Sunday, May 28, 2023

Review: The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman

This book was just as incredible as I knew it would be. Such a fun and exciting story. Of course, all kinds of heartbreaking and evil too. But mostly just fun and such a great read. It makes me so happy that I loved this book. Five stars. But now I must wait long for book two, which is so not okay, haha. I must know more.

The writing was stunning, as always with books by Amie. I truly loved to get to know the different characters. Some good, some all kinds of bad. But all of them fully exciting to read about. And so very different from each other. Yet they were coming together to survive and getting to know each other better. I so loved that.

I do not know how to write this review of mine. It is always harder with books that I love. Oops. But going to do my best. This book is for the most part the story of Selly. But it is from other point of views too. We get to know Leander and Keegan and Jude and Laskia. But yes, it's mostly about Selly and Leander and so we hear more from them. And I very much adored these characters. Eee. Selly has spent pretty much her whole life on the sea with her father. But he has been gone for the past year and she is growing restless. She bumps into Leander on the night she was trying to leave her crew and find her father, ending up staying with them instead to escort him. As he was no regular boy, but the prince of their home. He has a mission that must be done.

Selly pretty much hates him from the beginning, ha. I loved their banter. How it turned into more. It was an enemies to lovers type of story. Though they were not actually enemies. It was also just how I like it. They were not cruel to each other. Just a little rudeness from Selly and I did not mind that. Their banter was mostly just fun, as it was easy to see that they actually liked each other. I do wish the romance had been more, though. Especially with how it ends, as I worry there will be less. Hmm. It was still beautiful.

I honestly just truly loved getting to know Selly and Leander. They were so different. He was such a rich and spoiled royal boy. All kinds of handsome and knowing it. Full of magic, more than usual people with magic in this world. A little selfish, not fully caring about the world around him until now. But even with his faults, I loved him to pieces. Because he was honest and real. Kind of just a rude boy, at first. But full of heart and so sweet beneath it all. And he did care. He was just slow to show it. I just loved him the most.

Selly was also such a great girl. Pretty stubborn and a little rude too, ha. But full of heart and all kinds of brave. We get to know her crew a little too, though only half of them were on the ship when they had to leave with Leander. They all seemed awesome. And their end was the worst. Shudders. But written so very well that I just could not help but love the scenes. Oops. It fit with the story. Selly was such a great person and I simply adored her. Her growing friendship with Leander was truly the very best thing. Sigh.

Of course, this book had a whole bunch of other characters too. But it did focus most on those two, and I loved that so much. They had another boy with them on this journey across the sea, Keegan. And he was so very different from both of them. I loved that. A little rude, he too, haha. But he was such a lovely and kind person. I loved to slowly get to know him and his history with Leander at school years ago. They did not have the best of a relationship back then. I loved how they both grew and slowly ending up friends.

Then there were the villains, I would call them. They are from a different town or place in this world. And were trying their very best to make a war, to wake up their sleeping god. There was Laskia, the younger sister of Ruby, whom was the biggest crime boss around. Both of them pretty horrible, honestly. Laskia was willing to do anything to get her sister to approve of her and make her an equal to her. And oh, how many people she killed in this book. Shudders. I did not like this girl. I am not ever going to either. Hmph.

And then there was Jude. Who works for Laskia, having to help her do all the dirty work. They are hunting down Leander to kill him. Jude went to school with him too, until he left their town a couple of years ago. Thinking that Leander did not care and did not help when he needed him most. Jude just want to keep his mother safe, who is sick. And so he does whatever Laskia tells him to. I'm not sure what I felt about him. I kind of liked him, I kind of did not. Ugh. He needs to redeem himself more, for me to actually like him, ha.

Oh. I guess I should mention a little more about the world now, ha. It is one big place, filled with different towns or islands or something. They needed to travel by boat to get to the other places to visit. It was a place of gods and worshiping them, though not all did that, as they had been gone for so long. It was a book with a little bit of magic over the four elements and that some people had control over one of those. Leander had all four. I loved how the magic was spirits that helped if you ask nicely and with an offering.

This book is about Leander being delayed in making a sacrifice to their goddess to help strengthen her. He is one year delayed, as he was busy living his life. Not actually a good idea, but I did understand him too. But because of this, war is on the horizon. Not getting into all that. But it was so interesting. Leander travels with Selly and her crew. But they are being hunted and it does not go well. So much happens. All fully exciting and thrilling to read about. I loved everything being at sea and all the sailing. Written so well.

I have already written way too much about this book. Oops. Hopefully my thoughts make some type of sense. I just really loved this book. And the plot was all kinds of exciting. There was not a single boring moment in this story. I did have a few small issues with the writing at times, but nothing big. I still loved this one so very much. I just need more of Selly and Leander. Hmph. And oh, how good that ending was. The next book will be the most exciting, I'm certain of it. What I loved most was all the great friendships.

The Isles of the Gods was such an incredible adventure story at sea. Full of amazing characters and full of heart. A bit of magic and gods. A bit of madness from some. Every kind of perfect. This book did not disappoint me. I just cannot wait for the sequel. Hmph. I must know how it all ends, haha. As I am a little bit too worried. Oops. As that ending was the rudest. Okay, mostly a good ending, but such a cliffhanger even so. I'm worried about everything, ha. I am certain everyone else will love this one too. So go read it.

 

Saturday, May 27, 2023

In My Mailbox #603

I finally started reading yesterday, whoo :D Haha. I'm proud of myself, lol. Been so slow to get myself to read. Finally managed it. And I have read a lot, and will finish the book tomorrow. Also loving it, so yay for that. This week have been pretty exhausting, as always. Doing better, health-wise. But still so exhausted. How rude. And I may have gotten way, way too much mail this week. Oh. Help. I really truly need to stop buying things. Sigh. I shall get better. Hopefully. This week I'm waiting on The Forest Grimm :D OH! And I saw The Little Mermaid at the cinema :D It was so very good. I loved it. I hope you are all doing well. <3

The Only Survivors. I'm so excited about this book. Had some bad luck with her latest; hope to love this :)
Team Chu and the Epic Hero Quest. Book two, oops :D Haha. I must read them both one day. So pretty.
Sinister Summer: Menacing Manor. Oh. Book four. And I haven't read book one yet. Oops. One day soon.
Fall of the School for Good and Evil. Got my UK and International paperback editions :D Looks stunning.
The Isles of the Gods. Got my international paperback. <3 It is so gorgeous. Reading my hb now. Love it.
The Ones We're Meant to Find. Sigh. This most gorgeous book. So in love with this new paperbk cover :)
A Crown of Ivy and Glass. Ohh! The international paperback was not delayed :D And it's perfect. Sigh. <3
Beth Revis Swag. Eee! More special swag from Beth. <3 And it is fully gorgeous. So love that bookmark.

Funko Europe. Oops. Had to get those Jurassic moments :D SO perfect. Free purse. Love it. And some other pop figures I just had to get, ha. Finally got the final mickey and friends mystery mini I needed :D
Poki-Heaven. Tried a new Norwegian site :) I'm happy with it. Finally have Scar and Espeon :D Love it.

Funko Europe. Ha. Yeah. This order was huge and expensive. Sobs. But so worth it too, eee :D I love the new The Witcher pop figures, eee. Still four to be released. At last got my Ursula chase soda, haha. Love Remy. Love Bambi. Sigh. And new halloween pop figures, finally :) Supposed to come last year. Hmph. Very much delayed. And.. more mystery minis. Sigh. All doubles. Goddamn it. Makes me sad, haha :)
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Oops. I could not stop myself from buying this collector edition. But gosh. I did not know it was going to be this huge. Oops. And heavy too. How rude. But it is stunning, love the art.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #605

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

THE FOREST GRIMM BY KATHRYN PURDIE

Goodreads Description:

A spellbinding YA fantasy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie, where fairy tales come to life with dark, deadly twists.

" Tell me again, Grandmère , the story of how I die. "

The Midnight Forest. The Fanged Creature. Two fortune-telling cards that spell an untimely death for 17-year-old Clara. Despite the ever-present warning from her fortune-teller grandmother, Clara embarks on a dangerous journey into the deadly Forest Grimm to procure a magical book― Sortes Fortunae , the Book of Fortunes―with the power to reverse the curse on her village and save her mother.

Years ago, when the villagers whispered their deepest desires to the book, its pages revealed how to obtain them. All was well until someone used the book for an evil purpose―to kill another person. Afterward, the branches of the Forest Grimm snatched the book away, the well water in Grimm’s Hollow turned rancid, and the crops died from disease. The villagers tried to make amends with the forest, but every time someone crossed its border, they never returned.

Now, left with no alternative, Clara and her close friend, Axel―who is fated never to be with her―have set their minds to defying fate and daring to accomplish what no one else has been able to before. But the forest―alive with dark, deadly twists on some of our most well-known fairy tales―has a mind of its own.

Format: 352 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 19, 2023 by Wednesday Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon

I had to check out this book when I saw the cover, haha :) I think it looks great. It is a new to me author, but I am pretty excited about this book :D It sounds exciting and I'm hoping to end up loving it a whole lot.
What are you waiting for on this fated Wednesday?

Saturday, May 20, 2023

In My Mailbox #602

This week went by too fast. I have not gotten much done at all. Oops. Been busy watching some movies, ha :) And just taking it easy. My bump is finally healing, after I had to stab it three times. Sigh. But it feels better, finally. Though I'm still exhausted. But I'm doing better, at least :) Still have not managed to read anything, though. Aw. But hoping to get started very shortly, I know what I'm reading. I did get a bunch of great mail, ha :) More pop figures, oops. <3 Always love my mail. I must begin to control myself, though, ha :) This week I'm waiting on Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters :D Hope you are all doing well. <3


ARC trade. EEE! Thank you so much God of Wax for trading these with me :) I love them all so, so very much. And the biggest of thank you to Becky for helping me get them. <3 And the SGE keychain, eee :D
Funko Europe. Oh. Another very big order. Ahh! I had to get all of these. Sigh. LOVE that Stitch, eee. He is so very cute. Love my Smeagol. My Eeyore. My Peter Pan. Got the regular Bruno soda at last :) But still not the chase of Ursula. Aw. But I shall try once more even so, haha. More mystery minis, too many doubles. Oops. Yet I still buy them. Sigh. I want the last three Stranger Things that I am missing. Hmph.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #604

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

BEE BAKSHI AND THE GINGERBREAD SISTERS
BY EMI PINTO

Goodreads Description:

Inspired by Hansel and Gretel, this spooky ghost story and touching debut investigates the gingerbread houses that we trap ourselves in when we don’t learn to love ourselves as we are, perfect for fans of Ghost Squad and The Girl and the Ghost.

Bee wanted to spend the summer reading Betsy Chillers books and exploring the new spooky theme park with her best friend. Instead, she’s spending the summer trapped at Storm Lake with her too loud, too thrifty, and too Indian family.

Luckily, Bee finds a place to escape her embarrassment—a magical house across the lake that transforms her into the cool girl she always wanted to be. Maybe cottage life isn’t so bad after all! But strange dreams are haunting Bee, and there’s a chill in her bones she just can’t shake.

Bee follows her hunch—and the scent of gingerbread—to Lucas, the dorky boy next door. He thinks there are ghosts in the forest, but new friend Alina tells her what Bee has feared all along: There’s a witch at Storm Lake. And she’s coming for Bee.

Format: 304 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 12, 2023 by HarperCollins
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon

EEE! This cover is just all kinds of amazing. I just have to have this book, haha :) I think I'm going to love it a whole bunch too, as it sounds like such a great middle grade. Sigh. It sounds awesome. Cannot wait.
What are you waiting for on this spooky Wednesday?

Saturday, May 13, 2023

In My Mailbox #601

Gah. This have been one painful week. I got sick after my Paris trip last week. So been dealing with that. At last getting a little better :) But then the bump I have had under my arm for months started getting bad, turning into an abscess. Sigh. So that have been killing me for days. Oh. So much pain, as it's huuuge. I killed it yesterday, but it's not gone yet. Rude. Hoping to be better soon, as this pain sucks. So I have not had the energy to read yet at all. Or do much of anything. Aw. Took some photos today, though, which I'm happy with at least :) And I got a bunch of books this week, oops. <3 No pop figures. What even. But got a large order arriving next week. Ha. Wait. That is a lie. I did get a Funko Nordic pop figure gift pack this week, oops. <3 Forgot those. Must add a photo below too, haha :) Anyway. I'm not doing too good, but getting better, hopefully :) This week I'm waiting on The Unmaking of June Farrow :) And I shared about my Disneyland Paris 2023 trip, eee. <3 Hope you are doing well :) Have you read any great books lately?

The Sun and the Star. Oops. Thought one of these was the US version. Was not. Sigh. Reading one day.
The Isles of the Gods. Got my signed UK hardcover and US hardcover. <3 Going to read this one next :)
Lying in the Deep. I'm unsure if this one will be for me. But I'm giving it a try, as it do sound pretty great.
Gigantosaurus the Game. I could not resist buying this on sale, haha :) I so love dinosaurs. Looking cute.
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I'm excited to try playing this game very soon, eee :D Everyone is loving it.
Gengar Squishmallows. Oops. This one was on sale. I had to have it, haha :D So cute. Need Pikachu :)

Funko Nordic gift. Eeee! My latest ambassador gift. <3 Oh. So thankful. I love them all. Tiana the most :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Disneyland Paris 2023

Eee! Last week I turned 30 years old, on May 3rd. I spent that day at Disneyland Paris with my sister. <3 Her birthday gift to me :) We only had a couple of days in Paris, and did not actually go to the city. But I did not really want to either, so I'm good with that. What was important was the Disneyland trip. It was all kinds of magical and amazing. Going to be sharing some of what we did today :) Sharing photos too. Did not take that many, as I was busy just being there, haha. It has taken me a week to get this post ready, as I got sick when I got home. But I was okay when we were there. I was worried, but went okay. Of course, all the walking killed me, and I'm still hurting, but it was so good, just being there. Worth it, I guess? Ha :)

Sharing a few details about our trip, and what we did there. Left for Paris on Tuesday, spent Wednesday at Disney and went home again on Thursday. Just a short trip, but it was amazing. We stayed at Relais Spa Val d'Europe and it was such a nice hotel. Their shuttle to and from Disney was the best. They had a good pool too. And their breakfast was amazing. Ha :) It was a short walk to a huge mall right next to it, Val d'Europe. But that was beyond disappointing. They had so many stores, but not truly anything for me. I bought a few small things, but nothing big, like I had imagined I would. And it was so, so dirty. Shudders. And had so few sitting places, considering it was huge to walk through. So, yeah. It was not a good mall, ha. The village of Val d'Europe right next door was way more pretty, though. Nothing there for me, only designer things, ha. But beautiful. We also visited Disney Village, the free place. So so many people. We ate at McDonald's, which was also dirty. Sigh. I did love looking at the stores. But, again, nothing for me to buy. I thought there would be a lot of Disney stuff. I had a wishlist. They had none of it. Uugh. But I did buy a few things, but so little. Aw. So that was disappointing. Still. I loved just looking at everything. <3

And now finally going to talk a little about what we did at Disneyland Paris :D Only one day there, for both parks. But that was enough for us. We did so much walking. It was exhausting. But good. The day was sunny at all times and around 20c, which was nice. A little cold wind, but we weren't freezing. And I got such a bad sunburn on my face and chest. Oops. So, yeah. Do wear sunscreen. I did not think of it. My trip had been planned and ordered since December, when my sister gifted it to me. And yet there was something I did not learn until about a week before learning. About the Priority pass. I did not know this existed. And that I had what was needed to get it. I'm so thankful that I learned of it before leaving, as I would not have gotten much done at Disneyland without it. It helped so much. We didn't have to stand in lines for ages at all. At most 10 minutes, usually just 5 minutes or less. It was the best and helped me so much as I cannot stand for too long without sitting down. So, yes. The Priority pass saved my trip and I am so glad it was possible. Even got a photo with Mickey because of it, haha :) Oh! And I got a birthday pin as well, which was so pretty. Did not really do anything at all, but many staff members wished me a happy birthday, which I so loved :) Also, people in Paris were nice and always said Bonjour. Loved that.

Now sharing about the rides we took :D Did not do them all, and may have missed out on a few we did not go to, so we did not see them. Oops. Another time. But loved the rides we did take. Sharing about them in a random order. We took Crush's Coaster. Which we thought would not be too bad or scary, as many children were waiting in line. Ha. Yeah. That one was all kinds of scary. Hahaha. Oh. But it was a little fun too. But made me nauseous. It was almost fully dark inside too, so we didn't see anything. Rude. And went so fast. Ahh! We took Peter Pan's Flight. Which was good, yet also pretty boring, and wouldn't have been worth it standing in line for about an hour, like most people did. Oh. We took Dumbo the Flying Elephant twice, and so loved that one :) A safe one, yet fun and a little fast too. We took Le Carrousel de Lancelot, which was boring, but pretty. We took a Cars one that went pretty fast and was fun. We took the Autopia, driving around in cars. It was fun and pretty. We took Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, which was fast and all kinds of fun. Loved it. We took Orbitron, which was a little scary, as it was hard to hold on and it went fast. But fun too. We also took Ratatouille, which was so boring and the worst of them, I think. Hated the 3D glasses. Ugh. But was good enough. I think that were all the rides we did :) All of them pretty fun. <3

Sharing only a little bit more. We did not eat very much at the park, as there was not really anything we wanted to try. Though we did go to Bella Notte to get the Mickey pizza. It looked pretty, but didn't taste all that well. Oops. We spent most of the time at the Disney park, and only a little at the Walt Disney Studios park. As that one was smaller and kind of boring, haha. But we did take some rides there, which I loved. But didn't really visit the Marvel parts, were too exhausted by that time. Just walked around and watched things :) We did leave for the hotel around 5pm, as we needed a break and to order some room service. Then we went back to the park around 9pm, so we could see the special light shows at the Disney castle at 11pm :) It was such a full park by then. Gosh. It even said full capacity when we arrived back. Ahh. So it was hard to find a spot to stand in to wait for the show. We did not know at first where to find the Priority pass special place to be, so that took a while. But we did find it, which was closer to the castle and closer to see. But no places to sit, which sucked. We had to sit on the cold ground, which wasn't very good at all and too hard for me. If I go back, that will be planned better and I will bring something to sit on. And rent a wheelchair, as that is needed for me. The show was pretty, but not really worth it to spend so long in the cold waiting for it. But I'm glad I saw it too :) But anyway. I have now shared all kinds of details about our Paris trip, haha :) It was such a magical place to visit. <3 I'm still exhausted, but so worth it. I'm sharing a few photos. Did not take many. Took a few photos of myself, but I'm not happy with them, so not sharing, ha :) Though I must share one Mickey photo, despite not really loving it. But loved getting to meet him :)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that is all the photos I had to share :D Not too many, as I did not have the time to take photos, ha :) But happy with those that I got. <3 I took a few videos of the show at night, but it so did not look pretty to share here on my blog. So I will share those on my instagram, so visit me there, if you want to see them :)

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #603

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

THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW BY ADRIENNE YOUNG

Goodreads Description:

One woman risks everything to end her family's centuries-old curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and find love in this mesmerizing novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Spells for Forgetting.

In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line for as long as anyone can remember. But June is determined to be the last of her name, and in turn, be first Farrow to never find love. The whole town knows of the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving her daughter, June, to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors. Everyone in Jasper is certain that it's only a matter of time before she finds the same end, but June hasn't told a single soul that it's already begun.

After her grandmother’s death, a series of clues linking her mother's disappearance to the town's grim past emerge, leading June to a mysterious door. Behind it may lay the answer to the mysteries that have always lingered like a dark shadow over Jasper and the Farrows, but the further into the unknown she goes, the more her mind seems to unravel. Upon crossing the threshold, June embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but entangle her fate and her heart in a star-crossed love.

With The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young delivers a brilliant story with romance, mystery, and a touch of the impossible—a story you will never forget.

Format: 336 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: October 17, 2023 by Delacorte Press
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon

Oops. I am so so so far behind on books by Adrienne. Sigh. But I'm still getting this newest one, ha :D As I did love her first book. And I know I will love her other books too. Probably, ha :) At least I own them all, and hoping to catch up very soon. Fingers crossed that I will end up loving all of them. This one as well :)
What are you waiting for on this mysterious Wednesday?

Saturday, May 6, 2023

In My Mailbox #600

Eee! I turned 30 years old this week :D Whoo! All kinds of old now, haha :) And I spent my birthday at Disneyland Paris with my sister. <3 It was the best day and such a great trip. Fully exhausting, but so good. I will be sharing a blog post just about that, tomorrow sometime :) Will share a few photos then too. I'm still exhausted from my trip, arrived home late Thursday. Now sick too, so that's fun. Ha. Not. Hoping it won't get worse. Fingers crossed. Did get some lovely mail while I was gone. <3 Bought a few things in Paris too :) But not a lot.. had a long Disney wishlist. They did not have a single thing that I wanted. Uugh. Such a disappointment. They should have had at least one thing I wanted. Hmph. But no. Still. Got a few nice things :) But bought so very little, honestly. Aw. This week I'm waiting on The Night Hunt :D Hoping to find something new to read soon. When I feel better :) Fingers crossed. Hope you are all doing well. <3

The Isles of the Gods. First of my copies, ha :) UK edition. I'm planning on reading this beauty soon :)
Funko Europe. Oops. Two new orders arrived. Ahh. I so love the new The Little Mermaid pop figures :D Eee. I had to get them all. Cannot wait for the movie. And oh, the new Disney moments. Moana! Eee. My precious. I love it so much. And a few mystery minis; still missing one Mickey. Sigh. Love the Lilo one. <3

Disneyland Paris. Bought so little. Aw. But love what I got :) Had to get the lego figures, ha, as they are so cute. Only three plushes. Aw. But they are adorable. Got two pair of ears; love them. I so wish they had a bigger selection, though, as I wanted to get more. Hmm. A few small figures and things. Only one pop :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #602

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

THE NIGHT HUNT BY ALEXANDRA CHRISTO

Goodreads Description:

From Alexandra Christo, the author of To Kill a Kingdom, comes The Night Hunt, a dark fantasy romance about a monstrous girl who feeds on fear and the Gods-cursed boy who falls in love with her.

Atia is a monster who feeds on fear. As the last of her kind, she hides in the shadows of the world to escape the wrath of the unpredictable Gods. Silas is a Herald, carrying messages and ferrying the dead as punishment for a past he can’t remember. Stripped of his true name, he yearns to recover his identity.

Atia would never dream of allying with someone like him, but when she breaks a sacred law and the Gods send monsters to hunt her, Silas offers an irresistible deal: he’ll help avenge her family and take on the Gods who now hunt her, if she helps him break his curse and restore his humanity. All they need to do is kill three powerful creatures: a vampire, a banshee, and one of the very Gods who destroyed both their lives. Only together can they finally rewrite their destinies.

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: October 10, 2023 by Feiwel Friends
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon

Eee! I am all kinds of excited for this book :D Gosh. Look at that pretty cover. Sigh. I have read some of the books by Alexandra, and still have to read a couple. But I'm so very excited for this new one. Sounds dark and awesome. Hoping it will be dark, at least, ha :) Hoping for some great romance too. I can't wait.
What are you waiting for on this monstrous Wednesday?

Saturday, April 29, 2023

In My Mailbox #599

Another Saturday, another week gone by. And just THREE days until my small Paris trip, ahhh :D And it's just four days then until I turn 30 and visit Disneyland Paris. <3 Oh. I cannot wait, eee :D So so excited for everything I'm going to buy, haha :) And eat. And see. Oh. Will take so many photos, ha :) Of course, my health is a fucking mess right now. Which will make my trip all kinds of hard, of course. But still so excited and hoping it won't be too bad :) And I'm still so excited. Sigh. Anyway. Got a bunch of amazing mail this week. <3 Some books. Some pop figures. All so awesome. Eee. I shared my review of In the Shadow of Blackbirds. <3 This week I'm waiting on The Fragile Threads of Power :) Hope you are all doing well. <3

Silver in the Bone. Eee! I am all kinds of excited about this book :D I'm hoping to get to read it very soon.
The Piper's Promise. Okay, have not read the first two. Oops. But I love these middle grade covers, ha :)
The Star Shepherd. Eee! Thank you so much MarcyKate for this personalized copy that I won :D I love it.
Animal Crossing. Number four of the graphic novel series :D Okay, haven't read them, but need them all.
Funko Nordic. Ahh! Thank you so much love for this most wonderful birthday present :D Love all of them.
Funko Europe. Oops. I managed three weeks without ordering new pop figures, haha. I had to get these, eee. I LOVE the new Pocahontas one :D Ahh! Got the chase Bruno soda, love. <3 And love all of them.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #601

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

THE FRAGILE THREADS OF POWER BY V. E. SCHWAB

Goodreads Description:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and set in the world of A Darker Shade of Magic, V. E. Schwab opens a new door into perilous adventure and tangled schemes with The Fragile Threads of Power.

Once, there were four worlds, nestled like pages in a book, each pulsing with fantastical power, and connected by a single city: London. Until the magic grew too fast, and forced the worlds to seal the doors between them in a desperate gamble to protect their own. The few magicians who could still open the doors grew more rare as time passed and now, only three Antari are known in recent memory―Kell Maresh of Red London, Delilah Bard of Grey London, and Holland Vosijk, of White London.

But barely a glimpse of them have been seen in the last seven years―and a new Antari named Kosika has appeared in White London, taking the throne in Holland's absence. The young queen is willing to feed her city with blood, including her own―but her growing religious fervor has the potential to drown them instead.

And back in Red London, King Rhy Maresh is threatened by a rising rebellion, one determined to correct the balance of power by razing the throne entirely.

Amidst this tapestry of old friends and new enemies, a girl with an unusual magical ability comes into possession of a device that could change the fate of all four worlds.

Her name is Tes, and she's the only one who can bring them together―or unravel it all.

Format: 656 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 26, 2023 by Tor Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon

I am pretty excited about this one :D Although.. I have only read book one of the trilogy. Oops? Hahaha :) I'm so very behind. But hoping to read them all before this comes out this fall; I know I will love them. <3
What are you waiting for on this power Wednesday?

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Review: In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

It has been ten years since I last read this book. I honestly can't believe it has been that long. I still remembered almost all about this amazing story. And felt like I had just read it, ha. Time have moved too fast. It was about time that I read it again. I was a little nervous at first, but I still loved this book to pieces. Still five stars.

This was my first book by Cat Winters. I have read every book by her since then. Cannot wait for her to write more stories, as her books are always the best. I must confess, I did have a few small issues with the writing this time around, with how I myself have changed in the past ten years. The writing was still good.

There is so much for me to share about this book. But I'm going to try to keep it short. But oh, there was much that I loved about this story. Even though I did remember most of it, I had forgotten one part about the ending, and it still surprised me, ha. It was so good. Though this story is such a heartbreaking one. And I still wished for a different ending. Sigh. It is such a good book and I love it. This book tells the story of sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black. It takes place in the year of 1918. A year of the Spanish flu and of war. It was not a happy time to be alive. But people did their best back then. I must say that I did not know anything about this time period at all when I first read this one, ten years ago. And it was so interesting. I know a little more now, sort of, and it is still so fascinating to read about. So heartbreaking.

This is a story about ghosts. A story about life after death, sort of. For someone who died, and someone who died for a moment and came back. It is a story about death and sickness and war. It is also a story about family and love and hope. It was such a mix of everything, some amazing murder mystery too. But the heart of this story was Mary Shelley. And oh, how I adored this girl. She just had to leave her home, as her father got arrested for treason. And so she had to go stay with her aunt Eva, who lived ages away.

Her aunt was all kinds of crazy, haha. But I adored her even so. Only ten years older than Mary, but she seemed so old. She had just lost her husband to a sickness a few months ago. So they lived alone. The flu pretty much made Eva crazy, haha. But I loved how she cared and how she wanted to live. But gosh, the ways they all tried to avoid getting this flu was awful. Eating garlic all the time. Shudders. Would not be for me. In these days, this story is much more real. That makes it even more heartbreaking and sad.

There is so much to say about this book. But I am going to keep it short. Well, mostly short. I just loved reading this story again. I so loved getting to know Mary Shelley and Eva again. Reading about their life with the flu, with so many people dying around them. Was so sad but so interesting too. But the heart of this story was Mary Shelley and Stephen. Her childhood friend, whom she had been writing letters with for years, after he moved away. We get to know very much about their past, and oh, how I adored them.

She got to visit him a few months before she moved in with Eva; four years after she saw him last. And they connected in a different way. A more romantic one. And I so loved that. But they only got that one moment together, a little kissing. Before he went off to war. They still sent letters, but she had not heard anything for months, when she moved in with Eva. And that really starts this story. With her learning he's dead. And then slowly learning the truth about how he died, trying to figure it all out. Oh. That truly hurt.

Okay. This review of mine have turned pretty messy. I'm just struggling to find the right words to explain my love for this book and these characters. And so I shall not share that much more. This book is about Mary Shelley living during the flu, figuring out how to fit in with her aunt Eva. With her trying to solve the death of Stephen. And then seeing his ghost. It was fully heartbreaking but so very good. Oh, how I loved those scenes. A little spooky. All kinds of amazing. Also, Stephen's brother, Julius. I hated him the most.

One of my favorite things in this book was when Mary Shelley visited the Red Cross hospital and talked to the hurt soldiers there. I wish there had been more about it at the end; I wish to know what happened to them. I hope they all survived. A bunch of damaged young boys, but they were still fun to read about. Oh. And another thing I wish to know about is what happened to her father. If he went to jail or got free. I think he was freed, but I do not know. Much I wish to know after the ending, but it also ended very well.

Oops. Another thing I must mention, despite having finished writing this review of mine. I have mentioned how very heartbreaking this book is. But I haven't really gone into why. We get to know details about what goes on in the war. And it was so sad. And we get some details about the flu too, how people died. Which was horrible too. But the worst part was reading about what happened to Stephen, truly happened to him. It was the cruelest and most awful thing someone could do. I hated it. But it was so well written too. Sigh.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds is such a stunning story. And you are all going to love it, if you still have not read it. I can't believe that it took me ten years to read it again, considering I read it twice the year that it came out. But I'm happy that I finally did read it again. Because it is such a special book and I love it so. The story is all kinds of heartbreaking but a little hopeful as well. Such a great mystery and a good ghost story. The cover is also gorgeous. And there is artwork inside, photos from before. All of them fantastic.

 

Saturday, April 22, 2023

In My Mailbox #598

Ten days left! Ahhh! Leaving for Paris and Disneyland in just ten days. <3 I cannot wait to spend my 30th birthday at Disney :) Eee. So very excited. Will be a short trip, but long enough, and it will be so good :) Sigh. I cannot wait. Anyway. Another week gone by. Ack! And I still have not read anything. Oops. But I do know what I'm reading next. And I'm going to start it in a moment, at last, ha :) I have been busy this week with my spa bath, as always. <3 And just trying to take it easy. Was medicine day early this week, and it sucked. Ugh. But now taking a break from it, finally. A whole bunch of new mail. <3 No print books, but two eARCs, ack :D And I am fully excited about both of them. Gosh. Reading both soon. This week I'm waiting on Clementine and Danny Save the World (and each other). <3 Hope you are all doing well :)

Pop Figures. Some new ones bought from bigbadtoystore :) Love my new pokemon, eee. So adorable.
The Last of Us. I have been wanting to get this PS5 game for ages :) And I shall play it.. one day, haha :D
Beth Revis swag. Another new mailing of some precious Beth swag :D Love the House of Hex cover. <3
Pokemon Plushes + Nintendo Rewards. EEE! Thank you so much Megan for helping me get all of this to Norway from the UK :D Ahh! I am beyond thrilled and happy. <3 Eee. I bought those two most adorable pokemon plushes, and I love them so. Bigger than I thought, ha, but so fluffy and cute. All the other stuff is nintendo platinum point rewards, all free. They still do not ship to Norway again. Ugh. So I am so fully thankful that my friend could help me so I could get all of this. <3 I love it so. Thank you so much love :)

Champion of Fate. Eeee. I had to download this via Edelweiss, ahh :D New Kendare. SO excited for it.
Together We Rot. I had forgotten that I requested this on Netgalley, until I got approved :D Cannot wait.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #600

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

CLEMENTINE AND DANNY SAVES THE WORLD
(and each other) BY LIVIA BLACKBURNE

Goodreads Description:

You’ve Got Mail gets a YA twist in this rom-com that spotlights the power of activism and community organizing in the face of gentrification.

Clementine Chan believes in the power of the written word. Under the pseudonym Hibiscus, she runs a popular blog reviewing tea shops and discussing larger issues within her Chinatown community. She has a loyal, kind following, save for this one sour grape named BobaBoy888.

Danny Mok is allergic to change, and the gentrification seeping into Chinatown breaks his heart. He channels his frustration into his internet alter ego, BobaBoy888, bickering with local blogger Hibiscus over all things Chinatown and tea.

When a major corporation reveals plans that threaten to shut down the Mok’s beloved tea shop, Clementine and Danny find themselves working together in real life to save this community they both love. But as they fall hard for this cause—and each other—they have no clue that their online personas have been fighting for years.

When the truth comes to light, can Danny and Clementine still find their happily-ever-after?

Format: 336 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: July 18, 2023 by Quill Tree Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon

Normally this would not really be a book for me, as I do not read a lot of contemporary books. Buut. This one is written by Livia Blackburne :) I'm a bit behind on her books, but have been a fan of her for years now. <3 And so of course I'm going to give this one a try too :) And I think it sounds and looks adorable.
What are you waiting for on this beloved Wednesday?

Saturday, April 15, 2023

In My Mailbox #597

How has it already been a week? How rude. Time moves way too fast. Gosh. I haven't been able to read this week, as I have just been busy with my spa bath, haha :D I'm loving my baths so so much. Sigh. But also, I am so goddamn exhausted all the time. Oh. The baths are killing my energy. But I'm hopeful that it will get better soon, haha :) Hopefully starting a new book tomorrow. Also! I forgot to mention it last week, but I saw the new Mario movie at the cinema. And it was awesome. I loved it. <3 Eee. This week I got a bunch of books, ha :) And more pop figures, of course. This week I'm waiting on A Study in Drowning :) Also! 17 days left until my small Disneyland Paris birthday trip, eee :D I hope you are all doing well. <3

Stars and Smoke. This one sounds pretty great; and I had to get it, haha :) Just hoping to love it one day.
Royal Blood. Finally managed to order it, after my pre-order got cancelled. Ugh. Hoping to read soonish :)
Serafina and the Black Coat. I could not resist buying this new graphic novel :D I did love this book one.
Rise of the School for Good and Evil. US paperback edition is out. Of course I had to have this one, haha.
Arch-Conspirator. Finally bought the US and UK editions. So small, and so expensive? Rude. But excited.
Funko Europe. Yeah. Another order has arrived. Oops. Love them :D I so love my Ursula soda, eee. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #599

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

A STUDY IN DROWNING BY AVA REID

Goodreads Description:

Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. She’s had no choice. Since childhood, she’s been haunted by visions of the Fairy King. She’s found solace only in the pages of Angharad - author Emrys Myrddin’s beloved epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, and then destroys him.

Effy’s tattered, dog-eared copy is all that’s keeping her afloat through her stifling first term at Llyr’s prestigious architecture college. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to design the late author’s house, Effy fells certain this is her destiny.

But Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task: a musty, decrepit estate on the brink of crumbling into a hungry sea. And when Effy arrives, she finds she isn’t the only one who’s made a temporary home there. Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar, is studying Myrddin’s papers and is determined to prove her favorite author is a fraud.

As the two rival students investigate the reclusive author’s legacy, piecing together clues through his letters, books, and diaries, they discover that the house’s foundation isn’t the only thing that can’t be trusted. There are dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspiring against them - and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 19, 2023 by HarperTeen
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon

I'm both excited and nervous about this one :) Excited, because it looks stunning and sounds pretty awesome too. But nervous, as I did not like the first book by this author that I read this year. But I'm still going to give this new one a try :) As I do think and hope that I will end up loving it. Fingers crossed :D
What are you waiting for on this crumbling Wednesday?

Saturday, April 8, 2023

In My Mailbox #596

Ohh. This have been one busy week. I am too exhausted. Gosh. But it has been a good week too :) First, I got way way too much mail, haha. Too many pop figures. Oops. I love them too much. Sigh. Second, I read my ARC of A Crown of Ivy and Glass this week :D Eee! I loved it so so much. Ahh. Third, I put my spa bath up this week. <3 What even. I have had two baths already :) So happy. Love it. But goddamn, I am tired and hurting. I'm not sure my body agreed with my baths. Oh. As everything hurts. Sigh. I hope it will be better by tomorrow. Fingers crossed. Also, I hope you are all having a great Easter. <3 I am just taking things easy at home :) Oh, just finished watching The Night Agent. It was pretty great. This week I'm waiting on The Chalice of the Gods :) And I shared my review of A Crown of Ivy and Glass. <3 Eee.


The Foxglove King. Finally bought a few copies of this book :) The UK versions. Hoping to read it soon.
The Luminaries. At last got my stunning waterstones edition :) It looks awesome. Still need to read this.
Funko Nordic. See instagram photo below of all the gifts I got from Funko Nordic, eee. <3 I love them.
Funko Europe. Oh. I need some self control, hahaha. I buy too many pop figures. Sigh. But all of these are awesome, eee :D I love my Tangled special. <3 Love all my new Disney princesses. Some of them were bought from EMP Norway :) Love my Pascal pin. Sigh. Too cute. Had to have the Disney diamonds.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Review: A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand

Nothing makes me more excited than reading a new book by Claire Legrand. She is my most favorite author and I have loved every single one of her books. This was no exception. I loved it. Way too much, perhaps. I may have loved it too much to be able to write a review that will make sense, ha. Five stars, of course.

But where do I even begin with this book? There is so much to write about. So much to say. And I am going to try not to share everything about it. But oh, I have many thoughts. And I simply must share most of them. The writing was absolutely stunning. As always, with a Claire book. I fully fell in love with everything.

This is the first adult book by Claire, which I loved. Felt a little young to me, and that is what I like. So I did not mind that at all. This trilogy will be told from three different sisters. In this one, it was about Gemma, the youngest. Gemma was twenty years old. Mara was the middle one, twenty-two. Farrin the oldest sister, at twenty-four. I cannot wait to read their books as well. Although I very much hate waiting. Hmph. Anyway. It is an adult series, but I felt like it was very much like her Furyborn books in tone and such, which I loved. Gemma felt so young at times. Yet older too. Of course, biggest difference with this book being for adults was the very steamy romance. Sigh. There was a lot of it, haha. And it was perfect. I loved how steamy it was, yet sweet too.

This book tells the story of Gemma. She lives in a world of magic. A world that is somewhat divided in two by a mist that keeps the people safe. As long as they stay away from it. Some people were blessed with magic from the gods, long ago. Gemma and her family were one of those lucky enough. Except that, well. Gemma has no magic. Her parents have magic and her two sisters. But she has nothing. And to make it worse, magic hurts her. Just being near people with magic brings her pain. It was so very heartbreaking.

There is just so much to say about Gemma. I loved this girl. Though she was not easy to love. At least not at first. She seemed kind of mean and all kinds of stuck-up. But she was not truly like that. She was pretty insecure. And she was every kind of lonely. And hurting. Hurting so badly. Which might have been why I loved her most. She had been in pain her whole life, from the magic around her. She was always aching somewhere. That is close to me, as I am too, always. Which just made me connect with Gemma.

She was such a special girl. Fully broken, but trying. Somewhat. She was trying to seem better than she was. Trying to not let people see how much she hurt. And the panic she often had. I loved reading about it. As it was so hurtful and raw and real and honest. I loved it so. Gemma was precious to me. Sure, she often did things I did not agree with, ha. But I loved her. Most especially at the end of the book. Oh, and her family. Gosh. Her mother was not there. Her father was pretty much the worst. Ugh. I truly hated him.

But her sisters. Sigh. We learn so much about Gemma and her two sisters. Mara and Farrin. Both every kind of amazing. I loved them all so, so very much. Mara got taken away as a child, to work as a Rose, protecting everyone from what lived in the mist. They miss her so. Though they visit once a month. That was not nearly enough. I so loved getting to know her. Sigh. And Farrin was amazing as well. I loved her magic with music. She was fierce and loving. And I could not help but ship Farrin with her enemy, haha.

I have so much to write about this book. And I have already written too much. And yet I'm not done, ha. But I will not say too much about the plot of this story. As it was all over the place. And I loved that. This book is all about Gemma. About her slowly learning more about why she has zero magic. And how she might have it anyway. It was a little creepy and all kinds of awesome to read about. This is a book about demons. A book about curses. A book about magical travelling through hedges, haha. A book about love.

Oh. And a book filled with incredible characters. Like the queen of this place. She was ancient, I think. Yet young. And all kinds of interesting to read about. Though we only got to know a little about her. I want to know more. Then there was Illaria and Gareth. Both characters whom I adored. And Ryder with his sister. They were a little crazy but I grew to like them too, haha. I loved Una the dog. There was so much about this book that I loved. The different types of magic. The twists in the story. All of it interesting and exciting.

And then there was Talan. Of course I must mention him. Sigh. The love of this book. The most beautiful man that Gemma has ever seen. She is instantly attracted to him, the moment she sees him. She does go a little crazy around him, ha. But I loved that. Gemma and Talan makes a deal at the start of this book. She will help him fit in with the rich and maybe earn back his family's reputation. And he will help her with the feud her family has with the Basks. How to end it all. They are also on the hunt for a demon together.

Oh, wait. Talan. I loved this boy the very most. Eee. He was all kinds of precious. Beautiful, of course. But so sweet and giving off such vibes of innocence, haha. Which he was not. Well, he was. He was all kinds of complicated and I loved that. He had such a wild story and a wild life. I loved getting to know him. Sure, he did make some mistakes too. And there was some drama that I was not a big fan of. Hmph. But it was nothing that bad. And oh, how I loved him. Talan was the sweetest and he cared so so much for Gemma.

What I loved most about their romance was how gentle Talan was with Gemma. How he took care of her and healed her and helped her. How she got better just by being near him. Though, of course, he did not heal her. She was still all kinds of broken. But she was better with him. And I so loved that. They had their problems, both of them, but oh, how they were perfect together even so. Sigh. Their steamy scenes were the best. But that ending. Ahh. I cannot deal with that ending. I must know more. About everything. Gosh.

There is so much I want to say about the plot of this book. So many spoilers. But I'm not going to mention any of them. This is a book about Gemma and Talan. It's filled with magic and danger. All of the twists. So many secrets. So much pain too. But also hope and love. And I adored every part of this book. I so loved how Gemma and Talan fit together. I loved reading about Gemma and her sisters together. And oh, I did love the ending. But gosh. There are so many things I need answers to. I must have the next book now.

I have seen that there are people who were struggling with this book. And did not love it. And I will say that I somewhat get that. Because this book was a monster to read. It was very full of different types of magic and so many twists kept happening. It was hard to keep up with. But. I loved it. I loved the twists and the different kinds of everything. I loved the writing and I loved the very messed up main character. So, yes. I suppose that this book will not be for everyone. But if you are like me, you are going to love it.

But yes. There were parts of the book that I had some issues with too. But there was nothing that I hated. There was nothing that I wish had been cut out of the book. I loved how everything went together. I wish Gemma had been less of a selfish stuck-up girl at the beginning. But she got better. And I loved her back then too, ha. Of course, what I loved most about her was her pain. I loved that she wasn't perfect, despite pretending to be so to others. I loved that there was no way of easily fixing the broken parts of her. Sigh.

A Crown of Ivy and Glass was just as perfectly incredible as I knew it would be. Full of magic, romance and curses. Full of pain and passion and hope. The sisterly love between the three of them was amazing and I loved it so. The steamy romance was the most I have read in books before and I very much loved it. I know the next two books will be about Farrin and Mara. And I can't wait to know more about them, eee. I do hope there might be some Gemma point of view too. Fingers crossed. I must know more of this world.

I want to say the biggest thank you to Martina at Sourcebooks International for sending me a print ARC of this most beautiful book to read and review early. I shall treasure it forever. It means the most to me and I am honestly just so thrilled to own this one as well. My Claire collection is complete. And it is what brings me most joy. Of course, I have pre-ordered a whole bunch of copies of the finished book, haha. You need this book in your life too. If you love books of magic and twists and secrets you are going to love this one.