Siblinghood of the World Bloggers Award

February 8, 2016February 8, 2016 / T.K. Lawrence / 4 Comments

Thank you to Ariana @ The Quirky Book Nerd for nominating me–I really appreciate it! 🙂 I apologize for the late post.

The Rules

Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog
Put the award logo on your blog
Answer the 10 questions sent to you
Make up 10 new questions for your nominees to answer
Nominate 10 blogs

Ariana’s Questions

What are some new releases you are most looking forward to in 2016?
So many! New 2016 releases that I’m most looking forward to would include Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare, Traitor’s Pyre by Josephine Angelini, A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir, ToG #6 by Sarah J. Maas, The Young Elites #3 by Marie Lu, The Last Star by Rick Yancey, Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, Passenger by Alexandra Bracken, and Stars Above by Marissa Meyer.
What is you favorite under-hyped book?
Favorite under-hyped books…probably Origin by Jessica Khoury and The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.
What is one thing (activity, song, movie, etc…) that always makes you happy no matter what?
Reading. The large majority of the time I’m reading a fairly enjoyable book.
Do you prefer series or standalone novels?
I do not mind standalone novels, although I have a harder time finding standalone novels that I like, so I’d say series. Plus if I like the series I get to read more of it.
Do you play video games? If so, what are your favorite games to play?
I do not play video games.
What is your favorite song of all time?
Lithium by Evanescence.
If you could have any fictional animal as a pet, what would you choose?
Either Fleetfoot (Throne of Glass) or Fawkes (Harry Potter).
What 2016 movies are you most looking forward to seeing?
I’m really looking forward to seeing The 5th Wave and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children in 2016 since they’re both film adaptations based on two of my favorite books.
What book or series would you recommend to someone who says they don’t like to read, and why would you choose that book or series?
To someone who does not read very often, what book or series would I recommend? It really depends on the person. To everyone (unless if they dislike fantasy) I’d recommend the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling because who could go wrong with these books? To people who prefer more realistic fiction, The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart because it’s a well-developed novel with unique characters. To people who prefer very action packed books, The Maze Runner by James Dashner because my heart would not stop pounding during my first read of the series.
What is your absolute favorite quote?
I have many favorite quotes, but to pick one…

http://www.pinterest.com

I Nominate…

My Questions

Favorite band or singer?
One yet to be released 2016 book that you’re really, really excited about.
Favorite color?
You’re sleeping until you suddenly have a really good idea. You (a.) Write it down on the nearest piece of paper, (b.) go back to sleep and write it down the next day, (c.) go back to sleep and forget about it the next day, or (d.) none of the above.
One book that always makes you happy when you reread it.
What is your favorite hyped book?
Who is your favorite intelligent/strategic main character?
Favorite book based on mythology?
Favorite book with a made up language?
Prose or poetry?

Liebster Award | 2

January 23, 2016January 22, 2016 / T.K. Lawrence / Leave a comment

Thank you iloveheartlandx @ Book Lovers Blog for nominating me for the Liebster Award. You can visit her blog here.

The Rules

Once you are nominated, thank the blogger who presented this award and link back to their blog.
Nominate eleven smaller bloggers (try to keep to under 300 followers). You may have to go hunting for these blogs, the idea is to find new blogs and share them with the community. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.
Answer the eleven questions the presenter asked you.
Write eleven questions for the bloggers you nominated to answer.
Lastly, copy the rules in this post.

iloveheartlandx’s Questions

What do you love most about reading?
What I love most about reading is being able to lose myself in the words, explore new (fantasy) worlds, and spend time with amazing characters.
Favorite book blog that you’ve discovered this year?
I don’t know. I’ve discovered a lot of wonderful book blogs this year.
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I wanted to give blogging a try and because I wanted a place to talk about books. In 2014, I had an approximately ten month hiatus from blogging and then I began blogging again. I continued because I began to really enjoy it and a lot of book blogs are filled with great book recommendations.
TV series that you love to binge-watch?
I don’t exactly have a TV series that I love to binge-watch. But I am interested in seeing what becomes of the Shadowhunters TV series.
Favorite movie?
My favorite movie really depends on my mood. Generally movies I haven’t seen yet are the most entertaining, but all-time favorites would be Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit.
Favorite book series?
Again, it really depends on my mood. At the moment though, I really want to read The 5th Wave trilogy and The Lunar Chronicles since I haven’t read all the books.
Favorite stand-alone book?
I don’t often read stand-alone books, so when I do read one, it’s usually pretty good. I guess either Coraline or The Ocean At the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Both were beautifully written, but slightly creepy reads.
If you could be any animal what would you be?
Maybe a hawk–it would be fun to fly. Or a dog: dogs have such easy lives.
Who is your favorite fictional character?
That’s a hard one…I have so many favorite fictional characters. To pick one…Hermione Granger.
What do you like to do outside of reading?
Outside of reading, I enjoy writing, running, baking, and knitting.
Who is your favorite singer?
Amy Lee from Evanescence–she has a really beautiful voice. I would never have begun listening to her though if it weren’t for Veronica Roth’s Divergent playlist.

My Questions

What film adaptation or any movie are you most excited for in 2016?
What are three 2016 releases you are dying to read?
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Do you have a pet?
What is one book with a lot of hype that you like?
Who is your favorite mischievous character? (e.g. Peeves the poltergeist from Harry Potter)
What is one film adaptation you like more than the book?
Pen or pencil?
Paper book or eBook?
Paperback or hardcover?
Do you like doing artistic activities? (e.g. drawing, sewing)

My Nominees

In my previous Liebster Award post, I nominated 11 other blogs. So I nominate anyone who hasn’t done the Liebster Award yet or anyone interested in answering my questions. 🙂

Liebster Award | 1

January 21, 2016January 19, 2016 / T.K. Lawrence / 1 Comment

Thank you to Giovanna @ Book Coma for the nomination! 🙂

Rules

Thank the person who nominated you and link their blog.
Answer the 11 questions the nominator has given you.
Tag 11 bloggers who have less than 1000 readers.
Think of 11 questions to ask the bloggers you have nominated.
Let them know you’ve nominated them through social media or their blog.

Giovanna’s Questions

What are your top 3 reads of 2015?
That’s a tough question. To go with some books I don’t mention that often: The Ocean At the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini, and Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs.
What was the worst book you read in 2015?
I was very fortunate to read so many wonderful books in 2015, I did not encounter a book I disliked.
Favorite Genre?
Young adult fantasy–it’s so addictive.
Genre you will not touch?
I will generally never touch a book that’s just romance (exceptions: Jane Eyre–but this book has mystery elements as well). While I’m okay with a book having some romance in it, I do not like romance dominated plots.
Name a book that had a lot of hype, but you ended up hating it.
Six of Crows had a lot of hype. I did not necessarily dislike it, but it didn’t meet all of my exceptions either.
Did you have a Goodreads goal this year? If so, did you finish it?
I did not have a GoodReads goal in 2015, but I have one for 2016. Hopefully I’ll be able to read 50 books this year, since I read 54-some last year. So far, I’ve read 5 books.
If you could kill any fictional character (Books, Movies, or TV) without getting in trouble, who would it be and why?
If I could kill any fictional character without getting in trouble, I’d say Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter. She was so nasty, evil, and irritating, but I don’t think she ever died.
How many books are on your TBR?
138 books–a number which has significantly been growing since I began blogging.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
Books!
Do you have any siblings?
No, but I do have a very adorable dog who I count as a sibling.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would probably be as a novelist, poet, and editor.

My Questions

What film adaptation or any movie are you most excited for in 2016?
What are three 2016 releases you are dying to read?
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Do you have a pet?
What is one book with a lot of hype that you like?
Who is your favorite mischievous character? (e.g. Peeves the poltergeist from Harry Potter)
What is one film adaptation you like more than the book?
Pen or pencil?
Paper book or eBook?
Paperback or hardcover?
Do you like doing artistic activities? (e.g. drawing, sewing)

My Nominees

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award | 3

January 7, 2016January 8, 2016 / T.K. Lawrence / Leave a comment

Thank you to _giovannard @ Book Coma for nominating me.

The Rules

Thank the blogger who nominated you and add a link to their blog in your post.
Answer the questions provided by the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate ten other bloggers.
Create ten questions for your nominees and notify them of their nomination.

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Ultimate Harry Potter Book Tag

December 19, 2015November 28, 2015 / T.K. Lawrence / 3 Comments

I found this tag on susannevalenti’s blog who found this on fandomsontherun and she tagged any huge Harry Potter fans. Having read and watched all the books and their film adaptions, I would consider myself a fan of the series.

1. Favorite Book?

Definitely Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. There was so much suspense and tension that built up from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I also liked the atmosphere of the book: Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, DA, the rebellion against Umbridge, and ominous dreams, which all lead up to the fight in the Ministry of Magic.

rowling.info

2. Least favorite book?

I’m not sure if I even have a least favorite Harry Potter book. I thought they were all great in their own unique and similar ways.

3. Favorite movie?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix because of all the different, new settings in the magical world.

movie2free.com

4. Least favorite movie?

I love all of the movies.

5. Favorite quote?

I have many favorite quotes from Harry Potter, so this is one of many:

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

redbubble.com

6. Favourite Weasley?

Ginny Weasley because she stands up by refusing to be bullied, can cast a skilled Bat-Bogey Hex, and is not afraid to fight in battles.

7. Favorite female character?

Hermione Granger for a variety of reasons.

Hermione Granger
danjisonyeo.blogspot.com

8. Favorite villain?

J.K. Rowling did such a wonderful job of making me as a reader hate all the antagonists and cheer for all the protagonists. The top three villains who did the best job at making me hate them were probably Voldemort (who kills nearly everyone he encounters), Professor Umbridge (an unjust and really irritating person in a position of power), and Bellatrix (who takes unhealthy, sadistic pleasure in killing and torturing people).

9. Favorite male character?

Probably Harry Potter because all of the books are written from his perspective so you kind of get a better understanding of his character than Ron’s.

10. Favorite professor?

Professor McGonagall because while she’s stern, she’s also fair, and a good teacher from the sound of the book.

11. Would you rather a) wash Snape’s hair or b) spend a day listening to Lockhart rant about himself?

B. spend a day listening to Lockhart rant about himself. From the description J.K. Rowling gives in the books, washing Snape’s hair sounds like it would be, to say the least, unpleasant.

12. Would you rather duel a) an elated Bellatrix or b) an angry Molly?

I would much rather (b) duel an angry Molly because chances are that if you are not threatening any of her family she will probably not kill you. She will probably just give you a temporary spell with unpleasant side effects.

13. Would you rather travel to Hogwarts via the Hogwarts express or flying car?

The Hogwarts Express sounds much more safe, interesting, and fun.

14. Would you rather kiss Voldemort or give Umbridge a bubble bath?

The first option would be impossible to avoid, not to mention disgusting and revolting. I’d probably give Umbridge a bubble bath laced with an ominous Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes concoction that would cause who know’s what.

15. Would you rather ride a Hippogriffe or a Firebolt?

Tough question. Do I really I have to decide? They both have their pluses and minuses. In the end though, I’d say a Firebolt because in my mind riding a broom sounds more exciting.

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The Infinity Dreams Award | 1

November 18, 2015March 5, 2016 / T.K. Lawrence / 4 Comments

I was nominated by Tasha @ The Bookie Monsters–thank you! You can visit her wonderful blog here. 🙂

Rules

List 11 facts about yourself
Answer the 11 questions set by your nominator
Nominate 11 other bloggers.
Create 11 questions for your nominees.

11 Facts About Me

It’s difficult for me to not always do with something productive with my hands–

Tasha’s Questions

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Do you have a favorite Christmas themed drink?
Not really…
What would you say is the best book you have read in 2015?
Any book from the ENTIRE Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is an amazing read.
If you could invite any three authors to dinner who would they be and what would you cook?
Oh I really don’t know to both parts of the question. One: J.K. Rowling because she is a wonderful writer and the creator of one of my favorite fantasy worlds. Two: Suzanne Collins because I love The Hunger Games trilogy and how she builds the suspense for the reader. Three: Sarah J. Maas because she is a fabulous creator of strong female protagonists. E.g. Aelin Galathynius, Manon Blackbeak, Nesryn, Nehemia, Lysandra, Elide 🙂 Six terrific heroines are introduced within the span of five books! Back on topic, I honestly have no idea what I would cook–maybe something inspired by their books?
You’ve won the jackpot! What would be the first thing you would spend your winnings on?
Books. There are so many great books that I have not read yet.
Any particular country you want to visit?
England because of the Harry Potter series.
What’s your dream career?
My dream career would probably be as a novelist and a copyeditor.
Is there a certain food item that you hate and if so why?
I can’t think of a food item that I hate with a vengeance, but there are many that I don’t enjoy. I guess I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms…
What do you think of the John Lewis Christmas advert this year?
I have not seen the John Lewis Christmas advert this year, so I do not know.
What are some of your hobbies apart from blogging?
Some of my hobbies apart from blogging are writing, running, baking, knitting, and origami.
Are you a lover or a fighter?
I wouldn’t consider myself one or the other.
Favorite Christmas song?
I don’t know, but I do enjoy listening to Christmas music when it’s the season.

My Nominees

My Questions

In addition to blogging, do you enjoy writing?
Do you read popular books? Why?
Would you rather be a demigod (Percy Jackson and the Oympians by Rick Riordan), witch/wizard (Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling), an immortal Fae (Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas), a hobbit, elf, or dwarf (Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien), a Shadowhunter or a Downworlder (The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare), a Young Elite (The Young Elites by Marie Lu), a Rider (Eragon by Christopher Paolini), or a Peculiar (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Why?
If you could explore any fictional world, which world would you explore? Why?
Favorite non-fiction book?
Blogging/reading/writing, etc. new year resolutions?
Do you have a pet? Dog, cat, fish, etc.?
Favorite artists or songs?
What do you do to prevent boredom during a long car ride?
Are you an introvert or extravert?
What would your dream day look like?

The Starlight Blogger Award

September 26, 2015October 31, 2015 / T.K. Lawrence / 6 Comments

Thank you Nya @ NyaReads for nominating me! I apologize that this post is a little late.

The Rules

Thank the giver and link their blog to your post.
Answer the 3 original questions and then the 3 new questions from your nominator given to you.
Nominate your 6 favorite bloggers! In your nominees I would like for you to think at the light emanating from the stars the ones that truly touch your soul with their work, the ones that are the light for you a true STARLIGHT Blogger.
Please pass the award on to 6 or more other Bloggers of your choice and let them know that they have been nominated by you.
Include the logo of the award in a post or on your Blog, please never alter the logo, never change the 3 original questions answer that first then answer the 3 new questions from your nominator and never change the Award rules.
Please don’t delete this note:

The design for the STARLIGHT Bloggers Award has been created from YesterdayAfter. It is a Copyright image, you cannot alter or change it in any way just pass it to others that deserve this award.
Copyright 2015 © YesterdayAfter.com – Design by Carolina Russo”

SPOILER ALERT: CAUTION if you have not read Allegiant by Veronica Roth!

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Sisterhood of the World Bloggers | 2

September 15, 2015January 3, 2016 / T.K. Lawrence / 12 Comments

Thank you Nya @ Nya Reads and giovannard @ Book Coma for nominating me.

silkyresh1984.wordpress.com

The Rules

Thank the blogger who nominated you and add a link to their blog in your post.
Answer the questions provided by the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate ten other bloggers.
Create ten questions for your nominees and notify them of their nomination.

Nya’s Questions

1. What is your favorite childhood book?

My favorite childhood book would probably be The Chronicles of Harris Burdick, which is a neat anthology of short stories with black and white photographs like the novel Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

2. E-books or printed books?

I definitely prefer printer books because I love the feel of turning the pages. Also it’s much easier to turn pages and I do not need to charge any device to read them.

3. What is your favorite place to read?

My favorite place to read depends on the weather, but would probably either be my desk or bed.

4. Is there any genre you would never read?

I generally avoid informational texts (writing books exempted) and realistic fiction.

5. What’s your review rating system?

My review rating system has five levels, which is based on a 5-star scale. My Rating page describes my rating system.

6. What is your favorite fictional character?

I have many favorite fictional characters, however my all-time favorite character would have to be Katniss from The Hunger Games. Her character is really tough, but at the same time selfless and compassionate. She also went through so much and still survived.

7. What was the best film adaption of a book?

I think that the best film adaption of a book is all the Harry Potter films. I was not disappointed one bit. The actors were very good and the film stuck true to the story.

8. How do you chose the next book to read?

I choose my next reading book by making a list of all the books I want to read and then select the one with the most intriguing plot synopsis.

9. Top 3 authors?

My top 3 authors would have to be Sarah J. Maas, Cassandra Clare, and Suzanne Collins.

10. Is there any book release you are particularly looking forward to?

Yes! I’m really looking forward to the release of Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs, which is the third book in the Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children series. It will be released on September 22, 2015. I’m also looking forward to the release of A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir, which is the An Ember in the Ashes sequel.

My Nominees:

My Questions

Based on writing style, characters, and plot, what is your all-time favorite novel?
What is your least favorite film adaption?
Who are your favorite protagonists?
Of the following characters, who is your favorite heroine? Katniss Everdeen, Tris Prior, Hermione Granger, Celaena Sardothien, Isabelle Lightwood, Katsa, or Helene Aquilla?
Have you ever read a book where you hoped the POV character would die? If so, which character is that?
What do you do to console yourself after reading a disappointing book ending?
What are your ideal reading conditions?
Favorite novella?
Unique bookworm habit or hobby?
What makes you love or hate a character?

I hope you enjoy the questions! And thank you, Nya and giovannard! 🙂