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?

In My Mailbox #687

Happy New Year. <3 I hope you have all had a most magical Christmas Holiday. I had a great time, even though it was so sad too. I am also not doing all that well; my health just sucks. Ugh. And it has gotten so cold so my fingers are full of psoriasis cuts. Shudders. Have waited all week for ice to appear by the sea, so I could take new instagram photos. Today I gave up and took them anyway :) In -15c. Brrrr. So so cold. But I love how they turned out anyway; and there was a little bit of ice :) This week I got my large America package, eee. And I love it very much. Sigh. Next week I have a hospital appointment, to learn to set my new medicine myself. Hope that goes okay. Plus side, get to go to hospital town and their most awesome swimming pool, ha. And I can't wait. A couple of new posts this week. Shared my Best Books of 2024. <3 This week I'm waiting on The Prince Without Sorrow :) Hope you're doing well and loving the new year :D

Fairyloot December Young Adult. A Language of Dragons. This one looks every kind of gorgeous :D
Fairyloot December Adult. I'm curious about this one; will have to read about it, ha. It's pretty, though.

America package from Becky part one. <3 EEEE! Thank you so much to my lovely friend for helping me get all of these bookish treasures. <3 I am SO happy to own that Taylor Swift Eras Tour book, eee. And the exclusive cd. And the Silver in the Bone dust jacket for the hardcover. Love it. And my personalized copies of A Song of Ash and Moonlight + A Crown of Ivy and Glass :D Love the swag so much, eee. And The Heart of the World pre-order swag. <3 And personalized The Thirteenth Child plus swag :D And my personalized Warrior of Legend plus swag, eee. All so precious to me. <3 (And I bought them all myself, of course, just had Becky help me ship them to Norway. <3 She is the most wonderful. I'm so grateful. <3)

America package from Becky part two. <3 Eee. A whole bunch of more awesome :D Two B&N exclusive editions that I just had to have. Love them. I traded for the ARCs of The Hunting Moon and Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix and She Waits for You Beyond the Dark with someone on facebook :D Love them so. And traded for Red in Tooth and Claw as well; which I love so very much. Sigh. And oh my gosh. A whole bunch of new EOS lipbalms :D So thankful that Becky is able to help me get these; as they are my favorites. <3 Thank you so, so much Becky. You are the absolute best and I'm so very thankful to you. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #689

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

THE PRINCE WITHOUT SORROW
BY MAITHREE WIJESEKARA

Goodreads Description:

Drawing on inspiration from the Mauryan Empire of Ancient India, debut author Maithree Wijesekara plunges readers into the first amazing book of the Obsidian Throne trilogy, a new fantasy series of hunted witches, romantic angst, and political intrigue. Perfect for fans of The Hurricane Wars and The Jasmine Throne.

A prince born into violence, seeking peace.

Prince Ashoka is the youngest son of the tyrannical Emperor Adil Maurya. Considered an outcast by his father for his rejection of the emperor’s brutal onslaught against the witches of the empire, Ashoka longs for change. When the sudden and unexpected death of his father leaves the monarchy in disarray, Ashoka is sent to govern a tumultuous region annexed by Emperor Adil that is terrorized by nature spirits—a task many see as doomed to fail. Suspected by a disdainful governor and evaded by distrustful witches, Ashoka must question his rigid ideals and fight against becoming the one person he despises the most—his father.

A witch shackled by pacifism, seeking revenge.

Shakti is a a witch bound by a pacifist code. After witnessing the murder of her aunt and village at the hands of the emperor, Shakti hurtles down a path of revenge, casting a curse with unexpected consequences. Posing as a maidservant in the famed palace of the Mauryas and armed with newfound powers beyond her imagination, Shakti attempts to dismantle the monarchy from within by having the royal progeny ruin themselves and turn their father’s legacy into nothing but ash.

In a world where nature spirits roam the land, and witches are hunted to extinction, Ashoka and Shakti will be forced to grapple with the consequences of power: to take it for themselves or risk losing it completely.

Format: 352 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: March 18, 2025 by Harper Voyager
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I am a little unsure about this book. It sounds a bit too complicated for me, to be honest, haha :D And yet. Once I saw the Waterstones exclusive I pre-ordered it. Oops. Shall have to figure out before March if I think this book might be for me or not :) It do sound interesting and it looks all kinds of gorgeous, eee :)
What are you waiting for on this violent Wednesday?