March/April Wrap-Up & May TBR | I’ve been busy living my best (Shadow and Bone) life!

Greetings readers!

So it has been a while since I’ve come at you with a wrap-up, hasn’t it? Let’s blame it on the fact that the end of the school semester was quite an end. I won’t go into much detail, but it is the reason I’ve been feeling a little unmotivated and uninspired with some of my blog posts. I hope to come with new material soon. Perhaps a fun tag or two!

In terms of reading though…I have had an incredible time with my reads. No lies detected. I’m at that point where I am reading faster than I can review, but it just means that I’ll have lots of great reviews coming your way soon.

What Rendz Read

~ March ~

Truly, Madly, Royally by Debbie Rigaud 3.5/5 🌟
Once Upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira 3/5 🌟
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laeken Zea Kemp 5/5 🌟
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (re-read) 5/5 🌟
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert 4/5 🌟
Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (re-read) 5/5 🌟
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Bouley 4.5/5 🌟
Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau 3/5 🌟

Grishaverse Re-Read!
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

~ April ~

The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena Rossner 3.5/5 🌟
Flamefall by Rosaria Munda 5/5 🌟
Make a Scene by Mimi Grace 5/5 🌟
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera 4.5/5 🌟
The Ikessar Flacon by K.S. Villoso (re-read) 5/5 🌟
Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras 3/5 🌟

Grishaverse re-read!
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Highlight book(s): Apart from my phenomenal rereads of The Ikessar Falcon, The Beautiful Ones and The Grishaverse reads, the top spots goes to Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, Firekeeper’s Daughter, and Flamefall!

Lowliest book(s): Nothing was truly lowly. I enjoyed all of my 3 stars they just needed more pizzazz.

The Haul

March

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp

April

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo
Velvet was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Dragon of Jin-Sayeng by K.S. Villoso
Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry

Other Going Ons

New Cover for CERTAIN DARK THINGS

As always, I try to be Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s #1 hype-person and this past March the cover for her re-release of the Mexican vampire novel she wrote was revealed and it is stunning! There is so much symbolism and colour to behold! I loved the original cover, but this one…this one has the pizzazz and spark that I’m sure will intrigue many a reader to pick it up!

via Goodreads

My Grishaverse Re-read Extravaganza!

In preparation for the show, which I talk about below, I decided to do a grand Grisha Reread and it was the best decision. I know, I know, I shouldn’t have. I really need to get focused on those ARCs that I have, but I am pleased to say that I did in fact read the majority of my e-ARCs in time (getting reviews up is another matter entirely) but all will be updated soon hopefully. But anyways. I indulged myself with this reread and I can’t complain. I enjoyed myself immensely. It hasn’t been that long since my last reread of Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows on the other hand…that is a duology I haven’t picked up since I read it the first time around when this blog was just beginning. To be concise. I loved it. I loved everything about reading these books again because 14 year old Rendz was living her best life and I want that girl to have her best!

I Attended to Bookish Events with Publishers!

Let’s just say that there are plenty of books to look forward to! Both HCC Frenzy and Penguin Teen CA had some amazing teen book previews at the end of April and I was lucky enough to attend (virtually, of course!). Wow, friends. We YA Lovers have lots to look forward to in the coming months! Here are some titles I am excited for:

I binged Shadow and Bone & lived my BEST life.

Yes, I really did spend roughly 9 hours in my room Friday, April 23rd 2021 to watch the entire series in one go. Lunch and bathroom breaks were really the only moments of not-watching that I had for most of the day. And I regret ABSOLUTELY NONE OF IT. I have waited how long for this show? Ages. Big question: Did I enjoy it? HELLS YES. MY goodness. I was screeching alongside my cousin as we shared thoughts, predictions and critiques over a series of audio and video messages on Snap Chat XD. This adaptation was definitely not perfect, but it had heart in it. I think it did a great job of melding these two different series together and bringing these beloved characters to life! 10/10 recommend you watch it (mainly because I need high ratings for a season 2! but also because it is really good!!)

As for me…I’m stalking the actors and watching cast interviews like its my job.

via Buzzfeed

Posts of the Months

I’ve been feeling a little creatively dry with blog content as of late. I’m trying to find some interesting tags or discussion topics to tackle so it you have any suggestions, I would love to know about them!

Get to Know the Fantasy Reader Tag

This was a really fun tag to take part of! Even as a serial fantasy reader I know I am always lacking or missing out on some sort of amazing story so please direct all your recommendations to me!

Infinite Country | Review // A short, but mighty read

It’s a 200 page book that you all need to read.

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet | HOV Book Tour // Review + Fan Art

I made some fun fan art for this book that I hope you all check out!

5 Reasons to read The Beautiful Ones | In other words…I lived my best life reading this masterpiece again!

I mean the title says it all. 🙂 This is one of my top SMG books, I ~need~ you all to read it. And if you love it, I need you to come yell at me about it.

Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras | Release Blitz + Review!

A quick review for the summer romance readers! The sunny days are coming and I anticipate some romcom bingeing in my future.

TBR

Well as always, I’m going to be slightly ambitious with my TBR 🙂 I will always try my hardest to get to as many books as possible I just need some good luck and good vibes from you all!

I also happen to start my summer semester this month so…le sigh. I need to take that into account as well.

Since it is Asian Heritage Month in Canada and in solidarity with my American friends celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, I plan on reading books by API authors as much as I can 🙂 I’m excited because there are some good ones of my shelf calling out to me! And it should go without saying, but a friendly reminder that we should be supporting API voices 24/7/365 and not only in May!

The Dragon of Jin-Sayeng by K.S. Villoso
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri
Rising Like a Storm by Tanaz Bhathena

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo
Indivisible by Daniel Aleman

And that’s all I have planned for now. I feel like I’m in need of some more romance-y reads especially considering I have some heavy fantasies that will leave me emotional distraught. Any recommendations by API romance authors are welcome!

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Let me know what you think! What have you read this month? What books did you get? What books are you looking forward to reading!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

April Wrap-Up & May TBR | Did I read more? Did I read less? I don’t really know

Greetings readers!

I hope you are all doing well. I know how tough it can be for a lot of people and I hope you are all taking care of yourselves out there.

April was an interesting month for me. I finished my winter semester at uni and have been on a real vacation for the past two weeks. That being said, my summer semester starts in a week so I have to be prepared to start working again.

In terms of my reading, I was pretty chill. I have been doing a lot of rereads instead of reading my ARCs which is a little naughty of me in terms of being a good blogger, but I am working on it!

Enough with the excuses, let’s get into it!

What Rendz Read!

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory 🎧 (4/5)
This Train is Being Held by Ismée Williams 🎧 (5/5)
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall 🎧 (5/5)
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai 🎧 (2/5)
Rogue Princess by B.R. Meyers 📘 (ARC) (2/5) Review
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory 🎧 (3/5)
Finale by Stephanie Garber 📘 (3/5) My Full Review
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall 🎧 (5/5)
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer 🎧 (5/5)
Island Affair 📘 (e-ARC) (3/5) Review
Cress by Marissa Meyer 🎧 (5/5)

11 books in total! Only two are actual ARCs from my pile and one is a book from my shelf I’ve had for a while. I’d say it was a successful month in terms of rereads. I got through more of the Penderwicks and the Lunar Chronicles which was the highlight of my month! The audiobook love has also been really strong and I am digging it!

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The Haul

Netgalley
Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

Giveaway Win!
Supernova by Marissa Meyer

Other Going-Ons

NARNIA MARATHON

Just before my final assignment was due to be handed in for the semester a local TV Network blessed my life by hosting a Narnia marathon. Lucky for me, my assignment was already done so I peacefully enjoyed my movies. I sat in front of the TV for 6 hours straight, much to the chagrin of my family, especially my father who couldn’t watch TV. Are the movies still excellent? Yes. Do I still have the whole first movie memorised? Also, yes.

via giphy.com

I JOINED THE CON SABOR READING CHALLENGE

It’s time to get serious with my Latinx reading y’all and I have pledged to follow along with this reading challenge in order to keep track of myself! I am very excited to be joining in because there are so many amazing Latinx reads out there to discover and I am totally ready to read them!

Con Sabor Reading Challenge 2020 |As in the Latinx style, I am super–but fashionably–late

I WON A MARISSA MEYER GIVEAWAY

It came as a total shock! I usually enter big giveaways with very little hope of winning them because one of ten thousand entries really limits your chances. But when I saw I got a DM from THE Marissa Meyer my heart leaped and when I opened and read the message, I shrieked! While I may be a bigger fan of her Lunar Chronicles, I am still very excited to now own all this signed merch and swag for the Renegades trilogy.

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Posts of the Month

TUNE & TITLE TUESDAYS!

April 7th, 2020
April 14th, 2020
April 21st, 2020
April 28th, 2020

Mood Reading | Super specific environments that make me want to read a certain genre…

Totally Didn’t Book Tag!

Some of My Favourite Book Quotes | Magical words that make me feel all sorts of way

Romance Reading Round Up | Pt. 3 // Feeling like a Single Pringle

Uh well I really am just going to play it by ear. I tried making a TBR for last month but it just didn’t work out that great. That being said there are some books I do hope to get to this month.

1. Finish my TLC audiobook reread
2. Read at least 2 *expired* ARCs
3. Read one forth coming ARC
4. Finish my Penderwicks audiobook reread

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That’s it from me. I am looking forward to my reading this month even though I have nothing absolutely set other than my rereads! I hope you are all doing well during these tough times and that reading is keeping you comfort.

Let me know what you think! How was your April? What books did you read? What books did you buy? What books are you looking forward to?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

April Wrap-Up & May TBR | I will forever be known as the blogger who posts wrap ups late late late UGH

Greetings readers!

April was a month. I already gave you kind of a round up in my last wrap up since it was posted half-way through April. So I guess I can update you on the last half.

It was a blur.

I don’t know what I did for the two weeks I was at home alone.

Literally I slept, woke up, ate, watched YouTube vids, ate, read, ate, TV, snacked, read, slept.

But all in all it really was a blur…

So let’s see what I actually did.

What Rendz Read

The Shadow Breaker by Steven Rivers
This book was so incredibly adorable! It is a fun, fast and cute MG read! My Review

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand
I was so happy to be a part of the Blog Tour for this book! It was incredibly action-packed! My Full Review

The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
I absolutely loved this book! So magical, so beautiful! My Full Review

Nocturna by Maya Motayne
This was a hit or miss for many…but I enjoyed it!!! Loved reading this Latinx YA fantasy! Review Coming Soon!

Four books in the two weeks. Not bad…but I can do better hehehehe

The Haul

The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Villasante

The Girl who Sailed the Stars by Matilda Woods

Posts From Last Month

THEME THURSDAY | MERMAIDS

Other Going-Ons

*tweedles thumbs*

Let’s see

I got into Nature Documentaries. 

For like the first week of my vacation I watched like three different documentaries on Birds of Paradise. Then I went down this rabbit hole where all I did was watch videos of birds–specifically the paradise ones and they were just so interesting. Freaky but interesting, I highly recommend you watch the doc made by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

via giphy.com

Then I went down this spiral of lion videos that were very unconventional. If you Google/Youtube “The Lion Whisperer” you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

And then I watched a doc on tigers in an Australian zoo and it was really cute and fun and messy–in a good way!

I–like a billion other people–watched Avengers: Endgame

I liked it. I know there are problems with it and I see all the threads on Twitter, but frankly I had a really good time that night. The dudes sitting in front of me were super tall so for like the first ten minutes of the film I had to stretch my neck to see the whole screen but soon enough they sunk into their seats and I relaxed. But yeah I liked the movie.

via giphy.com

The night before my Spanish Exam I plotted an entire YA contemporary series. 

Three whole books briefly plotted in a single night of insomnia because I was nervous for my exam the next day. Turns out I really like the idea and maybe one day I’ll take myself up on it. But yeah me and contemporary…this should be fun.

I’m back in school

It’s an online summer course and I really should be doing that now instead of this, but future-Rendz can hate me later I guess.

via giphy.com

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May TBR

I feel like I just want to go with the flow this month. 

Don’t get me wrong I have pressing reads and I will hopefully get to them, but I am tired of being tied down with release dates…and my shelves miss me. So May will be the month of ME. Maybe I’ll do some Twitter/Insta polls so you guys can help me pick out what I should read. There are many options to pick from and I am a bit overwhelmed, but so far this is what I’ve gotten to:

We Rule the Night by Claire Eliza Bartlett

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black *Sister Reads Review coming soon*

The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner

Speak Easy, Speak Love by McKelle George *CR*

Hopefully I can get to The Grief Keeper and Spin the Dawn this month!

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Let me know what you think! How was your April? How are things looking this month? What book(s) are you most excited about? What is your current read?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

April Wrap Up and May TBR

Greetings readers!

Life right now is in a lull for me. My university is literally trying to crush my will with anxiety. Even the promise of summer vacation does not cheer me. It’s just a big disaster right now, but I will not bore you with details.

The only silver lining I can really find in this mess right now is that I have had a lot more time to read and blog. I’m still never “ahead” of schedule, but I try. And I am making good progress! I actually made a blog calendar that looks all cutesy to keep me on track for this month, hopefully it does its job, so I can do my job.

Looking back at April, it was pretty good. I got in some good reads and even better buys!

This time around I’m going to add in a little update on my TV life too because PEOPLE. I have been watching some shows.

THE WRAP-UP

Islandborn by Junot Diaz
So utterly adorable. My Full Review.

Sleight by Jennifer Sommersby
Quite a fun, light and magical circus read! My Full Review.

The Story Girl  by L.M. Montgomery
Not as great as Anne, but still fun! My Full Review.

The Price Guide to the Occult by Leslye Walton
It’s kind of weird, but in a good way. Plus WITCHES. My Full Review.

Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
Typical YA fantasy, but like I live for that, so it was cool. My Full Review.

A Prom to Remember by Sandy Hall
Cute and fluffy! My Full Review.

Legend, Prodigy and Champion: The Graphic Novels by Marie Lu
YEAH I DID THIS TO MYSELF AGAIN. Series review to come!

Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope
So gooooood. (I finished it in May, but it counts for April) Review to come!

HOLY MOLY! I READ 10 BOOKS. 10. AND STARTED AN 11TH btw. I know I said that reading more than like 3 books a month is nearly impossible for me, but as my dear Nikolai Lanstov says, “When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable.” (BTW did you see the King of Scars Cover Reveal because I am still raving about it.)

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THE HAUL

Prodigy and Champion: Graphic Novels by Marie Lu

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

That’s it…..? Huh, I thought I had gotten more books. It’s good that I didn’t though, I have big books coming so I must save up!!!

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Posts from April!

Books I Need to Reread in the Near Future

Frenzy Presents Event Recap | An Afternoon of Talking About Books

The Book and Music Tag!

Lunar Chronicles Character Art Reveal! (Take a look at Kai!)

Sunshine Blogger Award Pt 5!

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TV/ MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT

I have watched TV and I have watched movies. Lately I have had enough time to do both! So let me tell you about all the great and wonderful things to watch.

On My Block

via IMDb

10000000000000000000/10 R E C O M M E N D

If you want to laugh, cry and get angry all in one sitting, you need to watch this show. If you hate laughing, crying and getting angry at the same time, you still NEED to watch this show. I HAVE BEEN BLOWN AWAY. It all started in a big Snap Chat group with my friends, they were raving about it and I was there like okay. Soon enough everyone in the chat watched it and I was the only one left. With some added pressure of everyone sending memes and I not getting the jokes, I went forth and watched the show.

I LOVE IT SO MUCH. AND I AM SO THANKFUL IT HAS BEEN RENEWED FOR A SEASON TWO BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE CRIED IF I WAS LEFT WITH THAT ENDING!

GO FORTH AND WATCH IT NOW. If you want a diverse, funny and a m a z i n g show to fill your hearts, WATCH ON MY BLOCK!!!

 

Then I watched Avengers: Infinity War

via IMBd

I was destroyed.

Then I watched it again.

And was left in anguish.

That ending. It happened. They did that.

I don’t need to tell you to watch it, just do it!

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MAY TBR

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall 1 – 4 series reread

The Penderwicks At Last by Jeanne Birdsall

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga

And anything else I find lying around that I have enough time for!

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I have quite a month plan ahead. I don’t know what life will throw at me next that I will have to go through that might interrupt my plans, but that is alright I guess.

Let me know what you think! What was your favourite read from April? What books did you buy? What shows/movies did you watch? What book are you most looking forward to in May?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

April Wrap Up & Haul

Greetings readers!

I cannot believe it is already May! (I’ve been gone for a while so it has been May for some time now!) Is it just me or is time going way, way, way to fast. I have so many things going on and I just feel like each of them is approaching far to soon!

Anyways, I am here to talk to you about April’s reading and haul! Last month I had a four day weekend because of Easter break and let me tell you it was the most glorious weekend I have had in a long time! I got so much reading done and I felt so at ease and not stressed (despite the buzz in my head, the constant reminder of all the things I had to do)! I got a lot of blog stuff done this month too! Plus, I am in the midst of planning a new little meme-like-biweekly post so stay tuned for that special announcement!

Wrap up!

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokishi

I loved, loved, loved this book. I thought it was beautiful both inside and out. The writing was amazing and it just sucks you into the story so well! My Full Review

Melody’s Key by Dallas Coryell

A read for review, my first contemporary/romance in a long while. I enjoyed it and it kept up my contemporary mood! My Full Review

CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber

My heart! My heart! I loved this one! My most anticipated read of the year has finally been read and I am so glad I enjoyed it! *I have gone back to read my favourite parts several times now!* My Full Review

Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of L.M. Montgomery by Melanie J. Fishbane

Major accomplishment here! It is my first Net Galley read and I am so happy I enjoyed it so much! If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, you must read this! My Full Review

Done Dirt Cheap by Sarah Nicole Lemon

A book I didn’t plan on reading but I did! It wasn’t my favourite, but I still enjoyed it! My Full Review.

*I finished 5 books, 5!! I am so proud of myself!*

HAUL

No book purchasing for Rendz this month! Nope! I have nothing to really haul, other than my Maud ARC which I own as an ebook. I’m hoping to get a physical copy soon.
Also, I borrowed Done Dirt Cheap as a digital title from Overdrive, so no money spent there.

May however, will be very different. I will be dropping a lot of money on books. And I look forward to it!

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C’est tout! That’s all! How was your reading month? How many books did you read? Did you enjoy any one in particular? How many books did you buy? Make me jealous with all the great bookish splurging you did this month!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz