Armchair BEA: Day Two Aesthetic Concerns for Book Covers and Blogs

Book Covers

I find that I almost never judge a book by its cover, so much so that I often ignore them, or don’t pay as close attention to them as I probably should. The last several books I read, I noticed that I didn’t really know what the cover looked like until I put the jacket back on after finishing it. This lack of attention definitely carries over to my personal book collection. I collect the books I enjoy reading in whatever condition or version I can find them. I am trying to be a bit more discerning and pay closer attention to covers, because I know that a lot of creativity and energy go into creating them and that should be appreciated. One thing I have noticed about myself is that I don’t particularly like cover models on books, I prefer to create the character in my head based on description rather than be shown what they look like.

Blog

I do find branding as a blogger to be very important. At the moment I am an assistant blogger, but when I first started helping Ashley, I noticed right away the color schemes and styles she used to put together her online personality. She taught me to keep reviews, posts, and pictures consistent so the viewers will be comfortable and recognize hers and my work when they read our content. Long term goals would be to have viewers be able to read a review and know who wrote it long before they get to the signature at the bottom.

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Discussion: Organization

Fellow bloggers, do you keep an excel file full of your TBR, which books need reviews, current and upcoming projects, etc? Do you keep a handwritten notebook? Maybe a folder full or papers, index cards, and sticky notes? 

I’m sure each of us has our own way of keeping our chaotic little worlds somewhat organized and in order, or close enough that we can try to hit most of our deadlines. My first go-to is my pin board.

As you can see, I like to keep a pin board with books I need to read, books I am currently working on, which ones I’ve finished, and finally the books I’ve reviewed. As a book progresses from one side of the board to the other, I am actually able to physically move the card with the books name to each new column. This keeps me with goals in mind for the month, and also allows me to monitor my progress. 

In addition to the board, I have an excel spreadsheet on google drive to keep track of books I own and books I need to read. I also keep a handwritten notebook to write my reviews before I type them up for the blog. I like to start my process of a review by handwriting it because it lets me get all my thoughts out at once, without distractions. I tend to get pulled away from my task easily if I start on the computer, but if I curl up somewhere with a pen and my notebook, I know I’ll get a solid rough draft finished.

It can take a lot of different methods and ideas to keep organized in the blogging world, and I’m only using a few. 

What are some of your ways to keep yourself focused?

TTFN,
Ashley

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Book Tour Review: Heir to The Sky by Amanda Sun

Heir to the Sky

Author: Amanda Sun

Published On: 4-26-16

Page Count: 384

Synopsis: (Found on Goodreads)

As heir to a kingdom of floating continents, Kali has spent her life bound by limits—by her duties as a member of the royal family; by a forced betrothal to the son of a nobleman; and by the edge of the only world she’s ever known—a small island hovering above a monster-ridden earth, long since uninhabited by humans. She is the Eternal Flame of Hope for what’s left of mankind, the wick and the wax burning in service for her people, and for their revered Phoenix, whose magic keeps them aloft.

When Kali falls off the edge of her kingdom and miraculously survives, she is shocked to discover there are still humans on the earth. Determined to get home, Kali entrusts a rugged monster-hunter named Griffin to guide her across a world overrun by chimera, storm dragons, basilisks, and other terrifying beasts. But the more time she spends on earth, the more dark truths she begins to uncover about her home in the sky, and the more resolute she is to start burning for herself.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository

Overall Rating: 4/5

I adored Amanda Sun’s other trilogy Paper Gods and was super stoked to be picked for the tour for her new book. I am doubtful this will be a series because of how the ending wraps up, but I wouldn’t mind visiting the floating continents of Ashra again.

Cover: 3/5

Still not a huge fan of cover models, but at least this one doesn’t have a face. The geometric patterns in the clouds give a sort of foreshadowing curiosity to what the sky islands really are. The part I really loved was the small phoenix, which is honored over all of the floating continents.

Characters: 4/5

Kali - At first I wanted to punch her for being so reckless for adventuring so close to the edge, but I slowly understood what it meant to be trapped. For some people, their floating continents are just in their mind. Others, they really do exist. When Kali falls to the ground and finds herself alone, hurt but alive, she must make a decision. To return home to be Ashra’s Eternal Flame of Hope, or stay on the ground and experienced the stories she’s only read about.

Griffin - His childhood is a little muddled, but when we first meet Griffin, a monster hunter, he is fierce and relentless. He fights to survive and protects those that still thrive on the ground. Agreeing to help Kali get home to Ashra puts everything he’s ever known at risk.

Plot: 3.5 / 5

The beginning was extremely slow, but it was the descriptions of the continents and the hierarchy that kept me interested until the action scenes started. Amanda Sun writes characters that grow as the story continues. When the action scenes do come into play, they are fast and powerful and quite enjoyable. I did find a portion of the ending to be predictable but worth the read anyways.

ABOUT AMANDA SUN:

I’m a YA author and proud Nerdfighter. I was born in Deep River, Canada, a very small town without traffic lights or buses, and where stranger safety is comprised of what to do if you see a bear—or skunk. I started reading fantasy novels at 4 and writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. Hopefully my work’s improved since then.

​In university I took English, Linguistics, and Asian History, before settling into Archaeology, because I loved learning about the cultures and stories of ancient people. Of course, I didn’t actually become an archaeologist—I have an intense fear of spiders. I prefer unearthing fascinating stories in the safety of my living room.

​The Paper Gods is inspired by my time living in Osaka and travelling throughout Japan. That and watching far too many J-Dramas. I currently live in Toronto with my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing, I’m devouring YA books, knitting nerdy things like Companion Cubes and Triforce mitts, and making elaborate cosplays for anime cons.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

4/25: Two Chicks on Books - Q&A

4/26: That Artsy Reader Girl - Review

4/27: The Irish Banana Review - Playlist

4/28: Books Buying Beauty - Review

4/29: Fiery Reads - Top 10

Week 2:

5/2: Chapter By Chapter - Review

5/3: The Book Cellar - Guest Post

5/4: Brooke Reports - Review

5/5: YA Bookmark - Q&A

5/6: Gone Pecan - Review

Giveaway:

3 Finished Copies of HEIR TO THE SKY (US Only)

Rafflecopter Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TTFN,

Ashley

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Discussion Time: Subscription Boxes

Do you ever wait by the door, stalking the mailman, waiting for that one package that you feel like you ordered 2 years ago and hasn’t shown up yet? That’s how I feel every time I am waiting for one of my subscription boxes to arrive. You never know quite what you’re going to get, (unless you spoil it by looking at fellow subscription box fan’s instagram posts) and that makes it all the more special when it arrives and you get to crack into your box of loot and examine everything inside. Over the past 6 months or so, I’ve been trying out a few of these companies and wanted to share my experiences.

Owlcrate:

I really enjoyed the products that came with the owlcrates, especially how they use several different etsy stores which sometimes come with their own coupons or discounts. Another thing I really like is that author’s send personalized notes along with their books, it makes it feel very special. However, as a book blogger, I have received books that I already own, but this is a risk I knew going in and can’t complain too much about.

Uppercase:

This subscription box has a lot of interactive features, such as a connected website with codes interspersed throughout the book that you can use as you read, which makes it feel like you’re part of a big, online book club. I also really enjoy the themes used in Uppercase, like Desert, Space, or Historical Fiction, which can set the tone for all of the items you find inside. Again, with Uppercase I did sometimes end up with a book I already had, but this is understandable.

Fandom of the Month: 

Fandom isn’t a typical subscription box, instead it features handmade jewelry all themed toward a specific fandom. Although fandom boxes do not include a book, I love that you can go anywhere in real life, and if people see you wearing the jewelry, they instantly know what it’s from and can relate (or fangirl over it with you).

Bonus Box: Graze!: 

This is also a subscription box, in that they will send it to you weekly, biweekly, monthly, or however you want to set it up, but this box has FOOD! They send you boxes of single sized healthy snacks based on your preferences. A typical box will have 4-6 different servings of snacks and they are delicious. I used to keep chips, candy or beef jerky around to snack on when I was reading, but graze provides much healthier and tastier options. I also send a lot of them to work with my boyfriend, and haven’t heard any complaints yet. If you find some you like, you can keep ordering the same, or if you want to try different things they will send you whatever you ask for. I definitely recommend trying them out. If you are interested, let me know, and I can send you a referral code that will get you a discount on your first order.

Order Code: 9Q3Z9MXQP

So, do any of you try any subscription boxes, and if so, which ones?

TTFn,

Ashley

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Debut Review and Interview of The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

Step 1: The Interview

Do you relate to your MC?

I'd say that in this novel, both Kailtyn and Carly are some aspect of myself. Kaitlyn is the wounded, guarded side of me during a very difficult time, while Carly was my sense of fragile hope.

What or who got you into writing?

I was not a natural reader growing up, but I was always telling stories. I started by drawing comic books with elaborate, dark tales of vampires and evil men with long trench coats. Then, when I was 12, my mother returned from a business trip to Boston with a gift for me. I remember the moment she slowly pulled out this beautiful, brown, embossed leather notebook. It was held together with little leather ties. I started my first real novel in there and never looked back.

Did you listen to a playlist while writing?

Absolutely! Music is a vital part of my process. The playlist will be released in August as part of a very special event. I'm sworn to secrecy at the moment, I'm sorry! 

What book would suggest to be on the lookout for besides yours?

2015 has been an AMAZING year for books so far, and is promising to get even better! I was lucky enough to be contacted by Christopher Pike for a blurb of his new novel Strange Girl, coming December 2015 from Simon Pulse. Let me just say, it is brilliant. Even now, I can't stop thinking about it. Other books on my radar are:

1. I Crawl Through It by A.S King, coming September 22nd from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

2. The Death House by Sarah Pinborough (published by Orion)

3. Mary: Unleashed by Hillary Monahan (coming September from Disney Hyperion)

4. The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy, coming September 15th from Simon & Shuster

5. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (because obviously!) Coming in September and October from Henry Holt and Indigo/Orion

6. The Witch Hunter by Virgina Boeker, which just came out, from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

7. Catacomb by Madeleine Roux, coming September 1st from Harper Teen

8. The Lost and the Found by Cat Clark, which was published in April

9. Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett (coming September from G.P Putnam's Sons)

10. A Murder of Magpies by Sarah Bromley (coming in October from Month9Books)

11. Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

Plus so many more!

Outside your book who would you “Ship” your MC

That's a really good question! Kaitlyn would probably do well with someone as broken as she is—someone who understands. Perhaps Linus from The Bunker Diaries who is trapped in a cage too. Or, quite possibly, for her darker breaking-into-people's-bedrooms-and-cutting-them side, Victor from Vicious by V.E Schwab. For Carly, She's need a real romantic lead. I believe she'd like a quiet sort, a real thinker, like Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower mixed with someone with charm, like Finnick from The Hunger Games.

What is your favorite "writing brain" food?

Tea (not food, I know, but vital) and PB sandwiches. Yum! 

Step 2: The Book

Author: Dawn Kurtagich

Published On: 9/15/15 

Publisher: Little Brown

Page Count: 432

Synopsis: (Found on Goodreads)

Over two decades have passed since the fire at Elmbridge High, an inferno that took the lives of three teenagers. Not much was known about the events leading up to the tragedy - only that one student, Carly Johnson, vanished without a trace...
...until a diary is found hidden in the ruins.
But the diary, badly scorched, does not belong to Carly Johnson. It belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson, a girl who shouldn't exist Who was Kaitlyn? Why did she come out only at night? What is her connection to Carly?
The case has been reopened. Police records are being reexamined: psychiatric reports, video footage, text messages, e-mails. And the diary.

Cover: 5/5

The actual dead house described in the book totally fits the cover. I love books when they do that. However I am not a fan of girls on the cover. (as creepy as they are) Although I now know who to look in dark corners for.

Characters: 5/5

Carly is good, demure and friendly, Kaitlyn is cheeky, fidget and paranoid. Kaitlyn is sick. Sometimes you read a passage of the book, and she is quite normal, and for the next 50 pages you find yourself in the mind of a schizophrenic person. I admit, I like it, she is completely unpredictable.

Plot: 5/5

I love the reading format. You get footage, interviews and diary entries. Don`t know about you guys, but this made it interesting for me. I also learned vlogging the supernatural is just not a good idea, like at all. The school the "girls" go to is an old mental hospital (seriously if I knew my school was like that I would be out the door faster than you could say "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"

Overall Rating: 5/5

If you are going to read it before sleep –you should make sure you won`t have to get up out of bed, because you might start to look for monsters in the dark corners. I had the brilliant idea to finish this at 2am. Needless to say I didn’t get any sleep afterwards.

How is your spooky week going? Enjoying yourself?

TTFN,
Ashley

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Post: Booktuber Problems Tag

Tag Created by Tiffany at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7PngvNqRF8

I wasn`t tagged in anyone’s video but I really loved the questions so decided to write up a post instead of making a video. Enjoy

QUESTIONS:
1. When you have a huge stack of books or boxes, how many tries does it take you to get that thumbnail?

When I do my videos it takes several tries to take a thumbnail picture but most of the time I give            up and go with a default embarrassing one.

2. How often do you forget to charge your camera before filming?

I don`t have a camera….yet. I just use my fancy webcam and try to make my bookshelf my background.

3. Do you have more books coming in than you have space for?

Lately not as many books coming in which is both nice since I`m running out of shelf space but sad because there are so many awesome books and I really want them.

4. How aggressively do you cull your collection?

Not as aggressively since I donated and sold 60+ books right before BEA because I knew I`d be bringing a bunch home. I do need to go through my shelves again before the end of the year and donate some more.

5. How long does it take to upload a video?

Just the uploading and processing can take anywhere between 45min to 1.5hrs it really just depends on how horrible my internet is being. I`m also tweaking this to say how long it takes to upload a blog post J It takes me roughly 15min to write my reviews in word then transfer and format to blogger. So I do acknowledge that videos take wayyyy longer.

6. Is your review pile overwhelming?

I`m pretty sure my TBR will collapse on me one of these days. The review pile isn’t as big as it was. I`ve read about ½ the BEA books I wanted to read plus what I have received since coming home. I`d say my review pile is like 12 books at the moment. My actual TBR with review books and “fun” books totals about 50+

7. Any gripes with your lighting or filming set up?

I`m not as fancy as some people who vlog so I have no room to complain about my lighting and set-up. I would like to complain that I hate when there is a horrible glare and you can`t make out the cover of a book without wiggling it around for a little bit.

Whelp that`s it for this post. Although I wasn’t tagged I am going to tag whoever wants to do this either as a video or a typed post. Just remember to link back to Tiffany`s original video. 

TTFN,

Ashley

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Discussion Thursday: Movie/TV Adaptations

Today I thought we could discuss a few movie and television adaptions. Some of the ones on this list I have watched others are on my goal list to watch sometimes this summer.
What Movies/TV Shows are you watching or can`t wait to see?

• Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

                  I use to adore reading L.J.Smith books and when VD came out I watched 3-4 episodes but I just wasn`t that into it. 

Now a couple years later my current boyfriend actually binge watched

 all the seasons and really enjoys it.

• Pretty Little Liars by Sarah Shepard

          This is not a series I have watched and

 I am not 100% sure I even plan on watching it.

I feel like it is just another teen type drama and that really isn`t my cup of tea.

• Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

Now this is a movie I wish had more to it.

 I never really read the books as a kid. 

It was actually thanks to the movie that I went back a read them. 

I`ve always been a fan of Holly`s ability to re-imagine traditional fae type creatures. 

• Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

I will honestly admit I have only listened to book 1&2. 

I also have no desire to continue to book 3. 

The movies are pretty awesome though.

 I can say from that alone I understand why the books are popular with all that action.

• Hunger Games by Susan Collins

I actually binged all three books when the release date for The Hunger Games was released. 

I`m super glad I had one book after another. 

The concept of the districts is great in both the movies and the books.

• Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Although not a YA novel/movie I really enjoyed reading this short book. 

I will have to admit I only watched the movie because 

EMMA WATSON!!!

It was acted out really well and pretty true to the book so that was enjoyable.

• The Maze Runner Trilogy by James Dashner

Again another series I binged before the movie released.

 Finished all three books in 2 days.

Although there was some changes in the movie I still felt it got the overall theme of the book. 

Now to (im)patiently wait for The Scorch Trials.

TTFN,

Ashley

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Discussion Thursday: Audiobooks

So today I thought we could talk a little about audiobooks. I decided to try a video this time around. So sit back, grab a soda (or water) and enjoy.

That lovely thumbnail :/

Comment below your thoughts on audio-books and how you like to listen.

TTFN,
Ashley
@Bookz4Nerdz

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September Giveaway

Ashley has been talking to some bloggers on Twitter and they suggested doing a giveaway to draw attention to our blog. This seemed like a fantastic idea because we want to generate discussions on reviews and other bookish topics.

Without further ado here is the Rafflecopter giveaway for a $10 Gift Card from Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Let us know what other prizes you would like to see offered below in the comments
Sean

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Paradox by A.J. Paquette Review

Book Review: Paradox by: A.J. Paquette

 

I received this book from Book Divas (http://www.bookdivas.com/)

 

 

Paradox was a nice and quick read. I finished it in two sittings but I am also a slow reader. The story was a very interesting one and definitely an original idea. I have never read another book quite like it.

 

In the beginning while we were following Ana through the new planet of Paradox it seemed very basic and fairly predictable. Immediately we know there are going to be other people with Ana just because of how the ship is laid out. A few chapters later she finds Todd. It is again made very clear that Todd knows more than he is letting on. Take for example he knows where he is going without the use of his map. The story goes on like this with little hints spread through out the chapters telling us what is coming next.

 

What I couldn’t figure out was how the survivor’s fears were a big part in what was happening and how they tied in with Ana’s flashbacks. Finally the end came I was completely surprised and Paradox is definitely well worth the read.

 

Plot: 3-Was fairly basic with one twist

Character: 3-Didn’t get enough to love or hate the characters

Originality: 5-Never saw the story line before

Overall: 3.5- Good quick read when you need a fix for your book cravings

 

Recommendation Scale: ({no} 1-2-3-4-5 {yes})

 

 

May the Force Be With You,

 

Sean

@Nerdz_For_Bookz

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Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader/Book Blogger Easier

Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader/Book Blogger Easier

This week’s topic over at Broke and Bookish. Sorry we missed last week. I got sick and never posted my Road trip books

Ashley: Life as a Book Blogging Made Easy

©     Other Bloggers that post how-to posts. (i.e. Parajunkee, Caffeinated Reviewer)

©     Goodreads. Even though I don’t use it as often as I should it is helpful.

©     Amazon Prime. If I actually paid full price for all the books I bought this year Sean & My Parents would have a cow.

©     Dropbox. Sean and I don’t live together so dropbox makes it easy to share our posts with each other so we can edit.

©     Outdoors. I do actually leave the confines of my bedroom when typing posts and reading. I have a lovely hammock that I sit and read in while my turkeys try to jump up and join me.

Sean: Life as a Reader Made Easy

x       Comfortable and Quiet Setting. Makes it easy to focus on the book.

x       Great Plot. Every book must have a story to be followed.

x       Intense Adventure. Books are like movies, fast paced and intense really draw me in.

x       Descriptive Qualities. Details are important so I can play the book in my head as a movie, requires a ton of description.

x       Relatable Characters. The more relatable they are, the easier they are to attach to and then caring about what happens next.

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