Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #624

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

A RUSE OF SHADOWS (Lady Sherlock #8)
BY SHERRY THOMAS

Goodreads Description:

Charlotte Holmes is accustomed to solving crimes, not being accused of them, but she finds herself in a dreadfully precarious position as the bestselling Lady Sherlock series continues.

Charlotte’s success on the RMS Provence has afforded her a certain measure of time and assurance. Taking advantage of that, she has been busy, plotting to prise the man her sister loves from Moriarty’s iron grip.

Disruption, however, comes from an unexpected quarter. Lord Bancroft Ashburton, disgraced and imprisoned as a result of Charlotte’s prior investigations, nevertheless manages to press Charlotte into service: Underwood, his most loyal henchman, is missing and Lord Bancroft wants Charlotte to find Underwood, dead or alive.

But then Lord Bancroft himself turns up dead and Charlotte, more than anyone else, meets the trifecta criteria of motive, means, and opportunity. Never mind rescuing anyone else, with the law breathing down her neck, can Charlotte save herself from prosecution for murder?

Format: 368 pages, Paperback
Expected Publication: June 25, 2024 by Berkley
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Eeee! New Lady Sherlock book from Sherry Thomas :D I am so very excited. Though, aack, I am a few books behind on this series. Gosh. But I love the ones I have read so so very much. And I cannot wait to re-read them sometime soon, so I can read the rest of the books too. <3 Charlotte is the best character :)
What are you waiting for on this mysterious Wednesday?

Saturday, September 30, 2023

In My Mailbox #621

Gods. This week. Sigh. I got my new iPhone 15 pro max, which I very much love. <3 I got a whole lot of books this week which I also very much love, haha :) But I have been so exhausted this week. Sigh. So much stress because of my pokemon go. First that spoofing cheater who has been a jerk for months now. And then my home gym was suddenly gone a few days ago. Yeah. I'm heartbroken. It makes everything harder now. Sigh. I am not pleased. So, yeah. A little too much stress for me. And today I took down my spa bath as well. Aw. Sobs. Had some great baths, though. <3 But yeah. Now it is down for six months, until April. How rude. So anyway. I hurt all over these days. But I'm doing okay :) I haven't read anything yet, but will be starting Champion of Fate next, and I can't wait for that. <3 This week I'm waiting on The Familiar :D I'm hoping to start reading tomorrow. Fingers crossed for me :) Hope you are all doing well. <3

Fall of the School for Good and Evil. Finally got to buy myself my regular hardcover of this book too, ha.
A Study in Drowning. Waterstones exclusive and regular US hardcover :) I'm hoping to love this one a lot.
Impossible Creatures. Yeah. I bought this because it was exclusive and looked gorgeous. Sounds great :)
Champion of Fate. At last, my hardcover is here, haha :D I'm very excited to read this one next, yess. <3
Anna Dressed in Blood. Yesss. New paperback edition, and it is gorgeous. I loved this book so so much.
Hide. Graphic novel version, ha :D I did not love the regular book, ack, but had to own this one even so :)
Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters. I'm so excited for this one :D The cover looks so very stunning.
Lore. Realized I was missing this US paperback edition, ack, so now I finally own it, eee. Loved this book.
Our Dark Duet. Special edition of book two is out, eee. These editions are so pretty. Loved this duology.
Silver in the Bone Fairyloot Swag. Eee! Thank you to two lovely people for helping me get this swag. <3
Barbie Ken doll. I had to buy this one from amazon, haha :D Waiting on Barbie; hopefully arriving soon.
Animal Crossing. A bunch of 2024 stuff, haha :) I love the wall calendar and the daily one is the very best.
Stranger Things + Pikmin 1+2 + Pokemon. Small merch :D Love the game remake. New trading cards :)
iPhone 15 Pro Max. Eeee! My precious is here. Sigh. I had to buy this new phone. Oops. And I love it :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #623

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

THE FAMILIAR BY LEIGH BARDUGO

Goodreads Description:

From Sunday Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent and the Shadow and Bone series comes a highly anticipated, gorgeously written historical novel with a dusting of magic brimming with peril and dark deeds

When Luzia, a servant in the household of a Spanish nobleman reveals a talent for domestic magic, her social-climbing mistress demands she use her gifts to win over the royal court. But what begins as simple amusement turns dangerous, as the king seeks any edge in his ongoing war with England.

Overmatched and at risk of revealing herself as a heretic, Luzia will have to use every bit of her wit and resilience to survive-even if that means enlisting the help of an embittered (and rather dashing) immortal familiar.

Format: 476 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: April 11, 2024 by Viking
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Eee! New Leigh book :D And it sounds aaamazing. I know, I do not read a lot of adult books. But I will read this one, of course :) That cover is so different. I love it. I'm so excited for this. It shall be awesome.
What are you waiting for on this historical Wednesday?

Saturday, September 23, 2023

In My Mailbox #620

Ohh. This week have been good and bad. I'm so exhausted. I haven't been sleeping that well. Hoping it gets better soon. Sigh. Been having some stress from a pokemon go cheater who keeps ruining for me, and it is driving me insane. I have reported him, several times, so I just hope he gets banned. Ugh. But yeah. It's stressful and I do not like it. I have also been waiting on updates about my ordered iPhone 15 pro max, since it was delayed. But it got shipped yesterday, eee, so should be here monday or tuesday. I'm too excited. <3 And was waiting for my america package too. And that has arrived :) I got way way too much mail this week. But I love it all so much, eee. Waiting on a bit more, though, oops. Next week I will get a bunch of books, two that I'm planning on reading next. So I am hoping to read this coming week :D Fingers crossed. So yeah. I'm fully exhausted. But my week has been good too. So I'm doing my best :) This week I'm waiting on The Lost Ones :) Hope you're all doing well. <3 Have you gotten autumn yet? :D

Once Upon a Time in the North. Of course I had to get this illustrated version, ha. Loved this short story :)
Fall of Ruin and Wrath. I confess. I only bought this Waterstones excl. because everyone else did, ha :D
Queen of Air and Darkness. New special edition :D Finally have all three in these versions. It's huge, ack.
The School for Good and Evil. Collector's edition :D Eee! Isn't it just gorgeous? Excited for the bonus. <3
The Nightmare Before Christmas. I bought this since I like the author, ha :) Reading this one day, though.
Animal Crossing graphic novel. Number five is here :D I haven't read these, ha, but owning them all still.
Silver in the Bone AUS ARC. EEE! Thank you so much for trading me this, precious. I own all of them :D
Funko Europe. Oops. More pop figures, haha. Of course ;) I love my Aragorn. And some adorable spooky cuteness. Still not getting my mystery mini Max. Sigh. Next time, ha. Bought Pikachu from Norway; love :)

Package from Becky. <3 EEE! Biggest thank you to my precious US friend, Becky, for helping me get all of this to Norway, ahh. <3 You are the very best. All the hugs :) She also helped me get a perfume and some gum for my mom, which means the most. <3 Some things are just not possible to get to Norway at all. Ugh. So it means everything to me that I have some friends in the US who are willing and able to help me :) Feeling so very grateful. <3 Anyway. Time to share about what I got, haha :D I got all of the books, ahh. First, B&N exclusive editions :) Foxglove King. Silver in the Bone. EEE. House of Roots and Ruin. Excited for them all. <3 And ahh! My personalized copies of A Crown of Ivy and Glass and Extasia :D I love them so much. <3 Claire is the best. And my personalized copy of Fall of the School for Good and Evil :D Eee. I love it. And had an ARC trade for The Forbidden Wish; so excited to finally own it. <3 Also Fall of the School for Good and Evil pre-order pin :D Eee! Thank you Becky for helping me get this. <3 I love it so. And a bunch of CDs :D I had to get them all, haha. Finally have Taylor Swift Speak Now. <3 So gorgeous. And then there was a whole lot of EOS lip balms, ha :D I love them the most. Sucks that they stopped selling in Norway. Best lip balm. <3 Anyway :D I got so much! AHH :D Just. Thank you so much love. <3 (I bought everything myself, of course, and paid for the big amount of shipping, ack, but Becky helped me and shipped to me and it means the most to me. <3) Sigh. Fully love my new books :D Eee.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #622

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

THE LOST ONES BY LAUREN DESTEFANO

Goodreads Description:

Journey to Never Land in the second book in the Disney Villains-focused Dark Ascension series, which shares the untold story of teenaged Captain Hook and his twin sister Marlene, penned by New York Times bestselling author Lauren DeStefano.

Before Captain Hook became Never Land’s villain, there were two siblings seeking a home . . .

James and Marlene have always felt out of place in their humdrum fishing village, longing to escape the quiet lives their parents envision for them. But when Marlene’s birthday wish transports them both to an unsettling, magical paradise called Never Land, they discover an unexpected the chance to stay forever with the charismatic Peter and his Lost Boys.

As the twins delve into the island’s violent secrets, their actions reignite a conflict between the fractured Lost Boys—and for the first time in their lives, James and Marlene find themselves at odds. With a war brewing and their memories slipping away every minute they spend in Never Land, they must choose whether to stay or go. But even if the twins stand together, Never Land--and Peter--won’t allow them to leave so easily.

How far are James and Marlene willing to go to chart their own destinies? And if the price for freedom is losing their true selves--and each other--is it worth the cost?

Format: 336 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: January 9, 2024 by Disney Press
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I am pretty curious about this book :D I like that cover a whole lot. And I own a whole bunch of books by Lauren; though it has been some years now since I read her books. But liked a bunch of them. So I will give this one a chance too, and hoping that I will love it :) Sounds like a great sort of Peter Pan re-telling.
What are you waiting for on this lost Wednesday?

Saturday, September 16, 2023

In My Mailbox #619

Meh. I have mostly just been exhausted this week. So I haven't felt like doing much. I have not read anything new, and will not until I get my hardcover of Champion of Fate, so I can read that one, ha :) I took some new instagram photos today, which was nice. Still going on daily walks each afternoon, which is good too. And taking my spa baths pretty often too, though it needs to be taken down in just a few short weeks. Oh. Got some stunning mail, though :D Love! And I was waiting all week to finally be able to get the iPhone 15 Pro Max. <3 Took forever before it finally was able to be bought, ha. But I got it. Though it will take a couple of weeks before I get it. Sigh. But I'm so very excited :D This week I'm waiting on The Hunting Moon :) Also! Watched all of One Piece last week. I loved it so :) Hope you are all doing well. <3

Lore. Ahh! This is gorgeous. Bookish box version. Bought from someone on facebook. Worth the price.
A Crown of Ivy and Glass. Eee! The Fabled edition :D Bought from Australia via ebay. So stunning. Love.
Champion of Fate. Eee! I am so excited for this :D UK paperback. But will read hcover when I get it, ack.
Seraphina + Forever ARCs. Thank you so much Cassy for trading with me :D So happy to have these :)
Beth Revis patreon swag. Ahh :D Thank you so so much Beth. I so love this Night of the Witch swag. <3
Funko Europe. Ah, yes. Another order. Oops. I had to get those two sodas, ha :D And the other big mom.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #621

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

THE HUNTING MOON (The Luminaries #2)
BY SUSAN DENNARD

Goodreads Description:

The Hunting Moon is the highly anticipated sequel to The Luminaries by New York Time s bestselling author Susan Dennard.

Winnie Wednesday has gotten everything she thought she wanted. She passed the deadly hunter trials, her family has been welcomed back into the Luminaries, and overnight, she has become a local celebrity.

The Girl Who Jumped. The Girl Who Got Bitten.

Unfortunately, it all feels wrong. For one, nobody will believe her about the new nightmare called the Whisperer that's killing hunters each night. Everyone blames the werewolf, even though Winnie is certain the wolf is innocent.

On top of that, following her dad's convoluted clues about the Dianas, their magic, and what happened in Hemlock Falls four years ago is leaving her with more questions than answers.

Then to complicate it all, there is still only one person who can help Jay Friday, the boy with plenty of problems all his own.

As bodies and secrets pile up around town, Winnie finds herself questioning what it means to be a true Wednesday and a true Luminary―and also where her fierce-hearted loyalties might ultimately have to lie.

Format: 304 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: November 7, 2023 by Tor Teen
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Okay. I have not yet read The Luminaries. Ooops. But I own many copies of it, ha :) And I am planning on reading it sometime soon, after this one is out, of course, haha :) I think it sounds and looks amazing. And I just know that I will like these books a whole lot. So I cannot wait to read them both at the same time. <3
What are you waiting for on this fierce Wednesday?

Saturday, September 9, 2023

In My Mailbox #618

Time is moving so fast this fall. How rude, haha. But I am also excited about it, as Christmas is coming closer :D Yesss. This week I did get a bunch more mail, oops. Too many pop figures. Sigh. Waiting on some amazing books and I cannot wait to get them. <3 Though might still take a few weeks to arrive. I'm impatient, haha. I have been walking daily this week, had such a long walking break, but we have finally started again so hoping it sticks this time, haha. I had planned on taking a reading break, but I ended up reading a book this week too. Which was also just a two star. Uuugh. My next read better be amazing, ha. It isn't actually fall yet here, at least it doesn't feel like it. Had some more warm days, which is very nice :) Though it will get colder next week. Brrr. Hoping snow is ages away, though, haha :) This week I shared my review of It Found Us :) And I'm waiting on Impossible Creatures :D I hope you are all doing well. <3


Her Radiant Curse. I'm excited for this one :D Love the Waterstones exclusive. Hoping to love this book.
Fourth Wing. I realized I had ordered the wrong edition, so now got the US one, returning the other, ha :)
Together We Rot. Okay. So. I read an eARC of this. A three star; did not love it. But needed this cover :)
Lore. Eee! Dutch special edition :D And pre-order bonus, ahh. I love it so. Thank you Sanne for selling.
Funko Europe. Yeah. This is actually three orders that arrived this week, ha. Ohhh. I had to order three times. Oops. As I had to have all of these. First was skating Barbie and Ken; and I adore them. Then I needed to get the Hocus Pocus witches, and I love them too. Wait, maybe it was the other way around. Oh, well. Then there was the One Piece specials. Which, uhm. I might have bought just because people are going crazy about them? Hahaha. Oops. But I love them too; now have both Luffy boats :D They are adorable. And I do like that other boat too, ha. Big Momma was a bit too big. Gosh. But I like her. Almost done watching the new Netflix version of One Piece, and oh, I love it so :) And so I don't regret these pop figures, ha. Anyway. A whole bunch of other things too, though. Oops. More mystery mini. Still not gotten Max. Sigh. But I finally did get that damn Harry Potter cat, at last, ha :) Need a break from buying, though.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #620

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

IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES BY KATHERINE RUNDELL

Goodreads Description:

It was a very fine day, until something tried to eat him.

A boy called Christopher is visiting his reclusive grandfather when he witnesses an avalanche of mythical creatures come tearing down the hill. This is how Christopher learns that his grandfather is the guardian of one of the ways between the non-magical world and a place called the Archipelago, a cluster of magical islands where all the creatures we tell of in myth live and breed and thrive alongside humans. They have been protected from being discovered for thousands of years; now, terrifyingly, the protection has worn thin, and creatures are breaking through.

Then a girl, Mal, appears in Christopher's world. She is in possession of a flying coat, is being pursued by a killer and is herself in pursuit of a baby griffin. Mal, Christopher and the griffin embark on an urgent quest across the wild splendour of the Archipelago, where sphinxes hold secrets and centaurs do murder, to find the truth – with unimaginable consequences for both their worlds. Together the two must face the problem of power, and of knowledge, and of what love demands of us.

Format: Paperback
Expected Publication: September 14, 2023 by BLOOMSBURY
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Ohh. I saw a signed copy of this book on Blackwells. And that cover was too beautiful. Then I read the summary and decided that I had to order it, haha. And so I did :D So I cannot wait to read this book. <3 I'm hoping that it will end up being aaamazing. I think it will, though, as it truly looks so beautiful. Sigh :)
What are you waiting for on this impossible Wednesday?

Monday, September 4, 2023

Review: It Found Us by Lindsay Currie

This was my first book by this author. I had hoped it would be my first of many, that I would want to buy all her other books too. But sadly I think this will be the only one for me. I had to buy it, since that cover is beyond creepy and awesome. It sounded spooky. I thought I would love this one so much. I very much did not. Sigh.

I'm unsure about how I will write this review of mine. I am giving the book two stars. It disappointed me so much. And I honestly do not have all that much that I want to share about it, so I think my review will end up being short. I simply wanted so much from this book. I adore creepy middle grade stories. And this was not.

I shall begin with the writing. I did not like it one bit, I am sorry to say. It felt so awkward, the way everything was written. A weird type of first person point of view, I guess. I didn't like it at all. The main girl was twelve years old, I felt like she was eight. She was supposed to be super smart, solving mysteries and such. I didn't think she was. Her list of clues bothered me so much, haha, and it was repeated so many times. It was the simplest list. And their detective work was bad too. I wanted to love this book. But I did not. It just felt silly most of the time. The kids were trying to find a missing boy. Trying to be detectives. They were so awful at it, honestly. So many things were repeated through the book too, about how awesome their parents were. I grew very tired of it.

This book tells the story of Hazel and her older brother Den. And her best friend Maggie too. I sadly have to say that I did not care for any of these characters. I didn't find them exciting or anything like that. Sigh. Hazel likes to solve things. Den is a typically teenage boy. Maggie is someone who hears every type of gossip. That is mostly what we get to know about them. I didn't see why Hazel and Maggie were friends. And I wish there had been more about that, honestly. So I could have actually cared about any of them.

Anyway. The story is that Den is sneaking out with his friends to play hide-and-seek at the graveyard and Hazel goes to spy on them, trying to get content for her someday-podcast. They play one round. Everett, the best friend of Den, does not come out. And they cannot find him. And they hear scary noises and bad weather arrives too. I felt like this book tried hard to be scary, but it never actually was. Not even for one moment. And I think that is what disappointed me the most. It was not creepy or spooky or anything. Aw.

The kids are sad and just want to find Everett. So they do their own investigating. Which leads to ghosts and things like that. I found it to be written so badly. It annoyed me at all times. Sigh. Wish the elephants on the cover actually had anything to do with the story. They didn't. The one thing I liked about this book, was the actual story of the ghost. But it was written so badly that I did not care. But it was based on a real event; I liked that a lot. I just wish the book around it had been better. How rude. Still. I liked that one part.

It Found Us ended up being a huge disappointment for me. It looks gorgeous. But the story was not. But I'm going to say that it might just be a me issue. Perhaps, anyway. I like my middle grade books to be a little more mature, and the writing in this one was very much not. I suppose some kids might like it, but I just found it awkward. And I have read a whole lot of amazing middle grade stories with amazing writing. So yeah. This book was not for me. But it might still be for you. It is very much not as creepy as the cover.

Saturday, September 2, 2023

In My Mailbox #617

Ohh. I am exhausted. Been doing a lot of walking these past days; was able to make a couple pokemon go routes on my daily walk trail and yeah, it took me forever and eeever to get that first goddamn cell, lol. But I did it today, at last, ha. So now I will be taking it a little easier with the walking. As I now feel like I'm getting a cold as well. Sigh. But yeah. Have walked a lot, which I do think is good for my body and health :) Despite being exhausted. Had a bunch of spa baths this week too. <3 Not ready for it to be taken down in about a month or so. Sobs. And I read a book this week, so yay for that :) But.. it was not very good, so I'm not feeling so positive, haha. Hoping my next read will be more epic. As always, I still play pokemon go daily, animal crossing new horizons daily, and animal crossing pocket camp daily too. It takes a whole lot of my time, haha. But I love all three games so I just cannot stop. <3 Anyway. This week I got no pop figures. What even! Buuut. Getting some next week again. Oops. Not a whole lot, though, but a few that I just had to get, ha. <3 This week I'm waiting on Sound the Gong :D And I shared my review of The Pearl Hunter :) I am going to take a little break before reading my next book :) Hope you are all doing well. <3

It Found Us. This looks so creepy and oh, how I hope that it will be aaaamazing. I'm reading this next :D
Clementine and Danny Save the World (and Each Other). Eee! Hardcover finally arrived. I'm so excited about this book; it looks adorable. And pre-order swag from Livia arrived too :D I love it so very much. <3
Movies. Sharing about these just because, ha :) I love owning blu-rays of movies. Haven't seen these yet.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Review: The Pearl Hunter by Miya T. Beck

This was a book I bought just because of how stunning the cover looks. I simply had to have it. And it sounded exciting too. I have now gotten to read it, and I'm a bit heartbroken to say that it was hugely disappointing to me. I'm giving it two stars. I wish I could have loved it. But I did not. It was not what I thought it would be.

I'm honestly not sure how to write this review of mine. I have so many thoughts about this story. Will share some of it, as I am not going to write too much. This one was a mix of middle grade and young adult, as the main girl was an age between, but her actual age is not mentioned. Seemed like she just became a teenager.

This book is told from the point of view of Kai. This young girl is a pearl diver. She loves her life with her family in her small village. She has a twin sister, Kishi. They have always done everything together, the best of friends. But it's been different lately, as Kishi have a crush. Kai does not approve. So they are always fighting a little. I liked getting to know them at the start of this book. And their parents seemed nice. Their village did not; they did not care for pearl divers. So rude. Their job seemed so great. And I wish this book had been more about the actual pearl diving, and more of the water. I truly would have preferred that. Sigh. We learn a little of their dead aunt, whom seemed even more awesome. She always told them the best stories. I liked that a lot. The stories are Japanese based, which I enjoyed. I liked the history too.

But that was sadly all that I liked about this book, if I'm being honest. I thought it was going to be epic and fully exciting. It was not. For the most part it was just boring. I wanted much more about these sisters and their bond. We got to see them together so little and I just did not care for either of them, honestly. And I found almost all of the supernatural and fairy tale parts of the book to be silly. Sure, I liked the stories, but the Dragon King was too silly and the foxes were just beyond silly. Sigh. I wish it had been written better.

I'm not sure what to say. Not going to share all of the plot, but I will mention some things. The twins are diving for pearls. Both going down for more mussels to win their competition. And by doing so, Kishi gets taken by a ghost whale. This was weird to me. I sadly didn't find it magical, just weird. Their parents are in a panic. And Kai just wants her sister back, so she rows out looking for her. And actually finds the whale, which was so weird. She gets her sister free; she is dead. And then a dragon drags them out in the water.

Where Kai meets another type of god. One who can bring her sister back from the dead, bring her soul from the underworld. If Kai brings her the pearl of the leader of the magical foxes. Which Kai agrees to do. I just found this whole thing to be silly. I wish I thought it was magical, but I did not. And I also did not really like the writing either. It was okay, but I never felt connected to anything. I did not actually like Kai either. Felt like I did not get to know her or Kishi well enough to actually care about them, dead or alive.

Then Kai get gifts from these gods to take with her on her two-week long adventure. A silver bow. Which she leaves behind almost right away, of course. A magical bowl that can give her any type of food, and that she only truly uses at the end of the book. A special compass necklace that shows her which way to go, which wasn't used much either. And she is told where to find a flying cloak. And then she is shot down with an arrow the next day and never uses the cloak again. Sigh. So. Gifts were pretty much useless, ha.

Okay. She gets shot down by bandits. Two disgusting adults and one teenage boy her age, that seems like a prisoner himself. She falls for him right away, of course. I did like him, but did not feel like I got to know him either. He liked horses. They take her to sell her to a warlord of some kind. Kai spends daaays in that place, getting dressed up and playing games with another child. It was so very boring and I didn't like it much at all. Sigh. I thought it was to be a book about the sisters; Kai doing her best to save Kishi.

She did not. She finally gets away and goes looking for the foxes. And that showdown was also just too boring for me. I wanted more excitement. More danger, more fear. Instead I got silly dancing foxes that possessed humans so that they could make them dance. Yeah. And then the ending of the book. It was stupid. So very stupid. Should have been another half of the book, to be honest. And it was very much a open ending and not a very good one either. Seemed like so much still needed to be told. Disappointed.

I have now written more about this book than I was supposed to. And been a little bit more negative than I had planned. Oops. I just could not stop writing, once I remembered what I didn't like about this one. Still. The Pearl Hunter has such a beautiful cover. Which I love. But this story was not for me and I do kind of regret reading it. Wish it had been more epic and thrilling. Wish it had been more about diving for pearls. More about the sister love. It was not. Still. I would be curious about a book two. You should try it anyway.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #619

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

SOUND THE GONG (Kingdom of Three #2)  BY JOAN HE

Goodreads Description:

From New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, comes the dazzling and sweeping conclusion to The Kingdom of Three duology, Sound the Gong, the breathtaking sequel to the critically-acclaimed Strike the Zither.

All her life, Zephyr has tried to rise above her humble origins as a no-name orphan. Now she is a god in a warrior’s body, and never has she felt more powerless. Her lordess Xin Ren holds the Westlands, but her position is tenuous. In the north, the empress remains under Miasma’s thumb. In the south, the alliance with Cicada is in pieces.

Fate also seems to have a different winner in mind for the three kingdoms, but Zephyr has no intentions of respecting it. She will pay any price to see Ren succeed—and she will make her enemies pay, especially one dark-haired, dark-eyed Crow. What she’ll do when she finds out the truth—that he worked for the South all along…

Format: 320 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: April 30, 2024 by Roaring Brook Press
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Yessss. Look at that gorgeous cover :D Ahh! I love it so much. <3 Sigh. This series has the best covers :) I cannot wait to own this beauty. I have not actually read Strike the Zither yet, oops. But I will read them both together and I am way too excited. As I am positive I will love these books. So I can't wait for this. <3
What are you waiting for on this dazzling Wednesday?

Saturday, August 26, 2023

In My Mailbox #616

Today has been so busy that I forgot for a while that it was another Saturday. Oops. I'm just too tired. Spent much of today playing pokemon go fest. <3 Went outside walking for it a bit too. And just had an evening spa bath. I hurt, haha. And I slept so poorly last night. Ugh. This has been a week of bad sleep. There was a bookish auction I wanted to win today. I did not. The price went to $950. Whaaaat. Yeah. I could not afford that. Shudders. But I wanted it. Sobs. Oh, well. I shall get past it. Probably. I haven't felt like reading this week yet. But I do know what I'm reading next, and I will start it in the next few days for sure. Got less mail this week, so yay for that, haha :) This week I'm waiting on The Scarlet Veil :) Hope you are all doing well. <3 I'm doing my best these days. But I'm not feeling so good, and everything just feels heavy. Ugh. But I'm trying. And so I hope I will be able to read shortly too :) And feel better as well.

Divine Rivals. EEE! Owlcrate version :D Thank you so much Diana for trading with me. <3 I love it most.
Miraculous Ladybug. I already have this one for my Switch, but this Playstation 5 version was on sale :D
Funko Pop. First two sodas and two new Pokemon bought from bigbadtoystore :D Finally have Legolas, ha. <3 Then the rest are from Funko Europe :D Had to have that Dinosaur. He is perfect. The others are too. And then there are funko pop wall stands bought from etsy :D Bought 50. Oops. Excited to try them.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #618

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

THE SCARLET VEIL BY SHELBY MAHURIN

Goodreads Description:

This dark and thrilling vampire romance—set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas!

Célie Tremblay has always been a good girl: kind and beautiful, a daughter of whom every parent would be proud. She surprises the entire kingdom when she defies tradition to become the first huntswoman—including her new captain and fiancé, Jean Luc, who rules the huntsmen with an iron fist. He isn’t the only one concerned for Célie’s safety, however. Though her friends try to protect her from the horrors of her past, mysterious whispers still haunt her, and a new evil is rising in Belterra—leaving bodies in its wake, each one drained of blood.

Determined to prove herself in her new role, Célie tracks the killer to the lair of Les Éternels—ancient creatures only spoken about in nursery rhymes—and catches the attention of their king, a monster who hides his plans for her behind beautiful words and sharp smiles. Now Célie has new reason to fear the dark because the closer he gets, the more tempted she feels to give in to his dark hunger—and her own.

Format: 320 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 26, 2023 by HarperTeen
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I know, I know. I still haven't finished reading the Serpent & Dove series. Oops. But I did read the first book, years ago. So now I must read them all, before this one, haha :) One day. I will be getting this one, though, as I think it sounds great and I do plan on reading all of them one day. Hoping to love them all :)
What are you waiting for on this swift Wednesday?

Saturday, August 19, 2023

In My Mailbox #615

How is it another Saturday already? Ahh. I have not done any reading this week. Oops. Had planned on watching lots of movies; haven't gotten to do that yet either. Just been too tired. I finally started taking my outdoor spa baths again, after having had to wait because of a stupid wound. And today I had my fourth two-hour bath in a week. Yeah. I'm tired, haha. It's fully exhausting. But so so good. Sigh. I love my baths. Anyway. I got way way way too many pop figures this week. Oh. I spent way too much money. Sobs. But I just. I love them? All of them. And I had to have them. Sigh. I need more self-control from now on. Ugh. Hoping to find a new book to read in the next days; unsure what I'm in the mood for. As I want something epic to read. Hmm. This week I'm waiting on Fall of Ruin and Wrath :) I hope you are all doing great. <3

Chain of Gold + All These Bodies ARCs. Eee! A lovely trade with Raven. <3 Thank you. Love the pouch.
Pokemon. EEE! New Funko calendar :D I am excited for this in December. <3 Some new trading cards :)

Funko Europe. Oh. These are three orders. I got too much. Sobs. But I love it all, ahh :D But goddamn, all of this was expensive. Ahh! Going to talk about a few of them :) LOVE my new Coraline purse/bag; I shall be using this one from now on. I think it looks stunning. Love all the new Nightmare Before Christmas pop figures, ahh. So cute. Still missing one Stranger Things mystery mini. Ugh. Got new Harry Potter one but still not that damn cat which is the one I actually want, ha. Love the Maggie Witch; regular and glow in the dark. Love my Maleficent; special edition and diamond. <3 And ahh! Disney Princess Bitty pops. They are even smaller than I thought :D I adore them. All my other new pop figures are awesome too :) Love them.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #617

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

FALL OF RUIN AND WRATH
BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

Goodreads Description:

SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he'll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

Format: 432 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 12, 2023 by Bramble
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Okay, I was not actually supposed to look into this book. As I'm not sure this author is for me. Buuut. I saw a Waterstones edition. I had to have it. Oops. So, yeah. I will be giving this one a try, ha :D I do think it sounds pretty interesting, and I'm thinking that I will end up enjoying it. Keeping my fingers crossed :)
What are you waiting for on this wild Wednesday?

Saturday, August 12, 2023

In My Mailbox #614

Ohh. This have been one exhausting week. We had so many days with sun and warmth. It was the best. But I'm so tired, haha. Finally a free day today, as there was no sun. Of course, I will miss the summer. But so glad that we actually had such a great summer this year with such lovely heat. Sigh. It's been so wonderful. Though my body does not agree. Ha. That also means it took me a whole week to read Night of the Witch. Ahh! But I finished it yesterday and got my review up today :) But now I need a break from reading, as I have so many movies I want to watch. So shall focus on that for days at least. Until I figure out what to read next :) I may have gotten a bunch of mail this week too, ahh. And so many pop figures will arrive next week. Oh. Help me. I could not resist. Also, ahh! New Taylor Swift re-recording is coming :D I am so excited for 1989 Taylor's Version. <3 It's going to be the best. I got the deluxe albums ordered to a friend in the US; cannot wait for early November. <3 This week I'm waiting on The Hurricane Wars :D And I shared my review of Night of the Witch. <3 Hope you are all doing well :) Have the best August. <3

A Crown of Ivy and Glass. Of course I had to have two regular hardcover copies as well, ha :D Love it. <3
Divine Rivals. At last have the US hardcover :D I think it's a first edition too? Looks like. I loved this one.
House of Roots and Ruin. Eee! I am so excited about this book :D Must re-read the first one, though. <3
Funko Europe. Oh. Well. More pop figures arrived, ha, as always :) No new mini. Love the Barbie ones :)
Poki-Heaven. Some of these pop figures came from a Norwegian store :) The Witcher ones. And Hook :) And Stitch, eee. Whom I love so much. Sigh. And that adorable small Pokemon trading card album. I love it. Oh, and Warrior Barley came from Amazon. Have wanted that exclusive for ages; finally bought him :D


More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: Night of the Witch by Sara Raasch & Beth Revis

This was a witch story that I simply had to read. It looks stunning and sounds amazing as well. And I may have been a fan of Beth for years and years now. So of course I would read this as well. I was lucky enough to trade for an ARC of this and I had to start it right away. Giving this one four stars. I enjoyed it a whole bunch.

My words are currently failing me, though. As I'm not sure how to write about this book at all. Will do my best. But oh, my mind is a little messy at the moment. I just enjoyed this story. I did not fully love this book, but it was still so good and I am happy that I read it. I cannot wait to get my gorgeous hardcover later this autumn.

I think I shall begin with mentioning the writing. Which I liked very much, for most of the time. I did find it a little bit cheesy at certain times. But it was still good and I felt like I connected to this story and the characters. This book begins with the burning of witches. With the burning of all of Fritzi's family and friends. It was such a strong beginning and I very much liked this. Okay, it was sad, but so good and exciting too. Not many details, as Fritzi was locked in a basement. But enough heartbreak from her. We slowly learn more about why her coven was found and attacked. How Fritzi was involved in that. Which was both sad and exciting to read about. I liked the little twists. I do wish, though, that we had gotten to know her family more. Her mother seemed great. But at least there was one other survivor, little Liesel, whom I so adored.

This book tells the story of Fritzi and Otto. We get both point of views, which I liked. And I enjoyed getting to know both of them. Fritzi the witch, Otto the witch hunter. Fritzi just watched her town burn. Her mother dead, her friends dead. But her little cousin, Liesel, was taken alive. She has to find her, save her. Fritzi bumps into Otto while he is arresting his sister for being a witch. Fritzi saves her; sending her away with magic. Which then ruined Otto's plans to save captured witches, which he needed his sister to get done.

And so Otto has to arrest Fritzi instead. She is so scared of him. Which I thought was written so well, ha. She does not know that he does not actually want to hurt her or anyone else. He wants revenge for his dead stepmother. By taking down the witch hunters from the inside. At least he is trying to do so. I liked reading about Otto and getting to know him. He was trying his best. He was sort of like a gentle giant. I adored him. And reading about him and Fritzi together was all kinds of fun. A little hate, then a lot of love.

I'm not going to say too much about the plot of this story, just mentioning some of what happens. Fritzi and Otto has to work together to free a hundred witches that are about to be burned. All of them probably innocent regular humans. This world was brutal. I loved it. But yeah. It was so not a kind world to live in. They have to work together. It starts out bad, with her hating him and being afraid. But still so fierce and brave and full of fire. But they do work together. And free those about to be burned. And must now run.

And so this book is mostly about Otto and Fritzi and Liesel being on the run from the villain, Dieter. We get to see a little bit of happiness, though they are mostly just scared. I did feel a bit that too little were happening in this book. Then suddenly everything was happening at once, when they finally made it to the black forest and the only other witches alive. The story is about them trying to figure out how to take down Dieter, before he ruins the world. It is a story about magic and wild magic, which I liked the most.

Will say a little bit about the romance as well. I think it is supposed to be enemies to lovers. Considering she is a witch and he a witch hunter. But, well. He wasn't truly a witch hunter, he was rebelling in secret. And they were only angry with each other for hours during their first day together. So, no. Not enemies. The romance was a little fast, how they started caring so soon. But I did not mind this. As I adored their small banter. And I liked Fritzi and Otto together. A little cheesy most of the time, ha, but sweet even so.

I am not sure what to say about the villain of this story. He was a man called Dieter. He was the leader of the hexenjägers, the witch hunters. He is supposed to be this most horrible person. I feel like that was not shown enough. I did not feel like he was all that bad; I was not scared of him. And yet they spend almost all the book running from him. Yes, he burned witches. But what else was there? I wish he had been even more evil, ha. But Dieter did become more evil towards the end. There was torture. I loved it. I hated him.

This book is full of details, all of them exciting. It is a book set in the past. Some of it true history, some of it made up. I liked that. This book takes place in Germany and I loved how there were German words and customs included, which made me like the book more. I did like this book a whole lot. But I was a tiny bit disappointed too, if I can say that. I wanted there to be even more. More magic. More witches, more evil. But I liked this book too. I liked the black forest and what was in there. I liked the small displays of magic.

Night of the Witch was a pretty fantastic story. I enjoyed it so very much. A little magical, a little fantasy. A whole lot of romance and family relationships. A stunning world created as well. While I did not fully love this book, I still liked it so very much. And I cannot wait to read the next one, eee. As that ending was just too cruel. Ugh. I fear the second one will hurt more. How rude. But I still cannot wait. It took me a while to read this book, as I was too exhausted, but I think it's a quick and easy read. So you should read this too.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #616

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

THE HURRICANE WARS BY THEA GUANZON

Goodreads Description:

The Night Empire will rule all. Nothing can stand in the way of its might and power. Little by little, year by year, the Hurricane Wars take more and more from those who resists the empire’s supremacy. And yet, there is hope in the darkness. One lone light stands against the empire.

Talasyn was left on the steps of a Sardovian orphanage as a baby. All she has ever known are the Hurricane Wars, as her people fight for freedom from the tyranny of the Night Emperor Gaheris. But are they her people? Talasyn dreams of one day finding where she comes from – her true place, family, and the source of the Lightweave magic that flows through her veins like sunlight.

Alaric of House Ossinast, Master of the Shadowforged Legion and Gaheris’s only son and heir has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating the Sardovian Allford alliance with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, all Alaric can see is their extinguish all threats to the empire. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. He tries and fails to kill her, his now greatest enemy slipping through his fingers. But a greater threat is coming. One that will overshadow the Hurricane Wars. Will these mortal enemies be able to come together to confront it or is everything that has been fought over for so long about to be destroyed?

Format: 480 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: October 12, 2023 by HarperVoyager
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I have not actually seen anybody talking about this book. Yet I see so many looking for the ARC of it. Hmm. Then I saw a Waterstones exclusive, which I'm planning on buying in the next few days, ha. And so I will be giving this book a try :D I read the summary; it sounds pretty awesome. Like the cover too :)
What are you waiting for on this magical Wednesday?

Saturday, August 5, 2023

In My Mailbox #613

Wasn't it just Saturday yesterday? What even. Time is moving way too fast, ha :) And now it is suddenly August as well, ahh! But I have started a new book, though :D Okay, I only read two chapters yesterday. Oops. But I'm going to read more tonight, in a moment. I'm excited. Also. Barbie was not that great of a movie. Sigh. Maybe it's an American thing. Wasn't a me thing. But I saw The Meg 2 yesterday, and that was a me thing :D Such a great movie; I loved it. <3 I'm also just so exhausted, still. And everything hurts. Sigh. But I'm dealing with it, somewhat :) Taking daily evening walks, which is the best. <3 Well, probably, haha. This week I'm waiting on To Cage a God :D I hope you are all doing well. <3 Happy August to all :D

Divine Rivals. Oops. My first Fairyloot arrived with damage. So I bought an unread one from a Norway seller, ahh. <3 Worth it. It's in perfect condition. Sobs. And bought the UK paperback from her too. Love.
Disney Illusion Island. I'm hoping to play this new game very soon, ahh :D I think it looks fully adorable.
Beth Revis swag. A new envelope of patreon swag has arrived from Beth, eee :D I love it so much. <3
Funko Europe. Would it even be a imm post without new pop figures? Hahaha. This was one big order. I could not help myself. Sigh. Tried for more mystery minis, after having had a break. And!!! I got two of the three I'm missing from Stranger Things, finally :D Ahh! Now I just need Max; my most wanted one, ha. No new Lilo, but two new Harry Potter. Still not the cat, which is the one I actually want. Oops. And.. I may have bought a second Peter Pan cooler soda bag, because I did not like the Peter chase I got last time. Oops. So now I have the regular one, and a chase Tinker Bell, which I adore :D Trying to sell the other doubles. And a new Christmas wallet, ha. Love my Pennywise. And diamond Ariel. Love it all so much.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #615

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

TO CAGE A GOD BY ELIZABETH MAY

Goodreads Description:

Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone, this Imperial Russia-inspired romantasy launches a new dark fantasy duology of gods, politics, and deadly magical powers from a Sunday Times bestselling author

To cage a god is divine.

To be divine is to rule.

To rule is to destroy.

Using ancient secrets, Galina and Sera’s mother grafted gods into their bones. Bound to brutal deities and granted forbidden power no commoner has held in a millennia, the sisters have grown up to become living weapons. Raised to overthrow an empire―no matter the cost.

With their mother gone and their country on the brink of war, it falls to the sisters to take the helm of the rebellion and end the cruel reign of a royal family possessed by destructive gods. Because when the ruling alurea invade, they conquer with fire and blood. And when they clash, common folk burn.

While Sera reunites with her estranged lover turned violent rebel leader, Galina infiltrates the palace. In this world of deception and danger, her only refuge is an isolated princess, whose whip-smart tongue and sharp gaze threaten to uncover Galina’s secret. Torn between desire and duty, Galina must make a choice: work together to expose the lies of the empire―or bring it all down.

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: February 20, 2024 by DAW
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Ohh. I am pretty curious about this book :D Mostly because I have been a fan of Elizabeth for years and years. <3 I am behind on reading her books, though, as I have only read the first two Falconer books, years ago, oops. But even so. I adore her. And I will be buying this new adult fantasy by her :D Excited.
What are you waiting for on this godly Wednesday?

Saturday, July 29, 2023

In My Mailbox #612

Another Saturday. This week have been pretty crazy. Ugh. I finished the book I was reading last Sunday, so yay for that :) Haven't started anything new just yet, trying to take it easy. My cold left, sort of. But my bumps might have gotten infections, so I'm feverish and not doing so well. Sigh. Might need antibiotics on Monday. So rude. I had a hospital visit this week; tests were good, thankfully :) But oh, it was the longest day with swimming and shopping and eating. Ahh. I'm still exhausted, ha :) But ohh. I have started taking daily walks again, finally. Been so long without. It's good for me, ha :) I have also played more Pokemon Go this week, which is the best. Love my new plus +, haha. But yeah. I am also so very tired these days. Which sucks. Shall spent my evening today watching movies. <3 I saw the final episodes of The Witcher. I love it, but a bit meh. And now it is over, I guess? With the main actor gone, replaced, it will not be the same at all. Ugh. Hope they change their minds. Hmph. Anyway. I maaay have gotten too much mail this week, ahh! All the books. <3 Love. All the SDCC pop figures, oops :) A couple of new posts. I shared my review of Find Him Where You Left Him Dead :) This week I'm waiting on The Hemlock Queen. <3 Ohh. Also. I'm seeing Barbie tomorrow and I cannot wait. <3 Have you seen it? Hope you are all doing well :)

Silver in the Bone. Eeee. The regular US hardcover, ha :) I'm collecting all the editions; just a few more :)
The Pearl Hunter. Had to order this and a few more from Amazon, as my pre-orders never arrived. Rude.
A Breath of Mischief. At last managed to get a copy of this stunning book. <3 It is such a gorgeous cover.
Shinji Takahashi: Into the Heart of the Storm. I'm excited to read this series one day soon :) So so pretty.
Animal Crossing. 2024 calendar :D I love these so much. I peeked. It finally has Sasha! Ahh! Love it. <3
A Crown of Ivy and Glass. Norwegian bookstore didn't get my pre-orders. Devils. Had to get it elsewhere.
Silver in the Bone Owlcrate. This was way too expensive. But the book is gorgeous. Meh about the items.
Night of the Witch + Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. Eee! A lovely ARC trade with Sara :D Thank you. <3
Any Way the Wind Blows. US paperback. I still haven't read past book one. Oops. But I have them all :)
Pikmin 4. Okay. I'm not going to play this game for a while yet, oops. No time. But still so excited for it :D


Panini cards. Stranger Things and Encanto and Jurassic Park. I had to buy these. Love these cards :D
Funko Europe. Oh. Help? I got all the SDCC exclusives that I wanted, eee :D Ha! Ten pop figures, one soda, one wallet. Sigh. I love them all so much. Eee. Frodo and Raptor are my favorites. Love my Stitch.
Pokemon. New map to hold my newest trading cards, ha :D I love it. And Pokemon Go Plus + :D Love!
Bukowski. Eeee. Had my hospital visit, and airport was full of my favorite plushes. Sigh. I so love these.

More Instagram photos here. <3