Thursday, June 29, 2017

Review: The Smoking Hourglass by Jennifer Bell

I had so hoped to love this book. Because I read the first one a few months ago; I liked it a lot, and I felt sure I would enjoy this sequel even more. But oh, how I was wrong. So disappointed by this one. I'm giving it two stars, and even that feels too kind of me. Gosh. I really wish I had loved this book. Thought I would.

I wish to start by saying what I enjoyed about it. Because there was not much, but I did like a few things. There are illustrations inside, and they are so precious. I loved them lots, and wish there had been more. I found the plot of the book to be exciting a few times, felt like it could have been so amazing, aw. But it was not.

And sadly, there weren't anything else about this book that I did like. This book is the sequel to The Crooked Sixpence. It takes place a few months later, but there is zero mention about what happened in those months. Which was a bit disappointing. I did like reading about this world; the underground in London, where certain people are trading and having a good time. There is a bit of magic, which was interesting to read about. But sadly it wasn't enough. Because I couldn't stand the writing in this sequel. Which makes me very sad. I simply could not connect at all. Or focus much either. I just wanted the book to be over. Which is the worst feeling to have while reading. Especially considering that this book was pretty long. Usually love that. Ugh. But not now.

One thing that bothered me the most was that I didn't feel any connection at all between the characters. They never talk to each other. They don't do friend stuff together. Sure, they are together, but the writing doesn't focus on it at all. Just on other things. Not friendship. Not the siblings. I felt no love or anything between these people. Which was so extremely disappointing. As I had expected so much more. Ugh. Middle grade books are usually perfect for me. But this one was not. It was so bad, and so disappointing.

I'm not going to write too much about this book. Simply because I do not want to. I'm just happy to be done reading it. Aw. Which is very upsetting. Have been reading so many bad books this year already, and really wanted this one to be one of the good ones. Ugh. Unsure now if I will read book three or not. Maybe. But it probably isn't out until a year from now, so will see then I guess. Won't say too much stuff that happens in this one, but I must mention a few things about this, as they bothered me a whole bunch.

I said in my review of book one that it reminded me so much of Harry Potter. And oh, this book was even more like those. It wasn't a good thing. The villain was just about the same. How they had made up a new name for the bad guys, because it was too scary to say their old name. How they had this horrible prison. How the main girl gets entered into a deadly game by someone else. How the leader of this underground place turns into a friend of the kids, and are sharing secrets with them. It was just silly. Made zero sense.

I usually don't mind at all when books remind me of other books. But this one was ridiculous with all the likeness. I noticed it very often, and it just bothered me. Aw. I'm sure some people will love this book, but I'm not one of those. I didn't care for the characters at all. Ivy wasn't interesting anymore, because I know nothing about her. Seb was just there, nauseous all the time. And Valian was simply unimportant in this story, yet there all the time. These characters gave me nothing. And that is the biggest disappointment.

Not saying much more now, just, well. I was so disappointed and sad by this book. So wish it had been better. But it wasn't. Not as bad as a one star, but not much better either. I found all the villains to be so silly and have no meaning at all. Didn't care about anyone or what they were doing. The writing just felt off all the time; since it was impossible to connect to anything. Aw. Sadly, I wouldn't really recommend this book for anyone. Sure, book one was a three star, but not perfect either. Still, they both are really pretty.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #298

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

THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE 
BY STEPHANIE PERKINS

Goodreads Description:

Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down.




Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: September 26th 2017 by Dutton Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here and here

I like books about murder and terror. Well, sometimes :D And I think this one sounds pretty exciting. And I love the pink on the cover. Eee. Pretty curious about this book. Just hoping that I will love it lots :D Have only read one book by this author, her first one, and I did not love it all those years ago. A bit nervous :)
What are you waiting for on this thriller Wednesday?

Monday, June 26, 2017

Review: Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab

Finally got to read this precious book. Eee. Been waiting ages for this one, and so happy to have read and loved it. I just really wish there had been a third book too. Aw. Not ready to be done reading about August. How rude. But I shall survive. Probably. Despite being long, it was so easy to read this book. Loved that.

The writing is gorgeous, as always with Victoria. And I had no issues getting into the book. I did have a few small issues with the story, ahh, but nothing too big. I still enjoyed this so much and I'm giving it five stars. I found book one to be the best, but this sequel was still incredible. And heartbreaking. Loved it a lot.

This sequel takes place six months after the end of This Savage Song. And oh, how things are different. Kate is in a new place, and she actually has friends. They seemed like pretty awesome people, but didn't get to read that much about them. Aw. But I'm glad she wasn't alone all those months. But also a bit sad that she wasn't with August instead. Aw. And oh, how my boy have changed. It bothered me a little, that he was not the same boy from book one. But I do not blame him at all for changing. The city of Verity has gone really awful in the past six months. And August has had to change with that, to help the people. It broke my heart a little to read about all the things he had to do. All the souls he had to take, all the time. I wanted August happy.

I love that this book is still from the point of views of August and Kate. Eee. But this time there are a few monsters included too. Like Sloan. Shudders. And a new type of monster too. The new monster was all kinds of creepy and I loved reading about it. Though the way that monster killed was the worst. So rude. And then there was Sloan. Oh, how I hate this monster character. He's so brutal and awful and he kills and tortures a lot. It's a bit disturbing. But a good villain, I suppose. Didn't love his point of view, though.

But I do love August. I love this boy so so much. But yeah, I had some issues with how he had changed. Broke my heart that he isn't the same soft and kind and gentle boy anymore. But he's still all of that, just much deeper inside. He has had to become strong and a bit brutal too. Though I did love those new sides of him as well. And I loved reading about him so much. He is an amazing character and I love him so so much. Especially love reading about his monster side. It's a bit creepy and yet the most amazing thing.

And Kate. Ah. I love this girl so much. Loved getting to know her better. Loved that she hasn't changed much at all. And really enjoyed reading about her caring for her new friends. Sort of. And her still thinking about August often, despite being gone so long. Just really liked reading about Kate. But oh, I'm still very heartbroken over the fact that she made her own monster in book one. And this shadow monster of hers, Alice, is one of the worst creatures there is. Reading about her was pretty horrible. Yet a bit fascinating.

There are a whole bunch of monsters in this one. Some new ones. But also the same old ones. And they are all awful to read about. So much death. It was awesome, lol. I love the monsters in this series. They are scary and awful and so amazing to read about. I love how August is awesome at taking them down. And Kate has gotten better at it too. There is also a new Sunai in this one, and gosh, I loved this person so much. A bit dark, yet so interesting to read about. Felt like this person was written really well, so yay.

One thing that made me a bit sad is that it takes a bit over two hundred pages before August and Kate meet again. And that was just so rude. I wanted to read about them together so badly, and then it took forever for it to happen. But I shall forgive this, because when it finally did happen, they were awesome together. A bit upset with each other for smaller things, but still awesome. And I love these two characters so much. Sniffs. And oh, there is a tiny hint of romance, ahh, but way too little of it. Rude. Still, so perfect.

This book focus a lot on the war between the humans and the monsters. With August leading the human side, and Sloan on the monster side. The monsters are winning. And there have been a lot of death. But August isn't giving up, and I love that about him. I love how he is always fighting. And oh, I love that Kate made him more like the him he was in book one. Still, he's awesome. Though I do wish this book had been a bit more happy too. Aw. It's just full of sadness and death and ahh. Horrible yet amazing to read.

I'm not going to say much more about this book. Words are failing me. I had a few small issues, so I didn't love this one as much as I loved book one, especially with how rude this ending was, but I still loved it a lot. Our Dark Duet was a stunning final book. The monsters were horrifying yet so amazing. August and Kate are so perfect. And the plot was exciting. I'm so glad I read these two books. I also adore Victoria, and cannot wait for all her upcoming books. Eee. You should all read this; as it was a stunning final book.


Sunday, June 25, 2017

Cover Reveal: The Traitor Prince by C. J. Redwine

Eeee! I am so, so excited about this book :D I adore C. J. so so so much. She's amazing. And her books are stunning. I especially love all of her fairytale retellings. Ahh. Loved The Shadow Queen and The Wish Granter so so much. They are perfection. And I simply cannot wait to get to read The Traitor Prince too :D Eee. It sounds aaaamazing. And heartbreaking. And so good. I can't wait to meet these lovely characters. Sigh. So excited. Gosh, this cover is so awesome! I love it tons. Dark and stunning. What do you think? :)


Javan Najafai, the crown prince of Akram, has spent the last ten years at school, far away from his kingdom. He’s been eagerly awaiting his return home to his ailing father, but his journey there goes dangerously wrong. A mysterious imposter has taken his place—and no one will believe Javan is the true prince.

After barely escaping the imposter’s hitmen, Javan is thrown in the most dangerous prison in his kingdom—Maqbara. The only way to gain an audience with the king and reveal the truth is to fight his way out in the prison’s yearly tournament, which pits inmates against a coterie of the deadliest creatures in the world.

The one person who can help him is Sajda, a strong and secretive girl who has been enslaved by Maqbara’s warden since she was a child. Working with Sajda might be the only way Javan can escape alive—but she’s hiding something.

Together, Javan and Sajda will have to outwit the dangerous warden, outfight the hundreds of deadly creatures, and outlast the murderous prisoners intent on killing Javan before he can win—in order to fight for their freedom, and take down the imposter once and for all.




Saturday, June 24, 2017

In My Mailbox #294

I'm feeling very happy. I took my spa bath up this week :D Yesss. And it is the most precious thing. Sniffs. Been missing being able to bath so, so badly. My wound is just about 100% closed, finally, and I'm so happy about this too. Sigh. Just, ugh, was supposed to go the the hospital on the 21st, to get rid of my fistula thread thingy, but they called, said they had made mistake, not until July 21st.. assholes. Now I must wait even longer. Thankfully, doctor did tell me I could still bathe. Yess. But annoying, even so. After I got my medicine last week, my stomach have been tons better. So I'm happy about that too. Just hope it doesn't get any worse. Now just want the sun to come back. Tired of rain and cold. Hmph. I blogged a bit this week too :D Yay. And read a little as well. Yess. Reading more later today. I shared my review of The Suffering Tree :) Which was disappointing. Ugh. I posted the UK cover for Godsgrave. <3 This week I'm waiting on Before She Ignites :D I posted my book recommendation of This Savage Song. <3 Yesss. Then I took part in the Now I Rise blog tour :) I had a pretty good week. A bit exhausted, but good. So happy to finally be able to bath every day. Eee. I needed this so badly. Sigh. And next week I think I will be getting a lot of amazing books in the mail, and oh gosh, I cannot wait. If not all next week, then the week after too. Waiting on some stunning stuff. So so happy. Hope I'll still be able to read a lot as well :)



Lord of Shadows. Thank you so much Waterstones for the replacement; this new one looks perfect. <3
Carve the Mark. Eee, thank you Daphne for trading this UK ARC with me :D I love it so. It's gorgeous.
Nevernight. Stunning US paperback edition. <3 Except, my copy looks a bit damaged. How rude of them.
The Fallen Kingdom. Ahh, the stunning UK paperback edition. <3 I must read this book soon. So excited.
Our Dark Duet. Oh, how I love this cover. It's gorgeous. Reading my hardcover today, finally :D Yesss.
The Smoking Hourglass. I liked book one a bunch a few months ago, so I'm excited to read this one too.
Shadows of the Lost Sun. Oh, this book was perfect. And this UK paperback edition is stunning looking.
Plush. I couldn't resist buying this cute plush. He is adorable and I love him the most. So soft and lovely.


The Prince and the Dressmaker. Ahh, thank you lovely publisher :D I'm dying to read this cute thing. Eee.
A Conspiracy in Belgravia. Thank you so much to the publisher for this :D Shall read book one shortly. <3


More Instagram photos here. <3

Friday, June 23, 2017

Now I Rise Blog Tour: Spotlight + Giveaway

So excited to be taking part in the blog tour for Now I Rise :D Thank you so much Jaime and Rachel @ Rockstar Book Tours for letting me take part in this. <3 I enjoyed book one, And I Darken, a whole bunch. And so excited about getting my finished copies for Now I Rise in the mail. It's such a stunning looking book :D And I adore the author, Kiersten. She's awesome. I really do think you should read this series. Lada is fierce and amazing. The world is awesome as well. My review and blog tour for And I Darken :D

http://www.rockstarbooktours.com/



Title: NOW I RISE
Author: Kiersten White
Pub. Date: Jume 27, 2017
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 496
Find it: AmazonB&NiBooksTBDAudible,  Goodreads

Lada Dracul has no allies. No throne. All she has is what she’s always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares to cross her blood-strewn path. Filled with a white-hot rage, she storms the countryside with her men, accompanied by her childhood friend Bogdan, terrorizing the land. But brute force isn’t getting Lada what she wants. And thinking of Mehmed brings little comfort to her thorny heart. There’s no time to wonder whether he still thinks about her, even loves her. She left him before he could leave her.

What Lada needs is her younger brother Radu’s subtlety and skill. But Mehmed has sent him to Constantinople—and it’s no diplomatic mission. Mehmed wants control of the city, and Radu has earned an unwanted place as a double-crossing spy behind enemy lines. Radu longs for his sister’s fierce confidence—but for the first time in his life, he rejects her unexpected plea for help. Torn between loyalties to faith, to the Ottomans, and to Mehmed, he knows he owes Lada nothing. If she dies, he could never forgive himself—but if he fails in Constantinople, will Mehmed ever forgive him?

As nations fall around them, the Dracul siblings must decide: what will they sacrifice to fulfill their destinies? Empires will topple, thrones will be won . . . and souls will be lost.

Title: AND I DARKEN
Author: Kiersten White
Pub. Date: June 28, 2016
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, audiobook

NO ONE EXPECTS A PRINCESS TO BE BRUTAL. 

And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, who’s expected to rule a nation, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.
 






Kiersten White is the NYT bestselling author of the Paranormalcy trilogy, the Mind Games series, Illusions of Fate, The Chaos of Stars, In the Shadows with artist Jim Di Bartolo, and the upcoming historical reimagining, And I Darken. She has one tall husband and three small children and lives near the ocean, where her life is perfectly normal. Visit her at kierstenwhite.com.

Where to find Kiersten White:




Giveaway Details:
3 Winners will receive a finished copy of NOW I RISE, US Only.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:
6/19/2017- BookfeverExcerpt
6/20/2017- Lisa Loves LiteratureReview
6/21/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview
6/22/2017- FiktshunReview
6/23/2017- Carina's BooksReview

Week Two:
6/26/2017- Dazzled by BooksReview
6/27/2017- Books and ThingsReview
6/28/2017- Rattle the StarsReview
6/29/2017- YABCReview
6/30/2017- Once Upon A TwilightReview

Week Three:
7/3/2017- Adventures of a Book JunkieInterview
7/4/2017- Seeing Double In NeverlandReview
7/5/2017- Fiction FareReview
7/6/2017- YA and WineReview
7/7/2017- Little Red's ReviewsReview

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Book Recommendation: This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab


So thrilled to have finally read this book again. It's already been a year and a half since I first read this precious thing. Been wanting to re-read it for ages, and now that the second and final book is out, I finally could. And oh, I'm so happy to say that I loved this book so so much, once again. It is such a stunning story. With amazing writing and an exciting world. I love these characters beyond words. I'm not sure I'm ready for their story to end in Our Dark Duet. Ahh. Not sure my heart can take it. But I will survive. Maybe.

I'm not sure what to say about this book this second time. My mind feels empty, after finishing it again. I just loved it so much. And I'm so glad I finally got the chance to read it again. This book is worth reading. If you still haven't gotten to it, get moving. Because you need to get to know August and Kate. Eee. They are such amazing characters and I love them so much. Sniffs. This book is full of monsters. The awful kind, and the human kind too. Gosh, how I loved reading about them all. So exciting, horrible and perfect.

This book tells the story about August and Kate. They both have a point of view, which I loved so much. My favorite is August, because of how broken and sad yet fierce he is. He's a monster, yet he's trying so hard to be human and kind. But oh, Kate is amazing too. I love her so much. She's a bit broken too, but a lot tougher that August, to be honest. So fierce, so sweet too, at times. Oh, how I loved getting to know them both again. Ahh. I simply wish there is even more to know about in the next book. Fingers crossed.

There is so much I love about this one. Getting to know August and Kate was the best part. Because they are such well written characters and they are amazing to read about. I loved how they met, and how they started spending a bit of time together. They are friends in this book, and sadly no romance at all, but I'm okay with that, because I think it might happen. Maybe. But even so, their friendship is so precious to me. They haven't known each other long, but I love how they act around each other. It's sweet and awesome.

There are monsters in this book. Many different kinds. I loved reading about them all so much. Monster books are the best. And these monsters are awful. It was heartbreaking yet fun to read about. There is a lot of death too, which was pretty sad, yet so interesting too. And especially getting to know what kind of monster that August is. And what he can do. And how he does it. And how amazing he is with his violin. Oh, how I love this broken boy. He's gentle and sweet and I love him to pieces. There is also a cute cat.

So much that I could say about this book. But I'm not going to. Not this time. Just that you have to read it. Because August and Kate are such amazing characters. And this world is freaking amazing. So awful, yet so perfect. The ending is a bit horrifying. And I loved every moment of it. Ahh. And oh, August's family. I loved Ilsa so much. I hated Leo so much. And I adored his parents. I hope they are all awesome in book two as well. Eee. I cannot wait. Oh, how much I loved this book, once again. It's so good. And gorgeous.

CORSAI, CORSAI,
TOOTH AND CLAW.

SHADOW AND BONE 
WILL EAT YOU RAW.

MALCHAI, MALCHAI,
SHARP AND SLY,

SMILE AND BITE
AND DRINK YOU DRY.

SUNAI, SUNAI,
EYES LIKE COAL,

SING YOU A SONG
AND STEAL YOUR SOUL.

MONSTERS, MONSTERS,
BIG AND SMALL,

THEY'RE GONNA COME
AND EAT YOU ALL.


Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #297

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

BEFORE SHE IGNITES BY JODI MEADOWS

Goodreads Description:

Before

Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she’s been told she’s special. Important. Perfect. She’s known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty, but for the Mira Treaty named after her, a peace agreement which united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

But Mira has never felt as perfect as everyone says. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she’s far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

After

Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the Treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit–the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she would die to protect.

No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth the dark truths about the Fallen Isles–and herself–before her very world begins to collapse.


Hardcover, 496 pages
Expected publication: September 12th 2017 by Katherine Tegen Books
Pre-Order here and here

Eee, I'm so so excited about this book :D It looks gorgeous. And sounds aaamazing. And dragons! Eee. And I adore Jodi so much. She's awesome. I'm reading this book very soon, as I have an ARC coming shortly, and ahh, I'm so thrilled about it. I hope and think I'm going to love this book oh so much. Just cannot wait to read it :D To get to know Mira. And everything. See my cover reveal post for it here. <3
What are you waiting for on this dark Wednesday?

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

UK Cover Reveal: Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff

Oh, how this cover is gorgeous. I loved Nevernight so so much, and I cannot wait to read Godsgrave :D Eee. It's going to break my heart, as I already know some spoilers, ahh, yet I'm super excited to read this book :) Love all books by Jay, eee. And just, gosh, this UK cover for Godsgrave is STUNNING. So fierce. So awesome. I love it to pieces. Cannot wait to own all the different editions of it. Yesss. Just hunting for the US and the UK ARC as well. <3 Need those badly. And need to read this book badly too. Can't wait.


A ruthless young assassin continues her journey for revenge in this new epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff.

Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church hierarchy think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending the men who destroyed her familia; in fact, she’s told directly that Consul Scaeva is off limits. But after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia suspicions about the Red Church’s true motives begin to grow.

When it’s announced that Scaeva will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end him. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between love and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.

Set in the world of Nevernight, which Publishers Weekly called “absorbing in its complexity and bold in its bloodiness,” Godsgrave will continue to thrill and satisfy fantasy fans everywhere.







Monday, June 19, 2017

Review: The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano

Been wanting to read this book for ages now. Because it looks gorgeous; love that cover so much. And it sounded pretty good too. Finally got to read it, but oh, I'm pretty disappointed. Giving it two stars. Which break my heart a little, because I really wanted and expected to love this book. How rude. But it was so different.

Like, the goodreads summary is not very correct at all. It doesn't mention at all that Tori is cutting herself. And that she has been harming herself all the time for months, that she is full of cuts. It didn't bother me, but it could bother a lot of other people. It did bother me that I never got to know why she cut herself, though.

It also doesn't mention that a lot of this book takes place three hundred years earlier, in flashbacks. There were a lot of those scenes. And I am not sure if I liked them or not. They were my favorite part of the book, because those scenes were a lot of heartbreaking and awful. About slaves. About how they were treated. It wasn't nice to read about. But it was interesting, and I cared more for those characters. But I also didn't love it, because Nathaniel was in love with Em for years, yet she was in love with someone else. And reading about that just broke my heart, because this boy did not get much happiness at all. And neither did Em. Their years as servants were not good years, reading about it was heartbreaking. Some parts were boring, though.

But this isn't really their story. This book is about Tori, taking place our time. I wish I could say that I loved this girl, but I didn't, not really. I felt nothing while reading about her. I was curious about her family; liked some things about her too. But for the most part I didn't really like her. I didn't like reading about how she hurt herself every time she couldn't deal with something. It was painful to read about. I still didn't know why. She started before her father died. Think she was raped, but it was never said. I needed it said. Aw.

This book is about Tori moving with her mom and brother to a new place that they suddenly got from a dead guy. They don't know why they were left this house and land, but are trying to figure it out. The neighbors weren't very nice at all. Ugh. And there was a boy, Jesse. Seemed like he could have been a weird type of love interest, but he wasn't. He was a bit cruel and awful; he even went through all of her stuff in her room one day, and she did nothing about it. That bothered me too. But he wasn't important.

But yeah. I'm not sure what to share about this book. Don't really feel like writing much about it. It's about Tori seeing a boy coming out of the ground, clawing his way up. Nathaniel died three hundred years ago. He was cursed, sort of. And I liked reading about this boy a lot. Was so curious about his story. But, well, Tori never asks him about any of it. And that bothered me too. All I know about him is the scenes from the past; which isn't something he was telling her about. Wanted that. So yeah, that was disappointing too.

I'm not sure what else to say. I liked reading about the past. Though I only really enjoyed reading about Nathaniel. Tori just bothered me. She has two friends in this new place, but I cared nothing about either of them. One of them didn't tell her the truth about something important. And they just weren't really there. As Tori kept so many secrets from everyone, and I didn't approve of that either. Sigh. I felt like this book could have been so much better. Yes, I enjoyed some of the plot, but not most of it. I wish I had loved it.

Then there was the romance. Sigh. I felt nothing for the romance at all. And that bothered me a lot as well. I thought it would be swoony and awesome, but it was neither. I liked Nathaniel a lot, and I sort of liked Tori, but I didn't ship them together at all. Didn't get why they should get together. Plus the romance was really small and weird too. Didn't get why they were attracted to each other, or how it happened. One small kiss. Then second kiss turned into too much, and it just felt awkward to me. Just, so so depressing.

I wish I could say that I loved this book. But I didn't. I found the plot to be exciting most of the time, and I wanted to know how the book would end, but I also didn't care much. I just wanted the book to end at times, which isn't a good thing. Aw. I also didn't think the ending was very exciting; felt like it could have been more. Aw. But I am glad that I tried this book. Just wishing it had been better. Curious to know what others think of it, though. Have seen someone love it, and someone not finish it. Aw. Need more opinions.


Saturday, June 17, 2017

In My Mailbox #293

Finally got medicine this week. Yesss. So I think I'm finally going to feel a bit better. <3 My wound still hasn't closed, but it's aaalmost there now, yess. But, goddamn it. I was waiting for a surgery appointment, to get rid of this thread thingy, and they told me yesterday that it would be July 21st. I was upset about waiting three weeks over time, sigh, but couldn't change it. Then the note with the date came, and it says Wednesday, June 21st. Ahh. And that is just days away. Now I'm even more stressed. Especially since some places it says that I cannot bath for weeks after this surgery.. goddamn it. I hope that isn't true. Sigh. Please let it be so that I can finally take up my spa bath next weekend. Please. Hmph. Anyway. I did have a good week, though :) Got some stunning mail. <3 And read a bit too :D Nothing since Wednesday, as I'm a bit stressed, but hoping to read later today. I posted my review of The Adventures of John Blake :D Then I posted my review of Now I Rise. Aw. This week I'm waiting on Daughter of the Siren Queen. <3 Then I posted my review of The Girl with the Ghost Machine :D Yay. My tests before I went to the hospital weren't good at all, so now getting medicine every fourth week, instead of sixth week. Ugh. But hoping that means I will feel better for longer. Fingers crossed :) Anyway. I'm mostly happy with this week. <3



Lord of Shadows. YAY for gorgeous looking international paperback edition :D Love this book so much.
Our Dark Duet. Eee! I am so so excited to be reading this book soon. Just, I peeked. Aw. But still excited.
A Darker Shade of Magic. I simply couldn't resist buying this foreign edition of this gorgeous book. Love.
The Suffering Tree. Reading this one next, and I am so excited for it. Oh, please let me love it lots. Ack.
The Evaporation of Sofi Snow. I enjoyed this book a lot, despite not loving it, so I couldn't not buy it :D
The Fallen Kingdom. Ahh. I cannot wait to read this final book. Just need to decide when to read it. <3
Miraculous Ladybug. Another of these stunning comic books from this awesome animated show. Eee.
The Girl with the Ghost Machine. Eee. I loved this book so so much. Adorable and heartbreaking. Aw.
The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart. Love this book to pieces. Paperback edition is so gorgeous. Love.
The Safest Lies. I loved this book so much, and I had to own the paperback edition of it too. Love it.
Moana/Vaiana. Finally out. But.. they call her Vaiana in the English version too :( Not okay. Need US one.
Moana + Tsum Tsum. New Disney Store order, hih. I love all my new plushes :D Moana is so, so cute.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Review: The Girl with the Ghost Machine by Lauren DeStefano

I'm so in love with all the middle grade books by Lauren. She has now published three, and I loved them all. So much. They are gorgeously written and have such heartbreaking and real stories. I'm so happy to say that I loved this newest one of hers so much too. Eee. Been waiting ages for it, and was so worth it.

But I will say that I do wish it had been longer. It's so short, aw. Such little words on each page. I wanted to read so much more about all of these characters. But this small book was also just enough, because it was stunning. And I loved every word of it. Sigh. It was beyond heartbreaking and sad yet hopeful as well.

Since this book was very short, I'm not going to write too much about it. Just share some things that I loved a whole bunch. Eee. The writing in this book was stunning. And oh gosh, that cover is beautiful. I love it so much. And so so fitting with the story too. I only wish there had been artwork inside the book too. And that the book had been even longer. Aw. Because I loved it so. It's told mostly from the point of view of Emmaline, whom is twelve years old. But also a little bit from her dad and her closest friends. Oh, I really enjoyed getting to know Emmaline. She was so cute and kind and lovely. She lost her mom two years ago, and she's still grieving a lot for her. Her dad too. I loved reading about her mom, though. She seemed awesome. Wish she lived.

This book tells the story of a ghost machine. So not full reality. But so gorgeous. When her mom died, her dad started working on a machine that could bring her back to him. Which he has been working on for two years, without taking care of Emmaline. That part made me so sad. Because she deserved so much better. Hmph. Emmaline was simply awesome. And I loved reading about her. Thankfully, her dad did get better with time, and I grew to like him a bit. But he really should have taken better care of her. Not okay.

Emmaline is tired of her dad never being around, and so she tries to destroy the ghost machine, as it doesn't work. But instead she figures out how to make it work. And oh, it was a bit heartbreaking to read about. Yet really interesting too. There is a cost to using the machine, which was pretty sad, yet I'm glad was there. This book focus mostly on this machine, and stuff around that. And how Emmaline is missing her mom, yet she's moving on without her too. Oh, I just adored this little girl a whole lot. She's the best.

Some other characters I loved to pieces were her two best friends, Gully and Oliver. They are twins, and so adorable. I loved reading about their friendship, and I wish there had been even more about that. Aw. But what there is was enough too. I loved reading about things they had done together in the past, and things they are doing now. These three friends were adorable. But ahh. I'm not okay with what happens halfway into the book. It was so cruel. And the most heartbreaking. And I loved it so much, even so. Ack.

I'm so glad to finally have gotten to read this book. Eee. It was adorable and heartbreaking and so sad. It made me cry too. How rude. But I loved it so. You really need to read the middle grade books by Lauren. They are all stunning. So good. Just wishing they could all have been longer. Hmph. But I still loved them all so much. The Girl with the Ghost Machine was such a stunning story about loss and friendship and family. It was a bit short, yet so amazing. Heartbreaking but so good. I loved it lots. You must read it too.


Waiting on Wednesday #296

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

DAUGHTER OF THE SIREN QUEEN (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) BY TRICIA LEVENSELLER

Goodreads Description:

The capable, confident, and occasionally ruthless heroine of Daughter of the Pirate King is back in this action-packed sequel that promises rousing high seas adventures and the perfect dash of magic.

Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice. 

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen. 

In Daughter of the Siren Queen, Tricia Levenseller brings together the perfect mix of thrilling action, tense battle scenes, and a heart-pounding romance.

Hardcover, 272 pages
Expected publication: February 27th 2018 by Feiwel & Friends
Pre-Order here and here

AHHH! "Heart-pounding romance." I AM SO EXCITED :D I adored Daughter of the Pirate King a lot. And I cannot wait for this sequel and final book :D Eee. This cover is GORGEOUS. I love it so. And I just cannot wait to read this book. Oh, I want it. Badly. There are even ARCs. Sobs. I want one. I need one. And gosh, this book is going to be amazing. More romance :D No triangle :D Sounds so so so good.
What are you waiting for on this fiery Wednesday?

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Review: Now I Rise by Kiersten White

I have been waiting ages for this sequel to come out. Was both nervous and excited about reading it. But  now that I have read it, all I feel is disappointed. Because I disliked this book so much, and it breaks my heart a bit. I'm giving it two stars. I have tons of reasons for this. Ahh. Feel so sad. I wanted to love this so much.

One thing I feared before reading this book, was that there would be a bad love triangle. Haha. There wasn't even romance in this book. And what little there was, well, it was bad. Maybe because I didn't care one bit. Shrugs. There is so much that I did not like about this book that I don't even know where I shall begin. Sigh.

So I shall start with the writing. I actually loved the writing in this book. Which, honestly, makes me more sad that I hated most of the plot. Ugh. But yes, the writing was really good. Had no issues with it at all. And oh, how I loved Lada. Well, loved her in the first part of the book, then my feelings changed a bit, as she changed too. But Lada is still my favorite of them all. I did not like Radu in book one, and in this one I liked him even less. Aw. Then there is Mehmed. I thought I loved him in book one, but I do not, not anymore. Though he is barely even there in this book, and he doesn't have a point of view, so I have no idea what to feel about him, truly. Curious to know if he will get a point of view in book three. But even if he does, I don't really think I'll like him, sadly.

One thing that I didn't enjoy in this book, was how time was passed. Every chapter mentions the time, and the book is told one chapter from Lada, then from Radu, and they each take place in different times of the month. It made me a bit dizzy, to be honest. And also because I am not fully sure when this book takes place. I think it's supposed to have been a year since Lada left Radu and Mehmed. But I'm unsure. Anyway. This book takes place all that time after And I Darken. It's told by Lada and Radu, which I liked.

But sadly didn't really love any of the characters this time. Lada is my favorite, yes, but she changes a lot in this book. She was always a bit brutal, but gentle too, yet in this one she isn't very gentle at all. And I did not like how many people she murdered and had her men murder. Especially at the end. It was a bit much, sigh. And while I didn't like her childhood friend, as he also almost never speaks in this book, I didn't like how she used him either. It wasn't fair to him, to be honest. And I expected better from her. Aw.

And then there was Radu. I would say that this is his book, as I felt like there were much more from his point of view and what he was doing. And I must admit that this is the biggest reason for why I didn't like this book. Because I couldn't stand Radu. Not at all. To me, he is all kinds of awful. He worships Mehmed. For no reason. He loves him more than anything, and it made no sense to me at all. He has a weird way of thinking too, that I just didn't like. Aw. Plus he does so much awful, so much betraying too. Not good.

What I did love was the people around Radu. His fake wife, Nazira. She was amazing to read about, and I wanted all the best for her. Though she also did some betraying that I didn't like. Sigh. Then there was this man, Cyprian. He has a crush on Radu. And he is beyond adorable and amazing and I wanted more of him so badly. But Radu is a jerk. And he is blind to everything but Mehmed. Bothered me so, so much. He could have had the most amazing relationship with Cyprian. Sigh. I wanted the best for that kind man.

The point of this book is war. And that is all there is. And gosh, it was boring. I felt like just about nothing happened in this book, and yet it is almost five hundred pages. Lada is focusing on taking back her home, and that is all she wants. She's too brutal about it. I loved some moments with her a whole lot, but those were few, and she wasn't in this book a lot. Sigh. She never see Radu in this. She meets with Mehmed one time, and I didn't like that time, because it was too rushed and it had so few details and talking. Ugh.

But the biggest war is happening with Radu. Mehmed has sent him as a spy into the city he is planning to go to war to take for himself. I hated Mehmed for this; especially once we learned the reasons for why he sent him away. Mehmed is not a nice person. At all. I hope he gets better in book three, as he wasn't in this one much, but I doubt it. But yeah. Radu is in a new city, with lots of new people. Also, nothing bad happens to him, which was boring. Nothing bad happens to Lada either, and again, boring. Which is sad.

But bad things happens to everyone else. Which is why I changed my rating from three stars to two stars. The last part of the book is the end of the war, one side just won. And the soldiers now get three days of stealing and ruining and raping women and children. And reading about this, well, it wasn't okay for me. I didn't want to know these things. It was a bit much, a bit too brutal, a bit too sad. Especially considering it was all Radu's fault. Made it even more bitter. I just. I don't want these bad feelings while reading books.

I'm not going to say too much more about this book. Just that I was really disappointed. Aw. I had hoped it would be much better. But it wasn't. It was boring and too brutal at times; not in a good way. I disliked Radu so, so much. He was beyond stupid and just awful at times. I am also not a God person, so all the different religion things were not for me at all, and there was a lot of that. Sigh. One character I wanted to know more about was Hunyadi, but he wasn't there much at all. Sadly, just one more thing to disappoint.

Sadly, I do think that a lot of people will love this book, lol. Sorry. It just wasn't for me. Not at all. But I'm glad that I read it, though, and I will be reading the third book, because there are things that I am curious about. But I'm not dying to read it. Sigh. I'm so sad that this book was so bad for me. But nothing to be done about that. As I mentioned, I liked some parts of this book. Lada was awesome at first. But the story was just war and boring. I felt like this book could have been so much more. So, yeah, I'm disappointed.