Friday, February 28, 2014

Giveaway Winner

Thank you all so so much for entering my giveaway! There were more than 3000 entries. <3 You are all amazing. Also wanted to thank you all for following me. Means so much. And for commenting :D Reading new comments is the best feeling. <3 Thank you. Anyway. I'm picking a winner for my giveaway today. It's being chosen via Rafflecopter, and I'll be emailing the winner right away. The winner will have 48 hours to reply with mailing address or another winner will get chosen. Thank you all so much! <3

The winner is ..

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

DNF Review: The Taking by Kimberly Derting

This is my very first DNF review. As in I did not finish this book. It isn't the first book that I have started to read but couldn't continue, but it is the first one that I wanted to talk about and explain more about why. You see, I've wanted to read The Taking for a long time. And I really wanted to love it. But I didn't.

I don't know how many pages I read of this book, since it is supposed to be 368 pages in the hardcover. But with the eARC that I read via Edelweiss I got to page 86 of 231. And that was enough for me. Enough to know that I don't want to read more of this book at the moment. But maybe one day in the future.

I don't know how to talk about this book. Hopefully this won't be long, since I did not read the entire book. But I just could not finish it. I could not force myself to read more, as I started to dislike this book a whole lot. I started disliking the writing. As in I did not like it at all. I didn't like the way Kyra was thinking. How she spoke. I did not like the characters in this book.

But I wanted to. I really, really wanted to enjoy The Taking. Because I adore the author, Kimberly. I think she's amazing. And I have loved other books by her. But this one was just not for me. It makes me so sad, but it is what it is. I thought it sounded like an amazing book. With the whole Kyra passing out and then waking up with five years having gone by. But then I started reading. And I hated it. To be honest. Her mom had moved on. Didn't get it. HATED how Kyra was with her new brother. She was not nice.

And her dad moved on as well. And I didn't understand that. At all. The way he was. Sure, I could get it, but I didn't like how Kyra was dealing with it and how she was thinking. Not for me. Especially since for her it had just been one night. While for them all she had been missing for five years, yet she hasn't aged a day. I liked that. But in the 86 pages that I read nothing was being done about it. This book was more focused on the characters. Like the new love interest; there was just way too much insta-love.

Though, the romance hadn't really started. But seriously. Before she was gone, she was in a relationship with Austin. And was going to be with him forever and blah. Then she was gone five years. He moved on. With her best friend. His younger brother is now seventeen and super-hot and nice and has a crush on her. And she crushes on him. The same day. When it had just been a day since she was together with Austin. Sure, it had been five years for him, but only hours for her. And I just did not get it. At all.

Anyway! I ended up saying too much. Again. But now it is enough. I did not like what I read about this book. And I'm sorry. But not sorry enough to try reading more of it. Maybe after my hardcover arrives. Probably. But I'm not sure I want to. Sigh. This book was just not for me. I'm sorry. I'm not sure if it would be for others either.. but I do know that many will love it, even so. I wish I had. But I didn't and I just had to share my feelings about the pages that I read. I don't regret not reading the rest of it.

DNF

Waiting on Wednesday #124

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

THE FALL BY BETHANY GRIFFIN

Goodreads Description:

Madeline Usher is doomed. 
She has spent her life fighting fate, and she thought she was succeeding. Until she woke up in a coffin.

Ushers die young. Ushers are cursed. Ushers can never leave their house, a house that haunts and is haunted, a house that almost seems to have a mind of its own. Madeline’s life—revealed through short bursts of memory—has hinged around her desperate plan to escape, to save herself and her brother. Her only chance lies in destroying the house.

In the end, can Madeline keep her own sanity and bring the house down? The Fall is a literary psychological thriller, reimagining Edgar Allan Poe’s classic The Fall of the House of Usher.


Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Greenwillow Books
Pre-Order here.

I really like Bethany Griffin. And I like the sound of this new book of hers. So I think I will enjoy it; most likely :D Sounds creepy, and I love creepy. Cover is creepy; and I pretty much love that too. Just wishing October were here already. <3 I think The Fall will be a great book. Can't wait to read it :)
What are you waiting for? 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Giveaway Reminder

I just wanted to remind you all of my International Giveaway of a brand new ARC of Faking Normal + some pretty awesome swag. The giveaway is ending in just over two days; so if you haven't entered yet you should do so :D I think it's a pretty amazing prize; as I really enjoyed Faking Normal. <3 Anyway. I also just wanted to thank those of you who have entered :D You are all awesome! Best of luck :)

Enter the giveaway here. <3

Cress Tuesday #18

Cress has now been out for three whole weeks :D And if you have not read it yet, what are you waiting for? This book is gorgeous. And the writing is stunning. You all need to read it and fall in love with it like I did. But anyway. I've decided that I wish to at least continue with the Cress Tuesdays at least until the end of February, just in case some of you haven't gotten your copy of Cress yet. <3 I love sharing these teasers. And I cannot wait to finally re-read all three books in a short time. So excited! You can see all the previous Cress Tuesday posts here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these (mostly) non-spoilery teasers :)


~


"For years, my grandmother kept that little girl hidden, kept her alive, 
and she ultimately paid for that with her life. That was the night that I joined Linh Cinder. 
That was the night that I joined the side of the true queen of--"

~

My review of Glitches. My review of The Queen's Army. My blog tour post of Cinder.

Was allowed to do this by Marissa and Macmillan; Thank you. <3 Marissa is the best. Check out her amazing website :D I'm also very much in love with the Lunar Chronicles facebook. So pretty. I hope you enjoy the teasers :) There will be one teaser each Tuesday. Can't wait for you all to read Cress :)
The teasers are now from my finished hardcover copy of Cress :D And oh, how it is gorgeous. <3


Saturday, February 22, 2014

In My Mailbox #121

 This week I got some pretty awesome stuff as well. <3 Not as much as the weeks before, but more than enough, lol :D And I love it all so much. Sigh. This was a busy blog week. I finished re-reading The Winner's Curse one week ago, and then I also re-read Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm. Such awesome books. Sigh. I've been meaning to read more, just can't decide what. Sigh. And.. I have been pretty busy playing Mario Kart on my Wii, hih. <3 But ohh! There have been THREE gorgeous cover reveals on my blog this week. Invaded. Mortal Heart. The Perilous Sea. All three look so pretty sigh. I love them! Anyway. I'm mostly caught up on comments and such :D Which makes me happy. Oh, and also. I'm still doing my Cress Tuesday if you hadn't noticed, hih. <3 What did you get this week?
Ack! I just about forgot to mention. I reached 800 blog posts yesterday :D So happy about that. <3
Don't forget to enter my INTERNATIONAL giveaway for a brand new ARC copy of Faking Normal plus some pretty awesome swag. <3 Enter the giveaway here :) There is only five days left to enter!

Frozen. Last Frozen book for a while.. I can't find anyone else to buy, hih. <3 But this one is gorgeous.
The Nightmare Affair. Been ages since I read this, but I adored it. This US paperback is so pretty :)
Divergent. A few movie books. <3 So so pretty. But also a bit damaged, which just breaks my heart.
The Secret of NIMH 2. I watched movie #1 ages ago, and loved it, so had to get this :D Watching soon.
Hotel Transylvania. I got this on sale <3 I loved this movie, and I needed to own the 3D version :)
Edward. Hih, this cost me very little. Just had to buy it. <3 As it is pretty gorgeous, to be honest.
Grisha. This is the BEST LETTER. <3 It is beyond gorgeous. Thank you so much Nina. <3
Game of Thrones. Season 3. <3 It looks pretty gorgeous. And I love this show. Waiting for S4 :)

The Mark of Athena. The House of Hades. I.. have yet to read all the first books. As in the first five Percy Jackson books. But now I own them all :D Though these are the only ones I have in hardcover. And they are so big and gorgeous and now I want them ALL in hardcover.. hmm. Expensive, though.
Unforgotten. Loved this book. <3 And this UK edition is gorgeous. Getting Unremembered as well :D
SPOILER WARNING FOR THE CLOCK. Will. Oh. The best clock in the world. I can't believe I forgot to share about it a few weeks ago! As this is clock number two, since the first one I got stopped working and had damages :\ but then Society6 was so kind to send me a new one :D They are the best. <3 And this looks so so perfect. Hoping it won't stop ticking as well, though. But no damages. Sigh. The clock is a drawing by Cassandra Jean, based on Will & Tessa from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare. <3

In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Cover Reveal: The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas

I'm so excited about this cover! I loved The Burning Sky so much. And I'm dying to read this sequel. I think The Perilous Sea will be AMAZING. Just waiting for September 16th to get here so that I can read it. <3 And this cover. Holy. It is simply GORGEOUS. I love love love it. Fits well with the first one as well :) And omg. Do you see that water dragon? EXCITED. Sigh. So excited. But that summary is scaring me. Worried about the romance between Titus and Iolanthe. But I have hope. And I cannot wait. Sigh. This book will be amazing; I just know it. Such gorgeous covers. What do you think of the cover? <3


After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.

Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.

Sherry Thomas brings her trademark blend of dazzling magic, heartbreaking romance, and exciting action in this striking sequel to The Burning Sky.



Thursday, February 20, 2014

Cover Reveal: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

I'm so excited to finally see the cover for Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers! And I love it. It's pretty amazing :) Sigh. I really loved the first two books; Grave Mercy and Dark Triumph. And I think Mortal Heart will be even better :D I just cannot wait to read it. Simply cannot. Just wishing it was out sooner than November 4th. Sigh. I'm just so excited for it. <3 What do you think of this awesome cover? :)


Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own.

But across Brittany, the tides of war are drawing ever nearer, with France pressuring the beleaguered duchess from all sides. Annith’s search for answers threatens to rip open an intricate web of lies and deceit that sit at the heart of the convent she serves. Yet to expose them threatens the very fabric of her existence and risks an unforeseen chance at love, one that she can no longer deny. Annith must carefully pick a path and, gods willing, effect a miracle that will see her country—and her heart—to safety.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Cover Reveal: Invaded by Melissa Landers

Sharing the cover for Invaded by Melissa Landers today :D And I think it's pretty awesome! Sigh. I cannot wait to read this book. I really loved the first one, Alienated, and I just need to know what happens next. <3 I'm dying to read Invaded and just wishing it was out sooner than February 3rd 2015. That is a whole year away! I'm not sure I can wait that long, lol. But it will be worth it, I think. Sigh.
I'm also very happy that Melissa told me there will be no love triangle. <3 Yes yes yes. That makes me beyond happy, to be honest. And even more excited for the book :) What do you think of the cover? <3


Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?



Waiting on Wednesday #123

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

SEA OF SHADOWS BY KELLEY ARMSTRONG

Goodreads Description:

They hear the spirits.They must obey.

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire's worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.

Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters' journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they've ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court--one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes a captivating new series that blends elements of fantasy and horror with the pulse-pounding action and romance that have earned her a devoted readership worldwide.


Hardcover, 416 pages
Expected publication: April 8th 2014 by HarperTeen
Pre-Order here.

I think and hope that this will be an amazing book. It sounds pretty good. And I do think I will enjoy it. <3 Hoping that will happen, hih. Just need to get myself to read my eARC of it :D Soon. Very soon.
I'm just not sure if there will be a romance in this book.. hmm. But I'm hoping for it, hih. <3
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Book Recommendation: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo


I was finally brave enough to re-read Siege and Storm. And I'm happy I did. But I'm also feeling so much more heartbroken about it. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. But it is also such an amazing book. And I'm going to try to not focus on the heartbreaking parts. I will try to forget all about them, and hope that Ruin and Rising will make it all better. <3 Hopefully. I'm going to try. Probably. But either way. I'm glad I re-read Siege and Storm and I will try to talk a bit about my complicated feelings for it :)

Though I am not sure where to start. I'm not sure what I should mention and what I shouldn't mention. There is so much I want to talk about, but most of that is pretty spoilery and mostly about Mal. But a few things must be mentioned, still. But first I should say that I loved Siege and Storm. The writing was even better in this book. And I love the story and plot so much. I love reading about the Grisha. All the things they do. It's amazing and unique and I just want to read about it all the time. It's so so good.

There is a lot of things happening in Siege and Storm. I loved the beginning, the middle and the end. I loved all of it. But the beginning a little bit more. With Mal and Alina on the run. <3 Though that did not last long. Sniffs. We see more of the Darkling in this book. Though not too much, thank god, lol. I still don't like him. He's a great villain, though. And he does so much more awful things in this book. And I could never love him. Which I love, hih. He creates some new creatures. And they creeped me out.

I'm not sure what to talk about. I won't mention too much about the plot, as I don't want to spoil everything. So I'm going to mention a few characters. I loved Mal in this book. So much. Though he did break my heart. Sniffs. But I will forever ship him. We see more of Genya. And that scene at the end broke me. Yet so damn amazing. I really loved that part. Then there is new character, Sturmhond. Whom I did not love. I liked him, but hated that he liked Alina. Sniffs. But he was pretty awesome, still :)

This book just broke my heart so much. And I'm not sure how to deal with it. Most of it just hurt my heart. But I also enjoyed this book a lot. And I always wanted to know what would happen next. And now that I re-read this book, I had more hope about the ending. Some parts gave me hope. But other parts broke my heart all over again. Sigh. There was just too much. And I will try to talk a little bit about it, but not too much, as I'm not sure I would be able to stop once I get started. And it hurts too much.

What hurt me in Siege and Storm was Mal. Though Mal didn't really do anything that made my heart hurt. Alina did. She and Mal is drifting apart in this book and it's pretty painful. So many awful things happen. And to me, Alina was the fault for that. She didn't tell Mal what was happening to her. She didn't try to spend time with him. She didn't talk to him. She didn't try to make things right. And to me, it seemed like she didn't care much about him at all. And that hurt so much because I love Mal to pieces.

“I came here for you. You’re my flag. You’re my nation.
But that doesn’t seem to matter anymore. Do you realize
this is the first time we’ve really been alone in weeks?” 

I just wanted this book to be happy. I wanted Mal and Alina to have lots of sweet and happy moments. But they don't. They have a few pretty cute moments in the beginning that I love. But then the last part of the book happens and there is just so much hurt and anger. It still hurts. But oh. I have hope. I need them to fix it. But I fear that Mal will be the only one trying, like always. I want Alina to win Mal back. I want her to want him. I want her to try her best to make him forgive her. It probably won't happen.
 
“I thought you wanted to go.”
“I wanted you to ask me to stay.”

But anyway. I won't say more about it. Just that it all broke my heart so much. And I hated it a little bit. But I couldn't hate it too much, because it did make me care. And I kind of loved how it was written. But that doesn't stop me from wishing it hadn't been included. I felt like the book would have been even perfect, with Mal and Alina a couple all the time. Sigh. But I do like a little drama. Probably. I just wish it will get fixed early in Ruin and Rising. If it gets fixed. I'm worried. But I will hope. Fingers crossed. <3

Anyway. Siege and Storm was an awesome book. And I'm so glad that I finally decided to re-read it. <3 It was pretty amazing. Now I'm dying to read Ruin and Rising, though. Just wishing it was out less than four months from now. A bit heartbroken that there will be no arcs. But thinking it will make the wait even better. Just wishing for chapter samples pretty soon. <3 Anyway. If you have read and loved Shadow and Bone then you really, really need to read Siege and Storm. And soon. It's awesome.

~

His tone was light, but when his lips met mine, there was nothing playful in his kiss.
He tasted of heat and newly ripe pears from the Duke’s garden. I sensed hunger in the hard slant of his mouth, an unfamiliar edge to his need that sent restless sparks burning through me. I came up on my toes, circling my arms around his neck, feeling the length of my body melt into his. He had a soldier’s strength, and I felt it in the hard bands of his arms, the pressure of his fingers as his fist bunched in the silk at the small of my back and he drew me against him. There was something fierce and almost desperate in the way he held me, as if he could not have me close enough.

~


 
My blog posts about The Grisha Trilogy.

Cress Tuesday #17

Cress has now been out for two whole weeks :D And if you have not read it yet, what are you waiting for? This book is gorgeous. And the writing is stunning. You all need to read it and fall in love with it like I did. But anyway. I've decided that I wish to at least continue with the Cress Tuesdays at least until the end of February, just in case some of you haven't gotten your copy of Cress yet. <3 I love sharing these teasers. And I cannot wait to finally re-read all three books in a short time. So excited! You can see all the previous Cress Tuesday posts here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these small non-spoilery teasers :)
Okay, yes, this teaser might be a little more spoilery :D But it makes me want to re-read the book. <3


~


Cinder couldn't help laughing, even exhaustedly, even just to cover up the screaming inside, as he bound her up in his arms again. Her headache began to fade, replaced with the strength of his heartbeat and the way she felt almost delicate when she was pressed up against him like this.

~

My review of Glitches. My review of The Queen's Army. My blog tour post of Cinder.

Was allowed to do this by Marissa and Macmillan; Thank you. <3 Marissa is the best. Check out her amazing website :D I'm also very much in love with the Lunar Chronicles facebook. So pretty. I hope you enjoy the teasers :) There will be one teaser each Tuesday. Can't wait for you all to read Cress :)
The teasers are now from my finished hardcover copy of Cress :D And oh, how it is gorgeous. <3

Monday, February 17, 2014

Shadow and Bone



This is the fourth time I've read Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. Though it has been a little more than a year since the last time I read it. And I still love this book so much. It's an amazing story with great writing and adorable characters. It has broken my heart a lot, though. Which upsets me a little. But it's so good. So I can't be too angry about it :D But yeah. This won't be such a long post, I think, since I have written a lot about this book before, hih. <3 But I wanted to write a bit more. Sigh.

I won't say too much about it. Just a little bit. Pfff. I always end up saying too much; but I don't mind. I loved reading this book again. I adore Alina. And Mal. But there were a few things that broke my heart a bit and made me a tiny bit upset. Sniffs. In the beginning of this book Alina is mostly just sick and tired all the time. And then we get to know why and she changes. I did love that. But I'm not sure I loved how it happen. She was so quick at letting go of Mal. Of believing the worst of him. It broke my heart.

And I just didn't get that. Sniffs. Because Mal and Alina where childhood best friends. They had been together as kids for more than ten years of their life. Sure, he had changed a bit in the last year. But she shouldn't have been so quick to judge him. At least not in my mind, hih. <3 But anyway. I did love reading about it, but yeah. Heartbreaking. I won't say more about the plot. Just, I still don't like the Darkling. I think he's an asshole. And I hated how much evil he had done. He deserves to die, horribly.

There is just so much about this book. But I'm not going to talk about it all. I will not. But I must mention a few things. Like Baghra. I loved reading about her in this book. She was pretty amazing. And I want to know more. Then there is Genya. I'm still unsure how I feel about her. I hate her for the letters. (Read The Tailor.) And that she kind of turned traitor. But she was also a great friend. And I did feel so sorry for her and I did adore her. And I need more of her and David. They need to get together.

There were a lot of things happening in this book that made me curious whether we'll get to know it in Ruin and Rising. Like the thing with how good Mal is at tracking. How he felt the stag. I need to know if there is a special reason for that. <3 There doesn't have to be, but yeah. It would probably make me love Mal even more. Sigh. And the Apparat. I need to know more about him. He was creepy in this book, but I'm pretty sure he's on Alina's side. I would love to get to know more about his story in all this.

I also just re-read Mal's Letter, which is in the Shadow and Bone paperback. You all need to read that. It's an amazing letter. And we get to know more about Mal. And it's so so amazing. Sigh. Mal will always be my favorite character. And I loved this peek into his mind. Just wishing I could have read everything that happened while he was tracking the stag. Sigh. It sounded like an amazing adventure with tons and tons of heartbreak. Just the way I like it, lol. But anyway. The letter made me adore Mal even more.

I loved re-reading Shadow and Bone for the fourth time. And I cannot wait to re-read Siege and Storm next. Which I have actually only read once; a year ago. I've been wanting to re-read it for ages, but I am a coward. And I'm not sure if I'm ready to start it yet either. But I will. There is just so much heartbreak and it makes me ache. See. I will post a quote below from Shadow and Bone, then I will tell you a little about my thoughts for it. Which will probably be a little bit spoilery. If you mind that sort of thing :)

I'd been so focused on my own fear and my own future that I hadn't given
much thought to what Mal had done or what he'd chosen to give up. He could never
go back to the army, to his friends, to being a decorated tracker. Worse, he was guilty 
of desertion, maybe of treason, and the penalty for that was death.

This quote broke my heart. First, because Alina only kind of thought it once. And because the way I remember it, she doesn't think of it at all in Siege and Storm. And that is why the book breaks my heart so much. Because she doesn't seem to care what Mal gave up. How much he loves her. Sniffs. But. I have hope. Ruin and Rising. She will change it. She will appreciate Mal more. Oh, fine, I'm guessing that won't happen :\ But I hope. I hope it with all my heart. Mal deserves to be loved with a whole heart.

But anyway. Enough about all that. I loved re-reading Shadow and Bone. And I do think I will love re-reading Siege and Storm too. Yes, it will break my heart. Probably even more than it did a year ago. Cries. But I will endure it. The wait for Ruin and Rising is just 4 months today. It will be here sooner than I know. Hah. Probably not. The wait will most likely be torture. But I'm still excited. Because I love this world that Leigh has created. And I'm dying for Ruin and Rising. <3 I cannot wait to finally read it.

I think I have finally said enough about Shadow and Bone. For now. Most likely. Just also wanted to mention that the author, Leigh, is such an amazing person. And I love talking to her on twitter. Cannot wait to read whatever else she writes. And ohh. My Shadow and Bone collection is pretty big. A lot of big. I will be sharing more about that when I get my two newest pieces of Shadow and Bone inspired jewelry. <3 Which I'm so excited about; because I can never have enough of these books. Sigh. <3



My blog posts about The Grisha Trilogy.
 

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Book Recommendation: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski


I first read this book back in November. And oh, how I loved it then. And ever since I have wanted to re-read it. And now I finally did. So happy that I did that, because The Winner's Curse is a stunning book. It's perfect in all ways. I couldn't have asked for a better book. Sigh. And it isn't even out yet! You will all love it when you read it. And when it comes out on March 4th I expect you all to go buy it. You must. I've already pre-ordered two gorgeous hardcovers and I cannot wait to get them. <3 So excited.

I'm not sure what to talk about in this book recommendation of mine. I want to talk about all of it. Mostly that ending. But I won't, because I don't want to spoil anything from you. This book is just so perfect. You need to read all of it. Read and love it, like I did. This book recommendation of mine is mostly like a second review, probably. So I'm not reading my first review before writing this, otherwise I would be at a loss for words. So I apologize if I repeat myself a little, hih. I don't mind, though :)

The Winner's Curse is such an amazing book. It has perfect writing, exciting plot and likeable characters. I loved everything about it. There wasn't a single thing that I didn't like. Which is rare. Though, I do wish it had never ended. And that ending is a little bit cruel.. but I loved it at the same time. I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It made it easy to connect to everything. And that is always a plus. Marie writes so beautifully. I cannot wait to read more books by her. She's awesome.

This book is told from two different point of views. Kestrel and Arin. And how, how I loved them both. I loved reading from both minds, as they are both pretty amazing. Kestrel is so sweet. And fierce as well. I loved reading about her life as the General's daughter. And I loved her relationship with her dad. I liked him. And her friends, Jess and Ronan. Jess was adorable. Loved her. I even liked Ronan. He likes her a little too much. But he's so sweet and kind and Kestrel does not see him that way. Which is very good.

I also really loved Arin. Sigh. He's so perfect. Pfff. Perfectly flawed, mostly. He has a lot of those. But he's also kind and loving and I loved how smart he is. Kestrel may be a little bit smarter, but he is pretty smart as well. Arin is one of my favorite bookish boys. My heart broke for him so many times. Even though he did some things that made me angry. I understood him; which was good. Oh, and his family. Heartbreak. Still destroys me. You need to read the short story; Bridge of Snow. So heartbreaking.

I really loved the plot in The Winner's Curse. It's fantasy and historical fiction. I think. And I love both those genres. I loved reading about where they lived and how they had come to live there. Would have liked to know more, though. There was a war ten years ago. And Arin and the people like him ended up as slaves for Kestrel and her people. It broke my heart. Yet it was so awesome to read about. Sigh. There is also a rebellion in this book. Now that broke my heart the most. But it was just so good.

I'm not going to talk more plot. Though I could talk about it for ages. It's just so good. And I loved it so much. Sigh. This whole book is just perfect. What I loved the most, though, where the character relationships. There is a romance in this book. Between Kestrel and Arin. And it's so sweet and slow. But it's also the most heartbreaking romance. Oh, how I need book two. But I loved what there were. Because it was so real. So perfect. I just cannot forget about it. There are some really sweet scenes.

There is just so much to say about this book. Like a few characters that I really hated. Cheat and Irex. They were such awful characters. And yet I loved reading about them both so much because they made a perfect book even better. Sigh. I'm not sure how I'm going to survive waiting for the sequel. Needs it right away. <3 Anyway. The Winner's Curse is a stunning book. And you all need to read it. Seriously. I cannot wait to re-read it again and again. Because this is a book you must read again. Many times.

Below I will be sharing two small teasers from this book. I love them. Be aware that they are from my ARC copy and might be changed in the hardcover. Though I hope not. <3 Also sharing a picture below that of my gorgeous and so special copy of The Winner's Curse. It means the world to me. I love it. Huge thank you to Macmillan and Ksenia for this gorgeous ARC copy of The Winner's Curse. <3 Thank you so so much. I love it to pieces. I loved reading the eARC back in November, but reading this print one was even better. Thank you. Sniffs. It's just so pretty and so special to me. I will always treasure it. <3

~

"Kestrel, please don't cry." Tentative fingers touched her face. A thumb ran along the wet skin of
her cheekbone. She suffered for it, suffered for the misery of knowing that whatever possessed 
him to do this could be no more than compassion. He valued her that much. But not enough.

~

"Kestrel." The general touched her shoulder. When he spoke, his voice was uncharacteristically hesitant. "It's every child's duty to survive her parents. My profession isn't a safe one. I would like -- Kestrel, when I die, do not mourn me." She smiled. "You do not command me," she said, and kissed his cheek.

~



My review of The Winner's Curse. My review of Bridge of Snow.
Goodreads. The Book Depository. Marie Rutkoski.

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here.

In My Mailbox #120

First: RUIN AND RISING Cover Reveal is here!! And I'm so damn happy with it. <3 Sigh. Anyway. I had a pretty awesome week this week. Well, I'm feeling totally crappy because my Morbus Crohn is being a bitch. But I had a good week online and with books. For the most part. <3 And that makes me happy. Yesterday I started re-reading The Winner's Curse <3 Which I just finished and will be writing a book recommendation for in a moment. One of the best books. Anyway. I forgot to mention last week that my blog reached 200,000 total pageviews :D That makes me really happy. <3 Thank you all. (Also, I am very close to 900 followers.. <3) Okay, I said I had a pretty good week. But I didn't read anything before I started my re-read. I just haven't been well enough to read, and couldn't find anything that I wanted to read yet :p But hoping it will be better next week. <3 As I do have tons of books to read. And re-read. Don't forget to enter my INTERNATIONAL giveaway for a brand new ARC copy of Faking Normal plus some pretty awesome swag. <3 Enter the giveaway here :) What did you get this week?

Three. I read book one a looong time ago. Think it is finally time to re-read so I can finish the series :)
Lady Thief. Oh, I'm pretty excited for this book. <3 Just need to get myself to re-read Scarlet, hih (A)
Into the Still Blue. Gorgeous book. Such a perfect story as well. International and UK paperback. <3
Fracture. I really like the UK paperback covers for this series. So pretty. Got Vengeance last week :)
Cress. Oh, you gorgeous book. <3 And I pretty much adore this UK paperback. So pretty. So good.


The Worlds We Make. I read book one ages ago. Didn't love it, but I did want the rest of the books :D
White Space. I adore the author; Ilsa. <3 She's awesome. And I'm hoping to really read this book soon.
Split Second. I wasn't planning on buying this, since I haven't read nr 1 yet. But people loved it.. :)
Unite Me. Hah. Like I said, never reading these books. But I'm weird and I need to own everything.
If You Find Me. Gorgeous replacement for the one I got last week that was damaged. <3 Amazing book.
Divergent. Oh, I do still love this book. And I needed to own these movie editions. <3 PB and HC.
Angry Birds. These were just too cute and too awesome not to buy. Plus I own a few other birds ;p
Disney Infinity. Yeah.. you know I haven't played the game yet (A) but I love buying these. Sigh.
How To Train Your Dragon. Uhm, yeah. I'm obsessed with all of these. And I need to own ALL OF THEM.





A Death-Struck Year. The time in this book reminds me of In the Shadow of Blackbirds, which I loved like crazy. So I knew I needed to try reading this book. So I'm happy I got accepted for it via Netgalley. <3 Not sure when I will try reading it.. but hopefully soon. I do think it sounds pretty awesome :)





In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Cover Reveal: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

It's here! It's finally here! And ahhh. It is gorgeous. I'm so excited for Ruin and Rising. I think this book will be amazing. Just wish June were here already. <3 I loved Shadow and Bone & Siege and Storm so so much and I'm just dying for Ruin and Rising. I need to know what happens next. I need more Mal. And Alina. Together. Pretty please? Hih. <3 Anyway. I adore this cover. It's stunning. Sigh. And oh, Leigh is so amazing. I adore her. She's so kind and sweet. Macmillan is posting teasers from Ruin and Rising over at their tumblr. And I have posted a few edit quotes from the first two books on my tumblr. Hih. I'm kind of in love with those. Sigh. Ruin and Rising needs to get here. What do you think of the cover? <3
I will blog even more about these lovely books once I re-read the first two. <3 I'm so excited to do so.
And again! THIS COVER IS GORGEOUS! Sigh. I can't get over how perfect these book covers are. <3


The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.




My blog posts about Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm.
 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Title Reveal: Keeper of the Lost Cities #3 by Shannon Messenger

Sharing the title for Keeper of the Lost Cities #3 today. <3 If you didn't see it a few days ago :D I'm so excited about it. And I cannot wait for the cover reveal. It should be amazing. Sigh. Hoping for Fitz, hih. <3 I adore this middle grade series by Shannon. It's awesome. And I really love it. Cannot wait for this third book. It should be epic. Sigh. <3 The title fits very well with the books, I think. So excited.


EVERBLAZE