In My Mailbox #757

Oh, help. I got way too much mail this week. Ahh. But so much amazing, eee :D I am so very happy. <3 Also celebrated my 33rd birthday on Sunday. With my small family. With great food, cakes and presents. Had the best day. <3 But gosh, this week have been crazy busy. Ahh. Been so very exhausted. Sigh. But doing my best. Somewhat. I waited for a package before I could take new photos for instagram. It finally arrived on the final day I needed new photos, ack :) But went out twice this week and got 24 photos taken total. <3 Happy with that. But fully exhausted. I also took my medicine at home this week. I think it ruined me a little more. I'm feeling fully dead. Sigh. But still managed to start reading my most anticipated book last night, eee. And read a bunch tonight too. I'm loving it so, so very much. Sigh. So happy :D But yeah. Wish my health was better. It is driving me insane. Also testing a new type of medicine next week. I'm so nervous. But hopeful too. Will update with how it ends up going. Anyway. I got a whole bunch of mail this week. Ahhhh. So much perfection, haha. <3 Should be less next week, ha :) But I'm so happy. So happy to be reading this precious book. Sigh. Finishing it by next weekend :) Reading a little each day. As usual, just one new blog post. This week I'm waiting on Mortal Things :D I hope that you are all doing well. <3

Divergent. New collector edition :D My favorite book back then for years. Love this new edition of it. <3
Storm Dragons: Skyshattered. Book three :D I adore Julie. <3 Have not started this series yet. One day.
Alchemary. I have read several books by Rachel in the past, and wanted to give this one a try one day :)
Indiana Jones. New game for my Switch 2 :D Which I will play.. one day, hahaha :D I like Indiana Jones.
Stranger Things. Uuugh. I tried again to get Max in these mystery figures. I got Steve, again. Very rude.
Birthday Presents. Eee. Some of my birthday presents from my family :D Loving the two new Jellycat plushes. So cute. Got a Taylor Swift book from my sister, in Norwegian. Maybe not for me. But it's the thought that counts, haha, as I love Taylor. <3 Then I got those three exclusive Labubus from my mom, eee :D They are my precious. So glad to finally have the Thailand and Singapore ones. And the Cashier too. All adorable. These exclusive Labubus are just the best. So lucky. Got some other presents too. <3
Pop Mart. Yeah. I could not resist buying a bunch of new small items, oops. I so missed opening mystery boxes, haha. I got a Dimoo plush, got my favorite one, Granny Wolf. It is adorable. Also got the Dimoo earphone bag, not my favorite, but it's cute too. Got the little Labubu jazz figure. Love it. Tried another Apple of My Eye to get the Labubu. Failed again. A third Twinkle instead. Ugh. Got the new Pucky thingy. Also not my favorite one. Aw. But the ladybug is still cute. Finally got an Apple of My Eye stocking, but got Twinkle. Ruude. Wanted my Labubu. Still, cute. And then I got the new Skullpanda plush, eee :D It is so adorable. And the earphone bag too. Love it so. Buying popmart items simply brings me so much joy :)

America package from Becky. <3 Eeeeee! Thank you so, so, so much Becky for helping me get all of these amazing goodies to Norway. <3 Sobs. You are the absolute best :) All the hugs. Shipping costs killed me a little, haha, but so very worth it :D These were things that I just had to be able to buy. And I am so, so very lucky to have such a precious friend that is able to help me with it. <3 I got: A Rose of Blood and Binding personalized. So happy to have bought this precious :D Loving the swag it came with, eee. Claire is the best. A Rose of Blood and Binding ARC + swag. This one I traded for, mostly to get the mirror and the bookmark. Both precious. Love the ARC too, of course. Young World ARC. Eeee! I won this from Soman on instagram. <3 And I am so, so happy to own it for my collection. Can't wait to read this book :) Immortal Rose ARC. Oh. My gosh. MY PRECIOUS!!! AHHH. My most treasured ARC. It is absolutely gorgeous. Sobs. Thank you so, so much to Avon Books for sending this one to my friend so I could read and review it early. <3 I am so so so happy. And so thankful. Sobs. Reading it now and loving it so much. Sigh. It is so pretty :) The Raven Boys Graphic Novel swag. Pre-order swag :D Looking very gorgeous. <3 Claire Legrand swag. Swag from instagram :D So precious, eee. The House Saphir swag. Pre-order swag. Love this artcard so much. <3 A Theory of Dreaming swag. Also pre-order swag. It's so beautiful :D EOS lipbalms. Eee. So happy to have been able to get these. <3 My most favorite lipbalms, always. So many new ones I had to get, haha :D All smelling so good. Thank you so so much Becky. <3

 

Funko Nordic / Funtastic by Proxy. Eee. Thank you so much lovelies for these awesome ambassador gifts :D So excited to try out the Chillfactor slush maker. And excited for the Masters of the Universe campaign in June. The rest were all birthday presents, eee :D I love them all. Thank you so much. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #759

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

MORTAL THINGS BY MARIE LU 

Goodreads Description:

Set in a world of insatiable immortals, their eternal rivalries, and the humans trapped between them, MORTAL THINGS is a cinematic and sweeping new fantasy from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu, perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter and A Darker Shade of Magic.

Rose Lin Fairchild didn’t believe in gods, but one chose her anyway.

Rose despises Raven, the god of Death. His mysterious commands. His mercurial moods. His closed heart. But most of all, she loathes that she was forced to become his Harbinger, a human mercenary tasked to fulfil their god’s every want and whim. Still, she would do it again, because being a Harbinger is the only thing keeping her best friend alive.

When a murder rocks the world of the gods, Rose is suddenly thrust into the immortal realm's spotlight as Raven's heir. This is her chance to free her friend once and for all. But in order for her to ascend, she must first prove herself to the other gods—and the one person standing in her way is a fellow Harbinger.

Étienne Beauchard is notorious for his sly wit and charming good looks. Rose can’t stand that he is the one assigned to test her abilities, but as their initial hostility evolves into an intense attraction, they find that the gods’ secrets go deeper than they ever expected. Something is wrong in the immortal world, something that threatens to break their bond and engulf them all in war.

As Rose and Étienne fight to uncover the truth and trust each other with their hearts, they realize that everything hinges on the same How far would you go to save the person you love?

Format: 368 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: October 20, 2026 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

New Marie Lu book :D Though, well, I am a little behind on reading her newest books. Oops. But been a fan of her for so many years now, since Legend came out. And so of course I'm buying this newest book by her :) I think it sounds pretty exciting. And I'm so hoping that I will end up loving it a whole bunch. <3
What are you waiting for on this fantastic Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #756

Eee, it's my birthday tomorrow :D Turning 33, ack. <3 I'm always excited for my birthdays. We have such a small family, which is the best. Will be several cakes and good food. And presents, eee. I'm excited :) Been a pretty long week, though. I'm in a bit too much pain lately, and I hate it. Hmph. But I'm trying my best. Taken some spa baths; but not many, it's still windy and cold. Brrr. Still waiting on my big package with my next read; but it should arrive next week, and ahh. I am so very excited :) It's going to be so very good. Did not get a lot of mail this week; just one package. And not a good one. Rude. But more great mail next week :) I'm excited. This week I'm waiting for Up From the Ashes. <3 Hope you are all well :)

Pop Mart. I got my popmart mystery box at last. I was sad when I missed out on one last year, since so many got awesome items. And so I had to get the one that came out last month. But then people started getting it. And all they got was trash items. And I was so nervous. Yet some got the epic items. So I had hope. Then mine arrived this week. And uuuugh. I got the trash package. Sooobs. I'm so sad. Who would want that football figure? Ugh. Not even pop mart, honestly. It is several years old. And so ugly. And that banana figure? What even is that? I am so disappointed. The three mystery boxes are cute, though, and I love love love the Pink Panther one that I got :) But not worth the money at all. I am sad. So rude of them.

More Instagram photos here. <3 

Waiting on Wednesday #758

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

UP FROM THE ASHES BY SHARON CAMERON

Goodreads Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron returns with a stunning story about the fight to survive - and find love - in the face of the ugliest of nightmares, based on the true story of two heroes and their resistance in the Sobibor death camp during the Holocaust.

Selma Wijnberg is a criminal, a prisoner. Because she is Jewish. For this crime, in the depths of Hitler's occupation of Holland, Selma is deported to the Sobibor death camp, sentenced to sort the clothes of the dead while a smoke made of thousands blackens the sky. And in the light of this enormous funeral pyre, at the end of a Nazi pistol, Selma is ordered to dance. The hand that offers to dance with her is strong. Steady. It belongs to Chaim Engel. Chaim is a Polish Jew and also a prisoner. Chaim and Selma don't speak the same language. But sometimes, love doesn't need a language.

Who falls in love in the middle of hell? Chaim and Selma do. And who knew that love could kindle so much hope.

But when the prisoners of Sobibor hatch a daring plan of escape, it is time to kill or be killed. The gate or the fire. Chaim and Selma will go out on their feet, or out with the smoke. In an hour of terror and panic, of bullets and bloodshed, Chaim and Selma discover that hope--and two hands twined tightly together--can be the key to keeping two people alive.

Based on the remarkable true story of Selma Wijnberg and Chaim Engel, and the infamous revolt and escape of the Sobibor death camp prisoners, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Light in Hidden Places, Sharon Cameron crafts an extraordinary and evocative thriller that celebrates how hope and love can conquer even the most impossible of odds.

Format: 416 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: October 6, 2026 by Scholastic Press
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I am so very curious and excited about this book. It sounds heartbreaking yet exciting too. I have read many books by Sharon, and she writes such stunning stories. I am sure this one will be too. Can't wait :)
What are you waiting for on this daring Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #755

Meh. Not been feeling much better this week. Rude. Still just too tired most of the time. But I'm trying my best :) Not read anything, but that's because I'm waiting on an epic book that may arrive next week, eee :) But ohh. I did re-watch season 1 of One Piece this week. And saw season 2. I love this show very much. Sigh. It's so good. Need season 3 already, though. Hmph. Also saw Apex yesterday, which was weird but good too. Hoping to watch more movies as well :) Got a bit too much mail, oops. <3 And waiting on some epic things next week, or the week after, eee. I'm so excited :D And ugh. We had spring feeling last week. This week we had snow storms. Ruuude. Brrr. Should be better next week sometime. Probably. I want my spring back, ha :) This week I'm waiting on Seek the Traitor's Son :) I hope that you are all doing well. <3

The Lunar Chronicles. Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Winter. Eeee. After waiting forever and ever, I got my Bookish Box exclusive set :D And it is so very beautiful. Glad that I bought this. <3 Gorgeous artwork.
The Rebel Witch. Fairyloot edition. And it looks stunning. Bought as I have book one. Reading one day.
The Escape Game. US and UK editions :D Both of them are beautiful. I love Marissa. Reading soonish.
Bing's Cherries Swag. Eeee! Thank you so much Livia for this most precious pre-order swag :D I love it.
Funko Pop. After waiting weeks, I finally got my order. Had to get these, haha :) Love the new Pokemon ones. And new Disney Princesses. And new Erica from Stranger Things. And the others are precious too.

Pop Mart. Whoops. This was a very expensive mail week, ack. So many lovely popmart items, eee :D I am so happy, haha. <3 I got the new Fifa medium sized Labubu, which is precious. Love the blue color. Also got the little purse Labubu head thing, as it is so cute. Got the gorgeous Hirono hare, luckily got the regular one, the pink. So cute. Got one of the Bikini Bottom Buddies, new ones, though the one I got is pretty ugly, haha :) Yet I love it too. All of those were bought from the official popmart store at aliexpress, as usual. And theeeeen!!!! LABUBU SECRETS :D Eeeeee! Exciting Macaron and Have a Seat. These two beauties I bought from Whoopea. As I did not want to buy more blind boxes, so I bought these two confirmed, eee. More expensive, but not that bad, honestly. So I could not resist any longer. And I'm so glad that I bought them confirmed :) They are both beautiful, eee. <3 So so very happy with both of them. Sigh. They are stunning :) Have a Seat is so fluffy. Now missing a few secrets, but not getting them yet :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #757

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

SEEK THE TRAITOR'S SON BY VERONICA ROTH 

Goodreads Description:

DELUXE EDITION—a beautiful hardcover edition featuring sprayed edges.

A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

Format: 432 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: May 12, 2026 by Tor Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Ohh. I am very curious about this new book by Veronica :D It sounds different. Yet it sounds pretty exciting too. And so I do think I will like this one. Once I find time to read it, ack :) Love the cover. <3
What are you waiting for on this destined Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #754

I am way too sleepy. So sharing a shorter update this week. I am pretty exhausted lately. Still doing my spa baths pretty often. <3 And I managed to read a new book this week :) But other than that I have not gotten much done. Oops. I'm just sleepy and hurting. Rude. Got a bit of precious mail this week, eee. And waiting on more. Rude, haha. This week I'm waiting on Tempest :) And shared my review of Fall River. <3 I'm just so very tired. Still play Pokopia daily, but a little less, ack. Love it so. Hope you are all doing well :)

Pop Mart. Eee. Finally got my Hello Kitty beauties :D And they are absolutely beautiful, yesss. I so love these new Labubus. So cute. <3 Love the little outfits. And my medium one :D Perfect. Also got two free gifts, the pet collar thingy. It's cute. And also got a Twinkle air freshener, which my mom stole, haha :)
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. New Nintendo Switch 2 game on sale; had to get it. Seen many that loves it.
Funko Europe. A few new pop figures :D Love the new The Lord of the Rings exclusive. And the cuties.

 

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: Fall River by T. J. Brown

This was a book that I could not stop reading. It was all kinds of creepy and I had to know what would happen next. Even though I also dreaded getting to know what happened in the past. This book was written in a great way, so that I could not stop thinking about it all. I did not love this, but I very much enjoyed reading it. 

I'm ending up giving this book three stars. But it was a four star for most of the story. There were just some things that were a bit too much for me. Yet the story was pretty much incredible. And I loved reading about Clara. There was very much going on and I liked how different it was. It takes place in 1878 and in 1892 too.

I very much liked that the book was set in the past. I love reading books that are not modern. This book tells the story of Clara, the fifteen year old cousin of Lizzie Borden. But it starts when she is twenty nine years old, living a very different life. It begins with her living with her love, Josiah. And that made me very happy, that it started with the romance already being there. But oh, it ended up being so very complicated. Yet so good too. There was just very much going on in this book. I do not know how to put words to everything. I'm going to try not to share too much. But have to share some things. Clara is living a pretty much peaceful life. Until she learns that her cousin, Lizzie, will be on trial for murdering her parents. Which somewhat ruins Clara's life all over again. 

We get to know much about her past. In the present time as well as going back to when she was fifteen. As this book is told from different timelines. Which I really liked. I liked getting to know Clara when she was young and when she was older. I must confess to liking her older version better, as she knew more about life. Reading about her being younger was so much stress yet so exciting at times too. I dreaded knowing what would happen next. Yet I needed to know. It was a great suspense book. Which I so liked.

Clara ends up going to live with Lizzie and her parents for a summer when she was fifteen because her parents died in a train crash. And it was so sad to read about that, how Clara was grieving. It was well done too. It hurt my heart that she lost her parents. And had to be forced to life with a family she did not know. She learns right away that her life with the Bordens will not be the same. Her own parents were full of love and laughter. The Bordens were not. They were all kinds of strict and mostly pretty mean as well.

Clara is not happy about being at this place at all. Though she likes getting to spend time with Lizzie. At least at first. Until she gets to know her better. There is just so very much going on in this book. I shall not mention the plot more, as it is mostly just about Clara living with them. We get to know how twisted Lizzie is. And she does so many awful things. It made me so stressed. Shudders. Yet it was fascinating to read about too. Clara was so innocent at first. But that quickly changed. Also, I did not really like Peter at all.

There is so much to know about Clara. She got so damaged while she lived with Lizzie. There were so many bad things happening. Especially on the night she finally left that place. We do not get to see that until the end. Instead we first get to witness her having gotten away, how hurt she was, how she had to heal for so long. How she met Josiah. I liked that he loved her, but it happened a bit too fast as well, with him being older than her as well. Felt a little weird. I grew to adore him even so. He was gentle and kind.

We learn so much about Clara when she is older. I loved the town she lived in. I loved the work she was doing. I loved that she had a man who loved her. But then there were a few small things about their life that I did not like. Clara was so damaged, and she kept secrets from Josiah. She refused to marry him. And he got a bit damaged too. It is mentioned that he sometimes visits with the whores in the town. I did not approve at all. He loves Clara. Yet he still does that. It hurt my heart. But, well. It was set in the past.

But even so. That is one part that I wish was not included in the book. Although it also changes their life, what he has been doing. I'm not fully sure what I felt about this change in their lives. I liked it. I did not like it. It was complicated. Yet interesting too. I felt like it brought them closer together, which they needed. As Clara loved Josiah too. But she was so scared because of her past. Because of her madness. And I must say that I did like reading about her being older the most, as her life was much better and less dangerous.

Must mention another thing too. Although I have already written way too much about this book and I feel like my review is a little bit of a mess. Clara is so very damaged. And a little bit crazy. I liked how that was written. How we get to see her shutting down. It was pretty heartbreaking to read about. Yet it felt so real too. She very much needed to heal her mind as well, from all that happened to her in the past. I wish we had gotten to see a little more of the healing. I truly wanted Clara to get to have the most wonderful life.

One thing that bothered me about this book was the writing. I very much enjoyed it, and I felt connected to the story. But there were so many writing mistakes. It took me out of the story a bit too often. I am not fully sure if I got a finished version of the book or not, if the mistakes have been fixed. But I'm guessing that they have. But yes. That did bother me a little. But I was still able to very much enjoy this book. As despite the errors, the writing was pretty well done. I just loved the book being set in the past. So good.

There is so much that I wish to share about this book. But trying my best not to include too much. But there are some spoilers that I need to talk about. This book went from a four star to a three star because of the scenes at the end of the book, when we finally learn what happened in the barn back then. There is a rape scene where Lizzie is raping a young man in front of Clara. And I so felt like this did not need to be there. He was half dead, so it was a little weird too. And how she hurt Clara. It was brutal but interesting.

I do feel like this book needs some trigger warnings, for those who need them. And so I shall include a little in my review. There is a rape scene at the end. There are hints of incest happening a whole lot, and I did not like it one bit. That was too much for me as well. There was a fear that the newborn kittens would be murdered. I kept waiting for it during the whole book. That was stressful. It did not happen, thankfully. But it was painful to think that it would happen. This book was so stressful. Yet I liked it most of the time.

I did not know much about the actual story of Lizzie Borden before I started this book. And I know this was fictional, with a little truth added as well. But oh, how I hated this girl. She was the absolute worst. Yet I did like learning more about her. This book included a little of her trial at the end, though it did not share how it ended. I had to look that up. And it was the rudest real ending. Hmph. I liked how this book ended, though. I liked getting to know Clara and her story. But I so wish the ending had the reunion too.

Thank you so much to the author for sending me a free copy of this book to read and review. I have read some of her books in the past, and I could not resist reading her newest one. I'm glad that I gave this one a try. It surprised me. It was such a great read, even though it was not perfect to me. Fall River is a book that I will be thinking about for a long time. Possibly because of how disturbing it was at times. But I really enjoyed reading this book. And I think you should give this one a try too, if you also like true crime stories.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

 

Waiting on Wednesday #756

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

TEMPEST BY VICTORIA AVEYARD 

Goodreads Description:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard comes an epic adventure of love and betrayal, amid a brutal war for the high seas.

May the sea always sing for you

Cat Rose knows what it is to live in two worlds, in two times. Before—as Lady Catrine Rose of the Meridian Empire, chained to a loathsome lord with a dwindling fortune. And after—as the Widow Rose, queen of a pirate tavern in the Lyrian Sea, determined to be the master of her own fate.

But tides turn and winds change. The Meridian Empire looms on the horizon, the full weight of her navy falling on the Lyrian, bent on reclaiming the wealthy colonies and crushing the pirate republic once and for all. Ship after ship is captured, save for one, captained by a pirate who continually evades both noose and blade: the legendary Valerian Kane.

With his fearsome ship and uncanny connection to the song of the sea, Valerian is the only man who might rally the pirates who remain. The only man who threatens the Empire. And the only man Cat has ever loved, blazing in and out of her life like a star.

Desperate for victory, the Empire offers Cat a devastating choice: bring them Valerian or hang. In truth, no choice at all.

But Cat Rose is nothing if not a survivor.

A storm is rising on the Lyrian Sea—the question is, what will it leave in its wake?

Format: 464 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 8, 2026 by Harper Voyager
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

I have been following Victoria for years, despite only having read one book by her years ago. Oops :) She just seems like such a lovely person. And so I will be buying this newest book by her :D I do not read that much adult book, and I am a tiny bit unsure about this one, yet it sounds very exciting. Hope to love it :D
What are you waiting for on this brutal Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #753

Ohh, this past week have gone by a bit too fast. I am fully exhausted. Not doing that well with my health. Ugh. But trying my best :) Was medicine day this week, which went fine, but so exhausting. I'm also not feeling any better. Rude. Time have just moved so fast. Had some spa baths outside, which have been the best :) And been playing too much of Pokopia, again, oops. Just love it too much :) Going to read a new book in the next few days, if I can manage. Just so little time in the days. How rude. Only one book this week in the mail. <3 But yeah. Getting a little more things next week, ahhh. Oh, well :D It makes me happy. <3 Buying too much :) This week I'm waiting on Skyshattered :D Hope you are all doing well. <3

Most Likely to Murder. Eee, new Lish book :D I am pretty sure that I will end up loving this one a lot. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #755

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

SKYSHATTERED (Storm Dragons #3) BY JULIE KAGAWA 

Goodreads Description:

An unlikely trio stands between a shattered world and the darkness that threatens to swollow it whole in the epic conclusion to the Strom Dragons saga!

Remy wants more than anything to become a valiant sky knight who patrols the skies with his dragon best friend, Storm. But that dream will never become reality if there’s no world left to protect. It’s a race against time to find the hidden dwarven mountain that houses "the machine"—a relic of the past that may be the only hope for the future. But finding the mountain is easier said than done, especially with an evil pirate and a ruthless True Dragon in constant pursuit.

Gem is determined to uncover the true history of the floating crystals that power her kingdom’s floating islands. Each passing day she grows stronger as a mage, learning from any magic users she meets along the way. When she’s abruptly summoned back to the kingdom, Gem takes the opportunity to plead her case to her father, King Gallecia. But when the royal court seems unfazed by her revelation, dark secrets are revealed that will forever change her.

Bound by friendship, fueled by courage, these friends will need to trust in each other more than ever. As their world ignites with magic and mystery, are Remy, Gem, and Storm ready to face their greatest challenge yet?

Format: 368 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: April 7, 2026 by Disney Hyperion
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

This beauty came out yesterday, but I had missed out on pre-ordering it. Oops. I do own the first two books :D And I will be getting this third one soon. Then I will hopefully find time soon to read this trilogy, eee. I adore Julie. Have loved her for years. This middle grade series just sounds all kinds of awesome.
What are you waiting for on this shattered Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #752

Happy Easter :D Hope you are all having a good holiday. <3 I'm spending it at home with my family, with a few days of grilling food outside :) Which is always nice. But cold today. Brrr. And eee. I finally took up my spa bath this week :D And had my first bath of the year yesterday. <3 It was the actual best. Was in the water for way too long, though. Made me fully exhausted. But was the absolute best. Sigh. Love my 42c warm water baths outside the very most. And I managed to read a book this week too :D A shorter one, so easier to read, haha. Which is a plus. Have not managed to watch any tv yet, though, ack. But was at the cinema with my nephew, and saw the new Super Mario Galaxy movie :) Which I loved. <3 Got some gorgeous mail this week, ack :D Love it all so much. This week I'm waiting on Thorn Season :) And I shared my review of Red Star Rebels. <3 Hope you are all doing well :D What are you reading now? :)

Innamorata. New Ava Reid book :D Of course I had to buy this one. May have bought a few too many copies, though, oops. US hardcover, UK hardcover and paperback. Did not check first that the book is so huge. Ahhh. My poor space. I hope to read it one day soon; and that I love it. Seen some mixed thoughts on Threads, which honestly just hurt my heart, as I do not approve of all that bullying at all. Ugh. So rude.
Funko Nordic / Funtastic by Proxy. Eee! Newest free ambassador gifts :D Thank you so much lovely. <3 Loving them all so much. All but Winnie are new to me :D Excited to take new photos in the next weeks.

Funko Europe. Yeah. I could not resist getting all of these. Ahh. Two orders. Todd and Copper are the cutest. Love my mini easter pops. Love my new Oliver and Company, eee. Loved that movie so much. And new Princess and the Frog. And Castiel. And Stitch. And new Aristocats wallet. Love everything. <3

Pop Mart. Oh no. This new Mokoko Labubu cost me a small fortune from Whoopea. But I could not resist it any longer. Ahh! I had to have the beauty. <3 Eee. And I honestly do not regret it, haha :) Love Mokoko the very most. This one is smaller than the medium sizes, though. Yet much larger than the small. Weird. But so cute. And finally bought my Twinkle Twinkle confirmed, haha, since I did not get him in my boxes :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman

Of course I had to read the newest space book by Amie. Been loving her books for years now. And this new one looked pretty epic, as always. It was such a quick read. Which was both good and bad. I loved how easy it was to enjoy this book. I did not like how fast it was over. Rude. I would have loved for it to be longer.

I'm ending up giving this one four stars. I liked it so very much. But I did not fully love it. There were parts that I loved, but there were some parts that I did not like all that much. But it was still such a great story. The writing was so wonderful. It was easy to get lost in this world. And I liked both main characters right away.

My small issues with this book came from the beginning, with the writing. I did love it most of the time. But it was a bit weird for me at first, with how Cleo was talking to the reader, in some way. Did not care for it much. There was some humor that just was not for me. But it got much better. And I just adored these characters. I very much liked that this book took place on Mars, in the future. But yes. I wish the book had been so much longer. It is less than three hundred pages, and short ones. And it truly took place in just eight hours. There was so much more I wanted to know. So I was a little disappointed that this book was not longer. Hmph. But it was such a fun read, even so. But the backstories could have been a bit more as the small memories we got felt rushed. 

Space books are very much for me. Movies as well. And so this story was definitely something for me. And I loved all the space parts. I loved that it takes place at a station on Mars. I loved that small walk they did outside of it, though I wish there were more moments like it. I did feel like there was a too little space in this book, though. Possibly because it was so short. Still. I loved it very much. We learn a whole lot of this world too, despite the book being short. Not going to share, but it felt very real and was so well done.

This book tells the story of Cleo and Hunter. We get both point of views, which I liked. They were very much the same, in a way. Yet they came from completely different lives. Cleo grew up poor and did not have the best childhood because of this, when her dad got sick. Hunter grew up rich, living his very best life. Except that his mother was the worst and his twin sister ended up leaving him when they were small. And so his life was not perfect either. I loved getting to know them both, but again, it did feel a bit rushed.

Cleo has spent the past three months on this small space station on Mars, hoping to get a better life away from Earth and her mother's debts. But it is not easy, being a hitcher. She is unable to leave this place to go to somewhere better. Then Hunter arrives, wanting to surprise his mother and sister on Mars, trying to earn back his birthright in the company. As his family were the ones who settled Mars, years past. But the moment he arrives at this station, an alarm goes off, and everyone has to evacuate. Hunter is left behind.

Since he was not officially supposed to be there, so no one waited for him. And Cleo was left behind too, as she was very much not supposed to be there either. Which is what this book is about. They are both left behind on a station that is about to get rid of all the air. Hunter is full of panic. Cleo is prepared. Hunter tries to call for help, and shares who he is. Cleo decides her chances at a better life goes up if she saves him. She does her best. That is, until the criminals arrives and sets the station to explode in eight hours.

Okay, now I have shared way too much about this book. And that was just the beginning of it. It was also so short, which I am still sad about, ha. I wanted more time. This story was such a rush. But we get to see a lot of Cleo and Hunter together. They were both all kinds of stubborn. Yet they both very much liked the other right away, despite how different they were. Of course, there were secrets between them, which I did not like all that much. I felt like Hunter got the worst of it, and I wanted Cleo to apologize too. Hmph.

There is romance in this story. Despite it taking place over just eight hours. Yet I could not help but ship them so very much. As they were adorable together. I guess it is called shared trauma, maybe. They got to know each other pretty well in those hours, spending a lot of time together. And I thought they were so cute. Of course, they also did a whole lot of wrong during those hours, trying to stop the criminals. It was fun to read about the different traps they set for many of them. It was a bit dangerous but mostly just fun.

I was supposed to write a smaller review, since the book was short. I failed. Oh, well. Red Star Rebels was very much an excellent space story. Short but good. Full of excitement and danger. With a lovely romance as well, despite being a little rushed. It was cute. I just wish it had been longer. I did not fully love it, but I loved it well enough. I will always read books by Amie. I adore both covers for this book. So pretty. You should definitely give this book a try too. It was so easy to read and I enjoyed it so very much.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #754

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

THORN SEASON BY KIERA AZAR 

Goodreads Description:

Shadow and Bone meets The Selection in this first book in Kiera Azar's sharp, sexy, and twisty debut YA romantasy trilogy!

In the Kingdom of Daradon, a persecuted few are Wielders, in possession of a magical Spectre–a shimmering thread that can extend beyond their visible body to give a loving caress, pick a lock . . . even kill. Feared for this ability, Wielders have always been Hunted.

Alissa Paine, heiress and daughter of a Hunter family . . . is also a Wielder. At eighteen, Alissa knows she’s escaped execution thus far only due to painful self-control and the efforts of her beloved father.

Summoned to the harsh and glittering royal court for the debutante season, Alissa finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal—and caught between two equally dangerous one a brutal ruler with the handsome face of a fairy-tale prince, who would destroy her if he knew the truth—and the other a beguiling foreign ambassador with secret agendas of his own.

With the threat of discovery lurking around every corner—and romance becoming an increasingly dangerous temptation—Alissa will find that she has more to lose than her secrets. It’s Rose Season at the palace, but to survive she’ll need to become the most vicious of thorns. . . .

Format: 464 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: September 2, 2025 by Storytide
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Okay, so. This is another Fairyloot edition that I own. And it is definitely all kinds of gorgeous. I love the artwork. But I only just fully read the summary now, and I am pretty sure I will try selling this one. Oops. Very much sounds like a love triangle. And not really my kind of story. But I do own it right now, haha :)
What are you waiting for on this thorny Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #751

Ack. Another very exhausting week for me. I am simply aching everywhere. Which truly sucks. But I'm doing my best. Still walking my treadmill daily. And outside walking with my pokemon go daily too. And I am still playing way too much Pokopia daily. Oops. So many hours. I just cannot resist this game. It is so wonderful. And I still have to play my daily one hour of animal crossing too. Ahhh. So yeah. I am so fully exhausted from all that playing too. But I managed to finish reading a book yesterday, finally :) Took ages. Maybe because it was a two star for me. Sobs. But still. I finished it. And wrote a 1700 words long review today. Siiigh. So yeah. I am especially dead today. Ack. Now need some stress free days :) Maybe finally watching Bridgerton season 4. Then I'm starting another book in just days. Ahh. Oh, well. I shall survive, haha :) I got some lovely mail. <3 Waiting on some great popmart things next week, but unsure if it will make it before Easter. Hmm. So maybe not until the week after. How rude. I'm too excited. Anyway. I'm hurting a bunch. But doing the best I can :) I also got the very best email this week, and gods, I am so so excited. <3 This week I'm waiting on Katabasis :) And I shared my review of Daughter of the Wind. <3 Are you doing anything for Easter? We are staying home and grilling outside. <3 Hope you are doing well :D

Fairyloot YA March. Her Hidden Fire. This one looks gorgeous. Love the artwork. And sounds good too.
Fairyloot Adult March. The Last Starborn Seer. So stunning looking. But maybe a love triangle? Hmhp.
The Fox and the Devil. New book by Kiersten :D A little unsure about it, but loved her last one so much.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder. New Switch 2 edition of this game :) Could not resist; barely played the first.
Pop Mart. Finally got some new mystery boxes, haha :D After 3 recent orders went missing. Siiigh. So had a break of ordering because of that. But then these Mickey beauties re-stocked. I love those I got :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Review: Daughter of the Wind by Nora Carmody

This was a book I knew I needed to read because I have loved the author for years now. And that cover sold me. It is simply so beautiful. It also sounded like such an exciting story, even though it was a little different from what I usually read. But giant eagles. Definitely a story that could be for me. But then it was sadly not.

I am going to have so much to say about this book. And I am not sure where to start. So I will begin by sharing that it was sadly a two star read for me. I wish I had loved it. I so wish I had liked it more. I tried my very best to, but it was simply not to me. But the plus side is that I did not hate anything about this. Which is good.

But yes. I have a whole lot of thoughts to share about this story. The things that I did not like. But there was no hate. There was not anything that made me dislike this book, it was just not for me. And so I shall begin by sharing the things that I did like, as there were parts that were good as well. I liked how very close the horse people were. With each other and with their horses. I loved that they didn't eat meat. I really liked the scenes of flying on eagles in the air. I have always dreamed of flying. I liked the horse riding scenes as well. And I especially love that gorgeous cover. It is simply stunning. That may be all the positive things that I have to share right now, ack. I just had too many small issues. But again, no hate at all for this book. It was simply not for me. For several reasons, though, which I will be describing.

My first problem with this book was the writing. I did not like it. I was not able to connect with the main girl, Zara, at all. I simply didn't care for her one bit. Which was so depressing. The writing also kept changing, which was a little annoying. It ended up telling more instead of showing. There was nothing that kept me interested in the girl or the story. I just did not feel any emotions at all. It switches between Zara, and the boy, Talon. And I did not like him much either, to be honest. I am not sure if the writing is to blame for it.

It also did not help that they both felt like teenagers, around sixteen years old. And I have no idea how old they were actually supposed to me. It is not mentioned, which also bothered me. Talon looks at Zara once and thinks she is in her early twenties. I'm guessing he is older, since he was the eagle army commander. But it is never said. But yes. They felt so very young. It is supposed to be an adult book, but I did not get that feeling from it at all. The word sexy is mentioned twice, which also didn't fit in at all. It was a bit weird.

Anyway. This book tells the story of Zara. She lives with her people on the plains, doing their best to hide from the eagle riders. As their people have been at war for over a hundred and fifty years. I do wish there were some more details about that, as it was a bit too easy to get a treaty done. Zara is a First Daughter. And her mother was Queen of All Queens. And they were Children of Earth. It was a bit too much for me. I liked their customs. I did not like their names at all. I also did not like Zara's mother very much, honestly.

Zara has a horse bonded to her, called Shazeera. It bothered me at first, these bonded horses. For so long they are always mentioned by name by Zara in her thoughts. And they are everywhere with them. Inside all their homes, sleeping with them many times as well. It seemed like it would be so messy, haha. But that is not mentioned. Zara has a mind connection with Shazeera. They have been together since they were small. She calls them heart sisters. And I did like their close bond. But at the same time, not.

Because the horse did not feel like a horse. And that was disturbing. With all the thoughts being shared, it felt like it was a human inside of a horse body. I wish it had been a little more horse like, somehow. Then the eagle riders have that same connection with their eagles. The other point of view is Talon, with his eagle Neo. Also felt like a human inside of an eagle. It was a little weird. I liked the eagle more than the horse, though, oops. But yes. It all felt a little weird to me. Yet I did like their connection to their animals.

Okay. I have written way too much without mentioning the plot. Zara is supposed to have magic powers like her mother, to keep their people safe. But she does not. She feels nothing. Until suddenly she gets the power of the wind instead of the earth. Which she discovers when an eagle rider is trying to kill her, and she blasts him out of the sky. Which was pretty exciting to read about. I wanted more about the wind power. It was too little of it. Because of this, she is now being forced to marry the emperor to get peace.

Which was a little weird. Especially when she knew nothing about their way of life in the city up in the mountain. And so the first part of the book is her on the plains, then it's her in the mountains. Which was a depressing place. And honestly just boring to read about. Not going to share too much more, just that it is about Zara somehow falling in love with Talon, who is guarding her. It was too sudden and no actual romantic moments. It is about a monster being in this place, and them trying to kill it to save everyone.

The villain of this story is a being that they call Ozul. It was a little creepy, but it was also just so weird and I did not get this story much. The Emperor, Altair, had sort of allied with this creature. Whom is somehow eating the souls of people. And then they are all calling these soulless people for a walking corpse. That honestly bothered me as well, since they all called them that. It was a little weird. But it was an interesting villain, in a way. But their plan to get rid of him was honestly all kinds of terrible, ha. And ended so badly.

I have to mention the romance as well. It's meant to be enemies to lovers. I did not see that at all. Yes, their people were enemies. And for one second they tried to kill each other. The next second they were pretty much in love with each other. They were not enemies at all, not in that way. And I did not get the romance at all, sadly. I wish I had loved it. But it was too soon. There was no reason for either of them to like the other. It was so sudden, without any scenes spent together. To me, the romance was not good.

It was also barely there. A few kisses. And sadly not written very well, as I did not feel anything for them. It might just be a problem that I have, of course. I do think others will love this book. I'm just way too picky when it comes to writing. Talon kept thinking he would hurt his cousin to keep Zara safe. This made zero sense to me. Ugh. And to me, everything felt so distant. I did not care for any of the characters or for this world. Though I was curious about the world and the small part of magic it had. I wanted to know more.

A few parts of the writing that bothered me, that I simply have to share about. From the beginning, Zara always thinks about her blood freezing to ice. In several different ways. And way too often. This bothered me. And then later, after they are suddenly in love, she keeps seeing heat in the eyes of Talon. It just felt so awkward, in a way. When the eagles take off the ground it is mentioned as their wings pumping. Which may be the way to describe it, of course, but felt like it was so weird every time. Oops. I failed to ignore it.

Will end my review by mentioning the ending. Some people died, and I did not care one bit. And I did not get why Zara cared about them at all. She had not spent time with them, except having them as guards. Yet she mentions that she trusts them. It was just odd. The deaths were weird, but made sense. Then it ends pretty badly. But it sets up the next book very well. And there was one thing that I liked very much. There was a new eagle being mentioned. And that was my favorite part of the whole book. It was great.

The biggest thank you to the author, Nora, for gifting me this most beautiful ARC copy of this book to read. It means the world to me. I am sorry I did not like it more. But I am so glad that I read it, and I will still be getting my pre-ordered finished copy, as I truly love that cover. And I am curious about the next two books. I will be reading them too. Daughter of the Wind was not as amazing as I had hoped it would be, but it was still a stunning story to read. And I am glad I gave this a chance. I think you all should too.

Goodreads - Blackwells - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Waiting on Wednesday #753

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

KATABASIS BY R. F. KUANG

Goodreads Description:

Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi in this all-new dark academia fantasy from R. F. Kuang, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Babel and Yellowface, in which two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul—perhaps at the cost of their own.

Katabasis, noun, Ancient Greek:

The story of a hero’s descent to the underworld

Alice Law has only ever had one goal: to become one of the brightest minds in the field of Magick. She has sacrificed everything to make that a reality: her pride, her health, her love life, and most definitely her sanity. All to work with Professor Jacob Grimes at Cambridge, the greatest magician in the world.

That is, until he dies in a magical accident that could possibly be her fault.

Grimes is now in Hell, and she’s going in after him. Because his recommendation could hold her very future in his now incorporeal hands and even death is not going to stop the pursuit of her dreams….

Nor will the fact that her rival, Peter Murdoch, has come to the very same conclusion.

With nothing but the tales of Orpheus and Dante to guide them, enough chalk to draw the Pentagrams necessary for their spells, and the burning desire to make all the academic trauma mean anything, they set off across Hell to save a man they don’t even like.

But Hell is not like the storybooks say, Magick isn’t always the answer, and there’s something in Alice and Peter’s past that could forge them into the perfect allies…or lead to their doom.

Format: 541 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: August 26, 2025 by HarperVoyager
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Another recent Fairyloot edition for me :) And this one had such stunning artwork, as usual. <3 It has made me curious about the book. Seen it talked about often too. Did not actually read the summary until now. Oops. But now I'm more curious :) School books are not for me. But a journey to hell? I am curious.
What are you waiting for on this dark Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #750

Oh. This week have been a goddamn pain. I'm not sleeping well at all. And I'm not getting nearly enough sleep either. Ugh. It's driving me nuts. I'm also fully exhausted at all times. Rude. But I'm trying my best. Finally made myself start reading; though have not made that much progress. But will read a little more before bed :) Was also so sick last night, been having the worst headache. Shudders. Have also played Pokopia all week long. Again. Oops. I just cannot stop playing it, haha :) There is still so much to do. Ahh. I love it to pieces. But yeah. Need to read some too :) And maybe finally watch Bridgerton with my mom next week, ack. Just hope my health starts getting better too. Hmph. Got some lovely mail, always. <3 This week I'm waiting on Victorious :) Hope you are all doing well. <3 I am waiting for spring to arrive :)

Divine Rivals. Ohh, special edition out already. And it is all kinds of gorgeous, eee. I loved this so much.
A Rose of Blood and Binding. My stunning US hardcovers have made it :D I so loved this final book. <3
SanDisk. Had to get more memory for my Switch 2; expensive. Got 100 Funko Pop stands; need more :)
Plush. Had to share a photo of this cutie too, haha :) Bought a cow last time. But needed this pink too. <3
Funko Pop. Yeah. I couldn't resist all the new Kpop Demon Hunters ones :D So cute. Love Stitch + Rolly.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Waiting on Wednesday #752

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

VICTORIOUS (Villains #3) BY V. E. SCHWAB 

Goodreads Description:

The triumphant conclusion to the Villains trilogy from V.E. Schwab, the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.

The ExtraOrdinary of Merit City, a secret group of individuals gifted with a power connected to their manner of near-death experience, have been keeping a low profile, avoiding the ever-watchful eye of EON in the wake of the showdown with Marcella, Eli, and Serena.

But when EON―and its relationship to the ExtraOrdinaries― begins to change under the leadership of a new director with a terrifying agenda, the time for hiding is over. The path to the truth of what happened to EON leads Victor, Sydney, Mitch and the rest into the enemy’s lair at EON headquarters, where they encounter unexpected allies, shocking new abilities, and the ultimate confrontation.

Against all the years, the betrayals, and the odds―the arch rivals and their allies will meet for a final time, on a chess board laid out by a rival they didn’t expect.

Format: 592 pages, Hardcover
Expected Publication: October 6, 2026 by Tor Books
Pre-Order: Blackwells and Amazon US and Amazon UK

Ohh, I am curious about this third book :D It has been ten years since I read Vicious. I have not yet read book two. But I adore this author. So I am excited to read all three books together after this comes out :)
What are you waiting for on this vicious Wednesday?

In My Mailbox #749

Yeah. This week have been a little crazy busy. Oops. I started playing Pokemon Pokopia almost a week ago now. And I cannot stop playing it. I play for hours each day. Ahhh. I just love it the very most. It's my favorite game since Animal Crossing. Which I also still play daily. Oops. So my days are even more busy than before. Sigh. I'm exhausted at all times. But I also love it so much. Pokopia is just the very best, eee. There is too much to do, though, ahh. But so good. Sigh. I need to start a new book in the next few days. If I can manage to stop playing for a bit, haha. Also have so so many things that need tidying. Ugh. Soon, maybe. Anyway. Not much mail this week, but loving it :) Waiting on some great pop mart items, though, but won't be here for a few weeks. I finally got the activity thing taken off this week. It was such a pain to have on for more than a week. Ugh. But now done, at last :) I'm still tired and hurting at all times. Rude. But doing my best. This week I'm waiting on Immortal Consequences :) Hope you are all doing well. <3

A Rose of Blood and Binding. Finished copies have arrived :D My two UK paperback editions. <3 Love :)
Stranger Things. I tried again to get Max. No luck. But at least it was not another Steve, ha. Love Eleven.

More Instagram photos here. <3