Rain's Reviews: The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

“I’ve had a most amazing time....”

 
So begins the Time Traveller’s astonishing firsthand account of his journey 800,000 years beyond his own era—and the story that launched H.G. Wells’s successful career and earned him the reputation as the father of science fiction. With a speculative leap that still fires the imagination, Wells sends his brave explorer to face a future burdened with our greatest hopes...and our darkest fears. A pull of the Time Machine’s lever propels him to the age of a slowly dying Earth.  There he discovers two bizarre races—the ethereal Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks—who not only symbolize the duality of human nature, but offer a terrifying portrait of the men of tomorrow as well.  Published in 1895, this masterpiece of invention captivated readers on the threshold of a new century. Thanks to Wells’s expert storytelling and provocative insight, The Time Machine will continue to enthrall readers for generations to come.
~~~

So I am a huge Science Fiction fan. Give me space, and aliens, give me future progress, evolution of the human and earth hierarchy. Douglas Adams- Brilliant. Doctor Who- Fantastic. Star Trek- Can’t get any better. So you might be a little surprised when I say this is the first H. G. Wells I’ve read on my own. Time Machine however did not disappoint. I will admit, it took a minute to get used to the writing given it is older and thus the people spoke differently but I always have that problem, Pride and Prejudice was most difficult to understand for me. The story was interesting and original. Filled with action, adventure, mystery, and discovery.

The Time Traveler (thats what they call him) is an eccentric man with an abundance of ideas and quite a bit of time and money to see them through. The most recent of his being- you guessed it- time travel. And one evening he proposes this idea to his friends. This is his story of a future so unbelievable and fantastical.

H.G. Wells is a master and all you need is a quiet place and some time to become lost in this world he creates. Just don’t forget your matches!

~Rain

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Goodreads

Amazon

Stacking My Shelves: The First One

Stacking My Shelves

So this week has been a big week for me as a blogger and I have also had so many great books and so much swag come my way. So I am going to do a stacking my shelves type thing. And while I don’t think I will do this consistently I will keep y’all up to date.

This week with the realease of the liberator, and a very successful trip to the bookstore I will not run out of reading material within the next two weeks.

Books:

• 

The Liberator (A Dante Walker Novel) by Victoria Scott

The Liberator is the sequel to The Collector and released yesterday. I pre-ordered it so it came in the may today! Sqee!

If you’ve read The Collector and are anxious to read the sequel wait no more!

• 

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

I know this came out in 2010, I know. I am far behind and if you must know, I’m out of season as well. But I’ll have you know in 2010 I was 13 and had no idea who David Levithan was-so. My day has arrived and the book I’ve been wanting since february (at least) has finally come!

• 

Gated By Amy Christine Parker

So I saw this book and did something I very rarely do. I had never heard of it, the author, and I didn’t have the slightest what it was about. I saw the cover and pounced- stupid right? Yeah, I know. But luckily I loved it! Absolutely undeniably loved it with the kind of devotion I save for books like the hunger games or Every you, Every me. It covers such intriguing topics that I couldn’t stop.

• 

Nobody's Secret by Micheala MacColl

So I took a couple risks this week and i am really hoping they pay off. Nobody’s Secret is a historical fiction about a young Emily Dickison- and its a mystery. Usually not my two faveorite things. Not that every once in awhile I don’t find a really good mystery (and I’ve never finished a historical fiction). I’ve started this one and I really am enjoying so, so far I cannot say anything bad ;).

• 

Pulse by Patrick Carman

Pulse wasn’t a risk, it was a calculated acquirement that give me confidence in my pleasure of reading it. i’ve been sitting on the idea of getting this one and I decided why not? So I am really looking forward to reading this book.

• 

Five Summers by Una Lamarche

I hadn’t heard of this one either. But when I saw it I got excited. If you’ve ever seen the move Then and Now this book seems to be along the same lines. And since I loved the movie and the idea around it I am anticipating this read.

• 

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

Now, while I think I’ve heard of this before I’m not sure. But I do know it was on stupid sale at Liberty Bay Books and when I read the back cover I wanted to start right away. So here I am and there it is awaiting my attention on my shelf. I shall come soon my friend.

Swag:

• I got five buttons with different runes from City of Bones on each of them. Clairvoyant Sight, deflect, Angelic Power, Strength, Stamina. 
• A movie t-shirt for Mortal instruments: City of Bones!
• And signed Fire and Flood bookmarks from Victoria Scott (can;t wait for that book!) 

Waiting on Wednesday: Striking by Lila Felix and Rachel Higginson

Wednesday has got to be the most depressing day for bookish people. Because if you think about it, today is the day that everyone reads and thinks and writes about all the books they can’t have yet. I mean seriously! Can you say depressing?  But I guess I shall go with the status quo and tell you of the book I am currently unable to obtain.

Striking by Lila Felix and Rachel Higginson

Can two hearts be forged into one?

Cami Montgomery stole a car and smashed it into the front of a building in upscale Beverly Hills after a lousy date with the epitome of sleaze balls. The worst part, her parents are following through on threats after this latest plea for attention. Banished from her L.A. paradise and plunged into the Appalachian Mountains with her industrious aunt and uncle, Cami is about to find out how precious life really is.

Stockton Wright has been thrust into a hard life. He sacrifices everything to give his family and community what they need. He’s exhausted from life and work—and he’s only twenty four. What he needs is some change, and some sunshine. Even he will agree to that. He just doesn't expect to find it in a stuck up, pompous, entitled Californian.

Cami bursts into Stockton’s life like wildfire, consuming all his thoughts and tangling him in her web. What starts out as a contentious rivalry evolves into a desire neither of them expected. When hammer meets metal, will they crack under pressure or be forged as one?

Cami and Stockton might just end up being exactly what the other one needs, but first their love will have to be drawn out in fire.~Goodreads
~~~
As I have stated time and time again Lila Felix= must read, But I have never read and Rachel Higginson before and after I caught wind of this book I went total stalker mode. So after reading through her blog and drooling over some books that have now been added to my TBR list I am jubilantly awaiting the release of the Contemporary Romance that is sure to keep me up and reading till the very last page.

What do ya’ll think of my pick? What books are you anxiously awaiting?
~~~
Lila’s Blog
Rachel’s Blog
Goodreads

Rain's Reviews: Caught in a Jam by Lila Felix

Caught in a Jam by Lila Felix

~~~

I’ve loved her since we were kids. But loving someone gets tough when they don’t love you back.

Nixon Black has made mistakes. He made one mistake that would change his life forever. Now he’s working and in school—and he’s got a three year old. He gave up dating when Scout was born, but every night he retreats to another life in his mind, one he could’ve had with her.
Journey spent her formative years on the arm of any boy that didn’t expect anything out of her. She was hiding from the one person who did expect something in return—Nixon. Years after being cheated on and dumped for the last time, she takes a job at a daycare center where there’s a genius of a ginger haired girl whose last name is Black.
But the roles have been reversed and Journey is no longer Nixon’s first priority. Can he make room for the new Journey? And when he does, will he be able to forgive the old one?

Southern Book Carnival

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Ok so I'm excited. I don't know about y'all but I am looking forward to October like no body's business... Oh! Wait, you don't know what I'm talking about do you? Well let me esplain. Christy from Christy's Book Addiction is hosting along with Brenna from Two Tall Tales and I as Co-Hosts a Southern Book Carnival!

And what does that mean for you, my lovely readers who quite possibly think this will consist of scarecrows and cow shows, I will tell you. This means that Oct 11-14 the blogs that sign up in the linky below will feature one or more books, an author, or a character from the south. Sounds fantastic right?

The skinny of it:

The Carnival will consist of fun challenges and giveaways

You can post any day between October 11-14

Your challenge and giveaway (if you post one) can be anything you want as long as it spotlights at least one (1) Book, author or character in your post.

You don't have to have giveaway or be from the south to participate.

Want to join the fun? Click the linky below to sign up!

~~~

If you have any questions please leave a comment or contact Brenna or Christy. 

~Rain

Cover Reveal: Seeking Havoc by Lila Felix

Who is ready to see the cover for Lila's book Seeking Havok. This is most definitely one of my favoritest covers ever! Seeking Havok is going to be a kick butt book and I am jumping up and down in my seat in anticipation! With an expected release date of Sept 30th I have a while to wait but don't burst my bubble!

So here it is my lovelies....

What  do you think about this reveal?

Lila's Website

Lila's Facebook

Seeking Havok Goodreads

 

Rain's Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald


In 1860 Benjamin Button is born an old man and mysteriously begins aging backward. At the beginning of his life he is withered and worn, but as he continues to grow younger he embraces life -- he goes to war, runs a business, falls in love, has children, goes to college and prep school, and, as his mind begins to devolve, he attends kindergarten and eventually returns to the care of his nurse.

This strange and haunting story embodies the sharp social insight that has made Fitzgerald one of the great voices in the history of American literature. ~Goodreads
~~~
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an odd read. It is a novella written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is, in my experience, usually overlooked and ignored. I picked it up at a half price book shop in Texas after trying to decide for a while whether or not to read it and I am so glad I decided I would. It was a quick read but it was cute and eccentric. I mean a baby born as an eighty year old man and aging backward? The story talks of his struggles in being such a peculiar man in the late 1800’s. F. Scott Fitzgerald thought of it all. What would school be like? Learning to drive, getting married, and having kids? How would you get a job? It was so interesting and sad. So lonely to be the type of man he was.  So even though its old, short, and you might think its no good, don’t let the time fool you. 
~Rain
~~~
Goodreads
Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday: The Liberator by Victoria Scott

So to start off my first ever Waiting on Wednesday I’m going to go probably the most obvious one but, hey, what can I say? Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome.

The Liberator by Victoria Scott

Blog Tour: Smash Into You by Shelly Crane

Blog tour:

Smash Into You

By Shelly Crane

Synopsis:

Jude has spent the whole twenty one years of his life running. From what, he wasn't quite sure. His mother tried to keep him safe; a low profile, a constant move on the horizon, a week's pay always stashed away. She tried to instill in him that he was special somehow, though would never elaborate. He never felt different. He was so completely normal and vanilla that he wondered if it had all been in her head. But then she was murdered and all he saw was a running silhouette of a man as his mother said three final words to him. Three words that changed his whole being.

Never stop running…

Now he's semi-settled into a big town. The college is huge and easy to blend into. It's been three months since he had to move because 'Biloxi', as he calls the man who killed his mother, found him once more.

Then Marley, an eighteen year old girl who is as infuriating as she is blissfully ignorant of her gorgeousness, smashes into his car with hers. Then smashes into his life as he realizes that whatever it is he has that Biloxi wants, she has it, too. And now, they're after them both.

~~~

Review

Smash Into You is a smashing novel ;). It was just stunning and honest at the same time. But you might not feel like that the whole time you’re reading it. But I’ll get to that later on. Smash Into You was a joy read, don’t get me wrong. But with a jaded Jude who has been running from a nameless murder and has watched his mother die by the hands of this man. And a practical stranger get thrown into this mix by accident? Things seem to only be able to go wrong. Jude has been on the run from man and he has no idea why. Every person Jude becomes close to is at risk. Jude has been living this life on his own since he was fourteen. This life full of anger, guilt, fear, and sadness.Don’t Go and misunderstand me, Jude was a fantastic guy deep down. He was compassionate, loving, and real. Tis life would break even the best of men and Jude is doing the best he knows how to do. This is a story of Jude losing himself and this outer person he puts on. He is breaking his chains and freeing himself from this life that was chosen for him. He learns to take control and fight for what he wants. Jaded Jude really isn’t nearly as bad as he seems ;). And, yeah, you’ll have to take my word on it. Marley is a sweetie pie who has had the worst of luck. I can’t tell you too much about her. Half the fun if figuring out this mystery of a girl. I mean, I absolutely loved it. You are always reading about mysterious guys, and men who have secrets but the girl wants him anyways and I immensely loved the fact the her cards aren’t just laid out on the table in the first chapter. I will say this though, Marley is forgiving, understanding, and so darned nice. The jaded and the jewel set off on a life changing adventure with uncertain terms. This book was bloody fantastic with suspense, mystery, action, forgiveness, and revenge. I didn’t put this down till I was done (@ 3a.m.) The plot and characters were amazing and seamlessly laid out in this spectacular story. Smash Into You drags you into a lively world and you get swept up into this exciting anguish of this life. The romance and hope seems doomed to be a lie. But when determined, humans can change the rotation of the earth.  
~~~

About the Author

Shelly is a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling YA author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. She loves paperbacks, coffee, and candy corn, and to spend time with her family and friends, go out to eat at new restaurants and site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music and also LOVES to read.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

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LINKS:

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Rains Reviews: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

Cover Reveal: Greed by Fisher Amelie

Oi! Guess what I have and you don't? The cover of Fisher Amelie's newest book! But since I'm a nice person will can show it to you hehe. You wanna see it?

Greed, Fisher's second installment of for the Seven Deadly Sins series is just around the corner. I know you guys are pumped to see the new cover, and I can't wait to show it! So without any further ado, I present to you the swoon worthy cover:

Rain Reveiw: Mythos (The Descendants #1)

 Mythos by Vrinda Pendred
Just before Stephen died, he left a note.
And the note read: Don’t let them get my children.

Itzel Loveguard has a secret. The stories she can’t seem to stop writing...sometimes they come true. And now she thinks she may have killed her own father.

But she’s not the only one. Her estranged half-brother Oz and his unfailingly charming friend Seth can do things too. And so can the handsome grey-eyed boy, who seems to have stepped right out of Itzy’s dreams and has been travelling to London in search of the mysterious black pulse.

Suddenly Itzy finds herself in a strange new world of magic and mythology. And she and her new friends are all in grave danger…because the Ancients are coming for them.~ Goodreads
~~
So here I am- sitting and after finishing six books in as many days and I still have another day or two to go on my trip back home I end up scrolling through my kindle and remember this one. So I open it up and I’m hooked. The first sentence is, “The grey-eyed boy flew down the M6 at unnatural speeds.” I mean, who can resist that? I know I can’t! So I read, and read, and read, until 5 hours later I am throwing my iPhone across the car in frustration because the book is missing and ending and I have no idea when #2 is coming out.

Vrinda Pendred had managed to ensnare me into this world of abilities and magic. I recently put away a book filled with all new mythologies and fantasy worlds because it was too confusing., and I liked my current views on the magical realm of fiction. But The Descendants managed to pull me into yet another world that I have gladly added to my collection of fantasy universes.

Itzel Loveguard- Itzy- is the heroine. Scratch that. She is the amazing heroine. Itzy has successfully placed herself on my favorite female list. She is strong and powerful, being a descendant of a powerful race with magical abilities will do that to a person. She has common sense (inner squee), and she is brave, which she has to be to deal with psycho ex-girlfriends and evil family members. She had a tendency to be a little too trusting but it hasn't come to bite her in the butt, yet. She has had a bad and relatively lonely childhood but she doesn't let that slow her down in any way. If anything it helps here put the bad things that happen behind her and she can keep moving forward.

Ethan is so freaking marvelous you cannot keep from loving him. And if you can then you are obviously not human (or female). I have been waiting for a good romance and I have found it! But more to the point; Ethan is special. He is more powerful than anyone can fathom, he is controlled, and smart. He has amazing powers that makes the Avengers look like child's play. He is passionate, decisive, and he is thoughtful. He hasn't had the best childhood but all that time alone allowed him to master his powers and shaped him into the leader he is today. Ethan also has a vulnerable side. There are moments in the book when he shows a different side of him that makes him more relate able and that much better.

The book follows quite a few people, Itzy, Osiris, Seth, Vendri, Ethan, and Melody and if you are paying attention the jumping around POVs aren't hard to follow. This book and series is filled with mysteries and questions that leave you chomping at the bit for more. There isn't too much going on at once which is nice because the question that I’m stuck with are large enough by themselves. So much greatness in so little time leaves me with only one question left to ask, “How much longer must we wait in agony until the second book comes out?”

~Rain

"Uh-huh," said Devon, "and I'm from the future. Can't you tell from my fashion sense?"
"I like her, " Seth told Itzy, "She has a better sense of humor than you."
"Great," Itzy mumbled. "Remember to invite me to the wedding."

Goodreads
Amazon
Vrinda Pendred's Website