Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Of course I had to read this book again this November. Now for the fifteenth time. It will forever be my most favorite book. It just brings me so much joy every time I read it. So much peace and comfort and it just makes me happy. Of course, it also destroys my heart most of the time. But I just love it the very most. Sigh.

This time I am going to write a much shorter review. Just want to share a little bit about what I love about this story. I mean, if you still have not read this book by now, what is wrong with you? Ha. It is truly the best book there is. Because of the magical feel of it. Because of Puck and Sean and Corr. Because of the romance.

I have never cared for horses. And I don't usually like this genre. But with this book, I love everything about it. I love the horses in this story. I love how this island is quiet and lovely and all kinds of terrifying. I so love reading about the life of Puck and her two brothers. I love most to read about how Sean lives and how all he wants in life is to own Corr. Until he meets Puck. And then he wants more from life as well. Their small romance is everything to me. They are so perfect. Even though some people think they are too different. But they are not. I just love them to pieces. Sean and Puck are truly the best. And Finn is the best little brother. Still annoyed at Gabe, but I love him too. Dory Maud and her sisters are precious. And George Holly is the actual best.

I am not going to write too much about the plot this time either. Just mentioning a few things. This book tells a story about the capaill uisce horses. Monsters from the sea. They are so special and so exciting to read about. It is a story about Puck and Sean and their life on the small island of Thisby. And I love every part of their stories. Some of the parts of this story that I love is the scene with Sean and Fundamental. That scene always breaks my heart. It's so good. But so depressing. Yet written so well, like everything.

I also love reading about the Scorpio Festival scenes. I especially love all of the mentions of November cakes. Sigh. One day I shall get my mom to make them, haha. The scene where Puck is riding on the cliff in the storm and the other horses arrive always hurts my heart. It's sad yet so good. And then the lean-to scene with Finn is right after, which is actual perfection. Scary and exciting at the same time. The scene with Sean and Mutt and Edana always breaks me. It's powerful but so painful. Also love the dinner scene.

This book is full of amazing moments. And I am not mentioning most of them, just a few of my favorite ones. Though, let me be honest, I love every scene in this book. All of them are my favorites. And every moment between Puck and Sean is special to me. When she gets to ride Corr. Sigh. It makes my heart so happy. The first kiss scene. And the second one. Wish there had been more than two, though, ha. But oh, they are perfect together and I want more. Their small romance is quiet and sweet and the very best.

I still want that sequel more than anything. I know, this book ends perfectly. There is no need for a second one. But still. I want it more than any other book. One day. Hmph. I just want to know what happens with Sean and Puck and their life. Okay, I do want to know lots more, but that is what is most important to me. I truly loved re-reading this book again. It still makes me so happy. I still love every moment, even though I have read it so many times now. It is still precious to me. And that is truly the best feeling. Favorite book.

The Scorpio Races will always be the book most special to my heart. It is the book that I will never tire of reading. It's the book that I think everyone should read as well. It's a book about horses, regular ones and deadly ones. It's a book about the growing relationship between Puck and Sean. About them both fighting to get what they need to survive. And falling in love in the middle of it. It just makes me so happy. Written enough about this book for now. Though I honestly never run out of words for this. It has my whole heart.

 

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

In My Mailbox #734

Ohh. Been a long week already. I have started my re-read of The Scorpio Races, finally. <3 But been a few days without reading, ahh. So a little delayed. I need to finish it tomorrow and write my review before midnight, while it is still November. Ack. Wish me luck. I think I can do it. Possibly. And ahh. Already seen the four new episodes of Stranger Things season five two times, haha :D Once alone, then once with my nephew today. And still have to watch them with my mom too, haha. And oh. It was truly perfection. I love this new season so, so very much. Sigh. Anyway. I am also pretty exhausted. But doing good too. Hoping to read all day tomorrow. Fingers crossed. Got a bit of stunning mail as well. <3 And oh, may have bought way too much lately. Sigh. Oh, well. I shall save money from next year, ha :) Also, ahhh! I cannot believe that it is December in just a couple of days. What even! And December is always so busy and exhausting for me. But so good too and I'm just so excited for it. But gosh, Christmas is not far away at all. Ahh. And I have not started wrapping presents yet. But done buying them :) This week I'm waiting on The Last Wish of Bristol Keats. <3 Hope you are all doing well :D Are you ready for Christmas? <3 My favorite season :)

Wild Reverence. The stunning new Owlcrate edition :D And it is gorgeous. Hope to read this book soon.
When the Moon Hatched. Oh. New deluxe edition. And I have yet to read this book. Ahh. Hope to love it.
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats. I know, not read book one yet. But think I will love this duology one day :)
Nintendo Switch Games. Oops. These were on sale. Had to get them. Think all three sounds pretty great.
Stranger Things. Had to get these different mini figures :D Love them so. Got one Max, want more, haha.
Plushes + Funko. I could not resist buying these two adorable plushes, eee. And wanted this Lucifer pop.
Pop Mart. Did not get that much popmart items this week, ha :D But waiting on tons. Oops. Oh, well. So happy with these items, though. Finally got my Pin for Love H letter. And full Crybaby set :D Love them.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #736

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

THE LAST WISH OF BRISTOL KEATS 
(The Courting of Bristol Keats #2) BY MARY E. PEARSON 

Goodreads Description:

Be wary of the legends you hear. Who knows, one day you may be a legend yourself.

After Bristol Keats nearly loses her beloved King Tyghan to the monsters her mother had unleashed, their love deepens to a whole new level. Together, Bristol and Tyghan work to understand and reconcile their differences, moving forward with their common goal of saving Elphame. But when a daring rescue attempt turns into a disaster, and a beloved knight dies, Bristol is forced to confront the fact that her mother is more powerful than she could have ever imagined―and more dangerous. Meanwhile, Tyghan’s heart is laid bare when he encounters his former best friend and betrayer again, Bristol's own father, and must wrestle with a new secret that throws everything he thought he knew about his past into question.

Bristol is Elphame’s last chance for survival, but where do her loyalties truly lie? If she fully embraces the magic that has always been her birthright, she could become a different kind of monster from her mother. Is she willing to risk losing the people she loves most, if it means keeping them safe?

Brimming with dark secrets, lush world-building, and addictive romance, The Last Wish of Bristol Keats is the unforgettable conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Mary E. Pearson's first adult series.

Format: 448 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: November 11, 2025 by Flatiron Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Oops. I have not read book one in this series yet. But I still got this one in the mail today, ha. I just think both books sounds great. I'm hoping to read and love them soon :) Fingers crossed that I will like both.
What are you waiting for on this dark Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #733

Hi. I have still to re-read The Scorpio Races. Sigh. But I will be starting in the next few days. Hmph. I will finish it before thursday, so I need to start soon :) Just been so busy and had so little time. How rude. But so excited to read it again shortly :) Anyway. It's been a long week. I'm pretty exhausted. Yet feeling kind of good too. I have slept the whole night almost all week now. Eee. Which is the actual best and have not happened for such a long time. I'm also on day three of a new medicine. Not noticing anything yet, but I'm hopeful it will be better for my diseases. Fingers crossed. Also, gods. I got too much mail this week. Sobs. But it is all so precious, eee. So so much love. Sigh. Ahh. Stranger Things season 5 is coming next week, eee. <3 Well, part one of three. Hmph. But I am so very excited. Also. Brrr. It is so so so very cold outside these days. How rude. This week I'm waiting on The Crimson Throne :) I hope you are all doing well. <3

Empire of the Dawn. Got my stunning US hardcover. I still have not read book one. Oops. But one day.
The House Saphir. Eee. Both my US hardcovers arrived. And they are just gorgeous. So excited to read.
House of Hearts. I just love this cover. And I had to order this book and will give it a try someday soon :)
Kirby Air Riders. Of course I had to buy this new Nintendo Switch 2 game :D I think it looks so adorable.
Stranger Things. Some new crocs jibbitz, ha. Not that pretty, but it's Stranger Things. Had to have them.
Pop Mart. Ahhh. Yeah. I cannot defend my popmart obsession, haha. I got too much amazing. And I just love it all so much. Sigh. My N-Z pendants. So cute. Finally got the full set of Crybabies Crying Again :D Had one before, so not in this photo. Two more Bikini Bottom buddies, both new. Cute. Love the Dimoo plush. Did not love the green, but it is still very cute. Love the crybaby ballerina. Cutie. Two new Hirono figures. Did not get my favorites, sadly. Zombie was my least favorite, haha. But still kind of cute. And the mega space Molly was a free gift, and she is adorable. Pink :D Also got a full set of Exciting Macaron and a full set of Big Into Energy. But no secrets for me. Sobs. Which is depressing, haha. So selling those :)

Funko Europe. Got a bunch of new pop figures this week, eee. <3 Two orders, finally. Still missing one. Ugh. But loving these. New Tangled. Cute. Half of the new Stranger Things ones :D Love them all. Love the Stitch and the Tigger one. Love my new Stitch mini wallet. And eeee. All the Kpop Demon Hunters pop figures. <3 They are perfect. Sigh. So glad I was fast enough to buy them. No secret, but precious.

Funtastic by Proxy / Funko Nordic. Eeee! Thank you guys so much for these free ambassador gifts. <3 I love them all so much. Stranger Things goodie package, ahh :D LOVE the demogorgon plush. Perfection. Love my Steve plush. Adorable. And two Wicked pops. And two FNAF ones. They are stunning. So very excited to take photos of all of these. <3 Krypto was a gift for a Superman campaign earlier this fall. And the Demon Slayer was a giveaway prize, eee. And it is just gorgeous. I am so, so thankful to be a part of this ambassador team. <3 This team is just the best :) Getting these free gifts brings me so much joy. <3
Kinder Joy. Eeeee. Got to buy a whole box of the new Stranger Things kinder joy eggs, haha :D I had to get the full box. But aw. Missing 8 of the 24. So that was a little depressing. But got two of my Max. <3 

More Instagram photos here. <3

FINAL CHANCE! Worldwide giveaway on Instagram here :D

Waiting on Wednesday #735

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

THE CRIMSON THRONE BY SARA RAASCH & BETH REVIS 

Goodreads Description:

Powerless meets Reign in this new historical romantasy from the New York Times bestselling authors of Night of the Witch.

Samson Calthorpe’s curse has isolated him from everyone he has ever cared about. So, when the opportunity arises to break the curse, he grabs it. All he has to do for his freedom is risk his life and become a royal spy, using every bit of the skills and resolve he’s picked up on the streets of London to infiltrate the court of the Scottish Queen and uncover a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth.

For years, Alyth Graham has been protecting Mary Queen of Scots from threats both physical and magical, including the Queen’s own husband, Lord Darnley. Alyth is more than meets the eye though, the child of a fae prince and a human mother, she is among the most powerful protectors in Scotland: guardians sworn to defend against the Red Caps, a bloodthirsty fae clan . . . that Lord Darnley is in league with to overtake Scotland.

As Alyth and Samson circle each other in the volatile and glamorous Scottish court, both seek to uncover threats to their own countries. They have one unifying link: their shared hatred and suspicion of Lord Darnley…and their undeniable pull towards each other. Using secret codes, hidden messages, and a little bit of magic, Alyth and Samson unravel a plot centuries in the making. Lord Darnley is only a pawn, and in this game, the queen takes all.

“A biting historical fantasy series launch that fuses Tudor-era courtcraft with Celtic fae legend... ...confronting duty, destiny, and betrayal” —Publishers Weekly

"An atmospheric fantasy brimming with intrigue and heart." —Kirkus Reviews

Format: 368 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: October 7, 2025 by Sourcebooks Fire
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Another book I had forgotten to share about. Oops. I already own it now, though :D And I think it sounds all kinds of awesome. Hope to read it one day soon. <3 I do adore these two authors. It sounds exciting.
What are you waiting for on this cursed Wednesday? 

In My Mailbox #732

Ah. This week have gone by pretty fast. Got so much awesome mail :D Oops. I just love pop mart too much. <3 Have not managed to read yet. Aw. But next week for sure. Hmph. We finally got more snow this week :D So much today. I love it. Played hours of Pokemon Go today, and it has me so exhausted. Oh. And I'm playing tomorrow too. Rude. I do love it. But I'm hurting. My health still sucks. But I'm doing my best :) Have not actually gotten much done this week, though. Oops. Just trying to take it easy. Have no energy yet to start fixing things around my home. So much that needs doing. Hopefully having more energy next week. Meh. This week I'm waiting on The Court of the Dead. <3 Hope you are doing well :)

Empire of the Dawn. Regular UK hardcover + Waterstones exclusive :D Not started this trilogy yet. Oops.
Fallen City. So behind on books by Adrienne Young. Ahh. But I am still buying all the new ones, haha. <3
A River Enchanted. I have not actually read this book. But love Rebecca. So wanted this collector edition.
Witchlight. I have not read these books yet either. Oops. But I do own them all, hahaha. Reading one day.

Pop Mart. Ohhhh. Heeeelp. I got so many small goodies this week, haha :D But I love it all so so much. Omg. Going to mention some of these, but not all. First Crybaby Vacation style. I GOT THE SECRET :D AHH! The mermaid. And she is gooorgeous. I love her so much :D I had to order the full set after I got these two beauties, haha. Love them. Also got two magnets from the same series. And they are just so cute. And two Crybaby Sunset Concert plushes. Got my favorite, the pink one :D Got the new Skullpanda x Wednesday plush. <3 And I love her so. Then a whole bunch of mystery blind boxes. And I am in love with all of them. <3 Bunch of awesome. Did not actually get the ones I wanted most, haha. But love the ones I got even so :) And then the A-M Pin for Love letters. I had to get these. And goddamn it. I got the secret!!! Ahhh! But that means I'm missing H. Ruuuude. Had to buy a second box, lol. Couldn't not have the H as well. Anyway. I do love this secret, though, ahh :D Pink heart. So beautiful. And whaaaat. I went from having pulled zero secrets since I started in April. To now having pulled 3 secrets in November, in just one week. Ahhh. Feeling so lucky. <3 And so happy :D Though, goddamn. My popmart addiction is getting a little out of hand, haha. Waiting on too many items still. Oh. But now taking a long buying break.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Also! New worldwide giveaway on Instagram here :D

Waiting on Wednesday #734

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

THE COURT OF THE DEAD 
(The Nico di Angelo Adventures #2) 
BY RICK RIORDAN & MARK OSHIRO 

Goodreads Description:

New York Times #1 bestselling authors Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro collaborate again on a new adventure in which demigod Nico di Angelo teams up with his half-sister Hazel Levesque to protect . . . monsters?

A few months after returning from the depths of Tartarus, demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace agree to join Nico's half-sister Hazel Levesque at Camp Jupiter on the West Coast. She needs their help in managing a situation that the boys inadvertently brought about: the demigods showed the monsters of the Underworld that they have options; they don’t have to be evil.

Now some of those monsters have taken up residence at Camp Jupiter to seek refuge. Nico and Will are on site, assisting Hazel when one by one monsters start disappearing from camp. A mysterious dark force is at work, and its plan is to punish all monsters for their past crimes.

Things only get worse when Nico, Will, and Hazel learn that they’re all connected to it . . .

Format: 448 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 23, 2025 by Disney Hyperion
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Whoops. Somehow another September book I had forgotten to share about, haha :D I am so, so far behind on all books by Rick Riordan. All the Percy Jackson books. I read about nine of them, years ago, but then I stopped. I need to re-read them one day so I can read the rest as well. I did love them so very much. Anyway. Excited to read this book too, someday :) I did pre-order it, haha. Must own them all. <3
What are you waiting for on this monstrous Wednesday? 

In My Mailbox #731

Ohh. I got a bit too much mail this week, haha. <3 But goddamn. I love it all SO MUCH, ahh :D I got my first Labubu secret. <3 And I could not be happier, eee. Been a long week, though. Have not had time to start my re-read of The Scorpio Races just yet. But this coming week for sure, I hope. Just so exhausted. And so busy all the time. At least all my Christmas decorations are up, eee :D And it is looking gorgeous. Still so happy for Christmas season, haha. Been waiting for snow, though. Hmph. It snowed a few weeks ago. And a lot. But it went away, sadly. But tomorrow it should finally snow some more. Fingers crossed it will stay. It is so dark all the time, which sucks. Snow helps a lot. I am trying to take it easy, as my body is such a mess. But yeah. Hoping to start feeling better soon. Ugh. I have so many things that I need to do. But yeah. It's no rush. Testing a new medicine in a couple of weeks. That may help. Hopefully. This week I'm waiting on The Witch Who Stormed the Palace :) Hope you are all well. <3 Have you decorated yet? :)

The Rose Field. The exclusive waterstones edition. <3 Expensive. All kinds of gorgeous :) Have them all.
Fairyloot Adult October. Alchemy of Secrets. Looking gorgeous :) Seen so many love this author. Curious.
Fairyloot Young Adult October. Thorn Season. Not heard of this before now, but I'm curious. It's stunning.
Never Ever After. Waterstones exclusive :) Pre-ordered this long before I knew of the Fairyloot. So pretty.
The House Saphir. Eee. My UK paperback edition. <3 Not reading this, just collection. So excited for this.
Pop Mart. Ahhhh. I got all the popmart items this week :D And more next week. Oops. May have ordered a bit too much lately, haha. But I cannot help it. Sigh. Now need a break, though, for real. Probably. But ahh. Look at all I got :D My first Disney Dimoo, got Pluto. Not my favorite, but so adorable. Got two more Wacky Mart figures; both new, thankfully. Love the salad one. Got my first Pucky Beanie Bubble, not the cutest color, but it is so very cute even so. I love it. Got my Why So Serious Crybaby; a little creepy, a lot of cute too :) Love it. Checkmate King. My second one. Oops. Wanted to get this to undress him, hahaha. I don't regret it. Turned out so cute :) All brown Labubu, medium sized. Precious. AND THEN!!!! Whaaat. I ordered two boxes of the new Why So Serious series. I wanted a full set, but didn't manage to buy it, and it never restocked. So I managed to get two singles. All I wanted was the Labubu one. And the secret, of course, but knew I would never ever be able to get that one. Then these two boxes arrived. And the first I unboxed was the Labubu secret!!!!! AHHH! I just about died :D And then my second one was the regular Labubu!!! AHHH! I could not be happier. Or luckier. My first official secret gotten from a blind box. <3 And it is perfection. I am so, so lucky. Sobs. And so happy, eee. I wanted these two the most. But did not think I would actually get them. Then I got both. Ahhh. Best haul. <3 Longest description of items gotten, ha :)

Funko Europe. Finally got one of my missing orders. <3 Took weeks. Ugh. But it finally made it :D I just could not stop myself from buying all of these, haha. <3 I LOVE the new Tangled pop figures, eee :D So precious. Had to get double of Pascal. Will open both. Got the rest of Home Alone. Half of Zootopia 2, the rest have not released yet. Love all the new Disney sketch figures. So cute. The keychain was a mystery bag halloween item. Disappointing, haha :) But eee. The Land Before Time wallet :D I am so glad it came back in stock. I was so sad that I missed it back when it released. But now it is mine. <3 Gorgeous. Love.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Also! New worldwide giveaway on Instagram here :D

Waiting on Wednesday #733

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

THE WITCH WHO STORMED THE PALACE 
(Faye #2) BY RYAN GRAUDIN

Goodreads Description:

In this sequel to The Girl Who Kept the Castle, Faye must face down the trial of three other Wizards and defeat the Shadow Queen once and for all to become the first Witch of the West.

Defeating an evil sorceress was supposed to be the hard part. But now that Faye has succeeded in saving Celurdur from the Shadow Queen, she has an entirely different set of challenges to face. To become the first Witch of the West, she must win the favor of the country’s three wizards—North, South and East. Their trials await Faye in the capitol. If she fails to impress these men, she’ll lose her nomination, and magic will stay strangled by archaic laws. 

Alas, things are not off to a great start. Faye crashes into the capitol on the back of a dragon, feeds the wizards illegal enchanted pastries, and fails to leave a good impression. To make matters worse, there are signs that the Shadow Queen is on the move again.

The kingdom’s future depends on Faye proving herself a worthy witch, but time is quickly running out…

Format: 352 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 23, 2025 by Quill Tree Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

So curious about this second book. <3 I did like the first one :) Though my memory has not been the best, oops. But hoping to read this sequel next year :) It was such a cute story. I loved the magical parts of it :)
What are you waiting for on this magical Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #730

Happy belated Halloween :D Hope you all had a great time. <3 I have gotten my Halloween decorations down, and gotten most of my Christmas stuff up, ahh :D Will get my Christmas tree up tomorrow, and I'm all kinds of excited. I just love Christmas season. Sigh. So I have it up early :) It has been a long week for me. Been having too much pain in my shoulder and arm. I do not like it. Hope it will pass soon. Sigh. Also had a hospital visit this week. Going to try some new medicine later this month. Hope it works better. Also had a good shopping day with mom and the best swimming in the warmest pool. Sigh. Wish we had it like that too. Hmph. Have not gotten to read more yet, but starting my yearly re-read of The Scorpio Races in the next few days, I think :D So excited. I also finished my re-watch of Stranger Things, eee :D And it was so good. Sigh. I cannot wait for the final season shortly, ahh :D Wish it was here already, haha. Also got a bit too much mail, oops. <3 This week I'm waiting on If Looks Could Kill :D Hope you are all doing well. <3

The Rose Field. Oh. Waterstones exclusive and regular UK editions. I have read a review. May not be for me. At least not for a long time. Sigh. But what I was dreading didn't happen, but still. Not what I wanted.
The House of Quiet. International paperback edition :D Had to get this edition too, as I loved it so much :)
Confessions from the Group Chat. New Jodi Meadows book :) So behind on her books. This looks cute.
Heartless. Eee. German edition :D It is gorgeous. And arrived with an artcard. Had to have it. Precious.
Funko Pop. Had to buy this from the Amazon DE site, as I could not resist owning it. Love Alien, eee :D
Pop Mart. More popmart items, haha :D Love them. Not the cutest Skullpanda mini bag, but it is still cute. I like the Chucky figure that I got; creepy. Didn't get a better 2nd Zootopia figure, ha :) Trying a third time. Oh, also got a full set of Have A Seat Labubus. But still no secret for me. Sobs. So I'm trying to sell them.
Animal Crossing. Eeee. I finally managed to get the regular kids sized Crocs that are normal height. Love.

Bukowski. Yeah. This order of mine was a bit too big. Oops. I could not resist, haha. Always want to buy more Bukowski plush. And finally found a Swedish site that sends to Norway. So I placed an order of 14 plushes, and two Christmas gifts for my niece and nephew. And the four bottom ones were bought at the airport when on my hospital trip. I wanted even more. Ahh. But too expensive, haha :) Could not resist buying these, though. So precious. Eee. And one TY plush, from a different site. Cute little penguin. <3 Anyway. So so so happy with all my Bukowski plushes, ahh :D I want more, haha. They are the softest.

More Instagram photos here. <3