Waiting on Wednesday #666

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

US IN RUINS BY RACHEL MOORE

Goodreads Description:

Margot is on the quest to uncover and reassemble an ancient—and cursed—vase, with the help of a boy who went missing in 1932, because it's the only way to put back together her broken heart in this stand-alone adventure rom-com, perfect for fans of What the River Knows and The Lost City.

The mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia hasn’t been seen since 1932, but Margot Rhodes is determined to change that.

Drawn by the vase’s supposed magical properties, Margot embarks on her school’s archaeological trip to Pompeii. Sure, it’s her first time holding a shovel, but she’s got something no one else does: lost teenage explorer Van Keane’s journal.

Poring over the poetic entries that serve as a map to the vase’s missing shards, Margot finds herself falling in love with the boy who wrote it a century ago. She’s shocked when her search leads her to a statue that looks exactly like Van, and then the statue comes to life.

Catapulted into the present, Van is nothing like the wordsmith Margot imagined. He’s all sharp edges, intent on retrieving the relic for all the wrong reasons. But it takes two to survive Venus’s death-defying challenges, and, together, Margot and Van must excavate the treasure—and their buried pasts—before their story ends in ruins.

With a blend of humor, magic, and love, Rachel Moore crafts another stand-alone adventure rom-com full of double- and triple-crosses, hilarious shenanigans, and frustration-fueled banter, where the best treasure is true love.

Format: 368 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 3, 2024 by HarperCollins
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I cannot help but be curious about this book. I have seen the cover several times now. And it is stunning. Finally read what the book is about, and I think I have to give this a try :D It sounds and looks awesome.
What are you waiting for on this ancient Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #663

This have been a pretty good summer week, eee :D We have had some nice warm and sunny days. And still more to come, which I love. <3 Haven't gotten to take my spa bath much, though. But finally managed to tonight :) And possibly next weekend too. I have been playing lots of pokemon go lately. Also, always, animal crossing new horizons and pocket camp. Also still completely exhausted and hurting everywhere. Sigh. My stomach is a mess. My joints are super painful. Sobs. Medicine is so very much not working as it should. Sigh. Will argue more with the hospital this coming week about switching medicine. I did get a whole bunch of awesome mail, though. <3 And I'm doing good, despite my shitty health. London in less than a month. Ahh! I'm so nervous. Yet so very excited for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert, eee. And Mr. Pretzels, ha. It will be the very best trip. But yeah, I wish I wasn't hurting so much. Hmph. Anyway. I did manage to read a book this week. <3 So a couple of new blog posts. This week I'm waiting on Slow Dance :) And I shared my review of The Heart of the World. <3 Hope you're all doing well these days :D

Namesake. I ordered book one as well, as they are new paperbacks with edges, ha :D It looks so pretty.
A Ruse of Shadows. I am so in love with these Lady Sherlock books. I'm a bit behind; catching up soon.
The Darkness Within Us Swag. Eee! Thank you so much Tricia for this amazing pre-order swag :D Love.
Funko Europe. Yeah. This was one big order. I could not help myself, haha. <3 Love my Rapunzel pin. <3 Love my Moana pins. All so cute. Love the new Jungle Book pop figures :D Especially Baloo and Mowgli. Finally got the regular Galadriel soda. Love my Pink Panther. I finally got the last mystery bitty pop from The Lord of the Rings; Boromir. <3 Love my Puss in Boots. Ahhh. More mystery minis, but no new ones. Aw. And gods. That new Minnie Mouse Loungefly bag. Eee! Will use it in London. A bit big, but I love it :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman

This was a sequel I had high hopes for. As I adored The Isles of the Gods. And was way too excited and nervous to know how it would all end. I was lucky to trade for an early copy of this book and am so glad that I was able to read it early. As I loved it. Five stars for me. It was a most exciting final book in a great duology.

I'm going to try my best not to spoil this second book. And also not write way too much this time. Ha. I always fail at that. The writing was, again, stunning. And I love the world that this book is set in. Mostly I loved reading more about Selly and Leander and them figuring out their story and how they will survive it all. 

I loved that we got to see more of all of the characters. Though, honestly, I wanted most to just read about Selly and Leander, ha. But I did like them all. And their stories were so interesting. This book is more about the gods. Leander is now the messenger of Barrica. She wants him to create a door for her to enter the world again. And Laskia is the same for Macean. The two gods want to return to start a war. Which would end up with so, so many dead. And that is mostly what this is about. Selly and Leander does not want this war to come. While pretty much everyone else around them wants it. I did find it a little boring at times, with too much focus on the gods and the war part. I wanted more characters, more romance, more exciting times, haha. But I did like the plot as well. But I also honestly loved Selly and Leander most of all.

And we do get a whole lot of Selly and Leander in this book. We get to see their romance finally happen, after they spent all of the previous book being obviously in love. And this romance was all kinds of cute. Sigh. I do wish it had been a little bit more, yet I adored it so much. They were the cutest together. And they are bound together in a different way too, which I liked learning more about. But honestly, just them being together was enough. And they spent pretty much the whole book being close together. I loved it.

There is so much going on with the plot of this sequel. I'm not going to mention too much about it. But a little. They have just returned from the Isles of the Gods. With Leander now being a messenger for their goddess, Barrica. He is not himself. And I loved how Selly had to bring him out again. I did like reading about his new powers. I wish he had gotten to actually use them more, though. And missed seeing more of the magic of book one. But I loved how close Selly and Leander had to be in this one. It was the best.

I'm not going to say much more about the plot. Selly and Leander is trying to figure out how to survive. As other messengers in the past did not live long. They do not accept that Leander might die. I loved all that they learned. The good and bad. I loved how they were connected, even with the pain. I loved how Selly would do anything for him. Their romance was the cutest and it just healed my heart how very much they cared for each other. Sigh. No drama in this book, thankfully. But yeah. The plot was exciting and good.

There was a lot of Laskia in this book. What happened to her once she became the new messenger of Macean. Which was no easy thing for her. As she is in constant pain. Different from Leander, since she was not a magician. But she had a strong will. Although she was all kinds of crazy. And hurt a bunch of people. Yet I kind of liked her too. Somewhat. I liked her ending, at least. We see her sister, Ruby, more as well. And I honestly hated her. More than Laskia. She was not a nice sister at all. Hmph. So very rude.

We got to see more of Jude. While I did not fully love him, I did somewhat like him. He took part in some bad things in book one. But he did not actually kill someone. The book starts with his mother dying, while he was not there. Which breaks him even more. We get to see more of his boyfriend, Tom. And he was truly the cutest man. I adored them together and wanted to see more of him. But Jude is conflicted. He does not want to serve Laskia anymore. But he isn't sure what else he should do. I liked reading all of it.

We also see more of Keegan. Although, I must confess, I found his chapters to be most boring. Oops. I love him, of course I do. But more as a side character. I do love that he was a bookworm. That he loved reading. We get to meet his fiancée, Kiki. Whom he ran away from. And she was the actual cutest. I liked her. Wish we had gotten to know her a little more. But she was fun and kind and sweet. I wish they could have been together, but Keegan was not meant to be with anyone, which I also found to be a good thing.

There were only a couple of things I did not fully like about this book. First there is the cover. I'm not a big fan of it, ack. Or of the first book. They are pretty, yes, but they are not that good. Possibly because of the face closeups. Would have liked them more, if there had been more than just a face to see. Anyway. This second book was more telling than showing. And that annoyed me a bit. So little was actually happening. There was a little too much thinking for my taste, haha. But I obviously did not mind that much, of course.

For the most part, The Heart of the World was an excellent second and final book. I loved the ending a whole lot. How it ended for all of the characters, how we got to see them all. But I do wish it had been a little longer. I wish there had been a bit more of the romance. And a bit more of the world too. But I also found this book to be so good and interesting and I honestly loved it. I liked how everything fit together. I loved the characters. And I'm so happy to have read this wonderful duology. Now you must read this too.

 

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #665

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

SLOW DANCE BY RAINBOW ROWELL

Goodreads Description:

Back in high school, everybody thought Shiloh and Cary would end up together . . . everybody but Shiloh and Cary.

They were just friends. Best friends. Allies. They spent entire summers sitting on Shiloh’s porch steps, dreaming about the future. They were both going to get out of north Omaha—Shiloh would go to college and become an actress, and Cary would join the Navy. They promised each other that their friendship would never change.

Well, Shiloh did go to college, and Cary did join the Navy. And yet, somehow, everything changed.

Now Shiloh’s thirty-three, and it’s been fourteen years since she talked to Cary. She’s been married and divorced. She has two kids. And she’s back living in the same house she grew up in. Her life is nothing like she planned.

When she’s invited to an old friend’s wedding, all Shiloh can think about is whether Cary will be there—and whether she hopes he will be. Would Cary even want to talk to her? After everything?

The answer is yes. And yes. And yes.

Slow Dance is the story of two kids who fell in love before they knew enough about love to recognize it. Two friends who lost everything. Two adults who just feel lost.

It’s the story of Shiloh and Cary, who everyone thought would end up together, trying to find their way back to the start.

Format: 400 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: July 30, 2024 by William Morrow
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I know. This is very much not my kind of book. And yet. It's Rainbow Rowell. So I'm going to buy it. And give it a try. One day, haha :D As I think it would be a great book for me. Someday. It looks stunning :)
What are you waiting for on this fateful Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #662

I'm currently all kinds of tired, so a small weekly update :) I re-read a book this week. <3 And have started reading the sequel. But will be a bit slow going, as we are finally getting some warmer summer days. And I will be spending those outside :) Also played lots of pokemon go today. And tomorrow as well. But gods, I hurt all over. My arthritis is the worst lately. And it hurts so much. Sigh. But doing my best :) I did not get lots of mail this week, but getting a lot of pop figures next week. Oops. A couple of new blog posts. This week I'm waiting on The Ragpicker King :) And shared my review of The Isles of the Gods. <3 Hope you are all doing well :) Today it is one month until my London trip begins, eee :D Eras Tour on the 15th. <3

City of Glass. New collector's edition from the UK. <3 Of course I had to own this one too, haha. Love. <3
The Darkness Within Us. Regular US hardcover pre-ordered from Amazon :) Hoping to read it one day :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman

This was a book I simply needed to read again before I read the final book. And I am so glad that I did so. I loved it last year, and I loved it again now. I had forgotten several details. And so it was nice to re-read it, so I'm ready for book two. I'm just thrilled that I loved it just as much this second time. And still a five star for me.

There is so much that I loved about this book. I am going to try to write a shorter review this time. As always, I do not actually read my first review again. So I might repeat myself a little. But oh, I'm so glad that I decided to read this book a second time. It was still as magical to me as last year. I adore these characters the most.

The writing is also fantastic, which is always so important to me. And I love the world very much. It is told from the point of views of Selly and Leander and Keegan and Jude and Laskia. Mostly the first two, whom I adore the most. They meet very early in the book. She very much does not like him. He very much likes her, because of this. I adored it so much. They have the best banter, when it isn't rude. I loved how it all started with her not liking him. Then it grew into such a wonderful friendship and more. Though it happened in just a few short days. But I did not mind. Since so much happened in those days. They were so good together. Sigh. The romance is small, but they obviously adores each other and it is so well written. I must have more of it in book two.

What I loved about this book was the magical world it takes place in. Some people have magic and are able to communicate with spirits and ask for help. Like small air or water spirits. Most people can see one spirit. Leander can see all four and control all four. I hope we get to see more of his powers. As I so loved when we got to see it in this book. I liked how the magic was displayed on a person's body as marks on their arms. I liked that this book was magical in a smaller way. And that all of it was a bit old, a bit modern.

Selly starts out with no magic. Though she do have the marks on her arms, just not fully formed. She has never been able to communicate with any spirits before, despite trying so much. Until she meets Leander. And he tries to teach her. I loved how that worked and how they were doing it together. And how she got better at it too. Selly is a sailor. She has spent most of her life on a ship. A little selfish, but fully amazing and kind. I loved how she changed during this book, how she started to see a wider world than her own.

And Leander started as a very spoiled rich boy. Which he was, as a royal prince. No one ever told him no. And so he was a bit spoiled. And so meeting with Selly was a bit difference for him. She didn't care about him being royal at all. And did not treat him as such either. I loved how their relationship started. Sigh. It was so much fun to read about them together. Leander is complicated. He seems like a party boy, only looking to have fun. But he is so much more than that. He was amazing and I loved getting to know him.

There is just so much about this book that I loved. Leander is a year delayed in giving a sacrifice to their goddess, which happens once every twenty-fifth year. Which is how he ends up on the ship that Selly is on. It's complicated, but also so interesting and exciting to read about. They are on a mission to go to The Isles of the Gods for the sacrifice. To prevent a war happening with a different town from theirs. And war is very much about to happen. I truly loved learning more about the world and how things worked there.

We also get to know Keegan, whom is also on their ship. He is getting delayed in going to where he was about to escape to. I loved getting to know this boy. He preferred books over people. Though he had not had a very easy life either. He went to school with Leander. But they were not friends. And so he is not happy to see him. I did not like how rude he was at times. Yes, he was right to be grumpy about things, but I still didn't like reading about it. I liked how he became friends with Leander and Selly after a while.

Then there was Jude and Laskia. They are from the place where war is about to happen. They worship a different god. As this world had a Mother and seven different gods and goddesses. Laskia is the sister of a crime boss in this town. And her life is not at easy one. She just wants her sister to approve of her. And so she is willing to do anything. Which she does. And I hated it so much. She was a villain, I suppose. But I wanted her to be different, haha. Despite her being mostly evil, I did like reading all of her point of views.

And then there was Jude. He works for Laskia and her sister Ruby. To keep his mother safe. He was one complicated boy. I both liked him and was annoyed with him. He is with Laskia when she is doing all her bad things. They are hunting down Leander. Many people gets killed. He does nothing to stop it. And yet I fully got that too, he had to keep his sick mother safe. But yeah. I was a little annoyed with him. Yet I can't wait to read more about him in book two and hope that he ends up changing a whole lot. Fingers crossed.

I have to mention another thing, before I forget about this. This is a book about close relationships. About people slowly becoming like family. Which I hope we see more of in book two, since this book took place over such a short time. But yes. I loved the growing friendships between Selly and Leander and Keegan. I loved how most of the book were just about those three together. I also loved reading about Selly's crew, the little we got to see them. They were adorable. Sigh. Rudest. I just loved all these characters the most.

There is still very much that I could say about this book. But I have already written way more than I was supposed to. Oops. I just loved this book so much. I loved the time spent at sea. It was written so well. I loved the magic. I loved when they arrived at the Isles. And how it all ended. Ah. The ending was all kinds of rude. Makes me so worried for book two. But I'm beyond excited too. The Isles of the Gods was such an incredible book. And I'm so glad that I read it a second time. You all need to read this lovely book too.

 

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #664

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

THE RAGPICKER KING (The Chronicles of Castellane #2)
BY CASSANDRA CLARE

Goodreads Description:

In the epic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Sword Catcher, praised by George R. R. Martin as “everything I look for in fantasy,” Lin and Kel must chart a perilous course between love and lies.
 
Kel Saren, body double to Conor, crown prince of the dazzling city of Castellane, is caught between two worlds. In order to protect his beloved prince, Kel must find the culprits responsible for a massacre at the royal palace—and the only clues are held by the Ragpicker King, the notorious criminal who rules Castellane’s underworld. The trail Kel follows leads back to the Hill, where among decadent nobles and glittering parties a dark conspiracy to destroy the royal family has taken hold—a conspiracy headed up by the monstrous Artal Gremont, the man engaged to marry the woman Kel adores.
 
Meanwhile, Lin Caster must face the aftermath of the greatest risk she’s ever taken. To save the life of a dying friend, Lin has falsely claimed to be the Goddess Reborn, the legendary heroine destined to save her people. Now the terrifying—but strangely magnetic—leader of her people has arrived to test her powers. The price of failure is exile, and only through her alliance with the Ragpicker King can she continue to access the magic that may save her.
 
Then Prince Conor reappears in her life, demanding that she use her healing powers to cure the madness of his father, the King. Lin soon realizes the King is gripped by an ancient and terrible magic, one whose lure she cannot deny any more than she can deny her growing passion for Conor.
 
As the simmering tensions in Castellane reach a fever pitch, Lin and Kel must decide who to trust when any false move means death—or worse.

Format: 624 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: March 4, 2025 by Del Rey
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I know, I have yet to read Sword Catcher. Ahhh! I'm just nervous about it, haha :) But I think I will love these so much. They sound so epic. But huge, ha. So I need the time to finally read book one. Soon. <3
What are you waiting for on this legendary Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #661

Another week gone by too fast. Gosh. Been busy this week. And I'm also fully exhausted. How rude. My body is way too painful lately. Hoping it will get better soon. Fingers crossed. I read another book, finally :) But it was so bad and it was so hard to read it, haha. So yeah. That was painful. And so my next read will be a re-read, so I can read book two :) I'm excited. I also re-watched Fear Street with my mom this week, and I just still really love these three movies. Been spending time outside in the sun, which is always nice. Got a bit sunburned today, though, ack. Got some lovely new mail :) This week I'm waiting on A Dark and Drowning Tide :) Shared my review of The Lamplighter, ack. Hope you're all having a wonderful week. <3

Ruthless Vows. German edition :D It is gorgeous. Love the edges. Love the artcard that came with, eee.
Release the Wolves. I could not resist getting this book. It looks awesome and sounds very good too :D
The Girl Who Kept the Castle. This sounds amazing :D Thank you so much MarcyKate for this copy. <3
A Study in Drowning. Waterstones exclusive and regular UK paperback versions :D They are so pretty.
Funko Pop. New Pokemon pop figure. <3 This took ages to arrive, from amazon, ack. But I love it so :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell

How do I even begin with this book. I do not know. I fell prey to a pretty cover. It's not often I buy books by authors unknown to me. But this book was simply too pretty looking for me to resist. And it sounded awesome too. But I was deceived. Sigh. This book was truly painful to read. And I have many thoughts to share about it.

First, it ended it being a two star for me. And that's even positive. And only because of the last pages. The first two hundred pages were awful and so boring. Things finally started happening during the final part. It was still bad, but at least it was also at last a little exciting. Then the ending ruined it. Yeah. It was all truly that bad.

I'm unsure how much I want to share about this book. I am going to try my best not to share that many spoilers. At least not about the plot. I do have several things to say about the writing and this story. And sadly none of them are positive. It would have been a one star for me if not for the magical twist during the last hundred pages. Not good, but better. But oh, how much this book angered me. The writing was truly the very worst. And it wasn't that it was bad. Because I don't think it was all that bad. But the way this was written was the worst. It was all telling, no showing. It was all the thoughts in the head of the main girl. It was so bad. Shudders. All the thoughts were repeating. They were not good. I never liked Tempe because of this. Her mind was the worst. Ugh.

I'm going to somewhat describe the plot in this book. It tells the story of eighteen-year-old Tempe. She is the head of her family, as her father died by suicide four years ago, and her mother then turned insane, in a way. She has a younger sister, age sixteen. Pru is now considered a woman as well. And she is looking for a husband. Pru takes care of their mother and everything in their house. While Tempe has the work of her father that she must do every day. She is a lamplighter, keeping their whaling town safe from the fog.

This book took place in the past, nineteenth century, I suppose. Though it did not really feel like it, most of the time. Considering we are mostly only in the head of Tempe. And her thoughts all felt pretty modern to me. I would have liked to read more about the town and the time it took place in. As this was interesting, which was also why I got this book. But no. We do not get to spend much time around town at all. As we are pretty much always in the head of Tempe. Ugh. And if not, she is lighting the lampposts. Very boring.

But there is a girl going missing. And Tempe is only thinking of herself, how to keep her family safe. And in doing so she lies to the law and ends up being put on notice. She thinks several times about how it is living, how women mean nothing and cannot do anything without a man. Yet we never get to witness this at all. Sure, they aren't all that nice, but we barely see anyone talking to Tempe at all. Or to anyone else. Which is why it also did not feel like a book set in the past. Annoyed me too much, the way it was written.

The person that Pru wants to marry turns out to be Gideon. A man more than twice their age, above forty. And this was considered okay? No one questioned it? And Pru seemed so in love with him? I don't get it. It was disgusting. And I hated it so. Tempe is confused about Gideon. Her father warned her to stay away, which she thinks about all the time. Ugh. Yet she did not. They had a past, two years ago. She also made it sound worse than it was, honestly. And she obviously had a small crush on him, which was disgusting.

Because Tempe is supposed to be in love with a boy her own age, Josiah. And yet still she cheated, back then. And she did not tell him. And she keeps having secrets from him. And he was not very sweet either. We get to see so little of their romance, just the telling that they love each other, but no physical touches, not really. And it was so annoying to me. The romance could have been so sweet. But no. It was so badly written. Especially when it seems like Tempe is lusting after Gideon, while also being afraid of him. Yeah.

There is just so much I could say about this book. It drove me fully insane. And I'm still angry just thinking about it. I would have not read it, had I not paid a lot for it, ha. So I had to finish it. But oh. This book hurt my head. And heart too. Because it was so bad. I cannot stand it. It could have been so good too. As the setting seemed amazing. If only we had gotten to actually witness it more. But no. Instead we were stuck inside the head of Tempe almost the entire book. I have never before read a book written this way. Ugh.

Oh. Time to mention a little about the twist that happens. It all got more exciting, and a little bit dark too. Finally. There were parts that I liked. When we learn what happened to the missing girls. But then nothing was done with this. Tempe suddenly spends weeks doing nothing. Because she had done something so horrible. And that was the worst twist. It was dark, yes, but I hated it. Ruined the book for me. Especially that ending. It was just stupid. Beyond stupid. And then it ended without us knowing anything more. What.

I just cannot deal with this book. I had really hoped to love it. But I very much did not. And I guess others may love it. But I honestly wouldn't recommend that you read it, I'm sorry to say. There were some parts that I did like. But the writing ruined it. Especially the ending. But yeah. I could not stand the writing. I kept hoping it would get better. It did not. And so, sadly, The Lamplighter was not a book for me. But I'm glad I tried a new book. But sad it ended up being so awful. There should have been more at the end, though.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #663

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

A DARK AND DROWNING TIDE BY ALLISON SAFT

Goodreads Description:

A sharp-tongued folklorist must pair up with her academic rival to solve their mentor's murder in this lush and enthralling sapphic fantasy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic.

Lorelei Kaskel, a folklorist with a quick temper and an even quicker wit, is on an expedition with six eccentric nobles in search of a fabled spring. The magical spring promises untold power, which the king wants to harness to secure his reign of the embattled country of Brunnestaad. Lorelei is determined to use this opportunity to prove herself and make her wildest, most impossible dream come to become a naturalist, able to travel freely to lands she’s only ever read about.

The expedition gets off to a harrowing start when its leader—Lorelei’s beloved mentor—is murdered in her quarters aboard their ship. The suspects are her five remaining expedition mates, each with their own motive. The only person Lorelei knows must be innocent is her longtime academic rival, the insufferably gallant and maddeningly beautiful Sylvia von Wolff. Now in charge of the expedition, Lorelei must find the spring before the murderer strikes again—and a coup begins in earnest.

But there are other dangers lurking in the forests that rearrange themselves at night, rivers with slumbering dragons waiting beneath the water, and shapeshifting beasts out for blood.

As Lorelei and Sylvia grudgingly work together to uncover the truth—and resist their growing feelings for one another—they discover that their professor had secrets of her own. Secrets that make Lorelei question whether justice is worth pursuing, or if this kingdom is worth saving at all.

Format: 400 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 17, 2024 by Daphne Press
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I kept seeing everyone going crazy about getting this ARC. So of course I had to order the waterstones special edition, haha :D I think it looks gorgeous. And sounds so exciting. I do not usually read girl and girl romances, as I prefer boy and girl, but I will read this one. It sounds so very good and I am sure the romance will be amazing too :) So yes. I am now very excited about this book; I'm hoping to love it lots :)
What are you waiting for on this dark Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #660

I just spent my evening re-watching Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. <3 And ugh. I still love this movie the most :) It's amazing. I also finally read a book this week, so yay for that. And I shall be starting a new one in the next few days. Spent days of this week outside in the sun, which is nice. <3 But yeah. I'm also fully exhausted, which sucks. But I'm doing my best :) Also. My sister got a new small dog last week. It's the cutest, so I'm spending lots of time with him too. <3 I got a bunch of mail this week, ack :) Many pop figures. I could not resist, haha. Love them all so much. Sigh. This week I'm waiting on Unraveled :) And shared my review of When Among Crows. <3 Hope you are all doing well :D Oh! Duh. Forgot to mention my new blog header, haha. <3 Got this taken last week sometime. Finally made it my header :) Some of my most favorite books. <3 And outside. With two pop figures too. I love it, haha. Might change the size and the text some more, though. One day, probably. But so far I love my new header. It's more me, ha :)

For the Wolf + For the Throne. Oh, help. This boxset was expensive. But I had to have it. So gorgeous :D
The Darkness Within Us. Fairyloot June edition :) As always, it is gorgeous. Reading this series one day.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. My 4K blu-ray steelbook has arrived, eee :D It is precious. Love it so.
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD. Going to play this game soon. Probably, haha :D I just had to own it, of course. <3
Marissa Meyer swag. Eeee! Entered a form by her a while ago. And oh, I love this swag so very much :)
Funko Europe. Yeah. This was a big order. Sobs. I just could not help myself. Sigh. I do need to get some more self-control, haha :D But I love them so. Bought the new Shrek mystery minis; got several awesome ones. But need and want the dragon. Gah. And love the new Shrek pop figures :D They are so cute. And Garfield. And new Frodo. I had to have them. Got Elsa in Disney Princess mystery mini; new one. Love :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

Of course I was going to read this book the moment I could. Been a fan of Veronica since Divergent. Although this new book did not fully sound like a book for me. Yet I did think I would end up liking it. And I'm happy to say that I did. Four stars. Only wish that it had been longer. I grew to adore these characters and I wanted more.

I'm not going to write such a long review for this book. As it was pretty short. Felt like half a book. Which was both good and bad. It did finish in the time that it had. And I did like the ending. But I also felt like the story had just begun, and then it ended. Ha. So yes. I wanted more. But I still found this story to be fully exciting.

This book tells the story of Dymitr and Ala and Niko. And it takes place over less than two days. But it was enough for me to really like reading about all of these characters. As we get to know the three of them pretty well. The writing was great. This book is set in our time and our world. Yet also a world of magic that is filled with different types of monsters. And also those who then hunt the monsters, the Holy Order. We learn a little about them, and I did not like them. Except for one, of course. The monsters could be both evil and kind. I liked how there were many different types and how we get to learn about some of them. Their magic was interesting to read about and I enjoyed that a whole lot. This is a story based on Slavic folklore. Which I do not know enough about, so I'm not going to write about that. But I loved it lots.

First there was Dymitr. In his late twenties, probably. We get to learn much about him. And I just grew to like him more and more. He was a bit soft and a bit broken. Yet he had to be strong and do such horrible things because of his family. And those were some awful things. He does not want this life anymore. And is on a mission to atone for his sins, to get rid of part of himself. Despite all of the bad he had done in the past, I very much adored this man. I loved reading about him, his soft heart. I just. I wanted more. Hmph.

Ala is a girl in pain. She is also a monster. And I loved learning about her. She is cursed and is probably dying shortly. I adored getting to know her. But wanted to know more. Sigh. But yeah. Ala was awesome. Dymitr finds her and offer her a deal to maybe get rid of the curse of her family. And so they team up, to search for Baba Jaga. While doing this, they also meet Niko. A different type of monster. Whom was also interesting to get to know. I loved the small romance between him and Dymitr. It was sweet. I loved them.

This book is about looking for a cure to a curse and getting rid of a family curse, in a way. Though Dymitr is keeping what he is a secret from the others. Causes some drama when it comes out. But I still loved it. I loved how this book ended, as it was so short. I wanted more. How rude. But the ending was great. And I found When Among Crows to be a pretty excellent read. Loved the writing. Liked the setting. Loved the monsters. Loved the characters. Just wish this one had been longer, as I truly wanted more of everything.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #662

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

UNRAVELED (Keeper of the Lost Cities #9.5)
BY SHANNON MESSENGER

Goodreads Description:

Book 9.5 in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series follows fan-favorite Keefe on his adventures in the human world during the events of Stellarlune.

While his friends faced their own challenges in Stellarlune, Keefe was in the human world. Where did he go, who did he see…and what shocking secrets were revealed to him?

This can’t-miss installment of the series is told entirely from Keefe’s POV and contains crucial clues about truths buried deep in the elvin world.

Format: 416 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: November 12, 2024 by Aladdin
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I know, I know. I am foooorever behind on this series. I think I only read the first two books? Aaack! But I own them all, of course. <3 And think I will wait to read them all until the final book is out :) I have always been a Fitz fan. And I'm worried the series will end with Sophie and Keefe. Sigh. I do not want that, haha :D Even though I have only read the first two books, lol. Still; this new story do sound great, of course :D
What are you waiting for on this unravelling Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #659

Meh. New week. I'm not doing all that much better, honestly. Sigh. My arm hurts a little less during the day, more during the evening. My wound is aaalmost closed, finally :) Got my new spa bath, at last. It has some faults too, of course. Ugh. So been a bit stressed. But hoping it works out. Tomorrow will be a warm summer day, which I'm looking forward to. <3 I am just trying to take it easy. I hurt all over. My stomach is bad too. My medicine is simply not working. Ugh. So rude. Haven't started reading yet, but shortly :D Got a bit of gorgeous mail this week, oops. <3 I'm just waiting for more summer to arrive. And for my body to stop hurting. Hmph. This week I'm waiting on The Temptation of Magic :) Hope you are all doing well. <3

Icon and Inferno. I know, I have yet to read book one, haha :D But I will read them both. One day, haha :)
There is a Door in This Darkness. I'm unsure if I will read this one. But it's Kristin Cashore, so I own it. <3
Braided. Ha. I know. Book five! And I haven't yet read book one. I'm the worst. Reading them one day :)
Funko Europe. Yeah. I bought more pop figures, haha. <3 Snubbull is from amazon, though. I had to get those new Coraline pins, eee :D Third set they have released. What even. So many. But all gorgeous :D Tried for more mystery minis.. no new ones. Sigh. Still no Max. Sobs. And now they don't have more on the site. Whaaat. How rude. I need her, ahh. Still missing one of the mystery Lord of the Rings bitty pops too, so will keep trying, haha :) I got the chase Smurfette :D Ahh. But I wanted the normal one. So rude :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #661

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

THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC BY MEGAN SCOTT

Goodreads Description:

As an Empyreal, Nicole has the ability to kill any deadly supernatural. But if her power ever awakened, the Wake—the organisation that governs supernaturals—would force her to be their loyal huntress. Or kill her, like they did her mother.

To stay safe, Nicole hides in a small university town, convinced the mythological art collection at a local manor contains a final message from her mother. But before she can study it, Kyan McCarter, the Wake’s most skilled Empyreal, arrives on his own hunt. When they discover his prey has stolen a painting for leverage, they’re forced to work together.

As the creature threatens to expose Nicole’s powers, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If her true identity is revealed, Kyan will hunt her next. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially when the art they’re seeking unveils a conspiracy that would change the lives of creatures and humans forever...

But Nicole may only be able to resist one: her wicked impulses, or a love that could repaint their world. And after a life of hiding her true nature, who could resist the temptation of magic...

SERPENT AND DOVE meets A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, in this luxurious, forbidden romance.

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: May 23, 2024 by Magpie
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I know, I know. This book is already out. But it is a book that I got via Fairyloot, and did not know about before getting it :) And now I'm curious. It sounds pretty exciting. Yet I'm nervous too. Hope to love it :)
What are you waiting for on this forbidden Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #658

How is it already Saturday again? How rude. Time is moving way too fast :) It's summer, finally. But not all that warm, ugh. We keep getting a few days of a little warmer. Then back to colder. Doesn't look like it will get any warmer for a long time either. Sigh. I want some summer heat too. I'm fully exhausted this week. I hurt so, so much. And it's driving me insane. My wound is finally healing more, so I'm glad about that. But I have this intense pain in my left arm. All the time. It hurts to sleep, it hurts to sit, it hurts to move. Uuugh. And my strong painkillers doesn't help. Sigh. Got medicine a week ago. That should have helped. But no. It's worse now. Yeah. Doctor next week, to get an appointment to check the arm. It's hurting so goddamn much. Gah. I'm still doing my daily walks, but it hurts. Sigh. I'm tired of this. But doing my best :) I did read a book this week, eee. It was a four star, which I'm happy about. <3 And I watched the final four episodes of Bridgerton last night, which I also loved :) Only two new books this week, but I love them, ha. Just. I so want my health to get better. Ohhh. My spa bath. I finally got the new one I had to buy, after mine died. It was cheaper quality, which I did not like. But figured I would get used to it. Buut. It also had a production error, it was 10cm too low. Yeah. That was not okay. So I was able to send it in return. And they ordered me the one I actually wanted, the spa bath I already had before. Had to pay a little more, but less than if I had just bought it to begin with. I got an okay deal. I am happy with that :) Now just waiting for it to arrive, though. Ugh. Sorry for this very long weekly update, ha :D I just had too much to share. I'm going to read another book in the next few days, but a shorter one. Hope to love it :) This week I'm waiting on A Sea of Unspoken Things :) And I shared my review of Greymist Fair :D Hope you are all doing well this week. <3

Ruthless Vows. Eee! My gorgeous Fairyloot edition is here, at last :D And it is fully precious. I love it so :)
The Midnight Orchestra. Paperback edition :D Still haven't read this sequel, despite loving book one, ack.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: Greymist Fair by Francesca Zappia

This was a book I knew I had to read when I saw that gorgeous cover. I love it. And it sounded perfectly creepy and awesome. I'm so glad that I decided to read this book. Ended up as a four star for me. It was all kinds of amazing and I enjoyed it so very much. The writing was stunning. And I honestly loved the story.

I would say that the main character in this book is Heike. But the book is not only from her point of view. Because it tells the story of their town, Greymist Fair. And oh, how badly I loved that. And I so liked how everything fit together, from years past as well. It was so clever and so fully interesting and exciting. I loved it lots.

But this book was also pretty rude and evil. Because there were several deaths that I did not approve of at all. Hmph. But I liked that it was a little dark too. I liked all the twists from the different stories. Especially that everything fit together, making it all one big story. Set around the same time. I'm going to share a little bit of this book, but not too much. I really liked reading this one. And I think you will enjoy it too. The writing was so good, thankfully. I liked that it was based on some older Brothers Grimm fairytales. Though I could not actually tell you which was which, ha. But it was a spooky book. Full of love and family and evil and heartbreak. Full of death. And it was all kinds of thrilling. I do wish it had been a little longer, though. I wanted to know more. And I did not want some of them to die. Rude. But the ending was good.

This story takes place in the town of Greymist Fair. It is a small town with not that many villagers. It is in the middle of the woods, not easy to find. It does not get many visitors. But those who live there loves it. This book tells a few stories set around the same time in this town. All of them connecting. In the present time, we get to know Heike and Wenzel. They have been best friends since they were little. I loved how it was growing into more. Though I wish we had gotten to see more of it, but I guess there wasn't any time.

For the most part I adored Heike. She was sweet and fun. Her mother had died some years ago, and she missed her lots. I loved what we got to know of her too, especially her full story. She was amazing. Sigh. But yeah. I liked reading about Heike and her discovering more about who she was. But I wish there had been more from her, as there wasn't that many pages from her point of view. Still. It was enough too. I so loved her friendship with Wenzel. They were so cute together. I very much loved his sad backstory. Ack.

We got to read about when a prince visited the town, back when Heike was a child. How he came with performers but did not leave with them. How he was able to grant any wishes, how he was magical. But all had to answer a riddle first, and he could choose which one, if he wanted someone to get a wish. He did not grant the wishes of children. Because all wishes could come true. And because of this, the prince was not a kind person. I didn't like him much. I so loved what happened to him. Both in past and present.

We got to know Liesel a little bit, in the present. She seemed kind of nice. Kind of not. She discovered a secret in town, found some things hidden away. I very much loved that story. But I hated what happened to her. Ugh. Then there was Katrina, a few years past. I did not like her much. But I wish Heike had tried to be friends with her. She could have been great. Sigh. I enjoyed reading her story, though. Her parents were so bad, even though they never hurt her. She seemed like she could have been a pretty sweet girl.

Then there was the story of Fritz, mostly in the present. This boy did so many bad things, just because he was trying to be kind to his only friend, Hans. But gods. Hans was the worst person in the world. I did not like him one bit. But Fritz had only him. And so he made some bad choices. It was fully interesting to read about, though. But yeah. Hans was the actual worst. And he is in this book a lot, since he was part of the lives of many. Ugh. I liked how his story ended, though, haha. Hans was simply not a good person at all.

Then there was also Doctor Death. We learn a little about him. And his story from the past was so good. But also so sad. Yet I loved him so. Sigh. I wish there had been more. This book was several stories in one. And it felt a little too short at times, which is why this book is only a four star for me. But even so, I really enjoyed reading Greymist Fair. It was such an exciting and thrilling story. With the most wonderful characters. I'm so glad I read this book. Now you need to read it too. This was a most fantastic fairy tale.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #660

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

A SEA OF UNSPOKEN THINGS BY ADRIENNE YOUNG

Goodreads Description:

A woman investigates her brother's mysterious death while coming to terms with her own haunting past in this atmospheric novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unmaking of June Farrow

The only thing James and Johnny Golden have ever had is each other. For as long as she can remember, James’s deep connection with her twin brother, Johnny, has gone beyond intuition—she can feel what he feels. So, when Johnny is killed in a tragic accident, James knows before her phone even rings that her brother is gone and that she’s alone—truly alone—for the first time in her life. 

When James arrives in the rural town of Hawthorne, California to settle her brother’s affairs, she’s forced to rehash the ominous past she and Johnny shared and finally face Micah, the only person who knows about it. He’s also the only man she’s ever loved. 

But James soon discovers that the strange connection she had with Johnny isn’t quite gone, and the more she immerses herself into his world, the more questions she has about the brother she thought she knew. Johnny was keeping secrets, and he’s not the only one. What she uncovers will push her to unravel what happened in the days before Johnny’s death, but in the end, she’ll have to decide which truths should come to light, and which should stay buried forever.

Format: 272 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: January 7, 2025 by Delacorte Press
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I am so very behind on books by Adrienne. Ahh! But I do own them all ;) Hoping to catch up soon. <3 And I think that this adult book sounds exciting. I'm hoping that it will be like my love for the books by Megan Miranda. It sounds mysterious enough at least :) Keeping my fingers crossed that I will love this story. <3
What are you waiting for on this ominous Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #657

This week have gone by so fast. Gosh. Had a few nice summer days where I sat outside in the sun for hours. <3 Which was the best. But fully exhausting. I have been in so much pain this week. Sigh. My left arm is such a mess. I got medicine yesterday, which I didn't want. Will see if it helps on my arm, if not I'm going to a doctor this coming week. So far it's not better at all, just worse. Ugh. Only plus side, my wound is healing more. It's been slow going for weeks and weeks. Sigh. But it has healed more since yesterday. Please please please let it close fully this time. Ugh. So so tired of it. Anyway. I got a bit of lovely mail this week. <3 I sadly haven't read anything yet. But I have my next book ready, and planning on starting it in the next few days. I have spent these past few days re-watching season one and two of Sweet Tooth. <3 Just finished watching season three tonight :) It was awesome. I missed a few things, but it was a great final season too, I think. Loved this show. This week I'm waiting on She Waits For You Beyond the Dark :) Hope you are all doing well. <3 It's gotten cold here again. But will be a bit warmer tomorrow, thankfully :)

The Lamplighter. When I saw mentions of this I knew I had to have it. Sounds awesome. Hope to love it.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton. Of course I had to get this show tie-in as well, haha. I love this cover. <3
When Among Crows. The US edition. I'm hoping to read this book later this month. Hope it will be great.
Paper Mario. Another Mario game :D Well, an older one made new. But I haven't played it. It looks fun :)
Movies. I loved Teenage Kraken. And now I can finally watched the third Trolls movie. <3 So excited for it.
Funko Pop. Adorable chimchar was bought from amazon. Must buy all my books from them now too, ack.
Crocs. Eee! New Stitch Crocs :D I think these looks so cute. I love them. Had to own them, ha. Precious.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #659

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

SHE WAITS FOR YOU BEYOND THE DARK
(Death Games #2) BY KRISTEN SIMMONS

Goodreads Description:

"Death is not an ending, it’s simply the next chapter. Do not be afraid to turn the page...."

It’s been one month since Ian’s reunited friends escaped the hellish game of Meido and saved him. The survivors may have sealed the gate to the world of the dead shut and destroyed Empress Izanami, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still reeling over the challenges they endured. Trying to relax back in the world of the living, they take solace in the fact that they rescued Ian from the nightmare that tried to steal him away. But there’s just one problem―Ian didn’t come home alone.

The empress―now possessing Ian's heart―hitched a ride into their world and the only way to free Ian from her grasp is to find three artifacts for her, sacred objects which have been hidden across many realms. Unwilling to leave Ian behind a second time, his friends dive into a new deadly game, with terrifying challenges that not only test their mettle, but demand sacrifices―including their very lives.

If they don’t retrieve the empress’s artifacts, Ian will be lost forever, but if they do, it could be the end of their world as they know it.

Format: 304 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: March 11, 2025 by Tor Teen
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Hold it. Not out until March? HOW RUDE. I'm so curious to know what happens next :) I did like the first book, but I did not love it. Still. I'm excited for this sequel and can't wait to read it. <3 Hope it will be epic :)
What are you waiting for on this deadly Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #656

This have been one exhausting week. Gosh. But I'm doing the best that I can :) We had a couple of really nice summer days; one day with 25c+ outside, eee. It was so perfect. Now colder again, ha. But hoping it will only last a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed for more summer weather soon. Plus side, it's finally lots of green outside. I love it. But.. this week also sucked. I'm hurting so much. But trying to deal with it. And this week my spa bath just suddenly died. Goddamn it. Have had to buy a new one, which was more than I could afford right now. Sigh. I'm a bit bitter. But I couldn't be without my spa bath either, so yeah. Hoping it will arrive next week :) Plus side, grandpa came home from the hospital this week, after being gone five weeks for an important and big surgery. But he's doing better, finally. Which I'm so very happy about. <3 So yeah. This week have been hard. But I'm doing my best. Not read anything yet, but I will hopefully do so this coming week. This week I'm waiting on Darker by Four :) Hope you are all doing well this week. <3

Sword Catcher. Eee! Thank you Bailey for trading with me :D The ARC looks all kinds of stunning. Love.
Lady Macbeth + A Crown of Ivy and Glass print. Eee! Thank you Jess for trading with me :D I love it so.
Sound the Gong. My personalized copy from Books of Wonder finally made it. Love. Bonus epilogue :D
When Among Crows. I'm so curious about this new novella by Veronica Roth :) It looks all kinds of great.
Tides & Drift. I had to buy this mini book of short stories. For the day I that I'll finally read the books, ha :)
Silver in the Bone. The UK paperback edition. <3 Because of course I had to own this version too, ha :D
Funko Europe. Yeah. Another new big order. Oops. I could not resist. I love those Inside Out 2 ones :D And new Harry Potter ones; I had to get those. More mystery minis, more doubles. But a new Stitch. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #658

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

DARKER BY FOUR BY JUNE C. L. TAN

Goodreads Description:

From Jade Fire Gold author June CL Tan, Darker by Four is the launch of an epic, sweeping contemporary fantasy duology that is the Shadowhunter Chronicles meets the Chinese underworld, drawing inspiration from diaspora folklore.

A vengeful girl. A hollow boy. A missing god.

Rui has one goal in mind—honing her magic to avenge her mother’s death.

Yiran is the black sheep of an illustrious family. The world would be at his feet—had he been born with magic.

Nikai is a Reaper, serving the Fourth King of Hell. When his master disappears, the underworld begins to crumble…and the human world will be next if the King is not found.

When an accident causes Rui’s power to transfer to Yiran, everything turns upside down. Without her magic, Rui has no tool for vengeance. With it, Yiran finally feels like he belongs. That is, until Rui discovers she might hold the key to the missing death god and strikes a dangerous bargain with another King.

As darkness takes over, three paths intersect in the shadows. And three lives bound by fate must rise against destiny before the barrier between worlds falls and all Hell breaks loose—literally.

Perfect for fans of This Savage Song and Only a Monster, Darker by Four will pull readers into a world of love and desperation and revenge—a world where every deal has a catch, no secret stays buried, and no one is exactly who they say they are.

Format: 400 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: April 1, 2024 by Hodderscape
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I know, this book is already out. But I only got it after it came out, from Fairyloot :) And my edition is all kinds of gorgeous. So I'm sharing about it today, because it is a book that I am waiting to read. One day, haha :D As I'm a little nervous. Lots of art of two boys and one girl. Does it mean a love triangle? Ahh :) Tried to peek a little at reviews. Doesn't look like any triangles? So I'm hopeful. Book sounds so good :)
What are you waiting for on this dangerous Wednesday?