Musing Mondays (10) and It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (6)

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event hosted by Should Be Reading where MizB will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

Q. How do you decide to read a book by an author you haven’t read before? What sort of recommendations count most highly in making that decision?
Many times I hear about the work of authors I've never read from other book bloggers, so the recommendations and reviews of book bloggers are very useful and important. But ultimately, it's usually the book's blurb or synopsis that will win me over or have me passing it over. And of course the book's genre and category are significant for me. There aren't many genres in YA and MG that I won't read. However, I'm pickier when it comes to other books, such as Adult Fiction/Non-fiction. For these kinds of books, I rely heavily on the reviews and recommendations of other avid readers.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading... hosted by Book Journey, is where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week…. and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

What I Read Last Week

Pyxis K.C. Neal Two worlds... one 16-year-old girl must learn to protect them both. The nightmares haunting Corinne and her friend Mason hint at a universe that exists beyond the one they know. Her destiny is to protect a weakness between the two worlds, but her mentor is dead. As Corinne and Mason search for answers, she tries to ignore the sparks igniting between them, but can't deny she feels safe only when he's nearby. Will they find help before their nightmares break free? Read my review HERE

Saving June Hannah Harrington When her older sister commits suicide and her divorcing parents decide to divide the ashes, Harper Scott takes her sister's urn to the one place June always wanted to go: California. On the road with her best friend, plus an intriguing guy with a mysterious connection to June, Harper discovers truths about her sister, herself and life. Read my review HERE

The Faerie Ring Kiki Hamilton The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood. Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist. Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty… Read my review HERE

What I'll Be Reading This Week

The Crystal Bridge Charles Pulsipher Kaden is a typical teenage boy, except he can open wormholes to far away worlds. His first trip almost killed him. He’s been afraid to try another. Aren is far from a typical teenage girl. She has the ultimate gift of empathy, seeing into the memories and souls of others. Her gift makes her different and lonely despite how close it brings her to those she knows. When these two meet, the existence of two worlds will be endangered as their abilities plunge them into a planet at war. Their adventure may tear apart multiple universes…or they may just save us all

The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2) Rick Riordan Seven half-bloods shall answer the call, To storm or fire the world must fall. An oath to keep with a final breath, And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death. Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams. Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart. Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven. I'm so exited to finally be reading this book!

What about you? What are you reading this week?! Leave me a link in the comments. If you're a new follower please let me know so I can follow you back :)