In My Mailbox #738

Merry Christmas :D I hope you all had the most wonderful time. <3 I did. Such good food, haha. And family time. And presents. Sigh. We had snow before Christmas started. Then it got so warm outside. First time in yeeeears. And it rained on Christmas. And the snow is almost all melted away. Ugh. But today it finally started snowing again. Well, a tiny bit. More in the next few days, hopefully :) Full storm outside, though. Brrr. Anyway. I have had a great Christmas. <3 A bit behind on re-watching Christmas movies. But doing so soon, hopefully :) The days are going by too fast. And I am not doing well at all. Possibly side effects of the new medicine I have been taking for just over a month. Either way, it sucks. My head have been exploding. It was so bad last night. And I always have a small fever. Ugh. But I'm doing my best :) Loved the newest three episodes of Stranger Things. <3 Watched a little alone, with nephew and with mom. Haha. So some parts I saw three times. Oops. Don't mind, though. Loved it so much. Need the final episode. But I don't want it to end. Rude. Anyway. Got some lovely mail this week, eee :D Getting less next week, but still getting something, I think. Loving all that I got, ahhh :D But yeah. Buying break coming up. I have now written too much. I'm in so much pain. My hands hurt so much. So rude. This week I'm waiting on Witchlight :D Hope you are well. <3 What did you get for Christmas? :)

Better in Black. US hardcover. <3 And it's gorgeous. I really need to catch up on these books soon. Oops.
Sunrise on the Reaping. Special edition :D Stunning. I haven't read these newer books, though. One day.
An Archive of Romance. I shall be reading this book next year. Possibly. More Effy and Preston, eee. <3
Keeper of the Lost Cities: Graphic Novel Part 2. Hardcover and paperback :D Both looking gorgeous :)
The Mortal Instruments: Graphic Novel Part 9. Arrived so damaged. Ack. But beautiful. Reading one day.
Pop Mart. Ahh. More mystery boxes :D Love my Lazy Yoga. And the apple figures are too cute. And my new Labubu candy bag. And eee. Second Mokoko :D Jump Into Summer. She is so precious. I love her.
The Lord of the Rings. I just had to get this Gollum figure, haha. He is so creepy and awesome. Love him.
Nintendo Switch 2. This game looks adorable. Yooka-Re-Playlee. Hope to try it soon, and hope to love it.
Stranger Things. Eee! First, I got Max in one of the mystery boxes :D On my second try. So that was a plus. <3 Love her. But, oh, come on. I then had the worst luck. Bought 3 more of the small squishy toys, hoping to finally get Max. Instead I got the very same three that I got the last time. What. How rude. And had hoped for Max in that walkie toy. Instead I got Mike, the most boring one. Ugh. Still, I do like the toy.

Christmas gifts. Eee! Some Christmas presents :D Not all of what I got, though. Also got some cute, ha, cat butt magnets for my fridge. I love them. And a little money and giftcards. <3 We have a small family. But just large enough :) Loving everything that I got. Love my new Toy Story Lotso bear crocs, eee. Even two types, ha :D Both so cute. And some jibbitz too. And two mini chanel bags from my sister, haha, for my Labubus. <3 Until we can afford a real one for me ;) And eee, so in love with my Yzma cat loungefly backpack. She is precious. Got three mystery mini bags. Bad luck on all three of them. Sigh. But these figures are still cute. <3 Just not any of the ones I wanted. And a squishy toy and a wrist cat thingy. And then a whole bunch of plushes, ha :D Which I very much love. Cute plushes are just for me. Got three Jellycats. Love them so. Wanted the bee for ages, finally have him, eee. And my bear. So cute. And two Bukowski plushes; my favorite plush brand :D Huge cat. So cute. And the ragdoll cat is a different brand, but oh so soft and cute. Love everything. <3 I did know about a few of these, haha :) From my wishlist. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #740

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

WITCHLIGHT (The Witchlands #5) BY SUSAN DENNARD 

Goodreads Description:

Paths converge and prophecies unfold as the fate of the Witchlands is decided in this epic, highly-anticipated finale to Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series

Safi and Iseult, the legendary Cahr Awen, must heal the final Origin Well. But first, they'll have to actually reach it―and time is not on their side. With ancient figures rising from the past, with the Raider King’s armies gathering for war, and with the magic at the heart of everything dying too fast, all of the Witchlands is on the brink of collapse.

To succeed, Safi and Iseult will have to call on every favor owed and every ally they've ever made, from Prince Merik Nihar to the Bloodwitch Aeduan and beyond. Yet all who fight for the Cahr Awen will soon discover that Eridysi's Lament is not the prophecy they believed it was―and their journeys are only just beginning.

Format: 464 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: November 4, 2025 by Tor Teen
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

This one came out last month, but I forgot to share about it. Oops. I have yet to read this series. Ack. But I own them all, ha. <3 I just couldn't stop buying them. I will read them all one day. They sound so good.
What are you waiting for on this magical Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #737

Ahhhh. It's Christmas in just a few days. <3 What even. I feel like December have gone by too fast. How rude. Yet I'm so excited too. For presents and family time and turkey and good food and snacks. Need to start watching more Christmas movies shortly. Just have not had time. I feel like the days go by so so fast and I have no time or energy left. Sigh. Been feeling pretty sick and exhausted. But doing my best :) Have so much to tidy and fix. Ahhh. But I shall manage it all. Possibly :) But yess. So excited for Christmas. <3 Not much else to share this week. Got a bit too much mail. Oops. Waiting on more :) I keep arguing with funko europe. They do not reply. At all. I keep writing and writing and not getting any response. I need my missing items and my money back. Sigh. They are the actual worst. Hmph. I need a reply already. Uugh. Anyway. This week I'm waiting on Innamorata. <3 Hope you are all doing well :D Almost Christmas! Ahh!

Stranger Things. Coloring book :D I had to get this one. And it looks gorgeous. Looked through it. Love.
The House Saphir. Finally got my second copy of the UK paperback. <3 As I had to have two. Loved this.
Stranger Things + Coraline. Keychains :D Got my Max, eee. Worse luck with Coraline. Sigh. But so cute.
Tubbz + Funko. Couldn't resist buying a The Lord of the Rings Eowyn duck. Love. Got pop for the cat :D
Pop Mart. Yeah. A whole bunch of new popmart items arrived. <3 Oops. And more next week. And then the next weeks. Ahhh. I just cannot stop. Sigh. I need a break. But eee. I love it all SO MUCH :D Though this time I had some bad luck with all my mystery boxes. Sigh. Bought two more Dimoo, hoping for a pink. Got a second green and no pink. Ruuude. May try again, haha. I like my new Monster Baby. Cute :D Pink hair at least. Hirono mystery was a double. Sigh. Hacipupu was the ugliest of them all, aw. But still kind of cute. I love my celebration figure, though. Adorable. Got full set of Fluffy & Cozy to get the Labubu, haha :D But they are all adorable. And that 1001Moons new figure. I thought they all looked so cute. And then I get the one that is see-through and has no form at all. Uuugh. Such bad luck, haha. Still cute. But want a new one. Oops :) I know. I buy too many popmart items. But it brings me so, so much joy. <3 So so much.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #739

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

INNAMORATA BY AVA REID 

Goodreads Description:

A visionary and atmospheric gothic fantasy about necromancy, vengeance, and soul-consuming love, the first in a duology from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning and Lady Macbeth

Once there was an island where the dead walked the earth, and seven noble houses ruled by the arcane secrets of necromancy.

A conqueror’s blade brought them low, burning their libraries, killing their lords, and extinguishing their eldritch magic.

But defiant against the new order stands the House of Teeth and its last living members: beautiful Marozia, the heiress to the House, and her cousin, the uncanny Lady Agnes.

Though she has not spoken a word in seven years, Agnes is the true carrier of the House’s legacy. And she has her orders. She must recapture the secrets of death magic and avenge her family’s fallen honor. She must arrange the betrothal of her beloved cousin Marozia to Liuprand, heir to the conqueror’s throne, for access to the forbidden library in his grotesquely grand castle.

Revenge burns in Agnes’s heart but so do stranger passions—and it is Liuprand, the golden prince, who speaks to her soul. This passion is as treasonous as it is powerful, poisoning the kingdom’s roots and threatening to tear the already shattered realm in two.

For Agnes’s final order is the gravest: She must not fall in love.

Format: 560 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: March 17, 2026 by Del Rey
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Eee. New duology by Ava Reid coming up :D I think this book sounds all kinds of awesome. Sigh. And I am very much hoping to love it. Fingers crossed. Looks great. Sounds fully exciting. Can't wait to read :)
What are you waiting for on this powerful Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #736

Another week closer to Christmas :D Ahh! It's so close now. How rude. Yet so very excited. <3 I love this time of year the most. Cannot wait for presents and Christmas food and start watching Christmas movies soon, eee. I also spent this week finally wrapping Christmas presents. Took forever. But I am finally done, haha :D Other than that I have been trying to take it easy this week. Somewhat. Did a bunch of shopping. Been too exhausted, as always. But I did read a whole long book this week, ahh :D And in just two days. Which I have not done in forever. So happy about that. And it was so good too. Sigh. Sad I did not read more this year, but I'm hoping next year will be better :) Fingers crossed. Got a bunch of lovely mail too. This week I'm waiting on Monster and Apprentice :D Then I shared my review of The House Saphir. <3 Hope you are all doing well :D Are you ready for Christmas? Done with presents? I bought too much :D

Empire of the Dawn. Goldsboro edition :D Gorgeous, as always. And ahhh! A bookmark! So perfect :D
Lilo & Stitch. Couldn't resist buying this blu-ray when it was on sale, for my collection. Loved the movie.
Pop Figures + Dragons. Got the Maleficent chase :D Love! And some other new figures. Love the cute Stitch ones. Bought from funko europe and from amazon de. And some HTTYD tubbz figures, so cute.
Stranger Things. Bought another Kinder Joy set. Oops. So pictured are the 4 new figures I got. <3 Still missing 4, though, aw. And some snacks at the bottom :D Had to get them, haha. Never tried poptarts :)
Grumpipi. Wanted to give this plush a try. Like a Labubu wannabe, haha. But I think it is fully adorable :D
Pop Mart. Whoops. I got all the goodies this week. <3 Finally got my full set of Why So Serious :D Ahh! They are all perfect. My Labubu is up for sale, since I got it last time. But may keep it, haha. Love them all. I bought a tiny mini Labubu figure, so small, so cute. I finally bought the Fairy Tale Duck Labubu, and ahh :D It is SO cute. I love it so. I got another Dimoo luggage tag as a free gift. Which was sad, wanted one of the other gifts. Aw. Got my first Apple of my Eye figure; but not the one I wanted, so I ordered two more, haha :D But still cute. I just love love love buying from popmart. Oops. My new addiction, haha :D

More Instagram photos here. <3 

Review: The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

This book was every bit as good as I knew it would be. I loved it even more than I thought I would. I simply could not stop reading once I started. The story was just too good. Five stars, of course. And my favorite book of the year. The writing was just perfect, as always with books by Marissa. Her fairy tale stories are the best.

This book is mostly based on the fairy tale of Bluebeard. A story filled with ghosts and murders. And such am incredible romance. With the best sibling relationship and good friendships as well. It has several awesome and creepy monsters. It's filled with blood. And a little gruesome. But it was also so wonderful and fun too.

There is so much that I want to share about this book. Yet I fear I won't be able to write anything down, haha. I just loved this story so much. And it feels impossible to be able to put all my thoughts into words. But going to try. This book feels like it is set far in the past, like all the best fairy tales. Which I love the most in books, honestly. It's set in a world where monsters and magic exists. We only learn a little about this world, but it made me very curious to know more. It was written very well. This book tells the story of seventeen-year-old Mallory. And her older sister Anaïs. They lost their mother some years ago, and have been trying their best to make it on their own. Which has not been easy for them. And I so loved learning all the details of their lives. They were trying their best, though they truly weren't the most honest sisters.

They both had so many secrets. So rude. I loved it very much. It was exciting to slowly learn more about them both. Their mother was a witch, and she used her powers to help people. Both sisters have been trying to do the same. But they did not have her powers. So they have been pretending for years, pretty much tricking people into paying them. Which I honestly didn't mind much, ha. Mallory has been sneaking into an abandoned mansion, giving midnight tours of a murder site. Which was just so fun to read about.

This is where the book starts. With her giving her tour to some people. And then it goes wrong. Which I honestly did not even see coming. Rude. We also learn that Mallory can see ghosts. Which I very much loved. As this haunted house had the ghost of the first wife killed by Monsieur Le Blue. And she was so much fun to read about. Mallory is the only one who can see her. And she does not like her very much. Yet I think she was fond of her as well. I just adored this ghost, to be honest. She was grumpy and lovely.

At this ghostly tour, Mallory bumps into the only heir of Le Blue, a young man named Armand Saphir. And he needs her help to get rid of the ghost of the murderer who died about a hundred years ago. He started haunting Armand's home some years ago. Growing more violent and dangerous. Mallory definitely do not want to help, as she is not a real witch like her mother, and so she has no way of getting rid of this ghost. But Armand doesn't know that. And he is offering to pay her and her sister so much, which they so need.

I honestly loved the first meeting between Mallory and Armand so very much. To me, they had the best chemistry. And so many fun moments. It just made me smile at all times. I loved the moment they fell out the window. Mallory ends up having to help him. And so she and her sister travels with him to his home, the more official house of the murderer. We do learn a whole lot about the dead Bastien Saphir. Mallory has studied him for years. He brutally killed three of his wives. A fourth escaped, and he ended up dead.

And there were so many secrets around all of that too. It took a while before we learned everything. But I did not mind. Most of this book takes place inside this country mansion. With Mallory and Anaïs trying to figure out how to exorcize a ghost, which they have not done before. It did hurt my heart a little bit, how Mallory kept lying to Armand about what she could do. But I did not mind it too much. As she did try her best to figure it out anyway, after a while. I liked this place a lot. I found it exciting to learn more about it.

Yes, the book may have been a little slow at times. But I hardly noticed. As I kept reading it and could not stop. I loved learning more about Mallory and Armand. I so loved reading about the murderous ghost and why he was there, when he should have been long dead. I loved when Mallory got to meet the other two ghosts of his dead wives. They were fun and just great to read about. I loved the three ghosts wives. And their stories were just so heartbreaking and sad. Yet fully wonderful to read about too. I loved them lots.

There were also two other characters who somehow just showed up at times. Some types of monster hunters. And I loved them to pieces. They felt a little random. Yet they were so adorable and I just loved them both. Armand had just a few servants at his home, but they were interesting. I did not like Julie and Yvette much. But they were great characters. This book is also filled with monsters at times. Small ones. Scarier ones. And I simply adored them all, haha. I love my monsters. The fire salamander was too cute. 

I have already written too much about this book and yet not really said anything about it. Oops. I'm trying not to write spoilers. And yet I just cannot seem to stop writing about the story. While Mallory is trying to figure out a way to get rid of the ghost, she and Armand get closer. And I loved that the very most. The romance in this book was just too cute. They were fully adorable together. Though I do wish the romance had been a little more, honestly. But it was also perfect, as there was just enough. They made me smile.

Armand was a mystery, though. Especially once Mallory starts to realize he might be the murderer, after a girl ends up dead. Which was all kinds of interesting to read about, to learn the truth of everything. I loved how she still wanted him, even when she thought he had killed someone, haha. Mallory was simply the best. All kinds of grim and dark and full of humor. I just loved her. Her sister was amazing too and I loved how close they were. I also loved that her sister was a part of the book too, that they were there together.

Anyway. Armand was such a precious one. We got to know him so well, and I kept loving him more and more. He loved plants. Which was too adorable. He was shy and sweet. And I honestly just adored him to pieces. I loved how he and Mallory fit together. I loved the time they spent together as well. Okay. So this book was more about the ghosts and the murders and trying to figure that out. Which was fun. And a little disturbing and creepy. I loved it. The details were a little gruesome at times. And I thought it was so good.

I have written too much. Yet not enough. But going to stop now. Just know that The House Saphir was such a perfect story. I loved every moment of it. It was an excellent fairy tale retelling of Bluebeard. But, honestly, I do not know much of the original tale. I just loved this one. I thought the ending was good too. Would have loved more, but it was enough. I'm so glad I decided to read this book right now. As this was just what I needed. And I truly loved all of it. I think you will all love this book as well. Go read it right now.

 

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #738

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

MONSTER AND APPRENTICE BY JESSICA KHOURY

Goodreads Description:

After a life on the streets Rolan is chosen to apprentice under a feared monster hunter to slay Cryptics—deadly magical creatures born of secrets in this middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of Witcher and Demon Slayer.

Rolan Strider has never belonged—not at school, not in the city of Crisanth, and definitely not in the life of his crime-lord father. So when he’s caught vandalizing one of the city’s lanterns—a serious offense in a world where darkness breeds monsters—he expects prison. Instead, he’s claimed by the Arcanist, a legendary warrior who hunts terrifying creatures born from the secrets people hide.

Dragged beyond the safety of the city, Rolan is forced to train under Luc’s harsh guidance—learning to read, fight, and wield Arcana, the strange power drawn from slain Cryptics. And for the first time, Rolan begins to feel at home.

But the beast Luc has been hunting for years is closer than Rolan ever imagined—and tied to his own past in ways that could destroy them both.

To survive, Rolan must face the truth, wield the power of the very secrets he fears, and decide who he wants to be in this action-packed an outlaw, a hero…or something else entirely.

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: July 14, 2026 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Eee. I am so very excited about this book :D I love Jessica and her books so very much. This new middle grade book of hers sounds aaamazing. Sigh. I love monsters. And this cover is epic. Can't wait to read it.
What are you waiting for on this monstrous Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #735

Ohh. This week have gone by fast. And I am pretty much always exhausted. Ugh. My recent medicine have now left my body. And the new one I have taken for about two weeks is not working yet, may take many more weeks before it actually starts working. Ack. Hope it does not take that long. But yeah. I am tired. Been going to bed way, way too late all week. Oops. But just have so much to do now. And yet I still do not get anything done, hahaha. Oh, well. I did finish re-reading The Scorpio Races, finally. <3 But now need to find one more book to read this year. Ack. And should start it next week already. I'm just not really in a reading mood these days. Aw. But will try my best. Anyway. Got so much mail this week. Sobs. And still waiting on lots. I really need a buying break, haha. Shall do better and order less. Hmph. But it all just makes me so happy :) And eeee. I am so glad that it is finally December :D Month of Christmas presents, haha. And Christmas movies. And tons of Christmas snacks and food. I am so excited. It is the very best month of the year. <3 I hope that Christmas is magical for all of you as well. I shared my newest review of The Scorpio Races. <3 This week I'm waiting on The Fox and the Devil :D Hope you are all doing well. <3

Wild Reverence. Owlcrate edition. This edition is so perfect looking with precious art. Glad I got it. <3
Fairyloot November YA. Seven Deadly Thorns. It looks gorgeous. Sigh. First time seeing it. I'm curious.
Fairyloot November Adult. Fallen City. Already own the regular edition. This is stunning. Hope to love it.
Animal Crossing Graphic Novel. Number 9 this time, ahh. One day I shall feel like reading them all, haha.
Schleich Figures. Oops. I couldn't resist buying myself a shark and an orca, ha. I just love these animals.
Movies + Game. Norwegian Christmas show, Jurassic World, Dangerous Animals and The Grinch. All so precious, eee. My new favorite shark movie, ha. More a thriller, though. Hope the Sonic game is good :)
Stranger Things. Three squishes :D I love them so. But I wanted Max. Must buy more. Best pop figure.
Pop Mart. Oops. More mystery boxes :D New magnet. Cute. Finally a cuter Zootopia 2 figure. <3 I love Judy. Wanted Nick, maybe some other time. Also got the Zootopia 2 x Molly one, but got a double, so up for sale. Ugh. First Zsiga figure, and the worst one from the set. Aw. Still kind of cute, I guess :) And one new Wacky Mart figure. <3 Love it. Still not gotten the milk. Hmph. Also got one double that is up for sale. The Dimoo thing was a free gift; it's cute :D And my precious Skullpanda Moldy Muffin earphone case. <3

Pop Mart. Whoops. More items arrived, haha :D Got my full 1AM figure set, and I am so glad I got these. Such cute Labubus, eee. Love them. I never got the Crybaby Wild but Cutie secret myself, though I tried many times. So I decided to just buy it from a seller instead. Oops. I do not regret it. It was worth it, eee. Such a cute cat :D Precious. And real. AND AHH! My first Mokoko :D From Whoopea. I had to. Love her.
Funko Europe. Eee. A whole bunch of pop figures arrived. Oops. Almost full Stranger Things collection now. <3 Love them. And the rest of the Zootopia 2 ones. Cuties. And Saw figure. Creepy. Love them all.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #737

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

THE FOX AND THE DEVIL BY KIERSTEN WHITE 

Goodreads Description:

An obsession with a beautiful serial killer entangles a vampire hunter’s daughter in an immortal sapphic romance in this enthralling gothic fantasy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lucy Undying.

Anneke has a complicated relationship with her father, Abraham Van Helsing—doctor, scientist, and madman devoted to studying vampires—up until the night she comes home to find him murdered, with a surreally beautiful woman looming over his body. A woman who leaves no trace behind, other than the dreams and nightmares that plague Anneke every night.

Spurred by her desire for vengeance and armed with the latest in forensic and investigatory techniques, Anneke puts together a team of detectives to catch her mysterious serial killer. Because her father isn’t the only inexplicably dead body. There’s a trail of victims across Europe and Anneke is certain they’re all connected.

But during the years spent relentlessly hunting the killer, Anneke keeps some crucial evidence to infuriatingly coy letters, addressed only to Anneke, occasionally soaked in blood, and always signed Diavola. Devil. The obsession is mutual, and all the more dangerous for it.

The closer Anneke gets to her devil, though, the less sense the world makes. Maybe her father wasn’t a madman, after all. Diavola might be something much worse than a serial killer . . . and much harder to destroy. Because as Anneke unearths more of Diavola’s tragic past, she suspects there’s still a heart somewhere in that undead body.

A heart that beats for Anneke alone.

Format: 368 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: March 10, 2026 by Del Rey
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Very curious about this one :D Especially since I just read and loved her newest book; The House of Quiet. <3 And I think this one sounds so exciting and different. I do love vampires. I hope to love it :D
What are you waiting for on this darkest Wednesday?