Best Books of 2022

Happy final day of 2022 :D Another year gone by. I feel like this year went by way too fast. I had planned on reading much more, but that did not happen. Simply felt like I did not have the time. But also not the energy, as my health still sucks, always. Rude. But I have still managed to read 20 books this year, same as last year. And so I'm going to be happy about this :) As it is better than nothing. A few re-reads and a couple of short stories. And new books. Most of them that I loved, which is great. This year I am sharing about six books, all five stars. All loved. I'm hoping to be able to read more next year. I got so many new books to read, ha. Crossing my fingers that I will feel more up to it. Plus side, I still love reading the very most. I still get lost in the books that I love. And so I know I will not stop reading. I just need to be better at finding the time for it. Other things I have done this year: spent so much time with my family. <3 Also still playing Animal Crossing New Horizons every day :) Now also Animal Crossing Pocket Camp. Oops. And Pokemon Go, of course. And trying to play many others games, when I have time for it. So the days are going by fast. But I have had a good year, despite not reading that much. And so I am happy about this year :) Hope to read a little more next year. Fingers crossed. What were your best books of this year? :)

Best Books of 2012. Best Books of 2013. Best Books of 2014. Best Books of 2015. Best Books of 2016. Best Books of 2017. Best Re-Reads of 2015. Best Re-Reads of 2017. Best Four Stars of 2018.
Best Books of 2018. Best Four Stars of 2019. Best Books of 2019. Best Four Stars of 2020.
Best Books of 2020. Best Books of 2021. Goodreads 2022 Challenge. Goodreads 2022 Year in Books.

1. Lightbringer. This final book broke me. The most pain. But such an incredible end to this story. Sobs.
2. Cursed. Such an exciting end to a fantastic duology. I loved the magic the most. Best romance as well.
3. Phoenix Flight. A most amazing series with such a great main character and story. Loved this ending.

4. Bluebird. The most heartbreaking story. But fully important and so good. I loved this so very much.
5. For the Wolf. I adored the couple in this story way too much. Great magic and such a stunning story.
6. For the Throne. A second book that was just as good as the first. Thrilling story and best characters.

HAPPY NEW YEAR :D

In My Mailbox #582

Another week gone by. I have loved this Christmas week so very much. <3 Lots of good food and good time with my family. Loved the presents that I got, eee :D Sharing some of them below. <3 The week has been a little exhausting, but so good. I have had a great Christmas. And I hope all of you have as well :) Sharing my best books of 2022 list later today. <3 This week I'm waiting on Together We Rot :D Hope you are all having the most wonderful Holiday season. <3 And staying safe these days. Merry Christmas. <3

Stranger Things Pop-Up. Eee. Had to wish for this precious :D And oh. It is all kinds of awesome. Love.
This Savage Song. Got this gorgeous for Christmas :D A newish special editions; I so so loved this book.
Animal Crossing. A whole bunch of awesome :D Love the light. Love the beads. Love the Switch cases.
Pokemon. Love the pokeball, eee. It is gorgeous. And the Pikachu box. Had wished for these as well :)
Stranger Things Funko. Only item that I have bought that arrived this week :) Love this pop figure lots.
Monkee. EEE! I am SO happy about getting this one for Christmas :D Ahh! He is SO awesome. Love!

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #584

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

TOGETHER WE ROT BY SKYLA ARNDT

Goodreads Description:

A teen girl looking for the truth about her missing mother forms a reluctant alliance with her former best friend...in exchange for hiding him from his cult-leading family.

Wil Greene's mom has been missing for over a year, and the police are ready to call the case closed--they claim she skipped town and you can't find a woman who wants to disappear. But she knows her mom wouldn't just leave...and she knows the family of her former best friend, Elwood Clarke, has something to do with it.

Elwood has been counting down the days until his 18th birthday--in dread. It marks leaving school and joining his pastor father in dedicating his life to their congregation, the Garden of Adam. But when he comes home after one night of after a final goodbye with his friends, already self-flagellating for the sins of drinking and disobeying his father, he discovers his path is not as virtuous as he thought. He's not his father's successor, but his sacrifice. For the woods he's grown up with are thirsty, and must be paid in blood.

Now on the run from a family that wants him dead, he turns to the only one who will believe him: Wil. Together, they form a reluctant partnership; she'll help him hide if he helps her find evidence that his family killed her mother. But in the end they dig up more secrets than they bargained for, unraveling decades of dark cult dealings in their town, led by the Clarke family.

And there's a reason they need Elwood's blood for their satanic rituals. Something inhuman is growing inside of him. Everywhere he goes, the plants come alive and the forest calls to him, and Wil isn't sure if she can save the boy she can't help but love.

Format: 272 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: August 29, 2023 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order: Book Depository and Blackwells and Amazon

Oh. I saw this cover on twitter. And ahh! I need this book already :D It looks gooorgeous. And sounds amazing too. I think I will love it lots, eee. Hope it has a happy ending, though, haha :) Wish it was out.
What are you waiting for on this growing Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #581

Merry Christmas :D Eee! Today is Christmas day here in Norway, where we celebrate everything; eating and opening presents, haha. <3 As it ended up being a Saturday this year, I have put together this post a few days before and scheduled it for today. I hope you are all having the best Christmas :D I am. <3 And am so excited for today; turkey and presents, haha. It will be such a good day :) And a good week too. <3 Not sharing much more. No new books this time, but a bunch of pop figures, oops. I shared my review of The Phantom of Linkshire Manor. <3 This week I'm waiting on Team Chu and the Epic Hero Quest :D And shared my review of This Appearing House :) I hope you are all having the most wonderful Christmas. <3

Funko Nordic. The four in boxes pop figures were a gift from Funko Nordic :D Eee! Love! Thank you. <3
Funko Europe. Oh. And all the rest is two orders that I placed from Funko Europe. Sobs. So very much money. Oh. But so much awesome, eee. I love them all so much. Sigh. Three of six Sodas were chase versions. The Batman one was a free gift. I did not really want the other two as Chase versions, haha, so I have now ordered them again, oops, to most likely get the regular versions :) Oh! Wait. Some of the pop figures were from an EMP order. All the new Disney ones and the dragon. Love all of them :D I got more mystery mini Disney; three new ones. Yesss. Now I have 9 of the 12 :D Love! Tried more Villainous ones. No new ones. Rude. And ahh. Love my Maleficent. And my Binx cat. <3 I am too addicted to funko pops.

Funko Europe. Oops! I ordered this on Thursday. And it arrived already Friday. Ahh! I.. could not resist buying these new exclusives. Oh. So much awesome, eee. <3 Bought more Disney mystery mini. But no new ones now, though. But I'm just missing three, and they are rarer, so might not get them at all, ha :) But I will try a few more times, haha. Love my new Stitch. <3 And my new Toto :D Eee. SO cute. I bought a new Winifred Soda. Got the regular, ha :) Bought new Santa Jack; got the chase AGAIN. What even.

More Instagram photos here. <3

MERRY CHRISTMAS. <3

Review: This Appearing House by Ally Malinenko

This cover was too awesome for me not to buy this book. It also sounded creepy and amazing. I was sure I would end up loving it. Finally managed to read it, and I did like it a whole lot. But did not love it, sadly. It was not scary to me. Not at all. But I'm giving it three stars, as it had a lot of heart and I liked the girl so much.

I will not be sharing too much about this book, as I felt that it was a short and easy book to read, and so I do not have that much to write about it. But sharing a few of my thoughts. The writing was mostly good, and I liked getting to know the characters. I did not connect as well as I wanted to, but I liked the story well enough.

This is a book about twelve-year-old Jac. She has now been five years without cancer. Five years healthy. It has not been easy for her. This is the part that I liked about this book, her cancer story. This was sad to read about and I felt like it was written well too. I have been sick myself since I was five years old. Not cancer, but I am still sick, and have been in hospitals so many times since I was little. It sucks. And I liked reading a little about it in this book. Felt like there could have been even more of it all, though. Wish a little that there had been some more details. But I liked it too. Jac lives alone with her mom and I liked getting to know them both. They just moved to their place a few months ago, but she already has a great friend, Hazel. I liked him a whole lot. We get to read a little of their friendship and I liked that very much.

This book tells the story of Jac. About how a huge house suddenly appears at the end of her street. The house does not feel right or look right. She and Hazel are dared to enter this house. Jac does it, and she is so curious about this creepy house. It seems to know her and all her secrets. I suppose all of this was supposed to be creepy and exciting. But I honestly thought it was a little boring. Oops. I wish I had liked it more, but I sadly did not. Some things that happened inside the house were interesting, but wasn't scary.

Though I wish this book had been better, I still liked it. Because it was also about Jac learning new things about herself and her health. Learning to better deal with things. Learning to talk better with her mother. It was not written all that well, this book, but it was good. I think many will love this. This Appearing House was a book with heart and I liked that a lot. I'm glad I gave this one a try. Although, I must be a little more honest, ha. I thought the ending was a bit disappointing. Wanted it to be more fantasy. But was good too.

Goodreads - The Book Depository - Blackwells - Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday #583

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

TEAM CHU AND THE EPIC HERO QUEST
(Team Chu #2) BY JULIE C. DAO

Goodreads Description:

Check out acclaimed author Julie C. Dao's debut middle grade series, featuring a team of kids ready for any challenge-even saving the fantasy world of Pantaera from dark forces and certain ruin!

The popular fantasy video game War of Gods and Men is being adapted for reality television, and Team Chu and company are competing for the title of child hero: the young person destined to unite the forces of Pantaera to save it from a sinister fate. Over the next week, they'll be challenged by sirens, vampires, elves, and more in Tests of Courage, Determination, Humility, Intelligence, and Strength.

Popular athlete Clip is confident he'll take the prize, if it weren't for that test of humility. And despite claiming not to care about the game, Sadie finds herself pulled into the immersive world of Pantaera and rising to meet the challenges thrown her way. And her best friend, Jeremy, proud nerd and last pick for P.E. teams, wants more than anything to save the world of the game he loves, no matter the cost.

Join Clip, Sadie, Jeremy, and their friends on a thrilling adventure through an extraordinary fantasy world to learn who among them has what it takes to become Pantaera's child hero!

Format: 416 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: May 2, 2023 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Pre-Order: Book Depository and Blackwells and Amazon

I know, I know. I haven't read book one yet. Oops! But I own it, and I will be getting this second one too, as I think I will adore this series by Julie :) At least hoping to love it. Will read both next year, though :)
What are you waiting for on this epic Wednesday?

Review: The Phantom of Linkshire Manor by Marissa Meyer

As with every story by Marissa Meyer, this tale was exciting. Such a short story, but full of heart even so. I'm giving this one five stars. I only wish it had been much longer, as I so wanted to know more. But as a short story, it was all kinds of awesome. A little creepy, a little romance, a good mystery. Great writing too.

I shall not write much about this one, as it truly was very short. But I will say a little bit. I liked that it was a story set in the past, as I find those to be all kinds of interesting to read. I like those kinds of settings. It was so good in this story as well. Although this book was short, it was easy and fast to read. I loved that.

This story had many details, yet not too many. Which I also very much liked. I liked that it was quick to get to the point of all that happened. But I would have liked even more if this had been a full-sized book, haha, with even more details. As I liked these characters a whole bunch and would have loved to get to know them even more. This one is told from the point of view of Anna. She is a training to be a doctor, one of the first women to do so. And I loved that. She was awesome. And I loved that the male doctor she worked for did not seem to look down at her, but seemed to respect her. Of course, the servants in the manor she end up in did not seem as positive at first. How rude. I hope they got better. I did like getting to know those three as well, though.

This is a story about a mystery. Anna is trying to figure out why her patient, Mr. Rothwell, is so ill. It ends up looking like poison. But who would want to poison him, and why? I liked figuring it out. This manor had many mysteries, despite only having a handful of people inside it. There is the mystery of the death of the wife of Mr. Rothwell, seven years past. A suicide, they say. But was it really? I liked getting to know it all. A little ghostly and mysterious. Just wish it had been longer. But it was a great story and I enjoyed it lots.

The Phantom of Linkshire Manor was all kinds of incredible. Short and exciting. With a good mystery and a good ending too. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this ebook for free as a pre-order bonus for Gilded last year. But you can now buy it too, from the links below. It is a story worth reading and I'm so glad that I read it at last. Now just waiting for more books by Marissa to come out. If you still have not read anything by her, you are truly missing out. All her books have been incredible. The Cinder series is the very best.

 

Goodreads - Kobo - Smashwords

In My Mailbox #580

ALMOST CHRISTMAS :D In just one week! AHH! I am SO excited. Time to start watching Christmas movies, I think. But I am so behind on reading too. Hmm. Will try my best to read two more books in the next two weeks. Ack! I might manage it, as I'm planning on reading a short ebook story by Marissa Meyer first, ha :D It's on Goodreads, so it definitely counts, lol. <3 Then I'm thinking of reading one of my many new middle grade books :) So I'm hoping to manage it. I had wanted to read my eARC of A Crown of Ivy and Glass this year. But.. I'm hoping to be able to get a print ARC of it to read instead, ack :) So waiting a little more. <3 Anyway. I'm still playing pokemon violet :D Though a few days now without playing. Ack. Been too busy and just haven't had time for anything. How rude. Done a buunch of shopping this week. Oops. But it's all good :) Not feeling the best, though. Everything hurts. But I'm good enough, I guess :) This week I'm waiting on The Isles of the Gods :D Hope you're all doing the best. <3 Merry Christmas :D

Lumara. I'm excited about this new book by Melissa Landers :D Loved her first book, years ago. <3
Funko Pop. Oh. A couple of new orders from Funko Europe, haha :D I just.. cannot stop ordering from them. Sobs. It has cost me way, way too much. And taken way too much space. Oops. I shall do better from now on. Probably. May already be waiting on two more orders.. hahaha. Oh. Anyway :D Love my exclusives. Love the new Disney Mystery Mini boxes. A little sad to have gotten three of nine doubles.. but they are adorable :) Still not gotten the last two I'm missing from the Villainous Valentines minis. Ugh.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #582

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

THE ISLES OF THE GODS BY AMIE KAUFMAN

Goodreads Description:

Magic, romance, and slumbering gods clash in the start of a riveting fantasy series that spans gangsters' dens, forgotten temples, and the high seas from the New York Times bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle.

When Selly's father leaves her high and dry in the port of Kirkpool, she has no intention of riding out the winter on land while he sails to adventure in the north seas. But any plans to follow him are dashed when a handsome stranger with tell-tale magician's marks on his arm boards her ship, presenting her and the crew with a dangerous mission: to cross the Crescent Sea without detection so he can complete a ritual on the sacred Isles of the Gods. What starts as a leisure cruise will lead to acts of treason and sheer terror on the high seas, bringing two countries to the brink of war, two strangers closer than they ever thought possible and stirring two dangerous gods from centuries of slumber...

Format: 464 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: May 2, 2023 by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order: Book Depository and Blackwells and Amazon

EEE! I am SO excited about this most gorgeous book :D Gosh. Been a fan of Amie for years now. <3 And this newest book by her sounds aaaamazing. Ahh! And that cover! I am dying a little. It is stunning. Sigh. I love it so. I am certain that I will love this book and this series :) Wishing it was May already. <3 Excited :)
What are you waiting for on this dangerous Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #579

Oh. This past week have gone by so fast. I spent the first part of the week waiting for my newest amiibo cards to arrive, ha :) Got them, and at last got the final cards I needed to complete my collection. <3 I am so excited :D Eee! This week I have played a bunch of pokemon violet. And oh gosh, I love it so so much. Sigh. So much to do, though, ha :) I sadly have not started reading anything yet, as I am not sure what to read next. Hmm. Want something easy and fast. Hopefully deciding soon. I love this Christmas month so much. <3 And so I'm just also trying not to do anything, ha :) But ah. This week was also medicine week. And it sucked. Still feel exhausted. But hoping it will pass shortly. I have done a bunch this week, which is why it feels like it has gone by so fast too. Too much, haha. But enough updates for now :) I'm doing good enough. This week I'm waiting on The Sun and the Star :D Hope you're all doing well. Happy Holidays :D

Cursed. Got the AUS paperback edition :D Of course I had to buy this version too, haha. It is so pretty. <3
Saint. So far behind on books by Adrienne. Oops. But I'm still buying them all, so I'm ready to catch up :)
Animal Crossing amiibo cards. Oops. Got my final batch of cards :D And I got the final two I was missing! EEE! At last :D My collection is complete. <3 Gosh. I am so so happy. Sigh. I love these cards the most.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #581

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

THE SUN AND THE STAR
BY RICK RIORDAN & MARK OSHIRO

Goodreads Description:

Demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace must endure the terrors of Tartarus to rescue an old friend in this thrilling adventure co-written by New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan and award-winning author Mark Oshiro.

Percy Jackson fans, rejoice! Nico and Will have a book of their own!

As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life–literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that’s been the case so far . . .

Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades’s realm. Nico’s dreams and Rachel Dare’s latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico’s mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to “leave something of equal value behind?”

Nico will have to face demons both internal and external as his relationship with Will is tested to the core in this standalone adventure featuring two of the most popular characters in the Percy Jackson saga.

Format: 480 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: May 2, 2023 by Disney Hyperion
Pre-Order: Book Depository and Blackwells and Amazon

Oh. I am so behind on the Percy Jackson books. Oops. When I first read them, now years ago, I think I read about the nine that were out right then. And then I just didn't continue when the next ones came out. Oops. But I will re-read them one day, hopefully soonish :D I'm excited to finally read these books again, to finally finish the series too, ha. This Nico and Will book sounds and looks aaamazing. Sigh. Excited. <3
What are you waiting for on this dark Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #578

It is December at last :D Eee! Christmas is almost here, finally. Gosh. I'm too excited. <3 Just wishing we would get snow too. Hmph. Hoping it will arrive soon :) I have been exhausted this week too. But happy as well. Got a bunch of great mail. <3 And finally played some pokemon violet too :) I'm loving it so much, eee. It's the best. I don't have much to share this week, so I'm cutting it short this time, ha :) This week I'm waiting on The Only Survivors :) Hope you are all doing well. <3 Have you gotten Christmas up yet? :D

The Fall of Numenor. Eee. I bought this because of the tv-show, haha :) First I must read LotR, though :D
Strike the Zither. Lovely UK paperback edition :D Hope to be able to read this gorgeous soon. Excited :)
Switch Games. More Pokemon, to get steelbooks, ha :D They are gorgeous. Curious about Fenyx Rising.
Animal Crossing. Oh. Norway had sale on the amiibo cards at black friday. Sobs. SO happy :D Got many.
Pop Figures. Oh again. Funko Europe got in a bunch of pop figures I needed and had wanted for ages. Ahh! Had to get them all, haha :D SO so happy to finally have those two The Witcher specials. <3 LOVE.

More Instagram photos here. <3