Bookish Diary ~ 10 Popular Books I Haven't Read (and probably won't anytime soon)

In a recent blog post, I have mentioned that lately I tend to steer clear of the books that create a loud buzz on the internet. So today, I decided to write about some of the popular books I have not (and still haven’t decided if I’m going to) read. I’m sure many of you will gasp in disbelief, and one of these books might even be your favorite (I can only hope that you’ll spare me your wrath). Harry Potter would have been in this list, but I have given in and finally read it last year.

I don’t have a problem with these books; it’s just that I’m not in the mood to read them. The strange (and funny) thing is, even though I haven’t read these titles, I still recommend a few of them to people I meet--and when they finish reading it they would tell me to read it. I’m weird like that.

Beware, though. If you haven’t read it, there will probably be minimal spoilers in this post. You’ve been warned.

1. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I don’t know why I’m never in the mood to read this series. My friends have copies I can borrow, and this book is always being recommended to me, but for some reason I have never been interested in picking it up to actually read it. Even in bookstores, I don’t pick up a copy to skim through. Still, I always, always recommend this to people whom I think will actually like it. It’s about a girl with a fatal touch. Honestly, I have forgotten the few things I know about this book—but I will never forget whom the girl ended up with in the end. (To everyone who doesn’t know, I don’t mind spoilers. Sometimes I hunt for them. Peace!)

2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I fangirled over the author when my friends told me he’s Tahereh Mafi’s husband. I told you, I’m weird like that. I have never read either author’s books but I still fangirl over them. It must be amazing to be married to a writer. They probably talk about new ideas over breakfast, build fictional worlds together at lunch, and plot characters’ deaths during dinner. Anyway, all my closest bookworm friends have recommended Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children to me since the month it came out, but I have never listened to them. Mostly because I don’t like its genre, and its premise. It’s about, well, peculiar children in some faraway island. They told me it’s creepy, and while I enjoy watching creepy movies, I don’t dig it in books. I just find it creepier if I’m seeing moving pictures than imagining it based on written descriptions. *shrug* I have recommended this book to another close friend who hasn’t read it, and she is actually looking for a copy. Unfortunately, the first book is sold out in all bookstores near her because the trailer has already come out. You know what I mean?

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I have only seen the movie, and even then, my mind wandered off before it got halfway through and I kind of didn’t understand what it was about. (Whomever I was with in the movies that day, I'm sorry I didn't pay much attention; I was probably busy plotting). It’s about a guy who’s caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. For some reason, even after watching the movie, I have never been interested in it.

4. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

This one is highly recommended by my closest bookworm buddies. As far as I know, though, it’s about an Alien invasion and survival. I know it’s probably amazing, but I really am not in the mood for a book about alien invasion. I have only read two series involving aliens, and even then, the first series took me four years after the publication of the first book, and the second one took me six years after the publication of the first book before I finally gave in. Perhaps I’ll read this one on 2018.

5. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Nope. I haven’t read it, and I probably never will. I know it’s amazing; everyone tells me so. But then I know I will fall in love with Darkling, and I know I will get my heart shattered in a million pieces. I don’t want a repeat of Cole in the Everneath series, thank you very much. This fantasy novel is probably worth all the hype it is getting, but I won’t do that to myself. Nope. Thanks.

6. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

This would have been Throne of Glass, except I finally gave in and read it during Maas’s Asia Tour. I didn’t like Throne of Glass that much, but I loved Crown of Midnight. However, I am totally Team Captain of the Guard, and I am so not ready to read how he got his heart broken. The problem with popular books is that it’s hard to avoid the spoilers. I don’t mind spoilers—sometimes I crave them, sometimes I can’t finish a book without them—but that spoiler about Chaol Westfall is something I can’t bring myself to feel yet. I don't want to taint his memory in my mind, thankyouverymuch. This series is about a kickass assassin who has a hidden identity (no, the hidden identity is not the assassin being a girl; it’s a much bigger revelation than this).

7. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

I have had enough of Shadowhunters, thank you very much. Enough said.

8. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I don’t care for vampire novels. Yes, I have read Twilight, but if I’m being honest, I read it for the romance (and when I got to the second book, I have decided that Bella’s internal organs would look good around my neck). I have seen my friends’ reviews and ratings of this book in Goodreads, but for some reason I just don’t like paranormal books that features vampires or werewolves as protagonists.

9. Red Rising by Pierce Brown

I have been meaning to read this book. Really, I have. The year the first book came out, I told myself I’d wait for the paperback version because the hardcover is so expensive. The year the second book was published, I told myself I’d wait for the final book because I don’t want to risk cliffhangers. Now the series is complete. . .and I realize that I’m just not in the mood for it. It’s funny, because I recommended this book to Djan, and now he has read all of them and told me to go read it. I want to read it just to get it over with, but I keep passing it up to grab another book instead when I’m in the bookstore. Sorry, not sorry.

10. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

For some reason, I have never been interested in reading this series. It’s such a shame, I know, because from what I’ve heard it’s such a great series. I didn’t even watch the movies.

You know, after finishing this short list, I’m actually kind of sad. I’m probably missing out on a lot of good books, because this list doesn't even cover all of the popular books I haven't read, but I just can’t bring myself to read them just yet. One of the reasons I stay away from popular books is because not all books are worth the hype they are getting (like Red Queen and Glass Sword; UGH *eye roll*), and I don’t want to find out if these books turn out to be one of those. Mostly, though, I’m just really not in the mood for them (Sorry, not sorry).

Have you ever stayed away from a book because of all the hype it’s getting? What book is it?

If you have your own list of popular books that you have yet to read, drop it in the comments! :)

~ Zee

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Bookish Diary ~ 6 Books I Need Yesterday

They say one of the best things in a reader's life is the anticipation for the upcoming books. On a good day, I agree, but on a bad day (like when the wait is becoming torture), I completely disagree. Some days, I just wake up and feel like give me this book now or I'll cut a bitch. Am I the only one who feels like that?

Most of the books I am anxiously waiting for are written by authors whom I really liked in the past. I have become a picky reader these days. I don't know what is happening to me, but recently I tend to steer clear of the books that create a loud buzz on the internet. It takes me a while to decide whether I'm going to read them right away or not, unless I know and/or like the author.

When I meet new people (fellow readers), and we ask the usual questions of have you read this and have you read that, I have become the girl who hasn't read the new release, or the one that people are so crazy about recently. It's funny, because I used to be the girl who has read it as soon as it hit the shelves.

Now I'm just the girl who reads books that no one ever hears of (okay, not really, but you get what I mean). Now I'm just the girl who reads books after everyone else, because when I decide to finally read them the buzz has usually died down (like, girl, that's so two years ago down).

Okay. I have totally gotten off topic. Anyway, I have a lot of books I want to read (don't we all?), but here are six of them that has yet to be released (and I'm about to keel over in anticipation!):

1. The Midnight Star (The Young Elites #3) by Marie Lu
Expected Publication: October 11th 2016

I am anxiously waiting for the cover reveal. I can't even tell you properly how excited I am for this book. Like I said in my review of The Rose Society, Marie Lu is the only author who managed to break my heart in two consecutive books--and from the looks of it, she will do it again in the The Midnight Star. I love this series, though. This is one of my all-time favorites. If you haven't read The Young Elites, I suggest you do it right this instant!

2. Frost Like Night (Snow Like Ashes #3) by Sara Raasch
Expected Publication: September 20th, 2016

I know I didn't like Ice Like Fire that much, but I have high hopes for the third book. This is one of the most magical books I have ever read. Season kingdoms? Yes, please! I am also recommending this series to everyone who hasn't read it. But everyone has probably read it, though, right? After all, I'm the girl who reads the popular books after everyone else. *wink*


3. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Expected Publication: November 8th, 2016

Dude, after The Lunar Chronicles, I'll probably read everything Marissa Meyer writes. Heartless is a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, but instead of Alice this is the infamous queen of hearts' story. I am very curious how this book would turn out. I really need this book yesterday. November is such a long time away.


4. P. S. I Like You by Kasie West
Expected Publication: July 26th, 2016

Ah, I love everything Kasie West has ever written. Even though I want to smack the female MCs heads together in her previous books. Even though her last book, The Fill-In Boyfriend, is kind of corny. Even though this one will (probably) also be kind of corny. Kasie West is just one of those authors who writes books I just can't resist liking, even though I feel like throwing the book against the wall. I want this book because I know it will be light and I can read it in between heavy books. *grin*

5. Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton
Expected Publication: September 6th, 2016

If I take Jack out of the picture, I really loved Ashton's Everneath series. I am totally team Cole, even though I got my heart shattered in a million pieces for rooting for that guy. I am excited to read this one because it is (or it sounds like) a contemporary novel. I want to read contemporary novels by authors who has written paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi/other genre books before. In my experience, authors who write contemporary novels after successfully writing a kickass paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi/other genre book usually writes beautiful contemporary books. (Did you get that? Because I myself kind of got confused). Plus, Brodi Ashton has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism (like me! She's one of my inspirations), and this book is about an aspiring reporter. She should know what she's talking (or writing) about. This should be interesting.

6. United as One (Lorien Legacies #6) by Pittacus Lore
Expected Publication: June 28th, 2016

Alright, folks. I still don't understand why the authors felt the need to drag this series into another book, but I need it right now. After the ending of The Fate of Ten, I kind of want to inflict physical injuries to the authors. I wanted to cut them open and use their internal organs as accessories. Anyway, why can't June come fast enough?



What are the books you are looking forward to? Do you blog about them? Drop your links in the comments, or just tell me below! I need to talk about this. *wink*

~ Zee

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Review ~ The Fate of Ten (Lorien Legacies #6) by Pittacus Lore

Synopsis:

The sixth book in the thrilling, action-packed, New York Times bestselling I Am Number Four series! For years the Garde have fought the Mogadorians in secret. Now all of that has changed. The invasion has begun. If the Garde can't find a way to stop the Mogs, humanity will suffer the same fate as the Lorien: annihilation.

There is still hope. When the Elders sent the Garde to Earth, they had a plan—one which the Garde are finally starting to understand. In the climax of The Revenge of Seven, a group of the Garde traveled to an ancient pyramid in Mexico known to their people as the Sanctuary. There they awoke a power that had been hidden within our planet for generations. Now this power can save the world . . . or destroy it. It will all depend on who wields it.

Purchase links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | kobo | book depository

Review:

The Fate of Ten really kicked things into gear. It's fast-paced, action-packed, and almost outstanding. Almost.

For a second there, I thought things were really going to start uphill, but then the authors had to ruin it by dragging the plot into another book. This book is the perfect platform for the ending of the series, and I don't understand why the authors felt the need to prolong it. Since The Rise of Nine, things seemed to be moving really fast, but if you stop to think about it the fast-paced narration doesn't really do anything to help in the progress of the plot. We are already six books far in this series--more than 2000+ pages already--but it feels like we aren't really going anywhere. To be honest, if I stop to consider the progress of the plot, I'd have to say that we're just going through everything over and over. Fighting endless Mogadorians, developing new Legacies, finding more allies, losing people along the way. . .and so on. I can't believe the buildup for the moment had to take five books. Plus, I don't know why the authors feel the need to drag this whole thing into another book. It could have easily ended in this book--we had the momentum for it. Alas, there's a seventh book and I really don't understand why this has to happen.

However, I did like this book--probably because we're finally seeing a real bloodbath between the Mogadorians and the Loric. I like it that the Loric are finally becoming real characters--not the invincible kids they seemed to be in the past books. I like it that we're finally seeing weaknesses. There's not a boring page, despite the slow progress of the plot. I was very entertained while reading.

~ Zee

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Review ~ The Revenge of Seven (Lorien Legacies #5) by Pittacus Lore

Synopsis:

The Garde have suffered an unbearable loss. Number Five has betrayed them. Eight is gone forever. Ella has been kidnapped. The others are now scattered.

In Chicago, John makes the unlikeliest of allies: Adam, a Mogadorian who turned his back on his people. He has invaluable information about Mog technology, battle strategies, and weaknesses. Most important, he knows where to hit them: their command base near Washington, DC. During the assault, however, John and Adam learn the unimaginable truth: it is too late. The Mogadorians have commenced their ultimate invasion plans.

With a front-row seat to the impending invasion, Ella finds herself in the hands of the enemy. For some reason she's more valuable to them alive, and they'll stop at nothing to turn her.

Meanwhile, Six, Nine, and Marina make their way through the Florida Everglades, hot on the trail of the traitorous Five. With the development of a new Legacy, Marina finally has the power to fight back—if her thirst for revenge doesn't consume her first.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | kobo | book depository

Review:

This series is finally--finally--getting somewhere, though nowhere near the end.

Our heroes are not stuck in the middle of nowhere anymore, getting themselves in trouble. The action in this book is what I have been craving for in the last four books. I've been getting tired of them facing the same old Mogs, and I'm so happy to see that their fights have leveled up. The Revenge of Seven is certainly the most interesting book in the series so far.

I don't see much development in the characters, which is a huge letdown. This is the 5th book, yet I feel like the Loric are still the same as they were when I first met them. John and Sarah are still drooling all over each other and their neediness still make me want to scratch my skin off with a rake. UGH.

The title is also a huge letdown. I would have liked to see Marina/Seven unleash an uncontrollable rage here, given the title and what happened to Eight, but I didn't get anything here aside from her cold silence. She doesn't have a POV in this book, which is a huge disappointment because I would have liked to read the emotional turmoil going on inside her after Eight. Unfortunately, this book, this series, is all about the action and war and Four and Pittacus and Lorien. Marina has so much potential, if only the authors are exploring her.

This series has been through a lot of twists and turns that I don't even know what to do with the information being dumped on me. I guess I'll just go with the flow. Please tell me the next book is even better, and that I won't end up being disappointed after all this time.

~ Zee

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Review ~ The Fall of Five (Lorien Legacies #4) by Pittacus Lore

Synopsis:

The Garde are finally reunited, but do they have what it takes to win the war against the Mogadorians?

John Smith—Number Four—thought that things would change once the Garde found each other. They would stop running. They would fight the Mogadorians. And they would win.

But he was wrong. After facing off with the Mogadorian ruler and almost being annihilated, the Garde know they are drastically unprepared and hopelessly outgunned. Now they’re hiding out in Nine’s Chicago penthouse, trying to figure out their next move.

The six of them are powerful, but they’re not strong enough yet to take on an entire army—even with the return of an old ally. To defeat their enemy, the Garde must master their Legacies and learn to work together as a team. More importantly, they’ll have to discover the truth about the Elders and their plan for the Loric survivors.

And when the Garde receive a sign from Number Five—a crop circle in the shape of a Loric symbol—they know they are so close to being reunited. But could it be a trap? Time is running out, and the only thing they know for certain is that they have to get to Five before it’s too late.

The Garde may have lost battles, but they will not lose this war.

Lorien will rise again.

Purchase links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | kobo | book depository

Review:

If anything, this book is waaaaaaaaaaay S-L-O-W-E-R than its prequel. We didn't get further than Nine's penthouse. However, I think the scenes that took place in this book are more interesting than the previous books’. The last parts of The Fall of Five managed to keep me on the edge of my seat.

We now have four--four!--POVs: Four/John, Seven/Marina, Six, and Sam (though Six doesn't have one in this book). I still think they sound alike most times, but I guess they're okay. I have come to rely on the story the individuals have to say rather than the likeness in their voices. Also, I'm so happy we finally get to have Sam's POV!

I'm happy to report that John is having some character development. He has stopped being stupid (maybe a little), and HE HAS STOPPED THINKING ABOUT SARAH AND STARTED CONCENTRATING IN THE STEPS OF SAVING HIS PLANET! He's not so annoying when he's not lovesick. Perhaps he really just needed to get laid.

Anyway, I think the authors are trying to redeem Sarah's character in this book, because she is becoming a badass. It's about time, too. We can't have a damsel in distress in the midst of war. She can't stay an empty character forever.

The Fall of Five is the most heart-wrenching book in the series so far. You know things are getting serious when people--allies--start getting killed. This character died too soon, in my opinion. I hope this death brings more development in the characters and please, please, PLEASE, can we move on with the plot already?

Again, this book could have easily been a five-star had the plot gotten us anywhere. It's still action-packed, but not meaningful enough.

~ Zee

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Blog Tour ~ Your Captivating Love (The Bennett Family #2) by Layla Hagen

Welcome to my stop in the Your Captivating Love Blog Tour! In this post, you will find my review, a teaser (or two), an excerpt, and the purchase links of the book. Don't forget to keep scrolling down for a tour-wide giveaway by Layla Hagen, too!

Synopsis:

Logan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement left him brokenhearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down.

She’s sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She’s also more stubborn than anyone he’s met…including himself.

Nadine Hawthorne is finally pursuing her dream: opening her own clothing shop. After working so hard to get here, she needs to concentrate on her new business, and can’t afford distractions. Not even if they come in the form of Logan Bennett. He’s handsome, charming, and doesn’t take no for an answer. After bitter disappointments, Nadine doesn’t believe in love. But being around Logan is addicting. It doesn’t help that Logan’s family is scheming to bring them together at every turn.

Their attraction is sizzling, their connection undeniable. Slowly, Logan wins her over. What starts out as a fling, soon spirals into much more than they are prepared for.

When a mistake threatens to tear them apart, will they have the strength to hold on to each other?

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | kobo

Review:

I'm going to say this book is perfect for a light read.

I love reading about tight-knit families, mostly because I love reading the endless banters and constant ribbing. One just can't help but be sucked into the whole family thing, because they're very genuine and wonderful and everything I like reading about.

I'm happy to see that Logan and Nadine both have a story that defines them. If you will remember in my review of Your Irresistible Love (which is a companion novel and the first in the series), I had a bit of a problem in the character's depth. In this case, though, we see more of what makes Logan and Nadine who they are now, giving the readers a better understanding of the choices they made. I still find some parts lacking, but it's better than the said companion novel.

I must say, though, that I find the plot lacking. I was almost halfway through the book and I still had no idea what the point is. I mean, the characters are together, and they seemed to be living happily ever after--no hints of the conflict at all. I almost put it down and mark it as DNF because of this. I must also say that this book doesn't have enough angst, especially in the parts where it should have been heavy. I am also disappointed with the sexual tension--or lack thereof. Having read all of Layla Hagen's books, I was expecting that kind of sexual tension in Found in Us, but Your Captivating Love didn't even come close.

I think I'm still looking for that magic that I saw in Layla Hagen's previous books. I don't know what I saw in them that I am not seeing in this new series, but I know something is missing.

I liked Your Captivating Love enough to continue reading the upcoming books in the series.

Final verdict: I will leave that for you to decide.

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review

~ Zee

Excerpt:

Blake opens his mouth, but a knock on the door interrupts us.

“Come in,” I call out.

The door opens, and Nadine comes in, wearing an elegant cardigan… And two seconds after stepping inside, she drops the cardigan to the floor. She’s stark naked underneath it.

Then she notices Blake.

“Oh, my God,” Nadine exclaims. Hurriedly, she covers herself with the cardigan again.

“I haven’t seen anything,” Blake says, turning to face the wall. Judging by his grin, he took an eyeful. The bastard.

Nadine’s blushing, Blake’s biting his fist to keep from laughing, and my dick’s twitching. Perfect.

“I thought you were alone, Logan,” Nadine says, mortified. She clutches the collar of her cardigan with both hands. “The security guard said all the employees on your floor have left.”

“I’m not an employee,” Blake chimes in. “He wasn’t there when I came into the building. Anyway, I’m leaving now.”

Nadine flattens herself against the wall as Blake heads to the door. She stares at a spot on the carpet the entire time. He doesn’t wipe off his smile, but at least he has the decency not to joke about it in front of her.

Nadine covers her face with her palms after he leaves. “I’m never going to be able to look Blake in the eyes again.”

I walk up to her, lying through my teeth. “He didn’t see anything.”

She peeks at me between her fingers. “You’re lying.”

“Fine, I am. Let’s forget about him.”

“I can’t believe this. The first time I was in this building, I soaked my dress and shoved my boobs in your face, and now—”

“Shh,” I say, fighting not to laugh.

Other books in the series:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | kobo

About the Author:

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later. I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world. And I drink coffee. Lots of it.

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