Hi everyone, and welcome back to Quarter Talk! First, a little history:
Quarter Talk is a feature started by Rachel @ Fiktshun. She decided not to host anymore, and I asked if she’d mind if I took it over. She didn’t, so here we are! Each quarter, I’ll survey several bloggers about the recently ended quarter. Credit for the questions goes to Rachel, and credit for the name Quarter Talk goes to Rachel @ Parajunkee. Credit for my amazing banner goes to Ashley @ Nose Graze and Creative Whim. Thanks, Ashley <3
One quick note before we get started: I’ve gone over this post until my eyes started to bleed, so any typos/bad links/etc. are all on me. Let me know if you find any oopsies!
This quarter, I have eleven bloggers joining me to answer these five questions:
Q1. What was your favorite read during the third quarter of 2014 (July-September)?
Q2. What is your most anticipated book releasing in October-December 2014?
Q3. What debut book/author released in Q3 2014 would you recommend?
Q4. What genre/sub-genre/trend do you think was “hot” during the third quarter of this year?
Q5. What is your favorite cover of Q3 2014?
Who are the bloggers this time around? Here they are!
Participants for Q3
Andrea from The Bookish Babe
Angie from Pinkindle
Bea from Bea’s Book Nook
Berls from Fantasy is More Fun
Giselle from Xpresso Reads
Jennifer from Book Shelfery
Jessi from Novel Heartbeat
Kimberly from Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Kristin from My Para Hangover
Octavia from Read. Sleep. Repeat.
Rachel from Fiktshun & Reading YA Rocks
Q1. What was your favorite read during the third quarter of 2014 (July-September)?
Andrea says…
My favorite books I read this quarter was definitely Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager by Diana Gabaldon. Besides those, I have to sneak in that I loved Ruining Mr. Perfect by Marie Harte.
Angie says…
I can’t keep this down to three books! I have to mention four, since I actually only gave four books 5 stars this quarter, so I must share them all!
On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves: One of the bestest romances I have ever read!
Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper: This killed me! My emotions! There were tears! I was a wreck!
The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan: Easily the best NA novel EVER! It’s smokin’ hot! Cold showers are needed.
Popular by Maya van Wagenen: It’s nonfiction that made me cry! Maya’s story is just so great!
Bea says…
Oh man, choose just one? Ermm, let me see if I can narrow it to two or three. Okay, A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen, a moving non-fiction; All I Want for Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott, a dramatic, wrenching romance; and Summer Break Blues, an enjoyable romp with a teen vampire and her friends. I read a lot of wonderful books during the third quarter, I could go on and on.
Berls says…
Well, I did really love The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison, it was a great end to the series. But the book that blew me away was The Wright Brother by Marie Hall. She’s a favorite author of mine, but holy wow, she blew me away with this book. OMG the FEELS people! I read it in 1 day and cried and laughed and *sigh* Seriously you have to read it if you haven’t.
Giselle says…
I haven’t had any 5-stars during this quarter (though I did have one JUST before and one JUST after), but one that came very close and def my fav read lately is Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley. It’s such a powerful story with wonderfully crafted characters, and it also touches on very important topics from our own history that become eye opening. I think everyone should read it!
This only asked for one, but runner ups would be:
— Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini
— Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington
— Dissonance by Erica O’Rourke
Jennifer says…
OMG, Rites of Passage! No, Outlander! Wait, no…Rites of Passage! Because I’m STILL READING OUTLANDER OMGLONGESTBOOKEVER. But no seriously…Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley. Girl power! Men in kilts! I need more coffee!
Jessi says…
Talon by Julie Kagawa, hands down! That and Sanctum by Sarah Fine are the only two I read all summer that I truly loved.
Kimberly says…
Without a doubt, The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison was my favorite this quarter. What an incredible journey it was. I loved the characters and craziness. The final book was epic! Not only did it meet my expectations it surpassed it. I am on pins and needles waiting to see what Harrison does next.
Kristin says…
OMG! I’m torn between a few. The series ending Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard and the series starter The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson. You can’t make me pick. If you do, I’ll just another book Okay, you said three… Shatter by Erin McCarthy (it’s a new adult romance).
Octavia says…
This is actually a tie for me! I tried really hard to pick just one but darn it that was too hard!
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L Armentrout
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this one! IT WAS AH-MAZING! The characters, the plot, the writing, ROTH! I re-read it the next day because I needed more!
Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre
Aguirre is a freaking word goddess! Mortal Danger was the kind of book that had me on the edge of my seat screaming for more, yet ready to walk away because I wasn’t ready for it to end.
Rachel says…
I read a ton of awesome books in July, August and September, so narrowing it down to just one (or two) was not easy. But I did it.
My favorite non-YA read was Dark Skye by Kresley Cole
And my favorite YA read was Forecast by Rinda Elliott
And of course there were a ton of amazing books that released this quarter, I just happened to read them way early so I can’t list them here.
Q2. What is your most anticipated book releasing in October-December 2014?
Andrea says…
My most anticipated book for this quarter is What to Do with a Bad Boy by Marie Harte. This is the fourth (and last?) book in the series and I have a feeling it will be the best. It features a widowed single father, his lovable con artist of a son, and the intimidating and beautiful female mechanic he falls hard for.
Angie says…
The Savage Dream by Tamara Rose Blodgett: So, I’ve only read the first two books of this series, and this is the last/sixth one. I have been dying for it so I can binge read this entire fabulous series!
Bea says…
I have several actually – Otherworld Nights by Kelley Armstrong, Symbiont by Mira Grant, and Mystery Knight by Krista D. Ball
Berls says…
So I’m not chomping at the bit for any books this quarter – partly because the books I REALLY wanted to read, I already got. That’s a first for me. Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis was at the top of my list and I’m currently reading (and really enjoying it). I was also was lucky enough to grab Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin – and I loved it! I’ve read quite a few reviews for Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch and I’m planning on scooping it up ASAP.
Giselle says…
Compared to September I have a surprisingly low number of anticipated releases for these months. The one I was most excited for but have read recently is The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters and I absolutely loved it! As for one I haven’t read yet, I would have to say This Shattered World (Starbound #2) by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. I loved book 1 and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us in this companion novel!
Jennifer says…
Uh….I’m cheating. My most anticipated book is being released on 1/20/15 and I’ve been waiting for THAT forever! I really haven’t been able to get excited about any books this year because I’m counting down to that one! For the record – and I think you know – it’s Burned by Karen Marie Moning. GIVE IT TO ME NOW.
Jessi says…
Talon was, but now that I’ve read it I’d have to say Young Elites by Marie Lu or Zodiac by Romina Russell!
Kimberly says…
I have a few I am bouncing about: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers the third book in the His Fair Assassin young adult historical fantasy. Symbiont by Mira Grant. The second book in her terrifying series Parasitology series. I love Grant and count her among my favorites. Revival by Stephen King. It’s King, need I say more? In the Afterlight (A Darkest Minds Novel) by Alexandra Bracken. I am loving this YA trilogy and cannot wait for the conclusion.
Kristin says…
This was tough, too. I’m going with the one I wanted most out of all: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman. I seem to be leaning towards YA a bit these days. I swear there’s PNR, UF and NA on my list, too!!!!
Octavia says…
This isn’t very nice Reanna! How am I supposed to limit it to just one!?! I can’t, therefore I won’t! So ha!
Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell (Releasing October 2014)
Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little (Releasing November 2014)
This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner (Releasing December 2014)
Rachel says…
Ack, I am horrible with release dates and I can’t choose just one. So I’m choosing one book for each month. There are two books I am so excited for that I read much earlier this year (they were absolutely amazing) and one book I am dying to read (that I know is going to be epic).
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch – releases October 14th
A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray – releases November 4th
Foresworn by Rinda Elliott – releases December 2nd
Q3. What debut book/author released in Q3 2014 would you recommend?
Andrea says…
I don’t think I read any debuts for this quarter. But I have to throw in that 2014 debut author Sarina Bowen is brilliant.
Angie says…
Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper of course! It was sooo great! I mean, there’s a tattooed harpoon boy who does magic! What’s not to love about that!?
Bea says…
I don’t think I read any debut authors but then I don’t usually pay attention to whether an author is or isn’t.
Berls says…
I thought I hadn’t read any (because I kind of suck at keeping up with debuts) but turns out I read TWO!!
I read Curse Breaker: Guild Assassin by Berley Kerr. I rated it 3.5 stars and while there were some elements that really confused me, I enjoyed the world building and would definitely continue the series.
The other one I read I would HIGHLY recommend – How to Date Dead Guys by Ann M. Noser. This one shocked me, since I expected something really light and funny – and while I did get light and funny I also got a book that went deep and seriously tugged on my heart strings. I gave it 4 stars and look forward to her next book.
Giselle says…
I guess I’ll have to repeat myself because this, without a doubt, falls to Robin Talley – author of Lies We Tell Ourselves. That book really is just so much more than a story for entertainment. I also was very lucky to be part of a meet and greet with her at BEA last May and she’s just wonderful! Another I could mention is Sandy Hall – author of A Little Something Different. This book is sooo cute and really IS something different!
Jennifer says…
Wow, I just combed through my books on Goodreads and I have read ZERO debuts this quarter. I need to change that.
Jessi says…
Sadly I haven’t read any debuts for this quarter =/
Kimberly says…
Rites Of Passage By Joy N. Hensley. This was original, refreshing and well crafted.
Kristin says…
For a debut author, I read one and it was fun and different. It was Adrian Lessons by L.A. Rose. I liked it for the new adult romance it was. Don’t expect literary greatness along the lines of an Oprah book club read and you’ll enjoy it. For a debut book/series, I’m going with Leather and Lace by Jessie Evans – it’s a cute contemporary romance. For YA, I’m recommending either the series starters The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson or Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh.
Octavia says…
William Ritter! I read Jackaby and knew that anything Ritter wrote I needed to have. He has an amazing way of building this complicated yet effortless world we just get lost in and I completely love that.
Rachel says…
I only read one debut author book during Q3 2014, but it is a book I definitely recommend. Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang – released September 9th – was a beautifully written book that I definitely recommend checking out by readers who love contemporary YA.
Q4. What genre/sub-genre/trend do you think was “hot” during the third quarter this year?
Andrea says…
I think contemporary romance is still on top for now. But for me, I’m feeling like Historical Romance has been getting a lot of buzz.
Angie says…
I felt like I saw a lot of High Fantasy reviews going up this summer. I don’t think some of them come out until the next quarter, but still, lots and lots of Fantasy popping up!
Bea says…
Based on the blogs I follow, I’d say NA is still hot and sports-themed romances, especially MMA, is burning up the shelves.
Berls says…
I suck at this question, since I really don’t care what’s hot and just read what I like. That being said, I’ll take a stab in the dark and see if I get lucky and someone else agrees with me… I feel like I’ve added more Sci-Fi to my TBR this third quarter than anything else – so maybe it’s hot? LOL I seriously have no idea.
Giselle says…
Since I also do tours this is something I keep track of, and romance is definitely one of the most popular genres at the moment, especially for 17+ books and erotica. As for YA, contemporaries in general are hot lately. I’m assuming it’s at least a bit due to the huge book-to-movie releases in that genre recently: The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay. I feel like YA paranormal books and dystopians have lost their spark. It may just be me, but I have been having very bad luck finding good books in those genres recently.
Jennifer says…
I think we’re going to see an uptick in New Adult Paranormal in the near future. I think the market is demanding this. And I’ve noticed that YA contemporaries are getting popular again, compared to their paranormal counterparts. I’ve been on a contemporary binge myself lately (except Outlander). OH. Maybe we’ll see Highlanders in YA! Does wanting this make me a pedophile?
Jessi says…
To tell you the truth I don’t really pay attention to what’s trending. Fantasy, maybe?
Kimberly says…
Eh, I think all genres are hot. In the romance department, I noticed an uptick in companion series with brothers. Ghosts are in right now too. Retellings are at an all-time high, and we are seeing some top authors participate. For example Maplecroft by Cherie Priest. A retelling of Lizzie Borden that was eerie and fantastic.
Kristin says…
I think YA paranormal was picking up that quarter in time for the Halloween season. I have the benefit of working at a library and helping order the YA books. Pretty much the old standbys come in for hardcovers and PBs (trade & mass market) at our library. But following Edelweiss and what was released for review for release this past quarter, I’ll go with YA paranormal.
Octavia says…
Mythology and Mystery were pretty huge this quarter in my opinion. Mortal Danger, Storm Siren, Jackbaby, Illusions of Fate, Trial by Fire, just to name a few, all had that feel or touch to them.
Rachel says…
I think fantasy/high fantasy/epic fantasy is making a comeback, though that may be simply because those are the books I’ve been gravitating toward quite a bit. I have also noticed quite a few more contemporary YA releases hitting shelves, so I’m guessing it’s a pretty “hot” genre, too.
Q5. What is your favorite cover of Q3 2014?
Andrea says…
That’s such a hard question! I like pretty covers, but don’t really focus on them. I like historical romance covers. One contemporary that stands out though, is Tangled by Elizabeth Reyes. It’s so festive and sexy, but also seems sweet.
Angie says…
Do I get to choose Salt & Storm again? I love this cover! It’s simple, but it’s pretty! And it actually fits the story!
Bea says…
I’m Dreaming of An Undead Christmas by Molly Harper. As soon as I saw the cover, I was hooked. I didn’t care what the book was about, I just had to have it. The blue, the green ornament that practically vibrates off the page,and the blood dripping down it, the sliver of moon that looks like an eye, especially when the cover is small; it’s spooky and yet Christmasy at the same time.
Berls says…
Dissonance by Ericka O’Rourke – I almost forgot about this one because I read it so long ago, but the cover was what drew me in. I think I had decided to read it based on the cover alone honestly, but thankfully it totally lived up to the cover. I also really liked Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas’s cover, the cover’s for that series are always great!
Giselle says…
Ooh this is a tough one! And I tried to pick just one, I really did, but I can’t. So I’m giving you 2 and you will have to let me cheat! >.<
— The Jewel by Amy Ewing (I haven’t read it but I’m sad that the reviews have been meh – it’s so pretteh!!)
— Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff (I love ALL the covers from this author’s books. This one has just the right amount of creepy and weird)
Jennifer says…
I mean, obviously Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. Her book cover artists are top notch! I want to dive into those books just looking at them! Also, Infinite by Jodi Meadows is SO PRETTY. But I also love Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld. There is something mysterious about that cover, I still need to read it. Anatomy of A Misfit by Andrea Porter, The Fire Artist by Daisy Whitney….gosh I love cover art.
Jessi says…
My favorite cover of a book I read in Q3 is Talon. Red is my favorite color, and the scales are lovely!
My favorite cover of a book that was released in Q3 would probably be Fiendish. It’s so awesome and creepy! Too bad I didn’t like the book at all…
Kimberly says…
Hmm, I liked the cover of Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. and yummiest would be Lori Foster’s No Limits (Ultimate #1).
Kristin says…
Here I go again with the YA…. Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee
Octavia says…
Hands down Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff. The detail of that cover combined with the synopsis just had me in awe for a solid 5 minutes when I grabbed it from the library. All of Yovanoff’s novels have stunning covers, honestly, but I think they hit a whole new high with this one.
Rachel says…
I love the covers for The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas and Sandra Waugh’s Lark Rising. They are both really beautiful and interesting and are perfect matches for the stories behind them.
In Closing
Like last quarter, thanks to these lovely ladies my TBR list just got longer. I hadn’t heard about Fiendish, but I am in love with that cover! It seems the trends are leaning toward fantasy/paranormal/mythology type stories, but contemporary (both in YA and adult) is holding its own.
What Do You Think?
So what about you? Do you agree with these bloggers? Have anything to add? Leave a comment because I’d love to know!
One last thing…
I’d like to thank these eleven ladies for their patience, and for taking the time to join me. It’s been enlightening for sure