Where to post Reviews and Unique Ways to Review|| BOOKISH TALKS #4

 

Where to Post Reviews and Unique Ways to Review a book!

 When I started book blogging I always and I mean always posted my reviews on the provided links to social media. Which is a great way to start out but that was not going to spread the word about my blog and my book reviews/posts. While I still use the provided social media, as it is the first thing I post on, I have come to find many other places where I can post my reviews and link back to my blog. (This post applies to all categories of blogs)

(Each Social Media is linked to my account to not only give examples as to what I do but also if ya'll would like to follow them as well -- love you all! )

1. Twitter:

Although this is a provided link at the bottom of a post I still feel like I need to emphasis how important this one is! There are millions of people on Twitter and there is bound to be quite a lot of people in your niche! So please post on this and use hash-tags! Never forget the hash tags. I know it takes time to post on every social media, but if you want to grow then you will want to take the time!

2. Stumbleupon:

I had no idea that this existed but when I found this site out, I was using it left and right. StumbleUpon is pretty much a site where you can link your posts to and put in your hash tags and even put in your opinion and then when you push that little button named 'Stumble' quite a few people will definitely stumble upon it and click the link to your post. 

3. Instagram:

I know weird that I am saying this one, but no one really thinks about posting their reviews to their Instagram account. I always see people take a picture of the book and then in the text area put in a little of what they thought and the rate. Then they also say that the link to the review is in the bio! Which all you need to do is change the website link every time you post something new! I do this for both my videos and my blog posts. 

4. Tumblr:

Another place that I post my reviews and link them back to my blog is Tumblr. It is pretty much the same thing as Blogger except Tumblr is unique in its own way. There is a place for tags and putting popular tags definitely helps with getting more views and links! 

5. GoodReads

Another great place to place your reviews and link to your blog is through GoodReads. I absolutely love GoodReads. Not only can you place your reviews and leave your link but you can also add all the books you want to read, the books you have read, and create shelves. I love love love this site.

I know these sites might seem like 'duh' Kat we already knew about this. When I started booktubing I had no idea about these sites Instagram I did, but I had no idea that these sites would help me get viewers and followers. 

Now you are probably wondering about my second part of this bookish talks episode. I am always trying to find unique ways to do reviews as doing the same thing all the time gets kind of boring! So here are a few ideas that I have thought and have seen others do.

 VIDEO REVIEWS: Since I am on Youtube I have come to love talking about my reviews through video and then posting it on youtube. I know this is not for everyone but those of you that are not shy you will definitely like this! 

There are other things in video reviews that you can do:

- You can act out parts that you loved

- Create a skit

- Just rant about the book

- You can create a animoto or animated video (I have seen quite a few of these -- one was on Vampire Academy)

- If you have seen Draw My Life (on youtube or anywhere else) then instead you can do Draw the Review or Draw (Book Name). I have really wanted to do this and it sounds like a lot of fun.

DRAW THE REVIEWS: If you are an artist you can draw your reviews and then take pictures of the drawings -- procede to post them on your blog. Not only is this creative but it is really unique as I have never seen anything like this! 

What are some unique ways to review books that you guys know of? Are there any that you want to try?

Where do you post your reviews to?

P.S Put your twitter, instagram, youtube channel etc. below so I can also follow you as well! 

  

REVIEW: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancy (The 5th Wave #1)

Name: The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1)
Author: Rick Yancy
Number of Pages: 457
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Date Published: May 7th, 2013
Source: Gift
Rate: 4.5/5

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.
[GOODREADS][AMAZON][B&N][BOOK DEPOSITORY]

My 2015 Series TBR | Bookish Talks #3

There are so many series that I want to start this year..If I had all the time in the world I most likely would be done with most of them but with school and life well....yah anyhoo these next 5 Series are on my 2015 reading challenge!!:



1. The Chemical Garden Series by Lauren DeStefano
-Wither
- Fever
- Sever

I have heard so many great things about this series. I had never heard of this series until I came across it in GoodReads as it was one of my recommendations. Once I read the synopsis I was hooked and I can not wait to get my hands on these books soon, hopefully!



2. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
- The Bone Season
- The Mime Order
There will be 5 more to this series but have yet to be named

This series I came across in the booktubing world -- which tends to happen quite often. I had found the title very intriguing and the cover is just gorgeous, but after I read the synopsis on good reads I knew that this book had to find its way to my shelf very very soon


3. Alienated by Melissa Landers
- Alienated
- Inaved

Ok, so first thing! This cover guys is absolutely, positively gorgeous! I mean it is beyond that! After reading the Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout I have fallen in love with alien books! I have heard such great things already about the first two books and I really want to have these beautiful babies!!



4. Black City by Elizabeth Richards
- Black City
- Phoenix
- Wings

This is another book that popped up on my recommendations in Goodreads and I could not get any more excited about the synopsis to this book! There is these two groups humans and Darklings..I am not really sure if they are vampires or not but the synopsis sounds absolutely stunning and each of the covers blow my mind away!

5. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
- Rebel Belle
- Miss Mayhem

I have not heard much about this book yet, but I have gotten a few comments that it was really good. I liked the synopsis it definitely sounded like something I would enjoy and the cover is gorgeous! Although it is not on my top to get this year! 
(Just bought this!!!)

There are still quite a few series that I want to get to such as the Vampire Academy Series but these 5 are the top that I would love to not only buy but read throughout this year! As of today my book buying band is complete and I can start buying books once again! Woot Woot!! Watch out bookshelf you are about to get complete full!

Which books do you want to start this year or even finish?

REVIEW: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons (Article 5 #1)

Name: Article 5 (Article 5 #1)
Author: Kristen Simmons
Number of Pages: 362
Publisher: Tor Teen
Date Published: January 31stm 2012
Source: Bought
Rate: 4/5

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.
[GOODREADS][AMAZON][B&N][BOOK DEPOSITORY]

Should Young Adult books still be called Young Adult? | Bookish Talks #2

Should Young Adult books still be called Young Adult?

So many of you are probably wondering what the heck this post is even about, yes the title is very confusing but it was really the only way I could even describe this post! After reading many young adult books, seeing quite a few videos on them, and so on I have come to a conclusion that Young Adult books are getting darker, sexier (dare I say ;), and more detailed. You are probably like well yah, I already know this!! 

Because Young Adult books are entering this new dark era should they still be considered or more so called Young Adult. I personally do not think so. I feel like Young Adult books fall from the age of 12-17 rather than 18-25. I also think Young Adult books are much more clean, not as detailed when it comes to certain things, and especially not sexy. So what do we call these new era of books.

Personally I have no clue. What I do know is that the age range is around 18-30 years of age, I also know that it will be containing graphic content, sexual ideas, and be way more dark than a Young Adult would be. Should it be called New Age Young Adult or Late Young Adult?  Who knows but I personally think that there should be two sections at books stores one for Young Adult and the other for those that are between Young adult and Adult!

So what are your guys thoughts? Am I just being weird about this?

Why I will never giveup reading YA books | Bookish Talks #1

Why I will never give up reading YA books...

Many people (the older generation) have said that once you get to a certain age you start to put aside those "kid" books and start reading the "adult" books...well let me say something to this...the chance of me ever getting rid of my "kid" books well hell might freeze over before then XD. While I have noticed that I pick up a few more adult books than what I did in highschool, I doubt I will ever get rid of Young Adult books in my life. 

I must say this, a lot and I do mean a lot of 30+ year old are infactuated with young adult books and a quite a few of them have just started to read them. I will be one of those 60 year old grandmas that will be sitting in the middle of the YA section at Barnes and Noble picking books that I want to buy...it's just gonna happen dat way!

So why is this?

My first reason being is that Young Adult books will never get old to me, in a reality I think Young Adult books are starting to become a little more graphic (which I will be talking about in my new post). They are starting to include scenes that adult books have! I just read of book that was horribly graphic for a Young Adult book...which I was okay with just because of the fact I am 19 almost 20 and I don't want to read middle grade books anymore....

But continuing on with the point there are so many things to choose from in Young Adult. I know you can do the same with other books but it is just something about YA genres!

I guess another reason is as of currently I can connect with the characters age. Most YA book character age falls between 15-23. I guess knowing I am in the age range helps me connect more with the characters. Even though I think I will always be able to connect with character's in some way, shape, or form at any age. 

 A lot of the story-lines that I love; I have yet to find in the Adult Sections. Trust me I have looked but those story lines from the YA books always get more and more interesting as time goes on!

I think in all honesty I have always loved YA and that will never change. I have been reading these books since middle school and they will always have a place in my heart. They have always been eye catching to me and I think they always will be! I don't think I could give it up because me and YA books have history together. I will always love the characters, the story lines, the connections, and I especially love the authors!

Would you ever give up reading YA books? Would you ever switch to a different genre of books?

REVIEW: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Grisha #1)

Name: Shadow and Bone (Grisha #1)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Number of Pages: 358
Date Published: June 5th, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Source: Gift
Rate: 4.5/5

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.
 [GOODREADS][AMAZON][B&N][BOOK DEPOSITORY][YOUTUBE REVIEW]

February Wrap-Up & March TBR || 2015

So many great books read this month! I can not believe the great stories! I am looking forward to my March TBR pile!! I am so proud of myself I have yet to buy a book in these past 2 weeks!

What are you reading in the month of March?



xx Kat xx

REVIEW: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Name: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Number of Pages: 390
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Date Published: January 1st 2012
Source: Bought
Rate: 3.5/5

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
[GOODREADS][AMAZON][BOOK DEPOSITORY][B&N]

Kat's Guide to Getting ARC's

I believe the biggest thing that new book bloggers and booktubers ask is how to get ARC's more than any other book blogging questions. This post is all on information from how to ask for review copies, when you can ask for review copies, and where to ask for. This post also gives a little tidbits on what ARC's are, who can get ARC's and other helpful tips.

REVIEW: Elusion by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam

Name: Elusion (Elusion #1)
Author: Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam
Number of Pages: 400
Date Published: March 18th, 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Source: Bought
Rate: 3.5/5

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.
 [GOODREADS] [AMAZON] [BARNES AND NOBLE]

Movie Talk: Fifty Shades of Grey (I SAID THE F WORD)!

 

Viewed: February 14, 2015 ( Rated R)

My Rate:4/10 (via imdb rating standards)

IMDb Rate: 4.1/10

[GOODREADS] [AMAZON] [BARNES AND NOBLE] 

 ...Oh no I said the F word!!! With many haters and lovers of Fifty Shades of Grey and many bloggers/ booktubers avoiding this intense topic. I decided that I wanted to tell my opinion on not only the movie but the the whole issue revolving around it as well. Now, as a lover of the series -- for the romance people -- get your mind out of the gutters. I have found there to be a lot of controversy, that I feel personally does not need to be there. But we will get into that later.

As always you can never compare the book to the movie, I have learned my lesson. While the movie was decent it did not fit my standards of amazing. I felt that through a majority of the movie, the actors were still trying to get into their role as Christian and Ana. 

Which is not really a bad thing, but when I notice something like that...well then it does become a problem. While a majority of the movie does follow the book, I felt as if it were choppy. Some words were left out...that were very IMPORTANT to this movie, and some scenes were also left out. I felt like they were skipping around a lot not keeping a cohesive stride between each scene.

The inappropriate parts did follow a majority of the book, although I still feel as if the movie was lacking the emotion the book had. However, there were many parts that I did enjoy. The first being Ana. She was as I pictured in the book. The actress did a great job at portraying Ana and expressing her emotions. I do not know if the "actor" for Christian did though. As the "actor" is not an actor at all but a underwear model. But I looked past that. I also loved how the made the "funny" scenes a little funnier just because this movie and the book are so intense. 

All in all I give this movie a 4/10 rating by the IMDb standards of ratings.

So now you are probably wondering my whole stance on the book and it's background. I personnally do not care...I know you would think I would have a better stance than that since I love the books. I have heard that this series is sexist, against feminism, and degrading. I have also heard how they could make that into a movie, etc.

So, here is my little argument. Why the hell did you go to the movie or read the books in the first place? If you are against it then just don't read it or see the movie simple as that. Second of all the books are not that bad...yes they are full of sex scenes. Yet, the funny thing is I can give you books that are worse than 50 shades of Grey. And they are popular too. 

As for the feminism argument, Ana gave her consent did she not? She was not raped or forced into going with the contract or Christian Grey. I am not bashing anyone, but this lifestyle has been around for a very long time. You can look in history books and they actually have sections on this...they just don't call it BDSM. I just want to say this Think before you Judge! You can hurt people with your words. I just don't know why everyone is making a big fuss out of it. It's not your life, it is theirs the characters and people in real life. So stop acting as if it will effect you, it will not!

Sorry guys for my little rant, it was needed! So there is my views on the whole thing! 

REVIEW: Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 384
Publisher: Mira
Date Published: February 24th, 2015
Source: Given to me by the Author for an honest review - this is all my opinion and not prompted
Rate: 4.5/5

Once, only her own life hung in the balance.

Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she'd survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands and protect her relationship with Valek.

Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek's job - and his life - are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret - or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is - while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.

Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous.
[GOODREADS] [AMAZON] [BARNES AND NOBLE] 

Book Shelf Tour | 2015 Edition & Giveaway

My long awaited bookshelf tour!!

Hey guys, so this is my long awaited bookshelf tour of 2015. I have never done a bookshelf tour and since book blogging/tubing I have gained/bought a lot of books. Like A LOT of books. Also I am hosting a giveaway on my youtube channel!! If you want to get in on it all you have to do is click this link and you will get all your information!! GOOD LUCK

200 SUBSCRIBER GIVEAWAY & WRAPUP

Hey guys! I can not believe that I hit 200+ subscribers on YouTube. It is amazing, I wanted to thank all of you for helping me and getting me to where I am. I am so glad I started booktubing and book blogging. It has become my passion and I do not think I could live with out it anymore. I love being able to read all these books and know when the next best hit is coming out! It is a great experience. I can not wait to to see where the next 6 months will go, but I hope it is as good as the last 6 months have been! I hope you enjoy the video! Just click the video to get to the Raffle Copter

Rules are simple:

Must be following my Youtube Channel to Enter

BOOK REVIEW: Princesss of Thorns by Stacey Jay

Name: Princess of Thorns
Author: Stacey Jay
Number of Pages: 400
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date Published: December 9th, 2014
Source: Was given to me by the Publisher for an honest review.
Rate: 4/5

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm's fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty's daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.

Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora's throne ten years ago.

Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it's too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?

[GOODREADS] [AMAZON] [BARNES & NOBLE] [BOOKTUBE CHANNEL] 

Where have you been Kat!!!? Blogging World?

Hey all, so a lot of you must be wondering where I have been. No where actually, there have been many issues going on at home that needed my full attention. These past few months have not been very good and the lack of posts have shown this. I am sorry for the lack of posts and even my booktube channel is suffering from lack of videos. I am truly sorry for this lack of time. My next semester has started and it is not a good one. I am loaded.

 I also must address the issue of what every other blogger has been dealing with. I have been reading a lot of book blogs and blogs in general that are quitting from the lack of views and readers that blogs get these days. I AM NOT CLOSING MY BLOG. My blog means the world to me, but I also have a channel to upkeep and it has been very hard for me to do all of this. I do not know what I am going to do, but just for you all to know my blog is still going to continue. Except I am going to more of a video than writing the reviews out. It will save me time.

I will be adding writing below as well so best of both worlds.

I am so sorry for my lack of posts. I will try to post more next week, as this week as took a drastic turn. Thanks all!

Read On!
Kat 

BOOK REVIEW: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Name: Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Number of Pages: 461
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date Published: February 5th, 2013
Source: Bought
Rate: 4.5/5

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.
[GoodReads][AMAZON]

BOOK REVIEW: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Name: Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies #1)
Author: Isaac Marion
Number of Pages: 241
Publisher: Atria
Date Published: April 26th, 2011
Source: Bought
Rate: 3.5/5

R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse. Just dreams.

After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a burst of vibrant color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that R lives in. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world...

Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies is about being alive, being dead and the blurry line in between.
[Goodreads] [Amazon] 

Feature & Follow Friday

 

Hosted by Alison Can Read & Parajunkee

Question of the Week: Do you have a go to genre when you're happy, sad, or angry? - Suggested by Take Me Away...

Yep I do I have many genres in fact, when I am in the happy mood I tend to go for more romances. The more the love the better, the book I tend to go to the most for that one is Wake unto me by Lisa Cach. While it is not the best written, the romance is too cute to pass up. When I am sad, I tend to read books that will brighten my mood like: Eragon (Idk why it just makes me happy) or one of the Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout. When I am angry I usually am in a assassin mood so I would probably go to a fantasy genre like: Poison Study or Throne of Glass.

 I tend to base my reads on what I am feeling at the moment :)

What about you guys!

 

Also You guys can find me on my BookTube Channel