Review: How to Disappear by Sharon Huss Roat

How to Disappear by Sharon Huss Roat
Genre: YA Contemporary, Mental Illness, Romance, Self-love
Publication: August 15, 2017 from HarperTeen
Series: N/A
Length: 384 pages
Format: ARC provided by blog tour host
Rating: ★★★★★

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Vicky Decker has perfected the art of hiding in plain sight, quietly navigating the halls of her high school undetected except by her best (and only) friend, Jenna. But when Jenna moves away, Vicky’s isolation becomes unbearable.

So she decides to invent a social life by Photoshopping herself into other people’s pictures, posting them on Instagram under the screen name Vicurious. Instantly, she begins to get followers, so she adds herself to more photos from all over the world with all types of people. And as Vicurious’s online followers multiply, Vicky realizes she can make a whole life for herself without ever leaving her bedroom. But the more followers she finds online, the clearer it becomes that there are a lot of people out there who feel like her— #alone and #ignored in real life.

To help them, and herself, Vicky must find the courage to face her fear of being “seen,” because only then can she stop living vicariously and truly bring the magic of Vicurious to life.

In this beautiful and illuminating narrative, Sharon Huss Roat shines a light on our love of social media and how sometimes being the person you think you want to be isn’t as great as being the person you truly are.

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5 Things I’ve Learned from Interviewing Pierce Brown

Last week, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of the Red Rising Trilogy, Pierce Brown, visited the Philippines for a book signing event during the 2017 Philippine Readers and Writers Festival. I was invited by National Bookstore to briefly interview him, and here are 5 things I’ve learned about him, and his amazingly written Science Fiction series:

Review: Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza

Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza

Genre: YA Sci-Fi

Publication: February 7th 2017 by Razorbill

Series: Empress of a Thousand Skies #1

Length: 314 pages

Format: Hardcover

CROWN PRINCESS RHIANNON TA’AN WANTS VENGEANCE.

The only surviving heir to an ancient Kalusian dynasty, RHEE has spent her life training to destroy the people who killed her family. Now, on the eve of her coronation, the time has finally come for Rhee to claim her throne – and her revenge.

ALYOSHA is a Wraetan who has risen above his war refugee origins to find fame as the dashing star of a DroneVision show. Despite his popularity, Aly struggles with anti-Wraetan prejudices and the pressure of being perfect in the public eye.

Their paths collide with one brutal act of violence: Rhee is attacked, barely escaping with her life. Aly is blamed for her presumed murder.

The princess and her accused killer are forced to go into hiding – even as a war between planets is waged in Rhee’s name. But soon, Rhee and Aly discover that the assassination attempt is just one part of a sinister plot. Bound together by an evil that only they can stop, the two fugitives must join forces to save the galaxy.

Five YouTube Creators Who I Love

During the summer, I read Tash Hearts Tolstoy and Queens of Geek. One thing that both books have in common (besides WONDERFUL representation) is that they both have books that talk about internet culture/YouTube! It made me really think about all the Youtubers I enjoy and watch frequently. So, today I’m going to be talking about them!

 1. DAN AND PHIL

If you’ve followed me on my main blog or Twitter for a while, you probably already know I love Dan and Phil. In fact, I even met them! I don’t watch them as much, but I still love them both dearly.

2. BUZZFEED UNSOLVED

If you are a fan of paranormal or true crime, I really hope you watch Buzzfeed Unsolved. It is probably one of my top favorite YouTube series right now. Ryan and Shane (the two guys who host the show) have a perfect blend of humor and serious discussions. I highly highly recommend it.

3. CAYLEIGH ELISE

Going along with true crime/mystery, this YouTube channel is another one! I recently discovered her channel, and I can’t stop watching her videos! She covers each of the cases with respect to the families and victims. If you enjoy Buzzfeed Unsolved or other true crime related videos, you will love hers!

4. CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER

If you’re a drama nerd like me, you will LOVE Carrie! She’s a UK based YouTuber who is also an actress. She’s been in the West End’s production of Les Mis, and she is in the U.K. Tour of Addams Family right now. She’s such a sweet person, and I look up to her a lot.

5. CONAN GRAY

If you’re a fan of Dodie Clark (or people with similar aesthetics), may I introduce you to Conan Gray. His videos are so visually beautiful, and he’s such a kind soul. He also creates music that I listen to every single night before I go to bed. His vlogs are very calming, and I really hope you check him out!

Liv is a 16 year old book blogger who resides in Pennsylvania, U.S.A. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, petting cats, and listening to musicals.

Do you watch any YouTubers? Are there any on this list that you watch often already? Let me know down in the comments! I can’t wait to read your responses.

Anticipated Additions On My Radar #2

I’ve recently discovered a few new books, and hence, I’ve added them to my Goodreads shelves as well as to my radar! Today, I want to share a few of my newly added books with you! Click on the cover for a link to the Goodreads page!

Hunting Prince Dracula Blog Tour (Playlist + Giveaway)

I’m so excited to be on the blog tour for HUNTING PRINCE DRACULA!

Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

Genre: YA Historical, Thriller, Romance

Publication: September 19th 2017 by Little, Brown & Company

Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #2

Length: 448 pages

Goodreads

In this hotly anticipated sequel to the haunting #1 bestseller Stalking Jack the Ripper, bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer…or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?

Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper’s true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe’s best schools of forensic medicine…and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.

But her life’s dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school’s forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.

The Library is Open: Drag Queen Book Recos

Hey Bookworms!

I don’t know about you but I am completely obsessed with Rupaul’s Drag Race. For those who do not know what it is, Rupaul’s Drag Race is a reality TV competition for Drag Queens to compete to be America’s next Drag Superstar. Think America’s Next Top Model meets Project Runway.

There is fashion, make-up, runways, acting, music, comedy and so much more. But what makes the show is the Drag Queens themselves. Their larger than life personalities, outrageous costumes and makeup, and their outstanding stage presence make them superstars in their own right.

Crystal Blade Blog Tour (Guest Post + Giveaway!)

I’m so thrilled to be on the blog tour for CRYSTAL BLADE! I really enjoyed BURNING GLASS, and I can’t wait to pick up my own copy of the sequel!

Crystal Blade by Kathryn Purdie
Series: Burning Glass #2

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publication: August 15th 2017 by Katherine Tegen Books
Length: 384 pages

Goodreads

The peace is unsustainable.

Sonya and Anton may have brought about a revolution, but can they protect their homeland—and their love—with so many forces threatening to tear them apart?

The empire has fallen, Valko faces trial, and Sonya is finally free from her fate as Sovereign Auraseer. But Sonya’s expanding abilities are just as unstable as the new government of Riaznin—and her relationship with Anton. Not only can she feel the emotions of others but, unlike other Auraseers, she’s learned to make others feel her emotions as well. And Sonya isn’t immune to dark temptations.

Now, as Sonya fights to contain her own darkness, she senses a new evil lurking in the shadows of the palace. Someone from Sonya’s past has returned. And that someone won’t be satisfied until Sonya pays for the mistakes she’s made.

25 Books With Bisexual Protagonists

Today, I wanted to share a few books that I’ve either read or have on my TBR with bisexual protagonists. I’ve read a lot of these books and I really loved them – my bi ass is here for these. Some of these are young adult, some of these are new adult or adult, but they are all worthy of your Goodreads adds!

My Warcross Team #PlayWarcross + Giveaway!

I’m so excited to be a part of this fun campaign! Check out the WARCROSS website here! Here’s a bit more information about WARCROSS , Marie’s newest book:

Warcross by Marie Lu
Series: Warcross #1

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Publication: September 12th 2017 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Length: 416 pages

Format: ARC

Goodreads

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu—when a game called Warcross takes the world by storm, one girl hacks her way into its dangerous depths.

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.

In this sci-fi thriller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu conjures an immersive, exhilarating world where choosing who to trust may be the biggest gamble of all.