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Showing posts with the label Historical Fiction

Book Review: The Plastic Magician (The Paper Magician Book #4) by Charlie N. Holmberg | A New Sequel to an Old Favorite to Ease My Ever Aching Heart

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Alvie Brechenmacher has arrived in London to begin her training in Polymaking—the magical discipline of bespelling plastic. Polymaking is the newest form of magic, and in a field where there is so much left to learn, every Polymaker dreams of making the next big discovery. Even though she is only an apprentice, Alvie is an inventor at heart, and she is determined to make as many discoveries—in as short a time frame—as she can. Luckily for her, she’s studying under the world-renowned magician Marion Praff, who is just as dedicated as Alvie is. Alvie’s enthusiasm reinvigorates her mentor’s work, and together they create a device that could forever change Polymaking—and the world. But when a rival learns of their plans, he conspires to steal their invention and take the credit for it himself. To thwart him, Alvie will need to think one step ahead. For in the high-stakes world of magical discovery, not everyone plays fair… Discussion:                                                

Book Review: The War Outside by Monica Hesse | Two Girls, One War, Every Country Against Them

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It's 1944, and World War II is raging across Europe and the Pacific. The war seemed far away from Margot in Iowa and Haruko in Colorado--until they were uprooted to dusty Texas, all because of the places their parents once called home: Germany and Japan. Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a "family internment camp" for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother's health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis. With everything around them falling apart, Margot and Haruko find solace in their

My Ambitious BookTube-A-Thon 2018 TBR

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For two years, I have unofficially been participating in BookTube-A-Thon. Throughout the seven days, I have always completed seven books. I have always been dedicated; plus, I have never been busy as summer vacation occurs during this time. Sadly, I decided to complete some summer classes since I want to graduate earlier. Therefore, there is less time to read sometimes and there are more responsibilities rather than getting up before noon. Usually, I have just read any unread books on my shelves; however, since I am traveling to Michigan while competing in  joining this readathon, I need to keep light. Sadly, this means I can't travel with the usual fifty books I stuff into my suitcase just the night before. Before I start packing my bookshelf, let's look at the challenges to see what I can accomplish during the week. 1. Let a coin toss decide your first read.   VS.                                                                                  (Heads)                 

Book Haul: Stacking My Shelves High with Some New Books

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On Saturdays, Tynga's Reviews hosts a weekly meme for all the book lovers who receive books. With this meme, a book or an author can be promoted to all the people who may be interested. This is really cool as I love discussing books; however, it is mostly in a review or blog tour style. I have never done a book haul as I never get a lot of books at one time and I always feel like expressing my love or deep hatred in a review. But, in the words of the young Justin Bieber, "Never say never." Now, as every book lover does on any day, it is time to share and hug my new books! - - - For Review(Thanks Netgalley, publishers, and authors! <3 ): 1. Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead I had gotten a book by Nicholas Gannon, and it had such pretty artwork. Once I saw the title, which features my favorite name to use for stuffed animals, and that he was the illustrator, I hurried up and hit request. I cannot wait to read the story and stare at all the pretty illustr

Book Review: Sparrow Squadron by DL Jung | A Blog Tour Palooza, Flying Planes over Russia, and Fueling My Addiction for Anything and Everything World War II

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Today, I have a blog tour review for Sparrow Squadron by DL Jung. I have written a review to peak some of your interests, an introduction to Dl Jung and his work, and a giveaway, which has kindly been done through YA Bound Blog Tours and the author, for each of you to try your luck at. I hope you all enjoy; however, as I am probably getting your hopes up(as my reviews are always promised to be super good), I will begin...NOW! World War II. June 1941. Hitler's war machine turns to the Soviet Union. Escaping her hometown ahead of the Nazis, 16-year-old Aelya Makarova seizes a chance to live her dream. Obsessed with flying, she joins a women's fighter squadron to defend her homeland against the invaders. She'll go faster and higher than she's ever gone before. But the harsh reality of Air Force life shatters her expectations and forces her to grow up fast. The squadron is split by petty rivalries, male pilots treat them like a joke, and the ideal country she thought sh

My Brother Chooses My March TBR (AKA Where I Curl into a Ball Due to My Fear of the Book God's Choices)

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First, this may be one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life. I do not even know if I can write this post because I am so scared. This is literally me right now! For the month of March, I have let my brother choose the books I am going to read. Ugh, I hate having someone in control of my reading choices; however, I thought this would be a fun thing to do. Also, it would get me out of my comfort zone. Also, just to ease my suffering, I am making my brother do this challenge too! Hehe! However, does this mean I will stop reading Shadowhunters? Nope. Never. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Another synonym for no. Let's just jump into this torturous fun March TBR! My March TBR 1. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver -First read was so magical so I need more. 2. Love and War by Melissa de la Cruz -I should be okay without reading the first book, right? 3. The Book of Pearl by Timoth ée de Fombelle -Magical Realism a.k.a. starry eyes 4. The Knight with Two Swords

Book Review: Murder in Little Shendon by A.H. Richardson | One Murder Too Little, A Snail Slow Plot, and a Who Done It

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Picture, if you will, a picturesque village called Little Shendon, suddenly caught up in dealing with a murder of one of its citizens - not a particularly well-liked one at that. Which makes it all the more intriguing because the list of suspects becomes very long. This tantalizing tale unfolds with delightful twists and turns to find out whodunit to Mr. Bartholomew Fynche, the murdered shopkeeper. Fear grips the community as the investigation slowly progresses. Everyone is interviewed; everyone is suspect! From the murdered man's housekeeper to Lady Armstrong, her staff and her nephew. Or could it be the shy librarian new in town? Or the defiant retired army major and his ladyfriend, the post mistress? Or perhaps the weird sisters who live on the edge of town? Then there is the couple who own the local inn and pub, along with the two Americans who are staying there? Even the vicar and his wife fall under the gloom of suspicion. Uncertainty, wariness, and terror reign as neighbors

Spell Your Name with Fictional Characters Book Tag | Days Full of Stress, Overachieving, and My New Identity

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Several times, I have worked all day long. Every time I go to an amusement park or any popular vacation spot, I have to wrestle my way into a place in line. Some days, I have been on my feet all day, moving from one area to the next without taking a break. And, even though I have done all that and more, I feel as if this tag was the hardest thing in the whole universe. First, if I may ask, why did I choose to do this? Also, why did I somewhat accept Lili from Lili's Blissful Pages 's challenge to do this?(Also, go check out and follow Lili because she is just super-duper awesome sauce. That is not a description big enough for Lili; however, if you start reading her blog, you will be as speechless as I am.) Just, why?! I really think that she and some other bloggers lured me out into the open with some cake. How did they even know I have an obsession with cake and other foods? It is not like I stuff my face everyday. Anyhow, I have a tag to start so if the internet will p