Saturday, May 31, 2014

In My Mailbox #135

I got accepted for Winterspell! Yesss. And I have read it. And I have reviewed it. And I have loved it. So damn much. That book was perfect. Sigh. I cannot wait for you all to read it in September. ANYWAY. I am now back home from my roadtrip with my sister :) It took us about.. 23 hours to drive home, I think. We spent two nights at hotels. And holy crap. Sweden and Finland is an AWFUL PLACE. I'm sorry. But there were only TREES the whole damn way. And it was so.. dead everywhere. Barely any houses. And then a few houses, then trees for AGES. I would never have been able to live in any of those places, lol. And there wasn't any good food. Not anywhere. Sobs. That was depressing. But. I got to buy myself all the Capri Sonne I wanted. And some Red Bull. And some candy. Cause those things were cheap in Sweden :D Which was the only good thing about our trip, lol. But it was nice driving with my sister. Her new car is pretty awesome. Anyway. I did get some awesome things in the mail this week. <3 But I'm waiting for MUCH MORE awesome. And I'm hoping some of it will arrive next week. Fingers crossed :D Oh. And Edelweiss? They are killing me. I downloaded a bunch of books again :p I need to make myself read them all, lol. Hopefully soonish. Oh! And I read She Is Not Invisible. Enjoyed it. And posted another Cress Tuesday. <3 And I'm waiting on This Shattered World :) And, of course, my Winterspell review. <3



May Bird trilogy. I pre-ordered these three books a while ago, as I think they look GORGEOUS :D
The Falconer. Finally bought myself the gorgeous UK paperback edition. <3 Ack, how it is pretty.
Witch Finder. Bought this one :D As I am getting an ARC of book two from publisher in the UK. <3
Mario Kart 8. Yess. Finally :D Have waited MANY MONTHS for this game. Starting it right away :D



Tangled & Brave. Bought these color books in Sweden. <3 Gorgeous stickers inside :D I love them.
Angry Birds. Oh, you gorgeous big plush. I love it. So cute. And the foam toy as well :D I love it.
Disney Infinity. Oh, fine. I bought two more of these powers ups, lol. I have yet to play the game. ACK!
How To Train Your Dragon. Two gorgeous small books. <3 Oh, how I want this movie right away.
Bukowski Plush. The best plush design ever. I need ALL of them :D But I cannot find them.. Sniffs.
Laban Ghost. Ack, this plush was just too cute for me not to buy. I had to own him. He is so adorable.


Winterspell. I waited so long for this book. And I loved it. It was very much worth the long wait. <3
The Perilous Sea. DYING. I'm so excited :D I just need to re-read The Burning Sky first. <3 Can't wait.
Deliverance. I.. have yet to read book two. But now I will get to read all three books :D Very excited.
The Jewel. I had to download this book, lol. I just had to. That cover? Gorgeous. Hope I will love it.
A Thousand Pieces of You. This cover is beyond gorgeous as well. Fingers crossed the book is too :D
Stitching Snow. I saw good reviews for this. So glad I got accepted via Netgalley. <3 Excited to read.
Falling into Place. I saw this cover. Then I read about it. And I very much like the summary. Can't wait.


Capri Sonne. Hih, my collection :D 36x10. <3 Oh, how good they are. See it on my instagram here.
And see the Red Bulls that I bought here. And! Picture of my new haircut here. Hih :)

Friday, May 30, 2014

Review: Winterspell by Claire Legrand

I have waited so long for this book. Ever since I read Claire's first book. Which I fell in love with. And then her second book. Which I fell in love with again. And then I heard of Winterspell. Which would be a young adult book. With kissing. And the wait has killed me. But now I have gotten to read it. And I have loved it. It was well worth the wait. Even more than worth it.

I am not sure how to begin describing my love for this book. I waited so long to read it. And then now I finally got to read it via Edelweiss. I cannot tell you how happy that made me. How happy this book made me. Okay, it made me all kinds of sad and a little bit angry too. But every feeling made me love it more. Winterspell was a stunning book. I loved it so much.

The book is told from the point of view of Clara. And oh. I'm not sure how to describe her. I loved her so much. But in the beginning of this book. She has such low thoughts about herself. About how she should deal with things. With Dr. Victor. And oh, how it broke my heart. But I also understood her so well. But yes. It was painful to read about. Especially with how awful Dr. Victor was. It creeped me out. Yet it was amazing to read about, because it seemed so real in a way. Which I loved. There are a lot of things in the beginning of this book. Like Clara's family. Her twelve year old sister. I loved reading about her, though there isn't that much about her. And their father. Ack. I can't decide what to feel about him. I think I pity him. But I do wish he had done more. Then. Her Godfather. I can't. I liked and disliked him.

I can't talk too much about the plot in this book. Because I don't want to. I was surprised so many times in this book. And I loved it to pieces. I want all of you to feel the same way. Though I will talk a little about the romance, hih. But first. There is so much happening in this book. So many amazing things. The plot is truly stunning. I loved reading about everything. The time period. The other world. Reading about Cane was amazing. It was awful. All the poor people. It was heartbreaking. I loved every moment.

Winterspell is based off the Nutcracker, which I have never read/seen, only watched the Barbie version, hih. But I did love that movie version a lot. Though it has been years since I saw it. But even so. I did see some things that were similar. But even more that was not. And I loved that. I loved that so much. Winterspell is unique. Everything about it is special. And I'm so glad I got to read it. Sigh. It was just truly a perfect book. Despite all the heartbreak. And the pain. Because there is happiness too. Mostly :D

There are so many characters in this book. I cannot name them all. First there is Nicholas. The cursed prince. And oh. I really truly loved him. Sigh. I loved the romance between him and Clara. Though it did take forever to happen. And it wasn't all that much of it. But what there is? It is perfect. It is full of tension and some steamy scenes. It is full of longing. Some heartbreak. Some betrayal. Nicholas do stupid things. But I can't truly dislike him for them. But yes. The romance is amazing in Winterspell.

Some other amazing people in this book. Young Bo. She was so cute. Yet some things about her broke my heart. Sniffs. But I loved reading about her so much, as she was awesome. Then there is the faery queen, Anise. I can't decide how I feel about her. I hate what she did to Nicholas's kingdom. His family. How she cursed him. His curse was so interesting. And so heartbreaking. Sobs. Anyway. I liked her sometimes. Most of the time I disliked her. How she and Clara were together confused me a little. 

I can't decide how I feel about the ending for Winterspell. I loved it. It is beautiful. But ack. It is also a bit painful. So heartbreaking. And I cannot help but want a sequel. I want one so bad. I need more of Clara. More of Nicholas. More of the world of Cane. I need more of everything. So yess. I would really love it if Claire wrote a sequel to this book. <3 Though it is a standalone. But I want more. Always. Even just a short story that takes place after the ending. Sigh. This book was just so truly beautiful. <3

You should all know by now how much I adore Claire Legrand. First, she is an amazing person. So kind and sweet and just all kinds of awesome. I adore her so much. Then there are her books. The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls. Already read it three times, and I will never tire of it. It is beyond stunning. As is her other middle grade book, The Year of Shadows. Which I must re-read pretty soon. I cannot wait. And now there is Winterspell. Which I love most of all. Such a spellbinding book. So much beauty.

I need you all to buy Winterspell when it comes out in late September. Because it truly is a stunning book. I loved it to pieces. And I think all of you will too. And seriously. That cover? Who would not want to own it? Sigh. So gorgeous. I cannot wait to get my hardcovers in September. And I also cannot wait to read Winterspell again. Because it was such a beautiful book. Full of pain. Full of hope. Full of romance and betrayals. This book had it all. And I'm so glad I finally got to read it. It will always be special to me.
Huge thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for letting me read Winterspell early. <3

I had to update my review a little. As I forgot to mention a few amazing things. First, Clara. I really loved how much she changed in this book. I loved how she learned to fight. I loved everything about her. She's amazing. And then there is my favorite parts of the book! Okay, the whole book is my favorite. But these parts were pretty amazing and I loved them, lol. Anyway. There are a lot of nakedness in this book. A lot of naked characters. Naked Nicholas. Naked Clara. It was awkward and fun and sweet. <3

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #137

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

THIS SHATTERED WORLD (Starbound #2) BY AMIE KAUFMAN & MEAGAN SPOONER

Goodreads Description:

The second installment in our epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.

The stunning second novel in the Starbound trilogy is an unforgettable story of love and forgiveness in a world torn apart by war.


Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: November 11th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
Pre-Order here.

While I didn't fully love These Broken Stars, I'm still so excited to read this sort-of sequel. Because oh! This Shattered World sounds amazing :D And that cover! Swoons. It is so gorgeous. I cannot wait to read this book. Fingers crossed that I will really love it. Though, November really is too far away.. sniffs. <3
What are you waiting for on this wonderful wednesday? 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Cress Tuesday #31

I love sharing these Cress Tuesday teasers with you all each week. Because it makes me remember my love for this book. And my love is huge. Sigh. Cress is just such a perfect book. Now I'm just waiting for Winter to come out. And it kills me a little that it isn't out until November 2015. The wait will be long. But also worth it. Going to continue with these teasers for ages, most likely, lol. As I love doing them. Hope you do too. It makes me even more excited to be re-reading the three books in the near future. Hopefully I'll have the time for that soon, as I need to re-read more about Cinder and Kai, hih. <3 Anyway. If you haven't yet had the chance to read Cress, I'm hoping these teasers will convince you to do that :) If you have read it, I hope these teasers reminds you about how amazing this book was. Sigh.
See previous Cress Tuesdays here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these (mostly) non-spoilery teasers :)


~
 
Jacin's concern turned fast to annoyance. "Your ship has some messed-up priorities, you know that?"
"Iko. My name is Iko. If you don't stop calling me the 'ship', I am going to make sure you 
never have hot water during your showers again, do you understand me?" 
"Yeah, hold that thought while I go disable the speaker system." 
"What? You can't mute me. Cinder!"

~
 

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

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Review: She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick

I have had a print ARC of this book for months. So many months. And I have wanted to read it for just as long. But then I never started it. I felt like I wouldn't enjoy it. But then today I felt the need to give it a try. And I'm so glad I did. Because I really enjoyed this book. I found the writing to be beautiful.

I loved this book from the very beginning. It is written so well and I connected with the main character so much. Which makes me really happy. Though I am giving this book a four star, as I had a few small issues. But mostly I loved this book. And I am so glad that I read it. It was a bit unique and very special.

She Is Not Invisible is told from the point of view of sixteen year old Laureth. Who is such an awesome character. Though I do wish we had gotten to know a little bit more about her. Like what she does in other times. More about what the school is like. I would have enjoyed that as well, I think. Anyway. Laureth is blind. And has been since she was born. Which, to me, sounds all kinds of heartbreaking. I wouldn't have been able to be blind. Sniffs. But as she says, it is all she has known. And I do suppose it is different then. And I really did love how Laureth is dealing with it. Though we don't see too much about that either. She manages to do just about everything herself. But she also gets help. From her adorable little brother.

Her younger brother, Benjamin, was all kinds of adorable. He is only seven. But so smart. And so amazing. I adored him. I loved his plush animal; Stan. So cute, hih. And I loved his sort of.. hidden talent. It was pretty awesome. But also a bit heartbreaking. Sigh. Sounded a bit depressing. But I also really loved it. What I would really love is a sort of sequel to this book. About Benjamin. I would love to read about him as a teenager. As I think that would be pretty awesome, hih. Anyway. I really adored him.

Then there are the parents in this book. The thing is, the book is happening in just a few days. So we don't get to see much about their parents. But we do read about them. And I did like their mother. Though she did do some things that I disliked. Ack. And their dad. I'm not sure how to feel about him. He sounded pretty awesome. But also a little bit crazy. Which is the reason for the four star rating. I liked reading his notebook pages in this book, but I also didn't love it. I wanted to skip them a little.

There is an amazing plot in this book. I loved reading about all of it. I loved reading about Laureth and how life is for her. We see how mean some people can be. So heartbreaking. Like that guy on the plane. Ugh. Did not approve. But we also see some kind people. Like little Michael. I liked him a lot. Anyway. Most of this book is about the siblings searching for their dad in New York. And I loved it. It is full of mystery and suspense. I really enjoyed this book. So much happens and it is all awesome. So good.

Anyway. I don't want to say too much about this book. As it is just over two hundred pages long. But so much happens, even so. Yet it is a fast read. But so enjoyable. I really liked this book. Just wishing there had been even more about Laureth and Benjamin. Loved them so much. Sigh. And.. I might have been wishing there had been romance in this book. Sniffs. I want a sequel for that too, hih :D Anyway. You guys really need to read this book. Because She Is Not Invisible is a stunning book. I really liked it.

I am so glad that I finally decided to read this book. After having had it since November. Ahh. It took me forever to read it, lol. But then I started and it was such a fast read. I'm so glad I read it. It will always be a favorite of mine. Which makes me happy. HUGE thank you to Ksenia at Macmillan Kids for sending me this gorgeous ARC copy all those months ago. <3 It means a lot to me. I will be reading more books by Marcus. I also have an even older ARC by him, hih. Will read it soonish. I'm very excited to do so.

In My Mailbox #134

Well. This was a good week. And a bad week. I am HEARTBROKEN over the fact that I got declined to read Winterspell via Edelweiss :( Do they not know how much I want it? Ack. So unfair, lol. But I requested again. Sigh. Fingers crossed. ANYWAY. The rest of the week was pretty amazing. I got some AWESOME things in the mail. <3 A few amazing things that I have won. Sigh. So happy. And I got my sister and nephew back home, hih. So I am even more exhausted these days, lol. And I cut my hair yesterday. It feels SO SHORT. I told her I wanted just above the shoulder. This is not just above the shoulder. It is so so much shorter. I might share pictures on Instagram someday. Maybe. We'll see ;p ANYWAY. I am ALSO going on a roadtrip with my sister on Monday :D She is buying a car. So we are first flying two hours to Oslo, then driving home through Sweden. Which will be 23 hours in a car. But we will stop many places. And sleep for at least two nights. So I am very excited, hih. I cannot wait. Sigh. Anyway. I was supposed to read a lot this week. But I still don't really feel like reading anything. Sniffs. But. I did read my preview of The Cabinet of Curiosities. <3 And I re-read The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls. It is so good. Another awesome Cress Tuesday. <3 And I'm waiting on Firebug this week. Oh, and I posted my Rebel blog tour post :) Also, US GIVEAWAY! On the Rebel blog tour post. Still a day left to enter :) You should do that. Anyway. So happy with what I got this week. <3 What did you get this week?



Book package won from Stefan Bachmann. Huge thank you to Stefan :D I am SO EXCITED about these books. <3 Have read the preview of Cabinet already, and loved it so much. <3 And Cavendish is a favorite of mine. Sigh. But have yet to read the other three books :D And I cannot wait to read them all. They look awesome. And also! The Peculiar is signed :D Thank you so much Stefan. I love it. <3 You can see the very awesome signature by Stefan on my instagram, here. Love this package so much. <3



Raging Star. I.. have not yet decided if I want to read this and book 2. Will figure it out soonish, I think.
The Lovely and the Lost. I am excited to start reading this series. But also worried about triangle. Ack.
Rebel. Oh, I really loved this book. <3 Such a good story. And it is so pretty and unique as well. I love it.
Dorothy Must Die. I had to buy this. As I have seen people loving it. And it is gorgeous. Reading it soon.
Gustav Gloom. Omg. These two are finally in paperback. And ack! They are gorgeous! I love them.
Victories. Got from Tor Teen. <3 Thank you so much. You must read about my thoughts on it here.



Astrid! Hiccup! Toothless! Oh, my loves. I love these figures so damn much. They are GORGEOUS. I love them beyond words. Ack. And oh, how I need to watch the movie. But sobs. Not here in my town until July 4th :'( Heartbreak. So unfair, lol. Anyway. Also two other gorgeous items that I got :D Love it.


How To Train Your Dragon 2. The Art of. <3 I love it! So gorgeous. Ack. I need this movie right now.
On the Day You Were Born. I won this very gorgeous book from HMH Kids. <3 Thank you so much :D
Lego: The Hobbit. Ack! This game looks AWESOME. I need to start playing it soonish, hih. Most likely.
Thor: The Dark World. Ohh. I had to finally buy this, hih. As I loved the movie. And it is in 3D too :) Dragon. Another for my dragon collection, hih :D I love them all. And I am still missing a bunch, hih.




The Queen of the Tearling. I got invited by Megan at HarperCollins International to be a part of this blog tour :D And I am so excited. I also got an eGalley of the book. <3 I must read it soonish. Hopefully. I cannot wait. Though I am a bit worried. Hm. But I think it sounds awesome.









All Four Stars. I'm a part of the amazing blog tour hosted by Wendy :D And I am so excited. I think this sounds like a great book. And I really hope I will love it. It do look pretty cute, hih. Hoping to read it pretty soon, I think.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls


This is my third time reading this book. And it just keeps getting better for each time. Sigh. Though how I managed to wait this long before I read it again I don't know. Last read it in February 2013. So it has been way too long. But oh, it felt good to read it again. Because this book makes me so happy. Yet also so sad and heartbroken. It is perfect. Since I have already written a review and a book recommendation post for this book, this post of mine will be a little shorter. Most likely. We'll see, lol.

And oh, how much I love this book. It is such a perfect middle grade book. The writing is stunning. The characters are beyond amazing. And the story is so creepy. So creepy and lovely. And that ending. The ending in this book still kills me. It is perfect. And yet so sad and heartbreaking. And evil. The last page. So mean. I need a sequel. I want a sequel to this book more than I want anything. It would be a young adult book, and it would be beautiful. I have so many ideas to what could happen, hih.

I won't talk too much about this book. As I have already done that twice. But I will mention a few things. Because this book is too good not to talk at least a little bit about it. I love that this book is told from the point of view of twelve year old Victoria. Who is a little bit crazy, lol. She wants everything to be perfect. And she is perfect. In the beginning she was a bit.. extreme about it all. But I loved it about her. And she gets so much better as well later on. Victoria is an amazing character. I love her so much.

I just cannot deal with how beautiful this book is. How amazing everything is. Cavendish is all kinds of creepy and scary and heartbreaking. And I loved every moment. Most creepy parts are in the last one hundred pages or so, but the beginning of the book is just as important. Though there isn't all that much of Lawrence in the beginning. Hmph. But there is a lot of Victoria. And I adore her so much. She's so determined. And I love that about her. And she's so smart. I loved that she went looking for Lawrence.

The friendship between Lawrence and Victoria is the most beautiful part of the book, I think. They are adorable together. And they only have each other. Victoria only has him because she's a bit special. And he only has her because he is a bit weird. But they are both perfect to me. I loved how much Lawrence loved the piano. It was important. Sigh. This book just makes me so happy. I loved how Victoria grew to care more for Lawrence. How she starting knowing what was important. Their friendship is beautiful.

Then there are the creepy parts. The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls. That is run by Mrs. Cavendish and Mr. Alice. They are both so creepy and awful. And yet I loved reading about them both. Hm. It was all just so interesting. And this book is so mysterious and I love it so much. But oh. So many awful things happen in this book. Punishments. Death. Awful things. Like the garden in the home. Shudders. It still makes me so sad. Such heartbreak. But the book was also so honest and perfect at the same time.

I really adore Claire Legrand. She's such an amazing person. She's so kind and sweet. And her books are perfection. Sigh. Her two middle grade books, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls. And The Year of Shadows. Two books that I love so much. I'm also so excited for her newest middle grade book, The Cabinet of Curiosities. I just know it will be full of creepy and heartbreak and beauty. Then there is her upcoming young adult book, Winterspell. I want that one so much. It sounds perfect. And I cannot wait.

I won't say more about this book. I could probably talk about it forever. But I won't. Because I need you all to go buy it. And then read it. And then love it. And read it again. Like I have done. Because The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls is such a gorgeous book. And I will forever be a favorite of mine. Sigh. But yess. I need that sequel. Please. It would be so perfect. And so evil. And oh. How I want to know what happens next. I need it. But anyway. This book is so good and I'm so glad to have read it.

"Vicky, you're all right," Lawrence whispered, and he hugged her so close
she couldn't breathe, but Victoria had never felt anything so wonderful.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #136

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

FIREBUG BY LISH MCBRIDE

Goodreads Description:

Ava is a firebug—she can start fires with her mind. Which would all be well and good if she weren’t caught in a deadly contract with the Coterie, a magical mafia. She’s one of their main hitmen . . . and she doesn’t like it one bit. Not least because her boss, Venus, killed Ava’s mother. When Venus asks Ava to kill a family friend, Ava rebels. She knows very well that you can’t say no to the Coterie and expect to get away with it, though, so she and her friends hit the road, trying desperately to think of a way out of the mess they find themselves in. Preferably keeping the murder to a minimum.

Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: September 23rd 2014 
by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pre-Order here.

I'm excited for this book. First, it is a book by Macmillan. Who is a publisher that I adore. Second, the cover is prety amazing. Third, I kind of love the summary. Despite it being pretty short. I love it. And I cannot wait to read Firebug. <3 I'm hoping it will be an amazing book. Hoping for romance too, hih :)
What are you waiting for on this lovely wednesday? 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Cress Tuesday #30

I love sharing these Cress Tuesday teasers with you all each week. Because it makes me remember my love for this book. And my love is huge. Sigh. Cress is just such a perfect book. Now I'm just waiting for Winter to come out. And it kills me a little that it isn't out until November 2015. The wait will be long. But also worth it. Going to continue with these teasers for ages, most likely, lol. As I love doing them. Hope you do too. It makes me even more excited to be re-reading the three books in the near future. Hopefully I'll have the time for that soon, as I need to re-read more about Cinder and Kai, hih. <3 Anyway. If you haven't yet had the chance to read Cress, I'm hoping these teasers will convince you to do that :) If you have read it, I hope these teasers reminds you about how amazing this book was. Sigh.
See previous Cress Tuesdays here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these (mostly) non-spoilery teasers :)


~
 
A laugh came from the cockpit and Thorne appeared in the doorway, strapping a gun holster around his waist. "You're asking the cyborg fugitive and he wild animal to be the welcoming committee? That's adorable." Scarlet planted her hands on her hips. "I'm saying we should be aware of what she's been through and try to be sensitive to that. This may not be an easy transition for her." Thorne shrugged. "The Rampion is going to be like a five-star hotel after living on that satellite. She'll adjust."

~
 

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

Monday, May 19, 2014

Preview Review: The Cabinet of Curiosities

This will not be a long review. Because it is only a preview. I was lucky enough to get this gorgeous very special sneak peek of The Cabinet of Curiosities from HarperCollins International. <3 Thank you so much. I have been dying for this book for ages. First, the cover. Second, the authors. So far I have only read books by Claire, but I love her books so much. This preview is amazing.

It is very short, just under 70 pages. But it is also enough. First we get to know a little about the four amazing authors, which I loved. I cannot wait to read all of their other books. I'm excited. In the final book there will be gorgeous illustrations; which were not in this sneak peek. Sniffs. But there were a few gorgeous images. I loved seeing those. I cannot wait to read the final copy.

There are four short stories in this book. And I loved all of them. But holy crap. They are creepy! So creepy. It is Middle Grade, but it is not for young children, lol. Okay, it is, if they don't mind being scared. Because these four short stories were scary. And I loved them all to pieces. I cannot wait to read all the 40 stories. I'm so excited to read more. Sigh. But yes. Very creepy stories. They made my heart beat so fast. And I love that in books. So much. Anyway. I cannot wait for The Cabinet of Curiosities to come out later this month. <3 It will be amazing. And you all need to pre-order it. Seriously. Because I'm sure you will all love it. Just like I'm sure I will too. So now I will be counting down the days for this gorgeous book to arrive :)

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Rebel Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Excited to be a part of this amazing Rebel by Amy Tintera blog tour. <3 Thank you to Book Nerd Tours for hosting it and letting me be apart of it :) For my post I'm sharing my review of Rebel, though I also posted it in April, hih. But that's okay. Anyway. I'm also sharing this pretty amazing giveaway at the end which you should all enter. Read the rules in the rafflecopter form. Also sharing some details about the book and about the amazing Amy. <3 I adore her. And I loved these books of her so much. I cannot wait to see what she will write next. So excited :) Hope you like my review. <3 And I hope you will be reading Rebel soon; as it is an AMAZING sequel to Reboot. If you haven't read Reboot, than do so right away :)

http://www.booknerdtours.com/2014/rebel-reboot-2-by-amy-tintera.html

My review of Rebel.

I'm glad I finally started reading this book. Because I really enjoyed Rebel. Also glad that I decided to re-read Reboot first :) I think this is an amazing series. Though there are only two books. And there doesn't need to be more. But, as always, I do wish for a third book, hih. <3 But oh. I really did enjoy Rebel. I'm not sure what I should talk about when it comes to this book. There is so much that could be spoilery. Okay, fine, I only want to write about the spoilery parts, lol. But I won't. Probably. At least not much. I'll try. But anyway. Rebel is told from the point of view of Wren and Callum. Which I really loved.

Wren is still an amazing character. I adored her. She changes a bit in this book. But she's still pretty amazing. I like her a lot. It makes me happy that she is honest. Honest about how she feels and what she thinks. That is a good thing. Then there is Callum. I loved getting to read from his point of view. Because, yeah, he is all kinds of awesome. I adore him. I love how.. human, he is. In a way. Since he's only a twenty two. But he isn't fully human either. Which I loved even more. Sigh. I enjoyed getting to know him a little bit more in this book. I love how much he cares for Wren. The romance is awesome.

There are a lot of new characters in this book. Many I hated. But also a few I liked. Like Riley. I think I liked him. He was Wren's trainer a while ago. I did enjoy reading about him, at least. He was interesting. I also loved getting to see more of Addie. She's still pretty amazing. But agh. This one thing that happens with her broke my heart. So sad. And awful. Yet I couldn't help but love it. Sigh. Then there is Micah. He confused me at first. I was worried. But then I ended up hating him, which was good, lol.

There is a lot of things happening in Rebel. A lot of interesting things. And hurtful things. And oh. There is so much murder in this book. I liked it. Though I didn't care too much about those who died, hih. But it was pretty sad as well. Sigh. Anyway. We also learn more about the Reboots in this book. And I really loved that, as I think it is an amazing plot twist. I loved reading about it. Though there are also a little bit of kind-of torture in this book. It was sad. But also kind of interesting. But yes. Broke my heart.

I don't want to say too much about Rebel. But I do want to say that it is an amazing sequel. And I loved the romance parts. I was worried. I was worried about a love triangle; but there isn't any hints of that. Just so you know. Which made me beyond happy. Sigh. It also made me happy that not that much time passes in this book. That was good. Anyway. I really loved the romance between Wren and Callum. <3 It is beyond sweet. And I loved reading about it so much. I loved reading about everything in this book.

I'm unsure how to rate this book. Because while I loved it, and I didn't hate any parts of it, I also had a few small issues with the writing. Which broke my heart. I enjoyed it a lot, honest. But I also thought that it wasn't all that perfect. And it made me have some issues with connecting to the book at first. So. I'm going to rate this book with a five star. Because I did love it a lot. But it was a four point five at times. But yes. Rebel is an amazing book full of action and murder and romance. It's pretty awesome.

Huge thank you to HarperTeen for the auto-approval on Edelweiss so that I was able to read and review Rebel early. <3 Though I do wish I had read it in January. Hm. But also just happy that I finally read it, hih. As it is an amazing book. And I cannot wait to get my hardcover of it. So pretty as well. I adore the book covers for Reboot and Rebel. They are pretty and unique. Anyway. As I said, Rebel is an amazing book. And I think you will all love it. So if you read Reboot then you really need to read Rebel as well. <3

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15769788-rebel
The sequel to the action-packed Reboot is a can’t-miss thrill ride, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Veronica Roth, and Marie Lu.

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn’t what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren’s instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he’s underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.


 
Hi! I’m Amy Tintera, and I write novels for young adults. I grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in journalism. After receiving a masters in film at Emerson College I moved to Los Angeles, where I promptly discovered I didn’t enjoy working in the film industry, and went back to my first love, writing.

REBOOT and REBEL are published by HarperCollins/HarperTeen. Film rights have been optioned by Fox, and the books have sold in ten countries.

Buy Rebel: Amazon - B&N - Indiebound - Book Depository
Find Amy: Twitter - Facebook - Website



Giveaway is open to US only.
Must be 13+ to enter.
Best of luck.
<3

Saturday, May 17, 2014

In My Mailbox #133

I was planning on reading this week. Truly. But then I got lazy and didn't feel like picking up a single book :p Ack. And I have so much I need to read. Hopefully I will manage to do so this weekend :) We'll see. I do want to read. I just need to force myself to start, lol. Anyway. I did read The School for Good and Evil & A World Without Princes earlier this week. <3 And those books! Adorable and heartbreaking. I loved them. Then there was a Kai teaser on Cress Tuesday. <3 And I'm waiting for Trial By Fire :) Also shared the cover for Endsinger :D So excited! Tomorrow I will be a part of the Rebel blog tour. <3 Also. I did get some pretty amazing books this week. Some gorgeous books, hih. <3 What did you get this week?
Also. I watched Godzilla this week. I enjoyed it. So good. But didn't think that one person would die.



Of Neptune. Heartbreak. Was so excited, but now I don't think I want to read it at all :( Sad face.
Of Triton. This US paperback edition is so gorgeous. And oh, how I love this cover. So beautiful.
The Thickety. I read an eARC, and I loved it SO MUCH that I had to buy my own hardcover. <3
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I loved this movie. So I just had to buy it. So heartbreakingly good.
After the End. I'm unsure about this book. Sigh. But I will read it. Soonish. I think. I'm not sure yet.
Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy. I had to buy this book. Because it looks so adorable. Hope I love it.
Seraphina. Finally owning this gorgeous new cover. <3 But it is damaged. So getting another one :D
Schindler's List. Mom said this movie was good. So I bought it. Hoping to watch it soon. Hope I like it.



How To Train Your Dragon 2. Got a bunch of my gorgeous books. <3 Still getting more :D So amazing.
Entertainment Weekly. Ack. I had to buy this. Since it is The Fault in Our Stars. <3 It's pretty gorgeous.
The Falconer. Oh, how I loved this book! So I needed to buy it. And ahh. This hardcover is so beautiful.
Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times. Been waiting ages for this beauty. Excited to read it soon :D
Stolen Songbird. So many loved this. I had to buy it. But omg. That ending is evil! Reading all of it soon.
Siege and Storm. I have the audio CD for the first book and now I have this one too, hih. <3 So pretty.


My very own Sun Summoner, hih. <3 More new pictures on my Instagram.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Cover Reveal: Endsinger by Jay Kristoff

I am SO EXCITED about this cover reveal. And this book. I'm dying to read Endsinger. September cannot get here fast enough. I need to know what happens next. Ack. I loved Stormdancer and Kinslayer so so much. <3 Though that ending for Kinslayer.. it was beyond cruel. I just really truly need Endsinger. I need more of Yukiko and Buruu. <3 And Kin. I'm still shipping Yukiko and Kin. And I will be so heartbroken if they don't end up together, lol. ANYWAY. This is the US cover reveal for Endsinger. I might make another post when we get the UK one as well, hih, as I think all the cover are amazing. Sigh. Anyway. This cover for Endsinger is gorgeous. And I cannot wait to own it. Also. Jay has this AMAZING contest on his blog. It is killing me. I will win it. Just you wait, lol :) Also, Jay is such an amazing person. I adore him. He's also pretty funny to follow on twitter ;p Can't wait to read more by him. What do you think of the cover?


A TREMBLING EARTH
The flames of civil war sweep across the Shima Imperium. With their plans to renew the Kazumitsu dynasty foiled, the Lotus Guild unleash their deadliest creation—a mechanical goliath known as the Earthcrusher, intended to unite the shattered Empire under a yoke of fear. With the Tiger Clan and their puppet Daimyo Hiro in tow, the Guild marches toward a battle for absolute dominion over the Isles.

A BROKEN REBELLION
Yukiko and Buruu are forced to take leadership of the Kagé rebellion, gathering new allies and old friends in an effort to unite the country against the chi-mongers. But the ghosts of Buruu’s past stand between them and the army they need, and Kin’s betrayal has destroyed all trust among their allies. When a new foe joins the war tearing the Imperium apart, it will be all the pair can do to muster the strength to fight, let alone win.

A FINAL BATTLE
The traitor Kin walks the halls of Guild power, his destiny only a bloody knife-stroke away. Hana and Yoshi struggle to find their place in a world now looking to them as heroes. Secret cabals within the Lotus Guild claw and struggle; one toward darkness, the other toward light. And as the earth splits asunder, as armies destroy each other for rule over an empire of lifeless ash and the final secret about blood lotus is revealed, the people of Shima will learn one last, horrifying truth.

There is nothing a mother will not do to keep her children by her side.

Nothing.




Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #135

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

TRIAL BY FIRE BY JOSEPHINE ANGELINI

Goodreads Description:

Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?


Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: September 2nd 2014 by Feiwel &Friends 
Pre-Order here.  

I'm still trying to decide if I think I will love this book or not. I'm conflicted. First, that cover is GORGEOUS. I love it. It's just so pretty and awesome. Sigh. So I cannot wait to own it, lol. But the summary sounds a little bit complicated for me. But it also sounds so interesting. Hmph. So I'm not sure. But I'm going to hope that I'll love it, cause I do want to enjoy it :D Unexpected love? Yes please. 
What are you waiting for on this awesome wednesday?

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Cress Tuesday #29

I have decided not to stop with the Cress Tuesdays. At least not for ages, I think. I must admit that I love sharing all of these Cress Tuesday teasers with you all. Because picking the teaser each week makes me love the book all over again. And makes me even more excited to be re-reading the three books in the near future. Hopefully I'll have the time for that soon, as I need to re-read more about Cinder and Kai, hih. <3 Anyway. If you haven't yet had the chance to read Cress, I'm hoping these teasers will convince you to do that :) If you have read it, I hope these teasers reminds you how amazing this book was. See previous Cress Tuesdays here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these (mostly) non-spoilery teasers :)


~
 
The softness was gone, instantly. Tipping his head back, Kai strung both hands through his hair. 
It surprised her how familiar the gesture was. "When did you become so frustrating?"

~
 

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

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Review: A World Without Princes by Soman Chainani

This book was evil. So evil. And I loved it to pieces. So glad I decided to buy this book before I read the first one. As I wouldn't have been able to wait after reading book one, lol. But holy. How will I be able to wait for book three? It will be torture. Because this book was so good. And it ends so bad. Kind of.

I'm so glad I started reading these books. Because they are both amazing. And I adored them. Yet they also broke my heart so many times. Not fair, hih. I find the writing to be amazing in both books. Which makes me all kinds of happy. Good writing is always a plus. Especially when there is such a good story too.

There might be spoilers in this review. For book one, which should be pretty obvious, lol. I will try not to spoil this book, but there are a few things I need to talk about. But I will not share how anything ends, as it shocked me a little and I want it to shock you too :D Though it is a very evil ending. Big cliffhanger. Yet also the perfect ending, if that makes sense. But agh. It shouldn't have been the end. I need to know what happens next.

I love the characters in this book. Agatha. Tedros. Sophie. Hester. Dot. Everyone. I felt so sorry for Hort at first. But then. I'm starting to think that I shouldn't feel sorry for him. Hm. I'm not sure. I wonder if he will do something in book three. And I worry about Aric as well. I worry about a lot of the characters. I need to know what happens next. Sigh. I adored Agatha's friends. Especially Hester and Dot. They are witches yet they are so awesome and kind and fun. Mostly. I loved reading about them all, anyway :)

Agatha is still my favorite person in these books. She's just so good. And loving. And kind. I adore her. Sure, she has some dark thoughts. Well, she thinks so. But I don't. She just want her Prince. Her happy ending. But then there is Sophie. Who I still see as an evil witch. Agh. I wish I could love their friendship. But she lies so much. She don't want Agatha with Tedros. Sniffs. She still wants him for herself, I think. But I do love their friendship. Mostly. Just, can't Agatha have her Prince and friend?

A lot of this book is about Agatha and Sophie's friendship. How it is turning bad. Kind of. There is some doubt. Which I totally understood. Just wishing I could love their friendship. But sigh. I want Agatha to have a better friend. Though I also felt so sorry for Sophie at times. So I'm conflicted. I want them to be friends, without it ruining Agatha's chance at true love and happiness with Tedros. Because the romance is amazing. Though so little of it in this book. Heartbreak. But then near the end.. so much swoon. <3

There is just so much to love in this book. Though The School for Good and Evil is changed a lot in this book. Nine months have passed since Sophie and Agatha got sent home. But then a wish get them back. And everything has changed. I loved that the girls were being themselves. The Good and the Evil. And the boys too. But I hated that they weren't together. That there was sort of a war between them. So heartbreaking. Yet also kind of amazing. It was an awesome plot twist and I loved reading about it.

There are some awful scenes in this book. Like this torture thing. But I also loved it beyond reason, lol. There is just so many magical things in this book. So much to love. And dislike. And fear. I just really enjoyed this book. And Agatha. Sniffs. I love her so much. And I just want her to have her happy ending. With Tedros. Yeah. There better be more romance in book three, lol. But I also want her to be friends with Sophie. If she would stop being so.. Evil. Or, at least being a kind Evil. That is possible.

I'm not sure what to say about A World Without Princes. It is all kinds of exciting. It is heartbreaking. And I loved it to pieces. It was just the best. Sigh. But seriously. It made me so sad. People were so cruel to Tedros. I just wish Agatha was there with him. Sniffs. I ship them a lot, lol. Ack. I just need book three because that ending! I'm so excited for what will happen next. I need it. So bad. Sigh. Anyway. I really loved this book. And all of you will love it too. So if you read book one, go read this!

Goodreads - Buy it

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