Book Review: Gameboard of the Gods

I received this from Netgalley as an ARC for an honest review. 

Blurb from Goodreads: 

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills. When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board. Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense

I was THRILLED when I got to read this book. I am a big Richelle Mead fan and this book did not disappoint. The story is non stop action and keeps the reader intrigued through out the whole thing. I loved all the characters, especially Justin. From Meads other works and her talking about the book I thought maybe Justin would be a bit Aidenish but nope he was totally different, this academic who had this passion for his work but still has some major issues. It was so interesting to see the world through the eyes of Justin and Mae but I think throughout this series their views will change drastically and I can't wait to see how it plays out. The supernatural elements played out nicely, I was intrigued by the twists and turns of the book. I was laughing out loud at the banter that seems to surround Justin, but at the same time he is very caring. The warmth he had towards Tessa was so sweet.

Mae was an interesting character, but I felt that I had seen her type before *cough* Rose *cough* BUT with that said, I have faith that by the end of the series, this wont be the case. There is nothing wrong with a kick ass heroine and that was Mae. Her family dynamic (or lack thereof) and her caste upbringing was interesting. I have high hopes for the Justin/Mae relationship but Mead is the queen of tension and NEVER maks it easy for her characters to get their HEA So I am sure I am in for more heart ache when it comes to those two, they both seemed screwed up enough that there will plenty of tension and issues.

Overall, this is a great sci-fi/paranormal/fantasy grab bag book of goodies. A complicated world that is entering a new age and I am excited to see how this series plays out!!

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Book Review: The Slammed Series

I wont be the first person to write a review for Slammed and I wont be the last. I am one of many  who  have discovered the amazing qualities of this book but I felt it was important to share my praise. There are books that become staples of a genre or a generation and I feel like Slammed could easily be that book. That each person who reads it afterwords see things a bit different.

There are times when a book/or series of books are read and things change. They make you see things in a different lens. They teach you something, either something about the world or about yourself. These books come along and make a difference.

It was when I was in 3rd grade and I read the Boxcar Children
It was when I was the 6th grade and I read Harry Potter
It was when I was in the 8th grade and I read ALL the VC Andrews Books
It was when I was 17 and I read Looking for Alaska by John Green
It was when I was 18 and read This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

And it was when I was 24 and read Slammed.

"Push your boundaries, Lake. That's what they're there for" -Slammed 

I was completely floored by the depth and impact of this book. I made all my friends read it. I sang the song of Slammed. And it made me write. Write more than I have since I was 18. And I felt that Slammed was something that I coveted, though I knew that MANY had read this and fell in love, I felt that the story of Will and Lake was my personal glimpse into a world full of love and emotion and I didn't want to share with anyone. I didn't want to leave their story, I just wanted to move in next door and become friends with Will and Lake.

"Deep down, I know none of it matters. The only thing that matters right now is this moment  and this moment is definitely my sweet for the day" -This Girl 

I re-read this book in order to prepare for This Girl to come out, the story from the POV from Will. The first time I read it (in December almost a year after it came out, I know what was I doing?) I quickly read it, I devoured it, I couldnt get enough, couldnt read it fast enough. The second time around, I took my time and cherished the beautiful story that was told. I listened to the Avett Brothers songs that were mentioned while I read it and made a playlist. (So you all don't have too) I took in every emotion and fell into this world I didn't want to come out of.

"It's like you came along and woke up my soul."-Point of Retreat 

And then I got to read Point of Retreat and This Girl. I was so happy to read about Slammed from Will's POV. The story was fresh and there were added bonuses and heartbreak and joy and all those emotions I felt with Slammed. And the poetry? Top notch. As per usual for Colleen Hoover.

In the end, just read this book. It is simple. I have no doubt you will love it and also be wondering why you havent read it et.  if you haven't read this series what are you waiting for?

I am adding the Playlist I made to the bottom of this post and I am also adding a song that I felt fit with the series. Enjoy!










Keep in mind the past times 
Don't ignore the worst 
Raise your eyes 
just know again there will be a next time 

 In a perfect world there would be no divide 
In a perfect world we could both open and see the other side

Monday Inspiration: Summer Freedom!

Goals are Dreams with Deadlines 

Palisades Creek. Swan Valley, ID

ITS SUMMER!!! I have officially finished my first year of my masters program. The last two weeks were crazy. I drank a lot of caffeine and I think I slept at one point. After spring break I was really nervous for the last month, it was non stop busy but somehow I made it. And now it times for summer adventuring!!! I will be working towards finishing my project at my internship by the beginning of August and serving at night at good ol Wingers. 

But the summer of adventuring officialy starts on Friday! My beautiful cousin is getting married end of May in Southern California, so D and I decided to make it a road trip. We leave Friday to head down to Carson City, NV (Where I was born and grew up) and then up north to the Redwoods and down the California coast. We will then head back up through Vegas and Utah home to Pocatello. We are camping, buming off family, and staying in cheap motels the trip. And I CANT WAIT! Don't worry I will bombard you all with pictures! 

The rest of the summer is filled with 5ks and concerts and birthdays and many many rounds of disc golf. Throw in a few beers on a hot summer day and it will be perfection!

After this semester I have some FUN things coming up in the fall (well. I think they are fun, but I am sure it's debatable)  I will be doing research in Yellowstone National Park with historical GIS and The project I did in GTNP? About the CCC? I get to  PRESENT it next September at the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers conference! Total Nerd Excitement <------Right here. 

SO thats the summer and the fall and everything in between. Bring on the sun!

Monday Inspiration: Experience

The above quote was actually something I read in an academic journal for a paper I was writing about sustainability in public administrative decision making. And for some reason, it really stuck it with. It seems fitting that I focus on things I have learned in school this semester since I am literally smack dab in the middle of dead week and finals week. 

So today I want to talk about experience  Everyone has unique experiences of what makes them who they are. These experiences can shape a person's value and moral system. These experiences shape the lens of how people see the world. 

In a way, this blog is a small glimpse into the lens that I see the world. And the most important thing to remember that you should be proud of your unique experience it has made you who are today. On the other hand, you have to remember other people also have this unique experience and see the world differently. In a way, this can be great. A different way to see things or a problem can aid in having a more rounded approach to working towards a better solution. 

Having this mindset has actually helped me in many relations in my life, whether it be school or work or causal encounters. If I am getting angry over something I try to stop and think about where they are coming from. It helps. And of course, some people are just jerks. But you deal. 

So this week, try to think about how your experiences in your life have shaped your values and thought process. And try to think of others. 

Happy Finals Week!!!! (Ok I might only be talking to myself here, but hey I need all the positive vibes I can get!) 

NEXT week I will have some fun book reviews and some more posts. THIS week I will be busy with school sucking the life out of me. ALSO Check out my post about the Experiment In Terror Reading Challenge . The page has been updated with a giveaway!!