.

*Disclaimer*

I paid for all of these myself and I’m not paid in any way by these subscription boxes for sharing my opinion

owlcrate book subscription box — My Bookstagram

Owlcrate $34.99

I ordered the May 2019 box, and it arrived May 18th. This subscription auto-renews and I have to cancel it every month that either I don’t like the theme or I cannot afford it. I liked how fast the box arrived, and I really liked that it included useful and practical items as well as collectibles. This box included:

-We Hunt the Flame book (exclusive silver cover edition) by Hafsah Faizal along with a pin designed by the author herself.

-A Court of Mist and Fury sleeping mask.

-Howl’s Moving Castle inspired vinyl sticker.

-A passport wallet featuring a quote from the Hobbit.

-An exclusive edition water bottle featuring a quote from Stardust.

-A pillow case featuring a quote from A Darker Shade of Magic.

-Some character design cards.

Faecrate $41.65

I ordered the June 2019 box, and it arrived July 11th, I didn’t like that it arrived the month after, but I did appreciate the very unique items that were inside; like a puzzle and car coasters. This box included:

-The Red Labyrinth book by Meredith Tate special faecrate edition, with a signed plate and a note from the author.

-Two Gilded Wolves car coasters.

-A Six of Crows bracelet that says “Trickery is my native tongue.”

-A Ready Player One puzzle.

-A drawstring cloth bag that says “TBR level 1000.”

-A globe with a map of Prythian -A Court of Thorns and Roses world.

-A collectible metal coin from the Raven Cycle.

-A Warcross collectible polaroid of Emiko.

Illumicrate 41.99 euros

I ordered the June 2019 box, which arrived June 25th. This one also had two books, which I appreciated. I loved the color for this box, it has been my favorite one so far, but it was also the most expensive. It included:

-This time will be different book by Misa Sugiura, with signed plate and yellow sprayed edges.

-Birthday book by Meredith Russo, with signed plate, rainbow edges, and bookmark.

-TBR Jar (one of my favorites).

-Goddess of reading tapestry, illustration by Carol G.

-Page flags (another favorite).

-Tea and books booksleeve.

-Reality bookend part 1. (Part 2 comes in the July box).

-Collectible coin, featuring Hermione Granger.

Shelflovecrate $39.98

I ordered the May 2019 box, and it arrived May 24th. I liked that this subscription does not auto-renew and I don’t have to worry about cancelling it every month. I loved that this box brought two books instead of one. It included:

-We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal book, signed special edition with reversible dust jacket.

-Romanov by Nadine Brandes, signed special edition with navy blue and gold cover.

-The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare first chapter sample.

-ADSOM -Kell and Lila chess pieces.

-Ready Player One bookmark.

-Strange the Dreamer moth pin.

-Harry Potter portkey water bottle.

-Chronicles of Narnia plastic pouch (note: this is the only item I’ve had an issue with since it broke after a few uses).

Have you tried any other boxes you would recommend or advise against?

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Monday Cleaning Day

July 14, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

Mondays are when I take a look at my TBR on Goodreads and decide what I want to keep and what I want to delete. I ordered the list in reverse chronological order, I skipped the books I’ve already decided to keep in other weeks, and then I picked the next ten books to take a look at and decide whether I want to keep or delete 🙂

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

I have a friend who I think would enjoy this book, which I believe was the main reason I added it. I think it’s not for me. The cover is so pretty though.

Delete 😦

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I really hope this is not one of those over hyped books in the blogging community. The synopsis looks interesting and it has great ratings. I have been hearing about it everywhere. I haven’t read a good suspense/thriller in a while. Looking forward to it.

Keep 🙂

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

I didn’t realize this is supposed to be a spinoff of the Remnant Chronicles series by the same author which I haven’t read. I read a sample of that first book a while ago and I did not like it. Also, some of the reviews from my Goodreads friends are not good.

Delete 😦

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

I read in another blog, and sorry I don’t remember which one that was, that this book is about forgiveness. I am not a very forgiving person and have struggled with it all my life. I thought this would be an interesting book to learn from.

Keep 🙂

The Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz

A book about Disney villains trying to escape from their imprisonment on an island? Say no more, sign me up.

Keep 🙂

Educated by Tara Westover

Having come to this country at an early age from Communist Cuba, where learning is so limited and narrow minded, I struggled with the same issues the main character in this book seems to struggle with. Trying to reconcile my new eye opening education with my family’s narrow view of the world, and my struggle and failure to enlighten them in some way without becoming an outcast in their eyes. I think I will enjoy this book.

Keep 🙂

the bookish life of nina hill by abbi waxman — Picture from Goodreads

The Bookish Life of Neena Hill by Abbi Waxman

I always wanted to read about a bookish character who is forced to come out of her shell. Also, look at this adorable cover.

Keep 🙂

a curious beginning by Deanna raybourn — Picture from Goodreads

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1) by Deanna Raybourn

This one has really great reviews and ratings on Goodreads, and it has been recommended by someone on my bookstagram (don’t remember who that was sorry).

Keep 🙂

the black veins by ashia monet — Picture from Goodreads

The Black Veins (Dead Magic, #1) by Ashia Monet

I didn’t realize this book releases this week. If I was familiar with the author it would be an auto-read for me, but for now I will add it when I see more reviews on it.

Delete 😦

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Everyone has loved A Sorcery of Thorns by this author. I will give this one a try after I see if I also like it.

Keep 🙂

I have been very bad adding books to my TBR this past week. Last week I was so proud I actually reached the bottom of the list. This week not so much.

Any opinions on any of these?

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Illuminae Review

July 13, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Illuminae book by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff — My Bookstagram

Authors: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Publication Date: October 20, 2015

I would rather be numb than stand here in the light of a sun that can never chase the chill away.”
aidan

I have so many thoughts on this book that I’m struggling to put them all into coherent sentences. First, let’s start with the formatting. I struggled with it at first, but once I got used to it it read like any other book. I actually thought this book was an amazing work of art. It is comprised of emails, messages, descriptions of camera footage, audio recordings, pictures, and many other types of files.

You’re a speck of animated carbon and water with about seven centimeters of ballistics-grade ceramic between you and absolutely nothing. Ninety three billion light years of *ing nothing. No up. No down. No sky. No ground. Just endless dark shot through with tiny spears of sunlight older than you and your entire species stacked end to end. You want to feel small? Spend sixty seconds in a Cyclone’s cockpit…look out at nothing and feel it looking back. Then you know exactly how much you add up to.”
Ezra

The story is mostly set in space, which was described really well in my opinion (see quote above). Other than describing the inside and outside of the ships in perfect poetic detail, there was not much more world building to be done. We also get some maps of the ships as a reference. The main characters were adequately described, but I could have done with a bit more detail. The dialogue was where this book excelled, which is a very good thing since it was mostly dialogue. Conversations were full of humor and sarcasm in the midst of chaos, and they read like an action packed movie. I could almost hear the characters catching their breath as they talked, whispering, and shouting or screaming. It was very well done.

Miracles are statistical improbabilities. And fate is an illusion humanity uses to comfort itself in the dark. There are no absolutes in life, save death.”
aiden

The romance aspect of the book was great, and it did not take over the whole plot. I loved Kady and Ezra and I was rooting for them the whole time. They fought like a real couple, they compromised over their differences, and overall their relationship was very realistic. Emotions were described in such great detail that everything they could feel I also could. Their fear gave me chills, and their grief was so real it almost made me cry at times, but I don’t cry easily.

Part of being alive is having life change us. The people around us, the events we live through, all of them shape us.”
kady

I went into this book not really knowing what to expect and having no idea about what the plot really entailed, and I think that was the way to go. Many of the events caught me by surprise, and it was very refreshing to read something so different from the other stories I usually read. This book has definitely made me want more SCI-FI in my life, and I will be reading the second and third installments as soon as I can. I would recommend this series to everyone. Read it! I really don’t know why I waited so long.

The universe owes you nothing…it has already given you everything. After all. It was here long before you, and it will go on long after you. The only way it will remember you is if you do something worthy of remembrance.”
aidan

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WWW Wednesday

July 10, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next? I love these posts, they help me organize myself for the rest of the week.

What I’m reading now:

I’m currently still reading a hardback of Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. It’s an awesome read for now, and I can’t believe I had never read it. I’m also reading the e-ARC of The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young. i I was super excited for this one, because I really loved Sky in the Deep, also by her. Lastly, I recently started the King of Scars audio book written by Leigh Bardugo and narrated by Lauren Fortgang. I haven’t gotten too far into that one, but I love the Grishaverse and I hope this won’t disappoint.

What I just read:

I just read Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller. It was a nice fast paced romantic adventure. You can read my mini review here.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi — Picture taken by me

What I plan to read next:

Once I’m done with the Illuminae hardback, I’m planning to pick up Children of Blood and Bone next…yes finally!!

What are you guys currently reading?

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20 Questions Book Tag

July 8, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

I found this book tag in A Book Nation blog. It looked fun and I thought I would give it a try : )

Black Dagger Brotherhood the thief by j.r. ward — Picture from Goodreads

How many books are too many in a series?

As long as I love the author and the writing I will read as many books as they want to write in a series. Anyone heard of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward? I THINK its by 20 books now, though don’t quote me on that. I got all the way up to #18, and I do plan to read the rest eventually.

throne of glass series by sarah j maas — My bookstagram

How do you feel about cliffhangers?

If it works for the story I don’t really mind cliffhangers. My issue is waiting 1-2 years for the sequel to come out. I was so mad when Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5) ended and then she wrote that useless book about Chaol and I had to wait another year for Kingdom of Ash. Okay, rant over :)…p.s. I still love you Sarah J. Maas.

Hardcover or paperbacks?

Hardcovers are prettier, sturdier and better to photograph, but paperbacks are more portable and malleable, and can sometimes be just as pretty. I guess my answer is I don’t care either way.

Harry potter and the order of the phoeix by j.k. rowling — Picture taken by me

Favorite book?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I could read that book over and over. It’s one of those I would take if stranded on an island. Hopefully an island where Margaritas are also involved though.

Least Favorite book?

This may or may not be an unpopular opinion, but Allegiant (Divergent, #3) by Veronica Roth. The first two books were amazing, and then that last one…I don’t even have words.

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare the infernal devices series — Picture taken by me

Love triangles, yes or no?

Sometimes I enjoy them when it works for the story and when the main character is genuinely split between the two other characters. I don’t like it when the main character uses one guy to make the other guy jealous, or vise versa. My favorite love triangle was in the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare.

A book you are currently reading?

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. This is not a book it’s work of art, I can tell and I’m only on page 154.

iluminae by jay kristoff and amie kaufman — My bookstagram

Last book you recommended to someone?

Same as above. Isn’t the cover beautiful? Since I carry it everywhere people have been asking me about it and I have recommended it to a lot of my work friends.

Oldest book you’ve read? (publication date)

I’m pretty sure I read way older books back in High School, but that was eleven years ago. I do vividly remember reading The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, for some reason. It was published 1996.

Newest book you’ve read? (publication date)

I’m currently reading an e-ARC of The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young, it will be published on September 3, 2019.

Favorite author?

This is a really hard question. I’m going to go with my top three: J.K. Rowling, Cassandra Clare, and Sarah J. Maas.

Buying books or borrowing?

Unfortunately for me and for my bank account I love buying books. I’m always afraid I will damage a book if I borrow it, or my two kids will tear it apart or something. Whenever I do borrow a book I always make sure to warn the owner.

Red queen by Victoria averyard — Picture from Goodreads

A book you dislike that everyone seems to love?

I liked Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, but I hated the sequel and I have not read anything after that. I found Mare really whiny and annoying, and I like my female characters to be strong and fierce.

Bookmarks or dog ears?

What kind of monster dog ears their books?!

Shatter me by Tahereh Mafi — Picture taken by me

A book you can always re-read

The whole Harry Potter series, the Throne of Glass series, and the Shatter Me series…sorry I know it says “book” but I do what I want on my blog 🙂

Can you read while listening to music?

No, reading is a really immersive experience for me and I feel like music ruins the mood.

One POV or multiple POV’s?

Whatever works for the story. I recently read Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff which had seven POV’s and I loved it. It really worked for the story and the characters were all unique. I also like the “his and hers” point of views of some stories, especially where romance is involved I like to know what they’re both thinking.

Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

Lately I haven’t had much time to read books in one sitting. The last book I remember doing that with was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when it first came out, but I was seventeen and had all the time in the world.

Who do you tag?

Anyone who wants to have some fun and try this book tag go ahead!

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Monday Cleaning Day

July 7, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

Birthday by Meredith Russo

I received a copy of this book inside my Illumini crate this month. It sounds like a very intriguing read, and it has great reviews on Goodreads. I have been getting more and more into Contemporary/ YA. I hope this won’t disappoint.

Keep 🙂

This time will be different by Misa Sugiura

This is the second book I found inside my Illumini crate this month. There are mixed reviews on this one, but since I now own the book I will definitely be giving it a try.

Keep 🙂

The Paper and Hearts Society by Lucy Powrie

I got a sample of this inside my Illumini crate and I loved it, so I will definitely be reading the actual book.

Keep 🙂

False Step by Victoria Helen Stone

This was one of the Kindle first reads picks for June. I thought the synopsis seemed interesting. It published on July 1st. If you read it let me know how it goes, I could not find a lot of reviews on it.

Keep 🙂

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Once again I got fooled by a pretty cover and did not think much before I added it to my TBR. I’m not the least bit interested in Norse Mythology, but I will definitely recommend it to my husband. He’s the one that dragged me to all the Thor movies 🙂

Delete 😦

a man called ove by Fredrick backman — Picture from Goodreads

A Man called Ove by Fredrik Backman

I don’t know why I added this. I know everyone has been talking about it and it has great reviews, but I just don’t feel like reading about a grumpy old man.

Delete 😦

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

I really want to learn more about the Philippines and their culture, and I ‘ve heard this is a good book for that. The cover is not the best, but it has great reviews on Goodreads and as I mentioned on this post, I’m trying not to judge books by their covers.

Keep 🙂

Secondborn by Amy A. Bartol

Amazon recently gave me a three dollar credit to pick a book from a list of their choosing. I was dumb and I didn’t check the reviews before picking this one, I picked it because the synopsis sounded good. Now that I own it I definitely have to give it a try. But if I don’t like it I can always put it back down, I wont be forcing myself to read books I don’t enjoy.

Keep 🙂

Can you guys believe I just got to the end of my TBR list?! *audible gasp* I have been so good not adding random books, I will go ahead and pat myself on the back now 🙂

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Daughter of the Siren Queen

July 5, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King, #2) by Tricia Levenseller with such high expectations mainly because I had heard that it was much better than the first book, but I found it to be just the same rating.

I’m going to start with the things I did not like. The story got a bit repetitive and tiresome at times, with the characters just doing the same thing over and eliciting almost the same results each time. The characters were also a bit inconsistent and changed their minds quite a lot; things that were an issue one day, did not matter the next. Even Alosa, our main female character had issues with Riden changing his mind over and over, one second he was hot and the next he was cold.

I did enjoy the sense of adventure this story conveyed, and the world building was great. The humor and dialogue were entertaining enough to keep me reading. Even though the story became a bit predictable, it was able to keep me engaged enough to want to know what would happen in the end. I liked that Alosa was a strong female character, and so were the other females on her crew. Little Rosalind was one of my favorite side characters, a child among pirates with a bit of spunk. I would recommend this book to any YA/Fantasy fans looking for a light entertaining read.

Have you read this book? What was your opinion?

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Good Books with Bad Covers

July 4, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

The Space Between Time by Charlie Laidlaw

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was amazing. I was contacted by the author with the opportunity to read an e-ARC of his book, and I accepted expecting a light quick read. This was not a light read at all, it was full of depth and it dealt with really hard but relevant topics. You can read my full review here.

I thought this cover should’ve had a starry night in the background with some planets on there and maybe a few mathematical equations floating in between. This cover definitely would not have attracted me to the book in the first place.

This savage song by v.e schwab — Picture from Goodreads

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book I experienced as an audio book. It was voiced by a male and female voice for the two main characters, and I thought they did a great job. This was a very unique world that I’m very interested to read more of. You can read my full review here.

I like the violin on the cover, but for a very long time I could not even tell it WAS a violin. I get what they were trying to do, but the violin definitely needs to be brighter so we can see what they’re trying to depict inside of it.

A Very Large Expanse of the Sea by Tahereh Mafi

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I mentioned in my review that I thought the whole point of this cover was “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” which is one of the main messages I feel like this story tries to get across. But more could’ve been done to get this point across and to attract more people to buy the book. For me it was enough that Mafi wrote it, because I will forever read anything she writes, but for other people that might not be the case.

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve mentioned before that Julie Kagawa is one of my favorite authors, and this is one of my favorite series by her. I already love Dystopian novels, but her descriptions, dialogue, and overall way of making this world seem so real is what sold me on this story. This cover definitely does not do it justice.

the time traveler's wife by Audrey niggenegger — Picture from Goodreads

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I absolutely loved this book and I thought it was so unique in the way it portrayed time travel; not as something cool but as a burden to be bared. But it definitely needed to have something better on the cover, the child is kind of creepy. I will definitely be doing a re-read of this soon.

Which books do you think could have gone unnoticed because of the cover? Any recommendations?

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Audio Book Tag

July 3, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

I found this book tag in Rathertoofondofbooks blog. I’ve been meaning to do it for a while.

Have you always listened to audio books or when did you begin?

I only began listening to audio books a few months ago. I needed something productive to do on my work commute. I used to think I was not an audio book person, and believe me it takes me a while to find a book I will tolerate listening to, but whenever I do find one it’s great.

aurora rising audio book picture from my bookstagram — Picture from my bookstagram

What is your favorite audio book?

For now, it has been Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, narrated by a whole cast of eight people: Jonathan McClain (Tyler), Kim Mai Guest (Auri), Candice Moll (Cat), Steve West (Kal), Donabella Mortel (Zila), Lincoln Hoppe (Fin), Erin Spencer (Scarlett), and Jonathan Todd Ross (Magellan). A full cast makes for a great listening experience, almost like listening to a very descriptive movie. You can read my full review here.

Sticky notes and highlights of book — Picture taken by me

What is your least favorite thing about audio books?

I never write on my books, but I like sticking sticky notes on there with my favorite quotes and passages. When it’s an e-book, I highlight things and write notes on my Kindle app. That’s something I’m not able to do with an audio book. I try to leave a note open on my phone to add anything interesting I hear, but that leaves me scrambling to pause the audio and it kind of ruins the experience for me.

What do you think is the difference in experience between physically reading a book and listening to it?

Apart from not being able to put sticky notes in it and park my favorite passages and quotes, there’s just nothing like holding a physical book in my hands. I like seeing exactly how far I am in the story, and not a percentage. I love feeling and flipping the pages. Also, I love the smell of books, it’s one of the best smells in the world. I don’t think anything will be able to replace reading a real book for me.

How and when do you listen?

I usually listen on my work commute, I drive on average 45 minutes to and from work, so that gives me 90 minutes of listening time a day. Also, whenever I have shores to do around the house, and sometimes if it’s a really good book I will play it in the shower.

What style/genre do you prefer?

I find that simple straightforward plots with a lot of action work better for audio books. It doesn’t really matter which genre, but any books with a lot of world building and explanations usually lose me as audio books.

catwoman soulstealer by sarah j maas audio book — Picture from Goodreads

What are some audiobook/narrator recommendations?

I already mentioned Aurora Rising, I also really enjoyed Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas translated by Julia Whelan. Whelan does all the accents and everyone’s voices perfectly. You can read my review here.

What is your opinion on audio books?

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WWW Wednesday

July 2, 2019February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next? I find this a great way to touch base every week, and to get on the right reading track.

What I’m reading now:

I couldn’t believe it when I got an e-ARC of The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young from Netgalley. I will forever read anything she writes. I’m also finally reading Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman, which I’ve only been looking forward to forever.

What I just read:

I just read Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, which wasn’t as action packed as Six of Crows or Crooked Kingdom, but I do understand a lot of world building was necessary. I also listened to an audio of Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, which also reminded me a lot of Six of Crows, a band of misfits full of special and unique talents. You can read my mini reviews for those here. Finally, I read an e-ARC of Call it What you Want by Brigid Kemmerer, she has also quickly become one of my auto-read authors.

What I will be reading next:

I hope to finally get to Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, and hopefully start making a good dent on my physical TBR. The e-books and audio books I pick up next will depend on what’s available to be checked out on Libby, and if I get approved for any e-ARCs from Netgalley. I don’t usually buy e-books or audio books, unless I have free credits on the Audible app, or a good book is available for free on kindle first reads. If you have the kindle app and have not signed up for kindle first reads I highly recommend it -it’s free and they let you choose a free book every month from a list.

What are you guys’ WWW’s?

Author: Dee’s Reading Tree

Book Subscription Box Comparison

Monday Cleaning Day

Illuminae Review

WWW Wednesday

20 Questions Book Tag

Monday Cleaning Day

Daughter of the Siren Queen

Good Books with Bad Covers

Audio Book Tag

WWW Wednesday