Thursday, October 25, 2018

Halo ~ Silent Storm ~ A Master Chief Story

An original full-length novel set in the Halo universe and based on the New York Times bestselling video game series.

2526. It has been almost a year since humanity engaged in its destructive first contact with a theocratic military alliance of alien races known as the Covenant. Now the hostilities have led to open war, and the United Nations Space Command understands virtually nothing about its new enemy. There are only two certainties—the Covenant is determined to eradicate humanity, and they have the superior technology to do just that. The UNSC’s only hope lies with the Spartans: enhanced super-soldiers trained from childhood via a clandestine black-ops project to be living weapons. Their designated commander, Petty Officer John-117, has been assigned to lead the Spartans on a desperate counterattack designed to rock the Covenant back on its heels, and to buy humanity the time it needs to gather intelligence and prepare its defenses.

But not everyone wants the Spartans to succeed. A coalition of human rebel leaders believes an alliance with the Covenant to be its best hope of finally winning independence from the Unified Earth Government. To further their plans, the insurrectionists have dispatched a sleeper agent to sabotage the UNSC counterattack—and ensure that John-117 and the Spartans never return from battle....






I won this in a Goodreads/First Reads giveaway!



This is actually the first Halo book I have read! I feel it reads fine as a stand alone but reading other reviews, die-hard fans are saying there are a lot of people from other books! I love that because I plan on going back and reading the books in this universe. Geez, I think I have one of the first ones a friend gave me MANY years ago and of course I just forgot the name of the book! The Flood?

Anyway, it's my understanding this book is way back before the fall of Reach. I may be wrong there so don't quote me. I know that it tells the story of John-117 before he becomes Master Chief if that helps.

The book was awesome and the ending is set up for a possible second book!

This book makes me want to go play Halo! BUT, I still way behind the times and have the first XBox and the first couple of Halo's. Sigh, I know! I am up for anyone buying me the updated XBox and games 😄 =D

But seriously, if you love Halo then you can't go wrong with this one, unless I missed something!

Happy Reading!

Mel ♥

Halloween ~ The Official Movie Novelization

The official novelization of the highly anticipated revamp of the classic horror film Halloween.

In 1978, Laurie Strode survived an encounter with Michael Myers, a masked figure who killed her friends and terrorized the town of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night. Myers was later gunned down, apprehended and committed to Smith's Grove State Hospital.

For forty years, memories of that nightmarish ordeal have haunted Laurie and now Myers is back once again on Halloween, having escaped a routine transfer, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. This time, Laurie is prepared with years of survival training to protect herself, her daughter Karen and her granddaughter Allyson, a teenager separated from her family and enjoying Halloween festivities.









I loved it! The book is just like the movie with a few more things in the book that I'm hoping are in the deleted scenes when the movie comes out! At least I hope it will have deleted scenes!






Happy Reading!

Mel ♥

Fairyloot October Unboxing ♥

It's that time again =)





 And now the wonderful items =) 

The first three things are a bookmark from The Poppy War, a wonderful candle of Aelin from the Throne of Glass and some peppermint green tea (Wren's Secret). 


Here are some of the artwork, bookmarks, postcards. 



We got an awesome deck of cards from The Cruel Prince by Holly Black! 


Next we have a cute keychain inspired by The Winner's Curse and Grisha pin badges set! 


Next is an awesome Mourners Beanie (winter hat) inspired by the Six of Crows. 





 


 We have a pair of Deceptive Queen Socks inspired by Red Queen 



And for some reason I got another one of these scrolls that was in another box. But that's okay =) 



And the beautiful pink spray edges book of Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan! 


From the card: The book is inspired by Asian mythology, and is about a girl taken from her home to become a concubine to a demon king along with eight other girls. This story is about finding strength, fighting for freedom and love. It has an exclusive cover, sprayed edges and is signed by the author! 



I hope you guys enjoyed! 

Happy Reading! 

Mel ♥

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Kingdom Of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.







If you want to see pictures of my wall art then just scroll all the way down past the other pictures. This is how much I love this series. Also, let it be known (that I'm crazy) that I have the hardback, audible, kindle, special paperback on its way and then ordered the complete hardback box set! Yeah!





THIS. BOOK. WAS. EVERYTHING.... TO ME!

I loved this last installment so much. All of the characters I love were in it. There was torture, sadness, war, happiness and so much more. I cried <-- I mean of course I did, that's what I do!

I'm not giving out any spoilers, I just wanted to say it's perfect for me. I really wish it never came to an end but there are only certain things you can do in certain series without messing it up. At least, that's my take on it.

I really have no words peeps. I'm going to leave it here because there are so many that are going to be talking about this, I really wish I had a real life friend that read books that I do so we could talk on the phone about it.

Anyhoo, enjoy my pictures. I have some funko's I'm making slowly and changing the ones I have made. I am working on a couple of walls that I have dedicated to book art and my photography! I hated removing those book shelves but I'm loving my art. (Will do a wall and new bookshelf tour later on)

This first pic is just a couple of things. Later on I will do the whole shelf tour when more things arrive and get made.




My wall art of Aelin & Rowan



And the beautiful, Manon!



More to come my lovelies ... xoxo

Mel ♥


AMAZON REVIEW 

GOODREADS REVIEW  

Noric Wilderness - Coloring Book - By Claire Scully

Untouched nature, deep blue fjords, impenetrable forests, rugged cliffs, wolves, owls, and bears – journey into the wild landscape of the Nordic Wilderness with this new coloring book by artist Claire Scully. Discover the species that populate the region and bring the wild beauty of the North to life with your own colors. With some perforated foldout pages that provide scope for panoramic coloring, this irresistible book offers the perfect escape from everyday life.



I have colored 3 pictures out of the book so far! I hope you like them =)







Happy Coloring =)

Mel ♥



Jesus Always by Sarah Young 2018 Edition

Experience true joy, now and always. With Scripture and personal reflections, bestselling author Sarah Young (with more than 22 million units sold) brings Jesus' message of joy, for today and every day, in this deluxe new leathersoft edition of Jesus Always.
Life is full of difficulties: loss, sadness, fear. In the midst of these challenges, joy often feels out of reach. But Jesus has more for you than a life of striving, pain, and discontent. He offers life abundant and life brimming with joy! Jesus Always, now available in a small deluxe format,was written as part of Sarah Young’s exploration of the promises of joy in Scripture. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, Jesus Always invites you into a new way of living a life of joy.
Millions of readers have been touched by Sarah Young's message of peace in Jesus Calling®. In her first 365-day devotional since Jesus Calling®, Sarah brings a message of joy in Jesus Always Small Deluxe. The striking leathersoft cover and beautiful design make this an elegant gift or self-purchase.
Reaching out with joy-filled reminders from the Word of God, these devotions will intimately and gently connect you with Jesus, the One who meets you where you are. Draw near to Him in Jesus Always Small Deluxe.


I received a copy of this book through BookLookBloggers.

In reading the author's introduction, I found out that she has some medical issues like I do and it is unbelievable! I do feel like she handles it much better than I do. I'm hoping through wonderful books like this one, I can find my way to still be happy, to not feel like God just keeps punishing me. And with the way the author writes as if Jesus/God is talking straight to you is absolutely fantastic!

I just love it!

Happy Reading!

Mel
❤️


 

Friday, October 19, 2018

Halloween the Movie! First mark off my after cancer list!


So, I made this list like they told us to do for after cancer treatment. They said do something great, do something you haven't done in a long time or do something you have wanted to do. In my case with mental illness it has kept me home bound for years and I haven't seen a moving since before 2008. But when you fight cancer and have to worry all of the time if it's going to come back and every check up is a night mare (next check in November!) then you want to try a few things. 

My first thing was to go stand in the water at Red Clay but things never seemed to work out and me and dad left it too long so it's too cold to stand in the water. I hope I'm still around to do it when it's warm. 

NEXT! I had for me and mom to go see one of my favorite movies of all time: Halloween! Now yesterday we did a mini shopping spree which just about wiped me out, nevermind the agoraphobia and panic! My damn pain from arthritis and I'm assuming extra arthritis pain from chemo and radiation just about took me out of the running. So we got home and I told her I think trying to go see Halloween is going to be too much for me. This of course bummed me out because it would be two things off my list that I wouldn't get to do. NOTE:  I did enjoy the shopping because I got some bags of goodies (for Halloween) to take to the cancer patients where I got chemo and got them some Christmas stuff for when I go back in December. I have a port cleaning and bloodwork next week and I should have the same in December so it all works out. 

Anywayyyyyy..... I got up this morning and kept saying to myself to go to the movie. Push myself to go. I called the theater at 8:36 and talked to the manager and they were very kind and said if something happened they would refund my money. (And yes, most theaters will answer that early because I had friends that were managers when I was younger!) I actually got to talk to said manager after the movie and they were super nice and was so happy I made it through the movie as well as me and mom. 

The above picture of me and mom is crazy because we can't work a camera and the poster was way above us and we didn't think to take a long distance shot where you could see us all. I shake my head! 

Anyway, here are a couple of pics of the poster itself and inside the theater. 


We were in aisle G =)




It made my day when I saw Michael. 

I hope you all enjoyed my little trip down memory lane even though it was just this mornings memory lane. Lol. I did have to fight through some panic on and off but I made it and now I hope I don't get sick, but you guys saw my big mask and I had stuff for my hands. 

I will add more things as I go a long. 

Love, 

Mel ♥

Nerdy Post Unboxing ~ Dragons!

We got a lovely October Dragon box! Yes! 



First up we have a double sided bookmark that is too cool! Side 1) "Never take a toy from a dragon. Don't you know anything?" How to train your Dragon 2
Side 2) "It is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them?" Wizard of Earthsea


Next we have a TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT POSTCARD PACK
Hungarian Horntail
Chinese Fireball
Swedish Short Snout
Common Welsh Green


Some really beautiful artwork to frame and the signature Nerdy Post coloring postcard 


Next we have a mini candle, and two stickers 


 Then there is a beautiful dragon pin and a dragon magnet! 


We have a dragon scarf which I only took a picture of the head part =) 


We have an awesome t-shirt with a quote from Gandalf ~ Lord of the Rings 


And last but not least, we have a gorgeous 8 x 10 print that I already put in one of my frames. I have run out of frames and room so I'm going to have to start putting them in my 8 x 10 binder =( But at least the dragons made it on one of my shelves =) 


I hope you guys have enjoyed! 

Mel ♥ 

Owlcrate October Unboxing

Lost in a Bookstore 
 
 
First up we have tea and a tea strainer 
 
  • If you've been on the hunt for the perfect tea for fall/winter, look no further! This delicious choco mint truffle tea from The Tea Spot is so soothing and yummy. Perfect for a chilly evening! 
  • Use your super cute exclusive tea strainer when you brew up your tea! Team Owlcrate created this silicone heart-shaped strainer just for you, with the help of designer Michelle Gray. 
  
 
 
  • Take your canvas clutch purse with you the next time you're on a trip to the bookstore. We created this pouch so that it was big enough to fit most small books, so you can protect your read on the go! Exclusively designed by the lovely Bookworm Boutique! 
I have to say that I really love the clutch purse and it's made out of sturdy material! ~ Mel 
 
 
 
 
  • Time to get cozy! Wear your awesome exclusive book nerd socks and show off your reader pride. Made by our friends at Out of Print and Underlined! 
  • What would the Mirror of Erised's reflection show if you gazed into it? We have a feeling for many of us it would be piles of books, and a letter to Hogwarts! Michelle Gray illustrated this adorable exclusive art print.  
  • Also in the picture is our monthly pin =)
 
 
 
 WE GOT TWO BOOKS THIS MONTH! 
 
  • Zuri has grown up in Brooklyn, and she has a lot of pride for where she's from. Lately though, she can't help but feel the ramifications that gentrification is having on the neighborhood she knows and loves. When a wealthy family moves in next door, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons. But when her older sister starts to fall for one of the boys, Zuri works on finding common ground with them, and her initial judgements begin to shift. Pride by Ibi Zoboi is the Pride and Prejudice retelling we've been waiting for! We hop you love this exclusive signed edition, which comes with a letter from the author and a matching bookmark! 
 
 
 
I think the outside of the book and the inside covers are stunning ~ Mel 
 
  • At the end of the millennium, whoever holds the ancient scroll will be granted one wish from the great Kami Dragon. Yumeko, a kitsune shapeshifter, loses everything when a demon destroys the temple she calls home, as well as everyone she's ever known. She escapes with a piece of the treasured scroll, and embarks on a quest  to find the other missing pieces. Fate throws her into the path of Tatsumi, a demon slaying shadow warrior who's only mission is to find the scroll. . .and kill anyone who stands in his way. Shadow of the Fox is filled with incredible world building, Japanese folklore and culture, and the most unforgettable characters. This is also an exclusive signed edition, comes with a letter from the author Julie Kagawa, and a matching bookmark! 
 
   
 
Happy Reading!
 
Mel ♥