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?