Waiting on Wednesday #698

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

YOU BELONG HERE BY MEGAN MIRANDA

Goodreads Description:

A decades-old secret that drove a mother from her hometown now threatens her college-bound daughter in this twisty new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Megan Miranda.

Beckett Bowery never thought she’d return to Wyatt Valley, a picturesque college town in the Virginia mountains steeped in tradition. Her roots there were strong: Beckett’s parents taught at the college, and she never even imagined studying anywhere else—until a tragedy her senior year ended with two local men dead, and her roommate on the run, never to be seen again…

For the last two decades, Beckett has done her best to keep her distance. Then her daughter, Delilah, secretly applies to Wyatt College and earns a full scholarship, and Beckett can only hope that her lingering fears are unfounded. But deep down she knows that Wyatt Valley has a long memory, and that the past isn’t the only dangerous thing in town…

Format: 352 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: July 29, 2025 by Marysue Rucci Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Eeee. Always excited about a new Megan Miranda book :D I also just got an eARC of this beauty. <3 And I shall be starting it in the next few days :D Can't wait. So excited for it. A little nervous, but I shall love it :)
What are you waiting for on this dangerous Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #695

It's been another hard week with sleeping. Sigh. And I'm itching everywhere. Shudders. And my shoulder is such a mess of pain. Sobs. But I'm doing okay. The best that I can :) Still doing my short daily walks. <3 Still able to daily play pokemon go and animal crossing new horizons and animal crossing pocket camp :) This week I also read a book, which I'm happy about. <3 I'm hoping to start another one this coming week sometime :) I got a bunch of lovely mail, ack. <3 So much precious :D I just hope my health starts getting better. Getting a new dose of the medicine next week. Fingers crossed. This week I'm waiting on Broken Dolls :D And I shared my review of She Waits for You Beyond the Dark. <3 Hope you are all doing well :)

The Mortal Instruments Graphic Novel. Part 8 :D One day I shall be reading these gorgeous editions. <3
Disney Store Plushes. Eee. The Aristocats. <3 Missing one, getting it later on. These are so precious :D
Funko Europe. I know. More pop figures. Oops :D I failed again to get the Bilbo chase. Sobs. I have tried once more. Will know on monday. Please let me get him this time. Love the Alien 3 ones, eee. Had to get them. Too cute. No new mystery mini; I'm only missing Anna. Love the Lady and the Tramp. <3 Precious.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: She Waits for You Beyond the Dark by Kristen Simmons

Of course I had to give this sequel a try, to know what happened after the ending of book one. I'm glad that I read this, that I know how it all ends. But I'm disappointed to say that I sadly did not like it much. The ending was good. But I had no feelings at all for it. A two star, like the first one. I didn't hate it, but I did not like it either.

It shall not be easy to write down my thoughts for this book. As I have many of those. I so wish I could have loved this sequel. I'm sad that I'm giving it the same rating that I gave book one, a year and half ago. But it is my honest thoughts. And I wish it had been better. There were parts that were great and that I enjoyed a lot.

But then there were all the other parts that I just did not care for at all. I did not actually like any of the characters. Maybe just that one villain from the other world, the guy with all of the spiders. He was pretty awesome. But the others I did not love at all. I did not feel any of their emotions. I did not care what happened to them. And that is not a plus at all. I liked learning about this extra world. I did not like the real world at all. I liked the creatures. But I found none of it to be creepy or scary I do not get why I did not care for this book. I just found it hard. I wanted to love it, I really did. But I sadly did not. Maybe it was the writing. I had some issues. But still. It was not that bad. I didn't re-read book one before I started, but I peeked, and somewhat read the important parts.

This book starts one month after Find Him Where You Left Him Dead ended. They managed to save Ian from Meido, got him back home again. But they lost Dax back there while doing so. I was happy that Ian was back home with his family. He seemed like a sweet boy. The beginning of this book focused a lot on the unspoken romance between Ian and Owen. I did like them together. But it was a little silly to me too. They had been apart for four years. And I felt like they should have gotten to know each other again first.

Then there was Maddy and Emerson. Back to being best friends. And I just did not understand it at all. Sigh. And Emerson had a whole lot of issues too, believing that Maddy would leave her and that she did not care. This happened a lot in the book, so it ended up being a bit too much for me. I did like when she got past it, but found that whole part to be all kinds of silly and weird, where that took place near the end of it all. I did like Emerson, though, for the most part. Did not like how she seemed to hate Dax. So rude.

How they all seemed to hate Dax. Because they learned what he truly was. But even so. The rest of them became friends again so fast. And yet they are hating on Dax for something he could not control. I did not approve. And it made me dislike them all. Except for Maddy. She loved him. But that was so very rushed that it hurt my heart a little. Still. At least she cared. And Dax was the person that I liked the very most in this series. His past was heartbreaking. And I loved it so much. He got a little weird in this book, though.

I'm not going to write too much about the plot of this book. Like the first one, it takes place over one day only. Which I liked and did not, haha. I do wish there had been a longer time, where the characters got to spend more time together and actually get to know each other. I missed that. With everything taking place in just one day I felt like it was all too rushed. All the feelings, all the things that happened. It would have felt more real for me, I think, if it had been a little slower. Maybe. Or I wouldn't have liked that either, haha.

The story is that the empress did not die in book one. She is now inside of Ian and she's using him to get back to life again. And so to save Ian, Owen agrees to another game in Meido, to find three pieces of an item. This is not a good thing to do. But so they are all sucked back into the game. But it is different this time. I did like all the changes and the games. I just didn't care. It took them forever to find Dax again. So rude. I liked that one guy from book one with all the spiders. He was crazy, but pretty awesome as well.

I honestly wish this book had been more scary. I do suppose it is meant to be scary. But I didn't feel it, not once. Which makes me sad. There was a game that happened in a spiral. Where they had to die several times to try to win it. And I just did not care. It wasn't dramatic or epic or anything. Made me feel nothing. Sigh. Then there were all of the characters and their emotions. I did not feel any of them. Dax had some anger, and it was so silly to me to read about. And Emerson with her alone issues. Still I wanted to care.

I think one of the things that bothered me most about this was how great friends they were supposed to be. As I didn't get that at all. None of them spoke together for four years. They were best friends before that. Then so many years of nothing from any of them. And then they spend about a day together in the game, in Meido, And now they are all best friends again and Maddy and Dax are so very in love. I didn't buy it, sadly. I guess that is also why it was hard for me to connect with these characters and this story.

But even though She Waits for You Beyond the Dark was not a book for me, I still very much adore this author. I have read and loved several of her books. This duology just ended up not being for me. And yet I do think many others will love it. I just could not. I'm glad that I read this final book, though, as I usually do not when I don't like book one. But I wanted to see how it all ended. So I'm happy that I did, even if I wasn't in love with the book. Parts of it were great. And it's a story I will remember, even so. Give it a try.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #697

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

BROKEN DOLLS BY ALLY MALINENKO

Goodreads Description:

Author of Ghost Girl and This Appearing House Ally Malinenko brings to life a terrifying middle grade novel about a girl learning to grieve her grandfather and the creepy antique dolls in his house that seem to come alive, perfect for fans of The Doll in the Garden.

One. Two. Three. Are you ready to play?

Ever since Kaye's grandfather died, she's been obsessed with counting the steps to her bedroom, the dolls on her sister's bed, even the threads on her favorite blanket. It's arithmomania, and with the selective mutism that sometimes prevents her from speaking, she literally can't find the words to talk about how she feels now that Grampa is gone. When they take the summer to clean out and renovate his old house, Kaye finds herself counting the days.

That is, until her younger sister, Holly, starts finding dolls. She finds them buried in the backyard, stuffed in the walls, crammed into the closets. From the first one, Kaye knows they aren't like normal dolls. They smile at her like they know something, and sometimes their eyes open and close on their own. Kaye hears her sister talking to them constantly—and she swears she's heard the dolls whispering back.

Everyone assumes that Holly's just a kid with a good imagination. Kaye doesn't think it's a game, because she knows that Holly—and the dolls—are going to make her play with them. Forever.

Format: 288 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 30, 2025 by HarperCollins
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

This cover is just all kinds of lovely and creepy. And so I have to have this book, haha :D It also sounds pretty great too. I'm a little nervous, since I just lost my grandpa. This might be too painful for me. Yet I still want to read it. Hoping it will help more than hurt. Fingers crossed. It sounds like such a great story.
What are you waiting for on this broken Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #694

Suddenly another week gone by. How rude. Yet I'm so glad that time is moving fast. There is very much coming up in the next few months, and I am both excited and nervous. Just want it over with, haha :) This week haven't been the best. I still have trouble sleeping after quitting my sleeping pills. But still do wish to stay off them. But yeah. It's hard. And I keep waking up so very often. Sigh. Been having bad headaches too; so bad that I puked in the night a few days ago. Which sucked. Feeling a little better now, but yeah. My health really sucks these days. Hoping it gets better soon :) I got a whole lot of pop figures this week, ack. <3 So much awesome. I'm planning on starting a new book tomorrow, which I'm excited and nervous about. Also spent this week re-watching all the Alien movies, oops. Just had to. <3 I love them so :D This week I'm waiting on Wake the Wild Creatures :D Hope you're doing well. <3 Better than me, at least, ha :)

Empire of the Damned. New UK paperback. Of course I had to get it for my way too big collection, ha :)
Cirque du Freak. New edition :D Been so long since I read these. Must re-read one day. Loved them so.
Beth Revis Swag. Eee. Thank you so much Beth for this latest Patreon swag. <3 It is so very precious :)
Jellycat Plushes. Look at those tiny Bartholomew plushes :D Eee. I love them so. One tiny, one keychain.
Funko Europe. Oh. They got too many new pop figures lately. Ahhh. I had to get them all, haha. <3 Love the new Pokemon ones :D And finally more The Lord of the Rings, eee :D They are all awesome. Some extra Bilbo and Eowyn.. as I failed to get the chase versions. Sigh. I'm going to try again, though, haha :D

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #696

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

WAKE THE WILD CREATURES BY NOVA REN SUMA

Goodreads Description:

Already one of the most acclaimed novels of 2025, this extraordinary, timely, and must-read novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nova Ren Suma explores young women's freedom and rage as Talia plots her way back to her hidden mountaintop home after her mother's arrest for murder.​

I reached the clearing with the seven white pines and stopped to get my breath back. The mist filled my lungs, peppery and also sweet, and momentum pushed me forward. Giddy, I dropped into a bed of moss, soft and slick in spots, and rolled in it, howled for no reason, felt close to an understanding of some kind, as if an eye inside me was peeling open. It was the first full moon after I turned thirteen, and I knew that whatever happened in this next stretch of hours would change me forever after.

I wasn’t wrong.

Three years ago, Talia lived happily in the ruins of the Neves, a once-grand hotel in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains, with her mother Pola and their community of like-minded women. Some came to the Neves to escape cruel men, others to hide from the law, but all found safety and connection in their haven high above civilization, cloaked by a mysterious mist that kept intruders away. But as their numbers grew, complications followed, and everything came crashing down the night electric lights pierced the forest. Uniformed men arrested Pola, calling her a murderer and a fugitive, and Talia was taken away. 

Now sixteen, Talia has been forced to live with family she barely knows and fit into a world scarred by misogyny, capitalism, disconnection from nature . . . everything the women of the Neves stood against. She has one to return to the Neves. But as Talia awaits a signal from her mother, questions arise. Who betrayed her community, and what is she avoiding about her own role in its collapse? Is it truly magic that keeps the hotel so hidden? And what does it mean to embrace being her mother’s daughter? With the help of an unexpected ally, Talia must find her way to answers, face a mother who’s often kept her at arm’s length, and try to reach the refuge she lost—if the mist hasn’t swallowed her path home.

Fierce and lyrical, unsettling and tender, Wake the Wild Creatures marks the long-awaited return of one of the most distinctive voices in young adult literature.

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: May 6, 2025 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Ohhh. I am SO excited about this book :D It looks gorgeous and sounds so awesome and different and magical. I just know that I will love it lots. I have read and loved three books by Nova before, now over ten years ago. What. I am so glad she is having a new book out. I just know that I am going to adore it so :)
What are you waiting for on this wild Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #693

Another new Saturday. Time is moving fast lately. And I don't mind. I am fully ready for this winter to be over. Though it's still months left. Ugh. Just a month and a half until my tonsils surgery, ack. I'm nervous. Yet I am still sure that I should get it done. Probably. I have not felt like doing much this past week. Been sleeping so poorly lately that it's driving me crazy. Plus I'm in constant pain. Sigh. But I'm doing my best :) Going to start a new book next week, most likely. This week I only got pop figures in the mail, oops :D I'm getting more next week. Ahh. They suddenly got a whole bunch that I had been waiting for. <3 I could not resist them all, haha. Sigh. My poor money, though. But. Well. I love my pop figures too much :) Just one regular blog post this time. This week I'm waiting on The House of Quiet :) Hope you are all doing well. <3

Funko Europe. I couldn't stop myself from getting that exclusive One Piece boat, haha. Since I have the other ones, oops. They just look awesome. And the new Jurassic babies are so cute :D And Stitch easter versions. Love. And Gizmo with a bow. He is just the cutest. And failed at mystery mini, as always, ha :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #695

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

THE HOUSE OF QUIET BY KIERSTEN WHITE

Goodreads Description:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken comes a dark fantasy about a girl who will do anything to find her sister, including posing as a maid to infiltrate the mysterious House of Quiet.

To save her sister, she must enter the House.

In the middle of a deadly bog sits the House of Quiet. It’s a place for children whose Procedure triggered powers too terrible to be lived with—their last hope for treatment. No one knows how they’re healed or where they go afterward.

Birdie has begged, bargained, and blackmailed her way inside as a maid, determined to find her missing sister, Magpie. But what she discovers is more mysteries. Instead of the destitute children who undergo the Procedure in hopes of social advancement, the house brims with aristocratic teens wielding strange powers they never should have been burdened with.

Though Birdie wants to ignore them, she can’t help being drawn to stoic and silent Forest, charmed by clever River, and concerned for the youngest residents. And with fellow maid Minnow keeping tabs on everything Birdie does, danger is everywhere.

In her desperate search for Magpie, Birdie unearths terrifying threats and devastating truths, forcing her to confront just how much she’s willing to sacrifice to save her own sister. Because in the House of Quiet, if you find what’s lurking beneath . . . you lose everything.

Unravel the mystery. Ignite the rebellion.

Format: 400 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 9, 2025 by Delacorte Press
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I am all kinds of curious about this book :D Yay for new YA book by Kiersten. <3 And it sounds so very good too. I cannot wait to read it. It sounds creepy and great. And I think that the cover is awesome :)
What are you waiting for on this terrifying Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #692

It has been such a long week. And I spent most of it reading :) Finished my re-read and read book two as well. Which I did love as much, ahh. Which was a little disappointing. But glad that I read them both :) But now glad to have a few weeks of a reading break, haha. And I'm so unsure about what to read next then. Hmm. Been pretty exhausted this week. Sigh. But doing my best :) Took some new photos outside today for instagram. Wish there had been some winter ice. But no. Was so warm outside today, like spring. And the beginning of the week was freeezing. Yeah. The weather is so weird right now. Then I got a bunch of lovely mail, eee. And started re-watching my favorite movies, which I'm very excited about. Re-watched Damsel and Anastasia; both perfect movies. And now Maleficent 1 and 2, both fully perfection. I shared my second review of A Study of Drowning. <3 This week I'm waiting on The Courting of Bristol Keats :) And shared my review of A Theory of Dreaming :D Four star, ack. Hope you are all doing well lately. <3

A Sea of Unspoken Things. Finally bought this. Behind on Adrienne books, ack. But I own them all, still.
Notable Shadowhunters and Denizens of Downworld. Second kickstarter book has arrived. It is stunning.
Stranger Things calendar. New for my table; since Animal Crossing failed this year. It looks awesome :D
Divine Rivals. Waterstones exclusive paperback. I had missed out on it. Had to buy it from a person here.
The Hurricane Wars. I could not resist buying this US paperback edition, despite not having read it yet :)

Funko Nordic / Funtastic by Proxy. Eee! Thank you so much lovelies :D I am so happy with this newest ambassador gift from you. <3 Five different campaigns to share about. All of them new. I love them so :D

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid

I could not have been more excited when it was announced that there would be a sequel to A Study in Drowning. Which I so loved with all of my heart. I simply could not resist reading this book as soon as I was able to. So thankful to have gotten an early eARC copy. I loved this book, yet I sadly did not love it with all my heart.

And so a four star for me.Which do break my heart a little bit. As I had hoped to love this second book just as much as the first one. But I did not. Sharing all my thoughts below. Maybe too many of them. But oh, the writing of this book was all kinds of wonderful. I loved that. I loved the characters of Effy and Preston very much.

This sequel takes place a little after the end of book one. Effy is now about to start at the literature college. She is both nervous and excited. It does not go as she had hoped. That hurt to read about. I wanted only the best for her, but it's not going easy at all. And so this book if about Effy sort of drifting away. With Preston mostly doing the same. He is still hearing the bells. And we learn more about what all that means. How he is able to enter a sort of dream world, created by himself. Where he can do anything. I did like learning more about it all and how it worked. But it also meant that he was drifting away too. And that was not easy. This book is about their life in the real world and how they are trying to deal with it all. It is not at all easy. But they are still together most of the time and are still very much in love. Loved that most.

What was hard to get through with this book was how slow it was. There were barely anything happening. I kept waiting for something big. But it never came. So that was a little disappointing. And yet. I loved the small moments too. I loved just reading about Effy and Preston and getting to know them better. But I so wish they had more happy moments in this book too. Sigh. It was all a little too sad at times. Yet beautiful too. I truly did love this book. I was just a little disappointed about it too, as I had wished for a little more.

There is so much going on in this book. I am not going to mention most of it. But I have some things that bother me that I have to mention. But also things that I loved. And I did love this book a whole lot, despite having some issues with it. I loved the romance of Effy and Preston, despite the issues they had. I loved how they both had loving friends. Rhia truly cared for Effy. And we got to meet Lotto, Preston's roommate and best friend. He was such a delight and I loved reading about their friendship. They had great friends.

I did like reading about the stories in this book. About the myths and history of this place. All the sleepers and their stories. Learning that so much of the history was not right. It was interesting to read about. But I was a bit depressed about the other things, so it was hard to focus at times. But the story was wonderful. But I did feel like some things were missing. Only one mention of Effy's mother, and it was not good. We did not even get to see her grandparents, which I really wanted to. I wanted a little more personal things.

Then there was the bullying. I hated it so. How they all looked down at Effy. And how another boy hated Preston. I wish those things had been left out, as it just hurt my heart. Effy was so affected by it all. It felt so real. I really wish it had been better. Then there was Master Gosse. Who kind of tormented Preston through the entire book. I did not like that either. He kept pressuring him about the dream world. Never letting him rest. He was a little insane, I think. And yet it was all pretty fascinating to read about as well.

What bothered me a little about this book was that Effy was back to being her old self. Feeling weak and scared and unsure. I thought she had changed a little by the end of book one, gotten stronger. But all that went away in this book. She really truly crumbled. And that truly broke my heart. I did love to read about it, because it felt so real. But it really hurt as well, as I thought Effy was better. But she got much worse, with her sleeping pills as well. And that hurt to read about too. I just wanted her to be happy, to be okay.

Oh. And that brings me to what hurt me most about this book, which is why it was a four star for me and not a five star, like I had hoped it would be. The lack of trust Effy and Preston had in each other. As they both kept such big secrets from the other. And that was simply not okay for me. They loved each other. They could have helped the other. Yet neither said anything. And instead suffered alone. Preston should have told her about his dreams. He never did. Will always bother me. They should have been more open.

I think that the thing I was most disappointed about in this sequel was the lack of magic. Book one felt so magical. Then there was this book, where everything was the real world and just so painful to read about. That hurt my heart. I wish there had been a bit more magic. There are some hints of it, with the dreaming world of Preston. But it wasn't enough. It did not give me that same magical feeling, sadly. I wanted a little more from this story. It did not give me the same feeling of wonder. But I got the same romance feelings.

Okay, somewhat. I was a little conflicted about the romance in this second book. They both obviously love the other so very much. There is not anyone getting in the way of that, thankfully. But they are both trying to ruin it, in their own way. Effy doesn't believe she is worthy of love. Preston doesn't believe he is worthy of her, that he cannot keep her safe. And so they are messing it up. That hurt me so very much. And yet. They were together, for the most part. The small touches were there. Despite the pain, they were in love.

But even though I did not love all of this book, I still loved most of it. And A Theory of Dreaming was such an amazing second book. It did end everything nicely, I think. And I so loved reading more about Effy and Preston and their friends as well. I did love this world. It was just a little more depressing than I wanted it to be. But the writing was beautiful. The love was real. And the story was incredible. Biggest thank you to HarperTeen for the auto-approval on Edelweiss. So glad I got to read this one early. You will all love it too.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #694

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

THE COURTING OF BRISTOL KEATS BY
MARY E. PEARSON

Goodreads Description:

From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Mary E. Pearson comes a thrilling romantic fantasy full of dangerous fae, dark secrets, and addictive romance-- the first book in a duology.

After losing both their parents, Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay afloat in their small, quiet town of Bowskeep. When Bristol begins to receive letters from an “aunt” she’s never heard of who promises she can help, she reluctantly agrees to meet—and discovers that everything she thought she knew about her family is a lie. Even her father might still be alive, not killed but kidnapped by terrifying creatures to a whole other realm—the one he is from.

Desperate to save her father and find the truth, Bristol journeys to a land of gods and fae and monsters. Pulled into a dangerous world of magic and intrigue, she makes a deadly bargain with the fae king, Tyghan. But what she doesn't know is that he's the one who drove her parents to live a life on the run. And he is just as determined as she is to find her father—dead or alive.

Format: 547 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: November 12, 2024 by Flatiron Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Another book that is already out, but that I recently got as a Fairyloot book. <3 And I think it sounds pretty awesome :D I'm curious about it. I think I could love it. And so I shall read it one day, ha :) Hope I love it.
What are you waiting for on this dangerous Wednesday?

Review: A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

This was a book that I simply had to read again. It has been just over a year since I first read it. And I loved it so much back then. As always, I was a little nervous that I would not love it the same this second time. But I did. Oh, how I loved this story. It is still so precious to me and I adore it to pieces. It's a big favorite of mine.

This second time I shall not write such a long review. And I am going to talk less about the plot and more about my feelings for the story. Just how much I loved this book. I am beyond excited to start reading an eARC of the sequel next. It's going to be truly amazing. The writing in this was fantastic. I had no issues with it.

And what I loved most about this book is that it is a romance. In a way. It becomes a romance, at least. The growing relationship between Effy and Preston was the sweetest thing. I loved them together so much. They argued at times. But it was the cutest. I loved how well they fit together. How it then grew into something more, despite the place they were in and all that was happening around them. I loved how honest they both were. How they both cared and just getting to know them both. Effy starts out as such a broken girl. Trying her best to live her life, despite not getting to study what she truly wants to. She got taken advantage of. That hurt so much, reading those memories come back to her. Not as bad as it could have been, thankfully. But bad enough.

But oh, how I loved Effy. She was broken, yes. But she was perfect. I loved all the broken parts of her. I loved how she finally started to heal a little. How Preston helped her get better as well. She did change a lot. Became a little more confident, I think. I can't wait to see more of it in book two. She was so hurt. And I very much wanted to see those who hurt her get hurt back. Hmph. I want to see more of her mother, just so I can see her in pain as well. What she did to Effy was not okay. And she deserves some punishment.

But yes. Effy was all kinds of awesome. I loved how she was such a fangirl for her favorite book. How she knew everything from it. It was so lovely to read about. And Preston. Sigh. He was such a good person. I just loved him to pieces. And it hurt me a whole lot to read about what happened to his dad, and how that still hurt him. They both had trauma. And I love how they were both able to help each other from it. I really hope there is more of that in book two, ack. Now I'm getting more nervous about reading it next. Excited.

There is so much I could write about this book. But I'm trying to keep it short. I loved how this world was a little magical, despite being fully ordinary. I loved how it seemed a little old-fashioned, not set in our time. It made me love it more. I very much loved the old mansion they were staying at. Effy trying to figure out how to fix all the broken parts. Preston hunting for a mystery. I so loved how it was almost falling into the sea. The whole atmosphere of this book was incredible. I loved it so very much. It was written very good.

This book was also about the Fairy King. How he was just a story to some. But how he was more to Effy. How he was in her most favorite book and how he suddenly started to appear in her life more often. I so loved how it was all connected. I did not like this Fairy King. I liked how it didn't seem like I was supposed to either. He was not someone that Effy saw in her dreams that she wanted there. He was a nightmare to her. But I very much loved that whole storyline. All of it was very interesting and fascinating to read about.

I liked how this ends with this world about to change. How it might end up with women getting stronger. At least, it felt like it. This book was set in a world where men were in charge of most things. Only they could write books. I love how Effy wants to change that and how she is starting to. I loved how a certain person was alive at the end of the book, when I thought it was just a ghost. I also loved how that person started changing things too. Most of all I just loved everything about this one. The magical feeling it had. Loved it.

There is honestly just so much that I loved about this book. Effy and Preston were so precious to me. And I cannot wait to read more about their epic romance in book two. Eee. I'm hoping for lots of kisses. Lots of affection and love. There was much in this. But I want even more, ha. They are simply the best together. I cannot wait to learn more about the world in book two as well. So excited for it all. And I am honestly just so happy that I still loved this book to pieces a second time. It still ruined me in the best ways. Do read it.

 

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

In My Mailbox #691

How is it already another Saturday? Ahh. Time is moving so fast. In some ways. But I am glad January is finally over :) Also, eeee! Happy Birthday to my lovely girl. <3 My cat is 12 years old today :D Such an old lady. Yet still thinks she is just a baby. <3 I started my re-read of A Study in Drowning this week, and I will finish it by tomorrow. Loving it so. Then reading the sequel as an eARC next week :D I have been a little better this week. Somewhat. I'm not sleeping the best, but I'm doing okay. Got a bit of lovely mail. <3 And just doing the best that I can :) Watched more Marvel movies with my nephew, finally some that I had yet to see, ha. This week I'm waiting on A Language of Dragons :D Hope that you are all doing well lately. <3

Fairyloot YA. January edition. Cruel is the Light. This actually looks all kinds of awesome. Hope I love it.
Fairyloot Adult. January edition. Immortal. This one also looks all kinds of gorgeous. I really hope I love it.
Movies. Got some new blu-rays for my collections, ha :) I still haven't actually seen any of these yet, ack. Excited about Inside Out 2 and The Garfield Movie and Migration and Wish. <3 They all seem awesome.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #693

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

A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS BY S. F. WILLIAMSON

Goodreads Description:

EVERY FIRE STARTS WITH A SINGLE SPARK.

Welcome to Bletchley Park… with dragons.

London, 1923. Dragons soar through the skies and protests erupt on the streets, but Vivien Featherswallow isn’t worried. She’s going to follow the rules, get an internship studying dragon languages, and make sure her little sister never has to risk growing up Third Class. By midnight, Viv has started a civil war.

With her parents arrested and her sister missing, all the safety Viv has worked for is collapsing around her. So when a lifeline is offered in the form of a mysterious ‘job’, she grabs it. Arriving at Bletchley Park, Viv discovers that she has been recruited as a codebreaker helping the war effort – if she succeeds, she and her family can all go home again. If she doesn’t, they’ll all die.

At first Viv believes that her challenge, of discovering the secrets of a hidden dragon language, is doable. But the more she learns, the more she realises that the bubble she’s grown up in isn’t as safe as she thought, and eventually Viv must decide: What war is she really fighting?

An epic, sweeping fantasy with an incredible Dark Academia setting, a clandestine, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and an unputdownable story, filled with twists and turns, betrayals and secret identities, A Language of Dragons is the unmissable debut of 2025, from an extraordinary new voice.

Format: 480 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected Publication: January 2, 2025 by Harper Fire
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

This book came out earlier this month, but I got it as a Fairyloot exclusive a little after that. And ahh. I am very curious about this book. The Fairyloot edition is all kinds of stunning. This sounds like an interesting book too. I'm going to have to read this book one day, ha :D Hoping it will end up being fully awesome :)
What are you waiting for on this extraordinary Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #690

Ugh. Another hard week. I'm having trouble sleeping, which sucks. But at least my cold has gone away, at last :) So I do feel a little bit better. I had another hospital visit this week, which was kind of a waste of time. But I had a great day with my sister, which I loved. I read an shorter eARC this week, which I did not love, ack. And starting a new book shortly. A re-read. Which I'm a little nervous about. What if I don't love it as much this second time? Ahh. I'm so worried. But I think I will still love it. Did not get a lot of mail this week, though I got a couple of lovely books. <3 I managed to take more photos outside for Instagram as well, so I have enough photos until February 11th, which is good. I'm just fully exhausted lately. I'm trying my best, though. And hoping to feel better soon. I shared my review of Gloam :) This week I'm waiting on Wild Reverence :D Hope you are all doing well these days. <3 I'm still waiting for winter to be over, ha :)

A Monsoon Rising. Fairyloot edition. <3 I still haven't read book one. Oops. But now I own both. So pretty.
Sound the Gong. Paperback edition :D I so loved this duology. This paperback version is so gorgeous :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #692

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

WILD REVERENCE BY REBECCA ROSS

Goodreads Description:

Born ​in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. But in a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda must come of age sooner than most. She may be known to carry words and letters through the realms, but she holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest of allies to ensure her survival. And to complicate matters . . . there is a mortal boy who dreams of her, despite the fact they have never met in the waking world.

Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life―begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. When his request went unanswered, Vincent moved on, becoming the hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda. That is, until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.

As Fate would have it, Matilda and Vincent were destined to find each other beyond dreams. There may be a chance for Matilda to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, but at immense sacrifice. She will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: to be vulnerable, and to allow herself to finally be loved.

Format: 496 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 2, 2025 by Saturday Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Eee. New book by Rebecca :D Set in the world of Divine Rivals. It sounds all kinds of wonderful. And I think I will love this one a whole bunch. Cover is pretty, but a little boring. I hope the UK one will be better, haha :D But still getting all the copies of this. <3 It seems like it's going to be so good. Fingers crossed :)
What are you waiting for on this wild Wednesday?

Review: Gloam by Jack Mackay

Once I saw that beautiful cover I simply knew that I had to have this book. I was so lucky to be able to get an eARC of it to read early. I was so excited for this book. It sounded spooky and oh so lovely at the same time. But oh. I'm sad to say that I did not love this book like I wanted to. It ended up as a two star for me.

I tried my hardest to love this story. But I just could not do it. And I have a whole lot of things to say about. I will try my best not to write too much and not to give too much away. I did not hate this book, not at all, I just did not like it much. Which is disappointing to me, as it could have been an amazing story. It was not for me.

I am going to start with the writing. In a way, it was a well written book. Parts of it was great. But I felt like things got a bit awkward when characters were talking together. The writing did not make me feel anything at all. I sadly did not care for the main girl. And the siblings annoyed me. Yet there were parts of this book that I did like. But then there were more parts that I didn't. Shall do my best to describe it. It's told from the point of view of thirteen year old Gwen. She just moved with her three siblings and their stepdad to their grandma's house. Their family history was a little weird to me. Grandparents were dead. Dad moved to France. Mother just died from a sickness. And the four children are now living with her husband of just two years. It was a little bit weird.

Yet Henry tried his best with the kids. Kind of. Gwen was thirteen. Roger was ten. Hazel and Hester were twins and six. At first I liked all of them. They were trying their hardest to be okay after losing their mom. And I loved this grief and the family coming together. Except they did not come together. They fell more and more apart. The house they moved to is on a very small island. I did like that part, and wanted more details of this island. Sigh. There was a break from school; so this book takes place in less than a week.

Henry is looking for a job, and decides to hire a nanny to look after the children. And in comes Esme. She seems like the perfect woman. Kind and sweet and lovely. But Gwen hates her right away. She sees right through her, that she is evil. I think this part happened a bit too fast and it should have taken a little longer for Gwen to think that Esme was evil. But anyway. All the others love her. She is charming. And they want her to stay. But Gwen does not. Esme hurts her. Henry doesn't believe Gwen at all. And I hated that part.

I do wish the whole family had been a little more believing. None of them listened to Gwen. Okay, I guess she did yell a whole lot and seemed a bit crazy. But still. They were her family. And I was not happy with that. I wish I had loved Gwen more. But, to me, she seemed more to be the age of eight, and not thirteen. That kept taking me out of the story. She should have been a little bit more mature. It bothered me. Still. I did like her sometimes. And she also tried her best, trying to protect her siblings from an unseen monster.

This book takes place over just a few days and it was also a quick and easy read. I do wish it had been longer. And I wish that I had liked it more. But the pages were enough to tell a story. But what did annoy me was how two things were written as The House and then The Well. It was highly annoying. There was also a cat, like in Coraline. Then it was dead. Which was depressing. I suppose that this book was about facing your fears. About coming together with your family. I just did not enjoy the way it was written, sadly.

One thing that annoyed me about this book was how extremely similar it was to other stories. I don't mind reading books that are inspired by others. And have somewhat of a same feel to it. But this had too much just like Coraline. The three pieces of the key hidden inside nightmares. Plus the look of the villain. Then there was the ending of the book, where this monster turned out to be a lot like what Pennywise looked like at the end of IT two, the movie, when he was destroyed. It was a little too much just the same for me.

The biggest thank you to the lovely PRH International people for this free eARC copy of Gloam to read and review via Edelweiss. I'm so thankful to you. I could not resist and had to read this book as soon as I could. It is not officially out until August. And even though I did not love this book, I think I'm still getting a copy for my shelves, just for that gorgeous cover. And I think you should all give this book a try. Although it was not for me, I do think others might love it. I am simply a bit more picky. Wish I had loved it, though.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

In My Mailbox #689

It's been a hard week. The pain in my shoulder have been gone for some weeks, and this week it came back worse than ever. Shudders. It's been some painful days. And then suddenly I got a cold yesterday and it started off really bad right away. Weird and rude. I'm not doing that much better today. So I'm trying to take it easy. But it's hard. I started a new eARC tonight. <3 Only read a little, but at least I started it :) More tomorrow. It's been a busy week too. Still re-watching Marvel movies with my nephew. Now done with all the ones I have seen :) I also bought a new laptop this month. Ahhh! It was so expensive. And it arrived this week. And oh, I am loving it so. It is gorgeous. Forgot to include it in my photo this week. The graphic is super, yet it will take some time to get used to the different colors on things, ha. But it is better and so good so far. I love it. A few new blog posts. I shared my review of Among Ghosts :D And this week I'm waiting on The Executioners Three :) Hope you are doing well and having the best week possible. <3 

Nintendo Switch games. Snufkin :D Moomin game. Looks so cute. Love the new old Donkey Kong one.
Coraline. I could not stop myself from buying this lovely 4K edition steelbook. It's so very gorgeous. Love.
Us in Ruins swag. Eee. Thank you so much Rachel for this gorgeous pre-order swag. <3 I love it lots :D
Funko Europe. New order, haha. I had to get all of these. <3 More mystery minis; finally got Mulan :D So cute. And love the new Stranger Things bitty pops :D Had to get Avril. Love Toothless :D And the rest. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #691

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

THE EXECUTIONERS THREE BY SUSAN DENNARD

Goodreads Description:

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard comes The Executioners Three, a mystery filled with rivalry, romance, best friends, and a gruesome curse that dates back centuries.

Freddie Gellar didn't mean to get half the rival high school arrested. She’d simply heard shrieks coming from the woods, so she’d called the cops like any good human would do. How was she supposed to know it was just kids partying?

Except the next day, a body is found. And while the local sheriff might call it suicide, Freddie's instincts tell her otherwise. So, like the aspiring sleuth (and true X-Files aficionado) she is, Freddie sets out to prove there's a murderer at large.

Format: 272 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: August 26, 2025 by Tor Teen
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I am so excited about this one :D It sounds fully awesome. <3 I remember when Susan posted about it, some time back, and I'm excited that it's now officially a book that I can read. Though.. well. I own tons of books by Susan, but I have yet to read any of them. Ahhh. I will. One day, haha :D This sounds so good.
What are you waiting for on this cursed Wednesday?

Review: Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman

This was a book that I knew I would love the moment I heard of it. And I did. So very much. It is set in the world of Seraphina, a book that I loved with all my heart back when it came out. This one takes place before, and it is possible to be read alone. But you would definitely love all books by Rachel. They are amazing.

There is so much that I wish to say about this book. I'm going to try my best not to write too much about it and not share spoilers. But oh, you should know that I loved this book very much. Five stars. The writing was all kinds of perfect. It was so easy to get lost in this wonderful world and all of these precious characters.

This book tells the story of thirteen-year-old Charl. He lives with his mother in the town of St. Muckle's. It is not the biggest town and not the best. But they are happy there and together. We get to know much about Charl. His mother escaped with him seven years ago, from his father. Whom was not a good person at all. We learn more about him and I did not like him at all. She went with her close friend, Sister Agnes. And their other close friend, Sir Aris. I really liked that Charl had many people close to him growing up. But he did not have it all that easy either. As this small town had a local bully. A boy several years older than him. And he picked on him from the beginning. Though Charl did his best to fight back, to hopefully put an end to this bullying. Which is what begins this book. And it was such an exciting start.

I cannot help but write a little about it. Charl is lured to an abandoned place some hours away from town. He knows it is a trap by Rafe, the town bully. Rafe also has his two friends with him. They were nicer and I am so upset about what happened to them. Rafe plans to kill Charl. But something goes wrong. And his two friends ends up dead instead, by an accident. Which was so awesome and sad to read about. I loved the beginning of this book. It was both exciting and tragic and just set up the book really well. I loved it so.

We get to know Charl so much and his life at this town. But after the deaths, more things go wrong. A plague begins in town. A sickness that is spreading from beetles. Which was all kinds of creepy yet so amazing to read about. I loved this part of the story too, though it was sad to read about how many died. Six months go by. They are just trying to survive, trying to get rid of the plague. Then the dragon arrives. Plus the assassin. Both hunting down Charl and his mother to take them back to his cruel father. Rude.

And so there is a whole lot going on in this story. The beginning and such had more action and had more things going on. The second half was a little slower, yet it was just as good. This is a book about a boy. A book about caring for other people. I loved how he loved his mother. And everyone else. I also loved how everything seemed to go wrong. It was fully exciting and fun at times. Fully heartbreaking, of course, but I loved it so. I will probably share a bit too much about this book. Yet there is still so much I am not saying.

Most of this book takes place in the old abandoned abbey a few hours away from town. And most of the book is about Charl spending his time alone, waiting for news about his mother. And taking care of a sick Mother Trude. While also dealing with all the ghosts in this place. And that was a part of this book that I really loved. There were several ghosts. Of young girls. I loved learning about their pasts. I so loved how they cared for Charl, and I loved how much time he spent with them. It was interesting and just so lovely.

There were so many other characters in this book too. And I loved reading a little about them each. We don't get to know Sister Agnes that well, but I still adored her. We get to know her teacher more, Mother Trude. She is an older nun. With such a secretive past. She had a mission, and I did not like her at first. But then I grew to love her, the more we got to know about her. She cared, in her own way. And reading about her past, at just thirteen, was so hard and so heartbreaking. I am glad it did not have more details.

This book also has dragons, just like Seraphia. I like how they are able to turn into humans if they wish to. And I loved learning even more details about them. There was one in this book, Miga. She was not a kind dragon or person. But she was also complicated. And I wanted to know more about her past. Hmph. But yeah. She ruined so much and I was not happy about it. Another villain was Jarlbrus. He was interesting, but mostly just an evil man and I did not like him at all. But I really loved what happened to him later. Ha.

In a way, I would say this is more of a middle grade book than a young adult one. The main character is thirteen years old through the whole book. He feels older, more mature. But he is still a child. But I don't mind what to label this book. As it was perfect the way it was, and I loved the age of Charl. He was every kind of precious. I loved getting to know this boy. He was so sensitive and loving. Yet so very fierce and protective. He tried his best. He failed at times. But he did not give up. I very much loved that about him.

We got to learn some personal secrets about Charl near the end of the book. I did not see it coming. But oh, how badly I loved it. It did explain a few things for me, made things clearer. And I loved this secret a whole lot. And it just made Charl more special to me. I adored him lots. There is a hint of a romance that could happen for him in the future. I'm a little bitter that I will not get to read about it, ha. As it seemed like it could end up being so cute, if it happened. I shipped them, at least. Even though he was still so young.

I would say that this whole book is the story of Charl. We get to see so much of him, like how he learns to deal better with his emotions. How he grows as a person. Then there were all the ghosts, of course. They were a huge part of this book too. And I did not mind at all. Though I do wish that ending had been longer. I wanted to know more details. I wanted to read about that one reunion and what would happen between two of the others. I just wanted to know more. And yet I did love the ending, as it was fitting with the story.

I'm just honestly so happy that I read this book. I knew it would be a story for me. It was a little different than what I had thought, in a way that it was more quiet, had less action for most of the book. Yet it was so beautiful and lovely to read about. And I loved the quiet moments too. I loved all that was learned in this book. From the past especially. We got to know many small stories and all of them felt important. All kinds of heartbreaking. These stories were not easy to read about. Yet I loved them with all of my heart.

The biggest thank you to the lovely PRH International for this free eARC copy of Among Ghosts to read and review via Edelweiss. I'm so thankful to you. And I had to read this one as soon as possible. I am so glad that I did so. As it was absolutely beautiful. And I cannot wait to own all the finished copies of it. This is a book that you simply must read when it comes out. It is haunting and heartbreaking yet so beautiful and lovely too. You will not regret reading it. I shall have to do a re-read of the Seraphina books soon too.

 

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

In My Mailbox #688

Another new week. The cold is finally going away for a bit; which I'm excited about. Been so cold for ages now. Brrr. And eeee. I have read a book this week :D Finished it tonight, so I'm working on my review of it right now and will get it up before bed. I loved it lots. Sigh. Hopefully reading another book soon :D I have been busy this week, though. After my sister and her family came home from vacation about a week ago, my nephew has been here a lot. Which I love, of course. <3 But it means I have less time, ack. We have been re-watching Marvel movies :) I do not love them all. Hmph. And still get so angry about some parts, ha. But enjoying them a little bit too. Anyway. This week was also hospital visit. Got new dose of my new medicine, in a different way, so I'm hoping it will now be more effective. Fingers crossed. Had a good day. But gods, it ruined my body. I'm still hurting from it. How rude. Got a bit of mail, but not too much. <3 This week I'm waiting on The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel :D I hope you are all doing well these days. <3

Miraculous Ladybug doll. Been missing this queen bee one for so long; finally found it online. Love. <3
Unraveled. The regular hardcover edition. Because I had to have that one too, haha, for my big collection.
Stitch. Look at these cuties. After I got Stitch, I had to get Angel. Glad I found her. Love the smaller ones.
Bukowski. Eeee. Finally visited hospital town again, and the airport filled with Bukowski plushes, ha. Only place that I can buy new ones. Hmph. And I found a few, like always, ha. <3 They are truly the cutest :D

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #690

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

THE RAVEN BOYS: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL
BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER + ADAPTED BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS + ILLUSTRATED BY SAS MILLEDGE

Goodreads Description:

The first book in Maggie Stiefvater's #1 NYT bestselling series The Raven Cycle, now gorgeously illustrated as a graphic novel!

Blue Sargent comes from a family of psychics. Only, she has never had the same clairvoyant abilities they had and has always felt too ordinary within the magic that surrounded her. Enter Gansey, a rich student from Aglionby, the town’s all-boys private school teeming with wealth, privilege, and trouble. Blue's always made it a point to stay away from its students, the Raven Boys.

But when Gansey asks her to join him and three other Raven Boys on his quest to find a long-forgotten Welsh king rumored to be sleeping beneath the mountains of their quiet Virginia town, Blue doesn’t hesitate. She jumps at the chance to finally be a part of something real and full of magic, a world she was born into yet one that always stood just out of reach. Soon enough, she’s swept into a strange and shifting world woven into theirs, one far more dangerous than anything they could have dreamt up.

Now reimagined as a stunning full-color graphic novel adapted by Stephanie Williams and illustrated by Sas Milledge, The Raven Boys unravels a thrilling plot around a cast of characters impossible to forget.

Format: 256 pages, Paperback
Expected Publication: August 5, 2025 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Eeeee! I am SO excited about this graphic novel :D It's going to be amazing. <3 Been a fan of The Raven Boys for so many years now. Sigh. Though.. I never read the fourth book. Ahhh. I need to do a re-read of the first three sometime soon so I can finally read ir. <3 I was just nervous then, haha :) It looks beautiful.
What are you waiting for on this strange Wednesday?