Monday, June 29, 2020

Rebel Spy Blog Tour: Review

Today I'm taking part in the blog tour for Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi :) Hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club. Thank you for letting me take part in this tour. I'm such a huge fan of Veronica and have loved her and her books for years now. And so I knew I had to read Rebel Spy. And I knew I would enjoy this so very much. Which I did. Today I'm sharing my four star review of this lovely book. You all need to read this precious book too. It looks so stunning and it was so incredible too. Most definitely worth reading. Buy it :)



Review of Rebel Spy.

I have been waiting so long for the chance to read this book. Been a fan of Veronica for years now; she is amazing. And I knew I would end up adoring this book. So happy to say that I did. I am giving it four stars, as I had a few small issues. But for the most part I really adored and loved this story. The writing was fully stunning. I had to problem connecting with this beautiful book. The setting was incredible; I loved that this took part between 1776 and 1780. I very much loved how historical and lovely it was. Very interesting too.

This book tells the story about Frannie. She lived with her mom and stepdad on an island in the Grand Bahamas. There is so little of her life there, but gosh, it was so exciting. Wreck diving. A great best friend. I wish there had been even more of it all. Sigh. When she was fifteen, her mother died. And her stepdad wanted to marry Frannie next. Which was beyond gross and terrifying. And so Frannie did the only thing she could to get away. She took over the life of a dead girl she found floating in the sea after a ship crash.

Which is how this story begins. With Frannie escaping from her violent and so awful stepdad. And taking over the life of someone else. We see a bit about her few weeks aboard a ship after she was rescued by them, before she was taken to her new stolen life. We see how Frannie struggles to live the life of a rich young lady. How she has to learn to behave like she would have done, how Frannie has to change pretty much everything about herself. Which was kind of sad, yet the only way she would be able to live at all.

And oh, how I adored Frannie. She was such an amazing girl to get to know. I loved her fighting spirit. I only wish that there had been more about her as Frannie, and less of her as Emmeline. Though I loved her life as her too. But yeah. Frannie was much more awesome. I loved the small parts of her diving. It was so lovely to read about. On the ship, for a few weeks, she meets a boy. Asa. And falls in love right away. I liked reading about them together so much. A bit too fast, but so adorable too. But it ended badly.

Which is all I will say about that. It was so interesting too, though. I just so liked reading about them both. She was on this ship for a little while, until she arrived in New York ready to start her new life as someone else. Then the book skips three years. I wish we had seen more of the missing years, but also loved this jump. During those years, Frannie had to learn how to be a lady. How to do everything right, so that none would learn that Frannie was not really Emmeline. Her life was good, but also so boring for her at times.

But yes. I very much did like reading about Frannie in her new life too. Though her past life was way more exciting, haha. But her life as a lady was good too. I adored her new family. Lucy was fully adorable. And Charlotte, their friend, was too cute as well. I liked how they were her friends, even though she could not tell them her secret. Frannie hadn't seen Asa in three years. Until now. There was some drama, which I did not like very much, but it was not a lot of it. And I just loved this boy a whole lot. And shipped them so.

This book is about Frannie turning into a spy. Everyone she knows are with the British and the King. But she is secretly wishing for the Americans to win this war. She wants to help. And so she starts spying on those she spend time around. It was interesting, but it was also a little boring, as I had hoped there would be higher stakes and more happening, haha. It was good, though, despite that. The prologue shares that she will be caught spying. I liked this, but how she got caught was a little boring too, ha. But written well.

Okay. So. This book was about Frannie and her life as Emmeline. A bit about her spying too. But mostly just about her life and her feelings. Which is one thing I had issues with. The romance. Ack. Frannie was courting this guy, Duncan, for about a year. A few kisses. I did not really like him, as we had loved Asa first. And then he is there too, and somehow a tiny love triangle. Yet not really too, as it was not dramatic or silly. But I still wish the Duncan thing had not been included, haha. But it was a good thing for Frannie.

Anyway. The few things I had issues with in this book was as I mentioned the romance. And I wish that the ending had been longer, I needed to know more. Did any others get to know her truth? How did they react? I really wanted to see that. I wanted to see her come back to her home too. Sigh. I also felt like the whole spying this was a bit too tame. I liked the prison ships. Horrible and so real. But also wanted a little more horror and pain. Still. It was good and I liked it a lot. But wished there had been more of island life.

I must confess that I do not really know much about the war between America and Britain during this time period. Oops. Only the parts I remember from watching the Sleepy Hollow show, haha. Which is not a lot. And so I very much liked learning more about it all in this book. Learning about this war and things that took place during it. And how it was for people living in New York during this time. It was interesting and exciting too to read about. I think I must look more into this history of time. As I am now curious about it.

Rebel Spy was just as good and exciting as I thought it would be. Despite the few issues I had with it, I still loved this book. And I'm so glad that I read it. I cannot wait to get my gorgeous hardcover in the mail. Big thank you to the publisher and to The Fantastic Flying Book Club for letting me read this via Netgalley for the blog tour. It was such a great book. I only wish it had a longer ending. Hmph. How rude, haha. You all need to read this book too. Now I simply can't wait to read even more books by Veronica in the future.


A reimagining of the story behind Agent 355--a New York society girl and spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War--perfect for fans of Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key and the novels of Julie Berry.


Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather--and she takes it.

Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she finds herself eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington's Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty--but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true "355" and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy.






VERONICA ROSSI is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the UNDER THE NEVER SKY series. She was born in Rio de Janeiro, grew up in California, and graduated from UCLA. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two sons, one of whom just surpassed her in height. Find her online at veronicarossi.com or on Twitter at @rossibooks.
 
Where to find Veronica Rossi:
Twitter. Facebook. Instagram.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

In My Mailbox #451

This week have been so busy and so long. Oops. But I'm doing good. Exhausted. But good. I have read one book, eee, review up on Monday. I know what I'm reading next. But will watch movies for a few days before I start, haha, as it is a very long series I'm starting. So excited, though. But yes. I'm starting season three of Dark tomorrow, and I cannot wait. I also watched A Whisker Away yesterday. It was way too cute and good. Kind of awkward and crazy, but I loved it to pieces. Thinking I will rewatch it soon even. What. I got my spa bath missing parts this week :D EEE! And got my spa bath up. And baths taken in 42c, finally. It had been five very very long weeks. Ugh. But yeah. My baths are the best. <3 So happy. Except, well. There are still issues. Water is leaking from somewhere. Uuugh. Waiting for service people to get back to me.. will take forever. They are the actual worst people. Rude. Anyway. A bit of mail this week. Okay, lol, a bunch of pop figures. But I had to get them. I just had to :) I shared my blog tour review of The Oddmire: The Unready Queen :D And this week I'm waiting on The Iron Raven. <3 I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. Hugs. I am doing my best. Corona have not really been in Norway for real yet, and not in my town. But it is coming and coming fast, I am sure. Dreading it. Nervous. Worried about me and my family.



Chain of Gold. Oops. Another UK paperback edition, haha. Sent all the way from Australia. Love it so :)
Aurora Burning. Finally got my International paperback edition. <3 It is so gorgeous. Sigh. Loved this one.
The Blood Spell. Eee! US paperback edition is out, finally :D So stunning. And such an aaamazing book.
Pop Figures. Whoops. There was a sale, haha. And so I had to buy all of these :D They are just precious.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #454

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

THE IRON RAVEN BY JULIE KAGAWA


Goodreads Description:

Wicked faeries and fantastic danger… Welcome to book one of the new trilogy in New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey fantasy series, as infamous prankster Puck finally has a chance to tell his story and stand with allies new and old to save Faery and the world. For fans of Holly Black and Cassandra Clare!

“YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF ME…”


Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Prankster, joker, raven, fool… King Oberon’s right-hand jester from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The legends are many, but the truth will now be known as never before, as Puck finally tells his own story and faces a threat to the lands of Faery and the human world unlike any before.

With the Iron Queen Meghan Chase and her prince consort, Puck’s longtime rival Ash, and allies old and new by his side, Puck begins a fantastical and dangerous adventure not to be missed or forgotten. Filled with myths and faery lore, romance and unfathomable dangers, The Iron Raven is book one of a new epic fantasy trilogy set in the world of The Iron Fey.


Hardcover, 416 pages
Expected publication: February 9th 2021 by Inkyard Press
Pre-Order here and here

It's been so long since I read The Iron Fey books. Gosh. I remember loving them. I remember parts of them. But it has been way too long. So I cannot wait to re-read them all before The Iron Raven, eee :D Which I am so very excited about. This new book looks gorgeous. Love the cover. Sounds so good too.
What are you waiting for on this iron Wednesday?

Monday, June 22, 2020

The Oddmire: The Unready Queen Blog Tour: Review

I'm very excited to be taking part in the blog tour for The Oddmire: The Unready Queen by William Ritter today. I read this book about a week ago, and my gosh, it was everything that I could have wanted in this sequel. Fully exciting and thrilling and heartbreaking too. But now my need for book three is even higher. How rude. I cannot wait for more about these characters. For my blog tour post today I'm sharing my five star review of The Unready Queen. I simply loved this book so much. Big thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for letting me take part in this blog tour. I hope you are all about to read these two books too :) You really must. The Oddmire books are incredible. I cannot wait to finally own hardcover copies soon. <3



Review of The Oddmire: The Unready Queen.

This sequel was everything I could have ever wanted it to be. And more. I had wished for more about the characters. I got that. Got more about the creatures too. And it was all so very wonderful. And of course, totally heartbreaking at times too. This book even made me cry a little. And I could not help but love every part of it to pieces. Giving it five stars, as there was not a single thing I did not love. Well, the ending was so rude, and having to wait for a third book is the worst. But I'm so very excited about it too. Cannot wait.

As with book one, the writing was so stunning. I had no trouble with connecting to the characters and this world. And my gosh, what an amazing world it was. Set in an old-fashioned village with a magical forest around it. Filled with magical creatures. We got so much more of all of that in this book. And I loved it so. The creatures were amazing to read about. This whole forest was simply the best. I loved how interesting and exciting everything was. But most of all I really loved reading about all these lovely characters. Sigh.

The Unready Queen starts about a month after the ending of Changeling. It is still about the twin brothers Cole and Tinn. Who were not, you know, actually brothers. But this book focus more on Fable. And gosh, how I loved that. I loved them all so much. But I got to know Fable so much more in this second book and I grew to love her the most. Her mother was also the very best. The mother of the boys was still the best too. But Fable was incredible. Fierce and brave. A little ignorant, way too adorable. Loved her very much.

I simply loved reading about Cole and Tinn too. Loved their new friend, Evie. And how Tinn had a crush on her. Was way too cute. Mostly I just loved reading about their friendship. How great friends they were with Fable. And reading about them all together and having fun. Although this book was a lot about not having fun. Rude. I loved it so, haha. These characters were all the best. And their stories are so good. And I so cannot wait to learn even more. There better be a third book. I just know I will love it even more.

I thought that book one was dark, with that evil thing in the forest eating creatures. But this one was even darker, in a different way. It focus on how cruel humans can be at times. And it was pretty heartbreaking to read about. Yet done so very well too and so good to read as well. But yeah. Painful too. How one man made all the others feel like they needed to destroy the forest and everyone living in it. It was so hard to read about. But so important and I love how well it was done. Such a great story and loved how it ended.

The Oddmire: The Unready Queen was every kind of incredible. The characters beyond adorable and amazing. The story so very exciting and evil. It was everything I could have wanted it to be. I'm so very happy that I read these lovely books. Sigh. You all need these books in your life too. So worth it. Huge thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for letting me take part in this blog tour and for sending me an eARC of this book to read and review via Netgalley. I ordered the hardcover, and I cannot wait to get it.


Human and goblin brothers Cole and Tinn are finding their way back to normal after their journey to the heart of the Oddmire. Normal, unfortunately, wants nothing to do with them. Fable, the daughter of the Queen of the Deep Dark, has her first true friends in the brothers. The Queen allows Fable to visit Tinn and Cole as long as she promises to stay quiet and out of sight—concealing herself and her magic from the townspeople of Endsborough.

But when the trio discovers that humans are destroying the Wild Wood and the lives of its creatures for their own dark purposes, Fable cannot stay quiet. As the unspoken truce between the people of Endsborough and the inhabitants of the Wild Wood crumbles, violence escalates, threatening war and bringing Fable’s mother closer to the fulfillment of a deadly prophecy that could leave Fable a most Unready Queen.









WILLIAM RITTER is an Oregon educator and author of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series. He is the proud father of the two bravest boys in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.

Where to find William Ritter:


Saturday, June 20, 2020

In My Mailbox #450

Where did the week go? Gosh. Haven't read anything for about a week, since I read The Unready Queen which I will share my review for the blog tour on Monday :) I need to read Rebel Spy for the blog tour the week after. Which is a book I'm super excited about. Just need to get myself to start. Ack. This week has been stressful. Spa bath finally arrived back from service. After four goddamn weeks. And it arrived with wrong parts. And parts not fixed. And I am so goddamn angry and sad and ugh. So yeah. Now waiting for them to ship me the right parts. They are in the mail, but so slow. Sigh. I had to argue with them. Again. Damn it. so yeah. Still don't have my spa bath up. And I am heartbroken about it. I can only bathe during the summer, and now I'm missing five whole weeks of bathing. I am not okay with it. Sigh. Anyway. Doing good despite that :) Medicine is mostly working. Hmm. Got a few gorgeous books in the mail. <3 And still playing and loving Animal Crossing the most. Sigh. So very good. Only one new blog post, though. This week I'm waiting on Keeper of the Lost Cities. <3 Special edition :) I hope that you are all staying safe. <3



Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Ahhh! Finally here :D SO BIG. So gorgeous. Cannot wait to read it all.
Aurora Burning. UK Goldsboro edition, finally. Eee. Lovely. And second US edition. Oops. So so pretty. 
Deeplight. I had to buy more from Waterstones, and saw this, and looks fully gorgeous. I had to buy it :D


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #453

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

KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES BY SHANNON MESSENGER


Goodreads Description:

A New York Times bestselling series
A USA TODAY bestselling series
A California Young Reader Medal–winning series

In this riveting series opener, a telepathic girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world before the wrong person finds the answer first. This special edition contains beautiful black-and-white illustrations and commentary from Shannon Messenger!

Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…

But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. Fitz opens Sophie’s eyes to a shocking truth, and she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.

But Sophie still has secrets, and they’re buried deep in her memory for good reason: The answers are dangerous and in high-demand. What is her true identity, and why was she hidden among humans? The truth could mean life or death—and time is running out.


Hardcover, 544 pages
Expected publication: August 4th 2020 by Aladdin (first published October 2nd 2012
Pre-Order here and here

It's been way too long since I read Keeper of the Lost Cities. I mean, it came out in 2012. Ahh! Forever ago. And now there is this gorgeous new special edition coming out :D So excited to own it. Illustrated and annotated? It shall be awesome. I am forever behind on this series. But I own all the books. Even own personalized ones, eee. Shannon is the best. I will be catching up to all the books before the final one comes out, next year sometime :) I can't wait. I loved this first book so very much. Sigh. Gorgeous.
What are you waiting for on this lost Wednesday?

Saturday, June 13, 2020

In My Mailbox #449

This week have once again gone by way too fast. How rude. But been a good week too. I finally got my medicine. Went okay and safe. Got two books, still waiting on tons. Oops. Still playing Animal Crossing each day, eee. And it is still the best. Sigh. And I am reading too, which I am also very happy about. Have all my next reads planned, and hoping to not get distracted, haha. I'm still behind on catching up, though. Hoping my wrist will begin hurting less, now that I have my medicine again. Fingers crossed. I shared my review of Aurora Burning. <3 This week I'm waiting on Midnight Sun :D And shared my second review of The Oddmire: Changeling :) We are finally getting some warmth and sun these days. It is the best. Sigh. And also. My spa bath have been at service. For four weeks on Monday. Uuugh. But it should finally be back with me on Monday too. I am so upset. But hoping it is like perfect and new. Hmph. I have missed my baths way too much. Hope you are all doing well. <3 The world is still a mess. I'm doing better, finally, though, since I got my medicine this week, eee :) Well, still exhausted, but my stomach is so much better.


The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I had to buy this one. Oops. I'm so curious, cannot help it, haha :)
King of Scars. New UK signed paperback edition from Waterstones, eee. Must read it one day soonish :)


The Other Side of the Sky + You Were Never Here. Eee! I simply had to get these two from Edelweiss when they showed up :D Gosh. Still so thankful to HarperTeen for having me auto-approved on there. Sigh. It's the best. So yeah. I cannot wait to read both of these :D Hopefully very soon. <3 So excited.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Friday, June 12, 2020

Review: The Oddmire: Changeling by William Ritter

I knew I had to re-read this gorgeous thing when I got approved to take part in the blog tour for book two. Even though it has not been a year yet since I first read it. I still wanted to read it again, as it was such a fast and fun read. And I'm so glad that I did so. Because this one is still just as precious as the first time I read it.

Giving it four stars this time too, though. Simply because it could have been even better. I did not really have any issues with this, I only wanted more. More of the characters, more of the stories. It was still pretty much perfect. Writing was incredible. The world fully cute and truly fascinating. And I loved this story very much.

This book tells the story of twin boys, almost thirteen years old. Cole and Tinn. When they were babies, a goblin tried to switch them. See, one is human. The other is a goblin changeling. But the switch went wrong and the goblin left both babies for Annie to raise. They have spent all their life not knowing who is the real boy and who is not. But it does not truly matter much to them, as they still love each other the most. Cole and Tinn were incredible brothers. They got into all sorts of trouble in their small old-fashioned village. Always doing some type of mischief. But never anything mean or cruel. They were just boys have fun. I just adored them to pieces. They were both adorable and I liked getting to know them. Would have loved knowing even more though.

This book is about the boys getting a letter from a goblin. Telling them that the changeling needs to return to the horde, or else he and all the goblins will die in just days. Taking magic with them. And so Cole and Tinn leave their home for an adventure into the dangerous forest surrounding their village. They do leave their mother a note. When she wakes, she follows them right away. And I loved that so very much. Gosh. Annie was the very best mother. And I loved reading about her so much. She was the best. And so fierce.

The boys get into trouble in the woods too. And it was so much fun to read about. They meet a girl their own age in this forest, Fable. She is not all that she seems. And I could not help but adore her to pieces right away. Her mother was pretty fierce too. I very much loved how mothers were important in this book. And how fathers were not; they were simply not there. Hmph. I approved, haha. But yeah. Fable was so awesome. And I loved that all three became friends. I only wish there had been even more of all of them.

Which is why I am so very excited about reading book two next. Hoping it will be just as awesome, and more. Hoping for more character info too and more of the friendships. Fingers crossed. I so very much adored this book, though. It was so full of magic and magical creatures. There was The Thing, a monster that ate every single living creature it could get its hands on. Which was pretty dark. I loved it the most. I loved that this book showed dark parts too, which did not have happy endings. Hoping for more of that.

There is not really much more I can say about this book. It was all kinds of sweet and fun and so easy to read. The Oddmire: Changeling was such a fantastic book filled with magic and family love. I adored Cole and Tinn so very much. And their adventure was pretty incredible. A huge thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for the eARC of this book and for letting me take part in the blog tours. So glad that I read this book again before book two. Was still so sweet. You all need to read this magical middle grade book too.


Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #452

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

MIDNIGHT SUN BY STEPHENIE MEYER


Goodreads Description:

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting beautiful, mysterious Bella is both the most intriguing and unnerving event he has experienced in his long life as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he let himself fall in love with Bella when he knows that he is endangering her life?

In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and, drawing on the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.


Hardcover, 672 pages
Expected publication: August 4th 2020 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here and here

Well. I mean. Of course I am so excited about this one :D Twilight was the books that got me into reading. The first books I loved. Robert Pattinson still my favorite actor. Though it has been years now since I last read these books. So so so many years. And I know I need to do a re-read before Midnight Sun. Oops. I am nervous. I know I will still love Twilight. I know I will hate many of the other books. I mean, fuck Jacob. Uuugh. I am not pleased, haha. But still. I am still excited about re-reading these books soon, eee :D As I am very much excited that Midnight Sun is finally getting published. I mean, of course, I read the leaked unfinished version back then. Oops. Didn't we all? Haha. So yeah. I'm so so so curious about this one :D
What are you waiting for on this iconic Wednesday?

Monday, June 8, 2020

Review: Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Where do I even begin with this book? It was all kinds of evil and so amazing too. Re-reading Aurora Rising first was the best thing although there were hints in all of this about what had happened before. Still. Reading it again was worth it. I love these characters way too much. And they were all hurting very badly in this sequel.

And yet I loved it so. Five stars for this second book. I adored it to pieces. Despite all the pain it left me in. So rude. The writing was, as always, stunning. The world created so incredible and exciting to read about. Just. Space. So good. And the characters all have pieces of my heart. And I am so worried about all of them. Hmph.

Aurora Burning begins right after the ending of the first book. The squad just had to leave Cat behind, with those crazy plant things. She was lost to them. Which still breaks my heart. And they were all grieving her. Sigh. Which was painful to read about, but so so good. Cat was awesome. But they did not have any time to rest. Because it turns out the whole galaxy is looking for them. As they are framed for murder. And then Kal's crazy sister starts hunting them too. There is so much going on in this book. All of it interesting to read about. I simply loved reading every single thing about space. And all the places they went to. But, well, I do wish there had been more planet visits. I wanted to see more different space too, haha. But still. It was all so good. And so beautiful.

I shall not write down too much about this book. Only that I loved it so. And that these characters are so very fierce and brave and loving and I adore them the most. Plot is about them trying to find the weapon they need to destroy the big villain. The weapon that Auri is the trigger for. But before they find it, she has to train herself, how to control her powers. And reading about that was pretty interesting. A bit weird with how timed moved inside this one thing. Hmm. But still, I did like it a lot. I do adore Auri. And Kal too. Sigh.

The whole crew goes through so much in this book. A lot of capture. Some hurt. Well, a lot of hurt. And a bunch of surprises too. Which was awesome. I just adored this book. Can't wait to find out what happens next. Though worried too, yet not too worried, as I am very positive there will be a happy ending for them all. Fingers crossed. Anyway. This book was about them trying to evade capture. Not really succeeding. All of them trying their hardest not to die. And getting to know each other more at the same time. Loved it.

It is hard to tell who my favorite character of this book was. Because I loved them all so very much. Sigh. But, well. Tyler is still my number one. I think. We got to know Scarlett and Finian and Zila more in this book. And I love them all very much. And Auri and Kal too. Though I'm a bit unsure about those two, as they were only really focused on themselves. Hmm. But they are all still a team. And they are all still so good together. Though this team is breaking up a lot in this book. Which was so sad and so exciting too.

Then there was the new character. Saedii. Kal's sister. The baddest of the Syldrathi Unbroken people. We meet her with her being busy hunting down Kal and his squad. She wants him to join them in their war against everyone else. And she will do anything to get him to her. She was so cruel and evil. Yet I kind of slowly started to like her too. Hmm. Seems like we are supposed to ship her and Tyler. Unsure. Yet kind of okay with it too. Hoping to get to know her better in the third book. Hoping she'll be amazing.

There were a few small things I had issues with. That whole kicking Tyler in the balls thing. Twice. Was it included to be funny? Because I did not find it so. Painful and simply not funny. I also found the romance between Kal and Auri to be a little too much at times. Too fast, not enough page time. I adored them both, so much. But yes. A little too fast. But even so. The friendships in this book was the very best. How they all cared for each other and protected each other. They were all so very perfect together. I adore them so.

Aurora Burning was everything I could have wanted a second book to be. Full of adventure, danger and heartbreak. Some good and happy moments too. But mostly danger and destruction. And I loved every moment of it. But that ending. What even. Completely not okay. I mean, I am pretty sure it will be undone, because of some hints. But uncertain too. Still. Fully and completely excited for book three. It shall be the very best one, I think. If you still haven't read these books, get moving. They are both truly fully amazing.


Saturday, June 6, 2020

In My Mailbox #448

Hi. I am not doing the best. Health is super crappy and now my arthritis is in so much pain too. It is the worst. But I'm going to the hospital this coming week. I'm not looking forward to it, but I am very excited about finally getting medicine again. My stomach is in so much pain. All of me is. Hoping medicine will help. Fingers crossed. And so I'm also slow to read, but finished my re-read and I have started reading Aurora Burning too :) So two new blog posts this week. I shared my second review of Aurora Rising. <3 This week I'm waiting on Skyhunter :) I also got three books this week, so happy about that. The news is such a terrible place right now. I feel so sorry for the Black people of America. The US police are the very worst. And I am hoping there will finally be changes now. Crossing all my fingers. I hope you are all doing okay and staying safe. <3 I'm doing my best. And so hoping that the medicine will work like it has before.


Aurora Burning. UK hardcover finally arrived :D And looking gorgeous, of course. Sigh. Love this cover.
York 3: The Map of Stars. I very much liked book one, and so I cannot wait to read all three books soon :)
The Iron King. Eee. Anniversary edition :D It looks stunning. But damaged, sobs. Still. I loved this book.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Waiting on Wednesday #451

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


SKYHUNTER BY MARIE LU

Goodreads Description:

In Skyhunter, a novel laced with adrenaline and filled with nonstop action, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu creates an immersive world broken by war where the only hope against overwhelming evil lies with a team of young warriors willing to sacrifice everything to save what they love.

The Karensa Federation has conquered a dozen countries, leaving Mara as one of the last free nations in the world. Refugees flee to its borders to escape a fate worse than death―transformation into mutant war beasts known as Ghosts, creatures the Federation then sends to attack Mara.

The legendary Strikers, Mara’s elite fighting force, are trained to stop these monsters. But as the number of Ghosts grows and Karensa closes in, defeat seems inevitable.

Still, one Striker refuses to give up hope.

Robbed of her voice and home, Talin Kanami knows firsthand the brutality of the Federation. Their cruelty forced her and her mother to seek asylum in a country that finds their people repugnant. She finds comfort only with a handful of fellow Strikers who have pledged their lives to one another, soldiers determined to push Karensa back at all costs.

After another devastating battle, Mara seems ready to fall. But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front, Talin senses there’s more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? Or could he be the weapon that will save them all?


Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: September 29th 2020 by Roaring Brook Press
Pre-Order here and here

This book sounds so good and so real and important. And I cannot wait to read it. It looks gorgeous too, eee. And excited about small romance that I saw Marie say there would be, haha. I have read a bunch of her books, and I can't wait to read more. Skyhunter sounds so exciting; I am certain that I will love this :)
What are you waiting for on this mysterious Wednesday?

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Review: Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

It was a must to re-read this before getting to book two. And I am so glad I did. Because I still love this book just as much as when I first read this last year. It is such an excellent story with the best world building. And I so completely adore every single character in this book. And of course, fully in love with every part of space.

I will not be writing a long review this time. Only sharing a little bit about how much I loved this. How badly I loved these characters. And how very much that ending hurt me. So rude. I have adored both authors for years, and I love how well they write together. It is the best. The writing was perfection, which I loved very much.

This book tells the story of the squad of your dreams. Well, your nightmares. It is set far into the future and in space. It is possible to space travel really fast, but only really safe for anyone under age twenty five. So there is an academy of teenagers training to become ready for space missions that the older adults can't do. One of those was Tyler. Nineteen years old. Best out of his class, perfect at pretty much all. He was going to get his dream squad, as he would get first picks. This was not to be. Night before the draft, he couldn't sleep. He went to space to fly. And ended up finding a a ship that had been missing for over two hundred years. With one person still alive. Aurora. Tyler missed out on the draft. And got stuck with pretty much the worst team possible.

And I could not have loved these characters more. Getting to know them all was simply incredible. Tyler was their leader. Scarlett their face. Cat their pilot. Zila their smart medic and more. Finian the one who fixes anything. Kal the fighter to keep them safe. And then there was Aurora. The stowaway. The girl who woke up over two hundred years after she went to sleep. Tyler and Scarlett and Cat already know each other, and would have picked each other already. But the rest of the team is so not the best. Well, not yet.

There is so much I love about this book. I love every part about space. I love the space travel and how everything looks and how different things are. And the plants near the end of the book. Shudders. It was all written so well and I completely loved this world. And hoping we get to see new places in the next two books. Fingers crossed. But mostly I loved these characters. They were very different. And were not the best at working together. But then they got to know each other. I feel like they loved each other as family.

This book is about this team of teenagers going out on a mission. They don't know yet that this mission is to keep Aurora safe, the girl hidden in their cargo. They do not trust this girl at first. Didn't understand why they had to risk everything for her. But secrets and hidden things come to life after some time. And they all grew to care for Aurora. Which made me so happy, because I adored her so. It was heartbreaking to read about Auri having lost her family without being awake. Of her learning to be alone. But not for long.

I simply adored everything about this book. They end up getting captured. By people that should be safe, but aren't. And they end up breaking a whole lot of laws. All to keep Aurora safe. Learning about why they had to keep her safe was all kinds of interesting and exciting. And I cannot wait to learn even more about it all. I just. Sigh. I adored this book so much. I loved getting to know them all. Tyler's still my favorite. And I am so nervous about book two, if he will have changed a lot. And so excited. Oops. It will be so so good.

This book was also all kinds of fun at times. These characters end up working so well together. They steal something from the biggest crime alien. Oh, yeah. This book was filled with different aliens. Which I very much loved. Two of their team are aliens. And I adored them so. There is so much I could write about this book. Yet I have already written enough and not nearly enough at all. But will stop for now. I am simply so glad that I re-read this book right now. Took some time, but so worth it. It's such a great and thrilling story.

Aurora Rising was still everything I wanted it to be. It was still amazing and heartbreaking and so exciting. The ending still killed me the most. Ha. Such an interesting twist and such a creepy villain. I cannot wait to know more about all of it. I will be starting Aurora Burning in a moment. And I simply can't wait. Though I have, of course, peeked. And I know waiting for book three will be even worse. So rude. Yet I still cannot wait. This book was simply so good. And you all need this book in your life too. Right away. Fully worth it.