Tag: bionic bookworm

AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 10 All-Time Favourites

Posted on by J.W. Martin

That’s right. This week, Shanah’s Top 5 Tuesday is a TOP 10! And it’s one of the easiest/hardest topics. All-time favourites. It’s like trying to pick favourite songs or movies off all time. A lot of titles come to mind instantly, but I feel like I’m going to forget some.

Odds are pretty good that it’s going to be the same books that always end up in my T5T posts. Let’s find out!

Ready Player One

We all knew it was going to be on here, so might as well get it out of the way first.

Golden Son (Red Rising Series)

The Red Rising Trilogy/Series was another no-brainer, but it I had to pick JUST ONE book, I would have to go with Golden Son. It’s like the Empire Strikes Back of the series. So good.

Hex

There’s probably something creepier out there, but I haven’t read it!

Six of Crows book cover

Six of Crows

I love a good heist, and this is one of the best.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Can’t wait to see this movie, though we all know it won’t be as good.

The Graveyard Book

I was shocked at how much I loved this book. Especially since it’s a children’s book and I didn’t read until I was an adult.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

One of the most recent reads on the list, but it was just so delighted/shocked/infuriated at every turn that I couldn’t leave it off the list.

Godsgrave (Nevernight Series)

Like Red Rising, it’s really the series (so far) I’m putting on my list, but I have to pick one of the two released titles, it’s Godsgrave all the way.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

I’m not usually much for historical fiction, but this one surrounds the birth of the comic book industry, something I’ve loved my whole life.

Steelheart

Speaking of superheroes, this book is everything you’d want from a sci-fi/urban fantasy and so cinematic it’s like watching a movie in your brain.

Fun fact about this post: This was way more fun and way less torture than I thought it was going to be…
AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 5 Debut Novels

Posted on by J.W. Martin

Feels like it’s been forever since I took part in one of Shanah’s Top 5 Tuesdays. It probably hasn’t been that long, but sometimes life picks up the pace, and everything seems to fall away and then you go, “how do I do stuff again?”

Top 5 Debuts Novels. Those lucky melon farmers that get their first book published and are met with fame and acclaim. I hate them. And I love them.

The Martian

The Name of the Wind

The Bear and the Nightingale

Red Rising

Ready Player One

Fun fact about this post: Harry Potter isn’t physically on this list, but it’s there in spirit…

 

AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 5 Books in Space

Posted on by J.W. Martin

When I first saw this week’s topic for Shanah’s Top 5 Tuesday, I got really excited. I’ve always gravitated toward stories of fantasy and sci-fi, so I felt like I’d be able to make a really great list. But then when I started to think about it, and eliminate all the sci-fi titles that never actually got out into space, I realized something: I really haven’t read many space books. So this is more of a top 3, though it references more than 5 books in the end.

Andy Weir’s Books

I know. They aren’t a series. But I like to think that The Martian and Artemis take place in the same world, hundreds of years apart. Weir’s writing uses top shelf technology and explains it well enough for a 5 year old to understand. Reading Weird has the tendency to make you feel like a genius, but the whole time it’s Weir that’s the genius.

Illuminae

The Illuminae Files

Someone is yelling, “WHAT ABOUT OBSIDIO?” right now. While I’m totally confident it belongs here, I haven’t read it yet. Relax, I will be reading it this year.

Red Rising

Are you shocked that Red Rising made it onto yet another one of my lists? No? I didn’t think so. There’s also Iron Gold, the first book to a new trilogy within the Red Rising world. Again, I’m sure it belongs here, but it remains on my shelf, unread. I’m a horrible person. I know.

Fun fact about this post: Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system, even though it’s second closest to the sun. 450 degrees on average. Mercury, the closest, has no atmosphere to regulate temperature causing extreme fluctuations.
AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 10 bad ass females

Posted on by J.W. Martin

Yes, this Shanah’s Top 5 Tuesday post, but there are too many bad ass females to list. I felt many of them were the obvious and cliche choice, but don’t deserve to be taken off the list because of that. In an effort to celebrate both veterans and rookies alike, I present my Top 10 Tuesday list of bad ass females.

Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)

The one that’s going to be on everyone’s list today. At first, she seems too proper and upstanding to be a bad ass. But stick around for any one year of schooling and you’ll end up seeing her bad ass side. Especially if you make it to the third year or later.

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

I feel like the movies have made this a choice that some will scoff at. But really, how bad ass is Katniss? She made the bow and arrow cool again. And it was never uncool. So that’s saying something!

Nyneave al’Meara (The Wheel of Time)

Robert Jordan’s multi million-word epic has many, many bad ass females, but Nyneave is my personal fav. So much raw power, so much attitude, but a heart to match them both. She won’t stand to be pushed around, but if you try to push around those that she feels she’s responsible for, you’re in much bigger trouble.

Illuminae

Hanna Donnelly (The Illuminae Files)

Kady, too. But Hanna just a little more what with the physical ass kicking stats to look at.

Mustang (Red Rising)

You didn’t think I would make a list like this and not mention Red Rising’s bad ass, did you?

Art3mis (Ready Player One)

Speaking of books you knew I was going to mention, Art3mis lands among a sea of dudes and not only shows that she’s just as good as any of them, but in a lot of cases, she’s better.

Six of Crows book cover

Inej (Six of Crows)

The chimney scene. ‘Nuff said.

Vin (Mistborn)

Mistborn I only discovered recently, and Vin made it among the ladies on this list just about instantly.

Nevernight

Mia Corvere (Nevernight)

Yup. I feel like if I left Mia off of this list, I would end up stabbed.

Sancia Grado (Foundryside)

One of those rookies that I mentioned. Her abilities in the “magic” of her system and the pure perseverance makes her a total badass.

Fun fact about this post: My brain is mush and had to look up proper spelling of several names…

 

AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 5 books that need to be a movie

Posted on by J.W. Martin

This week in Shanah’s Top 5 Tuesday we’re talking about books that need to be movies. It’s a little different than just your favourite books. These books have scenes that I was able to visualize so clearly, with special effects and all, that I now NEED to see those scenes play out for real in front of my eyes (even though Hollywood has a talent for screwing up most adaptations.)

Six of Crows book cover

Six of Crows

The scene that jumps out of me the most is when Inej is climbing up the chimney, shoes melting, hands burning, but keeps going regardless.

Steelheart

There’s an amazing scene where a man who acts more like a mentor through most of the book suddenly lets loose and fights a bunch of soldiers. So intense.

Illuminae

Illuminae Files

No specific scene on this one. I need to see the WHOLE THING!

Red Rising

I need to see Sevro and howlers cutting their way out of a very clever hiding place.

Nevernight

Nevernight

Oddly enough, I really want to see the training scenes!

Fun fact about this post: I worked really hard to keep things spoiler-free!
AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 5 Books on My Christmas Wishlist

Posted on by J.W. Martin

This week’s Top 5 Tuesday, hosted by Shanah the Bionic Bookworm, is one that everyone can relate to. THE BOOKS WE WANT! No matter how many or how few books you’ve read, if you love books, there are a pile that you want. The only problem when putting together a list like this is keeping it to 5! How about a top 500 Tuesday?

The Etymoligicon by Mark Forsyth

My interest in non-fiction has been higher this year than it’s ever been before. My life-long love or words, and the wannabe writer inside me, makes this book all about the little known meanings and connection of the words we use every day an easy decision.

Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff

Nevernight was incredible. Going into it, I already knew it was going to be great based on trusted opinions of others. And still I was surprised by it. Can’t wait to continue this series.

Obsido by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Will 2019 be the year I actually finish some of the series I’ve started? I have my doubts, but here’s to trying!

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

This book has been around over 10 years I just found out about it recently. “Young Locke Lamora dodges death and slavery, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist.” It. Sounds. Awesome.

Blood, Sweat, and Pixels:
Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind how Video Game Are Made by Jason Schreier

Look at that. More non-fiction. This one appeals to my life-long obsession with video games. It’ll be interesting to take a peak behind this particular curtain.

Fun fact about this post: Is there anything more confusing than not being able buy books as holiday gifts for everyone you know?
AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 5 books I didn’t get to in 2018

Posted on by J.W. Martin

Top 5?! HA! How about a top 500? 5,000! 5 MILLION! But 1) who has time to write a post that long? And 2) who would actually put up with my terrible writing to read a post that long? 1) no one and 2) my mom.

My TBR, bookshelf, and phone are all full of books that I totally wanted to read this year, and didn’t. I feel like I’ve ranted and raved enough about what might truly be my “top 5” that I’m going to pick 5 that are still very near the top, but I might not have mentioned a thousands times before. And they’re all books that are physically sitting on my bookshelf RIGHT NOW! Most of them have been there for a year…

As always, Top 5 Tuesday is the favourite meme of many bloggers and is hosted by Shanah the Bionic Bookworm. If you aren’t doing it, you’re missing out.

Sea of Rust

Easily one of my favourite covers of all time, yet I still haven’t found the time to open that beautiful cover and read what’s inside. If it’s even half as sweet as the cover, I’m in for a hell of a story.

The Book Thief

SO many people have told me this is one of their favourite books of all time. I don’t know what to say… I’ve enjoyed having it on my TBR?

All Rights Reserved

Such a unique premise. I’ve heard lukewarm things about the actual story, but I still HAVE to read this one.

Vicious

Ugh. The further I get into this post, the worse I feel about myself. I blame the ARCs. ARCs KEPT ME FROM READING ALL OF THESE!

Iron Gold

This one, I think, has to be my worst crime. I’m such a fan of the Red Rising series that I’ll push it on anyone who’ll listen (or even pretend to listen.) I went out the day it was on shelves and got my copy. And yet, have not even started it.

Fun fact about this post: Got the classic editor back! For those of you screaming, “HOW?! TELL ME OR DIE!” The classic editor is now a free add-on. Download it. Activate it. Done and done.
AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 5 worlds I want to live in

Posted on by J.W. Martin

If you could live in any fictional world, what would you chose? A world of magic? Or something more futuristic? In this week’s Top 5 Tuesday, hosted by the Bionic Book Worm, we look at Worlds we want to live in!!

Hogwarts | Harry Potter

Is there anyone who’s NOT going to have this on their list? I mean, really. It’s fantasy, yet the real world. You could have a world a magic and still get to keep your cell phone.

The Oasis | Ready Player One

This one’s actually possible one day. In my lifetime? I sure hope so. And at the rate technology is moving forward, it’ll be before I’ve even hit middle age!

Cabeswater | The Raven Cycle

Really, I just want to be able to dream stuff into the real world.

Heart of Gold | Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

It seems like a ship that can do anything, and I mean ANYTHING. All the things we’ve seen it do, and I have a feeling that’s just scratching the surface.

The Graveyard in Old Town | The Graveyard Book

This one comes with a stipulation that I get the same abilities/permissions that Bod had. I don’t wear all black. I don’t listen to emo. I don’t want to just hang out in a cemetery unless I can talk to all the dead people in it.

Fun fact about this post: There are plenty of other worlds that I think are really cool like Middle-Earth, The Silo from Wool, Jump Station Heimdall, and The Red Church, but most of these places would end with my quick and certain death.
AllBook Tag

The Fall Book Tag 2018

Posted on by J.W. Martin

I did this tag last year, but the tag’s creator, Shanah the Bionic Book Worm, has brought it out of retirement for 2018. I was a fan of it last year, so I thought I’d do it again, but making sure to use different books than last time. 

CRISP FALL AIR – A BOOK THAT FELT FRESH AND NEW:

Grim Lovelies

Finished this one pretty recently, but I was just blown away at how everything seemed familiar yet new and fresh at the same time.

HOWLING WINDS – AN ENDING THAT BLEW YOU AWAY:

The Final Empire (Mistborn, Book 1) 

Again, maybe it’s because I literally just finished it and it’s still fresh in my mind, but it was awesome. And not awesome. But, still, awesome.

COMFY SWEATERS – A BOOK THAT GAVE YOU THE WARM AND FUZZIES:

Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe

Probably because Neanderthal feels like a brother from another mother. When something good happens to him, it’s like something good happening to myself or someone in my family.

BRIGHT COLOURS – A COVER WITH RED, ORANGE, OR YELLOW:

The Fireman

LEAF FIGHT – A BOOK WITH NON STOP ACTION:

Gemina

Yes, I’m a little behind. No, I still haven’t read Obsidio, BUT I WILL! Promise.

PUMPKIN SPICE – YOUR MOST ANTICIPATED READ:

This was a tough one, so I picked two. That’s a lot better than picking 14 like I wanted to!

Fun fact about this post: I centered everything except this line, thus infuriating people with OCD everywhere.
AllMemesTop 5 Tuesday

Top 5 Characters I WOULDN’T Take into a Haunted House

Posted on by J.W. Martin

This week’s Top 5 Tuesday, hosted by Shanah the Bionic Bookworm, is super fun. The idea is characters you DON’T want to bring into a haunted house. The way I’m looking at it, I’m not thinking of a ‘just for fun’ haunted house full of actors. I’m talking, “I’m going into Hill House, who’s NOT coming with me?”

The Black Rock Witch
(Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt)

Whatever house you walk into with the witch from Hex is now a Haunted House. She’s number one on a different list called, “Characters you’d want to walk out of a haunted house.” Cause in reverse, the witch from Hex walks out of a haunted house and it becomes an ordinary, boring house.

Sevro
(Red Rising by Pierce Brown)

To be fair, he’d keep me safe, but he’d keep using me as bait. I’d never know where he was, something to come for me, and he’d jump out of a closet (or a dead horse) and take the thing down.

Ashlinn
(Nevernight by Jay Kristoff)

Something super scary would happen, I’d turn around to Ashlinn for help and she’d be gone. Not only would she be gone, but I’d also find my achilles tendons slashes, leaving me unable to run. Yes, I’d effectively me an immobile snack for whatever came along. Oh, and all of my things, like any weapons or valuables, would also suddenly be gone.

Bod
(The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman)

He’d know everyone and everything in the haunted house like they’ve been besties forever. They’d all be socializing and catching up while I’m standing on the sidelines, not talking to anyone. So now I’m feeling awkward AND there’s pee running down my leg. Who’s idea was this, anyway?

Hermione or Harry
(Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling)

You might think they’d be good ones to take with me. Battling evil and whatnot, but no. They’re far too heroic. It’s easy to look like a hero next to Shaggy and Scooby Too, but standing next to Hermione I’d look like a puddle of wuss. Just soaked in my own urine, ugly crying, while Hermione flicks and swishes all the monsters out of existence. It’s just not good for my image, okay?!

Fun fact about this post: I don’t know for a fact that I’d wet myself in a haunted house. It’s just not the kind of thing I’m willing to rule out just yet.