Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Review: Orgo Runners: The First Run by R. J. Furness

Ever since I saw a plush of an orgo runner on twitter owned by a friend of mine, I knew I had to give this book a try. And try my best to get the gorgeous plush for myself. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of this book and a stunning grey orgo plush from the author. Which I adore the most. I am glad that I decided to try this.

Though it ended up being a two star for me. Which was a little bit disappointing, but I'm still happy I read it. This book looks adorable and has such cute creatures. It was a fast read, which I was happy about. There are also some small illustrations in the book that was pretty cute too. This book was not really for me, but I did like it too.

I will not be writing too much about this book, because it was very short and so there wasn't a lot happening in it. But I will share my thoughts about it. It's a two star for me, because I had issues with the writing. It was a bit awkward and sadly not written very well at all. At least not for me. I'm sure there is a lot of people that would enjoy this book, but I was not one of those that would love it. I wish I had, but the writing was not good enough for me. I didn't manage to connect with the characters or with the story, even though it was short. But I also did not hate this story. I found it to be interesting, and I wanted to know what would happen after the end of the book. Unsure if I will continue with this series, though. But I might, if they are all as short and easy to read. As I'm curious.

What I did like about this book was the creatures and the world. I feel like if it had been written better and had been longer and more detailed I could have enjoyed it better too. Because I did like reading about the orgo in this one. They are the cute animals on the cover. They are super fast and they seemed adorable. Some things were a little silly, but still cute. The world also seemed pretty awesome and I wish there had been more about it. Would so have loved to learn more about everything, how it all came to be that way.

But I did not care for the characters. This short story is about Fayth and her friends Megg and Ink. They all ride the orgo and have their own races with each other. That is pretty much everything we get to know about these three young teenagers. Which was disappointing. I wanted to get to know all of them better. Because what little there was of each of them did not make me like them at all. Fayth seemed too rude. Ink seemed a bit too weird, without ever finding out why. And Megg was simply just there. I wanted more.

There are a few other characters in this book too, but they were there for such a short time that they are not worth mentioning. I did not care for how they were written, though, or how they spoke. It was a little awkward. But I was still curious about this world. And wanted to know more about the creatures. Simply wishing the book had been a bit more. Yet I'm still glad I decided to give it a try. It was an fast and easy read, and though I wish I had liked it more, I'm still happy with how I felt about it. It was not all that bad.

Since this book was so short I will not be sharing anything about the plot. Only that they are riding their orgos a lot, which was pretty awesome. Huge thank you to R. J. Furness for sending me a copy of this book along with the most gorgeous orgo plush. And even though this book was not for me, I think you should all give it a try. It was super fast to read, and I am so curious about the world and the animals. Would love to learn more about them. And so I might, one day, read more of the Orgo Runners books.


Waiting on Wednesday #368

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

SOUL OF THE SWORD (Shadow of the Fox #2) 
BY JULIE KAGAWA

Goodreads Description:

One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged. Kamigoroshi. The Godslayer. It had one task: to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono.

Now he has broken free.


Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has one task: to take her piece of the ancient and powerful scroll to the Steel Feather temple in order to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change, the great Kami Dragon who will grant one wish to whomever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. But she has a new enemy now. The demon Hakaimono, who for centuries was trapped in a cursed sword, has escaped and possessed the boy she thought would protect her, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan.

Hakaimono has done the unthinkable and joined forces with the Master of Demons in order to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. To overthrow the empire and cover the land in darkness, they need one thing: the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. As the paths of Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross once again, the entire empire will be thrown into chaos.


Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: June 18th 2019 by Inkyard Press
Pre-Order here and here

Shadow of the Fox was a pretty good book :D And I adore Julie. And so I simply cannot wait to read Soul of the Sword too. Eee. It sounds awesome. And oh gosh, that cover! It is so gorgeous. I love it very very much. I'm hoping this second book will have a bunch more romance. Eee. Crossing my fingers for that :)
What are you waiting for on this possessed Wednesday?

Saturday, October 27, 2018

In My Mailbox #364

Another week gone by waaay too fast. And I have not read anything since I read Coraline last Saturday. Ahh. I just don't want to read any of the books I have. Hmph. Even though I have hundreds and hundreds of books unread. I just do not feel like reading any of them right now. Sigh. But I want to read. I do. Just hard to get back to it, I suppose. Also because of my health, which is no better at all. Hmph. So only two blog posts this week. Aw. More next week, for sure. I will read. I shared my review of Coraline :) And this week I'm waiting on King of Fools. I have also been sorting some of my books yesterday and today. And found more that I shall try selling. Ahh. Around a hundred books picked out so far. It's breaking my heart, but they do have to go. Sigh. I shall survive. Probably. Then there is The Haunting of Hill House. Eee. My newest obsession. I'm loving it so very much. Well, I mean, I saw all episodes last Sunday and Monday, and have currently seen seven episodes of my second watch, haha. I'm loving it the most. Eee. This is a show that I shall watch a bunch of times. Sigh. Love how well it is made. And creepy. And just wonderful. Have you seen it yet? If not, you must. It's the very best. So anyway. My health still sucks. I'm still forever behind, but slowly catching up a little. Still waiting on my laptop that is away at service. Waiting on some stunning mail too, eee. I'm excited. Also got a bunch of precious books this week that I love so much :D



Six of Crows. Ahh, look at this gorgeous UK collector's edition :D It is so perfect. Love it the most. <3
Invictus. Paperback edition :D I own them all, haha. Enjoyed this book a bunch. <3 And love this author.
The Becoming of Noah Shaw. Forever behind on this series. Gosh. I loved them back then. Own them all.
Spirit Animals. From a trade with Jordan :D Only Victoria book I did not own yet. <3 It looks so stunning.
Jurassic World 2. Excited about seeing this movie again soonish. I very much love my dinosaurs, haha :)
Sawkill Girls. Ahh! Thank you so much Asha :D I'm dying. I love love this UK ARC version so much. <3
Shades of Magic. Eeee! My first owned comic books. Expensive, but worth it. One issue, all so perfect.




Warrior of the Wild. Ahh! I wanted this one when it showed up on Netgalley, but it was not possible to get then. But days later, I looked at it again, and this time I could download it. And eee! I am so excited :D Yet also so nervous. I very much want to love this book. But I have had such bad luck with all my books lately, so I'm worried. But fingers crossed. I shall read it very soon :)


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #367

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

KING OF FOOLS (The Shadow Game #2) 
BY AMANDA FOODY

Goodreads Description:

Indulge your vices in the City of Sin, where a sinister street war is brewing and fame is the deadliest killer of them all...

On the quest to find her missing mother, prim and proper Enne Salta became reluctant allies with Levi Glaisyer, the city’s most famous con man. Saving his life in the Shadow Game forced Enne to assume the identity of Seance, a mysterious underworld figure. Now, with the Chancellor of the Republic dead and bounties on both their heads, she and Levi must play a dangerous game of crime and politics…with the very fate of New Reynes at stake.

Thirsting for his freedom and the chance to build an empire, Levi enters an unlikely partnership with Vianca Augustine’s estranged son. Meanwhile, Enne remains trapped by the mafia donna’s binding oath, playing the roles of both darling lady and cunning street lord, unsure which side of herself reflects the truth.

As Enne and Levi walk a path of unimaginable wealth and opportunity, new relationships and deadly secrets could quickly lead them into ruin. And when unforeseen players enter the game, they must each make an impossible choice: To sacrifice everything they’ve earned in order to survive...

Or die as legends.


Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: April 30th 2019 by Inkyard Press
Pre-Order here and here

I'm still unsure if I wish to read this second book or not. Aaack. The first one was a three star for me. I did like it a lot. But I'm.. not really in the mood for more? At least not right now? Gah. Romance disappointed me. And I feel it will continue to disappoint me; and I can't handle more bad romances. So yeah. I need some reviews of this one first, before I know for sure if I will read it or not :D Still. Right now I'm curious.
What are you waiting for on this foolish Wednesday?

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Review: Coraline by Neil Gaiman

I have been meaning to read this book for years now. As I very much love the animated Coraline movie. And I have wanted to read and love the book too. And now I finally got the chance to read this book. Sadly, I ended up being a bit disappointed by it. Sigh. Still, was a three star. For me, the movie was much better.

Even so, this book was not bad. Was simply not that good either. I very much loved the small pieces of artwork inside of the book; it was stunning. I found Coraline to be all kinds of adorable. And the cat in this book was the cutest thing. Which was pretty much everything I liked about this one. I liked that it was easy to read.

As this book was all kinds of short. For the most part the writing was okay, but it was sadly not for me. I did not like the way it was written; as it made me feel nothing for the story or Coraline. Yes, I adored her, and I found the story to be interesting, but I did not care. I so wanted this book to make me feel more, but it did not. This book tells the story of Coraline. She's just moved to a new place with her parents, and she doesn't know what to do with her days. She loves to explore. She ends up finding a small strange door. It leads nowhere. Until suddenly it does. In the other side, she finds a different mother and father. They have buttons instead of eyes. They feed her well, and she do seem to like them. But this other place is not safe. At all. And that is this story.

When it comes to the differences between the book and the movie. For me, personally, the movie was so much better than this book. Yet the book wasn't bad. And there were things that I liked about it, that were not included in the movie. In this book, Coraline is a lot younger. It is not stated that she has any friends. Her parents don't play with her, but they aren't rude as they were in the movie. And book Coraline was not very rude either, like she was in the movie. She was more soft. Yet I love movie Coraline more, haha.

This book also did not have Wybie. Which was just the saddest thing. That boy was so awesome in the movie. And the dolls in the movie too; I missed those. I felt like the movie was done better. It told a better story. Because I felt like this book left so much out. It did not do a good job of telling this story. It was a bit too boring and too short and too few details. Coraline only spends one day with the other mother before her parents are taken by her. It all happened a little too fast, I think. It also was not as scary, to be honest.

But even though I loved the movie so so very much more than the book, I did not hate this book. I just felt a bit disappointed by it, to be honest. I was expecting more. I wanted better writing. I wanted more from the story. Instead I got a story that was even less than the movie. So rude. I really did like reading about Coraline, though. She was adorable and small and just cute. While this book was not that scary, it was still interesting and a little creepy too. I'm glad that I finally gave it a try. Even if it was not perfect for me.


In My Mailbox #363

How is it already Saturday again? What. Time is moving way too fast. And I am still getting too little done. Ugh. Have a better feeling about the coming days, so I think I will finally be getting things done :D Fingers crossed. I did not read this past week. Well, I read half of Coraline yesterday, and the last half today. That book was so short, so I'm not sure that fully counts, haha. I just don't know what I wish to read right now. Hmm. Also got some stunning mail this week :D Which I love a whole bunch. A few blog posts this week. I shared about the cover for Shadow & Flame :D This week I'm waiting on White Stag. <3 I'm also sharing my Coraline review today, but not done writing it just yet. Would mean the most to me if you have time to comment. <3 I know, I'm so so far behind myself. But I will catch up. To all the posts I have missed these past months. I'm still having the worst health, but I'm doing okay :) Slowly starting to catch up and such. Still waiting for my laptop to come back from service. Most likely two more weeks. Gah. I may die. Haha.



Percy Jackson. Ohhh. Such a gorgeous huge illustrated edition :D I must re-read all of these books soon.
Sawkill Girls + Two Dark Reigns. Eee! Personalized copies from Blue Willow :D More on insta. Love. <3
Hotel Transylvania 3. Yesss. I finally finally get to watch this one shortly :D Waited forever and ever for it.
Dæmon Voices. I had the UK version of this, but had to have the US one too. Ack. Looks awesome :D
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein. Eee, the international paperback :D It is so stunning. Love.
Into the Bright Unknown. US paperback :D My collection is complete. <3 Must read this third book soon.
Seeker. Finally managed to buy this paperback too :D Collection complete. <3 Haven't read it yet, aack.
Orgo Runners. Huge thank you to the author, R. J. for sending me this amazing book and plush :D Love.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #366

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

WHITE STAG BY KARA BARBIERI

Goodreads Description:

The first book in a brutally stunning series where a young girl finds herself becoming more monster than human and must uncover dangerous truths about who she is and the place that has become her home.

As the last child in a family of daughters, seventeen-year-old Janneke was raised to be the male heir. While her sisters were becoming wives and mothers, she was taught to hunt, track, and fight. On the day her village was burned to the ground, Janneke—as the only survivor—was taken captive by the malicious Lydian and eventually sent to work for his nephew Soren.

Janneke’s survival in the court of merciless monsters has come at the cost of her connection to the human world. And when the Goblin King’s death ignites an ancient hunt for the next king, Soren senses an opportunity for her to finally fully accept the ways of the brutal Permafrost. But every action he takes to bring her deeper into his world only shows him that a little humanity isn’t bad—especially when it comes to those you care about.

Through every battle they survive, Janneke’s loyalty to Soren deepens. After dangerous truths are revealed, Janneke must choose between holding on or letting go of her last connections to a world she no longer belongs to. She must make the right choice to save the only thing keeping both worlds from crumbling.
 


Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: January 8th 2019 by Wednesday Books 
Pre-Order here and here

I only heard about this book, for real, a few days ago. And oh my gosh, how I am curious about it :D Eee! That cover! It is stunning. And the summary is pretty amazing too. I simply cannot wait to read this one now. Eee. I might get to take part in the blog tour, and get to read an eARC of it. Crossing all my fingers.
What are you waiting for on this dangerous Wednesday?

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Cover Reveal: Shadow & Flame by Mindee Arnett

I am so so very excited about this book :D Is it June 4th yet? Hmph. I need this one in my life. <3 I very much adored the first book, Onyx & Ivory. And I am just beyond excited about this sequel :D Shadow & Flame is going to be awesome. And oh my gosh, it looks SO GORGEOUS :D Eeee! I am n love with this cover. I love how stunning it is. Sigh. Love. Cannot wait to own it too, when it comes out. There is not a summary yet for this book, but Mindee mentioned that this book will take place one year after book one. What! I am nervous. Nervous about my romance.. hmm. Yet so so very excited too. I am sure it will be done really well :D Wait. I checked again. And there is a small summary! Ahhh! I love it. I'm nervous. So excited. And gosh, I just cannot wait to read this one. Eee. What do you think of this gorgeous cover? :D


From acclaimed author Mindee Arnett comes the thrilling conclusion of the stunningly epic, action-packed, and romantic fantasy adventure about a powerful girl possessed of strange magic, the outcast prince she loves, and the kingdom that has torn them apart.

Kate and Corwin are on the run, desperate for allies in a new world of war among the kingdoms of Rime. As the book opens, Kate suffers a massive loss, one that will shape the struggle for freedom of all wilders and magic folk—that is, if Kate can learn to control her own power.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

In My Mailbox #362

It's getting darker and darker these days. Ahh. Which means all my pictures will start getting darker too. Hmph. How rude. I want winter to be over already, haha. It is also so cold most of the time too. I haven't taken my spa bath done yet, but it must be done this month sometime. I don't want to, lol. I have not been good at reading lately at all. Ugh. I finished Beneath the Citadel this week, but yeah, it was not good. Two stars. My latest five reads have all been three stars and below. I am so disappointed. And so so goddamn tired of reading bad books. Ugh. I need something aamazing to read. But unsure what I have that will be amazing. Hmm. I do have tons and tons to choose from, though, haha. I just need the energy to read as well :) Which I still do not have. At all. Got more medicine this week, though that is still not working for the rest of me. I'm also currently using a very very old laptop, which is not very good, because I had to send in my own for service, hoping to get a new one, as it has been having issues for ages. Sobs. So I'm now without my laptop for weeks, probably. I'm sad. But I shall survive. Probably. Also need to get started on catching up too. Soon. A few blog posts this week. Shared my review of Beneath the Citadel :) This week I'm waiting on Pumpkinheads. <3 And yesterday was my Seven Years of Blogging day, ahh :D Time has gone by so so fast. <3 I also got a whole bunch of stunning mail this week. Gosh. October has been so crazy so far with all the books out, lol. Loving all of them. <3 But gosh, no more room. Ahh! Save me :)



Shadow of the Fox. Such a gorgeous finished copy :D I adore Julie. <3 This book was pretty good too.
Vengeful. So gorgeous :D Unsure when I will be brave enough to read it, though, haha. But it is stunning.
Clash of Beasts. I have only read book one of this trilogy so far, ack, but will catch up one day :D So cute.
Grim Lovelies. Hardcover and intl paperback :D Both so so gorgeous. I adored this book. Love the cover.
Renegades. Second paperback has arrived, haha :D My Renegades collection is so crazy big. Gosh. <3
The Hollow of Fear. This finished copy is all kinds of gorgeous :D And I loved this book beyond words. <3
Give the Dark My Love + A World Without You + Rebel Rising + Swag. EEE! Thank you so much to Beth and Malaprops Bookstore for letting me order these books to be personalized :D EEE! I love them all so so so very much. <3 Sigh. Beth is the best. And the swag! I am dying. It's so perfect. Sigh. Thank you. <3
Pop Figures. These new nutcracker pops are so gorgeous :D I love them. Spyro is pretty much adorable.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Seven Years of Blogging

I cannot believe it has been seven years already since I first started this blog. Gosh. Time is moving fast. And I have had the seven best years possible. Book blogging is the best to me, and I just love reading and reviewing books and sharing some bookish love :D Love most to share what I get in the mail every week, haha. And I am so thankful to every one of you for commenting on my posts. Thank you. So very much. It means the most to me. <3 I have blogged for seven years, and I do not plan on stopping. Not anytime soon. I love it too much. Sadly I do not have a giveaway this year. As I have not had the energy to put anything together. My health has been the worst since April of last year, and it just keeps getting worse. Hmph. I'm hoping I will start feeling better soon, as I'm behind on so much. A few months behind on commenting, but I have every post saved, and I will comment on them all once I feel a little better :D But yes. No giveaway today. I shall do my best to have a bigger giveaway later this year, though. Just. Thank you all for commenting and talking to me and just being here. It means the most. Love all of the people I have met thanks to book blogging. I use twitter the most, and there are so many lovely people there. You are all awesome. Although I'm super behind on everything, I'm still here. And always will be :)

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #365

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

PUMPKINHEADS BY RAINBOW ROWELL 
& FAITH ERIN HICKS

Goodreads Description:

Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.
But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?

Beloved writer Rainbow Rowell and Eisner Award–winning artist Faith Erin Hicks have teamed up to create this tender and hilarious story about two irresistible teens discovering what it means to leave behind a place—and a person—with no regrets.


Hardcover, 224 pages
Expected publication: August 27th 2019 by First Second
Pre-Order here and here

Eeee. I simply cannot wait for this graphic novel :D I adore Rainbow. So very much. And this story looks all kinds of adorable. That cover is the cutest. Cannot wait to get to read this one :D So so very excited about it. But gosh, not out until late August of next year. Ahh. Forever to wait. But it will be worth it. <3
What are you waiting for on this autumn Wednesday?

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Review: Beneath the Citadel by Destiny Soria

I wanted so badly to love this book. Because it looks gorgeous and sounded awesome. Sadly it was not the case for me. Ended up being a two star. And not very positive. It took ages for me to read this book, which was a bad thing, as it never seemed to get better at all. Beginning was good, but it went downhill after that.

Not fully sure how to describe this book. It was all kinds of long, yet my review will not be all that long, cause not much happened in this story. It took forever to read, but there wasn't much going on. Which was disappointing. There are also six different point of views. Yeah. Mostly just four, but still. It was too many, honestly.

Which I think I feel because I did not care at all for any of these characters. Ugh. I felt like this book tried too hard. Tried too hard to make it all be dark and interesting. Tried too hard to make the characters be special, different and amazing. To me, personally, all of it failed. There was no romance in this book. A little bit of it, and it was not good. I did not really understand why any of these five main characters were friends. Hmm. A few flashback scenes from each point of view, of how they met. Which was beyond boring. The writing was not very good, yet not completely bad either. I just couldn't connect with any of these characters. Wanted to love all of them. But I did not. Not even a little bit. Felt like they all tried too hard to be like characters from different books.

Hmph. I'm feeling all kinds of disappointed about it, as I really did want to love this book. Ugh. But it was impossible for me to love it. The world could have been exciting to read about. Seems like it is set in the past, yet kind of fantasy too. But the world is not explained enough. I feel like I don't really know anything about it, after having finished. This was more of a character book, I think. Which was sadly not for me at this time. Since I disliked all of these characters a bunch. Hmph. World could have been so great, though.

This book is told from the point of view of a bunch of sixteen year olds. There was Cassa, whom is sort of the leader among these friends. Her parents were big rebels, until every rebel was killed four years ago. Cassa is full of hate and anger towards the people in charge of this town. Felt like I could have loved her so much. I did not. Felt like I didn't get to know her at all. There was Vesper, her most best friend. Except she betrayed them in the beginning, and was not in this book much at all. And I didn't like her either. Sigh.

There was Evander, whom Cassa was together with for a while, until they broke it off together. Yet they are still friends. There were a few short flashbacks about their time together, which was just awkward, to be honest, as there was zero romance between them at the present time. I sort of liked Evander. But felt like he too tried too hard. Then his sister, Alys. Sort of liked her too, but did not care much about her, to be honest. She is always falling apart, yet not really. It was never explained well enough. Wanted more.

There was also Newt. Who was supposed to be the broken shy boy whom everyone loved. Yeah. I didn't buy that. I did not like him very much, to be honest. He has had a crush on Evander for years, and it may finally happen. Sadly I felt nothing for either of them, so the kind of romance was incredibly disappointing. Was not written well, sadly. The sixth point of view was from the leader of this town. He was there a little bit only. I did not like him at all. Sigh. Too many point of views, too little action and story. So disappointed.

There is not really much I want to say about this book, so I will keep it short. Sort of. I never write short reviews, and this ended up being way longer than it was supposed to, haha. But anyway. This book takes place over maybe a couple of days. Which might be why I did not connect with any of it. The plot was so very short. Not much happens. Not much about characters outside of the main ones. So to me, all of this book fell short. And I don't feel like writing about the plot at all, I'm sorry to say. Wish all had been better.

The writing bothered me a whole lot. At times it was pretty great. But most of the time it was not. I kind of blame the last book I read, where I noticed words I have never heard of before being used many times on every single page. Almost the same thing was done in this. There were tons of words I have never heard about. And it was highly annoying to read when it was full of big and complicated words that did not really fit in with the story. Hmph. I did not manage to connect to any of the characters, which was disappointing.

The one thing I liked a bunch about this book was the monster beneath the citadel. He was interesting to read about. He was dark and awesome. Kind of horrible, sure, but reading about this character was the only bright spot, the one thing that kept me reading. Until the book ruined that too. Sigh. Could have been done so much better. I also did not care for the ending. At all. It's a standalone and I did not feel like there should be anything after this book. And yeah, one of the main characters ends up dead. Sigh. So typical.

Huge thank you to Amulet, the lovely UK publisher, for sending me an ARC copy of this stunning book my way. I will treasure it. Feeling sad this book was not for me, though. As I also got the hardcover, which is the version of the book I read. Hmph. But I'm happy that I gave this book a try. Sadly, Beneath the Citadel was nothing like I had hoped it would be. It ended up disappointing me a lot. Sure there are lots of others who will end up loving it tons, though. But for me, it was simply not a good book. Wish it had been better.


Saturday, October 6, 2018

In My Mailbox #361

It has been almost two weeks now with me not reading anything. Aaack. The surgery for my nose pretty much killed me. Ugh. Just been so so so exhausted and got a bad cold as well, which still is not gone, so yeah. I'm further behind. And sick. And hurting. And so goddamn tired of it. I read a few pages of Beneath the Citadel yesterday, and will be reading more tonight and tomorrow. Might take me a few days to finish, as I need more time. Sigh. And more energy. Hmph. But still. Had a good week, despite not getting much done :) I have been spending every day with nephew, like usual, but this past week we have been playing The Incredibles together on my Switch. It's been fun. Adore this game. We are above 96% done, played since last Friday. Ack. Oh, well. It's been great, though it's taken a lot of my energy. Hmph. As I have not read anything, and am so behind on everything, I only had two new blog posts this week. Ack. Shared the cover reveal for Blastaway. <3 And this week I'm waiting on Courting Darkness :D I also got a whole lot of new books this week, aaack. Too much. But they are all perfect. I could not resist. October is a big month for new books. Love everything that I got so so very much. Just wishing I will have more energy soon. So I can read more. So that I can finally start commenting again. And catch up to other things as well. Hmph.


La Belle Sauvage. Eee! New US collector's edition. It is gorgeous. Regular and signed. Love it so much.
Coraline. Special hardcover edition of Coraline :D I have not read this book yet, but I will. This year. Yess.
Sawkill Girls. Eee! One of my two hardcovers. <3 And gosh, it is gorgeous. Love it so much :D Best book.
Renegades. One of two, ack :D Just so stunning. Love this new paperback edition. Loved this book tons.
His Dark Materials. Love this boxed set. <3 Have two now, but I read those.. and ahh. Needed one whole.
Nightfall. Beyond behind on this stunning series, ahh, but I still need to own all the editions of it, haha :D
Beneath the Citadel. Currently reading this one, and hoping it will end up being amazing :D Want it to be.
Grave Mercy + Dark Triumph + Mortal Heart. Eee! New US paperback covers :D Love this series+covers.
Two Dark Reigns. Stunning UK version is finally out now too :D And I am very in love with this cover. <3
Mary and the Witch's Flower. Yesss. Finally I will get to watch this one :D In English, lol. Cannot wait. <3
Sky in the Deep. Ahh! LOVE! The audiobook versions that I love, haha :D Was SO cheap on AmazonUK.
Coraline. EEE! I found a US place to order this from, and I am so pleased :D Love this tiny doll. <3 Cute.
Pop Figures. Couldn't help but get this The Witch villain goat devil thing, haha :D So cute. And Maui. <3
 

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #364

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

COURTING DARKNESS BY ROBIN LAFEVERS

Goodreads Description:

Death wasn’t the end, it was only the beginning…

Sybella has always been the darkest of Death’s daughters, trained at the convent of Saint Mortain to serve as his justice. But she has a new mission now. In a desperate bid to keep her two youngest sisters safe from the family that nearly destroyed them all, she agrees to accompany the duchess to France, where they quickly find themselves surrounded by enemies. Their one ray of hope is Sybella’s fellow novitiates, disguised and hidden deep in the French court years ago by the convent—provided Sybella can find them.

Genevieve has been undercover for so many years, she struggles to remember who she is or what she’s supposed to be fighting for. Her only solace is a hidden prisoner who appears all but forgotten by his guards. When tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands—even if it means ignoring the long awaited orders from the convent.

As Sybella and Gen’s paths draw ever closer, the fate of everything they hold sacred rests on a knife’s edge. Will they find each other in time, or will their worlds collide, destroying everything they care about?


Hardcover, 512 pages
Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by HMH Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here and here

Is it time for this most stunning book yet? :D Ahh! I cannot wait to read Courting Darkness. Eee. I loved the Grave Mercy trilogy so very much. And I am very much in need of a re-read. But waiting until I have the chance to read this one right after. Simply cannot wait to read all four books at once. I will love this one. And only wish I could read it right now. So in love with the cover too :D Cover reveal post here. <3
What are you waiting for on this dark Wednesday?

Monday, October 1, 2018

Cover Reveal: Blastaway by Melissa Landers

Today I'm sharing the cover for Blastaway by Melissa Landers :D I adore Melissa. And the books I have read by her so far have all been awesome. I'm a couple of books behind, which I need to read very soon. <3 Melissa is awesome. And Blastaway looks and sounds so amazing, eee :D I cannot wait to read this fun looking middle grade book. It will be out next summer, and I'll be reading it as soon as possible. Huge thank you to Jaime at Rockstar Book Tours for letting me take part in this reveal :D Pretty excited about this book, and hope all of you are too. <3 What do you think of the cover? :D Isn't it gorgeous? I love it :)


Exclusive Excerpt.

At some point, I must have fallen asleep.

I say that for two reasons. First, my chin was wet with drool, and I hardly ever slobber on myself when I’m awake. And second, I was no longer on Earth.

I sat bolt upright and stared out the window as distant stars whizzed past in a blur. There were no planets in sight, and judging by the swirling purple nebula ahead of me, this wasn’t the way to Nana’s house. I checked the navigation screen and felt my mouth drop open. The flashing beacon that represented my ship was halfway between Earth and Fasti.

(So you see, it is totally possible to steal a spaceship on accident.)

I guess my hand hit the EXECUTE button when I fell asleep. And because it would take just as long for me to turn around and go home as it would to finish my journey, it made sense to keep going, right? Either way, my parents would ground me into the afterlife, so I might as well earn the sentence, right?

Right.

An electric thrill rushed through my veins when I thought about the possibilities that lay ahead of me. Anything could happen on this trip. Literally anything. I could discover a brand-new element. Or meet a secret race of aliens. Or invent a new energy source. Or eat so much chocolate that I puked. Either way, I had complete freedom to make this journey into whatever I wanted, and once I realized that, there was no freaking way I could turn back. It was like the universe had dropped a gift in my lap, a gift I had no intention of returning.    

I wiped the drool off my chin and smiled.

“Hold onto your stars, Fasti. Here I come.”







Pitched as "Home Alone in space," a young science prodigy who runs away in his family spaceship must team up with a plucky mutant to save the Earth from destruction.



Scheduled for publication Summer 2019. 

It is not possible to buy Blastaway yet, but hopefully soon. When it shows up, in will be here on Amazon and The Book Depository.



Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her kids. She lives just outside Cincinnati in the town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.”


Where to find Melissa Landers: