My Unfinished Series...

I feel like with my growing problem of starting series and never finishing them, I need to hold myself accountable for finishing series before I start yet another one. I did it with The Infernal Devices waiting almost 2 years before reading Clockwork Princess. I also waited a year to read City of Heavenly Fire. Don't even get me started on Divergent and how long it took me to read the last two books in that series. That being said I'm convinced part of the reason I do not finish series anymore is because of the disappointment with by Mockingjay and Breaking Dawn. I was excited for both of them and they were both huge let downs compared to other books in their respective series. I think that disappointment keeps me from finishing books because if I do not finish the series I will never be disappointed. So today's post is going to be a list of all the series I'm currently in the middle of and I'll also note if I own the next book in the series or not. Basically if I have started it and am not caught up with all current releases or last installments it will be listed.

1. The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout (I have the entire series but still need to read Origin and Opposition)
2. The Dark Elements Trilogy by Jennifer L. Armentrout (I still need to read the last two)
3. The Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks (I still need to read Of Neptune)
4. The Magisterium Series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare (The Copper Gauntlet just came out but I still need to read so it is on this list)
5. The Modern Faerie Tales Trilogy by Holly Black (I own the entire trilogy but still need to read Valiant and Ironside)
6. The Darkest Minds Trilogy by Alexandra Bracken (I have only read first book)
7. The House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (I own 1-4 and have only read the first two)
8. The Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie (I need to read Reached the final book in the trilogy)
9. Something Strange and Deadly Trilogy by Susan Dennard (I have only read the first book)
10. The Chemical Garden Trilogy by Lauren Destefano (I have only read the first book)
11. Penryn and the End of Days Trilogy by Susan Ee (I have not read End of Days but it is still a more recent release so not terrible)
12. Broken Hearts and Revenge Trilogy by Katie Finn
13. The Hush, Hush Series by Becca Fitzpatrick (I own Finale but have yet to pick it up)
14. The Scarlet Trilogy by A.C. Gaughen (I need to buy and read Lion Heart)
15. The Precious Stone Trilogy by Kerstin Gier (I have only read Ruby Red)
16. The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen (I have read the first two books)
17. The Sweet Trilogy by Wendy Higgins (I have not read the new companion book, granted it only just came out but for completeness it is listed)
18. The Watersong Quartet by Amanda Hocking (I have read the first two and own Tidal, #3)
19. The Tiger Saga by Colleen Houck (I have only read the first book)
20. The Silo Series by Hugh Howey (I have only read the first book)
21. The Queen of the Tearling Trilogy by Erika Johansen (I own the 2nd just have not picked it up yet)
22. The Shades of London Series by Maureen Johnson (I own all three books but I have only read the first one)
23. The Brokenhearted Series by Amelia Kahaney (I have only read the first book)
24. The Control Duology by Lydia Kang (I have only read the first book)
25. The Chronicles of Nick Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon (I just need to read the most recent book Instinct, #6)
26. His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin LaFevers (I have only read the first book)
27. The Alienated Series by Melissa Landers (I have only read Alienated but I have an ARC of Invaded)
28. The Lorien Legacy Series by Pittacus Lore (I have only read the first book but honestly do not know if I want to continue or not)
29. The Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu (I need to read Champion to finish the trilogy)
30. The Jasper Dent Trilogy by Barry Lyga (I have only read the first book)
31. The Fate Trilogy by Heather Lyons (I have only read the first book and do not know if I want to continue, I never heart anything about the series)
32. The Shatter Me Trilogy by Tahereh Mafi (I have only read first book and I enjoyed it so I have no idea why I have not finished the trilogy already)
33. The Nil Trilogy by Lynne Matson (I have only read the first book)
34. The Not a Drop to Drink Duology by Mindy McGinnis (This is yet another where I have only read the first book)
35. The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead (I have only read the first book, but still unsure if I want to continue)
36. Let The Sky Fall Trilogy by Shannon Messenger (I have only read the first book)
37. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (I have only read the first book but hope to change that by the time Winter comes out)
38. Dorothy Must Die Trilogy by Danielle Paige (I have only read the first book)
39. Anna and the French Kiss Trilogy by Stephanie Perkins (I just need to read Isla's story)
40. The Black City Trilogy by Elizabeth Richards (I have only read the first book)
41. The Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Trilogy by Ransom Riggs (I have not read the last book sine it just came out)
42. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (I read the first 3 way back when they first came out but never finished the series)
43. Under the Never Sky Trilogy by Veronica Rossi (I have only read the first book)
44. The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth (I have not read Four, so I'm adding this one for completeness)
45. The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski (I have only read the first book(
46. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson (I own the whole trilogy but have only read the first book)
47. The Archived Duology by Victoria Schwab (I still need to read The Unbound)
48. The Zom-B Series by Darren Shan (I have only read the first book)
49. The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon (I have only read the first book)
50. The White Rabbit Chronicles by Gena Showalter (I have read the first two books)
51. The Article 5 Trilogy by Kristen Simmons (I have only read the first book)
52. Stand-Off by Andrew Smith (Andrew Smith is one of my favorite authors so this will not be on the list much longer I hope)
53. Sekret Duology by Lindsay Smith (I need to read Skandal to finish out the duology)
54. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater (I have only read the first book)
55. The Deanna Madden Series by A.R. Torre (I have only read the first book)
56. The 5th Wave Trilogy by Rick Yancey (I have only read the first book and did not hear great things about The Infinite Sea, so I'm hesitant)

56 unfinished series is insane, but it could be even worse. Next week I'm going to post another list post that has all the series I own but have not even started yet. Doing the series I want to start would probably be too long but what I do own will be more beneficial toward motivating me to lower my ever-growing TBR.

Here is a picture of most (40 of the 56) of first books of series on this list. Taking all these off my shelves really put into perspective how many I have yet to finish. The other 16 are series that I have started from either borrowing books from friends or from the library.

Should any of these series be moved up my TBR so I either finish them or get caught up sooner? Let me know in the comments.

October TBR

For October my focus is definitely going to be new releases plus one other book. I'm also way overestimating what I can read but I do not care. A large TBR means I can pick from many choices and not follow the set short list.

1. The Martian by Andy Weir (need to read this before seeing the movie)
2. The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
3. Stand-Off by Andrew Smith
4. Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs
5. Lock and Mori by Heather W. Petty
6. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
7. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
8.  Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
9. A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis
10. Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith
11. A Sky Unbroken by Megan Crewe

What are you planning on reading in October? Let me know in the comments!

September Wrap Up

So school was in full swing this month and I had way less time than I ever though to read. I still feel like I did good though. I just wish I could have read more.

1. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas (5 Crowns)
2. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (5 Crowns)
3. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (4 Crowns)
4. Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin (4 Crowns)
5. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard (4 Crowns)

I also have just over 100 pages left of The Wrath and the Dawn that I was hoping to finish but alas I did not.

If you haven't noticed I'm behind on reviews. I have not posted any reviews for books I've recently read instead reviews have been stockpiled from what I read during the summer. That being said, I will eventually get reviews posted for all of these except maybe Queen of Shadows because it would have to be a spoiler review.
 
TBR currently sits at 57, so I did not increase from last month even though I acquired many books. But with new books constantly coming because of preorders and my lack of reading time, my TBR may get out of control.

Look for my October TBR tomorrow. How did you do in September? Let me know in the comments!

Down with the Shine by Kate Karyus Quinn (Waiting on Wednesday #16)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that everyone’s eagerly anticipating!

There's a reason they say "be careful what you wish for." Just ask the girl who wished to be thinner and ended up smaller than Thumbelina, or the boy who asked for "balls of steel" and got them-literally. And never wish for your party to go on forever. Not unless you want your guests to be struck down by debilitating pain if they try to leave.

These are things Lennie only learns when it's too late-after she brings some of her uncles' moonshine to a party and toasts to dozens of wishes, including a big wish of her own: to bring back her best friend, Dylan, who was abducted and murdered six months ago.

Lennie didn't mean to cause so much chaos. She always thought her uncles' moonshine toast was just a tradition. And when they talked about carrying on their "important family legacy," she thought they meant good old-fashioned bootlegging.

As it turns out, they meant granting wishes. And Lennie has just granted more in one night than her uncles would grant in a year.

Now she has to find a way to undo the damage. But once granted, a wish can't be unmade...

Down with the Shine will be released April 26th, 2016 by HarperTeen!

So Kate has two books out, I've only read Another Little Piece, but I absolutely loved it. It was this dark, eventful story that left you with so many questions. This one sounds just as mysterious and intriguing.

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Teaser Tuesday #30- The Wrath and the Dawn

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme where you post a quote from a book you are currently reading. It is hosted by A Daily Rhythm.

“This dangerous girl. This captivating beauty. This destroyer of worlds and creator of wonder.”
                                  - The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

The writing and the descriptions in this book are stunning. I'm about two thirds of the way through and I cannot wait to see what happens. I also love that this is a duology and not the standard trilogy.

Find the book here: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Let me know in the comments what book you are currently reading!

October New Releases

So there are way too many amazing books coming out in October. I personally have preordered 14 books that come out at some point in October. For this month's new releases post, I'm going to choose 4 books that are less hyped or that I'm more excited about to feature.

Title: A Madness So Discreet
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Publication Date: October 6th, 2015
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
About: I absolutely loved Not a Drop to Drink and this book sounds so fascinating with the Gothic, historical aspect. I'm really looking forward to getting this and being able to read about this asylum and Grace.
Where to Find: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Title: Career of Evil
Author: Robert Galbraith
Publication Date: October 20th, 2015
Publisher: Mulholland Books
About: This book is written by the queen so of course I'm excited, plus I have fallen in love with Robin and Cormoran. I cannot wait to see what is in store for our detectives in this installment. 
Where to Find: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Title: The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Author: Patrick Ness
Publication Date: October 6th, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
About: I have yet to read a Patrick Ness book, but I'm so excited for this one. The premise is so fascinating about your "normal" character who is surrounded by all these "Chosen Ones". I'm really looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds. Plus the whole the cover glows in the dark thing!
Where to Find: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Title: Carry On
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publication Date: October 6th, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
About: Fangirl is one of my favorite books of all time so this book is beyond exciting. I cannot wait to read Simon and Baz's story after hearing about them in Fangirl. This book is so anticipated by everyone that I really hope we are not at all disappointed.
Where to Find: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Honorable Mentions: The White Rose by Amy Ewing (October 6th), Dreamstrider by Lindsay Smith (October 6th), Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (October 20th), Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin (October 20th), and The Rose Society by Marie Lu (October 13th).

Did I forget any books that you are looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

Review: The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Title: The Magicians
Author: Lev Grossman
Publication Date:  August 11th, 2009
Publisher: Viking
Source: From the Library
Where to find: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Summary: Like everyone else, precocious high school senior Quentin Coldwater assumes that magic isn't real, until he finds himself admitted to a very secretive and exclusive college of magic in upstate New York. There he indulges in joys of college-friendship, love, sex, and booze- and receives a rigorous education in modern sorcery. But magic doesn't bring the happiness and adventure Quentin thought it would. After graduation, he and his friends stumble upon a secret that sets them on a remarkable journey that may just fulfill Quentin's yearning. But their journey turns out to be darker and more dangerous than they'd imagined. Psychologically piercing and dazzlingly inventive, The Magicians, the prequel to the New York Times bestselling book The Magician King and the #1 bestseller The Magician's Land, is an enthralling coming-of-age tale about magic practiced in the real world-where good and evil aren't black and white, and power comes at a terrible price.

“In a way fighting was just like using magic. You said the words, and they altered the universe. By merely speaking you could create damage and pain, cause tears to fall, drive people away, make yourself feel better, make your life worse.”

The fact that SyFy Network is making a show out of this trilogy is the main reason that I chose to pick up this book and I have to say I'm fairly disappointed. I was expecting this magical world that was a mix of Hogwarts, magic, and Narnia. However, that is not at all what I got with this book.

The book started out great with Quentin learning about the secret world of magic and the magic school in NY. However, from there the story seemed to either drag as he learned, or jump so far into the future that I felt like I was missing so much of this story. This book takes place over many years but I still felt like the pacing was off. It was either too fast or not fast enough.

I also really did not like Quentin as a character. He was extremely brooding and annoying. Nothing seemed to appease him and while he described himself as this nerdy, over-achiever, I did not get that vibe from him. I also did not like how little we learned about other characters. I would have loved to have more perspective on the other characters and their journey throughout the story.

I know this sounds like I really did not enjoy the book and that is only partially true. I still enjoyed this world and the idea of magic in our modern world. But the characters and the writing really dampened my ability to become fully engrossed in this novel. For a fantasy novel, this one took me way longer than others do.

I have no idea if I'm going to continue on with this trilogy or not. I can say it is nowhere on my current radar. I may continue if the show seems to be heading in that direction or if enough people convince me that the sequels are better than this first one was. I think for me the issue was having way too high expectations for this one.