Thursday, December 31, 2020

Best Books of 2020

Happy last day of 2020 :D Ha. Finally, the year is over. It's been a hard year. But for me, personally, it has been a good year too. Health is bad, but always is. I'm doing okay, though. I didn't read as much this year as I wanted to. Only 45 books. But that is good enough too. I'm glad I was able to read at all. Was worried I wouldn't have enough books for this list. But I did, just barely. I re-read a lot of perfect books this year. A few of new perfect ones. A few bad books too. I really hope next year will be better. One thing I managed this year, though, was to play a lot of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I have played every day since late March. And I do not regret it one bit. It brings me so much happiness. Now just hoping reading will do the same again soon. Today I am sharing my Best Books of 2020 list. These were my absolute favorite reads of this year. I hope you have read them too. Happy reading all. Wishing you all the very best new year. <3

 Best Four Stars of 2020. My Goodreads 2020 Challenge. My Goodreads 2020 Year in Books

1. Thornlight. Most perfect story set in a world I adore. The characters were amazing. The story the best.
2. The Other Side of the Sky. I loved this world and these characters beyond words. I can't wait for more.
3. Aurora Burning. This book ruined me a little. How very rude. Yet I adored these characters very much.


4. One True King. Such a perfect final book to an amazing series that I love so very much. Best ending.
5. A Crystal of Time. I loved this second to last book. Filled with secrets come to life. The best characters.
6. The Light in Hidden Places. An exciting and heartbreaking historical real story. It was so very amazing.


7. Deepest, Darkest. Gosh, this third book was exciting. Dark and amazing. I cannot wait for more books.
8. The Unready Queen. Second book, and so very good. Dark and hopeful and sad too. Loved this most.
9. The Girl From Widow Hills. A thrilling and exciting mystery book. I loved this story and main character.

HAPPY NEW YEAR :D

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #481

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

REALM BREAKER BY VICTORIA AVEYARD

Goodreads Description:

Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning new fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?

A strange darkness grows in Allward.

Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:


A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.
An immortal, avenging a broken promise.
An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.
An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.
A forger with a secret past.
A bounty hunter with a score to settle.
Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.

Hardcover, 576 pages
Expected publication: May 4th 2021 by HarperTeen
Pre-Order here
and here #ad

This book sounds pretty epic. And I very much love that cover. And I am crossing all my fingers that I will end up loving this book :D I just think it sounds pretty much amazing. And I cannot wait to give it a try. <3
What are you waiting for on this breaking Wednesday?

Saturday, December 26, 2020

In My Mailbox #477

Merry Christmas week everyone. <3 Hope you guys have had the very best time :) Christmas was the best for me and my family, as I knew it would be. My family is small, all living close by, so we are always together. Which is the best. I hope you have all been lucky too. I got so many gifts this year. And I gave many to my family too. We were all happy. <3 I got one book in the mail, so sharing that and a few of my presents, but not all of them :) I also got a Radiant Health infrared sauna, eee. Which I have tried twice, and is so hot and so good. Couldn't spend too much time inside it at once, but hoping to do it each day, a little bit. Should be very good for my health. A couple of new blog posts too :) This week I'm waiting on Small Favors. <3 And I shared my Best Four Stars of 2020 :D Eee. Happy Holidays to all of you. <3 I am so behind on things, but yeah, it's Christmas :) I saw all of Bridgerton today. It was SO GOOD. Loved it.



Unlocked. Eee. International paperback edition. <3 Getting hardcover one day too. A beautiful series.
Lost. I own the DVDs, but gosh, I had to get the boxset blu-ray of the whole series. Re-watch one day.
Lord of the Rings. Eee. I got the soundtrack from all three movies. And a cup. Bought myself ducks :D
Stranger Things Lego. Ahh. Was a gift from my sister. And I am loving it the most. SO excited to build.
Pikachu + Toothless. Eee. That tiny Pikachu can talk and move. I adore it. Toothless can growl. Love.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Best Four Stars of 2020

Merry Christmas :D Wishing you all the very Happiest Holidays. <3 Another year gone by. A very difficult year. I have read a lot less than what I usually do, only 45 books total this year. But I am happy with that too. It was great books. I simply was not able to focus enough to read more this year. And I did not at all have the health for it. Hoping the new year will be better. For us all. I very much want to read more. Have so many books still to read. Hoping I will get better soon. Today I am sharing my top nine best four stars reads of the year. Which is such an awesome list, eee. I loved these books. I hope you will read them too. Sharing my very best books of the year in a week, like always. Hope you all have the best Christmas. <3

My Goodreads 2020 Challenge. My Goodreads 2020 Year in Books
 

1. The Midnight Lie. A new story in a known and beloved world. Such amazing characters, exciting tale.
2. Rebel Spy. Such a lovely main character. I very much adored the setting, especially the island scenes.
3. Murder on Cold Street. A stunning fifth book in a most perfect historical series. Love the romance lots.


4. You Were Never Here. A most awesome murder story. With an amazing main character that I adored.
5. Dustborn. I very much loved the world this book was set it. Fully exciting. And full of great characters.
6.The Institute. My very first book by King. Such a mind twister and a great story. A mostly good ending.


7. Cracked Up To Be. This story was all kinds of broken and evil. And I loved every moment of this.
8. Some Girls Are. Such an evil story. Every bit as perfect as all books by Courtney. So very awesome.
9. Fall For Anything. Another evil Courtney book. Another girl I loved most. She writes amazing books.

MERRY CHRISTMAS. <3

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #480

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

SMALL FAVORS BY ERIN A. CRAIG

Goodreads Description:

Ellerie Downing lives in the quiet town of Amity Falls in the Blackspire Mountain range--five narrow peaks stretching into the sky like a grasping hand, bordered by a nearly impenetrable forest from which the early townsfolk fought off the devils in the woods. To this day, visitors are few and rare. But when a supply party goes missing, some worry that the monsters that once stalked the region have returned.

As fall turns to winter, more strange activities plague the town. They point to a tribe of devilish and mystical creatures who promise to fulfill the residents' deepest desires, however grand and impossible, for just a small favor. But their true intentions are much more sinister, and Ellerie finds herself in a race against time before all of Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves go up in flames.

Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: July 27th 2021 by Delacorte Press
Pre-Order here
and here #ad

Ahh! Look at that gorgeous cover :D Gosh. I am so goddamn excited for this book. I loved the first book by Erin. And I am dying to read this next one. It is stunning. And sounds so very good. I need it now :D
What are you waiting for on this strange Wednesday?

Saturday, December 19, 2020

In My Mailbox #476

December is simply just flying away. Wish it would last even longer. But loving this Christmas month so very much :) I cannot believe it is Christmas day on Thursday already. Whaaat. Here in Norway, we eat Christmas food on the 24th, and open up all our presents the same day, after 5pm :) It's the best. I cannot wait to eat turkey and open presents with my family. We always get each other so very much, haha. It is the very best. <3 Small family, lots to spend. I hope you'll all have the best Christmas. This week I finally managed to finish the book I was reading. Sadly, only a three star. Sobs. Anyway. Two new posts. This week I'm waiting on Such A Quiet Place. <3 And shared my review of Instant Karma :) I'm hoping to read one more book before the end of the year. Fingers crossed I can manage it. And hoping to have a best books of 2020 post up one of these days too, on same date as every year. I just.. have read so little this year. Sigh. I got a bit of lovely mail this week too. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you. <3


A Sky Beyond the Storm. Oops. I still haven't read book one. But now I own all four, haha :) One day. <3
Instant Karma. International paperback edition. <3 Pretty. But, of course, it arrived water damaged. Sigh.
Dragon Slayers. I am so so so behind on reading books by Lisa. Ack. But I own them all, so yay for that :)
Pop Figures. Eee! Thank you so much Funko Nordic for these. <3 I love being an ambassador for them :)
Kiersten White swag. Eee. Thank you so much Kiersten for this pretty swag. <3 She had a limited offer :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Review: Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer

I have been excited about this book for so long now. As I very much adore Marissa and would read anything by her. Despite not really having a thing for contemporary, I was excited to try this one. The cover is gorgeous. The story sounded awesome. Felt sure I would love this. And yet, I ended up not loving it. Oh.

Which is breaking my heart just a little. Giving this book three stars. There were parts that I found to be all kinds of adorable. But there were too many meh parts for me, and things I just did not like. Will still read anything by Marissa, but yes, hoping she will write more fantasy books, as those are more my thing, ha.

I am going to end up writing way too much about this book. And so I am apologizing in advance, haha. Turns out I have much I need to share about this story. And a few spoilers with warning farther down. Will try my best to explain what I liked and what I didn't like about this book. I might just ramble a little too much. I simply have so many thoughts about this book. It's told from the point of view of Prudence, about sixteen years old. She lives in a smallish town near the beach. Which I found to be interesting. This is a story about her and Quint getting to know each other better, getting to become friends, maybe something more. It is a book about Prudence learning so much more about life, as she was so clueless in the beginning of this book. She did get better, though, thankfully. I fully liked getting to know both of them.

There is a little bit of magic among the contemporary of this book. Prudence begins this book by falling down and hitting her head. When she wakes up, she had this special kind of power. She can bring instant karma on people she sees. If she witnesses someone doing wrong, she just has to squeeze her fist, and karma happens to them. Which she loved taking advantage of. It was fun, except that it often led to bad things happening to others, which was not a good thing all the time. Still, this was a twist that I did enjoy.

We see a little bit of Pru's family in this story. Her twin brother Jude, whom I liked a lot. More there during the beginning of this book, then mostly missing. She had three younger sisters, all of them pretty much adorable. Their parents were pretty great too. I liked that they owned a vintage record store. But liked less that they were haven't trouble keeping it, and that Pru could have helped more, but always said she didn't have time for it. Which was true, but oh, I wish she could have had time to help her family out a little too.

We meet her friend, Ari too, mostly during the beginning of the book. And I very much adored her as well. I loved her love for music. And I loved their friendships. We get to know Pru a lot in this book as well. And for the most part I adored this girl. I loved that she was curvy, that she was insecure about a few things. It made me love her more. I had a few issues with her thinking she was the best at everything, better than everyone else. A few of the things she did made me crazy. Ack. But for the most part, I liked her a bunch.

Then there was Quint. He and Prudence did not fit together at all. They had been school lab partners for nine months. Hating each other the most, not working together like they should have been. And so their final grade before the summer was low. Pru wanted to change it. But they had to work together. Which seemed impossible for two people who hated each other. But they tried. Prudence went looking for an animal rescue center he had mentioned in his report. Where she found out he and his mom worked at.

Which is what this book is all about. Prudence and Quint trying their hardest to work together. Pru having to volunteer at the rescue center. Her not knowing anything about animals or caring about them before she got there. Quint trying to make her understand why rescuing these animals were important. And I did like that a whole lot. The scene with them snorkeling was the best thing. But then, a time jump. I did like Quint a lot, mostly. And I did ship them too. I just wish there had been more, more details, more together.

What I disliked most about this book was the time jumps during the one summer. We get to see Prudence have her first day as a volunteer at the animal center, which was pretty great. But then it jumps forward four weeks. So we barely get to read about her being there, four days a week. Which was depressing to me, as I wanted to know more about the animals and the work done there. Then at the very end of this book, there is a three weeks time jump. And that bothered me the very most. I did not like it one bit. Sigh.

Especially because of why this time jump was there. So, spoilers. Because I cannot not talk about it. As is always the case with every contemporary book I have read, there must be a part where the couple breaks up, because of some insult and such. And of course, that happened here too. Sigh. The reason for why I almost always hate this genre, ha. In this book, it was because Pru was accused of stealing money from the center. Quint and his mom was sure she had done it. He was awful to her, didn't listen. And I hated it.

But also because Prudence did not even try hard enough to explain how she had not stolen the money. And so they broke up, the very day after they had first kissed. Sigh. And then there was suddenly three weeks gone by. With Pru alone and hurt, no one trying to find out the real truth. And Quint and the rescue center continued to plan Pru's gala idea, doing all without her, without giving her credit for anything. And I just. No. That was not okay for me. It was all her idea. Prudence was the one who got it to work. Hmph.

And then the book ended. With Quint apologizing, and Prudence just forgiving him. To me, it was way too little, way too fast. It had been three weeks. He had not gone to see her, he had not tried to find out the real truth. I am still angry with him. And a little with Pru too, that she didn't try finding out the truth either, until the day of the gala. Sigh. But even so. I did like the ending. I just wish there had been more, done a little better. I wish that there had been more romance too, ha. They only have two kissing scenes. Rude.

Even though I was a little disappointed, Instant Karma was still a great book. I liked reading about the sea animals and how this small town had a rescue center for them. I liked reading about all that they did. And I did like Prudence and Quint, despite having some issues with them both. I liked their friends too, though they weren't there much. The small magic part of this was good too, but felt like it was forgotten about for much of the book. I am glad that I read this one. Only sad that I couldn't love it more. You must all read it.


Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #479

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

SUCH A QUIET PLACE BY MEGAN MIRANDA

Goodreads Description:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last House Guest—a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection—comes a new riveting suspense novel about a mysterious murder in an idyllic and close-knit neighborhood.

We had no warning that she’d come back.

Hollow’s Edge used to be a quiet place. A private and idyllic neighborhood where neighbors dropped in on neighbors, celebrated graduation and holiday parties together, and looked out for one another. But then came the murder of Brandon and Fiona Truett. A year and a half later, Hollow’s Edge is simmering. The residents are trapped, unable to sell their homes, confronted daily by the empty Truett house, and suffocated by their trial testimonies that implicated one of their own. Ruby Fletcher. And now, Ruby’s back.

With her conviction overturned, Ruby waltzes right back to Hollow’s Edge, and into the home she once shared with Harper Nash. Harper, five years older, has always treated Ruby like a wayward younger sister. But now she’s terrified. What possible good could come of Ruby returning to the scene of the crime? And how can she possibly turn her away, when she knows Ruby has nowhere to go?

Within days, suspicion spreads like a virus across Hollow’s Edge. It’s increasingly clear that not everyone told the truth about the night of the Truett’s murders. And when Harper begins receiving threatening notes, she realizes she has to uncover the truth before someone else becomes the killer’s next victim.

Pulsating with suspense and with the shocking twists that are Megan Miranda’s trademark, Such a Quiet Place is Megan Miranda’s best novel yet—a twisty locked-box thriller that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: July 13th 2021 by Simon Schuster
Pre-Order here and here #ad

Eee. I am so very excited about this book. Gosh. I'm such a huge fan of Megan and her books. <3 And her adult books have all been amazing. This one sounds so exciting and just cannot wait to read it. Sigh. Crossing all my fingers that it will come on Edelweiss soon, and that I'll be accepted for it, like before :)
What are you waiting for on this quiet Wednesday?

Saturday, December 12, 2020

In My Mailbox #475

Another December week gone by. <3 I am still so busy. And still loving it :) Christmas time is truly the best time. Eee. I did start a new book this week, finally. But started it daaays ago.. and not finished yet. Sigh. But loving it. Just, taking forever. Hoping to finish it within a couple of days. Fingers crossed. This week I'm waiting on Curses. <3 Small week of books this time. Waiting on a few things but December is always a month with less books for me :) I'm still doing good, staying safe. So tired these days, though. More so than usual. How rude. But doing good despite this. Just, so behind on things, as always. But I'm doing my best. Hope you are all doing great and staying safe. <3 Wishing you all the happiest holidays :) Stay safe.




Instant Karma. Of course I had to get this audiobook version too, haha :D Own them all by Marissa. <3
Taylor Swift. Eee. I couldn't resist buying these gorgeous guitar picks and pins :D They are so stunning.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #478

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

CURSES BY LISH MCBRIDE

Goodreads Description:

Curses is the 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling I've been waiting for."--Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A unique and twisty magical romp!"--Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author

Merit Cravan refused to fulfill her obligation to marry a prince, leading to a fairy godling's curse. She will be forced to live as a beast forever, unless she agrees to marry a man of her mother's choosing before her eighteenth birthday.

Tevin Dumont has always been a pawn in his family's cons. The prettiest boy in a big family, his job is to tempt naïve rich girls to abandon their engagements, unless their parents agree to pay him off. But after his mother runs afoul of the beast, she decides to trade Tevin for her own freedom.

Now, Tevin and Merit have agreed that he can pay off his mother's debt by using his con-artist skills to help Merit find the best match . . . but what if the best match is Tevin himself?

Hardcover, 288 pages
Expected publication: July 20th 2021 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here
and here #ad

Oh, I am excited for this book :D Eee. It looks so very gorgeous. And sounds aaamazing. Gosh. I simply cannot wait to meet these characters and this world. I have read one book by Lish. Oops. Which I loved. And own more by her. Hoping to read them all soonish :D Just. Very excited for Curses. Seems so good.
What are you waiting for on this cursed Wednesday?

Saturday, December 5, 2020

In My Mailbox #474

So happy that it is finally December :D Eee. It's the best. But also so busy for me. But loving Christmas time so very much. Sigh. Sadly, I have not read anything yet this week. I have my next book right next to me, just need to start it. And so far no energy for it. I want to read, yet I don't, so yeah. It's hard. But I am hopeful for tomorrow, maybe. Which I say every day. Ha. So only one blog post. This week I'm waiting on Any Way the Wind Blows :) I finally took some instagram photos this week, so happy about that. All in the same format, with my Christmas tree. I think they are pretty :) Got a little bit of mail too, all awesome. Just yeah. I've had a good week. Exhausted, but good. Hoping to read soon. Hope you are all doing good. <3


How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories. Oops. I have not read this series just yet. But soon :D
The Subtle Knife. Sigh. This tv-show tie-in looks so very gorgeous. Sigh. I haven't watched it just yet :)
Taylor Swift: Folklore. Oh no. Broken CD. Sobs. But still, pretty. And a cassette, which looks awesome.
Red School. Ahh :D Thank you so much Soman and Victoria for writing these awesome graphic novels.

 More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #477

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

ANY WAY THE WIND BLOWS (Simon Snow #3)
BY RAINBOW ROWELL


Goodreads Description:

In Carry On, Simon Snow and his friends realized that everything they thought they understood about the world might be wrong. And in Wayward Son, they wondered whether everything they understood about themselves might be wrong.

In Any Way the Wind Blows, Simon and Baz and Penelope and Agatha have to decide how to move forward.

For Simon, that means deciding whether he still wants to be part of the World of Mages -- and if he doesn't, what does that mean for his relationship with Baz? Meanwhile Baz is bouncing between two family crises and not finding any time to talk to anyone about his newfound vampire knowledge. Penelope would love to help, but she's smuggled a cursed American Normal into London, and now she isn't sure what to do with him. And Agatha? Well, Agatha Wellbelove has had enough.

Any Way the Wind Blows takes the gang back to England, back to Watford, and back to their families for their longest and most emotionally wrenching adventure yet.

This book is a finale. It tells secrets and answers questions and lays ghosts to rest.

Carry On was conceived as a book about Chosen One stories; Any Way the Wind Blows is an ending about endings. About catharsis and closure, and how we choose to move on from the traumas and triumphs that try to define us.

Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: July 6th 2021 by Wednesday Books
Pre-Order here and here #ad

So, yeah. I have not read book two yet. Oops. And it has been so many years since I read Carry On. Gosh. But I still remember how badly I loved it. Sigh. And so, of course, I am excited about this third and final book. I cannot wait for it to come out, so I can finally re-read book one and get to read book two :)
What are you waiting for on this windy Wednesday?

Saturday, November 28, 2020

In My Mailbox #473

Another week gone by. Another week closer to Christmas, eee. Though, gosh, I'm not at all ready to start doing all those advent calendar contests every day of December until Christmas. Ahh. It's always so fully exhausting. But kind of fun, and I have won something each year, I think. Always hoping to win something big, haha :) So yeah. Only a few days until that starts too. I just can't wait for Christmas. It's the best time. And loving all my Christmas decorations. So pretty. Eee. Also, I now have a small Christmas tree too. Ah. See instagram photo below :) I have read one Graphic Novel this week. Pleased about that, but yeah. No long books read. I won't make my goodreads goal of fifty this year. Sigh. But that's okay. I'm just not well enough to read as much these days. Trying my best, though. So yeah. A couple of new posts. A couple of new books too. I shared my review of Swamp Thing: Twin Branches. <3 And this week I'm waiting on Red Wolf :) I'm doing as good as possible. Got more medicine yesterday, and so far I am feeling pretty poorly. Ugh. Hope that changes fast. Hope you are all doing good and staying safe. <3 Christmas soon :)


Soulswift. Gosh. Peeking at that ending destroyed me. What even. Yet very excited to read this soon :D
The Mortal Instruments Volume Four. These graphic novels are all so gorgeous. Eee. Reading one day.

 More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #476

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

RED WOLF BY RACHEL VINCENT

Goodreads Description:

This high stakes, pacey reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood is perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber and Megan Spooner.

For as long as sixteen-year-old Adele can remember the village of Oakvale has been surrounding by the dark woods—a forest filled with terrible monsters that light cannot penetrate. Like every person who grows up in Oakvale she has been told to steer clear of the woods unless absolutely necessary.

But unlike her neighbors in Oakvale, Adele has a very good reason for going into the woods. Adele is one of a long line of guardians, women who are able to change into wolves and who are tasked with the job of protecting their village while never letting any of the villagers know of their existence.

But when following her calling means abandoning the person she loves, the future she imagined for herself, and her values she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep her neighbors safe.

Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: July 20th 2021 by HarperCollins
Pre-Order here
and here #ad

Eee. I am pretty much all kinds of excited for this book. The cover is gorgeous. The story sound amazing. I have read a few books by Rachel, and I cannot wait to read more by her. I think this new book sounds so very good. Sigh. Hoping it is dark and delicious, haha. And hoping for some romance too, always :)
What are you waiting for on this dark Wednesday?

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Review: Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater & Morgan Beem

I have wanted to read this since it was announced. As I adore Maggie and her books. It seemed amazing. I, sadly, don't know anything about the original Swamp Thing, only heard the name and maybe seen a little bit of artwork. And I haven't read many graphic novels. Which I hope to change, as I did love this one.

Giving this gorgeous graphic novel four stars, as it was almost perfect to me. Very much enjoyed it. The writing was stunning, the artwork was beyond beautiful. Loved the coloring. Simply put, I very much liked this book. I only wish it had been longer. Or that there will be a sequel. That ending was depressing, ha.

I will not be writing much about this one, as there is not that much to say. It was fast and easy to read, which I loved. I very much enjoyed the characters, twin brothers Alec and Walker. This was most about Alec, but a little about Walker too. And though they were very different, I very much adored them both. They had always been close. Until now, when they are slowly falling apart. Which was sad to see a little about, but good too, because they somehow tried to work it out. At the very end. How rude. I very much adored these boys, though. They are spending their last summer before they start college with their cousins, as their parents have some huge issues to try to work through. If they can. Alec brings with him all his plants, all his work.

Which is then destroyed by dogs when they arrive. Which was heartbreaking to read about, for him to have all of his hard work destroyed. He tries to save it, which he is somewhat able to. Alec spends most of his time at a lab at the local school, working on his plants. I liked learning different things about plants. It was interesting. I also liked Alec. He was diabetic, which I thought was done really well. He was also fully shy and not good with people. He just found it hard. I so fully got that. I very much liked him, though.

He also meets a girl, Abby. And I very much liked her too. She was awesome. She was learning things about a big ancient tree that was in her town. I liked that too. They were getting to know each other. As this was a graphic novel, there is so much we do not get to know. Sigh. But I liked getting to know them even so. Walker was so different from his brother. He was the life of every party, always getting to know people, getting them to like him. The brothers loved each other, though. And I liked them both very much.

I just wish this graphic novel had been longer, haha. And it ended so rudely. But so good too. I just need more. And so much want to know what happens next. This book was about Alec and his plants, how he was working on some type of experiment. Which changes the dogs. And then changes Alec too. I wish there had been even more about it all. Was very interesting. Four stars, as I wanted more, and felt like scenes just suddenly ended, next page something new happened. It did this often. Still, I liked this a lot.

Swamp Thing was just as good as I had hoped it would be. The writing was stunning, the artwork was perfection. The characters were amazing. And I so badly wanted to know more. Sigh. Though I had a few issues, they were small, and I really did like this book. Now I am just hoping that there will be more of it. Though I guess I should try watching that Swamp Thing tv show, which I have been curious about. I think you should all read this awesome graphic novel. I found this to be well written and such a great story too.


Saturday, November 21, 2020

In My Mailbox #472

Not even sure where this week went. Gosh. Time is moving so fast. Plus side, it is closer to Christmas, eee. So excited :D Bad side, I haven't taken any new photos for daaays. No reading for days either. Or catching up. Oops. Soon, I hope. Just too tired and exhausted. Hmph. Too busy with my Animal Crossing New Horizons, still, haha :D It's still the best. <3 Got a few stunning books this week :) All gorgeous. This time I took weekly photo with my iPhone, and will continue to do so during these so dark months with no sun. Ack. A couple of new blog posts. I shared my review of The Scorpio Races. <3 11th read. Eee. This week I'm waiting on Payback :D Today has been the busiest for me. And so I'm behind on writing this and posting it. Oops. Rude. Hope you are all doing well. <3 I'm still just doing my best :) And staying safe too.

Northern Lights. Oops. A new gorgeous illustrated edition of the book :D I had to have it, of course. <3
Shadow and Bone. Eee. The US collectors edition, finally mine :D It looks so very stunning. Sigh. Love.
Dune. I got curious after the movie trailer, haha :D And so I am hoping to read this one day. Gosh, huge.
Courting Darkness. Finally got to re-order this one. Sigh. US paperback. Got lost this summer. Ahh. Love.
Ninth House. Oops. Now gotten to order it via Waterstones too, haha :D Exclusive UK paperback. Pretty.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #475

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

PAYBACK (Vale Hall #3) BY KRISTEN SIMMONS

Goodreads Description:

The unpredictable truth will be revealed in Payback, the stunning conclusion to Kristen Simmons’ Edgar-nominated thriller series that started with The Deceivers...

Brynn Hilder has conned a lot of people. From the spoiled rich kids of Sikawa City to her mom's loser ex-boyfriend, from a motorcycle gang to a senator's son. If there was money to be gained, or a secret to uncover, she figured out how to get it done. And thanks to Vale Hall and its director, Dr. David Odin, she's found a family of hustlers just like her.

Together, Brynn and her friends have overcome doubt, deceit, and betrayal to unearth the truth--a truth even a group of professional scammers couldn't have predicted.

And now they must tackle the biggest con artist of them all: the man who brought them all together.

Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: February 2nd 2021 by Tor Teen
Pre-Order here
and here #ad

Cheating a little, since I haven't read book two just yet, oops. But I very much loved The Deceivers. Eee. And so I cannot wait for this third book to be out in a few months. Will then re-read book one, and finally read book two and three :D I cannot wait. I so adored the first one. And I'm so very excited for more. <3
What are you waiting for on this unpredictable Wednesday?

Monday, November 16, 2020

Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

It is November and so, of course, I have read The Scorpio Races again. This time for the eleventh time. I will never tire of the story. It is still the very best book to me. The one that I have read most. The one I will read again and again. Haven't listened to the audio yet, though. Maybe next year, finally. This book is fully beautiful.

Considering I have already written about this book so much, ha, I will not be sharing much about it this time. Just how badly I love it. How special everything is to me. The writing is still so perfect. The setting is incredible. I love this little island of death horses. I love that the book feel both old and modern at times. Very good.

Mostly I very much love these characters. I so love how the book is told from two point of views. Puck and Sean. Puck is officially named Kate, but goes by both names. I love her to death. She is fierce and so brave. I love her love for her two brothers. Finn is amazing. I am still upset with Gabe, even after having read this book so often, ha. I still understand why he would want to leave. But I will never understand how long he waited to let his siblings know, how he did not tell them about the house. That was not okay. So yeah. Still very upset with Gabe. Hmph. But Finn is all kinds of amazing. So cute and sweet. And such a great brother. I just adore this boy way too much. They are the best siblings. Parents are dead, a year ago. They are just trying to survive.

There is so much I could write about this story. But I won't. I already have. It's a story about a girl entering into a deadly horse race, trying to save her home. Trying to win some money to save her and her younger brother, after the oldest one decides to move away after the races. But this is no normal race. It is a race between deadly water horses. Much bigger and much faster than regular horses. And much more deadly. They would rather eat you than cuddle you. Puck is entering into this race with her regular island horse.

And also as the first girl to ever do so. Which means the men of this island is not kind to her. Which was all kinds of rude. Hmph. But Puck was the bravest and I adored her the most. Then there was Sean. I loved seeing them meet. Getting to know each other better. Getting to see them fall in love. Sigh. It was the best. Sean has his own water horse. Corr. There is so much going on there. All perfect. I loved them both beyond words. All the side characters were amazing too, as always. I love this story beyond words.

The Scorpio Races is still the most perfect book. It took me some days to read this time, because of my health and me not being able to focus well, but that did not make me love this book any less. It is still the best thing. It still gives me so much hope and love and despair too, haha. It is such an evil book. And I so love every moment of it. The romance between Sean and Puck still makes me the happiest. So slow and beautiful and the most perfect. Reading about Sean and Corr together is the most precious thing there is.

What I want most of all, still, is a sequel to this one. Another story of Sean and Puck and Corr. Another story with more of Finn and Holly and everyone else. I do not want this story to end. But of course, the ending is beautiful, yet I still want more. And so another year of hoping that Maggie will finally announce that she is writing a sequel, haha. Fingers crossed. Next year is the tenth anniversary of this book being out. Hoping for something special then. So excited. You must all read this book, if you have not already.

 
It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.


Saturday, November 14, 2020

In My Mailbox #471

Another week gone by. Ack. It took me ages before I started reading again. But now finally re-reading The Scorpio Races, eee :) Hoping to maybe finish it tomorrow, but might not be until Monday. Reading so very slowly these days. Just no energy and no will to read. Ack. I love reading. Very much. And love this 11th read the most. But yeah. I have no energy for reading and it just feels so very exhausting. Sigh. This year have been a bad reading year. Hoping next year will be better. Fingers crossed. So yeah. Just one new blog post. This week I'm waiting on Thornwood. <3 So anyway. I'm distracted these days. Worried about Corona. Now spreading like crazy in my little town. Shudders. I do not want to die. I do not want my mom and grandpa to die. (We are most at risk if we get it.) So yeah. Trying to stay safe. Just worried. I'm busy playing Animal Crossing New Horizons. <3 And Pokemon GO. And Wizards Unite. And then Frozen Free Fall too. So yeah. I play too much. But need the distraction. So, yeah. I am doing okay. Just worried and exhausted and in pain. Rude. Oh. And I put up all my Christmas things days ago, eee. And I don't regret it one bit. Have listened to Christmas music on my radio for many weeks now. Oops. Christmas is simply the best. Also got some stunning books this week too. I hope that you are all great and staying safe. <3



Instant Karma. Eee. I am so excited for this new Marissa book :D Hoping to read it very very soon. <3
The Camelot Betrayal. Oops. I must read book one sometime soonish, haha :D Excited for them both.
The Secret Commonwealth. Sigh. Still did not like this book. Yet still need to own all the editions. Oops.
Two Dark Reigns + Five Dark Fates + Anna Dressed in Blood + Girl of Nightmares. Eee. I could not stop myself from ordering these gorgeous Taiwan editions. Own two from before. So so so very stunning. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #474

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

THORNWOOD BY LEAH CYPESS

Goodreads Description:

This middle grade debut is Sleeping Beauty like you've never seen it before, about a girl who lives in the shadow of her older sister and the curse that has haunted her from birth.

For years, Briony has lived in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Rosalin, and the curse that has haunted her from birth--that on the day of her sixteenth birthday she would prick her finger on a spindle and cause everyone in the castle to fall into a 100-year sleep. When the day the curse is set to fall over the kingdom finally arrives, nothing--not even Briony--can stop its evil magic.

You know the story.

But here's something you don't know. When Briony finally wakes up, it's up to her to find out what's really going on, and to save her family and friends from the murderous Thornwood. But who is going to listen to her? This is a story of sisterhood, of friendship, and of the ability of even little sisters to forge their own destiny. The first in a three-book series of fairy tale retellings, these are the stories of the siblings who never made it into the storybook.

Hardcover, 272 pages
Expected publication: April 6th 2021 by Delacorte Press
Pre-Order here
and here #ad

This middle grade book looks all kinds of adorable. And sounds so good too. And I just cannot wait to read it :D Hoping I will end up loving it lots. <3 Maleficent is my favorite movie. Sort of same tale, haha :)
What are you waiting for on this thorny Wednesday?

Saturday, November 7, 2020

In My Mailbox #470

This week have been all kinds of long and exhausting. Gosh. Have been following the election, which never ended, until now, finally :D So happy that Biden & Kamala won. <3 Hoping things will finally go better for America. Ha. Doubt it will be easy, considering so very many of them actually voted for Trump. Again. What the hell. Sigh. Anyway. I'm doing okay. Still exhausted, but here. And still safe. I spent all week long reading the same book. Loved it very much, but too tired to read. But finally finished today, so I'm happy :) But now I have a long list of other books to read, must get started shortly. Gah. Hoping it will be easier. Got a little bit of mail this week, including the most perfect and most wanted ARC. Sobs. I am SO HAPPY, eee. <3 A couple of new blog posts too. This week I'm waiting on Blade of Secrets :) And shared my review of Murder on Cold Street. <3 I hope you are all doing okay and staying safe too. <3

Lightbringer. Oh my gods. AHH! I am dying. Thank you so, so much Sourcebooks for this most perfect ARC. I am still dying. So thankful. So happy. My most wanted ARC. Sigh. Collection complete. Love. <3
The Grace Year. Gorgeous US paperback edition :D Eee. I adored this book. And.. must have them all.
Grimm Tales. Okay, I may have bought this edition just because it says Philip. Oops. Reading one day.
Funko Pop. My most recently ordered pop figures. New Harry Potter ones. Cute. Most adorable Barbie.

 More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: Murder on Cold Street by Sherry Thomas

My love for this Lady Sherlock series will never end. I love that Sherry is writing so many more. As I very much don't want these books to end. For this fifth book I did not re-read the others first. Will be doing that when they are all out. As I remembered pretty much all that happened, and how badly I loved all of the books.

I'm giving this one a four star. Not because I loved it less, as I still loved it. But for a few small reasons, sharing more below. I still very much loved all of these characters the most. And this mystery was all kinds of amazing. The whole series is incredible. The writing, of course, was fully stunning. No issues there at all.

Sherry is such an amazing author and person, and I adore her so. Will not be sharing too much about this precious book, only a bit about how I loved it. As always, this is a story about Charlotte Holmes. Pretending to be the sister of Sherlock Holmes, a great new detective in London. Except that there is no Sherlock, there is only Charlotte. And she is so very amazing. I just love this girl. So much. I fully love her love of food and cake. I so love her love for pretty and different dresses. I simply adore her so. In this fifth book, the story is focused more on Inspector Treadles. Still conflicted on him, both hate and love him, ha. He has been found with two dead men, holding the murder weapon. Charlotte has to work hard trying to find out if he killed them. We see much of his wife, Alice. I loved her so. And Mrs. Watson as well, always.

This was not an easy case, though. And pretty much all of the book is focused on this case. But there are also small parts of Charlotte and Ash, aka Lord Ingram. And their romance is changing in this book. And I loved it so very much. Sigh. There are more kisses. Eee. And it was so perfect. He is more relaxed and open in this book. And I loved that. I am still worried about her, though, because of her different views on love. But I have hope for these two precious characters. They are perfect together. And I love them both.

But back to the case. There is so much to go through. So many clues and sort-of witnesses. Many lies and surprises and twists. It was all kinds of interesting and exciting. I loved not knowing who did it, not for sure. And I very much enjoyed how they figured out what had actually happened. This story had some sad and evil parts. Which I very much liked. It had some villains I did not like. But everything was written so well. Mostly I loved reading about them all working together. Despite wishing for more, as always, ha.

There is still so much more I could write about this story. But I shall try not to write much more. It took me so many days to read this book. Not because I found it boring. Not because I did not love it. I just could not focus. But when I actually did get to read, it was the best thing. Because this book was so good and I just love these characters way too much. Sigh. I am so happy that Sherry began writing these books. And I cannot wait to read even more books by her. Right now just wishing this series will never end, ha. Sigh.

The reason for why I'm giving this one a four star is because I felt like it focused a little too much on the mystery. I wish there had been more scenes with the characters just being together, and enjoying parts of Christmas. I wish we had seen more of Olivia, that she had been with them all. But I also understood why she wasn't. And I did get why the mystery and murder of this book was such a huge focus of it. And the characters were still all together. Just, more during stress, haha. But yeah. Four stars, still a perfect book.

While Murder on Cold Street had a few small issues for me, it was still such a very perfect book. A most excellent fifth book into such a great series. Reading about Charlotte is still the very best. I adore her so. I love her friends. I love Lord Ingram. So much. And I always love reading about the different murders and mysteries included. I simply cannot wait to read the next book about Lady Sherlock and her friends. It will be all kinds of epic, I'm sure. If you still have not started this lovely series, then get moving. It is so good.


Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #473

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

BLADE OF SECRETS BY TRICIA LEVENSELLER

Goodreads Description:

A teenage blacksmith with social anxiety accepts a commission from the wrong person and is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she's ever made.

Eighteen-year-old Ziva prefers metal to people. She spends her days tucked away in her forge, safe from society and the anxiety it causes her, using her magical gift to craft unique weapons imbued with power.

Then Ziva receives a commission from a powerful warlord, and the result is a sword capable of stealing its victims' secrets. A sword that can cut far deeper than the length of its blade. A sword with the strength to topple kingdoms. When Ziva learns of the warlord’s intentions to use the weapon to enslave all the world under her rule, she takes her sister and flees.

Joined by a distractingly handsome mercenary and a young scholar with extensive knowledge of the world's known magics, Ziva and her sister set out on a quest to keep the sword safe until they can find a worthy wielder or a way to destroy it entirely.


Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: May 4th 2021 by Feiwel & Friends
Pre-Order here
and here #ad

I am pretty excited about this book. Tricia is awesome and this one looks gorgeous. I love the cover. And sounds like such an exciting story too :D Hoping there might be some romance too, haha. Cannot wait :)
What are you waiting for on this secret Wednesday?

Saturday, October 31, 2020

In My Mailbox #469

Happy Halloween :D Another week gone by. So fast, ack. Feels like I have had Halloween ornaments up forever, haha :) Yet it's almost time to pack it all away. But eee. Christmas coming up before December. And I so cannot wait. Sigh. So excited. This week I have read one book. <3 Though an easy read, haha :) And started another one, which is harder, but loving that one too. Just taking me forever, as I'm not in the mood to read and have no time or energy. But loving the book. So slowly making progress on it. I am also busy with Animal Crossing, always. And Pokemon GO. And my sister with her kids. And just, life, ha. But doing my best. This week we got mail only two days, and I got nothing new. Oops. But got so many books last week, so I do not mind. Instead sharing about two pop figures I got weeks ago, that I forgot to include a different time, haha :) A couple of new posts. I shared my review of The Oddmire: Deepest, Darkest. <3 This week I'm waiting on My Contrary Mary :) I hope you are all doing well. <3 I'm doing as best as I can.

FINAL CHANCE! Ends in a few hours! Pre-orders of Foxheart and Thornlight by Claire Legrand. International. Ends 11/01.

Funko Pop. Oops. Dumbledore is huge. But I love him. And Maleficent is so very perfect :D Ahh. Love.
Super Mario. Eee. I haven't gotten to build this yet, but I am so excited for it. Looks pretty much amazing.

More Instagram photos here. <3