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