Yellow Brick War

Title: Yellow Brick War

Author: Danielle Page

First Published: March 15th 2016

Series: Dorothy Must Die #3

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 270

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

In this dark, action-packed third book in the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die series, Amy Gumm—the new girl from Kansas—must do everything in her power to save Kansas, kill Dorothy, and make Oz a free land once more.

Amy Gumm’s mission to take down Dorothy Gale is not going according to plan. Dorothy has found a way to bridge the worlds of Oz and Kansas, and if the power-hungry dictator of Oz has her way, Kansas will be destroyed forever. Now, Amy has to team up with the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked to save her home, restore the balance between the magic and nonmagic worlds, maybe get the guy—and kill that not-so-sweet Kansas farm girl once and for all.

In the third installment of the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die series, Danielle Paige’s twisted versions of beloved Oz characters are back, including the biggest, baddest, most famous of all: the Wicked Witch of the West.

Welcome to the other side of the rainbow. Here there’s danger around every corner, and magic shoes won’t be able to save you.

Infinity Dreams Award

Before I begin, I would like to say a huge thank you to Caroline @ Just Another Bookish Blog for tagging me! Now, let's begin with the rules.

1. Give 11 facts about yourself.
2. Answer the 11 questions set by the one who nominated you.
3. Nominate 11 bloggers to get this award.
4. Ask the bloggers you've nominated to answer your own 11 questions.
5. Bonus points: Answers your questions in a vlog!

11 facts about me

1. I used to play the violin - gave up after 2 years. I just couldn't seem to be able to do anything with the violin, everything I played sounded like dying cats.

2. My favourite TV shows are Supernatural and Merlin.

3. I have never been to the US. :(

4. I really like Pop! vinyl figures, but I only have two: Sam Winchester and Castiel.

5. I know how to speak English, French, Chinese and a tiny bit of Spanish. I really want to learn Japanese as well.

6. My first Dystopian book was The Hunger Games.

7. The only Shakespeare plays I've read are Romeo and Juliet, and the Merchant of Venice. I really want to read Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream too!

8. I really like salty things over sweet things. I'd choose crisps over chocolate!

9. I prefer something with action and danger, rather than a story of teenagers in high school.

10. I wear glasses :)

11. I'm in Ravenclaw (according to Pottermore, hehe)

The 11 questions asked by Caroline

1. Chocolate and what?
Chocolate and strawberries! :)

2. What's your favourite club at school/university?
This will sound so nerdy of me, but there's a math club at school I really enjoy going to.

3. Do you bake? What do you like baking?
I don't bake, but my best friend makes me help her bake. We've tried macarons before - disaster!

4.  Favourite ARC you've received?
I haven't received enough ARCs to choose from... :P

5. Favourite colour?
Blue, definitely. Especially darker blue.

7. Sparkly water or still water?
Still all the way!

8. If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be?
On a beach somewhere (preferably somewhere tropical), reading.

9. Favourite line of the last movie/episode you wanted of ______?
"How long have you been training to be a prat, my Lord?" - Merlin (Season 1, episode 1)

10. Outside or inside?
Inside, because I'm an indoors person.

11. Do you know what a raspberry JollyRancher is? If not, what do you think it is? Then, look it up and tell me your reaction!
No, I have no idea what that is. It sounds like a type of food, ice cream maybe?
After search results:
Aah, so I wasn't that far off. Okay, I was in the sector of 'sweet'. Looks good though! :D

Nominations:

1. Tasya @ The Literary Huntress
2. Fiona @ A Girl Between the Pages
3. Laura @ Blue Eye Books
4. Brittany @ Space Between The Spines
5. Cait @ Paper Fury
6. Charnell @ Reviews From A Bookworm
7. Zoe @ Stories on a Stage
8. Denise @ The Bibliolater
9. Erika @ Books, Stars, and the Pages in Between
10. Aizel @ One Page At A Time
11. Cody-Leigh @ Literary-ly Obsessed

My 11 questions!

1. Favourite TV show?

2. If you could go to Camp Half Blood/Camp Jupiter or Hogwarts, which one would you choose?

3. Which book character would you want to be BFFs with?

4. What mythical creature would you like to be?

5. If you had to live off one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

6. Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, or What Would You Rather? (and by this I mean the games, not the Sara Shepherd books!)

7. Your favourite place to be?

8. One book you will never read again

9. Your favourite Greek myth?

10. What one magical power would you like?

11. One language you would really like to learn.

That's it! I hope you enjoyed reading this post, and I hope you will enjoy answering these questions! Have a good day! :)

Captain America Civil War Book Tag!

I was nominated by Tasya - thanks so much! Check out her post here. I was really excited to see this tag. I haven't had the chance to see the movie yet, but rest assured I will ASAP. BUT I am still team Captain America! This tag was created by Jennifer @ Wonderland Review here, be sure to check it out!

Ok, let's begin.

Rules

• Thank the person who tagged you
• Tag anyone you want! 

Team Captain America

Captain America: Name a character who always does the right thing. (If you aren't Team CA, change this to a character who thinks he always does the right thing) 

It's so difficult to find someone who always does the right thing, because everyone screws up from time to time. I think Annabeth does the right thing 98% of the time, though she has made mistakes from time to time. She's a trustworthy character though!








Falcon: A loyal character

Violetta from The Young Elites! She's stuck with her sister for so long, even though Adelina's views are pretty warped and twisted. No matter what Adelina does, Violetta still seems to support her sister. But, I'm not sure how far this loyalty will last.






Hawkeye: A character who is extremely good at something specific (like Hawkeye and his bow)

The first person who jumps to mind is Katniss Everdeen! She's amazing with her bow (like Hawkeye) and she never misses her target. Plus, they both look absolutely badass with a bow :)



Ant-Man: A character who is just happy to tag along

This is so Tyson! He's such a bundle of sunshine, and he's just happy to help Percy and Annabeth. Blindly oblivious and too optimistic at times, but he is a great friend to everyone.







Agent 13: A character you're super nervous about

Mayor Prentiss from The Knife of Never Letting Go! He seems like the ultimate dystopian leader, always wanting the 'best' for everyone, and isn't afraid of the lengths he'll go to get what he wants. Now that Todd is once again in his clutches, what will happen?





Winter Soldier: A character whose mind isn't entirely their own

I'd say Holland, especially in A Gathering of Shadows! Poor Holland, he's not even a bad guy. I hope everything ends well for him. He was only trying to make things right... :(









Scarlet Witch: A character who started out on the wrong side but ended up joining the team

Cal from Red Queen started out on the side of the Silvers, obviously, but after a certain betrayal, he finally switched to help the Scarlet Guard in Glass Sword. Although the Scarlet Guard may be cruel and corrupt in some areas, their goals are clearer and more on the side of 'the greater good', so I would say that's the right 'team'.




Bonus - Winter Soldier and Captain America: Two characters who have been friends for a long time

This is definitely Jem and Will from TID! Not only are they parabatai, but they have a strong brotherly relationship. They even seem closer than Alec and Jace. Jem and Will go together like Yin and Yang.

Team Iron Man

Iron Man: A character who doesn't seem to learn from their mistakes (If you are Team IM, change this to a character willing to stand up to his friends for what he believes in)

Who doesn't learn? Todd! Every time he doesn't kill someone, they come back later to try and kill Todd. Come on Todd. Yes, it's refreshing to see a YA character having trouble with killing, but there should be a limit to how many times he refuses to kill.









War Machine: A character who is always showing off his 'big guns'

I think Bellamy from the 100 is always trying to prove that he can survive just fine on his own. He's quite antisocial, but he does care about his sister and Clarke. 

Black Widow: Badass female character who also has a soft side

This is so Kestrel! She's very intelligent and cunning, but she doesn't want to fight for her country. She'd rather get married. Woah, I know right? How often do we get YA female characters like this? Basically never. It's great that Kestrel can be so badass and girly - we need some change around here.






Black Panther: A character out for revenge

Nathan, especially during Half Lost, was blinded by anger and hatred for Annalise. He was bloodthirsty for revenge. Nothing got in his way and he was completely ruthless. A bit frightening to see the transition from young, innocent boy to cold, closed-off man, but that's that.





Vision: A character you're unsure about

Rhysand from ACOTAR as well! He is so mysterious, and I am not sure about his intentions towards Feyre yet. He's definitely hiding something, but I don't think he's the evil one.







Spider Man: A character you were afraid just wasn't going to fit in

I wasn't sure if Winter from the Lunar Chronicles would fit in with the gang, especially with Scarlet previously being her 'pet', though Winter is a sweetheart and would never hurt anyone.







Pepper Potts (Not sure she's in this movie anyway): A character who uses their intelligence

Kaz is definitely a cunning person. He's smart, especially street smart. He has so many tricks up his sleeve that everyone else won't know until it's too late.










Bonus - Captain America vs. Iron Man: Pick: Two characters who started off as friends and are now enemies OR name two characters that are on opposing sides that you want to work together

Like most of us, I really hope Kell and Holland team up together to restore balance to all Londons! Even though they aren't the best of friends, I'm sure they actually make a good team.



Awesome! Now, to spread the fun. I tag:

Brittany @ Space Between The Spines

Caroline @ Just Another Bookish Blog

Laura @ Blue Eye Books

Kayleigh @ A Book Lovers Playlist

Sorry if I didn't tag you! If you liked this tag, feel free to join in! Even if you haven't watched the movie or don't want to watch the movie :)

The Knife Of Never Letting Go

Title: The Knife Of Never Letting Go

Author: Patrick Ness

First Published: May 5th 2008

Series: Chaos Walking #1

Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopia

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 479

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Awesome Mothers Fiction Has Given Us

In honour of Mother's Day, I have decided to put together a little list of the most awesome, most badass mothers! My post is based on the one on Goodreads, which you can view here.

1. Molly Weasley

I think we all appreciate Ms. Weasley since book one, but in this particular scene (shown in gif above), my respect rockets sky high. She's a great mother to all the Weasleys, and basically to Harry as well.

One memorable moment: when she killed Bellatrix while defending Ginny :)

2. Sally Jackson

Sally Jackson is great. She's protected Percy from Gabe and she's been there for Percy most of his life.

One memorable moment: using Medusa's head to turn Gabe into stone. Ha!

3. Natalie Prior

Tris' mom is a prominent figure in not only the first book, but also in the second and third ones as well. She's Tris' rock, the one person she can really trust with no consequences. At least we know that Tris and her mom are reunited at the end, right? 

One memorable moment: the ending of Allegiant. Enough said.

4. Mary Winchester

Okay, she hasn't been around for most of the Winchester's lives, but at least she has come back to save her sons (in season one). Plus, her occupation as ex-hunter gains her extra cool points, even if she hated it.
One memorable moment: sacrificing herself to save her sons (in season one, episode 9)

Have I missed any badass mothers? Tell me who is your favourite! I know 4 isn't a lot, but I couldn't remember or find any more. UGH I swear there should be a lot more. Anyways, have a good day!

Northern Lights

Title: Northern Lights

Author: Phillip Pullman

First Published: July 1995

Series: His Dark Materials #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 399

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

Here lives an orphaned ward named Lyra Belacqua, whose carefree life among the scholars at Oxford's Jordan College is shattered by the arrival of two powerful visitors. First, her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, appears with evidence of mystery and danger in the far North, including photographs of a mysterious celestial phenomenon called Dust and the dim outline of a city suspended in the Aurora Borealis that he suspects is part of an alternate universe. He leaves Lyra in the care of Mrs. Coulter, an enigmatic scholar and explorer who offers to give Lyra the attention her uncle has long refused her. In this multilayered narrative, however, nothing is as it seems. Lyra sets out for the top of the world in search of her kidnapped playmate, Roger, bearing a rare truth-telling instrument, the alethiometer. All around her children are disappearing—victims of so-called "Gobblers"—and being used as subjects in terrible experiments that separate humans from their daemons, creatures that reflect each person's inner being. And somehow, both Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are involved.

Who Am I? The Get To Know Me Tag!

Hi everyone! I was recently tagged in Fiona's post (thanks Fiona!) and so... If you were ever wondering who I am, here's a tag for you to find out! Plus, let's take a moment to admire the beautiful tag here:

Credits to Denise @ the Bibliolater
(Because I have no idea how to make these beautiful images!)

The Basics

Name: Cloe
Nicknames: Nooooone, really. Oh well :)
Birthday: 9th January
Star Sign: Capricorn! (Little question, who else reads all those horoscope posts on tumblr and stuff? I find them very funny)
Occupation: None yet, I'm still in high school!

How I Look Like 

Hair colour: Dark brown, light brown in the sunlight (if you squint)

Hair length: Medium length. It's past my shoulders, but not so long.

Eye colour: Browny brown

Best feature: No idea, but I'll go with the most cliche one ever: my smile ;)

Braces: Nope 

Piercings: None, but am unsure about getting any at all.

Tattoos: They look pretty cool, but I probably won't be getting any tattoos ever.

Right or left handed: Right handed!

First

Best friend: My first best friend was a girl called Franka. We spent most of primary school together, but we're not that close anymore. 

Award: Haha, it was a participation award in a gymnastics competition. Just participation - not even an award for winning anything. Oh well, we can't have everything, right? :D

Sport: Swimming

Real holiday: I went to Tokyo, Japan with my parents, and it was so fun! I remember being so lost though, because everything was in Japanese and not many people knew English at the time. 

Concert: One Direction!

Favourites

Film: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

TV show: Merlin! :)

Colour: Blue, but not like neon blue. More like a deeper blue.

Song: I don't have one single favourite, but here are a couple. King and Lionheart by Of Monsters and Men; I Found A Girl by The Vamps; Mrs Potato Head by Melanie Martinez

Restaurant: I really like this little restaurant called Pokka Café (it serves the best breakfast!)

Shop: Page One!

Books: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Young Elites by Marie Lu, A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Shoes: I like sandals and flats. I try to avoid wearing socks as much as I can.

Currently...

Feeling: Meh.

Single or taken: Single!

Eating: Cookies :)

Thinking about: Which book to read next: something that's been on my TBR for years, or something I just saw?

Watching: Trying to catch up with Supernatural. 11 seasons and counting? A lot of work!

Wearing: T-shirt and jean shorts. SO HOT AND HUMID HERE :(

Future

Children: Currently, I feel that I probably won't have children. Not until I'm 200% sure and I'm physically and mentally capable of raising another human being. 

Marriage: Sure, why not? Not now, of course. But I think I'll marry the person I really love. 

Careers: I'm thinking of becoming a doctor. That's currently number one. If not, I'd like to study biochemistry. Sounds cool, right?

Where to live: Somewhere quiet, but not too quiet. So, I guess on the outskirts of a city? Yeah, that would do.

Do you believe in...

God: No, not God. But I do believe that there's something after death. 

Miracles: Yeah, these exist. But they come rarely and only if you deserve it.

Love at first sight: No, I don't. I mean sure, attraction at first sight exists, but not love. At least, not for me. 

Ghosts: Yes. My reasoning is, even if you have no scientific evidence of them existing, you don't have evidence of them not existing, so there.

Aliens: Why not? We can't be the only people in the vast, expanding universe, right? No way are we alone. There has to be someone out there.

Soul mates: Yeah, soul mates exist. I believe that we all eventually find them, but we may not realise it. 

Heaven/hell: No heaven, no hell. 

Kissing on a first date: Sure, if you really like the person. I don't see why not.

Yourself: Sometimes? I find myself second guessing myself at times though. Don't follow my example kids, always believe in yourself! 

I tag:

Cait @ Paper Fury

Laura @ Blue Eye Books

Kayleigh @ A Book Lovers Playlist

Zoe @ Stories on Stage

And anyone who wants to join in!

May TBR

It's May now! I almost didn't realise that April was over already. As May approaches, up comes the terrible, annoying exams :( Does that mean I'll have less on my TBR? Yeah, unfortunately. But I'll try my best!

May TBR

1. The Golden Compass/Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman. Okay, technically, I started reading it on the 27th of April, but it's close enough. :) But which name is it really?









2. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton. Finally, I know! I've read all those great reviews on this book and I can't wait to finally read it! Plus, look at that cover! Isn't it beautiful?









3. (To be completely honest, I may not even make it to this book, though I sincerely hope I do.) The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. I've always wanted to read this book, and I've never got round to it, as usual. I've enjoyed other books by Ness, so I have high hopes for this one.




What is upcoming in May?

1. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas! I've been waiting so long for this book! Let the ships continue! And the action! How will Feyre cope with her new life as Fae? What will happen next? We'll have to wait and see!









2. The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan! YES back to the Greek mythology. Instead, this time, we get a book from a god's point of view. Apollo. How funny would that be? Plus, I'm sure there will be horrible haikus here and there.







3. The Crown by Kiera Cass. Following from what happened in the previous book, we'll finally see who Eadlyn's heart. Well, if she ever chooses. Will you be reading this one? Honestly, I'm losing patience with Eadlyn, but I may stick around just to see who she chooses. Or read spoilers... ;)


So, which books are on your TBR? Have you read any of mine yet? Have a good May everyone!