#my bookworm needs to read more novels asap

[lotusarchon]

I need to get my hands on MXDS so badly rn but I don't know where to read them I'm gonna throw up

[journeyintotheshelves]

Back in April I took part in the O.W.L.s Magical Read-a-thon hosted by Book Roast on YouTube. Out of the twelve “exams,” I passed eight of them: Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, Muggle Studies, Potions, and Transfiguration. Which set me up perfectly for this month’s read-a-thon: the N.E.W.T.s! This was my favorite read-a-thon to participate in last year, and G has just made it bigger and better than ever, and I am so glad I can participate in it again this year.

The career framework that I’m using for the N.E.W.T.s is different from the one I used for the O.W.L.s back in April. Though I could still go for a Charms professor at Hogwarts, I’m actually planning on following the criteria path for a Ministry Worker, specifically for the Department of International Magic Cooperation. Which means I only need to get an Outstanding in one subject — History of Magic — and acceptable in five others: Muggle Studies, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, and Charms.

Since I have a bunch of ARCs that I want to get to over the next few months and start posting reviews again, I’m hoping to combine the N.E.W.T.s with ARC August to see just how much of my ARC backlog I can get through. I’m ridiculously excited for all of the books I want to read this month, so hopefully I can get to most, if not all of them (in a perfect world). I am going to the beach for a week at the end of the month, which means prime reading time. Last year, I read four books while I was on vacation, so hopefully I can repeat that this year.

History of Magic

Out of all of my exams for this round of the N.E.W.T.s, History of Magic is the only one that I have to achieve an “Outstanding” to complete my career path. So did I choose easy books to complete it? Of course not! Why would I be kind to myself like that? However, I’m fairly certain that each of these books are going to be five stars, so I’m not too worried.

ACCEPTABLE: Read a fantasy

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic: 1): V.E. Schwab

Despite the fact that I own a bunch of V.E. (Victoria) Schwab books, I haven’t read a single one. A Darker Shade of Magic is one of my Top 10 Books to Read in 2019, and I think it’s finally time to dive into some of Schwab’s work.

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: Read a book that includes a map

Darkdawn (The Nevernight Chronicle: 3): Jay Kristoff Publication date: September 3rd

I’m currently in the middle of reading Godsgrave right now and am falling more in love with this story as I read every page. I cannot believe that I’m lucky enough to have an ARC of this highly anticipated finale, and I can’t wait to read it as soon as I can.

OUTSTANDING: Tom Riddle’s Diary: fond memory — reread a favorite (or a classic)

Wuthering Heights: Emily Brontë

I read Wuthering Heights for the first (and only) time back when I was a sophomore in high school and fell in love with the story. I’ve been meaning to reread this story for ages, especially since so many people I’ve talked to hate this book. I’m interested to see if I still feel the same about the story of Heathcliff and Catherine all these years later.

Muggle Studies

For my chosen career path, I only have to read the book for an acceptable grade for this exam. But I’m a bit extra motivated to get an “Outstanding” in Muggle Studies since one of these books was on my N.E.W.T.s TBR last year and didn’t get it to then, so it must happen this year.

ACCEPTABLE: Cover that includes an actual photo element

The Girl the Sea Gave Back: Adrienne Young Publication date: September 3rd

This one is a complete surprise addition to my TBR this month. But the Netgalley fairies (and the ones at St. Martin’s Press) granted my wish and I can read it early! I’m a sucker for books with a big mythology aspect, so I cannot wait to dive into this one (pun fully intended).

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: Book set in our real world

Permanent Record: Mary H.K. Choi Publication date: September 3rd

The world needs more books about college-aged people that aren’t set at a  college, so I’m so excited that I get the chance to read Permanent Record. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Mary H.K. Choi’s last novel, Emergency Contact, so I’m intrigued to see how I like her newest novel.

OUTSTANDING: Book written by a person of color

A Very Large Expanse of Sea: Tahereh Mafi

If you’re having déjà vu reading this, trust me you’re not alone. This isn’t the first TBR that I’ve included A Very Large Expanse of Sea, but I definitely want it to be the last. I saw Tahereh Mafi at Epic Reads Day in July, and hearing her speak about this book and what it meant to her made me want to read it that much more.

Defense Against the Dark Arts

Like with Muggle Studies, I only have to read the book I chose for an “Acceptable” grade to complete the requirements for my chosen career path. However, all three books I’ve chosen for these prompts have been on my TBR for waaaay too long, and I think it’s time to change that.

ACCEPTABLE: Book that’s black under the dust jacket (only one necessary for my chosen career)

Legend (Legend: 1): Marie Lu

Why finish a Marie Lu series when I can keep starting them? Even though I do really want to finish her Warcross and Young Elites series, I do want to try and read her debut series; especially since Rebel, the continuation of this series, comes out in October.

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: Gilderoy’s memory charm — first book you remembered from your TBR

Heretics Anonymous: Katie Henry

I’ve been dying to read this book since it came out last year. I love books that deal with philosophy and religion, especially if they’re done in a humorous way.

OUTSTANDING: Cornish pixie! Swat it away with a book written by an English author or set in England

Heartstopper, Volume 1: Alice Oseman

So, technically this is a reread for me since I’ve been reading Heartstopper as a webcomic since the beginning. But, I do love this story and Nick and Charlie are just so unbelievably adorable. This will be the perfect book to squeeze between some of my darker fantasies that I hope to read this month to lighten the mood.

Potions

Potions is going to my hardest N.E.W.T. to pass with an “Outstanding” grade. All three books are fantasy over 400 pages each. But, I won’t let that deter me and sometimes a fantasy is just the perfect beach read.

ACCEPTABLE: Polyjuice potion — read your friend’s favorite book

The Princess Bride: William Goldman

Asking my friend Nicole for her favorite book was absolutely terrible. Like most bookworms, she gave me a list of about ten books about twenty minutes after I asked her. Fortunately, I read most of the books that she suggested, with the exception of The Princess Bride. I have seen the movie once and liked it, so I’m interested to see how the book and movie differ. Hopefully it has the same humor as the movie does because that was just pure gold.

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: House ingredient –– book with a cover in your Hogwarts house colors (Hufflepuff — yellow & black)

Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove: 1): Shelby Mahurin Publication date: September 3rd

I’ve been in love with this book ever since I saw the cover reveal a couple of months ago. And then I heard Shelby Mahurin speak about the story and fell in love even more. Give me all of the books with a fake dating — in this case a fake marriage — trope.

OUTSTANDING: Book that starts with a prologue

The Chosen (Contender: 1): Taran Matharu

I haven’t read any Taran Matharu before, but this one sounds like a great sci-fi/fantasy book. From the synopsis, I’m getting Matrix vibes and I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds.

Transfiguration

Just like for Potions, in order to complete the tests for my chosen career path, I only have to achieve an “Acceptable.” Also like Potions, the books I chose for these prompts are all dense fantasy; but they’re all stories I’m excited to read.

ACCEPTABLE: Read a book with LGBTQIA+ representation

Girls of Paper and Fire (Girls of Paper and Fire: 1): Natasha Ngan

Just like A Very Large Expanse of Sea, Girls of Paper and Fire has been on multiple previous TBRs. Hopefully, that streak comes to an end this month. I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things about this novel, so I really hope I can join in on this bandwagon ASAP.

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: Read a book that’s not a first in the series

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle: 3): Maggie Stiefvater

Over the past few years, I’ve been slowly getting through Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Cycle. I’ve loved the first two books in the series, so I’ve been taking my time and savoring every moment. But, since her latest novel, Call Down the Hawk is related to this series (but not a direct sequel), I really want to catch up on this series before November.

OUTSTANDING: McGonagall doesn’t mess around! — Read a book over 500 pages

Angel Mage: Garth Nix Publication date: October 1st

Despite being a huge YA fantasy name, I have yet to read a single Garth Nix book. I am more than ready to finally read something by him, and I think that, since this is a standalone, this is the perfect place to start.

Charms

Out of all of my “exams,” Charms is the only one that I’m pretty confident that I can complete this month. With a graphic novel, a manga, and a short story collection that I need to read and review for a post next month, these books are more likely to happen than any of the others on this entire list.

ACCEPTABLE: A book with a gorgeous cover

His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allan Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined: Dahlia Adler [Editor] Publication date: September 10th

I’m not a big anthology fan, but I’m ridiculously excited for this one. Edgar Allan Poe is one of my favorite authors of all time, so I cannot wait to see how his stories and themes are reimagined and interpreted.

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: Read a comic/graphic novel/manga (or a book under 150 pages)

Dreamin’ Sun, Vol. 9: Ichigo Takano

I don’t read much manga, but when I do it’s one of three series. There are only two volumes of Dreamin’ Sun left and I’m so sad to see this series end.

OUTSTANDING: Spongify (softening charm) — Read a paperback book

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me: Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

Just from flipping through this book, I know I’m going to love it in part just because the art is stunning. Stories about difficult relationships, especially in YA fiction, are always something I’m looking for, so I can’t wait to read this one.

Because I’m an overachiever, I hope to “pass” the other N.E.W.T.s that I can sit this year — Charms, Arithmancy, and Care of Magical Creatures. I make no promises, but after the past few decent reading months, I’m having a good feeling about August.

Arithmancy

ACCEPTABLE: Book that ends on an even page number

Frankly in Love: David Yoon Publication date: September 10th

I will say this every time, but I LOVE FAKE DATING TROPES AND I WILL ALWAYS READ THEM.

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: Read a standalone

Jackpot: Nic Stone Publication date: October 15th

I am so so so glad that I have an ARC of this book. I loved Nic Stone’s Dear Martin, and she’s such a fantastic person. I love her voice, and I cannot wait to read another one of her stories.

OUTSTANDING: Book that’s longer than 350 pages

The Beautiful (The Beautiful: 1): Renée Ahdieh Publication date: October 8th

Vampires are back in YA literature; we are thriving in 2019, ladies and gentlemen. I’ve only read one of Renée Ahdieh’s books before, but I loved her writing style and structure, so I can’t wait to see how that translates to vampiric 1870s New Orleans.

Care of Magical Creatures

ACCEPTABLE: Follow the spiders! — Book title that starts with the letter ‘A’ for Aragog!

Ash: Malinda Lo

I literally scoured my shelves, and this is the only book that I have that starts with ‘A’ that I haven’t read already. I only picked this up a few months ago, but I’m always game for a fairytale retelling, especially when it’s a LGBTQIA+ retelling.

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: Book under 300 pages

Girls on the Verge: Sharon Briggs Waller

Ever since I watched Chelsea from chelseadolling reads on YouTube rave about this book months ago, I’ve wanted to read this book. Even though it’s a short book, I have a feeling this is going to be a difficult read, but so very worth it.

OUTSTANDING: Grab onto Fawkes’ tail! — Read a book with a bird on the cover

Black Wings Beating (Skybound: 1): Alex London

I don’t know much about this book other than it’s a LGBTQIA+ fantasy. But, I’ve also heard nothing but good things about this book from those who have read it. Since the sequel is coming out soon, hopefully I can jump on this train quickly and pick up the sequel, too.

  It's August, so you know what that means....time for the N.E.W.T.s! I'm so pumped for all the books on my TBR this month. With luck, I'll pass all my exams needed to be a Ministry Worker! Check out my #NEWTSReadathon2019 TBR here: Back in April I took part in the O.W.L.s Magical Read-a-thon hosted by Book Roast on YouTube…

[lisa-lostinlit]

THE KISS QUOTIENT by @hhoangwrites released yesterday! 🤗 This is on my must-read pile for June! I’m ridiculously excited to start this one ASAP. Have you grabbed a copy yet? Have you already read it? 🤓🖤📖 . Thank you to @berkleyromance #partner for gifting me this copy. 💕 ________________________________________________________ 📖Summary: A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick. Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old. It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position... Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic... ________________________________________________________ #thekissquotient #helenhoang #romancebooks #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookishcandles #bibliophile #seekthesimplicity #pursuepretty #bibliophile #igreads #goodreads #bookworm #booknerd — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/2xO0Tps

[isoldegreyffxiv]

LF RP/LF Contacts - Mateus

the basics ––––

NAME: Isabelle Antoinette Margaux Juliette de Haillenarte... or just Belle.

AGE: 19

RACE: Elezen (Wildwood)

GENDER: Female

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual

MARITAL STATUS: Single

SERVER: Mateus

physical appearance ––––

HAIR: Waist-length chestnut brown hair kept in loose curls.

EYES: Pale blue.

HEIGHT: 5′10″. 

BUILD: Curvy and defined hourglass. Not quite overweight, but with some flattering softness of her tummy and thighs.

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: A little beauty mark by her eye. 

COMMON ACCESSORIES: Belle can often be seen wearing a simple and delicate silver locket in the shape of a heart, one passed down through generations in her family. This is only while in more casual settings; she leaves it at home when attending parties.

personal ––––

PROFESSION: Heiress of the Haillenarte family; seventeenth in line to the house. Daughter to a viscount of House Haillenarte.

HOBBIES: Flower arranging and the language of flowers is a passion of Belle’s. In another life, she would have been a florist. Apart from that, she enjoys dabbling in making medicines with herbs and flowers, poetry, music, reading, and playing with her small dog and canary. She’s known to have a lovely singing voice and to be rather skilled at the piano, as well as being a big bookworm.

LANGUAGES: Common tongue.

RESIDENCE: A manor belonging to her viscount father in Ishgard. Belle’s parents are known for being rather paranoid about their daughter being taken advantage of, and as such, the girl is rarely allowed to leave the family home for any reason other than arranged social engagements, such as balls or dinner parties. She toils away much of her time in her tower bedroom, fussing over her music, embroidery, pets, or flowers.

BIRTHPLACE: Ishgard.

PATRON DEITY: Halone.

FEARS: Being stuck in her tower forever, arranged marriages, airships. 

relationships –––-

SPOUSE: None, though her mother has been threatening an arranged marriage since she turned eighteen.

CHILDREN: None.

PARENTS: Her mother, Juliette, and her father, Victor. 

SIBLINGS: Only child.

OTHER RELATIVES: A multitude of cousins, aunts, and uncles, and two sets of living grandparents.

PETS: Her dog, Valentin, and her canary, Cherie.

traits ––––

extroverted / introverted / in between

disorganized / organized / in between

close minded / open-minded / in between

calm / anxious / in between

disagreeable / agreeable / in between

cautious / reckless / in between

patient / impatient / in between

outspoken / reserved / in between

leader / follower / in between

empathetic / unemphatic / in between

optimistic / pessimistic / in between

traditional / modern / in between

hard-working / lazy / in between

cultured / un-cultured / in between

loyal / disloyal / in between

faithful / unfaithful / in between

additional information ––––

SMOKING HABIT: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

DRUGS: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

ALCOHOL: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess

possible hooks ––––

Ishgardian nobles and courtiers from all houses - It would be nice to establish some friends, rivals, etc. in that particular territory. Though she is rather restricted to her ivory tower, Belle does frequent balls. Maybe your character has noticed the beautiful Haillenarte girl with a constantly full dance card and stunning gowns, or she’s offered a smile or kind word to the help at the parties, even lingering for some polite conversation.

Poets, writers, musicians, publishers, bards, literary enthusiasts - Belle is a lover of all of the arts. Though she has lead a rather sheltered life, her parents have allowed her to frequently go to the ballet, opera, and general theatre to see plays. She’s a bleeding heart romantic and will devour any romantic poetry or novels that come her way. It’s kind of set some unrealistic expectations for actual romance in her life. Real boys aren’t usually like book boys.

Ishgardian bachelors - Juliette de Haillenarte has been hellbent on marrying off her only child to an eligible and wealthy bachelor from a friendly house. Belle couldn’t be less enchanted by this notion. Maybe you’ve heard of the string of suitors chased off by the young lady and your character has a mind to try their hand at charming the uncharmable. 

Florists, apothecaries, hired help at the estate - Maybe you’ve a stablehand who has heard the sweet voice of the daughter of Viscount Hallenarte’s floating down from the tower while you work. Maybe you’re a florist she’s placed a large flower order to, or an apothecary she’s snuck letters to to ask questions regarding medicinal herbs and flowers. Even though most of Belle’s interactions would have been with other nobles, I, by no means, want to bar her from common folk! If you have any ideas of how your commoner character knows her, or at least knows of her, I’d love to hear them! 

Teachers and nannies - Belle has had an expensive education. If you play a character who may have been a tutor in Ishgard while she was growing up, then they would know she’s a very clever curious, and intelligent girl with a thirst for knowledge. 

what I’m looking for ––––

I don’t need a free company as I am already in one! However, I am definitely looking for a fun pool of RP contacts for this character. She can easily jump from comic relief to more serious plots, and I’d love to do both and everything in between. Belle is in need of friends, rivals, confidantes, and new experiences. Help her sneak out, dance with her at a party, be a jealous fellow highborn, a jilted suitor - I’m willing to explore most hooks with Belle.

A sidenote: For comic relief alone, I’d be kind of tickled to have a Gaston from Beauty and the Beast type character hounding Belle.I did draw some character inspiration from that movie (can you tell?) and it’s a trope I think would be a lot of fun to explore. We could take it to dark places if you wanted, too! Like I said, I’m pretty open to ideas and few things are off limits.

oocly, I am ––––

In a relationship! Despite Belle’s mother wanting an arranged marriage, she is not a character that is available for romance RP. She will be shipped with my boyfriend’s noble Elezen character. :) That’s not to say that I’m not totally cool with silly suitor RP or even genuine crushes on her being developed. Just please understand that they can’t go anywhere!

Excited to play this type of character and eager to meet people who will fit in with my character and my boyfriend’s character. 

Open to darker themes within reason. (No RPing out of rape or harming children in any way, but everything else should be fair game. If you have any questions or concerns, just ask!)

Sort of a night owl (as far as NA times go)

Friendly and happy to answer questions and plot! Throw all the plots at me. Pre-established relationships are totally cool with me, too!

you can contact me via ––––

Tumblr IM - this is my preferred method of communication and my most reliable one! 

In Game: Belle Haillenarte 

She’ll be getting her own sideblog ASAP!

[alexismariechute]

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