Issabelle's Posts

Get to Know Ya Book Tag

What’s up everyone!! Soooo, how’s everyone’s NaNoWriMo coming along (if you’re doing it, that is)? I feel like while we’re in November, that’s just kind of what you have to say to every writer. I don’t know why. (Even though I know a lot of writers who aren’t even doing it.) So, I’m dong my FIRST EVER TAG!!!!! Eeek!! I’m like super excited. Like REALLY excited. Like I need to stop saying ‘like’ excited. So, I found this tag from Cherelle’s site @ Cherelle the Bibliophile. Check it out here. It looked like a fun tag, and I knew I had to do it. So, that’s what’s going down today. Also, at the end, I have a few updates, so be sure to stay till the end. Onto the questions!!!

Favorite book of all time!

So, obviously it’s favorite book and not favorite series. Then I’m going for…hmmm….

Let me think on this one.

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Alright, I’ll spill it. Since you guys wanna know sooo badly. (Also, I’m going with favorite fiction book, ’cause the favorite book is the Bible!!) The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson. Yes, I LOVE this book. Margaretha is sooo much like me. And I LOVE Colin. He’s like just…AMAZING!!!! (And we all know where I got the name for the main character in my WIP. Man, I owe this book a LOT.) Plus can’t we just admire that title? Genius!!!

Favorite book five years ago.

Five years ago!!!???? That was like ages ago. How am I supposed to remember that? Really, I don’t remember what my favorite book was five years ago. I do know two years ago I was super in love with Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter, so that’s what I’m going for. And HOW could anyone NOT like that book. Maddie was just THE BEST!!!!! I think she’s been an inspiration for Genie in my WIP somewhat. 

Favorite series.

Oh, you guys know what’s coming next. I feel like I say this on just about every post. Actually….WAIT. Let’s play a game. *ignoring the groaning in the room* You guys have to guess what my favorite book series of all time is. So, put your guess down in the comments after you’re done reading. I’ll tell you if you got it right. Fun, right? (If you wanna say no, don’t answer. ;).) 

Last book you’ve read.

Lucky in Love by Kasie West. It was a really good book. Totally recommend it.

Last poetry book you’ve read.

Uh…..I don’t really read poetry. *turning face away in shame* I think the last poetry book I read was years ago when I read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Yeah, I need to start reading some poetry.

What book most influenced your life?

The BIBLE!!!!!!! I’m a Christian, and we believe the Bible is the Word of God. So, yes, it has been VERY influential in my life. VERY!!! Sometimes it’s hard to understand it all, but just knowing you’re reading the VERY WORDS OF GOD is just mind-blowing. Amiright? Favorite verse: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9) I’ve faced fear before, that when I’m older I’ll give into peer pressure and stray away from what I know to be true and from living how God wants me to live. I always remind myself of this verse, that if I walk close to God and keep my eyes COMPLETELY FOCUSED on HIM, He will never let me stray. Just some thoughts.

Books that made you cry.

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen. That is the ONLY book to this day, that has EVER made me literally shed tears. SERIOUSLY.  *SPOILERS in the graphic below*

I feel like crying in other books I read sometimes, but I don’t normally actually do it. Some other ones that have made me come very close to crying: Kingdom’s Dawn by Chuck Black, The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson, Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen (That book is very emotional. Highly recommend it!), and I also got very emotional in There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones. 

Book that made you laugh.

When I was younger (Like REALLY young) that would’ve been the Whatever After series by Sarah Mlynowski. Those books always had me cracking up. Now, I might have to go with the Story Thieves series by James Riley. Not just because there was humor in the books, but also because the acknowledgements page was just HILARIOUS and like so AMAZING!!!! 

Books so good you dreamt about it.

Oh, the funny stories I could tell you from all of my crazy dreams… But we don’t have time for that. So, true story, the first time I finished THE FALSE PRINCE by Jennifer A. Nielsen, I made the bad mistake of finishing it close to when I went to bed. So, let’s just say it invaded my dreams in a really crazy way. I mean, it was pretty crazy. And there was something important that had happened, I remember, but I can’t recall what it was. I just feel like I was supposed to remember it. You know what I mean? *silence* Uh, probably not, I realized now. Uh, *scrambling to the next question* moving on…

Book you dfn-ed.

Um, I’m guessing this means Did Not Finished. I’ve seen this before, but never really tried to figure out what it meant. So, most of the time books I don’t finish are normally due to the fact they have something unclean in them, and I don’t feel like putting up with it, so yeah…I’m not gonna list them here.

What book are you most excited to read?

Aaahhhhhhhh, sooo many. So, most of the ones I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really wanna read, I don’t actually have access to. So, they’re on my list of books to buy. I’m gonna give you my top four:

1. Fawkes by Nadine Brandes EVERYONE has been talking about how awesome it is. I HAVE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK. Like…….NOW. Plus the cover is soooo awesome. If you haven’t seen it, you need to go see it.

2. The Broken Prince by Kara Linaburg Another one with a great cover and what sounds like an awesome storyline.

3. Dust by Kara Swanson I’ve also been hearing a lot of great talk about this book, so yeah. REALLY need to read this one.

4. Nova by Chuck Black So, a lot of you know I’m a huge Chuck Black fan and he has a new Sci-fi series out, and I MUST READ IT. 

Aaaannnddddd. A book that’s coming out that I’m super excited for is…. Go Teen Writers: Write Your Novel. I’ve been talking about this a lot here lately, but I KNOW it’s going to be incredible. Aaaaahhh, I can’t wait for it to be released. (On Dec. 3rd…we’re almost there. If you wanna learn more, though, go here.)

Don’t you guys just love my amazing graphics!!!!!

And, I’m tagging………………. *drumroll, please*

*looks around the room*

*ugh, why are there no drums*

*fine, imaginary drumroll*

I’m tagging………………….. ANYONE WHO WANTS TO DO IT!!!! (Yes, I’m gonna be one of the boring bloggers. 😉 )

Anyway, that’s all the questions…on to the updates. So, my writing series on character development is getting pushed back a couple of weeks, soooo sorry guys. I just have a bunch of other post cramming up for the front. I do hope to get to part 4 in a couple of weeks which will be on…I forgot. I have it in a notebook, but I’m too lazy to go get it right now. Also, we’ve got an EMAIL LIST!!!! A lot of you have been asking about it, so here it finally is. Basically it’s just gonna give you updates on when new posts go live. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to do, I’m not sure what it’s actually gonna do. I’m VERY new to this, so bear with me. If there’s any complications or things go wrong, let me know. And make sure you keep an eye out for this super exciting, fun, and top secret post sometime in the next few weeks. It’s gonna be on my WIP Into the Lamp. A lot of you have been asking for more, so don’t miss this post. That’s all I’m gonna say about it. *evil laughing in the distance* 

And, one last thing, Critique Corner is going to be changing a little bit. So, instead of small portions from things I’ve written, it’s going to be chapters from a new story I’m working on. A YA medieval reimagining of the classic tale of Robin Hood called What Lay Beyond the Woods. Every two weeks, I’m gonna have up a new chapter. Each chapter will bank on the others, so you don’t want to miss one. Right now, I have the prologue up, so be sure to check it out.

Don’t you just love that mock cover. Tell me it doesn’t look AMAZING!!!!

And I have one more thing to get you guys excited for What Lay Beyond the Woods.

I’ve got some more exciting stuff for What Lay Beyond the Woods coming soon! Stay tuned. 

[Hey, guys! Lacey here. I just wanted to step in a moment to let you guys know that I am changing my name to Katherine. Lacey is a beautiful name but I decided that I wanted to use my real name instead of a pen name.]

So what book is everyone currently reading? Favorite books? 

Any guesses on my favorite series? And guesses on my super secret post?

Excited for What Lay Beyond the Woods? Does anyone have any books they’ve dreamed about? ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS!!!!!!!!

I’ll catch you guys back on another post, for now Keep…..er, Reading?

 -MAGGIE!!!!

Issabelle Perry is a proud Jesus follower, an extroverted writer, and a homeschool graduate. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, jamming to Skillet, studying history, hunting for Narnia in wardrobes, or envisioning herself wielding a magnificent sword (but due to her clumsiness, let’s hope that never happens). This self-proclaimed exclamation mark enthusiast can be found hanging out at Teen Writers’ Nook, a community of teen authors Issabelle co-founded in 2020. She is the author of Don't Let Me Go (Sky's the Limit Press 2024), May We Make Them Proud (2023), and a co-editor for two anthologies. What she’s probably doing right now is fangirling about her favorite books to random people or scanning the pantries for chocolate.

57 Comments

    • Maggie

      Hehe *rubbing hands together and evil laughing in the distance* SO IF ANYONE HAS NOT GUESSED AND IS READING THIS COMMENT STOP AND MAKE YOUR GUESS FIRST!!!!!
      *looking around* Are they all gone?
      Good. Annnnddddd…..You are CORRECT!!!! YAY!!!! How did you know? Like seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever told you. Wait a minute. Did I say it on that live Go Teen Writers event where I was Sage of Avenia? I can’t remember if I did. But I might have. I say it about every where so I probably did. Do you have a favorite series?

      • Ally M.J.

        No, I don’t think you did, but it really wasn’t that hard to figure out after you named yourself Sage. My favorite series, that hard… *brain short circuits* I really like Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, because it’s hilarious and it brought us Keefe. Need I say more?
        *goes to tap post but then realizes that the Thrawn books are amazing too*
        Hold up, I’m gonna start talking again. I also really love Star Wars Rebels, where this scarily smart blue dude starts being a smart. The books are sometimes a little hard to follow, because this is Thrawn we’re talking about, but it’s still incredible. I literally pay my brother so he’ll lend them to me. 😆

        • Maggie

          Yeah, I figured just about everyone would be able to guess. WOW, I’ve been hearing EVERYBODY talking about Keeper of the Lost Cities, and I’m over here like, girl you’re gonna have to read them. AND EVERYBODY TALKS ABOUT HOW AMAZING KEEFE IS AND I JUST KNOW I WOULD LIKE THAT GUY.
          Yeah, keep on talking!!! 😄 Ooh, I’ve heard some talk about Star Wars Rebels. It must be amazing if you actually PAY your brother to lend you them. Haha, I call THAT dedication. (Actually, I’m curious: have you read The False Prince? I don’t think I’ve ever asked you that.)

            • Maggie

              AAAAHHHHHH, YOU HAVE TO TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK WHEN YOU FINISH IT. And I’m soooo sorry you haven’t gotten it yet. Waiting, is just so hard. Hopefully it will come into your “ready and eager arm” soon. Like…really soon. Because if I were you, I don’t think I could make it through the wait.

  • Ally M.J.

    I have actually dreamt about books. I’m super interested in sleep and lucid dreams, like so interested if I start talking about it I’ll never stop. See, there’s something called REM sleep tha *rest of comment deleted because it would take forever to read, and you don’t want a science lesson.*
    But yeah. There was this one time that I read Nightfall, by Shannon Messenger, then I ended up riding a gorgodon and smashing sherry glass bottles on either Fintan or Gethen’s face. (I couldn’t tell who it was because I didn’t see their ears.) And, if you’re wondering, I was watching Dude Perfect with my brothers as well.

    • Maggie

      Haha, yeah you kind of started losing me with the REM. I’m not really good with science, but that’s REALLY NEAT that you’re interested in dreams. They are pretty fascinating. Especially when they gives us ideas for books.

      Wow, your book-dream sounds way more interesting than mine was. Thank you for commenting, I LOVED READING IT!!!!!!

  • Jen

    I loved learning about all your bookish things! And the part about the Bible is so true! May I ask what translation you read? I read KJV, so seeing verses in modern language always throws me for a loop. XD

    Hmm? I’m afraid I don’t know what your favourite series could be, *hides behind fingers* but I am interested in what it is. ^_^ I was good and didn’t read the comments yet. ;p

    What Lay Beyond The Woods sound so interesting!!! I’m guessing Robyn is a girl, right? I love female Robin Hood stories! And that cover is gorgeous! ^_^ All the graphics are fantabulous! (That’s not a real word but we’re rolling with it. ;p)

    I’m currently reading The Lunar Chronicles, I finished Cinder the other day and am now reading Scarlet in between trying to write.

    Haha, I have indeed dreamed about the books I’ve read, one of the weirdest ones had something to do with Inkheart and Dustfinger. And I completely understand that feeling of something important happening in a dream and you wake up feeling like you should remember it, it almost feels like you lost something and can never get it back… if that makes sense?

    Oh! The email list worked spectacularly! I got the email this morning and hopped over as soon as I could. 😀

    Can’t wait to learn about your top secret post!!! ^_^

    • Maggie

      YAY!!!! I’m sooooo glad! 😁 Haha, I soooooo get that. The preacher at my church reads from KJV, and I get confused sometimes, trying to follow along. So, I read a variety of translations (due to my various and many Bibles), I think when I was younger I read NKJV before my dad got me an HCSB Bible. (Though, I think now they’re just CSB.) Anyway, most of the time, though, nowadays, I read NIV. I don’t always like it, ’cause of the verses omitted, but mine is a study Bible, so they have them at the bottom. (Which, if you ask me just makes it like why even take them out TO BEGIN WITH.) But that’s just my little ranting.

      THAT’S TOTALLY OKAY. Now, I get to tell you!!!!!!! (Ooh, very good you didn’t peek in the other comments 😉 .)Aaaaaannnnnndddddddd, the winner for favorite series isssss…………




      THE ASCENDANCE SERIES!!!!!!! But most people are probably more familiar with the first book more than the others, The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Have you read it/heard of it? If not, I HIGHLY suggest you to.

      YES, I hope it is super interesting!!!! Oh, yeah!! Robyn is sooo a girl. Female Robin Hood’s are like THE GREATEST!!!! Aw, thanks a bunch. I thought I nailed that cover. THANK YOU!!! (fantabulous? AWESOME!! I sooooo wanna start using that word, if that’s okay with you.)

      Ooooh, Lunar Chronicles. I know A LOT of people who like it. I’ve actually never read it. But cyborg Cinderella sounds actually really interesting. Was Scarlet one of your twelve books from the library? (Actually, I just realized that might be kind of nosey. Never mind.) I’m currently in Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter. I’m going through the Gallagher Girls series a second time, ’cause the first time the books were too far apart in my reading and I was just lost by the end. I read #s 1 and 2 and then I waited months before I read 4 (and let me say, if you don’t read 3 you’re not going to know half of what anyone was talking about) and then it was like years before I read 5 and 6. I was just more than lost by the end. So, this time I’m gonna get 3 in along the way and read them MUCH closer together. I have no idea why I just told you that.

      YES, DREAMING ABOUT BOOKS!!!!!!! Oh, yeah TOTALLY makes sense. That’s just like with me. Maybe one of these days I’ll figure it out. 🤔 SWEET!!! I was like super worried about what that email list was gonna do. Technology doesn’t always listen to me. I guess it thinks IT’S the master. Hahaha, I’m trying to give tech too much credit, I think. Also, THANK YOU for signing up. *doing happy dance* It was actually super fun, I see why people do it.

      YAY!!! I hope it’ll be worth the suspense.

      • Jen

        I totally understand that, all the thees and thous can be a bit confusing unless you’ve grown up reading it or something. XD The language it’s written in may be a bit archaic but it’s message will still be forever timeless. 🙂 Oh, cool! There are a lot of versions out there, and I will so rant with you on the whole verses omitting thing. I mean, come on, just why?

        Oooh, cool! I *almost* guessed The False Prince but I wasn’t sure if it was part of a series or even if the series had fully come out yet to be counted as your favourite. Oh, haha, I guess that answers your question, I have not read it yet and I only heard of it when I started reading this blog. 🙂 I’ll have to see if my library has it once November is over.

        Of course you can use that word!!! That would be especially fantabulous! (To tell the truth, I didn’t coin that word, I read it somewhere but forgot the source. 🙈)

        Yes!!! The Lunar Chronicles are SOOOO good! I’m only a little under half-way through Scarlet and I’m loving it! Oh, don’t worry, not nosy at all! 🙂 Yes, Scarlet is part of the twelve, along with Cress and Winter, the final two books in the series. Oooh, I’ll have to check those out, thanks for telling me about them! And I so relate to reading something and getting lost if you went out of order or went too long in between books. I read The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson before I realized it was book 4 in the series. I’ve read the previous three now but I really need to get back into reading the series because I loved it! (I’ve also read Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, it was such a good book! ^_^)

        Haha, yeah! Dreaming about books is almost as good as reading them! 😉 Yup, I feel you so hard on the whole technology thing. ^_^ I’m so happy I could sign up!

        Can’t wait! ^_^

        • Maggie

          Oh, yes. When my family gets in debates over certain verses we all always go back to the KJV to see how it was translated. One of these days I wanna learn Hebrew and Greek so I can read it in its original language. IKR, just why? When I read the Bible I want ALL of it.

          Yeah, I figured most people would figure it out. I’m obsessed. It was at first a trilogy that was completed around 2015, but the author announced last year she was extending it. And let’s just say the fourth book that came out last month is one of the few highlights in 2020. YES, once NaNo and November are outta the way, YOU MUST READ IT!!!! (Now you can see why I say I’m obsessed.)

          Sweet!! Or…uh…FANTABULOUS!!!!!!

          That’s cool. I’ve kind of been wanting to read the Lunar Chronicles but wasn’t sure about content. (I mean if it’s just a few stuff, I normally look over it, but if there’s a lot of recurring words and inappropriate stuff, that I don’t really read.) Oh, yes, well, uh, actually if you’re gonna read an Ally Carter book I recommend Not If I Save You First, I like it better. (Actually my favorite book by her is the Embassy Row series but they’re a lot more intense [I mean, I thank they’re considered a thriller] so I don’t always recommend it ’cause I don’t know what books my readers prefer.) MELANIE DICERSON IS LIKE THE QUEEN OF HISTORICAL FAIRYTALE RETELLINGS!!!! I’ve read almost all of the Hagenheim series except #2, 7, 11. (And I’ve also read the Huntress. It was a good book. You know in The Golden Braid from the Hagenheim series, Thornbeck Forest is mentioned if you find that interesting.)

          Yep, almost… OH, good for a moment I thought everyone would think I’m crazy with the tech thing. 😁

          • Ally M.J.

            The Lunar Chronicles doesn’t have that much “stuff,” I think. It has a little bit of language, but not as much as, say, Marvel movies. Waaaaay less. I don’t think there’s any romantic inappropriateness, other than a few make-outs. There’s this one guy who likes to play with girls, but he’s kind of a huge jerk and it never actually shows what he did in words. Just kind of says “Oh yeah he did this.” But seriously, if I was better at throwing things and had a picture of the guy… I wouldn’t have a picture of the guy anymore. He would be in shreds cause he’s A JERK. I’ll let you know if I can think of anything else, but I still HIGHLY recommend TLC (not tender loving care, 😂) to anyone above the age of 12.

            • Maggie

              Oh, thanks for letting me know. When COVID’s finally over and I can get back to my library, it sounds like something to check out. I’ve heard a ton of great stuff about it. So, thanks again for letting me know!!!! I always appreciate knowing what I’m getting into before hand.

          • Jen

            That’s so cool you want to learn Hebrew and Greek!

            Sweet! I will definitely put them on my tbr list!!!

            😉

            Yeah, there’s a little bit of content, like Ally said, but I can only speak on what I’ve read so far and none of it was as bad as some of the Marvel movies. Ally basically covered everything I would think to mention. 🙂 Cool! Thanks for the recommendations!!! I actually do read thriller, but not horror, (you will NEVER catch me reading a Stephen King novel, * shudders* I value my sleep and sanity far too much to subject myself to that.) If you like thrillers, you should check out Ted Dekker, he writes for an older audience but he’s relatively clean and a Christian author. I really love his books. 🙂

            Ooh! Cool! I’m planning on getting back into the series come the new year. Melanie Dickerson is queen!!! 😉

            XD

            • Maggie

              Yes, you definitely should!

              Oh, yes, thank you!! I always appreciate knowing what the content is in books before reading them. You’re welcome!! 🙂 Oh, yes THE SAME WAY. I NEVER intend on EVER reading a Stephen King novel. I shudder just thinking about it. Sleep and sanity are VERY important to me, too. Oooh, I have heard about Ted Dekker before and have thought about reading some of his books. THANK YOU FOR THE RECOMMENDATION!!!!

              Sweet!!! I’ve got a few Dickerson books to catch up on myself.

    • Ally M.J.

      The Lunar Chronicles are AMAZING. I won’t tell you anything in fear of spoilers, but seriously.
      If you don’t mind me butting in on questions, I read either SWT or NIV.

            • Ally M.J.

              That might be because SiSwati is an African language (wow, I misspelled “language” like three times.) that is spoken in Eswatini. It’s kinda hard to understand if you don’t speak it, and it’s definitely not a Latin-based language. For example, Jesu wakhala tinyembeti is Jesus wept.

              • Maggie

                Wow, that’s REALLY cool. (Haha, I ALWAYS misspell words like a hundred times before I figure out the right way.) Yeah, I don’t think I’d be able to understand it (my language is limited to English only 😂 but I’ve actually been wanting to learn some other languages). I think that’s AWESOME, though!!!!! 👍

      • Jen

        Hi Ally! I am already in love with The Lunar Chronicles! Hehe, thanks for the no spoilers! Oh, cool! I’ve never heard of SWT before but I read your other comments with Maggie and that is really neat! ^_^

  • Jane

    Your favorite series is the ascendance series. I know this because, one, you might have mentioned the series a ‘little’ in recent posts, and two, I read sort of, kind of, read the comment saying that Ally was right *hides sly smile* I was curious.

    I cant wait to read more of What Lay beyond the Woods, the cover looked Fantabulous (Jen, what an awesome word! I am so going to use it a lot,) and the graphics, I mean, come on, they were Awesome! Out of curiosity have you ever read Hawksmaid by Kathryn Lasky? it’s a Rodin Hood retelling, I haven’t read it, but it sound’s really good and two of my friends recommend it.

    Right now, I’m reading a great book called Curtsies And Conspiracies by Gail Carriger, it part 2 in the Etiquette and Espionage series, I 100% recommend it.
    I haven’t dreamed about books, but I have read book’s and than thought that I’d watched a really good movie. I’ve TRIED to dream about books but so far it hasn’t worked.
    oh, and do you have Libby? Its a book app, and it has that book you wanted to read by Nadine Brandes, Fawkes. It sound so good!
    Anyway, keep up the good work!! and good luck with you writing!! hm, I think I said that last time, oh well:)

    Lacey-
    I like the name Katherine, its so pretty, good luck with your writing to!!

    • Maggie

      Aaaaannnnndddd you are……..incorrect. (Nah, I’m just kidding, you’re CORRECT!!!!! YAY!!! *throwing out party streamers and waving pom poms*) That’s okay, I figured you would’ve figured it out anyway. I have been talking about it a tad too much.

      THANK YOU!!!! (Yes, Jen, I LOVE THAT WORD AND AM SO GOING TO START USING IT.) Aw, this comment is seriously making me smile so hard. Hmmm, I’ve heard of Kathryn Lasky before, but no, I actually haven’t read it. *off to go Google it* (Also, Ally, if you happened to be reading this, I had to respell ‘Kathryn’ too many times, more proof why I sooooo get the misspelling thing.) Oooh, I’m back from my Google search. This book looks really interesting. Thank you for recommending it to me. I think my TBR list just got a little longer….

      Hmm, I feel like I’ve heard of this book series before. 100% recommendation, you say? That must mean it is AWESOME!!!!! I’ll have to look into it. Yeah, I’ve only dreamed about a book once, so I completely get where you’re coming from. (You must’ve not finished The False Prince at night, I’m assuming. 😉 .) Nope, never heard of Libby, but if they have Fawkes….that’s something to look into.
      THANK YOU!! (And no sweat. I need all the luck I can get with my WIP.)

    • Jen

      Hi Jane! Lol, use it all you want! I first heard it from someone else, forgot who though ): so you are free to use it to your heart’s content! XD Ooh, I hope you don’t mind me butting in, but Kathryn Lasky is one of my favourite authors! (Though I haven’t read that particular book yet.) I love her Owls of Ga’hoole series, it’s almost like Lord of the Rings, but with Owls! There’s also her Wolves of the Beyond that is the sequel series to Owls which I also loved.

      • Ally M.J.

        “Like ‘Lord of The Rings… but with owls!” Amazing. I’ve never actually read the Guardians of Ga’hoole, but whenever I go to some random bookshelf in my house, my moms always like “Oh that’s such a good book!” And I’m just like “Okay” but I never end up reading it.

        • Jen

          You should totally read Guardians of Ga’hoole! (Ugh, why did I say Owls? Lol) My eldest sister got all but two of my siblings hooked on these books and we now own the entire series! I cannot recommend them enough!!! ^_^

      • Jane

        My friends and family are going to be so sick of Fantabulous by the end of this year,*Mischievous grin*
        I’ve never heard of The Owls Of Ga’hoole, but it sound’s really cool, one more book for my reading list:)

  • Jane

    I hope you don’t mind, but I was on Stuart Gibbs blog (he’s one of my favorite authors) and someone was asking for writing advice so put the link the TWN I the comments

  • Victoria

    YES, YOU HAVE TO READ FAWKES!!!! I’m normally not the kind of person who actually buys a book before reading it, but, like you, I heard a lot of good things about it so I decided to go ahead and purchase it. AND LET ME TELL YOU IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I 10000000% recommend getting it ASAP. I LOVE the themes and the fantasy elements and a bunch of other things I’m really trying hard not to spoil so just go read it! *shoves book in your hands* XD

    *Gasps* I read The Healer’s Apprentice too! I think I almost cried also (or maybe that was The Golden Braid….ever read that one?). Right now though, I’m currently reading this book called The Way of Kings that another blogger recommended. It’s pretty good, but it’s also one of those heavier reads that I’m having to go slow on. After that, I’m planning to read this series called The Blades of Acktar by Tricia Mingerink which my sister is in love with. It’s Christian Fantasy with a little romance in it, so you might enjoy it if you haven’t read it already!

    Oooh, I can’t wait to read the prologue of What Lay Beyond the Woods!!!! I’ve never read a Robin Hood retelling before so this will be a first!

    YEEESSSS, an email list! I’m going to go subscribe right now! 😀

    • Maggie

      AAAAAHHHH, I KNOW IT’S KILLING ME NOT TO BE ABLE TO READ It!!!!!!!! You’re enthusiasm is just making me want to read it even more. I have heard a lot of good things about the theme and fantasy in it and it’s like WHY have I not read it before now. *happily accepting book* XD.

      *gasps* YEA!!! Another Dickerson fan! *gives you a high-five* The Healer’s Apprentice was soooo emotional at the end. *wiping away stray tear* I think the ending was my favorite part of the whole book. (Oooh, yes, I have read The Golden Braid. I’ve been through most of the Hagenheim series. Have you read The Princess Spy? It’s my FAVORITE IN THE WHOLE SERIES, which I think I already said in the post. But I also like The Captive Maiden, The Piper’s Pursuit, and The Orphan’s Wish really well, too.) The Way of Kings looks like an interesting book. But, man, I saw the page number and I don’t think I’d ever make it through it. (Let’s just say there’s a reason I’ve never read Harry Potter…) I’m totally admiring the courage you have to try. 👏
      No, I’ve never read The Blades of Acktar but I’ve heard about the series and have actually wanted to give it a try. I think I would enjoy it, too. Ah, you know my taste of fiction very well.

      YES!!! Definitely tell me in the comments what you think. Oooh, You’re first? HOW EXCITING!!!!! I hope it’ll be good.

      YAAAAAAYYYY!!!!! I saw you had subscribed. *doing happy dance* THANK YOU a billion times over.

      • Ally M.J.

        You’ve NEVER READ HARRY POTTER?! *has a heart attack and dies* Harry Potter is soooooooooooo good. If you’ve seen the movies, believe me when I say that the books are about 2300000000000000000000000% better. (How many zero’s was that? I’m too lazy to count…) Except for MAYBE Chamber of Secrets.

        • Maggie

          I know, SUCH A SHOCK. I’m crazy. I’ve seen the movies, so I know the gist of what it’s about. And when I was younger my mom did a read aloud of the first book, and then I started the second. But I was a reluctant reader at the time and already knew how it had ended because of the movie, so I never got into it and just stopped reading the second book. And now the size of the later books are just a tad bit too intimidating for me. WOW, that’s a big number. I think it was 23 zeros, unless I miscounted. Alana’s been trying to get me to read the books, maybe one of these days I’ll try again…

          • Ally M.J.

            DANG IT. I was trying to make twenty-four septillion. I missed ONE ZERO. ONE. *pouts in the room* Anyway, you should TOTALLY try reading them again. They’re SO GOOD. *continues fangirling for like ten minutes without stipping*

      • Victoria

        I actually started The Princess Spy but kinda…stopped? I have nothing against the book, but I had already read like four of Melanie’s other books and was sort of tired of romance novels for the time being. I’m the kind of person who has to skip around to other genres every once in a while or else I’ll just get really bored with the same thing (if that makes any sense???). But I might have to pick it up again if it’s that good! I have read The Captive Maiden though, and also The Merchant’s Daughter and the one about Snow White. (Can we all just agree that Melanie Dickerson gets, like, 50000 brownie points for her covers? THEY’RE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!)

        Yeeaaah, The Way of Kings is definitely the biggest book I’ve ever laid my hands on! XD I was totally intimidated the first time I saw it but decided to give it a try anyway. It took awhile for me to get in the swing of it and really had to push myself through the first few chapters, but now the action has started to pick up and I’m interested to see what happens to the characters. It does deal with some darker topics like depression and hopelessness (and unfortunately has a little bit of language) but it’ll be cool to find out how the characters overcome those things. So, I might be 70 by the time I finish it, but hopefully it’ll be worth the read! XD

        Aw, you’re welcome! I was so happy to be able to subscribe because I keep up with so many blogs these days I need constant reminders when a new post is published! XD

        • Maggie

          Oh, yeah, TOTALLY relate. I can’t read a bunch of Dickerson books back to back together. I love being able to have a difference in genres to read. The Merchant’s Daughter is one I haven’t read yet, but it’s been on my list for a while now. (YES, her covers are just like THE BEST!!! THEY ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!)

          Oh, yeah, I’d imagine so. But once again YAY for you to actually try. It sounds very interesting. And I hope you make it through before 70 XD and that it’ll be worth the long read in the end.

          I keep up with like a TON of blogs. I TOTALLY get it. (But actually I normally don’t subscribe to blogs. I have no idea why, and I’m sure it would help me keep things straight. I think I’m on the email list for four other sites.) I’m just SUPER HAPPY you’re happy with our email list. I hope it lives up to the excitement.

  • Joy Caroline

    Hey! This is a super fun post and I wanted to share some of my faves.
    Favorite book of all time, if we’re talking fiction, I would have to say “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. It’s one of those books that I think everyone needs to read.
    Favorite book five years ago would have been “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery. Still one of my favorites that I go back to. While all nine books in the Anne series are good, sadly Anne’s character becomes a little annoying as the series goes on. I’ve always felt bad for thinking that, lol.
    Favorite series would definitely be the “Two from Galilee” series by Marjorie Holmes. It’s a trilogy – a fictional retelling of the life of Jesus Christ. The first book, “Two from Galilee,” is Mary and Joseph’s love story. The second, “Three from Galilee” are Jesus’ “lost years” AKA his childhood that the Bible does not mention aside from his debating elders in the Temple. The third book, “The Messiah” is Jesus’ public ministry.
    Last book I’ve read: Hope it’s okay if I’m still in the process of reading, lol. That would be John G. Paton’s autobiography. He was a missionary to cannibals and the book is SOOOOO thrilling. It’s pretty long, so I’m not done yet, but I LOVE it.
    Sadly, I don’t read poetry, either, though I have written and read a few pieces. I read “A Pizza the Size of the Sun” when I was like six years old. Very disappointed to say that’s the last time I read an entire poetry collection!
    For the book that most influenced my life, I’m also going with the Bible! Without the Bible, I would be a completely different person or, more likely, not even be here now. That’s the most gripping read you could ever find. Love your verse choice! Mine is Romans 5:8 – “But God showed his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It’s SOOOOO hard to choose! And I saw your comment that you want to learn Hebrew and Greek. I have the same goal, because I think it would be epic to read the Bible in its original languages. I’m actually learning Hebrew now on Duolingo, so I totally recommend that app. I intend to work on Greek as soon as I’m done with the Hebrew course in about a million years. XD
    Books that made me cry: Definitely “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Messiah” for fiction. For nonfiction, I always have tears running down my face when I read “The Diary of David Brainerd.” He was this amazing missionary to the Indians. He suffered from depression and was always in agonizing pain from tuberculosis (died of it when only 29). “The Autobiography of John G. Paton” definitely makes me cry, too.
    Some books that made me laugh when I was younger was Judy Blume’s “Fudge” series.
    I’ve literally dreamed about every book I mentioned in this post, haha. I don’t think I’ve ever left a book unfinished. As for books I’m excited to read, recently I discovered missionary biographies and have been ordering SO many of them. David Brainerd made me realize I want to dedicate myself to missions as well as pastorship, and John G. Paton is making me more determined. So the next missionary biography I see, I’m ordering it on Amazon!
    Let me know if you check out any of these on my list! I’ll definitely have to look up yours. I haven’t read any of the books you listed, aside from the Bible, so I need to make room in my bookshelf.

    • Maggie

      Ooooh, yes, Share away!!
      Yeah! We’re starting off with some classics! (At least, I think To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic… I’m not sure.) I should say, I’ve not really read a lot of the ‘classic’ books.
      Though, I’ve never read this Two from Galilee series, it looks VERY interesting. Have you read Chuck Black’s Kingdom Series? They are an allegory of the Bible. I’ve read this first three in the series. They’re really good.
      Haha, that’s okay. An autobiography sounds interesting. Yeah, it’s another haven’t read. Man, there are sooooo many books I’m missing out on.
      😄 Yeah, no poetry here either. I don’t know why, but I’ve never gotten in to it. I think that’s a Jack Prelutsky book. Katherine likes reading him.
      YES THE BIBLE IS THE GREATEST BOOK ON EARTH!!!!!! Oh, I L O V E that verse as well. Wow, that’s really cool you’re learning Hebrew. I hope one of these days I can find to the time to learn it as well.
      WOW, that books sounds sooooooo touching. I think I’d cry if I was reading it, too.
      Aaahhh, Judy Blume is pretty funny. I think I’ve read a few books by her, but not the Fudge series. I remember when I was younger I had wanted to, I just never did.
      LOL! Never left a book unfinished? That’s IMPRESSIVE!!! Ah, missionary biographies sound really cool! Yes, I think that’s really awesome for you to want to dedicate yourself to missionaries and pastors. Actually, you may or may not find this interesting, but when I was younger I had always said I wanted to be a pastor when I grew up. Now, though, I obviously wanna be a writer, but if God ever called me to it, I’d like to be a Christian speaker, like Priscilla Shirer. I’ve always looked up to her. Have you ever heard her speak? She’s always so passionate, I LOVE listening to her.
      Yes, I’ll definitely have to check some of these out. Haha, yeah, I’m running out of book space as well, but THESE ARE BOOKS we’re talking about. You always have room for another. 😉

      • Joy Caroline

        Yes, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is definitely a classic! I’ll have to look up that speaker you mentioned.
        It’s actually pretty common for pastors to be writers as well. Two that come to my mind are John Piper and Vance Christie. Pastor John has actually written Biblical fiction in poetry form, which is really interesting to read. His website, Desiring God, has a category with all his poetry and the pieces are very impressive. He does a wonderful job with character emotion. And pursuing writing does help us grow closer to God, so I say if you’ve been given that talent, never stop using it! 🙂

        • Maggie

          Oh, yes, you should definitely look Priscilla Shirer up!! She’s AMAZING!!!

          I know of a few pastors who are writers. Ooh, this Pastor John sounds pretty cool. I do love it when you can have strong character emotion. I agree! If God’s given you the talent to write, NEVER stop!! 👍

    • Katherine

      Hi, Joy! Ooh, I’ve always wanted to read Anne of Green Gables. Two From Galilee sounds really cool. I’ve never read A Pizza the Size of the Sun but have always wanted to. I have read most of It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles by Jack Prelutsky though. I love the verse Romans 5:8. That is SO COOL that you want to learn Hebrew and Greek! I think it is AWESOME that you want to dedicate yourself to mission work and pastorship. I know God will use you in great ways. 🙂

      • Joy Caroline

        You should TOTALLY read Anne of Green Gables! The series is very good, although (warning) the themes do get darker as it goes on and the ninth book was a bit too dark for my taste. However every book is worthy of appreciation since it is Anne and L.M. Montgomery. Two from Galilee is an incredible series. Definitely changed the way I see Jesus – made me realize he DID come down with completely human feelings. In fact, Marjorie Holmes is the reason I want to write Biblical fiction. Thank you so much 🙂

        • Katherine

          Yes, I should read Anne of Green Gables. I own the first book. I didn’t know there were others in the series. Thanks for letting me know about the themes. I don’t know if I can handle ‘too dark’ but I’ll try the books anyways. That is great that Two From Galilee changed the way you see Jesus. Someone (I think it was Adrian Rogers but I’m not 100% sure) said once that Jesus is fully God and fully man. That’s awesome that Marjorie Holmes inspired you. I hope to inspire people as well. You are welcome. 🙂

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