Monday, October 30, 2017

Review: Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library by Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson

As with book one, this story was a fast and easy read. I wish I could say that I loved this book, but oh, I did not. I feel a little disappointed about it. It just ended up not being a book for me. Aw. I'm giving this one two stars, and I will try my best to mention most of my reasons for why I'm giving it that. It was a pretty short book, and fast to read.

I think that the main reason for why I had issues with this book was the writing. I didn't connect with the characters at all. And I found it all to be so boring. Which is a depressing thing to feel when reading a middle grade mystery book. I didn't like that just about every time Lizzy spoke, she only spoke the same words all the time. Annoying.

Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library takes place just one week after book one. Can't help but mention that I wish it had taken place a bit later than that, as I feel like Fairday and Lizzie still hadn't had a chance to get to know Marcus at all. Yet they are now supposed to be best friends. I sadly didn't feel any of these friendships. They did not really talk together or really do anything. Sure, they are solving a new mystery, but it was not exciting to read about for me. I really wish I had felt their friendship more, because if I had loved their relationship together, I think I would have loved this book too. But I did not. Sigh. One thing I really did love about the book, though, was Fairday's dog, Auntie Em. She was adorable. Sadly didn't think her family was interesting, though. A bit depressing.

I'm not sure what I wish to share about this book. I don't think I will write too much about this book at the moment. Simply because it was pretty fast to read, and I didn't feel like much happened, so there really isn't much I can share about it. I'm giving it two stars because while I did not like this book, I also did not hate it. It wasn't horrible. I liked some parts of the story, like Fairday's cute dog. And her house was a bit interesting too. But sadly, for the most part, I kind of disliked all of it. Found it to be boring. Not exciting.

Will talk a little bit about the story in this book. Fairday and her two friends are finding clues about a new mystery in her house. Words from famous books have gone missing. They end up finding a secret place, where they find the Talking Library. Where they learn that there is a bookworm on the loose, eating words from books. I wish I could say that it was exciting to read about, but I didn't think so at all. The writing kept me from being engaged in the story and the characters. I do wish, though, that I had enjoyed it a bit more.

Overall, I am glad that I decided to give these two books a chance. As I do adore the authors, and I have followed their blog for years. They are both adorable, and I love their riddle blog posts. They are always so much fun. Sadly, though, this book just was not for me. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't like it much at all. I do think that a lot of other people might end up loving this book, but for me it just wasn't possible. I liked the drawings inside the book, though they were a lot different from book one. Still, both were pretty.


Sunday, October 29, 2017

Review: The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow by Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson

I have been following the blog of these lovely authors for years now, but had yet to read their lovely book. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of their second book, and I knew I had to finally buy the first one and read it. Which I now have. And I'm glad I gave this book a try. The artwork was lovely. And the characters too.

Sadly, I didn't love this book. I'm going to try my best to share the reasons for why. I wish I had enjoyed it more than I did, but I also did like this book. It was not perfect, but it was a pretty fun story, and I liked the mystery a whole lot. The ending was a bit too nice for me, though. Wish it had been a bit more scary and evil, haha.

I'm actually unsure about what I wish to rate this book. Struggling between two and three stars. I think I will go with three. Because while I didn't love this book, I also did not hate it, and I found it to be an easy and fast book to read. And I am so glad that I gave it a chance. And I am pretty excited about starting the second book next. I'm hoping that it will be amazing. I also really liked reading about these characters. The book is told from the point of view of Fairday. She is eleven years old, and have just moved an hour away with her family. Into a big and sort of haunted house. Which I found to be all kinds of awesome. I must mention why I didn't fully enjoy this one. I simply did not connect with the writing. Had issues while reading it; wasn't fully bad, but not great either.

I don't know where to start with this book. I'm not going to share too much about it, as the book wasn't all that long, and I am not sure what I wish to share about it. But I will talk about a few things. This book tells the story about Fairday, and how she just moved to this new town. She's starting school, and there was a little bit of focus on that. Some bullies, which was a little cliche, yet kind of interesting too. She is missing her best friend, Lizzy, a whole bunch, at all times. Though she manages to make a new friend, Marcus.

I did like reading about the friendships in this book. But because it was pretty short, and I didn't fully like the writing, I did have a bit of a hard time loving their friendships. Did not really see all the affection and such, and I felt like it focused too little on that. But at the same time, I adored reading about Fairday and Lizzy together. They seemed like great friends. And they have been solving mysteries together for years. I loved that. Just wish I had felt a bit more of a connection with all of the characters. Still, I did like them.

The story is about the haunted house that Fairday has moved into. She starts noticing weird things right away, and she's excited and frightened to figure out what everything means. I enjoyed that her and Lizzy tries together to work it all out, understanding different clues and such. I liked how they included Marcus in their investigation too. The book was creepy at times, I liked that. There is an interesting story about the house from years ago. Wish it had been more scary, but it was good too. And I ended up enjoying it.

I'm glad that I gave this book a try. I feel a bit disappointed that I didn't love it more, like I had hoped, but I'm also glad that I did not hate it either. It was pretty exciting to learn the secrets of this old house, and figuring out everything that had happened in the past. Like I mentioned, the ending was a bit too happy for me, but it was good too, and I did like the end to the mystery. The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow was a short but fun read. And I do think that a lot of people will enjoy it, so I really think you should give it a try.


Review: Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman

I am so glad that I decided to re-read this short story right now. Have only read it once before, and I had forgotten a bunch of it. This book tells the story of Lee Scoresby, when he was twenty four years old. It tells the story of how he met Iorek. And a little about how he ended up owning a balloon. It's an exciting story.

Once Upon a Time in the North isn't a very long book, but it's an amazing tale. I adored reading about Lee again, especially after having just re-read the trilogy. He was a character that I adored a whole bunch, and my heart still breaks about his ending in the books. And reading about him being young was all kinds of fun.

The writing was just all kinds of stunning, like always. This story is pretty short, and not that much happens, yet it still managed to be exciting and interesting. Mostly it's a book about Lee, and getting to know him a bit more. I liked that a whole lot. Because Lee is such an interesting character and I love him oh so much. His special bond with his dæmon, Hester, is the cutest thing. So love reading about them together. This plot in this book is about Lee having just landed his balloon in a new town, and he's looking for work. Instead he ends up seeing a lot of people being rude and mean, and he decides to do something about it. I loved that Lee had a lot of honor and that he was such a good man. I mean, it almost got him killed, but still. Lee was the very best.

Not going to write much more about this book. It's short, yet so lovely. Reading about Lee was awesome. And I loved reading about him meeting Iorek when he was young too. I adore that bear. And so the two of them together is the best. Oh, how I love all of these books by Philip. This world is simply the best. I only wish there were tons and tons more books like this one. I don't want to stop reading about all these lovely characters. Aw. If you still haven't read this short story, then you really must. As it is so good and exciting.


Saturday, October 28, 2017

Review: Lyra's Oxford by Philip Pullman

This is my third time reading this very short story. And I still love it so very much. I could not resist reading it again just now, after having re-read the trilogy and then read La Belle Sauvage. And especially after I found out that there were mentions of Malcolm in this short story. Small mentions, but he's there, and I loved it.

Lyra's Oxford is so short. But it's more about Lyra, and I am so pleased with this tiny book. This takes place two years after The Amber Spyglass, and Lyra is going to school. But not too much about what her life is like, but a few small peeks, and I liked that a whole lot. I just love learning more about Lyra. She's the best.

And oh, how I can't wait for the next Book of Dust book, where Lyra will be around twenty years old. My biggest fear is that she will have moved on from Will. But I also don't think that she will, don't think she will ever do that. I hope so, anyway. In this short story, she thinks about him a little, and it simply broke my heart. Aw. So sad. Yet the most awesome to read about, even so. I so adored reading more about Lyra and Pan, and their very special bond. It's the cutest. There is a small story in this book, where Lyra is rescuing a witch's dæmon; helping him find someone. It was so short, yet so interesting too, and I'm full of questions about what may happen next. I know it's been years since Philip wrote this story, but hoping it fits with all the upcoming books too.

I'm so glad that I read this short story again. Because I had forgotten the small details. And I don't even think that all of those extra pages at the end of it were in my older version of the book. I read the newest paperback version, which is beyond gorgeous. And those extra pages at the end of the book were full of small information and it was the best. I simply love this world that Philip has created more than I can say. Lyra is the very best, and I cannot wait to read even more about her soon. I'm hoping for more of Will too.


In My Mailbox #312

This week have been pretty exhausting. My spa bath had to be taken down on Sunday, which I'm so sad about, because I love my 40c baths outside the most. But it's too cold in the winter, and so now it has to be down until May. Ugh. And then there was my hospital visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was pretty awful. That thing I had to get down my nose hurt so goddamn much in my throat all the time, but survived it. And survived the check up on Wednesday too. But it was pretty horrible. Aw. Hate these Morbus Crohn checks. And then I learned that my entire colon has inflammations. And now I'm taking prednisolone for the next three weeks, then hopefully going to start a different medicine, and hoping it will make me better. But ahh, I'm worried about the pills I have to take. So, so many side effects. The new medicine will have that too. And I just, I don't want to get sicker. I really don't. But I need my medicine, badly. Ugh. My body sucks at the moment. But hoping it will get better. Also so behind on certain things, as I have zero energy right now. I blogged a bit this week too. I shared my review of The Amber Spyglass. <3 And I shared a launch day post for Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library :) This week I'm waiting on My Plain Jane :D And then I shared my review of The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage. <3 Eee. I also got a lot of stunning mail this week. Yesss. I'm SO thrilled with all of it :D Ahh. But ugh, I'm also waiting on two packages that were supposed to arrive early this week, but they did not, just hoping they will get here next week. Hmph. Either way, so excited to get them all. Despite my really crappy health, and slow reading at the moment, my week was pretty good. I'm so thrilled to have re-read His Dark Materials, and have read the new book.

Six Years of Blogging: Book of Choice. International. Ends 10/31.


The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage. Eee, special Waterstones signed edition :D It's huge and beautiful.
His Dark Materials. New UK paperback covers. <3 They are so pretty. Sigh. Love these books the most.
The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage. US and UK audio book versions :D I had to own them. So lovely.
The Language of Thorns. The gorgeous international paperback edition :D Always hard to buy it, though.
Turtles All the Way Down. Finally got my copy from Amazon :D Hoping I will end up liking this one.. ahh.
One Dark Throne. Eee, Taiwan edition :D More below. Arrived so fast. And so worth it. It's so beautiful.
Quests for Glory. International paperback edition :D And wrong audiobook edition, sobs.. but still pretty.
Pop Figures. Gandalf, Will and Wonder Woman. Waiting on lots more too, ahh. They are all so gorgeous.
All the Crooked Saints. Eee! Thank you so much for trading with me Erica :D Love! And buttons! Ahhh.
Before She Ignites Swag. Another set of this gorgeous swag. <3 Thank you Jodi. It is all so so stunning.
Super Mario Odyssey. Eeee. New game :D I'm testing it today. And I am so excited. Please be awesome.
Bukowski Plush. Eee, had to share about this lovely thing, hih. I love these plushes so much. Adorable.
Turtles All the Way Down. Yesss. Thank you PRH Global for this amazing win :D Gorgeous t-shirt + pin.


Swag Trade. EEE! Thank you Sheyna for trading with me :D I'm dying. It is all beyond gorgeous. Love.
One Dark Throne. Eee, look how gorgeous the cover underneath is :D And artcards in the back. LOVE.
The Becoming of Noah Shaw. Ahh. I requested this over 100 days ago, just got declined. Hmph. Won't read it, though, sadly, as I'm re-reading the other three books first, and don't have time for that just yet.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Friday, October 27, 2017

Review: The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman

Oh, how I loved this magical book. I'm so, so thrilled that Philip decided to write more books in this world, about these amazing characters. This first book in this new trilogy takes place when Lyra is a baby, not yet one year old. It tells the story of Malcolm. Whom I ended up adoring so much. I loved reading about him.

As always with books by Philip, the writing was incredible. Must read his other books too, though, as I have only so far read the books from this world. But I'm pretty sure I will love other books by him too, so I must read them all one day. But anyway, I loved this book so very much. It was exciting, horrifying and so good.

I could not help but love every moment of it. This book tells the story about Malcolm, whom is around eleven years old. He lives with his parents, and reading about his life and getting to know him was the best. He has a close relationship with the nuns that live close by, and I so adored that, because Malcolm was a boy with such a big heart. He's kind and loving and brave and loyal. I loved this boy oh so much. And reading about his relationship with his dæmon, Asta, was the best thing. Sigh. I love how everyone has a dæmon in this world. And how it all works. The plot in this book is about a flood that is coming. And how Malcolm has a canoe, La Belle Sauvage, which ends up saving him from the water that comes. In a way, at least. It was exciting, all of it.

Having just re-read His Dark Materials, I have to say that this new book was a whole lot darker. There are so many awful things happening. A bunch of murders, in brutal ways. The villain was the very worst. And some parts of this book just made me so sad, as it was heartbreaking. Yet it could not have been written any other way. I loved how dark it was. I loved how horrifying some parts were. As this book was so real. And it made me feel everything. I fell in love with all of the characters. And this story. Gosh. Was so good.

A lot of this book focus on Lyra as a baby. And how Malcolm gets to meet her, and how he falls in love with her right away. Their relationship was the cutest. Lyra is so little, yet so fierce and she has the best personality. Malcolm has to save her for most of this book, villains all over. And he is the best at this. My heart broke for him so often, because he is exhausted, yet he wants to protect Lyra more than anything. And wanted to protect Alice too. So much happens in this book. I can't begin to describe it all. So I won't.

I'm just sharing a few more things about this lovely book. I have to mention again that I loved every single moment of this book. Sigh. Everything was perfect. And awful. I loved it all. The villain was the worst, and his dæmon was so disturbing. Shudders. Yet he was written so well too. Everything about this book was amazing. There are hints of a romance coming near the end of the book, and I very much approved and wanted more. I really loved reading this story about Malcolm, set in the best world, written by Philip. Love.

There is only one thing that I wish had been a bit different in this book, and that was the ending. Because it ended way too soon for me. Ahh. There are so many details I still want to know, a bunch of characters I needed to know more about. Like what happened next with all the things going on in schools. And what happened next with Hannah, and her secret work. I mean, I know where she is when Lyra is older, but I wish there had been a bit more about her before this book ended. But even so, it was the perfect ending.

But yes, I do wish there had been even more, because I grew to love these characters so much. I know that book two will be set twenty years later, ahh. But hoping for lots of details about all of these characters as well. There was this one scene near the end of the book, where the villain was doing something truly awful, and I felt a little bit confused about it. It wasn't fully clear what happened. I am hoping that it didn't happen the way I read it, but I think it did, but ahh, I wish I could be sure. Either way, fully heartbreaking.

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage was everything that I wanted and more. I knew it wouldn't be about Lyra and Will, which did break my heart, but it was still such a perfect book and it made me the happiest. Reading more from this amazing world was the best. And reading about Lyra as a baby was the cutest thing. And getting to know Malcolm and Alice was all kinds of fun. It took me some days to read this book, but it was so worth it. I only wish it had been even longer. This book was simply the best. Go read it. Now.


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #315

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

MY PLAIN JANE
BY CYNTHIA HAND & BRODI ASHTON & JODI MEADOWS


Goodreads Description:

You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!)

Or does she?

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Bronte, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.
 

Hardcover, 464 pages
Expected publication: June 26th 2018 by HarperTeen
Pre-Order here and here

I simply can't wait to read this book. Eee. I adored My Lady Jane a whole bunch, and I cannot wait to read another book by these authors together. I haven't read this original story, so don't know how that one goes, but super excited to read this book. Think I will love it so much. And that cover! DYING. So pretty.
What are you waiting for on this plain Wednesday?


Monday, October 23, 2017

Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library Launch Day Post

Today I am sharing an awesome post by the lovely authors Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson :D Their second book about Fairday Morrow is out today, and I'm so excited to read both of these books this week sometime. They sound exciting and looks gorgeous and I think I will enjoy them a lot. This second book is called Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library and is by Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson, with lovely Illustrations by David SanAngelo. You all really should get these books too :D I own them, and I'm so excited to read them. Thank you so much Jessica and Stephanie for sharing this awesome guest post. <3


HAPPY 2nd BOOK BIRTHDAY, FAIRDAY!

The next case in the DMS files is open! Follow along with Fairday and friends as the mystery unwinds in the Talking Library. Anything’s possible!

Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow had no clue that moving from Manhattan to the small town of Ashpot, Connecticut, would lead to an unsolved mystery. Her parents’ dream of renovating a crumbling Victorian, called the Begonia House, into a bed and breakfast had seemed like treachery at the time. But Fairday found out that her new house kept secrets, and once inside its twisted front gates, anything was possible.

When mysterious notes start showing up warning that a librarian is in trouble and a bookworm is eating words, Fairday thinks the Begonia House has more skeletons in its closets. She notices a passage in her favorite book has been changed, and she’s certain something is dreadfully wrong. What happens to stories when their words get eaten?

The Detective Mystery Squad is ready to investigate! Fairday, Lizzy, and Marcus take off on a sticky trail and tumble into Nowhere. Like Alice in Wonderland, Fairday finds herself in a world where nothing makes sense and the lines of reality are blurred.

The three sleuths discover amazing things about themselves as they unravel more secrets within the walls of the Begonia House. Follow along with Fairday and friends as they open the next case in the DMS files to unlock the mystery of the Talking Library.



I See Dead Quotes
By Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson

Run! Lol— dead quotes are scary when they suddenly jump out at you. Not once, but again and again, and in random places. You don’t know what you did to conjure them into your manuscript, but there they are; flat quotations hanging around with their curly cousins.

When we were working on editing the manuscript for The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow, a reviewer told us we were using, what they called, “dead” quotes. At first, we had no clue what the person was talking about, until we saw one. And then another, and another. They were everywhere, randomly scattered throughout the ms. Neither of us could figure out how we'd made them or knew that they even existed until they were pointed out to us. Cleaning them up was a lesson learned, and now we check to make sure our quotation marks look lively when writing dialogue.

Dead quotes aren’t actually dead, they’re just flat. Their real name is straight quotes. So, yes, there are curly quotes and straight quotes, and they live amidst many other mysteries that pop up in writing.

The first thing to know about a story is that it’s already written inside your head. It’s born in your imagination, and only after that can it be transposed onto a page. Words are carefully finagled in line, and the scene comes into focus in the reader's mind’s eye— this is storymagic.

But the eyes on the page string the words together. If this step isn’t properly done, the story may be lost to poor appeal, even if it’s a brilliant idea. To create scenes in another’s imagination, you need to face down the edits and not run from the dead quotes. Give them back their curl, even if it takes time and patience. In the end, you want to enchant readers with a book that is beautiful inside and out, and it’s important to pay attention to the details.



When we take a deeper look into the craft of building a story, it’s clear words take on a life of their own. In Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library, the DMS finds out punctuation can be scary, and Lizzy will tell you there’s a big difference between flat and curly. Our advice to writers editing their ms— keep a keen eye and remember, truth lies betwixt the lines.




Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson, co-authors of the Fairday Morrow Series.
Visit us on the web at: fairdaysfiles.com

Stephanie and Jess met freshman year of high school. It was in English class where they first discovered they liked the same books. Their friendship grew, and over the years they went on to work as servers together, go to the same college for a short time, and they even became roommates for a while. Many books were discussed, but none were ever written. Now, after the release of their first middle grade novel, The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow, Stephanie and Jess are excited to keep building the mystery in Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library. Anything’s possible!

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Review: The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

This book is still my favorite. It's huge and so amazing. It took me some time to read it this fourth time, but it was so worth it. It still destroys my heart. It still has the best romance, even though it's only for such a short time. Sobs. The ending is still the worst evil thing, yet I still notice tons of hints for a happy future. I hope.

The ending to this amazing trilogy is simply the best book. It's so long and it is full of information. A whole bunch of different point of views, and they were all interesting and exciting. Yes, I still do prefer Lyra and Will, but loved reading from them all. Especially Mary. There is so much happening in this book and I loved it all.

I just can't stop being thrilled about the fact that Philip is writing more books about Lyra. I'm so, so happy. It's all I have wanted since I first read these books some years ago. The first Book of Dust is about Lyra as a baby, so nothing truly new about her, but it's more from the amazing world, and I can't wait to read it next. Hoping the wait for book two won't be too long, because in that one Lyra will be around twenty years old. And I'm so, so excited for that. She will be that in book two and three. Oh, I have the highest hope that Will is going to be in the books too. But I also have the biggest fear, that he will not. That Lyra will have moved on with someone else. And if that happens, I will forever be shattered. But I don't really think that it will be like that. Maybe.

But anyway. More about this lovely third book. I'm not going to mention everything that happens in it, for I have already written three reviews before this one. I just love sharing a bit of my love for these books. As my love is endless. This world that Philip has created is the most amazing thing to read about. There are dæmons, which every human in the world that Lyra is from has. Oh, how I wish I had my own dæmon. It would be a cat, for sure. And there are a lot of other worlds too, and they are all awesome. And exciting.

So much happens in this book. There is a big war. There are angels included. And more of the witches. And more of Iorek, King of the panserbjørne. I love that bear a whole bunch. And then there are all the ghosts too. And the land of the dead. And gosh, those pages were pretty heartbreaking to read about. Yet oh so exciting. Especially when Lyra and Will ended up getting closer because of it. There is a lot more of Mrs. Coulter, and while I did not like her in the first books, I must admit that I did like her a lot in this one.

I still do not know how I feel about Lord Asriel, though. Lyra does have some powerful parents, for sure. And she is so fierce and amazing too and I just love reading about this girl. I love how she grows a lot in this final book. I love how loving and brave she is. And sometimes clever too. I love her relationship with her dæmon, Pan. It's the sweetest. And oh, her friendship with Will. And that is the best part of the whole book, and I love it to pieces. I really loved how she started to feel more for him, near the end of the book.

There isn't a lot of romance in this final book. They are still really young. And they just realized they had feelings for each other near the end of the book. And so they only have days together, and ahh. It breaks my heart so, so badly. But those pages were the best. The first kiss. So sweet and perfect. I ship Will and Lyra more than any other couple. And it ruins me when I think about how it ended for them. I can't take it. The most evil and heartbreaking ending. I need it to be all better again in the second Book of Dust book.

Anyway. I have already written more than I was going to about this book. I just love it so much. The world is amazing. The characters are all stunning. And the story is so good. So much happens in this final book, and I could never explain it all. Just know that it is a lot and it is brilliant. The Amber Spyglass is the best book. And if you still have not read this one, then shame on you. It is a book that everyone needs to have read at least once in their life. Because the story of Will and Lyra is not one to be missed. Not by anyone.


Saturday, October 21, 2017

In My Mailbox #311

I'm currently re-reading His Dark Materials, finally, and it's making me the happiest. Yesss. My fourth read, but been more than two and half years since my last read already. Gosh. But finally reading them now, and still loving them the same way, and it makes me so happy. Yay. But that is the only good part of my week. Sigh. Because my health is seriously the worst at the moment and it is just about all that I can focus on. I'm behind on a lot of things. And won't be able to catch up just yet either, because I have no energy at all. All I do all day is sit still and sleep and nap and trying to eat, if I can manage. And then I read when I'm able to, which isn't that many hours each day. Oh, and I use my iPhone all the time, but that's just about all I'm able to do these days. Aw. I'm hoping they will be able to help me after my awful hospital visit this coming week. Fingers crossed. But anyway. I got some lovely mail this week, and I love it all. <3 And I blogged a little too. I shared my review of The Golden Compass :D This week I'm waiting on Wires and Nerve 2. <3 Then shared my review of The Subtle Knife. <3 So anyway. I'm not doing the best at all. But trying to stay positive, hoping the hospital might finally help a bit, and trying to slowly catch up and read more. Might take me some time, but will get there one day :) Well, I hope so. So tired of pain.



His Dark Materials. Finally got the right set :D From amazon. Newest paperback editions. It's so perfect.
The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage. YESSSS. First of my copies have arrived :D Reading in a few days.
All the Crooked Saints. I couldn't resist ordering another UK paperback to get this bookplate, hih. Love it.
The Silver Mask. These UK paperbacks are so stunning. So pretty. Must read book three and four soon.
Miraculous Ladybug. This tv-show is still the best, and I'm just waiting for season two to come this year.
The Evaporation of Sofi Snow Tote Bag. YAY! Thank you TNZ Fiction for this so lovely pre-order gift :D


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Review: The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

This book never fails to break my heart. And this fourth read of mine was simply perfection. Thrilled to finally be reading these books again. They mean so much to me. And they are so good. The characters are all amazing to read about, and the writing is the best. I love this world oh so much. The most stunning thing.

I'm not going to talk too much about why I love this second book so much. Only mentioning a few things. First, I'm so in love with learning more about Lyra and her story. She is still so fierce and brave and loving too. She makes bad choices at times, but she's also very smart and I love her to pieces. Her dæmon, Pan, too.

This book is also told from a few more point of views. And while I would rather have had Lyra and Will at all times, I didn't mind the extra point of views at all. Because they add so much more to the story and I love that so much. There is more of the witch, Serafina, And more of a new character, Mary Malone. Whom I adore and will adore even more in book three. But the biggest reason for why I love this book, of course, is Will. He is twelve years old, and he is not from the same world as Lyra. Getting to know this boy is the very best thing. And also the most heartbreaking. He has taken care of his mother for the past five years, all on his own. He is the bravest and most loving person. It breaks my heart how he doesn't have anyone taking care of him.

Will deserves the world. As does Lyra. And reading about them meeting in this book, and getting to know each other, and becoming friends was the very best thing. But also the most heartbreaking, because I do know what's coming in the next book, and I'm not sure I can handle it. Gosh. It will be the worst. Yet first it will be the best thing. But still. My heart will break all over again. And I simply cannot wait. And then The Book of Dust after that, eee. Just wish the second one was out already too. Need that one the very most.

So much happens in this book. I'm not going to mention much of it. Just that it is all exciting and horrifying and so well written. Lyra has stepped into a new world. A world that seems to be without adults. Children are running around alone. The adults have all been attacked by something horrible. And reading about all of that was so exciting yet the most awful thing too, because it was all so sad. There are also a lot of bad people in this book too. A little of Lyra's mother, whom I still do not like at all. Hmph. Other awful ones too.

There are a lot of different witches in this book too. Some that I liked, and some that I didn't really like at all. We learn so much about Will, the new boy. Whom is the very best character. I love him the very most. Sigh. His father has been missing since before Will was one years old. He's looking for him. And oh, that whole story line was just heartbreaking. Aw. There is also a lot about Lee, and that was so heartbreaking too. I loved that man. Aw. Simply put, this book is filled with amazing and sad things. I loved every part.

There is so much I love about The Subtle Knife. It's all kinds of perfect. And I'm not able to share all of my love for it at all. Just know that it's so good. And I loved reading about Will and Lyra and everything in this new world they found. I only feel sad that this book was so short. Just over three hundred pages. I never want this story and world to end. Sniffs. But even so, this book was still perfect, even on this fourth read of mine. These books are very much worth reading. So do that, if you haven't already. They are the best.


Waiting on Wednesday #314

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

WIRES AND NERVE: VOLUME 2 BY MARISSA MEYER

Goodreads Description:

Iko – an audacious android and best friend to the Lunar Queen Cinder – has been tasked with hunting down Alpha Lysander Steele, the leader of a rogue band of bioengineered wolf-soldiers who threaten to undo the tenuous peace agreement between Earth and Luna. Unless Cinder can reverse the mutations that were forced on them years before, Steele and his soldiers plan to satisfy their monstrous appetites with a massacre of the innocent people of Earth.

And to show he’s serious, Steele is taking hostages.

Cinder and Kai, Scarlet and Wolf, Cress and Thorne, and Winter and Jacin all feature in this epic new battle. But it is Iko who must face her deepest fears when she uncovers the truth about her own unusual programming.
 


Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Feiwel & Friends
Pre-Order here and here

Ahh, I cannot wait for this precious thing :D It's going to be so so so good. I love all books by Marissa the very most. And this series is simply the best. And Iko is adorable. And I cannot wait to read this second graphic novel about her :D Eee. Such stunning artwork. Such awesome story. And all the old characters too. And romance about to happen for Iko. Well, I hope so, anyway :D I cannot wait for this lovely book.
What are you waiting for on this rogue Wednesday?

Monday, October 16, 2017

Review: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

This is my fourth time reading this. And I still love it so, so much. I was supposed to re-read it last year too, but I didn't make time for it, so it has now been over two and a half year since my last read. Gosh. Time moves so fast. Yet I still think about this trilogy all the time, because it has a special place in my heart. Always.

I can't even begin to mention why I love this book so much. It's just special to me. The writing is incredible. The world created is the most amazing thing to read about. Reading about Lyra just fills me with joy, because she is the very best girl and I love her so much. Reading about dæmons and bears never gets boring.

I must admit that the next two books are more special to me, simply because they are about Lyra and Will. And Will was not in this first book. But even though he wasn't, it was still such a spectacular book and I just love it oh so much. I'm not going to talk much about it this time. Simply because my heart is full and my mind feels empty. I'm so so glad that I finally had the time to read these most precious books again, as the first book in The Book of Dust trilogy is out this week, and oh gosh, I'm beyond excited. I'm so thrilled that Philip is writing more books from this world. And that they will all be about Lyra. When she's around twenty in book two and three, and I simply cannot wait. I have such high hopes and dreams and wishes and fears. Excited.

This book tells the story of eleven year old Lyra. She has lived at a college all her life, and she's a little savage because of this. And I loved that about her so much. She's a bit wild yet fiercely full of love too. She tells a whole bunch of stories and lies, yet she knows when things are important. In the beginning of the book she is very much a child, but by the end of this book, she has grown up a whole lot. Which is mostly because of all the awful things that happen around her, and that break my heart. So much pain.

I'm not going to mention all that happens in this book. Just that if you have not read it yet, then you are truly missing out. This book is full of everything. Lyra is the most awesome girl. And she has the cutest dæmon, Pan. Every human in this world has a dæmon, a part of their soul as an animal. Reading about all of that is just the most precious thing. I loved learning about it all over again. I had not really forgotten anything about this book these past few years, but it was still so lovely to read it all over again. I love it all.

There is so much that I could say about The Golden Compass. But I'm not going to. Just that this book is truly perfect. And I love it beyond words. And I simply cannot wait to re-read the next two books as well, and then finally get to read La Belle Sauvage. It's going to be so good. I'm simply unable to share more about why I love this book so much. Just that it is heartbreaking yet so lovely. Story is epic and exciting and so evil. So much happens, and I loved reading every moment of it. And I will never not love this book.


Saturday, October 14, 2017

In My Mailbox #310

I got so much mail this week. Ahhh. So for the first time in ages, I had to take two photos. Ack. I wouldn't have had room for all these new books.. but I found more books to sell this week. Sobs. Anyway. I love everything that I got in the mail this week :D Eee. This week I didn't get to read as much.. I read all of Quests for Glory last saturday. <3 Which was awesome. And then on Tuesday I read all of The Fault in Our Stars. Which was not awesome. Ugh. Even though I had loved it like crazy twice before. So unfair. But anyway. Health still sucks the very most. Just waiting for my appointment in ten days. I don't want it, at all, but it has to be done, they say, to decide what medicine I can use now. Sigh. It shall be awful. But I will survive. Probably. Will be my fourth time this year that I'm put to light sleep. Haha. Hope that's safe. Anyway. A few blog posts this week :D And my blog turned six! Eeee. First, posted my review of Quests for Glory. <3 Then my review of The Fault in Our Stars. Ugh. And this week I'm waiting on The Beast's Heart :) And then my Six Years of Blogging + Giveaway post :D Despite bad health, my week was good.



Last Star Burning. I'm crossing all my fingers that I will end up loving this book. It seems so so good.
The Language of Thorns. The UK paperback edition :D Yay. It's so gorgeous. Still missing a few copies.
Into the Bright Unknown. Yessss. I cannot wait to read this final book :D Think I must re-read first, though.
The Knowing. Didn't love this one, sobs, but must still own it, of course :D It's beyond beautiful, though.
Invictus. Finally got my hardcover :D I enjoyed this book oh so much. And the book is oh so gorgeous.
Quests for Glory. My B&N special edition :D So lovely. And my final copy of this book. Ahh. Love it so.
One Dark Throne. B&N special edition :D And German edition. Eee. Both beautiful. Loved this book.
All the Crooked Saints. US and UK and AUS editions. Eee. They are all so beautiful. Hope I'll love this.
Magnus Chase. I now this whole trilogy. But haven't read it yet. Must first re-read all of Percy Jackson :D
The Silver Mask. Ahh, adored book one and two. Must read book three soon, then this one :D So excited.
Devils & Thieves. So excited about this book too. Hoping that I will end up loving it lots. Looks stunning.
Snow & Rose. Eee, I'm super curious about this book. It looks and sounds so amazing. Please be that.
There's Someone Inside Your House. Finally got this one. Reading it soonish, I hope. Wish to love it so.



Harry Potter. The newest illustrated edition. Eee. It's so pretty. Have them all, but not sure when I'll read.
Signed Leigh Bardugo. I AM SO HAPPY. Thank you Leigh :D And Parnassus Books for getting these personalized to me :D I love them all to pieces. And ahh. I got the pins. Beyond happy. Love love love.
Batman: Nightwalker. EEE! Thank you so much Penguin Random House International for this :D Love.
Happy Hello Bookmarks. Ahh. All my newest bookmarks. I have bought a bunch lately. They are perfect.
Swag. Eee. Three Dark Crowns crown + other gorgeous swag :D So happy. Thank you lovely Alyssa. <3
The Language of Thorns Pre-Order Pin. Yay! Thank you so much Jessena for trading this with me. <3
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark + Moana. That first movie is creepy and lovely. Finally bought right Moana.
Pop Figures. More of the new Harry Potter ones, finally :D Yay. And WW. And other lovely ones. Yess.




More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Six Years of Blogging + Giveaway

I'm not sure how it's possible, but I forgot about my blog birthday once again. Was only reminded about it by seeing some lovely friends tweet about their own blog birthday a few days ago. So this time at least I didn't forget about it until way past the date, haha :D Managed to remember before today, so that's good. Anyway. MY BLOG IS SIX YEARS OLD TODAY :D And eee. I have loved blogging all of these years so much. And I don't feel like quitting anytime soon. I do feel like I haven't gotten that many pageviews or comments lately, which makes me a bit sad, but I still love writing reviews and sharing what I get in the mail each week, so I won't stop doing any of it. And I am so, so thankful to all of you for still commenting, because there are a few of you that always visit. It means the most to me. <3 Thank you for supporting me and my blog :D Also, gosh, I'm not sure where the past six years have gone. Time is moving so fast.

I can't afford a big giveaway at this moment, sadly, but still wanted to give away a pre-order even so :) You can pick one of the books pictured below if you win. I have read all four, and I loved them all. You must read them too. The winner will get one pre-ordered hardcover of their choice from the books below.



Rules.
International.
Will be one winner.
Must reply within 48 hours.

Waiting on Wednesday #313

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

THE BEAST'S HEART BY LEIFE SHALLCROSS

Goodreads Description:

I am neither monster nor man - yet I am both.

I am the Beast.

The day I was cursed to this wretched existence was the day I was saved - although it did not feel so at the time.

My redemption sprung from contemptible roots; I am not proud of what I did the day her father happened upon my crumbling, isolated chateau. But if loneliness breeds desperation then I was desperate indeed, and I did what I felt I must. My shameful behaviour was unjustly rewarded.

My Isabeau. She opened my eyes, my mind and my heart; she taught me how to be human again.

And now I might lose her forever.


Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: May 3rd 2018 by Hodder & Stoughton
Pre-Order here and here

This book will be out on my birthday. And I'm very curious about it :D It looks pretty. And it sounds pretty awesome too. I really loved the Beauty and the Beast retelling book, Hunted. And I'm crossing my fingers that I will enjoy this one too. Hope it will be a bit dark, to be honest. Just, please be awesome and dark :)
What are you waiting for on this beastly Wednesday?