Saturday, April 14, 2018

Review: Seafire by Natalie C. Parker

I simply could not resist reading this gorgeous book when I had the chance to read and review it early. When I got it in the mail, I had to start it right away. And I'm glad I did so. Because Seafire was an amazing book. Not perfect, but so awesome. The ending is pretty rude, however. Very glad that this series will be a trilogy.

Yet how I'm going to manage waiting for the next two books I do not know. The ending isn't that bad, but oh, how I need to know what happens next. I found this book to be so good. Beginning was a little bit slow, and I ended up loving the last half the most. The writing, however, was excellent from the beginning to end.

This book tells the story about eighteen year old Caledonia. It begins by sharing what happened four years earlier, when she and her best friend, Pisces, went to a small island on a supply run. While there, their ship was attacked and their families were killed. They both lost everything that night. And it was pretty sad to read about. Yet written well and I loved it. That night changed Caledonia so much, as she feels blame for the deaths of them all. She has reason to feel blame, and she has not yet shared that with Pisces. They have spent the last years rebuilding the ship that was attacked, and gathering their own crew to run it. A crew of just over fifty girls. No boys on this ship. Getting to know these characters and their stories were all kinds of interesting.

And I couldn't help but adore them all. I feel pretty sure that this book takes place in the future. There is mentions of this world, and why almost everything is happening on the water. But the details were a bit too few, and I really wish there had been more about this world and why it was this way. I was so curious and want to know all of it. Because these ships are not like regular pirate ships. Most of them do not run on sails, but by other means. And that was pretty interesting to read about. I liked this world a whole lot.

Caledonia is the captain of her ship. Pisces is her best friend and second in command. They have a crew of more than fifty girls, girls that they have saved and girls that have joined them because they wanted to. They sail the sea looking for revenge. Their families were killed by the lord of the sea, Aric. And his army of Bullets. Men and boys fighting for him, addicted to some kind of flower drug. We do not get to see Aric in this book, but gosh, he seemed like such a horrible man. And the worst leader possible. A good villain.

Most of this book takes place on Caledonia's ship, and so we get to know some of her crew really well. I very much adored Caledonia. She was fierce and rude and pretty awesome too. I wish she had been a bit less brutal at first, towards a certain boy. But I did like her even so. Getting to know her was the best. Her best friend, Pisces, was amazing too. They are such great friends. Sisters. And I adored getting to know them both and learning more about them. They argued and stuck together and it was written really well.

We do not get to read about all of the crew, but a few of them are there a lot. Amina and Redtooth and Hime and Lace. Those four girls were so awesome and I very much liked reading about them. I loved how close they all were. How they fought together, and how they were all one big family. This book focus a lot on female friendships. And I liked that a lot. But, well, I love reading about girls and boys, and so I was missing boys a lot. I cannot help it, lol. Reading about all girls grew to be a little bit tiresome for me.

But there is one boy in this book. I'm not going to talk too much about the plot. I'm only mentioning that Caledonia and her crew is sailing the sea hunting down Bullets and ruining their ships. They are fighting and just being awesome. And while doing this at the beginning of the book, Pisces gets caught. But she is saved by a Bullet boy. Caledonia very much wants him dead. But he is saved, and is their prisoner for almost all of the book. It was heartbreaking to read about, to be honest. A little cruel too, if I may say so.

I very much liked reading about this boy. It takes some time, but he finally gets a name. Oran. And I very much loved him and adored getting to know him. Caledonia does not trust him one bit. And she is cruel towards him for so long. I did not approve. But near the end, she gets better, finally. And I started shipping them so much. And I am very sure that is the romance that will be in this trilogy. Because of feelings. And I very much approve, because they would be so very awesome together. Hope that it will happen for sure.

Will not share much more about this book. The plot is exciting, and there is a lot happening in this book. I'm giving it a four star because I felt that it could have been a little better at times. But it was also so good and I am very happy about this book. But I'm also feeling a bit conflicted, because this author has blocked me on twitter, and I do not know why. But I still chose to read her book. And I still enjoyed it. Authors are not their books. Anyway. I think that you would all enjoy Seafire a whole lot as well. Go order it right now.

I have to mention something. I saw a lot of people on goodreads wanting to read this book because they think it will be gay. And I have to let you all know that it is not gay. Not at all. Sure, it is a crew of over fifty girls. But not once is it mentioned if any of them are together. The main character is not gay. Just felt like I should mention this, in case anyone wanted to know, so that they do not get disappointed by this book, if they go into it hoping for romance that is not there. Personally just about only read boy-girl books, though.

There is so much I could have shared about this book, but my words have failed me. Seafire was such an incredible beginning to a trilogy. And I cannot wait to see how it all ends. Full of adventure and sisterhood and amazing characters. I am glad that I read this book. A little sad that I did not love it, but it was a great book. And I shall treasure it, always. Huge thank you to Penguin Random House International for sending me the free ARC copy of this book to read and review. Can't wait to own the stunning hardcover of it too.


In My Mailbox #336

I just spent another week not reading. Ahhh. Last week I started a book on Friday, finished on Saturday. And this week I have done the same. Ugh. And so I'm only halfway done with Seafire right now, but will finish it today, and have my review up tonight sometime. But oh, I have SO MANY books that need to be read. Hmph. I need to read more. I think it's because I only wish to read Sawkill Girls right now. And I'm dying waiting for it, waiting for Harper to upload the fall books to Edelweiss. Ack. Hope it happens shortly. But even so. I will read more this coming week. I will. But also not having read much because my health is not better at all. Ugh. The cold I had for ages is gone, at least. But the rest of me is so bad. Medicine still not working, and I'm tired of it. Sigh. But hoping it will get better. It has to. One day, probably. Anyway :D I got so so so much awesome mail this week, eee. And I'm waiting for more too, ack :D So happy. And I'm so excited. Blogged a little bit too. I shared my review of Grim Lovelies. <3 I took part in the Beyond a Darkened Shore launch day postings :D And this week I'm waiting on Aftermath :) This week has gone by so fast. Even though I have not been able to read, the week has been good. Health sucks, and I'm trying to deal with it, but I'm still happy, so yay for that. And ahh, so much mail :D So happy with all of it. <3 Yay.




The Fates Divide. Ahh, I cannot wait to read this second book :D But I will re-read Carve the Mark first.
Fragments of the Lost. This UK paperback edition is all kinds of gorgeous. I very much liked this book.
Queens of Fennbirn. Eee, paperback of two short stories :D I cannot wait to read this one. <3 Very soon.
Smoke in the Sun + Seafire. Oh! Thank you so much PRH International for these two amazing ARCs :D I am so, so happy to be able to read and review them. Reading Seafire right now, and it's awesome. Love.
Renegades. EEE! AUS ARC :D Thank you Hannah for trading with me. <3 Now only missing the UK one.
To Kill a Kingdom. Ahhh. My precious :D Thank you sososo much Stacee. <3 I am SO happy with this :D
Graceling + The Valiant + Hourglass + Timepiece + Swag. Eee, thank you for trading all of this with me Kelly :D I love them all so much. Ahh! GRACELING :D My precious! A bit damaged, sobs, but I still love it so, so much. This trade cost me a lot, ack, but in love with these gorgeous looking ARCs. So yay for that.
Renegades ARC Box. AHH! Thank you the very most Shannon :D I am SO happy with this box. <3 Love.
Rebel of the Sands Swag. Eee, thank you Alwyn :D I am SO happy with these pre-order cards. <3 Love.
Heart of Iron Swag. My gorgeous pre-order cards have arrived :D Soso precious. Thank you Ashley. <3
Funko Pops. Eee, my LotR collection is growing more and more :D Love all of these so so much. <3 Yay.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #339

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

AFTERMATH BY KELLEY ARMSTRONG

Goodreads Description:

Three years after losing her brother Luka in a school shooting, Skye Gilchrist is moving home. But there's no sympathy for Skye and her family because Luka wasn't a victim; he was a shooter.

Jesse Mandal knows all too well that the scars of the past don't heal easily. The shooting cost Jesse his brother and his best friend--Skye.

Ripped apart by tragedy, Jesse and Skye can't resist reopening the mysteries of their past. But old wounds hide darker secrets. And the closer Skye and Jesse get to the truth of what happened that day, the closer they get to a new killer.
 


 
 
Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: May 22nd 2018 by Crown Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here and here

I have read and enjoyed some books by Kelley of the past years, and I cannot wait to read more by her. And oh gosh. Aftermath sounds so good. Completely heartbreaking, I think, and mysterious too. Hoping that I will end up loving this book a whole lot :D And hoping there might be little romance too. Can't wait.
What are you waiting for on this tragic Wednesday?

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake Launch Day Post + Giveaway

Today is the release day for Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake :D And I enjoyed this book so so so much. <3 Cannot wait to finally get my hardcover in the mail :D And cannot wait for the rest of you to read this lovely book too. And today I'm taking part in the Launch Day posting hosted by the awesome Good Choice Reading. <3 Sharing a little about the book, and sharing a giveaway too :D This book is all kinds of gorgeous and awesome and I hope you will all be buying and reading and loving it. My four star review can be found here. <3 I read it in September, which feels like forever ago, haha. I need a re-read soon :D Cannot wait to read more by Jessica. I'm also waiting on a personalized copy; so so excited :D


The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, Princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores.

The people of Mide have thankfully always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately, a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn, but the entire world.

Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle the two might have a chance to save their world.

With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.
 



Once upon a time, Jessica Leake was a psychotherapist, but even though she loved her clients, she couldn’t stop writing.

She wrote and wrote until she got her first book published, and then she wrote some more. In between all that writing she had four beautiful and hilarious children with her husband (best friend and man she’s known since high school; also hilarious), moved back to her adopted hometown of Greenville, SC, built a chicken coop, and got a bunch of chickens that poop breakfast every morning. She also has two dogs to keep the chickens in line. (The dogs made her write that last bit.)

Arcana and The Order of the Eternal Sun are available now, and Beyond a Darkened Shore, her YA debut from HarperTeen will be released in April 10, 2018.

Where to find Jessica Leake:

1 Winner will win a hardcover copy of BEYOND A DARKENED SHORE

OPEN TO U.S. & CANADA READERS ONLY
GIVEAWAYS ENDS SUNDAY, APRIL 15th.
MUST ENTER VIA THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW
THIS GIVEAWAY IS SPONSORED BY GOOD CHOICE READING
ALL ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED
MUST BE 16 OR OLDER TO ENTER

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Review: Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd

Feeling all kinds of thrilled that I got to be able to read this book early. When I saw that cover, I knew I had to read this one. And that summary. Gosh. It's incredible. I'm so happy to say that this book was all kinds of amazing. I enjoyed it so much, and I am so glad that I read it. The writing was gorgeous; loved that so much.

There is so much about this book that I wish to share. I shall try not to share too much, but oh, this book was beautiful. I'm giving it four stars, as I had a few smaller issues with the middle of the book. But that beginning. And that ending. Gosh. It was perfect. But also incredibly rude. I am not sure how I will survive waiting.

Especially since I am not sure if this is a series or not. But oh, how I hope there will be another book. Because that ending is fully open. And so much still needs to happen. Crossing all my fingers. It was such an awesome ending, though, despite how evil it was. First, the beginning. This book is told from the point of view of seventeen year old Anouk. She looks seventeen. But she has only been human for just over a year. She is a beastie. She used to be an animal, before a witch turned her into a girl. And oh my gosh how amazing this whole plot was. I loved this twist. I loved how it was written and how interesting and different it was. So beyond creepy at points too. And a little dark as well. I loved every moment of it. Most of this book was perfection.

I'm not going to describe too much about this world, just that it takes place in Paris. There are regular humans, whom are clueless about everything else. Then there are the Royals and the Witches and the Goblins. They sort of rule the world, in that order. And learning about all of them was so interesting and exciting too. I liked reading about the witches. I liked getting to know the goblins, as they were awesome. And just slowly learning about this world. All of it was so awesome. A little heartbreaking too, of course.

Anouk has lived her year inside of a house, never being allowed outside. She serves the witch that made her, Mada Vittora. Anouk is her little doll. Playing dress up with her. Anouk is also the maid of the house, always dusting and making food and doing everything else too. This is everything she has known though. And she loves her Mada. But even though she loves her, she do break the rules a little as well. Reading books she's not supposed to. And so learning about the outside world as well. And I loved that a bunch.

But gosh, how sad her life was. It broke my heart to read about. She is not alone, though. Mada Vittora made four other beasties as well. Anouk is the youngest. There is also Cricket, Luc, Beau and Hunter Black. The last person living in this house was Viggo, whom is human, and the person the witch uses to access blood for her spells. I did not like Viggo one bit at first. He was so cruel and he treated Cricket so awfully. I think I cared more for him by the end, maybe. Hunter Black was his protector, and an assassin.

But oh, all of these characters. I so adored reading about Anouk and getting to know her. Even with her conflicted feelings for the witch that keeps her captive. I simply loved Anouk. She was adorable. And so innocent in the beginning of the book, and completely dark and vicious by the end. I loved that so. She was still sweet, though. And I wish to get to know her even more. Something creepy about her is that she has only eight toes. Somewhat know what happened with her, and it makes me so angry. This poor girl.

I also adored Cricket and Luc. Cricket lives by herself in town somewhere, so Anouk does not see her often. And Luc was the older brother that they all adored and looked up to. He has been missing for a week now. I loved reading about them both, and getting to know them. And oh, Beau. He was adorable. Though he did make some wrong choices that made me angry. Hmph. He was very protective, good and bad. He was sweet too, though. And it made me so very happy, how he cared for Anouk. I so loved Beau.

There is so much happening in this book. And I haven't really shared anything about it, yet I have already written much more than I was going to. I could not help but share why I loved these precious characters. But yeah. Back to the plot. This book takes place over less than a week. In the beginning, we get to read a bit about Anouk's life. And I loved that beginning so much. It was awesome. But then Mada Vittora gets murdered. And everything changes. Anouk and Beau and Cricket are now on the run. Trying to stay alive.

And they only have three days left to live as humans, before they are turned back into an animal. None of them want that. They love being human. But when their witch died, her powers die too. And so they need a new witch to cast the spell to keep them human. But that is not an easy mission. So much goes wrong. Reading about it all was so much fun, though, and I loved it the very most. Anouk finally gets to leave the house. And those scenes were the best. But also sad, because she has missed out on so so much of life.

Okay. I must share the reason for why I did not love all of this book. There is a small romance between Anouk and Beau. First kisses. And it was beyond adorable. I ship them like crazy. But there was some drama too. With them both kissing someone else. It was not a big thing, and I think they are both over it by the end, but I wish it had not happened. It just made my heart hurt. There is the royal prince, Rennar. He wants to marry Anouk for her powers. This could turn into a triangle, but I do not think so. I hope not.

But anyway. Those were the reasons for why this is a four star, and not a five star. Because I had some issues with that romance drama. But everything else about this book was so good. And I adored Anouk and Beau so so much, and I want them together, always. This ending is a killer, though. I need a second book more than anything. Sigh. Grim Lovelies was such a stunning book. Full of magic and so incredible characters. This story was unique and all kinds of heartbreaking. I could not read this book fast enough.

Huge thank you to HMH Books for sending me this most precious ARC copy. I shall treasure it, always. Feeling so thankful that I got the chance to read and review this book early. And so so happy that I ended up mostly loving it all. Eee. I shall now be looking all over for news about a second book, and hoping I will find it. Because I am not nearly done enough with these characters or this world. If you love books about magic with amazing characters then you really must read Grim Lovelies. It was such an incredible story.