Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #329

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

HEART OF IRON BY ASHLEY POSTON

Goodreads Description:

Seventeen-year-old Ana is a scoundrel by nurture and an outlaw by nature. Found as a child drifting through space with a sentient android called D09, Ana was saved by a fearsome space captain and the grizzled crew she now calls family. But D09—one of the last remaining illegal Metals—has been glitching, and Ana will stop at nothing to find a way to fix him.

Ana’s desperate effort to save D09 leads her on a quest to steal the coordinates to a lost ship that could offer all the answers. But at the last moment, a spoiled Ironblood boy beats Ana to her prize. He has his own reasons for taking the coordinates, and he doesn’t care what he’ll sacrifice to keep them.

When everything goes wrong, she and the Ironblood end up as fugitives on the run. Now their entire kingdom is after them—and the coordinates—and not everyone wants them captured alive.

What they find in a lost corner of the universe will change all their lives—and unearth dangerous secrets. But when a darkness from Ana’s past returns, she must face an impossible choice: does she protect a kingdom that wants her dead or save the Metal boy she loves?


Hardcover, 480 pages
Expected publication: February 27th 2018 by Balzer + Bray 
Pre-Order here and here 

I'm both nervous and excited about this book. It sounds all kinds of exciting, but I'm nervous that it will hurt me. Ahh. But hoping and thinking that I will end up loving this book so much :D I will be reading my ARC of it very soon, eee, and I'm crossing my fingers. Please let the romance be pretty awesome too.
What are you waiting for on this impossible Wednesday?

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Cover Reveal: Umbertouched by Livia Blackburne

I'm so excited to be sharing the gorgeous cover for Umbertouched today. It's the sequel to Rosemarked, and also the final book. <3 This stunning thing is coming out on November 6th :D Which feels like forever until. Hmph. It's not yet possible to pre-order the book, but hopefully soon :D I hope you are all planning on reading this one. I know I am. And oh gosh, I simply love the cover for Umbertouched. It is stunning :D My favorite is Rosemarked, because of the pink, but this new cover is so lovely too. What do you think?

Livia is also having an aaamazing international giveaway of her books, signed. Enter that one here. <3


The mission was a failure. Even though Zivah and Dineas discovered a secret that could bring down the empire, their information is useless without proof. Now, with their cover blown and their quest abandoned, their only remaining hope is to get home before Ampara brings the full might of its armies against their peoples.

As Shidadi and Dara alike prepare for war, Zivah and Dineas grapple with the toll of their time in the capital. After fighting alongside the Amparans against his own kin, can Dineas convince the Shidadi—and himself—where his loyalties lie? After betraying her healer’s vows in Sehmar City, can Zivah find a way to redeem herself—especially when the Dara ask her to do the unthinkable? And after reluctantly falling in love, what will the two do with their lingering feelings, now that the Dineas from Sehmar City is gone forever? Time is running out for all of them, but especially Zivah whose plague symptoms surface once again. Now, she must decide how she’ll define the life she has left.

Together, healer and warrior must find the courage to save their people, expose the truth, and face the devastating consequences headed their way.




Monday, January 29, 2018

Review: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

I'm so thrilled to say that I loved this book a whole bunch. It was dark and gorgeous and a bit of romantic too. I enjoyed all of it so much. The writing was gorgeous, the story was incredible. There is so much that I loved about this book. It's told from two point of views, Lira and Elian. With her a siren, and him a human prince.

And oh, I cannot even begin to describe why I loved this book so much. It was simply the best. I adored getting to know Lira. She has the hearts of seventeen princes in her home under the sea, one for every year she grows. She started killing them by herself when she turned twelve. And gosh, this girl is vicious. Loved her.

I haven't read that many books about sirens, but I can say that I wish they were all like this one. Dark and vicious, the characters changing and getting even more awesome. This was everything I wanted from a story about a pirate and a siren. It was amazing. Though I must mention that the summary is a bit wrong, as Lira did not kill one of her own, she killed a mermaid, which they say is way less than a siren. She was not forced to kill the mermaid, she chose to. And that isn't even why her mother punished her either. Hmph. But even so, it was kind of close, and it was so exciting to read about. Lira was such a vicious and fierce siren. A killer. Yet she had a heart too, somewhat. She cared for her younger cousin, and I adored that friendship so much. Was great.

While Lira was amazing as a siren, I think I loved her more when she ended up as a human. Lira is the daughter of the Sea Queen, whom is so like Ursula in the little mermaid. Full of tentacles and all kinds of cruel and awful. I hated how she treated Lira. And everyone else in the sea too. She is the reason for why Lira is killing a human prince once a year. Why every siren kills a human when they grow. So there is kind of a war between the sirens and the humans. Lira is vicious and cruel as a siren, but that is not all she is.

But when her mother turns her human, oh, how I loved reading about all that. Lira does not want to be a human at all. She almost dies, but is rescued by Elian and his ship in the middle of the ocean. I loved how they fought and argued and slowly became friends. It was the best thing. Elian does not trust her, and he really shouldn't. Lira is there to take his heart back to her mother. Only this time as a human and not as a siren. Lira was an amazing character to read about. Dark and full of murder. Yet she change a bunch too.

And I loved that the very much. She doesn't go all soft, but she starts to see things better, like she used to do when she was a child. And oh, it was all the very best to read about. This whole book was just thrilling. I also very much loved Elian. He is a prince, and I loved the small peeks at his royal family. They seemed awesome. But he spends most of his time at sea, with his ship. He hunts down sirens. And so Elian is a killer too. He's pretty dark at times, yet so fun and sweet too, and I adored reading about him. Very much.

There is not all that much romance in this book, but there is a little bit, and it was so stunning. I shipped these two characters so much. Lira and Elian were both awesome and they fit together so well. I mean, yeah, she lied about who she was almost the whole book, but even so. They were perfect together. And I loved reading about them, how they argued and teased each other and eee. It was written so well and it was gorgeous and I loved these two characters the very most. Sigh. I only wanted more kissing, haha.

There is a whole bunch of amazing characters in this book. I'm not going to talk about them all, just going to mention a little of them. Elian has a ship that he is captain of, with a bunch of people who are loyal to him. We get to know a few of them, and they were so much fun. And seemed so awesome. I loved how they protected him and cared for him. This book is all about Lira and Elian, but the side characters were important too, and were written so well. We don't see the sirens a lot, but they seemed so awesome too.

There is so much going on in this book. I'm not going to mention all of it, just talking about it a little. The story is about how Lira is trying to take the heart of Elian, killing him. And how Elian is searching for a weapon to finally kill the Sea Queen, and her daughter. I loved how these two characters started to care for each other. Though Lira does lie to him almost the whole book. But I didn't mind that too much. They were just so cute together. And eee, this story was incredible. I loved every moment of it. And want more.

I'm giving this lovely book five stars. Because I loved it a whole bunch and it was everything I wanted it to be. Eee. The characters were beyond stunning, and the story was so exciting. I mean, sure, there was a few things that bothered me a little bit, like I wish there was a little more of the romance. And I'm curious to know even more about that ending. But I also just loved this book. And I am feeling so happy about it all. Also, the ending was great. A bit rude, yet fully perfect too. I loved it so much. Whole book was great.

I think you should all read this book. Because To Kill a Kingdom was everything that I wanted it to be. Fun and dangerous and so good. The characters were written so well and I loved them to pieces. I wish there would be even more books with all of them, but yeah, this is a stand alone. Aw. But I really wouldn't mind more about them all, one day. Eee. Fingers crossed. Either way, I cannot wait to read more by this author. Thank you so much to the publisher for my copy via Netgalley. Now in a huge need of the print ARC too.


Saturday, January 27, 2018

In My Mailbox #325

Eee, I have read three books this week :D I feel very happy about this, haha. Hoping to read a lot this coming week too; just unsure how I will be feeling, as I am finally getting to test a brand new medicine on Tuesday. Ahh. A bit nervous, as it might end up being four needles. Shudders. Hoping it will not hurt too much. But anyway. This week have been pretty good :) I mean, always in pain, but besides that. Spent a lot of time with the baby girl, she is just the cutest thing. Eee. Also so happy about having read a bunch :) Also got some stunning books this week, which I'm really happy about too. Yay. Blogged a lot too. Posted my review of Devils Unto Dust :) Then my review of Sky in the Deep :D Eee. This week I'm waiting on To Kill a Kingdom. <3 I shared the cover for LIFEL1K3 :D Then shared my review for Ice Wolves :) So yeah. I had a pretty good week. I'm starting another book tomorrow, if I have the time. Then my hospital visit on Tuesday, which I'm hoping will go well. Fingers crossed. A bit behind on catching up, but getting there :)


Shadow and Bone + A Darker Shade of Magic. Eee, couldn't help but buy these stunning french editions.
Traitor to the Throne. US paperback version :D My collection is almost complete; it's huge and gorgeous.
Gemina. Yay for US paperback version finally being out :D It is so pretty. Sigh. Book three soooon :D
The Wish Granter. Another gorgeous paperback version is out. <3 And it too is beyond gorgeous. Love.
Nevernight ARCs. EEE! Thank you so much Katie for these amazing Nevernight ARCs :D I am dying. <3
The Defiant. While I didn't love book one, I was curious about this second book. Hoping that I will love it.
Unearthed. EEE! Thank you so much Anisha for trading this AUS ARC with me :D I am so happy with it.
Six of Crows. Eee! Pre-order arrived early :D US paperback is finally out on Feb 6th. <3 It's GORGEOUS.


Contagion. Eee, was thrilled when this showed up on EW :D I can't wait to read this book. Hope to love it.
To Kill a Kingdom. Yesss. Thank you to publisher on Netgalley :D I am SO very excited to read this book.
Sky in the Deep. Eee, thank you to publisher on Netgalley. <3 Already read it, and loved it so much. Yess.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Friday, January 26, 2018

Review: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman

This book was full of excitement and fun. Also heartbreaking at times too. I'm thrilled to say that I enjoyed this book so much. It's a four star for me, and I am dying to read the next two books in this series. I also pretty much adore Amie, and am so happy that she is writing this middle grade series. Eee. This book was great.

I am also fully thrilled at this gorgeous cover. I love it very much. And must also mention that this book is wonderfully diverse too, and was written really well. Such gorgeous writing. Also, these characters just about killed me. I loved the world and story too, and the small parts of magic were so great to read about as well.

I'm unsure how much I wish to share about this lovely book. Not too much, as it wasn't that long, but it was still pretty incredible. And I enjoyed reading this book a whole lot. Ice Wolves tells the story of twelve year old Anders, and his twin sister, Rayna. The book is from Anders point of view, which I adored. He was such an amazing boy to read about. He started out as really shy and not all that brave, but he ended up changing a lot, and he grew to be really brave by the end of the book. I can't wait to see how he changes even more in the next ones. And also so curious to know if the next books will be from his point of view too, or from Rayna next. I'm hoping book two will be named Scorch Dragons. Fingers crossed. I would love to still read from Anders.

As I said, this book tells the story of Anders and his twin sister Rayna. They are orphans, and have been living on the streets since they were six years old. They steal to eat every day, and hide away to sleep at night. My heart kept breaking for these adorable children. I only wanted the best for them. Sniffs. They were such amazing characters, though. Still strong, despite not having the best life. Still trying their best to survive. And loving each other, protecting each other. I loved their special bond a whole lot. So cute.

I'm not going to describe everything that happens in this book, but must talk a little bit about the history of it. In this world, some people have the power to change into wolves, aka ice wolves. The wolves protect the city against some fierce scorch dragons, whom they had a war against years back. The dragons are evil, or so the wolves claim. And the wolves have been protecting everyone for years now. When children become twelve, they are all to be tested to see if they have enough wolf blood to become an ice wolf too.

And this is how this book begins, with Anders and Rayna ending up being tested by accident. And it does not go well. Rayna ends up turning into a scorch dragon, the enemy of this whole town. The wolves ends up attacking her, trying to capture her, but she gets away. At the same time, Anders ends up turning into a ice wolf. Which should not be possible, since they are twins, and should have just one type of elemental blood. But it still happened. They turned into different creatures. They are now supposed to be enemies.

This whole plot is all kinds of exciting. Anders is learning how to be a human and a wolf. He now has to study at a school, ending up as a soldier when he's grown up. But even while he is at this school for a few weeks, all he can think about is going to the dragons to save his sister, as he is sure she is going to end up killed. I loved reading about Anders a lot, about how he found new friends, yet always thought about his twin too. Their bond was gorgeous, and I am really excited about reading more about them together.

While I pretty much loved this book, I am giving it four stars. I don't really have a big reason for this, just that I felt like some things could have been a little more. A little more magic, a little more exciting things happening. It felt a bit slow in the entire middle of the book. But I still adored it a lot, and I'm so glad I read this book. You are all going to love it too. It's an fantastic stories about awesome creatures and kind of a magic school. There is a lot happening, and I haven't mentioned all of it. I enjoyed this story a whole lot.

Ice Wolves was such a stunning middle grade book. Full of adventure and fun. Stunning friendships and gorgeous magic too. I adored these characters, and I cannot wait to read more about them in the next books. Eee. Fingers crossed book two will be from Anders too, but I will love it either way. And just so excited. But oh, waiting a whole year will be torture, I'm sure. Rude. But worth it. Huge thank you to the publisher for the auto approval on Edelweiss. And to a friend from trading this gorgeous print with me.

 

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Cover Reveal: LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff

Eee, I am SO excited about this book :D It's going to be amazing. And all kinds of heartbreaking, I bet. I cannot wait. Been a fan of Jay ever since I read Stormdancer sometime after it came out. Have read and loved all of his books since then too. Eee. LIFEL1K3 looks gorgeous. And sounds amazing. I'm very, very happy with this amazing cover :D It's so pretty. Just, oh, I need every version of this book. Wish I could read it right away. Going to love it the very most :) Now just trying to wait patiently for May 29th to arrive.


On an island junkyard beneath a sky that glows with radiation, a deadly secret lies buried in the scrap.

Seventeen-year-old Eve isn't looking for trouble--she's too busy looking over her shoulder. The robot gladiator she spent months building has been reduced to a smoking wreck, she's on the local gangster's wanted list, and the only thing keeping her grandpa alive is the money she just lost to the bookies. Worst of all, she's discovered she can somehow destroy machines with the power of her mind, and a bunch of puritanical fanatics are building a coffin her size because of it.

If she's ever had a worse day, Eve can't remember it. The problem is, Eve has had a worse day--one that lingers in her nightmares and the cybernetic implant where her memories used to be. Her discovery of a handsome android named Ezekiel--called a "Lifelike" because they resemble humans--will bring her world crashing down and make her question whether her entire life is a lie.

With her best friend Lemon Fresh and her robotic sidekick Cricket in tow, Eve will trek across deserts of glass, battle unkillable bots, and infiltrate towering megacities to save the ones she loves... and learn the truth about the bloody secrets of her past.


Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #328

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

TO KILL A KINGDOM BY ALEXANDRA CHRISTO

Goodreads Description:

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?


Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: March 6th 2018 by Feiwel & Friends  
Pre-Order here and here

I'm kind of in love with this cover. Eee. It's so beautiful. I haven't really heard that much about this book, and yet I am going to order it, because I think it looks so gorgeous and sounds awesome and I think that I will love this one. Eee. Crossing my fingers :D And hoping that there might be an awesome romance too. Oh, and also, after I wrote this post, I ended up with an eARC of this book. Reading it soon :D Excited.
What are you waiting for on this lethal Wednesday?

Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

I did not really know that I wanted to read this book until a few days ago, when I finally truly read the summary for it. I requested it on Netgalley, and was approved yesterday. And I simply could not resist reading it right away. And eee, I'm thrilled that I did so. Because this book was all kinds of awesome. And I loved it lots.

I'm very unsure where to begin with describing it, though. I would say that it is a viking book. Which I loved a whole lot. I have not really watched any viking shows lately though, but I want to. And now I really wish to do so soon. The writing in this book was very good, and I never had any issues with that. Which was so great.

This book is told from the point of view of Eelyn. Whom is such a fierce warrior girl. She has killed so many in the fights against a different clan. Everyone in this book is a killer. And I loved that a whole lot. It was interesting to read about, though brutal as well, which I always enjoy. Eelyn was such a fierce girl to read about, and oh, how I loved her. Getting to know her was the very best. I loved her relationship with her father; it was sweet and so good to read about. Her mother is dead, and her brother has been dead for five years now too. At least that is what she thinks. Until she sees him on the battlefield in the beginning of this book. Fighting for the other side. And everything she thinks she knows get turned around. There is so much happening in this book.

And I loved every moment of it. Eee. I'm giving Sky in the Deep five stars, because I simply couldn't stop reading this book. Every scene was awesome. It's a bit heartbreaking and a little romantic and really full of violence too. I loved it all so much. I do wish that there could have been a bit more romance, because I adored this pair so much. Sigh. The romance was perfect, but I wanted more, of course. This is also very much a standalone, I think. But gosh, how I would want another book. With same characters, same world.

I'm not going to talk too much about the plot of this stunning thing, I don't think. But there are some things that I must mention. The story is about Eelyn finding out that her brother is not dead, that he has made a new life for himself, along with her enemies. She is not happy with learning this. At the same moment she learns it, they kidnap her. And so much happens to this girl. It broke my heart. And yet she was so strong, always. And I loved reading about it all so much. Not going to say more about it, just, such a good story.

There is a little bit of romance in this book too. Eee. And I loved that so much. Sigh. Eelyn and Fiske do not start the book liking each other at all. They almost kill each other. And they have so many things that make them hate each other. I enjoyed reading that a lot too. But oh, when they finally started to become friends, and then more than that, it was the sweetest thing and I loved it so much. Shipped them so much. And eee, Fiske was an incredible character. I loved getting to know this boy so much. Fierce and loving.

There are so many characters in this book. And I'm not going to mention most of them. I adored Eelyn. And her father. She also has a best friend, whom I adored too. She made me a bit angry at some points, but I also understood her. Somewhat. But ah, Eelyn's brother. Who wasn't really dead. I was angry with him. So angry. But I kind of liked him too, but I did not love him. Hmph. Such an amazing story, though. There was also this little boy that was all kinds of adorable and sweet to read about. And so many more.

I think one of the biggest reasons for why I loved this book was because of how much Eelyn changed in it. She is always fierce and amazing. But she grows to be more understanding as the book goes on. And I loved that. She has lived her whole life fighting with her people, and she has loved doing that. But in this book she spends some time with the enemy clan, and she starts feeling different about all the fighting. It takes some time, of course, but I loved how much she grew. Was interesting and amazing to read about.

There is so much that I could say about this book. I could probably just write forever and ever saying that I loved it, haha. But I'm not going to do that. There is still so much I haven't shared about everything that happens in this book. I have seen that there will be a companion book out next year, and I cannot wait for that. Hoping these characters might be in it too. Fingers crossed. Either way, I'm going to read and love it. I'm so happy with how much I loved this book. And I think that all of you will love it too. You must read it.

This book reminded me a lot of Beyond a Darkened Shore, which was also a book that I enjoyed a whole lot. But though they were similar, they were also really different. Which I'm happy about. Also just happy to love them both, so yay for that. Both are books worth reading. And oh, how I am glad that I read Sky in the Deep. It was all I had hoped that it would be and so much more. Such a stunning story and amazing characters. I couldn't get enough of this story. Huge thank you to the publisher for the Netgalley approval.


Monday, January 22, 2018

Review: Devils Unto Dust by Emma Berquist

This was a book that I had to read when I saw that gorgeous cover and read the very exciting summary. And I am pleased to say that this book was pretty great. I didn't fully love it, but it was exciting and I enjoyed it a whole bunch. I am giving it three stars, though, because I know it's also a book that I am going to forget.

Which was a bit depressing. But it was still an exciting read, and I did enjoy it from start to finish. There was not anything about it that I hated. But there sadly was not anything about it that I loved either. I found the writing to be pretty great, which was good. The book was set far back in time, western time, which I enjoyed lots.

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to this book. Going to try my best to explain it all. It's a kind of long book, five hundred pages, but not full of words, so it did not take that long to read it. But I also felt that it could have done with a few hundred pages less, because I was bored so many times. Yes, there was some exciting moments that I enjoyed a lot, but it was also incredibly slow and not much happened at all. I felt like it could have been better. I have seen someone say it was a better version of Walk on Earth a Stranger, and haha. I do not agree with that. Because I loved that book so much, and this one I did not love at all. Devils Unto Dust was similar, except with some type of zombie. But it wasn't the same. This one was much more boring.

This book is told from the point of view of seventeen year old Willie. I enjoyed reading about this girl a whole lot. I sadly did not love her, as I did not get to know her well enough at all. But she was exciting to read about, and I did enjoy that. She lives alone with her three younger siblings, their mom dead and their dad a drunk. They are very poor. And living in the desert. I liked reading about her family, though. They were pretty sweet. But there was also too much focus on that in the beginning, for so long. Grew boring.

The plot in this book is about the desert not being a safe place. About ten years ago many people started getting sick, then they started attacking others. Sort of like zombies. I feel a little disappointed about this, because while I did like reading about these creatures a lot, there was too little about them. Way too little back story. I wished to know more about them. Anyway. This story starts with Willie's dad stealing money and taking off. With her being told to bring she had to bring him back or take his punishment for stealing.

I'm unsure what else to say about this plot. To be honest, there wasn't really that much happening. Willie sets out from her town, to go hunt down her father. She hires some young hunters to help her, because of the creatures outside the walls. All of this book is about her going a few days one way to a different town, then going back again a few days after that. Sure, there are some things happening in the middle of that, but, well, I had kind of expected this book to be a bit more than what I got. Which makes me a little sad.

But even so. I did like this book a lot. I found the story to be interesting, and I wanted to know what would happen to Willie. But I also did not love it. I did not love the characters. Felt like it could have been much better. Aw. I think that the reason for why I had issues loving this book was the lack of romance. As there was none. Then suddenly near the end there are hints of a romance. But these hints were way too small and nothing happened. I could have loved this book, maybe, if there had been some awesome romance.

I said I had a lot to say about this book. That turned out not to be true. Because I'm having issues finding the words. And I don't think I have anything else to say about it. Devils Unto Dust was exciting at times, but also incredibly boring most of the time. There was one death that just made me angry, and not sad. I wish I could have loved this book, but it wasn't to be. Some parts were good, but nothing I will remember, sadly. Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Edelweiss, and a lovely person for trading it with me.


Saturday, January 20, 2018

In My Mailbox #324

This week have been all kinds of busy. My new niece arrived night to Tuesday, and I have been spending a little time with her each day. Eee. She's tiny and so perfect. I'm also still in a lot of pain all the time, so I haven't felt like doing much else. And so I haven't read at all this week, not since last weekend. Ack. But planning on picking up a new book tonight :D Fingers crossed. Just a bit exhausted all the time. But I did see Jumanji today, and it was awesome. I also got SO MUCH great mail this week, eee :D I'm in love with all of it. <3 Sniffs. So happy. Despite not reading much, I did end up with a lot of blog posts this week. Yay for that. I posted my review of Nightbooks :) I took part in the Batman: Nightwalker blog tour. <3 I posted my review of The Prince and the Dressmaker; which I read at the end of July :D This week I'm waiting on Iron Tide Rising. <3 Then I shared the cover reveal for The Hollow of Fear :D So anyway. This week was good. Baby Sophia is the cutest thing, and I love spending time with her. So I am a bit distracted too. But hoping to read more as well :) Soonish, haha. So thrilled with all the precious mail I got this week. Eee.



Batman. Both finished copies have arrived :D I love them so. Adored this book. Gorgeous hardcovers.
Unearthed. Yay! Finally got my hardcover of this most stunning and awesome book. Loved it oh so much.
The Cruel Prince. Ack, I'm really hoping that I will love this book :) It looks and sounds so so awesome.
Starfall. I still have to read this second book, ack, but soonish. Had to have this new paperback, though.
The Fallen Kingdom. Yay! UK smaller paperback is out. It is gorgeous. Sigh. I must read this final book.
Furyborn. EEE! I'm dying. SO HAPPY :D AHH! Final cover ARC! MY PRECIOUS! Loved this book so much. Love Claire. Love this ARC. Ahh. Thank you so, so much to the lovely publisher for this precious thing. <3 And thank you to Becky for helping so that I could get it to Norway, eee. I AM SO SO HAPPY.
Shadow Weaver + Devils Unto Dust + Ice Wolves + Reign of the Fallen + Tess of the Road + Night of Cake and Puppets. EEE! Thank you SO much God of Wax for trading all of these with me :D Ahh. I'm dying a little. They all look perfect. So much gorgeous. And thank you Becky for helping me get them. <3
The Becoming of Noah Shaw ARC + Unearthed Swag. Eee! Thank you so so much for trading with me Whitney :D I am so so so happy about all of this. <3 Sniffs. ARC is gorgeous. And the swag is stunning.
Shadow Scale. When I finished my re-read, I could not resist buying these gorgeous foreign covers :D
Tangled. I still can't resist buying these lovely tv-show books. <3 A bit behind on the show; but love it so.
Onyx & Ivory Bookmarks. Eee! Thank you so so much Mindee :D These bookmarks are so so gorgeous.
Plush. I couldn't resist buying this most gorgeous pink plush bird :D Adorable. I have a huge plush love.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Friday, January 19, 2018

Cover Reveal: The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas

Eeee! I am SO excited about this book :D It's going to be so so good. Sigh. I adored the first two books in this amazing adult Lady Sherlock series. They were both awesome. And so I cannot wait to read this third one. Eee. And more coming after this one too. Simply can't wait. SO excited. I adore Sherry; even though I have only read her YA trilogy and then these books. Must read her other books one day too. But ahh, so excited about The Hollow of Fear :D That title is amazing. And makes me worried. So excited. And gosh, this cover! Isn't it stunning? :D I love it tons. All three covers are beautiful. I can't wait to read more about Charlotte. And eee. Sherry says the romance will be heating up, a lot, and oh my god, I cannot wait. SO EXCITED. This third book is going to be the best. It sounds kind of rude, but I am thrilled for it even so :D


Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, returns in the Victorian-set mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of A Conspiracy in Belgravia and A Study in Scarlet Women, an NPR Best Book of 2016.

Under the cover of "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don't. When her dear friend Lord Ingram stands accused of the murder of his estranged wife, Charlotte goes under disguise to help prove his innocence to Scotland Yard.




Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #327

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

IRON TIDE RISING (Map to Everywhere #4) 
BY CARRIE RYAN & JOHN PARKE DAVIS

Goodreads Description:

Magical worlds and incredible creatures fill the pages of this epic, action-packed finale of the Map to Everywhere series, from John Parke Davis and New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ryan!

Intrepid travelers Fin and Marrill have shared countless thrilling and treacherous adventures on the magical waters of the Pirate Stream. But neither could have expected that their final adventure would force them to team up with their oldest enemy: the evil wizard Serth! With the fate of the Stream and all their friends hanging in the balance, can they challenge the most frightening power they've ever come up against? Find out in this mind-blowing conclusion to the Map to Everywhere series!


Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: February 13th 2018 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 
Pre-Order here and here

Eeee! There is a cover :D FINALLY. Been waiting so so long for this fourth and final book in this amazing middle grade series. <3 Loved the first three books beyond words. They are fun and heartbreaking and just the best. Sigh. And ahh, I cannot wait to read this final one, out in just under a month. SO excited :D
What are you waiting for on this rising Wednesday?

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

When I saw this stunning cover, I simply knew I had to have this book. Though I don't usually read a lot of graphic novels, I was so excited about this one. Because that cover is stunning. And the summary is so amazing too. I'm thrilled to say that I liked this book a whole lot. It's adorable yet heartbreaking too.

I'm giving it four stars, as I had a few smaller issues with some things, but for the most part I loved this book. I only wish it had been even longer. Needed more. And especially need to know what happens after the ending. Hmph. Fingers crossed there might be a sequel coming one day. I would love that so much.

I adored the writing in this book. It's gorgeous and written so well. And oh gosh, all that stunning artwork. I can't. It's beyond beautiful. The characters all look so cute. And I loved all the details in the drawings as well. And it's full color. I loved that the most. Cannot wait to see the finished version of it as well. This is a book I know I'll read again and again. Because it's adorable. The Prince and the Dressmaker was an incredible story. It was fun to read, and I loved all the characters. It's also a bit heartbreaking, and it made me cry. How rude. But I loved it. I loved it a whole bunch. It's also a really fast read, which I loved, but also hated, because I really wanted this one to be longer. I loved reading about Sebastian and Frances and I wanted more of them both. Oh, how I hope there will be a second book. But if not, this one was amazing even so.

This book tells the story of Sebastian and Frances. And it's such an adorable story. Sebastian is a prince. Whom likes dressing up as a girl. Frances is a young dressmaker whom Sebastian has just hired to make dresses for him. And oh, these two young people were so cute to read about. I loved learning more about Sebastian and his life as a prince. His parents seemed alright, maybe. And I loved that he wanted to wear dresses. It suited him very well. I really liked seeing all the artwork of him dressed as a girl and a prince.

And Frances was amazing to read about too. I loved how sweet and kind she was. Since this is a graphic novel, I didn't get to know either of them as well as I wanted, sniffs, but I still got to know them very well. And I simply adored Frances. I loved how she wanted to get known for her dresses, and how amazing she was at making them. I loved the things she made for Sebastian. And their growing friendship was the cutest to read about. I loved them both so much. Just wish I knew them even more. They were amazing.

I'm not going to say too much about this book, as it is really short, but I do wish to mention some things. It is a secret that Sebastian dresses as a girl, and goes out as Lady Crystallia. But of course, every secret comes out one day. And I have to say that the way this secret became public, oh. It was heartbreaking. And I still feel sad about it. So rude. Yet written so well too. But yes. It was very sad. Sniffs. I just loved Sebastian so so much. And Frances too. And oh, I simply wish this book had been much longer. Hmph.

The reason for why I'm giving this a four star is because of a few issues with a part where the characters are separated for a little while. It broke my heart. And made me a little bit angry too, because they should not have let that happen. Hmph. But it was written well, and it didn't last long, so I didn't mind too much. But yeah, it was a bit sad. Also a bit sad that this stunning thing wasn't even longer. How rude. I wanted more of them all so much. But besides that, I loved the rest of this book a lot. Plot was exciting and good.

I'm so glad that I gave this book a try. The artwork was beyond stunning. And the writing gorgeous too. And I fell in love with the characters. Didn't know that a graphic novel could make me cry, but this one did. It's a quick and easy book to read. It's full of amazing characters, stunning clothes and a great friendship too. Wish there had been more focus on the growing romance, though. Aw. But there is a tiny bit of it, and I loved it lots, because I very much shipped these lovely characters. Adored reading about them so much.

Huge thank you to First Second for approving me via Netgalley to read this book early. Though my review isn't posted until now, I wrote it on July 30th, when I read this book. I simply can't wait to get the finished copies of it in the mail soonish. Eee. It's going to look so gorgeous. If you haven't read this book yet, then you most definitely need to order it right away. It's such a stunning story and you really shouldn't miss it. The Prince and the Dressmaker is so so special. Full of heart, beautiful dresses and amazing characters.


Monday, January 15, 2018

Batman: Nightwalker Blog Tour: Spotlight

I'm so excited to be taking part in the International Blog Tour for Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu today :D This was a book that I enjoyed so, so much, and I cannot wait for you all to read this book as well. It came out early this month, and if you haven't bought it yet, then you really must do so. It was such an exciting story and I adored this teen Bruce oh so much. Biggest thank you to Penguin Random House International for letting me take part in this awesome blog tour, and for sending me the gorgeous ARC of Batman a few months ago. I have ordered two finished copies of this book, which will finally arrive this week, and I cannot wait to get them. This was such an awesome book, and I liked it lots. I think you all will love it too. Today I'm sharing a little spotlight about the book :D Hoping you will all be reading it too.




See my 4 star review of
Batman: Nightwalker here.

 

Before he was Batman, he was Bruce Wayne. A reckless boy willing to break the rules for a girl who may be his worst enemy.

The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

One by one, the city's elites are being executed as their mansions' security systems turn against them, trapping them like prey. Meanwhile, Bruce is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family's fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises and all the tech gadgetry his heart could ever desire. But after a run-in with the police, he's forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum, the infamous prison that holds the city's most brutal criminals.

Madeleine Wallace is a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope.

In Arkham, Bruce meets Madeleine, a brilliant girl with ties to the Nightwalkers. What is she hiding? And why will she speak only to Bruce? Madeleine is the mystery Bruce must unravel. But is he getting her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees? Bruce will walk the dark line between trust and betrayal as the Nightwalkers circle closer.


Batman: Nightwalker is published by the awesome Random House. International ISBN: 9780525578567.

Marie Lu is the author of highly anticipated Warcross, the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Young Elites, and the blockbuster selling Legend series. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry as an artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing games, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, one Chihuahua mix, and one Pembroke Welsh corgi.

Where to find Marie Lu:

Blog Tour Schedule.

Blog
Name
Tour Date
Sylvia
1/9/2018
Rafael
1/9/2018
Marie
1/9/2018
Magdalena
1/10/2018
Mishma
1/10/2018
Irena
1/10/2018
Melissa
1/11/2018
Laura
1/11/2018
Gemma
1/11/2018
Salma
1/12/2018
Justine
1/12/2018
Jordana
1/12/2018
Silke
1/13/2018
Lis
1/13/2018
Farah
1/13/2018
Lili
1/14/2018
Imogene
1/14/2018
Noha
1/14/2018
Rachael
1/15/2018
Carina
1/15/2018
Camelle
1/15/2018
Ilana
1/16/2018
Mighta
1/16/2018
Sarah
1/16/2018
Clara
1/17/2018
Kai
1/17/2018
Jean Louise
1/17/2018
Maricar
1/18/2018
Joana
1/18/2018
Farhina
1/18/2018
Josiah
1/19/2018
Kath
1/19/2018
Ioana
1/19/2018

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Review: Nightbooks by J. A. White

This is my fifth book read by this awesome author. I absolutely adored his first four books, which was the most amazing middle grade series. Which is why I have been dying to read new books by him for ages. I felt sure that I would love this, because his first books were so good, but oh, I'm heartbroken to say that I did not.

And this book ended up being pretty disappointing for me. Which makes me so sad. But it simply was not meant to be. I have a lot of reasons for why I did not love this book, and I will be sharing all of them. Sadly this review will not be all that positive. Decided on two stars for this book. Also, plus side, I did not hate any of it.

But I also sadly didn't love any of it either. I felt that the story was good, that it could have been an amazing tale. Sadly, I was busy being too disappointed by the writing. Which was a bit shocking to me, as I loved his writing in all his previous books. They were also middle grade, but felt like they were written for all ages. This book, though, felt like it was written for really small kids. Which ended up being really disappointing for me. It was not the same type of writing as his first books at all. It's possible that I'm the only one who will notice this, but it was an issue for me. It makes me sad, because I adore this author, and I really wish I could say that I loved this book. But, I will always support him, and I will be reading his next books. Will always love his first series.

This book tells the story of twelve year old Alex. He is a pretty normal kid, whom is all kinds of obsessed with scary stories. He also writes his own stories, which I liked a whole bunch. Sadly, he has been kind of bullied because of his love for all things scary. And so this book begins with him waking up in the middle of the night, about to go burn all of his stories in the apartment block basement. But on his way there, the elevator stops on the wrong floor. He steps out of it. Where he ends up being enchanted to enter a room.

Which is where this story begins. It features witches and magic, though it takes place in our time. It is a mix of both. Sadly, I didn't find it all that exciting. I liked Alex a lot, but because I had many issues with the writing, I never grew to love him. Also felt like we didn't get to know enough about him at all. Yes, he loves everything scary. But what else? Would have also loved to know more about his family. But anyway. I did think that Alex was an interesting character to read about, just really wishing I had loved him more. Sigh.

This was a pretty short book, and took me such a short time to read it all. Which was good, but also bad, because I feel like if it had been longer, more would have been happening. Despite this, though, there are a lot of good moments in this book. Alex has been captured by a witch, and he is forced to read her his stories each night. Though he doesn't mind this at all. Another reason for why I didn't love this book was because the witch was simply not scary at all. Her way of speaking was so odd too, and did not feel real.

There were parts of this book that I liked, however. And one part that I loved, the cat. She was adorable to read about, and I loved how she was in the book almost all the time. I also enjoyed that this story focus a lot on books, and new friendships too. The girl, Yasmine, was interesting to get to know too. Nightbooks reminded me a lot of The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls, my favorite middle grade book. Sadly, this wasn't the same. This was much more tame, and not the same type of scary at all. Wishing it had been.

I don't think there is that much more I can say about this book. Already written a lot more than I was going to. But oh, I must mention the ending. While I do love a good ending, I felt like this one was too good. And that bothered me. I wish it has been more gruesome, in a way. Like Cavendish was. The other books by J. A., those had horrible endings, and I loved them lots. While this had a good ending, I wish it had been more scary and more brutal, in a way. While not a perfect book, I did enjoy parts of it. But sadly, not most.

I do think that a lot of children will love Nightbooks. It's pretty scary at times, even though it wasn't really a story for me. Nightbooks was a book about friendship and staying true to yourself, even when it's scary to do so. Despite not loving this book, I'm so glad that I read it. There were a lot of parts that I liked about it, and I do think that a lot of other people will end up loving it. I'm just a bit sad that I was not one of them. I very much adore this author, though. And his first books will always be my favorite. They are all so good.