The Quiet Concert: November 2013

Stacking the Shelves (48) - Nov 30th

Stacking the Shelves - hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews features books that you bought, borrowed, rented from the library, received for review, etc.

This is what's on my shelf for upcoming reads:

These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Unbreakable (The Legion #1) by Kami Garcia

What books are stacking your shelves??

November 2013 Recap

We had some interesting discussions on the blog this month: 'To Sign or Not to Sign' and 'Am I Being Unfair to YA'. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts with us!
We got to meet up in Maryland for an afternoon to scope out some bridesmaids dresses for Ashley's wedding!
Nicole discovered Chai Tea Lattes.
THANKSGIVING. We are currently suffering from food comas.

REVIEW: World After (Penryn & the End of Days #2) by Susan Ee

Title: World After

Author: Susan Ee

Publisher: Skyscape

Release Date: November 19, 2013

Pages: 315, Paperback
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads:

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

WHERE DO I START?! How about with Penryn? Kickass, loyal, capable Penryn. She ROCKS. I didn't mind being in her head at all. She was practical, smart, independent...

It's only natural to mention Raffe now. Oh, Raffe. *sigh*. If you keep kicking all the bad guys asses and being sweet on Penryn, I might never be satisfied loving a a mere human again. Stoppit, dammit.

But this book is not a romance! Penryn and Raffe have a few tender moments together but they are mostly apart. Oh but when they are together... *swoon*

THIS BOOK. Describing this book as dark wouldn't be enough because that word is thrown around so casually BUT THIS BOOK IS DARK. It is scary as all hell, and gruesome and violent, and crazy and just all kinds of DARK things. Those scorpion monster things WILL HAUNT ME. Sadly, Paige will haunt me too. *shudders*

I have to mention Pooky Bear (the archangel sword). I feel like this sword was a character in a way. I love what Susan Ee did with it and the conversation between Raffe and Penryn over the name made me laugh out loud.

So you want to hear about plot and pacing and development and what not, don't you? Well that was also SPOT ON Seriously, this book is just one fast-paced, insane ride of awesomesauce. If you haven't started reading this series yet than WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR.

WAIT I ALMOST FORGOT TO MENTION THE ENDING. It was EPICCCCCC.

So if you couldn't decipher my fangirling (I don't blame you), it would be simplest to say that I liked everything and disliked nothing. This is such a well written, exciting book/series that I recommend it highly. I love Angelfall, I loved World After, and I cannot wait to read whatever comes next.

Top Ten Totally Random Little Things in Life That We Are Thankful For

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten list is "Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For (could be bookish or not -- up to you)".

Ok, so we are obviously thankful for our family and friends and health and books and all that good stuff, but to keep things light and fun we decided to name Ten Totally Random Little Things in Life That We Are Thankful For. :)

Tea! It always puts me in a better mood. It tastes delicious, I feel healthy when I drink it, it often has caffeine in it, and it warms me up on a daily basis in my freezing cold office. The flavor I've been craving lately? Peppermint!

Christmas and everything related! This is seriously my favorite time of year. I love the decorations and the cookies and the snow and the music and the holiday cheer and on and on... It's magical.

Sunrises/Sunsets. Such simple, everyday things that can be so breathtakingly beautiful.

Nail polish. My latest obsession. Funny because I never used to be one to paint my nails. But I've been enjoying painting my nails different colors lately. It makes me feel girly.

DVR. Because I never watch shows when they actually air.

My Keurig! I love the instant gratification of making the perfect sized mug of coffee whenever I want, I use it everyday. I also love all the flavors k-cups come in.

Hoodies. I lounge around my apartment in hoodies all the time. They are so comfortable and I can rep my college at the same time.

The dog station at my apartment complex. They provide little doggie bags and a trashcan, makes walking the dog even nicer. No excuses for people not to pick up after their dog!

Phone Camera because lately I am always forgetting my digital camera and have to resort to my iPhone camera. It allows me to capture all those special random moments :)

E-Meal Planning. My fiance and I are trying this, we saw it on Living Social and figured we would give it a shot. The company sends us a 7 meals with a grocery shopping list and lets us know what is on sale. It makes coming home and making dinner almost stress free.