My master plan has been brewing for quite some time now. I bet some of you thought I would forget about this blog by now. I dip in and out and I seem to never quite commit. Well, well, well, I’ll have you all know that The Book Raven is back. Ohh, and 2023 is going to be my most productive, fun filled, and insane year yet!
A year of early mornings to stream as StarsWolfe on Twitch and daily writing and posting on here in the nights. That’s right. I will be writing in 2023. I will also be reading and reviewing books in 2023.
I’m very excited to announce I have created a VTuber model for streaming and I’ve figured out how to set it up so that I can use my model and stream from my PlayStation at the same time. I can’t wait for you guys to meet her.
January is going to be me figuring out a new balance with streaming, reading, schooling, and writing. It’s going to be a whole new year with a whole new me to go along with it. I can’t wait to see what comes.
2023 is going to be packed to the brim in so many ways. Surprises and new beginnings galore. Thank you all for deciding to join me on my journey. Happy New Year!
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
After way too much time, I have returned to set my goals for July 2022. I remembered that I had the most success in my goals when I’d write them down here and remind myself of them every day. Consistent progress that would lead to me actually finishing the projects I would set out for myself.
For reading I am going to restart Beyond the Surface. This time it’ll only be up on my blog and the main focus would be for me to read a book every month featuring a character dealing with their mental health.
For July, I will be reading The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller.
I have chosen this book for this month because I have been desiring to read it for so long and I no longer want to make any excuses for not reading it.
I will also be reviewing the books that I’ve read this year that I have put off reviewing. I’ve been so behind in my reading and reviews that I feel super bad for accumulating such a large back log. It’s time to slowly chip away at it and not accumulate any more books till I have a lot of what I already have read.
In writing, I really want to finish an actual book. I’ve also put that off time and time and time again. It needs to be done. I really don’t care about a specific word count daily this time around, but I need to put something towards my book till it gets done.
The other daily thing is I need to start to exercise and I also don’t care if it starts at 10 minutes a day, but I need to move my body. I need to lose some weight and I miss fitting into a lot of my old clothes. Most of all I want to do some awesome cosplays and I need to loose a bit of weight and get in shape for that. The added bonus of being and feeling healthier will be amazing too.
Starting July 6th, I have the next two classes in my pharmacy technician course. I’m starting to get into more specific pharmacy tech classes and I am excited. I need to organize my classes a bit better so that I balance it to where I get everything done.
Another super exciting thing is that I got myself a ps5 a few months ago. I also took very big advantages of the PlayStation sales that have gone on. I’ve purchased a ton of really awesome games and I’ve been loving many of them. However, I haven’t really been doing a lot of completing any of these games. So my goal for this month is to work towards completing Dark Souls.
So far I have played 25 hours of dark souls. I have made it 8% of the way through the achievements. I am currently trying to make my way through blight town. My goal this month is not to complete dark souls, but at the very least to make any amount of progress on it daily provided I’ve completed all my other tasks for the day.
Also Man of Medan is coming to PlayStation plus in July and I am absolutely going to get my boyfriends to play through the entire game with me. I haven’t played a game with him in a good while and I’m excited to experience something new with him.
Also the main thing I want to do is organize my time better. I want to have nights available for myself to relax watch Stranger Things (my sole tv show to complete goal for the month) or to play video games without worrying that I have all these other things to do and complete for the day.
I also will have a decent amount of days this month set aside for family and friends. These days are the days that are the most peaceful to me.
All in all, there’s a lot I want to do in July. I will make sure I keep the main things I want to complete done and as long as I do, this month will be a success. If I do achieve all my goals this month I’ll let myself buy the game Stray to play next month because I’ve been so excited since it was announced.
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
I have thought about what I wanted to do for this year for a good long time. I gave myself December to relax and feel good and prepare myself for 2022. I want to do a lot this year. In a very focused and determined way. I’m so excited.
The first thing I wanted to focus on was going back to school and become a pharmacy tech to make enough money to better support my family. At the same time after doing that working towards being a pharmacist.
In writing I wanted to focus on writing four first drafts this year. So one draft every three months. Starting with a pseudo paranormal horror that I’ve had in my brain forever. Which also means I’ll be watching some fun paranormal horror movies over the coming months to immerse myself in that mindset.
Also in writing I wanted to see if I could write a poetry book and self publish it. As of right now I’m not sure what theme it will have, but I’ll figure it out soon enough.
The last thing in writing I wanted to blog post every day. Which I feel like will actually happen this year because I’m going to have a monthly gift to myself for accomplishing my goals for each individual month.
As for reading I would like to start reading much more often and I hope to complete reading at least 50 books in 2022. To help with this I’m doing a monthly book exchange with a friend sharing our favorite books. For January I’m lending her Starfish and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks. Other then the book she’ll lend me, I will also be reading The Assignment by Liza Wiemer, Replica by Lauren Oliver, and Jack Kerouac is Dead to me by Gae Polisner. As well as two DC comics I was behind reviewing.
My other goal is exercise and it has my favorite prize attached to it if I keep it up all the way into September which is this super awesome Harley Quinn “Kill the Justice League” cosplay that I will buy and feel like a badass in should I keep my fitness goals throughout the year.
For January if I keep my goals I want to get myself this custom Red Riot Sweater. Something that I know I’ll never want to take off and that I’ll feel like I can do anything in. Which will be the perfect thing to wear over the year I want to do so much in.
This year will be about staying positive and motivated and progressing forward and embracing my life. I know that life happens and it can get difficult but I’m so ready to take on this year and do the best I possibly can.
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below! Let me know what your goals are for 2022!
Sometimes it’s much easier to start new habits at the beginning of the month. It gives you a chance to set your intentions and to not make excuses and just go for what you want. This month I want to write. I want to read everyday. I want to wake up early and stay up so I can commit to everything I want to get done.
One of the biggest fuels to my anxiety has been trying over and over to recommit to my blog and not sticking to my commitment. Well, this month that all changes. I am ready.
This month my very first goal is to write a blog post everyday. I’ve been able to blog more and more frequently and I have plenty of posts ideas to get me started. There are also three different DC Comic Releases this month that I will be reading and reviewing that I am very excited about Whistle, Unearthed, and Beast Boy Loves Raven.
The other thing I’m actually going to do and stop stressing about is exercise. I’m going to watch some shuffle dance videos since at the moment I am very much focusing on treating my wrists and that’ll be a stress free way of allowing my body to heal and still keeping active. As well as the 100 squats / 100 sit-ups daily challenge.
Another thing I wanted to do is revisit writing in my write this story book and make that my routine for before I start my novel writing for the day: 10 to 20 minutes of writing a short story and then going into writing / researching my novel. I want to spend at least 30 minutes a day focused on writing my ‘bee girl’ novel.
My focus towards learning will be Duolingo and Khan Academy. I’ve been really wanting to take a chemistry class since I never took one in high school and so I’ll be taking one on khan academy doing a little lesson everyday.
When it comes to reading I know at the very minimum I am going to finish reading Spinning Silver no matter what.
I have been so close to done for a long while now. If I do things right I may even finish it today and write my review for tomorrow. However, that remains to be seen.
As far as games, I am committed to Fortnite right now. I’ve played pretty much daily and I’ve unlocked all the skins from season 7 (only thing left is literally 15 alien artifacts). Season 8 is very close now and I will be happy to do my routine to unlock all the skins all over again.
At the end of the month my goal is to feel proud. To feel like yes I did and enjoyed so much this month. That I enjoyed reading and I enjoyed writing and I spent quality time with my family and enjoyed times with my friends too and with my lovely boyfriend. With my hours at work now more manageable to give my wrists a chance to heal I want to heal some of the mental issues that have been plaguing me as well as feel more then my fair share of joy this month. I’ve spent too long in the opposite feeling.
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
Cover Rating: 10/10 This a beautiful cover! Showcases Nadia looking powerful and strong in her wasp suit and encapsulates the feeling of G.I.R.L showcasing our strong and intelligent heroine.
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Publish Date: July 14th, 2020
Number of Pages: 272
Received: Netgalley provided an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Bestselling author Sam Maggs brings Nadia Van Dyne (the Unstoppable Wasp) and her genius friends to life in an all-new original YA novel based on the world of The Unstoppable Wasp Marvel comics series.
Nadia Van Dyne is new to this. New to being a Super Hero, new to being a real friend and stepdaughter (to one of the founding Avengers, no less), new to running her own lab, and new to being her own person, far, far away from the clutches of the Red Room―the infamous brainwashing/assassin-training facility. She’s adjusting well to all of this newness, channeling her energy into being a good friend, a good scientist, and a good Super Hero. It’s taking a toll, though, and Nadia’s finding that there are never quite enough hours in a day. So, when she’s gifted a virtual assistant powered by the most cutting-edge A.I. technology that the world has to offer, Nadia jumps at the opportunity to “do less, experience more”―just like the advertisements say.The device works― really works. Nadia has more time to pursue her passion projects and to focus on new discoveries. But it’s never quite that simple, and not everything is as it seems. This thrilling adventure finds Nadia confronting her past as she tries to shape her future, and learning that sometimes the best way to effect big change is to think small―maybe even supersmall, Unstoppable Wasp-style. She’ll need the help of her genius G.I.R.L. (Genius In action Research Labs) squad and found family to save herself and (not to be too dramatic) the entire world as we know it. Along the way, Nadia discovers that when she teams up with the people who love her the most, they’re totally Unstoppable.
Opening Sentence: “She was going to force Nadia to hurt her, and Nadia hated when people forced her to hurt them.”
Musings:
I adored ‘The Unstoppable Wasp”! It caused me to nerd out completely throughout. I loved every part of it. It’s definitely perfect for that young Marvel lover in your life.
What I loved:
The fun facts! I find it really adorable how every once in a while Nadia would nerd out and explain a concept about science or technology to the reader. It felt like she really and truly adored science and enjoyed sharing little tidbits with the people around her.
The diversity of the cast. Nadia is Russian and gives little tidbits about Russian words and foods and each member of G.I.R.L. are all from different backgrounds and lend a bit of their culture through who they are throughout the story.
Nadia’s struggle with Bi-polar disorder. Everyday is a time-management struggle for Nadia. Managing her mood, being a cool American teen, connecting with the mother who died before she could meet her, coming up with ideas for her like-minds project. Nadia has so much on her plate at all times and managing her mental health at the same time is overwhelming and causes her to struggle with her personal relationships.
How real Nadia feels. Nadia may be a super hero, but who she is inside and her struggles, wants, and desires make her feel like a girl doing her best to follow her dreams and also just enjoy being alive even with life feels overwhelmingly hard.
All in all:
‘The Unstoppable Wasp: Built on Hope’ is a wonderful read that made my nerd heart very happy. It’s beautiful to me. Nadia isn’t 100% succeeding in every area of her life she’s doing her best and she wants to do great for the world. Sometimes you got to rely on the G.I.R.L.’s around you who only want you to succeed. Everyone in this book feels like a family.
As a side note: I super nerded out hard talking for the longest time to my boyfriend about the version of Hank in this novel. I got so much out of this book and it‘ll live inside my heart as one to remember.
About the Author:
Sam Maggs is a bestselling author of books, comics, and video games. She’s been a senior games writer, including work on Marvel’s Spider-Man; the author of many YA and middle-grade books like The Unstoppable Wasp, Con Quest!, Tell No Tales, and The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy; and a comics writer for beloved titles like Marvel Action: Captain Marvel, My Little Pony, and Transformers. She is also an on-air host for networks like Nerdist. A Canadian in Los Angeles, she misses Coffee Crisp and bagged milk.
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
This month has already started well. I started on doing my Instagram posts again for my books. I’m excited about this month of reading! I have many books that I’m going to get to this month.
The two books I’ll be finishing reading for sure are:
The Lamb who Slaughtered the Lion
And
Saints and Misfits
Both of these I have limited time to read so I’ll definitely be getting to them first.
Other Goals:
Writing. I want to start writing again at least 15 minutes a day. So that’s what I will start doing.
Exercise. My right wrist is completely shot right now. So I’m going to start doing some standing exercise videos at least until my wrist feels better. So tonight after I finish work I’m going to start my new routine.
Instagram. I want to do an insta post everyday this month. Doing a #Marchreads challenge.
To feel good. I want to enjoy everyday and so far today has felt good and I’ll love that to continue throughout March.
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
I’ve done this in the past often thanks to Wattpad and I think part of me missed the feeling and so I’ve started reading a bunch of books all at once.
Starting with the longest standing reads to the most recent, here are my current reads:
Starting with Horns by Joe Hill
I’ve been reading this book one chapter every once in a while for over two years now, possibly three or four I have no idea. The story itself has stuck in my head as I’ve read it and it’s just something that can tank my mood so I’ve been reading it sparingly and I have no idea when I’ll finish it.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
One of my best friends got me this book two Christmases ago and a few months ago I decided to start reading it. It’s been another emotional read that I’m taking slow and reading sparingly so I have no idea when I’ll finish it.
Replica by Lauren Oliver
I started reading this a few weeks ago because I’ve been very much wanted to read it and due to focus on other books I’ve been reading this one sparingly as well, but I might do a greater focus on it soon.
The Unstoppable Wasp by Sam Maggs
This is my current Netgalley read I’ve also been reading for a few weeks. It’s been my main focus and I’m over half way through and already had a whole nerd out conversation with my boyfriend about it. I should be finished with this one in less then a week or so.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
I started reading this last week. I’m only a few chapters in so it’ll be a while before I finish this one. However, I do want to finish it before the Netflix show comes out because I’m really excited about watching it.
The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion by Margaret Killjoy
I started this two days ago. This one I started because I’ve had an e-library hold on it for months and it just became available. I plan on having a decent pace reading this book since I have a limited time to read it. Currently, I’m only a few pages in.
So in total six books as of right now. I’ll probably start “Always and Forever Laura Jean” soon too just cause the movie is already out and I want to read the book first before I watch it.
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
This book I rated 5 stars! It was fantastic! It was an intense read and I had such a good time with it!
What I’m currently reading:
Horns by Joe Hill
I’m reading this a chapter a day because it is pretty intense and I don’t care to get into the mind frame of the book for too long, but overall it’s fantastic so far!
Diamond City by Francesca Flores
I am almost finished reading this book and might get done with it tonight! Unlike Horns it is much lighter and tons of fun! If I finish it today my review should be up tomorrow!
What I’m Reading Next:
Luna: New Moon by Ian McDonald
I don’t know much about this book. This came as a random draw from the books I own to read next. It looks like a cool sci-fi so I’m definitely excited for it! If you’ve read this book, let me know what you thought of it!
What are you currently reading?
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
A few days ago I made a judgement call that would force me to get back into reading in a manic way. I went on Netgalley and requested a bunch of books. I’d banned myself from doing this ages ago. But, I’m not a depressed bean anymore. I’m excited about life and moving forward and I missed reading. It’s one of the biggest most magical parts of my life and I wanted to give myself an even larger incentive to read then ever.
I really didn’t know what I was expecting when I did this. I’ve been reviewing a bit lately and I just wanted to see what would happen and boy has it been an interesting line of approvals so far.
Also, I’m so incredibly grateful to Netgalley and all the publishers that approved me to read all these amazing titles. THANK YOU!!!
Books Requested and Approved:
Mayhem by Estelle Laure
That cover my goodness! I saw it and had to request.
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
This was a Hail Mary request. Did not expect the approval, but ohhh yeah I’m excited!
Throwaway Girls by Andrea Contos
Couldn’t resist these creepy vibes! This novel looks like a mystery I wanted to know about.
Glass Town Wars by Celia Rees
This cover is UNIQUE. I wanted to know what the story was inside. I’m excited to get to find out!
Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
This book is a mix up of so many things yet it looks so much like it fits. I am so so happy and excited I got approved to read it!
I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan
Again a good Mystery and I couldn’t resist requesting! It sounded amazing!
The Unstoppable Wasp by Sam Maggs
I said so many prayers to get approved for this title. I have a fat crush on Sam Maggs and holy smokes I’m so so excited to read this book!!! I was happy all day when I saw this approval!
Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro
So I’ve always wanted to read Anger is a Gift and I already know that book is soooo well loved so I had to request this book! So happy to have the chance to read it!
Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera
This book has MAGICAL REALISM!!! Let me say that again MAGICAL REALISM alert!! Freaking will want to read every ya magical realism book I can get my hands on. It’s my jam! Plus omg that cover is chef’s kiss gorgeous!
Hush by Dylan Farrow
The magic in this novel sounds freaking amazing lemme tell you. I read the description and was like HELL yes sign me up for that thank you!
My Rejection:
Blazewrath Games by Amparo Ortiz
That’s right this is the only book I’ve heard back as a no from and I get it. This is a very popularly requested book and I’ve gotten many many yes’s to many amazing novels! Still gotta appreciate that cover tho A+!
Pending Requests:
So all that looks like a lot of books right? Well when I say I went on a request spree.. I went on a request SPREE. Anyway here’s what I’m waiting to hear back on.
Last Girls by Demetra Brodsky
Soooo about this book. I kinda sorta got notified today that I won it in a giveaway sooo.. it may be pending, but like.. hell yess I get to read this book!!!! I have her other book Dive Smack on my shelves and I also won that in a giveaway way back. Apparently I’m meant to read Demetra’s books. I’ll be owning both books she’s written so far! Very excited!
The rest in a beautiful collage of ohh my gosh I hope I get to read these!!!!
That’s 18 more books I’ve yet to hear back on! All of them books I’d feel so happy to read! We’ll see what happens sometime soon! But, gosh I can’t wait to see if I get approved for any of these. Looking at them all together my heart swells. They all look so beautiful!
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
I haven’t done this sort of post in a long time, but this month is going to be a fun one and I’m really excited about it.
This month, I’m going to visit magic mountain for the first time in years! I’m celebrating July 4th and my sisters birthday this month so I’m really pumped about it.
As far as reading goes my goal is to read this beauty finally:
I meant to start reading it one of these past weekends, but I still haven’t reviewed ‘The Beholder’ and I’m focusing on getting that done first, but after that I’m devouring this book!
After ‘Escaping from Houdini’ I will probably finally finish reading ‘Wicked Saints’ and get that review done as well.
Of course, this month I will also be continuing on with the marvel-verse series. I plan on seeing Spider-man: Homecoming at some point this month and while I may not discuss it till well in the future I am definitely not going to miss out on seeing this film in theaters. (On a side note: I also plan on seeing Annabel Comes Home this month as well, which I will be posting about so I’m excited for that!)
Other then all that, I’m generally excited to see what July brings. It’s stacking up to become one of the best months of the year and I’m just happy to be able to discuss it with all of you!
Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below.
The Book Raven 